Preferred Hotel Group added 15 new properties to their portfolio this month including the much revered The Royal Horseguards in London and Cameron House on Loch Lomond, a magnificent mansion boasting a sumptuous spa – The Spa at the Carrick, a serene setting for pampering spa treatments.
In Marrakech, the exclusive Jnane Tamsna has joined Preferred Boutique; consisting of just 24 rooms all featuring full baths and a private veranda, terrace, or balcony, the resort has been inspired by traditional Moroccan influences.
In Europe, the grand Hotel Rialto transports guests to glamorous turn-of-the-century Warsaw, with chic art deco lobby with 45 guestrooms, including 12 suites, whilst the Schloss Hubertushöhe Hotel in Storkow, Germany, a turn of the century mansion and favoured venue for Berlin galas in the Roaring Twenties has also joined Preferred Boutique. Today the hotel offers just 18 individually designed guestrooms and four suites.
In the US, new member properties include Seventh Mountain Resort in Bend, Oregon and The Martha Washington Hotel & Spa in Abingdon, Virginia a charming escape in the Blue Ridge Mountains. And in Hong Kong, the newly opened EAST is the perfect base for business travellers, located at Island East – Hong Kong's eastern business hub the rooftop bar and lounge Sugar offers stunning harbour views.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Resorts World Sentosa - Singapore's First Integrated Resort Opens from 20 Jan 2010
(Hong Kong, 6 January 2010) – – Singapore’s first IR, Resorts World Sentosa, announced today that it will start its phased opening from 20 Jan 2010, beginning with its four hotels opening on the same red-letter day.
Chairman of the Genting Group and Resorts World Sentosa, Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay said: “When the Genting Group won the bid to build Resorts World Sentosa in December 2006, we promised Singapore that we will deliver a true IR that will make Singapore and Singaporeans proud. We have been single-minded about this – no distractions or excuses - and today, we are happy to say we marked the first milestone towards delivering on that promise.’’
Resorts World Sentosa began operations at two of its four hotels today, celebrating with a lion dance and ribbon-cutting by the wives of Genting Group’s late founder and its current chairman: Puan Sri Lim Goh Tong and Puan Sri Cecilia Lim respectively. Employees and their families are the Resort’s main guests before the hotels’ public opening.
“The phased schedule allows the Resort and its 10,000 employees to run in operations and deliver the expected guest experience,” said Resorts World Sentosa’s chief executive Tan Hee Teck.
He said: “We thank the team of agencies and government officials who have been working tirelessly to get us where we are today. We also have a top-class team of staffers, architects, consultants and contractors who pushed relentlessly to make this Resort open not only on time, but ahead of schedule. Partners who have visited are often surprised by the effort we have put into each of our attractions, each hotel, each performance. We concluded our first public event ChildAid in December with a bang. Today, we have taken it forward: We are getting ready to welcome our first visitors, and we look forward to their feedback to help us improve.”
Resorts World Sentosa’s four hotels - Festive Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel Singapore, Crockfords Tower and Hotel Michael – offer a combined inventory of 1,350 rooms and 10 restaurant outlets at their opening. Another two hotels at the Resort, Equarius Hotel and Spa Villas, will add another 500 rooms when they launch after 2010.
Room and restaurant reservations begin at 1000 hours on Monday, 11 Jan 2010 on hotline +65 6577 8899. Details will be posted on www.rwsentosa.com
Resorts World Sentosa is working closely with the authorities to obtain approvals for Universal Studios Singapore, which will open next. The opening date for the casino will be announced when it gets notice of its casino licence.
Resorts World Sentosa Opening Milestones
20 Jan 2010 Festive Hotel
Hard Rock Hotel
Crockfords Tower
Hotel Michael
About Resorts World Sentosa
Resorts World Sentosa, one of the world’s most extensive and expensive integrated resorts at US$4.4 billion, was built in a record time of under three years. It will soft open Southeast Asia’s only Universal Studios theme park, four hotels, its Compass Ballroom, 26 function rooms, a 1,600-seat Festive Grand theatre and its luxurious casino in early 2010. Supporting the attractions are a 3,500-lot car-park facility, restaurants, retail stores, entertainment and public attractions that include Emmy-award winner Jeremy Railton’s Lake of Dreams and Chamber of Treasures.
