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In This Issue: DG Amazing Experiences Insider Travel Briefs For Private Aviation Travelers Special Report:  EAST, Miami Check-out Our DGAE Library featuring: Insider previews of top suites and villas at hotels and resorts across the USA, Hawaii, the Caribbean, Canada, Mexico, Argentina, Australia, Austria, Brasil, China, Ecuador, England, Fiji, France, French Polynesia, Greece, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Italy, Japan, Malaysia, Maldives, New Zealand, Nicaragua, Oman, Portugal, Russia, Seychelles, Singapore, Spain, South Africa, Switzerland, Tahiti, Thailand, Turkey, UAE, Vietnam, plus on the high seas aboard Regent Seven Seas Explorer, Seabourn Encore, Crystal Esprit, Crystal Symphony and Norwegian Breakaway, plus more! April 2018,  Special Report:  EAST, Miami

EAST is the newest luxury hotel in Miami… Brickell City Centre is helping lead the renaissance of Miami’s downtown area with high-rise condos and office buildings, wide tree lined streets that are spotless and a burgeoning restaurant scene. About 10 minutes from South Beach, EAST Miami is the first hotel in North America from Swire Hotels. After staying, I hope there will be more. In terms of the quality of finishes and services, EAST stands out as one of the best new city hotels I’ve visited recently. In this issue our in-depth report on a Miami hotel definitely worth your consideration, especially for meetings and events. Do you wing it when it comes to your business? While there may be some luck in getting to the top, my guess is you probably don’t leave to much to chance. Yet when spending $100,000 or more to buy a Jet Card, many folks don’t do proper research.  They either ask a friend - whose flying needs are probably somewhat differen, or they ask their PA, who probably isn’t an expert on private aviation to search online random companies and go from there. In other words, you are buying the companies that spend the most for ad words, perhaps missing options that might be a better fit for you. Private Jet Card Comparisons, a site I founded last year, is the only independent buyer’s guide to Jet Cards, covering over 250 jet card programs. Before you spend six figures on a Jet Card, spend $250 to compare programs by over 65 variables, including safety, aircraft sourcing standards, policies, prices and hidden fees, all in easy-to-use spreadsheets you can download for personal use.  You also get personal support in guiding you through the options. Past Issues PS — We keep all past issues on an easy to access website DG Amazing Experiences where you can find both newsletters and special reports. Thanks for reading. I hope all your trips are amazing experiences! All the best, Doug Gollan Founder/Editor-in-Chief DG Amazing Experiences

In This Issue:

A.   Private Aviation Headlines

EAST, Miami

1.   Overview

2.   Accommodations

3.   Restaurants and Bars

4.   Health and Fitness

5.   Meetings and Events

6.   VIP Contact

7.   Executive Security Reports

8.   Jet Card Program Reviews

9.   Popular DGAE Special Reports

1.  Fly Aeolus offers a turboprop jet card at $720 per hour

2.  Flexjet launches Corporate Solutions custom programs

3.  Magellan launches free hours promotions to celebrate 10th anniversary

4.  Sentient Jet sets Kentucky Derby hospitality plans

5.  What makes Private Jet Card Comparisons unique

6.  Skyjet adds Google Pay to Apple Pay option

1. Overview

EAST Miami opened in May 2016 and is the first Swire Hotels property in North America. You may know the Upper House in Hong Kong and Opposite House in Beijing, both from Swire as well EAST branded hotels in those same cities. It’s the same company that is the controlling shareholder of Cathay Pacific Airways, and these hotels are both owned and operated by Swire, something of an oddity in the luxury hotel space. Outside of Peninsula Hotels most luxury brands, be it Ritz-Carlton or Four Seasons, are management contracts with the owner of the hotel. EAST is located within Swire-owned Brickell City Centre, a $1.05 billion mix of luxury retail, residential, office space and upscale amenities that has already garnered a handful of design awards.

Designed by architecture firm Arquitectonica, with interiors by New York-based Clodagh Design (credits include Six Senses Douro Valley, the spa at Kiawah Island, Modern at MOMA), EAST Miami offers 255 rooms, eight suites and 89 one-, two- and three-bedroom residences, which are essentially long-stay apartments with kitchen, in residence laundry facilities tucked away and access to the amenities and services of the hotel. All rooms, suites and residences feature contemporary interiors, floor-to-ceiling windows and balconies with views of Downtown Miami, Biscayne Bay and west towards The Everglades.

