Luxury Travel Destinations

A new generation of luxury in Budapest, Hungary – The New York Palace

Tom — Sat, 04 Jul 2009 09:22:55 +0000

A new generation of luxury in Budapest

Budapest’s historic New York Palace and Café is set to enjoy the latest phase of its renaissance this year when its new wing opens in June. The extension adds luxury shopping malls and parking, as well as 76 guest rooms, bringing the total number of rooms in the New York Palace to 188.

A further 145 apartments have been established on the top floor, with four executive suites offering extensive views across Budapest. A specially constructed sunroof covers two piazzas, one of which will convert into an ice rink in winter and a lakeside terrace in summer.

The hotel, a Budapest landmark, opened in October 1894 and was designed with Italian renaissance and baroque influence to the force, featuring marbled interiors, silk and velvet, and ceiling paintings by famed artists of the period.

A fountain was the central feature at the New York’s entrance, and Venetian glass chandeliers shone throughout the interior.

Extensive refurbishment followed 2001’s acquisition of the hotel by the Italian Boscolo Group, restoring the property in partnership with the Hungarian State Monument Reconstruction and Restoration Centre. During the work, several pieces of architectural significance, unrecorded in historical plans and descriptions, were uncovered.

While the eclectic essence of the original building has been retained and when necessary, restored, contemporary design has sympathetically added to its fin de siècle appeal.

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For rent: unique luxury country houses that inspire you!

Tom — Fri, 19 Jun 2009 19:25:51 +0000

Unique luxury houses that inspire you

Unique Home Stays, based in the UK, brings you some of the most exquisite private holiday homes available to rent from around the globe.

Whether it is the stunning architecture or designer-led interiors, these properties are guaranteed to inspire.

From sleek contemporary to understated antique. LUXURY TRAVEL BUTLER has selected some examples…

The Beach Hut, Millook, Cornwall – The Beach Hut
As perfect for escaping with your other half as a writers retreat. Think leg-stretching walks from the doorstep of this beachfront pad, dramatic storm watching from the comfort of your bed, and breathtaking sunsets from the deck.

North Rock Beach House, Sennen Cove – North Rock
With a private outdoor heated swimming pool and direct access to the coast path, whether you are taking to the waves at Sennen Cove or exploring the stunning local landscape, this seaside pad offers the perfect family holiday base.

Bay View, Nr Whitby – Bay view
From a welcome hamper to die for to the most stunning coastal views and cosy interiors, Bay View is the perfect couples retreat whether it’s a winter haven or summer escape that you crave.

Pentonwarra, Cornwall – Pentonwarra
This property takes sea views to a whole new level. A quirky, slate-clad exterior, and comfortable light-filled interior, there is a sandy beach to one side of the property and a natural swimming pool carved into the rocks to the other.

Cognac Château, Cognac, France – Cognac Chateau
Cognac Château is an elegant château situated in one of the sunniest regions in France. Tune into the peaceful ambience and chill out – be it in the outdoor pool, in a shady spot in the gardens or snuggled into a soft robe in the sanctuary of a luxurious bedroom.

Amidst a soothing backdrop of cool, white walls, limestone tiles and original fireplaces, enjoy the additional treats of massages on tap or a glass of local Pineau as the sun goes down. You can even choose to leave the cooking in the hands of your hosts, who will conjure up a four-course banquet served under vintage candelabras or an alfresco feast to be enjoyed under the lime tree.

The White House, Essaouira, Morocco – The Whitehouse

Bag the best of Morocco in this traditional riad at the heart of a bustling medina, yet just minutes on foot from Essaouira’s vast sandy beach.

With its ancient sandstone columns, narrow rooms, white walls and thuya wood ceiling, your accommodation oozes with the features of a classic riad, but one that has been decked out in cool, retro-chic style.

There is a library to chill out in and a fire to snuggle up by, whilst out on the terrace you can swing on the basket chair, dine alfresco and soak up the sights and sounds of the souk.

