Frankfurt's Villa Kennedy to Become "The Florentin"

In early 2023, the Althoff COLLECTION announced the relaunch of an iconic Frankfurt hotel. Now, the renowned hotel group has revealed further developments at the former "Villa Kennedy." Built in 1901 by the prestigious von Speyer banking family, the mansion was designed in Gothic and Renaissance style by Frankfurt architect Alfred Günther and was later expanded into a hotel.

The luxurious The Florentin, located in Frankfurt's leafy Sachsenhausen district, is set to open in late Autumn 2025. Notably, The Florentin will also be part of The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. (LHW), joining an exclusive collection of the world’s most distinguished independent luxury hotels.

The Florentin is planned as an "urban retreat" with 147 rooms, comprising 98 rooms and 49 suites, 9 of which are located in the original historic villa. The twelve Signature Loft Suites and the 3,450- square-foot Royal Suite are particularly spacious and exclusive. The new name, "The Florentin,"

was chosen to symbolize the heart of the complex's architecturally endearing ensemble: its magnificent inner courtyard. Derived from the Latin “florens,” meaning blossoming or flourishing, the hotel's new name was chosen to symbolize growth and constant renewal, a reference to the natural beauty and vitality that will surround the guests of this unique property.

"The Florentin is a promise of relaxation and inspiration, embedded in elegance and exclusivity, and it's an ideal name for this excellent location surrounded by and characterized by greenery," says Frank Marrenbach, CEO of Althoff Hotels.

“I am immensely proud that we have been able to appoint Boris Messmer as its General Manager,” Marrenbach continued, “who is returning to Germany after many years abroad and who is just as passionate about the project as we are; I warmly welcome him to the Althoff family and am delighted that together we will be bringing this jewel back to life.”

Over the last three years, Messmer was responsible for the opening and positioning of the luxury Maybourne Riviera on the Côte d'Azur overlooking Monte Carlo, having worked with the Maybourne Hotel Group since 2015. Before being entrusted with launching the group's French Riviera hotel, he gained valuable experience at all Maybourne's London properties and developed into a hotel manager. The 42-year-old came to the British capital in 2010 through a transfer within the Fairmont Group – moving from a training position in his hometown of Hamburg to the front-of-house team for the reopening of London's legendary Savoy. After four years, he continued to the Dorchester, and then to Claridge's.

Boris Messmer is euphoric. "I am a host at heart and have always had a passion for special addresses. When I heard that Althoff was taking over this hotel, my desire to be a part of its rebirth grew. Frank Marrenbach and the entire team have placed a lot of trust in me, and I would like to thank them for their confidence. It's going to be an exciting time!”

Additional details of The Florentin, including the design, gastronomy, spa and meeting and event facilities, will follow soon. For more details, visit https://www.althoffcollection.com/en/the-florentin.

#FrankfurtsVillaKennedy #Florentin

Jumeirah Named Official Hospitality Partner of NOMAD in Abu Dhabi 2025

Reinforcing its role as a cultural patron of contemporary design, Jumeirah Saadiyat Island to host Shifting Terrains – an original design showcase as part of NOMAD’s off-site program during Abu Dhabi Art Fair.

Jumeirah, the global luxury hospitality brand and a member of Dubai Holding, has been named the official hospitality partner of NOMAD, the collectible design fair celebrated for curating intimate encounters between contemporary art, architecture, and cultural heritage.

This collaboration underscores Jumeirah’s commitment to supporting the region’s cultural landscape, as NOMAD prepares to make its highly anticipated debut in Abu Dhabi from 19-22 November 2025. The fair will take place at the decommissioned Terminal 1 Zayed International Airport, coinciding with Abu Dhabi Art Fair, and arrives at a time of significant creative momentum for the capital ahead of the upcoming openings of the Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, Zayed National Museum and Guggenheim Abu Dhabi – reinforcing Saadiyat Cultural District’s position as a world-class destination for arts and culture.

