MoreThanUrls - About Travel and Holidays » luxury http://morethanurls.com Travel-News. Resources and Trends for Holiday Destinations, Timeshare, Hotels, Luxury Resorts, Flights... Wed, 12 Oct 2011 07:46:51 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 The Augustine receives nomination for MIPIM award http://morethanurls.com/the-augustine-receives-nomination-for-mipim-award/ http://morethanurls.com/the-augustine-receives-nomination-for-mipim-award/#comments Fri, 12 Feb 2010 19:21:31 +0000 admin http://morethanurls.com/?p=342 The Luxury Hotel “The Augustine” part of the Rocco Forte Collection in Prague has been nominated for a prestigious MIPIM award, in the Hotels & Tourism Resorts category.

The hotel’s operation company The Rocco Forte Collection, project developer Raiffeisen Evolution and Owner Waldeck Capital LLC are delighted to announce their nomination celebrating the challenge of restoring more than 800 years of art and architecture in creating The Augustine, in line with rigorous guidelines set out by the Czech conservation authorities.

The seven buildings, all dating to different eras (and including the 13th century Augustinian monastery of St Thomas), with distinct structures and built from diverse materials on various levels, had to be integrated into a seamless blend of old and new, while remaining true to their heritage.

To provide an idea of the complexity of the buildings and the innovative approach required to construct a hotel around the monastery’s historic highlights, no two guest rooms out of the 101 inventory are the same and no less than four differently placed passenger lifts were required to allow simple, short access for every guest.

With The Augustine located in the heart of Prague, in the Lesser Town (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the hotel plays an important part in the area’s living history, ensuring the future of these stunning buildings alongside that of its former inhabitants – the monks, who still live and practise in part of the monastery.

The world’s largest property forum, MIPIM (Marché International des Professionels d’Immobilier) takes place annually in Cannes, bringing together industry decision makers from around the globe and providing them with an opportunity to meet, network and showcase their latest developments – in one place, to one hugely influential audience.

Around 20,000 delegates are expected to attend this year’s MIPIM and it is these real estate professionals who will decide which developments take home the coveted MIPIM awards. MIPIM is being held over four days (16th to 19th March inclusive), with the MIPIM awards being presented at an Awards Ceremony on the evening of Thursday 18th March.

The Augustine situated in the historical lesser town of Prague (known as Malá Strana), close to the famous Charles Bridge, just below Prague Castle and next door to Wallenstein Gardens. This spectacular 101-room luxury hotel has been created from a complex of seven historic buildings, including a former brewery and the 13th century Augustinian St Thomas Monastery, after which the hotel is named.

The monastery provides the hotel with a picturesque setting of established courtyards and elegant garden squares, while retaining certain areas for the practising Augustinian friars who remain in situ.

Key historic features such as cloistered terraces, wooden ceilings, stalactites and stalagmites, and stone arches have been incorporated into the hotel’s design.

Via: pressport

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]]> http://morethanurls.com/the-augustine-receives-nomination-for-mipim-award/feed/ 1 21 New Hotels For Marriott’s Asia-Pacific Region http://morethanurls.com/21-new-hotels-for-marriotts-asia-pacific-region/ http://morethanurls.com/21-new-hotels-for-marriotts-asia-pacific-region/#comments Fri, 11 Sep 2009 22:06:10 +0000 admin http://morethanurls.com/?p=270 Marriott International announced on September 9 the signing of 21 management contracts for hotels and resorts in its Asia-Pacific Region, China, India, Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines & Cambodia.

The 21 hotels are scheduled to open through the end of 2013, represent four of the company’s lodging brands and will add nearly 7,000 rooms to Marriott’s previously-announced Asia-Pacific pipeline of 37 hotels and 9,400 rooms now under construction. They are part of the company’s global development pipeline of 110,000 rooms.

