ArabWeeks

H.E. Sami Shiba, Ambassador of the Republic of Albania to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

1. What can you tell us about the values and tourist resources of Albania?

The tourist potential of the coast and mountain areas of Albania is exceptional. The natural beauty, its geographical position and its enjoyable Mediterranean climate making Albania a special touristic place in Europe during the entire year. These factors contributed to increase the number of foreign citizens visiting Albania as tourists during the year 2017 to over 5.2 million. Recently, Albanian tourism has grown, allowing focus in the offer of touristic packages that allow its most precious traits to shine, such as: “sun and sea tourism”, “history and culture tourism”, “mountain tourism”, along with other growing fields.

Albania has a considerable coastline, 450 km, and extends along the Adriatic and the Ionian Sea, where within minutes tourists can experience the mountain climate of Llogara and warmth of the coast of Dhermi. Besides the beaches, the Adriatic coast is rich with lagoons and natural ecosystems. The Ionian costal line is known for having fascinating beaches with deep and very clean waters. One of the most exciting tourist areas of the country is Albanian Riviera, the place where the sun stretches across the deep sea, the splendid configurations of rocky and isolated small beaches, the mountains and hillsides covered in Mediterranean vegetation ect. This is the warmest region of Albania, and it is blessed with 300 days of sun. The city of Saranda is the most populous city on the Albanian Riviera and is a big tourist destination, especially preferred by newly married couples on their honeymoon. The city is positioned well upon the coast in that it is only 9 km away from the island of Corfu.

Albania is rich in natural water sources, such as rivers, lakes, and a long maritime coastline. Two of the most significant ecosystems are the lakes of Shkodra and Ohrid, recognized by the RAMSAR Convention and UNESCO. Albania is also rich with springs, rivers, and streams. Four springs which are remarkable for their natural beauty are the Blue Eye in Saranda, Cold Water in Tepelena, Viroi in Gjirokastra, and Syri i Sheganit at Lake Shkodra.

Albania has important resources for the development of the touristic enjoyment of its mountainous areas. The Albanian Alps to the North, the mountains along the Ionian Sea, the Kruje, Berat, Elbasan mountains offer great opportunities to receive tourists during the year, including during the winter, which has a mild climate. Albania offers very traditional housing in its mountainous regions allowing for an interesting experience of cultural immersion. Mostly you will stay in old traditional stone houses, so called “Kulas”, where the local hosts spoil you with homemade bread, honey, cheese and delicious homemade dishes, all stemming from their own domestic produce. The Peaks of the Balkans Trail region, which belongs to the Alpine border region between Albania, Kosovo and Montenegro, is destination of rising popularity on the maps of tourists around the world.

Albania has a rich historical and cultural heritage recognized as part of the world’s cultural heritage that warrants special protection. Butrint, located in the south of Albania, is part of the UNESCO World Heritage List and is apprized as one of the most wondrous places on earth. Two other Albanian cities are on the UNESCO World Heritage List, prominent for their specific architectural style: Berat and Gjirokastra. I am sure the rich history will leave any interested foreign visitors pleasantly surprised.

1. Since it is always good for a traveler to know some words in the language of the country he/she visits, would you please teach us some usual expressions in your language: good morning, good afternoon, good evening, good bye, Cheers, thank you?

Yes, in the order you mentioned them, these expressions in the albanian language would be: mirëmëngjes, mirëdita, mirëmbrema, mirupafshim, gëzuar, faleminderit.

Albania is a safe country for visitors. Albanians are very open towards foreigners that visit their country. Hospitality is an old Albanian tradition. Foreigners are always treated with special respect. Albanians are a friendly people who make visitors feel very welcome.

Beside the hospitality that was highly regarded by travelers for centuries, Albania is rich with traditions and folklore. During your visit through ethnographic museums as well as by following artistic folkloric activities, you will be able to enjoy this wealth inherited over the centuries that still continues to blossom nowadays. Now, Albania is part of the contemporary world of arts and culture thanks to the range of artists in Albania that are working in different disciplines. Your visit to Albania is a good opportunity to visit many art galleries, exhibitions, museums, and to experience the arts through a wide range of different activities.

