As the world of travel evolves, so do the needs and expectations of our clients. In this month’s newsletter, we’re excited to showcase how our clients are leading the way in integrating cutting-edge technology and sustainable practices into their offerings. From eco-friendly resorts to advanced booking systems, these innovations are setting new standards in the travel industry. Join us as we explore the latest trends that are not only enhancing the travel experience but also contributing to a more sustainable and responsible future. By staying ahead of these developments, you can continue to offer your clients unparalleled travel experiences that align with their values and desires.
Sion Adds 200,000 Verified Suppliers
Commission management and reporting just got a big upgrade. Sion's latest update includes adding 200,000+ verified suppliers to its platform - making it your ultimate source of truth. You can easily run production reports and compare revenue, commission, and booking volume against previous quarters or years.
You also have instant access to performance data for over 25 preferred programs, such as Virtuoso and Rocco Forte Knights, and can now use location filtering to find suppliers based on updated attributes like airport proximity.
What does Sion do again?
Sion simplifies commission tracking and chasing. More than 5,000 of the world's top-producing travel advisors rely on Sion to help them recover millions of dollars in commission each year.
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Ballyfin is buzzing with excitement as they celebrate the vital role of bees in their ecosystem. Nestled beneath Ireland’s Slieve Bloom Mountains, Ballyfin is home to twenty thriving beehives that contribute to the rich tapestry of their natural surroundings. These hives play a crucial role in pollination and honey production, supported by dedicated beekeeper Bernd Schuch, a valued member of the Irish Beekeepers Association. Throughout the year, Bernd oversees the honey production process, from the delicate spring blend of dandelion, horse chestnut, hawthorn, and sycamore to the late summer infusion of lime blossoms and brambles. The result is a collection of exquisite honeys known for their aromatic complexity and unique flavors, enjoyed in Ballyfin’s kitchen creations, breakfast tables, and boutique offerings. Ballyfin invites you to join them in celebrating the magic of bees and the wonders of beekeeping, working together to protect these essential pollinators for a flourishing future.
Six Senses Fiji: Preserving the Future
Six Senses Fiji is dedicated to preserving the environment through comprehensive sustainable practices, from energy and water conservation to waste management and eliminating plastic. With one of the Southern Hemisphere's largest off-grid solar installations incorporating Tesla batteries, the resort harnesses solar power for its operations and desalination plant. Guests can enjoy fresh eggs from over 100 chickens at Cluckingham Palace and honey from nearby protected beehives. The resort's Earth Lab offers hands-on activities where guests can engage in upcycling, create natural products, and foster a connection with nature. Six Senses Fiji also gives back to the local community by restoring infrastructure, providing clean water access, supporting education, and participating in tree-planting initiatives. Their commitment to sustainability includes protecting the endangered Fijian crested iguana and restoring coral reefs, ensuring a brighter future for both guests and the environment.
Oil Nut Bay: A Sustainable Paradise
Oil Nut Bay is a pristine paradise committed to sustainability, ensuring its idyllic setting is preserved for future generations. Located on Virgin Gorda, the resort features 180 home sites across 400 acres, with 50% of the land designated as open space. Solar power generates electricity for desalination plants, air conditioning, and more, adhering to green energy guidelines to conserve natural resources. Guests and residents can explore five hiking trails offering breathtaking views of the island’s natural beauty. Oil Nut Bay's mission is to maintain a luxury resort community that harmonizes with the environment while meeting the unique needs of residents and guests.
Castlemartyr Resort, Ireland: Castlemartyr Resort exemplifies environmental responsibility with its various sustainability initiatives. Located on 220 acres of woodlands in East Cork, the resort harmonizes luxury with history in its 17th-century manor house and 800-year-old castle ruins. As part of its broader commitment to sustainability, Castlemartyr has engaged in reforestation efforts, energy-efficient practices like LED lighting, and the introduction of onsite beehives to support biodiversity. Through collaborations with organizations like One Tree Planted, the resort has contributed to global reforestation and environmental preservation, offering guests opportunities to participate in these meaningful initiatives.
