By james art 
MARRIOTT DEVELOPS LUXURY PORTFOLIO IN INDONESIA: The Luxury Collection has announced the opening of The Sira, a Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Lombok in Indonesia. Located in West Nusa Tenggara province, the resort is about 90 minutes’ drive from Zainuddin Abdul Madjid International Airport. The opening marks the third Luxury Collection hotel in Indonesia. Surrounded by a white sandy beach with views of Mount Agung, Sira has 46 apartments and 14 pool villas. The Beach House spans 1,400 square meters and includes three bedrooms that open onto a private plunge pool with direct beach access. The interior of the property was designed by IU Design. The resort offers three restaurants, a bar, a fitness center, a 70-meter outdoor pool on two levels, a spa and event space. The luxury collection currently includes more than 115 properties in more than 40 countries.
KASA EXPANDS IN NEW ORLEANS: Kasa, the brand and manager of technology hotels and aparthotels, has opened its newest property in New Orleans – Hotel Lafayette, now rebranded as The Lafayette New Orleans by Kasa. Located near the French Quarter in the central business district, the hotel has been a landmark in the city since 1916. Showcasing spectacular architecture in a prime location and the historic St. Charles on its doorstep, the hotel features French doors, Juliet balconies and views of Place Lafayette. As part of Kasa’s enhancements, the hotel now offers 24/7 virtual support, hassle-free check-in and smart technology. Kasa currently has more than 85 properties in the US and partnerships with institutions such as Starwood Capital, Berkshire, Brookfield and TPG.
GRAND HYATT SCOTTSDALE COMPLETES RENOVATIONS: Hyatt Hotels Corp. completed a $115 million renovation of the Grand Hyatt Scottsdale Resort in Scottsdale, Arizona. Formerly known as the Hyatt Regency Scottsdale Resort & Spa at Gainey Ranch, this property marks the first Grand Hyatt-branded hotel in Arizona. Design for the luxury resort was led by architecture firm WATG and Phoenix-based Hale Collective. The renovation saw upgrades to all 496 rooms, including the 18 luxury Casitas and the ultra-luxe two-story Gainey House, which has a private entrance and driveway, a private patio and views of the barbecue and pool. The resort has launched four new dining concepts. The 10-acre destination pool complex and expanded cabanas have also been upgraded, along with a refreshed spa with a new wellness experience. The resort’s conference space has also been revamped.
ONYX HOSPITALITY EXPANDS SHAMA IN SOUTHEAST ASIA: Onyx Hospitality Group, the management company for hotels, resorts, serviced apartments and luxury residences in Southeast Asia, is expanding the reach of its Shama brand of serviced apartments globally. New openings under the brand include Shama Hub Qiantang in Hangzhou, China; Shama Hub Metro South in Hong Kong; and Shama Suasana in Johor Bahru, Malaysia, with plans for more projects in Malaysia, Laos and Thailand. Shama’s portfolio currently includes more than 2,500 units across 20 properties. This year, Onyx launched three new Shama properties, including two under the Shama Hub brand.