TRAVEL+FOOD

Destination France: The Ingres Museum in Montauban (France) reopens in December 2019

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Located in the heart of one of the most attractive cities in the south of France, the Ingres Museum reopens after three years of major expansion and complete renovation. The only museum in the world dedicated to Ingres, this flagship of the french culture houses an exceptional collection of paintings and drawings of the master, the largest after the Louvre Museum. It is a unique heritage to discover from december this year and a very nice trip to plan.

A unique museum in the world

More than 4.500 drawings by Ingres, 44 paintings and his violin as well as his personal collection and documentation.

Here is a summary of an exceptional heritage of the museum of Montauban featuring Ingres. Housed in a listed building in the heart of Montauban, beautiful city from Occitanie in the south-west of France between Toulouse and Bordeaux, the museum houses the legacy of the talented child born in the country : Jean-Auguste-Dominique Ingres.

Created in the early nineteenth century, the museum reopens after a complete renovation who lasted three years. Next december visitors will discover the total exhibition in a 21st century museum.

A museum enlarged, modernized and…renamed !

The Ingres museum benefits of its renovation to change his name and become the Ingres Bourdelle Museum. The sculptor Bourdelle who was the pupil of Ingres was the other famous artist from Montauban. All along these periods he is represented by marbles, bronzes, plasters, models and finished works, as well as a beautiful set of graphic works. Rich in history and exceptional heritage, the city of Montauban pays tribute to his two great artists : Jean- Auguste-Dominique Ingres (1780-1867) and Antoine Bourdelle (1861-1929).

Enlarged, modernised and digitalized, the renovated museum spread over 2700m2 with new exhibition areas, enhanced accessibility , a sumptuous conservatory housing Ingres drawings, an entire floor dedicated to Bourdelles’s work, and magnificent areas to display temporary exhibitions.

A museum known all around the world for its treasures

Due to the preservation of a cultural heritage, the Museum Ingres Bourdelle is known worldwide.
Through the loan of artworks, the organisation of exhibitions outside the museum, or the signing of partnerships with the biggest international museums, the french museum MIB exhibits its collection all over the world wheter it is in Europe (from Villa Medicis in Rome at the Louvre Museum in Paris, through the galleries of the Palazzo Reale in Milan, the

Victoria and Albert Museum in London or the Stadel Museum in Frankfurt), or even in China, in the States and in Canada more recently.

The new Museum Ingres Bourdelle will reopen on the 14th of december and will receive its visitors again at home. A wonderful invitation to travel in the past, art and history.
And a cultural event not to be missed!

Quality of Sleep is Significant Opportunity for North American Hotels

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Fewer Than 30% of Hotel Guests Experience “Better Than Expected” Night’s Sleep

Forget the minibar, sleek lobby and mints on the pillow. If hotels really want to build loyalty and delight their customers with stand-out lodging experiences, they need to focus on the bed. According to the J.D. Power 2019 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index (NAGSI) Study,^SM released today, quality of sleep is one of the most important components of a hotel guest experience with the potential to drive overall satisfaction and brand loyalty, but the majority of hotels are not delivering better-than-expected sleeping conditions.

“Delivering a superior sleep experience—from the quality of the bed, linens and pillows to the ambient sound and temperature of the room—is a huge opportunity for hotels to differentiate themselves from the pack and earn significant goodwill with guests,” said Jennifer Corwin, Senior Manager of Consumer Insights for Travel & Hospitality Intelligence at J.D. Power. “Of all the discrete variables of the hotel guest experience we measure, a better-than-expected night’s sleep is the one with the potential to drive the highest levels of overall guest satisfaction for those hotels that can deliver.”

Now in its 23rd year, the North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Study was redesigned this year to incorporate much deeper guest profiling information and extended coverage of the full hotel customer journey, including the path to purchase, pre-stay communications and post-stay communications. The study also now includes property-level information throughout North America, updated food and beverage metrics and inclusion of vacation rental utilization metrics.

Following are some key findings of the 2019 study:

More zzzs, please: Overall satisfaction scores increase 114 points (on a 1,000-point scale) when hotel guests experience a better-than-expected quality of sleep. However, just 29% of hotel guests had such an experience. Of guests who do experience better-than-expected quality of sleep, 78% say they “definitely will” return to that property and 71% say they “definitely will” return to that brand.