When opened, the 58 hotels now under development will add over 16,000 rooms to Marriott’s Asia-Pacific portfolio. This growth will bring the company’s presence in the region to 154 hotels offering 51,500 rooms in 18 countries by the end of 2013, ranking it among the largest international hotel operators in China, India and Thailand with 70, 31 and 26 properties respectively in each country.

In addition, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. portfolio in the region currently consists of 16 hotels and resorts offering approximately 5,000 rooms with nine properties and 1,500 rooms under development. Included are Ritz-Carlton hotels opening in Shanghai-Pudong and Hong Kong-Kowloon next year.

Hotels covered in today’s announcement are:
• Two luxurious JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts-branded properties in Dalian and Sanya, China. They will join nine previously announced JW Marriott hotels under construction, including the recently announced 450-room JW Marriott Hotel Hanoi and the 106-villa JW Marriott Maldives Gaaskoshibee Resort & Spa which opens in fourth quarter of 2010.
• Ten full service, upscale Marriott Hotels & Resorts-branded properties that will be located in China, the Philippines and Thailand and include the 712-room Shanghai Marriott Hotel City Center and the 256-room Manila Airport Marriott opening later this year.
• Two full-service, upscale Renaissance Hotels & Resorts-branded properties in China.
• Seven upper-moderately-priced Courtyard by Marriott hotels. These will be located in Cambodia, China and India and include the 254-room Courtyard by Marriott Bangalore and Marriott International’s first hotel in Cambodia.

“We are excited by these spectacular, architecturally interesting additions to our already dynamic Asia-Pacific pipeline especially since this growth is occurring in the context of the difficult global economy and tight credit markets,” said Ed Fuller, president & managing director of international lodging. “Clearly, these new hotels are testament to the recognized power of our brands to deliver results even under challenging conditions and to the success our existing hotels are enjoying in the region.”

Mr. Fuller said that each of Marriott International’s hotels in Asia-Pacific ranks at or near the top of its competitive set in customer preference, guest satisfaction and operating results.

“When developers consider a hotel management company for their asset, they know Marriott will deliver,” he said. “We are confident the portfolio of lodging choices we are developing with our local investors and partners here in Asia will be recognized and appreciated for their cosmopolitan amenities, sophistication, state-of-the-art connectivity, inspiring authenticity and good value—whether at the luxury, upscale or upper-moderate tiers of the travel continuum. We are deeply gratified by the acceptance our various hotel brands are enjoying among Asian travelers and those traveling to Asia-Pacific from afar.”

Mr. Fuller concluded, “We’ve made considerable progress since opening our first hotel in Asia-Pacific just 20 years ago here with the JW Marriott Hotel Hong Kong.”

NOTE: Statements about the locations and number of new hotels to be opened and their anticipated completion and opening dates are “forward looking statements” within the meaning of federal securities laws, and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including those described in Marriott International, Inc.’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, which could cause the actual number of new hotels or their completion or opening dates to be different than expected.

Marriott International is a leading lodging company with more than 3,200 lodging properties in 66 countries and territories. Marriott International operates and franchises hotels under the Marriott, JW Marriott, The Ritz-Carlton, Renaissance, Residence Inn, Courtyard, TownePlace Suites, Fairfield Inn, SpringHill Suites and Bulgari brand names; develops and operates vacation ownership resorts under the Marriott Vacation Club, The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club and Grand Residences by Marriott brands; operates Marriott Executive Apartments and provides furnished corporate housing through its ExecuStay division; and operates conference centers. The company is headquartered in Bethesda, Maryland, USA and had approximately 146,000 employees at 2008 yearend. It is recognized by Business Week as one of the 100 best global brands, by FORTUNE as one of the best companies to work for, and by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) as Partner of the Year since 2004. In fiscal year 2008, Marriott International reported sales from continuing operations of nearly $13 billion. For more information or reservations, please visit our web site at www.marriott.com.

