Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass Wins Forbes Five-Star Awar

Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass Earns Forbes Five-Star Honors for Kai and Aji Spa

By Nishang Narayan

Published on February 24, 2025

Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass continues to shine in the luxury hospitality scene, with both Kai Restaurant and Aji Spa receiving Forbes Travel Guide’s prestigious Five-Star rating in the 2025 Star Awards. The resort itself maintains its Recommended status, reaffirming its excellence in service and cultural authenticity.

This marks the 17th consecutive Five-Star win for Kai, solidifying its place as the only restaurant in Arizona with this distinction. Additionally, Aji Spa earns its sixth Five-Star rating, recognizing its commitment to providing a unique Native American-inspired wellness experience.

A Legacy of Excellence

Located on the Gila River Indian Community in Phoenix, Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass is renowned for its deep connection to indigenous heritage. The resort’s recent multi-million-dollar renovation has further elevated its luxurious offerings, while maintaining its commitment to cultural authenticity.

Expressing his pride, Bunty Ahamed, General Manager, Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass, shared:
"Receiving Five-Star recognition from Forbes Travel Guide once again for Aji Spa, and for the seventeenth consecutive year for Kai, is an incredible honor. Our commitment to providing every guest with a personalized and exceptional experience is unwavering, and these accolades are a testament to our team’s outstanding efforts."

Kai: Arizona’s Culinary Crown Jewel

With only 79 restaurants worldwide receiving a Five-Star rating this year, Kai’s achievement is particularly remarkable. A James Beard 2025 semifinalist in the Outstanding Hospitality category, Kai merges contemporary flavors with time-honored Native American culinary traditions, featuring locally farmed ingredients from the Gila River Indian Community.

Aji Spa: An Authentic Native Sanctuary

Aji Spa, meaning "sanctuary" in the Pima language, provides a holistic wellness experience deeply rooted in the traditions of the Pima and Maricopa tribes. Offering signature Indigenous treatments curated by Cultural Caretakers, the spa reflects the area’s rich history through art, architecture, and storytelling.

A Resort Steeped in Heritage

Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass is more than a luxury resort—it is a living representation of Native American culture, offering:

36 holes of championship golf at Whirlwind Golf Club
Guided equestrian experiences through the 1,000-acre Koli Equestrian Center
Four swimming pools and a waterslide inspired by ancient ruins
Water activities along the scenic Gila River

Maintaining its Recommended status in 2025, the resort meets Forbes’ rigorous 900-point evaluation, ensuring world-class service and hospitality.

As Forbes Travel Guide’s esteemed Five-Star list continues to set the global benchmark for luxury, Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass proudly represents Arizona with its unparalleled culinary, wellness, and cultural experiences.

World Welcomes 2026 as New Zealand Leads with Spectacular Fireworks

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on January 1, 2026

Countries across the South Pacific were the first to welcome 2026, with New Zealand leading global celebrations as Auckland marked the New Year with a spectacular fireworks display. The show was launched from the iconic Sky Tower, the tallest structure in the country, even as rainy weather swept across parts of the city.

Auckland, home to nearly 1.7 million people, entered the New Year well ahead of major global cities, celebrating almost 18 hours before festivities begin in New York’s Times Square. Despite the wet conditions, the celebrations reflected the city’s vibrant spirit and enthusiasm to usher in the new year.

The island of Kiritimati, part of the Pacific nation of Kiribati, became the very first place in the world to welcome 2026. Located in the Pacific Ocean, south of Hawaii and north-east of Australia, Kiribati spans a vast region of coral atolls and is known for its unique geographical position on the global time map.

Several Asian nations, including Japan and South Korea, followed with New Year celebrations later in the day, joined by Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, the Philippines and Taiwan. While many cities marked the occasion with festive events, Hong Kong opted for a subdued approach this year.

Instead of its usual large-scale fireworks display, Hong Kong organised a light show and limited musical performances as a mark of respect following a recent tragic apartment fire in the city. The decision reflected a more sensitive and thoughtful way of welcoming the New Year.

As 2026 unfolds across time zones, celebrations around the world continue to reflect a mix of joy, remembrance and hope, bringing people together in anticipation of a positive year ahead.

From Action to Leisure: Discovering Kenya’s Coastal Moods

By Hari Haran

Published on December 30, 2025

Kenya’s coastline is often described in broad strokes, white sand, warm waters, and Swahili culture. All of this is true. Yet, viewing the entire coast through a single beach narrative does not do it justice. Stretching along the Indian Ocean, Kenya’s shoreline unfolds as a series of distinct experiences, each shaped by its own rhythm, landscape, and history.