Glenapp Castle, Scotland: Nestled in the Galloway and South Ayrshire biosphere reserve, Glenapp Castle is surrounded by a thriving variety of birds, butterflies, and other insects. This beautiful wilderness feeds rivers like the River Stinchar, a famous salmon river flowing past the estate. Cyclists, walkers, and naturalists will find unparalleled views of the unspoiled Scottish countryside. Additionally, Scotland’s Galloway Forest Park, the UK’s first Dark Sky Park, offers some of the darkest skies in Europe. Here, over 7,000 stars and planets are visible, with the Milky Way arching across the sky. Glenapp Castle can arrange for an astronomer to provide expert identification of the night sky, enhancing this breathtaking experience.
Katikies Hotels, Greece: In their quest to preserve Greece's natural beauty, Katikies Hotels ensures sustainable, environmentally friendly practices in every detail. As of 2022, Katikies Hotels Group proudly supports the Helmepa Marine Environment Protection Association. This pioneering initiative by Greek seafarers and ship owners, started in 1982, is dedicated to safeguarding the seas from ship-generated pollution. Under the motto “To Save the Seas,” Helmepa promotes environmental consciousness and safety within the maritime community. Katikies Hotels' commitment to this cause reflects their dedication to protecting the environment and achieving sustainable hospitality.
Kisawa Sanctuary, Mozambique: Kisawa Sanctuary has made significant strides in sustainability, integrating environmental, social, and governance (ESG) elements. Kisawa expanded its garden project, contributing 16,000 seeds to a seed bank. BCSS research documented a total of 1,033 marine individuals and 685 coral and water samples. Organic waste is repurposed for composting and animal feed. The new Dive Center offers guests access to BCSS's scientific expertise and 3D Seabed mapping. Social impact initiatives secured education for 447 pupils at Benguerra Island’s Primary School.
Soneva Resorts, Maldives and Thailand: The Maldives, known for its captivating underwater beauty, hosts coral reefs that support 25% of sea life. The Soneva Foundation's Coral Restoration project aims to rejuvenate these vital ecosystems. Operating from the AquaTerra science centre at Soneva Fushi, the foundation manages the largest coral farm in the Indian Ocean. Efforts include a one-hectare coral nursery using Mineral Accretion Technology, the Maldives’ first Coral Spawning and Rearing Lab, and 30 micro-fragmenting tanks for nurturing and transplanting coral fragments. In 2023, Soneva produced 150,000 coral fragments, grew 10,663 micro-fragments and 16,000 baby corals, out-planted 32,314 colonies, and rescued 33,090 coral colonies, demonstrating a strong commitment to marine biodiversity.
White Elephant Resorts, Nantucket: Since spring 2014, White Elephant Resorts has supported the shell recycling program established by the Nantucket Shellfish Association and the Natural Resources Department. This initiative encourages local restaurants, raw bars, and the community to recycle oyster and clam shells to aid oyster restoration in Nantucket waters. Collected shells are cured and used as the foundation for new oyster reefs. In 2020 alone, Brant Point Grill recycled over 1,724 pounds of oyster shells, creating homes for more than 172,400 baby oysters, highlighting the program's significant impact on marine conservation.
Thyme, United Kingdom: Thyme embraces sustainability through green engineering, responsibly sourced produce, and waste minimization. The estate uses advanced ventilation, insulation, and heat pumps, while the spring water swimming pool boasts a chlorine-free filtration system. Thyme grows seasonal ingredients and British-grown flowers, maintaining rich soil and minimizing waste with rigorous composting and recycling policies. The estate also removes single-use plastics and promotes zero-waste kitchens. All suppliers adhere to sustainable standards, ensuring an environmentally friendly and transparent approach in every aspect of the estate's operations.
Grantley Hall, United Kingdom: Grantley Hall is dedicated to reducing its environmental impact and enhancing sustainability through innovative practices. The estate utilizes a unique open-loop water system powered by a 2,000-year-old borehole, eliminating fossil fuel use for heating and hot water. The Kitchen Garden supplies sustainably sourced Yorkshire produce, minimizing the carbon footprint. As part of the Skell Valley Project, the hotel aids in preserving local wildlife and landscapes. Their comprehensive recycling strategy and partnership with EarthCheck ensure ongoing improvements in economic, environmental, and social practices.
