Promises to Hire Back Furloughed Workers, Plans to Build a $20 million Casino. Resort’s new owner hopes to build a $20 million casino and hire up to 600 new workers by the end of this year.

Jim Justice, who purchased the historic resort last week, said Monday that the resort would offer “tasteful gaming, but in an aggressive way.”

Justice also plans to start hiring back Greenbrier employees who were furloughed in January by the end of the week.

The Greenbrier now has 1,280 workers, but Justice plans to have 1,600 to 2,000 on staff by December, he said Monday.

“We’re going to have to spend some money to get this place in a position to make money,” said Justice, who bought the resort last week for $20 million. “We’re going to make this hotel flawless. It’s going to be first-class beyond belief.”

A May 19 court hearing has been scheduled in Richmond, Va., to consider Justice’s request to dismiss The Greenbrier from Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

There’s still a possible hitch in Justice’s plans.

Hours after Justice announced he purchased the hotel last week, Marriott International said it still had a “purchase agreement” to buy The Greenbrier from Jacksonville, Fla.-based CSX Corp. Marriott said it planned to honor its contract.

In a bankruptcy court filing last Friday, Justice’s lawyers noted that CSX had the right to sell the White Sulphur Springs resort to Justice — despite the previous deal with Marriott — provided Justice pays a $2.6 million “break-up fee” to Marriott, according to a termination clause. Justice said he plans to pay the fee — and move on.

“I hope this all gets worked out,” Justice said. “I don’t want a confrontation with the Marriott. [The resort's employees] don’t deserve more of a cloud, more uncertainty.”

Marriott’s lawyers have yet to respond to Justice’s request to dismiss the case from U.S. Bankruptcy Court. A Marriott spokesman declined Monday to comment on what specific steps the company may take.

“We’ve seen the court filings, are reviewing the documents, and will respond in court at the appropriate time,” said Thomas Marder, Marriott’s vice president of global corporate relations.

Justice reiterated Monday that he owns The Greenbrier.

“CSX had the right to sell the property to me,” Justice said. “I purchased it. I paid for it. I have the stock.”

In November, Greenbrier County voters narrowly approved a measure to allow casino-style gambling at the luxury resort. Last week, Gov. Joe Manchin signed legislation that allows The Greenbrier to set aside a portion of casino wagers to help recoup the cost of employee benefits.

Justice estimated that the new law will allow The Greenbrier to pump up to $5 million more annually into employee benefits.

Justice expects to have an architectural drawing of the casino by June. The new facility, which would cost between $15 million and $20 million, could be completed by December, he said.

“I hope with a full blitz, we’ll get it done,” Justice said. “You’re going to have a whole lot of construction jobs.”

In January, The Greenbrier furloughed nearly half of its 1,350 employees. The resort was struggling to fill its 720 rooms amid the recession.

All but 70 of those workers have returned. Justice promised to hire back the remaining furloughed workers quickly.

“We’re going to be significantly calling people back by the end of the week,” Justice said.

Justice believes The Greenbrier’s bankruptcy filing jeopardizes the resort’s ability to remain competitive in the luxury resort industry, according to his company’s request to have the bankruptcy dismissed. The “stigma of bankruptcy” inevitably drives away guests and undermines The Greenbrier’s ability to book conferences, which generate a substantial portion of the resort’s business, the filing states.

Justice’s request to end the bankruptcy includes new information about his purchase of the resort.

Justice started talking with CSX in late April and purchased The Greenbrier’s stock May 6.

Under the agreement, Justice promised to operate The Greenbrier for at least two years “at standards consistent with maintaining a AAA Five Diamond rating.”

The Greenbrier has held the American Automobile Association’s five-diamond rating for 33 years. AAA awarded its top rating to 103 U.S. hotels last year.

“People forget how wonderful steward [of the resort] CSX has been for a long time,” Justice said. “They wanted a guarantee from me to carry on the tradition.”

In an interview Monday, Justice said he would also work with resort employees to improve The Greenbrier’s four-star Mobil Travel Guide rating. The resort lost its five-star Mobil status in 2000.

“I want to bring The Greenbrier back to where it was a long time ago,” Justice said. “I want it to be profitable. I can’t possibly let it fail.”

Justice scoffed at critics who question his ability to operate a resort.

The former coal company executive acknowledged he has never owned or managed a hotel. But he said he has a master’s in business administration and extensive experience in marketing and advertising.

