The question is...

                                        
Will this bathtub make you dizzy? http://bit.ly/gtMqac

Highest hotel in the world

The world's highest hotel opens today in Hong Kong. The new Ritz-Carlton reaches for the sky at the very top of the International Commerce Centre (ICC) in Hong Kong. Occupying floors 102 to 118, with dizzy death-defying views of the surrounding harbour and all those little insignificant tower blocks laughingly called skyscrapers way below it. Ritz Carlton describes the hotel as 'the very pinnacle of luxury ' but avoids other height-est puns. We love the name of the hotel's bar/restaurant ,Ozone, up in the rarefied air on the 118th floor. The hotel is the newest addition to the brand's growing global luxury portfolio of 75 properties and its 16th hotel in Asia. See more pictures and birds-eye video here.

www.ritzcarlton.com

Lanesborough luxury writ large

Some people don't care about the royal wedding mayhem. The Lanesborough Hotel, London is opening its ultra-swish new £14,000 a night suite two days after the royal wedding -on 1May The four bedroom suite, overlooking Green Park will cover a humungous 4,000 square-foot, making it one of London's largest, most luxurious and most expensive suites. (a Top Ten on London suites coming shortly). Those who book in for the suite life will also get a complimentary chauffeur driven Rolls Royce Phantom to roll around London in, a 24 hour butler and also those Mac Minis in the room that The Lanesborough are famous for.

So-ooo .luxurious, worthy of royalty even... which leads us to think...is The Lanesborough really so immune to royalty or could there be a honeymoon night reason why the suite is opening just after the regal wedding? Just a thought , we have no hard evidence what so ever but.... www.lanesborough.com 

TLTB's Editor appears on Weekend Sunrise

The Luxury Travel Bible Editor Hilary Doling appeared on Australian Channel 7 TV Weekend Sunrise talking about some of our favourite luxe resorts Laucala Island Fiji, Alila hotels Alila Villas Uluwatu Bali, Aman Yara Turks & Caicos, Six Senses Soneva Gii Maldives and St Regis Bora Bora

Click below to watch in full ...

Dubai delay for Kempinski

The 250 -plus room Kempinski Hotel Palm Jumeirah will now not open until 2013. The luxury hotel group has delayed the Dubai opening due to the economic situation in the region, although the attached residences will open as planned in July. Residents will have access to the gym and large 1,200sqm pool. The complex also features 500 metres of private beach.

www.kempinski.com

A Grown-up Alternative to the Easter Egg Hunt

Of course, The Luxury Travel Bible hopes the Easter Bunny leaves us with some chocolate delights but we are much more interested in grown-up alternatives to the traditional Easter Egg hunt. Tswau Kalahari lodge is offering guests the opportunity to go on the hunt for 'elusive desert gold' Kalahari truffles this Easter holidays. Guests can search for, dig up, cook and taste the sought-after truffle, of which a bumper season is expected, following a period of excellent rainfall. Guests will have the use of a private vehicle, personal guide and tracker for the truffle which is known locally as Inabas. Though finding truffles cannot be guaranteed the hunt will be a lot more memorable than the usual boring Easter egg hunt.

Tswalu Kalahari is set in South Africa's largest private game reserve, a vast expanse of malaria-free wilderness covering 100,000 hectares, yet it caters for just 30 guests in two exclusive lodges. www.tswalu.com, www.bridgeandwickers.co.uk

 

Campaign to save historical house

Any Anglo-Franco rivalry has been set aside in the campaign to save Napoleon Bonaparte's exile residence on the remote Atlantic island of St. Helena. Longwood House on this Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom is where Napoleon spent his final years and is now the focus of an international restoration appeal. Some sections of the Longwood House are "in a perilous condition" and it is estimated that the necessary work will cost €1.5 million. It is hoped that fifty per cent of this will come from public sources.

As well as the historical importance the house is also of significant to St Helena tourism which despite its remote locations continues to draw visitors each year. It took Napoleon 10 weeks to reach the island, which is located 1,200 miles off the west coast of Africa, aboard the HMS Northumberland. Visitors today still arrive by sea but in a much more comfortable fashion via the RMS St Helena, cruise ships or yachts.

