Marbella’s Hotel Puente Romano to host the Andalucia Tennis Experience is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

4-nights special ­ available between 28th March ­and 6th April 2010. Single room: CHF 1′460.00; Double room for single use: CHF 2′180.00; Double room: CHF 2′600.00

Suite Rates and additional nights are available on request. Above rates include the following services:
- Luxury accommodation for 4 nights
- Sweet welcome in guest the room from our Pastry Chef
- Daily hot & cold buffet breakfast
- Daily set dinner at our funky “Le Bistro” or elegant “Le Restaurant”
- Complimentary refreshment bar, internet access via LAN, newspaper and movie channels,
- Palace shuttle to/from main ski lift Corviglia
- Membership card for King’s Club Package is subject to availability and only available on request.

Price includes taxes, service charge and VAT. Booking code: Best of Spring.

Best of spring in the snow, at Badrutt’s Palace is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

The city’s plushest hotel would be the Radisson Blu Marina Palace. Situated on the river the hotel features the contemporary design Finland is well known for and two restaurants the Herttua and the Italian Aurora. Whilst no doubt the Beckhams will travel by private jet, most tend to get to Turku by Finnair, flying via Helsinki.

Beckhams put Turku in Finland on the map is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

New boutique hotel in the heart of Paris is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

Not only will you get a three-night stay and a three-day lift ticket at Whistler Blackcomb Mountain – you’ll spend one of those days gliding down the runs with a current or former Olympian or World Cup champion. Ask current Canadian Olympian Manuel Osborne-Paradis how to up your speed, or get former Canadian giant slalom gold medallist Kathy Kreiner to give you tips on your turns. Other confirmed participants include Canadian Cary Mullen and American Erik Schlopy, both of whom competed at three Games.

They can’t guarantee that you’ll ski like an Olympian – but they can make sure you ski with one!

Ski with an Olympian in Whistler is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

Recognised as Soho’s first boutique hotel, Hazlitt’s has become noted for its subtle take on the established traditions of hotel keeping. Behind its Frith Street exterior lays a refuge from the frantic pace of metropolitan life. At Hazlitt’s each bedroom is named after an historically famous local resident as the décor then reflects the characters of their namesake.

Hazlitt’s has recently been extended by eight rooms. One of the newest of these bedrooms is the distinctive Duke of Monmouth suite which boasts a private roof garden complete with sliding glass roof – possessing views over Soho’s rooftops the suite is an idyllic location for stargazing and entertaining friends.

The Duke of Monmouth suite’s masculine undertones draw on rich hues, oak panelling and voluminous curtains. While guests are not busy spotting London landmarks from the roof they can unwind in the seemingly bottomless rock n roll style bath which invites inhabitants to while away the evening with a long relaxing soak.

The Duke of Monmouth was born James Scott, who was the illegitimate son of Charles II. He was recognised by Charles as his son but the King did not make him his heir, instead bestowing on him the title Duke of Monmouth. He built Monmouth House in Soho Square, the buildings that make up Hazlitt’s were built on part of the site of the house after it was demolished. After the death of his father, the King, Monmouth led a rebellion against his uncle and declared himself King. He lost the battle of Sedgemoor and was then beheaded on Tower Hill. It is said it took eight blows of the axe to sever his head.

Situated in a quiet backwater off Soho Square, the discreet townhouse bolthole is a refuge from modern London. Dating back to 1718, Hazlitt’s has been meticulously restored and crafted to offer guests an overnight stay seen by London’s 18th century aristocracy. Quaint staircases, exquisite antiques and oil colours are subtly married with today’s technology; all rooms benefit from air-conditioning, complimentary Wi-Fi, a flat screen television, Blu-ray player, stereo, mini bar, safe, antique desk and REN toiletries.

London’s only hotel suite with a retractable glass roof is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

1. This year Toronto’s Canada Blooms (17th-21st March 2010) theme is “Passions” and honours the energy, innovation and passion for excellence of Canada’s landscape and floral industry. In 2010 visitors can explore over 20 new display gardens presented by premier landscape designers and architects as well as browse the new Garden Travel Section featuring countries that include Ireland, Spain, Czech Republic and many Caribbean Destinations.

2. Celebrate Victoria Day weekend (22nd-24th May 2010) at Ontario Place with its annual fireworks on the waterfront. The Festival of Fire is back with world-class fireworks choreographed to the world’s finest music over 3 nights on July 1, 3 and 10. Additional entertainment surrounds each day, with entertainers performing throughout the park leading up to the fireworks. The shows start at 10:30pm, each night. Dates are subject to change.

