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The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection’s latest yacht presents an exceptional guest experience—from spacious suites with private ocean view terraces, world-class dining curated by MICHELIN-starred restaurant chefs, a sweeping pool deck offering spectacular views at sea, new itineraries, among the highest guest-to-staff ratio, and much more, building on the company’s commitment to bespoke journeys.

The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection proudly introduces Ilma, its second newbuild luxury superyacht, to its distinguished fleet. The yacht embarked on its maiden voyage, a 7-night journey from Monte Carlo to Rome, on September 2. As the first and only luxury hospitality company at sea, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection advances its position at the forefront of the industry with a second yacht now sailing, illustrating a future-focused vision that keeps pushing the boundaries of luxury travel at sea.

“It is with immense pride and excitement that we welcome Ilma to our growing fleet,” said Jim Murren, Executive Chairman and CEO of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. “Since Evrima’s debut, we have been steadfast in our pursuit of excellence at sea. The addition of Ilma signifies a continuation of our mission to deliver legendary service and unparalleled enjoyment to our guests.”

Ilma measures 790 feet, offering 224 airy and intuitive suites, all with private terraces providing direct access to the sea. Stopping at signature and intimate ports of call, Ilma takes guests on enchanting itineraries to coveted destinations. Ilma’s inaugural season in the Mediterranean includes ports of call visiting the blue waters of Santorini, the iconic yachting playgrounds of Porto Cervo, and the historic sites of Valletta, before departing for the Caribbean, where experiences in the natural wonders of Virgin Gorda, the vibrant harbor of Gustavia, and the pristine beauty of St. John await. Ilma will additionally sail the North and Baltic Seas of Northern Europe—a first for The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection—during the 2025 summer season offering immersive itineraries in dynamic and culturally rich destinations like Amsterdam, Stockholm, and Reykjavík.

“The launch of Ilma exemplifies the unwavering dedication of The Ritz-Carlton to setting new benchmarks in luxury travel, with the company’s commitment to thoughtful and transformative travel experiences guiding its mission,” said Jenni Benzaquen, Senior Vice President of The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis, and Bvlgari Hotels and Resorts. “Ilma brings the exceptional luxury accommodations and personalized service for which The Ritz-Carlton brand is renowned to the sea, further redefining the standards in the luxury industry.”

The purposefully designed yacht accommodates up to 448 guests and offers among the highest space-to-guest and guest-to-staff ratios at sea. Its sophisticated interiors are thoughtfully curated to enhance every aspect of the guest experience, showcasing expert craftsmanship and polished finishes by renowned London-based architectural and design firm AD Associates and award-winning lighting designer DPA. The exteriors reflect the vision of Helsinki-based design studio, Aivan.

A defining characteristic of Ilma is its seamless transition between interior and exterior spaces, inviting guests to intimately connect directly to the sea and destinations sailed. Ilma, named after the Maltese word for “water,” draws subtle design inspiration from Maltese mythology, coastline, history, and native fauna. The design narrative incorporates fresh, neutral tones juxtaposed by light and dark finishes, enhancing visual richness, while the adorned exterior nods to the sleek design of private yachts.

Ilma invites guests to discover five dining venues, a refreshed in-suite dining program, sevens bars, and a signature wine vault. Highlights include two dining venues conceptualized by MICHELIN-starred restaurant chefs Fabio Trabocchi and Michael Mina. Seta su Ilma by Chef Fabio Trabocchi is a modern Italian fine-dining restaurant reflecting his Italian heritage and culinary expertise. Seta su Ilma, named after the Italian word for “silk,” offers seasonal tasting menus with contemporary interpretations of Italian cuisine, nodding to regional flavors and impeccably paired with fine wines, where Italian whites and reds form the core of the wine list.

The Beach House, designed by the Toronto-based luxury design firm Chapi Chapo Design, offers 180-degree views of the sea that seamlessly integrate with the coast, creating a daytime to nighttime experience where guests can relax and unwind. The beach club-inspired venue draws from Peruvian and Pan-Latin cuisine, blending globally influenced flavors in a relaxed yet upscale atmosphere. The menu, developed in collaboration with James Beard Award-winning chef Michael Mina, is inspired by the bold, fire-born flavors of South and Central America while highlighting ingredients from the Caribbean.

