Fairmont Hotels & Resorts Releases Worldwide Company News

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. November 21, 2011

November 18, 2011

New Destinations for Fairmont

In 2012, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts will make its debut in new destinations from Ukraine to India to Azerbaijan. With 299 guestrooms and suites, Fairmont Baku will be part of the dramatic Flame Towers complex located next to the Azerbaijan parliament buildings, overlooking the Caspian Sea. Guests will enjoy a variety of tempting culinary options available in the hotel's many restaurants and lounges, while leisure and business travelers alike can unwind at the hotel's ESPA spa. Fairmont Grand Hotel Kyiv will be located on the Dnipro River in the historic section of the Ukraine capital. The classically designed hotel will offer 257 rooms, including 35 suites and a 6,900-square-foot Willow Stream Spa. Fairmont Jaipur is ideally situated within India's “Golden Triangle” and will offer 199 guestrooms and suites, nine one- and two-bedrooms villas plus a Presidential villa.

Fairmont Leads the Charge with Electric Car Chargers in British Columbia
Fairmont hotels have always been green innovators, and the recent installation of Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations at three hotels in British Columbia is the brand's latest eco-friendly initiative. In partnership with GE Energy Services, The Fairmont Waterfront in Vancouver, The Fairmont Hotel Vancouver and The Fairmont Empress in Victoria are making charging stations available to guests. Drivers can simply swipe a card, plug in and fully charge their vehicles in just 4-8 hours, depending on the size of the vehicle's battery. Additionally, the three hotels are offering a new incentive for guests to “drive green”. Guests who arrive at the hotels in hybrid or electric cars will be rewarded with complimentary valet parking for the duration of their stay (a value of over $40/night).

Art Emerges from an Antique Roof in Quebec City
Fairmont Le Château Frontenac is in the midst of replacing its original copper roof, and is getting creative with its plans to reuse the antique copper. The large-scale, multi-phase initiative will ensure that this architectural treasure is maintained, but will also provide copper from the famous green rooftop to local artists. The hotel has joined forces with Unis Vert l'Art, a group of Quebec artists that uses recycled materials in their creations, and some 20 acclaimed sculptors, painters, photographers and artists, among them Gilles Vigneault, sculptor Linda Covit, painter Jean Gaudreau and singer-songwriter Yann Perreau. They will work the recycled copper into their pieces, which will ultimately be part of a major eco-art show in the city.

Reviewers Rave in Hamburg and Sonoma
At The Fairmont Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten, a Hamburg landmark since 1897, Haerlin Restaurant is known as one of the leading gourmet restaurants in Germany, and now boasts one of the highest culinary honors in the world: a second Michelin star. Head chef de cuisine Christoph Rueffer, who has also secured the restaurant's 17 Gault Millau points, offers high-class French cuisine at the restaurant, exclusively using fresh market and seasonal produce. A world away in California, Sante, the fine dining room at the Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, has again been graced with a coveted Michelin star and lauded Zagat accolades. Long considered among the most prestigious accolades in chefdom, Michelin named Sante among an elite group of just 47 Bay Area restaurants as the best of the best.

Gyms with a View
While many hotels hide their gyms away in the basement, a number of Fairmonts have decided to reward travelers who hit the gym with a loftier view. In Boston, The Fairmont Copley Plaza is putting in a new 3,000-square-foot fitness center that will let guests enjoy vistas overlooking the bustling Back Bay. In Vancouver, The Fairmont Waterfront's pool deck offers an amazing view over Burrard Inlet and the North Shore Mountains, and has partnered with CLS Fitness to provide guests with some of the best yoga instructors in the city. Fairmont Monte Carlo, which added a luxurious Willow Stream Spa to its seventh floor, offers a fitness center that boasts soothing views of the Riviera and Principality. Helping guests concentrate on the scenery, while also dodging the chore of packing their own gear, is the brand's Fairmont Fit program, which provides frequent guests with complimentary access to adidas workout apparel and footwear during their stay. Full program details are available at fairmont.com/fpc/fit.

Ice Magic at Lake Louise
Travelers can experience a true winter playground at Ice Magic, the international ice carving competition January 20-22, 2012 at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise in the Canadian Rockies. Talented ice carvers from around the world compete for the top prize as they create mesmerizing ice sculptures from 15 blocks of ice weighing 300 lbs each. The grounds of the hotel are transformed into an enchanting winter scene while ice carvers work alongside horse drawn sleigh rides, ice skating and the winter wonderland of Lake Louise. Now in its 18th year, Ice Magic is a weekend of international ice sculpting caliber not to be missed.

Sake, Canada-Style
In Toronto, The Fairmont Royal York's Japanese steakhouse, Benihana has recently debuted its very own locally brewed sake, IZUMI. Brewed by The Ontario Spring Water Sake Company, this rare, high-quality Canadian sake is prepared using traditional Japanese methods and recipes. The freshly pressed, unpasteurized and unfiltered sake is a style that is currently not widely available in Ontario, Canada and offers a fruity, rich and delicate flavor; which is enhanced using special Northern Ontario spring water and prepared in the “Junmai” (pure rice) style.