Resorts World Sentosa will open the world’s largest Marine Life Park, its Maritime Experiential Museum, a destination spa and two remaining hotels with a total of 500 rooms in phase two.
Chairman of the Genting Group and Resorts World Sentosa, Tan Sri Lim Kok Thay said: “When the Genting Group won the bid to build Resorts World Sentosa in December 2006, we promised Singapore that we will deliver a true IR that will make Singapore and Singaporeans proud. We have been single-minded about this – no distractions or excuses - and today, we are happy to say we marked the first milestone towards delivering on that promise.’’
Resorts World Sentosa began operations at two of its four hotels today, celebrating with a lion dance and ribbon-cutting by the wives of Genting Group’s late founder and its current chairman: Puan Sri Lim Goh Tong and Puan Sri Cecilia Lim respectively. Employees and their families are the Resort’s main guests before the hotels’ public opening.
“The phased schedule allows the Resort and its 10,000 employees to run in operations and deliver the expected guest experience,” said Resorts World Sentosa’s chief executive Tan Hee Teck.
He said: “We thank the team of agencies and government officials who have been working tirelessly to get us where we are today. We also have a top-class team of staffers, architects, consultants and contractors who pushed relentlessly to make this Resort open not only on time, but ahead of schedule. Partners who have visited are often surprised by the effort we have put into each of our attractions, each hotel, each performance. We concluded our first public event ChildAid in December with a bang. Today, we have taken it forward: We are getting ready to welcome our first visitors, and we look forward to their feedback to help us improve.”
Resorts World Sentosa’s four hotels - Festive Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel Singapore, Crockfords Tower and Hotel Michael – offer a combined inventory of 1,350 rooms and 10 restaurant outlets at their opening. Another two hotels at the Resort, Equarius Hotel and Spa Villas, will add another 500 rooms when they launch after 2010.
Room and restaurant reservations begin at 1000 hours on Monday, 11 Jan 2010 on hotline +65 6577 8899. Details will be posted on www.rwsentosa.com
Resorts World Sentosa is working closely with the authorities to obtain approvals for Universal Studios Singapore, which will open next. The opening date for the casino will be announced when it gets notice of its casino licence.
Resorts World Sentosa Opening Milestones
20 Jan 2010 Festive Hotel
Hard Rock Hotel
Crockfords Tower
Hotel Michael
About Resorts World Sentosa
Resorts World Sentosa, one of the world’s most extensive and expensive integrated resorts at US$4.4 billion, was built in a record time of under three years. It will soft open Southeast Asia’s only Universal Studios theme park, four hotels, its Compass Ballroom, 26 function rooms, a 1,600-seat Festive Grand theatre and its luxurious casino in early 2010. Supporting the attractions are a 3,500-lot car-park facility, restaurants, retail stores, entertainment and public attractions that include Emmy-award winner Jeremy Railton’s Lake of Dreams and Chamber of Treasures.
Resorts World Sentosa will open the world’s largest Marine Life Park, its Maritime Experiential Museum, a destination spa and two remaining hotels with a total of 500 rooms in phase two.
Seductive Valentine's Cocktails Highlight the Rich and Exotic Taste of Grand Marnier
(Hong Kong, 6 January, 2010) – A range of seductive Valentine cocktails inspired by France's iconic orange liqueur Grand Marnier® have been created especially for Hong Kong couples for Valentine’s Day 2010.
Four delicious drinks created especially for the occasion by Grand Marnier® Brand Ambassador and mixologist Julien Defrance will appeal to couples celebrating the most romantic day of the year.
For the ladies, the 'Grand Valentine' celebration mixes Grand Marnier® with strawberry juice, apple juice and freshly squeezed lemon, delightfully garnished with pink candy sugar and/or a cherry.
For the men, the cocktail blends Grand Marnier with fresh ginger, fresh lime and orange juice, served with fresh orange and a cherry.
Another 'Grand Valentine' cocktail designed for couples to share, is served in a jumbo glass with two straws, mixes Grand Marnier® with fresh apple, fresh cucumber, white wine and raspberry liquor, topped with fresh cucumber or fresh apple.