Across its destinations, Jumeirah continues to serve as a cultural crossroads, contributing to the artistic fabric of the cities it touches. Earlier this year, Jumeirah launched its first Jumeirah Art Journey across its Madinat Jumeirah properties in Dubai, and more recently partnered with Christie’s London for an exhibition honouring the life and legacy of Syrian artist Marwan Kassab-Bachi. In August, Jumeirah Capri Palace hosted the inaugural edition of its Contemporary Art Prize, launched in conjunction with the ninth Festival del Paesaggio Anacapri, awarding two artists selected by a distinguished jury of leading figures from the international art and culture scene.

As the official hospitality partner of NOMAD, Jumeirah will welcome international collectors, designers, cultural leaders, and creative advocates to Jumeirah Saadiyat Island, offering an immersive gateway into the region’s vibrant design scene. Select guests will enjoy exclusive access to NOMAD’s collectors’ previews, private events and panel discussions during Abu Dhabi Art Fair, reaffirming Jumeirah as a global Majlis of culture, conversation, and creative exchange.

Further enhancing the guest experience, Jumeirah Saadiyat Island will also host an original design showcase, Shifting Terrains, as part of NOMAD’s off-site program from 18-22 November. The showcase traces the evolving creative landscape of the United Arab Emirates, featuring the work of pioneering regional contemporary designers and studios: Datecrete (Palestine/Lebanon), KAMEH (UAE), Mary-Lynn Massoud (Lebanon), Georges Mohasseb (Lebanon), Neda Salmanpour (Iran). 

Through contemporary practices at the intersection of design, architecture, and visual art, the exhibition unfolds a dialogue between material experimentation, spatial perception, and the cultural narratives shaping the region’s creative scene. Grounded in a sensitivity to place and community, these works explore how the built and the natural continuously inform one another. Set along Saadiyat’s shoreline, between the natural and the constructed, the ephemeral and the enduring, Shifting Terrains reflects a generation of regional artists and designers redefining notions of place through material, process, and imagination.

Speaking on the partnership, Nicolas Bellavance-Lecompte, Founder of NOMAD, said: “Our collaboration with Jumeirah on Saadiyat Island extends NOMAD’s vision beyond the fair grounds, creating a dialogue between design, place, and the cultural landscape of Abu Dhabi.”

Ideally located in the heart of the Saadiyat Cultural District, Jumeirah Saadiyat Island places guests at the doorstep of Abu Dhabi’s most renowned cultural landmarks. A stunning beachfront retreat infused with artistic spirit, the resort offers the perfect base for art and design lovers visiting the capital. As NOMAD and Abu Dhabi Art bring the city to life with creativity and culture, Jumeirah invites collectors, curators, and enthusiasts to converse and connect at Jumeirah Saadiyat Island.

Follow the journey on Jumeirah’s Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and YouTube with handle @Jumeirah.

#Jumeirah #NOMAD

SUPERSPORTS: THE MOST DRIVER-FOCUSED BENTLEY EVER

New Supersports brings rear wheel drive and sub-two-tonne weight to the Continental GT for the first time

100 years after the birth of the first Bentley ‘Super Sports’, the nameplate returns to Bentley for only the fourth Supersports model in history. The new Bentley Supersports is the most driver-focused Continental GT ever, with rear-wheel drive, a two-seat cabin and a gross weight below two tonnes. A non-hybrid, pure internal combustion powertrain has a new 666 PS (657 bhp), 800 Nm twin-turbo 4.0-litre V8 at its heart, with power fed through an eight-speed double clutch gearbox to the rear wheels only. Carbon ceramic brakes, new 22” lightweight forged wheels developed with Manthey Racing and an Akrapovič full-length titanium exhaust system are standard, while Pirelli Trofeo RS tyres are available.

The exterior represents the most purposeful Continental GT ever, with a series of form-following-function developments to maximise downforce and save weight. A new front bumper integrates the biggest front splitter ever fitted to a Bentley road car, and feeds cooling air to the engine and front brakes. Carbon fibre dive planes, side sills, fender blades and a rear diffuser and fixed rear wing combine to generate more than 300 kg more downforce than a Continental GT Speed. The weight saving regime extends to the roof, which is now a carbon fibre panel to also lower centre of gravity whilst maintaining structural stiffness.

