The Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center is putting an exclamation point on a multi-year, $25 million property wide transformation with the introduction of a transcendent Executive Chef. Chicago-native Victor Martinez, who’s worked his way up from his father’s bistro as a teen to some of the most respected kitchens in the country, now looks to redefine hotel dining in the suburbs. By bringing an experiential, farm-to-fork culture to culinary operations at Oak Brook Hills Resort, Victor is setting out to change the way people think about hotel food outside the city.

“I see through ingredients, into their soul,” says Victor. “Where they came from, what they’re intended to be. My cooking philosophy is to tell the ingredients’ story.”

Shadowing that sentiment, Victor’s elevated food program at his new suburban retreat, from banquets to restaurant service, incorporates a classically-trained French ideology that highlights the integrity of ingredients. He’s focusing heavily on hyperlocal sourcing so that he can build relationships with his materials. When in season, fresh produce for recipes will come from the expansive Chef’s Gardens located on the Resort’s 150 acres of Audubon-certified grounds. Another interesting culinary component that Victor integrates into all his menus is the widespread use of house honey, farmed on-site in the Resort’s Hive Garden. He’s doing things differently in Oak Brook to give people opportunities to have authentic experiences in the moment.

“Bringing a sense of mindfulness to the table is a key element of who I am as a cook,” adds Victor, “and a reason why people will want to return to rediscover the Resort!”

If given the opportunity, Victor encourages people to get to know what goes into a recipe before eating it. Some of the unique ways diners can have an interactive experience at Oak Brook Hills Resort is by: picking their own veggies and herbs from the Chef’s Gardens for use in their dishes, observing (in protective suits) the resident beekeepers farming for honey, enjoying a private tasting with Chef in his office, or shopping for fresh ingredients at the Resort Farmer’s Markets (hosted periodically on-site).

Victor’s upbringing in the kitchen is where he honed his love for cooking. His earliest memories are working at his father’s bistro growing up in Chicago, beginning as a dish washer and eventually helping with food prep. It was at that time when young Victor was first inspired by his dad’s passion for cuisine and longed for the Chef’s life. After culinary school, Victor’s resume quickly took shape within the hotel Food & Beverage world. There was a first brush with Oak Brook Hills Resort, followed by Hyatt, Sofitel, and Four Seasons – where he started to look at cooking as an art form. Victor eventually received a high-profile position for Hilton Corporation, helping run the show at the luxurious Conrad Chicago, before ultimately returning “home” to where his heart is, Oak Brook Hills Resort.

“We’re committed to setting the bar for excellence after relaunching this Resort as the Hidden Gem of the Suburbs,” says General Manager Steven Ellingsen. “To help us cultivate our new culture and give guests an experience that’s top-notch, we’ve identified an extraordinary Chef who can take us there.”

Victor takes over a culinary program at Oak Brook Hills Resort that already had a strong reputation for chef-driven execution. At the Resort’s restaurant outlets, B., a contemporary farm-fresh dinner concept, and Tin Cup, an all-day gastropub, he’s committed to seasonal menu diversity and simple preparations accented by dynamic flavors. In addition, the Resort hosts some of the suburb’s most esteemed private banquets and public holiday brunches, such as the upcoming Easter from the Chef’s Table event, all of which center on the wide-ranging skills of the Executive Chef.

“Our desire is to be regarded as one of the leading Resorts in the Midwest,” asserts Steven. “With the talents of Victor Martinez now on board and an outstanding new culinary approach, we can honestly say we’ve reached the next level!”

