Apr 30, 2007
Ariel Sands, Bermuda.... Update
Michael Douglas's cottage colony is awaiting the final finishing contract touches, with lawyers working feverishly to get the paperwork completed--well, doing lots of billable hours in any case--before the architect's plans are put into concrete form, literally.
Ariel Sands Residence Club, which will be a five-star fractional ownership Private Club, is several months away from breaking ground. Meanwhile, there are hotel rooms in the existing Ariel Sands cottage colony that are available for a lovely corporate retreat, an informal Board of Directors meeting, a think tank, or just a delightful, quick and well-earned incentive trip for an outstanding quarterly performance.
Peak season is coming up, and Bermuda is ever so close to the U.S. --- only a one and a half hour non-stop flight from New York City!
Before this charming resort of 47 rooms becomes a sweet memory, our staff at Ariel Sands would like to spoil you one last time. Now until November 2007 please, they're waiting.
Apr 27, 2007
Looking for a delicious dessert recipe?
Try this classic English trifle with mixed berries and lemon cream. Perfect for spring and summer, this easy recipe is perfect for every occasion!
Recipe Summary
Difficulty: Easy
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Inactive Prep Time: 25 minutes
Cook Time: 3 minutes
Yield: 4 servings
Berries:
1 pint blueberries
1 pint strawberries, hulled and cut into thick slices
2 pint raspberries
1 lemon, juiced
1/4 cup sugar
1 1/2 teaspoons cornstarch
Lemon Cream:
1 quart whipping cream
1 tablespoon sugar
1/2 teaspoon vanilla extract
1 (11-ounce) jar lemon curd
1 cup store bought pound cake, slices 1/2-inch thick
Place the berries into a large bowl and sprinkle with half of the lemon juice. Lightly toss.
Combine the berries, sugar, cornstarch and remaining lemon juice in a saucepan over medium-high heat. Bring to a simmer and cook just until the berries begin to break down and give up their juices, about 3 minutes. Take the berries off the heat and let cool; the mixture should thicken up as is cools.
In a clean bowl, whip the cream with the sugar and the vanilla to soft peaks. Put the lemon curd into a second bowl and stir in a little of the whipped cream to loosen it. Then fold in the rest of the cream.
To assemble the trifle, spoon a layer of the lemon cream into a large glass bowl. Add a layer of pound cake, breaking the slices into pieces that fit. Then soak the cake with a layer of berries and their juices. Keep going to make 3 or 4 more layers, depending on the size of the bowl, finishing with a layer of lemon cream. Cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.
Bovey Castle in Devon, England
Lest you should think that you know every exquisite venue in the world, let me introduce you to Bovey Castle on the moors in Devonshire National Park in England.
If you have ever heard of Agatha Christie or Hercule Poirot and are even remotely interested in the quality of life that is suggested by this era, then you need to know about this elegant Castle. It is located a brief, two hour train ride from London. (No, it’s not the Orient Express, but the countryside is stunning along the route, nonetheless).
Please visit our website to find all the details about this magnificent venue for a corporate meeting, Board of Directors, or incentive group. Use your “little gray cells,” as Poirot would say, and figure out a way to use Bovey Castle for one of your more discerning groups.
Millionaire Magazine….”Looking over the hills of Dartmoor while bathing in pure sunshine is to behold one of the most bucolic views in the whole of England.”
Town & Country Magazine…”Heaven in Devon”
Golf Magazine….”Castle for all Seasons”
Apr 26, 2007
Q & A at Punta Espada Golf Course
Q&A at the Punta Espada Golf Course
How many golf courses is Cap Cana going to have?
In its initial phase, Cap Cana will have five golf courses, three of them being Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Courses. The first one, Punta Espada is in full operation since July of 2006. Construction for the second Jack Nicklaus’ master piece will be Las Iguanas.
How is Punta Espada different from any other golf course in the country?
The unparalleled dedication to excellence and quality showed on every game during his career is now on display at Punta Espada, a course that combines golf with the beautiful existing natural environment under the intense blue hues of the Caribbean Sea.
Although the entire Punta Espada layout incorporates the beautiful natural surroundings of Cap Cana, the majority of the holes have an especially privileged location in which golfers can appreciate the vast expanse of the Caribbean waters while striving to play their best game.
