Natalie Murray

WILDERNESS RESERVE STRENGTHENS LEADERSHIP TEAM WITH THREE NEW APPOINTMENTS

The Suffolk estate bolsters its hospitality offering with key hires across sales, food & beverage, and culinary direction

Wilderness Reserve, the extraordinary 6,000-acre private estate in Suffolk's Yox Valley, announces three significant appointments as it enters its next chapter of growth. Under the leadership of Chief Operating Officer Francisco Macedo, the estate welcomes Erika Steward as Director of Hospitality Sales, Ricardo Morillo as Corporate Beverage Director, and Matthaios Tsistrakis as Executive Chef - deepening its reputation as one of Britain's most exceptional private retreats.

Set within 6,000 acres of rolling parkland, woodland and lakes in Suffolk’s Yox Valley, Wilderness Reserve spans three adjoining estates, Sibton Park, Chapel Barn, and the latest addition of Blyth Barn, with 27 houses across the estates. With each estate offering an exceptional collection of homes and cottages, homes range from one bedroom ‘lost’ cottages with their own lakes and rowing boats, to Spa Houses designed with larger groups in mind, complete with hot tubs, saunas and steam rooms.

Erika Steward joins as Director of Hospitality Sales, bringing a distinguished career across some of the UK's most celebrated luxury properties. Most recently Group Head of Sales at Andrew Brownsword Hotels - a portfolio of thirteen properties including Gidleigh Park and The Bath Priory - Erika has also held senior leadership roles as Head of Sales at Iconic Luxury Hotels , inclusive of Chewton Glen and The Lygon Arms. With deep-rooted relationships across the luxury leisure market and extensive experience with networks including Virtuoso, Traveller Made, and Relais & Châteaux, she will lead leisure sales strategy and drive group bookings for the estate.

Ricardo Morillo takes on the role of Corporate Beverage Director, bringing over 17 years of experience in luxury hospitality spanning Michelin-starred restaurants and international luxury venues. Most recently Lounge & Bar Manager at Cliveden House, Ricardo has built a reputation for creative excellence and commercial rigour - from the development of the Iconic Gin concept to delivering world-class event experiences for global luxury brands. At Wilderness Reserve, he will refine and elevate the estate's food and beverage offering across all settings.

Matthaios (Matt) Tsistrakis joins as Executive Chef, bringing over two decades of experience in leading hotels and premium dining environments. Originally from Crete, Matt's culinary philosophy is rooted in a deep respect for provenance, seasonality, and the integrity of ingredients - a philosophy that finds a natural home in the Suffolk landscape. His appointment marks a significant development for Wilderness Reserve's celebrated culinary programme, renowned for its Fire Feasts and deeply bespoke guest-led dining experiences, as the estate looks to further elevate its offering.

Francisco Macedo, Chief Operating Officer, comments:

"Wilderness Reserve has always been something truly special, a place where nature, architecture and genuine human connection come together in a way that cannot be replicated. What makes it exceptional is the team behind it, and these appointments are about adding further strength to an already outstanding group of people. We are not changing who we are, we are building on it. Each individual brings a distinct perspective that sharpens how we present the estate, how we deliver the experience, and how we continue to raise the bar across every touchpoint. With an exciting period ahead in 2026, this is a deliberate step forward, investing in our people to ensure we continue to deliver something truly remarkable.”

Looking ahead, a series of considerable developments will further enrich the Wilderness Reserve estate. These include Otter Lodge, a secluded lakeside spa retreat; the full restoration of Cockfield Hall, offering guests an immersive stay within the restored Suffolk landscape; and the thoughtful restoration of The Griffin in Yoxford as a welcoming village pub.

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by Natalie Murray

Artiq unveils a sensory art journey at Six Senses London

An art tour through Six Senses London at The Whiteley: renewal, tactility and the modern renaissance of a London landmark…

 

Artiq has curated and commissioned a significant, building-wide art collection for Six Senses London, marking the next chapter in the evolution of The Whiteley – London’s first great department store and one of Bayswater’s most recognisable Grade II listed landmarks.

