Ritz Putting On The Club In New Markets

June 9th, 2006 at 06:55am Post Staff 43

Fractional real estate properties were not invented in Aspen, but both the St. Regis and the Ritz-Carlton chains have used the city to prove out the concept that has taken the local real estate market by storm. They like they idea so much they are spreading it across the country to take full advantage of the fractional frenzy.

“This has been the signature,” Ritz Highlands spokesperson Tina Necrason told Aspen Post, “and our model for finding like locations.”

The latest news from the Ritz is that they are expanding two properties in Hawaii—Kapalua in Maui and a second location on the Big Island. The luxury hotel company opened new properties in February 2006 in San Francisco, California; and South Beach, Florida. Those are all in addition to the Ritz Club in Beaver Creek, Colorado; Jupiter, Florida; St. Thomas, Virgin Islands; and Highlands.

“Our locations are very expensive,” Necrason said.

It all began in Aspen.

The Ritz Highlands and The Sanctuary in Snowmass pioneered the fractional concept in 2000-2001, with St. Regis Residence Clubs, the Hyatt Grand Aspen, and the Residence at The Little Nell (still under construction) close behind. Other fractionals in the works in Aspen include the Innsbruck Inn, The Limelight, the Dancing Bear, the Chart House, Hotel Aspen, and the Boomerang Chalets. In Basalt, the Roaring Fork Club is the available for fractional ownership.

SOURCE: The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas
$40 Million Expansion and Renovation at The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas Adds Significant New Amenities and Services

Presidential Suites, Stylish Villas, Guestroom Suites, Concierge Club Level, Spa, Salon and Fitness, Restaurants and Lounges
ST. THOMAS, U.S. Virgin Islands, May 19 /PRNewswire/ -- The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas will begin an extensive $40 million renovation and enhancement project this summer, to be completed in time for the December 2006 holiday season. The plan reflects a return to the more intimate, casually elegant feel of the resort, which has made it one of the Caribbean's favorite retreats for the sophisticated traveler.
"The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas has always been an acclaimed retreat, appreciated for its Caribbean views, tropical design and relaxed lifestyle. The enhancement plans will only add luster to this exclusive jewel of a resort, in one of the world's finest destinations, the U.S. Virgin Islands," said Simon F. Cooper, president and chief operating officer, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C.
The lavish renovation plans will include the addition of a private key-activated Club Lounge featuring 55 guestrooms, 16 executive suites, 4 presidential suites and two exclusively designed villas, offering breathtaking views of the Caribbean Sea and neighboring islands. To offer today's affluent and discerning traveler a place even better than home, every area of the resort experience has been evaluated to enhance the comforts and lifestyle experience. This includes the addition of rain showers and free standing soaking tubs. In addition, all guestroom buildings, walkways, balconies and facades will be refreshed with new stones and tile surface. Guestrooms will be renovated with light airy Caribbean colors to reflect the ambiance of this exclusive enclave.
To further the lavish lifestyle of The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas, the spa experience will be enhanced by the addition of eight luxurious treatment rooms and open-air cabanas. All spa treatments will feature plant extracts and essential oils for the most natural approach to skincare. From its West Indies decor to the "spice-infused" scents present throughout the facility, all elements of this uniquely designed wellness center have been created to capture the island's tropical feel, while embracing its natural resources. To complement the spa experience, guests will also enjoy a state-of-the-art Fitness Facility offering a wide variety of cardiovascular and weight-training equipment. Additionally, a separate motion studio for yoga, pilates and aerobics will enhance the wellness experience.
Other exciting expansion plans include the hotel's acclaimed restaurants, which will offer exquisite dining experiences. Ocean's is an eclectic and chic island fish and seafood restaurant, which will be extended and fully air- conditioned. Sails at water's edge, an oceanfront restaurant, will be refigured, and enlarged with a sailing ship roof cover offering open air all- day dining directly on the Caribbean Sea. A lively gathering spot, Great Bay Grill & Bar will offer a new living room and verandah style setting with views of the ocean and neighboring islands.
Nestled within a 30-acre beachfront estate, The Ritz-Carlton, St. Thomas features a total of 180 guestrooms and suites. The resort blends classic European elegance with the traditional warmth of the Caribbean. Peach stucco walls and coppertine roofs are complemented by bubbling fountains and hidden courtyards, while colorful tropical fruits, flowers and plants provide a striking contrast to the turquoise-blue waters of the Great Bay Marine Reserve. The award-winning resort was named the "Best Resort in the Caribbean" in Conde Nast Traveler magazine, ranked among the Top Three Caribbean resorts in Travel + Leisure magazine and on The Travel Channel's "World's Best Resorts in the Caribbean" program.
For information and reservations, please call (800) 241-3333, access the web site at http://www.ritzcarlton.com or contact a travel professional.

Entry Filed under: Hotels, Vail, Aspen, Travel, Fractional Post