This year Le Meurice in Paris, a Dorchester Collection property, is celebrating three different five-year anniversaries on the luxury hotel and is offering guests the opportunity to get in on the fun. The special occasions include: Chef Yannick Alléno receiving three Michelin stars at Restaurant Le Meurice; the public space renovations by Philippe Starck and opening of Le Dali Restaurant which pays tribute to one of the hotel's most distinctive guests—Salvador Dali; and the fifth annual Meurice Prize for Contemporary Art. The landmark hotel is amongst Paris' most luxurious places to stay and offers guests the chance to experience the anniversaries with special menus, renovated apartments and an art contest.... Read More
The Banyan Tree Vabbinfaru has recently reopened after a refurbishment transformed the luxury property into an all-pool villa resort, with pools and jet pools set within each villa’s private garden area. To celebrate the reopening, guests who book a minimum of two nights from now through October 25, 2012 for stays from now through October 31, 2012 will receive complimentary daily breakfast, lunch and dinner for two people, as well as a one-time ‘Intimate Moments’ setup during their stay which features scented oils, candles around the pool and a complimentary bottle of red or sparkling wine. Guests are also entitled to a daily complimentary 60-minute spa massage (with an additional 30-minute refreshments and relaxation... Read More
The Chanler at Cliff Walk, a historically preserved hotel with an AAA Four Diamond Award features distinctly decorated guestrooms in the sailing town of Newport, Rhode Island. Guests can enjoy the luxury of colonial times past, with all the conveniences of modern amenities, from flat screen televisions to relaxing Jacuzzi tubs. Historically rich Newport, RI, is known as America's first resort city and the sailing capital of the U.S. Located south of capital city Providence on the picturesque Aquidneck Island in Narragansett Bay, the prominent East Coast picture-perfect, pristine community of three beaches has been a luxury destination dating back to the late 19th century. Newport has one of the highest concentrations of colonial-style homes in the nation, as there are three National... Read More
Design Hotels has added six new properties to the collection, adding up to a total of 25 properties. The new properties are located in cities including London, Paris, Buenos Aires and Istanbul as well as in stunning landscapes on Portugal’s Northwestern coast of Caminha and the remote Swedish island of Gotland. “As the collection of Design Hotels™ properties evolves each year, we look beyond their bricks and mortar to the actual experiences that they open up. Each hotel is colored with the passion of its owner, be it cuisine, art or regional wines. These facets add rich layers to the discovery of new and familiar places,” says Claus Sendlinger, CEO of Design Hotels™.... Read More
If you're heading to the sunny beaches of Bermuda, there's no finer place to stay than the Mandarin Oriental Elbow Beach property. The resort offers enticing amenities and activities as well as spacious suites and stunning views. The Mandarin Oriental is one of the finest resorts of sunny, tropical Bermuda. Located on the shores of Elbow Beach, this splendid retreat is an exotic oasis of comfort and luxury, offering numerous enticing amenities for all comers. There are over 200 suites, including a remarkable split-level penthouse and 104 cottages sprawled over the lush, tropical grounds. The cottages provide more privacy for those seeking to seclude themselves and bask in the sumptuous surroundings.... Read More
The Omni Hotel San Diego is not only one of the city's most luxurious hotels, it is also very conveniently located for both tourists and business travelers alike. In the heart of the historic Gaslamp District, the Omni is close to the Convention Center as well as the San Diego Zoo, Sea World, Balboa Park, Seaport Village, the aircraft carrier museum, Midway, La Jolla Beach, Wild Animal Park, Fashion Valley, Horton Plaza, and other attractions.... Read More
Throughout the month of December, the Hyatt Carmel Highlands will feature a holiday gingerbread display. For the display, the Hyatt Carmel Highlands Culinary team will be creating a miniaturized gingerbread version of the hotel, which will be placed in the Sunset Lounge for all to enjoy. In anticipation of the cookie structure, here are some fun facts about gingerbread houses:
The gingerbread house became popular in Germany after the Brothers Grimm published their fairy tale collection which included "Hansel and Gretel" in the 19th century.... Read More
