Category Archives: Luxury
Eight Luxury Travel Trends for Summer 2012
By Annie Fitzsimmons
As we approach the busy summer travel season, one trend is holding strong, at least according to top luxury hotel brands: People are traveling more, often for longer periods of time, with extended families, friends, and children. They want their hard-earned time away to be worth it, with money going towards both value-added and exclusive experiences.
“As the economy continues to rebound, we’re seeing strong growth in the Consumer Confidence and Traveler Sentiment indexes, which translates into guests taking longer and more frequent vacations across all channels,” says Jennifer Fox, President of Fairmont Hotels & Resorts.
Other top luxury brands like Ritz-Carlton, Mandarin Oriental, Orient-Express, and the Regent Seven Seas cruise line are seeing similar growth, while top travel agents have a hand in planning these requests for an exceptional experience. Stacy Small, president of L.A.-based Elite Travel International, designs high-end itineraries for clients around the world and is seeing requests roll in for exotic getaways, but also from those wanting to recharge domestically.
Most of these trends aren’t groundbreaking, but are still at the forefront for luxury travel demand in Summer 2012.
Multi-Generational Family Travel: Cruising is possibly the best way to avoid family arguments, because each person can design their own day while still connecting with their family on board. But luxury travelers don’t want to be nickel-and-dimed, and want the ease of travel while cruising. Regent Seven Seas proves that all-inclusive doesn’t mean cheap, and provides gourmet dining, fine wines & spirits, a selection of shore excursions in all ports, onboard tips, and a complimentary overnight stay in a luxury hotel prior to the cruise. Mark Conroy, President of Regent Seven Seas Cruises, says, “Families as small as six as and as many as 35 are taking advantage of the all-inclusive, elegant, destination-focused, hassle-free cruises.” Conroy’s favorite itineraries include a 7-night itinerary from Athens to Venice if you’re pressed for time or a cruise through the Best of the Dalmatian Coast, Italy, and the French Riviera.
Regent Seven Seas CruiseHotels are seeing the same trend of larger family groups traveling together. Emily Snyder, Vice President of Sales & Marketing for the Americas with Mandarin Oriental, says they are “seeing increased lengths of stay and multiple room bookings to accommodate multi-generational travel.”
High-end villa rentals are also a popular choice for families celebrating big anniversaries or birthdays, with Stacy Small saying she’s booking villas “everywhere from Hawaii to Mexico to St. Barts to the South of France for the upcoming summer season.” Extra-large villas can accommodate multiple families and provide a great base for celebrations.
Active Vacations: Luxury travelers are seeking out ways to stay active and healthy on the road, carving out time for bike rides, hiking, and water sports. Small says that clients “want to go to places where they have plenty of options to take day trips and enjoy active excursions from trekking and diving in Vietnam to fly fishing and white water rafting in Park City, Utah and Colorado.”
Bespoke Itineraries With a Sense of Place: Travel should be personalized. That’s nothing newsworthy. But hotels are learning to blend experiences that are tailored to personal desires along with truly special options that reflect the destination. Orient-Express has a knack for taking historic, priceless properties and turning them into some of the finest hotels in the world. Filip Boyen, Chief Operating Officer for Orient-Express Hotels & Resorts, says that “All of our properties are gearing up for summer travel with a selection of customized offerings, which blend authentic destination experience with the luxurious Orient-Express style.” Their Maroma Resort & Spa in Riviera Spa features a roster of health and wellness treatments that weaves together ancient Mayan traditions.
Seeking Out What’s Next & New: Stacy Small says, “Clients are asking us to book them to places they haven’t been before. We’ve booked one family to Peru inclusive of a few days aboard the ultra-luxe Aqua Expeditions through the Peruvian Amazon, and another family is taking the kids to Turkey for a few days prior to their Greek island cruise.” While certain destinations like London, Paris, and Rome never go out of style, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts says their properties in Shanghai, Singapore, Dubai and Kenya are experiencing “ever increasing popularity” which bodes well for their new hotel openings in Kiev, Baku, and Jaipur this year.
Increase In Brazil & China Travelers to United States: Emily Snyder withMandarin Oriental mentions the U.S. Travel & Tourism’s new Brand USA Campaign as a key factor in helping to drive international tourism, particularly from Brazil and China. And Snyder says they’re taking extra care of these guests and says that “mainland Chinese guests, for example, receive tailored amenities to enhance their comfort, such as tea kettles in room, and special Chinese menu items.”
