What's Floating Around Cloud 9? 27 July 2015

Welcome to another week and it's another busy one here at Cloud 9 Towers as most of the team are off to Amsterdam this week to oversee judging for the Fresh Creative Awards.

We're staying at The Mercure Hotel Amsterdam City is set in a beautiful location by the river and provides easy access to the ArenA, Ziggo Dome, Zuid-As business district and the centre of Amsterdam. The hotel is just 5 minutes away from the RAI Convention Center and you  can also reach the city centre by public transport in just 10 minutes. 

Whilst it should be a pretty good couple of days with lots of hard work, we will also be having a couple of excursions including a Boat Trip to the Sofitel Grand Legend which is a fabulous hotel. We're having, we hope, weather permitting, a bit of a do in the courtyard of the hotel.


The Sofitel Legend The Grand Amsterdam, is an historical site. In quite a unique manner, the history of Amsterdam is reflected in the past and present of the building, which were originally two convents, St. Cecily's Convent at the northern part of the property and St. Katherine's Convent to the south. The Grand was built in three sections, as is still evident from the two courtyards and central element, and in its design we can detect the basic structure of the two convents. The tiny tower perched so pertly on the north side of the rooftop is reminiscent of St. Cecily's Convent founded in 1411.

Amsterdam was a city filled with monasteries and convents. On old maps of the city, you can pick them out by their courtyards and walled gardens, always marked by a chapel. Even in the twentieth century, their remains are still in evidence in the floor plan of The Grand, in the patterns of several other parts of the city, and in any number of street names in this vicinity.

We are also planning to take in a sneaky peek at the new M Gallery Hotel, the INK. INK Hotel Amsterdam owes its name to the rich history of the building. As the former home of the Dutch newspaper 'De Tijd', this building was a place where stories were conceived, written and ultimately brought to life in ink. INK. Hotel Amsterdam is a bohemian lifestyle hotel, where the traditional rules of hospitality are freely translated to the modern day, rewriting the definition of 'luxury' in INK. INK. Hotel Amsterdam offers its guests the ultimate luxury: the luxury of the freedom of time. 

In other news this week, Friday see's the finalists announced for the Midlands Media Awards 2015 and its going to be a big year for the event as the Birmingham Press Club, for whom we run the awards, are celebrating their 150th Anniversary. Make sure you take a look at the website on Friday for the full listing.

The event itself will be at Aston Villa on 10 September and we are gearing up for the awards here with all of the planning that goes into an awards do! 

Lastly, we are also gearing up in August to launch three new initiatives in early September so no time to take it easy here at Cloud 9 towers!  We've two new lovely new clients and an awards to launch alongside our existing portfolio so we remain busy bodies but we wouldn't have it any other way! Have a great week!

 

What's Floating Around Cloud 9? 20 July

Welcome to another week and seeing as we have just had all of the photos in from our recent client event which was a Spinal Conference, we thought it timely to talk about photography for events this week.

Photo Booths are still playing a key part in both the private and corporate events scene and as we love an excuse to don a large hat, a whopping pair of sunglasses and a boa, we are no exception here at Cloud 9 Towers.

As well as increasing popularity at weddings there has been a new wave of photo booths at Proms, miles stone celebrations such as Christenings and Bar and Bat Mitzvahs and Birthdays as more and more people realise that not only are photo booths a great ice breaker and fun for guests, but they also capture unique and special memories especially those offering a post event guest book.

In the corporate and public events industry then its certainly the case that social media enabled photo booths are the way forward. These enable users to engage with the experience both offline and online, having a physical print and the ability to share their photos through hashtags, facebook, instagram and more. You can event create your own animated photos (GIFS) and flip books – again both as an actual flip book and a digital animation you can share with the world.

But once the fun stuff is out of the way, how about the professional photography?

Photographing special events is not the most glamorous gig in photography, but irrespective of the size or location of the event, getting the right images that capture the essence of the event can make all of the difference for you and your clients.

When you run a big corporate event it’s always a good idea to hire a specialised events photographer to capture the day. It’s also great to give your staff a reminder of your successful event because these photos can help them to be motivated and build their team spirit. High quality photos are also good to use as promotional materials and brochures.

