Virtuoso's Hottest New Hotels for 2017

Jetsetters wondering where to go next, look no further! Leading luxury and experiential travel network Virtuoso, along with its more than 770 travel agency partners worldwide, has identified the hottest hotel openings around the globe for this winter season and beyond.

Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya, Mexico
Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya opened its 214-room property on December 12, 2016. Bordering a crystalline lagoon and mangroves, the resort features an open layout flooded with sunlight and décor inspired by nature. Guests can explore the nearby ruins of Tulum, enjoy the natural swimming holes and access the 18-hole El Camaleón golf course designed by renowned architect and PGA legend Greg Norman. Virtuoso guests receive an upgrade on arrival if available, daily breakfast for two, a $120 credit to use towards a professional photo shoot or within the resort, plus a farewell gift.

Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills, California
The Waldorf Astoria Beverly Hills will open in April 2017 on the corner of Wilshire and Santa Monica Boulevards. Each of the 170 rooms will have unobstructed views of the city. Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten will oversee the hotel's restaurant and the property will also offer a 5,000-square-foot spa and rooftop pool, the largest of its kind in Beverly Hills. Virtuoso guests will enjoy an upgrade at booking if available, American breakfast for two daily, a private one-way airport transfer, complimentary Wi-Fi and early check in and late check-out if available.

The Bangkok EDITION, Thailand
The Bangkok EDITION, a collaboration between Marriott International and renowned hotelier Ian Schrager, will open in June 2017. The 155-room property will be housed in the tallest building in Thailand, MahaNakhon Tower, overlooking Bangkok's skyline. Virtuoso guests will receive an upgrade at booking if available, breakfast for two daily, a $100 food and beverage credit, early check-in and late check-out if available, and for suite stays, a private one-way airport transfer.

The Fontenay Hamburg, Germany
When its doors open in summer 2017, the Fontenay Hamburg will be the city's first new luxury hotel in 18 years. Located on the tranquil banks of Lake Alster, the fluid-like exterior mirrors the rippled lines in the water and surrounding parkland. The 131 rooms and suites each have a private balcony, with the majority featuring lake views. The property will also offer a 10,000-square-foot spa with therapeutic and medical treatments as well as cycling and running programs. Virtuoso guests will receive a complimentary upgrade and daily breakfast for two, plus more perks to come.

Park Hyatt St. Kitts, St. Kitts and Nevis
Park Hyatt St. Kitts will open in summer 2017 on Banana Bay, a secluded cove of white-sand beach. Overlooking The Narrows, a strait separating St. Kitts and the volcanic island of Nevis, the hotel will feature 126 rooms, 48 of which are suites with private rooftop pools and sea views. In addition to a trio of dining options, rum bar, 12-room spa and yoga pavilion, the resort will offer day-long Kittitian Journeys, which focus on the island's history, culture and nature. Virtuoso guests will receive an upgrade on arrival if available, a welcome amenity, full breakfast for two daily, a $100 resort credit, complimentary Wi-Fi and early check-in/late check-out if available.


Adare Manor, Ireland
Situated on the banks of the Maigue River and surrounded by medieval ruins, the 19th-century neo-Gothic Adare Manor will unveil an 18-month, multimillion-dollar renovation in September 2017. Architects Reardon Smith, known for their restoration of luxury hotels in London, and leading hospitality interior designer Richmond International will update the manor with modern amenities while preserving its historic past. The transformation will include a refurbished championship golf course and a renovated golf clubhouse as well as a new spa, pool, cinema and ballroom. A bedroom wing will also be added, bringing the room count to 104. Virtuoso guests will receive a complimentary upgrade and daily breakfast for two, plus other benefits.