Spanning lobby, restaurant, bar, members’ spaces, meeting rooms and spa, the predominantly commission-led collection has been conceived as an integrated cultural programme rather than a decorative addition. Responding directly to the architecture, interior materiality and historic identity of The Whiteley, the works form a cohesive narrative shaped by tactility, tone and atmosphere.

 

Once described as an “emporium of the senses”, Whiteley’s original ambition provides the conceptual foundation. Artiq’s curatorial approach reinterprets this legacy through contemporary practice, bringing together a roster of largely London-based artists whose work explores texture, process and material intelligence. The result is a layered and immersive collection that unfolds gradually throughout the building – reinforcing Six Senses’ commitment to wellbeing, sustainability and sensory awareness.

 

Beth Flemming, Arts Director of Artiq, comments:

“Each work contributes to a wider story of renewal. Subtle references to landscape, geology, textile and gesture echo the hotel’s interior palette and architectural rhythm, creating moments of pause and depth within spaces designed for gathering, restoration and reflection.”

 

Patrick McCrae, CEO of Artiq, comments:

“The Whiteley carries extraordinary cultural memory. Our ambition was to honour that history while ensuring the collection feels entirely of its moment. By commissioning artists whose practices centre material, sustainability and process, we’ve created a body of work that supports the hotel’s philosophy of considered living – one that reveals itself over time and strengthens the guest experience in lasting ways.”

 

The collection has been curated around the framework of three pillars.

Emporium of the senses

 

Inside the hotel, every space, designed by interior design firm AvroKO, is conceived to support spiritual balance and physical wellbeing. The art collection extends this ethos. Through layered surfaces, considered juxtapositions and a palette drawn from the natural world, the works invite quiet introspection and heightened sensory awareness.

Balance guides the curatorial approach: harmonious yet gently dynamic compositions bring subtle energy to lobbies, bars, guestrooms and spa areas. The outside is drawn inward through references to geology, landscape and organic form, echoing the hotel’s material language of timber, stone, ceramic and woven textiles.

 

Luca Ferraro, Senior Design Manager at AvroKO, comments:

 

"Honouring Whiteley's historic emporium, our selection acts as a visual bridge across time. Championing British artists, we mixed traditional paintings with tactile pieces, grounding this landmark in a modern experience that embodies Six Senses' values."  

 

Sustaining wellness

Rooted in connection to the local environment, the collection foregrounds artists whose practices embrace sustainable production methods and mindful material sourcing. In dialogue with Six Senses’ environmental advocacy, the curation privileges reverence, restraint and renewal.

Foraged pigments, recycled materials, hand-processes and low-impact methodologies reflect a shared awareness of impact. The works evoke awe for the natural world while nurturing both inner calm and collective responsibility.

 

Modern renaissance

The collection engages directly with Whiteley’s past, recognising the building as a site of ambition, spectacle and civic confidence. That legacy is carried forward through contemporary practices that prioritise material, process and restraint.

Historic detail and architectural rhythm inform the works without being overtly quoted. References surface in structure, palette and texture rather than ornament. What emerges is a confident moment of renewal – a dialogue between eras that feels deliberate, intelligent and entirely current.

The lobby: texture, gesture, grounding

The predominantly commission-led body of work in the lobby establishes the collection’s holistic intent. Unifying textiles, expressive mark-making and material-led processes, the works anchor the arrival experience with warmth and composure.

Working through the art historical trope of landscape, Sam Llewellyn-Janes explores natural history and deep time. Drawing on geology, astronomy and pre-historic and contemporary flora and fauna, his practice examines humanity’s relationship to the material world.

