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Luxury Travel News |
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Updated Daily (except weekends...unless we find something really, REALLY, good...) |
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Continental flies with bio-fuel
Congratulations to Continental Airlines for its environmental efforts. yesterday Continental operating the first U.S. commercial flight powered by advanced biofuels. Flight 1403, a Boeing 737-800, departed Houston's Bush Intercontinental Airport at 10:30 a.m. for Chicago O'Hare International Airport, making United Continental Holdings the first U.S. airline to fly passengers using a blend of sustainable, advanced biofuel and traditional petroleum-derived jet fuel. "United is taking a significant step forward to advance the use of environmentally responsible and cost-efficient alternative fuels," said Pete McDonald, United's executive vice president and chief operations officer. "Sustainable biofuels, produced on a large scale at an economically viable price, can one day play a meaningful role in powering everyone's trip on an airline."
www.continental.com
Posted 9/11/11 |
iPad3- the travel future looks bright
Your travel
photos could look even more impressive on the new iPad3. Apple's newest offering, due out at the end of December, could literally outshine its predecessors with a brighter display, due to double the pixel density of the
iPad2 and a better LED backlight bar. Sorry run that past us again? All that really means is that your travel memories will be more razor sharp and more vibrant than ever. According to international Business Times the overall design of the 3 is still a mystery. Apple is apparently juggling two versions as we write. One thing is certain you won't find the new iPad3 in the January sales.
Posted 8/11/11 |
Surin Phuket opens in Thailand
The Luxury Travel Bible is looking forward to the re-opening of Surin Phuket (formerly The Chedi Phuket) on 21 December. The property has had an impressive facelift masterminded by uber-architect Ed Tuttle, based in Paris who has created so man beautfiul properties for Amanresorts and worked on the original Chedi. Expect private verandahs for each guest pavilion, elevated walkways linking the pavilions and an earthy meets tropical colour scheme from Tuttle. The famous black anthracite hexagonal pool is still there, overlooking the same white sand beach. The Surin Phuket shares the beach with The Amanpuri. The secluded beach can only be accessed by guests of either The Amanpuri or The Surin Phuket. We can't wait to get our toes in the sand.
Posted 7/11/11 |
Etihad has cause to celebrate
Happy birthday to Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, which turns eight years old on Saturday, 5 November,. it has been a golden eight years. The airline operated its inaugural ceremonial flight to Al Ain on November 5, 2003. A week later, it operated its first commercial passenger flight to Beirut. James Hogan, Etihad Airways' Chief Executive Officer, said: "Etihad Airways has achieved significant growth since it took to the skies eight years ago. Since our inaugural flight, we have built a global network of 86 passenger and cargo destinations, supported by one of the youngest and most environmentally efficient aircraft fleets in the world. For our money the airline also has some of the best Business class and First Class seating and service in the sky - love those big TV screens in First!
Posted 4/11/11 |
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An Anantara oasis in Bangkok
Anantara opened its newest resort yesterday. Located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, the resort is the perfect urban oasis in the heart of one of Asia's busiest cities, yet still close enough to Close Bangkok's business and shopping district. The 407 room resort is set in eleven acres of landscaped grounds, with a pool, spa and ten restaurants and bars including Trader Vic's and Benihana's. See the pictures
here.
Posted 3/11/11 |
Congratulations to
Pangkor Laut Resort for introducing Malaysia's fastest 4G mobile internet, the
Yes Huddle, at their luxurious private island resort. From the moment guests leave Kuala Lumpur, complimentary high speed WiFi is made accessible in your car transfer. Once at the resort, guests can explore the 300 acre island with WiFi wherever they go. You can even video chat on the beach with youtr personal hand-held with the sound of the crashing waves in the background. This is a good thing ....we think. Of course you can always switch them off snd just enjoy the pristine surroundings.. but will you?
The device can be rented at the resort for 50 MYR per 24 hours which allows guests to take the Huddle, no bigger than a small mobile, around with them The Huddle can accommodate up to four devices simultaneously.
Posted 2/11/11 |
Making History with Orion
A once in a lifetime opportunity to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the departure of Douglas Mawson's expedition is being offred by Orion Expeditions. The Mawson's Huts Foundation is holding an invitation-only dinner in Hobart and Orion's guests sailing on the 1 December 2011 voyage for Commonwealth Bay are invited to attend.Orion will cross the Antarctic Circle heading for Cape Denison to visit Douglas Mawson's historic huts.
Posted 1/11/11 |
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A new look for Queen Mary 2
Cunard Line have revealed plans to refit the Queen Mary 2 in preparation for her 8th birthday in January 2012. The major refurbishment will take place from November 24 to December 7 and will include new carpets, curtains, bedcovers and linens in all staterooms and refurbishment of the
Canyon Ranch SpaClub®, the Queens Grill and Princess Grill Restaurants, the Commodore Club, the Veuve Clicquot Champagne Bar, Sir Samuel's, the Play Zone/Kids' Zone, and a complete redesign of the Golden Lion Pub. For the refurbishment Cunard have partnered with the noted Tillberg Design AB in Höganäs, Sweden, the company involved in Queen Mary 2's original design.
www.cunard.com
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Five star hotel for Sydney
Sydney's newest five-star hotel, The Darling Hotel and Spa, officially opens its doors today, Friday 28 October. The Darling is the first five-star hotel to open in Sydney's CBD, since the 2000 Olympic Games. The hotel's glass tower rises from the AUD$870 million redevelopment and extension of The Star complex in Pyrmont on the edge of the harbour. The hotel has 171 spacious rooms and suites, an adults-only infinity pool and a luxury 16 room spa. The Darling is also home to Sokyo, a new contemporary Japanese restaurant and bar.
The Luxury Travel Bible was one of the first through the door, read the report and
see the video HERE
Posted 28/10/11 |
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The Luxury Travel Bible revs up
November's eZine is out now. This month we feel the need, the need for speed. We're talking seriously expensive sports cars (any ofthose Italian ones that end in 'i' are good), plus road trips in convertibles with the wind in our hair and skidding around in Saint Tropez speed boats. We
can slow the pace when we need to if the train is luxury on wheels. Or wemay stop completely and admire the view from thetub - while soaking in the world's top ten best hotel bathrooms. Bubbles obligatory.
More
Posted 27/10/11 |
Sheraton on the Park has finished its $40 million renovation in style, with the launch of the newly refurbished Deluxe Terrace Suites (that makes a refurb of 48 suites all up). However the new Terrace Suites are the cream of the crop. Covering up to 120 square metres, they are designed with loft apartments in mind. Views are of the Sydney skyline and nearby Hyde Park. The colour scheme is what we like to call 'Barista browns' - cafe colours like warm mocha carpets and deep chocolate and biscuit for the leather lounges, with a little lightness in the silvery-green walls. Then of course there are the beds (hotels' just love their
signature beds) in this case luxurious King-size Sheraton Sweet Sleeper beds. In the bathroom you'll find a big bath tub and Bvlgari toiletries. Access to the Sheraton Club Lounge is part of the deal. See the pictures
here.
Posted 26/10/11 |
Hotels bring flood relief in Cambodia
A big thumbs up Hotel de la Paix, Heritage Suites Hotel and Golden Banana Boutique Hotel & Resort and Exotissimo Travel in
Cambodia which collaborating with local street children from the from the Green Gecko Project to provide emergency flood relief in Siem Reap and neighbouring Kampong Thom, which have been severely hit by recent flooding. The initial aim is to raise funds for 10 tonnes of rice for distribution to families in need. The three hotels have also launched an appeal through their guests to raise funds for the Drive for Direction Action for Emergency Flood Relief Collaboration. Donations will go directly towards purchasing rice, fish and water for needy families. Anyone wishing to help should contact the hotels directly or go to www.razoo.com/reliefcollaboration to donate online.
Posted 24/10/11 |
Andaz Shanghai opened yesterday, the first of Hyatt Hotel Corporation's groovy lifestyle brand Andaz to hit Asia, in one of
TLTB's favourite
cities.The 307-room, new-build hotel is in
Xintiandi in the heart of downtown on the edge of the former French Concession. Gold stars to Andaz for the fact that all non-alcoholic mini bar drinks and the light snacks in the Andaz Lounge are complimentary, as are local telephone calls and, best of all, wireless Internet access. T
he Luxury Travel Bible likes the LED mood lighting, so guests get to choose their own room colour. While in the bathroom the transparent sink and translucent bath can also be programmed to glow in different colours. We also like the artwork at Andaz Shanghai by artists with a strong connection to the city. We're not just talking pictures on walls, we're talking interactive media from LED lighting to sensors and video projections - this is art you can walk into and around.
www.andaz.com/, www.hyatt.com/
Posted 21/10/11 |
Elite frequent flyer club for Qantas
Qantas has announced it will reward its very frequent flyers with a new tier of membership, Platinum One, available to a select group of the airlines most 'loyal' customers. Clock up enough air miles and you too could be one of this new elite. Platinum One members will get added benefits including a dedicated service team, confirmation of upgrade requests as early as 7 days before departure, SMS notification of upgrades and complimentary membership of epiQure, the recently launched premium
food and wine club. There is also the usual incentives and added extras: a chance to fly the Qantas simulator, invites to Qantas sponsored events etc Anyone who thinks they may be eligible (based on their previous years activity) will know by November 7 when Qantas will notify members, so there's still time to jump on a plane and clock up a few more miles to get you into the elite category - that's if there are any planes flying with the current Qanats strike troubles. www.qantas.com.au/
Posted 20/10/11 |
Holland America sails Down Under
Australia is an increasingly popular destiation for the crusing elite. Now Holland America have confirmed that not one but two of its ships (ms Oosterdam and ms Volendam) will sail a series of Australia, New Zealand and South Pacific cruises during the Southern Hemisphere Summer and Autumn (2012/2013). With the option for the first time to sail the region aboard one of the line's larger Vista Class ships, ms Oosterdam. TLTB notes the special Solar Eclipse voyage out of Sydney in November 2012 to view an eclipse scheduled to take place on Nov. 14, 2012. Holland America have a fleet of 15 ships, including the newest
ms Nieuw Amsterdam
, launched last year.
