FRHI Regional Coverage Report, Americas January 2015 by Hadley Schroll

Region – Americas

Public Relations Monthly Report

January 2015

FRHI HOTELS & RESORTS PUBLIC RELATIONS - REGIONAL MONTHLY REPORT

http://www.travelweekly.com/Travel-News/Hotel-News/Fairmont-opens-group-reservation-books-forAustin-hotel/?cid=eltrdb

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north america, east and west

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HOTELTREKKER Our editors’ top hotel picks from around the world

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Le Château Frontenac Restaurants, cafés, shops and churches line the cobblestone streets that lead to the castle of your dreams.

THE LEGACY Le Château Frontenac is over 120 years old and is known for its historic character, copper roof and majestic presence. With stunning views of the St. Lawrence River, this castle on the hill is the symbol of Quebec City. THE HISTORY For over 200 years, Le Château Frontenac was the official residence and seat of power for the British and French governors. This fairytale hotel has welcomed kings and queens, presidents and prime ministers, musicians and movie stars. THE RENOVATION A $75 million facelift is complete and Le Château Frontenac has managed to preserve the grandeur of years gone by, while transitioning to a more contemporary style. The trompe l’oeil painted walls and ceilings, marble staircases, chandeliers and carved fireplaces have been painstakingly restored. The lobby, guest rooms, restaurants and bars have all been transformed to reflect the perfect blend of old and new. Intermezzo

DRINK AND DINE LE CHAMPLAIN Dining at the hotel’s signature restaurant is not just a dinner, it’s an experience. Revel in the elegant decor, plush seating, beautiful views and exquisite Quebec cuisine.

THE BUZZ Le Chateau’s rooftop is home to four beehives, each housing 70,000 bees and producing 600 pounds of honey each year. —mary beth stanley

LE SAM This casually elegant bistro was inspired by trains, travel and the Canadian Pacific Railway. The veranda gives the restaurant an indoor-outdoor feel and is the perfect spot to have lunch, afternoon tea, happy hour or after dark mixology.

Fairmont Le Château Frontenac 1 rue des Carrières Québec City, Québec, Canada chateaufrontenac@fairmont.com TEL + 1 418 692 3861

1608 WINE AND CHEESE BAR This circular bar resembles the inside of a deconstructed clock. Bookcases, fireplaces and comfy seating are nestled into this cozy bar. Relax and enjoy beautiful views of the Saint Lawrence River while choosing from the impressive list of wines by the glass and cheese from the bar’s dedicated cheese room.

Silicon Valley’s Epiphany

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1/15/2015

The best Caribbean health and wellness resorts

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The best Caribbean health and wellness resorts by Mark Rogers, Special for USA TODAY | Published on January 14, 2015

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The 10 Healthiest Hotels in America Escape to your happiest, healthiest self on your next vacation with these fitness-conscious accommodations. By Celia Shatzman

Aulani Hawaii Resort

Even for the biggest kale and CrossFit converts among us, it's easy to let healthy eating habits and regular workouts fall to the wayside when youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re on vacation. And while a little indulgence and relaxation are part of the joy of taking time off, you don't want to come home feeling more remorseful than refreshed. One way to stay somewhat on track when you're off the grid? Book a healthy hotel! More from Fitbie: 5 Expert Tips for Avoiding Vacation Weight Gain Thanks to a slew of wellness initiatives at hotels across the country, maintaining a healthy lifestyle on vacation is easier than ever. At these fitness-minded accommodations, you wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t feel tempted to gorge on the potato chips in the mini bar or order bad room service. Instead, you can fill up on locally sourced, nutritious meals. And those sad hotel gyms? They've been replaced with fun, challenging fitness classes.

From hiking concierges to beachside workouts to juice menus, these 10 healthy hotels guarantee you’ll look and feel better come check-out time:

The hotel: Rosewood Inn of the Anasazi The locale: Santa Fe, NM The body boosters: Nestled in the foothills of the striking Sangre de Cristo Mountains, right in the heart of downtown Santa Fe, you won’t be stuck inside on the treadmill if you stay at this adventure-lovers destination. From Thanksgiving through early April the nearby slopes attract skiiers and snowboarders from across the globe. In the warmer months, the mountains are ideal for hiking and biking, as is historical Bandelier National Park, with cave paintings and cliff dwellings dating back as far as 1150 CE -- along with plenty of trails and wildlife. Serious adventure seekers can also opt for whitewater rafting along the Rio Grande and Rio Chama. The hotel: Swissôtel Hotel The locale: Chicago The body boosters: Their brand-wide Vitality initiative makes it easy to stay on track while on vacay. In-room workouts are a no-brainer with deliveries of yoga mats, Pilates rings, Swiss balls, Aero Steps, or Thera-Bands, which all come with instructions from pros. Runners won’t have to worry about navigating an unfamiliar city thanks to their digital jogging maps, with routes for all different levels. And healthy foodies rejoice: Their head chef partners with nearby farms to prep dishes based on the freshest local ingredients. The hotel: The Biggest Loser Resort The locale: Chicago, IL; Malibu, CA; Niagara, NY; and Amelia Island, FL The body boosters: Just like the NBC hit TV show The Biggest Loser, the luxury resort is all about helping guests shed major pounds while gaining healthy habits. Their certified team of coaches and counselors work together to make goals a reality through the five pillars of their

program: fitness, nutrition, education, relaxation and camaraderie. That approach means the pounds will stay off long after the trip is over.

The hotel: Wild Dunes Resort The locale: Charleston, SC The body boosters: Whether you want to fine-tune your game or learn a new sport, Wild Dunes Resort is the perfect place. Work up a sweat as you practice your swing with Cardio Tennis -- sessions are packed with drills and footwork -- or Fitness Golf, a 2.5 mile run mixed with speed golf and fitness moves like burpees, pushups, and planks. Looking for a water workout? Stand up paddleboarding (SUP) and SUP Yoga are also offered for all levels. The hotel: Mayflower Grace The locale: Washington, CT The body boosters: The Raw Rejuvenation Cleanse Package makes a perfect get away for brides-to-be or a girls weekend. The two-night stay includes a three day juice supply of their 100-percent organic, raw, and vegan juices; unlimited group fitness classes; and one 60-minute service per day in the award-winning 20,000 square-foot spa, including their signature massage, detox herbal wrap, or detox sea mud wrap. For those looking for a personalized session, add a la carte classes like private meditation or yoga, nutritional consultation, hiking, kayaking, watercolor classes, archery, fly-fishing, knitting, and even instruction on how to declutter your life! The hotel: The Hyatt Regency Century Plaza The locale: Los Angeles, CA The body boosters: Trying to stick to your paleo or gluten-free diet while on vacation can be a challenge. But at The Hyatt Regency Century Plaza itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s easy to stay honest while indulging in delicious meals. Their carefully crafted menus are designed to satisfy every taste. Vegans can tuck into Mushroom Risotto with shiitakes, porcinis, chanterelles, cashew cream, truffle oil; Paleo enthusiasts will love Pan Roasted Wild Sea Bass with salsify, sunchoke, sweet potato gnocchi, candy stripe beet puree, and fresh chive; and gluten free followers can munch on

Whole Wheat Gluten Free Angel Hair Pasta with creamy basil pesto, wild mushrooms, local english peas, and shaved parmesan.

The hotel: L'Auberge de Sedona The locale: Sedona, AZ The body boosters: The dramatic red rock landscape is a stunning backdrop for an al fresco workout. The property’s hiking concierge helps guest choose their perfect path -- everything from a beginner’s hike to a challenging climb -- and will drive you to any nearby trail, maps included. Their biking program offers guided off-road rides through the area’s most striking rock formations, and there are complimentary yoga classes every morning too. And for the full mindbody experience, don’t miss a Moonlight Mediation: The creekside sessions begin with a fire burning ceremony, then a short breath awareness meditation, and tips on how to have a daily meditation practice. The hotel: Fairmont The locale: 19 locations across the U.S. The body boosters: The Fairmont Fit program makes it a cinch to stay fit while traveling. No room for exercise apparel in your suitcase? Reebok workout clothes (including a short-sleeved top, capris, and sneakers for women and a T-shirt, shorts and sneakers for men) are delivered straight to your hotel room, along with a yoga mat and stretch band. Many of the properties have their own additional wellness programs, such as the Fitness Resolution All Inclusive Vacation Package at The Fairmont Washington, D.C., which includes a private cooking class, healthy meals, personal training, CrossFit and semi-private yoga. The hotel: Metropolitan The locale: Miami Beach, FL The body booster: Some cities make it too easy to indulge, and Miami Beach is one of them. But the COMO Shambhala program embraces a healthy, holistic lifestyle, offering nutrition, fitness, and relaxation sessions. Spa treatments -- like massages, facials, acupuncture, and aromatherapy -- are meant to sooth both body and mind. Their The Traymore Restaurant has a

special Como Shambhala menu with an emphasis on local, seasonal, and organic food, plus a juice menu perfect for those looking for a cleansing program with flavor.

The hotel: Aulani The locale: Ko Olina, HI The body booster: The best part of working out with kids is that it often doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t feel like exercise -- and thatâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s especially true at this Disney resort. The whole family can work up a sweat during beachside workouts like Palm Tree TRX, Ocean Flow yoga, and boot camps. On rainy days you can still enjoy the feel of the water at paddle fitness -- paddle boards are set up indoors so you can boost your strength, balance, coordination and conditioning sans a swimsuit. There are also personal training sessions available to all fitness levels. http://www.fitbie.com/get-fit/healthiest-hotels-america?icid=OBtrafficFB_TBD_AR2

Over the years, we've come across some oddball, over-the-top requests made by hotel guests. Here are some of our favoritesâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;in illustrated format.

10/ 13 The Fairmont Copley Plaza, Boston The concierge team sourced an egg incubator for a guest. But this wasnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t just any regular old incubatorâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;this one was large enough to accommodate ostrich eggs!

Courtesy Louisa Cannell

http://www.cntraveler.com/galleries/2015-01-30/the-most-outrageous-requests-hotel-guests-havemade/1

Hotels with Pets: Roger the Marmot at The Fairmont Empress in Victoria, Canada

Marmots are furry forest animals closely related to woodchucks and groundhogs.

Roger the Yellow-Bellied Marmot at The Fairmont Empress on Vancouver Island, Canada, is an ambassador for his breed.

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Roger lives in the hotel's waterfront garden, with one of the best views of Vancouver Island's Inner Harbour

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A natural showoff, Roger likes guests to watch him snack on leaves, berries, and oatmeal from the hotel kitchen (as here)

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Roger isn't big on cold weather. From late October through March, he hibernates in a burrow, with over a dozen other marmots

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Fun fact about marmots: their distinctive vocalizing has earned them the nickname "whistlepigs"

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Fun facts about Fairmont Empress: it was built in 1908 to honor Queen Victoria, still serves Afternoon Tea daily, and is said to house two ghosts: a pretty little girl and a hotel chambermaid

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Fairmont Empress website Luxury Travel's story about what makes the Fairmont hotel brand special

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Hotels with Pets: Percheron Horses at Manoir Richelieu, Charlevoix, Canada

The equine team is all Canadian-bred, and live on-property in stables that guests can tour (bringing, the horses hope, a juicy apple or carrot)

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The steeds' names: Sultan, Prince, Black, Cody, Taiga, and Jack (shown)

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They have their own personalities; Prince is the spotlight-happy performer

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Percherons are a very large equine breed measuring up to seven feet tall at their withers, or shoulders -- with their long neck and head above that!

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Percherons don't mind pulling, and are very calm. This makes them ideal horses for carriage or sleigh rides, offered free or charge to guests

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From About's Horses Expert, more aboutPercheron horses Fairmont Manoir Richelieu website

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Step 28 of 28

Hotels with Pets: Carly & Catie Copley, Black Labs at Fairmont Copley Plaza

Fairmont Copley Plaza is a Boston landmark overlooking historic Copley Plaza. The hotel's on-site Black Labrador dogs, Carly Copley (shown) and Catie Copley, are Boston institutions as well.

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Both Labs work five days a week, greeting and nuzzling guests and going for walks with them

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1/5/2015

Are You Forgetting The 'Experience' Part Of The Customer Service Experience?

(/)

Micah Solomon (http://www.forbes.com/sites/micahsolomon/) Contributor

I write on customer service, customer experience and corporate culture Opinions expressed by Forbes Contributors are their own.

ENTREPRENEURS (/ENTREPRENEURS)

1/03/2015 @ 2:01PM 1,111 views

Are You Forgetting The 'Experience' Part Of The Customer Service Experience? Comment Now

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One of my secrets of creating a superior customer experience for today’s customers is my unauthorized, futuristic Jetsons Approach To Customer Service. Here’s a very brief recap of the futuristic Jetsons Approach:

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Today’s customers want you to identify and offload service tasks that can be done better electronically than by hand: the service functions where doing things by hand is not in the interest of the customer, in other words. At these customer touchpoints, be sure to offer selfservice/”my account” functionality as at least an option for your customers. This is especially true when serving the allimportant Millennial generation: 80 million customers in the U.S. alone who have been raised on the Internet and smartphones almost since birth. This futuristic Jetsonian approach, however, can be a magnet for mischief. Once you’ve saved resources by automating tasks and services, it’s tempting to pocket the savings and call it a day. But improving automated customer service is no excuse to offer lousy humanpowered service. Instead, take the resources recouped through digitization and focus them on meaningful human interactions. JD Power’s research recently confirmed the importance of personal service in a large study it did of the hospitality industry, in which Power found that the number of employees with whom guests interact affects their overall satisfaction. Customers who interact more often with service staff, and with http://www.forbes.com/sites/micahsolomon/2015/01/03/dont-forget-the-experience-part-of-the-customer-service-experience/

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a broader crosssection of that staff, reported greater satisfaction. (The highest satisfaction was reported by guests who were served by four or more types of employees and the lowest by those who received no further service beyond front desk checkin.)

