Grand Peaks, a fully integrated real estate investment firm, recently announced the lease of 93 units within their upcoming luxury multifamily community, Skyline at Highlands, to Sonder. Sonder, a leader in short-term rentals, offers apartment-style hotel stays in bustling urban areas. Located at 2501 W 26th Ave in Denver’s LoHi neighborhood, Skyline at Highlands is currently pre-leasing the remainder of its 533 units and is set to become a mixed-use destination with hospitality, luxury living, and a full suite of amenities opening in June.

This 93-room hotel will be Sonder’s fourth project in LoHi, offering guests a blend of contemporary design and convenience. Hotel guests will have access to various luxury amenities, including a resort-style pool and hot tub, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and expansive open park spaces.

“We are thrilled to have Sonder at Skyline at Highlands,” said Luke Simpson, Chief Executive Officer, at Grand Peaks. “They share our passion for creating vibrant places where people can connect, explore and enjoy. Together, we’re bringing an exceptional hospitality experience to the heart of LoHi.”

The strategic partnership between Grand Peaks and Sonder raises the standard of hospitality in the region and reinforces the allure of the LoHi neighborhood as a premier destination for residents and travelers seeking sophistication and convenience.

With Memorial Day weekend fast approaching, travelers still have plenty of options for warm-weather vacations in fantastic destinations. From the quiet nature preserves of Jekyll Island, GA, to the bustling streets of New Orleans, to the white-sand shores of Pensacola Beach and beyond, a stay at an Innisfree Hotels (innisfreehotels.com) property will make your Memorial Day a memorable one. Here are some of the best places in the Southeast to book your last-minute Memorial Day Weekend vacation.

“Whether you’re looking for family-friendly water activities and beachfront relaxation, or you want a weekend filled with good food and good vibes, there’s an Innisfree property waiting for you,” said Rhiannon Reynolds, VP of Operations at Innisfree Hotels. “The best part is, we have something to suit every budget despite the Memorial Day holiday being a popular time to travel.”

Florida

Bikini Beach Resort Panama City Beach: Located close to all the best bars, restaurants, and other local attractions.

Beachside Resort Panama City Beach: This newly renovated resort sits on a quiet part of the beach with its own pool and bar, just a short drive to all the local attractions.

Hilton Garden Inn Fort Walton Beach: A lazy river, on-site tiki bar and restaurant, and close proximity to local restaurants make this property a must-visit.

Surf and Sand Fernandina Beach at Amelia Island: Located one block from the beach near shops and Fort Clinch State Park, this property offers free breakfast and a pool.

Hampton Inn & Suites Pensacola Beach: Features two Gulf-front pools, free daily breakfast, tiki bar, and a convenient location near great shops and restaurants.

Fairfield Inn & Suites Pensacola Beach: Kids will love the lazy river, weekend activities, and free breakfast, while parents can appreciate the on-site tiki bar and other amenities.

Alabama

Hampton Inn & Suites Orange Beach: Centrally located close to fun restaurants and concert sites, this Gulf-front property offers free breakfast for guests and an amazing pool deck and tiki bar.

Hilton Garden Inn Orange Beach: A pet-friendly property that is close to hiking trails and a state park. It is also conveniently located near concert venues, an amusement park, and great shops and restaurants.

Holiday Inn Express Orange Beach: Guests enjoy free breakfast daily. The hotel also offers daily cabana rentals and features a poolside bar with food and drinks.

Georgia

Hampton Inn & Suites Jekyll Island: Located within a preserved area, this property offers free breakfast, a pool, and an on-site bar, in addition to a shuttle around the island.

Louisiana

Mercantile Hotel New Orleans: Centrally located in the Warehouse District, this historic all-suite hotel features a record player in every room, free breakfast for guests, and is steps away from top restaurants and shops.

JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire, a luxury resort, proudly presents “The Royal Homecoming,” a unique dining series showcasing globally renowned Indian chefs known for their diverse culinary expertise. The inaugural edition will feature Chef Prabir Banerjee of Chaiwala, a modern Indian cuisine restaurant in Hong Kong. From May 17th to 19th, 2024, Chef Prabir will take over the kitchen at Aaleeshan, the award-winning restaurant at JW Marriott Bengaluru Prestige Golfshire Resort & Spa. Aaleeshan, celebrated for its North West Frontier Cuisine, has won several accolades, including the title of ‘Best Indian Cuisine,’ underscoring its commitment to quality and authenticity.

Born and raised in India, Chef Prabir Banerjee is acclaimed for his exceptional work at Chaiwala. He has received numerous accolades, including ‘Chef of the Year’ at the Hong Kong Dining Awards 2021: Readers’ Choice. With over 18 years in the culinary world, Chef Prabir specializes in Indian cuisine, inviting patrons on a sensory journey with each plate, showcasing the richness and depth of Indian flavors in a modern, sophisticated setting. His creative ingenuity and culinary skill reflect the rich tapestry of Indian cuisine.

During this exclusive event, Aaleeshan will be transformed into a culinary haven featuring Chef Prabir’s signature dishes. His creations will highlight the exquisite spices characteristic of Indian cuisine. Diners can enjoy a selection of tempting appetizers, including Tuna Chaat and Malabar Scallops. The main course will feature Dakshini Prawns, Lamb Chop Masala, and a soul-satisfying Fish Curry, perfectly paired with aromatic Dum Saffron Rice and a variety of Indian breads. The royal feast will conclude with a delectable Mango Sago Coconut Payasam.

Ronan Fearon, General Manager shared, “We are delighted to host Chef Prabir Banerjee, a true
culinary ambassador of India, for this exclusive Royal Homecoming series at Aaleeshan. His exquisite
repertoire, featuring modern interpretations of regional classics, promises to take our guests on a
delightful exploration of Indian flavours. This showcase is a perfect embodiment of Aaleeshan’s
commitment to presenting diners with exceptional culinary experiences. We are confident that this
exquisite event will excite the taste buds and create lasting memories for our discerning guests.”

This event promises a tantalizing opportunity to explore the rich and diverse flavors of India. Chef Prabir’s expertise, combined with Aaleeshan’s regal ambiance, sets the stage for an extraordinary gastronomic adventure. Nestled in the foothills of the Nandi Hills, with breathtaking panoramic views, this experience will delight your senses. Enjoy a luxurious lunch on May 17th and 18th, or savor an equally delightful dinner amidst the stunning scenery on May 18th and 19th.

Pan Pacific Orchard unveils Scented Afternoon Tea Reverie at Florette, a sensory masterpiece in collaboration with Maison de L’Asie, promising an unforgettable exploration of taste and scent.

Florette, nestled within Pan Pacific Orchard, introduces an unparalleled experience: the Scented Afternoon Tea Reverie. This sensory escapade, a collaborative masterpiece with Maison de L’Asie, a renowned fragrance house marrying Asian essence with French finesse, epitomizes Pan Pacific’s elegance. Executive Pastry Chef Eunice Low curates a mesmerizing journey inspired by Maison de L’Asie’s fragrances, promising guests an unforgettably immersive exploration of taste and scent.

Divided into three captivating chapters, this experience delves into the rich cultures of Singapore, Indonesia, and Thailand. Each segment, meticulously represented on the tea stand, unveils a trilogy of scents intertwined with expertly paired pastries. A bespoke treasure map serves as a guide, leading guests through this aromatic odyssey, where every bite narrates a tale of fragrance and flavor.

Enhancing this voyage are meticulously selected tea accompaniments, elevating the sensory indulgence to new heights. Immerse yourself in a culinary reverie where every sip and bite awaken the senses, crafting a truly enchanting experience that lingers long after the last crumb is savored.

