Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Casa Velas Debuts Renovations For 10th Anniversary

Mexico’s “Beyond All-Inclusive, Beyond All Compare” Casa Velas 
Debuts Million-Dollar Renovation for 10th Anniversary
38 Suites Received Top-to-Bottom Remodel at Luxury Adults-Only Boutique Hotel in Puerto Vallarta  

Puerto Vallarta, Mexico (October 28, 2015) – Casa Velas, an adults-only boutique hotel and ocean club in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, recently debuted a million-dollar renovation of its spacious suites in celebration of its 10th Anniversary this November. A total of 38 suites underwent complete bathroom upgrades, receiving new Italian marble countertops, glass shower doors and double sinks. The suites also received new furnishings in the living and bedroom areas, such as HDTVs, terracotta floors, expansive walk-in closets, wet bars, and contemporary dressers. A majority of the 830 sq. ft. Grand Class suites each had Jacuzzis installed on the suites’ private terraces, while three One-Bedroom Ambassador Suites and one Two-Bedroom Ambassador Suite welcomed new mahogany bars in the kitchen. A highlight of the revamped suites is new art, paintings and textiles, from leading Mexican artists. At Casa Velas, luxury accommodations, gourmet meals, premium liquor and wine, 24-hour suite service, use of the fitness center facilities, WIFI, taxes, and gratuities are included in the nightly rate. This fall, room rates start at $190 per person per night based on double occupancy. For more information please call 1-888-407-4869 or visit www.hotelcasavelas.com.
About Casa Velas:
Casa Velas is a luxury all-inclusive Boutique hotel and ocean club for adults only, reminiscent of a Spanish hacienda, and nestled on the greens of Marina Vallarta’s 18-hole golf course. The hotel features a private ocean club and is just minutes from the beach. It has received the AAA Four Diamond Award for hospitality seven times and has been in the top two in TripAdvisor for Puerto Vallarta since 2010. Located just five minutes from Puerto Vallarta Airport and only 15 from the popular downtown area, art galleries and “El Malecon” (the boardwalk), the hotel features 80 spacious suites, some with private pools and Jacuzzis. Spa Casa Velas encompasses treatment rooms for singles and couples, a hydrotherapy area, a garden-view fitness center equipped with state-of-the-art exercise equipment, and a beauty salon. A novel service is a handbag bar where guests can enjoy use of a “loaner” designer handbag at no extra charge. Emiliano, the AAA Four Diamond rated a la carte fine dining restaurant, is in the hands of one of the area’s leading chefs serving Mexican and international cuisine. Guests can also enjoy dining privileges at the sister resort, Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit, with three gourmet specialty options. Casa Velas is operated by Eduardo Vela Ruiz, majority owner, founder and president of Velas Resorts, with brother Juan Vela by his side, vice president of Velas Resorts.

Thursday, October 15, 2015

Scare Parks and Haunted Farms Attract Thrill Seekers

Corn Estate Haunted House

Orange County, NY is the destination for spine-chilling fun this Halloween season

ORANGE COUNTY, N.Y. (October 15, 2015) – Orange County, N.Y. is home to some of the scariest Halloween attractions in America. Historically, tens of thousands of people from as far away as Philadelphia, Boston and Connecticut make the trip to these Hudson Valley haunts to be horrified. This year, old favorites are promising a more extreme experience than ever, and a new scare park is making its inaugural debut.

“Some of the most frightening Halloween attractions in the nation are right here in Orange County, NY,” said Orange County Tourism Director Susan Hawvermale. “Our scare parks and haunted farms are not for the faint of heart, but blood-curdling excitement is just what thrill seekers are longing for this time of the year.”
Top Halloween attractions include:

Goblins Hollow: Located on Lakeside Road in Newburgh, is the newest addition to the Orange County scare park scene. Located at the site of the former Terror Dome, it features five haunted attractions. New attractions include “Backwoods”, “Manor”, “Hospital”, and “Hunger”. Only “Barn of Terror” remains from the original Terror Dome. Goblins Hollow is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays through October 31. Website: www.goblinshollow.com

Forest of Fear: Located on Route 17A in Tuxedo, promises to be more extreme than ever. Forest of Fear features five attractions including “Blind Panic”, “The Graveyard” and “The Slaughterhouse.”  It’s been named the “scariest in New York State” by Hauntworld.com; and “one of the 10 best in America” by The New York Times.  Forest of Fear is open through November 1 on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. Website: www.renfair.com/forestoffear

Pure Terror Scream Park: Located at Museum Village in Monroe has been ranked by Hauntworld.com as “one of the scariest haunted houses in America.” It is also the largest haunted scream park in the country with more than 2 miles of trails and eleven huge haunted houses. Pure Terror Scream Park’s exclusive monsters were created by Hollywood special effects teams. Open Fridays, Saturdays, Sundays (and Thursdays starting October 22) through November 1.Website: www.pureterror.com

Fright Nights at Pierson’s Farm: Located on Route 211 West in Middletown has been named The Times Herald- Record’s 2014 “Third Best Haunt.” At Pierson’s, visitors will navigate through a small corn maze, into a barn and then through a graveyard and larger corn maze for petrifying fun.

