Waikiki's first and only beachfront spa will open in the Moana in early 2008. The new spa will feature 14 treatment rooms, including two couple's massage rooms and a 1,400-square-foot fitness facility.
The spacious courtyard, new outdoor tables, chairs and umbrellas in the updated beachfront Banyan Court will invite guests to relax under the shade of the hotel's historic banyan tree, and the Moana will continue to provide historical tours, immersing visitors in the history of the hotel and early turn-of-the-century Waikiki in the second-floor Historical Room on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at 11 a.m. and 5 p.m.
For more information, call 866-716-8140 or visit www.starwoodhotelshawaii.com/ms.cfm.
MOUNTAINS TO MEET
Whistler and Blackcomb mountains in British Columbia will be united by a gondola that will set world records for length and height, scheduled to open in December 2008. The Peak to Peak Gondola will travel 2.7 miles in just 11 minutes, transporting winter and summer guests from Whistler's Roundhouse Lodge to the Rendezvous Lodge on Blackcomb Mountain, providing unprecedented access to both mountains' expansive and unique high alpine terrain and spectacular vistas.
Skiers and riders will be able to take advantage of 8,171 acres of terrain encompassed by both mountains, via the world's longest continuous lift system. Summer visitors will have spectacular views of glaciers and peaks as well as access to an expanded hiking trail network on both mountains.
With 28 sky cabins each holding up to 28 people, total capacity will be 4,100 passengers per hour. The Peak to Peak terminal on Whistler Mountain will be located next to the Roundhouse Lodge and can be accessed from the valley by the Village Gondola. On Blackcomb Mountain, the Peak to Peak terminal will be located next to the Rendezvous Lodge and accessed from the valley via the Wizard Express and Solar Coaster Express. The highest vertical point is over Fitzsimmons Creek at 1,361 feet, the world's highest distance above a valley floor.
FYI: For more information, visit www.whistlerblackcomb.com/peaktopeak.
EXOTIC INDIA
Oberoi Hotels Exotic Vacations 2007 package offers eight-, 10- and 12-night stays in India available through Sept. 30, (from May 1 through June 30 at The Oberoi Vanyavilas, Ranthambhore). The package allows guests to enjoy an eight-night stay for $2,600, a 10-night stay for $3,100 or a 12-night stay for $3,300. Booked independently of this offer, room rates range from $600 to $700 per night.
The Exotic Vacations 2007 package includes accommodations for two in a deluxe room or luxury tent, round-trip transfers from the nearest airport or railway station, a 25% discount on treatments at each on-site Oberoi spas, and complimentary yoga sessions and cooking classes at The Oberoi Vanyavilas.
At least one night must be spent at The Oberoi Mumbai or The Oberoi New Delhi. Guests can choose from seven participating hotels and resorts throughout the country.
FYI: For further details, visit www.oberoihotels.com or call 800-223-6800.
