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JOALI Debuts Island Homes in Maldives

JOALI launches Island Homes, a rare opportunity to own an exceptional private residence in the multi-award-winning first wellbeing island of its kind in the Maldives. The island is only a 40-minute scenic journey by seaplane from Velana International Airport or a 90-minute leisurely yacht cruise from Maafaru International Airport, the region's closest private jet landing runway. Guests can opt for one to four bedrooms on the beach or over water, designed according to the biophilic architectural principles. With cathedral-like ceilings, mosaic finishings, curved lines and patterns carved in natural wood, stone and bamboo, and expansive floor-to-ceiling windows ushering sunlight and connecting with the tropical surroundings, these 230 to 1700 square meters of residences are set to redefine island living. Each residence features a private swimming pool, living areas, spacious sundeck, indoor and outdoor showers, and a standalone bathtub or sunken tub, completed with a technologically advanced home operating system for ambience and temperature. The Four Bedroom Wellbeing Private Ocean Residence is the crown jewel for guests seeking the ultimate luxury. Perched over the turquoise Maldivian waters, only a few meters from the house reef facing the sunset, this residence invites a myriad of vibrant marine life, such as dolphins, sea turtles and manta rays, to its vicinity. The Four Bedroom Wellbeing Ocean Residence presents gracious indoor and outdoor lounges and entertainment areas, four generous-sized bedrooms, three of which have spectacular sea views, a 118 square meter infinity pool, an enclosed kitchen and its own wellbeing complex encompassing a private sauna, a treatment room and a movement room fitted with the latest Technogym equipment and its own pilates Cadillac. For those who desire the spacious ivory-sandy private beach, the Three-Bedroom Wellbeing Beach Residence offers elegantly appointed living areas and dining spaces indoors and outdoors, a 105-square-meter private pool, a convivial kitchen with an island, a gym, a massage bed in an alfresco wellbeing cabana, and a private sauna. Each bedroom welcomes views of the Indian Ocean, private wardrobes, indoor and outdoor bathrooms, and bathtubs. JOALI fully manages the Island Homes, and owners can also benefit from an attractive rental returns plan. The island is purely dedicated to wellbeing, featuring 68 well-living villas and residences and 39 transformational spaces, including Watsu Pools, a Himalayan Salt Inhalation Room, a Cryotherapy Chamber, Herbology, and a Sound Healing Room. Experiences are centered around the Four Pillars of JOALI BEING, Mind, Skin, Microbiome and Energy, created by Oxford University professor Gerry Bodeker, a Harvard-trained expert on traditional and integrative medicine and wellness. The island offers bespoke Wellbeing Journeys led by a dedicated in-house team of naturopaths, nutritionists, Watsu therapists, sound healing specialists, nutritionists, herbalists, mind and body movement specialists and doctors in Ayurveda and Traditional Chinese Medicinal Practitioners. The island also features the first multi-generational playground, B'Kidult, where guests of all ages can immerse in wellbeing workshops and learning sessions, from making natural self-care products with resident herbalists to exploring the power of sound healing guided by experienced sound practitioners. The culinary arts at JOALI BEING focus on an earth-to-table initiative with three restaurants, a bar, a tea lounge and multiple destination dining venues. FLOW Restaurant brings international fare from open-plan interactive kitchens such as Su, serving pescatarian, Plantae with its vibrant vegetarian and vegan fares, and B'Well, the signature kitchen with premium meat and poultry selections. MOJO restaurant and bar is the island's tropical beach sanctuary, serving international and Mediterranean cuisine and hand-crafted drinks in a laid-back atmosphere. Yutori celebrates mindful Japanese cuisine by Michelin-star chef Yamamoto Hidemasi over the lagoon. The Global Wellness Institute report indicates wellness real estate is the fastest-growing market in the 11-sector wellness economy in recent years, growing from $225 billion in 2019 to $438 billion in 2023. Commenting on JOALI's entry into the wellness real estate market, the Founder and Vice President of JOALI, Esin Güral Argat, comments, "JOALI was founded in 2019 in a sea of competitive international luxury hospitality brands with a history of over 100 years. Our approach in hospitality to unveil a lifestyle brand with a soul brought an unconventional paradigm shift in the industry, disrupting the norms. JOALI Maldives is the first art-immersive resort and the second property, JOALI BEING is the first wellbeing island in the Maldives. As we continue our journey, we are excited to script our next chapter in the wellness real estate space, an opportunity to enhance our portfolio further and welcome our loyal customers to connect in JOALI's exclusive community." The price of an Island Home at JOALI BEING starts at USD 5 million + for a Residence.

