Whether you are a seasoned professional or clueless in the kitchen, the Culinary Academy at the Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa has a class for you. Starting at 10 a.m. on Saturdays, guests will spend two hours mastering the craft, participating in food samplings and receiving irreplaceable recipe secrets from world-class chefs at the hotel’s Fairhope, AL restaurant. Guests will have the opportunity to explore every corner of the culinary world ranging from grilling and sautéing to creating pastry masterpieces. Also experience the art of wine and cheese pairing and learn the classic recipes that are essential in preparing a traditional Thanksgiving feast. All classes are $25 unless otherwise noted. Please call 251-928-9201 for more information and to register for classes as they are limited in size.

Say goodbye to the industry standard buffet pass and hotel room comp when it comes to premium player rewards. Mount Airy Casino Resort has announced a new option in player incentives with the introduction of SmartPlay, a patented gaming computer system which allows patrons to choose their own rewards.

New Eco-Estate Nature Reserve in KwaZulu-Natal Brings Bold, Enviro-Friendly Home Design to Sylvan Settings of Cherished Midlands Meander Near Michaelhouse

Rockwell Group Europe (“RGe”), the Madrid-based architecture and design firm, has completed the redesign of two popular dining destinations at the world famous Taj Mahal Palace & Tower Hotel in Mumbai, India. The Wasabi by Morimoto restaurant and the historic Harbour Bar boast new and contemporary interiors by the talented team led by Diego Gronda, Managing and Creative Director of RGe.

Mandarin Oriental hotels have long been renowned for their excellence and innovation in food and beverage, and the Group’s passion for creating memorable dining experiences has once again been recognised, with no fewer than nine diverse restaurants from around the world being honoured in the 2010 Michelin Guides.

Hyatt Regency London – The Churchill has been awarded The Corporate Social Responsibility Award in Springboards Awards for Excellence 2009. Noted as a highlight of the evening, this prestigious award, sponsored by Danon Waters was awarded to this five-star hotel in recognition of a strong commitment to the preservation of the natural environment. The hotel’s initiative includes energy management systems; giving back to local communities through employee volunteer services and donations and fund-raising events for local charities. The judges commented that “the entry clearly demonstrated the passion and enthusiasm of the team at all levels for taking forward local programmes and applying a focused and strategic approach to environmental sustainability, community development and volunteerism”.