Just last month, I wrote on the company’s commitment to sustainability as going “beyond” the typical green measure. True sustainability is a viable means for lodging properties to protect the longevity of their business by remaining ahead of the curve.

And here is the proof: Isla Palenque just won a prestigious Honor Award from the American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) in the Analysis and Planning category for its geo-responsible resort master plan.

Only a select few of the hundreds of applicants for the ASLA’s award are honored each year.

Intelligent design

The plan itself, conceived by architecture firm Design Workshop, showcases design that is at the core of the resort’s environmentally-focused mission – making intelligent use of the terrain and lavishes attention on the beauty of the island itself.

Founded in 1969, Design Workshop is an international landscape architecture, land planning, urban design and strategic services firm whose philosophy challenges the project team to equally integrate and balance artistic vision, environmental sensitivity, community values and sound economics to create unique places that stand the test of time.

“We chose Design Workshop because they are uniquely skilled at creating designs that encourage people to experience the natural world that surrounds them,” says Amble President Ben Loomis. “Their design will allow the resort’s future homeowners to connect to the island in a profound way: to feel that they are a natural part of it, not an intruder upon it.”

Amble and Design Workshop share the award with the rest of the development team, including architects 4240, environmental advisors Panama Environmental Services, and engineering firmEast Bay Group.

“We’re especially proud of this award because it was a particularly competitive year to win,” says Richard Shaw, FASLA, a Principal and Partner at Design Workshop. But for Shaw, it’s been clear from the start that Isla Palenque is exceptional.

“Amble’s concept is special to begin with,” says Shaw. “The idea behind the master plan has always been to retain natural resources while accommodating low-density development; synthesizing aspects of sustainability, conservation, and ecotourism for a result that will really create unprecedented character.”

“The placement of the buildings is thoughtful, putting most of the buildings in the few areas that were previously cleared for farming, allowing the sensitive ecosystems and cultural material to be preserved.”

“Design Workshop really understands our goal here,” says Loomis. “We want to create sustainability that is not only good for the land, but good for the people that will live on it.” Loomis considers the natural environment to be the most important luxury amenity the sophisticated resort can provide. “The pristine quality of the land will still be there when all the development is done, and will be maintained for generations to come.”

For more, visit http://www.IslaPalenque.com.

“It’s an ocean view that you have to see to believe,” says President/Co-Owner Joseph Mikrut.

“The view takes away the breath of even the most jaded traveler,” adds CEO/Co-Owner Geoff McCabe. Anamaya is steps away from epic waterfalls, surrounded by rain forests, and located in one of the world’s most beautiful tropical beach towns.

Anamaya, however, offers much more than stunning views. Anamaya is Sanskrit for “good health” and that is the driving philosophy behind this unique hotel.

Anamaya offers gourmet organic food, Anusara-inspired yoga classes and retreats, a variety of luxurious health and spa services including acupuncture and chiropractic treatments, a Clearlight Far infrared sauna, massage and reflexology therapies, and an array of uniquely designed retreat packages, workshops and classes all in respect to the Body, Mind&Spirit. In addition to their daily services, Anamay offer a variety of special 3 – 14 day inclusive retreat packages including Yoga Retreats, Raw Food Intensives, Creative Arts Camps, Anti Aging&Longevity Classes, and Weight Loss, General Cleansing&Natural Detox Programs.

Anamaya also offers guests exclusive fire dancing (the four people running the hotel also happen to be professional fire dancers!) and circus entertainment experiences, exciting local excursions, and intimate and tranquil accommodations to enhance the exotic and unique experience of visiting Costa Rica.

In addition, Anamaya Resort strives to care for the planet by remaining chemical-free and using products that facilitate a more natural, organic way of life. This is reflected in their non-toxic and anti-allergenic rooms, as well as the newly installed salt-water pool, which allows their guests to enjoy swimming without the worries of high levels of toxins entering the body.

McCabe, no stranger to environmentally-friendly ventures, strongly believes that “green” is the future, not just a passing fad. “Countries around the world are continually improving their laws and green requirements, so it’s smart business to get ahead of the curve rather than retrofitting a business later. Plus, being energy efficient saves money, and attracts clients.”

Perhaps more even more importantly McCabe has a strong desire to be part of the solution, not the problem. Anamaya Resort strives not to merely entertain guests, but also to inspire them. “We hope our guests will fall in love with the lifestyle that they experience here at Anamaya, and vow to make changes in their lives,” says McCabe.

From the moment of your arrival, you’ll know you’ve unearthed a very magical place and during your stay at the Anamaya Resort you’ll discover more about the true gifts of life, about yourself, and a few secrets about longevity.

Launching at a ribbon-cutting ceremony and subsequent celebrity party, the all-suite hotel welcomed Vdara’s employees to be the first to officially walk through the hotel’s doors.

