For all the romantics amongst you...

Couples who become engaged on Hayman Island during 'A Month of Love' will received a complimentary Romantic Wedding. During February 2011 the Hayman Team will work to help make your 'diamond moment' sparkle and create the Ultimate Proposal. How about a candlelit dinner, a rose-petal scattered bath, a bottle of Mumm Champagne or an escape to a private island? Although you will have to choose that all-important ring and work out what to say to your beloved yourself.

Once engaged the couple will be invited to return for their nuptials, complete with wedding celebrant, ceremony location and set-up and the assistance of a Hayman wedding planner

If you have already done the whole engagement-wedding thing Hayman Island will help the romance live on with a range of specially created aphrodisiac-laden Valentine's menus at La Fontaine and Oriental restaurants. For something extra special, order the Perle Degustation at La Fontaine. Your loved one will be treated to a signature ʻPerleʼ dessert, handcrafted from white Valrhona chocolate draped in white gold pearl earrings.

www.lhw.com/hotel/Hayman-Great-Barrier-Reef-Australia

The Quilon retains Michelin star

The Quilon restaurant has retained it Michelin star for the fourth year in a row. Located in central London, 100 metres from Buckingham Palace the restaurant is a fine dining restaurant of the five-star hotel, 51 Buckingham Gate and is the only Michelin starred restaurant in the world for south west coastal Indian cuisine. Chef Sriram Aylur is known for creating dishes 'from the villages of Kerala to the streets of central London' and the restaurant has received awards for its wine lists and is known for its beer matching and 50-strong whisky list.

Next Monday (1st February) the restaurant will be holding a whisky dinner hosted by whisky expert and author Dominic Roskrow. Tickets to the whisky dinner are £59.50 per person. It comprises a whisky celebration cocktail, tutored tasting of four super-premium whiskies including a whisky rarity, three-course dinner and service. (A list of recommended wines will be offered as an additional option).

http://www.quilon.co.uk/, http://www.51-buckinghamgate.com/

Kiwi Collection's 2010 Luxury Travel Trends

Luxury booking resource Kiwi Collection has released its first-ever Top 100 Destination list. Compiled from analytics from their website analytics and showcases the most popular hotel and resort destinations from a combination of consumer reservations and research browsing. President and CEO Philippe Kjellgren says “Compiling such data provides insightful information into consumer behaviour and possible trends for 2011”. Key observations of luxury travel behaviour of Kiwi Collection’s booking website shows that New York welcomed a larger number of visitors than expected due to a weakened dollar, Asia continues to grow and claimed four of the top ten places, Turks and Caicos has become the number one Caribbean destination and Koh Samui has overtaken Phuket as Thailand’s leading luxury beach resort destination.
http://www.kiwicollection.com/

Kiwi Collection’s Top Ten list:

1.New York
2. Dubai
3. London
4. Paris
5. Singapore
6. Bangkok
7. Vancouver
8. Hong Kong S.A.R.
9. Florence
10. Koh Samui
Click here to view the full list.

Heston takes on airplane food

2011 will be a busy year for celebrity chef Heston Blumenthal. Not only is his new restaurant 'Dinner by Heston Blumenthal' at Mandarin Oreintal Hype Park opening January 31 but he is now taking on airplane food. Readers in the luxe poll are currently casting their opinion on the subject and the standard of airplane food will come under scrutiny on Blumenthal's new television show, Michelin Impossible. One episode will see him preparing food on British Airways flights where he serves Shepherd's Pie as research - the dish was voted as the one most people wanted to eat up in the air. In typical Heston-style he takes a science-based approach to the food and researches how high pressure in air cabins reduces the sensitivity of taste buds.
www.mandarinoriental.com/london/dining/heston_blumenthal/

High dining in Dubai

The world's tallest restaurant has now opened in Dubai. At.mosphere has opened at the Burj Khalifa on the 122nd floor of the tower. The restaurant is accessable via a minute-long elevator ride in a private chrome and glass lift and sits two floors below At the Top, the building's observation deck and at a height of over 442 metres (1,350 feet). At.mosphere seats 210 guests and features a main dining room as well as private dining rooms and display cooking stations. Previously the world's highest restaurant was 360 in Toronto's CN Tower. Unsurprisingly the restaurant serves only the finest food and wine but perhaps at this height do not overindulge too much on the vino.

