March 2009 Archives

The Wine Artisans of the Santa Lucia Highlands, an alliance of the appellation's winegrowers and the wineries that rely on the district's world-class fruit, have announced the final pouring line-up for their third annual Gala tasting, taking place from 2 to 5 pm on Saturday, May 16 at Hahn Estates.

 

This "Highlands' Fling" celebration will be a strolling wine tasting on the grounds of the scenic Hahn property. The event will feature the most prized vintages and special reserves of the S.L.H.'s artisan winemakers -- paired to delicacies prepared by award-winning chef Terry Teplitzky.

Guests will have the opportunity to sample rare wines poured by the vintners themselves; wineries scheduled to participate include Belle Glos, Bernardus, Boekenoogen, Cru, Hahn, La Rochelle, Lucienne, Manzoni, Martin Alfaro, Mer Soleil, McIntyre, Morgan, Novy, Parasio, Pelerin, Pessagno, Pisoni, Puma Road, Roar, Robert Talbott, Testarossa, Siduri, Six Strings, Tondre, and Tudor. Foghorn, Miura, and Wrath wineries will be making their first appearance as S.L.H. members.

Tickets are $85.00 per person and can be purchased online at http://www.santaluciahighlands.com/events

The Santa Lucia Highlands is one of the crown jewels of California viticulture, growing and producing some of the state's best cool-climate Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The appellation encompasses more than 5,000 acres of prime vineyards, planted on the terraces of the Santa Lucia mountain range, overlooking the Salinas River Valley. The area's unique character was recognized with official A.V.A. status in 1991.

The Wine Artisans of the Santa Lucia Highlands, formed in 2005, is a formal association of vineyards and wineries that grow grapes here or use this region's fruit to craft their wines. Their primary goal is to promote this unique viticultural district and increase awareness and appreciation of the Santa Lucia Highlands.

SOURCE Wine Artisans of the Santa Lucia Highlands

Flowers take center stage as a cast of thousands welcome springtime at Biltmore's Festival of Flowers, April 4 - May 17. In concert with the opening, on April 4, of a suite of four restored rooms inside Biltmore House, the annual estate-wide event celebrates the beauty of George Vanderbilt's 8,000-acre property and its original design by Frederick Law Olmsted, father of American landscape architecture.

Restored to their original splendor, this suite of rooms offers visitors the first opportunity to fully see the house as a family home and the Vanderbilts as parents. The Louis XV Room itself is perhaps the true heart of Biltmore. It served as birthplace of George and Edith Vanderbilt's only daughter, Cornelia, in 1900. Years later, it was where Cornelia delivered her own two sons, George Henry Vanderbilt Cecil and William Amherst Vanderbilt Cecil in 1925 and 1928, respectively. Through family stories that span generations, and new blooms throughout the estate, Biltmore comes alive this spring.

Festival of Flowers showcases a stunning display of tulips, Iceland poppies, snapdragons and foxglove in the Walled Garden, vibrant colors in the 20-acre azalea garden and cascades of native and exotic blooms in the natural gardens and walking trails. Biltmore's gardens, Olmsted's final and most grand project, are in their 119th year, continuing to mature and becoming more beautiful every year.

This year's umbrella theme, "Preservation," ties in with the opening of the new rooms in Biltmore House. Floral displays inside the house will reflect the period of decoration of each room, or of decor during the Vanderbilt era. Guests will see elements of the Edwardian/Turn of the Century/Aesthetic Movement infused with bold and contrasting colors.

Festivities across the estate will include music in the house and various locations, tips from Biltmore gardeners, and innovative container garden displays in the Conservatory. Biltmore Winery celebrates with live music, wine tastings, seminars and children's activities. Seasonal Festival of Flowers wines are also crafted each year to mark the occasion. In addition, events are planned for adults and kids at River Bend Farm, and outdoor activities such as mountain biking and float trips are available at the adjacent Outdoor Center. Please visit http://www.biltmore.com/visit/calendar/spring.asp for the full schedule of events.

Spring is the perfect time to take advantage of Biltmore's unique surroundings by taking part in the Explore Biltmore program. Outdoor activities include hiking, biking, rafting, kayaking, horseback riding, carriage rides, Segway tours and a sporting clays program. Biltmore is also home to one of three Land Rover driving schools in North America. Guests looking for accommodations will enjoy the four-star Inn on Biltmore Estate, which provides a variety of packages.

SOURCE Biltmore

Spring is almost here, and hotels.com(R), a leading provider of lodging worldwide, is celebrating with its largest spring sale ever. The sale offers more than 900 deals on properties in a wide range of destinations. Guests must book by April 13, 2009 and travel by April 30, 2009 to take advantage of the deals.

Travelers have great incentives to book their spring getaways now:

• More than 500 properties offer savings of 30 percent.
• More than 400 properties offer added value features:
  • $10 Barnes and Noble gift card for stays of one night or more
  • $25 Food and Beverage credits at the property for stays for two nights or more
  • $50 Macy's gift card for stays of 3 nights or more
• Nearly 70 properties offer both the 30 percent savings and an added value feature

"We're excited to offer more opportunities and choices for guests to realize value when planning their spring trips," said Scott Booker, chief hotel expert and guest advocate. "The hotel stay is not the only expense in getting away, so we're providing our guests with something extra they can enjoy during their stay, or to spend when they return home."

Spring sale bookings are also eligible for welcomerewards(TM) credits. The award-winning hotels.com loyalty program is simple, flexible, and offers rewards quickly: book 10 nights anywhere, get one free.