Hotel Magnolia, Santiago, Chile: At Hotel Magnolia, sustainability is a way of life. The hotel uses eco-friendly cleaning products and provides guests with glass water bottles to reduce plastic waste. A small organic garden supplies fresh produce for the restaurant and bar, ensuring local and sustainable ingredients. With water dispensers that eliminate almost all viruses and bacteria, Hotel Magnolia is dedicated to caring for the planet through thoughtful and impactful actions.
Hotel Le Toiny, St. Barth: Le Toiny is dedicated to conserving the natural habitat of sea turtles on their beach. By creating awareness and conserving their habitat, guests have the chance to witness these incredible creatures in their natural environment, supporting vital conservation efforts.
Esprit Saint Germain, Paris: Esprit Saint Germain is dedicated to sustainable tourism and is currently pursuing the Green Key label, an internationally recognized eco-label. This certification is awarded to establishments that meet rigorous environmental standards, including energy and water conservation, waste management, and environmental education for staff and guests. By achieving the Green Key certification, Esprit Saint Germain demonstrates its commitment to reducing environmental impact and promoting responsible practices within the tourism industry.
Sheen Falls Lodge, Ireland: At Sheen Falls Lodge, guests can embark on a personalized journey to discover their Irish ancestry. Through a comprehensive genealogy consultation, guests gain access to current Irish genealogy databases, providing a detailed list of sources and a snapshot of their family history. Whether uncertain about the exact lineage or knowing they have Irish roots, this service helps guests trace their ancestry back to the earliest Irish generations, creating a meaningful connection to their heritage. The Safari Collection, Kenya: Kenya’s Masai Mara is home to one of the country’s last two free-ranging populations of indigenous, eastern black rhino. As a critically endangered species targeted by poachers, the protection of these mammals is crucial. The Safari Collection recently helped the Masai Mara National Reserve to install a cutting-edge system called EarthRanger, alongside a new wireless LoRa WAN (long range wide area network) to collect, integrate and display real time data from tracking devices across the Reserve. This was carried out in conjunction with a successful operation to fit monitoring tags to 13 black rhinos. The satellite tags send hourly updates to the system, providing invaluable data for the Reserve’s Rhino Ranger unit on how best to protect these vulnerable animals. The technology is being used in a new, purpose-built operations room which The Safari Collection’s Footprint Trust recently built with support from a generous donor. Read more about the rhino tagging operation here.
Armancette Hotel, French Alps: The Armancette Hotel embraces sustainability and community through its revitalized tearoom and bakery. Once the site of the village bakery, this vibrant spot offers guests and locals a warm welcome with freshly baked breads and pastries crafted daily by Pierre and his team. The sunny terrace provides stunning views of the Domes de Miage mountains, making it an ideal place for breakfast, quick meals, and afternoon tea. The bakery’s seasonal creations reflect the flavors of each time of year, ensuring a delightful experience for every visit. By bringing new life to a cherished local institution, Armancette Hotel fosters a sense of community and sustainability, blending tradition with innovation.
Lodge Lorien, New Zealand: Lodge Lorien seamlessly integrates advanced technology to enhance the guest experience. The lodge features high-speed Wi-Fi, smart home controls, and state-of-the-art entertainment facilities, including a cinema room and a sound system. Guests can also enjoy a range of high-tech outdoor adventures, such as heli-skiing, where they can explore untouched powder on the highest peaks, or a Southern Alps heli-tour, which includes glacier landings and a gourmet alpine lunch. These technological enhancements ensure a luxurious and connected stay amidst the stunning landscapes of New Zealand’s South Island.
New York City is a destination that constantly surprises and delights with its dynamic energy and endless possibilities. Whether it's your first visit or your fiftieth, there's always something new to discover in this iconic metropolis. From world-famous landmarks to hidden neighborhood gems, NYC offers a diverse range of experiences that leave a lasting impression. This month, we spotlight two remarkable hotels that embody the city’s unique character: The Greenwich Hotel and Hotel Chelsea.
The Greenwich Hotel: Luxury and Serenity in TriBeCa
Situated in the vibrant TriBeCa neighborhood, The Greenwich Hotel offers a luxurious and serene escape in the heart of New York City. This urban oasis combines industrial elegance with modern comforts, featuring beautifully designed rooms and suites crafted from natural materials. Guests can indulge in a range of amenities, including the Shibui Spa, where traditional Japanese techniques provide a tranquil retreat. The hotel's restaurant, Locanda Verde, serves rustic Italian cuisine in a warm, inviting atmosphere, while the Drawing Room offers a cozy space to unwind with a cocktail by the fireplace. The lush private courtyard adds to the hotel's serene ambiance, providing a peaceful sanctuary amidst the city's hustle and bustle.
