The Latest in Luxury Resort & Real Estate News

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Coeur d'Alene Casino Resort Hotel Unveils Huge Expansion

(WORLEY, IDAHO) -- The Coeur d'Alene Casino Resort Hotel - home of Circling Raven Golf Club, ranked among the 100 best public golf courses in the United States by GOLF Magazine and Golf Digest - debuted a substantial resort expansion this month to rave reviews, ushering in many new amenities at the popular resort tribally owned by the Coeur d'Alenes

"When we announced we were going to undertake a $75-million expansion - many thought we were crazy," said Coeur d'Alene Tribal Chairman Chief Allan.

"The Tribe didn't sit back and wait to be victimized by the economy. The Tribe took control of its own destiny. We moved forward with a vision, the results of which can now be found inside this beautiful resort."

The project - which broke ground in May, 2009 - marked the seventh expansion completed at the resort since it opened as a 30,000 square-foot bingo hall in 1993. It created more than 200 jobs and brings the total tribal employment to more than 2,000, making the tribe North Idaho's largest employer.

"The amenities we added have dramatically expanded the resort and the overall experience our guests can expect here," added Dave LaSarte-Meeks, Chief Executive Officer of the Coeur d'Alene Casino Resort, which is located in the Idaho panhandle, within an easy, scenic drive from eastern Washington's Spokane Airport.

The new amenities include:

• Nearly 100 upscale hotel rooms in two wings, overlooking Circling Raven, the native wetlands and rolling Palouse hills. The open, airy rooms feature the latest technology, built-in cabinetry, dramatic 10-foot doors and floor-to-ceiling windows.

• A gourmet steakhouse called Ts'elusm (pronounced "T-sell-OOS-m"), which means "stand before the fire." Guests can watch as chefs grill the finest dry-aged prime and Kobe beef over an open-wood fire. With a vast wine list, Ts'elusm offers a leisurely atmosphere with views of the natural grasses in the meadow outside.

• A 15,000 square-foot, full-service spa called Ssakwa'q'n (pronounced "SOCK-wah-kin"), which describes a small, refreshing lake on a mountain top. Inspired by the tribe's rich connection to nature and tradition, Ssakwa'q'n offers an all-season, open-air pool, Vichy shower, cedar saunas, 10 treatment rooms and a tea lounge.

• A 10-acre "Front Yard" that will serve as an outdoor amphitheater for concerts and other outdoor events as well as provide a location for a year-round fire circle.

• A sports bar and café called "Yap kee num" ("a gathering place"), offering a vast selection of beers, wines and spirits and a pub-style menu. Outdoor seating is available alongside the new sweeping "front yard" area.

Stay-and-play packages at Coeur d'Alene Casino Resort Hotel and Circling Raven are now available and start at $199, based on double occupancy. This price includes a standard room and golf for two at Circling Raven, a Gene Bates design.

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Austrian Hills Real Estate Comes Alive

(ZELL AM SEE, AUSTRIA) -- Julie Andrews infamously sang that the Austrian "hills are alive" and this has never been more true. The Austrian economy powered on during the first quarter of 2011 and, in line with Germany, grew at 1% putting the rest of the European recovery to shame. Indeed, the Austrian economy is now inextricably linked to that of Germany's.

Summer in the Austrian Alps is a truly exhilarating experience. The warm alpine lakes provide a stunning back-drop for sailing and windsurfing while the country also boasts some of Europe's most scenic golf courses.

One popular destination is the lakeside town of Zell am See, where Mark Warner Property is offering lake view apartments and penthouses from 199,000 Euros. Zell am See is one of those rare destinations where you can ski year round on the mighty Kitzsteinhorn glacier in the morning and be swimming in the crystal clear waters of Lake Zell in the afternoon.

Another popular getaway is the newly-linked Hochkonig ski area and the traditional chocolate-box villages of Maria Alm and Dienten. Just 50 minutes from the historic town of Salzburg, the Hochkonig is a mecca for lovers of the great outdoors. Long balmy summer days are spent hiking along mountain passes, mountain biking, canyoning or white water rafting. There is also an 18-hole golf course.

Mark Warner Property is marketing apartments in two new developments in the Hochkonig ski area from just  219,000 Euros.

"With a robust economy and year-round rental potential Austria is an increasingly attractive destination for investors seeking stable growth and excellent rental returns," says Giles Gale, Managing Director Mark Warner Property.

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