The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company L.L.C. opens its second hotel in Shanghai, The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong on June 21

The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong, opening on June 21, will be the luxury hotel brand’s second property in the city, and its seventh in China. Located in Shanghai ifc, the prime real estate in Lujiazui financial trade zone, the hotel and development is the work of architect Cesar Pelli.

“The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong is an integral feature of Shanghai ifc, developed by Sun Hung Kai Properties, one of Asia’s leading property developers, with proven excellence in creating world-class mixed-use developments incorporating luxury retail, office, residential and hotels, as the company’s IFC and ICC in Hong Kong have demonstrated. It is a great honour for us to partner with Sun Hung Kai to build and develop this iconic hotel in Shanghai,” commented Rainer Burkle, area vice president and general manager.

The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong

The 285-room Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong is Shanghai’s ultimate destination for luxury and style, and occupies the top 18 floors of the Shanghai ifc South Tower. Opening in June during the World Expo, the design and style of the hotel is contemporary, with hints of new interpretations of 1930’s Shanghai Art Deco. This gives a great sense of place to the hotel as guest rooms and restaurants embrace magnificent sweeping views over The Bund – the most intact collection of Art Deco architecture anywhere in the world.

With interior designs by Richard Farnell, The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong guest rooms and suites range in size from 50 square meters (500 square feet) to 400 square meters (4,000 square feet), for the palatial Ritz-Carlton Suite and Chairman Suite. There are three floors of Club accommodation, and each club room enjoys access to the hotel’s stunning Club Lounge on the 49th level, which will be open 24 hours a day.

This new hotel will offer a host of exquisite luxury restaurants and a bar with unrivalled views over The Bund and the Shanghai skyline. Restaurants include Aura Lounge and Jazz Bar, Jin Xuan, the fine dining Chinese Restaurant designed by Steve Leung; Scena Italian Restaurant and Flair Rooftop Restaurant and Bar, both designed by the world famous Super Potato. Flair is Shanghai’s highest al fresco dining and wining venue and is destined to be the unique new social center of Pudong and the city. Featuring more than 2,500 square meters (25,000 square feet) of meeting and conference space on the third level, including a 1,135-square-metre (11,350 square feet) Grand Ballroom, the second largest ballroom among the city’s luxury hotels, The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong can accommodate large and small meetings and gatherings in sumptuous environment with world-class technology and facilities underscored by The Ritz-Carlton legendary service. All meeting space offers floor-to-ceiling windows and natural daylight.

The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong

Located on the hotel’s 55th floor, and occupying an area of more than 1,500 square meters ( 15,000 square feet), The Ritz-Carlton Spa by ESPA features 10 treatment rooms, including nine multi-function treatment rooms and a Harmony Suite where two guests may relax and enjoy treatments together. The Ritz-Carlton Spa by ESPA combines the essence of ancient and modern Chinese, Indian, European and Balinese spa cultures and uses luxury ESPA products that harness the best of nature’s essential oils, botanicals and marine supplements. The exquisite collection of treatments represents complete care, personalization and the ultimate in luxury.

A diamond-like façade glittering with the vibrancy of the city, Shanghai ifc mall also boasts opulent interiors framing the most stylish shopping environment and housing hundreds of world-renowned international branded retails. Guests of The Ritz Carlton will enjoy direct access to this world leading lifestyle landmark.

“As Shanghai has been experiencing exponential growth and many multi-national companies have opened in Pudong, we find it strategically viable for The Ritz-Carlton to be located on both sides of Huangpu River,” Burkle explained. “While The Ritz-Carlton Portman, Shanghai at Puxi has established its name over the past decade as the most preferred luxury hotel in the city, I have no doubt that The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong will prove itself to be another quintessential business and social centre for domestic and international travelers alike.”

For more information visit www.ritzcarlton.com

Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou

The newest Hotel is in one of China’s most picturesque, ancient settings. Ideally situated along the shores of beautiful West Lake, Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou invites you to discover a new level of serenity in a tranquil, natural enclave.

