... a new luxury suite ... always

There is a lot happening in Sydney right now: - the Park Hyatt soon to be re-opened, a new five-star, The Darling opening Friday  - but for today we're celebrating the new Terrace Suites at Sheraton on the Park. The "opening of these suites marks the culmination of a $40 million renovation at Sheraton on the Park." says Mr Sean Hunt, Regional Vice President for Starwood Pacific Hotels and Managing Director of Sheraton on the Park.  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 thereare 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.  MT

Luxury Links: www.sheraton.com/ , www.starwoodhotels.com/

... sweet treats

Those with a sweet tooth are rejoicing that the new Pudding Parlour at London's athenaeum hotel is now open. The Luxury Travel Bible attended the opening (to coincide with British Baking Week) and tested the delectable delights on offer.

Each month the menu will feature a ʻPudding Of The Monthʼ by Great British Bake Off winner Edd Kimber.  'The Boy Who Bakes' was on hand at the opening to demonstrate how he made October's featured pudding, the delicious 'Plum Almondine'. The lovely Edd revealed some of the upcoming featured puddings and TLTB particularly likes the sound of December's Traditional Home Made Mince Pies (a Kimber family recipe).

The menu will also feature puddings ranging from Macaroons to chocolate truffles to Champagne jellies  by the hotel's head pastry chef Marion.

So, forget cocktails bars and head to the pudding parlour instead for a post-theatre or late night treat.

The Pudding Parlour at the athenaeum will be open Monday - Friday from 8.00pm -11.00pm and Saturday from 9.00pm - 11.00pm.£10 per visit, £15 including a glass of Pudding Wine. SB


Luxury Link: http://www.athenaeumhotel.com/ www.theboywhobakes.co.uk

... from the mouths of babes - Virgin Galactic

We're loving this quote from a Richard Branson employee's kid  during  the Big R's trip to Christchurch New Zealand (20 October). Branson was in town to cheer up his troops, help the earthquake-beleagurered city - oh and go on to see the final of the Rugby World Cup in Auckland on Sunday.

''The most gruelling thing was the staff's kids questions,'' Branson told press. ''They were budding journalists in there.''  Yes, such as Daniel Trenberth, 11, whose father Dave is a Pacific Blue training manager, who asked Branson if he was entitled to staff travel on Virgin Galactic.

''He said he was thinking about it,'' Daniel said.

TLTB says, "And what about using Virgin frequent flyer points Richard"?

Luxury Link: http://www.christchurchnz.com/

... a great Aussie Travel App

New travel App, AUSTRALIA: Where to Go has just launched on the Apple iTunes store and we just had to share with TLTB readers.

This App is the definitive guide to the best places and authentic experiences Down Under. Want to go snorkelling off tropical islands, dine at Sydney's hottest spots, muster cattle in the outback, see native animals, enjoy deserted beaches, discover centuries-old Aboriginal rock art or watch some of Australia's finest actors on stage? It's all detailed on this App and TLTB readers will be pleased to know that there is plenty of luxury content.

Sue Gough Henly has condensed all that Australia has to offer and created a visually rich (there are more than 2500 photos and videos) app that gives the insider low-down on how to explore Australia like a local, whether visiting for just a few weeks or have lived there a few years.

TLTB loves how user friendly AUSTRALIA: Where to Go is with content filtered by criteria such as outback, on the water, wildlife, family, luxury, urban, eco and sorted by name, distance, price and state. It also features maps and directions and direct links to Wikipedia, State Tourism or Parks Department websites (whichever is most useful to the user). MT

Click here to read more about the App on iTunes.

... being a cowboy

Deep down, The Luxury Travel Bible thinks everyone wants to be a cowboy (or at least spend some time with one).

But there is no need to venture too far into the Wild, Wild West as The Ranch at Rock Creek, Montana  is offering a more luxurious cowboy adventure.

With over 20 outdoor activities to try out ranch staff felt guests were overlooking the simple art of relaxation. 'Cowboy Kipping' or 'Napping', as it is known on the ranch, has joined the line-up of Autumn activities, giving guests the opportunity to kick-back in rugged terrain, just like the Lone Ranger.

Six hammocks across riverside and mountain locations are all newly equipped with soft pillows, warm blankets and all offer up-close viewing points for local wildlife and the golden Autumnal foliage. Guests can either hike to the napping spots or be driven out by one of the onsite ranch hands for some quiet contemplation.