Posted 19/10/11 |
An Italian Idyll from Mr & Mrs Smith
The Luxury Travel Bible has spent most of this month dreaming of La Dolce Vita, thanks to the new
Mr and Mrs Smith Hotel Collection:Italy. Whether you are looking for relaxation in Amalfi or art in Florence, Smith have collected 32 stylish Italian stays from the South Tyrol to Sicily. As usual they've enlisted some expert opinions, this time from chef Stefano Manfredi and restaurateur Guiseppe Mascoli among others. The boutique best includes
TLTB favourite
Palazzina Grassi in Venice and
Borgo Santo Pietro in Tuscany. "There is something for everyone from languid luxury to luxe-for-less", says the debonair Simon Westcott, managing Director of Mr & Mrs Smith Asia Pacific. The guide is available from all good bookshops now. www.mrandmrssmith.com
Posted 18/10/11 |
Angsana Phuket unwrapped in time for Christmas
The latest on the new Angsana Phuket (remade to the turn of $30 million from what was the Sheraton Grande Laguna Phuket) is that things are on schedule for a very festive December 1 opening. When it re-opens this will be Angsana's flagship property with a seriously good Angsana Spa and a free-form pool.
The Luxury Travel Bible readers will be especially interested in the three bedroom Angsana Pool Residences with private pools and gardens and views of the nearby golf course and the four-bedroom Grand Pool Residence. its ultra-luxurious big sister
BanyanTree Phuket (LOVE those Double Pool Villas) ,a sarong toss away, will be looking on.
www.angsana.com
Posted 17/10/11 |
Colorado ski season begins
Snow bunnies rejoice it is that time of year again. The ski season is quietly underway in Colorado. The Black Mountain trail opened in the Arapahoe basin yesterday with skiers carving their first turns of the season on the High Noon trail. By the weekend Loveland will be open, joining Wolf Creek and Arapahoe. What are you waiting for?
Posted 14/10/11 |
Looking good in Las Vegas
The MGM Grand is going for a serious facelift, to the tune of the $160 million. Not even your average Vegas celebrity entertainer could spend that much. All of the Grand's 3,570 guest rooms and 642 suites in the hotel's main tower will be given new look. The hotel expects to be at its sparkly Vegas best by September 2012. However
TLTB is looking forward to an early reveal when the first newly designed rooms are unveiled at the end of November 2011.
www.
mgmgrand.com
Posted 13/10/11 |
Far from the madding crowd Azura Retreats are adding a new private island lodge to their
African portfolio. Opening on 1 November,
Azura at Quilalea Private Island will have just nine luxury villas with spacious bathrooms, natural furnishings and stunning views. The lodge is located in a national park in the Quirimbas Archipelago in northern Mozambique, a real undiscovered beauty spot. Think pristine beaches and watersports.
TLTB particularly likes the sound of the top villa, Villa Quilalea, perched on on the cliff top with plunge pool and breathtaking views over the Indian Ocean.
www.africaodyssey.com
Posted1 2/10/11 |
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The ultimate rooms with a view
Do you want the perfect 'room with a view'? Hotel views don't get much better than a panoramic vista of Sydney's stunning harbour. Better still Shangri-La Hotel Sydney's newly refurbished guest rooms and suites have specially designed window seats under the wide windows so you won't miss a thing happening on the harbour. The good news is that all of the 477 rooms, from levels four to 29, have harbour views, so take your pick. Inside the rooms are pretty special too, interior design company Hassell have created a modern style with a modern 'oriental blossom' theme in homage to the Chinese owned
Shangri-La parent company. There are also some high-tech enhancements including an iHome dock, Bluetooth media hub.
www.shangri-la.com
.
Posted 11/10/11 |
The Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills has always ensured that its guests' needs were met without them having to lift a finger - but now they might have to lift one ... but only ever so slightly. All of the 285 guestrooms and suites will now be equipped with an iPad2 to allow guests to customise their stay to suit their needs. With the ICE (Interactive Customer Experience) technology, the iPad2 will allow guests to make restaurant and spa reservations, order room service, request more towels and even ask the valet to bring the car around. Guests can also browse local attraction information and events. The hotel is the first Four Seasons hotel and first hotel on the US West Coast to implement the ICE technology. www.fourseasons.com |
The Upper House, Hong Kong (a favourite of fashion designer
Collette Dinnigan) has launched 'The Lawn'. The hotel's new outdoor secret garden is an peaceful and stylish urban retreat. Guests can escape the city and enjoy one of The Lawn's cocktails and snacks from its Michelin star rated restaurant Café Gray Deluxe.
General Manager, Dean Winter, said: "Outdoor space in Hong Kong has always been a novelty. The Lawn is well placed to offer something special for our guests, who enjoy the atmosphere which The Upper House provides".
The Lawn is open throughout the day from 10am to 10pm from Sunday to Thursday, and 10am to 12am midnight on Fridays and Saturdays. www.upperhouse.com
Posted 6/10/11 |
Richard Gere auction to support humanitarian causes
Richard Gere is to auction off his personal collection of over 100 guitars in an effort to support humanitarian causes. All proceeds from the hotelier, restaurateur and mega-movie star's auction will go towards building hospitals, clinics and schools in the Himaalayas. Gere's Bedford Post will be selling the auction catalogue for US$35 each.
The auction will take place at Christie's New York Rockefeller Plaza on Tuesday October 11th. To view the catalogue online visit www.christies.com |
Glenapp Castle Hotel wins four AA Rosettes
The restaurant at Glenapp Castel Hotel Relais & Châteaux, Ayrshire, Scotland, has been awarded four AA Rosettes.
Four AA Rosettes are awarded for exemplary technical culinary skills, innovative ideas that work, and accurate and vibrant flavours.
Glenapp Castle Hotel's restaurant is only one of two new restaurants to receive the honour. It is the latest in a string of awards since head chef, Adam Stokes joined in 2008. On receiving the award, Stokes said, 'I am absolutely delighted to be awarded 4 AA Rosettes and accept the accolade on behalf of my team'.
Glenapp Castle, a member of Relais & Châteaux, is a Scottish Baronial castle secluded in 36 acres of garden and woodland on the beautiful Ayrshire coast.
www.relaischateaux.com/glenapp
Posted 29/9/11 |
Call for a Ban on Shark's Fin Soup
WildAid have team up with
Sir Richard Branson and China's most celebrated basketball star Yao Ming at URBN Hotel to help save sharks in China.
The founder of Virgin and the ex-NBA basketball star called for a ban on shark's fin soup with a simple message:
when the buying stops, the killing can too. In his speech Sir Richard Branson described the consequences of a world without sharks, citing the eventual fall of the oceanic ecosystem over time. He went on to explain that a ban on shark's fin in China alone could save tens of millions of sharks annually. Sir Richard also congratulated eco-friendly boutique hotel URBN Hotel for hosting the event and for pledging to never serve shark's fin soup.
WildAid is an international NGO whose mission is to end the illegal wildlife trade in our lifetimes by reducing demand through public awareness campaigns and providing comprehensive marine protection. WildAid is the only organization focused on reducing the demand for these products.
www.urbnhotels.com , www.wildaid.org
Posted 28/9/11 |
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On-board UK and OZ partnership
British Airways are to sell Australian skincare range, Sasy n Savy. The partnership will see BA carrying the Sasy n Savy Hessian bag with three hand creams on all short haul flights.
Sasy N Savy's products featuring Kakadu plum, bearberry leaf, rosella flower and lily leaf are popular in both Australia and overseas. The brand is exported from Australia to 18 countries including Asia, the Middle East, US, Europe and the Pacific.
Founder and Managing Director, Samea Maakrun said, 'I am pleased to be able to be an ambassador for Australia and promote our natural products to the world. We are incredibly lucky to have such quality ingredients available here such as Kakadu Plum which is the richest fruit in the world in Vitamin C. It is also filled with antioxidants to prevent damage to the skin and assist with production of elastin and collagen'.
Posted 27/9/11 |
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Kiridara Luang Prabang, which opened in June 2011, is now available for exclusive use. The whole resort can be booked for a special occasion, wedding, birthday, incentive group or just because you can.
The 24 room boutique hotel has been designed to take full advantage of the stunning Mount Phou Si views and is located five minutes drive from Luang Prabang International Airport and two minutes from central Luang Prabang.
The hotel can create itineraries for you and your group of very exclusive friends full of activities such as visiting local temples, charming local villages, waterfalls and elephant villages.
Guests can also enjoy private use of the resort's infinity pool and Laotian Spa . www.kiridara.com
Posted 26/9/11
The hotel can create itineraries for you and your group of very exclusive friends full of activities such as visiting local temples, charming local villages, waterfalls and elephant villages.
Guests can also enjoy private use of the resort's infinity pool and Laotian Spa . www.kiridara.com
Posted 26/9/11
The hotel can create itineraries for you and your group of very exclusive friends full of activities such as visiting local temples, charming local villages, waterfalls and elephant villages.
Guests can also enjoy private use of the resort's infinity pool and Laotian Spa . www.kiridara.com
Posted 26/9/11
The hotel can create itineraries for you and your group of very exclusive friends full of activities such as visiting local temples, charming local villages, waterfalls and elephant villages.
