The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel Spearheads an Earth Day Beach Clean Up

20 million people gathered across the country to show support and their increasing concern about the visible ruined environment, on the very first Earth Day on April 22nd, 1970. Led by Senator John McConnell along with a small team of environmentalists and scientists, concerned citizens and the like, they successfully raised awareness about the absence of green issues from the United States’ political agenda. It has grown to be recognized as an annual global event, and even has been adopted by the United Nations in 2009. Celebrated in more than 192 countries every year, numerous communities celebrate Earth Day by participating in activities focused on environmental issues.

It is becoming a norm for companies to participate in being green and responsible corporate, by adopting green initiatives within their business model. The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel, has followed suit by extending the invitation of being more green, and being an eco-hero to their guests and local residents. The hotel chain has teamed up with the Southern California’s expert-naturalist organization, the Eco-Adventure Center to help with this effort. The Beach Clean Up is the Ritz-Carlton property’s annual Earth Day initiative where they invite local residents and their hotel guests to come join them and help do their part in keeping Salt Creek Beach clean. Naturalists from the resort's Eco-Adventure Center will provide trash bags and gloves for participants, and will manage the removal of the trash that is collected.   The Ritz Carlton hopes that this event helps guests and locals to extend eco-efforts in their own homes.

The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel beach clean-up will be held Saturday, April 20 at 10 a.m.  

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PUBLIC Chicago's Library Does Double Duty

PUBLIC Chicago's Library is a coffee bar by day and nightclub lounge by night. During the day guests are welcomed to enjoy the coffee bar's wide selection of La Colombe Coffee, baked goods, sandwiches, and other specialties created by the famous chef Jean-Georges. The night time scene at the Library is one of Chicago’s newest hot spots! Complete with an impressive roster of some of the hottest DJ’s in the Chicago nightclub scene, in addition to renowned guest DJ’s like Paul Oakenfold, the Library is definitely a place to see and be seen. The multifunctional space of the Library was designed by famous hotelier and Studio 54 co-owner, Ian Schrager and his expert team of designers. Taking under consideration the contrasting moods of the space (tranquil coffee house by day, popular nightclub lounge by night), Schrager and his team made sure that each piece of furniture in the Library had the ability to transform as well.

The Library at the Public Hotel in Chicago use various table and chair settings to efficiently answer the different uses of the space. For example, arm chairs and sofas paired with low tables placed by the fireplace makes it ideal for a tranquil sip of coffee during the day while cozying up to a book, or to enjoy a signature cocktail in a comfortable setting while conversing with friends. If you are in the Chicago area and looking for an affordable luxury hotel with a happening night scene, you should definitely check out the Library located in The Public Hotel in Chicago.

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A Musical Stay at Fairmont Pacific Rim

The Lobby Lounge of the Fairmont Pacific Rim hotel located in Vancouver, Canada is always churning out great live music for its guests! The Fairmont has partnered up with radio station Shore 104, who handles picking out local special guests to perform at the Fairmont Pacific Rim’s Lobby Lounge every Friday night. Recently the Fairmont Pacific Rim and Shore 104’s Westcoast Music Sessions have featured acts such a Martin Acosta, Kuba Oms, and the Velvet Revolution for guests. Live music is played daily with the Westcoast Music Sessions and special guests held every Friday. Hotel guests and visitors are encouraged to come and experience the live entertainment while enjoying delicious food and beverage available for purchase. The Fairmont Pacific Rim has a variety of food offerings during their live music sessions such as a raw bar, sushi, salads and specialty beverages.

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Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort Colors Your Plate

Food and indulgence are important parts of experiencing a great vacation, but that doesn’t mean you always have to end up with vacation weight gain. The Sheraton Bali Kuta Resort and their fitness partners Core Performance share eating tips with their guests to help avoid vacation weight gain with their "Color Your Plate" initiative. The hotel provides tips in providing facts about colors of food and how it relates to your health. This is a great resource when it comes time to choosing meals in tropical destinations such as Bali, where they have many colorful foods. The Sheraton Bali Kuta has many different dining options, all of which offer local produce and ingredients to which guests can apply these healthy tips. However, if you do find yourself indulging in bountiful Balinese cuisine guests can work out in the fitness center!

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Image of the Day: InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort

InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula Resort is nestled in the hills of the famous Son Tra Peninsula, and features beachfront villas with private pools and a range of more than 20 suites. 