La Maison Haute Couture, Bordeau, France – La Maison Haute Couture

A designer rural retreat decked out in conjunction with the famous British fashion house, Eley Kishimoto.

Having undergone a modern facelift, this traditional farmhouse in southwest France has been transformed into award-winning, luxury accommodation in a region at the epicentre of French food and wine.

Think simple wood and terracotta buildings, lush orchards and a large, outdoor pool with the designer additions of moon-shaped sofas, Grandfather clocks and funky wallpaper.

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A deluxe stress relief therapy for top executives at the Causeway Retreat

Tom — Sat, 13 Jun 2009 09:19:55 +0000

The Causeway Retreat: a deluxe solution to stress for top executives

The current economic crisis is putting enormous stress on a lot of us and this can have serious repercussions for our health. Sometimes a luxury holiday is enough to recharge your batteries, but if you’re feeling extreme pressure, or even depression as a result of stress, you may be suffering from executive burnout. In this case, a stay at The Causeway Retreat may be the answer.

At The Causeway Retreat, you will not only experience a truly relaxing stay in luxurious surroundings, but also develop effective work stress management techniques so that your recovery can continue even after you leave the retreat.

Osea Island
The Causeway Retreat is situated on Osea Island, a private island off the Blackwater Estuary in Essex only 40 miles from London and specializes in the treatment of mental health and addiction by some of the country’s best private doctors.

The Causeway Retreat is an island cut off from the world and surrounded by rugged nature, so you can truly get away from the daily stresses and fully recuperate.

Set within beautiful rural surroundings, The Village is a cluster of varied accommodation with double bedrooms and apartments, tastefully designed for maximum comfort. Couples or individuals wishing to experience the ultimate in privacy can choose to stay in one of the Cottages, where they can bring pets too.

Prestigious Manor House
For the ultimate in luxury, The prestigious Manor House is a haven of healing, health and wellbeing where anything and everything can be arranged. All bedrooms have either King or Queen sized four poster beds with orthopaedic mattresses and are dressed with bedding from establishments such as Harrods, Jasper Conran and Ralph Lauren.

Therapy here is intensive, 1-1 and fully tailor-made to suit each individuals specific needs.

Apart from high-quality treatment, activities include swimming in the outdoor heated pool, kayaking, sailing, hiking, biking, personal training and much more.

Nutrition programmes are also available, with a top-level onsite chef taking care of the meals and guests are offered complimentary therapies such as massage, acupuncture and reiki.

All this is designed to add to the stress-free environment that goes hand-in-hand with the quality treatment clients receive.

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A new luxury boutique hotel in Prague “At The Three Storks”

Tom — Sat, 06 Jun 2009 09:14:47 +0000

At The Three Storks

LUXURY TRAVEL BUTLER takes you to Prague…to a newly opened luxury boutique hotel.

Situated in the picturesque quiet neighbourhood of Lesser Town, in the shadow of the majestic ‘Prague Castle’.

Close to the most interesting places of the Czech capital. Welcome in hotel ‘At the Three Storks’.

‘At the Three Storks’ is designed by the AI Design architectural studio, in cooperation with Eva Jiricna Architects atelier in London. The hotel is set in the premises of a historical house, creating perfect harmony between the exclusive Renaissance interior and the most advanced design.

The facade of the hotel comes from the Classicist reconstruction in 1794 and 1820, when three neighbouring buildings were transformed into one new house. The main portal of ‘At the Three Storks’ reminds of this period.

Fashionable rooms
All guest rooms are comfortably designed according to the latest trends. There are 10 double deluxe rooms, 8 standard rooms and 2 single rooms; all with luxury bathrooms, LCD TV sets with satellite reception and DVD players with a large offer of top movies. A small deluxe hotel indeed that links an intimate atmosphere for its guests to five-star service quality standards.

Some rooms are decorated with hand-painted wooden ceilings, dating back to the Rennaissance and Baroque reconstruction of the house.

From your room, you have a truly beautiful view over Prague Castle and the Lesser Town rooftops. All rooms are very cosy and the original graphics by the reknown Czech artist Adolf Born add to cosiness.

