The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain

Tucson Golf, Spa and Outdoor Adventure Destination Resort
Offers Introductory Rates from $259

MARANA, Arizona – December 18, 2009 – Today marked the highly-anticipated opening of Southern Arizona’s newest luxury property, The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain. Situated northwest of Tucson, in the scenic town of Marana, the picturesque 250-room resort is spread out over 850 acres of lush Sonoran Desert in the Tortolita Foothills.  In attendance for the ribbon cutting ceremony were Arizona Governor Jan Brewer and community leaders.  In conjunction with the opening, the resort is offering introductory rates starting from $259.

Invited guests were on hand to take part in the opening ceremony with the Ladies and Gentlemen of the property and esteemed dignitaries.  Speakers at the event included owner and developer David Mehl of Cottonwood Properties, senior vice president of operations for The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., Hank Biddle, and The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain resort general manager, Allan Federer.

“This day is a landmark event not only for the town of Marana, but for the State of Arizona,” stated general manager Allan Federer. “Over twenty years ago, David and his brother George Mehl had a vision to build the finest resort in the country.  All it took was the right partners and the perfect location.  With the help of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. and co-developer Greenbrier Southwest Corporation, it became a reality. Now the world has the opportunity to visit a place like no other, The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain.”

The festivities started with a procession of riders carrying the United States and Arizona State flags to the entrance of the hotel.  Governor Jan Brewer of Arizona began with a warm welcome and presented the Ladies and Gentlemen of The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain with a Certificate of Appreciation.

This was followed by an official ribbon-cutting and the release of seventy-two white doves symbolizing the property as the 72nd within The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C.  portfolio. Afterwards, checking in as the honorary first guests were seven-time Olympic Medalist and former world record holder, Amanda Beard, and her family on behalf of the Boys and Girls Clubs of Tucson.  Guests were invited into the hotel for a reception and tour of the stunning property.

Inspired by the richness and beauty of its lush desert surroundings, The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain provides panoramic views as it creates a luxurious, yet authentic desert experience.  The geologic makeup of the Tortolita Mountains served as inspiration for the architecture, with a variety of natural materials used to emphasize the structure’s connection to the high-desert landscape.  Stone and metal are two elements that are keys to the design, with intricate steps taken to preserve the materials as closely as possible to their natural state. This celebration of Arizona’s geology continues with an interior design that showcases natural flagstone and quartzite floors, raw steel fixtures, copper accents, and historical artifacts, such as geodes and quartz crystal.  The many natural elements at

The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain, complemented by luxurious service in a relaxed and casual setting, create an authentic Arizona experience for which the Tucson area is known.

For the remainder of the holiday season, the resort will offer a series of events for the public to enjoy.  From a Christmas Eve Sweets and Treats Pastry Class for children to Christmas Eve dinner or brunch at CORE Kitchen and Wine Bar to a New Year’s Eve gala opening celebration benefiting Angel Charity for Children, Inc., The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain is a perfect place to create new traditions or make memories that last a lifetime.

About The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain
Nestled in the high Sonoran Desert is an invigorating playground where the adventurous can explore the lush desert along the Tortolitas Mountains and majestic Saguaro forest. The 850 acre property features a 250 room hotel, Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course, destination spa and luxury homes at The Residences at The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain. The property also features adventure programming, world class hiking, and is host to the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championships each spring in its striking canyon setting. This is a place where adventure and a gracious spirit of hospitality come to life. For reservation information, please call 1-800-241-3333 or visit www.ritzcarlton.com/dovemountain

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., recognised as the global leader in luxury hotels, service and lifestyle, is proud to announce the opening of its debut Reserve property, Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve,  today in Krabi, Southern Thailand.

Phulay Bay, Ritz Carlton Reserve

As the world’s first Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Phulay Bay embodies the attributes, philosophy and unique style and design of the Reserve brand extension. It has been designed for those who seek to escape the stresses of everyday life and immerse themselves into a completely bespoke and personally-tailored-to-suit vacation experience.

Set on the shores of the Andaman Sea, Phulay Bay is a striking 54-villa and pavilion boutique hotel offering unspoilt views of the naturally rugged shoreline and dramatic limestone karsts which make up this beautiful part of southern Thailand.

The resort is the vision and work of in-demand Thai architect Lek Bunnag, and is an awe-inspiring combination of modern styling and architecture; grand and oversized in scale with distinctive accents from not only Thai, but Middle Eastern and Moroccan cultures. Bunnag takes inspiration from beautiful things from around the world to create an environment where the senses are continuously triggered and enlivened from the moment guests enter the resort driveway to the moment they leave.