Once you have chosen your events photographer you will need to brief them carefully to make sure that you get the shots that you want. The event only happen once so you don’t want to miss your chance to get things right so make sure you give a good brief.

Here are 9 ideas for you to make your photographer work for you and get it spot on!

People Count and if you have any keynote or guest speakers, or senior officials or celebrities then make sure your photographer know where and when to capture them. Introduce your photographer to the people that they will need to capture so that they will recognise them in the crowd and know who they should be looking out for. 

It may sound obvious but if you want your photographer to get the shots you need then they will have to be in the right place at the right time. You will need to give them an up to date schedule of the event and highlight any key note speeches, break-out sessions or team building games that you particularly want photographed. Remember they may need to get to a room early to set up their equipment so allow enough time between sessions for them to do this.

Many events these days have numerous stakeholders or sponsors, and they have probably invested a fair bit in both terms of time or financial support, so make sure you get shots of the key people involved, any exhibition stands or sponsors logos. Keep your photographer aware of any live sessions which have been sponsored.

If it’s an awards do, then again, keep those sponsors happy. Its not just about taking shots of the winners, but also capturing the essence of the entire event and sponsors giving out prizes will make for great memories for everyone involved.
 
Sometimes it’s hard to convey what you want out of a photograph in words so why not use a picture instead. Before the event have a look at other corporate brochures and search the internet for styles of photography that you feel will suit your brand. Then you can easily show your event photographer how you want your shots to look and the type of images that you are expecting from them.
 
Set up photos can also be a great way to show the befores and afters of an event. An empty space at 8am can look completely different at 10am when its packed with delegates and a good photographer can show the difference a few warm bodies can make to any space.
 
You will have briefed your photographer on who you want in your photos but you also need to tell them what you want in your photos. There’s nothing more frustrating than getting a great shot of a speaker but having an object such as a chair or lectern blocking your company logo. Be clear that you want full logos in the background of any shots that they take. If you are having your conference in a stunning venue or fantastic location you may also want them to get shots of these in the background too.
 
After a hard days of work your staff would want a chance to unwind. Many large corporations organise a party with food, music and dancing in the evening. Whilst it’s great to have the formal shots from the conference it can also be fun to get some more relaxed pictures to capture everyone really enjoying themselves. Let your photographer know if you want them to take some evening shots – they will definitely make everyone smile!
 
Finally, make sure you can get your photos quickly post event. There is nothing worse than having to wait ages to get the photos up and available for sharing. With the rise in social media, you need to make sure your guests and delegates can have access immediately to the shots!

There, we hope you have found that useful. Have a great week!

  

What's Floating Around Cloud 9? 13 July 2015

Welcome to another week and get ready for another long haul look at some of the new hotels worldwide, as our series continues starting in China.

Park Hyatt Sanya Sunny Bay Resort  is located on the southernmost tip of Hainan Island, widely known as "the Hawaii of China". Sequestered on a stunning, 350,000-square-metre inlet—with an internal lake and a white-sand private beach—the resort combines exclusivity with accessibility, being a mere five-kilometre drive from popular Yalong Bay. So that's the personal location checked off, what about the rooms? 

Designed to resemble a private mansion by the sea, Park Hyatt Sanya Sunny Bay Resort offers relaxed, personalised luxury, housing 207 sophisticated rooms and suites, the majority blessed with unadulterated, breathtaking views of the South China Sea. Grainy wood, leather and tactile textiles with red accents combine to create a warm, modern-Chinese interior. One entire length is devoted to bathing, featuring a powder room; spacious twin vanities with a TV embedded into the mirror; a large rain-shower room; and right by the window, an oversized soaking tub cast from a single piece of black stone.  That's a double check if you ask us!

World-renowned for its iconic luxury, Asia’s largest JW Marriott, JW Marriott Hotel Macau  brings its guests an approachable luxury experience through the richness of authenticity - discovered in the beauty of craftsmanship and delivered with an intuitive response to personal expectations. Opening in August 2015, you can expect Style with elegant sophistication and enhanced  residential comforts of your own home.

