Treetop dining at Six Senses

Dining at Six Senses has always been special but now this has been taken to new heights with the recently launched Treepod Dining experience at Soneva Kiri by Six Senses. Situated at one of the best vantage points in the resort guests board the treepod at ground level and then are gently hoisted 16 feet in the air into the tall, native massang trees. Host Khun Lek accesses the diners through the air on a zip line coming from a small platform perched half way down the hill. Once Lek has served the meal he zips back down the hill, discreetly of course, but is always on hand should the guests need him.

One achievement that the resort is particularly proud of is that the structure was built without any bolts of attachments into the trees.

Breakfast, Lunch or dinner are available at the Treepod and menus follow jungle themes such as 'Canapés in the Canopy', 'Forager's Basket', 'Woodland Offerings', using produce predominantly from the resort's organic gardens or the island of Koh Kood. With birds' eye views over the stunning scenery and the only other company being the odd butterfly or the interruption of the swaying leaves this dining experience is one to remember. The Luxury Travel Bible has heard that even those without a head for heights are enjoying this unusual experience. SB

Luxury link: http://www.sixsenses.com/



Stargazing by TLTB

Today's news about the rare astronomic events at Uluru (see below) will be stunning. But year-round stargazing is available in this area. On a visit to Uluru a year ago the pitch-black sky, millions of bright stars and the odd shooting one, made for an unforgettable moment. A simply stunning area. SB

Stargazing at Ayers Rock Resort

Uluru Kata-Tjuta National Park is always a spectacular location to visit however during upcoming dates in December it is even more special. Two rare astronomic events will be occurring and guests at Ayers Rock Resort, gateway to the National Park, will be able to witness the Geminids Meteor Shower which will peak on the 13 and 14 December where there may be up to 120 meterors per hour visible in the sky. On the 21 December guests will witness a rare total lunar eclipse. The famed Sounds of Silence dining experience which is served in the desert under the stars will be on offer by the resort. http://www.ayersrockresort.com.au/

Vigilius Mountain Resort's new chef

Design Hotels member Vigilius Mountain Resort has announced Mauro Buffo as its new chef at their Restaurant 1500 from February 2011. The luxurious eco-resort's restaurant is known for its diverse menu and modern menu. Buffo will also serve gluten free dishes. Buffo will create a range of themed menus that will reflect his many stints and travels around the world but will also be paying homage to the region's culinary traditions and make use of the local ingredients from the area's farms. The wine cellar at Restaurant 1500 is very well stocked to compliment the dishes on offer. The Vigilius Mountain Resort is located at a 1,500 metres altitude and is only accessible by cable car. www.designhotels.com/vigilius

Posted 8/12/10

Much better than socks

One of the big questions this time of year is 'What do you get the person who has everything?' One option is a voucher to stay at luxury Huka Lodge, New Zealand - so much better than a pair of socks! To be used during 2011 the packages range from a three course lunch by Michelin-starred chef Michel Louws to a champagne helicopter ride over the region's spectacular mountain and lake scenery. The vouchers are also redeemable for a stay at the lodge which was designed by luxury hotels designer, Virignia Fisher.

http://www.hukalodge.com/

Hansar Bangkok opens January 2011

Will this be one of the first hotel openings of 2011? The new 94-suite Hansar Bangkok will open its doors on 4th January 2011. Each of the 94 suites feature contemporary design by Singapore based WOHA, and wi-fi, flatscreen TVs, DVD players and iPod docking stations, blissful king-sized plus beds, rainshowers and free-standing terrazzo bathtubs. A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World the hotel is part of Hansar Hotels and Resorts which also opened Hansar Samui, a 74 room beachfront resort, in July.

www.hansarbangkok.com/  www.slh.com/hansarbangkok

A day of contrast for TLTB

Today has been a day of contrast for The Luxury Travel Bible. From a warm, sunny Friday morning in Sotogrande, Spain...

... to a cold London afternoon with thick snow on the ground.