WHY IT RATES: voco is one of IHG's highest-potential, most flexible brands, focused on hotel conversions that will provide owners with the resources and recognition of a leading upscale brand, and customers with a consistent set of alluring offerings and experiences. — Laurie Baratti, TravelPulse Associate WriterIHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), one of the world's leading hotel companies, today announced that its highly anticipated upscale voco brand has arrived in the Americas with first locations planned for New York City; St. Augustine, Florida; and Columbia, Missouri.Initially launched outside of the Americas in 2018 with the first hotel in Australia, the voco brand combines the informality and charm of an independent hotel with the quality and reassurance of a global and respected brand. With a focus on conversion opportunities, voco Hotels allows guests to enjoy an upscale experience with the freshness of a one-of-a-kind hotel under a name they can trust. MORE Hotel & Resort voco HotelsIntroduced as a new upscale opportunity to owners in the Americas earlier this year, voco Hotels has already generated strong interest in the region, including potential projects in key cities, leisure destinations and college markets.This warm reception builds on the brand's success in IHG's Europe, Middle East, Asia and Africa (EMEAA) region, where the brand has quickly grown with 12 hotels currently open. The brand's current development pipeline of 28 new properties will take it into 19 countries over the next five years, and voco Hotels remains on track to continue to grow in attractive urban and leisure locations across the world.Julienne Smith, SVP, Development, Americas, IHG, said: "voco Hotels is one of our highest-potential, most flexible brands for owners, with diverse projects and markets ranging from the 470-room voco Dubai to the newly announced 50-room Franklin Hotel in Manhattan. As the voco brand makes its debut in the Americas, it is generating terrific momentum with our initial three signings illustrating how strongly it resonates with owners seeking to enhance the originality of an existing property or develop a new hotel, while also tapping into IHG's powerful global network and enterprise offerings."The first three voco Hotels projects in the Americas are in distinct destinations:—voco The Franklin Hotel (New York City): Located in a prime location on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, the hotel has served travelers from around the world for a century and is within walking distance of many well-known attractions including Central Park, the famed Museum Mile and Madison Avenue shops. The hotel is owned by Andrew and Stephen "Chip" Weiss Jr. of Flintlock Construction and will be managed by Aimbridge Hospitality.—voco St. Augustine (Florida): A part of the charming community surrounding what is commonly known as the Nation's Oldest City, this hotel is just three years old and sits between the beaches of St. Augustine and the Historic District, which is the heart of the city featuring restaurants, shopping, galleries, museums and tourist attractions. The hotel is owned by Axis Income Fund, LLC.—voco The Tiger Hotel (Columbia, Missouri): One of the tallest and most recognizable buildings in Columbia, this landmark hotel is in the heart of downtown and is adjacent to the University of Missouri (Mizzou) campus, with access to numerous area restaurants, bars, retail shops, and amenities. Since first opening its doors in 1928, The Tiger Hotel has constantly innovated and evolved alongside the traveling public and the surrounding vibrant neighborhood. The hotel is owned by Glyn Laverick of Columbia Hotel Investments, Inc.Glyn Laverick, Owner, voco The Tiger Hotel, said: "Offering a unique guest experience in a prime location, our property is known as the place where upscale modern meets historic architecture for uniquely relaxing sojourns, meetings and weddings. We've made significant investments in The Tiger Hotel in recent years, resulting in consistently high reviews from guests, and we believe partnering with IHG and the voco brand is a great opportunity to further elevate the guest experience and amplify the hotel's reputation to travelers from around the world."A Reliably Different ExperienceAt the center of the voco brand is a commitment to being Reliably Different. Guests at voco Hotels can expect a consistent experience from a leading upscale brand, delivered in an unstuffy way that is true to the soul of each individual property. Hallmarks of a voco Hotels