IS news
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
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
MCR is planning a luxury hotel for London's BT Tower
by Helen Andrews | 21 May 2026
Hotel owner-operator MCR Hotels is inviting the public to provide feedback on development plans for London’s iconic BT Tower as a luxury hotel and mixed use project. Public access to the tower – for the first time in 50 years – will also be part of the scheme. In February 2024, British telecommunications company BT Group sold the BT Tower for £275 million (US$347 million, €321.3 million) to MCR Hotels.
Work gets underway on Madrid's €800 million leisure complex
by Kath Hudson | 01 Jun 2026
Work is underway in Madrid on one of Europe’s most significant multi-functional complexes, combining sport, entertainment, culture and education.
The €800 million initiative to regenerate the former Olympic Aquatic Centre in the north-east of the city, next to the Riyadh Air Metropolitano stadium, is being led by Barsento – a joint venture between Live Nation Entertainment, Oak View Group and Atlético de Madrid. The project will
Sæl Spa readies for launch in London: “a modern British sanctuary”
by Kath Hudson | 04 May 2026
A wellness club opens on London’s River Thames in June, offering luxury facilities and personalised wellness protocols focused on recovery and longevity. Sæl Spa at Fulham Pier – London’s new lifestyle destination on the River Thames – will be set across four floors and has been conceived as a “modern British sanctuary.” Facilities include a 15-metre heated rooftop infinity pool and sun terrace and a movement studio with integrated infrared
Royal Caribbean reveals record-breaking cruise ship
by Magali Robathan | 21 Apr 2026
Royal Caribbean has revealed its Hero of the Seas cruise ship, home to the most pools at sea (nine), and a record-breaking 28 dining venues, as well as attractions including a waterpark with two new family raft slides. Other attractions include the Crown's Edge skywalk/zip line experience, the FlowRider surf simulator, the Adrenaline Peak rock-climbing wall, and the Lost Dunes mini-golf course. Arriving in Miami in August 2027, Hero of
New venue The Lands by Capella includes a longevity centre to complement sister hotel Capella Sydney
by Helen Andrews | 20 Apr 2026
The heritage-listed Department of Lands building in Sydney, Australia, has relaunched as a major cultural and events destination, as part of a mixed-use redevelopment of two iconic buildings known collectively as the Sandstone Precinct. Singapore-based Pontiac Land Group owns the property, as well as the building next door that was the former Department of Education building. The two-phase restoration project has seen Pontiac turn the Department of Education building into
World of Frozen launches at Disneyland Paris
by Magali Robathan | 16 Apr 2026
World of Frozen has opened at Disney Adventure World in Disneyland Paris with new offerings across the entire park. The expansion almost doubles the size of Disneyland Paris, immersing guests in a life-size recreation of the Kingdom of Arendel. The World of Frozen features a Tangled -inspired attraction, 14 new dining locations and a large lake debuting a new night-time spectacular. It also features a daytime celebration, themed shopping, and
Mandarin Oriental creates end-to-end Egyptian journey with two new hotels and first-ever luxury river cruise
by Helen Andrews | 13 Apr 2026
The Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has revealed plans to expand its presence in Egypt with the renovation and operation of two historic hotel properties and the brand’s first-ever luxury river cruise. In 2022, Mandarin Oriental announced it would open its first Egyptian property, Mandarin Oriental Shepheard in Cairo. The hotel is undergoing a comprehensive renovation and is due to open in 2027. Ownership and development The river cruise, Old Cataract
Designers Mendil + Meyer launch new division called Lām Concepts for strategic wellness projects
by Helen Andrews | 27 Mar 2026
Holistic design and architecture practice Mendil + Meyer, based in Arizona in the US, has introduced a new division called Lām Concepts to integrate and align wellness goals for projects before they reach the design stage. Ben Meyer, architect and co-founder of Mendil + Meyer, told Spa Business exclusively about the new division: “Lām comes from the word loam, meaning fertile ground – the place where conditions are right for
Wilderness Bisate in Rwanda reveals brand’s second Sanctuary spa
by Helen Andrews | 05 Mar 2026
Wilderness, an operator of 60 safari camps across eight African countries, has unveiled the second spa under its new concept called The Sanctuary, at Wilderness Bisate in Rwanda. The Sanctuary is a concept that pairs design and wellness with raw, restorative landscapes. The offering at the Rwandan property follows the opening of a different interpretation of The Sanctuary’s concept at Wilderness Mombo in Botswana. Read more about that property here.
Cox Architecture and Hassell to design 2032 Olympic stadium for Brisbane
by Liz Terry | 26 Jan 2026
Cox Architecture and Hassell have been appointed by the government of Queensland, Australia, to lead the design of the new Brisbane Stadium. The venue will host the opening and closing ceremonies for the 2032 Olympics and Paralympic games, as well as the athletics events. Located within Victoria Park, the stadium will also be the home of Aussie rules football (AFL) and cricket, while also being designed to host entertainment events.
