Jetsettersblog

With India hailed as one the key emerging markets in the hospitality industry, Preferred Hotel Group is capturing the growth of its independent hotel sector and home-grown brands. In the first half of 2009, it has increased its pan-India presence to a total of 19 members with four new properties opened in the last few months.

“There has been tremendous interest from new luxury independent properties and locally owned chains in joining Preferred Hotel Group in the last two years. We are recognized in the marketplace for our personalized attention, regional team of expertise and value of services. With the recent expansion in India, we have also expanded our India, Middle East and Africa team to ensure that members have dedicated team of expertise on hand,” said Ananya Narayan, Area Managing Director, India, Middle East and Africa.

The newly opened properties include:
Ista Amritsar, Amritsar (www.PreferredHotels.com) – Located 15 minutes away from the Golden Temple, the three month old hotel gives the religious city of Amritsar its first upscale hotel. There are 248 elegantly appointed rooms with panoramic views of the historic city. The extensive Ista Spa covers 3500 sq ft comprising eight treatments rooms and a luxurious steam and sauna facility. Ayurveda, Aromatherapy, Swedish massage, Crystal Healing and Reflexology are some of the specialty spa experiences offered. A key feature is an eight station vitality pool overlooking the greens, adjoining a temperature controlled swimming pool.

Three restaurants and bars include a fine dining Thai/Chinese restaurant with outdoor salas. A combination of indoor and outdoor venues with a performance stage provides the ideal setting for events for up to 800 persons.

Dream Cochin, Kerala (www.SummitHotels.com) – newly opened in April, the hotel marries the drama of the exotic east with the whimsy of the west. Located in the heart of Cochin, 151 lavishly appointed rooms offer complimentary wireless Internet access, Ipod on request, CD/DVD player and includes buffet breakfast. The Spa specializes in Ayurvedic and Thai massage with a rooftop pool and Jacuzzi offering panoramic city views. Two restaurants offer Thai seafood and international cuisine while three lounges provides varied settings for exotic drinks and entertaining. Function spaces can cater up to 650 persons.

The Zuri Kumarakom, Resort & Spa, Kerala (www.PreferredHotels.com)  – Recently upgraded and rebranded, the 72 rooms, cottage and villas are located on the banks of the beautiful Vembanad Lake within 18 acres of lush landscaping.

It offers a unique opportunity to experience Kerala’s rustic backwater with its mangroves and waterways filled with flora and fauna, birds and marine life. Adventurers can water-ski, windsail, canoe, or go fishing in the lake.

The Maya Spa specializes in Ayurveda, Hydrotherapy, Solar therapies and Sabai stone therapies within 14 treatment rooms.

An infinity pool merges into the lake and meditation and yoga takes place on an island in the lagoon.

Four restaurants and bars include a fine dining seafood restaurant with views of the lake. The largest function room can cater for up to 250 persons.

The Leela Palace Kempinski Udaipur, Udaipur (www.PreferredHotels.com)

 - Located within Rajasthan’s stone walled city on the banks of Lake Pichola, the hotel opened on 15 May 2009, with 80 rooms and suites offering breathtaking views of the heritage city, the City Palace and the majestic Aravalli Mountains.

Designed by the world renowned architect Bill Bensley and interior designer Jeffrey Wilkes, the hotel combines traditional elements of Rajasthan artistry with contemporary interiors. The dining options include a 24 hour al-fresco dining area, a lounge bar and a fine dining Indian specialty restaurant.

The Spa by ESPA offers a haven for rejuvenation in nine spacious tents as well as 14 treatment rooms. Amenities for meetings include flexible meeting rooms which offer capacity for up to 250 guests. Recreational facilities include a fitness centre and a swimming pool.

