Latest news with #andBeyond
Yahoo
6 days ago
- General
- Yahoo
S.O.A.R. Announces Grand Opening of New Literacy Headquarters in Western New York
S.O.A.R. opens new Depew location to expand access to Orton-Gillingham-based literacy programs, math tutoring, ENL/bilingual services, and virtual and in-person tutoring for students across Western New York. DEPEW, N.Y., May 30, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- S.O.A.R. (Strands of Accelerated Reading) will host the grand opening of its new Western New York headquarters on June 19, 2025, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM at 6224 Transit Road, Depew, NY. Founded by Buffalo native and veteran educator Suzanne Pollutro, the new location will expand access to evidence-based learning rooted in the Science of Reading for students in the greater Buffalo, NY of Accelerated Reading (S.O.A.R.) Logo S.O.A.R is dedicated to helping mitigate the national literacy crisis. S.O.A.R. provides multi-sensory literacy tutoring using the Orton-Gillingham approach and explicit, systematic and sequential instruction. The center's educational model incorporates data driven practices and ongoing progress monitoring, ensuring that every student receives custom individualized learning paths designed to improve outcomes. S.O.A.R. is committed to walking alongside schools, teachers, administrators, and superintendents, to meet their students' needs, answer questions, and help navigate the path towards skilled literacy for all students. S.O.A.R has partnered with the Institute of Multisensory Education (IMSE) Foundation to implement Books, Bots, and Beyond, or is the first of its kind as we team up with IMSE and Dyslexic Edge to provide after-school programs, free IMSE training for teachers, and provide a STEM component for students. S.O.A.R will be selecting ten schools in the 716 region and ten schools in the Washington, D.C. area to participate in this unique afterschool program. Suzanne Pollutro, a Level 4 Master Instructor and IMSE-certified educator with over 20 years of experience, leads the initiative. Under her guidance, S.O.A.R. has partnered with the IMSE Foundation to bring after-school programs to both Western New York and Washington, DC, beginning in 2025. Community partnerships are currently forming, with opportunities available for schools to receive free IMSE training. Contact Suzanne at suzanne@ for more information. The center offers both in-person tutoring and virtual tutoring options for students in grades K–6. Services include reading comprehension tutoring for students with dyslexia and learning disabilities, confidence-building education strategies, and literacy programs for children. Math tutoring is also available, led by specialists in foundational math skills. In addition, bilingual learners and students receiving English as a New Language (ENL) are supported from the team's certified educators in ENL/bilingual education. Enrollment for ongoing programs and Summer Booster sessions is now open. Families and educators are encouraged to attend the grand opening event to meet the S.O.A.R. team, explore services, and discuss how confidence-building education strategies can support student achievement. For more information, visit the contact page on the S.O.A.R. website or call 716-500-SOAR. About of Accelerated Reading (S.O.A.R.) was founded to provide accessible, individualized literacy instruction grounded in the Science of Reading. Led by Suzanne Pollutro, S.O.A.R. specializes in multi-sensory Orton-Gillingham instruction, ENL support, and data-informed literacy programs for children, with a mission to empower students to grow into confident, proficient readers Media Contact:Suzanne PollutroStrands of Accelerated Reading - SOAR Tutoringmedia@ A photo accompanying this announcement is available at in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Skift
19-05-2025
- Business
- Skift
Africa Hotel Market Reaches New Heights: 12 New Entrants
Hotel development on the African continent is shattering records, and these 12 new properties will expand the possibilities for meeting and incentive groups. Hotel development in Africa has reached a new level. In the works are 577 hotel projects, totaling about 105,000 rooms. That marks a 13.3% increase from last year, according to a report from W Hospitality Group, a Nigeria-based advisory firm. That's a record, according to the consultancy. On Skift Meetings' list of 12 new properties for the meetings and incentives market, featured in our just-released What's New in Meetings and Incentive Travel 2025 report, are ultra-luxurious nature-focused resorts aimed at high-end guests seeking restorative experiences in exclusive natural settings. African properties such as the &Beyond Suyian Lodge, Few & Far Luvhondo, Gorilla Forest Lodge, JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp, and the Ritz-Carlton Masai Mara and Turaco Ngorongoro Valley, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel offer a blend of opulence, nature immersion, and truly unique, boutique experiences. 