The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas Elevates Culinary Offerings With New Team Appointments and Renovated Restaurants

The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas is enhancing its culinary landscape with the recent appointments of a new Director of Food & Beverage, Jonathan Hernandez, and Executive Chef, Andrea Montuori. These dynamic additions to the leadership team, alongside the debut of renovated dining venues Sails and Coconut Cove, underscore the luxury resort's commitment to delivering elevated, innovative dining that celebrates the rich flavors of the Caribbean. "We are thrilled with the expertise, passion and commitment to excellence Mr. Hernandez and Chef Montuori are bringing to enhance our food & beverage experiences, leading our Ladies and Gentlemen in the culinary space with a fresh energy," says Laura Jarvinen, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas. "The creativity and dedication they are adding to our island paradise and newly renovated eateries is sure to shine and provide our guests with authentic Caribbean flavors with a sustainable lens." Bringing a dynamic background in food and beverage leadership, Jonathan Hernandez is stepping into the role of Food & Beverage Director at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas with extensive experience under his belt. In his most recent role as Director of F&B Operations at Lost Boy & Co., he managed all operational aspects for a luxury Miami hotel while mentoring new leadership. Previous to that role, Hernandez was the Multi-Unit Director of Operations at Bar Lab from 2019 to 2023, where he oversaw multiple venues across Miami, Washington D.C., and Madrid, handling all responsibilities from menu development to successful venue launches. In his various leadership roles, he oversaw many notable milestones, including driving $13 million in annual revenue for the Jean-Georges' Matador Room as General Manager and improving beverage revenue and guest satisfaction through innovative menu strategies and service standards at the Renaissance Vinoy. "I'm most looking forward to reconnecting with the notable Ritz-Carlton brand in this role and re-energizing the Ladies and Gentlemen for the new and exciting growth we have in store for The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas," says Hernandez. As the Executive Chef, Chef Andrea Montuori brings a deep passion and global perspective to his new role at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas. With more than 20 years of experience in luxury restaurants and hotels, Chef Montuori has shaped his craft across iconic destinations around the world, including Hotel Hassler Roma, The Chedi Kuda Villingili, and most recently The St. Regis Vommuli Maldives, where he generated over $10 million dollars in annual revenue across the seven dining outlets. Chef Montuori first discovered his love for cooking through the fascination he felt when watching his parents cook and the process it took to create dishes. As a teenager watching the iconic Italian Chef Gualtiero Marchesi on television further solidified his goal of becoming a professional chef one day. Chef Montuori worked his way up the ranks, starting in roles such as Chef de Parti at Brambols Restaurant in Limerick to becoming the Executive Chef of multiple five-star properties, including Baglioni Resort in Maldives and Kempinski Hotel San Lawrenz Malta. Originally from Sardinia, his Mediterranean roots and island experiences inspire his philosophy: each island holds a unique cultural and culinary identity that deserves to be celebrated on the plate. In his new role, Chef Montuori will be incorporating local ingredients to honor the spirit of St. Thomas and create an authentic connection between the island's vibrant flavors and the menus he will be introducing throughout the property. In line with the recent culinary appointments, Sails will unveil a fresh new look and menu, bringing guests closer to the beauty of St. Thomas. Inspired by the serene hues of a Caribbean sunrise, the redesigned space features soft pastel accents and natural materials, creating a tranquil beachside retreat. The refreshed menu will include Caribbean Spiny Lobster Salad, Tuna Burrata Carpaccio and Reef Fish Tartar, while re-introducing the Sea to Sails experience, where one can choose their fresh catch and savor a customized four-course Caribbean-inspired menu. In addition, Coconut Cove has been refreshed with an updated menu highlighting more locally sourced and sustainable ingredients, including Spiny Lobster, Reef Snapper and Charred Baby Octopus. Overlooking the tranquil waters of Great Bay, Coconut Cove now offers a relaxed atmosphere with newly refreshed flooring, furniture, and fresh paint, creating the perfect setting to enjoy a true taste of island life. As the property embraces a new era of culinary innovation, The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas invites guests to explore a renewed culinary journey that blends the flavors of the Caribbean with refined, creative cuisine and The Ritz-Carlton's legacy of excellence. For more information, visit www.ritzcarlton.com/en/hotels/caribbean/st-thomas.

