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Home My WebLink AboutUpdate Media Placements - N.J.Friedman .�.� . :�� .._� �� CITY OF PALM DESERT COMMUNITY SERVICES DIVISION STAFF REPORT REQUEST: Receive and file informational report on media placements and public relations activities as provided by Nancy J. Friedman Public Relations. DATE: June 14, 2007 CONTENT: Nancy J. Friedman Public Relations April/May Activity Report Recommendation: By Minute Motion, receive and file informational report on media placements and public relations activities as provided by Nancy J. Friedman Public Relations. Report: The attached report is being provided at the request of Council to be kept abreast of public relations activities and results. Attached please find a report highlighting public relations activities for April and May, as conducted by the Nancy J. Friedman Public Relations Agency (NJFPR) on behalf of the City of Palm Desert. The report includes a list of inedia placements along with copies of the clippings. Topics being pitched to national media, and ongoing media relations activities are also outlined. The City's energy and environmental initiatives continue to be well received by various media. The Set to Save energy program was featured in a segment on CNN's "Open House" news show. Other placements include websites focusing on family travel and several mentions about the renovations at Desert Springs JW Marriott. In May, NJFPR organized a familiarization trip and brought out four golf and travel writers. They toured Palm Desert, golfed at Desert Willow, and experienced the Desert Springs Marriott. The writers enjoyed playing the Firecliff course so much that they declined the afternoon's planned activities to stay and golf the Mountain View Course. As seen in the attached clipping, writer Blair Howard of About.Com reported, I have seen some spectacular golf courses over the years, but this one has to be one of the most beautiful, EVER! And, believe it or not, it's a municipal course - a public course anyone can play - owned by the City of Palm Desert. No expense has been spared to make Firecliff one of the top public courses in the US. NJFPR continues to be in touch with these writers regarding upcoming coverage. NJFPR Informational Report Page 2 Additional FAM trips include a visit by writer Eilene Ogintz's who has already promoted The Living Desert and Desert Springs Marriott in advance of her visit. Her article, posted on the website SmarterTravel.com was syndicated to CNN.com's travel section. In addition, NJFPR is pitching angles such as golf and recreation, The Living Desert, Palm Desert's boutique hotels, and summer happe ings, to appropriate media outlets. � � ' / Submitted By: ~ n j;' / (�Y l ' Kristy Kn iding Sheila . Gil igan Marketing Manager Assistant City Managier Approval: �:ITY COUNCIL ACTIOlv: Carlos L. Ortega APPROV�D DENIED City Manager RECEIVSD Y� � OTHER Tn rsr�rn��l 1�EE ING D�,TE .(�� AYES: " �� SvOES:_�� ' a�er �. , cvza K-�1(y ?�BSE�'�':�Z,� - <�BSTAIN. - �IERIFIFsD BY: /1� � '"�-��.na1 on File w City Cl�rl�'s �fifi_c€= ,�ti,�Y ' ' �'_D"��"�•��A PUBLIC RELATIONS Memorandum To: Kristy Kneiding Marketing Manager, City of Palm Desert CC: Sheila Gilligan Assistant City Manager, City of Palm Desert From: Nancy J. Friedman Public Relations Date: May 31, 2007 Subject: Account Activity April — May 2007 We are pleased to provide these highlights of inedia placements and pubtic relations activities undertaken by NJFPR during the last eight weeks: MEDIA PLACEMENTS: Meetings & Conventions April 2007 Circulation: 70,000 As a result of NJFPR's outreach to writer Tom Isler, Palm Desert and the renovation at Desert Springs were featured in an article titled "Sizable Improvements." CNN— "Open House" Apri121 & 22, 2007 Viewership: CNN is available in 88.2 million U.S. households As a result of NJFPR's outreach to CNN producer Ben Tinker, CNN's real estate program "Open House" featured a story about Palm Desert's energy and environmental initiatives. Los Ange/es Times May 6, 2007 Circulation: 851,832 As a result of NJFPR's outreach to Los Angeles Times staff writer Valli Herman, Palm Desert and the renovation at Desert Springs were featured in an article titled "Social spa-ing is the new golf." Seattle Post Intelligencer May 10, 2007 Circulation: 131,769 As a result of NJFPR's outreach, Palm Desert and the "family package" deal at Desert Springs were featured as the "Travel Bargain of the Week" in this publication. 1 About.com May 17, 2007 Circulation: 34,532,272 Following his visit to Palm Desert, facilitated by NJFPR, about.com writer Blair Howard posted positive reviews and numerous photos of both the Firecliff Course at Desert Willow Golf Resort and the Palms Course at Desert Springs. TakingTheKids.com May 23, 2007 Circulation: 500-1,000 hits perday As a result of NJFPR's targeted pitching and continued outreach, Eileen Ogintz's "Daily Tip" on her website recommended Desert Springs and the Living Desert. SmarterTravel.com May 28, 2007 Total impressions: more than 23 million Eileen's column about summer savings included Desert Springs and the Living Desert. The feature was syndicated to CNN.com (circulation: 21.3 million), SmarterTravel.com (937,270), Houston Chronicle (503,114), Dallas Morning News (411,919), the Connecticut Post (74,005), and The Ledger in Florida (65,756). PITCHING AND OUTREACH: • NJFPR continues to follow up with our contacts at Nationa/ Public Radio and The Today Show about coverage of Palm Desert's energy programs. Both outlets continue to express interest and we are working with our contacts on angles and b-roll. We also continue to update and follow up with Associated Press writer Noaki Schwart2, who intenriewed Pat Conlon in ApriL • Using new information from Desert Springs, NJFPR formulated a "green vacation" pitch and sent to Sunset magazine. After we gauge the publication's interest, we plan to also pitch this story to other top travel magazines. • As we continue to gather newsworthy details on Set to Save, we have pitched various angles to several outlets, including The New York Times, Los Ange/es Times, Newsweek, BusinessWeek, sustainab/og, thedailygreen.com, and sprig.com. • NJFPR wrote a "summer value" pitch emphasizing off-season savings and opportunities for family-friendly travel. We sent the pitch to a variety of inedia, including AM New York, New York Daily News, New York Post, and Hitched. • Besides our targeted pitching, NJFPR also formulated a general pitch recommending Pat Conlon as an expert in green building and home maintenance. We offered Pat's expertise to editors at a variety of travel and lifestyle magazines, including BestLife, Better Homes & Gardens, Canadian Geographic, Conde Nast Traveler, Cookie, Cosmopolitan, Country Living, ELLE, Good Housekeeping, Green Living Magazine, House 8 Garden, Martha Stewart Living, Nationa/ Geographic's "Green Guide," Outside, P/enty, Time, and Verdant. • NJFPR pitched Palm Desert to writer Patti Pietschmann, who is currently working on the 2008-09 edition of ACCESS Los Angeles. We provided Patti with information about Palm 2 Desert's energy initiatives, downtown