AA LAUNCHES GREAT BRITISH DETOUR CAMPAIGN TO SHOWCASE THE BEST OF BRITAIN BEYOND THE OBVIOUS TOURIST TRAIL
AA Media has launched The Great British Detour, a new campaign celebrating the best of Britain’s hospitality, heritage, landscapes and local experiences.
The campaign is about reminding travellers that getting from A to B can be about more than simply reaching their destination, encouraging them to look beyond the obvious tourist trail and discover the places, people and experiences that can turn a journey into part of the holiday.
A growing appetite to explore Britain
The launch comes as travellers increasingly look to make more of their time in Britain. AA Media’s latest UK Leisure Travel research found that 48% of travellers want to explore more of the UK, while 56% are opting for shorter, more frequent breaks.
Coastal breaks are the most popular type of UK getaway, with 55% planning a sea escape, followed by countryside getaways at 46%.
The Great British Detour taps into this appetite for exploring closer to home, while encouraging travellers to take a slightly different approach to their journeys and leave room for a little discovery along the way.
Drawing on recommendations from AA and VisitEngland-assessed accommodation providers across Britain, the campaign uncovers the places that local experts encourage their guests to seek out: from quiet coastal paths and scenic country roads to independent food stops, fascinating historic sites and landscapes that are easy to miss if you stick to the main route.
The first 12 Great British Detours include a hidden beach on the Pembrokeshire coast, Scolt Head Island off the Norfolk coast, the Rudston Monolith in East Yorkshire, the Forest of Bowland in Lancashire and a little-known approach to Whitby offering spectacular views of the Abbey. Other recommendations include Padley Gorge and Stanage Edge in the Peak District, the Helford River in Cornwall and Burton Dassett Hills in Warwickshire.
Simon Numphud, Managing Director at AA Media, said:
“The Great British Detour is about celebrating everything that makes Britain such a brilliant place to explore - from our landscapes and heritage to our independent businesses, hospitality and the people who know their local areas best. We wanted to tap into the incredible local knowledge of the hotel, B&B and campsite owners we work with and uncover the places they genuinely recommend to their guests. The journey itself can be just as special as the destination, and we want to encourage travellers to leave a little room for discovery along the way.”
The recommendations also highlight the value of local knowledge. Many of the accommodation providers shared practical tips alongside their suggestions, from the best time of day to visit and quieter routes to parking advice and seasonal highlights.
More detours to come
The first Great British Detours are now available to explore through a dedicated AA campaign hub on RatedTrips.com, with the campaign set to showcase further recommendations and inspire travellers to discover more of Britain beyond the obvious tourist trail.
For more information about Great British Detours and to explore the first 12 detours, click here.
If you’re a hospitality, tourism or local business with a Great British Detour to share, contact the AA at contact@ratedtrips.com to find out more about opportunities to get involved.
BAR PRINCE UNVEILS MYTHICAL LEGENDS: A NEW COCKTAIL MENU INSPIRED BY SCOTLAND'S MOST ENCHANTING FOLKLORE
Following the success of last year's Connected Icons, Bar Prince at The Balmoral invites guests into a world of myth, magic and storytelling with the launch of its newest cocktail menu, Mythical Legends.
Launching this autumn, Mythical Legends draws inspiration from Scotland's most enduring folklore, transforming legendary creatures and ancient tales into an immersive cocktail experience. From unicorns and selkies to witches, dragons and kelpies, the menu celebrates the stories that have captivated imaginations for generations.
Overseen by Head Bartender Mattia Rovaris, each signature cocktail has been individually created by Bar Prince's mixologists, with every serve inspired by a different Scottish legend. Guests are invited to discover the inspiration behind each creation, with every drink offering its own connection to Scotland's rich mythical heritage.
The theme extends beyond the cocktails themselves. Bespoke illustrations bring each character to life, transforming the menu into a contemporary storybook. Each copy has been meticulously handcrafted by Edinburgh's Crawford Bookbinders, whose traditional techniques and attention to detail add another layer of craftsmanship, echoing Scotland's long tradition of storytelling and artistry. Enhancing the experience further is a bespoke Mythical Legends Scent Mist, inspired by Scotland's ancient forests, mist-covered lochs and legendary landscapes. Blending notes of cedarwood, chamomile and sandalwood with Scots pine, citrus and warming spice, it has been designed to transport guests into the world that inspired the cocktails.
