Balsams
Resort
The Balsams
Resort in New Hampshire will undergo a
comprehensive restoration under the leadership
of general manager Uwe Roggenthien. The project
is designed to retain the resort's historic
charm while positioning it for future growth by
upgrading accommodations and creating more
flexible function space for meetings and
weddings. The first phase of the restoration
encompassed 16,200 square feet of space and was
completed in December 2007. JCJ Architecture was
selected to lead the project, which saw the
complete restoration and interior redesign of
all common areas, social rooms and 7,200 square
feet of meeting space -- including the Grand
Ballroom and historic Ballot Room. The next
phase of the project calls for the construction
of a model guestroom later this year followed by
the restoration of 110 guestrooms in the hotel's
Hampshire House wing. The Balsams has chosen TMS
Architects and LDL Architectural Design to
oversee this phase of the restoration. Call
866-380-6798 or visit www.thebalsams.com Apr 11,
2008
Disneyland
Resorts
Clients have
another year to take advantage of the biggest
party in the history of Disneyland Resort Paris.
The gala 15th anniversary celebration that
launched in April 2007 has been extended to run
through March 2009. The extended celebration
will continue to premiere new entertainment and
exciting new attractions. Travel agents can now
offer clients even greater value by suggesting a
meal plan. Several dining packages offer options
throughout the resort: at Disney hotels, at the
Disney Parks or at the Disney Village. The new
premium half-board is valid in all resort table
service or buffet restaurants including premium
restaurants, Disney Character experiences and
shows. Vouchers can be used for lunch or dinner.
Also, the TGV French rail service network has
expanded service to Disneyland Resort Paris with
direct links from Luxembourg, Frankfurt,
Stuttgart and Munich in Germany; and Basel and
Zurich in Switzerland. This expansion makes
Marne-la-Vallée the largest platform of
TGV hub connections in France, providing 30
minute service from Reims, one hour from Nancy
or Metz and two hours, 15 minutes from
Strasbourg. The new service will bring added
convenience to meeting attendees traveling from
these cities and throughout Eastern Europe. And,
the first full-service spa at the Disneyland
Paris Resort opened in May at the Disneyland
Hotel. The new Celestia Spa offers a full range
of treatments, including massage therapies,
facials, manicures, pedicures and body wraps.
For more information, visit
www.disneytravelagents.com Apr 11,
2008
Disneyland
Resort Paris is celebrating its 15th anniversary
with new and soon-to-premiere additions and
enhancements that have special significance for
travel agents. A new level of service and luxury
is in store when the Empire State Club opens at
Disney's Hotel New York on June 1. Club
accommodations include upgraded rooms and
suites. Clients staying in Club rooms enjoy
special amenities, including a private lounge
offering breakfast each morning and refreshments
throughout the day. Empire Club Guests also
receive expedited and personalized check-in, and
have access to a dedicated concierge team that
can help them make the most of their visit. The
park's Magical Summertime, to take place July 5
to Aug. 31, 2008, will include Disney's
Fantillusion Parade at the Disneyland Park,
where guests will discover Disney heroes and
evil villains. As a grand finale everyday,
fireworks will make a summer visit even more
magical. Apr 11, 2008
Other activities
include a recycling game, face painting, cookie
decorations, a ladybug release and an organic
foods display. The observance of Earth Day at
Walt Disney World is an important component of
Disney's Environmentality. Twelve Walt Disney
World Resorts have received the "Green Lodging"
certification from the Florida Department of
Environmental Protection. Each location has been
recognized for "green" practices that reduce
waste and conserve natural resources. The
remaining Disney Resorts are on target to be
certified in 2008. Other Disney conservation
initiatives include: energy conservation, Disney
Harvest Food Program, Floral Elements,
Educational Programs, and Recycling. Visit
www.disneytravelagents.com Apr 11,
2008
The Twilight
Zone Tower of Terror made its debut at the
park's Walt Disney Studios in January and the
new attraction, Stitch Live!, will premier in
April 2008, allowing guests to interact and joke
with Stitch. Located in the Walt Disney Studios,
the new attraction blends real-time graphics and
new animation capability to create a private
event that's side-splitting fun and
technologically dazzling. In June 2007, Crush's
Coaster will open at Walt Disney Studios. The
first coaster-based attraction inspired by the
Disney-Pixar film "Finding Nemo," guests climb
aboard a turtle shell for and plunge into the
world of Nemo and his turtle friend Crush.
