Worldwide briefing

Independent chain opens five-star hotel in Mallorca The Blau Hotel chain is to open a five-star beach resort and spa in May on the eastern coast of Mallorca in Spain. Nestling on a 900m stretch of seafront in the fishing village and marina of Portopetro, and surrounded by a pine forest, BlauPortoPetro will have more than 300 rooms, suites and villas in 12 Mediterranean-style units. In addition the resort will have 10 luxurious two-bedroom villas, complete with private pool or outdoor Jacuzzi and 24-hour butler service, five restaurants, two pool bars, lobby and piano bars, sports and health and beauty centres.

Hotel Savoy cuts back on room numbers Rocco Forte's Hotel Savoy in Florence, Italy, has decreased its room numbers from 107 to 102 because of customer demand. Ten rooms have been transformed into five luxurious suites. Guests in two of the suites, Suite Signoria and Suite Brunelleschi, have a steam room equipped with chromatheraphy and aromatherapy facilities. Families can enjoy a two-bedroom suite with stunning views of the heart of the city. Prices start from €860 (£585).

Southern Sun opens back-to-nature resort A championship golf course, world-class spa and an equestrian centre are just some of the facilities to grace South Africa's five-star Pezula Resort Hotel, which opened in February. Located on the eastern head of Knysna in the Western Cape and surrounded by rugged cliffs, emerald forests, and rolling hills, the resort complements the surrounding landscape with its rough stone exterior and interior decorated in earthy colours. The hotel's restaurant will be headed by executive chef Geoffrey Murray, who opened the Boom restaurant in Soho, New York. Guests can be whisked away to visit the country's attractions in the resort's own private helicopter and eight-seater jet.

Four Seasons reopens in Cyprus The Four Seasons in Limassol, Cyprus, is to reopen its doors on 18 April following a £6m face-lift. Twenty-four rooms on the 6th floor have been transformed into 12 penthouse suites and 30 rooms have been enlarged for families. A twin Jacuzzi is standard in every room. The five-star hotel will be managed by the Four Season Hotel Group.

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