Central to his commissioned works are rubbing drawings. Through contact and transfer, frottage becomes a method of layering strata of carefully selected objects. The resulting compositions are materially indexed – recording texture and presence while collapsing the boundary between object and image. The works carry a palpable sense of time, echoing the building’s layered narrative.

Rooted in intuitive mark-making, Rachael Addis creates abstracted landscapes through the accumulation of layered paint and pattern. Influenced by formative years between the Lake District and Asia, and informed by Zen Buddhism and 1950s Abstract Expressionism, she approaches the painted surface as both physical and contemplative space.

For Six Senses London, she abandoned traditional brushes in favour of found and recycled materials, including discarded toy fragments. Rhythmic, meditative gestures build densely worked surfaces inspired by London’s shifting urban landscapes, rendered in elevated jewel tones that echo the hotel’s interior palette.

A conceptual textile and screen-print artist, Janine Saul interrogates the boundaries between craft and contemporary fine art. Her experimental screen-printing processes and spatial installations explore texture, movement and the tension between control and intuition.

Blending craft, conceptual thinking and spatial awareness, her works reveal the unseen emotional qualities of space – a fitting dialogue with a building defined by reinvention.

 

Ground floor: alchemy and elemental form

Within the Alchemist Library, bespoke works by Genevieve Levold and Ana Benavides unfold in fluid, jewel-toned compositions of deep green, burnished gold and mineral blue. Echoing the bar’s rich palette, the paintings evoke shifting landscapes and elemental movement.

Layered gestures and luminous tonal transitions create a sense of alchemy in motion – nature distilled into immersive, sensorial form.

In the lift lobby and bathrooms, modernist works by Sam Wood blend rural and urban influences through relaxed, gestural drawing and floral and architectural motifs, while works by Laura Menzies introduce further tonal dialogue and spatial softness.

 

First floor: through the window

Under the central skylight of the members’ floor, Through the Window brings together London-based artists exploring memory, interiority and emotional light. Inspired by architectural transparency and quiet openness, the collection encourages reflection beneath the glazed canopy.

Artists include Matt James Brown, Pam Winbolt, Marta Adalis, Paula Bosco, Lisa Price, Carla Noronha, Olha Pryymak, KP Khin, Marcus Aitken, Juliet Ferguson-Rose, Linda Khatri, Nowshin Prenon, Gala Bell, Fiona White and Valerie Kuzina – forming a contemplative constellation that softens and humanises the club environment.

In the meeting rooms, works by Julita Elbe and Charlotte Cuny introduce clarity, compositional restraint and textural nuance.

 

The spa: materials of the earth

In the Whiteley x Six Senses Spa, art and wellness converge. Commissioned works offer moments of visual stillness and subtle delight, inspired by the delicate rhythm of nature.

Lisa-Marie’s meticulous practice centres on handmade watercolours created from foraged earth minerals. Rejecting commercially available paints, she sources pigments from varied environments, weaving a direct bond between material and landscape.

Immersing herself in both urban and rural terrains, she translates the sights, sounds and scents of place into a restrained, mineral-rich visual language. Each stroke carries the energy of the land from which it derives – aligning seamlessly with Six Senses’ philosophy of ecological awareness and embodied wellbeing.

 

A new chapter for The Whiteley

Throughout Six Senses London, the art collection is embedded within the fabric of the building. It moves with the architecture, aligns with the interior materiality and reinforces the hotel’s emphasis on sensory awareness and wellbeing.

The works build presence gradually. Texture, tone and process create depth across spaces designed for gathering, restoration and retreat — shaping an experience that feels cohesive, grounded and distinctly of its setting.

In a neighbourhood long overlooked and now in renewal, this collection signals a more nuanced form of luxury – one grounded in tactility, sustainability and cultural depth.

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by Natalie Murray

First Brionj Luxury Hotel Collection property in Germany – “The Baltic View“ to open in spring 2026

Exclusive Baltic Sea location with a strong connection to nature: The property will feature 14 luxury apartments of up to 160 sqm, offering a coastal retreat for discerning guests.

