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May 2012

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   18 Articles Returned

Ritz-Carlton Opens its First Luxury Hotel in Japan

May 31, 2012  |   Contributor: James Rothaar

The Ritz-Carlton has opened its first luxury resort in Japan on the tropical island of Okinawa. The Ritz-Carlton, Okinawa, is in an area that is relatively unexplored by many international luxury travelers. The new hotel has 97 modern guestrooms. There are two deluxe suites with sweeping views that overlook the East China Sea as well as the Kise Country Club. "We are delighted to be able to bring our first true luxury resort hotel to Japan to complement our city hotels in Tokyo and Osaka," said Herve Humler, president and chief operations officer of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. "We have no doubt that Okinawa has the potential to be a resort island of true international appeal, attracting visitors from all... Read More

Jumeirah Carlton Tower Presents Jubilant Afternoon Tea Menu

May 30, 2012  |   Contributor: James Rothaar

The Jumeirah Carlton Tower of Dubai, UAE, keeps its tasty relationship with master patissier Eric Lanlard series with its new Jubilant Afternoon Tea menu campaign. The menu presents finger sandwiches, cakes and tarts prepared by Lanlard. The menu, which is served with a freshly brewed pot of tea, is traditionally British yet comes with fresh, tasty twists. The experience begins with prawn and lobster royal in a hollowed out brioche bap and bridge rolls with coronation chicken. A selection of cakes and pastries, including the signature strawberry tart royale adorned with a limited edition edible white chocolate portrait of HM The Queen and Eton mess verrine with Indian mango and pink peppercorn are... Read More

W Los Angeles - Westwood Presents New Travel Lite Family Vacation Package

May 29, 2012  |   Contributor: James Rothaar

The W Los Angeles - Westwood, is reaching out to family vacationers with its Travel Lite family packages. The campaign, which runs through the end of 2012, seeks to be the ultimate stress-free option when traveling with children. The Travel Lite Family package includes a stay in a W Mega Suite with complimentary valet and WiFi; a Quinny Modd Stroller to use during the visit; a choice of four babysitting services or full-day cabana rentals; a $100 food and beverage credit at NINETHIRTY and The Backyard Restaurants; a welcome basket with a Skip Hop Bib, Baby Einstein Rainstick Pal, and a $25 gift card for Traveling Tikes.... Read More

Dorset Square Hotel Opens in London in June

May 24, 2012  |   Contributor: James Rothaar

The Dorset Square Hotel has undergone a extensive refurbishment and will re-open on June 18, 2012. The luxury boutique hotel located in London’s Marylebone is a new member hotel of Design Hotels. Hoteliers Tim and Kit Kemp, the husband and wife team of the Firmdale Hotels, are the owners of the Dorset Square for the second time. The couple originally purchased the townhouse/hotel in 1985 and resold it. They recently re-acquired it have transformed it into Kit Kemp-signature design hotel. Each of the 38 individually designed bedrooms follows a different color scheme and is decorated with items gathered by the Kemps from around the globe. The hotel is situated in one of London’s most urbane residential areas, dotted... Read More

Ritz-Carlton Specials: The Ritz-Carlton Dove Mountain Introduces New Summer Hotel Specials

May 23, 2012  |   Contributor: JL Staff

The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain has introduced two new summer packages, Summer Returns and Summer Fun, which invite travelers to return to life, to leisure and to the long-missed joys that only summer vacation can bring.... Read More

Myrtle Beach's Ocean Reef Resort Adds Three-Story Waterslide

May 23, 2012  |   Contributor: James Rothaar

Myrtle Beach’s Ocean Reef Resort recently added a new three-story waterslide in the pool area of the resort. The new aquatic-related amenity enriches the resort’s already established extraordinary water activities. The new slide is located in the Ocean Reef’s outdoor water park, Cancun Lagoon. "We love building these fantastic, fun amenities for the young and the young-at-heart," said Patrick Norton, Brittain Resort Management's VP of marketing. "We value the directive to create unforgettable experiences for children as much as the call to provide great facilities, convenience and value for adult guests, and we're pleased to be receiving a great deal of positive feedback about Ocean Reef, as well as our other resort holdings."... Read More

