Worldwide briefing
Blau 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. Taking up a 900m stretch of seafront in the fishing village and marina of Portopetro and surrounded by pine forest, BlauPortoPetro will boast more than 300 bedrooms, suites and villas in 12 Mediterranean-style units. In addition, the resort has 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 decreases bedroom count Rocco Forte's Hotel Savoy in Florence has cut its number of bedrooms from 107 to 102 due to 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 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 the five-star Pezula Resort Hotel, which opened in February. The resort is located on the eastern head of Knysna in the Western Cape province of South Africa. It is surrounded by rugged cliffs, emerald forests and rolling hills, and its rough stone exterior and interior complements the surrounding landscape of 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 hotel in Limassol, Cyprus, is to reopen its doors on 18 April following a £6m face-lift. Twenty-four rooms on the sixth 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 Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts.
