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Hotel Verde-Africa,s greenest hotel from the ground up |
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Published On: 2013-11-05 |
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 Mario and Annemarie Delicio of Dematech are the owners behind Hotel Verde – Africa’s greenest hotel. Dedicated and passionate about sustainability, they have transformed what was initially just a sensible business proposition into a showcase for some of the most advanced environmentally conscious technological installations as well as construction and operation practices in the world.
“We have a responsibility as a company, as an employer and as a visitor on this planet to live as sustainably as possible. This is the only way we can survive long-term and hand over to our children in a responsible manner.”
Construction on Hotel Verde, which is a part of the recently launched BON Hotels group, began over a year ago just outside Cape Town International Airport, with a team of contractors and experts dedicated to finding the alternative. “If you look at what can be done from a green angle you look at energy, water and waste reduction,” Delicio explains. “You then take each of these areas and work out how to implement alternatives, generating your own electricity for example. Then you need to explore the extent to which you can go.”
And the team at Hotel Verde have gone to the greatest extent yet seen on the continent – from locally sourced suppliers to sustainable practices on the building site to multiple ways in which they can generate their own electricity and reduce waste to almost zero.
“We have an advantage because we are starting from scratch. We could go from choosing recycled bricks and insulation, to installing a geothermal field, coupled to ground-source heat pumps. When you build new you can plan much more than if you retrofit an existing building.”
Andre Harms, Sustainability Manager and founder of Ecolution Consulting, is a trained mechanical engineer and the expertise behind some of the more technical aspects of the building. Having spent 15 months at the South African Research Centre in Antarctica, Harms knows what it is to value everyday resources and is applying this dedication to each facet of the project. “We have the opportunity to change the status quo here,” he says. “We have looked at different ways of doing everything, right from the word go.”
This includes the photovoltaic (solar) panels cleverly positioned to provide shade as well as power. “They are mounted on the north façade of the building so as to not only generate electricity but create shading for the windows that get the most sun.”
Another is to dramatically reduce the amount of concrete required by utilising Cobiax void formers - recycled plastic balls placed strategically within the concrete slabs that are required for the various floors. They displace the concrete, saving approximately 535 m3 or 1284 ton while maintaining the structural integrity.
Hotel Verde also boasts a sophisticated grey water recycling plant that will contribute towards a 37% reduction of potable water use.
“We have run a network of pipes through the building in order to reticulate the grey water, collect it and supply it to the toilets,” Harms explains. They will also be utilising a rainwater filtering and capture system to provide water for the car wash and irrigation. The elevators will run on a regenerative drive, which will allow for about 30% of the input energy to be recaptured and fed back into the building, and double-glazed windows with spectrally selective glass will filter out hot rays, so less heat enters the building reducing the need for air-conditioning.
In order to bypass the need for standard air-conditioning systems, traditionally one of the biggest energy consumers, Hotel Verde will utilise ground source heat pumps made by 100 holes drilled about 76 metres into the ground, where the temperature is a consistent 19 degrees Centigrade. Renowned German supplier AGO Energy will install a complex network of piping and equipment specifically designed for Hotel Verde that uses the earth as a heat source in winter and “heat sink” in summer, boosting efficiency and dramatically reducing operational costs.
“There is no other hotel in Africa that has gone to the extent that we are hoping to achieve,” Delicio says. “But going green is not just about the building, it’s about every aspect of the operation; zero waste to landfill for example. We might never reach that, but with the ideas we have in mind we will come pretty close.”
Open to the public in August 2013, the hotel plans to incentivise guests with credit notes and bar tabs for those who utilise towels more than once, for example, or don’t use the air-conditioning. “It’s about getting customers involved and making them a part of the whole green thinking philosophy,” Delicio explains.
Guy Stehlik, founder of BON Hotels, who will manage and operate Hotel Verde, says that the value of being involved in a project of this nature, plus its learning in terms of future hotels, is invaluable. “The three cornerstones of BON Hotels are Good people. Good thinking. Good feeling. Hotel Verde and the philosophy behind it is where the Good thinking lies. This is definitely one of the most innovative hotels in the country and we are thrilled to be involved in a project of this nature.”