1. How can a Saudis traveler come to Albania? Are there any specific requirements?

For the Saudi travelers that want to come to Albania there aren’t any specific requirements. During the summer period, from 01 April 2018 to 31 October 2018, the Saudi citizens can travel to Albania without visas, without having to obtain a visa at the Embassy of Albania. Travel can be done with a valid passport.

I want to seize this opportunity to invite Saudis tourists to take Albania into consideration as one of the best options when making their holiday plans. (see www.akt.gov.al).

Honda Accord | Overview

The New 2018 Accord

The 2018 Accord is the 10th generation of Honda’s perennially best-selling midsize sedan. All new from the ground up, the new Accord is built on a new platform with a lower, wider stance, a lighter and more rigid unibody structure; a lighter and more sophisticated chassis; two advanced new power units, including Accord’s first-ever turbocharged engines, a new 10-speed automatic transmission.

In summary, the most dramatically styled, premium and fun-to-drive Accord yet.

Powertrain

• 1.5-liter direct-injected VTEC® Turbo with dual Variable Timing Control (dual VTC)
• Available 2.0-liter direct-injected VTEC® Turbo with dual VTC
• Available 10-speed automatic transmission^

Connectivity and Driver-Assistive Technology

• HONDA SENSING®
• Available 8-inch Display Audio (EX trim and above)
• Available 6-inch Head Up Display (2.0T Sport trim)

Packaging and Design

In reimagining Accord, designers first established the fundamental packaging strategy. Consistent with the “Man Maximum-Machine Minimum (MM)” design philosophy that underpins all Honda designs, the team shrunk the Accord’s footprint while expanding its interior space, at the same time creating more premium and athletic proportions and stance. The move to 4-cylinder engines across the lineup is a key component of this approach, allowing a shorter engine bay while also reducing weight and improving dynamic performance.

Viewed head-on, the new Accord’s greenhouse also angles in more sharply from the window sills to the roof, further emphasizing the wide lower body, while inside the cabin the seats have been moved slightly inward, which contributes to improved hip, shoulder and head room while enhancing occupants’ freedom of movement. In addition, the longer wheelbase allowed designers to move the second-row seats substantially rearward, giving Accord 48 mm of added rear legroom. Overall passenger volume is increased by 70 liters (LX trim) and trunk space, at 473 liters on all models and trims, is up 25 liters on 1.5-liter and 2.0-liter models.

2018 Honda Accord | Powertrain

The 10th generation 2018 Accord takes an entirely new approach to performance with its two new direct-injected VTEC® Turbo 4-cylinder engines with dual VTC – a 1.5-liter 16-valve inline-4 and a 2.0-liter 16-valve DOHC inline-4. Both new turbocharged engines produce peak torque across a broad range of engine speed (RPM), delivering smooth and virtually lag-free power for exceptional throttle response and power delivery in all driving conditions.

The 1.5-liter turbo is mated to a Honda continuously variable automatic transmission (CVT) with G-Shift Control. The new 2.0-liter turbo, sharing much of its design with the 2017 Civic Type-R engine, is mated to a smooth, responsive Honda-designed 10-speed automatic, the first of its kind for a front-wheel-drive car.

The two new automatic transmissions take greater advantage of available torque while maximizing quietness and efficiency during highway cruising. The redesigned CVT has an 11-percent lower ratio compared to the previous generation version for more powerful launch performance, while the new 10AT is 9kg lighter, with a 43-percent lower first gear and a 17-percent taller top gear compared to the previous generation Accord’s 6-speed automatic.

Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT)

Accord 1.5-liter offers the responsiveness and efficiency of an available Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT). The Continuously Variable Transmission (CVT) has smooth and predictable gear ratio transitions and excellent acceleration matched with efficient low-rpm cruising. A wide ratio spread results in strong acceleration performance coupled with reduced engine rpm at high road speeds. The redesigned CVT has an 11-percent lower ratio compared to the previous-generation version for more powerful launch performance.

