News Releases

Now in its 10th year, the annual TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice awards honor the world’s best hotels. Unlike any other hotel honors, TripAdvisor Travelers’ Choice winners are based on millions of valuable reviews and opinions from travelers around the world.

Three of Florida’s grandest golf resorts have united under the management of Salamander Hotels & Resorts. Sheila C. Johnson, Salamander’s owner and CEO, today announced the formation of the Grand Golf Resorts of Florida, which features Innisbrook Resort near Tampa, Reunion Resort in Orlando, and Hammock Beach Resort in Palm Coast.

Fishing Lodge Cap Cana, the highly anticipated luxury resort development on the Eastern tip of the Dominican Republic, is scheduled to open to guests as a Salamander Marina & Beach Resort on October 1, 2011, and begin taking reservations in July.

Salamander Hospitality has been retained to manage the highly acclaimed and decorated Woodlands Inn near Charleston, SC, after a change in ownership. Woodlands is one of only six properties in the United States to hold the Forbes Five Star and AAA Five Diamond ratings for both lodging and dining.

“The Other City” is a tribute to D.C.’s local heroes who are determined to solve problems that have been compounded by underfunding and lack of government support. It is also a moving reminder of the daily struggle to triumph over HIV/AIDS. More than one million Americans are living with HIV, more than half a million have died after developing AIDS and rates are actually rising in some major American cities.

The documentary premiered to acclaim on April 26 at The Tribeca Film Festival in New York. The film’s subject matter was then discussed by a panel of those involved with the film, and also CNN Political Analyst Roland Martin; US Surgeon General Dr. Regina Benjamin; Jehmu Greene, president of the Women’s Media Center; and Clothing Designer Kenneth Cole, who serves as chairman of the board of amfAR, The Foundation for AIDS Research.

Produced by entrepreneur and philanthropist Sheila C. Johnson, The Other City spotlights personal stories of those that live in the shadow of the Capitol but remain virtually invisible to the lawmakers and politicians who work there. Tackling issues of homelessness, drug addiction, access services and the lingering social stigma accompanied by a diagnosis of HIV or AIDS, The Other City illustrates indelibly the steep cost we pay – in the loss of countless lives because of denial and ignorance.

President Obama said, “I am proud that these distinguished individuals will serve in my Administration. The arts and the humanities enhance the vibrancy of our society, inspire us and strengthen our democracy. I look forward to working with them in the weeks and months ahead.”

The package begins at $229 per person per day, and includes a round of golf at one of Innisbrook’s four championship courses, suite accommodations, full breakfast, $25 dining credit, $25 spa credit, unlimited driving range usage and a golf clinic. To make reservations, visit www.innisbrookgolfresort.com or call 1-800-456-2000.

Salamander Hospitality has increased its travel agent commission program to 20 percent at Woodlands Inn near Charleston, SC, and Innisbrook Resort and Golf Club near Tampa Bay, FL. The offer is applicable to the best available rates on new bookings that stay before April 30, 2010.