“We are incredibly proud to offer the world this first taste of all that CityCenter will bring to the Las Vegas Strip,” said Jim Murren, Chairman and CEO of MGM MIRAGE. “Travelers will finally find in Las Vegas what they find in other great cities around the world – spectacular architecture, culturally significant art, great public spaces, sophisticated hotels, unique restaurants and incredible amenities. We look forward to unveiling all of this and more as the month unfolds.”

Vdara is the first hotel to open at CityCenter, which in total will put 12,000 employees to work in Las Vegas. The resort is an all-suite hotel and spa designed for those who love the excitement of Vegas but prefer to enjoy it in an exclusive, non-gaming, smoke-free environment.

Physically connected to The Bellagio and directly adjacent to ARIA Resort & Casino, Vdara offers access to all the amenities and energy of CityCenter while also providing a retreat from it all.

Vdara, together with Vanity Fair, threw a star-studded, invite-only event hosted by famed photographer Sebastian Copeland – a dedicated environmental activist, who shares Vdara’s commitment to sustainability, which is evidenced in the resort’s LEED Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council.

Also on hand for the festivities were award-winning actors Orlando Bloom and Rosario Dawson.

CityCenter will celebrate openings throughout the month, culminating with one final grand opening celebration, December 16. Crystals retail and entertainment district opens December 3, Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas December 4 and ARIA Resort & Casino December 16.

City within a city

The forthcoming CityCenter is an unprecedented urban metropolis on 67 acres between Bellagio and Monte Carlo resorts on the Las Vegas Strip.

CityCenter features ARIA, a 61-story, 4,004-room gaming resort; luxury non-gaming hotels including Las Vegas’ first Mandarin Oriental and Vdara Hotel & Spa; Veer Towers, the development’s only strictly residential buildings; and Crystals, a 500,000-square-foot retail and entertainment district.

At the forefront of sustainability, CityCenter is one of the world’s largest green developments. ARIA, Vdara, Crystals, Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas and Veer Towers all have received LEED® Gold certification by the U.S. Green Building Council. This marks the highest LEED achievement for any hotel, retail district or residential development in Las Vegas. The Harmon also is pursuing LEED certification.

Vdara, Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas and Veer Towers include approximately 2,400 residences total. Additionally, The Harmon, a 400-room luxury boutique hotel, is slated to open at CityCenter in late 2010.

For more information about CityCenter, please visit www.citycenter.com as well as www.vdara.com.

Tomgirl Tours is known for catering to energetic and active women seeking adventure experiences. 

Combining adrenaline-pumping experiences with relaxing activities and upscale accommodations, the White Mountains Adventure tours provide both outdoor and indoor adventure; a perfect getaway for the growing number of adventure-seeking tourists who, according to the Adventure Travel Trade Association, are increasingly seeking short-duration adventure travel trips and looking to remain in the United States, rather than venturing abroad.

The adventures include a zip line canopy tour, an indoor wind tunnel sky diving experience and a breath-taking guided hike through the pristine mountain side.

“Our White Mountains Adventure tours give women a chance to experience a unique mix of adventure, all in a thoughtfully planned package,” says Tomgirl Tours’ founder and CEO Lori Carr. “The tours pay special attention to travelers’ safety with trained and experienced guides, and to their comfort with gorgeous upscale accommodations and comfortable transportation to all activities.”

To balance these exhilarating activities, White Mountains Adventure tours are set at the region’s premiere North Conway Grand Hotel and Resort, site of a special reception and dinner where guests will sample savory local cuisine.

The tours are running Sept. 13 – 14, Oct. 4 – 5 and Nov. 29 – 30.

Along with the White Mountains Adventure tours, Tomgirl Tours’ 2009 packages include Savory City – Providence, weekend culinary tours in Rhode Island; St. John Sojourn, an outdoor eco-adventure in the U.S. Virgin Islands; and Red Rock Rendezvous, a weeklong excursion in spectacular Sedona, Ariz.

For more information, visit www.tomgirltours.com.

Now, I know what you are thinking – the Grand Canyon? Amazing, sure – but not exactly known for its rest and relaxation qualities. I for one have been to the Grand Canyon a few years back, and it was one of the most awe-inspiring experiences (and one of the inspirations behind starting this site) to which I have ever been privileged. I bundled the trip with a week-long excursion through the Red Rocks of Sedona – I hiked, I climbed, I got very, very sweaty. And yes, after all was said and done and I had burned through about a gallon of bottled water, I could have definitely used a luxurious spa retreat to soothe my muscles and tend to every aching nerve.

So, with this new “calling” in mind, I think another trip is definitely called for.

