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PEROWNE INTERNATIONAL IS NOW REPRESENTING THE RED CARNATION HOTEL COLLECTION

September 18thINTERNATIONAL

Perowne International is thrilled to be appointed by The Red Carnation Hotel Collection to represent the group across the UK and Europe. Comprising of 20 individually unique hotels in the UK, Ireland, Channel Islands, USA, Switzerland and Africa, each hotel is a landmark of history and tradition; from the magnificent Ashford Castle in Ireland, to The Milestone Hotel and Residences in London, an historic mansion hotel opposite Kensington Palace, and the truly iconic Oyster Box in South Africa. Perowne International will provide strategic communications for the brand and its 20 hotels, executing brand campaigns, hotel programmes and strategic partnerships to build awareness and drive consideration with consumers in the UK and Europe.

The story began in 1952, when Beatrice caught the eye of a distinguished hotelier named Stanley, who was known for wearing a red carnation in his lapel. They shared their first dinner together at the famous Oyster Box Hotel, where Bea tried an oyster for the first time. They were to be married two years later with Stanley promising to one day buy the hotel for his new wife, and in 2006, he did just that. The Oyster Box was the first hotel in what was to become a collection built on Mrs Tollman’s vision for service excellence and a passion for generous hospitality.  Today, The Oyster Box is recognised as the very best hotel in Africa and the love story is still at the heart of Red Carnation Hotels’ ever-growing collection of hotels across the world.

Beatrice lovingly named the collection after the signature flower her husband always wears, and this symbol of hospitality is also worn by every member of the team. From the chefs and sommeliers to reception staff and concierge, each team member exudes passion and enthusiasm to support the philosophy: “no request is too large, no detail too small”. The individual hotels are unique and characterful, whilst sharing the founding values that define the family-owned and run business. The Red Carnation Collection is a family business in the truest sense. Today, Beatrice Tollman continues to uphold her title as President and Founder, daughter Vicki Tollman is Executive Director, and oversees Sales, Marketing and PR, as well as their internationally acclaimed vineyard Bouchard Finlayson, and works alongside her sister Toni Tollman who is the Director of design and projects for Red Carnation Hotels. Red Carnation Hotels is one of the TTC Family of Brands, led by CEO Brett Tollman.

UK

The Milestone Hotel & Residences: This elegant, Forbes five-star historic hotel is perfectly located opposite Kensington Palace and Gardens, and close to the Royal Albert Hall. A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, the property offers some of the most exquisite individually designed signature suites in London. Discover Stable’s Bar and the ‘Smoking Old Fashioned’, afternoon tea in the Park Lounge or dine in Cheneston’s or The Oratory, the original chapel. Two and three-bedroom private residences offer an exceptional home from home address in the heart of London

Hotel 41: An exquisite hidden gem overlooking the Royal Mews at Buckingham Palace and minutes from Victoria Station, voted number one hotel in the UK by TripAdvisor with a prestigious Forbes five-star rating

The Rubens at the Palace: An historic five-star hotel overlooking the Royal Mews of Buckingham Palace, famed for its rich heritage and fine British hospitality, with restaurants including The English Grill and Bbar

The Egerton House Hotel: A boutique townhouse and Forbes five-star hotel situated in the heart of Knightsbridge, on a quiet street overlooking private gardens and just moments from Harrods and the V&A Museum, renowned for serving one of the best Martinis in London

The Chesterfield Mayfair: Ideally located just minutes from Bond Street, Piccadilly and the Royal Parks, The Chesterfield Mayfair is renowned for the best Dover sole in London, themed afternoon teas, molecular cocktails and gin tasting experiences

The Montague on the Gardens: A Georgian townhouse full of English charm, located in literary Bloomsbury, just steps from the British Museum. The hotel is famous for al-fresco dining and pop-ups, including an alpine themed Ski Lodge in winter and a Hawaiian Beach Bar in the summer