Capturing the spirit of Scotland's wild landscapes and folklore through new techniques and evocative flavour combinations, highlights include The Untamed One, a shimmering tribute to Scotland's national animal, the unicorn, blending Scottish vodka with coconut water, white chocolate, banana and lime leaf for an elegant serve. Double Identity, inspired by the selkie's existence between land and sea, reimagines the whisky sour with coastal Scotch whisky, honey, citrus and warming spice.
Meanwhile, Kingdom's Cauldron draws on the tale of the Witch of Fife, combining whisky, botanicals, chocolate, vanilla and caramel into a rich and mysterious after-dark cocktail. Elsewhere, guests can discover the inspiration behind Messy-Nessie, a bright and herbaceous whisky highball inspired by Scotland's most famous monster, or enjoy Fairy Queen, a decadent take on the Mai Tai featuring aged rum, roasted Brazil nuts and dark cacao.
More than a cocktail menu, Mythical Legends is an invitation to explore Scotland's legendary past through flavour, artistry and imagination. Continuing Bar Prince's commitment to innovative cocktail storytelling, each drink reveals a new chapter in Scotland's rich folklore.
Mattia Rovaris, Head Bartender at Bar Prince, said: "Building on the success of Connected Icons, Mythical Legends gave our team the opportunity to tell a new chapter of Scotland's story through the lens of folklore. Each cocktail has been created by a different member of the bar team, making the menu a true collective of ideas, creativity and personal interpretation. Paired with bespoke illustrations and scent, we've created an experience that invites guests to discover something new with every serve."
Discover the stories, flavours and aromas behind Scotland's most captivating folklore at Bar Prince at The Balmoral. Mythical Legends launches this autumn. For more information or to reserve a table, visit: https://www.roccofortehotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/the-balmoral-hotel/dining/bar-prince/cocktail-menu/
EVERY DROP COUNTS: BELU CELEBRATES 15 YEARS OF CHANGING THE WAY THE WORLD SEES WATER, WITH OVER £6.5M GIVEN TO WATERAID
Fifteen years after setting out to change the way the world sees water, social enterprise Belu is on track for its biggest year yet, with revenue expected to reach around £12 million this year - a year-on-year increase of 20%.
Since beginning its partnership with WaterAid in 2011, Belu has given 100% of its net profits to the global water charity, showing that it is possible to action positive impact through doing business differently. Over that time, Belu has generated over £6.5 million for WaterAid’s work bringing clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene to more than 435,000 people around the world.
The 15-year milestone was marked last night at an event at Tower Bridge, bringing together members of the Belu Collective, including The Corinthia, Vacherin, and Kricket, alongside other leaders from business and sustainability to celebrate what partnership has achieved - and to look ahead to the next chapter.
Hospitality has been central to that journey. Hotels, restaurants and cafés have helped bring Belu’s purpose into people’s everyday lives, creating a direct connection between the businesses that choose to serve Belu, the people they serve, and the impact created through those choices.
Charlotte Harrington, CEO of Belu commented:
When Belu and WaterAid began their partnership 15 years ago, it was to show that a business can grow commercially while putting purpose at the heart of how it operates.
The £6.5 million generated for WaterAid and our steady year-on-year growth is the result of a purpose that resonates with what people want from brands, and a whole ecosystem working together: a business with purpose, hospitality businesses choosing to support it, and people choosing to be part of it.
Jennie York, Director of Communications and Fundraising at WaterAid commented:
We are so grateful to every person at Belu who has played a part in this journey, helping to ensure that more people can thrive. For 15 years, Belu has shown what can be achieved when business works as a force for good. Their long-standing support of WaterAid has helped bring clean water, decent toilets and good hygiene to nearly half a million people around the world, creating healthier communities and brighter futures. Behind that are countless stories of opportunity and hope.
Belu’s funding enables WaterAid to direct resources where they are needed most, supporting long-term programmes that help communities access the essentials that underpin health, education and opportunity.
As Belu enters its next chapter, its purpose remains unchanged: to change the way the world sees water. The focus now is on continuing to grow the business, expanding the Belu Collective and finding new ways for commercial activity to create positive social and environmental impact.
For the next 15 years, the invitation remains simple: Drink the Difference.
RHUG WILD BEAUTY PARTNERS WITH CHUAN SPA AT THE LANGHAM FOR EXCLUSIVE ORGANIC TREATMENTS
Rhug Wild Beauty has partnered with Chuan Body + Soul at The Langham, London, bringing the landscape and organic ingredients of its North Wales estate into the hotel's five-star spa.
The collaboration combines Chuan's Traditional Chinese Medicine philosophy with Rhug's farm-to-formula approach, creating treatments that draw on ingredients grown and foraged from the Rhug Estate. From organic sage used in a traditional smudging ceremony to wild herbs incorporated into bespoke facial rituals, the partnership translates the provenance behind Rhug Wild Beauty into an experience guests can encounter through touch, scent and ritual.
