Jetsettersblog

Luxe Worldwide Hotels announced the addition of five new member hotels to its collection: New York City’s Hotel Chandler; Mallorca’s Hotel Illa D’Or; Baolilai International Hotel Shenzhen in China; Pearl Hotel in Frankfurt, Germany; and Adria Hotel in Prague.

For information and reservations, call 866-LUXE-411 or visit www.luxehotels.com

The Dom Pedro Hotel Group announced that the Dom Pedro Garajau Hotel in Portugal has affiliated with vacation exchange company RCI.

The Dom Pedro Garajau Hotel is located in Madeira, midway between Caniço and the capital Funchal, just 10 minutes from Madeira International Airport on the island’s south coast.

Located in a quiet area near the village of Garajau, the 282-room hotel has indoor, outdoor and children’s pools, and a mini club.

The hotel is one of seven operated by Dom Pedro Hotel Group; the other six are on the Portuguese mainland with one in Lisbon and five in the Algarve.

For more information, visit www.grouprci.com

Finding and booking a top-rate professional caddy for any of Wales’s 200 courses can be done in under a minute with www.caddylocator.com

Wales is the first European country to offer an Internet-based program to locate qualified, professional caddies.

Many caddies are members of the local golf club who participate in the program, as Glenn Hughes, Southerndown Club (www.southerndowngolfclub.com) member and caddy says, “we love golf and enjoy being in the company of golfers.”

 They are Welsh characters in their own right and enjoy sharing Welsh golf lore and their insider knowledge of the course with visiting North Americans. Wales’ National Caddy Scheme has been designed to create a gold standard for registered caddies and aims to equip caddies with the knowledge and skills to offer a premium service.

For more information, visit www.golfasitshouldbe.com  www.caddylocator.com  or www.travelwales.org

Experience the unhurried pace of idyllic island life in the spectacular north of Scotland at heavenly Hebridean hideaway, the multi award winning Broad Bay House on the Isle of Lewis.

The luxurious five star guest house has garnered a clutch of awards including TripAdvisor’s top Hebridean guesthouse, two coveted EatScotland Silver awards for its food and Best Tourism Business 2008 from the Highlands and Islands Tourism Awards, since owners Ian and Marion Fordham opened their doors in May 2007.

Occupying an enviable coastal position a stone’s throw from a sweeping sandy beach – with direct access from house to shore – Broad Bay House enjoys uninterrupted views across the tempestuous Minch to the majestic mountains on the mainland beyond.

Located on the ruggedly beautiful Isle of Lewis, part of the remote unspoilt group of islands , the Outer Hebrides in the far north of Scotland, Broad Bay House nestles in a small crofting community a convenient seven miles from the ferry terminal and airport at Stornoway.

Arguably the most enchanting and fascinating of the Hebridean islands, the Isle of Lewis is renowned for its spectacular land and seascapes, abundant native wildlife, vibrant arts and crafts, as well as its rich heritage and culture.

In addition to cutting edge art centre An Lanntair, historic attractions within a short distance of Broad Bay House include the Callanais Standing Stones, erected around 3000BC, the Iron Age Carloway Broch, and Gearrannan Black House Village – a painstakingly restored crofting settlement offering visitors a taste of what island life would have been like some 6000 years ago.

After a day’s sightseeing and firmly back in the 21st century, Broad Bay House is the perfect retreat. Decorated in a restful palette of contemporary neutral colours punctuated by striking original pieces by local artists, an easy mix of sleek Italian and Hebridean handcrafted furniture in solid oak adorn spacious en suite bedrooms.

All four of the individually decorated deluxe rooms open out onto their own personal decking area and feature flat screen TVs, home cinema and music systems, iPod docking stations and supremely comfortable beds – either King, twin or Super King – made up with goose down duvets and silky soft Egyptian cotton linen.

Generously proportioned en suite bath/shower rooms come with fluffy white towels and a pampering selection of lotions and potions by Molton Brown.

