Ranch offers a Bring-Your-Own-Horse option for travelers whose idea of vacation involves horsin’ around

GREER, Ariz. (May 18, 2010) – Hidden Meadow Ranch, an upscale White Mountains ranch hideaway in northeastern Arizona, is a wonderful escape where wildlife is abundant. In addition to the creatures that roam through the Ranch via the surrounding national forest – including elk, deer, eagles, wild turkeys – a bevy of animals make their home at Hidden Meadow, namely dogs, cats, donkeys and horses. Given its “all creatures welcome” approach, it isn’t surprising that the Ranch allows guests to bring their own dogs – and to bring their own horses (BYOH).

The BYOH opportunity, which only costs an additional $30 per night, is unique to Hidden Meadow Ranch and a perfect option for horse lovers who consider their stallion a vacation essential. For horse-toting guests, The Ranch offers:

• Four box stalls in the Outfitter Barn for guest horses
• Twice-daily feedings of alfalfa grass hay
• Automatic waterers in the stalls
• Trailer parking
• Daily horse exercise in private outdoor pens
• Self-guided rides through the neighboring national forest
• Optional wrangler-guided rides through the neighboring national forest (included in the Rancher’s Package or offered at $50 per hour with the Hideaway Package)

Situated at 8,500 feet, Hidden Meadow nestles on 150 pristine acres of rolling landscape hemmed by
2 million acres of national forest. Riders who saddle up on their own horses or on Ranch horses can explore
975 miles of trails accessible from Hidden Meadow by way of a 5,650-acre Wildlife Habitat Area (where no motorized vehicles are allowed) and beyond. Some of the Hidden Meadow staff’s favorite rides include jaunts to Carnero Lake and pathways through Strawberry Canyon to Patterson Spring. Off-site guided rides into rarely seen primitive areas such as the Black River may be arranged with advance notice.

Guests at Hidden Meadow stay in one of 12 private custom-appointed log cabins, each of which creates an elegant, rustic and roomy 900-square-foot retreat. All cabins are stocked with goodies such as snacks, coffee, cocoa, tea and bottled water – not to mention windows filled with beautiful views of the adjacent meadow and forest, and doors that lead to countless outdoor amenities such as the Ranch’s lodge, hot tub and fishing pond.

Nightly double-occupancy rates (two guests in a cabin) range from $375-$445 for the Hideaway Package and $525-$595 for the Rancher’s Package, with pricing varying by season and the lineup of special events. Both packages include three gourmet meals daily and all non-alcoholic beverages at the lodge for guests (two). Cabins also are stocked with goodies such as snacks, coffee, cocoa, tea and bottled water. The Rancher’s Package is geared toward outdoor enthusiasts and includes Ranch activities such as horseback riding, snowshoeing, sledding, archery, hiking, horse-drawn sleigh rides and more. The Hideaway Package serves travelers whose top priority is relaxation, with activities available and charged to their bills on an à la carte basis.

An escape for all seasons, Hidden Meadow Ranch was recently named a winner of the 2010 Awards for Excellence, a program of Condé Nast Johansens, the international luxury travel guide from the most trusted name in travel publishing, Condé Nast Publications Ltd. The 2010 Awards for Excellence covered 31 categories, and this was the second time in three years Hidden Meadow Ranch won the category of Most Excellent Ranch.

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About Hidden Meadow Ranch

Hidden Meadow Ranch is an exclusive boutique guest ranch with elegantly rustic log cabins, exceptional amenities and service, and the year-round family-friendly activities of the mountain west. This premier guest ranch – situated at 8,500 feet in the pine and aspen forest above and beyond Arizona’s desert heat – provides an escape from everything urban, thoughtfully mixing creature comforts and Mother Nature’s amenities. A variety of ownership opportunities are available through The Club at Hidden Meadow Ranch, the state’s only high-end custom log home community offering fractional ownership cabins as well as custom homesites. 866.333.4080, www.hiddenmeadow.com

Scottsdale Resort’s Seasonal Rates and Packages Appeal to Business and Leisure Guests

FireSky Resort & Spa - Pool View

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (June 21, 2010) – Summer’s officially in full swing, and Kimpton’s FireSky Resort & Spa is offering countless ways to beat the heat with a mix of packages that blend luxury and value. The selection of amazing deals, which cater to leisure and business travelers alike, are intentionally diverse in order to suit guests’ varied ideas of R-n-R. Details about these summertime deals follow.

HOT DEALS, COOL PACKAGES: LEISURE

Time Out for Teachers

Few people need peace and quiet more than teachers! For hors-classroom relaxation and fun that’s in style and within budget, Kimpton’s FireSky Resort & Spa in South Scottsdale is offering teachers a special $75 per night room rate (two-night stay required) from May 31, 2009 through Sept. 12, 2009 (blackout dates of June 25 and 26); Nov. 22 through Nov. 28, 2010; and Dec.17 through Dec. 26, 2010. Rate code: TOT

Summer of Pride Package

This year’s Summer of Pride package provides the ultimate getaway for LGBT travelers looking for a moment of bliss in a place that thrives on individuality. From $93 per night from May 6 through September 5. Rate Code: PRIDE

• Deluxe overnight accommodations
• 15 percent off the best available rate
• $25 dining credit to be used at the on-site Taggia restaurant, every day of stay
• Pride-themed welcome gift at check-in (exclusive Kimpton rainbow duck, complimentary issue of the Pride edition of The Advocate magazine)

Mother/Daughter Sweet Escape at Kimpton’s FireSky Resort & Spa

Calling all mothers and daughters! Get out of town – or just get out of the house – and settle into Old Town Scottsdale for an all-girls sweet escape that’s nearby to-do’s and happenings. From $89 per night from June through September. Rate Code: PMOM

• Catch-up cocktails (two free drinks during your stay)
• Complimentary dessert anytime and every time you dine at Taggia, the on-site restaurant
• Coupon book for shopping at Fashion Square Mall and beyond
• 25% discount at Jurlique Spa

Tee It Up Golf Package

This package’s unlimited golf is what-putt perfection for guests who are gaga for greens. Between rounds and tee times, duffers can retreat to FireSky to relax, rest up and rejuvenate. From $185 from June through September. Rate code: PGOL

• Unlimited Golf for two
• Sleeve of balls
• Flight of beer

Military: We Salute You!

