Latest news with #experientialtravel
Associated Press
23-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
KSL Capital Partners Has Taken a Majority Stake in Soneva
DENVER, May 23, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- KSL Capital Partners, LLC ('KSL'), a leading alternative investment firm, today announced that an affiliate has taken a majority interest in the Soneva Group ('Soneva'), a pioneer in sustainable luxury hospitality since 1995 with award-winning resorts in the Maldives, following the exercise of its right to convert certain securities. The transaction builds on the firm's initial minority investment in November 2019 and underscores KSL's continued conviction in Soneva's long-term strategy and differentiated approach to ultra-luxury experiential travel. To help lead the next phase for Soneva, Neil Gallagher has been appointed Chief Executive Officer of Soneva. A seasoned international hospitality leader, Mr. Gallagher brings more than two decades of experience across Europe, the Middle East, the U.S. and the Caribbean. He previously served as CEO and CFO of Clermont Hotel Group (formerly glh Hotels Management) and held leadership roles at IHG Hotels & Resorts, including CFO, Europe. Earlier in his career, Mr. Gallagher held leadership positions at Marriott Vacation Club International. About Soneva Founded in 1995, Soneva is a pioneering, award-winning luxury resorts operator. At Soneva Fushi, Soneva Jani, Soneva Secret and the Soneva in Aqua yacht in the Maldives, true 'luxury' is defined by peace, time and space. Guests discover the SLOW LIFE, reconnecting with themselves and the natural world through rare, unforgettable experiences. Soneva is a pioneer for responsible tourism, combining sustainability with exquisite hospitality and intuitive, personalized service. About KSL Capital Partners KSL Capital Partners, LLC is a private equity firm specializing in travel and leisure enterprises in five primary sectors: hospitality, recreation, clubs, real estate and travel services. KSL has offices in Denver, Colorado; Stamford, Connecticut; New York, New York; and London, England. KSL invests across three primary strategies through its equity, credit and tactical opportunities funds. KSL's current portfolio includes some of the premier properties in travel and leisure. KSL has spent more than three decades investing in luxury and experiential travel, building a leading global portfolio of high-end resorts, destination experiences and hospitality brands. With deep sector expertise and an expansive international footprint, the firm brings significant scale and experience to the global Travel & leisure sector, along with differentiated insight into the ultra-luxury hospitality market. For more information, please visit Media Contact Kate Thompson / Erik Carlson Joele Frank, Wilkinson Brimmer Katcher [email protected] (212) 355-4449 View original content: SOURCE KSL Capital Partners
Hospitality Net
22-05-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
PM Hotel Group Further Expands Its Lifestyle Division, Modus by PM Hotel Group
PM Hotel Group, a Top-15 hotel management company with a proven track record of delivering extraordinary guest experiences and strong owner returns, has experienced continued strategic growth across its overall portfolio, including its lifestyle and unconventional hospitality division Modus by PM Hotel Group. With a focus on authentic and immersive destinations, the company has significantly expanded its presence in key markets, targeting today's independent-minded travelers seeking hotel stays that connect people and place. "At PM Hotel Group, we're not just growing our portfolio—we're carving out a unique space in the lifestyle segment through our Modus by PM Hotel Group division by developing and operating properties that deliver bold and authentic hospitality experiences," said Paul Sacco, Chief Growth & Development Officer, PM Hotel Group. "From nature-centric escapes to city adventure hubs, we're curating a collection of hotels that are anything but ordinary. These destinations compliment PM Hotel Group's overall portfolio of 92 hotels nationwide, both branded and independent properties." A Dynamic Roster of New Additions to the Lifestyle Portfolio Over the past year, PM Hotel Group has thoughtfully expanded its distinctive lifestyle portfolio with properties that reflect deep expertise in experiential hospitality. The division has strategically expanded into high-demand outdoor destinations with evo Hotel Salt Lake Cit y and evo Hotel Tahoe City—urban basecamps for adventure seekers looking to explore the surrounding landscapes without compromising on comfort or design. On the shores of Honolulu, the Queen Kapiʻolani Hotel delivers vibrant, locally inspired hospitality just steps from Waikiki Beach, offering breathtaking Diamond Head views. In Northern California's wine country, Dr. Wilkinson's Backyard Resort & Mineral Springs in Calistoga offers a reimagined take on wellness, blending mid-century charm with healing mineral waters and spa rituals. In the Southern California entertainment corridor, The Lum Hotel Los Angeles Stadium District is converting into a Tapestry by Hilton. With rooftop dining, resort-style amenities, and its prime location steps from SoFi Stadium and the Intuit Dome, The Lum Hotel captures the energy of LA's sports and entertainment scene. Set to open in 2025, a new wave of hospitality experiences will further showcase PM Hotel Group's ability to deliver on lifestyle and unconventional hotel management. These projects embrace bold concepts, from regenerative hospitality to introducing a membership-club hotel concept in an untapped destination: RESET Joshua Tree , opening May 2025, is a desert retreat built from custom shipping containers, focused on high design and wellness inspired by its natural surroundings. , opening May 2025, is a desert retreat built from custom shipping containers, focused on high design and wellness inspired by its natural surroundings. Hotel Burg , opening summer 2025, offers a members' hotel experience, inviting locals and DC visitors to a modern hunt country