The anatomy of a good night’s sleep: The top contributors to quality of sleep and, therefore, higher satisfaction scores, are comfort of bed; quietness of room; comfort/quality of pillows; room temperature; and comfort/quality of linens. Satisfaction scores for quality of sleep are also higher when hotels offer beyond-the-basics items, such as white noise/sound machines, earplugs, robe/slippers and authentic local decor.

Quality of sleep directly correlated to price of room: The highest rate of better-than-expected sleep quality is in the luxury hotel segment (42%), followed by the upper upscale (33%), upscale (31%), upper midscale (28%), midscale (28%) and economy (23%) segments.

Arrival and check-in experiences present opportunity to shine: The key elements of the check-in experience consistent with high hotel guest satisfaction scores are efficiency (ideally takes five minutes or less); accuracy; and offering a warm welcome. When any of those baseline criteria are not met, satisfaction scores tumble as much as 100 points.

Study Rankings

The following hotel brands rank highest in guest satisfaction in their respective segments:

Luxury: The Ritz-Carlton (for a fifth consecutive year)
Upper Upscale: Hard Rock Hotel
Upscale: Best Western Premier
Upper Midscale: Drury Hotels (for a 14th consecutive year)
Midscale: Wingate by Wyndham (for a fifth consecutive year)
Economy: Microtel by Wyndham (for a second consecutive year)

The 2019 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Study analyzes guest responses to more than 150 questions regarding their overall experiences and includes 85 officially ranked brands in six market segments. This year’s study is based on responses from approximately 44,890 guests who stayed at a hotel between June 2018 and May 2019.

For more information about the 2019 North America Hotel Guest Satisfaction Index Study, visit http://www.jdpower.com/resource/jd-power-north-america-hotel-guest-satisfaction-index-study.

J.D. Power is a global leader in consumer insights, advisory services and data and analytics. These capabilities enable J.D. Power to help its clients drive customer satisfaction, growth and profitability. Established in 1968, J.D. Power has offices serving North America, South America, Asia Pacific and Europe.

Key West BrewFest to Add Zest to Labor Day Weekend

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During a festival “crafted” for Labor Day weekend, attendees can sample nearly 200 beers and ales while also discovering the flavors of the continental United States’ southernmost city. The 10th annual Key West BrewFest is set for Thursday through Monday, Aug. 29 through Sept. 2, highlighted by a lavish oceanside tasting festival.

Featured beers range from the intriguingly named Monk in the Trunk, Funky Buddha and Andygator to local favorites from the Florida Keys Brewing Co. and Islamorada Beer Co.

BrewFest starts at 5:30 p.m. Thursday, Aug. 29, with a kick-off party at Key West’s Waterfront Brewery, 201 William St., home of Crazy Lady blonde ale and other offerings crafted in-house.

Subsequent festival events include beer-focused brunches, pool parties featuring specialty beers, daytime tap takeovers and dinners pairing each course with brews that complement the cuisine.

The undisputed festival highlight is Saturday’s BrewFest Signature Tasting Festival. Featuring nearly 200 beers from around the world, the tasting extravaganza is set for 5-8 p.m. on Key West’s South Beach beside the Atlantic Ocean at 1405 Duval St. General admission is $40 per person in advance or $45 at the door.

Lager lovers also can choose to pay $90 per person in advance for admission to a 3-5 p.m. VIP tasting with passed appetizers from the Southernmost Beach Cafe. VIP attendees also receive exclusive 10th anniversary BrewFest memorabilia.

At 8 p.m. a Second Line March led by the New Orleans band Water Seed is scheduled to depart South Beach. Participants dance down Key West’s legendary Duval Street to a party at the funky Green Parrot Bar, 601 Whitehead St.

Presented by the Southernmost Beach Resort and the Key West Sunrise Rotary Club of the Conch Republic, BrewFest benefits Rotary charitable initiatives.

The festival continues through Labor Day with events including a beer dinner at the Southernmost Beach Café, 1405 Duval St., and a lively evening of bingo at the Green Parrot.