10-Speed Automatic Transmission (10AT)

Accord 2.0-liter models are available with a new, Honda-developed 10-speed automatic transmission (10AT), the first of its kind in the Accord’s segment. Engineered for high efficiency with low internal inertia and an exceptionally wide ratio range, the 10AT maximizes the Accord’s performance and fuel efficiency. Compared to the previous 6-speed automatic, the 10AT is 9kg. lighter and has a 68 percent wider overall ratio range with a 43 percent lower first gear and a 17 percent taller top gear.

The 10AT is designed to be lightweight and compact. It features four planetary gear sets that work together to provide an exceptionally wide ratio spread of 10.139:1 compared to 6.041:1 on the previous-generation Accord’s 6-speed unit. The 10-speed also has substantially faster upshift and downshift performance than the previous generation 6-speed transmission. For greater responsiveness, the 10-speed transmission can make 4-gear direct downshifts: from 10th to 6th, or from 7th to 3rd.

To maximize fuel efficiency and minimize interior noise, the transmission’s 10th gear is exceptionally tall, resulting in quiet and relaxed cruising rpm.

2018 Honda Accord | Body and Exterior

In its evolution to becoming a more premium, sophisticated and aspirational sedan, the all-new 10th-generation Accord adopts a stronger, lighter and significantly more rigid body. Its lower and wider exterior proportions express a more premium and athletic stance, accentuated by a longer wheelbase and wider track (see Chassis), advanced LED exterior lighting (including available LED headlights and fog lights) and luxurious bright trim. A choice of new 17- and 18-inch alloy wheels (Three wheel designs in total), all contribute to a more confident, youthful and sporty sedan.

Exterior Styling

Upscale and sophisticated, confident and distinctive, youthful and sporty – the 10th generation Accord design strongly advances the emotional and aspirational appeal of Accord. Designed to distinguish itself as a “class above” its competitors, the new Accord has a wider stance, lower roofline and a dramatically longer, lower hood to achieve improved dynamics, a more comfortable interior and a more dramatic presence. Using a slightly shorter overhang than before, the front-end design is characteristically Honda, with the chrome wing grille and streamlined wing-shaped headlights (LED high/low beams on the 2.0 Sport trim), and aggressive air inlets presenting a strong image. Aggressive hood lines add an athletic look to the Accord front end, while thinner A-pillars moved rearward on the body (and relative to the driver’s seating position) improve outward visibility for the driver by 7.9 degrees compared to the previous Accord Sedan.

With the new Accord’s longer wheelbase, the more spacious cabin is even more streamlined than before, with a more tapered rear section including longer and sleeker quarter windows. These windows contribute to a large “6-light glass” cabin that adds lightness, visibility and a sporty flair to the new Accord, while a bright trim strip flowing front to rear above the windows adds a windswept look.

In back, the brightly trimmed rear fascia is as athletic and energetically designed as the front end, with a slightly longer overhang than found on the previous generation Accord. Here, a sharply tailored decklid helps air separate cleanly from the body, while bright trim (including dual bright exhaust finishers on both Sport & 2.0 Sport trim) add an upscale look, and dramatic light-pipe LED taillights define the Accord as all new – and all Honda.

• Acoustic spray foam provides extra sound insulation by blocking off hollow pillars, which reduces the transmission of noise from the floor area into the passenger cabin. A first for Accord, it is applied in the base of the A-, B- and C-pillars, as well as in the base of the windshield frame and at the top of the C-pillars.

Chassis
Based on a substantially stiffer unibody structure with new front and rear suspension systems and benefitting from a lower center of gravity and a lower front roll center height, the 10th-generation Accord’s chassis significantly advances the dynamic performance of Accord. Handling prowess, steering and braking precision and ride comfort communicate a sense of “absolute confidence” to the driver and passengers in all driving conditions.

Front and Rear Suspension
The 2018 Accord’s new suspension system uses a combination of front MacPherson struts and rear multi-link with rigid subframes, including a lightweight cast-aluminum unit in front and floating type in the rear. The strut-style front suspension improves the room available for crash reinforcement, and the compact multi-link rear suspension provides outstanding handling characteristics and ride quality – while also helping to maximize second-row seating and cargo space. Front and rear stabilizer bars on all trims improve turn-in response while reducing body roll during cornering. The stabilizer bars are now bonded to their mounting bushings and use low-friction connecting links for smoother operation. Sport trims have firmer spring and stabilizer tuning for improved responsiveness and a more connected feel, in keeping with the expectations of the Sport buyer.