A destination for everyone’s adventure

The AAA Four-Diamond, award-winning Amara Hotel, Restaurant and Spa, beautifully nestled within the natural beauty of Sedona, Arizona, is offering a once-in-a-lifetime Grand Canyon Adventure. Guests can relax in comfort while being pampered by the attentive staff, reveling in the sights and sounds of the surrounding natural landscape, then spend an unforgettable day on a professionally guided tour of one of nature’s greatest marvels – the awe-inspiring beauty of the Grand Canyon.

What USA Today calls, “the most beautiful place on earth.” Sedona’s natural beauty, climate, clean air and water make it one of Arizona’s most popular tourist destinations, second only to the Grand Canyon.

Staying at the Amara

Conde Nast Traveler Magazine called it one of the “World’s Best Places to Stay” for its breathtaking beauty and chic modern vibe, with blissful red-rock views beside the tranquil waters of Oak Creek combined with an award-winning restaurant, top-notch spa and an outdoor recreational paradise. The 100-room boutique hotel is carefully designed for both leisure and business travel, and its spa features six treatment rooms, nail care area, relaxation lounge, separate male and female locker rooms with steam and showers, private yoga and the exclusive London-based Elemis line of products and treatments.

The Amara Grand Canyon Adventure Package includes:

• Lavish two night’s accommodations
• Full service breakfast for two each morning at award-winning restaurant Hundred Rox (value up to $35 per day)
• Full-day Grand Canyon tour for two by Red Stone Tours (departs at 8:30 am and returns at 5:45 pm)
• Rates from $685 for the entire two-night package*
• *This package is available now through December 17, 2009.

For more information, visit www.amararesort.com.

The new “Travelers’ Choice for Romance” award is based on candid guest reviews guests on iLoveInns.com, lending new insight into the mysterious qualities that make an inspiring romantic getaway.

For 28 years iLoveInns.com has inspired consumers to add bed & breakfast travel to their life plans. Travelers’ comments and reviews have always been a vital part of the firm’s published guidebooks and Web site features.

“We always enjoy reading the reviews couples post on our site, to discover the magic that renews and recharges their relationships,” says Deborah Sakach, publisher at iLoveInns.com. “Guests bring their own unique observations and emotions into their travels, and when they share their experiences we see why travel adventures add so much to their lives.”

The staff at iLoveInns.com compiled and analyzed the individual reviews posted on the site regarding romantic celebrations and tallied which inns drew the most ardent attention from guests for the quality of romance.

This award recognizes both the romantic inns and the articulate guests who expressed what made their bed and breakfast stay so satisfying. Their reviews reveal the unique qualities that create a romantic bed and breakfast getaway.

InnTouch, the company’s new iPhone bed and breakfast application introduced last December, now offers users the ability to make reviews, as well.

2009 Travelers’ Choice for Romance Winners

1. 10 Fitch – Auburn, New York
2. The Queen Victoria – Cape May, New Jersey
3. The Australian Walkabout Inn – Lancaster, Pennsylvania
4. 1800 Devonfield Inn, an English Country Estate – Lee, Massachusetts
5. Cameo Rose Victorian Country Inn – Belleville, Wisconsin
6. Christopher Place – An Intimate Resort – Newport, Tennessee
7. Deer Crossing Inn – Castro Valley, California
8. Inn at Warner Hall – Gloucester, Virginia
9. Prairieside Suites – Grand Rapids, Michigan
10. Cloran Mansion – Galena, Illinois
11. High Ridge Manor – Paso Robles, California
12. Stonehurst Place – Atlanta, Georgia
13. Black Bear Inn – South Lake Tahoe, California
14. Reagan’s Queen Ann Bed and Breakfast – Hannibal, Missouri

Access on the go: InnTouch for iPhone and iPod touch

Looking for a romantic getaway at a great little boutique inn or bed and breakfast?  Now you can find your favorite bed and breakfast getaway spot right on your iPhone.

iLoveInns.com’s new app, InnTouch, is a definitive guide to the nation’s best and most romantic inns.

Features include:

• Thousands of B&Bs and boutique inns to choose from
• Detailed information on each property
• Locate inns nearby your current location
• Instant access to contact the inn for reservations
• 10,000 photos
• Over 1,000 recipes from Bed & Breakfast kitchens
• Guests favorite dishes served at top B&Bs and boutique inns nationwide

For more details, visit www.iloveinns.com.

Making the final cut of recipients was The Dorchester Hotel, one of London’s most fabulous and luxurious boutique hotels.

“Since we developed an environment policy a few years ago, we’ve been very committed to reducing our carbon footprint and other Corporate Social Responsibility objectives,” said Andy Churchill, Chief Engineer of the Dorchester. “Our new hotel, 45 Park Lane, will be open next year and we’ll then also be able to share and improve our overall contribution.”

The Dorchester, located on Park Lane overlooking Hyde Park, is well-known for being one of the world’s greatest hotels, with three staff members for every guest. It is a full blown 5 star deluxe hotel offering high end accommodation and is the chosen lodging of many international celebrities.

