W Hotels new iPhone App

W Hotels want us all dancing their beat. In a first for the hotel industry the group's new global iPhone application has an integrated music platform with exclusive content as well as W Insider tips, and fashion finds. And we're not just talking about any old musak here. The music content is curated by Michaelangelo L'Acqua, from DJs all over the world and the app will be updated with the newest DJ mixes on an ongoing basis.

"Our savvy guests now have on the go information for all W Hotels, including access to W's signature Whatever/Whenever service, as well as exclusive music content curated by our Global Music Director", said Eva Ziegler, Global Brand Leader, W Hotels Worldwide and Le Méridien. One of L'Acqua's ongoing projects is the Symmetry Live series that brings emerging artists to perform in W Hotels, including such acts as Ellie Goulding and Neon Trees.

 

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

The Rees Hotel now offering free wireless internet

Keep in touch with friends on your next New Zealand ski holiday. Wireless internet has been installed throughout the luxe Rees hotel in Queenstown. The Rees has also completely removed internet fees, so all guests now have complimentary internet access.

The Rees Hotel was selected as a 2011 New Zealand HotelClub Hotel Award Winner. Running since 2006, the HotelClub Awards have recognised their most outstanding properties in a range of categories around the world. www.therees.co.nz

A May Fair Tutorial

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

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

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

A mega-yacht with style

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

A boutique taste of Brazil

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

Iconic NOLa hotel to re-open

The Hyatt Regency New Orleans will reopen on 19th October following a multi-million dollar redevelopment. The hotel was one of the most visual representations of Hurricane Katrina's aftermath and news of its re-opening is another sign of the on-going restoration of the city.   When it opens its doors the hotel will feature 1,193 all-new guest rooms including four presidential suites, the city's largest hotel meeting and exhibition space, a Starbucks coffee shop and a 24 hour fresh market.

Hyatt Regency New Orleans was an integral part of Downtown New Orleans for over 30 years until Hurricane Katrina hit the area in August 2005. The Luxury Travel Bible joins tourists and locals alike in saying "Welcome Back".www.neworleans.hyatt.com

A Polar bear on ice

Anyone in downtown Sydney between 3-10 June should visit the Sydney Ice Bear sculpture at a Customs House Square. The sculpture is there to raise awareness of the need to preserve and protect our natural environment. "Nowhere is the need for action on climate change more evident than in the Arctic. Every year the Arctic temperature increases at almost twice the rate of anywhere else," says Lisa Bolton, CEO Aurora Expeditions . Which is why one Ice Bear supporter will a trip to the European Arctic to explore the realm of the polar bear with Aurora Expeditions: The Spitsbergen Odyssey, a cruise for two valued at more than $20,000 including airfares, airport transfers, ship accommodation and shore excursions in July 2012. www.auroraexpeditions.com.au/

All eyes on Monte Carlo

Only one day to go before the 69th Monaco Grand Prix and Europes glitterati are heading for Monte Carlo. If you're looking for a hotel with a pole position you can't go past the Fairmont Monte-Carlo, the panoramic terrace on the 7th floor of the hotel offers uninterrupted views over the most famous hairpin bend on the circuit, the Fairmont Hairpin, so you can enjoy the Formula 1 experience in pole position. www.fairmont.com , www.visitmonaco.com

The Flower of Champagne

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show officially opens tomorrow to the delight of green fingered fans everywhere (even The Queen has only missed one show in the past sixty years).

To celebrate this annual event one of our favourite new Champagne lounges has created a special cocktail. The Perrier-Jouët lounge at DUKES LONDON will be serving 'The Flower of Champagne' which combines Rose vodka, lillet, Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut. This aromatic and refreshing cocktail is topped off with a delicate rose petal.

The Luxury Travel Bible recently caught up with DUKES' General Manager Debrah Dhugga to hear all of the hotel's latest news. While we were there we got to try 'The Flower of Champagne' cocktail. Our verdict? A subtle and delicious that subtly reflects British summertime.

The Flower of Champagne Cocktail at DUKES LONDON's Perrier-Jouët Lounge costs £17.50. The 2011 RHS Chelsea Flower Show   is open from 24th to 28th May.

Luxury Link: www.dukeshotel.com

More luxury for New Zealand

New Zealand will officially launch a new luxury alliance at a gala function tonight. The ten founder members of Queenstown Prestige include some firm The Luxury Travel Bible favourites such as:Sofitel Queenstown Resort & Spa, Eichardt's, Touch of Spice, Blanket Bay, Matakauri Lodge, Queenstown Opal Centre jewellers, Over The Top Helicopters, Mount Edward Winery and transport company BLACK. Sofitel's General Manager, Mr Wouter de Graaf said of the initiative, "Many of the operators involved already work as an informal network in regards to referrals and servicing the needs of discerning clients, so this alliance was the next logical step."

A hotel good enough to eat

Sometimes a hotel is good enough to eat and this one should be. The new Mr C hotel in Beverly Hills is the first hotel venture from the Cipriani restaurant family. Guiseppe Cipriani senior sold his interest in the famous Hotel Cipriani in Venice to Orient Express way back in the 1960s so this generation of Ciprianis have never been in the hotel business before. They own the famous Harry's Bar in Venice and other restaurants scattered around Europe. So far however this first venture is looking good. AP

Luxury Link: www.cipriani.com

A hotel with star appeal

                               

And we don't just mean five star. How about movie star? Hotel le Bristol in Parisis the backdrop for Woody Allen's just-released movie, Midnight in Paris. The movie, a romantic comedy starring Owen Wilson, Michael Sheen and Rachel McAdams was shot on location last summer. Some of its more glamorous scenes were filmed at Le Bristol, including shots of the hotel's untra-luxurious Panoramic Suite, in its elegant lobby and the hotel's famous entrance. Didier Le Calvez, General Manager of Le Bristol, said: "We were thrilled to assist Woody Allen, the cast and crew during the making of Midnight in Paris last summer... and are delighted that Le Bristol features alongside such a distinguished cast. HD

Grandest Indian palace

The Leela Palace Delhi, a Kempinski hotel has opened in style. Less than a month after its official inauguration , which TLTB mentioned back in April, our correspondent reports things are looking very luxie. So they should since the majestic hotel in the Chanakyapuri area, designed in the architectural style of Lutyens' Delhi, cost a small (make that large) fortune to build. But then it has got Murano glass chandeliers and $5 million-worth of art. if you want to spend up equally big to try the 6-room Maharaja Suite. This suite comes with the state-of -the art facilities like a complimentary Rolls Royce, 24 hour butler service, spa rooms, Jacuzzi, walk-in wardrobes and a private gymnasium etc. www.theleela.com

Mandarin Oriental Paris sets the date

Asian elegance comes to Paris when Mandarin Oriental opens its first hotel on July 15. We've known it was coming, now we have a firm date.One of several Asian-owned luxury hotels opening in Paris this year, Mandarin Oriental's first foray into French hospitality is taking luxury to a new high in the world's fashion capital. Housed in a historic 1930s Art Deco building on Rue Saint-Honoré, and close to Opera Garnier and the Louvre, the Mandarin Oriental Paris will bring a touch of the exotic to central Paris. The eight storey, 138-room hotel will have an entire floor dedicated to its spa which will have seven private suites encircling the pool, two restaurants under Executive Chef Thierry Marx, and a tree-planted indoor garden complete with fluttering butterflies. Those of us at TLTB who like to indulge in all things sweet are looking forward to sampling goodies from the hotel's in-house cake shop. Yum! www.mandarinoriental.com

Khao Lak gets cubed

Walk along the beach at Khao Lak, Thailand and you'll come across a series of striking grey cubes on the edge of the sand. These are the buildings of the just-completed Casa de la Flora hotel, the most contemporary-style luxury hotel in the area. No wonder the newly completed boutique hotel is already a member of the picky Design Hotels. The 36 cube villas are tiered back from the coast like so many kids building blocks. All of the villas have private pools and the terraces and gardens step down to the water so there are sea views from all around. The Luxury Travel Bible particularly likes the idea of the on-site 'Dream Maker' who gets to know each guest individually and helps to 'fulfil all their wishes', A big call, TLTB can actually wish for quite a lot... Great in-room entertainment courtesy of Apple, 24 hour butlers, and a suitably eco-friendly approach to the environment complete the picture. Book us in. http://www.designhotels.com

The all-suite life

A new kind of river cruiser is now sailing down the Rhine on its maiden voyage. The new Avalon Panorama calls itself a 'suite ship' and it is certainly a new concept for a river cruiser with two full decks of suites featuring a wall-to-wall window that transforms the living space into a vast open-air balcony. The suites area so 30% larger than the industry standard. Onboard amenities include an Internet corner and Wi-Fi access, a well-stocked library, an expanded fitness center, and a spacious Sky Deck and open-air Bistro. Watch the scenery float past on a series of itineraries that take in the Danube, Rhine and Main . www.avalonwaterways.com , www.avalonwaterways.com.au

First hotel for Ciprianis

Fans of Harry's Bar in Venice been waiting eagerly for the opening of the first hotel from Ignazio and Maggio Cipriani, fourth generation of the famed Cipriani family who run the Cipriani restaurants (but not ,.let's be clear, the Orient-Express Hotel Cipriani also in Venice) The Mr C hotel is now due to open on 1 June in Beverly Hills. The hotel will have 138 rooms including 12 signature & classic suites, restaurant, outdoor pool and complimentary wi-fi (we like) .Early pictures show rooms in shades of white with touches of black with black and white La Dolce Vita-style prints on the walls. We like the sound og the glass evevtor to teh top floor and the Ray Kappe-designed bungelows in the grounds.

www.cipriani.com

Our esteemed Ed Hilary Doling recently had dinner with Jaume Tapies, President of Relais & Chateaux and some of R&C's best clients at Tetsuya's in Sydney.

Relais & Châteaux new and improved iPhone App

Relais & Châteaux has launched it new and improved iPhone application. The app makes planning a holiday, finding a hotel or resort and discovering a dining experience even easier, right at your fingertips. Information, videos and photos of 500 Relais & Châteaux properties will be available on the app. Other features include up-to-date news, share your favourite properties via Facebook and Twitter, find a property nearby with availability on the same evening and proposals of itineraries using Google Maps.

Relais & Châteaux ambassador is Richard Gere, whose hotel The Bedford Inn, in New York State, was accepted as a member of Relais & Chateaux in 2010.

To download the iPhone Application visit  www.relaischateaux.com/appstore

A Charitable Teddy in PJs

"Wake in the deepest dark of the night and hear the driving rain. Reach out and take a paw, and go to sleep again" - Charlotte Gray

Not too hard, not too soft but just right ... The Langham, Melbourne has launched the Teddy Bear Package to keep guests warm and cosy during this Australian winter. The Luxury Travel Bible just can't resist Grace the very special (and very cute) Langham Teddy Bear dressed in Pink Pyjamas who will join guests during their stay. Most importantly the Teddy Bear Package will be supporting a very worthwhile cause, the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre Appeal Available until September 28 The Teddy Bear Package also includes overnight accommodation for two, breakfast in Melba Restaurant, delicious hot chocolate beverages, access to the Health Club and Wellness Centre and bear surprises to be delivered to your room. So snuggle down with Grace and dream away in your own five-star fairytale. Luxury Link: melbourne.langhamhotels.com.au www.oliviaappeal.com

Hilfiger Hotels

Clothing designer Tommy Hilfiger is going to join the ranks of Versace and Armani and create a designer hotel. According to the Wall Street Journal (a venerable publication that can be relied upon) Mr. Hilfiger and a business partner have signed a contract to pay $170 million for the Clock Tower, an office building near Madison Square Park in New York. Will the hotel be as preppie as Mr Hilfiger's clothing? Too early to say as yet but we do know he joins the rush to open up yet more accommodation in the hotel-hungry Big Apple. Mr. Hilfiger's old company, now part of Phillips-Van Heusen Corp which also owns Calvin Klein. isn't involved.

Teddy Bears for a good cause

"Wake in the deepest dark of the night and hear the driving rain. Reach out and take a paw, and go to sleep again" - Charlotte Gray

Not too hard, not too soft but just right ... The Langham, Melbourne has launched the Teddy Bear Package to keep guests warm and cosy during this Australian winter. The Luxury Travel Bible just can't resist Grace the very special (and very cute) Langham Teddy Bear dressed in Pink Pyjamas who will join guests during their stay. Most importantly the Teddy Bear Package will be supporting a very worthwhile cause, the Olivia Newton-John Cancer Centre Appeal Available until September 28 The Teddy Bear Package also includes overnight accommodation for two, breakfast in Melba Restaurant, delicious hot chocolate beverages, access to the Health Club and Wellness Centre and bear surprises to be delivered to your room. So snuggle down with Grace and dream away in your own five-star fairytale. Luxury Link: melbourne.langhamhotels.com.au www.oliviaappeal.com

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Crystals of Etihad

The Luxury Travel Bible likes the sparkly prospect of Etihad Airways - the national airline of the United Arab Emirates - new amenity kits in First class. We especially like the kits for women, which come in a black cosmetic purse dotted with Swarovski crytsals. Inside are products from luxury brand La Prairie' including; moisturiser, hand cream and lip balm. For men there is a black leather cufflink box with the usual man-style amenities such as a shaving kit with Schick Xtreme 3 razor and shaving cream. The new kits will be available on flights between Abu Dhabi and London; Paris; Geneva; Sydney; and Melbourne and then rolled out progressively across the airline's whole First class long-haul route network.

www.etihad.ae

Palaces for Paris

Four of The Luxury Travel Bible's favourite Parisian hotels - Hotel Le Bristol, Le Meurice, the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendome and the Plaza Athenee have been named in a select list of just eight official palace hotels in France by the French Government.The moniker of 'palace hotel' is one that many Paris hotels adopted over the years as a self-appointed and unofficial title but last year the government of France decided to make it an official category and laid out specific criteria for five-star properties who wanted the title of 'palace', and called it the "tourism version of the Pulitzer Prize' ". Outside of paris the distinction was also given to the Palais in Biarritz, the Airelles and Cheval Blanc in Courchevel and the Grand Hotel Cap Ferrat. General Manager of the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendome Michel Jauslin said ."We are delighted that Park Hyatt Paris-Vendome.. has been honored as a founding recipient of France's official Distinction Palace rating" .Hotels were judged by a 10-strong panel of personalities from hospitality, architecture and design, literature, film and television, science and business.
 The Luxury Travel Bible is always fond of a palace so we look forward to checking into every one of them. www.hyatt.com

 

Palaces for Paris

Four of The Luxury Travel Bible's favourite Parisian hotels - Hotel Le Bristol, Le Meurice, the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendome and the Plaza Athenee have been named in a select list of just eight official palace hotels in France by the French Government.The moniker of 'palace hotel' is one that many Paris hotels adopted over the years as a self-appointed and unofficial title but last year the government of France decided to make it an official category and laid out specific criteria for five-star properties who wanted the title of 'palace', and called it the "tourism version of the Pulitzer Prize' ". Outside of paris the distinction was also given to the Palais in Biarritz, the Airelles and Cheval Blanc in Courchevel and the Grand Hotel Cap Ferrat. General Manager of the Park Hyatt Paris-Vendome Michel Jauslin said ."We are delighted that Park Hyatt Paris-Vendome.. has been honored as a founding recipient of France's official Distinction Palace rating" .Hotels were judged by a 10-strong panel of personalities from hospitality, architecture and design, literature, film and television, science and business.
 The Luxury Travel Bible is always fond of a palace so we look forward to checking into every one of them. www.hyatt.com

 

Virgin happy about not being blue

As anticipated the Virgin Blue group in Australia has officially announced that Virgin Blue, Pacific Blue and V-Australia will be rolled into one Virgin Australia brand. Expect one new super-virgin look rolled out soon, a revamp of airport lounges starting in Melbourne and Brisbane and a hard-hitting attitude to competition and standards in business class out of Oz. Go Virgin we say, always good to have competition at the pointy end.

What a delicious Welcome!

Early morning flight to Sicily tomorrow morning. Just checked into Radisson Edwardian Hotel Heathrow ... such a lovely welcome!

A Jumbo undertaking

A bizarre piece of news but one guaranteed to make you a whole lot more comfortable on an elephant (You don't think it matters, have you ridden one?) Camp Jabulani in South Africa has created tailor made elephant saddles to take their luxury elephant back safaris to a whole new level. These über-comfortable saddles take two weeks to create and each one is carefully moulded to fit the shape and form of each and every elephant. Adine Roode of Jubulani explains: "We take the exact measurements of each elephant and adjust the saddles accordingly to their growth. The saddles are like carefully created Savile Row tailored suits." Apparently the design of the saddles has taken years to perfect, finding the right type of foam, the correct stitching, fabric that is both durable yet comfortable on the skin to the actual cut and shape. As the elephants grow, new saddles have to be made so the workshop is constantly in production at Camp Jabulani.

www.campjabulani.com/

Mandarin and Albert join forces

Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park has become the 'preferred hotel partner' to the Royal Albert Hall. The luxury hotel is in the perfect spot with great views over the Royal Park and a stiletto stagger from the classy shops of Knightsbridge. More to the point it is only a short walk from the Royal Albert Hall, so it is the perfect place to check-in for those wanting to visit the venue. The Royal Albert Hall celebrated a record breaking year in 2010 with 381 events being held in the main auditorium and 150 outside, so there is plenty of reasons to visit. The hotel's Bar Boulud, has also created a special menu for Royal Albert Hall guests. Last night of The Proms anyone? All together now: "Land of Hope and Glory...." www.mandarinoriental.com www.royalalberthall.com

A Private Pool in the Sky

When the high-rise Banyan Tree Macau opens on May 15 in the impressive Galaxy complex, Cotai City it will be the first 'urban resort' in Macau to have private indoor relaxation pools in all of its 227 suites. It also adjoins the world's largest 'sky wave' pool (eat your heart out Marina Bay Sands )- complete with a 150-metre white sand beach- in the largest resort development in Macau. The jewel in this sky-scraping crown will be the 3,400 square metre Banyan Tree Spa with 21 treatment rooms, designed with a contemporary Asian theme (note the bamboo-motif reception and a bamboo courtyard with glass skylight) and the usual sublime Banyan spa treatments. Since Banyan Tree academy opened at Banyan's Phuket resort in 2001 their spas have been a bench mark and The Luxury Travel Bible will sumit to one of their massage tables anytime. We suggest the signature Royal Banyan treatment or the Banyan Gui Shi for those looking for true indulgence in Macau.

Luxury Link: www.banyantree.com