Also designed for sharing, the 'Grand Soup d'Amour' combines Grand Marnier®, lemon juice, pineapple juice and strawberry syrup, seductively garnished with fresh caramelized pineapple and is again served in a jumbo glass with two straws.
Grand Marnier® Valentine cocktails, priced at HK$90 +10%, will be available from 1-14 February at selected prestige bars, lounges and clubs around Hong Kong.
Apart from indulging in the cocktail delights in this romantic occasion, lovers can also surprise their loved one with the 7th limited edition of Grand Marnier® “Irresistible”. Adorned with vivid red lacquer - like a coating on a candy apple, “Irresistible” is a perfect gift for Valentine’s.
Only 300 bottles of Grand Marnier® Limited Edition “Irresistible” are available in Hong Kong in select high-end bars and specialty outlets, including Watson’s Wine Cellar and Oliver’s. The suggested retail price is HK$308.
About Grand Marnier®
Grand Marnier® has been savoured by sophisticated consumers for its smooth, rich and exotic flavour since it was first created in 1880 by Frenchman Louis-Alexandre Marnier Lapostolle.
A huge international success, it is now served in the most fashionable bars in over 150 countries worldwide -- and has been France's leading liqueur in export sales for over 25 years, as well as the third highest selling liqueur brand worldwide.
Though traditionally enjoyed neat or over ice, the unique flavour of Grand Marnier® makes it an ideal base for a wide range of flavourful cocktails and long drinks.
History of Grand Marnier®
In 1880, Louis-Alexandre Marnier Lapostolle, the son-in-law of Eugène Lapostolle, son of the founder, created the famous Grand Marnier® liqueur, a blend of cognac and tropical oranges. Today, the company is run by 5th and 6th generation members of the Marnier Lapostolle family, including Jacques Marnier Lapostolle, the current Chief Executive Officer. With 90% of its production sold outside of France in over 150 countries, Grand Marnier® has been the leading French liqueur in export sales for over 25 years. According to the magazine “Impact”, Grand Marnier® is among the top 100 major international brands of premium spirits and is the third highest selling brand of liqueur worldwide (based on retail sales). A bottle of Grand Marnier® is sold every 2 seconds around the world.
Four delicious drinks created especially for the occasion by Grand Marnier® Brand Ambassador and mixologist Julien Defrance will appeal to couples celebrating the most romantic day of the year.
For the ladies, the 'Grand Valentine' celebration mixes Grand Marnier® with strawberry juice, apple juice and freshly squeezed lemon, delightfully garnished with pink candy sugar and/or a cherry.
For the men, the cocktail blends Grand Marnier with fresh ginger, fresh lime and orange juice, served with fresh orange and a cherry.
Another 'Grand Valentine' cocktail designed for couples to share, is served in a jumbo glass with two straws, mixes Grand Marnier® with fresh apple, fresh cucumber, white wine and raspberry liquor, topped with fresh cucumber or fresh apple.
Also designed for sharing, the 'Grand Soup d'Amour' combines Grand Marnier®, lemon juice, pineapple juice and strawberry syrup, seductively garnished with fresh caramelized pineapple and is again served in a jumbo glass with two straws.
Grand Marnier® Valentine cocktails, priced at HK$90 +10%, will be available from 1-14 February at selected prestige bars, lounges and clubs around Hong Kong.
Apart from indulging in the cocktail delights in this romantic occasion, lovers can also surprise their loved one with the 7th limited edition of Grand Marnier® “Irresistible”. Adorned with vivid red lacquer - like a coating on a candy apple, “Irresistible” is a perfect gift for Valentine’s.
Only 300 bottles of Grand Marnier® Limited Edition “Irresistible” are available in Hong Kong in select high-end bars and specialty outlets, including Watson’s Wine Cellar and Oliver’s. The suggested retail price is HK$308.
About Grand Marnier®
Grand Marnier® has been savoured by sophisticated consumers for its smooth, rich and exotic flavour since it was first created in 1880 by Frenchman Louis-Alexandre Marnier Lapostolle.