The hotel is just a five minute walk from Hyde Park Corner underground station, with Bond Street, Piccadilly, and Oxford Street on the doorstep.

The hotel’s wide range of green efforts include:

• Committment to a green purchasing scheme buying more and more goods and services from local sustainable-aware suppliers – even changing their landscape gardening company to one who specifies a sustainable service.
• Carbon-emission reduction on three cooling towers and three turbo core chillers which, apart from minimixing impacts, will also deliver better and more reliable air conditioning and cooling services to guests.
• Transformed lighting to low energy lighting with 33% now covered, to roll out throughout the establishment shortly.

Both Green500 and Better Buildings programs are funded by the London Development Agency to help deliver the Mayor’s target to cut London’s emissions by 60 per cent by 2025, create green collar jobs and stimulate a low carbon economy.

Together, over the last year, their 200 members have saved a massive 117,000 tons of carbon, equivalent to taking 100 double-decker buses off London’s streets.

For more information, visit www.thedorchester.com.

Uniquely designed to reflect the local culture, character and geography of the surrounding area, Hotel Indigo San Jose Forum showcases Costa Rica’s tropical climate and natural settings by incorporating oversized and artistic photographic images throughout the hotel of tropical flowers, waterfalls, coffee beans and dynamic elements of the rain forest.

The use of water features at the main entrance and lobby along with contrasting colors and different textures from the floors to the ceiling are an understated homage to the country’s natural resources. From the locally-inspired murals to the seasonal renewal program where the images, music, scent, and menu items change four times a year, Hotel Indigo delivers a vibrant, engaging and genuine boutique experience that gives guests the confidence to step out and explore the local neighborhood.

Hotel Indigo San Jose Forum is located at the Del Centro Empresarial Forum Dos, the city’s latest and most prominent commercial office development, which provides business and leisure travelers easy access to shopping, coffee houses, and gourmet restaurants. In addition, the three-story boutique hotel is just 15 minutes from the Juan Santamaria Airport and adjacent to a major thoroughfare that connects to Escazu, the prominent residential and business district of the city.

The Hotel Indigo San Jose Forum Costa Rica is owned by Prime Holding, under a license agreement with IHG (InterContinental Hotels Group), the world’s largest hotel group by number of rooms and the second largest hotel operator in Latin America. IHG properties currently operating in Costa Rica include Real InterContinental Hotel & Club Tower Costa Rica, Crowne Plaza Corobici San Jose, Holiday Inn San Jose – Aurola and Holiday Inn Express San Jose Airport.

‘We believe the Hotel Indigo model strikes a great balance by providing guests the refreshing design and intimate service synonymous with a boutique along with the consistency, reliability, and accessibility of a branded hotel, ‘ said Luis Fernandez, president, Prime Holding. ‘Hotel Indigo has been incredibly well-received in North America and we are confident that it will thrive in San Jose.’ ‘IHG is very well represented in Costa Rica and the opening of Hotel Indigo further strengthens our position as the country’s leading international hotel company,’ said Alvaro Diago, area president, Latin America, IHG. “We are very proud to be opening the first Hotel Indigo in the region with such a respected franchise partner, Prime Holding.’

Hotel Indigo San Jose Forum features inviting guestrooms with plush bedding, hard-surface flooring with area rugs, oversized artistic photo murals of local imagery, 37-inch flat screen TV, iPod/MP3 alarm clock radio, spa-inspired showers with complimentary Aveda bath products, and complimentary high-speed Internet access in guest rooms and public spaces.

Additionally, the hotel provides guests convenient access to meeting facilities and a 24-hour business center, a sauna and spa, an outdoor swimming pool and well-equipped fitness studio. Dining options include the Golden Bean Restaurant, which serves international and local dishes from beef broth with organic vegetables and natural chicken consommé to Costa Rican-style fish ceviche, and Phi Bar & Lounge, a causal gourmet bistro and full-service bar. Highlighting a national commodity, the hotel serves Café Britt homegrown Costa Rican coffee – a favorite of tourists and locals alike.

‘Through Interpret Indigo, the brand’s flexible design concept that works with adaptive reuse, mixed-use, new builds, and conversions, each hotel is distinctly different from neighborhood to neighborhood and country to country,’ said Janis Cannon, vice president, global brand management, Hotel Indigo. “From London Paddington to San Jose, Hotel Indigo is delivering a highly-differentiated and upscale hotel experience to guests and developers across the globe.’ Meeting the desires of today’s traveler, Hotel Indigo is an upscale boutique brand that delivers a refreshing and inviting guest experience that is truly reflective of the local community. There are currently 26 Hotel Indigo properties open worldwide and more than 60 hotels under development, either in the pipeline or in final negotiation.

By the end of 2009, Hotel Indigo will almost double its footprint in the Americas opening properties in New York City, San Diego, St. Louis, and Toronto.

