Emirates has reached a defining milestone in its ambitious multi-billion dollar retrofit programme with the successful reconfiguration of its first two-class A380 aircraft. The newly refurbished aircraft (A6-EUX) has taken to the skies operating as EK 39/40 between Dubai and Birmingham, featuring sparkling new interiors with Emirates’ latest products in three cabin classes: 76 Business Class seats, 56 Premium Economy Seats, and 437 Economy Class seats.

This is the first of 15 two-class A380 aircraft in its fleet that Emirates will renovate as part of its commitment to offer customers a consistently superior experience in the sky.

Managed entirely in-house by Emirates Engineering in Dubai, the retrofit programme has so far completed work on 95 Emirates aircraft including 42 Airbus A380s and 53 Boeing 777s, representing more than one third of Emirates’ current fleet of aircraft.

Sir Tim Clark, President Emirates Airline said: The Emirates retrofit programme revolves around the central premise that we will offer our customers a truly elevated experience every time they choose to travel with us. To this end, our engineering team has been working continuously and at pace in close collaboration with an ecosystem of partners and suppliers to meticulously refresh and integrate the best-in-class products to each aircraft in the programme. Our retrofit programme has raised the bar at every step, in terms of complexity, scale and detailed craftsmanship. The reconfiguration of our two-class A380 into three-class layout that brings our popular Premium Economy seating onto the upper deck illustrates the extensive cabilities of our team.

Fleet First for Premium Economy

As part of the retrofit, Emirates’ award-winning Premium Economy cabin will be featured, for the first time, in the upper deck of the A380. Featuring spacious leather seats with generous recline in a 2-3-2 configuration, customers can enjoy features including full leg and footrests, 6-way adjustable headrests, built-in charging ports, side cocktail tables as well as elevated dining experiences and an unmatched entertainment system via a 13.3 inch personal screen.

Refreshed interiors across all cabins

The retrofitted three class A380 features upgraded interiors across all cabins including the latest generation seats and updated cabin finishings. From nose to tail, from fresh carpets to ceiling panels, Emirates’ new signature elements are evident throughout the cabin including modern colour palettes, specially designed Ghaf tree motifs as well as premium wood finishes.

The nuts and bolts of retrofitting the first two-class A380

During the retrofit, the entire cabin interior of A6-EUX was taken art, refreshed and put back together with precision. The Emirates Engineering team had to carry out extensive modifications to the upper deck of the A380 aircraft by removing 120 Economy Class seats to accommodate 56 Premium Economy and an additional 18 Business Class seats. To support this change in configuration, the team had to undertake structural work to remove, upgrade and reposition galley modules, stowage areas, overhead bins, partitions and other cabin features along with associated changes to the electrical and plumbing systems in the aircraft.

It took a team of around 50 engineers and technicians investing an proximate 35,000 man-hours and utilising more than 2,500 different types of parts.

Emirates Engineering completed the retrofit of the first two-class A380 over a period of two months, including comprehensive planning and testing. With learnings from the first project integrated into future processes, retrofits of other two-class A380 aircraft are expected to take around half the time at 30 days. By the end of 2026, all 15 two-class A380 aircraft in the Emirates fleet will be retrofitted.

Evolution of the Emirates retrofit programme

The ambitious Emirates retrofit programme was first announced in 2021, emerging from a bold vision to ensure that Emirates’ signature standards of customer experience could be delivered consistently and seamlessly to customers across the world. 120 aircraft were initially slated to be refurbished under the first phase of the programme. However, by May 2024, based on the success of the programme and the positive feedback received from customers, the programme scope was expanded to 191 aircraft and then further scaled up to 219 aircraft later in the year. A dedicated team of around 270 staff ensure that on an average two refreshed aircraft emerge every month from the Emirates Engineering hangars in Dubai.