Another new addition to the hotel portfolio in China is the Sheraton Shanghai Jiading.Ideally situated in the heart of Pudong New District, they provide an easy access to Shanghai's central business district and places of interest as well as the fabulous views of the Huangpu River. The spacious lobby warmly welcomes you into the hotel. The bellmen will handle your luggage as you check in at our 24-hour front desk-what a weight off your hands!  Warm and cozy, the 525 beautifully appointed guest rooms and 141 apartment suites each boast the ultra-comfortable Sheraton Sweet Sleeper® Bed, a 32-inch LCD flat screen TV, and a host of other features. Business travelers (like us!) will be taken care of with a comfortable working area and High Speed Internet Access in all rooms, as well as a dedicated Business Center. Ideal right? Now what about food? China Court is a true connoisseur’s choice, with fine regional Chinese cuisine prepared by our master chef. Cantonese, Chaozhou, Shanghainese, and other regional cuisines highlight the best of China. With ten opulent private dining rooms able to welcome anywhere from six to 30 people, we are sure to have the right room available for your private entertaining. Well that's us sold!

You can expect the Sofitel Sanya Leeman Resort to be cultural and tasty, when it opens in the late end of this year. Enter the hotel and step into a visually enthralling universe. The intimate 470 rooms, yes that’s right, 470 intimate rooms, filled with bathrobes and luxurious bedding, will provide you with a peaceful and tailored break. Thoroughly refreshed, enchant your taste buds at their restaurant. Local culinary tradition is imaginatively combined with French gastronomy. Allow the sommeliers to guide you to discover the nuances of grand cru wines.

It is the perfect destination for Buzz Lightyear and Woody fans as Disney has unveiled plans to build a Toy Story themed hotel  - but you'll have to travel to over 5,500 miles across the globe to stay there.The new Shanghai resort is due to open in December 2015, and Disney also released a birds-eye view over the two themed hotels, as well as what's planned for an area called Disneytown – a shopping, dining and entertainment district.

As the hotel is part of the new Disney Land Shanghai, you can expect only the funnest and magical of stays. Next to the Marketplace will be an area called Spice Alley, offering a variety of popular Asian cuisines in a casual, yet romantic environment. The al fresco dining spots are perfect for lunch with friends or a more formal date. And the intimate streets and festive lights encourage leisurely after dinner strolling

Adding 3 new hotels to China, The Ritz-Carlton is set to take over the hotel empire. Opening its first one in Macau,  you can expect nothing better than the best. After being whisked away to the 51st floor lobby, settle into your spacious suite, where a large picture window offers a breathtaking view of the glittering city. Refined Asian hospitality draws visitors to Cotai, and The Ritz-Carlton, Macau embodies that allure with fine dining, world-class entertainment and incredibly luxurious amenities, including a full-service spa.

Ritz-Carlton Nanjing with feature 297 rooms and 32 suites, the grand property will also enjoy extensive meeting spaces including a ballroom and seven function rooms. Four restaurants and bars will include a Chinese restaurant serving renowned local Nanjing cuisine. A luxury Spa by ESPA will also form a central part of the well-being experience, alongside the indoor pool and fitness center. 

The district also enjoys a reputation as the region’s cosmopolitan powerhouse and is home to several department stores and luxury fashion houses so it's the ideal location too!

Last but not least for the Ritz-Carlton takeover is the Ritz-Carlton Mission Hills, Hainan Island. The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. has unveiled plans for its first golf resort in China when The Ritz-Carlton, Mission Hills opens in late 2015 on the tropical island of Hainan. The property, designed by architects AECOM with interiors created by Hirsch Bedner Associates, includes five restaurants and bars, a Ritz-Carton Spa (our favourite!) and extensive leisure facilities including tennis courts, two swimming pools and a recreation pavilion. The Ritz-Carlton, Mission Hills also offers 1,480 sq m of convention and meeting spaces, creating expertly-executed meticulous events tailored to leave a lasting impression. 

