Park Hyatt Sanya Sunny Bay Resort Opens

Read article : Park Hyatt Sanya Sunny Bay Resort Opens

By: Hyatt Hotels & Resorts |  0 Shares     12 Reads

Opening sets new standard of luxury for Sanya Island in China

February 02, 2015 // Franchising.com // CHICAGO – Hyatt Hotels Corporation (NYSE: H) today announced the opening of Park Hyatt Sanya Sunny Bay Resort in Sanya on Hainan Island, China’s southernmost province widely known as "the Hawaii of China." The hotel marks the fifth Park Hyatt hotel in China, as well as the 35th Park Hyatt hotel in the world.

Situated on a stunning inlet and featuring a private lake and white-sand beach, Park Hyatt Sanya Sunny Bay Resort combines the luxury of privacy and exclusivity with accessibility, being a mere three mile drive from Yalong Bay, the island’s most popular tourist destination.

"We are delighted to introduce the Park Hyatt brand to Sanya," said David Udell, Group President, Asia Pacific, Hyatt Hotels Corporation. "This opening is a testament to our commitment to strategic, thoughtful and purposeful growth in China. The tourism and hospitality industry in Sanya has been booming in recent years, and we are proud that the Park Hyatt brand can be part of that growth. We look forward to welcoming travelers to our most premium brand, where we create sophisticated and enriching experiences."

"It is extremely exciting for us to open our doors in this incredibly unique location -- a place where our guests can enjoy privacy and exclusive access to our beautiful bay and beach overlooking some of the most breathtaking views in Sanya, all while remaining close to the vibrant Yalong Bay only minutes away," said Nicholas Lacey, General Manager, Park Hyatt Sanya Sunny Bay Resort. "Topped off with the elegantly designed spaces and personalized service that Park Hyatt hotels are known for, Park Hyatt Sanya Sunny Bay Resort will be a sanctuary for our many guests from around the world."

Design and Guestrooms

Park Hyatt Sanya Sunny Bay Resort was created by the award-winning Belgian architect, Jean-Michel Gathy of the renowned design-consultancy firm, Denniston. The strikingly modernist development comprises six standalone, arch-shaped buildings designed to allow chi, the traditional Chinese notion of energy, to flow unhindered between ocean and mountains. Set amid the lush landscape next to the beautiful Nan Hu Lake, the placement of every building and internal space has been carefully considered to maximize guests’ enjoyment of the breathtaking view. The six buildings are linked by wide walkways and are decorated with paintings and sculptures to create a tranquil and rarefied art-walk experience.

Designed to replicate the feeling of living in a private mansion by the sea, the sophisticated, elegant interiors are residential in style with a subtle Chinese sensibility. As in private homes, the spaces are wholly flexible. Park Hyatt Sanya Sunny Bay Resort features 207 luxurious guestrooms, including 26 suites and 17 villas. At almost 700 square feet, the standard rooms are among the largest on the island, and almost all of the guestrooms enjoy unadulterated views of the South China Sea.

Drinking and Dining

The ethos of the international culinary team at Park Hyatt Sanya Sunny Bay Resort is to offer a range of authentic Chinese and Western dishes that incorporate ingredients of the highest quality, sourced locally wherever possible. In keeping with the residential concept and ambience of a resort setting, guests are welcome to order from the menu or request bespoke dishes as relaxed and freely as they might do at home. The culinary team is primed to create unique and memorable dining experiences for guests, whether it is a champagne breakfast on the beach, a family barbecue in the villa, or a sunset supper on a yacht.

There are eight main drinking and dining venues: Dining Room, Cellar, Pool House, Pool Bar, Bath House, Library, Terrace and Tea House, following the notion of rooms within a large residence. At each establishment, guests can order from the menus of any of the other dining venues.

Dining Room is the main residential-style dining space offering Chinese cuisine focusing on seafood and steaks. Cellar is a cozy extension of the Dining Room, offering private dining in an intimate setting.

Next to Cellar, in a traditional Chinese-style building topped with ceramic-roof tiles, is Tea House. The impressive, light-filled space, featuring a mezzanine floor and a 30-foot high ceiling strung with myriad birdcages, will serve a premium selection of Chinese teas, an afternoon tea menu, and regional Chinese cuisine.

Guests can also enjoy Western and Chinese comfort food such as pizza, burgers or chilled noodles, either at Pool House, Pool Bar, or Bath House alongside the pools. Library and Terrace are also great choices for guests who want to relax and read a good book – or take in the ocean views – while sipping on a cold drink or a premium cocktail.

Meetings and Events

Park Hyatt Sanya Sunny Bay Resort aims to be the most desirable, upscale event venue in Hainan. The hotel features eight unique, residential-style event venues, ranging from 450 square feet to over 3,600 square feet. All venues feature an abundance of natural light, outdoor terraces and state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment and lighting.

Chamber is the largest indoor event space, measuring just over 3,600 square feet and comprising three separate spaces: a reception area, an open kitchen and a main dining area. Equally unique is Gallery, a long, 3,100 square foot space with paintings and sculptures decorating both sides to resemble an art gallery. The Salons are perfect for smaller, more intimate events. The almost 1,700 square foot Grand Salon with its 36-foot ceiling height and walls lined with wooden lattice, is an ideal venue for a wedding or gala dinner. The 6,500 square foot lawn in front of Pool House is ideal for atmospheric outdoor events.