Burj Khalifa also houses the Armani Hotel, Dubai

www.atmosphereburjkhalifa.com 

Discovering local flavour

During a recent stay in Sotogrande The Luxury Travel Bible got a taste of local culture when taking part in a tasting session of Drake & Friends sherry. This new high-end brand is helping to bring sherry to a new generation. Made from grapes grown in the Jerez region of Spain, the company takes its name from Sir Francis Drake who in 1587 'inspired a large "export" of 2,900 barrels of fine Sherry dutifully serving his Queen'. No longer just the drink in the dusty bottle only brought out at Christmas, Sherry is set to be the breakthrough drink of 2011 (according to those in the know). Ranging in maturity from three years to over a hundred years, from a Fino (a young wine) to TLTB's favourite the delicious Pedro Ximenez (a syrupy, older wine) there is a sherry to suit every palate.

TLTB loved Drake and Friends' true passion, some of which will rub off on any inexperienced -sherry drinker. Should you find yourself in the Sotogrande area, or a London bar following their launch there later this year, Drake and Friends is worth seeking out. SB
Luxury link: www.drakeandfriends.com

FUTURE LUXE: Street of Monaco

If you have a spare $1.1 billion to spare & love the glamour of Monaco but hate the crowds we have the yacht for you... http://bit.ly/eN7kY7 

Japan Blossoms

The first ever Blossom Japan luxury travel show, which brings together the top names from the international travel industry and their counterparts in Japan, kicked off in style this week. The event, masterminded by Jay Martens one of TLTB's favourite people, has brought together names like Aman Resorts, Silversea, dmAfrica, Park Hyatt, and Sun International. We predict much luxury business will be done and Japan could be the new 'it' destinanton for 2011/2012. The Luxury Travel Bible is a media partner for the event. http://www.blossomjapan.com/

Cool interiors of this hot rajastan hotel

Now we're all for the riot of colour you find in many of india's lusher palaces but Jodphur's first boutique hotel, RAAS, is a lesson in understated design with black marble floors, creamy minimalist dark wood and monochrome stone bathrooms. No wonder it has caught the attention of design hotels run by the uber-cool Claus Sedlinger and has just become the groups first member property in Rajastan.The elegant 18th century mansion situated in the heart of Jodhpur has been lovingly restored by local brothers Nikhilendra and Dhananajaya Singh creating the only luxury hotel within the walled city. Floors have been hand-laid by Jodhpur craftsmen and everything from cocktail glasses to blocks of sandstone were transported on bullock-carts through the walled city's labyrinth of alleyways.The 39-room hotel combines three rose red heritage buildings with new buildings sympathetically designed by Delhi-based architects Ambrish Arora and Rajiv Majumdar."Every red sandstone, every pebblewash terrazzo panel is the product of hundreds of hours of local craftsmen. I'd be very happy if people who stay here don't perceive luxury from just a big bed, but the luxury of the handcrafted work done especially for this place," says RAAS co-founder Nikhilendra Singh. That's us. So The Luxury Travel Bible is planning move into one of the seven swish suites with private sitting rooms and ride through the city in one of the hotel's own private tuk-tuks. HD

Luxury link:. www.designhotels.com/RAAS

Jagger's Jezebel beach boutique

Jade Jagger's new beach boutique opened on Sunday 9th of January at Ashwen Beach in Goa (where else?). The Luxury Travel Bible is a fan of Jagger's Jezebel label which produces an eclectic mix of music, fashion, jewellery and art. Jade Jagger is designing the new residences at Baglioni Marrakech who have shared these party shots of beautiful beach people and the euro-elite going barefoot in support of Jagger's new launch.

