The opening of the Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta this week is the first property of the hotelier to open in Mexico. The hotel contains 348 guestrooms, set on the beachfront and is a AAA Four Diamond Hotel. There are two large swimming pools, a pool for children, four bars, and six restaurants as well as a volleyball court on the beach, a tennis court, and a dive pool for scuba diving lessons and demonstrations. The new Hard Rock Hotel destination also has live entertainment, an outdoor amphitheater and 6,300 square feet for business and social gatherings. The signature Body Rock Fitness Center and Rock Spa are on the premises as well. Accommodations at Hard Rock Hotel Vallarta start at $171 per person, per night, and is based... Read More
Live jazz ranging from ragtime to swing will be played daily by a roster of guest musicians on Crystal Cruises’ South Pacific voyage from Los Angeles to Hawaii and French Polynesia. The cruise departs on November 25, 2012. The jazz-centric entertainment is the work of the luxury cruise line's voyage partner, Jazzdagen Tours. Clarinetist Pieter Meijers will lead a jazz ensemble featuring percussionist Eddie Metz; trumpeter, pianist and banjo player Randy Morris; keyboardist and vocalist Tom Hook; bassist and vocalist Nicki Parrott; and vocalist Rebecca Kilgore. Additionally, the Crystal Visions Enrichment guest speakers on the cruise will include Louis Zamperini, Olympic champion and subject of the bestseller Unbroken... Read More
Swiss skin-care house, Valmont is teaming up for the second time with The Hazelton Hotel in Toronto, to offer its anti-aging expertise o VIP guests and members of the press during the 37th Toronto International Film Festival, which runs from September 6-16, 2012. The Spa at Hazelton will offer an in-depth skin diagnosis by Valmont and then a follow-up 30- or 60-minute Vitality of the Glaciers spa treatment, leaving skin deeply moisturized, firm and radiant. According to the skincare experts at pioneering Swiss clinic, which began operating in 1905, the signature spa treatment stimulates cell renewal through the use of HP, DNA, RNA and massage. The treatment and a sequence of “butterfly movement” massages... Read More
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company has opened its first hotel in Austria in Vienna. The Ritz-Carlton, Vienna, is the ninth hotel in Europe for the luxury hotel company. The new hotel is a 202-room property that is made up of four historic palaces that date back to the 19th century. It offers great proximity to museums, concert halls, and is surrounded by various historic buildings and landmarks in the capital city of Austria. The boutique Guerlain Spa will offer six treatment rooms, including two specially designed for couples. Chef Wini Brugger presents Austrian cuisine on his menu at the Dstrikt restaurant. “We are delighted to open our 80th hotel in this key European capital and to offer discerning global travellers a t... Read More
London’s deluxe The Lanesborough hotel will present an exclusive preview of heidi klein’s Resort Summer 2013 collection this fall. Heidi Gosman and Penny Klein launched the fashion brand, which encompasses beach chic to superyacht glamour, in 2002. Today, the company has a dedicated following that includes the likes of high-fashion models Sienna Miller, Elle MacPherson, and Kate Moss. The Lanesborough and heidi klein Afternoon Tea will occur on Friday, October 13, 2012, from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. by reservation. Guests also will receive a heidi klein beach bag and a shopping voucher. Overlooking Hyde Park and on the borders of Knightsbridge and Belgravia, The Lanesborough is among the world’s most luxurious... Read More
In the latest travel news, commercial cruise liner Voyages to Antiquity recently announced that it has increased its number of dedicated single cabins to 12 percent of its entire inventory of accommodations. Dedicated-single cabins are available in a variety of categories, including inside to deluxe outside with a balcony. "Single travel is one of the fastest growing segments in the travel industry, particularly in the case of destination travel brands where the demographic is generally the mature market,” said Mitchell J. Schlesinger, VP of sales and marketing of Voyages to Antiquity. “We are supporting this growth and extending our 'Extraordinary Value' brand promise by offering a variety of... Read More
Whether your Caribbean travel plans include a romantic getaway or a fun-filled family vacation, the island of St. John is an ideal destination for making lasting memories. While it may be the smallest of the developed U.S. Virgin Islands, when it comes to luxury, St. John is in no way lacking. Nestled along the pristine shores of Great Cruz Bay is a 47-acre tropical hideaway that truly offers...... Read More
The Interactive Media Council has announced that the website of the Warwick International Hotels has been awarded its Best in Class designation. The award represents the highest level of professionalism, standards compliance, planning and execution of web-driven communications. The Interactive Media Council is a non-profit organization comprised of web-related professionals such as designers, developers, programmers, and advertisers. "We placed an emphasis on improving usability, aesthetics and content, and visibility on search engines, all of which will increase the level of the hotel's respective relevancy in search results," said Warren Chiu, director of project development for Warwick International Hotels. "This, in time, will translate into... Read More
