Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, the world’s leading luxury hospitality company, is strengthening its presence in the luxury hotel and residential space, and building on its position as the business partner of choice for luxury hotel, resort and residential projects.

With a pipeline of more than 50 projects at various stages of planning and development, the company continues to extend its global portfolio in destinations of importance to luxury travellers.

“Our aspiration is not to be the biggest; it’s to be the best,” says J. Allen Smith, President and CEO, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. “We are singularly focused on serving the luxury consumer. Against the current backdrop of industry consolidation and commoditisation, there is tremendous opportunity to extend Four Seasons leadership in the pure luxury space.”

“But market dynamics alone do not guarantee success,” continues Smith. “Our ability to capitalise on these opportunities is directly related to the strength of our leadership team, and the ability of our people – the most passionate and talented in the industry – to deliver an unparalleled level of personalised service.”
This commitment to service excellence extends beyond the company’s service of its guests, continues Smith. “Extending the custom character of everything we do to help property owners realise the full value of their investment and relationship with Four Seasons is a top priority for us.”

Business Partner of Choice
One way the company is actioning this priority is through the appointment of Michael (Mike) Crawford to the newly created role of President, Portfolio Management and Owner Relations. Crawford, who joined Four Seasons in 2014 as President, Asia Pacific, moved into his new position in late 2016.

With global responsibility for design, construction and procurement, Crawford coordinates the intricate process of bringing development projects to fruition, including new builds, strategic conversions and adaptive reuses of historic buildings, working cross-functionally across the organisation and in collaboration with the company’s individual hotel owners. Crawford is also responsible for leveraging the company’s well-established leadership and expertise in branded residential – a key area of growth that includes more than 4,000 residential units in 17 countries around the world.

“Long-term partnerships with hotel owners are at the core of our business model, and just as each Four Seasons property is unique, so too is each individual hotel owner,” says Crawford. “Having a clear eye on the unique vision and objectives of each hotel owner and applying the same level of customisation to these relationships as we do with our guests continues to be a key competitive advantage for Four Seasons.”

Further articulating what it means to be a leader in this regard, Crawford says, “Building strong relationships with hotel owners is fundamentally grounded in trust, the same trust that our guests place in us to deliver the highest standards of product quality, design and service. I look forward to continuing to build on the strong relationships we have with our hotel owners, offering even greater attention and customisation, and putting dedicated resources in place to prioritise this effort.”

Targeted Growth: 2017 and beyond
Today Four Seasons opened its 9th hotel in China in Tianjin, and will extend its presence in several key markets in 2017 with the addition of second hotels in both London (Ten Trinity Square) and the Seychelles (Desroches Island), as well as adding a fourth property in Florida (Surfside). The company also plans to open hotels in new destinations including Kuwait, Megève, and Tunis later this year.

Four Seasons has previously announced plans for hotels, resorts and residences in: Montreal, Los Cabos, Bangkok, Madrid, Philadelphia, São Paulo, Bengaluru, and Kuala Lumpur, as well as second properties in both Boston and Tokyo.

These developments build on 2016’s momentum, when Four Seasons added nine properties to its global portfolio: Four Seasons Hotel Dubai International Financial Centre, Four Seasons Hotel Bogotá, Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island, Four Seasons Resort O’ahu at Ko Olina, Four Seasons Hotel Jakarta, Four Seasons Hotel New York Downtown, Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto, Four Seasons Resort Anguilla, and Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An, Vietnam. Four Seasons also introduced the first private island experience in the company’s portfolio – Four Seasons Private Island Maldives at Voavah, Baa Atoll – the world’s only exclusive-use UNESCO hideaway located in a World Biosphere Reserve.

About Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts
Founded in 1960, Four Seasons continues to define the future of luxury hospitality with extraordinary imagination, unwavering commitment to the highest standards of quality, and the most genuine and customised service. Currently operating 103 hotels, resorts and residences in major city centres and resort destinations in 43 countries, and with more than 50 projects in development, Four Seasons consistently ranks among the world’s best hotels and most prestigious brands in reader polls, traveller reviews and industry awards. For more information and reservations, visit fourseasons.com. For the latest news, visit press.fourseasons.com and follow @FourSeasonsPR on Twitter.

Source: Four Seasons

Arizona is well known for its natural ruggedness, dramatic mountain spires and panoramic desert scenery and the brand new hotel openings are just as inspiring. With British Airways announcing an increased summer service to Arizona in 2017, adding a second flight three days a week from Phoenix Sky Harbor to London Heathrow Airport, it looks like the state is set to welcome even more Brits this summer, and now has an array of new hotels for travellers to lay their heads. Ranging from artistic boutiques to luxury havens that invite visitors to unwind and relax after an intrepid day’s adventuring in the great outdoors.

