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As the boutique hospitality industry continues to evolve, staying informed is critical for executives navigating new opportunities. At BLLA, we bring...
December 4, 2024 – 4 min read
As the boutique hospitality industry continues to evolve, staying informed is critical for executives navigating new opportunities. At BLLA, we bring you the latest stories each week in our BOUTIQUE WEEKLY newsletter, designed specifically for boutique hotel executives seeking a competitive edge.
Here’s a glimpse of what we’re covering in this week’s edition:
Mirbeau Companies is breathing new life into the historic Howland Family Estate in New York’s Hudson Valley with the upcoming Mirbeau Inn & Spa Beacon, a 64-acre French-inspired retreat.
The centerpiece of the property, a mansion designed in 1859 by Frederick Clarke Withers and Richard Morris Hunt, will be restored to National Park Service Historic standards. Guests will experience the charm of the mansion’s pipe-organ music room, library, and dining spaces, alongside newly constructed accommodations in the Chateau building.
Mirbeau CEO Michael Dal Pos shared the vision: “Our goal is to create an oasis that honors the natural beauty and historical significance of the Tioronda Estate while providing guests with unparalleled service and amenities.” The estate will also feature ponds and gardens inspired by Claude Monet’s Giverny, a 25,000-square-foot spa, and an outdoor champagne terrace. With an opening slated for 2026, this destination will seamlessly blend Gothic architecture with modern luxury.
Richard Kessler, the trailblazing founder of the Kessler Collection, continues to redefine boutique hospitality through bold, experiential concepts. Known for properties like the JW Marriott Savannah Plant Riverside District—a converted 1912 coal-fired power plant featuring a natural science museum—Kessler’s philosophy blends lodging with entertainment.
“You darn well better do something pretty outstanding,” Kessler said, emphasizing the need for innovation in today’s competitive luxury market. His properties offer curated cultural experiences, from chartered boat services with 1920s luxury vessels to art-centric lobbies showcasing dinosaur fossils and geodes.
Looking ahead, Kessler is focusing on a new project in Cashiers, North Carolina, which will include 100 rooms, 40 cottages, and glamping units. He’s also considering franchising his Grand Bohemian brand, inspired by the success of Ritz-Carlton. “The Bohemian brand is known pretty darn well now, particularly on the East Coast,” Kessler said, underscoring his vision to expand the brand while maintaining its distinctive charm.
Google’s latest insights point to a growing demand for luxury travel in 2025, fueled by consumers seeking elevated experiences. “They’re looking for Jacuzzis, spas, Michelin-starred restaurants, and five-star accommodation,” shared Ailish English, Google’s senior industry manager, during Jet2holidays’ annual conference.
English emphasized the importance of value over price, noting that travelers aim for “the very best they can get for their price point.” The forecast predicts a 37% increase in holiday spending across Europe by 2027 and a 22% rise in global resort spending.
While the outlook for luxury travel is optimistic, English acknowledged potential challenges such as economic uncertainty, political instabilities, and extreme weather. To thrive, she advised industry professionals to “use their content and social media” to engage clients year-round, ensuring brand loyalty even during quieter periods.
If these stories sparked your interest, you’ll love what we have in store each week. BOUTIQUE WEEKLY delivers 12 of the top headlines in boutique hospitality straight to your inbox, making it essential reading for executives and industry insiders alike. From luxury hotel openings and groundbreaking design to hospitality innovations and investment insights, we bring you the latest from every corner of the boutique hotel world.
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As the boutique hospitality industry continues to evolve, staying informed is critical for executives navigating new opportunities. At BLLA, we bring...