Further fostering that welcoming feel, a beautiful vaulted guest lounge and dining area overlooks the panoramic vista and is furnished with plenty of comfortable armchairs, complimentary Nespresso coffee and a comprehensive honesty bar.

Breakfast and evening meals are also served in this light and airy space, cooked by passionate foodie Ian, whose seasonal menus focus on the finest fresh local produce.

Natural smoked haddock and world famous Stornoway black pudding feature on the breakfast carte, while mouth watering dinner dishes include seared Stornoway smoked salmon with crisp apple salad; loin of Lewis venison, red wine, juniper and redcurrant jus and sauté potatoes; homemade strawberry ice cream; and Scottish farmhouse cheeses.

And you won’t go thirsty at Broad Bay House with Ian and Marion’s carefully selected list of 20 fine wines ranging from classic clarets through to interesting new wines from Uruguay, as well as local beers and a number of unusual malt whiskies.

Guests also have free access to high speed wireless broadband, a guest laundry and drying room, a guest library, business room with computer and printer, a CD/DVD collection, bikes for loan, a new micro gym and air or ferry port collection.

Broad Bay House is also licensed to hold weddings for up to 12 people.

With direct flights from Glasgow, Edinburgh, Aberdeen and Inverness to Stornoway with FlyBe, and ferry links from Ullapool and Uig on Skye with Caledonian MacBrayne, getting to this Hebridean idyll is a relative hop, skip and a jump from the country’s major towns and cities.

Escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and live the Hebridean dream with a break at Broad Bay House.

Broad Bay House Back, Isle of Lewis, Western Isles HS2 0LQ
T: +44 (0)1851 820990
E: stay@broadbayhouse.co.uk
W: www.broadbayhouse.co.uk

And The UK

Train Chartering is expanding its private carriage and rail-based event planning services for escorted groups on scheduled trains in Europe and the UK following unprecedented client interest in the first half of 2009.

Train Chartering offers private carriages / rail cars in both 1st (First) and 2nd (Standard) Class on European and UK trains, including Eurostar and Thalys.

Groups are escorted by Train Chartering’s stewards who liaise with station staff and train crew. Train Chartering organises meeting and greeting facilities at stations as well as catering, branding and onboard entertainment options.

In addition, Train Chartering provides rail event planning at destination (specialising in Amsterdam, Brussels, Cologne, Lille, London and Paris) as well as onward multi-modal transfers through its Transport Charter division.

The client leader of a previous group to Paris commented, “The day in Paris was memorable – not a moment to spare; a real introduction to Paris. Train Chartering was excellent and very organised, keeping us to schedule so we could see so many of the sights.”

Train Chartering’s Simon Pielow knows why group travel in private carriages is growing in popularity, “Private carriages are ideal for smaller groups for which a complete chartered train is inappropriate. We still offer our project and guest management services as well as catering and entertainment. ”

Train Chartering is the pioneer of a coordinated approach to sourcing, theming and crewing special trains and carriages for a variety of corporate and leisure applications. This full service approach is enhanced by comprehensive guest management, including ground handling & transfer services.

Ten Historic Russian Themed Suites

The luxurious Grand Hotel Europe in St. Petersburg owned and operated by the legendary Orient-Express is pleased to announce the re-opening of its ten historic suites after a painstaking restoration project.

Located on the hotel’s Historic Floor, each suite has its own Russian historic name, with an interior to match, and reflects the rich history of both the hotel and St. Petersburg. Themes include Pavarotti, Stravinsky, Faberge and Romanov.

All of the suites are spacious, with an area of 55 to 97 square metres, and 4.3 metre-high ceilings. Each has a vestibule, a living room, a bedroom and a large bathroom. Their windows look out onto the most picturesque spot in the historic centre of St. Petersburg – Arts Square, with its monument dedicated to the great poet, Alexander Pushkin, and the building of the Noble Assembly.