A Right Royal Rendevous

Cunard Line has just announced details of an historic royal rendezvous planned for Sydney this February, when Queen Mary 2 and the new Queen Elizabeth will meet on Sydney Harbour for the first time. Now that is a seriously BIG meeting, given the size of the two grand dames in question. The RR on February 22-23 will mark Queen Elizabeth's first visit to Australia on her inaugural world voyage and the first time she and her larger sister, Queen Mary 2, have met outside QM2's homeports of Southampton and New York.

The Queens will meet off Sydney Heads shortly before 5.30am on February 22, before Queen Mary 2 leads her younger sister into the Harbour - the first time two Cunard liners have ever arrived in Sydney in tandem. Queen Elizabeth will berth at Circular Quay at around 7am, sounding her whistle to say hi to sister Mary. http://www.cunard.com/

Arrive In Style At Jade Mountain, St Lucia

Jade Mountain, St Lucia's ultra-exclusive island resort, is now offering guests the chance to make their holiday even more glamorous, at least for a limited period. Now all guests staying for 5 nights or more between the 1st February and 31st March 2011 will receive a free helicopter transfer to whisk them straight from the St Lucia Hewanorra Airport to the resorts helipad in true James Bond style.

http://www.jademountain.com/

Three Michelin Star dining on River Cloud II

Recently voted most innovative chef of the year by the readers of Diner's Club magazine, Nils Henkel, chef de cuisine and owner of Lerbach Restaurant in Bergisch-Gladbach, Germany will be on board the luxurious River Cloud II from 3 to 10 September 2011. Henkel's restaurant has three Michelin stars so while you are cruising from Passau to Budapest, via Austria and Slovakia you be treated to such culinary highlights as wine and Wachau chocolate tastings in Krems, Austria; a degustation of Viennese specialties, and an on board caviar dinner well as a caviar dinner on board. http://www.seacloud.com/

New lounge for Gatwick

From May the holiday can begin before you even get on the plane. No.1 Traveller will open its newest lounge at Gatwick Airport's North Terminal offering guests the chance to enjoy a pre-travel pampering session. Building on their success at the award-winning South Terminal lounge this new facility will feature a travel spa, business centre, mini-cinema, aquarium and games room to deliver the ultimate pre-flight experience. The lounge will also offers complimentary food and refreshments, newspapers, magazines, television and wi-fi. As well as the Gatwick south Terminal lounge No. 1 Traveller also operate lounges at London Stansted. The company also offer chauffeur-driven airport transfers to and from Gatwick, Stansted and Heathrow. Bookings can be made online for the new North Terminal lounge for dates starting from 17th May. http://www.no1traveller.com/

Carnival's Sydney Home

Sydney is becoming an ever more popular port for visiting liners. A point proved last week when the world's largest cruise line - Carnival Cruise Lines - announced it will base one of its cruise ships fulltime in Australia. The 88,500 tonne Carnival Spirit will be the largest cruise ship ever to sail year round from Australia when she arrives in Sydney in October 2012. Carrying 2,667 passengers, Carnival Spirit will be the first ship to be based in Sydney year round that is too tall to sail under the Sydney Harbour Bridge. At 53 metres above the waterline, she is more than three metres taller than the specified clearance height for ships passing under the famous bridge so the ship will be based at Circular Quay's Overseas Passenger Terminal.

http://www.carnivalcruise.com.au/

Fashionable Afternoon Tea at The Dorchester

Award winning fashion designer Amanda Wakeley OBE will be holding a fashion show at The Dorchester during Afternoon Tea on Wednesday February 2. The Promenade at The Dorchester will be transformed with Wakeley's London Fashion Week Spring/Summer 2011 collection. London Fashionistas at the tea will have the opportunity to view the collection from a viewpoint usually reserved for fashion press and A-listers. Guests will also have access to her exclusive personal styling service, an expert team headed by Bridget Bowen offering individually tailored shopping advice to deliver the ultimate bespoke service suited to each client. Amanda herself will also be table-hopping to solve guests' personal shopping queries and share her experiences of the fashion industry (The Luxury Travel Bible loves a little bit of fashion talk and gossip over tea!). The ticket also includes a 10% on Amanda Wakeley purchases made between 3rd February and 31st March 2011, at the Amanda Wakeley flagship store on Fulham Road.