A huge international success, it is now served in the most fashionable bars in over 150 countries worldwide -- and has been France's leading liqueur in export sales for over 25 years, as well as the third highest selling liqueur brand worldwide.
Though traditionally enjoyed neat or over ice, the unique flavour of Grand Marnier® makes it an ideal base for a wide range of flavourful cocktails and long drinks.
History of Grand Marnier®
In 1880, Louis-Alexandre Marnier Lapostolle, the son-in-law of Eugène Lapostolle, son of the founder, created the famous Grand Marnier® liqueur, a blend of cognac and tropical oranges. Today, the company is run by 5th and 6th generation members of the Marnier Lapostolle family, including Jacques Marnier Lapostolle, the current Chief Executive Officer. With 90% of its production sold outside of France in over 150 countries, Grand Marnier® has been the leading French liqueur in export sales for over 25 years. According to the magazine “Impact”, Grand Marnier® is among the top 100 major international brands of premium spirits and is the third highest selling brand of liqueur worldwide (based on retail sales). A bottle of Grand Marnier® is sold every 2 seconds around the world.
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
The Eastern & Oriental Express Makes its Debut Journey over the Friendship Bridge Connecting Thailand with Laos this February
(Hong Kong, January 05, 2010) – Luxury train operator Orient-Express is scheduling its first ever crossing of the Friendship Bridge connecting Thailand with Laos aboard the legendary Eastern & Oriental Express (E&O) in February 2010.
Previously only able to go as far as Nong Khai with onward travel via. road, the Friendship Bridge which opened in March 2009 now allows E&O passengers to chug straight into the heart of beautiful and mysterious Laos.
The unique four day-three night journey entitled 'Voyage to Vientiane', will depart on February 23 and start and end in Bangkok.
The thrilling adventure winds through north-east Thailand overnight, and the first morning stops at the ravishing Angkor-style temple of Phimai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important Khmer monuments in Thailand.
After lunch, the elegant E&O journey continues to the picturesque Khao Yai valley, visiting a local vineyard and tasting “New Latitude Wines”.
The E&O crosses the mighty Mekong River into Laos, over the Friendship Bridge, the following morning, for a full day’s tour of Vientiane including lunch at the historic Settha Palace Hotel. Capital of Laos, Vientiane is a city of contrasts where French colonial architecture sits alongside gilded Asian temples.
In late afternoon, the E&O returns to Thailand across the Friendship Bridge, allowing guests a chance to exchange stories of the day’s discoveries over a final dinner and overnight journey back to Bangkok.
Prices for this delightful journey start at US$1,950 -- or US$2,670 for a State Cabin and US$3,780 for a Presidential Suite. As with all E&O adventures, the 'Voyage to Vientiane', is priced per person, based on sharing accommodation, and includes all table d'hôte meals on board, with complimentary tea and coffee in your compartment, and sightseeing tours.
Measuring a quarter of a mile in length, the air-conditioned gleaming green and cream carriages of the E&O evoke the great age of luxury train travel and offer a world of opulence and fine craftsmanship.
With comfortable and elegant compartments, delicious all-inclusive cuisine and superb service, the atmosphere onboard the E&OE harks back one hundred years to a 'Colonial' age of rattan chairs on the veranda, linen suits, and tea dances coupled with the adventure of a journey.
Further information and full itineraries, can be seen at: http://www.orient-express.com/web/eoe/eoe_a2a_home.jsp
Bookings and all other enquiries: +65 6395 0678.
Previously only able to go as far as Nong Khai with onward travel via. road, the Friendship Bridge which opened in March 2009 now allows E&O passengers to chug straight into the heart of beautiful and mysterious Laos.
The unique four day-three night journey entitled 'Voyage to Vientiane', will depart on February 23 and start and end in Bangkok.
The thrilling adventure winds through north-east Thailand overnight, and the first morning stops at the ravishing Angkor-style temple of Phimai, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most important Khmer monuments in Thailand.
After lunch, the elegant E&O journey continues to the picturesque Khao Yai valley, visiting a local vineyard and tasting “New Latitude Wines”.