Embraced by mist-shrouded peaks and peppered with weeping willows, lotus pools and painted pavilions, West Lake beckons you with its natural beauty. Explore magnificent Chinese gardens and bamboo groves, just steps from your high-style guest room. Lounge by our outdoor pool, surrender to bliss in your private spa suite, or entertain to impress in one of our 11 private dining pavilions surrounding the lagoon.

Welcome to Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake. In China’s most picturesque setting, Four Seasons reveals an intimate lakeside village, melding centuries of tradition with chic contemporary style. Convenient to business and shopping, discover a tranquil enclave, woven with ponds, streams and lagoons. Experience the gentle spirit of Chinese hospitality in exclusive private dining rooms and resort-style recreation, including two swimming pools and a cutting-edge designer spa. Deftly sophisticated Four Seasons care instills confidence and delight.

Accommodation.
Small, quiet and exclusive, Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake features just 78 guest rooms – including seven suites – plus three residential-style villas for families and larger parties.Starting at 63 square metres (678 square feet), our guest rooms are the most spacious in Hangzhou. Many accommodations open to a terrace conservatory that features windows that may be pushed back in fine weather. Views encompass forest glades, traditional gardens or lovely West Lake. Decor blends centuries of Chinese tradition with chic designer style, seamlessly incorporating the latest technology for business and entertainment.

Opening late 2010. Now confirming reservations for arrivals from October 1, 2010.

To reserve by phone, contact your travel consultant or our Worldwide Reservations Office

Learn More & Reserve online>

Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou

Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou

Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou

The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles

Downtown Los Angeles’s first five-star caliber hotel marks the completion of $2.5 Billion L.A. LIVE sports, residential and entertainment district.

LOS ANGELES, 1 April 2010 – The highly anticipated Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles opens on April 2, 2010 as the first luxury hotel of its caliber in Downtown Los Angeles. The opening of the hotel is the final piece of L.A. LIVE, the $2.5 billion sports, residential and entertainment district, which was inaugurated with the opening of STAPLES Center in 1999.

“We are proud that The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles is a part of L.A. LIVE and the renaissance of Downtown Los Angeles,” said General Manager Javier Cano.  “The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles provides another dimension to this exciting and active area, which is now a true destination for travelers and local residents.”

Perched on the upper floors of the 54-story tower that it shares with sister hotel the JW Marriott Los Angeles at L.A. LIVE and The Ritz-Carlton Residences at L.A. LIVE, The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles has 123 well-appointed guestrooms, including 14 suites.  The 3,000 square-foot/278 square metre Ritz-Carlton Suite is the hotel’s largest and boasts incredible northern and western views.  The luxurious suite includes a piano and entertainment room, media corner, lounge, kitchen and formal dining area.

The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles

Featuring elegant, contemporary décor by renowned Los Angeles firm, Barry Design, and some of the city’s best views of Downtown L.A., the hotel provides guests with an exclusive retreat.  Designed by Gensler, the hotel and luxury condominium tower will be LEED-certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification by the US Green Building Council) and is owned by Los Angeles-based AEG, developer of the four million square foot L.A. LIVE, and MacFarlane Partners.

The hotel is home to Downtown L.A.’s only full-service hotel spa, The Ritz-Carlton Spa, a luxurious, 8,000-square-foot/743 square metre sanctuary that is designed to reflect the glamour and excitement of Los Angeles in a calming yet sophisticated environment.  With nine treatment rooms, two customized aromatherapy steam rooms, cold plunge showers and two relaxation lounges, the Spa offers guests a true respite. The experience is further enhanced by iPod docking capability for each treatment table, which allows guests to have fully customizable music for their treatments.  Featuring the finest products available, the Spa offers services that range from The Ritz-Carlton Signature organic experiences in massage and skincare to results-oriented, cosmeceutical-grade skin care.  The “Champagne and Shimmer” theme of the Spa is highlighted with treatments that include the Glowing Gold Facial and the Champagne and Citrus Scrub.

Celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck brings WP24, his latest restaurant concept, to The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles.   Located on the 24th floor of the hotel, WP24 features refined Asian fare from a dining area with floor to ceiling windows providing a stunning view of the Los Angeles skyline.  In addition to a spacious dining room and lounge, the restaurant offers a wine cave and two private dining rooms.

The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles

Guests can also take pleasure in the panoramic vistas of Downtown L.A. and surrounding Southern California from the 3,400-square-foot/315 square metre signature Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge on the 23rd floor.  In addition, guests can see the spectacular views from the 26th floor as they relax by the exclusive, private rooftop pool and bar.  Cabana and conversational seating arrangements allow guests to enjoy the outdoors both day and night.  For those interested in more active pursuits, a 2,000-square-foot/185 square metre fitness center on the 26th floor offers guests the opportunity to catch a productive workout while enjoying the cityscape.

The hotel also offers meeting and event planners the Gallery Collection, the most efficient meeting space in Downtown L.A., with nearly 100,000-square-feet/10,000 square metres of ballroom and meeting rooms.  With the size and flexibility of the event space, The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles provides long-awaited support for the Los Angeles Convention Center.

Just steps away from STAPLES Center, Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE, The GRAMMY® Museum and a variety of dining and other entertainment options, The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles provides guests with an oasis from the activity of the city as well as the convenience of being seconds away from the heart of one of the most exciting parts of Los Angeles.

L.A. LIVE is home to 13 restaurants and bars including Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill, The Farm of Beverly Hills, Rosa Mexicano, Katsuya, ESPN Zone, Flemings Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar, Rock ‘N Fish and Trader Vic’s.  The district also houses some of Los Angeles’ most popular entertainment venues such as Club Nokia and Lucky Strike Lanes & Lounge.

For more information on L.A. LIVE visit www.LALive.com and www.ritzcarlton.com.

Hotel Eden Roc Ascona

A paradise awakes from its winter slumber : the Hotel Eden Roc Ascona reopens tomorrow.

The complex spa conversion has been successfully completed. Bookings for April and May are already extremely promising. The opening of the Eden Roc Marina with a further 16 rooms and a new restaurant is to follow at the start of May.

For the last five and a half months, visitors to Ascona have strolled past the closed Hotel Eden Roc with great curiosity and conjectured as to what might be going on behind the building site fences. Admittedly, the changes are barely perceptible from the outside on account of the fact that the conversion of the spa area was largely confined to the interior of the two buildings making up the five-star establishment. From tomorrow on, the Eden Roc will again be open to visitors and the management and owners alike are keenly awaiting the response of the many Easter guests to the new developments. A grand total of 20 million Swiss francs has been invested in the transformation of the former Beauty Centre into a luxurious Eden Roc Spa extending over 2,000 square metres that will also be open to non-residents outside the main season. The inspiration for the design of the new water world, sauna area and seven new treatment rooms plus hairdressing salon was provided by the natural beauties of Ticino – more precisely, seven local flower species and the many colours of Lake Maggiore, ranging from silver gray to sky blue.

Hotel Eden Roc Ascona

In addition to the two indoor and outdoor pools, the expanded water world now offers guests a large hydropool with various whirlpool recliners in which to relax. Large mosaics reflect the incident sunlight from the adjoining garden area.  Another new feature is the Kneipp path constructed with stones from the nearby Maggia River. As the stones are not fixed permanently in place, their natural movements convey the impression of walking through a real river bed. In addition, the Eden Roc Spa offers a new sauna world with steam bath, sanarium, Finnish sauna and an exclusive private area for ladies as well as a fitness centre and a hairdressing salon open every day.

In its seven treatment rooms, a wide variety of massages, baths and facial treatments is available with products from the Sensai, Dermalogica, Clarins and ComfortZone lines. In the new nail lounge, the new Eden Roc Spa crew will be specialising in manicures and pedicures with high-quality lacquers from the innovative US brand OPI – after all, open shoes ranging from flip-flops to elegant sandals are part of the unspoken dress code in Ticino from May to October. As his inspiration for furnishing the treatment rooms, Ascona interior designer Carlo Rampazzi used the incomparable Ticino floral environment. A giant blossom, such as a rose, magnolia or hydrangea graces the walls and lends its name to the room concerned.