Your Customer Is The Star: An eBook From Forbes (http://www.amazon.com/YourCustomerStarMillennialsEveryone ebook/dp/B00QRJ9MPM/ref=sr_1_2? utm_source=article&utm_medium=direct&utm_campaign=customerserveebook) How to make millennials, Boomers and everyone in between fall in love your business. By Micah Solomon. (http://www.amazon.com/YourCustomerStarMillennialsEveryoneebook/dp/B00QRJ9MPM/ref=sr_1_2? utm_source=article&utm_medium=direct&utm_campaign=customerserveebook)

Jiffy Lube doesn’t spring to mind when it comes to exceptional service with a human touch. But the oil change and automotiveservices chain has improved its service model by offloading transactional details that had previously preoccupied their employees and customers, rolling out an intricate nationwide database to store each customer’s vehicle history and manufacturerprescribed service requirements. This information is now a couple of clicks away for every customerfacing Jiffy Lube employee, freeing them from onerous paperwork and allowing them to assist customers more easily and knowledgeably.

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Apple Stores’ concerted effort to downplay transactional items and processes (you’ll find no registers, receipts or owner’s manuals in sight) leaves the stores uncluttered and the employees empowered to provide a peerless retail experience. Apple has invested in training a large team of salespeople and customer service representatives to help customers on the floor and at the Apple Bar, where the diagnostic specialists are famously called “Geniuses.” (Notice how this playful title avoids describing a transactional role and focuses on ability instead.) Apple didn’t pocket the savings it realized by streamlining service. It invested it in the human element. You should do likewise: Now that technology and revamped processes can nudge front desks, long lines and confusing paperwork out of the way, it’s time to position your business as more than a throughway for getting your customers, figuratively or literally, from point A to point B. Focus on creating an experience customers can enjoy along the way. Customers, Including Millennial Customers, Are Looking For An Experience For all of the millennial generation’s vaunted tech savvy, they’re hardly a bunch of cold, analytical Spocks. As marketing consultant Andrew Jensen puts it, “It’s a dangerous mistake to think of the millennial generation as hard edged technocrats. On the contrary, this generation craves personal experiences.” Jennifer Fox, president of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, tells me she agrees: Younger customers coming into the marketplace hope and desire that “[we] will deliver an emotional narrative that

http://www.forbes.com/sites/micahsolomon/2015/01/03/dont-forget-the-experience-part-of-the-customer-service-experience/

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resonates with them.” Take business travel. Millennials “tend to view business travel not as a necessary evil but as a perk and an opportunity to view the world,” as Jay Coldren, VP of Marriott’s innovative EDITION Hotels, puts it. The fact that many of them have yet to set down roots (recessions will do that to you!) means that they’re less wedded to the notion of home, and more open to travel as an adventure and opportunity. Simply put, they’re looking foran experience when they travel, even if they’re doing it on the company dime. Supporting this worldview— crafting an immersive, unforgettable experience— can win you their business, their engagement, their loyalty. Micah Solomon (http://micahsolomon.com/) is a customer experience consultant, customer experience speaker and bestselling customer service author. You can purchase or sample his new Forbes Signature Series eBook, Your Customer Is The Star: How To Make Millennials, Boomers And Everyone Else Love Your Business at Amazon (http://www.amazon.com/YourCustomerStar MillennialsEveryone ebook/dp/B00QRJ9MPM/ref=sr_1_2) and Apple http://www.forbes.com/sites/micahsolomon/2015/01/03/dont-forget-the-experience-part-of-the-customer-service-experience/

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The Rapid Rise to Wellness It’s quickly becoming a staple of the hospitality scene By Dan Johnson

Fairmont Singapore relaxation lounge

Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris, morning run

ust a decade or so ago, health and wellness options at hotels and resorts generally were limited to just a few things, such as a modest fitness center, a pool, and one or two healthy menu items. Then some hotels and resorts began adding more options, including yoga classes, more elaborate spas and additional healthy food choices. What began as a trend has rapidly accelerated during the past few years to the point where almost every day, a major hotel company or individual property adds a new health-andwellness feature. “Wellness is no longer a trend; it’s a standard of living,” says Bob Jacobs, vice president of brand management for Sheraton and Westin of North America. “It is becoming more mainstream by the day and is of increasing importance to affluent professionals around the world—many of them key decision-makers for the meetings business.” This strong emphasis on wellness in the meetings and hospitality industries parallels the rapidly increasing importance it has to people around the world. “Nowadays, the general public is much more aware of its own role in creating and sustaining a healthy lifestyle, and changes are becoming apparent in all facets of life, including hospitality,” says Ryan Crabbe, senior director of global wellness for Hilton Worldwide. “Whether it’s having healthy options at the breakfast bar, locally sourced food items or group fitness classes, today’s guests are looking for options that help them maintain their healthy lifestyle regimen while they’re on the road.”

59 @SMARTMEETINGS

Yoga at Omni La Costa Resort & Spa, California

There are a wide variety of wellness travelers, but many of them are young or middle-aged, welleducated and from developed, industrialized countries. A study by SRI International for the Global Spa and Wellness Summit in 2014 found that the typical wellness traveler spends 130 percent more than the average traveler. The study also discovered that wellness travel now represents 14 percent of world tourism and is expected to grow 9 percent annually through 2017. Most hospitality companies have been creating and implementing health and wellness features, and we decided to focus on a few of the newest and most exciting.

sive Health Care, Vitamin Class, Dance Class, Tai Chi on the Beach, Yoga on the Beach and Basic Training, which consists of fast-paced walking in the sand to a light jog for cardio endurance, abs development, coordination exercises and strength training to “wake up” dormant muscles.

Meditation & Yoga Since April 2013, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants has been equipping all of its guest rooms with a complimentary yoga mat. Twelve hotels took this a step further by offering yoga classes at no charge.

One Kimpton property, Sky Hotel in Aspen, hosts a Saturday morning “Thug Yoga” class that combines downward dog with hip-hop music for a high-energy class on the pool deck. Omni Hotels & Resorts recently announced it has hooked up with Oprah Winfrey and Deepak Chopra’s “21-Day Meditation Experience: Energy of Attraction, Manifesting Your Best Life,” in which hundreds of thousands of people around the world meditate daily to create peace, focus and reduce stress. Omni has used social media to encourage past, present and future guests to participate.

At the Forefront of Change

Education Many attendees who want to switch to a healthier lifestyle aren’t sure where to begin. Some hotels and resorts offer help by providing experts to teach and guide them. Taheima Wellness Resort & Spa in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, offers a state-of-the-art fitness center; an array of spa treatment options; holistic practices including Labyrinth Meditation, Chi Gong and Temazcal; and more than 25 daily classes for body and mind such as yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates and pottery. Taheima’s innovative, ever-evolving Learning Center offers programs and services that teach attendees about such things as the benefits of antioxidants and how they boost the immune system, replacement of declining hormones and treatment of sleep disorders. Regency Health Resort & Spa in Hollywood Beach, Florida, emphasizes education, offering daily lectures given by the property’s wellness health director. It also has added some enjoyable, exciting and challenging new fitness classes to its already diverse schedule. The new classes include Introduction to Pilates, Exercise Class in the Ocean, Comprehen60 smartmeetings.com

Westin custom-designed room

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JANUARY 2015

Michael Dominguez has seen many changes in the hospitality industry during his 31-year career while serving in roles including chairman of the board of directors at Meeting Professionals International, vice president of global sales at Loews Hotels and senior vice president of corporate sales for MGM Resorts International, his current post. One of the recent major changes he has witnessed is the boom in health and wellness. Since 2012, he has been at the forefront of MGM’s partnership with Delos to implement the Stay Well program, including Stay Well Meetings, at MGM Grand Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. Dominguez says that because Stay Well Meetings is multi-faceted, it can be customized for each group. “We intend to convert additional convention center space at MGM Grand so we can offer the experience to larger groups,” he says. Other MGM properties in Las Vegas also offer wellness features, including healthy dining options and ﬁtness programs such as Indoor Hike at Aria Resort & Casino, Bellagio Boot Camp at Bellagio Las Vegas and Yoga Among the Dolphins at Mirage Hotel and Casino. Like some of the other MGM staff members, Dominguez has also incorporated wellness practices into his own life. For example, he switched to blue light bulbs in his home because a blue hue, tint or tone is known to increase alertness—and he has begun meditating. “I met Deepak Chopra this year at the WEC (World Education Congress, an annual MPI event) and then did his 21-day Meditation Challenge,” he says. “I now try to meditate before or after each workday. It helps me to clear my mind and get focused.”

Design Westin Hotels & Resorts, among the health and wellness leaders in the hospitality industry, launched its Well-being Movement last year. One of the features of the platform is to create guest rooms based on biophilic principles, which purport that the integration of nature into design results in a wide range of health benefits, including lower blood pressure, enhanced mental stamina and elevated moods. The brand’s design team developed a portfolio of fractal patterns and colorful beauty in nature to enhance guest rooms. The new guest rooms also emphasize sustainability by using eco-friendly materials such as LED lighting, recyclable carpet pads and low-flow plumbing. New and vibrant vertical gardens improve the indoor air quality for guests. “Westin was one of the first hotel brands to use design to bring to life its well-being platform in three dimensions,” Jacobs says. “Westin’s focus on design continues to be a hallmark of the brand, and another way to promote and reinforce wellness.”

Food & Beverage Hilton Worldwide has been rapidly making changes aimed at promoting a healthier lifestyle. “As a result of a three-year, corporate-led initiative, the company is increasing its efforts to give chefs the

Delos Provides Cutting-Edge Wellness Features The enormous growth of health and wellness, which now accounts for $439 billion (14 percent) of world tourism expenditures, convinced Paul Scialla, founder and CEO of Delos, to develop the Stay Well program, a pioneer in creating healthy indoor environments by integrating medical science and technology. “Health and wellness now play a role in almost every decision we make, and we see a huge opportunity to combine the fastest-growing asset class, wellness, with the world’s largest asset class, real estate,” Scialla says. Stay Well outfits hotel rooms, among other structures, with features designed to enhance the quality of air, light and water and to promote better sleep, comfort, mental acuity, nutrition and overall health. In 2012, Delos partnered with MGM Grand Hotel & Casino in Las Vegas to transform some hotels rooms on its 14th floor into Stay Well rooms. Early last year, the rest of the rooms on the floor were changed into Stay Well rooms and last summer, the hotel expanded its Stay Well program to include Stay Well Meetings rooms (pictured), which consist of dozens of healthy

features including an advanced air puriﬁcation system, a hydration station, circadian lighting, hypoallergenic cleaning products, ergonomic elements, virtual biophilia, aromatherapy and healthy menu options. The meetings feature also contains a speciﬁc component, Wellness Moment Programming, which provides short mental and physical activities designed to engage the body and mind. These include guided meditations, physical activity breaks, brain teasers and other mental exercises, and intervals throughout the day to disconnect with technology. Scialla says that Delos is exploring opportunities to expand the Stay Well program to additional properties within the MGM Resorts International portfolio, and has been approached by non-gaming partners to incorporate the program into their properties.

61 @SMARTMEETINGS

resources they needed to create farm-to-fork dishes using ingredients from their community,” Crabbe says. Local produce currently makes up 10 percent of Hilton Worldwide’s food-sourcing strategy, but it had hoped to triple that amount by the end of 2014. Last year, Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants rolled out a new juicing program at all of its properties featuring 16-ounce drinks that come in three nutritious blends: Being Green, a nutrient-rich mixture of cucumber, celery, spinach, kale and lemon; Beets Me, an energizing elixir of red beets, carrots, ginger and cilantro; and Local Only, a cocktail of local farm produce that incorporates the host chef’s personal touch. Some Kimpton properties—including Canary Hotel in Santa Barbara and Topaz Hotel in Washington, D.C.—have taken the juicing program a step further by incorporating juice into their health and wellness packages.

