May 31st, 2011
The coast of the South China Sea and its glorious beaches, picturesque peaks and rolling dunes is calling! Named after the Mui Ne fishing village, Anantara’s first Vietnamese property, Anantara Mui Ne Resort & Spa, is set to open this fall.
Only two hours northeast of Ho Chi Minh City, Mui Ne is a budding destination, new to the scene since 1995, when thousands flocked to the beaches to watch the solar eclipse.
The resort will evoke the traditional charm of a coastal village and will be comprised of 89 rooms, suites and villas, either set within lush tropical gardens or featuring views of the sea or lagoon.
May 31st, 2011
Robb Report is no stranger to the finer things, so everyone knows to take heed of their Best of the Best. Check out ESPA at the Leela Palace Kempinski Udaipur!
June 01, 2011
On the shores of Lake Pichola, Espa at the Leela Palace Kempinski Udaipur (+91.294.6701.234, www.theleela.com) opened in February 2010 as the 18-?year-old Espa brand’s first Indian outpost. Away from the congestion of Udaipur’s city center (where elephants and buffalo have the right-of-way), the spa features eight tented treatment suites, some with private pools.
Each treatment begins with an aromatherapy steam, followed by a reading to decipher one’s Ayurvedic dosha, or body type. Based on their reading, guests can choose a customized therapy that fuses Ayurvedic and European techniques, or select from the treatment menu. The four-hour Royal Knights of Rajasthan therapy ($238) involves a facial, an aromatherapy massage, and a padabhyanga—a deeply therapeutic leg and foot massage. Posttreatment, guests can retire to the spa’s lake-view Relaxation Roof Terrace.
By Jordan Porter
May 31st, 2011
Capture the beauty and essence of majestic mountains, lush forests and ancient monasteries on a seven day tour through scenic Bhutan. COMO Uma Paro Resort is offering this amazing “Through a Lens” excursion June 22nd-29th. The unique experience is available to photographers of all skill levels, as guests will be guided by a skilled photographer through the distinctly different valleys of Paro and Punakha for a series of location shoots and once-in-a-lifetime moments to be caught on film.
After long days of capturing the splendor of Bhutan, guests will return to their comfortable lodgings at Uma Paro and a charming hotel in Punakha with accommodations provided on a full board basis. Guests can also enjoy complementary use of the swimming pool, library and gym at Uma Paro, as well as a 1-hour daily Yoga class.
For more information and a full itinerary, visit http://bit.ly/lgOLGo.
May 24th, 2011
The beautiful, yet rugged, terrain of the mountains surrounding the Paro Valley of Bhutan was no match for the COMO Approach Team at Uma Paro.
Last week, the team delivered 60 pairs of shoes to the orphans at the Neyphug Monastary. Though the trip was indeed an extensive operation, all was worthwhile when the team saw the children’s smiling faces.
They also traveled to Kela Goemba to deliver toiletries to the nuns living in the monastery as part of the Master Card “Purchase with a Purpose” project. This project supplies an essentials package containing toothbrushes, toothpaste, soap, shampoo and more to this and other remote locations around the world.
What’s next for the COMO Approach Team? Help pay for a recent loan to buy a car the nuns of Kela Goemba desperately need for emergencies. The efforts of the team are in line with COMO’s commitment to the local communities, culture and environment.
May 24th, 2011
Spontaneous travels are my favorite, so when I had the last minute opportunity to jet off to Morocco and the southern coast of Spain for a week of relaxing with friends I couldn’t resist. (Isn’t that what tax refunds are for anyways?)
Four flights and 24 hours of traveling, I arrived in Malaga, Spain, with the adrenaline and excitement of the trip erasing any jet lag. The next six days were filled with sunning on the golden beaches in Costa del Sol, swimming in the (freezing) Mediterranean, sipping Sangria and San Miguel on cobblestone streets, and touring the most charming historic towns… all while picking up a few Spanish phrases along the way, à la “Soy de la Gran Manzana” (I’m from the Big Apple!)
After a whirlwind, amazing trip, below are some highlights and recommendations for travelers venturing to the Andalusia region of Spain.
Ronda, Spain
The hidden town is worth the 45 minute, incredibly winding and slightly nauseating drive up the mountainous terrain. We immediately headed to the outdoor café, Buenos Aires, (don’t be confused by the name) and indulged in ice cold gelato, energizing cappuccinos, and the most delicious churros, served with a side of melted chocolate for dipping. (Five girls have quite possibly never been so excited.) After frolicking around in the ‘Corrida Goyseca’, the oldest bullring in Spain, we took in the most breathtaking views of El Tajo Canyon (a memory that I hope created a wrinkle in my brain).
Insider’s Tip: There are many clearly marked paths that take you eye level with Puente Romano, the famous bridge that spans the canyon in Ronda. Venture down the one less traveled (identified by the the broken gate… don’t worry, it’s safe!) at sunset with a bottle of wine for the most private, jaw -dropping view of the historic landmark.
Tangier, Morocco
If you can handle the one-hour ferry through the choppy Mediterranean, then be sure to make a detour to Tangier. We booked with Siad Tours – which I couldn’t recommend more highly for those traveling to the northern tip of Africa. During our private excursion we rode camels along the beach, rocked the Kasbah and shopped at local spice markets. An incredibly eye opening experience when walking through parts of town where running water and electricity are considered a luxury.
Insider’s Tip: Don’t spend the 200 euros on the Moroccan mirrors you’ll find in all the shops. Instead, buy authentic painted tiles in the market and create your own piece of artwork at a sliver of the cost.