Guests can also enjoy private use of the resort's infinity pool and Laotian Spa . www.kiridara.com
Posted 26/9/11 |
Raise a glass to Anantara
Six of Anantara Hotels, Resorts and Spa's restaurants have earned the highly coveted 'Award of Excellence 2011' from Wine Spectator magazine. This is awarded each year to restaurants that offer at least 100 different wine selections from a diverse spectrum of geographic origins and grape varieties. The 2011 Wine Spectator Dining Guide listed more than 3,700 restaurants worldwide. Full Moon restaurant (sixth consecutive year) at Anantara Bophut Koh Samui and for second consecutive year both Baan Thalia at Anantara Hua Hin and 'Sea.Fire.Salt' at Anantara Phuket Villas were included. In the Maldives three of the nine restaurants to receive the award included Anantara Veli's Geckos, Anantara Dhigu's Fuddan and sister property - Naladhu's The Living Room. www.anantara.com
Posted 23/9/11 |
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The Peninsula Hotels are showing their support for Breast Cancer Awareness Month throughout October with 'Peninsula in Pink'. This group-wide campaign will raise funds and awareness through pink-themed events with a
percentage of proceeds being donated to breast-cancer charities in each destination.
Each hotel will offer
the 'Peninsula in Pink' Afternoon Tea serving a selection of pink cakes and pastries and staff will be wearing an exclusive 'Peninsula in Pink' ribbon pin. The pin will also be available for sale with a donation from each pin going to charity.
Individual hotels in the group are also hosting a range of fund-raising initiatives, including specially created pink-hued cocktails, restaurant promotions, parties, and even donations from Rolls-Royce trips at the flagship Peninsula Hong Kong. Some of the hotels will be illuminating their entrances with pink lights and ribbons and staff are entering in charity walks and runs.
A range of information about breast cancer will be available to guests and staff in rooms and public areas. www.peninsula.com
Posted 21/9/11 |
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Worldhotels strengthens presence in Eastern Europe
Worldhotels are continuing to grow its worldwide presence, espescially in Eastern Europe, with the news that Mamaison Hotels & Residences has joined the luxury hotel group. All ten Mamaison Hotels & Residences properties, located in the heart of the cities such as Budapest, Bratislava, Moscow, Ostrava, Prague and Warsaw, will become Worldhotels members.
Rob Hornman, Managing Director of Worldhotels, said: 'We are very pleased to welcome such a well-known and respected brand into the portfolio, providing us with an even stronger presence in Eastern Europe. We are particularly excited about our first property in Moscow.'
Worldhotels has an ethos of 'unique hotels for unique people' and now has 450 affiliate properties in 250 destinations and 65 countries worldwide. www.worldhotels.com
Posted 20/9/11 |
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The Luxury Travel Bible often finds that we sometimes miss home-cooked, simple food when travelling however, we always dream of the hotel restaurant quality food of our travels when we return home. Thankfully there is now a new app (the first from a hotel group) to help us.InterContinental Hotels & Resorts' guests will now be able to recreate a holiday dining experience with the new InterContinental Kitchen Cookbook iPad app. Following on the success of the group's Concierge Insider Guides app this new App gives access to recipes created by the group's Executive Chefs. Recipes from hotels around the world range from appetizers to main courses and desserts and users can search by location, recipe name or let the cookbook surprise you. New recipes will be added every three months.
Posted 19/9/11 |
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Hotel Bel-Air to re-open
Dorchester Collection's Hotel Bel-Air will re-open in October after months of renovation and refurbishment. The renovations are the result of a collaboration of the design minds of Alexandra Chamalimaud and the Rockwell Group.
The hotel has retained the charm of its Spanish Colonial architecture splashed in 'Bel -Air Pink' with an updated design style from American mid-century and the glamour of the 1940's and 50's.
The hotel will feature 103 guestrooms and suites including the famed
Grace Kelly Suite and a new Presidential Suite. This suite will offer private dining for ten, a chef's kitchen, a study, great room with grand piano, and a private pool located within a private Spanish courtyard.
To celebrate the opening, Hotel Bel-Air have launch a Facebook promotion and giveaway a three night stay, $500 dining credit, $500 La Prairie Spa credit and an autographed Wolfgang Puck (who has a restaurant at the hotel) cookbook. To enter the contest, become a fan of Hotel Bel-Air on Facebook by October 15. www.facebook.com/HotelBelAirLA
Oh, and don't worry... The signature Bel-Air swans have remained at Swan Lake during the entirety of the restoration. The new circulation pump gives them the clearest water to glide in and will save Los Angeles 75,000 gallons of water a year.
www.hotelbelair.com
Posted 14/9/11 |
Little Luxies at the snow
The Luxury Travel Bible is always pleased when we hear of a luxury travel group making family travel a little bit easier. In response to 'Luxury Family' demands VIP SKI will dedicate four of their chalets to family bookings for the entire ski season. The Redwood Suite at Aspen Lodge in Val d'Isere, Chalet Altair in Meribel, Chalet Du Pré in Morzine and Chalet Le Manoir in Alpe d'Huez will all be accepting little luxies, and families can book room by room.
Each of the chalets will be fully equipped with essential child-friendly products such as stair gates, changing mats, microwave sterilisers and toys. VIP SKI will also provide full fat fresh milk for infants, home-made purees for babies, children's cutlery and crockery, car seats and infant packs. Pre-bookable nannies will also be available.
Don't have kids or fancy some peace and quiet? VIP SKI are also dedicating four chalets in four resorts for adult-only bookings over Christmas and New Year this season
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Poet Name Life at Desert Palm
GRAMMY® nominee Poet Name Life will be performing for one night only on October 14th at Desert Palm by Per AQUUM. Flying in from the Maldives after his second appearance at award-winning retreat, Huvafen Fushi, sister retreat of Desert Palm the evening will start as the sun dips down over the skyline of Dubai. Desert Palm will be serving a mixed barbeque grill before Poet hits the decks from 21.00 to midnight.
Poet Name Life is a Producer, Songwriter and Remixer who was the Official DJ for the Black Eyed Peas' THE E.N.D. World Tour and has worked with the band on solo projects and also with Justin Timberlake, Travis Barker and Joe Hann of Linkin Park. Poet exclusively remixed a track inspired by Per AQUUMs new property NIYAMA for the launch of
its website http://www.niyama.com/
To make a reservation or book a table for Poet Name Life's performance call Desert Palm +971 4 323 8888 or email [email protected]
Posted 9/9/11 |
From tomorrow (8th September) until 3rd November Siem Reap's iconic Hôtel de la Paix will showcase the work of Cambodian artist Ouer Sokuntevy in its Arts Lounge. Her newest collection 'Love, Death, Dreams' portrays life for modern Cambodian woman, with a surrealist twist. Focusing on past and present relationships these beautiful pieces of art take inspiration from Sokuntevy's own dream journals. This bold collection is made of 32 acrylic paintings and demonstrates how she is leading Cambodia's emerging women's art movement. www.hoteldelapaixangkor.com
Posted 7/9/11 |
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A Thrilling Getaway
If you love a luxury getaway with a thrill or two thrown in, then this latest holiday offering has your name on it.
Two of New Zealand's most spectacular luxury lodges have joined together to offer the ultimate year-round South Island Alpine & High country four-day adventure.
First stop is Minaret Station, on a remote 20,000 hectare working sheep, cattle and deer property situated in a glacial valley beneath the jagged peaks of New Zealand's Southern Alps and
accessible only by helicopter!
While Minaret is best described as a luxury tented lodge, no creature comforts have been sacrificed. Each suite comes exquisitely furnished with comfy king beds made up with fine linens, soft sheepskin flooring, full en-suites with double vanity, endless hot showers in fresh mountain water and private decks with hot tubs.
Depending on the season, adventure options include heli-skiing, hiking (with a gourmet picnic lunch) and heli biking.
On day three a mid-morning helicopter transfer shifts the setting to the adventure playground of Queenstown and Matakauri Lodge. Positioned on the edge of Lake Wakatipu with views of the Remarkables, New Zealand's newest luxury lodge offers just eleven luxurious suites (designed by Virginia Fisher), fabulous food from Chef Dale Gartland and a spa.
Prices for The Alpine & High Country Package start from NZ$6,420.00 per person/double occupancy (excluding GST) in winter and from NZ$6,840.00 per person/double occupancy (excluding GST) in summer. Phone Matakauri Lodge phone +64 3 441 1008, email reservations
@matakaurilodge.com
. For the full range of package inclusions and conditions visit
www.matakaurilodge
.com
or
www.minaretstation
.com
.
Posted 7/9/11 |
Sweet dream and perfect pillows
The trend for pillow menus continues...we're not knocking it
TLTB loves a good night's sleep . At Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts guests can now select their personal favourite from a wide range of pillows on the new à la carte pillow menu; from the Swiss Pine to 'reduce night time perspiration' (we'd rather not think about that really) to a special neck support number. Some hotels in the group are also offering something called the Body Cuddler - now that's our type of pillow. Some pillow types are also available for purchase online at Swissôtel's online shop www.swissotelathome.com/
Posted 2/9/11 |
Premium economy for Cathay Pacific
Airlines are making efforts to increase comfort these days. Cathay Pacific's plans to launch a premium economy class are coming on a pace. The airline says that the new seats should be rolled out in the second quarter of 2012, The new class will be found initially on routes to Australia, Europe, the Middle East, North America. The airline promises that the premium economy will be a significant step up from economy, "The seat will be more like a regional business class seat. We'll have great recline and plenty of leg space," said Chief Executive John Slosar.