Each hotel has been thoroughly vetted to ensure it meets with Virtuoso's exacting standards, and invited to participate in the organization's Virtuoso Preview program. As part of Preview, hotels work with Virtuoso and their affiliated advisors during the hotel's crucial preopening phase, taking guidance from the industry's best salesforce while also securing a jumpstart on bookings. In exchange, guests who reserve their stay through a Virtuoso advisor receive exclusive benefits not available through any credit card program or website, delivering tangible value upwards of $450 per stay in the way of spa treatments, rounds of golf and other services and experiences that help define the property.

Americans Avoiding Certain Countries Due to Perceived Global Threats

VIRTUOSO® FLASH POLL FINDS TRAVEL DISRUPTIONS OCCURRING AS A RESULT OF VUCA

A new survey by international travel agency network Virtuoso has found travellers are avoiding certain worldwide destinations as a result of the uncertainty tied to specific countries and global regions. Virtuoso was one of the first travel organisations to introduce the term VUCA, which stands for volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous, as a means of describing the potential travel disruptions caused by geopolitical situations.

"The world is going through a transition where uncertainty is the new norm," says Matthew D. Upchurch, Chairman and CEO of Virtuoso. "Whether it's Brexit, the shifting political climate in the U.S., or the threat of terrorism or disease such as Zika, there seems to be only two certainties. First, we have no idea what we might wake up to find tomorrow because change happens fast. Two, and this is of utmost importance, travel is the best way to bring people together when isolation begins. At Virtuoso, we say borders divide, but travel unites. Never has it been more important to keep the ability to travel as a fundamental right."

Among the questions asked, Virtuoso surveyed its travel advisors globally to discover the impact of the Presidential Executive Order disallowing travelers from seven countries to enter the U.S. Although the order is not currently in effect, Virtuoso advisors report that it is still impacting clients' travel decisions. Among U.S.-based advisors, 10 percent say clients are changing travel plans due to a concern over anti-American sentiment. However, a much higher 40 percent say their clients are now avoiding certain destinations due to concerns over terrorism, including the Middle East, Europe and Africa, with Turkey and Egypt topping the list of countries. Instead, Americans are choosing to travel within their own country, as well as visit those perceived as safer, including Japan, Canada and New Zealand.

Forty-two percent of Virtuoso-affiliated travel advisors outside of the U.S. say their clients are avoiding travel to the United States due to factors including opposition to the country's foreign policy and concerns over obtaining visas. As an alternative, they are electing to travel to destinations such as Italy, Australia and the U.K. The majority of advisors anticipate the slowdown in travel to the U.S. will last three to six months.

Switzerland Introduces First Climate-Neutral Ship

Switzerland has upped the ante on its water transportation services with the
introduction of its very first climate neutral ship, the MS 2017, which will
enter the public service on Lake Lucerne in May.

The ship will be the country's second eco-friendly vessel, following the
2016 launch of the restored Vedetta 1908 on Lake Lugano, which runs on solar
and electric power.

Scheduled to be christened on 4 May 2017, the sleek, modern and luxurious
MS 2017 sets a milestone in the Swiss shipping scene in terms of quality and
innovation.

With a surface area of 1400 sqm sprawling across five decks, passengers will
enjoy many of the ships features, including the Panorama Deck, Compass
Lounge and Bar on the sun deck, the Nautilus Cabin in the fuselage with
underwater views, and the Aqua Terrace with a sea water foot bath in the
stern.

Even though the MS 2017 will be serving the public on Lake Lucerne, it can
be booked for exclusive functions, allowing up to 400 seats for banquet
styled events.

For more information on the MS 2017Lake Lucerne www.lakelucerne.ch/en
and the city of Lucerne, visit www.myswitzerland.com

Silversea reveals Silver Muse’s Balsorano Owner’s Suite

The new flagship's premier suite has been designed in conjunction with Chairman, Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio

 
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Ultra-luxury cruise line Silversea, has revealed details of Silver Muse's Balsorano Owner's Suite, a unique space which reflects the taste and Italian tradition of Silversea chairman, Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio.