From refined resort towns and reef-lined lagoons to bustling port cities and car-free heritage islands, every coastal stop answers a different traveller’s question. The Kenyan coast is less about ticking beaches off a list and more about choosing the pace, mood, and experience that suits you best.

Diani Beach reflects Kenya’s most polished coastal escape, with luxury resorts, private villas, and curated experiences that blend comfort with nature. Watamu offers a quieter rhythm, defined by coral reefs, marine parks, and conservation-led exploration. Lamu slows life down entirely, revealing centuries of Swahili heritage through its lanes, architecture, and traditions. Mombasa, the cultural heart of the coast, layers history, street life, food, and trade into a vibrant urban experience.

Kenya’s coastline is not about finding the best beach, but about choosing the right experience. From leisure and luxury to heritage and everyday culture, the coast reveals many faces of the Indian Ocean. For travellers willing to explore beyond the obvious, it offers stories, contrasts, and a sense of place that stays long after the journey ends.

Four Seasons Maldives Unveils Immersive New Year Celebrations Across Landaa Giraavaru and Kuda Huraa

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on December 30, 2025

Four Seasons Maldives is ushering in the New Year with a vibrant festive season spread across its two island resorts, Landaa Giraavaru and Kuda Huraa, each offering a distinct yet equally engaging celebration experience. Designed to spark curiosity and delight, the festivities combine imaginative themes, immersive dining, music, and beachside gatherings, all set against the serene beauty of the Maldives.

At Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru, the celebrations unfold around the mystical narrative of Ellgy Island, a once-in-a-century awakening that blends fantasy, flavour, and festivity. The island comes alive through creative storytelling, vine-draped settings, and experiences that blur the line between dream and discovery. Guests are invited to explore unique culinary concepts, including treetop dining moments, underwater-inspired flavours, and dishes that draw inspiration from the Indian Subcontinent, adding a familiar warmth for Indian travellers seeking global luxury with regional resonance.

Dining takes centre stage through a series of curated evenings at Blu Beach Club and Café Landaa, where rare ingredients, soulful music, and relaxed beachfront settings create an atmosphere of understated indulgence. From truffle-focused gourmet nights to evolving lobster celebrations and Asian-inspired feasts, each experience is designed to be engaging without being overwhelming. Craft beers from across Asia, including India and neighbouring regions, add a casual yet well-thought-out touch to the festivities.

A highlight of the season is the exclusive Japanese Omakase pop-up, led by a master chef from Kobe, offering intimate dining experiences that celebrate precision, craftsmanship, and seasonal flavours. These limited-seat experiences reflect Four Seasons’ focus on quality over scale, appealing to guests who value meaningful culinary storytelling.

Adding to the festive spirit, Landaa Giraavaru also hosts a special collaboration with a renowned two-Michelin-star chef from the Netherlands, bringing coastal European flavours to the Maldivian shores. With an emphasis on seafood, fire-led cooking, and fermentation, the experience is presented in an open-air beach setting, blending global gastronomy with island simplicity.

At Four Seasons Kuda Huraa, the New Year celebrations take on a more rhythm-driven character. Under the theme of retro glamour and throwback beats, the resort transforms into a lively celebration of music and style. From vintage-inspired beachfront elegance to energetic poolside gatherings, the focus here is on fun, movement, and shared moments.

The highlight at Kuda Huraa is a millennium-themed New Year celebration that draws inspiration from early-2000s music and pop culture. With iconic tracks, stylish décor, and a high-energy atmosphere, the evening is designed to be nostalgic yet fresh, offering guests a joyful way to step into the New Year.

Together, Four Seasons Landaa Giraavaru and Kuda Huraa present a festive season that balances imagination with comfort, global influences with local warmth, and celebration with calm. For travellers looking to welcome the New Year in a setting that feels special yet approachable, Four Seasons Maldives offers a thoughtfully crafted escape that lingers well beyond the final countdown.

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Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass Earns Forbes Five-Star Honors for Kai and Aji Spa

A Legacy of Excellence

Kai: Arizona’s Culinary Crown Jewel

Aji Spa: An Authentic Native Sanctuary

A Resort Steeped in Heritage

Most Read In News

World Welcomes 2026 as New Zealand Leads with Spectacular Fireworks

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From Action to Leisure: Discovering Kenya’s Coastal Moods

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Four Seasons Maldives Unveils Immersive New Year Celebrations Across Landaa Giraavaru and Kuda Huraa

Most Read In News