Vivanta Hotels & Resorts by Taj

19 Taj Hotels migrate to a new brand Vivanta Hotels & Resorts by Taj

Taj Hotels Resorts & Palaces today announced the second phase of their brand architecture exercise with the roll-over of 19 hotels to their new brand, Vivanta by Taj Hotels & Resorts, slotted in the 5-Star Upper Upscale segment. India’s largest hospitality group flagged off Vivanta by Taj Hotels & Resorts at a gala event at the brand’s marquee hotel, Vivanta by Taj – Whitefield, Bangalore. This follows the highly successful launch of their Upscale brand – The Gateway Hotel – exactly two years ago.

Sixteen erstwhile Taj Hotels joined the three existing Vivanta by Taj hotels to create a brand which has an inventory of nearly 2500 rooms. An aggressive expansion programme is already in place which will see the brand grow organically to more than 30 hotels with over 5000 rooms over the next two years. Vivanta by Taj includes landmark city hotels like Vivanta by Taj – President, Mumbai and Vivanta by Taj – Connemara as well as some of the best-loved resorts like Vivanta by Taj – Fort Aguada, Goa and Vivanta by Taj – Holiday Village, Goa, among others.

Taj Hotels, Resorts and Palaces have created Vivanta after a series of extensive customer understanding studies. Vivanta by Taj Hotels & Resorts are slated to appeal to the cosmopolitan global traveler who appreciates new experiences and pleasant surprises, rather than the typical hotel stay experience. The Vivanta brand is positioned to be stylish and sophisticated, contemporary, vivid and creative and to afford a cool avatar of luxury. At the same time, Vivanta shares a strong connect with the Taj warmth and friendliness, being overtly endorsed by the quintessential Indian hospitality brand!

Mr. Raymond N Bickson, M.D. & C.E.O., Indian Hotels Company Limited spoke of enabling the group to grow faster and ensuring that the company has a strong presence across the key hospitality segments. He said, “The launch of Vivanta by Taj Hotels & Resorts heralds a new chapter in the 107 year history of the Taj. This brand is a testament to the dynamism & innovation that the Taj is known for. It supports the company’s stated objective of achieving growth through domestic dominance”.

Mr. Bickson also unveiled the new website www.vivantabytaj.com in the presence of other senior executives including Mr. Abhijit Mukerji, Executive Director Operations, Mr. Anil P Goel, Executive Director Finance and Mr. Veer Vijay Singh, Chief Operating Officer, Vivanta by Taj Hotels & Resorts.

Vivanta by Taj, Coral Reef Maldives

Mr. Ajoy Misra, Senior Vice President, Sales & Marketing, Taj Hotels Resorts & Palaces, explained the company’s rationale for having a basket of brands, each created to appeal to a distinct psychographic segment and detailed the fine level of planning that had gone into conceptualising the brand with its unique experiences and touch-points. IHCL worked with global branding consultants Landor on understanding the strategic imperatives as well as developing the design signature for the brands – “Vivanta will redefine this segment of hotels and offer a very fresh experience to our guests. To fashion this holistic experience, we mapped out various scenarios and aspects of the Customer Journey and crafted intervening touch-points which reaffirm the brand values and ethos.

Speaking about the evolution of the brand and its spirit, Mr. Misra said “Vivanta by Taj Hotels & Resorts are positioned in the Upper-Upscale segment, flanked by Taj in the top-end Luxury segment and The Gateway Hotel in the Upscale segment. Our brand journey, which started a few years ago, continues today with our portfolio consisting of clearly demarcated brands each having a distinct identity, values and experiences.

The name ‘Vivanta’ draws inspiration from the term ‘bon vivant’, signifying sophistication and appreciation for the good things in life and also from the attributes of vividness and vivacity. The brand exudes style and a strong sense of living life to the hilt. Designed to deliver vibrant experiences to its guests, Vivanta by Taj Hotels & Resorts will combine the charming hospitality that is a hallmark of the Taj and overlay it with a contemporary, energetic and vivacious twist.”