Other members in India include:
Preferred Hotels & Resorts:
The Leela Palace Kempinski Bangalore, Bangalore
The Leela Kempinski Goa, Goa
The Leela Kempinski Gurgaon, Delhi NCR
Ista Hyderabad, Hyderabad
The Leela Kempinski Kovalam Beach, Kerala
The Leela Kempinski Mumbai, Mumbai
The Imperial, New Delhi
Ananda in the Himalayas, Rishikesh
Devi Garh, Udaipur
Preferred Boutique:
The Bagh, Bharatphur
Summit Hotels & Resorts:
Ista Bangalore, Bangalore
The Zuri Whitefield Bengalaru, Bangalore
The Metropolitan Hotel New Delhi, New Delhi
Sterling Hotels:
Leonia Holistic Resort, Hyderabad
Svelte Personal Suites, New Delhi

About Preferred Hotel Group

Celebrating 40 years of excellence, Preferred Hotel Group is a global leader in the hospitality industry, delivering high-performance sales, marketing, and technology solutions to more than 700 independent hotels and resorts in over 75 countries. Its family of brands represents a collection of the finest hotels in the world and include: Preferred Hotels® & Resorts (www.preferredhotels.com ), Preferred Boutique™ (www.preferredboutique.com),  Summit Hotels & Resorts™ (www.summithotels.com) , Sterling Hotels™ (www.sterlinghotels.com)  and Historic Hotels of America® (www.historichotels.org).

For more information please visit www.preferredhotelgroup.com

Celebrates Its 10th Anniversary

La Fuente de la Higuera is a magical country retreat combining Andalucian charm with luxury design and a house-party atmosphere. Established 10 years ago by husband and wife team, Christina and Pom Peik, La Fuente de la Higuera has enjoyed a fantastic first decade, with a fleet of famous guests including David Cameron, Adrian Brody and many high profile Spanish personalities. To celebrate their anniversary, La Fuente de la Higuera are offering all guests a welcome massage and either 10 nights for the price of 8 OR 10% off the total bill during July and August.

Beautifully set in a renovated olive oil mill, the rural country-house hotel is ideally positioned in the valley of Los Llanos de la Cruz, facing Ronda (only 10 minutes drive away) and the natural park ‘Sierra de las Nieves’ and the ‘Sierra de Grazalema’.

The house itself fuses traditional Spanish architecture with post modern design and eclectic furnishing. Christina used her years of interiors experience from restoring old-ruins to produce a truly unique and passionate environment of open spaces and relaxed sophistication. ‘La Fuente’ offers eight distinctive suites and three double rooms, each comprising of luxury bathrooms, private terrace or garden, bespoke Indonesian furniture and unspoilt panoramic views.

Guests are welcome to dine in the terrace restaurant; where Milagros (meaning miracles) and her team of Michelin trained chefs, demonstrate their dedication to gastro-cuisine.

The restaurant offers a new three-course menu every day (with a choice of seven dishes) and a lunch menu based on Mediterranean and Andalucian cuisine.

All the produce is organic and locally sourced, including from the hotel’s own gardens.

The exceptional residence also features a large shady pool, honesty bar, library and a team of friendly staff to pamper every need, offering the highest standard of service. Guests can come to simply relax, described by Christina and Pom as ‘busy doing nothing’ or can enjoy some of the many activities available from wine-tasting, hiking, bird-watching and hot air ballooning.

Room prices start at €148 per night (standard double) through to €280 per night for the double suite.

Prices include local tax and breakfast. Dinner is a gourmet 3 course set menu, priced at €42 per person, with lunch available A La Carte.

Christina and Pom Piek have recently launched a sister Spa hotel 7km away called The Lodge, Ronda.

www.hotellafuente.com

The Comprehensive And Unique Guide To The Best Dining In Southern Spain – Recently Launched By Jon Clarke / Santana Books

The food revolution that has made Spain the World’s most exciting country for dining, has finally come South with the Spring 2009 launch of ‘Dining Secrets of Andalucia’: a definitive and much awaited guide to exceptional eating in Southern Spain.

With four out of the World’s Top Ten best restaurants listed in Spain (Restaurant magazine), it was only natural that every region would catch up. Now Andalucia, the country’s most evocative region, has a restaurant culture of which to be proud. The problem was always, how to find all those gems.

From mountain terraces to cave restaurants, from inventive fine dining to top-value venta offerings, travel writer and journalist Jon Clarke has sniffed out the best. After spending two years eating his way around the region – trying over 200 restaurants – he has whittled it down to 69 of the best across the whole region.