For more information on the appeal and to make a donation visit
www.napoleon.org/en/fondation/partner/sthelena.asp

www.sthelenatourism.com, www.rms-st-helena.com

Re-vamped signature suites

After two years of refurbishments Four Seasons Hotel Sydney has unveiled what the hotel is calling its 'pièce de résistance' - four newly refurbished signature suites. The hotel's top suites - Presidential Suite, Deluxe Royal Suite and two Royal Suites - have been given a serious 're-vamp'. And vamp it up they do indeed. AThe Presidential Suite and Deluxe Royal Suite look down from the lofty 34th floor with stunning views of Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. The Luxury Travel Bible is particularly fond of the presidential Suite, long a favourite of visiting royalty, rock stars and assorted celebs it now has a decor to match its clientele; all coffee-coloured walls and touches of leather. We especially like the modern take on a four poster in the master bedroom and the giant bathtub with views over the harbour. The Royal Suites are equally glamorous with Parquet floors and touches of intricately carved timber wall panelling. Book us in. 

www.fourseasons.com

A glass bath with a view

Anantara Kihavah Villas, on Baa Atoll in the Maldives is now open. The resort is just 35 minutes by seaplane from Male airport. All its villas and residences have private pool and a Villa host on 24 hour call but what The Luxury Travel Bible really loves are the very cool sunken glass bottom bathtubs in the overwater bungalows, that has to be the ultimate bath with a view; just look down to see the ocean below. The resort also has an underwater wine cellar and restaurant, featuring over 6,500 bottles. TLTB followers will like the Two-Bedroom Water Residence at 861 m² and the 25 metre sailing yacht, Ocean Whisperer, available for guests to explore their own desert islands. RL

www.anantara.com

Lizard gets a makeover

Lizard Island, on Australia's Great Barrier Reef has unveiled a new look in suitably watery blues and golden hues; just what you need on an idyllic island resort. It is what they call in the trade a ' soft refurbishment' - the equivalent of hotel botox rather than a full-on facelift you might say - and Lizard is looking good on it. Interior architects Pike Withers designed a fresh look for the Lodge Bar and Osprey's Restaurant, plus new furnishings for the Anchor Bay Suites and Sunset Point Villas.

Taka a peek at the new look here

www.lizardisland.com.au

Peninsula Hotels help

Following our article on Japan on Friday we've been contacted by a number of hotels and luxury groups who are also organising appeals to support victims of the quake and tsunamis. Sadly we can't mention all of them but worth acknowledging is Peninsula Hotels'  'Hope for Japan', launched today, which  will run in Peninsula properties across Asia and the US. Peninsula is famous for its afternoon tea so it is fitting that a special Japanese-themed tea will help raise funds for the region. Another initiative is The Tree of 1,000 Cranes; the bird is a favourite subject for the Japanese art of origami, representing healing and hope. Each Peninsula hotel will display a Crane Tree in the Lobby, and guests can make a donation to receive an origami crane to hang on the tree, or, if they wish, to fold their own with Peninsula staff to assist. Peninsula Hotels will also make a donation for each guest stay and guests wishing to make an additional contribution can request to have the amount added to their credit card at check-out.

www.peninsula.com

Thinking of Japan

Following the recent devastation that has hit the Asia-Pacific region in both Japan and New Zealand, we've had a note from Lucioles (which ran Blossom Japan) saying how much it helps our luxury partners in Japan to know we are thinking of them. So no news today, just a message to say we are thinking of them all, indeed everyone in the region. We understand the Westin Sendai, Japan has been a major refuge for so many during the difficult hours of the tsunami proving we are an industry of people who touch so many lives on a daily basis. For more information on making a donation click here.

August re-opening for Hayman

Hayman  in the Whitsunday Islands, Queensland  has annnounced it will re-open on 1 August . The luxury resort (a The Luxury Travel Bible favourite) had to close for repairs following damage caused by tropical cyclones Anthony and Yasi. The island is accepting reservations now for August and beyond and we wish this enduring and elegant resort well during this difficult period.

http://www.hayman.com.au/

St Pancras Renaissance to welcome guests from today

London's latest hotel, St Pancras Renaissance will welcome its first invited guests from today (14 March). The impressive Grade I-listed building is located next to St Pancras International train station, from where trains depart to the UK and Europe from. The new hotel plays on the romance of train travel and honours its location and history; the Booking Office Bar was originally just thatand some of the rooms overlook the Eurostar trains departing to Paris. Michelin-starred chef Marcus Wareing, who already has a restaurant at The Berkeley, will open The Gilbert Scott restaurant at the hotel in May. During a six year, £150 million refurbishment architects worked with the V&A museum and English Heritage to ensure that all was authentic to the Victorian design. The building, originally the Midland Grand Hotel, was designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott and opened by Queen Victoria in 1873.