For full promotion details and deals, please visit hotels.com/spring. A sample of available deals is listed below:

    San Diego:
    Comfort Inn & Suites Zoo Sea World Area
    2.5 Star, 3.8 guest rating, 73% recommended
    Stay 3 or more nights, get a $50 Macy's gift card
    From: $99

    New Orleans:
    Courtyard New Orleans Downtown by Marriott
    3 star, 4.4 guest rating, 96% recommended
    Stay 1 or more nights, get a $10 Barnes & Noble gift card
    From $109

    Cancun:
    Hilton Cancun Golf & Spa Resort
    4 star, 4.4 guest rating, 95% recommended
    Stay 2 or more nights, get a $25 Food & Beverage Credit
    From $179

    Myrtle Beach:
    Compass Cove Oceanfront Resort
    3 Star, 4.1 guest rating, 86% recommended
    Stay 2 nights save 30%
    Discounted rate $67.95

    San Antonio
    Riverwalk Plaza
    3 star, 3.8 guest rating, 74% recommended
    Save 30%
    Discounted rate $135.33

    Properties offering both the 30 percent savings AND an added value
    feature include the following:

    Fort Lauderdale, FL
    The Atlantic Hotel
    4.5 star, 4.8 guest rating, 100% recommended
    Save 30%, plus stay 2 or more nights get a $25 Food & Beverage Credit
    Discounted rate: $239

    Grand Bahama
    Old Bahama Bay
    4 star, 4.6 guest rating, 100% recommended
    Stay 2 nights save 30%, plus stay 2 or more nights get a $25 Food &
    Beverage credit
    Discounted rate: $146.30

    Atlanta
    Best Western Granada Suite Hotel Midtown
    3 star, 3.9 guest rating, 76% recommended
    Stay 2 nights save 30%, Stay 3 nights get a $50 Macy's gift card
    Discounted rate: $72.69

    Orlando:
    Clarion Hotel Universal
    3 Star, 3.9 guest rating,  78% recommended
    Save 30%, plus stay 2 nights get a $25 food and beverage credit.
    Discounted rate: $69.30

SOURCE hotels.com

Today, Cunard Line revealed itinerary and design plans for its newest ocean liner, Queen Elizabeth, which is scheduled to enter service on 12 October 2010, giving one of the oldest names in shipping the strength of operating the youngest fleet in the industry. Queen Elizabeth will be the third new ocean liner to be introduced by Cunard in six years and the second largest Cunard ship ever built.

Queen Elizabeth will feature the unique Cunard traditions linking her with her sisters Queen Mary 2 and Queen Victoria, and their predecessors. She will also debut some exciting features that will give the vessel her own style and personality, plus all the modern day luxuries Cunard's guests have come to expect.

Likewise, Cunard's renowned White Star Service will be ever-present, ensuring that travellers who seek a return to tradition will enjoy proper, authentic experiences that reflect the line's 170-year heritage of formality and civility at sea.

In announcing the first details of the new ship, Cunard President Carol Marlow said "Cunard holds the distinction of sailing the most famous ocean liners in the world and I'm delighted to announce this magnificent addition to our fleet, which marks the return to our operation of three Queens simultaneously. For more than 70 years there has been an 'Elizabeth' in the fleet and this beautiful modern-day celebration of our past 'Elizabeths' will ensure this proud tradition continues far into this century. Sir Samuel Cunard would be rightly proud."

A Nod to Cunard's History and Heritage
Queen Elizabeth is named after Cunard's first Queen Elizabeth, the famed Cunard ship which was launched in 1938 as the world's largest liner. The new ship will reference her predecessor in interior grandeur, décor and style, but with a modern twist.

From the outside, her distinctive black and red livery will hint at the experience that differentiates a Cunard liner from a modern-day cruise ship. This will be most evident in the ship's adherence to liner decor, with elegant double and triple height public rooms on a grand scale, intricately detailed interiors replete with rich wood panelling, mosaics, gleaming chandeliers, and cool marbles. Art Deco features will pay homage to the original Queen Elizabeth, and will allow the new ship to reflect a more civilized era of travel. And in addition to the extensive Cunard entertainment programme onboard, Queen Elizabeth will offer some unique strands inspired by the era of the first Queen Elizabeth, including country house parties, lively piano evenings and a variety of dancing from that time - including the jitterbug and jive - all within the setting of this 21st century ship.

As a successor to Queen Elizabeth 2, the ship will also reflect this great liner via artwork and memorabilia and will have its very own 'Yacht Club,' named after the lively aft lounge on QE2. Offering guests 270 degree views and the perfect setting for activities and gatherings during the day, it will also double as a dramatic evening venue for cocktails and dancing.

Similarly, through photography, memorabilia and exhibits, the ship will recognize the historic links Cunard has enjoyed with Royalty over the years.

The ship's distinctive public spaces include:

Queens Room - a new take on the traditional Cunard ballroom, with artwork depicting views from royal palaces, and photography of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and the Royal family, along with its 1000 square foot dance floor for Grand Balls and Tea Dances at sea.

Garden Lounge - with its magnificent vaulted glass ceiling creating a conservatory feel inspired by the glass houses of Kew Gardens, beneath where guests will enjoy Supper Clubs, and mix dining with dancing under the stars.

Games Deck - Named after the same deck on the original Queen Elizabeth, the Games Deck will offer paddle tennis, croquet and traditional British bowls. (Interestingly, the ship's home port of Southampton is home to the oldest surviving bowls green in the world, first used in 1299.)