Despite the fact that this is the first of its kind, the Hotel Verde team doesn’t want it to be a secret; they want to share their convictions with anyone who’ll listen. “We might have the slogan ‘Africa’s Greenest Hotel’ right now, but we hope it won’t be for long,” says Harms. “We want to show the continent what can be done. We want to challenge the industry as a whole.”
Source:-Hotel Verde.
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Emaar Hospitality launches new luxury brand |
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Published On: 2013-11-05 |
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 Vida Hotels & Resorts by Emaar Hospitality Group, the hospitality and leisure subsidiary of Emaar Properties is all set to launch new luxury brand for the new generation of business executives, entrepreneurs and leisure travellers.
An ‘urban hub where inspiring minds stay, play and connect’, the first branded outlet in the novel hotel chain will open in Downtown Dubai, offering 156 rooms.
Mohamed Alabbar, chairman, Emaar Properties, said: “The profile of today’s global traveller is changing, with a more youthful, upwardly mobile audience seeking a distinct hospitality experience to suit their needs.Vida will add life to the hotel stays of this increasingly important tourist community, delivering an intimate touch but also the freedom they expect.With Vida Hotels and Resorts, we are creating a brand new concept in inspired living, elegant yet simple, and a new urban hub for the discerning traveller.”
Vida Hotels and Resorts offer services and an ambience designed to appeal to the younger generation, as well as the practical advantages that go with great hotels in the best locations.
Vida Hotels and Resorts will be distinguished by neutral colours creating a chic ambience, good food inspired by Middle East and international cuisine, and the convenience of the latest technology, including check-in via iPad and uninterrupted Wi-Fi service.
Emaar plans to roll out the new hotel chain in its key global markets, starting with the Vida Downtown Dubai (formerly Qamardeen hotel), in the heart of Emaar’s world-famous master-planned community, Downtown Dubai.
The new hotel brand will also oversee the operations and management of the neighbouring Al Manzil Hotel.
The portfolio of Emaar Hospitality Group includes: The Address Hotels + Resorts, Arabian Ranches Golf Club, Dubai Polo & Equestrian Club, and Dubai Marina Yacht Club, in addition to independent lifestyle dining restaurants including At.mosphere Burj Khalifa, The Palace Cafe and Madeleine.
source: new hotel openings, emaar
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Anantara resort pioneers new residence concept |
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Published On: 2013-09-05 |
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 Offering the opportunity to reap rental rewards from luxury resort investment, the new Anantara Residences on the Palm Jumeirah have received a positive response at the Arabian Travel Market in Dubai, according to developer Seven Tides.
CEO Abdulla Bin Sulayem said the unique twinning of high-end resort facilities with premium residential accommodation offers both flexibility for the investor and additional inventory for the resort operator which can take in apartment and penthouse units at times when they are not in use by the owners.
“A luxury lifestyle is on offer with exceptional interior design where residents also have access to the extensive facilities at the adjacent 293-room Anantara Dubai Palm Jumeirah Resort & Spa –opening September – which features 33,000 sq ft of lagoon pools, six dining and entertainment venues, the Anantara Spa and more,” he said.
“At the request of the owners, management of their properties can be handed to Anantara, a unique opportunity that gives the perfect combination of return on investment combined with accommodation on one of the world’s premium resort locations.”
The residence/resort option is available at many destinations worldwide, but Seven Tides and Anantara are among the pioneers in the Middle East, and Bin Sulayem predicted that it was a viable funding vehicle for mixed-use developments that could grow in popularity.
“The injection of additional inventory to a resort can be beneficial to the operator at peak times, and with apartment and penthouse accommodation, the latter with private pools and terraces; it is particularly relevant for regional markets.”
The four-day tourism and travel show which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, event runs until Thursday 9 May 2013.
Source:- Anantara.
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Big Bus tours reveals new brand logo at ATM 2013 |
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Published On: 2013-09-05 |
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 Big Bus Tours, the largest operator of open-top sightseeing in the world, reveals its new global brand identity at the Arabian Travel Market 2013.