He vowed to prove his critics wrong.

“I have the resources behind me, and the love of the people who work there,” Justice said. “I’ll set this place on fire. You wait and see.”

 

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Two Hawaii hot spots have been named to Condé Nast Traveler’s Hot list for 2009.

The Royal Hawaiian hotel has been named a hot hotel and the spa at The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua on Maui made the hot spas list.

The list features hotels, restaurants, spas and nightclubs chosen by the travel magazine’s editors. Most are new establishments.

The Royal Hawaiian has “reclaimed its past glory” with its recent $50 million renovations, the magazine said.

The Ritz-Carlton spa was noted for its large number of treatment rooms and private areas, so the spa never feels crowded.

Full reviews of each hotel, restaurant, nightclub and spa will be in the May issue of Condé Nast Traveler, available April 21.

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Topnotch Resort and Spa, a high-end hotel in Stowe, Vermont, is adapting to the depressed economy by offering rare specials on lodging, cuisine and spa treatments.

“Our regular clients are still keen to indulge,” managing director Dan Oberlander said. “But they’re more frugal. Now it might be two massages during a visit instead of three or four, and a $50 bottle of wine instead of a $100 bottle.

“We also have a number of accessible specials and upcoming low-season prices so more people can experience the resort.”

Owned by Montreal’s Cummings family, Topnotch is considered one of the leading luxury resorts in North America by Condé Nast Traveler and Tennis Magazine. The grand estate has livery horses grazing in meadows, outstanding indoor and outdoor salt-water swimming pools and a comprehensive tennis centre used for international competitions.

The posh resort attracts celebrities like John Mellencamp, Harvey Keitel, Conan O’Brien and Montreal’s Sophie Grégoire, wife of Justin Trudeau.

Still, the resort is constantly evolving.

Mark Timms, the new executive chef and one of television’s Iron Chefs, will present his specialities in May at James Beard House, a culinary centre in New York. He also orchestrates gastronomic food-and-wine evenings for $75, and on March 28 will preview his James Beard feast of Vermont lamb and Canadian salmon for 60 patrons.

The cozy Buttertub Bar has new suede sofas in earthy tones built around the old fireplace and an updated après-ski menu of hot cider, mac-and-cheese and steak-frites.

On the decor side, Topnotch has re-invented its look, changing from its homogenous hotel style to that of a sophisticated country manor. The 68 rooms and seven suites are swaddled in fine French fabrics, with Vermont folk art, rustic white-washed furniture and warm colour schemes like gold and terra cotta or antique blue and cream.

The resort’s 35 mountainside houses are lesser-known but even more lavish, with handsome walnut furniture and kitchens of stainless steel and granite. All accommodations have such luxury conveniences as telephones in the bathrooms and solicitous services like twice-daily housekeeping.

The pièce de résistance for many travellers – nearly 70,000 per year – is The Spa at Topnotch, recognized for its top practitioners and gorgeous men’s and women’s lounges with fireplaces. The inventive exercise programs include Got Core?, Hydro Power and Pilates for Skiers. Among the 120 outstanding beauty and body services are the Sugar Scrub Facial for teens, the Gents’ Peppermint Pedicure and the Mount Mansfield Saucha, a decadent trio of treatments, all done with sage-infused salts and oils.

One of the hotel’s attractions is the stunning view of majestic Mount Mansfield, part of the Stowe Mountain Resort ski and snowboard area (800-253-4754, www. Stowe.com). The resort is planning to close its lifts April 19. For the in-between “mud season,” Topnotch is offering a rare two-for-one special on spa treatments starting today to April 9 (valid Monday to Thursday), from April 16 to May 14 (Thursday to Sunday) and from May 18 to June 18 (Monday to Thursday). Prices range from $10 for a paraffin treatment for hands to $210 for the 110-minute custom massage.

Spa director Alexandra Robinson has created a series of wellness seminars for June. The June 12-13 Bloom & Branch Yoga Workshops emphasize the ancient discipline and include meditation, spa services and both restorative and Iyengar yoga. Also mixing the spiritual with the corporeal, Montrealer Layne Dalfen will present a session June 13 on dream analysis, stress release and sleep apnea. Timms’s wellness sessions, called Super Foods Mondays, will include cooking classes, lunch or dinner and take-home recipes.