 Known as the Forest City, Guiyang offers a perfect summer vacation to escape from the heat and experience vibrant nature.  Bringing Anantara’s essence of luxurious discovery to this natural haven, guests of Anantara Guiyang Resort & Spa will be able to enjoy stunning landscapes, hot springs, Huangguoshu waterfall and scenic golf courses, alongside the rich heritage of minority Xijiang Miao culture town and the ancient town of Zhengyuan. And you won't fall short of places to stay as the Anatara Guiyang offers a collection of 207 guestrooms and 11 pool villas that will be surrounded by a golf course and mountain scenery, for a beautiful view while relaxing in luxurious comfort. 

So lots of choices for those looking East for your next meeting or event and some new hotels on the horizon! Enjoy!

What's Floating Around Cloud 9? 6 July 2015

Welcome to another week and if you are attending a conference abroad anytime soon we thought it might be useful to share a few tips with you, especially as in our experience the little things can make a big difference!

The world is a much smaller place these days and more and more people are heading off globally for meetings or to attend congresses and whilst the first rule of this is always to plan ahead, and not to forget your passport, there are all sorts of other things to consider.

Not only do International events provide an excellent opportunity to practise your skills as a delegate, enable you to make new friends, travel and offer you a great cultural experience, for some it may be a bit daunting.

So find out who else is going in advance, connect with them whether directly or via Social Media. If your entire company is off to Istanbul for the weekend, that's a bit different, but if you are the lone representative from your company, then buddy up in advance.  You can arrange to meet at the airport, plan your travel, share car parking, you name it, and even if you don't know the person, they might just appreciate the offer of a travel companion. And if they don't? Well ignore them and find someone else!

Pack accordingly. If you are off on a team building weekend that requires walking boots and warm winter woollies then great, but you don't want to arrive to find that the last night is a formal event that requires black tie or a cocktail frock. I know some might see this an excuse to pop off to the shops, you might find that your schedule does not allow any time for this!

If you do end up traveling alone, then make sure you know exactly where you need to be and by when, and make sure you have the opportunity to check in with someone back at base so you can let everyone know you are safe and sound. Even a selfie of Facebook post will do, but better to be safe than sorry!

Check your currency. No point being stranded in an airport with only a fiver in cash, so take some local currency with you whether its Dollars or Dinah, it might well come in handy should you need the loo or a coffee, or should that be a coffee then the loo!

Download a currency App to your phone so you can check local prices. You don't want to pay over the odds or be seen as a naive tourist.

Confirm your hotel reservation in advance, and try and give them an arrival time if you can. If you have a late night flight the last thing you want is to find your hotel has released your room because they thought you might be a no show.

Read your joining instructions carefully to make sure you know where you need to be and when. If there are transfers arranged between your hotel and any relevant conference centres, make sure you know where you are being picked up and how to get back later.

Don't be a party pooper - if the chance to go out and about for a few hours locally presents itself then take the opportunity and go for it, as you may never get another chance. However, only do this if you are with people you know and feel you can trust and always make sure you have enough money to get back to your hotel safely should you decide you have had enough.

Although we are encouraging you to have a good time, know your limits. Most of these events are expensive to stage and are representative of hours of hard work and its disrespectful to your colleagues, hosts and your company, especially if they have paid to send you along, to languish in bed with a hangover or to miss key sessions by sleeping off the excesses of the night before.

Don't upset the locals is also a useful motto. Some of the things we take for granted over here in good old Blighty are not the norm in some countries and can land you in serious hot water!

For instance, don't clink glasses in Hungary as it's associated with the execution of Hungarian rebellious generals back in 1849 and is still frowned upon today. Don't sing too loudly after Sunset in Honolulu, or you may find yourself with a criminal record! 

If you are in Singapore, then don't drop litter or eat on public transports as both acts are illegal and chewing gum is also banned.

So take a little time and check out some local customs before you travel, it could save you all sorts of headaches. And whilst we are on the subject of headaches, remember to pack your asprin or other medication and for ladies, any emergency supplies!

Above all, enjoy your conferences and meetings abroad, there is a whole wide world out there so go and enjoy! 

Have a great week!

What's Floating Around Cloud 9? 29 June 2015

Welcome to another week or bonjour! It's closing week for the Fresh Awards this week so our office is a little inundated with entries, but despite the distractions, we're continuing our look at some of the new hotels around the world this week, and popping over the Channel, to France! Oo-la-la!v

Here at Cloud 9 we do like to make sure we are up to date with all new hotels be they in the UK or Abroad, and although its unlikely we'll find the time to attend Meedex in September, despite lots of lovely invitations (and we do love Paris!) we have been taking a close look at the new properties popping up, or due to, in France.

