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A Deluxe Suite with two queen beds at The Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort & Spa |
Travel is back, or so it would seem, as destinations are reporting increased numbers this year. Another good indicator is the surge in hotel openings in 2010—here are the newest resorts you need to be telling your clients about now:
U.S. and Canada
Andaz San Diego
In February, Hyatt’s newest brand, Andaz, made its San Diego debut at the site of the famed Ivy Hotel in the Gaslamp Quarter. The Andaz feel is vibrant yet relaxed and reflects the cultural scene and spirit of the neighborhood. Its 159 ultra-modern guest rooms and suites are dressed in rich textures, warm woods and daring architectural elements, giving rise to sanctuaries of comfort. Andaz San Diego is full of hip touches such as platform beds, glass-enclosed bathrooms and flat-screen TVs. Contact Senior Sales Manager Lisa Hollenberg at 619-814-2033 or [email protected].
Eventi, a Kimpton Hotel, New York City
This New York City property officially opened its doors to 292 rooms and 53 suites on May 14. All rooms come with either a queen- or king-sized bed, LCD TVs, iHome products, wireless phone handsets, free Wi-Fi and 24-hour in-room dining. The top dig, the Eventi Suite, has two full bathrooms, a dining area, living room and wraparound terrace. Junior Suites come with a 200-square-foot, five-fixture master bathroom. Guests can download an iPhone app for free and use it to make, say, room service requests. Contact Director of Sales & Marketing Shannon Spillet (646-794-6831, [email protected]) with queries.
Hyatt Regency Clearwater Beach Resort and Spa, Clearwater, FL
This West Indian-style property has 250 deluxe, one- and two-bedroom suites with full kitchens. Open since February, it is the centerpiece of Clearwater’s $30 million Beach Walk. Amenities include the eco-friendly Sandava Spa, a 24-hour StayFit@Hyatt gym, the Camp Hyatt kids program, indoor and outdoor function space, an eighth-floor pool deck with 20 air-conditioned poolside cabanas and a pool and hot tub on the 16th-floor Sky Terrace. The dining options comprise a Hyatt signature restaurant, SHOR, and the beachfront Swim Bar & Grill. Contact Leisure Travel Manager Howard Clark at [email protected].
Margaritaville Beach Hotel, Pensacola Beach, FL
Two years in the making, the 162-room Jimmy Buffet themed Margaritaville Beach Hotel opened last month in Pensacola Beach on the Gulf of Mexico with island-inspired surroundings feature eye-catching art, teak and reclaimed oak furnishings, ceiling fans and breathtaking views. Guests can lounge on the pool deck with a cocktail, hang out at the Land Shark Landing beach pavilion or dine at the restaurant—Frank and Lola Love Pensacola. Head to the pavilion, outfitted with beach ping-pong tables, for live music, beer and margaritas, snacks, and perfect sunsets. Contact Director of Sales Linda Craul at lcraul@margarita ville.com or 850-916-9755.
The Ritz-Carlton, Dove Mountain, Arizona
Nestled in the foothills of the Tortolita Mountains in the Sonoran Desert, Dove Mountain is about a 45-minute drive from Tucson. Rooms drip Southwestern flair. Top digs: The Ritz-Carlton Suite has a hardwood-floor foyer, double-sided fireplace, soaking tub and three balconies.
The 26 Casita Suites are perfect for families and couples seeking privacy. Contact Director of Sales and Marketing Stephen Deucker (520-572-3000, [email protected]).
The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles
Opened April 2 in Downtown Los Angeles, the hotel is perched on the upper floors of the 54-story tower it shares with sister hotel JW Marriott Los Angeles, and The Ritz-Carlton Residences at L.A. LIVE. It has 123 guest rooms, including 14 suites. The hotel is home to Downtown L.A.’s only full-service hotel spa—the 8,000-square-foot Ritz-Carlton Spa, has nine treatment rooms, two aromatherapy steam rooms, cold plunge showers and two relaxation lounges. On the 24th floor is Wolfgang Puck’s WP24, serving Asian fare. A floor below is the 3,400-square-foot Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge. For those seeking activity, a 2,000-square-foot fitness center awaits on the 26th floor. The hotel has nearly 100,000 square feet of ballroom and meeting room space. Contact Director of Sales & Marketing Karen Englund at [email protected] or 310-348-3200.
