Luxury Travel Insider

Editor’s Pick: Hotel Palais Stephanie, Cannes

Christine Gray — Tue, 31 Aug 2010 23:51:20 +0000

Hotel Palais Stephanie is a new jetset hot spot with an enviable location on the Croisette in the heart of Cannes. Relax at the rooftop swimming pool or beach club, try your luck at the hotel’s casino, and dine on international specialties at La Scena lounge bar and restaurant with outstanding sea views. This chic and stylish 5-star hotel on the Cote d’Azur overlooks the Mediterranean Sea and is a mere stone’s throw from Cannes’ old town, the Palais des Festivals, the old port, and just 30 minutes from Nice airport. View their Special Offers

Editor’s Pick: Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort

Christine Gray — Tue, 10 Aug 2010 16:12:29 +0000

Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort offers a “unique in the world” travel experience. The combination of the energy of the active Arenal Volcano, the heat of the Tabacon Hot Springs and the purity and mystic of the surrounding rainforest blend into what many have described as “paradise” or “the eighth-wonder of the world”. The four elements of nature are present in this unique Arenal Volcano luxury hotel and resort, featuring the heat of the volcano, the flowing waters of the hot springs, the pure air of the rainforest and the fertile earth of the of the Fortuna de San Carlos Region.

This five star luxury resort is a member of The Leading Hotels of the World and The Leading Spas of the World. It has also been recognized and named to numerous travel publications and the recipient of many accolades, including Conde Nast Johansens list, SpaFinder Magazine Reader’s awards, a ranked as a world’s top ten eco-spa by National Geographic Magazine and mentioned by Modern Bride magazine as a must-include visit during a Costa Rica Honeymoon, ranked as a top 5 worldwide honeymoon destination. View their Special Packages.

Editor’s Pick: Sofitel Amsterdam The Grand

Christine Gray — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 16:49:45 +0000

Sofitel Amsterdam the Grand is the epitome of historic elegance and sophisticated luxury in the heart of Holland’s capital. The hotel is filled with heritage listed examples of the city’s history dating back to 1578. Centered around the former council chamber, this is the marriage chamber in which Her Majesty Queen Beatrix was married. The superb downtown location is in walking distance of most major landmarks, including the Van Gogh Museum, Royal Palace, Anne Frank House, and the new Hermitage Amsterdam. With 177 stunning rooms, The Grand will include 52 brand new suites following their renovation due for completion this month, making it a perfect city escape, as well as a great hotel for a conference or wedding. View their Special Offers

Alex Polizzi’s Little Black Book of Hotels Released Today

Christine Gray — Fri, 06 Aug 2010 15:40:27 +0000

Award-winning hotelier Alex Polizzi, proprietor of Hotel Endsleigh and the presenter of Britain’s TV show The Hotel Inspector as well as granddaughter of Lord Forte and the niece of Sir Rocco Forte, released her Little Black Book of Hotels today. The book lists her pick of 52 secret getaways in the UK (England, Scotland, Wales), one for every weekend of the year. Her select list includes luxury country house hotels, chic city escapes, family run bed & breakfasts, and Michelin-starred restaurants with rooms. Each of the hotels is described in absorbing detail, allowing you to get a real feel for the place and your hosts, as well as the surrounding area.

Editor’s Pick: Divani Caravel, Athens

Christine Gray — Wed, 28 Jul 2010 21:01:05 +0000

A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, the 5-star Divani Caravel in Athens epitomizes refinement, stylish elegance, and exceptional service.

Why we love this hotel:
• Take a dip in the indoor/outdoor rooftop swimming pool and sunbathe while enjoying great panoramic views of Athens – from the Acropolis to Lycabettus Hill, this spectacular view will take your breath away!
• Impressive marble lobby
• Great customer-focused service; knowledgeable and well trained staff members.
• Stay on the Executive Floor for VIP service or in one of the two Presidential Suites.
• Brown’s Bar-Restaurant serves delectable Mediterranean cuisine and is an elegant setting with warm colors and a lounge feeling.
• Peak Health Club & SPA in the hotel.
• The Divani Caravel is a very comfortable base from which to discover all that Athens has to offer.
• Athens famous Concert Hall within walking distance.

Las Alamandas: A-List Hideaway on Mexico’s Costalegre

Christine Gray — Mon, 26 Jul 2010 16:56:12 +0000

Photo credit: Josef Kandoll W. / www.josefkandollw.com

We’re just back from Las Alamandas on Mexico’s beautiful Costalegre “Coast of Joy”. Las Alamandas is celebrating its 20th anniversary this year (opened in 1990) and it is still very much a “Trophy Destination” that any discerning traveler must experience at least once in their lifetime. Las Alamandas has been a perpetual hideaway over the past 20 years for A-List stars seeking to escape. In fact Raquel Welch (pictured above) and Alana Stewart were staying in the Presidential Suite with it’s stunning private pool. They shared our sentiments about this special place. Raquel Welch commented, “Absolute paradise! The colors so vivid and the air so sweet that one doesn’t ever want to leave!” and Alana Stewart raved “What an incredibly beautiful, peaceful, and special hideaway! Everything is absolute perfection and everyone so lovely and caring!”