Wallenstein restaurant
You are also kindly invited to the newly reconstructed Wallenstein restaurant, with a long tradition dating back to the 1930s. Here you may,

enjoy dishes of the traditional Czech kitchen, such as roasted duck with cabbage and bread dumplings, as well as appetizing game specialities or assortment of French culinary art.

Your meal may be accompanied with a wide range of world vintage wines served with high professionalism.

The pleasant interior with unforgettable atmosphere, perfect service and excellent kitchen may become the right place for your meetings with friends or business partners, celebrations of different social events and parties or wedding receptions. The total capacity of the restaurant is 80 seats.

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Your luxury castle hotel in Ireland, first-class for two at the Dromoland Castle

Tom — Sat, 30 May 2009 06:57:29 +0000

First-class for two at Dromoland Castle

Dromoland Castle is the Irish castle you have always imagined… It is one of Ireland’s finest castle hotels, tracing its history back to Gaelic royal families. This secluded castle located just 12 km from Shannon Airport is majestically set on the shores of Lough Dromoland, surrounded by over 410 acres of breathtaking scenery.

The West of Ireland is known the world over for the beauty of its landscape and the warmth of its welcome. And Dromoland Castle Hotel Clare is ideally located to explore it all.

It was one of the most famous baronial castles in Ireland and was the ancestral home of the O’Briens, Barons of Inchiquin,

who are one of the few native Gaelic families of royal blood and direct descendants of the King of Ireland in the eleventh century (for those who love the details: King Brian Boroimhe, or Boru).

Private experience for two
Just 10 minutes from Shannon Airport, Dromoland Castle is set on 410 acres of parkland and features a private, championship 18-hole golf course that has been the venue for many celebrity competitions.

This castle hotel is largest five-star resort outside of Dublin, with 98 rooms.

LUXURY TRAVEL BUTLER can highly advise you the “Castle Keep Cottage”.

This room, built just for two, is nestled within the walls of the castle and features a private entrance that leads to a spacious entrance hall, a living room, a dining room, jacuzzi (for two of course!), and master bedroom overlooking the castle’s 17th-century gardens. Shall we continue?

Well, the Castle Keep Cottage is decorated with Irish heirloom furnishings, a chandelier, hand-carved paneling, oil paintings, and custom-made carpets and draperies.

Afternoon tea
Dromoland’s strong points are its activities, with trout fishing in a stocked lake, a great spa, clay pigeon shooting, archery and horse-carriage tours or horseback riding (which is arranged with neighbouring stables).

After ‘sport’, you should relax with a cup of tea. Afternoon Tea is another long-standing tradition at Dromoland Castle.

Served between the hours of 3 and 5 in the afternoon, guests can enjoy a selection of piping hot teas with a delicious selection of freshly baked pastries and breads. Alternatively, you can also taste something stronger: a hot whiskey, with a view on the wood-burning fires…

Nightly harp
A great gourmet experience in Dromoland Castle is “The Earl of Thomond”, an award-winning restaurant of international renown. While dining, you can listen to nightly harp music and nosh on local salmon and Galway Bay oysters. Some other suggestions? Caramelized Salsify, Inagh Goats Cheese Foam and Bell Pepper Salsa. Or Pot Roasted Partridge, Seared Foie Gras, Wild Mushrooms, Cos & Salsify. A truly culinary experience indeed.

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Your private island vacation in the heart of the British Virgin Islands

Tom — Sun, 24 May 2009 08:42:28 +0000

Private island getaway in the heart of the British Virgin Islands

Buck Island, a private island getaway, is situated in the heart of the British Virgin Islands. The island compromises approximately 43 acres of land and sits just off the southeast of Tortola along the Sir Francis Drake Channel.

A variety of flora and fauna inhabits the island and it is beautifully surrounded by waters abundant in coral reefs and marine life.

For clients seeking a private hideaway, Buck Island provides to be the perfect solution.

