BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Hopefully your Thanksgiving holiday was relaxing and sating. Now it is time to snap out of that food coma and start making that list and checking it twice. Whether you are relying on Santa to bring the joy this Christmas or doing the shopping yourself, there is no better way to check items off your list than at a local business.
Fairhaven Winterfest kicks off on Saturday, Nov. 30 with Santa, delicious food and plenty of opportunities for holiday shopping. There will be a mailbox at the Village Green through Dec. 14 for children and kids at heart to drop off their letters to the jolly old man at the North Pole. So, now is the time to decide what you want for Christmas.
If you want to take your Christmas present request directly to Santa Claus, fear not. The man himself will be at the Village Inn every Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. starting tomorrow.
You can also follow your visit with Santa up with a carriage ride from noon to 3 p.m. If you want to listen to some classic Christmas songs, Victorian Carolers on the Green runs from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. And, of course, the tree lighting ceremony runs from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at 10th & Mill.
Head on down to Fairhaven for all the festivities. Visit enjoyfairhaven.com for all the details.
Tomorrow is Small Business Saturday and there are plenty of options to shop locally in Bellingham. Why not start at the cruise terminal?
The Shop Small Holiday Makers Market Series kicks off tomorrow at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal in Fairhaven. The event runs from noon to 6 p.m. tomorrow and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 1. Fifty local vendors will be on site with a wide variety of crafts and wares, clothing, jewelry and food items for sale.
If you cannot make it down to the Holiday Market this weekend, it will also be open on Dec. 21 and 22. Find all the details at bellinghamakermarket.com.
If you prefer to do your shopping in downtown Bellingham, you are in luck. It is Shop Small Saturday tomorrow and all the boutiques, galleries and shops will have one-of-a-kind gifts for sale. You can also swing by Boundary Bay Brewery from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for their Holiday Market. It is free to attend and open to all ages.
Our featured live show this week takes us down to The Shakedown on Friday, Nov. 29. Hillstomp will bring their rootsy blues-rock stylings to the stage at 9 p.m.
They are a two-man band that plays intricate guitar and banjo licks backed by pummeling drums, creating a sound that has been described as “a boom box blasting from a shopping cart.” You will have to head on down to The Shakedown tonight to figure out what that means. It is sure to be a banger of a show.
Opening for Hillstomp is The Preacher & The Freight Train. Go to shakedownbellingham.com for tickets.
BELLINGHAM, WA (MyBellinghamNow.com) – Hopefully your Thanksgiving holiday was relaxing and sating. Now it is time to snap out of that food coma and start making that list and checking it twice. Whether you are relying on Santa to bring the joy this Christmas or doing the shopping yourself, there is no better way to check items off your list than at a local business.
Fairhaven Winterfest kicks off on Saturday, Nov. 30 with Santa, delicious food and plenty of opportunities for holiday shopping. There will be a mailbox at the Village Green through Dec. 14 for children and kids at heart to drop off their letters to the jolly old man at the North Pole. So, now is the time to decide what you want for Christmas.
If you want to take your Christmas present request directly to Santa Claus, fear not. The man himself will be at the Village Inn every Saturday from noon to 3 p.m. starting tomorrow.
You can also follow your visit with Santa up with a carriage ride from noon to 3 p.m. If you want to listen to some classic Christmas songs, Victorian Carolers on the Green runs from 3 p.m. to 4 p.m. And, of course, the tree lighting ceremony runs from 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. at 10th & Mill.
Head on down to Fairhaven for all the festivities. Visit enjoyfairhaven.com for all the details.
Tomorrow is Small Business Saturday and there are plenty of options to shop locally in Bellingham. Why not start at the cruise terminal?
The Shop Small Holiday Makers Market Series kicks off tomorrow at the Bellingham Cruise Terminal in Fairhaven. The event runs from noon to 6 p.m. tomorrow and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 1. Fifty local vendors will be on site with a wide variety of crafts and wares, clothing, jewelry and food items for sale.
If you cannot make it down to the Holiday Market this weekend, it will also be open on Dec. 21 and 22. Find all the details at bellinghamakermarket.com.
If you prefer to do your shopping in downtown Bellingham, you are in luck. It is Shop Small Saturday tomorrow and all the boutiques, galleries and shops will have one-of-a-kind gifts for sale. You can also swing by Boundary Bay Brewery from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for their Holiday Market. It is free to attend and open to all ages.