Punta Espada is also the first golf course in the Dominican Republic featuring 100 percent Seashore Paspalum, the preferred grass in tropical climates because of its resistance to salt water and its vibrant green color.
Why is hole 13 considered the “signature hole”? (see photo above)
This spectacular 250-yard par 3 is sure to become one of the world’s most photographed holes. There are no hidden agendas; the route requires golfers to execute a challenging tee shot over the ocean into a picturesque green surrounded by the turquoise waters of the Caribbean.
Could we say that the Dominican Republic is an ideal destination for the golf lovers? How is Cap Cana contributing to this?
With more golf courses than any other country in the Caribbean, the Dominican Republic has a privileged position in the world of golf. With the inauguration of Punta Espada, Cap Cana has reinforced this prestigious reputation as the only location in the region that will have three Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Courses within a single tourist and real-estate development.
How much did it cost to build Punta Espada?
Punta Espada represents the first of three Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Courses that will be built in Cap Cana and was constructed at an estimated cost of $18 million.
Why is Cap Cana, with its new golf course Punta Espada, considered a complete golfing experience?
Following the official opening of the Punta Espada golf course, Cap Cana completes the golf lovers experience with the opening of the Punta Espada Golf Clubhouse. Encompassing a total area of approximately 191,598 sq feet, the clubhouse provides all the services needed for a memorable golfing experience. The club also has a restaurant, bar, library for those devoted to literature and a store where golfers can find the top brand-name items they need to play their best game, among other facilities.
What company was responsible for building Punta Espada?
Weitz Golf International, a leading corporation in the construction of golf courses and golf clubs with 149 years of experience, is responsible for the construction and completion of the project’s three golf courses, under Jack Nicklaus Signature Design. By hiring them, we have selected the best of the industry.
Who is responsible for the maintenance and administration of Punta Espada?
Leaders in management services of golf complexes, Troon Golf will supervise the construction of the three Cap Cana golf courses designed by Nicklaus and will manage all operations of the project’s golf clubs.
Why is Cap Cana considered “The World’s Next Great Destination?"
Cap Cana is the most important tourism and real-estate project of the Caribbean. With a master plan investment projected at 1.5 billion dollars, the first stage of the project will be developed in a span of 12-15 years and comprises an area of 35 million square meters (8,680 acres) of a total of over 120 million square meters (30,000 acres); 5.5 kilometers (3.5 miles) of virgin beaches and privy to a privileged climate. In its initial phase, the project will have three 5-star hotels, 3 golf courses signature and designed by Jack Nicklaus, one of the most complete and modern marinas “in land” in the Caribbean and a total of 5,000 residential units and 500 hotel rooms.
Why did Cap Cana decide to build a golf course with stunning views to the ocean instead of building residences so they could achieve a higher profitability?
As per Dr. Ricardo Hazoury, President of Cap Cana’s Board of Directors: “We wanted to give Jack Nicklaus the perfect site to create a work of art; that’s why we didn’t think twice about putting more than 7,000 yards of land at his disposal so he could let his imagination and creativity soar. Our desire is to offer devoted golfers the best course in the world, designed by the best in the world.”
Apr 25, 2007
Sanctuary Cap Cana Golf & Spa Opening
I have just come back from the nearly-finished Sanctuary Cap Cana Golf & Spa in the Dominican Republic. And, yes, this is the most talked about area this week since Donald Trump announced on the Apprentice last Sunday night that his choice of Stefani Schaeffer as Project Manager for Trump at Cap Cana would earn her a meager $250,000. Apparently her beauty and brilliance will catapult the condominium development even further with her expertise. I think the beauty of the area will have a lot to do with her success...
This is a stunning land development, which Trump shares with AltaBella Hotels, the owner of Sanctuary Cap Cana Golf & Spa. In the twenty-five years that I have been involved with hotels in the Caribbean, I have never seen anything like the Sanctuary Cap Cana Golf & Spa. Lovingly built by artisans who are chiseling out stone by hand, inlaying intricate tiles with tactile details you would wish could be in your own home, and ultimately decorating the finished product with natural woods and fabrics from Malaysia and other eco-rich areas that impart a warmth and texture that is utterly sensual.
There are many of us who have been waiting for the opening of this 176 all-suite resort, with its stunning ocean front views, championship Jack Nicklaus Signature Golf Course with eight of its eighteen holes directly on the ocean, a 20,000 square foot Mandara spa, and Asian and European service people to complement the gracious Dominican service staff. Meeting space abounds, as do eight restaurants of international cuisine.
