Hotel News -- March
Traveling Outside of the Box: HomeAway Announces Top 10 Most Unique Getaways from Around the World
1. Shell House -- Isla Mujeres, Mexico
This rental that resembles a conch shell-both inside and out. Softly-curved walls carry a marine
theme and the sounds of the Caribbean throughout the 5,500-square-foot home. While
inspiration for the pool and Wi-Fi may not have come from the ocean, Ariel isn't
complaining.
2. Tipi Tatonka -- Alberta, Canada
The bumpy drive in a 4x4 to this 21-square-foot tipi may have you worrying you're
really roughing it. However, the beds, toilet and solar-heated shower soon have you
feeling like a pampered camper. On this Canadian wilderness vacation, the dramatic
landscape surrounding the Tipi serves as a silent reminder to do what the owner
lists as an activity: just "being."
3. Yurt -- Santa Barbara, California
This secluded California yurt, and the 10-acre ranch on which it resides, was
founded in 1953 by the leader of the Santa Barbara bohemian movement. It has
remained in the family ever since. A separate toilet room and an attached bath house
with a clawfoot tub for two add to the fun and quirkiness of living in a yurt as
your home away from home.
4. White Elephant Floating Inn -- Boston, Massachusetts
Docked at India Wharf Marina, this houseboat provides a one-of-a-kind experience in Boston's historic downtown waterfront. It took one person five years to build the
boat from scratch, painstakingly crafting the wood-paneled walls, exposed beams and inlaid floors. Flying into Boston? Arrange for a water taxi pick-up to take you
directly to the boat.
5. Sand Castle -- Ixtapa, Mexico
During the building of this Mexican Riviera gem, a single dynamite charge to a stone
cliff created a 13-foot deep crater so perfectly shaped that the owners turned it
into the swimming pool. The same pool acts as the last step for the waterfall which
meanders through the heart of the home. Travelers note, although the Sand Castle may
sound like a palace for kids' play, the antiques adorning the home render this
Ixtapa rental "adults only."
6. Eclectic Igloo -- Litchfield, Connecticut
Connecticut isn't the place you'd expect to find an igloo, but that didn't stop the
homeowner/architect of this Litchfield vacation rental from building one. So, it
isn't made of ice, but it is a white-washed, dome-shaped property that comes
complete with a sauna, Jacuzzi and indoor heated pool. How many igloos have you
visited with those type of amenities?
7. Redwood Tree House -- Healdsburg, California
On the banks of the Russian River, a 150-foot Redwood grows in the center of this
charming Russian River vacation rental home, while another tree frames the entry.
Guests here can spend the day at one of the more than 60 wineries located within a
10-mile radius of the house, and return at night to sleep in the shadow of giants.
8. Railroad Car -- Livingston, Montana
All aboard! Once Montana's entry in the World's Fair, this Northern Pacific Railway
train car now conducts itself as a vacation rental on 13 acres along the Yellowstone
River, famous for its fly-fishing. The restored car features a fully-equipped
kitchen to prepare the catch of the day.
9. Onion House -- Kailua Kona, Hawaii
"The Sydney Opera House meets Stonehenge" is how one writer describes the Onion
House and the layered arches that frame its exterior. See for yourself as a guest at
this Hawaiian hideaway and enjoy a meditation garden, 70-foot pool, lily ponds and
an expansive terrace with ocean views. The only tears at the Onion House are those
shed when you leave.
10. Playa Selva Tree House -- Mal Pais, Costa Rica
You're going to go bananas for this house rental perched high among the Banyan trees
of the Costa Rican jungle. Here your only neighbors are brightly-colored birds,
playful primates and other indigenous wildlife. Far surpassing any childhood
fortress, the Playa Selva tree house includes electricity, running water and a
private swimming pool.
For more information on these oddly-shaped houses or unusual escapes as well as more traditional vacation rentals, visit
HomeAway.com
Motorcycle Enthusiasts Have a Hotel of Their Own -- The Iron Horse Hotel
The new Iron Horse Hotel, opening early summer 2008, is the industry's
first modern luxury boutique hotel geared toward motorcycle enthusiasts
and sophisticated business and leisure travelers.
Just steps from the brand-new Harley-Davidson Museum also opening this
summer in Milwaukee, the Iron Horse's design concept includes the
transformation of a 100-year-old Industrial era building into a 102-room
hotel with a dramatic sub-level relaxation area known as The Boiler
Room. IHH boasts a yoga studio and Italian linens as well as custom
in-room storage for helmets and riding leathers and more.
The hotel's owner and developer, Tim Dixon, commissioned Milwaukee
native, Charles J. Dwyer, to create innovative murals on the hotel's
guest room walls. For more information visit
TheIronHorseHotel.com or call 888-543-IRON.
