The Ritz-Carlton, Wuhan Debuts as a New Landmark of Elegance on the Yangtze River

Today, The Ritz-Carlton  announced the opening of The Ritz-Carlton, Wuhan, marking the brand’s debut in central China. Located within the 330-meter-high Yuexiu Global Financial Center Tower, the hotel stands at the heart of the city’s premier integrated commercial and retail district and offers sweeping views of the Yangtze and Han rivers. Combining the brand’s unparalleled service and immersive guest experiences with Wuhan’s rich cultural heritage, the hotel welcomes guests to a sanctuary of refined hospitality high above the city. Located at the junction of the Yangtze and Han rivers, Wuhan has for centuries served as both a vital transportation hub linking nine provinces and a center for poetry, music, and bronze craftsmanship. Today, the city thrives as a modern metropolis of finance, commerce, and culture. The Ritz-Carlton, Wuhan is situated in the heart of Hankou, an area where the city’s historic commercial roots blend with its contemporary financial energy, placing guests within a 10-kilometer drive from renowned attractions such as Jianghan Road, Yellow Crane Tower, and East Lake Scenic Area.

“The opening of The Ritz-Carlton, Wuhan marks a key milestone in the brand’s expansion into Central China,” said Bart Buiring, Managing Director, Luxury, Greater China, Marriott International. “Wuhan’s rich cultural heritage and its role as a connecting point in the region provide a meaningful backdrop for our newest hotel. We look forward to welcoming guests with our signature Ritz-Carlton service, while honoring the city’s unique traditions and Chu culture. This opening underscores our commitment to creating memorable stays and meaningful connections in key destinations across China.”

Co-designed by KCA International and Cheng Chung Design, the hotel draws inspiration from the concept of “The Flows and Glows of Culture,” translating Wuhan’s riverine spirit and Chu heritage into a contemporary spatial narrative. Throughout the interiors, fluid lines, layered textures, and a warm, diffused play of light evoke the movement of water and the quiet elegance of Chu aesthetics. Thoughtful transitions between materials, a refined color palette, and curated lighting guide guests on a vertical journey that begins in the sky lobby. As guests move from one space to the next, a poetic sense of flow and luminosity gradually unfolds.

The hotel features 204 guest rooms and suites, all located on the 48th floor and above, offering panoramic river or skyline views. Guestroom interiors are conceived as a contemporary retreat in the sky, balancing spacious layouts with refined cultural details, such as cherry-blossom-inspired lighting, paper-carving motifs, and embroidered textiles, subtly reflecting the seasonal beauty of East Lake and the understated elegance of Chu culture. The Ritz-Carlton Suite, spanning 270 square meters, offers a private residential retreat, distinguished by expansive living spaces that foster a heightened sense of calm. Guests staying in Club Level rooms and suites have exclusive access to The Ritz-Carlton Club on the 56th floor, where they can enjoy a seamless check-in and assistance from a dedicated Club Concierge, cultural immersion sessions, and five daily culinary presentations that transition from breakfast and light refreshments to evening cocktails in a serene setting. Younger guests are also invited to discover the destination through the Ritz Kids program, which introduces families to Wuhan’s culture and heritage with playful exploration and interactive activities.

Dining at The Ritz-Carlton, Wuhan is an exploration of place and palate. Four distinctive dining venues thoughtfully balance global influences with local character: Brasserie 46 presents all-day international dining in an elevated setting, while The Lobby Lounge offers a light-filled retreat for afternoon tea and evening cocktails with an outdoor terrace. Chu Yao Xuan reinterprets Cantonese cuisine through a regional lens, honoring tradition with contemporary finesse. Crowning the experience, FLAIR stands as the hotel’s signature rooftop bar and a defining social destination, where the city’s nightlife unfolds from a sky-high perspective.

The hotel’s wellness facilities offer a sanctuary dedicated to restoration and balance. The Ritz-Carlton Spa, located on the 58th floor, features four treatment rooms offering holistic spa and facial treatments rooted in Eastern philosophy. Signature rituals include the Jingchu Five-Element Tea Therapy, an immersive treatment inspired by ancient Hubei tea culture, combining a grounding tea-infused foot ritual, rhythmic full-body massage using warm botanical oils, and gentle energy-balancing techniques guided by the Five Elements philosophy to restore harmony between body and mind. Additional facilities include the 24-hour Fitness Center with state-of-the-art equipment and a 25-meter indoor heated swimming pool that serves as a serene oasis with views of the city. With over 1,300 square meters of versatile event venues, including a pillarless Grand Ballroom and pre-function areas, the hotel is also set to become an elegant setting for celebrations, social gatherings, and business occasions.

Each evening at sunset, guests are invited to the sky lobby to experience a ceremonial tea tasting set to the gentle chimes reminiscent of ancient Bianzhong, the ancient bronze chime bells of the Chu Kingdom that once marked royal ceremonies and moments of reverence. The ritual elegantly honors the region’s heritage, creating a serene transition as day fades into night.

