Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts starting this year will build a new luxury Walt Disney World resort. They just completed a deal recently wherein Walt Disney sold almost 300 acres of land to Four Seasons to be used for building a luxurious 5-star hotel with golf course for Walt Disney.

Walt Disney World already has resorts operating in some places in the world but not at this scale. This particular hotel and resort will cater to those who expect 5-star amenities and facilities, which Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts are known for.

Although, it will be a luxurious hotel, it will still be constructed and operated for family vacation experiences. Aside from 455 rooms in the hotel, they will also be offering world-class vacation homes available thru fractional ownership that will cater to those who prefer more privacy and convenience whenever they want to experience the world of Walt Disney.

Architects chosen for this project, the WATG or Wimberly, Allison, Tong and Goo were reported to be leaning towards a “Palm Beach” design feel to it or what they call an Addison Mizner inspired-design. WATG is one of the world’s leading design firms for the leisure and hospitality industries.

Expect the Walt Disney World Resort to open its doors to the public by 2012.

Photo Credit @ OrlandoS

Luxury-class brand Hilton Hotels and Resorts taps the services of elite French luxury cosmetics and toiletries company L’Occitane to re-design the hotel company’s full service spas, menu of services and spa product offerings.

The move is expected to duplicate the L’Occitane Spa’s in Hong Kong, Taipei, Sao Paulo, Brazil and Paris at  the Hilton brand of hotels and resorts, and also to realize Hilton Hotels Corp. move to align itself with the world’s top spa brand.

The L’Occitane Spa is known for its’ all-natural products; regionally inspired, hand-performed spa treatments alongside globally-favored services; and warm Provence-inspired décor selected to offer hotel guests with top of the line spa services.

“We’re thrilled to work with Hilton to extend the reach of L’Occitane’s spa offerings to the world’s travelers,” said Olivier Baussan, Founder of L’Occitane. “In Hilton we’ve found a partner

that aligns beautifully with our company’s core values: authenticity, simplicity, sensory pleasure and respect for people and the planet.”

This partnership will bring L’Occitane Spa’s popular beauty and wellness treatments such as “Immortelle Secret to Youth”, “Grape Cure for body” and “Relaxing Well-Being of the Senses” to Hilton Hotels and Resorts guests through spa package bookings.

Photo Credit: ISU_79

Kuala Lumpur is the next site for world-class brand Regent Residencies in 2011. This latest development is a project of international brand Regent Hotels & Resorts, and will be located in the city’s “Golden Triangle”, in close proximity to the famed Petronas Twin Towers and the Kuala Lumpur Convention Center (KLCC).

Bjørn Gullaksen, president of the Regent Luxury Group, noted that The Regent Kuala Lumpur adds further momentum to the brand’s global expansion. “Offering an iconic heritage of luxury that was born in Asia-Pacific, we are pleased to be expanding Regent Hotels & Resorts to key destinations around the world,” Gullaksen said.

“The development of The Regent Kuala Lumpur is an important part of our strategy to establish the flagship brand in the Carlson Hotels portfolio in every major gateway city across Asia,” added Martin Rinck, president and managing director, Carlson Hotels Worldwide – Asia-Pacific. “We are continuing to evaluate prime locations for more Regent hotels, as well as for our luxury Regent resorts, and we expect to announce further developments in the near future.”

The Regent Kuala Lumpur will be an addition to the company’s string of luxury hotels in the Asian region such as The Regent Beijing, The Regent Shanghai, The Regent Singapore, and The Grand Formosa Regent in Taipei.

Photo Credit: Ahmed Rabea

Another resort is set to join the ranks of other established world-class luxury resorts in premier destination country Dominican Republic.  Called the Angsana Samaná Bay, this latest resort under the Angsana brand of top resort operator Banyan Tree Holdings Limited, reportedly features a 284-slip marina.  It is also the company’s first luxury resort investment in the Caribbean.

Photo Credit: Lisa Andres

Samaná Bay is a prime tourist destination of the Dominican Republic.  It is located in the northeastern part of the country, which is home to magnificent coastline and a picturesque city close to the coast.

Angsana Samaná Bay’s design is built around Samaná Bay’s close proximity to nature.  The resort will feature a top-tier resort and spa, with over 200 suites and 450 residences near the marina, and premium villas and townhouses with private pools, built on the site’s highest points. Other features include Angsana Marina operated boats, a yacht club, and a marina village that will host retail outlets that would serve resort guests’ appetite for shopping, dining, and entertainment.

The resort’s services is going to be a fusion of modern facilities and amenities with the natural features of the Samaná Bay which is widely known as an eco-oasis destination for its’ whale watching activities, internationally known coastline, bird-watching, and a host of other activities that will promote rest and recreation for everyone.
Photo Credit: Lisa Andres

The 2007 UNESCO Wold Heritage Site, Bordeaux in France, witnessed the recent launching of the first luxury hotel in the region. The Regent Bordeaux of the Regent Hotels and Resorts opened earlier this month. The 150-room property is expected to complement local community efforts to revitalize Bordeaux, France’s allure as an international tourism destination, and will push up the region’s rich vineyards and historical location.

