The new Seabourn Odyssey prepares for its first world cruise
The new Seabourn Odyssey is the first luxury vessel to debut in six years. This month, it will embark on Seabourn’s first world cruise, a 108-day voyage visiting 26 countries on six continents from Fort Lauderdale to Athens. The ship accommodates 450 guests in 225 suites and is available for private charter. Odyssey also features the largest spa on any luxury yacht at 11,400 square feet, as well as several meeting rooms for up to 50 guests. Also on board are four restaurants, two outdoor pools, a library, an outdoor terrace, and a nine-hole mini-golf course. Odyssey is the first of three new vessels Seabourn is launching; the second (Seabourn Sojourn) will debut in June and the third in 2011.
Venue News Incentive Resorts
Mauna Lani Bay Hotels & Bungalows
Big Island, Hawaii
The News: The hotel reopened on November 1, after completing renovations to its public spaces and guest rooms. It was closed from September 1 to October 31.
Specs: The 343-room resort features two 18-hole championship golf courses; a spa; four restaurants; a fitness center; and 18,200 square feet of meeting space, including a 4,800-square-foot ballroom.
Makena Beach & Golf Resort
Maui, Hawaii
The News: The resort has been rebranded and is now managed by Benchmark Hospitality Group.
Specs: The 310-room property features an 18-hole championship golf course, a golf academy, two pools, a fitness center, a kids club, multiple restaurants, and a 5,200-square-foot ballroom for as many as 500 guests.
Extra: The resort is located 30 minutes from Maui's Kahului Airport.
Jumby Bay, A Rosewood Resort
Antigua
The News: The private-island resort reopened in December off the coast of Antigua following a $28 million renovation that had closed the property since June 2008.
Specs: Renovations included a new spa; 28 new suites, bringing the total guest rooms to 40; five restaurants; a fitness center; a business center; children's club; and meeting space for small groups of up to 40.
The Resort at The Mountain
Welches, Ore.
The News: The resort completed a $14 million renovation and expansion in August.
Specs: Guest rooms, the 27-hole golf course, and meeting space were all renovated and a new spa was added. The 157-room property features 18,000 square feet of meeting space, including a 7,000-square-foot ballroom and two restaurants.
Naples Beach Hotel & Golf Club
Naples, Fla.
The News: In November, the hotel completed multimillion-dollar enhancements to its guest rooms and pool area.
Specs: 319-room resort with 34,000 square feet of meeting space, an on-site championship golf course, a spa, four restaurants, and a tennis center
InterContinental Hua Hin Resort
Thailand
The News: The new beachfront resort opened in December.
Specs: 119 rooms, three beachfront villas with private pools, an oceanfront restaurant, spa, fitness center, and 2,200 square feet of meeting space for groups of up to 120
Extra: The resort is located about two and a half hours from Bangkok.
Hyatt Regency Curaçao Golf Resort, Spa and Marina
Curaçao
The News: The resort opened on January 19.
Specs: The new 350-room resort features the island's only 18-hole championship resort golf course — this one designed by Pete Dye — as well as a 4,500-square-foot spa, a 24-hour fitness center, three restaurants, multiple outdoor pools, a children's camp, and 18,500 square feet of meeting space.
Four Seasons Hotel Beirut
Beirut, Lebanon
The News: The new hotel opened in January.
Specs: 230 guest rooms; a rooftop pool lounge; two restaurants and three bars; a spa with seven treatment rooms; a fitness center; and 24,000 square feet of meeting space, including an 8,000-square-foot ballroom for up to 800 guests
Extra: The hotel is located just 15 minutes from the Beirut airport.
The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
Amelia Island, Fla.
The News: Recently completed a $22 million ballroom expansion, making it one of the largest conference hotels in the region
Specs: The expansion increases the total meeting space to over 35,000 square feet. The hotel features 444 guest rooms, four restaurants, a spa, fitness center, and an 18-hole, PGA championship golf course.
Extra: The Ritz-Carlton Hotels, Southeast, Caribbean, and Mexico are now offering the “Meetings Within Reach” promotion. Groups that book ten or more nights at a participating hotel receive value-added upgrades and discounts.
News Makers:
- Rob Henderson has been named director of sales and marketing for the Vail Cascade Resort and Spa in Colorado. Henderson comes to the resort from Viceroy Hotels, Resorts, and Residences in Snowmass Village, Colo.
- Brad Duncan has joined the Chateau on the Lake Resort, Spa, and Convention Center in Branson, Mo., as sales manager. In his new position, Duncan coordinates meetings, conventions, and leisure stays. at the resort.
