Crowne Plaza Queenstown launches wellbeing programmes

by May 22, 2018

A Queenstown hotel is one step ahead of market trends with inspirational mindfulness and wellness packages being offered to its conference and incentive delegates.

Crowne Plaza Queenstown is leading the way as a market innovator with three new wellness packages being showcased to domestic and international buyers attending MEETINGS 2O18 next week (May 30-31).

The packages were developed after the property’s C&I team listened to delegates and took onboard feedback from local and international tourism agencies about the need for packages enhancing mind and performance to be included in events.

The property’s new Yoga, Boot Camp and Mindfulness packages nurture guests’ physical and mental wellbeing, delivered by local fitness experts Peak Mountain Fitness.

Designed to help enhance downtime in Queenstown’s stunning alpine environment, delegates are encouraged to find their zen and workout with peers at a time and place to suit their schedule.

They can even compress the packages into a fun mid-conference ‘shake down’ in the hotel’s varied and flexible event spaces.

The bespoke packages are tailored for all ages and levels of fitness and are flexible to suit time pressures and budgets.

Crowne Plaza Queenstown General Manager Anna Edie says the hotel is “very excited” to bring the exciting new concepts to its delegates.

“We love turning our boardroom into the ‘not-so-bored’ room and offering unique experiences for guests conferencing with us,” she says.

“We work on the basis that the best ideas happen when you’re under pressure but totally relaxed, so we’re encouraging delegates to ‘switch off’ from external noise or pressures and re-centre their minds for the day or afternoon ahead.

“Following the outstanding success of our first ever yoga series, the new wellness packages will re-energise delegates to avoid the common ‘death by PowerPoint’ afternoon lull, and act as a fantastic ice-breaker for building new business relationships.”

Scott and Jen Reynolds of Peak Mountain Fitness are delighted to be delivering the packages with their eight-strong team of fitness experts.

“We’re giving business travellers the chance to ‘hit pause’, so they can strike the right work-life balance, get the most out of their business day, and take away some invaluable tools to help in their day-to-day lives,” says Scott.

“The wellness packages are the perfect way to bring relaxation to the ‘workplace’ or work up a sweat before, or even during, a day of work, perhaps with a mini-bootcamp held in the hotel courtyard or the lakeside park opposite the hotel.

“In-house yoga sessions are set in a calming space overlooking spectacular lake and panoramic alpine views, which is really unique for a meeting venue.

“Essentially it’s fitness when you want, where you want it.”

All that exercise and deep breathing can be thirsty work, so delegates who want to finish the day ‘raising a glass’ to Central Otago vintages can do so with a Masterclass package.

Masterclass is available to delegates enjoying a three-course dinner as part of their conference package, where they’re invited to learn the story of Central Otago’s world-renowned wine region.

The enhanced dinner experience perfectly blends the work delegates might do throughout their business day with the restorative power of a food and wine journey that’s educational while still being fun.

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Holiday Inn Auckland Airport completes multi-million-dollar transformation

by May 04, 2018

Media Release from Holiday Inn Auckland Airport

Holiday Inn Auckland Airport hotel is now the perfect place to ‘holiday’ before or after connecting to domestic and international destinations, thanks to a multi-million-dollar refurbishment.

Drawing inspiration from New Zealand and the Pacific, Holiday Inn Auckland Airport has a contemporary new look following a full renovation of its public spaces.

The $3million refurbishment, which commenced in June last year, has transformed the hotel’s ground floor restaurant and bar, hotel lobby, reception and swimming pool into eye-catching yet welcoming spaces, with a nod to cultural New Zealand and Pacific heritage.

The property’s ‘open marae-inspired design’ offers the perfect meeting ground for travellers and Aucklanders alike, giving it a ‘welcoming heart’ with bursts of colour, life and energy.

The stylish new lounge bar sits at the heart of the hotel, where the removal of its original floor and ceiling features has revolutionised the space and opened it up to the sub-tropical gardens and the new swimming pool deck.

The hotel’s restaurant is now a destination in its own right, taking diners on a culinary journey of native New Zealand in a Pacific holiday setting – think hanging plants, bursts of colour and authentic finishing touches.