“We are delighted to welcome guests to the heart of Hankou and to play a part in Wuhan’s thriving hospitality scene,” said Marcel Damen, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Wuhan. “Our team of Ladies and Gentlemen are deeply inspired by the city’s rich history, riverside vitality, enduring traditions, and above all, by the warmth of its people. We look forward to creating meaningful connections and unforgettable memories for every guest.”

The Ritz-Carlton Debuts an Oasis of Modern Luxury in the Heart of Manhattan

The Newly Constructed Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad Melds Contemporary Design and Legendary Service with Sky-High Culinary Offerings by Chef José Andrés

The Ritz-Carlton, part of Marriott Bonvoy®’s portfolio of 30 extraordinary hotel brands, today announced the opening of The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad, debuting a new oasis of modern luxury in the heart of Manhattan. Soaring 50 stories above the dynamic North of Madison Square Park neighborhood, the newly constructed hotel and residences developed by New York-based Flag Luxury Group bring the brand’s unparalleled service and refined elegance to one of the city’s most vibrant and emerging districts.

“The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad represents a milestone moment in the evolution of The Ritz-Carlton brand,” said Donna McNamara, Vice President and Global Brand Leader for The Ritz-Carlton. “With an exquisite design that blends the best of the brand and the destination, combined with the finest amenities, culinary offerings, and highly personalized service, The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad delivers an experience tailored to today’s luxury guest. I know that travelers and locals alike will enjoy settling into Nubeluz, our rooftop bar, for spectacular views of the Manhattan skyline.”

Rising 500 feet above New York’s streets, the hotel takes its place within the city skyline as one of the tallest buildings in NoMad, the birthplace of American popular music at Tin Pan Alley and today a nexus of art, entertainment, fashion, and technology. World-renowned design teams, including Rafael Viñoly Architects, Rockwell Group, Lazaro Rosa-Violan Studio, Martin Brudnizki, and SUSSURUS International, deliver a bold, contemporary design that pays homage to the hotel’s location in the city’s vibrant Flower District. An impressive art collection by art curator, Culture Corps and Founding Partner Yvonne Force Villareal includes local artists Pat Steir, Ross Bleckner, and Donald Baechler. Seasonal floral installations throughout the hotel create a unique welcome experience for guests visiting the blossoming neighborhood.

“For our fifth hotel under The Ritz-Carlton brand, we were inspired by the brand’s rich history and legacy of unwavering commitment to excellence. We married the genuine refined service that The Ritz-Carlton is known for with the kitchen of humanitarian and Michelin-starred Chef José Andrés for the next generation of a hotel luxury experience,” said Dayssi Olarte de Kanavos, President of Flag Luxury Group.

The hotel’s 250 guestrooms include 19 suites, with an additional 16 one- and two-bedroom penthouse residences. The guestrooms and public spaces all showcase elegant floral expressions such as natural elements and textures, that reflect the soft curvature of petals alongside sleek accents and lines, which echo New York City’s verticality and city grid. Inspired by residential-style living, guestrooms feature bespoke furnishings and a neutral color palette that allow the expansive, light-filled living spaces and stunning city views to take center stage. The 2,100-square-foot Ritz-Carlton Suite, located on the hotel’s 37th floor, features breathtaking views of Manhattan, a private wellness room complete with a Peloton® bike, separate living and dining areas, media room and 194-square-foot walk-in closet, and service entrance. All guestrooms include bathroom amenities by Diptyque, featuring the scent Philosykos – an ode to the fig tree.

The hotel’s food and beverage partnership is truly unique, with all culinary venues and in-room dining helmed by Michelin-starred chef and global citizen José Andrés. Situated on the ground floor of the hotel, Zaytinya, a play on the Turkish word for olive oil, offers an innovative mezze menu and creative cocktails inspired by Turkish, Greek, and Lebanese cuisines. Designed by Rockwell Group, the 140-seat restaurant is saturated with a palette of bronze metals and white oak wood, with distinctive pops of blue and soft curves to channel the natural beauty of the Mediterranean.

An exciting addition to New York’s nightlife scene, Nubeluz is located on the hotel’s rooftop. It offers sweeping 270 degree views across Manhattan, complemented by an expansive menu of classic and signature cocktails, light bites, and an array of Tablas, where guests can build boards of jamon, queso, and embutidos hailing from Andrés' native Spain. Designed by Martin Brudnizki, the space acts as a glittering jewel box, with interiors that are a modern age reinterpretation of New York’s glamorous past, including a combination of reflective surfaces, indulgent textiles, and modern materiality.

Located on the first floor of The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad, The Lobby Lounge and Bar is an oasis where guests can enjoy a morning pastry and coffee, an afternoon glass of champagne, or nightcap in the evening.

