Resorts
Hello? Aloft Unveils Voice-Activated Hotel Rooms
Imagine asking a hotel room to turn up the air conditioning when it gets too hot or to turn on the lights before getting out of bed. Well, the future is here at Starwood Hotels & Resorts and Aloft Hotels, which has unveiled the results of its top secret “Project: Jetson” and debuted the first-ever voice activated hotel room, giving guests entirely new ways to interact using “Hey Siri.” Each Aloft Voice-Activated Hotel Room is equipped with an iPad running a custom Aloft app used for controlling the in-room guest experience, with HomeKit-enabled accessories including room...
Conrad Xiamen Welcomes Guests
Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton's smart luxury hotel brand, has opened its first property in China's Fujian province, on the southwestern coast of Xiamen Island. Conrad Xiamen occupies the 37th to 54th floors of the iconic 300-metre-tall Shimao Straits Tower, in the heart of Siming's Central Business District. Designed to be a shopping, leisure and business hub, Shimao Straits Tower is a striking sea-facing landmark with a sail-shaped design boasting expansive views of Gulangyu Island. Guests of Conrad Xiamen enjoy direct access to a shopping mall and a cinema, as well as the...
Andaz Opens in Ottawa
Hyatt Hotels' Andaz Ottawa ByWard Market is open for business, marking the brand’s official entry into Canada. The Ottawa hotel is the 13th in the brand's portfolio. Three other Andaz hotels will open by the end of this year, including Andaz Scottsdale Resort & Spa, Andaz Delhi and Andaz Mayakoba Resort Riviera Maya. Set in the heart of ByWard Market, the capital’s newest hotel boasts 200 rooms, flexible meeting space, a ground floor restaurant and bar, as well as a rooftop lounge, offering sweeping views of the Ottawa cityscape. An all-day coffee bar with grab-and-go bites...
Atlantis Launches Major Renovations
Atlantis, Paradise Island resort in The Bahamas has launched the first phase of a US$20 million transformation at what is currently known as the Coral Towers. Once all renovations are complete, the hotel will reopen as The Corals Atlantis, a new modern hotel for the resort’s group, leisure and casino guests, designed by Bilkey LLinas Design. “This renovation marks a significant step in our long-term vision for Atlantis,” said Paul Burke, president and managing director, Atlantis, Paradise Island. “Atlantis consists of five unique hotels from the ultra-luxury of The Cove...
Sandals Unveils Over-Water Wedding Chapel
Sandals Resorts has unveiled a new unique place for couples to say “I do” at Sandals Grande St. Lucian – the “Overwater Serenity Wedding Chapel.” Located at the most southwestern point of the resort, the open-air, glass aisled chapel boasts panoramic views of Rodney Bay and is the first of its kind in the Caribbean. Décor within the chapel includes a river stone alter polished with a silver leaf finish and a nature-inspired aisle lined by three glass panels. The layout allows guests to see the view of the water below, which will enhance the wedding ceremony with its...
Ashford Castle Unveils New Hideaway Cottage
Ireland's Ashford Castle in County Mayo has unveiled the latest addition to its accommodations, the new Hideaway Cottage, situated on the edge of Lough Corrib. As part of a large renovation project, the estate's former boathouse has been fully modernized, while keeping true to its Irish heritage, to create a luxurious cottage hideaway. The Hideaway Cottage offers maximum privacy for the ideal romantic retreat, while still offering guests access to all of the amenities and services of the Castle and its 350-acre estate. Surrounded by woodland with a 180-degree view over Ireland's...
Sunwing Adds New Royalton Resorts in Jamaica
Sunwing Vacations has added two new luxury resorts to its product line in Negril, Jamaica with the introduction of both Royalton Negril Resort & Spa and the adults-only Hideaway at Royalton Negril for this coming winter season. When these two resorts open on Feb. 1, 2017, it will bring the total of Royalton Luxury Resorts offered by Sunwing in Jamaica to four. Amenities at the 407-suite Royalton Negril Resort & Spa include free WiFi. Unlimited Reservation-Free Dining across eight restaurants (with five à la carte dining options), stylish outdoor lounges and bars serving...
‘Forever Fun’ With Disney Springs
Seven Disney Springs Resort Area Hotels in Florida have introduced special “Forever Fun Rates” available for stays through Sept. 30. The special offer is designed to line up with special events being conducted at the Walt Disney World Resort, such as Disney Night of Joy at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, Mickey’s Not-So-Scary Halloween Party at Magic Kingdom Park, and the Epcot International Food & Wine Festival at Epcot. The rates also provide the opportunity for guests to take in such other new offerings as Star Wars Launch Bay and Star Wars: A Galactic Spectacular at...