M3 Honored With Silver Globee® Winner at the 17th Annual 2024 Globee® Awards for Achievement (Women in Business)

M3 is proud to announce it has been awarded the Silver Globee® Winner at the 17th Annual 2024 Globee® Awards for Achievement (Women in Business). This prestigious award highlights the company's dedication to excellence and its commitment to advancing women in the business world. For more information on the Globee Awards and the full list of winners, visit: https://globeeawards.com/women-in-business/winners/ The Globee® Awards for Achievement (Women in Business) is a prestigious awards program that recognizes and celebrates the achievements of women in all industries worldwide. Companies and organizations can nominate the accomplishments of their women employees, women business owners can submit their own achievements or nominate their staff, and women who have made significant strides in their careers can self-nominate. Open to women professionals and leaders from every field and region, this program highlights the dedication, innovation, and leadership that drive positive change in the global business landscape. M3 proudly celebrates Casi Johnson, President of M3, as a recipient of the prestigious Globee® Award for Women in Business. This recognition highlights her 23 years of transformative leadership and innovation within the company, solidifying M3's position as North America's leading provider of hotel-specific accounting software. Since joining M3 in 2000, Casi has driven the development of industry-leading solutions such as M3 Accounting Core™, M3 Labor Management™, M3 Insight™, and the newly launched M3 CoreSelect™, ensuring the company remains at the forefront of hospitality technology. Beyond her groundbreaking work at M3, Casi is a dedicated mentor and thought leader in the hospitality industry. She serves on the School of Hospitality and Tourism Management Advisory Board at the University of South Florida, where she earned her MBA, and actively mentors graduate students. This award underscores Casi's unwavering commitment to excellence and innovation, as well as her influential role in shaping the future of hospitality software and inspiring the next generation of leaders. "We are honored to receive the Silver Globee® at this year's Globee® Awards for Achievement (Women in Business)," said Casi Johnson, President of M3. "This award is a testament to our commitment to empowering women, fostering innovation, and driving excellence in the hospitality industry. I am nothing without the incredible M3 team, whose dedication, creativity, and passion make everything we achieve possible. Together, we are committed to delivering exceptional value to our clients and making a positive impact on the communities we serve." "We are delighted to honor the achievements of women in business and professionals from all over the world who are setting new standards of excellence," said San Madan, President of the Globee Awards. "These winners exemplify the values of leadership, innovation, and commitment to advancing women in the business world. Congratulations to all on this well-deserved recognition." Over 1,100 judges from around the world, representing a diverse array of industry experts, applied for the judging process. The judges are listed here: https://globeeawards.com/women-in-business/judges/ About the Globee Awards The Globee Awards present recognition in ten programs and competitions, including the Globee® Awards for Achievement (Women in Business), Globee® Awards for Artificial Intelligence, Globee® Awards for Business (International), Globee® Awards for Customer Excellence, Globee® Awards for Cybersecurity, Globee® Awards for Disruptors, Globee® Awards for Innovation (also known as Golden Bridge Awards®), Globee® Awards for Leadership, Globee® Awards for Technology, and the Globee® Awards for USA (American Business). To learn more about the Globee Awards, please visit the website: https://globeeawards.com.

Dallas Based Hospitality Company Makeready Appoints Eric Gavin as President of Operations

Makeready, the Dallas-based leading experience-driven hospitality company, announces the expansion of its executive leadership team with the appointment of Eric Gavin, as President of Operations. Gavin joins Christine Magrann, President of Brand Development and Restaurants, in leading Makeready. The move reinforces Makeready's unwavering commitment to being recognized as the best-in-class operator of notable hotels, restaurants, and retail experiences. With over 20 years of experience in driving operational excellence and strategic growth, Eric brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the Makeready team. In his new role, he will focus on managing performance throughout Makeready's portfolio, overseeing all operational aspects of the company. "I am excited to partner with Christine as we expand on Makeready's mission to create an independent hospitality platform that creates opportunities for meaningful connection between our guests, team members, and local communities through the curation of immersive experiences." Gavin's leadership journey is marked by a deep understanding of what drives success in the independent hospitality space, recognizing that these unique destinations thrive on memorable offerings and bespoke activations which are thoughtfully crafted to meet the needs of today's discerning traveler. All while delivering an exceptional guest experience. He has consistently demonstrated an ability to grow companies through the development of strong organizational cultures, attracting and retaining top talent, and implementing strategic operating principles that drive impressive financial performance. With a longstanding track record of excellence with independent hotel brands, including Loews Hotels, Noble House Hotels & Resorts, and Salamander Hotels & Resorts, Gavin most recently served as Chief Operating Officer for Benchmark, Pyramid Global Hospitality's Independent, Luxury & Lifestyle division, where he played a key role in shaping the company's vision and overseeing day-to-day operations. His expertise in driving operational performance, leading commercial strategy, and guiding strategic growth and development make him a dynamic, results-driven leader. "We are thrilled to welcome Eric to the Makeready team," said Jim Merkel, CEO and Founder of Makeready. His appointment reflects our commitment to building a leadership culture that will further strengthen our operational excellence and position Makeready for continued success. His relentless passion for operational innovation and creative vision towards guest experiences will add tremendous value, ensuring we remain at the forefront of experience-forward hospitality."

