Best Holiday Lettings

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  • The Ritz-Carlton, Naples announces multi-million dollar refurbishment

    The iconic five-diamond, five-star Ritz-Carlton, Naples is announcing an unprecedented summer 2013 refurbishment, the primary of its kind inside the resort’s 27-year history. This project shall be among the many largest resort renovations inside the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company’s portfolio. Refurbishments will include an entire overhaul of all 450-guest rooms, suites and corridors, three dinning outlets, Artisans the “princess ballroom,” in addition to various structural, mechanical and engineering upgrades within the property.

    During the expansive two-month project, set to commence on July 24, 2013, the resort isn’t accepting any guests, a primary in its history.  While the resort is being re-mastered its sister property, The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, located just 10 minutes down the line, might be open and entirely operational.  Guests staying on the Golf Resort could have beach access via the complimentary resort shuttle to Vanderbilt Beach, with full Ritz-Carlton beach services and amenities in addition to beachfront dining at Gumbo Limbo restaurant.

    “The decision to cease operations for the 1st time within the resort’s 27-year history is a real testament to our ongoing commitment to product and repair excellence,” said Edward V. Staros , Vice chairman, Managing Director of The Ritz-Carlton Resorts of Naples and one of the crucial original founders of The Ritz-Carlton brand.  “Our goal was to bypass any guest inconvenience in this timeframe. After we reopen our doors on October 1, we glance forward to delivering in this commitment by continuing to supply a global renowned level of luxury coupled with the entire modern amenities expected by today’s global traveler.”

    Interior designers, Wimberly Interiors are liable for the hot guest rooms, that allows you to resemble an opulent, residential beach home. The effect will bring the great thing about Naples indoors, with warm blues, greens and greys inspired by the Gulf of Mexico and its surrounding landscape. The Ritz-Carlton sophistication will play into the design with clean lines and upscale fabrics on the way to entice both traditional and modern tastes.

    On the culinary front, three of the resort’s restaurants would be fully re-mastered by Long island-based design agency Blue Plate. The Sushi Bar, to be rebranded The Bar, gets a longer balcony, providing additional outdoor seating with Gulf of Mexico and sunset views.  The Bar interior would be divided to permit for cozier areas while also creating an open space ideal for small events and entertainment. The living room menu would be revamped to incorporate sushi, small bites and artistic cocktails.

    The Terrace will reopen as Terrazza, an Italian eatery serving three meals an afternoon. a brand new glass atrium with fully retractable doors will provide a seaside cafe feel with indoor and outdoor seating. The favored breakfast buffet will remain, but Terrazza’s new menu and design will make it a hot spot where guests and native residents alike will enjoy an informal lunch or Italian dinner.

    The Grill steakhouse and specialty restaurant will continue as a classic establishment with new contemporary accents to the furnishings and decor.  Refreshing the fabrics and updating. The Grill’s mahogany touches at the walls and floors will remain. The restaurant’s selections of dry-aged beef, fresh seafood and number of international wines will remain untouched.

    The Ritz-Carlton Naples is a favourite wedding destination and as such the resort’s Artisans “princess ballroom” should be brightened with soft silvers, whites and light-weight greys to resemble a sublime jewel box. Taking a cue from diamond wedding bands, new chandeliers can be added to the distance and a restructuring to areas of the ground plan can assist to expand the room while enhancing access to the resort’s numerous outdoor event venues.
    This re-mastering coupled with the investments over the last ten years including a brand new lobby and lobby concept “Bites” in addition to enhancements to other public spaces including 20,000 square feet of meeting space, demonstrates The Ritz-Carlton’s continued commitment to its guests and staff while ensuring that the resort’s reputation for world-class product and repair excellence is enhanced.

    This iconic re-mastering will solidify the resort’s position because the social center of Naples, the destination that the resort helped to improve when the hotel opened to much fanfare 27-years ago. The transformation could be unveiled on October 1, 2013, when the resort will welcome its first guests following the re-opening.