Additional world-class dining venues include Memorī, which brings a modern spin to authentic Pan-Asian cuisines in a sleek environment; Mistral, which presents Mediterranean fare located steps from the main pool on Deck 10; and Tides, which offers seasonal menus inspired by the diverse regional flavors and techniques of the destinations that Ilma explores, evolving throughout the voyage. Nestled behind Tides and Seta su Ilma, Dining Privée provides an intimate and elegant enclave for celebratory dinners and other special events. At the heart of Ilma sits The Living Room, a welcoming space where guests can greet the day with freshly roasted coffee and baked pastries at the espresso counter each morning. As the day progresses, The Living Room Bar serves specialty cocktails, fine wines, and Champagne accompanied by live music. In-Suite Dining menus encompass breakfast, all day, and evening selections featuring a variety of classics from the different onboard restaurants.

A signature space across The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection fleet, Ilma debuts an extensive Marina and Marina Terrace, featuring large glass windows that draw in natural light, side doors that open and float above the water, and a hydraulic platform that connects guests directly with the sea when the yacht is at anchor. Deck 10 presents a dynamic open-air space for live entertainment and sunbathing, complete with the main pool, pool bar, and an outdoor LED screen. Additional experiences on board include The Ritz-Carlton Spa, a rejuvenating oasis with revitalizing treatments from ESPA, 111SKIN, and Pisterzi. The expanded spa boasts 11 rooms, with five equipped to offer outdoor treatment options, and three distinct fitness spaces: a Movement Studio, Cycle Studio, and Fitness Studio with weights and cardio machines.

 
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MARKHAM, Ontario, Sept. 10, 2024Maestro PMS, the hotel industry’s leading Web Browser-based cloud and on-premises all-in-one property-management system, has teamed with industry-leading financial management platform Data Plus to elevate the technology offerings at the famed Francisco Grande Hotel & Golf Resort. The seamless end-to-end integration is giving the property valuable insights into their financial performance, including occupancy rates, revenue streams, and more, and management is making better informed and more timely decisions to optimize operations and maximize profitability.

Prior to working with Maestro PMS and Data Plus, the hotel and golf resort relied on off-the-shelf accounting software to manage its financial processes. Lacking was a way to streamline its procurement and accounts payables processes, as well as connect its on-site accounting and operations teams with relevant, real-time information that was vital to stakeholders. That deficiency made investing in new technologies and facilitating peripheral system integrations non-viable.

“After partnering with Maestro PMS and Data Plus, our hotel’s operations and financial scalability have never been stronger,” said Rhiannon Hicks, Director of Accounting at the Francisco Grande Hotel & Golf Resort. “Thanks to these and other integrations, our operations team has become nimbler, our projections are more accurate, and our hotel is more prepared. We look forward to continuing our relationships with both companies going forward.”

Accessing Essential Data

At present, the Francisco Grand Hotel & Golf Resort is leveraging Maestro PMS’s Front Desk, Gift Card, Mobile Check in/Checkout, Mobile Housekeeping, ResWave Booking Engine, Sales and Catering, SMS Messaging, Work Order, and Yield Management modules, along with the Accounts Payable, General Ledger, and Bank Reconciliation modules from Data Plus. As a result, relevant associates have the immediate access they need to essential data. For instance, daily revenue is automated directly from Maestro PMS and automatically transmitted to the Data Plus General Ledger, creating further unity between departments.

“Our partnership with the Francisco Grande Golf Resort has been nothing but exemplary, and we are confident that our integration with Maestro PMS will help position the property for continued success throughout 2024 and beyond,” said Bruce Bensetler, CEO of Data Plus. “When hoteliers have access to today’s cutting-edge financial reporting and management tools, they can better prepare for the future, generate more accurate forecasts and reduce errors across the board. We value our partnership with Maestro and are excited to contribute to the Francisco Grande’s financial and operational success.”

Centralized Data & Open APIs

Maestro PMS connects hotel outlets and their digital solutions through open APIs, and it shares data with other systems (point of sale, reputation management and revenue management systems, golf, spa, activities, condo and vacation rental etc.) on a single centralized database. This centralized data storage is a game changer for independent hotels as it improves operations by making additional capabilities more readily accessible. With Maestro, hotels embrace partnerships through third-party integrations to understand and predict guest needs, track their preferences over time, and be proactive with relevant offerings and services. Maestro’s data storage command center speeds operations by building connections between departments. The result is heightened efficiency and revenue potential.

“We are thrilled to partner with the Francisco Grande Golf Resort and work alongside Data Plus to improve the resort’s access to today’s most essential operations technology,” said Warren Dehan, president of Maestro. “Maestro is dedicated to helping hoteliers improve their daily operations by leveraging best-in-class integrations, mobile operations tools, and more. Our goal is to ensure hotels have the opportunity to build a resilient, efficient tech stack that suits each property’s unique needs.”