It was once feared that as London became more modern this gothic building was "too beautiful and romantic to survive". Luckily it did survive and has now been resorted to its full glory.

From today (14 March) invited guests will be welcomed by the hotel, from 21 March the hotel will be open to public bookings. The official opening ceremony will be held 5 May which is 138 years since the original hotel opened.

www.marriott.co.uk/hotels/travel/lonpr-st-pancras

Innovative and entertaining cruise promotion

Promotional films used to consist of sweeping shots over the dining room with a little bit of muzak playing the background - Boring!

Thankfully these days' promotional films are beginning to look more like Hollywood blockbusters. So far this year we have already seen W London-Leicester Square's 'Away we Stay' short film to promote its Valentine's Day opening. Now - in an innovative first for the cruise industry - Royal Caribbean International have enlisted Hollywood actors Jenny McCarthy and Josh Brolin to direct and star in the 'Ocean Views' digital film series, designed to showcase their newest ship, Allure of the Seas.

McCarthy's short film "The Allure of Love" tells the story of two friends who hatch the perfect plan to get a pair of star-crossed exes back together while aboard the ship. Brolin's short film 'Royal Reunion' tells the story of a multi-generational family holiday aboard the ship (TLTB wonders if James' real family; actor son Josh Brolin and superstar wife Barbara Streisand, will make cameos). As well as being very entertaining (the only thing missing was some popcorn) there are lots of shots of the ship, it's features and the service.

"The Allure of Love" and "Royal Reunion" will premiere on 13 March during an exclusive event onboard Allure of the Seas in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The films will be available at  www.RoyalCaribbean.com and  www.youtube.com/royalcaribbeanintl following the premiere. CA

... standing out from the crowd

The Luxury Travel Bible loves it when your luggage stands out from the crowd. The new limited edition range of Tumi Tag luggage will do just that amongst the boring black, blue and grey carry-ons.

Created in collaboration between luggage specialists Tumi and New York graffiti artist John 'Crash' Matos the collection of four cases and iPhone case showcases Crash's distinctive style. Each of the wheeled cases features a different piece of Crash's work (which has been featured in museums and galleries worldwide and includes custom-painted guitars for Eric Clapton and John Mayer). Each case has the lightweight, easy-to-manoeuvre and protective features that we have come to expect from Tumi.

Only 1,000 of each Tumi Tag luggage style have been produced and each has a unique number that authenticates it as a distinct piece in this collection. SB
Luxury link: www.tumi.com

qualia's exclusive designer beach towel

Normally beach towels are something that The Luxury Travel Bible wouldn't give more than a second glance to. However, qualia, a resort known for its style and design, has managed to change our opinion on the humble beach towel.Australian fashion designer Collette Dinnigan (whose fans include Angelina Jolie, Halle Berry and Elle Macpherson) has created a limited edition beach towel which is exclusively available for purchase by qualia guests and devotees. TLTB loves the towel's bold print and bright colours which have been chosen to reflect qualia's beautiful flora and fauna.  Dinnigan, a fan of the resort who showcases her 'Cruise Collection' annually at qualia during the Audi Hamilton Island Race Week, says "qualia is my escape. I go there to relax and take inspiration from the immense natural beauty of Hamilton Island [Queensland, Australia] as it provides the perfect backdrop for recharging and inspiring creativity."

