Launching our Collection

Our grand launch of the new luscious Select Collection brochure – the climax of a year of intense work. 

Select Collection 2014-2016
featuring my choice of the world's best resorts

A road show representing some of our wonderful Select Collection resorts began at the Grand Hôtel in Stockholm on Monday, then moved on to Finland, Stavanger (tonight), Oslo (tomorrow).

A good way to start a sparkling evening

In Stockholm we kicked off with champagne, and a workshop where our 320 guests could meet the hotel representatives. Then we moved to the Grand Hôtel’s historical Winter Garden for a 3-course dinner and entertainment by Måns Zelmerlöw. 

Nice smile from Narelle McDougall at the dinner  -
representing Anantara at the Road Show

Måns in action

In the Winter Garden

One highlight of the evening was the delivery of our new brochure to all the tables, accompanied by sparklers to suit the glamour of our publication, which is a fashion statement as well as a guide on the best places to stay worldwide. 

Another highlight was the auction of fabulous luxury holidays in paradise locations. "Haute Couture Holidays"

Måns presents Niclas Forsman the auctioneer
- auctioning luxury holidays

Successful bidding won Marie Klingspor & Henrik Ekberg
 a stay at the Crusoe paradise Soneva Fushi, and
nights in urban luxury at The Arch London.
It was his birthday and Select arranged a cake for him

All the money went to Hand in Hand. Our guest speaker was industrial magnate Percy Barnevik, who explained how Hand in Hand never gave charity but enabled people to pull themselves out of poverty by creating small businesses and ways of being self sufficient. Each business brings a whole family out of poverty.

With Percy Barnevik after his powerful speech

At the auction in Stockholm SEK 406000 was brought in, all of which will go to Hand in Hand.

In my speech I explained:

“You always have to give when you receive, and therefore it is part of my long-term future visions and challenges to help, to an even greater extent, poor and vulnerable people. Percy Barnevik and Hand in Hand are a great inspiration to me.”

Sunshine and glamour

Hard to believe it was still February.

A weekend inspecting one of my Mediterranean favourites – more gorgeous than ever after renovations. Marbella Club is very nice indeed! I was upgraded to a Count Rudi suite, and also met up with Rudi in person.

Count Rudi von Schonburg  is an amazing person who has been at Marbella Club since its opening in 1956. He is still working at the age of more than 80, looking still like 60. And we met to talk about our future PR activities.

Count Rudi was one of the first to recognise the potential of the area: sunny microclimate due to the mountain backdrop, and at Marbella Club glamour and exclusivity.

Not to forget

I love the Andalusian atmosphere

Wonderful new Kids Club

Once again I say this is the
Best Sunday Brunch

Difficult to resist

A prawn feast

The view while you savour the feast...

View to the beach

Inviting to swim even in February...

The heated pool

Breakfast outside in the sunshine with
the handsome General Manager Franck Sibelle 

Perfection in Paris

Select Collection is an important partner of Four Seasons as the immaculate service and elegance of this hotel chain is so perfect for our customers. I was among the tour operators invited to a special weekend event at Four Seasons George V in Paris last week. It was an occasion to enjoy the special Four Seasons  touch - silken luxury, divine food, inspiring people.

With our host Jean-Pierre Soutric
Vice President & Corporate Travel Agency Sales, Europe

Just off the Champs Elysees in designer-crowded avenue George V, this hotel is a real charmer with aesthetic style and grace. Its flower arrangements are always divine. And they really know how to lay on an elegant party.

Here Åke and I are with Audrey Patrelle
from the Paris Worldwide Sales Office

Art in the lobby - art everywhere

And flowers

And more flowers

And more

... and more everywhere

Along with tasty food carried in style

The invitation stated:

Every two years we take the time to meet our best European clients in recognition of your continuous support of Four Seasons. 

...

In recognition of your continuous support of Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts
Christopher Norton, President Hotel Operations, Europe / Middle East / Africa cordially invites you and your partner to join us for a weekend at Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris 

Four Seasons representatives included:
Regional Vice Presidents and General Managers from :
Four Seasons Hotel Baku, Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace Budapest, Four Seasons Hotels UK Collection, Four Seasons Hotel Dublin,
Four Seasons Hotel Doha, Four Seasons Hotel Firenze, Four Seasons Hotel des Bergues Geneva, Four Seasons Hotels Istanbul,
Four Seasons Hotel Ritz Lisbon, Four Seasons Resort Mauritius at Anahita, Four Seasons Hotel New York, Four Seasons Hotel George V,
Beverly Wilshire in Beverly Hills, Four Seasons Hotel Riyadh at Kingdom Center, Four Seasons Resort Seychelles, Four Seasons Resort Sharm el Sheikh, Four Seasons Hotel Lion Palace at St Petersbug, Four Seasons Hotel Westcliff Johannesburg, Four Seasons Hotel Moscow.

For a little bit more about the wonderful Four Seasons George V and the art of showering romance see my last last blog...