‘Dining Secrets of Andalucia’ includes:

• Sixty-nine restaurants embracing the eight provincias of Andalucía.

• Author endorsed tips on food and drink, plus price indicators, for each entry.

• Pointers to entries noted for good value, romance, local charm and more.

• Suggestions for pre- and post-meal activities in the restaurant’s location.

• Top Fives for romance, outdoor dining, child-friendliness and more.

• Striking full-colour photos which capture the atmosphere of each entry.

• Reader-friendly format with colour-coding and easy-to-follow maps.

• Further 30 wild card entries of places likely to be included in full next issue.

About the Author – Jon Clarke:

Having worked on the Daily Mail for many years and freelanced for other UK national newspapers, journalist Jon Clarke moved to Andalucía in 2003. While continuing to work as a travel writer for the UK press, he set up the region’s first community newspaper, the Olive Press, in 2006, focusing on issues from corruption to concern for the environment. He is also author of Costa Killer and lives with his wife and children in Ronda.

‘Dining Secrets of Andalucia’ is now available online directly from Santana Books: www.santanabooks.com  as well as various leading bookshops in the UK. Priced at €14.90 / £13.95

‘Dining Secrets shows a real appreciation of gastronomic Andalucia and an amazing amount of research has gone in to produce this book. No longer will you struggle to find a good place to eat here.’ (Chris Stewart, ex-Genesis star and author of best-selling Driving Over Lemons).

‘Truly excellent…a passionately researched guide likely to change for ever Andalucía’s traditional image as a land of gastronomic monotony.’ (Michael Jacobs, award-winning author of bestseller The Factory of Light, Alhambra and Pallas Guides’ Andalucía).

‘This is a book that Andalucía has long needed.’ (Guy Hunter-Watts, author of Small Hotels & Inns of Andalucía, Walking in Andalucía and inspector for Alastair Sawday’s Special Places to Stay: Spain and i-escape).

Only International Premier Operator In The Country

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc (NYSE: HOT) reinforces its leadership position in New Caledonia, announcing the signing of an agreement with a subsidiary of Societé des Hotels de Noumea to manage a new-build Sheraton resort. At the same time, Starwood announces the extension of the management contracts of two existing Le Meridien resorts in New Caledonia. Sheraton New Caledonia Bourail Resort & Spa will welcome guests in 2013 while the 2 Le Meridien resorts will continue to offer a European flair and sophisticated environment designed for the creative guests.

“We are excited to continue our partnership with Societé des Hotels de Noumea,” said Miguel Ko, Chairman and President, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Asia Pacific.

“We would like to thank the owner for their continued confidence in Starwood and our brands. This extended partnership also means that Starwood is the only international premier operator in New Caledonia.

“We are proud to be able to continue to help further develop tourism here, undoubtedly one of the most beautiful and untouched islands of the world.”

“Sheraton is a favorite hotel brand among travelers, whether it be for business or leisure. With its expansion into New Caledonia, we look forward to sharing one of the best resort experiences in the world with travelers in a warm and welcoming setting at Sheraton.”

Scheduled to open in 2013, Sheraton New Caledonia Bourail Resort & Spa, the first international upper upscale resort in Bourail, will be located on the Mainland within an exclusive site called Gouaro Deva, in the district of Bourail. Gouaro Deva has about 13 kilometers of white sand beach and a UNESCO listed lagoon and reef.

Guests at the Sheraton resort can enjoy various water sports activities on the 850 meters long of white sand beach and the crystal clear blue water lagoon. The resort is about 1.5 hours by car to Tontouta International Airport and 2 hours by car to Noumea town centre. A local airport is in discussion to increase the accessibility of the area.

This new-build Sheraton resort will offer 180 rooms including 60 bungalows, extensive food & beverage facilities, a health club and spa with 6 treatment rooms, swimming pool, kids’ club, fitness center, business center and more than 300 square meter of meeting space. The resort will also feature “Link@SheratonSM experienced with Microsoft®”, a unique lobby lounge that is both a physical and a virtual space where guests can socialize, work and stay connected by using complimentary Wi-Fi and Internet-enabled computer stations. video-chats, televisions and daily newspapers.

