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  • Ritz-Carlton expands portfolio with Rabat property

    Ritz-Carlton Hotels has unveiled plans to open its first property in Rabat, the distinguished capital city of the dominion of Morocco, for you to become the third property within the brand’s growing North Africa portfolio.

    The owner of the urban resort is Sienna Investment Group, an investment vehicle established in Morocco. 

    The architectural and design team of the posh property contains Scape Design Associates because the Landscape Designers, and designers, WATG.

    Construction is underway, and the Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company expects the resort to open in December 2014.

    The urban resort can be situated approximately ten minutes’ drive from the town center, throughout the grounds of probably the most highly esteemed golf course within the Kingdom, The Royal Golf of Dar Es Salam, designed by Robert Trent Jones over 40 years ago.

    The golf estate which comprises three courses, frequented by Rabat and Morocco’s high society, is ready within a gorgeous 440 hectare oak forest, surrounded by an array of flora and breathtaking lakes, and could provide the scenic backdrop to the Ritz-Carlton, Rabat, located near the 10th tee of the foremost course.

    Herve Humler, president, Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company said: “We are delighted to were chosen by Sienna Investment Group to control this kind of unique property, in this kind of prestigious city in Morocco and North Africa. 

    “The heritage of Rabat, a global heritage city by UNESCO, combined with the original location within an international-class golf estate, will provide an extremely appealing proposition for the affluent global traveler.” 

    The city of Rabat is the seat of the Moroccan government and residential to the vast majority of its government agencies, providing the capital with a prominent status.

    Sienna Investment Group, the landlord, noted the significance of choosing the suitable management company: “We chose The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company to control this property because it was necessary to select a brand with the identical caliber of prestige because the city of Rabat itself, and one which is in accordance with the grandeur of The Royal Golf of Dar Es Salam.”

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  • Reunion Island launches eco tourism drive

    A new eco-tourism tour is being offered by Reunion Island at the side of the already rich leisure activities of nature on offer at the west side of the island.

    The purpose of just today tour is to find (or rediscover) in an academic way some great benefits of the island’s coral reef.

    A tour organiser will share the secrets of the reef and the island of Reunion in this journey of discovery of the coast, from Cape la Houssaye on the Hermitage lagoon.

    This is a brand new tour, which through innovative teaching will raise awareness of our environment in a fun way.

    The tour encompasses a meeting with officers of the Marine Nature Reserve, at the side of a guided tour followed by a lecture on the Aquarium of l. a. Reunion.

    A traditional breakfast is supplied – a Creole meal cooked over a wood fire with a tasting of clean country juices.

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  • News: Dukes to give female-only travel options at Arabian Travel Market

    Three-time World Travel Awards winner, Dukes London, is celebrating its recent refurbishment with an invite to the region’s ladies to take a ‘luxury road test’ within the heart of the city’s fashionable St James’ district with a stay in a newly renovated suite.

    Home to 90 rooms, including 11 high-end suites and the hotel’s exclusive 700-square foot Penthouse overlooking Green Park, guests heading to the united kingdom capital this will could be capable of benefit from the striking mixture of classic and contemporary design elements from leading UK interior designer Shaun Clarkson. 

    A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the sector, the hot-look suites were refurbished in soothing pastel tones complemented by striking yet comfortable furnishings that add a part of eclectic individuality to every room.

    “Arabian Travel Market is the ideal platform at which to introduce our restyled suites to a world audience, and we’re specifically targeting female leisure and business travellers from the Gulf region as we glance to construct at the success of our existing women-only floor concept, which was launched last year,” said Debrah Dhugga, general manager, Dukes.

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    Debrah Dhugga, general manager, Dukes London

    The dedicated women-only rooms attracts ladies in the hunt for discreet service and a culturally acceptable location during their sojourn within the city, offering specially designed feminine touches including a personalized welcome card from the feminine general manager and a feminine room attendant to address all guest relations, room service and housekeeping requirements.

    Suite guests have access to an entire range of luxurious facilities and amenities including a marble bathroom, large writing desk, two flat screen televisions, Nespresso coffee machines, complimentary Wifi, Playstation and X Box games machines, plus complimentary handmade chocolates, a fresh fruit basket and Ren bathroom amenities.

    “The jewel in our crown is the Penthouse, with its panoramic fifth-floor views out over Green Park and exclusive display of Thomas Goode & Co. limited edition porcelain-ware collections from the likes of Paul Smith, Vivienne Westwood and star of the art world, Tracey Emin,” added Dhugga.