Thompson Toronto
Thompson Hotels’ first property in Toronto has 102 rooms, including 18 suites, spread among 16 glass-encased floors. The hotel opened June 17. What we love: Thompson Toronto’s rooftop indoor/outdoor bar, and a pool on the 16th floor. Now that’s hot! For more information, call 416-640-7778 or e-mail infotoronto@thompson hotels.com.
Caribbean
Hyatt Regency Curacao Golf Resort, Spa and Marina
This 350-room property, which opened on April 30, has Old Quarry by Pete Dye, the island’s only 18-hole championship resort golf course; the eco-friendly Atabei Spa; and a full-service, six-slip marina. Other amenities include three outdoor pools with ocean views, palm-lined sundeck, StayFit@Hyatt gym, jogging trail, tennis and volleyball courts, and more than 38,000 square feet of meeting and banquet space. Each of the 960-square-foot Sea Tradition Suites, the best here, come with butler service; local Curacao bath products; seafood room-service menus; private balcony with sea view; and a large deluxe spa bathroom with a recessed overflow edge tub, dual sinks and rain shower. Agents should contact Wanda Mangual (011-59-998-404-403, [email protected]), associate director of sales.
Scrub Island, British Virgin Islands
This 52-room resort opened in February. Ocean View One-Bedroom Suites have balconies overlooking the sea, two flat-screen TVs and two bathrooms, one with a large bathtub. Scrub Island also boasts a new fully flushing marina, which has 53 deep-water slips available, including five for mega-yachts up to 150 feet. The restaurant has a children’s menu, and a water slide connects two pools. The resort suits couples as well, with its romantic setting. Agents can contact Director of Sales and Marketing Scott Ward (813-849-4102, [email protected]).
Secrets Resorts & Spas in Montego Bay, Jamaica
Adjacently built, Secrets Wild Orchid (opened March 24) and Secrets St. James (opened April 20) resorts marked the debut of the Secrets brand in Jamaica. Secrets Wild Orchid has 350 suites—260 in the main complex and 90 in the preferred club. Secrets St. James offers an additional 350 rooms. Both properties share a common area, The Promenade, which has bars, lounges and gourmet à la carte restaurants, spas with oceanfront massage cabanas, an open-air theater and an array of activities. At Wild Orchid, the Presidential Suite is the top accommodation. In the entire Secrets property, Preferred Club Master Suite, which comes with a separate living and dining area, a private balcony with Jacuzzi and the privileges exclusive to Preferred Club guests tops the list. Book either of these resorts for honeymooners and girlfriend getaways. Agents should contact Heather Roye, director of sales for both resorts, at [email protected].
Europe
Hotel Le Seven, Paris
The 28-room Hotel Le Seven opened in April and is in the Latin Quarter of the 5th Arrondissement, about a 10-minute walk from the Luxembourg gardens. While the beds, illuminated from below, look like they’re floating, the ceilings create a starry night effect. The en suite bathtubs are only a foot off the floor, and showers are enclosed in glass boxes. There are themed suites to honor such culture icons as James Bond and Marie Antoinette. Contact Love Riya, 011-33-1-43-31-47-52.
Maison Moschino, Milan
Maison Moschino was unveiled in March as the latest project from Stefano Ugolini of Hotelphilosophy. The 65-room (including two junior suites) hotel was created from an 1840s railway station. The individually designed rooms have quirky touches, like silk rose petals that dangle from the chandelier as if falling from the sky. The Forest room, the Luxurious Attic, and the junior suites on the second floor are inspired by Alice in Wonderland. The hotel is on Viale Monte Grappa 12 in the Corso Como district, close to the major art galleries and the Royal Palace. Agents can contact Silvia Della Rosa (silvia [email protected]).
Radisson Blu Milan
Formerly The Chedi, Radisson Blu Milan opened in April near the venue for major international trade fairs and 20 minutes from the city center. The 250 guest rooms have an Indonesian design aesthetic. For the top digs (and stellar city views), book the Penthouse Suite on the 10th floor boasting a private terrace accessed by towering glass doors. What else is in store for guests? A cool Lounge Bar, alfresco garden dining at Filini Restaurant, meeting rooms, a fitness center with a steam room and sauna, plus a heated indoor swimming pool. Travel agents can contact Director of Sales Silvia Calciolari ([email protected]).