Renaissance Resort Renovation in St. Augustine, Florida
The final touches are now being made on an impressive $10 million renovation of the Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village in
St. Augustine. Located next door to the World Golf Hall of Fame, the resort's renovation included the complete remodeling of all 301 guest rooms,
dramatic changes to the resort's atrium, remodeling the restaurant and bar, installation of new
lighting in public areas - even the addition of a new "signature scent". From new
carpeting, flooring and color schemes to new furniture, soft goods, window
treatments and flat screen televisions in the guest rooms, this renovation will
undoubtedly make this outstanding property even more appealing to both corporate
guests and vacationing families. For more information visit WorldGolfRenaissance.com
Pyramisa Beach Resort on the Red Sea Opens
The luxurious and newly-opened five-star property is another upscale resort on the Egyptian Red Sea coast. The Pyramisa Beach Resort creates an
exclusive retreat in the vicinity of busy Hurghada, a destination that traditionally attracts serious divers and European package tourists.
Pyramisa presents two pool landscapes, one heated during the winter season, complete with water slides and
waterfalls, a huge sandy beach patch, five restaurants, four bars, VIP amenities, diving center, an aqua center and a host of other sports facilities.
For more information visit PyramisaEgypt.com
Hotel News -- February
Hotel Marina El Cid Spa & Beach Resort Opens Phase Two Features New Suites, Convention Center, Spa
Hotel Marina El Cid Spa & Beach Resort announced today the completion of a $50-million expansion, with the opening of 150 new luxury suites, gourmet restaurant,
13,000-square-foot Maya-inspired spa, beachfront bar and state-of-the-art convention center.
The 342-room Hotel Marina El Cid is located midway, or 15 minutes, from the Cancun International Airport and the chic shops and
restaurants of Playa del Carmen. Spanning 617 acres, the deluxe all-inclusive resort is set along 1,969 feet of beachfront on Mexico¹s
Riviera Maya on the Yucatan Peninsula. Junior, one-, two- and three-bedroom suites are dispersed in 11 low-rise buildings overlooking a magnificent,
22,000 square-foot, freeform pool. Along with the new convention center and spa, Hotel Marina El Cid has four restaurants, four bars, 120-slip private
marina, business center and comprehensive activities program.
Like the entire resort, the new junior suites mix Mexican
Colonial and contemporary architectural design. Each 586-square-foot suite
is elegantly appointed with dark wood furnishings, granite countertops and
brushed stainless steel accents. Sliding glass doors open onto an expansive
private terrace with Jacuzzi and vibrant tropical gardens or the Caribbean
Sea just beyond.
Designed for couples and young families, each suite includes a
king bed, Murphy bed and kitchenette with stove and microwave oven.
Oversized baths feature marble floors and walls as well as a large shower
with comfort bench. Other in-room amenities include luxury bedding and
linens, wireless Internet access, satellite TV, air conditioning and a
mini-bar stocked with snacks and cold beverages. For easy meals and
late-night treats, room service is available 24 hours daily.
With four restaurants, Marina Hotel El Cid offers an array of
dining options, from casual to gourmet. Among the other food and beverage services: a martini bar with
premium brands and live entertainment, gourmet coffee station and afternoon
teatime, all in the lobby. Outdoors, guests enjoy a swim-up bar as well as
beachside and poolside food and beverage service.
Situated in the heart of Riviera Maya in the bohemian town of
Puerto Morelos, Hotel Marina El Cid puts cultural and ecological wonders
within easy reach. Less than 500 yards offshore lays the protected Puerto
Morelos National Reef Park, home to the world¹s second largest reef system.
The on-site Pronotours, El Cid Resorts¹ official travel and tour company,
takes guests on diving and snorkeling trips through clear turquoise waters
for up-close views of exotic sea life, including brightly colored fish, sea
turtles, stingrays, purple sea fans and coral.
For cultural excursions, Pronotours¹ bilingual guides take guest
to the ancient Maya temple of Chichen Itza, recently named one of the new
wonders of the world. Another tour goes to the Maya pyramids of Tulúm.
Dating from 564 A.D., the walled city is one of the best-preserved coastal
Maya sites.
Nita Lake Lodge opens in Whistler, British Columbia, Canada
With the official opening of Nita Lake Lodge, Whistler welcomes its finest and most
exclusive boutique hotel. Nestled on the shores of Nita Lake offering breathtaking views of the mountain, lake and surrounding forest, the
luxurious Nita Lake Lodge is steps away from Whistler’s Creekside, home of the
2010 Winter Olympic alpine events.
The Lodge offers spacious deluxe studio, and one and two bedroom suites with 42-inch plasma televisions, oversize ensuites,
fireplaces, outdoor patios and full concierge service all make for
luxurious getaway.
Located a two-hour drive from Vancouver along the Sea to Sky Highway
Whistler Resort is located at the base of two world class ski
mountains, Blackcomb and Whistler. A resort for all seasons Whistler
offers a wide variety of activities for all ages and interests from
hiking, biking and fishing, to dog sledding, snowmobiling and cross
country skiing.
For reservations or more information about Nita Lake Lodge, visit
www.nitalakelodge.com or call 1-888-755-6482.
