Fairmont Zimbali Resort opens in South Africa

by Tom Johansmeyer on

There’s a new Fairmont in South Africa. The 154-room Fairmont Zimbali Resort has just opened, not far from the Fairmont Zimbali lodge, a 76-room property along the beach. The resort is tucked away in a 700-hectare forest reserve and is only 15 minutes from the new King Shaka International Airport.

Around the resort, there’s plenty to do, from game-viewing expeditions and safaris to micro-light flying and surfing in the Indian Ocean. There are five outdoor swimming pools on the property, including freshwater and saltwater pools overlooking the ocean. And, duffers can look forward to an 18-hole golf course (under construction) designed by Gary Player. Soccer fans, of course, will appreciate the fact that the Fairmont Zimbali Resort is only a short drive from Durban, one of nine 2010 FIFA World Cup host cities.

The Zimbali is one of seven new Fairmont properties to open this year.

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.

Four ways to golf the British Open this summer

by Tom Johansmeyer on


The 150th British Open runs from July 11 – 18, 2010, and you could put yourself in the middle of the action. Though you may not be able to hit the links at St. Andrews, Scotland with the top dogs of golf, PerryGolf has put together some seven-day packages that could set you up to soak in the work of the greats. And, while you’re over in Scotland, you’ll have a chance to see what else the country offers.

Don’t worry; you’ll have a chance to get in a few holes, too.

1. Fairmont St. Andrews Package
The main event, of course, is the four rounds of golf at various courses in the area (including greens fees). But, there’s more to Scotland than tee-off time. The deal includes two dinner within the hotel, a pair of 60-minute massage treatments, perfect for unwinding after chasing that little white ball all day, and Ground Series Tickets to the Open Golf Championship, which includes all practice and tournament days. Prices start at $7,350 per golfer and $4,340 per non-duffer.2. Fairmont St Andrews and Turnberry Resort Package
You can save some cash (and drink a bit more at the 19th hole) with this package, which includes five rounds of golf, ground transportation and accommodations at the Fairmont St. Andrews and Turnberry Resort. The price tag begins at $5,995 per golfer and $4,535 for those who don’t swing.

3. The Highlands & Gleneagles Package
You’ll stay at the Golf View Hotel and Gleneageles Hotel, with dinner at Gleneagles at Deseo or the Strathern Restaurant. You’ll also score four rounds of golf and pick up ground transportation for your $4,885 ($3,835 for non-golfers).

4. Do It Yourself
Refine your game, score a couple of sponsors and qualify. How hard can it be?

Fairmont asks for a dollar, offers the ocean

by Tom Johansmeyer on

Next month, look for something new coming from kitchens across the Fairmont chain. Chefs at these upscale properties will be showing off their skills not only with seafood but the sustainable variety. So, when you cut into your fish of choice, you’ll be experiencing both culinary and environmental bliss. Throughout April, Fairmont will be inviting guests in its dining rooms do donate merely $1 to the National Geographic Society to support ocean conservation and other sea wildlife initiatives.

Seriously, only $1. Is that too much to ask?

I’ve been a big fan of Fairmont’s corporate social responsibility initiatives for a while, and since I enjoy seafood, I’m particularly fond of this latest measure. The move will help to preserve aquatic habitats without detracting from your dining experience – something we used to call a “win-win” back in my consulting days]. If you aren’t staying at a Fairmont, find one near your home and dash off for a great meal.

And please kick in the extra buck.

Daily Pampering: Read the art at the new Fairmont Pacific Rim

by Annie Scott on


The Fairmont Pacific Rim in downtown Vancouver opens this month, and it’s worth seeing — even from the outside.

We don’t normally hear about exterior hotel artwork, but this hotel in the heart of the financial district with views of the both the skyline and the harbor features a million dollar installation by UK artist Liam Gillick. The stainless steel piece is a repeating series of words in two-foot high Helvetica bold:

“lyingontopofabuildingthecloudslooked
nonearerthanwhenIwaslyingonthestreet…”

(In case that hurts your head: “lying on top of a building the clouds looked no nearer than when I was lying on the street …” over and over again)

The artwork, shown, wraps around floors five through 22, “providing a delineation of the hotel and luxury residences.” We think it would be a little distracting from the inside, like being trapped inside a neverending game of Quick Wit (remember deciphering those mirror images for the yellow points?).

It may not be everyone’s idea of beauty, but it’s certainly one-of-a-kind, and a fun new landmark to spot next time you’re in Vancouver.

The Fairmont Pacific Rim‘s rates start at $229 (CAD), about $220 USD, per room per night.

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