Here are the WOW factors and reasons to visit now (or as soon as possible!):

This special place in the world oozes romance, power, beauty and solitude– Las Alamandas is an architectural gem amidst a pristine natural paradise by the rolling waves of the blue Pacific Ocean. Re-connect with nature, with yourself, and with your partner.
If you’re looking for a total escape from the pressures of the world, here you literally “Get away from it all”.
It is rare that you get to stay in a private beachfront estate that has been visited by almost every A-List movie star, supermodel and rock star you can think of.
The beachfront Presidential Suite (pictured above) has had a total renovation. It is now sleek and chic with a new oceanfront infinity pool and Jacuzzi.
The small army of staff has mastered the art of Mexican hospitality and are so genuine, sincere and friendly. Most of them have been working here since the resort’s opening.
The atmosphere is low-key, laid back with an “anything, anytime, anywhere” attitude.
Las Alamandas enjoys an ideal “microclimate” between Puerto Vallarta and Manzanillo on Mexico’s Riviera with warm, sunny weather throughout the year.
The sprawling 1,500 acre estate is an ecological preserve where, depending on the time of year you can view sea turtles, dolphins, whales, and migrating birds. Because of its remoteness you’ll experience awe-inspiring star gazing throughout the year. (Insider tip: For best stargazing, plan your trip during a new moon)

Luxury Travel Magazine highly recommends Las Alamandas — it lives up to the hype and exceeds it!

Blantyre Releases Beautiful Coffee Table Book

Christine Gray — Tue, 13 Jul 2010 21:02:48 +0000

Blantyre, a member of Relais & Chateaux, is a romantic luxury country house hotel with 15 Rooms & 9 Suites, in The Berkshires of Massachusetts offering old world elegance, award-winning cuisine, and an extensive wine cellar.

This lovely book entitled “The World of Blantyre & The Cookery Of Christopher Brooks” by Claire Hopley is 240 pages…167 pages of beautiful photographs, with over 50 favorite recipes and some history of the award-winning country house hotel.

To Order please email // bookone@blantyre.com or call (413) 637-3556 Blantyre direct to place your order. $70.00 plus 6.25% Mass tax and $5.00 UPS Shipping.

Visit the Blantyre website.

Editor’s Pick: Villa Rolandi Thalasso-Spa Gourmet & Beach Club

Christine Gray — Fri, 02 Jul 2010 18:42:41 +0000

An exclusive Caribbean island escape on Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula, award-winning Hotel Villa Rolandi Thalasso SPA Gourmet & Beach Club offers luxury, relaxation and romance. Just 20 minutes by ferry from mainland Cancun, Isla Mujeres is a world apart with glistening views of Cancun from across the water. Villa Rolandi is a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World and Chaine Des Rotisseurs, as well as recommended by Conde Nast Johansen’s.

The resort’s Thalasso SPA features indulgent body therapies like mud baths, algae baths, marine water baths, showers, footbaths and more. Gourmands will delight in the exceptional cuisine of the gastronomic Casa Rolandi restaurant, perched above the lagoon with magnificent views of the lights of Cancun and the sun setting into the sea.

The boutique hotel’s 35 ocean view suites feature modern Mexican style. Villa Rolandi provides a private beach and a private yacht Cocoon for guests’ enjoyment. Dolphin Discovery is located a short stroll down the beach, or catch a glimpse of whale sharks migrating during the summer months. Golfers are invited to hop aboard the resort’s yacht to the nearby Cancun Golf Club. Villa Rolandi offers a Honeymoon Package.

Editor’s Pick: Pousada Estrela D’Agua – Trancoso, Brazil

Christine Gray — Thu, 01 Jul 2010 18:42:49 +0000

Pousada Estrela D’Agua was named “The Best Beach Pousada of Brasil” in 1000 Places to see Before You Die by Patricia Schultz. The Pousada is also a proud member of the prestigious hotel group, Relais & Chateaux. Find your happiness in Trancoso where you’ll find historic architecture and kilometers of dreamy beaches. Pousada Estrela D’Agua faces one of the most stunning beaches and offers spacious and vibrant rooms – a mixture of all the colors of Brazil. The only dilemmas you’ll face here are “hammock or lounge chair?, turquoise pool or emerald sea?, golf or scuba diving?, spa or a stroll in the tropical garden?” The resort offers Honeymoon and Golf Packages: www.estreladagua.com.br

Why we love this hotel:
• Perfect days of sunshine and stunning beaches
• Delicious food and friendly service
• Mingle with the international jet set
• Park your jet nearby!
• Feel like you’re back in the 16th century when walking in the “Quadrado”
• Trancoso’s friendly local people
• Sunbathe on the beach, looking to the Atlantic and know that the nearest neighbor is Africa
• Atlantic preserved rainforest
• Play golf on the best course in Brazil

Editor’s Pick: Divani Apollon Palace & Spa

Christine Gray — Wed, 23 Jun 2010 18:09:08 +0000

The Divani Apollon Palace & Spa is a luxury resort hotel situated in the exclusive area of Vouliagmeni on the Athenian Riviera, Greece. Enjoying a spectacular beachfront location, just 18 km from Athens city centre, the Divani Apollon Palace & Spa was the first hotel in Athens to become a member of The Leading Hotels of the World. View their Vacation Packages/Special Offers.

Top 10 Reasons to Book a Stay at Divani Apollon Palace & Spa:

- Explore the bustling city of Athens and then return to the Divani’s idyllic location by the sea.
- The Divani Athens Spa & Thalasso Centre, a member of the Leading Spas, is the only facility offering Thalassotherapy in the Athens region.
- Their beautiful private sandy beach with complimentary umbrellas, sun beds and chairs.
- Many swimming pools – outdoor sea water pool, outdoor fresh water pool, indoor pool, children’s pool.
- Glyfada, the most famous suburb in southern Athens for shopping and nightlife, is only 5 minutes away. The hotel provides a shuttle bus to Glyfada and to Syntagma Square in the heart of Athens.
- Outdoor tennis court with flood lighting
- Children’s pool and playground
- Extensive Gardens and Jogging route outside the Hotel
- Retail shops on property
- 24-hour Room Service