Posted 1/9/11 |
You may find it hard to get your head around Margate as a luxury destination but that is where one of the world's most famous statues is heading for a 'holiday'. Augusta Rodin's 'The Kiss' (one of
The Luxury Travel Bible's favourite statues) will be appearing at Margate's Turner Contemporary this autumn. The statue is now worth £10 million but was originally commissioned for £1,000 by art-lover Edward Warren and kept in a stable block at his Lewes home in Sussex until the Tate Gallery bought it in 1933. On loan from the Tate Collection, 'The Kiss' will be on display in the Sunley Gallery from 4 October until 2 September 2012. www.turnercontemporary.org
Posted 31/8/11 |
Storming special at The Setai
We're glad that Hurricane Irene is retreating and the residents of NYC can get back to normal (not so those in other parts of the country - our sympathy is with them). However we admire The Setai Fifth Avenue for its enterprise. One of our New York insiders tells us that the midtown Manhattan hotel was offering a special 'Dark and Stormy' cocktail complimentary to those booking in for its 'Storm' special. From last Friday to Monday guests who use the booking code IRENE were entitled to 30 per cent off the standard room rate - and a cocktail to sooth their nerves of course. Enterprising but was it in good taste? The jury is out.
Posted 30/8/11 |
Bali blessed with more good food
Jusman So, founder-chef of Singapore's much-lauded Sage restaurant has been appointed Chef de Cuisine at Dava, the signature fine dining venue at Ayana Resort and Spa
Bali. Named after a 'place of refuge' in Sanskrit, Ayana is perched on limestone cliffs 30 metres above the Indian Ocean near Jimbaran Bay on Bali's south-western peninsula.
The Luxury Travel Bible is particularly fond of the 22,000sqm Thermes Marins Thalasso spa which has one of the world's largest Aquatonic Seawater Therapy Pools and the Spa on the Rocks villas set amidst the Indian Ocean. Oh and Dava of course especially sinceJusman, was awarded Singapore's Best Rising Chef at the World Gourmet Summit 2008.
www.ayanaresort.com
Posted 29/8/11 |
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China is due another luxurious hotel in October. St. Regis Hotels & Resorts has announced its new Tianjin property opens October 1. The hotel is the first of three new China hotels for the St. Regis brand. The 276-room new hotel is located lies along the the Hai River, on the outskirts of Tianjin. "We're delighted to be placing the finishing touches and preparing to welcome guests to Tianjin's newest and most luxurious hotel," Damon Page general manager of The St. Regis Tianjin told hotel management Asia., "The St Regis name is synonymous with grace, style and elegance".
TLTB expects the usual bespoke butlers and a new luxury benchmasrk for the region.
Posted 25/8/11 |
The very fashionable W Hotels
We always new
W hotels were followers of fashion. A commitment highlighted when the brand appointed a Global fashion Director back in 2010. Now W is expanding its fashion flair with the appointment style queen Jenne Lombardo as its new Global Fashion Director. Followers of fashion will know that Lombardo is a global trendsetter with a knack for identifying what's TNBT (the next big thing) in fashion. "Throughout my career I have always looked at the unique ways in which artists, designers, and other innovators can work together," says Lombardo. "With W Hotels, the possibilities are infinite." In anticipation of Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in New York City, Lombardo has begun to identify the next group of designers for this season's W Hotels Fashion Next program. The designers will make their debut at Mercedes-Benz Fashion Week in September. She is also has an eye on
London and Moscow to indentify new designers to showcase their latest collections during those cities' Fashion Weeks. Watch this space.
www.starwoodhotels.com
Posted 24/8/11 |
Armani meets Aqua in Hong Kong
From tomorrow Hong Kong will hit a new level of style. Armani and Aqua Restaurant Group are opening two exclusive new venues in Central district: Armani/Aqua and Armani/Privé. The combination of Giorgio Armani and innovative restaurateur (and former lawyer) David Yeo has to be a good one. At the new Armani/Aqua restaurant Armani's elegance meets the contemporary interior design of the flagship aqua restaurant at One Peking in Hong Kong . Armani/Privé is Armani's exclusive lounge club which operates in Milan, Tokyo and Dubai and now opens in Hong Kong for the first time. Both new are located in Chater House, on Connaught Road. Yeo's other HK ventures include aqua, Hutong, Tivo, Vivo, Ayuthaiya, La Marmite, WasabiSabi, Shiro and Yun Fu, an award-winning boutique hotel Hullett House and a traditional Chinese junk , Aqua Luna.
www.aqua.com.hk
Posted 23/8/11 |
Golf fanatics dream round
Hyatt Regency Coolum on Queensland's Sunshine Coast is giving golfers a chance to tee off behind the likes of Bubba Watson and Greg Norman after this year's Australian PGA Championship. For $A170 Golfer fanatics can play the 6,137-metre course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jnr immediately following the PGA on Monday, 28 November - with the tees and pin positions still in place from the previous day's final round. After that golfers can also relive any day of the tournament by playing a special course set-up from 29 November - 2 December. The course will feature the same tee and pin configurations played by the pros with Tuesday emulating day 1, Wednesday day 2, Thursday day 3 and Friday the final day. Green fees on these days are AU$110 .
coolum.regency.hyatt.com
Posted 23/8/11 |
Four Points by Sheraton Sydney, Darling Harbour has launched their first live streaming webcam. Guests and fans will be able to view live images over Darling Harbour, one of Sydney's entertainment centres, from a webcam fixed to hotel's 15th floor. Every ten minutes images will be updated to give guests a taste of what to expect from the local area, just a short walk from landmarks such as Sydney Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge. Four Points by Sheraton Sydney, Darling Harbour is one of Australia's largest hotels with 630 rooms including 45 suites.
The Luxury Travel Bible loves watching the real time scenes of one of our favourite places in Sydney... the current view looks very nice but we can't wait to see the spectacular New Year's Eve fireworks from it! www.fourpointssydneyview.com
Posted 22/8/11 |
Sailing meets Fashion on Hamilton Island
The worlds of superyachts, sailing, fashion and super models will meet on Hamilton Island for Australia's largest offshore yachting regatta, Audi Hamilton Island Race Week from Friday 19 - Saturday 27 August 2011.
Nearly 200 yachts have entered the regatta which races on courses around the Whitsunday Islands. The five time winner of the famed Rolex Sydney to Hobart winner, Wild Oats XI will be taking part.
Those with their eyes less on the sailing and more on the social side will be kept very happy at this year's event. Model Megan Gale will host the launch of the Collette Dinnigan Cruise Collection 2011 (which will be held at a
TLTB favourite, qualia resort ). The social programme also includes the Australian launch of Moet Ice Imperial with a 'white chic' dress code, a MAC Makeup Suite for race goers offering complimentary styling appointments and fashion parades by designers Henri Lloyd, Little Joe and Miskin Martinez. Follow the event via twitter on @hamiltonisland, @raceweek or #HIraceweek www.hamiltonisland.com.au
Posted 18/8/11
Those with their eyes less on the sailing and more on the social side will be kept very happy at this year's event. Model Megan Gale will host the launch of the Collette Dinnigan Cruise Collection 2011 (which will be held at a
TLTB favourite, qualia resort ). The social programme also includes the Australian launch of Moet Ice Imperial with a 'white chic' dress code, a MAC Makeup Suite for race goers offering complimentary styling appointments and fashion parades by designers Henri Lloyd, Little Joe and Miskin Martinez. Follow the event via twitter on @hamiltonisland, @raceweek or #HIraceweek www.hamiltonisland.com.au
Posted 18/8/11 |
A massage with sea breezes
The five-star Kempinski Hotel Bahía in Spain is now offering a couples massage in the tropical
Kempinski garden. There nothing like an alfresco massage as long as it is in the privacy of an outdoor pagoda of course. Luckily although Kempinski wax lyrical about 'see-breezes caressing the skin' and 'the scent of tropical flowers' these massages are conducted in total privacy under the 16th century Almenara Watchtower, your modesty protected by a white-curtained canopy. But can it beat our previous favourite outdoor massage on the
banks of the Zambezi?
www.kempinski.com
Posted 17/8/11 |
New luxury lodge for Mozambique
Azura Mozambique has announced a new luxury lodge that will open at the end of 2011 in the northern area of the country. The group have partnered with the owners of Quilalea to redevelop and re-launch the island lodge as the second property of the Azura portfolio.
Azura at Quilalea Private Island will continue to be managed by the award winning team.
The beautiful newly renovated property will include a completely new water sports centre (perfect for the island's diving spots), a newFront of House with bar and relaxation area, a state of the art TV and Media Room and a new kitchen in which to recreate Azura's renowned five star cuisine. Nine villas will be expanded and revamped in the 'Azura Style'.
Azura Retreats also own a property on Benguerra Island.
Posted 15/8/11 |
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The new Park Hyatt Vienna will open in 2013 in an historic former bank building on Am Hof, square in the city's First District. The area was added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2001. This will be the first Hyatt branded hotel in Austria with 143 rooms, including 35 suites interior designed by FG Stijl with architecture by Neumann & Partners. Best of all we hear the building will also house a 16,000-square-foot Prada store.