hotels, EI Paseo, the Living Desert, Desert Willow, Jeep tours, and public art. • NJFPR pitched Palm Desert's energy initiatives to writer Kathy Baruffi for a USA Today story about destinations where visitors can "do their part"to celebrate Earthy Day. • For his assignment on strange or odd museums, we sent Daily Gazette writer Jeff Wilkin information about The Living Desert. • For her piece in Westlake magazine about small California hotels, we pitched the Mod and Mojave to writer Linda Lang. • NJFPR has been in touch with local architect Kristi Hanson and received information about her past, current, and future energy-efficient architectural projects. We continue to gather information on a house under construction at Bighorn and will pitch it to lifestyle and architecture magazines once the project is completed. • For her guest-editing project with Fortune Small Business concentrating on active vacations, we provided Joanne Chen with information about local Jeep tours. • NJFPR sent an Earth Day-themed media alert about Palm Desert's energy initiatives to a variety of U.S. newspapers and broadcast media, including ABC News, Associated Press, Boston G/obe, CBS News, Chicago Tribune. Denver Post, Detroit Free Press, Fox News, Honolulu Advisor, Houston Chronicle, Las Vegas Review-Journal, Los Ange/es Times, Metro New York, Miami Herald, MSNBC, NBC News, New York Daily News, New York Post, New York Sun, New York Times, USA Today, and Wall Street Journal. • As a result of our Earth-Day pitching, USA Today writer Traci Watson expressed interest in writing a story. We arranged an interview with Pat Conlon and continue to follow up with Traci on possible coverage. • NJFPR pitched "Starry Safaris" at the Living Desert to Shape magazine writer Sara Bodnar for an article about outdoor nighttime activities and trips. • NJFPR reached out to John Poimiroo, the new travel editor of California magazine. We suggested several recreational ideas, including hiking, art, and The Living Desert. • NJFPR offered Pat Conlon as an energy expert and arranged an interview with freelance ` writer Margaret Littman, who is working on a story for Homestyle magazine about how to make residential swimming pools more energy efficient. • As part of our ongoing outreach to guidebooks, we sent information on various hotels and attractions to freelance writer Bobbi Zane for the Coachella Valley portion of the 2008 Fodor's California guide. We assisted Bobbi with setting up her trip to the area, making sure to include the Palm Desert Visitor's Center, dining, and other attractions. • For a story she was pitching to USA Weekend about Segway Tours, NJFPR sent information to writer Judy Mandell about Segways of the Desert, and offered an interview with Victor Blumenthal. 3 • NJFPR gathered information about Palm Desert's recycling program and environmental outreach to young people for a pitch to a national parenting magazine about how best to discuss environmental issues with young children. • Palm Desert will also benefit from NJFPR's extensive pitching to national and local media on behalf of Desert Springs, on topics including etiquette classes, seasonal packages, new spa, dining, and chef profiles. MEDIA RELATIONS ACTIVITIES: • NJFPR put together a golf-themed press trip to Palm Desert, arranging flights, accommodations, activities, and meals. Attending journalists were: Diana Rowe (travelgolf.com, Corporate & Incentive Travel, etc.); Blair Howard (About.com); Hal Quinn (SCOREGoIfl; and Ken Van Vechten (Los Angeles Times, Fairways & Greens, etc.). We continue to work with these writers on upcoming coverage. • NJFPR worked with Edelman Public Relations, which represents Palm Springs Desert Resorts, to accommodate writers Peter Gianopolus (North Shore magazine) and Susan Segal (Coast magazine) at Desert Springs and to provide meals. We continue to follow up with Edelman on upcoming coverage. • NJFPR arranged Eileen Ogintz's upcoming visit to Palm Desert, including flights, meals, accommodations, and activities. Eileen plans on featuring Palm Desert and Desert Springs even more extensively in the future. #-�## 4 ' I�IEETING:��C�Q��1'ENT1iJ�S � �, _ � April 2007 �r:li!�s�a$ � • -- ��fi , � � ,i, ,;'' t��r'c'"1 f y,� ; � , , I �N1F 1 ° � '., '.4 J: � _ _� . A��•!T I .Y.i '1'` ..l�t . � df ! L, . "`�;t . .�:4. . � ,. . �. . . . � �... ��. I I� ' � ,�... �,�;, ,�..�. -� :��:� � , U �,: r � :+� �� "''�� '�s� �^, ,�r^ -r� �^ _ �� i�",,j ��'�.�,j ,��.�;,� �� 'a � � _�.-- -...._ � �`� ' ': � � � - � �r " . ��, . � . , � � x � R� + ..,..r..v,,. 1 ' �''�� '9 I � ��,� � �� • ,� � • ��e�t� l. y� -�y° _ " � � � � � � � � + � `7 � � � .��r,.,�w��r.-� - - _�__.J}; �� u ,a+4r+Ps+dr.,r � ,r��i+3Jj- .�� } . . ! t :� . _ Z . .a. ]E:'� �':r,�, �,` �� i ' 3. ..,,'� � d'" � �: 1 �z:: = . _ s.' . �'. � .�'�; _c - , BY TOM ISLER vidence of the escat�hng spa eraze in the facilities,while other hotel spas that were large to begin United States lies not onlY�n the number of tivitli are hndin�that euszomer demand can suppart even hotets and resorts construdmg oases of well- m�re expansrve facilities. ness,but in the size of the facilities as well. This expansion trend redects and encourages a change Twenty-seven percent at esisting"lux- in spa behavior,which u good news for grouys that em- ury ar upper-upscale hotels"in the United States now bnie the spa lifesn•le. have spas,aecording to Pricewarerh�useCoopers and "f think sp�s are bewming a flttle more social,'"�- Smith Travei Rzsearch,and four in 10 hoteis being de- plains(emmq 14cCarthy,director of spa operntions and � veloped in this categary include plans for spa;.But even developmem for SYhite Plams,N.Y.-based Starwood Ho- more telling is the fact that a hotel spa encompassing tels tX Resorts R'otldwide."It's not�ast a ptace for yuiet 25,000 square feet and/or offering at least 25 treatmem 4ime b�you�selE" roams is no longer a rarity. Both the lnternational tipa 9�sociatinn t ISPA1.based A rash of resorts that once wntained boutique spas in Lrxmgton,Ky.,and Spa Finder,a spa researeh,market- with a handful of trestment roams urr su}+ersir.mg their �ng and publishing�ompany based in tie�r tork Citv.noce APR�L 20D7 MEE*'hOfi 8. CCNVEn��UNS B1 � � .-ii ,� ,-, � , � - _ . � .. �� ' .. �' ' _ . . , � . �., � ,. _ � ,� �. ... i - � .:�'r µy r�. ' ..r � '�i �� . . � . _ �-b � � � � r -, . - . , -�r I ,�� !` -L==ff� t .� . . " IE �- -r��+� n r:" � �� .-14Yiy a..� , � ' .. _ . � ` m tt-Yti �' IE _ �� - � ,.;., 3:. �r�# ��' .: , , . � � �, : ,_� u'*�f ��' t � iV � . . . �- ,r, _ .r��:,� .. -lf -�.�_ ' .x;- ;i �2�-.!I.* • . _ � . .. , ' .. � t i'1: 111��r��l 1iy�.ETF � �� r �_ . . . . ' �. . �zi's�,,= ' � - r �'f� ��i� F�,�i.r? �',;� i., � _ - �� - - ,. .z`��t�� '_" ✓: �Ei��F_ �ik�.� _ ,.�.�PhlG'`.�' . , _ ?�_-_ �t�:�-�, s, _. . � � �r_��(]No . SStIN DEEP �� .�'_;�. �_ i, - � � � �. � - __ �_ � � �: � ��., Il .c.� � � .. y ki t�''' - _.:.At ^3�� ..� _ � '.- . . ��- w,_ ' •, .;c.� �*. . .:� I aY�`. . � ��'�u -.�� - . "�'-�" . . �,vi5Nd6:�.K:i3�.