“Crafting this perfume pairing afternoon tea was truly a challenging yet exhilarating
experience,” reflects Executive Pastry Chef Eunice Low. “Our goal was to elevate the entire
afternoon tea experience by venturing into uncharted territory. Each creation translates
complex fragrances into the medium of pastry, capturing the beautiful emotions and
narratives that Maison de L’Asie embodies. This project deeply resonates with my
philosophy of continuously pushing the boundaries of what’s possible. I am excited to
bring our guests along on this innovative culinary journey, showcasing our commitment
to creating unique and memorable experiences.”

“Maison de L’Asie is born from our deep reverence for the artistry and allure of Asian
culture. Our perfume chapters are crafted to take you on a journey encapsulating the
elegance, mystery, and timeless sophistication of the East. When considering our
partnership with Pan Pacific Orchard, we were inspired by the idea of harmonising sensory
experiences. Just as a fragrance can transport us to distant lands and evoke pauses of
reflection, so too can the delicate flavours and aromas of a meticulously crafted culinary
experience. This collaboration invites guests to embark on a journey of sensorial delight
that transcends boundaries.” shares Founder of Maison de L’Asie, Elizabeth Liau.

Embark on a unique sensory voyage with “A Tasting Journey Through Scent” at Florette, hosted by Pan Pacific Orchard in collaboration with Maison de L’Asie. This exquisite experience transports guests through three captivating chapters, each inspired by distinct cultures and curated to tantalize the senses.

Chapter 1 unfolds in Singapore, where pastries infused with nostalgia and self-identity await. MOTHER X LOVE, a choux pastry filled with caramel and chamomile cream, evokes comforting memories, while LOST LOVERS tells a tale of transformation with a sandalwood financier layered with bergamot curd. NANYANG offers an androgynous profile with matcha green tea genoise and citrus cream brûlée.

Chapter 2 whisks guests away to Indonesia, where tropical indulgence reigns. BALI H’AI features pineapple rum compote atop a vanilla chiffon base, while BOIS D’INDONESIE honors temples with pear Chantilly cream and cinnamon apple compote. LES NUITS DE BALI captivates with dark chocolate mousse and orange saffron curd.

In Chapter 3, explore Time in Thailand with scones served alongside housemade jams. BANGKOK 9/9 offers a modern twist with pink peppercorn-infused scones, while LES SOIRS DE SIAM bursts with lime and pink pepper flavors. RIVIÈRE SIAM captures twilight with dandelion blood orange marmalade.

Beyond pastries, guests savor Asian-inspired delights like Smoked Duck and Ripe Mango Sandwiches, Thai-Style Beef Salad Tarts, and Chilli Crab Mantou Sandwiches. Trio of Mushroom Ragout Tartlets tantalize with a medley of mushrooms and fresh thyme mayo.

Priced at $58++ per person, this indulgent experience invites guests to unwind and savor life’s luxuries while enjoying TWG teas or Lavazza coffees. Opt for a tea pairing for an additional $20++ per person, curated by Pryce Tea to complement each chapter’s flavors.

Served on Wedgwood teaware adorned with Brazilian flora and fauna, this elegant affair unfolds daily from 6 May to 31 July at Florette. Guests enjoy 10% off Maison de L’Asie perfumes and complimentary tea pairings with perfume purchases (up to two). Whether indoors or al fresco, immerse yourself in a sensory reverie unlike any other.

Together, this collaboration represents a shared commitment to redefining luxury and individual expression. It beckons guests into a realm where creativity knows no bounds, where every intricacy weaves into an extraordinary narrative of indulgence.

IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced the launch of Summer Soiree, a new seasonal and experiential series running from June 1 to September 2 at its luxury and lifestyle hotels in the Americas. The series will be featured at InterContinental Hotels & Resorts, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, Vignette Collection, and Hotel Indigo, offering guests a dreamy escape inspired by warm summer days and long summer nights. The experiences will include multi-sensory offerings, lavish decor with hyperreal botanicals and greenery, a curated IHG Summer Soiree playlist, and expertly crafted culinary and cocktail menus.