The hotel is one of 14 Park Hyatt properties currently being developed worldwide.
www.hyatt.com
Posted 12/8/11 |
Dorchester's brand new baby
Dorchester Collection announced today that its latest hotel, 45 Park Lane, will open on September 1 .Overlooking Hyde Park in Mayfair, the new luxury hotel will debut Wolfgang Puck's first restaurant in Europe; CUT at 45 Park Lane will mirror the award-winning original CUT Beverly Hills offering those same fabulous steaks. The exterior of the hotel is designed by Thierry W. Despont in a contemporary- meets-art deco style -
TLTB loves the horizontal metal fins. Inside the 45 rooms there's leather, suede and mahogany and pale coloured walls. Best of all
on the walls is original art by some of the most talented British Artists around. From September 1-11, an introductory room rate of £350++ will be offered (normal rates will start from £395++) and the good news is that includes WiFi (are you listening other five star internet -chargers?).
www.dorchestercollection.com
Posted 11/8/11 |
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Congratulations to Preferred Hotel Group? for their new initiative for gay and lesbian travellers. Nearly 100 Preferred Hotel Group? members around the world have joined together to create Preferred Pride, a group of independently owned and operated hotels that understand and cater to the specific needs of the LGBT traveller. Gay and lesbian friends of ours say there is nothing more irritating that automatically being put into a twin bedded room, or finding the slippers in the room have one large one small pair, assuming one pair of male and one pair of female feet. So initiatives like these are welcome. "The program was created to unite Preferred's .. independent hoteliers around the world who are committed to the LGBT community," said Rick Stiffler, Preferred Hotel Group executive director, leisure sales. "It is a global initiative that enables hoteliers to learn about and better understand the needs and preferences of the LGBT traveller". Preferred say the special packages on offer include "everything under the rainbow" including romantic wedding nights in Vermont and personal shoppers in London.
The launch of Preferred Pride reflects Preferred Hotel Group's own equality policy to ensure that married, single, and partnered employees and associates around the world receive the same benefit opportunities like health provision and pensions.
www.preferredpride.com
Posted 10/8/11 |
Love, honour, obey and help
If Hollywood celebs can constantly reaffirm their vows, why can't we? We applaud this innovative idea from Peppers Hotels & Resorts; a novel way to give back to beleaguered Christchurch community in
New Zealand and bring a little romance back into our lives. Married couples can renew their vows at Peppers Clearwater Resort's group wedding celebration on Sunday 28 August. The resort is offering couples an irresistible opportunity to relive the happiest day of their lives for just $50 with $30 of the proceeds going to the Christchurch Red Cross Earthquake Appeal. On the day, each couple will receive a glass of champagne on arrival and a post-ceremony a rose an photograph followed by a group reception with all the traditional trimmings: cake, canapés and corny music (OK maybe not corny...). Participating couple will also into the draw for a complimentary overnight stay in a Lakefront Suite including breakfast and a bottle of bubbles. Call Annabel Black on +64 3360 1021.
www.peppers.co.nz
Posted 9/8/11 |
Future looks rosy for Rosewood
Rosewood Hotels & Resorts has a new president-in-waiting. Radha Arora has been appointed president of the ultra-luxury hotel management company based in Dallas, Texas. Mr. Radha and will take up the reins in early September. In the eight years current president and CEO John M. Scott III was at the helm Rosewood doubled the number of properties under management, look out for further growth under Arora.
Mr. Arora is a worthy candidate as a
The Luxury Travel Bible '
Expert' with over 30 years of luxury hospitality experience. He will lead Rosewood's team as the company expands globally from its 20 hotels and resorts with a five-year growth plan of yet again doubling the number of properties under management or in development.
Posted 5/8/11 |
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Jumeirah Frankfurt has opened its doors in the heart of the German city. This new five-star is
Jumeirah's first German property and is within walking distance of the financial district and stock exchange, pedestrian shopping areas and the city's opera house. The hotel's restaurant 'Max On One', has been designed by leading Japanese designer Takashi Sugimoto and his team at Super Potato. The restaurant has an open kitchen, a private dining area, two walk-in wine cubes and a steakhouse front-grill. Martin Steiner, who previously headed the Michelin starred restaurant Val D'Or, has been appointed as Executive Chef.
Those heading to Frankfurt for a cultural getaway will be interested to hear that each of the hotel's 218 guestrooms feature a piece of original piece of artwork commissioned by German contemporary artist Hartwig Ebersbach. www.jumeirah.com
Posted 3/8/11 |
An African oasis for Sofitel
Sofitel Luxury Hotels has just launched the Sofitel Malabo Sipopo Le Golf Hotel on Bioko Island in Equatorial Guinea, Africa. The 200-room hotel is located east of Malabo. It has contemporary glass architecture allowing views of Mount Cameroon and a spectacular golf course edged by tropical forest and mangroves.
www.sofitel.com
Posted 2/8/11 |
Hayman's new improved luxury
Welcome back Hayman. The luxury resort on Hayman island in Queensland was devastated by tropical cyclones Anthony and Yasi but now the one of Australia's most luxurious island paradises is back better than ever. Re-opening today (August 1) the new, improved Hayman has 8 brand new villas designed by Aman resorts architect, Kerry Hill each 120 square metres of sheer lux with a large private pool, private terrace, an outdoor shower. Surrounding the resort TV personality and horticulturalist Jamie Drurie has transformed Hayman's gardens into a tranquil tropical paradise .
www.hayman.com.au |
Win free stays in Queenstown NZ
Queenstown New Zealand is celebrating Rugby World Cup 2011 with a 300 night hotel giveaway during September and October. Queenstown isn't hosting any games, but
TLTB thinks the stunning lake and alpine resort town is a 'must' on any luxury itinerary which is why our August
issue (on the web August 3) will highlight some of the best. Destination Queenstown is running a week-long spring sweepstake to give visitors the chance to win 300 free hotel room nights. Anyone from around the world can enter the sweepstake which opens at 9am NZ time today (Monday 1 August) and closes at 9am Monday 8 August. Destination Queenstown CEO Tony Everitt said "This is a great chance for international visitors to bag a bonus for their big trip. We're aware that some people might be putting off a trip because they think accommodation may be expensive or hard to find. In fact here in Queenstown there's still very good availability from budget to five-star, during September and October". Each winner will receive two consecutive nights for two people at their respective hotel, so 150 lucky winners can take a partner or friend. Details on how to enter: www.queenstownNZ.co.nz.
Posted 1/8/11 |
Otahuna Lodge in Christchurch New Zealand re-opens today (August 1). The Relais & Chateaux member lodge was badly hit by the earthquake that rocked Christchurch and the by the after shocks but now after a five month restoration project the luxury lodge is looking better than ever. Otahuna's seismic strengthening is also unparalleled for a heritage property in New Zealand. The Lodge has seven guest suites and with its fifteen open fireplaces is perfect for a NZ winter visit.. Congratulations to owners Hall Cannon and Miles Refo.
TLTB is glad that you now back in the business of offering some of the best luxury in NZ.
www.relaischateaux.com/
,
www.otahuna.co.nz/ Relais and Chateaux is
recommended
by
The Luxury Travel Bible.
Posted 1/8/11 |
Actor and producer
Tilda Swinton
is a great fan of Six Senses so it is no surprise that she and Apichatpong Weerasethakul, filmmaker and Winner of the 2010 Palme d'Or will curate the inaugural Film on the Rocks at Six Senses Yao Noi Beyond Phuket this December. The films will be screened on the rocks of Phang Nga Bay, under the stars., so it is fitting that the theme is 'Evolve Back to Nature'. Guest and film personalities will mix with local villagers and sea gypsies of Yao Noi to exchange ideas and conversation.
TLTB love the idea of gypsies and movieland meeting and exchanging ideas. .. In addition, Film on the Rocks will be hosting residencies each year at Six Senses Yao Noi. This year, emerging filmmakers will be chosen by Mr. Weerasethakul and their works will be premiered at Film on the Rocks.
Sounds like an event not to be missed, so don't.
Six Senses pioneered the idea of intelligent luxury and environmentally sustainable eco-tourism. It also continues to support cultural exchanges of this kind at its properties worldwide. Film on the Rocks runs from December 16-20 2011 www.sixsenses.com/
Six sense is recommended by
The Luxury Travel BiblePosted 29/7/11 |
The Datai Langkawi in new hands
The Luxury Travel Bible has long been a fan of The Datai Langkawi, ever since it first opened in fact. The villas and rooms, tiered down the hillside to the edge of a perfect white beach, are as stylish as ever; so it is good to see that the resort will be in safe hands with the announcement that Archipelago Hotels & Resorts is taking over management of the iconic property. The new luxury management company now has a portfolio that includes The Datai Langkawi, The Club at Saujana Resort (both members of
Leading Hotels of the World
) and The Carcosa Seri Negara. We look forward to more additions soon.
Posted 28/7/11 |
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Designer hotel for Croatia
Croatia continues to be on the luxury radar so it is good to see another new hotel opening in the country. The new Hotel Lone, the first
Design Hotels member in Croatia, opened yesterday in the Mediterranean town of Rovinj, in the exclusive Monte Mulini neighbourhood. The 248-room hotel has been built to resemble a white ocean liner floating along the hillside.
See our pictures here. We're suckers for a nautical design. God bless the hotel and all who sail in her.
Posted 27/7/11
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Gourmet Relais & Chateaux getaway
The Luxury Travel Bible are great fans of Relais & Châteaux, particularly the member properties in Australia and New Zealand, so we like the look of R&C's new Gourmet Getaway package. In Australia the world-renowned Tetsuya Wakuda and Jacques Reymond are classed as 'Grands Chef' of Relais & Châteaux, while New Zealand's fresh produce is served at R&C's NZ member lodges by chefs such as Dale Gartland at
Matakauri Lodge, Jimmy McIntyre at Otahuna Lodge and James Stapley at
Whare Kea Lodge (
TLTB sampled his sublime food last week, much of which is sourced from his own small farm and we recommend it highly). All these delights can be sampled on the Gourmet Getaway package for AU$1200 a night per couple. Available until 31 August 2011, the package includes a luxury suite, degustation dinner and breakfast for two .
www.relaischateaux.com
Posted 26/7/11 |
World's first organic wellness spa opens
The world's first organic wellness destination spa resort opens today (22nd July). The Chateau Spa and Organic Wellness Resort in Malaysia promises to offer 'an idyllic haven in exploring the path towards total wellness'. The stunning resort, located in Berjaya Hills amidst a 150 year old tropical rainforest, is modelled after an 18th century medieval 'Haut Koesnigburg' castle in Alsace, France. Organic luxury
and wellness sounds good to
The Luxury Travel Bible.
