Latest news with #FairmontHotels&Resorts
Calgary Herald
16-07-2025
- Calgary Herald
Chateau Lake Louise set to open first luxury Nordic-style wellness centre in Banff National Park
It's official. One of the most anticipated new wellness offerings in Alberta has set its opening date. Article content BASIN Glacial Waters, an indoor-outdoor, thermal spa and wellness centre at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, will welcome guests beginning Sept. 15. Article content Article content The facility – an interpretation of a traditional bathhouse – and the first of its kind within Banff National Park, has been two decades in the making. The new wellness centre is a part of a $130-million transformation of the heritage property, which includes renovated guest rooms and a redesigned Fairmont Spa. Article content Article content Article content Guests will engage in self-guided circuits of traditional Finnish and Bio Saunas, an Aufguss Sauna, Steam Rooms, Hot Stone Massage Room, and Silent Salt Relax Room. There is also a series of diverse temperature pools, including the Reflexology Pool, Infinity Pool – spanning onto the outdoor terrace – and Kneipp Walk, for standing contrast bathing. There are two wet treatment rooms, one of which is modelled on a traditional Turkish Hammam for full-body exfoliation. Article content Guests can opt to follow one of five curated wellness 'trails' for a preferred wellness outcome. For example, the 'Stillness Trail' is meant to soothe the nervous system and set the body into the perfect state for a deep rest, while the 'Presence Trail' can counteract jet lag and calm anxiety. The 'Aufguss Ceremony', with roots in European sauna practices, will be a signature option. Led by 'sauna masters' performing traditional oil-infused steam rituals to small groups within the outdoor Aufguss sauna, ceremonies will take place throughout the day. Article content Article content In addition to the spa and treatments, there is a communal lounge with a selection of elixirs, tonics, nootropics and adaptogens, as well as Champagne and craft beverages. Article content 'Our vision with this concept was to create an all-sensory space that felt both intentional and immersive, where guests can slow down, take a breath, and feel genuinely restored – all the while, set against the exquisite backdrop of Lake Louise,' says Emma Darby, global vice-president spa & wellness, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. 'The BASIN experience is not prescriptive but is instead deeply connected to the landscape and focused on the guest's mindset.' Article content The centre was designed by Milan's Matteo Thun & Partners, with inspiration from natural springs, thermal waters, and long-established wellness practices of Nordic sauna culture – all with a luxury element. Adjacent to the majestic chateau, BASIN overlooks the turquoise waters of Lake Louise and the Victoria Glacier – the source of the facility's mineral-rich water. Article content 'Capturing the spirit of Lake Louise was at the heart of the architectural intention, to respect the richness of the landscape with a design that represents simplicity, purity, and the uniqueness of the location. Nature and the beautiful surroundings of the lake and the forest become the protagonist – architecture and interior the stage,' Matteo Thun stated in a press release.
Edmonton Journal
16-07-2025
- Edmonton Journal
Chateau Lake Louise set to open first luxury Nordic-style wellness centre in Banff National Park
It's official. One of the most anticipated new wellness offerings in Alberta has set its opening date. Article content BASIN Glacial Waters, an indoor-outdoor, thermal spa and wellness centre at the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise, will welcome guests beginning Sept. 15. Article content Article content The facility – an interpretation of a traditional bathhouse – and the first of its kind within Banff National Park, has been two decades in the making. The new wellness centre is a part of a $130-million transformation of the heritage property, which includes renovated guest rooms and a redesigned Fairmont Spa. Article content Article content Article content Guests will engage in self-guided circuits of traditional Finnish and Bio Saunas, an Aufguss Sauna, Steam Rooms, Hot Stone Massage Room, and Silent Salt Relax Room. There is also a series of diverse temperature pools, including the Reflexology Pool, Infinity Pool – spanning onto the outdoor terrace – and Kneipp Walk, for standing contrast bathing. There are two wet treatment rooms, one of which is modelled on a traditional Turkish Hammam for full-body exfoliation. Article content Guests can opt to follow one of five curated wellness 'trails' for a preferred wellness outcome. For example, the 'Stillness Trail' is meant to soothe the nervous system and set the body into the perfect state for a deep rest, while the 'Presence Trail' can counteract jet lag and calm anxiety. The 'Aufguss Ceremony', with roots in European sauna practices, will be a signature option. Led by 'sauna masters' performing traditional oil-infused steam rituals to small groups within the outdoor Aufguss sauna, ceremonies will take place throughout the day. Article content Article content In addition to the spa and treatments, there is a communal lounge with a selection of elixirs, tonics, nootropics and adaptogens, as well as Champagne and craft beverages. Article content 'Our vision with this concept was to create an all-sensory space that felt both intentional and immersive, where guests can slow down, take a breath, and feel genuinely restored – all the while, set against the exquisite backdrop of Lake Louise,' says Emma Darby, global vice-president spa & wellness, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. 