Montvale, NJ (April 2006) � Dolce International announced it is taking
a fresh and innovative approach to current Dolce-managed development projects
through 2007. The global hospitality company specializing in the meetings
experience has four major projects underway which include two new properties
slated to be opened: Zermatt Resort & Spa in Utah and La Hulpe in Belgium;
and an expansion and renovation at Lakeway Resort and Spa in Texas and
Aspen Meadows Resort in Colorado.
Andy Dolce, Chairman and Managing Partner of Dolce International stated,
�Dolce properties are already recognized for their unsurpassed meeting
expertise and their unique character. After speaking to customers and analyzing
trends, we are implementing a blueprint that keeps each property unique
by infusing the local natural environment with individual decorative composition
and cutting edge technology. We believe the environment, both the interior
and exterior, of our conference properties has a profound impact on the
total guest experience.� The company is committed to enhancing the
learning and leisure experience by providing an atmosphere that will stimulate,
motivate and encourage interaction.
ZERMATT
RESORT & SPA, Midway, Utah
Zermatt Resort & Spa is an escape to a quaint Swiss village in
the heart of Utah. Artisans are pain-stakingly hand painting murals and
frescos. Wood carvers are creating such unique elements as a William Tell
fireplace, statues for the grounds-both inside and out as well as carving
large ceiling beams. With the Rocky Mountains as a backdrop, Zermatt
will make you believe you are in the Alps. A European style
carousel and sidewalk dining, an authentic bakery and gelato shop are all
part of the Swiss touches. The focal point is Hotel der Baer, a four-story
Swiss chalet, with 226 guest rooms that tastefully fuse European elegance
with modern day technology. Amenities include a 17,000 square-foot
European spa and a nine-hole executive golf course. The chic mountain retreat
also lays claim to a natural phenomena - geothermal hot springs, which
can be used in the winter for scuba diving or relaxing. The Matterhorn
Conference Center, linked to Hotel der Baer, includes 28,000 square feet
of meeting space with a ballroom designed to look like the elaborate grand
banquet halls of old Europe. The property is slated for a June 2006 opening
and already has meetings on the books through 2008.
DOLCE LA HULPE CONFERENCE RESORT & SPA , Brussels
The
boldly modern Dolce La Hulpe is the company�s first property in Belgium.
Dolce La Hulpe�s location � 10 miles from Brussels city center, in the
Soignes forest � serves as the inspiration for the design of this resort.
From the public spaces to the guest rooms, the hotel brings the wooded
nature in with floor-to-ceiling windows throughout, exposing magnificent
views and offering soothing natural light. This is fused with the
modernity of Belgium�s trendy capital city revealed by the use of a simple
and clean design and stark solid dark wood furnishings. The full-service
hotel and conference destination will offer 264 generously sized guest
rooms, styled in a highly contemporary open floor plan with a loft-like
feel. The ultra-modern design will allow natural light to flow through
the bedroom area into the bathrooms. For meetings, the two conference centers
will offer a total of 47,400 square feet of meeting space, divided by the
hotel wing located in the center of the property. Dolce La Hulpe
is scheduled to open February 2007.
LAKEWAY RESORT & SPA, Austin, Texas
A Futuristic glass structure is part of the $15 million upgrade
of the legendary, Lakeway Resort and Spa, situated on the shores of Lake
Travis. The redesign features oversized windows throughout to allow guests
to enjoy the expansive and breathtaking views, and bring in much natural
light. By April 2006, all 170 guest rooms, many with private
balconies to enjoy the views, will be remodeled in contemporary furnishings
and new soft goods, using a neutral color palate and feature luxurious
beds and bedding, spacious desk areas and flat screen televisions.
Extending out over Lake Travis, the main building will house: a 5,500 square-foot
state-of-the-art spa and fitness center, with 6 treatment rooms; and a
conference center with 20,000 square feet of flexible meeting space, breakout
meeting rooms, and the 5,200 square foot �Glass Ballroom� with a wall of
windows sitting right out on the water. Another highlight of the
redesign is a $1.8 million dollar, three-level infinity pool overlooking
Lake Travis. New concepts in cuisine and décor will improve the
dining areas. The resort has already seen changes: At the recently
reopened Vista Bar, a cleverly designed cherry wood bar which extends 30
feet high to the ceiling, and holds 500 bottles of wine, has become a focal
talking piece and a unique gathering place for groups. The resort
will complete its redevelopment in October 2006. Lakeway�s commitment to
outstanding service has helped keep sales strong through the renovations
with occupancy and revenues exceeding budget to date.
ASPEN MEADOWS RESORT & SPA, Colorado
Taking full advantage of its surroundings, Aspen Meadows Resort will
more than exude serenity following its expansion, redesign and makeover.
Situated on a remote 40 acres, encircled by the Colorado Rockies and two
beautiful rivers, a highlight of the redo is the transformation of the
fitness center into a true wellness center promoting the idea of mind,
body and spirit. The Resnick Wellness Center will offer areas for
massage, Yoga and Pilates. Emphasis will be placed on teaching healthy
cooking, eating and proper exercise. A 22,000 square foot Doerr-Hosier
Conference Center will also be constructed. The innovative design of this
building will draw energy from the natural elements of the site and integrate
them directly into the building. Other additions include an elegant and
contemporary restaurant offering sweeping views of the surrounding area.
The entrance and lobby area have recently been redecorated and all 98 spacious
guest suites will be totally renovated, complete with Plasma flat screen
televisions. The resort will remain open through the duration of the renovations,
which are expected to be completed in early 2007. Aspen Meadows continues
to be a strong performer with showing a steady increase in occupancy and
revenues over the past 24 months.
Steve Giblin, President and COO said, �We are constantly reinventing
what a meeting experience should be at a Dolce Destination. We regularly
seek feedback from our customers and our approach is a reflection of our
rapidly evolving, savvy customer. Our Associates work hard to maintain
our loyal base of customers as well as to attract a new generation of customers.
By keeping our destinations fresh, cutting edge and technologically advanced
we feel we have an advantage. The steady sales growth we have experienced
is a reflection of the strengthening economy and the approach we have taken.
We are expecting 2006 to be an extremely strong year and all indications
are pointing to a strong first quarter with RevPar projected to be up about
22 percent which is well above the industry.
About Dolce International:
Dolce International is a global hospitality company specializing in
the meetings experience for its customers. The company has a collection
of 21 unique properties in the United States, Canada and Europe.
Each property features a different style ranging from a historic castle,
to an authentic alpine village, to a New England-style country resort,
to a French chateau, to a traditional corporate learning center.
All Dolce Destinations meet the high standards of the International Association
of Conference Centers (IACC). While Dolce International specializes
in the meetings niche of the hospitality industry, the company also caters
to leisure travelers, individual business travelers and offers a variety
of venues for events. Headquartered in Montvale, New Jersey and Paris,
France, the company has approximately 3,000 employees. Dolce is currently
celebrating its 25th Anniversary.
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