The Ritz-Carlton Takes to the Sea - First Luxury Hotel Brand To Offer Bespoke Yacht Experiences

Setting Sail in 2019, Custom-Built Luxury Yachts to Bring the Iconic Ritz-Carlton Service and Style to Unique and Distinguished Destinations Around the World

 The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C., part of Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR), has announced its entry into luxury yachting and cruises – bringing the award-winning luxury hotel brand’s service and timeless style to sea. Created by The Ritz-Carlton and maritime experts Douglas Prothero and Lars Clasen, in collaboration with funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management, L.P., The Ritz-Carlton will provide luxury hospitality service under a long-term operating agreement. Named The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection, this venture represents a unique foray into the cruise industry for a luxury hotel operator. The first of three lavish cruising yachts in this series is scheduled to take to sea in the fourth quarter of 2019, and distinguishes Marriott International as the only provider of luxury accommodations both on land and at sea.

“The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection will have a distinctive personality and the vessels are sure to be true stand outs in some of the most glamorous ports around the world,” said Herve Humler, President and Chief Operating Officer of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. “This unique combination of yachting and cruising will usher in a new way of luxury travel for guests seeking to discover the world in a relaxed, casually elegant and comfortable atmosphere with the highest level of personalized service.”

Itineraries are being developed with an intent to combine the lifestyle of The Ritz-Carlton’s luxury resorts and the casual freedom of a yachting vacation. Calling at intimate and signature destinations alike, voyages will range from seven to ten days. The first ship will cruise a wide variety of destinations depending on the season, including the Mediterranean, Northern Europe, the Caribbean and Latin America. Due to the intimate size of the vessel, the yacht will call at unique locations typically not accessible to large cruise ships, from Capri and Portofino to St. Barths and the old town of Cartagena. With a relaxed pace, that includes both overnight and daytime ports of call, guests will be offered a uniquely curated destination experience.

The specially designed small capacity vessel will measure 190-meters, accommodate up to 298 passengers, and feature 149 suites, each with its own private balcony. The yacht will also feature two 138 square-meter lavish duplex penthouse suites, with modern craftsmanship and interior finishes jointly designed by The Ritz-Carlton and leading cruise ship design firm, Tillberg Design of Sweden. The onboard experience will reflect the sublime comfort and unparalleled level of individualized guest service for which the iconic Ritz-Carlton brand is recognized; a first in the cruise industry.

“The Ritz-Carlton is known for its legendary service and high standards,” said Douglas Prothero Managing Director, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection. “We are delighted to collaborate with The Ritz-Carlton as our hospitality operator in offering the most exclusive yachting experience to be found at sea in a venture that will give new meaning to curated luxury travel,” continued Lars Clasen, Managing Director, The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection.

Throughout the journey, guests will indulge in a cruising style that is unparalleled in the ultra-luxury cruise and private yachting sectors. The Ritz-Carlton yachts will feature a restaurant by Sven Elverfeld of Aqua, the three Michelin-starred restaurant at The Ritz-Carlton, Wolfsburg; a signature Ritz-Carlton Spa; and a Panorama Lounge and wine bar, offering a wide variety of on-board entertainment. Additionally, the yacht will offer one-of-a-kind curated destination journeys through collaborations with local chefs, musicians and artists, allowing guests to experience the locations in unique and experiential ways, both onboard and ashore.

Reservations will open in May 2018. The ships of The Ritz-Carlton Yacht Collection are also available for private charter. For more information, please visit www.ritzcarlton.com/en/yachts. 

