The Informed Traveler

Friday Photos: See the Taj Mahal from Your Room at The Oberoi Amarvilas

Mary Winston Nicklin — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 19:19:24 +0000

It’s easy to see why The Oberoi Amarvilas has racked up the awards, consistenly rated one of the best hotels in the world. Guests– pampered like maharajas– get the luxury of their own private view of the greatest monument built to love. With the Taj Mahal just 600 meters away from the luxury resort, guests are spoiled with dazzling views of this architectural symbol from almost every corner. Indeed, The Oberoi Amarvilas is the closest hotel to the Taj Mahal.

Inspired by Moorish and Mughal architecture, The Oberoi Amarvilas encompasses terraced lawns, fountains, reflection pools and pavilions with richly appointed interiors. Amenities include two restaurants, a marble colonnaded swimming pool set in a terraced garden and lit with torches, yoga classes, a gym, free shuttle service to the Taj Mahal and transfers to the airport, and a luxurious spa with treatments based on ancient Indian traditions of health and healing

The Raymond Blanc Cookery School at Le Manoir Aux Quat’ Saisons, Oxfordshire

Mary Winston Nicklin — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 16:31:46 +0000

Learn to cook at one of the most illustrious luxury hotels in Britain. Nested in the picturesque countryside of Oxfordshire, Le Manoir aux Quat’ Saisons was the vision of celebrated chef Raymond Blanc. With 32 beautiful guest rooms and a two Michelin starred kitchen, Le Manoir has gathered quite the following since it opened in 1984. In fact, you’ll so enjoy the resto that you’ll wish to learn the tricks of the trade with the pros. Sign up for one, two, or four days at the Raymond Blanc Cookery School and you’re guaranteed to learn a thing or two while having a blast. Novices and experienced cooks alike will learn the secrets of producing the finest food in hands-on culinary sessions. Here’s a sampling of the classes: Artisan Bread Making, Learn to Cook in One Day, Blanc Vite (create fast, simple, and delicious dinner parties), Fish & Shellfish (learn a secret recipe for Bouillabaisse), Garden to Plate (using the bounty of the two-acre, organic garden, which produces 90 types of vegetable and over 70 varieties of herb, which are used in Le Manoir’s kitchen).

Carrie Underwood Performs at The Cove Atlantis, Paradise Island

K. Clare Johnson — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 15:01:02 +0000

As if a stay at The Cove Atlantis Paradise Island Resort wasn’t wonderful enough, Country music queen Carrie Underwood is performing at the luxury Bahamian property on December 5, 2009, in order to celebrate the release of her new album. The Cove Atlantis is a unique, ocean-themed destination located on Paradise Island, The Bahamas, and features a variety of accommodations, all built around a 97-acre waterscape comprised of over 20 million gallons of fresh and saltwater lagoons, pools and habitats. The Cove Atlantis is home to Aquaventure, a non-stop water experience consisting of thrilling water slides, a mile-long river ride with high intensity rapids and wave surges, and never-before-seen special effects.

The Cove Atlantis rates for the weekend of December 5 begin at $269 per night, including concert tickets. Guests who stay for two nights will receive an additional $650 in complimentary signature Atlantis activities and dining experiences, such as dolphin interactions, sushi and sake at Nobu, access to the exclusive Cain at The Cove ultra-pool and the new Snorkel with the Mantas program.

Vacations and a concert? That might be the best multi-tasking ever!