SoHo-based The James New York introduced The Stylist Collection, a collection of accessories for its guests selected by Mimi Lombardo, an acclaimed stylist and the fashion director of Travel + Leisure. The hotel will provide guests access to the ever-expanding collection as well as going on a personalized shopping with Ms. Lombardo herself. "I was thrilled to be asked by The James New York to act as their hotel stylist," said Mimi Lombardo. "The James brand is all about refined and elegant style that is also accessible and au courant. The items I selected to represent those traits are ideally-suited to The James guest and to the hotel's overall design aesthetic." The Stylist Collection by Mimi... Read More
Sonesta ES Suites has recently opened a new location in Dublin, Ohio. The Sonesta ES is a new, extended-stay luxury hotel brand of the company. The studio and two-bedroom suites feature a fully equipped kitchen, workspace, and free high-speed Internet access. The suites range in size from 468 to 734 square feet. The hotel has a swimming pool, whirlpool, and a 24-hour exercise room. Additionally, there is meeting space and a 24-hour business center. Dublin, Ohio, is a short, drivable distance from downtown Columbus and is nearby the Columbus Convention Center. There are Sonesta ES Suites located in Andover and Burlington, Massachusetts, Flagstaff, Arizona, Orlando, Florida, Somerset, Parsippany, and Princeton, New Jersey, and Malvern, Pennsylvania.... Read More
Centrally located on the corners of Rush and Ontario, the James Chicagois among one of the trendiest luxury hotels in downtown Chicago. The 297-room boutique hotel is located just steps away from some of Chicago’s most famous landmarks, including Michigan Avenue shopping district...... Read More
This summer has proven to be excessively warm, and as temperatures continue to rise across the nation, travelers everywhere are in need of a cool respite. The James New York is known as one of the coolest hotels in New York, but did you know that the property also boasts one of the best hotel rooftop pool decks in the city?... Read More
Private residence club The Palms at Playa Flamingo in Guanacaste, Costa Rica, recently announced that two new 3,000-square-foot beachfront villas are available. The new properties, a ground floor and an upper unit, are also the largest accommodations that the exclusive club offers. Both residences feature dark-colored hardwood floors, three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and a powder room. The kitchens are spacious and feature Sub-Zero and Viking appliances. The upper and lower villas are for sale at $2.5 million and $2.25 million, respectively. The Palms Private Residence Club is located on the Pacific Coast’s Playa Flamingo. There are 32 luxury villas at the Palms. Potential owners can purchase a one-eighth interest at $149,000... Read More
The Wind Star, one of the three sailing yachts of Windstar Cruises, is the first of the company’s ships to complete its renovation. The staterooms, owners’ suites, and public areas received new furnishings, upholstery, light, artwork, carpeting, ceiling finishes, window treatments, and floor coverings. "We have a company-wide commitment to ensuring our yachts are in excellent condition," said Hans Birkholz, CEO and president of Windstar Cruises. "The vision for the renovation is a classic, stylish luxury that dramatizes the unique thrill of sailing and a private yacht experience." Windstar Cruises is in the midst of an $18-million fleet-wide upgrading project. The next phase will include the complete enhancemen... Read More
Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Punta Cana has recently announced the addition of a new restaurant by renowned Chef Kerry Simon. Slated to open at the end of 2012, Mansion by Simon will be the fifth restaurant from Kerry Simon, and the first international restaurant from the restaurateur.... Read More
Mexico’s Vida Vacations launched the Vida Vibe Lifestyle Blog to showcase its luxury resorts and engage better with club members. The high-end vacation club has resort properties throughout the country under luxury hotel brands such as Mayan Palace, The Grand Luxxe, The Grand Bliss, The Grand Mayan, and The Bliss. Golf tips, water sports, culture, art, sightseeing tips, and other information relating to the area will be the focus of Vida Vacation’s blog posts. Members also are encouraged to share their experiences and memories stemming from their adventures. The exclusive vacation club is an entity owned by Grupo Vidanta. The firm, which began in 1974, is one of Mexico’s leading developers of hotels and resorts, golf courses... Read More
The Lake Austin Spa Resort and private-aviation specialist Flexjet are partnering to present the Ultimate Wellness Escape. The spa voted by readers of Conde Nast Traveler to be #1 Destination Spa in North America offers 25,000 square feet with plentiful indoor and outdoor treatment spaces and more than 100 body treatments. Flexjet fractional owners will receive special perks and benefits during their visits to the Lake Austin Spa Resort, such as an automatic upgrade to the resort’s Lady Bird Suite.
