Hot hotel openings: A guest list that runs from Charlie Chaplin to Jackie Kennedy
On our hot list of hotel openings this week, Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor reopens in Cambodia, Virgin Hotels announces a milestone in Florida and more.
Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor
Raffles Grand Hotel d’Angkor, a heritage property in Southeast Asia, reopened its doors to guests on 1 October after a six-month closure for renovations and refurbishments.
One hundred and twelve of the landmark property’s 119 rooms and suites have been fully refurbished, buttressing the intrinsic appeal of a property renowned for its classic facade, its expansive pool, a celebrated metal and timber elevator, and a guest list that runs from Charlie Chaplin to Jackie Kennedy.
“We’re custodians of an incredible historical asset”
“In the Grand Hotel, we’re custodians of an incredible historical asset,” said Raffles Cambodia Cluster General Manager Oliver Dudler. “The careful restoration and refurbishments will enhance guest comfort by offering new modern amenities while staying true to our longstanding heritage and classically elegant ambience.”
The main difference that returning guests will notice upon arrival is that the façade and the entire exterior of the hotel are now painted alabaster white, rather than its former cream-beige hue which is the colour of Royal Khmer architecture across the country.
Contractors David Grace Designs have brightened up the Café d’Angkor while refurbishing the interior design in the conservatory, famed for its afternoon teas and baby grand piano. Meanwhile, a new signature restaurant, named “1932,” stands poised and polished, ready for its official launch next month.
Virgin Hotels Miami
Virgin Hotels, the lifestyle hotel brand by Virgin Group, has announced plans to open and operate a new hotel in Miami, Florida. Virgin Hotels Miami will be managed by Virgin Hotels, developed by Blue Jay Capital with BLUR Workshop as the architect, and is slated to open in 2023.
“A milestone that has been a long time coming”
“I’m personally very passionate about this property, as it brings Virgin Hotels into a city that holds a great deal of significance for us. In addition to being my home, Miami is the headquarters of Virgin Hotels, so this is a milestone that has been a long time coming,” commented Virgin Hotels CEO Raul Leal.
Six Senses Galapagos
Six Senses Galapagos is located in Cerro Verde on the northeastern coast of San Cristobal Island. It is the quietest of the main islands, emerged alone from the rest of the world with an ecology developed in its own unique way.
While final accommodations are being finalised, the master architectural direction by Hitesh Mehta Design focuses on a necessarily idiosyncratic planning philosophy, which balances economic, environmental, social and spiritual aspects of the project.
“Sustainability is at the core of our brand”
Neil Jacobs, chief executive officer, Six Senses Hotels Resorts Spas, commented: “Sustainability is at the core of our brand, influencing everything from ongoing community engagement and conservation efforts to the local, repurposed materials used in the development.
“We are excited and delighted to work with Orgal Group on this extraordinary project in such a special and environmentally sensitive place, staying true to our joint purpose of ecosystem restoration, scientific research of marine species and low-impact tourism.”
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