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  • News: Vietnam Airlines expands Gatwick offering

    Vietnam Airlines has announced will probably be extending its services from Gatwick Airport.

    During the summer time, Vietnam’s flagship carrier will add a fifth weekly service from Gatwick, increasing its Ho Chi Minh City route from two to a few flights every week.

    The airline may even continue to serve Hanoi twice per week.

    The announcement comes because the UK and Vietnam celebrate the 40th anniversary of diplomatic relations between the 2 countries.

    Throughout 2013, a programme of cultural, educational and innovation exchanges and events will mark the milestone year.

    Relations have grown rapidly between the united kingdom and Vietnam, with the 2 countries signing a Strategic Partnership Agreement in 2010 to assist boost bilateral trade, economic ties and investment.

    The following year, Vietnam Airlines announced it had chosen Gatwick as its exclusive partner within the UK, launching the country’s first non-stop flights to Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City in winter 2011.

    Vietnam is likely one of the most well-liked destinations inside the Asia-Pacific region with around 100,000 UK holidaymakers travelling to the rustic yearly.

    Vietnam also is a key emerging marketplace for business. Designated probably the most UK Trade and Investment’s ‘High Growth Markets’, bilateral trade increased by over 26 per cent in 2011, with UK exports of products and services to Vietnam reaching £520 million.

    Matt Wood, head of airline relations, Gatwick Airport said: “We are delighted that Vietnam Airlines has decided to expand its services from London Gatwick throughout the summer months, ensuring that both business and leisure passengers now have much more selection of when to fly to this fantastic destination.

    “Air links to high-growth markets similar to Vietnam are essential in ensuring that the united kingdom can compete and take advantage of the numerous trade opportunities available with key emerging markets.

    “Gatwick continues to illustrate that it may open up these links but in addition, by working closely with our airlines, lead them to a hit.”

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  • Waldorf Astoria expands into Panama

    Hilton Worldwide has announced the growth of the Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts brand into Latin America with the hole of Waldorf Astoria Panama. 

    With a commitment to customized service and delivering a brand new sense of luxury to the booming Panama market, Waldorf Astoria Panama blends the celebrated sophistication of the luxurious brand with the heat of the local Panamanian personality.

    “Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts are committed to a presence in landmark destinations everywhere so Panama is an ideal venue for our brand’s entry into Latin America,” said John Vanderslice, global head, luxury & lifestyle brands, Hilton Worldwide.

    “The Waldorf Astoria Panama is perfectly positioned to create the phenomenal experiences and unforgettable moments which are hallmarks of the Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts brand in any respect of our greater than 20 destinations around the world,” added Vanderslice.

    Featuring 248 guest rooms, suites and comfort residences, Waldorf Astoria Panama boasts a good looking timeless elegance and alluring ambiance displayed through the hotel’s public areas and accommodations. 

    Designed by the Miami-based firm ba-haus/KNF, the latest hotel in Panama unveils a mix of unpolluted, luminous tones and reflective materials, in addition to high ceilings, which inspire a complicated social atmosphere, using rich exotic woods, metallic pieces, multi-dimensional panels, glass and crystals.

    From arrival to departure, guests don’t seem to be only embraced by this striking design, but in addition welcomed by True Waldorf Service –  a service initiative that assigns a non-public concierge to every qualified guest who acts as their primary contact, before, during and – an industry first – after a stay, to assure every want and request is met.

    Guest rooms are tastefully appointed to mix luxurious comfort with a up to date appeal, delivering the most recent technology in a spacious, relaxing environment.

    Featuring the best linens and amenities, all rooms offer plush bedding, high-definition flat screen television, alarm clock with MP3 player connection, wired and wireless Internet access and spacious marble bathrooms with walk in rain showers. 

    Waldorf Astoria Panama boasts an excellent array of various culinary experiences, led by award-winning executive chef Kalych Padro Alvarado. 

    Featuring four distinct restaurants and bars, Waldorf Astoria Panama, tempts guests with the renowned Peacock Alley, an advanced and intimate lobby bar; Ginger, an authentic and exotic lounge and sushi bar that comes with ginger in its Asian specialty menu; Bungalow Terrace & Pool Bar, a welcome oasis in a calming poolside atmosphere; and BRIO Brasserie, an informal all day dining restaurant perfect for a fresh meal made with local ingredients that mixes modern French and American cuisine.

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