 
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TORONTO and McLEAN – Hilton and JM Hospitality Inc. today announced the opening of Spark by Hilton Toronto Markham, marking the brand’s entry into the Canadian market. Situated in the vibrant tech and business hub just 28 kilometers north of Toronto, the opening of the first Spark in Canada signals an important growth milestone for the rapidly expanding premium economy brand. Spark by Hilton Toronto Markham joins eight other Spark hotels in various stages of development across Canada, highlighting the brand's impressive growth and appeal in the market.

Spark opened its first hotel in Mystic, Connecticut in September 2023, just nine months after the brand was first announced. In May, the brand marked its European debut with the opening of Spark by Hilton London Romford. Today, Hilton’s fastest announcement-to-market brand boasts more than 50 open hotels, and more than 275 hotels in the global pipeline.

Spark, a conversion-only brand, is scaling quickly due to its appeal to both developers and guests. With its innovative design, affordable rates, and guest-centric amenities, Spark delivers an exceptional stay experience that also aligns seamlessly with current travel trends. Additionally, the brand offers flexible development options and robust support from Hilton, making it an attractive choice for developers aiming to enter or expand within the dynamic hospitality sector.

“Spark has enjoyed tremendous growth and momentum in its first full year, indicating we really knew what we were doing when we introduced this brand,” said Bill Duncan, global category leader, All-Suites & Focused Service, Hilton. “Our launch in Canada is not only a major milestone but a clear demonstration of our commitment to meeting the diverse needs of travelers globally, and further demonstrates how our innovative and pioneering spirit continues to make us the #1 leader in the hospitality industry worldwide.”

Located in the heart of Markham, a vibrant suburb known for its cultural diversity and economic dynamism, the 72-room Spark by Hilton Toronto Markham is poised to become an appealing destination for both leisure and business travelers. The hotel's proximity to major corporate headquarters, shopping districts, and cultural attractions makes it an ideal choice for guests seeking an outstanding yet affordable stay experience.

“Spark by Hilton's debut in Canada marks an important next step in our global expansion strategy,” said Alissa Klees, brand leader, Spark by Hilton. “We were thrilled to partner with JM Hospitality to bring Spark by Hilton to the Canadian market. With our first hotel opening in Markham, we look forward to introducing travelers to a new level of contemporary comfort and innovative design, showcasing Hilton's ongoing commitment to delivering exceptional guest experiences worldwide.”

Spark by Hilton Toronto Markham is also a bellwether for Hilton’s broader growth strategy in Canada, where the global hospitality company is on track to expand its portfolio of hotels by 50% over the next five years. Throughout Canada, Hilton currently has a portfolio of more than 180 hotels welcoming travelers across the region, and a development pipeline of approximately 100 hotels in various stages of design and construction.

 
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Ontario Hospitality Conference 2024

Presented by the Ontario Restaurant Hotel & Motel Association 

October 7 & 8, 2024

Sheraton Parkway Toronto North Hotel & Suites

The Conference

The Ontario Restaurant Hotel & Motel Association (ORHMA) is excited to host its third annual Ontario Hospitality Conference on October 7 & 8, 2024.

The conference is returning to the fabulous location - Sheraton Parkway Toronto North Hotel & Suites, Richmond Hill. We are pleased to have Chef John Higgins returning as this year's Conference Emcee by popular demand.

What to Expect

As the largest hospitality association in Canada, ORHMA looks forward to connecting our foodservice and accommodation leaders once again at this networking and educational event. 

Over the two days at the Ontario Hospitality Conference, our attendees will connect with key industry leaders and suppliers to form new contacts with industry peers and gain insights into key industry issues with actionable take-aways. Attendees can expect a new line up of information sessions, speakers as well as vendors and sponsors. 

Speaker Sessions

  • The State of industry and How it affects your business: Pertinent Data and Analysis from both Foodservice and Lodging Sectors
  • Safeguarding Hospitality Operations: Strategies Against Fraud, Chargebacks, and Theft affecting your property and customers
  • The Balancing Act: Controlling F&B Costs Without Compromising Guest Experience to keep them coming through the doors
  • Embracing the Future: Integrating AI Into Your Hospitality Business for Success
  • Hear it from them: Understanding, Motivating and Relating to the New Workforce in Hospitality
  • Fighting Back against Tax Costs: Understanding Municipal Tax Evaluations and Reducing your Liability and Costs
  • WT….??? The Evolution of the lure of Hospitality Culture: Balancing what attracted so many to be in the industry over the years, with the culturally sensitive changes of today.