Continue reading: Complete original article “Eight Luxury Travel Trends for Summer 2012” on Forbes.
Slip away to Costa Rica’s hot springs
(CNN) — Ziplining through tropical rain forests, rappelling down steep waterfall cliffs and whitewater rafting satisfy the rugged outdoor cravings of Costa Rica’s tourists.
But after a day of wear and tear on the body, a long soak in a natural hot spring can provide much-needed relief and relaxation for adventure travelers. Visitors to Costa Rica seeking a low-key, laid-back vacation will appreciate the hot springs, too.
Costa Rica’s rich landscape is dotted with these pools. CNN.com explored five locations that vary in size, luxury and tranquility.
Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort
This tropical eco-friendly spa places its emphasis on making the guest experience “a close encounter with nature.”
Tabacón’s thermal hot springs are surrounded by lush gardens, with the Arenal Volcano and rain forest as a dramatic backdrop as you soak in the all-natural waters flowing throughout the property. Five springs, fueled and heated by the nearby volcano, range in temperature from 77 to 122 degrees Fahrenheit.
Tabacón was the first public hot spring resort in the Arenal Volcano area and is accompanied by a 102-room luxury hotel for guests seeking an extended visit.
In addition to the hot springs, guests can be pampered with massages, hydrotherapy, facials and a full range of indigenous treatments.
Many couples have celebrated their weddings and honeymoons at this peaceful oasis — and can now share private time at the resort’s new Shangri-La Gardens area, a space intended only for adults.
The Springs Resort and Spa at Arenal
The Springs Resort in La Fortuna near the Arenal Volcano boasts 18 hot springs spanning four acres of lush gardens. Tucked next to the springs is the resort’s five-star hotel, a 14,000-square-foot full-service spa, and a wildlife preserve with rescued jungle cats, monkeys, sloths, wild turkeys and a variety of birds.
The resort provides every guest with plenty of options for finding the hot spring that best suits his or her mood and personality. Some pools have raging waterfalls, while others provide a tranquil rain-forest experience and close-up views of the volcano. Temperatures in the pools range from 83 to 103 F. Some pools are all-natural, while others are chlorinated.
Day passes for guests not registered at the hotel are available for $40. These passes include entry to the hot springs and the wildlife preserve and access to four restaurants and five bars on the property. Hotel and day visitors can also reserve kayaking, horseback riding and ATV tours.
Baldi Hot Springs Hotel and Spa
Located in the heart of the rain forest, this large resort boasts 25 pure water pools and takes pride in a its family-friendly atmosphere. Unique to Baldi is the resort’s three large water slides, ranging from 104 to 325 feet long. The slides cater to children and adults alike.
Numerous waterfalls pour into the pools, which reach temperatures up to 104 F. The temperatures in the waters increase as you walk higher up in elevation along a path to reach the various pools.
The resort complex, which opened to the public in 2000 under the vision of businessman Alberto Rodriguez Baldi, is located at the foot of the Arenal Volcano and includes two restaurants, three swim-up bars, a sauna, 8 acres of colorful tropical gardens, and 32 nonsmoking rooms for overnight guests. Guests seeking total relaxation can retreat to the spa, where full-body volcanic mud wraps, massages and facials top the menu.
Eco Termales Hot Springs
Eco Termales in the La Fortuna area does not accept more than 100 visitors at a time and is geared toward privacy. It’s one of the smallest hot springs in the Arenal Volcano area, and many guests consider this one of its main selling points, since the crowds are small.
This retreat, surrounded by lush green gardens, has been a labor of love for the Manolo Hidalgo family, which has spent years building and caring for the resort.
There are seven relaxing hot spring pools, including one with a waterfall reaching temperatures up to 105 F. A restaurant serves authentic family-style Costa Rican dishes.
“I like this resort because of the lack of crowds — and feel I can really escape from the world here,” said Pablo Brenes, a local resident and manager of Anywhere Costa Rica, a travel agency certified by the Costa Rica Tourism Board.
Blue River Resort & Hot Springs
“Our guests say they feel as though they have stepped into paradise when they visit our resort,” said Blue River Resort owner Daniel Apelboim. “We aim to make visitors feel invigorated, relaxed and pampered.”
Blue River Resort & Hot Springs is located on the north side of the scenic Rincon de la Vieja volcano and across from the blue volcanic river, Rio Celeste.
