JW Marriott plans 40 hotels in India by 2013

by Melanie Nayer on

Executives at the JW Marriott offices are busy planning the future. First came the announcement that JW Marriott plans to double its hotel presence in Europe by 2015, and now the hotel group plans to add another 40 hotels in India by 2013.

So, just where does the luxury hotel brand plan to put all of these hotels?

“We will be opening five JW Marriott hotels in Chennai, Bangalore, Pune (two) and Chandigarh by this year-end,” JW Marriott Group’s Area Vice-President for India, Malaysia and Pakistan, Rajeev Menon told the Press Trust of India. Additionally, Menon said Marriott plans to open two Marriott Courtyard hotels in Ahmedabad and Mumbai.

With new hotels means new jobs, and according to Menon, the JW Marriott will be helping to boost the employment market by hiring an additional 3,000 workers to service the additional 10,000-plus rooms the Marriott company plans to open in the next few years.

The JW Marriott India properties will feature all the luxury amenities customers are used to including spas, fitness centers, on-site restaurants and bars, swimming pools and in some cases, private night clubs.

Take a swing at Antigua Tennis Week

by Tom Johansmeyer on

For the fourth year in a row, Curtain Bluff will be home to Antigua Tennis Week. For seven days, you can enjoy a tennis-filled getaway at this fantastic all-inclusive resort. The package includes stroke and strategy clinics with the pros, free court time on Curtain Bluff’s four courts (including balls and rackets) and the chance to participate in Pro-Am tournaments, exhibitions and lessons. Aside from tennis, you’ll also get to enjoy the resort’s other amenities, SCUBA diving, deep sea fishing and reef snorkeling. Of course, meals and drinks are included. Rates start at $745 a night for a deluxe room with an ocean view.

If you like to spend time on the court or have a second serve to be feared, this is a great chance to play some tennis in a location that just can’t be beat.

Read our previous coverage of Curtain Bluff.

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For Sale: one tropical island in Fiji

by Kraig Becker on

Do you have 25 million Euros burning a hole in your pocket? (That’s $33 million for U.S. readers!) Then perhaps you’d consider bidding on your very own tropical paradise, which is up for auction on eBay. The 225-acre island is located near Fiji, and is approximately 1 mile long and 1/3 of a mile wide. It reaches elevations of 150 feet and is surrounded by a 5000 acre lagoon that promises underwater visibility to 200 feet and year round temperatures of 80ºF.

That’s not all you’ll get for your hard earned money however. The island is also home to a “world class” resort. Well, it will be a world class resort when it is finished. It is currently about 80% complete, with another six to nine months of construction time necessary to finish it all up. The resort offers some nice amenities however, including a dining pavilion, full spa, and 21 guest villas, complete with fancy furnishings and hot tubs for two. Access to the island is gained via a 3400 foot long airstrip, which runs right by the 9 hole golf course.

Adventurous travelers will find plenty to do on the island, as the waters are excellent for diving and snorkeling, and there are nine caves available to explore should you choose to go spelunking. Prefer to just sit on the beach sipping a fruity drink? You can do that too, while spotting local wildlife, which includes the leather back sea turtles and rare coconut crabs.

Seems like quite the deal if you’ve got the spare change available. Sadly there is no “buy it now” discount on this eBay item.%Gallery-65115%

Name a cactus, win a vacation

by Annie Scott on

The Boulders Resort and Golden Door Spa is holding its third annual cactus naming contest. For those of you who already name everything you see anyway, this is the contest for you.

Visit the Name Our Cactus website and have a gander at the six cacti. Does one remind you of a celebrity? An animal? Do you have a great cactus name saved up you’ve just been dying to use? Go for it; you could win one of six “amazing vacation getaways to this world-renowned Boulders Resort including transportation vouchers, accommodations, dining, golf and more” — and have the opportunity to be introduced to your cactus and maybe even stroke it lightly.

More detail about what winners will receive:

  • Two nights in a deluxe casitaat the AAA Award winning, Waldorf Astoria Collection The Boulders Resort and Golden Door Spa.
  • $500 airfare giftcard
  • Daily breakfast for two at Palo Verde
  • Two twosomes at The Boulders Golf Course

For a little guidance, check out the previous winners here. Seriously, they’re pretty cute — the one pictured here was named “Applause.”

Click here to enter by June 1, 2010!

Daily Pampering: Hit the Monte Carlo Grand Prix in style

by Tom Johansmeyer on

There is no place in the world that oozes conspicuous wealth quite like Monte Carlo. And, when the drivers start their engines for the Monaco Grand Prix,this tiny country is electrified, with the wealthy coming to play during one of the most popular events of the year. Want to count yourself among them? The Fairmont Monte Carlo has some great packages that will appeal to the affluent, making your experience more than just a day at the races.

This year, the hairpin bend in the track being officially renamed the “Fairmont Hairpin” … for a reason. Enjoy the action at this tricky spot from the comfort of the hotel, while sipping champagne in a suite and avoiding the crowds below. Or, you can take in the race from the 200 VIP stadium seats that the Fairmont is installing on its roof, offering the highest views of the Monaco Grand Prix circuit.

Make the most of your trip to Monte Carlo with one of the Fairmont’s F1 packages, available from May 12 – 16, 2010. Rates start at €4,800 and include buffet breakfast, rooftop access, welcome amenities and in-house Grand Prix activities.

While you’re in town, don’t forget to stop by the Sardinia’s Billionaire Club. Italian entrepreneur and F1 manager Flavio Briatore is taking his club to the Fairmont Monte Carlo for Grand Prix week this year. From 11:30 PM until 5 AM, you can hit the Salle d’Or in the hotel for music, fashion and entertainment with Monte Carlo’s elite.