 

Sugar, the rooftop bar has been named two years in a row as the best rooftop bar in America by Conde Nast Traveler. There are extensive meeting and banquet rooms with truly stunning bay and city views; an outdoor pool deck, which can be used for private events; and a 24-hour fitness center. Suites feature multi-control panel for blinds and mood lighting inside the rooms and complimentary Wi-Fi throughout the property.

A mixed-use development spanning more than 11 acres, Brickell City Centre includes a 500,000 sq. ft. shopping center containing five levels of luxury brands (pictured above) and independent boutiques, a fine dining movie theater, as well as a variety of other culinary and entertainment options. Some of the stores include Saks 5th Avenue, Giuseppe Zanotti, Kiton, Porsche Design, Richard Mille, Samsonite, Santoni and others. In terms of location, EAST is about a mile south of American Airlines Arena where they Miami Heat play and about 15 minutes by car across the bay to South Beach. It’s10 minutes from the cruise port, so a good place to stay over before or after a voyage and a good location for Art Basel Miami, the Miami Boat Show or if you are attending a convention downtown. The two closest private jet airports are Miami International Airport, which is 10 miles away to the west, while Opa Locka is about 14 miles to the north, 15 to 35 minutes by car for either based on traffic.

 

Per Trip Advisor EAST has mainly Excellent and Very Good ratings (391 of 468). There were 31 Poor and Terrible ratings, but it often takes a year or so for luxury hotels to get their mojo and the negatives reviews seem to have dropped month by month. Many of the falldowns at EAST had to do with folks who booked through online travel agencies - something I strongly recommend against - who had rate issues. There are some excellent travel advisors out their that really do a great job looking after their clients, and in fact are a great resource for me in evaluating the properties we cover here. Back to EAST, my experience was the employees were relaxed, friendly and accommodating and I didn’t have any negative issues, which over a four night stay is a good result since I am admittedly picky.

 

2. SUITES AND RESIDENCES

 

EAST offers extended stay, fully serviced and furnished residences along with its hotel suites and rooms, meaning that there is a wide variety of large suites, not always typical in a new skyscraper hotel. With residences configured up to three bedrooms, EAST is ideal for families while the residential suites provide a layout that is perfect for business executives who want to use their suite for meetings and even private dining.

 

THE WORKSHOP RESIDENCE SUITE (1 suite in this category)

Located on the 8th floor, the 1,800 sq. ft. Workshop Residence Suite is designed for the executive that needs to entertain in the comfort of their suite without compromising privacy. With a separate optional conference room that  accommodates 14 people, the residence includes a wet bar and, the latest technology solutions to host a meeting or conference. The guest room and living room areas are feature two 50” Samsung Smart TV, and luxury bath amenities. If you don’t want a meeting, one guest had the hotel install workout equipment to provide an ensuite gym. The space could also be converted to a kid’s area with playstation, etc. The residence suites can be accessed through a separate elevator in the lobby, providing an extra layer of privacy and security.

 

EAST SUITE (1 suite)

 

The largest of its hotel suites, the one-bedroom 1,600 sq. ft. East Suite offers views of Downtown Miami and Biscayne Bay on the highest guest floor. 

The suite offers an oversized bathroom with a walk-in rain shower and plunge tube (above), plus a second half bath for visitors.

 

THREE-BEDROOM RESIDENCE SUITE (12 suites)

With views of Downtown Miami and Biscayne Bay, the 1,800 sq. ft. Three Bedroom Residence Suite is fully furnished with everything you would expect from your own home. This suite also offers the latest technology, including four 50” Samsung Smart TVs and through the hotel’s app, allows you to control every aspect of the room’s conditions. The residence suite is composed of two king size and two twin size beds with Fili D’Oro linen. This residence suite also features and oversized living area and a wrap-around balcony to take advantage of the view of the Biscayne Bay. The residence suites can be accessed through a separate elevator in the lobby, providing an extra layer of privacy and security.