The historic suites have retained their original 19th century features and style, thanks to restoration work carried out by French designer Michel Jouannet, who is renowned for his work at Hotel Cipriani in Venice and the Copacabana Palace in Rio-de-Janeiro. The Grand Hotel Europe is classified as a national and cultural landmark and is under a preservation order as a historical monument.

No. 105: The Pavarotti Suite is the room in which the celebrated Italian tenor stayed during his final tour in 2004.

This suite has always been a favourite with musicians due to the antique grand piano that stands in the living room. The interior is stylised in the spirit of the finest opera houses in the world – the Opera Garnier in Paris and La Scala in Italy.

The colour scheme is dominated by hues of gold and red, and the bathroom will be finished in contrasting types of black and pink marble.

No. 107: The Dostoevsky Suite is named after Fyodor Mikhailovich Dostoevsky, who was a frequent guest of the hotel. To capture the mood of this great Russian writer, the designer has chosen tones that are fresh, yet deep and serious. The walls are decorated with wallpaper featuring a 19th century style pattern, and the living room contains a large desk for literary work.

No. 109: The Imperial Yacht Suite is named after the Russian royal yacht, the Derzhava, which stunned contemporaries with the unprecedented opulence of its interiors. Shades of marine colours dominate the colour scheme of the suite, while the bathroom is decorated in green and cream marble.

No. 112: The Faberge Suite is named in honour of the renowned Russian jeweller, Carl Faberge. The interior will be designed in the finest traditions, embodying his works of art. The colour scheme is centred around shades of pink, lilac and golden tones, and the suite is furnished with light, almost white coloured furniture encrusted with precious stones and patina.

No. 113: The Mariinsky Suite is named in honour of the celebrated Mariinsky Theatre and its celebrated guests such as Anna Pavlova and the great choreographer, Marius Petipa. Other illustrious guests connected with the world of music and ballet, who have stayed at the hotel, include; Pyotr Tchaikovsky, Johann Strauss, Sergei Prokofiev and Dmitry Shostakovich. The suite is decorated in light blue tones to match those of the interior of the Mariinsky Theatre, and has a theatrical ambience to it.

No. 119: The Stravinsky Suite is named after the great composer Igor Fyodorovich Stravinsky, for whom the Evropeiskaya Hotel, as the Grand Hotel Europe was then known, was the first port of call when he returned to Russia 48 years after emigrating. His music is associated with spring and general awakening, and so the interior has joyful hues of spring-like green and the bathroom is also decorated in green marble.

No. 121: The Romanov Suite is named in honour of the Imperial Russian dynasty, members of which regularly frequented the hotel. The last tsar, Emperor Nicholas II, held diplomatic receptions in the hotel. This suite has a truly palatial atmosphere and is furnished with antique furniture featuring decorative gold moulding.

Suite No. 123: The Rossi Suite is named after the architect Carlo Rossi, who is closely linked to the hotel, since he designed both the hotel’s façade and the architectural ensemble of the adjacent Arts Square and Mikhailovskaya Ulitsa, on which the hotel is located. The Rossi Suite is decorated in classic “Rossi” white and yellow – the colours that are used in many of the architect’s masterpieces around St. Petersburg.

No. 125: The Amber Suite is named in honor of the famous Amber room at the Catherine Palace in Tsarskoye Selo, which is often referred to as ‘the eighth wonder of the world’. It features warm amber tones, in keeping with its name, and the bathroom is made with pink and yellow marble.

No. 127: The Lidval Suite is named in honour of Fyodor Ivanovich Lidval, one of the greatest architects working in St. Petersburg at the beginning of the 20th century, and an outstanding master of the Art Nouveau style. Lidval also helped to redesign the interiors at Grand Hotel Europe from 1908 to 1914. The suite consists of a large living room with a winter garden on a small, glass-covered veranda.

The historic suites start from RUB 51,480 (approx. USD 1,655) per room per night.