1. &Beyond Suyian Lodge Laikipia, Kenya Suyian Lodge is a 14-suite property located in Kenya's 44,000- acre Suyian Conservancy in Laikipia. Each suite includes a private plunge pool and outdoor shower. Activities include game drives, bush walks, camel and horseback safaris, helicopter tours, and community visits. The lodge offers day and night safaris with chances to see rare species like melanistic leopards. Incentive groups benefit from high privacy, unique design, and access to a wide range of adventure and cultural experiences. Accessible via scheduled or private flights. 2. Few & Far Luvhondo Limpopo, South Africa Few & Far Luvhondo is a luxury lodge in South Africa's Soutpansberg mountains, offering six hilltop Cliff suites as the ideal base for an exclusive safari experience. On offer are hiking, stargazing, and conservation-focused experiences. It is carbon negative and accessible via private charter, Rovos Rail, or commercial flights to Polokwane. With rates starting at $1,800 per person per night, it caters to high-end incentive groups seeking remote, naturebased experiences with sustainable impact 3. Four Seasons Hotel Rabat at Kasr Al Bahr Rabat, Morocco Situated in Rabat's historic Quartier l'Océan, the Four Seasons Hotel Rabat at Kasr Al Bahr opened in October 2024 offering 200 guest rooms. The hotel is a blend of newly constructed and restored historic buildings. It offers more than 29,000 square feet of event space including two ballrooms, the largest of which has its own private lounge, and eight meeting rooms. Guests can enjoy the property's expansive gardens, seven dining options, a spa, a barber shop, and a beauty salon. 4. Gorilla Forest Lodge Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, Uganda Gorilla Forest Lodge is located inside Uganda's Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, home to over half the world's remaining mountain gorillas. The lodge has 10 newly renovated villas and serves as a base for guided gorilla treks, birding, forest walks, and community visits. Activities include cultural engagement with the Batwa people and Sanctuary's philanthropic projects. Gorilla trekking is physically demanding, but sedan chairs are available for less mobile guests. Ideal for small, high-end incentive groups seeking rare wildlife experiences. 5. Hilton Cairo Nile Maadi Cairo, Egypt The recently opened Hilton Cairo Nile Maadi is situated in the urban Maadi district of Cairo, overlooking the River Nile. The hotel features 255 guest rooms, four dining options, an executive lounge, and the first eforea Spa in Egypt. There are several versatile venues including a multi-function room with city and Nile views. The hotel overlooks Maadi Island, Cairo's 'green oasis.' 6. Hyatt Regency Nairobi Westlands Nairobi, Kenya The Hyatt Regency Nairobi Westlands opened in January 2025, marking the brand's debut in Kenya. The hotel features 219 guest rooms and more than 21,000 square feet of event space, including a flexible ballroom with a capacity of 600 in theater style. Amenities include three dining options, a club lounge, a pool, a fitness center and a 24/7 business center. 7. JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp Solio Game Reserve, Kenya JW Marriott Mount Kenya Rhino Reserve Safari Camp is expected to open in 2026 featuring 20 tented accommodations with private plunge pools. The property will provide an immersive wildlife experience within the 45,000-acre game reserve, and 19,000-acre Solio Ranch Conservancy, known for its rhino breeding program. Guests will have access to a spa, a pool, a fitness centre, a horse barn, and an animal viewing hide. Four dining options will be offered, including a sky deck restaurant. 8. La Fiermontina Ocean Larache, Morocco La Fiermontina Ocean is an eco-retreat located in the Dune of Khemis Sahel Regional Park. The property extends into a nearby village where guests can stay at four traditional houses fully immersed in the local community. The main building offers 13 suites among rock-carved gardens with a family pool, a restaurant, and one meeting room for up to 80. A nearby private beach can be accessed through a footpath or shuttle service 9. Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Center, Tunis Tunis, Tunisia The Radisson Blu Hotel & Convention Center, Tunis, is the brand's debut property in Tunisia's capital, located between Tunis' City of Culture and the Convention Palace. The 305-room hotel offers more than 21,000 square feet of meeting space including a large ballroom for up to 1,100 guests seated in theater style, with a total of 16 event spaces on offer. The property offers six dining options, an indoor pool, a spa, an executive business lounge, and parking for up to 400 vehicles. 