Hotel Eden Roc Ascona

“The redevelopment of the wellness area was an immense challenge due to the fact that we built it within the existing building” explained Corinne Denzler, Group Director of Tschuggen Hotel Group, who has been intimately involved in the planning of the new Eden Roc Spa for many months in conjunction with Europe’s leading manufacturer of sauna, bathing and wellness equipment, the German company Klafs GmbH. “At times the Eden Roc’s extensive gardens more closely resembled an adventure playground due to the need to transfer all the materials to the appropriate locations by crane and digger.” Nevertheless, the effort put in by the more than 150 planners, painters, tilers and electricians involved in the conversion is already paying off: the number of bookings received for the early season months of April and May is extremely gratifying. The Spa Opening Special launched by the five-star establishment at the beginning of February has already been taken up almost fifty times.

At the beginning of May, the second stage of the major redevelopment project will also be completed with the opening of the new Eden Roc Marina annex featuring 16 new, casually elegant rooms and a lifestyle restaurant in 1970’s retro look on the shore of the lake.

For more information visit : www.edenroc.ch

Sir Bani Yas Island, Abu Dhabi

Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas announced that it will manage two new luxury lodges on Sir Bani Yas island in Abu Dhabi. Due to open in late 2010, both resort lodges will offer unique experiences that capitalise on the impressively diverse beach and wildlife blend of Sir Bani Yas Island.  The dual launch further serves to fill a niche market on the island, answering to the luxury needs of travellers seeking a more exclusive, intimate style of island living.

Al Barari Lodge, meaning Savannah, occupies one of the best locations on Sir Bani Yas Island in the west section of the Arabian Wildlife Park. A setting of such natural seclusion entices a myriad of free roaming wildlife, and leads to captivating adventures for guests, as well as rooms with spectacular wildlife views.  Overlooking the Arabian Sea and salt-dome hilltops, 30 luxurious rustic lodges will be surrounded by a lush grass savannah, affording guests’ uninterrupted views of grazing sand gazelles, as well as Arabia’s elusive mountain gazelle and oryx.

Of equal allure, yet achieving a distinctly different set of natural charms, Al Yamm Lodge meaning ‘The Sea’, will comprise island lodges of luxurious beachfront tranquility.  Residing on the beautiful eastern shores of Sir Bani Yas Island, with beaches renowned as the finest on the island, the retreat also edges a tranquil lagoon rich with high mangroves, treating guests to views of the elegant flamingos that favour this verdant sanctuary. Consisting of beach style lodges overlooking the dazzling Arabian Sea, residences will benefit from a shoreline position, and others will be set back with idyllic views over a beautiful salt-water lagoon.

In addition to the opening of these unique lodge retreats, the island will see further development with the launch of the Desert Islands Conference Centre, Desert Islands Dive & Water Sport Centre, and the Sir Bani Yas Equestrian Centre, also to open later this year.

Desert Islands Conference Centre, managed by Anantara, will be located directly adjacent to the Desert Islands Resort & Spa by Anantara on the north side of the island, between Anantara Spa and the Dive & Water Sport Centre. With capacity for 300 guests, the Conference Centre will be the island’s first and only venue to accommodate larger groups. Facilities will include 8 break-out rooms, a reception centre, a large sea-facing courtyard, a business centre and prayer rooms.

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

Banyan Tree Cabo Marqués, Acapulco

Award-winning Asian hospitality brand, Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts is gearing up to receive its first paying guests at Banyan Tree Cabo Marqués on 15 March 2010. Located in the famed Acapulco region of Mexico, Banyan Tree Cabo Marqués is set to be the only five-star internationally branded all-private pool villa resort in Acapulco, offering the quintessential Banyan Tree service standards and rejuvenating Banyan Tree Spa experience. This is the Group’s second resort in Mexico, following the March 2009 launch of Banyan Tree Mayakoba in Riviera Maya, on the Yucatan peninsula.

