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/

Wolfgang Puck to open first European restaurant

Wolfgang Puck is to open his first European restaurant in the Dorchester Collection's new hotel, 45 Park Lane, London. Scheduled to open in spring 2011, Puck will bring his popular and award winning brand to the London dining scene. 'CUT at 45 Park Lane' will be serving the steaks, seafood and a carefully crafted wine list that has brought Puck acclaim in the United States. The chef says, "With its sharp design and incomparable service, Dorchester Collection's 45 Park Lane will be the perfect address for CUT in London". The Luxury Travel Bible can't wait to try out Wolfgang Puck's innovative cusine in a new European setting.

http://www.dorchestercollection.com/ http://www.wolfgangpuck.com/ http://www.45parklane.com/

A very Happy Thanksgiving to all our American followers! The Luxury Travel Bible is very thankful for all the support we have received since our April launch.

We love a design theme! Coworth Park does copper: baths; foliage in the dining room; and look what's hanging in the Barn restaurant.

How about a competition for best hotel door tags? This one for the Stables accommodation at Coworth Park is a definite contender!

W Hotels debuts in Southeast Asia

W Hotels debuts its first hotel in Southeast Asia with the newly opened W Retreat Koh Samui. An all-villa beachfront resort is located at the peak of the north short of Thailand's Samui Island. With the vibrancy and design The Luxury Travel Bible expects when checking into a W Hotel this new hotel also offers panoramic sunrise and sunset view of the Gulf of Thailand and each of the 75 villas include private pools, Yamaha sound system, plasma screen, the signature W bed and W Hotel's Whatever/Whenever® service. The opening of W Koh Samui also marks another milestone as W Hotels continues to grow and are now on track to double its portfolio to more than 50 hotels by 2012. www.whotels.com/kohsamui

Jamaica's new airport

Jamaica will open its third international airport next month. Formally known as the Boscobel Airstrip the new Ian Flemming International Airport has been developed to accomadate the arrival of private international air crafts. Located five miles from Ocho Rios the airport features a passenger lounge, customs and international clearnacne, pilot briefing room and specialized services for private aircrafts. The Ian Flemming International Airport, according to the country's Director of Tourism will provide private aircraft travellers easy and efficient service close to popular destinations on the eastern part of the island. http://www.visitjamaica.com/

Shangri-La heads to Europe

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts new Paris hotel , in the French capital's 16th arrondissement, will open on the 17 December 2010.  This marks the group's first hotel in Europe . Built in 1896 as the private home of Emperor Napoleon Bonaparte's grand-nephew, Prince Roland Bonaparte, Shangri-La Hotel, Paris manages to achieve a balance between the group's signature style of hospitality and the French art de vivre. This new hotel offers 81 rooms including 27 suites, and internationally acclaimed interior designer Pierre-Yves Rochon has crafted each room individually to retain the residential ambience while providing all modern day comforts.   A unique feature for Paris, the hotel offers 40 per cent of rooms and 60 per cent of suites unobstructed views of the Eiffel Tower and the River Seine. http://www.shangri‐la.com/

Mini Cooper, Major Style

The Peninsula New York and The Peninsula Chicago have unveiled two customised Mini Cooper S Clubman vehicles for suite guests looking for complimentary transport for shopping sprees or sightseeing. Guests at the two hotels have access to the chauffeur driven cars for up to three hours a day. Tours at the Peninsula New York are available on the guest's choice of iPhone or iPad, which is available for the duration of their stay. Peninsula Chicago guests have use of an iPhone which provides directions and information for various excursions. Mini engineers have taken into consideration the hotel group and their guests' requirments to customise the cars. The Luxury Travel Bible are fans of the custom-illuminated Peninsula logo on door entry sills, the leather finishing, the signature Peninsula Green colour (to match the other vehicles in the hotel's fleet) and mini fridge with complimentary refreshments (well, all that sightseeing can be quite exhausting).  www.peninsula.com 

Coworth Park

Coworth Park is the perfect place on on a dark, cold November day. Am looking out on autumn trees in the park from the tranquil Spa. The Personalised Aromatherapy Massage at The Spa...Bliss! Coworth Park is Dorchester Collection's country cousin, with a twist: brown & orange tweed, even the horses have orange leg bandages: so smart in the park! JS

Photos and reports from The Luxury Travel Bible's stay at Coworth Park - Coming Soon

An Officer, a Gentleman and an Innkeeper

It seems like November is the month of Celebrity Ambassadors. Richard Gere, star of Pretty Woman, has been named the 2011 Ambassador of Relais & Châteaux. Gere was chosen as ambassador, due to being a " quintessential innkeeper whose personal journey to revive and maintain a historic property is an exceptional example of the passion that binds Relais & Châteaux together".

