SunStream Travel Blog

Welcome! As employees of SunStream and residents of Southwest Florida, we thought this blog would be an excellent opportunity to share what we love about living here with our guests. Enjoy!

Tell Us Your Story!

We would love to hear your vacation stories! Email us at blog@sunstreamforms.com.


Posts Tagged ‘Green Lodging’

Bellasera Hotel: “Home Sweet Home” Italian-Style

Tuesday, June 30th, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For information, contact:
Treva J. Marshall, TJM Communications, Inc.
(407) 977-5004; treva@tjmcommunications.com

Dipika Joshi, TJM Communications, Inc.
(407) 977-5004; dipika@tjmcommunications.com

Carolyn Masten
SunStream Hotels & Resorts
(239) 765-4111; CarolynM@SunStream.com

BELLASERA HOTEL:
“Home Sweet Home” Italian-Style

NAPLES, FL – At Bellasera Hotel, guests bask in all the comforts of home and all the exotic elegance of an Italian villa. It’s only fitting for Naples, Florida, a genteel beach town acclaimed for its first-class shopping, dining, golf, arts and water sports.

Bellasera transplants the spirit and style of Tuscany to Naples’ fashionable and lively Fifth Avenue South district. The hotel’s name means “beautiful evening” in Italian, but beauty stretches daylong, property-wide at Bellasera. The intimate Four-Diamond property romances couples the minute they enter the polished wood lobby with its sweeping staircase and rich Tuscan inspiration, immediately giving guests a sense of arrival to a place beyond precious.

Sunflower yellows and earthy rust-reds color its three-story buildings in shades of Tuscany. Expressive arches and balconies open onto a lush courtyard where stone fountains and rock cascades gurgle around the ornately tiled swimming pool and whirlpool. Umbrella-topped tables, webbed chaises, and private sultan cabanas surround the deck, where food and beverage service is available upon request.

Stately royal palm trees and vine-swathed pergolas shade Zizi restaurant’s al fresco tables. Meals served on the terrace poolside or inside the sleek ristorante are robust with pure and sunny Mediterranean flavors. Room service is also available. For happy hour and after dinner, couples cozy up in the convivial lounge. On Thursday evenings, live jazz and soft vocals soundtrack a bella sera.

Visitors rave about the AAA Four-Diamond resort’s better-than-home comfort, appointments and amenities they find in Bellasera’s 100 studio and one- to three-bedroom suites with screened porches and balconies which overlook the flowery courtyard – a picture-perfect wedding setting.

Whirlpool tubs in the studios feature plantation shutters that open onto the master bedroom so guests can watch TV from their bubble bath. The studios also come with an under-counter refrigerator and coffeemaker. Alluring Mediterranean style holds through the living areas: rich woods, plush furnishings and earth-toned tiling.

Cable TVs with DVDs, free high-speed Internet access, a washer-dryer, bathrobes, and a king-sized bed in the master suite ensure the final measure of convenience and pampering. Free wireless “hot spots” throughout the resort, a state-of-the-art fitness center and a complimentary shuttle to Naples platinum-white beach – minutes away and recently named “America’s Best All-Around Beach” by The Travel Channel – complete this picture of fantasy fulfillment.

Guests can easily stroll to famed Fifth Avenue South and its fashionable sidewalk cafes, clubs, boutiques, art galleries, and theater.

The flexibility of Bellasera’s design makes it a popular choice for wedding parties. Its 4,000 square feet of exquisite function space seats up to 200 in a classic Italian setting, ensuring an event graced with elegance and style.

Bellasera Hotel, one in SunStream Hotels & Resorts collection of distinctive properties in Southwest Florida, is located at 221 Ninth Street South in Naples. For reservations or more information on vacationing Italian-style without leaving American soil, call 888-612-1115 or 239-649-7333. Or visit BellaseraNaples.com.

###

At The Bellasera Hotel, It’s Easy Being Green

Tuesday, June 30th, 2009

Florida Green Lodging Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For information, contact:
Carolyn Masten
SunStream Hotels & Resorts
(239) 765-4111
CarolynM@SunStream.com
SunStream.com

AT THE BELLASERA HOTEL, IT’S EASY BEING GREEN
Naples’ Four-Diamond hotel the first “condominium” property
to be recognized with environmental honor in Collier County

NAPLES, FL – In March 2008, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) welcomed the Bellasera Hotel to the Florida Green Lodging Program. Bellasera was the first condominium resort recognized with this environmental honor and to be designated in Collier County.

“Bellasera is proud to be designated a member of the Florida Green Lodging Program,” said General Manager Steve McIntire.  “Even more meaningful is the fact that this effort was completely driven by our hotel’s staff members, who conscientiously took it upon themselves to put together this program of improved waste reduction, energy efficiency and clean air quality.  Not only does our management team appreciate their efforts, but I know that our guests will, as well, as they’ll be able to adopt the same green practices here at the resort that many of them are already utilizing at home.”