The Address Hotels + Resorts was launched by Emaar Hospitality Group in May 2008 with a mandate to become a recognised global luxury lifestyle brand within 10 years. Since its launch, The Address rapidly established itself with five award-wining operational properties in Dubai and is now setting its sites on France with the plan to launch The Address Domaine De Lavagnac.

Lead by the vision to own, operate or manage properties in key cities and tourist destinations around the world, the group have maintained their commitment and belief in the future of The Address vision and are actively seeking new and exciting projects to expand the brand presence across the globe.

The Domaine de Lavagnac, a 500-acre site in the wine-rich coastal land of the Languedoc in the south of France, will certainly raise some eyebrows when the resort is finished later this year, and the first phase promises 150 properties, a 18-hole golf course and five-star hotel run.

Also set to open its door later this year is the Hôtel de Crillon, A Rosewood Hotel, although this hotel is in Paris. The Hôtel de Crillon is more than just one of the world’s most majestic hotels, it is a landmark that personifies the poise, elegance and spirit of Paris. Originally built in 1758, Hôtel de Crillon enjoys an unrivalled position overlooking Place de la Concorde, the most enviable address in Paris. With its perfectly proportioned, neoclassical façade, the building has stood through the reign of two French Kings, the French Revolution, the rise and fall of the Napoleonic Empire and the birth of the League of Nations.

On 30 March 2013, Hôtel de Crillon closed its doors to begin a complete restoration that will add a contemporary polish to the hotel while remaining respectful of its traditions and faithful to its character. The renowned architect Richard Martinet will be working with artistic director, Aline d’Amman and three Paris-based decorators, Chahan Minassian, Cyril Vergniol and Tristan Auer, to create rich, new interiors. When Hôtel de Crillon reopens, it will offer luxurious accommodation, historic reception rooms and new restaurants and bars. We don't have a date to announce as yet, but we look forward to seeing this iconic hotel once complete.

Also closed for a major refurbishment is the Ritz in Paris. César Ritz had a dream: to open his ideal hotel offering "all the refinements that a prince could wish for his own home". Today at the Ritz Paris, his dream has come true. Pioneer of the modern bathroom and indirect lighting, he was also the first one to combine fine dining and music. Once inside the Ritz Paris, they are committed to carrying on the tradition of excellence by ensuring guests' comfort and personalising each stay.

Intimate moments are captured forever at the Ritz Paris. The rooms and suites of the hotel have seen an entire century unfold - with its laughter and tears, its faces and voices. Ties have been interwoven for over 100 years between the guests and the employees, celebrities and housekeepers. Nothing has changed. They are committed to the same welcome, the same delicacy and the same excellence to satisfy every wish of  guests. 

The Ritz Paris of tomorrow is emerging gradually and preparing for its grand reopening at the end of the year. Many of the most skilled artisans and restoration artists of France are busy working at the rejuvenated Ritz Paris constantly on the move. See you soon at 15, Place Vendôme!

If you need somewhere now though, head on over to 42 Avenue Gabriel, a new capital address. Mid-way between Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré and Avenue Montaigne, a stone's throw from the Champs-Elysées, where the heart of Paris beats. Nestled in a peaceful location, slightly set back from the world's most beautiful avenue, La Réserve Paris – Hotel and Spa overlooks the Grand Palais, the Eiffel Tower, the Pantheon and the Concorde obelisk. Just in front, a majestic curtain of trees preserves the intimacy of this place, like an echo of the Elysée gardens nearby.

Michel Reybier's highly distinctive urban mansion has all the elegance of a 19^th century private apartment, where ultra-personalised services can be enjoyed in complete simplicity and discretion. All around are immense spaces bathed in light, barely muted by the rich fabrics of the hangings. Scattered here and there are beautiful marble fireplaces, and everywhere the joy of vast indoor spaces, typical of Haussmann-style apartments. The noble and generous materials exude a forgotten spirit of generosity. More suites than rooms, a library reserved for guests and their friends, a smoking lounge, a 16-meter indoor pool (a rarity in Paris), wine cellars in the suites, an inner courtyard with lush greenery echoing the landscaped entrance. At La Réserve Paris – Hotel and Spa, you experience the quintessence of Parisian chic in the Belle Époque.

