Cheval Collection, the UK-based luxury hotel apartments and branded residences company with a growing portfolio of properties in the Middle East, has been crowned Best Cross-Brand Contribution at the 2026 Global Hotel Alliance Awards. Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) – the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands and operator of the award-winning GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme – recognised Cheval Collection as the enrolling brand that inspired the most member stays across other GHA brands.

IHG Hotels & Resorts has unveiled a first look at Kimpton Suntaya Bali Ubud, set to debut later this year as the luxury lifestyle brand’s highly anticipated arrival in Indonesia. Designed as an extension of Bali’s creative energy, the hotel will embody Kimpton’s signature approach to human hospitality, intuitive service, and design-forward spaces that invite curiosity and connection. A spark in the heart of Ubud, Kimpton Suntaya Bali Ubud is located at Jalan Bisma and a short walk from Ubud’s iconic landmarks, including the Ubud Art Market and the historic Ubud Palace and Water Palace, which was designed by the Balinese Master Artist, I Gusti Nyoman Lempad.

Banyan Group Residences has unveiled Banyan Tree Beach Residences Varuna, a collection of just eight beachfront townhomes within Laguna Phuket. Positioned directly on Bang Tao Beach, the development offers a rare opportunity to own a branded residence on one of Phuket’s most sought-after stretches of coastline. Inspired by a “Coastal Biophilia” design philosophy, the architecture connects each residence closely to its beachfront setting. Curved building lines echo wave motion, while slatted timber cladding and trellis screening reference sand and shifting coastal light. Floor-to-ceiling glazing along ocean-facing elevations frames sweeping Andaman Sea views, and each residence’s private rooftop infinity pool and terrace are oriented west to capture the sunset.

The delivery of EXPLORA III at Fincantieri’s Sestri Ponente shipyard in Genoa today marks another significant milestone in the growth of Explora Journeys, the ultra-elegant ocean travel brand of the MSC Group. EXPLORA III also represents the next phase of MSC Group’s investment of more than €3.5 billion in its fleet, with all six ships designed and built by Fincantieri in Italy—a long-standing partnership that showcases the very best of Italian shipbuilding, craftsmanship and innovation.

Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort, is pleased to announce the appointment of Simon Winchester as resort manager, following his highly accomplished six-year tenure overseeing the award-winning resort’s acclaimed food and beverage program. Winchester assumes the role following a successful term as executive assistant manager of food & beverage, guiding one of the Caribbean’s most dynamic luxury hospitality portfolios. Since joining Sugar Beach, A Viceroy Resort in 2020, he has managed a food and beverage collection encompassing six dining venues, retail concepts, private dining experiences, and in-villa culinary programming. His strategic vision and operational expertise helped drive the continued evolution of the resort’s culinary and beverage offerings. Most recently, under his leadership, Saltwood, one of the resort’s signature restaurants, earned a Wine Spectator Restaurant Award for its thoughtfully curated wine program.

InterContinental Maldives Maamunagau Resort has unveiled its 2026 festive programme, themed ‘12 Pearls of the Ocean’. Inspired by the beauty and rarity of the ocean’s treasures, the concept invites guests on a festive journey, with each pearl revealing a new chapter of surprise, celebration, and discovery. Taking place from 20 December 2026 to 7 January 2027, the programme will feature an exceptional line-up of events, residencies, and special guest appearances.

For most Brits, a holiday isn’t complete without a shortlist of the best historic landmarks and the trendiest restaurants. But new research reveals photography is just as key to the itinerary, with one in 10 Brits taking more than 500 photos on a single trip. MPB, the world’s largest online platform for used photo and video equipment, surveyed 1,000 British holidaymakers to uncover their holiday habits. On average, Brits spend £136.21 on holiday extras purely for the sake of a photo opportunity, with over a quarter (27%) forking out £200–£500 on a room upgrade alone to make their accommodation more photogenic.