Westin Hotels encouraging Guests to Unwind

Westin Hotels & Resorts has launched a new signature social experience, Unwind... A Westin Evening Ritual, featuring the tastes, sights and sounds of each destination. From lessons on mixing a Bellini in Venice to learning about fine Scottish Whisky in Turnberry to whipping up a spicy batch of guacamole in Tucson, each of the Westin brand's 129 hotels worldwide have curated social experiences which are rolling out in hotels over the next month.

Designed to bring new energy to its hotels, the Westin Unwind events aim to transform each lobby into a gathering spot, encouraging guests to socialize and helping to combat the loneliness many travelers sometimes experience on the road.

From chocolate and wine pairings to live jazz and rotating art exhibits, the Westin Unwind rituals feature a rich array of experiences. The following selection provides a snapshot of Unwind experiences around the world:

- A performance of the Lali, a traditional Fijian wooden Drum, at The Westin Denarau Island, Fiji Resort & Spa

- Chocolate tasting at The Westin Portland

- A live performance by a traditional bagpiper and lessons on fine Scottish whisky at The Westin Turnberry Resort in Scotland with sipping encouraged

- A lesson in mixing a perfect Bellini, paired with a sampling of traditional Italian foods at The Westin Excelsior, Venice Lido

- A sampling of Chinese traditions, including a candle-lighting ceremony, tai chi, watercolor painting and treats prepared with fruits and herbs indigenous to China at The Westin Beijing, Financial Street

- Instruction in whipping up a perfect batch of guacamole at The Westin La Paloma Resort and Spa in Tucson, Arizona

"By transforming our lobbies from a place guests pass through to an inviting social and sensory setting, Westin hopes to provide a richer guest experience, where guests can indulge, socialize and maybe even learn a new skill to bring home courtesy of each destination," said Sue Brush, senior vice president, Westin Hotels & Resorts. "If we can provide our guests with a place to relax at the end of the day, lift their spirits and perhaps meet new people in a warm environment, we believe we are doing our job well."

Westin is rolling out the Unwind experience in all of its properties globally in the first quarter of 2007, following a successful three-month pilot in 20 hotels last year.

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