To all The Luxury Travel Bible readers we wish you a very happy, healthy and luxury New Year. Thank you for all the support in 2010 since our launch in April. See you in 2011! - TLTB team
December 31, 2010
Happy New Year from The Luxury Travel Bible
Reading for the first class lounge
Two of the stylish, travel books Santa brought Christmas morning... Audrey Hepburn style and The Art of Travel - some perfect reading for my next The Luxury Travel Bible trip! SB
December 23, 2010
Happy Holidays
May your wrapping be festive &; all your destinations bright: Happy Holidays to our readers from all of us here at The Luxury Travel Bible. Many thanks for all your amazing support throughout 2010 since our April launch and here's to a luxury 2011!
December 22, 2010
An inspiring charitable, challenge.
The last few weeks in The Luxury Travel Bible office have been full of mince pies, hot chocolates and Christmas parties with a good dose of cocktails and canapés. That is why we are even MORE impressed with the amazing achievement of Neil O'Maonaigh-Lennon. While the rest of us have been getting festively as full as the Christmas goose Neil has been running his "Marathon Mad" challenge of 105 marathons in 105 days (yes you did read that correctly, 105 marathons in just 105 days). Starting in Brighton on September 30th this challenge has taken Neil around the United Kingdom, in often difficult weather conditions. He is running the marathons in aid of Cancer Research UK and has raised £10,000. Cancer Research is the world's leading charity dedicated to beating cancer through research. The organisation has saved millions of lives by discovering new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer. Neil is due to complete his 105th marathon on 23rd December back where he started at Brighton Pier.
'Marathonman 105' follows Neil's 2008 challenge of running 30 Marathons in 30 days around Taiwan. We can't wait to see what he attempts next but TLTB's only hope now is that he takes a very well deserved rest over Christmas and New Year. SB
To see more of Neil's journey around the country and to donate visit http://www.marathonmad105.com/ , http://www.justgiving.com/Neil-O-Maonaigh-Lennon
Lee Westwood's first golf academy outside UK
World Number One golfer Lee Westwood is to open his first overseas junior golf academy next summer at the Spainish five-star La Manga Club resort. Already a popular resort for active families this latest facility will allow junior luxies to follow in the footsteps of one of the world's best golfers. The academy will operate between August 1-5 and also 8-12 will follow a programme designed by Westwood, teaching children all aspects of the game. The academy will run for two hours each day and will be open to boys and girls aged between seven to 11 and 12-16 years. Westwood said: "I am delighted to be working with La Manga Club on my first academy outside of the UK. I hope that the principles that have helped me to rise to the top of the game will be a source of great benefit and encouragement to young players both on and off the golf course." http://www.lamangaclub.com/
December 21, 2010
Sleep like a King
Part of the Palace of Versailles, once the setting for French state affairs, popular tourist destination and symbol of French decadence, is set to accommodate guests from late 2011. Belgian company, Ivy International SA, is to turn The Hotel du Grand Controle, traditionally home to the palace's treasurers, into a luxury 23-bedroom hotel. The 5.5 million euro (7.3 million US dollars) renovation of the 1,700 square-metre building, which was built in the 1680s by architect Jules Hardouin-Mansart, will be led by Frederic Didier, chief architect for historic monuments. The company will lease the building for 30 years and pay back rent each year to the Chateau de Versailles. This fee will be used to complete necessary renovation work to the building.
The UNESCO World Heritage Centre has named the Palace of Versailles as one of the greatest achievements of 18th-century French art.
en.chateauversailles.fr
en.chateauversailles.fr
Asia's first 'Snow Polo'
The recently opened Tianjin Goldin Metropolitan Polo Club ("Metropolitan Polo Club"), with the largest facilities in China, will host Asia's first 'Snow Polo' tournament from February 15th to 20th 2011. The tournament, which follows the Chinese New Year holidays, will have an Alpine village and ice sculptures as its backdrop. This prestigious competition will be played between six teams from the world's leading polo playing nations: England, France, Australia, New Zealand, Argentina and China. Two matches will be played daily in a league format, 14 goal open, during the week-long event.
http://www.metropolitanpoloclub.com/ http://www.goldinmetropolitanhotel.com/
December 20, 2010
LUX Travellers' Favourite Airports
LUXURY TRAVELLERS who get on and off planes frequently all have their own travelling rituals. I am one of those people who always checks the destination tag on my luggage before it disappears along the conveyor belt just to make sure my suitcase isn't heading for Hawaii while I'm bound for the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok. On a trip to Spain a few years ago my suitcase went on a grand tour of Europe, finally turning up three days later. It spent the rest of the trip chasing me, consistently arriving at various posadas (inns) just after I had departed. The bag obviously had a good time because when I finally got it back I found a coaster in there from a trendy nightclub in Cordoba that I hadn't been anywhere near. Read More
December 16, 2010
O' Christmas Tree, how luxurious are your branches
What is thought to be the world's most expensive Christmas tree has been unveiled by Emirates Palace hotel, Abu Dhabi. Located in the hotel's lobby the 13-metre fake tree is decorated with silver and gold bows, ornaments and fairy lights. So far, so normal. What takes this tree into the luxury sphere is the diamonds, pearls, emeralds, sapphires and other precious stones necklaces, earrings and other jewellery draped over the branches. The estimated value of the decorations is over $US11million. The hotel plan to contact the Guinness Book of Records about the tree, which will remain in the hotel lobby until the end of the year, to see if it qualifies.
