Checking Inn
Hilton debuted its Curio Collection in Hawaii with the opening of the Hale Hōkūala Kaua’i, Curio Collection by Hilton in late September, the company announced on October 2.
The lifestyle resort’s name means “House of the Rising Star,” and the hotel is “both a gateway to the island and a welcoming gathering place,” Hilton said. Hilton’s Curio Collection is comprised of more than 200 hotels with unique offerings that are designed to immerse guests in singular experiences.
“Curio Collection by Hilton is defined by hotels that immerse guests in one-of-a-kind moments and reflect the spirit of the destinations they call home,” said Brooke Thomas, brand leader, Curio Collection by Hilton. “Hale Hōkūala Kauaʻi brings that promise to life, pairing contemporary island design, a distinctive culinary point of view and curated programming that celebrates local people and traditions.”
The hotel boasts 210 guest rooms, including 23 suites, access to more than five miles of scenic hiking trails, a pool and fitness center, a full-service spa, tennis and pickleball courts, and more than 14,000 square feet of flexible indoor and outdoor meeting and event spaces.
Find out more here.
Wyndham Hotels & Resorts announced on October 5 an expanded partnership with Travel + Leisure Co. to expand its portfolio of Sports Illustrated Resorts.
Sports Illustrated Resorts is a collection of “sports themed resort and lifestyle destinations in college towns and leisure markets,” according to Wyndham, created by Travel + Leisure Co. in 2023.
“Sports Illustrated is one of the world’s most iconic lifestyle and entertainment brands, and its connection to sports creates a powerful opportunity in hospitality,” said Geoff Ballotti, President & CEO, Wyndham Hotels & Resorts. “Together with Travel + Leisure Co., we have an opportunity to create immersive, year-round destinations across college towns and major urban markets, anchored in unique experiences, distinctive programming and premier sports-centric events.”
Currently, there is one Sports Illustrated Resort open to guests in Nashville, and locations in Chicago, Baton Rouge and Tuscaloosa are under construction.
Find more information here.
Florida International University announced on October 2 the launch of the Cruise Excellence Center. Designed to “address the global cruise sector’s most consequential challenges and opportunities,” FIU’s new center will be led by the university’s Chaplin School of Hospitality & Tourism Management.
“The launch of the FIU Cruise Excellence Center signifies an historic partnership right here in Miami, the Cruise Capital of the World, and offers FIU an opportunity to engage with an industry that has enormous importance to our region and to the global economy,” said Jeanette M. Nuñez, President of FIU. “The Center creates a strong nexus between expertise from across FIU with industry leadership to help develop talent, generate meaningful research, and contribute to the future of cruising.”
Find out more here.
Horseshoe Bay Resort in Texas Hill Country is ready for the 2026 holiday season with the announcement of its Big & Bright: A Hill Country Holiday programming lineup.
The programming kicks off November 28 and continues through New Year’s Eve with wine expos, a Christmas tree lighting ceremony, train rides on the Jingle Bell Express, musical events, a themed breakfast and more—all culminating in the resort’s New Year’s Eve party.
This year, the Horseshoe Bay Resort will also host the inaugural Holiday Pickleball Classic from December 4–6, “offering a weekend of world-class instruction and competitive play with two of pickleball’s most decorated players, Lina Padegimaite, a member of a top-ranked pro pickleball team, and Zane Navratil, ranked in the top four in the world,” the resort said.
Find more information here.