Stay in Your Own Private Castle with Wilderness Scotland

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The Emerald Isle and Scottish Highlands are brimming with iconic landmarks (a.k.a tourist traps). But what about those who want more than a pint of Guinness or a bite of haggis? Wilderness  Scotland  (Europe’s No. 1 Rated Adventure Travel Company) and sister company  Wilderness  Ireland  offer Tailor Made trips designed by locals and delivered by local legends—making them a great way to discover the essence of a place in a way that few visitors have access to.

From enjoying a moonlight paddle in Yeats Country—home to unparalleled star gazing—to uncovering the secrets of the Loch Ness Monster to rappelling off sea stacks, Wilderness’ Tailor Made adventures unearth the true character of the destination.

Forget everything you thought you knew about Ireland and Scotland with these one-of-a-kind experiences:

Go Glamping in Yeats Country

On a camping expedition in Sligo, Ireland, hike the breathtaking lakes, mountains, beaches and waterfalls that once inspired many of the great works of the Nobel Prize winning writer, W. B. Yeats. As the sun sets, hop in a kayak for a nighttime paddle on the “Lake Isle of Inisfree” to a private island. Leap onto the sand where a forested paradise awaits, along with a night of glamping in one of the world’s premier stargazing destinations. But first, enjoy wood-fired pizzas al fresco, while a local expert shares in the tales and legends of the area.

Dates & prices available upon request.

Hunt for Nessie with a Career Monster Tracker

While Scotland is known for its legends and fables, none are quite as famous as the Loch Ness Monster. While considered by some as folklore, the storied creature has been likened by scientists to a plesiosaur that dates back to the end of the last ice age. To unearth the history of the mystical creature, meet Adrian Shine, a naturalist and researcher, for a private boat ride as he shares his insider knowledge after years of studying Nessie. You’ll fly across the waters of Loch Ness, one of the largest and deepest expanses of water in the UK, as you search for this elusive creature.

Dates & prices available upon request.

Spend the Night in Your Own Private Castle

Nestled in the countryside on 500-acres lies a palace straight out of a fairytale—Aldourie Castle—and it’s easily bookable for a private rental for you and your closest 20 friends with Wilderness Scotland. This rare experience is set on the shores of Loch Ness, where well-tended courtyards, 16th-century gardens and horseback riding can be found as you stroll vast woodland grounds. For a closer look at the garden’s soaring pergolas, meet with your private guide for a tour, while keeping eyes peeled for deer, sea eagles and even basking sharks—the world’s second-largest fish. Stop for a tour at a world-famous malt whisky distillery to sip the Scottish ‘Water of Life,’ or hop in a sea kayak to observe the ruins of nearby Urquhart Castle from the water.

Dates & prices available upon request.

Cast a Line with an Expert Ghillie

Grab your waders and wellies for an unforgettable fishing experience with one of Scotland’s most knowledgeable fishing expeditioners. Take to the Highlands to uncover the locals’ best-kept fishing spots along the River Tay in Perthshire. Here, anglers can find the country’s most iconic species—Atlantic salmon—along with pike, rainbow trout and pollock. Cheers to the catch of the day with a glass of distilled whisky on the riverbank.

Dates & prices available upon request.

Forage for Juniper to Make Your Own Gin

While whisky may be the official drink of Ireland, gin is also a popular local tipple. In Ireland’s Ancient East, you can learn the complicated science behind every bottle of Irish-made gin. Head into the forest with a naturalist guide to forage for fresh ingredients, such as juniper and other herbs. Then, head to an exclusive gin school to distill a bottle with your own herbs—making for a memorable souvenir.

Dates & prices available upon request.

Climb a Sea Stack High Above the Atlantic

Head to what Ireland’s Donegal County calls “the most climbable rocks in Ireland” to unearth a secret spot where you’ll be suspended above the Atlantic waves for an adrenaline-fueled climb. But first, visit one of the area’s most remote spots to meet the local Gaelic-speaking characters who call the area home. They’ll guide you through the history of the separation between Northern and Southern Ireland, the basic knowledge of the Gaelic language and their local traditions. Then, you’ll be whisked away to a tiny island, where you’ll climb to the top of a sea stack, then rappel down the steep cliffside high above ocean waves.

Dates & prices available upon request.

