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  • A&K shares first look at new Gorilla Forest Lodge

    A&K shares first look at new Gorilla Forest Lodge

    A&K Sanctuary has unveiled a first look at its recently renovated Gorilla Forest Lodge. Located within Uganda’s Bwindi Impenetrable Forest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the redesigned Gorilla Forest Lodge, an A&K Sanctuary, is the only luxury option inside the park gates. With that, the lodge provides “unparalleled” gorilla trekking access.

    The transformation of the existing camp into a 10-suite lodge has resulted in significantly enlarged suites. Guests can now expect floor-to-ceiling windows and expansive decks that immerse them in the rainforest. The design took inspiration from Ugandan heritage, incorporating vernacular building techniques and locally sourced materials like banana leaves and papyrus reeds.

    Gorilla Forest Lodge bedroom
    Source: LinkedIn

    According to A&K Sanctuary, “a palm-thatched, open-sided lounge and dining space is the beating heart of the lodge.” Beyond this space, guests can also relax in the expanded spa. For those looking to give back, there are new ways to contribute to A&K Philanthropy’s local initiatives.

    Tip: The lodge can be experienced on A&Ks Tailormade Gorilla Trekking or a Small Group Journey Uganda: Gorillas & Beyond 2025.

    Gorilla Forest Lodge outdoor space
    Source: LinkedIn

    In December, A&K Travel Group rebranded Sanctuary Retreats as A&K Sanctuary. As part of this relaunch, Gorilla Forest Lodge and Baines’ Lodge in Botswana’s Okavango Delta were completely rebuilt from the ground up.

  • Rebirth of an icon: Waldorf Astoria New York reopens its doors

    Rebirth of an icon: Waldorf Astoria New York reopens its doors

    After an extensive, years-long restoration, Waldorf Astoria New York has reopened its doors, marking a moment of rebirth for Hilton’s legendary luxury brand.

    Closed since 2017, the Park Avenue landmark has undergone an unprecedented transformation, led by Skidmore, Owings & Merrill and interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon. The project preserves beloved spaces such as the Grand Ballroom and Peacock Alley while unveiling 375 of “Manhattan’s most spacious guest rooms and suites.”

    The revitalised Park Avenue Lobby now houses Yoshoku, a new kaiseki-inspired restaurant, and the celebrated Peacock Alley returns alongside Lex Yard, a signature American brasserie featuring a cocktail program by award-winning mixologist Jeff Bell. Above it all, are 372 private residences designed by Jean-Louis Deniot.

    “Waldorf Astoria New York is a beacon of timeless elegance – ‘The Greatest of Them All,’ as Conrad Hilton once described,” said Dino Michael, Senior Vice President and Global Head, Hilton Luxury Brands.

    “We take that north star – ‘The Greatest of Them All’ – and we like to manifest that ambition at every new hotel we open across the globe.”

    Waldorf Astoria New York
    Waldorf Astoria New York
    Waldorf Astoria New York

    Since the New York flagship’s closure, the brand has seen extraordinary global growth, adding 17 new properties with 33 more in the pipeline. The porfolio now spans 36 properties across 18 countries.

    This evolution is reflected in the brand’s philosophy that “design is not just aesthetic, it’s storytelling,” according to Michael. Across the portfolio, signature elements like the Waldorf Astoria Clock are reinterpreted to reflect local culture – from the Mayan calendar in Riviera Maya to organic Costa Rican textures in Punta Cacique.

    Culinary innovation also defines this new era, with Michelin-starred restaurants and chef-driven concepts around the world. From La Pergola in Rome to Nobu at Grand Wailea, Waldorf Astoria partners with “visionary chefs” to bring local authenticity to the table.

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