For more information on Grand Hotel Europe, visit www.grandhoteleurope.com

Utilizing organic ingredients with touches of pomelo, Melo Spa offers unique treatments at nine all-inclusive spa suites with calming harbour and mountain views.

When conceiving Melo Spa at the new Hyatt Regency Hong Kong, Sha Tin—the first international branded spa in the New Territories—its creators did not need to travel far for inspiration. Sha Tin is famous for its pomelo (in Cantonese, pomelo directly translates as ‘Sha Tin grapefruit’) and not only did the fruit inspire the spa’s mellifluous name, but pomelo skin and fruit are incorporated into all the signature treatments.

As with all Hyatt Pure spas, Melo Spa aims to offer a unique spa experience inspired by the location’s native culture and its natural surroundings. Consulting local specialists to ensure authenticity, treatments are developed using locally grown ingredients and create a balance between traditional, time-proven practices often dating back thousands of years and the latest international spa techniques.

In the case of Melo Spa, its countryside location surrounded by mountains and harbour inspired the use of natural materials and colours in the interior décor and half of the spa suites feature private outdoor terraces for guests to take advantage of the clean air. (The air in Sha Tin is officially recorded as among the cleanest in Hong Kong.) Oversized picture windows, nature-themed art and sculptures and an extensive use of shell and bamboo wood in the furnishings and accessories (even the linen is lined in bamboo silk) also serve to ‘bring the outside in’.

To create an indigenous experience, treatments utilise local ingredients known for their natural healing abilities, such as mango, pomegranate, rice bran and of course the Sha Tin pomelo. Elements of traditional Chinese medicine have been incorporated into treatments, with certain massages including deep tissue techniques and focusing on acupressure points, meridian lines and the lymphatic system.

Located on the 5th floor of Hyatt Regency Hong Kong, Sha Tin, Melo Spa measures a capacious 7,500 square feet and houses nine spa suites: five facing Tolo Harbour and four with private outdoor terraces overlooking the mountains. The residential-style suites are designed to be all-inclusive, featuring large whirlpool bath tubs, oversized rain shower cubicles, lounge areas, changing areas, grooming stations and separate WCs, alongside the main treatment space.

There are two double suites, each with a private steam room, and the largest 56 square metre VIP suite features a 42 inch LCD TV opposite the whirlpool tub. The relaxing music throughout Melo Spa has been created to resemble ‘sunlight on water’ — soothing but at the same time appropriately citrus-like and effervescent.

On arrival at Melo Spa, visitors are greeted by the spa concierge as well as their therapist, and escorted to the spa suite. After changing into plush cashmere-like robes, guests are seated in their own suite and offered a pomelo iced tea to cleanse, hydrate and provide a vitamin boost before their treatment commences. After a brief consultation, the therapist performs a welcoming foot ritual comprising a soak in warm pomelo water infused with citrus slices, eucalyptus and peppermint oil, followed by a foot massage with citrus oils.

The entire treatment menu centres on four distinct categories: Vitality, featuring treatments to invigorate and recharge; Brilliance, consisting of anti-ageing methods that brighten and enhance; Rejuvenation offering treatments that nourish and hydrate; and Wellness with holistic, detoxifying and realigning experiences, often rooted in traditional Chinese medicine.

Those looking for the ultimate Melo Spa experience will opt for one of the Melo Meditations packages, all of which are preceded with a complimentary 30-minute hydrotherapy soak. Inspired by the spiritual bathing habits of ancient China, when people would steep in pomelo infused waters to ward off negative energy, the Melo Signature Bath treatment is infused with pomelo tonic and the signature Melo Spa Aromatherapy Blend of pomelo, grapefruit and lemon essential oils.

The signature Vitality program commences with a Melo Marmalade Polish, using a custom-designed body scrub of dried and chopped pomelo rind, brown sugar, honey, cinnamon and citrus oils, freshly prepared each day. Once suitably sloughed, the experience continues with the Melo Signature Massage, an invigorating deep tissue massage using a pomelo- and lemon-infused oil to revitalise the body and mind.

