Jetsettersblog

The new dining concept at the Wyndham Grand London Chelsea Harbour, Restaurant TwentyTen, opened on Oct. 20, 2010.

Restaurant TwentyTen is based around a seasonal, fresh and locally sourced food ethos and is overseen by head Chef Will Colmenares.

A signature “Tasting Table” together with a full à la carte menu means guests at Restaurant TwentyTen will enjoy flexible, modern dining, choosing the kind of dining experience they desire.

At breakfast, the tasting table will feature a selection of pastries, hot and cold cereals, in-house made granola and a “fruit chef” who will cut fruits and create fruit juices on request to provide a healthy start to the day.

The lunch tasting table will feature specialty salads and a menu of international and local main courses including daily seafood selections and farm-fresh produce.

This will run alongside the à la carte menu, a key feature of which is the Aberdeen beef, aged for 28 days.

Dinner will offer another interpretation of the tasting table with complimentary hors d’oeuvres, followed by varied main dishes.

The à la carte menu will feature global influences, but use classic technique and feature seasonal specialties.

Restaurant TwentyTen, which highlights local cuisine and the freshest produce available, will continue to evolve and next year will become Restaurant TwentyEleven, featuring guest chefs from around the world to further embrace the concept.

For reservations or more information, visit www.wyndhamgrandlondon.co.uk

Wyndham Hotel Group has signed an agreement to open its first TRYP by Wyndham property in North America: the 173-room TRYP New York City – Times Square South. The hotel, expected to be completed by the second quarter of 2011, is under construction in the heart of Manhattan at 345 West 35th Street between Eighth and Ninth Avenues.

Owned by Eros Management Realty, LLC and developed by Flintlock Construction Services, LLC, the hotel will be managed by Wyndham Hotels Management, Inc.

“We are thrilled to debut our exciting new brand in North America and look forward to introducing the TRYP by Wyndham brand to business and leisure travelers from around the world,” said Jeff Wagoner, president of Wyndham Hotels and Resorts

“The opening of the TRYP New York City – Times Square South will signify an integral milestone in our plans to expand the brand into key markets throughout the U.S. and internationally.”

Wyndham Hotel Group acquired the TRYP hotel brand from Sol Meliá Hotels & Resorts of Spain in June.

TRYP by Wyndham, a select-service, mid-priced brand, currently caters to business and leisure travelers in cosmopolitan cities including Madrid and Barcelona in Spain; Paris; Lisbon, Portugal; Frankfurt, Germany; Buenos Aires, Argentina; Sao Paulo, Brazil; and Montevideo, Uruguay.

The new hotel, located at a historic building site, will put guests within walking distance of key business centers and some of New York City’s top attractions, including world-class shopping and dining, Times Square, the Empire State Building and the world-famous Madison Square Garden. In addition to spacious, standard guest rooms, the TRYP New York City-Times Square South will feature the signature guest rooms that have become a staple of the brand in its European and South American properties.

Fitness rooms will feature a fitness machine and complimentary fitness attire, offering guests privacy while maintaining their workout routines.

Family rooms will serve as ideal accommodations for families with small children, featuring a large bed for parents and bunk beds for children.

Guests will be treated to an open, social environment as they enter the hotel lobby.

The property will also feature a fitness center, a business center and function space accommodating up to 100 meeting attendees The hotel joins Wyndham Hotels and Resorts sister properties in Manhattan including the Wyndham Garden Hotel Times Square South on West 36th Street, Wyndham Garden Hotel Manhattan Chelsea West on West 24th Street and the Wingate by Wyndham on West 35th Street.

The TRYP by Wyndham brand anticipates property openings in Berlin, Germany; Medellín, Colombia; and Madrid, Spain – its 15th hotel opening in this city – by the end of this year. As part of a previously announced strategic alliance, Wyndham Hotel Group and Sol Meliá will work together to develop the TRYP by Wyndham brand globally and market the brand through their central reservations systems and loyalty programs. TRYP by Wyndham represents over 90 hotels and approximately 13,000 rooms across Europe and the Americas.

Hilton Hotels & Resorts has unveils eforea: spa at Hilton, its new global spa concept. eforea: spa at Hilton features an exclusive menu of treatment journeys and innovative design elements, all providing a turnkey spa solution that owners can easily implement and customize. Hilton said it pulled the best elements and practices from Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and the Americas to create a unique concept for today’s global travelers.

Hilton is one of the largest providers of spa services with 123 in operation at its properties worldwide.

The Hilton brand currently has more than 80 properties in development that are committed to including a spa and anticipates that the spa of choice for these properties will be eforea.