“Our IHG luxury and lifestyle hotels are known for their inspired and experiential programming that brings people together,” said Kathleen Reidenbach, Senior Vice President, Marketing & Commercial, Luxury & Lifestyle Americas at IHG Hotels & Resorts. “This summer, we are embracing the vibe and essence of the season to bring our vision of a summer oasis to life in our lobbies and beyond, inviting travelers to immerse in the unforgettable feelings of the season.”

Summer Soiree Pop-Ups

In collaboration with the Barcelona-based atelier Wanda Barcelona, IHG is introducing unique floral pop-ups at six select hotels in North America. These include InterContinental The Willard Washington DC, InterContinental Presidente Mexico City, Kimpton EPIC Hotel in Miami, Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs Hotel, Yours Truly DC, and Hotel Indigo Atlanta Downtown. These larger-than-life installations will create a garden-like ambiance with interactive lobby bars featuring lush greenery, botanical cocktails, zero-proof elixirs, and seasonal dishes designed by in-house chefs and bartenders.

For larger gatherings, the Summer Soiree will transform meeting and event spaces at Kimpton Hotel Palomar Philadelphia and InterContinental San Francisco. These spaces will be adorned with furnishings and floral decor inspired by Wanda Barcelona, offering vinyl listening stations, interactive art, and pop-up beverage carts, alongside curated catering menus for an unforgettable event.

Summer Soiree Programming

InterContinental Hotels & Resorts

• Club InterContinental: Select hotels will feature Club InterContinental lounges decorated with lush botanical elements, offering live music in the evenings, vinyl listening stations, and Lo-Fi High Tea.
• In-Room Summer Camp-Out: InterContinental New York Barclay will provide a campfire playset and kid’s smores amenity, while InterContinental New York Times Square will offer a kid-sized pop-up tent and summer activities.
• LoveShackFancy Pop-Up: InterContinental San Diego will partner with LoveShackFancy for a rooftop bar pop-up featuring seasonally themed menu items.
• Canadian Summer: InterContinental Toronto Centre will feature summer-inspired décor, refreshing beverages, and a HAKADA Beauty pop-up in the lobby.
• Surprise + Delight: IHG One Rewards Diamond Elite members will receive in-room amenities like Summer Soiree-inspired snacks, beverages, and elevated turndown services.

Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants

• Off the Record: Kimpton’s intimate concert series will kick off at Kimpton EPIC Hotel in Miami on June 12, featuring DRAMA and benefiting the National Urban League. Additional events will follow at other Kimpton hotels, including Kimpton Rowan Palm Springs on August 23.
• Culinary + Cocktail: Seasonal food and beverage menus, inspired by Kimpton’s 2024 Culinary & Cocktail Trend Report, will be available at Kimpton restaurants and bars.
• Secret Social Password: The summer-themed password “Good for the Sol” will offer guests surprises like complimentary botanical cocktails or room upgrades.
• Summer Camp Fun: Kimpton Hotel Theta and Kimpton The Forum Hotel will offer pop-up tents, cozy blankets, kids’ activities, and sugar-free beverages for families.
• Sky High: Kimpton Canary Hotel will host rooftop events with DJ-curated sundown sessions, while Kimpton Armory Hotel will feature a Garden Spritz theme at the rooftop pool with Thursday night DJ garden spin parties.

Hotel Indigo

• Menus Inspired by Nature: Hotel Indigo will offer seasonal herb, flora, and fruit-infused bites and beverages, with specialty items like a white wine cheese board with in-season stone fruits and vibrant cocktails at participating properties.
• H.A.G.S: Complimentary postcard stations with pre-stamped bespoke cards will be available for guests to stay connected with loved ones.
• Long Summer Nights: Hotel Indigo Cleveland Downtown will feature music and entertainment in the courtyard.
• Dog Days of Summer: Select properties, including Hotel Indigo Columbus Architectural Center and Hotel Indigo Del Mar, will host doggy meet-ups with pup cups, pet artists, and photo booths.

Vignette Collection

• Ultimate Summer Escape: Yours Truly DC’s Mercy Me restaurant will host the “Tropicalia Cocktail Garden” pop-up, featuring tropical plants, South American-inspired cocktails, and dishes, with live local DJs on Friday and Saturday nights and limited chef collaborations on Sundays.