An exhilarating sense of arrival will immediately let guests know they are somewhere special: 20ft high aubergine walls and ‘hedges’ made from indigenous trees create a sense of wonder from the outside and a great sense of peace and stillness once on the inside. Guests enter the resort through the high walls and walk over a stepping-stone pathway that leads them to a magnificent pitched-roof Thai pavilion situated on an island surrounded by thousands of gently flickering candles.

Phulay Bay, Ritz-Carlton Reserve

From here on in, guests subtly and gently have their senses enriched and stimulated with the resort’s own scent, signature drink, the stunning scenery from both inside the accommodation and throughout the resort, to tactile 100% Thai silk soft furnishings used in the villas and restaurants.

“When styling and designing Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, we were very conscious of the abundant natural beauty surrounding us which is what makes people fall in love with Thailand,” explained Estelita Sebeto, the resort’s General Manager. “We want guests to enjoy and discover the extraordinary diversity so have worked with nature to maintain a setting that evokes the very best of the natural environment and sourced local and sustainable materials in its construction and styling.”

Working closely with Thai interior designer IA49, Bunang has carefully designed buildings and public spaces to combine contemporary with culture, perfectly complementing the natural flora of existing trees and plants which cleverly act as privacy screens throughout the grounds offering greater intimacy in the resort. The use of traditional story-telling Lanna art forms both in architectural structure and as paintings and artworks on the walls and doors of villas further stimulates the senses and creates an element of interest for guests.

No two of the resort’s 16 signature Reserve Villas are the same; all slightly different in physical design and styling, guests can opt for a villa with lap pool and lawn area for sun worshiping, a private rooftop for alfresco dining and sunset viewing, or a completely secluded pool bathing area for total privacy. Across all nonetheless, luxury prevails with oversized 3metre by 2metre beds, deep sunken baths, walk in closets, expansive decked gardens and vast ‘keyhole’ doorways that create a sense of magic setting the guest at ease and welcoming them to luxury.

Phulay Bay, Ritz-Carlton Reserve

With an emphasis on personalised, bespoke experiences, guests can ‘design’ or tailor make their visit to perfectly suit their needs and desires. Their very own villa butler, can organise a light BBQ lunch at a  favourite beach spot; a meditation class with local monks; elephant trekking to a remote picnic spot; a sea plane tour of region’s dramatic scenery; an in-villa personal yoga session; a boat journey to surrounding islands – the possibilities are endless.

World-class culinary experiences will be available throughout the resort’s six intimate and carefully thought-out restaurants. Each designed to accommodate a small number of guests for highly personalised and non intrusive service. Chef will personally meet diners to better understand their tastes and preferences and all ingredients will be sourced from local markets and cooked fresh.

Included is the resort’s signature Thai restaurant, Sri Trang, a modern, and stylish restaurant with private dining room for 10 set on its own jetty overlooking the shoreline called ‘Sri Trang by the Sea’.  Lae Lay, the resort’s sea front pavilion sits parallel to a 23metre infinity pool stretching out to the sea beyond. Beautifully appointed with oversized chairs and hanging lanterns among rustling trees, guests can also choose to dine under the stars on their own in a private sala seating up to 8 guests, aptly named ‘Lae Lay Under the Stars’.

An infinity pool bar will offer soft loungers and silk pillows by day with lighter more relaxed culinary offerings, while the resort’s sunset lounge, will offer day beds, oversized pillows, chill-out lounge bar music and candle lanterns for a truly intimate and relaxing feel. The perfect place for a glass of champagne or a stylish martini as the sun sets over the seemingly endless horizon.

Phulay Bay, Ritz-Carlton Reserve

RAW spa café prepares fresh, uncooked and unaltered vegan products and has a green hydroponic bar growing the resort’s own wheatgrass and lettuce.

The ESPA villa at Phulay Bay is a sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation with stepping stones meandering through the spa leading to decked walkways and relaxation terraces surrounded by vegetation and reflection ponds that perfectly capture the unique character of Phulay Bay. The Spa itself comprises three traditional Thai pavilions set over two levels offering 11 treatment rooms including single and couples massage rooms and two VIP treatment suites with their own expansive decks for massage and showering.

The opening rates for Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve are as follows: Resort Pavilion THB19,550; Ocean Pavilion THB21,250; Beach Villa THB 27,200; Reserve Villa THB44,200 and Royal Beach Villa THB68,000. All rates are subject to 18.7% service charges and taxes.