Exercise Many Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts around the world have begun offering complimentary scenic jogging, walking or hiking tours for guests. Four Seasons Hotel Washington, DC, offers

a three- to six-mile run on Tuesdays—led by Hotel Manager Rolf Lippuner and other Four Seasons management staff—that takes participants by many of the city’s key monuments, including the White House, Lincoln Memorial and Arlington Cemetery. Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris offers a 5.5mile run every Tuesday at sunrise. The path passes by the Louvre, River Seine and other spectacular landmarks. In 2012, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts bolstered its popular Fairmont Fit program by adding new ﬁtness gear, running shoes and other sports apparel from Reebok. The apparel is delivered free to visiting members of the Fairmont President’s Club, the brand’s complimentary guest-recognition program, and is free for platinum and premium members. “Fairmont Fit continues to be incredibly popular with our guests and globally, and in a recent survey of some of our loyalty members, a high percentage said that ‘athletic’ was an adjective they felt accurately described them,” says Andrew Gibson, vice president of spa and wellness for FRHI Hotels & Resorts, the parent company of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts. FRHI also is working with leading ﬁtness equip-

Wellness Additions for InterContinental, Trump Two of the main health-and-wellness developments last year involved major hotel companies—one that unveiled a new, wellness-centered brand and one that implemented a health and wellness program. In June, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) opened its ﬁrst property in the Even Hotels brand, which is designed for business and leisure travelers who maintain a healthy and active lifestyle and are looking for a complete wellness experience at a mainstream price point. “IHG launched its newest brand, Even Hotels, to meet the large and growing demand for a hotel brand to help wellness-minded travelers keep their balance on the road and provide solutions of all aspects of travelers’ wellness needs,” says Adam Glickman, head of Even Hotels and director of Brand Experience and Lifestyle Brands for IHG. “The brand was ‘born well’—created with wellness at its core—with an emphasis on four components; eating well, resting easy, keeping

active and accomplishing more. “We’re looking at insights learned from Even Hotels and applying them where appropriate across our portfolio.” Even properties feature plenty of wellness offerings, including an athletic studio, an in-room training zone and group exercise classes; a premium sleep system, topped by natural eucalyptus ﬁber bedding; healthy eating options; and comfortable, calming work spaces. Also in June, Trump Hotel Collection announced it was implementing the Trump Wellness program, which is designed to promote health and wellness on several fronts. Implementation of the program has brought many changes, including: at least one-third of the culinary options now consist of health foods; workout equipment such as yoga mats, stretch mats and weights are available to guests for use in their rooms; and each hotel provides maps of local running paths.

Trump International Hotel & Tower Toronto Fitness Suite

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JANUARY 2015

Hilton chef with honey bees

ment suppliers to design a new approach to ﬁtness for Fairmont Singapore and Swissotel The Stamford in Singapore. These properties will offer more functional training, and interactive ﬂoors and walls that combine agility, balance, reaction time, aerobics and enjoyment into one workout.

Spas In July, JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts unveiled Spa by JW, which offers an intuitive experience that is luxurious yet purposeful, and uses traditional and nontraditional treatments and products designed to calm, nourish, invigorate and renew. “After conducting extensive research over an 18-month period, we discovered that even though spas are important to our guests, they were being underutilized,” says Mitzi Gaskins, vice president and global manager of the brand. “Many travelers found hotel spas to be intimidating while others just didn’t feel like they had the time for a visit. In response, we created a global brand-wide spa concept that is luxurious, yet purposeful.” In response to travelers’ growing appetite for wellness products, Hilton Worldwide is launching a signature edition to its Eforea spas in 2015. Journey Enhancements will enable guests to experience one of three luxurious mini treatments, either by themselves or in addition to their existing therapies.

Looking Ahead All of the hotel executives who were contacted for this story said that they feel health and wellness will continue to become a larger part of the hospitality scene. The remarks of Mike DeFrino, chief operating ofﬁcer for Kimpton, reﬂect the general sentiment. “Hospitality is about creating a home away from home for travelers, and as our guests become more health conscious, they want wellness options on the road,” he says. “The days of the standard hotel gym with a treadmill and a few ancient free weights are long gone. There is no reason why guests shouldn’t feel their best while on the road, and it’s only a matter of time before it becomes the norm, rather than the exception.”

http://experience.usatoday.com/food-and-wine/story/best-of-food-and-wine/2015/01/07/hawaiipineapple-dishes-drinks/21296841/

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1/8/2015

The Latest Sales Pitches for VIPs Heading to Bermuda | Luxury Travel Advisor SEARCH

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From a new luxury resort to a new marina, Luxury Travel Advisor breaks down the latest news to come out of Bermuda.

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Bermuda has recently been selected as the host of the 35th America's Cup in 2017. The high-profile global event is anticipated to significantly impact Bermuda's tourism industry, beginning with the America's Cup World Series event in October of 2015 through to the America's Cup Finals events in 2017.

Heidi Podjavorsek : The Concierges& #039; Guide to Budapest :"A travel guide to Budapest's… Wed Jan 07 2015

New Full Service Marina Accommodates Super Yachts

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Bermuda's only full-service marina with integrated pump-out facilities, custom metered electric service and water distribution, located at The Fairmont Hamilton Princess, recently opened in September. The marina features 60 berths, ranging in size to accommodate a variety of boats from smaller tournament fishing boats to super yachts. Additionally, on the heels of the America's Cup announcement, the owners of the Fairmont Hamilton Princess announced they will be investing an additional $1 million into the property's two penthouse suites.

New Ariel Sands Hotel Begins Construction Actor Michael Douglas and Bermuda officials broke ground on the $85 million redevelopment of Ariel Sands Hotel Cottage Colony, a new luxury resort featuring 85 rooms located in 33 cottages and six suites, which is set for completion in 2017.

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The Latest Sales Pitches for VIPs Heading to Bermuda | Luxury Travel Advisor

New Eateries The Bermuda culinary scene continues to flourish with the opening of three new restaurants around the island as well as the launch of a local ice cream line named Alex & Pete's Bermuda Artisan Ice Cream, featuring Bermuda-inspired flavors, such as St. George's Black Rum and Ginger and St. David's Black Rum & Raisin.

Bermuda Resorts Get Makeovers A number of hotels and resorts are receiving multi-million dollar renovations and upgrades, including Elbow Beach Bermuda Resort's three newly-renovated meeting rooms and Fairmont Hamilton Princess' construction of the Princess Beach Club. Visit www.gotobermuda.com.

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1/9/2015

Real Honeymoon in Maui and Kauai, Hawaii | BridalGuide

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JANUARY 9, 2015

Real Honeymoon in Maui and Kauai, Hawaii Morgan and Brian chose to split their time between these two islands of Hawaii, where they'd get both the R&R they needed and the adventure they craved.

Morgan & Brian: Fairmont Kea Lani in Maui, Hawaii

http://www.bridalguide.com/honeymoons/hawaii/real-honeymoon-maui-kauai

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1/9/2015

Real Honeymoon in Maui and Kauai, Hawaii | BridalGuide

Brian and Morgan took a fun-filled trip to the islands of Maui and Kauai in Hawaii. "We knew that we wanted to visit somewhere warm and relaxing — but with so much more to offer than just beaches and nice views. We chose Hawaii because we feel that each island is so diverse and has so much to offer. Hawaii is filled with beaches, romance, adventure, views, culture, shopping and fantastic dining." On Maui, they stayed at the Fairmont Kea Lani (http://www.fairmont.com/kea-lani-maui/) — they loved the location, rooms, pools, restaurants, and staff.

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1/9/2015

Real Honeymoon in Maui and Kauai, Hawaii | BridalGuide

Planning: Ever After Honeymoons (http://everafterhoneymoons.com/?f=yes#default/home?id=4) Hotel Accommodations #1: Fairmont Kea Lani (http://www.fairmont.com/kea-lani-maui/) Hotel Accommodations #2: Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort & Spa (http://www.grandhyattkauai.com/) ► Ready to plan your Hawaiian honeymoon? Get started here! (http://www.bridalguide.com/honeymoons)

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SAVE AND SPLURGE Magical Maui

By Anita Draycott Jan 7, 2015

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07 JAN2014: Maui, repeatedly voted “Best Island in the World” by readers of Condé Nast Traveler and

Travel and Leisure magazines, lives up to its paradisiacal reputation. The Technicolour sunsets, leaping whales, crashing surf and palm-studded beaches are free, but how do you make the most of your vacation dollars? Read on.

(All prices in US dollars.) THE “CHEAP THRILLS” SAVE LIST The Road to Hana

Hana, on the eastern end of Maui, is considered to be the last unspoiled Hawaiian frontier. The optimistically named Hana Highway, an attraction in itself, has saved Hana from “progress.” After three and a half hours of 54 narrow bridges, 600 switchbacks, Tarzan vines and roadside waterfalls, you arrive to find a couple of general stores, the

award-winning Travaasa Hana Maui hotel and not much more. Life here is laid-back—more of a yoga and tofu kind of place than disco and mai tais. Hike up past seven tiered pools fed by mountain cascades through an enchanting bamboo forest to Waimoku Waterfalls. Later, bask on crescent-shaped Hamoa Beach. Somerset Maugham declared it the best in the Pacific. I think you’ll agree with the slogan on a hat in the Hana general store: “It’s a long way from Waikiki.” Did the Earth Move?

Another memorable roller coaster drive takes you inland to the summit of Haleakala, Maui’s enormous dormant volcano. Starting at sea level the sub-tropical landscape gives way to pines and eucalyptus and upward to a chilly and sparse Mars-scape where the huge crater lies. Lots of companies offer sunrise tours with descents on bicycles. Bring a jacket and mitts and be prepared to ride the brakes all the way down. Or, if a wakeup call in the middle of the night isn’t your idea of fun, save shuteye and money by driving your own rental car at a more agreeable hour. Kahuna of the Kitchen Just up the hill from the Cannery Mall in Lahaina, Star Noodle has a casual vibe but the Asian food is seriously delicious. Garlic noodles and Pad Thai top my list of favourites. And be sure to ask about the “cocktail of the day” or try something exotic

from the full Sake bar. www.starnoodle.com

Aloha Wear Before I went to Hawaii I swore I wouldn’t buy one of those “tacky” Hawaiian shirts. But once I got there I just had to have not one but three. Head to Hilo Hattie’s for the most flamboyant Aloha shirt you can find. This Hawaiian emporium is your onestop shopping spot for aloha souvenirs, including chocolate covered macadamia nuts and island coffee. www.hilohattie.com THE “YOU ONLY LIVE ONCE” SPLURGE LIST

Romancing the Fish Mama’s Fish House, a converted beach house near Paia, serves Maui’s finest seafood in a dreamy Polynesian setting. I recommend lobster guacamole followed by the mahi mahi stuffed with lobster, crab and onion and baked in a macadamia nut crust. Plan to arrive before sunset so you can

stroll along the torch-lit beach. Champagne cooler spiked with fresh coconut juice and mango liqueur is guaranteed to put you in the most romantic of moods. Mama’s took first prize at the 2014 Maui Restaurant Awards. Should you decide to spend the night, enjoy sweet dreams at the Inn at Mama’s. www.mamasfishhouse.com. Heavenly Spa From the folks who gave us The Heavenly Bed, Ka’anapali’s The Westin Maui Resort & Spa boasts the world’s first Heavenly Spa by Westin. Try their Pamper Me in Paradise Ritual: an exfoliating and moisturizing island sugar scrub. After a shower your therapist slathers you in a hydrating cream made of coconut, macadamia nuts and kukui nut oils. Drift into slumberland while she massages your scalp, face and feet ($175 for 80 minutes). www.westinmaui.com Go Local The Fairmont Kea Lani is Hawaii’s only all-suite and villa oceanside luxury resort. Each grand suite features huge marble bathrooms, separate living room, mini kitchenette and private balcony. The villas are great for larger groups. Fairmont encourages its guests to partake in authentic Hawaiian traditions. Most mornings guests can join the hotel’s free Hawaiian Canoe Experience to learn the basics of paddling and the significance of the outrigger to Hawaiians. It was after all, via outrigger and celestial navigation that Polynesians voyaged to and settled in these islands. Your guides share songs and chants as you paddle through the clear waters and snorkel with

sea turtles. Fairmont’s poolside Ko restaurant, run by awardwinning chef Tylun Pang, features a menu inspired by Hawaii’s sugarcane era when the cuisines of plantation workers of many nationalities became a sort of Hawaiian melting pot of Chinese, Filipino, Portuguese, Korean and Japanese influences. Not to be missed on the appetizer (pupus) menu is Ahi On the Rock. The sashimi-grade tuna comes to the table with a hot stone so you can sear it to your liking and then dip it in orange/miso sauce. The variety and quality of fish and seafood on Maui is astounding. Catch of the day is more like catch of the hour. If you haven’t tried monchong, butterfish or opah, this is the place. Save room for the vanilla bean crème brûlée. As the saying goes, “Maui Nō Ka ‘Oi,” (Maui is the best.) www.fairmont.com.

Anita Draycott Quite aside from being an award winning writer, whose travel articles and photography regularly appear in golf and lifestyle publications and websites, Anita Draycott is a self confessed golf fanatic, who has chased dimpled white balls over five continents. Read more from Anita Draycott

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1/5/2015

Traveling to Hawaii in 2015 : TravelAge West

home / destinations / hawaii / hotel news & reviews

Traveling to Hawaii in 2015 January 03, 2015 Milestones, openings and upgrades paint a sunny outlook for Hawaii in the new year By: Roberta Dawson Hawaii

Whether you’re a first-time visitor or have traveled to the Hawaiian Islands before, there are so many reasons to take a trip to Hawaii in 2015,” said Karen Hughes, vice president of Meet Hawaii and Travel Industry Partnerships for the Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau (HVCB). “With all of the openings and enhancements on the islands, plus the iconic not-to-miss experiences, demand looks strong.”