“Today we raise the on-property spa experience to a new level with the introduction of our innovative global spa concept – eforea: spa at Hilton,” said Dave Horton, global head of the Hilton Hotels & Resorts brand.

“eforea delivers the high standards guests expect from Hilton and further reinforces our position as the stylish, forward-thinking leader of global hospitality.

“Today’s opening at Hilton Short Hills and more than 80 spas currently in our global pipeline, eforea has the potential to evolve the spa segment of our industry on a global scale.”

The first eforea: spa at Hilton, debuts today at Hilton Short Hills, a AAA Four Diamond hotel located in Short Hills, N.J., and 45 minutes outside of Manhattan.

The grand opening celebration includes a fashion show in collaboration with Boho, an eco-fashion, lifestyle magazine; and a book signing with celebrity chef Bethenny Frankel in support of the American Cancer Society. Other openings are scheduled to follow in Thailand, Australia, United Arab Emirates, Japan and the Maldives. Designed by the flagship brand of Hilton Worldwide, eforea will also be available at Doubletree and Embassy Suites Hotels properties.

In creating eforea, Hilton said it is seeking to concept name as unique as the iconic Hilton brand and transcends the languages of the 76 countries it serves. Business and leisure travelers are looking for ways to attain a calmer, more spiritual place, so the name eforea was created to describe that place. The eforea brand promise is to bring balance and wellness to the body and take guests on a transformative journey

At the core of the eforea concept are three signature spa journeys that pair a therapeutic approach with transformative journeys of the senses. The Essentials Journey features Kerstin Florian products along with a Signature Correcting Facial featuring Microcurrent technology.

The Escape Journey is a set of holistic experiences fusing organic plant ingredients with traditional healing practices such as the Hilton Head-to-Toe Revitalization, an experience using products from the LI’TYA organic product line.

Making men a priority, Hilton created its custom Men’s Journey, a collection of goal driven treatments engineered for men including the Signature Body Repair with a heated bamboo massage created especially for Hilton.

Each journey is comprised of a selection of face, body, and massage treatments with select add-in options.

The eforea concept features innovative elements to create memorable experiences in a “purposefully modern” setting.

A notable element is the Vichy shower design that will be featured in eforea spas.

Spa aficionados will notice the intimate and comfortable feel of the cocoon-like, signature-curved walls of the vichy shower room, creating a warm, relaxing environment compared to the traditional cold, clinical shower rooms.

Another technology that will be featured in eforea spas is the K-Lift, Age Management System, providing a multi-phase approach that combines Red LED Light, advanced Impulsed MicroCurrent and a Transdermal Delivery System to achieve a smooth, lifted appearance.

A cornerstone of the eforea experience is synergy between the world’s leading hospitality company and some of the world’s top spa product brands chosen for their exceptional quality and expertise.

Kerstin Florian offers a progressive range of results-oriented European facial, body and bath products and treatments sourced from natural resources that include algae, mud, herbal extracts, thermal mineral water and essential oils.

LI’TYA draws on the revitalizing and restorative powers of Australia’s native resources to provide a holistic spa experience. VitaMan provides a comprehensive line of Australian-made natural spa and grooming products formulated specifically for men.

“Hotel owners and investors have long been searching for a turnkey spa solution that is easy to implement yet meets guests’ needs across the globe,” said Tyra Lowman, senior director of spas -full service and luxury brands, Hilton Worldwide. “eforea’s new cutting-edge design concept is complemented by the ease of standard operating procedures, global supply agreements, an exclusive treatment menu and training – which together can make opening a new spa simpler and more profitable for our hotels.”

For more information, visit www.hiltonglobalmediacenter.com/eforea

Best holiday for the boys has to be cruising along the Skyline Drive on the crest of the Blue Ridge Mountains on a Harley Davidson motorcycle, with the eagles riding the thermals next to you, then dropping down to the valley floor as the green fields and vineyards flash by. Book a Harley holiday from just £1605.00 with at www.HCTravel.com  and learn more about the Virginia and the trails at www.capitalregionusa.org/Trip-Ideas/Scenic-Drives/Skyline-Drive

Best for the energetic is a canoe, bicycle or even speed boat experience in Maryland with Blackwater Paddle and Pedal Adventures.

Chose from the adrenalin jolt of piloting a Sea Doo Speedster along the Choptank River, a calmer canoe adventure or full pedal power along the picturesque countryside of Dorchester County.

For more information and to make reservations go to www.BlackwaterPaddleandPedal.com

Best for mental stimulation has to be a treasure hunt that includes three of the Smithsonian museums in Washington, DC.

