May 7th, 2012
With the spring weather upon us, we have our hearts set on Europe. Whether you’re traveling to London for the Olympic Games or hoping to stay as far away as possible, we have a suggestion for every traveler’s delight.
For the Olympics:
The Halkin
London, UK
The Halkin is a hidden gem in Belgravia. Clean lines and impeccable service define the London favorite, along with its award winning nahm restaurant serving up authentic Thai fare. Guests can even order this haute Thai cuisine for room service!
What’s New: Celebrating its 20th Anniversary this year, The Halkin has certainly made its mark on the London hotel scene. To celebrate, The Halkin has partnered with William Curley, renowned patissier and chocolatier, to fashion a Couture Chocolate Afternoon Tea. This is a Champagne tea service inspired by the chocolatier’s new book, Couture Chocolate, and will include a selection of chocolate patisserie, homemade scones with clotted cream and preserves, and a selection of freshly made sandwiches.
Rates: Rates start at £260 ($422) per night.
Metropolitan London
London, UK
This well known London hotel is famous for its Met Bar that first opened in 1997 and set the trend for the ultimate great night out in the heart of London! Now the Met Bar has re-opened its doors with a whole NEW look featuring an expanded and innovative cocktail menu and classic seasonal British cuisine. For the first time, the Met Bar ended its “Members-Only” policy, making it accessible to all from early in the day to late at night.
What’s New: The new COMO Shambhala Urban Escape offers key Asian-inspired therapies as well as a resident acupuncturist. Among the treatments on offer are the Dr. Perricone facials (the COMO Shambhala Urban Escape is the only spa in the U.K. to work with this popular U.S. product line) and COMO Shambhala PURIFY facials, suitable for men and women.
Rates: Rates start at £229 ($372) per night.
For the Culture:
Orient-Express Afloat in France
France
Discover the French countryside from a new perspective with Afloat in France, a small fleet of luxury barges ideal for a group of family or friends on vacation. Fashion an itinerary that matches the interests of the crowd (think golf, cycling, or antiques), and relax in Orient-Express style over fine French dining and wine while meandering through the ever-changing scenery.
What’s New: Explore the finest vineyards from the Rhône Valley to Gevrey-Chambertin on the new seven-day “Wine Discovery Tour” aboard the Napoleón, which features instructive tastings, wine-centric French dinners, and guided walks through some of the region’s most famous vineyards. To ring in the new tour, each “Wine Discovery Tour” attendee is rewarded with a free one-night stay at a luxury five-star hotel in Paris.
Rates: Rates start at €4,450 ($5,825) per person, based on double occupancy of a cabin.
Le Pavillon des Lettres
Paris, France
The charming Pavillon des Lettres, an impossibly chic retreat for art and literature lovers, is the perfect alternative to Paris’ traditional hotels. Combining art, literature, and fine design, each of the hotel’s 26 rooms is devoted to a letter of the alphabet and a corresponding international writer (think B for Baudelaire or H for Hugo).
What’s new: Crazy Horse Cabaret, the avant-garde icon of provocative Parisian nightlife, celebrates its 60th anniversary in 2012 with Le Pavillon des Lettres. Together they are offering a package that includes amour-inducing accommodations and VIP tickets to the show.
Rates: Rates start at €265 ($351) per night.
Crystal Cruises Royal Explorer Sailing
Stockholm to London
From the old-world charm of Stockholm’s Gamla Stan to Helsinki’s cutting-edge Ice Bar, revel in the rich cultural life and fascinating museums of these Baltic capitals. From August 14 – 25, spend 11 days exploring these spectacular lands with Crystal Symphony, with calls in St. Petersburg, Russia; Helsinki, Finland; Berlin/Warnemünde, Germany; and Copenhagen, Denmark.
What’s New: Fresh from a $15 million drydock, Crystal Symphony will be showing off her newly redesigned public spaces. Guest chefs Orjan Johannessen and Odd Ivar Sovod will also be joining the cruise, along with wine expert Eugenio Jardim and mixologist Simon Ford to celebrate the Crystal Wine & Food Festival.
Rates: Check here for current pricing and special offers
For the Cuisine:
Park Hyatt Milan
Milan, Italy
Cozily situated in the heart of Milan next to the Duomo and Galleria Vittorio Emanuele, this hotel is a natural favorite for visiting celebrities, design mavens, and vacation travelers alike.
What’s New: After a recent collaboration with the famous English fashion designer, Paul Smith, Park Hyatt Milan now serves their culinary creations upon beautiful, hand-painted dishes designed specifically for the hotel by Smith.