For more information on Hotel Indigo, visit www.hotelindigo.com.

As part of its membership in the World Heritage Alliance for Sustainable Tourism, Mandarin Oriental, Miami is launching a “voluntourism” program at Everglades National Park in which guests can make a difference to the environment and help preserve this UNESCO World Heritage site. The “Miami Everglades” package includes an inspiring day trip to Everglades National Park where guests can participate in tree planting, recycling projects and exotic plant removal programs. Guests can also explore the park’s walking trails to experience wildlife up close, or by indulging in the local tradition of “slogging,” wading through shallow waters.

“As members of the World Heritage Alliance, we work closely with Everglades National Park to learn about the challenges they face and are keen to develop opportunities for the hotel to help through voluntourism programs,” said Jorge Gonzalez, general manager, Mandarin Oriental, Miami. “We are delighted to offer interesting and fulfilling opportunities for our guests to get involved.”

The luxurious Mandarin Oriental, Miami is a contemporary, waterfront jewel, offering dramatic ocean views from it 326 elegant guest rooms and suites. There are two high-energy restaurants, M-Bar – a dynamic cocktail lounge and martini bar, a stunning Five-Star spa, Oasis Beach Club and extensive meeting and business facilities.

Located just an hour from the hotel, Everglades National Park is a unique ecosystem and home to many rare and endangered species such as the American crocodile. It is the largest subtropical wilderness in the United States and boasts rare and endangered species. The park is designated as a World Heritage Site, International Biosphere Reserve and Wetland of International Importance.

Guests will drive in a Hybrid vehicle to the park and participate in a morning volunteer mission followed by a delectable lunch provided by the hotel. In the afternoon an expert Park Ranger will take guests on a stimulating tour exploring this vast stretch of wetlands and share their knowledge, stories and interesting facts about the park.

The “Miami Everglades” package includes:

• Accommodations for two nights
• American breakfast daily
• Day Trip to Everglades National Park
• Hybrid rental car for a day

For more information or reservations, please contact reservations directly at (305) 913 8383 or visit Mandarin Oriental, Miami’s website at www.mandarinoriental.com.

About World Heritage Alliance for Sustainable Tourism
The World Heritage Alliance for Sustainable Tourism is a membership-based initiative that works to support World Heritage conservation, sustainable tourism, and local economic development for communities in and around UNESCO World Heritage sites. The UN Foundation and Expedia, Inc. created the World Heritage Alliance for Sustainable Tourism in the Fall of 2005. For more information, including a list of other WHA members and partners, visit: http://www.worldheritagealliance.org.

The Everglades Foundation’s mission is to protect and restore America’s Everglades, one of the world’s unique natural ecosystems that provides economic, recreational and life-sustaining benefits to the millions of people who depend on its future health. Recently, the Everglades Foundation played a significant role in supporting the State of Florida’s decision to purchase more than 180,000 acres of agricultural south of Lake Okeechobee from U.S. Sugar Corporation to advance Everglades restoration.

“It’s an honor to partner with the Everglades Foundation to help them educate the public about this vital ecosystem’s restoration,” stated Brian Scheinblum, president of Cambean Hospitality. “Part of the process in choosing a local non-profit group to align with our Cambean Earth initiative was that its efforts have a local impact, it promotes sustainability, and that the majority of its expenses are focused on the primary mission of Everglades restoration. The Everglades Foundation, as evidenced by their success and professionalism, is a deserving cause, and we are very excited to contribute to their goals.”

The Cambean Earth Environmental Fund, the contribution arm of the Cambean Earth initiative will contribute to the Everglades Foundation by donating a portion of the proceeds of the sale of Cambean Earth apparel and a percentage of room sale profits from Cambean Earth branded properties.

In addition to contributions, Cambean Hospitality will help raise awareness of the Everglades Foundation by airing a 30-second television public service announcement in the guestrooms at every Cambean Hospitality property, as well as supplying information through in-room directories, and providing space in the lobbies of Cambean properties for educational materials. Web links will also be provided on the Cambean Hospitality Web site to help educate the public and solicit donations for the Everglades Foundation.

“As our first hospitality partnership, the level of commitment to sustainability as represented by their Cambean Earth branding and properties such as The Clifton South Beach, is exactly what we could hope for to raise awareness of the critical need to restore and protect America’s Everglades as a national treasure and the water resources it provides,” stated Kirk Fordham, CEO, Everglades Foundation. “We appreciate Cambean Hospitality’s efforts on behalf of the Foundation and look forward to a long-term partnership with the company.”

Cambean Earth, a new brand that defines the sustainable systems and practices being implemented throughout Cambean Hospitality, will serve to educate Cambean property guests about its environmentally friendly lodging practices, as well as steps guests can take every day to promote a greener, cleaner Earth. As part of the Cambean Earth initiative, Cambean Hospitality established the Cambean Earth Environmental Fund, which will make contributions to both local and national charities that are dedicated to protecting natural resources and sustainability.