Gere is innkeeper of the Bedford Post, an eight-bedroom propety located about an hour north of New York City, with his wife Carey Lowell and their business partner Russell Hernandez. Gere himself notes that throughout his long career and the many challenging roles he has played none have been as hard as that of "Innkeeper". Bedford Post was taken on by Gere as an act of preservation in order to provide a gathering place for his local community. It was transformed into a club house with fine food and wine and a serene art de vivre. Bedford Post is also a new addition to the Relais & Châteaux family. http://www.relaischateaux.com/ , http://www.bedfordpostinn.com/

Gwinganna's a winner

At the recent AsiaSpa Awards in Hong Kong, Gwinganna Lifestyle Retreat was voted by 20 international judges as the Spa Retreat of the Year 2010. The only Australian among the list of winners, the award follows last month's Crystal Award for Favourite Spa in Australia by the US-based Spa Finder Reader's Choice Awards. Gwinganna has won that award three years running. http://www.gwinganna.com/

LAN shortens travel time from Australia

We love that we'll be able to enjoy a South American holiday sooner now that LAN has significantly cut its flight times to Lima from Australia. From January 2, new non-stop flights from Santiago, Chile (departing from 2pm every Sunday, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday), means arriving passengers from Australia will be able to connect to Peru's capital in two hours. Previously passengers had to wait up to eight hours. The new flights (aboard Boeing 737-300 aircraft) will also coincide with the launch of other new flights by LAN, from Lima to Iguassu, home of the spectacular Iguassu Falls, and from Lima to the Chilean territory of Easter Island.

To celebrate LAN is offering an introductory roundtrip fare of AUD $2,719 per person, including taxes and fuel surcharges, from Sydney to Lima. This fare is available for sale until November 28 November, 2010, for travel between January 1-31, 2011 http://www.lan.com/

Hollywood mega-star's makeover

If there are lifetime achievement awards for great hotels, this Tinseltown icon would be walking the red carpet. Except that she's currently taking a 22-month career-break for the kind of cosmetic surgery that would make Joan Rivers look like a newcomer to the surgeon's table.

The Hotel Bel-Air has a revered history as a much-loved retreat for Hollywood's privacy-seeking A-listers. Throughout the 30s, 40s and 50s Grace Kelly, Jackie Gleason, Cary Grant, Elizabeth Taylor and Marilyn Monroe all walked the footbridge over Swan Lake to relax around the famous oval pool. And the discreet cabanas and 12 acres of lush gardens in the canyon hideaway offered plenty of opportunity for high-class shenanigans (Lauren Bacall allegedly flooded the hotel during an Academy Awards stayover).

But every Oscar statuette needs a buff-up, and even the most dearly-loved Mission architecture can look dated rather than historic. So the Bel-Air is getting a re-vamp on a Hollywood scale.

Spanish Colonial meets classic contemporary, with a swanky new reception and lobby lounge, a whole new spa building with three guest lofts, complete restyling of all the guest suites, and all the high-tech eco-cleverness we've come to expect from our best hotels. (The famous pool gets underwater acoustics; the swans get a recycling and filtering system in their pond.)

Other hotels turn somersaults to try to keep the door open while undergoing a re-fit. The Bel-Air's Dorchester management decided to shut up shop and do the job on a grand scale. The swans remain the only residents until the re-opening slated for next summer. JS

Luxury link: http://www.hotelbelair.com/

Arriving at Heathrow

This was sent to me by a member of my family who was suggesting that it is organized for her when she arrives for Christmas. Maybe I will have to work on that one but let's face it who wouldn't want this greeting after a long flight this holiday season? CA

Phuket pearl wins design honours

The Luxury Travel Bible favourite, Indigo Pearl's eye-catching and edgy industrial design has earned it top honours at the recent World Travel Awards in London. Regarded as the 'Oscars' of the travel and tourism industry, the independently owned Phuket resort was hailed as Asia's Leading Design Hotel in 2010. Etihad, the Yachts of Seabourn, and Six Senses Resorts & Spas were among other big winners.
 For the complete list see http://www.worldtravelawards.com/

We (still) love the A380

Amidst all the super-hype about the launch of the A380 - and its subsequent grounding by Qantas last week - it's easy to forget what makes these aircraft super-special for long-haul flyers.