Our featured live show this week takes us down to The Shakedown on Friday, Nov. 29. Hillstomp will bring their rootsy blues-rock stylings to the stage at 9 p.m.
They are a two-man band that plays intricate guitar and banjo licks backed by pummeling drums, creating a sound that has been described as “a boom box blasting from a shopping cart.” You will have to head on down to The Shakedown tonight to figure out what that means. It is sure to be a banger of a show.
Opening for Hillstomp is The Preacher & The Freight Train. Go to shakedownbellingham.com for tickets.
Johanna Reinbolz-Fisher was taking a course on how to grow nutritious foods at her family’s farm, when she was diagnosed with stage-four metastatic melanoma.
She began taking immunotherapy, but her health declined. She turned to other methods, which were successful.
“I ended up going on my own and doing this holistic healing,” Reinbolz-Fisher said. “And within this last year, one of my tumors is gone…and the one on my liver is very small now.”
Yearning to share her knowledge with others, she created Where the Good Things Grow in 2022. Where the Good Things Grow operates out of Reinbolz-Fisher’s family farm, which they bought in 2020. Her five kids are all involved in the business.
Where the Good Things Grow sells homemade bread, herbs, fresh eggs and other items. On Fridays, the farm offers a porch pickup for its sourdough bread and apple fritters.
The farm hosts classes to teach people how to grow herbs, compost, bake bread and make their own medicine.
“We bought the place in 2020 and decided, with everything, we were going to start homeschooling the kids,” she said. “And it just kind of blew up from there. We started with organic farming practices. And then from growing our own harvest, we started learning to can and preserve our homegrown food. And then from there, it just kind of snowballed into learning to make our own medicine by growing our own herbs and plants and flowers. From there, we ended up learning to bake our own bread.”
Where the Good Things Grow is a family-owned and operated farm.
(Johanna-Reinbolz-Fisher/Submitted)
Reinbolz-Fisher, who is also a hairdresser, said she wanted to share her passion. “It’s something that I’ve been passionate about, and I’ve always been kind of a teacher for different things, but it was important to me to share this with anybody that was willing to listen,” Reinbolz-Fisher said.
The farm hosts different community events and workshops, as well. The community events include a seed-swapping event aimed at building a community of garden enthusiasts that can share their knowledge with others.
The farm has done many events in collaboration with community partners. Where the Good Things Grow hosted a farm-to-table program with another local farm at the library.
She said it was fun to see her children excited about growing their own food.
“It was just seeing the kids excited,” Reinbolz-Fisher said. “Like, ‘Oh. You can really make your own stuff.’”
Where the Good Things Grow also hosts farm tours so guests can interact with animals. Kids can take a tour for a $10 donation and children ages 2 and under is free.
Reinbolz-Fisher said local children get excited to interact with the animals because they typically don’t get that experience living in the city.
“A lot of the kids love it,” Reinbolz-Fisher said. “It’s great to get the kids from the city to come in and interact with the animals and see them from the babies and milking the goats and things that they would never do on a regular basis. It’s easy to see their eyes light up.”
Reinbolz-Fisher encouraged people to come experience life on the farm.
“Wear your closed-toed shoes and expect to get a little dirty,” Reinbolz-Fisher said. “Life on the farm is all about just enjoying the peace and the quiet without all the electronics. And your senses will be enlightened because you’ll know the beauty of nature.”
Johanna Reinbolz-Fisher was taking a course on how to grow nutritious foods at her family’s farm, when she was diagnosed with stage-four metastatic melanoma.
She began taking immunotherapy, but her health declined. She turned to other methods, which were successful.
“I ended up going on my own and doing this holistic healing,” Reinbolz-Fisher said. “And within this last year, one of my tumors is gone…and the one on my liver is very small now.”
Yearning to share her knowledge with others, she created Where the Good Things Grow in 2022. Where the Good Things Grow operates out of Reinbolz-Fisher’s family farm, which they bought in 2020. Her five kids are all involved in the business.
Where the Good Things Grow sells homemade bread, herbs, fresh eggs and other items. On Fridays, the farm offers a porch pickup for its sourdough bread and apple fritters.
The farm hosts classes to teach people how to grow herbs, compost, bake bread and make their own medicine.
“We bought the place in 2020 and decided, with everything, we were going to start homeschooling the kids,” she said. “And it just kind of blew up from there. We started with organic farming practices. And then from growing our own harvest, we started learning to can and preserve our homegrown food. And then from there, it just kind of snowballed into learning to make our own medicine by growing our own herbs and plants and flowers. From there, we ended up learning to bake our own bread.”
