Rocco Forte Collection

The Rocco Forte Collection are opening the Verdura Golf and Spa Resort in Sicily, which will be the group’s first resort property.

2010 will also see launches in Marrakech, Abu Dhabi and Jeddah.

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A Room With A View?

Gordon Campbell-Gray, the genius behind One Aldwych and Carlisle Bay is launching a new hotel in June. Le Gray Hotel will be located in the Solidere area of Beirut and will have 87 rooms most of which are suites, with two restaurants and bars.

The Seychelles sees a new resort opening from Four Seasons. The Four Seasons Resort Seychelles has 67 stilted villas at Petit Anse Bay. the resort includes 28 private residences in the 170-acre grounds.

Upcoming - Expect new Mandarin Oriental Hotels this year in Barcelona, Las Vegas and Marrakech.

and finally...Hotel Du Vin has opened a new 47 room hotel in Edinburgh.

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Sloane Street Welcomes Missoni

Missoni has just opened its first standalone London store on fabulous Sloane Street. It will retail men's and womenswear, including a dedicated eveningwear section.

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Strutt Couture and Zandra Rhodes put their best foot forward for 2010

Strutt Couture, the iconic British footwear brand, is excited to announce that it is to team up with Zandra Rhodes for its forthcoming Spring Summer 2010 collection.

The world renowned designer, Zandra Rhodes, is to work exclusively with Strutt Couture over the next five years to bring some of her signature British styles to this already fashion savvy footwear brand.

The collection to be known as Zandra Rhodes by Strutt Couture will expand on Strutt’s commitment to style, design innovation, colour and attitude to create affordable accessorising with designer desirability for its already huge fan base.

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Louise Kennedy Opening

Louise Kennedy is delighted to announce the opening of her newest boutique in the beautiful surroundings of The Ritz-Carlton, Powerscourt County Wicklow. The boutique which is prominently positioned in the lobby of the hotel showcases Louise Kennedy’s ready to wear fashion collections, alongside her collection for Tipperary Crystal and a choice of luxurious interior accessories and exclusive objets d'arts.

This is the latest addition to the growing Louise Kennedy fashion emporium. The Boutique at The Ritz-Carlton, Powerscourt joins her flagship store in 56 Merrion Square and Belgravia in London as well as concessions in Brown Thomas, Dublin, and Harrods London.

Commenting on the new opening, Mr. Allan Federer, General Manager of the Ritz-Carlton, Powerscourt said "The Ritz-Carlton, Powerscourt is delighted that renowned Irish designer Louise Kennedy has opened a boutique within the lobby of our hotel. The Ritz-Carlton and Louise Kennedy brands have an excellent synergy and we are sure that the boutique will offer a high standard of service and superior quality goods to Ritz-Carlton guests and local customers".

Louise Kennedy has become synonymous with modern sophistication and elegant design. Her newest boutique epitomises her elegant and sophisticated style resulting in a truly unique retail experience.

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If The Shoe Fits

We hear Yohji Yamamoto has joined forces with Ferragamo for a new shoe line. The lines will appear in the Fall under the label Salvatore Ferragamo for Yohji Yamamoto.

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Fancy Owning A Stake In Brioni?

Brioni could soon be be offering shares to new investors. Rumours are rife that the brand is now looking to sell a stake of upto 25%, with a view to a listing within the next few years. Here at the Season Diary, we love Brioni, now where did we put that spare €120m?

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Paul Smith Opens San Francisco

Paul Smith has opened his new store in San Francisco. The 4000 sq ft store on Geary Street is his second store opening in California. A new store in Las Vegas is due to open in the Fall 2009. He has also recently opened his third store in Paris, slightly smaller than San Francisco at 430 sq ft, it will contain several exclusive pieces.

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IT'S EASY FOR DOGS TO "GO GREEN" AT LOEWS HOTELS

04/08/2009

Canines Can Take an Environmentally-Friendly "Grrreen Dog" Vacation this Earth Day

NEW YORK (April 8, 2009) - As part of its commitment to the environment, Loews Hotels encourages even its furriest guests to do their part in promoting responsible, sustainable consumption (literally). The new Loews "Grrreen Dog" package features a specially created "Dog Gone Green" room service meal, a veterinarian approved healthy feast which mixes locally grown ingredients from neighborhood farms with a lot of love. The "Grrreen Dog" package will launch on Earth Day (April 22, 2009) and features several additional earth-friendly components.

Available April 22 - September 5, 2009, "Grrreen Dog" package rates vary by hotel, starting at $119 per night. Package includes:

* A one-night stay at one of Loews Hotels 17 properties for guests and their pet
* "Dog Gone Green" room service meal with local ingredients (see recipe below)
* A Loews Hotels 100 % organic cotton bandana made by Go Doggie Go Green™
* A Zogoflex™ Huck, an environmentally-friendly toy by West Paw Design ®

Loews Hotels commissioned Go Doggie Go Green™ to create the custom 100 % organic cotton bandanas. Go Doggie Go Green™ products are made in America and are 100% organic - the cotton is washed (not bleached) and only environmentally friendly vegetable/plant base inks are used. More information on Go Doggie Go Green™ is available at www.GoDoggieGoGreen.com.

Loews Hotels selected West Paw Design to supply the toys because the company creates products with minimal environmental impact by using nontoxic, organic or recyclable materials for all canine products. The Huck toys are a perfect fit for dogs of all sizes and are strong enough to last through endless hours of fetch or rough housing. Made with nontoxic, durable and pliable material, the Huck can also be recycled. Its bright key lime green color assures that owners will not lose sight of their pet's new favorite toy, in the hotel room or the back yard.

Since the introduction of the Loews Loves Pets program nearly a decade ago, many VIPs (Very Important Pets) have made Loews Hotels their home away from home, enjoying the special treatment and privileges that are offered at all of the chain's properties in the U.S. and Canada. As part of the Loews Loves Pets program, each visiting VIP can travel in first-class comfort with gourmet room service, specialized bedding, a pet amenity and guest services designed to make pets and their owners feel right at home.

The Loews "Grrreen Dog" package is subject to availability and is bookable at 17 Loews Hotels in the U.S. and Canada. For more information or to book, call 1-800-23-LOEWS or visit www.loewshotels.com.

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