Colin Firth may be an Oscar winner for The King's Speech but to many he will always be Mr Darcy ... http://bit.ly/b7RWYI
February 28, 2011
King Colin reigns at the Oscars
Colin Firth may be an Oscar winner for The King's Speech but to many he will always be Mr Darcy ... http://bit.ly/b7RWYI
February 27, 2011
Flying food from Zug
Stefan Meier, chef de cuisine at the Rathauskeller restaurant in Zug, has created a number of exclusive Central Swiss specialities for First and Business Class guests on SWISS International Airlines in the latest instalment of the airline's Taste of Switzerland inflight culinary programme. The meals will be available on selected flights from 2 March to the beginning of June. Meier has been heading up the kitchen of the Rathauskeller for the past 28 years and picked up a 16 point Gault Millau rating along the way;so he knows what he is doing. http://www.swiss.com/
SLH 20th Anniversary plans
Small Luxury Hotels of the World knows how to make use of social media. The Luxury Travel Bible are already fans of their iPhone App and the very entertaining Melissa Vinelli blog. Over a cup of tea with TLTB in London's The Capital Hotel SLH CEO Paul Kerr revealed the 20th Anniversary plans which will integrate social media. To celebrate the group will be holding an exclusive online Gold Coin Competition for their many loyal fans.
Twenty 20th Anniversary SLH Gold Coins will be hidden in and around the pages of the SLH website. To help fans clues will be available via the SLH blog, Facebook and Twitter.
120 room nights and 10,000 pounds will be up for grabs and there will be at least 10 winners through the year.The competition begins 21st March and runs until 31st December 2011. Let the hunt begin! SB
Luxury link: www.slh.com/ blog.slh.com
February 25, 2011
A Charitable Prince in the desert
UPDATE: Prince Harry has postponed his trip to Dubai due to unrest in the area. We will keep you updated when the charity event has be rescheduled.
The Luxury Travel Bible will always love a Prince in the desert, especially if it is one who is there for a charitable cause. H.R.H. Prince Harry is set to visit Dubai on 19th March and will take part in the second Sentebale Polo Cup in aid of his charity, Sentebale.
The Luxury Travel Bible will always love a Prince in the desert, especially if it is one who is there for a charitable cause. H.R.H. Prince Harry is set to visit Dubai on 19th March and will take part in the second Sentebale Polo Cup in aid of his charity, Sentebale.
The Sentebale Polo Cup will be played each year to bring attention to orphans and vulnerable children in Lesotho. This exclusive annual event will be touring the world to 'direct money and attention to a cause in critical need of help, support and exposure". The event was launched in January 2010 at the Apes Hill Polo Cup in Barbados.
As well as raising funds and awareness the cup will celebrate traditional Basotho culture through polo, a game of skill and bravery played on horseback. To many the Basotho horsemen are the only indigenous horse culture in Sub-Saharan Africa and said to be fast and fearless riders. The Basotho pony is renowned as brave and having great powers of endurance. Prince Harry is also, arguable, one of the most famous amateur polo players in the world.
Sentebale was founded by Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho to continue the legacy of their late mothers' charity work with children. Meaning 'forget-me-not' in Sesotho the name 'Sentebale' was chosen as a reminder never to forget the victims of poverty and of the HIV/AIDS epidemic. Prince Harry recently received the 'Golden Heart' award in particular recognition of his work with Sentebale. SB
TLTB recently lunched with...
Lunched with two owners of two wonderful privately-run hotels. There is something special about properties owned by great hotel dynasties and when the hotels are in Italy and members of LHW so much the better. More on Le Sirenuse in Positano and the very Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria in Sorrento soon. HD
Virgin to Abu Dhabi
Virgin Blue Group of Airlines launched its inaugural V Australia flight to Abu Dhabi last night, becoming the first Australian carrier to operate to the Middle East in 20 years. The new V Australia Abu Dhabi service is a key part of the partnership between Virgin Blue Group of Airlines and Etihad Airways which will see the airlines offer a total of 27 weekly services between Abu Dhabi and Australia. On board were EtihadAirways CEO James Hogan, Virgin Blue CEO & MD John Borghetti and swimmer Ian Thorpe who will train for the Olympics 2012 in Abu Dhabi.
www.virginblue.com/, www.etihad.com/
February 24, 2011
Prince Harry to visit Dubai
H.R.H Prince Harry will visit Dubai on 19th March on his first visit to the United Arab Emirates. Throughout the day the Prince will undertake engagements and will also take part in the second Sentebale Polo Cup which will be held in association with Royal Salute. This will be the second Sentebale Polo Cup match after Prince Harry and Prince Seeiso of Lesotho launched the event at the Apes Hill Polo Club in Barbados in January 2010. The royal visit will wrap up a week of Polo in Dubai including the Dubai Polo Gold Cup on March 11 and the Princes' Cup Middle East which will stage the British Polo Cup to celebrate the heritage of Polo on March 18.
http://www.sentebale.org/ http://www.dubaipologoldcup.com/, http://www.britishpoloday.com/ UPDATE: Prince Harry has postponed his trip to Dubai due to unrest in the area. We will keep you updated when the charity event has be rescheduled.