Rates: Rates start at €540 ($715) per night.
Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme
Paris, France
Recently accepted into the prestigious Palace Hotels Group, the five-star Park Hyatt Paris-Vendôme offers a sensual, understated elegance that extends throughout the hotel – from the lavish rooms and suites to the captivating social areas and exquisite spa.
What’s New: Refreshed and ready for spring, guests can enjoy lunch or dinner on the terrace in an intimate and confidential ambience in the most glamorous neighborhood in the city. Make sure to try the chef’s newest creation, the Non-coupable, a guilt-free dessert that features fresh market strawberries, a base of low-fat cheesecake and cream, finished with a tangy spark of crystallized thyme and lemon.
Rates: Rates start at €1180 ($1550) per night.
For the Scenery:
La Réserve Ramatuelle
St. Tropez, France
Located just outside St. Tropez, this stunning property, with 360° views of the Mediterranean Sea, is an intimate, elegant getaway that is ideal for discerning travelers.
What’s new: La Réserve Ramatuelle just added four new health and wellness programs that combine medical assessments, personal training sessions, physical activities, and personalized diets for a total care approach.
Rates: Rates start at €650 ($861) per night.
Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa
Interlaken, Switzerland
Located in the picturesque mountain setting of the Bernese Oberland, this five-star hotel and spa, known as one of the most beautiful hotels in Switzerland, is in the ultimate location for a summer vacation. Whether visiting for a wellness weekend or a family holiday, the unique grand hotel atmosphere is sure to provide memories that last a lifetime.
What’s New: Offering everything from snacks to cakes to tasty drinks, the hotel has recently renovated its outdoor dining area, the Victoria-Jungfrau terrace, adding a new lighting system designed to create the perfect atmosphere for dinners under the starry, summer night sky. With the addition of 110 seats, the terrace can now accommodate up to 150 guests.
Rates: Rates start at 443.10 CHF ($488.16) per night.
April 24th, 2012
Park Hyatt
- Rain or shine, this is one event that no one wants to miss. On April 26, 2012, as part of the 2012 Park Hyatt Masters of Food & Wine, Park Hyatt Seoul will be offering a Korean ethnic earthenware Onggi class followed by a reception and full course dinner with exclusive, locally-produced caviar and sturgeon complemented by an excellent wine selection.
Anantara
- Make downtime fun in Thailand with Anantara activities: chef-led Thai cooking class and market tours at Anantara Lawana on Koh Samui, 120 minutes of bliss with the Pearl of Andaman signature treatment at Anatara Phuket Villas’s Anantara Spa, a Floral Foot Ritual, Traditional Chinese Herbal Back Massage, and Pearl Facial.
Crystal Cruises
- Take advantage of a rainy day at sea to try an onboard enrichment program at Crystal’s Creative Learning Institute. Take a crash course in a foreign language with Berlitz, taste wine with the Society of Wine Educators, or create a work of art with Crystal’s Masterpeice Art Program, the most comprehensive art program at sea.
La Réserve Ramatuelle
- April marks the re-opening of La Réserve Ramatuelle. Dedicated to health, the hotel has indoor and outdoor fitness options that include an indoor pool and a fitness center with Technogym equiptment – guests can stay fit rain or shine! In April, La Réserve is offering the third night free for any reservation of two nights!
Geejam Hotel
- While it might be raining outside, at Geejam it’s always jammin’ no matter the weather. The hotel has its own recording studio where guests can learn the recording process and record a track on the mic.
Orient-Express
- Rain is a fact of life in Scotland; lucky for us, the Scots have had centuries to figure out how to make the best of it. Orient-Express’ The Royal Scotsman’s new season is sure to entertain during April showers with elegant Scottish dinners, breathtaking views, and the quiet comforts of private Edwardian-style carriages.
One&Only Ocean Club
Park Hyatt Tokyo
- Stay high and dry on the 41st floor while indulging in some sweet temptations. Every weekday afternoon, the Peak Lounge offers a tea plate and sweets buffet showcasing quintessential Japanese confections, such as warabi mochi sprinkled generously in sweet toasted kinako and a panna cotta accented with sakura sauce and macaron.
The Wauwinet
- Borrow The Wauwinet’s complimentary Hunter Boots to explore Nantucket on a rainy afternoon. Watch the storm roll into the bay or take a short walk to the Whaling Museum and check out the 46-foot skeleton of a sperm whale that washed ashore in 1998.
