Rezidor Opens Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Ajaccio Bay in Corsica

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Hotel group Rezidor recently opened their very first hotel in Corsica - the sea-view Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Ajaccio Bay. The new hotel is owned by Ollandini and represents the most significant hotel investment in Corsica in 30 years.

The 170 room-property is located near Porticcio, right at the Mediterranean's beautiful bay of Agosta Beach. Guests enjoy a true paradise combining beautiful landscape, minimalist design, great food and wellness and personalized services from one of Europe's largest upscale resort brands.

"We are delighted to open this resort together with Jean-Marc Ollandini and his group," says Kurt Ritter, president and CEO of Rezidor. "It further strengthens our successful, contemporary resort portfolio, and underlines the leading position of Radisson Blu as Europe's largest upper upscale brand."

The location of the Radisson Blu Resort & Spa is truly stunning with the nearby Sanguinaires islands, red rocks, sparkling turquoise waters and majestic mountains in the background. It is also conveniently located just five kilometers from Chic Porticcio, 19 kilometers from Ajaccio Ferry Port and 15 kilometers from the Ajaccio International Airport.

All 170 rooms and suites of the upscale resort feature aquamarine colors and light wood, and offer private furnished terraces with views of the shoreline or the famous maquis or coastal vegetation of Corsica. The elegant rooms come with a size of 28 to 52 square meters (family rooms and rooms for disabled guests are available), and offer Radisson Blu signature services such as business class category with Nespresso coffee machine, and free high speed internet access.

Totally dedicated to beach life, water sports and wellness, the family-friendly Radisson Blu Resort & Spa, Ajaccio Bay comprises an outdoor pool with kids pool, and a 900 square meter wellness area including indoor pool, hot tub, gym, sauna, hammam, relaxing area, and a spa with five cabins.

Gourmets enjoy the resort's main restaurant "A Muvra" with a locally inspired menu. Two bars complement the offer and spoil with cool cocktails, a relaxed atmosphere and stunning sea views.

Also part of the hotel are a shop and a tourist office where activities and excursions on the island are arranged - from jet ski and sailing to sightseeing and hiking. Corsica, the island where Napoleon Bonaparte was born, is also called "île de beauté" (island of beauty) - thanks to greenly forested mountain ranges, rich pastures, fragrant maquis scrubland and exceptional vineyards, dotted with charming and historic old towns. Corsica is also renowned for its beautiful blue bays, beguiling scenery and glorious weather.

The Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group - formed in early 2012 - is one of the world's largest hotel groups. The portfolio of the Carlson Rezidor Hotel Group includes more than 1,300 hotels, a global footprint spanning 80 countries, a powerful set of global brands comprised of Radisson Blu, Radisson, Country Inns & Suites By Carlson, Park Inn by Radisson, Hotel Missoni and Park Plaza.

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Hall of Famer Barry Larkin Leads All-Star list of Homes for Sale

Major League Baseball is at the All-Star break so it's fitting to take a look at a couple homes for sale by famous baseball players. Call this a double play of  luxurious all-star homes.

Leading the list is Orlando resident and newly elected Hall of Fame shortstop Barry Larkin. Larkin's family estate, a reported $10.9 million mansion on Lake Chase, is just 15 minutes from Walt Disney World.

The 14,500-square-foot home is built on 2.8 acres and features a lighted tennis court, outdoor basketball court, four-boat dock and a three jet-ski dock. There is also a full outdoor kitchen with a theater and fireplace.

Inside, the home has 13 bathrooms and six bedrooms, disco lounge, private gym, pool, spa, full bar and a stage room.

On the west coast, Texas Rangers slugger Adrian Beltre is selling a luxurious Los Angeles area pad for $19.8 million. Beltre played for the L.A. Dodgers for seven years before moving to Texas.

His 16-bedroom, 7-bathroom home is located in Bradbury, just 30 minutes outside of Los Angeles, and features 4.16 acres in a gated community called Bradbury Estates. The Mediterranean-style home has a circular driveway with a breathtaking entry-way consisting of a 35-foot painted ceiling.

Inside, the home has a recreation room with, of course, a batting cage for Beltre to practice his trade. There is also an eight-car garage, a private pool, 2,500-square-foot guest house and a spectacular view of the city.