DISCOVER TAKARA BELMONT BEAUTY - AN INSPIRING NEW COLLECTION THAT INHERITS OVER A CENTURY OF EXPERTISE, EXPERIENCE AND INNOVATION!
Discover Takara Belmont Beauty - an inspiring new collection that inherits over a century of expertise, experience and innovation!
Takara Belmont launches a stunning collection of Aesthetic Beds, Multi-Purpose Chairs, Stools and Accessories in the UK beauty and spa industry
For more than a century, Takara Belmont has led a transformation in the global salon, beauty and dental industries, creating some of the world’s most innovative and iconic equipment, and advanced technology. Renowned in the UK for products that define client and patient experiences in hairdressing, barbering and dentistry, all our expertise is now embodied in a brand new collection designed exclusively for the beauty and spa sector. Combining timeless design with superior comfort and industry-leading functionality, Takara Belmont’s beauty collection continues our pursuit of perfection with an exquisite range that raises standards of quality, performance and reliability.
A collection crafted on decades of expertise in global wellness
Featuring a selection of Aesthetic Beds, Multi-Purpose Chairs, Stools and Accessories, every product inherits more than a century of expertise and innovation in the global healthcare and wellness industries. Plus, in a perfectly timed strategic move into the fast-growing UK spa and wellness sector, Takara Belmont’s Yume Head Spa will form part of its exclusive offering to beauty salons and spas. As creators of the Original Japanese Head Spa, this exclusive and immersive treatment combines heritage Japanese scalp therapies with our authentic Head Spa equipment to transform wellness experiences and deliver proven benefits to hair and scalp health. As the fastest-growing treatment in hair salons in recent years, the Yume Head Spa package is now gaining widespread popularity in beauty and spa settings.
Takara Belmont’s National Sales Manager Katie Fielder comments:
Takara Belmont is a globally trusted and well-established name across the high-end salon, wellness and dental industries. Our reputation for combining Japanese artisan craftsmanship with cutting-edge innovation presents levels of quality and reliability that are unrivalled in the markets we serve. As with all our products, our new beauty collection features technology-driven functionality, world-class design and engineering, and matchless quality. Our Yume Head Spa package perfectly complements this range and we’re so excited to be sharing this with beauty and spa professionals.
We manufacture and source the finest materials and components to elevate luxury and comfort, and ensure the ultimate in ergonomics for clients and therapists alike. Our aim is always to enhance treatment experiences, and deliver long-lasting performance for salons and spas as sustainably as possible
For many decades, Takara Belmont’s presence in beauty and wellness, predominantly in the US and Asia-Pacific markets, has earned the brand a world-class reputation for thought-leadership and equipment solutions that define the present and shape the future of treatment experiences for clients, and industry professionals.
Let’s take a look at a selection of products from the range:
Esthe Place - aesthetic bed
Immerse your clients in pure luxury. Esthe Place reclines effortlessly into a full lie-flat position to envelop clients in sumptuous comfort and transform every treatment into a haven for wellness.
Evri-1N - aesthetic bed
Enhance every moment as you effortlessly recline your client in personalised comfort. The adjustable backrest and folding headrest gently conform to the body’s natural contours, as silent motorised movements ensure the mood is never broken - leaving clients free to drift away in pure, unhurried bliss.
Cil - multi-purpose chair
With comfort, intelligent functionality and versatility at its heart, the Cil effortlessly refines a wide range of treatments for clients, nail technicians and beauty therapists. Serve your client and stow the foot wagon away after use to free up valuable floor space and keep the salon looking sleek and uncluttered.
Riche - multi-purpose chair
Riche inherits our decades of expertise in medical seating - including ophthalmology chairs. Refined, sophisticated and eminently poised, it delivers unrivalled safety and comfort, and ease-of-use for clients and technicians while reducing fatigue and elevating every treatment into a luxurious experience.
Riche stool
As the perfect partner to the Riche multi-purpose chair, the Riche stool perfectly blends ergonomic comfort and versatile mobility with modern design. Ergonomically designed with back support, it keeps technicians comfortable and focused, even during the longest treatment sessions.