For the full cowboy experience guests can saddle-up and horseback ride through the throughout the 6,600 acre ranch, learn fly fishing at Rock Creek and try their hand at a spot of clay pigeon shooting. MT

Luxury Link: www.TheRanchatRockCreek.com

... Little LUXE for Little Luxies

LUXE City Guides, known for their short, sharp and snappy reviews,  has launched a brand new series aimed at families. Little LUXE gives all the information you need for travelling with children. The first pocket sized book in the series will be Little LUXE Hong Kong. Little LUXE guides are written by resident editors with families for fellow luxury traveller families.

LUXE has partnered with Little Steps Asia, an online resource giving  parents guidance on what to do, buy, and discover in Asia, to create a guide that will keep the kids happy and therefore their parents. CA

Little LUXE Hong Kong is now available in stores and online at www.luxecityguides.com  Little LUXE Singapore will be available from November.

... arriving in style

The Luxury Travel Bible loves to arrive (and depart) in style and that is exactly what happens at MAIA Luxury Resort & Spa in The Seychelles.

The luxury resort has recently launched its own helipad and have also purchased an amphibian boat, 'Sealegs'.  The helipad allows guest to arrive in just 10 minutes from other resorts nearby and also explore the area on scenic flights. The resort has teamed up with Zil Air, a newly launched helicopter company in the Seychelles who can arrange stylish flights for guests.

'Sealegs' gives guests the opportunity to keep their feet dry when arriving at the resort  from their yachts which can be moored off the resort's beach. 'Sealegs' can also take guests on days trips to visit other islands and secluded beaches.

MAIA Luxury Resort & Spa has 30 private villas including 3 Ocean View Villas and 8 Ocean Front Villas. A Leading Hotels of the World property it is set on a 30 acre private peninsula on the southwest coast of the main island of Mahé. SB

Luxury Link:  www.maia.com.sc

... a memory in a bottle

It is amazing how a scent can bring back memories of travel. The smell of sunscreen, flowers or a local cuisine can instantly transport one back to a favourite location or holiday. That is why we love Molton Brown's new perfume range.

The 'Navigations through Scent' Collection's five unique fragrances can instantly trigger a memory of a place, location, time or setting. Jennifer Jambon, Molton Brown's Principle Perfumer spent a year researching each of the destinations and discovering scent ingredients which can powerfully evoke emotions. (The Luxury Travel Bible has tried them all and they really do!)

The range starts in the Ancient World and birthplace of fragrance, Egypt, China and Indonesia. It then journeys to England for trade and then travels to the New World in Canada. Each fragrance contains a lead ingredient from the country it is named after.

IUNU (Egypt) has Egyptian white jasmine as its lead ingredient for 'elegant opulence', the floral-musky LIJIANG (China) conjures images of silk and tea and SINGOSARI (Indonesia) takes inspiration from spices and patchouli. APULDRE (England) leads with juniper berries so it is no wonder images of gin and tonics on green lawns are created. Finally, ROGART (Canada) features fir balsam and maple to recreate the feeling of feeling warm inside, with cold weather outside.

Not only would these luxury fragrances make a stylish, special gift for anyone who loves travel they are striking unisex scents for anyone who loves perfume. After a 'journey through scent' TLTB has decided that our favourite is either Singosari or Apuldure.

Navigations Through Scent are available at Harrods. 

Luxury Links: www.moltonbrown.co.uk , www.harrods.com

Making a fashionable entrance

Celebrating its fourth year as the Official Hotel of the London Fashion Week, The May Fair Hotel have collaborated with fashion graphic designer, Spiros Halaris. His vibrant fashion illustrations, depicting images from the catwalk, will transform the windows of the hotel for London Fashion Week making a very stylish entrance.

Having previously worked with luxury fashion brands such as D&G, Hemyca and Tom Ford, The Luxury Travel Bible looks forward to seeing the exclusive collaboration when the fashionable windows are unveiled on September 15th.

In celebration of fashion week the hotel has also specially created a LFW Cocktail, The Pout (Victoria Beckham would approve) and the spa will be offering a 'Catwalk Wrap' treatment to get guests catwalk ready.

Luxury Link: www.themayfairhotel.co.uk　

London Fashion Week runs 16th-21st September www.londonfashionweek.co.uk

A luxury souvenir

Luxury watch company Enigma have produced ten, limited edition Aqua Expeditions C42 Amazon watches to celebrate the launch of Aqua Expeditions' new luxury Pervuian Amazon cruiser, the M/V Aria.