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  • Focus: Norwegian: Survival of the fittest in European aviation

    He won’t look very similar to it, but Norwegian chief executive Bjørn Kjos is sort of a child on his birthday.

    He has a brand new plane to play with, the Boeing Dreamliner, but there’s a small problem. It has no batteries.

    The hitch means Norwegian will be unable to launch its much vaunted long-haul Boeing 787 flights to Ny in April as planned (with Norwegian instead wet leasing two Airbus A340s to fly the route in the intervening time).

    As Kjos explains: “We have taken a call to take these wet lease planes for 2 and 3 months respectively; we’re expecting delays of weeks, other than months, within the delivery of the Dreamliner.

    “Boeing is operating incredibly hard to get the battery issues with that plane corrected. We now have faith in them and should order more Dreamliners at some point.”

    Sky-high

    Outside of this small blip, things are starting up for Norwegian, which has grown during the last decade to become the tenth largest carrier in Europe.

    In two weeks, on April 1st, the Scandinavian airline will open its first base within the UK, at Gatwick Airport, offering 145 non-stop flights per week to 21 destinations.

    The four aircraft based there’ll principally cater to the leisure market, ferrying cost-conscience passengers to sunny climbs in Spain, Italy and Croatia among others.

    The move is a part of a much wider strategy from Norwegian to chop costs ever further.

    Basing planes across Europe – with the carrier also opening operations in Malaga, Las Palmas and Alicante in Spain – allow for savings which are passed directly to passengers within the sort of cheaper tickets.

    As Kjos continues: “There are going to be lots fewer airlines within the next decade and, as in every industry, it will become survival of the fittest.

    “Our emerging competitors are the Asian low-cost carriers – Scoot, JetStar and AirAsia; it is going to be these carriers that fly passengers to the emerging economic destinations.

    “Their costs are incredibly low – something we must match.”

    New Aircraft

    Another component to this cost cutting ambition, alongside geographical diversification, is a keenness for brand new aircraft, with Norwegian operating probably the most modern fleets in Europe.

    It currently comprises 73 aircraft, including some 63 Boeing 737-800s and ten Boeing 737-300s.

    Vitally, the common fleet age is simply 4.6 years, with 65 Boeing 737-800 and 100 Airbus A320neos also on order to interchange aging planes.

    “Fuel efficiency is prime; the older the plane, the more they cost to run,” continued Kjos.

    “We operate our aircraft, ideally, for seven years, keeping our fleet new and prices down.”

    Norwegian estimates a brand new Dreamliner – of which it has eight scheduled for delivery over the subsequent three years – costs £5.7 million less annually to run than the ‘next best’ Airbus A330-200 because of fuel efficiencies alone.

    Asian Markets

    But it’s economic shifts which most interest Norwegian.

    Having just opened a base in Bangkok, the carrier is betting big will probably be the industrial development of China and its rival Asian destinations so one can dominate the aviation sector over the arriving years.

    “We might be carrying more Asian passengers out of Asian within the coming years,” explains Kjos.

    “Today 90 per cent of the folk on our planes are Scandinavian, but this can decline sharply because the Asian economies develop and those there start travelling more.

    “These are the folks we’ll be carrying, into Europe, from Asia, where presently the other is correct.”

    But, while the longer term looks bright for the carrier, a lot of its competitors might possibly be facing a bleaker future.

    Kjos adds: “The critical mass to make sure survival for an airline is growing always.

    “Only many years ago it is advisable survive with five planes. Now it’s perhaps 40. In five years 50, after which within a decade that’s more likely to be 100.

    “I see most of the smaller carriers disappearing, and never just on the low-cost end of the market. It is crucial we grow regularly, with new planes, to remain previous to the curve.”

    Kjos had better start drawing up an inventory of presents he wants for next year.