A daily schedule to keep guests fit and busy ranges from tennis, bike riding and horse riding to dance classes, meditation and organic farming. Organic dishes will be on offer made from fresh organic produce from the resorts own gardens. The Le Sante Spa's wide-range of therapies includes beauty, anti-stress, anti-ageing, detox, weight loss and more.
Health and Fitness Travel, who provide tailor-made active and wellness holidays worldwide, have added The Chateau Spa and Organic Wellness Resort to its ever growing portfolio. For more information visit www
.healthandfitnesstravel
.com
Posted 22/7/11 |
Banyan Tree Spa returns to Singapore
After 17 years and 64 spas in 26 countries Banyan Tree is returning to its roots in Singapore. Marina Bay Sands has launched Singapore's first Banyan Tree Spa, marking Banyan Tree's debut on its home ground. This new spa is set to be the tallest Banyan Tree Spa on the 55th floor of the hotel, nearly 200 metres up in the sky. Themed on the 'Tree of Life' each of the fifteen uniquely designed treatment rooms has panoramic views over the city. The spa promises to combine a commitment to local companies with the Asian heritage of Banyan Tree. Read The Luxury Travel Bible's Hotel Report of Marina Bay Sands here
Posted 22/7/11 |
Signature hotels for Autograph Collection
It was announced today that six luxury Boscolo Hotels in Europe are to join the Autograph Collection, The Autograph Collection was launched by Marriott International last year .The ethos behind the collection is to bring together a group of independent luxury hotels hand-selected for their originality and unique character so the Boscolo brand should fit in well. Four Boscolo Hotels will join the collection in September 2011, with two more Italian hotels in Rome and Milan expected to join by January 2012. The four hotels are: Boscolo Palace Roma, Rome, Italy; Boscolo Venezia, Venice, Italy; Boscolo Prague, Prague, Czech Republic; Boscolo Budapest, Budapest, Hungary.
The Luxury Travel Bible especially likes the 72-room Boscolo Venezia is housed in the historic Palazzo Rizzo Patarol, formerly home to the French embassy.
"These Boscolo Hotels are an incredible addition to the Autograph Collection" said Amy McPherson, president and managing director for Marriott International in Europe. "Located in some of the most spectacular cities in the world, each hotel is truly one-of-a-kind". We agree.
Posted 21/7/11 |
A golden key for The Observatory Hotel
We don't need an accolade to tell us that Michael D Anderson is one of the world's best concierges, we already know.
The Luxury Travel Bible reckons Michael could find a needle in a haystack when there isn't a farm in sight AND have it gold plated for us. However we're pleased to see that we aren't the only ones who think so. Anderson, Chief Concierge at The Observatory Hotel Sydney has just been awarded the prestigious role of President of Les Clefs d'Or. a role conferred by election. Ralf Bruegger, General Manager of The Observatory says, "We are incredibly proud that Michael is thought of so highly by his colleagues which is a great honour for Michael and also bestows this great honour on our hotel... Michael delivers what computers cannot. He can find you a doctor in the middle of the night, fill your bathtub with vintage Dom Perignon or obtain a sought after seat at the latest restaurant to open." The Observatory is part of the Orient-Express group.
Anderson is just one of 36 members admitted to the esteemed Les Clefs d'Or in Australia. Congratulations.
Posted 20/7/11 |
Five star hotel for Sydney
A day spa with 16 private rooms and a hamman will be the luxurious centre piece of the first new five star hotel built in Sydney since the city hosted the Olympics. On the edge of Darling Harbour in Piedmont, next to the existing Star City complex, The Darling will be part of the new Star development. The new hotel will include 171 rooms and suites and
The Luxury Travel Bible will be heading for the top floors where the two-bedroom penthouse suites will be found. The suites, created by LA designer Lawrence Lee, will feature floor-to-ceiling Sydney harbour views, bespoke furniture, fireplaces, media rooms, butler service and a private VIP arrival. The hotel opens in October but bookings open next month (August). Watch this space.
Posted 19/7/11 |
The White Tie and Tiara Ball
Dust off those tiaras ladies... Stapleford Park will host a White Tie and Tiara Ball on Saturday 24th September. Tickets cost £70.00 per person and includes a drink on arrival, a three-course dinner and entertainment.
This historic country house in Stapleford, Leicestershire, England includes their 18 hole championship golf course home of the PGA's newest tournament The Handa Senior Masters. The Clarins gold spa will satisfy anyone seeking some pampering after the ball.
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The Goring's
Royal Suite on SLH
It has been a busy 2011 so far for one of The Luxury Travel Bible's favourite London hotels (what with hosting a certain bride
before a recent wedding). The Goring also has a new Royal Suite. The Goring's Royal Suite is now available for reservation via Small Luxury Hotels of the World's
reservation channels.
Jeremy Goring
commissioned designer Russell Sage, who recently worked on the newly renovated Savoy, to transform the top floor of The Goring into a Royal Suite. The Royal Suite runs the length of the hotel's fifth floor and features two bedrooms and bathrooms, a drawing room and a study/dining room with a baby grand piano. French windows open onto Juliet balconies with views over The Goring's private garden and the London rooftops beyond. www.slh.com www.thegoring.com
Posted 15/7/11 |
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Italian cruise line MSC Cruises is looking forward to officially welcoming its 12th (and grandest) ship, MSC Divina to its fleet on May 26, 2012 in Marseille, France. The ship's godmother, legendary screen actress Sophia Loren is expected to do the honours with a traditional champagne christening. After Divina's maiden voyage in June from Venice to Greece, Turkey and Croatia, she will continue to offer year-round cruising of the Mediterranean and Europe. Following in the footsteps of sister ships MSC Fantasia and MSC Splendida, pride of the place on the new ship will be the Yacht Club which will provide exclusive VIP/rock star status on the ship's foredeck.
MSC Divina will offer the largest number of rooms in this elite category. The beauty of being a Yacht Club guest is that you can enjoy the more private upscale experience familiar with luxury small ship cruising as well as enjoying the wider range of amenities of a larger ship. It's a ship within a ship, so to speak.
All the finely furnished designer suites feature marble bathrooms, premium cotton linens, widescreen TVs, Nintendo Wii console, mini bar and more. Yacht Club facilities also include private lounge, pool and sun deck, priority check-in/check-out, exclusive spa services, complimentary wines, and spirits and specialty coffees, a fine dining restaurant and 24-hour butler service. We say cheers to that! www.mscyachtclub.com/ ; www.msccruisees.com.au/
Posted 14/7/11 |
Back for a second round
Last September the first ever and the world's only natural pop-up golf course, Golf Mountain in Adelboden, Switzerland launched. The golf course proved so popular that it is back again this year for five weeks from 9 September .
It will be interesting to see if any golfers can beat the dedication shown last year. After news of the pop-up golf course spread one golf fanatic left his wife alone during their 14 day tour of Europe to take a 1,000km round trip by taxi to Adelboden, simply so he could experience Golf Mountain for himself!
To celebrate the return of Golf Mountain, The Cambrian, Adelboden (a member of Design Hotels and the only Mr&Mrs Smith hotel in Switzerland), has launched a package that includes two nights' B&B accommodation in a deluxe room, plus a four-course dinner on one night, two green fees, transfers to and from the hotel to the cable car that will take golfers up to the Engstligenalp, a sports massage and a small golf present.
www.thecambrianadelboden.com , www.designhotels.com , www.mrandmrssmith.com
Posted 13/7/11 |
Branson's private retreat
Sir Richard Branson's beautiful heart shaped private retreat, Makepeace Island at Noosa on Australia's Sunshine Coast, has opened its doors for private lease for the first time. See photographs of this Balinese-style private retreat in Private Luxury
Posted 12/7/11 |
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It's perfect for those times when you're stuck in the airport lounge, delayed again...there are a lot of booking apps around but our friends at Mr and Mrs Smith have gone one better with their new Plan and Play app. The free app allows you to 'plan' a trip by booking accommodation but we like the irreverent 'play' section with gadgets and games to while away the hours in transit or if your trip is plagued by wet weather. What else would you do during a romantic weekend away right? At this juncture we should point out the nature of the games.
Our favourites are
Truth or Dare (just set the slider to suit how risqué you want the questions to be) and
How to (...mix a mini-bar cocktail, play strip poker, plan a romantic picnic). Naughty, but nice.