Mr. Veer Vijay Singh, Chief Operating Officer, Vivanta by – Taj Hotels & Resorts said “We are extremely passionate about the launch of Vivanta by Taj! Our guests can look forward to many subtle yet pleasantly surprising touches at our hotels.”

Taj Hotels Resorts & Palaces has been operating three hotels under the Vivanta by Taj brand for periods ranging from twelve to twenty months. These hotels include Vivanta by Taj – Whitefield, Bangalore, Vivanta by Taj – Panaji, Goa and Vivanta by Taj – Coral Reef, Maldives. The brand touch-points have been in operation at these hotels and guests have been highly appreciative of the Vivanta way. This gave the Taj opportunity to study, fine-tune and enhance the experiences based on customer feedback. Going forward, the migrating hotels and resorts will also offer these stylish and spirited experiences.

The Indian Hotels Company Limited has an aggressive growth plan for Vivanta by Taj. Within the next few months, new-build Vivanta by Taj hotels would be opened in key metropolitan areas like Bangalore (Yeshwantpur), Hyderabad (Begumpet), Coimbatore (Race Course Road) and three in Delhi/NCR (Dwarka, Gurgaon and Shahdara). In the same period, 3 Vivanta by Taj resorts will also open in Madikeri in Coorg, Bekal in north Kerala and Srinagar in Kashmir. In addition, six more projects are already under development for new Vivanta by Taj Hotels & Resorts.”

The rollout of the Vivanta by Taj brand within the Taj Hotels Resorts & Palaces portfolio fulfills its commitment to deliver a more defined and focused customer experience, keeping in step with evolving customer needs.

Raffles Makkah Palace

Expansion includes debuts in Seychelles, France and Saudi Arabia. The dramatic transformation of Raffles Paris creates a new artistic destination for global travelers.

Raffles Hotels & Resorts continues to expand worldwide with its first ultra-luxury resort in Seychelles and a dramatic Philippe Starck transformation for iconic Raffles Paris Le Royal Monceau. These landmark projects follow the group’s August debut in Saudi Arabia, in the holy city of Makkah and the successful launch of Raffles Tianjin, China.

Raffles sails into the Indian Ocean with Raffles Praslin, Seychelles, opening in early 2011 on tranquil Praslin Island, close to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Vallée de Mai, one of Seychelles’ natural treasures.

The resort encompasses 86 villas and villa suites with private plunge pools and outdoor sheltered pavilions, complemented by the group’s signature round-the-clock Raffles Butler service. Guests can also look forward to a 500 metre white sand beach.

Raffles Praslin, Seychelles

Its exceptional Raffles Spa features 13 pavilions built among natural rock formations, high above the water, offering spectacular views. At the core of Raffles Praslin’s spa philosophy is the pearl. The unique lustre of every pearl begins as a grain of sand, an expression of the Raffles Spa transformation – an enriching journey that takes guests through an all encompassing renewal and rejuvenation of body and mind.

The private dining experience at Raffles Praslin is not to be missed as the resort is marked by undulating slopes, stunning ocean views and lush scenery; lending itself to creative outdoor dining experiences from lively family picnics atop boulders and sand banks, to romantic dinners at the beach, garden, aboard a yacht or in the villa.

Opening in Autumn 2010 is Le Royal Monceau, Raffles Paris, located in close proximity to the couture boutiques and luxury specialty stores of Champs Elysees. With interiors transformed under the creative eye of French designer Philippe Starck, this luxury Paris hotel is a French masterpiece offering sophisticated residency with a glamourous, exuberant and artistic mood. Devoted to true elegance, Le Royal Monceau, Raffles Paris set to once again be the favoured meeting point for artists, intellectuals and a new generation of travellers, just as it was in the 1930s when the hotel was originally established.

Specially curated art exhibitions, a contemporary arts bookstore with television screens beaming live feeds from art auctions and an Art Concierge set Le Royal Monceau, Raffles Paris apart. Design of public spaces is dramatic, including a stark red Cigar Parlour.