February 21, 2011
Two Queens meet in Sydney Harbour
Two ocean going queens have just docked in Sydney Harbour. Midway through her inaugural 103-night world voyage, the 90,900-tonne Queen Elizabeth met Queen Mary 2 outside Sydney Heads at 5.30am this morning before following her sister into Sydney Harbour with a flotilla of boats in their wake. The grand liners berthed at the Overseas Passenger Terminal around 7am. The Luxury Travel Bible will bring you an onboard report from the new Queen Elizabeth shortly. Including an indepth report on the delights of afternoon tea and on-deck croquet...
A grand makeover for Park Hyatt Sydney
The Luxury Travel Bible was at one of the last lunches hosted by Park Hyatt Sydney before it closes its doors for the largest renovation in the hotel's 20-year history. The hotel with definitive views of Sydney's opera house closes in April and is due to re-open its doors late in October 2011. When the hotel re-opens we can look forward to three luxury rooftop suites and floor-to-ceiling glass doors for many other rooms that will open onto private balconies and make the very best of the harbourfront location and those fantastic views. The re-design of the guest rooms also includes custom designed contemporary lighting, new furniture and artwork by Australian artists. We've put a note in our diary to book in for October. http://www.hyatt.com/
February 18, 2011
English elegance
February 16, 2011
Easter at London's Athenaeum
As we finish off the Valentine's Day chocolates The Luxury Travel Bible is looking forward to the upcoming Easter Eggs. Luckily London's Athenaeum has plans in place to entertain the Little Luxies during the Easter weekend. Dedicated nannies will be hosting an Easter egg hunt in Green Park followed by a 'Children's High Tea' in the hotel's 'Easter Bunnies Playroom'. The themed menu will include Easter treats such as hot cross buns and chocolate cupcakes topped with mini eggs. The hunt will also include prizes for the whole family including afternoon tea vouchers and beauty treatments in the newly re-opened spa for mothers and daughters. At the end of the day guests will receive a gift from the Athenaeum, a bespoke Easter egg made by Rococo chocolates. Nannies will also be available for complimentary babysitting of up to four hours in the evenings. http://www.athenaeum.com/Art rises above the waters
Even natural disasters can't top art. We are thrilled to see that Queensland Art Gallery and Gallery of Modern Art re-opens today (16 February). To celebrate, the Cultural Centre Precinct will hold a special re-opening celebration this weekend (Saturday 19 and Sunday 20 February). '21st Century: Art in the First Decade', which prior to closure had attracted more than 139,000 visitors, will re-open at GoMA with all works on display and continue until Tuesday 26 April. http://www.visitbrisbane.com.au/
February 13, 2011
A valentine's diamond dessert
What do you give a girl on Valentine's Day? The world's most expensive diamond encrusted dessert of course. You'll also have to book her in for a stay on exclusive Frégate Island Private in the Seychelles. The luxury eco retreat has teamed up with South Africa Diamonds and leading diamond cutting company, Rosy Blue, to create the planet's most exclusive dessert. The chocolate tart is worth in excess of US$5 million -one diamond is worth a cool $US1million on its own before you've even picked the others out of your teeth. The one-of-a-kind confectionary by Maitre Andre Barbe, Frégate's chef patissier, is garnished with no fewer than 929 diamonds, that's a mind boggling total of 151.92 carats - including seven individual stones of between 5.05 and 9.04 carats. Hmm... chocolate and diamonds what could be better? http://www.slh.com/, http://www.fregate.com/
February 11, 2011
... a unique champagne experience
Champagne, we love it. We could bathe in the stuff. So The Luxury Travel Bible is excited about the new 150 bar at London's The May Fair Hotel. Opening February 14 and taking its name from the size of a Magnum (150c - but you knew that already didn't you) is set to be the champagne experience in the capital.
The bar has been created by The May Fair hotel in partnership with Moët Hennessy UK and features magnums of vintage champagnes served with a menu designed by the hotel's Chef Patron Silvena Rowe.