An exceptional hospitality concept is taking shape on the Baltic coast of Rügen, combining multiple strategic dimensions: The property will operate as a curated “Signature House” within the Brionj Luxury Hotel Collection, while simultaneously expanding the international brand portfolio of Grand Metropolitan Hotels with a distinctive destination in Germany. The property is operated by VELA Hotels and completion is scheduled for spring 2026, with the official launch planned for April 30, 2026.

 

 

THE BALTIC VIEW comprises 14 spacious luxury apartments with up to 160 square meters of living space and is deliberately positioned as a premium alternative between a traditional luxury hotel and high-end private living. At its core is a highly individualized guest experience that combines privacy, refined design, and personalized service, consistently aligned with the philosophy of the Brionj Luxury Hotel Collection, which focuses on character-driven properties rather than standardized hotel products.

Inclusion in the Brionj portfolio follows a clear curatorial approach: properties distinguished by exceptional locations, architectural individuality, and strong emotional guest appeal.

“The Baltic View exemplifies the evolution of modern luxury hospitality. It means less convention, more experiential quality, and greater individuality,”

says Laura Nissen, Director of the Brionj Luxury Hotel Collection.

The property’s direct location on the Baltic Sea defines both the character and concept of the property. Architecture and interior design follow a clear, contemporary aesthetic, featuring high-quality materials, expansive glass elements, and a refined, minimalist design language. All apartments include a private sauna, fireplace, and sea view, complemented by exclusive access to the spa facilities of the adjacent THE SHORELINE-Resort. Guests can enjoy a heated indoor pool, a sauna area with Finnish sauna, sanarium, and infrared sauna, as well as relaxation areas with sea views and an outdoor terrace. Additional amenities include treatment rooms, a fitness area, and an ice fountain. A concierge service, a private chef on request, and further personalized services are part of the offering.

The concept is designed for discerning guests seeking tranquillity, space, and a slower, more mindful travel experience, without compromising on urban comfort.

With THE BALTIC VIEW, the Brionj Luxury Hotel Collection and Grand Metropolitan Hotels expand their portfolio with a Nordic-inspired coastal retreat that caters equally to long stays and short getaways. Curated recommendations, tailored services, and personalized guest care intentionally replace anonymous standard processes. The focus is on quality of stay rather than maximizing occupancy.

Strategically, the project marks another step in the selective growth of both brands: Brionj strengthens its positioning as a collection of exceptional signature properties, while Grand Metropolitan Hotels continues to expand its footprint in the German-speaking market as well as in the luxury and boutique segments.

Ventis develops the projects together with its subsidiary VELA Hotels, which then operates the properties. VELA Hotels stands for modern hospitality concepts with a strong brand identity and operational excellence. As operator of THE BALTIC VIEW, VELA Hotels is responsible for both the development and management of the project, integrating digital processes to ensure seamless operations while maintaining a high level of personalized guest service.

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by Natalie Murray

Dominus opens The Derby London City, Curio Collection by Hilton The former office building has been transformed to create a new lifestyle hotel inspired by its City of London location

Dominus, a leading investor, developer, and operator in the hotel and student living sectors, has now opened The Derby London City, Curio Collection by Hilton, a new 234-room hotel in the City of London.

 

 

Located at 5–10 Great Tower Street, the hotel has been delivered through Dominus’ expertise in repurposing underutilised offices, creating a new lifestyle hotel in the heart of the Square Mile.

Owned by Dominus and operated by its in-house platform Dominus Hospitality, the opening marks the latest step in its long-term strategy to grow its operational hotel portfolio across central London.

The hotel’s name, inspired by the iconic bowler hat known as a “Derby”, pays tribute to a symbol of British style, its location in the Square Mile and the building’s history as a bank.