Le Royal Monceau, Raffles Paris is also the first hotel in Paris with its own cinema, designed so an entire movie promotion from red carpet screening premieres, reception, media interviews and accommodation can be organised in one venue.

Among the hotel’s dining highlights are the pastries and sweets which will be created by Pierre Herme, famous in France, Japan and the Unites States and acclaimed by Vogue magazine as the ‘Picasso of Pastry’. He takes an original approach to the profession of pastry chef and revolutionizes even the most firmly entrenched traditions such as “using sugar like salt, in other words, as a seasoning to heighten other shades of flavor.”

Raffles has arrived to the holiest city on earth for approximately 1.6 billion Muslims: Makkah, Saudi Arabia. The newly opened Raffles Makkah Palace is located in the spectacular new Abraj Al Bait complex, a seven-tower community directly adjoining the Masjid Al Haram – or Grand Mosque – and the Kaaba which is the primary destinations of all pilgrimages.
The hotel, located only steps away from the Holy Mosque, is expected to reach new levels of personal service in Saudi Arabia. It features 213 suites with breathtaking views of the Grand Mosque and Kaaba with personal butlers exemplifying “heartfelt service” as they strive to anticipate residents’ needs.

The hotel also offers a superbly equipped business center and state-of-the-art business rooms, making it a business destination as well.

For more information visit : http://www.raffles.com

Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita

Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita Brings the Dream of Living in Paradise One Step Closer with Villa Accommodations. Full living, dining and kitchen facilities, bedrooms for everyone, and a private pool await.

Choices include :

St.Regis Resort & Spa Mauritius

The St Regis Resort & Spa Mauritius to become a leading luxury resort in the exotic island of Mauritius in the Indian Ocean.

A lush green patchwork of gently swaying sugar cane fields encircle a series of towering peaks that overlook an Indian Ocean that gleams by day and sparkles by night.  The natural beauty is complemented by its people, a blend of settlers who have all made this tropical island their home over the centuries and are testament to its colonial past; and it is they with their warm and welcoming nature that time and again lures those seeking peace and tranquility back to the island of Mauritius.

Trou aux Biches Resort & Spa

An absolute gem of a hotel, Trou aux Biches is reopening in November, set in a superb ocean-side setting, on its legendary namesake beach in the north of the island.

To blend harmoniously with the exceptional setting, the hotel has renovated all its buildings and facilities to conform to the most demanding environmental standards.

Everything has been designed so that guests can enjoy their stay in perfect comfort without any negative impact on the environment. The measures taken have included: 1,000 m² of solar-heating panels to supply hot water A composting unit able to handle up to 5 tons of green waste every day A waste-water treatment plant recycling 450m³ every day, of which 300m³ is used for irrigation Kitchens fitted with cold systems that, through cogeneration, will provide all the hot water they need Drinking water and cold-water pumps all fitted with flow regulators that will produce a 40% drop in electricity use High efficiency cold-water production units, with a performance coefficient of 6.7 Swimming pools fitted with a computerised system controlling treatment product use, which ensures optimal water quality and system tracking over a period of time. The pools will also be subject to ozone treatment to provide excellent water quality.

Such examples reflect Trou aux Biches’ commitment to the quality of guest services as well as environmental conservation. In addition, to enhance sustainability, a salt-water desalinisation plant, using inverse osmosis, will provide a daily supply of 450m³ of drinking water. This all makes the Trou aux Biches even more unique and will ensure that it remains one of the leading Mauritian hotels for many years to come.

For more information visit : http://www.beachcomber-hotels.com

Yoga Elephant at Anantara Golden Triangle Resort & Spa

Blending the attractions of a breathtaking Golden Triangle setting with an on-site Elephant Camp and sumptuous Anantara Spa, Anantara Golden Triangle Resort & Spa combines three signature activities in the launch of a unique Jungle Yoga, Elephant & Spa Experience.