Under Canvas Announces First Pacific Northwest Camp in the Columbia River Gorge Region of Washington, Near Oregon's Mount Hood

Today, Under Canvas, the leader in upscale, outdoor hospitality, announced Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge - the company's first-ever Pacific Northwest location - will open in the summer of 2025. The brand's 13th camp, Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge, is set on a stunningly beautiful 120-acre property perched along the majestic Columbia River Gorge in Washington's White Salmon River Valley, a region known for its towering peaks, famed waterfalls and beautiful wineries. Surrounded by pine and oak forested hillsides in the heart of the region's wine country, this spectacular camp features breathtaking views in every direction - of the verdant White Salmon Valley, snowcapped peaks of the Cascade Mountain Range, and Oregon's Mount Hood. Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge will open for its inaugural season on May 29, 2025, and is now accepting reservations for stays through October 27, 2025. The new camp is a scenic 45-minute drive from Mount Hood and a one-hour drive along the Columbia River from Portland, Oregon. It is located less than 15 miles from White Salmon, Washington, and 25 miles from Hood River, Oregon, two quintessential Pacific Northwest towns known for their variety of outdoor adventures, charming coffee shops and bakeries, lively breweries and wine tastings, and variety of popular seasonal events. Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge offers easy access to the White Salmon River, a 44-mile tributary of the Columbia River, and provides an exceptional basecamp for exploring the area's bounty of outdoor activities or simply relaxing and enjoying Washington's scenic beauty. In addition to offering seamless access to outdoor recreation, the camp sits in the heart of wine country, with 10 vineyards and wineries within 10 miles of the property. "Our guests have been asking for a camp in Washington since the brand's inception," said May Lilley, chief marketing officer of Under Canvas, "so we're thrilled to now have a presence in the Pacific Northwest, home to adventurous people who love spending time in nature and spectacularly beautiful outdoor destinations, recreation, food and wine." The region is best known for the magnificent Columbia River Gorge, a jaw-dropping canyon carved by the Columbia River that stretches over 80 miles, forming the boundary between Washington and Oregon. Up to 4,000 feet deep in some places, the Gorge features towering cliffs, cascading waterfalls and endless opportunities for outdoor adventures. Under Canvas' Adventure Concierge can assist guests in curating and booking "best of" local experiences - ranging from rafting, paddleboarding and fishing, to guided hiking, mountain biking, and more. An on-site Guest Experience Coordinator will be available to recommend favorite local hikes, excursions and must-see attractions. Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge offers upscale, safari-inspired canvas tents on elevated private decks. Each tent is furnished with a plush king-size bed, luxe linens, USB charging packs, bedside lanterns, a gas fireplace and ensuite bathroom that features a hot pull-chain shower, sink and flushing toilet. Unique lodging tent accommodations include the brand's proprietary Stargazer Tent, complete with viewing window above the bed for stargazing, as well as the Mount Hood Suite Tent, featuring two tents adjoined by a private deck, with its own outdoor area - perfect for the ultimate family or group getaway. The camp's unique furnishings and design thoughtfully reflects the rich textures and natural hues of the Pacific Coast region. Its lobby tent, adorned with West Elm furniture and artwork from local artists, features comfortable lounge spaces, a boutique retail offering, and books and games from artisans throughout the Northwest, all just steps away from an expansive, onsite yoga deck perfect for yoga, stargazing, or enjoying the valley and mountain views. The cafe-style dining program offers a full breakfast and dinner menu showcasing freshly made, seasonal dishes from the signature Under Canvas menu, enjoyed al fresco or indoor. Many of the offerings have a West Coast influence, including Columbia River salmon and other fresh seafood from Portland and Seattle, as well as a selection of curated wines and craft beers from the area. Grab-‘n-go lunch items and snacks, ideal for fueling the day's adventure, will be available for purchase throughout the day. Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge will also offer onsite programming for guests, including acoustic live music, daily yoga, kids' activities, nightly s'mores and more. Premium brand partnerships will provide complimentary guest use of mats and yoga blocks, Black Diamond hiking poles, and a Gibson guitar for a fireside strum. Additional partnerships provide access to curated retail offerings for purchase, including activewear, Aviator Nation sweats and hats, Hydro Flask drinkware, Sun Bum sun products, Pendleton® wool products to stay cozy and warm, and an exclusive Under Canvas line of apparel. A cornerstone of the Under Canvas experience is the brand's Mindful Approach ethos, which is reflected in the company's development and operational initiatives. Under Canvas camps are designed to minimize disturbance, maximize open space, and flow with the natural topography of the land. In an effort to reduce energy and water usage, Under Canvas camps feature pull-chain showers, low-flow toilets, and rechargeable battery packs to charge personal appliances and bed-side lanterns. To encourage guests' immersion in nature, Wi-Fi is not available for guest use at camp. The brand's commitment to minimizing light pollution and protecting the night sky via low-level lighting and other DarkSky development principles are setting the standard in the industry and, in-turn, earning Under Canvas recognition for having the first-ever DarkSky-certified resorts in the world. Since opening the first camp over 12 years ago near West Yellowstone, Montana, Under Canvas has dedicated itself to inspiring connections with extraordinary places, people, and the planet by enhancing access to the outdoors. Under Canvas' operating dates for the 2025 season: Moab from March 6-October 27, Zion from March 13-November 3, Lake Powell - Grand Staircase from March 13-October 27, Great Smoky Mountains from April 3-December 1, Grand Canyon from April 16-October 27, Mount Rushmore from May 1-September 29, Acadia from May 8-October 13, Bryce Canyon from May 8-September 29, North Yellowstone - Paradise Valley from May 8-September 29, West Yellowstone from May 21-September 8, Yosemite from May 22-October 27 and Glacier from June 5-September 15. Reservations for the 2025 season are available now at www.undercanvas.com. Rates at Under Canvas Columbia River Gorge start at $299 per night, plus taxes and fees. For additional assets, please see here.