Named Balsorano, the suite draws inspiration from the chairman's full name, Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio di Balsorano de Clunieres. Balsorano is also a castle in Italy.

At more than 1000 square feet in size, the Balsorano Suite contains a specially curated selection of Mr Lefebvre's personal items including books, sculptures, works of art and family photographs. Among the items chosen are a chesterfield chair and ottoman, an additional chair from Mr. Lefebvre's former family residence in Rome, and photos of Mr. Antonio Lefebvre, Mr. Lefebvre's father and mentor.

The bookshelf in the Balsorano Suite is adorned with Mr. Lefebvre's favourite titles, including: The Great Navigators of the Eighteenth Century by Jules Verne; The Great Sea: A Human History of the Mediterranean by David Abulafia; and After the Victorians: The World Our Parents Knew by A.N. Wilson.

The Balsorano Suite will also be stocked with vintage port, each variety having been specially selected by Mr. Lefebvre himself.

Manfredi Lefebvre d'Ovidio, Silversea Chairman, said: "I am incredibly proud to present the Balsorano Suite, a space which superbly encapsulates my family's Italian heritage and taste. I hope that guests will, like me, find the Balsorano Suite a spectacular home away from home aboard Silver Muse."

Barbara Muckermann, Chief Marketing Officer at Silversea Cruises, said: "Owned and operated by one family – the Lefebvres of Rome – Italian tradition is firmly ingrained in the Silversea brand. As is reflected across the entire ship, much passion and pride has gone into the creation of the Balsorano Suite, the most luxurious suite on Silver Muse."

Calling at 34 countries and 130 ports in 2017 alone, Silver Muse will redefine ocean travel, enhancing the small-ship intimacy with spacious all-suite accommodations that are the hallmarks of the Silversea experience. The addition of Silver Muse, will expand Silversea's fleet to nine ships and will once again significantly raise the bar in the ultra-luxury cruise market.

For more information contact your travel professional or Silversea Cruises on +61 2 9255 0600 or 1300 306 872 (Australia) or 0800 701 427 (New Zealand), or visit www.silversea.com

Marriott Hotels opens Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay

Marriott Hotels, Marriott International's flagship brand, celebrates the opening of its first hotel in Fiji, as Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay welcomes guests to an unspoiled corner of this South Pacific island paradise.

Nestled on the secluded beaches of Momi Bay on the western coast of Viti Levu, Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay is an exotic destination defined by its idyllic natural surroundings.

"We are delighted to announce the opening of the first property under the Marriott Hotels brand in Fiji," said Silvano Dressino, General Manager of Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay. "The resort is located in a beautiful, untouched area of Fiji, making it the ideal spot for families and friends to explore."

“We want our guests to experience aesthetically pleasing spaces that help foster their inventive nature,” said Matthew Carroll, Vice President, Marriott Hotels. “Marriott Hotels has consistently pushed to create experiences that inspire our guests' creativity, and where else is more inspirational than an overwater villa in Fiji.”

Thoughtfully designed to take full advantage of the picture-perfect setting, Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay is the only property on Fiji's mainland to offer overwater villas. Surrounded by 20 hectares of crystal-clear, man-made lagoons, guests enjoy direct access to a private white-sand beach. The resort features 114 Bure Villas, including 22 over-water Bure Villas with decks from which guests can dive directly into the turquoise waters. The inventive design extends to the 136 Deluxe Rooms, which can be interconnected, making them ideal for families and groups. Embracing the surrounding nature, the open-plan spaces make the most of the refreshing sea breeze and natural sunlight. The dynamic interiors reflect the vibrant local culture with motifs, colours and materials inspired by Fijian design and updated with a modern twist.

“The resort embodies Marriott Hotels' 'Travel Brilliantly' ethos, with its contemporary Fijian-inspired design and natural offerings bringing to life the ultimate resort experience,” said Mike Fulkerson, Vice President, Brand and Marketing Asia Pacific.