Deluxe suites, cottages & a beach house
The resort consists of seven suites with a capacity for fourteen guests. The Main House has two bedroom suites that can accommodate up to four persons. There is also the Buck Island Suite which compromises one bedroom with two large porches, a study with attached conference room and a drawing room with a garden.

In additional, there are also two Guest Cottages and a Two Bedroom Suite on each side of the Main House. On the Main Island, there is also 3 bedrooms available at the Bar Bay House that is designed within close proximity for staff or crew to assist whenever required yet maintaining the privacy of the island.

The island is situated within a close proximity from Beef Island Airport where commercial flights from San Juan, St. Thomas, St. Maarten and Antigua arrive. The choice to arrive in one’s private helicopter on Buck Island is also available.

With a vast array of recreational activities and facilities available, Buck Island is sure to please every individual.

For friends, lovers & family
Be it a romantic trip, a family affair or a visit with a group of friends, the island and its offerings will provide a comfortable and enjoyable stay.

The use of facilities such as the Infinity Edge Swimming Pool, the Exercise Room, the Yoga Platform and the Library are included in the package rates.

Water sports equipment such as sail boats, snorkeling and fishing equipment are available.

Spa and massage treatments are also offered to guests all at an additional charge.

Additionally, Buck Island includes a Beach House which is located at a distance from the Main House and is an ideal area to host barbeques and relax at for the day. The Beach House consists of a kitchen, toilets, showers, lounging and dining spaces.

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A personal spa experience at the Riviera Maya Spa in Mexico

Tom — Sun, 17 May 2009 08:01:36 +0000

Riviera Maya Spa: Personal Spa Valets for Guided Water Journeys

Grand Velas All Suites & Spa Resort Riviera Maya represents the latest and most sophisticated iteration of the ultra-luxury, all-inclusive resort experience. This Leading Hotels of the World designated resort is the preeminent one of its class boasting 493 suites, each more than 1,000 square-feet, embraced by the flora and fauna of the Yucatan Peninsula’s jungle. If you are ever there, try the Riviera Maya Spa experience…

Guests enter on the spa’s top floor, at the Balinese-inspired lobby. They are then led through a plant-filled courtyard to amply staffed lounges and changing areas, where they are given slippers, robes, and herbal tea.

A wooden bridge that overlooks the Water Lounge below leads to the forty spa treatment rooms and marks the transition from public to private spa-going areas. Dark hardwood furnishings, shallow water-filled bowls that float deep red hibiscus flowers, and colorful Mexican and Balinese wall stencils, art and accessories give the spa a modern international feel.

Specialty spa treatment
Specialty spa treatment rooms include a suite for couples with a double Jacuzzi tub and another with a small pool for Jansu water-massage treatments. All rooms are generously sized and have floor-to-ceiling windows, as well as natural light.

The spa treatment rooms are designed to capitalize on the feeling of expansiveness, and provide views of the organic features and Water Lounge, while offering complete privacy to guests during their services.

After their treatments, guests relax with a cup of herbal tea and a warm buckwheat neck pillow in the tea lounge or on a Balinese carved-wood chaise lounge in the hydrotherapy area.

Guided water journeys
The natural subterranean level is the center of the spa and is entirely dedicated to relaxation and the restorative facilities that comprise the Water Journey. Almost 40,000-square feet are given to men’s and women’s sides, each with custom-designed amenities including a Clay Room, a circular glass-tile-lined steam room with a fiber-optic “star light” ceiling, an Ice Room with floor-to-ceiling window, and hot-and-cold Experience Showers.

A central infinity pool has powerful massaging faucets throughout and carved-stone chaises with jets set just underneath the surface of the water on which guests recline. Two stunning slate-grey stone-tiled walls bisect the central hydrotherapy pool, dividing the equally spacious and especially private men’s and women’s sides.

Each treatment (of 50 minutes or more) includes the hour-long Water Journey, a relaxation ritual built around the use of the eight, specially designed water-based facilities.

A personal spa valet is assigned to each guest to provide bottled water and towels but most importantly to provide guidance.