Exclusively available from the qualia boutique (qboutique@hamiltonisland.com.au ), the limited edition towel can be purchased for AUD$149, plus delivery. SB

 

Chiva-Som Spa Luxury at Home

 

Thailand's award-winning Chiva-Som Health Resort has released a new collection of 24 spa products for use in the home. Each product has been developed using the latest technology, the years of experience of the resort's therapists and incorporating unique insights into traditional Asian healing practices. The range reflects the resort's ongoing commitment to the environment by using natural products, recycled packaging and no animal-derived ingredients, artificial colours or fragrances. Chiva-Som Retail and Product Development Manager, Anne-Claude Tora says "Spa lovers can now use the highest quality product range in their own home". Chiva-Som's new website contains full information on each of the 24 products including ingredients, description and user benefits, as well as a list of which Chiva-Som treatments use each product. www.chivasomproducts.com , www.chivasom.com

Suite Dreams from Ritz-Carlton and Bulgari

The Ritz-Carlton, Dallas and Bulgari have launched 'The Suite Dreams Shopping Experience at The Ritz-Carlton' experience. Guests will stay for one night at the hotel and will be transported to the the newly opened Bulgari boutique at the NorthPark Center. As well as receiving Bulgari concierge shopping assistance guests will receive a Bulgari gift during their visit to the boutique - either a bottle from the brand's perfume collection or a copy of the Bulgari coffee-table book written by Sotheby jewellery experts Daniela Mascetti and Amanda Triossi. One very lucky Suite Dreams guest each month will discover a complimentary Bulgari Carbon Gold Limited Edition Watch which will be placed under their pillow as part of the evening turn-down service.

Priced from $399 per night in a Deluxe Suite with breakfast for two in-room or at Fearing's Restaurant, available between 9 March - 5 September 2011. www.ritzcarlton.com

World's most expensive painting goes on display

Art lovers in London will be heading to the Tate Modern to view the most expensive painting ever sold which is now on display in the gallery's new Pablo Picasso room. Picasso's 1932 'Work, Green Leaves and Bust' fetched $106.5 million (£65.5 million) when it was sold at auction last year in New York. The painting, featuring Picasso's sometimes mistress Marie-Therese Walter, is on loan to the Tate Modern from the anonymous owner. A major exhibition of Picasso's work will open at Tate Britain next year. www.tate.org.uk

First Nobu hotel to open in Las Vegas

The world's first Nobu Hotel is set to open in Las Vegas at Ceasar's Palace. The team behind the restaurant chain Nobu, actor Robert De Niro and chef Nobu Matsuhisa, and Tom Jenkin, President, Western Division of Caesar's Entertainment announced the creation of the hotel which will take open in the existing Centurion Tower which will be renovated and redecorated. The hotel will follow the style of Nobu restaurants with minimalist Japanese decor. A new Nobu restaurant will also open at the base of the tower, joining the other Las Vegas Nobu at the Hard Rock Hotel. As yet no opening date has been revealed, The Luxury Travel Bible will keep you updated. www.noburestaurants.com

El Questro set to re-open

El Questro Wilderness Park is preparing to re-open in April for its 20th season. In the Kimberley region of north Western Australia El Questro is spread out across a million acres and there are waterfalls, gorges, ravines and cascades that have remained undiscovered for years. April marks the official end of the annual wet, when the landscape starts to dry out. During this time the landscape starts to bloom and April marks the start of the breeding season for the black-necked stork or Jabiru.

El Questro Wilderness Park opens from 1 April to 31 October every year. www.elquestro.com.au

The Spirit moves us

Silversea is one of The Luxury Travel Bible's favourite cruise lines. The latest ship in the fleet, Silver Whisper was greeted with much fanfare in Sydney yesterday and half way through her maiden voyage we can report she is showing typical Silversea style. On board yesterday TLTB loved the art deco-inspired design. Readers will be pleased to hear the ship has the largest suites in the fleet. We also recommend the large and indulgent spa and the intimate Le Champagne wine restaurant where a tasting menu can be matched with fine wines and champagne. We have it on good authority that the sommelier has one of the finest cellars at sea. Our cruise correspondent will be on board when the ship sails and we'll bring you an in-depth report shortly.

http://www.silversea.com/

Missoni and the Middle East

The newest hotel in the Missoni stable, Hotel Missoni Kuwait opened its designer doors today. Currently it is the only design hotel in Kuwait and is located in the heaert of the shopping and entertainment district of Salmiya.  The hotel is a joint venture between the Missoni  fashion house and the Rezidor Hotel Group. Missoni already has the 136-room Hotel Missoni Edinburgh in Scotland, which opened in June 2009. The architects are Dino Georgiou & Partners, while the concept designer is Italian architect Matteo Thun  in collaboration with Rosita Missoni. We'll be bringing you  full report on the hotel in our March edition.