What's Floating Around Cloud 9? 29 February 2016

Welcome to another week of the Cloud ⁹ blog – Today we are delighted to announce our special guest blog by our friends at Brackenburys Britain.

The East Midlands - the place to be.

Think of English tourism and London, Stratford, Stonehenge (and perhaps the odd place in the North may be York or the Lake District?) will come to mind. But the East Midlands….where?

Think again. The East Midlands is probably one of the most under-rated tourist destinations in the country. 

Is walking and the open air your interest? If so, the Peak District gives some of the most varied and beautiful countryside in which to walk in England. It’s no surprise that the area became its first National Park in 1951. From the peat covered gritstone moorlands of Kinder Scout and Bleaklow in the north of the park to the limestone gorges of the trout-filled River Dove of the South, the Peak District is criss-crossed with thousands of miles of delightful paths.

What about history and heritage? Most people have heard of Lincoln Cathedral, one of Europe’s finest. Not so many will have heard of Southwell with its beautiful Norman Minster but, sitting in the midst of a small country town, it is a delightful place to visit. Historic houses abound.  Chatsworth, Kedleston and perhaps Hardwick will be known to many outside the region but what about Bolsover, and Belvoir Castles, Belton House or Haddon Hall? They are all fascinating places to visit and there is enough to keep the house-bagger busy for months, never mind a few days break.

Historical sites abound. King John died at Newark Castle in 1216. Lincoln Castle, 15 miles away, houses one of the few surviving copies of Magna Carta that he was forced to sign the year before. Richard the Third had a bad time in Leicestershire at the end of the War of the Roses and now rests in the city. The English Civil War started in Nottingham in 1642 and came to an end in the County four years later. Excellent new museums have been built to showcase these events in the last few years in Newark, Leicester and Lincoln and there is a massive project underway to redevelop Nottingham Castle.

If culture is more your “bag”, then there is plenty with which to engage. Leicester and Nottingham have excellent classical music scenes with Nottingham, in particular, “punching above its weight“ with its international concert series and regular visits from first rank opera, ballet and theatre companies. Those interested in art, whether contemporary classical, have a wide choice of venues no better illustrated by the “East Midlands Grand Tour” linking the collections of Nottingham Contemporary, Derby City Gallery, Chatsworth house and the Harley Gallery at Welbeck this summer.  

If all of this seems a little worthy, then the fact that Nottingham, Leicester, Lincoln, Loughborough and Derby all boast universities leads to a vibrant environment for students and the young. The nightlife of Nottingham is legendary attracting groups from across the country. The cities and towns offer excellent shopping facilities often with regional specialities. Sport is a huge “draw” with Nottingham possessing the iconic Trent Bridge cricket ground and Leicester a football team taking the Premier division by storm as well as one of the best rugby teams I the country.

 

So, why wait? Pay a visit.

What's Floating Around Cloud 9? 22 February 2016

Welcome to another week of the Cloud 9 blog - Today we are delighted to announce our special guest blog by our friends at Melia Hotels.

As a new starter in any role it is difficult to get to grips with the product, not least when you join a global hotel chain with 350 properties in 22 countries worldwide! So how is someone brand new to role going to succeed at representing some of its key MICE properties? Answer = research, lots of hard work and then the best bit -  travel & fam visits ! 

Here are a selection of my thoughts and musings as to my January spent travelling to some of Melia’s key MICE properties!

Meliá Costa del Sol

No surprises here working for a Spanish company – I started my trip flying into Malaga, to see some of our properties on the Costa del Sol.

I started my trip at the Meliá Costa del Sol which is appropriately well-equipped for MICE clients!  The Costa del Sol refers to the area that stretches across the province of Malaga and Meliá Costa del Sol is a short 20 minute drive from Malaga airport taking you through some picturesque towns and along the promenade.

A 538 room hotel, Meliá Costa del Sol is spectacularly modern – and I am taken aback when I am informed that they are just about to embark on a refurbishment programme of some of the bedrooms.  We are shown the pilot rooms that have already been refurbished and it’s nice to see a touch of modernity in the rooms – a splash of colour and an update here or there really do make the difference to the weary business traveller.

The pool area will also be refurbished with a modernisation of a few of the outdoor spaces, meaning MICE clients will have plenty of space to  host outdoor functions during peak seasons if this is on the cards.

But the best thing about the Meliá Costa del Sol is its own purpose built, very new and modern convention centre located right next door.  3 years old now, the convention centre at the Meliá Costa del Sol is proving to be ideally located for business meetings that want it all – professional facilities with great all round service and catering (a dedicated events team are on hand), with a flexible, cost effective and modern hotel attached – not to mention the beach and the sea!  The largest spaces within the convention centre seat up to 400 delegates meaning it is ideally positioned for those medium sized business events, and the centre is already proving popular with international clients. 