�tiio:.,•. . Sootfii�sitr:Alle�ia Spa at the Puk Hyaa Bnvar Crealc Rewr!in Colorado the increasing social atmosphere at spas bience encourages cn-workers to yook cod:tails, wme and champagnz. After as a key trend for this year. beyond ddes and busmess eards and milling around the first floor, gixests As spas add more treatment rooms, relate to each other as equals, not as moved upstairs tn indulge Ifully tlothed} they're aLw e�anding lobbies and creat- bosses or suhordinates. According to in 10-minute faciaLs:foat,hand and neck ing more relaxation rooms,sQaces where Andy Radrnic, vicx president nf sales massages;and other short treatments. small groups—birthday par�ies,bach- and marketing Cor the Pante Vedra Inn 23r : 5teinke says the atmosphere,which elorztte bashes, friends on a «�eekend Club in Ponte Vedra&ach,Fla.,dressing cnuld he r�-created for �roups after getaway or meeting attendees — can guests in robes and having them interact hours,w�as relaxed becsuse guests were enjoy a shared experience. in the spa environment is a recipe Eor"a not asketi to do anything th3t made Because lobbies and relaxation roums ►eveling kind of afternoon" them unwmfortable. aren't purpose-built to generate re�xnue, FollowinR are seven new—and huge Groups staring at the resort,which sales directors are ahvays looking for —resort spas that are especially groi�p- has 17,000 syuare feet of mneting space, treative tand profitable! ways for the friendly. tend to use the spa for individual treat- spaces to be used.ThaPs where groups ments, but `suddenlp we have much come in.The public spaces at large spas AllegNs Spe et the Park more space for social group e�znts that aze prime venuc�fi�r aker-hours recep- Hyatt Beever CPeek we iust<ouldn t do beFore,"Steinke says. tions, ready-made with allunng decor. R@SOPt A key feature of the new spa is S,D00 For receptions,spas can�vhip up a menu Beaver Creek,Colo. tquare feet of new pools,tubs and show- af healthy hors d'oeuvres and juices for (970)4�}y-1234;beavercreek.hyatccom ers, which together constitute the ser guests,ur set up spa stations for quick called Aqua SaniWs ("water health"),a sampletreatments. The new:Ulegria Spa at the]9�-rnom ritualguestsareimitedtuunderg�before The most obvious advanta�e of fa- Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort ix nearly treatments.The creatment indudes pcwis cilities with more treatment rooms is twice the size oF the resort's former spa of different temper�tures, c�ntaining the�r abilin�to handle more people in a of the same name,at 3Q,000 square feet, special salts,and a1sc�an other-worldlv shoner period of dme."Groups have a . but it has just two additional treatment steam ttwm with a eeiling that tiwks the fixed agenda or time schedule and want roams,fur a total of 23,induding four way the night sky does hom atop Bea�er to put ]00 or 200 people through the couples suites.tn other words,much of C;reek htountain on a tlnudless night. spa,but they dadt want to start at six in the exPansion has been dedicated to new the morning,and they dodt want to go public spaces. QUS B9ths&SpH et at nine at night because they have other "'fhe old spa was beautiful;'says spa C86�r9 P818C@ things to do," says Jim Root, general general manager Gaye Steinke."H'e iust Las�egas manager of spa operations at Sea Island felt wc needed naore ruom:' i 8G6!78�-0655;www.harrahs.comlqua liWa.l Resort and ISPA chairman.Earge The grand-opening party fpr Allegria facilities, white not inherendy better this past )anuary demonstrated what Given the competitive and creative hos- than smaller spas,accommodate larger the acpanded facUity offers groups.At pitality environment in Las Vegas,it was gmups ntore easilv he adds. the gala.150 guests entered through the only a matter of time befure thz 3,3�R- Gmups also embrace spas as venues nvo-story ceception area,with its grand room Caesars Palace offered its guests for team building>because the spa am- floating staircase,and sampled smoothie Gbntinued nn page 66 OP MEET�Npg a CONVfiNTION4 APRI�2007 x '�` r� ,�_vCJI*SD �_.� SKIN DEEP ��_,� � r (:at/inrre�l trnrr�pnKc n' trenlments -- mnms that a Rom�n bath esE�erience. -R � ! �an duf�ble as smatt tun�- The ,iSn�ture telture oE +^� �I�,. tion:iresn ur,5itttplt.E�lac<* ihr neu �11,0(.10-syv+n foot ' U;' �r•hece �;ue,ts �an ahare a t1u� i3aths �k ti�a, ��htih �* _ :� gruuE� exgrricnt pnor to oExned la.t Noi°emher�vith :'°q� ��. � �udividuat tn•atments.A.iJc� �1 treatmcirt r�wms, ic the `� � ''��0'�" li•�nn the k+ath,.therr's 7 nea R��man baths area, which �. i ,� • �„� ; lea l.c�ungc.with:ushione�9 re [ic�tes thc�se traditi��na1 __ ,cat: and r tlat-v:irxn 'i'!. gathermg gtaces of antirnt y� ,uper�•ised hc a "tea s.ni� Rome, sacs spa directc�r 'q,�I melier';an Arcti.Ice Rcu�nt, )ennifer tynn. Therr's no '� (L1.I kept at �5 drgrees. cti'ilh °`hush-hush"spa atmosphem � � �' ,_ L�1. heared flo�rs .uid t,enche, 11erC: E�ih se�tion of the Roman rub�uwrts:Thc Qua Baths&Spa a[Caesars Palace fi'tqt? �ehich [o enj0�' t�ti baths,whech eonsists oF thmr �rnal)"snow"shocvers;and, mineraf-enricned Ex>ol:of variou.trm- �(nre than�uuhle die sizr ot l:�rsars of cour�r.amplc relaw�tion lounges. peratures,plus a Lacunium rnum and a Palate`s pr��ii�us spa,whiih ha+iiu�d, Thz lab��rinth nf the spa la}��aut aids >auna inapired by ancient Ruman steam t,�ua Baths al:�i i�dectgn��A ur jceep�,uests in creating a�sorid of;eclu.ion:"Y�r�� baths,is�{esigned to he rxperienc.xi tn- oicupied !'or a��hile.Therr.�re x•reral aimost feel Inst hack here,"Lv�m .aes. gmqps of si�tci 10 p�ple. mams in which to�+au�e Lirti�ic ur a}irr "`Voii re reaq��rtmovrd fmm thc hedic, `� � :-y� � ��,,� - � a £, °�F'` ,� � .II�- - _ F ..,.,� .� � 44� . . - _ _ ... _. . . � �' � THE HlLL COUNTRY. WHERE WOMEN STILL FIND METICULOUS HANDWORK VERY REWARDING. We're a resort huilt for meetin4s,but we�re�whole iot more.Rewarn your qroup+,vitn a�rela,c�ny day at our �� - worid-rlass spa.Challenge rnem with our 27-hole champmnsh�p gotf course.Qr�ust let them fioat the aay � H�.�T away at our Four-acre water playground.Mioutes from th�airpurt,momenrs trnm San Antarno aftractions. 4`-"-_° A'�' � FeEI the Nvatt Touch."Call$00 55 HYATT or vis�t h attre en illeount eom. '�� p� Y 9 � rY• et:;,ar a:.o-�-�:.�..:r.,.:a;r.�•ur; . �� -"��` �p %�� -�`7,-%a�'�,. - z -� ,, ., , �� '�- ":". � � '�,� A; ., _,�`,91�-R�� +� . _ � 'L� r��_ € 66 MFt�•rous & Corivees*�o�.s Ava�i. 2�0� � � g[�F-Y�NG .�5•, u_. ;: SKIN QEEP �°��_ � .� e�,,.-._,�.': �'��x�' %. 4 .'.F -;�:` . �"' -� t�usa•tivorld and the strrtts i�t Lus l'cgu�" hnuse anei time.ioc�cd doun."satica.pa �y�� L�•un sai•�+hc or her ctaff i�t�ri�u} clirecmr'1'in:i t:r,�wford. � �n >er��icr+ managers Esill try tn ocr��m- The ciiffereni�is fFIdL[EiFS tima the modntr anti reyue,t a nuretinG plann,�r �irief moment nt hti..s ti�il[he liad in:i _�-"�.-�- _� ( uiakcs,�.�hcthcr tt`� tn .ace n block n[" hamnunk th.:t hangv insidr�,n�at ihc � ' - �'""'^- trzatment r�a+nu, up�n ��rlv m• cl��,e `h trestux•t�f ruomv in a t51h millinn, ;� Iate.�rr hrin�the spa—in the Eorm or ';,SUu•syuart•-wur spn tlr.it o�xntd l+itii chairmassa�esarnthrrquicktreatmcnt, l�cr�•�uhcc �7'hc Ritz-�arlton h:n 4dd �r� ��" —tu the nieetin�it�lf. guec[ runnu and i�,Olill si�uarr teet nt �F � j� 3 n�relin�,-E7a-eJ ��;��. . �(��„y�•.