For those whose budget is perhaps a little more modest, then why not head over to to the emerging district of the 10th arrondissement, where Generator Hotels, have transformed a derelict office block into a chic array of stylish rooms to share and private rooms with terraces to boot. Generator Paris is their biggest property yet, complete with a gorgeous rooftop terrace where you can enjoy a soirée or two overlooking the city of lights; and after dark head down to our slick underground Metro Bar fit for the sophisticated traveller.

 In tune with Paris’ cultural diversity, their chill-out areas are stylistically modern with a Moroccan feel and the breakfast area ‘Café Fabien’ is fitted with original Parisian metro tiles. It’s a 15 minute walk from Gare Du Nord, you can take a stroll through Buttes-Chaumont park and mix with the locals, wander from art galleries to vintage shops or relax in a café by the Canal St-Martin just a 5 minute walk away. Like every other Generator, Gen Paris stays true to the soul of the city. 

What's Floating Around Cloud 9? 22 June 2015

Welcome to another week and we are all at NSpine this week which is the UK's most comprehensive Spinal Meeting. NSpine takes place every two years to provide the latest knowledge for spine healthcare professionals. Growing from strength to strength at each meeting, NSpine provides ascendant medical professionals with the supplementary material they need to forge best practice in their careers.

NSpine provides for all those disciplines involved in the management of the patient with spinal pathology. There will be an excellent opportunity for multidisciplinary discussion that truly encompasses all of the facets of Spinal Surgery.

It's a busy week and in addition to a very comprehensive event comprising of lectures, meetings and workshops, we've also been instrumental in the coordination of their social programme which is quite extensive to say the least!  

Whilst we are not directly involved with the Cadaveric Sessions too much, which take place at the start of this week, Wednesday, most of the Cloud 9 team, will be on site all day at the Nottingham Conference Centre helping the many leading pharmaceutical and medical companies set up for the Exhibition which opens on Thursday morning. 

Wednesday evening we're hosting a VIP Cocktail Reception at The Galleries of Justice for the key Faculty and specially invited guests. Recently voted England's Best Small Visitor Attraction of the Year 2014, based at Nottingham's old courthouse and gaol, there are many ways to explore the museum of Crime and Punishment. The legend of Robin Hood has a particular importance and connection to the Galleries of Justice Museum, as for centuries, this historic building was the base of the Sheriff of Nottingham!

There's an International Faculty Dinner on the Thursday evening at Marco Pierre White's with one of our lead sponsors. A stunning steakhouse from one of Britain's most critically acclaimed celebrity chefs, Marco Pierre White's Steakhouse Bar and Grill at Alea Nottingham invites diners to tuck into tantalising steaks, delicious British dishes and sumptuous Sunday roasts. Undeniably one of the most stylish restaurants in Nottingham, Marco Pierre White's Steakhouse Bar and Grill is simple and elegant in its décor. The red seating contrasts effortlessly against the jet black walls, while contemporary lighting adds to the ambience.
     

Tennis Fans are also going to be enjoying Tennis & High Tea at Nottingham Tennis Centre as part of the ATP Tournament.  Nottingham Tennis Centre is one of the largest tennis centres in Europe. Situated just minutes from the bustle of Nottingham city centre, it boasts 11 acrylic indoor hard courts (3 covered by a dome), 16 outdoor acrylic courts including a show-court housing 514 seats, and 9 grass-courts including the impressive 1200-seater centre court.   

Nottingham Tennis Centre has a world-class gym and fitness centre including a health suite. The tennis centre is also home to the MyTennis High Performance Academy where several of the best junior and senior tennis players currently train under the guidance of many experienced coaches and the supervision of Great Britain's Aegon GB Davis Cup Captain, Leon Smith.

 
We're also treating some of the International Faculty attending NSpine, a special tour called The Spine of the City. This will take in three historic hostelries, The Bell Inn, The Salutation Inn and The Trip to Jerusalem, some of the oldest public houses in the country.