Dominus worked with leading hospitality architects Studio Moren and Axiom, to deliver a retrofit-first approach targeting BREEAM Excellent that retained 100% of the original substructure and 70% of the superstructure and façade.  A new 3-storey roof extension has created a contemporary mansard roof with dormer windows, introducing subtle verticality while respecting the broader setting.

Interior design, curated in collaboration with the globally renowned design studio AvroKO, retains and reinterprets key historic features from the former bank, including a Treasury Wall, a bespoke feature wall inspired by bank vaults.

 

 

On the ground floor is Rycrofte’s Restaurant, Coffeehouse and Bar. The all-day British dining concept is inspired by Sir John Rycrofte, Sergeant of the Larder to Henry VII and Henry VIII, believed to be buried in the neighbouring St Dunstan in the East Church Gardens.

The hotel’s transformation supports the City of London Corporation’s Destination City growth strategy, which aims to strengthen the Square Mile as a vibrant, seven-day-a-week destination, by diversifying its offer and encouraging a richer blend of workplaces, cultural attractions, hospitality and public spaces.

With the Tower of London and St Paul’s Cathedral within walking distance, and eight London Underground stations nearby, the hotel is positioned to appeal to both business and leisure travellers.

The Derby London City, Curio Collection by Hilton, joins an existing portfolio of hotels owned and operated by Dominus, including Lost Property St. Paul’s London, Curio Collection by Hilton, Hampton by Hilton Bath City and Hampton by Hilton London City. Dominus’ development pipeline of 1,700 hotel keys includes 123 Judd Street in Camden and Ibex House in Aldgate.

 

Preet Ahluwalia, Chief Executive Officer, Dominus, said:

“London is a world-leading destination, with occupancy across our portfolio outperforming the wider market as demand for high quality, well-located hotels continues to grow. Since acquiring the site in 2023, we’ve invested in refurbishing and upgrading the building to create a hotel that will offer an exceptional guest experience in the Square Mile. The Derby reflects our strategy to scale our portfolio by repositioning underutilised sites to meet growing tourist demand.”

Matt Williams, Director of Hotels, Dominus Hospitality, said:

“Building on the success of our partnership with Hilton, through which we have already delivered three hotels including our first Curio Collection property, Lost Property St Paul’s, we know The Derby will offer guests a unique experience in one of London’s most well-connected, historic areas.

Even before we officially opened, both The Derby and Rycrofte’s have seen strong pre-booking from corporate and leisure guests, driven by its prime location. The Derby represents the next step in our commitment to delivering exceptional, sustainable and design-led hotels for our guests to experience.”

Stephen Cassidy, senior vice president, UK & Ireland, Hilton, said:

"The Derby represents another successful collaboration between Hilton and Dominus and is a clear demonstration of the strength of our partnership. We’re proud to introduce such a distinctive hotel to London - one that celebrates the character and heritage of the city while offering guests something fresh and memorable. This opening also reinforces the continued growth of Curio Collection across the UK, underlining the strength of our lifestyle portfolio and the continued demand for individual, high‑quality hotels in key destinations."

Tom Sleigh, Chairman of the City of London Corporation Planning and Transportation Committee, said:

“The Derby London City is a welcome addition to the Square Mile, demonstrating how existing buildings can be thoughtfully repurposed to contribute to the City of London Corporation’s Destination City growth strategy and create a more vibrant, seven-day-a-week City.

“New hotels like this are key to strengthening the City’s appeal as a leading global destination for business and leisure visitors alike, with our soon to be adopted Local Plan (City Plan 2040) committing us to increasing hotel accommodation by 350 rooms per year after 2030.”

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by Natalie Murray

The Hoxton Is Bringing Dream Parties to Life Across The Globe (and picking up the bill)

The Hoxton is no stranger to a good party. For the past 20 years, it has played host to just about every kind of celebration in some of the world’s coolest neighbourhoods across Europe and the US. But this spring, the tables are turning. The Hoxton is calling on party people to pitch their dream shindig, with the chance to see it brought to life for real, on the house.