The steering ratio is variable with a final full off-center ratio of 11.8:1. This provides a quick 2.3 turns lock-to-lock (compared to 2.5 on the previous model), enabling confident, precise steering control and easy low-speed maneuverability. The EPS on the Sport trim is further tuned to provide more information from the front tires for a more secure and precise enthusiast-oriented feel.

Noise-Reducing Wheels

In a first for any Honda production vehicle, all 2018 Accord 1.5 Sport and above wheels have a special noise-reducing design that lowers noise by 6dB. The key elements of the noise-reducing function are a resonator and a resin molding applied in a band on the inside of the rim. The result is reduced noise resonance in the air column inside the wheel. One important benefit of the noise-reducing wheel technology is a noticeable reduction in audible thumping or bumping noises when the Accord crosses expansion joints on the roadway.

Interior

The all-new 2018 Accord boasts a larger, more premium and tech-savvy interior that compliments its elegant new body design and more refined and athletic driving character.

The new Accord’s wider body and longer wheelbase contribute to its improved cabin space, most notably an additional 48 mm of rear legroom, as well as an added 70 liters of interior volume, 25 liters of trunk space, despite its shorter, more compact and sporting exterior form, the result of Honda’s packaging expertise and “Man-Maximum, Machine Minimum” design philosophy.

The tech-savvy cabin’s new 7-inch Thin Film Transistor (TFT) digital drivers meter offers a wide-array of driver-selectable information displays, while an available new 8-inch Display Audio touchscreen features both physical volume and tuning/list-scrolling knobs along with a more intuitive app-based user interface, Apple CarPlay™ and Android Auto™ compatibility, is available from EX and above trims

2.0T Sport model also feature a new 6-inch driver’s head-up display, automatic Bluetooth® phone pairing.

Head-Up Display
The Accord 2.0T Sport features a head-up display, which utilizes a concave mirror located behind the instrument panel to project a broad range of information on the lower portion of the windshield directly in front of the driver. The driver can adjust the location of the projection (up and down) or turn off the system via switches on the instrument panel.

Display modes can be selected by a steering wheel-mounted thumb dial. Display modes include:

The Accord instrument panel provides important vehicle information and connectivity content via a Driver Information Interface (DII) area of the instrument display positioned centrally in the instrument display. Controls positioned on the steering wheel allow the driver to cycle the Driver Information Interface (DII) through multiple screens of information from sources including trip computer, phone, audio, maintenance and more.

Safety and Driver Assistive

The 2018 Accord receives numerous safety improvements and driver assistive features, beginning with its next-generation Advanced Compatibility Engineering™ (ACE™) body structure, and the application of Honda Sensing®, as standard equipment on EX-L and 2.0T Sport trims. Accord also adds driver and front passenger knee airbags for the first time (Standard), plus rain-sensing windshield wipers (Sport 2.0T), an electric parking brake (EPB) (Standard) and available LED headlights (Hi/low Sport 2.0T).
Electronic advancements include the first application of Driver Attention Monitor in the Accord (1.5 Sport and above trims).

Driver Attention Monitor

New for the 2018 Accord, on highway and arterial roads the Driver Attention Monitor continually monitors and assesses driver behavior behind the wheel to help determine if the driver is becoming inattentive – and then if so, warn the driver to take a break. The system uses input from the Electric Power Steering (EPS) to measure both the frequency and severity of the driver’s steering inputs to gauge their level of awareness with four gradients.

When the Driver Attention Monitor is activated, the driver is first alerted by a coffee cup icon and a 4-level bar graph that is displayed on the Driver Information Interface (DII) below the speedometer and tachometer. The bar graph indicates full attention when four white bar elements are illuminated. As the driver attention drops, fewer and fewer bars are illuminated. When the number of bars drops to two, a message inviting the driver to take a break is illuminated. If the driver continues driving and the graph drops to the lowest level of one bar, a beeper sounds and the steering wheel vibrates, prompting the driver to pay closer attention or take a rest break.