Nic’s On Beverly

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By Krishan Narsinghani

(photos: Vaughn Lowery × copy edit: Paige Gilmar)

360 Magazine had the opportunity to try L.A.’s hottest vegan restaurant, Nic’s on Beverly. Nic’s is a fairly new eatery pioneered by Stephan Bombet and Nic Adler, the man who first opened Monty’s Good Burger and featured his arsenal at Coachella Music and Arts festival in Palm Springs.

Upon entering the establishment, a modern indoor dining area accented with a bar in blues and a patio can be found. The Hollywood heat is cooled by a gaping tree, sprinkled with lights, that shades most of the courtyard. With the smiles of the staff urging its patrons on, picking a seat has never felt more welcoming.

Start your afternoon right with handcrafted cocktails, a signature frozé or a Bloody Mary (for you spice lovers). Vegan waffles, tofu eggs benedict, and falafel burgers are just the start of Nic’s madness. The falafel burger particularly has meat-eaters covered and gets health nuts just a little more nutty. What means the most is the craftsmanship of each dish whether it be the four-step process fries or an in-house jelly. Farm-to-fork is deemed an understatement and perhaps the most overlooked dish would be the summertime peach salad which leaves your pallet refreshed with aromatic tomatoes.

At the end of the day, a foodie trying this establishment won’t care whether they are eating meat or not – the flavor says it all. The fresh gem can be found at 8265 Beverly Blvd, Los Angeles, CA 90048, and their Instagram here.

Princess Cruises Receives Three First-Place Accolades

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Princess Cruises Receives Three First-Place Accolades in Cruise Critic’s Annual Cruisers’ Choice Destination Awards

Cruise Line Ranks #1 in Australia & New Zealand, the Baltic & Scandinavia and the U.S. & Canada

Recognized as a destination leader, taking guests to more than 380 worldwide ports of call, Princess Cruises has been awarded three first-place accolades in Cruise Critic’s fourth annual “Cruisers’ Choice Destination Awards.” Based entirely on consumer ratings, the awards name the world’s most popular cruise destinations – as well as the best cruise lines to visit each region. In the Large Cruise Ship Category Princess Cruises was named Top Cruise Line in Australia & New Zealand, the Baltic & Scandinavia and the U.S. & Canada.

In addition, the cruise line ranked in the top three as best in the British Isles & Western Europe (#2); the Eastern Caribbean, Bahamas & Bermuda (#3); Hawaii (#2); Mexican Riviera (#2); the Panama Canal & Central America (#3); South America & Antarctica (#2); the South Pacific (#2) and the Western Caribbean & Riviera Maya (#2) – all in the Large Ship Cruise Line Category.

“It’s an honor to be recognized as the top cruise line to so many bucket-list destinations in this Cruise Critic destination awards,” said Jan Swartz, Princess Cruises president. “Our dedicated team of destination experts, with decades of experience planning itineraries and shore excursions, offer our guests what we believe are the best in the cruise industry.”

One of the best-known names in cruising, Princess Cruises was founded in 1965 with a single ship sailing to the Mexican Riviera. Today, the cruise line is a global premium cruise line and tour company operating a fleet of 17 modern cruise ships, carrying two million guests each year on more than 150 award-winning itineraries to destinations around the globe.

Cruisers interested in U.S. & Canada cruises can choose from several voyages during the upcoming Canada & New England season onboard Princess MedallionClass™ ships Caribbean Princess and Regal Princess. Royal Princess, also a MedallionClass ship, is currently sailing the west coast with voyages to Alaska, the Mexican Riviera and the California Coast. More details regarding itineraries to all recognized destinations, including current promotions, can be found at www.princess.com.

Cruise lines awarded in this year’s awards stood out among all of the lines that sail in each region, receiving the highest ratings from cruisers who sailed with the line over the past year and shared their experiences on Cruise Critic.

“For most travelers, the decision of where to cruise is made before they think about all the other pieces of the cruise planning process,” explains Colleen McDaniel, editor-in-chief of Cruise Critic. “And for those looking for incredible cruise destinations and experiences, there’s no better way to narrow your options than by seeing which destinations and cruise lines are rated most highly by cruisers who have already been there, done that.”