Authentic, antique items are used to create a complete treasure hunt package, including all the extensive leg-work in preparing clues so the adventure is completely turn-key.

There are no clues for you to hide and no treasure to bury, just a great adventure to be had. Intrigued?

Go to www.doublekeytreasurehunts.com  to learn more or book your Washington, DC hunt package for just $129.

Trafalgar has introduced a new series of 2011 Europe and Britain At Leisure vacations, which offer a great way for clients to rediscover the romance of travel in Europe and Britain with a new touring style.

Trafalgar taken guided vacations and built in more choice, more opportunity for in-depth experiences, and more freedom than ever before.

With an At Leisure vacation, clients can experience a Europe vacation in a way that suits their individual style. In addition, clients who book and pay in full by Dec. 30 for 2011 Europe departures can get air for the second traveler for $299.

The new At Leisure style of travel offers all advantages of Trafalgar’s vast experience in creating exceptional vacations, as well as having the time to explore each remarkable destination in their own way.

Trafalgar’s At Leisure Vacations offer minimum stays of at least two nights on average and up to six nights in some destinations.

Departures are no earlier than 9 a.m. on traveling days.

There’s also substantial free time for independent discovery in each destination and complimentary hop on/hop off city sightseeing. At Leisure also offers in-depth sightseeing with Trafalgar’s tour directors and local guides.

For 2011, Trafalgar is offering a total of 15 At Leisure itineraries, exploring the depth and breadth of Europe.

For example, Royal Britain, a 10-day program, allows clients spend three days exploring London, take a ferry across to the Isle of Wight, stroll along Brighton Pier and discover Chartwell, once the home of Sir Winston Churchill.

The program is priced from $2,199 per person (land only) based on double occupancy. Madrid, Seville & Barcelona is a nine-day program featuring flamenco performances, a visit to Gaudi’s Sagrada Familia and the coastline of Sitges.

The tour is priced from $1,999 per person (land only) based on double occupancy.

Flavors of Italy is an 11-day program featuring visits to Rome, Florence, Pisa and Venice.

Clients visit St. Peter’s Basilica, see Michelangelo’s David, visit an olive mill for tasting and a delicious lunch, see the Leaning Tower of Pisa, and enjoy a cruise along the Grand Canal in Venice.

The program is priced from $2,750 per person (land only) based on double occupancy. For more information, call 800-854-0103 or visit www.trafalgartours.com

The latest in “virtual meeting” technology will debut at four hotels in Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. European portfolio.

The Le Méridien Etoile, Le Méridien Brussels, Le Méridien Parkhotel Frankfurt and the Le Méridien Munich will become the first of Starwood’s European properties to introduce new meeting facilities showcasing Cisco Telepresence technology.

All properties currently feature the new suites except the Le Méridien Parkhotel Frankfurt, which will debut its new facilities in late November.

The new facilities are part of a year-old partnership between Starwood Hotels and Tata Communications to build Cisco Telepresence rooms at properties worldwide. Starwood unveiled its first in-hotel Telepresence meeting suites earlier this year at The Sheraton Toronto, W Chicago City Center, the Sheraton on the Park Sydney and, more recently, at the Sheraton Kuwait City.

In late 2010, the Sheraton New York and The Westin Los Angeles Airport also introduced their own meeting suites. Other Starwood locations planning to launch soon include key domestic and international business markets such as Dallas, San Francisco and Hong Kong.

The public rooms located within each Starwood hotel will be linked to a wider Tata Communications Telepresence network via its Global Meeting Exchange.

The Exchange enables meetings to take place between any private or public room on its network, as well as rooms on the networks of Tata Communications’ Intercarrier-Exchange partners, BT and Telefonica, and the National Lamda Rail network, which links leading U.S. universities.

This network reach makes Telepresence a global collaboration tool. As an industry first, reservations for these telepresence rooms can be made instantly using the Tata Communications online portal,

www.tatacommunications.com

 with a convenient payment capability that accepts all major credit cards.

Telepresence provides life-like, high-definition conferencing facilities with superior audio, video and environmental qualities allowing participants to meet their colleagues, customers and business partners across a virtual table.

Participants in Telepresence meetings will feel that they are in the same room together regardless of where they are individually located in the world.

This creates the potential to improve all sorts of business interaction through better and more frequent meetings, resulting in stronger customer relationships and accelerated sales cycles, better project management and tighter integration of remote offices.

Tata Communications currently has the largest global network of public Telepresence rooms and is present in 21 major cities across five continents covering the U.S., Canada, the U.K., France, Belgium, Germany, the Netherlands, Kuwait, South Africa, India, The Philippines, Singapore and Australia.

