Jetsettersblog

The Colony Palms Hotel, a historic property in Palm Springs, Calif., will reopen Jan. 12 after a $15 million renovation. The newly refurbished hotel will include completely redesigned guestrooms, casitas and suites, as well as a new poolside restaurant and intimate spa facility. Located within walking distance of downtown Palm Springs and on the border of the Movie Colony, the hotel was originally constructed in 1936 by Purple Gang mobster Al Wertheimer. Operating as the Colonial House, the hotel quickly became the town’s most popular locale, primarily as a speakeasy, brothel and gambling house.

The property was then sold to Robert Howard, son of the owner of champion thoroughbred Sea Biscuit, in the late 1940s, who renamed the property Howard Manor. “This hotel’s rich history reaches back to the glory days of Palm Springs,” said Steven Ohren, owner of the Colony Palms Hotel. “With this renovation, we are reviving the essence of the period of the hotel, while including a taste of the exotic.” The Spanish-style hotel will feature interiors decorated by renowned Los Angeles-based designer, Martyn Lawrence-Bullard. The décor harkens back to 1940s glamour with an exotic slant, incorporating worldwide influences such as Uzbekistani suzanis with rich woods, French tiling and vintage black-and-white photography. Each of the 56 rooms, 10 casitas and three suites with private entrances will offer views of the mountains, Wi-Fi high-speed Internet, a mini bar and a plasma flat-screen TV.

The new restaurant, The Purple Palm, will showcase Chef Jim Shiebler’s Mediterranean-inspired menu and an extensive wine list. The Purple Palm, named in tribute to the hotel’s original owner, will provide guests and local residents an upscale and welcoming dining experience.

The property’s focal point will be the poolside courtyard and its comfortable lounges, garden fountains and fire pits

For more information, visit http://www.colonypalmshotel.com/

 

Buena Vista Hospitality Group and New Boston Fund have partnered to develop Vista Club, a new, urban chic condo-hotel in Orlando. Set to open in the fall of 2007, the 246-unit condo-hotel, Vista Club, will feature four floor plans ranging from 330 square feet to 567 square feet with single room units competitively priced from $165,000 to $235,000.

Vista Club also showcases a contemporary restaurant and lobby bar, pool deck with al fresco dining, signature open-air lounge and bar, concierge services, room service and a fitness center. Residents will have access to the wireless Internet connectivity, business center, conference facilities, convenience store and news stand, catering services, babysitting services, valet parking, and shuttle service to area theme parks.

Pets are welcome. For more information, call 813-221-7535 or visit www.bvhg.com

Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs made history with a grand opening ceremony, introducing slot machine gaming in Pennsylvania. State and local officials were present as Pennsylvania Lieutenant Governor Catherine Baker Knoll joined Mohegan Sun officials in pulling a ceremonial slot machine handle to open the casino. The construction of the 90,000 square foot two-level gaming space including a food court began in September of 2005 with the removal of the facility’s old grandstand.

The investment in this Phase I project was approximately $72.6 million. The casino operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week and houses almost 1,100 new slot machines with denominations ranging from one cent to $25. The main level is smoke-free with approximately one-third of the games.

There is a casino bar and food court located on the main level with future plans for a patio restaurant. The first level hosts the majority of the games as well as a snack bar and casino bar. All the newest and hottest game titles are on display, including more than 500 reel games, over 450 video slots and an array of video poker games. The games feature the coin-free ticket in/ticket out technology. Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs presents live harness racing from March to November and provides simulcasting of the top races throughout the country year-round.

The facility, originally known simply as Pocono Downs, opened as a harness racetrack on July 15, 1965. Plans for a Phase II gaming and entertainment facility at Mohegan Sun at Pocono Downs have been previously announced. The project would be developed on land adjacent to the existing gaming location. When completed, the facility is anticipated to include approximately 2,500 slot machines, a variety of restaurants, a 300-seat buffet, an expanded food court, retail shopping, nightlife venues, additional parking and bus amenities. When completed, the facility is anticipated to include approximately 2,500 slot machines, a variety of restaurants, a 300-seat buffet, an expanded food court, retail shopping, nightlife venues, additional parking and bus amenities.

