Brooklyn stadium up and running
by Kath Hudson | 01 Oct 2012
Rapper Jay-Z kicked off the party to launch Brooklyn's new stadium last Friday, 28 September. The 18,000-seat Barclays Center is home to the Brooklyn Nets basketball team and will also be a major music venue.
This is the first time in 55 years that the borough has had its own major professional sports team, which will bring great economic benefits to the area.
Located in a busy shopping area, which is becoming increasingly residential, there has been a decade of opposition to the stadium plans.
Designed by AECOMM and ShoP architects, the stadium has 101 luxury suites, four bars/lounges and three clubs, including the latest site of Jay Z’s 40/40 CLUB.
Architect, Gregg Pasquarelli, says the arena's design was meant to pay homage to the grittiness of Brooklyn, while still appearing modern and employing elegant, minimalist elements. "We were trying to push the limits of what a sports arena can be. We wanted to make this arena more like a cultural building or a museum," he says.
Rapper Jay-Z kicked off the party to launch Brooklyn's new stadium last Friday, 28 September. The 18,000-seat Barclays Center is home to the Brooklyn Nets basketball team and will also be a major music venue. This is the first time in 55 years that the borough has had its own major professional sports team, which will bring great economic benefits to the area. Located in a busy shopping area, which
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OMA completes New Museum transformation with landmark expansion and Oberon restaurant
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OMA has completed a major transformation of New York's New Museum, creating a larger cultural campus that combines expanded exhibition spaces with learning, performance, hospitality and public programming. The latest addition, Oberon, extends the visitor experience beyond the gallery, reflecting a growing trend for museums to become all-day destinations.
The New Museum in New York has entered a new chapter with the completion of a major
David Rockwell creates immersive magic destination, The Hand and The Eye
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Montana Heritage Center by Cushing Terrell opens after US$107 million investment
by Liz Terry | 13 Jul 2026
The Montana Historical Society has officially celebrated the opening of its new Montana Heritage Center, a US$107 million (£79 million, €92 million) destination that combines immersive storytelling with cutting-edge audiovisual technology to bring the state's history to life. Located in Helena, the 165,000sq ft (15,330sq m) complex brings together the restored Veterans and Pioneers Memorial Building with the new 70,000sq ft (6,500sq m) Betty Babcock Building. Operated by the Montana
Universal launches new theme park model with Kids Resort
by Liz Terry | 10 Jul 2026
Universal Destinations and Experiences has launched a new regional theme park model with the opening of Universal Kids Resort in Frisco, Texas. The resort is the company's first theme park designed specifically for families with young children and represents a move beyond Universal's traditional large-scale destination resort model. Developed on a 97-acre site north of Dallas, the resort combines a family-focused theme park with the 300-room Universal Kids Resort Hotel.
'Minor wellness hotels' recorded the strongest growth across top KPIs in 2025, finds RLA Global
by Helen Andrews | 09 Jul 2026
Wellness hotels generating less than US$1 million (€932,700, £785,200) – or 10 per cent of total revenue from wellness and leisure – recorded the strongest RevPAR and TRevPAR growth in 2025 across categories when compared with 2024, according to the latest Wellness Real Estate Report by RLA Global, produced in partnership with P and L benchmarking firm HotStats. This is the seventh annual report of its kind. RevPAR for properties
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by Liz Terry | 08 Jul 2026
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Fairmont Cheshire, The Mere, has architecture by Leach Rhodes Walker and interiors by Bergman Design House.
by Helen Andrews | 10 Jul 2026
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Marriott International partners with Fitwel for wellness solutions across its residential portfolio
by Helen Andrews | 10 Jul 2026
Marriott International has partnered with Fitwel, a healthy building certification system that aims to optimise occupant health. Marriott has become Fitwel’s first Enterprise Partner and the new healthy building solutions will be implemented across the operator’s global portfolio of branded residences. The pilot location for the global partnership is The Ritz-Carlton Residences Chicago, Magnificent Mile, US, which received a two-star Fitwel Certification in March. Learn more about Fitwel here.
