A First for Starwood Hotels & Resorts: Ski Resort in China

0

The opening of a new dual-branded ski resort in Changbaishan, China, heralds a new era for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc, already the largest international luxury hotel operator in China and a world leader in hotel and leisure companies. Already boasting 103 hotels in operation, there are another 100 in preparation.

The first of their ski resorts in China, the Sheraton Changbaishan Resort and the Westin Changbaishan Resort, are situated close to one of China’s most stunning mountain ranges, the Changbai Mountains, already a leading area for skiing. Part of a protected 494,000 acre nature reserve, the mountains are home to bird and animal wildlife and a wealth of natural resources. Easily accessed by air and road, the resorts, owned by Dalian Wanda Group, will offer ice- skating and ice fishing as well as skiing. The hotels are open all year round and offer world-class features.

Virgin America Gets New Uniforms

0

In anticipation of celebrating of their fifth anniversary next month, Virgin America has implemented a brand-new uniform design for the company’s pilots, flight attendants, and other crew members which now number more than 2,000. The new uniforms were designed by Banana Republic and hearken back to the golden age of flying. They are described by Virgin America as “utility chic.”

Virgin America customers should begin noticing as the brand-new uniforms are rolled out. They’ll be seeing lots of black, red, and purple, including brand-new red trench coats and a newly design leather jacket. In-flight staff members will also have new tote bags and aviator sunglasses. The uniform redesign is in keeping with the company’s cutting edge attitude; an attitude that harkens back to the 1960s style as seen on the recent television programs Fly Girls and Pan Am.

Emirates Announces Wide Television Screens Onboard

0

Emirates Announces Wide Television Screens Onboard

Dubai’s national airline, Emirates, recently announced a brand-new addition to all of their new aircrafts designed to make the passenger experience more enjoyable. The addition comes by way of wide screen TVs mounted in the seat backs of future economy class seats. The high definition displays, which represent another industry first for Emirates, will be 12.1 inches.

The screens are also being installed on current aircraft in premium seats. As for business and first class seats, they’ll be getting larger 27-inch wide screen TVs. Regardless of the screen size, passengers will have access to thousands of music titles, television programs, and more than 300 films. The screens are being provided in conjunction with Emirates deals with Panasonic and Quiksilver.

Perhaps the most important part of the technological upgrade lies in the fact that the screens are

based on a tablet model, allowing passengers to navigate the many offerings in the same way they would an iPad or Android tablet device. It’s just the latest in a series of technological firsts that have earned Emirates industry accolades from sources like Skytrax. Emirates have been on the top of the Skytrax ratings for each of the last seven years.

Kauai’s Hidden Gem: Koa Kea Hotel and Resort

0

“Koa Kea” is a Hawaiian phrase meaning “white coral” in English. According to Polynesian mythology ancient Hawaiian history is intrinsically tied to the local coral reefs through the births of two goddesses named Po and Hina. The rich heritage and detail of the myths surrounding the area are the focal point for the luxury Koa Kea Hotel and Resort in Kauai; a resort that demonstrates the Hawaiian belief of the life-giving power of the sea.

The hotel is located on the southern coast of the island of Kauai, on the Poipu Beach. Kauai is the fourth-largest of Hawaii’s main islands and is considered to be the oldest in the chain. It’s most known for its incredible beauty that combines glorious sandy beaches, tropical forests, the “Grand Canyon of the Pacific” known as Waimea Canyon, and the gorgeous Nepali coastline. Guests of the hotel are within a short distance of high adventure activities, water sports, and all the relaxation they want.

The Koa Kea Hotel and Resort opened in 2009 as a boutique style resort featuring 121 rooms. It’s known as one of the most romantic hotels on the island boasting unmatched comfort, exceptional amenities, spectacular ocean views, and all the activities and services you would expect from a luxury five star resort. Guests will enjoy twice-daily housekeeping, the Kauai resort spa, a fully equipped fitness center, swimming pool, whirlpool, on-site restaurant and lounge, and much more. The best part of experiencing Kauai while staying at Koa Kea is the world-class service they offer. This hotel is not as big as some of the major resorts, but if you are looking for all the amenities the larger resorts offer coupled with a more calm and romantic environment, Koa Kea is the place to stay.

Louis Vuitton Video Teaches Travelers How To Pack

Louis Vuitton has put together a short video on the most

efficient way for luxury travelers to pack. The Louis Vuitton website has an interactive tool that allows users to interact with items and folding instructions.

The tool features their Alzer, Pegase, & Keepall pieces of luggage.

Andaz Wall Street, Luxury on Wall Street

0

When you think of Wall Street you don’t typically think of a luxury hotel setting. In fact, Wall Street has only one hotel: the new Andaz Wall Street. This down-town New York property is the latest addition to the 2012 Condé Nast Traveler Gold List, and for good reason. It combines the eccentric flair of New York’s financial district with the style and sophistication demanded by world class travellers. Andaz staff provide the veritable “icing on the cake” with service described as both highly personal and completely intuitive.