To celebrate its opening, Banyan Tree Cabo Marqués is offering one complimentary night for minimum two consecutive paid nights’ stay. Introductory rates start from US$600++ per night in a Valley View Pool Villa, inclusive of daily breakfast for two. Guests who book a villa for three consecutive paid nights and above will enjoy one 90-minute Banyan Tree Spa massage session, usually worth USD$160, per booking.  The opening offer is valid for reservations from now till 30 June 2010.

Designed For Romance

Named for its location in the exclusive residential development of Cabo Marqués in Acapulco Diamante, Banyan Tree Cabo Marqués is a 20-minute drive from Acapulco International Airport and located a short 12 kilometres away from the vibrant Acapulco city centre. Famous since the roaring 1950s, Acapulco made its mark as a glamorous beach getaway for the jetsetter crowd, being just a 40-minute flight from key local cities such as Mexico City, Monterrey and Guadalajara, as well as three-hour flight from primary US states such as Texas and California.

Banyan Tree Cabo Marqués, Acapulco

Banyan Tree Cabo Marqués brings back the romance, adventure and vintage charm of Acapulco, with its luxury collection of 47 private all-pool villas, which includes an expansive three-bedroom Presidential Pool Villa. The Presidential Pool Villa converts to an exclusive compound with the addition of a Spa Pool Villa, turning it into a four-bedroom retreat for large families and intimate groups of friends.

Exclusively designed by Architrave Design and Planning, Banyan Tree’s in-house architecture arm, Banyan Tree Cabo Marqués is uniquely inspired by Acapulco’s long association with the Far East, being a major port of call for China in the 19^th century. Hence, the resort boasts a distinctively Asian flavour, with steeply pitched roofs, wide eaves, and the entire villa built on stilts. Each villa measures at least 189 square metres, with free-standing views on high stilts over the dramatic cliffs overlooking Acapulco Bay. The sense of elevation is heightened by use of wide expanses of glass to give guests the soaring feeling of blue on blue – the merger of sky and sea across the horizon.

Drawing also from exquisite Mexican artwork, the interior design is filled with sculptures and pieces from strong artisanal locations such as Oaxaca and Guadalajara. The designers also used talavera earthenware as accessories, black onyx as lamp bases, traditional huipil fabric from Chiapas, and tin etchings for mirror frames.

Banyan Tree Cabo Marqués, Acapulco

Dining is always an occasion for celebration at Banyan Tree. Guests will enjoy the choice of three establishments, comprising Saffron – the signature modern Thai restaurant, hill-side Las Rocas Grill and Bar, and all-day dining restaurant La Nao. La Nao is named for La Nao de China, a 16th century trading vessel that brought Mexican gold and Asian treasures across the seas on the vital Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade route. Today, La Nao makes its mark as Acapulco’s most stylish restaurant, pioneering a modern world cuisine based on Latin and Oriental influences, with live local music in the evenings.

Banyan Tree Spa also makes its debut in Acapulco, bringing its rejuvenating Asian therapies and therapists trained at the Banyan Tree Spa Academy in Phuket, Thailand to create a “Sanctuary for the Senses” for guests in Acapulco. Enjoy the Banyan Tree lifestyle in the comfort of home through a gallery that embodies “Shopping as Art”: With exquisite products, aromatic essential oils wafting in the air, and soothing strains of spa music, walking into a Banyan Tree Gallery is a complete sensory experience.

Other facilities at the resort include a meeting room catering to small and exclusive groups as well as weddings. Perched on the cliff-side overlooking the Pacific Ocean, Banyan Tree Cabo Marqués is a spectacular setting for intimate ceremonies and honeymoons. A dedicated Romance Manager will be on hand to provide inspiration for couples to make the most of their sojourn.