Recreation and Activities

The recreation team has spent years researching and testing activities to offer guests the most unique and memorable activities during their time at Park Hyatt Sanya Sunny Bay Resort. Five separate pools – a 375 square foot pool, a children’s pool, a family pool, a spa pool and an indoor pool – are available to suit all types of swimmers. While at Camp Hyatt, kids and young adults will be both entertained and educated with activities like cooking classes and eco-activities by availing themselves of the latest toys and video games or simply by reading or resting in the "silent room."

With a focus on local culture, as well as marine and environmental education, the resort offers myriad outdoor activity options for all ages, include hiking, golfing and stargazing, along with tours to nearby attractions such as Butterfly Valley, Nanshan Temple, Yazhou Ancient City and the Ganzaling Nature Reserve. Water sports enthusiasts will be thrilled with Baifu (Fortune) Bay – a private bay right next to Sunny Bay – renowned for offering some of the best diving conditions in China, as well as being an ideal spot for boating and kayaking.

The Spa at Park Hyatt Sanya Sunny Bay Resort is due to open in late 2015. Located by the lake and accessed by buggy, the spacious, light-filled spa will be built in a traditional Chinese style and will feature a main, two-story building and eight freestanding villas around an open-air courtyard. The semi open-air villas will each include a couple’s treatment room, a private foot treatment room, a freestanding tub, a shower, a walk-in wardrobe and an oversized daybed. Meanwhile, the main spa building will feature four additional treatment rooms; three foot-treatment rooms, a TCM consultancy chamber and a lounge on the first floor. The floor below features a gym, a yoga studio and an outdoor infinity pool. Benefit-driven treatments will be carefully conceived to incorporate proven traditional Chinese practices, as well as the very latest in international spa techniques.

For more information on Park Hyatt Sanya Sunny Bay Resort, please visit the hotel’s website.

About Park Hyatt

Park Hyatt hotels provide discerning, affluent business and leisure guests with elegant and luxurious accommodation and offers them highly attentive personal service in an intimate environment. Located in several of the world's premier destinations, each Park Hyatt hotel is custom designed to combine sophistication with a distinctive regional character. Park Hyatt hotels feature well-appointed guestrooms, meeting and special event space for groups, critically acclaimed art, food and beverage programs, and signature restaurants featuring award-winning chefs.

There are currently 35 Park Hyatt hotels in the following locations: Abu Dhabi, Beaver Creek, Beijing, Buenos Aires, Busan, Canberra, Carlsbad, Changbaishan, Chennai, Chicago, Dubai, Goa, Hamburg, Hyderabad, Istanbul, Jeddah, Maldives, Melbourne, Mendoza, Milan, Moscow, New York, Ningbo, Paris, Saigon, Sanya Sunny Bay, Seoul, Shanghai, Siem Reap, Sydney, Tokyo, Toronto, Vienna, Washington D.C., and Zurich. www.parkhyatt.com.

About Hyatt Hotels Corporation

Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company with a proud heritage of making guests feel more than welcome. Thousands of members of the Hyatt family strive to make a difference in the lives of the guests they encounter every day by providing authentic hospitality. The Company’s subsidiaries develop, own, operate, manage, franchise, license or provide services to hotels, resorts, branded residences and vacation ownership properties, including under the Hyatt, Park Hyatt, Andaz, Grand Hyatt, Hyatt Regency, Hyatt Place, Hyatt House, Hyatt Zilara, Hyatt Ziva, Hyatt Residences and Hyatt Residence Club brand names and have locations on six continents. As of September 30, 2014, the Company's worldwide portfolio consisted of 573 properties in 48 countries. For more information, please visit www.hyatt.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

Forward-Looking Statements in this press release, which are not historical facts, are forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Our actual results, performance or achievements may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the use of words such as "may," "could," "expect," "intend," "plan," "seek," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "predict," "potential," "continue," "likely," "will," "would" and variations of these terms and similar expressions, or the negative of these terms or similar expressions. Such forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon estimates and assumptions that, while considered reasonable by us and our management, are inherently uncertain. Factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from current expectations include, among others, the rate and pace of economic recovery following economic downturns; levels of spending in business and leisure segments as well as consumer confidence; declines in occupancy and average daily rate; if our third-party owners, franchisees or development partners are unable to access the capital necessary to fund current operations or implement our plans for growth; changes in the competitive environment in our industry and the markets where we operate; our ability to access the capital markets; and other risks discussed in the Company's filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K, which filings are available from the SEC. We caution you not to place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements, which are made as of the date of this press release. We undertake no obligation to update publicly any of these forward-looking statements to reflect actual results, new information or future events, changes in assumptions or changes in other factors affecting forward-looking statements, except to the extent required by applicable laws. If we update one or more forward-looking statements, no inference should be drawn that we will make additional updates with respect to those or other forward-looking statements.

