Graceland's at Christmas......new activities planned.

Activities include the Traditional Christmas Lighting Ceremony, Special Tours and Holiday Themed Concerts by the Memphis Symphony Orchestra, Ultimate ETA Dean Z, Josh Turner, Michael W. Smith and The Beach Boys.

This holiday season at Graceland will be filled with more festive events than ever to celebrate one of Elvis' favourite times of the year. Voted the #1 Best Historic Holiday Home Tour by USA Today's 10Best Readers two years in a row (2019 & 2020), Christmas at Graceland celebrates the King of Rock 'n' Roll's love of the season.

The festivities begin on November 18-20 during Graceland’s Holiday Lighting Weekend. The weekend kicks off with the annual Holiday Lighting Ceremony, which will feature internationally renowned songwriter and producer David Porter, along with students from the Stax Music Academy, “flipping the switch” to light Elvis’ iconic Graceland Mansion for the holiday season. In addition, the evening will include a holiday music performance by Stax Music Academy, an appearance by Santa Claus, and a concert featuring holiday music by the Memphis Symphony Orchestra's Big Band at the Soundstage at Graceland. On Friday, November 19 and 20, Graceland will host evening Christmas tours of Graceland Mansion featuring live tour guides sharing stories of spending Christmas with Elvis; and will round out the weekend with Dean Z’s Rockin’ Christmas Show on Saturday, November 20. Dean Z will perform, alongside his high energy 10-piece band and the beautiful Dynamite Singers, singing favorite holiday hits, the best rock ‘n’ roll, rockabilly, and swing Christmas classics.

On December 1-20, Graceland will be offering special afternoon Christmas Tours that will feature live tour guides sharing holiday stories throughout Graceland Mansion. In addition, new this year, are the first-ever special Christmas Ultimate VIP Holiday Experience tours nightly from December 1-20. The tours allow guests to explore Graceland decorated for the holidays after-hours, hear stories of what it was like to spend Christmas with the king at Graceland and tour the grounds to see the beautiful lights and up-close looks at the festive lawn decor that was part of Elvis' annual decorating tradition. Each tour is limited to eight guests with an expert guide and will include a holiday photo ops both inside and outside Graceland Mansion. In addition, also available December 1-20, The Guest House at Graceland is offering a special package that includes two adult tickets for the Graceland Christmas Tour, access to Elvis Presley's Memphis Entertainment Complex, a tour of Elvis' planes, a Graceland Christmas ornament and a set of three limited-edition, collectible Graceland Christmas CD greetings.

Allegiant scores big loan to complete its Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbour

Castlelake, L.P. a global alternative investment manager with 16 years of experience investing in asset-rich opportunities, announced today it has provided a loan to Sunseeker, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Allegiant Travel Company, an integrated travel company with the world's leading ultra-low-cost carrier at its core. The loan will be used to fund the construction of Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor, which resumed in August of this year. 

 New Castlelake loan for Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor 

Allegiant began construction of Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor – a first-of-its-kind destination resort in southwest Florida – in March 2019, before pausing due to the severe impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the travel and hospitality industry.

"Castlelake is pleased to provide financing to Sunseeker and strengthen our relationship with Allegiant through this project," said Armin Rothauser, Partner and Head of Lending at Castlelake. "This transaction sits at the intersection of Castlelake's deep real asset expertise, aviation experience and solutions-oriented approach."

Sunseeker Resort Charlotte Harbor is expected to have a significant impact on the local economy, eventually employing about 800 construction workers. Once the resort opens, Sunseeker expects to employ approximately 1,150 people, making it a leading employer in Southwest Florida. The resort will feature more than 500 hotel rooms, more than 180 extended stay suites, 55,000 square-feet of meeting and conference space, 19 restaurants and bars, and retail outlets along a scenic harbor walk.

"Sunseeker will not only be a transformational project for Southwest Florida, but also a tremendous catalyst for Allegiant's continued growth as an integrated travel company," said Allegiant President John Redmond. "This unique resort will bring unprecedented value and opportunity to our emerging leisure travel marketplace."

Allegiant Travel Company is focused on linking travellers in small-to-medium cities to world-class vacation destinations with all-nonstop flights and base airfares less than half the cost of the average domestic roundtrip ticket. The company demonstrated resilience during the COVID-19 pandemic, with the smallest revenue decline of any airline in 2020.