Some of the experiences on offer at 150 include; 'The Dom Pérignon Vintage Rosé 1998' for 12 guests which features four magnums of said champagne with four gourmet canapés for each guest and is priced at a mere £ 4,400. 'The Dom Pérignon Vintage 2000' features four magnums of the 2000 vintage with canapés and is priced at £ 2,400. 'The Moët & Chandon Experience' also looks promising. It includes four magnums of Moët & Chandon Imperial with one magnum personalised with Swarovski Crystals encrusted with the name of the host or main guest. And for those who don't like champagne (heaven forbid) there is a 'The Belvedere Vodka Infusion Experience' offering two magnums of Bevedere Pure vodka and your very own mixologist for the evening. If the promise of magnums doesn't get you excited the menu surely will. Canapés including diver-caught scallops, Sevrtuga caviar, lobster tail and native oysters already have TLTB mouths' watering.
Will TLTB be attending once the doors open? Naturally. We'll keep you posted. SB
Luxury link: www.themayfairhotel.co.uk/150
February 10, 2011
Ted Teng - President and CEO, Leading Hotels of the World
EXPERT OPINION - Ted Teng has a 30-year track record in the global hospitality industry, working in North America, Hawaii, and Asia Pacific and masterminding the growth of some of the most prominent brands in the world. He was president and COO of Wyndham International and president, Asia-Pacific, for Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide to name but two. He says, "I have guided companies through crisis and survived to see better markets. I have achieved many successes as well as learned many difficult lessons through failures." Now, there is a man with a healthy sense of perspective. He became president and chief executive officer of The Leading Hotels of the World in September 2008 and is based in New York. The 80 year old company represents over 450 luxury hotels. Since he has been at the helm Teng's motto has been to "Preserve, Enhance, and Invent," seeking to honour tradition but provide innovation too. We can't argue with that. http://bit.ly/eM5UjT
TOP TEN: Romantic Hotels
Candlelight, flowers, canopied beds, champagne, balconies with a view - it all adds up to Romance with a capital 'R'. We think these hotels are the perfect places for a lovers tryst. When it comes to luxurious liaisons we adore these sensual stays. But is it true love or mere infatuation? http://tinyurl.com/6jm63pnTOP TEN: Sexiest Hotels
We check into hotels for business, for relaxation and for the joy of travel, right? But what's the other reason we check in? Yes, the dangerous liaison, the dirty weekend, the sex-on-a stick stay. Forget the business today we're all about the pleasure. Here are the hotels we think have luxury... lust appeal. Have we romped and road - tested them all? Now that would be telling... http://bit.ly/dXYBGo
One Fine Stay
As you already know The Luxury Travel Bible live, breathe and dream luxury hotels. But we also fully accept that there does sometimes come a point where you need a few home comforts such as being able to curl up on the sofa, make dinner for yourself and leave the suite without worrying what the housekeeping staff may see. If you can't do this in your own home there is a new trend in luxury travel, the un-hotel and new company One Fine Stay are bringing it to the London market. Home Sweet (someone else's) Home, if you will. http://bit.ly/gzQoWM
OPEN PASSPORT: Amanda Seyfried
The Letters to Juliet star explains why it's South Carolina that has captured the imagination of this silver-screened beauty. Having filmed Mamma Mia on the idyllic island of Skopelos you might expect Amanda Seyfried to wax lyrical about the stunning scenery and glorious peace and quiet in this Greek slice of paradise. But it's South Carolina that whets the actress's imagination. Read More
February 9, 2011
Changing of the guard in Sydney
Now we're not usually ones to mention a change of GM, not unless they are very special. However The Luxury Travel Bible is a great fan of the charming and inspirational Stephen Lewis who was General Manager of the Four Seasons Hotel Sydney for 16 years and has just retired. We extend a big welcome to the new GM Vincent Hoogewijs who comes from Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai, which he successfully opened in early 2009. Mr Hoogewijs is only the hotel's third GM. The hotel's founding GM (then under The Regent banner) was the legendary Ted Wright, who stayed for 29 years. Wright is the hotelier's hotelier, now President & CEO of Setai Hotels & resorts. http://www.fourseasons.com/
February 8, 2011
Over-waters villas in the sun
Sun Hotels & Resorts in the Maldives have just launched six new luxury water villas with pools at Vilu Reef Beach & Spa Resort. The new water villas bring a new category of accommodation to the 122-room resort, putting it firmly on The Luxury Travel Bible's radar. Situated on stilts over the water, each villa has ocean views (well they would wouldn't they?) and direct access to the lagoon via a private stairway where guests can get up close and personal with the fish-life. The villas also have a large balcony with plunge pools in case climbing down the steps to the actually water to get wet is just too far for pampered guests to go.