Sophisticated show lighting, sound effects and
imaging technology creating a whimsical whirl
through the East Australian current. Part of the
expanding Toon Studio's lively studio backlot
that playfully pays tribute to the art of
animation. Additionally, Cars Race Rally will
open in June at Walt Disney Studios. The first
Disney Park attraction based on the Disney-Pixar
film "Cars," guests climb aboard for a spinning
ride on the famous Route 66, created with
dimensional movie sets. At each corner of the
track, famous faces from the film are waiting to
cheer on drivers. Apr 11, 2008
Fairmont
Hotels
Fairmont Hotels
& Resorts and Lexus are partnering to unveil
two "Lexus Hybrid Living Suites" geared for
eco-conscious visitors, with the first to launch
at The Fairmont San Francisco, followed by The
Fairmont Washington, D.C. in conjunction with
Earth Day 2008. Guests can sleep, eat and drink
sustainably in these suites, with every aspect
of the room planned for the eco-minded traveler,
incorporating ideas and products from Lexus
Hybrid Living partners. Apr 8, 2008
Hilton
Hotels
The Hilton Los
Cabos Beach & Golf Resort has completed its
renovation of the existing two-story,
6,000-square-foot spa. Under the direction of
Alan Navarette, Spa Oasis now features a
7,000-square-foot facility that includes 13
treatment rooms and two VIP couples suites with
bathtubs for two. A new salon offers manicures,
pedicures, hair treatments and a shaving
station. Before or after treatment, spa guests
can relax in one of two lounge areas, each with
access to the outdoor balconies. Visit
www.hiltonloscabos.com Apr 11, 2008
The Hilton Los
Cabos Beach & Golf Resort has completed its
renovation of the existing two-story,
6,000-square-foot spa. Under the direction of
Alan Navarette, Spa Oasis now features a
7,000-square-foot facility that includes 13
treatment rooms and two VIP couples suites with
bathtubs for two. A new salon offers manicures,
pedicures, hair treatments and a shaving
station. Before or after treatment, spa guests
can relax in one of two lounge areas, each with
access to the outdoor balconies. Visit
www.hiltonloscabos.com Apr 11, 2008
Hyatt
Hotels
The Hyatt
Regency Trinidad hosted a formal Grand Opening
gala on April 4, making it the first
full-service hotel to open in the dual island
nation of Trinidad & Tobago in 46 years. The
428-room Hyatt is situated in the Port of Spain
International Waterfront Development. While the
hotel welcomed its first guests on Jan. 29, the
Grand Opening marked a celebratory occasion to
announce its upscale accommodations, dining, Spa
Esencia and business services to the world.
Attending dignitaries included Trinidad &
Tobago Prime Minister Patrick Manning as well as
President George Maxwell Richards, Jamaican
Prime Minister Bruce Golding, Caricom Secretary
General Dr Edwin Carrington, Prime Minister of
the Bahamas Hugh Ingram, U.S. Ambassador Roy
Austin and the heads of Government and of State
of Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Dominica,
Grenada, Guyana, Montserrat, St. Kitts and
Nevis, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the
Grenadines. Call 800-233-1234 or visit
www.trinidad.hyatt.com Apr 11, 2008
Marriott
Hotels
The Hanover
Marriott in Whippany, N.J., completed a $4
million ballroom and meeting space renovation.
The renovation, which took approximately eight
weeks to complete, involved the total overhaul
of the hotel's function space to create the most
recently renovated ballroom and meeting space in
the area. The ballroom renovation encompassed
new wall vinyl, carpeting, chandeliers, and
lighting. Bathrooms on the first floor were also
renovated. The overall decor and style of the
ballroom is modern yet comfortable and includes
new furnishings through the foyer. Additionally,
the renovation involved the creation of coves
outside the third floor meeting rooms to enable
more convenient areas to display coffee breaks
increasing the amount of space in the corridors.