Cruise Critic boasts the world’s largest online cruise community, with more than 50 million opinions, reviews & photos, covering approximately 700 cruise ships and over 500 worldwide ports.

Additional information about Princess Cruises is available through a professional travel agent, by calling 1-800-PRINCESS or by visiting the company’s website at www.princess.com.

About Princess Cruises

One of the best-known names in cruising, Princess Cruises is the fastest growing international premium cruise line and tour company operating a fleet of 17 modern cruise ships, carrying two million guests each year to 380 destinations around the globe, including the Caribbean, Alaska, Panama Canal, Mexican Riviera, Europe, South America, Australia/New Zealand, the South Pacific, Hawaii, Asia, Canada/New England, Antarctica and World Cruises. A team of professional destination experts have curated 170 itineraries, ranging in length from three to 111 days and Princess Cruises is continuously recognized as “Best Cruise Line for Itineraries.”

In 2017 Princess Cruises, with parent company Carnival Corporation, introduced MedallionClass Vacations enabled by the OceanMedallion, the vacation industry’s most advanced wearable device, provided free to each guest sailing on a MedallionClass ship. The award-winning innovation offers the fastest way to a hassle-free, personalized vacation giving guests more time to do the things they love most. MedallionClass Vacations will be activated on five ships by the end of 2019. An activation plan will continue across the global fleet in 2020 and beyond.

Princess Cruises continues its multi-year, “Come Back New Promise” – a $450 million-dollar product innovation and cruise ship renovation campaign that will continue to enhance the line’s onboard guest experience. These enhancements result in more moments of awe, lifetime memories and meaningful stories for guests to share from their cruise vacation. The product innovations include partnerships with award-winning Chef Curtis Stone; engaging entertainment inspired shows with Broadway-legend Stephen Schwartz; immersive activities for the whole family from Discovery and Animal Planet that include exclusive shore excursions to onboard activities; the ultimate sleep at sea with the award-winning Princess Luxury Bed and more.

Three new Royal-class ships are currently on order with the next new ship under construction, Sky Princess, scheduled for delivery in October 2019, followed by Enchanted Princess in June 2020. Princess previously announced that two new (LNG) ships which will be the largest ships in the Princess fleet, accommodating approximately 4,300 guests are planned for delivery in 2023 and 2025. Princess now has five ships arriving over the next six years between 2019 and 2025. The company is part of Carnival Corporation & plc (NYSE/LSE: CCL; NYSE:CUK).

About Cruise Critic

Cruise Critic® is an online cruise guide, offering a comprehensive resource for cruise travelers, from first-time cruisers to avid cruise enthusiasts. The site features more than 350,000 cruise reviews and hosts the world’s largest online cruise community where travelers share experiences and opinions with fellow cruisers. Cruise Critic was the first consumer cruise site on the Internet, launched in October 1995 by The Independent Traveler, Inc., a subsidiary of TripAdvisor, Inc.

About TripAdvisor

TripAdvisor (NASDAQ:TRIP), the world’s largest travel platform, helps 490 million travelers each month** make every trip their best trip. Travelers across the globe use the TripAdvisor site and app to browse more than 760 million reviews and opinions of 8.3 million accommodations, restaurants, experiences, airlines and cruises. Whether planning or on a trip, travelers turn to TripAdvisor to compare low prices on hotels, flights and cruises, book popular tours and attractions, as well as reserve tables at great restaurants. TripAdvisor, the ultimate travel companion, is available in 49 markets and 28 languages.

The subsidiaries and affiliates of TripAdvisor, Inc. own and operate a portfolio of websites and businesses, including the following travel media brands: www.airfarewatchdog.com, www.bokun.io, www.bookingbuddy.com, www.cruisecritic.com, www.familyvacationcritic.com, www.flipkey.com, www.thefork.com (including www.lafourchette.com, www.eltenedor.com, and www.restorando.com), www.holidaylettings.co.uk, www.holidaywatchdog.com, www.housetrip.com, www.jetsetter.com, www.niumba.com, www.onetime.com, www.oyster.com, www.seatguru.com, www.smartertravel.com, www.tingo.com, www.vacationhomerentals.com and www.viator.com.

LEARNING + TRAVEL: THE SECRETS TO LONG LIFE?

