Tharroe of Mykonos

Greece, Greek Islands, Mykonos

Ngorongoro Crater Lodge

Africa, Tanzania

Pioneering luxury eco retreat Frégate Island Private in the Seychelles has successfully completed the installation of the first phase of its new rainwater harvesting system, with average daily rainfall yielding around 30,000 litres of collected rainwater – enough to provide up to approximately 60 per cent of the island’s water requirements. Encouraged by the results, Frégate Island Private will now press ahead with phase two, doubling the collection area so that the island need rely on nothing more than the heavens above for its water needs!

Rainwater is currently collected from half of the total roof surface area of the back-of-house buildings via a system of gutters and pipes, with capacity to harvest up to 60,000 litres per day. The rainwater collects in intermediate tanks before being pumped through a filtration system – making it safe to drink – and into the island’s main water system, which can store over 450,000 litres.

The Seychelles’ rainy season, which runs from November to March, is characterised by sharp, heavy showers which quickly clear, to be replaced by sunshine and blue skies. On completion of phase two, average rainfall should allow Frégate to harvest and store approximately 6 million litres of water over the course of an average year – enough to cover the entire island’s needs.

Because of its natural softness, harvested rainwater produces better results from the quality of cooking through to laundry and other machine operation, whilst also being beneficial for the longevity of the piping system. More importantly, it dramatically reduces the need to pump and desalinate water from the island’s underground sources, reducing energy consumption by 400kwh – equivalent to the amount of energy required to keep a 40W light bulb on continually for 14 months!

The installation of the rainwater harvesting system is just the latest step in Frégate Island Private’s ongoing journey towards increasing sustainability and a harmonious, mutually beneficial co-existence with its natural environment.  Last year, Frégate established the Indian Ocean’s largest endemic tree nursery and passed the notable milestone of planting the 100,000th tree since its reforestation programme began in 1998; and in 2008 it introduced the Indian Ocean’s first fully solar-powered fleet of guest buggies. The island is also one of the most important sanctuaries for rare endemic and indigenous animals, setting an inspiring example for others to follow with conservation projects that have seen the Magpie Robin – still the world’s seventh rarest bird – rejuvenated from a global population of just 22 in 1995 to over 180 today; and the critically endangered Seychelles terrapin nurtured back from just eight individuals to over 100 today.

With football fans converging on South Africa this summer for one of the biggest sporting events in the world, Starwood Hotels and Resorts has launched an African travel promotion offering discounts of up to 40 percent off best available rates for early bookings.

Over twenty Sheraton, Le Méridien, The Luxury Collection and Four Points by Sheraton hotels and resorts in destinations such as Algeria, Egypt, Gambia, Mauritius, Seychelles and South Africa are included.

Rates start from an amazing (EURO)46 per room per night at the Sheraton Dahab in Egypt or (EURO)53 per room per night at the Sheraton Dreamland Hotel & Conference Centre, located just 8km from the Pyramids in Cairo. Exotic options include The Grand Mauritian Resort & Spa in Mauritius which is offering rates from (EURO)232 per room per night.

For those who don’t want to miss a glimpse of the football action and need a base in South Africa itself, the Sheraton Pretoria Hotel is offering discount rates from (EURO)104 per room per night for a two night minimum stay.

Bookings must be made by March 31st 2010 with travel valid until the end of August.

For further information and bookings visit Starwood Africa 2010

Hotel Lutetia in Paris announces the opening of its all new Fumoir, enabling smokers to indulge in their habit comfortably ensconced in a place on their own. Just a few steps from the Bar and down a few steps from the famous Brasserie Lutetia, “The Kitchen” is a privileged setting to enjoy a quiet smoke or savor an after-dinner cigar in an intimate ambiance.

This area is now reserved for smokers, who have been forced to light up outside the building since 2008. Today, the Brasserie Lutetia’s former grill-room serves as a backdrop to this Fumoir with a Cuban accent. Havana and its sun-drenched colors imbue this charming space with a warm and welcoming ambiance, while the leather divans and armchairs invite guests to sit back and relax, enjoying the scents and sensations of tobacco.

A remnant of its culinary past, the stove hood now houses a robust air extraction and circulation system. A place of honor is reserved for the jewels of Cuba in one of Hotel Lutetia’s most emblematic works of art: L’Ernestine by Philippe Hiquily. Veritable humidor, a prized possession of the hotel for many years now, L’Ernestine is called back into service to the delight of cigarillo, Dominican and Cuban aficionados.

“Throughout its 100-year history, our hotel has always embraced the idea of change. Hotel Lutetia already offered smoking guest rooms as well as a summer terrace for the Brasserie and wanted to treat its loyal clientele to a place they could call their own. “The Kitchen” is a privileged spot, reserved for tobacco and cigar lovers, half-way between the Bar and the Brasserie, two highlights of Parisian life!”, enthuses Jean-Luc Cousty, General Manager of this legendary Left Bank Grand Hotel.