Get ready for the holidays because three new luxury hotels are set to open around the world in December: Cordée des Alpes in Verbier, Trident Castle and Trident Hotel in Jamaica, and The Wellesley in Knightsbridge, London. The Wellesley luxury townhouse hotel will feature a jazz lounge, restaurant and world-leading cigar collection, while the Cordée des Alpes is a ski-in/ski-out hotel with residential penthouses and a wellness spa, swimming pool, fitness center, concierge service (in winter season), business facilities and restaurant and cocktail bar. The Trident Castle and Trident Hotel offers a private hotel and villa options in the trendy Jamaican town of Port Antonio.... Read More
Apparently Kyoto is craving more luxury hotels and Malaysia's RHB Bank Bhd is answering the need with the introduction of a 186-room Four Seasons Hotel. Now one of the world's most popular tourist destinations will have another high-end western style hotel in the ancient Japanese city, besides the Hyatt Regency. Malaysian property-to-retail conglomerate Berjaya Corp is building a Four Seasons Hotel and Resort in Kyoto at a cost of about 25 billion yen ($318 million), tapping demand for high-grade western hotels in Japan's ancient city.... Read More
If you've ever wanted a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to provide extraordinary service at a luxury hotel, The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C has introduced a video series entitled ‘The Art of The Craft,' which showcases the efforts that their staff goes to ensure every guest has the best possible experience. Each video spotlights a specific man or woman and the service they provide at a Ritz-Carlton resort around the world. “At The Ritz-Carlton, we specialize in creating memories for our guests at every touch point of their experience. From concierge services, to housekeeping, to our sommeliers and shoe shine valets, there is a significant amount of dedicated craftsmanship and care that goes into making... Read More
Rocco Forte Hotels are getting fall fever with new travel specials. Guests are invited to celebrate Oktoberfest at The Charles in Munich with the hotel’s very own Wiesn Hut and custom-made Dirndl. If you don't know much about Oktoberfest, the staff can guide you through the customs and traditions (which involve more than just beer drinking). For Halloween, Rocco Forte is celebrating with Halloween at The Balmoral in Edinburgh with a special Halloween Afternoon Tea. The concierge team is also getting spooky by offering guided tours of the city-seerie sites and bloodcurdling venues.... Read More
With guests relying more and more on high-end bath products, InterContinental Hotels has introduced Agraria amenities into their properties. The luxury home fragrance company, which uses natural ingredients, recycled paper packaging and is 100% biodegradable, will stock their popular lemon verbena scent in guestrooms across the chain's properties. There’s just something about those little (and sometimes big!) bottles of shampoo, shower gels and lotions that we adore and can take back home without feeling guilty. Lately, some hotels are getting even fancier with their offerings by partnering with interesting boutique brands.... Read More
Hard Rock International announced that two new Hard Rock Hotels in China are set to open in Shenzhen and Haikou, in 2015. The new hotels are a collaborative effort between Mission Hills Group, a leading golf brand and force behind China's sports and leisure industry, and the Hard Rock. Both new hotels will feature the patented rock 'n' roll design elements and music-inspired amenities for guests. The 22-story, 280-guestroom Hard Rock Hotel Shenzhen, which sets on approximately 10 acres, will feature luxury suites on the top floor. The hotel also will include a Body Rock fitness center, signature restaurants, an entertainment lounge, a recording studio, and a nightclub. The 250-guestroom Hard Rock Hotel Haikou sets on more... Read More
Thompson Hotels and internationally renown British hair stylist, Errol Douglas have partnered up to give guests of Thompson Hotels the most cutting edge coiffures. The project has launched with Thompson Belgraves, giving the front of house staff new trendy hairstyles. The second part of the partnership gets guests in on the makeover action with ‘Belgraves Big Night Out’ package. The "style & stay" luxury offering is available from now until December 23, 2012. The package costs from £1,200 (approximately $1,911 USD)+ VAT per night for a Studio Suite, and from £2,500 (approximately $3,981 USD) + VAT per night for the Penthouse.... Read More
In the age of experiential vacations, Ritz-Carlton and Destination Cellars have partnered to offer guests customized wine travel experiences via the Ritz-Carlton Rewards program. In addition to access to customized wine trips, the Ritz-Carlton Rewards program members will have direct access to exclusive and rare wines. Led by Estate Sommelier Sean Q. Meyer, who has served as sommelier and wine director for Thomas Keller of The French Laundry and made wines for some of Napa's premier vintners, Destination Cellars is ready to recommend and source with gusto. "Of all the world's great epicurean travel experiences, few are as bespoke as the ones provided by Destination Cellars," said Herve Humler, president and COO, with The... Read More