For more information, please visit www.honda-saudiarabia.com

Company Profile:For more than a half century, Abdullah Hashim Company Limited is representing Honda Motors Company Limited of Japan in the Saudi market. The company is the sole distributor of all Honda products in Saudi Arabia. These include Honda Automobiles, Motorcycles, Marines, Generators, Water Pumps, Agricultural Machinery, Lawn Mowers and Sprayers.

The New-generation Hyundai Accent will make its official Africa and Middle East debut at a launch in Bahrain on Monday, 26 March, ready to set new standards for design, quality, and technology in the small-car market across the region.

First revealed in Korea last year, the fifth generation of the Hyundai Accent features a bold new design and a sophisticated interior. Technical and engineering improvements include a more efficient powertrain and enhanced driving dynamics, as well as the latest safety technologies and convenience features.

“The Accent is a defining product for Hyundai, with a hard-earned reputation for delivering both quality and value,” said Hyundai’s Head of Operations for Africa and the Middle East, Mike Song. “This All-new model continues that tradition, while also demonstrating Hyundai’s commitment to innovation. It is a stronger, safer, and more technically advanced car, in a package that will be enjoyable to drive and economical to own.”

The New-generation Hyundai Accent is slightly longer and wider than the previous model, with increased interior space. Two four-cylinder petrol engine options are being offered in the region, including a 1.4-liter delivering 100ps (metric horsepower), and a 1.6-liter delivering 123ps. Both are advanced designs, with multi-point fuel injection, matched to a choice of six-speed manual or six-speed automatic transmission.

The well-appointed interior offers a quiet, comfortable space, with controls located for easy, intuitive operation, while all materials have been selected for durability as well being pleasing to look at and touch.

Driver and passengers are protected by six airbags. Alongside automatic stability control (ESC), other safety features include static bending headlights to provide better illumination of the road through corners, auto cruise control that is designed for convenience and improved fuel economy, and emergency stop signal which automatically flashes the brake lights when the driver brakes heavily.

“Hyundai believes in democratizing new technology, and bringing important innovations into core, mass-market products as quickly as possible,” said Mike Song. “Particularly in terms of safety features, the All-new Accent is showing the way forward in adopting new technology within its market, and moves Hyundai even further ahead as an industry leader.”

The All-new Hyundai Accent will arrive in showrooms during the second quarter of 2018

Isuzu D-Max has won the new excited experience that pointed out how powerful the engine is along with the low fuel consumption after traveling 1386 Kilometer from the West Coast to the East Coast with only one stop in Riyadh.

Isuzu proved its fuel economy once again with a new records that emphasizes the ability of D-Max to travel long distances in order to prove the outstanding fuel economy feature, in one hand, and to prove the pick-up engine power, durability and efficiency, on the other hand.

The starting point of the first phase, which Rally Champion Mr. Saleh Al-Saleh was the driver, was from Isuzu showroom in Jeddah to the Saudi capital, Riyadh. And the second phase started from Riyadh to Isuzu Showroom at Al Khoper with only one full fuel tank, which is 76 liters of diesel that costs 35 Saudi Riyals. The fuel consumption of Isuzu D-Max equals probably 26 Saudi Riyals for each 1000 Kilometer which is a unique feature that indicates how sophisticated Isuzu is.

To prove credibility, the technical team and media who attended the starting point of this experience sealed the fuel tank of the pick-up with sticker, so that it could not be opened until the pick-up arrived to its final destination.

After 10 hours of the starting point, Isuzu D-Max arrived to Riyadh with a limited time of rest along the way where a group of media were awaiting the arrival of the vehicle to assure that the tank is still unopened. The car continued toward Isuzu Showroom at Al Khoper where another group of media were there to check the sticker again and announce the success of the experience.

By succeeding at Isuzu D-Max long distance experience, Isuzu set a new record after traveling for 1386 Kilometer with one full tank of fuel and speed of 80 K/h which impressed the audience with the power of its engine and low fuel consumption. After removing the label, Isuzu held a press conference in the presence of Saleh Al-Saleh to review the experiences of the trip and the performance of Isuzu D-Max.