Hughes noted that Hawaii will see 500,000 new air seats in 2015, with increased nonstop flights from West Coast gateways to the neighbor islands. She added that the HVCB is launching a new travel agent website and training program highlighting experiences unique to the islands.

http://www.travelagewest.com/Travel/Hotels/Traveling-to-Hawaii-in-2015/#.VKqfUCvF9PM

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1/5/2015

Traveling to Hawaii in 2015 : TravelAge West

Related Content See what’s happening on the Hawaiian Islands this month with our January 2015 Hawaii Calendar.

The Details The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui www.fairmont.com Four Seasons Resorts Lanai at Manele Bay www.fourseasons.com Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort www.grandwailea.com Hotel Wailea Maui www.hotelwailea.com Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa www.hyatt.com JW Marriott Ihilani Ko Olina Resort & Spa www.marriott.com

“We want to ensure that when consumers come to plan their vacation, agents are ready,” she said. Milestones Marking its 50th anniversary on July 24, 2015, Mauna Kea Beach Hotel is paying tribute to its legendary pedigree with a fun and fitting, “What was, is” theme. “We look forward to a fabulous year celebrating the hotel’s rich heritage with our longtime visitors, as well as newcomers,” said Phyllis Branco, hotel manager of Mauna Kea Beach Hotel. A full year of festivities will roll out via the property’s “50 Acts of Aloha” giving campaign, special promotions and unique dining experiences. Agents can promote additional value and seasonal packages by offering clients enhancement options for golf, tennis, ocean activities and cuisine. Openings and Launchings As part of Polynesian Cultural Center’s ongoing $100 million-plus renovation, Hukilau Marketplace debuts in January with admissionfree retail, dining and entertainment geared toward those on the go. Among its offerings is a Tahitian-style roulotte: outdoor dining served by food trucks and stands. Aside from patrons popping in while touring Oahu’s North Shore, the new venue should also see a boost from the adjacent 144room Courtyard by Marriott in Laie that’s slated to open in May.

Kualoa Ranch is augmenting its hefty recreation roster with a Kualoa Ranch seven-station zipline. Digging deep into the lush Kaaawa Valley, www.kualoa.com the 2½-hour adventure amps the rush via dual tracking and three Mauna Kea Beach Hotel suspension bridges. And on Maui, Maverick Helicopters will take www.princeresortshawaii.com flight this spring with new tours in seven-passenger Eco-Star Maverick Helicopters Helicopters. www.maverickhelicopter.com Upgrades Ohana Waikiki West Accommodations are keeping it fresh by refining, redefining and www.outrigger.com enhancing offerings. On Oahu, Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Outrigger Resorts Resort and Spa will cap a $100 million upgrade to its 1,230 www.outrigger.com Polynesian Cultural Center www.polynesia.com

guestrooms this spring, and Ohana Waikiki West will close in March for a full renovation.

http://www.travelagewest.com/Travel/Hotels/Traveling-to-Hawaii-in-2015/#.VKqfUCvF9PM

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1/5/2015

Traveling to Hawaii in 2015 : TravelAge West

Wailea is seeing a flurry of action, with Grand Wailea, A Waldorf Astoria Resort’s $30 million renovation considered the grandest. The 780-room property will reveal refreshed guestrooms, meeting areas and pools this spring. Also winding down on renovations are The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui and Hotel Wailea Maui. While Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Bay continues its transformation, The Lodge at Koele will be unavailable for reservations throughout 2015. “Our newly redesigned West Wing rooms launched last fall, and we expect to begin the East Wing renovation in early January,” said Tom Roelens, general manager for Four Seasons Resort Lanai at Manele Bay. “To expedite work, The Lodge at Koele will be dedicated to the transformation team in 2015.” Rebranding Taking it a step further, JW Marriott Ihilani Ko Olina Resort & Spa is slated to shutter in spring for an extensive multiphase overhaul and rebranding as Four Seasons Resort Oahu at Ko Olina. The hotel is expected to reopen in December with 195 hotel rooms and 206 resort condominium residences. Work on a new tower will break ground in January 2016. With a major rebranding of its diverse inventory, Outrigger has launched Outrigger Resorts as its dedicated beachfront resort brand. Focusing on culturally authentic guest experiences, each property will feature signature amenities such as a beachfront bar, a spa and the Voyager 47 club lounge. The company’s 15 Hawaii resort condominium properties will now be marketed under the new Hawaii Vacation Condos by Outrigger brand. Wholesalers Pleasant Holidays is resurrecting its Hawaii Guided Vacations, with departures beginning May 12. “Hawaii Guided Vacations offers exposure to multiple Hawaiian islands to maximize time in Hawaii and help broaden the customer base outside California and the West Coast,” said Jack Richards, president and CEO of Pleasant Holidays. “Ideal for multigenerational travel, they also offer solo travelers the opportunity to join small-group travel for sharing experiences with others.”

http://www.travelagewest.com/Travel/Hotels/Traveling-to-Hawaii-in-2015/#.VKqfUCvF9PM

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http://www.maxim.com/travel/suite-week-penthouse-fairmont-hotel

Hotels with Pets: Roger the Marmot at The Fairmont Empress in Victoria, Canada

Marmots are furry forest animals closely related to woodchucks and groundhogs.

Roger the Yellow-Bellied Marmot at The Fairmont Empress on Vancouver Island, Canada, is an ambassador for his breed.

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Roger lives in the hotel's waterfront garden, with one of the best views of Vancouver Island's Inner Harbour

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A natural showoff, Roger likes guests to watch him snack on leaves, berries, and oatmeal from the hotel kitchen (as here)

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Roger isn't big on cold weather. From late October through March, he hibernates in a burrow, with over a dozen other marmots

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Fun fact about marmots: their distinctive vocalizing has earned them the nickname "whistlepigs"

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Fun facts about Fairmont Empress: it was built in 1908 to honor Queen Victoria, still serves Afternoon Tea daily, and is said to house two ghosts: a pretty little girl and a hotel chambermaid

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Fairmont Empress website Luxury Travel's story about what makes the Fairmont hotel brand special

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Step 23 of 28

Hotels with Pets: Percheron Horses at Manoir Richelieu, Charlevoix, Canada

The equine team is all Canadian-bred, and live on-property in stables that guests can tour (bringing, the horses hope, a juicy apple or carrot)

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The steeds' names: Sultan, Prince, Black, Cody, Taiga, and Jack (shown)

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They have their own personalities; Prince is the spotlight-happy performer

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Percherons are a very large equine breed measuring up to seven feet tall at their withers, or shoulders -- with their long neck and head above that!

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Percherons don't mind pulling, and are very calm. This makes them ideal horses for carriage or sleigh rides, offered free or charge to guests

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From About's Horses Expert, more aboutPercheron horses Fairmont Manoir Richelieu website

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Step 28 of 28

Hotels with Pets: Carly & Catie Copley, Black Labs at Fairmont Copley Plaza

Fairmont Copley Plaza is a Boston landmark overlooking historic Copley Plaza. The hotel's on-site Black Labrador dogs, Carly Copley (shown) and Catie Copley, are Boston institutions as well.

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Both Labs work five days a week, greeting and nuzzling guests and going for walks with them

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http://www.hotelchatter.com/story/2015/1/18/145956/988/hotels/One_Mayakoba%2C_Three_Resort s%3A_Which_to_Choose%3F

http://sf.eater.com/2015/1/27/7920473/tonga-room-san-francisco-photos#4652296

1/12/2015

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Rose petal turndown Two 60-minute spa treatments Sparkling wine and chocolate-covered strawberries Tasting passes at Gloria Ferrer Winery

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xoxoxo WESTERN VALENTINE'S DAY GETAWAY DESTINATION: Colorado Springs, Colorado The Hotel/Resort: The Broadmoor Romantic Valentine's Getaway Package:

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Romantic dinner for two in either Tavern, Penrose Room or Summit (dinner food & beverage allowance is $190) Suites available at 30% off of published rates Rate: Starts at $430. Valid: Through May 1, 2015. Destination Info: Colorado for Romantics

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Each week, Yahoo Travel pits rival destinations against each other to determine once and for all which is the best. With the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots about to face off at Super Bowl XLIX at the University of Phoenix Stadium in Glendale, AZ, we look at two nearby Arizona cities locked in their own heated rivalry (Fortunately, itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s a dry heat.): Scottsdale vs. Phoenix. The case for Scottsdale

In the summer, Scottsdale is literally a hot golfing location (Photo: iShootPhotos, LLC/E+/Getty Images) With its surreal mountain backdrops, chic shops, restaurants, and galleries, it’s no wonder so many people keep coming back to this desert city. Of course, the award-winning golf courses (There are more than 200 in the city and surrounding area!) and first-class spas (more per capita than any other U.S. city) don’t hurt either. Did I mention that it’s sunny for more than 300 days of the year? To be exact, Scottsdale gets an average of 314 days of sunshine. 314. You can thank its Sonoran Desert location for the extra vitamin D boost and your general feelings of happiness and well-being when visiting this vibrant town. Population: About 226,000 Related: City Smackdown: Phoenix vs. Tucson Famous faces: One of America’s favorite redheads, actress Emma Stone, was born in Scottsdale. Saturday Night Livecomedian and actor David Spade called it home after he and his family relocated there when he was 4 years old. Steven Spielberg, another Scottsdale transplant, moved there at a young age and shot his first small film at Pinnacle Peak Patiorestaurant.

Oscar nominee Emma Stone hails from Scottsdale. (Photo: Danny Moloshok/Reuters/Corbis)

Popular ways to get around town: There are severaltrolley routes throughout the city, and of course there’s the bus. However, the best way to explore this desert metropolis is by car. Rentals are fairly cheap, and there’s always Uber for a night out on the town.

The Scottsdale trolley is a favorite way to get around town. (Photo: Trulia) Cool stuff to do: What scene interests you most? Because Scottsdale is likely to have it. From the great trail hikes and conservations to the architecture and racecars, there’s something for everyone. Did I mention the shopping? Old Town Scottsdale offers history paired with beauty in the form of handmade Native American jewelry and art, for example. Some other must-see places include the McDowell Sonoran Preserve, where you can enjoy the state’s flower, the cactus (to be more exact, the saguaro cactus), as you hike the beautiful mountain-lined trails. And there’s Taliesin West; you won’t want to miss a guided tour through Frank Lloyd Wright’s winter retreat and studio.

Taliesin West by Frank Lloyd Wright in Scottsdale (Photo: Richard T. Nowitz/Corbis) The weather: Much like Phoenix, Scottsdaleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s average temperatures generally hit the mid-toupper 60s in the winter (summer temps for some of us up north!). Get ready for a scorching summer, though, when temperatures reach upward of 100 degrees. The only saving grace is that thereâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s no humidity but rather a nice dry heat.

Sunset in Scottsdale, Arizona (Photo: Jason Farrar/Flickr)

Related: My Route 66 Adventure: A r i zo n a ’ s Most Spectacular Drive Food: You won’t run out of places to eat in Scottsdale. And with the surplus of options, it may get hard to narrow down your search. A great place to start: the Citizen Public House. The awardwinning gastropub cuisine (think truffle grilled cheese and candied bacon and peach pie), craft beers, and fun cocktails like the Citi-zen Cocktail (a combination of pear vodka and ginger liqueur, complete with a lemon twist and side of rock candy), are sure to please your entire party. If you’re all about the wine, then Kazimierz World Wine Bar is the place for you! Live entertainment, small plates, and a collection of more than 2,000 wines? Sounds like the makings of a fantastic night!

Kazimierz World Wine Bar (Photo: Facebook/Kazimierz World Wine Bar) Entertainment: If you’re looking for some leisurely activities and pampering fun, then Scottsdale is the place for you! It’s primarily known for two things: the top-notch spas and golf courses. Be sure to check out the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess. From the award-winning cuisine to the aerial hammock yoga to the 27 treatment rooms, you’ll leave feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. For all you golfers, the renowned annual PGA Tour Waste Management Phoenix Open takes place on one of the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess 18-hole championship golf courses. This year’s event begins on January 26 and culminates on Super Bowl Sunday, February 1.

Fairmont Scottsdale’s Techno Glo Pool Party every Friday-Sunday (Photo: Facebook/Fairmont Scottsdale) The Phoenician is another great luxury resort for a massage or round of golf. With three diverse nine-hole courses spread over 6,300 yards of terrain, it’s a golfer’s dream. Grayhawk Golf Club is another place to tee off. Its Talon Course spreads across 6,973 yards and is one of the highest rated daily-fee courses in Arizona. Mexican fare: You’ll quickly learn that Arizona doesn’t do bad Mexican food. And Old Town Tortilla Factory is one of the best. Steeped in history and constructed from a 75-year-old Scottsdale adobe home, the restaurant offers a Southwestern menu with a Mexican twist. You’ll find staples like enchiladas along with dishes like the Achiote ribs.