W Hotels Comes to Paris: W Paris-Opéra Slated for 2011

Mary Winston Nicklin — Fri, 06 Nov 2009 13:05:14 +0000

The City of Light is getting a slew of new luxury hotels next year– from the Shangri-La to the Royal Monceau- A Raffles Hotel. Not to be left behind, W Hotels has picked a prime piece of real estate in the Opéra district to bring its signature “wow factor” to the French capital. Housed in a Haussman-era building across the street from the famous Opéra Garnier (and near Galeries Lafayette and Place Vendome), the new hotel will be designed by Rockwell Group Europe. Straight from the horse’s mouth: “Taking the inspiration from combining New York’s energy, where the W brand began in 1998, and Paris, the “City of Light,” RGe is flooding the new W Hotel with illumination and color.” Their goal is a lofty one in a city this fabulously chic: To make W-Paris the coolest place in Paris. Here’s more about the design concept:

An oversized undulating wall of light is the central design feature that defines the building from the inside and from the street as it weaves through the public spaces, secret corners of DJ booths and martini bars, through the corridors and finally into each guest room. This programmable wall of light can transform based on season, event or time of day to create a festive and celebratory atmosphere, bringing the historic building to life with sophistication and a glowing vibrancy. This central feature initiates a dynamic dialogue with the street, introducing people to the magic of the W Hotel before they enter and are dazzled by the dramatic vaulted ceiling supported by ornate Corinthian columns. To invite guests and locals to the W brand’s world of WOW, RGe will add life to this historic space with an innovative installation of projected images from nature upon arrival that will change throughout the day.

Live the Suite Life: Get Upgrades with Jumeirah’s Hotel in Dubai, London, New York

Mary Winston Nicklin — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 16:47:48 +0000

Here’s an offer you can’t refuse. Jumeirah Hotels & Resorts has announced a promotion called “Live the Suite Life” at properties across the globe. Book your suite in London at Jumeirah Carlton Tower or Jumeirah Lowndes Hotels in the heart of Knightsbridge and they’ll trim up to £100 off the best available rate. Across the pond, at the beautifully-renovated Jumeirah Essex House, you can escape the hustle and bustle of the city in a Junior Suite from just $337. The Suite Life with Jumeirah Essex House is valid until February 15, 2010, for new bookings only, minimum three-night stay required.

While in Dubai, you can get all sorts of upgrades and amenities with “The Suite Life.” At the seven-star Burj Al Arab, you can enjoy a host of personalized services for only 500 Dirhams extra: take fresh breakfast every day of your stay, indulge in a delicious buffet dinner for one of your nights, relax with a spa treatment on the house, get pampered with an in-suite Aroma Therapy Bath menu for two guests, get airport transfers in a signature Burj Al Arab white Rolls Royce. Other possibilities in the glitzy city of Dubai: Get complimentary breakfast and a dinner for two under the starry Arabian night sky at the open-air restaurant, Al Hadheerah, when you book a suite at Jumeirah Bab Al Shams Desert Resort & Spa. Get an upgrade from a Club Executive Room to a one bedroom Ocean Suite for only 800 Dirhams more at the Jumeirah Beach Hotel. Get the second night free when you book a suite at Jumeirah Emirates Towers, or score a suite upgrade in one of the three enchanting hotels at Madinat Jumeirah the Arabian Resort (Mina A’ Salam, Al Qasr, and Dar Al Masyaf).

New Luxury Hotels in the Five Star Alliance Collection

Mary Winston Nicklin — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 15:10:24 +0000

Five Star Alliance– the leading site for luxury hotel reservations– is adding new hotels daily to its collection of hand-picked properties. From the brand spanking new W Hotel Boston to the Kempinski Hybernska Prague (housed in a 17th century residential palace), the most recent luxury hotel additions can be found here. Enjoy!

Follow Five Star Alliance on Twitter!

Learn How to Heli-Ski with the Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole

Mary Winston Nicklin — Thu, 05 Nov 2009 12:38:14 +0000

Itching to try some heli-skiing in Wyoming’s spectacular Teton Mountains? The ski-in/ski-out Four Seasons Resort Jackson Hole– described by Elite Traveler Magazine as “arguably the top slopeside hotel in the nation”– has put together a four-night package so you can learn how. You’ll get expert instruction on premier training grounds, where you’ll learn techniques, survival skills, and route-finding. Then, on the final day, you’ll test your new skills on a private heli-skiing adventure with High Mountain Heli-Skiing. Participation is limited to alpine skiers only. Priced from $1206 per night, the package includes:

