Ritz-Carlton opens second Canadian jewel and first luxury resort in Japan

The Ritz Carlton announced the re-opening of the iconic Ritz-Carlton Montreal after a US$200 million renovation and the opening of its first resort hotel in Japan, The Ritz-Carlton, Okinawa, bringing

The Ritz Carlton announced the re-opening of the iconic Ritz-Carlton Montreal after a US$200 million renovation and the opening of its first resort hotel in Japan, The Ritz-Carlton, Okinawa, bringing the groupsโ€™s hotel count to 79.

On Monday May 28, 2012, the iconic Ritz-Carlton, Montreal will reopen after an extensive restoration combining the latest amenities with the splendor of the past. The Grande Dame of Sherbrooke Street is back in all her glory.

โ€œWe are extremely proud to reopen this emblem of the very best Montreal has to offer,โ€ said Andrew Torriani, President and General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Montreal. โ€œThe hotel today is a showcase of modern luxury, but it has not lost the discreet charm of the past or the patina of history.โ€

For Montrealโ€™s Mayor, Gรฉrald Tremblay, โ€œThe Ritz-Carlton is reclaiming its rightful place here in Montreal and among the guests who stay there. Since it opened in 1912, the hotel has been one of the most elegant addresses in our city and the jewel of the storied Golden Square Mile, close to high-end boutiques, galleries, and museums. Our city has changed a great deal – for the better. The reopening of The Ritz-Carlton, Montreal makes a notable contribution to what makes our city different.โ€

โ€œThe Ritz-Carlton, Montreal will achieve a level of luxury that has not been seen before in Montreal,” said Herve Humler, President and COO of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC, โ€œThe hotel will put Montreal on the map as a first-tier destination for business and leisure travelers.”

A first-class transformation
Under the direction of Quebec architectural firm Provencher Roy + Associรฉs, the iconic Montreal hotel underwent an exhaustive transformation. The buildingโ€™s facade was preserved and restored, public spaces were renovated and upgraded, and the guestrooms were redesigned to feature the very best in luxury and comfort. The Ritz-Carlton, Montreal now has 98 rooms and 31 suites. The 4,700-square-foot Royal Suite is the largest hotel suite in Montreal.

โ€œThe restoration of the hotel and its reconfiguration posed a challenge: that of adopting a contemporary design while maintaining a harmonious dialogue with the original building. We, therefore, integrated the principles of the celebrated Venice Charter into our concept, as well as recommendations made in the heritage study of the Ritz-Carlton Montreal under the supervision of Jean-Claude Marsan,โ€ said Claude Provencher, the projectโ€™s architect.

The buildingโ€™s faรงade was preserved and restored, as were the lobby, the Palm Court, the Oval Room, and the hotelโ€™s famed garden. Many decorative details from 1912, such as marble fireplaces in some of the suites, reflect this masterful blend of old and new.

The guestrooms also feature high-tech amenities, such as thermostats that intuitively remember a guestโ€™s temperature preferences upon check-in, and motion sensors that activate lights when guests enter a dark room.

Sophisticated contemporary amenities
The Ritz-Carlton, Montreal offers guests a wealth of amenities at their fingertips. The 10,000 square feet of meeting space are flexible and offer event planners the possibility of accommodating up to 300 people. Guests can dine at acclaimed chef Daniel Bouludโ€™s restaurant, Maison Boulud, in the 130-seat dining room, the 46-seat year-round greenhouse, or on the new terrace on Sherbrooke Street. They can enjoy afternoon tea in the hotelโ€™s impeccable gardens, work out at the gym, or take a dip in the new indoor salt-water pool.

โ€œThose who were familiar with The Ritz-Carlton, Montreal before the transformation will find the same attentive service and stately atmosphere, along with the new high-end amenities found in contemporary luxury hotels. Those who are discovering the hotel for the first time will enjoy a unique experience featuring impeccable service in a stunning setting and outstanding comfort,โ€ concluded Mr. Torriani.

FIRST LUXURY RESORT IN JAPAN

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company LLC has opened its first luxury resort in Japan on the tropical island of Okinawa. The Ritz-Carlton, Okinawa will pioneer luxury hospitality on an island that has been the secret getaway for generations of Japanese visitors, but remains relatively unexplored by the international luxury traveler.
ใ€€ใ€€
The Ritz-Carlton, Okinawa is the ultimate luxury destination for visitors to an island that is rich in championship golf courses and surrounded by pristine emerald waters that are perfect for waterborne activities.

The Okinawan concept of hospitality or โ€œgusuku,โ€ which translates as โ€œcastleโ€ or โ€œguest house,โ€ has been carefully reflected throughout the property to give it a welcoming sense of place. The new Ritz-Carlton resort embodies this spirit through its landscaping and contemporary architectural design, which extensively features the Shurijo face motifs, distinctive red clay roof tiles, white walls, and holy water ponds.

โ€œWe are delighted to be able to bring our first true luxury resort hotel to Japan to complement our city hotels in Tokyo and Osaka,โ€ said Herve Humler, President and Chief Operations Officer of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC. โ€œWe have no doubt that Okinawa has the potential to be a resort island of true international appeal, attracting visitors from all over the world, whether they are visiting the island for business or pleasure. It really is a hidden gem and the opening of The Ritz-Carlton, Okinawa helps to put this destination on the map for discerning luxury travelers.โ€

Victor Clavell, Area Vice President, Asia for The Ritz-Carlton added, โ€œOur first luxury resort in Japan underlines our commitment to the Japanese market. The culture of friendship or โ€˜keionโ€™ on this island blends seamlessly with The Ritz-Carlton promise to offer the finest personal service and facilities in a warm yet refined ambiance. We anticipate bringing more of the islandโ€™s incredible culture to the world.โ€

The 97 modern guestrooms and 2 suites of the Ritz-Carlton, Okinawa have balconies or terraces, which enjoy sweeping panoramic views that overlook the East China Sea and the Kise Country Club. Inspired by the spectacular scenery of ancient forests, manicured golf courses and the sea, the luxurious resort has been designed to be in harmony with its natural surroundings.

This new hotel presents a host of exquisite sophisticated restaurants and a bar. Restaurants include – Chura-Nuhji, an Italian fine dining restaurant; Kise, a Teppan-yaki restaurant featuring local seafood and renowned Okinawan beef; and Gusuku, an all-day waterside dining experience that serves Japanese, Okinawan, and international dishes on its outdoor deck.

Located a short stroll through landscaped gardens is The Ritz-Carlton Spa by ESPA, in its own separate enclave. The Ritz-Carlton Spa by ESPA combines the essence of ancient and modern Chinese, Indian, European, and Balinese spa cultures. It uses the luxury ESPA products that harness the best of nature’s essential oils, botanicals, and marine supplements. The exquisite collection of treatments represents complete care, personalization, and the ultimate in luxury.

The Spa features 4 treatment rooms, 4 dry treatment rooms, and outdoor Cabanas offering Shiatsu or Thai massage. It also offers the Heat Experience (Steam Sauna, Jacuzzi hot tubs, Stone Sauna with weathered coral tiles). Two special Retreat Suites are also available (Forest Suite and Ocean Suite) with their own private decks and stone baths. The spa retreat also houses a Nail Studio, Relaxation Room, Indoor Pool, and the fitness center.

The Spa reception features the use of organic materials in all design points, and the deep forest motif is particularly evident where a display of light creates textural and moving shadows as if under the forest canopy. Views to the ancient Yambaru Forest can be enjoyed from treatment rooms.

About the author

Avatar of Linda Hohnholz

Linda Hohnholz

Editor in chief for eTurboNews based in the eTN HQ.

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