The limited edition Aqua Expeditions C42 Amazon watches will be exclusively available on board the M/V Aria, and the company's first vessel, the M/V Aqua.

The Luxury Travel Bible thinks this is a pretty cool souvenir to bring home from a luxury holiday.

Each of the stylish, unisex watches has the Enigma and Aqua Expeditions logos on the watch face and have been designed with the Amazon environment in mind. The watch is perfect for optimal reading during low-light wildlife treks with Luminova treated hands, a steel case with anti-glare glass, a see-through case back and the watch is waterproof to 100 metres - sounds perfect for a luxury adventure traveller.

Peruvian tour company, Aqua Expeditions were the first to introduce five-star luxury cruises to the Amazon River in Peru. For further information about Aqua Expeditions visit www.aquaexpeditions.com

... a summer BBQ

If your idea of a Barbecue is a few burnt sausages over some smouldering coal, think again.

On Saturday The Luxury Travel Bible attended a BBQ Masterclass at The Terrace at Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel in Belgravia to learn more about the menu. Executive Chef Martin Gabler demonstrated making each of the dishes from the menu. The Luxury Travel Bible even had a go at making the signature Beef Burgers... we now know the ingredients to the burgers but we won't reveal the secret - you will just have to try them for yourself.

The sun was shining, the Pimms was suitable chilled, the atmosphere on the Terrace was sociable and most importantly the mouthwatering food was plentiful. The only way to end the meal was with one of the most delicious Chocolate Fondants TLTB has ever tasted.

The beauty of the menu is down to excellent quality ingredients. A visit to The Terrace is worth it just to try the delicious prawns and the tender chicken kebabs ... oh and the juicy steaks... and the burgers. .. oh and the Lamb Koftas....

Luxury Links: www.jumeirah.com

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.

Otahuna reopens in style

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.

Film is on the rocks

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 Bible

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.

www.thedatai.com.my/,  www.shr.my/,  www.llhw.com

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

A hundred acre woods playroom.

Children will love the athenaeum's new pop-up playroom for the British school summer holidays. Created by Disney, the first time the company has worked with a UK hotel to create a 'Disney experience', the playroom is packed with toys, Lego Duplo, crafts and games all featuring Pooh and his friends. The room also houses giant Winnie the Pooh characters and a one hundred-acre wood style table and chairs. Every weekend the kids' concierge will host a honey-flavoured 'High-Tea' made using Regent's Park bees' honey (or should that be 'hunny' as Pooh would say) in the Playroom for children and their parents. The hotel's nannies can be booked to watch the children in the playroom if the parents wish to sneak off to enjoy the spa, afternoon tea or the attractions of London for a couple of hours. In conjunction with the themed playroom the hotel has launched honey-themed family picnic hampers which can be enjoyed in one of the nearby Royal parks. The hampers include delicious honey roasted ham sandwiches, and  honey cheesecake and comes with a Winnie The Pooh teddy bear and sticker book. SB Luxury Links:www.athenaeumhotel.com www.disney.co.uk

A new sleek new hotel

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. As you would expect with a Design Hotels member, Hotel Lone is design-focused with minimalist curves, designed by Croatian architect Silvije Novak of 3LHD. The hotel's 'Y-Shaped' design has been created to give each of the room either sea or park views. The interior design shows respect for the environment with the integration of the location into the hotel through the use of large glass walls and mirrors.

Each of Hotel Lone's seven restaurants and bars have a different concept and cuisine and the Wellness Center's eight treatment rooms offers a variety of treatments including facial and body treatments, massages, invigorating baths and sauna with scented steam, Finnish, Turkish, salt and infrared sauna options.

Luxury Link: www.designhotels.com/lone

 

four-legged friendly luxury

Travellers who love luxury and who also love their four legged friends will love 'Chien Bleu', which is devoted to fine accommodation that also satisfies guests of the canine variety.

This new holiday company has tested its entire portfolio with their pups in tow and only accommodation meeting their dog-friendly criteria receives the 'Paw of Approval'.

'Chien Bleu' was created by Erin Boyd and is named after her yellow labrador, Blue. Erin noticed that many people love to travel with their dogs and the only available resource to find dog-friendly hotels came from other dogs who had already said there. Erin saw that there was a gap in the market so embarked on 18 months of research, testing and travelling to create the company.

