El Conquistador Resort, A Waldorf Astoria Resort

El Conquistador Resort, A Waldorf Astoria Resort near Fajardo, Puerto Rico, offers a destination for groups unlike anything on the mainland. The $42-million Grand Atlantic Conference Center, for instance, takes full advantage of its location with terraces facing El Yunque rain forest on one side and the convergence of Atlantic and Caribbean waters on the other. Inside, the center’s highlights include the Grand Atlantic and Grand Caribbean Ballrooms, two state-of-the-art venues totaling over 41,000 square feet. With the addition of the center, the resort now offers more than 100,000 square feet of meeting space.

Guests live in five distinct wings, or villages, adding up to 984 accommodations. While the main building caps a 300-foot cliff with spectacular views of the sea, the 500 acres encompass multiple elevations and a vast choice of pleasures, from sampling the fare at 23 bars, lounges, cafes, and restaurants to indulgences at the Golden Door Spa.

Conferees can test their mettle on seven tennis courts and an Arthur Hills–designed golf course—or their luck at a 10,000-square-foot casino. While some might stay home and dive into the Coqui Water Park’s pools and lazy river, others might hop a catamaran for the eight-minute ride to Palomino Island, a 100-acre getaway ringed by miles of Caribbean sands, beach service, snorkeling, Wave Running, windsurfing, horseback riding, and more. There are no packages available at this time. There are no hot dates at this time. Posted 25 Oct, 2011 by Melanie Lindall New Customized Resource, Created in Collaboration with Elite Meetings International, Offers Event Industry Comprehensive Access to the Hotel Properties and Capabilities McLean, VA – (October 11, 2011) – Today, Hilton Worldwide Luxury Brands, in partnership with Elite Meetings International (EMI), announces the launch of Luxury Meetings magazine. This new group sales resource, which will be published annually, provides a comprehensive overview of Hilton Worldwide Luxury Brands’ properties capabilities to host meetings and events at the more than 40 existing and forthcoming locations in their Conrad Hotels & Resorts and Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts portfolios.

Debuting at IMEX America, a new global trade show for the worldwide meetings, events and incentive travel industry, this publication features property specifications and contact information with links to each hotel’s website and elitemeetings.com. Event planners can request additional information by contacting the hotel directly or by using EMI’s SpeedRFP™ “Request for Proposal” technology, which allows buyers to submit and manage their RFPs online at elitemeetings.com. In launching the magazine at IMEX America, more than 2,000 meetings and event buyers will be the first to view the resource and learn of the hotel brands’ unique luxury event offerings.

“We know efficiency and trust are the main drivers in choosing an event location,” said John T.A. Vanderslice, global head of luxury and lifestyle brands for Hilton Worldwide. “By partnering with EMI to create Luxury Meetings, we’re offering meeting and event planners, and their guests the assurance and efficiency they need and the excellence for which Conrad and Waldorf Astoria brands are renowned.”

Kelly Foy, chief executive officer of Elite Meetings International, added, “Combining the power of print and game-changing RFP technology provides a complete sales and marketing solution for Hilton Worldwide Luxury Brands, and an extremely informative and user-friendly resource for buyers.”

In addition, Hilton Worldwide Luxury Brands will be conducting customer group presentations about the brands’ luxury destinations and meeting capabilities in booth #1655 at IMEX America. Sonya Toliver Irby, director of brand sales of luxury and lifestyle brands for Hilton Worldwide and Annette Dhein, vice president of hilton luxury sales will be on hand to meet with key customers and attendees throughout the three-day trade show. Twenty-one of the Conrad and Waldorf Astoria properties from 10 different countries will have presence at the trade show. Attendees will be amongst the first to learn about offerings at select Hilton Worldwide Luxury Brands upcoming property openings including the Conrad New York and Conrad Macao.

Copies of Luxury Meetings will be available to review at IMEX America located at the Sands Expo in Las Vegas, Nevada from October 11 – 13, 2011. To download a digital version or to request a hard copy, visit www.waldorfastoriaglobalmediacenter.com or www.conradglobalmediacenter.com.
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About Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts
WALDORF ASTORIA is Hilton Worldwide’s luxury brand of landmark hotels, with each one as singular and timeless as the brand’s namesake, The Waldorf=Astoria Hotel in New York. From classic elegance to modern grandeur, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts each represent worldly sophistication and unparalleled guest service. From sumptuous spas and culinary excellence to world-class golf, each hotel and resort offers the exquisite accommodations and signature accoutrements that define refinement and sophistication. Discover Waldorf Astoria by visiting www.waldorfastoria.com. Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts is one of Hilton Worldwide’s ten market-leading brands.