Midships Bar - will pay homage to her namesake liner, the first Queen Elizabeth, with memorabilia displayed from that era.

The ship's dining venues include:

Queens Grill and Princess Grill - The ship will also feature the line's celebrated five-star Grills accommodation and dining, with its al fresco dining option on a private deck terrace - first introduced on Queen Victoria - beautiful restaurants, Grills Lounge and sunbathing deck.

The popular Britannia Club, having first debuted aboard Queen Mary 2, features a private dining room with single seating dining for those guests in the top Balcony staterooms.

Britannia Restaurant - Art Deco decorative flourishes create a dramatic backdrop for this two-tiered dining room featuring a sweeping staircase ideal for making a grand entrance.

Queen Elizabeth's Maiden Voyage Season

Queen Elizabeth's maiden 2010 season will consist of six voyages, calling on 32 distinct ports in 18 countries. Her Maiden Voyage will depart from Cunard's homeport of Southampton on 12 October 2010, en route to the Atlantic Isles. The 13-night voyage will call at Vigo (for Santiago de Compostela), Lisbon, Seville (Cadiz), Gran Canaria (Las Palmas), Tenerife (Santa Cruz de Tenerife), La Palma (Santa Cruz de La Palma) and Madeira (Funchal). Fares start from $2,995 per person.

The ship will then embark on five celebratory inaugural voyages:

Mediterranean Premiere - A 14-day voyage departing Southampton on 25 October 2010 with maiden calls to Barcelona, Monte Carlo, Florence/Pisa (Livorno), Rome (Civitavecchia), Naples (for Capri and Pompeii), Cartagena and Gibraltar. Fares start from $2,795 per person.

Aegean Introduction - An 18-day voyage departing Southampton on 8 November 2010 calling on Malaga (for Granada), Malta (Valletta), Venice, Dubrovnik, Kusadasi (for Ephesus), Athens (Piraeus) and Alicante. Fares from $3,295 per person.

Gallic Debut - A five-day voyage departing Southampton on 26 November 2010 with maiden calls to Rotterdam (for Amsterdam), Brussels/Bruges (for Zeebrugge) and Cherbourg. Fares start from $1,195 per person.

Iberian Discovery - A 13-day voyage departing Southampton on 1 December 2010 with calls to Vigo (for Santiago de Compostela), Lisbon, Seville (Cadiz), Gran Canaria (Las Palmas), Tenerife (Santa Cruz de Tenerife), La Palma (Santa Cruz de La Palma) and Madeira. Fares start from $2,395 per person.

Festive Debut - A 22-day holiday voyage departing Southampton on 14 December 2010 with calls in the Caribbean, including Madeira (Funchal), Tortola, Dominica, Barbados, St. Lucia, Antigua and Azores Islands (Ponta Delgada). Fares start from $4,795 per person.

Reservations for Queen Elizabeth's maiden voyages and inaugural season will be open for booking on April 2. For more information and to book a voyage, consult your Travel Professional, call toll-free 1-800-7-CUNARD or go to www.cunard.com.

Source: Cunard Line

Master Chef Nobuyuki "Nobu" Matsuhisa is joining Crystal Serenity's July 28 Mediterranean cruise to create a week of menus exclusively for Crystal Cruises guests. Nobu will prepare a week of Omakase dinners - or chef's choice menu - each night in Silk Road, the complimentary shipboard restaurant that has featured his signature cuisine since 2003. Besides cooking, welcoming guests and signing books, the famed restaurateur will demonstrate his culinary techniques, providing a glimpse into the genius - and warmth - behind his dishes.

While Nobu distinctively blends traditional Japanese cuisine with Peruvian influences, he is also renowned for creating food that reflects his "kokoro," or heart. Those fortunate to dine in a Nobu or Matsuhisa restaurant while the chef is in the house know that it's common to see him greeting and interacting with his guests.

"Nobu is not only a passionate, creative force, but the consummate host who takes pleasure in connecting with guests," says Toni Neumeister, vice president, food & beverage operations.

Nobu's cuisine - prepared by Nobu-trained chefs - debuted on Crystal Serenity in 2003. With a shared reputation for excellent craftsmanship, creativity and incomparable service, Nobu and Crystal expanded their relationship with the introduction of Silk Road and The Sushi Bar aboard Crystal Symphony in 2008. Both restaurants complete the experience with Nobu's sake and china.

"This is what makes fine dining on a ship so special. You can have an intimate contact with guests that you can't have in a big city," says Matsuhisa.

By May 2009, the multi-Michelin-Star-awarded Matsuhisa will have 25 restaurants worldwide. Zagat called him "the man who may be the best Japanese chef in the world." The Los Angeles Times named him one of America's 10 Best Chefs.

The 12-day itinerary visits Venice, San Marino, Corfu, Rhodes, Bodrum, Istanbul, Mykonos and Athens. Cruise fares start at $6,055 per person, double occupancy. An All Inclusive - As You Wish promotion provides a $2,000 per couple shipboard credit to customize one's cruise experience. The Crystal Assurance Plan offers reduced deposits and cancellation periods, as well as the assurance that guests will be protected at the reduced fare if a stateroom category is later reduced.

SOURCE Crystal Cruises

In a ceremony held Thursday, Burroughs & Chapin Company, Inc. introduced the new Pine Lakes Country Club after a $15 million, 20-month project restored Myrtle Beach's first golf course to its early 20th century grandeur.