As a top 15 aircraft lessor and more than 16 years of experience investing in, financing and managing aviation assets, Castlelake has a long-standing relationship with Allegiant. Castlelake's lending platform, which provides financial offerings to aviation-related asset owners and buyers, has completed over $2 billion of financings since November 2020. Castlelake also has significant experience structuring and executing land and real estate-centric transactions including acquisition, development & construction (AD&C), land banking, secured debt financing and direct investing.

"Castlelake is a proven, trusted partner with the right expertise to execute on financing the Sunseeker project within its own framework," said Allegiant Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Greg Anderson. "Obtaining this financing affords Allegiant the capital needed to fund the bulk of the remaining cost for the Sunseeker project, in an efficient manner consistent with our fiscal strategy."

Don't forget to visit our sister site Air101.co.uk to find out about all things aviation.

Marcus Hotels & Resorts has been celebrating the news this week that six of its owned and/or managed properties have been recognized as top hotels and resorts by the 2021Condé Nast Traveler’s annual Readers’ Choice Awards.

Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel, The Pfister Hotel, Skirvin Hilton, Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker, Hyatt Regency Schaumburg, and Grand Geneva Resort and Spa Recognized by Condé Nast Traveler Readers Among the Best of the Best

Marcus Hotels & Resorts has been celebrating the news this week that six of its owned and/or managed properties have been recognized as top hotels and resorts by the 2021Condé Nast Traveler’s annual Readers’ Choice Awards.

The Marcus Hotels & Resorts properties that were recognized by Condé Nast Traveler readers as top hotels and resorts in their respective categories are:

As the first-of-its-kind arts hotel, Saint Kate – The Arts Hotel in Milwaukee was honored as the #5 Top Hotel in the Midwest. This is the second consecutive year that the property, which opened in 2019, has been named a Top Hotel in the Midwest by Condé Nast Traveler readers. The hotel broadly celebrates the arts in its many forms with multiple gallery and exhibition spaces, daily live music and programmed events, and unique culinary experiences awaiting guests inside.

 

Milwaukee’s distinguished luxury hotel, The Pfister Hotel was recognized as the #13 Top Hotel in the Midwest. This is the fifth consecutive year the 127-year-old property has been named a Top Hotel in the Midwest by Condé Nast Traveler readers. This year, The Pfister Hotel was also honored with the coveted AAA Four Diamond Designation for its 45th consecutive year.

 

Skirvin Hilton was named the #15 Top Hotel in the Midwest, marking the second time it has been recognized by Condé Nast Traveler readers. Its rich history in Oklahoma City stretches back to 1911 when it first opened its doors. Guests today can continue to experience the elegance and innovation in the hotel’s luxuriously appointed guest rooms and upscale dining offerings.

 

A Lincoln, Nebraska landmark, Lincoln Marriott Cornhusker was honored as the #18 Top Hotel in the Midwest. This is the first year the property was recognized by Condé Nast Traveler readers. This beautiful historic hotel has been serving Nebraska's capital city for nearly 90 years and offers guests unique experiences with its Artist-in-Residence program and the popular and fun Miller Time Pub.

Hyatt Regency Schaumburg in Schaumburg, Illinois was named the #19 Top Hotel in the Midwest. This is also the first year the property was recognized by Condé Nast Traveler readers. Recently renovated, Hyatt Regency Schaumburg is conveniently located near Chicago’s O’Hare International Airport and is among many of the area’s most popular attractions and energetic business hubs. The hotel offers many amenities for both business and leisure travelers with state-of-the-art meeting and event spaces as well as contemporary guestrooms.

 

Grand Geneva Resort & Spa in Lake Geneva, Wisconsin was recognized as the #9 Top Resort in the Mid-Atlantic and Midwest. This all-seasons premier resort is situated on 1,300 acres in the beautiful woodlands of Lake Geneva and is known for its two championship golf courses in the summer and Mountain Top downhill ski hill in the winter, as well as its full-service WELL Spa & Salon and array of fine dining options. This is the fifth consecutive year this property has been named a Top Resort by Condé Nast Traveler readers.

 

“We are very proud that the discerning readers of Condé Nast Traveler again recognized our properties for being among the very best of the best,” said Michael Evans, president of Marcus Hotels & Resorts. “Year after year, our properties are chosen for Condé Nast Traveler and other honours because of their unique and first-class offerings, our team’s drive to deliver exceptional service, and our proven operational expertise that welcomes guests back again and again. Thanks to the dedication of our team, Marcus Hotels & Resorts’ properties claimed 25 percent of this year’s highly coveted and admired Condé Nast Traveler list of Top Hotels in the Midwest, more than any other owner or manager.”