Guests may opt to complement their Melo Signature Massage with Pomelo sea salt & Herbal Compress Therapy, where hessian compresses packed with pomelo rind, eucalyptus, turmeric and cumin are steamed in pomelo tonic, then massaged over the body to stimulate circulation.

The Vitality program culminates with a Melo Signature C Facial using Eminence products, exclusive in Hong Kong to Hyatt Regency Hong Kong, Sha Tin. Made from hand-picked, organically-grown herbs, fruits and flowers plus pure water drawn from a subterranean thermal lake in Hungary, Eminence products contain no chemicals or preservatives and are ranked by industry experts as featuring the highest ratio of organic ingredients in the world (over 75%).

Another signature treatment is the Melo Mango Enzyme Envelopment, which commences with the Melo Marmalade Polish after which the body is covered in Eminence’s antioxidant-rich cream of mango, pomelo, grapefruit and pineapple extracts, followed by thin slices of fresh pomelo. The body is then wrapped in a heated blanket, and guests are given a soothing head massage while the fruits’ vitamins, nutrients and carotenoids work their antioxidant wonder.

Melo Moments is a separate 56 square-metre space featuring 12 custom-designed lounge chairs with built-in foot basins, perfect for pampering parties or ‘sparties’ as they’re becoming increasingly dubbed. Wrapped in Kashwere robes and slippers, groups can enjoy foot massages, manicures, pedicures and head and shoulder massages, alongside champagne, cake or any other F&B requests. Melo Moments is an ideal venue for bridal showers, significant birthdays or corporate gatherings.

As well as accommodating international visitors, Hyatt Regency Hong Kong, Sha Tin has been conceived as a neighbourhood hotel, with Melo Spa as a family-friendly haven where mother and daughter or father and son can come to reconnect with nature and each other. Melo Men menu offers treatments with masculine appeal such as a Hong Kong Deep Tissue massage which incorporates Swedish, shiatsu and sports techniques, and Mineral Treatment — a deep cleansing bodywrap that utilises an abundance of herbs, mint, champagne grapes and orange to cleanse the skin and detoxify. Meanwhile, the Melo Kids menu includes treatments such Dainty Feet Foot Massage, Mini Mani and Sensitive Soothing Facial, using products appropriate for delicate skin. (Melo spa is licensed to treat children from age five.)

As well as celebratory sparties, teenagers will be interested in the Melo Spa Workshops, where therapists will provide lessons on making their own lip balms and scrubs, which they can take home afterwards, along with complimentary Melo Chocolates.

“We hope to become a real neighbourhood spa and part of the local community,” says Melo Spa Manager Nichola Roche. “We’ve tried to create a sanctuary that is warm and welcoming, a spa that doesn’t feel intimidating or elitist, but one which does provide an elite experience and service level. By launching the first international five star spa in the New Territories, we hope to raise the spa benchmark in the area.”

Learn To Cook In Vietnam

Stay Overnight On A Junk-Boat Or In A Farmer’s House In The Mekong Delta

Authentic Experiences In First Indochina Brochure From Wendy Wu Tours

If you are looking for a special experience of Indochina, whether it includes learning to cook authentic local cuisine in Vietnam, or staying in unusual accommodation such as a traditional junk-boat or a farmer’s house in the Mekong Delta, then look no further than Wendy Wu Tours’ first dedicated Indochina brochure, which features a range of new escorted tours to Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos.

Staying overnight at a local farmer’s house in Vietnam’s Mekong Delta, where you participate in cooking the evening meal after having explored floating markets, villages and plantations is available in the ‘Vietnam Highlights’ tour, an 16 night fully inclusive tour of the country.

It also includes an overnight stay in a traditionally designed junk boat in Halong Bay as well as a cooking class in Hue, where participants learn to cook local dishes designed for the Vietnamese Royal Court. Priced from £2,190 per person to include international flights, departure taxes, current fuel surcharges, domestic transportation, all meals, daily tours, entrance fees and visa fees for UK passport holders.