666 PS and 800 Nm twin-turbo non-hybrid V8 engine brings scintillating purist-focused performance

Inside, the two-seat cabin features new, highly bolstered sports seats, positioned lower in the car, with the rear cabin environment replaced with a carbon fibre and leather shell. Monotone, duo-tone and tri-tone interiors are available, with extensive use of leather, Dinamica and carbon fibre for a performance-focused space.

Bentley’s Chairman and CEO, Dr Frank-Steffen Walliser, comments:“The new Supersports is more than just the most driver-focused Bentley yet. It signifies a return to Bentley making more extreme cars – ones that combine extraordinary breadth of ability with true driver engagement, while remaining pieces of automotive artwork unique and bespoke to each customer. Bentley has always thrived when revealing a more daring side, and the new Supersports is a statement of our intent while celebrating 100 years of the name. This is the first project developed from start-to-finish since I joined Bentley Motors, and I’m proud of our team and the speed at which we’ve created a car so different to the GT on which it’s based.”         

Project Mildred

The new Supersports is the product of an idea that was first proposed in September 2024, when a small engineering team theorised how a rear-wheel drive, sub-two-tonne Continental GT might behave dynamically. Approval was given for them to build one test mule, which took to the track only six weeks later, to prove their concept. The performance of this key demonstrator was convincing, and the project to create the new Supersports was born – albeit under close guard and with a small and focused engineering team.

It was immediately recognised that the project needed a codename to keep it secret. For this, the team turned to inspiration from Bentley’s past, and the story of Mildred Mary Petre. Born in 1895, she was a record breaker on land, and sea and in the air as a racing driver, a powerboat racer and a pilot. In 1929, she drove a Bentley 4½ Litre around the Montlhery circuit in France, solo, for 24 hours. In so doing, she averaged almost 90 mph and established a new endurance record – a phenomenal achievement by today’s standards but even more incredible in the 1920s. She pushed the boundaries of what was possible with a fearless spirit, and so in her honour, the development team christened their new project: Mildred.

A Lineage of Performance

The word Supersports is a modern amalgamation of one of the most evocative names from Bentley history – “Super Sports” – first applied to a Bentley 100 years ago this year. The first Super Sports was launched in 1925 and based on the 3 Litre, with an uprated engine and shorter (and therefore lighter) chassis meaning it was the first Bentley capable of exceeding 100 mph. It also established the second aspect that defines “Super Sports” – rarity, with only 18 examples built.

Dormant for decades, the Supersports name – now one word - roared back to life in 2009 with a 204-mph revival, defining the pinnacle model of the first-generation Continental GT. This was the first two-seat variant of the Continental family, was 100 kg lighter than the standard car, and the most driver-focused Bentley of the day.

Significant uplift in lateral performance, up to 1.3g

It was eclipsed in 2017 by an even faster, more thrilling successor, based on the second-generation Continental GT. Like the first generation Continental Supersports it was powered by a 6.0-litre twin-turbo W12, but now generating 710 PS – making it then the most powerful Bentley ever. 710 examples were produced, to match the power output.

The previous generations of Supersports all defined the ultimate performance version of their respective model families. The new Supersports takes this approach in a different direction; rather than focusing on top speed, the target is maximum driver engagement, through a combination of weight reduction – the most extreme in Bentley’s history - and a new powertrain.

The First RWD Continental GT

The powertrain of the new Supersports is non-hybrid and purely Internal Combustion Engine (ICE). A new, strengthened 4.0-litre twin-turbo V8 is the heart of the car – with a stronger crankcase, uprated cylinder heads and larger turbos. The changes yield the highest power density of any Bentley engine - 666 PS / 657 bhp (166.5 PS per litre), with 800 Nm of torque. Coupled to the engine is the ZF eight-speed double clutch transmission used across the Bentley model range, but redeveloped for the Supersports with uprated clutches and a new shifting strategy. Gear shifts are now sharper and more responsive, while the downshift strategy during braking has been precisely calibrated to deliver optimal stability and driver confidence.

The engine breathes though a full-length titanium exhaust which is tuned to be significantly more characterful than any previous Bentley. Developed in conjunction with Bentley partners Akrapovič and unique to Supersports, the complete system amplifies and tunes the cross-plane V8 note to be extremely compelling – deep, powerful and completely authentic, with no artificial in-cabin enhancement.