Outrigger Waipouli Beach Resort just announced the opening of their new Aveda
Lifestyle Salon & Spa
Hawaii's first and only resort spa with the Aveda
designation. The new full-service spa offers Hawaiian spa treatments exclusive to
this Kauai location including the Kauai Pohaku Stone massage, the Waipouli Flower
Milk Bath soak treatment, Wawae (foot) reflexology and the Island Sugar Scrub. Even
expectant mothers on their vacation can enjoy the Hapai (pregnancy) massage, which
helps improve circulation, relieve headaches, and reduce leg cramps and swollen
ankles.
Outrigger Waipouli Beach Resort is an all-new luxury condominium resort
that offers one- and two-bedroom accommodations and a long list of amenities such as
a heated 185,000-gallon freshwater river pool that meanders over two acres with
flumed water slides and three sand-bottom whirlpool spas.
For
on-line information visit www.outriggerenterprisesgroup.com and
www.outrigger.com.
Ayurtheeram Ayurveda Resort, Kumarakom, Kerala Receives Green Leaf Certification
Golden Waters is a luxury waterfront resort, set in a sprawling 17 acre on 13 islands, all connected by rustic bow bridges. Quaint
air-conditioned cottages, furnished in ethnic style. These waterside cottages are located on islands and you can even fish out of each cottage
window. Attached to Golden Waters is AYURTHEERAM, a full fledged Ayurveda spa with specialized therapy rooms with a steam room & a
Panchakarma theatre It boasts of an herbal garden, facilities for Yoga Meditation and an Ayurvedic restaurant. Their Ayurved spa has received the
coveted Green Leaf designation from the Kerala government. For more information visit www.goldenwaters.com or www.ayurtheeram.com.
The CasaMagna Marriott Puerto Vallarta Resort and Spa Announces the "Secretos de la Familia"
It's the latest facet of the resort's Family Secrets program- the
new "Secretos de la Cocina" -offers guests two unique culinary
experiences created by the award-winning Executive Chef Fred Ruiz. Guests may experience interactive cooking classes beginning with an
escorted tour of the resort's chili and herb garden, featuring more than
20 varieties. Chef Ruiz walks the class through the gardens while
explaining the many uses for the spices and their role in Mexican
cuisine. Guests will receive a chef hat, apron, a photo with Chef Ruiz and the
recipe of the featured dish from their respective class as souvenirs.
Hotel News -- January
Jefferson Street Inn and The City Grill in Wausau, Wisconsin: Take the Shuttle to the Slope
The spectacular Jefferson Street Inn boutique hotel and its City Grill
Fine Dining in downtown Wausau's art and theater district are drawing raves
from everyone. Located in Wausau's newly renovated city-center/downtown, the
two-year-old Jefferson Street Inn is an elegant boutique hotel providing all
possible amenities for its guests in an elegant, intimate setting; indoor
swimming pool and fitness center. And now it offers round-trip shuttle service for its
guests between the hotel and Granite Peak Ski area beginning with the
opening of this year's ski/snowboard season.
The new Terrace Room on the first floor of the Jefferson Street
Inn is now open. Great place for a wonderful, private get-together for 20-25
people, in a beautiful setting. The acclaimed City Grill -- voted Wausau's best new restaurant in 2005 --
in the Jefferson Street Inn is still there serving with a new menu and their fabulous Sunday Brunch.
La Zebra Beach Cantina & Cabanas in Tulum Mexico gets serious about preserving
local ecology.
La Zebra does much more than talk about saving the environment. The hotel underwent a drastic metamorphosis last year, introducing
true sustainable eco-technologies that leave a light footprint on the area while contributing to its rustic, jungle-chic vibe. A vegetable
and herb patch produces modest harvest for consumption in La Zebra's authentic Mexican cantina, and a composting program turns the
restaurant waste into nutrient-rich organics - food for the gardens.
La Zebra is proactive about recycling, donating all plastic bottles and aluminum cans to the community recycling center. In 2008 they will
increase their recycling efforts by providing separate sorting cans around the property for guests to access.
To prevent any contaminated waste water from leaking into the water table and underground river system, the hotel installed two Bio-
Microbics FAST systems that produce 99 percent clean, clear water which can be recycled onto the gardens or used to refill the toilet
cisterns. All other local systems produce less than 70 percent clean water, and often fail, creating unpleasant smells and polluting the
ecosystems surrounding Tulum.
La Zebra, along with its sister property, the funky Mezzanine bar, lounge and Thai restaurant, also harness the famous trade winds of
Tulum into energy. Both properties have installed the largest Bornay wind turbines available, capable of generating 6 KVa of power. The
tower at La Zebra soars above the jungle 80 feet high, and silently generates most of the property's power needs.
Plans in store for the New Year include a solar hot water system that taps into the tropical sun to provide steaming hot water for the
hotel, cantina and bar. La Zebra is also assessing the best reverse osmosis water purification system to produce fresh drinking quality
water onsite. When implemented it will run solely off a second wind turbine, and produce up to 10,000 gallons of thirst quenching water
per day. And lastly, an elevated tropical hardwood walkway through the wetlands will bring guests face-to-face with the amazingly fragile
mangrove eco-system - and the flora and fauna within - without disturbing it. For more information visit http://www.lazebratulum.com/
© 2008
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