We have come to expect nothing less from the hotel that introduced a vending machine that dispenses gold bars (in weights of 1 gram, 5 gram and 10 gram bars of gold as well as gold coins) in March.
http://www.emiratespalace.com/
NEW TOP TEN: Hotels in Movies
All those corridors and bedrooms... hotels are the perfect location for film excitement, suspense, and hanky-panky. And there's many a movie which has borrowed its glamour from an iconic hotel. Find out which have been voted into the world's top ten movie locations. http://bit.ly/fpdohaNEW TOP TEN: Outdoor Ice Rinks
There's nothing like taking a spin on the ice for turning staid grownups into larky kids, and fractious kids into happy little holiday munchkins. Do it outdoors, on one of the world's most iconic ice rinks, and get yourself classic holiday experience. http://bit.ly/hKcuPo
TOP TEN: Ice Cool Hotels
Baby it's cold outside...But surprisingly cosy inside! The ultimate winter break destination. There's no fake snow on the windows of these ice hotels: they really are the ultimate winter-break locations. The luxury is the sheer madness of the idea, and the fact that it all melts away come spring... December 15, 2010
Open Passport: Robert Pattinson & Kristen Stewart
Always likely candidates for a clinch under the mistletoe, they have become internationally famous for starring as teenage mis-fit Bella and dark and brooding vampire Edward Cullen in the Twilight Saga. Robert Pattinson and Kristen Stewart open their passports and reveal their favourite travel destinations. http://bit.ly/c7Pcjb
December issue
The Christmas issue of TLTB has been sent out so check you inbox. This month we unwrap some perfect Christmas check-ins; places where yuletide can be celebrated in truly traditional style. If you haven't already signed up to TLTB join here and we will send you the latest issue faster than you can say 'check me into first class'.
Skypoint Observation Deck Relaunched
The Luxury Travel Bible enjoyed a heavenly evening at the relaunch of the new Skypoint Observation Deck, Q1's top attraction, last night. The highlight was watching winged angels pour Champagne from above a sparkling ensemble of guests who included Australian motorcycle legend and local Mick Doohan. Donned in flowing white drapery and blue mood lighting the deck lounge provided a magical cloud-like setting to watch a dramatic sunset over the glittering Gold Coast. TLTB anticipates this will quickly become one of the GC's hottest spots to party on Friday and Saturday nights - with a DJ providing the sky tunes from 8pm. http://www.q1.com.au/
Smart, yet stylish footwear
When you travel as much as The Luxury Travel Bible does we are always on the lookout for smarter ways to pack. That's why we think Redfoot Shoes' patented split-sole, folding shoes are such a great stocking filler for the traveller in your life (or for yourself). Stylish ballet flats for women that fold down to half their size, and that come with a very handy bag, take up hardly any space in your luggage. They offer comfort and support when sightseeing and are great to keep in your bag when the killer heels get too much at the end of the night. TLTB's golfing correspondent is also very impressed with Redfoot for Men which are perfect to wear in the clubhouse after a game. Redfoot Men are both small enough to fit in your golf bag yet smart enough to wear when having a well-deserved drink after a round of 18. Redfoot was developed by The Bacup Shoe Company, a family-run company that was established in 1928.
TLTB recently travelled with some Redfoot Shoes and it was a great relief not to have a heavy carry-on half full of shoes (as is so often the case). SB
Luxury link: http://www.redfootshoes.com/
December 14, 2010
'Ice' on the Cake
Eco retreat Frégate Island Private, in the Seychelles have created the world's most exclusive dessert. Teaming up with diamond cutting company, Rosy Blue, the diamond-studded dessert is worth in excess of US$5 million. This one-of-a-kind chocolate tart was created by Maitre Andre Barbe, Frégate's chef patissier and is decorated with no fewer than 929 diamonds, totalling 151.92 carats - including seven individual stones of between 5.05 and 9.04 carats. The dessert also comes with two First Class Emirates tickets to the Seychelles from any destination in the world and one week stay for two at the retreat. The dessert's purchaser can choose which private location on the retreat to present the dessert. The Luxury Travel Bible can't think of any better 'frosting' for dessert on Valentine's day (or any other day for that matter).