Pedi-stool
Built to support beauty professionals through detailed, posture-sensitive treatments. With its wide, stable base, smooth mobility, and ergonomic seat, it delivers the perfect balance of comfort and control. Whether you're performing pedicures or foot-care treatments this stool keeps you steady, supported, and effortlessly mobile.
Riche trolley
Featuring a spinning tray with smooth rotation and adjustable height, this trolley is ideal for keeping key items close at hand to streamline your workflow. A lower pull-out tray offers practical storage for additional products, ensuring everything you need is right where you need it.
Cherie - nail table
Efficient and practical, store products and tools on Cherie's integral shelf to leave your workspace uncluttered, so you can focus on indulging your clients in conversation and exceptional nail care.
Why choose Takara Belmont?
Established in Osaka, Japan in 1921, Takara Belmont’s beauty collection is a seamless continuation of our journey into wellness. We relentlessly innovate to create products that transform treatment experiences, redefine ergonomics for professional therapists, and contribute towards the success of beauty, hairdressing and healthcare businesses worldwide. Our heritage and reputation give you the confidence you need to succeed at what you do best - serving your clients, looking after your team and taking care of your business. Our world-leading products are designed to perform in a busy and demanding setting without letting you down, or degrading over time.
Plus, in a world facing economic challenges, we have introduced a 0% zero deposit Finance Lease Scheme. This allows you to invest in the world’s best equipment in an affordable and tax efficient way. Available over 2 years, you can own the equipment outright at the end of the term or upgrade and start a fresh agreement.
Discover Takara Belmont Beauty - an inspiring collection that inherits our world-class reputation - crafted exclusively for beauty.
A NEW ART CHAPTER FOR KULM HOTEL ST. MORITZ
At 1,865 metres above sea level, Kulm Hotel St. Moritz has spent more than 170 years becoming part of the cultural fabric of the Engadin. From its position among the lakes and mountains of St. Moritz, the hotel has welcomed generations of guests – and, over time, built a collection of art that reflects both its history and its distinctive sense of place.
Now, as the hotel embarks on a full-scale renovation as part of the Kulm Masterplan, led by Foster + Partners, that collection is entering a new chapter of its own.
Artiq has been appointed to provide long-term art strategy and collection management, working with the Kulm team to understand, preserve and activate the collection as the hotel evolves.
“As Kulm embarks on a multi-million transformation of the hotel, the role of the art collection becomes increasingly important – not only in understanding and preserving our heritage, but also in helping shape the future guest experience,” says Yves Dewaegenaere, Group Brand and Commercial Director, Kulm Group St. Moritz.
The starting point was to understand what was already there. Artiq undertook a comprehensive audit of the collection, photographing, cataloguing and assessing each work to establish its scope, significance and potential. Built up over generations, the collection encompasses works by Jean-Michel Basquiat and Gary Hume, pioneering video installations and a remarkable marble sculpture exploring the relationship between skiing, peace and the surrounding Alpine landscape.
Going beyond an exercise in cataloguing, the collection offers another way of understanding Kulm – its past, its surroundings and the experiences it wants to create for future guests. Art becomes another layer of placemaking: a way of connecting the hotel to its Alpine setting, while giving guests something to discover beyond the architecture, interiors and views,” Adds Patrick McCrae, Co-Founder, Artiq.
That thinking is central to Artiq’s long-term approach. The ambition was to create a collection that remains active, relevant and capable of evolving with the hotel. Over time, works can be reconsidered, repositioned and introduced in different contexts, allowing familiar spaces to reveal something new and giving returning guests a reason to look again.
For a hotel with such a long history, that sense of discovery is particularly important. A collection should not feel static or overly resolved; it should retain a degree of intrigue. The art can become part of the rhythm of the hotel, subtly changing with it while maintaining a sense of continuity – creating moments that guests may notice immediately, or discover on a return visit.
By bringing structure and strategy to the collection, Artiq is helping Kulm preserve what has accumulated over generations while creating the foundations for what comes next. It is a long-term relationship with the art, rather than a one-off intervention: one that allows the collection to grow, shift and remain meaningful as the hotel enters its next era.
The result is a more considered approach to art within hospitality – where the collection is a thoughtful and active expression of place, heritage and hospitality. At Kulm, Artiq is ensuring that art becomes part of the experience itself: something to encounter, return to and, perhaps, see differently each time.