Granada, Spain
The area is well-known for The Alhambra, a Moorish citadel and palace that look out onto the snow-capped Sierra Nevada Mountains. The fine details and architecture of the palace are remarkable, especially as the property dates back to the 11th century. The grounds are complete with endless flourishing gardens filled with sprinkling fountains, blooming roses, perfectly shaped shrubbery, and secret passageways. Be sure to buy your tickets at least a week in advance because they often sell out.
Insider’s Tip: If you’re feet aren’t blistery tired after touring The Alhambra (ours were, but we endured the pain!), hop on the local bus (only 1.30 euros) and head into town. While walking around, you’ll pass calligraphers who set up shop on the street and will elegantly scrawl your name in Arabic for one euro.
As told by Lauren Wintemberg
May 23rd, 2011
Congratulations to Anantara Seminyak Resort & Spa, which has become the first hotel in all of Bali to achieve Green Globe Certification. They are the second Anantara property to be awarded this distinction, after Anantara Kihavah Villas in the Maldives.
Green Globe Certification recognizes those businesses in the travel and tourism industries who comply with the highest standards of sustainability practices. Anantara Seminyak goes above and beyond in the realm of water, energy and waste management efficiency. Check it out for yourself, and take a vacation Captain Planet would be proud of!
May 20th, 2011
Field trip to Morocco! Ditch the regular trip to the local museum and check out the modern art on display at Royal Mansour. In addition to the dazzling array of mosaic tile work and intricate designs adorning the property completed by the top local artisans, Royal Mansour Marrakech is now showcasing local artists in another way. The grand property, nestled within the medina walls, is hosting its first art exhibition this month, furthering its commitment to feature the very best of Morocco – both the classic and the new. Comprising a collection of striking images shot by French-Moroccan photographer, Leila Alaoui, the portraits pay homage to the painters, sculptors, and photographers who have created the works that currently line the walls and corridors of the hotel. Each black and while portrait captures the intriguing interaction between an artist and his work.
Following this inaugural exhibition (up until the end of June), Royal Mansour will continue to welcome the country’s top artists to the hotel, providing a unique platform to showcase their works to the hotel’s international clientele. These temporary exhibits will join the permanent art collection of the hotel, scattered among the public spaces and the riads, of 80 contemporary Moroccan artists.
May 20th, 2011
Hercule Poirot? Yes. Orient-Express? Yes. Murder? Not so much… Feeling low since the ending of the latest Upstairs Downstairs? Counting down the days until the next installment of Downton Abbey? Ease your Masterpiece cravings this weekend with everyone’s favorite detective Hercule Poirot. The main character of Agatha Christie’s epic Murder on the Orient-Express is about to board the train once more. Actor David Suchet (known for playing the savvy Poirot) will be traveling from Calais to Prague, stopping off in Venice, aboard the Venice Simplon-Orient-Express for PBS’s documentary David Suchet on the Orient Express: A Masterpiece Special. Suchet will trace the history of the Orient-Express, from its elegant beginnings to its tumultuous final days, and explore what made it the perfect setting for one of Christie’s most recognized novels. Break out the pipe and slippers and tune into Masterpiece Theatre on May 22 (check local listings for the time).
May 20th, 2011
Paws at the Park Happy Hour
Summertime means hot dogs, and not just the delicious ones soon to be grilling in the backyard! Starting this June, Max, Buddy, Daisy, and Princess are welcome to bring along their human plus-one to cool off with some refreshing libations at Park Hyatt Washington DC’s Paws at the Park Happy Hour. Monthly pet-friendly happy hours will benefit the Washington Animal Rescue League, the oldest animal shelter in the District of Columbia. This series of events kicks off Wednesday, June 8, 2011 from 6:00 to 8:00 pm on the hotel grounds adjacent to the lobby. Mix and mingle with hotel guests and area residents, and their pets, and maybe even make a forever friend – adoptable dogs from the League will also be in attendance.
Pricing: For $12, attendees will receive two drink tickets for beer and wine, plus complimentary dog treats. A portion of the evening’s proceeds will be donated to the Washington Animal Rescue League.
Dates: June 8, July 13, August 10, September 14 and October 19 (with special Halloween-themed costume contest for dogs.)
Paws at the Park overnight Package
For those who cannot bear man’s best friend’s guilt-tripping looks while packing for a weekend getaway, Park Hyatt Washington’s Paws at the Park overnight package offers two- and four-legged guests alike the ultimate in luxury. Dogs will be treated to their own take-home dog bed, dog bowl with water, and tasty dog treats, while their owners will receive a copy of Doggie Aficionado magazine and the book First Dogs: American Presidents and their Best Friends.
Pricing: Rates start at $449 (including a non-refundable pet fee).
May 19th, 2011
We love falafel from street carts just as much as the next New Yorker, but there’s no beating true authenticity. On May 15, Park Hyatt Jeddah kicked off a two-week long Lebanese food festival at Nafoura, the hotel’s resident Mediterranean restaurant. Catered by Chefs Fouad Hamka and Habib Al-Mualem, “Flavors of Lebanon” will offer a daily array of traditional Lebanese cuisine through May 27.
The Lebanese practice of meze, a selection of small plates served for lunch or dinner, makes it easy for diners to sample a wide variety of dishes. Feast on tabouleh, fatoush, shish kebab, baba ghanouj, and kibbeh along with Lebanese olives, salads, and cheeses, while enjoying Nafoura’s breathtaking view of the Red Sea. Sahtayn! (Bon appétit!)