Ten flexible meeting and function areas have received a fresh new look. The refurbishment reinforced the popularity of these rooms which have a relaxed resort, rather than city ‘feel’. The rooms are known to be particularly spacious, with an airy atmosphere and plenty of natural light.

Delighted with the transformation and the investment in Auckland and New Zealand tourism, Holiday Inn Auckland Airport General Manager Scott Schaefer described the new look as a “runway success”.

“From check-in to departure, there’s plenty to do to keep the family or colleagues entertained in comfort while you wait for your next flight or seminar,” he said.

“We have invested in games and other family-friendly amenities, reinforcing Holiday Inn’s family proposition and what the Holiday Inn brand is known for worldwide.

“A new cultural personality shines from within and it’s pleasing to say we’re now fully open for dining, weddings, ceremonies and family events. It is such a privilege to see the owner’s vision for the hotel come to life.”

New furniture, flooring, light fixtures greenery and artwork throughout has added a modern twist, complemented by injections of Maori wood carvings, gifted by the local Iwi.

The pool is an oasis of calm amidst sub-tropical gardens, although it’s just minutes away from Auckland Airport terminals and all major motorways.

A group of committed stakeholders in the project included owners Cockpit International, InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG), Designworks, JSC Ltd and construction company Format.

The creative Designworks team designed the hotel so all public areas were on one level, with a strong central core.

“Guests gravitate towards the central courtyard and pool area now that a variety of spaces have been opened up and flow into what is the ‘welcoming heart’ of the site,” said Designworks’ Group Head of Spatial Design Clark Pritchard.

“The overall style is relaxed and inviting, using a fresh and natural palette of materials interjected with pattern and colour to reflect the Pacific holiday concept while also celebrating New Zealand and Pacific modern art, flora and fauna.”

Jacques De Lange, Managing Director of construction company Format, said they were “proud” to deliver the transformational project.

“Holiday Inn confirmed the strength in their brand by investing hugely in an improved facility,” he said.

“Hotel General Manager Scott Schaefer, the hotel management and design team were outstanding in the delivery process of this lovely project.”

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New faces at Crowne Plaza Queenstown

by May 04, 2018

Media Release from Crowne Plaza Queenstown

Queenstown’s premier lakefront hotel, Crowne Plaza Queenstown, has welcomed two passionate ‘foodies’ to its food and beverage operations.

Chilean-born Alvaro Morales has been appointed Head Chef, while Colombian-born Juan Gomez takes the reins as F&B Manager.

With culinary experience from across the globe, Alvaro is elated to step into the head chef role at threesixty restaurant, following his most recent sous chef position with a global hotel property in Taupo.

Having worked for a number of international hotel chains in South America and Europe, he earlier honed his culinary skills working with renowned chefs Joan Roca and Albert Adrià while interning in three-star Michelin restaurants in Spain.

His passion for delivering banquets stems from fond family memories of enjoying huge feasts with his family in the Chilean countryside.

“Food is family, family is life, and life is family,” he said.

“This is something my grandmother taught me and is still at the heart of my cooking style today.

“Not only is Queenstown a paradise in which to live, it’s foodie heaven, and I’m so excited to be here.

“Food is an integral part of a visitor’s holiday experience and I’m looking forward to creatively showcasing my Spanish heritage, made possible with the exceptional New Zealand ingredients on offer.

For F&B Manager Juan, his desire to challenge himself and progress his career led him to Queenstown.

Joining InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG) in 2012, Juan has spent the last five years working in InterContinental Wellington’s Lobby Lounge, working his way up from host to supervisor to managerial positions.

His passion for drinks has naturally progressed into a love for exceptional food experiences, and he’s looking forward to being mentored by general manager Anna Edie.

“I’m really inspired by Anna’s comprehensive international hotelier experience and look forward to working under her leadership,” he said.

“I’m delighted to have the opportunity to lead my team to offer unique guest experiences for visitors and locals dining at threesixty restaurant, as well as conference delegates and business groups.”

General Manager Anna Edie is “delighted” to welcome Alvaro and Juan to the property.

“It’s an exciting time as we’re heading into a busy winter, and I look forward to watching our food and beverage operations grow from strength to strength under their leadership.”

Conveniently located in the heart of Queenstown’s visitor, retail and business district, Crowne Plaza Queenstown’s ground-floor threesixty restaurant is the perfect place to sit back, relax and enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner, High Tea, or a good coffee.