Fright Nights at Pierson’s Farm occur Saturdays through November 1. Website: www.piersonsfarm.com

The Corn Estate Haunted House: Located on Hudson Street in Cornwall is the attraction that helped the town receive the designation as the number 1 place in the nation for Trick or Treating. Legend has it that the Corn family returns to the house each October to take revenge on the living. The Corn Estate is open Friday and Saturday nights through October 31. Website: www.cornestate.com

Be sure to visit Orange County Tourism’s Facebook page: Orange County Tourism NY. It’s a fabulous guide to up-to-the-minute postings of area events and activities, great times, and memorable experiences available to visitors.
Also visit Orange County Tourism’s new website: www.orangetourism.org.

About Orange County Tourism
Orange County Tourism, based in Goshen, N.Y., is the county’s tourism headquarters and a participant in the I LOVE NY program. A comprehensive listing of area attractions, lodging, and events can be found at www.OrangeTourism.org. For a free copy of the Orange County Travel Guide, e-mail tourism@orangecountygov.com or call 845-615-3860.


                                                                                                                    

Thursday, October 1, 2015

JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa Teams With The Biggest Loser Resort For Weight Loss, Wellness Program


Coachella Valley resort near Palm Springs offers package options customizable for corporate team building

Los Angeles, CA – JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa is proud to announce its partnership with The Biggest Loser Resortas the new West Coast location, now debuting in Palm Desert, CA. Following the success of life-changing programs in Chicago; Niagara, NY; and Amelia Island, FL, The Biggest Loser Resort continues to expand its successful weight loss and wellness program, inspired by the eponymous NBC television show, which returns in 2016 for a 17th season. 

As the newest addition to The Biggest Loser Resort portfolio, JW Marriott Desert Spring Resort & Spa offers access to its state-of-the-art amenities, including four spacious pools, two championship golf courses, an award-winning tennis program, and one of the largest full-service spa and fitness facilities in Southern California.

“The JW Marriott brand’s commitment to health and well-being aligns perfectly with The Biggest Loser Resort program goals,” said Lesley Carey, president of The Biggest Loser Resort. “We are thrilled to partner with this luxury destination and work together to provide our guests with the necessary tools and inspiration to embark on this life changing experience.”

The Biggest Loser Resort is founded upon five brand pillars: fitness, nutrition, education, relaxation and group camaraderie, all of which are heavily integrated into each of its destination-based weight loss programs. Every Biggest Loser Resort offers a safe, approachable and effective retreat where guests achieve results through custom-built fitness routines, nutritional education and stress management and life skills workshops, aided by the support of teammates and professional group leaders. Throughout a stay at The Biggest Loser Resort Palm Desert, a team of impassioned, certified counselors and coaches provides regular motivational and personalized training to help guests achieve physical and mental transformations.  Ideal for guests at any stage of life, the program provides the knowledge, tools and confidence to achieve results and sustain a commitment to healthy eating, regular exercise and overall well-being.     

The comprehensive program offers results-oriented classes, activities and routines to positively impact the mental and physical influences on lifestyle choices. Components of the program include stress management through life coaching workshops, as well as a strong focus on physical activity, beginning with a fitness assessment and continuing with movement-based training through activities such as cardio, water aerobics, and outdoor hikes, among others. Dietary direction includes informative sessions ranging from effective meal planning and valuable nutritional education to cooking demonstrations and instruction on how to make healthy choices at the grocery store or while dining out.

Guests may participate in a variety of seven-day package options starting at $2,995 for a single room and $2,445 per person for a double room, each of which may be customized for corporate team building (pricing does not include tax). Groups and conventions can also integrate The Biggest Loser Resort offerings such as expert-led training sessions, workshops and breakout lectures into their meetings at JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa. Guests may book their stay through The Biggest Loser Resort website or by calling 1-877-825-8878.

The Biggest Loser Resort Palm Desert is at 74-855 Country Club Drive in Palm Desert, CA 92260. Contact the resort near Palm Springs by calling 1-760-341-2211.

“The Biggest Loser” is licensed by Universal Partnerships & Licensing in association with Endemol Shine North America, the producers of “The Biggest Loser.”

© 2015 Universal Television LLC & Reveille LLC; The Biggest Loser is a trademark of Reveille LLC and its related entities and is used under license.  All rights reserved.

