Programs & Packages
- Fairmont Mayakoba is encouraging guests to learn about the region’s Mayan culture and customs by participating in various Mayan-inspired experiences during their visit. Located near many historical sites and ecological parks in Mexico’s Riviera Maya, the Fairmont Mayakoba offers ecological boat tours through the water canals of the Yucatan Peninsula, artisanal beer tastings and spa treatments utilizing chocolate and honey, two traditional Mayan delicacies. For more information, call 800.540.6088 or visit www.fairmont.com/mayakoba.
- Arizona’s CopperWynd Resort & Club is offering a summer meeting package, with room rates starting at $99 per night. Running through Sept. 16, the package is available to groups booking meeting space, food and beverage, and four or more rooms. The 32-room boutique hotel is 45 minutes from Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport and caters to small meetings and executive retreats with a boardroom, event lawn and terrace, accommodating up to 400 guests. Located in the Sonoran Desert near Scottsdale, CopperWynd offers recreational activities including desert tours, group cattle drives and hot-air ballooning. For more information, call 480.333.1900 or visit www.copperwynd.com.
- Aguaterra restaurant opened at the Seattle Airport Marriott, featuring sustainable seafood and Pacific Northwest culinary specialties. Located in the main lobby area, the restaurant overlooks the large indoor atrium and a large communal table seats up to 16. The Seattle Airport Marriott offers 22 meeting rooms and 18,000 square feet of event space. For more information, call 206.241.2000 or visit www.seattleairportmarriott.com.
Museums & Attractions
- Celebrating the 50th anniversary of the city’s 1962 hosting of the World’s Fair, Seattle’s The Next 50 celebration will recognize the innovations of the Pacific Northwest and look toward the region’s future. Organized by the Seattle Center Foundation, the six-month exhibition will run until Oct. 21 at the Seattle Center. Events include a specially-produce Seattle World’s Fair documentary, dance productions, a science and tecnology festival, and exhibits at the Museum of History & Industry. Monthly Seattle Takes Care events will give back to the local community and allign with the program’s forward-thinking focus areas. For more information, visit www.thenextfifty.org.
Tech Update
- The 96-room Opus Vancouver British Columbia introduced a lifestyle concierge that will incorporate iPad 2s in every guest room and allow guests to select one of five room decors matching the personalities of hip “personal concierges.” The digital concierges provide tips on where to shop, eat and hang out in the city. Options range from Billy, an underground musician, to stylish and sophisticated Susan. Themed rooms correlate with the traveler’s personal style, taste and interests. For more information, visit www.opushotel.com/vancouver.
- Ritz-Carlton launched a mobile app that promises to be “your reservationist, local guide and on-property concierge” all in one. Users can access special tips and insights from Ritz-Carlton President & COO Herve Humler as well as information about the brand’s 77 hotels in 25 countries worldwide. In addition to booking services and destination information, the app allows travelers to scan a QR code upon checking into a hotel and learn lesser-known property facts and participate activities. For more information or to download, visit www.ritzcarlton.com/app.