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A Taste of Toro Restaurant and Rum Bar

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A Taste of Toro Restaurant and Rum Bar

(http://www.arizonafoothillsmagazine.com/taste/restaurants-phoenix/taste-toro-restaurant-rumbar/attachment/toro-ceviche) We have a New Year’s resolution for you: get to Fairmont Scottsdale Princess to savor the just-opened Toro Restaurant and Rum Bar. Located at the re-designed TPC clubhouse, Toro is sure to be a popular spot come the end of January when Waste Management Phoenix Open kicks off. A collaboration with Chef Richard Sandoval, who is also behind the resort’s amazing La Hacienda restaurant, Toro has a menu bursting with delicious Pan Latin cuisine. (Pan Latin cuisine is inspired by the flavors of Latin America, most specifically rooted in the Japanese and Chinese Peruvian cultures.) Toro’s version of the bread basket, pan de bono, a gluten-free Colombian cheese bread served with a rocoto Peruvian salsa, is a knockout way to kick off a meal at Toro. The exterior is crisp and sweet–almost like a cookie–while the interior is warm, gooey and cheesy. Toro’s signature item is suviche–a tasty combo of sushi and ceviche. The lineup of rolls is creative and bursting with ingredients you can’t wait to try, like maple miso. The Rainbow Tropical Roll is a table favorite, brimming with tuna, hamachi and salmon. To bring in the Latin influence is heaping spoonfuls of refreshing avocado-mango-papaya salsa. The Crunchy Shrimp Roll is another must-try, thanks to the spicy sesame-chipotle mayo.

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A Taste of Toro Restaurant and Rum Bar

(http://www.arizonafoothillsmagazine.com/taste/restaurants-phoenix/taste-toro-restaurant-rumbar/attachment/toro-corn-empanadas) For a hot appetizer, both the corn empanadas and parmesan-crusted scallops are tops. The empanadas are deliciously crispy and full of aji amarillo, mozzarella, cilantro and chimichurri, offering just a hint of spice. The scallops, with decadent lemon butter, are bright and flavorful. Though the Toro menu is brimming with small plates that together would make an amazing meal, there are a few larger entrees that aren’t to be missed, including the Australian lamb chops, with cucumber yogurt and yucca puree, and any of the hearty grilled meats, all served with chimichurri, horseradish and chipotle barbecue salsas. On the side, the utterly creamy and decadent pork belly mac and cheese is heaven-sent. To end the mean, the avocado panna cotta is light, airy and refreshing–even after a hearty meal. The rosemary jelly that accompanies the panna cotta adds just the right amount of savory. And, of course, Toro specializes in rum. There is even a Rum Princesa on staff who can offer up great knowledge and recommendations–you’ll need it, there are more than 110 rums to choose from. scottsdaleprincess.com (http://www.scottsdaleprincess.com).

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In Paris, a Sweet New Destination By SHIVANI VORA JANUARY 7, 2015 11:06 AM January 7, 2015 11:06 am Comment

The Azur.Credit Le Royal Monceau, Raffles Paris Pierre Hermé is regarded as one of the world’s best dessert chefs, and he has a showcase at the new Chocolate Bar at the Le Royal Monceau, Raffles Paris hotel. Through March 31, the property’s Philippe Starck-designed Bar Long will transform into a sweet eatery from 3 to 6 p.m. daily, replacing the afternoon tea service. Mr. Hermé, who oversees the hotel’s pastry program, has designed a menu highlighting hot chocolate, pastries and shooters (desserts in shot glasses). Chocolate fans can choose from four cocoa drinks including the Originel with pepper, grains and corn foam and a Viennois made with Chantilly cream. Pastries include the Azur, a chocolate mousse with Grand Cru Manjari cream, a chocolate biscuit, candied yuzu, dried lime and yuzu sauce. Shooters include the warmed Inca with hot chocolate ganache and a compote made with avocado and banana. Mr. Hermé said in an email that the desserts are original creations for the Chocolate Bar. http://intransit.blogs.nytimes.com/2015/01/07/in-paris-a-sweet-new-destination/?_r=0

2/2/2015

4 romantic getaways, not just for Valentine's Day - Chicago Tribune

4 romantic getaways, not just for Valentine's Day By Terri Colby Chicago Tribune JANUARY 28, 2015, 3:30 PM

ove is in the air in February, when Valentine's Day shouts its presence. But if you haven't already booked a getaway, you can indulge at other times of year at these accommodations in outoftheordinary

destinations that promise sunshine, crashing waves and a feeling of getting away from the rest of the world. The Seychelles Getting away was certainly part of the plan when Prince William and Kate Middleton honeymooned in the Seychelles, an archipelago of more than 100 islands about 1,000 miles east of Kenya in the Indian Ocean. A tropical paradise, the Seychelles were uninhabited until the 1700s, when pirates, explorers and other sailors stumbled upon them. The French were the first settlers, arriving in 1770 to a place some viewed as the real Garden of Eden. Mahe and Praslin are the two largest islands, and the area has a tropical microclimate with yearround temperatures between 74 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit. The Raffles Praslin hotel (raffles.com/praslin) is an overthetop luxury escape where the 86 villas and suites have private outdoor pavilions and plunge pools with amazing Indian Ocean views. Guests are assigned a butler to help with any planning or room needs. The hotel's spa is open air and provides couples' services, naturally. Rates begin at about $500 per night, but some packages give a fourth night free when you spend three nights. If you visit Praslin, there are a few things you shouldn't miss. Anse Lazio, a short walk from the hotel, is regularly noted as one of the world's best beaches. With impossibly soft sand, the crescentshaped beach is backed by jungle and fronted with warm crystalline waters that glitter under amazing sunsets. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Vallee de Mai in the Praslin National Park is a primeval palm forest that is home to the coca de mer tree, which produces the largest nut in the plant kingdom, weighing as much as 18 pounds. In the Raffles garden, the resort can arrange for lovebirds to plant two trees in one spot so the trees become wrapped around one another as they grow. Photos are sent to couples on their anniversaries. Curacao Once part of the Netherlands Antilles, Curacao is an island in the southern Caribbean off the coast of Venezuela. It has terrific beaches, predictably hot temperatures and a mix of histories and cultures. Curacao became a distinct country within the Kingdom of the Netherlands in 2010 and retains much of its Dutch flavor. Dutch and English are official languages, but the most widely spoken is Papiamentu, a Portuguese creole. Partly European and partly African, people from more than 50 nationalities live on this 170squaremile island. This mix of cultures is seen in the food and architecture, with Willemstad's pastel buildings an iconic and familiar http://www.chicagotribune.com/lifestyles/travel/sc-trav-0203-romantic-trips-20150128-story.html?dssReturn#page=1&z=02116

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4 romantic getaways, not just for Valentine's Day - Chicago Tribune

image in the capital. With a tropical savanna climate and a dry season that lasts nine months of the year, it's easy to see why Curacao is a popular destination for scuba divers and beach lovers. A big event each year in Curacao is the North Sea Jazz Festival, an offshoot of the samenamed event in Rotterdam, over Labor Day weekend. Undoubtedly, hotels will be harder to book and probably more expensive, but if you're a music fan who loves hot weather, this is a great place to be. Try the Santa Barbara Beach & Golf Resort (8555902266, santabarbararesortcuracao.com) if you want to be away from it all. About a 40minute drive from Willemstad, this 27acre resort features a Pete Dye golf course, a spa, pool, sand beach and plenty of outdoor lounging areas. Rates in March are about $300 per night. Closer to town and more upscale is Baoase, which says its philosophy is barefoot elegance (8884093506, baoase.com). On a white sand beach amid botanical gardens, Baoase offers rooms, suites or villas, some with private pools, starting at $475 per night in March. The 60yearold luxury Avila Hotel (8007478162, avilahotel.com) has two beaches in its downtown location, with March rates beginning at $272. One of my favorite nights in Curacao was a visit to the hotel's Blues Jazz Bar and Restaurant. Food was OK, drinks were better, but the location — outside on a pierlike structure over the water — with amazing sunset views, was unforgettable. Don't miss the Restaurant & Cafe Gouverneur de Rouville (degouverneur.com) on the Otrobanda waterfront in Willemstad's historic old town, for traditional food and terrific views. Dominican Republic Sharing the Caribbean island of Hispaniola with Haiti, the Dominican Republic has a long colonial history; the capital of Santo Domingo was founded in 1496 by Bartholomew Columbus — yes, a Columbus brother. Santo Domingo is a large city, but for a more remote and romantic destination, visit the Casa Bonita Tropical Lodge (8009615133, casabonitadr.com) in the unspoiled southwestern region of the country. Atop a jungled hill, Casa Bonita and its 13 guest rooms have stunning sea views. Just outside the checkin area are an openair restaurant and an infinity pool edged by palm trees overlooking the water. There's not a whole lot to do off the property, but on site you can go ziplining and visit the Casa Bonita spa, which offers one of the most unusual massages I've ever experienced. The massage table is set up in the Riosito River, and the therapist stands barefoot in the water to give you the treatment. At first it seemed odd, but after I turned onto my back, the sounds of the water passing over river rocks while butterflies floated overhead made for an experience to remember. Room rates for most of the year begin at $220 per night. Meal plans cost extra. Mexico A small Mexican town south of Puerto Vallarta, Yelapa isn't an island but might as well be, because you can get there only by boat. No roads to get you there, no cars in town, it's definitely an outoftheway place for romance. A longtime hippie haven, it still has the feel of the lost generation, with frequent sightings of grayhaired ponytails of both genders. Out of the way and off the beaten path, it will definitely make you feel like you've left the world http://www.chicagotribune.com/lifestyles/travel/sc-trav-0203-romantic-trips-20150128-story.html?dssReturn#page=1&z=02116

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4 romantic getaways, not just for Valentine's Day - Chicago Tribune

behind. Especially if you stay at Casa Pericos (8053082209, yelapacasa.com), a very unusual and very small boutique hotel. A fourstory structure built into the side of a mountain and just steps from the crashing ocean waves, it has three units open to the ocean and sky with just waisthigh concrete posts and wires lining the edge. After we arrived — hopping off the boat into the surf at nearby Playa Isabel before heading right to the third building — it was difficult to leave Casa Pericos and our 35footwide perch overlooking the ocean. Snorkeling equipment and kayaks are provided and can be enjoyed just outside the door. You might be lucky enough to see whales or dolphins from your sitting area. A 10minute walk into town takes you along rutted stone paths, through a small stream, past a tiny grocery store and to some surprisingly good restaurants (one with a Frenchtrained chef) for such a remote location. The secondlevel unit at Casa Pericos is Vista Romantica, a 1,000squarefoot space with a large bathroom built around the stone mountain wall and a jungle strangler fig tree growing through the floor to the next level. The beds all have Moroccanstyle canopy mosquito nets, and multicolored glass hearts line the back wall. High season rates for Vista Romantic are $180 a night. Casa Pericos is perfect for alone time with your lover. But there's one thing: You are so close to the water that earplugs are helpful for blocking the sounds of crashing waves at night. Couples will need to decide for themselves whether earplugs are helpful to their relationships. If you go To get to the Seychelles you must first travel to Africa for a connecting flight, so it's obviously a long haul, especially from North America. There are few direct flights from the U.S. to Curacao (curacao.com/en), but it's just over three hours from Miami, so it's easy enough to get a connecting flight. Many U.S. cities have direct flights to Santo Domingo in the Dominican Republic (godominicanrepublic.com/rd), but it's another three hours by car to get to Casa Bonita, which can arrange your ride. The only way to get to Yelapa is by boat from Puerto Vallarta. The ride is about 40 minutes, and the roundtrip fare is about $25 U.S. Casa Pericos sends detailed instructions on arranging the water taxi when you book. Copyright © 2015, Chicago Tribune

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1/5/2015 10:35 AM

The City of Light Shines On: 5 Reasons to Visit Paris In Winter 2015 E 1.27.2015

Much has been made of the allure of Paris in springtime, and deservedly so, but those who love the inimitable city have long known of its many charms during the winter months. The unimaginable terrorist attack that struck the City of Light on January 7 with the massacre at Charlie Hebdo headquarters, followed by subsequent atrocities over the next two days, shook the city—and the world—to its very core, and dealt a devastating blow to tourism, the country’s number-one industry. With 85 million visitors in 2013 (the latest figures available), France is the world’s most visited nation; tourism brings some $170 billion annually into the country’s coffers, or seven percent of its GDP. As Paris slowly recovers and mounts a strategic tourism offensive— dispersing ambassadors starting next month to destinations including the UK, US and Japan—perhaps the best way to stand in solidarity with the city, beyond a worldwide rallying chorus of “Je suis Charlie,” is to pack your valise and go there. Here are five wonderful—and timely—reasons to visit Paris this winter.

Philharmonie de Paris: Resembling a futuristic metallic mountain rising above the Parc de la Villette, the much-buzzed-about music center opened on January 14 and promises to be a festive new cultural hub. The symphonic hall, or “Grande Salle,” designed by celebrated French architect Jean Nouvel, has already been hailed as both an architectural and acoustical achievement extraordinaire: described as an “enveloping” auditorium, it feels remarkably intimate despite its 2400 seats—owing largely to the fact that, thanks to its ingenious design, the distance between the conductor and the farthest spectator is only 32 meters.

The Grande Salle of the new Philharmonie de Paris is a state-of-the-art listening experience. (Courtesy of the Philharmonie de Paris)

On March 3, the acclaimed exhibition David Bowie Is arrives, following its successful 2013 debut at the Victoria & Albert Museum in London. There’s also a Museum of Music, with some 7000 objets dating back to the 17th century; a musician provides musical accompaniment to the permanent collection daily.