Nationally-known golf restoration architect Craig Schreiner restored the course as closely as possible to Robert White's 1927 specifications. While preserving 16 of the original golf-view corridors, Schreiner enhanced the playability and enjoyment for golfers of all skill levels by planting SeaDwarf(R) Seashore Paspalum grass, enlarging tee box areas, adding native waste areas and utilizing environmentally-friendly irrigation systems.

Burroughs & Chapin took extraordinary care to protect the integrity of the original Pine Lakes Clubhouse, which was designed by Henry Bacon McKoy after he completed the Lincoln Memorial. The majority of the clubhouse was saved, including The Snug Pub, the meeting place of Time Inc. editors in 1954 when they visited Pine Lakes to play golf and plan for a new weekly sports publication, Sports Illustrated.

In addition to a 6,000-square-foot wing that was added to the perimeter of the clubhouse to house the pro shop and locker rooms, the Robert White Pub, the grill kitchen and an outside patio, the History Hall was created to display memorabilia and artifacts from Pine Lakes' first days.

Thursday's ceremony also featured the induction of the inaugural class of the Myrtle Beach Golf Hall of Fame, which is located at Pine Lakes. Six individuals were recognized for their contributions to the Myrtle Beach golf industry and were honored with a permanent monument located in the Pine Lakes Country Club Hall of Fame Garden. The first class included Cecil Brandon, Clay Brittain, Jr., Carolyn Cudone, Jimmy D'Angelo, General James F. Hackler, Jr. and Robert White.

Pine Lakes Country Club, Myrtle Beach's first golf resort, has served as the epitome of the traditional golf resort since opening in 1927 as the Ocean Forest Golf Club. Designed by St. Andrews, Scotland native Robert White, Pine Lakes put Myrtle Beach on the map as the destination of choice for golfers and families. Owned and operated by Burroughs & Chapin Company Inc., Pine Lakes Country Club is the home of the new Myrtle Beach Golf Hall of Fame.

SOURCE Pine Lakes Country Club

Thompson Hotels, a collection of sophisticated, luxury hotels in major urban centers, has opened Thompson LES. The property is the hotel group's fourth in New York City; alongside chic downtown staple 60 Thompson in Soho, mod-inspired 6 Columbus in Columbus Circle, Gild Hall in the Wall Street area and the newly opened Smyth in TriBeCa.

Located at the corner of Allen and Houston streets in Manhattan's burgeoning Lower East Side neighborhood, the hotel's identity is the collaboration of some of the flashiest names in design. The architect is Ed Rawlings of Rawlings Architects PC, the interiors by famed interior designer Jim Walrod in collaboration with Ed Rawlings, and the room concept by Dodd Mitchell Designs. Inspired by the provocative undercurrent of its neighborhood's surrounds, the hotel embodies the ultimate in clean, industrial New York with timeless modern style.

Guests are able to enjoy a multiplex of hotspots, including the private terrace bar to the newly open Above Allen. Located on the seventh floor guests from Thompson LES are invited to access this private terrace bar. The modern design features sprawling lounge furniture and intimate table vignettes.

The third floor boasts an outdoor pool and lounge, with a filmstrip image of Andy Warhol photo lithographed onto the tile at the pool floor. The image is the work of artist Gerard Malanga, Warhol's muse and confidant during the iconic Factory days. The expansive second floor restaurant also features a giant color field painting by contemporary artist Peter Halley.

Thompson LES houses Shang, a Global Chinese restaurant with celebrity chef Susur Lee at its helm. The restaurant's design and cuisine strike a provocative balance between the familiar and the unknown. Red chairs, gold accents and dim lights compliment the sensuality of Lee's cooking, while wallpaper constructed from imprints of ancient Chinese drawings serve to authenticate and excite.

Thompson Lower East Side is home to 141 sophisticated rooms, including 127 deluxe rooms, 11 one bedroom suites, 2 signature Thompson Suites and a duplex penthouse. The rooms at Thompson LES feature low beds and couches, simple black and metal tables, exposed columns and ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling windows with stunning views of New York City. The influential American artist Lee Friedlander dominates the room through different variants of black and white photographs from his Apples and Olives book, in illuminated headboards that hang over each bed.

For the hotel staff's uniforms, Thompson commissioned industry sweetheart Rogan, the winner of 2007's coveted CFDA/Vogue Fashion prize. Already famous with fashionistas and style mavens, Rogan's designs for Thompson LES deliver edgy, avant-garde style.

SOURCE Thompson Hotels

RESORT PROPERTY OFFERS FOUR-STAR, LUXURY ENVIRONMENT COMBINED WITH UNIQUE ROCK VIBE.

Lagomar Properties, Inc. today announced the commencement of condo-sales for the Hard Rock Hotel Panama, a 400+-room luxury condo-hotel resort development on the Pacific Ocean. The resort will feature outstanding oceanfront views along 1,200 feet of Panama's coast. The tropical location, combined with Hard Rock's renowned, luxurious quality standards, offers a unique destination resort for one of the world's most globally recognized brands.

The Hard Rock Hotel Panama will be located near Coronado Beach less than an hour southwest of Panama City in the tourist area known as "the dry arch" and the "Southern California of Central America", a consistently sunny area in this often-rainy equatorial region. The hotel will be situated on 35 acres of elevated, lightly forested seaside plateau, including miles of sparkling white sand beaches and towering palms. A tropical river sweeps around the property from the southeast to southwest.

