Latest news with #MelissaKelly
Arab Times
08-03-2025
- General
- Arab Times
Australian envoy extends Ramadan greetings
KUWAIT CITY, March 8: Australian Ambassador to Kuwait Melissa Kelly conveyed her warmest wishes, and that of Australia, for the holy month of Ramadan. In her speech at the women's Ramadan ghabqa she hosted at her residence recently, Kelly expressed her gratitude for spending her third Ramadan in the country. She said 'there is something truly special about Ramadan in Kuwait. It is a great honor for me, as an ambassador, to participate in the rich traditions and celebrations that take place throughout the month, which add a deeper significance to Ramadan.' She pointed out that the holy month offers an opportunity to connect with both the Creator and society, practice self-discipline, and reflect on the blessings in one's life. She added it also provides a chance to ask how one can contribute positively to family, to community, and to the world. She stated that this year's Ramadan coincides with International Women's Day, calling it 'a celebration of women's empowerment. When women and girls are fully able to participate in our economies and societies, it strengthens our communities and makes the world a better place.' She acknowledged that while gender equality is a simple concept, it still faces numerous challenges globally. 'It is about ensuring all members of society can reach their full potential --having access to academic, economic and social opportunities; living free from violence; and being empowered to forge their own path. No country has yet achieved full gender equality. The global rates of gender-based violence and the ongoing work are needed to address these issues,' she explained. Reflecting on the meaning of both Ramadan and International Women's Day, she expressed gratitude for the role models who are shaping a better society. Speaking directly to the attendees, she said 'you are all role models to me -- my fellow ambassadors, my colleagues at the Australian Embassy, many of whom are women; my Kuwaiti friends who balance leadership roles, manage families and businesses, and advocate for positive change; and to the women from all over the world who have called Kuwait home, building bridges with resilience and courage.' She concluded 'this celebration is our way of recognizing you -- all the women who contribute to the betterment of Kuwait and the world. It is a personal thank you from me and the women of the Australian Embassy for your friendship and your continuous inspiration. You play an important part in making society and the world a more inclusive and compassionate place.'
Yahoo
12-02-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes and its Signature Restaurant, Primo, Receive Four-Star Rating in Forbes Travel Guide's 2025 Star Awards
The Orlando hotel is the first JW Marriott to receive the prestigious accolade in North America, and its signature restaurant Primo is the first JW Marriott restaurant to earn the honor ORLANDO, Fla., Feb. 12, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Forbes Travel Guide ("FTG"), the only global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants, spas, and ocean cruises, today announced its 2025 Star Awards. JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes earned a four-star rating from the guide – the first JW Marriott hotel to receive the award in North America and the second to receive it globally. The hotel is part of Grande Lakes Orlando, a 500-acre luxury resort, also anchored by The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes, which earned its Forbes Travel Guide four-star recognition in 2005. In addition to the hotel, on-property restaurant Primo received a four-star distinction, making it the first JW Marriott restaurant with the honor and only the third in Orlando. The property features 1,010 guestrooms alongside its sister hotel The Ritz-Carlton Orlando, Grande Lakes. The property is home to the Grande Lakes Waterpark, an 18-hole championship golf club, on-property farm, and over 100,000 square feet of event space. With a dozen dining venues across the resort complex including Primo by award-winning Chef Melissa Kelly serving authentic Mediterranean-Italian cuisine with organic produce and a carefully crafted wine list. "We are incredibly proud to be the first JW Marriott hotel in North America to earn the prestigious Forbes Travel Guide four-star rating," said Michael Scioscia, General Manager at JW Marriott Orlando, Grande Lakes. "This achievement is a testament to the dedication and passion of our team which provides exceptional service and a one-of-a-kind stay. We are committed to delivering not only the best hospitality experience in Orlando, but in the world, and are excited to continue setting the standard for excellence in hospitality." To view the new Star Award winners, visit To learn how Forbes Travel Guide compiles its Star Ratings, click here. Connect with Forbes Travel Guide:Instagram: About Forbes Travel Guide Forbes Travel Guide is the only global rating system for luxury hotels, restaurants and spas. Our anonymous professional inspectors evaluate based on hundreds of exacting standards, with an emphasis on exceptional service, to help discerning travelers select the world's best experiences. The only way to get a Five-Star, Four-Star or Recommended rating is by earning it through our independent inspection process. For more information about Forbes Travel Guide, please visit About Grande Lakes OrlandoHidden in the heart of Orlando, Grande Lakes Orlando sits on 500 lush acres at the headwaters of the Florida Everglades. The resort features a 582-room Ritz-Carlton, 1,010-room JW Marriott hotel, the 40,000-square-foot Ritz-Carlton spa as well as three picture-perfect pools. The Ritz-Carlton Golf & Tennis Club, which hosts the PNC Championship, includes an 18-hole Greg Norman-designed championship golf course. A dozen celebrated dining venues throughout include Knife & Spoon, a steak and seafood restaurant led by award-winning chef John Tesar, and Primo, Mediterranean-Italian fare by multiple James Beard award-winning chef Melissa Kelly, a leader in the farm-to-fork movement. Grand Lakes Orlando restaurants source fresh ingredients from Whisper Creek Farm, an on-property 18,000-square-foot working farm, as well as on-site apiaries. The resort features a wide array of additional activities: kayaking, eco-tours on Shingle Creek, falconry, mountain biking and fishing school. Conference and meeting attendees have their pick of meeting space options located across 150,000 square feet plus more than 100,000 square feet of outdoor space. Grande Lakes is located 15 minutes from the Orlando International Airport, five minutes from the Orange County Convention Center and minutes from the major theme parks. Follow Grande Lakes Orlando @grandelakesorlando on Instagram and grandelakesorlando on Facebook. Also, The Ritz-Carlton and JW Marriott on Twitter @RC_Orlando and @JW_Orlando, Instagram @ritzcarltonorlando and @jwmorlando and Facebook ritzcarltonorlando and jwmarriottorlando. For more information, visit Media Contact: The Brandman Agency Paige Voeffray grandelakesorlando@ View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Grande Lakes Orlando