Cambean Earth promotes the growth and acceptance of sustainable hospitality options worldwide through the development and implementation of industry-leading environmentally friendly systems and practices in all Cambean properties; identifying and incorporating the most effective and efficient means of conserving energy, water and other natural resources, while providing a unique and luxurious hotel experience for its guests.

For more information, visit www.cambean.com.

About the Everglades Foundation Mission
The Everglades Foundation, Inc. is a 501(c) (3) not-for-profit, charitable organization dedicated to protecting and restoring one of the world’s unique natural ecosystems that provides economic, recreational and life-sustaining benefits to the millions of people who depend on its future health. Since 1993, the Everglades Foundation has played a leadership role in advancing Everglades restoration through the advancement of scientifically sound and achievable solutions. The Foundation seeks to reverse the damage inflicted on the ecosystem and provide policymakers and the public with an honest and credible resource to help guide decision-making on complex restoration issues. For more information, please visit www.evergladesfoundation.org.

The inn includes a spa with four treatment rooms, a 75-foot-long rooftop infinity pool, a fine-dining restaurant, and meeting space. The design reflects a blending of the Valley’s agrarian character, the high refinement associated with its wines, and the indoor/outdoor character of local living.

The project uses solar and geothermal energy, sophisticated energy management systems, sustainable building materials, and organic landscape management practices. The project is pursuing a LEED Platinum certification from the US Green Building Council.

Some of the unique elements of the inn include a lobby without a front desk – guests are greeted in the foyer by the staff; every room has its own courtyard that allows for absolute guest privacy; and spa treatments will be available in every guestroom.

“Guests will be able to take their showers outdoors, underneath the stars,” said Susan Frieson, WATG associate and lead architect on the project. “That’s just one of many experiences at Bardessono that will connect people with their environment.”

Some of the sustainable design features of the property include:

• Eighty-two 300-foot-deep geothermal wells to heat and cool guestrooms and to provide hot water.
• 940 solar panels on the buildings’ flat roofs, hidden from view by parapets that produce 200 KW of power.
• Rammed-earth sculptural walls and 100-year-old olive trees.
• Paving stones and sand for the entrance road, to allow water to seep into the soil, and valet parking, which will allow guests to walk – rather than drive – throughout the property.
• Automatically-controlled exterior Venetian blinds to let the sun and heat in early in the day and out later in the day.
• Dual-pane glass, designed to take advantage of natural light while controlling glare and heat gain.
• Fluorescent bulbs and light-emitting diodes. Everything electric in the rooms is on motion-detectors that shut them off when a guest leaves. When they return and put their key in the door, the current go back on.
• Dual-flush toilets and low-flow fixtures that save water.
• Filtered water, which takes the place of bottled water.
• Drought-resistant landscaping and underground emitters for outdoor watering.
• Re-use and treatment of gray and black water for irrigation through Yountville’s water system.

The project is managed by MTM Luxury Lodging and was developed by Phil Sherburne, who also developed Willows Lodge in the Seattle area and Inn of the Spanish Garden in Santa Barbara, CA.

WATG has a legacy of environmentally sensitive planning, architecture and design. A hallmark of WATG is its sensitivity to the influences of the local culture, the natural resources, the people and the spirit of the place. From its offices in Seattle, Irvine, Honolulu, Orlando, Singapore and London, WATG has designed hotels and resorts in 160 countries and territories across six continents.

For more information, visit http://www.watg.com.

Currently under construction, Hotel Indigo San Diego-Gaslamp Quarter is located at 950 Island Ave., just one block from Petco Park, home of the San Diego Padres, and less than a mile from the San Diego Convention Center. The 12-story, 210-room property, including five suites, will feature a rooftop terrace with a reflection pool, fire pits, soft seating and an excellent view of the San Diego skyline and baseball games at Petco Park. The property will be managed by IHG’s Americas operations division, The Hotel Management Group.

Hotel Indigo San Diego will serve as a west coast flagship for IHG and will mark the brand’s second property in California, along with the Hotel Indigo Ontario Rancho Cucamonga. There are currently 22 Hotel Indigo properties open in North America and the U.K. with more than 60 hotels under development, either in the pipeline or in final negotiation.

“The introduction of Hotel Indigo to San Diego – one of the largest cities in the U.S. – and the Gaslamp Quarter is a testament to the brand’s strategy to grow in key, upscale markets by providing an intimate and unique guest experience,” said Janis Cannon, vice president, global brand management, Hotel Indigo. “We are confident that Hotel Indigo San Diego will capture the vibrant atmosphere of the Gaslamp Quarter and complement the existing galleries, boutiques, and restaurants.”