��'S The Ritz-Carlton Spa, c ra��ford w��thc t��a is frienJl� to; "� „� AM@lie ISland g,-nt�p� hnth lar�;e tin 1lareli ihe tac't� '°` r�nielia l,la�id.Fta, itc host�d an ecrnt for?��p�c�plc�and � ��' t9(I•11 1"'i-11nU:w�i�-.rit�iadt�m.mm .mall i t��o 41u+t�ra �F eight tre3tment �Rirz-Carlcon 5pa,Amelia�sland rooms,eath wizh iu un•n rcluxation area, 1'hr s�gnature"Hr.ntin u�a Hammckk" are ide:tl Inr small, private gathering, ialmtng niusic piped in un�lcruah�. treatment at the"I'he Ritz-(:adtun Spa, that tiodt rec�uirr thti�•ntirr fxcilitc to tiecen relaxatiun IounKrs,alnng witli �ntelia kl:nxl,harks hatk to the"uld. tlox�own:.The.pa gruun3s inciudr thr.rslutts-o�ii;•.axade whid}c�,yl arca, laie summer d.tp5 in the tiouth xherc anadditional;,000-�yuare-f'notoutdt�or ar.> �he rnmary spacea to hnct graup ynu were rala+ung at your,;randparcnn' area,�vith .i�1-ck and ,i puul that ha. Im�cuuns. In addidun, ".pa hutlers' Experience Utah's Newest Destination ZERMA?T RFSC)RT'6:SPA,a Dolce Hotel,Resort and C;onfen:nce Ih�xtinad�n,ie locatnl in nurt6cra Utaha pictuersyue HeL+er Valley les,tlian onc luiur from the ualt Lakco City Interoati�mal A'rrpon and adjacent to�orld famous['ark City.Zerresatt f+eatures 226 hotet rnom�, 126 candominium-stti�le vilFux,mom than 28,O1�0 ayuare•feet of IACC app�rnzd meeNng fucil'rties, two restaurants,a Eumpean da�•s�dc we(lneas ceoter,an 18-hule cxecutive putting coucse, plentifu)recmational nHerings nnd much mom. Camplete Meeting Packages stccrring ut $255'� . � ` / �� > ,. . . 66 ti9�,.�.:=.ncs & Gor:��,en�� -,... a.:�:,_ 2na� BEYDND SKIN DEEP ��. � eoam the faeility;distributing bz�•erages ers�vori;s closely with meeting planners on.ln this conte±ct,the originaJ spa mus�t and answering questiuns. to orchcs[nte an appropriate z�cperiencr. not have been hi�enough ti�r the Oiieida .4 team oCdedicate�i spa salrs manag- iSc*e"In 61'riting"un page 72.! lndian owtters,beiause last tIil!a sewnd spa,tikan:i,opened,uin�iected ta the de- �r. � '��'~� Sk�n�:Ths 3pa luxc 9.}_�uite Lodge at Tuniing titone. ��`� at T.urning Stone ,��33,Of111 syuare fert.5kana Ys vust ._-_ � , R680rt x�ith�ut evcr fecling anythin�t buY in- �ervna,N.T. timate, c�t it dues continuz iarning ` _ �r` �SIN)1 7;t-7711 Stone',tradition of oftering ever}rttiing. �,�,,, �, ww�v.turningstone.ium Guests get arcess to a tifirsc cemar�vith -.r '-�; regular tl�s�c�s,�ilus a Ia�:pc�oi,stcam �, ' E��erytliinq ahout Turning rnom,sauata,n�iiicral pool and hot tub. 4 �� Stone Resore eSc Gasino is big, A 3,SOU-square-fait VIP spa suite of- �.'� whethet iYs thr resor['s 713 fers two ��aking tubs> prtvate s:uitta rnoms, 1?0.000-sqpare-foot and steam r�ioms,a tcvo•perwn shower, � �'! �asino, 7? holes of golF ZO a private herb garden and a spadous " restaura��ts, S,OfHI-srat evznt relaxation area with flufh huffalo skins -�.+� _ center, IOd,00p square teet of draped on the Boor.L'p to ctight guests --- -- meeting space or the whop- ian reserve the �uite fur pri��ate treat- Skana,The Spa at Turning Sume Rewrt ping l:.pf�a.res tha resuri sits mrnts and lunch.for groups that want ° � $100 MILLION JUST MET AT A CLASSIC tr r'� '�� y�� _ �- ' �a MEETING SPQT. SO SH(OULDYOU. � � � .� � ; F' � + ' INTROpUCING TME REFINED.RENEYYED AND RBJUVENATE� . 3 ` HYATT REGENCY BONAVENTURE GONFERENCE CENTER&SPA. � When luxu��ous British Cobnwi meets etete o�the aR tecnnoiogy, ' meehngs m ffqdda reaeh new levels of refined elegance and modern comnmence-Add 23 lush trop+cal at�eS,mWtiple reereat�una� fadlit�es end attrattions,new restaurants and founges,a Red Door -` L�festyie Spa,and the resu{ts are a dass�c resor�-sryle desnnanon 4 � �ffering a heshnesz to the group experiance.Dfstover the pla�ning options e$100 million comprehensi�e renovation an0 700,000 � ' ,yq�.,*; square feet of interior and extenor function space oifer.Feel the -� _ w Nyatt Touch"For deta1s,contact your Hyatt Sales RepreSenWuve, � �z' ""' call 954 616 1234 or vis:t bortswMum.hyatt.tom. i � ��. .��i �Y ` �� :�. H 'v�T�T ( - - ' aa�NTU¢E � _�:. CGNfENFNCE CEN*f.f I.SPA� � WE5fOk,F�OYIDA HIAR�wIiCJ W�!lM�IO�HCei910n�TeWN�lLap-+#+w2'2RI'N19!'.iiP�fWi411�kE-EWfttl. 7O MEETiNOS � CONVE1iT10NS APRIL 20D) _ . .rv�i_�� ...-•.�.,�., �. i��..�„��I.--..i:._.� �-. .''" _��-1" �..-,-..: `�{It�-'�I(..��`.m'"��1.-'��i-x .' � � .�]C �1 ' a�� `' 41�i � - � . .f " - . . - .il_ � . . ��S -..4..'V "I ]� 3' � �� , J . r . ._ , . ..4 .�r �'� Y� _ 3 Y �:i h f��'1 • � . I i �. c� � I i1,�1 ,�, 1q� �m � . - _ -. _. . � q� �w r.�..� �� .. . �_�' .�i � S- . � �e: -�' �t� f . . . . . . � �� a�� t;'l�� '`�.dlf}�" i� ��Iy j_ i'. N'�f . r r � L� � '.,s , � ' 1 _ � : a t, _ . �, � � _ _ �L .� _,. -'_�.-�� x 1� . . , . ' t =�cN -n �� .rs. - ' �-y�y rdc r i . . . _. _ . , �?�. - �'�'c .�4i��"�.a "�`: �"�t''7,� ry i� - �`. � '"�' j :`T _.u.�T�111�)It' s " ,� . .. . , • ,` �,��Fs r`- '- �r - - .- -,�,#7�- - `�:a��,-.,�.m� SKIN DEEP �� I R��7f ��"� ' ' �� L .: ... ��up with the neifK.sency nf�oup spa _ c; ` bookings,.;oMi Koa�eny�ns knew there 3 � hatl ro be a better way.ar 2{;p-} as the the facilit to Lhemselves,the entire s a �a group sa�es m�riager at ine i�dta-Carlton •.� y �'� NAples,rt�Ronda.he ciewsed a staaxlard c�x- � R7 can be bought uut for the daq. atir�g proceckrre#a-gra�p spa saies.�,n�cn r�s � Outside, a ne�o� hati�e American �e��irnplementeq at ai�23 clor+a�Yie ar�a , , �, 1 sN�eat lodge ca�host up to l6 atten�3ees Caribbean Rrtz-Cartton�esort sp?s +�( ,,�, �,� £or a hnnding expericnce.For those who The pol�cy ca�tar pianne-s to dewse a s� _- prefer to sweat at room temparature, prog�'�and�ign a ietter tfi ag�r�nt with a •� r• ��' ��. fitness elasses can he customized to u p�e-bloc;k gi.oarantea and att�rt�en�ntl eevv�eetla- � �[OLL�'S dCBi[es, k�Oli C43uSE5 dNCP_t0 fCUr f1trX7tt15 U�t EOVH!1C2. �' Wrwle some plamers might ��stfe at the �' � The Spa et Des@rt ��9ht or preparuig a s;ontract tor spa mo�r.- Ria.C.arkon,Rey„dds p�anr,cion Springs,A JW MarriOtt ments,KUssenyans,now tr�spa s�ma�- peSOrt ager at the Rilz-Carlta-��odge.Re�rt�oK1s Plantat�ri,s�Greensboro,Ga..� Palm De,ert,Calif. "Ni�x ty percont of plarmers love ttds, aciciirx�tnaT many ara h�ppy��teave 11�� spa deta�s to a sales inar�ager—anrf not ta chance. 1 i 601 3�11-2211 The spa sales manager wi�Cpmpi+e Yhe names of guests antl the�t req�aesis fr.,, www.desertspringsresort.com pre-approved treatments.The sates manager wi�then senn e-m�canfxmatiar�c - - with a letter empnasizing tiiat Vie cnmpany vviii be charged for no-sizows The spa amenity is so central to the S&t- '1ie s2fes manager remans�n cw�starn commu��cation wrtn the rneetir� room Desert Spnngs, A T4U ;�7arriott P��ner and,usu�liy fiw weeks out.reviews tPr�bK�rc beford trEe acarr�,rner,t�. Resort,that while its permanrnt facility �9netl."Planners lrury appreciate that,"KcssEnyans says.�r.,. Gnntinue�3 nn pege 74 � With incre�sed efficienry,,. ,,.aspire ciients �an take a breat r �,.�.:- +.i +_ r' _, ! k� - . � � i , � � � . � u, a : . �.��w!��:.�� yr ' ��w .. w a ;� : „ . - , � � � To learn more or set up a demo: t8001400-4052 I www.ungerboeck.com � marketingaQungerbceck.com 72 MEEriNaS Pa CON-uENTIJNS APAi� 2041 , •. " �Evor�o R SKlN DEEP �-4.