For more information visit : reserve.ritzcarlton.com

Mandarin Oriental Sanya - Spa Products

Mandarin Oriental, Sanya is delighted to have been awarded the prestigious annual AsiaSpa Award ‘Best New Spa 2009’ at the publication’s awards ceremony in Hong Kong earlier this month. Competing with 12 other competitors across Asia, the resort’s spacious 3,200 square metre Spa Village was singled out for its innovative design, unrivalled service levels and unique holistic and wellness treatments on offer. “The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Sanya is a destination in itself offering privacy and relaxation”, Stephan Wagner, Director of Spa and Recreation, said. “Our professional team of experts takes pride in spoiling and pampering our guests with a range of wellness and beauty treatments that are unrivalled on the island”.

Since opening in January of this year, The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Sanya has been widely acclaimed, and has been recognized by a range of international magazines such as Conde Nast Traveler, Travel + Leisure and CNN Traveller amongst others. As the only luxury resort in the region to offer Traditional Chinese Medicine treatments, holistic Tai Chi and Qi Gong classes delivered by a Shaolin Kung Fu Master, and Yoga from an Indian Yoga Master, the resort offers the chance to experience an international mix of therapies, and ancient Asian holistic and wellness treatments in truly idyllic surroundings.

About Mandarin Oriental, Sanya
Mandarin Oriental, Sanya, is situated on a 1.2 km exclusive coral beach near Sanya city in Hainan Island, China’s most popular beachfront holiday destination.  Providing sheer luxury and refined elegance, it is set among 12 hectares of exclusive tropical foliage in a sheltered bay offering panoramic views of the South China Sea. Ideally located near the city’s popular shopping and entertainment district, Dadonghai, it provides convenient access to both the international airport and most of the nearby tourist attractions.

The resort features a series of private low rise and pool villa accommodation with ocean views, some featuring individual pools, patios and gazebos.  There are 11 innovative restaurants and bars, an extensive spa village with private treatment suites and gardens, a large recreation centre with children’s facilities and over 6,000 sq metres of indoor and outdoor conference and banqueting space, providing guests with the perfect destination getaway whether for business or pleasure.

For more information visit : www.mandarinoriental.com/sanya

Spa Treatment in Mandarin Oriental New York

Five Mandarin Oriental hotels were recently awarded the prestigious 2009 Forbes Five Star Spa Award out of only 13 hotels worldwide. Mandarin Oriental hotels in New York, Miami and Hong Kong, who had been awarded in previous years, were joined this year by The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong and Mandarin Oriental, Boston. In addition Mandarin Oriental Washington DC was honoured as a Forbes Four Star Spa.

These awards are further confirmation that Mandarin Oriental spas are continuing to set the bar in terms of design and service, and have been added to a growing list of trophies that have been won throughout the year. In the US, Spa Magazine’s  Silver Sage Awards for Best Spas 2009 went to Mandarin Oriental, New York (for north and north east USA), Mandarin Oriental, Miami (for south and south east USA), Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong (for the Far East) and Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok (for south east Asia).

In addition, AsiaSpa Magazine recently honoured Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group with the Baccarat AsiaSpa Award for best therapist team and placed Mandarin Oriental, Sanya as the Best New Spa of the Year for Asia. Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group was also honoured for the fourth time as Best Wellness & Spa Group in the Asia Pacific Crystal Awards that salutes the best in the industry, while The Landmark Mandarin Oriental was awarded Best Hotel Spa.

Andrew Gibson, Group Director of Spa, said, “We are delighted to have been honoured by so many awards, which are testament to the hard work and consistency of our spa teams around the world. The launch of Mandarin Oriental’s signature treatments and brand of products this year has helped to underline our spa philosophy of delivering authentic and holistic experiences. We also remaining focused on providing a consistent level of service excellence to our guests.”

Mandarin Oriental spas are also open to non-residents providing the ideal venue in which to experience superb therapeutic massages and excellent skin care programmes.

For more information visit : www.mandarinoriental.com

©Amanresorts - Amanfayun

Early next year, Amanresorts will launch its 24th property, Amanfayun. Named for a Tang Dynasty village which once inhabited the site, Amanfayun will offer guests a unique rural retreat on the outskirts of the historic Chinese city of Hangzhou, just a 20-minute drive from the city centre.

Amanfayun lies hidden in a valley to the west of West Lake – an historic site surrounded by fields, temples, groves of bamboo and densely forested hills. The property today consists of a remaining 47 stone courtyard dwellings that once housed villagers who tended the surrounding tea plantations. While the villagers have long since left, the fields still yield some of the finest green tea in China. Amanfayun lies within a pilgrimage circuit of five significant Buddhist temples, currently under review by UNESCO as both a cultural and religious heritage site.