The E&O crosses the mighty Mekong River into Laos, over the Friendship Bridge, the following morning, for a full day’s tour of Vientiane including lunch at the historic Settha Palace Hotel. Capital of Laos, Vientiane is a city of contrasts where French colonial architecture sits alongside gilded Asian temples.
In late afternoon, the E&O returns to Thailand across the Friendship Bridge, allowing guests a chance to exchange stories of the day’s discoveries over a final dinner and overnight journey back to Bangkok.
Prices for this delightful journey start at US$1,950 -- or US$2,670 for a State Cabin and US$3,780 for a Presidential Suite. As with all E&O adventures, the 'Voyage to Vientiane', is priced per person, based on sharing accommodation, and includes all table d'hôte meals on board, with complimentary tea and coffee in your compartment, and sightseeing tours.
Measuring a quarter of a mile in length, the air-conditioned gleaming green and cream carriages of the E&O evoke the great age of luxury train travel and offer a world of opulence and fine craftsmanship.
With comfortable and elegant compartments, delicious all-inclusive cuisine and superb service, the atmosphere onboard the E&OE harks back one hundred years to a 'Colonial' age of rattan chairs on the veranda, linen suits, and tea dances coupled with the adventure of a journey.
Further information and full itineraries, can be seen at: http://www.orient-express.com/web/eoe/eoe_a2a_home.jsp
Bookings and all other enquiries: +65 6395 0678.
The Leading Hotels of the World Launches ‘Leading Learning Institute’
Exclusive Programme Offers Member Hotels Employee Training and Development Opportunities in Over 20 Locations Worldwide
Hong Kong, January 5, 2010 – At The Leading Hotels of the World Annual Convention held this year Venice, Italy, company President and Chief Executive Officer, Ted Teng announced the launch of a new, global initiative, Leading Learning Institute (LLI).
Developed in conjunction with IFH Americas, Inc., one of the largest consulting companies specializing in training and development for the hospitality industry, the new programme will offer over 450 LHW member hotels in 80 countries, a vast menu of training opportunities for their employees, ranging from management development and communications, to sales and revenue management.
LLI
LLI will deliver over 80 training sessions in 20 locations around the world. For an affordable annual fee, registered hotels will have unlimited access to all courses and can enroll their employees directly in the various training programs via an LLI customized booking platform, making registration easy. With the launch of LLI, The Leading Hotels of the World will be undertaking the largest training and development initiative in its 80-year history.
Mr. Teng said, “Essential to our hotels’ future success is customer satisfaction and revenue generation, and vital to accomplishing these two goals is properly trained staff.
“LLI was created to make high-quality, consistent training easily available to the predominantly independent hotels in our collection. In a fast-changing and evolving hospitality world, this will not only allow our hotels to attract staff but to retain them as well. Bottom line, this is all about increasing the ability for our hotels to compete with chain brands and stay independent.
“As the market leader, IFH has successfully created a customized development programme based on global know-how, but matched to local and cultural requirements delivered in over six languages.” Mr. Teng continued by saying, “We are truly excited about this opportunity to enrich the lives of our people through learning.”
This ground-breaking initiative was devised by Patricia Smith, senior vice president human resources and organization development of The Leading Hotels, and Thomas T. Kraft, member of the board and founder of IFH, both of whom will oversee and cultivate the programme on an ongoing basis. The goal over the next three years is to develop LLI into one of the best company internal career development programmes in the global hospitality industry.
Steffen Weidemann, the new CEO of IFH highlights the importance of focused employee development, “The investment that a hotel makes in its hardware, must be equaled in the investment in its people. Both of these factors play a fundamental role in the overall service experience, with the employee having the larger contribution,” says Weidemann.
About The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd.
The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. is the prestigious luxury hospitality organization representing more than 450 of the world’s finest hotels, resorts and spas, and is the operator of www.lhw.com and www.lhwspas.com – the online sources for your luxury lifestyle. As the largest international luxury hotel brand, the firm maintains offices in 22 major markets across the globe.
Since 1928, the company’s reputation for excellence derives from the exacting levels of quality it demands of its members, each of which must pass a rigorous, anonymous inspection covering hundreds of meticulous criteria spanning from product to behavioral standards. This set of standards is the most stringent in the industry.
