Jonas Schuermann appointed as new General Manager of Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong

Grand Luxury Community — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 09:45:51 +0000

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has announced the appointment of Jonas Schuermann as General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong effective 1 September 2009. Mr Schuermann is a veteran hotelier with over 25 years of hospitality industry experience worldwide. His career includes more than 15 years in senior management positions in Mandarin Oriental properties.

Jonas Schuermann appointed as General Manager

For the past five years, Mr Schuermann has been General Manager of the award-winning Mandarin Oriental, Kuala Lumpur, which he and his team have successfully positioned as the best hotel in the city. Prior to this, Mr Schuermann was General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Macau. He was also part of the management team at the Group’s flagship property in Thailand, Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok. Mr Schuermann’s other career highlights include hotel management positions with The Peninsula in Hong Kong and The Palace Hotel in Beijing.

A Swiss national, Mr Schuermann graduated from Hotel Management School, Belvoirpark, Zurich, Switzerland and speaks four languages: English, German, French and Italian. “On behalf of my colleagues at Mandarin Oriental, we are delighted to welcome Jonas Schuermann back to Hong Kong to take up his new responsibility as General Manager of the Group’s flagship property. I have no doubt that Jonas has exactly the right character and experience for this important role and will build on the property’s legendary reputation as one of the world’s finest hotels. ” said Andrew Hirst, Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group’s Operations Director, Asia.

Source : Mandarin Oriental Group

Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong : nos offres spéciales

Mandarin Oriental Bangkok : Excellence and Style

Grand Luxury Community — Wed, 02 Sep 2009 16:54:17 +0000

Normandy Restaurant : One of the Best Gastronomic Restaurant in South-east Asia

There are hotels that have nothing left but their mythical name. And there are those which improve, year after year, like a good wine, and which continue to perpetuate a tradition of exceptional hospitality while adapting to a younger clientele. The Mandarin Oriental in Bangkok is clearly one of them.

Our fifth stay at the Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok, has confirmed the exceptional quality of this hotel and its ability to renew itself while continuing to provide seamless service to its customers.

The Oriental Spa

Greeted at the door of the hotel, we are immediately shown to our rooms where check-in runs with speed and simplicity. The hotel has recently undergone several renovations among which its large terrace and its new pool with river view. It is now the turn of the River Wing rooms to be renovated. Their original style is preserved and the result is generally very successful even if we would have expected a little more originality in the tones used. The stylish access corridors to the rooms surely rank among the finest hotel corridors. We particularly recommend the deluxe stateroom, overlooking the river and decorated with dark woods in a Thai style that is reminiscent of the house of Jim Thomson.

But it is the service that fully justifies the reputation this hotel enjoys. Many luxury hotels chains communicate on the butler supposed to enhance your stay but whom you never see. Although Mandarin Oriental does not boast a butler service for rooms, he is definitely there! Whenever you leave your room or return, you meet him. He is omnipresent, attending to your comfort and always ensuring that your are perfectly satisfied.

Some tips for a successful stay :

1 – Use the transfer from the airport : you will be welcomed by a chauffeur in white gloves and immediately immersed in tradition.

2 – Take an afternoon tea in the Authors’ Lounge. The setting is both beautiful and intimate. The colonial charm of the room with its white shutters, large bamboos and its comfortable rattan furniture makes it the ideal place to enjoy an afternoon tea which would make many London hotels envious. The quality of the sandwiches, pastries and scones is just remarkable.

The Author's Lounge : Afternoon Tea at its best

3 – Dine at Sala Rim Naam : the restaurant on the opposite bank of the Chao Phraya River welcomes customers on a terrace with a refined and romantic atmosphere. With its high quality Thai cuisine, the restaurant is surely now one of the best in the capital. Dishes may sometimes seem a little too hot for some but this is authentic Thai cuisine, not altered to suit the western taste. For unconditional lovers of French cuisine, the hotel also boasts one of the most renowned restaurants in South East Asia, the Normandie, which is set in a refined decor at the top of the Garden Wing with superb views of the river or the city.

