Club Med Announces New Japan Ski Resort, Major Resort Renovations And Enhanced Teens Programming To North American Properties

Club Med, the pioneer of the all-inclusive concept, announced today a variety of new developments launching over the next year, including a new ski resort in Japan, completion of renovations in the brand's North American family flagship resort, Club Med Punta Cana, refresh of the brand's unique Martinique resort, Club Med Buccaneer's Creek, and enhancements to the teens programming.

As Club Med continues to move forward with its ambitious development plans worldwide, the brand plans to expand its portfolio with three to five openings or renovations per year, including a U.S. mountain resort targeted to open in 2-3 years, as well as a new resort in the Caribbean in the near future.

New Ski Resort: Club Med Kiroro Grand

Club Med will debut its newest Japan ski resort, Club Med Kiroro Grand, this December further establishing the brand as the leading all-inclusive pioneer with 20 mountain resorts throughout the Alps, Canada and Asia. Located in Hokkaido, the internationally renowned ski destination of Japan, this untouched mountain features white powder snow and unique ski trails that guests travel from all over the world to experience. The resort will attract families, active couples and avid skiiers to discover an elevated mountain vacation featuring spring skiing until May (with 160 days of winter) along with night and off-piste skiing with new trails. In addition to the skiing and other winter sports, guests can learn more about the culture and traditions of the region through day trips to Otaru, a costal town of Sapporo known for its glasswork and Sake and beer distilleries. Learn about the native Ainu heritage of Hokkaido by visiting their local shops that house beautiful handcrafted wood carvings and embroidered clothing. Club Med Kiroro Grand is a destination for travelers to ski impeccable trails and immerse themselves in the rich cultures and activities of the Kiroro region.

Inspired by the dreamlike scenery of Kiroro's natural landscape, Club Med Kiroro Grand is designed with a distinctive enchanted forest theme, encapsulated from the reception to the 266 guest rooms depicting natural finishes and rich, traditional Japanese influences throughout. Upon arrival, guests will be drawn into the signature mountain charm bringing the great outdoors inside. The resort is situated in an unspoiled ski domain with 23 courses for all levels and off-piste ski slopes across the Asari and Nagamine mountains. Included in the stay, travelers will enjoy unlimited ski-in and ski-out access to a pristine domain, lift passes, group ski and snowboard lessons tailored to all ages and skill levels. Guests seeking active experiences outside of traditional skiing and snowboarding can choose from a plethora of activities at the resort like yoga, cardio training, digital darts and more. The resort also caters to families and children with dedicated Children's Clubs for kids ages 2-17.

spending the day on the mountain, enjoy apres-ski activities like the brand's first traditional Japanese onsen featuring a dedicated wellness lounge with a sauna and a hot stone room or indulge in the resort's Japanese-inspired restaurants, the Club Med Spa, indoor swimming pool and all-day entertainment. Additionally, Club Med Kiroro Grand is a 3-minute gondola ride from its sister resort Club Med Kiroro Peak and will be the brand's sole mountain destination in Asia.

Newly Renovated Flagship Resort: Club Med Punta Cana

Aligned with Club Med's mission of consistent growth, the pioneering brand has unveiled all-new renovations and extensions at flagship resort, Club Med Punta Cana:

Refreshed Restaurant & Dining Experience: The resort's main restaurant, Hispaniola, has transformed into an award-winning design that resembles a Caribbean beach bistro drawing inspiration from Punta Cana's vibrant art, music, and culture. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed into a tropical, open-air dining area with Dominican-inspired décor, bright colored elements and trendy and modern light fixtures complemented by the backdrop of the ocean. The avant-garde dining concept boasts an expansive range of global fare featuring fresh local produce, international cuisine and Club Med's famed French savoir-faire that will take guests on a true gastronomic journey. Enjoy the restaurant's grill station featuring savory and smoky grilled fish and vegetables, tender roasted meats from the churrascaria, and fresh seafood from the raw bar. The restaurant also features a wide selection of cheeses, freshly baked breads and pastries. For the kids, the restaurant offers a variety of well-balanced options for all palates. To round out the meal, guests are invited to indulge in the extensive wine and beverage selections from the wine cellar and bar. The all-day restaurant offers interactive show cooking and an evolving atmosphere filled with live music and festive entertainment.

New + Renovated Family Rooms: Influenced by the modern Caribbean and playful design throughout the resort, Club Med Punta Cana now boasts 90 newly renovated family rooms as well as 48 brand-new Family Superior rooms and 36 Family Deluxe rooms. Designed with families in mind, each room features two bedrooms – one for adults, one for children – and is centrally located near the heart of the resort and its family-friendly amenities. Modern design is combined with décor that reflects the region's natural elements, which guests can view from fully furnished balconies or the open-concept bathrooms with large rain showers, drawing inspiration from the brand's Zen Oasis concept that focuses on wellbeing and relaxation. The new rooms encapsulate the vivacious Caribbean paradise drawing from the island's vivid greenery, bright pink hues of flamingos and the shades of the shimmering turquoise waters.