During 2011 'Chien Bleu' is focusing on hotels in the UK, with 30 hotels already being picked out as their favourites. There are plans for a worldwide brochure in the future. 'Chien Bleu' launches August 2nd.

 

Luxury Link: www.chienbleutravel.com/

Champagne on Ice

The Luxury Travel Bible always like anything that combines champagne and skiing so we are looking forward to 'Clicquot in the Snow for 2011'. This celebration of Veuve Clicquot champagne and après ski will take over Thredbo Village, NSW, Australia from August 1-7 2011. The entire village will turn 'Clicquot yellow', with bars and clubs decked out in exclusive Clicquot décor and hosting Veuve Clicquot inspired events for guests to enjoy. Events include Clicquot On Piste Brunch Sessions, a Celebrity Tube-A-Thon, Degustation Dinners, a pop-up Clicquot Ice Bar and a  Clicquot Snow Picnic. The week concludes with the Clicquot Classic Ski Race for skiers and snowboarders. 'Clicquot in the Snow' began in Aspen in 2007 and continues to grow each year. 'Clicquot in the Snow Thredbo' will be held August 1 - 7 2011.  To purchase tickets to any of the Clicquot in the Snow 2011 experiences visit www.thredbo.com.au

A hotel group's use of social media

How many of us can claim they have a hotel room named after them? Hugh Hefner can. Barbie can. John Lennon can. Vera Wang can. But now, thanks to NH Hotels, this is no longer only reserved for celebrities.NH Hotels are running a competition, via Facebook, for fans to name their own room in one of their favourite 400 plus hotels in 24 countries worldwide. Not only will their name appear on the door of the room you will also be entered into a competition to win a trip to visit your room in person.Name your room via NH Hotels' Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/NHHoteles  Good Luck!

The Luxury Travel Bible loves this entertaining embrace of social media by a hotel group. SB

Luxury Link: www.nh-hotels.com

A grand Italian suite

And the newly unveiled the Ludovisi Suite in the Regina Hotel Baglioni is certainly that. Black Marquina marble alternating with white Carrara marble decorates the Art Dèco floors, pure silk tapestries featuring creamy cappuccino colours decorate the walls. Louis XVI antique furniture is scattered artfully about the vast living area, three bedrooms and four bathrooms. The word 'sumptuous' springs to mind. Surrounded by a terrace overlooking the Via Veneto, the Ludovisi Suite has unparalleled views over the rooftops and monuments of the Eternal City. Aromatic plants such as lavender, myrtle, rosemary and lemon have been selected to recreate a typical Mediterranean garden atmosphere.
If that isn't enough for you, guests of Ludovisi Suite may also have exclusive use of Regina Hotel Baglioni's private roof top terraces. Oh and did we mention the private elevator to the 7th floor? In fact if you want complete privacy you can reserve the whole of the 7th ' In this way the floor can have increased security ,' says the hotel, 'which makes it the ideal solution for diplomatic stays'. Or indeed visiting film stars and their entourages. HD
Luxury Link: www.baglionihotels.com

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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.

www.observatoryhotel.com.au

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.

www.futurestar.com.au

Cruise Europe in style

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/

Play and Stay

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.

http://itunes.apple.com/gb/app/mr-mrs-smith-plan-and-play/id445834586?mt=8

SWISS airline apps-up

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

It is all about the bed

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

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.

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

a Hong Kong high

When yours is the highest bar in the world, a dizzy 450 metres (1,480 ft) or so up, you have to do something pretty special to compete with the views, especially when the views are of the neon heart of Hong Kong. Last night The Luxury Travel Bible was imbibing blackberry mojitos at the bar at the top of the new Ritz Carlton in HK and we can report that the bar is as breathtaking as the views, no wonder they call it Ozone. A high speed lift sucked us up to the hotel's lobby, already a mind-boggling 103 floors up .Then another elevator shot us into the stratosphere. Stepping out on the 118 floor of this designer fantasy is like starring in Barbarella; shapes twist and turn ,coloured lights dance, builbs drip from the ceiling like clusters of redioactive bubbles. Below us the river twisted like an electric eel surrounded by the twinkle of the city skyscapers. TLTB also loved the coloured lights on the floor that lead to food and the Aladdin's cave of light that leads to the private dining rooms. Where to eat? Italian at Tosca or Chinese at Tin Lung Heen, both have heady views. We predict these will be the hottest tables in town next Chinese new year but can the fireworks even reach this high? HD Luxury Link: www.ritzcarlton.com For more pictures of the bar and of that view Click Here