Consuming responsibly

In line with its commitment to minimise its environmental footprint, materials retrieved from the 219 Emirates A380 and Boeing 777 aircraft undergoing cabin retrofit are evaluated for repurposing as part of Emirates’ upcycling programme. This has resulted in successful initiatives including the Aircrafted range of limited-edition collector pieces such as luggage items; and Aircrafted for Kids backpacks made from repurposed Economy Class seat fabric. To date, around 4,000 Aircrafted for Kids backpacks have been donated to children across 10 countries.

Riyadh Air, Saudi Arabia’s new national carrier, today announced the launch of full public sales for flights between Riyadh’s King Khalid International Airport (RUH) and London Heathrow (LHR). This key route, which introduces the new aircraft on 1 July 2026, strengthens the airline’s mission to connect the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia with major global and regional hubs and deliver a world-class travel and logistics experience.

Riyadh Air has operated daily flights to London Terminal 4 since 26 October 2025, utilizing the airline’s technical spare Jamila as part of its Pathway to Perfect operational readiness program, during which tickets have been available for booking. Jamila flights will continue to be available for booking through Riyadh Air’s proved travel partners until 30 June 2026.

Starting today, sales on the London-Riyadh service from 1 July 2026 are fully open to the public and will operate exclusively on the airline’s new state-of-the-art Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, featuring unparalleled cabin interiors and experiences.

Tony Douglas, CEO of Riyadh Air, said, Today marks a truly exciting milestone for Riyadh Air as we introduce our new aircraft and signature premium experience on our established London route. It demonstrates our deep commitment to delivering a truly world-class journey for our guests, one that blends exceptional comfort, cutting-edge technology and our distinctive Saudi ‘Hafawa’ hospitality from the moment they step on board.

Douglas added: Connecting Saudi Arabia with the UK directly and beyond through our growing network of global destinations including Jeddah, Cairo and Dubai, sits at the very heart of what we are building at Riyadh Air and the Kingdom’s ambitions under Vision 2030. We look forward to welcoming our guests aboard to experience the future of air travel.

Daily flights to London Heathrow (LHR) on RX401: (All times local)

Depart RUH at 02:35
Arrive LHR at 07:30

Daily flights to Riyadh (RUH) on RX402: (All times local)

Depart LHR at 09:35
Arrive RUH at 18:05

The Riyadh-London route is a cornerstone of the airline’s UK expansion, linking two G20 cital cities. This service strengthens a key economic corridor, further facilitating investment and commerce between the Kingdom and London’s established status as a global financial center. The route also caters to growing tourism demand in both directions, fostering cultural exchange and providing essential connectivity for travelers exploring the rich heritage and modern attractions of both cities.

The service also positions Riyadh as a key transport hub, offering convenient onward connections for passengers travelling from London to soon-to-be-announced global destinations.

Premium Comfort and Style

Riyadh Air’s new 787-9 Dreamliners offer a four-class configuration – Business Elite, Business, Premium Economy and Economy – each designed to deliver exceptional comfort and cutting-edge technology. This includes, for a truly personalized audio experience, Bluetooth audio connectivity and traditional physical audio jacks available at every seat, across all classes. Business Elite and Business share a fully flat-bed 1-2-1 layout, with AC Power USB-C and USB-A charging and immersive high-fidelity sound delivered directly into the headrests. Premium Economy’s 2-3-2 layout features privacy headrest wings, additional storage, expandable surfaces, four USB-C charging points, while Economy offers 6-way adjustable headrests and two USB-C charging points in a 3-3-3 configuration. Throughout all classes, seats are ergonomically crafted with plush foam and premium fabrics for deep, restorative comfort.

The world’s most modern in-flight entertainment experience

Guests on Riyadh Air’s Dreamliners will experience one of the world’s most modern in-flight entertainment (IFE) systems, offering a rich selection of over 500 movies and 600 TV series from partners like Shahid, Disney+, HBO Max, and Warner Bros., complemented by 1,000 audio albums and playlists, via Panasonic Avionics’ innovative Astrova IFE system, which delivers pioneering technology including ‘mobile-first’ connectivity, cinema-quality visuals, wireless listening via Bluetooth® and USB-C charging.