The impressive convention centre at the Melia Costa del Sol.

Floor to ceiling windows overlooking the playa make for an impressive backdrop for meetings.

With great rooms, flexible rates and a purpose built convention centre, all at 20 x minutes’ drive from an international airport – just how long is it before this property becomes one of Europe’s leading convention centres?

  

Our next stop is the Gran Melia Don Pepe… one of first hotels in Marbella – the Gran Melia Don Pepe is – I am reliably informed – is the Gran-daddy of hotels in Marbella and indeed the Costa del Sol, having opened in 1964.  The distance to the airport in Malaga is just over the half hour mark, making it a nice easy trip to get to.

The Don Pepe has the sort of reputation that only years of success can make and as you walk into the huge and impressive space in the foyer (hello indoor water features, oysters and caviar and T bone grill restaurant to name but a few of the catering options)

Walking around it is clear that gastronomy is important to this hotel – the ground floor includes a bespoke ‘Darcis’ chocolatier and a whisky lounge, both of which are reasonably populated even on a dull Wednesday afternoon.

 Billed as an “urban resort” the hotel literally has everything you could possibly need within its grounds (several further catering options too many to mention are located adjacent to the pool and beachside)

It’s also well established as an extremely high quality venue for meetings and incentives – several high profile corporate clients are in attendance as we walk round.  The largest meeting room (Salon Picasso) – offers space for up to 260 x persons in theatre style seating,

The resort – I am told – has its own microclimate and this is particularly apparent whilst I am there, with blazing sunshine over the pool and the beach (both of which are still empty at the time of year).

Perfect for business and leisure, the Gran Melia Don Pepe is an experience in itself – and I will be recommending the property to groups and incentives that want that quintessential service and slightly grown up “wow” factor that the Gran Melia brand is renowned for.

Alicante– Melia Alicante

It’s my first time in Alicante and despite a swift transfer straight from the airport to the hotel, I cannot help but notice the city which seems to have just the right mixture of old and modern, as well as, of course most importantly – the beach and the sunshine! 

The weather, when we arrive is a “chilly” 18 degrees – and whilst the locals are wrapped up in coats and scarves my colleague and I debate whether or not we can find the time for a quick dip in the beautiful turquoise sea (update-we don’t find the time but having literally dipped a toe in the water I can confirm the Winter temperatures here are very acceptable)!

The hotel is located right on a peninsula jutting out to the sea – one of the sides overlooks the Port of Alicante, one the beach – no bad views! Looming over the hotel is the beautiful and historical Castillo de Santa Bárbara, which provides a spectacular backdrop as I sit down to catch up on my emails after a long day…

The magnificent Castillo de Santa Barbara overlooks the hotel.

 

Sea views from Melia Alicante

One of the most fabulous things about Melia is it’s 5* level service and the Melia Alicante has recently re-done it’s ‘Level’ facility to outstanding effect.  Now an adult’s only Level facility (finally!) – it includes all the usual services the level usually provides and with the addition of a private balcony with a private “level” infinity pool overlooking the beach and the sea!!

The private, adult’s only level infinity pool at the Melia Alicante.

But to business – as well as the impressive façade of the hotel and all it offers inside, I am pleased to see the meeting rooms are really quite fantastic too! Typified by the floor to ceiling windows that a number of our (beachfront) properties are characterised by, the rooms are light, airy and easily located within the hotel (most of the meeting space is on one level) – and mostly with sea views.

Melia Villaitana:

This property absolutely blew me away and was like nothing I had ever seen before!! The Melia Villaitana is a 4* property, built in the style of a mock Mediterranean village.  Over the sprawling complex (which includes 2 x golf courses and numerous dining options and of course meeting and convention facilities – more later…) each building is modelled on different architectural styles of the region…and more importantly the history of this is detailed and appreciated - for example the 5* part of the hotel is modelled on a convent just South of Alicante!!

The main entrance is very impressive and as I enter I am struck by the “cupula” – the domed entrance hall – the interior of which is an impressive multi-purpose space used for weddings, banquets and all types of meetings and events.

The Cupula.

With over 500 bedrooms, including 100 x level rooms and an exclusive “Level” pool, the hotel is ideal for a wide range of business travellers, and whilst my visit is in the January off-season (the hotel is closed in non-peak periods) I am informed that they offer a range of dining options, and significant flexibility to groups (exciting and innovative catering options for MICE groups include typical local street food).

Now to the most important part – what’s the meeting space like ?!?  Well, as one of our key properties for MICE business, the Villaitana can host up to 1,200 pax in its largest space for a plenary auditorium. 

Because it’s a – quite simply -  huge - resort hotel, it seems like the space is a little expansive on first view but the signposting (again all in its own very individual style) and the style of the property almost gives you a sense of place – what is better for an evening social function than to have it located in its very own and exclusive Plaza Real, or in the Cloisters.