 

 

There’s no stressing about the planning minutiae, making sure the music is just right or keeping guests fed and watered. The Hoxton team will handle it all from start to finish, bringing each winning idea to life in signature Hox style, and covering all costs along the way. Imagination is key, and there are no limits on what can be celebrated at The Hox, so think beyond just balloons, cake and confetti and bring something a little more unexpected to the table, because this is very much a choose your own adventure.

Each of the three winning parties will be hosted in one of The Hoxton’s Apartments: flexible, design-led event spaces suited to all kinds of occasions, with moveable walls and disguised tech that help things flow seamlessly. Comprising multiple offshoot rooms set around a central pantry kitchen (where all the best parties end up), the spaces lend themselves to dinners, drinks and dancing, or something a little more adventurous. Think hidden karaoke booths, pop-up tattoo parlours, listening lounges, intimate fashion presentations, press launches… the possibilities are endless.

And what’s a party without great drinks? Picture the night beginning with the premium elegance of a chilled GREY GOOSE Vodka Martini - crisp, iconic, effortlessly cool. Then the tempo rises: bold, celebratory perfect pours of PATRÓN Tequila bring that shared, electric energy to the room. Behind the bar, the masters of mixology use BACARDÍ Rum to turn every serve into a moment that moves you - vibrant, refreshing cocktails crafted with precision, flair and just the right amount of theatre, finished with Fever-Tree.

For those with more than one idea up their sleeve, Hox Hosts is a new offering for anyone with a moment they want to make happen but need a hand pulling together. From wellness sessions, work away days, celebrations big and small and much more, The Hoxton has it covered. And it’s not just The Apartments; there are all sorts of spaces to take over, from auditoriums and private houses to expansive courtyards and rooftop pools, plus, of course, beautifully designed bars and restaurants.

Entries for Let Us Pay For Your Party are now open (closing 16 April 5PM ET), so it’s time to stop dreaming about that big bash and make it a reality.

https://thehoxton.com/let-us-pay-competition-terms-and-conditions/

Link to enter: https://thehoxton.com/let-us-pay-for-your-party/

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by Natalie Murray

Jersey Hotel Introduces Tailored Retreat Hosting Experience for Wellness Leaders

Hotel de France, one of Jersey’s leading luxury hotels, has unveiled a new offering designed specifically for retreat hosts, making it easier than ever to bring groups to the hotel for developing retreat experiences. Alongside this service, the hotel has introduced a flexible retreat package – Ayush Wellness Retreat Package  - that can be tailored to suit the unique needs of organisers, allowing hosts to create personalised, seamless experiences for their guests in a supportive and wellness-focused setting.

The Ayush Wellness Retreat Package includes exclusive group stay, daily studio use, nourishing breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and a Ayurvedic group workshop or consultation. Guests can also enjoy full access to the spa facilities, optional treatment add-ons, and curated experiences such as a guided coastal walk or cold-water swimming with beach sauna, alongside seamless airport transfers.

Located in the heart of St Helier, the hotel provides an exceptional island escape setting for immersive and restorative retreats. Just a short journey from the UK, Jersey’s mild climate and tranquil surroundings create a naturally calming environment where guests can disconnect from daily life and fully focus on their wellbeing.

Blending timeless elegance with contemporary comfort, this four-star hotel offers 129 stylish rooms alongside the award-winning Ayush Wellness Spa and Healthhaus Fitness Centre, providing a comprehensive approach to relaxation and rejuvenation. Enhancing the experience further is nourishing, thoughtfully crafted cuisine at La Terrasse Restaurant & Bar, offering the ideal foundation for meaningful wellness stays.

Ideal for intimate groups of 8–12 guests, the hotel combines a sense of luxury with a highly personalised atmosphere. Whether hosting yoga and mindfulness retreats, fitness programmes, holistic healing experiences, or corporate wellbeing escapes, the integrated facilities and serene setting ensure each retreat is seamless, impactful, and memorable.