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  • GTMC welcomes third new member this month

    The GTMC has welcomed its second Uniglobe member and the third new member this month – Uniglobe Preferred Travel.

    Preferred Travel was incorporated in November 1992 and is one among Uniglobe’s largest affiliates sharing global accounts with its network partners across five continents.  The corporate has its headquarters in Brighton, Sussex and likewise has an office in Westminster, London, they employ over 30 members of staff.

    Uniglobe Preferred Travel’s managing director, John Burroughes said: “We are delighted to join the GTMC and anticipate sharing best practice with the very best within the business.  We’re desirous to make a good contribution to the recognised voice of our industry.”

    GTMC chief executive Paul Wait said:  “We warmly welcome Uniglobe Preferred Travel to the GTMC.  Inside the history of the GTMC that’s unprecedented to have three new members in a single month and we’re now at a record collection of members with the count being thirty-nine. The GTMC membership truly represents the voice of industrial travel and travellers inside the UK. The industry faces its next phase of change and challenge and the GTMC is easily placed with its increasing membership to shape the longer term and definitely contribute toward UK PLC.”

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  • Sandals recognised by EarthCheck for commitment to sustainability

    In recognition in their achievements and unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability, Sandals Montego Bay, Sandals Royal Caribbean Resort & Private Island and Sandals Royal Plantation in Jamaica, and Sandals Halcyon Beach in Saint Lucia have all been awarded their inaugural Platinum level certifications by EarthCheck, the leading certification and benchmarking organisation on the earth for the travel and tourism sector.

    Earthcheck also renewed the Platinum Certification awards for Sandals Negril Beach Resort & Spa, Sandals Grande Riviera Beach & Villa Golf Resort, Sandals La Toc Golf Resort & Spa and Beaches Negril Resort & Spa.

    The addition of those four awards brings the complete choice of Sandals and Beaches resorts that boast a Platinum Certification to 8, a record variety of properties within a hotel group to achieve this level.

    This signals the posh-Included resort chain’s continued dedication to incorporating sustainable best practices in its business model. 

    The awards were presented to Sandals by EarthCheck chief executive, Stewart Moore, in the course of the recent ITB travel trade exhibition in Germany.

    During the handover ceremony, Moore lauded Sandals for its vision, leadership and long-standing commitment to environmentally friendly and responsible business practices throughout its properties.

    “Sandals is one in every of our stand-out sustainability heroes within the Caribbean and northerly America,” said Moore.

    “Sandals not just has more Platinum Certified properties than some other hotel group on earth but they’ve got continued to innovate and look for new solutions.”

    Sandals is thought of as the realm’s Leading All Inclusive Company by the World Travel Awards.

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  • News: Hawaiian Airlines takes to the air for brand new Zealand

    Hawaiian Airlines today launched non-stop service to Auckland, the newest addition to its expanding international network. The primary flight lands in Auckland at 6.55pm today.

    The arrival of HA445 might be followed by gate side festivities that included Hawaiian music and hula, a performance honoring the Maori culture and a normal Hawaiian blessing.

    “We were delighted by the interest in our new service, both here at home and in New Zealand,” said Mark Dunkerley, Hawaiian’s president and CEO. “The deep cultural connections between our islands and the islands of Aotearoa make New Zealand a natural destination for Hawaiian and for our singular brand of authentic Hawaiian hospitality.”

    Among the VIP guests at the inaugural flight are seven crewmembers of the conventional sailing canoe Hokule`a, whose groundbreaking 1985 voyage from Hawaii to Waitangi reintroduced the practice of celestial navigation to the Maori culture. The gang is led by Hokule`a and Polynesian Voyaging Society captain Nainoa Thompson.

    With today’s inaugural, Hawaiian Airlines becomes the single U.S. carrier flying into Auckland. Hawaiian’s market research indicates that non-stop service will release pent-up demand in New Zealand for a Hawai’i vacation. There are currently 30% fewer arrivals from New Zealand than in 1999 when both destinations were served by more non-stop flights.