Signature Onboard Hospitality

Riyadh Air guests will also experience restorative Saudi-made Kayanee in-flight products, with bespoke Disney amenity kits for younger travelers, the finest in-flight dining experience, luxurious bedding by John Horsfall and a customized wellness journey that touches all five senses to ensure a peaceful flight. Guests travelling in Business Elite and Business will receive exclusive Kayanee loungewear, while Premium Economy guests will be treated to a Kayanee loungewear top, ensuring every guest arrives feeling refreshed and at ease.

Sfeer: for a generation in motion

Guests planning to travel on our London Heathrow route can unlock exclusive benefits by joining Riyadh Air’s loyalty program, Sfeer. The name Sfeer derives from the Arabic word for Ambassador and the English word sphere, embodying the generous spirit of Saudi Arabia while fostering a global community. It offers a Best Offer Guarantee, including a range of unique benefits such as a no points of expiry policy, the ability for members to share level points with friends and family, and complimentary onboard Wi-Fi for seamless connectivity.

The program is distinguished by its blend of community engagement with gamified experiences, featuring challenges and leaderboards, and is designed to be a comprehensive digital lifestyle ecosystem that provides value to a new generation of travelers both in the air and on the ground through exclusive partnerships and events. Early Sfeer members join an elite club of ‘The Founders’, who will receive priority access to bookings on new routes, along with other benefits.

Ziptrrip has acquired HelloTravel in its first acquisition since launching operations three years ago, as the AI-led corporate travel platform looks to deepen its presence in the ridly growing MICE and business leisure segments.

The acquisition marks a significant strategic expansion for Ziptrrip, which has so far focused primarily on corporate travel and expense management. Through the deal, the company gains access to HelloTravel’s extensive travel agent and destination management company (DMC) network, strengthening its cabilities across experiential travel, meetings and incentive travel, and blended business-leisure offerings.

Expanding beyond core corporate travel

The acquisition reflects a broader trend within India’s travel-tech ecosystem, where companies are increasingly looking to build integrated travel platforms rather than operate in isolated verticals.

In a relatively short period, Ziptrrip has built scale in the corporate travel segment, facilitating more than 2 lakh trips across over 650 corporate clients through its AI-driven booking and expense management platform.

The acquisition of HelloTravel allows the company to move beyond transactional corporate travel into higher-engagement segments such as MICE and business leisure, where demand for customised experiences and destination expertise continues to rise.

Access to large partner ecosystem

Founded over 18 years ago, HelloTravel has evolved into one of India’s larger travel marketplace platforms, with more than 7,000 verified travel partners across destinations and over 2 lakh experience-led travel packages.

The platform also brings a sizeable digital community and operational reach across more than 10,000 destinations, having served over one crore travellers to date.

For Ziptrrip, this provides immediate scale in areas where supplier relationships and execution cabilities are critical, particularly in MICE and experiential travel.

Building integrated travel infrastructure

The combined platform is expected to create synergies across travel agents, hospitality partners and DMCs, while allowing greater control over execution and customised travel delivery.

Focus on AI-led travel operations

Shan Prabhakaran, Co-founder and CEO of Ziptrrip, said HelloTravel’s destination expertise and partner relationships would help the company expand meaningfully into MICE and business leisure.

Our focus will be on building on this foundation and working closely with partners to unlock new opportunities, he said.

Rishabh Agarwal, Co-founder and COO of Ziptrrip, added that combining HelloTravel’s ecosystem with Ziptrrip’s AI-led infrastructure could help deliver more customised and reliable travel experiences, especially in segments where operational execution is crucial.

Consolidation trend gains momentum

The transaction also reflects growing consolidation within India’s travel and hospitality technology landsce, as companies seek scale, supplier depth and differentiated offerings in an increasingly competitive market.

As corporate travel rebounds and business-leisure convergence accelerates globally, MICE and experiential travel are emerging as high-growth segments for travel-tech firms.

The acquisition positions Ziptrrip to participate more aggressively in these segments while broadening its role from a corporate booking platform to a more comprehensive travel ecosystem player.