Then its off to the Albert Hall for the main NSpine Social Evening with a performance by the Spinal Chords!   Nottingham City Council purchased the Albert Hall in 1987 and a major refurbishment was set to task in order to link the venue with the adjacent Nottingham Playhouse for use as a multipurpose centre. The work was completed in 1988 and Her Royal Highness the Princess of Wales unveiled a plaque on 23rd February 1989 to commemorate the refurbishment.

     

 The Nottingham Playhouse managed the Albert Hall until July 1990 when the Nottingham City Council leased the building to the Albert Hall Nottingham Ltd for use as a Commercial Conference and Entertainment Venue.

  

NSpine is committed to making a difference and all of the funds raised at the NSpine Social Evening, will go to the UK Scoliosis Society. The Scoliosis Association (UK) (SAUK) aims to provide advice, support and information to people with scoliosis and other spinal conditions, including kyphosis and lordosis. For more information or to make a donation please see their website.   
  

The main NSpine Course Dinner & After Dinner Dance is at the Crowne Plaza Hotel on the Friday evening and features dancing and entertainment. Located in the centre of Nottingham City, just 5 minutes' walk from Nottingham Train Station and close to the M1 junction 25 and junction 26. and only 12 miles from East Midlands Airport. The hotel is conveniently located for Nottingham's business district and close to the Theatre and shopping district.

Nottingham University Hospitals has a partnership link with the University Teaching Hospital in Kathmandu, where health workers are treating survivors following the devastation of the recent earthquakes across Nepal. NSpine is committed to making a difference and will donate significant funds raised as part of the Course Dinner to PHASE, which is a specialist organisation looking after primary health care in remote communities. If you would like to make a donation please see their website.

NSpine concludes on Saturday and as well as a special section this year which includes GSpine, all about the future of spinal surgery, there is also a rather unique and special day called Patients Day. 

This day is about those who we serve, our patients. Relatives and other members of the public interested in the Spine are more than welcome to join us as well. Full details on the NSpine for Patients and Relatives day, are on the NSpine website. The day is heavily supported by the various patient groups, and we are confident that it will be a fun, informative experience for all those who attend as per the last NSpine for Patients and Relatives event.

There will be several lectures throughout the day and you are welcome to choose which to attend. Additionally there will be various forums run throughout the day for more in-depth discussions.

Have a great week and we look forward to welcoming you all to NSpine 2015.

 

What's Floating Around Cloud 9? 15 June 2015

Welcome to another week we've gone all South American here at Cloud 9 Towers this week as we continue our look at some of the new hotels popping up around the globe. Down Mexico way, you need to keep a scorecard to keep track of what has opened,what's still to open and what's still being planned!  There's a lot going on so let's take a look! 

A couple of years ago, the former Cancun Palace was reflagged as the Hard Rock Hotel Cancun which was quickly followed by the Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta in Puerto Vallarta (the former Vallarta Palace) and then the Aventura Cove Palace and adjacent Aventura Spa Palace will become the Hard Rock Riviera Maya.
 
Hilton opened its first all-inclusive resort in Mexico, the 259-room Hilton Puerto Vallarta with five restaurants and a tapas lounge.

The AAA Four-Diamond All-inclusive Hilton Puerto Vallarta Resort is conveniently located just seven minutes south of Gustavo Diaz Ordaz International Airport (PVR) and only 12 minutes north of the colonial charm of the city center – the well-known Malecon. The resort is in the heart of the hotel zone and located between the cruise port and the most modern and newest malls in the area and the all-inclusive Puerto Vallarta Resort experience encompasses breakfast, lunch and dinner daily (buffet and a la carte); snacks in the pool area; 24-hour room service; limitless domestic and international beverages, including house wine (by the glass); and an in-room mini-bar restocked daily. 

Also new,  AMResorts will introduce its all-inclusive Secrets and Sunscape brands in Cozumel,beginning with the 174-room Secrets Aura Cozumel, formerly the Sabor Cozumel Exclusive and Aura Cozumel properties, which were combined into one Secrets.The only adults-only resort of its kind on picturesque Cozumel, Secrets Aura Cozumel combines all of the amenities of Unlimited-Luxury® with an unparallelled island vacation experience. It looks fabulous!