With expert advice and catwalk inspiration guests attending the Amanda Wakeley Fashion Week Tea are sure to have the most fashionable of holiday wardrobes.

The Amanda Wakeley Fashion Tea will take place at The Dorchester on Wednesday 2nd February. Afternoon tea will be served at two sittings, 2.15pm and 4.45pm, and is priced at £48.00 per adult including a glass of champagne. www.dorchestercollection.com/ , http://www.amandawakeley.com/

'Redemption in America' at The Greenbrier

One of the greatest boxers of all time is going to The Greenbrier on January 22. The West Virginia hotel will host Evander Holyfield, the only 5-time Heavyweight Champion of the World as he takes on Sherman "Tank" Williams on his quest to regain the world heavyweight title for a 6th time. The hotel are promising a "spectacular American comeback" for Holyfield and the night will feature six other professional fights and musical performances. The hotel is offering a number of packages for this black tie event which are selling out fast. The 'Premium Executive Suite' Package includes two ringside tickets to 'Redemption in America', two nights stay in Premium Executive suite, complimentary meal at Greenbrier restaurants and a meet-and-greet with the boxers, access to workouts and sparring, weigh-ins & press conference. http://www.greenbrier.com/

A royal celebration

Despite the snow a royal-worthy celebration will be held tonight (13/1/11) in New York Harbour to celebrate the meeting of Cunard's three "Queen" ships. The newest ship of the fleet, the Queen Elizabeth sailed into her new North American port at Pier 88 Manhattan Cruise Terminal this morning. Tonight she will join Queen Mary II and the Queen Victoria and then the three Queens will sail to the harbour for the 'Royal Rendezvous' for a firework celebration in front of the Statue of Liberty. The ships will depart from their terminals at 6pm approx and the fireworks will commence at 6.40pm approx. Viewing locations include Battery Park, Robert F. Wagner, Jr. Park, The Esplanade and Hudson River Park.

www.cunard.co.uk/rendezvous

USA snow report

USA: Every state has snow on the ground except for one ... time to head to Florida http://bit.ly/fUQKPv

London Four Seasons Hotel to re-open

Four Seasons hotel London at Park Lane is set to re-open at the end of the month after an extensive refurbishment project. The newly renovated 192 room hotel in the heart of Mayfair includes 45 suites and a new all-glass top floor spa which will offer 360 degree views over the English capital. The hotel's new and improved interiors have been designed by Pierre-Yves Rochon, who has also designed Four Seasons hotels in Europe and America.

London at Park Lane's Amarnato is a single dining destination consisting of three different areas - restaurant, bar and lounge - and will serve an Italian-inspired menu throughout the day. The Amarnato restaurant will offer also al fresco dining in the private garden, Amarnato bar features a glass wall of wine bottle for a social drink while Amarnato Lounge offers a casual meeting place.

London at Park Lane re-opens January 31, 2011
 www.fourseasons.com/london

Dining at Almenara Resort

Just one of the absolutely delicious deserts The Luxury Travel Bible enjoyed at Almenara Resort, Sotogrande - Full resort report coming soon

Stapleford Park to host Senior Golf



Bill Longmuir

2011 is set to be an exciting year at Stapleford Park. As The Luxury Travel Bible reported yesterday they now have a new Head Chef after the promotion of David Ellams.  The hotel has now announced that following the success of last year's inaugural event the hotel will host the European Senior Tour golf tournament from June 3-5 for the second edition of the ISPS (International Sports Promotion Society),  Handa Senior Masters. Last year the tournament attracted the likes of Sam Torrance and Ian Woosnam, who are both former Ryder Cup Captains and ISPS ambassadors. Last year's champion, Scotland's Bill Longmuir says "I love staying at the Stapleford Park Country House and the course is fantastic. I can't wait to get back there".

