The Occidental nail bar with Sue Webb
& Rita Spizzirri
New Wave Travel's Norm Feferman shows off
his mani
Spa at the Occidental Royal Hideaway
The VoX team recently provided a much needed ‘ah’ moment to beleaguered travel guests in the form of manicures, massages, wine, champagne and delicious nibbles. I’m sorry you couldn’t be there too! But you can enjoy all this and more at an Occidental Resort near you.
That was the message last Thursday night in Toronto at the swanky 1 King West’s new 8th floor venue – at least I think it was. I was meditating. Someone finally yanked me out of the massage chair and said other people wanted their turn. Pish.
What was clear to me is that an intimate, convivial atmosphere is a great way to convey a point. Occidental Hotels & Resorts are developing a reputation for going the extra mile with service, cuisine and amenities. “We have a North American focus at all the properties. It’s who we target and who we cater to, so the delivery has to match the expectations,” says VoX President Susan Webb.
The big news is that the Grand Papagayo in Costa Rica is now an adults only location. The property has been revamped to cater to the comfort and care of those who want to leave their children behind – at least for a week. Which, of course, also makes it ideal for weddings and honeymoons. Susan also noted that Occidental is also well versed in commitment ceremonies for those who cater to the LGBT market.
Occidental is also moving into city centres and has recently opened a Royal Oasis in Haiti which is doing a booming business with engineers, NGO’s and business people developing opportunities in the country. The famous Royal Hideaway in Playacar will soon have sister properties in the Caribbean for those seeking extra pampering. And for families, nothing beats the Occidental Xcaret with access to the eco-park, ruins and fabulous waterways. Open Jaw’s own Bruce Parkinson recently spent a week at the property with his family and nearly had to leave the 2 boys there. Coming back to Toronto was not a popular concept. You can read his blog here.
My lovely pink nail manicure is beginning to chip, so I may have to whip by the VoX offices soon for a touch up. They do keep those aestheticians there full time, don’t they?