Spa treatment menu of seven international journeys
World-renowned spa consultant Diana Mestre conceptualized the international spa menu, which features Seven Journeys, each one a flight of signature treatments, which include:

Mediterranean Voyage,
Travels through India,
Nature’s Aromatherapy Trail,
World Travels,
Men’s Journey,
Inner Journey,
Rainbow Journey for teens,
Journey through Native Mexico.

Customized treatments created exclusively for the Grand Velas Riviera Maya Spa include luxurious facials by Natura Bisse, a high-end skin-care range from Spain, and one-of-a-kind Mayan rituals that use energy work and massage techniques that draw on Mayan history and lore.

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Fashion buzz at beachfront resort Velas Vallarta in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

Tom — Sat, 02 May 2009 09:56:36 +0000

Fashion Buzz at Velas Vallarta in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico

“Where can I buy that uniform?” isn’t a question one normally overhears in a hotel or restaurant, but the innovative Velas Vallarta Suite Resort & Convention Center in Mexico’s Puerto Vallarta breaks the mold of conformity with designer fashions for hostesses that guests want to and can buy.

The hotel’s Boutique Fer sells the elegant, understated Melin Castro designs as a two-piece tunic and slacks ensemble.

Castro, a renowned hotel designer in Mexico who creates everything from the interiors to spa accessories for Velas Resorts, designed the uniforms to express comfort and understated elegance, a hallmark of the hotel’s interiors, as well as of its fine service.

Hand-embroidered by craftsmen in Guadalajara
The pieces are cut from fine linen, and the necklines are works of art with elaborately designed bead patterns hand-embroidered by craftsmen in Guadalajara.

The lightweight ensemble comes in black and white and can be worn for any casually elegant outing during the day or night or worn as a bathing suit cover-up. It sells for 2400 pesos, or approximately $200 US. The ensembles are also sold in the boutique of Velas Vallarta’s sister hotel, the Grand Velas Riviera Nayarit.

Melin Castro of Melin Castro Design is one of Mexico’s leading designers, well-known for her work with spas, restaurants, hotels, boutiques, offices and residences.

In addition to her clothing line, she designs beachwear, beach and evening bags, and accessories.

A deluxe beachfront resort
Located on 10 acres of oceanfront in Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, Velas Vallarta Suite Resort & Convention Center is walking distance from Marina Vallarta Golf Course and just minutes from Downtown Puerto Vallarta’s captivating attractions, activities and landmarks.

Situated on the emerald waters of Banderas Bay, Velas Vallarta features a high-tech Convention Center, three swimming pools, a rejuvenating spa, fitness center, multiple restaurants, an inviting lounge, live music and entertainment, and breathtaking views of the surrounding Mexican Riviera. The family-friendly resort also offers a basketball and tennis court and special entertainment for adults and kids.

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Waimana Point lodge, a slice of South Pacific paradise

Tom — Sat, 25 Apr 2009 08:28:37 +0000

Waimana Point, a slice of South Pacific paradise

About 2.5 million tourists visit New Zealand very year and the biggest chunk of them arrive in Auckland. For many tourists, Auckland is a long haul destination and holidaymakers just can’t wait to get out of the city and unwind.

Just an hour north of Auckland is probably one of the most fabulous relaxing and secluded hideaways and welcome sights any long distance traveller would dream of – Waimana Point Lodge. Most of their overseas guests are from Europe and it is truly a sub-tropical and breathtaking paradise.

Warm and welcoming
The place is calming and romantic and hosts Geoff and Gloria are warm and welcoming. The luxury lodge has four suites ranging from $nz475 to $nz$595 per suite depending on the season. The currency exchange rate makes this highly favourable and attractive. The lodge is sited on Waimana Point 15 minutes drive east of Warkworth, a small village 45 minutes north of Auckland.

The rooms all have stunning views and are named after New Zealand native trees with exotic names such as pohutukawa, nikau, puriri and kowhai.

They are luxuriously appointed with fine linen, cane furniture, underfloor heating and ceiling fans.