A key highlight is the expansive Ayush Wellness Spa, a tranquil sanctuary designed to support rest, reconnection, and transformation. Guests can enjoy a full suite of world-class facilities, including an infinity pool, hydrotherapy pool with jacuzzi, hot and cold plunge pools, sauna and steam room, eight private treatment suites (including four double suites), relaxation room, and a quiet lounge.

Retreat programmes can be further enhanced through personalised wellness consultations with in-house Ayurveda physician, Dr Prasanna, who offers expert guidance alongside tailored therapies and holistic treatments.

The hotel’s experienced team works closely with organisers to curate every detail, from studio setup and treatment schedules to bespoke menus and curated island excursions, ensuring a truly seamless and inspiring experience from start to finish.

Perfect for:

• Yoga and meditation retreats
• Holistic and Ayurvedic retreats
• Corporate wellbeing and leadership retreats
• Mindfulness and stress-management experiences
• Pilates and movement intensives
• Fitness and transformation programmes

Dr Prasanna, Spa Director at Hotel de France, said:

“We’re incredibly excited to be opening the hotel to retreat organisers, inviting them to host fully bespoke wellness experiences in such a unique and inspiring setting. With the combination of our award-winning wellness facilities, tranquil surroundings, and the natural beauty of the island, we believe we’re perfectly positioned to deliver truly exceptional retreats that are both immersive and deeply restorative. This launch marks an exciting new chapter for us, and we look forward to welcoming organisers and their guests to experience everything the hotel has to offer.”

With its unique blend of location, luxury, and holistic expertise, Hotel de France is set to become a leading destination for curated retreat experiences in the Channel Islands.

https://www.defrance.co.uk/promotions/spa-retreats

Hotel de France, St Saviour's Road, Jersey, St Helier, JE1 7XP

https://www.defrance.co.uk/

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by Natalie Murray

ORA HOSPITALITY APPOINTS VINCENZO FALCONE AS CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

ORA Hospitality, the luxury travel arm of ORA Developers, today announces the appointment of Vincenzo Falcone as Chief Executive Officer. In this position, Falcone will be responsible for defining and executing the company’s strategic vision; driving financial performance and sustainable growth while ensuring operational excellence across all properties, which include a breadth of upcoming global expansion as well as the portfolio’s current hero property, Silversands Collection Grenada.

 

 

Falcone brings over 30 years of global leadership experience in ultra-luxe hospitality to his new role, joining the ORA team from a 7-year stint at Bvlgari Hotels & Resorts, where he led Bvlgari Hotel Milano and then Bvlgari Hotel Roma as General Manager. Previously, Falcone held leadership positions in luxury properties across Europe's major cities, including 4 years with Starwood Hotels & Resorts and over 10 years at St. Regis Hotels & Resorts.

 

A passionate hotelier, Falcone’s career has been marked by tireless work to build outstanding internal teams, strong industry relationships and unmatched guest experiences. As CEO, Falcone will focus on strengthening ORA Hospitality’s global positioning while leading key partnerships and business development initiatives to support the company’s continued expansion.

 

“I’m honored to join ORA Hospitality during an exciting era of growth. It is a privilege to begin working with this best-in-class team as we define the brand’s next chapter, and I look forward to all that is to come for its growing collection,”

comments Vincenzo Falcone, CEO of ORA Hospitality.

 

Naguib Sawiris, Chairman and CEO at ORA Developers, adds

“Vincenzo is someone who understands that true luxury is built on discipline: in the product, the team, and the vision. That alignment with how we build at ORA is what made this decision easy.”

 

Lana Sawiris, Global Chief Commercial Officer at ORA Developers, says

“We've been intentional about who leads ORA Hospitality into this next stage of growth -  someone who can hold the brand standard and drive commercial results simultaneously. Vincenzo has done exactly that at the highest level of luxury hospitality, and that's precisely what this moment for us calls for.”