About the Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center:
The Midwest’s premier lifestyles and conference resort is nestled away in the upscale suburb of Oak Brook, Illinois – just 30 minutes west of Chicago. After a 4-year property wide renovation culminating in late 2018, the Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center is now considered “The Hidden Gem of the Suburbs” (3500 Midwest Road, Oak Brook, IL 60523). Designed by hospitality architecture visionaries O’Kelly Kasprak, the new look of the Resort carries a stylish aura reminiscent of the Golden Age of Leisure. The designers have created a chic identity at the IACC-certified 150-acre property, where modern innovation meets mid-century elegance. With over 42,500 square feet of flexible meeting and event space, the resort is an ideal venue for conferences, weddings, banquets or social functions. The 386 guestrooms and 39 suites are complemented by an all-season tented pavilion, full exercise and spa facilities, indoor and outdoor swimming pools, and the 18-hole Championship Willow Crest Golf Club. The artistic talents of Executive Chef Victor Martinez can be seen throughout the resort’s culinary program, from catering to the resort’s two signature restaurants, a farm-to-fork called B. and a gastropub, Tin Cup. Visit http://www.oakbrookhillsresort.com for reservations or call the hotel direct at 630.850.5555.

SOURCE: Hilton Oak Brook Hills Resort

Situated in the heart of the Italian capital, in a historic building next to Rome’s most famous fountain, the Iberostar Fontanadi Trevi will be opening with five-star status following comprehensive renovation work.

The opening of the company’s first hotel in Rome, set for 2019, is the latest action in its strategy to boost its city hotels segment.

The Iberostar Fontana di Trevi will showcase a large mural by Daniel Buren, a leading artist and major figure on the contemporary art scene for more than 50 years.

Palma de Mallorca, October 29, 2018. 2019 will see the opening of Iberostar Hotels & Resorts’ first hotel in the center of Rome, the Iberostar Fontana di Trevi. The company has set its sights on Italy to boost its city hotels segment with this five-star boutique hotel.

The new hotel is situated on one of the main streets in Rome’s historic center, between the Trevi Fountain and the Pantheon, two of the city’s most outstanding architectural treasures. Standing just off Via del Corso, the hotel boasts a prime location in one of the city’s most popular shopping areas, offering easy access to all the Italian capital’s major tourist attractions.

The Iberostar Fontana di Trevi is housed in a magnificent six-story, 19th-century building that combines Renaissance and Neo-Renaissance style elements. In addition to 67 rooms and a wide range of exclusive services, the hotel also features a spectacular rooftop terrace, the perfect venue for admiring Rome’s spectacular skyline.

World-famous artist Daniel Buren is responsible for one of the hotel’s greatest attractions: a masterpiece of contemporary art that will be unveiled on November 9th during an event to be held in Rome. The French master was commissioned for this project due to his outstanding work on creating a connection between modernity and classical architecture, two concepts that will form a quintessential part of the hotel’s identity.

The Iberostar Fontana di Trevi in Rome brings the number of properties in the company’s city hotel portfolio to 10, joining those located in New York City, Miami, Lisbon, Havana, Madrid, Barcelona and Budapest. It also represents a further move forward in its city hotels expansion strategy, designed to boost the company’s presence in the world’s leading tourist capitals with hotels offering prime central
locations that reflect the authenticity and charm of the cities they are located in, providing guests with unique experiences.

“We are really excited about this new project. Rome is one of the top international destinations attracting both business and leisure travelers, and Iberostar Fontana di Trevi is designed as a boutique hotel tailored to cater to both types of guests. The building is truly unique and boasts an unparalleled location, and we are working hard to offer first-class services and facilities to provide guests a memorable stay with us in Rome,” said Aurelio Vázquez, Iberostar Group’s Chief Operations Officer.

ABOUT IBEROSTAR

The Iberostar Group is a 100% family-owned Spanish multinational company based in Palma de Mallorca (Spain) that has been operating in the tourist sector since 1956 and whose business activity dates back to 1877. Its sales network covers 35 countries, it has a staff of more than 32,000 employees and handles 8 million customers a year. Hospitality is the company’s core business, with a portfolio of more than 120 four and five star hotels located in 18 countries on three continents. In addition to the hotels, the Group has a further three business units: travel and incoming activities, a holiday club and real estate.

Iberostar Group is owned by the Fluxá family and chaired by Miguel Fluxá Rosselló, founder of the Group’s current hotel unit and the Iberostar Hotels & Resorts brand. His daughters Sabina y Gloria are the Company’s two Vice-Chairwomen. Sabina is also the Group’s CEO and Gloria holds the post of Chief Sustainability Officer.