Under the deal, HelloTravel will continue to operate as a wholly owned subsidiary of Wayfarers Technologies, while its existing team will remain with the business to ensure continuity across operations and partner relationships.

BTN spoke with Sandrine Camia, Deputy Director at the Monaco Government Tourist Authority, during her visit to London, to discuss Monaco’s evolving tourism identity, its new Monaco, Everything At Once campaign, and how the Principality is redefining luxury travel for a new generation of visitors.

BTN: Monaco is one of the most recognisable luxury destinations in the world. What does the destination need to communicate now that it perhs did not need to communicate ten years ago?

SC: Ten years ago, Monaco’s image was still largely built around a few well-known clichés: the casino, the Princely Family, Formula 1 and a perception that could sometimes feel too bling or inaccessible.

Today, the perception of the destination has evolved significantly. Monaco is still recognised for the excellence of its hospitality, services and unique international events, which remain part of its DNA, but it is now recognised for much more than that.

The destination has evolved through a more diverse offer, with renovated hotels, a more varied dining scene, and a stronger cultural identity that is no longer centred only around sport and major events. Monaco has also renewed its festive and lifestyle offering, both during the day and at night.

At the same time, we communicate much more about dimensions of the destination that were perhs less visible in the past: our commitment to more sustainable tourism, Monaco’s attractiveness during the shoulder seasons and at Christmas, and its position as an ideal hub from which to discover the entire Côte d’Azur.

Today, Monaco is no longer perceived only as a small destination to visit for a few hours, but as a place where visitors can stay longer and enjoy both the Principality and the wider Riviera experience.

BTN: The new campaign, Monaco, Everything At Once, is a bold statement. What is the central idea behind it?

SC: The campaign reflects what makes Monaco unique: its ability to offer many different experiences within a very compact destination.

In Monaco, visitors can move very easily from culture to gastronomy, from wellness to nightlife, from the sea to a business event, all within a few minutes — and most of it can be done on foot. The idea behind Everything At Once is that Monaco allows travellers to enjoy multiple experiences in a short period of time, in a very seamless way.

Another important dimension is that all these experiences take place in a safe environment, which has always been part of Monaco’s DNA, but has become a more important criterion when travellers are choosing a destination.

For many visitors, luxury is no longer only about exclusivity or prestige, but also about comfort and peace of mind, while still benefiting from an extremely high level of quality, attention to detail and personalised service.

More on the new campaign: Visit Monaco launches its new international leisure campaign.

BTN: Monaco is only 2 square kilometres, yet it has a global presence far larger than its size. How do you turn that compactness into a strength?

SC: Compactness is actually one of Monaco’s strengths today. Luxury travellers value time, safety and convenience.

Everything is close and accessible, which makes the visitor experience comfortable. At the same time, Monaco is located in the heart of the Côte d’Azur, between France and Italy, with access to many different landsces and experiences within one hour of the Principality, from Cannes to San Remo.

Visitors can enjoy Monaco while also discovering the wider Riviera region, and even experience three countries in one day.

BTN: Monaco has always been associated with glamour, privacy and prestige. How do you modernise that image without diluting what makes it iconic?

SC: The DNA elements remain an important part of Monaco’s identity and we don’t want to dilute them or change them.

Today, Monaco speaks to a much wider range of travellers and generations than in the past: couples, families, multi-generational trips, experienced travellers looking for new experiences, as well as very high-contribution guests looking for privacy, quality and highly personalised services.

The destination has evolved its offer to meet the expectations of all these different profiles, with more diverse hospitality and dining experiences, new wellness concepts, a stronger cultural calendar and a more contemporary lifestyle proach.

Monaco remains iconic, but it is now perceived as more open and more experiential.

BTN: Today’s luxury travellers often want meaning, wellness, culture and access rather than just status. How is Monaco adting to that shift?

SC: This evolution is very visible in Monaco, not only through the destination’s offer, but also through the way we tell Monaco’s story today.