For more information, visit www.tatacommunications.com

The Four Seasons Denver officially opened its doors on Oct. 19, 2010.

The 239-room property, located in the city’s theater and Central Business District, features Edge Restaurant and Bar, spa, fitness center and rooftop pool, event spaces and nearly 1,200 works by local artists.

Room rates start at $180 per night through Jan. 31, 2011.

Additional packages include Second Night and Companion on Us, which invites two guests to enjoy two nights for the price of one, with a complimentary spa treatment and meal for the second guest; Eat Shop and Spa, with gift cards for local shops, a complimentary spa treatment and a meal at Edge Restaurant; and Experience More, which includes a $25 hotel credit. For more information, visit www.fourseasons.com

Loews Hotels is rolling out a new customer satisfaction program for meeting planners assuring any meetings held at a Loews hotel will receive the highest quality of service.

The Loews Service Guarantee states that, upon the signing of the contract, the planner will be given a direct phone number to Jack Adler, president and chief operating officer of Loews Hotels, to be used if the meeting planner is in any way dissatisfied with their group’s experience at any Loews property. Over the past four years, Loews Hotels has invested over 264,000 training hours in its employees.

For reservations or more information on Loews Service Guarantee, call 800-23-LOEWS or visit www.loewshotels.com/meetings

Many large hotel chains are investing in Panama, including the first Waldorf Astoria hotel in Latin America.

The Panamera is scheduled to open by the middle of next year in Panama City.

Also, Starwood Hotels announced the opening of their first Westin hotel in the area of Playa Bonita for early 2011.

A second property in the capital city is scheduled for 2012.

Among the hotels recently opened in Panama is Riu Plaza, a luxury hotel with 645 rooms, located in the financial district and representing an investment of $120 million.

The hotel offers 4,941 square meters of meeting space distributed in 21 conference rooms, ideal for meetings and conventions.

It has a capacity for 1,300 people which includes a wide terrace with over 1,800 square meters for outdoor events.

Breezes Resort Panama opened at the end of 2009 and is the first Super Inclusive resort in Central America.

It has 294 rooms, four restaurants, three pools and spa, as well as wide range of activities.

Further, between 2010 and 2011, Hilton Hotels will be opening four hotels — Hilton Panama, Embassy Suites, Doubletree by Hilton and Hilton Garden Inn.

The Hilton Panama, a 27-floor hotel with 351 rooms, will offer amenities that include an 800-square-meter fitness center, more than 1,000 square meters for a spa, outdoor terrace swimming pool and a Las Vegas-style casino.

It will also have 2,050 square feet of meeting space and a ballroom.

The Embassy Suites, a 21-floor hotel, will offer more than 1,440 square meters in meeting space and 1.200 square meters in recreational space.

The growth of hotels in Panama is projected to continue beyond 2011.

The Ramada Plaza & Casino, Days Inn and Gran Terminal will be opened during 2012. It is expected that in the next five years, 24 additional new hotel projects will be opened around the country.

For more information, go to

www.visitpanama.com

Accelerating growth in Latin America, Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. announced its return to Costa Rica with the opening of The Westin Playa Conchal Resort & Spa in May 2011.

Marking a milestone in Starwood’s history, The Westin Playa Conchal Resort & Spa will also be the first all-inclusive resort in Starwood’s global portfolio.

Starwood and Desarrollos Hoteleros Guanagaste, a fully owned subsidiary of Reserva Conchal, signed a management agreement to re-flag the Paradisus Playa Conchal Resort in Guanacaste as a Westin.

The property will undergo extensive renovations to its 406 suites and all public areas.

The Westin Playa Conchal Resort & Spa is 45 minutes from Guanacaste International Airport. Centered around a lagoon-style pool, the resort features gardens, suites, thatch-roofed bungalows and ocean and forest views in addition to a signature Westin Spa.

The resort will also offer a variety of outdoor recreation and nightly entertainment.

The resort is located adjacent to the championship Robert Trent Jones II golf facility, and features several restaurants serving both local and international cuisine.

The Westin Playa Conchal Resort & Spa will be the first Starwood property in Costa Rica in 20 years and the newest member of the Westin brand’s resorts portfolio.

The Westin Sensory Welcome will welcome guests as they enter the resort with its White Tea by Westin fragrance, gentle music, botanicals and mood lighting.

Other signature Westin features of the resort will include the Heavenly Bed, the Westin Heavenly Bath experience and in-room, high-speed Internet access and an ergonomic work space.

The Westin Playa Conchal Resort & Spa will feature 6,500 square feet of meeting and banquet facilities, as well as a WestinWorkOut gym.