The Park Plaza Westminster Bridge London
The hotel debuted in February. Off the iconic city bridge, the property’s lounges (and many of the rooms) have views of Westminster Palace and Big Ben, and the major city attractions are a walk away. Among the hotel’s 1,021 rooms are 54 suites, and its penthouses have panoramic views of the city. Nice touch: The carpets in the hallways and rooms are inscribed with a poem by Keats. Contact Anna Hanson ([email protected]), who heads the leisure sales department at the hotel.
The Romanos, Costa Navarino, Greece
This Luxury Collection Resort from Starwood Hotels & Resorts opened last month. It has 321 rooms and suites, including 121 with individual infinity pools. Almost all rooms have furnished terraces with views of the Mediterranean. The beachfront Royal Villa Koroni comes with 24-hour butler service and has a private infinity pool, a barbecue area, a spa treatment suite with steam room, and fitness facilities. Contact Director of Sales and Marketing Ian Ciappara ([email protected]) with queries.
Mexico
Boca Chica, Acapulco
This 1950s playground of the Hollywood elite was reborn as a new 36-room resort in Acapulco on March 15. The interior has been restored, combining vintage charm and a chic contemporary design. Just steps away from an idyllic cove, the hotel has an in-house disco and pool terrace. Ground-floor rooms come with landscaped gardens while the rest have balconies and open-air terraces with hammocks. Agents should contact Alejandro Cantero, the front desk manager, at [email protected].
Garza Blanca Preserve, Resort & Spa in Puerto Vallarta
Puerto Vallarta now has this collection of 42 rooms, suites and penthouses, perched above a beach, with stunning views of the ocean and the jungles of the Sierra Madre. Developed on an 85-acre wilderness preserve and one of the region’s most beautiful beaches, Garza Blanca has six categories of guest rooms and suites, including the resort’s highlight, 2,769-square-foot penthouses, all with expansive terraces. Garza Blanca is ideal for couples, honeymoons and weddings. Agents should contact Sales Manager Pilar Alvarado at 011-52-322-226-8100, ext. 719.
The Capella Pedregal, Los Cabos
On July 13, “Land’s End” welcomed this 66-room top-tier hotel and residence resort along the Cabo San Lucas Marina. The 24-acre property affords views of the point where the Pacific Ocean meets the Sea of Cortes. It also has 31 shared-ownership Capella Residences and 20 private, full-ownership Capella Casonas. The Capella Room, which ranges from 1,410-1,475 square feet with a sitting area leading to its king bedroom, is the top accommodation. Ideal for couples, the resort has launched its Yours Truly program for weddings, honeymoons and anniversaries. Agents should contact Director of Sales Pete Zudyk (312-492-9302, [email protected]).
Central and South America
Sonesta Hotel Barranquilla, Colombia
This 126-room resort, the 14th Sonesta property in South America, opened on June 3. It sits in the midst of business, shopping, restaurants and cultural attractions in downtown Barranquilla. It is adjacent to the Centro Comercial Gran Boulevard on Carretera, and adjoins the new shopping mall, casino and nightclub complex. Although all rooms in the hotel belong to the same category, the corner rooms have views of the Magdalena River as it meets the Caribbean Sea. The hotel is best for young executives and couples. Agents should contact Director of Sales and Marketing Lina Tamayo (011-57-5385-6060, [email protected]).
Pacific Asia
Andara Resort & Villa Phuket, Thailand
Andara, on the uber-chic Millionaires Mile, opened in February. Guests can stay in one of the 26 pool villas or 37 Residential Suites. Tip: Many have private pools or rooftop Jacuzzis, so make sure you inquire. Head to the spa for treatments that include Thai, Ayurveda, Swiss, Javanese and Swedish massages, as well as scrubs, detox and body treatments. There are six single-treatment rooms with private showers and two couples’ rooms with Jacuzzis. The Silk Restaurant and Bar serves Thai fare. Fancy a sunset cruise? Andara has two private motor yachts, which can be chartered for full- or half-day cruises. Contact Director of Sales & Marketing Pimpatai Techachukiat at [email protected].
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The Pool Villa overlooking the Andaman Sea at Andara Resort & Villa Phuket, Thailand, which opened in February |
Encore Macau
April 21 marked the debut of Steve Wynn’s Encore in Macau. The top draws are the 414 suites and villas, and Wynn’s two new restaurants and swank Bar Cristal. The Spa at Encore has eight private suites, each with a steam room, sauna and, aroma-hydrotherapy bath and shower. Encore provides a Shopping Esplanade, which boasts names like Cartier, Chanel and Piaget. Encore is adjacent to sister resort Wynn Macau, which features a casino, six restaurants, health club, pool and spa. Contact Matt Phelps in Las Vegas at 702-770-2719, or [email protected].