Preidlhof Luxury DolceVita Resort to unveil new spa in February 2027
by Helen Andrews | 03 Jul 2026
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Places Leisure has exchanged contracts to build and operate a flagship £60m water and wellness destination on behalf of Basingstoke and Deane Borough Council. This will be the biggest investment in wellbeing the borough has seen for decades. The landmark facility will replace Basingstoke Aquadrome. Subject to planning permission, the complex will be built in a new location on the site, enabling the existing Aquadrome to remain open until the new
Hoshino Resorts opens Kai Kusatsu as it expands the Kai onsen ryokan brand
by Helen Andrews | 01 Jul 2026
Kai Kusatsu, an onsen ryokan property has launched in the famous Japanese hot spring destination, Kusatsu Onsen in Gunma Prefecture. Parent company Hoshino Resorts launched the resort to coincide with the 15th anniversary of the Kai ryokan brand – which is set to grow to a portfolio of 30 properties across Japan by 2030. Read our interview in Spa Business with Yoshiharu Hoshino, CEO of Hoshino Resorts, about his plans
Qiddiya and Populous share details of Saudi Arabia’s National Tennis Centre
by Magali Robathan | 01 Jul 2026
Populous has unveiled the design for the National Tennis Centre at Qiddiya City, Saudi Arabia — a 30-court complex that will become the future home of international tennis in Saudi Arabia. The National Tennis Centre is owned and developed by Qiddiya Investment Company, and is a core pillar of Saudi Vision 2030. Designed by Populous as lead architect, lead interior designer and lead masterplanner, the National Tennis Centre will be
Disney confirms US$30 billion investment programme as it highlights its economic impact
by Liz Terry | 25 Jun 2026
Disney has reaffirmed its commitment to investing US$30 billion in its US parks and cruise business by 2033, using new America250 celebrations to underline the role its attractions play in supporting jobs, tourism and economic growth. The company highlighted the investment programme as part of a wider campaign marking the 250th anniversary of the United States, while also drawing attention to the economic contribution of its domestic parks and experiences
Until combines multiple disciplines at new Canary Wharf club
by Kath Hudson | 30 Jun 2026
Until has opened its fourth club at Canary Wharf, in the iconic YY London building. Following on from existing sites in Soho, Marylebone and Liverpool Street, Canary Wharf is the biggest and most ambitious to date, bringing health and wellness specialism under one roof including fitness, nutrition, physiotherapy, medical and dental. “Our Canary Wharf Club is the fullest expression yet of what Until is trying to do,” says CEO and co-founder,
Sea Lanes opens following a partnership between The Eden Project and Canary Wharf Group
by Kath Hudson | 23 Jun 2026
Sea Lanes Canary Wharf has officially opened. The 50-metre, six-lane pool, which uses the natural water of the dock, offers year-round open water swimming in an iconic location. Located within the revitalised Eden Dock, the project has been created by the team behind Sea Lanes Brighton in partnership with Canary Wharf Group and The Eden Project. It will be operated by South Downs Leisure. Designed for swimmers of all
Bas Smets brings water and wilderness to Vitra
by Liz Terry | 20 Jun 2026
Swiss furniture manufacturer Vitra has unveiled a major landscape project designed to improve biodiversity, manage water and increase climate resilience across the Vitra Campus in Weil am Rhein, Germany. Created by Belgian landscape architect Bas Smets, the new Water Garden soft opened on 17 June during Art Basel and to the public from 18 June. The official launch will take place on 4 July as part of the Vitra Campus Summer
Expo 2030 Riyadh will create a permanent global destination
by Liz Terry | 23 Jun 2026
Expo 2030 Riyadh is being planned as a permanent visitor destination, with organisers confirming the six-million-square-metre site will become a Global Village after the event closes. The World Expo, which will run from 1 October 2030 to 31 March 2031, is expected to attract more than 42 million visits and host 197 participating nations across more than 230 pavilions, making it one of the largest ever staged. Riyadh's masterplan has
Luxury resort coming to Hunter Valley will have longevity spa
by Helen Andrews | 29 Jun 2026
Private hotel owner and developer Hunter Valley Luxury Hotels (HVL Hotels) will open a new luxury resort and tourism destination called Laval Hunter Valley in the second half of 2027 in Pokolbin, Australia. The 65-key property will be built on the 165-acre winemaking Lindeman Estate in the Hunter Valley. The project has attracted AUS$130 million (US$85 million, €74 million, £64 million) in investment from various undisclosed partners, in addition to
'Data chocolate', dreams made real and artworks shaped by visitors’ emotions: Refik Anadol’s AI art museum launches in Los Angeles
by Magali Robathan | 19 Jun 2026
“For 5,000 years humans have been emotionally moved by artworks, but the relationship has always flowed in one direction,” said Refik Anadol, artist and co-founder of the world’s first AI art museum. “While developing Dataland we asked ourselves, ‘Is it possible for artworks to feel us back?’” Dataland, the Museum of AI Arts, opens on June 20 2026 at the Frank Gehry-designed Grand LA in Downtown Los Angeles. Its inaugural
London Museum reveals 2026 opening date for new Smithfield home
by Magali Robathan | 19 Jun 2026
The London Museum’s new site will open in Smithfield, East London, on 28 November 2026. The new museum, designed by Asif Khan and Stanton Williams, alongside conservation architects Julian Harrap, will tell the story of London and its history, and will also act as a social space for residents and visitors. Items on permanent display will include the vest worn by King Charles I at his execution, Emmeline Pankhurst’s hunger
BIG unveils Eve Music Hall as Croatia venue nears completion
by Liz Terry | 04 Jun 2026
Bjarke Ingels Group (BIG) has unveiled its design for Eve Music Hall in Čepin, eastern Croatia, as construction progresses towards completion ahead of the opening, which is scheduled for March 2027. The 10,000sq m venue is being developed as a new cultural, entertainment and events destination for the Slavonia region and is BIG's first completed project in Croatia, as well as its first completed music performance venue. Designed to accommodate
Bob Rogers hands BRC to long-serving leadership team
by Liz Terry | 04 Jun 2026
Experience design company, BRC Imagination Arts, has completed a transition that sees founder Bob Rogers pass ownership of the business to four long-serving senior executives, while remaining actively involved with the company. Ownership has transferred to president Carmel Lewis, chief creative officer Christian Lachel and vice presidents of story and creative, Brad Shelton and Matthew Solari. The move formalises a leadership structure that the company says has been operating in
Palazzo di Varignana launches family wellbeing and longevity retreat in Emilia Romagna
by Helen Andrews | 22 Jun 2026
Palazzo di Varignana, in the Emilia Romagna region of Italy, has created a new tailored health programme designed specifically for families. Families with young children can visit the 650-hectare estate, located near Bologna, to experience a retreat designed by the resort’s scientific director, Dr Annamaria Acquaviva. A dietitian and expert in mindfulness and longevity science, Acquaviva has created the programme to help children and teenagers build healthy and lasting habits.