The sprint to 62 mph / 100 km/h will be dispatched in 3.7 seconds, and top speed will be circa 192 mph / 310 km/h (official verified figures will follow in due course). More important that the headline figures though, will be how the Supersports behaves dynamically.

Strictly limited to 500 individually-numbered examples

For that, Bentley’s chassis engineers have enjoyed the opportunity for a new level of driver engagement, by making the new Supersports the first rear-wheel drive Continental – except for the Continental GT3 race cars – in history. Power is fed exclusively to the rear wheels through an eLSD, out to rear wheels that have an increased track of 16 mm over a Continental GT. The eLSD is assisted by torque vectoring by brake, with the systems working together to make turn-in as sharp as possible and to give maximum traction. Rear-wheel steering is retained for maximum agility and stability, while the calibrations for the steering, suspension, traction management and ESC systems are all-new.

ESC settings allow the driver to select how much independence or assistance they would prefer – from fully-on, through a Dynamic Mode that allows a level of slip and oversteer within reactive limits, to fully-off – where the driver has complete control of the rear axle, and can provoke the Supersports into significant but highly controllable oversteer.

There are three new configurations to the Drive Dynamics Controller:

-      Touring mode matches the performance character of the Sport mode in a Continental GT Speed, but pairs it with increased ride height, softer damping and a more discrete exhaust character.

-      Bentley mode increases the performance character beyond Touring mode, with gearbox strategy, throttle pedal and chassis settings all uplifted. Exhaust system valves open to enhance sound character, and launch control becomes available.

-      Sport mode goes even further, with ultimate optimisation for driver engagement and tuned for maximum chassis and powertrain response.

100 years since the first Bentley ‘Super Sports’, the first Bentley capable of exceeding 100 mph

The chassis system uses aluminium double wishbones at the front with a multi-link rear axle, air springs, and new twin chamber dampers – ECU-controlled in bump and rebound independently. Bentley Dynamic Ride, the proprietary 48V electric anti-roll control system, can apply up to 1300 Nm of anti-roll reaction torque in 0.3 seconds. Braking is by the largest automotive braking system in the world – 440 mm Carbon-Silicon-Carbide (CSiC) discs on the front axle, clamped by 10-piston calipers, and 410 mm discs with four-piston calipers at the rear – fitted as standard.

Calipers are black as standard, with a red-painted option available.

The Supersports comes with new, 22” forged and machined aluminium allow wheels developed in conjunction with specialists Manthey Racing, available in two finishes – Black Painted, and Black Painted and Machined (introducing a silver metal accent). Uniquely for the Supersports, two tyre options are available: a standard Pirelli P-Zero tyre, and a new Trofeo RS performance tyre as an option. With Trofeo RS tyres fitted, the chassis changes and weight savings mean that the Supersports can corner approximately 30% quicker than a Continental GT Speed, with up to 1.3g peak lateral force.

The Lightest Bentley in 85 Years – With the Most Downforce

The new Supersports is nearly half a tonne lighter than the Continental GT, and will weigh less than 2000 kg. The most significant weight saving comes from the powertrain, with a reduction commensurate with the conversion to ICE-only propulsion and rear-wheel drive. The roof – usually aluminium – has been replaced with a carbon fibre panel, which saves weight and lowers the overall centre of gravity.

Extensive aerodynamic modifications result in the most purposeful exterior design to a Continental GT

The rear cabin environment has been deleted, saving a significant amount of weight. Along with the seats and seatbelts, rear cabin sound insulation has been reduced, and the audio system has been reconfigured for the front cabin only. Additional weight savings come the deletion of certain driver assistance systems, not required on a driver-focused GT.

The new exterior details of the car combine to make this the most aggressive Bentley Grand Tourer ever. Crafting new elements in carbon fibre helped reduce weight further to meet the target, with new pieces including:

-      A new lower front bumper, with an integrated front splitter (the largest aerodynamic splitter ever fitted to a road-going Bentley). The bumper includes two new cooling channels each side, that feed cool air to the front brakes and engine respectively. Above the bumper, a new lightweight mesh grille, with a design unique to Supersports, is laser cut in extremely fine aluminium

-      Two pairs of stacked dive planes sit at the corners of the front bumper, working in conjunction with the splitter to reduce front lift

-      New side sills, running the length of the wheelbase

-      Behind the front wheels, new B-shaped fender blades manage the airflow from the front wheel arches, aiding both extraction of high-pressure air and managing its flow along the body side.