It features four pools fed from the hot springs bubbling up nearby and is landscaped with rain-forest foliage, flowers and waterfalls. Each pool has a unique theme — including a pool designed for children. There is also a freshwater pool with a 98-foot slide for both adults and children to enjoy.
In addition to the springs, guests may want to explore the resort’s botanical gardens and butterfly gardens, relax at the spa, or enjoy a cool refreshment at the tiki bar.
Guests are invited to visit for a day or spend more time by checking into the resort’s hotel. Rooms feature large terraces with views of the volcano and the lush green rain forest.
Weddings and honeymoons: Tied together
Emily Ashwell looks at the best wedding/honeymoon combinations
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Valentine’s Day always makes February a popular time for engagements, but as 2012 is a leap year, couples had double the chance to pop the question.
Hopefully, this will have brought some happy couples to your door, looking for the best options to marry and honeymoon abroad. Now it’s your turn to bring harmony to their plans.
Sarah Jackson, USA and Caribbean product manager at Kuoni, says: “Twin-centre weddingmoons are increasingly popular with couples looking for a unique wedding location followed by a relaxing beach break.
“Couples get the best of both worlds – a wedding abroad where they can invite all of their friends and family, followed by their own romantic escape when they jet off to a new location. While a twin-centre weddingmoon does increase the cost of the trip, it is still seen as an affordable way to get married and is often cheaper than a wedding in the UK.”
Perfect Weddings Abroad marketing director Danny Waine says: “Most people want a short-haul wedding to keep family happy because they can afford to come, but would ideally like to have a honeymoon farther afield.”
BEST FOR… BRINGING THE FAMILY
Where: A Cyprus wedding followed by a romantic Nile cruise.
Why: Planet Holidays managing director Mathilde Robert says: “Cyprus is popular and agents may feel they know it so well that they go into auto-pilot when making suggestions to couples. But we’ve seen couples choosing to marry there and then have an exotic honeymoon in Egypt, including a luxury Nile cruise.”
She suggests staying at the stunning Old Cataract Hotel, which reopened at the end of last year after a two-year refurbishment, set on one of the most romantic spots on the Nile, and adds that some Nile cruises even let the second traveller go half-price.
Where else: If clients want the romance of a winter wedding, suggest Zell am See in Austria.
Sample price: A wedding at Palm Beach Hotel and Bungalows in Larnaca costs £650 including licence and registrar. A five-night B&B stay costs £745 per person, including flights and transfers. Next, flights to Luxor, Egypt, transfer to Aswan, five nights’ B&B at Sofitel Old Cataract and then return flights to the UK cost £1,279 per person with Planet Holidays.
planetweddings.co.uk
0871 871 0405
BEST FOR… EUROPEAN ELEGANCE
Where: Get hitched in Malta and honeymoon in Gozo.
Why: Belleair Holidays weddings co-ordinator Shelley Perry suggests the lavish 24-carat gilded ballroom at the Palazzo Parisio for the ceremony and the classic baroque walled gardens for a romantic reception. “As couples need to be resident in Malta for two days prior to their wedding, I would suggest spending three nights at the Hilton Malta, then transferring to Gozo to relax away from it all in a farmhouse such as The Hamlet or Djar Ta Menzja – the perfect tranquil setting,” she says.
Where else: Expressions Holidays suggests Italy’s Amalfi coast, with a civil ceremony in the 12th-century town hall followed by the five-star Borgo Egnazia in Puglia for honeymoon.
Sample price: Weddings at Palazzo Parisio start at £1,084. Three nights at the Hilton Malta plus a week at the Hamlet Farmhouse, Gozo, starts at £1,218 per person twin-share in October, including flights and transfers.
belleair.co.uk/agents
0845 365 3412
BEST FOR… LUXURIOUS LONG HAUL
Where: A wedding in South Africa then a Mauritius honeymoon.
Why: There’s little time difference between the UK and South Africa, plus there’s a great range of venues, from luxury tented safari camps to winery weddings. Lisa Fisher, product manager at Rainbow Tours, says: “We tend to do small, bespoke weddings, often just the couple, but we can cater for much larger parties too. Marrying in South Africa is all quite simple.”
Where else: Thailand is a popular option. Couples need to marry in Bangkok but can then fly to an idyllic resort such as Pimalai, Krabi, as recommended by Seasons.
Sample price: All weddings are tailor-made but, as an example, Rainbow Tours offers three nights at the Grande Roche in the Cape Winelands for the wedding, and seven nights at The Residence in Mauritius from £3,395 per person, twin-share. This includes car hire in the Winelands, the wedding, half-board in Mauritius, flights and transfers.
rainbowtours.co.uk
020 7666 1250
BEST FOR… ENDURING POPULARITY
Where: Tie the knot in New York then honeymoon in Saint Lucia.
