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Aava Whistler Hotel opens Nov. 26

 

Blackcomb isn't the only enterprise opening today (Nov. 26). After more than a year of renovations the former Fairways Hotel is reopening as the Aava Whistler Hotel.

Owned by TA Global Berhad, the property arm of Malaysia-based TA Enterprise Berhad, the 193-room hotel has a 24-hour front desk, conference facilities for up to 120 people and Whistler's newest restaurant, a White Spot.

"Aava Whistler Hotel is a unique option within Whistler's accommodation landscape, featuring a light, fresh and modern elegance with all the amenities of home - free wireless internet in each room, iPod docking stations and flatscreen HD television," said general manager Colin Hedderson.

The hotel has mirrored the recent weather with their own storm of white, dressing guest rooms with more than 12,000 pure white linens including sheets, towels and facecloths. The last stones have also been fit for a grand fireplace, the focal point of the lobby. A fitness centre, sauna, sun deck with heated outdoor pool and hot tub are also part of the new hotel.

To celebrate the grand opening, Aava Whistler Hotel is offering a weekday rate starting from $99 Canadian per night for a deluxe room from Nov. 26, through to Christmas Eve.

TA Global Bhd acquired the former Fairways hotel for $33 million in 2008.

In addition to the Aava Whistler Hotel TA Global Bhd owns hotels in Sydney, Melbourne and Singapore. TA Global Bhd was listed on the Kuala Lumpur Stock Exchange this week. The parent firm, TA Enterprise Bhd, was incorporated in 1990 and is publicly listed.

 

Bellstar to manage Adara

The management contract for the Adara Hotel has been awarded to Bellstar Hotels and Resorts.

Bellstar manages and develops destination resorts and boutique hotels in the Rocky Mountains of Alberta and B.C. as well as the Okanagan and coast regions of B.C. The company's portfolio includes the Pemberton Valley Lodge and Kimberley's Mountain Spirit Resort & Spa.

"With the Olympics less than 100 days away, British Columbia is poised to be in the international spotlight over the coming months," said Jon Zwickel, executive vice president of Bellstar. "Adding Adara to our portfolio enables us to promote the hotel to the world before, during and after the celebration.

"The Adara will benefit from our newly adopted mandate to deliver exceptional guest experiences and owner returns."

 

Rheaume GM of Nita Lake Lodge

The Nita Lake Lodge at Creekside has appointed Bill Rheaume general manager.

A long-time resident of Banff, Rheaume has previously managed Canmore's Radisson Hotel and Conference Centre, Banff's Mount Royal Hotel, the Coast Plaza Hotel in Calgary, Banff Rocky Mountain Resort and Lake Okanagan Resort in Kelowna.

Rheaume has served on the boards of the Canadian Rockies Tourism Destination Region, Tourism Banff Lake Louise, the Banff Lake Louise Hotel Association and the Canadian Rockies SKAL Club.

 

F our Seasons wins Five Diamonds

The Four Seasons Resort Whistler is the only Canadian resort or hotel to make the American Automobile Association's Five-Diamond list.

This is the third year in a row the Four Seasons Resort Whistler has received Five Diamond recognition.

"Four Seasons Resort Whistler sets a new standard for luxury mountain accommodation," said Mark Herron, general manager. "We dedicate this award to our employees who make it happen everyday and create incredible experiences for our guests. It is their unwavering attention to detail and ongoing commitment to service that has earned us this prestigious recognition."

Representing the upper echelon of the hospitality industry, AAA Five-Diamond winners make up just 0.28 per cent of the 58,000 Diamond Rated lodgings and restaurants throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

"Five Diamond establishments reflect the characteristics of ultimate luxury and sophistication," said Michael Petrone, director of AAA Tourism Information Development.

"The physical attributes of these properties are extraordinary and their personalized service consistently exceeds expectations of even the most refined traveler. To achieve and maintain this level of service is an amazing accomplishment."

 

Indulge this Saturday

The third annual Indulge Gala will take place at the Westin Hotel and Spa on Nov. 28 and organizers hope to be able to meet their goal of raising over $150,000 for the Whistler Health Care Centre in just three years.

The CT scanner facility that opened last month at the Whistler Health Care Centre was one of the projects Indulge has raised funds for, but the list of medical equipment needs not funded by the Vancouver Coastal Health Authority continues.

This year the Kelty Patrick Dennehy Foundation is co-sponsoring Indulge. The organization recognizes the importance of having the best medical equipment in all medical emergencies, and as such, wanted to lend a hand with the Whistler Health Care Centre's annual fundraiser.

"Participation in the Indulge fundraising event was a way for the foundation to give back to the Whistler community," Ginny Dennehy said. "This community has offered incredible support in our fundraising endeavours."

Tickets are $200. For further information visit www.whistlerhealthcarefoundation.org .