Kate Middleton's last solo night

Kate Middleton and her family are staying at The Goring hotel for her pre-wedding night. The hotel in London's swanky SWI postal code has been in the family for four generations since the great O.R Goring (Otto Richard - silhouetted on the hotel's logo) opened it in 1910 in the last days of Edward VII's reign. The hotel has long had royal and aristocratic connections: Lady Randolph Churchill (Winston's mater) lived here; Queen Mary often came to tea; The Queen Mother came for cocktails. The hotel chefs even made Prince Charles' christening cake. These days the hotel is an eclectic mix of the best of British design, from the likes of Viscount Linley, and touches of quirky. Take for example the sheep motif in the rooms; ewe footstools, fluffy lambs on the pillow (are we counting sheep yet?) ...you get the picture. In an age of cookie-cutter 'design' hotels The Goring stands several storeys above the rest. If you want a taste of what the English are like at their best (a mix of style and eccentricity) stay here... or you could just interview owner Jeremy Goring,  like The Luxury Travel Bible did. Learn about the sheep in Kate's bedroom here

The iPad 2 Checks in

When the first 'pad came out The Luxury Travel Bible published a Top Ten of iPad early adopters in the hotel scene, a list that was taken up by websites around the world. So now that iPad2 has been with us just over a month, what are the luxe hotels doing this time around? http://bit.ly/gbmvST

Save the Seas

Congratulations to Holland America Line which has announced a new sustainable seafood program offering onboard menus that showcase sustainable seafood. Each seafood item  on the menu is evaluated for its abundance, how well the fishery that supplies it  is managed and what damage is done to the surrounding marine ecosystem through catching or farming the seafood."Our sustainability program is an important element in our ongoing commitment to oceans on which we sail and to being responsible corporate citizens in every aspect of our business," said Richard Meadows, executive vice president, marketing, sales and guest programs at Holland America Line. We are proud to roll out this program and know our guests will appreciate the fact that their seafood menu selections are responsibly sourced and help promote the continued availability of fish species that are essential to a biologically diverse marine environment.

Holland America Line is working in conjunction with the Marine Conservation Institute.

www.hollandamerica.com

Silversea to rename luxury Expedition Ship

Silversea cruises today announced plans to change the name of their luxury expedition ship, the Prince Albert II to Silver Explorer. The changes will take place later this month while the ship is undergoing routine maintenance in Portugal before embarking on its summer program of Northern Europe and Arctic voyages. 

Silversea chairman Manfredi Lefebvre said that the name change is "to reinforce the Silversea luxury brand image for the expedition segment".
The ship was originally name in tribute to His Serene Highness Prince Albert II of Monaco. Silver Explorer will continue to support of the Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation and host fundraising events aboard for the Foundation's projects.
Silver Explorer will make up Silversea's fleet of ships; Silver Cloud, Silver Wind, Silver Shadow, Silver Whisper and the new Silver Spirit.

www.silversea.com

The Prince Albert II of Monaco Foundation is dedicated to the protection of the global environment. Focus ing on three major challenges: climate change and developing renewable energies; the loss of biodiversity; improving universal access to clean water and fighting desertification. For more information, visit www.fpa2.com

A bold and stylish champagne lounge

Does the world need another Champagne bar? Absolutely The Luxury Travel Bible says! Especially when said lounge is a little different.

TLTB was present at the intimate launch this week of the new Perrier -Jouët lounge at London’s Dukes Hotel and we had to stop ourselves staring at all the luxe design features.

Interior designer Shaun Clarkson has considered every aspect of the room's design. When you next visit take time to notice the carpet (and not just because you've had one too many) it is hand- made in India to reflect the flowers on the Perrier - Jouët bottles. The roses reflect the pink of the cushions, the shades of champagne are present in the wallpaper and the whole colour scheme is inspired by the classic Belle Époque bottle.

Oh, and the champagne isn’t half bad either! Sommelier Thomas was on hand to recommend the best bottle ... he also says the Champagne Cocktail '1811' will go down very nicely after dinner.

All those roses make a change from other champagne bars in the area (no leather, dark wood and mood-y lighting here). While all men at the launch felt very at home with a glass in hand the women all agreed that it was a very female-friendly space - great for a girls’ get together.

