What's Floating Around? 30 January 2017

Welcome to another week and thankfully after the mania of last week and judging for the Fresh Awards it should be a little quieter here at Cloud 9 Towers this week.

Having said that, all of our Ambassadors are descending on the offices on Tuesday for a catch up and team meeting. We are also going to partake in a little team building activity so it won't be that quiet after all! 

If you haven't had the chance to check out our amazing Ambassadors yet, please make sure you take a look at our team page.

Fiona, our South East Ambassador is off to Confec Red in Venice later this week. In an exclusive and intimate results-oriented business setting, CONFEC Red 2017 brings 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.

Set on the peaceful banks of Giudecca Island, the Hilton Molino Stucky is a former flour mill refurbished to become a unique hotel. This Venetian masterpiece, with its contemporary décor, elegant furnishings and views of the town and the canal, will make the most of her stay by offering the services you need, the amenities you expect, and the extras you deserve. We are just a bit jealous here at HQ! 

It's not all fun though as throughout the event, attendees meet senior level executives in top agencies, corporate associations and suppliers during meals and other planned networking activities.  This fosters communication and cross sharing of ideas, best practices and future business relationships.  Taking networking to a whole new level, they have a fun evening planned during the social networking activity!

It remains to be seen whether Fiona will find time for a gondola ride whilst she is there as she will have a busy schedule and lots of appointments with suppliers.

Confec is just one the international meeting events and we notice that a lot of suppliers are getting in early this year! 

We've already had numerous invitations to attend IMEX and the Meetings Show in May and June respectively, and although forward planning comes with the territory in our industry, we can't think that far ahead at present...

Have a good week everyone and welcome to February - January is almost over!

 

 

What's Floating Around Cloud 9? 4 April 2016

Welcome to another week at Cloud 9 Towers and we can't quite believe that April has come around so quickly - at this rate it will be Christmas before we know it!  We are still very busy as always and this month see's us at the Midlands Media Awards for Students with the Birmingham Press Club, attending CHS in Leeds and gearing up for the CHS Awards in Manchester.

Whilst we are on the subject of the CHS Awards, we are pleased to be working with GTAssociates who are kindly sponsoring one of the categories at the awards, and we are delighted to welcome a guest blog from them this week, all about the magic of Venice, Capri and the Amalfi Coast.

"GTAssociates and our DMC family love working with Cloud 9 and, below, share an example of what you may do in Italy.

 

“Venice is like eating an entire box of chocolate liqueurs in one go.”  Truman Capote

Venice is a city of lavish fantasy; arguably the most beautiful city in the world. A city to spellbind your audience be it for Corporate meetings, Incentive travel, Conferences or other Events. Venice defies both the seas and description while its age defying beauty captures every visitor’s imagination.

Venice was created more than 1,000 years ago by men who dared defy the sea: erecting their splendid palaces and churches on mud banks in a swampy and treacherous lagoon. For centuries Venice was the mistress of trade between Europe and the Orient. Today Venice is a mistress of art, historic architecture and romance.

A beguiling place to meet. A master of Meetings and Incentive programmes. Sunlight shimmers and silvery mist softens every perspective here so small wonder the city was renowned during the Renaissance for its artists’ rendering of colour. Venice is full of secrets, ineffably romantic and an exotic mélange of Byzantine, Gothic, and Renaissance styles.

"You may have the universe if I may have Italy" Giuseppe Verdi

Capri & Amalfi Coast: Let this alluring Land of The Sirens lure you to amazing VIP Travel Incentives and Board Meetings. According to Homer The Sirens lured you onto the rocks. Nowadays with Capri & the Amalfi coast you are “lost” only in the sense you will be at a loss to choose where to hold your Event. 

Capri: Carefree, captivating and romantic. Beautiful beaches, amazing rock formations, luxurious hotels, nightlife, a sailing regatta in May, swimming marathon, summer classical music concerts and an International Folklore Festival, the Capri film festival in December and to end the year a spectacular fireworks display in La Piazzetta on New Year’s Eve. 

Capri an island loved by artists, writers, the rich and famous. Capri entertains and enchants so entertain and enchant your top performers or top clients with a travel Incentive to Capri."