3. Located adjacent from The Fifth Social Club, Toronto’s most renowned nightclub Cabin 5 has become one of Toronto’s newest hot-spots with its instant success upon its launch in September 2009. With part Aspen chic and part settler’s cabin decor, Cabin 5 promotes a feeling of welcome and good times. Furnished with pine antiques, an old harvest wagon, Hudson Bay blankets and two fireplaces, the room offers a separate entrance, coat check, and washroom facilities. Cabin 5 has proven to be great for an evening out or to host a fun-filled party or event.

4. Located directly across the street from the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, The Loose Moose Tap & Grill® is one of Toronto’s most recognizable bars with a two decade-long legacy. Recently, the beloved restaurant has undergone significant changes in the kitchen, starting with a new chef, Cary Bynoe. Bynoe leads the culinary team at The Loose Moose and is responsible for an entirely new menu. With its close proximity to the Air Canada Centre and Rogers Centre, The Loose Moose is the ideal spot to enjoy a burger and a pint before or after the game or concert.

5. Look, Listen, Touch and Learn at Niagara Fall’s Bird Kingdom’s newly expanded Reptile Encounter Zone. Marvel at the historic area photos from a by-gone era in the new “Niagara Room.” Check out the amazing birds, reptiles and more on opening day, 1st March 2010.

6. This spring, Harry Potter fans will have the chance to step inside the famous wizard’s magical world when Harry Potter: The Exhibition opens at the Ontario Science Centre in Toronto on April 9, 2010, its first venue outside the United States. The 14,000 square-foot exhibition offers fans a firsthand view of authentic artefacts displayed in detailed settings inspired by the film sets, including the Great Hall, Hagrid’s hut, the Gryffindor™ common room, and more.

7. The award-winning Tundra Trek, an awesome Arctic experience, home to polar bears, Arctic wolves, Arctic foxes, snowy owls, reindeer and lesser snow geese, is now open at the Toronto Zoo. Special features are the spacious new polar bear exhibit; the Wolf Bridge; the Goose Camp, depicting the contributions of native Canadians; the new Caribou Restaurant; Plexiglas Arctic fox burrows that kids can clamber through; a whale skeleton; bush plane; and state-of-the-art audio components that deliver realistic animal sounds. Tundra Trek conveys the impact of climate change and global warming. Construction on this new exhibit, valued at $13.5 million, began in August of 2007 and completed in August 2009.

8. This spring the Martin Goodman Trail gets a breath of fresh air as the 56-kilometre-long waterfront recreation trail sees the addition of new wave decks. The Martin Goodman Trail traverses a multitude of environments, all highly developed. Its western end starts just west of the Humber River at the Palace Pier condominium complex. Undulating ribbons of wood designed to resemble the water’s own waves, these architectural wonders are worth the walk.

9. Intrepid Urban Adventures has arrived in Toronto! Tour Guys has partnered with Intrepid Travel to be the exclusive provider of their Toronto Urban Adventures – unique walking tours and city experiences that range in duration from 2 hours to a full day. Toronto is now part of a rapidly expanding global network of cities that offer Urban Adventures to travellers and locals who want to get off the beaten track. Check out popular tours such as “Beer Makes History Better” and “Multicultural Kensington Market & Chinatown”.

10. Toronto’s most unique and classic charter boat has had a face lift! The New Beginnings which has operated on Toronto’s waterfront for decades has undergone major restoration in 2009/10 to restore its shine, brilliance and comfort. This beautiful teak and mahogany power yacht is perfect for birthday parties, weddings, corporate events or simply a cold drink out on the water! The “New Bee” has Available for hourly or daily charter, May-October. See www.harbourtourstoronto.ca for further info.

10 reasons to visit Toronto this Spring is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

First ever over-the-water suites in St Lucia is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

Upcoming dinners this Spring include:

14th April 2010 Spanish Wine Dinner
Hosted by Spanish celebrity winemaker Alvaro Palacios
Six-course menu with seven exceptional wines, including two vintages of his exceptional wine L’Ermita. Priced at HK$3,488

17th April 2010 Sake Dinner with Sato No Homare sake
Six-course menu with six exceptional sakes. Priced at HK$2,388

And in May 2010, The Landmark Mandarin Oriental will have the honour of hosting four additional Epicurean wine dinners with some highly prestigious wineries, and each dinner personally hosted by some of the world’s most acclaimed wine experts.