Opened in 1865 as Europe's first 'Grand Hotel', The Langham, London has occupied the top of Regent Street for more than 160 years. The hotel is home to 380 guestrooms and suites, with Chuan Body + Soul offering a secluded wellness destination within the property. Chuan was also the first luxury hotel spa in London to incorporate the principles of Traditional Chinese Medicine into its treatments and ambience. Rhug Wild Beauty brings its own strong sense of heritage, shaped by Lord Newborough's stewardship of the estate and recognised through its Royal Warrant. First granted in 2018 and renewed in 2024, the distinction places Rhug Wild Beauty among only 7 Welsh businesses to hold The King's Royal Warrant, making it a natural fit for one of London's most established luxury spas.
Rhug Wild Beauty's story begins on the Rhug Estate in North Wales, a 12,500-acre organic farm that has been home to Lord Newborough's family since the 11th century. The estate remains central to how the skincare is created, with botanicals cultivated and foraged from its landscape before being hand-picked by an expert forager at their peak. This careful approach helps preserve the natural qualities of each ingredient, which are then woven into the exclusive organic treatments created in partnership with Chuan Spa. The result is a treatment experience that brings the Rhug Estate into the spa, allowing guests to encounter its landscape through the ingredients themselves.
The Connect with Nature facial brings the Rhug Estate to life in the treatment room. Ingredients grown on the estate are used throughout the experience, beginning with a smudging ceremony using organic sage harvested from the land. The facial then moves into a slow massage using Rhug's Protecting Face Oil, enriched with bakuchiol which offers anti-ageing and smoothing benefits similar to retinol, but with significantly less irritation. The Kansa wand follows the massage to help stimulate facial circulation and refresh the appearance of the skin. For the 90-minute experience, the treatment extends to a dedicated foot ritual before closing with a singing bowl, carrying the sense of calm through to the final moments.
The Wonders of the Mycelium facial draws on another part of the Rhug landscape, taking inspiration from the plants and herbs found closer to the forest floor. At the heart of the ritual are three handmade pintas prepared with herbs foraged from the Rhug Estate, turning ingredients such as gorse petals, meadowsweet and nettle into an active part of the treatment. Chosen for their soothing properties, the herbs help calm irritation while supporting the skin's natural barrier. After gentle yogic stretches, the warmed pintas are worked into the facial massage with slow rolling movements to release tension. Guests can even take the pintas home and continue using them for up to two days after the treatment, extending that connection from the treatment room into their own homes.
The partnership extends beyond facial treatments, with Rhug Wild Beauty also woven into a series of full-body rituals. The Awakening Moon Ritual draws on the calming character of the Rhug Estate, unfolding over 90 minutes as a deeply restorative body treatment. It begins with controlled stretching before moving into a sound bath, where sound travels through the body to encourage deep relaxation. As the nervous system settles into a more natural state, the treatment is designed to help release feelings of fear and stress. It then moves into marma point work along the lower body, targeting specific pressure points to help clear heat, reduce water retention and restore energy.
The Earth, Fire and Ice Ritual offers a more sensory contrast, moving between heat and cold throughout the 90-minute treatment. Warm stones are worked into the massage first, easing tension and warming the muscles before the treatment shifts to iced Madero tools. The cooling tools help stimulate circulation while creating a sculpting sensation across the body. Throughout the massage, Rhug's Hydrating Body Oil gives the therapist the slip needed for smooth, flowing movements while deeply hydrating the skin. The body treatment is then finished with the Nourishing Body Cream to protect the skin before the experience moves to the face. Here, the Kansa wand brings the sculpting technique to the face, helping to lift the cheeks and define the contours for a more toned appearance.
What makes this partnership particularly special is the way Rhug's connection to the estate becomes part of the treatment itself. The organic ingredients bring an extraordinary sense of provenance to the experience, allowing guests to discover the story of Rhug Wild Beauty through treatments created with real care. Combined with Chuan's traditional wellness techniques, they become part of an indulgent ritual that feels both deeply rooted in the estate and entirely at home within the refined setting of Chuan Body + Soul.
says Ruta Tavoraite-Johns, Spa Director at Chuan Body + Soul.
