TLTB's Editor appears on Weekend Sunrise

The Luxury Travel Bible Editor Hilary Doling appeared on Australian Channel 7 TV Weekend Sunrise talking about some of our favourite luxe resorts Laucala Island Fiji, Alila hotels Alila Villas Uluwatu Bali, Aman Yara Turks & Caicos, Six Senses Soneva Gii Maldives and St Regis Bora Bora

Click below to watch in full ...

Dubai delay for Kempinski

The 250 -plus room Kempinski Hotel Palm Jumeirah will now not open until 2013. The luxury hotel group has delayed the Dubai opening due to the economic situation in the region, although the attached residences will open as planned in July. Residents will have access to the gym and large 1,200sqm pool. The complex also features 500 metres of private beach.

www.kempinski.com

A Grown-up Alternative to the Easter Egg Hunt

Of course, The Luxury Travel Bible hopes the Easter Bunny leaves us with some chocolate delights but we are much more interested in grown-up alternatives to the traditional Easter Egg hunt. Tswau Kalahari lodge is offering guests the opportunity to go on the hunt for 'elusive desert gold' Kalahari truffles this Easter holidays. Guests can search for, dig up, cook and taste the sought-after truffle, of which a bumper season is expected, following a period of excellent rainfall. Guests will have the use of a private vehicle, personal guide and tracker for the truffle which is known locally as Inabas. Though finding truffles cannot be guaranteed the hunt will be a lot more memorable than the usual boring Easter egg hunt.

Tswalu Kalahari is set in South Africa's largest private game reserve, a vast expanse of malaria-free wilderness covering 100,000 hectares, yet it caters for just 30 guests in two exclusive lodges. www.tswalu.com, www.bridgeandwickers.co.uk

 

Campaign to save historical house

Any Anglo-Franco rivalry has been set aside in the campaign to save Napoleon Bonaparte's exile residence on the remote Atlantic island of St. Helena. Longwood House on this Overseas Territory of the United Kingdom is where Napoleon spent his final years and is now the focus of an international restoration appeal. Some sections of the Longwood House are "in a perilous condition" and it is estimated that the necessary work will cost €1.5 million. It is hoped that fifty per cent of this will come from public sources.

As well as the historical importance the house is also of significant to St Helena tourism which despite its remote locations continues to draw visitors each year. It took Napoleon 10 weeks to reach the island, which is located 1,200 miles off the west coast of Africa, aboard the HMS Northumberland. Visitors today still arrive by sea but in a much more comfortable fashion via the RMS St Helena, cruise ships or yachts.

For more information on the appeal and to make a donation visit
www.napoleon.org/en/fondation/partner/sthelena.asp

www.sthelenatourism.com, www.rms-st-helena.com

Re-vamped signature suites

After two years of refurbishments Four Seasons Hotel Sydney has unveiled what the hotel is calling its 'pièce de résistance' - four newly refurbished signature suites. The hotel's top suites - Presidential Suite, Deluxe Royal Suite and two Royal Suites - have been given a serious 're-vamp'. And vamp it up they do indeed. AThe Presidential Suite and Deluxe Royal Suite look down from the lofty 34th floor with stunning views of Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House. The Luxury Travel Bible is particularly fond of the presidential Suite, long a favourite of visiting royalty, rock stars and assorted celebs it now has a decor to match its clientele; all coffee-coloured walls and touches of leather. We especially like the modern take on a four poster in the master bedroom and the giant bathtub with views over the harbour. The Royal Suites are equally glamorous with Parquet floors and touches of intricately carved timber wall panelling. Book us in. 

www.fourseasons.com

A glass bath with a view

Anantara Kihavah Villas, on Baa Atoll in the Maldives is now open. The resort is just 35 minutes by seaplane from Male airport. All its villas and residences have private pool and a Villa host on 24 hour call but what The Luxury Travel Bible really loves are the very cool sunken glass bottom bathtubs in the overwater bungalows, that has to be the ultimate bath with a view; just look down to see the ocean below. The resort also has an underwater wine cellar and restaurant, featuring over 6,500 bottles. TLTB followers will like the Two-Bedroom Water Residence at 861 m² and the 25 metre sailing yacht, Ocean Whisperer, available for guests to explore their own desert islands. RL

www.anantara.com

Lizard gets a makeover

Lizard Island, on Australia's Great Barrier Reef has unveiled a new look in suitably watery blues and golden hues; just what you need on an idyllic island resort. It is what they call in the trade a ' soft refurbishment' - the equivalent of hotel botox rather than a full-on facelift you might say - and Lizard is looking good on it. Interior architects Pike Withers designed a fresh look for the Lodge Bar and Osprey's Restaurant, plus new furnishings for the Anchor Bay Suites and Sunset Point Villas.

Taka a peek at the new look here

www.lizardisland.com.au