10. Speke Resort Convention Centre Uganda Kampala, Uganda Speke Resort Convention Centre Uganda is located on the northern shores of Lake Victoria. It offers four ballrooms — the largest of which can host up to 4,200 guests — 34 meeting rooms, exhibition space, and nine outdoor venues. The adjacent hotel offers 476 guest rooms. The resort incorporates various sustainability initiatives including water and energy conservation programs, waste reduction, and sourcing local, organic foods. 11. The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya Located on a secluded island in the Masai Mara National Reserve, The Ritz-Carlton, Masai Mara Safari Camp will offer 20 tented suites set among the trees, giving guests a front-row seat to the area's wildlife. Expected to open in August 2025, each suite will have a separate living area, private sunken lounge, infinity plunge pool, and indoor and outdoor showers. Other highlights include a stargazing deck, a discovery hub and map room, a photography studio, and four culinary options. 12. Turaco Ngorongoro Valley, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel Karatu, Tanzania The newly opened Turaco Ngorongoro Valley, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel is located near the Ngorongoro Conservation Area. The lodge offers 37 Maasai-inspired suites and emphasizes communal spaces that include a restaurant, two bars, a pool and a spa. Activities offered include wildlife safaris, forest walks, and visiting the nearby Ngorongoro Crater and Lake Manyara. Guests are encouraged to engage with the local Maasai culture through storytelling sessions, traditional dances, and village visits.
Gulf Today
13-05-2025
- Science
- Gulf Today
AUS issues a regional call to integrate AI responsibly across higher education
Inayat-ur-Rahman, Business Editor American University of Sharjah (AUS) hosted the second and final day of the Sharjah International Conference on Education: Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Beyond (SICE 2025). This year's edition was jointly organised by AUS in collaboration with the University of Sharjah (UoS) and held under the patronage of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah. Day one of the conference took place at UoS, while Day Two was held at AUS in the presence of Her Excellency Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, President of AUS, bringing together academics, researchers and industry leaders to explore the expanding role of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in higher education and workforce development. The day began with a welcome address by Her Excellency Sheikha Bodour, followed by welcome remarks from Professor Esameldin Agamy, Chancellor, University of Sharjah, underscoring the importance of academic partnerships in advancing innovation across the UAE's education sector. Addressing the conference, Sheikha Bodour said: 'We have a shared responsibility as educators and innovators to adapt to artificial intelligence and to thoughtfully shape its integration in ways that uplift our students – and society. By putting empathy, creativity, and critical thinking at the heart of education, we can ensure AI becomes a partner in enhancing human potential, not a replacement for it. This conference exemplifies our commitment to exploring AI's transformative potential responsibly, collaboratively, and purposefully.' Her comments had been foreshadowed on Day One by Dr. Tod Laursen, Chancellor of AUS, who said: 'SICE 2025 served as a timely platform to engage with how AI is redefining the role and responsibilities of higher education institutions. The breadth of participation and the depth of discussion reflected a clear consensus: universities must lead in shaping AI's integration, not simply react to it. As we look ahead, it's essential that we invest in the right frameworks—academic, ethical and operational—that ensure AI enhances our core mission of learning, discovery and societal contribution.' Dr. Tod Laursen told Gulf Today that Sharjah is a leading education and cultural hub due to the visionary leadership of His Highness Dr Sheikh Sultan Bin Mohammed Al Qasimi, Member of the Supreme Council and Ruler of Sharjah, who is the pioneer in setting up the state-of-the-art universities in Sharjah. He lauded that it is a great initiative that American University of Sharjah (AUS) and University of Sharjah have jointly organised the Sharjah International Conference on Education: AI and Beyond (SICE 2025), adding that are planning to host more mega events together in future. The Day Two program featured two keynote presentations, each offering distinct insights into the evolving role of AI in higher education. Khadish Franklin, Managing Director and Head of Research Advisory Services at EAB, discussed how institutions can establish an AI posture to support strategic transformation. Dr. Jassim Al Awadhi, Senior Director and Digital Transformation Principal in the telecom sector, examined AI's implications for graduate readiness and future labor market demands. As an invited speaker, Dr. Sami Nejri explored AI's cognitive and interdisciplinary dimensions, encouraging institutions to rethink