About Artiq
Artiq is an international art agency that connects its clients with the cultural world, curating collections and experiences for workplace, hospitality and residential clients while guaranteeing fair pay for artists.
Their business creates more opportunities for artists, more art experiences for people, and is fostering a sustainable arts economy in which creatives can grow and thrive. Since 2021 Artiq has paid over £7 million to artists and makers, built a roster of thousands of practitioners, and completed projects across the globe.
What started in 2009 with a team of two is today a devoted, multitalented group of over 45 (and growing) that includes curators, consultants, designers, researchers, coordinators and technicians working on projects around the world.
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.
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.
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.
7 CEDARS RESORT PROPERTIES EXPAND USE OF AGILYSYS ECOSYSTEM TO STREAMLINE GAMING OPERATIONS, REDUCE MANUAL PROCESSES AND IMPROVE STAFF EFFICIENCY
Calls the Transformation "One of Their Best Software Conversion Experiences"
Seamless player offer integration, streamlined operations and a significantly reduced manual workload were the main drivers, in addition to exceptional customer service levels from the Agilysys team.
Agilysys, Inc. (Nasdaq: AGYS), a global hospitality-focused technology provider, today announced the expansion of its relationship with 7 Cedars Resorts Properties. The Agilysys ecosystem will be supporting hotel, gaming, golf, retail and food and beverage operations at 7 Cedars. The software solutions installed recently include Agilysys Versa property management system (PMS) and the modernized version of Agilysys InfoGenesis point of sale (POS), along with several other hardware and software solutions. After researching several well-known technology solution providers, 7 Cedars ultimately chose Agilysys due to its integration capabilities, cost-effectiveness and suitability for their complex casino environment.
Opened in 2020, the 7 Cedars Hotel and Casino is located along the Salish Coast 60 miles north of Seattle. The property also offers a golf course, six food and beverage (F&B) outlets and five banquet spaces all supported by Agilysys software solutions. Since expanding its partnership with Agilysys, 7 Cedars has seen a dramatic improvement in staff productivity across all departments, automating several manual processes. In addition, the property has seen an impressive jump in reservations and revenue increases across all channels.
“Before installing Versa PMS, one of our biggest challenges was centered around player offer integration and redemption,” said Glenn Smithson, Resort General Manager for 7 Cedars Resort Properties. “In the past, it required extensive manual entry and spreadsheet tracking, making both the reservation and redemption processes time-consuming. Now we are able to make reservations and redeem offers for guests in a fraction of the time. Another huge benefit of working with Agilysys is having a single point of contact and a unified solution ecosystem, which places intelligent guest profiles in front of our staff to improve guest service and simplifies our revenue audit process.”
While Agilysys Versa PMS centralizes all operations, 7 Cedars also chose Versa for its reporting and database management features. They found that Versa cloud-based PMS ultimately provided greater flexibility and enabled intuitive use for their green front desk staff, directly leading to greater personalization and improved guest service.
Converting to the modernized version of Agilysys InfoGenesis point-of-sale POS system allowed users to change screen layouts a lot easier and search for food and retail items much faster. The ability to personalize IG terminals with themes improved staff adoption and ease of use, making the system more appealing to servers and wait staff.
Agilysys Book was selected to increase direct bookings, reduce OTA commissions and unify multi-amenity reservations by combining hotel and casino guests into a single seamless transaction. Book’s comprehensive integration with Versa PMS, including tailored APIs developed specifically for casino environments like at 7 Cedars, allows for seamless player offer integration and redemption, making offers visible and redeemable during reservations.
Additional solutions implemented recently at 7 Cedars include Agilysys Express Mobile for self-service mobile check-in; Agilysys Sales & Catering to improve efficiencies in the management of events, meetings and group services across all outlets; DataMagine document management system to securely digitize and centralize hotel, resort and casino registrations and payments; and Agilysys Digital Marketing for centralized control over guest communications to increase direct bookings, reduce acquisition costs, drive guest revenue and improve marketing efficiency through intelligent use of guest profiles across the Agilysys ecosystem.