"We are excited to bring the Hard Rock Hotel experience to these pristine Pacific beaches," says Wayne Bryan, CEO of Lagomar Properties, Inc. "Hard Rock's blend of luxury and lifestyle provide an unparalleled visitor experience."

The Hard Rock Hotel Panama will offer over 400 elegant guestrooms including 'rock-star suites', a signature trademark of the Hard Rock brand-, luxury "swim-out" rooms, double suites and villa suites, highland Golf Villas, quiet Spa Villas and cantilevered riverside Eco Villas. The eco-sensitive design of the hotel will incorporate Panamanian culture from Spanish colonial to Kuna motifs within a very up-to-date, expansive context. Planned attractions currently include a 200,000 square foot pool, two-signature restaurants featuring the best South American chefs and cuisine, a signature bar offering sophisticated adult nightlife and dancing, the exclusive luxurious Rock Spa(R) with floating treatment cabanas, an innovative group treatment building for wedding parties and other groups and unique couples packages. Additionally, there will be a ballroom that can accommodate live performances, business groups and conferences. A smaller ballroom will also be on-site for more private, intimate affairs and there will be dedicated children's areas and activities for family vacationers. The resort is part of a planned destination complex currently set to include an 18-hole golf course.

SOURCE Lagomar Properties, Inc.

The St. Regis, what a place!  Home to the King Cole Bar and Adour (formerly Lespinasse), what an amazing place to own a suite.  And now you can with the St. Regis private residences.

 

The Deluxe Suite is 474 square feet and has one bath with double sinks and tub/shower.  It's larger than many NY studio apartments.

 

The island of Maui boasts many treasures. From the beautiful Kaanapali Beach, where whales frolic outside your hotel room in season, to the unforgettable Hana Highway, to the excitement of Lahaina, a Maui vacation is full of magical experiences. And now, these experiences can be yours for less than ever before.

Through April 19, 2009 for travel through May 31, 2009 customers can save up to 35% on the price of their vacation package, while receiving free nights and added values that really add up. To take advantage of these limited-time savings customers must simply enter promotion code MAUISALE at the time of booking to ensure their reservation reflects these savings.

Here is a brief look at some of the most popular hotels throughout Maui offering extra savings through free nights, free breakfast and other money-saving perks:

Outrigger Royal Kahana

• 3rd night free
• Up to $150 in grocery certificates

Aston Kaanapali Shores (formerly ResortQuest)

• 4th night free
• $100 food and beverage credit
• 2-for-1 lu'au
• Kids stay, play and eat free

Wailea Beach Marriott Resort & Spa

• 4th night free
• Daily buffet breakfast for two
• Guaranteed one category upgrade

The Westin Maui Resort & Spa

• 3rd night free
• Daily buffet breakfast for two
• Guaranteed one category upgrade

Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa

• 3rd night free
• Daily buffet breakfast for two
• Guaranteed one category upgrade

Vacations can be purchased online.

This year, springtime at Biltmore takes on a whole new meaning when a suite of four never-before-seen bedrooms opens to visitors for the first time in Biltmore House on April 4, 2009. These rooms provide a deep and revitalized connection between the two generations born at Biltmore and the visitors who come here to see George Washington Vanderbilt's 8,000-acre estate, a National Historic Landmark.

Coinciding with the start of Biltmore's 24th annual Festival of Flowers (April 4-May 17), the opening of the new rooms represents a major milestone in Biltmore's history, and one of the most revealing opportunities to date for Biltmore to tell the Vanderbilt family story.

Restored to its original splendor, this suite offers visitors the first opportunity to fully see the house as a family home and the Vanderbilts as parents. The Louis XV Room itself is perhaps the true heart of Biltmore. It served as birthplace of George and Edith Vanderbilt's only daughter, Cornelia, in 1900. Years later, it was where Cornelia delivered her own two sons, George Henry Vanderbilt Cecil and William Amherst Vanderbilt Cecil in 1925 and 1928, respectively.

When guests tour through the suite, they will realize like never before that Biltmore was much more than a magnificent house when Vanderbilt opened it on Christmas Eve 1895. It was a home, alive with family, friends and children.

Biltmore's team of curators, conservators and craftsmen spent years researching and sourcing materials from around the globe to authentically restore a part of Biltmore House that's been closed to visitors for nearly 100 years.

The 250 furniture pieces and decorative objects in the suite are part of George Vanderbilt's collection, but have been tucked away in storage since the 1930s, away from public view. Liberal doses of gold and silk make these rooms literally shine on a sunny morning, said Leslie Klinger, curator of interpretation, which she suspects was the reason Edith Vanderbilt chose to deliver her daughter in the suite's Louis XV Room. "Seeing this incredibly beautiful furniture reunited with the rest of Vanderbilt's collection is really spectacular," Klinger said.

Biltmore's experts engaged in extensive detective work throughout the restoration process. This included:

• Piecing remnants of original wallpaper found underneath door moldings and drapery brackets to determine wallpaper patterns for the reproduction process;
• Traveling to France to collaborate with fabric and wallpaper company designers to ensure the original fabrics were reproduced exactly;
• Hours of cleaning and repairing the objects from George Vanderbilt's collection;
• Hand mixing of paints to match the original colors.

With the opening of the suite, interpretation of Biltmore House itself is now expanded to focus on the people who once lived and visited in the home, in addition to the architecture and art collection. The visitor experience will be enhanced by the placement of lifestyle elements - items of the period - to achieve a lived-in feeling, more authentically portraying the day-to-day living that once took place in Biltmore House.

