Hyatt continues global expansion of Andaz hotels

by Melanie Nayer on

Hyatt’s boutique brand, Andaz, is climbing its way up the hotel chain and making an impact on travelers. The response to Andaz has been bountiful, so much so that Hyatt announced today the company will add three new Andaz properties in Sanya Sunny Bay, China; Delhi, India; and Providenciales, Turks and Caicos.

Andaz, which has only been operating for three years, is Hyatt’s new hotel concept that caters to the urban professional seeking a more trendy experience without luxury prices. The new international properties will join Andaz Liverpool Street, London, Andaz West Hollywood, Andaz Wall Street and Andaz San Diego, the soon-to-be-opened Andaz 5th Avenue New York; Andaz Austin, Texas; Andaz Amsterdam; and Andaz Papagayo, Costa Rica.

The 183-room Andaz Sanya Sunny Bay will be the first Andaz property to feature a resort community. It’s located on the southern oceanside of China’s Hainan Island, and will stand next to the 196-room Park Hyatt Sanya Sunny Bay and branded villas. Andaz Sanya Sunny Bay will offer five restaurants, as well as a 2,500-square-foot ballroom and three meeting rooms. The hotel will share a variety of amenities with Park Hyatt Sanya Sunny Bay, including a Spa Village featuring an outdoor swimming pool, beach club, fitness center, extensive spa facilities and treatment rooms, as well as a restaurant, tea house, and bakery.Andaz Delhi is scheduled to open its 323-rooms and 118 Andaz-branded apartments in 2013. The hotel will feature a variety of amenities including a lounge, theme bar, two restaurants, spa, and fitness center. Additionally, the property will offer a 7,000-square-foot ballroom and seven meeting rooms. This will be Andaz’s first project in India.

The last of the three new properties, the 170-room Andaz Turks and Caicos, will open in 2014 and will include approximately 76 Andaz-branded condominium residences and three villas which owners can choose to place into an Andaz-managed rental program. The hotel will feature a variety of amenities including several restaurants, an outdoor pool, spa and fitness center. Additionally, the property will offer several options for events and meetings, including five Andaz Studios, two trellised courtyards, an event gallery, and a studio display kitchen. The hotel, which will be developed by the Cloisters Group, will be located approximately 15 minutes by car from Providenciales International Airport.

Daily Pampering: Three ways to spice up Valentine’s Day from around the world

by Tom Johansmeyer on

You want to do something for Valentine’s Day this year, but you don’t know where to turn. Travel is always a great idea, and the economy is definitely cutting your way. There are deals everywhere. Of course, this just makes the choices even harder. Well, I just happened upon three packages from Regent Hotels that will make your decision a little harder … how can you narrow even this short list down to one?

1. Caribbean
If you’re looking for some relief from the abusing winter cold, The Regent Palms Turks and Caicos has the answer. With only 72 suites in this luxury resort, intimacy is virtually assured. Enjoy locally created treatments at the resort’s spa, and enjoy being together and away from the world. Starting on February 1, 2010, you can save 25 percent a night when you book a four-night stay (rates start at $525 a night). If you can’t take advantage of this for Valentine’s Day, don’t sweat it: you can get this deal through December 17, 2010.2. Croatia
Zagreb? Really? Don’t act so surprised. Croatia has doubled down on its tourism industry, and it wants to see you for Valentine’s Day. The Regent Esplanade Zagreb is offering free high-speed internet access (which every hotel should do all the time) in a Deluxe room with two glasses of Croatian sparkling wine to greet you. A Regent bath butler will get you and your loved one ready for a luxurious soak (he’ll be gone by the time you get in, don’t worry), which is the perfect destination after you’ve skated on the hotel’s brand new ice rink. Finally, nothing beats a candlelit dinner for two at Zinfandel’s Restaurant. Prices start at approximately $405 a night, and you need to stay between February 12 and 15, 2010. Extra nights are available at an unbeatable $160 a night.

3. France
Valentine’s Day in France … you can’t beat this. Head to the country synonymous with romance, and spend a few nights at The Regent Grand Hotel Bordeaux, the region’s first luxury hotel. The “Saint Valentine de Reve in Bordeaux” package includes a night in the hotel with complimentary high-speed internet access, a VIP in-room welcome basket and breakfast for two at Brasserie l’Europe. Be prepared for a fantastic dinner at Le Pressoir d’Argent, where you’ll experience the culinary creations of award-winning Chef Pascal Nibaudeau. Rates start at $800 a night, and the Valentine’s Day dinner at Le Pressoir is available on February 13 and 14. You can add nights for merely $275 a night (including breakfast).

Get your daily dose of pampering right here.

Abercrombie & Kent vacation clubs: try before you buy

by Tom Johansmeyer on

Let the tough timeshare and vacation club market work to your advantage this year. Upscale travel firm Abercrombie & Kent’s Residence Club is offering two-year trial memberships starting at $18,700 a year for 15 nights – that’s a tad under $1,250 a night. The residences tend to be around 4,000 square feet and have four bedrooms. A&K suggests that you can “even travel with the extended family,” but I’m sure I could find other uses for the extra space (I’m not a fan of traveling with a lot of people, regardless of connection).

Okay, so it’s basically a decent amount of cash for access to some great properties in places like the Turks & Caicos and Deer Valley, Utah. The details, however, make the difference. A&K takes care of airport pickup, grocery shopping before you hit the ground and the other prep activities that could slip your mind when you’re worried about catching planes and disappearing from the “real” world for a few days or weeks. The Global Experience Manager will take care of all this for you, including any unique needs or interests you may have – from a behind-the-scenes private tour of the South Carolina Aquarium’s Turtle Hospital to skiing withOlympic athletes in Sun Valley, Idaho.

“This two-year trial offer is designed for those considering a second home or who simply want an extended opportunity to experience club life before making a long-term commitment,” says Abercrombie & Kent Residence Club President Scott Wiseman. “Families can enjoy the privacy of a spacious home in their choice of popular resort destinations for much less than the cost of comparable hotel suites. Club membership is an affordable, maintenance-free alternative for those thinking about buying a second home.”

Under this trail program, you can play without having to drop any cash up front. Instead, you pay the normal dues with a 10 percent premium. If you join later, A&K will credit it to your capital contribution. Fifteen-, 30- and 45-night programs are available, so you can choose your level of decadence. If you choose, you can exchange your nights for credit toward other A&K travel, like a cruise in the Galapagos or an African safari.

This is a pretty wild deal – a chance to date a vacation club before marrying it.