Trends we spotted | Week 13
31-3-2026
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:
- Horecava is taking the next step in its culinary positioning with the arrival of the Gault&Millau Netherlands guide launch in Amsterdam.
- Speaking of April Fools’ jokes: BJ’s Restaurants is launching a bold Pizookie with a sweet-and-savory twist on April 1 — the ‘Sweet Heat Pepperoni Pizookie®’.
- Planet Hollywood has announced plans to open a large-scale resort, including hotels, a casino, and an entertainment complex, in Tbilisi.
- Travel and Tour World recently published its list of the 50 safest travel destinations for 2026. Due to geopolitical tensions, travelers are increasingly choosing stable countries with strong infrastructure and reliable systems. Find out where the Netherlands ranks!
- Anantara Ubud Bali Resort has recently launched an initiative to release the endangered Bali starling (a bird species) into the jungle. The first two pairs will be released on Earth Day.
- Grubhub is launching a pilot program for drone delivery by Dexa at Wonder in Green Brook, New Jersey.
- NH Collection Maldives Reethi Resort, in collaboration with Planteray Rum, has completed the world’s first certified underwater rum aging process.
- This week, among others: we spotted ‘Wearable Cones’ on Instagram, handy for the ice cream season? And a funny April Fools’ post by the Nuttington Post about ‘McSushi’.
Enjoy reading!
Trends we spotted | Week 12
23-3-2026
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!
Layan Life by Anantara | A new generation of women-focused longevity retreats
23-3-2026
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
RHUM FEST PARIS | An edition celebrating the spirit of Carnival in April
10-3-2026
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
Trends we spotted | Week 9
3-3-2026
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:
- Burger King is introducing updates to its iconic Whopper, including a new bun and box packaging.
- Live Más LIVE 2026 by Taco Bell, a Hollywood-themed event revealing its 2026 menu innovations.
- Kyriad has launched ‘Prompt It’ the first AI-powered travel guide created by the brand.
- Travel and Tour World has released its ‘Top 50 Nightlife Travel Destinations for 2026’.
- Starbucks is launching new Coffee & Protein bottled drinks on March 23.
- Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers has added permanent Senior Meals (55+) to its menu.
- Mandarin Oriental has appointed Simone Biles as its first Global Wellness Ambassador.
Enjoy reading!
Cool Kids Check In | Avani’s Family Friendly Resorts for every kind of kid
27-2-2026
Family holidays are no longer one-size-fits-all. Avani’s Family Friendly Resorts is responding with a collection of resorts across Asia and the Indian Ocean designed around how kids actually travel, from Water Babies and Sporty kids to Foodies, Adventurers and Creatives. Each resort reflects different interests and energy levels while keeping the overall experience simple, flexible and enjoyable for parents too.
Great examples of a cool kids check in!
2 minutes read
Trends we spotted | Week 8
23-2-2026
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:
- Westrock Coffee Company recently announced it has officially achieved its goal of becoming 100% responsibly sourced, fulfilling the commitment the company publicly set in 2021.
- The inaugural Anantara Concorso Roma will bring together 70 historic Italian cars in the heart of Rome. Taking place from the 16th-19th of April 2026.
- The development of the Al Layan Oasis project has been approved, it will become a new environmental and recreational destination in Dubai.
- Heineken® launched two new non-alcoholic flavours, Cold Pressed Lime and Nectarine Juniper, in the US.
- Tim Hortons, a coffee chain from North America, is introducing Golden Cinnamon Cold Foam as a limited-time customization option this spring. The brand also continues to highlight its protein latte platform.
- Jordan olive oil from Lesbos is now available in a paper bottle, made from 94% recycled cardboard, featuring a specially designed pourer that doesn’t spill a drop.
- The Dutch coffee and bagels chain Bagels & Beans distributes nearly 1,000 love cards for Valentine’s Day. We spotted Café Pli, een ‘Café à Lettres’ in Paris, where visitors can write a letter to their future selves!
- Onyx Coffee Lab (USA) tops the list as the best coffee shop in ‘THE WORLD’S 100 BEST COFFEE SHOPS’. Fuku by FriedHats in Amsterdam is ranked number 79! Congrats to all companies on this list!
Enjoy reading!
A ‘bottomless Easter brunch’ in Nijmegen | Collaboration between Plan_A and Cath’s Cuisine
20-2-2026
Cath’s Cuisine and Plan_A are organizing a bottomless Easter brunch on Sunday, April 5. Following a successful first edition, they are once again joining forces to create a culinary Easter experience in Nijmegen. On Easter Sunday, they will host an extensive and cosy brunch. Expect shared dining with delicious dishes and, of course, unlimited drinks, carefully selected to perfectly complement the food. A great example of a strong local collaboration.
1 minute read
A Homecourt Suite in the recently opened Anthem Hotel in LA’s Stadium District
19-2-2026
Game day doesn’t have to end at the final buzzer—and concert night shouldn’t stop at the encore. In Los Angeles’ buzzing Stadium District, The Anthem Hotel, Tapestry Collection by Hilton is turning event-driven travel into an experience of its own. Just steps from the city’s biggest venues, the 179-room lifestyle hotel blends sports, music, and culture into a stay that feels like part of the show. With immersive suites and high-energy programming, The Anthem isn’t just near the action—it keeps the momentum going long after the crowd heads home. For the NBA All Star Game they created a Homecourt Suite!
Another great example on how to capitalize on events in your neighbourhood! And about Vinyl Wellness.
2 minutes read
The Gibson Guitar Experience at the Ritz-Carlton Fort Lauderdale
13-2-2026
This spring, The Ritz-Carlton, Fort Lauderdale will debut the Gibson Guitar Experience, a monthlong collaboration with iconic music brand Gibson, celebrating more than 130 years of craftsmanship. Running April 10 through May 10 and timed with the Tortuga Music Festival, the initiative transforms the oceanfront resort into a music-inspired destination. Select elements of the experience, including Burlock Coast Seafare & Spirits, The Ritz-Carlton Spa, Fort Lauderdale, and Sea La Vie Sundeck, are open to both non-hotel guests and hotel visitors, while guests reserving Club Lounge accommodations can enjoy additional amenities.
It’s a great idea for a hotel to capitalize on the music theme when there’s a festival taking place nearby.
2 minute read