The 500 slip marina is opening this Saturday, April 28, 2007...more on that when the event takes place. For now, know that my experience was extremely gratifying. AltaBella is taking all the right components and putting them together to create the Caribbean experience no one has even thought of building.
And so, you ask, when WILL Sanctuary Cap Cana Golf & Club finally open? To be safe, I would say plan for October 2007, if you are really looking for the finished product, with no traces of construction and with lush landscaping. Just know that if you have ever had a fantasy that included a beach...this is the one.
For more on what Donald Trump has to say on Cap Cana click on the link below and select Part 3 to see a video tour of the Cap Cana facilities that was aired on the Season Finale of the Apprentice.
www.nbc.com/Video/rewind/full_episodes/apprentice.shtml">
Apr 24, 2007
Do you find yourself always forgetting ONE ITEM when you travel? We have put together a list of travel necessities for you to print out and keep with you!
Alarm clock
Band-Aids
Bathing Suit
Batteries
Belts
Binoculars
Blackberry
Blouses
Bobby Pins
Book
Business cards
Calculator (small for changing money)
Calendar diary
Camera
Cell Phone
Checkbook
Clips/Elastics for hair
Coats
Cotton Balls
Cushion for head
Day cream
Deodorant
Dresses
Ear Plugs
Evian hydrating mist spray
Eye makeup remover
Eye mask
Film
Gloves (winter)
Hand cream
Handbags
Ipod
Jewelry
Lingerie
Lip balm
Makeup
Maps, destination file, guide books
Medicines/Vitamins
Money/Credit card
Mouthwash
Nail file
Nail polish
Night Cream
Passport
Pedometer
Pen
Photocopy of passport
Plane Ticket
Pocket flashlight
Razor
Reading glasses
Scissors
Shampoo/Conditioner
Shoes
Shorts
Shower cap
Slipper sox for plane
Small Umbrella
Socks
Stockings
Suit(s)
Sunglasses
Sunscreen
Sweaters
Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Travelers Support jet lag aid
Tweezers
Wrist cuffs for motion sickness
Apr 23, 2007
Cap Cana- The Altabella Hotel Group will inaugurate the initial phase of what will be the largest marina in the Caribbean on Saturday, April 28th. Located on the eastern coast of the Dominican Republic, the Marina will accommodate 72 yachts up to 60 feet long during its first phase with a completed capacity of 1,400 slips accommodating boats up to 250 feet.
The protected harbor basin will satisfy even the most discerning boater. Located 10 minutes from the Punta Cana International Airport and only 5 miles from away from one of the most abundant fisheries in the Caribbean, fishing season is year round in Cap Cana.
Designed with a nod to the grandeur of Venice, the Marina will also be home to exquisite shopping, with designer boutiques, charming restaurants and chic bistros and bars complimenting the luxury living that is Cap Cana.
Apr 22, 2007
Making a dramatic entrance in September 2007 will be the newly-built Sanctuary Cap Cana Golf and Spa on the eastern coast of the Dominican Republic. It will be the only five star resort on the east coast of this dramatic coastline, when it opens. It is just 3 hrs and 10 minutes by direct flight from New York City (and 8 minutes from Punta Cana Airport). There is also easy access from other gateway cities from the U.S. and Europe with approximately 250 flights per week into the area.
The well-established management company who will run this resort is from Spain—AltaBella Hotels—and the name will become synonymous with a new level of luxury in the Caribbean. The area of Cap Cana is now considered the next “new” destination due to its exquisite white beaches. It is now fast becoming known for its killer course at the Hotel Sanctuary Cap Cana, the Jack Nicklaus designed championship eighteen hole Punta Espada course. Eight ocean-hugging holes rival Pebble Beach for both beauty and challenge, and the remainder of the course has exquisite views of the sea.
This 176 all-suite resort is the next meeting and incentive destination that will welcome groups, while maintaining all the attention to service and amenities offered to discerning individual travelers. Style and service are paramount to AltaBella.
All facts and details regarding the Jack Nicklaus’s Signature Golf Course, 20,000 square foot spa, marina, shopping, restaurants, meeting facilities, activities and immaculate beaches, can be found on our web site. http://www.gfahotels.com