"Our management team was so impressed with the whole process," added Smithson. "From sales to installation to training, it has been one of the best software conversion and upgrade experiences I have seen over the years at 7 Cedars. The Agilysys team really did an incredible job onboarding our team and setting us up for success. As we continue to grow, we are confident in the ability of Agilysys to grow with us."
“We could not be more pleased with the results that Glenn’s team at 7 Cedars has experienced,” said Darren Student, Vice President of Sales at Agilysys. “Today, Agilysys has a solution for nearly every aspect of hospitality and gaming and we are committed to continuing to provide our customers like 7 Cedars with the most innovative technologies possible and available to the industry.”
MEASURABLE PROGRESS, HIGHER STANDARDS: ADA COSMETICS PUBLISHES 2025 SUSTAINABILITY REPORT
EcoVadis Gold for the second consecutive year, significantly reduced emissions, and voluntary reporting beyond regulatory requirements underline ADA Cosmetics’ commitment to measurable and transparent sustainability.
ADA Cosmetics has published its 2025 Sustainability Report, providing a transparent account of the company’s progress across its environmental, social, and governance priorities – including both achievements and areas where further action is needed.
The report provides updated data on emissions, circularity, product development, and responsible business practices. Among the key achievements are a second consecutive EcoVadis Gold Medal, substantial reductions in Scope 1, 2 and 3 emissions, and the continued transition from small portions to resource-efficient dispenser and refill solutions.
At the same time, ADA Cosmetics has chosen to maintain comprehensive sustainability reporting even though the company is no longer subject to the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD) following the EU Omnibus procedure.
Turning Responsibility into Action
Economic uncertainty, geopolitical tensions, evolving regulations, and rising expectations are making sustainable business increasingly complex. For ADA Cosmetics, supporting hotels in achieving long-term sustainability progress means combining ambitious standards with practical solutions that work in day-to-day operations.
The 2025 Sustainability Report documents the company’s actions and results against clearly defined priorities while openly identifying areas where further progress is required.
“Sustainability is not an image campaign. It is a continuous process that requires ongoing decisions, adjustments, and transparency,” says Lutz Hübner, CEO of ADA Cosmetics. “Our customers, partners, and employees expect more than words – they expect action. We are committed to an open, honest path built on facts, not promises.”
Milestones That Matter
The 2025 Sustainability Report highlights significant progress across ADA Cosmetics’ sustainability agenda:
- EcoVadis Gold for the second consecutive year, placing ADA Cosmetics among the top 5 percent of companies assessed worldwide.
- Cradle to Cradle Certified® Full Scope Silver recertification of the company’s core product portfolio under the more stringent Version 4.0 standard.
- CDP Climate Change rating improved from C to B.
- Scope 1 and Scope 2 emissions are 67 percent below the 2022 base year, with Scope 3 emissions reduced by 31 percent.
- 100 percent renewable electricity sourced across all offices and manufacturing sites for the second consecutive year.
- Independent verification by TÜV SÜD of the company’s 2024 Corporate Carbon Footprint in accordance with ISO 14064 and the GHG Protocol.
- Further advancement of ADA Cosmetics Refillution, the fully automated refill system that can reduce plastic consumption by up to 95 percent while providing full batch traceability. Refillution was a finalist in the “Resources” category of the German Sustainability Award 2025.
- Continued transition from small portions to dispensers, with 18 percent fewer small portions manufactured than in 2024. Dispensers can reduce plastic consumption by 75 percent compared with small portions.
- Introduction of a Group-wide Sustainability Policy and investment in a dedicated ESG reporting tool to further strengthen data quality and consistency.
Transparency also means reporting where ambitions have not yet been met. The report identifies workplace safety and the share of RSPO-certified palm oil ingredients as areas requiring further progress and presents these results alongside the company’s achievements.
Going Beyond Compliance
For ADA Cosmetics, sustainability reporting is not driven by regulatory obligation alone. Following the EU Omnibus procedure, the company is no longer subject to the Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), but has chosen to continue comprehensive sustainability reporting voluntarily.
The 2025 Sustainability Report is prepared in accordance with both the Basic and Comprehensive modules of the Voluntary Sustainability Reporting Standard for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (VSME). It also incorporates selected European Sustainability Reporting Standards (ESRS) disclosures, maintaining transparency and reporting rigor that go beyond the company’s current regulatory obligations.
