Green Globe Certifies Movenpick Hotel and Resort Yanbu

Movenpick Hotel & Resort Yanbu was awarded the Green Globe Certification for its sustainability achievements.

This is the sixth Movenpick property, located in the kingdom of Saudi Arabia, to get certified in the Middle East.

Mr. Khaled Habbab, General Manager Movenpick Hotel & Resort Yanbu said, “Protecting our mother nature is a belief, commitment, and a way of living. Needless to say, that although we are living in a model industrial city here in the Royal Commission of Yanbu, we have achieved a high level of sustainability, through the efforts of our team who have worked with high spirits to be part of the Green Globe community.”

“Operating in such a modern setting, Movenpick Hotel & Resort Yanbu has had to focus on environmental efficiency, particularly its use of water and electricity”, says Green globe Certification CEO Mr. Guido Bauer. “In this respect, and together with the hotel, we will be keeping a close watch on these efficiencies to ensure that the resort is seen as a leader within their destination. We are once again impressed with the dedication Movenpick has shown to work through the certification program with great diligence and attention to detail,” he added.

Movenpick Hotels & Resorts under the partnership with Green Globe Certification, can access itss famed certification program, that includes commitment to the internationally-accepted Green Globe Standard for sustainable travel and tourism.

Centara introduces new elementary rates for the Waterfront Suites in Phuket

 Great elementary offer is available in the rebranded Waterfront Suites Phuket, by Centara hotels, located in the heart of Karon Town.

A 1-bedroom suite and 2-bedroom suite is available at 1,600 Baht and 2,200 Baht per night respectively. The offer is valid till October 31, 2011.

The above rates are framed on the basis of 2 adults per night at 1-bedroom suite and 4 adults per night at a 2-bedroom suite. Two children under the age 12 years are allowed to share their parents’ rooms. 10 percent service charge and 7 percent prevailing Government tax apply.

This offer does not apply to group or MICE reservations.

This Sino-Portuguese styled, 21-story apartment offers great luxury, along with an array of facilities like a fitness center and swimming pool.

It consists of 39 1-bedroom and 2 bed-room suites.

Kempinski is best brand of 2011

Europe’s oldest hotel group won the Best Brands award, in the category of Best Service Provider. The luxury hotel group was ranked No. 1, followed by German’s largest bank, Direktbank ING DiBa, and Lufthansa. This brings Kempinski to the same league as Volkswagen, Lego and Apple, among the most successful brands in Germany. Kempinski was honoured with this award during a lavish gala held in Munich last night. Over the years, Kempinski has developed into an innovative and highly respected collection of luxury properties. Each offers superior standards of service combined with a style reflecting the individuality of the hotel and its location. In China, Kempinski continues to expand and develop its portfolio. As of today, Kempinski manages nine properties in China, with 12 under construction. Kempinski enjoys high brand awareness as a luxury hotel operator with exceptional products in key destinations including Beijing, Dalian, Shenyang, Xi’an, Yinchuan, Suzhou, Wuxi, Chengdu and Shenzhen. In 2011, there will be openings in Huizhou, Guiyang, Shanghai and Haitang Bay, Hainan Island. What is special about the Best Brands Awards is that the winner isn’t defined by a jury, but by the consumers themselves. Brands were subjected to a study carried out by the renowned German market and consumer research company GfK, in which they are evaluated in several categories. In the category of Best Service Provider, the focus was placed heavily on decision makers and opinion leaders. For this year’s ranking, 850 people were surveyed in October and November 2010, and were asked about indicators such as performance, reliability, availability and reputation. Those surveyed were divided according to their professional level (52% executives, 22% self-employed with at least 10 staff, 17% freelancers, and 9% civil servants), all of whom earn more than EUR 3,500 per month. A shortlist featuring the most well-known brands was used as a base for the survey. Brands such as Gucci, Google and Canon have also won Best Brands Awards in recent years.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company announces future Ritz-Carlton reserve location in Los Cabos, Mexico