Frank Gehry’s design of the new Fondation Louis Vuitton is an architectural triumph.

Fondation Louis Vuitton: The sprawling, spectacular museum and cultural center on the edge of the Bois de Boulogne, designed by Frank Gehry and often described as a “big glass boat” with 12 soaring “sails” crafted from 3,600 glass panels, has quickly become yet another singular sensation in the City of Light since its October debut. This winter’s star attraction: Olafur Eliasson: Contact, a show conceived by the Danish-Icelandic artist specifically for the Fondation that has received rave reviews for its awe-inspiring manipulation of darkness, light, perception and scale. Catch it until February 23.

Musée Picasso Paris: Newly reopened in October in the 17th-century Hôtel Salé in the historic Marais district following a hotly anticipated renovation that more than doubled its size, the Musée Picasso Paris showcases the world’s most complete collection of over 400 works by the Spanish painter. Also on display is a captivating selection of pieces he owned by artists he loved, including Degas, Cézanne, Gauguin and Matisse.

Ice skating outside Paris’s Hotel de Ville is a winter tradition in the City of Light.

The Ice Rink at the Hôtel de Ville: This annual wintertime tradition, outside the perennially enchanting Hôtel de Ville, Paris’s city hall since 1357, remains a seasonal delight that draws both tourists and locals until March 1. And if you’re hungry after an afternoon of skating, the charming cafes, restaurants and bakeries of the Marais (including the world-class falafel and other tasty treats found along Rue de Rosiers) are just a short stroll away.

The new La Réserve Paris Hotel and Spa offers a luxurious boutique-hotel experience in a Haussmannian mansion. (Courtesy of La Réserve Paris – Hotel and Spa)

The Hotels: While the Belle Époque is long gone, Paris’s hotel scene seems to have entered a newly golden age: Arguably no other city offers the breadth

and quality of accommodations that are presently spoiling well-heeled visitors for choice. The over-the-top opulence ofThe Peninsula Paris, which opened in August, has dazzled even the most jaded jet-setters, while the charming Hôtel Plaza Athénée, known for its signature red awnings, storied history and sumptuous rooms, unveiled a nearly $270 million renovation last summer. Another favorite is Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris, a stunning combination of old-world Parisian sophistication and sexy modern charm that’s just a short walk from the Arc de Triomphe. Its low-lit bar, aptly named Le Bar Long, is one of the best places in Paris for a drink, thanks to its intriguing and expertly mixed cocktails, glamorous crowd, and seductive soundtrack; the tapas menu, available after 6pm, is just as delectable as the scene. Meanwhile, singular new properties like La Réserve Paris Hotel and Spa are luring the world’s most inthe-know travelers. Designed by Jacques Garcia, the 26-suite, 14-room property opened on January 19 in a Haussmannian mansion previously owned by Pierre Cardin, just off the Champs-Elysées in the 8thArrondissement. Close to the Palais d’Elysée and Place de la Concorde, it’s the group’s first metropolitan outpost; suites feature personal butler service, while the spa is equipped with a 52-foot indoor pool. http://www.forbes.com/sites/alexandrakirkman/2015/01/27/the-city-of-lights-shines-on-5-reasons-tovisit-paris-in-winter-2015/

It's hard scouring the globe in search of the perfect drink, but our editors managed. From the famed Il Pellicano to one of Picasso's old haunts, here are the picks for the best hotel bars.

8/ 10 Raffles Singapore I like following in the footsteps of Rudyard Kipling and Ernest Hemingway by sipping a highball at the Long Bar at Singaporeâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Raffles. It was behind this bar that the first Singapore Sling was poured sometime before 1915.â&#x20AC;&#x201D;Lauren Kilberg

Photo by Lauren Kilbert

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January 30, 2015

Dining Agenda: New Restaurants and Food World News this February Where to go, what to eat and what to drink this month. The latest restaurant openings and announcements from our favorite chefs around the world, plus this month's most delicious, not-to-miss events: Chef Jason Franey, formerly of Seattle’s Canlis, was just welcomed as the executive chef at Coastal Luxury Managemente Restaurant 1833 in Monterey, California. A three-time James Beard Best New Chef Northwest nominee, Franey cut his teeth working alongside top talent including Daniel Humm at Eleven Madison Park. 500 Hartnell St.; 83-643-1833. While the French Laundry is closed for renovations, Thomas Keller has launched a pop-up called Ad Lib at Napa’s Silverado Resort and Spa. There, he’ll serve classic American dishes like Carolina Creek shrimp cocktail and root vegetable pot-pie using produce from The French Laundry Culinary Garden. 1600 Atlas Peak Rd.; 707-754-4148. Nordic chef Rene Redzepi, four-time topper of San Pellegrino 50 Best List, has temporarily relocated his Copenhagen restaurant Noma to the Mandarin Oriental Tokyo. Redzepi and his team will apply their hyper-local, foraging-focused approach to Japanese cuisine at the hotel’s Signature restaurant through February 14. $380 a person; 2-1-1 Nihonbashimuromachi, Chuo; 813/3270-8800. The Michelin Guide released their rankings for France, taking Alain Ducasse's reopened Plaza Athénée down to two stars from the previous three. Michelin also upgraded Pavilion Ledoyen in Paris and Le Bouitte in Saint-Martin-de-Belleville from two to three stars. The country now has 26 three-star restaurants, down from 27 last year. Amanda Cohen just opened her hotly anticipated Dirt Candy 2.0 in a larger space along Allen Street in New York City (pictured below). Each dish on the menu is an exploration of a single ingredient, including creations like pulled, pickled, and jerk-spiced carrot served with a peanut mole sauce and carrot waffles. The vegetarian-focused restaurant has implemented a

mandatory 20 percent service fee to be distributed evenly to the front and back of the house. 86 Allen St.; 212-228-7732.

Blue Bottle Coffee has wrapped up construction on their 7,000-square-foot roasting facility in Tokyo. The rapidly expanding San Francisco–based, third-wave roaster will also be opening retail shops in the Kiyosumi (1-4-8, Hirano, Koto-ku) and Aoyama districts of Japan’s capital city in February and March of this year. The team behind coveted Los Angeles watering holes The Varnish, Honeycut, and Cole's opens their newest venture, The Normandie Cub in Koreatown's historic Hotel Normandie. Daniel Eun (previously of New York's PDT) runs the drinks program at the 70-person bar, highlighting classic and contemporary cocktails, craft beer, cider, wine and more. 3612 W. Sixth St.; 213-2632709. Festivities surrounding Lunar New Year run from February 13 through March 3 this year, and Hong Kong has some of the best eats on offer. Here, seven iconic dishes imbued with good luck and where to eat them. After a trial run in Paris, Joël Robuchon launched his “Innovation, Modernity and Tradition” tasting menu ($435 per person) at his eponymous restaurant at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas. He’s completely retooled the offerings at the Michelin three-star restaurant save for his famed pureed potatoes. Robuchon also plans to open a new iteration of his L’Atelier restaurant (formerly housed at the Four Seasons) in New York’s Battery City in September 2015. 3799 S. Las Vegas Blvd.; 702-891-7925.

Indulge in the ultimate Valentine’s Day sweets with a trip to renowned pastry chef Pierre Hermé’s innovative pop-up chocolate bar at Le Royal Monceau Raffles Paris. He’ll be preparing all sorts of gourmet twists on delicacies like hot cocoa, classic pastries, and decadent ganache through March 31. 37 Ave. Hoche; 33-1/42-99-98-50.

The Mandarin Oriental, New York welcomes Michelin three-star chef Eneko Atxa to Restaurant Asiate for an exclusive, three-night pop-up this month (pictured above). The Basque cook will showcase his creative Spanish cuisine (think oyster with algae and vegetable foam; pigeon with fried cauliflower) to New Yorkers from February 18–20. From $185 per person; 80 Columbus Cir.; Reserve by calling 212-805-8809 or emailing monyc-restaurantbooking@mohg.com. Brooklyn's popular Asian-American joint TALDE opens a second location in Jersey City this month. While offering many of the same favorites as the original Park Slope restaurant (including their addictive pretzel and chive dumplings and Korean fried chicken), the new menu pays special attention to chef Dale Talde’s dim sum and Robata-grilled dishes. The team plans to expand their empire outside the New York City area later this year with their just-announced plans for TALDE Miami Beach, opening this summer in the Thompson Hotel. 8 Erie St.; 201-6300077. Chicago restaurant group Lettuce Entertain You is opening a cutting edge dining concept called Introinside Chicago’s now-shuttered Michelin-starred restaurant L20. It will host a rotating cast of resident chefs for two to three months; Top Chef alum C.J. Jacobson is slated to helm the kitchen first. 2300 N. Lincoln Park West; 773-868-0002.

Wolfgang Puck plans on opening three new concepts at the Four Seasons Bahrain by the end of the month, including a CUT steakhouse (the chefâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s sixth worldwide); a new concept called Asian Cuisine; and a lounge named Blue Moon. All three spaces will be designed by Waldo Fernandez, who imagined the sleek and seamless redesign of Spago Beverly Hills in 2012. http://www.departures.com/lifestyle/food/dining-agenda-new-restaurants-and-food-world-news-thisfebruary?xid=DISPATCH012915FebruaryDiningAgenda

1/14/2015

Travel Detective Blog: Singapore 50 Years After Independence

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Tr avel Detective Blog: Singapor e 50 Year s After Independence Posted by PeterGreenberg.com on January 10, 2015 at 9:41 am Share on:

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Travel Detective Blog: Singapore 50 Years After Independence

Image Credit: Wikimedia Commons User Dem Romero The Republic of Singapore is a sovereign city-state with a unique history. Located on the Malaysian Peninsula, Singapore was once a British colony and a part of Malaysia. In 1965, Singapore gained independence and has since been very economically successful. As the city-state reaches its 50th anniversary, Peter Greenberg reflects on the changes he’s witnessed over time, and destinations worth visiting. When I first visited Singapore, it was considered one of the more legendary, romantic, and some might even say hot destinations in Asia — an island nation with great food, a great culture, real character and a natural hub of the continent. Then came a period in the late eighties and early nineties when the place seemed to want to erase its colorful past, erect large concrete structures, and sanitize all the fun parts. And when that happened, the average visitor stay started to drop. Many folks felt Singapore was intentionally trying to marginalize its cultural roots, moving from satay carts on the streets of newton circus and the bustling nightlife into a more antiseptic financial center. The same folks felt there wasn’t much to do in Singapore. Thankfully, times have changed and Singaporeans are moving quickly to recapture and celebrate their history and their culture. And indeed, Singapore has a rich history with an abundance of unique cultural and culinary attractions. Its airport is one of the best in the world, along with another winner: Singapore Airlines. The small city state of Singapore (about half the size of Los Angeles) is only about three hours by plane to most Asian capitals, which makes it a place easy to access on any Southeast Asia itinerary. And you don’t have to look far to rediscover Singapore’s deeply entrenched history as a prominent maritime trade hub. The city was actually designed to face the water. Back in the 19th century, there was always a battle for control of the sea leading to Singapore, particularly over the Straits of Malacca. At this time, Singapore was part of an imperial trading network that would start in India, sail to Singapore, stop in Hong Kong, and sometimes end up further north along the coast of China. At the same time, Singapore also positioned itself into a “sleepy” fishing village, creating a port that was drama-free.

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Travel Detective Blog: Singapore 50 Years After Independence

Few people know of the city’s history with opium, which once accounted for about half of Singapore’s revenue. You need to make a stop at the National Museum of History in Singapore, because they feature this fascinating history (especially in their oral history department). You can check out the museum seven days a week for about 10 Singaporean dollars. Another surprise about Singapore — its natural parks and gardens. And I always ask the locals for their insider guidance when it comes to hanging at local parks. Donna Bernero, professor of Singaporean History at the National University of Singapore, spends her free time at the Sungei Bulow Wetland National Park, where you can see monitor lizards, mudskippers, crabs, and other Singaporean wildlife. They host free guided walking tours on Saturdays (early registration required). For more outdoor exploration, try the Singapore botanic gardens or the Jurong Bird Park (which was my mother’s favorite). Then there’s Raffles Hotel, which is my long time recommendation and one of my more favorite hotels in the world. Raffles is arguably the most iconic hotel in Singapore, and in its 127 years of operation has housed countless writers (and a few infamous journalists as well) — Somerset Maugham, Ernest Hemingway and Rudyard Kipling. Many of the suites are named after such legendary residents, which instills the hotel with a palpable sense of historic awe. The management has gone to great lengths to preserve the feel, the architecture, the style and because of that, the spirit of Maugham, Hemingway and Kipling lives on. Other than air conditioning and in-room internet access, Raffles proudly holds on to its original form and grace, taking you back to another time and holding decades of intriguing stories. And if you want to hear some, just seek out the hotel’s resident historian, Leslie Danker, who’s been with Raffles for 42 years and knows all of the hotel’s tales, most of them epic.

