Gallery in the Air

Virgin Atlantic will launch a commercial art gallery at 35,000ft, offering Upper Class passengers flying between London and New York the opportunity to view, and purchase, a series of one-of-a-kind paintings by renowned British artist, Ben Eine, all from the comfort of their seat.

The canvases will be on display across the London Heathrow, JFK and Newark Clubhouses and, as passengers take their seats, they can take a virtual tour of the Gallery in the Air, look behind-the-scenes at the making of the Virgin Atlantic artworks by Eine in his studio and buy the unique pieces of art for themselves in exactly the same way as they would a duty-free shopping purchase.

Ten bespoke works of art priced between £2,500 and £15,000 (approximately AUD$3700 - AUD$22650) in Ben Eine's trademark typography style will be featured. Each piece has been inspired by the adventurous and innovative spirit of Virgin Atlantic, its entrepreneurial owner Richard Branson, and the iconic transatlantic cities of London and New York.

Sir Richard Branson said: 'I am a huge fan of Ben's work and like us, he does things differently and doesn't follow the crowd. We're delighted to be working with him, mixing things up a bit and having a bit of fun along the way'.

The Gallery in the Air, a world first, will take place between 1 to 28 February 2013. www.virgin-atlantic.com

Royal Warrant for The Goring

Congratulations to one of TLTB's favourite hotels, The Goring, which has received a Royal Warrant of appointment to HM The Queen for Hospitality Services.

Jeremy Goring, Cheif Executive of the hotel said: "We are hugely honoured to have been appointed a Royal Warrant holder by The Queen. To be able to display Her Majesty's coat of arms is something that the staff will be enormously proud of. Without doubt this is the most important recognition their work could ever receive. It is made all the more special for us because I believe this is the first Royal Warrant The Queen has ever granted to an hotel."

The Goring family has run the hotel for 103 after Jeremy's great grandfather built it in 1910. Ever since it has provided the higHest level of service to all guests including British and foreign royalty and Kate Middleton famously stayed at the hotel the night before her wedding in 2011. www.thegoring.com

... a new luxury suite ... always

There is a lot happening in Sydney right now: - the Park Hyatt soon to be re-opened, a new five-star, The Darling opening Friday  - but for today we're celebrating the new Terrace Suites at Sheraton on the Park. The "opening of these suites marks the culmination of a $40 million renovation at Sheraton on the Park." says Mr Sean Hunt, Regional Vice President for Starwood Pacific Hotels and Managing Director of Sheraton on the Park.  Covering up to 120 square metres, they are designed with loft apartments in mind. Views are of the Sydney skyline and nearby Hyde Park. The colour scheme is what we like to call 'Barista browns' - cafe colours like warm mocha carpets and deep chocolate and biscuit for the leather lounges, with a little lightness in the silvery-green walls. Then of course thereare the beds (hotels' just love their signature beds) in this case luxurious King-size Sheraton Sweet Sleeper beds. In the bathroom you'll find a big bath tub and Bvlgari toiletries. Access to the Sheraton Club Lounge is part of the deal.  MT

Luxury Links: www.sheraton.com/ , www.starwoodhotels.com/

... sweet treats

Those with a sweet tooth are rejoicing that the new Pudding Parlour at London's athenaeum hotel is now open. The Luxury Travel Bible attended the opening (to coincide with British Baking Week) and tested the delectable delights on offer.

Each month the menu will feature a ʻPudding Of The Monthʼ by Great British Bake Off winner Edd Kimber.  'The Boy Who Bakes' was on hand at the opening to demonstrate how he made October's featured pudding, the delicious 'Plum Almondine'. The lovely Edd revealed some of the upcoming featured puddings and TLTB particularly likes the sound of December's Traditional Home Made Mince Pies (a Kimber family recipe).

The menu will also feature puddings ranging from Macaroons to chocolate truffles to Champagne jellies  by the hotel's head pastry chef Marion.

So, forget cocktails bars and head to the pudding parlour instead for a post-theatre or late night treat.

The Pudding Parlour at the athenaeum will be open Monday - Friday from 8.00pm -11.00pm and Saturday from 9.00pm - 11.00pm.£10 per visit, £15 including a glass of Pudding Wine. SB


Luxury Link: http://www.athenaeumhotel.com/ www.theboywhobakes.co.uk

... from the mouths of babes - Virgin Galactic

We're loving this quote from a Richard Branson employee's kid  during  the Big R's trip to Christchurch New Zealand (20 October). Branson was in town to cheer up his troops, help the earthquake-beleagurered city - oh and go on to see the final of the Rugby World Cup in Auckland on Sunday.

''The most gruelling thing was the staff's kids questions,'' Branson told press. ''They were budding journalists in there.''  Yes, such as Daniel Trenberth, 11, whose father Dave is a Pacific Blue training manager, who asked Branson if he was entitled to staff travel on Virgin Galactic.