http://www.vilureefmaldives.com/
February 6, 2011
The Langham opens new private terrace
Guests at The Langham, Melbourne can now enjoy exquisite garden city views from their own expansive 50 m 2 private terrace, decked out with sun lounges and an outdoor dining setting. Perched high above the city, on floors 19-21, the new Terrace rooms are an extension to the Langham's Deluxe River Rooms. The generous private balconies are the largest offered by a five-star Melbourne hotel and The Luxury Travel Bible thinks they are going to be a sure-fire hit. Inside, the Terrace Rooms you'll find Langham's signature Blissful Beds and marble bathrooms. Contemporary in-room features include all the techno-toys such as an LCD high-definition TV with Media Hub and iPod/iPhone docking station. www.langhamhotels.com
February 4, 2011
Pacific Pearl arrives in Sydney
Sydney has kicked off one of its busiest ever cruise periods, with the arrival of P&O Cruises' latest superliner Pacific Pearl in Sydney Harbour. Pacific Pearl's maiden visit to Sydney makes her the first of 21 different ships arriving over the 28 days of February during Sydney's biggest ever cruise season. Other maiden visits during the month will include the first Sydney call by Seabourn's ultra-luxury ship Sojourn (a The Luxury Travel Bible favourite of course) this Saturday (February 5) and the inaugural Australian visit of Cunard's new liner Queen Elizabeth which will hold a Royal Rendezvous with her big sister Queen Mary 2 on Sydney Harbour on February 22.
February 3, 2011
LUXURY PREDICTION: Where your zodiac sign will take you...
Happy Chinese New Year 2011 - Where does your Chinese zodiac sign suggest you go in the luxury travel year ahead? The Luxury Travel Bible looks at what kind of luxury traveller each sign is. http://bit.ly/fgeDTL
Tuscany under the Nevada sun
Whether it is the Vegas strip or Lake Las Vegas you can always rely on this part of the world to come up with an inventive copy, Venice, Paris and now... Florence.
Dolce Hotels and Resorts newest resort, Ravella opens February 11 and will be bringing a touch of Tuscany to Nevada. The resort, which features Tuscan architecture and European-style furnishings, has a collection of rooms and suites upon a three-story bridge (it is very reminiscent of Florence's famed Ponte Vecchio Bridge). The bridge spans 375 feet across the lake, and is tall enough for a 21-foot sailboat to pass beneath. Further adding to the Tuscan feel is the Medici Café and Terrace restaurant with views over the Florentine Garden and a fire pit from an outdoor terrace. Located on the site of the former Ritz-Carlton the resort takes its name from the coastal southern Italian town of Ravello.
With all that Italian influence a trip to the strip may be in order to remind yourself where you actually are in the world ... on second thoughts that might lead to even more confusion. www.ravellavegas.com/
February 2, 2011
Happy New Chinese Year
Wishing all of our readers a very Happy Chinese New Year from everyone at The Luxury Travel Bible.
Click here to read our Top Ten China Chic
Seeing the world's best wildife in new cruising luxury
The Luxury Travel Bible rates the Galapagos Islands as one of the world's top wildlife viewing experiences.These are the island's that inspired Darwin's Theory of Evolution, so we're thrilled to see there has been a luxury evolution here too; a new option for cruising these unique waters. From February 1 M/Y Grand Odyssey will offer Luxury, privacy and comfort for just 16 passengers. We are particuarly fond of the 7 spacious Galapagos & matrimonial suites (25m2 aprox) and the top Odyssey Suite (35m2 aprox), naturally. All have panoramic windows and private ensuites. On deck there is an alfresco dining area, an open air bar along with two Jacuzzis and Balinese sun beds. There is also a spa area.Don't think all this luxury comes at an eco- price, none of the unique wildlife will suffer because the boat, we are assured, is designed to very high environmental standards to ensure its ecological footprint (if a boat can have such a thing..) is minimal. Giant tortoises here we come. RL
Luxury link: http://www.galapagosodyssey.com/
Just unpacked from...
Just back from staying in beautiful and unusual Lanzarote, staying at Hotel Hesperia Lanzarote - a week of lava, caves, markets, Omar Sharif and barbeques on the beach...
Full destination and hotel report Coming Soon. SB
Full destination and hotel report Coming Soon. SB
Singapore Fling
The Singapore Girl is back. Five years after she was pensioned off ad-wise she is flying back to the forefront of Singapore Airlines' new multimillion-dollar advertising campaign. We're not entirely sure how we feel about this one; shades of trolley dollies and 'I'm Mandy fly me' spring to mind. On the other hand we love the look of the new advert, more travelogue than mere advertisement. Indeed we like it almost as much, but not quite, as the beautiful wolves-in-the-snow Shangri-La hotels branding ad launched last May.
http://www.singaporeair.com/ http://www.shangri-la.com/
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