But boys, if you feel a need for a more manly area head upstairs to Dukes' Martini Bar. Ultimate male James Bond was created here when Ian Flemming wrote some of the original Casino Royale. Yes, that is why Bond drinks his Martini shaken, not stirred. Looking for macho inspiration? Ask if you can sit at Flemming's table. SB

Luxury Link: www.dukeshotel.com

Putting the 'cool' into Coolum

Hyatt Regency Coolum in Queensland is an old favourIte of TLTB but, how can we put it kindly, things were beginning to get a wee bit tired. Not any more! Hyatt Coolum has just unveiled the latest in a series of stylish refurbishments, creating a cool new look in white and grey and olive green for the resort's popular King Rooms, part of a program that has already seen the upgrade of Golf Villas, Lakefront Villas and the extensive health and beauty facilities of the large stand-alone Spa. For those who want to be the first to see the new King Rooms An initial 12 refurbished rooms are now open with others to be completed in the coming months.

The new King Rooms offer large bedroom and living areas, and outdoor patios with views of the golf course, lakes or lush native gardens.

www.hyatt.com

Happy Birthday dear Dorchester

Congratulations to The Dorchester hotel which officially celebrates her 80th birthday today and thanks to the odd bit of cosmetic work (roof suites in 2007, an Alain Ducasse restaurant, a new spa in 2009) the old girl looks pretty good. There is further cosmetic work to come this year, when the hotel renovates a number of suites, again under the design direction of Alexandra Champalimaud. In the tradition of all grand dames contemplating a facelift this is being called 'a refresh'. 

We particularly like The Dorchester's history in pictures which time travels us through some of the hotel's finest moment from its early origins. Highlight include: a trumpet playing Louis Armstrong(1956) , Elizabeth Taylor signing her Cleopatra contract in the pink marble bathroom of the famous Harlequin suite (1962), and a visit from The Beatles accepting an award in the ballroom (1964).

The Dorchester has chosen to celebrate its 80th Anniversary throughout 2011 in a worthy collaboration with the international charity Trees for Cities by planting 80 new 'Future Great Trees' in London.

On a fun note today (18 April) a commemorative birthday cocktail is being launched by legendary bar manager Giuliano Morandin - the perfect way to toast the occasion. HD

Luxury Link: www.thedorchester.com

Alila Villas Uluwatu

At three-bedroom cliff top villa, Alila Villas Uluwatu - definitely on our list for Bali's most beautiful. We also have to report Chef Stefan Zijta at Alila Villas Uluwatu makes a mean chocolate pudding, additive even... HD

Expert Opinion: Jeremy Goring, The Goring Hotel

The Goring hotel in London's swanky SWI postal code has been in the family for four generations since the great O.R Goring (Otto Richard - silhouetted on the hotel's logo) opened it in 1910 in the last days of Edward VII's reign. We sense some centenary celebrations approaching. The hotel has long had aristocratic connections: Lady Randolph Churchill (Winston's mater) lived here; Queen Mary often came to tea; The Queen Mother came for cocktails. The hotel chefs even made Prince Charles' christening cake. These days the hotel is an eclectic mix of the best of British design, from the likes of Viscount Linley, and touches of quirky. Take for example the sheep motif in the rooms; ewe footstools, fluffy lambs on the pillow (are we counting sheep yet?) ...you get the picture. In an age of cookie-cutter 'design' hotels The Goring stands several storeys above the rest. If you want a taste of what the English are like at their best (a mix of style and eccentricity) stay here... or you could just interview Jeremy... http://bit.ly/efSzns

Kate Middleton will stay at The Goring

The Luxury Travel Bible's sources in London had heard rumblings but now the news it is now official. Clarence House announced today that Kate Middleton will spend her last night as a single woman at TLTB favourite The Goring Hotel, Belgravia. The hotel is located conveniently close to Buckingham Palace and Kate will stay in a five room suite with her mother and sister.

Hotel owner Jeremy Goring said "We are delighted that we are able to play a small part in what's going to be a wonderful day of celebration around Britain".

If you want to know what the bride and princess to be can expect read our Expert Opinion with Jeremy Goring.

www.thegoring.com

Easter on a large scale

The Jumeirah Carlton Tower Hotel, which celebrates its 50th anniversary this year, is acknowledging Easter in style throughout the hotel. Easter specials range from the delicious sounding 'Hot Chocolate' body Scrubs to the new 'Taste of Spring' menu served in The Rib Room to the chocolate-themed Easter afternoon tea menu. 