“It’s hard to diet, but easy to eat the right things,” Timms said. “I believe in moderation, not deprivation, so watch portions and include ’super foods’ like blueberries, yogurt, tomatoes and walnuts.”

Timms’s nutritional recipes feature treats like pumpkin muffins, spinach and apple smoothies, a morsel of dark chocolate daily and a glass of red wine with dinner. His cuisine at Norma’s bistro is artfully presented on striking white china and features updates on classics like rack of lamb, sirloin steak and osso bucco. Spa choices include Thai veggie rolls, bison steak and Indian-spiced shrimp.

IF YOU GO:

Stowe is a two-and-a-half-hour drive from Montreal. Take Highway 10 east to Exit 22 and Highways 35 and 133 south, then Vermont Interstate 89 south to Exit 10 for Stowe and Route 100 north.

Topnotch at Stowe Resort and Spa: 800-451-8686, 4000 Mountain Rd. (Route 108), Stowe, Vt.

Prices range from $300 for a room and $575 for a one-bedroom suite to $900 for the Governor’s Suite with a fireplace, deck and kitchen. Weekdays to May 31, rooms cost $195. One-, two-and three-bedroom houses are available. Prices include swimming pools, hot tubs, steam room, sauna, cardio and weight rooms. Children 12 and younger stay free.

Wellness programs: Super Foods Mondays in June, $100; yoga for five hours, including lunch, June 12-13, $150; Dream Analysis for four hours June 13, $175 (with massage, $250).

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Luxury Stowe Vermont Day Spa Resort offers rejuvenating and relaxing spa packages that come with free gourmet luncheon.

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Daufuskie resort lays off remaining staff, closes doors

The Daufuskie Island Resort & Breathe Spa closed its doors this week, laying off what was left of its skeleton staff.

A bankruptcy judge ruled Tuesday that a trustee will be appointed to manage the resort, which could lead to a reopening. A trustee has not yet been named.

“It could be two days or two weeks until a trustee is picked and the resort’s back in business,” said Russ Brown, chairman and CEO of RBC Enterprises, which develops and sells real estate at the resort.

Brown said owners Bill and Gayle Dixon of San Francisco shut down operations and relinquished control of the club, the latest twist in a complicated bankruptcy case that started in January.

As a result, the Melrose Inn, the Melrose golf course/club house, and ferry operations from Salty Fare on Squire Pope Road on Hilton Head Island have been closed.

In another development, the bankruptcy judge ruled last week that the Dixons could not sell or lease portions of the resort without the consent of a select group of resort members.

Rich Silver, a member involved in a lawsuit against the resort, and Brown both said a lender was willing to loan the Dixons money but only if the bankruptcy judge allowed them to sell or lease its assets freely. The judge would not allow that.

“As a result of this ruling, the one lender that was willing to lend (the Dixons) monies to keep operatingis no longer willing to make that loan,” wrote Silver.

Brown said that after the lender pulled out, the Dixons agreed to let the court appoint a trustee.

Brown said having a trustee manage the resort is good news for everyone involved, including the Dixons’ creditors.

“It means an independent party, not tied up emotionally, is selected to move forward the resort, which allows the best possible chances for the creditors … to be paid back,” he said.

Brown and Silver said they hope to see the resort, and in particular the popular Melrose golf course, open once a trustee is selected.

“Hopefully, a trustee will be appointed immediately and that trustee can take over very quickly and ensure that at least minimal operations are resumed,” Silver wrote.

Brown said the sooner the trustee is named, the better.

Neither the resort members’ attorney, Alexander Beard, nor the Dixons’ bankruptcy attorney, Ivan Nossokoff, returned phone calls seeking comment.

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Spas Opening March 2009

Ritz-Carlton Palm Beach – Eau Spa
Eau Spa’s focus on water – the French translation of “eau” – will encourage you to relax and enjoy ancient spa rituals in a spontaneous setting. Revel in a variety of soothing and unique treatments inspired by the wet, wit and whimsy in Eau Spa at The Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach Beach. By addressing the individual needs of each guest with color-therapy, aromatherapy and sound-therapy Eau Spa offers self-indulgence at its best to provide an intimate experience far beyond treatments. Fully immerse yourself into the aura of Eau Spa as you embrace “me time” for maintenance, enjoyment, beauty or romance.