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New Survey Reveals Belief that Travel Plus a Passion for Learning are Key

We’ve all heard the theories that exercise, healthy diet and challenging mind games can help a person live longer with greater mental acuity, but it seems that travel (particularly travel with an educational focus) should be added to that list as well. Road Scholar, the nation’s non-profit leader in educational travel for Boomers and beyond, conducted an online national survey of more than 1,000 men and women, age 55 and older, and found that an overwhelming 85 percent of them believe travel actually can help extend their life. As for the main reason for travel, 43 percent said they travel to learn about other cultures and places. In fact, 26 percent described themselves as lifelong learners. In addition, a full 74 percent of respondents said travel was “important” or “very important” as a way to maintain mental acuity. Road Scholar was built on the belief that learning is the key to a longer and more fulfilled life, and a large number of their survey respondents seem to agree.

“We hear over and over how important learning, coupled with a travel component, is in the lives of Road Scholar participants, but it was fascinating to discover that so many of the people surveyed view travel and learning as synergistic, and the best way to learn about the world,” stated Road Scholar’s President and CEO, Jim Moses. “Road Scholar has always focused on learning, and our educational adventures combine the best of both education and travel.”

Of course, the findings also reflect a shift in current thinking about the role of learning in our lives, particularly as we age, noted Moses. “The concept of learning as an age-based activity for children and young adults is being replaced by a philosophy of the benefits of lifelong learning – an approach to learning that is not just school-based, but experiential, social and intellectual and continuing throughout the course of a person’s life. For many, travel is an ideal way to continue learning new things no matter their age,” he said.

“I definitely think that travel enhances and may contribute to longer life,” said Debbie S., a 65-year-old avid traveler who divides her time between Arlington TX and Presque Isle, WI. “It keeps your brain working. It’s also been proven that if you have passions that you tend to live longer.”

Maxine T., a 73-year-old woman from Walnut Creek, CA, agrees in the power of travel, saying “Each trip leaves us hungry for the next adventure so, I guess we’ll have to live a very long time. There sure is a lot of world to see!”

In addition to longevity, the survey asked respondents to list all the ways they keep their brains active and engaged and gave them a list of methods that included reading/book club, crossword puzzles, continuing education classes, travel, museum visits and attending lectures.

Travel was cited more frequently than any other category, by 69 percent of respondents. Reading and book clubs were a close second at 66 percent, followed by crossword puzzles at 49 percent and museum visits at 42 percent. Continuing education and attending lectures were checked by 36 percent and 31 percent, respectively.

About Road Scholar

Road Scholar is the nation’s largest not-for-profit educational travel organization for adults – a true university of the world. It offers 5,500 programs in 150 countries and 50 states and financial aid for those who otherwise could not participate in its programs. Road Scholar educational adventures are created by Elderhostel, the world leader in educational travel since 1975. Learn more at roadscholar.org

Survey Methodology Details

This survey was conducted by Survata, an independent research firm in San Francisco. Survata interviewed 1000 online respondents between April 22, 2019 and April 28, 2019. Respondents were reached across the Survata publisher network, where they take a survey to unlock premium content, like articles and ebooks. Respondents received no cash compensation for their participation. More information on Survata’s methodology can be found at survata.com/methodology.

The Hotel Concord Receives AAA’s Four Diamond Rating

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Just 6.3 percent of more than 27,000 AAA Inspected & Approved hotels receive the prestigious rating

The Hotel Concord, the Capital City’s newest boutique hotel, has received the coveted AAA Four Diamond designation. Opened in August 2018, The Hotel Concord is honored with this prestigious designation in its first year in operation.

“From its inception, The Hotel Concord was conceived as a premier property with high-end amenities and a premium level of service,” said David V. Shamoian, President & CEO of the Bravo Zulu Hospitality Group. “We are exceptionally proud of the work the ownership group, the design team, and the hotel staff has put into making The Hotel Concord a standout property.”

Hotels at this level are committed to providing every guest with a high degree of hospitality and attentive service in upscale surroundings, according to AAA. Four Diamond rated properties typically offer an extensive array of amenities and guest services.