Being outside of Alicante and a resort in its own right, it is important for there to be things to do for delegates and that’s where the Villaitana comes into its own…

Overlooking the Villaitana sits the imposing Terra Mitika Park – a theme park that can open on request and works nicely for delegates. And nearby – as well as the two bustling cities of Alicante and Benidorm, you have Altea – a quintessential / typical Mediterranean village peppered with very typical local-still restaurants, delegates can take a wander, sample the local food and culture.

Sunset on a cold January in Alicante !

At the end of several weeks travelling, it is clear that my journey with Melia is only just beginning but it’s interesting to see the synergy across some of the brands and to understand how the Melia service translates across different cultures.

Next stop: Madrid where we have 22 properties - http://www.melia.com/en/hotels/spain/madrid/home.htm not forgetting to make time for a spot of tapas before we leave of course!

Viva Espana !

For more info on any Melia Hotels International properties, please contact Lisa Carter, Global Sales Account Manager, MICE UK on 00447775 796 197 or lisa.carter@melia.com

That's all for this week,  see you next time!

What's Floating Around Cloud 9? 15 February 2016

Welcome to another week and it's crackers as ever here at Cloud 9 Towers. Friday was the deadline for the Midlands Media Student Awards which we run for the Birmingham Press Club and also the first official deadline for the CHS Awards which we run for the CHS Group - and for anyone panicking they have missed the deadline for CHS, fear not, the deadline has been extended for a couple of weeks more so still plenty of time to get your entries in!

In other news this week Paula is signed up for the WINiT European Conference and Drinks Reception which is hosted by the Luxury Hotels Group and being held in the Grand Ballroom at the Montcalm Hotel in London on 22 February.

Highlights include Craig Kreeger, Chief Executive, Virgin Atlantic Airways as keynote speaker, and panel discussions on negotiating skills and dealing with challenging people - always a useful tip in this business!

Hosted by Luxury Hotels Group in partnership with Women in Travel’s European conference and the Business Travel Show 2016, this is a rare opportunity to debate the industry's key issues and meet the people who could make a difference to your business in 2016 and beyond. Naturally, networking will be accompanied by drinks and delectable canapés, in the prestigious setting of the Ballroom at the Montcalm.

The event precedes the The Business Travel Show, held annually in London for more than 20 years, which is Europe’s largest specialised exhibition and conference bringing together 7,424 European travel professionals. 

This long established and reputable event provides corporate travel buyers and managers with the suppliers, knowledge and contacts to help create and develop successful travel programmes.

In other news this week we are also finally planning to get round to following up with all of the great people we met at CONFEC Red which was held in Abu Dhabi a couple of weeks ago.

Held in an exclusive and intimate results-oriented setting, CONFEC Red 2016 bought together the United Kingdom’s top agencies, corporate and incentive organisers to meet with international major and emerging hotel chains, individual properties, unusual venues, convention bureaux, tourist boards and DMCs to participate in a series of one-on-one meetings over two dedicated business days.

It was pretty exhausting but highly enjoyable and the venue was certainly a great one - the Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal which had a luxury beach, and amazing pool and whilst the schedule meant there was very little time for sunbathing, we did manage a quick dip and a little sun!

So that's it for this week, busy, busy and we wish everyone a great week! 

What's Floating Around Cloud 9? 8 February 2016

Welcome to another week and we're a bit late this week as its been so manic, we are a bit behind so whilst we play catch up here at Cloud 9 Towers, we thought we celebrate Pancake Day with you instead....

Pancake Day has been celebrated by Britons for centuries. Also known also as Shrove Tuesday, its exact date changes every year, because it is dictated by when Easter falls. But it is always the day preceding Ash Wednesday (the first day of Lent), and always falls in February or March. This year, you'll need to get your pans ready for tomorrow,  Tuesday 9 February.

So why Pancakes? Well traditionally, pancakes were eaten on this day to use up foods like eggs and milk before the 40-day fast of Lent began. But although its a Christian tradition, many also believe Pancake Day might originate in a pagan holiday, when eating round pancakes symbolising the sun were a way of celebrating the arrival of spring. 

It's not very Spring like here to be honest, it's not stopped raining for days but we'll still be giving our flipping skills a try here, but just why do we flip pancakes and enjoy it so much?

As well as making and eating pancakes, we Brits love to hold pancake races, where people run while flipping their pancakes in a pan. Legend has it that the tradition was born in the 15th century when a particularly disorganised woman in Buckinghamshire rushed to church to confess her sins while mid-way through making pancakes. We hope she gave one to the priest?!

So enjoy your pancakes and if you decide to try a creative spin on the usual flat round boring ones with a little lemon or sugar, you might decide to give these a try instead - with thanks to the very talented Jim at Jim's Pancakes for his amazing inspirational ideas and great photographs...