"Our alliance with Flexjet allows guests to begin their relaxation hours before arriving at our doorstep—the ease and comfort of flying privately compliments the luxury experience for which we are... Read More
Many luxury hotels in Miami offer great summer activities that can be enjoyed both by land and sea. Whether it's a day-trip to the Everglades, a shopping excursion along Collins Avenue or a sun-kissed day at the beach, you're sure to find plenty of things to do in Miami on your summer vacation.
Whether itThe city... Read More
As one of the oldest cities in Europe, London is steeped in both history and tradition. Home to the 2012 Summer Olympics, the cultural epicenter has proven to be among one of the most popular tourist destinations of the year. The recent global headlines have created quite a buzz, prompting travelers from around the world to visit the sophisticated streets of an ancient city... Read More
The Delano Las Vegas will replace THEhotel in late 2013 in the Mandalay Bay Resort & Casino. The new hotel will be the second U.S. property of the all-suite, signature luxury brand of Morgans Hotel Group, joining the Delano South Beach in Florida. MGM Resorts will manage the Delano Las Vegas under a long-term licensing agreement. "In keeping with our commitment to create superior experiences for our guests, transforming THEhotel into Delano Las Vegas will add a new dimension of energy and excitement to the Las Vegas Strip," said Chuck Bowling, president and COO of Mandalay Bay. "The Delano South Beach experience is very special and loved worldwide, most notably in key Latin American and... Read More
Known for being one of the most romantic destinations in the world, it comes as no surprise that Paris is among the most traveled cities throughout Europe. While there are plenty of luxury hotels and cultural attractions in Paris, finding the best can often require a bit of research.... Read More
Luxury river cruise operators AmaWaterways will be launching new ships in 2013. The company plans to launch the 108-passenger ship, the AmaVida, and the 164-passenger ship, the AmaPrima. The firm also will be adding new itineraries, such as an 11-day Paris and Normandy cruise. The outfit is the only river-cruising firm that is a member of the prestigious culinary association, La Chaine des Rotisseurs. AmaWaterways is an industry leader in river cruising. With destinations traveling through Europe, Russia, Vietnam and Cambodia, and new voyages to Africa and Portugal, the line offers voyages to more than 20 countries. The Chatsworth, California-headquartered river cruising specialist recently ce... Read More
The Fairmont Copley Plaza, in Boston, Massachusetts, recently announced the completion of an extensive $20-million-plus makeover. The massive project included all 383 guestrooms and suites, the Fairmont Gold Lounge, and the lower lobby meeting space. New rooftop additions to the hotel include both a health club and a lobby lounge. “This is one of the most exciting times in the 100-year history of The Fairmont Copley Plaza,” said Paul S. Tormey, regional VP and GM of The Fairmont. “This investment will enhance the hotel’s preeminent position in the marketplace, while preserving much of the architectural detailing that has made the hotel a Boston landmark since its grand opening in 1912.... Read More
