Latest news with #KerznerInternational
Trade Arabia
26-05-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Kerzner, Sunset Hospitality JV to expand Tapasake brand globally
Kerzner International Holdings Limited, an independent developer and operator of luxury hospitality and residential properties, and Sunset Hospitality Group (SHG), a leading multinational lifestyle hospitality group, have entered a strategic joint venture to drive the global expansion of the celebrated Tapasake culinary concept. SHG and Kerzner will join forces to expand the Tapasake brand as a stand-alone lifestyle concept outside the One&Only portfolio for the first time. Building on its existing presence in Dubai, the Maldives, Montenegro, and Mauritius, this joint venture will scale the brand across additional key international destinations, with further global markets currently in development. As part of the evolved vision, Tapasake's location in Dubai, perched atop The Link, home to the world's longest sky infinity pool, will temporarily close in June 2025 for a complete transformation. Tapasake Dubai will reopen in Q4 2025 with refreshed interiors, a new culinary direction, updated brand identity, and an immersive guest journey that reflects the global vision for the brand. 'Tapasake is a homegrown success story which has always been synonymous with quality, style, and energy. This partnership with Sunset Hospitality Group reflects our shared commitment to delivering exceptional lifestyle experiences in the world's most desirable destinations. We are excited to bring a different perspective to Tapasake while preserving the essence that guests around the world have come to love,' said Philippe Zuber, CEO of Kerzner International. Antonio Gonzalez, Chairman and Group CEO of SHG, said: 'Partnering with Kerzner to take Tapasake global aligns with our vision of delivering unique lifestyle hospitality experiences to international markets. This collaboration celebrates Tapasake's origins while unlocking new creative and commercial opportunities for growth, opening an exciting new chapter in the brand's evolution.' Tapasake's Journey First created at One&Only Reethi Rah, Tapasake has become one of the brand's most distinctive and beloved culinary destinations. A concept born from Kerzner's homegrown innovation that fuses elevated cuisine with high-energy ambiance. The restaurant has since been reinterpreted and embraced across select One&Only resorts, including One&Only Portonovi, One&Only Le Saint Géran and One&Only One Za'abeel, earning strong guest demand for expansion into new markets. At the heart of Tapasake is a philosophy of 'Eatertainment', a fusion of refined dining and vibrant entertainment. Drawing on its Japanese culinary foundation, Tapasake menus are complemented by additional influences that vary by location, creating a unique and dynamic experience in every venue. The name itself reflects this duality: 'Tapas' representing the art of sharing, and 'Sake' symbolizing Japanese precision, flavour, and excellence. - TradeArabia News Service
Business Times
22-05-2025
- Business
- Business Times
One&Only Desaru exit casts shadow as Johor SEZ ambitions grow
[KUALA LUMPUR] The ultra-luxury tropical resort One&Only Desaru Coast – hailed as Johor's crown jewel in global tourism when it was unveiled five years ago – has quietly vanished from Malaysia's tourism map, dropping its branding without fanfare. The official One&Only website now states that the Desaru Coast resort is no longer under its management – a low-key move made without any announcement beyond the site update. The property is owned by a unit of Khazanah Nasional, Malaysia's sovereign wealth fund. A favourite among well-heeled Singaporeans for its lush rainforest setting and easy weekend access, the resort featured suites with private plunge pools, a 50-metre infinity pool, and a destination beach club by Andrew Walsh, the chef behind Singapore's one-Michelin-starred Cure. One&Only's retreat could draw attention in hospitality circles, coming just as Johor steps up its ambitions through the Johor-Singapore Special Economic Zone (SEZ). Desaru Coast is owned by Desaru Peace Holdings, a subsidiary of Themed Attractions Resorts & Hotels (TARH), which is wholly owned by Khazanah Nasional. Khazanah did not respond to BT queries. Kerzner International, the brand owner of One&Only, confirmed that its management contract with the resort ended on Apr 30. A NEWSLETTER FOR YOU Friday, 8.30 am Asean Business Business insights centering on South-east Asia's fast-growing economies. Sign Up Sign Up The One&Only website states that the Desaru Coast resort is no longer under its management. PHOTO: ONE&ONLY DESARU COAST Rebranding afoot As at mid-May 2025, Google lists One&Only Desaru Coast as 'Permanently closed.' 