World Amenities to Exhibit at EquipHotel Paris 2024, Unveiling New Sustainable Product Line for 2025

World Amenities, a global leader in providing environmentally friendly, recyclable, and biodegradable luxe skincare-based brands and custom amenities, is excited to announce its participation in EquipHotel Paris 2024, one of the most prominent international trade shows for the hospitality and food service industry. Meet with World Amenities representatives at Stand #H7-1 No. R01. The event, scheduled to take place from 3 to 7 November at Porte de Versailles, Paris, will revolve around the theme "Time to Dare!" emphasizing boldness, innovation, and collective action-qualities that World Amenities is known for through its groundbreaking product launches and now international expansion efforts. "Our participation in EquipHotel Paris signifies our commitment to international growth and our mission to provide the most sustainable solutions in the global hospitality sector," said World Amenities CEO and Co-founder Paul Hodge. The EquipHotel trade show is a platform to unveil its new sustainable product line for 2025. The centerpiece of their showcase will be the innovative DELTON dispenser, a patent-pending, 15-ounce dispenser that promises to set new standards in hygiene and sustainability. In line with the "Time to Dare!" theme, World Amenities will present a full range of eco-friendly products at the trade show. Its products are designed with sustainability in mind, focusing on reducing plastic waste and minimizing the environmental footprint. Some of the innovative products on display will include: Paper Bottles: A cutting-edge alternative to traditional plastic containers, these patent-pending bottles will be featured across five of World Amenities licensed brands and ranges. Refill Cartons and Pouches: Reduce plastic consumption and waste with convenient cartons and pouches. Sustainable options are available in 500ml, 1 liter, and 2 liters. Corn-Starch Packaging: Used in Bodygraphy® washing soaps inner wrap and personal care items like shower caps. This recyclable material offers an alternative to single-use plastic. Bamboo and Wheat Straw Accessories: A collection of luxury dental kits, combs, and grooming accessories made from these eco-friendly materials, all featuring plastic-free packaging. Zero-Plastic Detergent Sheets: This innovation in laundry care comes in 100% recyclable Kraft paper packaging, offering a more eco-conscious alternative to traditional detergents. With product certifications in the EU and UK, World Amenities is eager to connect with European distributors, hotel chains, and key stakeholders within the hospitality sector. In addition to launching new products, EquipHotel Paris presents an opportunity for World Amenities to strengthen and expand its global network. "We've built a strong network of international distributors, and the globally renowned trade show allows us to deepen our relationships with European hotels and operators," added Hodge. World Amenities' commitment to sustainability is further underscored by its five-year plan to become the most eco-friendly amenities provider in the world by 2030. "Our goal is clear," said Hodge. "By 2030, we aim to remove plastic from all our products completely. But our focus isn't just on eliminating plastic; we plan to ensure that every material we use is 100% recyclable or made from post-consumer content."