Adjacent to the resort will be a new 18-hole golf course and activity centre offering horse riding, hiking, quad biking, and so on.

Le Meridien Noumea and Le Meridien Ile des Pins
Le Meridien Noumea and Le Meridien Iles des Pins will both undergo an extensive renovation throughout the hotel, including the rooms and public areas such as lobby, restaurants, swimming pools, fitness centers and spa. The design and style of the refurbishment will reflect Le Meridien’s positioning of chic and contemporary with a selective mix of local materials, furnishings and artefacts to showcase the local culture and heritage.

“New Caledonia is known to offer ‘a French way of life in the South Pacific’, and is a perfect fit with the Le Meridien brand,” remarked Sean Hunt, Regional Vice President for Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Pacific region. “With the renovation in place, the resorts will be in line with the new Le Méridien brand positioning and provide a curated experience enhanced by an atmosphere of European refinement.”

Located on the Mainland and directly on the beach, the 245-room Le Meridien Nouméa is just a few minutes away from the capital, while the exclusive 39-room Le Méridien Ile des Pins is located on the exclusive Island of Pines at the countries southern tip.

About New Caledonia

Part of the French Republic, New Caledonia is the third largest island in the Pacific Region, after Papua New Guinea and New Zealand, measuring 500 km long and 50 km wide. It is located in southern Melanesia in the southwest Pacific, about 1,500 km from Australia, 1,700 km from New Zealand, 5,000 km from Tahiti, 10,000 km from the West Coast of the USA and 20,000 km from France. It comprises of a mainland and several smaller islands with a population of about 250,000 with most living on the mainland which is the richest area of New Caledonia.

Internet Gaming is now a huge industry and is still growing a fast pace. With hundreds of gaming sites out there, it’s often difficult to find out which sites best suits your needs.

LONDON, ENGLAND – The gambling market has become a mind field for players to navigate by themselves, so as a result, many opt to use comparison sites, such as www.gamingalerts.co.uk  to held them search for the best deals and operators. Here’s a few top tips to keep in mind whilst playing online games:

1. Understand how it all works. Playing online is very different to visiting your local bingo, casino, poker or betting venue. You will need to be able to make online payments (if you want to play for real) as well as have a basic understanding of how to use the internet. There are a number of ways that you can transact at a gambling site and these including, Netellar, Money Bookers , U Kash, Click and Buy, Western Union as well as all the major bank cards.

2. Know the rules – read the ‘How to play’ and ‘How to bet guides’ before you start staking real money. Also most reputable sites offer a free to play service so you don’t need to spend money until you know how it all works and what you are doing.

3. Don’t choose the first site you come across. There are some really good operators out there so make sure you have a thorough look on the net and do your research. Use comparison sites and review sites to find out information on the best operators, promotions, payment methods and read reviews from other players. Also check out their licensing details (more info on this below)

4. Specialist sites aren’t always the best. If you’re an online gambling fan and want to play a variety of games. Rather than having multiple accounts it may be easier to sign up to an operator which offers all products , such as Bet 365 or Ladbrokes, both of which are renowned and trusted places to play. It is worth looking at what products are offered by each of the sites.

5. Enter worthwhile promotions. Some are offering free bets, cash bonuses or prize draws. However others will be impossible to win and will only act as an incentive to spend more money. Look at the terms and conditions and small print before entering them! Sometimes the rules for withdrawing bonus money are so ridiculous that it is definitely not worth being conned into the bonus in the first place – so make sure you check out the wagering requirements.

6. Have a weekly or monthly budget and don’t over spend. If you think you may have a problem, visit the Gamble Aware site, or www.Gamcare.com

7. Make sure you play at a site that is properly licensed and on the ‘white list’ – this means that it is licensed from one of the EU jurisdictions and is therefore regulated properly and allowed to operate and market itself into the UK. Illegal or unlisted operators are unsafe and playing at one is a major risk not worth taking – there is no guarantee that your funds will be safe.