Source: Iberostar

Geraldine Zaragoza has been named hotel manager of Casa Velas in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico. In her new role, she is responsible for the adults-only hotel’s 80 designer suites with luxury amenities, celebrated cuisine and special gourmet happenings. A member of SLH (Small Luxury Hotels of the World), Casa Velas is the only boutique hotel on the Mexican Pacific coast to hold Four Stars from Forbes Travel Guide. A member of the Velas Resorts’ team since 2010, Geraldine Zaragoza most recently served as Director of Groups and Conventions at Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit. With a background with other luxury hotels and resorts including the St. Regis, W Hotels and the JW Marriott in Mexico City, she focuses on ensuring high quality standards of service and facilities. She will also bring her special expertise to bear on planning, organizing and developing tailored unique experiences. Casa Velas is a luxury all-inclusive boutique hotel and ocean club for adults only, reminiscent of a Spanish hacienda.

Source: Velas Resorts

With world-class meeting venues in Los Cabos, Vallarta – Nayarit and Riviera Maya, Mexico’s Velas Resorts announces it has appointed Heather Johnson as Regional Sales Manager – East Coast Division. The appointment is effective immediately.

“With a genuine passion for travel, Heather has a consistent track record of meeting and surpassing sales goals in both onsite and remote roles and possesses demonstrable knowledge of working with meeting and incentive planners, wedding planners, travel advisors and wholesalers,” says Cynthia Kunz Global Sales Director – Meetings & Incentives. “She is passionate about excellent service and has thrived on curating bespoke luxury experiences for the most discerning of clients.”

With over 12 years of sales experience in the luxury market, Johnson most recently served as Sales Manager for Malliouhana, An Auberge Resort in Anguilla. She has also spent time in the sales departments for Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts in the Caribbean and Latin America and Morgans Hotel Group in New York City. Now based in Connecticut, she graduated from New York University with a Master’s degree in Tourism and Travel Management.

Velas Resorts consists of Casa Velas and Velas Vallarta in Puerto Vallarta and the Grand Velas Resorts in Los Cabos, Riviera Maya and Riviera Nayarit.

Velas Resorts has catered to MICE Industry needs for over 25 years with resorts that feature excellence in service, world-class hospitality, beautifully appointed accommodations, signature Luxury All-Inclusive, superb facilities and expansive Convention Centers. For more information on Velas Resorts Meetings or to make a reservation, please call 1-888-505-8399, email info@velasmeetingsmexico.com or visit http://velasmeetingsmexico.com/.

Source Vleas Resorts

The Board of Directors of VISIT PHILADELPHIA® today announced that following an extensive national search, Jeff Guaracino, current president and CEO of Welcome America, Inc., has been selected to lead VISIT PHILADELPHIA and its talented staff as president and CEO beginning on October 29, 2018.

Guaracino has been part of VISIT PHILADELPHIA’s growth since its early days. He joined the organization in September 2001 and spent more than a decade in leadership roles. In 2012, he left to serve as chief strategy and communications officer for the Atlantic City Alliance (ACA), a New Jersey-based destination marketing organization and later became that organization’s executive director. In 2016, Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney recruited Guaracino to serve as president and CEO of Welcome America, Inc., a non-profit organization in a public-private partnership with Philadelphia to produce citywide events.

“After an extensive search that identified top-tier national candidates, Jeff was the unanimous choice of our search committee,” said Manuel N. Stamatakis, chair of VISIT PHILADELPHIA’s Board of Directors. “With more than 20 years of national and international tourism industry experience, a proven track record and deep Philadelphia roots, Jeff is uniquely qualified for this position. He has built a remarkable career in destination marketing, and we are confident that Jeff’s leadership will further elevate Philadelphia’s stature for both U.S. and global audiences.”

“Jeff is passionate about Philadelphia, and I’m confident in his expertise to become the president and CEO of VISIT PHILADELPHIA,” said Mayor Kenney. “This new role is a natural expansion of his longstanding enthusiasm for Philadelphia and will enable him to leverage his expertise to drive tourism to our great city.”

SOURCE VISIT PHILADELPHIA