One of the first things you’ll notice at Andaz Wall Street is the 7-foot windows underneath incredibly high ceilings. You’ll experience a feeling of spaciousness and freedom that’s hard to find in New York. You’ll have plenty of room to relax, unwind, and catch your breath after a busy day in lower Manhattan. Not only that, but the hotel’s 253 guest rooms have been designed to provide a comfortable residential feel. The rooms are very unique. Even the smallest rooms have been thoughtfully designed making the most every inch.

The Ritz-Carlton, Montréal Luxury Hotel & Residences

0


On May 28, 2012 The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company made a major announcement regarding their iconic Montréal property affectionately known as The Grande Dame of Sherbrooke Street. The announcement was intended to let the world know the Ritz-Carlton Montréal was reopening upon the completion of a $200 million restoration designed to bring the hotel back to her former glory. The hotel first opened in 1912 and has been the address of choice for celebrities, world leaders, and discriminating travellers visiting one of Canada’s most historic cities.

Ritz-Carlton brought in world-class architects Provencher Roy + Associés to handle the majority of the project. The building’s beautifully ornate façade was restored, guest rooms were renovated and redesigned to provide the ultimate in luxury and comfort, and all public spaces were upgraded. The finished product is a combination of extensive historical research and a touch of modern luxury. The completed project has received rave reviews from city officials and the hotel industry alike.

Located on historic Sherbrooke St. in West Montréal, the property is situated among elegant shops and boutiques, galleries, museums, and restaurants. The property has long been considered the Jewel of the Golden Square Mile, a charming neighbourhood established at the foot of Mount Royal in the late 19th century.

The Ritz-Carlton, Okinawa – Now Open

0

 

 Luxury travelers to J

apan now have a new option in a largely unexplored area of the country thanks to The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company’s announcement of their first luxury property on the island of Okinawa. The company chose Okinawa because of its beautiful scenery, peaceful setting, and relatively unspoiled environment. It is a part of Japan which many people know about but few, other than native Japanese visitors, have explored.

The Ritz Carlton Okinawa embraces the Japanese philosophy of hospitality known as “gusuku;” a philosophy which presents the hotel as a luxury guest house where visitors are made to feel welcome and at peace. From most of the hotel’s rooms the balconies look out on the beautiful East China Sea or the Kise Country Club. The beauty of those views extends all over the island where visitors enjoy lush gardens, meticulously groomed landscaping, pristine waters, and some of the finest golf courses in Japan.

The design of the hotel incorporates a contemporary look and feel with traditional Japanese elements such as red clay roofs, peaceful reflecting ponds, and influences from the famous Shurijo castle. The properties 97 guest rooms and two suites feature a very modern look infused with the island’s natural surroundings and awe-inspiring scenery. From the artwork to the furnishings, the design of the true is intended to be a perfect balance of harmony among many elements.

Trump International Brings Hotel & Tower to Toronto

0

The city of Toronto is perhaps Canada’s crown jewel, at least in the category of luxury travel and extravagance. That makes it the ideal setting for the newest Trump International Hotel & Tower Toronto. The newly-opened hotel boasts more than 12,000 sq ft of event space along with 261 guest rooms and suites.
Yet the most fascinating part of the property is the fact that it offers the combination of hotel and residential building. It’s also the tallest residential building in Canada at 65 floors.

Trump International Hotel & Tower boasts floor to ceiling windows, 14-foot ceilings, hand blown glass chandeliers imported from Italy, and the perfect mix of stone, wood, and steel. It is truly a sophisticated design which brings together all of the excitement that is downtown Toronto with the contemporary feel of a modern Hollywood property designed for the rich and famous. It has been created to be the most coveted meeting place in all of Canada’s capital city. 

Hyde Bellagio – Vegas’ Newest Party Scene

0

Regular visitors to Las Vegas know the Bellagio Hotel is one of the finest luxury resorts in the entire city. This past New Year’s Eve the Bellagio was made even better with the grand opening of the Hyde Bellagio, the most anticipated new nightclub from world renowned lifestyle developer SBE. The Hyde brand from SBE combines unparalleled style and sophistication with energetic nightlife to create one of the most spectacular environments. The Hyde Bellagio will continue that tradition in grand style. By day Hyde Bellagio is an exclusive lounge well fitted for the classic and sophisticated Bellagio name. At 10 o’clock every evening the Hyde nightlife experience begins, operating until 1 AM during the week and very late on weekends. Hyde Bellagio is certain to become one of the most important nightlife destinations on the Vegas strip as the only nightlife venue that seamlessly combines indoor and outdoor spaces for a very unique experience. At night one of the most memorable aspects of the venue is when the famous Bellagio fountains go off in what feels like just outside the club.

The nightclub features 10,000 sq. ft. of space with total capacity of 714 guests, including 40 VIP tables. Drinks include a wide selection of cocktails, classic Hyde creations, and a selection of more than 1,500 bottles of Bellagio’s award-winning wine. Guests will enjoy music from the most dynamic DJs and live performers in a space that includes gorgeous wood floors, four grand chandeliers, upscale artwork and design elements, and luxurious natural leather sofas.