Over a glamorous dinner recently, The Luxury Travel Bible's ears were bent by one of our insiders, an experienced business traveller, who was raving about his experience flying with Emirates to Auckland. And apparently he wasn't the only one to lose his sang-froid: the jaws were dropping and camera-phones clicking amongst all the briefcase-class who boarded straight into the upper deck at Dubai.

"I was expecting something bigger and better," says our flight-buddy, "but I assumed a modest progression from other aircraft. I was absolutely astounded. Our personal pods, some quite alone, some in pairs, had masses of storage space for books and a change of clothes. And the seat went completely flat, to make a wonderfully comfortable bed. I had the best night's sleep I've ever had on an aircraft. After 13 hours in the air, I was still wondering at it all."

His only regret was that the two legs of his flight back to London weren't booked on the super-jumbos: "a bitter disappointment." His verdict: the level of comfort on the plane more than made up for the longer flight on the Emirates route. "In future I would structure my itinerary entirely on the basis of flying every possible leg with the A380." JS

In a recent luxe poll of TLTB readers you told us that 55% of you have  booked an airline specifically to fly the A380. Have your say.

Dilmah Tea property joins Relais & Chateaux

Dilmah Tea's Ceylon Tea Trails has become the first Sri Lankan luxury property to join Relais & Chateaux. Selected for its unique character, gourmet cuisine and outstanding service, Ceylon Tea Trails is a four-hour scenic drive away from Colombo and is perched on verdant land 4000ft (1250m) above sea level adjacent to the Central Highlands World Heritage site and a lake. Originally built between 1890 and 1939, each of the retreat's four restored colonial plantation bungalows come with exquisite period furnishings and a manager, chef and butler offering round the clock service. Guest activities include croquet, tennis, spa treatments and of course, high tea. The resort is also a perfect base to climb the Adam's Peak holy mountain as well as visiting Kandy and Nuwara Eliva, which is famous for its 19th century English country architecture. http://www.teatrails.com/



Merry Kiss-mas

It may not even be December yet but the festive season in Covent Garden, London is gearing up to be one of the most romantic yet. On 11th November, the Kissing Christmas Tree will be unveiled. This giant interactive installation's 50,000 red and white lights will illuminateevery time a couple puckers up under the mistletoe. To get visitors in the mood for love, The Body Shop will be hosting 'pucker up' stations to get your pout as perfect as Angelina Jolie's.

As well as serving as a visual tribute to love and goodwill Merry Kissmas, brainchild of Paul Cocksedge Studio (together with partner Joana Pinho), aims to raise over £25,000 for youth charity The Prince's Trust, which aims to change the lives of disadvantaged young people in the UK. The Luxury Travel Bible can't wait to visit and try it out!

The Christmas Tree will be switched on from 11 November 2010 - 05 January 2011.

http://www.coventgardenlondonuk.com/

Up in the Air

Flying British Airways business and we like the middle-booth-for-two, or for one to spread out, who needs a window seat at 30,0000ft? HD

Scott Thomas named Ambassador

The Luxury Travel Bible  favourite and star of The English Patient, Kristin Scott Thomas, has been officially appointed as the Ambassador for Accor's luxury boutique hotel label, MGallery. Her first role as Ambassador was to launch a new guide for MGallery. More than a directory, the guide, which is available to guests at all MGallery hotels, uncovers the story behind each of the hotels in the collection. http://www.mgallery.com/

Click here to read Kristen Scott Thomas' OPEN PASSPORT



TLTB visits The Luxury Travel Fair.