Where the Good Things Grow is a family-owned and operated farm.
(Johanna-Reinbolz-Fisher/Submitted)
Reinbolz-Fisher, who is also a hairdresser, said she wanted to share her passion. “It’s something that I’ve been passionate about, and I’ve always been kind of a teacher for different things, but it was important to me to share this with anybody that was willing to listen,” Reinbolz-Fisher said.
The farm hosts different community events and workshops, as well. The community events include a seed-swapping event aimed at building a community of garden enthusiasts that can share their knowledge with others.
The farm has done many events in collaboration with community partners. Where the Good Things Grow hosted a farm-to-table program with another local farm at the library.
She said it was fun to see her children excited about growing their own food.
“It was just seeing the kids excited,” Reinbolz-Fisher said. “Like, ‘Oh. You can really make your own stuff.’”
Where the Good Things Grow also hosts farm tours so guests can interact with animals. Kids can take a tour for a $10 donation and children ages 2 and under is free.
Reinbolz-Fisher said local children get excited to interact with the animals because they typically don’t get that experience living in the city.
“A lot of the kids love it,” Reinbolz-Fisher said. “It’s great to get the kids from the city to come in and interact with the animals and see them from the babies and milking the goats and things that they would never do on a regular basis. It’s easy to see their eyes light up.”
Reinbolz-Fisher encouraged people to come experience life on the farm.
“Wear your closed-toed shoes and expect to get a little dirty,” Reinbolz-Fisher said. “Life on the farm is all about just enjoying the peace and the quiet without all the electronics. And your senses will be enlightened because you’ll know the beauty of nature.”
Johanna Reinbolz-Fisher was taking a course on how to grow nutritious foods at her family’s farm, when she was diagnosed with stage-four metastatic melanoma.
She began taking immunotherapy, but her health declined. She turned to other methods, which were successful.
“I ended up going on my own and doing this holistic healing,” Reinbolz-Fisher said. “And within this last year, one of my tumors is gone…and the one on my liver is very small now.”
Yearning to share her knowledge with others, she created Where the Good Things Grow in 2022. Where the Good Things Grow operates out of Reinbolz-Fisher’s family farm, which they bought in 2020. Her five kids are all involved in the business.
Where the Good Things Grow sells homemade bread, herbs, fresh eggs and other items. On Fridays, the farm offers a porch pickup for its sourdough bread and apple fritters.
The farm hosts classes to teach people how to grow herbs, compost, bake bread and make their own medicine.
“We bought the place in 2020 and decided, with everything, we were going to start homeschooling the kids,” she said. “And it just kind of blew up from there. We started with organic farming practices. And then from growing our own harvest, we started learning to can and preserve our homegrown food. And then from there, it just kind of snowballed into learning to make our own medicine by growing our own herbs and plants and flowers. From there, we ended up learning to bake our own bread.”
Where the Good Things Grow is a family-owned and operated farm.
(Johanna-Reinbolz-Fisher/Submitted)
Reinbolz-Fisher, who is also a hairdresser, said she wanted to share her passion. “It’s something that I’ve been passionate about, and I’ve always been kind of a teacher for different things, but it was important to me to share this with anybody that was willing to listen,” Reinbolz-Fisher said.
The farm hosts different community events and workshops, as well. The community events include a seed-swapping event aimed at building a community of garden enthusiasts that can share their knowledge with others.
The farm has done many events in collaboration with community partners. Where the Good Things Grow hosted a farm-to-table program with another local farm at the library.
She said it was fun to see her children excited about growing their own food.
“It was just seeing the kids excited,” Reinbolz-Fisher said. “Like, ‘Oh. You can really make your own stuff.’”
Where the Good Things Grow also hosts farm tours so guests can interact with animals. Kids can take a tour for a $10 donation and children ages 2 and under is free.
Reinbolz-Fisher said local children get excited to interact with the animals because they typically don’t get that experience living in the city.
“A lot of the kids love it,” Reinbolz-Fisher said. “It’s great to get the kids from the city to come in and interact with the animals and see them from the babies and milking the goats and things that they would never do on a regular basis. It’s easy to see their eyes light up.”
Reinbolz-Fisher encouraged people to come experience life on the farm.