Overall, tours range between 10 and 28 days and prices start from £1,690 per person for a ten day Vietnam Impressions fully inclusive escorted tour. There is also a £100 per person reduction on any Indochina tour booked from the new brochure by the end of July for travel this year.

A range of tours are featured for the first time and highlight some of the best parts of Vietnam, Cambodia and China. These include:

‘Vietnam at a Glance’ – 13 nights from £2,290pp

This tour includes the best of Vietnam, from the Mekong Delta in the south to Halong Bay in the north as well as the town of Hoi An for some time at leisure. The tour also features three relaxing days on Cat Ba Island, enjoying the national park and beach

Classical Vietnam – 14 nights from £2,890pp (based on 4 & 5 star hotels)
See Vietnam in style, staying at deluxe hotels, some with historic origins and at a slower-paced itinerary allowing plenty of time to really experience Vietnam.

Around Cambodia – 12 nights from £2,490pp

The famous temples of Angkor are the central highlight of this tour; but the itinerary also takes an in-depth look at regions of this country not normally visited by mass tourism, from French colonial towns to local villages and exploring the real Cambodia.

Treasures of Vietnam & China – 25 nights from £3,290pp.

Explore two of Asia’s most fascinating countries on one comprehensive tour which includes Halong Bay and Guilin, mixed with the history of Hoi An, Xian and Beijing.

Private tours are also available, and these can be added onto the start or end of escorted group tours. Options include short stays in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos as well as beach stays in Vietnam and Thailand plus Hong Kong, Macau and Bangkok Extensions.

For bookings or further information call Wendy Wu Tours on 0844 499 3899 or visit www.wendywutours.co.uk

Family Fun in the Sun at The Bel Air Resort & Spa, Panwa – Phuket

Phuket’s Most Spacious All-Suite Family Resort Awaits You! The Bel Air Resort & Spa, Panwa – Phuket announces the start of the vacation season with the launch of its “FAMILY FUN IN THE SUN” promotions.

Experience a true family vacation offering special rates starting from ONLY 1,950 Thai Baht nett/night for a 2-Bedroom Suite (106 sqm with ocean view), 2,950 nett/night for a 2-Bedroom Pool Access Suite (106 sqm with terrace access to 100 m long lap pool), 2,950 nett/night for a 2-Bedroom Plunge Pool Suite (149 sqm with private pool) and 3,500 nett/night for a 3-Bedroom Family Suite (162 sqm).

The special rates are inclusive of complimentary transportation roundtrip transfers from and to Phuket International Airport; Breakfast for 4 persons; free access to multi venue Kids World, free wireless internet access, discount of 50% on all food and beverage, discount of 50% on laundry services and late check-out up to 6:00 p.m. (subject to availability).

Rates are net and inclusive of service charge, VAT and subject to availability.

The Bel Air Resort & Spa, Panwa – Phuket features the largest and most spacious ocean view suites in Phuket. Each of the 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom suites showcase a panoramic view of the sea situated by the Cape of Panwa on the Southeast part of Phuket.

The suites are equipped with the finest modern amenities such as televisions with DVD players, personalized kitchen and private on-call butler service, making in-room dining a pleasure.

All suites have an open balcony with breathtaking sea views or garden views. Selected suites and plunge pool suites also provide private and direct pool access at the edge of the balcony making it ideal for families.

There is the Giovanni’s Restaurant & Bar serving international cuisine with a selection of wines, seafood & Thai dishes, while the open-air restaurant with an outdoor terrace seating area, overlooking the main pool, with theme buffets is called Panwa Poolside Bar.

The Kids World with different sections for different ages, offers play stations, internet café, movie room, juice bar, indoor & outdoor games, all in a spacious setting, and supervised with love.

The Capri Beach Club, located only 1.5 km from the resort, around 3 minutes by our free shuttle bus provides loungers with side tables and umbrellas to enjoy the sun, sea and sand in complete relaxation in utmost exclusivity and privacy.

