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.

Kandy's Esala Perahera Returns for Ten Nights From 18 August

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 9, 2026

Kandy is set to come alive with drums, fire, traditional performances and grand elephant processions as the Esala Perahera returns from 18 to 28 August 2026. The ten-night festival is one of Asia's oldest living festivals and is held in Kandy, Sri Lanka's hill capital.

The festival brings together two ancient traditions. One dates back to the third century-BCE and is linked to prayers for rain to the island's guardian deities. The second is the Dalada Perahera, which honours the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha, enshrined at the Sri Dalada Maligawa since the relic arrived from India in the fourth century CE. According to legend, the relic was brought to Sri Lanka hidden in the hair of a princess. It has since been worshipped as a sacred symbol believed to safeguard the island.

The 2026 programme begins with the Kap Situveema blessing on 18 August, followed by five nights of Kumbal Perahera and four nights of Randoli Perahera.

The celebrations will reach their main highlight with the Grand Randoli Perahera on 27 August, when the procession moves around Kandy Lake and the Temple of the Tooth. The streets will feature thousands of dancers, drummers, acrobats, jugglers, fire-eaters, mask dancers, flag bearers, sword carriers and ceremonial musicians. Elephants dressed in colourful ceremonial garments will also form an important part of the procession, led by the Maligawa Tusker bearing the relic casket.

Traditional dance, music, lights and performances will fill the streets of Kandy as the festival builds towards its closing ceremony. The Esala Perahera concludes the following morning with the Diya Kepeema water-cutting ceremony at the Mahaweli River. The same river flows past Jetwing Kandy Gallery, A Luxury Reserve, giving the property a convenient location for visitors looking to experience the festival.

The 26-room hotel is located beside the Mahaweli in Gurudeniya, around 10 minutes from central Kandy. Guests can experience the processions during the evenings and return to the property's riverside infinity pool, spa and butler service during the day. The hotel's Riverscape restaurant also offers authentic Sri Lankan dining.

“Guests get proximity to one of the world’s great living festivals without sacrificing the calm that makes a trip to Sri Lanka worthwhile,” said Hashan Cooray, Director - Marketing and Development, Jetwing Hotels.

The Esala Perahera runs 18–28 August 2026. Rooms at Jetwing Kandy Gallery during the festival period are limited and best reserved well in advance.

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Strengthens F&B Team with Two Leadership Appointments

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 5, 2026

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi has announced two key leadership appointments to strengthen its food and beverage operations. The iconic luxury hotel has named Kevin Danet as Director of Food and Beverage and Liam Nealon as Director of Culinary, reinforcing its commitment to delivering world-class dining experiences.

The appointments come as the hotel celebrates its 125th anniversary, with a year-long programme of immersive culinary experiences planned throughout 2026.

Kevin Danet brings more than a decade of hospitality experience in Vietnam to his new role. Having previously served as Assistant Director of Food and Beverage at Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi for nearly two years, he has a deep understanding of the local market and the hotel's operations. He will now oversee the property's eight food and beverage outlets, including the renowned French fine dining restaurant Le Beaulieu.

Speaking about his approach to hospitality, Kevin said:

“Beautiful venues and exceptional cuisine are important, but what guests remember most is how we made them feel.”

Joining him is Liam Nealon, who takes on the role of Director of Culinary. With 25 years of international experience across Australia, Asia and Europe, Liam most recently served at Four Seasons Resort Bali. He is recognised for his focus on high-quality ingredients, natural flavours and creating engaging dining experiences.

Sharing his vision, Liam said:

“I am particularly passionate about collaborating closely with service teams to foster meaningful guest connections and memorable moments.”

Commenting on the appointments, George Koumendakos, General Manager of Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, said:

“We are delighted to work with Kevin and also welcome Liam to the Metropole family and further strengthen the synergy between the kitchen and the dining room. Their combined expertise and passion will further elevate our culinary offering as we celebrate 125 years of legendary hospitality in Hanoi. This is an exciting new chapter that perfectly aligns with our commitment to delivering exceptional, memorable experiences for our guests.”

As part of its anniversary celebrations, Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi will continue to host a curated calendar of gastronomic experiences across its acclaimed restaurants and bars throughout 2026, blending timeless elegance with fresh culinary ideas and exceptional hospitality.

OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi Redefines the Maldives with Social and Experience-Led Escapes

By Manu Vardhan Kannan

Published on August 4, 2026

OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi is reshaping the traditional Maldivian holiday by offering a vibrant island experience that goes beyond romance and relaxation. Designed for today's travellers, the resort combines stunning natural surroundings with entertainment, interactive experiences and lively social spaces, creating a destination where guests can connect, celebrate and make lasting memories.

At the heart of the resort's lively atmosphere is X360 Bar, where picturesque sunsets transition into evenings filled with music, DJ performances, poolside entertainment, foam parties and interactive experiences. The venue brings a fresh energy to the island, making it an ideal gathering place for guests looking to enjoy the Maldives in a more social setting.

The resort's dining experiences are equally diverse, offering something for every palate. Guests can enjoy international cuisine at Element X, grilled favourites at Copper Pot Food Truck, handcrafted coffees and sweet treats at La Promenade, or indulge in a unique dining experience at Only BLU, the Maldives' largest under ocean restaurant. Surrounded by marine life, Only BLU adds a distinctive culinary highlight that complements the resort's focus on shared experiences.

OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi also caters to families and travellers seeking active leisure. One of the largest kids' clubs in the Maldives keeps younger guests entertained, while adults can explore a range of activities including water sports, snorkelling excursions, fitness facilities and relaxing moments by the turquoise lagoon.

With a strong focus on entertainment, adventure and togetherness, the resort welcomes couples, families, groups of friends and celebration travellers alike. Its flexible and inclusive approach reflects the changing preferences of modern travellers who are looking for experiences that extend beyond scenic landscapes.

By combining vibrant entertainment, diverse dining, family-friendly facilities and the natural beauty of the Maldives, OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi offers a refreshing take on the island getaway, one that is centred on connection, discovery and unforgettable shared experiences.

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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

Kandy's Esala Perahera Returns for Ten Nights From 18 August

Most Read In News

Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi Strengthens F&B Team with Two Leadership Appointments

Most Read In News

OBLU XPERIENCE Ailafushi Redefines the Maldives with Social and Experience-Led Escapes

Most Read In News