8. Look for the new sites such as Cashino Gaming which offer the best in both Bingo and Casino games. Also, new sites often have some of the most competitive sign up offers and promotions as they need to be competitive to attract new customers.

9. Read Gambling News to keep up to date with the latest stories, special offers and product launches.

10. Enjoy your experience. Online gaming is about relaxing, having fun and enjoying yourself! If you do win don’t go and spend it all again – put some of it away for a rainy day!

Gaming Alerts is the UK’s leading online gaming comparison portal with in depth reviews, news stories and promotional bonuses. Covering all aspects of internet gaming, the site is a must for any online player.

Source: Gaming Alerts Limited
Website: http://gamingalerts.co.uk

Guests at the Eresin Crown, Eresin Taxim Premier and Eresin Taxim hotels can now enjoy a greener stay in the city following the inclusion of the hotels in Istanbul’s Green Hotels group.

The Green Hotels Project, which was set up during this year’s World Water Forum, aims to bring together hotels who are interested in environmental issues and eager to help reduce waste by installing energy-efficient lighting, using low-flow showers and toilets, and participating in recycling programs.

Hot? Flustered? Looking for a cooling escape from the scorching summer heat? Head to the Retreat Spa, Grosvenor House Dubai and indulge in one of their amazing summer wrap offers!

Be enveloped in pure Marine goodness, with concentrated active ingredient inspired by the sea from Phytomer, the international specialist in Marine Cosmetics, and indulge in a choice of four luxurious body wraps.

Select from the Contouring Body Wrap, designed to improve the texture and appearance of your skin, or the Remineralizing Body Wrap, that’s sure to reduce stress and promote a state of well bring by nourishing and hydrating your skin. Alternatively why not try the Cellulo Active Body Wrap which stimulates fat metabolism, drains toxins and restores the smooth appearance of the body. Finally for those looking for an added sleekness to their beach body, try the Firming Body Wrap which will help firm your skin and improve your overall skin tone. Perfect for the ultimate summer body!

Designed to revitalise your mind, body and soul, each treatment comes with either a decadent 30 minute back massage to ease away daily tension, or a blissful 30 minute foot and ankle massage to stimulate circulation and relax tired muscles.

Nestled on the 4th floor, the Retreat Spa is a heavenly cocoon designed to indulge your every desire, ensuring the daily stress of city life is whittled away, soothing mind, body and soul.

The spa provides tranquillity, the gym invigoration and the terrace pool complete relaxation. Coupled with complimentary use of the sauna, steam and Jacuzzi, a day at the Retreat Spa, will make for a whole afternoon of lavish pampering.

Summer specials are summarised below:

Select one of the following treatment offers Price
Contouring Body Wrap + back massage
AED 490

Remineralizing Body Wrap + back massage
AED 490

Cellulo Active Wrap + back massage AED 490

Firming Body Wrap + foot & ankle massage
AED 490

*Offer valid from 1st June – 31st July 2009

*10% discount available on all other treatments at the Retreat Spa until – 31st July

To book treatments or for more information please visit us at:

• Retreat Health + Spa, Grosvenor House, 4th floor

• Tel: 04 3998888

The Mercure Sapporo opened last week with an elegant ceremony presided over by Fumio Morio, Regional General Manager Accor Japan and Mr Yoshikazu Kitahara of Mitsui Fudosan (the hotels owner).

The 285 room hotel is strategically located in the centre of Sapporo, flanked by hundreds of restaurants, bars and entertainment facilities in Susukino and the Sapporo Kokusai Ski slopes are just one hour away.

A great base for leisure and business travelers alike, the hotel is a few minutes walk to the central business district, the famous Sapporo TV Tower landmark, where the world famous Sapporo Snow & Ice Festival is organised every year and is attached to a shopping mall.

General Manager – Mercure Hotel Sapporo, Mr Stephane Bryer says

“The hotel is now delivering a blend of fine Japanese and French hospitality, that the Mercure brand has become known for in Japan. The interior design of the hotel compliments our approach to service. The guest rooms were designed by renowned French interior designer Isabelle Miaja and are a fusion French style motifs and textures combined with Japanese accents.

