Jack Nicklaus to Design New Golf Course in Nova Scotia

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(ARDOISE, NOVA SCOTIA) -- A new Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course resort recently passed an appeals process and construction is ready to start.

 People living in the area had two weeks to appeal the agreement made between West Hants council and Terra Firma Development Corporation Ltd., but no real disputes surfaced. While questions -- many about the local water supply -- were raised at a public meeting in July, there have been no appeals and construction can begin.

The 18-hole course will be located close to Highway 1 in Ardoise, near Windsor, N.S. The golf course isn't the only development planned for the more than six square kilometers of land reserved.

Also planned is the Forest Lakes Country Club, which would offer accommodations including villas, townhouses, condominiums and amenities. Facilities of the Forest Lakes Country Club will include club house; boutique hotel; indoor and outdoor swimming pools; gym and spa; equestrian facilities; walking trails; skiing and cross-country skiing and several lakes offering a range of water-based activities.

John Dicks, the vice-president of communications for Terra Firma, said the golf course would be good for the area.

"We will be making a concerted effort to work with local trades people and local contractors and professionals as much as we can," Dicks was quoted as saying in the local Nova Scotia newspaper. "As the only Nova Scotia-born member of the development team, that's very important to me."

The project is expected to take anywhere from 15 to 20 years to complete.

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Courtyard by Marriott to Open in India

(PUNE CITY, INDIA) -- Courtyard by Marriott continues to gain popularity in the Indian market as the brand recently opened its seventh hotel, 179-room Courtyard by Marriott Pune City Centre. The opening of Courtyard by Marriott Pune City Centre marks the third Marriott International hotel and the second Courtyard in the exciting Indian city.  The Courtyard Pune City Centre is owned by The Advantage Raheja and operates under a long-term management agreement with Marriott International headed by Harinder J. Singh as general manager.

Bright vibrant colors and modern smart design, the new Courtyard Pune City Centre features great in-room amenities such as the deluxe bedding, iPod docking stations, high speed internet access and a 37-inch LCD television.

The hotel features a variety of great restaurants that appeal not just to guests, but also to Pune's local food lovers. MoMo Café, offers all day dining options, combining Western dishes with local favorites. Red Zen features Pan Asian cuisine while Momo2Go is the perfect option for those who are looking for grab-and-go salads and sandwiches.

Presenting great value for money, the hotel caters well to both international as well as domestic travelers. The property also features four spacious banquet halls, a fitness centre, an outdoor swimming pool, party deck, a business centre and an executive lounge.

 "The Courtyard by Marriott is a smart business hotel that caters to the needs of the traveler who is on the move," Simon Cooper, president and managing director Asia Pacific, Marriott International said. "Asia-Pacific as a region has seen a tremendous growth curve as far as economic thrust and business acumen is concerned. A second Courtyard property in Pune was needed looking at the steady expansion the city has seen in various industries. We are delighted to be opening the Courtyard by Marriott Pune City Centre and to be working with such great partners in The Advantage Raheja."

Rajeev Menon, area vice president - India, Malaysia, Maldives and Australia added: "With the influx of IT, ITES, manufacturing and automobile industries we see tremendous potential in Pune in the coming years. Given the demand, this is our third offering from Marriott International in Pune. We are extremely delighted to present our newest hotel today which is magnificently built and will stand ahead for the great hospitality standards that Marriott International is committed to offer."

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