Amanfayun offers 42 rooms, suites and villas, of which sixteen are Village Rooms, nine are Village Suites, 12 are Deluxe Village Suites, four are Village Villas (featuring a duplex configuration with private double massage treatment rooms), and one is the Amanfayun Villa (comprising two king-size bedrooms, a courtyard and a private massage treatment room). Due to the unique nature of the structures, no two rooms are identical. Whilst respecting the integrity of the original village dwellings, all accommodations enjoy the comforts of radiant under-floor heating, air conditioning and Wi-Fi internet connections. All accommodations feature natural finishes, open-grain elm wood furniture including daybeds and dining suites, and dark wood Chinese lattice screens which separate the various living spaces. Fine calligraphy art pieces decorate the walls and a sound system with iPod option is available in all rooms (televisions are available on request). Most accommodation units open onto private or semi-private courtyards with informal outdoor dining and lounge areas.

©Amanresorts - Amanfayun

Central to Amanfayun’s status as a relaxing retreat is the resort’s Aman Spa. Positioned at the northern end of the Fayun Pathway, the Aman Spa consists of five buildings set around tranquil courtyards and surrounded by bamboo groves, tea bushes and Magnolia trees. The Reception is the first building accessed from the Fayun Pathway via a shaded courtyard, and contains the spa library, lounge and consultation area. A wooden stairway leads to the second floor Reflexology Room for traditional foot massages. From the rear of the Reception building, a stone footpath leads to the rest of the spa houses.

The second building is the Bath House. This contains three treatment rooms that allow guests to relax alone or as a couple. Each treatment room features a circular wooden soaking tub, a steam room and double-seated showers. The building adjacent to the Bath House is the Movement Studio. This comprises two levels around a central courtyard shaded by twin Magnolia trees. Entry is via a reception area featuring a fresh juice bar. On the lower level and directly adjacent to the Yongfu Temple wall is a separate Tai Chi, yoga and meditation room. A fully-equipped gym is located directly across the courtyard. A stairway leads to the second level which houses the Aman Pilates Studio. Further along the stone footpath is the Finishing Salon where hair spa treatments, manicures, pedicures and waxing are offered.

©Amanresorts - Amanfayun

The last two-storey structure within the spa complex houses the treatment rooms – three doubles and two singles. Each room features a changing area, steam shower and soaking tub. Massage and body treatments draw from traditional Chinese massage and reflexology, as well as from ancient Asian healing therapies. At the end of every treatment, guests are served fresh herbal tea in their own private relaxation area.

Adjacent to the Aman Spa is the Aman Boutique which carries a fine collection of antiques, jewellery and crafts, as well as an interesting display of silks – the production of which has brought fame to Hangzhou for centuries. Guests interested in the city’s role in the ancient silk trade can explore the silk streets of Xinhua and Jiankang in Hangzhou’s heart, now the largest silk wholesale and retail markets in China.

For more information visit : www.amanresorts.com

HSH PRINCE ALBERT II OF MONACO LAUNCHES MARRAKECH’S PRESTIGIOUS JAWHAR ESTATE

On Monday 9th November 2009, His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco officiated at the launch of the Jawhar Estate in Morocco. The Jawhar Estate is part of a planned new luxury district in the Menara area of Marrakech and is being undertaken by development and investment specialist Aerium Atlas Management and will be managed by renowned hotel operator Monte-Carlo SBM.

Scheduled to open in late 2011, the 14 hectare Jawhar Estate (Jawhar means “Jewel” in Arabic), uniquely located in the heart of Marrakech, provides 25 private residences, a 93 all-suite 5-star hotel (Monte-Carlo SBM’s first resort outside of Monaco), a top gastronomic restaurant and a Wellness Centre and Spa; the latter drives the character and offering of Jawhar and will adroitly position the resort as the key destination in the rapidly growing global “healthcare tourism” market.

HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco was hosted by Mr Ely Michel Ruimy, Chairman of the Aerium Group, and Mr Bernard Lambert, Chief Executive Officer of Monte-Carlo SBM. Also in attendance were the team involved in the project including luxury resort specialist architects HKS Hill Glazier Studio represented by Luis Zapiain and Luciano Mazza; Sybille de Margerie of SM Design, the well known Paris based hotel designer; France’s foremost landscape architect Jean Mus, Susan Harmsworth, the founder of the international spa operator ESPA and the world renowned Jacques Grange who will design the interiors of the private residences.

Jawhar Residence - Main Pool

In a special VIP presentation suite created on the site of the Jawhar Estate, HSH Prince Albert II of Monaco was shown by their hosts the plans and images together with a special visualisation of the Jawhar Estate. To commemorate the historic event, a scroll highlighting the attendance of the Princes at the launch will be laid under the Foundation Stone for the Jawhar Estate.