The Hotel Concord is part of a select group of establishments within North America. Currently, just 1,722 hotels hold the AAA Four Diamond designation and is one of only 8 hotels in New Hampshire

“AAA is pleased to recognize The Hotel Concord as a Four Diamond hotel,” said Michael Petrone, director of AAA Inspections & Diamond Ratings. “These establishments dedicate a significant amount of attention to detail that helps ensure a consistent and memorable guest experience. To uphold the exceptionally high standards required on a daily basis to attain this rating is an outstanding achievement.”

The Hotel Concord is a 38-room boutique hotel located on the fourth and sixth floor of the Capital Commons building in the heart of downtown Concord. It was conceived by developer Michael J. Simchik, managing partner of NH-based 100 Market Group, and is run by Bravo Zulu Hospitality Group, headed by David V. Shamoian, who has brought his 40 years of hospitality industry expertise to the new property, making it the premier hotel in Concord.

The Hotel Concord stands out in the Capital City for its unique rooms and high-end amenities. Each of the spacious rooms is a different shape and size offering guests a distinctive luxury experience, with high-tech features like state-of-the-art climate control systems, wall mounted flat screen televisions, high-speed internet and Amazon Echo Dots. To ensure the highest level of guest comfort, the rooms are also sound-proofed and feature luxury bed linens and bathrobes, California-style closets, mini fridges and well-appointed oversized bathrooms. Some rooms feature balconies with views of New Hampshire’s Capitol Building, Concord’s Main Street and the Merrimack River.

At The Hotel Concord, guests will enjoy a welcoming lobby, comfortable lounge and The Lobbyist Bar, where a light breakfast is served each morning. Executive lounges, function rooms, on-site restaurant O Steaks and Seafood, 24-hour gym and 24-hour certified chief concierge service aim to provide guests of The Hotel Concord with all their travel needs during their stay.

Those interested in an upcoming stay at The Hotel Concord can find booking information at www.hotelconcordnh.com, or by calling 603-504-3500.

About AAA Inspections

For more than 80 years, AAA has used professional inspectors to conduct in-person property evaluations. AAA offers the only rating system using comprehensive, on-site professional hotel and restaurant evaluations guided by member priorities. With a far greater inventory than any other rating entity, AAA’s rating system covers the United States, Canada, Mexico and the Caribbean.

Travelers can find Diamond Rated establishments and inspector insight in AAA’s trip planning products: the AAA Mobile app, the online AAA Travel Guides and Travel Planner and the AAA TourBook guides available to members at AAA offices.

AAA provides more than 59 million members with automotive, travel, insurance and financial services through its federation of 35 motor clubs and nearly 1,100 branch offices across North America. Since 1902, the not-for-profit, fully tax-paying AAA has been a leader and advocate for safe mobility. Drivers can request roadside assistance, identify nearby gas prices, locate discounts, book a hotel or map a route via the AAA Mobile app. To join, visit AAA.com.

About the Hotel Concord

Michael Simchik, the developer of The Capital Commons office building, had a vision for a multi-use building complex with a hotel being the last component of his master plan. The Hotel Concord, along with O’s Steak and Seafood, corporate meeting and event facilities, Red River Theater, attached covered parking, and premier executive office space completes this landmark development. http://www.hotelconcordnh.com

Meet the Tastemakers, Soneva’s Culinary Dream Team

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Renowned for its one-of-a-kind dining experiences, Soneva is inviting guests to meet “The Tastemakers” – the dedicated, international lineup of skilled chefs and sommeliers who create culinary magic every day at Soneva’s world-leading luxury resorts in Thailand and the Maldives.

The Tastemaker film series officially launches tomorrow with a dedicated video on Soneva Fushi’s award-winning Maldivian Chef Sobah and will then roll out new video premieres every other week through early December 2019. The series highlights members of the talented food and beverage teams across Soneva Fushi, Soneva Jani and Soneva Kiri, offering a rare behind-the-scenes glimpse into everyday life in Soneva’s kitchens, as well as insight into each Tastemaker’s personal journey, cooking style and gastronomic philosophy, including:

Chef Benz is the Thai chef named after her father’s favorite brand of car. Discovered by Soneva founders Sonu and Eva, Chef Benz’s unmatched ability to craft exquisite Thai dishes from even the humblest local ingredients has earned her a reputation as one of the country’s most innovative cooking talents.