Epicurean series at Amber Restaurant at the Landmark Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

My Yacht Monaco, now in its 6th year, caters to discerning individuals seeking a premium hospitality experience. Guests enjoy an exclusive ‘kick-off’ party on the Friday night that’s attended by Monegasque Royalty and F1 drivers alike. Champagne, caviar, gourmet food, DJ and dancing on a yacht in the harbour certainly get the GP weekend off to a glamorous start. This is followed by a two days of race viewing with all-day, full, open premium bar and gourmet food served, complimenting the high octane action taking place just a few feet from the yacht.

And, for 2010, guests have the very rare opportunity to take laps around the closed Grand Prix circuit in a pace car. Talk about bragging rights!

My Yacht Monaco at the Monaco Grand Prix is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

The world’s largest collection of Frederic Chopin related items includes musical manuscripts, printed scores, Chopin’s correspondence, personal items (such as cufflinks and diaries), iconography, as well as biographical works about him and critical commentaries on his compositions and his reception as a composer. The collection was first started in 1899 by the Warsaw Music Society and is located in the renovated Ostrogski Palace, originally a castle founded at the end of the 17th century by Duke Janusz Ostrogski.

Chopin Museum in Warsaw is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

Oh You Lucky Bloggers 50 is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

Great Hotels of the World

Eurostars Madrid Tower, Madrid, Spain
Located in Madrid’s business district, the five-star Eurostars Madrid Tower offers 475 modern and luxurious rooms and suites, and is the third-highest building in Spain.

Special Hotels of the World

Eurostars Grand Central, Munich, Germany
Located in the heart of Munich, the 229-room Eurostars Grand Central is a spectacular hotel with stunning architecture and interior decoration, perfect for leisure, business and meeting and incentive travel.

Metro Hotels

The Beechwood Inn, Coventry, United Kingdom
Housed in a converted thirteenth-century farmhouse, The Beechwood Inn offers 25 en-suite rooms and offers ideal corporate accommodation in Coventry. Facilities include a restaurant, function facilities and business support services.

Almanar Hotel Apartments, Dubai, United Arab Emirates
Situated just five minutes’ drive from Dubai International Airport, this hotel offers 85 tastefully decorated, luxuriously furnished and spacious apartments, a restaurant and café, health and fitness centre and rooftop swimming pool.

Hala Hotel Apartments, Muscat, Oman
Located in the business district of Muscat, just 20 minutes’ drive from the International Airport, Hala Hotel Apartments offers 48 luxurious suites perfect for business travellers. The hotel is a five-minute walk from the beach and also boasts a conference room, ballroom and business centre.

Umi Hotel Brighton, United Kingdom
Located on Brighton’s seafront and close to the city centre, the 77-room Umi Hotel Brighton boasts one of the most enviable positions in the city with excellent facilities and services. Only an hour’s train journey from London, the hotel is perfect for corporate and business travellers.

Umi Hotel London, United Kingdom
Situated close to London’s Hyde Park, the 117-room Umi Hotel London offers facilities for small business meetings, conferences, training courses and intimate dinner parties, as well as large functions and parties.

Great Hotels Organisation welcomes new members is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

* Hydrospace: “The Final Challenge” – Considered the most advanced cosmonaut training, participants must install a space antenna on a replica of the International Space Station while wearing an authentic space suit and submerged in 54,000 square feet of water.

* Centrifuge G-Force Experience – On the ride of a lifetime, experience the simulated G-forces of blast off, flight in orbit and spacecraft descent on the specially-reserved 300-ton centrifuge.

* Zero Gravity Weightlessness Adventure – Aboard the world’s largest parabola aircraft, experience the absence of gravity. Flying in a steep parabola formation from as high as 20,000 feet, participants literally take flight at least 10 times during this adventure.

* Russia’s Quest Beyond the Earth – Delve into the behind-the-scenes highlights of cosmonaut training and Russian space travel from the 1950’s and beyond.

The Cosmonaut programs include roundtrip air transportation from St. Petersburg to Moscow, overnight hotel accommodations and a full-day Moscow city tour, including Red Square and the Kremlin.

Extreme adventure comes with a price. Cosmonaut Training fares range from $4,359 up to $32,995 for “The Final Challenge.” Seven-, 10- and 11-day Baltic voyages depart from London, Stockholm or Copenhagen –with overnights in St. Petersburg. Promotional two-for-one per person (double occupancy) cruise fares start at $4,375, including $500 or $1,000 ‘All Inclusive – As You Wish’ shipboard credits and free air transportation from numerous North American gateways – Business Class air for Penthouse guests.

Cruise excursions to Russia’s top secret Cosmonaut Training Center, Star City is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

Outrigger Serenity Terraces Resort, which opened in April 2009, is offering a “Discover Your Romance” package starting at THB 6,600 per night for a Serenity Room. Guests who stay a minimum two nights receive a full breakfast in the beachfront restaurant, a 60-minute spa treatment at the resort’s Navasana Well-Being Centre, and roundtrip airport transfers by private limousine. The rate is per night and subject to 18.7% service charge and government taxes. The offer is valid until 31st December 2010. Click here.