SOURCE Hyatt Hotels Corporation

Contacts:

Lillian Zhang
Hyatt Hotels & Resorts – China
+86 10 5928 1234
lillian.zhang@hyatt.com

Jamie Rothfeld
Hyatt Hotels & Resorts – Corporate
+1 312 780 6070
jamie.rothfeld@hyatt.com

###

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Hyatt Centric Montevideo in Uruguay Opens Today

Read article : Hyatt Centric Montevideo in Uruguay Opens Today

CHICAGO--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Hyatt announced today the opening of Hyatt Centric Montevideo, the brand’s first hotel to open outside of North America, and the second Hyatt-branded property in Uruguay. The 178-room hotel is located in the bustling Pocitos neighborhood, a prime destination for guests to explore and discover the heart of Montevideo. Hyatt Centric Montevideo is in close proximity to many of the area’s business and leisure districts, including the World Trade Center, Montevideo Shopping and Ciudad Vieja, as well as La Rambla, the coastal avenue where locals meet daily to exercise, socialize and take in the city’s best sunsets.

“We are delighted to welcome the first international Hyatt Centric hotel to the charming city of Montevideo,” said Myles McGourty, senior vice president of operations for Hyatt in Latin America and the Caribbean. “Hyatt Centric Montevideo was designed to make guests feel welcome and connected with the heart of the destination. We are confident that this contemporary new hotel will allow for exploration and discovery, while introducing Hyatt’s well-known hospitality to both guests and residents.”

Arrival Experience

Guests can begin their journey cruising the Uruguayan coastline along La Rambla, the 19 mile (30km) waterside promenade near Hyatt Centric Montevideo. Upon entering the hotel, a large lounge welcomes guests as they make their way to the stylish lobby area. A stained-glass inspired ceiling invites natural light into the space and marks a central point that integrates the hotel’s restaurant, lobby and bar. The hotel design sets the stage for an authentic Montevideo experience and includes mosaic floors, eclectic ambiance and local artwork combined with modern luxury design, creating a touch of local culture. Large windows from the bar, deli and library offer sweeping views of the Rio de la Plata.

“We are thrilled to open our doors in Montevideo and present a hotel that truly captures Montevidean culture and innovative design,” said Guillaume Paupy, general manager of Hyatt Centric Montevideo. “Our team is ready to welcome guests and share their insider knowledge to help guests explore the best of the destination.”

Guestrooms

The hotel’s 178 spacious guestrooms, including 14 suites, balance the energy of the city with a calm, inviting respite. The minimal yet upscale features include contemporary furniture, destination-inspired artwork and modern colorful touches. Guestrooms offer impressive views of Rio de la Plata or the serene cityscape, and combine amenities to meet the needs of the millennial-minded traveler, including a luxurious plush bed, 47-inch LED TV (55-inch in suites), mini bar, large walk-in shower (additional bath tub in suites), generous work desk with enhanced lighting, complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi, premium bath amenities, JBL Horizon alarm clocks, a salon-grade hairdryer, concierge service, and 24 hour in-room dining.

Executive rooms and suites also have access to special services and amenities such as the rooftop lounge, which offers 180-degree waterfront views, continental breakfast, and evening cocktails, among other services.

Dining and Drinking

Hyatt Centric Montevideo features distinct dining options including breakfast, business lunches, intimate dinners, quick drinks or casual dining experiences designed to inspire food lovers during their journey to explore the best of local flavors.

The hotel’s signature restaurant Plantado features a regionally inspired menu offering locally sourced produce and classic Uruguayan favorites for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Behind the culinary concept and menu is the talented Executive Chef Federico Ferrari, formerly of Palacio Duhau - Park Hyatt Buenos Aires.

When the sun sets over the city, guests can retreat to the hotel’s vibrant Moderno Bar. Eclectic décor and scenic views complement creative signature cocktails, gourmet small plates and a unique selection of acclaimed local wines and artisan beers.

Additional food and beverage amenities include the Deli, a specialty market featuring Uruguayan olive oils and gourmet cheeses, freshly baked goods, local pastries, coffee and teas service, organic juices, to-go foods and other local goods.

Meetings and Events

Hyatt Centric Montevideo’s event facilities total more than 18,700 square feet (1,700 square meters), with each meeting room named after an influential female Uruguayan poet, a tribute to local literature. The fully integrated area features an elegant, multi-purpose ballroom and six sophisticated meeting rooms that provide an extensive range of options for upscale meetings, conferences, social events such as quinceañeras and weddings of all sizes, complete with state-of-the-art audio visual services and dedicated staff to assist in planning and execution.

Wellness and Recreation

Hyatt Centric Montevideo features a 24-hour fitness studio with the latest high-tech cardio and strength training equipment from Life Fitness®, and offers a massage treatment suite to relax and unwind, as well as a heated indoor pool.

Guests that like to take their workout outdoors will have the perfect opportunity to do so along La Rambla, the ideal spot for a walk, jog or to take one of the hotel’s custom-designed vintage bicycles for rides.

Hyatt Centric Montevideo is offering a special opening rate of USD $190 plus taxes for standard guestrooms, including breakfast. For full offer details, including terms and conditions, or to make a reservation, please visit hyattcentricmontevideo.com or call +598 26211234.

The term “Hyatt” is used in this release for convenience to refer to Hyatt Hotels Corporation and/or one of its affiliates.