His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco commented: “It is a real pleasure for me to attend the launch of the Jawhar Estate in Marrakech of a project that symbolises Monte-Carlo SBM’s very first international development. For nearly 150 years Monte-Carlo SBM successfully helped to build and reinforce Monte-Carlo and Monaco’s world renowned reputation for quality, style, glamour and the highest standards of customer service. This launch and project also represent a further step in the development of the warm relationship His Majesty King Mohammed VI of Morocco and myself have enjoyed for a long time. We have both witnessed the blossoming of numerous projects common to both countries in the fields of politics, commerce and the environment. I am delighted that this enhanced phase in the relationship between our two countries has been reflected in the launch of the Jawhar Estate project which brings together the best of Monte-Carlo and Morocco.”

Mr Bernard Lambert, Chief Executive Officer of Monte-Carlo SBM commented: “The Jawhar Estate stands apart due to its outstanding location, landscaping and the magnificent Wellness Centre and Spa. It is where the very best of Monte-Carlo and Morocco is combined with contemporary design and 5-star services, to provide unrivalled chic, elegant and timeless luxury living.”

Mr Ely Michel Ruimy, Chairman of the Aerium Group commented: “We are privileged to have been afforded this opportunity by the Kingdom of Morocco to develop the Jawhar Estate on this historic site. It is our responsibility to ensure that we fulfil the expectations and deliver to the people of Marrakech an exceptional development that will further enhance the prestige of the city and deliver a legacy for its future.”

For more information visit : www.jawharresidences.com

Situated Amidst Hawaii’s Lush Tropical Landscape and Sparkling Azure Waters, The St. Regis Princeville Offers and Unrivaled Dimension of Luxury, Sophistication and Unparalleled Service in Kaua’i's Most Quintessential Address

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE: HOT) announces the debut of the St. Regis hotel brand in Hawaii with the opening of The St. Regis Princeville Resort.  Ideally located on Hawaii’s breathtaking island of Kaua’i, The St. Regis Princeville Resort introduces an unparalleled level of sophistication and serene luxury to one of the most remarkable destinations in the world. Following a multi-million dollar renovation, the iconic resort has been transformed into an elegant reflection of its island home, paying homage to the land and culture. Redesigned in collaboration with hotel design firm WATG and local Hawaiian architecture firm Group 70, The St. Regis Princeville Resort features 252 luxuriously appointed guest rooms, including 51 premium ocean view suites, the elegant Halele’a Spa, Prince and Makai Champion golf courses by Robert Trent Jones II and Kaua’i Grill by world renowned chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten.
“We are proud to debut the St. Regis brand in Hawai’i with the opening of The St. Regis Princeville Resort, featuring the iconic luxury, unmatched privilege and bespoke services for which the St. Regis brand is renowned,” said Paul James, Global Brand Leader, St. Regis and The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts. “Truly one of the world’s most desirable destinations, Hawai’i is rich in culture and heritage and offers our discerning global guests an exotic array of world-class cuisine, art and stunning natural surroundings.”
Formerly a part of Starwood’s renowned The Luxury Collection brand, The St. Regis Princeville Resort has been re-envisioned to accentuate a sense of relaxed yet refined island luxury and timeless beauty.  Bringing a residential feel to the interiors and reflecting Hawaii’s natural surroundings, the resort’s redesign was inspired by the Hawaiian concept of Ahupua’a, a philosophy of living in balance with nature. The grand lobby will be distinguished by a dramatic point of entry including a cascading chandelier comprised of over 4,000 pieces of Murano glass representing the waterfall of Na Molokama Mountain, a coffered ceiling of natural woven raffia, palm wood floors and soaring glass panels that open to the sea and the spectacular sunsets of Mt. Makana.

Dining at The St. Regis Princeville indulges the senses with diverse culinary offerings.  Each of the resort’s four distinctive dining venues feature fresh seasonal ingredients locally farmed or produced on Kaua’i Island. As the resort’s signature restaurant, Kaua’i Grill will feature spectacular views of Hanalei Bay and a menu of masterful internationally influenced cuisine utilizing the freshest fish and ingredients indigenous to the islands, exclusively developed by Chef Vongerichten and his talented team. The dramatically designed interior of the restaurant features a rich palette of coco, ruby, cognac, leather, bronze and zebra woods evoking Hawaii’s luminous colors with a contemporary interpretation of island motifs. A spectacular, spiraling, lit fabric ceiling in the shape of a nautilus shell crowns the dining room, lending a dramatic glow by night and complementing the sweeping views by day. Spilling from the center of the ceiling is a hand-crafted fiber optic and ruby glass hibiscus chandelier that echoes the surrounding mountain waterfalls and Hawaii’s indigenous flora.