stay include a warm and memorable welcome experience, guest room touches that make the most of "me time" and a lively bar/lounge atmosphere.Throughout its hallmarks and properties, the voco brand integrates a strong commitment to sustainability through elements such as indulgent bedding made from recycled materials; high-efficiency, aerated showerheads; bulk bath amenities; and filtered water provided in environmentally friendly, non-plastic bottles.For owners, the voco brand offers:—A more flexible approach to brand standards and a customizable, property-specific commercial strategy and support model that makes voco Hotels well suited for conversion, adaptive reuse and new build projects.—A succinct, easy-to-implement set of signature quality standards offering efficiency and lower capital outlay compared to other brands.—Upweighted, property-specific field marketing and commercial support for hotels during their initial ramp-up phase.IHG understands that cleanliness is top of mind for today's traveler. The company's longstanding commitment to rigorous cleaning procedures includes the IHG Way of Clean program developed with Ecolab and Diversey, both world leaders in hygiene and cleaning technologies. The program, launched in 2015, features deep cleaning with hospital-grade disinfectants as well as new COVID-19 protocols and best practices, developed with experts from the Cleveland Clinic.Additionally, as a part of the IHG family of brands, voco Hotels properties offer guests additional peace of mind with the IHG Clean Promise. Guests can be reassured that their room will meet IHG's high standards of cleanliness. Learn more about IHG's new cleanliness initiatives and guest programs here.To learn more about the voco brand, and opportunities for hotel development, click here. IHG also plans to host virtual symposia for owners in the Americas interested in the voco brand in the coming months. To receive more information about joining one of these events, please email [email protected]. SOURCE: InterContinental Hotels Group press release. Let's block ads! (Why?)

The five-star, boutique Carlisle Bay all-suite resort on Antigua has announced its imminent reopening, set for October 10, 2020. The low-density, luxury property closed back in April amid the rising COVID-19 pandemic but will return with brand-new safety protocols, as well as a host of new, featured programs to entice travelers who’ve been longing to take their next extraordinary island getaway.The 87-suite resort is situated on a tranquil bay on Antigua’s southern coast, boasting pristine white sands and backed by a lush rainforest, where guests can indulge in a high-end experience amid incredible natural surroundings. Its enviable location allows plenty of room to roam, and the resort is known for its ability to simultaneously cater to families and couples, accommodating them on opposite ends of the property. Trending Now To meet shifting traveler needs and desires, Carlisle Bay is launching several new programs, packages, promotions and on-property changes in conjunction with its October reopening:—Kids Stay Free at Christmas – In an unprecedented offer, children under the age of 12 who are sharing a suite with their parents can stay for free during Festive Season (December 21, 2020 to January 3, 2021).—New Kids Club Programs with Outdoor Activities – Carlisle Bay’s Kids Club is launching a safe, new, hands-on learning program that encourages young guests (who’ve been stuck staring at computer screens instead of in classrooms) to reconnect with peers and participate in fun activities that include pizza-making classes, t-shirt tie-dying sessions, nature walks, outdoor movie and popcorn nights and more.—Local Antiguan Cooking Demos – With more Americans taking up home-cooking than ever (54 percent of whom say they’ll continue post-pandemic), Carlisle Bay will help guests infuse new island flavor into the kitchen by hosting live and interactive cooking demonstrations led by the resort’s Executive Chef. Guests will also receive a recipe booklet to recreate dishes at home.The countdown has started! We will be welcoming you all again at #CarlisleBay in a month's time! Who else is counting the days to 10th October?pic.twitter.com/YIxUCL2BYe— Carlisle Bay (@Carlisle_Bay) September 10, 2020—Fireside Music and Rum Punch Evenings – Carlisle Bay will host intimate, fireside performances by some of Antigua’s best local musicians on the beach, underneath the stars, paired with special punch cocktails each week.