Le Pavillon des Lettres
- Take advantage of the rain and catch up on your reading. There’s no better place than the intimately luxurious Le Pavillon de Lettres, Paris’ first literary hotel. Guests can curl up by the fireplace or read from one of the hotel’s many iPads, loaded with international bestsellers, in the privacy of their rooms.
Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa
- Let the rain be your excuse to take a break from the outdoor activities available at the Victoria-Jungfrau and indulge in the signature treatment at the hotel’s ESPA Spa, the authentic Swiss Alpine herb poultice massage. The herbal foot ritual, full-body poultice massage, and relaxing head and scalp massage are guaranteed to relax you from head to toe.
Guinot
- When rain has one homebound, get that face ready for summer. Start with a gentle exfoliation with Gommage Grain d’Eclat, follow with quick swipe of refreshing Lotion Hydra Fraîcheur toner, and finish off with 10 minutes of the smooth and gentle Hydra Sensitive Face Mask (voted Best Overall Face Mask by NewBeauty).
ESPA
- Rainy days and Mondays get you down? Make the best of an April shower and take a “Spa-Cation” at the Peninsula Spa. This includes a 60-minute ESPA massage, a special lunch, and complimentary use of the pool and fitness center.
Inn on the Alameda
- Let it rain, let it rain!!! While rainfall in Santa Fe is negligible, when it does rain, it pours! Take shelter in the Inn’s cozy Agoyo Room and enjoy a Turquoise Margarita or a New Mexican wine while sitting in front of the roaring fire.
Shakti
- While April showers are nourishing the earth, Shakti guests can nourish their souls by sitting in meditation with Buddhist monks in a Sikkimese monastery, meeting with a real medicine man in a remote Ladakhi village house, or creating a bespoke itinerary featuring customized adventures.
Royal Mansour Marrakech
- April showers may be cold and dull, but traditional Moroccan hammams are not! At 27,000 square feet, Royal Mansour’s two-story spa features thirteen treatment rooms, a fitness center, gymnastics area, a salon, two hammams, and an indoor swimming pool. Try out their signature Slimming Body Massage to prepare for the summer ahead!
Nayara Hotel, Spa & Gardens
- A little rain never spoils the party in Costa Rica! Don’t fret – the almost-daily showers usually don’t last more than a few minutes, leaving just enough time to sample a sommelier-selected assortment of 33 South American wines and Latin American tapas at Nostalgia Wine Bar at Nayara, near the Arenal Volcano in the heart of the rainforest.
February 27th, 2012
The Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa, nestled in the heart of the Swiss resort town of Interlaken, will host the ninth episode of ABC’s The Bachelor. Bachelor Ben Flajnik and his three bachelorettes will be left completely enchanted by the region’s natural beauty. Tune in to watch Bachelor Ben as he sets out on his Swiss journey for true love on MONDAY, FEBRUARY 27 (8:00-10:01 p.m., ET), on the ABC Television Network.
First opened in 1865 as one of the first true luxury hotels, the Victoria-Jungfrau evokes all the splendor of the Belle Époque. Located between two stunning Alpine lakes and at the foot of the majestic Jungfrau Mountain, the hotel is an ideal starting point for those wishing to ski, hike, bike, or sail through the lakes and nearby Alps. The wellness wing, including an ESPA treatment center and the world’s only SENSAI SELECT SPA, provides a relaxing retreat, and the four restaurants offer a range of cuisine from Swiss specialties to haute French.
In a setting such as this, there will be no lack of romance. Ben’s date activities include a candlelit dinner in the hotel’s Salon Rouge, an intimate yet elegant room that dates back to the hotel’s opening, and a scenic picnic lunch prepared specially for Ben and his date by the hotel. The fabled Rose Ceremony will be held in the grand Salle de Versailles, a glittering ballroom adorned with stucco and gold walls, coffered ceilings, and crystal chandeliers. For those looking to follow in the footsteps of Bachelor Ben, the Victoria-Jungfrau will offer a special romance themed package starting March 12, 2012.
The new season of The Bachelor, from Warner Horizon Television, airs 8/7 Central on ABC. For more information on The Bachelor visit http://abc.go.com/shows/the-bachelor. To learn more about the Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa go to www.victoria-jungfrau.ch/en/.
ABOUT THE BACHELOR
In the hit primetime reality series The Bachelor, one lucky man is offered the chance to find true love. A single and eligible Bachelor embarks on a romantic journey, getting to know a bevy of beautiful bachelorettes, gradually narrowing the field to the one woman to whom he may propose marriage in the dramatic season finale. Hosted by Chris Harrison, The Bachelor is produced by Next Entertainment in association with Warner Horizon Television.