''He said he was thinking about it,'' Daniel said.

TLTB says, "And what about using Virgin frequent flyer points Richard"?

Luxury Link: http://www.christchurchnz.com/

... a great Aussie Travel App

New travel App, AUSTRALIA: Where to Go has just launched on the Apple iTunes store and we just had to share with TLTB readers.

This App is the definitive guide to the best places and authentic experiences Down Under. Want to go snorkelling off tropical islands, dine at Sydney's hottest spots, muster cattle in the outback, see native animals, enjoy deserted beaches, discover centuries-old Aboriginal rock art or watch some of Australia's finest actors on stage? It's all detailed on this App and TLTB readers will be pleased to know that there is plenty of luxury content.

Sue Gough Henly has condensed all that Australia has to offer and created a visually rich (there are more than 2500 photos and videos) app that gives the insider low-down on how to explore Australia like a local, whether visiting for just a few weeks or have lived there a few years.

TLTB loves how user friendly AUSTRALIA: Where to Go is with content filtered by criteria such as outback, on the water, wildlife, family, luxury, urban, eco and sorted by name, distance, price and state. It also features maps and directions and direct links to Wikipedia, State Tourism or Parks Department websites (whichever is most useful to the user). MT

Click here to read more about the App on iTunes.

... being a cowboy

Deep down, The Luxury Travel Bible thinks everyone wants to be a cowboy (or at least spend some time with one).

But there is no need to venture too far into the Wild, Wild West as The Ranch at Rock Creek, Montana  is offering a more luxurious cowboy adventure.

With over 20 outdoor activities to try out ranch staff felt guests were overlooking the simple art of relaxation. 'Cowboy Kipping' or 'Napping', as it is known on the ranch, has joined the line-up of Autumn activities, giving guests the opportunity to kick-back in rugged terrain, just like the Lone Ranger.

Six hammocks across riverside and mountain locations are all newly equipped with soft pillows, warm blankets and all offer up-close viewing points for local wildlife and the golden Autumnal foliage. Guests can either hike to the napping spots or be driven out by one of the onsite ranch hands for some quiet contemplation.

For the full cowboy experience guests can saddle-up and horseback ride through the throughout the 6,600 acre ranch, learn fly fishing at Rock Creek and try their hand at a spot of clay pigeon shooting. MT

Luxury Link: www.TheRanchatRockCreek.com

... Little LUXE for Little Luxies

LUXE City Guides, known for their short, sharp and snappy reviews,  has launched a brand new series aimed at families. Little LUXE gives all the information you need for travelling with children. The first pocket sized book in the series will be Little LUXE Hong Kong. Little LUXE guides are written by resident editors with families for fellow luxury traveller families.

LUXE has partnered with Little Steps Asia, an online resource giving  parents guidance on what to do, buy, and discover in Asia, to create a guide that will keep the kids happy and therefore their parents. CA

Little LUXE Hong Kong is now available in stores and online at www.luxecityguides.com  Little LUXE Singapore will be available from November.

... arriving in style

The Luxury Travel Bible loves to arrive (and depart) in style and that is exactly what happens at MAIA Luxury Resort & Spa in The Seychelles.

The luxury resort has recently launched its own helipad and have also purchased an amphibian boat, 'Sealegs'.  The helipad allows guest to arrive in just 10 minutes from other resorts nearby and also explore the area on scenic flights. The resort has teamed up with Zil Air, a newly launched helicopter company in the Seychelles who can arrange stylish flights for guests.

'Sealegs' gives guests the opportunity to keep their feet dry when arriving at the resort  from their yachts which can be moored off the resort's beach. 'Sealegs' can also take guests on days trips to visit other islands and secluded beaches.

MAIA Luxury Resort & Spa has 30 private villas including 3 Ocean View Villas and 8 Ocean Front Villas. A Leading Hotels of the World property it is set on a 30 acre private peninsula on the southwest coast of the main island of Mahé. SB

Luxury Link:  www.maia.com.sc

... a memory in a bottle

It is amazing how a scent can bring back memories of travel. The smell of sunscreen, flowers or a local cuisine can instantly transport one back to a favourite location or holiday. That is why we love Molton Brown's new perfume range.

The 'Navigations through Scent' Collection's five unique fragrances can instantly trigger a memory of a place, location, time or setting. Jennifer Jambon, Molton Brown's Principle Perfumer spent a year researching each of the destinations and discovering scent ingredients which can powerfully evoke emotions. (The Luxury Travel Bible has tried them all and they really do!)

The range starts in the Ancient World and birthplace of fragrance, Egypt, China and Indonesia. It then journeys to England for trade and then travels to the New World in Canada. Each fragrance contains a lead ingredient from the country it is named after.

