This week’s Five-Star Weekly Briefing highlights current trends, investments, and developments in the hotel sector.

Get ready for a powerhouse episode as we unpack the biggest hotel and hospitality headlines of the week — from major openings and brand expansions to bold investments, industry trends and standout leadership moves across the region. We’re diving into the landmark launch of Cabravale Club Resort and the 140-room Novotel Sydney Cabramatta, the upcoming Crowne Plaza Geelong opening backed by Plenary Group, and the debut of Avani Living Queen’s Wharf Residences in Brisbane as Minor Hotels accelerates global expansion. We also explore the rise of hybrid hospitality with the official launch of Drifter Byron Bay, plus groundbreaking investments including Trump International Hotel Maldives, developed by Dar Global and The Trump Organization, along with a major cross-border partnership between Centara Hotels & Resorts and NUO International.

On the trends front, we look at Darwin Airport Resorts’ award-winning “airport resort” concept and the refreshed design experience at Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa. We celebrate big wins from the HM Awards, including the Adelaide Marriott, while also spotlighting Hilton being named the #1 World’s Best Workplace™ and #1 Best Workplace in Australia™ for 2025.

We’ll also highlight the industry’s rising stars and leadership movements — including new appointments across Millennium Hotels & Resorts NZ, Urban Rest, Marriott International, and the full senior team now appointed for Radisson RED Auckland.

If you want to stay ahead of what’s shaping hotel investment, operations, design, people, and brand strategy across APAC and beyond — this is the episode you don’t want to miss.