Studio Apostoli designs wellness clinic for Terme Preistoriche Resort and Spa
by Helen Andrews | 26 Jan 2026
Terme Preistoriche Resort and Spa in Motegrotto Terme, Italy, has opened a thermal treatment centre designed by Studio Apostoli. The new facility marks the most recent collaboration between Studio Apostoli and the resort. The architecture and design firm designed the property’s existing 1,200sq m spa called Neró Spa, which opened in 2019. It also created a collection of zero-emission suites in 2023 and is redesigning the 47 guestrooms. The new
Steigenberger Icon Europäischer Hof Baden-Baden launches reimagined two-floor bank vault spa
by Helen Andrews | 17 Dec 2025
Steigenberger Icon Europäischer Hof Baden-Baden in Baden-Baden, Germany, opened earlier this year following extensive renovations and now its reimagined Vault Spa and Suites have launched too. The heritage of the city centre property was preserved by architects DK Studio and the interiors were adapted by Bachhuber Contract. The project required ambitious construction solutions, including building directly in the waters of the river Oos. The 126-key hotel’s updated spa now measures
Frank Gehry tributes praise his “extraordinary mind” and “endless imagination”
by Magali Robathan | 12 Dec 2025
Tributes to Frank Gehry from across the design world and beyond have flooded in following his death on 5 December. Gehry died aged 96 at his home in Los Angeles following a brief respiratory illness, according to his chief of staff Meaghan Lloyd. One of the world’s most well-known architects, Gehry redefined architecture during his almost eight-decades-long career, challenging convention with his unrestrained creativity, resulting in truly original buildings including
The Well Bay Harbor Islands to open ahead of 2026 with Miami’s “first caldarium” with a US$238m refinancing loan
by Helen Andrews | 17 Nov 2025
International wellness brand The Well and Miami-based real estate developer Terra have secured a US$238 million (€218.4 million, £183.5 million) refinancing loan to complete the new mixed-use luxury wellness development The Well Bay Harbor Islands in Miami, US. The loan provides the project with a long-term financing solution. The funds come from Eldridge Real Estate Credit, the real estate investing strategy division of Eldridge Capital Management, and global investment management
Ennismore announces new Delano properties in partnership with Cain International
by Helen Andrews | 05 Nov 2025
Lifestyle operator Ennismore has announced two new Delano-branded hotel deals following the company’s partnership with capital investment company Cain International. Cain acquired a minority stake in Delano in 2024, enabling strategic growth for the brand. The two new properties are Delano SoHo New York, US, and Delano London, UK. The New York property and the renovation of the Delano Miami Beach hotel in the US are both in partnership with
“We were just two people when we entered this competition” – the architect behind the newly opened Grand Egyptian Museum shares the journey
by Magali Robathan | 04 Nov 2025
The much delayed, billion dollar Grand Egyptian Museum in Giza, Egypt, celebrates its full public opening today (4 November), following a lavish opening gala on 1 November. Designed by Heneghan Peng Architects, the museum is set across a 500,000sq m site, and houses more than 100,000 pharaonic antiquities – many of which have never been displayed in public before. It covers 5,000 years of Egyptian history, from pre-dynastic times to
Newport City Council raises the bar with net zero leisure centre
by Kath Hudson | 16 Oct 2025
Work is underway on a £19.7 million waterfront leisure centre in Newport, which will be one of the UK's first net zero leisure centres. Replacing an ageing facility, Newport Leisure Centre is being built to BREEAM standards and will be powered solely by renewable energy. Expected to be completed in the spring, the facilities will include a modern leisure pool, with a lazy river and slides, a teaching pool for
Minor Hotels to expand footprint in Egypt via joint venture with Sunrise Resorts and Cruises
by Helen Andrews | 08 Oct 2025
Minor Hotels has signed an agreement with Egyptian hospitality group Sunrise Resorts and Cruises to form a new joint venture company that will open up to 50 hotels over the next decade. Minor Hotels is a global hospitality group with hotels, resorts and branded residences in 59 countries and Sunrise Resorts and Cruises seven Nile cruise ships and 27 resorts – with destinations across Egypt as well as Greece, Zanzibar
Global Wellness Institute outlines how wellness real estate is delivering business and wellbeing benefits
by Helen Andrews | 07 Oct 2025
The Global Wellness Institute (GWI) says wellness is becoming a mainstream priority for real estate developers and prospective residents are factoring wellbeing features into their decision-making. The GWI’s new report, Build Well to Live Well: Case Studies, Volume 1, outlines thirteen case studies across the US and the UK that demonstrate the wide range of real estate projects with wellness at their core. The authors hope the different models will
World of Frozen to open spring 2026 at Disneyland Paris
by Magali Robathan | 26 Sep 2025
The opening date for Disneyland Paris’ new World of Frozen land has been announced, along with more details about the Frozen-themed land. The new land will be part of Disneyland Paris’ Walt Disney Studios Park, which is undergoing a major redevelopment to become Disney Adventure World. It is set to open in spring 2026, and will feature the Frozen Ever After boat ride, Immersive dining and shopping experiences, and views of Arendelle
