Six Senses Expands in Italy with New Hotels in Milan and Lake Como

Six Senses Expands in Italy with New Hotels in Milan and Lake Como

By Nithyakala Neelakandan

Published on October 21, 2024

Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas has signed new management agreements with Gruppo Statuto to open two luxury properties in Italy: Six Senses Milan and Six Senses Lake Como. These additions follow the successful launch of Six Senses Rome in 2023, further strengthening the brand’s presence in Europe.

The Milan property will open in 2025, located in the vibrant Brera district, known for its rich artistic and cultural heritage. It will feature 68 guest rooms, including 15 suites, two of which will have private plunge pools. Guests can enjoy a rooftop bar, sky pool, state-of-the-art spa, and a specialty restaurant with seasonal menus. Sustainability remains a priority, with eco-friendly design elements and an Earth Lab to promote environmental awareness.

Set to open in 2028, Six Senses Lake Como will occupy the restored Grand Hotel Cadenabbia on the lake’s western shores. The hotel will offer 102 rooms and suites, emphasizing wellness with an expansive spa and outdoor pools, including a floating pool on the lake. Dining options will include a terrace restaurant with panoramic lake views, perfect for romantic occasions.

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Neil Jacobs, CEO of Six Senses, shared his excitement for these new projects: “Italy moves you like nowhere else. In few places do art, architecture, gastronomy, and the joy of living intertwine so effortlessly. Six Senses Milan and Six Senses Lake Como both speak to a purpose—the first offering attentive hospitality in a fashion hub, and the second providing a serene escape by the lake.”

Gruppo Statuto, already a key partner with Six Senses, owns several other properties, including Six Senses Rome, London, and Ibiza. Giuseppe Statuto, Founder of Gruppo Statuto, said, “Our collaboration with Six Senses reflects our shared ambition to deliver exceptional experiences. Italy’s history, culture, and lifestyle make it an ideal location for our continued investments in luxury hospitality.”

IHG Hotels & Resorts, the parent company of Six Senses, continues to grow its Luxury & Lifestyle portfolio across Europe, with Italy playing a central role. These two new properties are part of IHG’s strategy to meet the rising demand for wellness-oriented travel experiences that combine sustainability and luxury.


Hyatt Hotels to Sell Playa’s Real Estate Portfolio for $2 Billion

Hyatt Hotels to Sell Playa’s Real Estate Portfolio for $2 Billion

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 5, 2025

Hyatt Hotels is doubling down on its asset-light strategy with a major move—selling Playa Hotels’ real estate portfolio to Tortuga Resorts for $2 billion. This follows Hyatt’s acquisition of Playa in February for $2.6 billion, including debt. Playa operates 24 luxury all-inclusive resorts across Mexico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic.

The sale covers 15 of Playa’s resort assets, effectively reducing Hyatt’s net purchase price for the remaining Playa business to around $555 million. The deal, still pending regulatory nods in Mexico, is expected to close before the end of 2025.

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As part of the arrangement, Hyatt and Tortuga will enter into 50-year agreements for these properties, allowing Hyatt to continue managing the resorts. Thirteen of the resorts will operate under Hyatt’s standard management fee structures, with two under separate agreements.

Hyatt CEO Mark Hoplamazian called the move transformational, noting it turns the Playa acquisition into a fully asset-light transaction. "It also ramps up our fee-based earnings," he added. Hyatt now anticipates its asset-light earnings mix could hit at least 90% by 2027.

Analysts view the swift real estate divestment positively, seeing it as a smart way for Hyatt to stay nimble while bolstering returns. Proceeds from this deal will primarily go toward repaying loans taken to finance the Playa buyout.


Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach Earns Green Key Certification

Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach Earns Green Key Certification

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 5, 2025

Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, a flagship Accor property, has proudly announced that it has been awarded the Green Key Certification, a globally recognised eco-label that underscores excellence in sustainable tourism and hospitality.

Granted by the Foundation for Environmental Education (FEE)—one of the world’s leading environmental education organisations and recognised by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council (GSTC)—the certification marks a significant milestone in the hotel’s ongoing efforts to integrate eco-friendly practices without compromising guest comfort or luxury.

Lakshmi Sridhar, General Manager, Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, said, “At Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach, we believe that sustainability is not just a responsibility, but a way of life. Being Green Key certified reinforces our commitment to offering eco-conscious experiences that align with global environmental standards.”

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The hotel has rolled out various impactful initiatives, from using clean, renewable energy and implementing robust waste management practices to driving water conservation, enhancing energy efficiency, and sustainably sourcing products. These measures are designed to benefit not only the environment but also the local community.

As travel trends increasingly lean towards conscious luxury and responsible tourism, this certification positions Novotel Visakhapatnam Varun Beach as a leader in sustainable hospitality in India.


IHCL to Open New Vivanta in Anjuna, Strengthening Goa Portfolio

IHCL to Open New Vivanta in Anjuna, Strengthening Goa Portfolio

By Nishang Narayan

Published on July 5, 2025

Indian Hotels Company (IHCL), India’s largest hospitality player, has announced the signing of a new Vivanta property in Anjuna, Goa. This greenfield project marks another step in IHCL’s strategy to grow its presence across key leisure destinations in India.

Strategically located in Anjuna, celebrated for its vibrant culture and beaches, the upcoming Vivanta Anjuna, Goa will feature 110 well-appointed rooms. Guests can look forward to an array of facilities including an all-day diner, a bar, a swimming pool, a fully equipped gym, and modern conference spaces, catering to both leisure and business travellers.

Suma Venkatesh, Executive Vice President - Real Estate & Development, IHCL, shared, “IHCL has been at the forefront of pioneering destinations and has played a defining role in putting Goa on the global tourism map for over five decades. This signing is in line with our strategy to expand IHCL’s presence across segments in key leisure markets. We are delighted to strengthen our partnership with Fiesta Hotels with this new project.”

The hotel is being developed by Fiesta Hotels Pvt. Ltd., led by directors Ravinder Kumar, Manju Vardhan, Raj Vardhan, Harsh Vardhan, Gagan Garg, and Gaurav Garg, who have deep investments in real estate and hospitality. Ravinder Kumar, Director, Fiesta Hotels Pvt. Ltd., said, “We are proud to collaborate with IHCL through the addition of our second hotel in Goa. It stands as a testament to our shared vision to deliver exceptional experiences in one of India’s most cherished destinations.”

Goa continues to attract travellers with its sun-soaked beaches, Portuguese-era architecture, thriving culinary and music scene, and vibrant local communities. With this signing, IHCL’s Goa portfolio grows to 18 hotels, including five under development, underscoring its long-standing commitment to shaping Goa’s tourism landscape.

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