Posted 8/7/11 |
Airlines continue to take off when it comes to technology. Now SWISS has introduced new apps embracing the Android and Nokia smartphone. Adding these to apps already offered for the BlackBerry, iPhone and Windows Phone 7 makes SWISS is one of the most 'apped-up' airlines in the sky. SWISS now offers apps for most smart mobile phones. Customers can obtain flight info, book tickets and call up a mobile boarding pass. With the iPhone and the Android the boarding pass can be received by the app directly as soon as the customer has checked in, and can be called up again by simply shaking the phone. Just shake and go. Free app downloads are available at
www.swiss.com/mobile
Posted 7/7/11 |
Apparently Oprah Winfrey once asked
Julia Roberts what her favourite thing to sleep in was. Julia replied, "A Four Seasons bed." Oprah enthusiastically agreed exclaiming, "The Four Seasons bed is the only bed better than my own". Now Four Seasons Sydney is capitalising on the quote and offering a 'Celebrity Bed' package, available from $AUD3,500. The package includes overnight accommodation in a premier room, a bottle of Champagne on arrival, breakfast for two in Kable's, complimentary internet and ... here's where the price tag comes from ... home delivery of your very own king size Four Seasons bed. The mattress is manufactured by Sealy exclusively for Four Seasons Hotel Sydney, and the beds have endless comfort layers and that buzz word 'posturepedic' support to lure you into dreamy slumber. The bad news is that the bed is only delivered free in the Sydney metropolitan area, so international guests will have to think twice before taking up the package - it will never fit in the hand luggage. For more information and reservations visit
www.fourseasons.com/sydney
Posted 5/7/11 |
The ultimate Pacific island paradise
It has been a while coming, but then good things can't be rushed. Now Huka Retreats have officially announced the re-launch of Dolphin Island, Fiji. Interior designer
Virginia Fisher (a
TLTB favourite), who also made Dolphin's big sister properties Huka Lodge, New Zealand and Grande Provence Estate, South Africa so special, has masterminded the refurbishment. So expect the 13-acre private retreat to look pretty stunning. Just eight guests at a time can enjoy the ultimate private Pacific island experience on an exclusive-use basis. Consider us booked in. Now who wants to audition to be our seven best friends for a week? See photograhs of the island here.
Posted 3/7/11 |
It is only two square kilometres, the smallest country in the world after Vatican City but glamorous Monaco has always punched way above its weight. Today its 8,000 strong population will swell to many times the size as visiting royality, celebrities and international heads of state of all kinds ,not to mention some serious party-goers, flood into Monte Carlo for the wedding of Prince Albert and Charlene Wittstock.
TLTB's insiders are there already, have a look at our
Top Ten tips for visiting the principality from one whose family lives there, as well as our general lowdown on
Monaco.
www.visitmonaco.com,
www.mariage.visitmonaco.com
Posted 1/7/11 |
Angelina Jolie for Louis Vuitton
Angelina Jolie has reminded us how beautiful Cambodia can be, in her new campaign for Louis Vuitton - photographed by Annie Leibovitz. Angelina has a personal attachment to Cambodia, as it's the birthplace of her adopted son Maddox. We also hear most of her fee was donated to a non-profit. www.louisvuitton.com
Posted 30/6/11 |
Western Australia world heritage
As the world gets smaller and less private we value those faraway places which allow us to truly find (and hear) ourselves again.Cape Range National Park on the coral coast of Western Australia is one of those rare vestiges of natural beauty and tranquility, and so we're thrilled to inform our nature-loving readers that it will remain so thanks to its new World Heritage status. Over 600,000 hectares has been incorporated in the new Ningaloo Coast World Heritage Area (which not only includes the park but the adjoining Ningaloo Reef itself - one of the few places you can snorkel alongside whale sharks - the world's largest fish).
THE place to stay while you're reconnecting is Sal Salis. The protected reef lies just metres away from the luxury eco camp (part of the Wild Bush Luxury portfolio of properties) which features just nine stilted safari-style tents furnished with king beds, fine linen, en-suite bathrooms and solar-powered hot showers. Guests who book a three-night stay at the camp between July 17 and October 30 will enjoy a complimentary wildlife cruise (where you'll likely see whale sharks
and humpback whales on their annual migration). Packages cost $2190 per person twin share and includeall meals, airport transfers and guided activities.
www.salsalis.com.au
;
www.wildbishluxury.com
.
Posted 29/6/11 |
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Mandarin Oriental opens in Paris
Paris has a new luxury hotel. The Mandarin Oriental Paris opens its doors today (28 June) at 251 rue Saint-Honoré, in the city's first arrondissement. In a city with so many beautiful hotels, a rush of new openings this year and some
newly appointed palaces this has still been one of the most anticipated launches of the year. Mandarin Oriental, Paris has got itself a suitably prestigious address in the heart of Paris with the Garnier Opera, the Louvre and the Tuileries Gardens all close by. The original, magnificent Art Deco façade of this luxury hotel has been beautifully conserved and restored by architect Jean-Michel Wilmotte. See the first pictures
here.
Posted 28/6/11 |
Lavish suite for Baglioni hotel Rome
Regina Hotel Baglioni, has unveiled its lavish new Ludovisi Suite on the hotel's 7th floor rooms. Decorated with marble, silk and tapestries the vast suite is so large it is really a private apartment in the heart of the Eternal City . The suite has The suite has a living area, three bedrooms and four bathrooms, a private elevator to the floor and large outdoor terraces that look down on the Via Veneto. Take a look at its the suite in all its splendour here
Posted 27/6/11 |
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Peru's Belle Epoque hotel
There is a new boutique luxury hotel ear marked for Lima, which is good news since Lima is not a city known for its boutique offerings. Andean Experience is restoring a mansion in the bohemian coastal district of Barranco in the Peruvian capital to be opened in 2012. The aptly named Hotel Barranco will feature 18 suites, a private Spa and a signature restaurant by Rafael Osterling, one of
Peru's internationally recognised chefs. The 1914 Belle Epoque mansion was a former summer residence for the politically powerful Bedoya family during the Leguia Presidency. It is built in the style of style of French architect Jean Claude Sahut, who designed many important buildings in Lima such as the Presidential Palace and Colon Theatre. The Hotel will be operated by the Andean Experience Company who own and manage Titilaka, a five-star lodge located on a private peninsular on the shores of Lake Titicaca in Puno.
http://www.hotelbarrenco.pe
.
Posted 24/6/11 |
Latest member of Seabourn Family
The newest luxury cruise ship to join the Seabourn family has been named in a ceremony in Barcelona. Seabourn Quest was named by her godmother, Emmy- and Tony Award-winning actress Blythe Danner before a glittering display of impressive fireworks. Following her officially naming the 450-guest ship set off on its 14-day maiden voyage to Athens, Greece.
Earlier this month Quest received a surprise a visit off the coast of Italy from its smaller sister, Seabourn Legend. The smaller ship was 'in the neighbourhood' and made a courtesy visit
to welcome Quest to the Seabourn family. Guests and crew on both ships lined the decks as the horns were sounded. www.seabourn.com
Posted 23/6/11 |
Anyone for Tennis?
Wimbledon kicks off today and
The Luxury Travel Bible is stocking up on the strawberries and cream. If the two weeks of high-class tennis leave you feeling inspired, look ahead to the Marbella Masters tournament (25th - 27th August 2011). The tournament is held at the Puente Romano Tennis Club, a member of the ATP, and some of the biggest names in tennis are heading to Spain to compete including Bjorn Borg, Pat Cash, Yevgeny Kafelnikov and Mansour Bahrami with more to be announced.
The legendary, eleven times Grand Slam title winner Borg may have an advantage as he is already familiar with these clay courts after managing the club when it first opened in 1979. Borg says; "I am really looking forward to returning to Puente Romano Tennis Club where l have many friends and great memories."
Guests of Hotel Puente Romano and its sister property Marbella Club Hotel
Golf Resort & Spa will receive
preferential entrance to the tournament as part of the 'Marbella Masters tennis experience'. www.marbellaclub.com www.marbellamasters.es
Posted 20/6/11 |
Shanghai goes big on luxury
For the the past week the rooftop bars and designer hotels of Shanghai have been awash with the movers and shakers of the travel industry talking about all things luxurious. One of Asia's most prestigious shows, ILTM Asia (International Luxury Travel Market Asia), saw more than more than 19,000 contacts made between planners and designers of bespoke luxury travel experiences. The "by invitation only' event is now in its 5th year and offers a platform for businesses to showcase their most sought after destinations, ultra-luxurious accommodation, elite transportation to the Asia Pacific region's most discerning luxury travel buyers.
So what was hot at the show this year? The buzz words were 'inspiration' ,'adventure and 'authentic cultural experiences' - all with luxury accommodation attached of course.
The Luxury Travel Bible was at the show and will be bringing you our own favourite luxury inspirations from it shortly.
www.
iltm.net
Posted 17/6/11 |
A Traveller's Saving Grace
In general packing is thing that people hate most about travelling. However, a new iphone and iPad App is set to take some of the stress away from packing. Launched by Grace Hotels the 'Saving Grace' app comes with pre-set packing check lists which can be chosen based upon the type of travel from beach to ski to city mini-break. Users are able to personalise each list and re-use them again for future trips. The app promises to do the thinking, remembering and prompting
when it comes to getting all the items for your holiday - it even reminds you to pack the toiletries and the needed paperwork.
The Luxury Travel Bible
likes that the app
reminds the user of the easily forgettable tasks such as watering the plants, pick up currency and take out travel insurance before departure.
The free 'Saving Grace' App is available for download from Apple itunes.
Posted 17/6/11 |
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A Villa fit for the Maestro
Opera fans rejoice! Villa Giulia, Luciano Pavarotti's summer residence, is now available for rental. Named in honour of his grandmother, Villa Giulia is located near Pesaro in the region of Le Marche, Italy in what Pavarotti described as "the most beautiful position on the Adriatic". Pavarotti had admired the property for many years and had to 'court' it before
eventua
lly purchasing it in 1975. He
is said to have spent some of his happiest days at the villa surrounded by his friends and family.