Rhug Wild Beauty and Chuan Body + Soul are taking the experience further with the launch of the Full Day Signature Spa Retreat. Designed as an immersive day of relaxation at The Langham, the retreat combines a 60-minute Restorative Massage with a 60-minute Connect with Nature Facial using Rhug Wild Beauty skincare. Rather than experiencing Rhug through a single treatment, guests are immersed in a full day where carefully sourced ingredients, thoughtful formulation and refined surroundings all contribute to the sense of luxury. That idea continues into the three-course seasonal Chuan lunch served in the historical Palm Court, where the focus shifts naturally from farm-to-formula to farm-to-table. Dishes such as Langham-cured Scottish smoked salmon with Oscietra caviar, Yellowfin Tuna Poke Bowl and Wye Valley Asparagus Risotto carry the same emphasis on ingredient quality into the final part of the experience.
Rhug Wild Beauty treatments are now available to book at Chuan Body + Soul at The Langham, London, either as individual treatments or as part of the Full Day Signature Spa Retreat. To discover the treatments and plan your experience, visit The Langham, London to make a booking.
A NEW CHAPTER FOR THE CLINK RESTAURANT AT HMP BRIXTON: ADAM BATEMAN JOINS STUDENTS FOR ONE-DAY-ONLY REOPENING LUNCH SERVICE
The newly refurbished restaurant inside HMP Brixton welcomes diners back for first event on 15 October with a three-course menu, mocktails, and a one-off guest Chef service
The Clink Restaurant at HMP Brixton is reopening its doors after a planned refurbishment, hosting a one-off collaboration with Adam Bateman, Head Chef at the Pan Pacific London. The Clink Restaurant is operated by The Clink Charity, giving people serving sentences in prison hands-on hospitality training and qualifications to support them to find work post-release.
On 15 October, with arrivals from 11:15am - 11.30am for a prompt 12pm start, Bateman will cook alongside students training in The Clink’s kitchen to serve a seasonal three-course lunch. Students being trained in front-of-house skills will also welcome and serve guests in the dining room. It is the work of a restaurant service, from food preparation and cooking to front of house, and a chance to put new skills into practice in front of paying customers.
The special menu, curated by Bateman, begins with Salmon Tartare served with horseradish cream, pickled fennel and dill, followed by Chicken Ballottine with roasted squash risotto and sage and chicken jus. Vanilla Crème Brûlée with apple and blackberry compote and shortbread biscuit finishes the meal on a sweet note. Guests can also enjoy a selection of soft drinks, coffees and a welcome mocktail from the menu.
The lunch marks the return of one of London’s most intriguing places to eat. The Clink sits inside a working prison, where people preparing for release train towards City & Guilds qualifications in professional cookery, food and beverage service, barista skills, and food hygiene. Working in the kitchen, bakery and dining room helps students build the skills, confidence, and experience they need to pursue employment in hospitality after release. The restaurant is unique in that it is one of the very few places in London where you cannot bring your phone, making the experience more relaxed and convivial.
For Bateman, who has spent more than 25 years in hospitality, the lunch allows him to inspire and support new entrants into the industry, by mentoring them and educating them about the joy of pursuing a career in hospitality. For guests, it is a chance to be among the first to return to The Clink’s refreshed HMP Brixton dining room and to experience the students’ work firsthand.
The reopening Chef Lunch takes place on 15 October at The Clink Restaurant. Tickets must be purchased by 8th October.
Arrival is between 11:15am -11.30am for a prompt 12pm start. Late arrivals risk no entry.
Booking is essential via this link
GLOBAL TRAVEL AGENTS EMBRACE AI WHILE DEMANDING RATE PARITY AND RICHER CONTENT
Research among more than 750 travel sellers reveals growing engagement with distribution platforms, and evolving priorities, sustainability and pricing
The latest biennial study of travel sellers around the world reveals a significant increase in the use of the major global distribution systems, with the research also offering advice for travel brands looking to optimize media placement opportunities.
Rate parity is the priority as agents increase reliance on distribution systems
The topline takeaway is that agents in all regions are using the global distribution systems more than two years ago, outperforming the growth seen in other reservation channels. Approaching half of all agents globally (43%) are using them more than in 2024, and on average, agents use them over 6 times per day, spending nearly 8 hours connected.
By region, APAC leads the way with 47% of agents using the platforms more than they did two years ago, followed by EMEA at 44% and the Americas at 42%.
Rate parity is seen by agents as non-negotiable, with 94% of the sample saying it is highly important. Two out of three (63%) said they would actively book away from a property if they felt pricing was inconsistent. Agents also require quality content, with 90% relying on the hotel description (HoD) fields provided by the hotel when comparing and recommending properties.