Following on the success of opening its first hotel in the Middle East in the Holy city of Makkah, Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts is set to open Swissôtel Jadaf Dubai in the United Arab Emirates by early 2016. The deluxe hotel will be housed within a mixed-use development comprising 3 hotels, residences, serviced apartments, retail & entertainment facilities. The modern luxury hotel will feature Emirati architectural characteristics, and include 280 rooms and suites, an all-day dining restaurant, three speciality restaurants with outdoor areas, as well as a Pürovel Spa and meeting, conference and ballroom facilities. “Dubai has been at the top of our wish list for a long time,” says Meinhard Huck, President Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts. “Although a large accommodation offering already exists, t... Read More
To meet the discerning taste of Las Vegas travelers, Sage restaurant in ARIA Resort & Casino is introducing 12 new cocktails to complement Chef Shawn McClain’s extraordinary flavor profiles. The master mixologists will create cool new cocktails containing rare ingredients such as white spirits barrel-aged in-house, gin-compressed blueberries, atomized angostura orange bitters and elderflower dust. The line ranges from aperitifs to after dinner drinks. Guests at the bar will get a complimentary amuse bouche cocktail, "Pink Lemonade" while they wait for their hand crafted cocktail.... Read More
Knowing that traveling with your personal care products isn't as easy as it use to be, thanks to new TSA regulations, Conrad Hotels & Resorts is now offering a selection of three distinct bath amenities—Aromatherapy Associates, Shanghai Tang and Tara Smith Vegan Hair Care—to all guests staying at its 20 properties around the globe. “The option to individually select your bath amenities from this diverse and indulgent lineup is another example of how Conrad Hotels and Resorts delivers luxury on your terms, like our pillow menu and bespoke martini offerings,” said John Vanderslice, global head of luxury and lifestyle brands at Hilton Worldwide. “It’s also a simple convenience that allows our guests to travel on their terms.”... Read More
Located 25 minutes from Heathrow Airport, Hotel Xanadu is set to open in Mid-October. Inspired by Samuel Taylor Coleridge’s poem "Xanadu – Kubla Khan," the luxurious boutique hotel will offer 46 double rooms and two executive suites, a private meeting room and a chic bar and restaurant, which will serve Asian influenced cuisine reflecting the local flavors of the Silk Route. Entrepreneur and interior designer Jalal Al-Yawer comments: “Design is a true passion of mine and with Xanadu I wanted to create a bespoke brand synonymous with genuine quality, attention to detail, good food, charming comfort, relaxing ambience and a cool and trendy atmosphere.” Room rates start from £150 for a Double and £200 for an Executive Suite. All rooms are equipped with spacious bathrooms, flat screen satelli... Read More
Mobile technology is abuzz from luxury hotelier Four Seasons camp as it rolls out its Meetings on Wheels program. The initiative includes free Wi-Fi connections in house cars and contracted limos transporting guests of the hotel. “Four Seasons has always anticipated the needs of business travelers," says Chris Hunsberger, executive vice president, product and innovation at Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts. "Just as our hotels have always been like a home away from home, for business travelers, it's an office away from the office. As we continue to introduce new innovations, we're taking that service approach beyond the hotel itself and into our house cars and limos, helping our guests maximize their productivity from... Read More
The Rosewood Mayakoba is offering guests the chance to experience the 2012 Mayan Prophecy and richness of Mexico’s culture with The Ultimate New Beginning... Read More
This year’s National Spa Week Fall 2012 event will feature numerous top luxury spas offering their signature treatments across the nation at a very affordable cost in mid-October. The special-value week, which runs from October 15-21, 2012, will over spa treatments costing between $100 and $500 for only $50 each.
The Spa at The Mirage in Las Vegas, the Red Door Spa at Westin La La Paloma Resort in Tucson, Arizona, the Elle Spa at Eden Roc Renaissance in Miami, Florida, are three of the premiere hotels and resort spas that will participate in Spa Week. For more details on all the resorts and spas, visit SpaWeek.com.... Read More
Brand new and ready to fire up the Palace Hotel Tokyo has recently announced that it is reaching for the stars. Michelin stars to be precise. Earlier this week the luxury property announced not just one signature restaurant but what they are referring to as a "constellation" of venues. It seems to be fairly likely that this hotel, only four months old, may become a destination for foodies in Tokyo.... Read More