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by Natalie Murray

CANES & TALES AT WALDORF ASTORIA OSAKA CELEBRATES FIRST ANNIVERSARY WITH KENTA GOTO TAKEOVER

To celebrate the first anniversary of Canes & Tales at Waldorf Astoria Osaka, the bar hosted internationally acclaimed bartender Kenta Goto (Bar Goto, Bar Goto Niban) for an exclusive one-day masterclass and guest shift on Friday, 3 April.

 

Born and raised in Tokyo, Kenta Goto has built a 20-year bartending career in New York. Following a seven-year tenure at the acclaimed Pegu Club, he opened Bar Goto on Manhattan’s Lower East Side in 2015, followed by Bar Goto Niban in Brooklyn’s Park Slope in 2020. This event marked a rare appearance by Kenta Goto in Osaka and highlighted the growing exchange between Japan and the international cocktail community.

 

The sold-out masterclass, offered to the local bar community, explored Japanese-style cocktail techniques, flavor balance, and Kenta’s approach to translating his cocktail philosophy into consistently high-quality guest experiences.

 

The guest shift ran from 7PM until sold out, featuring a curated selection of Kenta’s most iconic cocktails sponsored by Suntory. Coinciding with cherry blossom season, the menu subtly highlights the delicate flavors of sakura while blending American classics with Japanese ingredients and flavors. Highlights include Bar Goto’s signature Sakura Martini (Haku Vodka, Roku Gin, and Kanade Japanese Cherry Blossom), Yuzu Blossom (Roku Gin, Kanade Yuzu, Italian Bitter, Lime and Yuzu), Iyemon Old Fashioned (Haku Vodka, Roku Gin, Kanade Matcha, Iyemon Sencha) and Sakura Ramos Fizz (Roku Gin, Kanade Sakura, Double Cream, Egg White, Lemon, Sakura Bitters, Sparkling Water).

 

“Marking our first anniversary is a meaningful milestone for Waldorf Astoria Osaka,” said Andrew Moore, General Manager. “As a brand born in New York, it is especially meaningful to celebrate this occasion with Kenta Goto, who has built his remarkable career in New York while bringing Japanese craftsmanship to the global stage. We are sincerely thankful to our guests and the Osaka community for welcoming us so warmly. Experiences like this collaboration at Canes & Tales embody our vision of connecting cultures and creating memorable moments through exceptional hospitality.”

 

Originally opening its doors on 3 April 2025, Canes & Tales has become a must-visit destination for cocktails in Osaka and a key part of the local bar community. Tucked at the end of a dimly lit corridor on the 28th floor of the Waldorf Astoria Osaka, the intimate 47-seat bar is hidden behind an alluring dark green door, distinguishable only by a symbolic gold ampersand. Canes & Tales reinterprets the spirit of the 1930s American Jazz Age through a contemporary, cross-cultural lens, merging sophisticated, old world New York with Osaka’s artistic and historical identity. Designed by internationally renowned designer André Fu, Canes & Tales evokes the spirited sense of escape into a re-imagined world of Osaka’s heritage and charm.

 

The bar’s inaugural menu, Tales of the Jazz Age, reimagines each of the 11 narratives found within F. Scott Fitzgerald’s famous book of short stories. The team is underway with development for the next menu, also inspired by a renowned literary work and set to launch later this year.

 

Canes & Tales has hosted an impressive lineup of local and international talent over the course of its first year, including the first-ever programming as part of The Essence Series, a new initiative from Hilton’s luxury brands aiming to foster connection and creativity within the bar community, showcasing top bar talents across Asia-Pacific through masterclasses, guest shifts and cultural immersions.

 

Reservations may be made here and walk-ins are also available. For more information, visit the website here or follow on Instagram @canesandtales.

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by Natalie Murray