ABOUT THE VICTORIA-JUNGFRAU GRAND HOTEL & SPA
First opened in 1865 as one of the first true luxury hotels, the Victoria-Jungfrau continues to be the standard-bearer of the legendary Swiss hospitality. The stunningly modern renovations of the resort complement its original Belle Époque design. With its location in resort town of Interlaken, the hotel is an ideal starting point for those wishing to ski, hike, bike, or sail through the lakes and nearby Alps. A 60,000 square foot wellness wing, including an ESPA treatment center and SENSAI SELECT SPA, provides a relaxing wellness retreat, and the four restaurants offer a range of cuisine from Swiss specialties to haute French.
December 1st, 2011
La Réserve Genève Hotel & Spa, Geneva, Switzerland
Nestled on the shores of Lake Geneva, La Réserve Genève Hotel & Spa is offering guests the perfect holiday getaway. Complete with a private ice-rink and traditional Christmas Market-style winter chalets, La Réserve Genève will be transformed into a true Winter Wonderland starting December 13.
Set within La Réserve Genève’s large onsite gardens, the Winter Wonderland will offer spectacular views of Lake Geneva. La Réserve guests can book a private skating lesson or glide solo across the ice before enjoying the festive winter chalets. Despite the chill in the air, a chic waitstaff will be serving festive treats such as crêpes, waffles, oysters, mulled wine, Sancerre, Champagne, and caviar.
A two-night weekend stay at La Réserve Genève starts from $1,076 (based on two sharing a double room) and includes full use of all hotel facilities including the spa, fitness center, swimming pool, indoor tennis courts, and the Winter Wonderland. To book: www.lareserve.ch / +41 22 959 59 59.
La Réserve’s Winter Wonderland is open to hotel guests only from December 13, 2011, to February 26, 2012.
Eden au Lac, Zurich, Switzerland
While the singing Christmas tree at Werdemühleplatz and the hot spiced wine at Europe’s biggest indoor Christmas market may keep Zurich merrymakers grounded, the most festive spot in town is perched high above the city streets! Eden au Lac’s Top of Eden terrace is celebrating the holidays in high style with private fondue tastings and a rooftop Christmas market.
Nothing beats fondue – except for fondue with a view! Choose from truffle or classic flavored fondue paired with mulled wine while enjoying amazing views of Lake Zurich. Stay warm with gingerbread, hot chestnuts, and cozy blankets. The festively decorated terrace can now be exclusively reserved for a private fondue tasting for two for just 310 CHF (approximately $337).
Skip the crowded stores and take shopping to the next level at Zurich’s smallest Christmas market located on Top of Eden! From November 27-December 23, guests can shop the city’s best kept secret while snacking on Wienerli sausages, roast chestnuts, and Christmas biscuits for 49 CHF (approximately $53).
Pavillon de la Reine and Le Pavillon des Lettres, Paris, France
Paris at Christmas time is magical, with vin chaud and gingerbread sold in the Tuileries, twinkling lights adorning the Champs-Elysées, and charming holiday markets such as the historic Marché de Noël. The impossibly chic Pavillon de la Reine and new literary-themed sister hotel Le Pavillon des Lettres are the ideal places to ring in the Yuletide with luxurious accommodations and special seasonal treats.
Guests of both hotels who book the “Parisian Christmas” package for the festive season will have the option to explore Paris’ grand boulevards by night on an enchanting chauffeur-driven journey past department stores awash with lights and elaborate window decorations, by the lavishly decorated tree on Notre Dame Cathedral’s main plaza, and down the majestic Champs-Elysées lined with light-drenched trees stretching all the way from Place de l’Etoile and the Arc de Triomphe to the Place de la Concorde.
For many Parisian Christmas guests, the holiday season would be incomplete without a generous helping of delightful bites, who may opt to visit one of the most beautiful chocolateries in Paris instead, where they will learn about the fascinating history of chocolate-making and sample their decadent creations.
The “Parisian Christmas” package includes accommodations for two in a Deluxe Room at Pavillon de la Reine or Le Pavillon des Lettres and either a chauffeured evening tour through Paris or a visit to local chocolatier.