IUNU (Egypt) has Egyptian white jasmine as its lead ingredient for 'elegant opulence', the floral-musky LIJIANG (China) conjures images of silk and tea and SINGOSARI (Indonesia) takes inspiration from spices and patchouli. APULDRE (England) leads with juniper berries so it is no wonder images of gin and tonics on green lawns are created. Finally, ROGART (Canada) features fir balsam and maple to recreate the feeling of feeling warm inside, with cold weather outside.

Not only would these luxury fragrances make a stylish, special gift for anyone who loves travel they are striking unisex scents for anyone who loves perfume. After a 'journey through scent' TLTB has decided that our favourite is either Singosari or Apuldure.

Navigations Through Scent are available at Harrods. 

Luxury Links: www.moltonbrown.co.uk , www.harrods.com

Making a fashionable entrance

Celebrating its fourth year as the Official Hotel of the London Fashion Week, The May Fair Hotel have collaborated with fashion graphic designer, Spiros Halaris. His vibrant fashion illustrations, depicting images from the catwalk, will transform the windows of the hotel for London Fashion Week making a very stylish entrance.

Having previously worked with luxury fashion brands such as D&G, Hemyca and Tom Ford, The Luxury Travel Bible looks forward to seeing the exclusive collaboration when the fashionable windows are unveiled on September 15th.

In celebration of fashion week the hotel has also specially created a LFW Cocktail, The Pout (Victoria Beckham would approve) and the spa will be offering a 'Catwalk Wrap' treatment to get guests catwalk ready.

Luxury Link: www.themayfairhotel.co.uk　

London Fashion Week runs 16th-21st September www.londonfashionweek.co.uk

A luxury souvenir

Luxury watch company Enigma have produced ten, limited edition Aqua Expeditions C42 Amazon watches to celebrate the launch of Aqua Expeditions' new luxury Pervuian Amazon cruiser, the M/V Aria.

The limited edition Aqua Expeditions C42 Amazon watches will be exclusively available on board the M/V Aria, and the company's first vessel, the M/V Aqua.

The Luxury Travel Bible thinks this is a pretty cool souvenir to bring home from a luxury holiday.

Each of the stylish, unisex watches has the Enigma and Aqua Expeditions logos on the watch face and have been designed with the Amazon environment in mind. The watch is perfect for optimal reading during low-light wildlife treks with Luminova treated hands, a steel case with anti-glare glass, a see-through case back and the watch is waterproof to 100 metres - sounds perfect for a luxury adventure traveller.

Peruvian tour company, Aqua Expeditions were the first to introduce five-star luxury cruises to the Amazon River in Peru. For further information about Aqua Expeditions visit www.aquaexpeditions.com

... a summer BBQ

If your idea of a Barbecue is a few burnt sausages over some smouldering coal, think again.

On Saturday The Luxury Travel Bible attended a BBQ Masterclass at The Terrace at Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel in Belgravia to learn more about the menu. Executive Chef Martin Gabler demonstrated making each of the dishes from the menu. The Luxury Travel Bible even had a go at making the signature Beef Burgers... we now know the ingredients to the burgers but we won't reveal the secret - you will just have to try them for yourself.

The sun was shining, the Pimms was suitable chilled, the atmosphere on the Terrace was sociable and most importantly the mouthwatering food was plentiful. The only way to end the meal was with one of the most delicious Chocolate Fondants TLTB has ever tasted.

The beauty of the menu is down to excellent quality ingredients. A visit to The Terrace is worth it just to try the delicious prawns and the tender chicken kebabs ... oh and the juicy steaks... and the burgers. .. oh and the Lamb Koftas....

Luxury Links: www.jumeirah.com

Hayman's new improved luxury

Welcome back Hayman. The luxury resort on Hayman island in Queensland was devastated by tropical cyclones Anthony and Yasi but now the one of Australia's most luxurious island paradises is back better than ever. Re-opening today (August 1) the new, improved Hayman has 8 brand new villas designed by Aman resorts architect, Kerry Hill each 120 square metres of sheer lux with a large private pool, private terrace, an outdoor shower. Surrounding the resort TV personality and horticulturalist Jamie Drurie has transformed Hayman's gardens into a tranquil tropical paradise . www.hayman.com.au

Win free stays in Queenstown NZ

Queenstown New Zealand is celebrating Rugby World Cup 2011 with a 300 night hotel giveaway during September and October. Queenstown isn't hosting any games, but TLTB thinks the stunning lake and alpine resort town is a 'must' on any luxury itinerary which is why our August issue (on the web August 3) will highlight some of the best. Destination Queenstown is running a week-long spring sweepstake to give visitors the chance to win 300 free hotel room nights. Anyone from around the world can enter the sweepstake which opens at 9am NZ time today (Monday 1 August) and closes at 9am Monday 8 August.