destination in one of America's most celebrated small towns, Leesburg, Virginia. , opening summer 2025, offers a members' hotel experience, inviting locals and DC visitors to a modern hunt country destination in one of America's most celebrated small towns, Leesburg, Virginia. Nightsky San Luis Obispo, opening late fall 2025, is a glamping retreat with 35 design-forward tents, rooted in experiences that foster community building and connection to nature. The growth of PM Hotel Group's lifestyle portfolio is driven by shifting guest preferences, visionary ownership groups, and a commitment to delivering standout, experiential hospitality properties across a range of markets. Redefining Lifestyle Hospitality Management Through its Modus by PM Hotel Group division, the company offers a specialized platform that pushes hospitality boundaries while combining strategic commercial leadership with operational excellence. Backed by PM Hotel Group's scale and expertise, Modus delivers distinctive guest experiences in high-demand destinations where culture, wellness, and outdoor access drive guest satisfaction. "In today's hospitality landscape, travelers are looking for meaning, not just amenities," said Adam Gollance, President, Modus by PM Hotel Group. 'We're meeting this demand by cultivating a portfolio of hotels that offer discovery, design, and a deep sense of place—properties that connect guests with new experiences through wellness, fitness, dining, and entertainment to make each stay unforgettable." With a national footprint now spanning from the beaches of Honolulu to the red rocks of the desert Southwest and the peaks of Lake Tahoe and wine country Virginia, PM Hotel Group is not only expanding geographically—it's setting the pace for what comes next in lifestyle hospitality by combining spirited individuality with proven management expertise. About PM Hotel Group Based in the Washington D.C. metro area, PM Hotel Group is a Top-15 hotel management company, boasting nearly three decades of experience building relationships with brands, partners, and third-party hotel owners. Involved in the development and acquisition of more than $3 billion in premium-branded and independent hotel properties from coast to coast, PM Hotel Group now operates approximately 85 hotels and resorts across the United States, including Modus Hotels by PM Hotel Group, its division of lifestyle and unconventional hospitality. Operating with a commitment to sustainability and a long-standing culture of teamwork, innovation and entrepreneurship, the PM Hotel Group team is driven to deliver robust performance for owners. For more information, visit or follow along on Instagram @pm_hotelgroup and Facebook at
Hospitality Net
07-05-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Cheryl Cheney Bunker has been appointed Senior Vice President, Global Memberships at Virtuoso
Virtuoso, the global leader in luxury and experiential travel, continues to see record growth across the nine regions worldwide in which it operates. With an eye toward better serving the varied needs of its rapidly expanding member and partner base, the company is announcing changes within its Senior Leadership Team and a strategic realignment designed to reflect Virtuoso's consistent focus on shaping the future of luxury travel. Virtuoso has named Cheryl Cheney Bunker as senior vice president, global memberships. An industry veteran with more than 25 years' experience, Bunker has been with Virtuoso since 2007, heading up teams that work hand-in-hand with Virtuoso member agencies and advisors to maximize engagement and drive preferred partner sales. Most recently, Bunker served as vice president, global member relations, providing leadership, management and strategic direction for the team responsible for over 1,200 travel agency locations and more than 20,000 travel advisors in 58 countries across North America, Latin America, the Caribbean, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Africa and the Middle East. In her expanded role, Bunker will be responsible for setting the strategic direction and oversight of Virtuoso's global membership. In this pivotal role, she will look to drive sustained growth, deepen member engagement and reinforce Virtuoso's leading brand position across all regions by upholding and evolving Virtuoso's rigorous membership standards. Bunker's role took effect as of May 1 and she will continue to office from Windermere, Florida.
Hospitality Net
07-05-2025
- Business
- Hospitality Net
Cory Hagopian has been promoted Senior Vice President, Global Partnerships at Virtuoso
Virtuoso, the global leader in luxury and experiential travel, continues to see record growth across the nine regions worldwide in which it operates. With an eye toward better serving the varied needs of its rapidly expanding member and partner base, the company is announcing changes within its Senior Leadership Team and a strategic realignment designed to reflect Virtuoso's consistent focus on shaping the future of luxury travel. Virtuoso executive Cory Hagopian will evolve his role to senior vice president, global partnerships. Since joining the organisation in 2022, Hagopian has led both member and partner relationships worldwide. He will now solely focus his efforts on driving Virtuoso's global partner sales strategy and developing relationships across all product categories, including hotels and resorts, cruise lines, tourism boards, alliances, tour operators, air, car services and insurance as well as Virtuoso's new Ultra-High-Net-Worth vertical. This sales strategy will focus on increasing value to current global partners, while also developing new partnerships in emerging destinations. As Virtuoso continues to expand its partnerships and product offerings, it remains committed to maintaining the highest quality and standards. This move is part of a broader globalisation strategy aimed at establishing regional partnership teams to better engage with and support Virtuoso's partners around the world. Hagopian's position is effective immediately, and he will remain based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida.