One thing that has really caught The Luxury Travel Bible's eye is the giant golden egg that will be on display in The Chinoiserie restaurant. TLTB is partial to a chocolate Easter egg, especially one this size! 

Stephan Will, the hotel's award winning pastry chef, and his team have handcrafted a one metre high egg, which has been made from 30kg of Belgium chocolate and is covered in gold leaf. SB

The 'Taste Of Spring' three-course menu served over the Easter weekend, includes half a bottle of wine, water, coffee and petit fours, starts at £45 per person. The Peak Health Club and Spa will be offering the ʻHot Chocolate Sugar Scrubʼ treatments to both members and guests, priced at £65. 

Luxury Link: www.jumeirah.com

The Grand Hotel, Stockhom retains Michelin stars

Congratulations are due as for yet another year The Grand Hôtel, Stockholm has retained its Michelin stars. The hotel holds the most Michelin stars under one roof in Sweden and holds three of the eights stars held in Stockholm.

Chef Mathias Dahlgren offers two different restaurants at the hotel. 'Matsalen' (The Dining Room) holds two Michelin stars and 'Matbaren' (The Food Bar) holds one star.

As well as retaining the Michelin stars the hotel has added yet another reason for guests to visit the restaurants. Chef Dahlgren has pioneered the introduction of Swedish Wagyu beef in Stockholm. This will mark the first time that Wagyu beef from purebred livestock born and raised in Sweden has been served. The Wagyu beef from Värmvik Säteri in Västervik, is currently being introduced to both restaurant menus. www.grandhotel.se

TLTB is currently in Bali

The ten bedroom residence Alila Hotels Alia Villas Soori has to be the most luxurious hotel villa in western Bali. TLTB is loving the the huge pool & view as well as the calm of Bali. HD

McQueen to be honoured in New York

The 'enfant terrible' of British fashion is set to be honoured in New York. Between May 4 and July 31 the Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York will be celebrating the work of the late Alexander McQueen. One hundred pieces from McQueen's 19 year career will be showcased in the landmark exhibition 'Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty'. This event will no doubt prove a must for all fashionistas in New York this season.

This fashion event deserves a stylish stay. Guests of The Lowell hotel (Madonna and Gwyneth Paltrow are known to have stayed there) can take advantage of the 'Alexander McQueen' package which will give an A-list worthy, fashionable experience including priority admission to the exhibition (we know The Luxury Travel Bible's readers don't like to wait in lines).

The 'Alexander McQueen' package at The Lowell Hotel includes priority admission two tickets to The Metropolitan's seminal "Alexander McQueen: Savage Beauty" exhibition, one night in a Deluxe King Room, and continental breakfast. Based on two sharing.

www.metmuseum.org/, www.lowellhotel.com

"Ask Ali" joins Etihad

From May 1 Etihad Airways will feature cultural ambassador Ali Al Saloom as the host for its new in-flight television program about life in Abu Dhabi. "Welcome to Abu Dhabi with Ask Ali" will showcase the UAE capital as Ali visits attractions and sights. He will also inform passengers about the area's rich heritage and culture.

Ali will be  an entertaining edition to the in-flight line up who has become well known and liked for his witty and friendly presenting style. Ali says of his new role as in-flight entertainment, "I am honoured to have been chosen to present this new and exciting program that will be viewed by thousands of Etihad passengers flying to Abu Dhabi and beyond from around the world".  www.etihad.ae

A new luxury hotel in the snow

We're not sure whether it is the relaxation rooms with private hot tubs on outside decks or the spectacular views of the snow-capped mountains and the lake but something about Hilton Hotels & Resorts new property in Queenstown New Zealand has taken our fancy. Hilton Queenstown is on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, a champagne cork toss from the millionaire mansions of Kelvin Heights and the award-winning Jacksons Landing golf course. The hotel is part of a 'village' complex which also includes restaurants and bars and the trendy new four star Kawarau Hotel also managed by Hilton. We predict the new offering will give other luxury hotels in the region, including our favourite five star Sofitel Queenstown Hotel & Spa and The Rees , a run for their money in the luxury hotel stakes. Opening on May 17 just in time for the Southern hemisphere ski season the hotel is just under fifteen drive minutes out of town (or a water taxi transfer from the private jetty) and five minutes from the turn off to The Remarkables ski slopes. The Luxury Travel Bible loves the stone fireplaces bordered on each side by floor to ceiling windows with watery views and the large size of even the regular rooms. There is also a 25-metre heated indoor lap pool. Best of all is the eforea spa; the hotel is one of the first in the group's portfolio to get a Hilton-run spa and it is a lavish one, with 10 treatment rooms. The General Manager of the whole 'village' is the elegant Marlene Poynder, a woman who knows her spas and who was such a success as GM of Park Hyatt hotel in Sydney. HD  www.hilton.com

