Miscellaneous

🌹 Marriott International mourns the loss of Donna Rae Garff Marriott, who passed away on December 30, 2025. Born on June 10, 1935, she was married to J.W. "Bill" Marriott, Jr. for 70 years. Donna, a dedicated member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, is survived by her husband, three children, 15 grandchildren, and 36 great-grandchildren. A private memorial is planned, and donations are encouraged for the American Heart Association of Greater Washington DC.

🛠️ Olson Kundig architects design contemporary cabins highlighting simplicity and integration with nature. In Vermont, a 750 sq ft cabin employs steel, wood, and concrete, offering expansive mountain views. Seattle's City Cabin features a sustainable design with photovoltaic panels and a green roof. Washington's Agate Pass Cabin blends a 1930s structure with modern elements. False Bay Writer’s Cabin, at 500 sq ft, uses mechanical shutters for privacy. Idaho’s Chicken Point Cabin opens to natural lake views with a pivoting window.

🛸 Best for luxury travel: Von Baer’s Voyager Leather Carry-on, weighs 7-9 lbs, supports 50-70 kg, reduces handle vibration by 30%, and dampens 15 dB of rolling noise. Full-grain leather with 1,600 N tensile strength provides 35-40 liters of capacity. Ideal for mobility without sacrificing style. Requires 3-5 months of leather conditioning. Not suitable for ultralight or low-maintenance needs.

🎧 In Hamburg's Ottensen district, Vincent von Thien opened Trader HiFi, a 70-square-meter cafe inspired by Japan's jazz cafes. The venue features a cork-clad DJ booth, a bespoke sound system, and a cast-in-situ concrete bar. Open during the day for coffee, it hosts listening sessions in the evenings. The design includes wooden furniture by Further THER, acoustic tiles by MycoLutions, and warm lighting by Vitra, creating an introspective and sound-focused environment.

🏝️ Low Wood Bay Resort & Spa was crowned Best Spa in the North West at the 2025 Good Spa Guide regional awards in London. The resort, located on Windermere, was recognized for its outstanding guest experiences and world-class facilities. Judged by the Good Spa Guide's precise assessments and expert insights, the award highlights the resort's tranquil atmosphere and scenic views. Gary Tennant and Michael Kay of English Lakes Hotels praised the team's dedication and passion for achieving this prestigious accolade.

🍴 This winter, hospitality group 6 of 1, founded by Frank Yeung and Abhinav Malde, will open Cafe Kowloon in East London, offering a modern take on Cantonese cuisine inspired by Hong Kong's dining culture. Wonton Charlie’s, an 18-seat noodle soup bar, will be part of the experience. Since 2016, 6 of 1 has opened restaurants like Mr Bao, Daddy Bao, Master Bao, and Good Measure. Cafe Kowloon marks their first venture beyond Taiwanese food.

📅 Spoke at 12 events, traveled to 18 states and 3 countries, and produced 8 short videos, including a special one for Helen. The community grew from 2,500 to over 44,000 in two years. Isaac invites everyone to visit the Homestead Heritage community and hopes to connect in person. Enjoy the holidays and look forward to 2026!

🍕 Ménard Dworkind's 2,550-square-foot restaurant in Toronto's Etobicoke opened in April 2025. The eighth North of Brooklyn location features a ground-level takeout counter and the Low Rise bar lounge above. The design incorporates DTILE's molded tiles and walnut tables, seating 40. The bar is clad in a marble mosaic with a zinc top. The intimate space is enhanced by new west-facing windows and mirrors on the east side, creating a cozy atmosphere.

🛍️ Louis Vuitton's new flagship stores in Beijing and Shanghai redefine shopping as cultural and social destinations, not just retail spaces. These locations integrate art, dining, and immersive storytelling, urging visitors to linger. While luxury retail embraces destination creation, the hospitality industry lags, still focusing on traditional concepts. Hotels are urged to focus on creating emotional connections, cultural relevance, and reasons to return, transforming from mere accommodations to places where people actively choose to visit.

🍴 No.14, founded by Ahmet and Mehmet Kabayel, won Best Europe Restaurant/Bar at the 2025 Restaurant & Bar Design Awards, held in Dubai with 1,100 entries from 61 countries. TNN Studio redesigned the Grade II-listed building in Bishop’s Stortford into an Asian Fusion venue. Led by Tulin Naltekin, the design features natural materials and Art Deco influences. The restaurant offers dishes with Asian traditions and modern finesse, celebrating design and culinary excellence.