In 2011 two highly successful businesses, Big Bus Tours and Les Car Rouges, merged under the Big Bus Tours name to become the dominant force in open top sightseeing across the globe.
Until now the organization has been operating with three distinct brands – Big Bus Tours, Open Top Sightseeing and Les Car Rouges. However, the company has been working for some time to create a single brand to reflect their unified global identity.
This announcement and the unveiling of their new company logo coincide with the region’s largest annual tourism event – Arabian Travel Market 2013 (6th-9th May)
The new logo features a striking “B” that incorporates an iconic landmark from each destination in its centre. The color of the double-decker buses remains burgundy, cream and gold; maintaining a balance between traditional and modern design.
The four-day tourism and travel show which is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year, event runs until Thursday 9 May 2013.
Source :- Big Bus tours.
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Courtyard by Marriott Enters Saudi Arabia with Riyadh Hotel Opening |
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Published On: 2013-05-25 |
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 On Saturday, Marriott International, Inc. (NYSE:MAR) celebrated the opening of the Courtyard Riyadh Diplomatic Quarter with a variety of on-site celebrations. Courtyard by Marriott, the world’s 11th largest hotel brand, already has a strong footprint in the region with properties in Qatar, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait.
Abdullah bin Abdul Rahman Al-Meqbel, Mayor of Riyadh participated in the official opening celebrations which included associates, VIP customers and a number of dignitaries from the diplomatic corps stationed nearby.
The new hotel appeals to travellers looking for a prime location close to the Diplomatic Quarter. At the Arabian Travel Market in the United Arab Emirates last week, Marriott International announced that it is putting emphasis on expansion in the region through the Courtyard, Residence Inn and Marriott Executive Apartments brands. These developments are taking place in response to customer demand and regional travel trends.
“We’re thrilled by the continued expansion of our lodging portfolio in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and to participate in the economic development of the Diplomatic Quarter,” said Alex Kyriakidis, President and Managing Director - Marriott International Middle East and Africa. “Tourism in the Kingdom has strong growth potential with an average increase of 6.5 per cent year-over-year projected through 2014. We’re confident that this hotel will continue to be successful because of its ability to cater for a variety of clientele and its superb location adjacent to the Diplomatic Quarter.”
Farhan Lone, General Manager of the Courtyard Riyadh Diplomatic Quarter adds, “Situated in a very key location in Riyadh, I am delighted to welcome travelers from around the world. I look forward to hosting guests at our contemporary café that offers all day dining and showing off the state-of-the-art lobby featuring free WIFI access. We also have a modern, fully equipped fitness center with an indoor pool and whirlpool which will keep them refreshed during their stay.”
Courtyard understands business travelers, and, through extensive research, the brand continues to evolve to meet guests’ changing needs. Combining innovative technology with style and comfort, the adaptable lobby space offers options so guests can make the most of their time on the road. Intuitive services accommodate guests’ desire for choice and control and allow them to use the public space and guest rooms to meet all of their needs while on the road.
Marriott International, Inc. is a leading lodging company based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, with more than 3,800 properties in 74 countries and territories and reported revenues of nearly $12 billion in fiscal year 2012. The company operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts under 18 brands.
Courtyard by Marriott offers a refreshing environment that helps guests stay connected, productive and balanced. Intuitive services and design accommodate guests’ needs for choice and control. With more than 900 locations in 38 countries and territories, Courtyard hotels participate in the award-winning Marriott Rewards® frequent travel program that allows members to earn hotel points or airline miles for every dollar spent during each stay.
Source:- Marriott
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HotelsCombined Names 2013 'Stellar Stays' |
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Published On: 2013-05-25 |
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 HotelsCombined, the world’s leading hotel discovery and price comparison website, has revealed 33 stand-out hotels across the region which have made the cut in its inaugural ‘Stellar Stays’ list for 2013.
The honour roll includes the crème de la crème of hotels, with eight Australian properties recognised and another 25 from across Asia and the Pacific.