Hospitality Law Update: The complete HR Toolkit

 
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The world-renowned Icehotel is celebrating its 35th anniversary this winter with a brand new version of the Icebar in Jukkasjärvi. Here, you can warm up in the crystal-clear cold with a drink and embark on an unforgettable space journey! The new Icebar, “In Orbit,” is being created by the Swedish design studio PinPin Studio in collaboration with astronaut Christer Fuglesang, Sweden’s first astronaut.

Construction will soon begin on a completely redesigned Icebar, unlike any previous versions. Welcome to "In Orbit," where guests can experience life as an astronaut and take part in different aspects of a spectacular space journey, from the launch to the breathtaking view of Earth, and finally, the descent over the ISS.

So, put on your spacesuit, say goodbye to gravity, and let the vastness of space become a part of your visit to Icehotel.

"We all have a longing to travel beyond the known, to gaze at the stars and dream of the infinite. That's why it feels both exciting and rewarding to be able to contribute with the experience from my space journeys in the creation of 'In Orbit,'" says Christer Fuglesang, astronaut.

Fuglesang's Experience Elevates the Icebar to New Heights

Icebar “In Orbit” is being designed by Karl-Johan Ekeroth and Christian Strömqvist, PinPin Studio. When they were asked to create the Icebar in Jukkasjärvi, they immediately knew they wanted to use space as their inspiration.

"For us, the parallels between the natural surroundings of Icehotel and space are obvious. The rugged landscape, the cold, and the feeling of being far away," say Christian Strömqvist and Karl-Johan Ekeroth.

The result? A space journey designed and constructed in collaboration with astronaut Christer Fuglesang. Icebar “In Orbit” is inspired by Fuglesang's journeys to the International Space Station (ISS), and he has contributed his invaluable experiences and knowledge of what it’s really like to be in space.

"We hope to convey Fuglesang’s experiences through the snow and ice in a way that will create new experiences for all visitors for years to come," say the creators of "In Orbit," who are experienced in creating playful and interactive ice and snow projects, including suites for ICEHOTEL, designs for ICEBAR Stockholm, and the annual winter playground in Kiruna.

Icebar In Orbit Grand Opening on November 8

For 35 years, people from around the world have gathered at Icehotel in Jukkasjärvi, and the Icebar has always been the natural meeting place. Here, guests exchange experiences and are served drinks in ice glasses made from the ice of the Torne River. The Icebar’s grand opening in the permanent Icehotel 365 section will take place on November 8, and the seasonal part of Icehotel will open on December 13 – we warmly welcome you into the cold!

For interviews, the opportunity to attend the Icebar opening, or more information, please contact our press contact Josefin Lindberg. For press images and additional details, visit our press page.

Sketch presenting Icebar "In Orbit", design by Karl-Johan Ekeroth & Christian Strömqvist, Sweden, in collaboration with Christer Fuglesang.

Ice cold facts: Icebar "In Orbit"
90 cubic meters of ice: The Icebar requires 90 cubic meters of ice, harvested from the Torne River late last winter.

80 cubic meters of snow: That’s how much snow is needed to build the Icebar.

1:1 Astronaut: A life-sized astronaut made of snow will be featured in the Icebar.

3 weeks: It will take three weeks to create the new Icebar. The construction is done in collaboration with Icehotel’s building team.

Long-lasting experience: Icebar Jukkasjärvi is a long-lasting experience, with the previous Icebar remaining for five years and visited by hundreds of thousands of guests.

Icebar “In Orbit”: Located in Icehotel 365, which is the year-round part of Icehotel.

Grand Opening: The Icebar “In Orbit” will open on November 8.

Facts: Icehotel
44 Warm hotel rooms

28 Warm cabins

18 Year-round open art and deluxe suites of ice (-5 degrees Celsius)

32 Winter open art suites and ice rooms (-5 degrees Celsius)

1 Accessible art suite of ice (-5 degrees Celsius)

3 Meeting rooms

1 Ceremonial hall made of ice in the winter hotel (mid-Dec to mid-April)

1 Ice and snow cinema for 29 guests, open year-round

1 Exhibition room made of ice and snow

1 Icebar “In Orbit”

1 Specially designed entrance

3 Restaurants

5 Wilderness camps

 

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