The Hyatt Centric Experience

Hyatt Centric is a brand of full-service lifestyle hotels located in prime destinations. Created for millennial-minded travelers who want to be in the middle of the action, Hyatt Centric hotels are thoughtfully designed to enable exploration and discovery. The lobby lounge is a launch pad providing guests with information about the most sought-after food, nightlife and activities the destination has to offer, sourced from a community of “in the know” local explorers. The bar and restaurant are local hot spots where great conversations, locally inspired food and signature cocktails can be enjoyed. Streamlined modern rooms focus on delivering everything guests wants and nothing they don’t, including environmentally conscious bath products, Bluetooth-enabled electronics and restaurant to-go delivery service. A team of associates are always available to aid guests in their discovery of the destination and make the most of their stay.

About Hyatt Hotels Corporation

Hyatt Hotels Corporation, headquartered in Chicago, is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 12 premier brands and 652 properties in 53 countries as of March 31, 2016. The Company's purpose to care for people so they can be their best informs its business decisions and growth strategy and is intended to create value for shareholders, build relationships with guests and attract the best colleagues in the industry. The Company's subsidiaries develop, own, operate, manage, franchise, license or provide services to hotels, resorts, branded residences and vacation ownership properties, including under the Park Hyatt®, Grand Hyatt®, Hyatt Regency®, Hyatt®, Andaz®, Hyatt Centric™, The Unbound Collection by Hyatt™,Hyatt Place®, Hyatt House®,Hyatt Ziva™,Hyatt Zilara™ and Hyatt Residence Club®brand names and have locations on six continents. For more information, please visit www.hyatt.com.

Good food, tired cabin, food service ranged from very good to terrible - Regent Seven Seas Review

Read article : Good food, tired cabin, food service ranged from very good to terrible - Regent Seven Seas Review

Summary: Exploring Alaska was an awesome, unforgettable experience, and traveling by cruise ship was an excellent--and comfortable--way to explore much of that huge state without having to relocate from hotel to hotel. It was also very convenient to have virtually all cruise-related costs (e.g., drinks, tips, most excursion fees, etc.) included in one overall cruise price.

However, while the food ranged from good to excellent, the condition of the ship and the quality of its service were less than five-star.

The ship: While most public areas were attractive, the ship is old and overdue for an overhaul. Our cabin was comfortable but much in need of renovation (holes in curtains, stained marble floors in bathroom, sticking drawers, nicked furniture, stained chair and peeling paint on veranda). The dining areas and lounges were attractive but had some deteriorated and corroded window seals, which detracted from the view and the experience. The caulking in the teak More decks by the pool was loose or deteriorated in many places. Many on-deck lights and fixtures had been painted over so many times that the different layers of paint and drips were visible. When leaving and boarding the ship at ports of call it was possible to see that portions of the ship’s hull paint were peeling or discolored.

Dining: The food quality ranged from good to very good in the two restaurants that were open to all passengers, and from very good to excellent in the two special restaurants that were restricted primarily to upper-class passengers. The included wines were acceptable but nothing special; “premium” wines were available at substantial extra cost and were not what I would consider premium. Service in the lower-class restaurants ranged from good to terrible; in the two upper-class restaurants service was very good to excellent. Given Regent’s very high prices for even the smallest cabins, the fact that lower-class passengers were discriminated against in access to the two better dining venues was quite aggravating. During the booking process I was told I could reserve one meal in each of the upper-class restaurants prior to boarding, which was true, and I was repeatedly told by Regent’s booking agents that after boarding I could reserve additional meals in the two upper-class restaurants, which was totally untrue.

Other service: Service in the lounges ranged from very good to terrible. Cabin cleaning, bed-making, etc. service was very good.

Crew: Most crew members were friendly and helpful; however, several were the opposite (not just one or two individuals on one or two occasions, more like six or seven crew members on multiple occasions each). Some destination services staff were pleasant, but one was dour throughout the trip and did not seem to like assisting passengers. In general, the crew who interact with passengers would greatly benefit from upgraded hospitality training with a focus on improving food service and the overall passenger experience (perhaps linking crew advancement and modest bonuses or benefits to performance). Further, most of the crew are non-native English speakers and/or have strong accents, which often led to misunderstandings and poor service; ongoing brush-up English courses would greatly improve crew service for, and interaction with, passengers. (For Regent’s high prices the service should be more like that offered by a top hotel chain such as Ritz-Carlton.)

Excursions: There were many interesting and enjoyable shore excursions to choose from, most at no additional cost. The quality of the on-shore guides was good to fair; one spent as much time talking about herself as about the rainforest we were walking through, and knew little about the history of the area. Some cruise lines are apparently working to upgrade the quality of their excursions and guides, something Regent might want to consider.

Spa and fitness: As might be expected, the Canyon Ranch spa is expensive. The fitness area is small and its equipment is limited and not up to date.

Entertainment: Most or all of the performers were new to the ship and seemed a bit ill at ease or uncertain; their routines were not all that entertaining. For me the most enjoyable event was the performance put on by the crew near the end of the cruise.

Wi-Fi: The ship’s wi-fi was very slow and erratic, and crashed at least a couple of times daily.

