The Madison, Washington DC Reopens Refurbished in Time for Election 2012

1 May 2012

As Washington, DC power brokers ponder possible future changes at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, one of the city’s most historic and well known hotels—The Madison—has completed a US$20 million facelift in time for Election 2012 and to welcome crowds of visitors to the US Capital for the Presidential Inauguration in January 2013.

Opened in February 1963 and hosted by supermodel Suzy Parker, The Madison was the address of choice for visiting celebrities and dignitaries from Frank Sinatra and Elizabeth Taylor to the Dalai Lama and the high-level Russian delegation for the U.S.-Russia summit talks. The U.S. State Department has frequently chosen The Madison for its long record of superior service and sensitivity to the privacy and security concerns of its VIP guests.

The Madison, with 356 rooms and suites – all offering complimentary wireless access – was purchased for $123 million in 2011 by Jamestown, a leading asset and management firm based in Atlanta, GA. Michael Phillips, Jamestown chief operating officer, commented on the reasons for investing in The Madison: “Our vision is to restore The Madison to its rightful place among the best-in-class hotels in the Nation’s Capital,” he said.

President John F. Kennedy paid tribute to the importance of The Madison in February 1963 when he was guest of honor on opening day. Since then the hotel has served as a temporary home to incoming presidents during the transition, as they waited to move into the nearby White House. The Madison, located on the strategic corner of 15^th and M St. N.W., just a few short blocks from the White House, has served as the “interim White House” for presidents-elect George Bush, Bill Clinton, Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan.

Noted architect and interior designer Dominick Coyne oversaw the current restoration. Recognizing the challenge posed by a traditional interior design and modern façade, Coyne attempted to bridge the distance between the two elements. “The challenge was to find the youth in the midst of all the tradition paying tribute to the century’s old James and Dolley Madison influences,” he explained. A unique feature of the hotel, which was retained, is the spacious terraces attached to some of the most frequently-requested guestrooms and suites. These private, covered terraces offer guests a perfect place to unwind and enjoy the atmosphere of an American country home or in-town pied–à-terre. The terrace rooms on the 15^th floor of The Madison are the perfect private viewing place to enjoy the city’s spectacular July 4th fireworks displays.

Coyne cited the architecture of Washington, D.C. as his main inspiration. Using warm tones of gray, brown and taupe in his color palette, the designer was also inspired by octagonal shapes in many of the interior accents, including the carpeting and area lobby rugs. Of special guest room interest is the use of gray and white toile wall coverings, replicas which covered walls in The White House decades earlier. The Federalist Restaurant, adjacent to The Madison, was also designed by Dominick Coyne. Influenced by vintage oak wood and a colorful blend of gray, taupe, black, and splashes of red, the restaurant is open for lunch and dinner.

Guests can enjoy the comfort and convenience of the hotel’s PostScript Café and adjoining Lobby Bar. Designed to mirror the colors and textures in the main lobby, PostScript can offer a wide selection of panini, sandwiches, and light lunch and dinner for those with limited time to fit a meal into their schedule. At the Lobby Bar, the walls are covered by antique prints of historical figures and places, with two small oil paintings of President James Madison and his wife Dolley. The café is reminiscent of the cafes of Europe, offering classic barista specialties, pastries, and farm fresh products.

The Madison offers 12,000 square feet of function space. The rooms will be equipped with flat-screen plasma TVs, Bose speakers, ergonomic chairs and other state-of-the-art technology to accommodate meetings and events from large corporate gatherings to smaller board of directors meetings. The Madison has been the setting for lavish society weddings in one of its two beautiful ballrooms.

Included in the transformation are three Presidential suites, featuring custom made furnishings, kitchenettes, and approx. 2,000 sq ft of living space. These suites are of particular interest to many diplomatic delegates who choose to stay at The Madison.

During the transformation The Madison remained open. For information on current rates and special occasion packages contact a travel professional, visit the web site or call +1 202 862-1600.

New General Manager at Castello del Nero Hotel & Spa

12 April 2012

Castello del Nero Hotel & Spa , a member of Leading hotels of the World, has appointed Fabio Datteroni as General Manager with immediate effect. Datteroni has an extensive track record extending over twenty years in the luxury hospitality industry, with specific experience in the Food & Beverage, Rooms Division and Sales & Marketing sectors. He brings with him a wealth of organisational, interpersonal and leadership skills.