About Conrad Hotels & Resorts
CONRAD® HOTELS & RESORTS is Hilton Worldwide’s global luxury brand and the choice for today’s modern, sophisticated traveler. By focusing on the individual, Conrad offers guests genuine and personalized experience and a world of style, service and connection. Each Conrad is a dynamic reflection of its city and culture, as well as a showcase for striking design and distinct surroundings. Across five continents, in the world’s gateway cities and most sought-after resort destinations, Conrad invites each guest to enjoy The Luxury Of Being Yourself®. For information on Conrad, please visit www.conradhotels.com.


About Hilton Worldwide
Hilton Worldwide is the leading global hospitality company, spanning the lodging sector from luxurious full-service hotels and resorts to extended-stay suites and mid-priced hotels. For 93 years, Hilton Worldwide has been offering business and leisure travelers the finest in accommodations, service, amenities and value. The company is dedicated to continuing its tradition of providing exceptional guest experiences across its global brands. Its brands are comprised of more than 3,750 hotels and timeshare properties, with 615,000 rooms in 85 countries and include Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts, Conrad Hotels & Resorts, Hilton Hotels & Resorts, DoubleTree by Hilton, Embassy Suites Hotels, Hilton Garden Inn, Hampton Hotels, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Home2 Suites by Hilton and Hilton Grand Vacations. The company also manages the world-class guest reward program Hilton HHonors®. For more information about the company, visit www.HiltonWorldwide.com or connect with Hilton Worldwide at www.HiltonWorldwideGlobalMediaCenter.com.

About Elite Meetings International
Based in Santa Barbara, California, Elite Meetings International (EMI) provides integrated solutions to enhance the performance of meeting and hospitality professionals. EMI supports this community through a combination of innovative technology, direct sales support, customized marketing programs and face-to-face business-building events. Additionally, www.EliteMeetings.com serves as a commission-free RFP-generating tool and a comprehensive vehicle for sourcing luxury, upper-upscale and upscale properties. EMI's innovations include FaceTime™ Appointment Scheduler (www.FaceTimeScheduler.com) a sought-after program for helping conference attendees identify synergies, manage appointments and make direct connections with one another; and SpeedRFP™ (www.SpeedRFP.com), a new time-saving product for creating, submitting, and managing RFPs online. For additional information, please visit www.EliteMeetings.com or call 805-730-1000. Posted 03 Nov, 2008 by Robert Filipelli EL CONQUISTADOR RESORT & GOLDEN DOOR SPA
EVOLVES WITH COMPLETE REDESIGN BY ACCLAIMED DESIGNERS ROBERT BARRY, DAVID ROCKWELL AND LEO A. DALY

Enhancements Include New Coqui Water Park along the Caribbean Sea
and the Island's Largest Resort Ballroom

Las Croabas, Puerto Rico - April, 2008 - Spread over 500 acres in the quaint fishing village of Las Croabas, Puerto Rico, the El Conquistador Resort & Golden Door Spa just completed a $120 million, property-wide renovation that features the unveiling of its new Coqui Water Park, a complete redesign and refurbishment of all guestrooms, an outpost of famed NYC steakhouse Strip House, and the addition of a 21,090-square-foot ballroom. Lending their talents to this impressive project are acclaimed designers Robert Barry, David Rockwell and Leo A. Daly.

Coqui Water Park
On February 1, the El Conquistador Resort & Golden Door Spa enhanced its offerings with its new, 2.4-acre Coqui Water Park experience. Featuring a 9,000-square-foot main pool, multiple kids' pools, four water slides, 8,000-square-foot lazy river, 25,554-square-foot sunbathing deck and more, this new addition brings fun in the sun to guests of all ages. The main pool features breathtaking views with an infinity edge that overlooks the Caribbean Sea. The water park also offers a special event area for private functions.

Guest Rooms
World-renowned hotel designer, Robert Barry of Barry Design Associates, has modernized and transformed all public spaces, including the 750 guest rooms, bath environments and additional facilities, complementing the dramatic backdrop of both the Caribbean Sea and the Atlantic Ocean.