—�:.�� Gontinued hnm page,'? �ets an Si8 milGon upgrace and exNan- � =�"' ��, sion,the hotel has tumed an entire«-ing a�� 44��uest roomsl intc�a tempoeary spa. .,,,,-..�-- �,R�,�},� y��,.,�_ �Zy,��• � "—"' Sruce Taylor�direac�r of spa aper�tioni. .arr:� £ �1 a� �ti ',Z'.T .� says the ald L)esert springs spa ��as "� � ' �^� � Marriott's&rst µhen it waz built in I gH=. „ _ �,4 and he hopes ta bz using the new faci3in• .''t'�'� � 'f� ('',a�--_�� bv 1�Y i. •• - The expanded spa wil3 encom- "- pass 38,Optl square teet and include j� 48 treatment rooms, capahle of han- dling�SO appointments per da};Tay- � tor eays.Among the key new feature� is a 600-square-foot VIP suite,which �oming soon:A spa with 48 treetment roome at the Desert S rin A can be booked for a half dag or full P S�. J�Mamaa Resorc day,with a li�•ing room,fireplace,dual facility alsp wil!have two"spas-within- roams branching off of a private xelae- treatment tables,a Frivate shower and a-spa"or"spa�ods;'iaylor sdjs,M•hich ation area, suitahle 'ror groups uf 12. locker room,a private entrance and an are self-contained areas seciuded kc�m Taylor adcis that fovd and bevrrage can enclnsed autdoor courtyar�l.The new the normal trafhc$ow,�vith treatment !ie served s�ithin these pods. 1 / • 1 ' , _:/r�—�-"'_ � � �� T� I �� g � �.^`ir �. �/ . , r � � ��t � ... y ��... � �' � t J . � � j l�t� c . u e ., ,' � '",;'�L'"'�,, � ,� �'`, !�f � �-. _7111" _. ..__.�, 7'� MEET:N69 S CGNVENtIONS Apq�� 2pq± T_,�- � ..1r.,r .s . . .6. - . i... �., -� '-. `.4�._ . � i,_, _.-_ � .F .r ..ni.�"y - _ BEYOND SKIN DEEP +•v..- --,: Grou}�s staying�t thr�mprm�.�vhich cice presidrnt ot k�les and markz�in�,. i�xd the expanded spa durm�;ns sta�. h:�s more than SO,f100 .quare ieet of 1Yrcmg. Eight tears later, designcrs GiYm�.can arrange hu}�c�utc of thc spa meetin�;spa�r,can particiqite m a va- werz brought Gack w devis� another trr resrn=r M�xks of treatment rcwms. rieh�nf clasus ur�anized bv the spa ur ex�+ansion. `fhis time tlu size of the Radoeic adds. the times,center,which itselE has 35,0(Nl s4+a triplcvl tu 30.OINa squa�t fce(:�nd?? square teet of strength and carclio equip- treatmeni rooms — haEf overlooking ThA Spe at S98 181a1'1d ment,or grouE s�an design their��wn tl�e golf�our;e,half thc Adantic C7cean. 5ea Islaud,Ga. pmgrams with thr resurt's trtinery or The ue��sp�open�3 t.+at No��ember. rBRRt tiI�,A-(SI,AND t;j"_-�!;i?i nutritionist. ludging t�om the ue�v design,h�xcl ti�zvw.,aais(anA.rnm "SM1'hen it iomes[o sp.i services,we can executirrs uem to hare placeci morc ��rork aroimd their,chedule;Tayl<v kiys contidenre in recent spa trends this timr The nri�inal tipa at tiea island had eiFht treatment room,,The neti•spa hfiilding, '�' �� vhieh o�renzd last No��ntbcr,cumprises -.,.. a mtoil�f 65,W0 square feet,more than e hulf ni'which is dedicated to the spa, �eith ?3 treatment rooms;the rest is a " hrand nc�v titness center. "[t's not d5AM1 square feet that"s c'' all filled up,"notes spa G'vi Jim Root. � �J "Cheres more open,vaulted space th:tn .�.. . + R � �n�rposeful trnatment roum space:' . ,., ��' �1�.. . �,, That means therei plenty of oppor- _� timiry for groups to hold events in the _ i��cilih•,which sits a�ijacent to`1'he Clois- " � �+��° cer,the resort's n�ain building Eur ao- _- -- ...r �ummodauuns,which reopened in April ' � ` ' 2U116 ti>Ilowing a major overhaul. ,,. � _ „� �,.,.�^^""-�-'_.. , 1.— _. __ - -; (,roups are welcome to«se thr spa a.e ��++� a place to relax,of couru,�r as an ame- Expanded:The Spa at che Pante Vedra Inn&Club has tripled in s¢e to 30,00o sq�a�e r'eec. nity more integrated into the meeting. `9 like to say lhere is a spa experience fc�r of groups.l'he spa can open earlv or late, around. Eirst, apyealing specifically ro everybody,"Root�ays. embroider attendees' initials on robes, men,the spa has a barbershop afiere L•ach a-eck,1011 complimentarydass- anA serve healthtiil food at the spa bistro men can get shaves and haircuts,as well es are offered in the spa and 6tness ur at any reception—poolside,perhaps, as facials,pedicures and manicures,while building.Groups can participate ur de- or in the spa's lobby—induding bento watching E5PN on a tlat-acreen 7 V."fust sign their oK�n programs. A running buxes with steak,chicken,fish or su.chi. short u}'cigars,which we don't have,it's �oach will organize road races or ob• - u real nten s club;'Rad�wic says. stade cuurses,for example.A"wellnesti Th6 Spa at Ponte Vedra Them'salsoa40-seatspadiningmom, chef"and nutritinnistwill build menus Inn &Club which serves a luw-tat,low-calorie menu for groups.Root s�ys his siaff is focused Ponte�edra&each,Fla —but"high in flavor."kaduvic insisu on providing guests with both a positive (90�)?73-i700:www.pvspa.com —of seups,salad.�end sandwiches.The experience and knowledge they can use dining room has an open kitchen,ngged aRer thry return home. In 198i, e.eecutives at the 250-room with closed-�ircuit cameras that feed to Sea Island has a dedicared spa sules Ponte 6edra Inn 8c CIu6 weie uncertuin a GO-inch plasnta T�'to provide optimal team of four,plus`spa service guides' what the future would hold for the resort ��iewing of cc+oking demonstcadons mn- who will consult with meeting planners sFa business,so the}•installed a 4,000- ducted by the spa chef,anothrr acti��ity about how best to tailor the facilit}'s square-f'o�t spa in a rmal!cottage on the pertecdy suited to gruups. ufferings to a pertiiular group. 'fhat proper[y. As for other group events at the fa- attention is critical,notes Kout."Any- "In 1996, we expanded e�ur spa to cility,Radovic Frc�Iy admits Niat"we're bodv can build a palace;that's not what 10,U00 square feM,thinking thar would still ne�v at this,�ve're still feeling our this is about.Spa is about high touch more than accommodate our needs for wa}:'�13ut,(ie say�,rnie convention group and low tech and peuple in service of the next 30 years."says.�idy Radovit, alread�bought nut the entire hotel and other people:'■ 76 MEETiN65 B� CCINVENTIONS APRIi 2007 � News from... N�F p � Circulation: 70,000 � �, �_t, ,�:,,�� - �� +�� Social spa-ing is the new golf If your boss says, 'I want to see you sweat,' don't panic. By Va11i Herman Times Staff Writer May 6, 2007 IT'S Friday night and the techno beats are bouncing around the dimly lighted room. Perfectly groomed men and gaggles of smartly dressed young women are kicking back with wine, hors d'oeuvres and some pretty intense touching. No one is complaining about the very public interactions, especially not Leonard Lanzi. With bare feet soaking in a sudsy pedicure tub, Lanzi, an executive with Junior Achievement, is surrounded by his employees,who seemed to be having a good time making fun of the boss's calloused feet. Lanzi, for better or worse, invited the office to Happy Hour Friday at Dtox, a new place to socialize in Atwater Village near Griffith Park. Despite the name, Dtox isn't a bar, or a rehab joint, but a day spa that once a month throws open its treatment room doors to add a social element to massages, facials and pedicures. Even if that element is, "Lennie, wow, you need this!" The serene atmosphere of the spa is changing