LUXGetaway » Mexico

Hilton Puerto Vallarta to Open in 2012

Michael — Fri, 25 Nov 2011 07:03:37 +0000

Hilton Hotels is headed to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico according to a recently released statement from Hilton Worldwide. The company announced it has signed an agreement with Grupo Hotelero Santa Fe to develop and operate the popular tourist destination’s first Hilton resort. The new property is scheduled to open in mid-2012.

Not only will the new hotel be conveniently located just a few minutes from Puerto Vallarta’s airport and cruise ship terminal, but it will also offer the same luxurious hotel experience Hilton Hotels & Resorts is known for worldwide. The hotel will feature nearly 260 world-class rooms as well as honeymoon suites and executive accommodations. Rooms will feature modern décor, elegant design, plenty of amenities, and an atmosphere designed around comfort and relaxation.

State- of-the-art facilities will include a spa for self-indulgent pampering, a complete fitness center with swimming pool and Jacuzzi, a beauty salon and solarium, and a host of exciting entertainment options. For your dining pleasure Hilton is planning several different restaurants featuring international, Italian, and local Mexican cuisine. The entire package is capped off with a nightclub featuring the best martinis and a stunning view of the Bandera Bay.

Exclusive Interview With Timbers Resorts CEO David Burden

Michael — Fri, 17 Jun 2011 09:28:32 +0000

Timbers Resorts, the developer and operator of boutique, private resorts and residence clubs have been impressing guests with breathtaking properties since 1999. The Timbers Resorts have 9 popular luxury destinations across the globe (see destinations).

We recently caught up with CEO of Timbers Resorts, David Burden. In our interview, we asked what the vision of Timbers Resorts was when it launched, as well as what the future vision of the company is. Enjoy!

LUXGetaway: What other destinations are on your radar?
David: We continue to keep our options open for other partially developed or completed opportunities in what we think are enduring established destinations, but that need a re-positioning, capital, etc. Additionally we are working on a site along the Mexican Punta de Mita coast. We are hoping to find a property in New York, Hawaii, another in the Napa/Sonoma area, south of France, London, Paris …

LUX: In 1999 when Timbers Resorts opened the first resort how many resorts were envisioned? 1?10? 20? 100?
David:1

LUX: What is your favorite resort personally and why?
David: My home, since it seems that I’m always trying to get back there. I like each of our destinations in particular for different reasons and each from my own perspective, which is different than someone else. Overall there is not a location within the Timbers’ portfolio that has not personally appealed to me as a great place to be. I couldn’t imagine developing or operating in a place that I didn’t really like personally. I could live at any of them and consider it a dream come true.

LUX: Is there one thing that differentiates you from your competitors?
David: The assembled team that is passionate, intelligent and focused on the objectives.

LUX: Your product is NOT a timeshare, but we’re curious how the old perception of what a timeshare is has affected your business?
David: Not sure – I haven’t paused to worry about it so we just keep going forward and try to not be defensive if it comes up.

LUX: Timbers Resorts properties are such hidden treasures, how do your customers find out about Timbers Resorts?
David: We have a great marketing team and our PR partner, Murphy O’Brien. We always think that we can communicate better and better, but actually it seems to be very good these days with an excellent database of folks that have expressed interest in Timbers Resorts over the years and seem to follow what we are doing. Referrals from existing owners are active while we have expanded for sure.

LUX: What other luxury travel brands do you look up to?
David: American Express, Sentient, Avantair, Butterfield and Robinson, Abercrombie and Kent, Singapore Air, Virgin and more I’m sure.

LUX: How has the luxury travel market changed in the last 10 years?
David: Ease of researching and booking. Everything is at your fingertips.

LUX: Castello di Casole is an exciting property garnering a lot of buzz and excitement. What makes Castello di Casole so unique?
David: First and foremost it is in Tuscany and embodies most of what we dream about Tuscany… It is truly authentic and provides its fortunate owners and guests a means to experience the true Tuscan lifestyle while having all of the comforts of Timbers’ attention and service.

LUX: Can you elaborate on the recent sales success at Castello di Casole?
David: Every sale is flattering that folks get what we are doing or better yet we get what they seek. The sales have been great at Castello di Casole as we tap a broad almost worldwide market. One day a new owner from Ohio, another day a couple from the U.K., then one from Singapore or the Netherlands or California, etc.