“Wear your closed-toed shoes and expect to get a little dirty,” Reinbolz-Fisher said. “Life on the farm is all about just enjoying the peace and the quiet without all the electronics. And your senses will be enlightened because you’ll know the beauty of nature.”
Johanna Reinbolz-Fisher was taking a course on how to grow nutritious foods at her family’s farm, when she was diagnosed with stage-four metastatic melanoma.
She began taking immunotherapy, but her health declined. She turned to other methods, which were successful.
“I ended up going on my own and doing this holistic healing,” Reinbolz-Fisher said. “And within this last year, one of my tumors is gone…and the one on my liver is very small now.”
Yearning to share her knowledge with others, she created Where the Good Things Grow in 2022. Where the Good Things Grow operates out of Reinbolz-Fisher’s family farm, which they bought in 2020. Her five kids are all involved in the business.
Where the Good Things Grow sells homemade bread, herbs, fresh eggs and other items. On Fridays, the farm offers a porch pickup for its sourdough bread and apple fritters.
The farm hosts classes to teach people how to grow herbs, compost, bake bread and make their own medicine.
“We bought the place in 2020 and decided, with everything, we were going to start homeschooling the kids,” she said. “And it just kind of blew up from there. We started with organic farming practices. And then from growing our own harvest, we started learning to can and preserve our homegrown food. And then from there, it just kind of snowballed into learning to make our own medicine by growing our own herbs and plants and flowers. From there, we ended up learning to bake our own bread.”
Where the Good Things Grow is a family-owned and operated farm.
(Johanna-Reinbolz-Fisher/Submitted)
Reinbolz-Fisher, who is also a hairdresser, said she wanted to share her passion. “It’s something that I’ve been passionate about, and I’ve always been kind of a teacher for different things, but it was important to me to share this with anybody that was willing to listen,” Reinbolz-Fisher said.
The farm hosts different community events and workshops, as well. The community events include a seed-swapping event aimed at building a community of garden enthusiasts that can share their knowledge with others.
The farm has done many events in collaboration with community partners. Where the Good Things Grow hosted a farm-to-table program with another local farm at the library.
She said it was fun to see her children excited about growing their own food.
“It was just seeing the kids excited,” Reinbolz-Fisher said. “Like, ‘Oh. You can really make your own stuff.’”
Where the Good Things Grow also hosts farm tours so guests can interact with animals. Kids can take a tour for a $10 donation and children ages 2 and under is free.
Reinbolz-Fisher said local children get excited to interact with the animals because they typically don’t get that experience living in the city.
“A lot of the kids love it,” Reinbolz-Fisher said. “It’s great to get the kids from the city to come in and interact with the animals and see them from the babies and milking the goats and things that they would never do on a regular basis. It’s easy to see their eyes light up.”
Reinbolz-Fisher encouraged people to come experience life on the farm.
“Wear your closed-toed shoes and expect to get a little dirty,” Reinbolz-Fisher said. “Life on the farm is all about just enjoying the peace and the quiet without all the electronics. And your senses will be enlightened because you’ll know the beauty of nature.”
Port City Colombo, a visionary multi-service Special Economic Zone and master-planned city, invites the local community to partake in an assortment of engaging excursions that range from luxury shopping to serene strolls by the waterfront. With a series of experiences that provide something for everyone, Port City Colombo further encourages local guests to spend more time within the vibrant, thriving city of Colombo, especially during this holiday season.
Embodying the dynamic lifestyle ambiance of Port City Colombo set to emerge once the project is fully operational, the Mall at Port City Colombo caters to discerning shoppers who seek world-class convenience, luxury travel retail, and diverse culinary offerings. The Mall at Port City Colombo, being South Asia’s first downtown duty-free retail concept, features China Duty Free — the world’s No.1 travel retail operator, with additional travel retail brands set to commence operations shortly. The Mall is open to all eligible visitors, including returning Sri Lankans and foreign residents, general tourists, diplomats and diplomatic organisations, and departing travelers. Returning Sri Lankans and foreign residents will be able to avail an annual allowance limit of USD 2,000, with specified quantity limits as per Schedule 1 of the published Extraordinary Gazette, and purchases to be made on a single visit within four days from the First Date of Arrival (FDOA). For returning Sri Lankans and foreign residents, only the permitted customer and one family member are allowed.
Guests visiting the Mall could also explore the curated assortment of other dining, cultural retail, and lifestyle offerings, which include the renowned Nihonbashi by Dharshan, Café Chill, Spa Ceylon, Department of Coffee, and so forth.