On our website, travellers, travel professionals and media can now discover dedicated content focused on new openings, unique experiences, hidden gems, cultural highlights, family experiences and the destination’s commitment to reducing its environmental impact.

Monaco has developed many new wellness experiences, immersive exhibitions and cultural events throughout the year, while also highlighting experiences that are sometimes less expected: activities for children, outdoor experiences, local neighbourhoods, or places to discover across the wider Riviera region.

More detailed content can be found here: New experiences in Monaco and Visit Monaco thematic files.

BTN: How do you broaden Monaco’s story beyond Formula 1, yachts, casinos and grand hotels?

SC: These elements remain important because they are part of Monaco’s international identity and history, and Formula 1 has a stronger impact than before Covid.

But today, Monaco also tells a much broader story, focused on culture, lifestyle, wellness and responsible tourism.

The Principality is increasingly communicating about its commitment to sustainability and the long-term vision led by H.S.H. Prince Albert II to transform the country and reduce its environmental impact, particularly in the field of ocean preservation and sustainable development.

More information can be found in Visit Monaco’s thematic files.

This can be seen through many initiatives across the destination, but also through the transformation of Monaco’s landsce itself, including the recent creation of Mareterra, Monaco’s new eco-district built around innovation, soft mobility and environmental integration.

BTN: What should travellers be most excited about in Monaco’s 2026 calendar?

SC: 2026 will be a very dynamic year for Monaco.

This summer, the Grimaldi Forum will present a major exhibition dedicated to Monaco and the Automobile, exploring more than 130 years of automotive history in the Principality.

The Oceanogrhic Museum is also launching its new immersive exhibition, Mediterranean 2050, focused on the future of the Mediterranean Sea and ocean preservation.

There are also many developments in hospitality, including hotel renovations at Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort, Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo and Hôtel Hermitage.

We are also launching new concepts of restaurants and bars. The cultural calendar will include festivals, concerts and performances throughout the summer season.

Latest press releases on new openings can be found here: Visit Monaco press releases.

There is also a dedicated page on what’s new and notable: News and notable events in Monaco.

BTN: For corporate event planners and MICE clients, what makes Monaco especially compelling today?

SC: Monaco offers a very efficient and high-quality environment for business events.

Everything is close together, which simplifies logistics and improves the overall delegate experience. The destination combines excellent infrastructure, premium hospitality, safety and accessibility.

The Visit Monaco Convention Bureau acts as a facilitator and provides organisers with a single point of entry to help identify the most suitable venues, hotels and experiences according to the format and objectives of the event.

Depending on the size of the project, Monaco can also offer integrated solutions combining the Grimaldi Forum convention centre with a wide range of partner hotels, with harmonised pricing conditions and coordinated support across the destination.

We have also just launched our new international communication campaign dedicated to the MICE sector, built around the same promise as our leisure campaign: Monaco, Everything At Once. The idea is to offer event planners the possibility to combine many different experiences and opportunities within one compact and highly efficient destination.

Press release on the MICE campaign: Visit Monaco launches its new international MICE campaign.

BTN: What is the biggest misconception about Monaco that you would like to change?

SC: One of the biggest misconceptions about Monaco is that it is a destination only for the rich and famous, and that it is inaccessible for most travellers. People also often assume that everything is extremely expensive and that, because the country is small, the offer must be limited.

This perception is partly linked to the fact that around 80% of Monaco’s hotel offer is made up of 4- and 5-star properties. Naturally, we attract visitors looking for this level of quality and service. But if you compare Monaco with hotels of the same category in other major citals or competing Mediterranean destinations, Monaco is not necessarily more expensive — and can sometimes even be more competitive, particularly during the low and shoulder seasons.

The destination also offers a much more diverse range of experiences and client profiles than people may imagine. We welcome both premium travellers and very high-net-worth guests, with a wide variety of hospitality, dining, wellness, cultural and family experiences.

And once again, Monaco is also an exceptional base from which to explore the entire Côte d’Azur region.