The resort is situated a convenient 45-minute drive from Nadi International Airport, and within easy reach of Nadi Town (29km), Denarau Island (36km) and other enticing attractions. Adventure-seekers can enjoy a short boat ride to Cloud Break Surf to experience some of the world's most impressive waves, go zip-lining or explore the Sebeto hot springs and rejuvenate in the mineral-rich mud baths.

Guests can choose from three restaurants which offer distinctive local and international cuisines. Complemented with Marriott's thoughtful service, each venue provides a dynamic dining experience. At Goji Kitchen & Bar, guests can engage with chefs and savour the inventive Fijian, Asian and international dishes made to order at the open-kitchen cooking stations, or enjoy a bounty of fresh seafood at Fish Bar, overlooking panoramas of the Pacific Ocean. For those looking for a more casual or relaxed setting, Lagoon House & Bar offers simple yet delicious Mediterranean fare made of the highest quality produce. Fiji Baking Company, the resort's bakery and delicatessen, offers freshly made pastries, sandwiches and salads as well as barista-style coffee in a relaxed café setting.

For inspirational weddings, special events, conferences and meetings, the Grand Salon Ballroom offers 360 square metres of versatile event space with an abundance of natural lighting. Guests can take advantage of the resort's beachfront location and 1,200 square metres of outdoor pre-function space by extending their event outside. Designed with flexibility in mind, the multipurpose venues feature the latest technology, access to gourmet catering and expert event planning services.

Committed to guests' total wellness, the resort's Health Club offers a range of onsite activities such as kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding and tennis. The resort is also in close proximity to two golf courses: Natadola Golf Course (34km) and Danarau Golf & Racquet Club (36km). For families, the Turtles Kids' Club provides interactive programs to entertain young guests. Meanwhile, adults can rebalance with a signature treatment at the serene Quan Spa to align the body and mind and restore clarity. There are also three large pools and a whirlpool surrounded by stylish cabanas and loungers, including an adult's only infinity pool and a swim-up bar where guests can enjoy a cocktail and light bite while taking in the views.

Fiji Marriott Resort Momi Bay is a hidden gem that ensures that every guest has an inspiring getaway, while discovering an unchartered corner of this exciting tropical destination.

For more information please visit:

Website: www.fijimarriott.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/FijiMarriottResortMomiBay

Instagram: www.instagram.com/fijimarriottresortmomibay

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'Handy’ Smartphone Keeps Business Travellers Connected at Anantara Siam Bangkok

Anantara Siam Bangkok Hotel understands the needs of business travellers looking to stay connected abroad. That's why it offers all guests a complimentary in-room smartphone aptly named, "handy".

Without necessity to take a SIM card, it provides you with a  personal number to receive calls or place them to Thailand and 10 international countries for free. Prefer texting? It also offers unlimited 4G access or can be used as a hotspot should you be tethered to your personal smartphone.

Best of all, group organisers can keep their clients updated with amendments to an itinerary or special arrangements for select attendees through push notifications. Anantara Siam Hotel is located in the heart of Bangkok and offers discerning business travellers, incentive groups and global meetings the perfect downtown escape in the centre of the world's most visited city. handy is offered in every guest room at Anantara Siam, and is the only hotel in city centre to offer such a service complimentary.

http://www.anantara.com/

Pictured: 'handy' smartphones are offered in every guest room with the compliments of Anantara Siam

 

UTracks welcomes landmark tourism deal

News of an historic tourism deal being signed over the weekend between Paris and London, has been welcomed by the team at UTracks, Australia's leading active European holiday specialist.

UTracks have been promoting experiences that link both sides of the English Channel for some years now.

Tackling Brexit head on, London and Paris have signed an historic deal, in which the two cities will be jointly promoted to attract more overseas visitors.

It marks the first time the two cities have cooperated to promote tourism and comes as UK begins the formal process of withdrawing from the European Union (EU).