The Florida Green Lodging Program provides voluntary guidelines for lodging properties to help conserve natural resources and prevent air pollution. At Bellasera, “green practices” involve a number of recycling and improved energy efficiency, water conservation and air quality programs. For instance, hotel guests and staff have the opportunity to recycle not only glass, plastic, cans and paper, but also batteries, cell phones, print toners, ink cartridges, florescent bulbs, appliances and computer equipment. The hotel also participates in FPL’s innovative “Sunshine Energy” environmental program to produce clean electricity generation. In addition, the property has improved its water conservation measures through low flow plumbing fixtures; it cleans its air handler units frequently and utilizes energy-efficient programmable thermostats and air filters; and purchases green cleaning products and laundry detergents.

“The Bellasera had already implemented many of the best management practices we were looking for,” said local DEP Green Lodging Coordinator Laura Comer. “They have now expanded their recycling services and actively involved their suppliers, services providers, and guests which exponentially increases their positive impact on the environment and the local community.”

Bellasera has now joined the growing list of Florida Green Lodges that benefit from vacationers and meeting planners seeking environmentally conscious lodging establishments. To show support for the program, Florida Governor Charlie Crist signed an executive order mandating all state agencies and departments to hold meetings and conferences solely at designated Green Lodging facilities. With Bellasera’s designation, the Florida Green Lodging Program currently has over 419 designated properties statewide with an additional 390 applicants awaiting certification.

The only four-diamond luxury hotel in the area to feature condominium suites with full home amenities, Bellasera offers 100 designer-decorated studio, one-, two- and three-bedroom suites. Bellasera also features a heated outdoor and spa, fitness center, room service, concierge service, luxury poolside cabanas and Zizi, an exquisite Mediterranean restaurant and lounge offering al fresco dining under the stars.

Bellasera Hotel, one in SunStream Hotels & Resorts collection of distinctive properties in Southwest Florida, is located at 221 Ninth Street South in Naples, Florida. For reservations and information, call 888-612-1115 or visit BellaseraNaples.com

- ### -

DiamondHead Beach Resort Adds Romance and Value to Intimate Weddings

Tuesday, March 31st, 2009

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For information, contact:
Treva J. Marshall, TJM Communications, Inc.
(407) 977-5004; treva@tjmcommunications.com

Dipika Joshi, TJM Communications, Inc.
(407) 977-5004; dipika@tjmcommunications.com

DIAMONDHEAD BEACH RESORT
Adds Romance and Value to Intimate Weddings

(FORT MYERS BEACH, FL) – Emerald waves lap gently at the pristine white-sand beach as close friends and family gather for the blissful event. A guitarist strums a choice wedding tune, and the glowing bride, red roses in hand, strolls toward her groom, who waits beneath a picturesque arch. “I do” resonates with meaning against the idyllic seaside backdrop as the couple becomes husband and wife.

DiamondHead Beach Resort provides an enchanting setting by the tranquil Gulf of Mexico for couples who want over-the-top romance on their wedding day – minus a big price tag. The Ruby Wedding Package offered by DiamondHead Beach Resort, a SunStream Hotel & Resort property, presents an intimate fairy-tale wedding for 20 or fewer guests for a $2,100 value.

Couples can book their big day with family and friends between 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., and their wedding package includes:

  • Beach setup of a charming arch and white folding chairs, plus complimentary parking for guests
  • An officiant to perform the wedding ceremony
  • A bouquet of beautiful roses for the bride and boutonniere for the groom
  • A guitarist to play at the ceremony
  • A professional photographer to capture the magical event
  • Choice of two wedding portraits and 12 four-by-six photos plus copy of the photo CD
  • A premium wedding-night beachfront suite for the happy couple, including a bottle of champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries, his-and-hers plush bathrobes
  • Dinner for two at the resort’s elegant Chloe’s Restaurant (up to $125)

If the guest list grows past 20, DiamondHead Beach Resort offers the perfect value with its Emerald Wedding Package for a minimum of 20 persons. For just $135 per person, the package includes:

  • A beach ceremony with decorated arch and white folding chairs
  • White chair covers and choice of sash
  • A four-hour dinner reception with choice of one entrée, salad, two hors d’oeuvres and champagne toast
  • Choice of reception linen colors and centerpieces
  • Premium wedding-night beachfront suite for the bride and groom
  • Breakfast for the bride and groom the next morning at the hotel’s restaurant, Chloe’s
  • Complete list of local recommended vendors including: churches and notaries, photographers, spa and salon services, DJs and entertainment, wedding cakes and florists

The natural beauty of Fort Myers Beach provides the ideal honeymoon for newlyweds who want to escape to sun, sand and calm waters while staying within their budget. The nearby dynamic Times Square entertainment district heats up for nighttime fun. The signature Esterra Spa & Salon offers couples massages for total pampering and relaxation. Water sport rentals and sightseeing charters offer extra activities. DiamondHead Beach Resort provides first-rate amenities including fitness center, heated pool, outdoor whirlpool spas and beachside dining on fresh-caught seafood and other gourmet treats. And the icing on the wedding cake? Spectacular Gulf sunsets keep lovebirds on a romantic wavelength throughout their stay.