 Destination Queenstown CEO Tony Everitt said "This is a great chance for international visitors to bag a bonus for their big trip. We're aware that some people might be putting off a trip because they think accommodation may be expensive or hard to find. In fact here in Queenstown there's still very good availability from budget to five-star, during September and October". Each winner will receive two consecutive nights for two people at their respective hotel, so 150 lucky winners can take a partner or friend. Details on how to enter: www.queenstownNZ.co.nz.

Otahuna reopens in style

Otahuna Lodge in Christchurch New Zealand re-opens today (August 1). The Relais & Chateaux member lodge was badly hit by the earthquake that rocked Christchurch and the by the after shocks but now after a five month restoration project the luxury lodge is looking better than ever. Otahuna's seismic strengthening is also unparalleled for a heritage property in New Zealand. The Lodge has seven guest suites and with its fifteen open fireplaces is perfect for a NZ winter visit.. Congratulations to owners Hall Cannon and Miles Refo. TLTB is glad that you now back in the business of offering some of the best luxury in NZ. www.relaischateaux.com/ , www.otahuna.co.nz/

Relais and Chateaux is   recommended  by The Luxury Travel Bible.

Film is on the rocks

Actor  and producer Tilda Swinton is a great fan of Six Senses so it is no surprise that she and Apichatpong Weerasethakul, filmmaker and Winner of the 2010 Palme d'Or will curate the inaugural Film on the Rocks at  Six Senses Yao Noi Beyond Phuket this December. The films will be screened on the rocks of Phang Nga Bay, under the stars., so it is fitting that the theme is 'Evolve Back to Nature'. Guest and film personalities will mix with local villagers and sea gypsies of Yao Noi to exchange ideas and conversation. TLTB  love the idea of gypsies and movieland meeting and exchanging  ideas. ..  In addition, Film on the Rocks will be hosting residencies each year at Six Senses Yao Noi.  This year, emerging filmmakers will be chosen by Mr. Weerasethakul and their works will be premiered at Film on the Rocks.

Sounds like an event not to be missed, so don't.

Six Senses pioneered the idea of intelligent luxury and environmentally sustainable eco-tourism.  It also continues to support cultural exchanges of this kind at its properties worldwide. Film on the Rocks runs from December 16-20 2011  www.sixsenses.com   Six sense is recommended by The Luxury Travel Bible

The Datai Langkawi in new hands

The Luxury Travel Bible has long been a fan of The Datai Langkawi, ever since it first opened in fact. The villas and rooms, tiered down the hillside to the edge of a perfect white beach, are as stylish as ever; so it is good to see that the resort will be in safe hands with the announcement that Archipelago Hotels & Resorts is taking over management of the iconic property. The new luxury management company now has a portfolio that includes The Datai Langkawi, The Club at Saujana Resort (both members of Leading Hotels of the World) and The Carcosa Seri Negara. We look forward to more additions soon.

www.thedatai.com.my/,  www.shr.my/,  www.llhw.com

Gourmet Relais & Chateaux getaway

The Luxury Travel Bible are great fans of Relais & Châteaux, particularly the member properties in Australia and New Zealand, so we like the look of R&C's new Gourmet Getaway package. In Australia the world-renowned Tetsuya Wakuda and Jacques Reymond are classed as 'Grands Chef' of Relais & Châteaux, while New Zealand's fresh produce is served at R&C's NZ member lodges by chefs such as Dale Gartland at Matakauri Lodge, Jimmy McIntyre at Otahuna Lodge and James Stapley at Whare Kea Lodge (TLTB sampled his sublime food last week, much of which is sourced from his own small farm and we recommend it highly). All these delights can be sampled on the Gourmet Getaway package for AU$1200 a night per couple. Available until 31 August 2011, the package includes a luxury suite, degustation dinner and breakfast for two .www.relaischateaux.com

A hundred acre woods playroom.

Children will love the athenaeum's new pop-up playroom for the British school summer holidays. Created by Disney, the first time the company has worked with a UK hotel to create a 'Disney experience', the playroom is packed with toys, Lego Duplo, crafts and games all featuring Pooh and his friends. The room also houses giant Winnie the Pooh characters and a one hundred-acre wood style table and chairs. Every weekend the kids' concierge will host a honey-flavoured 'High-Tea' made using Regent's Park bees' honey (or should that be 'hunny' as Pooh would say) in the Playroom for children and their parents. The hotel's nannies can be booked to watch the children in the playroom if the parents wish to sneak off to enjoy the spa, afternoon tea or the attractions of London for a couple of hours. In conjunction with the themed playroom the hotel has launched honey-themed family picnic hampers which can be enjoyed in one of the nearby Royal parks. The hampers include delicious honey roasted ham sandwiches, and  honey cheesecake and comes with a Winnie The Pooh teddy bear and sticker book. SB Luxury Links:www.athenaeumhotel.com www.disney.co.uk