fast. With group grottoes, coed steam baths and mud rituals for parties of eight, the spa is evolving into a place where socializing and private pampering coexist amid the steam and suds. Solidarity in sweat HEAD to a spa today, and you may find yourself sitting in a torrid sauna surrounded by towel-wrapped men and women, or meditating with strangers swathed only in Dead Sea mud. Some of these sweaty others could even be your coworkers: Spas are becoming the new golf, the new fancy dinner, the new healthy happy hour. They're the luxury bonding experience that's social and, for the most part, socially acceptable. Group spa rituals are common to those who have experienced the Russian shvitz, Turkish hammam or Korean scrub,but they're a significant departure from Puritan America's distaste for public displays of the personal. The new practices slid slowly into the spa, beginning with dual massages for couples. "Suddenly, spas were realizing that if you had a couples treatment room, it became a popular kind of activity," says Jeremy IVIcCarthy, director of spa development for Starwood Hotels and Resorts. Industry research revealed that many spa patrons came for the first time because they were invited to a group event. Spas responded by making their services and environs even more welcoming. At the new Glen ivy Day Spas in Hermosa Beach and Valencia, architect Todd S. Voelker built a social experience into the floor plan. The area, called "the grotto," is a series of rocky-looking rooms that vary in temperature and humidity. Here,beach rules apply: Men and women in bathing suits are swabbed with a sea kelp moisturizer, then sent to the nearly 100-degree, granite-like grotto to bake with up to eight others. Voelker says the main room's heat and curvy shapes were intended to give you "a feeling of surrounding you, almost like being held. Yet you can still see and hear your friends. It's kind of a funny experience." When they're ready, a11 the hot bodies rinse off(alone,but without shower curtains) in a cave-like nook before cooling down in a misty grotto. It all sounds pretty sexy,but people tend to avoid eye contact—perhaps because most of the guys are there with their wives. At Qua Baths and Spa at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, men and women are diving into Roman baths, then heating up in a coed room, the Laconium. Think of it as a grand group steam that glorifies the hippie hot tub experience. With warmed benches to hold 10 and a twinkling dome ceiling, men and women can gather in the circular setting pre-or post-treatment. The Laconium's atmosphere is set at a sensual 115-degrees with 50% humidity. The three Roman baths vary from warm to hot to cold,but are segregated by gender. Still, the combination of rooms for warming up with steam or hot tea, and cooling down with ice and chilly air, then resting while watching sports on TV in the men's lounge, has helped shift the usual ratio of inen to women from 3 to 1, to more like 1 to 1, a radical shift, says spa director Jennifer Lynn. Private socializing THOUGH such "social spa-ing," the new term for group spa treatments, sounds like forced mixing with strangers, in practice, some spas are controlling the interaction by scheduling groups at appointed hours, renting to private parties and eliminating common areas. At the Argyle Spa in West Hollywood, there's no locker room,just individual,ultra- luxurious suites that look like grand hotel rooms outfitted with spa equipment. Though the setup is perfect for couples,party crowds frequently hire out the five suites for private celebrations where inhibitions are left at the door. "It's funny because they all run around nude together," says the spa's owner and director, Britney Huinker. "They're very free." Though day spas took the lead in socializing their treatments, hotels are hot on their heels, especially now that many resorts are �nding that spas are popular settings for— yikes—corporate retreats. Yes, you may be soaking with the boss. If the idea of fraternizing with friends, or worse,business colleagues, when you're wet, sweaty and covered with goop horri�es you, it should, says Diane Diehl, an expert in business protocol. Diehl was horrified at the very idea. "It really is very unprofessional, and it puts management at a disadvantage," she says. "It brings down the necessary boundary of respect of the position. Avoid it." But when the boss is scheduling the shvitz, that can be hard to do. Her advice: If you can't gracefully decline the invitation, don't disrobe among colleagues. And change back into street clothes before meeting up in common areas. Partly for such reasons, some spas are shifting the group experience away from �„ treatments and toward cafes or coed lounges. Others, such as the spa under construction at Marriott's Desert Springs Resort in Palm Desert, will accommodate socializing in a private party wing away from other patrons. Others take a different tack. "We are looking at spa concepts that would allow a more communal experience in the wet area of the spa, so it's not always that the men go to one side and the women to the other," says Starwood's McCarthy. "There may be areas where you could mix and mingle and have a social experience in the spa." Hollywood was early on the social spa trend. When Christine Splichal, wife of chef Joachim,built the 11-treatment room Kinara day spa four years ago, she included a sunny cafe. Patrons, many of them in the entertainment industry, quickly used the airy space for awards-season spa parties. "They can get one treatment in private, then go to the entire spa, where it's like a cocktail party," says Splichal. Dtox,the eight-month-old spa in Atwater Village, is built around a tropical-feeling central lounge, where men and women flock to the monthly happy hour,pay $39 to $99 to hang out, sip wine and get mini treatments such as pedicures and massages. Together but, thankfully, clothed. "The whole idea of the spa is to take care of my body, my mind. I like to share that with my friends," says Lanzi, who was kicking back in jeans but wishing he were in a fluffy robe. "I'm bringing my rugby team here next." valli.herman @ latimes.com * SIT,SCRUB, CHAT, RINSE; REPEAT We sampled four of the latest group spa experiences. All of them are more affordable than a comparable solo service, and all were well done. But they're not for the shy. The Kuyam Ojai Va11ey Inn & Spa, 905 Country Club Road, Ojai, (888) 772-6524; http://www.ojairesort.com . What happens: You and up to seven other women disrobe, and if you're shy, don a short wrap. Pick a spot on a tiled bench in the humid, sauna-like room, drop the robe and scoop up the black Dead Sea mud. Slather until you look like you've been dipped in the La Brea tar pits. Once coated, a taped voice guides you and your blackened partners through a meditation that helps keep your mind off the heat—and your nakedness: "Close your eyes...." You bet they're closed. Price: $50, $40 as an add-on. Ahh factor: The combination of detoxifying mud, meditation and cool shower finale is supposed to be invigorating and pleasantly exhausting. And like a good run, it was. Or