The price for a night includes pre dinner drinks, canapes and breakfast; though Gloria also does a stunning three course meal with a yummy snapper fish entree. Their wines are so tasty ranging from Ascension chardonnay and sauvignon blanc to Moët and Chandon champagne.

Great company
The lodge has a divine indoor heated lap pool and a sumptuous guest’s lounge with comfy couches that swallow you up after a long day’s travel. Talking with Geoff and Gloria over a wine, we felt so relaxed and they are great company. They told us where to go to the local wineries or go horse riding along the beach.

Pakiri Horse Treks just 20 minutes drive from Warkworth have been included in the BBC book among the Unforgettable Things to do Before You Die. They are beside the Great Wall of China in the book so they are in great company.

But most of all Waimana Point is such a relaxing haven at the end of a long day – be it after a day’s horse riding, fishing, sailing, Matakana wine tasting or after a long flight.

In the morning, Gloria kindly brought us a huge breakfast of fresh fruit, scrumptious homemade cereal, yoghurt, homemade croissants, fresh bread, fruit juice and the offer of a fully cooked breakfast if we wanted it. Nothing is a problem. We watched the sun rise over panoramic Kawau Bay from our outdoor patio. We didn’t want to leave. Dawn, dusk or midday – you will know Waimana Pt is a special piece of New Zealand.

Text – Kip Brook, Word of Mouth Media NZ | www.wordofmouthnz.com

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Custom walking and cooking tours in Italy

Tom — Fri, 17 Apr 2009 19:35:43 +0000

Italian Connection offers insider experiences with custom walking and cooking tours

Just in time for summer family travel, Italian Connection’s top local experts are developing custom family tours in Italy for adults and children of all ages.

Families can enjoy nature walks among the blooming wildflowers in the Dolomites, soccer games with the local children in Tuscany, a truffle hunt with a trifulau (truffle hunter) and his trusty dog in Piedmont, shaping cheese curds into plump provola in Sicily, learning the secrets of betting on race horses during the Palio in Siena, climbing the 30-story high Torre di Mangia in the Piazza del Campo, and more.

From accommodations in a luxury private villa to a quaint B&B or a rustic farm house, the custom family tours combine free time to explore the surrounding towns and relaxation in the fields and flowers with memorable guided activities, city tours and Italian cooking lessons.

Customized family tours
Italian Connection will customize the family tours according to the group’s budget to any of their regions of expertise with insider-knowledge, including less explored areas in the Dolomites (in the northeastern Italian Alps), Piedmont, Tuscany, Cinque Terre of the Italian Riviera, Umbria, the Amalfi Coast, and Sicily.

The private family tours can be arranged for three to ten days and include accommodations, guided walks, most meals, excellent wines and unique insider experiences.

Nature walks, horseback riding, cooking lessons, local festivals, soccer games with locals and more are all included in Italian Connection’s Custom Family Tours

In the home kitchen
Italian Connection is an Italy-based tour operator whose top local guides take you behind the scene on hand-crafted walking, cooking and cultural tours in seven different regions of Italy.

Small groups of participants cook alongside noted cookbook author Eleonora Consoli in her home kitchen, meet celebrated chef Ciccio Sultano in Sicily and dine at his 2-star Michelin restaurant “Il Duomo,”

make bread from the hard wheat flour grown on tiny organic farms, pick wild herbs and plants that flavor the day’s lunch, and make hand-rolled pasta in La Maremma where some villagers never heard of their neighbor George Clooney.

Visitors meet colorful personalities including an authority on Alpine wildflowers, the owner of Italy’s only cashmere goat farm and a village woman who blazes walking trails on an island with no roads.

Twenty-nine land-only tours are offered through the year, including the Splendors of Sicily, named by National Geographic Traveler as one of its 2006 “50 Tours of a Lifetime.” Four walking levels range from “stroll” to “fitness” which can burn up to 1,500 calories a day! Private custom tours can also be arranged.

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Luxury Travel Destinations

A new generation of luxury in Budapest, Hungary – The New York Palace

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For rent: unique luxury country houses that inspire you!

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A deluxe stress relief therapy for top executives at the Causeway Retreat

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