Outrigger Laguna Phuket Resort and Villas, which opened in December 2009 near Bang Tao beach in Phuket, is offering a 229 square meter two-bedroom villa at THB 6,000, a 457 square meter three-bedroom pool villa for THB 9,000, and a 604 square meter four-bedroom pool villa is available from THB 13,000. Rates are subject to 18.7% service charge and government taxes The offer is valid until 31st March 2011.

New Phuket website from Outrigger Hotels and Resorts is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

Sailing from Long Chuan Ping Jetty to Die Cai Mountain, guests can enjoy a classical Chinese guzheng (a Chinese plucked zither) performance as the boat journeys across a 10-kilometre natural river gallery, passing 10 of Guilin’s most famous mountains such as Elephant Trunk Hill, Fubo Hill, Seven Star Hill and Laoren Hill. The waterborne trip is the perfect cruise from which to enjoy China’s famed “finest mountains and rivers under heaven.” The sheer rock formations of the Li River, the series of mountains shrouded in mist and old villages that the cruise passes have inspired many poets and painters through the centuries. A stay in an Executive Suite overlooking the Li River and karst mountains completes the journey.

New luxury hotel in Guilin offers luxury cruises on Li River is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

The French word “Éclat” literally means “glorious accomplishment and honour”, and this aptly describes this stylish, avant-garde new hotel with lavish furnishings, priceless artworks, eclectic contemporary design and among the most opulent guest room amenities of any hotel anywhere.

A member of the prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World, the 60-room hotel is owned and conceived by sophisticated Hong Kong entrepreneur George Wong, who created and owns the legendary luxury apartment complex Hong Kong Parkview. The hotel features much of his personal art and furniture collection, and even his own personal collections of vintage fine wines and priceless rare Chinese mao tai liquor.

The hotel was designed by Charles Robertson of LRF Designers Limited, whose work includes stylish projects such as the ultra cool Le Meridien Cyberport Hotel in Hong Kong, Starworld Hotel & Casino in Macau and Four Seasons Shanghai.

New boutique art hotel in Taipei is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

This year Soneva by Six Senses is launching The Slow Life Cooking ‘Thairi’. Starting with renowned chef, Atul Kochhar – the first Indian chef to be awarded a Michelin star – named chefs from some of the most famous restaurants in the world have been invited to the resorts, to cook for guests but also to judge the existing standard of cuisine on offer. At the end of their stay, the chefs will be invited to award a ‘thairi’, the Maldivian word for star, and an independent panel will be notified with the result. A ‘thairi’ may not be forthcoming, there may be more than one, but the ‘thairi’s’ will be awarded following strict guidelines, with a rating system designed by a jury of independent chefs. To ensure complete objectivity and element of surprise, Soneva Repeater guests will also secretly be invited to cast their vote. The results will be announced bi-annually.

A Slow Life with Six Senses is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

Unwind in the ultimate home from home sanctuary in terms of elegant space and luxurious facilities, designed with the diverse leisure preferences of everyone in mind. Spread out in 400 square metres of beachfront luxury and ingeniously crafted features, sharing a truly remarkable Maldivian life while savouring a true sense of space and freedom.  Imagine taking your favourite couple from home to share the experience of a lifetime in this romantic hideaway. Swap your usual get together routines for experiences far more exotic, and create countless memories to talk about upon returning home. Savour privacy with bedrooms separated by an outdoor deck. Lie in gloriously late as the lazy rhythm of island life gently stirs into action. Meet up after breakfast to chat while basking under the dazzling Maldivian sun, with endless lounging provided in a spacious beachfront pavilion. Cool down in a grand ice-green private pool and await a mesmerising sun to sink behind the Indian Ocean’s far off horizon. Then gather together on the al fresco deck for an intimate BBQ that far outshines any dinner party held back home.

Share lazy villa days or choose romantic experiences for two. Indulge in a side by side massage or extended Spa journeys created especially for couples. Glide in seclusion along glittering waters in stylish authenticity, with an unforgettable sunset dolphin cruise on a traditional Maldivian dhoni. Return to the ultimate Dine by Design occasion, with a choice of ambient locations and a table just for two, enhanced by a personal chef and butler service. Retreat to the villa for a late night moonlit swim, mulling over the adventures and making plans for the days to come.

New Pool Villas from Anantara Dhigu Resort & Spa is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

Witness an eclipse of a different kind is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog