a Hong Kong high

When yours is the highest bar in the world, a dizzy 450 metres (1,480 ft) or so up, you have to do something pretty special to compete with the views, especially when the views are of the neon heart of Hong Kong. Last night The Luxury Travel Bible was imbibing blackberry mojitos at the bar at the top of the new Ritz Carlton in HK and we can report that the bar is as breathtaking as the views, no wonder they call it Ozone. A high speed lift sucked us up to the hotel's lobby, already a mind-boggling 103 floors up .Then another elevator shot us into the stratosphere. Stepping out on the 118 floor of this designer fantasy is like starring in Barbarella; shapes twist and turn ,coloured lights dance, builbs drip from the ceiling like clusters of redioactive bubbles. Below us the river twisted like an electric eel surrounded by the twinkle of the city skyscapers. TLTB also loved the coloured lights on the floor that lead to food and the Aladdin's cave of light that leads to the private dining rooms. Where to eat? Italian at Tosca or Chinese at Tin Lung Heen, both have heady views. We predict these will be the hottest tables in town next Chinese new year but can the fireworks even reach this high? HD Luxury Link: www.ritzcarlton.com For more pictures of the bar and of that view Click Here

Shanghai goes big on luxury

For the the past week the rooftop bars and designer hotels of Shanghai have been awash with the movers and shakers of the travel industry talking about all things luxurious. One of Asia's most prestigious shows, ILTM Asia (International Luxury Travel Market Asia), saw more than more than 19,000 contacts made between planners and designers of bespoke luxury travel experiences. The "by invitation only' event is now in its 5th year and offers a platform for businesses to showcase their most sought after destinations, ultra-luxurious accommodation, elite transportation to the Asia Pacific region's most discerning luxury travel buyers.

So what was hot at the show this year? The buzz words were 'inspiration' ,'adventure and 'authentic cultural experiences' - all with luxury accommodation attached of course. The Luxury Travel Bible was at the show and will be bringing you our own favourite luxury inspirations from it shortly. www.iltm.net

Posted 17/6/11

A Traveller's Saving Grace

In general packing is thing that people hate most about travelling. However, a new iphone and iPad App is set to take some of the stress away from packing. Launched by Grace Hotels the 'Saving Grace' app comes with pre-set packing check lists which can be chosen based upon the type of travel from beach to ski to city mini-break. Users are able to personalise each list and re-use them again for future trips. The app promises to do the thinking, remembering and prompting when it comes to getting all the items for your holiday - it even reminds you to pack the toiletries and the needed paperwork.
The Luxury Travel Bible likes that the app reminds the user of the easily forgettable tasks such as watering the plants, pick up currency and take out travel insurance before departure. The free 'Saving Grace' App is available for download from Apple itunes.


www.gracehotels.com

A Villa fit for the Maestro

Opera fans rejoice! Villa Giulia, Luciano Pavarotti's summer residence, is now available for rental. Named in honour of his grandmother, Villa Giulia is located near Pesaro in the region of Le Marche, Italy in what Pavarotti described as "the most beautiful position on the Adriatic". Pavarotti had admired the property for many years and had to 'court' it before eventua lly purchasing it in 1975. He is said to have spent some of his happiest days at the villa surrounded by his friends and family.

The villa has been left as it was when Pavarotti lived there and guests can even use his music room which contains his piano. The villa also features a swimming pool, tennis court and is set within 12 hectare park that slope down to the sea. www.villeinitalia.com/

St. Regis Aspen re-opens

Following an extensive interior and exterior renovation the St. Regis Aspen Resort in Aspen, Colorado has re-opened its doors. The hotel, located at the base of base of Aspen Mountain, has been redesigned by interior architect Lauren Rottet. The impressive design brief was to create the " quintessential mountain manor similar to what John Jacob Astor would have designed during the Gilded Age". New features include completely redesigned guestrooms, a Gilded Age inspired ballroom and meeting space, a renovated pool area and a new retail boutique. www.stregisaspen.com

Happy Birthday Carlton Tower

Last night (13 June) Jumeriah Carlton Tower threw its ʻFabulous At Fiftyʼ party to celebrate the hotel's 50th anniversary. VIPs, London celebrities and some of the original 60's glamour pack, who have been fans of the hotel since it opened in 1961, helped the hotel celebrate in style.

Clive Aslet, author of ʻAll That Life Can Affordʼ which was launched at the party to celebrate the big 5-0, was kept busy signing copies while celebrity chef Gary Rhodes gave his seal of approval of the cuisine on offer. Canap¨¦s created by chef Simon Young were served. Guest partied into the night with 60's music playing, champagne flowing and memorable moments in the hotel's history being told.

To celebrate the special anniversary the team have created the '1961'. Based on a classic Champagne cocktail, the cocktail contains 1961 Armagnac topped with Pommery Champagne. The cocktail will be served in Gilt, Chinoiserie and The Rib Bar throughout 2011.

Happy Birthday Jumeriah Carlton Tower and here's to the next fifty years. www.jumeriah.com

A Royal Charity Polo Match

Princes William and Harry have taken part in a charity polo match at Coworth Park .   In aid of Prince Harry's charity Sentebale the royal brothers braved the rain (while the spectators huddled in the marquees) in a match which saw William beat his younger brother 1-0. During the match Harry played for Sentebale and William represented Tusk Trust, a charity for which he is patron. Following the tournament Harry hosted a charity dinner and auction in aid of Sentebale.
The Sentebale Polo Cup was originally due to take place in Dubai earlier in the year.

www.sentebale.org

Otahuna Lodge reopens with a culinary treat

Reopening in July after surviving damage from not one, but two earthquakes, New Zealand's Otahuna Lodge is back on track and ready to lure guests back to its tranquil surrounds. Not that it's hard. TLTB
has a hard time staying away from the gorgeous lodge!
Set on a historic country estate in a secluded valley on New Zealand's South Island, Otahuna Lodge
is right on trend with the offer of winter cooking lessons with celebrated Executive Chef Jimmy McIntyre. For long-time foodies or those inspired by the recent abundance of culinary television, the lodge is offering a maximum of 10 guests the chance to learn first-hand cooking secrets and techniques and includes a visit to Otahuna's organic potager gardens, a 90-minute cooking lesson and lunch with matched wines for all the dishes prepared during the class. Otahuna Lodge will reopen on July 11, 2011. www.otahuna.co.nz

Surf's Up at Six Senses Laamu

The new Six Senses Laamu in the Maldives starts October 2011 with a splash by hosting the first annual Six Senses Watermen event. In support of global water conservation, the event will give guests the opportunity to meet and learn from legendary surfers, wind and kite surfers and free divers, as well as leading conservationists. 

Short board inventor, Bob McTavish and Gold Coast Eco-surfer, Chris Garrett represent the Australian contingent, while other world-renowned, surf-side heroes include world cup surf winner Buzzy Kerbox and 17-year-old stand-up paddling world champion, Kai Lenny, both from the USA. 

England's free diving champion, Sally Campbell will teach guests about the world of free diving.

Fabien Cousteau, France's third generation explorer and aquatic film maker, will lead conservation workshops on marine restoration in the Maldives, and proceeds from guests' stays will be donated to a number of conservation organisations including the Blue Marine Foundation, Plant a Fish and Water Charity.

The Six Senses Watermen event will run from 30 September to 4 October, 2011 at The Six Senses Laamu, Maldives. 

www.sixsenses.com/SixSensesLaamu/

Another Cuzco hotel for Orient-Express

Orient-Express loves hotels in high places. The group announced today that its latest project, Palacio Nazarenas, a 55 suite hotel in a former palace and convent in Cuzco, Peru, will open in early summer 2012. The inauguration of Orient-Express' sixth hotel in Peru will be the culmination of an ambitious three year restoration project carried out under the guidance of eight full time archaeologists and promises to be pretty special with , iPads in every room and Cuzco's first outdoor swimming pool. The Palacio will be a sister hotel to Orient-Express's Hotel Monasterio in Cusco and the Machu Picchu Sanctuary Lodge. www.orientexpress.com

Villa Clarisse is open

The new Relais & Châteaux hotel, Villa Clarisse is now open. Back in January we tipped this as one of our Top Ten openings of 2011. The restored 17th-century property in the historic port of Saint Martin de Ré has only nine rooms and suites so  not surprisingly opening week has been all booked up. Stunning view over the UNESCO World Heritage Site Île de Ré and a boutique spa with two treatment rooms make this one worth putting on your must-stay list.

www.villaclarisse.com  www.relaischateaux.com

Aston Martin puts its badge on luxury holiday properties

Don't own an Aston Martin? That's OK you may soon be able to stay in one instead. The Luxury British sports car manufacturer  has extended its brand license agreement to include international property developments. "Power, beauty and soul are the three core elements that lie at the heart of the Aston Martin brand" says the company, we can't argue with that and now the idea is to broker all that glitz into the luxury property industry in a partnership with developers First Logic..On the horizon are marina, beach, ski, golf and polo resorts.

www.astonmartin.com ,   www.firstlogic.com

Feeling like a Londoner

Last week The Luxury Travel Bible got a sneak peek of the athenaeum's newly refurbished apartments. Housed within historic Edwardian buildings on a quiet street in Mayfair the apartments allow guests to live in their 'Home away from Home' as a true Londoner - they even get their own Mayfair front door. 

TLTB loves that interior designer Paul Faulkner has respected the original Edwardian building's features yet at the same time his modern refurbishment reflects the hotel's personality.

The apartments all come with five star services (including a hot line to Harvey Nichols food hall) and full access to the hotel's facilities and concierge. One guest has commented, "it is like having your own Mayfair home, with a rather lovely hotel attached!". Various sized apartments are available which will suit couples, families as well as business travellers for as long or short as stay as required. Kids will love the bunk beds and complimentary Kid's Menu (created by kids, for kids) while adults will love being able to eat breakfast in their robe and the free mini bar and ice cream.

With little touches such as a fully stocked kitchen, beautiful artwork (TLTB loved the modern piece depicting English money), CDs, DVD's and magazines (all picked to suit the guest) and fresh flowers, you'll feel at home in no time.

Luxury Link: www.athenaeumhotel.com

A way to celebrate the seasons in luxury

Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts are celebrating northern Summer with a series of incentives, from complimentary nights to spending credits, to give guests great value and luxury this summer. The Luxury Travel Bible loves the accompanying video.

Cool iced tea, spa treatments, infinity pools, beautiful beaches, the crystal-clear ocean, stunning views, great service, bright sunshine and luxury sum up everything that summer should be (or any other season for that matter).SB

Luxury Link: www.fourseasons.com/special_offers/