Cambria Hotel & Suites, Chandler
For those wanting shaded sanctuary from the outdoors and feel that a spot of retail therapy is required then Cambria Hotel & Suites is the ideal property. Set to open in spring 2017, as part of a larger development, this hotel includes chic décor, flexible spaces for meeting or socialising and impressive ‘standard’ rooms that feel first class. Of course, booking a room at the Cambria gives guests the opportunity to stay on the doorstep of a shopping mecca, Chandler Fashion Center. However, if it’s practicalities that impress, then the Cambria includes no less than 136, a pool with cabanas, fitness room, lounge area and 1,300 square feet of meeting space.

FOUND:RE Boutique Hotel, Downtown Phoenix
For the artistically inclined there’s the recently opened boutique property, FOUND:RE, located in downtown Phoenix. The defining feature of this hotel is to treat guests to an ever-changing art gallery, surrounded by varied and amazing talent of all kinds, created and donated by local artists. This unique combination of local creativity is amplified in MATCH Cuisine & Cocktails, the hotel’s wood–fired, taste-bud-tantalising restaurant. The menu is inspired by global street food with a commitment to local sourcing and top-drawer quality. The hotel suites and interior exhume an industrial, bronze cast, post-modern feel that is impossible to experience anywhere else in the state. The hotel and restaurant are close to stadiums, convention venues, cultural epicentres such as the Phoenix Art Museum, Heard Museum, Arizona Opera and, of course, the downtown Phoenix foodie epicentre.

Mountain Shadows, Scottsdale
In early 2017, Westroc Hospitality, which owns Hotel Valley Ho and manages Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain, is rolling out the red carpet for a new resort located in Paradise Valley. Mountain Shadows is taking over the former spot of Marriott Mountain Shadows Resort, nestled between the magnificent Camelback and Mummy Mountains. The original resort at this location was built in 1959 and set the bar for southwest luxury, attracting Hollywood royalty such as John “The Duke” Wayne. Elements of the original resort remain, such as sunscreen blocks, postcards and vintage photos. The exterior of this strikingly unique build will be just as reminiscent of that golden era – a blend of current style and mid-century modernism. An abundance of floor-to-ceiling glass will also be intertwined with classic design and neutral colours. This 183-room boutique hotel will have a lounge, restaurants and a 5,000 square-foot fitness centre. The project even includes the redesign of neighbouring Mountain Shadows Golf Club for gentlemanly sports enthusiasts. Also expect a strong fitness component to the Mountain Shadows’ ethos including guided hikes of Camelback Mountain, a juice bar and a 5,000 square-foot, high-tech fitness centre.

Andaz Resort and Spa, Scottsdale
The Andaz Resort, Scottsdale pays homage to some of the formidable architects and famous artists who helped shaped Scottsdale: names such as Frank Lloyd Wright, Alexander Girard and Paolo Soleri. Opening at the end of 2016 the resort features mid-century desert-inspired interior and features indigenous art, culture and cuisine. The Andaz has also announced a partnership with Cattle Track, a Scottsdale artistic compound just minutes from the resort and downtown. Cattle Track has and continues to be home to some of Scottsdale’s greatest minds, including the founder of Phoenix Art Museum, Phillip C. Curtis, who lived there for 53 years before his death in 2000. Hotel guests can expect to see live art demonstrations from Cattle Track tenants, and they’ll be invited to tour the offsite studios of the exclusive art compound. Additionally, Cattle Track artwork is featured throughout the property and goods from the local creative hub and other local artists are available for purchase in the Andaz’s gift store.

Courtyard by Marriot Sedona
Veteran hotel developers Marriott opened the doors to their brand new Courtyard Hotel in October 2016 in Sedona, home of the majestic Red Rock. With a keen eye for flexibility and a focus on tailor made accommodation packages this hotel takes seriously its ability to bend to the needs of the guest’s itinerary. The latest room layouts offer multi-functional areas designed either for sleeping, relaxing or preparing for the Arizona outdoors. Soft lighting, multi-plugins and handy luggage drops use technology to ease the headache of travelling logistics. But hotel-tech isn’t the only convenience of this new-build. Uptown Sedona, five minute drive away, offers a diverse shopping experience, restaurants and art galleries. Uptown is also the gateway to Arizona outdoor activity bookings and Tlaquepaque Arts & Crafts Village- the starting block for 300 miles of hiking trails.

Source: Arizona Office of Tourism

Budapest, Hungary–If you’ve ever yearned to pamper yourself or your partner with one of those luxurious river cruises and you’ve also had a hankering as a spiritual seeker to experience the divine in unique corners of the world–but couldn’t decide between the two–your dilemma is now solved. You can do both!

In Sept, 2017, you can hop aboard the exclusively chartered MS Emerald Sun to spend 11 days touring eight beautiful and historic cities from Budapest, Hungary, to Prague, in the Czech Republic, in the company of two of the world’s leading spiritual leaders–Marie Diamond, the globally renowned transformational leader and Feng Shui master featured in The Secret; and James Twyman, known worldwide as the Peace Troubadour, spiritual filmmaker and a New York Times bestselling author of The Moses Code.

Each of them will bring their unique gifts to the experience. In addition to onboard workshops and intimate receptions with them, Marie will lead a guided walk through the streets of Prague, the ancient alchemical center of Europe, allowing you to feel the power of the vortexes and spiritual lay lines. James, known for his dynamic peace concerts in war-torn parts of the world, will offer a special concert and meditation.

“The Danube is one of the most romantic rivers in Europe, and together we will visit highly spiritual places along our journey,” says Marie. “Together with James, we will meditate and transform together on one of the most romantic and inspiring rivers of Europe. I am so excited about this trip and I am looking forward to helping you transform your life, spending time with you and visiting these incredibly beautiful cities.”

The tour itself, presented by Spirit at Sea Travel, is filled with enriching, life-changing experiences, exploring:
– The old-world elegance of Budapest
– The castle-topped city of Bratislava, capital of Slovakia
– The glittering city of Beethoven, Schubert, and Strauss–Vienna
– The enchanting medieval towns of Durnstein and Melk, Austria
– Divided Salzburg, Austria, with medieval and baroque buildings of the pedestrian Altstadt (Old City) on its left riverbank, facing the 19th-century Neustadt (New City) on its right
– The charming Regensburg, one Germany’s best preserved medieval cities and a UNESCO World Heritage site
– Nuremberg with its centuries of significance written in its streets-in war and peacetime
– Prague, one of the most beautiful cities in Europe with some of the continent’s most stunning architecture clustered around world renowned squares.

Tour in elegant comfort and style, while relishing 23 gourmet meals, and enjoying beautifully appointed staterooms. Watch the unmatched scenery pass by from your balcony or on deck. Attend evening events onboard, attend workshops of your choosing and experience many opportunity to get to know these extraordinary leaders who will be guiding you on this journey.

“This is where the magic happens – an intimate environment surrounded by people who are committed to peace,” says James. “And to experience that while cruising down legendary European rivers, touring ancient historic cities, and experiencing life-changing workshops? Can you think of a better way to spend a week of your life?”

The cruise starts in Budapest on Sept. 7 (travelers should depart the USA on Sept. 6) and the cruise concludes in Prague on Sept 16. Fees range from $3,899 to $4,999 per person (double occupancy), depending on accommodations selected, plus a $299 registration fee. Airfare is not included.

Revel in the divine in the loveliness of middle Europe. Imagine the romance and the richness of this tour-of-a-lifetime amongst like-minded spiritual companions and world class teachers.

For reservations or information, contact the agent for Spirit at Sea Travel: Mayflower Tours Group. From the U.S., call 800 728 0724 and ask for Kathy Basco. To contact her from outside the U.S., call 001 630 435 8222. You may also email her at Kathybasco@mayflowertours.com. If traveling single, there will be a closed cruise Facebook group to connect with potential roommates. For more information, visit www.DanubeCruisewithMarieandJames.com

The Palms Turks & Caicos includes 72 oceanfront suites featuring panoramic views and accommodations alocated on Grace Bay Beach.

The property includes high-end retail shops, an infinity pool and swim-up bar, the al fresco award-winning Parallel 23 restaurant, several event and meeting space, croquet lawn, tennis courts, and complimentary water sports on white sand beaches.

Five buildings house 72 one, two and three-bedroom suites that each boast over 1,500 sq. ft. of living space and travertine balcony or terrace, most with ocean views. Adjoining bedrooms can also function as Luxury Rooms with over 600 sq. ft. of living space and private outdoor terraces.

Eight Penthouse Suites feature vaulted ceilings, keyed elevator access, private studies, two expansive travertine terraces with a pergola, an interior “water room” with waterfall shower, adjacent SunSuite with outdoor shower, garden and Jacuzzi. Each suite is equipped with a safe, complimentary Wi-Fi and 57-channel cable television. Penthouse Suites have flat panel LCD televisions.

Master baths feature hydro-massage bathtubs and separate marble showers. Suites are equipped with a full kitchen featuring Viking appliances ideal for long-term guests or those seeking the services of a private chef.

For more information visit http://www.thepalmstc.com/

Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, an award-winning AAA Four-Diamond resort owned and managed by Marcus Hotels & Resorts, is pleased to announce the appointment of Jason Poole as executive chef. In his new role, Poole will oversee all culinary operations at the resort to continue to provide fresh, authentic dining experiences for guests.

“We are excited to welcome Jason to the Grand Geneva and look forward to his expertise and leadership with our culinary team,” said Steven Magnuson, managing director. “Jason’s extensive experience and innovative creations will continue to position the resort as a top dining destination in Southeastern Wisconsin.”

With a culinary background spanning more than 15 years, Poole brings tremendous experience and fresh perspective to the resort. Prior to joining the Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, Poole recently served as executive chef at the Hyatt Regency Sacramento, overseeing the entire culinary operation. He has also held various chef positions at Hyatt Hotel properties across the country, from California to South Carolina. Poole has demonstrated great success opening multiple restaurants and winning awards within Hyatt Hotels.

Grand Geneva Resort & Spa boasts three premier restaurants including Geneva ChopHouse, offering guests the very finest steak and seafood; Ristoranté Brissago, featuring fresh, authentic Italian fare; and Grand Café, serving seasonal, contemporary American favorites in a more casual atmosphere. Poole is looking forward to using simple and classic cooking techniques that highlight the fresh and flavorful ingredients in each dish, focusing on preserving the integrity of the fresh ingredients each season has to offer.

Poole received his formal culinary training from Johnson and Wales University in Charleston, SC. In his free time, he enjoys camping, hiking, baseball and watching Sunday football.

For more information on Grand Geneva Resort & Spa, please visit www.grandgeneva.com.

Source: GRAND GENEVA RESORT & SPA

Radisson RED, a new hotel philosophy and lifestyle brand inspired by art, music and fashion will open its first U.S. location and flagship, Radisson RED Minneapolis this November.

“Radisson RED is a completely new and different hotel concept, it is bold and alive and provides an experience like no other.” said Javier Rosenberg, chief operating officer, Americas, Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group. “We have announced 13 RED hotels globally with key destinations in the Americas including Campinas, Brazil, Miami and Portland.”

Radisson RED is driven and enhanced through local art, music and fashion and appeals to guests who have an ageless millennial mindset. The hotel’s design builds flow between spaces, breaking down walls traditional hotels use to separate areas such as the lobby, restaurants, bars and meeting spaces. The design of the hotel merges these traditional spaces into one integrated, flowing ‘social hive’. The Radisson RED experience is complemented by the RED App that simplifies the guest experience. In addition to providing keyless entry to rooms, the app allows guests the ability to order food, request services with an instant response via SMS, and connect to other guests staying in the hotel.

“RED is unlike any other hotel brand and we are bringing something completely new to the Minneapolis market,” said Ryan Foley, the hotel’s general manager which the brand calls the ‘Curator’, in charge bringing the brand’s bold experience to life by leading a staff of creative, expressive and service driven people. “There is no front desk; we hire and train our staff differently, we simplify the experience through technology and we enhance the experience through art, music and fashion.”

Radisson RED Minneapolis is located at 609 3rd Street South in the East Town neighborhood just steps away from the new U.S. Bank Stadium. The hotel’s lobby has been designed to be a flowing social hive which includes the OUIBar + KTCHN, RED’s restaurant and bar concept. The OUIBar + KTCHN offers fresh and sustainable items inspired by Minneapolis street food. This open space also features a large mural created by local illustrator, Adam Turman, an artist known for his bold style and unique interpretation of Minnesota landscapes.

The hotel offers 164 studios that feature bold design highlighted by modern, yet functional furniture pieces like the picnic table that replaces the traditional desk. The rooms have extra-large windows and a 55” television with an integrated sound bar that guests can easily stream services like Netflix and Spotify® from their own devices. Bathrooms feature a custom red stag tile design the brand calls a ‘Badge of Honor’, another nod to Minnesota and CO Bigelow’s Black Elixir bulk amenities, plus killer lighting.

RED Fitness is a 24/7 fitness center, and the Events & Games Studio is 1,000 square feet of space that includes a ping-pong table and the flexibility to host a variety events.

Radisson RED Minneapolis is now taking reservations for stays beginning November 16. For more information and to book a stay at Radisson RED Minneapolis, visitwww.radissonred.com/minneapoli

Breathless Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa brings modern and chic accommodations to the Riviera Maya

The highly-anticipated Breathless Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa officially ignited the party in the Riviera Maya yesterday, opening the first resort of its kind in the destination. The resort’s first guests, Trish Miller and Terry Paglioni from the United States, were greeted by staff, renowned DJ Olga Ryazanova and world-class acrobatic performers to join in on the official ribbon-cutting celebration.

Adults-only Breathless Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa is perfectly located between the Caribbean Sea and the Lagoon of Bahia Petempich. Designed by HKS Hospitality Group, the resort’s 526 all-suite accommodations feature modern design in a chic environment divided among three unique areas, each with distinct character and appeal. The xhale club section is available for those seeking an elevated level of personal service and luxury; the energy centre for those looking to mix & mingle; and the xcelerate Party Zone for those who live and breathe the party.

“Introducing the Breathless Resorts & Spas brand to Cancun diversifies the options available for guests, complementing the existing family-friendly resorts in the area” said Jan LaPointe, Senior Director Sales & Marketing Canada and Senior Director AMRewards. “With the addition of Breathless Riviera Cancun, singles, friends and couples can now experience the ultimate party atmosphere of Breathless in this highly sought after destination.”

Breathless Riviera Cancun’s vibrant social atmospheres also create the ultimate space for guests to party, mix and mingle in an idyllic destination. The resort maintains a weekly party calendar with themed parties and events including the Breathless Rocks, Neon Night Lights and Insomnia Pool parties, special guest DJ performances and more. Additionally, the resort offers themed months including June’s Flower Power month and as well as Canada Day celebrations and Fourth of July parties.

“2015 marked a record year for Cancun, with the destination welcoming more than 5 million visitors and maintaining more than 80% occupancy*,” added LaPointe. “The recent successes in this market presented the ideal opportunity to strengthen the brand’s footprint, which is expected to reach five resorts by the end of 2018.”

Breathless Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa’s unique and exciting escape experience for adults is further complemented by the benefits of the signature Unlimited-Luxury®vacation concept, where everything is included. Amenity highlights enjoyed by every guest include:

• Limitless access to gourmet à la carte dining with 10 chic dining venues
• Unlimited top-shelf spirits served at 10 lively bars and lounges
• 24-hour room and concierge services
• Daily refreshed mini-bar
• Endless daytime activities and live nightly entertainment
• Free Wi-Fi and free international calling to the U.S., Canada and Mexico with Unlimited Connectivity
• Thrilling party calendar, theme parties, oceanfront bars and entertainment venues
• State-of-the-art x-ert Fitness Center and fitness classes like Pilates, Yoga, Zumba and more

Now, guests have even more to celebrate with the opening of this brand new Breathless Resorts & Spas property. Just in time to welcome summer birthdays, Breathless Resorts & Spasannounced its new Breathless Birthday Bash package, offering an endless party in paradise. Guests can book now and enjoy activities such as bottle service at the After Dark nightclub, a group photo session right on the beach, an exclusive wine, tapas and dessert party right in their room and more.

For more information and to join the party at the new Breathless Riviera Cancun Resort & Spa, visitBreathlessResorts.com, call 1-855-65BREATHE, connect with us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram,Pinterest, YouTube or the official brand blog, or contact your preferred travel agent.

*Source: Cancun Convention and Visitor’s Bureau

About AMResorts
AMResorts is the fast-growing provider of sales, marketing and brand management services to six individually unique resort brands. The Philadelphia-based company is continuously raising the all-inclusive concept to a new level of luxury with its signature Endless Privileges®, Unlimited-Luxury® and Unlimited-Fun®programs. Located throughout Mexico, Jamaica, Curacao, Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, and Panama, AMResorts’ nearly 45 award-winning properties treat every guest to premium accommodations, desirable locations and extraordinary inclusions. The brands in the collection include:boutique Zoëtry® Wellness & Spa Resorts (www.zoetryresorts.com; 1-888-4-ZOËTRY); adults-only Secrets® Resorts & Spas (www.secretsresorts.com; 1-866-GO SECRETS); high-energy Breathless® Resorts & Spas (www.breathlessresorts.com; 1-855-65-BREATHE); family-friendly Dreams® Resorts & Spas (www.dreamsresorts.com; 1-866-2-DREAMS); vibrant Now® Resorts & Spas (www.nowresorts.com; 1-877-NOW-9953) and fun-filled Sunscape® Resorts & Spas (www.sunscaperesorts.com; 1-866-SUNSCAPE). Images, logos and informational material about the AMResorts Collection of brandsand properties are available atwww.amresorts.com/mediasite/media.