The all-new Isuzu D-max features many high-end specifications that combine durability, easy maneuvering, high stability, agility and luxurious cabin that offers high levels of comfort and safety, along with a diesel-driven engine with the lowest emissions rate. D-Max is available in 4X2 and 4X4 variants for the clients to choose. Isuzu also has modern SUV named MU -X that is coming with 7 seats, 3.0 L 163 HP Diesel engine, 4X2, 4X4 types and it is suitable for city drive and off road drive as well. Isuzu MU-X engine has created to reduce fuel consumption and generate high torque.

Over the years, D-Max has achieved great success in the Saudi market. In recognition of its sophisticated and handling features, last year, the truck won the “2016-2017 Best Pick up” Okaz – PR Arabia National award over many competitive pick-up trucks.

The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts today announced the brand’s first hotel in Baja California Sur with the opening of Solaz, a Luxury Collection Resort, Los Cabos in June 2018. Operated by Quinta del Golfo de Cortez (QGC), Solaz Resort is a beachfront oasis featuring a 128-room luxury hotel and 21 extravagant residences. Nestled on a coveted 34 acres overlooking the Sea of Cortez, Solaz Resort highlights The Luxury Collection’s impressive expansion in Mexico, where the brand now boasts a total portfolio of seven hotels throughout Baja California Sur, Campeche, Mexico City, and Yucatan.

“The debut of Solaz Resort marks The Luxury Collection’s seventh hotel in Mexico; an important milestone for the brand as we showcase our commitment to expanding our footprint in this remarkable destination,” said Mitzi Gaskins, Global Brand Leader, The Luxury Collection. “Solaz Resort will offer global explorers a new gateway to the Baja California Peninsula and deliver unparalleled travel experiences signature to The Luxury Collection.”

Sophisticated and modern, Solaz Resort’s spacious guest rooms, residences, spa and wellness center, and on-site dining experiences will appeal to couples, families, and discerning travelers who seek an authentic resort experience in Mexico. Whether guests wish to improve their culinary prowess through a private cooking class with the chef, combine adventure and gastronomy by fishing on a private yacht with the chef preparing the catch, or immerse themselves in local history with a journey to see legendary cave paintings, the experiences are endless.

“Our hotel is the latest, luxury beachfront hotel to hit the Cabo market, offering luxury global travelers and locals alike an architectural masterpiece overlooking the beautiful Sea of Cortez.” said Giuliana Torres Schernthaner, General Manager of Solaz, a Luxury Collection Resort, Los Cabos. “We are thrilled to debut Solaz Resort as part of The Luxury Collection, officially joining the brand’s portfolio of world-renowned hotels and resorts. As the brand’s seventh hotel in Mexico and first in Los Cabos, we are proud to be a key player in The Luxury Collection’s fast-growing portfolio.”

The Resort

Solaz Resort pays tribute to its destination through both design and guest experience, which celebrate the magnificent landscape and cultural marvels of the region. Designed by renowned architectural firm Sordo Madaleno, the resort’s cascading terraces blend desert vegetation with quarry stone, granite, marble and wood to create an architectural “sculpture” of breathtaking design amidst desert landscaping. Each masterfully designed guest room and suite at Solaz Resort features a private entrance and patio; custom, contemporary furnishings; and original art. Floor plans blur the lines between indoor and outdoor space, as private terraces provide unobstructed views of the Sea of Cortez.

Celebrating art and design at every turn, Solaz Resort features original works throughout — all masterfully created by famed Mexican artist César Negrete, who travelled throughout Baja for years, studying the region’s natural history and folklore. El Gabinete “Del Barco” is an indigenous gallery featuring regional artifacts and open spaces to walk through while enjoying breathtaking natural scenery. Viewed through the eyes of Baja California explorer Miguel del Barco, exhibits include a 43-foot-long whale skeleton suspended from the ceiling, a historical original map collection, and more.

Culinary offerings at Solaz Resort will be as authentically inspired as the property itself. Six unique restaurants and lounges are designed for visitors with discerning palates. Executive Chef Pedro Joaquin Arceyut and his team will present freshly caught fish and seafood at Al Pairo; traditional and contemporary Baja fare and tapas at Cascabel; and a “Dinner Grill” featuring dry-aged steaks, local live lobsters, and the sea’s freshest fish at Mako. Those looking for lively libations can enjoy perfectly paired cocktails and an impressive wine program at La Cava, the ideal place to cap off the day with a selection of more than 2,500 vintages — many of which are local to the region.

