LDPR in the News!

How important is celebrity influence in the cruise industry? Read Laura Davidson's take in The Miami Herald's "Showtime for big ships."

The New Rules of Luxury

When it comes to luxury in 2011, what's in? What's out?

No need to wonder anymore thanks to Wendy Perrin's special report in the December issue of Condé Nast Traveler.

Luxury's New Rules
OUT: Conspicuous consumption / IN: Smarter spending
OUT: Conformity / IN: Customization
OUT: Loyalty/ IN: Loyalty programs
OUT: Artifice / IN: Authenticity
OUT: Formal and formulaic / IN: Casual and intuitive
OUT: Hotels curating your in-room experience / IN: Hotels curating your destination experience
OUT: The advertised deal / IN: The invisible deal

....and the list goes on...

To view the full article, click here: http://www.concierge.com/cntraveler/articles/503330

VILLA GROUP RESORTS TO UNVEIL FIRST HOTEL IN CANCUN

**VILLA DEL PALMAR CANCUN OPENS PHASE ONE IN DECEMBER 2010**

The ocean is the star at the new Villa del Palmar Cancun, where every room features a balcony and a view of the sparkling indigo waters. This luxury beach hotel, the most recent addition to The Villa Group Resorts collection, will open Phase One on December 24, 2010 with 150 rooms and suites, just in time for the holidays. All rooms will feature private terraces with ocean views, kitchenettes, spa tubs and modern conveniences including flat-screen TVs, and high-speed internet access. One and two-bedroom suites will offer distinct living rooms, separate bathtubs and showers, fully-equipped kitchens and a washer/dryer. Three ultra-luxurious 1,600-square-foot two-bedroom penthouses will be outfitted with oversized terraces with patio whirlpools overlooking the ocean. Guests will have access to two gourmet full-service restaurants on property; an outdoor lounge serving sushi in the evenings; a Tiki beach bar opening in February 2011; two outdoor pools–one for adults only, with a pool butler to cater to their every whim; four Jacuzzis and an activities center. For spa-lovers, two massage huts will be located in the pool area.

When the multi-phase project is complete in December 2011, the oceanfront resort, part of the Playa Mujeres complex eight miles north of Cancun’s hotel zone, will feature a total of 415 rooms, three pools, as well as four outdoor Jacuzzis, fitness room, world-class spa, and full-service water activities center.

Introductory rates start at $186 per person, per night all-inclusive, based on double occupancy (December 24, 2010-January 2, 2011), and $142 per person, per night all-inclusive, based on double occupancy (January 3-April 15, 2011). These rates represent a 60% discount! An added 30% off winter rates (starting January 3) will be offered to travel agents who become Villa Group experts - $99 per person, per night all-inclusive, based on double occupancy. For more information about The Villa Group Resorts, including reservations, please visit www.villagroupresorts.com or call 888-844-8169.

About The Villa Group

The Villa Group was founded in 1984 and is one of Mexico’s leading privately owned hotel, resort and real estate development companies. Their portfolio includes beachfront destination resorts, exclusive fractional and full ownership luxury real estate developments, and a secluded mountaintop boutique retreat. The collection includes: Cabo San Lucas – Villa La Estancia, Villa del Arco, Villa del Palmar and Hotel Santa Fe; Puerto Vallarta – Villa del Palmar, Garza Blanca Preserve and Villa del Mar; Nuevo Vallarta – Villa del Palmar Flamingos and Villa La Estancia; Sierra Madre Mountain Range – Sierra Lago Resort & Spa. Additionally, Villa del Palmar and Villa La Estancia multi-property developments are scheduled to open in Loreto in 2011. For more information visit www.VillaGroupResorts.com. Follow Villa Group Resorts on www.facebook.com/villagroup and www.twitter.com/villagroup.