Health: Our cabin, the dining venues and the other public areas were kept very clean at all times. Hand sanitizer stations were available at numerous strategic locations in the public areas throughout the ship, though perhaps only once or twice in my 7-day trip did I ever see a crew member use the sanitizers in the public areas; I assume (and hope) that sanitizer stations were available, and used, in the behind-the-scenes areas frequented by the crew.

Toward the end of our cruise it was announced that 11 crew members and passengers had come down with a flu-like illness and were restricted to quarters. The captain declared a Code Red Influenza condition and instituted preventive measures such as removing books and board games from the ship’s library; offering free medical consultations to passengers who thought they might be ill; leaving public restroom doors ajar so visitors did not have to touch the door handle; discouraging hand-shaking; encouraging passengers to cover up with a tissue or elbow when sneezing; and having crew members with rubber gloves serve food to passengers at the buffets in lieu of self-service. Contrary to the CDC’s recommendations on influenza control for commercial ships, paper towels were removed from the public restrooms and passengers had to use tissues to dry their hands. Another lapse: I watched a worker sanitizing on-deck handrails by wiping only the tops of the rails, not the sides and bottoms, which people’s fingers inevitably touch when they grip the rails. The very good news is that the flu problem was successfully contained and only a very small percentage of the Mariner’s passengers and crew came down with the flu.

Upon completing my cruise I did a bit of research and learned that last year the Mariner was cited by the CDC for connecting “potable [drinking] water hose to [two] black water [sewage] collecting tanks.” This astonishing error was apparently corrected as soon as the CDC inspector caught it, but I was surprised to learn that the ship’s procedures and supervision were not in place to prevent such a potentially disastrous error from occurring in the first place--and that the ship’s supervisors and management did not know of the problem until it was discovered by the CDC inspector.

Value: Regent’s pricing seems to be the highest in the cruise line business but given the shortcomings noted above the value is only fair. For such high prices passengers should receive outstanding service and accommodations.

Bottom line: As a result of my recent experience on the Regent Mariner I definitely would not consider booking on the Mariner again until after it is renovated in 2018; I suppose there will be no way to know if any crew hospitality training and English language improvement efforts have been implemented without traveling on the ship. In any case my trip did not live up to Regent’s glossy advertising, so when I book my next cruise I will be looking closely at the offerings of other lines, especially Ritz-Carlton, which is world-renowned for its service and luxury and is entering the cruise business. Perhaps Ritz-Carlton’s presence will raise the performance bar for all cruise lines, including Regent. Less

Travel: G&V Hotel, Edinburgh - The Scotsman

Read article : Travel: G&V Hotel, Edinburgh - The Scotsman

Do not disturb: Old Town’s exotic eyrie

G&V has ripped up that straight-backed and slightly stuffy approach to five-star hospitality and conjured up a replacement that is full of colour, creativity and modernity.

Budget or boutique?

The name of Italian fashion house Missoni was above the door of this hotel until 2014 but the new owners have stepped confidently into their stylish shoes.

The foyer and lounge have a space-age feel, as though you’re checking in for an intergalactic flight, with low-hanging silver globe lights, high-gloss surfaces and the alluring pink glow from a hydroponic grower where the herbs for the bar are produced.

Clusters of chairs and sofas ooze comfort by the flickering flames of the fire. It’s all very intriguing and you can’t help but want to investigate further.

Room service

Off the dark and dramatic corridors of the G&V there are 137 rooms, many with 180 degree views of the capital. From room 503, you feel as though you can almost touch Salisbury Crags and the Pentlands stretch out to the south. Although one of the greatest cities in the world is out there waiting to be explored, you’ll probably want to stay here for some time.

Local artists have customised some of the rooms and ours has been blasted with zingy bright prints and accented with hand-painted details on the wall. Signature furniture pieces add further character, including a huge glass coffee table resting on a tree trunk. The bed is king size and dressed in pure white.

All the practical things are here too, including a Nespresso machine, two flat-screen televisions, a DVD library and a mini bar.

The bathroom is one giant wet room split by thick glass panels into a shower, toilet and bath area. And decked out in black mosaic tiles and purple high gloss, there is one moody looking loo. No wonder Lady Gaga chose to stay at the G&V.

Wining and dining

Eating and drinking is another dimension of the G&V experience. The Epicurean bar is on the ground floor and sits like a dark cavern off the foyer. There is some serious alcohol artistry practised here, and as if to emphasise the fact, a little paintbrush is secured to the cocktail menu, which is themed around the Scottish Colourists. The Plein Air, named after the practice of painting outdoors, mixes gin, fennel soda and a dash of violet liqueur which is suspended in the glass like a drop of pigment. Drinking it is indeed like meeting a stiff breeze. The Miel Royale, a mix of fresh rhubarb, gin and champagne, is sweetened with honey from G&V’s rooftop apiary. The Epicurean alone is worth a visit if you are feeling experimental.

The hotel restaurant, Cucina, delivers a modern Italian menu. An interior designed by Timorous Beasties, a soundtrack of deep house and an army of smiling staff set the scene.