Port City Colombo further encompasses Sri Lanka’s only artificial beach, increasingly popular with local guests since its opening in 2023, which provides the perfect tropical sanctuary in the urban heart of Colombo. This includes a swimmable beach within the vicinity of Port City Colombo’s breakwater lagoon, vivid, awe-inspiring sunsets, and a lively beachside restaurant culture that is ideal for any guest who desires a tranquil day by the ocean. The exquisite Marina Promenade, which is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, enables guests to enjoy panoramic views of the Colombo city skyline and the sea as they take a saunter down this distinct pathway up to the arched footbridge, which is slowly becoming an icon of the city’s landscape. The newly opened Central Park also presents an urban oasis of relaxation, recreation, and physical activity, enhancing Colombo’s appeal as a city that harmonizes modernity with nature.
Port City Colombo, a visionary multi-service Special Economic Zone and master-planned city, invites the local community to partake in an assortment of engaging excursions that range from luxury shopping to serene strolls by the waterfront. With a series of experiences that provide something for everyone, Port City Colombo further encourages local guests to spend more time within the vibrant, thriving city of Colombo, especially during this holiday season.
Embodying the dynamic lifestyle ambiance of Port City Colombo set to emerge once the project is fully operational, the Mall at Port City Colombo caters to discerning shoppers who seek world-class convenience, luxury travel retail, and diverse culinary offerings. The Mall at Port City Colombo, being South Asia’s first downtown duty-free retail concept, features China Duty Free — the world’s No.1 travel retail operator, with additional travel retail brands set to commence operations shortly. The Mall is open to all eligible visitors, including returning Sri Lankans and foreign residents, general tourists, diplomats and diplomatic organisations, and departing travelers. Returning Sri Lankans and foreign residents will be able to avail an annual allowance limit of USD 2,000, with specified quantity limits as per Schedule 1 of the published Extraordinary Gazette, and purchases to be made on a single visit within four days from the First Date of Arrival (FDOA). For returning Sri Lankans and foreign residents, only the permitted customer and one family member are allowed.
Guests visiting the Mall could also explore the curated assortment of other dining, cultural retail, and lifestyle offerings, which include the renowned Nihonbashi by Dharshan, Café Chill, Spa Ceylon, Department of Coffee, and so forth.
Port City Colombo further encompasses Sri Lanka’s only artificial beach, increasingly popular with local guests since its opening in 2023, which provides the perfect tropical sanctuary in the urban heart of Colombo. This includes a swimmable beach within the vicinity of Port City Colombo’s breakwater lagoon, vivid, awe-inspiring sunsets, and a lively beachside restaurant culture that is ideal for any guest who desires a tranquil day by the ocean. The exquisite Marina Promenade, which is open to the public from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily, enables guests to enjoy panoramic views of the Colombo city skyline and the sea as they take a saunter down this distinct pathway up to the arched footbridge, which is slowly becoming an icon of the city’s landscape. The newly opened Central Park also presents an urban oasis of relaxation, recreation, and physical activity, enhancing Colombo’s appeal as a city that harmonizes modernity with nature.
Delhi-NCR [India], November 13: The term luxury, often synonymous with vast living spaces, prime locations, and high-end amenities, has significantly evolved over the years. Today, the definition of luxury goes beyond exquisite interiors. It resonates with buyers’ lifestyle aspirations, where residents feel connected and engaged.
The large proportion of youth and their increasing urge to fulfill their aspirational lifestyles are driving rapid changes in the marketplace for aspirational products. Modern buyers, particularly millennials and Gen Z, seek more than just a grand living room or designer fitting. Their definition of luxury now includes the convenience of having everything they need, including fitness centers, co-working spaces, smart-home technologies, and eco-friendly features. This changing behavior towards aspirational projects is evident from various market analysis reports on growing sales of the luxury residential segment.
As per Mordor Intelligence, luxury housing constituted 7% of the overall market share in 2019, which reached 21% in 2024. According to its research findings, India’s luxury residential market size is estimated at US$38.02 billion in 2024 and is expected to reach US$101.92 billion by 2029, growing at a CAGR of 21.81%.
Rajjath Goel, Managing Director, MRG Group, says, “With increasing UHNIs desire of residing in cosmopolitan cities, the demand for luxury residences has skyrocketed. There is a preference for bigger homes and an aspirational lifestyle. Buyers also want to reside in iconic addresses that have brand value and enable community engagement. At MRG Group, our developments are designed to be gathering spaces where residents can connect, share, and grow together.”