Bethesda, MD – 9 September 2009

Contact: June Farrell
301-380-779
june.farrell@marriott.com
Visit: www.marriot.com

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]]> http://morethanurls.com/21-new-hotels-for-marriotts-asia-pacific-region/feed/ 0 How Has the Dubai Timeshare Market Grown over the past year? http://morethanurls.com/dubai-timeshare-market-is-growing/ http://morethanurls.com/dubai-timeshare-market-is-growing/#comments Tue, 08 Sep 2009 11:51:15 +0000 admin http://morethanurls.com/?p=256 The development boom in Dubai of the last five years has created one of the most compelling shared ownership opportunities in the world.

Exciting mixed-use developments like The Walk at Jumeirah Beach Residence are now online. The combination of direct beach access, a variety of hotels and a massive retail and restaurant promenade has created a tremendous marketing platform to support success in shared ownership.

This opportunity led property management company, Salwan (part of Dubai Properties and Dubai World), to confirm plans for a points-based vacation club. The product is complete and sales are expected to commence later this year.

Similarly, IFA Hotels and Resorts is taking advantage of its role as a leading residential developer on The Palm, Jumeirah by launching its latest shared ownership offering, the IFA Vacation Club. In addition to a collection of luxury resort homes on The Palm, owners will enjoy access to properties in Portugal, South Africa and Thailand.

Read the article: wyndhamworldwide.com

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]]> http://morethanurls.com/dubai-timeshare-market-is-growing/feed/ 0 Venice on Water Houseboats joins the RCI Network http://morethanurls.com/venice-on-water-houseboats-joins-the-rci-network/ http://morethanurls.com/venice-on-water-houseboats-joins-the-rci-network/#comments Mon, 07 Sep 2009 20:15:40 +0000 admin http://morethanurls.com/?p=227 Unique Italian Resort joins the RCI Network of Affiliated Resorts

2 September, Venice:  MAP Destinations today announced that Venice on Water in Italy has affiliated with RCI, the worldwide leader in vacation exchange.

Venice on Water offers a unique holiday experience, allowing guests to visit the waterways of the iconic Italian city in luxury two-bedroom houseboats. Berthed at Marina Darsena DEC in Mestre, only five kilometers from the centre of Venice, the boats are fully furnished and equipped to the highest specifications and can accommodate up to six people.

The perfect location offers easy access to all the attractions of the historic city of Venice with its galleries, museums, palaces, churches and piazzas. The boats can be used for limited navigation inside the lagoon (no license required), while more experienced sailors can take them further along the famed Venetian waterways.
The water-borne resort is the first to be developed by MAP Destinations, the largest timeshare marketer in Malta, with over 20 years’ experience in the industry. MAP currently markets five resorts in Malta and one in Venice.

Via: windhamworldwide.com

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]]> http://morethanurls.com/venice-on-water-houseboats-joins-the-rci-network/feed/ 0 Eco Mountain Resort in Pure Alpine Air http://morethanurls.com/eco-mountain-resort-in-pure-alpine-air/ http://morethanurls.com/eco-mountain-resort-in-pure-alpine-air/#comments Mon, 07 Sep 2009 18:52:54 +0000 admin http://morethanurls.com/?p=212 No roads, no traffic, no noise. Located at 1,500 metres altitude, in pure alpine air, the Vigilius Mountain Resort in South Tyrol, Italy is only accessible by cable car and is almost invisible in its surroundings.

Like a tree that has fallen in the forest, the resort combines old substance with fresh growth, generating new internal life and a commitment to renewal. Architect Matteo Thun has created an eco-luxury mountain hideaway where awareness co-exists with aesthetics, and everything revolves around nature and landscape.

The principle of “organic architecture” is expressed in elements such as a grass-covered roof and the use of natural larch wood throughout. Wood is also key for the biomass heating system, which is not only clean burning but also gives local farmers a second income and ensures that the forests are cultivated.