traditional academic boundaries. A panel discussion titled 'Bridging the AI Skills Gap: Higher Education's Role in Shaping the Future Workforce' brought together leaders from New York University Abu Dhabi, Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence, the American University in Cairo, and Amazon Web Services. Moderated by Dr. Fadi Aloul, Dean of the AUS College of Engineering, the discussion focused on the need to integrate AI-related competencies into curricula while maintaining academic rigor and relevance. Over the course of the day, more than 30 peer-reviewed research papers were presented across six thematic tracks, covering topics such as AI in engineering and design education, blended learning and gamification, multilingual instruction, AI in legal writing, personalized learning models, faculty development and data-driven academic research. Presenters showcased a range of applications demonstrating how AI is reshaping pedagogy, assessment, engagement and institutional planning. A poster session held in the AUS Main Building Rotunda provided faculty and student researchers with a platform to share projects focused on AI-generated content, classroom technologies, learning analytics and collaborative digital tools. Dr. James Griffin, Vice Provost for Undergraduate Affairs and Instruction at AUS, said: 'The technical depth of the conference was especially impactful. We saw detailed presentations on adaptive learning models, AI-enhanced teaching platforms, institutional readiness metrics and the role of large language models in classroom settings. These insights offer a practical roadmap for how universities can approach AI adoption with academic rigor and innovation. The conversations happening here reflect the level of specificity and foresight that is needed to move from theory to implementation.'
Skift
09-05-2025
- Business
- Skift
Expedition Cruising Just keeps Getting More Exciting
Planners are challenged by how to entice top-tier incentive qualifiers who've already been there, done that. Expedition cruises are an answer. For incentive qualifiers who've seen and done it all, there's an unmistakable allure to expedition cruising. These smaller ships transport attendees to the far corners of the globe, and the cruise is as much a learning experience as it is a reward. Bucket-list experiences range from viewing the aurora borealis in Norway to penguin-spotting while sailing through the ice fjords of Patagonia. Antarctica cruises are not for the faint of heart, but come with their own unparalleled set of bragging rights. These exciting entrants to the expedition cruise market open up new opportunities for incentive groups, and many are available for charter. You'll find more new or newly renovated cruise ships featured in our just-released What's New in Meetings and Incentive Travel 2025 report. andBeyond andBeyond is set to launch the Amazon Explorer, a 12-suite river expedition yacht, in the Peruvian Amazon on September 29, 2026. Currently under construction, the vessel will operate from Iquitos through Nauta into the Pacaya Samiria National Reserve, offering three-, four-, and seven-night itineraries. Onboard amenities include spa and gym areas, dining spaces, an interactive cooking station, and an Explorer Centre for educational talks. Excursions will focus on exploring the river and surrounding conservation areas, led by expert guides. Antarctica21 Antarctica21 will launch the Magellan Discoverer for the 2026–27 Antarctic season, expanding its small-ship expedition fleet. The new polar vessel will accommodate 76 guests for air-cruises and 96 for sea voyages, operating alongside sister ship Magellan Explorer and Ocean Nova. The Magellan Discoverer features hybrid-electric propulsion, a PC6 ice class rating, private balcony cabins, and a wet science lab to support onboard research in Antarctica. Aurora Expeditions Aurora Expeditions has introduced the Douglas Mawson, a purpose-built expedition ship designed for polar voyages. The vessel is equipped with modern amenities and advanced safety features to navigate challenging polar environments. Itineraries include destinations such as the Antarctic Peninsula, the Falkland Islands, and South Georgia. The debut in the South Pacific is scheduled for late 2025, followed by itineraries to the Mediterranean, the UK, and Western Europe when it arrives in Europe in late April. The Douglas Mawson offers facilities suitable for group bookings, including a lecture theatre for presentations. Explora Journeys Explora Journeys's EXPLORA III launches in Summer 2026 featuring 463 suites and 201 square feet of public space per guest. Flexible meeting rooms on Deck 11 can be divided into three spaces for business events. Guests can enjoy diverse dining options across multiple restaurants, from fine dining to casual venues. Sailing Northern Europe, Iceland, Greenland, and North America before heading to the Caribbean, the ship also features wellness facilities and is the first vessel of the fleet to be powered by liquefied natural gas. Its sister ship, EXPLORA IV, is under construction and will enter service in 2027 respectively, with two more ships set to join the fleet in 2027 and 2028. Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic is enhancing its Galápagos offerings with the introduction of two revitalized vessels: National Geographic Delfina, a 16-guest luxury catamaran, and National Geographic Gemini (at top), accommodating 48 guests with options including suites and solo cabins. Both ships will operate year-round itineraries in the Galápagos Islands starting in February and March 2025, respectively. In Antarctica, the company has launched the 'Antarctica Direct' program, offering travelers the option to fly across the Drake Passage, reducing travel time and providing more opportunities to explore the continent. Selar French startup Selar is developing Captain Arctic, a 70-meter-long, 13-meter-wide expedition vessel designed for Arctic cruises with minimal environmental impact. Scheduled for delivery in late summer 2026, the ship will accommodate 36 passengers and 24 crew members. It will feature five rigid aluminum sails equipped with approximately 2,000 square meters of solar panels, enabling it to harness both wind and solar energy for propulsion. The vessel will also be equipped with a steel hull designed to withstand icy conditions and will operate with close to zero-carbon emissions. Swan Hellenic Swan Hellenic curates expert guest lecturers to deliver engaging talks and destination briefings focused on history, culture, and wildlife throughout each voyage. The company is offering two cruises in Africa for 2026, which will first explore the western seaboard and later the continent's southern regions. Swan Hellenic's 2026-2027 Antarctic season will offer nine- to 13-night round trips from Ushuaia, Argentina as well as a 20-night semi-circumnavigation voyage from Cape Town, South Africa, visiting destinations such as Saint Helena, Ascension Island, Tristan da Cunha, the South Sandwich Islands, and South Georgia Island. Download the full What's New in Meetings and Incentive Travel 2025 report here.
Hospitality Net
08-05-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Beyond Green Welcomes Six New Member Properties
New York, New York – Beyond Green, a global portfolio of some of planet Earth's most sustainable accommodations, is pleased to announce the addition of six new member properties to its global portfolio between January 1 and March 31, 2025. This strategic expansion underscores the brand's continued growth across four continents—Africa, South America, Asia, and Europe—including its inaugural property in Bhutan. Beyond Green is dedicated to connecting travelers with properties that positively impact local nature, culture and community, requiring all members adhere to over 50 sustainability indicators aligned with global standards and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals. The global portfolio now includes almost 60 properties across 22 countries, including 20 renowned andBeyond lodges, following our partnership with this award-winning luxury experiential travel company. It is an honor to welcome these properties as the newest members of our global network of leaders in sustainable hospitality. Their membership creates a powerful opportunity for mutual impact – by combining their valuable perspectives as safeguards of our planet with the strength of our collective resources and community, we can work together to scale meaningful, positive change. Lindsey Ueberroth, CEO of Beyond Green The most recent new member properties include: EK HOTEL (Bogotá, Colombia) – Located in Bogotá's vibrant financial district—where world-class restaurants, cultural attractions, and the city's most exciting nightlife converge—EK HOTEL blends contemporary design with comfort and sustainability. This sophisticated urban retreat features carefully curated green spaces and locally sourced materials from Colombian artisans, fostering a serene connection to nature while celebrating the region's rich cultural heritage and supporting the local economy. EK HOTEL is also deeply committed to social responsibility and ethical tourism throughout Colombia, actively supporting indigenous communities through Amazon reforestation projects, promoting diversity and inclusion in hospitality, and working to protect children from exploitation. Located in Bogotá's vibrant financial district—where world-class restaurants, cultural attractions, and the city's most exciting nightlife converge—EK HOTEL blends contemporary design with comfort and sustainability. This sophisticated urban retreat features carefully curated green spaces and locally sourced materials from Colombian artisans, fostering a serene connection to nature while celebrating the region's rich cultural heritage and supporting the local economy. EK HOTEL is also deeply committed to social responsibility and ethical tourism throughout Colombia, actively supporting