Food is smart and super fresh. In my white crab and avocado starter, the fruit had been smoothed and reset with fennel and cream and little shards of white meat gave a sweet sea punch. The sea trout main was plump like a pink pillow and dressed in a sweet almond crust with salted spinach on the side. My partner had rabbit with hazelnut. Now this is a man who loves his rabbit, preferably fresh from the field with the legs hanging over the plate, but here the little beast looked like it had been brought back to life as abstract art – my partner wished he’d had the pork ragu.

A glorious selection of puddings, such as milk sorbet, honeycomb and white truffle honey, was on offer, but we shared the perfectly balanced cheese board.

Worth getting out of bed for

The breakfast is fabulous, from the cold continental buffet to the hot traditional plates and the special egg menu. Step outside and you’ll be right in the heart of the Old Town and all it has to offer. The Meadows, the National Museum of Scotland, Edinburgh Castle and Mary King’s Close are a stone’s throw away.

Little extras

Small dogs are welcome in all of the hotel bedrooms and a pet bed and bowls are provided for a charge.

Rooms from £210 B&B to £425 B&B for a standard Signature room. Room 503 starts at £650 and goes up to £1,500 B&B. G&V Hotel, 1 George IV Bridge, Edinburgh EH1 1AD, tel: 0131-220 6666

The Ritz-Carlton Marina del Rey Expert Review

Read article : The Ritz-Carlton Marina del Rey Expert Review

Not all luxury brands are created equal, and not all Ritz-Carlton hotels are either. This incarnation, for example, goes above and beyond with its attention to detail, top-rate service, and one-of-a-kind amenities. Whether you’re on a family vacation or in LA on business, this hotel will cater to your every need and does so with a smile. It may be pricey, but this hotel is most definitely worth the cost.

One of the coolest perks of the hotel is the partnership they have with Porsche. You can book a package with your room that also includes the Porsche Experience Center where you can try out any model and fly around their various tracks.

room

Whether you’re on the club level, booking a suite, or staying in a standard king, every room faces the Marina and all have balconies with stellar views of the water. In-room amenities include smart TVs (you can sign in to your Netflix account), turndown service, and terry cloth bathrobes.

bathroom

White marble floors and sinks give way to lighted vanity mirrors and shower/tub combos. The hotel uses designer Asprey bath products.

lobby

The small and simple lobby is more of a pass through for guests to get to the in-house restaurant and bar.

pool

One of the gems of the hotel is the giant heated pool and Jacuzzi that’s open 24/7. Here, guests can eat and drink at Wave Restaurant and Bar or reserve pool-side cabanas for lazy days in and out of the sun.

Next to the pool are two tennis courts and a basketball court. The hotel can set up lessons and also holds cardio tennis classes.

spa

Spa del Rey is the hotel’s spa and features six treatment rooms for everything from manicures and facials to massages and body wraps.

gym

The hotel’s fitness center is also open 24/7 and is equipped with Life Fitness cardio machines and free weights. TVs are built right into the machines in case you want to get pumped to Wolf Blitzer while you sweat.

If you want to get a work out around the Marina or beach, you can rent bicycles for $10/hour.

dining

Cast & Plow is the signature restaurant of the hotel for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. There is ample seating outside where guests can dine next to fire pits and watch the giant boats come in and out of the Marina.

Dying to taste other restaurants in the area? Hop into the hotel’s complimentary car that will drop you off and pick you up within a 4-mile radius.

drinking

Not necessarily a drinking hotspot, there is a bar in Cast & Plow and at Wave by the pool. For club lounge members, on the 11th floor, there’s an open bar as well as snacks and other treats throughout the day.

5 bedroom villa for sale in Strathaven Road, East Kilbride, Glasgow, G75, G75

Read article : 5 bedroom villa for sale in Strathaven Road, East Kilbride, Glasgow, G75, G75

Full description

For Information on Incentives available on remaining plots please speak to our Sales Advisors
0845 345 2154

Calderglen Meadow

In the latter half of the 20th century East Kilbride grew from a rural Lanarkshire village to become Scotland’s sixth largest town. Today, East Kilbride is a vibrant and active community. Fresh air and countryside combine with shopping centres and sports and recreation facilities, so it is hardly surprising that it is widely considered to be Scotland’s most successful new town.

Situated off Strathaven Road, Calderglen Meadow is beautifully placed between the magnificent Crutherland House Hotel and Torrance House Golf Course in a highly sought-after area of East Kilbride. Crutherland House dates back to 1700 and is situated in 37 acres of peaceful gardens and woodland, while Torrance House Golf Course is said to be one of Scotland’s best parkland courses.

Part of Calderglen Country Park, with its historic buildings, nature trails and children’s zoo, the course is just one of the ways you can enjoy a relaxing day out in the best of the East Kilbride countryside. For your everyday conveniences, local amenities include a choice of excellent restaurants, medical centres, dentists, churches and libraries. Calderglen Meadow is within the catchment area of the best schools within the new town.

At Calderglen Meadow you’re free to enjoy a relaxed style of country living. Indeed, it’s the ideal place to raise a family or simply enjoy a little more space for yourself.

With large gardens, a communal play area and no through road, you’ll find yourself living in a safe, quiet pocket, tucked away from the worries of the world.