Biltmore's Museum Services staff members studied biographies of the people who visited the Vanderbilts and stayed in Biltmore House to populate the rooms with antique objects that represent their interests and lifestyles. "Many of the Vanderbilts' guests enjoyed horseback riding, so period riding gear will be placed in at least one of the guest bedrooms," Klinger said.

This story and many others like it reveal the Vanderbilt family's life at Biltmore. Members of the Museum Services staff spent years researching Vanderbilt history to include tidbits like this on Biltmore's new self-guided audio tour, available when the suite opens.

Detailed descriptions about each of the new rooms, along with photos of the restoration process, may be found at www.biltmore.com.

SOURCE Biltmore House

Quail Lodge Resort & Golf Club, located in Carmel, Calif., today announced that it will host the inaugural Quail Motorcycle Gathering, a day-long celebration of the art of the motorcycle featuring the first Bonhams & Butterfields vintage motorbike auction in Carmel on Saturday, May 9, 2009.

 

Guests at The Quail Motorcycle Gathering will view 100 legendary prewar and postwar era sports and racing bikes elegantly displayed throughout the grounds of the resort. As they mingle with owners of the vintage motorcycles, guests will have access to leading manufacturers, dealers, accessories and lifestyle vendors. A barbeque lunch prepared by Quail Lodge's culinary team and live entertainment will make the event a fun family celebration for all ages.

An array of exceptional motorcycles will be on display and for sale, including a rare 1959 BMW R69, featuring a large capacity Hoske long-distance tank and a rare factory option tachometer; a 1920 ABC Sopwith TT, featuring an advanced wet-sump lubricated horizontal opposed twin; and a 1905 Orion single engine motorbike.

"We've created this event with vintage motorcycle aficionados and families in mind," said Sarah Cruse, General Manager of Quail Lodge Resort & Golf Club. "In addition to viewing an impressive display of motorcycles, guests will enjoy a delicious picnic lunch, a live auction and a beautiful spring weekend in Carmel."

Enthusiasts are invited to participate in The Quail Motorcycle Tour on Friday, May 8, 2009, to kick-off The Quail Motorcycle Gathering. The scenic tour, limited to 50 participants, will wind through the Monterey Peninsula coastline, and will finish with an exclusive dinner at Quail Lodge.

Tickets are $65 per person and include gourmet lunch, musical entertainment and access to the Bonhams & Butterfields auction.

SOURCE Quail Lodge Resort & Golf Club

It's not just the lush jungles that make Banyan Tree Residences Mayakoba green; the resort is the most forward-thinking, sustainable luxury enclave in the region, setting a new global standard in resort development. Known for its long-standing commitment to corporate social responsibility and environmental stewardship throughout Asia, Banyan Tree has made its foray into the Americas within Mayakoba, a new private development composed of four leading hoteliers, spanning over a mile of prime beachfront along the Caribbean Sea on Mexico's Riviera Maya.   The secluded Mayakoba Resort complex was purchased by Spain-based master developer Obrascon Huarte-Lain (OHL), nearly 15 years ago. During this time, OHL worked with environmentalists to develop the region's most progressive, eco-friendly resort community, unparalleled in the luxury sector. Today, the Mayakoba Environmental Advisory is a team of biologists who oversee and guide development within the community to minimize environmental impact. The team has successfully preserved 228 plants from 40 families and 108 species all indigenous to the area. The Mayakoba nursery also boasts over 306,000 native plants. "Mayakoba has set a new precedent for beachfront development in Mexico. I have been working with the resort to preserve and protect flora and fauna and have been happily encouraged by what I've seen," states Hector Alafita, project manager and biologist with GPPA, an environmental consultancy group. "Mayakoba is proof that luxury development and sustainability can beautifully co-exist." Fully accessible via electric water taxis, effectively mitigating noise and fuel pollution, Mayakoba is composed of a tapestry of canals and lagoons that traverse through Mangrove jungles to every corner of the resort, allowing residents and guests to serenely travel on these aquatic pathways from hotel to spa to beach. Banyan Tree Mayakoba will offer guests the opportunity to partake in their corporate Green Imperative Fund (GIF) which provides financial support to local community- and environment-based projects. Guests are invited to be a "partner" through a small contribution of US $2.00 per room night, under an "opt-out" arrangement. Banyan Tree matches their contributions, dollar for dollar, to develop the Green Imperative Fund. Also directly supporting the local community is Banyan Tree Mayakoba's retail arm, Banyan Tree Mayakoba Gallery and Elements, which showcases the finest artwork and crafts from local and regional artisans. Banyan Tree Gallery's business ethos center around four core values: sustaining village development, conserving natural and cultural resources, showcasing ethnic crafts and culture, and educating and motivating stakeholders. Based on "retailing with a difference," Banyan Tree Mayakoba Gallery and Elements will feature handcrafted and museum quality art, silver, paintings and sculptures. Banyan Tree Residences Mayakoba is offering the limited opportunity to purchase at this eco-friendly sanctuary. Imbued with a fresh blend of Eastern and Western influences, each private villa is shielded from neighboring villas by natural flora and fauna and features its own private, full-sized pool, as well as: Outdoor bathtubs and showers Spacious poolside terrace Private garden Separate living pavilions Large private pool sundecks Spa Villas feature massage decks The larger villas feature separate bedrooms with loggia living rooms for maximum privacy About Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts The leading international operator in the boutique resort, residences and spa industry, Banyan Tree offers a signature blend of romance and travel with a green conscience. The philosophy behind the hotels, resorts, residences, spas, retail galleries and destination club is based on rejuvenation of the body, mind and soul - a Sanctuary for the Senses. To date, the Banyan Tree Group manages and/or has ownership interests in over 20 resorts and hotels, over 60 spas, in excess of 60 retail galleries; as well as two golf courses. About Mayakoba Mayakoba is situated just south of Cancun on Mexico's prized Caribbean coast - the Riviera Maya. A mere 40-minute drive from the towering hotels of Cancun visitors will discover a completely different experience. Here, nestled in a lush natural paradise, lies Mayakoba, a truly unique resort destination. Mayakoba is comprised of four luxury resorts, each featuring a range of culinary and spa experiences. An 18-hole Greg Norman championship golf course, El Camaleon, managed by Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, offers players an ever-changing terrain that moves gracefully from mangroves to the sea. Created to harmonize with the unspoiled tropical forest, Mayakoba is connected with a series of lagoons enabling guests to wander effortlessly from place to place through the resort using the "lanchas" (covered boats) as well as a network of trails. Mayakoba is a luxury destination like no other where you are immersed in unspoiled natural beauty and the mysteries of an ancient civilization. For further information visit banyantreemayakoba.com