Mexico’s Hottest Playground

In the 1950s and ‘60s, the Hollywood jet set made Acapulco their home – golden stars such as Elizabeth Taylor, John Wayne, Frank Sinatra, Clark Gable, and Elvis Presley lent their shine to the formerly sleepy fishing village. With 360 days of sunshine and a deep, beautiful bay, Acapulco also is known for the La Quebrada Cliff Divers, professional high divers who leap 45 meters from the cliffs into the sea below. Now rediscovered as much for its historic monuments like the 17^th-century Fuerte de San Diego, a fort that protected this Spanish port from numerous pirates, as well as exciting nightlife and cosmopolitan culture, Acapulco holds ample charms for the modern-day visitor looking for the best of old and new worlds.

Banyan Tree Cabo Marqués best available rates start from US$600++ per night in a Valley View Pool Villa. For reservations, call the resort directly at +52 744 434 0101, email cabomarques@banyantree.com or log on to banyantree.com.

Li Jiang River, Guilin

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, Asia Pacific’s leading luxury hotel group, celebrates the opening of Shangri-La Hotel, Guilin today.  The newly opened hotel is also offering guests a luxury cruise experience along the Li River – the only luxury hotel in the city to provide this exclusive waterborne journey.  From now until 31 October 2010, guests can book the Suite Cruise package and enjoy two nights in an Executive suite, a 90-minute morning or afternoon guided tour, a gourmet four-course meal cooked on-board by the hotel’s executive chef, daily breakfast for two and full Horizon Club access and privileges.

Sailing from Long Chuan Ping Jetty to Die Cai Mountain, guests can enjoy a classical Chinese guzheng (a Chinese plucked zither) performance as the boat journeys across a 10-kilometre natural river gallery, passing 10 of Guilin’s most famous mountains such as Elephant Trunk Hill, Fubo Hill, Seven Star Hill and Laoren Hill.  The waterborne trip is the perfect cruise from which to enjoy China’s famed “finest mountains and rivers under heaven.”  The sheer rock formations of the Li River, the series of mountains shrouded in mist and old villages that the cruise passes have inspired many poets and painters through the centuries.

A stay in an Executive Suite overlooking the Li River and karst mountains completes the journey.

Shangri-La Hotel, Guilin is located on the banks of the Li River and features many of the city’s firsts and superlatives.  These include the city’s largest guestrooms, the largest state-of-the-art meeting and conference facilities, the only hotel to have a wedding pagoda and the first hotel to feature indoor and outdoor swimming pools.

Situated near Yushan Bridge, the seven-storey Shangri-La Hotel, Guilin, is a 35-minute drive from Guilin Liangjiang International Airport and a 10-minute drive from the city centre.  Leading tourist attractions are all easily accessible, including Die Cai Mountain and the city’s largest walking street.

The 449-room Shangri-La Hotel, Guilin features the largest rooms in the city starting at 42 square metres.  There are 17 suites, ranging from an 84-square-metre Executive Suite to the 210-square-metre Presidential Suite. The hotel also incorporates Shangri-La’s Horizon Club guestrooms and lounge, a haven where today’s traveller can experience an even higher standard of accommodation and personalised service complemented with a host of exclusive privileges and amenities.

For meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions, the 1,800-square-metre Grand Ballroom, the largest ballroom in Guilin, is the perfect venue for hosting high-profile events of up to 2,000 people.  With six additional private function rooms and a dedicated VIP room, Shangri-La Hotel, Guilin is able to cater to a diverse range of event needs, from small private gatherings to conferences or large social events.  In addition, Guilin’s first and only wedding pagoda makes the hotel a much sought after location for weddings.

Shangri-La Hotel, Guilin also features a comprehensive range of recreational facilities including indoor and outdoor pools in addition to tennis courts and a health club.