Agents also demand that HoDs include sustainability credentials. Across all regions, sustainability has also moved from a “nice to have” to a standard decision factor. Nearly nine out of ten (88%) say sustainability matters to customers when choosing a provider. When green credentials are missing, agents say it can negatively influence the booking decision, especially in EMEA and APAC.
Agents welcome AI into their workflow
More than three in four agents said AI is part of their selling toolkit, using it to research options, compare content, build recommendations, and improve productivity. Comfort levels are high, although regional differences emerge.
APAC leads the way, with agents already embracing advanced AI use cases, including itinerary suggestions (36%), CRM recommendations (32%), and fraud or quality tools (21%). Conversational AI – ChatGPT, Copilot, Gemini – is most employed by agents in EMEA (62%) and is the leading use case across regions. Automated fare search tools and AI itinerary suggestion platforms are also gaining traction, each used by 29% of agents globally.
Agents in the Americas show more caution towards AI, with more than one in three (35%) of agents asserting that they are not using AI to help them to sell, although the report suggests that “this may shift as tools become more embedded in daily workflows”. Across all regions, agents were aligned in identifying pricing and upsell suggestions, hotel recommendations, destination inspiration and content comparison as areas where AI could improve their productivity.
AI-powered advertising helps agents shape traveler choice
With most agents embracing AI, the benefits of AI-powered advertising within the global distribution system (GDS) – for brands, agents and travelers – are set to increase. B2B marketing agencies offer brands placement in these channels, with Amadeus the only supplier to place adverts across the three major global distribution systems.
Agents respond positively to such placements, according to the research. Around two in three agents say GDS ads shape their buying behavior, with one in four stating that they had booked a hotel in direct response to an ad. The strongest booking trigger is an exclusive GDS-only offer (57%), followed by verified rate parity (36%), loyalty perks (34%), and customer review summaries (34%).
Elsewhere, GDS advertising also contributes to increased brand awareness, even if the placement doesn’t immediately lead to a booking. Familiarity can influence future searches, recommendations, and bookings, the research said.
Dan Ciocoiu, Head of Advertising Solutions, Amadeus, says, “Effective advertising is no longer simply about being visible. It is about delivering the right offer and content at the point when an agent is ready to act. Our advertising solutions combine broad multi-channel reach with targeted insights and industry expertise, helping travel brands capture attention, build familiarity and influence booking decisions.”
Report methodology
Takedown Research questioned more than 750 travel sellers across the industry’s three major providers – Amadeus, Sabre and Travelport – with the results weighted to ensure equal representation across all regions. Similar surveys were carried out in 2024 and in 2022.
THE BURNT CHEF PROJECT CALLS ON HOSPITALITY TO HOLD THE LINE FOR ITS PEOPLE
New industry wide campaign calls on businesses and individuals to help protect free, around the clock mental health support for hospitality professionals
The Burnt Chef Project is calling on the hospitality industry to take collective responsibility for protecting the mental health support available to its people through its new fundraising campaign, Hold The Line.
The rolling campaign brings together hospitality businesses, professionals, suppliers and the wider public to help ensure that whenever somebody reaches out for help, a real person is there to answer.
Hold The Line has an initial fundraising target of £200,000 to help sustain The Burnt Chef Project’s free, confidential mental health support during the first 12 months of the campaign.
Available 24 hours a day, the service can connect hospitality professionals with therapy and counselling, mental health coaching, immediate emotional support and signposting, multilingual assistance and practical wellbeing guidance.
There is no waiting list, no referral and no cost to the person asking for help.
The Burnt Chef Project has already supported more than 9,500 people, with its work reaching 184 countries. However, with four in five hospitality professionals reporting that they have experienced at least one mental health issue during their career, the organisation says protecting access to support must become a shared priority for the industry.
Kris Hall, Founder of The Burnt Chef Project, said:
“For years, we have encouraged people across hospitality to speak up and ask for help. Now we need to make sure the support is there when they do.
“As an industry, we cannot keep saying that people are our greatest asset without helping to protect the services they rely on when things become too much.
“Hold The Line gives everybody a practical way to play their part. That could be an individual giving £3 a month, a business making an annual pledge or a supplier encouraging its network to get involved. Collectively, those contributions help ensure there is a real person ready to answer when somebody says, ‘I’m not okay.’
“Our initial target is £200,000 to support the first 12 months of the campaign. It is ambitious, but if the industry gets behind it, it is absolutely achievable.”
The importance of having support available at the point it is needed is reflected in feedback from those who have already used the service.
One hospitality professional said:
“I’ve used the text service recently and can’t tell you how much it helped me through the day, let alone the shift I was on.”