A New Destination Wedding Venue: As demand for destination weddings continues to flourish, the resort has a new on-site wedding venue in partnership with the renowned Grupo Bisutti, Brazil-based wedding planner professionals that specialize in destination weddings. Grupo Bisutti Club Med Punta Cana hosts up to 250 guests and features a 3,982 sq-ft covered outdoor terrace ideal for tropical cocktail hours, receptions, and ceremonies.

Beauty Salon: To enhance the current wellness spa experiences, Club Med Punta Cana now offers guests a fully renovated beauty salon located at the entrance of the Club Med Spa by L'OCCITANE. The salon will feature a full beauty treatment menu to complement any wellness or weddings needs onsite.

Club Med Buccaneer's Creek: Renovations + New Design Concepts

Club Med Buccaneer's Creek, situated in the heart of the vibrant French Caribbean, will be undergoing extensive renovations to refresh its rooms, reception area, main restaurant, and bar slated to debut the first phase by the end of 2023 and will consist of:

Refreshed Accommodations: 139 existing rooms will undergo a complete refresh with all new modern furniture and decorative elements including new fabrics, curtains, and decorative lighting as well as a full refurbishment of the bathrooms with new hardware, finishings, and light fixtures. New Welcome Area & Reception: The reception area, which is the welcome center for all guests, will be undergoing a complete transformation into a spacious lounge area with green, teal and yellow tropical décor, wood furnishings and furniture that will transport guests to a tropical oasis upon arrival.

Enhanced Dining Concepts: The main restaurant, Pays Mélés, will be redesigned into a new open-air layout with refreshed furniture, lighting, decorative pieces, and two private dining rooms overlooking the ocean. In addition to the main restaurant, the resort's main bar, The Madou, will include a new outdoor terrace area as well as furnishings throughout the space to create a full seaside ambiance.

Endless Adventure: In addition to the renovations, guests can still expect the same outdoor adventures making it the ideal destination for watersport enthusiasts with included activities like paddleboarding, waterskiing, kayaking, and windsurfing. Also, enjoy destination experiences like a tropical getaway in an off-road vehicle to explore Martinique's rainforests and the banana and sugarcane plantations.

Newly Enhanced Teens Programming
In 1967, Club Med founded their first Children's Club – the Mini Club Med for children ages 4-10. To continue its pioneering spirit to cater to families and foster kids' growth and empowerment of all ages, Club Med has enhanced its current teens programming with: Club Med Teens (11-13 year olds) and Club Med Chill Pass (14-17 year olds) to offer more engaging, age appropriate activities. Teens can participate in new-and-improved group games, workshops and themed nights that combine creativity with fun, with activities including:

Teens Show: A modern approach to a talent show, the Teens show will feature trendy dances, glow makeup with LED lighting and screens. Big Splash: A giant inflatable water course will challenge teens to have fun in the water through a timed race to the finish line. Sports Under the Stars: A variety of sports including glow volleyball will be held in the evening featuring light nets, music and snacks – a whole new exciting way to exercise. Chill Pass Fest: An exclusive teens pool party to meet new friends, enjoy time under the sun and chill with music. The teens programming has launched at select resorts worldwide and is available currently at N. America resorts including Club Med Punta Cana, Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda, Club Med Cancún and Club Med Ixtapa Pacific and will be deployed at all Club Med resorts by 2024.

Pioneering Sustainable Tourism

Club Med continues its efforts dedicated to responsible tourism and corporate social responsibility initiatives. To expand on the brands "Happy to Care" program, Club Med's N. American resorts have developed weekly programming to involve both clients and guests on continuing their efforts. Weekly initiatives are organized including:

Seasonal Beach Cleanups: Club Med Columbus & Club Med Turkoise participate in seasonal beach cleanups to help keep the resort and environment clean and debris free. Turtle Protection Program: Dedicated turtle release programs at Club Med Ixtapa Pacific has been developed to ensure proper monitoring and protection of baby turtles. At Club Med Michès Playa Esmeralda, the resort supports the local government with the launch of the first Turtle Protection and Monitoring Program with plans to develop turtle releases within the resort for the guests. Beehive Harvest and Local Sourcing: Club Med Québec partnered with Hydromel to create a beehive growth initiative to grow and harvest honey for use in local dishes and drinks in the resort. Mini Sea Camp: Club Med Columbus teamed up with Only Blue Diving to organize a mini snorkeling camp for teens of San Salvador to raise awareness of coral reef preservation and education of marine ecosystems.

For more information, visit www.clubmed.us, call 1-800-Club-Med (1-800-258-2633), or contact a preferred travel professional.

Club Med, The Pioneer Of The All-Inclusive Concept, Aims To Become The Most Desirable Lifestyle Vacation Brand

Club Med, the pioneer of the all-inclusive concept with beach and mountain resorts worldwide as anounced its all-new refreshed and modernized brand identity. Taking inspiration from the original Club Med philosophy – creating simple moments of happiness – the iconic lifestyle brand shares details about its evolution into providing a more premium, family-friendly, and eco-conscious experience. Continuing its strong ambition to be the most desirable lifestyle vacation brand, Club Med also shares details about its ongoing corporate social responsibility initiatives.

Introducing an Elevated Brand Identity In 1950, Gérard Blitz founded the first Club Med resort in the Balearic Islands of Spain in an effort to give people a village to enjoy more moments of happiness and disconnect with an unlimited selection of outdoor activities, entertainment, and food & beverages. From there, Club Med’s concept and signature pioneering spirit was born. Today, Club Med is taking elements from that original foundation, its French heritage, and its core essence – simplicity, epicureanism, nature and freedom – and using them to revive its personality into a premium all-inclusive brand that marries a luxury experience with simple moments.

Now, Club Med’s brand identity offers a truly unique differentiation in the market and speaks to its history of offering ultimate disconnection with a new campaign coined: “That’s L'Esprit Libre”. The slogan renews and reaffirms the optimistic embrace of life that Club Med is famed for: the art of living a happy life. "When the complexities of everyday life are removed so one can focus on special moments, like having ice cream for breakfast and putting on ski boots, or if your family vacation actually feels like a vacation – That’s L’Esprit Libre,” said Kevin Armstrong, Senior Director of Brand & Communications for Club Med North America and the Caribbean. “Our new brand positioning takes inspiration from our long-standing 73-year history and iconic advertising campaigns, reinforcing our pioneering essence as well as our forthcoming journey with simplicity, modernized luxury, and playfulness.” Club Med operates nearly 70 all-inclusive beach and mountain resorts worldwide and sees between three to five new resort openings or renovations per year that appeal to both luxury travel and family-friendly experiences.

The brand’s expansion has also continued to evolve into becoming more upscale with the recent launch of its Exclusive Collection portfolio, a collection of 5-star resorts, villas, chalets, spaces and a yacht around the world that include elements taking luxury to the next level, from artfully-crafted single plated dishes to larger high-design multi-bedroom suites. Looking ahead, Club Med is prioritizing expansion of its Exclusive Collection portfolio by opening more Exclusive Collection properties and including Exclusive Collection spaces within its four-star resorts. “Throughout our 73-year history, we’ve watched our brand redefine the all-inclusive concept and evolve into a product that prioritizes simple luxuries that are ultimately the most meaningful for travelers,” says Carolyne Doyon, President and CEO of Club Med North America and the Caribbean. “Therefore, we find it important to look back on our roots and pay homage to what has made Club Med what it is today.

Delivering unique experiences in desirable locations with moments of togetherness, personalization, and opportunities to create life long memories to ensure their guests enjoy the feeling of being completely carefree. That’s L’Esprit Libre.” As part of this brand evolution, Club Med is enhancing all consumer communication touchpoints with refreshed logos, iconography, and color palette from its website and emails to the ‘My Club Med’ app and in-resort signage in order to reflect its new identity both in the resorts and outside.

For more information, please visit: www.clubmed.us/anewchapter

Velas Resorts Reopen June 15th. The Resort Collection With Properties In Los Cabos, Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Maya And Riviera Nayarit Welcome Both Domestic And International Travelers

 

 

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (June 15, 2020) – Velas Resorts in Mexico reopen their doors to domestic and international travelers today, Monday, June 15^th. The resort collection’s properties to reopen include Grand Velas in Los Cabos, Riviera Maya and Riviera Nayarit, Mar del Cabo in Baja California Sur and Velas Vallarta in Puerto Vallarta.

 

All facilities and amenities are opening in accordance with the resort’s comprehensive ‘Stay Safe with Velas Program.’ The health and sanitary protocols for both guests and staff members adhere to standards dictated by the World Health Organization and the government of Mexico. Sanitizing mats and booths, touchless hand sanitizing dispensers, increased cleaning and sanitation with both EPA-chemicals and UV light, and special COVID-19 training for staff are examples of protocols being implemented by the resort collection.

 

To decrease in-person contact should guests’ desire, the resort collection has launched new features on the Velas Resorts’ mobile app. A Concierge chat and restaurant and spa menus as well as pre-registration for fitness classes and other resort activities are some of the offerings.