SOURCE Banyan Tree Residences Mayakoba

M Resort Spa Casino, the newest $1 billion resort casino located on South Las Vegas Boulevard and St. Rose Parkway, opened its doors to thousands of anxious patrons at 10 p.m. Sunday, March 1. Driven by a personal, hands-on service approach, the M Resort offers the best service and value in gaming, entertainment and dining. The resort opened in its entirety with an electrifying fireworks show at 9:50 p.m.

The M Resort is the product of a collaboration between Anthony A. Marnell III, Chairman and CEO of the M Resort and his father, architect Tony Marnell, Chairman of Marnell Corrao Associates, the premier construction and development company responsible for notable projects throughout Las Vegas including Wynn, Treasure Island, the Mirage, Caesars Palace and the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino. Since 1976, the Marnell family name has been synonymous with architectural vision, quality and integrity. The Marnells set the standard for casino-resorts worldwide with the Rio All-Suite Hotel & Casino, which became the benchmark for many innovations in Las Vegas and throughout the world that are still widely used today. The M Resort includes both architectural innovation as well as the Marnell brand of hospitality.

"Working with my father on the M is one of the best experiences of my life," said Anthony A. Marnell III. "He has worked with a number of major casino-resort properties, and I think that over the last 40 years there are things he's wanted to do and there are things that I've seen that I believe should be different in casino-resorts. He and I have had the opportunity to collaborate and the result of that is the M."

Cutting-edge technologies have been added to the resort to ensure guests receive the highest level of service. The M Resort includes always-on, seamless wireless coverage throughout, allowing guests in different parts of the resort to access wireless voice and data services, mobile phones, BlackBerry(TM) devices, PDAs and laptops. In addition, an on-site gas station and M Pharmacy provide unique amenities for locals and tourists.

"I believe the M Resort has a lot to offer tourists and Las Vegas locals and exceptional service is at the top of the list," said Marnell. "The M has been laid out very differently than other Strip resorts and local casinos. Every detail has been thought about over and over again. We are confident the M will raise the bar for resort-casinos and express the future of the industry."

Residing on more than 90 acres and situated 400 feet higher in elevation than the resort-casinos on the world-famous Las Vegas Strip, the M Resort provides optimal views of the famous skyline from the rooms, restaurants and lobby within the resort. The M Resort embodies a unique contemporary architectural design and is infused with rich colors, subtle horizontal lines and finely crafted materials.

ROOM AMENITIES

The M Resort offers 390 exceptionally appointed, oversized guest rooms and suites ranging from 550 to 2,400 square feet. The guest rooms and suites are richly designed with beds featuring a pillow-top mattress and fine linens. Each room offers a living space that includes high-technology amenities such as a Bose(R) Wave(R) sound system, iPod(R) docking station and 42" HD LCD flat screen television. The spa-like bathrooms offer guests a marble vanity with double sinks, inlaid mirror television and separate bathtub and shower. All resort rooms and suites feature automatic lighting controls for energy efficiency and floor to ceiling windows with unrivaled views of the Las Vegas Strip or mountains. Uniquely designed, more than 70 percent of the rooms at the M Resort provide views of the world-famous Las Vegas skyline.

DINING

Dining is the heart and soul of the M Resort, with nine restaurants and five destination bars, all owned and operated by the Marnells. With a passion for food and a desire to introduce new culinary experiences to the public, the M Resort offers a wide variety of dining choices that are designed to become another form of entertainment. The resort has dedicated a block of more than 30,000 square feet of kitchens and culinary facilities to support the nine dining outlets that also feature their own exhibition-style kitchens.

"Food and beverage is not an afterthought at the M Resort. It is our centerpiece and we believe it will be one of the many reasons our guests visit us again and again," said John Lipkowitz, Executive Vice President and General Manager, M Resort. Lipkowitz has been influential in the conceptualization of many Vegas firsts by using his extensive culinary background and operational expertise to bring the first James Beard Out of House events to a Las Vegas resort in 1995.