Market trends underscore that modern buyers no longer seek mere accommodation but are gravitating toward homes that reflect their values, whether focusing on sustainability, wellness, or community engagement. From state-of-the-art fitness centers to eco-friendly building materials, high-end amenities, and lifestyles centered on theme concepts have become central in defining true luxury and differentiating high-end residential spaces.
Dr Gautam Kanodia, Founder of KREEVA, Kanodia Group, and Kanodia Cement says, “The unification of ambiance and connectivity best describes luxury. While spaciousness and location remain key factors, buyers increasingly emphasize the living lifestyle rather than just its physical attributes. Most enviable luxury homes boast of being in an ideal location, offering spectacular views and proximity to promising lifestyle avenues. Our projects are coming up not only in strategic locations but are positioned in the highly potential micro-markets of Delhi-NCR and are crafted to offer a luxurious and personalized experience. By focusing on exclusive features that create a seamless living experience, we believe it’s pertinent to ensure each residence is a private retreat tailored to today’s homebuyer’s lifestyle and tastes.”
Developers are responding to evolving buyer preferences by curating projects beyond aesthetic appeal. The market is witnessing well-thought-out and crafted projects with exquisite offerings. As one of the notable developers, Prateek Group is committed to offering one of the best living experiences and quality of life in its projects. One of the most prominent examples of this approach is Prateek Group’s upcoming premium residences in Siddharth Vihar, Ghaziabad, which is centered around a fantasy world theme and enriched with high-end amenities like wellness centers, themed recreational zones, landscaped gardens, and entertainment spaces.
Furthermore, lifestyle amenities have become indispensable in the luxury housing market, transforming residential spaces into comprehensive living experiences. In addition, green building elements such as landscaped green spaces, solar power installations, and rainwater harvesting systems reflect a growing emphasis on sustainability.
Salil Kumar, Director – Marketing & Business Management, CRC Group says, “We believe true luxury finds roots in responsibility to the residents and the environment. At CRC, we are committed to making sustainability a hallmark of luxury living. Our projects are a blend of sophistication with sustainable practices so that the residents experience a refined lifestyle that aligns with their eco-conscious values. They are a unique amalgamation of meticulously crafted designs and aura, offering invaluable experience. As luxury homebuyers now focus on experiences, comfort, and convenience, our projects stand at the forefront of these preferences.”
Ashwani Kumar, Pyramid Infratech, says, “True luxury caters to buyers holistically, offering them well-rounded living experiences that elevate their daily life. Our project – ALBAN located in sector-71, of SPR, Gurugram is designed with this holistic approach, offering a grandeur living experience with wellness-focused amenities, smart home technology, and well-being zones. As the demand for luxury homes increases, we foresee developing luxury projects that provide an unparalleled living experience and resonate with those who prioritize well-being.”
As the demand for luxury housing grows, it comprehensively caters to residents’ well-being, convenience, and sense of community, meeting the needs of an increasingly discerning market. As developers continue to blend design, innovation, and lifestyle amenities, they are shaping a new era in real estate that redefines what it means to live in luxury.
(ADVERTORIAL DISCLAIMER: The above press release has been provided by NewsVoir. ANI will not be responsible in any way for the content of the same)
(This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body)
A gala ceremony held at the Cordis Auckland celebrated New Zealand and Pacific winners of the 2024 HM Awards* on November 2.
Over 200 attendees gathered to recognise the top people, properties and hospitality projects across Aotearoa and the Pacific.
Hospitality Business has selected a number of star winners to highlight and plans to celebrate key industry people and projects over the next few weeks, starting today with concierge award winner:-
Rick Karsten – Chief Concierge Grand Millennium Auckland,
Rick Karsten – Chief Concierge Grand Millennium Auckland. Les Clefs d’Or is an elite international association of hotel concierges dedicated to exceptional service and hospitality. Founded in France in 1929, the organisation’s name means “The Golden Keys,” symbolising the golden key-shaped lapel pins worn by members.
Q. How did you become a Concierge?
A. I’m originally from The Netherlands, and my journey to becoming a Concierge began in 2013 at Pullman Auckland, where I started as a “Welcomer.” It was there that I was first introduced to Les Clefs d’Or after witnessing a fellow team member receive their prestigious keys.
I was fascinated by the role, and quickly became intrigued by what it takes to become a part of this elite network.