Additionally, the destinations of Baja California Sur, Jalisco, Mexican Caribbean, and Riviera Nayarit, where Velas resorts are located, have all received the global safety stamp of approval from the World Travel and Tourism Council (WTTC). The distinction is delivered to destinations that fully comply with the Safe Travels protocols of cleaning issued by the WTTC, based on the standards of the World Health Organization (WHO) and the Centers for Disease Prevention (CDC).

For reservations or more information, call 1-888-407-4869, email reservations@velasresorts.com or visit https://www.velasresorts.com.

About Velas Resorts:

Velas Resorts in Riviera Maya, Puerto Vallarta, Riviera Nayarit, and Los Cabos have earned 56 AAA Diamonds, including the prestigious Five Diamond Award. Other esteemed international awards for services and facilities include Virtuoso’s Best Family Program, Forbes Travel Guide Five Star Award for spa, and TripAdvisor’s Hall of Fame, among others. Offering unparalleled all-inclusive experiences, properties include Grand Velas in Los Cabos, with dramatic ocean views and unique spaces infusing every area of the resort; Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, which enjoys a long stretch of pristine beach and a dramatic backdrop of the Sierra Madre mountains; and Grand Velas Riviera Maya, offering a sophisticated resort experience in the Caribbean with jungle and beach settings. In Puerto Vallarta, Casa Velas is a boutique adults-only hotel and beach club located on the Marina Vallarta Golf Course, and Velas Vallarta, a family-friendly all suites resort and spa located on Banderas Bay. Mar del Cabo, a boutique hotel on Mexico’s Baja Peninsula, opened in December 2018 as its only European Plan offering. Eduardo Vela Ruiz, founder and president of Velas Resorts, operates Velas Resorts with brother Juan Vela, vice president of Velas Resorts, by his side.  Explore tips, recipes, lifestyle and travel trends, and the latest news about Velas Resorts on the digital mag: www.velasmagazine.com.  

Bahia Principe Launches New Wellness Program At Luxury Bahia Principe Samana #GoDomRep

Bahia Principe Celebrates Balanced Travel with new WE Wellness Experience

Health-focused concept seeks to attract travelers and position further brand as all-inclusive leader in offering a multifaceted vacation experience for a variety of travelers.

Bahia Principe, the leader in all-inclusive resorts in the Caribbean, has launched a new wellness program at the five-star Luxury Bahia Principe Samaná Don Pablo Collection in the Dominican Republic. Via the new WE Wellness Experience the brand aims to attract health conscious travelers seeking a balanced vacation where wellness, cosmetic treatments and sports activities enhance the travel experience.

The WE Wellness Experience offers three pillars:

·       We-Care is a medical esthetic experience that aims to help guests look and feel younger by combining non-invasive and incision-free medical and cosmetic treatments that offer immediate results like facial rejuvenation and skin biostimulation.

·       We-Balance will help guests achieve the perfect balance of body and mind via activities such as Zen Yoga, meditative sessions and anti-stress coaching.

·       We-Train is a sports experience featuring athletic activities and sports nutrition advice with the assistance of a certified trainer including martial arts and total fitness classes.

Additionally, menus at the resort’s restaurants have been updated to reflect a WE seal next to particular dishes to help guests identify the most nutritious offerings.

“Launching the WE package of experiences at Luxury Bahia Principe Samaná Don Pablo Collection both positions this establishment as a specialist in the wellness concept, and strengthens Bahia Principe’s calling to remain a company that is committed to our guests’ health and happiness,” said Isabel Piñero, Grupo Piñero’s Vice-President of Marketing and Communication. “Luxury Bahia Principe Samaná Don Pablo Collection in the Dominican Republic is the ideal property to launch the new program, as it is a boutique hotel that blends the special charm of its facilities with the gorgeous environment surrounding it.”

The new Wellness Experience features activities that are included as part of the all-inclusive concept as well as paid services. Guests can arrange for services through the hotel’s WE Ambassador, who will be devoted exclusively to informing and guiding guests interested in the WE Wellness Experience. 

About Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts

Grupo Piñero’s Bahia Principe hotel chain has a presence in the Dominican Republic, where it is the market leader in terms of the number of hotel beds, as well as the Riviera Maya (Mexico), Jamaica and Spain (in the Canaries and Balearic Islands). Year after year, the Bahia Principe hotels receive a large part of the most prestigious international awards for quality that are given in the vacation industry. Alongside its high-end hotel facilities, the Piñero family’s company also manages two large luxury home resorts: Playa Nueva Romana Residences & Golf (Dominican Republic) and Bahia Principe Rivera Maya Residences & Golf (Mexico). The company has also developed other lines of business in the tourism industry, the most notable of which include the tour operator business (Soltour and BP-USA Travel) and guest reception services (Coming2).