Mandarin Oriental, Macau
The property opened on June 29. About an hour by ferry from Hong Kong, it boasts modern amenities with accents of the region’s age-old heritage. The hotel has 213 rooms and suites, as well as the signature Vida Rica restaurant and bar and Mandarin Oriental Cake Shop. And no Mandarin Oriental hotel is complete without The Spa. The property is a short walk from the heart of town; it affords views of Taipa Island, Nam Van Lake, Macau Tower and the South China coastline. Agents should contact Director of Sales and Marketing Tom S’prayoon ([email protected]) with queries.
Marina Bay Sands, Singapore
Marina Bay Sands opened in a phased manner: it soft-opened on April 27 while the official grand opening celebration was on June 23. The resort has over 2,500 rooms and suites, a casino, Sands SkyPark (an architectural masterpiece lying across the top of the three hotel towers), restaurants, theater and more. The integrated resort will have restaurants headed by celebrity chefs Daniel Boulud, Mario Batali, Wolfgang Puck, Santi Santamaria, Guy Savoy and Testuya Wakuda. The hotel will be home to Singapore’s first Banyan Tree Spa. For more information, contact 65-6688-8868, or e-mail [email protected].
Sheraton Nha Trang, Vietnam
The 284-room, beachside property opened its doors this May. The hotel comprises 10 classes of accommodations, each with a balcony, with the nearly 597-square-foot Presidential Suite topping them all. The Sheraton Club Lounge on the 25th floor provides special treatments and amenities. An infinity pool along with reflecting pool and kids’ pool can be found on the sixth floor. Check out Plunge bar, the fitness center, spa with nine treatment rooms, cooking school and more. Agents can contact Director of Sales and Marketing Debbie Chee at 848-3915-2202.
The Peninsula Shanghai
The 235-room debuted March 18 on The Bund, one of the city’s most posh districts. The best rooms are the four suites: The Astor, The Majestic, The Palace and The Peninsula. We like The Peninsula Suite for its classic luxury and Art Deco-style. The hotel has five dining venues: Sir Elly’s Restaurant, Yi Long Court, The Lobby, The Compass Bar and Salon de Ning. Round out your stay with a trip to The Peninsula Spa by ESPA, with seven treatment rooms and two VIP suites. Contact Director of Marketing David Campbell (011-86-21-2327-6600, ext. 6600, [email protected]).
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The Peninsula Suite at The Peninsula Shanghai combines classic luxury and Art Deco-style |
Australia/South Pacific
Alila Villas Soori, Bali
Part of Alila Hotels and Resorts’ next-generation Villas brand, the top draws here are the eight three-bedroom Pool Villas. There are also 15 Beach Pool Villas, and on the first floor, 15 Ocean Pool Villas maximize ocean views. Top Table: Alila Villas Soori stresses on authentic preparation of produce from the Tabanan region, better known as the rice bowl of Bali. For details, contact Sophie McCarthy (011-44-193-222-0908, [email protected]).
Saffire Freycinet
This Aussie resort opened to the public on June 1 on the Freycinet Peninsula’s Great Oyster Bay. The 20 suites all have views of the Hazards Mountains. The intimate spa has only three treatment rooms: a single, double and a steam room. Cool touch: Products in the spa are mixed with sapphire dust. Numerous outdoor activities are included in each booking, such as mountain hikes, bike tours, stargazing around a campfire or nighttime marsupial-watching. Travel agents can contact Trudy McCann ([email protected]), executive assistant to the general manager.
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The lounge at Saffire Freycinet in Australia affords breathtaking views of the Hazards Mountains |
Africa
The Views Hotel, South Africa
The brand-new Views Hotel in South Africa’s Western Cape Province lives up to its name. From the windows, most guests can see nothing but the vast ocean and sky. From the enclosed balconies, they can see the beach. The boutique property has just 19 rooms and suites, only five of which don’t face the sea. The rooms themselves match the sea-and-sky-theme of the view, with polished driftwood flooring and tiny, smooth pebbles in the open-plan bathroom. General Manager Jackie Joubert can be reached at [email protected].