'The BASIN experience is not prescriptive but is instead deeply connected to the landscape and focused on the guest's mindset.' Article content The centre was designed by Milan's Matteo Thun & Partners, with inspiration from natural springs, thermal waters, and long-established wellness practices of Nordic sauna culture – all with a luxury element. Adjacent to the majestic chateau, BASIN overlooks the turquoise waters of Lake Louise and the Victoria Glacier – the source of the facility's mineral-rich water. Article content 'Capturing the spirit of Lake Louise was at the heart of the architectural intention, to respect the richness of the landscape with a design that represents simplicity, purity, and the uniqueness of the location. Nature and the beautiful surroundings of the lake and the forest become the protagonist – architecture and interior the stage,' Matteo Thun stated in a press release. Article content
Campaign ME
29-05-2025
- Business
- Campaign ME
Fairmont engages new generation of luxury consumers with latest campaign
The latest global brand campaign from Fairmont Hotels & Resorts aims to connect the hospitality group's storied past with the aspirations of modern travelers. In an effort to reinforce its position as a beloved luxury hospitality brand and gateway to adventure and exploration, Fairmont's 'Make Special Happen' is a 360-degree paid media campaign that leverages a blend of still imagery, alongside video, across global print, online and social media platforms. The campaign is also supported by the launch of Fairmont's new website, which aims to extend the brand's new platform in a highly curated manner. Loay Nour, Vice President, Brand, Marketing & Communications at Fairmont Hotels & Resorts speaks with Campaign Middle East, sharing insights behind the campaign, and how audiences in the region can expect to witness localised versions of the brand's latest work. 'In an increasingly crowded luxury market, we are combatting a 'sea of sameness'; similar imagery, color palettes, language, even fonts. We had to think differently to stand out,' Nour says. 'We started with an extensive brand repositioning exercise and engaged hotel colleagues and leaders through focus groups and workshops, involving those who work directly with guests,' he explains on the strategy behind the campaign. 'This allowed us to adopt, first and foremost, a guest-centric approach,' he says. The campaign was inspired by an extensive canvas of guests' preferences and behaviours during their stays at Fairmont. 'We discovered that our guests feel passionately that staying with Fairmont makes them feel 'special'', Nour says. 'We decided to double down on this, building into new service culture training, to ensure that every colleague worldwide is equipped to create special moments for our guests.' The campaign's hero film begins with an invite to 'Make Special Happen'. To the tune of some upbeat contemporary jazz, invitations are distributed to guests of all demographics in various hotel settings. The visuals aim to showcase the offerings in Fairmont's portfolio and pauses on a scene that features Tom Wolfe, America's first concierge. For audiences in the region, Nour says, 'all campaign content and assets will be localised, using relevant language and tone of voice, while tailoring versions of the film to resonate with Middle East audiences.' Fairmont is also curating experiences that celebrate the spirit and culture of each of its destinations through the Make Special Happen series. 'In the Middle East and North Africa, for example, this comes to life through Marrakech Unveiled: A Sky-to-Souk Journey,' Nour says. 'Guests in Morocco begin with a sunrise hot air balloon ride over the desert plains and the Atlas Mountains, followed by local refreshments at a camp, and from there, they return to the Medina, journeying through hidden valleys and immersing themselves in the rich local culture.' 'It is more than a scenic activity, it is a fully immersive experience that reveals the true essence of the destination in a deeply personal way,' he explains. 'These special moments bring 'Make Special Happen' to life in ways that feel personal, authentic, and deeply connected to place.' Fairmont brought the campaign to life through its partnership with King & Partners and filmmaker Jean Claude Thibaut. Nour says initial consumer sentiment and response from audiences globally have been very positive. 'Given the campaign's strong digital focus, it allows us to maximise our reach and engagement with audiences across the Middle East, using full-funnel social, programmatic, and behavioral targeting to connect in a more personalised and meaningful way,' he says. 'We continue to monitor audience response closely through social listening, media analytics, and guest feedback to optimise the campaign and ensure it remains relevant and impactful across diverse global markets,' Nour concludes. Credits: Creative: King & Partners Director: Jean Claude Thibaut Media planning: Publicis
Skift
19-05-2025
- Business
- Skift
Fairmont Launches First Brand Campaign in 4 Years