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Travel Detective Blog: Singapore 50 Years After Independence

Soon the hotel will be celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Singapore Sling. Yes, this colorful, very sweet drink was invented at the hotel, and yes, there’s an epic story behind it as well. In all candor, it’s not my favorite libation. It’s too syrupy and too sweet. But it doesn’t matter. Every time I go, it’s just not negotiable. I must go into the Long Bar and have a Singapore Sling. It is, as some of my British friends will remind me, “just what one does.” The other thing that “one does” in Singapore is…eat. The food scene has really taken off. Singapore has literally embraced its mixture of Western and Asian cultures — and a small parade of new fusion Hawker Centres and restaurants are just about everywhere you look. If eating street food makes you nervous, keep in mind that the hawker stalls are regulated for safety and cleanliness, and Singapore’s National Environment Agency oversees more than 100 markets and hawker centers. It’s a must see-must do Singaporean experience. Check out the bak chor mee at Bedok 85, or the porridge with gold fritter and century egg at the Bukit Timah Market, or head to Bincho, a traditional Japanese restaurant that doubles as a coffee shop. A new addition to the Singapore food scene is Bar-Roque, an aptly Baroque-themed 17th century style restaurant serving cuisine from the French region of Alsace. Chef Stephane, a native of Alsace, serves his beef and seafood-heavy dishes in large, communal portions to encourage a familial vibe. Try the Seafood Platter, which includes oysters, Sturgeon rillette, prawns, fish ceviche, octopus, and Alaska King Crab leg. One particular Western-Asian fusion style restaurant is called Eighteen Chefs — it has both great cuisine and a great story. Created by Benny Se Teo, who once worked for his father’s opium den, then transitioned into the gangs (which then landed him in jail), Benny emerged from prison with a great idea — a restaurant the gives opportunities to exconvicts and reformed gang members (who now make up 50 percent of his workforce). While this in itself is admirable and is part of the restaurant’s attraction to first time customers, what brings us back is the Eighteen chefs cheese baked rice. Imagine a dish with two different kinds of cheese, eight different possibilities of sauces, and thirteen choices of ingredients — and you get to pick the combinations. One thing you can find in Singapore–which you may not expect–is Australian food. At Burnt Ends, it’s all about the grill. They use apple and almond wood burning machines and grills, where they smoke, slow roast, hot roast, bake, grill and cook their daily written menu. You can pull up a chair at the main counter, which faces the grill so you can watch the roasting and grilling in action. Head Chef David Pynt uses fresh ingredients, so the menu changes on a daily basis. You might find options such as smoked quail eggs, duck hearts with endive and aioli, or flank with burnt onion and bone marrow. The drink options also stick to the Australian continent–the wine menu features small growers and family-owned vineyards.

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Travel Detective Blog: Singapore 50 Years After Independence

And finally, at a time when airline food has mostly been forgotten (and some might argue is forgettable), Singapore Airlines is a notable exception. On my last trip to Singapore I visited their catering facilities. Talk about “cooked to order.” They’ve figured out one of the problems of inflight meals and the challenge of overcooking food (or reheating it for a flight and THEN overcooking it). They’ve brought in special blast chillers to cool the food down immediately after it’s cooked (which stops the cooking process quickly). This is especially helpful when you consider that our taste buds are 30 percent less sensitive at 35,000 feet, something that also contributes greatly to the lackluster taste of other inflight meals). Bottom line: You get to eat well in Singapore, and also when you leave! Want more destination and restaurant recommendations? Check out: Peter Greenberg’s Hot Destinations for 2015 The Flourishing Foodie Scene in Atlanta Up-And-Coming New York Neighborhood Restaurants By Peter Greenberg for PeterGreenberg.com

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By Karla Alindahao Contributor

I write about travel and food. So I love forks in the road.

When it comes to Valentine’s Day, great things come in romantic getaway packages. Because—let’s face it—it’s just more fun to escape the drudgery of daily life and pop a bottle of good Champagne somewhere very far away from home (and possibly, your dear children). So here are 14 hotels—including Paris’ Le Royal Monceau, Jamaica’s Round Hill Hotel and Villas, and beyond—with incredibly romantic packages that are worth every ounce of love. LE ROYAL MONCEAU Paris, France The French never fail to achieve romance perfectly. And you certainly can’t go wrong with surprising your special someone with a trip to the City of Light. But to make it extraordinary, stay at Le Royal Monceau in the eight arrondissement and book its “Valentine’s Day Offer,” which includes Champagne, Pierre Hermé pastries, and breakfasts at Michelin-starred La Cuisine. And if you lock in a suite (from €1290 per night), there’ll be a “surprise” piece of fine jewelry from Messikawaiting in the room. Beyond that, the hotel also has its “Romantic Experience at Raffles.” It includes a massage, a private art tour around the hotel, and use of the health and fitness facilities at the My Blend by Clarins spa. Pro tip: If you’re flying from New York, reserve seats on one of La Compagnie’s all-business class flight. It’ll just make the trip extra sweet (and easy).

Couples who book Le Royal Monceau’s “Valentine’s Day Offer” get to breakfast at La Cuisine—the hotel’s Michelin-starred French restaurant.

BANYAN TREE MAYAKOBA Playa del Carmen, Mexico Here’s a package that you won’t find online. You’ve got to call to book it, but it’s one of the best offers on this list. Banyan Tree Mayakoba’s “Magical Moments” is pretty spectacular. You’re basically welcomed to a candle- and rose petal-decorated room before being whisked away to enjoy a bottle of Dom Pérignon and Sevruga caviar. Then there’s a private dinner— accompanied by a live jazz trio, of course. But the night doesn’t end there: The hotel will even draw an outdoor bath surrounded by rose petals and candles. And if that doesn’t scream romance, then nothing else will. To make reservations, email mayakoba@banyantree.com or call 1.800.591.0439.

Banyan Tree Mayakoba in Playa del Carmen, Mexico is offering one of the most romantic packages on this list. But you’ll have to call or email the property to book it.

THE NINES Portland, Oregon Not exactly a fan of Champagne? Prefer a laidback vibe? Into microbrews, quaint bookstores, a vibrant food scene, and basically all things hip? Then head over to Portland, Oregon. But remember, we’re going for romance here. So head to the centrally-located Nines hotel, where they have their own alternative twist to the typical Valentine’s Day package: the “Roses and Thorns” offer. You’ll notice that in lieu of something bubbly, you’ll get some quality red wine. There will also be blood red Baccara roses and dark chocolates from local chocolatierMoonstruck Chocolate Co. And of course, there will be no Champagne breakfast—they’ll give you hearty Bloody Marys, because that’s the kind of couple you are. And just like that, Valentine’s Day couldn’t have been any better. LA MAMOUNIA Marrakech, Morroco Who doesn’t want to visit the legendary La Mamounia? Nestled in a 17-acre park in the middle of old Marrakech, the hotel (and the city) is as romantic as it gets. And if you really want to go all out, this is where to do it. The hotel’s three-night “Romantic” promotion is quite the lush treat: There are airport transfers via Range Rovers or Jaguars, a private hammam experience, massages, daily buffet breakfast at the Pavillon de la Piscine, cocktails at Le Bar Italien in the Majorelle gallery followed by a meal at L’Italien by Don Alfonso, lunch in a “romantic spot” outside the property, and dinner at the hotel’s Morrocan restaurant—Le Marocain. Now, if you don’t want all these pre-arranged “activities,” just book La Mamounia’s most romantic suite: the Baldaquin. At more than $3,000 per night, it doesn’t come cheap. (It is the honeymoon suite, after all). But it’s unquestionably all romance.

La Mamounia’s majestic property is as romantic—and as exotic—as it gets.

MANDARIN ORIENTAL LAS VEGAS Las Vegas, Nevada Sin City isn’t just for high rollers and Kardashians. There’s a different side to Las Vegas that lends itself to amorousness—and not the kind you can rent by the hour. For instance, the Mandarin’s “Lovers Toast” package is offered yearround and includes some pretty swank privileges. There’s a personalized visit to the Kiki de Montparnasse boutique (complete with Champagne), unlimited access passes to the Tian Quan Thermal Experiences at The Spa, and breakfast for two atMOzen Bistro. And of course, you can always visit the casino floor, but only if your luck runs out in the bedroom. BELMOND MOUNT NELSON HOTEL Cape Town, South Africa This is something Mount Nelson has on offer all year—but it’s a great promotion to consider for Valentine’s. It’s exotic, it’s romantic, and it’s (probably) lightyears away from where you are right now. The hotel’s “Celebrations” package is pretty much what it sounds like: something for couples who have been together for a while, with something to toast to—say, an anniversary. The experience includes spectacular perks such as an hourlong Swedish massage, daily buffet breakfast, a five-course dinner at Planet Restaurant or at the chef’s table, and a tailored turndown service. And yes…Champagne, chocolates, and strawberries will greet you in your room upon arrival.

South Africa’s Belmond Mount Nelson Hotel is Cape Town’s most luxurious hotels.

THE VANDERBILT GRACE Newport, Rhode Island Newport is legitimately one of the most beautiful places in the Northeast. And if you’re going to go, the Vanderbilt is where you need to stay. Originally built by Alfred Gywnne Vanderbilt, the 33-room mansion was restored to its former glory. There’s a spa, two restaurants, plus indoor and outdoor pools. And the property’s “A Vanderbilt Valentine’s” is perfect for couples looking for a real romantic getaway. The offer includes two nights in the hotel’s State Room, Champagne breakfast, a 30-minute “Chocolate Lovers” class, and a fourcourse dinner in chef Jonathan Cartwright’s Muse.

Newport’s The Vanderbilt Grace was restored to its original glory. And these days, the 33-room mansion is pure luxury— replete with two restaurants, two pools, and a spa.

FAIRMONT PEACE HOTEL Shanghai, China If you’re looking to head way East for Valentine’s Day, Shanghai’s Fairmont Peace Hotel has four romance packages to choose from. But the “Serious Romance” package is the best. It includes an intimate four-course dinner at the Cathay Room’s private terrace, a bottle of Dom Pérignon etched with your names and anniversary date, and a couple’s treatment at the Willow Stream Spa. For those who don’t need to have dinner overlooking the Bund, the hotel’s “Day of Romance” promotion will work just fine. It starts with Champagne and chocolates in your art deco-inspired room, and in the morning there’s breakfast followed by a private spa treatment for two. THE CONRAD New York, New York You don’t have to meet atop the Empire State Building to find romance in New York on Valentine’s Day. The Conrad’s $10,000 “VIP Valentine’s Day” promotion—which involves accommodations in the hotel’s 1,500-square-foot Conrad Suite—will take care of everything for you. From a private helicopter tour of the city to a bespoke present by David Yurman (ordered and designed with your own personal shopper prior to arrival) to breakfasts in bed, the package offers everything you’ll need to truly make your special someone feel extra special. And yes, they didn’t forget all about the requisite Dom Pérignon, flower arrangement, chocolates, and private tasting menu dinner. ROUND HILL HOTEL & VILLAS Montego Bay, Jamaica If you’re based in the Midwest or the Northeast, you’re probably going to want to get away from the cold. The perfect escape? Jamaica. It’s romantic, it’s in the Caribbean—so warmth is pretty much guaranteed—but it’s also chill. And Round Hill in Montego Bay does everything right: That means low-key luxury in one of the island’s most luscious (and luxurious) properties. Its “One Love Romance” package includes daily breakfast, a 50-minute couples massage, a welcome amenity of chocolate-covered fruits, and private round-trip airport transfers.

Round Hill in Jamaica’s Montego Bay is one of the most luxurious properties in the island. And the rooms are spectacular.

KIAWAH ISLAND GOLF RESORT Kiawah Island, South Carolina Fans of all things southern, laid-back, and restorative should head to low-key South Carolina—where Kiawah Island Golf Resort offers a “Spa Romance” package. The experience, as its name implies, is all about rejuvenation and romance. It includes garden view accommodations, rose petal turndown service, on-arrival chocolates paired with Champagne, dinner at The Ocean Room (the resort’s signature steakhouse), daily breakfast buffet, and a couple’s massage at The Sanctuary Spa.

The Kiawah Island Golf Resort “Spa Romance” package may be all about relaxation and rejuvenation, but you’d be missing out if you shy away from exploring.

GSTAAD PALACE Gstaad, Switzerland First things first, keep it simple. The “g” is silent. It’s pronouncedshtahd. And this is where you escape to when you want to take in truly beautiful sights. And Gstaad Palace’s romance package keeps things pretty straightforward and simple, as the Swiss tend to do: You get two nights in a “romanticallydecorated” room, Champagne, use of the Palace Spa, and a private two-hour hammam experience.

If you’re looking for a white winter wonderland, Gstaad Palace in Switzerland is the place to be.