Package rates at Pavillon de la Reine and Le Pavillon des Lettres start at €450 and €350, per night respectively. Two night minimum stay is required. Package is valid for travel December 11 through December 27. To book: www.pavillon-de-la-reine.com Tel : 33 (0) 1 40 29 19 19 or www.pavillondeslettres.com or Tel : 33 (0) 1 40 24 26 26
November 15th, 2011
The Alps are alive with the sound of music! Every year, over 120,000 music lovers gather to catch classical music’s legends and up-and-coming stars perform at Switzerland’s famed music festival, the Lucerne Festival. The festival was founded in 1938, and has earned the status as one of the world’s premier music festivals by attracting legendary orchestras, conductors, and soloists from around the world. The first festival took place during the summer, but it has expanded to include an Easter festival and a special pianist festival in November, in addition to the original summer event.
When the curtain drops, concert-goers will love wandering through Old Town Lucerne, exploring the city’s many famed bridges, and admiring the spectacular views of Lake Lucerne and the Swiss Alps. Although the formal festival will take place under the lights of Jean Nouvel’s famous concert hall, the musical greats have been known to hold impromptu jam sessions in local hotels, restaurants, and bars.
Palace Luzern, Lucerne’s luxurious lakeside hotel and a festival sponsor, is the perfect home base for music lovers looking to soak in all of the exciting happenings of the festival. The hotel offers the Spa and Sounds package during the festival for those who want to completely unwind and enjoy the music. The two-night package includes a Balinese hot stone spa treatment, breakfast buffet, concert tickets, and butler service. To truly escape, the package also includes the option of leaving your cell phone with the concierge, who will answer all calls and return the cell phone with a call back list upon check out. The package starts at CHF827 (approximately $913) per person.
Lucerne Festival at the Piano (November 21-27)This year’s Lucerne Festival at the Piano is dedicated to 19th century piano master, Franz List. In honor of his 200th birthday, Yefim Bronfman, Andreas Haefliger, Lise de la Salle, Alexei Volodin, and many others will bring Franz back to life through lively interpretations of his great works.
Lucerne Festival at Easter (March 24-April 1, 2012)
The Lucerne Festival at Easter will be a week full of Mozart. Enjoy the Lucerne premiere of Claudio Abbado’s Orchestra Mozart from Bologna, the C major of Mozart’s “Linz” Symphony, and Maria João Pires’s performance of Concerto in D minor K. 466.
Lucerne Festival in summer (August 8-September 15, 2012)
The theme of the summer festival is faith, and the music selections will reflect the many ways that faith has been explored through music. The festival will welcome the Berlin and Vienna Philharmonics, as well as composer-in-residence Sofia Gubaidulina and many other celebrated musicians.
November 10th, 2011
Well, today we found him at the “top of Europe”, at Jungfraujoch’s Sphinx Observatory, located 11,745 feet above sea level in the Swiss Alps. Most well-known for as the setting for the 1969 James Bond film, “On Her Majesty’s Secret Service”, Mr. Lauer arrived by train to the highest railway station in Europe this morning.
Accessible only by cable car, the Swiss Alps are an outdoor sports enthusiasts’ dream come true. The majestic mountain peaks offer the world’s best Alpine skiing and snowboarding, as well as some incredible lower altitude activities on the crystal clear mountain lakes, such as boating and ice skating. Besides the vast array of activities available in the Alps, it is also incredible just to sit with a glass of champagne and enjoy the extraordinary scenery. From the glittering snow-capped peaks to the impossibly blue lakes, it is a sight to be seen at least once in a lifetime.
The Alps stretch through France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Austria, and Slovenia; but we found Mr. Lauer in Interlaken, Switzerland, the home of the beautiful Victoria Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa.
Read more about Matt’s Swiss adventures here and be sure to stay tuned to see where Matt will be tomorrow!
October 19th, 2011
EUROPE
La Réserve Paris
Paris, France
La Réserve Paris sits in the heart of the city at Place de Trocadéro, letting visitors live like a Parisian – and a chic one at that. The stylishly furnished apartments provide all guests the comforts of home, with a view only available in Paris – the Eiffel Tower cuts the sky and behind it is a backdrop of the green Champs de Mars, often speckled with picnickers.
RATES: start at 2,590 euros per night (about $3,564) for a minimum stay of 3 nights.
Le Pavillon des Lettres
Paris, France
The penthouse suites at the new Pavillon des Lettres are a dream for bibliophiles. Each of the hotel’s 26 rooms is dedicated to a letter of the alphabet and a corresponding author. The two penthouse suites, Yeats and Zola, have beautiful views of the Eiffel Tower, the Grand Palais, and Paris rooftops. Gaze out at the lights on the Eiffel Tower while reading Zola’s Nana from the room’s iPad – stocked with novels in several languages – or scan Yeats’ The Wind Among the Reeds that is printed on the wall.