The Hanover Marriott offers a total of 19
meeting rooms and 18,850 square feet of meeting
space. The newly renovated ballroom features
10,750 square feet of space with a total seating
capacity of 1,000 people. For more information,
visit www.marriott.com Apr 11, 2008
Marriott
International and the Brazilian state of
Amazonas signed an agreement to support the
first project of its kind to help protect 1.4
million acres of endangered rainforest. This
partnership between government and the private
sector is one of the first in the world to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions from
deforestation. Marriott has committed $2 million
to fund an environmental management plan
administered by the newly created Amazonas
Sustainable Foundation. By year end, Marriott
guests and group customers will also be able to
offset the greenhouse gas emissions generated
from their hotel stays by contributing to this
rainforest fund. Apr 8, 2008
MGM
Grand
MGM Grand has
unveiled Wet Republic, a 53,000-square-foot
ultra pool combining an exclusive nightlife vibe
with poolside pampering and relaxation. The
adults-only Wet Republic will feature distinct
experiences within a series of intimate spaces
that include a poolside lounge, ten cabanas and
six exclusive VIP bungalows. In addition to the
bungalows and cabanas, guests may reserve one of
the 18 spacious day beds or more than 80
oversized, deluxe chaise lounges. Wet Republic
will have eight separate pools and spas totaling
more than 7,600 square feet. At its centerpiece,
Wet Republic will feature two spectacular
saltwater poolsóthe only on the Las Vegas
Stripómeasuring 2,500 and 3,500 square
feet. Six cascading waterfalls will accent the
vast poolscape. Wet Republic will feature a
2,500-square-foot, open-air ultra lounge next to
the main pool area. A 4,100-square-foot sundeck
located between the lounge and the saltwater
pools will transform the area into a stage to
spotlight celebrity guests and hot entertainers.
Wet Republic will be open daily from 10 a.m. to
6 p.m. Visit www.mgmgrand.com/wetrepublic Apr 7,
2008
Nam Hai
Resort
Vietnam's Nam
Hai Resort is attracting international carriers
to Vietnam's Central Coast area. Korean-based
Asiana Airlines will begin service between Seoul
and Danang in July. Last week, the resort
convened a meeting with officials of Vietnam
Airlines, Pacific Airlines, Silkair and Cathay
Pacific. Resorts are coming also. Over the next
year, Raffles, Banyan Tree, Kor and Hyatt, will
be developing resorts in the region. Greg Norman
and Colin Montgomerie are both building golf
courses near China Beach. The Nam Hai Resort
features 60 one-bedroom villas and 40 pool
villas that border the sea around a
horseshoe-shaped spit of sand. In addition to a
private stretch of Ha My Beach, there are three
pools available to guests, including a
50-meter-long Olympic swimming pool. For more
information, visit www.ghmhotels.com Apr 11,
2008
Nikki
Beach
Nikki Beach
Hotels & Resorts celebrated the grand
opening of its first luxury resort with a
star-studded party at Nikki Beach Resort Turks
& Caicos Islands this past Saturday, April
5. The resort has extended grand opening rates,
and those who book by June 30 can receive 30
percent off of nightly room rates on travel
through Sept. 30. To book these rates, visit
www.nikkibeachhotels.com Apr 11, 2008
Pacific Palms
Resort
Pacific Palms
Resort is emerging from a $60 million renovation
comprising modernized rooms, a new restaurant
and bar called RED opening in May and a new
11,000 square-foot full service luxury spa. The
renovations also include a makeover to two
championship golf courses, and revitalized
conference and meeting spaces. Pacific Palms
Resort bills itself as Los Angeles' only
destination golf, spa and conference resort. It
has 292 guest rooms, each with a balcony and
city or golf course views. Visit
www.pacificpalmsresort.com Apr 7,
2008
Roco
Ki
Roco Ki, a
luxury residential and resort community being
developed in the Punta Cana region of the
Dominican Republic, is welcoming the addition of
Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. Fairmont Roco Ki,
anticipated to open in 2010, will join
beachfront properties, tropical villas and The
Faldo Legacy Golf Course. The resort will offer
vistas of the Caribbean Sea and the Nick
Faldo-designed 18-hole championship golf course,
which winds along the beach through a dense
mangrove forest and stretches across the
property's headland with stunning cliff-top
views of the sea. Upon completion, Fairmont Roco
Ki will include a 255-room Fairmont Residences,
a collection of condominiums, villas and estate
homes, and Fairmont Heritage Place, a private
residence club. The resort will also feature
restaurants and bars, 17,500 square feet of
meeting space, a 15,000-square-foot Willow
Stream Spa and fitness area and pool and beach
facilities. Call 800-441-1414 or visit Apr 11,
2008
Sandals
Resorts
Effective
immediately, Sandals Resorts International
(SRI), parent company of Sandals Resorts,
Beaches Resorts and the Royal Plantation
Collection, has introduced Grand Pineapple
Beach, a new, value-oriented brand. Two resorts,
Grand Pineapple Beach Resort in Antigua and
Negril Gardens in Jamaica, will be re-flagged
with the new moniker to become Grand Pineapple
Beach Antigua and Grand Pineapple Beach Negril,
respectively. Grand Pineapple Beach Resorts will
accept singles, couples, families and groups.