The hotel also has a “ladies floor” appealing to the ever increasing number of female travelers – traveling alone. The rooms on these floors feature L’Occitane bathroom amenities, fashion magazines and body pillow. This concept started with the Mercure Hotel Ginza in Tokyo and has proven very popular.

Bordeaux, Mercure Sapporo’s restaurant serves French Cuisine with a selection of signature dishes created by the hotel’s head chef Taisuke Hara, using the finest of local produce.

As Mercure guests have come to appreciate, the hotel provides the Grand Vins Mercure Wine List, enabling guests to select a wine to suit their tastes and mood of the moment, with wines from all corners of the globe.

The hotel also provides 5 meeting rooms providing the city with superior facilities and services for events.

It is with great joy that I can announce the rebirth of this hotel so dear to the Monegasques since 1929.

In order to provide our guests with even more than before, we have completely rethought the hotel and restored it to its former glory, whilst adding the modern touches necessary to today’s comfort.

The Monte-Carlo SBM group has undertaken the global reinterpretation of the Monte-Carlo Beach with pride. The constant policy of optimisation of our hotels is being carried out assiduously.

From the conception of the project to the opening of the hotel to the public, we have taken great care to carry out this work in perfect harmony with the preservation of our planet. This philosophy has been rewarded with the “chantier bleu” label given to construction sites with a minimum impact on the environment.
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More than a large-scale renovation, it is a new vision of the hotel trade that we are presenting to you.

The Monte Carlo Beach is now offering even more comfort, gastronomy, care, nautical activities, vegetation and space… all in a remarkable setting.

Chic and timeless, the Monte Carlo Beach perpetuates the very elegance of the Riviera and the Groupe Monte-Carlo SBM’s art of fine living.

For its eightieth birthday, it is flaunting its eternal youth — with elegance and spirit.

Bernard Lambert
CEO
Groupe Monte-Carlo SBM

The rebirth of the Monte Carlo Beach

It is the event of the spring: After a winter of backbreaking work, the Monte Carlo Beach is emerging from hibernation to present its new face. The Groupe Monte-Carlo SBM wanted to breathe new life — a fighting spirit and modernity — into this emblematic address on the Riviera. A luxurious and convivial setting, reviving the splendour and glamour of the Roaring Twenties.

Today, the Monte Carlo Beach boasts a new terracotta-coloured exterior which greatly enhances the building and creates a perfect harmony with the cobalt blue waters of the Mediterranean just a few metres away… a tribute to the great potters who made the region famous. The Monte Carlo Beach, in all its finery, seems to play with the sun all day long, each hour providing the pretext for presenting a different colour of the spectrum.

Redesigned entirely by India Mahdavi, the Monte Carlo Beach is an ode to the Mediterranean. In this new decor, the sea is omnipresent, creating an obvious and harmonious duo with the hotel— a permanent guest, much to the delight of everyone.

Although the spirit and the form remain unchanged, the Monte Carlo Beach appears completely transformed. Perspectives, materials, lines, space: A total metamorphosis has taken place. After many months of thought and work, the result presented to the world today meets everyone’s expectations.

From the moment you enter the lobby, redesigned entirely featuring a Terrazzo marble floor, you are aware of the designer’s very personal touch.

From the terrace of the Elsa restaurant to the corridors on the second floor, decorated with large portholes, there is a resolutely dynamic air about the place.

The forty airy rooms and suites are in perfect harmony. With the Mediterranean as the only horizon, the feeling of spaciousness and light is accentuated.

Here, like everywhere at the Monte Carlo Beach, almost all the furniture and objects are the fruit of India Mahdavi’s imagination.

These unique decorative items have been created in order to blend naturally into the different parts of the building and emphasize the global conceptual vision of the project.

The rooms and suites at the Monte Carlo Beach are highly innovative. State-of-the-art technology, to satisfy the clients’ fondness for all things new, is combined with a touch of all things romantic. How can anyone remain insensitive to the wall frescos exuding so much grace? Painted by Aurore de la Morinerie, these reminiscences of Matisse – for the colours – and Cocteau’s Santo Sospir period – for the charcoal – contrast with style to the stripes above the beds.