DIAMONDHEAD BEACH RESORT, Fort Myers Beach. DiamondHead Beach Resort, one in SunStream Hotels & Resorts collection of distinctive properties in Southwest Florida, is located at 2000 Estero Boulevard on Fort Myers Beach, Florida. DiamondHead Ballroom and Terrace offers memorable settings for larger weddings of up to 400 guests. For more information on SunStream Hotels & Resorts weddings and romantic vacations, please call 888-865-58 44 or 239-765-7654 or visit DiamondHeadFL.com.

###

Ladies Luncheon at DiamondHead Beach Resort

Tuesday, March 24th, 2009

cooking1

Chloes Fresh Seafood & Steaks – located at the DiamondHead Beach Resort – is continuing their Chef Lunch Series this Thursday with a Ladies Luncheon! Everyone is invited to join Chloes Executive Chef Chris for a tantalizing cooking demonstration. Watch and learn how he professionally prepares a full luncheon while you sit back and enjoy a glass of champagne and feast on the delicious creations. Recipe cards will be provided to inspire your next culinary adventure!

esterra_logo2

After lunch, relax with a massage or hand exfoliation compliments of the Esterra Spa & Salon! Representatives will be domonstrating their products and services and handing out goodie bags!

When? Thursday, March 26, 2009 at 11:30 a.m.
Where? Chloes Fresh Seafood & Steaks (DiamondHead Beach Resort)
Cost? $25 per person
RSVP to 239-765-0595

Chef Luncheon Menu:

House Salad with Gorgonzola & Toasted Walnuts
Pan Seared Macadamia Crusted Grouper with Orange Ginger Sauce
Jasmine Rice and Vegetable Du Jour
Apple Tarte Tatin with Cinnamon Ice Cream

DiamondHead Beach Resort – Where Green Is Good

Friday, February 20th, 2009

Florida Green Lodging Program

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

For information, contact:
Carolyn Masten
SunStream Hotels & Resorts
(239) 765-4111
CarolynM@SunStream.com
SunStream.com

DIAMONDHEAD BEACH RESORT – WHERE GREEN IS GOOD

FORT MYERS BEACH, FLORIDA – In September 2008, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) welcomed the DiamondHead Beach Resort to the Florida Green Lodging Program, which provides guidelines for lodging properties to help conserve natural resources and prevent air pollution.

“DiamondHead is proud to be a member of the Florida Green Lodging Program,” said General Manager Neil Hopgood.  “It’s one way our staff can show our appreciation for the incredible beauty that surrounds our resort’s beachfront setting. We also want to illustrate how important it is that we all work together to continually take steps that are ecologically minded and environmentally sensitive, to ensure that our visitors for generations to come will be able to enjoy this amazing shoreline and all of the remarkable sights of nature Southwest Florida has to offer.”

At DiamondHead, “green practices” involve a number of recycling and improved energy efficiency, water conservation, air quality and waste reduction programs.

For instance, hotel guests and staff have the opportunity to recycle not only glass, plastic, cans and paper, but also batteries, cell phones, ink cartridges, florescent bulbs and computer equipment. The hotel cleans its air handler units frequently and utilizes energy-efficient programmable thermostats and air filters; it purchases green cleaning products and laundry detergents for all restaurant and housekeeping operations; and actively practices waste reduction purchasing programs, making recycled products and reduced/bulk packaging a priority.

The resort has also created the “EV-Spot,” a parking area specifically designed for Electric Vehicle owners. According to Andrew Roddy of the Florida Electric Auto Association, such a move has been eagerly anticipated by the growing number of electric vehicle owners around the state.

“Our owners obviously appreciate the environmental practices that DiamondHead has implemented,” said Roddy, “but what I think we’re more excited about is finally having access to such a wonderful vacation place in Southwest Florida! We welcome the resort’s charging station and are anxious to get more businesses to join our ‘Electric Highway.’”

DiamondHead Beach Resort now joins the growing list of Florida Green Lodges that benefit from vacationers and meeting planners seeking environmentally-conscious lodging establishments. To show support for the program, Florida Governor Charlie Crist signed an executive order mandating all state agencies and departments to hold meetings and conferences solely at designated Green Lodging facilities. With DiamondHead Beach Resort’s designation, the program now has over 419 designated properties statewide with an additional 390 applicants awaiting certification.

“The management and staff of the DiamondHead Beach Resort recognize that environmentally-friendly initiatives not only make good business sense, but help to protect Florida’s unique environment for the continued enjoyment of our millions of residents and visitors,” said DEP South District Director Jon Iglehart.  “We proudly welcome the DiamondHead Beach Resort to the Florida Green Lodging Program.”

DiamondHead Beach Resort, one in SunStream Hotels & Resorts collection of distinctive properties in Southwest Florida, is located at 2000 Estero Boulevard on Fort Myers Beach, Florida. For reservations and more information, call 888-765-5002 or 239-765-7654, or visit DiamondHeadFL.com.

- ### -