The water that flows throughout the hotel – whether for drinking or swimming – is fed from a natural spring. Clean lines and spacious ambience characterise the resort’s 35 rooms and 6 suites, each boasting spectacular mountain views.

For relaxation, guests can head to the mountain spa with an indoor pool, a whirlpool which extends into the open air, a sauna, steam room and the “Paradise Garden.” Vigilius Mountain Resort has received several awards for its green architecture and was Italy’s first hotel to be classified “Climate House, category A”.

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]]> http://morethanurls.com/eco-mountain-resort-in-pure-alpine-air/feed/ 0 Stay Green, Stay in Eco-Luxury http://morethanurls.com/stay-green-stay-in-eco-luxury/ http://morethanurls.com/stay-green-stay-in-eco-luxury/#comments Mon, 07 Sep 2009 18:14:45 +0000 admin http://morethanurls.com/?p=208 Forget hippie hideaways, outdoor toilets and tie-dye clad guests.

Today eco-hotels tend to be even more modern than their non-“green” peers.

Design Hotels™ presents four member hotels offering eco-luxurious experiences at their best. Travellers are invited to head to Nordic Light Hotel, one of Stockholm’s hippest hangouts, hide out in a traffic-free alpine zone at the vigilius mountain resort in South Tyrol or escape to a private villa in the Indian Ocean at Alila Villas Uluwatu in Bali or at Alila Villas Hadahaa in the southern Maldives.

No matter which they choose, guests can enjoy their holidays in guiltless bliss knowing that their ecological footprint is kept to a minimum.

Discover in: designhotels.com

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]]> http://morethanurls.com/stay-green-stay-in-eco-luxury/feed/ 0 Madeira’s First Vinotherapy Spa http://morethanurls.com/madeiras-first-vinotherapy-spa/ http://morethanurls.com/madeiras-first-vinotherapy-spa/#comments Mon, 07 Sep 2009 17:55:47 +0000 admin http://morethanurls.com/?p=202 Design Hotels™ presents Madeira’s first Vinotherapy Spa at the Vine Hotel. Looking divine – thanks to wine!

Whoever said wine was just for drinking? The recently opened The Vine is the only hotel in Madeira to exclusively offer Vinotherapy treatments containing Chardonnay, Merlot and Cabernet grape varieties. Known for its anti-ageing properties, a Vinotherapy treat is a sure fire way to take back the years. So wine lovers, beauty enthusiasts, or seekers of an extra special treatment take note – booze never made you look so good!

Divine Relaxation – The Vine’s spa offers over 300m² of pure rejuvenation. All treatments are carried out with TheraVine products, one of the most renowned Vinotherapy brands.

In the spa there is an ample relaxation area with a Jacuzzi and steam room as well as five treatment rooms: three rooms for classical treatments, one room with a hydro-tub featuring integrated massage functions and a ‘Vichy Shower’ room in which guests are sprayed with smooth water jets from various shower heads as part of their massage.

A further highlight is the spa area on the roof terrace. With panoramic views over the sea and the island’s capital Funchal, guests can enjoy treatments in the open air followed by a sundowner cocktail or a glass of Madeira wine at the bar.

The spa at The Vine offers a range of treatments featuring everything from facials with ground grape seeds to anti-stress body massages to relaxing body wraps. Each treatment follows a fixed ritual and all products are ecologically sourced. The most popular treatment is the ‘Red Wine Divine Bath’ involving a full body peel, followed by a bath of grape oils, full body massage and a glass of red wine of course! Those who favour complete peace and relaxation can further indulge in in-room spa treatments where clients will be totally undisturbed.

About The Vine – The hotel took its name and inspiration from the famous Madeira wine. The interior design was created by the young and up-and-coming Madeiran designer Nini Andrade Silva. Ricardo Bofill was responsible for the architecture. A further highlight is The Vine’s gourmet restaurant UVA, headed by Antoine Westermann who has been awarded three Michelin stars.