Designed to help yoga enthusiasts of all stages take their practice to spirit enhancing new levels, this unique wellness journey comprises a tranquil elephant trek, energising yoga class and deeply relaxing spa experience.

Anantara Golden Triangle Resort & Spa is renowned for its magnificent views of Thailand, Myanmar and Laos’ misty hills with the mighty Mekong River meandering in between.  Indeed the resort’s enthralling Elephant Camp activities, cultural experiences and luxurious Spa treatments are all complemented by this majestic panorama, with the resort’s newest activity combination taking the concept of interactive attractions to inspirational new heights.

Elephants have long held a place in ancient ritual and meditation for both the Brahmin and local Buddhist traditions due to their calm nature, rhythmic pace and unhurried breath.  Such peaceful attributes create a serene and prestigious start to the Jungle Yoga & Elephant Experience.  Guests climb atop their trusty steed to enjoy a leisurely trek through the resort’s bamboo forest and stunning landscaped grounds to the al fresco yoga sala, with their swaying pace coaxing clarity of mind as riders unwind to a lofty Golden Triangle vista.

Arriving in majestic jungle style, guests leave their travelling companion to graze as they enter the tranquil yoga sala surrounded by lush rice paddies.  From this peaceful natural haven, an hour long yoga class takes place, in which ‘asana’ postures and breathing techniques encourage the body’s vital flow of energy and circulation to improve, alongside a wealth of flexibility, strengthening and realignment benefits.

After the yoga session’s deeply meditating final relaxation pose, guests are invited to refresh with a healthy Spa lime beverage to aid the natural cleansing process, before riding back through rolling countryside feeling fully rejuvenated by this truly unique joint adventure.

Culminating in the ultimate relaxing finale, body, mind and spirit are treated to sublime indulgence with a complimentary 15 minute tension relief massage at Anantara Spa, accompanied by a 20% discount on all treatments booked throughout each guest’s stay.

To find our more and to reserve your unique Jungle Yoga & Elephant Experience, please contact Anantara Spa at Anantara golden Triangle Resort and Spa Tel: 053-784-084

For more information on Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas, please visit www.anantara.com

Le Paradis Golf Club

Marking its British side, Mauritius has some excellent golf courses in well-appointed executive superb. Eight magnificent 18-hole courses, including seven international standards, will delight fans of the little white ball.

Golf du Château de Bel Ombre

Golf Du Château : Bel Ombre
A championship golf in the heart of southern Mauritius
Side by side the two hotels Heritage Awali Golf & Spa Resort  and Heritage Le Telfair Golf & Spa Resort, the magnificent golf course 18 hole “Golf du Château” which covers 100 hectares, is the work of architect Peter Matkovich, Peter Matkovich & Hayes, company South African architects of international renown.

Located between sea and mountains, in an undulating landscape interspersed with lakes, streams and tropical trees, the championship course (Par 72), both technical and varied, provides golfers with unique moments and memories game exception.

Indeed, it offers each player a real challenge getting them, whatever their level of competence to excel in their technical know-how and address. The architects of the course had to integrate optimally the two rivers which cross the route, creating small lakes which enhance the technique of the players while maintaining harmony and peace and quiet. It was also essential to integrate the heart of the course the magnificent Chateau de Bel Ombre and its gardens.

This course is one of the most beautiful island with breathtaking views of the lagoon’s southern part, and the hills of the natural reserve of the Black River Gorge on the other hand, offering a panorama unique to each hole.

It consists of two loops of 9 holes. The 9 hole outside 3201M long, while the inner loop is 3297m long with the 3 by 3 vary from 140m to 200m, the 4 by 4 320m to 430m, the 4 by 5 490m to 520m. Thus, a 9 hole par 3, which lies at the heart of the 18 holes and is suitable for both beginners as professionals golfers wanting to perfect.

The many facilities offered by the “Golf du Château include a putting green, chipping green and driving range. Customers can also combine gaming and exercise or by opting for a cart or letting themselves be tempted by a pleasant walk along the route. Carts and caddies are available to golfers.