 

 

 

 

Spa 101 at Hilton Bentley Hotel in South Beach Florida

The sensuous Spa 101 at the Hilton Bentley Miami/South Beach hotel is a one-of-a-kind sanctuary featuring Asian-inspired treatments and high-quality organic products. Taking its cues from Asian culture, Spa 101 has created an alternatively personal spa experience on the peaceful sun swept fourth floor terrace of the Hilton Bentley Miami/South Beach hotel, overlooking the beautiful Atlantic Ocean. Premier spa services offered include a foot spa, a heavenly head massage with hair treatment, and a full body signature massage, either in a private treatment room or outdoor cabana. Other services offered include customized facials, and a signature manicure with scrub and massage. Special touches include complimentary foot massages for gentlemen waiting.

Spas Opening April 2009

The Palms Spa at The Palms Hotel & Spa in South Beach, Florida

Aveda’s only oceanfront resort spa in the United States, The Palms Spa, features holistic treatments and rituals designed to deliver a highly personalized experience. Our boutique spa features an inviting indoor/outdoor relaxation area with a unisex steam room and pool/garden/beach access, five multi-purpose rooms including one couple’s suite, one hydrotherapy room, poolside treatment cabanas, a full Aveda retail area and a beauty salon.

Stress, diet, and daily environmental aggressors trigger imbalances in the body such as acne, sensitivity, dryness, premature aging, and pain. The Aveda spa approach combines pure botanical products that produce results. Our holistic spa experiences are enhanced with touch and breath techniques that relax body and mind and naturally activate the body’s repair and recovery mechanisms. The Palms Spa team will help you achieve balance by recommending the appropriate techniques, self care and products that are right for you.

 

Sea Spa at the Chelsea in Atlantic City, New Jersey 

Located on the ground floor is the Chelsea’s 10,000-square-foot luxury Sea Spa which draws its inspiration from one of the great traditions and original attractions of Atlantic City: the nourishing, soothing, and healing properties of the sea and specifically salt. Also known as the alchemists’ fifth element, salt has been considered a panacea for thousands of years, as has Solé (”sol-ay”), the fusion of salt crystals and water into pure light energy to restore the body´s perfect balance.

Sea Spa harnesses the qualities of salt and Solé in almost all of its treatments, such as a Dead Sea Salt Exfoliate or the Sea & Sand Pedicure, complemented by a seasonally heated saltwater pool. Located outside, adjacent to the spa and open to the elements of nature, the pool promises to loosen tight muscles and enhance the detoxifying process of massage.

With packages tailored to women, men, and couples, Sea Spa features ten private treatment rooms, including two Vichy wet-treatment rooms and the Social Sauna, comprised of two Jacuzzis, a sauna, and steam room. All of the spaces are rendered in natural materials such as heated stone benches and teak ceilings and walls to create a soothing, meditative atmosphere.

Hyatt Regency Monterey Resort and Spa on Del Monte Golf Course in Monterey, California

Our brand new,  14,000 sq. ft., full-service Monterey spa featuring  exclusive Spa Suites is scheduled to open in early 2009.  Enjoy a complete range of spa services, including:

• Massages
• Body treatments
• Facials
• Skin care
• Beauty treatments

 

Spas Opening June 2009

 

Guerlain Spa at The Roosevelt New Orleans in Louisiana

 

 

 

Spa Terranea in Palos Verdes, California

From your room, it is a short walk to pampering and renewal at the Spa at Terranea, a 25,000-square-foot oceanfront spa, fitness center and salon. Designed, directed and staffed by the foremost professionals in restorative therapy, the Spa at Terranea provides a transformative experience for mind and body. An indulgent array of treatments, some traditional and some inspired by Terranea’s unique coastal setting, can be enjoyed in any of the 24 tranquil rooms. An outdoor lap pool combined with a 5,000-square-foot fitness facility offer every opportunity to sustain an existing exercise program or create a new one with the help of one of the wellness experts on staff. The Spa at Terranea also provides the perfect starting and ending point for a hike along the miles of coastal trails that connect with the resort. 

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SPA

For the ultimate in relaxation, guests can indulge and experience revitalization like never before inside the 23,000 square foot Spa Mio. This world-class spa provides the latest treatments and pampered services. Spa Mio offers 16 treatment rooms, sauna, steam and Jacuzzi wet areas, full-service salon and barbershop and a state-of-the-art fitness center – all with spectacular views of the pool and events piazza, Villaggio Del Sole.