Each restaurant was developed to allow for innovative social environments and the majority feature outdoor dining terraces with paramount views of the Las Vegas Strip. The dining line-up includes: Studio B Show Kitchen Buffet, which incorporates a live action cooking studio; Marinelli's, featuring authentic Italian dishes with recipes from the Marnell family recipe book; Terzetto, a steak and seafood restaurant with Terzetto Oyster Bar providing a casual dining option; Veloce Cibo, the top-floor restaurant and lounge; Red Cup Cafe, an art-deco inspired 24-hour eatery serving American, Asian and south-of-the-border dishes; Hostile Grape, a wine cellar, bar and tasting room; Baby Cakes, a European-inspired patisserie; Vig Deli, an eatery next to the race and sports books and Piazza Grille, a Mediterranean casual dining outdoor restaurant near the expansive pool. The restaurant mix provides a fresh approach to casino dining and was specifically designed to meet the needs of the surrounding Las Vegas community and discerning tourists alike.

M Resort takes great care in preparing dishes to ensure they are made from fresh, quality ingredients, some of which are homegrown and all are hand-picked and made-from-scratch. Terzetto will include a reserve list of prime cuts of beef from the Marnell family ranch and Marinelli's will feature selections from the Marnell family recipe book as well as a selection of wines from the Marnell private label.

GAMING

With guest comfort and convenience top-of-mind, the casino floor at the M Resort is designed to provide them with the best gaming experience Las Vegas has to offer. From the industry's most comfortable and easy-to-move chairs, to the latest gaming technology and the most convenient floor design, gaming at the M Resort puts the guest first. The resort offers nearly 1,900 of the newest and most popular slots, a 12-table poker room, 64 table games including Blackjack, Roulette, Craps, Mini Baccarat and Pai Gow. Dealers are assigned to tables for an entire month making it easy for players to find a familiar face.

Video poker players will enjoy payouts of up to 100 percent return and the best progressives. Located adjacent to the M Race & Sports Book, the poker room offers 12 tables and features Texas Hold Em' limit and no-limit variations and daily tournaments. For added convenience, a text or television message will inform players that their seat is ready. The technology continues with one of the industry's first offerings of handheld gaming as well as a server-based ready and full Ethernet floor.

At the heart of the M Resort casino floor lies a one-of-a-kind high-energy gaming area known as the Jewelry Box, which is exclusive to the resort. While many can only dream about having gorgeous emeralds, rubies, sapphires and diamonds in their jewelry box, the M Resort's actually does, with each jewel representing a different payout. "There are 124 machines that randomly reward up to $5,000 to players," said Rich Strafella, Vice President of Casino Operations, M Resort. Every Jewelry Box reward is celebrated with a dazzling visual presentation for everyone to enjoy. iMagine Rewards card members can use their points for cash back, comps and free play including M Resort's on-site gas station and car wash, M Pharmacy, dining, rooms and suites.

RACE & SPORTS BOOK

M Resort's Race & Sports Book is a state-of-the-art betting arena with optimal viewing. Adjacent to the Vig Deli, the race and sports book mixes the comforts of home with cutting-edge technology and high-energy gaming excitement. Designed with guest comfort in mind, the race and sports book offers traditional and VIP lounge seating to create a relaxed atmosphere where service is just as important as the game. With an adjacent access point and easy access to parking, the race and sports book is convenient for bettors wanting to make a quick stop or an extended stay to enjoy M Resort's amenities. The M Resort Race & Sports Book offers individual player betting terminals, lines on all major race and sports events including NASCAR(TM), golf, tennis and boxing as well unique betting propositions and electronic betting options. Beer lovers can unite inside 32º Draft Bar near the race and sports book, where brews are served at the ideal temperature, the coldest temperature in town right from the tap.

ENTERTAINMENT

Entertaining at every turn, headline concerts, themed pool parties, festivals and other special events will be offered at the 100,000 square foot Villaggio Del Sole Pool and Entertainment Piazza, which will showcase headline entertainment and an unprecedented backdrop of the Las Vegas Strip. Ravello Lounge features nightly live performances by top bands and a late night DJ.

High atop the M Tower, Bar Veloce's social and contemporary atmosphere is coupled with spectacular views of the Las Vegas Strip. An open front bar allows mixologists to interact with guests and prepare cocktails to order. Live DJ entertainment in the evening hours and special "Velocity" nights will take place.

M Resort's Lobby Bar provides an entertaining ambiance of live piano and other instrumental performances while guests can order specialty cocktails, wine and beer as well as dishes from either the Oyster Bar or Marinelli's. Residing at the center of all the action is the stylishly-chic M Bar which features M mixologists and the striking "M Girls."

MEETING SPACE

For the meeting planner, the M Resort offers more than 60,000 square feet of open and dynamic conference space, including a 17,400 square foot ballroom, multiple reception areas and a convenient business center. Designed for optimal customization, the M Resort provides the latest technology and connectivity along with unmatched flexibility.

"Because the M Resort is a boutique property, we're able to really work with planners, especially those with small to mid-sized meetings, to provide them with personalized service and the options and flexibility to achieve their meeting objectives," said Drew Varga, Executive Director of Sales, M Resort.

SPA

For the ultimate in relaxation, guests can indulge and experience revitalization like never before inside the 23,000 square foot Spa Mio. This world-class spa provides the latest treatments and pampered services. Spa Mio offers 16 treatment rooms, sauna, steam and Jacuzzi wet areas, full-service salon and barbershop and a state-of-the-art fitness center - all with spectacular views of the pool and events piazza, Villaggio Del Sole.

SOURCE M Resort Spa Casino