Chef Sobah is proud of his Maldivian heritage. He is known for putting his own contemporary twist on Maldivian recipes handed down by his mother and grandmother. His original restaurant, Sobah’s, located on a deserted island near Soneva Fushi was the first resort restaurant in the Maldives to exclusively offer Maldivian delicacies. Chef Sobah now delights diners at Out of the Blue by Sobah with modern Japanese fare using fish caught fresh from the ocean that day.

Chef David knew the first time that he walked through the doors of a professional kitchen that he had found his place. From an early age he set his sights on working in the best kitchens in the world. To this day, he claims to have never worked a day in his life – his kitchen is his home and cooking is his passion.

Chef Priyantha is head chef at The Crab Shack at Soneva Jani, possibly the most romantic restaurant in the world. He grew up on a diet of lagoon crabs in Sri Lanka and now serves a menu inspired by the family recipes of Soneva chefs.

Join Chef Ansari and his team as they take you on a gastronomical journey around the world. The menu provides a guide but the real magic happens when the chefs and guests meet, allowing the chefs to use their creativity and passion to produce a meal that will be remembered forever.

Chef Jenefer grew up foraging around her rural home in the Philippines. Her sense of adventure has never left her and how she uses her knowledge of botany and her skills as a chef to present plat-based dishes that look like works of art at Soneva Fushi’s Shades of Green garden restaurant.

From humble beginnings, Chef Ravi used his wits and his charm to persuade those around him to teach him to cook. He has since worked in some of the best restaurants in the world. Visiting his restaurant Down to Earth is like walking into a family home where you will be greeted with a smile, a warm welcome and exquisite food cooked from the heart.

Chef Kichii Okabe blends Japanese tradition with an informality and playfulness that charms his guests. A Japanese grand master chef with a Michelin star heritage, he is on a mission to make people happy, and he knows good food makes people happy.

To discover more about these chefs and to watch the rest of Soneva’s Tastemaker series, visit http://www.soneva.com/the-tastemakers. For more information about Soneva resorts in the Maldives and Thailand, visit www.soneva.com.

Air Italy opens Los Angeles, San Francisco and Toronto sales for summer 2020

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Air Italy is delighted to announce that on March 29th 2020, will be recommencing its flights to Los Angeles, San Francisco and Toronto, reiterating the airline’s commitment to North America in addition to its existing year-round services to New York and Miami.

The airline announced today the opening of sales for its 2020 summer season confirming Summer 2019 destination portfolio and providing an opportunity for early planning for both the trade and the public.

In addition to the above routes, all of the current 2019 summer schedule to Africa: Cairo, Dakar, Accra, Lagos and Sharm el Sheikh are also on sale for 2020.

Air Italy will also be continuing to serve daily multi-frequencies and connections with international flights from Rome, Naples, Palermo, Catania, Lamezia Terme, Cagliari and Olbia,

“Due to the excellent performance of our network during 2019, we are very pleased to be able to announce the commencement of sales for 2020 with the entire network remaining for next summer,” said Rossen Dimitrov, Chief Operating Officer. “This demonstrates our commitment to both the domestic and international market, our network strategy, and our desire to enhance the travel experience for our passengers once more, through early planning opportunities and continued service to our popular destinations.”

Milan Malpensa remains at the core of Air Italy’s 2020 network, with more than 170 weekly frequencies operating from the carrier’s main hub in the peak season, 26 of which are North Atlantic routes as follows:

Milan Malpensa – New York: daily annual

Milan Malpensa – Miami: 5 weekly annual

Milano Malpensa – Los Angeles: 4 weekly summer seasonal

Milano Malpensa – San Francisco: 4 weekly summer seasonal

Milano Malpensa – Toronto: 6 weekly summer seasonal

During the winter season 2019/2020, Air Italy will operate new long-haul seasonal destinations such as Maldives – which will be offered until the end of 2020 Easter holidays – alongside Mombasa and Zanzibar. These new routes will be launched in October 2019 and will be operated by the airline’s A330-200 aircraft during the winter replacing the summer seasonal flights from Milano Malpensa to Los Angeles, San Francisco and Toronto.