The new M Resort Spa Casino Will Bring You:

• An unrivaled standard of personal service and resort amenities
• Modern architectural style where form meets function
• Spectacular views of the Strip and valley
• The awe-inspiring Villaggio Del Sole Pool and Entertainment Piazza 

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12300 Las Vegas Blvd. S
Henderson, Nevada 89044
P 702 797 1000  

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Introducing a Kitchen for Your Mind: The Ojai Valley Inn & Spa Artist’s Cottage

Ojai Valley Inn & Spa’s Artist’s Cottage & Apothecary is the next generation of spa – a ‘Kitchen for your Mind’.

OJAI, Calif., Ojai Valley Inn & Spa’s Artist’s Cottage is the next generation of spa: a “Kitchen for your Mind.”

“Traditional spas just focus on the wellness of your body,” said Janis Clapoff, Managing Director, Ojai Valley Inn & Spa. “At Ojai Valley Inn & Spa, we strive to go one step further, allowing our guests the opportunity to treat not just their body, but their mind as well, through use of our Artist’s Cottage and Apothecary.”

Considered to be the heart of Ojai Valley Inn & Spa, the Artist’s Cottage and Apothecary is staffed by the multi-talented Renate Collins, the facility’s in-house Artist in-Residence. Ms. Collins supervises a wide range of creative activities, including the signature “Personal Mandela” session that provides a remarkable insight into one’s own personal life and creative side. Complete details can be found at www.ojairesort.com.

“Renate and the entire team in our Spa Village are dedicated to making any visit here remarkable,” noted Ms. Clapoff, adding, “We are so grateful for the recognition received from our guests concerning our Spa and its offerings, and the rating that has been given by Trip Advisor as #1 Spa in the World.”

About Ojai Valley Inn & Spa

Since 1923, vacationing guests have sought the tranquil pleasures of the historic Ojai Valley Inn & Spa, an AAA Five Diamond property located on 220 tree-shaded acres offering an incredible golf course ranked as one of the finest in North America. Located 35 minutes south of Santa Barbara, Ojai Valley Inn & Spa is approximately 90 minutes north of LAX. Affirmed by its many prestigious awards and fresh from a $90 million renovation, this legendary Inn is one of North America’s unique hidden treasures. For reservations, contact 1-800-422-6524

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WCI, Inc. Renovates Bonneville Spa in Washington State

Portland, Oregon-based interior design firm WCI, Inc. recently completed a spa renovation at the Bonneville Hot Springs Resort & Spa in North Bonneville, Washington. Space planning was a key challenge in this project in that many items needed to fit in relatively small rooms while creating a sense of calm and luxury without the feeling of overcrowding.

“Each window in the spa looks out to gorgeous mountain views, so we used the natural surroundings as art,” says Larissa Burden, lead designer on the project. “In the public areas, a simple valance was used with no drapery treatments in order to accentuate the view.”

The interior design complements the outdoor surroundings. Dramatic drapery and lighting treatments create private pedicure “thrones” to provide a unique spa environment. Warm neutrals in the flooring, walls, and fabrics, along with fireplaces in treatment rooms, set the tone for a relaxing experience. The design relationship between the neutral, calming elements and the dramatic, plush details works together to create a soothing environment.

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After six years of planning and design, Crystal Mountain will open the doors to its $5.5 million Crystal Spa on Friday, Jan. 30.

With a design inspired by the natural beauty, art and culture of northern Michigan, the 18,500-square-foot facility is the only LEED certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) spa in the Midwest and one of six in the nation.

The spa will offer a full menu of services, including massage, body treatments, facials, manicures and pedicures. Theme treatments include the Signature Crystal Balance, Crystal Stone and Crystal Body Polish. Or check out the expresso mud body scrub, aromafusion or deep forest massage. Seasonal offerings include the moisture drench facial and winter glow. Treatments tailored for men and pregnant women also are available.

In conjunction, the Crystal Peak Fitness Center’s staff of trainers offers a host of fitness programs, including ski and agility training, golf-specific fitness training, Pilates, yoga and a Beach Body Boot Camp that complement the relaxing and rejuvenating services offered within the spa.

Several spa packages, starting at $199 per person, include lodging, treatments, meals, fitness classes, access to spa amenities and downhill and cross-country skiing

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