Four Seasons marks its highly anticipated entry into Vietnam

Four seasons vietnamFour Seasons marks its highly anticipated entry into Vietnam with Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai, Hoi An, Vietnam – scheduled to open in late December. The Nam Hai is a conversion of an existing luxury property in Vietnam’s top resort destination. The property was recently ranked the #2 Resort Hotel in Southeast Asia by Travel and Leisure’s 2016 World’s Best Awards. It offers an exceptional beachfront location and a product that requires very little investment to begin operation as a Four Seasons and meet the expectations of luxury guests.

Jointly owned by HPL and ASB Development Limited (part of Albwardy Investment), the Resort will feature 40 private residence villas and 60 newly-renovated resort villas, all with outdoor showers, terraces, and expansive indoor and outdoor living spaces.

General Manager Anthony James Gill, who has been at the helm of The Nam Hai for the past four years will continue on in this role.

Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti Launches New Community Outreach Projects to Support Local Communities and Wildlife

Outreach projects fullTo help preserve and protect its location in the heart of the Serengeti National Park, Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti has launched two new community outreach funds to provide ongoing support to local wildlife and social projects.

The new community outreach projects are designed to engage guests and employees in environmentally, socially and economically sustainable practices that conserve natural resources, reduce the Lodge’s environmental impact, and help protect the Serengeti National Park and the communities within and surrounding it. To date, sustainable initiatives in place include a water filtration system that allows guests to drink tap water, thus reducing plastic water bottles waste; an award-winning waste water management system; and a green linen program.

The new community outreach projects are divided into the Discovery Centre Fund, which focuses on the wildlife, nature and developing tourism students of the Serengeti National Park; and the Fruitful Orphanage Fund, which supports an orphanage in the nearby town of Arusha that is home and school for more than 30 children.  

Discovery Centre Fund

At the onsite Discovery Centre, the Lodge aims to raise awareness for local wildlife conservation and research projects. Through the work of the new Discovery Centre Fund, Four Seasons will be actively involved with the work of many local organisations, including the de-snaring of injured animals and helping to develop the future leaders of Tanzania tourism through offering visits and internships to local students from Serengeti Tourism College, several times a year.

The Discovery Centre Fund has been formed in partnership with Tanzania National Parks (TANAPA), Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS), Tanzania Wildlife Research Institute (TAWIRI) and Serengeti Tourism College (SETCO), and has two specific aims: conservation and education. All funds raised will go towards anti-poaching initiatives in the Park, as well as wildlife and hospitality education programs for young members of the community across the Serengeti.

Fruitful Orphanage Fund

Established in 2014 by Isaac Sumary, Fruitful Orphanage provides food, shelter and education to more than 30 orphaned children in Arusha. Isaac, himself an orphan, created this project to help ensure that children in his position do not have to face the same hardship he did.  Isaac's vision is to provide for the basic needs of orphaned children, while seeking new families and a permanent home for each child. Through a peaceful environment and access to education, Isaac hopes the children will go on to live happy and productive lives.

With the launch of the Fruitful Orphanage Fund, every month donations from Four Seasons Safari Lodge Serengeti will be made to contribute to the cost of food and hygiene supplies for every child, animal feed for the Orphanage's chickens and basic classroom equipment. This new Fund also aims to assist with providing a better water and  electricity supply to the Orphanage, and helping to construct larger and better equipped living accommodations and classrooms.  A further initiative to support the children of Fruitful Orphanage includes the opportunity to sponsor a child's education.

Both of the new community outreach projects will be funded by donations, which guests may choose to contribute as an addition to their folio upon check out.

Cyclists Gear Up For The Exciting Season Ahead At The First Spinneys Dubai 92 Build-Up Ride

spinneys cycle challenge fullThe Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge Build-Up rides launched with a spinning start this morning. Over 500 cyclists took part in the first of four organised Build-Up rides in preparation for the 92km cycle challenge on 16th December – now in its seventh year.

The early bird cyclists gathered this morning at Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum City – District One Cycle Track, a new location for this event, covering 35km as part of their training. Organisers of the event are expecting over 2,500 riders to take part in the main Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge in December with those entering coming from all over the world.

Spokesperson for the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge said: “It’s great to be here today at Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum City – District One Cycle Track, and we are delighted to welcome so many cyclists of all different ages and abilities to the first event of the season. The cycling community keeps on growing in the UAE and it’s fantastic to see everyone train so hard for the 92km event.  The Dubai Sports Council has been spectacular with their continued support and the police and RTA are always outstanding.”

The organisers of the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge have created the perfect platform which caters for all levels of cycling experience. The increase in distance of each Build-Up ride gives participants plenty of time to prepare for the main event and at the same time promotes and practice safe cycling in Dubai.

Juniors also have the opportunity to be involved in the cycling weekend with a dedicated 15km and 30km Junior Rides on Thursday 15th December.