The resort’s beach shuttle runs every 30 minutes from the resort to the beach. Beachside BBQs in the evening can be arranged.

For more information or to book now, please contact res@belairpanwa.com  and state ‘Fun promotion’, period of booking, flight details, full name, total number of guests and any special requests you may have. This Special Direct Booking Summer Vacation Season Promotion is valid from now until 31 October 2009.

Contact Telephone +66 76 393 620 Fax +66 76 200 774 or through the Bangkok Sales Office: HOTELCORP Ltd. 5th Floor, Q House Convent, 38 Convent Road, Silom, Bangrak, Bangkok 10500 Thailand at Telephone: +66 2266 7316 and Fax +66 2266 7315 or email Reservations: res@belairpanwa.com  and visit www.belairpanwaresort.com

The Bel Air Panwa Resort & Spa, Panwa – Phuket is located at 89/9 Moo 7, Sakdidet Road, T. Wichit, A. Muang, Phuket 83000, Thailand.

About HOTELCORP LTD.

HOTELCORP LTD. (HCL) is one of Thailand’s largest privately held hospitality management companies. Established in 2004, HCL has over 1000 hotel rooms under full management contracts and sales and marketing agreements, with multiple new regional developments under way.

In addition to the many services provided, HCL is privileged to be appointed by Wyndham Worldwide, one of the world’s largest lodging franchisors and a globally recognized name in the hospitality industry, as their exclusive consultant in Thailand.

HCL’ Hotels and Resorts own brands include Esprezzo Hotels, Hotel UNO as well as Bel Air Resorts. More information about HCL can be found at www.hotelcorpltd.com

W Hotels Worldwide unveiled a new “Extreme Wow Suite,” designed by Jouin Manku, the architectural firm of Paris-based designer Patrick Jouin and his associate Sanjit Manku.

An interpretation of the conventional hotel Presidential Suite, the “Extreme Wow Suite” has been a part of W Hotels vernacular since the brand was founded in 1998.

To further emphasize the importance of innovation and design, W Hotels engaged Jouin Manku to design a forward-looking, innovative lifestyle experience created in a three-dimensional installation.

The “Extreme Wow Suite” will be unveiled this week at the Instituto Tomie Ohtake in Sao Paolo, Brazil as part of a special touring exhibition entitled “Le Paris de Patrick Jouin.”

The W Hotels “Extreme Wow Suite” will be featured in the context of an art museum, providing a work-of-art-in-progress feel, as opposed to a polished model room.

The installation is draft-like in that certain elements are refined and reworked to a sophisticated finish, emphasized by the use of color, lighting, texture and materials, while others remain in development, outlined softly in white, giving the impression of a three-dimensional sketch or an evolving project in motion.

As “The Year of France in Brazil” celebrations continue this year, Jouin has been asked to exhibit his designs at the launch in Sao Paulo.

The event will include a rich and diverse sample of Jouin’s projects over the past 10 years, including more than 150 objects from 50 different projects created in collaboration with manufacturers and designers all over the world. “Le Paris de Patrick Jouin” will run from July 29 to Sept. 27, 2009, at the Instituto Tomie Ohtake, a non-profit organization showcasing visual arts, architecture and design. The exhibition will then travel to soon-to-be-announced key international destinations in Europe and Asia.

W Hotels will soon debut in South America with the opening of W Santiago, slated to open this August. Developed by The Territoria Group and with interiors by international designer Tony Chi, W Santiago will feature a Whiskey Blue, from nightlife entrepreneurs Rande Gerber and Scott Gerber; signature W lounge experience; Osaka, featuring a menu of Peruvian-Asian cuisine by Chef Ciro Watanabe; NoSo and Terrasur, Mediterranean restaurants by Chef Jean-Paul Bondoux; a Tea Library; a lively Wine Bar; and W Hotels The Store, W’s hotel gift shop.