Travelers can kick off their summer plans with IHG’s annual Summer Sale, offering 25% off bookings for IHG One Rewards members and 20% off for the general public through May 21 for stays until September 2. Terms and conditions apply.

Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai welcomes Alex Scrimgeour, a renowned practitioner, from June 7 to 28, 2024. Delve into Dien Chan facial reflexology for holistic rejuvenation.

Experience the Vietnamese art of holistic healing with Alex Scrimgeour, a distinguished visiting practitioner at Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, from June 7 to 28, 2024. Specializing in Dien Chan facial reflexology, Alex guides guests on a journey toward physical and emotional rejuvenation, emphasizing overall equilibrium and adaptability.

During his residency, Alex presents his renowned Dien Chan therapy alongside a range of treatments reflecting his expertise in acupuncture, Qi Gong, and body massage.

Unveiling the Secrets of Dien Chan

Dien Chan views the face as a miniature representation of the body, with specific facial points intricately connected to organs and bodily functions through the nervous system. By stimulating these key points using specialized techniques, healers like Alex promote a revitalizing energy flow, restoring balance to the nervous, hormonal, and circulatory systems. Beyond fostering relaxation, immunity, and quality sleep, Dien Chan facilitates the release of mental and emotional burdens, revitalizing the spirit.

Rooted in Vietnamese tradition, facial massage has historically served as a means of enhancing vitality. In the 1980s, Professor Bui Quoc Chau expanded this age-old practice into “multi-reflexology,” evolving it into the modern form of Dien Chan.

Dien Chan embodies Vietnam’s profound wellness heritage, reflecting a holistic approach to healing centered on the interconnectedness of mind, body, and spirit. The Heart of the Earth Spa at The Nam Hai encapsulates this philosophy, echoing the intrinsic bond between humanity and nature.

Alex’s Path

Driven by a passion for meaningful hands-on work, Alex Scrimgeour embarked on a journey exploring various wellness modalities and disciplines. With qualifications in Traditional Chinese Medicine and Tuina massage, he further honed his skills through clinical internships in Vietnam.

As a licensed acupuncturist and massage therapist, Alex studied Dien Chan under the tutelage of renowned Dr. Tran Dung Thang in Ho Chi Minh City. With over 15 years of experience, Alex now shares his expertise in holistic healing worldwide, from London to Spain, Morocco, Thailand, and Vietnam. His latest book, “Facial Reflexology for Emotional Well-being,” offers comprehensive insights into Dien Chan.

Treatments at The Nam Hai

From June 7 to 28, guests at Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai can indulge in a selection of healing treatments with Alex, tailored to individual needs and goals.

Dien Chan Facial Reflexology: Stimulating facial reflex points to enhance energy flow and restore equilibrium. Duration: 60 minutes, VND 4,000,000; 90 minutes, VND 5,800,000
Full-Body Reflexology: Focusing on reflex points throughout the body to unlock innate healing potential. Duration: 90 minutes, VND 5,800,000
Tai Chi Qi Gong: Engage in the meditative movements of Tai Chi and Qi Gong. Duration: 45 minutes, VND 2,500,000
Traditional Acupuncture: Rebalance and rejuvenate with micro-needle acupuncture. Duration: 45 minutes, VND 4,500,000
Acupuncture and Dien Chan: Experience the combined benefits of two powerful therapies in one session. Duration: 60 minutes, VND 5,000,000
Heart of the Earth Spa

Nestled amidst the lush tranquility of the resort’s grounds, the Heart of the Earth Spa embodies the teachings of Vietnamese Zen monk Thich Nhat Hanh. Surrounded by a lagoon adorned with lotus blossoms and koi fish, this serene sanctuary encourages guests to reconnect with nature on a deeper level, fostering relaxation and revitalization. Each treatment begins and ends with crystal singing bowls tuned to 432 Hz, harmonizing with the natural world.