Summer Lodge Country House Hotel & Restaurant & The Acorn Inn, Dorset: Set within Hardy’s enchanting village of Evershot and surrounded by rolling hills, this Relais & Châteaux country house hotel offers an idyllic escape in rural Dorset. The accompanying gastro-pub, The Acorn Inn, dates back to the 16th-century

The Old Government House, Guernsey: The only five-star hotel on Guernsey, this historic property with panoramic sea views sits proudly on the hill in the heart of St Peter Port, just minutes from the quayside

The Duke of Richmond Hotel, Guernsey: Located in the heart of St Peter Port and an easy stroll to the harbour, this luxurious hotel overlooks a quiet park with magnificent views across the sea

100 Princes Street, Edinburgh: Opening in 2021, this will be Red Carnation’s first hotel opening in Scotland. Red Carnation plans to respectfully renovate 100 Princes Street, looking up at Edinburgh Castle, transforming it into a highly exclusive retreat on Edinburgh’s most famous street

IRELAND

Ashford Castle, County Mayo: This remarkable 800-year-old castle is a National Geographic Unique Lodge of the World, Ireland’s first Forbes five-star and former home of the Guinness family. Generations of the de Burgo, Bingham, Browne and Guinness families have created one of the finest sporting estates in all of Ireland, if not the world – which is proudly continued to this day, and is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World. The expansive 350-acre Ashford Estate lends itself perfectly to a range of activities, from country classic pastimes such as horse riding, fishing, falconry and shooting, to more modern activities such as golf, cycling and kayaking. Guests experience the finest Irish hospitality, with exceptional Irish cuisine created by renowned executive chef  Philippe Farineau and his team

The Lodge at Ashford Castle, County Mayo: Overlooking the magical Lough Corrib, The Lodge offers country house charm, fine dining in Wilde’s Restaurant, an unrivalled range of estate activities and is renowned for weddings

Hatch Hall, Dublin: A former Victorian university residence hall on Hatch Street, Dublin, will be transformed by Red Carnation Hotels into a boutique hotel in 2022

EUROPE

Hotel d’Angleterre, Geneva: Elegantly poised at the edge of Lake Leman with magnificent views of the famous Jet d’Eau and Mont Blanc, this beautiful boutique hotel showcases British charm with the finest Swiss hospitality. Windows Restaurant offers panoramic views of the Lake and Mont Blanc, whilst The Leopard Bar is the perfect place to unwind with a prestigious wine list, creative cocktails and an extensive whisky menu featuring over 50 pure malt and blended options. Hotel d’Angleterre is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World

AFRICA

Xigera Safari Lodge, Botswana – Opening in December 2020, Xigera Safari Lodge is the Tollman family’s love letter to the magic of the African bush. It has been the culmination of a lifelong dream of the family, which draws on six decades of devotion to unparalleled luxury in service to their guests. Led by Mike and Marian Myers, Xigera will house the largest collection of African design in the world with bespoke, commissioned pieces by 76 of the continent’s leading artists and designers. With just 12 suites, this kind of unique luxury will be an entirely new experience of the African bush

The Oyster Box, South Africa: South Africa’s most cherished hotel, standing majestically on Umhlanga’s beachfront just 15 minutes from Durban airport, overlooking the Indian Ocean and the iconic lighthouse. The Oyster Box’s renowned Curry Buffet offers an impressive selection of delicious dishes from all over the world and is served daily along with the sumptuous afternoon tea showcased in The Palm Court. A member of The Leading Hotels of the World and consistently awarded Best Hotel in South Africa by TripAdvisor

The Twelve Apostles Hotel & Spa, South Africa: Dramatically located above the Atlantic Ocean, flanked by the majestic Twelve Apostles and Table Mountain, this award-winning hotel is one of the best destination hotels in Cape Town and the ideal spot to enjoy mountain walks and picnics at the foot of this world famous natural landmark. Enjoy a cocktail on the terrace and soak up the sunset. The Twelve Apostles is a member of the The Leading Hotels of the World

Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve and Wellness Retreat, South Africa: Nestled in the foothills of the Cederberg Mountains on South Africa’s dramatic lesser-known west coast, this ecological oasis and Relais & Châteaux property is a magical wilderness retreat among open plains, sandstone formations and ancient bush art sites dating back 10,000 years. Guests can discover ancient African culture, dramatic landscapes and outstanding nature experiences

USA

The Chesterfield Palm Beach, Florida: Surrounded by palm-lined boulevards, this historic hotel is just moments from Worth Avenue and white sandy beaches. The hotel’s famous Leopard Lounge Bar is the hottest night spot in Palm Beach, with live music every day and mixologists creating enticing cocktails

www.redcarnationhotels.com

More News

A New Chapter for Italian Hospitality: Perowne International Partners with Aldo Melpignano

March 18th

A New Chapter for Italian Hospitality: Perowne International Partners with Aldo Melpignano

A New Chapter for Italian Hospitality

Perowne International Partners with Aldo Melpignano

Italy

Perowne is delighted to announce its partnership with Aldo Melpignano – the visionary force behind Borgo Egnazia and one of the most compelling voices in contemporary Italian hospitality.

Across Italy, a group of independent hotels have been brought together under Aldo’s creative and strategic direction, each carrying a distinct identity shaped by its own culture, traditions and landscape. These are not properties united by brand – they are united by a shared belief that the finest hospitality is rooted in place. In 2023, Aldo formally established Egnazia Ospitalità Italiana to extend his family’s three-decade hospitality legacy and support this growing network of exceptional independent hotels across the country.

With the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics drawing global attention and new direct US flight routes launching to Milan, Naples, Bari and – for the first time ever – Sardinia, there has never been a better moment to discover what each of these remarkable places has to offer.

La Tiara di Cervo | Porto Cervo, Sardegna New Opening, May 2026
Opening just above Porto Cervo, La Tiara di Cervo introduces a quieter, more intimate side to the celebrated Costa Smeralda. Set within a protected three-hectare private estate, the property offers 26 impeccably designed one, two and three-bedroom apartments, each with expansive sea views and the support of a dedicated concierge team. It blends the privacy of a standalone residence with the attentiveness of a refined hotel – a genuinely new hospitality concept for this gilded coastal destination.

Santavenere | Maratea, Basilicata Celebrating 70 Years
Marking its 70th anniversary in 2026, Santavenere occupies a rare stretch of the Tyrrhenian coast in Basilicata – one of Italy’s most quietly treasured and largely unspoiled regions. Its 26 rooms carry the charm of decades of coastal heritage, while terraced Mediterranean gardens fall gently toward a fully equipped private beach. A gateway to the soul of Southern Italy.

Castel Badia | San Lorenzo di Sebato, South Tyrol First Full Season, 2026
Unveiled at the end of 2025, Castel Badia reawakens a thousand-year-old former Benedictine convent in the Puster Valley. With 28 rooms and suites plus a private three-floor chalet, the restoration carefully balances preservation and reinvention – honouring original stonework and sacred architectural details while introducing refined modern design. A spa carved into natural rock, seamless access to Plan de Corones and a contemplative atmosphere make it a quietly unconventional gateway to the Dolomites, year-round.

Hotel Ancora | Cortina d’Ampezzo, Veneto Celebrating 200 Years and Thoughtful Design Transformation
Now under the ownership of Renzo Rosso and managed in partnership with Aldo Melpignano, Hotel Ancora has reclaimed its place at the beating heart of Cortina’s social scene. Interiors by Vicky Charles layer contemporary sophistication over Alpine heritage across 38 beautifully curated rooms. With a destination terrace restaurant, spa, gym and an exclusive invite-only club, Ancora is both a landmark and a living hub – celebrating 200 years while breathing new energy into Cortina’s renaissance.

Hotel de Len | Cortina d’Ampezzo, Veneto
A certified 22-room ClimaHotel and one of the region’s most forward-thinking wellbeing destinations, Hotel de Len is architecturally designed to enhance sleep and recovery. Its biocompatible construction, advanced sleep-support technologies and panoramic rooftop spa make it a natural fit for Cortina’s Olympic moment – and a compelling destination long beyond it. Built with local wood and Dolomitic craftsmanship, it sits at the centre of town with the slopes within easy reach.