The 10,000 square foot Halele’a Spa at The St. Regis Princeville Resort is a masterpiece of style and refinement. Each guest is attended to by a qualified wellness consultant who designs individualized spa programs for body and mind inspired by Native Hawaiian healing rituals. Each spacious treatment room is enriched with custom millwork of native Hawaiian woods, palm wood floors, natural fiber drapery treatments and a custom Murano glass plumeria flower chandelier. Using only the finest finishes, the interiors provide a sense of peace and a place commensurate with the island’s transcendent beauty.

An ideal destination for weddings, meetings and social events, The St. Regis Princeville’s newly transformed meeting spaces boast 12,000 square feet of both indoor and outdoor space and offers a dynamic setting with the latest in computer and audio visual technology.
Among the resort’s signature features is a unique infinity pool situated on the ocean overlooking beautiful Hanalei Bay. Surrounded by lush tropical gardens, naturally defined stonework and striking water features reflecting Hawai’i's tropical outdoor lifestyle, the pool deck will also feature Nalu Kai Restaurant. For those in pursuit of sports and recreation, guests can experience Princeville’s two premiere 18-hole golf courses; the Prince and Makai designed by Robert Trent Jones, II. The championship Makai Course is undergoing a major renovation to be completed in winter 2010.The St. Regis Princeville’s Young Guest Program will also caters to families with a private club boasting an array of Hawaiian cultural activities and adventures.

The St. Regis Princeville steeped in grand Hawaiian heritage, is built on legendary grounds beside the emerald green Hanalei Valley and overlooks the awe inspiring Napali Coast. The area was named the “City of the Prince” after a royal visit by Hawai’i's Prince Albert, son of King Kamehameha IV in 1860. Princeville’s breathtaking natural setting has made the area among the premiere destinations in the world. The resort is surrounded by five majestic mountains, a patchwork of taro farms, a wildlife refuge, equestrian paths, hiking trails, ancient sea caves and lagoons.
Following in the tradition of the iconic St. Regis Hotel New York, The St. Regis Princeville Resort will feature the famed hallmarks of St. Regis hotels around the world including the legendary St. Regis Butler Service, bespoke guest experiences and luxury accommodations tailored to meet global travelers’ needs. Trained in the English tradition, the butlers provide ever-present, yet unobtrusive service while anticipating guests needs and customizing each guest’s stay according to his or her specific tastes and preferences.

For more information on The St. Regis Princeville and how to reserve its quintessential experiences, please visit, www.stregis.com/princeville

he award winning Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. offers winter vacationers a trio of resorts opening just in time for the holidays.  From the snow covered slopes of Lake Tahoe to the foothills of Arizona’s Tortolita Mountains, and across the Pacific to the lush forests of southern Thailand, these unique resorts offer the exceptional settings and extraordinary guest service which The Ritz-Carlton is known for around the world.

The Ritz-Carlton Highlands, Lake Tahoe

Opened on December 9 in California, The Ritz-Carlton Highlands, Lake Tahoe, a $300 million slope-side project, offers ski-in, ski-out access in winter. The 170-room contemporary lodge design also includes 23 private Ritz-Carlton Residences and 25 Ritz-Carlton Destination Club Residences. Guests will enjoy organic and regional dining at the resort’s signature restaurant, Manzanita, created by renowned San Francisco chef Traci Des Jardins. The first new-build resort development in the Lake Tahoe area in decades, it is situated mid-mountain in the Northstar-at-Tahoe ski resort, with an inter-mountain gondola to offer ease of access to the slopes and the hotel. After a day of skiing, guests of The Ritz-Carlton Highlands, Lake Tahoe can rest and relax at the 1,579 square meter/17,000 square foot Highlands Spa, where treatments and therapies are themed around water and the woods.

Adjacent to the resort, The Ritz-Carlton Club, Lake Tahoe offers two to four bedroom fractional residences with mountain and valley views of the Sierra Nevada. The fractional ownership prices range from the low $100,000 to more than $500,000 per deeded Home Club Membership. Portfolio Memberships are also available.

The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain

Also in the western region of the United States, The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain welcomes its first guests on December 18. Nestled in the foothills of the dramatic Tortolita Mountains, the 250-room low rise resort is surrounded by thousands of majestic Saguaro cacti, ancient Petroglyphs left by the Hohokam Indians, and home to native wildlife living within the 3,4 square kilometers/850 acres of the environment northwest of Tucson, Arizona. To enjoy the serenity of the high Sonoran Desert at its very best, guests can select from a small group of secluded casitas overlooking Wild Burro Canyon.

Golfers will take to the greens of the Jack Nicklaus Signature Course, host of the WGC-Accenture Match Play Championship. For outdoors types, more than 37 kilometers/20 miles of clearly mapped trails by National Geographic will challenge their fitness and endurance skills. At the end of an active day, the Spa is the perfect respite for soothing treatments inspired by ancient Native American traditions.  Diners will discover CORE Kitchen and Wine Bar featuring an open kitchen highlighting the culinary team, with 180 degree views overlooking the desert terrain. Chef de Cuisine, Joel Harrington brings his culinary talent from the award-winning Fearings Restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas.

