The Okura Tokyo, Japan
The Okura Tokyo has reopened following a major transformation, offering 508 rooms across two wings: the 41-storey Okura Prestige Tower with 368 rooms and panoramic city views, and the 17-storey Okura Heritage Wing with 140 rooms overlooking the Okura Garden.
The hotel features banquet and convention facilities, spa and fitness amenities including a 25m indoor pool, and five restaurants serving Japanese, French, teppanyaki, and Chinese cuisine, including the hotel’s own Wagyu, Okura Beef.
Located in Minato-ku, the hotel is close to landmarks such as the National Art Centre, Roppongi, and historic Akasaka, offering access to Tokyo’s cultural, political, and entertainment hubs while providing a tranquil retreat. Guests can enjoy cultural experiences including private Noh theatre performances, artisan craft workshops, tea ceremonies, and guided architectural tours.
Brij Sone Bagh, India
Brij Sone Bagh, a new luxury retreat by Brij Hotels, has opened in the Vindhya Hills, Madhya Pradesh, set across around 13 hectares. of forest near Bandhavgarh National Park. The property comprises five villas, each offering private plunge pools, expansive verandas, and forest views.
Located five minutes from the main gate of Bandhavgarh National Park and a three-and-a-half-hour drive from Jabalpur Airport, the retreat provides direct access to tiger safaris, walking trails, tribal villages, and the 2,000-year-old Bandhavgarh Fort.
Onsite facilities include a pool, the Elephant Bar, and dining experiences featuring locally sourced and seasonal cuisine. Guests can participate in guided safaris, nature walks, cultural workshops, and immersive slow-travel experiences that highlight the region’s wildlife, heritage, and crafts.
Caption by Hyatt Kabutocho Tokyo, Japan
Hyatt Hotels Corporation has opened Caption by Hyatt Kabutocho Tokyo in Nihonbashi Kabutocho, Tokyo. The 195-room hotel is steps from Kayabacho and Nihonbashi subway stations, with easy access to Tokyo Station, Marunouchi, Ginza, and both Haneda and Narita airports.
Guestrooms range from 22m² to 54m², with suites including in-room washers and dryers, and the hotel features a fitness centre.
At the heart of the hotel is Talk Shop, an all-day social space serving craft burgers, salads, desserts, coffee, beer, and cocktails, while also hosting cultural programmes and workshops open to guests and locals. A 24/7 grab-and-go Market offers ready-to-eat items and curated products from Nihonbashi heritage brands.
The hotel provides self-service check-in, complimentary Wi-Fi, and TV streaming.
The George Hotel Launceston, an Ascend Collection Hotel, Australia
The George Hotel Launceston, an Ascend Collection Hotel, has opened in Launceston, Tasmania, within a National Trust-listed building dating to 1847. The four-storey property offers 38 rooms, including self-contained apartments and king suites, and is located near the CBD, with easy access to Cataract Gorge, Seaport precinct, UTAS Stadium, City Park, and the Tamar Valley wine region.
The hotel combines sustainable features such as energy-efficient systems, double glazing, full insulation, and solar technology. Guest amenities include a fitness centre, room service, complimentary Wi-Fi, smart TVs, onsite parking, elevators, and an EV charging station.
He brings extensive operational expertise and a focus on innovation, with a passion for using technology to enhance efficiency and guest experience.
In his new role, he will drive Marriott’s growth strategy across APEC, which includes more than 650 open hotels in 22 countries and over 380 in the pipeline. His responsibilities cover development across key markets such as Australia, India, Indonesia, Japan, Malaysia, the Maldives, New Zealand, the Philippines, Singapore, South Korea, Thailand, and Vietnam.
