Aperture

🏨 BZAR hotels expanded its portfolio by acquiring 6 new properties in three months, from January to the present. The Signature brand welcomes Hotel Adoro, Palazzo delle Coppelle, Hotel Fori Imperiali in Rome, and Palazzo Buenos Aires in Milan. The Gateway brand adds Castello di Leonina in Tuscany and Borgo La Ferriera in Tuscia. BZAR now boasts over 50 hotels in Italy, totaling 1,700 rooms and suites. Filippo Ribacchi, BZAR's president, aims for significant growth with a revenue forecast exceeding €65 million by 2025.

🎉 The Grand Hotel Minerva's Rooftop in Florence reopened on April 7 during Florence Cocktail Week. Barman Dariosh Kohnehkar introduced two new cocktails blending tradition and innovation. Chef Edoardo Papiani curated a special Easter menu featuring authentic Tuscan flavors. The hotel is part of the Em Collection, led by the Maestrelli family, offering guests a unique sensory experience immersed in the city's history and culture.

🌊 Norwegian Cruise Line took delivery of the Norwegian Aqua from Fincantieri, marking its 20th fleet ship and the inaugural ship of the new Prima Plus class. The Norwegian Luna's exterior completion was celebrated as it touched water for the first time, with interior outfitting set for a Spring 2026 debut. Norwegian Aqua, 10% larger than its predecessors, accommodates 3,571 passengers, features the Aqua Slidecoaster, and sails to the Caribbean, Bermuda, and Great Stirrup Cay. After European inaugural cruises, it will cross from Southampton to the U.S. on March 28, 2025, arriving on April 4, for inaugural events in Boston and New York City, before regular departures from Miami, Port Canaveral, and NYC.

🏡 Sir Rocco Forte announces the reopening of Verdura Resort, a Sicilian hospitality icon, revealing a comprehensive renovation in 2025. The resort introduces a new mixology bar, Scirocco, and three restaurants: L’Osteria, Zagara, and Buongiorno. A 16th-century Saracen tower area now features the Japanese-Sicilian fusion restaurant Nagori, a shopping area, and the refreshed Liolà restaurant. The main entrance, redesigned by Olga Polizzi, Director of Design at Rocco Forte Hotels, welcomes guests into a sanctuary bathed in golden light. The resort, set in 230 hectares of Sicilian nature, aims to elevate the luxury hospitality and privacy experience for guests in the 2025 season.

🏖 In Marina di Modica, the Terradamari Resort & Spa, part of Hilton's Tapestry Collection, opened on February 14 with a 65% booking rate for 2025, leading with British, American, German, and French guests. The resort features 42 rooms, a spa, and an outdoor pool. It represents a €16 million investment by Gruppo Minardo, creating 40 jobs and revitalizing the local economy with Sicilian craftsmanship and tourism-focused youth opportunities. Average stays range from two nights before June to four during summer.

🎭 Renowned chef Jean Imbert unveiled "La Forêt Secrète par Jean Imbert" at Disneyland Hotel in Disneyland Paris. Inspired by childhood memories and Disney animation, the restaurant offers two menus, including a children’s menu—a first in Imbert's career. The menu takes guests on a journey through Disney worlds, emphasizing seasonal produce and French culinary artistry. Wine and Champagne selections from regions like Bourgogne and Bordeaux enhance the experience, while Murano glass chandeliers and hand-painted frescoes create an immersive dining atmosphere.

🏠 B-Luxe Gironda, located in the heart of Ravenna, features sophisticated atmosphere and combines classical elegance with contemporary comfort. It relies on dormakaba's advanced technological solutions, including Pixel locks that blend design and functionality with a minimalist and modern finish, complemented by Olivari knobs. The installation also includes SR readers in common areas for secure, badge-based access, and the Ambiance software for real-time access management. This integration enhances guest security and experience, while easing management and maintaining aesthetic appeal.

🏦 Sina Hotels, led by Bernabò Bocca, won the bid to create a new luxury hotel in Milan's municipal building, Galleria Ciro Fontana, featuring over 2,000 sqm and 10 floors. The auction, starting at €1.15 million annually, saw Sina Hotels and Aries Group compete. Decided by a June 2024 council resolution, Sina Hotels will pay the city over €43 million for a 36-year concession, equaling more than €1.2 million per year. The expansion includes about 30 new rooms and suites.

🏖️ Sani/Ikos Group, with over 50 years of luxury hospitality at Sani Resort in Calcidica, plans to expand in the Mediterranean using Sani and Ikos brands. New Ikos resorts are expected to open in Greece, Spain, and Portugal between 2026 and 2028. In Greece, Sani Resort is developing an ambitious plan to unify five hotels into one destination, including a land acquisition between Sani Club and Sani Dunes, and renovating Sani Club as part of an ongoing investment program to enhance the luxury experience.

🏛 Minor Hotels brings Tivoli Hotels & Resorts to Mexico, debuting in Merida in 2027 with 69 private Tivoli-branded residences. This will be Tivoli's first venture in Mexico and the third in Latin America, joining two existing properties in Brazil. The five-star complex, located on Paseo Montejo in Mérida, the capital of Yucatán, is 20 minutes from the international airport. It includes a restaurant, outdoor pool with bar, luxury boutique, gym, spa, gardens, and a patio. The project is part of Casona 333, a historic 1903 residence. CEO Gonzalo Aguilar of Minor Hotels for Europe and the Americas is excited about the collaboration with Designia and the entry into a new market. Additional branded residence projects are underway, such as Anantara Ubud Bali Resort and NH Collection Ras Al Khaimah Al Marjan Island Hotel & Apartments.