'A mutual agreement was reached to bring to a natural end One&Only Resorts' management contract with One&Only Desaru Coast, between Desaru Peace Holdings, the resort's owner, and One&Only Resorts, the management operator,' said Alice Issigonis, global director of communications and public relations at Kerzner International in response to BT queries. 'This change in management did not involve a closure of the resort, which remains open. Both Desaru Peace Holdings and One&Only Resorts are very proud of the resort's achievements. One&Only ceased operations on Apr 30,l 2025. Desaru Peace Holdings will announce a new operator once confirmed,' she added. Kerzner International manages some of the world's most exclusive ultra-luxury resorts under the label, with properties in Greece, Montenegro, Mexico, Mauritius, the Maldives, South Africa and Dubai. Tourism ambitions tested The luxury retreat's exit, however, comes just as Malaysia's federal government doubles down on tourism under the 'Malaysia Madani' framework, which aims to put good governance, sustainable development and racial harmony at the heart of government policies. When launching the Visit Malaysia 2026 campaign, Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim set bold targets: 35.6 million tourist arrivals and RM147.1 billion (S$43.3 billion) in receipts. 'Tourism must not only drive national revenue,' he reportedly said earlier this year, adding that it should 'create sustainable livelihoods across every state – including Johor, which sits at the gateway to Singapore'. Launched in January, the Johor-Singapore SEZ is part of this broader economic push. The government-to-government initiative aims to facilitate trade, enhance mobility, and draw high-value investment and is being closely watched as a potential game changer for Johor's economic trajectory. Industry players are confident the high-end resort's departure is a one-off event. Ivan Teo, chairman of the Johor chapter of the Malaysian Association of Hotels, said One&Only's exit reflects a change in operator, not a deeper market issue. 'The rest of the services and facilities remain the same. Its exit will not impact long-term investors. A new operator will be announced by the end of this month,' he said. He reaffirmed confidence in Desaru's readiness to support luxury tourism. He pointed to growing connectivity, including direct ferry links from Singapore, and soon, Indonesia, as well as new hotel entrants such as Sheraton and Novotel in Johor Bahru. 'Desaru is definitely ready,' he stressed. SEZ – Johor's big reset He noted that Johor's strong demand for high-end experiences is evident from the popularity of Johor Premium Outlets, and that premium hotel brands would not struggle to thrive, given the current shortage of rooms. 'Johor Bahru has always been seen as a leisure zone. The SEZ could boost weekday occupancy, which is currently inconsistent,' he said, adding that corporate traffic from investors and business travellers will directly benefit the hospitality sector. 'With China's visa exemption, ferry and flight connectivity from Indonesia, and the upcoming Rapid Transit System in 2026, we can already foresee tangible spillover into Johor,' he added. However, he noted that infrastructure gaps remain, adding: 'Public transportation, pedestrian-friendly roads and paved walkways would make a big difference – especially for tourists who don't drive.' Yet, as Anwar's administration doubles down on its cross-border ambitions, observers are questioning whether Johor can avoid repeating past missteps such as the scrapped Kuala Lumpur-Singapore High-Speed Rail and the mixed results of Iskandar Malaysia, the development corridor in southern Johor. Mohamad Isamuddin Isa, a Johor Bahru city council member and co-founder of Strategic Communications Solutions, described the SEZ as being more structured and committed than past initiatives. 'It's like a sandbox pilot. The whole southern region is involved now, not just select areas,' he said. Execution is everything Isamuddin cited efforts such as the Johor Talent Development Council, which links local youth to sectors such as data centres and advanced manufacturing, as part of the state's drive to localise SEZ benefits. Dr Carmelo Ferlito, an economist and chief executive officer of research consultancy Center for Market Education, offered a broader perspective, saying: 'Special Economic Zones present both opportunity and risk. 'They can incentivise investment, which is vital for long-term development – but incentives must be broad-based, not overly targeted, or the model collapses once they are withdrawn.' He urged Malaysia to look beyond isolated zones. 'The government shouldn't decide where development happens – the market should lead that discovery process,' he said. He also supported easing movement between borders. 'True free trade is enhanced by mobility of people and goods,' he added.