    In addition, Hawaiian Airlines’ trans-Pacific and interisland route networks allow convenient connections throughout Hawai’i and in to 11 U.S. gateway destinations.

    “Hawai’i is an ideal midpoint destination for the type of extended vacation that New Zealanders prefer, and we’re ideally situated to supply dual-destination holidays and straightforward connections from Auckland to places like San Francisco, Las Vegas or Ny city,” commented Dunkerley. “And that works in reverse in addition, making it easier than ever for U.S. residents to benefit from the wonders of recent Zealand.”

    Auckland Airport General Manager Aeronautical Commercial, Glenn Wedlock, says it’s great to claim aloha to Hawaiian Airlines and welcome them to New Zealand.

    “It is astounding to have this kind of significant and fast growing US based carrier as Hawaiian Airlines arrive to aid develop and stimulate markets both outbound and inbound to Hawaii and the mainland Country. The demand is definitely there and with holiday packages to Hawaii now around $1400 and airfare of $1599 to popular destinations reminiscent of Las Vegas or $1799 to The big apple we’re seeing great market response and we forecast traffic doubling at the route.

    “In fact as a result of high demand for his or her impending service, Hawaiian has already increased the selection of their flights from three to four a week throughout the peak period, that is outstanding news for travellers. New campaigns have recently been launched inside the US market promoting to US consumers the hot flights and we think to determine relatively untapped inbound markets corresponding to San Diego, Seattle, Las Vegas and Long island reply to a brand new and convenient way of visiting New Zealand.”

    Tourism New Zealand’s Chief Executive Kevin Bowler welcomes Hawaiian Airlines’ arrival and echoes these sentiments, adding they’re working along with the airline to advertise travel to New Zealand.

    “The U.s. is an important marketplace for New Zealand leisure and business travel, and is a key focus for our marketing efforts given the numerous potential for growth that exists. Tourism New Zealand, Hawaiian Airlines and Auckland Airport shall be launching a brand new three way partnership campaign on 19 March, set to run for the following month, offering a competitive fare for travellers from the West Coast of the us to Auckland. Within the coming days we are going to even be hosting a number of Hawaiian Airlines’ key travel trade agents and travel bloggers, giving them an unforgettable 100% Pure New Zealand experience.”

    In celebration of the beginning of Hawaiian Airlines Auckland service, iconic tourist landmark the Auckland Sky Tower can be lit in Hawaiian Airlines colours for 3 nights.

    Hawaiian Airlines will operate three flights per week between Honolulu and Auckland using a 294-seat A330-200 aircraft.

    Hawaiian Airlines’ Flight HA 445 will depart Honolulu International Airport at 1:45pm every Monday, Wednesday and Friday, cross the international dateline, and land at Auckland Airport at 9:55pm day after today. Flight HA 446 will depart Auckland at 11:55pm every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday, cross the international dateline, and arrive in Honolulu at 9:45am a similar day.

    Travellers on Hawaiian Airlines enjoy an inflight experience not offered by every other airline. From the instant they board, Hawaiian’s signature ‘Mea Ho‘okipa’ (translation: i’m host) onboard hospitality engages them within the flight with its warm and friendly celebration of the culture, people, and Aloha Spirit of the Hawaiian Islands.

    The comfort, roominess and amenities of Hawaiian’s new A330 aircraft will add to the joy of customers’ travel experience at the new route. With high-resolution LCD touch-screen monitors in each seatback, the A330’s state-of-the-art entertainment system lets customers choose between a variety of movies, TV programmes, music, and games, while also offering a USB port for using their very own personal media players. Customers sitting in Business Class may even enjoy iPod compatibility.

    As a whole service leisure carrier, Hawaiian provides all of its passengers between New Zealand and Hawaii with complimentary meals, drinks and blankets, in addition to selected in-seat video entertainment on its A330 aircraft.

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