Sala Rim Naam: Wonderful Thai Cuisine

4 – Start the day on the main terrace of the hotel. The Chao Phraya River is vibrant with its huge barges, hotel shuttles, longtail-boats and river buses. A magical sight. Breakfast on the river front is a memorable experience.

Riverside Terrace, a Perfect place for breakfast

A review by I.L.

Article également disponible en français : Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, toujours une référence

Hotel das Cataratas, one of Brazil’s most distinctive hotels, joins Orient Express

Grand Luxury Community — Tue, 01 Sep 2009 08:00:17 +0000

View of the hotel

1st October 2009 will herald the re-launch of Hotel das Cataratas, following renovations by Orient-Express which has raised the hotel to international standards of style, design and service. The eagerly awaited hotel will offer an unbeatable retreat next to Iguaçu Falls, which lie on the border of Brazil and Argentina.

First opened as a hotel in 1958, Hotel das Cataratas is an elegant two storey Portuguese colonial style building. It has one of the most impressive and enviable locations in South America, with the world famous Iguaçu Falls just a two minute stroll from the property, and is surrounded by almost 1,850km² of national park. As the only hotel within the national park, Hotel das Cataratas has an unbeatable location, allowing guests to enjoy exclusive access to the falls each morning, before the park opens at 9am.

The 193 guest rooms, including 15 suites, have been decorated in line with the Portuguese style and feature paintings of the local flora and fauna by well known Brazilian artist, Ludmilla de Montes. Traditional Azulejos painted tiles, specially designed for Hotel das Cataratas, have also been used throughout the property, further enhancing the Portuguese history of the hotel. Many of the 16 Cataratas Deluxe Rooms boast lovely views of the falls, as do the Tower and Cataratas Suites.

A new spa opening at the end of October will offer an array of treatments from the Brazilian brand, Natura, which uses tropical fruits from the area, as well as ingredients sourced from the Amazon. There will be five treatment rooms with ipod docks, so guests can choose to listen to their own music if they wish, as well as a relaxation room and a sauna.

Hotel das Cataratas has two restaurants; the Restaurante Itaipu, serving a blend of Brazilian and international cuisine at breakfast, lunch and dinner, located on the ground floor of the main building, with a veranda for al fresco dining. The Ipê Bar & Grill by the main pool, is named after a local wood and serves light snacks throughout the day and a churrascaria (South American style meat barbecue) with live music for dinner. The terraces surrounding the hotel have been extended, allowing guests to dine al fresco.

On the hotel’s grounds is the Belvedere Look-out Point, which offers unparalleled views of the falls and a perfect photo opportunity.

In 1986, UNESCO listed Iguaçu National Park as a ‘Natural Heritage of Humanity’ area.
The park, home to the Iguaçu waterfalls (or cataratas), comprises 1,850km² of forest reserve and preserved to maintain the area for future generations.
The Iguaçu Falls are a spectacular collection of 275 waterfalls extending over a length of almost five kilometres in an enormous canyon on the Iguaçu River. There are 19 big waterfalls, the largest of which is the ‘Devil’s Throat’, the drop of which is over 90 metres. Only three of the falls, Floriano, Deodoro and Benjamin Constant are located on the Brazilian side with the majority located on the Argentinean side facing Brazil.

Local activities which can be organised through the hotel include helicopter tours over the falls, boat rides through the rapids, four-wheel drive jungle adventures and nature walks within the national park.

Orient-Express acquired Hotel das Cataratas in September 2007 and is the company’s second business in Brazil, where it has also owned and managed the Copacabana Palace Hotel in Rio de Janeiro since 1989.

The beautiful falls

Fauna

Pierre Gagnaire’s first restaurant in the United States

Grand Luxury Community — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 16:02:18 +0000

Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas, prominently situated at the entrance of CityCenter, the extraordinary new urban resort destination, will introduce the award-winning cuisine of three-star Michelin Chef Pierre Gagnaire at the hotel’s signature restaurant, Twist by Pierre Gagnaire. Opening in December 2009, Twist will be Gagnaire’s first restaurant in the United States. The innovative menu will infuse the simplicity of classic French cuisine with a modern spin, relying on a pairing of flavors and textures for which Gagnaire is known.

Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas

Located on the 23rd floor of the hotel, the Adam D. Tihany designed signature restaurant, seating 74, will feature a dramatic, glass staircase leading up to a suspended wine loft. More than 300 gold globes will illuminate the space, appearing to float in the air across the ceiling. Elevated tables will allow every guest a view from the floor-to-ceiling windows that overlook the Las Vegas Strip.

Also located on the 23rd floor with windows overlooking the spectacular Vegas skyline, the 82-seat Mandarin Bar will redefine Las Vegas nightlife. Appealing to locals as well as leisure and business travelers alike, this chic venue will provide an elegant respite from the bustling bars of the Las Vegas Strip. Decorated with plush furnishings, the Mandarin Bar will offer creative snacks, and an extensive cocktail menu. A team of molecular mixologists will be available to develop customized concoctions upon request, and there will also be a separate VIP room, available by reservation.

In addition to Twist by Pierre Gagnaire, diners will have the option to enjoy several other dining options within Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas including Mozen Bistro, an all-day contemporary kitchen theater with a sushi bar, noodle bar and rotisserie. The cuisine at Mozen Bistro will reflect the best of Asia along with American classics. The property will also feature an intimate 30-seat Tea Lounge, serving a wide menu of teas and High Tea rituals; a Poolside Café offering market-fresh fare, smoothies and sorbets; and the street-level, Amore Patisserie, with a selection of freshly baked pastries and cakes as well as sandwiches, coffee, teas, hand-made chocolate and gelato.

Mandarin Bar

MOzen Bistro

Twist Restaurant

Hotel Bel-Air major refurbishment

Grand Luxury Community — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 14:54:45 +0000

Tim Lee, General Manager of one of the world’s most celebrated and famous hotels, the iconic Hotel Bel-Air announced that they will be embarking upon a major refurbishment of the property beginning October 2009.

The Mythic Hotel Bel Air

This extensive project will include the renovation of all 91 rooms and suites, the famous Champagne Bar and the hotel’s restaurant and private dining rooms. A significant part of the investment will be in technology to modernize bedrooms and the public spaces.

Additionally, a further 12 villas will be developed within the hotel’s 12 acre grounds that are home to some of LA’s most beautiful and exotic gardens. The hotel which will close during the refurbishment project will also re-open with a new Spa that is already in the process of being built. The Spa will have 7 treatment rooms and 3 Junior Spa Suites.

Hotel Bel-Air is one of the world’s most legendary properties with a rich heritage. Over the years it has played host to the Hollywood elite and continues to be a favorite celebrity hideaway.

Interior designers, David Rockwell and Alexandra Champalimaud have been appointed to design the project. The renovation will be undertaken with the utmost sensitivity and great care will be taken to retain the intimate charm and character of Hotel Bel-Air.

General Manager, Tim Lee who will oversee the renovation, comments: “While it continues to rank as one of the top hotels in the world, the renovation project will revitalize it and bring it up to date. Our guests absolutely love this hotel, it is a home away from home for many and our vision for the newly renovated Hotel Bel-Air is to create somewhere that will enchant both local residents and international travelers alike”.

Source: The Dorchester Collection

The Connaught Presents The Prince’s Lodge

Grand Luxury Community — Wed, 27 May 2009 17:19:27 +0000

For more than a century, The Connaught in London has stood as an emblem of discreet and authentic elegance in the charming Mayfair village. The legendary hotel has recently completed a £70 million restoration, ushering the landmark into the 21st century while preserving with great care its distinctive personality and intuitive style of service. In July 2009, The Connaught is opening its most recent addition to their gleamingly-restored guest rooms and suites – The Prince’s Lodge.

The Connaught in Mayfair

Renowned designer Guy Oliver, in collaboration with The Turquoise Mountain Foundation in Afghanistan, has created The Prince’s Lodge at The Connaught in a style inspired by the 19th century Peacock Palace in the old city of Kabul. The Turquoise Mountain Foundation was formed in 2006 by HRH The Prince of Wales to support and restore the historic districts of Kabul which have endured more than thirty years of war. The Foundation now employs 350 people and has restored forty buildings in the once-shining city. Students of the Foundation are trained in traditional disciplines, including hand-carving, pottery, adobe architecture, jewelry and glass making. The Prince’s Lodge at The Connaught represents the Foundation’s first commercial endeavor.