About The Biggest Loser Resort
The Biggest Loser Resort is a world-class wellness destination that offers an affordable, results-oriented program structured to make getting healthy simple and achievable. With existing locations in Chicago, IL; Niagara, NY; Palm Desert, CA; and Amelia Island, FL, The Biggest Loser Resort’s mission is to provide a memorable, life-changing experience through their five-point philosophy of fitness, nutrition, education, relaxation and camaraderie. Combining health and wellness programs, world-class trainers and counselors and a luxury resort experience for the ultimate long-term solution, The Biggest Loser Resort encourages, inspires and empowers guests to successfully achieve all their wellness goals and more. For information, visit www.biggestloserresort.comor follow on Twitter.

About Universal Partnerships & Licensing
Universal Partnerships & Licensing (UP&L) oversees NBCUniversal’s consumer product and digital licensing for Universal Pictures, NBC Television, Focus Features and Sprout Channel. This dedicated division is also responsible for film, home entertainment and television promotions. UP&L is part of NBCUniversal. NBCUniversal is one of the world’s leading media and entertainment companies in the development, production and marketing of entertainment, news and information to a global audience. NBCUniversal owns and operates a valuable portfolio of news and entertainment television networks, a premier motion picture company, significant television production operations, a leading television stations group, world-renowned theme parks and a suite of leading Internet-based businesses. NBCUniversal is a subsidiary of Comcast Corporation.

About Endemol Shine North America
Endemol Shine North America delivers world-class content and compelling storytelling to multiple platforms in the U.S. and across the globe. Endemol Shine North America is part of Endemol Shine Group, the newly launched global content creator, producer and distributor with a diverse portfolio of companies in the U.S. that are behind some of the most prominent hit television formats and series in the world.

Its Endemol Shine Studios division develops and produces original scripted television programming in the U.S. for global exploitation and Endemol Shine Latino oversees all Spanish-language sales and development in the U.S. and Mexico. And subsidiary production companies include Authentic Entertainment, Original Media, True Entertainment and 51 Minds Entertainment. In addition, Endemol Shine North America has a strategic partnership with Ryan Seacrest Productions.
Endemol Shine Group’s companies in North America are behind hit series including Below Deck (Bravo), Bullseye (FOX), Big Brother (CBS), The Biggest Loser (NBC), Fake Off (TruTV) Hell on Wheels (AMC), Ink Master (Spike), It Takes a Church (GSN), Keeping Up with the Kardashians (E!), Kingdom (DirecTV), Knife Fight (Esquire), MasterChef (FOX), MasterChef Junior (FOX), Restaurant Startup (CNBC), Swamp People (History), The Island (NBC), The Real Housewives of Atlanta (Bravo), Steve Harvey (NBCU), T.I. & Tiny: The Family Hustle (VH1), Steve Austin’s Broken Skull Challenge (CMT), Wipeout (ABC) and many more.

Endemol Beyond USA, one of the fastest-growing and award-winning digital networks of 2014, is part of the Endemol Shine Group. As a Premium Content Network, Endemol Beyond USA content is available across more than 20 platforms including YouTube, Yahoo, AOL, Roku, TiVo, DailyMotion and Amazon Fire TV. Endemol Beyond is the first Premium Channel Network with hubs in the US, UK, Germany, France, Italy and Spain, with plans to expand into Asia, Latin America and Central and Eastern Europe. Endemol Beyond USA produces and distributes premium-quality online content starring influential talent such as Pitbull, Brittany Furlan, Drea De Matteo and Andy Milonakis across lifestyle, comedy, reality and music-themed digital networks. Together Endemol Beyond and digital pioneer Michelle Phan have recently launched ICON, the first worldwide Premium Lifestyle Network. ICON is an online global destination featuring a prolific slate of original programming in beauty, fashion, wellness, DIY, food, human interest stories and travel.

About JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa
JW Marriott Desert Springs Resort & Spa, located in the heart of Palm Desert and framed by three majestic mountain ranges, is a sprawling oasis offering a remarkable contrast to the stark beauty of the Coachella Valley. The AAA four-diamond property is one of the largest resort and convention complexes in the southwestern United States. The resort’s recently refreshed 884 guestrooms and suites are in wings surrounding swimming pools, lakes, verdant fairways, lush gardens and manicured lawns. Guestrooms are spacious and include separate tubs and showers, iHome audio systems and private balconies. Featured dining options include Mikado Japanese Steakhouse, The Lobby Bar, Oasis Bar & Grille, Fisherman’s Landing and Rockwood Grill & Blue Star Lounge. The resort boasts an award-winning 38,000-square-foot spa and recreation facilities that include two Ted Robinson championship golf courses, an 18-hole putting course, 20 tennis courts, basketball courts, lawn croquet and biking. Visit www.desertspringsresort.com for further information. Follow the resort on Facebook and Twitter.

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