01 SAii Hotels & Resorts Unveils Brand Revitalization

July 1, 2025 – SAii Hotels & Resorts, the lifestyle hotel brand under S Hotels & Resorts (SHR), announced a comprehensive brand revitalization, adopting “Peace of Mind is the Ultimate Luxury” as its core philosophy. This strategic upgrade marks a significant milestone in SHR’s long-term development strategy.

To realize this vision, SHR is advancing two core strategies to drive SAii’s expansion: Asset Enhancement – achieving long-term value through comprehensive renovations of guest rooms and facilities, while elevating the guest journey with refreshed brand visuals and a redefined SAii identity; and Signature Experiences – launching unique offerings blending local culture and wellness, including:

• SAii Locals: In-depth explorations guided by local experts.
• SAii Wellness Mentors: Personalized mind-body treatments by professional therapists.
• Serene Sensory Lobbies: Atmospheres designed for tranquility.
• Digital Detox: Encouraging disconnection from devices.
  Its F&B concept, “Fresh Flavors, Joyful Wellness,” emphasizes sustainable ingredients for holistic nourishment.

The revitalized flagship, SAii Laguna Phuket, reported strong performance: Q1 2025 ADR reached a record high, increasing 31% YoY, with RevPAR up 23% YoY. The refresh included concept repositioning, marketing reinforcement, and identity clarification, enhancing market resilience and audience targeting.

SAii maintains its commitment to sustainable tourism. Its Phuket and Maldives properties hold Green Globe certification for three consecutive years and are among their respective countries’ first to achieve the Events Industry Council’s Sustainable Event Standards Gold Level Certification. Initiatives include eliminating single-use plastics, reducing carbon emissions, and implementing marine conservation programs.

Group CEO Michael Marshall emphasized the refresh responds to travelers’ desire for deeper experiences, creating spaces for connection and reassurance. The SAii Phi Phi Island Village Resort renovation, set for completion in 2026, signifies a new phase in the brand’s experiential destination strategy.

02 Marriott Bonvoy Debuts Renaissance and Courtyard Brands in Korla, Xinjiang

July 1, 2025 – Marriott Bonvoy’s Renaissance Hotels, known for discovery, and Courtyard by Marriott, renowned for its spirited drive, today debuted in Korla, Xinjiang, with the opening of Renaissance Korla Huamei Resort and Courtyard Korla Huamei Resort. Located in the rapidly developing Hongyan New District, these hotels offer travelers new stays infused with local character and distinct brand experiences in this key Silk Road city.

03 HUALUXE Brand Debuts in Guangxi

July 2, 2025 – Guangxi InterContinental Hotels Co., Ltd. announced the opening of its first HUALUXE resort in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region, Beihai Silver Beach HUALUXE Resort & Spa, on July 1st in Beihai City. Situated at the confluence of Silver Beach and Fengjia River, the hotel draws design inspiration from the intangible cultural heritage of shell carving. Suites feature shell-carved murals depicting bronze phoenix lamps, while the exterior resembles a sailing ship. Its 270 guestrooms blend contemporary Chinese aesthetics with panoramic floor-to-ceiling windows offering river, sea, and city views. Dining includes premium Cantonese and Beihai specialties at Caifeng Lou Chinese Restaurant and seafood buffets at Vibrant All-Day Dining. Wellness facilities feature a 24-hour gym, three distinctive pools, and a 1,200 sqm pillar-free ballroom.

04 First Steigenberger Hotel Apartment Opens in Shanghai

July 1, 2025 – Shanghai’s first Steigenberger Hotel Apartment officially opened in the Hongqiao Central Business District (CBD). Located at the CBD core near the National Exhibition and Convention Center (CIIE venue) and just ~10 minutes from Hongqiao Railway Station and Airport, it offers seamless connectivity for business and urban living across the Yangtze River Delta and globally.

The 5-story property offers 132 fully furnished studio to two-bedroom apartments and two duplex specialty units. Each features a separate living area, kitchen (equipped with FOTILE appliances), workspace, and balcony, with select units including a washer/dryer, creating a “home on the move.”

Public amenities include a fitness center, breakfast restaurant, laundry room, and a public lounge, catering to diverse resident needs.

05 Taihu Alila Hotel Project Set for Revival as Nanfeng Hotel

June 30, 2025 – The long-dormant Taihu Alila hotel project is poised for revival under the new name Nanfeng Hotel. Originally halted just before opening due to environmental concerns, the project was repurchased by Wuzhong Guoyu Group in 2023, which assumed associated costs.