Via: Designhotels.com

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]]> http://morethanurls.com/madeiras-first-vinotherapy-spa/feed/ 5 Hire Your Own Hotel http://morethanurls.com/hire-your-own-hotel/ http://morethanurls.com/hire-your-own-hotel/#comments Mon, 07 Sep 2009 17:30:08 +0000 admin http://morethanurls.com/?p=195 Hiring your own Hotel is easy. Go Private with your very own Design Hotel exclusively for you, your friends, your family, your colleagues, your partners and your guests.

PRIVATE SPACES+ introduces you to some of the most intimate and exciting properties Design Hotels™ has to offer around the world. Now you have the opportunity to experience the kind of exclusivity that having a hotel all to yourself offers.
PRIVATE SPACES+es a new experiene in venue hire.
               
40th Birthday Bash at the Life Gallery in Athens? Time to tie the knot at the secluded hillside retreat at the Alila Ubud in Bali? Want to treat your employees at the Mavida Balance Resort & Spa in Zell am See, Austria for a week of wellness and sensual experiences on all levels?

Want to host a new product launch at La Purificadora in Mexico? Time to run your own fashion show or record launch at LUX 11 in Berlin? Looking to hold your annual shareholders meeting at the Franklin in London? Ready to hold your next company meeting and post-meeting wine tasting at the Wine & Spa Resort Loisium Hotel in Langenlois, Austria?

The Design Hotels™ answer is: GO PRIVATE!

Via:  Designhotels.com

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]]> http://morethanurls.com/hire-your-own-hotel/feed/ 4 State-Of-The-Art SpaClub with Regent Seven Seas Cruises http://morethanurls.com/state-of-the-art-spaclub-with-regent-seven-seas-cruises/ http://morethanurls.com/state-of-the-art-spaclub-with-regent-seven-seas-cruises/#comments Thu, 03 Sep 2009 13:46:51 +0000 admin http://www.morethanurls.com/?p=184 Regent Seven Seas Cruises Announces the Addition of Canyon Ranch’s Renowned SpaClub to its Luxury Cruise Fleet

Regent Seven Seas Cruises announced today that world famous Canyon Ranch®, the leading operator of destination health resorts, will soon operate the spa, beauty salon, wellness and fitness facilities on board the line’s fleet of all-suite ultra-luxury ships.

Aboard Seven Seas Voyager, Seven Seas Mariner and Seven Seas Navigator, the Canyon Ranch SpaClub®, from the Canyon Ranch at Sea division, will feature a state-of-the-art spa, wellness and fitness facility, plus a luxurious full-service beauty salon. SpaClub will offer the most desirable spa amenities available:…

Read the full Story: Regent Seven Seas Cruises

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]]> http://morethanurls.com/state-of-the-art-spaclub-with-regent-seven-seas-cruises/feed/ 0 Welcome2France Proclaims Amazing Discounts on Luxury Vacation Apartments http://morethanurls.com/welcome2france-proclaims-amazing-discounts-on-luxury-vacation-apartments/ http://morethanurls.com/welcome2france-proclaims-amazing-discounts-on-luxury-vacation-apartments/#comments Sun, 30 Aug 2009 20:42:15 +0000 admin http://www.morethanurls.com/?p=64 Visit Paris Now Has Never Been More Affordable!

(PRWEB) Savvy visitors to Paris already know about the many benefits of apartment rental versus hotels. Think lower prices for more amenities, the ability to make your own meals using fresh French ingredients in a fully-stocked kitchen, and greater flexibility in check-in and check-out. For starters:

Welcome2France.com, a luxury apartment rental agency, is leading the charge with by taking as much as 25% off the price of some of their best and most popular luxury vacation rentals:

-Louvre Palais Royal I – 25% off  – About 3 blocks from the Seine and Louvre, the two-bedroom luxury Paris vacation apartment Louvre Palais Royal I offers a subtle blend of traditional charm and modern comforts for 1-5 guests.

Read the full story at PRweb.com

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