Landscaper Jean Mus has created the gardens full of bewitching fragrances which provide a serene cocoon for visitors.

Everywhere, even in the nooks and crannies, the Monte Carlo Beach brandishes proudly its restored identity.

India Mahdavi is adding her special touch
to the Monte Carlo Beach.

Opened in 1929, the hotel so dear to the Monegasques is about to be reopened. The new Monte Carlo Beach will be unveiled in May 2009.

The Monte Carlo SBM group wanted one of the most distinguished architect-designers to give back the Monte Carlo Beach its original glamour.

“It is with great pleasure that we have chosen India Mahdavi to revamp the Monte Carlo Beach. We plan to offer a completely different experience for our future guests” says Bernard Lambert, CEO of Monte-Carlo SBM. India Mahdavi’s luxurious and contemporary touch to this magnificent 1930’s seashore villa will arouse great enthusiasm.”

Architect and designer India Mahdavi is forever breathing new life and creativity into her projects, ie the Hotel Condesa DF in Mexico, the On Rivington in New York the Connaught in London, private homes in Australia, Spain, in London and Paris…

Her nomadic culture and upbringing has also greatly influenced her furniture collection, which is can be seen in her Parisian show room. Moreover, she has collaborated with luxurious brands such as Bernardaud and Ruinart, to develop special lines of products.

After having just launched Hélène Darroze’s restaurant at the Connaught in London, she has inaugurated her new version of the Parisian bistro “Germain” in association with Thierry Costes, in the heart of Saint Germain des Prés.

Meet the designer India Mahdavi

Your past creations have been very eclectic.
What have you accomplished at the Monte Carlo Beach that you have never done before?

The place itself is for me the starting point of a story, of a project. Each story is different, each project is unique, and every each is a first time.

Although I’ve already worked on a seaside hotel in Miami, working on this mythical Riviera gem is something completely new to me. I plan to revive the great epoch of the 1930’s with modernity and elegance.

What made you decide to take on this project?

First and foremost, its location. The Monte Carlo Beach is tucked away an authentic Mediterranean scenery, surrounded by cypresses and Aleppo pine trees, with an amazing view across the bay. English-speakers have a special name for exceptional places like this – a spot – and the Beach is not only a spot but a magical one.

It’s a breath of fresh air between Cap Martin, its seashore and lush vegetation, and Monaco, one of the most sophisticated places on the Riviera. Such a unique and rare challenge was too tempting to ignore ! The size of the building was just perfect for me because I don’t like hotels that are too big.

Boasting 40 rooms, the Monte Carlo Beach enables me to give the place a touch of grand villa. Last but not least, my relationship with the Société des Bains de Mer was paramount: I listened and absorbed their requirements and expectations before setting everything into motion, a process which has lasted over a year…

How do you operate?

What was the starting point of your work at the Beach?
I work on instinct, searching for the obvious, mental images … and then I go for the fragrances, colours, fabrics and lighting.

For the Beach I imagined, much more than just a tale, a romance, a timeless sentimental story, with a backdrop of images of the Riviera: brightly-coloured juxtapositions of Matisse’s collages, George Hoyningen-Huene’s black and white photographs of elegant young women in bathing suits, and the Riva boat, a symbol of a certain way of life.

My personal input fuelled the project and reinforced it: I spent part of my childhood in the hinterland behind Nice and it’s still etched in my memory. I feel I have been on a trip down memory lane by intertwining beach and mountain landscapes.
The graphic language I chose for the hotel is based on Monaco’s recurrent themes : stripes , the Monte Carlo Beach DNA, and lozenges the Principality’s coat of arms. In a nutshell, I opted for a more classical and elegant approach for this hotel rather than a “design” one.

How did you program your work on the “new” Monte Carlo Beach?
Our main purpose was to give the sea the lead role in our story.
Axes within the indoor and outdoor spaces are more fluid now, and they are all connected to the sea.
By designing a real-size mock-up room, I was able to improve my concept: the sea in the room, a porthole between the bedroom and the bathroom, sliding doors for casting shadows of light and depth. By connecting the loggia and the promenade with a private stairway, the bedrooms now looks rather like a bungalow. We had the same sort of idea for the lobby and the restaurant… they now reach out to the terrace.