Previously, Yang Yuxiang, Member of the Party Committee and Secretary of the Discipline Inspection Commission of Guoyu Group, led a team including Asset Management Department, Yuru Asset Company, and Nanfeng Company personnel to inspect the Nanfeng Hotel site. The team emphasized that environmental remediation is crucial for advancing Taihu Ecological Island’s tourism, shaping the brand image, enhancing market competitiveness, and safeguarding Guoyu Group’s asset value. Optimizing the environment will ensure the project’s subsequent “high-standard, high-quality, high-efficiency” progress. The team agreed to accelerate the formulation of a scientific and feasible remediation plan.

The Nanfeng Hotel project (formerly Alila) is located in Houwangdang, Jinting Town, Wuzhong District. Planned as a five-star hotel, it will feature over 300 guest rooms, a total building area exceeding 60,000 sqm, and a site area of approximately 130,000 sqm. Nestled in a lakeside valley setting, the site includes plans for a yacht marina and hillside villas, providing inherent advantages for high-end resort development. Future plans position it as a regional benchmark hotel, injecting new momentum into Taihu Ecological Island’s tourism.

06 Hyatt to Sell Playa’s Real Estate Portfolio for $2 Billion

Hyatt Hotels Corp. announced on Monday that it will sell Playa Hotels & Resorts’ entire owned real estate portfolio to Tortuga Resorts for $2 billion.

Hyatt acquired Playa for $2.6 billion (including debt) in February. Playa operates 24 upscale, all-inclusive resorts in Mexico, Jamaica, and the Dominican Republic. Hyatt stated the sale includes 15 resort properties. Upon completion, the net purchase price for Playa’s remaining business will be approximately $555 million.

07 China’s First Legoland Resort Opens in Shanghai

July 5, 2025 – China’s inaugural Legoland Resort opened in Jinshan, Shanghai. On Qunar.com, searches for Shanghai Legoland surged fivefold month-on-month since June, with July ticket bookings placing it among Shanghai’s Top 5 popular attractions. Hotel bookings in Jinshan District surged 3.5 times YoY by July 4th. Homestay bookings in Jinshan also soared dramatically. Data from Tujia.com shows a sixfold YoY increase in Jinshan homestay bookings for the summer, ranking first among Shanghai’s 16 districts.

08 InterContinental Yining Huamei Resort and EVEN Hotel Yining Open Simultaneously

China Green Development Investment Group’s Xinjiang Huamei Resort Tourism Co., Ltd. announced the simultaneous opening of its InterContinental Yining Huamei Resort and EVEN Hotel Yining on July 1, 2025. With differentiated positioning, the two hotels form a synergistic “dual-brand” complex, establishing a new benchmark for Yining. Located in Yining City, the combined property offers 500 guest rooms, two fitness centers, an indoor heated pool, a yoga studio, and a 4,500 sqm conference center, creating a “hotel + MICE” integrated destination. Through cultural enrichment and functional synergy, they offer guests diverse experiences blending Silk Road exploration and healthy business travel, positioning themselves as new landmarks for Yining’s cultural tourism.

09 Pullman Brand Debuts in Taizhou, Zhejiang

July 1, 2025 – Pullman Taizhou Shenxianju officially opened, marking the Pullman brand’s debut in Taizhou, Zhejiang. Located in the heart of the Shenxianju Scenic Area near the Qing Dynasty-style Gaoqian Ancient Dwellings, the hotel blends the ethereal beauty of Southeast Zhejiang’s landscapes with French elegance under the design concept “Where Immortals Dwell, the Heart Belongs.” It offers 283 guest rooms and suites. Over 2,000 sqm of versatile meeting space includes a 608 sqm pillar-free Grand Ballroom with 5m ceilings and five multi-function rooms of varying sizes, all equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi and advanced AV systems. Four distinct restaurants and bars serve seasonal cuisine. Leisure facilities encompass a yoga studio, gym, outdoor Jacuzzi, heated pool, kids’ club, spa, and KTV.

10 Marriott Bonvoy Debuts Sheraton and Aloft Brands in Kunshan

July 2, 2025 – Sheraton Kunshan Dianshanhu and Aloft Kunshan Dianshanhu opened grandly, marking the dual-brand debut in Kunshan. Situated by Dianshan Lake, known as the “Oriental Geneva Lake,” Sheraton Hotels & Resorts, connecting the world through the “Art of Gathering,” and Aloft Hotels, embracing modern style and individuality, offer distinct brand experiences for business and leisure travelers seeking unique stays.