Event Space
Completed in March 2007 was the addition of El Conquistador Resort's brand new, state-of-the-art $42 million conference center designed by Leo A. Daly in collaboration with Puerto Rico-based Ray Architects and designer Robert Barry. With this grand transformation, the world-renowned resort now houses two adjacent conference areas with a total of four ballrooms, providing meeting planners with more than 70,000 square feet of indoor meeting space per available guest room; larger than any other resort in the Caribbean.

Offering a 21,090-square-foot Atlantic Grand Ballroom, which is divisible into three equal-sized sections, this new space is Puerto Rico's largest resort ballroom. Leo A. Daly created a signature look to the magnificent resort's meeting space, coupled with a unique exterior faade that complements the natural beauty of the resort. The conference center also includes 16 breakout rooms ranging from 815 to 1,619 square feet. All existing meeting spaces received updated interior finishes and infrastructure enhancements including a 5,000-square-foot expansion of the banquet kitchen. These renovations combined with many other improvements throughout the resort solidify the El Conquistador Resort & Golden Door Spa's position as the preeminent conference and incentive destination not only in the Caribbean, but internationally as well.

Culinary
Enlivening El Conquistador's culinary experience is the addition of acclaimed New York City steakhouse Strip House designed by famed interior architect David Rockwell. The restaurant opened its doors in November 2006 and features cuisine that blends American tradition with French flourishes. Also opened late 2006 was the freshly redesigned Stingray's Restaurant in La Marina Village, home to some of the island's most exclusive yachts.

Resort Activities and Amenities
El Conquistador Resort & Golden Door Spa's 18-hole golf course, designed by noted architect Arthur Hills, is a majestic 6,662-yard, par-72 course, featuring elevation changes of more than 200 feet, complemented by a 1,100-foot driving range. Set dramatically within the 300-foot mountainside of the resort overlooking both the Atlantic Ocean and Caribbean Sea, this course is considered one of the premier golf courses in the Caribbean.

The 26,000-square-foot luxury Golden Door Spa at the El Conquistador Resort is a Zen-like sanctuary featuring dramatic views of the rainforest and Caribbean Sea from 25 private treatment rooms offering Massage, Energy Balancing, Body Treatments, Ayurvedic Treatments, Hydrotherapy Treatments, Facials and Skin Care, and spa classes. Treatments include the Rainforest Facial, Antioxidant Pineapple Polish, Bano de Oro Hydrotherapy and Couples Massage. Additionally, an update to the locker room, waiting lounge and soft goods were recently completed in fall 2007.

As the resort embarks on revitalization, so is the ever-popular El Conquistador Casino, once the backdrop for a scene in the original James Bond movie, Goldfinger. Today the casino offers all the table games that are available in world-renowned casinos and boasts a new collection of the most exciting slot machines, including the contemporary coin-less slots. For specialized events, meetings, seasoned veterans or guests trying their luck for the first time, the El Conquistador's well-versed casino staff can custom design on-demand programs for any occasion.
The resort christened two new luxury high-speed catamarans in January 2007 to further enhance the fast and seamless transport to Palomino Island. Perfect for day excursions, leisure, team-building events and exclusive private functions, these sleek, 150-passenger vessels make the ride as fun as the activity. Recent group entertainment on Palomino Island included Sheryl Crow and The Beach Boys.
Adjacent to the El Conquistador Resort & Golden Door Spa is Las Casitas Village, offering a truly private escape with one-, two- and three-bedroom villas. Intimate and spacious luxury villas offer guests a private infinity pool, seaside spa services and personalized 24-hour butler service.

The resort sits close to some of the most thrilling adventures available on the island, including the El Yunque Rain Forest; Camuy Caves and one of only four Bio-Bays in the world.

For more information about El Conquistador Resort & Spa, please visit [url]www.elconresort.com[/url] or call (866) 317-8932.

ABOUT LXR LUXURY RESORTS
LXR Luxury Resorts is a portfolio of independent properties dedicated to creating an experience of luxury, a sense of ease and endless pleasure. LXR resorts are distinguished by a style and spirit that captures the unique qualities of their setting, whether the urban chic of a city like New York or the beauty and charm of an island like Puerto Rico. All LXR Luxury Resorts offer elegant surroundings, attentive service, guest privileges at private golf clubs and rejuvenating spa programs. LXR Luxury Resorts are located throughout the United States and the Caribbean. The LXR collection also includes the renowned Golden Door Spa brand and its four spas in the U.S. [url]http://www.LuxuryResorts.com[/url].

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