Fairmont hopes it can keep its longtime guests while becoming more inclusive and winning over a new wave of travelers. Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has launched its first global brand campaign since 2021, and though there's a luxury backdrop, the hotel group says the message is about how guests feel in quiet, everyday moments. Fairmont is rolling out a series of bookable offerings under the banner 'Special Happens...' These include after-hours spa rituals under the stars, yoga by a waterfall, and chocolate-making workshops. The goal, according to Raffles & Fairmont CEO Omer Acar, is to focus on moments that feel personal, not grand. And the idea is to turn that concept into a service standard – no easy feat across 92 hotels in 30 countries. Acar said Fairmont is building "a new service culture," training colleagues worldwide to create "special" moments, not just for VIPs or major events, but also in everyday guest interactions. There's also an ad campaign called "Make Special Happen." A short film, shot at the Fairmont Royal York in Toronto, follows a cast of characters preparing for a grand celebration. It's clearly luxury – with hand-delivered, handwritten invitations – but it's inclusive and not stuffy. Acar said the idea for it didn't come from a creative agency but from an internal workshop. "We started a year ago with a select group of general managers, regional vice presidents, and executive team members sitting in a room to identify what is special about Fairmont," he said. "Fairmont is a hotel company that has been making special things happen for decades." Looking for Relevance Across Generations Fairmont was founded in 1907 and has hosted historic events that include the signing of the United Nations Charter, Truman Capote's Black and White Ball, and John Lennon and Yoko Ono's Bed-In for Peace. The campaign draws on that heritage while trying to make the idea of "special" feel contemporary. With input from consultancy Codec, the company identified five "cultural communities" it hopes to reach, categories it calls: the escapist, active lifestyles, status tastemakers, the social culturalist, and the event mavens. "A study was done about who the pillars are and our guests are. Who are we addressing? Who have we been addressing, and who should we continue to address?" said Acar. Acar says Fairmont wants to appeal to a younger generation of travelers without alienating its longtime guests. "We are looking at a new generation, but we are also not forgetting our heritage," Acar said. "It's important to highlight that it is not only focused on one group of travelers, but it is celebrating multi-generational travelers." "We want the brand to be stylish, not only trendy, because the style has staying power, and trends, as you know, come and go. So, if we follow this, we don't believe we can lose." Acar added.
Tourism Breaking News
08-05-2025
- Business
- Tourism Breaking News
Fairmont to open 3 hotels, 616 keys by 2030 in Saudi Arabia
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts will be opening three properties in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia – Fairmont Red Sea opening end of 2025, Fairmont Ajdan Al Khobar in 2027 and Fairmont Rua Madinah in 2028, total of 616 keys by 2030. Aligned with the Kingdom's Saudi Vision 2030, this signifies a new stronghold in the Kingdom and bolsters the brand's record-breaking pipeline. Maarten Den Nieuwenhuijsen, Senior Vice President Openings and Guest Experience, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts commented: 'At Fairmont, we pursue growth with intention, selecting destinations that reflect our commitment to timeless hospitality and cultural resonance. Saudi Arabia is one of the world's most dynamic tourist destinations, offering untold opportunities for growth, and we are proud to play a role in shaping its hospitality landscape. I am confident that our upcoming openings will not only contribute to the Kingdom's luxury hospitality offering but also foster meaningful connections with guests and communities. These projects are a testament to the strength of our development pipeline and our long-term commitment to the region.' Fairmont The Red Sea – Each property will represent Fairmont's dedication to transformative accommodation and celebration of heritage. Fairmont The Red Sea, positioned in the Kingdom's groundbreaking Red Sea Project—one of the world's most ambitious regenerative tourism projects—is set to redefine the relationship between luxury tourism and the natural world. Once opened, the property will feature 193 rooms, six distinct dining concepts, including an overwater restaurant with views of the Red Sea and the mangroves, teens centre, kids' clubs, and a spa. The resort will be situated next to an 18-hole championship golf course, reflecting Fairmont's association as a world-class golf operator. It will set new standards in sustainable development, positioned on 200 km of untouched coastline, an archipelago of more than 90 unspoiled islands, dormant volcanoes, rich marine habitat, and ancient archaeological sites. Fairmont Ajdan Al Khobar – Arriving in 2027, Fairmont Ajdan Al Khobar will offer 160 rooms, and serviced apartments, four dining outlets, a Fairmont Spa and fitness facilities and executive meeting rooms. Strategically located in the heart of Al Khobar's center, the property will become part of the vibrant Ajdan Waterfront development, featuring retail and entertainment attractions. Fairmont Rua Madinah – Overlooking the revered Prophet's Mosque and located in one of Saudi Arabia's religious cities, Fairmont Rua Madinah is set to feature 143 spacious rooms and suites, a variety of dining venues and 120 branded residences – boasting its own kids club, fitness center and spa. With the opening of Fairmont Rua Madinah, the hotel brand will be present in the two main religious cities of Saudi Arabia. Fairmont Rua Madinah will join Fairmont's established presence in Saudi Arabia, including the iconic Makkah Clock Royal Tower, A Fairmont Hotel, a symbol of luxury and religious significance in the heart of the Holy City.