 

TWO-BEDROOM CORNER RESIDENCE SUITE (13 suites)

At 1,425 sq. ft. the Two Bedroom Corner Residence Suites offers views of Downtown Miami and Biscayne Bay. Located on the 8^th through 21^st floors, you get a kitchen, living room and even a washer and dryer. There is one king and two twin beds. West facing views look out to the Everglades.

 

TWO-BEDROOM RESIDENCE SUITE (37 suites)

The 1,197 sq. ft. Two Bedroom Residence Suites are designed to offer guests a spacious and luxurious home environment. Furnished like a two-bedroom apartment, the suite is perfect for families with a king size bed and two twin beds. The suite also offers three 50” Samsung Smart TVs and luxury. Like its three-bedroom cousin, these two-bedroom residence suites can be accessed through a separate elevator in the lobby, providing an extra layer of security.

 

ONE-BEDROOM RESIDENCE SUITE (13 suites)

The 1,040 sq. ft. One Bedroom Residence Suites are located on floors 8-21 with city views and like the two-and-three bedroom residence suites, there is a fully stocked kitchen with refrigerator, a dishwasher, and wine fridge. There is also a washer and dryer. The suites all have south-facing views of Brickell and the Miami cityscape. The residence suites can be accessed through a separate elevator in the lobby.

 

ONE-BEDROOM SUITE (13 suites)

The One-Bedroom Suites are located on the 36th floor and offer floor-to-ceiling windows and oversized bathrooms with bathtubs. Some of these suites offer a second bathroom. Ranging from 640-750 sq. ft. they each have two 50” Samsung Smart TVs. Views vary between city and bay.

 

3. RESTAURANTS AND BARS

 

While the entire complex is home to over a dozen bars and restaurants, EAST with its awarding winning Sugar bar and unique parrilla restaurant has become a bit of a culinary destination in Miami’s rapidly improving and evolving culinary scene.

 

QUINTO LA HUELLA

The first outpost of Uruguay’s beachfront restaurant, Parador La Huella, Quinto La Huella offers a fire cooking method with a wood fire parrilla centered at the heart of the kitchen than includes a wood fire oven, sushi counter, and outdoor dining. The menu is a blend of of simple dishes made with the best ingredients. The grilled fish and grilled jumbo prawns were excellent. Tables are spread out so you can have private conversations, and there are both private rooms and private areas. 

There is a private dining room that seats up to 14 with a hidden flat screen TV if you want to indulge your guests in a promotional video or product preview. La Parilla is a half square counter surrounding the wood fire with seating. There is an area where you can have standing cocktails and appetizers and then bring your group for a Benihana type grilling experience for up to 16 guests. 

 

SUGAR

Inspired by Swire’s Chinese and Hong Kong roots, Sugar brings an Asian-influenced restaurant & bar experience located on the 40th floor rooftop amidst a lush garden setting. The menu combines a variety of culinary heritages offering authentic Asian flavors, signature cocktails and family style service. The sushi rolls and pork buns were very good and even on a Sunday night it was packed. You’ll find music by local and international DJs to create a fun and laid-back atmosphere, accentuated by panoramic views of the Miami skyline. Make sure to book a table so you won’t have to stand.

 

DOMAIN

Domain is the lobby café and bar with an extensive menu of light bites, including pastries and juice in the morning, fresh salads and sandwiches or drinks at the end of the day.

 

4. HEALTH AND FITNESS

 

BEAST (BODY BY EAST)

The hotel’s gym, BEAST (Body by EAST), features Technogym equipment and is accessible 24 hours a day. There are free weights and resistance machines, plus mats and stretching space. You can plug in your music via audio jacks and jam out to your own rhythm. You can also bring your own personal trainer or the hotel can book a local fitness pro if you want support.

 

POOL

The 20,000-square-foot outdoor swimming Pool & Deck area features a lap pool, spa pool, cold plunge and hot tub.

 

5. MEETINGS AND EVENTS

 

EAST offers 20,000 square feet of versatile function rooms and outdoor venues suitable for any type of event. All of the spaces feature floor-to-ceiling windows, complimentary WiFi access, the latest audio-visual equipment, and technical support. The Pool & Deck areas are available for outdoor events or occasions all year long thanks to Miami’s tropical climate. You’ll find descriptions of the venues with their interesting monikers below.