Maidaid has joined Hold The Line as its Headline Partner, making a significant commitment to the campaign and helping The Burnt Chef Project encourage further support from across the hospitality supply chain.
Jag Thandi, CCO at Maidaid, said:
“We supply businesses that depend every day on the skill, resilience and commitment of hospitality teams. Supporting their mental health should be part of how our industry looks after its people.
“We chose to become the Headline Partner of Hold The Line because it turns good intentions into practical action. It helps protect a service people can use now, at no cost and without having to wait.
“We are proud to stand alongside The Burnt Chef Project and hope our commitment encourages more businesses from across hospitality and its supply chain to step forward and consider the part they can play.”
Individuals can join Hold The Line through a regular monthly donation from £3 or make a one off contribution. A donation of £140 can help one person access six therapy sessions.
Businesses can become annual Hold The Line Partners by pledging £250, £500, £1,000 or £2,500 a year. Larger partnerships and global collaborations are also available.
Alongside Headline Partner Maidaid Halcyon, businesses already supporting the campaign include Talent Hive and Butcombe Brewing Co and Culinary Association of Wales.
Although created for hospitality, Hold The Line is open to everyone. Customers, communities, partners and organisations outside the industry can all contribute to protecting the people who welcome, serve and create experiences for others every day.
To donate, become a Hold The Line Partner or find out more, visit:
www.theburntchefproject.com/holdtheline
LRO HOSPITALITY EXPANDS EUROPEAN PORTFOLIO WITH ACQUISITION OF COURTYARD BY MARRIOTT EDINBURGH
The strategic acquisition underscores the momentum of the L+R and PGGM hospitality platform across key European gateway cities
LRO Hospitality, the “core-plus” hospitality investment platform and joint venture between L+R and Dutch pension investor PGGM, has completed the acquisition of the Courtyard by Marriott Edinburgh, further strengthening its portfolio of high-quality hospitality assets across Europe.
The acquisition from a fund managed by CVC Marathon follows LRO Hospitality's recent acquisition of Marriott Brussels Grand Place and reflects the joint venture's continued conviction in well-located, cash-flow-generating hotel assets across key European gateway cities. The transaction represents another significant milestone in the successful deployment of capital through the L+R and PGGM partnership as it continues to build a diversified portfolio of institutional-quality, core-plus hospitality investments.
Located at 1-3 Baxter's Place, Edinburgh EH1 3AF, the 240-bedroom hotel occupies a prominent position in the heart of Scotland's capital, within walking distance of Edinburgh's historic Old Town, New Town and key transport links. The upscale property features a restaurant and grill, terrace, lounge and fitness centre, serving both leisure and business travellers year-round.
The acquisition, for which JLL were the retained advisors on the sale, completed on 30 September 2026. The asset aligns closely with LRO Hospitality's strategy of investing in high-performing hotels in Europe's most resilient urban markets, where strong underlying demand fundamentals, international connectivity and long-term tourism growth present compelling opportunities for value creation. Through its partnership with PGGM, LRO Hospitality continues to identify and acquire assets that can benefit from active asset management, operational optimisation and strategic capital investment.
Following completion, Iconic Hotels & Resorts, L+R's privately owned and operated global collection, will assume operations and management of the hotel. The addition deepens Iconic's presence in key European gateway cities and reflects continued confidence in Edinburgh as one of the UK's most resilient hospitality markets, adding to a growing collection of distinctive city, countryside and resort hotels that pair strong local character with exceptional service.
Henri Wilmes, Chief Investment Officer, LRO Hospitality, commented "The acquisition of Courtyard by Marriott Edinburgh represents another important step in the growth of the LRO Hospitality platform and demonstrates the strength of our partnership with PGGM. This latest acquisition, following our recent investment activity in Brussels, reflects our confidence in the European hospitality sector and the significant opportunities we continue to see across the market."
"We are delighted to have advised CVC Marathon on the successful sale of this prime Edinburgh hotel asset to LRO Hospitality," said Kerr Young, Head of UK National Hotels at JLL. "Edinburgh benefits from a unique combination of cultural heritage, strong year-round demand drivers and exceptional connectivity, making it a highly attractive market for core-plus hotel investment. This transaction demonstrates the depth of institutional capital targeting well-located, cash-flow-generating assets in Europe's leading gateway cities, and we are proud to have delivered an excellent result for our client."
LRO Hospitality continues to actively pursue acquisition opportunities across Europe, leveraging the combined strengths of L+R's hospitality expertise and PGGM's long-term institutional capital. The platform is focused on building a high-quality portfolio of strategically located hotel assets in leading gateway cities, creating sustainable value through disciplined investment and hands-on asset management.
BERKMANN WINE CELLARS BRINGS HISTORIC ARGENTINE PRODUCER RUTINI WINES TO THE UK TRADE
Berkmann Wine Cellars is delighted to announce they are now the UK agents of historic Uco Valley winery, Rutini Wines.
Founded in Mendoza in 1885, Rutini has more than 140 years of winemaking history and has played a pioneering role in the development of the Uco Valley. In 1924, Rutini became the first winery to plant vineyards in the region, long before the Uco Valley became internationally recognised as one of Argentina’s leading wine-producing areas. Today, Rutini’s vineyards span some of Mendoza’s most celebrated high-altitude terroirs, with its modern winery in Tupungato producing wines focused on elegance, freshness and a clear expression of origin.
The winery is entering an exciting new chapter under Juan Pablo Murgia, who joined as Head Winemaker in 2025, working alongside the hugely respected Mariano Di Paola, Rutini’s winemaker for more than three decades. Murgia was named Winemaker of the Year by Tim Atkin MW and ‘One to Watch’ by Decanter; his contemporary perspective further enhances Rutini’s long-established commitment to terroir, precision and elegance.
The Rutini portfolio encompasses a broad range of wines from across Mendoza, including premium Malbec, Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon, distinctive whites and rosé, alongside a selection of fine and limited-production single vineyard cuvées. The range reflects Rutini’s belief that the character of the Uco Valley can be expressed through freshness, balance and finesse, rather than simply power and extraction.
Alex Hunt MW, Purchasing Director at Berkmann Wine Cellars, said:
“We are all extremely excited to begin this partnership with Rutini – a producer with whom we share so many values. With their focus on deliciousness, elegance and terroir expression, fuelled by forward-thinking family ownership, Rutini resonates with our ethos and complements the rest of our range with their distinctive Uco Valley-driven style. It is a privilege to be able to bring these exceptional wines to a wider UK audience.”
Juan Pablo Murgia, Head Winemaker at Rutini Wines, added:
“Partnering with Berkmann Wine Cellars marks an exciting new chapter for Rutini Wines in the UK. We share a deeply aligned vision rooted in family values, professional excellence and a close commitment to supporting the trade. With more than 140 years of winemaking heritage, our focus remains on crafting elegant, terroir-driven wines from the Uco Valley that bring authentic Argentine quality to the table. We are thrilled to work alongside such a respected partner to share our passion and wines with UK consumers and leading venues.”
The partnership adds a significant Argentine producer to Berkmann’s portfolio, strengthening its presence in a category that offers increasing diversity beyond the traditional Malbec proposition.
For the UK trade, the launch offers an opportunity to discover a producer combining deep-rooted Argentine credentials with a contemporary approach to fine wine. With wines spanning reds, whites and rosé and a range of price points, Rutini offers opportunities across hospitality venues and retailers.
Berkmann Wine Cellars will support the launch with dedicated trade training, tastings and customer activity, introducing Rutini’s wines, vineyards and winemaking team to restaurant and retail customers across the UK.
PREFERRED HOTELS & RESORTS EXPANDS PRESTIGIOUS LEGEND COLLECTION AS DEMAND GROWS FOR DESTINATION-LED LUXURY TRAVEL
Eleven unforgettable hotels in some of the world’s most extraordinary destinations reflect growing demand for cultural immersion, nature-forward escapes, personalised city stays, and next-generation resort experiences
Preferred Hotels & Resorts, the world's largest independent hotel brand, announces the continued expansion of its prestigious Legend Collection with the addition of 11 distinguished properties in 2026. The growth has brought new representation across Europe, North America, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East, further strengthening a collection that now encompasses over 125 legendary properties worldwide.
From an exclusive retreat on its own island in Venice and a landmark luxury hotel in the heart of Bangkok, to a new forest sanctuary in India and a highly anticipated resort destination in the United Arab Emirates, the 2026 additions exemplify the unique character, exceptional service, and sense of place that define the Legend Collection. Representing the highest echelon of luxury within Preferred Hotels & Resorts' global portfolio, the Legend Collection is home to unforgettable hotels and resorts worldwide that stand apart through their personalised and intuitive service, renowned dining, exquisite accommodations, and spectacular scenery.
“Today’s luxury traveller is not looking for one prescribed idea of the perfect hotel. They are seeking experiences that speak to their individual interests, whether that means reconnecting with nature, engaging with a destination’s cultural heritage, discovering a new culinary perspective, or experiencing an iconic city from a more personal point of view,” said Lindsey Ueberroth, CEO of Preferred Hotels & Resorts. “The latest additions to our Legend Collection reflect this shift while sharing the distinctive character that make each of them a legendary hotel.”