Through the brand’s Interpret Indigo design platform, Hotel Indigo San Diego’s interior and exterior design will reflect the culture, character and geography of the surrounding area. A local San Diego artist – Lisa Schirmer – will install a modular wall mural using square and quarter-circle glass panels on the exterior of the building to mimic the indigo waves and ripples of the Pacific Ocean. Also, locally-inspired photographic murals of California poppies and surf boards in hues of warm yellow and pacific blue will fill the lobby and bar.

In keeping with the brand’s commitment to the environment, Hotel Indigo San Diego is striving to achieve LEED certification. In addition to responsible site management, the adoption of green building practices and soil rehabilitation, the hotel will feature a ‘green roof’ with native species of grasses and shrubbery that will reduce heating and cooling and better manage stormwater runoff.

“Leveraging our management experience from Hotel Indigo properties such as Atlanta and Chicago, we are excited about the opportunity to apply the insight we’ve gained over the past years to the San Diego property,” said David Greydanus, senior vice president, North America Operations, IHG. “We look forward to showcasing the Gaslamp Quarter and providing a truly unique lodging experience to our guests.”

The Hotel Indigo San Diego will feature signature design elements including cozy, airy and inviting guestrooms with oversized beds, plush bedding with throw pillows, hardwood-style flooring with area rugs, signature murals, and spa-inspired showers, a ‘Phi’tness Studio with cardio equipment and free weights, and Phi, an on-site casual gourmet restaurant. Through Hotel Indigo’s Seasonal Renewal program, thoughtful changes will be made throughout the hotel to ensure even the most frequent guest has a distinctive and engaging experience with each and every stay. In public spaces, the scent, music, artwork, murals and directional signage will change to reflect the season, while guestrooms will periodically be refreshed with new murals, area rugs and furniture slip covers.

Last week, IHG officially opened the doors of Hotel Indigo London Paddington – the first Hotel Indigo outside North America – and announced a deal to open three more properties in the city. Contributing to its global footprint, IHG will open Hotel Indigo Shanghai on the Bund in Shanghai, China in time for the Shanghai Expo in 2010. In North America, future Hotel Indigo properties are scheduled to open in New York City, New Orleans, St. Louis, Toronto and Charlotte, N.C.

“It’s not that difficult to think green, plan green, and operate green,” says Seven4one general manager, Julia Cattaneo. “As more vacationers actively seek green accommodations where they can indulge with a conscience, Seven4one finds itself sought out for more than just its sleek Euro-style furnishings, intimate lounges, and rock-star-worthy personal attention. It hopes to serve as a model for the industry. Both management and staff are personally committed to environmental sustainability and believe in reducing our eco-footprint as much as possible. We each adhere to strict operational policies and procedures and measure our progress against meaningful benchmarks that are related to hospitality best practices and responsible business practices.”

“Seven4one caters to a discerning clientele, so we are very aware of the fine line between luxury and eco-friendly,” Cattaneo added. The small property’s 12 rooms offer guests a unique blend of modernism mixed with cool.

Building and Infrastructure

• Milgard energy efficient windows
• LG Art Cool high efficiency HVAC with (R-410A Refrigerant)
• Noritz ISO 14001 certified tank-less water heaters
• Long life, low-wattage fluorescent and LED lighting
• Lutron Grafik-Eye lighting sensors and timers for common areas and exterior.
• Native and low-water-use plants and landscaping
• Use of Energy Star appliances – HVAC, refrigerators, freezers, ice machine, laundry, postage meter
• Toto Aquia Water Sense low flow, dual flush toilets
• Low flow showerheads and sink aerators
• Kaba keyless & card less PIN activated door locks
• Installation of guest room window shades to keep rooms cool and reduce lighting/AC utilization
• Sterling Sleep Systems – Eco-wise custom made mattresses

Operational

• Use of Eco-friendly laundry, cleaning and maintenance products
• Guest room linen and towel conservation/optimization policy
• Molton Brown of London – eco-friendly bulk bath amenities
• Use of refillable dispensers for hand wash, body wash, hair and shampoo
• Use of recycled paper for everyday printing and copying
• Reduced use policy for everyday paper and plastic products in guest rooms – only TP and three small sheets of note paper.
• Use of washable cotton towels for public restrooms – no paper towels
• Use of bamboo and cotton blended guest room towels
• Use of totally non-allergenic micro fiber fill New Generation Pillows
• Newspaper available on “request only” basis
• Non-use of plastic (PET) bottled water
• Installation of filtered water stations, water pitchers and reusable personal water carriers.
• Use of washable glass, ceramic and metal for in-room, beach and public space dining
• Use of recycling waste bins
• Use of products that are green, eco-friendly, organic or are prepared with recycled materials whenever possible
• Use of drought resistant native plants
• Use of flash drive memory sticks for marketing and promotion in lieu of paper brochures/folders
• Hiring of local employees – many walk or take public transportation to and from work
• Guest “green” education and awareness program