Aman founder to be awarded

The Luxury Travel Bible will be there in Shanghai cheering the loudest when the formidable Adrian Zecha, founder and chairman of one of the world's most luxurious travel brands, Aman resorts is presented with a lifetime achievement award at ILTM (International Luxury Travel Market) Asia 2011. The award ceremony will take place at the close of ILTM Asia's Ultratravel Forum on Monday 13 June at 5pm in the Shanghai Theatre, Portman Ritz-Carlton. Zecha changed the face of luxury resorts and inspired a whole generation of entrepreneurs to give us the very best in luxury, yet Amanresorts still only has 23 properties and fewer than 900 rooms worldwide, TLTB loves Amanresorts staff-to-guest ratio of six to one. The first Amanresort, Amanpuri (Place of Peace) was founded in 1987 in Thailand by Indonesian born Zecha,at a time when the concept of small boutique resorts was still in its infancy. Then followed resorts such as Amanpulo in the Philippines and the more recent Amanfayun in China - and the rest is luxury legend.

Now in its fifth year, ILTM Asia invites a select group of those offering definitive luxury experiences and prestigious luxury travel products in the Asia Pacific region to meet with 400 of the most discerning buyers of luxury travel and a handful of editors of worldwide luxury magazines and websites (including TLTB of course).

www.iltm.com

A sunny summer spot for a cocktail

The Terrace at the Jumeirah Lowndes hotel will re-open on the 15 April offering a peaceful and secluded outdoor space for all day al fresco drinks and dining. 

This year The Terrace will also feature a Pommery champagne bar. A menu of summer cocktails will be available including the signature ʻTerrace Breeze cocktail, a blend of mango juice, Tanquery gin, Smirnoff vodka, orange juice and grenadine - sounds perfect for a balmy London evening. A menu offering dishes ranging from Rock Oysters to simple summer salads to indulgent desserts will suit all tastes and dining occasions. 

The Terrace has re-opened just in time for a certain wedding that is happening in London at the end of the month (you may have heard about it). To celebrate The Terrace will be decked out with Royal Wedding themed décor and a ʻBest of British alfresco menu will be served. Toast Wills and Kate with either a chilled glass of bubbles from The Pommery Champagne Bar or a ʻRoyal Weddingʼ cocktail which has been specially designed to reflect the red, white and blue colours of the Union Jack. SB

The Terrace at the Jumeirah Lowndes re-opens for the British summer on 15th April 2011. All day dining will be available 11:00am - 10.00pm (Monday - Saturday) and 11:00am - 7:00pm on Sunday. 

Luxury Link: www.jumeirah.com

Small Luxury Hotels of the World's 20th Anniversary

The Luxury Travel Bible attended a lovely (and delicious) lunch for Small Luxury Hotels of the World's 20th Anniversary today in London. It was great to hear from Paul Kerr and chat with hoteliers from around the world. Plus, they gave us a fantastic gift to take home - did we share? No way!

Read Paul Kerr, CEO of Small Luxury Hotels of the World Expert Opion - http://bit.ly/fPmiGm

Planting a Legacy

The Dorchester's 80th Anniversary celebrations have kicked off in an environmentally aware fashion. Throughout 2011, in collaboration with international charity Trees for Cities, the hotel will be planting 80 new 'Future Great Trees' in London. Fifteen trees will be planted in Mayfair and St. James's to form 'The Dorchester Anniversary Walk'. A further 65 trees will be planted across London in areas to be identified by Trees for Cities. Perhaps one day these trees will be one day rival the listed plane tree that has marked the entrance to the hotel since it opened its doors in 1931 and that was named as one of the Great Trees of London in 1997.
Over the next few months the hotel will unveil more 80th Anniversary celebrations including on its official birthday (18 April 2011) a commemorative 1930's cocktail called ' Dorchester of London' . Sounds perfect to to toast the hotel with.