A restorative travel destination, Solaz Resort features 50-meter infinity pools lining 1,246 linear feet of white sand beaches overlooking the Sea of Cortez. Each pool incorporates butterfly green granite, which emulates and seamlessly merges with the Sea of Cortez’s tranquil turquoise waters. State-of-the-art exercise facilities feature Technogym® equipment and group or personal fitness instruction, and the 10,000 sq. ft. Ojo de Liebre Spa offers 10 private treatment rooms and two VIP double rooms, along with a full range of services like Alo Therapy (Himalayan Salt Igloo) and Thalasso Therapy — the later only available in Baja California at the Ojo de Liebre Spa. A full-service salon provides manicures, pedicures and other amenities. Families visiting the resort can also take advantage of the children’s club.

For business and social functions, Solaz Resort offers 20,000 sq. feet of meeting, wedding and event space that can accommodate up to 1,000 guests, and includes a 3,500 sq. ft. ballroom and 11,000 sq. ft. outdoor deck. A team of expert event planners ensures attention to every detail for intimate or grand-scale events.

The Residences

Twenty-one exclusive residences at Solaz Los Cabos present the ultimate indulgence to those who enjoy the privacy of a home combined with The Luxury Collection’s bespoke amenities and services. Ranging in size from approximately 5,000 to 11,000 sq. feet, three-bedroom and three-and-a-half bathroom residences offer indoor/outdoor living with wrap-around terraces featuring Jacuzzis; floor-to-ceiling panoramic views of the Sea of Cortez; a chef’s kitchen; European-designed furnishings by Kettal®; master baths with travertine marble bathtubs and spa-inspired showers; separate laundry and pantry; private elevator access and designated underground parking.

Solaz, a Luxury Collection Resort, Los Cabos is located at Corredor Turístico s/n, Km 18.5, Cabo Real, 23405 San José del Cabo, B.C.S., Mexico. For more information, please visit: www.luxurycollection.com/solaz.

About The Luxury Collection® Hotels & Resorts

The Luxury Collection®, part of Marriott International, Inc., is comprised of world-renowned hotels and resorts offering unique, authentic experiences that evoke lasting, treasured memories. For the global explorer, The Luxury Collection offers a gateway to the world’s most exciting and desirable destinations. Each hotel and resort is a unique and cherished expression of its location; a portal to the destination’s indigenous charms and treasures. Originated in 1906 under the CIGA® brand as a collection of Europe’s most celebrated and iconic properties, today The Luxury Collection brand is a glittering ensemble, recently surpassing 100 of the world’s finest hotels and resorts in more than 30 countries and territories. All of these hotels, many of them centuries old, are internationally recognized as being among the world’s finest. For more information and new openings, visit theluxurycollection.com or follow Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. The Luxury Collection is proud to participate in the industry’s award-winning loyalty program, Starwood Preferred Guest®. Members can now link accounts with Marriott Rewards®, which includes The Ritz-Carlton Rewards® at members.marriott.com for instant elite status matching and unlimited points transfer.

About Quinta del Golfo de Cortez

Quinta del Golfo de Cortez (QGC) is a hospitality group founded in 1994 devoted to developing unique destination experiences in the Los Cabos area. Other QGC projects have included Hacienda del Mar, featuring The Sheraton Grand Los Cabos, two of Mexico’s most renowned golf courses, and abundant residential offerings. Invested in and committed to luxury tourism and residential development, QGC is slated to open a St. Regis Hotel & Residences in 2021 as well as a new Town Center, Tennis Stadium and Athletic Sporting Center in Los Cabos by 2020.

About Marriott International, Inc.

Marriott International, Inc. (NASDAQ: MAR) is based in Bethesda, Maryland, USA, and encompasses a portfolio of more than 6,500 properties in 30 leading hotel brands spanning 127 countries and territories. Marriott operates and franchises hotels and licenses vacation ownership resorts all around the world. The company also operates award-winning loyalty programs: Marriott Rewards®, which includes The Ritz-Carlton Rewards®, and Starwood Preferred Guest®. For more information, please visit our website at www.marriott.com, and for the latest company news, visit www.marriottnewscenter.com. In addition, connect with us on Facebook and @MarriottIntl on Twitterand Instagram.