When completed, the facility is anticipated to include approximately 2,500 slot machines, a variety of restaurants, a 300-seat buffet, an expanded food court, retail shopping, nightlife venues, additional parking and bus amenities. When completed, the facility is anticipated to include approximately 2,500 slot machines, a variety of restaurants, a 300-seat buffet, an expanded food court, retail shopping, nightlife venues, additional parking and bus amenities.Construction is expected to commence in 2007 with a grand opening planned for mid-2008. Phase II is anticipated to cost between $140 million and $150 million.

For more information, visit www.mtga.com  or www.mohegansunpocono.com  

Wingate Inns International announced the opening of the Wingate Inn Manhattan Midtown hotel, the brand’s first center-city property, at 235 West 35th St. in New York. “During the past two years, the Wingate Inn brand has been focused on developing center-city locations,” said Keith Pierce, Wingate Inn president.

“Opening our first center-city location in one of the greatest cities in the world is an example of how we are executing against our plan.” As part of its growth strategy, the brand is pursuing high-profile hotel projects to gain a foothold in major metropolitan markets, high-barrier locations and premium secondary markets including airport locations.

The midtown property is situated in the heart of Manhattan near a variety of shopping, dining and entertainment venues including Madison Square Garden. It is also centrally located to New York Penn Station and Kennedy International, LaGuardia International and Newark Liberty International airports. The 92-room, new construction hotel owned by Ocean King, LLC in Staten Island, N.Y. features Wingate Inn elements such as oversized guest rooms as well as a fitness center and 450 square feet of meeting space. In each room, guests will find a large desk, cordless phone, two-line speakerphone with conference calling and voice mail, safe, coffee maker, microfridge, hair dryer, iron and ironing boards and on-demand movies.

For reservations or more information, call 800-228-1000 or visit www.wingateinns.com

Bulgaria Tourism used the stage of the World Travel Mart to begin more aggressively marketing Bulgaria’s tourism resources. Bulgaria has a wide variety of landscapes, national parks, spas, as well as beach resorts along the Black Sea coast and a stretch of mountains that feature skiing and mountaineering.

The Valley of the Roses, the Thracian tombs of Sveshtari and Kazanluk, the Rila Monastery, and nine UNESCO sites testify to the country’s diverse tourism offering. More than 40,000 cultural monuments of different historical eras are registered in Bulgaria, more than 160 Orthodox monasteries have been constructed, there are more than 330 museums and galleries, seven historic monuments are included in the UNESCO List.

There are Thracian tombs with priceless treasures. One of the largest sanctuaries of Dionysius was discovered in Perperikon, a hill some 12 miles from the town of Kurdjali. Routes have been developed for trips, biking-, photo- and eco-tourism. Bulgaria is home to numerous mineral springs. The tradition of using the curative powers of the waters of Bulgaria for strengthening the mind and the body dates back to the Thracians in the 5th century B.C. In Bulgaria there are more than 800 mineral springs, grouped in approximately 240 fields with a total output of nearly 270 million liters per 24 hours.

New spa and wellness complexes have opened in Bankya, Kyustendil, Sapareva Banya, Velingrad, Devin, Dobrinishte, Bansko, and other destinations. The geographical diversity includes mountain resorts at Bansko (Pirin Mountain), Borovetz (Rila Mountain), Pamporovo (the Rhodope Mountains), Vitosha Mountain, Triavna, Gabrovo, Apriltzi, Troyan, Teteven (Stara Planina Mountain). Bansko calls itself “the most modern ski center in South-Eastern Europe.”

A total of 4,837,150 foreign tourists (excluding same-day visitors) visited Bulgaria in 2005 (a 4.5 percent over 2004). A total of 4,090,421 foreign tourists visited Bulgaria for leisure purposes (exclusive of the children registered in their parents’ passports) in 2005, which was an increase of 2 percent.

A total of 3,716,193 foreign tourists (excluding same-day visitors) have visited Bulgaria from January to August 2006 (5.8 percent increase over the same period in 2005).