The new Prince's Lodge

Opening the doors of Guest Room 518 at The Connaught unveils a space unlike any other in the iconic hotel. While other rooms and suites, also designed by Guy Oliver, offer a discreet English ambiance balanced with contemporary design, The Prince’s Lodge boasts a hand-crafted approach. Upon entering the guest room, visitors will immediately recognize the unique design and atmosphere in The Prince’s Lodge. The soaring vaulted double height ceiling displays antique oak beams; detailed oak paneling runs all around the perimeter of the sumptuous space. Hand-carved solid walnut cabinetry and paneling demonstrates the remarkable skill of the artisans who train with The Turquoise Mountain Foundation. Their tremendous talents are also apparent in the beautiful suite of carved furniture including the plush four poster bed which was the first to be carved in Kabul over one hundred years ago. Two vaulted window seats with carved peacocks and basket weave panels create magical spaces to relax and enjoy the view of Mayfair.

The new Prince's Lodge

A pair of faithful reproductions of early-carved 19th century cabinets conceals a bar and dressing table while secret doors in the intricate paneling open to reveal an intimate study filled with art and architectural reference books, board games and other objets d’arts. Original maps, photographs and oil paintings grace the walls of the Prince’s Lodge, creating the atmosphere a private retreat rather than a hotel guest room. A pair of French doors open widely, boasting views of London and an intimate walnut lined study, behind secret doors, contains art books and provides a peaceful space to read and work.

The new Prince's Lodge

The stunning bathroom has a large double bath, double vanity and a separate white marble shower and steam room complete with marble bench seat. The Prince’s Lodge provides a classical environment, however, technology is pervasive. For those who must remain in-the-know, a subtly-placed flat screen television to the right of the vanity allows guests to stay up to date on the latest news as well as their favorite shows.

Reminiscent of a room in a grand English country house, The Prince’s Lodge at The Connaught is a truly unique space in one of the world’s most beloved hotels. Guy Oliver’s stunning design in The Prince’s Lodge ideally complements the other unparalleled design elements found throughout the hotel.

The Connaught : nos offres spéciales

The Augustine Prague now open !

Grand Luxury Community — Wed, 27 May 2009 17:05:42 +0000

The Reception

The Rocco Forte Collection is delighted to confirm that its twelfth property, The Augustine, opened the 14th of May 2009 in Prague. The 101-bedroom hotel has been created from a set of seven buildings, many of which have historical significance, including the 13th century Augustinian St Thomas’s Monastery, after which the hotel is named. Several practicing monks still live in a separate part of the monastery, adjacent to the hotel grounds.

Conveniently located in Prague’s picturesque Malá Strana quarter in the heart of the city centre, The Augustine is a stone’s throw from the majestic Prague Castle, the Wallenstein Gardens and the famous Charles Bridge and within easy reach of the Golden City’s many colourful tourist attractions. The hotel is also in close proximity to the city’s commercial district and Prague’s Ruzyne International Airport is a 30 minute drive away.

The Augustine’s beautiful historic features have been restored and carefully crafted into the hotel’s design by London-based design company RDD under the guidance of Olga Polizzi, The Rocco Forte Collection’s Director of Design. The hotel’s elegantly designed bedrooms all boast stunning views over the courtyards, the monastery chapel or Prague Castle. The suites will include an impressive 150sqm Presidential Suite and a Tower Suite, located in the monastery’s original tower.

Bedroom

The outstanding Tower Suite comprises three floors, one for the living room, another for the bathroom, complete with freestanding bathtub and large walk-in shower, the top floor for the bedroom, with breathtaking panoramic views of the rooftops and brightly coloured spires of Prague.