Borgo Egnazia | Savelletri di Fasano, Puglia
One of Italy’s most influential hospitality benchmarks, Borgo Egnazia is deeply rooted in the architecture, traditions and rural heritage of Puglia. Regeneration sits at the heart of its philosophy: the property maintains fully regenerative gardens, biodiversity corridors and agricultural practices supporting a self-sustaining ecosystem. In 2026, it becomes the first hospitality destination in Italy to host the full seed cycle on site through The Seed House, its pioneering seed-to-soil initiative. At flagship restaurant Due Camini, regional cuisine is not only celebrated but actively safeguarded through a fully vegetarian menu rooted in the land.

Masseria San Domenico | Savelletri di Fasano, Puglia Celebrating 30 Years
Where the story began. Transformed in 1996 from a fortified masseria, distinguished by its 15th-century Knights of Malta watchtower, Masseria San Domenico is one of the pioneers of luxury hospitality in Puglia. Set within 40 hectares of ancient olive groves, it offers a secluded retreat defined by its renowned thalassotherapy spa, longstanding coastal traditions and cuisine rooted in genuine regional flavours. Thirty years on, it remains as essential as ever.

INTRODUCING BALLYFIN

March 9th

INTRODUCING BALLYFIN

INTRODUCING BALLYFIN

Six hundred acres of stillness and history.

Ireland

Set at the foot of the Slieve Bloom Mountains, just over an hour from Dublin, this is a family-owned masterpiece that feels less like a commercial enterprise and more like a private invitation. After eighty years as a boys’ school, Ballyfin was acquired in the late 1990s by the Krehbiel family. Their goal was simple but ambitious: to restore the house as a living home to a standard Ireland had not yet seen.

It took ten years. Supported by historians and master craftsmen, the project was an act of preservation. Today, the house is filled with museum-quality Irish and European art, Chippendale antiques, and the iconic Richard Turner conservatory — a glass-and-iron anchor that connects the interior to the 614-acre estate.

With just 21 rooms and suites, the house remains intimate. Each room tells a different chapter of the estate’s history:
The Sir Christopher Coote Suite: Features 18th-century Chinese panels once owned by the Prince of Hanover.
The Sir Charles Coote Room: Conceals a Roman marble sarcophagus bath beneath a cantilevered staircase.
The Tapestry Room: Hung with 17th-century Flemish tapestries overlooking the lake.

Ballyfin’s character is shaped by its people. Many of the team, from butlers to landscapers, first knew these halls as students during the school years. They have returned not as staff, but as custodians. This continuity lends a rare authenticity to the house – a sense of stewardship that guests often cite as its most defining quality.

At the center of daily life is the eight-acre walled garden. In early 2025, the kitchen’s commitment to this land was recognised with a Michelin star. Executive Chef Richard Picard-Edwards works with the seasons, serving dinner in the candlelit State Dining Room and lunch in the Turner Conservatory.

The house sits within 614 acres of parkland and woodland, arranged around Ireland’s largest man-made pleasure lake. Guests move through the grounds on foot, by horse-drawn carriage, or by boat.The pursuits here – falconry, clay pigeon shooting, archery – are intrinsic to the estate. For those seeking the theatrical, an extensive collection of period costumes from the Lyric Opera of Chicago is available for exclusive-use guests to host dress-up evenings, nodding to the house-party spirit of the 19th century.