Don't forget to visit our sister site Air101.co.uk to find out about all things aviation.

Hyatt Hotels are celebrating the opening of IL Tornabuoni Hotel in Florence

Hyatt Hotels are celebrating the opening of IL Tornabuoni Hotel in Florence. The luxurious 62-bedroom Renaissance-inspired former palace signifies the debut of The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand in Italy, known for its independent, one-of-a-kind hotels that offer bespoke experiences that inspire guests.

Whether it is a captivating past, an exclusive location, famous architecture and design or an award-wining dining experience, each property within The Unbound Collection by Hyatt brand maintains a distinct character and the freedom to be unique, while still providing guests with the World of Hyatt loyalty program and a trusted brand name and reputation.

This historical property – formerly the Palazzo Minerbetti – has undergone significant restoration since its early days as an urban palace hosting well-known figures like the Grand Duke of Tuscany, better known as Cosimo de Medici lll. His patronage of science, architecture, literature and arts contributed to the cultural heritage of Florence and is reflected throughout the hotel via updates to guest rooms and suites, public spaces, the terrace and more.

Carefully curated in colours of red, blue and gold, each of the 62 guestrooms reflect the Renaissance era that Florence is known for, epitomizing the rich history and artistic magnificence of the period and allowing guests to create story-worthy experiences during their stay.

Located along Via de Tornabuoni, one of the most prestigious streets in Florence, guests can explore this cultural heritage, taking a short stroll to admire Palazzo Strozzi, the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore or the Uffizi Gallery. Guests can also step back in time with a climb up Giotto’s Campanile, a marbled Gothic tower that delivers spectacular views across the city or find the historic Ponte Vecchio, the famous Medieval bridge hosting authentic Italian jewellery shops, right at their doorstep.

Alila Hinu Bay Hotel opens in Oman

Alila Hinu Bay Resport

Hyatt Hotels Corporation has told us that the Alila Hinu Bay in Oman is now ready to welcome international guests for the first time, following the recent announcement of borders in Oman re-opening to tourists.

The property joins Alila Jabal Akhdar as the Alila brand’s second hotel in Oman along with 15 other Alila properties worldwide. Distinguished by a strong commitment to sustainable tourism, the award-winning brand features luxury hotels and resorts in some of the most spectacular natural locations.

The 112-key hotel is nestled on a secluded beachfront in Oman’s southwest region of Dhofar. The untouched area is best known for its lush landscapes, cool summers, and it is within easy driving distance from Salalah International Airport. Between Samhan mountain and the blue waters of the Arabian Sea, Alila Hinu Bay caters to well-travelled guests seeking reflection and impactful connections. Along with the breathtaking scenery, the area is known for its rich traditions and the renowned warmth of Omani hospitality. Combined with a personalized experience that is crafted for each guest, travellers can expect to be immersed in authentic yet bespoke journeys tailored to their preferences and interests.

“We are very excited to add Alila Hinu Bay to the Hyatt portfolio and welcome guests to this region of Oman, a true nature lover’s paradise full of stunning landscapes, waterfalls and greenery,” said Martin Persson, general manager, Alila Hinu Bay. “Dedicated to being responsible and sustainable, guests can enjoy exquisite culinary experiences evoking local and international flavours at one of our dining options or treat themselves to a customized spa experience that uses natural products.”

Accommodations with a View

Pool Villa 

Alila Hinu Bay boasts 112 guestrooms and private pool villas with interiors incorporating local materials which blend natural elements of the outdoors with clean, modern finishes. Guestrooms offer lagoon, or sea views, each with its own terrace with fixed seating and the option of booking connecting rooms for families. Pool villas offer the utmost in luxury with private plunge pools and outdoor bathtubs, enabling guests to feel in tune with the natural surroundings. Further, all of the pool villas boast direct access to the beach and plenty of space to relax and recharge.

Sustainable Dining Experiences

Each of Alila Hinu Bay’s dining venues is committed to sourcing the majority of its produce from local vendors. Seasalt offers views over the ocean and welcomes guests to indulge in a coastal dining experience. The Lobby Lounge serves light refreshments and welcome guests to indulge in authentic Arabian flavours. Guests are able to enjoy company and conversation over an Omani afternoon tea experience called “fuwala”, while relaxing with magnificent views overlooking the Arabian Sea.

Unique Experiences