The Latest in Luxury Resort & Real Estate News

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Ritz-Carlton Destination Club Opens North Lake Tahoe Location

(TRUCKEE, CA) -- The Ritz-Carlton Destination Club announced the opening of its newest property Dec. 18 here near luxurious Lake Tahoe. The Ritz-Carlton Club, Lake Tahoe, a ski-in/ski-out mountain retreat, is now the newest option for its high-end members.

"The Ritz-Carlton Club, Lake Tahoe is the third in a preeminent collection of mountain properties," said Peter J. Watzka, executive vice president and chief operating officer for The Ritz-Carlton Development Company, Inc. (an affiliate of The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC). "We are proud to introduce our membership to this striking club, where members and their guests will be surrounded by the beauty of the region and walk away from every visit with the most prized possession, memories of their time together."

Adjacent to the new, world-class Ritz-Carlton Highlands, Lake Tahoe, this stunning Club is set amidst the family-friendly Northstar-at-Tahoe year-round resort. It offers 25 two-, three- and four-bedroom residences ranging from approximately 1,423 to 2,434 square feet, and all boasting dramatic Sierra Nevada mountain and Martis Valley views.

The club's unique interior design, crafted by renowned architects and designers, is inspired by the Washoe Tribe of the area with aspects of their heritage accentuated by way of textiles, patterns and indigenous materials. Organic and modern elements of nature are also incorporated in the luxurious furnishings to bring the beauty of the striking Lake Tahoe setting indoors. Each Club residence also features gourmet kitchens with wine refrigerators, cozy living rooms with fireplaces, and heated, honed marble bathroom floors.

As part of the personalized club experience, members will find their boots warmed and skis ready for the slopes, as well as the opportunity to enjoy snowshoeing outings, stargazing tours and horse-drawn sleigh rides. This is in addition to access to the nearby resort's facilities and the new gondola to whisk members to the Northstar Village with an outdoor ice-skating rink, 21 retail stores, 11 bars and restaurants and abundant family activities.

Depending on a Ritz-Carlton Destination Club Member's vacation aspirations, they may select a Home Club Membership at Lake Tahoe, designed for members who wish to spend the majority of their time in one particular destination, available in 1/12th deeded interests entitling members to stay 21 days annually. Portfolio Memberships afford the opportunity to discover a wide variety of locations, accommodations and experiences around the globe through the use of Club points, now including this wonderful Lake Tahoe addition, and participating Ritz-Carlton hotels and resorts worldwide. Membership pricing at The Ritz-Carlton Club, Lake Tahoe ranges from the low $100,000s to the low $400,000s per interest. A typical Portfolio Membership is approximately $260,000 for 10,000 points.

The 170-room Ritz-Carlton Highlands, Lake Tahoe is the first new development to be built in the Lake Tahoe area in decades. Located on the Northern California side of the largest U.S. alpine lake, the resort is expected to become one of country's premier year-round mountain retreats, particularly with the signature restaurant, Manzanita, featuring French-inspired California cuisine from renowned San Francisco chef, Traci Des Jardins, and the 17,000 square foot spa and fitness center with treatments and therapies themed around water and the woods. The resort also includes 23 private Ritz-Carlton Residences. For hotel information, please visit www.ritzcarlton.com/laketahoe.

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Canada's Fairmont Hot Springs Resort Debuts Upgraded Ski Hill

(FAIRMONT HOT SPRNGS, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA) -- The newly upgraded ski hill at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort is opened last weekend, providing a better family-friendly ski experience than ever before.

The resort has invested in a new 300-foot Magic Carpet lift that is now up and running at the base of the mountain to enhance the learning experience for novice skiers and snowboarders. Additionally, a new area around the Magic Carpet has been dedicated for the ski school and newcomers to the sport.

The enhancements are making Fairmont Hot Springs Resort an even better choice for families looking for a stress-free B.C. Rockies getaway. Parents can either join their children on the slopes, or relax by the fire in the warmth and comfort of the Ski Chalet while keeping a watchful eye on their kids--as all runs funnel into view of the Chalet.

"We've worked hard during the off season to further improve the facilities here at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort and we are very excited to guests enjoy an even better learning experience," Peter Harding, ski operations manager at Fairmont Hot Springs Resort, says. "We've removed the intimidation factor and our excellent ski school staff will have you skiing or boarding like a pro in no time."

The lifts started running December 18 at Fairmont Hot Springs and close April 11, weather permitting.

With a total of 13 groomed runs, ranging from green to blue in skill level, the resort is the perfect place for family and novice skiers to hone their skills. Fairmont Hot Springs Resort is within easy driving distance of Kimberley, Panorama, Fernie and Kicking Horse ski resorts. The confidence gained at the Fairmont Hot Springs family ski resort can quickly be transferred to other hills for young and old alike.

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