‘Stellar Stays’ is not a ranking list but a group of outstanding hotels judged on a strict set of criteria. All currently rate 9.0 and over with a minimum of 250 customer reviews on the HotelsCombined site, have a significant community or environmental program, and have received at least three major industry awards in the past year. Hotel reviews on HotelsCombined are aggregated from over 27 million reviews from multiple travel and review sites. Hotels are ranked out of a potential score of 10 – making a score of 9.0 or higher quite a feat.
Kristen McKenzie, Head of PR and Community at HotelsCombined, said, “Judged on detailed criteria, the result is an independent selection of properties that are truly extraordinary on a variety of levels. Not only do these hotels boast a high satisfaction rating amongst both guests and travel industry experts, but they also strive to make a positive difference with dedicated environmental and community initiatives. Conscientious tourism is a subject we take very seriously at HotelsCombined as evidenced by our Green Hotels and Responsible Tourism Initiative. We are delighted to applaud those similarly working towards a more sustainable future for the industry.”
Source:- Hotels Combined
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Regent Hotels & Resorts Unevils Exclusive All-Suites Bali Resort With Opening Promo |
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Published On: 2013-05-25 |
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 Regent Hotels & Resorts continues to set new standards in luxury hospitality with the launch of Regent Bali. Located in Sanur on Bali’s spectacular eastern coastline, Regent Bali is scheduled to open in June 2013. As the only all-suites beachfront resort in Sanur, the property is destined to be the premium choice for travellers seeking exclusive experiences in a tranquil and secluded resort.
From 1 June to 27 December, 2013, Regent Bali’s very first guests can experience all that the resort has to offer at special Opening Rates. Stay at the Garden View Deluxe Suite or Ocean View Deluxe Suite for USD357++ or USD377++ per night, respectively, and enjoy airport transfer and shuttle service by luxury courtesy cars, complimentary snacks, soft & alcoholic beverages, six pieces of laundry per person, pressing, shoe-shine and seamstress services, morning daily tea or coffee with Chef’s muffins served in your suite, daily evening canapés in the Lobby lounge, Wi-Fi throughout the resort and beach, and 24 hour on-call butler service to assist with your every need.
Nestled within ten acres of lush tropical gardens, Regent Bali features 94 exceptional suites. Both traditional and timeless, each private retreat boasts contemporary Balinese-style interiors, spacious living rooms and sea or tropical garden views.
Regent Bali comprises 78 Deluxe Suites (90sqm) and eight Premier Suites (136sqm). For the ultimate in indulgence and convenience, the four Deluxe Spa Suites (157sqm) and the four Premier Spa Suites (181sqm) include separate spa treatment rooms. Each Premier Spa Suite also contains a semi-outdoor entertainment and dining area large enough to accommodate up to eight guests.
Regent Bali’s singular sensation is the ultra-luxurious Regent Villa (937sqm). The two-bedroom beachfront Villa features a private pool, Jacuzzi, individual spa treatment room with steam room for two. Offering an abundance of style and space, the Regent Villa includes separate dining and living areas and two luxurious bathrooms (36sqm each), each with a lavishly spacious bathtub.
Regent Bali is also home to 25 Regent Residences. Measuring between 308-660sqm, the two-storey homes feature two or three elegantly appointed bedrooms, carport, private infinity swimming pool, living room, dining room, separate butlers’ entrance and quarters.
“Regent Bali embodies the new direction and philosophy of our company,” explains Ralf Ohletz, President, Regent Hotels & Resorts. “We are committed to creating bespoke luxury lifestyle destinations, offering exceptional service and unique facilities as well as exclusive residential properties. Regent Bali will be a flagship property for the brand.”
Regent Bali will also serve a variety of international and pan-Asian cuisines at the delightfully informal yet refined Nyala Beach Club & Grill. Authentic Indonesian dishes and all-day dining will be available at Layang Layang Restaurant while The Pool Terrace alongside the main swimming pool offers spectacular sea views and a selection of healthy meals.