Hail to the red, white and blue! FireSky honors American troops with a package whose offerings and discounts serve the men and women serving our country. From $99 from June through September.
Rate Code: PMIL

• Welcome bottle of wine
• Free appetizer and dessert w/ purchase of dinner for two
• 25% discount at Jurlique Spa

$92 and a Round of Brew

Get out of town, check in, pop a top and relax at FireSky Resort & Spa. Hang in your room, lounge by the pool or head to nearby Old Town to eat, drink, explore the arts and experience the night life. From $92 from June through September. Rate Code: BREW

• Free round of beers (four) at Taggia
• Patio accommodations

De-Stress for Less

It’s summer in the spa, too – which means that Jurlique Spa at FireSky Resort is offering its “De-Stress for Less” menu. Staycationers and vacationers alike will revel in the R-n-R deals on offer, a few of which feature the fruit of the vine, a k a the grape. Learn more about the summertime spa deals http://www.fireskyresort.com/pdfs/jurlique_summer_menu_2010.pdf.

HOT DEALS, COOL PACKAGES: BUSINESS

Meet. Eat. Retreat.

Take your business out of town or simply beyond the office with great summertime meeting rates at FireSky. Rooms from $89 with breakfast for $1 more, from May 23 to September 9. Guests may also pick any two of the following perks:

• Complimentary one-hour reception
• Group welcome amenity
• Gift certificate for a two-night stay
• 25% discount on SWANK audio visual
• 7% discount on your master bill
• $2 per room night donation to Haiti relief

ABOUT FIRESKY RESORT & SPA
A member of the award-winning San Francisco-based Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, FireSky Resort & Spa artfully blends the casual elegance of its downtown Scottsdale location with the stark appeal of its desert setting. The resort’s story is one of the elements - conveyed by seamless indoor/outdoor connections, lush landscaping, expansive water features and lounging spaces with hearths and fire pits. The property, which is the first Green Seal certified hotel in Arizona, features 204 guest rooms and suites stretching 400 to 800 square feet, each of which boasts a private patio or patio that overlooks the colorful grounds and swimming pools. Resort amenities include approximately 14,000 square feet of customizable multi-use space across 13 meeting rooms for social gatherings and business events. Additional highlights include Taggia, the on-site restaurant featuring authentic coastal Italian cuisine, and Jurlique Spa, a soothing and organic retreat in which to relax, refresh and rejuvenate. www.fireskyresort.com

ABOUT KIMPTON

San Francisco-based Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants, a collection of boutique hotels and chef-driven restaurants in the US, is an acknowledged industry pioneer and was the first to bring the boutique hotel concept to America. Founded in 1981 by Bill Kimpton, the company is well-known for making travelers feel welcomed and comfortable while away from home through intuitive and unscripted customer care, stylish ambience and having a certain playfulness in its approach to programs and amenities. Each hotel provides a range of exciting culinary experiences through locally-loved, top-rated, destination, chef-driven restaurants. Kimpton leads the hospitality industry in ecological practices through its innovative EarthCare program that spans all hotels and restaurants. Privately held Kimpton has consistently earned high customer satisfaction scores by the Market Metrix Hospitality Index, exceeding other hotel companies including those in luxury and upscale segments. Among the company’s newest properties are the LEED certified Hotel Palomar and LEED certified Square 1682 restaurant by Chef Guillermo Tellez in Philadelphia, PA, which opened in September 2009. Currently, projects are underway in New York City and Chicago. For more information, please visit www.KimptonHotels.com or call 1-800-KIMPTON.

WHAT: Arizona K-12 teachers can get free resources on environmental education that meet state standards, learn how to green their school, earn complimentary continuing education credits and apply for scholarship programs at Valley Forward’s EarthFest Educator’s Night presented in partnership with Intel Corporation.

Through the program’s EarthFest Education Grant component, teachers will have the chance to win $5,000 in funding made possible from STMicroelectronics for environmental programs in their school, classroom or community.

Now in its sixth year, this innovative program combines entertainment and education, showcasing environmentally oriented curriculum, activities and programs on Arizona’s unique desert character. The event has been expanded significantly since its first year and additional programs to benefit Valley communities and schools are in the works.

More than 50 booths representing public and private sector environmental education programs, along with exhibits from the non-profit and educational communities will be featured at the event. Other attractions for teachers include giveaways, complimentary refreshments and resources that help in the classroom.

WHO: Valley Forward Association and Intel Corporation

PHOTO OPS: Exhibits and displays on environmentally oriented programs, tours of the Phoenix Zoo, hands on classroom learning and comments by local dignitaries.

WHEN: Thursday, Sept. 16 from 4 to 7 p.m.

WHERE: Phoenix Zoo 455 North Galvin Parkway, (602) 273-1341‎

ADMISSION: The program is open to K-12 teachers throughout Arizona at no charge, however, reservations are required and can be made by calling (602) 240-2408 or registering online at www.valleyforward.org.

ABOUT: Valley Forward Association is a 41-year-old non-profit environmental public interest organization that brings business and civic leaders together to convene thoughtful public dialogue on regional issues, and to promote cooperative efforts to improve the sustainability and livability of Valley communities.

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