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. announced an agreement with a joint venture between Grupo Questro and Trinity Investments L.L.C. at a signing ceremony, for The Ritz-Carlton to operate a Ritz-Carlton Reserve to be developed within San Jose del Cabo, Mexico. The scenic Mexican town will add new luster to the destination with the 2014 opening of the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve project in the country. Nestled along 800 feet of oceanfront along Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, 124 private, single-story, oceanfront villas will each have breathtaking panoramic views across the Sea of Cortez in an area of outstanding natural beauty. Historic Los Cabos dates its legacy to the 16th century and the Spanish Conquistadors, but today is known as one of the most desirable vacation getaways in North America. Design inspiration for each Reserve is taken from the unique environment in which each property is based. From native architectural signatures and innovative local art, to indigenous furniture and motifs inspired by regional tradition, every design element of a Ritz-Carlton Reserve powerfully locates guests in a sense of place. The hotel will offer one, two and three-bedroom villas, each with private infinity plunge pools, outdoor terraces with intimate fireplaces, outdoor showers and butler service. Additional resort features and amenities within the Puerto Los Cabos mixed-use development include a world-class Spa, Desert Botanical Theme Park, Fisherman’s Wharf, a 500-slip marina and two private championship golf courses. It has been designed by Jack Nicklaus & Greg Norman and proximity to the town of San Jose del Cabo and the airport. In addition, the construction of a five star caliber luxury resort in Mexico will bring jobs to Los Cabos, both during the construction phase and once the resort commences operations.

Courtyard by Marriott opens fifth hotel in France

Courtyard by Marriott has opened its fifth hotel in France, the Courtyard Paris Arcueil. It is located in Arcueil, a suburb just south of Paris. The opening rates begin from USD 135 per night through 30 April, 2011. Courtyard is expanding globally at a rapid pace and is prospering with the growth of the brand in Europe. Last year their goal was to double their presence in Europe by 2015. Just this year, they expect to open five more Courtyard hotels in Europe in cities including Moscow, Munich and another fabulous addition here in France in Boulogne. With nearly 900 locations in 35 countries, Courtyard is Marriott’s largest brand. Janis Milham, vice president and global brand manager, Courtyard by Marriott is excited to introduce their exclusive GoBoard technology in France. The GoBoard is a highly interactive 55-inch LCD touch screen in Courtyard by Marriott lobbies that is packed with a wealth of local information, weather, and news enabling our guests to find great restaurants, attractions and directions, all at fingertips. The Courtyard Paris Arcueil boasts 170 stylish and sophisticated guestrooms, featuring ergonomic work areas and Wi-Fi. The hotel’s lobby evokes a modern, contemporary feel and gives guests the space and functionality to both work and socialize. For onsite dining, the hotel features Oleo Pazzo, a delightful Mediterranean bistro. In addition, the Courtyard Paris Arcueil boasts a 24-hour market featuring a choice of light meals, snacks and drinks. A 24-hour state-of-the-art fitness center is also on-site so guests can maintain their fitness on the road.

Hotel Okura Macau to open in early 2011 as city’s first Japanese luxury property

Okura Hotels & Resorts Worldwide will open its first property in Macau at the Galaxy Macau integrated destination resort in early 2011. Hotel Okura Macau will include 488 sleekly designed guest rooms, the world-famous Yamazato Japanese restaurant-with authentic kaiseki meals, freshly prepared sushi, grilled dishes and Japanese garden views-and several other features that will be unveiled as the property moves closer to its opening date. Backed by over 50 years of experience providing the best accommodation, cuisine and service, the legendary Okura brand has developed a loyal following among discerning travelers who appreciate its combination of Japanese culture and attention to detail with Western hotel amenities. The 550,000-square-meter Galaxy Macau is scheduled to open in early 2011 as the newest integrated destination resort in the Special Administrative Region’s Cotai entertainment area. With an investment of HK$14.9 billion, Galaxy Macau will feature a resort deck with a 4,000-square-meter man-made beach: 350 tons of white sand deposited along a 150-meter-long shoreline, framing the world’s largest rooftop wave pool with waves reaching as high as 1.5 meters. It will also host the largest selection of Pan-Asian cuisine in Macau, including a wide range of Chinese ethnic cuisines, as well as vibrant bars, nightclubs and a retail boulevard to offer a leisure experience unmatched in the city. Owned and operated by the Hong Kong-headquartered Galaxy Entertainment Group, Galaxy Macau is considered the world’s first “Asian” resort destination because of its focus on Asian hospitality, tastes, sensibilities and design influences, intended to attract visitors from around the region as well as international guests seeking an authentic Asian resort holiday experience.