indigenous communities through Amazon reforestation projects, promoting diversity and inclusion in hospitality, and working to protect children from exploitation. Can Lluc (Ibiza, Spain) – Transformed from a 300-year-old farmhouse, this family-run estate is enveloped by gardens of almond, olive, and fig trees, nestled in a lush, tranquil valley at the heart of the island. Can Lluc provides a genuinely authentic experience, showcasing traditional Ibicencan architecture blending seamlessly with the countryside and many restored and repurposed elements from the original home. In addition to the renovated farmhouse, the estate includes newly built villas around the central area, some with private pools and a wellness cabin offering massages, facials, or body treatments. Sustainability plays a central role, with 110 solar panels meeting nearly half of the hotel's energy needs and reducing CO₂ emissions by over 45,000 pounds each year. The pool uses a saline electrolysis system, and the restaurant features local ingredients, including estate-produced olive oil. Transformed from a 300-year-old farmhouse, this family-run estate is enveloped by gardens of almond, olive, and fig trees, nestled in a lush, tranquil valley at the heart of the island. Can Lluc provides a genuinely authentic experience, showcasing traditional Ibicencan architecture blending seamlessly with the countryside and many restored and repurposed elements from the original home. In addition to the renovated farmhouse, the estate includes newly built villas around the central area, some with private pools and a wellness cabin offering massages, facials, or body treatments. Sustainability plays a central role, with 110 solar panels meeting nearly half of the hotel's energy needs and reducing CO₂ emissions by over 45,000 pounds each year. The pool uses a saline electrolysis system, and the restaurant features local ingredients, including estate-produced olive oil. andBeyond Klein's Camp (Sedeco, Tanzania) – Situated on the boarder of the Serengeti and the Masai Mara National Reserve, andBeyond Klein's Camp boasts sweeping views of the wooded hills, rolling grasslands, and forested riverbanks from the edge of the Kuka Hills. The private preserve provides an unsurpassed wildlife experience featuring bush walks, off-road and night drives, while serving as a host to the annual Great Wildebeest Migration. andBeyond Klein's Camp actively contributes to conservation efforts, including combating poaching through the Serengeti De-Snaring Program and reducing plastic waste with an on-site bottling plant that eliminates over 220,000 plastic bottles annually. Guests also engage meaningfully with the Maasai community, whose deep-rooted connection to the land enriches every aspect of the stay. Situated on the boarder of the Serengeti and the Masai Mara National Reserve, andBeyond Klein's Camp boasts sweeping views of the wooded hills, rolling grasslands, and forested riverbanks from the edge of the Kuka Hills. The private preserve provides an unsurpassed wildlife experience featuring bush walks, off-road and night drives, while serving as a host to the annual Great Wildebeest Migration. andBeyond Klein's Camp actively contributes to conservation efforts, including combating poaching through the Serengeti De-Snaring Program and reducing plastic waste with an on-site bottling plant that eliminates over 220,000 plastic bottles annually. Guests also engage meaningfully with the Maasai community, whose deep-rooted connection to the land enriches every aspect of the stay. andBeyond Serengeti Under Canvas (Serengeti National Park, Tanzania) – Anticipating the movements of the Great Migration, these luxurious tented suites rotate through private campsites in Serengeti National Park to offer guests unrivaled access to this extraordinary phenomenon. Guests are immersed in the raw beauty and theatre of the African bush, with up-close encounters of vast wildebeest herds, big cats, rhinos, cheetahs, elephants and buffalo traversing the plains—all experienced through the charm of classic safari camping. Across Tanzania, andBeyond is focused on community support, with an emphasis on education, healthcare and infrastructure improvements to positively impact the well-being of local villagers. Additional highlights include thrilling excursions to Olduvai Gorge, Shifting Sands or Lake Victoria and stargazing, al fresco dining and hot air ballooning Anticipating the movements of the Great Migration, these luxurious tented suites rotate through private campsites in Serengeti National Park to offer guests unrivaled access to this extraordinary phenomenon. Guests are immersed in the raw beauty and theatre of the African bush, with up-close encounters of vast wildebeest herds, big cats, rhinos, cheetahs, elephants and buffalo traversing the plains—all experienced through the charm of classic safari camping. Across Tanzania, andBeyond is focused on community support, with an emphasis on education, healthcare and