Additionally, the area has also seen the boutique El Ganzo property open its doors in Los Cabos; the adults-only Secrets Puerto Los Cabos offers 500  as well as the 157-room Hotel Hyatt Palace for business travellers.

Las Alcobas which opened in March also looks rather lovely! Find your home away from home among swaying palm trees, white stucco and sleek, ultramodern facades. At the vibrant Las Alcobas, they pride themselves in providing luxury service and state of the art amenities in a warm setting.  Ideally situated in Polanco, Mexico City’s bustling business, commercial and entertainment district, they are a balmy respite in the heart of the city. They are at your service, for all your needs to ensure your stay in Mexico is pleasurable, whether for business or leisure.

The shape of things to come?

The W Kanai Retreat Riviera Maya was set to open in July 2015 and will be the fifth W Retreat worldwide, joining W Maldives, W Bali, W Koh Samui and W Vieques Island. Nestled on the eastern coast of Mexico’s magnificent Yucatan Peninsula, the hotel will be located within an exclusive beachfront community surrounded by the natural beauty of the Mayan Rivera’s lush lagoons and pristine mangroves. The 180-room Retreat is being designed by acclaimed architect Richard Meier. W Kanai will be the centrepiece of the Kanai Resort, which will include four other hotels (including a St Regis) and a Beach Club. However, it looks like this has been put back to the start of 2018 now, so we'll keep an eye out for updates! 

We do know however, that the Westin Santa Fe Hotel, a modern retreat located in the trendy Santa Fe business district is now open for business! Guests are just steps away from the BBVA Bancomer Convention Centre and Centro Santa Fe—one of the largest shopping malls in Latin America. Ideal for business events and social gatherings, the hotel offers more than 12,000 square feet of meeting space. The WestinWORKOUT® Fitness Studio, Heavenly Spa by Westin™ and Market Kitchen keep guests fit, refreshed and energised throughout their stay. And finally, their 259 spacious guest rooms and suites will elevate your spirits the moment you arrive. Discover an incredible night’s sleep on their signature Westin Heavenly® Bed, soothe your senses in the marble bath, and enjoy beautiful views of the city and valley.

Our final Mexican hotel opening is the Andaz Mayakoba which was due to open mid-2015, but has been delayed until May 2016! Andaz, a recently created hotel chain and the second luxury brand of the Hyatt chain, has taken over operation of this avant-garde and contemporary complex that is currently at a construction stage, where the latest technologies are being applied to interior decorating and the management system. The Andaz Mayakoba Hotel’s installations will include, amongst others, a spa, events and meetings room, beach club and two international restaurants.

Its opening date is scheduled for 2016 and it will become the third resort in the world under this brand, after the Hawái and Papagayo Hotels (Costa Rica). The Andaz is one of the most rapidly growing hotel brands in the world, and the most prestigious of those included in the luxury lifestyle segment, and we're looking forward to seeing it!

Even further south, in Brazil, we were introduced to the new Hilton Barra Rio de Janeiro Hotel which has just opened its doors for business. Boasting two ballrooms and five flexible meeting rooms, a complimentary 24-hour business center, contemporary A/V technology and a professional events team; this modern hotel in Rio de Janeiro is the ideal venue for a variety of successful conferences, spectacular weddings or training sessions for up to 700 people.

Unwind in an elegant and spacious guest room or suite, equipped with amenities designed to help you relax and stay productive. Check emails with WiFi, browse channels on the HDTV and refresh in the stylish bathroom. Energize with a workout in the complimentary 24-hr fitness center, which is equipped with the very latest Precor equipment. Take in splendid views over the lakes of Barra da Tijuca as you swim in the inviting rooftop pool.

Finally this week, we go slightly North of Brazil, to Colombia where we will see the Sheraton Cartagena Hotel open in December!  Altogether, 17 new hotels are expected to open in Cartagena alone by the end of 2015 with Starwood, FourSeasons and Intercontinental leading the way

With this in mind we can feel a Colombia feature coming on in a future blog so we'll say adios, have a great week!