 

THE CRUSH

The Crush is located on the 39th floor, offering 3,300 sq. ft. of venue space, showcasing floor-to-ceiling windows and a 270 degree panoramic view of Biscayne Bay and the Miami skyline. Available through its in-house audio visual provider, a multi-55’ LED Smart TV Video Wall is equipped with an Apple TV, wireless single-click presentation, and a built-in sound system. The Crush pre-function area features equally attractive views and an anchored multi-functional bar.

 

RISE

Rise is located on the 38th floor offering 1, 600 sq. ft. of venue space with high ceilings. Rise is a corner room with a surrounding view of Biscayne Bay. As with The Crush a multi-55’ LED Smart TV Video Wall is equipped with an Apple TV, wireless single-click presentation, and built-in sound system.

 

SET

Set is also located on the 38th floor, also offering 1,600 sq. ft. of venue space with high ceilings. Set is a corner room with three walls of floor-to-ceiling windows facing the City. Available through the in-house audio visual provider, is a multi-55’ LED Smart TV Video Wall is equipped with an Apple TV, wireless single-click presentation, and built-in sound system.

 

HIGH NOON

 

High Noon located on the 38th floor as well offers 840 sq. ft. of venue space, withUrban and Bay views. High Noon is equipped with a 75” LED Smart TV with Apple TV, wireless single-click presentation and built-in sound system, available through the in-house audiovisual provider.

 

WORKSHOPS

 

Workshop 1 – 875 sq. ft. corner room conveniently located on the 6th floor. Workshop 1 has two walls of floor-to-ceiling windows with City views and a built-in credenza. Workshop 1 features a roll-down screen and projector, a 75” LED Smart TV with Apple TV, wireless single-click presentation and built-in sound system, available through the in-house audiovisual provider. Workshop 1 can be used in combination with Workshop 2 as these two rooms share a sound proof air wall. When combined, the square footage of Workshop 1 and 2 is 1, 500 sq. ft..

 

Workshop 2 – 650 sq. ft. room conveniently located on the 6th floor with a wall of windows and a built-in credenza. Workshop 2 features a 75” LED Smart TV with Apple TV, wireless single-click presentation and built-in sound system. Workshop 2 can be used in combination with Workshop 1 as these two rooms share a sound proof air wall. When combined, the square footage of Workshop 1 and 2 is 1, 500 sq. ft.

 

Workshop 3 – 630 sq. ft. room located on the 6th floor with a wall of windows and a built-in credenza. Workshop 3 features a 75” LED Smart TV with Apple TV, wireless single-click presentation and built-in sound system.

 

Workshop 4 – 655 sq. ft. room located on the 6th floor with a built-in credenza. Workshop 4 showcases a 75” LED Smart TV with Apple TV, wireless single-click presentation and built-in sound system.

 

OUTDOOR VENUES

 

The Shrubbery is a suspended deck ideally surrounded by diverse spaces such as Brickell City Centre luxury shops, Miami corporate buildings and the Pool Deck.

 

The Pool & Deck offers a 20,000 sq. ft. deck on the 5th floor with a built-in sound system and Brickell district views. Special features include an architectural wall, a natural runway surrounded by four pool experiences, and projection capabilities.

TEA ROOM

Tea Room is on the same floor as Sugar, and serves as an overflow on weekends, but is more often closed and used for private events. You enter through a door without handles that is opened from the inside giving it a speakeasy effect. With comfortable leather couches and arm chairs, a stunning bar and gable roof, plus high-rise views of Brickell, it is ideal for cocktails or even press conferences. 

 

6. VIP CONTACT

Georgios Atzemouglou, Assistant Director of Guest Experience at georgiosatzemouglou@swirehotels.com or the website at EAST Miami

  

8. JET CARD PROGRAM REVIEWS

1.   Air Partner

2.   Flexjet

3.   JetSuite

4.   Jet Aviation

5.   Jet Linx Aviation

6.   Magellan Jets

7.   Private Jet Services (PJS) Group

8.   ProspAir 

9.   Sentient Jet

10. StraightLine Private Air

11. Wholesale Jet Club

12. XOJET (Updated)

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Visit our library of previous news and reports from DG Amazing Experiences.