When people look beyond the clichés and take a closer look at the destination’s infrastructure, quality of service, accessibility and overall offer, they quickly realise that Monaco has much more to offer than they initially expected.

BTN: Looking ahead, what do you want Monaco’s tourism identity to stand for over the next decade?

SC: One of Monaco’s main ambitions for the coming decade is to establish itself as a leading destination for responsible tourism, with a strong commitment to decarbonisation and more sustainable development.

At the same time, Monaco will continue to stand for what has always built its reputation: a destination where excellence can be found everywhere — in hospitality, service, gastronomy, events, culture and the overall visitor experience.

Monaco was originally created as the first resort destination in 1863. François Blanc, founder of Société des Bains de Mer, had the vision to create a dream place dedicated to elegance, entertainment and quality of life.

In many ways, Monaco has remained faithful to this vision, while constantly adting to changes in the world and to the evolving expectations of travellers.

The challenge for the future is therefore to continue innovating and evolving. We want Monaco to remain a destination that attracts visitors from all over the world, while continuing to offer a unique combination of excellence, safety, innovation and Mediterranean lifestyle.

BTN: The phrase Everything At Once suggests energy, variety and immediacy. Does that reflect how modern luxury travellers want to experience a destination today?

SC: Yes, very much.

Today’s travellers want to maximise their time and enjoy different experiences during the same trip. They preciate destinations where everything feels easy, fluid and accessible.

BTN: Monaco brings together leisure, business, culture, gastronomy, sport and wellness in a very concentrated setting. How do you design a visitor experience that feels seamless rather than overwhelming?

SC: The compactness of Monaco actually helps create a seamless experience. Visitors do not spend time travelling between activities. The destination is also very walkable and well connected, allowing travellers to move naturally between different experiences according to their interests.

BTN: Sustainability is becoming an essential part of luxury travel. What does responsible luxury look like in Monaco?

SC: In Monaco, responsible luxury means combining excellence, innovation and sustainability. It is not only a tourism strategy, but the commitment of an entire country, following the long-term vision and roadm led by H.S.H. Prince Albert II.

Monaco has in fact been committed to environmental protection for several decades. This commitment is deeply rooted in the country’s history through Prince Albert I, considered one of the founders of modern oceanogrhy, who already placed scientific research and ocean preservation at the heart of Monaco’s identity more than a century ago.

Today, this translates into very concrete actions across the destination. The Principality promotes soft mobility, low-impact experiences and more sustainable hospitality practices. Many hotels, as well as the Grimaldi Forum convention centre, are engaged in very high-level environmental certification processes.

Visitors also discover a destination investing in short supply chains and local gastronomy, urban farming initiatives, solar energy and innovative systems using Mediterranean seawater to provide low-carbon air conditioning and heating to many buildings and infrastructures across Monaco.

The objective is to continue offering a very high level of quality and personalised service, while reducing the environmental impact of the destination and preserving Monaco’s unique Mediterranean environment.

More information about Monaco’s commitments can be found here: Visit Monaco – Our Commitments.

BTN: Monaco attracts both leisure travellers and high-level business audiences. How do you tailor the destination’s story for these different visitors while keeping one clear brand identity?

SC: The audiences are different, but the core message remains the same.

For leisure travellers, we may focus more on lifestyle, culture and wellness.

For business audiences, we emphasise infrastructure, efficiency and connectivity.

But in both cases, Monaco offers an experience where many different worlds come together in one destination.

BTN: For visitors who associate Monaco mainly with glamour and iconic events, what lesser-known side of the Principality would you most like them to discover?

SC: I would encourage them to discover Monaco’s hidden treasures and its more authentic Mediterranean side.

Beyond the iconic image, Monaco has a rich history that can be discovered through its museums, historical buildings and cultural venues, which tell the story and identity of the Principality in a very different way.

I would also encourage visitors to experience Monaco’s close relationship with the sea, not only through yachting, but through more immersive and nature-oriented experiences, such as observing cetaceans in the protected Mediterranean waters surrounding Monaco.