Datteroni comes to Castello del Nero, a five star luxury retreat in the breath taking Tuscan hills, from the position of General Manager/Hospitality Director at Castello Banfi near Siena, Italy where he was also responsible for overseeing the prestigious Enoteca Wine Shop and La Taverna restaurant. Previous roles include senior management and consultancy positions at some of Italy’s finest hotels, including The Grand Hotel Duomo in Milan.

astello del Nero Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Gavin Brooking said: “Our hotel and spa guests expect the highest service standards and meticulous attention to detail. We’re delighted to welcome Fabio to Castello del Nero so that he can further evolve the company philosophy of excellence.”

Castello del Nero is a five star hotel with 50 guest rooms set in a carefully converted 12th century farmhouse located in the heart of the Chianti region. Only 45 minutes from Florence and Siena, the estate produces its own extra virgin olive oil and red wine and boasts an ESPA spa, one of only three in Italy.

Cox & Kings offers a 5 night stay at Castello del Nero priced from £1,145 per person including British Airways flights, car hire for six days and accommodation in a Tuscan room with breakfast daily.

Latest Grenada news including new chocolate tour and hotels update

21 March 2012

More Britons visited Grenada in 2011 than in 2010, reports Grenada Board of Tourism. The UK endures as the most important market for the Spice Isle as year on year visitor numbers rose 4% to 30,625 in 2011.

CHOCOLATE LOVERS: NEW TOUR

Chocolate lovers will be fascinated with the new four-hour Bean to Bar Chocolate Tour launching on 1 April and costing £41 per person. The escorted tour departs from historic Belmont Estate (www.belmontestate.net) and showcases the delicate crafting of chocolate, from the bean to the bar. The tour features an overview of the organic movement in Grenada, visits to a cocoa field with demonstrations of harvesting, cracking and collecting including tasting of fresh cocoa beans. Later, guests visit the Grenada Chocolate Factory and enjoy a five course à la carte Lunch at Belmont Estate – with chocolate, of course!

CHOCOLATE CRUISE, OCTOBER 2012

An exclusive and escorted visit to upscale chocolatier Rococo’s Grenadian cocoa plantation is the highlight of Mundy Cruises’ Gourmet Chocolate Cruise, 29 October to 9 November 2012. Guests will explore Grenada with Rococo founder Chantal Coady, and discover how chocolate goes ‘from bean to bar’ on the island. The cruise starts from £2,895 per person including British Airways flights, 7 nights aboard the Silversea Whisper in a sea view Vista Suite, 3 nights’ accommodation in Barbados and a full day tour of Grenada with Chantal. For full itinerary visit: www.mundycruising.co.uk

SLICE OF SPICE – NEW AT SPICE BASKET

Wednesday evenings will never be the same again! The performers and choreographer of Grenada’s cultural hub The Spice Basket (www.spicebasketgrenada.com) now present an entertaining journey through time to discover the secrets and wonders of Grenadian heritage: a story told through the passion of dance, pulsating music and drama. A Slice of Spice is a musical and theatrical extravaganza every Wednesday February at 7pm. Entry includes dinner, the show and two drinks and starts from £32.

NEW IN CARRIACOU

Grenada’s sister island Carriacou now boasts two new places to eat. La Playa, located on Hillsborough Beach, serves drinks and light snacks on the white sand, while Kayak Café serves breakfast and lunch every day except Tuesday. Slipway Restaurant (slipwayrestaurant.com) endures as a popular spot for drinks, lunch, dinner and Sunday brunch right by Tyrell Bay Yacht Club – access by land or sea!

NEW BAR IN ST GEORGE’S

The Victory Bar and Restaurant situated at Camper & Nicholsons marina in capital St George’s is will open YOLO (You Only Live Once) a new wine, cocktail and tapas bar, in April. Special cocktails and wines from around the world will be served alongside cold and warm tapas and a sushi menu. On selected nights customers can experience traditional live music. The restaurant and bar will be open 6 days a week (Monday to Saturday) from 11.00 a.m. until midnight.

Yachtsmen arriving at the marina now have a much easier clearance experience with the Grenada Customs and Immigration Department. The offices are now located on the marina and will be open from 8am – 4pm daily, with the option for Captains to arrange out of hours’ assistance in advance.

NEW PETER DE SAVARY LUXURY HOTEL PROJECT UNVEILED

World renowned developer and investor in Grenada’s Port Louis project, Peter De Savary, is set to collaborate with island contractor Anslem La Touche to construct a US$65 tourism project in capital St. George’s. The development involves the rebuilding of the former Islander Hotel and the construction of a number of luxury villas and suites with swimming pools overlooking the Caribbean Sea. De Savary said: “It will comprise of 45 to 50 modern-day state-of-the-art suites with a touch of the past and among the main attractions would be glass elevators from the top of the mountain descending down to the sea. They would be supported by 22 penthouses – 11 on each side”. The project will start later this year and is expected to conclude within 12 months.