As part of its Centennial celebrations held throughout the year 2010, Hotel Lutetia offers a program of festivities on the themes that have marked its first hundred years, ranging from Jazz to Literature and from Arts to History. Rarely has a hotel anniversary attracted so much attention! And this landmark Saint-Germain-des-Prés hotel invites all its well-wishers to join in these milestone anniversary events.

Located on the exclusive Dubai Marina, the prestigious 45-story Grosvenor House hotel first opened its doors in 2005 and quickly became one of the world’s most acclaimed hotels. “Celebrated for its exceptional location, luxury amenities and breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf, Grosvenor House adds another jewel to The Luxury Collection portfolio.” Custom-designed to celebrate the essence of Dubai, the hotel seamlessly blends exquisite Arabian décor with contemporary sophistication. Offering the latest innovations in technology and design, Grosvenor House features 422 luxuriously appointed guest rooms, suites and apartment suites, world class cuisine, a state-of-the-art fitness facility and spa, business areas equipped with cutting-edge technology and unparalleled premium service with butlers on call 24 hours a day.

“The Luxury Collection is a portal to the world’s most enriching and desirable destinations, where nothing less than an exceptional level of service, perfect location and indigenous personal offerings will do,” said Paul James, Global Brand Leader, The Luxury Collection and St. Regis Hotels & Resorts. “Celebrated for its exceptional location, luxury amenities and breathtaking views of the Arabian Gulf, Grosvenor House adds another jewel to The Luxury Collection portfolio.”

Originated in 1906 under the CIGA brand as a collection of Europe’s most iconic hotels, today The Luxury Collection is a glittering ensemble of more than 75 of the world’s finest hotels and resorts in more than 30 countries across the globe including Hotel Danieli, Venice; Hotel Imperial, Vienna; Hotel Grande Bretagne, Athens; Patios de Cafayate, Argentina; SLS at Beverly Hills and The Phoenician, Scottsdale.

“We are excited to bring the promise of The Luxury Collection brand to the United Arab Emirates with the debut of Grosvenor House, Dubai. This hotel is a true expression of its destination, making it the perfect addition to The Luxury Collection,” says Roeland Vos, President of Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Europe, Africa & Middle East. “The property’s sought-after location, impeccable service and sumptuous interior will ensure a unique and enriching experience for all our guests.”

Westin are going to be busy this year with the opening of 14 new luxury hotels. We’ll keep you up to date as and when they all open their doors.

Westing has planned openings in China, Greece, Japan, India, Mexico, the United States, and Canada – including newly opened The Westin Wall Centre in Richmond, Vancouver. Other 2010 openings include The Westin Mumbai Garden City in India; The Westin Nanjing in Shanghai, China; The Westin Resort, Costa Navarino in Messinia, Greece; The Westin Austin at the Domain in Austin, Texas; and The Westin Sendai in Sendai, Japan.

In 2010, Starwood will debut the Westin brand in Peru with The Westin Libertador, Lima and expand the brand’s footprint in Latin and South America with its fifth hotel in Mexico and its first in Mexico City, The Westin Santa Fe. In the next three years, Westin will open two additional hotels in Mexico and its first in Panama.
 
“The Westin brand has significant new-build opportunities in numerous emerging and fast developing economies,” said Simon Turner, President of Global Development for Starwood. “Within more mature markets like North America and Europe, however, we are seeing – and expect to continue to see – more, quality conversion opportunities realized as transaction activity increases. Westin is a high value-add conversion brand, and many owners and investors seek opportunities to enhance a property’s performance by upgrading to the Westin brand. Starwood is taking a pragmatic approach to conversions, but will of course be vigilant in preserving the brand integrity that has been a key driver of its success.”

As business and leisure travel to and from emerging markets increases, Westin is establishing a leading presence in Asia, Latin America, and the Middle East. Starwood’s wellness-inspired brand, Westin will introduce its healthy-living initiatives to travelers in new cities, and when travelers from Asia and other developing destinations increase their travel internationally, they are likely to stay with familiar brands they know from home.

“The Westin brand is at a pivotal point in its life cycle, with an unprecedented opportunity for international growth,” said Nancy London, Vice President of Westin Hotels. “Today, the Westin brand is primarily in North America, with 70 percent of our portfolio in Canada and the United States. But looking ahead in 2010, Westin is poised to share its positive lifestyle messaging with travelers across the globe with new properties in China, India and Latin America.”

Royal Malewane

 Africa, South Africa, Safari Lodges – Kruger National Park