Best Brunches
Brunch has become a global favorite, and Fairmont hotels around the world are making waves with some of the best brunches in town. In Abu Dhabi, brunch is on Friday, and critics far and wide have been raving about the scene at Fairmont Bab al Bahr. 'The Fairmont Brunch' at CuiScene has become a decadent institution complete with delectable offerings, lively ambience and French bubbly. In Barbados, Fairmont Royal Pavilion's new Sunday Brunch features a Bajan barbecue buffet with chefs cooking fresh flying fish on the beach right in front of guests. Fairmont Monte Carlo offers the luxurious Jazz Brunch at Saphir 24 lounge & bar every Sunday. After a welcome glass of Champagne, guests are presented with a selection of refined products: oysters, prawns, and home-smoked salmon, as well as “fromages” and “pains de campagne”.

Hogmanay: A Scottish New Year's Tradition
Fairmont St Andrews is gearing up for a traditional Scottish New Year, nationally known as Hogmanay. It is a celebration like no other and is certainly an occasion to remember on a holiday getaway in Scotland. Guests of the resort over New Year's Eve will enjoy a Scottish supper and will be entertained with an 'Address to the Haggis' and 'Beat to the Retreat' - a bagpipe performance like no other. No Hogmanay is complete without haggis, which is served with dinner. The evening finishes with a night of ceilidh dancing - a fun group dance that is guaranteed to get everyone out of their seats. A collective rendition of Auld Lang Syne at midnight caps off this extraordinary night.

Stompin' at The Savoy Returns
London's most glamorous night out is back, with Paloma Faith & The 30-piece Guy Barker Orchestra's October performance heralding the return of the world famous Stompin' At The Savoy. Since The Savoy first opened in 1889, the hotel has echoed to the sounds of legendary musicians such as Josephine Baker, Frank Sinatra, Lena Horne, George Gershwin, and Noel Coward. The next Stompin' at The Savoy is set for New Year's Eve and will take place in the elegant surroundings of the hotel's Lancaster Ballroom, with a black tie champagne reception and 3 course dinner on the agenda.

A Little R&R&R in Hawaii - Restaurants, Renos and Recognition
Following The Fairmont Kea Lani's multi-million dollar pool and suite renovation, the resort's signature restaurant Kō is undergoing a complete remodel too. The new look, which will debut in March 2012, will feature sweeping curved walls, a floating shaded roof, a dynamic action bar, and more. Led by Executive Chef Tylun Pang, Kō's dishes utilize the freshest local ingredients and sustainable seafood, showcasing the ethnic diversity and culinary history of Maui. Over on the Big Island, Brown's Beach House at The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii has been awarded with a 2012 AAA Four Diamond rating. One of only two restaurants on the island to garner the prestigious designation, Brown's is known for its locally-inspired menus, open-air ambience, and live music featuring Hawaiian artists.

Willow Stream Spas Introduce Ener•g Product Line by Kerstin Florian
Willow Stream, the signature spa brand of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, recently introduced its newest product line: ener.g. Made exclusively by Kerstin Florian International, the fresh, inspiring line of bath and body products is designed to captivate the spirit and awaken inner energy and well-being. Based on a balancing blend of Bergamot, Rose Geranium, Clary Sage and Roman Chamomile, the new line has an awakening herbal scent, accented with calming floral undertones. Willow Stream Spas will also introduce the new PURE ener.g spa treatment, capturing the essence of pure energy in this uplifting treatment that stimulates, refreshes and energizes the body. The 90-minute experience begins with a revitalizing footbath and continues onto a total body exfoliation with re-mineralizing salts. The exclusive blend of herbs envelops the senses as the body is massaged, moisturized, wrapped and nourished.

Celebrating Passions at the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess
At the Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, vacations are a time for people to learn something new, and in turn, learn something about themselves. With the recently debuted “Passion Project,” a new slate of enriching leisure experiences, such as beef, tequila and bourbon tastings; couples massage workshops at the spa; and desert botanical tours; guests can discover and explore their passions. The Passion Project is a mix of experiences that are offered daily, weekly and monthly, depending on the topic. A success in 2011, the program will continue in 2012, with a variety of unique opportunities for guests to learn something new.

Fairmont Photobooks for Lasting Memories
Digital cameras and camera phones have made it easier than ever to snap photos, but all too often great memories of vacations, weddings and nights out with friends end up languishing on memory cards or disappearing into Facebook feeds. Fairmont's new photobooks are a great way to remedy that problem, and are an easy option for photos lovers who want to save & share their favorite memories. Made with Fairmont's free software, the books make for great gifts, coffee table conversation pieces or just a reminder of adventures past. With a starting price of only $19.99 USD, anyone can start making a book at fairmontphotobooks.com.