Our thanks for a great insight in to the wonders of Italy and please do let us know if you have any requests as we would be delighted, along with GTAssociates to get a proposal over to you. Have a great week all! 

 

What's Floating Around Cloud 9? 8 June 2015

Welcome to another week and here at Cloud 9, we've fuelled up our red, white and blue mini's as we prepare to do an Italian Job. No, not stealing gold bullion, but looking at some of the new and planned hotels in Italy as our series on new hotels continues...

We're starting with the Lagare Hotel Milano which opened towards the beginning of 2015. In the beating heart of Milan, near the skyscrapers of Porta Nuova and the high-speed train stations, the LaGare Hotel in Milan is emerging. A modern city hotel, designed and built to satisfy the most demanding guests.With a 4-star superior rating, the hotel has 141 elegant rooms, a panoramic restaurant with terrace, and approx. 3229 sq. ft. (300 m²) of meeting rooms with natural light for 200 max delegates, RoofBar and SPA. The ideal base for discovering the city's tourist destinations, the hotel provides privileged access to the nightlife of the Garibaldi district and is equipped with a modern spa and a roof garden where you can enjoy the view of the skyline. All of these services combined with exquisite guest services from all LaGare Hotels staff will make your stay unforgettable. 

Another hotel which opened at the start of this year, in March, is the JW Marriott

Venice. Settled on its own private Island in Venice, Isola delle Rose, just 20-minute pleasant ride across the Lagoon to central St. Mark’s Square by complimentary shuttle service, JW Marriott Venice Resort & Spa is the ultimate luxury retreat for romantic breaks and family escapes. 

The Resort features 250 contemporary-styled rooms and suites designed by the architect Matteo Thun; five distinct accommodation experiences are at guests’ disposal, located in secluded corners of the Island: the Hotel, La Residenza, La Maisonette, L’Uliveto and Villa Rose. The Resort features 4 restaurants and 4 bars offering both international and local cuisine, Sapori Cooking Academy, the largest Spa in Venice, a romantic Church for events and private ceremonies, kids club and family activities, water sports, a rooftop lounge area with pool offering a dramatic 360 degree view over Venice and the smooth Lagoon, and lush green areas with a combination of tropical and Mediterranean plants.

Next we have the Sheraton Lake Como which opened in April 2015. Discover the captivating beauty of Lake Como, a must-see destination in Northern Italy. Sheraton Lake Como in the midst of it all, surrounded by the natural beauty of the Rhaetian Alps, the blue waters of Lake Como and flourishing gardens, is the new place to explore this iconic location.

Enjoy the great outdoors in a lush green park of over 11,000 square meters, where you can sunbathe, go jogging, organise a lunch party or even a picnic on the grass. An open-air swimming pool with a second hydro-massage bath complete the offer.

Generator Rome, due to open this year, is a lovely new property that sits right in the middle of the Esquilino area, where rustic archways, local markets and the artistic residents of Rome surround you. This is the laid back and modern side of Rome, one full of character and culture, where you'll live like the locals do.

Generator Rome is in throwing distance of the Vittoria Emanuele, a monumental sculpture with panoramic views of the city from the top. Wander 15 minutes down the road and you'll bump right into the famous Collosseum. Fancy venturing further afield and Termini Station is a few minutes away, connecting you to all the famous sights. 

Another hotel that is set to open very shortly is the ME Milan Duca. Located in the heart of the action and near the city’s main museums, exclusive boutiques, fashionable hot spots and trendy night clubs, ME Milan - Il Duca is one of the leading hotels in Milan. It is contemporary and cutting edge in style and located in one of the fashion capitals in the world.

Designed by the world famous architect Aldo Rossi, amongst its fantastic services and facilities ME Milan - Il Duca provides 132 exquisitely designed, modern rooms, including 34 suites; a high-energy steakhouse restaurant from New York - STK; Rooftop Bar with outdoor terrace and spectacular panoramic views of the new skyline of Milan including the new towers in the Garibaldi area. The hotel also consists of twoexecutive boardrooms a total of 100 m2 a modern, fully equipped gym, open 24 hours a day and high speed Wi-Fi internet.