The hotel's official anniversary website features many images from its glittering history and past guests including Louis Armstrong, Aristotle Onassis, Elizabeth Taylor and The Beatles.
www.thedorchester.com/celebrate www.treesforcities.org

 

Scent of the savannah

Anyone who has been around a lion after its lunch will know the scent of Africa isn't always fragrant. However, in the case of luxury lodge Londolozi's new signature scent and body range, 1926, it can be. Shan Varty, Londolozi's owner and creator of the range says, "In spring the Wild Basil (Ocimum canum) puts out bursts of little fragrant flowers which attract throngs of bees and hundreds of bright bushveld butterflies. It's the opulence of this annual floral spectacular which inspired the creation of a body range that would capture the magical and evocative place called Londolozi." The scent is created with pure essential oils and is reminiscent of an old fashioned cologne, and we are told it has 'a citrus aroma and earthy undertones that are both calming and uplifting" We can't want to get back to the bush and dab it on. Londolozi is after all one of TLTB's favourite places. As befits londolozi's comittment to the environment the range comes in amber glass vials, which are fully recyclable.

www.londolozi.com

Shiny red shoes called Dorothy

How do you know you're not in Kansas anymore? When the new patent leather red shoes worn by Virgin Atlantic's female staff cause as much fuss as the airlines new fleet of A330 Airbuses launched yesterday. The shoes, packed n yellow "brick' boxes come in two styles named 'Dorothy' with 3 inch heels and and 'Dotty' with a 2-incher for those who get sore feet in-flight and find the higher Dorothy one click too far. The shoes will no doubt add a touch of extra glamour to Virgin's John Rocha designed uniforms. Why are we telling you all this? Because we're shamelessly shallow that's why. Oh, about the planes... Virgin Atlantic's first Airbus A330 aircraft flew from Manchester to Orlando yesterday signaling the arrival of Virgins new $2.2bn fleet of 10 planes. Its maiden A330 aircraft, named 'Beauty Queen' is Virgin Atlantic's first long range twin engined aircraft. The new plane will use 15% less fuel per seat than the airline's A340-300s, higfhlighting Virgin's commitment to flying a lower carbon fleet. Virgin Atlantic's first two A330 aircraft will operate on leisure routes and with Premium Economy seats and Economy seats. The remaining A330-300s will also have Upper Class. in typical Virgin style the A330 aircraft have a revolutionary new Panasonic. touch screen entertainment system with over 300 hours of content. Coming later this year - inflight emails on Blackberries and other mobile devices. look out for more news from the skies in The Luxury Travel Bible's new airline section coming soon. Luxury Link: www.virginatlantic.com

Botox by boat

Now you can de-wrinkle while you de-stress at sea and come back from a cruise crows feet free. P&O Cruises has introduced a Medi-Spa onboard its Sydney-based ship, Pacific Jewel. The new Medi-Spa offers a range of cosmetic medical treatments, including targeted wrinkle treatments and instant skin plump-up procedures. Cruisers can also book a free one-on-one consultation with a spa physician who will assess their skin and recommend a treatment plan. And when friends say you're looking extra youthful - just tell them it's the result of all that fresh sea air.

http://www.pocruises.com/, www.pocruises.com.au

Hotels with a Heart - update

Last year we told you about two hotels that were doing their bit for charity. The Cranley Hotel and The Royal Park Hotel were raising funds for children in the UK and abroad during January. The hotels were charging a flat rate and then guests were asked to pay what they believe the stay is actually worth. Any money received over the £50 (+VAT) rate at The Cranley will be donated to Ndoro Children's Charity. Money raised at The Royal Park will be donated to the NSPCC.

We have now heard back from the hotels' Director of Sales, Lina Stahl, who told TLTB; " The recent charity promotions held at both The Royal Park and The Cranley Hotels during January raised much needed funds for both Ndoro Children's Charities and the NSPCC. The campaign also generated awareness of the two charities along with their aims and goals. Many guests' who were unable to book the discounted rate, donated directly to the charities." www.thecranley.com/ , www.theroyalpark.com/