The ISPS Handa Senior Masters is one of five events on the 2011 Senior Tour schedule supported by ISPS. www.ispsgolf.com  www.staplefordpark.com 

Aiport fit for 007 opens today

The new Ian Fleming International Airport, located five miles from Ocho Rios, Jamaica, opens today (12/1/11). After having undergone a $300 million upgrade scheme the airport now features a passenger lounge, customs and international clearance, pilot briefing room and specialized services for private aircrafts. The airport is named after James Bond author Ian Fleming who wrote all 17 of his James Bond novels in Jamaica.

As The Luxury Travel Bible reported last year the airport was previously known as the Boscobel Airstrip and has been developed to accomadate the arrival of private international air crafts. The new airport is Jamaica's third international airport and will provide private aircraft travellers easy and efficient service close to popular destinations on the eastern part of the island.  http://www.visitjamaica.com/ 

Photography expedition to Antarctica

Aurora Expeditions will be hosting a photographic expedition to Antarctica where passengers will be accompanied by two professional photographers, David Burren and Martin Bailey from LuminOdyssey. This 25 day trip is available for just 27 passengers and is suitable for all levels of both film and digital photographers. Prior to the trip David and Martin will be available to advise regarding photography equipment. During the passage to Antarctica they will present classes and seminars to help prepare guests for the Peninsula & Falkland Islands, and these will continue throughout the voyage.

Beginning in Ushuaia at the Southern tip of Argentina and heading south over the Drake Passage to spend a week on the Antarctic Peninsula before cruising north. Time will be spent exploring the historic and rich wildlife at Vernadsky Station, taking in the spectacular rugged coastline from Lemaire Channel to the Gerlache Strait as you head northwards to King George Island. Expect to see fur and elephant seals as well as adelie, gentoo and chinstrap penguins. Continuing north, passing the spectacular cliffs of the Falkland Islands, home to an abundance of breeding birds and the world's largest black browed albatross colony at Steeple Jason Island then towards Atlantic Patagonia. Following the steps of Darwin, guests will explore the wildlife, visiting Puerto Desaedo, Bahia Bustamante and the waters around Peninsula Valdes and the spectacle of orcas feeding on young sea lions at Punta Norte before sailing into the port of Mar del Plata.

For further information about this once in a lifetime expedition http://www.auroraexpeditions.com.au/

New Head Chef for Stapleford Park

Stapleford Park, a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, have announced that David Ellams has been promoted to Head Chef. He brings 13 years of experience including time Overton Grange, Summer Lodge, Mortons House and three years at Stapleford Park as Executive Sous Chef to his new role. As part of his promotion Stapleford Park will be launching a new menu which will enhance a more relaxed dining experience at the hotel. Shuif Hussain, Managing Director, says "We are delighted to see David graduate to Head Chef. David has been a valuable member of the team over the last few years and has played a key role in building up the Stapleford Park dining reputation". http://www.staplefordpark.com/



One for the Junior Luxies...

Celebrating the sale of the millionth Butterbeer

The Luxury Travel Bible knows that theme parks are not everyone's idea of fun but we also know the Junior Luxies sometimes think differently from their parents. That's why we think they will enjoy this Harry Potter story out of Florida. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Universal Studios Florida has sold its millionth Butterbeer, proving it to be the drink of choice for all trainee wizards. Butterbeer, which was taste-tested by Harry Potter author J.K. Rowling, is a non-alcoholic, frothy drink reminiscent of shortbread and butterscotch and is served either cold or frozen. There has been much speculation since the park's June 18 2010 opening about Butterbeer's secret ingredients - but Universal Orlando will not share the closely guarded recipe, even implementing special security procedures to protect the recipe! To celebrate selling its millionth Butterbeer 1,000 complimentary Butterbeers were served to guests within the park on the streets of Hogsmeade.