maybe it was the hard work of trying to scrub away the dried-on black mud crust with a loofah and nail brush. Black cuticles? Yep. The Hammam Argyle Salon and Spa, 8358 Sunset Blvd.,West Hollywood, (310) 623-9000, http://www.argvlela.com . What happens: You and a friend or two gather pre-or post-treatment in the hammam, a hot but not steamy wet room. As you apply a woodsy-scented, moisturizing scrub, you can perch on a wide marble bench that's washed with tepid waterfalls. Sit, scrub,chat, rinse with cold water from the marble sink or overhead shower, repeat. Price: $25 Ahh factor: If you're not close friends, you will be after this. The Grotto Glen ivy Day Spa, Hermosa Pavilion, 1601 Pacific Coast Highway, Hermosa Beach.; (888) CLUB-MUD, http://www.gleniv, .y com . What happens: While wearing a bathing suit, you and a pa1 or partner get scrubbed by an attendant using an almond paste. Rinse off in a cave-like shower. Then, try not to laugh as you're painted green with an aloe vera and sea kelp masque—with as many as seven other men and women. Who you may not know. Alone or with your group, you'll bake like a gecko in the grotto's nicely muggy and warm communal room. Rinse again in a shower cave, then cool down in the cool mist of the final grotto. Price: $50, or$30 as an add on. Ahh factor: Like spending a summer day in Atlanta. You'll emerge wanting sweet tea and a porch swing, and maybe solitude. Happy hour friday Dtox day spa, 3206 Los Feliz Blvd., Los Angeles, (323) 665-3869, http://www.dtoxda�pa.com . What happens: You walk into a stylish lounge filled with well-dressed men and women, eating, drinking and sighing(as the week's knots are kneaded away). Choose a 20-minute "mini" facial,pedicure, massage and more, done in a treatment room but with doors open and street clothes on. Hang out in the group room with your pals and get dual neck massages. Price: $39 to $99, depending on the number of treatments. Ahh factor: Now that you're rel�ed and pampered, it's time for a night on the town—or the couch and a movie. And here are four more to try: The Laconium Qua Baths and Spa, Caesars Palace, 3570 Las Vegas Blvd. S., Las Vegas, (866) 782- 0655, http://www.quabatliandspa.com What happens: In addition to some exotic couples treatments, such as the Kama Sutra with Shirodhara(an oil drip to the forehead), the spa also offers elaborate bath and sauna- type treatments that men and women can share, including the Laconium, a heated, round room. If that sounds too Caligula, try the Crystal Art Body Room for group applications of Swarovski crystal "tattoos." Price: $35 for access to the bath and steam areas Private parties Kinara, 656 N. Robertson, Los Angeles, (310) 657-9188, http://www.kinaras a.0 com . What happens: You and a few dozen of your closest friends can rent the entire 11- treatment room spa for three to four hours. Count on getting private, 30-minute treatments of your choice, then gathering afterward for gourmet treats and drinks. Price: The average treatment is $150, add food and drink and it's about$200 a head You dream it,they deliver it Peninsula Hotel Spa, 9882 S. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills, (310) 551-2854, beverlyhills.peninsula.com/pbh/spa. What happens: The hotel spa that infuses diamonds, sapphires and rubies into its massage oils has upped the ante with private parties. The latest request? Scrabble, caviar and massages, all delivered to a private suite. Price: $70 per person for the Champagne manicure, plus $150 to $300 an ounce for osetra caviar. The Scrabble?Priceless. Massage and martinis LeSpa at Sofitel LA, 8555 Beverly Blvd., Los Angeles, (310) 228-6777, http://www.sofitella.com . What happens: The new spa and the just-remodeled hotel emphasize customization, whether you want vino-centric treatments for your women's wine group, or a pink party in the four-person nail salon that comes with a private patio. The spa also does business events, in case your crew needs a neck massage for meeting sales goals. And there's the Thursday night deal: Massage and Martinis, from 5 p.m. a free cocktail comes with every spa service. » News from... N,�� Circulation: 851,832 �� ,��„�,� � �� ' ; �� May 10, 2007 TRAVEL BARGAIN OF,THE WEEK SECTION: GETAWAYS; Pg. 18 PALM DESERT, CALIF., RESORT ACCOMMODATIONS FOR$149 A NIGHT: This low-season deal, good at the Desert Springs JW Marriott Resort& Spa-the city's largest hotel - is_good June 17-Sept. 8. The "Family Package" includes accommodations, an in-room movie and pizza delivery. It compares to the high-season rate of$359 from January through April. Contact: 888-772-5809 (general Marriott reservations), 760-341-2211 (hotel direct); www.desertsprin�sresort.com � News from... N,� Circulation: 131,769 ��,..�� ,,r�f��; - �� • - May 17, 2007 The Firecliff - A Spectacular Desert Course - A Photo Gallery A couple of weeks ago I had the pleasure to visit ,; � Palm Desert, California. While I was there I spent � almost five hours with friends and a camera on the Firecliff Course at the Desert Willow Golf ��► �, Resort. I have seen some spectacular golf i ` �„ �: courses over the years, but this one has to be one '--�-�j�..., 1 ��, ,�� of the most beautiful, EVER! And, believe it or not, � it's a municipal course - a public course anyone �'� " can play - owned by the City of Palm Desert. No expense has been spared to make Firecliff one of �� the top public courses in the US. They even store the rakes for the bunkers in underground, automatic lockers - incredible. Please take a few moments to check out The Firecliff at Desert Willow. Thursday May 17, 2007 � permalink� comments (0) The Firecliff Golf Course - Palm Desert — California From Blair Howard, Your Guide to Golf Travel. As desert golf courses go, the Firecliff course at Desert Willow Golf Resort is, perhaps, the most spectacular municipal (yes, I did say municipal) course on the planet. Owned by the City of Palm Desert the resort offers two magnificent, traditional desert courses: The Firecliff and The Mountain. Both are spectacular and each has a character all its own. The colors of the desert are stunning -flowers, bushes, fairways and greens -and each hole brings a new surprise. The biggest of those surprises is the amount of water present on the two courses. One tends to think of the desert as hot, dry and arid. Hot it certainly is; dry, it definitely is not. The entire Palm Desert area sits atop an aquifer of more than 135 square miles - there's enough water just below the surface of the desert to supply the entire Palm Springs area for the next 150 years. If you ever get the chance to play in the Palm Springs area, I recommend you try the Firecliff. You won't be disappointed. �a� , �� .�� w�_� , � X� i� T r.�. . . � `�:,.� �—+��.. ° � �� ; , _�-•. ' :, � J� ' '►•�. ic,�" �ie -�.•:►.. . ,�� ;.. - , }��' • y, •+�. ��.' ._ . ... . ' , .- �h . . .. . ..,��1j�". ...,. . . ._ .... . / News from... N J F P R Circulation: 34,532,272 �-��PaiC RELaTIONS _ -__- _ . �-.�...�, ��.1474�i+-a- _ _ . :�_E�cs-=—'-_' . � . .