Renowned for its rare beauty, Bali is popularly known as the ‘Island of the Gods’. The island’s rich Indonesian heritage and hospitable culture have made it one of the most sought-after international tourist destinations. Ideally located on Sanur Golden Beach just 14km from the island’s Ngurah Rai International Airport, Regent Bali overlooks 200m of pristine golden sands.
Guests are also invited to lap up the luxury of the 55m infinity pool, enjoy a stimulating workout in the well-equipped fitness centre or indulge in a pampering spa and beauty treatment at the expansive Regent Spa. Treatments include timeless revitalising Balinese and therapeutic massages as well as a range of unique spa and beauty treatments.
Spanning 810sqm, the Regent Bali Spa consists of five single treatment rooms and two intimate double treatment rooms designed specifically for couples. Catering to guests’ complete grooming needs, the Regent Bali Spa also includes a beauty salon offering an extensive menu of manicures, pedicures, hair care services and waxing treatments.
Steeped in history, the Sanur district has long held a reputation for attracting artists, celebrities and socialites, from playwright Noel Coward to Mick Jagger and Princess Diana. Today Sanur remains a creative hotspot and continues to entice discerning travellers from around the world.
Although the resort was conceived as the ultimate luxury retreat, it also serves as the perfect base to explore Bali. Nearby tourist attractions include Gunung Kawai Hindu Temple, Batur Mount Volcano, Ubud Art Village and Bali’s postcard-worthy Rice Terraces.
“Regent Bali will offer guests unrivalled comfort, privacy and understated elegance,” adds General Manager Murray Aitken. “Our 94 exclusive suites and The Regent Villa allow guests to escape to their own private sanctuary and indulge in Bali’s premium beach resort experience.”
A minimum of two consecutive nights stay is required for the Regent Bali’s opening rates, which are subject to 10% service charge and 11% government tax.
Source:- Regent Hotel
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BW Premier Herald Square Opens In Manhattan |
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Published On: 2013-05-25 |
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 The debut of the BEST WESTERN PREMIER Herald Square marks the first Best Western Premier branded hotel to open downtown in a major gateway city and illustrates the brand’s development strategy for its BEST WESTERN PREMIER® branded hotels.
Located on West 36th Street, between Fifth and Sixth Avenues, in the heart of Herald Square, the 17-story, 94-room, new build hotel was designed with a high-end boutique look and feel and upscale amenities. “When we decided to build in midtown Manhattan, we knew we wanted to build a high-end boutique hotel. Best Western was the only brand that offered the flexibility in design we were looking and didn’t require us to build a standard prototype,” said Jaz Patel, president of LeTap Group, the hotel’s development and management group.
Another factor in LeTap Group’s decision to develop the hotel under the Best Western brand was financial. “Having operated the Best Western Plaza Hotel on Long Island, we have been pleased with the brand-level support we receive. Opening in a market with high RevPar, Best Westerns’ flat membership fee, compared to other brands that require franchises to pay 8-10% of revenue, will make a huge difference to our bottom-line at the end of the year. It just made good business sense for us to develop the hotel with Best Western,” added Patel.
Growing the BEST WESTERN PREMIER brand to have a presence in key gateway cities is part of the brand’s development strategy. “When we started describing our hotels as BEST WESTERN, BEST WESTERN PLUS, and BEST WESTERN PREMIER, we knew we wanted our upscale Premier branded hotels to have a presence in major metropolitan cities. The Premier brand gives Best Western an opportunity to provide developers with an upscale product they can customize in these markets,” said Mark Williams, vice president of North American Development for Best Western. “Jaz and his team have designed and built a beautiful and unique hotel that will offer guests an upscale boutique hotel experience at a value price point. This new hotel exemplifies what the Best Western Premier brand is all about,” added Williams.
The company has four additional Best Western Premier branded hotels scheduled to open by the end of 2013 and eight more in the pipeline for 2014. Recently opened BEST WESTERN PREMIERS include the BEST WESTERN PREMIER Petion-Ville, in Haiti and the BEST WESTERN PREMIER Waterfront Hotel and Convention Center in Wisconsin.