infrastructure improvements to positively impact the well-being of local villagers. Additional highlights include thrilling excursions to Olduvai Gorge, Shifting Sands or Lake Victoria and stargazing, al fresco dining and hot air ballooning andBeyond Lake Manyara Tree Lodge (Magara, Tanzania) – Extending ten stilted treehouse suites cradled by a lush ancient mahogany forest, andBeyond Lake Manyara Tree Lodge seamlessly blends into the natural beauty of its leafy surroundings. Guests can spot large families of elephants or a stunning diversity of birds from generous decks and the treetop boardwalk suspended above the forest floor. A meaningful highlight is a bicycle tour through the village of Mayoka and community visit, offering a unique opportunity to witness development projects, fostering future leaders, healthy ecosystems, and thriving communities. The Echo program—developed in partnership with nonprofit Wild Impact—introduces local schoolchildren to Lake Manyara National Park, fostering conservation awareness and inspiring future environmental stewards. Extending ten stilted treehouse suites cradled by a lush ancient mahogany forest, andBeyond Lake Manyara Tree Lodge seamlessly blends into the natural beauty of its leafy surroundings. Guests can spot large families of elephants or a stunning diversity of birds from generous decks and the treetop boardwalk suspended above the forest floor. A meaningful highlight is a bicycle tour through the village of Mayoka and community visit, offering a unique opportunity to witness development projects, fostering future leaders, healthy ecosystems, and thriving communities. The Echo program—developed in partnership with nonprofit Wild Impact—introduces local schoolchildren to Lake Manyara National Park, fostering conservation awareness and inspiring future environmental stewards. andBeyond Punakha River Lodge (Punakha, Bhutan) – Tucked in the lush green Punakha Valley on the banks of the Mo Chu River, this all-inclusive lodge provides an exclusive experience fusing Bhutanese culture, active adventure and spiritual wellness. Uninterrupted views of the Himalaya and safari-style suites built in perfect harmony with the surrounding terrain exude a true sense of place, within one of the world's few carbon-negative countries, committed to preserving its forested landscapes. andBeyond Punakha River Lodge upholds these responsibilities, intricately built and delicately furnished on only 7 of the 50 acres the company owns. The lodge also supports regional wildlife efforts to protect various endangered species while fostering community partnerships, including land donations to local farmers and career opportunities for nearby villagers. As part of Preferred Travel Group, Beyond Green's parent company, each of these new member hotels participate in I Prefer Hotel Rewards, the brand's points-based loyalty program with 5 million travelers enrolled globally. Complimentary to join, members earn points redeemable for cash-value Reward Certificates, tier status, and other value-rich benefits from eligible stays at more than 600 participating hotels and resorts worldwide. For stays at any of the spotlighted new member hotels, travelers are invited to book via the Beyond Green I Prefer Hotel Rewards website. About Preferred Hotels & Resorts Preferred Hotels & Resorts is the world's largest independent hotel brand, representing more than 600 distinctive hotels, resorts, residences, and unique hotel groups across 80 countries. Through its curated global collections, Preferred Hotels & Resorts connects discerning travelers to the singular luxury hospitality experience that meets their life and style preferences for each occasion. Every property within the portfolio maintains the high-quality standards and unparalleled service levels required by the Preferred Hotels & Resorts Integrated Quality Assurance Program. The I Prefer™ Hotel Rewards program, Preferred Residences℠, Preferred Pride℠, and Preferred Golf™ offer valuable benefits for travelers seeking a unique experience. For more information, visit AboutI PreferHotel Rewards Launched in August 2013, the I Prefer Hotel Rewards program from Preferred Travel Group – the parent company that operates hotel brands Preferred Hotels & Resorts, Beyond Green, Historic Hotels of America, and Historic Hotels Worldwide – extends points, status, and other complimentary benefits to members upon eligible stays at over 600 participating hotels and resorts worldwide. In addition to earning points for eligible room nights, members receive additional benefits based on their tier status. The I Prefer program also offers a free mobile app, available on Apple and Android devices, which allows members to search and book hotel stays, and easily redeem Reward Certificates. With 5 million travelers currently enrolled in membership, I Prefer is complimentary to join. To learn more and to enroll in the program, please visit Hannah Nelson Senior Director, Public Relations – Americas Preferred