Finally this week, is the Mandarin Oriental Milan. Designed as a stylish and intimate hotel, featuring 104 guestrooms including 34 suites, Mandarin Oriental, Milan will be housed in the re-development of three elegant 19th Century buildings, ideally located on Via Monte di Pieta, one of Milan’s most prestigious addresses. The property provides easy access to the city’s important commercial, fashion and cultural centres, and is a short walk from many major tourist and shopping attractions.

Have a great week and bonjourno as they say in Italy! 

What's Floating Around Cloud 9? 11 February 13

Welcome to another week and as the calendar turns from January to February and Valentine’s Day looms, you yearn for a romantic escape. Since there are so many different ways to say I love you, there are many different ways to celebrate Valentine's day and we’re here to help you choose!

Location, Location, Location is still a factor so here is one of our more romantic destination guides!

  

Venice is still one of the most interesting and beautiful places in the world. Venice has decayed since its heyday, but the romantic charm remains. Celebrate Valentine's on an enchanting gondola ride through the inner canals of Venice and breathe the atmosphere of the most ancient city in the world built on water before enjoying a romantic dinner in a lovely Venetian restaurant.

Tie the knot under Juliet's window!

Generations of visitors to Verona have crowded the courtyard of a pretty 13th-century palazzo, gazing enraptured at a balcony. Here, lovers can tie the knot in the courtyard beneath the balcony of “Casa di Giulietta” - the world’s most sought-after wedding location… at a price.

Stay at the luxury Hilton Molino Stucky hotel, situated on Giudecca Island in Italy’s Venetian Lagoon. This classic Hilton hotel in Venice offers breathtaking scenery and exceptional amenities including a sparkling rooftop and renowned skyline bar.

Brussels invites you to stroll through and relive their forbidden romance. Chocolates, pralines and blossoms can add to the enjoyment of the senses. Moreover there are several lovely hotels and spas where you can recharge and relax together in sumptuous luxury. Vive l’amour!

The luxurious Conrad Hotel features a stunning courtyard terrace and spacious rooms with classic décor on the famous Avenue Louise. It also boasts an extensive spa, indoor pool and fitness centre. Show your loved one how much you care with an exceptional and unique Valentine's Day treat at Conrad Brussels. Enjoy special romantic touches like a limo pick-up with Champagne, breakfast in bed, roses in your room, a Swarovski gift and spa treatments. Take your special someone to cloud nine this Valentine's.

The Scheltema is a must this valentines in Brussels! Known for its luxury seafood specialties and its turn of the century pub ambiance, combines to make the Scheltema one of the most prestigious restaurants in Brussels. Ideally located in the historic centre of Brussels just a few steps away from the Grand’ Place follow the beautiful scent of garlic down the cobbled streets and indulge yourself within its seafood spectacular! And if that isn’t enough, the head waiter has a magnificent pair of spectacles that are magnetically connected at the nose!

You could always opt to stay closer to home though and celebrate Valentine’s Day with a truly romantic stay in the Cotswolds. Roaring log fires, cosy lounges, delicious food and fine wines – the ingredients for a truly romantic Valentines weekend.

Located in west-central England, sometimes called the “Heart of England”, the area covers 790sq miles and is the largest Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in England and Wales. 

Buckland Manor is an elegant country house hotel dating back to the thirteenth century. Situated on 10 acres with blissful gardens featuring waterfalls and fountains.  The hotel offers stunning views of lush Cotswold landscape, lovely gardens and grazing land with cattle and sheep. Rooms with four poster beds, rich fabrics, antique furnishings, warm bath robes, top notch cuisine in restaurant complete with candlelight dining and view of bucolic Cotswold hills, and 3 drawing rooms, one of which has wood paneling and crackling log fire. A snuggly and secure location to cuddle up with your loved one this Valentines Day. 

The Cotswolds timeless honey coloured stone villages are the perfect backdrop to a romantic drive - away from the madding crowd. This circular route from Broadway passes a beautiful stately home, several typical Cotswold hill villages, quaint riverside village, the Little Venice of the Cotswolds, an ancient Market Town, a bewitching manor house and a Folly high on the Cotswold escarpment. Visit the website to find the map and begin your romantic journey…

Most people think love and think Paris!