Phulay Bay, Ritz Carlton Reserve

Finally on December 22, The Ritz-Carlton introduces its first of a select group of Reserve properties, which are a brand extension planned for unique destinations around the globe. At Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, in Krabi, Southern Thailand 54 villas and pavilions have been designed to embrace the serenity and magical features of the country. Guests enter the resort over a stepping-stone walkway that leads them to a wooden Thai pavilion situated on an island surrounded by thousands of gently flickering candles. The contemporary Thai style blends seamlessly with the canopy of forests and flowers amidst the dense vegetation. High aubergine walls and “hedges” made from indigenous trees add to the sense of being one with nature.  Set on the shores of the Andaman Sea, guests of the resort can walk to the beach for an al fresco picnic. For the adventure seeker, elephant treks can transport guests to sites of ancient ruins, Buddhist temples, and undisturbed scenery. The experiences offered can be personally tailored to fulfill every wish.

For more information on The Ritz-Carlton Highlands, Lake Tahoe; The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain; or Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, consult www.ritzcarlton.com

The Ritz-Carlton Highlands, Lake Tahoe

Lake Tahoe’s First Five-Star Caliber Ski Resort Opens under Blankets of Snow !

The snow is flying across the Sierra Nevada Mountain range and the highly anticipated Ritz-Carlton Highlands, Lake Tahoe opened today to much fanfare, during a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony this morning at 10:30 am. Northstar-at-Tahoe has received over thirty inches of snowfall at the summit in the last 48 hours, setting the stage with near perfect winter conditions for the launch of this world class destination ski resort, the first resort of a luxury hotelier in the Lake Tahoe area. The forecast predicts that even more snow will fall.

Following five years of design, construction and development phases, The Ritz-Carlton Highlands, Lake Tahoe opens mid-mountain in Northstar-at-Tahoe resort, offering the finest ski-in, ski-out experience in California if not all the world. “This is truly a first of its kind experience for North Lake Tahoe” said Allen Highfield, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton resort. “It has been incredibly exciting to see the final details fall into place, the training of the Ladies and Gentlemen and their enthusiasm to welcome our first guests.” The Ritz-Carlton has created over 350 jobs this year in Northern California, providing highly respected hospitality jobs and excellent training.

Simon F. Cooper, President and Chief Operating Officer for The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. personally joined Allen Highfield for the cutting of the ceremonial ribbon and the welcoming of the first guest. “Lake Tahoe has always been a destination known for its pristine natural beauty and skiing, now it will also be known as home to a world-class resort,” said Cooper. “The arrival of our brand and the opening of The Ritz-Carlton Highlands, Lake Tahoe further enhances the guest‘s service experience at Northstar-at-Tahoe.”

The Ritz-Carlton Highlands, Lake Tahoe is the first new-build resort development in the Lake Tahoe area in decades. Anticipated to be the premier Northern California contemporary mountain retreat, the $300 million project, situated mid-mountain in the Northstar-at-Tahoe ski area will feature ski-in, ski-out access with mountain concierge services. Manzanita, the resort’s signature restaurant has been created by San Francisco’s James Beard Award Winning chef Traci Des Jardins. The Highlands Spa is a 17,000 square foot spa and fitness center with treatments and therapies themed around water and the woods. The new Highlands Gondola also opens today and will connect guests between the nearby Village-at-Northstar and The Ritz-Carlton Highlands, Lake Tahoe resort. Perched slope-side within a 15 minute drive of both Lake Tahoe and the historic town of Truckee, the year-round destination includes 170 guest rooms, 23 private Ritz-Carlton Residences and 25 Ritz-Carlton Destination Club residences.

The hotel is the contemporary legacy of the great mountain lodges built at the turn of the 20th century, inspired by the iconic Ahwahnee in Yosemite and the Timberline Lodge on Mt. Hood. The hotel was designed as a series of linked pavilions tucked into the contour of the hillside with a grand octagonal lobby at the center. The rusticity of the building has been tempered and modernized through the use of contemporary materials such floor-to-ceiling windows in the Living Room that provide dramatic views and natural light. Great care was taken to protect the natural form of the landscape and to integrate the building seamlessly into its forest setting. Landmark trees were selected and tagged important so that construction crews could work around the forest as opposed to clear cutting the site.

The Ritz-Carlton Highlands will be one of the first major five-star caliber mountain resorts to seek LEED certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. Beyond the pedestrian-friendly design of the site, some of the environmental features include underground parking instead of outdoor asphalt lots, the use of recycled steel, and the incorporation of energy efficient heating and cooling systems. The Highlands Gondola acts as public transportation connecting the resort to the Village-at-Northstar below.