The double materiality assessment completed in 2024 continues to guide ADA Cosmetics’ sustainability priorities, ensuring that the company focuses on the topics most relevant to both its business and its impact on people and the environment.
Sustainability That Works for Hotels
For hotels, sustainability has to work not only on paper, but in daily operations. ADA Cosmetics supports its partners with products and systems designed to reduce resource consumption while maintaining the hygiene, safety, quality, and ease of use expected by hotels and their guests.
Solutions such as dispenser systems and ADA Cosmetics Refillution are designed to translate sustainability targets into tangible operational improvements – reducing packaging and plastic consumption while addressing the practical requirements of hotel operations.
In 2025, ADA Cosmetics became part of PINK PLANET GROUP, together with BWT Water Dispensing and BWT water+more. By bringing together expertise in water and cosmetic refill solutions, the group aims to further reduce single-use materials, transportation requirements, and resource consumption across the hospitality sector.
Sustainability is embedded throughout ADA Cosmetics’ value chain – from responsible sourcing and product design to manufacturing, energy and waste management, logistics, and social responsibility.
By combining measurable targets, independently recognized standards, transparent reporting, and practical solutions for the hospitality industry, ADA Cosmetics is committed to driving continued progress together with its customers, employees, suppliers, and partners worldwide.
The 2025 Sustainability Report is available at ada-cosmetics.com.
SAFEMARK UNVEILS THE CG15 AND CG17: GLASS-FRONT LUXURY IN-ROOM SAFES DESIGNED FOR MODERN HOSPITALITY
Safemark, a trusted leader in hospitality security solutions, today announces the launch of the CG15 and CG17, a new line of luxury in-room safes designed to meet the growing demand for minimalist, design-forward amenities without sacrificing the security hoteliers expect from Safemark.
The CG15 accommodates laptops up to 15 inches, while the larger CG17 accommodates laptops up to 17 inches, giving properties the flexibility to match room size and guest profile.
Both models pair a tempered glass front door with a soft, circular arc silhouette, vibrant internal lighting, and a crisp white backlit display for a refined, modern aesthetic that complements today's boutique and luxury guest rooms.
We designed the CG Series in direct response to what hospitality designers have been asking for — a safe that can be specified as a design element, not just a security fixture. Offering this series of safes gives designers a product that's as intentional aesthetically as it is secure.
said John Foley, VP & GM at Safemark.
Key Features and Business Benefits: Modern, Minimalist Silhouette
The CG Series' soft, circular arc profile offers a refined departure from traditional boxy safes, blending seamlessly into curated guest room interiors.
Two Sizes for Every Room
The CG15 fits laptops up to 15 inches, while the CG17 accommodates laptops up to 17 inches — giving operators the flexibility to specify the right fit across different room types and guest needs.
Customizable for Brand Identity
Open space along the front glass allows for color printing, giving designers the opportunity to incorporate unique branding or custom finishes tailored to a property's aesthetic.
Uncompromising Security
Built with a heavy-duty cold-rolled steel door, 1.5mm (16-gauge) steel body, and two 3/4" (19mm) diameter locking bolts, the CG15 and CG17 deliver the durability and protection guests expect, backed by concealed emergency access for added peace of mind.
Built to Last
A scratch-resistant powder coat finish and spring-loaded, hidden-hinge glass door combine durability with everyday ease of use.
Guest and Operator Convenience
A quick-access battery panel (4 AA alkaline batteries) simplifies maintenance, while optional tamper-proof hardware offers an added layer of security for operators.
Backed by Safemark
Both the CG15 and CG17 include a five-year manufacturer's warranty and an exclusive $10,000 limited warranty against forced entry.
The CG15 and CG17 are available now for specification. They will be on display at BDNY 2026, Booth #847, taking place in November 2026. Register for the show using promo code: BDNY606.
The CG Series marks the latest step in Safemark's broader design-forward direction, with additional new products planned as the company continues to meet the evolving aesthetic expectations of today's hotels.
