Aman Group adds luxury cruises to its portfolio, Missoni refreshes a One&Only property in the Maldives, and a shopping center spotlighting Black-owned businesses is coming to DC. All that and more in this week’s Five on Friday.
Aman Group joins the ultra-luxury cruise sector
Rendering courtesy of SINOT Yacht Architecture & Design
The ultra-luxury cruise market has recently seen additions from RH, Ritz-Carlton, and Accor’s Orient Express Silenseas. Now, Aman Group—known for wellness-centric properties including the newly opened Aman New York—is the latest well-known brand to enter the space with “Project Sama”. According to Travel News Daily, the forthcoming ship, which is being built by Italian shipbuilder T. Mariotti, will include 50 exclusive suites, each outfitted with a balcony. The 600-foot vessel, once completed in 2026, will also include two helipads, a Japanese relaxation garden, two F&B options, and the company’s hallmark luxurious spa.
Entrepreneur creates strip mall for Black-owned businesses
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Entrepreneur Angel Gregorio, who is behind Washington, DC store the Spice Suite, is expanding her resume and uplifting others as she does it. As reported by Afrotech, Gregorio acquired a 7,500-square-foot lot for $1 million in DC’s Langdon neighborhood that is being transformed into Black & Forth, a strip mall for local Black-owned businesses. “I want this to become the model,” says Gregorio. “I want to be able to consult for free and talk to other people on how to do this in your city, in your quadrant, so this becomes the standard of how we care for each other and how we show up for community.”
Missoni refreshes a Maldives resort with its signature zigzags
Photo courtesy of One&Only Resorts
What’s blue, white, and green with zigzags all over? The One&Only Reethi Rah resort in the Maldives. The luxury destination tapped Italian fashion house Missoni to infuse the property with its iconic patterning, Wallpaper* reports. Playing off the tranquil colors of the Indian Ocean and verdant greenery surrounding the property, Missoni’s vibrant designs can be seen on cushions, pillows, daybeds, sports gear, umbrellas, and even a DJ booth. Â And for those who want to bring a bit of the fun back home, yoga mats, towels, and other Missoni merchandise are available for purchase at the property’s retail boutique.
New York gets miniature Cloud Gate sculpture
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Artist Anish Kapoor’s Cloud Gate sculpture, colloquially known as the “Bean,” has become synonymous with Chicago since it was unveiled in 2006. So, it was a bit of a surprise when it was announced that Kapoor would create another, smaller version for New York City. After a four-year delay, the installation, standing 19 feet high and weighing in at 40 tons, is now on display outside the 56 Leonard residential building in Tribeca. Careful construction, which partially wedged the sculpture within the facade of the 57-story apartment tower, ensures that passersby can get a glimpse, but only residents are able to see the full view. Though it currently sits on the ground outside the building, when fully realized, it will be suspended from cables to create slight movement. According to Artnews, the yet-to-be-named sculpture will be entitled sometime this spring.
Register today for HD Expo + Conference!
The show floor at HD Expo + Conference 2022; photo by PWP Studio
HD Expo + Conference, the industry’s largest single destination for product discovery, is returning to Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino in Las Vegas. Taking place May 2nd–4th, the tradeshow will include three days of product exploration, inspirational education, and unparalleled networking. Highlights include product debuts from hundreds of companies, 30 conference sessions featuring more than 125 industry leaders, and new for this year, HD University: Product Specification Bootcamp. You won’t want to miss this year’s show! To find out more and register, head to hdexpo.com.