RATES: start at 250 euros per night (about $347).
Victoria-Jungfrau Collection – Palace Luzern
Luzern, Switzerland
Founded in 1906, the Palace Luzern epitomizes the height of Belle Époque elegance. While embracing the style of a true palace hotel, numerous renovations have brought the hotel into the 21st century with a fresh, modern aesthetic. Overlooking Lake Lucerne, it offers a unique combination of Alpine scenery and proximity to the center of Lucerne, which is host to renowned music festivals, world-class museums, and many charming boutiques. Sailing, golf, and skiing are all available nearby.
RATES: start at $308 for a City View Double Room.
ASIA
Uma Paro
Paro, Bhutan
Uma Paro is in the extraordinary Himalayan kingdom of Bhutan, sitting atop a tree-lined hill on 38 acres overlooking the town of Paro in the valley below. Situated on the country’s western border, the Paro Valley is one of the main cultural centers of Bhutan. Simply relax and gaze out at the unbelievable view, or join one of Uma Paro’s activities such as hiking or biking to the nearby monasteries or exploring the country through the lens of a camera.
RATES: start at $ 330 through December 31, 2011.
Park Hyatt Shanghai
Shanghai, China
Located in one of the world’s tallest buildings, a bathing experience at the Park Hyatt Shanghai is far from ordinary. Even with the heated floors in the bathroom, you’ll shiver at the thrill as you glance down at the breathtaking city from a window-side deep soaking tub. For the faint of heart, there is always the oversized monsoon rain shower, not a bad trade.
RATES: start at $391 for a Park King room.
Park Hyatt Beijing
Beijing, China
Park Hyatt Beijing illuminates the city skyline as a new landmark. Directly opposite the China World Trade Center and the striking new CCTV Tower, the hotel occupies the uppermost floors in the main tower of the Beijing Yintai Center — the tallest development on prestigious Chang’an Avenue in the heart of the capital’s Central Business District. The interiors of Park Hyatt Beijing have been inspired by classical Suzhou architecture and water gardens, and the hotel incorporates these Oriental aesthetics into a sleek, contemporary design.
RATES: start at $288 for a Park King Room.
Park Hyatt Sydney
Sydney, Australia
The iconic Park Hyatt Sydney will reopen in late 2011 after a seven month makeover and complete redesign. Located in the Rocks district of Sydney’s city center, the hotel has been reimagined by Melbourne-based design firm BARStudio. All rooms are being completely redesigned to enhance the guest experience and highlight the hotel’s harborfront location. Views of Sydney Harbor and the Opera House take on new meaning with a series of floor-to-ceiling windows throughout almost all areas of the property, including in The Dining Room, the hotel’s premier restaurant, completing the large-scale redesign.
RATES: opening rates starting at $871 for a City/Harbour King Room.
Shakti 360˚ Leti
Uttarakhand, India
U.S. Toll-free: 1 877 637 5665
At 8,000 feet in elevation surrounded by soaring peaks of the snowcapped Indian Himalayas, Shakti 360˚ Leti has some of the best views in India. Each of the four en-suite cabins and the central lodge of this high elevation hotel have floor to ceiling windows, which means the views of the peaks and, in spring, the rhododendrons in full bloom, never disappear. Described as “a contender for the world’s most remote luxury resort,” Shakti 360˚ Leti can be visited as an extension from the Shakti Kumaon Village Experience, or as its own destination. Accessible by car or charter flight from Delhi, the fun getting there really begins with the hour-long trek into the hills. But once you’re there, you won’t want to leave… Forget your Blackberry, power down your iPhone, disconnect, and just breathe in the fresh mountain air while listening to the silence that surrounds you.
Season: October 1 – May 1
RATES: 3-night, 4-day package starts at $1,916 per person, double occupancy. Rates include accommodations; all meals and beverages; activities; English speaking guide and porters; a car at your disposal, and all taxes and return transfers between Shakti Kumaon Village Experience and Shakti 360˚ Leti. Flights are not included. Minimum of a 3-night stay required.
MIDDLE EAST
Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara
Liwa Desert, Abu Dhabi, U.A.E.
In the heart of the Liwa Desert just ninety minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport is Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, the newly built 206-room resort surrounded entirely by legendary red sand dunes. The Liwa is part of the Rub’-al-Khali, or Empty Quarter, the world’s largest uninterrupted desert. Built right into the sand, the resort is modeled after an ancient Emirati fort that rises out of the desert and evokes the rich culture of the Bedouins, the indigenous tribes people who roamed the desert for centuries. Get away not only from your everyday life, but this century altogether!