* Two days of instruction, including lunch and lift tickets
* One day of heli-skiing, including transportation and lunch
* Welcome reception, including cocktails and appetizers
* Closing dinner
* Luxurious accommodations for four nights

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The Famous Thanksgiving Turkey Fry at Blackberry Farm, Great Smoky Mountains

Mary Winston Nicklin — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 18:08:24 +0000

So you’ve probably heard us wax lyrical about the 4,200-acre estate in the Great Smoky Mountains, prized for its cuisine, where guests “can escape modern-day frenzy and slip into a Blackberry state of mind.” Forgive us. Blackberry Farm is one of those places that gets under your skin. No wonder this intimate luxury hotel has so many repeat guests. Activities run the gamut from luxurious spa treatments at the Farmhouse Spa to mountain biking to Orvis-endorsed fly fishing on Hesse Creek. Blackberry Farm’s culinary renown is based on the work of “a rare collection of artisans– the chef, the master gardener, the baker, the cheese maker, the forger, the butcher, the jam lady, the chocolatier, the restaurant manager, the sommelier.” Needless to say, Thanksgiving is delightful here, a celebration of family and tradition with superb eats. Delight in Blackberry’s famous Thanksgiving Turkey Fry on the lawn, before tucking into traditional Thanksgiving dinner featuring the hotels’ delicious Foothills Cuisine.

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Fireworks over Lake Geneva and Le Cirque Eloize at Grand Hotel Kempinski

Mary Winston Nicklin — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 16:02:43 +0000

Talk about a New Year’s Eve to remember. In grand fashion, the Grand Hotel Kempinski Geneva– awarded “Switzerland’s Leading Business Hotel” at the World Travel Awards 2009– has put together an extravaganza to ring in the new year. With dazzling views of Lake Geneva, the Jet-d’eau and Mont-Blanc as a backdrop, the hotel commands a prime position for taking in the fireworks. (You can even watch the show from the privacy of your own room’s balcony.) The New Year’s Eve package includes Swiss chocolate in room on arrival, a Gala Dinner with entertainment and a glass of champagne, New Year’s Day Brunch, late checkout, and buffet breakfast for additional nights. And to boot, the Grand Hotel Kempinski will be hosting Le Cirque Eloize in the hotel’s Theatre du Leman for a performance of “RAIN”, the internationally-acclaimed show. For VIP tickets, book the “New Year’s + Cirque d’Eloize package.”

“Twilight” Travel Guide in Washington State

Mary Winston Nicklin — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 15:15:46 +0000

Twilight fans will get a kick out of this one. With the release of New Moon (the second film in the Twilight Saga) just days away, Washington State Tourism has launched a new Twilight Travel Guide on its website:

Welcome to Washington State, Home of the exciting Twilight Saga.
The natural gothic splendor of the misty and mysterious Olympic Peninsula is the perfect locale for Twilight, the popular book series by Stephenie Meyer. As every fan of the Twilight books (and movies based on them) knows, the story is set in and around Forks, La Push, and Port Angeles. All of these Olympic Peninsula towns are easily accessible from US 101, the scenic highway that loops around Olympic National Park.

Christmas Rooms Available at The Post Hotel in Banff National Park, Canada’s Largest Ski Area

Mary Winston Nicklin — Wed, 04 Nov 2009 13:00:51 +0000

We’ve just learned that there are still a few rooms available for Christmas at The Post Hotel & Spa, voted No. 1 ski hotel in North American by Condé Nast Traveler. Experience the warmth of the festive season at of one of Banff National Park’s remaining historic log lodges. After a day on the slopes (the Lake Louise Ski area, offering 4000 acres of unsurpassed ski terrain, is just minutes away), cozy up by the fire at this Alpine chalet, perched high above the natural wonders of Banff National Park in the Canadian Rockies. The Post Hotel has racked up the accolades for its award-winning wine cellar and fine dining (adored by Wine Spectator and the now-defunct Gourmet Magazine). The hotel’s Temple Mountain Spa offers signature treatments like the Temple Glacier Renewal, which incorporates all-Canadian products in a 75-minute anti-aging body treatment.