Another side of Monaco that many visitors do not expect is the local lifestyle. Discovering the Condamine Market, the cafés and restaurants along Larvotto beach that remain lively all year long, the small coves, and the coastal paths where people enjoy walking or jogging by the sea all reveal a more local and authentic Monaco.

Families can also discover Monaco in another way, through activities organised around the Grimaldi Forum’s major summer exhibition, designed to make culture more accessible and interactive for children.

And of course, Monaco is also an ideal starting point to explore the surrounding region, the hilltop villages, the Riviera coastline and the nearby Italian coast, all within a short distance.

It is a Monaco that feels more local and more experiential, while remaining just as unique.

by Sid Thaker

The reimagined Dexter Hotel in Elk Rids, Michigan, one of the region’sfirst hotels dedicated to contemporary design, regional craft, and authentic Michigan heritage, announces its official opening on May 19, 2026. With 29 thoughtfully designed rooms and suites and the Noble Lounge—a lively restaurant and bar set just above the pristine Lake Michigan waterfront—Dexter Hotel brings a new standard of elevated-yet-grounded hospitality to one of the Great Lakes’ most beautiful coastal destinations.

Created by the former creative director of Shinola and built by Shore North Development incollaboration with Kinship Hospitality founders Daniel Caudill and Kamron Bijeh-ple, Dexter Hotelreimagines a former artment-style building in the charming waterfront town of Elk Rids, justminutes from Traverse City and its recently expanded Cherry Cital Airport. The vision centers onmaterial honesty, regional production and a design language rooted in Michigan’s influential Mid-century furniture legacy.

A Contemporary Reflection of Michigan Heritage
Rather than a themed experience, Dexter Hotel offers a modern, sophisticated aesthetic rooted in place through carefully sourced materials, custom fabrication by Michigan makers and curated vintage furniture that honors the state’s design legacy. The aesthetic palette emphasizes natural, durable finishes designed to age beautifully: custom white oak furniture anchors the guest rooms, while copper and warm metals define the Noble Lounge bar and reception desk.

Guest rooms are designed to feel like warm, peaceful artments with muted tones, natural materials,woven textiles, and soft upholstery, with gallery walls featuring a mix of artistic styles. Handcrafted Serta mattresses paired with down bedding and Frette linens complete the sleeping experience.

Every Detail, Michigan-Made
What distinguishes Dexter Hotel is its comprehensive commitment to regional production. Nearly every element—from custom sofas and lounge chairs to the Kinship lighting collection, reception desk, bar, beds, nightstands, and even drery sewn by a local Traverse City seamstress—was designed by Kinship Studio and fabricated by Michigan craftspeople.

Dexter Hotel features:

Kinship Ceramics Collection: Bowls, trays, cups, plates, so dishes, and lamps created specifically for the hotel by local Traverse City ceramicists
Custom Lighting: Flush-mount ceiling fixtures designed for Dexter Hotel and manufactured by Britten Inc. in Traverse City
Gallery Walls: Salon-style artwork featuring original pieces by Michigan artists including Martyna Alexander, Pier Wright and Jesse Hickman
Custom Millwork: Handcrafted reception desk and Noble Lounge bar highlighting regional woodworking tradition
Signature Scent: Custom Kinship scent creating a fully immersive sensory experience
Salt & Stone Amenities and ClaySpace Ceramics: Thoughtfully curated to complete the regional craft story

Noble Lounge: The Living Room of Elk Rids
Noble Lounge is designed as a lively, welcoming space for both guests and locals, offering a thoughtful and proachable food and beverage experience set just above the pristine Lake Michigan waterfront, specifically on the Grand Traverse Bay. The bar program, led by Beverage Director Anthony DiMaria, balances classic technique with more original compositions that lean into creativity within a structured, ingredient-driven proach. The program draws on molecular mixology techniques, including clarified juices and fat-washed spirits, to transform familiar ingredients into unexpected, layered tastes. An opening menu of six to seven cocktails will be complemented by a robust non-alcoholic program, reflecting the growing demand for premium alcohol-free options.