For more information, www.bulgariatravel.org  

Red Door Lifestyle Spa Opens in Weston at the Hyatt Regency Bonaventure

Red Door Spa Holdings announces the opening of its first destination spa, Red Door Lifestyle Spa, Elizabeth Arden. Located in Weston, FL at the Hyatt Regency Bonaventure, this 48,000 square foot, state-of-the-art facility is the first of its kind in the company’s portfolio, which consists of more than 70 spas and salons.

“The destination spa provides programming over a period of three, five or seven days, while a day spa primarily provides a balancing, relaxing experience through a variety of spa services and treatments within one day. The Red Door Lifestyle Spa is designed as a place where people can go and spend anywhere from a day or two to an entire week. It is, as the name suggests, a destination unto itself,” commented Chris Fields, senior vice president of operations. “While guests can certainly come in for a single spa treatment or salon service, we offer countless additional opportunities from executive coaching to nutrition wellness to hypnotherapy, all of which can be tailored into a personal program.”

Nestled amongst 24 acres of lush surroundings at the Hyatt Regency Bonaventure, the spa provides a refuge of calm and serenity. The free standing building houses 30 private treatment rooms, a full-service beauty salon, state of the art fitness and weight center with Techno Gym equipment and flat-screen televisions on all cardio equipment, 400 square foot hot yoga room, fully equipped Pilates studio and a 2,000 square foot movement studio.

The studio offers more than 20 classes a week including kickboxing, weight training, cycling, trekking and boot camp. Plus, guests can enjoy use of the luxurious spa locker room, relaxation rooms, Zen Garden, steam rooms, saunas, whirlpools and private outdoor pool before and after their treatments. The Bamboo Spa Café provides a tempting, nutritionally balanced menu of delectable bites in a tropical oasis.

Upon arrival to the spa, guests can meet with a Destination Specialist and have a personalized schedule created for them outlining their days from dusk until dawn. Options include private and group classes, techniques and training, as well as treatments and therapies to ensure guests meet their lifestyle goals.

“The staff and technicians here are leaders in their craft. They stay on top of the latest trends and practices, from colorgized cycling, which was patented by our instructor to yogalates, a combination of yoga and Pilates. Our standards ensure that guests receive the best service and attention available,” stated General Manager Linda Dennis. “Additionally, the attention to detail in the creation of this spa was incredibly exact. Everything from the linens to the landscaping was carefully reviewed to create a setting that provides a seamless and indulgent setting for our patrons.”

Red Door Lifestyle Spa, Elizabeth Arden provides balance for the inner-self through nurturing spa treatments, health-restoring activities and lifestyle-balancing classes. Red Door Lifestyle Spa offers a complete menu of salon and spa services, from signature skincare, massage and body treatments to nail services, hair design, makeup artistry and more.

Specialized retreats can be planned to cater to individuals or group travel in all arenas including stress relief, life balancing and weight loss, among others. The staff consists of specially skilled and educated technicians who provide outstanding, personalized service. Lifestyle and fitness classes provide guests with the most current trends in wellness. Revive and renew the spirit, nourish the soul, and pamper the body at Red Door Lifestyle Spa, Elizabeth Arden. Red Door Holdings is a leader in the industry, with nearly 100 years of experience and more than 70 spas and salons already in operation.

For additional information or to book services, visit www.reddoorspas.com or call 954-389-3300

Wild Planet Adventures has added a special Laos portion to its new Thailand itinerary where wildlife lovers can be part of one of the most unique eco-tour projects in the world.

Deep in the rainforest, an innovative network of zip-lines and tree houses offer an unprecedented vantage point where travelers can witness endangered Gibbons singing duets with their mates. These primates, once thought to be extinct, can be viewed from five tree houses that tower high above the canopy.

The Gibbon Experience is an exemplary model of wildlife eco-tourism – a combination of hardcore conservation and a serious humanitarian effort. This experience has been enthusiastically embraced by the local population, which participated in its planning, implementation, and operation. As a result, local communities are proud, jobs are generated, rainforest is protected, and wildlife poaching has decreased. Each tree house is stewarded by a trained local guide from a different village.

A generous portion of visitor fees go to the local villages for critical community items such as tractors and health care. The Wild Planet Adventures package includes choice of tree house, priority 4WD transportation, and a naturalist guide who will accompany travelers on their journey from Thailand.