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Tweet to Win: Continental Airlines Offers #StarTreatment Sweepstakes

Mary Winston Nicklin — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:16:23 +0000

To celebrate joining the Star Alliance network, Continental has announced the #StarTreatment Sweepstakes. You could win two BusinessFirst tickets to anywhere Continental flies, or one of two $1,000 Continental Vacations gift cards:

Help spread the word on TwitterTM between Oct. 27 and Nov. 3 and you’ll be automatically entered into the #StarTreatment Sweepstakes. Just tweet, or retweet (RT), using the hashtag #StarTreatment.
How to join the conversation:* If you don’t already have an account, sign up for free at twitter.com
* Go to twitter.com/continental and click Follow

Example tweet and retweet:

* Imagine you could fly anywhere @continental flies. Tweet #StarTreatment and win BusinessFirst tix. Tweet now.
* RT @continental Hawaii, London or Tokyo? So many choices if I win these BusinessFirst tickets #StarTreatment. Tweet now.

Follow Five Star Alliance on Twitter!

By the Sea in Tel Aviv at the Dan Hotel

Mary Winston Nicklin — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 19:08:23 +0000

Looking for accommodations in Tel Aviv? Why not choose a picture-perfect location on the lively seafront promenade? The Dan Tel Aviv, a member of Leading Hotels of the World, overlooks the soft sandy beaches and the Mediterranean blue, within walking distance to the city’s attractions like picturesque Old Jaffa and the trendy Tel Aviv Port area. Also nearby: the Camel Market and pedestrian streets of Nahalat Binyamin. Whether on business or looking for some beach time, the Dan Tel Aviv has got a superb location in this exciting metropolis. Facilities include several fine dining options, kids club, spa, outdoor sea water pool, indoor freshwater pool, sun deck overlooking the beachfront, Jacuzzi, sauna, and fitness center.

The Galactic Suite Space Resort: The First Hotel in Space to Open in 2012

Mary Winston Nicklin — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 15:00:05 +0000

Want to sleep in outer space? Fork over a mere $4.4 million and you’ll be able to bunk down for three nights at the Galactic Suite Space Resort, after undergoing an eight-week training course on a tropical island. Set to debut in 2012, the first hotel in space will welcome guests to “see the sun rise 15 times a day and travel around the world every 80 minutes”– to quote Reuters. “They would wear velcro suits so they can crawl around their pod rooms by sticking themselves to the walls like Spiderman.” Gaze at our beautiful blue planet– the Galactic Suite website says– while floating in zero gravity and relaxing in a weightless spa. The multi-billion dollar project, based in Barcelona, is at the forefront of the space tourism industry, and Sir Richard Branson is already on board. His company Virgin Galactic will base their space tours from the hotel. (Price tag? $200,000 a ride.) Guess what? 43 people have already reserved their stay at the space hotel.

Thanksgiving Escape with The Inn at Perry Cabin, Chesapeake Bay

Mary Winston Nicklin — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 13:06:11 +0000

Thanksgiving is just around the corner, and maybe you’re looking for an escape from the in-laws. (Or looking for a quality chef to prepare your turkey and trimmings.) Washingtonians, take note. The Inn at Perry Cabin offers the ultimate East Coast escape on the Chesapeake Bay in the charming town of St. Michaels on the Eastern Shore of Maryland. An Orient-Express hotel, The Inn at Perry Cabin offers not only a luxury travel bargain close to home, but also a Thanksgiving Fest Package that’s got you covered. Priced from from $405 per night, the package includes a five-course Thanksgiving feast for two in Sherwood’s Landing, daily à la carte breakfast for two, access to the stunning Linden Spa, complimentary Internet access, daily newspaper, and your luxury accommodations. Two-night stay required.

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