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Winners Report: The Peninsula Chicago

Fans of Five Star Alliance will remember our recent Last Minute Giveaway. Mary K. was the winner of our recent Last Minute Giveaway sweepstakes, and she shared a few pictures from her stay at The Peninsula Chicago with us. Mary won a two-night stay at the luxury hotel, and the hotel surprised her with an upgrade to a Grand Deluxe Room and special amenities.  At left is the lobby of the downtown hotel, and below is one of the doormen. 

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Live it Up with Trump's Great Gatsby Package

One of the greatest novels of all time has inspired of the most expensive luxury packages of all time. New York's Trump International Hotel Tower has announced the Trump Great Gatsby Package. Recommended for couples, the over-the-top experience includes:

-A three-night stay in a luxurious Central Park-view suite.

-Chauffeured car service for the duration of the stay.

-Dinner for two at the hotel’s Three-Michelin-Star restaurant, Jean-Georges

-Breakfast daily at Nougatine at Jean Georges

- A magnum of Veuve Cliquot Champagne served in-room

-Ladies will receive an Ivanka Trump Fine Jewelry Art Deco shagreen and onyx cuff, accompanied by a personal note from Ivanka Trump.

-Gentleman will receive a custom-tailored suit and shirt from Bergdorf Goodman, plus vintage Art Deco cufflinks.

The package comes with a Gatsby-appropriate price:  $14,999. The package is available for travel March 1, 2013 through August 31, 2013.

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Image of the Day: Constance Moofushi Resort Maldives

Constance Moofushi Resort Maldives has 110 beach and water villas in an intimate location of pure lagoons, sandbanks, and tropical surroundings.

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La Samanna Serves Up Wine & Rum Tastings

Wine is to France, as rum is to the Caribbean is a good rule of thumb when thinking of spirits and vacationing. But, where can one go to experience both? How about La Samanna, a private resort located on the Caribbean isles of the French-side of Central Saint Martin? The location and cultures on this island alone brings the best of spirit worlds together: rum and wine. If you are a guest at La Samanna,  the property offers both wine and rum tastings at their on-site restaurant: La Cave. Guided by an expert sommelier for your wine and rum tastings, guests get some education and the opportunity to sample some of the finest wines and rums France and the Caribbean has to offer.

Accompanied by a selection of fruits and cheese to pair your wine and or rum with, both activities can be done conveniently at La Samanna’s restaurant La Cave. With a majority of rum production taking place in the Caribbean, La Samanna has followed suit and delighted to announce that they have produced their own line of rum. Partnered with a renowned rum producer, the property’s rum can be tasted amongst many other of the region’s finest. The tastings have been said to be an experiential learning experience, as many guests discover how to mix different rums to create certain tastes, and/or learning about great wine and cheese and fruit pairings.

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The Salamander Resort & Spa Sets August 2013 Opening

Salamander Resort & Spa, set on over 300 acres in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains amid Virginia's famed horse country and lush vineyards announced that it is set to open this August. Located in the 18th century village of Middleburg, Salamander Resort is 30 minutes west of Dulles International Airport and an hour from downtown Washington, DC.

Set on 340 acres of farmland, the brand new resort will offer what was said to be "an unparalleled luxury experience in the region" with 168 guest rooms and suites; a culinary program led by Chef Todd Gray of Equinox Restaurant in DC including two restaurants, wine bar, cooking studio and two-acre culinary garden; a spa with 14 treatment rooms and a couples suite; and various activities including an onsite Equestrian program, with a 22-stall barn, practice ring, riding trails and instructional classes.

The property similarly boasts tennis courts and an outdoor pool complex, and guests have privileges at the nearby Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course. Fifty wineries are within an hour's drive of the resort, as are opportunities for whitewater rafting, sporting clays and raceway spectating.

Salamander Resort is also eyeing to be a destination for meetings or events. The property features a 5,000 square foot Grand Ballroom, as well as more intimate settings including a 1,800 square foot Junior Ballroom, Executive Boardrooms and breakout rooms, hospitality suites and 2,000 square foot Presidential Suite with an entertainment balcony.

Indoor and outdoor event facilities at Salamander are eyed to make events stand out, including the Equestrian Barn event room, the Stallion Barn, a, over a hundred year old stone building adjacent to the Grand Lawn, and the Cooking Studio, which may be reserved by groups for private events.