INTRODUCING EXPLORA JOURNEYS: LEADERS IN ULTRA-ELEGANT OCEAN TRAVEL

March 1st

INTRODUCING EXPLORA JOURNEYS: LEADERS IN ULTRA-ELEGANT OCEAN TRAVEL

EXPLORA JOURNEYS

A New Standard in Maritime Luxury

Explora

Explora Journeys is the privately owned luxury ocean travel brand of the MSC Group, defined by space and privacy. At the heart of the brand is the Ocean State of Mind – a philosophy shaped by time at sea, thoughtful design, and the freedom to choose how each day unfolds. Immersive itineraries pair celebrated destinations with lesser-travelled ports, allowing for deeper exploration and a more fluid style of travel.
Across the fleet, Explora Journeys delivers an all-oceanfront experience, with spacious suites, penthouses and residences conceived as refined homes at sea. Floor-to-ceiling windows, private terraces, and residential-style interiors create a strong sense of openness, while an abundance of space and privacy is a defining hallmark of the Explora Journeys experience, with more open-air deck space per guest. The ships also offer an industry-leading host-to-guest ratio, with almost one host per guest, supporting an unhurried onboard rhythm.

Culinary experiences span multiple dining environments, from elegant restaurants to relaxed all-day venues, complemented by a collection of bars and lounges designed for different moments throughout the day. Wellness is fully integrated into life on board through dedicated spa and fitness facilities, outdoor decks and a holistic programme that reflects the brand’s deep connection to the ocean. Service is intuitive and discreet, informed by Mediterranean sensibilities and Swiss hospitality standards.

The fleet currently comprises EXPLORA I, launched in July 2023, and EXPLORA II, launched in September 2024. Expansion continues with EXPLORA III launching in summer 2026, followed by EXPLORA IV and EXPLORA V in 2027 and EXPLORA VI in 2028.

The next chapter for the brand arrives with EXPLORA III, launching in July 2026. An ultra-elegant expression of ocean travel, that benefits from LNG-powered technology, EXPLORA III will introduce a standout Owner’s Residence designed by internationally acclaimed architect Patricia Urquiola, as well as new culinary concepts, enlarged spa and fitness facilities designed for a more immersive wellbeing experience, and elevated onboard retail, including Chopard’s first boutique at sea. EXPLORA III will sail an exclusive Mediterranean Prelude before heading to Northern Europe, Iceland, and Greenland later in 2026.

Perowne International celebrates expansion into Latin America with Mexico City Launch

February 27th

Perowne International celebrates expansion into Latin America with Mexico City Launch

Perowne International celebrates expansion into Latin America

Mexico City Launch

Mexico

Perowne International has officially expanded its global footprint into Latin America, marking the milestone with a series of launch events in Mexico City. The move follows a period of significant growth for the consultancy, strategically linking its flourishing Milan and Madrid operations with the rising influence of the Spanish-speaking luxury market.

INTRODUCING SANDFONTEIN, NAMIBIA’S HIDDEN WILDERNESS

February 12th

INTRODUCING SANDFONTEIN, NAMIBIA’S HIDDEN WILDERNESS

INTRODUCING SANDFONTEIN

NAMIBIA’S HIDDEN WILDERNESS

Namibia

Beyond the classic safari trail and set within 97,000 hectares of privately protected land in southern Namibia, Sandfontein is a vast wilderness reserve and exclusive-use lodge positioned along the Orange River, cutting through sweeps of mountains, basalt outcrops and desert plains.

 

This is a landscape with deep geological time and human history layered into its terrain. River terraces and volcanic rock formations speak to millennia of tectonic change, while archaeological traces reveal early hunter-gatherer communities who relied on the Orange River as a corridor for trade and survival. In the early 20th century, the area became a strategic site during the Nama-German conflicts and the opening stages of the First World War, with battlefields and graveyards still preserved within the reserve today.

 

Available exclusively for private use, Sandfontein Lodge accommodates up to 18 guests across five suites, each with private outdoor living spaces and star beds, alongside the remote Lost Poet Villa, perched on a hilltop with uninterrupted 360-degree views. Locally sourced materials were used throughout the eco-conscious construction of the lodge and villa, minimising environmental impact while blending with the surrounding landscape. With no neighbouring properties, minimal infrastructure and zero light pollution, Sandfontein is recognised by Quiet Parks International for its profound silence and dark skies, offering complete seclusion.