The Luxury Travel Bible had a great day at The Luxury Travel Fair, Olympia, London. There are so many great places to see, visit, experience and do in the world! We also took a well earned rest at The Island Bar for a glass of Pommery Champagne. http://www.luxurytravelfair.com/

Happy birthday Etihad

Many happy returns of the day to Etihad Airways, which celebrates its seventh anniversary today. In that time the airline tells us it has flown over 26 million passengers on more than 180,000 flights to destinations across the Middle East, Africa, Australia, Europe, North America, and Asia. Over the same period the airline's fleet has grown to 57 aircraft. Etihad is one of The Luxury Travel Bible favourites (see our review coming shortly) we think they do business and first class way better than most. The world seems to agree, the airline won a range awards including 'World's Best First Class Airline Seat' and 'World's Best First Class Onboard Catering' in the annual Skytrax survey, as judged by over 18 million air travellers worldwide.

http://www.etihadairways.com/

Phuket resort re-christened

The Chedi Phuket has had a name change, it is now known as The Surin. The newly-dubbed hotel is set on the beach overlooking the clear waters of Pansea Bay, with palm-thatched cottages tucked into tropical gardens and coconut groves. We'll keep you posted on any changes that go along with the new name.

www.thesurinphuket.com/

Miami, menus and Michelin stars

The Luxury Travel Bible is looking forward to eating at The Setai South Beach now that David Werly is the new Executive Chef. Werly has a great culinary track record and comes directly from the Michelin Star, Five Diamond Award AAA Le Cirque at Bellagio in Las Vegas. He trained under Alaine Ducasse and worked at Two-star Michelin Hotel Ritz in Parisand the Two-star Michelin restaurant Le Précatelan Lenotre in Paris. He also held the Executive Chef title at Auberge d'Artzenheim Restaurant in Alsace. We can't wait to see his Miami menu. http://www.lhw.com/, http://www.setai.com/

Male adrenalin junkies only

The rules of the privately-run St Moritz Toboggan Club, state quite clearly that only men can hurl themselves the Cresta Run. Since The Luxury Travel Bible is an equal opportunity organisation we're not sure how we feel about that one, although frankly what sane woman would want to? Male adrenalin junkies over the age of 18 years of age can ride down the world famous ice run on non-race days. One of the easiest, and most luxurious ways, to get access to the run is to book a Cresta Run Package from the Kulm Hotel St Moritz, which includes 3 nights' B&B accommodation and five rides on the Cresta Run, as well as tuition, equipment and a 25-minute massage, which should come in handy to soothe bumps and bruises if you fall off. We're not sure who will sooth the ego. Since women are not actually banned from the hotel they can book in on the same package as a partner with the Cresta Run element substituted for a CHF400 credit in the hotel's Panorama Spa. Now you're talking.

http://www.kulmhotel-stmoritz.ch/

Celebrity Travel: Johnny Depp

Johnny Depp is a man in demand, he has just be named "Most powerful Celebrity' by Entertainment Weekly and is currently filming Pirates of the Caribbean 4 - On Stranger Tides which is being shot on location in Puerto Rico, Hawaii and St Ives in Cornwall,UK .

He may feel at home in the Caribbean, or at least the movie version of it, or in Wonderland as the Mad Hatter from Tim Burton's adaptation of Lewis Carroll's literary classic Alice in Wonderland. However, it's France where Johnny lays his hat in real life. Read Johnny's Open Passport at The Luxury Travel Bible.

November 2010

THIS MONTH our jet-weary writers have climbed mountains, trekked jungles, sailed seas, tested sunloungers, soaked in spas and schussed down ski slopes, all to bring you reports on the globe's most gorgeous luxury hotels, luxury resorts and to-die-for destinations. We've checked the thread count so you can sleep easy. Yes, we did it all for you... Click to view what is in the Limelight this month.

ALSO, November's newsletter has been sent out so check your inbox.

Luxury lodge on the road to recovery

Over a cocktail with Hall Cannon, owner of Otahuna Lodge a few weeks back your The Luxury Travel Bible correspondent was concerned at what the Canterbury Earthquake had done to his lodge, New Zealand's largest private historic residence.  Indeed she was so concerned she had to drink at least three more cocktails to calm her nerves... So we are thrilled that Hall reports that in the past five weeks some major accomplishments have been made in a project that is set to take several months. There is still more to come however, including rebuilding the property's many chimneys, replacing damaged roof areas with more than 4000 new shingle roof tiles, correcting faults to the homestead's plastered walls and ceilings and extensive seismic strengthening. All of which means guest can start enjoying the luxuries of Otahuna again on Monday 10 January 2011.


New year's Resolution - be the first to book in to the restored Otahuna Lodge.

http://www.otahuma.co.nz/