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.


www.gracehotels.com

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/

St. Regis Aspen re-opens

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

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

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.
The Sentebale Polo Cup was originally due to take place in Dubai earlier in the year.

www.sentebale.org

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

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/

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.orientexpress.com

Villa Clarisse is open

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 Ré 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 Ré and a boutique spa with two treatment rooms make this one worth putting on your must-stay list.

www.villaclarisse.com  www.relaischateaux.com

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.

www.astonmartin.com ,   www.firstlogic.com

Feeling like a Londoner

Last week The Luxury Travel Bible got a sneak peek of the athenaeum's newly refurbished apartments. Housed within historic Edwardian buildings on a quiet street in Mayfair the apartments allow guests to live in their 'Home away from Home' as a true Londoner - they even get their own Mayfair front door. 

TLTB loves that interior designer Paul Faulkner has respected the original Edwardian building's features yet at the same time his modern refurbishment reflects the hotel's personality.

The apartments all come with five star services (including a hot line to Harvey Nichols food hall) and full access to the hotel's facilities and concierge. One guest has commented, "it is like having your own Mayfair home, with a rather lovely hotel attached!". Various sized apartments are available which will suit couples, families as well as business travellers for as long or short as stay as required. Kids will love the bunk beds and complimentary Kid's Menu (created by kids, for kids) while adults will love being able to eat breakfast in their robe and the free mini bar and ice cream.

With little touches such as a fully stocked kitchen, beautiful artwork (TLTB loved the modern piece depicting English money), CDs, DVD's and magazines (all picked to suit the guest) and fresh flowers, you'll feel at home in no time.

Luxury Link: www.athenaeumhotel.com

A way to celebrate the seasons in luxury

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts are celebrating northern Summer with a series of incentives, from complimentary nights to spending credits, to give guests great value and luxury this summer. The Luxury Travel Bible loves the accompanying video.

Cool iced tea, spa treatments, infinity pools, beautiful beaches, the crystal-clear ocean, stunning views, great service, bright sunshine and luxury sum up everything that summer should be (or any other season for that matter).SB

Luxury Link: www.fourseasons.com/special_offers/

                                       

W Hotels new iPhone App

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 Méridien. 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.

 

The application can be downloaded free of charge at http://www.whotels.com or through the Apple App Store at www.whotels.com/mobileapp.  Got it, downloaded it, dancing to it.

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

A May Fair Tutorial

The Luxury Travel Bible recently had drinks at The May Fair Hotel. We tried and loved the signature May Fair Mojito - some even go as far as calling it legendary. The cocktail is a delicious blend of English Blackberries and mint and Cuban rum. It also looks beautiful making it a great cocktail for the British summer.

So how do they make it stand out from every other Mojito on the cocktail menus in London bars? Luckily residen t mixologist at the May Fair Bar, Marios Elias has starred in a How-to video to whet our appetites and also demonstrate to those wishing to recreate it at home.

Question is; What is the secret ingredient? More research is obviously called for. SB
www.themayfairhotel.co.uk www.youtube.com/themayfairhotel

A mega-yacht with style

The newest addition to the exclusive Compaignie du Ponant fleet is L'Austral a mega-yacht with 132 cabins and the best in French decor from designer jean-Philippe Nuel. Large arched windows open onto the sea and the good news is that this ultra-sleek, chic yacht has also earned a 'green ship' label for its eco-frendly features, so you can feel extra good about relaxing in your luxurious suite with its own private balcony. SB

A boutique taste of Brazil

Two hours away from riotous Rio de Janiero is Insólito Boutique Hotel - the hotel's rooms reflect the style of its owner, French-born Emmanuelle de Clermont Tonnerre who has carefully chosen and curated each room's theme. This is a hotel with its own special style so TLTB welcomes the addition of nine new guest rooms and a new restaurant and outdoor parilla (barbeque). Nestled in a rocky hillside, with stunning views of Ferradura Beach, the solar-heated Insólito blends perfectly into its natural surroundings thanks to the skills of celebrated architect Otavio Raja Gabaglia. Two superior rooms, four luxury rooms and three master suites make up the hotel's new digs. Set in an entirely new building, the rooms have been designed to reflect Brazilian Modernism with items of Brazilian furniture by Jorge Zalszupin - one of the founders of L'Atelier - and photographs by modernist photographer, Almir Reis. NS
Luxury Link: www.designhotels.com