Reservations for Heston Blumenthal now open

Reservations will open at 9am today (1/12/2010) for celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal's first London restaurant 'Dinner by Heston Blumenthal' at the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London. This new restaurant will open its doors in January 2011 and will offer guests uninterrupted views over Hyde Park, floor to ceiling glass walls giving a glimpse into the open kitchen and a 'contemporary stainless steel pulley system modelled on a 16th century design for the Royal British Court's kitchens, the gears and cranks of which resemble the craftsmanship of an oversized watch, mechanically rotating a spit over an open fire'. Serving lunch, dinner and afternoon tea the kitchen will be headed by Ashley Palmer-Watts who has worked with Blumenthal at his 'The Fat Duck' restaurant for nine years as Group Executive Chef. With dishes such as snail porridge and egg and bacon ice cream making Blumenthal famous those wishing to be one of the first to experience his novel approach to food in the capital should book quickly. www.mandarinoriental.com/london/ 

Shangri-La Boracay Resort & Spa

The Luxury Travel Bible is looking relaxed and ready for the pre-Christmas rush after three days chilling out at Shangri-La's luxe Boracay Resort and Spa, in the Philippines. We'll especially miss Butler Mike (who magically appeared within seconds of being summoned by speed dial) along with the gorgeous ocean views from the veranda of our private tree-house villa complete with jaccuzzi. Also memorable were the champagne toasts and seafood barbecue on the beach and an morning of blissful pampering in Shangri-La's signature Chi spa sanctuary. Watch out for the full review, coming soon.

Luxury Hotels: Coworth Park, Ascot

I've looked outside, and I can't see a tweed-liveried doorman waiting with a little covered buggy to drive me to dinner. This is disappointing. It's the after-Coworth effect.

Let me warn you about leaving Coworth Park: as you drive out through the gates, it's going to come as shock to find that all the cars on the roads of rural Berkshire are not gleaming Bentleys, Jaguars and Audis. That all the English countryside is not as gorgeously groomed as Coworth's parkland, that all service is not charmingly attentive in a natty tweed suit, and that you might come to four o'clock in the afternoon and not find the most perfect little macaroon next to your cup of tea. Read More...

Luxury Hotels in Luang Prabang

Laid-back Luang Prabang in Laos is the latest word in luxury, according to Sophie Davies of Mr & Mrs Smith ...

If you were hunting for a hot-bed of heavenly boutique hotels where would you look? Try Luang Prabang, Laos's languidly lush northern outpost, where a crop of inspiring boltholes is tempting style-conscious travellers to venture off the beaten trail. In fact, Mr & Mrs Smith has unearthed more creative gems in this sleepy Mekong-side getaway than in many a self-aware major metropolis. Read More.

Hotels with a Heart

The Luxury Travel Bible loves a hotel with a heart. As part of the Winter promotion from the 5th to the 31st January two boutique townhouse hotels will be doing their bit for charity when they raise funds for children in the UK and abroad. Located in the borough of Kensington and Chelsea The Cranley Hotel and The Royal Park Hotel, situated on the edge of Hyde Park will be charging a flat rate of £50 (subject to availability) including a continental breakfast. Guests will then be asked to pay what they believe the stay is actually worth. Any money received over the £50 (+VAT) rate at The Cranley will be donated to Ndoro Children's Charity. Money raised at The Royal Park will be donated to the NSPCC. http://www.thecranley.com/ http://www.theroyalpark.com/

The Savoy Grill re-opens

With a history dating back from 1889 and a rich history of stars, glamour and style it is a welcome return for The Savoy Grill. After the major refurbishment of the entire hotel one of London's most iconic restaurants is reopening, as part of Gordon Ramsay Holdings, today (29/11/10). Chef Director, Stuart Gillies, alongside Head Chef Andy Cook, have created a menu that is inspired by classic British and French dishes. The Russell Sage Studio is responsible for the restoration and design of the dining room and has been careful to preserve the room's original table plan which features the regular tables of celebrated figures such as Sir Winston Churchill, Oscar Wilde, Charlie Chaplin, Frank Sinatra, Elizabeth Taylor and Marilyn Monroe. Art Deco inspired chandeliers, lustrous wood panelling, antique mirrors, luxurious mohair velvet coverings and gold leaf-lined faux turtle shell-clad walls will bring a new level of elegance to the room while restoring it to its former glory. The Luxury Travel Bible says ... "Welcome back". www.fairmont.com/savoy  www.gordonramsay.com/thesavoygrill/

Chocolate at 57 stories high

The Club at Marina Bay Sands a brand-new executive-floor lounge located at Sands SkyPark has now officially opened to club and suite guests. Located on the top of Hotel Tower 2, at a height of 200 meters, this 218-seat lounge will offer guests views of the city skyline from dawn to dusk. Guests will have use of all-day non-alcoholic beverages, free wireless internet and use of iPads and laptops.

Between the hours of 7am to 7pm guests can enjoy their complimentary breakfast, Afternoon Tea, evening cocktails, champagne and canapés. From 8pm The Club will turn into Singapore's first Chocolate Bar. This chocolate buffet, some 57 stories high, offers 57 chocolate-themed dishes crafted by hand with Valrhona chocolate and created by executive pastry chef Alejandro Luna and his team. The Chocolate Bar will also be available to the general public. http://www.marinabaysands.com/