About Grupo Piñero

Grupo Piñero is a Spanish tourism group with a presence throughout the entire value chain in the vacation industry. With its founder, Pablo Piñero, at the helm, it holds the top rankings in international leadership within the sun and beach travel segment, basing its value offerings on three main foundations: its ability to inspire trust, its service which pursues excellence, warmth and attention to detail, and unique quality for price in its different segments of activity.  Grupo Piñero manages 8 million tourist stays per year for customers from more than 30 countries. In 2016, and its revenue increased by 9.2%.

Grupo Piñero has four business units: the hotel division, with 27 establishments and 13,629 rooms in the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Jamaica and Spain; the tour operating unit, through its brand Soltour; the tourist receptive and other at-destination services unit, which provides more than 30 different services to guests (transfers, entertainment activities, etc.), and the residence and golf unit, which runs 6 luxury resorts and 4 golf courses.

As part of the implementation of its CSR strategy, Grupo Piñero is committed to being a healthy, sustainable company that is sensitive to the well-being of its employees, while also making a positive economic, social and environmental contribution to the locations where it does business.

Travelore Report, Monthly In Print Since 1971: TRAVELORE DESTINATION REPORT: The Samana Peninsula...

Travelore Report, Monthly In Print Since 1971: TRAVELORE DESTINATION REPORT: The Samana Peninsula...: Christopher Columbus landed in the Dominican Republic in 1492 and it became the site of the first European settlement in the Americas ...

Bahia Principe Luxury Resort In Dominican Republic Rated Number One By TripAdvisor Travelers

The Luxury Bahia Principe Cayo Levantado Don Pablo Collection has been chosen this year as the best all-inclusive resort in the Caribbean, by TripAdvisor, the world’s largest travel site. The winning Bahia Principe hotel is located in the Samana area of the Dominican Republic, on a white sand islet surrounded by turquoise waters and exotic fauna. An ideal place to savour the beauty of nature in all its forms and to take the opportunity to visit nearby places of interest such as Los Haitises National Park.

The Cayo Levantado’s first place ranking in the Travellers' Choice awards, presented by TripAdvisor, makes it the most popular all-inclusive holiday resort in the Caribbean. Reviews from travelers consistently cited the resort’s stunning location, luxurious rooms and excellent service by staff. Besides taking the number one place in the Caribbean, it has also been ranked the fifth all-inclusive resort in the world.

In the words of the Grupo Piñero Vice-President, Isabel Piñero, the awards “acknowledge our professional development, which is based on our focus on service and excellence, and the dedication of all our staff. We are extremely proud to have been rated first by travelers. I honestly believe that Cayo Levantado, Samaná and the Dominican Republic deserve it. The award also implies responsibility, which we gladly accept as it will help us improve”.

The Bahia Principe chain has obtained eight Travelers' Choice awards overall, notably improving its rankings from 2014. The Bahia Principe Costa Adeje in Tenerife has been chosen by travelers as the second best resort in Spain and the twelfth throughout Europe. And the Bahia Principe Tenerife, the third in Spain and the thirteenth in Europe.

The highly-esteemed Travelers' Choice awards are the only awards in the tourism sector that are based on millions of opinions and comments of travelers from all over the world and that represent the "crème de la crème" of establishments in terms of service, quality and customer satisfaction.

Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts are sold by preferred tour operators and travel agents. For more information on Bahia Principe Hotels & Resorts, please visit www.bahia-principe.com.

BAHIA PRINCIPE
Grupo Piñero's Bahia Principe hotel chain is present in the Dominican Republic, where it leads the market in tourist establishments, in the Riviera Maya (Mexico), in Jamaica and in Spain (Canary and Balearic Islands). Year after year, the Bahia Principe hotels receive a large share of the most prestigious international awards for quality that are presented in the holiday sector.

Together with its high-end hotel facilities, the Piñero family business manages three large luxury residential complexes: Playa Nueva Romana Private Residences & Golf (Dominican Republic), Bahia Principe Riviera Maya Residences & Golf (Mexico) and Bahia Principe Jamaica Residences & Golf. The company also runs other lines of business in the tourism sector, including tour operations (Soltour and BP-USA Travel) and receptive services (Coming2).

Top 10 "Travel's Best: All-Inclusive Resorts" Of 2015 named

Carlisle Bay, Antigua

From the mountains to the beaches, TravelChannel names the “Travel’s Best: All-Inclusive Resorts” of 2015 for the vacation planners that want to relax, rejuvenate and have endless activities to choose from, all at one price. This year’s list of best all-inclusive resorts offers yoga classes, gourmet dining, swimming with dolphins and world-class spa facilities – perfect for some family fun or a private getaway.