��L,_-� �Yi Eileen Ogintz presents . • � T e ' TM a in t s DAILY TIP Wednesday,May 23, 2007 Palm Springs Deals for Families Palm Springs isn't just for golfers and seniors anymore. Palm Desert's largest hotel, the Desert Springs JW Marriott Resort is touting a family package starting at just $149 a night. (Sure it's hot—but that's what air conditioning and pools are for!) Kids will love The Living Desert zoo and nature preserve that focuses on desert plants and animals as well as the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway up to the Mount San Jacinto State Park with more than 54 miles of hiking trails—and a lot cooler temperatures. http://www.palm- desert.org t , • News from... N�F P R 500-1,000 hits/day �U�i iC HEL:�T o�lti @�. � . . - . . � i . . �. ' � . � � _I` . � . � . ., . . . . i TM . �� IAS�lfUIiCZii C/f£I JlifQfRlQft4ft �narin� a summ�r t��l T�king the Kids by Eileen Ogintz-May 28,2007 Not again! Just as we get ready for our much-needed summer vacations, gas prices go through the roof. Of course that's not going to keep us home. Not when we've got a bat mitzvah in Las Vegas, a wedding in Boston, and plans for meeting Mickey Mouse at a Disney theme park. If anything, AAA spokesman Mike Pina suggests,families might opt to save on gas or plane tickets by vacationing closer to home. (Visit AAA's website to see what you might expect to pay for gas on your next road trip.) Or search the Web for airline deals and check sites like Kayak or FareCompare.com to compare prices before you book. Join forces with relatives or another family and save money on renting that beach house or lakefront cabin. You can also save as much as 20 percent if you book air and hotel together from sites like Expedia,which just launched a summer vacation sale, or Hotwire, where the Hotwire TripStarter can tell you the least expensive time to visit your dream destination. Here's another money-saving idea:Think off-season. Consider vacation spots that are low season in summer and you'll not only save big bucks, but you can get your rest and relaxation in places you could only dream about in winter—beautiful beaches, gigantic water playgrounds, and spectacular spas. (We parents need a little break,too!) Take Florida,for example.The TradeW inds Islands Resorts near Tampa offers five-night packages starting at$780. Or check out Sandestin's Family Golf Package, where kids play free. The kids will love the five pools at the Walt Disney World Swan and Dolphin where, this summer, room rates start at$199—nearly half off. (Ask for the"SUM199" rate.) Think Arizona. Save 50 percent or more at the Westin Kierland Resort and Spa, or pay just$99 a night at the Chaparral Suites Resort. Or, choose Palm Springs where rates at the Hyatt Grand Champions Resort start at just$134 a �y night and include a$25 spa credit and a free day at Camp Hyatt.The Desert Springs JW Marriott offers a family package starting at$149 a night—more than $200 less than in winter.They even throw in a pizza delivery and a movie.The kids will love The Living Desert, a combination zoo and nature preserve nearby. If you're bound for the Caribbean, it won't be that hot,thanks to the trade winds, and it'll be a bargain. For example, United Vacations promises savings of up to$1,000 for families booking "Here Comes the Sun" Mexican or Caribbean packages. For each adult who books, you'll save 50 percent on a child's airline ticket. Remember to purchase travel insurance,though, as hurricanes are a real possibility during the summer. So many families opt for an island vacation in summer when hotels and air travel cost less. Resorts roll out the red carpet for kids,teens, and their parents, and offer special activities and packages. Even car rentals are cheaper in the Caribbean. Hertz promises a free day to those renting a car for at least three days in the Caribbean or Latin America.Just make sure to mention the promotion code 993554. Check out these other deals: • The Arawak Beach Inn on Anguilla welcomes single parents with a three-night package for just$699 for one parent and one child (each additional child is $175), including accommodations, breakfast, a dinner, and a discovery swim with the dolphins. • For the first time in 40 years, luxurious, all-inclusive Curtain Bluff in Antigua, where I honeymooned, is open over the summer and touts discounts on a second room and free kids'camp. • Kids stay and eat free at Divi Resorts, while parents save as much as 35 percent. Kids are also free at all-inclusive Viva Wyndham Resorts in the Dominican Republic, Mexico, and the Bahamas. . Footloose Sailing Charters lets you sail your own yacht for under$1,500 for a week. (You can hire a captain for a day to show you the ropes.) • Opt for an eco-adventure in Belize at the Lodge at Chaa Creek,where you pay just$71 per child for five days, including accommodations, meals, and some activities. • No passports are needed for the "Explore Porta Del Sol" package in Puerto Rico, which includes free continental breakfast and a$100 American Express gift card, as well as other restaurant discounts and a free tank of gas. • Renew your vows at W indjammer Landing Villa Beach Resort in St. Lucia and save 30 percent on villa rates. There are organized activities for kids and teens. • One teen stays free with a paying adult at the Club Med Punta Cana with its ultra-cool teen center. Visit ClubMed.com for other family escape deals that can save you as much as$500. Got enough sunscreen? CONNECTICUTF�ST Circulation: 74,005 � � 1� � � Circulation: 513,387 Syndicated to: Circulation: 21.3 million .com. ��8'i ��AX�.��C�'i Circulation: 411,919 � � • i � Circulation: 65,756 - -.. - • . News from... N J F P R Circulation: 937,270 ,�,�, � ;;�, ,-,. THE NEW YORK.TIM�'S; SUNDAY, 1V1AY27,`2007 ' �'t� �� . i � . ,_ t �. WHY ,WE Tit',�VEL PALN1 ` ' CALIF. ' ,�; DES`ERT., �; y k � � .:. .. . .. , < . . �. :: r; :�. .r .:� ..':, t-. � ., , .:.:.,` ? ., .;: ... �.:r, - - ,.��: .::--�..- .._: :. ��` ,.. .' , :: . . .. . .. .. . . � �. „ � � � , .': " ._ ..,.' ,. .' , '; . ' .: ;. .. _. . .. i s_,: sq - <:.: ,: �. ,,.. .�. . . .. . -. . ::: �:�. . .:.x.i--� . .:. ... ... ...��.r u'..�� z'�:'...rri .. �^�.,w .S,wC N �;..'., ,�`."� ..�..�`w.e ,;...' D :'W, .. ... . .. ... . . :�� ..,,. �,e.. ....... .� .....: .. .. ... >., v ^-.�..., .-M'.i': .;... ..�a.'^'/l.o.�.. ....`�3 ,l, �.f..:: .. .... ...:. ... ..- ..-.J`'..-,*: : ,..: :.� ..:.: .v/�9 0, ��..��:x�.. r.� ... ! . 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'�MI[SEP1iELSONCor:17�eNewYorkTimes�� . �x��.o��ia�Tw��.�voH��s��r,A zoo,��Da��r��s coH��v��o�cE�r��r�wao��ss�A�x;��s.aa,�oo� ��xry , Cloud,l5;ri�ht,Erorn Everett,`Nash,�vith h'ts broti�er NicI�;12:"We'd never really been to the deserE,so vJe jUst wanted to see evetything � ' -to get the whol�desert efFect.We were vyitli our granc�pa;which was pretty great,because we realIy lik�:�Zanging out with hirn:He's a fun guy and he ha�l a cainera,so it was kind of.Fein taking pictures of all�he animals.It felt really adventurous.Coming.frozn the Pacific Northwest,it's just kind of mind-blowing because it's realIy new;you've never even seen it before.It's a first-time experience----basicatly � li�Ce you'�e k�aeing your first Christma$or something::' : As.told to Aus[in Considirie