Global Update
Red Planet CEO Tim Hansing
Out Of tune
Red Planet Hotels has ended its relationship with Tune Hotels , rebranding 21 of its existing hotels to launch the Red Planet value brand across its portfolio . The new brand immediately consists of 24 hotels with 3,783 rooms in Japan , Thailand , Indonesia and the Philippines . In addition to the existing portfolio , CEO Tim Hansing says Red Planet will be opening the new brand ’ s flagship properties in Tokyo and Bangkok this year . The company , founded in 2011 , has raised several rounds of capital from private investors and anticipates a future public listing .
the essence of
Auberge Resorts ’ more social , approachable , experiential and accessible sibling — VieVage — is slowly gaining momentum under Auberge ’ s new leadership team and capital partners .
Auberge Founder and Managing Partner Mark Harmon says with Napa Valley , California , and Cabo San Lucas , Mexico , deals inked , he expects VieVage to grow by one or two properties a year . Harmon adds the brand should announce a third deal before the end of the year , and it could be an urban play as the company sees the potential for VieVage in city centers , as well .
The Cabo property should open by the end of next year , while the Napa project is due to start construction after this year ’ s grape harvest with a projected opening set for mid-2017 .
Harmon says he prefers to build from scratch with the
VieVage
best development partners to give the full expression of VieVage ’ s essence , but the team is also looking at a few conversion projects . The types of deals could range from significant equity contributions to strict management , he adds .
With an average daily rate targeting US $ 500 ( compared to US $ 1,000 for Aubergebranded properties ), VieVage ( more or less translating to life ’ s voyage ) will not be as much about FF & E finishes as it is about authenticity , according to Harmon . “ It will be relatable , carefully curated and about learning , hanging out with friends and connecting ,” he says .
For example , the Napa property will have a bicycle shed for enthusiasts who bike the valley and want to stop for an espresso and find a mechanic who can finetune their rides .
F & B will likely be casual
VieVage Los Cabos , seen here in a rendering , is expected to open by the end of next year .
and served family-style , Harmon says , adding that Cabo will be designed with a shack on the beach serving fish tacos and cold buckets of beer . “ Great spa , great cuisine , service and experiences will be at the core of the brand ,” he says .
VieVage is developing as Craig Reid heads toward his second year as Auberge ’ s president and CEO . Harmon says the transition has been “ fantastic ” with the former Four Seasons senior executive creating a terrific team that includes , among others , the former CFO and head of design from — not surprisingly — Four Seasons .
“ Our level of internal expertise is growing ,” Harmon says . “ We are adding a lot more people in sales and marketing , which is a key initiative . We are making all the right moves with the right people in place , and we are poised for wonderful growth .”
18 HOTELS September 2015 www . hotelsmag . com