The hotel’s dining includes Shang Palace Chinese restaurant, which offers Cantonese, Hunanese and Huaiyang cuisines as well as local Guilin specialties against a backdrop of the Li River.  Li Café features live food action stations showcasing both Western and Asian cuisine and U Bar offering an assortment of grills and beers. For business or pleasure, the Lobby Lounge is a warm and intimate location that offers desserts and pastries, a Chinese influenced snack menu and high tea sets from afternoon to evening.  Surrounded by lush gardens, the Pool Bar serves fresh and simple snacks and meals as well as a diverse range of cocktails and juices.

The Suite Cruise package is offered at RMB8,888 for two and, also includes round-trip airport and jetty transfers by hotel limousine.  The rate quoted excludes tax and service charge and is subject to availability.  For reservations and enquiries, please contact Shangri-La Hotel, Guilin on (86 773) 269 8888 or e-mail reservations.slgl@shangri-la.com.  Two weeks’ advance reservation is required.  Guests can also take advantage of a special opening offer of RMB688 per night for single occupancy and RMB788 per night for double occupancy for Deluxe category rooms, including buffet breakfast, subject to 15 per cent service charge and prevailing government tax.

www.shangri-la.com

Hotel Missoni Kuwait

September 2010 will see the debut of the second property for the exciting new hotel brand. A partnership between Missoni and the Rezidor Hotel Group, Hotel Missoni Kuwait channels the unique style of the Milan-based fashion house. And with extensive facilities, this destination resort is sure to delight visitors to Kuwait City.

Decorated in pure Missoni glam (just check out the colorful prints and designer furniture in the photos), the hotel overlooks the turquoise Arabian Sea from its perch in central Kuwait City. It’s all about the Missoni lifestyle, meaning the restaurant, Cucina Missoni, whips up Italian family recipes from Mama Missoni in an open-style kitchen– served on china from Missoni homewares. Hotel Missoni KuwaitA few dishes to tempt the tastebuds: Barolo & Castelmagno cheese risotto, seabass baked with a salt crust, and roast rabbit served with polenta & radicchio. The hotel will also offer the Choco Café, inspired by the Italian passion for coffee. (A hopping scene and bar alternative in non-alcoholic Kuwait.)

What’s more- the Hotel Missoni Kuwait will be home to a 13,000-square-foot Six Senses Spa and an outside pool tiled in the signature Missoni stripe. While sipping a drink on the glamorous pool terrace, take in endless vistas across the Arabian Sea.

Hotel Missoni Kuwait

A little bit about the 169 rooms and suites: All of them have sea views, Missoni linens and scented toiletries, and complimentary Internet access. Designed with gold, turquoise and beige accents, the contemporary rooms stress a combination of form and function, equipped with all the latest technology. Top digs: The Presidential Suite boasts a sprawling outside terrace.

Next up for Hotel Missoni? New openings in Cape Town, Oman, and Brazil.

The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba

The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba: Set for 2012 opening

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. and the Government of Aruba announced plans to open The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba, an exclusive 320-room oceanfront resort situated on the Caribbean island’s famed Palm Beach. The resort will offer several restaurants, a luxurious spa, two swimming pools and a 24-hour casino. In addition to spacious rooms and suites, the hotel will include The Ritz-Carlton Club Level, a private floor accessible only by elevator key, offering light fare and dedicated concierge service throughout the day.

The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba, projected to open in late 2012, will be the seventh location in The Ritz-Carlton portfolio of award winning Caribbean properties, joining existing hotels in St. Thomas (U.S. Virgin Islands), Jamaica, Grand Cayman, Puerto Rico, Mexico and The Bahamas.

“Aruba is an island destination with growing appeal to discerning travelers from Europe and the United States. Its stunning beaches and majestic views make the island one of those exceptional places in the Southern Caribbean, blending serenity and scenic attractions our guests seek when planning a vacation,” said Ezzat Country, senior vice president, Southeast Region, Caribbean and Latin America, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. “It is an extraordinary location for luxury development on the island,” added Country.

“I am thrilled to partner with The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company on such an exciting project that will set a new standard for luxury travel to the island,” commented Walter Stipa, developer for The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba. “I am confident that The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba will be a highly successful endeavor for all partners involved,” he added.