With their innovative layouts, this exclusive selection of properties has been cleverly designed to maximise space, giving them a light and open feel. Here, the practical is balanced sympathetically with the aesthetic, offering homes that are both comfortable and elegant while the large gardens provide the luxury of additional space and the freedom to fully enjoy your country surrounds. Should you need to travel further afield, an excellent network of roads means Glasgow is just 10 miles away, while Edinburgh is approximately 50 miles away.

Glasgow, the 1999 City of Architecture and Design and the 1990 European City of Culture, has a rich heritage of art and culture. There are theatres, art galleries, The Royal Concert Hall, the world-famous Burrell Collection, museums, restaurants and bars. The shopping is arguably the best in Britain outside of London’s West End, with the biggest retailers, famous designers and small boutiques housed in some of the most spectacular shopping centres in the UK.

Calderglen Meadow is an exciting new development from CALA Homes where the best of city life meets the best of country living.

Specification

CALA use only carefully selected, high quality materials. The specification at Calderglen Meadow includes attractive reconstituted stone features and co-ordinating roughcast to the external walls. Maintenance-friendly windows and doors in white uPVC provide high security and peace of mind. Due to the variety of external elevation treatments at Calderglen Meadow, please consult our Sales Advisor for specific details relating to each individual property.

General

Each housetype has its own features. The specification of the home you choose will be from the Gold, Diamond or Platinum ranges. Our Sales Advisor will be pleased to discuss the details of a particular housetype with you.

Kitchens

Each kitchen has been individually designed to maximise workspace and storage. Siemens integrated appliances are fitted throughout the development as detailed.

Platinum Specification

The Naismith, Peploe and Scott housetypes will feature:

Chimney-style cooker hood (size to suit design)
Stainless steel single multi-function oven
Stainless steel combination microwave oven
Stainless steel 5-burner gas hob
Stainless steel American-style fridge/freezer
Integrated dishwasher

Bathrooms and En Suites

Sanitaryware will be provided from the Ideal Standard range in white and complemented by Ideal Standard taps and fittings with quality fitted bathroom furniture. Shower enclosures and shower trays will be by Matki, and Grohe showers will be fitted. Wall tiling from Porcelanosa will be fitted to dado height in bathrooms and en suites and to full height in shower enclosures.

Garages

Garages have sectional-style roller doors which are easy to operate whilst stylish and secure. Power and light are provided.

Decoration

Walls will be finished in magnolia emulsion with internal pass doors, half-glazed doors, skirtings and facings in white gloss finish.

Diamond and Platinum Specification

Decorative cornice will be provided to Lauriston range homes, in the lower hall, drawing room and dining room. Coving is fitted in the upper hall and all ground floor and upper floor habitable rooms not fitted with cornicing. The floor to ceiling height on the ground floor is approximately 2.7 metres in this level of specification.

Electrical

Ample power, lighting, telephone and TV points are incorporated throughout. Please consult your Sales Advisor for specific details on each housetype.

Switchable welcome sensor light
Downlighters to bathroom and en suites
Downlighters to kitchens
Downlighters to halls (not in Gold specification)
Multi-grid switching of kitchen appliances (minimising switchplates at worktop level)
Shaver sockets to bathroom and en suites
Door bell and chimes
Security alarm system
Mains-wired smoke detectors will be fitted

Plumbing and Heating

The central heating and hot water are supplied via a Megaflow designed, unvented system which allows balanced mains water pressure to hot and cold taps including fresh drinking water. The boiler will be gas-fired and individual thermostatic controls will be fitted to all radiators except one which is usually located in the hall.

External

Front gardens will be landscaped in accordance with our approved landscape design. A 1.8 metre high palisade fence will be erected between the rear gardens of each property. A rotary clothes drier will also be provided. Rear gardens will be graded, rough raked and rotovated. Your Sales Advisor will be able to assist you with information on plot-specific boundary fences, service strips, walls and factoring. A factoring company will be appointed to maintain all the common areas within the overall development, i.e. landscaped areas, open areas and car parking areas etc. An annual fee will be payable by all residents at Calderglen Meadow. In order to satisfy building regulations, barrier-free access will be provided to either front or rear entrance.

Note

Whilst these particulars are prepared with all due care for the convenience of intending purchasers, the information is intended as a preliminary guide only. As with the photographs/illustrations in this brochure, the display material in our Customer Reception area is provided purely as a guide, indicating the typical style of a property. The photographs/illustrations do not necessarily represent the actual finishings/elevational treatments, furnishings and fittings at this development. Room measurements are approximate only. Floor plans and dimensions are correct at time of going to print, however, due to the nature of the building these may vary. The illustrated location map is a general guide only. For specific details, please speak to the Sales Advisor for the most up to date information. Nothing contained in this brochure shall constitute or form part of any contract.

Inside the Weekend Home of Your Dreams

Read article : Inside the Weekend Home of Your Dreams

May 18, 2017

Your second (or third, or fifth) house should be a place where life is simpler, the design is a little bit more loose, and the shower has glass walls. So we asked renowned designer Russell Groves for tips on how to build your dream retreat.

You made it to "weekend home" status, which means you're a hard worker or you're in finance. Either way, congratulations! Now comes the tough part, where you have to find the perfect place to indulge your leisure time. Somewhere that feels different from your everyday living situation, a house that's comfortable and inspiring in equal measure. And truth is, the best way to get what you want is to create it your damn self. Just like one couple from Palo Alto did when they bought the jealousy-inducing mod-cabin you're looking at here.