—Antiguan Culture Trail - Carlisle Bay has created a self-guided cultural map to encourage guests to get out and explore Antigua’s rich, colorful culture and history. Points of interest include the island’s artisanal food shops, art studios, craft stores and historical harbors.—New Outdoor Gym and Fitness Classes – With social distancing and open-air venues being the order of the day, Carlisle Bay is moving its state-of-the-art gym to an outdoor yoga pavilion. Guests can reserve a time to use the space in pursuit of their fitness goals, and equipment will be fully sanitized after each use. The resort is also adding new and engaging outdoor fitness classes, such as beachfront mat Pilates, yoga, guided kayak tours and private rainforest hikes.For the fall and winter season, Carlisle Bay is also offering some new hotel packages:—Family Getaway Packages: A five-night stay that includes Half Day Picnic & Cruise with meals, Rainforest Hike, Kayaking, Stand-Up Paddleboarding, Sailing, Breakfast & Afternoon Tea Daily and VIP Meet & Greet Fast Track Airport Service (from $833 per night for a family of four).—Remote Work Packages: For those now working from home who desire a change of scenery, Antigua offers the means to stay seamlessly connected while enjoying Caribbean breezes, swaying palm trees and sparkling azure seas. Guests can book a ten-night minimum stay in a Garden View Suite and receive a complimentary upgrade to an Ocean Suite (subject to availability), stocked with workspace essentials like a personal desk, essential office supplies, separate living area, secretarial services and complimentary broadband Wi-Fi. The package includes a $200 resort credit, complimentary laundry service, fresh energy-boosting fruit drinks daily, early check-in and late check-out (from $395 per night).—Restore Serenity Spa Packages: Five-night meditation, yoga and spa experience that invites guests to decompress from the stresses of 2020. The package includes private, one-on-one yoga and meditation instruction daily, four 60-minute restorative outdoor spa treatments, all meals and beverages, daily afternoon tea and VIP Meet & Greet Fast Track Airport Service (from $685 per night, inclusive of spa treatments and wellness boosts).—Hiking Antigua Package: The boundless beauty of Antigua’s mountains, valleys and more than 300 beaches could inspire anyone to go exploring. This outdoor-driven, five-night package includes three guided hikes that reveal the island’s history through its landscape, starting at the seventeenth-century port at Nelson’s Dockyard and leading up to Shirley Heights, traversing dry jungle, while absorbing knowledge of the local ecosystem and abundant wildlife. All meals and beverages are included, as well as daily afternoon tea and VIP Meet & Greet Fast Track Airport Service (from $600 per night). For more information, visit carlisle-bay.com. Let's block ads! (Why?)

Preferred Hotels & Resorts added 13 new properties to its portfolio of hotels between May and August 2020, rounding its number of member properties to 39 in the first eight months of the year.MORE Hotel & Resort In the U.S., new member hotels include Pendry West Hollywood in West Hollywood, Calif., which features 149 guestrooms, 40 residences and a culinary experience created by Wolfgang Puck; the 144-room Chicago Silversmith Hotel & Suites, which boasts a signature restaurant and lounge; the 50-room Drayton Hotel in Savannah, Ga., which is located in the historic American Trust and Bank Building; and the 181-room Wall Street Hotel, set in Manhattan’s financial district and scheduled to debut soon.In Asia, new properties include Sangha Retreat by Octave Institute Yangcheng Lake in Suzhou, China, which sits on 47 acres and features 58 lakefront suites and private villas; the 25-room Genera’s Mansion in Xichang, China, which was originally constructed during the Qing Dynasty; and the 169-room Seawood Hotel, Miyakojima Kurima Resort in Okinawa, Japan, on the diminutive island of Kurimajima.In Europe, hotels included the 189-room Park Centraal Amsterdam, which has been newly rebranded; the newly renovated 204-room Santa Catalina, a Royal Hideaway Hotel in Las Palmas, Gran Canaria, Spain; the 12-suite Corso 281 in Rome, which is set in an 18th-century palace; and the 19-room BEYOND by Geisel, situated in Munich’s Marienplatz Square.In Mexico, new members include Azul Talavera Hotel, which is equipped with 78 residential-style guestrooms and suites in two restored historic buildings; and the 151-room Galeria Plaza San Jeronimo in Mexico City, which is scheduled to debut in late 2020. Let's block ads! (Why?)