The 2015 “Travel’s Best: All-Inclusive Resorts” (in alphabetical order):

Blackberry Farm - Walland, Tenn.

Tennessee might not be thought of as a typical place for an all-inclusive vacation, but Blackberry Farm is exceptional. With delicious farm-to-table cuisine included in the price, this secluded Smoky Mountains escape is one of the top destinations in the country for foodies and outdoorsy types. As a working farm, activities include horseback riding, fly-fishing and tastings at the on-site brewery.

Carlisle Bay - Antigua

Carlisle Bay is an intimate, comfortable and contemporary resort on the Caribbean island of Antigua. Tucked between a tranquil bay and a cascading rainforest, it offers ample opportunity to lie back and relax in the sun or go on an exploration and adventure. Each of the 82 studio to three-bedroom suites boast ocean views and amenities that will have you yearning for more time in paradise. The Blue Spa, a state-of-the-art health club; a multimedia screening room; three bars; four restaurants; a pool; and excursions such as deep-sea fishing, golfing and yachting are just a few of the resort’s luxurious offerings.

Jumby Bay, A Rosewood Resort - Antigua

Christopher Columbus discovered Jumby Bay in 1493 and today, this island paradise is home to the all-inclusive Jumby Bay Resort. Located on a 300-acre private island where cars are forbidden, this resort has five places to dine; breathtaking views of the Caribbean at the Sense Spa; an 82-foot family-friendly pool; an oceanfront infinity pool; and luxe accommodations ranging from rooms and suites to villas and beach homes. “This resort is perfect for couples or families and a little more distinctive than your typical Sandals or other all-inclusive resort,” says Anthony Melchiorri, host of Travel Channel’s “Hotel Impossible.”

Marival Resort & Suites Nuevo Vallarta - Riviera Nayarit, Mexico

Located 16 miles from Puerto Vallarta, the Marival Resort & Suites has 495 luxurious rooms and suites spread out across 14 buildings. An array of fun activities in the area include a 4x4 mountain adventure, a Sierra Madres excursion, swimming with dolphins, golfing at Vista Vallarta, a canopy tour above Banderas Bay or a sunset cruise to the private cove of Las Caletas.

Parrot Cay and Como Shambhala Retreat - Turks and Caicos

One of the best options for a secluded and uber-decadent getaway in the Caribbean is Parrot Cay by Como - located on a private island and resting on a thousand acres and a mile-long beach. This all-inclusive resort is a 30-minute boat ride from Providenciales in Turks and Caicos and has a jaw-dropping beach, a world-renowned spa, free yoga classes and breathtaking ocean-view villas. In addition to high quality food, healthy options are available since the resort also has a wellness focus.

The Ranch at Rock Creek - Philipsburg, Mont.

Go glamping at the Ranch at Rock Creek. Ideal for outdoor enthusiasts, this ranch provides guests with the option to stay in a luxe tent, a canvas cabin, a private log home or one of nine rooms at the Granite Lodge. All rates include the regionally inspired meals and drinks served in the lodge’s dining room, the Blue Canteen and the Silver Dollar Saloon. You’ll need plenty of sustenance to participate in the wide array of activities available at the ranch, such as mountain biking, hiking, horseback riding, fly-fishing and clay shooting.

Red Mountain Resort - St. George, Utah

Red Mountain Resort in St. George, Utah offers luxurious spa treatments, weekend wellness retreats, outdoor excursions and more for guests wanting to relax, unwind and renew their spirit. Guests can hike in state and national parks such as Snow Canyon State Park, relax with a Zen yoga retreat or visit a Navajo reservation. Visiting the Sagestone Spa is a must – it offers nature-inspired treatments using indigenous desert botanicals and locally sourced, mineral-rich muds and clays.

The Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real - Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

The Reserve at Paradisus Palma Real is a favorite of “Hotel Impossible” host Anthony Melchiorri. The white sand of Bavaro Beach, which was recognized by UNESCO, is consistently ranked as one of the best beaches in the world. The resort has a full-service Yhi Spa with a fully equipped gym, three pools, a family concierge, the Kids Zone (for children ages 1-12) and two a la carte restaurants. With occasional deals that allow kids to stay for free, movie nights, beach volleyball classes, salsa lessons, finger-painting, pizza-making classes and live music performances are just a few activities and workshops available to guests.

St. Regis Bora Bora - French Polynesia

The St. Regis Bora Bora offers one of the most picturesque settings in the world. The clear and tranquil waters of Bora Bora house some of the most exotic fish habitats, perfect for diving. An amazing array of food and beverage options will please any palate — including Polynesian, Japanese and Italian cuisine — along with celebrity chef Jean Georges Vongericthen’s French-Asian restaurant, Lagoon. The royal villas set the stage for a serene and luxurious retreat from reality, especially if you’re celebrating a special occasion.