For more information about The Ritz-Carlton Highlands, Lake Tahoe please contact Steven H. Holt at 530-562-3016 or visit www.ritzcarlton.com/laketahoe.

In addition to the hotel opening, The Ritz-Carlton Club, Lake Tahoe will welcome Members on December 18. Adjacent to The Ritz-Carlton Highlands, Lake Tahoe, the 25 two-, three- and four-bedroom destination club residences (78 residences at build-out) ranging from approximately 1,423 to 2,434 square feet will enjoy dramatic mountain and valley views of the Sierra Nevada. Currently, fractional ownership prices range from the low $100,000s to more than $500,000 per deeded, Home Club Membership with use 21 days annually. With pricing averaging $260,000 for 10,000 points, Portfolio Memberships are also available. For more information visit www.ritzcarltondestinationclub.com.

Founder and CEO, Six Senses Resorts & Spas

Thirteen years after they created Soneva Fushi – the Maldives benchmark for high-end eco-friendly, all-natural opulence – the innovative husband and wife team Sonu and Eva Shivdasani are getting set to launch Soneva Kiri, just the third Soneva on the planet. In the interim, they have built Six Senses Resorts & Spas into a company that demonstrates to the world that luxury lifestyle and environmental responsibility can complement each other beautifully, to deliver Intelligent Luxury.

Soneva Fushi was awarded the Best of the Best for 2000 by the readers of Conde Nast Traveller, as Soneva Gili – the second Soneva – was in development. When Soneva Gili opened in 2002, it almost immediately was awarded Hotel of the Year from Tatler Travel Guide, plus Hideaway of the Year by Hideaways Magazine. This confirmed to Sonu and Eva that they were absolutely on the right track, and they set about creating Soneva number three – Soneva Kiri.

This time, the Soneva phenomenon was to be created in Thailand. Sonu and Eva discovered a stunning site on the island of Kood, on the south-east side of the Gulf of Thailand, referred to as Thailand’s last frontier. Sonu had always described the ideal Soneva location as “remote but accessible”, and remote was certainly the case with Soneva Kiri. Accessible was to come later, with the construction of a private airstrip at Soneva Kiri, reducing the travel time from Bangkok from more than three hours to less than one hour, with the convenience of a private, ultra comfortable 8-seat Cessna Grand Caravan.

“Soneva Kiri incorporates everything that we have learned from designing Soneva Fushi and Soneva Gili”, says Sonu, “plus we have added some exceptional guest experiences that will surprise and delight guests. Like dining in tree-top pods, or discovering The Den – a vast manta ray construction hovering above the forest”.

It’s a Soneva – an amalgam of their names – so Sonu and Eva are intimately involved with every aspect of the property. It carries their DNA. And when it comes to design, Eva is quite formidable; an inspired zealot with all things concerning the environment, from furnishings to food. Yet she still manages to create some of the most innovative and memorable interior concepts for Soneva, whilst at the same time, leading the Six Senses Creative team, who are simultaneously working on another dozen properties in development. A former top model, working as Eva Malmstrom, she graced the front covers of more than one hundred fashion magazines in the 70’s and 80’s. She is blessed with natural style, albeit playful, with vibrant colours and the quirky re-assigned use of everyday items. For example, how does Eva hide a flat-panel television? Easy, she pops it into a travelling trunk at the foot of the bed, and when the trunk lid is open, the screen slides into a comfortable viewing position.

Soneva Kiri

Sonu and Eva’s own home is a Soneva, so they set about designing villas and facilities the way they would enjoy entertaining in them, themselves. They consider personal space and privacy to be one of the greatest luxuries, so this becomes integral to the Soneva philosophy; an extension of their own lifestyle. At Soneva Kiri, they have gone one better, by setting aside some villas for purchase by loyal Soneva Repeaters. Owners get all the benefits of the resort, while enjoying their very own piece of Soneva Kiri. As with guests, they also have the Soneva Kiri Grand Caravan for transfers.

Soneva Kiri will also be a showcase for SLOW LIFE, the philosophy that the couple have created for the Six Senses group. An acronym for Sustainable-Local-Organic-Wholesome  Learning-Inspiring-Fun-Experiences, this has become the nucleus for the group’s core purpose: To create innovative and enlightening experiences that rejuvenate our guests’ love of SLOW LIFE, and an individual mission for hoteliers extroadinaire, Sonu and Eva Shivdasani.
Soneva Kiri has opened its doors on the 20th of November 2009.

Soneva Kiri Private Residence

For more information visit : http://www.sixsenses.com/Soneva-Kiri/