UK ADULTS RUN AT TWO THIRDS CAPACITY, NEW STUDY FINDS, AS OPERATORS SIT ON AN UNUSED READINESS TOOL
The average UK adult is operating at just two thirds of their full capacity on any given day, according to a new nationwide study commissioned by cold water immersion specialist Brass Monkey.
The “State of Readiness” report, based on a survey of 2,000 UK adults, found that 88% say readiness isn't a given day to day, and 21% often or very often feel they are barely functioning. Nearly half, 47%, report low energy three or more days a week. And, only 24% believe their energy levels can actually be trained.
"For any gym, health club, spa or hospitality operator, that's the opportunity," said Dan Bosomworth, Founder of Brass Monkey. "People are running under capacity and don't believe they can train their way out of it. That's exactly the gap a well-run venue can close."
Only 24% see cold water immersion as outside their comfort zone, on a par with travelling alone. So it's a normal-sized discomfort rather than a fear only a certain type of person can overcome.
When asked what makes them feel ready, 4% of people point to cold water against 36% who say sleep does the job. It's a similar story with stress: when people are dealing with pressure day to day, they reach for the television (28%), exercise (27%) or something to eat (23%), while 6% turn to cold water.
Bosomworth says: “It isn't motivation that's missing. It's exposure, guidance and a proper introduction. Most people have never actually been shown what a guided session feels like, so it stays low on the list of things they'd reach for. Give them a proper introduction, in a governed setting, and that changes fast."
Why “we have an ice bath” isn’t enough
Brass Monkey's position is that, for operators, simply having an ice bath isn't the same as running cold water immersion properly. Following any challenge outside of their comfort zone, 46% report feeling relief, 33% feel pride, and 29% feel more confident. Only 5% come out feeling worse.
“Members and guests already want this,” said Dan Bosomworth, Brass Monkey’s Founder. “What they don’t want is a cold plunge with no guidance, left for them to work out alone. That’s not a wellness offer, it’s a liability. The operators who treat cold water as training, not decoration, are the ones who’ll see it show up in retention and repeat visits.”
That thinking sits behind The Cold Standard, Brass Monkey's operating framework for commercial cold water immersion, in which governance is a core pillar alongside safe, certified equipment. In practice, that means: never leaving a member or guest to immerse alone, a controlled entry rather than a jump, no breath-holding on entry, and the head kept above water throughout, all delivered at a dose and pace set for the individual, not a fixed protocol applied to everyone.
“Dose is the whole game,” said Phil Learney, Head of Science at Brass Monkey. “Too little and nothing happens. Too much, and you’re not training composure, you’re just suffering. Get it right, progress it properly, and the same alarm that spikes on session one is easing off by about session four.”
At a glance: what the data means for operators
- The average UK adult operates at just 66% capacity, and 88% say readiness isn't a given every day
- 47% are low on energy three or more days a week, but only 24% believe energy is trainable
- Only 22% would rather build their capacity for stress, against 36% who'd rather avoid it
- Only 24% see cold water immersion as outside their comfort zone, similar to travelling alone
- Just 4% currently associate cold water with feeling ready, against 36% who point to sleep; just 6% reach for it under pressure, against 28% for the television and 27% for exercise
- 46% feel relief, 33% feel pride and 29% feel more confident after a comfort zone challenge; only 5% feel worse
Built for commercial use, not just installed
Brass Monkey's commercial systems are UKCA, PWTAG and SPATA-certified, and connect to Halo, the company's remote monitoring and support ecosystem, backed by ProCare servicing. Operators including David Lloyd, 1Rebel, Soho House, Fitness First, Grantley Hall, Village Health Clubs, Everlast, and Salus already run Brass Monkey installations, treating cold water immersion as infrastructure with a maintenance and safety standard behind it, rather than a standalone amenity.
Brass Monkey is also working with Coventry University on a controlled study into whether repeated cold water immersion changes how people respond to stressors beyond the cold itself.
“Forget what you think you know about ice baths,” said Bosomworth. “You don’t get in to recover. You get in to train. Two minutes of stress, on purpose. The work is coming back down. You get out ready.”
Brass Monkey has today launched its "State of Readiness" report, including further findings on the nation's habits, coping mechanisms and appetite for challenge. The full report is available at: www.brassmonkey.co/pages/the-state-of-readiness.