On the other hand, two qualified professionals are responsible for the operations of golf and offer beginners courses for beginners through the use of video media among others. Finally, a restaurant and a bar, manned by a courteous staff greet the players after a round of golf for a moment of pure relaxation.

Le Touessrok Golf Club

Le Touessrok Golf Course

Le Touessrok Golf Course is located on an island of beauty, a few minutes by boat from the hotel, on the east coast of Mauritius. The course, designed by Bernard Langer, covers 38 hectares and is the second largest in Mauritius. All 18 holes offer views of the sea large sand bunkers and water looming behind the ideal natural backdrop of trees and vegetation.

Facilities such as clubhouse, restaurant, refreshments on the course, caddies, carts, lockers, storage lockers, rental clubs and golf shoes are offered. For those who want to improve their performance, Le Touessrok Golf Academy offers the ideal setting, including a video analysis system equipped with the latest computer technologies. Several options are available: private lessons and group. Bernard Langer, one of the players of Europe’s most famous golf courses, has an excellent knowledge of golf and its subtleties. He has designed a tour for golfers on the Challenge Tour, while remaining exciting and accessible to casual golfers. – www.letouessrokresort.com

The Legends

The Legends, the first of its kind in Mauritius, designed by South African champion Hugh Baiocchi, is the culmination of the concept of jurisdiction embodied in the Belle Mare Plage. Situated along one of the most beautiful beaches of the island, by 72, it covers 6018 m The Legends features 18 holes of superb and very different paths fairways in the heart of the native forest and down to the velvet greens of U.S. PGA standards. His signature: the hole n ° 17 (par 3), requiring a shot across the sparkling waters of the bay of “arm-shark.

The Links Golf, Inaugurated in November 2002 just a short distance of the Belle Mare Plage The Resort, this second championship course is signed Rodney Wright and Peter English champion Allais.

Different from his senior, but supplementing it with various pleasures, it takes place on natural terrain and undulating dotted with volcanic rocks. By 71, along the 5 942m, it begins at the foot of the promontory that hosts the clubhouse, overlooking the green hills of the island.

Shandrani

Shandrani, the first Fully inclusive 5 star resort in Mauritius offers a golf course 768 meters, which runs between the lagoon and tropical garden 50 acres. The 9-hole Par 30 “Pitch and Putt” can play in a universe exotic, within the confines of a 5 star open nature. With a “tee off” located a hundred meters away from the desk of the hotel, golf is both challenging and fun. The difficulty of course lies in its size, which favors calculated and precise shots. A perfect option for beginners who want to practice their “little game”… Access is free and unlimited for resident.  www.shandrani-resort.com

The Mauritius Gymkhana Club

The Mauritius Gymkhana Club is the oldest golf `s southern hemisphere and the fourth oldest golf course in the world (1,844). Maurice is the third country to have introduced golf, after the United Kingdom and India `s (Royal Calcutta, 1829 and Royal Bombay, 1842). Located in the heart of the district-Wilhems Plains, very accessible, the Mauritius Gymkhana Club is ideal for playing golf. The climate is nice all year except for a few months in winter. The 18-hole, par 68, is 5025 meters long. The club is also home turf tennis courts and a bar open all day.

One&Only Golf Course

One&Only Golf Course

The golf course 9-hole par 33 designed by Gary Player Golf Academy includes the One & Only. The use of the trail is free. Pay Lessons are given by professionals in the Academy at extra cost.

This nine-hole course is unique in Mauritius as the only golfer who still uses the local grass on the fairways like the greens. It is also bordered by thousands of palm trees. Turf not only accentuates the exotic side of the place, but also provides a barrier to the game This route is constantly tested mainly with the four by four and a par 5, the local grass is a challenge and more on these go, because it is thicker and prevents the ball from rolling over long distances.

Moreover, the sixth hole that runs along the beach offers a magnificent view over the Indian Ocean. Any plans for water, they are intelligently placed to good players and for beginners. Note that customers can play 18 holes with different starts.