The rooms and suites spill off the main lodge like little villages, and all have stunning views of the ocher dunes of the Liwa. Hundreds of museum-caliber artifacts are on display throughout the hotel to provide more feasts for the eye, including the world’s largest collection of camel saddlebags used in desert crossings by the Bedouins throughout Arabia. Offering all the comforts of modern luxury in a superbly unique setting, Qasr Al Sarab is more than just a luxury hotel; it is a window into the history and culture of a nation.
RATES: start at 2,100 AED from October 1-November 30, 2011, and at 1,900 AED from December 1, 2011-January 31, 2012.
October 13th, 2011
The holidays can be hectic with all that shopping to do and all those family dinners to attend. Give yourself a break this year and plan a festive vacation! Whether it’s a snowy escape, a sunny getaway, or an urban adventure, there’s something for everyone.
SNOW
Where: Palace Luzern, Lucerne, Switzerland
What: A Swiss winter wonderland
Why: Taste world-famous Swiss Fondue and admire the breathtaking views of the snow-capped Alps from the windows of the oldest electric cogwheel-train as it climbs Mt. Rigi. Browse more than 45 stalls of holiday gifts and confections at the annual Christmas Market and wander the festively decorated medieval streets as carolers serenade in the distance during a winter escape to Lucerne, Switzerland. The Palace Luzern’s annual New Years Eve party will be the perfect start to 2012, and the hotel’s special New Years Eve package won’t break your budgeting resolutions for the new year!
When: The New Years Eve package starts at $844 (two nights, double occupancy) and is valid only December 30, 2011-January 1, 2012
Where: La Réserve Genève, Geneva, Switzerland
What: An enchanted holiday
Why: Spend the holidays at La Réserve Genève – explore the International Christmas Market, wave hello to Santa Claus at the Annual Electric Christmas Parade, and attend the annual Christmas Tree Festival where international artists display beautifully crafted sculptures and trees. For a special holiday evening, leave the kids with La Réserve Genève’s experienced babysitters, available for children aged 6 months to 13 years.
When: holiday rates start at $500 per night
SUN
Where: GoldenEye Hotel & Resort, Oracabessa, Jamaica
What: Who said the holidays had to be cold?
Why: Nestled on Jamaica’s north coast, GoldenEye Hotel & Resort was once the Jamaican home of author Ian Fleming and the site where he penned all 14 James Bond novels. Holiday festivities include dinner and entertainment on Christmas Eve and Christmas Day, a New Years Eve Extravaganza, Festive Afternoon Teas, and Champagne Cocktail Party. Guests can kick off the New Year in good health kindness of the hotel’s fitness and activity program, with offerings such as daily yoga, paddle boarding, and local runs through Oracabessa. Younger visitors can kayak, snorkel, or participate in the hotel’s coral restoration program.
When: Holiday rates start at $1,040 per night from December 15 – January 7
Where: Pacific Coast Holiday, Roundtrip from Los Angeles to the Hawaiian Islands
What: 14 days of culture, fun, and adventure aboard Crystal Symphony
Why: Leave the snow behind and tour the sunny Hawaiian Islands aboard Crystal Symphony. Sign up for private dance lessons, take a helicopter ride over Oahu, or discover the wonder of whale-watching near Maui. Children will love learning to snorkel, kayak, and surf in the beautiful, warm waters.
When: December 21, 2011 – January 4, 2012, two-for-one fares start at $7,050 per person, and include $500 per person all-inclusive “ As You Wish” shipboard credit, plus free, round-trip air and airport transfer from two dozen North American gateway cities (or generous air credit). Restrictions apply.
CITY
Where: Park Hyatt Washington D.C.
What: A patriotic holiday
Why: Plan a Christmas visit to the Park, and start your stay with delicious homemade gingerbread cookies and Eggnog. For those revelers looking for the best place to bring in the New Year, the Park offers New Years guests two tickets to the hotel’s popular New Years Eve celebration in the Lounge. Extend the holiday cheer all winter long with the hotel’s Comfort and Joy package, which includes hot cocoa and fresh baked cookies to enjoy after braving the cold to attend the National Hanukkah Menorah Lighting Ceremony on the White House grounds or visiting the National Christmas Tree, lit daily during December.
