Following our article on Japan on Friday we've been contacted by a number of hotels and luxury groups who are also organising appeals to support victims of the quake and tsunamis. Sadly we can't mention all of them but worth acknowledging is Peninsula Hotels' 'Hope for Japan', launched today, which will run in Peninsula properties across Asia and the US. Peninsula is famous for its afternoon tea so it is fitting that a special Japanese-themed tea will help raise funds for the region. Another initiative is The Tree of 1,000 Cranes; the bird is a favourite subject for the Japanese art of origami, representing healing and hope. Each Peninsula hotel will display a Crane Tree in the Lobby, and guests can make a donation to receive an origami crane to hang on the tree, or, if they wish, to fold their own with Peninsula staff to assist. Peninsula Hotels will also make a donation for each guest stay and guests wishing to make an additional contribution can request to have the amount added to their credit card at check-out.
March 21, 2011
March 20, 2011
Thinking of Japan
Following the recent devastation that has hit the Asia-Pacific region in both Japan and New Zealand, we've had a note from Lucioles (which ran Blossom Japan) saying how much it helps our luxury partners in Japan to know we are thinking of them. So no news today, just a message to say we are thinking of them all, indeed everyone in the region. We understand the Westin Sendai, Japan has been a major refuge for so many during the difficult hours of the tsunami proving we are an industry of people who touch so many lives on a daily basis. For more information on making a donation click here.
March 15, 2011
August re-opening for Hayman
Hayman in the Whitsunday Islands, Queensland has annnounced it will re-open on 1 August . The luxury resort (a The Luxury Travel Bible favourite) had to close for repairs following damage caused by tropical cyclones Anthony and Yasi. The island is accepting reservations now for August and beyond and we wish this enduring and elegant resort well during this difficult period.
St Pancras Renaissance to welcome guests from today
London's latest hotel, St Pancras Renaissance will welcome its first invited guests from today (14 March). The impressive Grade I-listed building is located next to St Pancras International train station, from where trains depart to the UK and Europe from. The new hotel plays on the romance of train travel and honours its location and history; the Booking Office Bar was originally just thatand some of the rooms overlook the Eurostar trains departing to Paris. Michelin-starred chef Marcus Wareing, who already has a restaurant at The Berkeley, will open The Gilbert Scott restaurant at the hotel in May. During a six year, £150 million refurbishment architects worked with the V&A museum and English Heritage to ensure that all was authentic to the Victorian design. The building, originally the Midland Grand Hotel, was designed by Sir George Gilbert Scott and opened by Queen Victoria in 1873. It was once feared that as London became more modern this gothic building was "too beautiful and romantic to survive". Luckily it did survive and has now been resorted to its full glory.
From today (14 March) invited guests will be welcomed by the hotel, from 21 March the hotel will be open to public bookings. The official opening ceremony will be held 5 May which is 138 years since the original hotel opened.
www.marriott.co.uk/hotels/travel/lonpr-st-pancras
March 11, 2011
Innovative and entertaining cruise promotion
Promotional films used to consist of sweeping shots over the dining room with a little bit of muzak playing the background - Boring!
Thankfully these days' promotional films are beginning to look more like Hollywood blockbusters. So far this year we have already seen W London-Leicester Square's 'Away we Stay' short film to promote its Valentine's Day opening. Now - in an innovative first for the cruise industry - Royal Caribbean International have enlisted Hollywood actors Jenny McCarthy and Josh Brolin to direct and star in the 'Ocean Views' digital film series, designed to showcase their newest ship, Allure of the Seas.
McCarthy's short film "The Allure of Love" tells the story of two friends who hatch the perfect plan to get a pair of star-crossed exes back together while aboard the ship. Brolin's short film 'Royal Reunion' tells the story of a multi-generational family holiday aboard the ship (TLTB wonders if James' real family; actor son Josh Brolin and superstar wife Barbara Streisand, will make cameos). As well as being very entertaining (the only thing missing was some popcorn) there are lots of shots of the ship, it's features and the service.
Thankfully these days' promotional films are beginning to look more like Hollywood blockbusters. So far this year we have already seen W London-Leicester Square's 'Away we Stay' short film to promote its Valentine's Day opening. Now - in an innovative first for the cruise industry - Royal Caribbean International have enlisted Hollywood actors Jenny McCarthy and Josh Brolin to direct and star in the 'Ocean Views' digital film series, designed to showcase their newest ship, Allure of the Seas.
McCarthy's short film "The Allure of Love" tells the story of two friends who hatch the perfect plan to get a pair of star-crossed exes back together while aboard the ship. Brolin's short film 'Royal Reunion' tells the story of a multi-generational family holiday aboard the ship (TLTB wonders if James' real family; actor son Josh Brolin and superstar wife Barbara Streisand, will make cameos). As well as being very entertaining (the only thing missing was some popcorn) there are lots of shots of the ship, it's features and the service.
"The Allure of Love" and "Royal Reunion" will premiere on 13 March during an exclusive event onboard Allure of the Seas in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The films will be available at www.RoyalCaribbean.com and www.youtube.com/royalcaribbeanintl following the premiere. CA
... standing out from the crowd
The Luxury Travel Bible loves it when your luggage stands out from the crowd. The new limited edition range of Tumi Tag luggage will do just that amongst the boring black, blue and grey carry-ons.
Created in collaboration between luggage specialists Tumi and New York graffiti artist John 'Crash' Matos the collection of four cases and iPhone case showcases Crash's distinctive style. Each of the wheeled cases features a different piece of Crash's work (which has been featured in museums and galleries worldwide and includes custom-painted guitars for Eric Clapton and John Mayer). Each case has the lightweight, easy-to-manoeuvre and protective features that we have come to expect from Tumi.
Only 1,000 of each Tumi Tag luggage style have been produced and each has a unique number that authenticates it as a distinct piece in this collection. SB
Luxury link: www.tumi.com
March 10, 2011
qualia's exclusive designer beach towel
Normally beach towels are something that The Luxury Travel Bible wouldn't give more than a second glance to. However, qualia, a resort known for its style and design, has managed to change our opinion on the humble beach towel.Australian fashion designer Collette Dinnigan (whose fans include Angelina Jolie, Halle Berry and Elle Macpherson) has created a limited edition beach towel which is exclusively available for purchase by qualia guests and devotees. TLTB loves the towel's bold print and bright colours which have been chosen to reflect qualia's beautiful flora and fauna. Dinnigan, a fan of the resort who showcases her 'Cruise Collection' annually at qualia during the Audi Hamilton Island Race Week, says "qualia is my escape. I go there to relax and take inspiration from the immense natural beauty of Hamilton Island [Queensland, Australia] as it provides the perfect backdrop for recharging and inspiring creativity." 
Exclusively available from the qualia boutique (qboutique@hamiltonisland.com.au ), the limited edition towel can be purchased for AUD$149, plus delivery. SB
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