Cultural Destinations with Heritage at the Centre of the Stay
Travellers are increasingly drawn to hotels that preserve the stories, traditions, and architectural identity of their destinations, a shift supported by findings from Preferred Hotels & Resort’s Luxury Travel Report. At Dusit Thani Bangkok, contemporary luxury is expressed through Thai-inspired design, cultural rituals, and the gracious hospitality that has defined this celebrated landmark for more than seven decades. In Morocco, the new Palais Jamaï Fès opening in October 2026 occupies a restored late 19th-century palace overlooking the historic city, offering an evocative gateway to the enduring heritage of Fes. Another new launch, Serras Sevilla, which made its debut in September 2026 in the heart of one of Spain’s most culturally rich cities, provides an elegant base from which to experience its architecture, gastronomy, and Andalusian spirit.
Regenerative and Nature-Based Travel Continue Gaining Momentum
As travellers continue seeking opportunities to slow down and make more conscious choices with their travels, experiencing nature is becoming an increasingly important part of the luxury hotel experience. Set amidst 76 acres of ancient forests of the Western Ghats mountain range in India, The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary, which made its debut in July 2026, offers a secluded retreat where guests can immerse in the extraordinary biodiversity, culture, and slower rhythms that define the Coorg region. Along the shores of Nevada’s Lake Tahoe, the LEED Silver-certified Edgewood Tahoe Resort pairs refined lakeside hospitality with sweeping mountain scenery, outdoor experiences, and a strong connection to its alpine setting.
Personalized Urban Stays Offer a More Intimate Way to Experience Iconic Cities
Luxury city travel is becoming more personal, with travellers seeking distinctive hotels that reveal a different side of familiar destinations. Set on its own island in the Venetian Lagoon, San Clemente Palace Venice combines the heritage of Venice with the privacy and opulence of a secluded resort. In Lisbon’s historic Baixa Pombalina district, MYTHIC SANA Downtown Suites offers an intimate and highly personalized base in the heart of the Portuguese capital, with a unique Golden Sleeves butler service that tailors every detail – from in-room cocktails to bath rituals – to each guest's preferences.
Located on Barcelona’s prestigious Passeig de Gràcia, BLESS Hotel Barcelona brings together bold design, gastronomy, fashion, and culture in one of the city’s most vibrant districts, while BLESS Ibiza The Site reimagines the iconic island through a sophisticated lens that blends contemporary luxury with Ibiza’s celebrated lifestyle and creative energy. In Charleston, The Cooper offers a distinctly Southern interpretation of luxury, pairing waterfront views and elegant design with an authentic connection to one of America's most historic cities. Collectively, all of these newly opened in 2026 properties demonstrate how today's most sought-after urban hotels are moving beyond accommodation to become gateways to the culture, lifestyle, and unique rhythm of their destinations.
The Rise of Destination-Defining Resorts
Across the Middle East, significant investment in tourism is giving rise to a new generation of world-class destinations and Wynn Al Marjan Island stands as one of the most anticipated examples of this evolution. Set to debut in Ras Al Khaimah in spring 2027, the landmark development will bring a fully integrated resort experience to the United Arab Emirates for the first time, featuring a dazzling 70-story tower that houses more than 1,500 luxury accommodations, over 20 dining venues, a beach club, and other luxury amenities that include a private marina, lush gardens, and pools.
The Legend Collection members that have joined the Preferred Hotels & Resorts portfolio in 2026 include:
- BLESS Hotel Barcelona (Barcelona, Spain) – New Opening – Launched in August 2026
- BLESS Ibiza The Site (Ibiza, Spain) – New Opening – Launched in June 2026
- Dusit Thani Bangkok (Bangkok, Thailand)
- Edgewood Tahoe Resort (Stateline, Nevada, United States)
- MYTHIC SANA Downtown Suites (Lisbon, Portugal) – New Opening – Launched in December 2025
- Palais Jamai Fes (Fès Médina, Morocco) - New Opening – Launching in October 2026
- San Clemente Palace Venice (Venice, Italy)
- Serras Sevilla (Seville, Spain) – New Opening – Launched in September 2026
- The Cooper (Charleston, South Carolina, United States) – New Opening – Launched in March 2026
- The Leela Coorg Forest Sanctuary (Madikeri, India) – New Opening – Launched in July 2026
- Wynn Al Marjan Island (United Arab Emirates) – New Opening – Launching in spring 2027