The Augustine will offer four private rooms suitable for exclusive events, dinners and meetings as well as a large 196sqm ballroom in a protected double-height vaulted hall, ideal for elegant weddings and parties. The hotel also has direct access to St. Thomas’s Church and the stunning Wallenstein Gardens for the ultimate summer event or wedding reception.

For relaxation, the hotel’s spa will feature four treatment rooms, a hamam offering special heat treatments, a steamroom, relaxation area and an 80sqm fully-equipped gym. The Monastery restaurant will have 90 covers and will overlook a large courtyard with outside seating during the summer months. Guests will have the choice of two bars; Tom’s Bar, located in the monastery’s former barrel-vaulted double-height hall and The Brewery bar, housed in the cellar, in the former St Thomas’s brewery building, complete with seventeenth century stalactites and stalagmites.

The Brewery Bar

The Monastery

Bedroom

The Bar

The St Regis Kanai Resort & Residences, Unrivaled Dimension of Luxury

Grand Luxury Community — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 08:36:59 +0000

The St. Regis brand makes the next stop on its global expedition with the deal signing of the St. Regis Kanai Resort and Residences in Mexico

Opening in 2011, The St. Regis Kanai Resort & Residences will offer an unrivaled dimension of luxury, sophistication and unparalleled service in one of the world’s exclusive beach enclaves

NEW YORK–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. (NYSE:HOT) today announced plans to open a new St. Regis resort in Kanai, Mexico, an exclusive beachfront community surrounded by the natural beauty of the Mayan Rivera’s lush lagoons and pristine mangroves. Part of the Yucatan Peninsula’s celebrated ecological wonders, The St. Regis Kanai, Resort & Residences will open in 2011 and will feature 124 exquisitely appointed guest rooms and suites, 32 exclusive villas, four restaurants, a signature Remède Spa, oceanfront swimming pools, and two 18-hole signature golf courses designed by award-winning professional golf players Jose Maria Olazabal and Nick Faldo. Owned by ALHEL and GIM Desarrollos, The St. Regis Kanai will offer an unrivaled dimension of luxury, bespoke service and refined elegance at one of the best addresses in the world.

“Today we are proud to introduce The St. Regis Kanai Resort, featuring the iconic luxury, unmatched privilege and bespoke services for which the St. Regis brand is renowned,” said Paul James, Global Brand Leader, The St. Regis and The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts. “Truly one of the world’s most desirable destinations, Mexico is rich in culture and heritage and offers our discerning global guests an exotic array of world-class cuisine, art and stunning natural surroundings.”

“The signing of The St. Regis Kanai is another sign of Starwood’s commitment to develop all its brands in Latin America,” said Osvaldo Librizzi, President of Starwood Hotels & Resorts in Latin America “The development of this spectacular resort represents a critical milestone for Starwood as we continue to build on our industry-leading presence in the luxury and upper-upscale segments in Latin America.”

“The St. Regis brand is at an important moment in time as we continue to enhance its extraordinary reputation by adding highly sought after addresses to its global portfolio by working with best-in-class, proven partners like ALHEL and GIM Desarrollos,” said Simon Turner, President of Global Development for Starwood Hotels & Resorts. “We look forward to working in partnership with them on this remarkable development, which is sure to be a premier destination that will attract travelers from around the world.”

Nestled on the eastern coast of the Yucatan Peninsula, The St. Regis Kanai offers guests exclusive access to white sandy beaches, breathtaking ocean views, lush landscapes, and luxury amenities. Only six miles from Playa del Carmen and 24 miles from Cancun International Airport, guests can choose from the resort’s extraordinary line up of recreation activities including tennis, swimming, golf, and personalized spa treatments. Dining at The St. Regis Kanai indulges the senses with a diverse menu of sophisticated and distinct culinary options. The resort’s 32 exclusive villas include private swimming pools and indigenous Mexican design accents with full access to the hotel’s luxury facilities.

Designed by renowned architecture firm Hill Glazer, The St Regis Kanai boasts an eco luxury landscape which adheres to the highest standards of sustainable and conservation-oriented development. The Mayan Riviera is a world-renowned paradise complete with mangroves and lagoons, ancient Mayan cities, ecological reserves and the world’s second largest coral reef.