Colette Shannon, Communications Manager, Spinneys Dubai LLC said: “The cycling season is underway and it’s great to see so many people from the community get involved in the first Build-Up ride in preparation for one of the biggest cycling events in the Middle East. We urge all our customers to live an active and healthy lifestyle and the Spinneys Dubai 92 Cycle Challenge is the perfect platform for this.”

Stefan Vanden Auweele, keen cyclist said: “This is my fifth year taking part in the Dubai 92 Spinneys event, the ride was great today and I am hoping to do all of the Build-Up rides and of course the big 92km in December. Racing is always fun and I had a great time this morning.”

Christine Vorsten from South Africa said: “The track here is very nice, my average speed has improved since my first Build-Up ride this time last year which is great to see, I am looking forward to the next Build-Up rides and the 92km challenge. The village here today is great and thanks to Spinneys for the free breakfast, we all love it.”

The second 45km Build-Up ride will be held on 7th October at District One Cycling track. Build-Up rides three and four will both be held at AL Qudra, with the third ride on 28th October on a 65km course, and the fourth one on 25th November on a 85km course.

Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires Celebrates 15 Years in Argentina

four seasons buenos airesThe world´s most awarded hotel chain celebrates its anniversary leading the five-star market with innovation and creativity

August 8, 2016,  Buenos Aires, Argentina

This year, Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires celebrates 15 years since its 2001 opening in the city centre. The leader in the luxury segment, the hotel has stood out for innovation, creativity and renewal. Every day, the city's luminaries and guests from around the world gather at the undisputed meeting point of Buenos Aires.

"We celebrate these 15 years of leadership and success of our beloved Four Seasons Hotel in Buenos Aires. The most important thing is the wonderful team we have - that makes the difference in hospitality. They are unique in service, creativity and innovation, and that translates into the absolute market leadership," says Tulio Hochkoeppler, General Manager of Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires.
The Hotel offers multiple meeting rooms for corporate and social events, a fully equipped spa and gym and it is the only Hotel in town to have an outdoor pool. Over the past fifteen years, the Hotel always maintained a dedication to the improvement of each experience. Offering a highly personalised service 24 hours a day, combined with an authentic and elegant environment of the highest quality, Four Seasons is a home for those who are far from theirs. Since 2001, more than 800 employees have devoted their attention and service to make the Hotel a unique experience in every detail. Many of them were transferred to continue their brilliant career in other Four Seasons hotels and resorts worldwide.

With its two restaurants and bar, Elena Restaurant, Nuestro Secreto and Pony Line Bar, Four Seasons the choice of businesspeople and top celebrities, plus anyone who wants to eat and drink in a relaxed atmosphere while still enjoying an elegant atmosphere and top quality with friendly prices.
"We push the standards of luxury, offering a professional service like no other. We broke with the idea that a five star hotel has to be a serious and formal place, and transformed it into a meeting place where something interesting always happens," says Gabriel Oliveri, Marketing and Sales Manager of the Hotel. "In this way, Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires attracted a new audience to the luxury market, with a young spirit, cool and eager to have fun. We managed to be the first five-star hotel with successful restaurants and successful bar, designed both for the local and international audience. Executive Chef Juan Gaffuri and Restaurant and Bar Manager Mauro Pellegrino are the leaders of this award-winning gastronomic project on the global stage.

Elena Restaurante is the only five-star hotel restaurant belonging to the San Pellegrino 50 Best of Latin America list for the last three years consecutively. Dry aged meats, charcuterie and brasserie are menu highlights in addition to the classic Sunday Brunch. Famous for its quality of food by Chef Nicolas Diaz, its atmosphere, and accessible prices, the restaurant has been packed since its opening. Even a brand new ice cream was created: "Dolce Morte" by Joaquín Grimaldi, Pastry Chef of the Hotel.
Also at the Hotel is Nuestro Secreto Restaurant, with its unique glass design and atmosphere with wood stove, outdoor fire pit, and the best meats in the city. The kitchen is headed by the outstanding Chef Patricia Ramos.
Pony Line Bar created the first gourmet burger in the country. Every night welcomes friends, couples and coworkers who enjoy the best drinks, best music and the polo-themed atmosphere. The DJ Sessions of the bar as well as the gardens were the first to take place in a traditional hotel.

Finally, La Mansión Álzaga Unzué is the iconic jewel of the hotel. Built in 1920, with its own entrance but connected to the tower, it is a special settingsl for the chicest events and to accommodate in its exclusive rooms the major celebrities of the local and international scene.

In the past fifteen years Four Seasons was the only five star hotel transformed twice, showing its commitment to continually offering guests a current product and latest generation technology. Currently, the Hotel is finishing a new refurbishment of Alzaga Unzue Mansion with polished marble floors and Slavonia oak, plus a change of curtains, carpets and lighting.

Four Seasons Hotel Buenos Aires is celebrating this milestone throughout the Hotel at various occasions all year. “We look forward to continuing to celebrate our beloved Hotel for many years," concludes Tulio Hochkoeppler.