Wild Planet offers the Gibbon Experience by itself or as the final portion of its new Thailand Ultimate Wildlife Itinerary, which offers wildlife enthusiasts the opportunity to view wild elephants, tigers, and 900 species of birds in the rainforests of Thailand, as well as cultural segments.

Josh Cohen, 415-925-4300,

josh@wildplanetadventures.com

http://www.wildplanetadventures.com

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MOAB, UT—Moab, Utah is a launch pad for the country’s most fabulous natural wonders. It’s the gateway community to Arches and the Canyonlands National Parks and provides an incredible array of activities for one and all.

Everyone knows that Moab is the nation’s hot spot for mountain biking, with dynamite trails for the advanced riders and more sedate for families with small children. Peruse ancient petroglyphs and dinosaur bones.

Rent canoes and take a trip down the Green River. Hike the myriad trails through the parks to check out the amazing rock formations.

Take a wild raft trip. Immerse the senses in the arts and music festivals.

Cowboy up at the local rodeo or horse show. Browse the local galleries.

Enjoy a horseback ride and eat at a real chuck wagon. Check out the aerial view with a flight seeing trip. Partake in wine tasting at a local winery.

Bring a camera or watercolors, the red rocks against azure skies are an artists’ delight. Relax and take in the most unusual scenery in the country. Departures year round.

Marian DeLay, info@discovermoab.com  800-635-6622, http://www.discovermoab.com/

COSTA RICA—Nature Air, the largest private airplane charter company in Central America, offers charter tours across Central America and two of its most popular take guests from rings of fire to some of the country’s most spectacular biodiverse zones.

The Ring of Fire Tour flies adventure seekers over Costa Rica’s most famous volcanoes including Poas, Irazu, and Turrialba, with views of breathtaking craters, volcanic lakes and some of Costa Rica’s biodiverse zones. Nature Air’s planes are fitted with panoramic windows that allow unobstructed views of the volcanic activity, tropical waterfalls and even simultaneous views of the Pacific and Atlantic oceans.

The Pacific Passage charter is popular among exploring surfers and coastal lovers. This tour travels west through the Central Valley and over the Pacific Port of Puntarenas, and along the coast hugging the white and black sand beaches south towards Corcovado National Park.

Depending on the season, passengers might catch a glimpse of dolphins and migrating whales. Visit http://www.natureair.com  e-mail charters@natureair.com  or call 800-235-9272 for pricing and reservations.

506-299-6043, ahuntley@natureair.com

http://www.natureaire.com/

TUKWILA, Washington – It is scientifically proven that soy contains 16 amino acids which can be absorbed into human skin. Such absorption benefits the collagen protein which strengthens skin and blood vessels, helping skin become healthy and radiant. Skin health aside, soy can also benefit apparel.

ExOfficio, a leading manufacturer of performance outdoor and travel apparel will introduce Tofutech™ in 2007: a line of travel knits for men created from natural soy fabrics. Advances in textile technology enable ExOfficio to extend the benefits of soy beyond the human skin. Natural soy fabric derived from the plant stock of soybeans and applied to apparel offers natural odor and bacteria resistance, moisture wicking comfort, wrinkle resistance, quick-dry convenience and a soft, natural hand for added comfort – all properties ExOfficio regularly builds into the design of its performance travel fabrics.

“Soy is a renewable resource that offers many benefits similar to both natural and synthetic fibers without the necessity of adding chemical treatments,” explains Monica Smith, ExOfficio Director of Product Development. “As the apparel industry continues to advance, ExOfficio will continue leveraging innovative technologies and fabrics that deliver top-performance attributes for performance travel wear.”

For spring 2007 ExOfficio will offer a Tofutech™ line of travel knits for men. The spring line-up includes a Tofutech™ Cricket (MSRP: $48) made of Soy Exemplar fabric consisting of 70% polyester and 30% soy. The Men’s Tofutech™ Tee (MSRP: $34) features 100% Soy Jersey fabric.

For fall 2007, the line expands for men to include a long sleeve Tofutech Crew (MSRP: $40) also made of the 100% Soy Jersey fabric. Two additional Soy fabrics will also be added to the collection.