Newly elected Prime Minister Mike Eman stated, “In all honesty, the credit for this project should go to the former administration. Due to a rapid expansion of hotels and condominiums over the last 20 years we are concerned that we are left with too few vacant public beach areas,” said Eman. “The fact that we are looking at the addition of such a prestigious hotel as the Ritz Carlton reduces this pain for us. We hope to work closely with Mr. Marriott to achieve the vision of our new government that will put more emphasis on sustainability and durability in the development of our tourism industry for the people of Aruba and our visitors alike,” Eman added.

Located off the coast of Venezuela, Aruba is renowned for miles of white powder sand beaches and crystal blue water that boasts a warm tropical climate year-round. The 21 mile-long island is situated on the southern part of the Caribbean Sea and features many diverse influences as a result of its rich history. The Ritz-Carlton, Aruba is located in Palm Beach, home to some of the island’s finest beaches. Lush tropical surroundings and a balmy temperature allow for swimming, sunbathing and relaxation by the water. The resort will bring a new level of elegance in accommodations and amenities to the island.

ABOUT THE RITZ-CARLTON HOTEL COMPANY, L.L.C.

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., of Chevy Chase, Md., currently operates 73 hotels in the Americas, Europe, Asia, the Middle East, Africa, and the Caribbean. More  than 30 hotel and residential projects are under development around the globe with future openings including Dubai International Financial Centre, United Arab Emirates; Dove Mountain, Tucson, Arizona; Charlotte, North Carolina; and Lake Tahoe, California. The Ritz-Carlton is the only service company to have twice earned the prestigious Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award, which recognizes outstanding customer service. For more information, or reservations, contact a travel professional, call toll free in the UK 0800-234-000, in Ireland 00800-2413-3333, in Belgium 0800-77269, in France 0800-907203, in Spain 00800-2413-3333 or visit the company web site at www.ritzcarlton.com. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE:  MAR)

Constance Ephelia Resort, Seychelles

“Spa attitude”, A thousand and one reinvigorating care

Accommodation and architecture:
An encounter with the thousand and one beauties of the Seychelles. Oriented towards the Spa activity, this Resort has open the 1st of Febryary 2010 in Mahé, on the site in Port Launay, the main island of the archipelago, draws its inspiration from the diversity of the Seychelles and expresses generously its wide range of dream accommodation and multi-facetted spa.

This new generation of Resort is betting on the development of tourism in the Seychelles.

The Spa which extends on 7,000m2 is reminiscent of a garden of delights.
The concept of the “Shiseido Pavilion” here unravels itself on a grand scale. The Spa conceived in harmony with the natural setting proposes various islets of beauty, pleasantness and wellness. The Spa Spirit / Shiseido Pavilion unfolds step by step for the fortunate guests of the ten “Spa Villas”. Each one is an invitation to let oneself go, to surrender and embark on a sumptuous pleasure trip for the five senses. From the futile to the useful… one has all the time to pamper one’s beauty in order to better arouse the emotions. Ephélia also vouches to awaken the senses.

The concept of “Spa Villas” is innovative in the archipelago and in the whole of the Indian Ocean: a room with the cosy
minimum opens out spaciously on a bath-room with sauna, hammam, jacuzzi, mini-bar, hi-fi and couch so as to drift in
that universe of beauty where self-respect is experienced in all privacy. But the greatest factor of disorientation in this
comforting universe is without doubt the private pool contoured like a long ribbon between the bed and a teak bridge
which beckons one to relaxation and repose.

The strong points:
An immense spa immersed in lush nature. 7,000m2 are here dedicated to well being. Unique “Spa Villas” with private pools,
sauna, hammam, jacuzzi, space for rest and an incomparable refinement for rejuvenation. A broad scope hotel where the
human element always remains a priority. A full-fledged conference centre, quite a rarity in the Seychelles !

Central Reservations
Fax: (230) 402 2616 – Email: resa@constancehotels.com
www.constancehotels.com or www.epheliaresort.com