All-inclusive rates include accommodations, all
meals and snacks, unlimited premium-brand
beverages, non-motorized watersports, and
nightly entertainment. Visit www.sandals.com.
Apr 10, 2008
Stora
Hotel
Stora Hotel in
Nykoping south of Stockholm, From the May 1,
will switch chains from park Inn to Scandic, as
part of a new franchise initiative. Scandic's
new franchise will focus on growth and has
started to develop in the Nordic region. The
first property will be the Scandic Ostersund
City in Sweden, which is to become part of the
hotel chain at the end of the month. The second
hotel will be the Stora Hotel, Nykoping, located
just an hour south of Stockholm, Sweden. The
Hotel has 98 rooms and is located in the centre
of Nykoping, seven minutes from Stockholm
Skavsta Airport. Facilities include a
restaurant, bar, and meeting rooms. Apr 7,
2008
Trump
International Hotel
Trump
International Hotel & Tower Las Vegas has
officially opened. The hotel's 64 stories are
wrapped in 24-karat gold glass, and rise 645
feet above the city. The tower features 1,282
ultra-luxury, non-smoking suites, each with
custom-designed furnishings, fully equipped
kitchens and floor-to-ceiling windows. Both
hotel guests and residents will enjoy the
services of Trump's signature Attach Guest
Services. Upon opening, guests will have access
to amenities such as world-class
meeting-and-event facilities, the
10,000-square-foot Spa at Trump and a
1,500-square-foot health club. The hotel's
signature restaurant, DJT will open in May and
will showcase the culinary talents of Joe
Isidori. Visit www.trumplasvegashotel.com Apr 7,
2008
WorldHotels
WorldHotels has
partnered with The Imperial Palace Hotel - in
the western suburbs of Mumbai, India &endash; to
make it part of is Deluxe Collection. The
417-room property will be part of the 240-acre
Royal Palms Estate, which incorporates Royal
Palms Golf and Country Club and is located 7km
(4mi) from Mumbai's Sahar International Airport
and close to the city's exhibition center.
Included in the hotel is a state-of-the-art
business centre and conference facilities for up
to 300 delegates, plus a spa and restaurant.
Businesses near to the hotel include Wipro, JCB,
Citibank, HSBC and Sidel. The property is one of
three in the Royal Palms Estate development,
which also incorporates luxury serviced
apartments, an IT park, offices, and a
convention center. Apr 8, 2008
Wynn Las
Vegas Resort
Wynn Las Vegas
Resort and Country Club has purchased eight 2008
Rolls-Royce Extended Wheelbase Phantoms. When
combined with the two existing Wynn Phantoms,
this is the largest fleet of the exclusive
vehicles in North America. The automobiles are
made with the highest level of craftsmanship,
using the best quality materials and feature
ìbespokeî items, including the Wynn
logo on tread plates and the resortís
signature crest embroidered on the headrests.
Since the cars feature a complex operating
system and 6.75-litre V12 engines, Wynnís
team of chauffeurs has attended training
sessions to become familiar with the intricacies
of the automobiles' operation. Visit
www.wynnlasvegas.com Apr 7, 2008
Apr 14,
2008