The Regent Bordeaux is located at the city center, near the Golden Triangle’s shopping district, and right across the Opéra National de Bordeaux. It boasts of 150 rooms, 8 of which are called Prestige Suites that feature private wine bars and customized list of wine bottles to suit guests’ tastes.
Photo Credit: nikodemus

The hotel also offers haute seafood and wine cave in its fine dining place Le Pressoir d’Argent, a 1,000-square fool luxury fashion gallery at th Fashion Avenue, and cocktails at the Victor Bar. Check out its Blle-Epoque inspired wine bar, Brasserie L’Europe, which will open this year.

The Waldorf=Astoria Collection Hotel will make another important history in the hotel industry as it takes another legendary landmark to its wings and add it to its roster of luxury hotels.

Earlier this month, the company announced its restoration plans on the legendary Roosevelt Hotel in  New Orleans, U.S.A.  Restoration is expected to be completed and the hotel is going to be operational by late spring of 2009.

The legendary Roosevelt Hotel is owned by the First Class Hotels LLC.  It was first opened in 1893, and was named then as The Grunewald.  It was renamed in 1923 The Roosevelt to honor famous U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt.  The Hotel was severely affected by the 2005 Hurricane  Katrina  and has been closed since then until today.
Photo Credit: Buda_Fabio Mori

But with its re-launch as a Waldorf Astoria Hotel,  it will surely gain back its lost glory .  Among those to be restored are the famouse “Blue Room” and the “Sazerac Bar”.  The “Blue Room” was a very popular venue for live entertainment, and the “Sazerac Bar” was known for its signature cocktails and gins from 1930’s to 1960’s.

Photo Credit: Keith JM G

Here’s another feather to the Renaissance brand of hotels award cap:

Chicago (PRWEB) June 12, 2008 — The Renaissance Chicago Hotel has recently received the distinguished AAA 4-Diamond award for the 16th consecutive year after meeting and upholding AAA’s rigorous evaluation criteria and earning the Approved designation, which offers travelers quality assurance.

To be considered for approval and rating by AAA, the Renaissance had to apply for an evaluation to determine if they met the requirements for comfort, cleanliness and hospitality, along with complexity of service, décor and amenities.

Once the application was approved, one of AAA’s 65 professional evaluators made a visit to this luxury hotel in Chicago, Illinois for an unexpected evaluation. The awarded 4-Diamond certificate indicates their proven ability to provide a quality experience for all members and guests.

“We are extremely proud of the level of guest satisfaction and service our staff has continued to provide throughout the years,” explains Doug Dean, Director of Sales & Marketing at the Renaissance Chicago Hotel. “It is no small feat to receive this acknowledgment 16 years running, and it is exciting to know that our guests should expect excellence in their stay with us.”

You can read more about it on www.prweb.com.

While the world is reeling from rising oil prices, it would seem that hard times are to be expected in the tourism industry. This is understandable, as money pours only when people in general can well afford to travel.

However, there are also many businesses in different industries that have adopted ways to turn the odds into something that would actually benefit them. One example is Destination Hotel and Resort’s special summer promotion which offers free $25 gas card for every night’s stay at any of their luxury hotels and resorts.

This summer, as vacationers hit the open road, Destination Hotels & Resorts is making it easier to get from one destination to the next with a special summer vacation package offering a $25 per day gas credit promotion. For every night booked at any Destination Hotels & Resorts property throughout the United States this summer, guests receive a $25 daily room credit to be applied to golf, spa, dining or other vacation pleasures. The “Destination Drive,” luxury resorts summer vacation package is valid Memorial Day through the Labor Day holiday.

You can read more about it on www.prweb.com.

LIHU’E, Kaua’i, June 6 /PRNewswire/ — The Ritz-Carlton has moved closer to introducing its brand of luxury living to Kaua’i for the first time by breaking ground on two developments at Kaua’i Lagoons, a spectacular 520-acre oceanfront resort.

With the blue Pacific Ocean and Kaua’i’s verdant mountains providing a picturesque backdrop, a traditional Hawaiian blessing and groundbreaking ceremony was held yesterday to mark the start of construction on The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Kaua’i Lagoons and The Ritz-Carlton Club, Kaua’i Lagoons.

“We’re proud to be bringing The Ritz-Carlton to Kaua’i, and we could not have chosen a more idyllic setting for The Ritz-Carlton lifestyle than at Kaua’i Lagoons,” said Merrill Yavinsky, regional vice president of sales
and marketing for The Ritz-Carlton Club and Residences, Hawai’i. “We are committed to delivering an unparalleled ownership opportunity here on the ‘Garden Isle’ highlighted by the assurance of world-class service excellence.”