GRENADIAN SAILING CHAMPION ON TOP OF THE WORLD

British-born Grenadian sailor Sam Goodchild set a new world record in the Global Ocean Race in late 2011. With his New Zealand yacht mate, he completed the grueling 7,500 mile second leg nonstop sail from Cape Town, South Africa to Wellington, New Zealand at 8.20am on 30 December 2011. Recognised as the youngest team in the double handled Class 40 race, the 22-year old Grenadian and his 28-year old Kiwi partner crossed the finish line in first place on board their Akilaria RC2 Class 40 Cessna Citation after 30 days, 22 hours, 20 minutes and 40 seconds of adventurous sailing. In the process they netted the maximum 30 points for that leg of the competition.

FUTURE GRENADA CHAMPION…

For a relatively small island- Grenada is the size of the Isle of Wight – the Spice Isle has a habit of producing world-class sporting talent. With all eyes on London this summer, Grenadians will be cheering for fellow countryman Kirani James, the 19-year old medal hopeful who is already the reigning 400 metres world champion. From Gouyave on Grenada’s west coast, Kirani hopes to lead the Grenadian team at London 2012. Other hopefuls include Rondell Bartholomew, another 400 metre sprinter; Janelle Redhead, 200 metre sprinter; and Andrea St. Bernard, taekwondo.

GRENADA PROVIDES INSPIRATION ONCE AGAIN FOR RHS CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW

Lifelong flora fanatic Suzanne Gaywood MBE has just returned from her annual visit to Grenada, the inspiration for the ‘Grenada-Suzanne Gaywood’ exhibit she designs each year for the Great Pavilion, and reports that the island has once again proved to be a bountiful muse. Each year since 1998, Suzanne has taken her inspiration from Grenadian beaches, forests and gardens, creating a variety of settings that always showcase the pungent spices and vibrant blooms of her homeland. Her team’s efforts have been rewarded with nine Gold Medals over the years.

Suzanne said: “Legend has it that if you push a stick into the ground anywhere on the island of Grenada, it will grow. This is due to the fertile soil, plentiful rainfall and perfect climate in which spice trees grow in abundance alongside tropical and subtropical plants of every description.”

In 2012, Suzanne plans to create a Tropical Paradise for visitors to RHS Chelsea Flower Show to enjoy. She said: “Heliconias, gingers, musas, anthuriums, orchids and other rain forest plants will adorn, almost smother, our rustic circular pavilion in an explosion of colour and scent.” The Grenada – Suzanne Gaywood exhibit is GPB/11 and the Show runs 22-26 May 2012. . See www.grenada-at-chelsea.org.uk

NEW GARDEN TOUR SHOWCASES VARIED FLORA

Belmont Estate (www.belmontestate.net) is also launching a Garden Tour of Grenada on 1 April, for only £3. In one hour, guests will discover thirteen different gardens from cactus to herb, rose to hibiscus, orchid to tropical fruit.

CARRIACOU MAROON & STRING BAND MUSIC FESTIVAL 27-29 APRIL, 2012

For a pure and culturally untamed experience, the 2012 Carriacou Maroon and String Band Music Festival (www.carriacoumaroon.com) is hard to beat! Maroon culture is about thanksgiving and prayers to the source of all life, production and prosperity. Its African origins are authentically depicted through the drumming, singing, eating of ‘smoke food’ and other rituals practised in the unique Carriacou way by its people.

Taste traditional smoked food, enjoy performances from various Caribbean islands and come out with the family for an evening of fun, games and pure entertainment. Move to the vibrations of the heavy drumming and groove to the sweet sounds of string band music from Carriacou’s many popular musicians. The Festival takes place over three days: 27, 28 and 29 April 2012.