Travaasa - Austin, Texas

Travaasa, a healthy getaway just outside of Austin, Texas, is perched atop one of the hills in Texas Hill Country. The resort offers guests five pillars of experience: culture, fitness, wellness, culinary and adventure. But, its greatest asset may just be its staff, who go above and beyond to make sure each guest has memorable experiences that will last a lifetime.

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Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa Maldives Takes Away The 2014 Travelers' Choice Award For Top All-Inclusive Resort

Centara Hotels & Resorts group is proud to announce its recent success at the Traveler's Choice Awards, where its Grand Island Resort & Spa was recognized as Top All Inclusive Resort.

“We've worked hard to make the Grand Island Resort & Spa live up to visitor's expectations when they come to the Maldives, and I'm happy that the Travelers' Choice Awards have recognized the unique qualities of the resort,” Mr Voytek Klasicki, Centara's Area General Manager commented. The awards, one of the travel and tourism industry's most prestigious, are based on millions of reviews created by savvy and experienced TripAdvisor travelers and so accurately reflect the appeal that the Grand Island Resort & Spa has for its guests.

The popularity of holiday in the Maldives is growing, and it's easy to see the perennial appeal. With dazzling sand beaches, and crystal-clear turquoise waters, this Indian ocean destination is viewed by many as the quintessential tropical get-away.

The Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa is located in the South Ari Atoll, and was conceived by Thailand’s Centara Hotels & Resorts as a priority when it came to opening the group's first overseas property. The South Ari Atoll is a haven for marine life and offers resort guests an unmatched chance to get up close and personal with manta rays, reef sharks and colourful fish, while for divers the resort is in close proximity to famous sites such as Broken Rock, Kudarah Thila and 5 Rocks.

Surround by a glorious white sandy beach and the only Resort in the Maldives designed in a colonial style with whitewashed timber buildings and meandering boardwalks, the Centara Grand Island Resort & Spa offers both stunning beachside and over-water accommodation, and in a relatively short time it has gained considerable market share.

Mr. Klasicki went on to say that he is not surprised that reviews and opinions from Trip Advisor have been so positive, given the resort represents the ultimate in all-inclusive experiences and is truly unique in its totally immersive appeal. One of the truly innovative ways in which the Resort manages to be so relaxing is its 'cash-free policy' in which guests enjoying the “Ultimate All Inclusive” programme will find everything they desire already paid for – including champagne breakfasts, a choice of three lunch and dinner venues with themed international buffets and an open bar service which provides a scintillating array of cocktails, beers, wines and spirits.

Adding further, he sums up the Resort experience as a total experience for all the senses. We have a totally unrestricted dining concept so guests may book a table to dine in any or our specialty restaurants as often as they like. When it comes to leisure, we’ve included both non-motorised and a selection of motorized water sports as well as 5 excursions during the guests’ stay comprising of whale shark snorkeling, sunset cruises, local island visits, night fishing, and boats for snorkeling on other reefs. Other benefits such as in room mini bar, wifi, tennis and gym are also included. The cherry on our ‘Ultimate All Inclusive cake’ is that each and every guests can also enjoy a daily spa treatment in our SPA Cenvaree and this is something that no other resort in Maldives can boast.

The Grand Island Resort & Spa has a choice of 112 suites and villas suitable for individual travellers, honeymoon couples and family groups, all ranging from 76 to 146 square metres. One truly distinctive feature of the Resort is that it offers guests access to the Club - a "resort within a resort" accommodation experience.

All guest suites have bedroom and living room, a generous private terrace, and all of the amenities travelers expect from a premier beach resort including satellite TV and high-speed internet access. Guests opting for the Club level of accommodation also have access to the exclusive Club Lounge with private pool area and complimentary breakfasts, snacks, cocktails and dinner. The Club also serves premium wines and beverages and what’s more we provide an upgraded mini bar and will take care of the guests laundry.

The resort also is unusual in that it features a variety of dining options, including the all-day venue Reef, authentic Suan Bua and Azzuri Mare Italian & Seafood restaurant, plus the Aqua and Coral Bars for nightly entertainment. For those seeking day-time activity, the Resort offers recreation options, sports and fitness facilities and a professionally-managed Kids’ Club, while those looking to relax are welcome at Spa Cenvaree, The resort is easily accessible from Male International Airport or from the recently-opened Maamagili Airport, handily located close to the Resort in the South Ari Atoll.

Centara Hotels & Resorts is Thailand’s leading operator of hotels, with 48 deluxe and first-class properties covering all the major tourist destinations in the Kingdom.