A stay in the hotel Concorde Lafayette will make it possible for you to easily visit the most beautiful Paris attractions this valentines day on foot. Breath taking views from every room of the hotel, right across Paris, capturing famous landmarks including Montmartre, the Eiffel Tower and the Arc de Triomphe, are amongst the most memorable of experiences for you and your partner to enjoy at the Concorde La Fayette.

Chez Georges is a charming little restaurant a 10 minute stroll from Hotel Concord Lafayette. Everyone knows Chez Georges on boulevard Pereire. This authentic Parisian Brasserie is superb for a romantic couple looking for quality produce and friendly service in an intimate environment. We recommend the Pavé du Mail for the meat lover and the Sole Meunière for the fish lover. However, reservation is a must!

But there’s more…“La Vue Panormaic Bar” is situated back at the hotel on the 23^rd floor!! This spectacular cocktail bar is an impressive open air theatre looking out onto the world’s most incredible stage: the city of Paris. A perfect way to bring your valentines evening to a close.

The vibrant Catalan capital, Barcelona in Spain may not be the first place that springs to mind when it comes to planning a Valentine’s break, but why not add a little sunshine into the mix? After all, what could be more romantic than taking a stroll round the narrow alleyways of the Barri Gotic, before stopping off at a cosy bar for a few glasses of cava and some mouth-watering tapas?

The capital of Catalonia, Barcelona is Spain’s second largest and most visited city. That’s no surprise, as it really does seem to ‘have it all’ – great shops, lively nightlife, unique architecture and sunny Mediterranean beaches. It’s perfect at any time of year for both a stimulating city break and a longer holiday exploring the area. In fact, while Barcelona’s relatively compact and easy to walk around, you’ll find it difficult to fit everything into a weekend.

Discover the Hotel Arts, Barcelona and uncover one of the premier luxury hotels in Spain as you experience the exhilarating culture, architecture and cuisine of Spain’s second-largest city. From world-renowned structures to the sparkling waters of the Mediterranean, artistic masterpieces to award-winning dining, this Barcelona luxury hotel’s accommodations provide guests with convenient access to all this one-of-a-kind destination has to offer. After a day spent exploring the waterfront or immersed in the city’s fascinating past, guests can indulge in a soothing treatment at the Six Senses Spa, enjoy in an unforgettable meal at Enoteca, where Chef Paco Perez offers contemporary classic cuisine to compliment your luxury hotel experience in Spain.

If you really want to treat that special someone to something different and awe inspiring a ride in a hot air balloon could prove a lot of fun. You can fly over Barcelona and its surrounding areas in a package that covers everything from ground transportation to a mile high picnic. Visit the website to book your hot air balloon experience!

For the Rome-antic in you… (sorry)

How about unleashing your inner Audrey Hepburn or Gregory Peck with a romantic Roman Holiday this February? The Italian capital is perfectly geared up for a spot of romance, with dazzling monuments and architecture, fantastic museums and galleries, and some of the finest cuisine in the world. What could be better than strolling past the Trevi Fountain with a shared tub of authentic Italian gelato?

Option number 2…

For the foot sore, there's another way to experience Rome's romantic beauty by letting yourself glide on the waters of the Tiber with your other half. And for the helplessly romantic, night cruises are also available during the summer, some of which include dinner on board. 

If you’re looking for a lavish and intimate romantic break with your loved one then the “Spagna Royal Suits Hotel” is what you’re after. At this little boutique hotel, tucked behind an almost-anonymous door on the street that runs from the top of the Spanish Steps, every detail sets the mood, from the silk sheets to velour throws to the Bang & Olufson stereos. Some of the rooms have particularly saucy touches, like Jacuzzis right in the bedroom or big round beds. To truly understand what we mean by saucy, visit the website and see for yourself!

 

Looking for the ultimate in romance? How about snuggling up warm in your best winter coat and taking a walk across Charles Bridge in the crisp Czech winter with your loved one? It’s no secret that Prague’s one of Europe’s most beautiful cities, and a long weekend roaming the baroque, neoclassical, art nouveau and gothic architecture is a wonderful way to spend time with your partner. 