Trade Arabia
23-04-2025
- Business
- Trade Arabia
Kerzner to open One&Only resort in Hudson Valley
Kerzner International, a luxury hospitality and residential property developer, has signed a deal with Nolan Reynolds International to develop One&Only's second resort and community of Private Homes in the US. The resort, located in Hudson Valley, New York, will advance Kerzner and One&Only's strategic growth in the American market. The wellness-driven resort will be developed within the Culinary Institute of America campus in Hyde Park, New York, on a 21-acre site. The resort will feature 61 cabins, guest rooms, suites, two exceptional culinary experiences, and a Longevity Hub by Clinique La Prairie. The resort will also introduce the brand's second community of One&Only Private Homes in the US, which will combine the elevated comforts of home with the brand's unrivalled amenities and service. The Private Homes will be meticulously designed with fully equipped chef's kitchens, paying homage to the Culinary Institute of America and inspiring more culinary interests. The upcoming opening in Hudson River Valley will join the brand's highly anticipated opening of One&Only Moonlight Basin in Big Sky, Montana, in November 2025. 'Through our portfolio of One&Only resorts, Kerzner International continues unlocking destinations globally, redefining the ultraluxury experience in some of the world's most inspiring locations. We are thrilled to announce our second One& Only destination in the US –in Hyde Park, the soul of the Hudson River Valley,' says Philippe Zuber, Chief Executive Officer, Kerzner. 'One&Only offers guests meaningful, transformative experiences that are deeply connected to nature, culture and wellbeing. Hudson River Valley offers an incredible opportunity to create another truly unique and exceptional One&Only experience in North America.' 'We are excited to work together with Nolan Reynolds International and Culinary Institute of America to expand further into North America,' says Juan Aguilar, President of Real Estate, Kerzner. 'Built on shared values of sustainable design and community engagement, our partnership solidifies the foundation for continued success and legacy expansion in the US.' 'At NRI, we are honoured to be partners with Kerzner International on this unprecedented ultra-luxury destination resort in the US,' says Brent Reynolds, CEO & Managing Partner of NRI. 'This new One&Only resort embodies NRI's ethos of creating exceptional experiences around the globe, grounded in holistic wellness, immersive learning, and authentic hospitality. We see this new venture as the beginning of a long and fruitful partnership with Kerzner and its category-defining One&Only brand.' 'We are truly excited to bring One&Only to the Hudson Valley,' said CIA President Michiel Bakker. 'The property's proximity to the CIA will add to the already incredible suite of offerings available to its guests and residents alike. From the CIA's student-run fine-dining restaurants to the opportunity to enroll in our recreational classes and culinary boot camps and learn from the chefs who have trained some of the top chefs in the industry, this truly will be a one-of-a-kind collaboration, creating unforgettable experiences.
Bloomberg
23-04-2025
- Bloomberg
One&Only Is Opening An Ultraluxury Resort in the Hudson Valley
For decades, New York's Hudson Valley has been something of a local secret. Yes, New Yorkers know it—they've been vying for reservations at Blue Hill at Stone Barns and hunting for antiques in Beacon for years. But ask Londoners or Parisians to name a single town or hotel in the region and they'll likely draw a blank. It's not the Cotswolds—yet. Now Philippe Zuber, the French chief executive officer of hospitality development firm Kerzner International, hopes to spark global curiosity about the bucolic Manhattanites' escape, giving it the same illustrious reputation as that English countryside domain.