Grenada’s Spice Island Beach Resort, which was scheduled to welcome guests back in fall 2020, will instead delay its reopening until October 2021.The Hopkin family – the resort’s owners – postponed the reopening to “protect our guests, our family and our employees from the spike in infections that we have seen across the Caribbean as islands and hotels have reopened,” said Janelle Hopkin, president and managing director of the resort. MORE Hotel & Resort She added, “Our employees, many of whom have been with us for years and have become our extended family, would like nothing more than to welcome guests back to Spice to relax away from the crisis. We have been watching what has been happening internationally and have made the decision to wait.”Spice Island Beach Resort, which features a repeat guest level of 45 percent, will “prepare safety and health protocols to protect our guests when they do return in 2021,” she said.“My intention is to complete the work my dad began by sticking to the master plan he unveiled in 2018 and rolling out a new and improved resort in 2021,” said Hopkin, who recently replaced her late father, Sir Royston Hopkin, as the property’s president and managing director.The resort, which is set on a picturesque stretch of Grand Anse Beach 10 miles from the airport, features 64 suites, 17 of which are equipped with private pools. Let's block ads! (Why?)

Nassau’s Sandals Royal Bahamian joined the Baha Mar mega-resort this past week in opting to delay their re-openings until this winter, months beyond the October 15 reopening date set by The Bahamas’ Ministry of Tourism for the return of the territory’s resort industry.Sandals' website now lists Sandals Royal Bahamian as reopening on January 28, 2021. Meanwhile, Baha Mar’s operators “hinted strongly” on Friday that the Cable Beach mega-resort and its adjacent Melia Nassau Beach hotel may not re-open until late December and possibly not until 2021, observes a Bahamas Tribune report.The Sandals decision means two of Nassau's three major resorts will not re-open within the timeline established under the Ministry of Tourism's strategy, a development that K. Peter Turnquest, the country’s minister of finance, described as “a major wrinkle” in The Bahamas’ economy following the coronavirus-driven travel industry collapse. Trending Now Turnquest said his office will collaborate with the Ministry of Tourism to “assess the impact over the next week and propose adjustments as necessary.” Nassau’s third mega-resort, Atlantis Paradis Island Bahamas, reopened on July 30. Turnquest said The Bahamas’ government is projecting a record $1.3 billion deficit for the 2020-2021 fiscal year.The decision to delay Baha Mar’s re-opening to an undetermined date was driven by Baha Mar officials’ “analysis of current COVID-19 infection rates both in The Bahamas and its key US tourism source markets,” said Daniel Lozano, the Melia's general manager, in a September 10 letter to employees.Lozano said Baha Mar officials’ initial expectations that COVID-19 would be under control by October were not realized, leading the resort’s owners to “prioritize the health and safety of both guests and staff.”In a similar letter, Graeme Davis, Baha Mar’s president, said the resort’s delayed re-opening is “a great disappointment to us all” and driven by “a sober assessment of the current state of COVID-19 cases here in The Bahamas and in our key US markets.” The Baha Mar decision followed by days an announcement from Dionisio D'Aguilar, minister of tourism and aviation, that hotels will be allowed to re-open beginning October 15. Let's block ads! (Why?)

Marriott International announced a new offering for guests who book at participating hotels in North America, the Caribbean and Latin America, dubbed Escape to Luxury with Marriott Bonvoy.Launching at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Regis Hotels & Resorts and EDITION properties, the offering will be available for a limited time each month to both Marriott Bonvoy members and non-members as a way to enhance their trips and vacations, including up to $300 in credits.Escape to Luxury is expected to debut in September and was designed to highlight the hotel company’s offerings with access to a range of immersive activities, amenities and singular experiences celebrating each unique destination. MORE Hotel & Resort “We are thrilled to launch Escape to Luxury with Marriott Bonvoy at some of our most beloved luxury properties in the Americas,” Marriott International Global Brand & Marketing Officer Tina Edmundson said. “Each hotel and resort provides its own distinct adventures, and this offering will allow guests to enhance their stay by immersing themselves in the local culture and indulging in their passions.”“Escape to Luxury with Marriott Bonvoy encourages guests to take advantage of the legendary rituals special to our hotels, while enjoying a best in class stay,” Edmundson continued.The Escape to Luxury program touches on a range of passions, such as sports, entertainment and culinary adventures. Some of the activities include indigenous spa treatments, private sabering lessons, kayak tours and more.Last month, Marriott joined forces with concierge company Quintessentially to curate a collection of one-of-a-kind adventures. Let's block ads! (Why?)

