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First Class Ticket: Phoenix's Timeless Arizona Biltmore
First Class Ticket: Phoenix's Timeless Arizona Biltmore

Forbes

time29-07-2025

  • Forbes

First Class Ticket: Phoenix's Timeless Arizona Biltmore

An Aztec palace in the heart of Phoenix. "Desert oasis" is a great go-to cliche for travel writers, but rarely is it as fitting a phrase than when referring to the crown jewel of the Sonoran Desert, the Arizona Biltmore. The venerable luxury hotel is nearly a century old but doesn't look a day over 39--perhaps la grande dame's timeless, Frank Lloyd Wright-style architecture should take a bow for that--not to mention a recent $150 million renovation that preserved the bones and polished the stones, as it were. A magnet for marquee names, from Tinseltown stars to every U.S. President Catalina Pool, glorious even in b&w. Ensconced in the sun-drenched heart of Phoenix beneath the austere gaze of Camelback Mountain, the Arizona Biltmore is not merely a resort--it is a monument to American luxury. For nearly a century, it has hosted U.S. presidents (from Herbert Hoover to Barack Obama), Hollywood icons and international travelers, all drawn to its singular blend of architectural grandeur, desert serenity, and world-class hospitality. Namedropping, anyone? Marilyn Monroe said its Catalina Pool was her favorite place to sunbathe, and her rat pack confreres Frank, Sammy and Joey Bishop were never far away, bless their lascivious souls. Moon over the Biltmore's stately entrance. Originally opened in 1929 with design input from Frank Lloyd Wright himself, the Biltmore's legacy is as enduring as its iconic concrete blocks—each hand-cast with Wrightian patterns, catching the desert light like sculpture. The grand lobby retains the drama of its past: soaring ceilings, handwoven textiles, and light playing off warm stone surfaces. But this is no museum piece. From its sun-drenched courtyards to its sleek, reimagined interiors, the Biltmore has transformed from legend to luxury haven—without sacrificing its soul or serene elegance. P.S., the hotel's website likes to call the following a 'fun fact': The Arizona Biltmore has over 250,000 blocks, 33,000 pounds of copper in the roof and the second-largest gold leaf ceiling in the world (only behind the Taj Mahal). For the record, the Aztec Room & Patio can accommodate some 200 visitors, and yes, that 19-foot ceiling is genuine 18-karat--nary a pre-Depression sawbuck was spared when constructing this masterpiece. The Biltmore's Paradise Pool For the discerning traveler, discretion and comfort are paramount. The Biltmore's Cottage Suites and Villa Rooms deliver both in abundance. These low-slung hideaways are tucked amid lush gardens, offering private patios, fire pits, and tranquil fountains—ideal for escaping the thrum and babble at the adjacent pools, and perfect for a quiet alfresco dinner under the canopy of stars. By the way, the Saguaro Pool--adjacent to our capacious villa--was lively without being noisome, and I was pleasantly surprised to see how youthful the hotel's guests were. The reason? For such a high-end destination, the prices can be downright reasonable, especially in the summer months of course. That and a savvy marketing department, which offers some tasty deals, including a 'third night free' package. Yes, please. The Citrus Club lounge, an oasis within an oasis. And here's a little insider information that won't land you in front of a nosy Congressional committee: guests booking elite accommodations also enjoy access to the Citrus Club--an exclusive lounge offering complimentary champagne breakfasts, evening mixology, and curated culinary pairings throughout the day. In addition to its luxury and quietude, those who opt for this perk also enjoy free pressing and shoeshine services, a dedicated concierge and a 10% discount at the Tierra Luna Spa, which is a study in serenity itself. All that and a quite playable acoustic guitar, as well as a cool collection of vinyl and a record player to spin them on. I DJ'd some vintage Sinatra (In the Wee Small Hours of the Evening, if you must know) and nobody objected whatsoever. Thanks, Frank…. Tierra Luna Spa In a landscape this elemental, wellness is not just a feature—it's a philosophy. The aforementioned Tierra Luna Spa, newly unveiled, marries desert botanicals with celestial inspiration. Treatments harness native ingredients—blue corn, mesquite, and desert sage—and each therapy is designed to balance body, mind, and spirit. Prefer privacy? Your massage, sound bath, or herbal body wrap can be delivered to your suite or performed in a private outdoor cabana, cooled by gentle misters and soundtracked by desert birdsong. What's wrong with that picture, I ask you? And fitness freaks will find more than just a state-of-the-art gym—think sunrise yoga on the lawn, guided desert hikes, or tailored personal training programs. Add to that a dizzying descent on a spiral water slide for the young or young at heart at the family pool. The Wright Bar At the Biltmore, cuisine is an extension of the landscape: bold, earthy, and expressive. The resort's signature restaurant, Renata's Hearth, offers a Latin fire-and-flame experience that delights all senses. Smoky mezcal cocktails swirl beside slow-roasted meats, heirloom corn tamales, and mole crafted with 25 ingredients. For more casual luxury, The Spire Bar delivers handcrafted drinks and small plates beside a towering architectural beacon—ideal at golden hour when Camelback turns crimson. And drinks at the Wright Bar adjacent to the front desk are highly recommended for the glory of the architecture alone. And the green chile mac & cheese at McArthur's is a must--that or the brisket sandwich. The Biltmore concierge team specializes in tailor-made excursions for travelers who value access and authenticity. Choose from a private helicopter to Sedona's red rocks, a hot-air balloon ride over the Superstition Mountains with Dom Pérignon in hand, or a Grand Canyon day trip via luxury SUV and private guide. Art aficionados can book VIP gallery tours in Scottsdale or behind-the-scenes access to the Heard Museum. Golf lovers like me are treated to two championship courses and custom club fittings worthy of a Tour pro. An eagle's eye view of the Biltmore's 39 acres, two golf courses, et al. The Arizona Biltmore is not resting on its legendary laurels. With its recent transformation, the resort now offers the perfect marriage of old-world glamour and contemporary indulgence. It is as suited to romantic escapes and restorative retreats as it is to milestone celebrations or discreet executive getaways. This is not just a stay—it is a story. One woven from desert sunsets, timeless design, and the kind of service that makes the extraordinary feel effortless. As Arnold the Terminator was fond of grunting: 'I'll be back.' ---> If the desert calls, let it call you to Camelback. Let it call you to the Biltmore.