Just Grenada Introduces Caribbean Spice Island’s first villa with all-inclusive concierge service

The Art Gallery Villa offers private, stylish accommodation with breathtaking bay views, combined with all the benefits of an all-inclusive concierge service, believed to be the first of its kind on the Caribbean Spice Island. The high-spec villa combines a mixture of contemporary and Caribbean styles. It is furnished and equipped to the very highest standard, and decorated with a number of original paintings and artwork created by local artists, which give the property its name. The Concierge Service includes fine dining courtesy of a private chef who prepares meals using farm-fresh produce and local ingredients, according to guests’ preferences, as well as a nanny and driver, if required. Unless otherwise requested, the staffs work in the mornings only to allow guests to enjoy maximum privacy. Other features of the Art Gallery Villa include a large pool and spacious sundeck, together with luxurious accommodation for up to six guests in three elegant bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms, plus a great room with comfortable sofas and a range of entertainment.

Accor continues its expansion: Mercure signs ten new hotels in the UK

Agreement with Focus Hotels, adding ten hotels to its UK network in the first quarter of 2011. This forms part of Accor’s aggressive expansion strategy to increase its UK network to 300 hotels by 2015. Focus Hotels is a collection of quality midscale hotels with a wide variety of styles at a range of excellent locations throughout England. The group has systematically upgraded its product over the past few years, investing heavily in refurbishment and training with a view to identifying suitable franchising partners. The partnership with Mercure hotels will allow the ten hotels to retain their individuality and style whilst enabling them to reach an international market. The franchise agreement means that 763 rooms will be added to the Mercure network. This expansion represents a major step in the development of the Mercure network in the UK, increasing its existing footprint from 33 to 43 hotels. The hotels will join the Mercure brand, an established network of over 700 midscale hotels operating in more than 50 countries across the world. Mercure hotels guarantee the quality of a well-known brand, with the charm and personality of individual hotels. The new hotels, located nationwide, include: Mercure Altrincham Bowden Hotel Mercure Blackburn Ribble Valley Hotel Mercure Chester North Hotel Mercure Hatfield Oak Hotel Mercure Hull Royal Hotel Mercure Stafford South Penkridge Hotel Mercure Swindon East Hotel & Spa Mercure Telford Hotel Mercure Wigan Oak Hotel Mercure Wolverhampton Hotel

Jumeirah to operate luxury resort on Anguilla

Jumeirah, the Dubai-based luxury hotel group and member of Dubai Holding, has signed a management agreement with Conch Bay Development Ltd, the development company owned by the Kentish and Lake families, to operate a luxury resort hotel and luxury resort residences on the island of Anguilla, British West Indies, in the Caribbean. The project will be coordinated by PN Holdings LLC, an entity formed by companies affiliated with Robert A. Petrallia and golfer Jack Nicklaus. On completion the Jumeirah Anguilla Resort project will consist of a 140-room Jumeirah luxury hotel with a spacious spa, conference facilities and beach clubs, as well as 460 residential units, which will also be managed by Jumeirah. Renowned golfer Jack Nicklaus has designed a championship 18-hole “Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course” for the Jumeirah Anguilla Resort. His Signature Course runs along a magnificent stretch of oceanfront property with several holes playing to or along the water. The course offers spectacular views across the sea to the beautiful peaks of St. Maarten.

Impiana Hotels unveils luxury Royal Suite in Patong, Phuket

Impiana Hotels, Resorts and Spa has added a new dimension to the Patong’s resorts landscape with the unveiling of a new Royal Suite that redefines luxury, comfort and service. Set amidst pristine white-sand beaches and soothing crystal clear waters, the exclusive and luxurious Royal Suite enjoys uninterrupted sea view and privacy quotient that is beyond imagination. “Once again, Impiana has further raised the bar in luxury where we remain much focused on providing outstanding guest experiences beyond their expectation”, said Francis Chung, Director Group Sales & Marketing of Impiana Group. He further added “Inspired by our guests loyalty from around the world, we are committed in applying the Impiana brand experience to our discerning guest and travelers at our luxury Royal Suite”. The Royal Suite offers the ultimate luxury among Impiana Resort Patong, Phuket 68 cabana styled suites and rooms. The exclusive 270 square meters luxury Royal Suite reflects a contemporary furnishing accentuated with warm and regal ambience. It is meticulously designed to ingeniously create the perfect equilibrium between luxury and style. The interior is covered in plush details with Thai inspired sculptures and artefacts. The dining room features a full length hand-craved walnut dining table that seats eight. The Suite features 3 bedrooms that are luxuriously designed and themed by our very own in-house interior design consultant. The master bedroom offers distinctive furnishing and an oversized bed with signature pillows. It is further complimented by a private Jacuzzi and Salvatore Ferragamo luxury line of amenities for an ultimate pampering experience. Every room and living is equipped with the latest high definition 42 inch LCD flat-screen television with major international channels and branded sound system.