Can you believe we are already nearing the end of the first quarter! One that’s seen visits to the UK from Heather (SLS), Zaira (Why the best Hotels), and Fabienne (Banke Paris) with Villa Cora to come. We have already said goodbye to Confex, Business Travel Show and ITB.

Time seems to travel so quickly that we can occasionally forget to stop and take stock and I could not reach out at the start of 2015 without remembering one of our shining stars Laura Monge from the ME brand who sadly passed away late last year. On behalf of everyone in this team our thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends. Jo and I know she touched many people’s lives and will be sorely missed. I for one spent time in her company and it was time well spent and I’m so glad I got to know her.

Seems odd to have to now discuss business however people are such an important part of our business and we’ve been fortunate enough to work with so many wonderful Hotels and clients, our thanks for your continued support and our hope is to see as many of you as possible during the year.

To ensure we see even more of you this year we welcome Victoria Whatley to the team. Now I first met Victoria as a sales manager at Four Seasons and I’ve admired her throughout her career. I am delighted that someone with so much Sales & Marketing Experience has joined our organisation.

Panacea Koh Samui, Thailand

We we lcome anothe r j ewe l to the co l l ec t ion in the fo rm of Pa n a c e a Ko h S a mu i , a s t y l i sh v i l l a re t rea t su r rounded by the r i ch na tu ra l beauty of the i s l and of Koh Samu i , Tha i l and . O f fe r ing a p remium, secu re and p r i va te env i ronment these exc lus i ve v i l l a re s idences a re idea l fo r those luxu r y c l i en t s who requ i re a un ique and ind i v idua l exper i ence in one of the wor ld ’s mos t spec tacu la r des t ina t ions . Panacea cons i s t s of f i ve except iona l l y spac ious v i l l a s se t i n the i r own beaut i fu l l y des igned ga rdens , c rea ted by the acc l a imed l andscaper B i l l Bens ley. Each comes w i th a p r i va te 20-mete r i n f in i t y poo l a s we l l a s expans i ve indoor and outdoor a reas . The re a re many fea tu res of fe red though a common theme i s ac t i ve we l lbe ing . The cu i s ine re f l ec t s a focus on s imp l i c i t y and f re shness w i th loca l p roduce and seasona l i ng red ien t s f ea tu r ing in a soph i s t i ca ted range of Tha i and Wes te rn d i shes . Dur ing the day the re i s a tempt ing se lec t ion of de tox and power ju i ces , f re sh smooth ies topped w i th super seeds and nu t r i t ion r i ch shakes made jus t fo r you .

SBE Collection

In case you were wondering SBE, Sammy Boy Entertainment originated from the West Coast of the US where Chairman Sam Nazarian has built a successful restaurant and nightlife business before embarking on both the SLS and Redbury Brands.

The growth underline’s its success in achieving a great balance of service and style.

SLS South Beach, Redbury and Raleigh

Many of you will know our Journey took us initially to SLS South Beach, Redbury and Raleigh in ultra cool South Beach forming a golden triangle and the unique ability to share in the features and services of each of these unique properties. Remember unlike other brands SBE made its name in nightlight and restaurants prior to hotels so Katsui, Bazar and Restaurant Michael Schwartz.

SLS Lux Baha Mar, The Bahamas We were thrilled at the end of the year to be brought into the Baha Mar family to promote the soon to open, SLS Lux Baha Mar. Aiming for June 2015 for the resorts completion. Where to start? The resort is over 1,000 acres along one of the world’s most beautiful white sand beaches. Baha Mar is a $3.5B resort with world class hospitality brands and authentic Bahamian culture. Located on Cable Beach in Nassau, Baha Mar is only 10 minutes from the Lynden Pindling International Airport. 2,800 superbly appointed rooms distributed throughout 5 world class brands, all in one resort. SLS Lux Baha has 188 distinctive designer guest rooms and suites, 107 elegant one, two and three-bedroom suites.

Designed for those who prefer a high concept design aesthetic that fosters social engagement, and celebrates creativity, culture, fashion and art. Over 12,000 square feet of indoor and outdoor meeting space.

Once again SLS brought two great dining experiences with Katsuya & CLEO to add to a further 40 restaurants bars and lounges throughout the resort. Chef Danny Elmaleh takes you on a culinary adventure, adapting his original Cleo menu with local Bahamian ingredients.

SLS Las Vegas

In September 2014 we saw the opening of SLS in Las Vegas a City I’ve been visiting annually for Travel Week for more years than I care to remember. SLS Las Vegas stands on the site of what is for many where Vegas began, the legendary Sahara Hotel, home of the rat pack.

Now clearly catering for a stylish and modern rat pack after a multimillion pound refurbishment creating 1600 guest rooms and suites designed by Philippe Starck together with over 80,000 feet of meeting and special event space. As well as the signature SBE restaurant brands there are a further five restaurants, clubs, bars, Spa Space and Casino all conveniently located close to the City’s Convention Centre. It maybe strange to believe the property is Boutique by Vegas standards.

The team at Villa Cora Hotel have been busy enhancing their team. Vanessa Giovannelli heads to the UK in April to meet with those agent and operators booking and staying in five star accommodation.

ICMI, well I am sure your receiving their digitals news we forward monthly and topically our owner of Cromlix is in action in Glasgow for the Davis Cup as I write this. We are gearing up for both the Golf Show and Expo where we hope to see you. We seem to be gathering a number of followers for Golf through Roxburghe, (see their latest newsletter to find what lies ahead), Greywalls and Rocpool.

Greywalls Hotel & Chez Roux have extended their special winter midweek offer until the 30th of April 2015. Take this opportunity to play Golf at Muirfield!

£200.00 DBB – Cottage Rooms (dinner to be taken from the Daily Menu)£225.00 DBB – Large Double Rooms (dinner to be taken from the Daily Menu)

Why The Best Hotels, Zaira De Biasio was recently with the team in London and amongst the independent agency market to discuss L’Orologio’s expansion into Venice and the Balestri’s refurbishment, exciting news indeed!

They have been attracting a lot of attention from the Media recently with articles on The Mirror Newspaper, Hotelchatter and GQ Magazine.

Fabienne Duvivier, Banke Paris was in London last weel to meet with the corporate and MICE market to discuss the hotels success in achieving its five star rating and updating you all on the property, promotions and future potential corporate agreements. See their latest newsletter for some exceptional offers.

We would like to introduce some new personnel at ME London: General Manager Guillaume Marly, formerly of Chiltern Firehouse, together with Beja (Groups Sales Manager), Gianni (Corporate Sales Manager), Caroline Rambert (Entertainment Sales Manager) & Marco Orru (Senior Sales Manager). Like us I’m sure many of you look forward to working with them. Whilst the brand expands we remain focused on its flagship here in London.