Emma Weisenfeld, 16, on her journey from Coral Gables to Italy to French Open juniors
Emma Weisenfeld, 16, on her journey from Coral Gables to Italy to French Open juniors

Miami Herald

time09-07-2025

  • Sport
  • Miami Herald

Emma Weisenfeld, 16, on her journey from Coral Gables to Italy to French Open juniors

When Emma Weisenfeld arrived at Roland Garros in Paris to play in her first French Open junior tournament two months ago, her mind wandered to the courts at the Biltmore Tennis Center in Coral Gables, where she trained for eight years before moving to Italy in January 2024 to chase her dream. Weisenfeld, 16, remembered all the lessons she learned from coaches Robert Gomez and Juandell Brunner, whom she said set the foundation to help her deal with the challenges of playing in a highly competitive environment. Those lessons served her well as she trained at the Saviano Tennis Academy in Davie from 2020-23 and now at the Piatti Tennis Center in Bordighera, Italy, a picturesque facility that boasts world No. 1 Jannik Sinner among its alumni. She has been home just twice since moving to Italy and said the transition was not easy. 'It was much easier to train at the Biltmore, which was five minutes from my house, but I knew I had to step out of my comfort zone to reach my goals,' Weisenfeld said by phone. 'It can be lonely being so far away from my family, and I fractured my foot last winter, so that set me back, but I feel this is where I should be.' After recovering from the injury, she had some good results on the junior circuit, reaching the final at a tournament in Lyon, France, and the quarterfinals at a tournament in Portugal. She was rewarded with a wild-card entry to the French Open junior qualifying draw. Although she lost her first match 6-2, 6-2 to the No. 4 seed Thalia Kokkinis from Australia, who is ranked No. 45 in the ITF junior world rankings, Weisenfeld, who is ranked No. 405, called it 'an incredible experience.' She admitted she was nervous, was not sure what to expect at her first Grand Slam event and did not play her best tennis. But she also learned what she needs to improve to play at that level. 'I am so grateful I got that experience because I learned so much, just from being around top players,' Weisenfeld said. 'I tried to enjoy every moment because it was a gift to be there, and it will help my confidence level going forward. I am going to keep working hard and hopefully next year I won't need a wild card to get in. I want to enter on my own.' Since the French Open, she reached the third round of a tournament in Germany and the semifinals of a tournament in Switzerland, which boosted her ranking 30 spots. 'I'm super happy,' she said on Tuesday. 'I'm at the training center for the next few weeks, then plan to play in Poland and Austria, and then I have French championships in Paris in August. It's a long process to get where I want to go, but I have to be patient and learn from each experience.'

Infinity Tower claims global spotlight with top honours at International Property Awards
Infinity Tower claims global spotlight with top honours at International Property Awards

Khaleej Times

time16-05-2025

  • Business
  • Khaleej Times

Infinity Tower claims global spotlight with top honours at International Property Awards