Source:- Best Western
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Wyndham Worldwide Receives 2013 Innovation Award from Kids In Need of Defense (KIND) |
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Published On: 2013-05-24 |
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 Wyndham Worldwide , one of the world’s largest hospitality companies, received the 2013 Innovation Award from Kids in Need of Defense (KIND) for its pro bono work in providing legal counsel to unaccompanied refugee and immigrant children in the U.S. Recognized at the 2013 KIND Gala on April 30, which was held at Jazz at Lincoln Center, this is the first time the Company received the award.
“As a family-oriented company, Wyndham Worldwide is not only committed to creating great experiences for our guests and customers, but also to improving the lives of children in the communities where we live and work,” said Steve Holmes, chairman and chief executive officer, Wyndham Worldwide. “Being recognized for our work with an incredible organization like KIND reflects the hard work and dedication of our associates to doing well.”
Wyndham Worldwide first started working with KIND in 2011, and since then has taken on additional cases, emerging as one of KIND’s most committed corporate partners. Working hard to move the children from a life of fear, trauma and isolation to a life full of potential, the Company’s pro bono team often joins forces with other corporate partners, and hosts trainings, helping the organization expand its network of qualified volunteers.
“We are extremely pleased to recognize Wyndham Worldwide for their work with KIND,” said Brad Smith, KIND Board co-chair and executive vice president and general counsel, Microsoft Corporation. “Without compassionate and dedicated partners like Wyndham, who give their time, energy and resources, our work at KIND would not be possible.”
Believing that you can do well by doing good, Wyndham Worldwide is committed to enhancing the quality of life of children around the globe, and making lasting contributions in the communities where its associates live, work and play. The Company supports its philanthropic goals through in-kind donations, volunteer hours and by raising awareness and funds for organizations related to its mission.
“It is incredibly humbling to be able to help these kids, whose courage is an inspiration to all of us,” said Scott McLester, executive vice president and general counsel, Wyndham Worldwide. “Without KIND, many of these kids would have no voice in the immigration process, and their journey would be that much harder.”
Founded by Angelina Jolie and the Microsoft Corporation, KIND was created to start a pro bono movement of law firms, corporations, nongovernmental organizations, universities and volunteers to provide quality and compassionate legal counsel to unaccompanied refugee and immigrant children in the United States. It serves as the leading organization for the protection of unaccompanied children who enter the U.S. immigration system alone and strives to ensure that no such child appears in immigration court without representation. It achieves fundamental fairness through high-quality legal representation and by advancing the child's best interests, safety, and well-being.
Source:- Wyndham Worldwide
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Burj Al Arab Voted The Best Hotel In The World and The Best Hotel In The Middle East by Daily Telegraph's Ultratravel Readers |
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Published On: 2013-05-24 |
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 Burj Al Arab, the World’s Most Luxurious Hotel, won two esteemed Ultimate Luxury Travel Related Awards (ULTRAs) in the Best Hotel in the World and Best Hotel in the Middle East categories at the prestigious ULTRA Award Ceremony held at The Dorchester hotel in London last night.
The ULTRAs reflect the combined opinions of the readers of Ultratravel - the Daily Telegraph’s luxury travel magazine - and they serve as a unique and trusted source of advice to all travellers worldwide. The awards recognise the best luxury hotels, airlines, cruise companies, spas and destinations from all over the world. This year, the organisers have expanded the number of entry categories and added Best Hotel in the World classification, crowning Burj Al Arab with the notable title.
“We are honoured to be named the Best Hotel in the World and delighted to be recognised and voted again the Best Hotel in the Middle East by Ultratravel readers,” said Heinrich Morio, Burj Al Arab’s General Manager. “This kind of feedback serves as a source of inspiration and shows that - despite the steep competition - we are still the preferred choice and a must-visit destination for discerning travellers worldwide.”
Burj Al Arab has been voted the Best Hotel in the Middle East in Ultratravel readers’ survey for the past six years. The list of all ULTRAs winners will be published in the Summer edition of Ultratravel magazine, published on 1 June 2013.
Source:- Jumeirah
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