Hotel Chelsea: A Cultural Icon with Modern Comforts
Hotel Chelsea is more than just a place to stay—it's a living piece of New York City's artistic history. Located in the historic Chelsea neighborhood, this iconic hotel has hosted countless renowned artists, musicians, and writers. Today, it offers guests a blend of historic charm and modern luxury. The hotel's eclectic decor and vibrant atmosphere create an inspiring environment for guests. Amenities include El Quijote, an iconic New York City restaurant serving classic Spanish dishes, and Café Chelsea, a French American bistro acclaimed as one of the best French restaurants near Midtown, NYC. Guests can also unwind at the Lobby Bar with a signature cocktail. Hotel Chelsea's rich history and contemporary comforts make it a unique and memorable destination.
Family Twist: Row Like a Gondolier in Venice
Family Twist offers a unique opportunity to learn the art of Venetian gondoliering. Participants train in a small port before navigating the picturesque canals of Venice, just like a real gondolier. With roots dating back to 1094, the gondola is a quintessential part of Venetian history and culture. This unforgettable experience not only provides fun for the whole family but also supports the preservation of an ancient tradition.
HL Adventure: Enchanting Ice Caves in Iceland
HL Adventure offers an exclusive opportunity to explore Iceland's enchanting blue ice and crystal-like ice caves. These breathtaking natural wonders, formed within glaciers, provide a mesmerizing and ever-changing landscape. Guided by experienced glacier experts, guests embark on a journey that showcases the stunning blue hues and intricate formations unique to each cave. The tour ensures safety and comfort with all necessary equipment provided. After the adventure, guests indulge in a luxurious meal featuring locally sourced ingredients and fine wines. Ideal for intimate gatherings or group experiences, HL Adventure's ice cave tours promise an unforgettable exploration of Iceland's hidden beauty.
OAG Greece: Uncover Athens' Hidden Gems
OAG Greece specializes in crafting leisure experiences that go beyond the ordinary, offering travelers the chance to immerse themselves in the rich culture and traditions of Greece. Their Experience Designers leverage deep local knowledge and connections to create personalized journeys that leave a lasting impression. For those eager to explore the hidden gems of Athens, OAG Greece offers unique experiences that reveal the city’s vibrant character. Attend a play at the ancient Odeon of Herodes Atticus Theater during the Athens and Epidaurus Festival to enjoy a fusion of history and live performance. Savor sunset drinks at Umi Bar by Masterchef Nobu Matsuhisa on the Athenian Riviera, and indulge in authentic Greek cuisine at Psarras, a traditional tavern in Plaka. Discover Athens’ lively culture with a visit to one of its stylish wine bars, where you can taste local wines and engage with the city’s dynamic spirit.
St. Barth Connection: Concierge Excellence and Beachside Bliss
St. Barth Connection offers guests unparalleled luxury with their exclusive concierge services, providing a private butler-like experience. From seamless reservations to handling last-minute requests and solving travel hiccups, their team ensures every detail is flawlessly managed. Guests seeking sun and sand can enjoy a day at one of St. Barth's vibrant beach clubs, such as the lively Gyp Sea Beach Club, where St. Barth Connection coordinates reservations, transportation to and from, and more.
Rediscover festive magic at Soneva Resorts in the Maldives & Thailand, with delightful Christmas experiences and signature culinary journeys to welcome in the New Year.
Discover the magic of Yorkshire's cinematic history and breathtaking scenery on a set-jetting adventure, with Grantley Hall as
your perfect base.
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Five-star hotel, Grantley Hall, has launched its latest dining destination, The River Terrace at Grantley Hall. This exciting addition further bolsters its already impressive gastronomic offering and solidifies its reputation as a premier culinary destination.
This seasonal space is elegantly situated over the River Skell, meaning that guests can drink and dine on the river itself. It is an extension of the summer favorite alfresco dining spot of the Norton Courtyard, which opens its terrace in the warmer months for outdoor dining.
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