Five Not-To-Miss December Events In Annapolis And Anne Arundel County

What’s happening in Annapolis and Anne Arundel County in December 2016? Plenty! To make it easier for you, Visit Annapolis & Anne Arundel County (VAAAC) is highlighting five celebrations you won’t want to miss! For a more complete listing of events large and small, visit our online calendar of events at VisitAnnapolis.org. Midnight Madness Holiday Shopping I and IIThursdays, December 1 and 8 6:00 p.m. to midnight Downtown Annapolis Admission: Free http://www.downtownannapolispartnership.org/ Lights, garland, action! Historic Annapolis shops throw open their doors in a glorified block party that’s open to all. Enjoy outside musical performances as well as food and refreshments at many stores as you stroll along Main Street, Maryland Avenue, Inner West Street, and State Circle in search of that perfect gift. To enhance the experience, the first block of Main Street will be closed traffic for the first time this year. Sponsored by the Downtown Annapolis Partnership. 2nd Annual Chocolate Binge FestivalSunday, December 4 Noon to 5 p.m. First blocks of West Street in downtown Annapolis Admission: $5.00 suggested cash donation 443-452-7321 www.annapolischocolatefestival.com Are you a chocoholic in need of a fix? You won’t want to miss the 2nd Annual Chocolate Binge Festival. A dozen local chocolate vendors will be selling chocolate specialties, including chocolate caramels, cakes, chocolate bars, truffles, fudge, cookies, candies, hot chocolate, fondue, martinis and more. The afternoon also includes family-friendly entertainment, holiday shopping and the lighting of the newly expanded West Street Holiday Light Canopy. Enjoy live music, a marshmallow roast, a gingerbread house moon bounce, giant snowball run, hot chocolate with members of the Annapolis Police Department and a visit with Santa. He’ll be collecting toys and clothing for the We Care and Friends Holiday Party for kids in need. Presented by the Annapolis Arts District and Inner West Street Association. 34th Annual Eastport Yacht Club Lights ParadeSaturday, December 10 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Annapolis Harbor and Spa Creek  Admission: Free www.eastportyc.org, or facebook.com/EastportYachtClubLightsParade   Brightly decorated boats parade around the Annapolis waterfront in one of the City’s signature events. Thousands of lights and a host of jolly revelers make this a fun holiday event for the entire family. Prime viewing areas include: Eastport, Spa Creek, City Dock and Naval Academy sea wall. Sponsored by the Eastport Yacht Club. 2016 Military BowlTuesday, December 27 3:30 p.m. U.S. Navy-Marine Corps Memorial Stadium, 550 Taylor Avenue, Annapolis Admission: Check website Tickets: 888-841-2787 http://www.militarybowl.org/ The Military Bowl® presented by Northrop Grumman, benefiting the USO, will match a team from the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) against an opponent from the American Athletic Conference (AAC). City of Annapolis New Year’s Eve CelebrationSaturday, December 31 3:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. for kids; 8:00 p.m. to midnight for adults Ball Fields behind Maryland Hall, 801 Chase Street, Annapolis Susan Campbell Park, City Dock, Annapolis Admission: Free 410-263-7997 http://www.annapolis.gov/government/city-departments/mayors-office/special-events/2017-new-year-celebration Family activities fill the day and music and dancing fills the night at this annual celebration welcoming the New Year. For the first time, kid’s activities will take place on the ball fields behind Maryland Hall and Bates Middle School. Participants are invited to park at Park Place garage and take City of Annapolis-provided shuttles to and from the new location. Activities will include face painting, an obstacle course, moon bounce and music performed by kids’ rock bands. The first round of festivities wraps up with on-site fireworks at 5:30 p.m. Then it’s off to area restaurants for dinner with the kids. The second round of festivities includes live music and dancing at Susan Campbell Park at City Dock beginning at 8:00 p.m. and ending with midnight fireworks. VAAAC is a nonprofit, membership-based destination marketing organization that generates revenues for the local economy by promoting Annapolis and Anne Arundel County to leisure and business travelers across the country and around the world. To begin receiving story ideas and news updates “like” Visit Annapolis Media Resources on Facebook and follow us on Twitter @visitanapMR.

Live the Life Of A Celebrity On An Ultra Luxury Yacht Tour Of The Virgin Islands

Live the Life of a Celebrity On an Ultra Luxury Yacht Tour of the Virgin Islands 
7 Days of “Bucket List” Experiences for $252,000



Imagine arriving on a private jet to the enchanting paradise of the British and US Virgin Islands.  Picture visiting the most exclusive island retreats on a richly furnished, private yacht and being attended to by a superb staff, yours for an unforgettable week. See yourself surveying some of the area’s 60 + islands from a private helicopter. You’ll dine on five course gourmet dinners served at sunset on deserted beaches, visit storied venues only an insider would know, and be treated to a nature tour unmatched anywhere in the world. 

This adventure, with its impeccable “bucket list worthy” details, is provided by Hallas Travel, which creates bespoke luxury experiences in the most exotic locations on the planet. 

“Our clients are some of the world’s most discriminating travelers,” said Mo Sallah, Founder of Hallas Travel.  “We put our travel savvy to work for them, crafting exclusive experiences that are soul satisfying.”
 
The Virgin Islands Itinerary
6 nights/7 days, Maximum: 6 people

Day 1: Miami
From Miami, arrive in St. Croix, United States Virgin Islands via private jet where you are met by Hallas Travel and transfer via Private Seaplane to the North Sound of Virgin Gorda.  Upon arrival in the North Sound, you will be taken to your private yacht for the week.  After meeting your staff for the week, enjoy the afternoon with an array of watersport activities or gourmet selections for your enjoyment.  Enjoy a North Sound sunset on the yacht prior to yourlocally inspired Five-course dinner.  Conclude your day under the North Sound stars before retreated to your private accommodations on your yacht.

Day 2: Virgin Gorda
Awake to the stillness of the North Sound and to a gourmet breakfast.  Enjoy Virgin Gorda for the day by starting with a sail to the Baths, a unique geologic formation with natural tidal pools, tunnels, arches that open to the sea.  Enjoy the afternoon with a selection of watersport activities or a privately chartered scuba dive excursion at one of the world-class dive sites in the British Virgin Islands. Your day will conclude with a private gourmet meal on the beach.

Day 3: Anegada
Spend your second morning in the British Virgin Islands with a local nature tour that is unmatched anywhere else in the world.  As your nature tour concludes, you will sail north to Anegada, the British Virgin Islands only coral atoll.  Experience marine life such as needle fish, mojarra, rays, and parrot fish while snorkeling the waters of Anegada.  As your days conclude, experience local cuisine and entertainment aboard your private yacht.  