Have a great week and normal service will resume next week!

What's Floating Around Cloud 9? 1 February 2016

Welcome to another week and hello February - blimey, January seems to have flown by! 

So what does the month ahead have to offer? Well of course Valentine's Day is looming and normally at this time of year we would suggest all sorts of lovely places to celebrate being all loved up, from top restaurants to superb hotels worldwide.

However, what if the thought of those hearts and flowers sends you running for the hills and wanting to avoid any sort of romantic theming of any kind?

Well, you could do worse than head off to Oberoi Vanyavilas, in northwest India. You can enjoy a tented camp right next to a tiger reserve,  and as the resort also has its own herd of elephants, and is also frequented by bears, leopards, and hundreds of different birds, you should be able to enjoy a spectacular break without so much as a wilted rose in sight.

Situated just ten minutes' drive from Ranthambhore National Park, The Oberoi Vanyavilas offers guests the opportunity to see Royal Bengal Tigers and enjoy the luxuries of an Oberoi experience. Spread across twenty acres of lush, landscaped garden, The Oberoi Vanyavilas is rich with indigenous plants and it also has an observation tower, allowing you to enjoy panoramic views of the bordering jungle. We are also reliably informed that it is unlikely you will have to listen to a single slushy song as you are more likely to hear a melodious chorus of frogs singing in their lily ponds.

If you have chosen to ditch the idea of sitting around and moaning about your lack of love life, it might be that you would like to be somewhere remote, but with some action (not that kind thank you!) thrown in... So how about the Nayara experience which promises the discerning and adventurous traveller the perfect combination of luxury and exploration. 

It will be the adventure of a lifetime and if you do ever get all loved up again, you will have some wonderful stories to tell from you time at this stunning resort in Costa Rica. It's set in wondrous natural surroundings near the Arenal Volcano right in the ecological heart of the country and has both tropical gardens and pristine rain forests. 

It's pretty plush and you can enjoy some amazing signature “pura vida” hospitality, whether from a private outdoor deck overlooking the volcano, or in the serene interiors of a plush villa or the hot springs mineral waters of an outdoor Jacuzzi (which you don't have to share!).


The Nayara Experience promises the discerning and adventurous traveller the perfect combination of luxury and exploration. Go on the adventure of a lifetime in the wondrous natural surroundings of the Arenal Volcano or discover Costa Rica’s ecological heart strolling through our tropical gardens and pristine rain forests. Escape in luxury, enjoying our personalised service and signature “pura vida” hospitality, whether from a private outdoor deck overlooking the volcano, the serene interiors of a plush villa or the hot springs mineral waters of an outdoor Jacuzzi.

Nayara has been recognised as one of the world’s best resorts by Travel&Leisure, Conde Nast Traveller and Trip Advisor and their impeccable service, luxurious accommodations, fine cuisine, outstanding spa, and amazing eco-adventures are found to make you forget all about wasting time on any dating sites!

Now, if you heart is frozen, then you might want somewhere a little chillier than either India or Costa Rica so how about a night or two at the Hotel Arctic, the world’s most northerly 4 star hotel with a 5 star conference centre. Right on the edge of the Ilulissat Ice Fjord - a wonder of the world which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List – and well within reach for everyone who wants the experience of a lifetime.

The Ice Fjord near the hotel  contains one of the biggest and most active glaciers in the world. Its 3,000 square kilometre area advances at a rate of 20 metres per day. The glacier "calves" about 10 % of the inland ice that is pressed out into the sea from Greenland and there is nothing in the whole world that resembles it.

All this means that the Ice Ford - off Ilulissat - is like a park full of sculptures constantly changing. Shapes, colours and sounds from the ice mountains are hard to forget - you are an eyewitness to a totally enchanting natural phenomenon. It's a big world out there and at Hotel Arctic you get really close to it, while enjoying inviting and warm surroundings. We bet there is no a heart in sight!

Our last suggestion for getting away from it all, is Fogo Island which is a tiny island resort on Canada’s Atlantic seaboard. This is so much more than an Inn and each of its rooms has an ocean view and is stylishly furnished with its own wood burning stove (ideal for getting rid of any unwanted  cards or love letters) as well as colourful quilts and rugs and simple wooden furniture.

The Fogo Island Inn hotel has set up a dramatic camp for rural retreat seekers off the northern coast of Newfoundland in a traditional fishing village and this 29 suite property has some amazing facilities with great restaurants and spa's plus around and about some great places to explore.

So don't sit at home dwelling on your lack of love life - get out there and explore!

Just before we go this week, just a quick reminder please about two looming deadlines for the CHS Awards and the Midlands Media Awards - don't say we didn't warn you!

Have a great week!