When they first saw the place, it was mid-way through construction, had a distinct knockoff French chateaux vibe, and was larger than they were looking for—(12,000-square-feet!)—but the setting, all 250 acres of it, was too perfect to pass up. They were looking for a place to escape bustling city life, entertain their extended family and friends, and experience the outdoors. Russell Groves and his team spent more than two years gut renovating the property. What they—and Groves—aimed to do was open up the space, make the outdoors come indoors, and create an escape hatch "that allows comfort and privacy." Unless you're in the shower. (You'll see.)

"This meant plenty of bedrooms and baths, a large open kitchen, an extra large dining room table, recreational outdoor spaces, and a charming goes home that allows comfort and privacy," says Groves. Now, the home is, in the words of the owners, magical, elegantly causal, open, and peaceful. Some elements of the original facade, including the stone, remain.

Tip #1. Location is Still Everything

Especially if you live in a city—most of Groves' clients are from Manhattan—you're probably looking for space, light, and air. That's not so hard to find. But don't just settle for the any old great outdoors. Hone in on the outdoors that gets you fired up, and work from there. "Adjacency to key elements, such as the beach, the woods, the lake, or the ski slopes is essential," says Groves.

Tip #2. Be a Little Weird

Just like a vacation, a weekend home is a place to break out of your normal routines. Including your default design vibe. "A weekend home provides clients, and us as their designers, with the flexibility and opportunity to stray further from the 'conventional,'" notes Groves. "Since these homes are used less frequently, clients are willing to be more daring and experiment with furnishings, accessories and art that they love, but may not want for a primary residence." Which is how you get a black coffee table made of ebonized petrified wood, or a custom Groves & Co. chandelier in the entryway that "emulated the starry sky," according to owner Adam Weiss. That said, no need to make your house into a fever dream of over designed furniture or accessories. Here, vintage chairs by Mira Nakashima and ottomans accent the living area.

Tip #3. Get High

This is going to blow your mind: when you're higher up, you can see more. "When building a new home, it's best to build on the highest elevation point, sitting the home on an axis resulting in optimal light and views," says Groves. Here, in Napa, the house sits high on a crest of the Mayacamas Mountains, a 130-acre ridge, at an elevation of 1420 feet above sea level, on the valley’s western edge. The view from the pool—during sunrise, sunset, and every sun in between—would make every one of your Instagram followers hate you so much. Aim for that.

Tip #4. Open Up a Bit

Particularly in a vacation house where guests will be wandering in and out through the day, the main hang-out space tends to be the kitchen, for an obvious reason: that's where the food is. Make sure yours is built for function and conversation. "Be sure to include an oversized island that provides ample room to prepare large family meals and for everyone to gather," advises Groves. An island-sized island lets everyone everyone gather around—and if they're smart, they'll take the hint to help with dinner.

Tip #5. Make Your Outsides Feel Like Your Insides

You're here to breathe deep, so don't skimp on the windows, and consider the idea of a wall to be more a suggestion than a requirement. The porch is basically an extension of the living room, and looks out over the valley below. When the 70-foot retractable window wall is open—and it often is, because why wouldn't you if you could?—the rear porch and double-height great room become one big, beautiful chill space.

Tip #6. Recognize that Work Always Comes on Vacation

We all know that "out of office" is a cruel euphemism for "still doing work, just somewhere else," which explains why the owners opted to install a bona fide office into their escape home. By having a dedicated (but still laid back) workspace that's out of the way of friends, guests, and freeloading family members, they can take care of business fast, then get back to the real task at hand: day drinking.

Tip #7. Put Seating Everywhere

Why? Because seating serve the double purpose of looking cool and setting the tone for how you'll use that space. Deep, cushy couches quietly invite people to sit and chat, or read a book. While stools in front of a fireplace (below) announce to guests that this is a house that appreciates s'mores.

Tip #8. Bath Time Can Be Sexy Time

Not necessarily sexy in the sex way, but sexy as in beautiful, relaxing, and, yeah, jaw-dropping. The master bathtub below is marble with a custom marble surround, behind a glassed-in shower with a view—and not just of who's inside. "Our favorite aspect of the master bath is how open it is to the outdoors, with infinite views of the peaked mountain tops," says owner Lynn Callaghan. And the guest bath (above) looks like it comes with an aperol spritz.

Tip #9. Treat Yo Self

It's a getaway home. Bless it with at least one major (and potentially absurd) luxury that you would never shoehorn into your everyday mansion. In this instance, the owners went with a lavish master bath that opens up to a private outdoor spa, offering his-and-hers open-air showers and a secret garden—all linked to the master bedroom, which also has a meditation space. If a Zen stroll through some azaleas isn't your taste, that's fine. It's your house. Install the movie theater/bowling alley/illegal growing room of your dreams.

Tip #10. Look Into the Flames

Whether or not your patio resembles that of a four-star hotel, you want someplace outdoors that you can gather round at night, drinks in hand, while telling old stories about each other that you'd never say in mixed company. And the key to this happening, more than the booze, is the fire. It's elemental, and magic, and extremely impressive if you can start one without using lighter fluid.

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