LUX: We hear you are considering New York City as one of your next destinations. Can you tell us about this project? Will it be in “ The Sebastian” family? New York City seems different than the resort towns that you have chosen to partner with on the current Timbers Resorts projects?
David: So far I can only hope and pursue the options there – – and yes hopefully a Sebastian, but could be with another brand – we’re open to partnerships with those that do certain aspects better than we do so far or are in a unique situation.

For more information on Timbers Resorts, visit their website, www.timbersresorts.com. For news on Timbers Resort, visit their newly released blog, www.timbersresorts.com/blog/.

Napa Valley’s Hidden Gem: The Carneros Inn Luxury Resort

W Hotels Expands International Presence

Carmen — Tue, 04 May 2010 07:40:40 +0000

W Hotels continues to expand it’s international presence, and according to Starwood’s website there are 18 properties that are planned to be opened within the next 3 years. Take a look if your city if one of the lucky cities that will be a recipient of a W Hotel…

Guangzhou
W Guangzhou – Opening April 1, 2011

Paris
W Paris – Opéra – Opening April 1, 2011

Athens
W Athens Astir Palace Beach – Opening April, 2011

Denpasar, Bali
W Retreat & Spa Bali – Seminyak – Opening November 1, 2010

Amman
W Amman Hotel – Opening March 1, 2012

Santa Fe Federal District
W Santa Fe, Mexico – Opening March, 2013

Riviera Maya, Quintana Roo
W Kanai Retreat, Riviera Maya, Mexico – Opening January, 2014

Marrakech, Morocco
W Marrakech Hotel – Opening December 1, 2011

St. Petersburg, Russia
W St. Petersburg – Opening September 1, 2010 – Opening September 1, 2010

Singapore
W Singapore – Sentosa Cove – Opening April 30, 2012

Verbier, Switzerland
W Verbier Retreat – Opening January, 2013

Taipei, Taiwan
W Taipei – Opening December, 2010

Bangkok, Thailand
W Bangkok – Opening August 1, 2011

Koh Samui
W Retreat Koh Samui – Opening August 1, 2010 – Opening August 1, 2010

London, England
W London – Leicester Square – Opening Fall, 2010 – Opening October 1, 2010

New York, New York
W New York – Downtown – Opening June 6, 2010 – Opening June 6, 2010

Vieques Island, Puerto Rico
W Retreat & Spa – Vieques Island – Opened March 25, 2010

Austin, Texas
W Austin – Opening December 9, 2010

Cabo San Lucas Luxury Villas at Esperanza Resort

Carmen — Wed, 21 Apr 2010 07:57:11 +0000

What better place to spend a honeymoon this summer than the beautiful tranquility of the Esperanza Resort in Cabo San Lucas. The Mexican layout combined with the beauty of the Sea of Cortez can make for the most memorable vacation or honeymoon of one’s entire life. Love the resort? Partial ownership (Priviate Residence Club) or whole ownerships are also available.

With 60 villas, this is a paradise unlike any you could have dreamed of. As you walk along the private beach, you find yourself dreaming and wishing you could live there forever, which is why it has such frequent return guests. Whether your pleasure is indulging at the spa, or wandering among the wonderful talent displayed at the Art and Sculpture gallery, or even playing online thorugh the wireless internet that is offered, your desires can be fulfilled at one of the most magical and tranquil resorts to ever grace existence.

Owned by the professional and accommodating Timbers Resorts, Esperanza allows its guests to feel pampered and indulged, to feel young at heart and to feel like the most special person in the world. The scene of several weddings, many honeymoons and anniversaries, even business meetings, the Esperanza Resort allows for people of all ages and walks of life to feel at one with nature and success.

If you are wise enough to choose the Esperanza Resort, make sure you feast upon the cuisine available at El Restaurante, with a lovely view of the Sea of Cortez. The Mediterranean style cooking will leave you raving for months afterwards as you picture in your mind your next trip to the Esperanza Resort. The best wines from all over the world are served, perhaps even making you aware that you have it in you to become a wine connoisseur.

Opening in 2006, Esperanza quickly became one of the most frequented spa resorts ever. A trip to the beautiful seaside tranquil haven will tell you why.

Summer is almost here. Whether you are planning a dream wedding or simply want a vacation spot unlike any you have ever seen, travel down to the Esperanza Resort by the Sea of Cortez. Indulge yourself in the early morning hours as you sit out on your deck in a bikini or a pair of capris. Celebrate the memory of the day you had under the stars as you and your lover share a bottle of wine while taking in the sights and sounds of the water on the beach and the music from the resort bar.

Prices for nightly stays are priced at over $600 a night.

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