Inspired by the Harry Potter books and movies The Wizarding World of Harry Potter brings the wonder, excitement and adventure of Harry Potter to life. www.universalorlando.com/harrypotter

Valentine's Day in the City of Love

One couple this Valentine's Day will be able to step back into the era of glamour and romance in the city of love. Hotel Lancaster, located next to the Champs Élysées, Paris are offering the couple one night's stay at the Marlene Dietrich Suite and an experience to remember. From arrival at the hotel in a private chauffeur driven car and welcomes to the suite which for three years was the home to Marlene Dietrich. This celebrity suite honours Dietrich's effortless glamour and style with decor inspired by the actress' love of purple and damask. A private concert on her piano will be held in the suite where champagne, Foie Gras, lobster, truffles and caviar canapés will be served. Following the concert guests will be served a meal for two at the Michelin starred Table du Lancaster, under the direction of award-winning Chef Michel Troigros. After the meal the couple will be taken into the Parisian night for a chauffeur driven tour of the iconic city. In the morning a Champagne and Caviar breakfast will be served in the suite. As a memento the hotel will be offering personalised girls from the hotel and Montblanc; Hotel Lancaster bathrobes embroidered with the guest's initials and an uniquely designed Montblanc fountain pen, inspired by Marlene Dietrich and featuring personal engravings. SB

The exclusive "Falling in Love" package at Hotel Lancaster costs €5,200.
http://www.hospes.com/ 

Rainforest Spa opens

St Lucia resort The Jalousie Plantation has opened its new Rainforest Spa. The spa lives up to its name with seven tree house treatment rooms tucked amid the lush vegetation and cathedral buttressed trees on and a stream, warmed by the nearby volcano, weaves its way below the treatment rooms. To mark the opening the resort is including a complimentary Rainforest Spa signature Bamboo massage, and manicure or pedicure per booking to give guests the opportunity to experience the all new Rainforest Spa with its tree house treatment rooms and Amerindian steam room. http://www.thejalousieplantation.com/ 

Monarch launch new flights

Monarch airline is celebrating the New Year with the launch of a new scheduled flight to Paphos, on the island of Cyprus. Starting from May 4th this new flight we will operate twice per week from Birmingham and Manchester. Monarch already carries over 300,000 passengers a year to Cyprus since the launch of flights to Larnaca in 2007. Monarch operates flights from four airports in England to Spain, Gibraltar, Portugal, Cyprus and Turkey. The Luxury Travel Bible recently flew from Gibraltar to London and was very impressed with Monarch's friendly, efficient service and the extra-legroom seats (which offer up to six inches of extra space). A big thank you must also be issued to the crew, in particular Colleen who was extremely helpful and friendly when there was a mix-up with TLTB's pre-booked lunch. The issue was solved immediately with a friendly smile - all we could ask for! It made flying back from the sun to snowy London a little bit easier. http://www.monarch.co.uk/ 

Expertly chosen Cheese and Whiskey menu

British song-writer turned cheese aficionado Alex James has teamed up with The Athenaeum hotel's head chef David Marshall and and resident whisky sommelier, Angelo Gobbi to create a unique Cheese and Whiskey food-pairing menu. The menu is a celebration of the hotel's whiskey bar which The Luxury Travel Bible reported on last year. In addition to the menu these food and drink experts have created the hotel's very own scotch-infused cream cheese called 'Athenaeum'.

Alex James developed his knowledge of cheese following a move to the country and building his own award-winning cheese factory. He says "The range of flavours spanned by first class cheese and whisky is so vast that matching them can be quite a tricky business. The Athenaeum team and I feel confident we have found the ultimate combinations of superlative whisky and fine cheese".

The menu can be enjoyed in the bar, which offers over 270 rare whiskies, or in the comfort of their own room. With these three experts' vast knowledge of fine food and drink TLTB expects the menu to be nothing less than mouth-watering.
 http://www.athenaeumhotel.com/

TLTB loves a good royal wedding

We love a good wedding at The Luxury Travel Bible and while we are still awaiting the arrival of our invite for Wills and Kate's wedding we are starting to see what some of our favourite hotels are doing to celebrate the royal event.