Consult the checklist - Idyllic views, a central river, fantastic wine, incredible art, and grand countryside retreats—and you'll see why Prague offers the same dose of l'amour and often at a better price. Oh, and of course there’s the famously filling food, best washed down with a glass of the legendary golden pilsner!

After you've spent a few days rushing around the city, retreat to the five-star, 17th-century “Chateau Mcely”, in the countryside just outside Prague. It's the perfect place to play Lord and Lady of the castle. But this chateau has an eco twist: it's a certified, award-winning "green" luxury hotel, where all meals and spa products use locally-sourced ingredients. Rooms are everything you'd expect, with regal furnishings, fluffy beds, and pampering toiletries (check out the herbal bath oil), and you can book a couple's massage, play croquet on the lawn, or stargaze with a telescope on the roof. It's a setting worthy of any romantic proposal—for half the cost of a French equivalent. Cloud 9 Tip: Book a Sunday between February and April to save 25% off high-season rates.

Just imagine relaxing in front of a flickering fireplace, eating elegant meals by candlelight, taking a horse-drawn sleigh ride, enjoying a couple’s spa treatment and sharing beautiful mountain vistas with your significant other. Sound romantic and perfect for Valentine's Day?

St Martin-de-Belleville is a commune abounding in quaint French character, offering quick and easy access to the largest ski area in the world, the Trois Vallees. Whilst most resorts in this area are largely focused on convenience, St Martin-de-Belleville earns extra points for its idyllic charm and picturesque views. If you’re looking for a relaxed, romantic ski break, this is the resort for you.

Combining experience, with quality and a passion for service, visit Chalet St Martin for a breathtaking holiday in this beautiful, unspoilt mountain village, which just happens to be in the biggest ski area in the world.

The 3 Valleys is the largest skiing domain in the world with over 200 lifts and 600km of pisted runs and about the same again off piste. The world famous Courchevel, Meribel and Les Menuires are part of this magnificent area, as is Val Thorens, one of Europe's highest resorts offering extensive  snow sure skiing for everyone from complete beginners to experts through-out the season.

  

  Valentine's Day in Budapest has some great programs in store for you and your loved one to make 14th February a truly memorable day. A few of our favourites include Wine Tasting and Chocolate & Pálinka Tasting

It is still winter in Budapest in the middle of February so a dip in the hot thermal pools of any of Budapest's baths will be a real treat on Valentine's Day. We recommend either the Gellért Bath or the Széchenyi Bath because these two have the best facilities and wonderful architecture. They also offer a range of massages and other spa and wellness treatments to make you feel invigorated on this cold winter day.

Exotic, frenetic and utterly unique, Istanbul is The European Capital of Culture meaning that as well as the beautiful mosques and chaotic bazaars, there's a whole range of new exhibitions, shows and galleries to explore. The city can be hectic, so to slow things down and keep a romantic feel, stay on Heybeliada, one of the Princes' Islands that lie just a short ferry ride from the centre of the city. There is no traffic on the island so the best way to explore the stunning Byzantine monasteries and Greek Orthodox churches is by bike or horse-drawn carriage...

Stay at The Marmara Taksim this valentines day, a five-star hotel located in the very heart of Istanbul, Taksim, offers a great package for Valentine’s Day including a night in a deluxe room and a romantic dinner at the Panorama Restaurant with the theme “Red & White” including live music. This “romance package” is 388 Euros.

An absolute must-do in Istanbul is to take a trip to the Turkish Baths! A traditional Turkish bath is one of the most important highlights in Istanbul - If you haven’t yet you have missed one of life’s great experiences and you will think never been cleaned before! The Turkish bath experience involves beautiful tile work, hot, steamy rooms, a wonderful gentle massage, a long sauna and discrete loofah washing. Big fluffy towels, more soap lather than you've ever seen finished with a lavender soap rub down with oils. A blissful valentines experience for you and your partner to enjoy.

So there you go, lots of love to spread around, and if you are single, then you probably hate Valentines Day so our apologies and have a great week anyway (and you can always sign up for an online dating service and save our advice for next year!).

Enjoy!