Dining

• Use of organic, locally grown/produced products whenever possible
• Use of foods that raised natural, wild or cage-free whenever possible
• Elimination of char-grilled and fried foods – eliminates the emission of harmful fluorocarbons into the atmosphere
• Use of organic adult beverages – wines, beers, vodka and tequila
• Use of fair trade coffees and teas
• Free of polystyrene foam (“Styrofoam”) products
• Recycling system for all products that are accepted by local recycling companies

“Being first in a market has its benefits,” says Daniel Sussman, managing partner of The Brendan Group, the hotel’s developer. “As the first truly green and modern hotel in Orange County, California, and specifically world-famous Laguna Beach, we’re afforded some great marketing and promotional opportunities with other like-minded businesses. “Companies that practice a policy of green travel and meetings find themselves right at home and right with the environment when staying or meeting at our unique, contemporary hotel at the beach.”

For more information, visit www.seven4one.com.

• Water conservation: eco-friendly hotels are water-friendly hotels; OBI uses low-flow showerheads as well as low-flow/dual flush toilets. Additionally, OBI has also implemented a voluntary linen-and-towel-reuse program in all guest rooms.
• Energy: The building is designed to use daylight for as much of each day as possible and installed in-room sensors to shut down all lights and appliances when guests leave the room. All the hot water used at OBI comes from a solar water heater system, consuming 25% less energy as a result of our greater reliance on solar power.
• “Good wood”: Most of the wood furniture and all the fixtures (stairs, doors, & windows) used in OBI is rebuilt, reclaimed or salvaged from old teak wood. The quality and beauty of this teak is far greater than that of teak cut from the same species today-and the purchase of it did not bring down a single tree.
• Community support: Through the “Support the Community Initiative” guests staying at the OBI are kindly encouraged to contribute US$1 per room per night to one of our designated philanthropic partners; the Old Bangkok Inn will match the contribution dollar for dollar.
  

About Thailand inStyle
Thailand inStyle is a Bangkok based travel company specializing in preparing interesting alternatives and ideas which are “out of the box.” and which provide a conversational currency long after the holiday itself has finished.

For further information, visit www.thailandinstyle.com or learn more about the Old Bangkok Inn here.

Inkaterra has meticulously created an 11-suite hotel, preserving the original design and architecture around two open patios. “When we restored the mansion in order to convert it into La Casona, we set out to ensure that we would end up with an elegant fusion of colonial and Inca culture,” says Jose Koechlin, chairman of Inkaterra, “one in which that we could create opulent yet tasteful suites where travelers would experience utter bliss and repose.”

La Casona’s 11 suites overlook either cobblestone city lanes or the interior patios. “In order to celebrate Cusco’s hybrid history and tradition, Incan artifacts, antique murals and
colonial furnishings blend with contemporary comforts and impeccable service,” continued Koechlin. Each suite has a sitting and private dining area, open fireplace and heated floors,
mini bar, flat screen TV, DVD player and iPod dock, and spacious private bathrooms are appointed with rain showers, massive tubs, twin sinks and eco-friendly amenities. Public spaces in the manor include sitting and dining rooms, reading lounge and outdoor terraces.

“Our goal is to indulge our guests’ every whim,” Koechlin explains, “which is why we set out to create an environment akin to the most luxurious private country house, with constant housekeeping visits throughout the day, 24-hour room service and complimentary wireless Internet access.”

As at other Inkaterra properties at Machu Picchu, Lake Titicaca and in the Amazon, interactive conservation & social responsibility programs are available, and stays at La Casona are 100% carbon neutral.

“At La Casona, the food is fresh, natural and nutritious, making creative use of local ingredients and indigenous culinary secrets,” Koechlin observes, “and our ‘Experience Concierge,’ guides and drivers are trained to prioritize the needs of each visitor by offering an array of experiences, services and excursions in order to best explore Cusco and its surroundings”.

La Casona offers double suites with breakfast from US$ 600 per night, as well as all inclusive programs with excursions, transfers, meals and bar service from US$ 480 per person, per night. Cusco Airport, 10 minutes from the hotel, is served by hourly flights from Lima or daily flights from Puno, Arequipa, Puerto Maldonado and La Paz. Inkaterra is Peru ́s pioneer sustainable tourism operator and hotel developer. In addition to its boutique hotel in Cusco, it owns and operates the Inkaterra Machu Picchu Hotel at Machu Picchu; the Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica in the rainforest near Puerto Maldonado; the new Titilaka Inkaterra near Puno on the shore of Lake Titicaca; luxury villas at Urubamba in the Sacred Valley and it will soon be opening a luxury boutique hotel in Lima.

To know more, visit www.inkaterra.com.