-      A new rear diffuser, built into an all-new rear bumper construction that includes vents for the rear wheel arches

-      A one piece, fixed rear spoiler to the top of the boot lid

These aerodynamic pieces are all the result of extensive testing, with form following function, and no elements included just for aesthetic purposes. Together, the additions generate more than 300 kg more downforce than a Continental GT Speed, while maintaining lift balance along the car and helping to achieve a dynamic weight distribution, which starts at 54:46 when the car is stationary and gradually moves rearward with speed.

The final finishing carbon fibre touches are the wing mirrors and engine cover.

Two-seat cabin introduces new sports seats, set lower in the car

A Sporting Cabin

The interior of the new Supersports is as purposeful as the rest of the car, inspired by the energy and precision of motorsport. Two-seat only, it completes the focus on driver engagement that is the singular mission statement of the car. Every details is engineering to elevate the driving experience, redefining performance-focused luxury.

New lightweight sports seats are provided for the driver and one passenger, with increased lateral bolstering, a lower position in the car and carbon elements across the shoulder area. The seats feature 11-way electric adjustment and retain seat heating. The rear cabin is replaced by a lightweight  and precision engineering carbon fibre tub that wraps around the space. Finished with a leather wraparound design, the tub integrates into the rest of the cabin and delivers a cleaner, more purposeful interior layout.

Lightweight and high gloss carbon fibre veneers to the waistrails and fascia panels are standard, joined by a blend of leather and Dinamica, with the latter technical material to the centres of the seat backs and seat cushions, the centre panels of the doors and the headlining. Supersports embroidery and badging completes the cabin, together with an individually numbered badge to the centre console.

Numbered, Individual, Bespoke

Every Supersports will be individually numbered before it leaves the factory, with customers able to request specific numbers from the 500 examples that will be handcrafted in Crewe.

Paint options start with a core range of 24 performance-focused colours, with additional paint finishes including Supersports logos and matte paint available via Mulliner. Beyond single-tone exteriors, Bentley’s design team has developed five ‘Design Themes’, which include either a small section of vertical striping and a Supersports name in a contrasting colour on the lower body side behind the front wheel, or a series of painted stripes in two contrasting colours across the rear quarters of the car.

Exterior carbon fibre is available in high gloss finish, and the lower elements can be fully painted or pinstriped.

Orders open March 2026, production starts Q4 2026

For the cabin, 22 Main Hide colours are accompanied by 11 Secondary Hide and nine Accent Hide colours. Single tone, duo-tone (as standard) and a new and unique tri-tone colour split are all available, and Dark Chrome Specification is standard.

In place of interior carbon fibre, customers can also choose from Diamond Brushed or Engine Turned Aluminium in a Dark Tint finish, or the clean and elegant simplicity of Piano Black.

The launch imagery for Supersports is in a Design Theme called “Nightfall”, which blends Anthracite gloss exterior paint with a Camel accent to the lower bodywork along with Camel lower striping and a contrast number 8 to the grille. The interior is in Beluga and Camel, with Bronze accents.

Meanwhile, the car unveiled in New York at the global debut is in a specification called ‘Daybreak’, in Jetstream Matte with a Design Theme livery in Arctica and Portofino. The interior is Damson with Light Blue and Pillar Box Red accents.

Ordering, Production and Deliveries

The launch of the new Supersports will be celebrated with the most dynamic and exciting film in Bentley’s history, which will be revealed with a premiere in Dubai in January. Order opening follows in March, with production beginning in Q4 2026 ahead of first deliveries at the start of 2027. The new Supersports will be available in the following countries and areas: UK, Europe (EU27 plus Switzerland and Turkey), USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Malaysia, Oman, Bahrain, UAE, Qatar and Kuwait.

#Bentley