Cheval Collection, the UK-based luxury hotel apartments and branded residences company with a growing portfolio of properties in the Middle East, has been crowned Best Cross-Brand Contribution at the 2026 Global Hotel Alliance Awards. Global Hotel Alliance (GHA) – the world’s largest alliance of independent hotel brands and operator of the award-winning GHA DISCOVERY loyalty programme – recognised Cheval Collection as the enrolling brand that inspired the most member stays across other GHA brands.

Banyan Group Residences has unveiled Banyan Tree Beach Residences Varuna, a collection of just eight beachfront townhomes within Laguna Phuket. Positioned directly on Bang Tao Beach, the development offers a rare opportunity to own a branded residence on one of Phuket’s most sought-after stretches of coastline. Inspired by a “Coastal Biophilia” design philosophy, the architecture connects each residence closely to its beachfront setting. Curved building lines echo wave motion, while slatted timber cladding and trellis screening reference sand and shifting coastal light. Floor-to-ceiling glazing along ocean-facing elevations frames sweeping Andaman Sea views, and each residence’s private rooftop infinity pool and terrace are oriented west to capture the sunset.