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Trends we spotted | Week 12

23-3-2026

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At horecatrends.com we spot many national and international trends on a daily basis. We pick the most interesting ones to write about, the other trends we use in our weekly column ‘Trends we spotted this week’. With this week links to articles about:

• Padbol, an energetic Argentine game that combines padel and football on a fenced-off court.
• Lighthouse is launching the first ChatGPT app for direct hotel bookings, featuring AI-driven, reliable hotel information.
• 24H Chefs, a biennial initiative with Gault&Millau, sees top chefs cook for 24 hours to raise funds for War Child and the Prinses Máxima Centrum.
• Bagels & Beans is expanding to nearly 100 locations, preparing for international expansion and appointing Carolien Vergouwe as managing director.
• The ‘Wissel ’ns Wat!’ campaign encourages the Dutch to make plant-based choices and offers a newsroom on the protein transition.
• Design & Wijn, in collaboration with Wijngoed Gelders Laren, is launching Portique, a Dutch port-style wine in a limited edition of just 438 bottles.
• Le Pain Quotidien is opening a location at Designer Outlet Roermond, thereby expanding its presence in the Netherlands.
• HEINEKEN has reached 1,500 alcohol-free tap points in The Netherlands and is promoting responsible 0.0 draught beer consumption at sports clubs.
• Het Noorden celebrates its 160th anniversary with Noorden Blond, a speciality beer brewed by Brouwerij Wentersch.
• Nine new properties join the global Relais & Châteaux collection.

Enjoy reading!

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Layan Life by Anantara | A new generation of women-focused longevity retreats

23-3-2026

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Layan Life by Anantara, the brand’s flagship wellness retreat at Anantara Layan Phuket Resort, introduces a new collection of women-focused longevity retreats designed to support and empower women at every life stage. From tech-overloaded teens to women navigating midlife hormonal changes and those seeking strength and vitality later in life, the programmes address evolving wellbeing needs.

2 minutes read

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KAGE Lab opens in Brussels | Tea-based drinks, built like cocktails

20-3-2026

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After launching their tea and matcha collection in 2024 and opening Kage Specialty Tea, KAGE announces the opening of Kage Lab, a new concept set to open in April 2026 at Rue Lesbroussart 20 in Brussels. KAGE Lab introduces a new approach to daytime drinks: tea-based beverages developed with the precision and techniques of cocktail bars.

2 minutes read

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NORRA by Le Nord in Bilthoven focuses on more accessible fine dining

19-3-2026

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Restaurant NORRA by Le Nord in Bilthoven is entering a new phase. After a strong start – with the restaurant being included in the Michelin and Gault&Millau guides within its first year – owners Grégory and Lieke Nicole-Creemers are now focusing on greater accessibility. Lower menu prices, a larger à-la-carte selection and a clearer positioning alongside their other restaurant, Bistrôt Le Nord, are central to this strategy. At the same time, chef Grégory Nicole has taken on the role of executive chef for both establishments. With these changes, the couple aims to lower the threshold for guests while creating more room for spontaneous, relaxed fine dining. The new name: NORRA by Le Nord.

2 minutes read

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RHUM FEST PARIS | An edition celebrating the spirit of Carnival in April

10-3-2026

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RHUM FEST PARIS returns on April 18, 19 and 20, 2026 at the Parc Floral de Paris with an edition celebrating the spirit of Carnival. A symbol of joy and sharing, Carnival serves as one of the cultural bridges between Europe and many rum- and cachaça-producing territories : French Guiana, Trinidad and Tobago, Guadeloupe, Martinique, Haiti, Rio de Janeiro, Salvador de Bahia…

2 minutes read

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Bordeaux Mondays at restaurant Bisous

6-3-2026

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Thanks to access to a unique wine cellar belonging to a passionate wine collector and an ami de Bisous from the eastern part of the country, restaurant Bisous in Amsterdam is launching its Bordeaux Mondays. During these evenings, exceptional wines from the prestigious French wine region of Bordeaux take center stage. Each Monday features a changing Bordeaux theme, ranging from a specific vintage to a remarkable subregion. Wine lovers get the chance to taste exclusive wines that are currently at their optimal drinking moment.

2 minutes read

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Female power in a glass | Female winemakers in the spotlight at restaurant Omber

6-3-2026

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At Restaurant Omber, located in the historic Tivoli Doelen Amsterdam Hotel, a good glass of wine carries extra meaning. To mark International Women’s Day 2026, Omber is putting female winemakers in the spotlight. Not only on this special day, but throughout the year the restaurant supports talented female winemakers who shape the sector with their vision and craftsmanship.

The wine list consists largely of wines made by women. Guests who take a seat and order a glass are therefore not only choosing quality but are also supporting female creativity and leadership in a traditionally male-dominated profession.

2 minutes read

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Hotelschool The Hague presents ‘The AI Power Gap’ research | Hospitality risks losing control of the guest to tech giants

6-3-2026

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While the world is talking about AI as the biggest economic shift since the smartphone, the Dutch hospitality sector finds itself in a dangerous dilemma. New research, ‘The AI Power Gap’ by Hotelschool The Hague, shows that the sector is structurally lagging behind: only one in ten Dutch hospitality businesses currently uses AI in a structural way. According to the researchers, this is a “code red” for the sector, as economic value is rapidly shifting toward external tech intermediaries.

2 minutes read

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Chocolate Hotel Suite opens its doors to the “sweetest person” in the world

5-3-2026

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Tony’s Chocolonely and The Social Hub, two leading B Corp brands committed to making the world fairer and more inclusive, have joined forces to create a chocolate-covered hotel room. But there’s a twist. A stay in the new chocolate pop-up suite at The Social Hub Amsterdam cannot be booked (or paid for). Guests can only stay there if they are nominated as the sweetest person in the world.

2 min read:

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Small gestures of hospitality | What do you do for guests with a cold in your hotel?

3-3-2026

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A blog by Marjolein van Spronsen about flu season. It is very inconvenient when part of your staff is sick, but it can also be challenging when you welcome guests who have a cold. How do you remain hospitable in those situations? And more about small gestures of hospitality and ‘random acts of kindness’.

This blog was previously published in Dutch at the website of the Van Spronsen & Partners Group.

2 minutes read

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