Day 4: Scrub Island & Marina Cay
Depart Anegada in the early morning for Scrub Island and Marina Cay.  Have the option of relaxation and wellness activities or watersport activities upon arrival.  Enjoy lunch at Marina Cay before your private helicopter tour of the British Virgin Island’s 60 islands.  Spend your evening enjoying dinner surrounded by the cool Caribbean breezes upon the stern private yacht.

Day 5: Jost Van Dyke & White Bay
Arrive at the shores of Jost Van Dyke, the smallest of the British Virgin Islands 4 main islands.  Enjoy the classic Island life in and around Jost Van Dyke – local establishments you will experience include Foxy’s, Ivan’ Stress-Free Bar and of course, the world famous Soggy Dollar Bar in nearby White Bay.   Conclude your liming and fun with a private dinner on your yacht.

Day 6: Saint John & St. Croix
Work through the British Virgin Islands memories of enjoyment with exploration of the U.S. Virgin Islands National Park in St. John.  Over 7,000 acres to enjoy in paradise!   Take a step back in time learning about the stories related to the local windmills and ruins.  As your day concludes, enjoy dinner at a famous restaurant in St. Croix. 

Day 7: St. Croix
Spend your morning aboard your private yacht for one last picturesque breakfast view of the Caribbean sea and reminiscing of the islands and adventures your experienced the 6 days prior.  Experience a seamless departure as you take one last Seaplane experience to your private jet for departure from your Virgin Islands “Island Hopping” Experience.

To make a reservation or for additional information contact Hallas Travel at 704 313 8125 or www.hallastravelcom
About Hallas TravelHallas Travel crafts custom luxury and experiential experiences for individuals, small groups and corporations around the world.  Founder, Mo Sallah and his team employ their deep understanding of the world’s most celebrated locales to deliver bucket list-worthy adventures.  Learn more at www.hallastravel.com.  

Yachtico Announces The Top 10 Most Popular Luxury Boat Rentals

Yachtico — the world’s #1 online booking portal for yacht, sailboat, houseboat and luxury boat rentals — announced the 10 most popular luxury rentals#Yacht.

With Yachtico, vacationers can book yachts in real time at any budget level. Similar to booking a room in a luxury resort on Orbitz, a traveler chooses a destination city, a luxury level (like a 5-star hotel) and a date … it’s that simple. This holiday season, travelers have the ability to create a truly unique experience — an experience that can’t be recreated on land, in a hotel, or on an Air BNB sofa …

Urban land-lovers generally recognize five types of boats: the standard redneck fishing boat with oars, the bikini-clad spring-break party pontoon, the buccaneer vessel made popular by Johnny Depp in “Pirates,” the Puff Daddy platinum-selling luxury yacht and the colossal Royal Caribbean (please don’t be the Titanic) cruise liner.

Oh, for marine lovers, however, there are so many more to choose from, as evidenced by Yachtico’s top 10 list.

Bavaria 46 Cruiser — Put away your snowblower and take out your sailor’s cap in this sailing yacht that can be chartered in Seget for $1,736 per week.

Oceanis 45 — This gorgeous sailing boat can be chartered in Alimos Marina Kalamaki for $3,756 per week; Miami Vice style Armani jackets are extra.

Bavaria 43 Cruiser — Sail away from shoveling and towards relaxation in this stunning sailing yacht for rent in Athens at $1,707 per week.

Sun Odyssey 509 — This luxury sail boat can be chartered in Fethiye at $4,627 per week. Looks like a perfect backdrop for a cold bottle of Dos Equis with the most interesting man in the world.

Athena 38 — This remarkable cruising catamaran can be rented in Marina Cienfuegos for $2,846 per week. The Fountaine Pajot-produced luxury vehicle features four privacy cabins each with its own shower. So invite family and friends, or Playboy playmates, for a spectacular vacation.

Lagoon 420 — This innovative family cruising boat can be chartered in Alimos Marina Kalamaki for $4,541 per week. The Lagoon 420’s high-tech motors are silent, yet provide instant acceleration. And if you’re trying to escape the hustle and bustle of noisy city life, that silence will be relaxing.

Lagoon 421 — While others are spending the holidays with gingerbread houses and eggnog, you can rent this spectacular luxury catamaran in Netsel Marmaris Marina for $5,236 per week. The Lagoon 421, the updated version of the 420, is the pure definition of sailing.

Lagoon 52 — Make your neighbors who rented the Lagoon 420 and 421 jealous with the stunning Lagoon 52, for rent in Marina Le Marin at $18,098 per week. The Lagoon 52 marks a whole new era in the design of cruising catamarans with its stunning diamond-shaped vertical bows and levitated deckhouse. Now you’re entering P. Diddy country.

Lagoon 560 — This massive 56-foot cruising catamaran is available for charter in Yacht Club Port de Plaisance at $17,984 per week. It’s designed for hospitable and comfortable cruising, even capable of accommodating a skipper (sorry, no room for Gilligan).

Beneteau 50 — This nicely appointed, spirited French sailboat is available for rent in Kastela for $3,187 per week. The Beneteau 50 is a classic, popular because it features the master forward layout with ensuite head and separate shower.