An ideal choice for weddings, meetings and special events, The St. Regis Kanai will have 15,000 square feet of event space including a 10,000 square feet main ballroom. The resort’s two boardrooms will feature state-of-the-art modern technologies and outdoor terraces with stunning views of the Mayan Riviera mangroves and Caribbean Sea.

Following in the tradition of the legendary The St. Regis Hotel New York, The St. Regis Kanai will feature the famed hallmarks of The St. Regis hotels including the iconic St. Regis Butler Service, bespoke guest experiences and luxury accommodations tailored to meet global travelers’ needs. Trained in the English tradition, the butlers provide ever-present, yet unobtrusive service while anticipating guest needs and customizing each guest’s stay according to his or her specific tastes and preferences.

The new St. Regis Kanai will be the newest addition to The St. Regis portfolio of hotels and resorts in the most coveted destinations around the world including Punta Mita, Aspen, Singapore, New York, Washington, D.C., San Francisco, London, Rome, Bora Bora, Bali, Beijing and Shanghai.

Source : www.stregis.com

Kurt Wachtveitl To Retire

Grand Luxury Community — Tue, 03 Mar 2009 07:00:37 +0000

Kurt Wachtveitl To Retire As General Manager Of Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok

Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group has announced that Kurt Wachtveitl will retire after 41 years as General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok effective 31 May 2009.

During his long and illustrious career, Mr Wachtveitl has been instrumental in positioning Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok as one of the world’s best luxury hotels, which has regularly attracted accolades and awards from respected travel associations and publications worldwide. Mr Wachtveitl has also received recognition as one of the world’s best General Managers, including a Lifetime Achievement Award at the annual Hotel Investment Conference (HICAP) in 2006 and more recently, the 2008 Independent Hotelier of the World award from Hotels Magazine, USA.

“Throughout his career, Kurt Wachtveitl has been a pioneer in the hotel industry embracing new and exciting ideas that have kept this famous Bangkok property at the forefront of luxury hospitality throughout the world. On behalf of my fellow board members, we wish Kurt well in his retirement and thank him for his extraordinary contribution over the past 40 years,” commented Khun Nijaporn Charanachitta, Chairperson of the Board of Directors of OHTL Public Company Limited.

“For four decades, Khun Kurt, as he is affectionately known in Thailand, has been an integral part of the success of this legendary hotel and has played a significant role in the global recognition of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group. He has shown tireless commitment and devotion to his guests and his colleagues, providing the best example of gracious hospitality in the global hotel industry. All of us at Mandarin Oriental salute this incredible lifetime achievement,” said Mr Edouard Ettedgui, Group Chief Executive of Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group.

Kurt Wachtveitl will be succeeded by Jan Goessing, a long term hotel industry veteran who has spent the past 14 years with Mandarin Oriental in senior management positions throughout Asia and The Americas, including the Group’s flagship hotel in Hong Kong. From 1998 to 2006, Mr Goessing was General Manager of the Group’s former property in Hawaii, Kahala Mandarin Oriental, during which time it became well established as one of the best urban resorts in the region, winning many important international accolades and awards. Since early 2006, he has been General Manager of Mandarin Oriental, Washington DC and has been instrumental in positioning the property as one of the city’s most luxurious hotels. During his tenure the hotel has been presented with numerous awards, including “Best Hotel in the World” from Institutional Investor in 2007 and “Top Hotels in the USA” in the 2008 Zagat survey.

Source : http://www.mandarinoriental.com/

Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok : nos offres spéciales

Grand Luxury Community » English Version

Jonas Schuermann appointed as new General Manager of Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong

Mandarin Oriental Bangkok : Excellence and Style

Some tips for a successful stay :

Hotel das Cataratas, one of Brazil’s most distinctive hotels, joins Orient Express

Pierre Gagnaire’s first restaurant in the United States

Hotel Bel-Air major refurbishment

The Connaught Presents The Prince’s Lodge

The Augustine Prague now open !

The St Regis Kanai Resort & Residences, Unrivaled Dimension of Luxury

Kurt Wachtveitl To Retire