About Crowne Plaza Queenstown
Located in the heart of Queenstown with superb mountain and lake views, Crowne Plaza Queenstown offers a rejuvenating, friendly and enjoyable experience.

As a 4+ Qualmark rated hotel, rooms provide a peaceful place to stay and are furnished in neutral tones. The chic bar area and award-winning threesixty restaurant enables you to connect with friends, family or colleagues in a modern and contemporary environment.

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Business has never looked more inviting at Crowne Plaza Auckland

by November 27, 2017

Media release from Crowne Plaza Auckland

Crowne Plaza Auckland is turning the boardroom into the ‘not-so-bored’ room and put the excitement back into ‘experiences’ for meetings, incentives, conference and events guests.

The 352-room city centre hotel launched its latest video campaign today (Monday November 27) to help take bookers on a visual journey of the hotel, and to offer a little inspiration on what can be done in its varied and flexible event spaces.

Making its debut in the video is Crowne Plaza Auckland’s newest gala dinner package. The New Zealand Gala Dinner package offers guests a unique welcome and insight into some of Aotearoa’s culture including a 15-minute Māori welcome, a New Zealand-themed buffet and Aotearoa-inspired decorations, along with inclusions such as stage and dance floor hire.

The video also showcases hotel facilities such as the Club Lounge – an exclusive area with all the ‘bells and whistles’ available to guests who stay the night in a Club room.

The changes have come from Crowne Plaza’s new brand tagline ‘we’re all business, mostly’ and a recognition that delegates and guests are looking for unique spaces and experiences coming into 2018.

Based on the modern business traveller, the campaign also recognises that delegates want to make the most of every opportunity when travelling for work to make time inside AND outside the boardroom really count.

It’s in line with a new European study that recognises meetings built around ‘all work and no play’ makes for a dull Jack or Jill.

The IHG study has revealed business travellers admit work trips are more fun and enjoyable than they let on, with nine out of ten making the most of downtime by getting out and about to explore the city, ticking off their personal travel ‘to do’ list.

Crowne Plaza Auckland is conveniently located in the heart of the city’s business, entertainment and waterfront district, and General Manager Tim Pollock said it was the perfect base for guests to “do business and get out to experience the best of the city”.

To help guests do just that, the hotel’s created an online guide to Auckland business travel featuring ‘must-do’ activities for their downtime, dining hotspots and team building exercises around the city.

“Business trips have somewhat changed,” said Tim. “The new video campaign reinforces to the MICE market that work and downtime can be mutually productive.

“We do the fundamentals extremely well but in today’s market it’s about creating unique experiences to excite and delight delegates, so we’re continuing to work on new projects coming into 2018.

“We’re proud to have been named Leading Business Hotel in the World Travel Awards again this year, for the third time. It confirms what we know, but also creates confidence in guests that Crowne Plaza Auckland’s exceptional high level of service has been maintained over the years.”

The hotel is home to ten flexible function rooms catering for everything from an executive boardroom meeting for 12 to a presentation or gala event for up to 460 guests.

All meeting and conference rooms are fully equipped with modern sound and visual systems, complimentary Wi-Fi and interactive projectors. The hotel’s audio-visual specialists supply all the presentation needs from a data projector to staged events and widescreen presentations.

Many of the function rooms are bathed in natural light, with all rooms providing bespoke flexibility. The hotel’s renowned Aria Restaurant and Bar also creates the perfect venue for a business lunch or group celebration.

Crowne Plaza Auckland also recently launched three new packages – Mostly Energised, Mostly Inspired and Mostly Social – to ensure downtime is as productive as work time.

Whether guests are in Auckland for business, an event, need some much-needed rest and relaxation, or are looking for a weekend escape, the packages are designed to leave them feeling inspired, energised and connected.

Tim Pollock said the packages tied in perfectly with meetings and conference business.

“We want delegates to stay the night and enjoy everything Auckland has to offer. Whether they want to stay active in the city, be social or relax with a massage at the end of the day, we have all bases covered.”

See the video campaign here and find out what’s on offer for the Auckland business traveller this summer here.

Picture caption:

1/ Crowne Plaza Auckland’s Aotearoa-themed gala dinner is a unique experience for MICE guests

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