Seabourn Club Expands Loyalty Benefits

May 22, 2012  |   Contributor: James Rothaar

Luxury small-ship cruise line Seabourn is enhancing the benefits received to patrons who are members of the Seabourn Club. The luxury cruise line recently announced a major expansion of benefits for guests who return for another voyage on one of its the award-winning ships. While the Seabourn Club already includes an award of a complimentary cruise after sailing 140 days, the line has added new benefits that start rewarding guests even after just one cruise. The benefits increase as guests sail more. Seabourn Club members are free to choose rewards from a menu of onboard amenities and discounts while on their cruise. The new, enhanced onboard benefits begin accruing for guests on all of Seabourn's voyages departing on and... Read More

New Life Hiking Spa Opens for 35th Season

May 21, 2012  |   Contributor: James Rothaar

The New Life Hiking Spa located in Killington, Vermont, recently opened for its 35th season on May 17, 2012. The spa opens annually from mid-May through the end of September for hiking and spa vacations in the verdant Green Mountains. Jimmy LeSage, M.S., founded the New Life Hiking Spa in 1978. “I came up with the idea of New Life after attending a six week yoga retreat in Val Morin, Canada in 1977,” said Mr. LeSage. “I had been living and working in Vermont for a few years after graduating with a degree in education from Florida State University and took the opportunity to use a ski hotel in the summers for my idea in 1978.” The special Vermont retreat moved to Killington from its original site in Stratton Mountain. The... Read More

Paramount Pictures Announces Plans For Global Luxury Hotel Brand

May 17, 2012  |   Contributor: James Rothaar

Entertainment producer and distributor Paramount Pictures is entering the hospitality industry with plans to build as many as fifty global Hollywood-themed luxury hotels. According to a report by Bloomberg, the entertainment themed properties will be located in large cities and at major tourist destinations around the world. Some of the hotels could be part of theme parks as well. Prospective destinations for hotels include Brazil, the UK, the Caribbean, Russia, Qatar, Oman, South Africa, and Indonesia. CEO of Parmount Hotels & Resorts, Thomas Van Vilet, told Bloomberg that they are not trying to develop something that looks like Planet Hollywood or the Hard Rock Hotel. A more subtle and creative adaption of the Hollywood element into the concept are wan... Read More

Santa Monica Place Adds Mobile App to Enhance Luxury Shopping Experience

May 16, 2012  |   Contributor: James Rothaar

Santa Monica Place recently launched a mobile app that they are hopeful will add value to the luxury shopping experience for consumers and retailers alike. Key features of the new application include an elaborate mall directory, an interactive map, a customizable shopping-list compiler, an information center, a gift card station, and vehicle-location assistance. The app’s mall directory is viewable alphabetically and categorically and provides contact information plus news on special sales and events. The custom-shopping list compiler enables shoppers to plot their own experience on a per-stop basis. The application assists customers in finding the best available parking spots based on where they want to shop as well as... Read More

Hilton Anatole Names Anthony Van Camp Exec Chef of SER Steak + Spirits in Dallas

May 15, 2012  |   Contributor: James Rothaar

Anthony Van Camp will be the executive chef at the Hilton Anatole’s SER Steakhouse, when it opens in October 2012. The experienced culinary professional’s tenure officially begins October 1, 2012. Van Camp has worked under the supervision of the acclaimed executive chef of Nana in Dallas Texas, Anthony Bombaci. Chef Van Camp has worked at the prominent steakhouse in Dallas since 2005. “Anthony is a natural in the kitchen,” said Chef Bombaci, “He is very intuitive, but also precise and passionate. His excellence shows through his cooking.” Anthony Van Camp proclaimed his wish to be a chef as early as his kindergarten days from his hometown in Indianapolis. His Mexican mother was his first influence in the kitchen. Nicole... Read More

The Setai, Miami Beach Welcomes Talented Executive Chef Mathias Gervais

May 11, 2012  |   Contributor: James Rothaar

Chef Mathias Gervais, 33, is the new executive chef at The Setai Miami Beach. The accomplished chef’s culinary cache of French, Italian, and Japanese cuisine, along with his experience working in a number of Michelin-rated restaurants, will flavorfully enrich The Restaurant at The Setai, Miami Beach. “I am honored to have the opportunity to assume the esteemed executive chef position at The Setai, Miami Beach,” said Gervais. “Our culinary staff is committed to creating a gastronomic palette that embraces an uncomplicated approach to Asian-inspired dining as well as southern European creations.” The young and talented Chef Gervais has worked with renowned and celebrated chefs, such as Joël Robuchon, Christophe Cussac, and Takeo Yamazaki.... Read More