When: Christmas package rates start at $445 for the first night and at $245 for each additional night from December 22-26, 2011; New Year’s Eve package available December 27-January 22, 2012 (contact hotel for rates); and Comfort and Joy package rates start at $299 per night from November 28-February 29, 2012
Where: The Inn on the Alameda, Santa Fe, New Mexico
What: 26th anniversary celebration
Why: Escape for a weekend at the Inn on the Alameda in Santa Fe, a city known for its dazzling luminaria displays! The Inn is turning 26 this year, and Santa Fe’s beloved and charming hotel is celebrating by offering a special anniversary rate. Guests who stay at the inn for three consecutive nights between October 30 and December 12 will pay just $26 for the third night! To get in the holiday spirit, travelers can attend a festive Santa Fe Desert Chorale winter concert or check out the shops of the historic Santa Fe Plaza area.
When: Special rates start at $336 from October 30-December 12 (excluding November 23-26 and November 30 -December 5)
Where: Peninsula Spa by ESPA, New York City
What: A rejuvenating ‘spa-cation’
Why: New York City is never more alive than at Christmastime with tree-lit ice skating at Rockefeller Center, enchanting carriage rides in Central Park, and lavish window displays at Saks. For people looking to take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city streets, the Peninsula Spa by ESPA is offering a day-long ‘spa-cation,’ including a 60-minute treatment, a special lunch, and complimentary use of the pool and fitness centre.
When: Spa-cation package is available Monday – Thursday weekly for $285
September 21st, 2011
Now that fall is on the way and the days are getting shorter, we are dreaming of ways we can stretch the weekend just a little longer—especially while traveling! Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa has whipped up a way to pack a few extra hours into your stay by offering guests most treasured amenity of all, time.
30 Hours:
A day of hiking breathtaking alpine trails, swimming in crystal-clear mountain lakes, and unwinding in the spa at the Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa can leave guests wishing for more hours in the day. Victoria-Jungfrau Grand Hotel & Spa has begun granting this wish and giving guests a chance to extend their dreamy Swiss stay with Your 30-Hour Day package. Valid until December 23, each night booked at the Interlaken hotel will last 30 hours, rather than the usual 24. This means a three night with a 5pm arrival will accrue an extra night free of charge! Rates start at CHF 345 (approximately $436 USD per night).
72 Hours:
Upon entering one of the Victoria-Jungfrau’s secluded Bel-Air spa suites, it may be impossible to fight total, immediate relaxation. The hotel’s “72 Hours in Your Bathrobe” package encourages guests to ditch their suits at the door and spend three full days lounging in plush bathrobes in and around the spa. Upon arrival in Zurich, guests are met by private chauffeur and driven to the hotel, then welcomed to by-pass reception and head straight to a luxurious Bel-Air suite, equipped with private balconies boasting stunning mountain views. From the Bel-Air suite, the spa beckons, promising a day of complete unwinding with six hours of custom spa treatments, including ESPA or SENSAI SELECT face and body treatments, as well as indoor and outdoor pools, Jacuzzis, whirlpools, and the newly re-opened sauna with candlelit relaxation room. At night, there is no reason to dress to impress as guests are invited to leisurely dine at the Spa Café or within the privacy of their suite. Rates start at CHF 3315 (approximately $4,161 per night).
July 11th, 2011
Switzerland’s Palace Luzern introduces new “Under 30 Evenings”, designed for the young, fabulous and… budget conscious. Every Wednesday, at the hotel’s Jasper restaurant, guests under the age of 30 can enjoy a three-course menu at a reduced price – proving that a Michelin-starred gourmet dining experience doesn’t have to burn a hole in your wallet!
Dining out with friends can be a total numbers game (à la splitting the check) but Palace Luzern has some solid stats on their side…
30 – Maximum age limit to take advantage of the special three-course menu, including aperitif, coffee and mineral water.
59 – Cost in Swiss Francs for the dining experience (approximately $70 USD).
16 – Points Jasper earned by the esteemed French restaurant dining guide, Gault-Millau (ranked on a scale from 1-20).
6 – Number of sets of silver cutlery on the table. (Confused by which fork to use for what course? Fret not! The friendly service team is always on hand for a quick lesson in etiquette. (If in doubt, start on the outside and work your way in with each course.)
1– New Chef de Cuisine, Kersten Rishmeyer (she creates the menus for Jasper on a weekly basis, using local ingredients).
Set within the cosmopolitan city of Lucerne, Switzerland – home to the crystal clear Lake Lucerne, with many public swimming areas, over 115 miles of hiking paths, numerous wineries, and more than 80 festivals a year – the destination is perfect for any young traveler.
For more information, visit www.palace-luzern.ch or call 41 (0)41 416 16 16.