In tandem, Executive Chef John Korycki’s menu features refined, shareable plates rooted in seasonal Northern Michigan sourcing, with a focus on thoughtful composition and a bar-forward sensibility. Sourced from celebrated local farms and artisans, including internationally award-winning cheesemakers from Suttons Bay and Northport, the kitchen will launch in early to mid-June with 9 to 12 seasonal small plates.

Central to both programs is a spirit of cross-collaboration: the bar and kitchen teams will work in tandem to maximize every ingredient. Together, they offer guests something distinctly Northern Michigan—familiar in feeling, surprising in execution.

Chef John Korycki — Executive Chef
Chef John Korycki brings more than three decades of experience rooted in Italian tradition and Mediterranean-inspired, ingredient-driven cooking. A graduate of Kendall College School of Culinary Arts and an alumnus of the Bartolotta Restaurant Group under James Beard Award-winning chef Paul Bartolotta, Korycki has led acclaimed kitchens across the Midwest and founded a collegiate culinary program.

Anthony DiMaria — Beverage Director
Anthony Tony DiMaria brings a distinguished background in craft cocktail programs, including a key role at the acclaimed Sugar House in Detroit and a tenure redefining the bar experience at Otis Harbor Springs in Northern Michigan. At Dexter Hotel, DiMaria builds a program that balances creativity with precision and anchored by an in-house beer created with Arbor Brewing Company in Ann Arbor and a series of bottled signature cocktails developed specifically for the hotel.

Architectural Innovation
Dexter Hotel utilizes advanced modular stacked-box construction, fabricated off-site and assembledon location within days. This proach creates exceptional soundproofing, no rooms share connected walls, ceilings, or floors, while maintaining structural precision and quality. Future exterior enhancements will add a warm cream façade with black metal hardware, shutters, and planter boxes.

A Region on the Rise
Dexter Hotel’s opening aligns with a significant moment for Northern Michigan. A $120 millionexpansion at Cherry Cital Airport (TVC) in Traverse City, with groundbreaking in ril 2026 andcompletion expected by spring 2028, will triple the airport’s cacity and add more direct flights from LaGuardia, making the region increasingly accessible from major cities.

The area offers a rich calendar of experiences: the Traverse City Horse Show (June–September), the National Cherry Festival marking its 100th anniversary in July 2026, 40+ wineries across Old Mission and Leelanau Peninsulas, and Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore. Dexter Hotel sits with direct access to the public waterfront park via stairs from the hotel patio—a natural gateway to Northern Michigan’s outdoor and cultural scene.

Visionary Collaboration
Dexter Hotel represents a collaborative, design-led vision rooted in storytelling and place, says Daniel Caudill, Co-Founder and Creative Director of Kinship Hospitality. We proached this project by asking whether every element—every piece of furniture, every ceramic, every fixture—could be created by Michigan makers. Working with Northern Michigan’s extraordinary community of artisans allowed us to develop truly custom pieces that exist nowhere else, creating an authentic connection between design and region.

What we’re building with Dexter is a style of hospitality that feels easy but considered, where nothing is overdone, but everything matters, says Kamron Bijeh-ple, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Kinship Hospitality. A big part of that comes to life in Noble Lounge, which is really the heart of the property—a place guests naturally spend time, whether they’re coming down for a drink, staying for food, or just settling in for the evening. The goal is for everything to feel seamless, social, and worth lingering in, without ever feeling like you’re being moved through an experience.

Shore North Development brings expertise in identifying properties with transformation potential and reimagining them as elevated hospitality experiences. The partnership with Kinship Hospitality has created a property that celebrates Michigan’s design legacy while establishing a new standard for boutique hospitality in the region.

Access & Availability
Dexter Hotel is located in Elk Rids, proximately 15 minutes from Traverse City’s Cherry Cital Airport (TVC) and three and a half hours from Detroit Metropolitan Airport (DTW).

For more information about Dexter Hotel and to make a reservation, please visit