THE LANGHAM CHICAGO Chicago, Illinois The Langham Chicago’s “Valentine’s Day” offer has it all—from luxurious suites furnished with Champagne, chocolates, and roses to the hotel’s in-town car service. This romantic retreat was made for city-loving couples who enjoy exploring the Second City or urban getaways in general. You certainly won’t be far from civilization (quite the opposite, actually)…but it’s something for couples who love to be in the middle of all things exciting. And while you’re in the Chicago, you might as well try to book a table to Grant Achatz’s Michelinstarred Alinea restaurant. DUKES HOTEL London, United Kingdom

The Dukes’ “Forever In Love” offer is a lush package that ought to be reserved for someone who truly makes your heart melt. The whole affair involves a junior suite, a private butler, 18 red roses, a three-course dinner, martinis at the hotel’s renowned bar, chocolates, a Champagne breakfast, and even rose petals on your bed. And it’ll set you back £990 a night. If you ask me, that’s a small price to pay for love. http://www.forbes.com/sites/karlaalindahao/2015/01/28/best-romantic-getaways-for-valentines-day2015/

Of the hundreds and hundreds of new hotel openings around the world in 2014, we've chosen our 101 most interestingâ&#x20AC;&#x201C;â&#x20AC;&#x201C;from the truly grand Peninsula in Paris to the understatedly chic Abode in Mumbai.

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Raffles Istanbul, Turkey Share Grid View

What? Rising dramatically above a colorful, exhilarating metropolis, the new Raffles in Zorlu Center has made its glamorous entrance to this constantly innovating city. It transports guests right to the heart of Istanbul’s brilliant architecture and art, chic style, and unparalleled natural scenery—and furnishes them opulent digs in which to lay their heads. Get me there now! The subway will get you quickly to Atatürk International Airport on the European side or Sabiha Gökçen International Airport on the Eastern side—but well-heeled travelers have been known to book private helipad space. Courtesy Hotel Chatter http://www.cntraveler.com/galleries/2015-01-01/best-new-hotels-where-to-stay-2015/105

EXPLORE | TRAVEL

MODERN MANIFESTO From top: The spa’s skylit indoor pool with a sculpted glass art installation; the Raffles Suite, where modern design meets soaring opulence.

HOTEL DESIGN

OTTOMAN REVERIE Blurring the line between antiquity and the 21st century, the new Raffles Istanbul offers state-ofthe-art luxury and historic Turkish delights. From powerful Roman emperors to brilliant 21st century Nobel laureates, great leaders, thinkers and visionaries have called Istanbul home for millennia. Overlooking the ancient yet cosmopolitan metropolis from atop one of the city’s seven hills is Raffles Istanbul, a new luxury hotel with the design concept The Dream of Istanbul. Like the city itself, the hotel is steeped in history while being focused on the future. “During the Byzantine era, it was common law that all free men

were permitted to wear gold, but only the emperor and empress could wear precious jewels,” says Sandra Cortner, the project’s lead designer at Hirsch Bedner Associates’ Atlanta office, the interior design firm behind the new property. That explains why imperial jewel tones are liberally referenced throughout. Upon entering, guests’ eyes are immediately drawn to the grand lobby, dramatically revealed through a backlit portal adorned with a stylized arabesque motif borrowed f r o m t h e g r e a t continued...

108 INTERIORS WINTER/SPRING 2015

RAFFLES SUITE PHOTO COURTESY OF HIRSCH BEDNER ASSOCIATES

By Ayesha Khan

...continued Ottoman mosques that surround the city. This space is dominated by dramatic artwork that depicts the iconic Dolmabahçe Palace in vivid detail, commissioned for the hotel by hyperphotorealist Jean-François Rauzier. “I like feeling as if you are walking into the artwork,” notes Cortner. “It is and has been a great collaboration between interiors and art. They merge; they are one.” Another imposing piece of lobby art, “Lavinia” is a towering, 16-foot-by-52-foot abstract bronze sculpture by Martin Dawe inspired by the Turkish poem of the same name. Up the sweeping spiral staircase, the hotel’s distinctive signature dining experience awaits. Arola, the restaurant helmed by Spanish Michelin-starred chef Sergi Arola, is “a feast of discovery, with finishes and furnishings selected to build an ambience of anticipation and mystery,” according to Cortner’s design partners at The Gallery HBA London. Even before the feast begins, diners are wowed by a mirrored entryway and dining room bedecked in deep lacquered navy, with brass and red accents. A herringbone-pattern weathered-wood floor and ceilings featuring patterns reminiscent of Turkish tapestries, backlit to cast curious shadows on tables, add to the allure. The adjacent Champagne Room is outfitted with brass-framed refrigerated wine display cases and bubble chandeliers inspired by Turkish whirling dervishes. Meanwhile, at cocktail lounge Long Bar, a 24-foot-long bar seems to continue forever—an optical illusion created by mirrors at each end. By contrast, the nearby Writers Bar is cozy and dignified, with a rich, cognac color scheme and book-inspired art installations. The 181 guest rooms and suites are continued... 110

INTERIORS WINTER/SPRING 2015

ISTANBUL DREAMING From top: An array of glass chandeliers in the Champagne Room conjures Turkey’s mystical whirling dervishes; sweeping views of the Bosporus Bridge.

CHAMPAGNE ROOM PHOTO COURTESY OF HIRSCH BEDNER ASSOCIATES

“THE 181 GUEST ROOMS AND SUITES ARE ANOTHER PERFECT UNION OF ISTANBUL’S DESIGN PAST AND FUTURE. HERE, CONTEMPORARY FURNITURE GRACES JEWEL-TONED TURKISH KILIMS AND BLOND HARDWOOD FLOORS.”

...continued another perfect union of Istanbul’s design past and future. Here, contemporary furniture graces jewel-toned Turkish kilims and blond hardwood floors. Headboards depict ethereal abstract images of the famous chandeliers at Hagia Sophia, one of the greatest surviving examples of Byzantine architecture. Wraparound balconies offer guests seemingly infinite views of the Bosporus—the strait that separates Europe from Asia—and the coast of Asia beyond. The spa, one of the largest in the city, is designed to emulate the flowing, life-enhancing waters of the Bosporus. A chandelier made from swirls of glass recalls the currents, while other light fixtures dangle like raindrops. “Our aim when designing the spa was to reflect the energetic new vibe of Istanbul—avant-garde, cosmopolitan and full of optimism,” says Inge Moore, principal and creative director of The Gallery HBA London. “Modern interpretations of ancient artistry and rituals create fresh and welcoming spaces that are in tune with today’s forward-looking guests.” As evidence, she points out the skylit pool, which is surrounded by slick black granite and honed silk georgette bamboo stone. A seamless blend of ancient and modern, the newly opened Raffles Istanbul is a metaphor for Istanbul itself—the most fascinating, enchanting, timeless yet forward-thinking city on Earth. Rates from $750-$31,060 nightly, raffles.com/istanbul

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SPA PHOTO COURTESY OF HIRSCH BEDNER ASSOCIATES

TURKISH ACCENT Clockwise from top: The hotel’s expansive lobby; the sleek and relaxing Raffles Spa; Hirsch Bedner Associates’ The Dream of Istanbul design scheme pervades guest rooms.

The Raffles Hotel group is spreading its wings from its Singapore base. Istanbul makes its 10th property (number 11 is coming to Jakarta soon). Opened in September, even the most basic of the 181 rooms measures 678 square feet, and all include spacious terraces, walk-in closets, iPads with local info pre-loaded, free Wi-Fi, marble baths with rain showers and deep soaking tubs, and views. Oh, and a personal butler comes standard too.

Where Part of Istanbul’s new Zorlu Center, a complex of 200 shops (everything from Gap to Gucci) along with condos, a performance center and theater managed by New York’s Nederlanders, restaurants (including an outpost of Eataly) and offices. Istanbul’s modern (and cheap) metro system is a three-minute walk. Why Istanbul is much more than historical treasures such as the Blue Mosque, Topkapi Palace, Galata Tower, Basilica Cistern, the Grand Bazaar and Hagia Sophia. In recent years the city has welcomed a vibrant cultural scene, with art galleries (over 200 have opened in the last five years), museums, performances by local and international stars, annual festivals, and a lively nightlife scene. Working well Service is smooth and general manager Tarek Mourad has assembled a winning team (440 staff for the 181 rooms). Needs improvement Very little. One minor quibble is a lack of a 110-volt outlet by the desks, which should be standard in any new hotel hoping to attract North American visitors.

Must try A short walk from the hotel, two-Michelin-star chef Massimo Bottura has opened his first restaurant outside of Italy (book well ahead). And save time for exploring the hotelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 33,000-square-foot spa with Turkish hamams, saunas, steam rooms, and Jacuzzis. Details Rates from $710; raffles.com/Istanbul George Hobica is the founder of Airfarewatchdog. For more tips and low fares, follow him on Twitter @airfarewatchdog. http://nypost.com/2015/01/12/checking-in-raffles-istanbul/

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SAN FRANCISCO’S HOTSPOTS No need to research where to go on your next trip to San Francisco. Smartphone app Wanderlist gives you an insider’s perspective on the city’s best restaurants, hotels, bars, coffee and more. Browse the top five of each category, insider tips, activity suggestions and other city essentials. The app’s frequently-updated, hand-picked selections, along with intuitive navigation, striking images and the ability to access cached content offline, make this city guide an invaluable resource for the SF visitor. Available on iTunes and Google Play. wanderlistguide.com

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Tucked into a quiet cobblestone alley along Copenhagen’s inner lakes, Hotel Kong Arthur has a style all its own. Built as an apprentice residence in 1882, the 155room boutique hotel possesses both an air of antiquity and elegant modernity, like a beautiful 18-century duchess dressed in today’s cutting-edge fashions. A color palette of bright whites and muted browns and blues lends a sense of vitality and freshness, while a suit of real knight’s armor in the lobby provides a whimsical nod to the medieval. The atmosphere is as inviting as it is effortlessly chic. Within easy walking distance of Nørreport Station and the oldest parts of the city, the hotel makes a good base for exploring Copenhagen’s many cultural, architectural and culinary attractions. The eco-conscious traveler will value the hotel’s unique approach to sustainability; Hotel Kong Arthur has been carbon neutral since 2008 and continues to strive to make all operations sustainable. arthurhotels.dk KATHRYN HUNTER Kathryn Hunter is an Austin-based freelance writer whose work has appeared in Texas Parks and Wildlife Magazine.

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When artist Paul Gauguin left life in 1880s Paris for a self-imposed exile to the South Seas, he created many of his most famous works. This edenic paradise remains accessible to the weary city-dweller by way of the namesake ship the Paul Gauguin, which sails the warm seas of Tahiti, Fiji and the South Pacific, providing five-star service on an array of itineraries. One of the world’s most highly awarded cruise ships, the Paul Gauguin features three dining venues, an extensive spa and staterooms with private balconies. Onboard scuba lessons and PADI certification are offered, and a retractable water sports platform enables guests to depart the ship to enjoy activities like windsurfing, paddleboarding, kayaking and snorkeling. The Tere Moana, a relatively new addition to the cruise line, specializes in warm-weather destinations, sailing in Caribbean and Latin America waters during winter months and in Europe for the rest of the year. pgcruises.com

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New Orleans is a quick getaway for most Texans; nevertheless, the city feels worlds apart from the everyday. Live music, mouthwatering Cajun and Creole cuisine, historic neighborhoods and a legendary nightlife make this culture-rich hot spot a must-see (and a must-see-again). This time of year, New Orleans is readying its purple, green and gold for one of its biggest festivities—Mardi Gras Feb. 17. Stay on the parade route at the Royal St. Charles, a Destination Hotel located a block from the French Quarter and Canal Street. The three-night Mardi Gras Experience package, Feb. 15-18, includes junior suite accommodations, roundtrip airport limo service and gourmet coffee and mini king cakes for two from awardwinning PJ’s Coffeehouse. This boutique hotel captures the bright and quirky joie de vivre that makes New Orleans one of the South’s most entertaining destinations. royalsaintcharles.com

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At Stowe Mountain Lodge, a Destination Hotel, try your hand at rustic furniture making, indulge in a Vermont maple and brown sugar scrub, take an outdoor yoga class, or enjoy a Vermont beer and cheese tasting at the Hourglass Lounge, all while you soak in the incredible mountain views. These authentic green mountain experiences, along with two nights’ accommodation, are included in the Explore Vermont package. Opened in 2008 at the base of Mount Mansfield within Stowe Mountain Resort, the 312room, four-season lodge is known as a premier golf and ski destination. In the winter, hit the slopes on 116 trails for superb skiing and snowboarding—or when warmer weather arrives, play Stowe Mountain Golf Club’s much-heralded private course, which winds through a picturesque wilderness of babbling brooks, hardwood forests and lofty peaks. stowemountainlodge.com >> FOR THE ART & CULTURE ENTHUSIAST

ANCIENT CITY’S NEW ADDITION

Opened in September, the new luxury hotel Raffles Istanbul embodies the extraordinary character and rich heritage of Turkey’s ancient capital city. The establishment combines contemporary and traditional design to create a colorful, light-filled oasis. A large collection of specially commissioned artwork embellishes the interior, and guestrooms and suites feature 24-hour butler service, floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies overlooking the Bosphorus River and dazzling cityscape below. Raffles Istanbul is located at the heart of the Zorlu Center, a hub for fashion, performance and art, on the European side of the city. Two restaurants, two bars and a patisserie offer a wealth of gastronomic possibilities, from Catalan-inspired dishes by Michelin-starred Spanish chef Sergi Arola to Turkish and Mediterranean delicacies. Raffles Spa boasts a similarly comprehensive menu of indulgence, with an impressive selection of treatment rooms, pools, saunas, steam rooms and hammams. raffles.com

JANUARY/FEBRUARY • 2015