The Langham, London is serving a celebratory afternoon tea to commemorate the wedding of HRH Prince William to Kate Middleton. In the lead up to the April 29th wedding at Westminster Abbey 'Tea Royale' will be served in the Palm Court throughout April. Cherish Finden, the hotel's Executive Pastry Chef, has created a menu fit for, well... a King (sorry, it had to be said). The menu includes finger sandwiches of Lobster and cucumber with fennel pollen, Scottish salmon poached in pink Champagne with green peppercorns and Castle of Mey beef sirloin with horseradish. Speciality pastries, scones and desserts will be served including Westminster Abbey chocolate cake, Apricot and raspberry Royal Crown, Royal Champagne jelly and Warm wild lavender and honey scones with Devonshire clotted cream and strawberry preserve.

The newly refurbished Langham has a long connection to the British Royal Family as it was originally opened in 1865 by Prince William's ancestor, HRH The Prince of Wales, later King Edward VII. In 2010 the hotel was awarded the 'Best London Afternoon Tea award by the Tea Guild. SB

Tea Royale is priced at £51.50 per person, inclusive of a glass of Champagne Laurent-Perrier NV to toast the happy couple, and is available from 1-30 April 2011 inclusive.

Luxury link: http://www.langhamhotels.com/ , http://www.palm-court.co.uk/ 

Ritz-Carlton opens first hotel of 2011

The Ritz-Carlton hotel group are kicking off 2011 with their first opening of the year. The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre will welcome guests from January 12. The hotel located in the financial district, stands 14 storeys high and its limestone facade and art deco style will grace the skyline alongside Dubai's skyscrapers. The hotel has eight water features, include a 10-story outdoor waterfall which cascades down the building into the courtyard opposite the lobby. The water features play on the feng shui belief that water signifies wealth and prosperity. The hotel will also feature Dubai's only chocolate and champagne experience in The Lobby Lounge & Terrace.

The 341-room hotel, which has 124 executive residences, will be the second Ritz-Carlton in Dubai and the sixth in the region. http://www.ritzcarlton.com/

Luxury Hotels: Sanderson

Discover where Dali meets Lewis Carroll in the heart of London & an Angelina Jolie-sized, set of plump red lips - http://bit.ly/i7z5PE

Korean Air's Business Only Deck

Korean Air is the latest airline to announce that it is adding an Airbus A380 service. The Korean Air A380’s entire upper deck will be completely devoted to their business-class passengers. The Prestige Class will offer 94 flat sleeper beds to business travellers with extra-large seat partitions. Korean Air’s A380s will feature 12 seats in first class, 94 in Prestige and 301 in economy - 407 seats in total. The airline has ordered 10 A380, with the first five delivered by the end of 2011 and the additional five to be delivered by 2014. The A380S will fly short haul routes to Japan and East Asia from May and then U.S and European routes will be added in August. http://www.koreanair.com/

Posted 4/1/11

Casa de Campo joins Leading Hotels of the World

Casa de Campo in the Dominican Republic has been announced as a new member of "Leading Hotels of the World". Located alongside the warm Caribbean Sea, on the southeast coast, the resort is known for offering a sophisticated, diverse range of activities for those wanting action, adventure or relaxation. The recently redesigned resort has a marina and yacht club, beaches, shooting range, three golf courses designed by Pete Dye, including the famous Teeth of the Dog field, an equestrian centre, polo club and the Cygalle Healing Spa. Casa de Campo recently also won "Best World Golf Resorts" award at the 17th World Travel Awards in London.

http://www.casadecampo.com.do/ http://www.lhw.com/ http://www.godominicanrepublic.com/

Federer and Nadal Walk on Water

Rain didn’t stop play but there was always a risk of a flooded court. As they gear up for another tennis year rivals Rodger Federer and Rafael Nadal took part in a tennis match in Qatar. The only difference to their usual thrilling on-court encounters is that this took place on a specially made court on a floating platform on a lagoon in Doha Bay. The meeting between the Swiss and Spanish tennis legends was to promote the city, one day before the start of the Qatar Open tournament where they are the top two seeds.

Of course, Federer is no stranger to unusual tennis courts. In 2005 he famously took on Andre Agassi in an exhibition match 700ft off the ground on the helipad of the Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai in 2005.