 

Days unfold with guided hikes tracking wildlife on foot – from oryx and springbok to ostrich and giraffe – or historical explorations that reveal stories etched into the terrain. Along the Orange River, time slows further: kayaking, fishing, or drifting quietly downstream offering a different perspective from the banks. Conservation shapes every experience; in recent years, Sandfontein has expanded its boundaries and reintroduced native species, allowing the wilderness and its wildlife to flourish. As daylight fades, the reserve’s silence deepens. Guests can camp beneath the stars or retire to the lodge’s iconic outdoor StarBeds, immersed in the desert’s stillness and vast, starlit skies.

 

This is African travel stripped back to its raw essence, where the luxury is space itself. No crowds, no neighbouring lodges, just access: to land, to history, and to a rare and enduring sense of place, with the freedom to move through it at an unhurried pace.

SIBBJÄNS ARRIVES ON GOTLAND, SWEDEN

February 2nd

SIBBJÄNS ARRIVES ON GOTLAND, SWEDEN

SIBBJÄNS ARRIVES ON GOTLAND, SWEDEN

A REGENERATIVE FARM STAY SHAPED BY SEASONS, FRIENDSHIP AND CRAFTSMANSHIP

Sweden

Sibbjäns began quietly, the combined dream of Jonas Nordlander and Sanna Rönn, who with close friends and many meaningful couples Pontus and Kina Zeidler share a life between Stockholm and Gotland. Over the past four years, they have steadily transformed this former horse farm into a regenerative stay that feels singular to anywhere else in Scandinavia.

After a soft opening in 2025 for friends and family, the farm stay now enters 2026 as its first full season, opening more intentionally to a like-minded global community drawn to nature, food, and thoughtful design.

 

A PLACE TO REST

 

22 individually designed rooms sit across the Hotel and ‘The Bunkhouse,’ each named after important women in the family and among their friends. Adorned with classic Scandi touches of sheepskin throws, limewashed walls, soft palettes, and contemporary art, the spaces are designed for comfort.

Buildings are framed by wildflowers and constructed using traditional methods, much of the work completed by hand, with local craftsmanship central to the process. Architect Maja Berg has been a key contributor, working alongside Erik Larsson, a Master of Gotlandic Craft Heritage, who built some of the original buildings himself and continues to pass on traditional building knowledge to the next generation.

THE KITCHEN FOLLOWS THE FARM

At the heart of Sibbjäns is a working farm home to hens, Mangalitza pigs, horses, and sheep, with agriculture guiding both the kitchen and the guest experience.

In the gardens, lead gardener and local Karin Winarve brings a quiet hand to what thrives here across meadows, vegetable beds, and fruit-growing plots. Produce is grown on-site and harvested seasonally, forming the backbone of a true farm-to-table approach—one that pauses entirely during the winter months when the land rests.

 

EXPERIENCES & ‘VIKING WELLNESS’

New for the 2026 season, wellbeing at Sibbjäns is restorative rather than prescriptive. Inspired by Nordic traditions and the physicality of outdoor life, the evolving wellness offering includes:

  • A hand-built yoga barn

  • A wood-fired sauna

  • An outdoor gym

  • Recreational spaces

  • The beginnings of what will become one of the world’s most beautiful tennis courts.

The surrounding landscape invites guests to engage with nature on its own terms, from cycling or horse riding across open farmland to kitesurfing along Gotland’s windswept coastline (widely regarded as one of the finest spots in Europe for the sport). This is ‘Viking wellness’ in spirit—elemental, grounding, and quietly transformative.

 

SWEDEN’S ‘SUNSHINE ISLAND’

Gotland is Sweden’s sunniest destination, known for its distinctive light, limestone landscapes, and strong ‘right to roam’ ethos. Open from Easter through to Christmas and closed entirely during the dark winter months, Sibbjäns follows the natural calendar rather than resisting it.

Reaching it is part of the journey:

  • A short flight from Stockholm to the island’s capital of Visby, followed by a drive across the island.

  • A ferry crossing that reinforces the sense of arrival somewhere distinct and deliberately unhurried.

  • For those preferring a more direct approach, arrival by helicopter is also possible.

At its core, Sibbjäns remains a place for friends old and new built slowly, grounded in nature, and designed to endure.