Jumeirah at Etihad Towers Keeps Guests Connected With iPad Access

May 10, 2012  |   Contributor: James Rothaar

The Jumeirah at Etihad Towers, in Dubai, recently introduced iPads to its fleet of chauffeured hotel limousines to allow guests to stay connected throughout their visit. The new service provides guests uninterrupted connectivity from the moment they are picked up at the airport to arriving at the hotel. Complimentary access to iPads also is available for guests in the executive lounge of the service-savvy Etihad Towers. "The iPad services were introduced as part of our ‘Jumeirah Stay Different’ promise, knowing most of our international business and leisure clientele required immediate Internet and email access as soon as they checked into the hotel," said Doris Greif, general manager of Jumeirah at Etihad Towers.... Read More

Los Angeles Resort Celebrates Mother's Day with Month-Long Special Packages

May 8, 2012  |   Contributor: James Rothaar

The Terranea Resort is celebrating Mother’s Day for an entire month this year. The deluxe oceanfront Los Angeles resort is offering 20 percent off on various Terranea adventures and special spa packages. The resort’s activity center features various recreational options. There are deals for kayaking, paddle boarding, horseback riding, and arts and cultural activities for an entire month. Terranea will offer a signature Mother’s Day Brunch on Sunday, May 13, that includes an assortment of cuisines, such as Asian and Italian, Eggs Benedict stations, specialty pancakes, and a children’s buffet and dessert smorgasbord. The Mother’s Day Brunch is $85 for adults and $40 for ch... Read More

Starwood Hotel Opens The St. Regis Doha in Qatar

May 4, 2012  |   Contributor: James Rothaar

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc., recently announced the grand opening of The St. Regis Doha. The opening is the second of three St. Regis hotels to debut this year in the Middle East. The St. Regis Saadiyat Island Resort, Abu Dhabi, opened last December and The St. Regis Abu Dhabi will open on the Corniche this fall. "Introducing the brand's celebrated legacy and unparalleled luxury offerings to Qatar with the opening of The St. Regis Doha is an exciting and significant accomplishment for St. Regis," says Paul James, global brand leader of The St. Regis Hotels & Resorts. "As culture, business and leisure brilliantly intersect at Doha, the destination is one that... Read More

The Lanesborough Offers Butler Picnics in Hyde Park

May 3, 2012  |   Contributor: James Rothaar

Between May and August 2012, The Lanesborough in London will offer Butler Picnics in Hyde Park to guests of England’s most historic city. The luxury hotel will create “bespoke hampers” for all types of outdoor gatherings. All of the specially prepared alfresco meals will be served with crystal glasses, plates, linen, napkins, and a large picnic rug. The butlers will provide personal consultations to modify menus to ensure that favorite dishes and drinks are served as requested. A sample menu might include Cornish poached lobster with Beluga mayonnaise and balotine of truffled foie gras with asparagus jelly washed down with chilled Taittinger Rose Champagne, followed by artisan chocolates. The Butler Picnic... Read More

Billy Casper to Host Crystal Golf Cruises in Europe 2012

May 2, 2012  |   Contributor: James Rothaar

Crystal Cruises has lined up 10 of Europe's championship golf courses for its Experiences of Discovery golf-themed cruises this summer. PGA Tour golfer Bill Casper will host the golfing cruises, where travelers can tee-off in countries such as Spain, Portugal, and Monaco during the Crystal Serenity voyage on July 13, 2012. Vacationers also can play on championship golf courses on the British Isles on Crystal Symphony's sailing on August 25, 2012. "We design these cruises to be a golfing traveler's dream," says John Stoll, Crystal's VP of land and port operations. "Guests need not worry about maneuvering complex foreign logistics, only packing their clubs - we take care of everything else in the finest of style." Some of... Read More

JW Marriott to Open its First Caribbean Location in the Dominican Republic

May 1, 2012  |   Contributor: James Rothaar

JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts has announced plans for a 2014 opening of a new, 131-room JW Marriott Hotel in Santo Domingo. The hotel will be located in Santo Domingo's primary business district. It will be on the first seven floors of the 15-story, multi-use tower, Blue Mall Santo Domingo. The mall, which opened in 2010, includes high-end retail stores such as Louis Vuitton, Cartier, Salvatore Ferragamo and Carolina Herrera. The luxury hotel will feature 131 guestrooms and suites, a restaurant, a lobby bar, a lounge, a fitness center, and a swimming pool. "We are fortunate to begin this partnership with Mr. Velutini and FVI, which has one of the largest real estate portfolios in Latin America," says Laurent de Kousemaeker.... Read More