I subsequently joined SKYCITY Auckland as a Duty Manager which introduced me to all areas of the hotel business and allowed me to learn from some of the most influential figures in the industry. SkyCity’s Chief Concierge, Shaun Ryan encouraged me to consider becoming a concierge and I took up the opportunity on May 25, 2016.
Les Clefs d’Or
Shaun became an invaluable mentor, guiding me through the intricacies of the Concierge world. Under his leadership, I expanded my network and forged key relationships with stakeholders and suppliers. I was invited to attend the Les Clefs d’Or bi-monthly meetings, where I began to understand that being a Concierge is more than just a job — it’s a lifestyle.
In November 2018, I received my Les Clefs d’Or keys, a milestone that marked a significant achievement in my Concierge journey. The ceremony was made even more special by the presence of Mr Derek Fenn, the Founder of Les Clefs d’Or New Zealand, who attended as a guest. This moment truly embodied the spirit of the Les Clefs d’Or motto: “In Service Through Friendship.” The sense of camaraderie and mutual respect among the Les Clefs d’Or community was evident, and I felt incredibly proud to be part of such a distinguished group of professionals.
Q. Could you explain the role of the Concierge?
A: A great Concierge is, in many ways, the glue that holds a hotel together. Having worked at seven different hotels throughout my career, I’ve gained a comprehensive understanding of the critical role the Concierge plays in the hotel industry. In my current position, my responsibilities span far beyond traditional guest services. I focus on building new business relationships, developing talent, identifying opportunities to strengthen our team, and establishing connections with key stakeholders in the hospitality and tourism sectors. This includes working closely with partners across Auckland, such as Waiheke Island, Rotorua, and Matakana, to enhance our brand’s presence and drive growth.
We facilitate smooth communication between departments and ensure a seamless guest experience. A Concierge also nurtures valuable relationships with tour providers and other external partners, ensuring the hotel’s offerings remain top-notch. Furthermore, as Chief Concierge, I collaborate with my General Manager to identify revenue-generating opportunities and design marketing strategies aimed at boosting sales.
At the heart of it, the Concierge is a brand ambassador, continually striving to create exceptional experiences for guests and elevate the hotel’s reputation within the market. It’s a role that requires a unique skill set, from networking and problem-solving to empathy and an unwavering commitment to service excellence.
Q. Do you have any advice for people seeking to become a Concierge?
A. If you’re considering a career as a Concierge, I recommend watching the film The Grand Budapest Hotel — it’s a charming, albeit exaggerated, portrayal of what the role can be. However, the key takeaway is the importance of building relationships and embracing the adventure that comes with the job.
It’s not a quick road, but with passion, dedication, and an openness to learn, you’ll build lifelong friendships, gain invaluable knowledge, and create memorable experiences for yourself and others. The Concierge lifestyle is one of constant learning and connection, and if you commit fully, you’ll be rewarded in ways you never imagined.
Q. What do you do outside of your work?
A. Outside of my role as a Concierge, I’ve been actively involved in creating and growing Hospitality Circle NZ, a concept designed to foster connections between various industries through the principles of “Manaakitanga” — the Māori concept of hospitality and caring for others.
Our first event, held at LyLo Auckland’s Miss Lucy’s, saw 70 people from diverse industries come together to build relationships, share ideas, and enjoy a fun evening. The feedback was overwhelmingly positive, with many attendees noting how valuable it was to meet people outside of their usual circles. This spirit of connection and community is what Hospitality Circle NZ is all about, and I’m excited for its future.
Madrid 2025
Currently, I am proud to serve as Chief Concierge at Grand Millennium Auckland, a role I have truly enjoyed since joining the team. The support I have received from the Millennium Group, and particularly from General Manager James Billing, has been instrumental in my success. Their encouragement has not only empowered me to excel in my role but has also enabled me to reach one of my most significant professional milestones — being named 2024 HM Awards Aotearoa-Pacific Concierge of the Year.
One of the most exciting opportunities the Millennium Group has provided me is the chance to attend the 69th UICH International Les Clefs d’Or Congress in Madrid in 2025. This opportunity is a dream come true, and I am deeply grateful for the Group’s support in making this possible. The Congress will be an incredible chance to connect with international colleagues, share experiences, and further develop my skills as part of the global Les Clefs d’Or community. I am truly excited for the chance to represent both my hotel and the Millennium Group on this prestigious platform.