MGM Resorts International will complete its reopening of properties worldwide in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic with the opening of Park MGM and NoMad Las Vegas on September 30.What's more, the company announced that Park MGM and NoMad will be the first fully smoke-free casino resort on the Las Vegas Strip upon reopening later this month. Trending Now "Opening Park MGM and NoMad represent significant milestones, as they are the last of our properties to welcome back employees and guests alike," MGM Resorts CEO and President Bill Hornbuckle said in a statement."The last six months have presented extraordinary challenges and I could not be prouder of the MGM Resorts team for the tireless effort required to get us here. There is much work ahead as we remain focused on the health and safety of our employees and guests, but this is an important moment for us."MGM Resorts also confirmed that the Four Seasons Las Vegas is scheduled to reopen on September 25."As we looked toward our reopening, we identified an opportunity to be responsive to recurring guest demand for a fully non-smoking casino resort on The Strip," said Anton Nikodemus, President of MGM Resorts’ Las Vegas Portfolio, in a statement. "With an expansive Las Vegas portfolio, MGM Resorts is able to offer an array of options for visitors, all within the MGM Resorts family." PHOTO: Park MGM smoke-free signage. (photo courtesy of MGM Resorts International) Amenities will be limited upon reopening, however, Park MGM and NoMad guests can look forward to the reopening of Eataly, Bavette’s Steakhouse, Primrose and the pool in addition to complimentary self-parking. A full list of available amenities can be found at MGMResorts.com.MGM Resorts has taken several steps to ensure guest safety since the COVID-19 crisis began, including implementing a Seven-Point Safety Plan that includes face mask requirements and the option of contactless check-in via the MGM Resorts app. Let's block ads! (Why?)

The Walt Disney Company revealed its plans to reopen over 50 percent of its hotels and resorts by the end of the fiscal year, according to Reuters.Disney Chief Financial Officer Christine McCarthy announced Thursday during the Bank of America Virtual 2020 Media, Communications & Entertainment Conference the theme park company planned to reopen “a little over 50 percent” of its hotels and resorts by September 30. Trending Now Disney currently operates 53 resort hotels, many of which were closed in response to the coronavirus outbreak. While many properties have already reopened, others like the Polynesian Village Resort will be closed until next summer. Last week, Marriott Hotels announced it would still open its latest hotel on the grounds of Disney World sometime in 2021. The new property will be called The Walt Disney World Swan Reserve.The coronavirus outbreak has devastated the parks, experiences and products department of Disney, with officials reporting an 85 percent year-over-year drop in revenue during the most recent reported quarter.Another hotel in the Disney portfolio, the Four Seasons Resort Orlando at Disney World, is offering a unique way to learn remotely this semester. The property is providing a supervised remote learning situation, with a dedicated learning space during the day for children to do their work or take virtual lessons online. Let's block ads! (Why?)

Casa de Campo announced that travelers can now stay at a luxury villa in the Dominican Republic starting at $599 per night.The villas range from three to eleven bedrooms and feature incredible amenities and experiences for guests to enjoy. Private pools and living areas are just the beginning. Garden Villas are surrounded by local flora and offer a private, secluded oasis, whereas Oceanfront Villas offer stunning views of the Caribbean coast.Villas also come with free maid service, daily breakfast and full access to many resort amenities, like the fitness center. Getting around the large resort is easy with free access to four-person golf carts. “Casa de Campo’s villas and golf packages offer secure and healthy vacation options for those needing a fun and thrilling getaway,” says Jason Kycek, senior vice-president of sales and marketing. “Just come relax in paradise and experience firsthand why ‘privacy is the new luxury’ while savoring our acclaimed Pete Dye-designed golf courses and lavish amenities.”The resort also features two golf packages for the golf-enthusiasts. “Unlimited Teeth of the Dog with Breakfast” starts at $399 per night per two guests and includes all-day play and complimentary breakfasts. “Unlimited Teeth of the Dog All Inclusive” starts at $599 per night per two guests and features free meals and unlimited horseback riding.Casa de Campo has also started the “Casa Cares” program to help mitigate the risks of COVID-19 throughout guests’ stays. The Dominican Republic's new presidential administration is providing travelers with free travel and health insurance from now until December 31st for medical issues relating to COVID-19. For more information about the villas, please visit CasadeCampo.com/Villas. Let's block ads! (Why?)

Oasis Hotels & Resorts’ Grand Oasis Palm family resort in Cancun recently began receiving guests again after having been closed down due to COVID-19, complete with an extensive set of new health and safety protocols that meet with the high-level certifications set by Cristal International Standards.The resort’s reopening brought with it some brand-new fun and entertainment features, some geared towards the entire family and some that are meant for adults only to enjoy.Fresh family fun features include Pirata’s Bay, a combination beach and pool park that comes complete with a docked pirate ship to really inspire young imaginations. the park encompasses tons of options for outdoor games and activities, such as its own zip-line, camping zone, open-air movie theater, wading pool, water slides and trampoline. There’s also a two-hour ocean cruise aboard a real-life pirate ship, available exclusively to guests of Grand Oasis Palm and certain to delight adventurers of all ages.If that isn’t enough outdoor fun, the KiddO Zone now features the new Yucatan Jurassic River pool, which brings to life the age of the dinosaurs for the whole family to enjoy as they wind down the lazy river, which incorporates prehistoric games, fountains and kid-sized waterslides incorporated.For even more fun indoors, the KiddO Zone also now includes The Arcade, filled with interactive video games that will put guests of all ages right in the middle of digital racing, sports or dance-offs.Grown-ups are also sure to appreciate some adults-only additions at the newly reopened Grand Oasis Palms. At the Sensoria Chill Out & Spa, a new outdoor garden area offers private cabins for body treatments performed in seclusion beneath lush tropical foliage.Outdoor Jacuzzis, Balinese beds, and an exclusive outdoor swimming pool lined with submerged lounge chairs will help melt your cares away and deliver you to a state of total relaxation.Adult guests also enjoy unlimited access to Grand Oasis Palms’ adjacent adults-only sister resort, Grand Sens Cancun, where seven world-class dining options, six upscale bars, a coffee shop and beach club await at no extra charge.Kids can hang out and make new friends at Grand Oasis Palms’ fully-supervised kids club while parents head next door to take advantage of the adults-only offerings and some well-earned time to themselves. PHOTO: Sensoria Chill Out & Spa's outdoor garden area at Grand Oasis Palm, Cancun, Mexico. (Photo courtesy of Oasis Hotels & Resorts) Offers Just for Travel Agents:Now through September 30 (for travel during the same period) travel advisors can earn their clients some free extra nights, plus (at check-in) receive vouchers for free nights that they can use during return trips in 2021.When booking four, five or six nights, guests can get one night of their stay free and receive a voucher for two free nights in 2021. When booking seven nights, guests will earn two nights free during their stay and receive a voucher for three free nights in 2021. This offer is available for bookings made for Oasis Palm, Grand Oasis Palm, Grand Oasis Cancun and The Pyramid at Grand Oasis.Bonus Cash EarningsResort3 - 4 Nights5+ NightsThe Pyramid at Grand Cancun (Sian Ka'an categoryGrand Sens Cancun (Sian Ka'an category)$75$100The Pyramid at Grand CancunGrand Sens CancunGrand Oasis CancunGrand Oasis Palm$50$75 PHOTO: Pirata's Bay beach and pool park at Grand Oasis Palm, Cancun, Mexico. (Photo courtesy of Oasis Hotels & Resorts) Travel advisors can also earn bonus cash on top of their tour operator commissions. All you need to do its book through your preferred tour operator and then head to OasisConnect.net to fill out a Bonus Cash form before your client travels.Cash bonuses can be as high as $100 and are calculated per room (minimum double occupancy).Travel Agent Special RatesResortRateThe Pyramid at Grand Cancun$70Grand Oasis CancunGrand Oasis PalmGrand Sens Cancun (adults only 21+)$60For a limited time, Oasis Hotels & Resorts is also offering its travel advisor partners special all-inclusive rates that entitling them to a second room free with their booking so that they can bring their friends and family members along!On an independent FAM trip, agents have the option to explore the resort on their own or can contact the resort to set up a site inspection. The travel window with this offer runs through December 19, 2021. Grand Oasis Palm For more information, visit oasishoteles.com/en. Let's block ads! (Why?)