The Bazaar by José Andrés will make its New York debut in late 2022. This high-end avant-garde dining destination is a wild sensory adventure born of Andrés’ Spanish roots where sophisticated cuisine, artful service, and playful theatrics come together. Each location has its own vision and promises both an inspiring both its culinary experience and dynamic aesthetic. The Bazaar, designed by Barcelona-based studio Lázaro Rosa-Viola, uses painted and natural wood, texturized glass, ceramic tiling, and drapery to create an atmosphere that is warm and distinct.

The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad offers a wide range of thoughtfully curated amenities designed to complement a highly personalized guest experience. Guests staying on the Club Level can enjoy access to the signature Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge, where they can relax or work while experiencing dedicated concierge service and a variety of culinary offerings throughout the day. The hotel also features a 6,800-square-foot signature Ritz-Carlton Spa and Fitness Center, including eight treatment rooms as well as the separate sauna and steam rooms. Luxury skincare brand Augustinus Bader is bringing its signature facial, The Method, to The Ritz-Carlton Spa, offering a bespoke interpretation with the use of exclusive scents and oils inspired by the New York Flower District. For intimate gatherings, celebrations, or corporate functions, The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad also features 10,000 square feet of meeting space, including a vast, private outdoor terrace, with all banquet and catering culinary offerings also overseen by Andrés.

“I am honored to be leading a talented team of Ladies & Gentlemen as we open our doors to guests and locals alike in this everchanging and dynamic community,” said Bastian Germer, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton New York, NoMad. “We are excited to bring Manhattan a quintessential, yet freshly re-imagined, New York experience.”

For further information and bookings, please visit www.ritzcarlton.com/nomad

Appointment | New executive chef at The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh

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James Norman has worked in the industry for almost three decades

The Ritz-Carlton, Riyadh has appointed James Norman as its new executive chef.

Norman has around 28 years of experience in the international hospitality industry and joins from The St. Regis Doha.

His new employers say he is known for specializing in international cuisines and has experience in training and developing staff for new properties around the world, as well as being an expert in Middle Eastern cuisines thanks to his time in the region.

He said: “I am excited to join The Ritz-Carlton hotel company family and take on the role of executive chef. With the outstanding group of ladies and gentlemen at the hotel, we will be able to further build on its current success and transform it into the preferred culinary destination in Riyadh.

“This is an exciting time to be part of the rising culinary scene in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. With a population that is well-travelled and has vast knowledge of various world cuisines, I look forward to being able to share some of my international experience with our guests.”

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Appointment | Nishanth Vishwanath joins The Ritz-Carlton, Pune as General Manager

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Vishwanath will lead the dynamic luxury team to sustain the hotel’s positioning as one of the most preferred destinations for the social and business elite in the country.

The Ritz-Carlton, Pune has appointed Nishanth Vishwanath to lead the luxurious downtown hotel as General Manager.

At The Ritz-Carlton, Pune, Vishwanath will lead the dynamic luxury team to sustain the hotel’s positioning as one of the most preferred destinations for the social and business elite in the country.

A veteran hotelier, driven by passion and creativity, Vishwanath is a multi-cultural hospitality icon with over 20 years of experience in the industry. Having commenced his career with Renaissance Mumbai Convention Centre Hotel (2001) as part of the Food & Beverage team; he has swiftly moved up the ranks across Marriott International's myriad brands spanning the last two decades.

He has a proven record of implementing strategic initiatives delivering financial success in tandem with customer satisfaction. During his operational tenure, he has played a critical role in building F&B Reputation and establishing hotels such as Renaissance Mumbai and JW Marriott Pune as leading conference and wedding venues in the country.

Within two and half years, he moved to JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru as the Director of Operations. Following a very successful stint at positioning JW Marriott Hotel Bengaluru as a premier destination in the city, he was then promoted as the General Manager for Courtyard by Marriott Chennai.

His most recent role comprised that of the prestigious Area Director - Operations for South & East India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. While his early years allowed him to hone his skills to develop award-winning concepts and drive revenue and reputation; his role as Area Director and General Manager over the last few years has given impetus to his growth and appointment into the luxury market.

Vishwanath uses his creative flair to increase employee engagement, implement standards, drive guest voice scores, build relationships with key stakeholders and grow hotel market share at exemplary levels.

He has also been a key Mentor and part of many Core pre-openings task force assignments and has been a recipient of several notable recognitions in his career and has consistently exhibited excellent leadership skills. His track record shows an innate ability to drive excellence across associate engagement, customer satisfaction, and profitability.

Armed with a degree from Mangalore University, Vishwanath is an avid traveler and takes a keen interest in exploring new places, history, and culture. He is also a fitness enthusiast and enjoys reading in his leisure time.

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