Qué sopá Panama! W Hotels Worldwide, part of Marriott International (NASDAQ: MAR), today announced the opening of W Panama, the first W in Central America.  Located in one of the most cosmopolitan capitals in the region, Panama City, the new hotel towers above the heart of the business district within the ultra-modern, 50-floor Evolution Tower on Calle 50.  The bold and vibrant design of W Panama, under the ownership of Evolution Tower Corp., blends centuries of history and culture with the nearby tropical paradise and trendy metropolitan spirit of Panama City.

“Panama City is one of the most vibrant and dynamic cities in Central America, a fusion of new and old, east and west, business and hedonism. Like our guests, W Hotels seeks destinations that are inspiring and multi-dimensional so Panama City is a natural fit.” said Anthony Ingham, Global Brand Leader, W Hotels Worldwide. “W Panama embodies the spirit of Panama, showing off the style and energy of this diverse global hub with an intricate design that pays homage to both the history of the region and its bright future.”

Designed by Studio Gaia and the award-winning internal design team of W Hotels, W Panama reconstructs the city’s past and present with distinct hues and textural contrasts inspired by the international importance of the Panama Canal, while integrating Panama’s history and colorful indigenous patterns. The hotel is near Uruguay Street, known as the “Zona Rosa” of Panama, home to a bustling scene of trendy restaurants and nightclubs.

Guests enter W Panama on the 15th floor of the striking new skyscraper and are immediately greeted by playfully modern design. W Panama transforms the industrial look of shipping containers, similar in look to those often found along the Panama Canal, with original graffiti painted by Diablos Rojos-inspired artist, Oscar Melgar. Throughout the hotel, five containers become destinations themselves, setting the scene for connecting and mingling. The shipping containers can be found in the hotel’s Living Room (the brand’s take on the traditional hotel lobby), the expansive, 6,835-square-foot WET Deck (pool deck) and Cargo, the destination bar housed within its own shipping container which serves up handcrafted cocktails year-round.

With 203 guest rooms including 28 gorgeous suites, many featuring sweeping views of the nearby bay and Canal, W Panama is tailored for comfort and inspires a lust for exploring the city’s local treasures. Each room features modern twists of handmade Mola fabrics and patterns from the indigenous communities of Guna and Emberá alongside expressive murals. Floor-to-ceiling mirrors energize each crisp, white room, while creative, modular seating offers plenty of space to lounge. Expansive modern bathrooms are outfitted with individually lit vanities and dressing areas for getting glamourous. W Panama also caters to daring and indulgent tastes with a 1,600-square-foot Extreme Wow Suite (the brand’s take on the Presidential suite). The massive private suite comes equipped with a fully functional DJ booth, built-in foosball table, private lounge area, rainfall shower and sunken bathtub.

W Panama brings two distinct culinary experiences to Panama City, each featuring local ingredients from land and sea.  Moró offers signature dishes using exquisite local ingredients for a taste of local comfort food. For a quick bite, La Cajita is modeled after food truck service and style, open 24/7 for deliciously energizing smoothies, drinks and dishes influenced by street fare. Adding to the guest experience, W Panama offers the W brand’s signature Whatever/Whenever® service to bring guests whatever they want, whenever they want it and an in-the-know local expert, the W Insider, who connects guests with the hottest events, attractions and adventures to suit any and every travel style.

Visitors seeking the ultimate setting for reinvigoration and relaxation can recharge at the 3,500-square-foot FIT (fitness center) or indulge in one of the luxurious treatments at Away Spa.

When it comes time to get back to business, W Panama offers more than 21,000 square feet of versatile meeting and event space across six meeting rooms, customizable for any occasion, from business meet ups to wedding receptions, and fashion shows to custom cocktails. Breakouts get infused with the energy and culture of the Diablos Rojos-inspired piece, brought to life with large-scale artwork. The eye-catching Great Room is the ideal setting for grand events, displaying the stunning cityscape through floor-to-ceiling windows.