The villa has been left as it was when Pavarotti lived there and guests can even use his music room which contains his piano. The villa also features a swimming pool, tennis court and is set within 12 hectare park that slope down to the sea. www.villeinitalia.com/
Posted 16/6/11 |
Following an extensive interior and exterior renovation the St. Regis Aspen Resort in Aspen, Colorado has re-opened its doors. The hotel, located at the base of base of Aspen Mountain, has been redesigned by interior architect Lauren Rottet. The impressive design brief was to create the " quintessential mountain manor similar to what John Jacob Astor would have designed during the Gilded Age". New features include completely redesigned guestrooms, a Gilded Age inspired ballroom and meeting space, a renovated pool area and a new retail boutique. www.stregisaspen.com
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Happy Birthday Carlton Tower
Last night (13 June) Jumeriah Carlton Tower threw its ʻFabulous At Fiftyʼ party to celebrate the hotel's 50th anniversary. VIPs, London celebrities and some of the original 60's glamour pack, who have been fans of the hotel since it opened in 1961, helped the hotel celebrate in style.
Clive Aslet, author of ʻAll That Life Can Affordʼ which was launched at the party to celebrate the big 5-0, was kept busy signing copies while celebrity chef Gary Rhodes gave his seal of approval of the cuisine on offer. Canap¨¦s created by chef Simon Young were served.
Guest partied into the night with 60's music playing, champagne flowing and memorable moments in the hotel's history being told.
To celebrate the special anniversary the team have created the '1961'. Based on a classic Champagne cocktail, the cocktail contains 1961 Armagnac topped with Pommery Champagne. The cocktail will be served in Gilt, Chinoiserie and The Rib Bar throughout 2011.
Happy Birthday Jumeriah Carlton Tower and here's to the next fifty years. www.jumeriah.com
Posted 14/6/11 |
A Royal Charity Polo Match
Princes William and Harry have taken part in a charity polo match at
Coworth Park
.
In aid of Prince Harry's charity Sentebale the royal brothers braved the rain (while the spectators huddled in the marquees) in a match which saw
William
beat his younger brother 1-0. During the match Harry played for Sentebale and William represented Tusk Trust, a charity for which he is patron. Following the tournament Harry hosted a charity dinner and auction in aid of Sentebale.
Posted 13/6/11 |
Otahuna Lodge reopens with a culinary treat
Reopening in July after surviving damage from not one, but two earthquakes, New Zealand's Otahuna Lodge is back on track and ready to lure guests back to its tranquil surrounds. Not that it's hard.
TLTB has a hard time staying away from the gorgeous lodge!
Set on a historic country estate in a secluded valley on New Zealand's South Island, Otahuna Lodge is right on trend with the offer of winter cooking lessons with celebrated Executive Chef Jimmy McIntyre. For long-time foodies or those inspired by the recent abundance of culinary television, the lodge is offering a maximum of 10 guests the chance to learn first-hand cooking secrets and techniques and includes a visit to Otahuna's organic potager gardens, a 90-minute cooking lesson and lunch with matched wines for all the dishes prepared during the class. Otahuna Lodge will reopen on July 11, 2011.
www.otahuna.co.nz
Posted 9/6/11 |
Surf's Up at Six Senses Laamu
The new Six Senses Laamu in the Maldives starts October 2011 with a splash by hosting the first annual
Six Senses Watermen event. In support of global water conservation, the event will give guests the opportunity to meet and learn from legendary surfers, wind and kite surfers and free divers, as well as leading conservationists.
Short board inventor, Bob McTavish and Gold Coast Eco-surfer, Chris Garrett represent the Australian contingent, while other world-renowned, surf-side heroes include world cup surf winner Buzzy Kerbox and 17-year-old stand-up paddling world champion, Kai Lenny, both from the USA.
England's free diving champion, Sally Campbell will teach guests about the world of free diving.
Fabien Cousteau, France's third generation explorer and aquatic film maker, will lead conservation workshops on marine restoration in the Maldives, and proceeds from guests' stays will be donated to a number of conservation organisations including the Blue Marine Foundation, Plant a Fish and Water Charity.
The Six Senses Watermen event will run from 30 September to 4 October, 2011 at The Six Senses Laamu, Maldives. www.sixsenses.com/SixSensesLaamu/
Posted 9/6/11 |
The iPad is taking to the air. First hotels and now airlines are falling under its spell. A number of airlines are trialling the Apple iPad. According to Skyclub British Airways is currently running trials in First Class on some of its Boeing 777 aircrafts. Passengers will be given iPads as an alternative to the typical DVD players that First Class passengers use. Jetstar has already trialled the iPad and says it will be implementing the Apple pad as a replacement for its current in-flight entertainment device for premium passengers. Finnair has been offering the iPads loaded with magazines and movies to its premium passengers between Hong Kong and Helsinki.
Posted 7/6/11 |
Another Cuzco hotel for Orient-Express
Orient-Express loves hotels in high places. The group announced today that its latest project, Palacio Nazarenas, a 55 suite hotel in a former palace and convent in Cuzco, Peru, will open in early summer 2012. The inauguration of Orient-Express' sixth hotel in Peru will be the culmination of an ambitious three year restoration project carried out under the guidance of eight full time archaeologists and promises to be pretty special with , iPads in every room and Cuzco's first outdoor swimming pool. The Palacio will be a sister hotel to Orient-Express's Hotel Monasterio in Cusco and the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge . www.orient-express.comPosted 6/6/11 |
The new Relais & Châteaux hotel, Villa Clarisse is now open. Back in January we tipped this as one of our Top Ten openings of 2011. The restored 17th-century property in the historic port of Saint Martin de R¨¦ has only nine rooms and suites so not surprisingly opening week has been all booked up. Stunning view over the UNESCO World Heritage Site Île de R¨¦ and a boutique spa with two treatment rooms make this one worth putting on your must-stay list. www.villaclarisse.com www.relaischateaux.com
Posted 6/6/11 |
Aston Martin puts its badge on luxury holiday properties
Don't own an Aston Martin? That's OK you may soon be able to stay in one instead. The Luxury British sports car manufacturer has extended its brand license agreement to include international property developments. "Power, beauty and soul are the three core elements that lie at the heart of the Aston Martin brand" says the company, we can't argue with that and now the idea is to broker all that glitz into the luxury property industry in a partnership with developers First Logic..On the horizon are marina, beach, ski, golf and polo resorts.
Posted 3/6/11 |
SLH has the perfect gift
If you're stuck for ideas on what to buy for that special someone who has everything, Small Luxury Hotels of the World (SLH) have come up with a solution. The boutique hotel group have just introduced experiential gift certificates to their range of products and services, and they can be used to pay for a full range of experiences at selected hotels. The gift certificates enable guests to pick the perfect present and experiences range from one-, two-, or three-night stays to a delicious gourmet package that includes a cooking lesson and a candlelit dinner for two prepared by a private chef. Every participating hotel will offer a unique experience to their guests, so depending on where you choose to stay, you could be taking a private balloon ride with champagne and strawberries, drinking vintage port with dark and white truffles in a Portuguese country house, or enjoying a horse-drawn carriage ride around a Slovenian lake.
www.slh.com/gifts
For more on SLH, read our interview with CEO Paul Kerr
here.
Posted 2/6/11 |
Italy's Capovaticano Resort joins prestigious MGallery label
Located on the southernmost tip of the Italian peninsula, the Capovaticano Resort Thalasso & Spa is the newest property to join the ranks of Accor's prestigious MGallery label. The label represents collection of upscale hotels that have remarkable character, and to qualify for membership, hotels must have vision, design, history or an exceptional location.
The Capovaticano makes the grade for its spectacular location - on a rocky outcrop overlooking the 'Coast of the Gods' with spectacular views of the Aeolian Islands and the Stromboli Volcano - and modern design. The sophisticated minimalistic design is intended to create a private sanctuary for guests, and the relaxation facilities include a Thalassa Sea and Spa institute where guests can reenergise in a Mediterranean atmosphere.
www.capovaticanoresort.it
Posted 1/6/11 |
The Rees Hotel now offering free wireless internet
Keep in touch with friends on your next New Zealand ski holiday. Wireless internet has been installed throughout the luxe Rees hotel in Queenstown. The Rees has also completely removed internet fees, so all guests now have complimentary internet access. The Rees Hotel was selected as a 2011 New Zealand HotelClub Hotel Award Winner. Running since 2006, the HotelClub Awards have recognised their most outstanding properties in a range of categories around the world.
www.therees.co.nz
Posted 1/6/11 |
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W Hotels want us all dancing their beat. In a first for the hotel industry the group's new global iPhone application has an integrated music platform with exclusive content as well as W Insider tips, and fashion finds. And we're not just talking about any old
musak here. The music content is curated by Michaelangelo L'Acqua, from DJs all over the world and the app will be updated with the newest DJ mixes on an ongoing basis.
"Our savvy guests now have on the go information for all W Hotels, including access to W's signature Whatever/Whenever service, as well as exclusive music content curated by our Global Music Director", said Eva Ziegler, Global Brand Leader, W Hotels Worldwide and Le M¨¦ridien. One of L'Acqua's ongoing projects is the Symmetry Live series that brings emerging artists to perform in W Hotels, including such acts as Ellie Goulding and Neon Trees.
Posted 31/5/11 |
A private apartment in Mayfair
There is nothing
The Luxury Travel Bible likes more than our own front door in Mayfair. So we love the newly refurbished luxury apartments at The Athenaeum which
TLTB got a preview of last week. The
apartments have been redesigned to enable guests to live like locals in the heart of London's Mayfair. Guests have their own apartment with their own front door enabling them to come and go as they please whilst making as much use of the hotel they like. New VIP services have been introduced for the apartment residents, including a hot-line to the world-famous Harvey Nichols food hall and complimentary traditional English sponge-cake and tea delivered to each apartment at tea time. www.athenaeumhotel.com
Posted 30/5/11 |
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