A further 26 resorts in Maldives, Vietnam, Bali, Sri Lanka, Mauritius, Ethiopia, Qatar, Laos and Oman brings the present total to 74 properties. Brands and properties within Centara ensure that specific categories such as couples, families, individuals, and meetings and incentives groups will all find a hotel or resort that is appropriate to their needs. Centara operates 30 branches of Spa Cenvaree, one of Thailand’s most luxurious and innovative spa brands, together with 7 branches of the value brand Cense by Spa Cenvaree, which provides core spa services for busy travellers. The company’s Kids’ Club is available at all the family-friendly resorts to ensure that the youngsters and teens have their own leisure zone. Centara also operates three state-of-the-art convention centres in Bangkok, and two in northeastern Thailand, one being located in Udon Thani and the other in Khon Kaen. The latest Centara brand is named COSI Hotels, an affordable lifestyle brand designed for travellers who predominantly make their bookings via the internet and who want comfort and convenience at affordable prices; the brand is under development with the first property due to open in 2016.

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Jetsetter Announces 2014 "Best Of The Best" Hotel Awards

Awards Honor World's Best in Design, Pampering, All-Inclusive & More; Limited Sale Features Winners

 Jetsetter.com, the world's leading luxury travel site that provides expert knowledge and exclusive deals on the

 world's finest travel, today announced the winners of its 2014 Best of the Best hotel awards. The first ever

 awards include 15 "Best" categories ranging from Pampering and Romance to Pool Scene and Comeback. 

 Each category includes a winner and two runner-ups.

The awards were issued to hotels that not only meet with Jetsetter's rigorous quality standards, but also,

 according to Managing Editor Leigh Crandall, "capture the style, sense of place and outstanding experience

 that makes a Jetsetter hotel the best in a given destination."  

The Winners:

• Best Design: Andaz Amsterdam Prinsengracht, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
• Best Comeback: Fairmont Le Chateau Frontenac, Quebec City, Canada
• Best Hotel for Communing with Nature: Belmond Safaris, Botswana
• Best Nightlife: The Standard, High Line, New York 
• Best for Foodies: Belmond Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons, Oxfordshire, UK
• Best for Pampering: Lumeria Maui, Hawaii
• Best on the Beach: Grace Bay Club, Turks & Caicos
• Best Reward for the Travel Effort: Hotel Escondido, Puerto Escondido, Mexico
• Best Big City Sleep: Dean Street Townhouse, London, UK
• Best Business Meets Pleasure: Soho House Berlin, Germany
• Best for Romance: Sextantio Le Grotte, Puglia, Italy
• Best Style Steal: Mama Shelter Istanbul, Turkey
• Best-Looking Guests: Hotel Majestic Barriere, Cannes, France
• Best All-Inclusive: Blue Diamond Riviera Maya, Mexico
• Best Pool Scene: The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas

See the full list here.

Behind the Awards

The editorial team sent categories to more than 200 travel correspondents globally, then compiled their

 suggestions along with the Jetsetter team's. A final committee of senior-level editors sat to debate and narrow

 down the list down based on each category's criteria, then compiled a final selection of a winner and two

 runner-ups in each category. The Jetsetter Best of the Best hotel awards represent hotels that truly 

encapsulate the outstanding experiences members have come to expect from properties on Jetsetter. 

Editor in Chief Sean Murphy notes, "All the hotels on Jetsetter have something special about them that makes

 them worthy of a Jetsetter recommendation, but often our members are looking for a particular hotel experience

 and want to know where to go to get the best of what they want. At our core we are travel-experience curators 

and hotel-member matchmakers. The Best of the Best awards are a way for us to help our 20 million members

 identify the special within the special of our 2,500 handpicked hotels."

Feel Like Booking the Best?

The winners and finalists are featured in a limited collection that only runs from June 11 (noon EST) to June 17,

 ending at 11:59 p.m. View this exclusive collection here.

About Jetsetter.com

Jetsetter.com is a travel community providing its more than 20 million members with hand-selected luxury

 experiences, verified by experts. From hotels to tours to trip planning, Jetsetter offers exclusive deals and

 insider advice designed to match members with their ideal travel experience. Each vacation featured on the

 site is hand-selected by a team of curators and personally verified by Jetsetter's global network of

 correspondents. Jetsetters can browse offerings on limited-time sales of up to 40 percent off or peruse

 Jetsetter 24/7, a collection of more than 2,500 hotels and resorts available 365 days a year.  Members can

 tap into the regional expertise of Jetsetters correspondents with private consultations through the Personal

 Travel Planning Service or  personalize deluxe tours with the new Jetsetter Journeys program. All Jetsetter

 partners featured in retail and flash, as well as the same-day booking app Jetsetter Now, must meet an 85 

percent approval rating in post-stay member surveys.  Jetsetter apps for iPhone and iPad were named best

 travel apps in the Apple App Store Rewind 2011. For more information, visit http://www.Jetsetter.com.