Redefining the skyline and setting global standards in luxury and innovation from the heart of Cairo Infinity Tower, the iconic 45-story landmark located in the heart of Egypt's New Administrative Capital, has achieved international acclaim by winning World's Best Property 2024-2025 and Best Commercial High-Rise Development in the World 2024-2025 at the prestigious International Property Awards. A testament to its architectural brilliance and forward-thinking design, these accolades affirm Infinity Tower's status as a world-class commercial, retail, and residential destination. With its visionary structure, advanced sustainability features, and premium amenities, the tower ranks among the most distinguished developments worldwide. Adding to its appeal is the presence of Biltmore-branded residences, which bring internationally renowned luxury, elegance, and bespoke living standards to the heart of the Cairo. Infinity Tower shines at the African Property Awards Complementing its global success, Infinity Tower also dominated the 2024-2025 African Property Awards, securing: Best Commercial High-Rise Development in Africa Best Office Development in Africa Best Commercial High-Rise Development in Egypt Best Office Development in Egypt These honours further highlight the project's excellence in redefining commercial real estate across the continent. Infinity Tower serves as a benchmark for architectural ingenuity and state-of-the-art business environments, catering to multinational corporations and ambitious enterprises within Egypt's most dynamic urban expansion. Biltmore Residences at Infinity: A new standard in luxury The partnership with Biltmore Residences, an internationally recognised luxury brand, introduces a new dimension of sophisticated living. The Biltmore Residences at Infinity blend contemporary design with refined services and exquisite finishes. Residents enjoy smart home technology, sweeping city views, and exclusive amenities such as rooftop lounges and fine dining venues, redefining upscale urban living in Egypt. A landmark of innovation and sustainability Strategically positioned just 300 meters from the Cairo Iconic Tower, Infinity Tower offers not only exceptional accessibility, but also stunning panoramic views of the New Capital's dazzling light and fountain shows, creating an unmatched visual and lifestyle experience. Engineered with cutting-edge sustainability in mind, the tower features energy-efficient HVAC systems, intelligent water management, and eco-friendly materials that reduce environmental impact. Amenities include medical clinics, world-class fitness centers, concierge services, ample covered parking, and 24/7 security. Its prime location ensures seamless access to major highways, government institutions, and business districts. Exclusive investment with global mobility benefits With investment opportunities starting at $300,000, Infinity Tower provides a gateway for investors seeking long-term growth and international advantages. The project is eligible for visa and citizenship programmes, making it particularly appealing to global buyers looking to combine real estate with lifestyle and mobility benefits. As the exclusive representative of Infinity Tower in the GCC region, Savoir Properties is dedicated to offering a seamless investment journey through expert consultations, tailored advice, and in-depth market insights. With its internationally awarded status and unmatched luxury offering, Infinity Tower stands out as a premier destination for investors looking to be part of Egypt's promising future.

Asian Hall of Fame Unveils Sensational Class of 2025
Asian Hall of Fame Unveils Sensational Class of 2025

Korea Herald

time02-05-2025

  • Entertainment
  • Korea Herald

Asian Hall of Fame Unveils Sensational Class of 2025

2025 Induction Ceremony Set for November 1 at Iconic Biltmore Los Angeles LOS ANGELES, May 2, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Asian Hall of Fame unveiled an expansive Class of 2025 whose profound impact as pillars of vision and resilience epitomize ideals of leadership and optimism inspiring generations to come. Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: The Official Announcement kicks-off Asian Heritage Month on May 1 at the California Icons Gala and highlights the highest honor for Asian and Indigenous luminaries. The 2025 Induction Ceremony on November 1 at The Biltmore Los Angeles, California will also stream live on Roku. 15 Inductees and 3 Goodwill Ambassadors were screened from 613 nominations. Inductees must trace, or be married to an Inductee who can trace 25% of their heritage to one of 33 countries. Indigenous Asian, Native American and Eskimo tribes are also eligible. "As Asian Hall of Fame enshrines Class of 2025, we honor the lasting legacy of their achievements, heritage and families who continue to advance progress and prosperity in America and around the world," states Maki Hsieh, Asian Hall of Fame President & CEO. Tickets are not available for public sale. Asian Hall of Fame Inductees and donors receive exclusive Induction ticket opportunities. Press can access images and bios at Media credential applications are open. CLASS OF 2025 Bui & Herbie Simon, Philanthropists & Indiana Pacers Owner Cindy Y. Huang, Founder, Green Rock Investment Fund Fiona Ma, CPA, 34th Treasurer of California Il Yeon Kwon, Founder, H Mart Jensen Huang, Co-Founder, President & CEO, Nvidia Michelle Kwan, Olympic Medalist & Former U.S. Ambassador to Belize Rika and Manu Shah, Raj Shah, Rup Shah, Philanthropists & Founders, MSI International Roman Gabriel Jr., Legendary NFL Quarterback Sooman Lee, K-Pop Trailblazer Stephen and Lynn Valbuena, Rich Valbuena, Sabrina Castaneda, Yuhaaviatam of San Manuel Nation Studio Ghibli, Animation Studio William Wang, Founder & CEO, Vizio Yao Ming, Basketball Hall of Famer Yi So-yeon, First Korean Astronaut Yoshiki, Cultural Icon GOODWILL AMBASSADORS John Paris (Earth, Wind & Fire) Kevin Olusola (Pentatonix) Sebu Simonian (Capital Cities) NATIONAL MERIT PRIZES Champion for Change Prize - Emmanuel Coquia ABOUT ASIAN HALL OF FAME Established in 2004, Asian Hall of Fame honors national and international luminaries, Indigenous leaders, and cross-cultural ambassadors. Its intergenerational work advances scholarships, trauma aid and heritage preservation.

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