Your creativity is diverse, multifaceted (interior design, architecture, scenography , which of these skills has played the major role?
All of them. I have been able to express myself in many ways throughout this project: interior design for the global concept, architecture when rethinking the spaces, scenography for redesigning the lines of the bedrooms and the suites.

To remain faithful to the tradition of “Arts Décoratifs”, we designed exclusive furniture for the hotel, we also chose the tableware, selected the materials, the colors and the fabrics.

As an Artistic Director, I surrounded myself with highly competent professionals: Jean Mus, a landscaper specialised in Mediterranean gardens, designers Ich&Kar for the visual identity, Capucine Puerari for the uniforms, and artist Aurore de la Morinerie for the frescos in the bedrooms.

During this incredible adventure, what has been your biggest challenge?

Creating a new language and a strong identity for the Monte Carlo Beach. It’s been a very ambitious artistic management mission.
Combining creativity and novelty with given logistic and time schedule requirements has been quite a challenge. I hope I’ve delivered what was expected of me!

What added value has India Mahdavi brought to the Beach?

A modernized and respectful vision of the spirit of the Société des Bains de Mer.

This hotel is a jewel in the crown of Monaco : families have had beach tents here for generations, others have learned to swim, and some have even fallen in love….! It is my wish that the Beach will charm its guests once again.

Continue reading Welcome To The Monte Carlo Beach…

The Final Frontier

Underwater hotels, space tourism and London to Sydney in just two-and-a-half hours are set to become the must-have holidays of the future as uncharted areas of the globe become harder to find, according to new industry predictions.

In addition, those who do not fancy making the trip in the first place could even take a virtual break via their computer just like Arnold Schwarzenegger did in his hit film Total Recall

These upcoming destinations and future ways of travel are predicted in a report for travel specialist STA Travel. The report suggests the tourism industry will look to the unexplored territories of the seas & skies as travellers search for the ultimate holiday experience.

Underwater resorts are not far off, with building already taking place under the seas in the latest bid to attract guests, whilst tourist space pods are expected be in place by the early 2010s. With the first space flights expected to take off in 2011 the race is on to make sub-orbital trips available to the mainstream market.

Furthermore, zero gravity is expected to bring a whole new dimension to adventure sports for thrill seekers.

John Constable, MD STA Travel said: “The depth of the world’s oceans provides another place for experiential travel, with hotels and cruise ships literally going under.

“The underwater restaurant Ithaa, at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island hotel, is a forerunner to this future holiday experience and Dubai’s Hydropolis underwater luxury hotel, currently under construction, is scheduled to open this year.

“We already offer space flights to our customers and expect to extend our sub orbital offer in the future.”

The report compiled by The Future Laboratory also identified that virtual travel could soon become a reality, particularly for a generation raised on computer games, including travels to far-flung destinations or trips closer to home such as a visit to the famous Stonehenge.

The report predicts “Over the next ten years, virtual tourism is set to increase in popularity. Virtual travel can take us scuba-diving without any prior experience and across the icy wastelands of Antarctica wearing only a t-shirt.”

And far from alienating the travel industry, virtual tourism may actually benefit it.

Virtual hotels will allow hoteliers to test a new concept before time and expense is spent on turning it into reality.

Virtual tour operators will grow in number and maps and guidebooks will document virtual terrain as we negotiate an ever-changing online landscape with no distinct boundaries.

Other trends identified include greater flight technology, such as that being pioneered by Virgin Galactic to take tourists into space, which is expected to be used to reduce long-haul flight times so that London to Australia could take just 2.5 hours.

In addition travellers could benefit from resorts where the weather is controlled to guarantee sunshine every day and special trips to see natural wonders before global warming kills them off.

In the meantime, STA Travel continues to push the boundaries with its range of tours and accommodation in over 150 worldwide. From cultural trips to adventure travel the world is becoming more accessible everyday.