Anasa Wellness and Spa debuts at Patmos Aktis as it joins Marriott
by Helen Andrews | 22 Jun 2026
Patmos Aktis, a Luxury Collection Resort and Spa, has opened in Greece, with a renovated and rebranded wellness offering called Anasa Wellness and Spa. The property, which is located on the southeast side of Patmos Island in Grikos Bay, is owned by the Greek investment fund SMERemediumCap (SMERC). The resort has now completed a full renovation to reposition itself in the Luxury Collection brand category for Marriott International. This brand
Design-led Koru Health Club combines high-performance training with recovery
by Kath Hudson | 22 Jun 2026
Koru Health Club launched recently within Luxembourg’s multi-experience destination, GRID X, which combines culture, retail and hospitality. The club combines high-end sports facilities with a strong sense of community in an ultra-modern space. UK-based interior designers, Zynk, delivered the interior architecture and brand identity for the 27,000sq ft club. The vision was to create a premium fitness and wellness destination that blends high-performance training with restorative experiences to create a
Wellness care hospital opens in Vilnius with innovative spa and hospitality concept
by Helen Andrews | 03 Jun 2026
Lithuanian care operator Addere Care has launched a “wellness care hospital” in Vilnius. It's the company’s second Lithuanian site, following a hospital in Trakai, but the first to offer professional medical care in a spa resort environment. The new 4,400sq m facility has been developed within a reconstructed former hotel. It features 160 rooms and a day care centre that can accommodate up to 12 patients at a time. The
Universal and Puy du Fou projects point to rise of Oxford–Cambridge corridor
by Liz Terry | 27 May 2026
A proposed Puy du Fou development near Bicester and Universal Destinations and Experiences’ planned resort in Bedford are emerging as part of a wider transformation of the Oxford–Cambridge Growth Corridor into a major centre for UK leisure and tourism investment.
For years, the corridor has been associated primarily with science, technology, housing and university-led economic growth. However, the clustering of large-scale visitor attraction projects along the
All-inclusive eco-wellness development Auko to open near Vietnam’s Son Doong caves
by Helen Andrews | 28 May 2026
Auko, an all-inclusive development, is opening in Phong Nha in Vietnam in Q3 2026, with a series of 30 tented eco-lodges and wellness hospitality operations by Lumina Wellbeing. Van Phu Real Estate Development JSC owns the property, which is set along the Son River in the UNESCO-listed landscape of Phong Nha–Ke Bang National Park. The site borders the world’s largest cave system by volume (38.5 million cubic metres), the Son
Shedd Aquarium upgrades its visitor experience with new Immersion Theater
by Liz Terry | 22 May 2026
Shedd Aquarium has opened the Immersion Theater developed in partnership with SimEx-Iwerks, as part of a wider strategy to enhance the guest experience and create additional revenue opportunities.
The attraction has transformed the aquarium’s Phelps Auditorium into a multi-sensory venue combining panoramic projection, environmental effects and interactive technology.
A new pre-show area allows visitors to engage with augmented reality marine animals before entering the
Mandarin Oriental announces standalone Mansions-branded residences for Abu Dhabi
by Helen Andrews | 05 Jun 2026
Mandarin Oriental has announced a standalone residence brand, Mansions, which will debut at Emirates Palace, Mandarin Oriental Mansions, Abu Dhabi, in 2029. The creation of a new residence brand marks the expansion of the group’s global portfolio of residence offerings, which until now have fallen under the Mandarin Oriental Residences brand. Laurent Kleitman, group chief executive of Mandarin Oriental, said: “Abu Dhabi continues to distinguish itself internationally through the depth
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