MUSIC MAGIC, JUNE 2012

Some serious beats are on the cards for the inaugural DJ Tour to Grenada organised by Kalinago Resort. Featuring artists such as Choice FM’s Martin J, LiveLinq Sounds and Antz International from the UK supported by local talent, Explosion in the Sun runs 6-20 June 2012 and includes a packed calendar of waterfall parties, BBQs, beach fests, catamaran cruises and river rafting – as well as fantastic music. Available from £1,090 per person including flights, accommodation, entry fees and all-inclusive drinks exclusively from SN Travel at www.SNTravel.co.uk

DIVE WITH CONFIDENCE

Since December 2011 all dive masters of ScubaTech Dive Centre Grenada (www.scubatech-grenada.com) are equipped with the marine emergency system Nautilus Lifeline. The marine vhf radio with integrated GPS receiver allows communication with the dive boat or any other vessel. While nobody plans to get lost at sea, divers can exclude a scenario like this by using a Nautilus Lifeline. In 2006 ScubaTech was the first dive shop to provide ‘Nitrox for free’ in Grenada and now ScubaTech is spearheading safety once again by equipping their dive masters with the Nautilus Lifeline.

AND FINALLY…

The Grenada Board of Tourism has won Caribbean Web Award for Best Tourist Board website at the second annual TravelMole Caribbean Web Awards held at Caribbean Hotel & Tourism Association (CHTA) Marketplace on 21 January 2012. Grenada was selected based on its website’s use of the latest technology, its user-friendliness and the degree to which it highlighted the destination’s key selling points. Check out: www.Grenadagrenadines.com

Grenada provides inspiration once again for Suzanne Gaywood at RHS Chelsea Flower Show

22 February 2012

Lifelong flora fanatic Suzanne Gaywood MBE has just returned from her annual visit to the Caribbean island of Grenada, the inspiration for the ‘Grenada-Suzanne Gaywood’ exhibit she designs each year for the Great Pavilion, and reports that the island has once again proved to be a bountiful muse.

Each year since 1998, Suzanne has taken her inspiration from Grenadian beaches, forests and gardens, creating a variety of settings that always showcase the pungent spices and vibrant blooms of her homeland. Her team’s efforts have been rewarded with nine Gold Medals over the years.

The Grenada – Suzanne Gaywood exhibit is GPB/11. See Suzanne’s website for full details.

Latest news from Grenada: new restaurant, hotels update, new tours – music, gardens and chocolate

31 January 2012

ACCOMMODATION & RESTAURANT NEWS

Mount Hartman Bay Estate in Lance aux Epines, Grenada has re-launched to the UK market as a luxury boutique hotel offering eight individually designed suites – including The Black Suite , The Jacuzzi Suite, The Romantic Suite – in the quirkily-designed hillside house. With a waterfall cascading through the entrance hall and exteriors reminiscent of Hobbiton, guests will not find a boutique hotel experience like this anywhere else. Opened just before Christmas 2011, The Cave House Restaurant within the Estate is the latest dining hot spot on Grenada, and can be reached by road, by yacht – or via the property’s private helipad.

Peter de Savary’s hillside retreat overlooking the white sands of Grand Anse has taken on a new name and is now Mount Cinnamon Resort and Beach Club. New Grenadian-born General Manager Kisha Smith, appointed December 2011, has brought in Parisian skincare experts Yon-Ka to create a new Spa Room, and now offers treatments on the white sands below the resort in a new Beach Cabana.

Laluna is now featured by travel zeitgeist hub Beach Tomato. The chic beach side retreat boasts hillside villas surrounded by tropical forest, a Yoga pavilion by the sea and a Balinese-inspired spa. A favourite retreat for the likes of Kate Moss and Dave Stewart, the resort blends discretion, privacy and Grenadian hospitality.

Sir Royston and Lady Hopkin, founders of Spice Island Beach Resort, added another award to their already packed mantelpiece as the five-star ocean view resort was named the Most Excellent Property in the Atlantic, Caribbean and Pacific Islands by Condé Nast Johansens in January 2012. The resort is widely featured by the UK’s upscale tour operators.

SPECIALIST TOURS: GARDENS, CHOCOLATE AND MUSIC

March 2012: Gardens

The gardens of Grenada are showcased each year at RHS Chelsea Flower Show by Grenadian designer Suzanne Gaywood, and Kudu Travel has created a 12-day tour of Grenada so that fans of Caribbean flora can see first-hand the gardens and nurseries that have inspired Gaywood to nine Gold Medals. The itinerary takes time to visit sister island Carriacou and the private idyll of Hog Island, and includes gardens, spice plantations and attractions in capital St George’s. Gardens of Grenada departs London Gatwick on 1 March 2012 and costs from £3,890 per person including accommodation, all meals (with wine and cold beer), a dolphin spotting excursion and the chance to snorkel in Grenada’s cerulean waters.

June 2012: Music

October 2012: Chocolate