Overlooking the scenic coastline, The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Kaua’i Lagoons will offer 14 private ownership residences featuring two-, three- and four-bedroom floor plans ranging from approximately 2,519-3,452 square feet. The interior design capitalizes on the prime oceanfront location and allows interior spaces to flow effortlessly into the outdoors.

Each residence will be complemented by an expansive lanai of roughly 701 to 2,064 square feet offering panoramic ocean and sunrise views. Prices start at $5.1 million. Reservations are now being accepted and sales will commence in August. Occupancy is scheduled for summer 2009.

Photo Credit: OrangeLimey

The Ritz-Carlton Club, Kaua’i Lagoons will be comprised of 72 fully furnished fractional ownership residences sold in deeded one-eighteenth interests. Located alongside the resort’s freshwater lagoon, the Club residences will offer two- and three-bedroom floor plans ranging from approximately 1,692-2,118 square feet. Sales reservations are scheduled to begin this October, with prices starting at $300,000 per interest.
Occupancy is targeted for late 2009.

Also currently under development at Kaua’i Lagoons is Grand Residences by Marriott, the first Marriott-branded project of its kind in Hawai’i. It will consist of 78 private ownership residences offering two- and three-bedroom floor plans ranging from approximately 1,301-1,665 square feet. Sales are underway with occupancy scheduled for early 2009. Prices start at $1.6 million.

An affiliate of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC and Marriott Ownership Resorts, Inc., a subsidiary of Marriott International, Inc., are developing Kaua’i Lagoons as part of a 10-year master plan. Other
residential offerings in planning include Marriott Vacation Club timeshare villas and private estate lots.

Golf legend Jack Nicklaus is redesigning Kaua’i Lagoons’ award-winning golf courses, which will be highlighted with four consecutive oceanfront holes overlooking the coastline. Future plans also include an upscale restaurant with ocean and golf course views, water taxi service for the 39-acre freshwater lagoon, and a full-service spa. In keeping with Kaua’i’s character, approximately 350 acres, or two-thirds of the resort including the golf courses, will remain as undeveloped “green” space.

Courtesy of www.prnewswire.com.

Use Your Economic Stimulus Check to Escape at the Renaissance Orlando Resort

Orlando, FL (PRWEB) June 7, 2008 — The Renaissance Orlando Resort at SeaWorld is a great escape this summer to use your economic stimulus check for a Florida summer vacation. This luxury Orlando resort is now offering a $100 resort credit for dining, room service or spa services with a three-night stay at the property’s newly renovated deluxe accommodations.

This special $100 resort credit offer at the Renaissance Orlando Resort at SeaWorld® is valid seven days a week through 12/03/08 with room rates from $159 to $423*. See terms and conditions for further details and a list of other Orlando vacation packages. Book your trip today and let your economic stimulus check bring you enjoyment with a mini-vacation at this AAA 4-diamond Orlando luxury resort.

Centrally located between I-4, International Drive and the BeachLine Express, the Renaissance Orlando Resort is across the street from SeaWorld® Orlando, Aquatica, SeaWorld’s Waterpark, and Discovery Cove. The resort is also minutes from other major Orlando area attractions. Enjoy your three-night mini-vacation lounging by visiting area theme parks or hitting the links at nearby golf courses.

After hours, relax at the hotel and enjoy a hearty meal at one of five lounges and restaurants in Orlando, Florida. Boardwalk Sports Bar serves drinks and light fare in a trendy, laid back atmosphere, while Mist Sushi & Spirits features chic Japanese cuisine and hand-rolled sushi and sashimi. Tradewinds Restaurant is known for classic American fare and Palms Grille and Pool Bar serves sandwiches and smoothies poolside. Lastly, a full-service Starbucks offers coffee and tea beverages as well as pastries and light snacks.

About Renaissance Orlando Resort at SeaWorld

The Renaissance Orlando Resort at SeaWorld recently underwent a $27 million renovation, and enjoys a prime location across from SeaWorld® Orlando, Aquatica, SeaWorld’s® Waterpark and Discovery Cove. The Renaissance SeaWorld® Orlando hotel offers nearly 800 guest rooms and suites that provide a contemporary retreat. The nèu lotus spa welcomes complete relaxation by inviting guests into a lavish, tranquil venue. More than 185,000 square feet of prime Orlando meeting space and a scenic outdoor reception area make events come alive at this SeaWorld® Orlando resort hotel. For more information or to make a reservation, call 407-351-5555 or visit

Photo Credit: bayliner2852http://www.marriott.com/hotels/travel/mcosr-renaissance-orlando-resort-at-seaworld/.

*For complete package details visit http://www.marriott.com/hotels/hotel-deals/mcosr.

Courtesy of www.prweb.com