Blairgowrie Recreation Centre is Scotland’s first Passivhaus leisure development
by Kath Hudson | 11 Sep 2025
Perth and Kinross Council has officially opened the £36 million Blairgowrie Recreation Centre – Scotland’s first Passivhaus leisure development. Designed by architects Holmes Miller, which specialises in carbon neutral development, the leisure centre sets a new benchmark for sustainable sports and leisure buildings in Scotland. The UK currently has only one other leisure centre built to Passivhaus standards: St Sidwell’s Point in Exeter, Devon. Blairgowrie replaces an outdated 1980s facility,
Siari, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, to open later this year on Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit
by Helen Andrews | 08 Sep 2025
Siari, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, is expected to open in the private club community of Nauka on Mexico’s Riviera Nayarit later this year with its own Ritz-Carlton Spa. Designed by Mexico City-based firm Bernardi+Peschard Arquitectura, the resort will have 39 four- and five-bedroom residences and the Ritz-Carlton Hotel will have 90 bedrooms. The property will sit within an 800-acre untouched estate called Nauka, which will have a range of residential neighbourhoods,
Ealing Council starts work on one of the UK’s first all-electric leisure centres
by Kath Hudson | 27 Aug 2025
Work is underway in the London Borough of Ealing on a landmark leisure centre to replace the old Gurnell Leisure Centre, which remained closed after COVID. The modern complex will include London’s third Olympic-sized swimming pool, a waterpark with slides, fitness studios, a climbing wall, a soft play area and a café. Outside will be a new skatepark, BMX track and children’s playground. Green space around the new leisure centre
Seléne Spa and Wellness opens in Adelaide as founder expands sister business Ayurveda Village
by Helen Andrews | 05 Aug 2025
Seléne Spa and Wellness has opened its doors following a renovation and rebrand in the heart of Adelaide’s central business district. Originally opened in 2006 by founder Katina Jones as an integrative wellness centre called Aspects of Healing, the space has been transformed to meet the needs of clients in the city, as well as those frequenting Jones’ sister retreat business, Ayurveda Village. Ayurveda Village is a rural retreat in
Othership raises $11.3 million to expand sober wellness concept in the US
by Helen Andrews | 04 Jul 2025
Contrast bathing and social wellness start-up Othership has raised US$11.3 million (€10.5 million, £8.94 million) to expand its presence across the US. The Toronto-based firm is known for its social sauna and ice bath experiences, with three existing sites – two in Toronto, Canada and a US flagship in the Flatiron district of New York City. Othership will use the funds to increase the number of its sites in New
Aldar unveils a masterplan for the world’s first residential wellness island in Abu Dhabi
by Helen Andrews | 17 Jun 2025
UAE-based developer Aldar has unveiled a masterplan to turn Fahid Island into the world’s first Fitwel-certified wellness island at a development cost of AED40 billion (US$10.8 billion, €9.5 billion, £8 billion). Aldar is planning to make Fahid Island the place where entertainment and culture meet wellness. It is located between lifestyle destination Yas Island, with its theme parks and attractions and cultural centre, Saadiyat Island. The a 2.7sq mile island
Doncaster Dome, designed by FaulknerBrowns and listed in 2023, is getting a £14m upgrade by Alliance Leisure
by Kath Hudson | 21 May 2025
A £14 million redevelopment of the iconic Doncaster Dome, one of the youngest listed buildings in the UK, has begun. Designed by Neil Taylor and the team at FaulknerBrowns to echo the pink and cream banding of the Duomo in Florence, the building received a Grade II listing on the National Heritage List for England in 2023. The Doncaster Dome has been operated by the Doncaster Culture and Leisure Trust
St Regis is doubling its spa resort portfolio – latest opening is at Cap Cana in the Dominican Republic
by Helen Andrews | 20 May 2025
St Regis Cap Cana Resort, the first St Regis-branded spa property in the Dominican Republic, has opened in the heart of the Caribbean as the Marriott brand continues to expand its portfolio. With design by architects Acebal Canney Arquitectos and Asociados and interiors by Chapi Chapo Design, the resort’s palm-lined white beaches have inspired the look of the property’s 200 bedrooms and 36 suites. The dramatic cliffs of the coastline
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"Culture is the beating heart of this project"
Designed to restore neglected land and renew the identity of Iraq’s capital city, Baghdad Sustainable Forests promises a new way of living surrounded by nature. Gensler’s Ian Mulcahay tells us why he thinks the project could become a model for the repair and enhancement of urban centres
Designed to restore neglected land and renew the identity of Iraq’s capital city, Baghdad Sustainable Forests promises a new way of living surrounded by nature. Gensler’s Ian Mulcahay tells us why he thinks the project could become a model for the repair and enhancement of urban centres
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