The diamonds, independently certified by the Gemological Institute of America, include one worth over US$1million on its own - an 8.04 carat, internally flawless Round Brilliant stone colour graded D. A further two internally flawless stones weigh 7.05 and 6.63 carats respectively, while the largest of the diamonds, at 9.04 carats, is graded VVS1 for clarity. http://www.fregate.com/
The art of sending postcards
Lonely Planet has released what they feel will be travel's 'Ten best things to do in 2011'. Their list supports the view that The Luxury Travel Bible has been thinking for a while; that 2011 will be a very exciting year in travel. However there was one suggestion on their list that made TLTB laugh due to a recent piece of mail. Number ten on their list was the call to reject the emails, texts and phones calls when travelling and return to the art of writing and sending postcards. 'Great idea' says TLTB especially after one member of the editorial team was recently asked "I didn't know you had gone to Vietnam again". They had not been in that part of the world since a holiday in 2008 but that didn't stop a postcard (sent from Hoi An in March 2008) dropping through a letterbox in England just a few weeks ago. It arrived looking slightly battered (who knows what sort of journey it has been on over the past two years) but it proves that the art of the postcard never dies. It acted as a great reminder for the sender of a trip over two years prior - the written description of the town's colourful lanterns brought back lots of memories.
If you are unable to completely step away from the technology HazelMail website (also available as an iPhone app) allows travellers to upload a digital photo and they will convert this into a postcard and send it to your chosen recipient. SB
Q1's QDeck to be unveiled
Gold Coast icon Q1 and its top attraction will hit the spotlight again tonight when the million-dollar makeover of the QDeck is unveiled. VIP guests attending the party in the sky at the new Skypoint Observation Deck will enjoy unrivalled views of the coast from Australia's highest altitude bar - accompanied by signature cocktails and canapés and music by rising star DJ Havanna Brown.
While a sophisticated cocktail lounge by night, by day visitors to the deck will also be able to learn more about the Gold Coast's iconic surf history and view some exclusive memorabilia at the brand new Surf World as well as check out the brand new theatrette with "Icons of the Gold Coast" paying homage to the people that have shaped this glittering city.The Observation Deck is the newest attraction for Ardent Leisure which owns the Gold Coast's popular Dreamworld and WhiteWater World theme parks. http://www.q1.com.au/
December 13, 2010
Lufthansa adds A380 to JFK-Frankfurt route
Another airline is adding the A380 on a route into New York's JFK airport. Lufthansa will begin flying an A380 route into JFK from February 18 next year, operating a twice-weekly service to Frankfurt. The airline will increase the service on the JFK-Frankfurt route building up to a daily service by mid-April. Lufthansa will become the third airline to fly A380 to JFK, following Emirates and Air France. JFK will become Lufthansa's fourth A380 destination joining Beijing, Johannesburg and Tokyo. www.lufthansa.com
The Goring
We hear that Kate Middleton is considering The Goring Hotel to accommodate her family during her wedding. Good choice we say! Read the hotel's Chief Executive Jeremy Goring's Expert Opinion here.
December 12, 2010
Relais Santa Croce joins Relais & Châteaux
Relais Santa Croce, the Florentine property of the Baglioni Hotels Collection, has been announced as the latest member of the Relais & Châteaux association. This historic hotel sits in the heart of Florence and is housed in a palace built by the Marquis Baldinucci in 1700. Since its recent restoration great care has been taken to preserve the furnishings, fabrics and original frescoes. The 24 individual rooms are all decorated with antiques and furniture by Italian designers. Relais Santa Croce is part of the Baglioni Hotels Collection , which has 11 properties, including Luna Hotel Baglioni.
http://www.baglionihotels.com/
December 11, 2010
Christmas is coming...
This beautiful Christmas card arrived for The Luxury Travel Bible earlier ... very appropriate considering the feature that we have coming up next week!
December 9, 2010
Etihad Airways open new premium lounge
Etihad Airways have opened its latest premium lounge in Manchester Airport's Terminal 1. Continuing the airlines commitment to the North West of England the Etihad Pearl Business class guests were the first to experience the lounge following the official opening by Manchester City Football Club (MCFC) manager, Roberto Mancini; Garry Cook, MCFC Chief Executive; and Mike Summerbee, MCFC ambassador.