For reservations and information, visit www.lhw.com or telephone toll-free from the USA, Canada, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, (800) 223-6800.
About IFH®
IFH® Worldwide is an international market leader in the fields of people development, quality assurance, benchmarking and strategy development for companies in the service industry.
Founded in 1989, the consulting firm specialises in national and international hotel companies, upmarket individual hotels, as well as companies in the automobile, healthcare and pharmaceutical industry. Headquartered in Frankfurt, Germany, IFH® operates offices in London, St. Petersburg, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore, Miami and Belgrade and employs around 100 people worldwide.
It is part of the I.H.S. GmbH Group, which is a group of companies specialized in providing a broad range of services to the international hotel and travel industry.
Hong Kong, January 5, 2010 – At The Leading Hotels of the World Annual Convention held this year Venice, Italy, company President and Chief Executive Officer, Ted Teng announced the launch of a new, global initiative, Leading Learning Institute (LLI).
Developed in conjunction with IFH Americas, Inc., one of the largest consulting companies specializing in training and development for the hospitality industry, the new programme will offer over 450 LHW member hotels in 80 countries, a vast menu of training opportunities for their employees, ranging from management development and communications, to sales and revenue management.
LLI
LLI will deliver over 80 training sessions in 20 locations around the world. For an affordable annual fee, registered hotels will have unlimited access to all courses and can enroll their employees directly in the various training programs via an LLI customized booking platform, making registration easy. With the launch of LLI, The Leading Hotels of the World will be undertaking the largest training and development initiative in its 80-year history.
Mr. Teng said, “Essential to our hotels’ future success is customer satisfaction and revenue generation, and vital to accomplishing these two goals is properly trained staff.
“LLI was created to make high-quality, consistent training easily available to the predominantly independent hotels in our collection. In a fast-changing and evolving hospitality world, this will not only allow our hotels to attract staff but to retain them as well. Bottom line, this is all about increasing the ability for our hotels to compete with chain brands and stay independent.
“As the market leader, IFH has successfully created a customized development programme based on global know-how, but matched to local and cultural requirements delivered in over six languages.” Mr. Teng continued by saying, “We are truly excited about this opportunity to enrich the lives of our people through learning.”
This ground-breaking initiative was devised by Patricia Smith, senior vice president human resources and organization development of The Leading Hotels, and Thomas T. Kraft, member of the board and founder of IFH, both of whom will oversee and cultivate the programme on an ongoing basis. The goal over the next three years is to develop LLI into one of the best company internal career development programmes in the global hospitality industry.
Steffen Weidemann, the new CEO of IFH highlights the importance of focused employee development, “The investment that a hotel makes in its hardware, must be equaled in the investment in its people. Both of these factors play a fundamental role in the overall service experience, with the employee having the larger contribution,” says Weidemann.
About The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd.
The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. is the prestigious luxury hospitality organization representing more than 450 of the world’s finest hotels, resorts and spas, and is the operator of www.lhw.com and www.lhwspas.com – the online sources for your luxury lifestyle. As the largest international luxury hotel brand, the firm maintains offices in 22 major markets across the globe.
Since 1928, the company’s reputation for excellence derives from the exacting levels of quality it demands of its members, each of which must pass a rigorous, anonymous inspection covering hundreds of meticulous criteria spanning from product to behavioral standards. This set of standards is the most stringent in the industry.
For reservations and information, visit www.lhw.com or telephone toll-free from the USA, Canada, Puerto Rico and the US Virgin Islands, (800) 223-6800.
About IFH®
IFH® Worldwide is an international market leader in the fields of people development, quality assurance, benchmarking and strategy development for companies in the service industry.
Founded in 1989, the consulting firm specialises in national and international hotel companies, upmarket individual hotels, as well as companies in the automobile, healthcare and pharmaceutical industry. Headquartered in Frankfurt, Germany, IFH® operates offices in London, St. Petersburg, Dubai, Hong Kong, Singapore, Miami and Belgrade and employs around 100 people worldwide.
It is part of the I.H.S. GmbH Group, which is a group of companies specialized in providing a broad range of services to the international hotel and travel industry.
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