The lounge features include five-star dining facilities, business centre, family room for the junior luxies, relaxation area, prayer room and expansive views over the airport's runway. The lounge will also feature a specially designed gallery showcasing memorabilia of Manchester City Football Club, which Etihad has sponsored since 2009. http://www.etihadairways.com/
Let's go to the Movies
As the official hotel partner for Sydney, Australia's St. George OpenAir cinema, InterContinental Sydney is offering the ultimate VIP pre- and post-cinema experience. Sydney's open air cinema allows movie-goers to experience a movie under the stars against the stunning Sydney Harbour backdrop. Sydney InterContinental's Open Air Cinema package includes overnight accommodation at InterContinental Sydney, valet parking and two adult tickets to St George Open Air Cinema, located just minutes from the hotel in the Royal Botanic Gardens. To complete the VIP experience guest can upgrade to a Club InterContinental guest room and gain access to the exclusive Club InterContinental lounge featuring an outdoor terrace and breathtaking views over the harbour. The lounge includes deluxe breakfast, morning and afternoon tea, and extensive pre-cinema drinks and canapés.
InterContinental Sydney's Open Air package is available throughout the 36-night, 2011 season of St. George OpenAir Cinema, commencing January 12 and closing on February 19.
Treetop dining at Six Senses
Dining at Six Senses has always been special but now this has been taken to new heights with the recently launched Treepod Dining experience at Soneva Kiri by Six Senses. Situated at one of the best vantage points in the resort guests board the treepod at ground level and then are gently hoisted 16 feet in the air into the tall, native massang trees. Host Khun Lek accesses the diners through the air on a zip line coming from a small platform perched half way down the hill. Once Lek has served the meal he zips back down the hill, discreetly of course, but is always on hand should the guests need him.
One achievement that the resort is particularly proud of is that the structure was built without any bolts of attachments into the trees.
Breakfast, Lunch or dinner are available at the Treepod and menus follow jungle themes such as 'Canapés in the Canopy', 'Forager's Basket', 'Woodland Offerings', using produce predominantly from the resort's organic gardens or the island of Koh Kood. With birds' eye views over the stunning scenery and the only other company being the odd butterfly or the interruption of the swaying leaves this dining experience is one to remember. The Luxury Travel Bible has heard that even those without a head for heights are enjoying this unusual experience. SB
Luxury link: http://www.sixsenses.com/
Stargazing by TLTB
Today's news about the rare astronomic events at Uluru (see below) will be stunning. But year-round stargazing is available in this area. On a visit to Uluru a year ago the pitch-black sky, millions of bright stars and the odd shooting one, made for an unforgettable moment. A simply stunning area. SB
December 8, 2010
Stargazing at Ayers Rock Resort
Uluru Kata-Tjuta National Park is always a spectacular location to visit however during upcoming dates in December it is even more special. Two rare astronomic events will be occurring and guests at Ayers Rock Resort, gateway to the National Park, will be able to witness the Geminids Meteor Shower which will peak on the 13 and 14 December where there may be up to 120 meterors per hour visible in the sky. On the 21 December guests will witness a rare total lunar eclipse. The famed Sounds of Silence dining experience which is served in the desert under the stars will be on offer by the resort. http://www.ayersrockresort.com.au/
Vigilius Mountain Resort's new chef
Design Hotels member Vigilius Mountain Resort has announced Mauro Buffo as its new chef at their Restaurant 1500 from February 2011. The luxurious eco-resort's restaurant is known for its diverse menu and modern menu. Buffo will also serve gluten free dishes. Buffo will create a range of themed menus that will reflect his many stints and travels around the world but will also be paying homage to the region's culinary traditions and make use of the local ingredients from the area's farms. The wine cellar at Restaurant 1500 is very well stocked to compliment the dishes on offer. The Vigilius Mountain Resort is located at a 1,500 metres altitude and is only accessible by cable car. www.designhotels.com/vigilius
Posted 8/12/10 
December 7, 2010
Much better than socks
One of the big questions this time of year is 'What do you get the person who has everything?' One option is a voucher to stay at luxury Huka Lodge, New Zealand - so much better than a pair of socks! To be used during 2011 the packages range from a three course lunch by Michelin-starred chef Michel Louws to a champagne helicopter ride over the region's spectacular mountain and lake scenery. The vouchers are also redeemable for a stay at the lodge which was designed by luxury hotels designer, Virignia Fisher.
http://www.hukalodge.com/
December 6, 2010
Hansar Bangkok opens January 2011
Will this be one of the first hotel openings of 2011? The new 94-suite Hansar Bangkok will open its doors on 4th January 2011. Each of the 94 suites feature contemporary design by Singapore based WOHA, and wi-fi, flatscreen TVs, DVD players and iPod docking stations, blissful king-sized plus beds, rainshowers and free-standing terrazzo bathtubs. A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World the hotel is part of Hansar Hotels and Resorts which also opened Hansar Samui, a 74 room beachfront resort, in July. December 3, 2010
A day of contrast for TLTB
Today has been a day of contrast for The Luxury Travel Bible. From a warm, sunny Friday morning in Sotogrande, Spain...
... to a cold London afternoon with thick snow on the ground.
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