Why: New York and the Caribbean are crowd-pleasers. Kuoni marketing manager Sarah Jackson says: “Getting married in a US city often means guests can plan a short trip away rather than a seven-night holiday. This often makes it more affordable and appealing.”
Where else: Twinning two Caribbean islands is another great way to book a weddingmoon. The region has no shortage of couples-only hotels, and romantic holidays are the bread-and-butter business of properties such as Sandals.
Sample price: Kuoni offers three nights at the four-star Eventi, New York, and seven nights’ all-inclusive at the four-star-plus Rendezvous, Saint Lucia, from £2,149 per person for June departures, including flights. Wedding packages in New York start at £920 at locations including Conservatory Gardens, Silver Towers and All Souls Chapel.
kuoni.co.uk
0844 488 0536
BEST FOR… SOMETHING DIFFERENT
Where: A Kerala blessing followed by a Rajasthan honeymoon.
Why: TransIndus can organise a blessing on the Kerala backwaters where guests can take a riceboat cruise and spend time on the beach. Honeymooners dress in local style – mandu for the men and saree for the women – for their blessing, followed by a traditional lunch. Point out to customers it would be a blessing rather than a legal wedding. In Rajasthan, sights include famous symbol of love the Taj Mahal and the pink city of Jaipur.
Where else: Western & Oriental Travel suggests a different take on a Vegas wedding, with a ranch honeymoon in Arizona – try Rancho de las Caballeros, which offers luxury with authentic ranch experiences.
Sample price: £1,985 per person for the honeymooners, including seven nights’ B&B accommodation – at Coconut Lagoon, on a riceboat and at Marari Beach Resort – flights and transfers and a local blessing for 10 guests with TransIndus (valid April-September). Guests pay from £1,095 per person. A Golden Triangle Extension costs from £685.
transindus.com
020 8566 3739
http://www.travelweekly.co.uk/Articles/2012/04/12/40179/weddings-and-honeymoons-tied-together.html
He Said/She Said: Dream golfing destinations
- By Bailey Mosier , The Golf Guy
- Jan 12, 2012 10:00 AM ET
As the PGA Tour island-hops from Maui to Oahu this week, The Golf Guy and Birdie Bailey decided it was an appropriate time to bust out their picks for their top-5 dream golfing destinations. Feel free to add your thoughts on where YOU dream of playing.
By GOLF GUY
Maui, Hawaii: Wailea to be exact. The Blue Course, the Emerald Course and the Gold Course. Three fun layouts, each with stunning views of the Pacific Ocean and some of the nearby islands. And I’ve never witnessed more beautiful shades of green in my entire life. My favorite part? Playing late in the afternoon with the setting sun, and realizing some cocktails and a steak are waiting after the round in the clubhouse, where you can talk about how this may have been the greatest day of your life.
Cape Kidnappers (New Zealand, pictured above): Never been there. Good chance I’ll never get there. But just seeing a picture of that golf course makes me think that it is has to be the home course of the golfing gods.
Whistling Straits (Kohler, Wis.): Strange as this may sound, I have mixed feelings when I think of my trip last year to Whistling Straits. I played all three course in the area – Blackwolf Run (the fairways are in better shape than most greens), the Irish Course (incredible, perfectly framed course standing on the tee), and the Straits Course (pretty sure what filmmaker Tim Burton would have in mind if he ever designed a golf course). Where do the “mixed feelings” come from? I had to go to the hospital (no joke) after playing the Straits Course. No carts allowed. Walking mandatory. Bring muscle relaxers.
Cypress Point (Pebble Beach, Calif.): Aerial views of the famed par-3 16th are awesome (Google it). The rugged coastline around the hole looks like pre-historic times, the crashing waves are awe-inspiring … and it’s a par 3. That means, I could somehow get a green in regulation on one of the world’s greatest golf holes. Only one problem: It’s is a very exclusive club. Not likely to see ‘Golf Guy’ on the tee times sheet … ever.
Anywhere, Ireland: Again, never been there … yet. Do I want to play in the wind, cold and rain? No. Do I want to at least set out to play in horrible conditions knowing full well that I can quit at any time and instead head back into a pub and try to decipher crazy Irish talk? Absolutely.
By BIRDIE BAILEY
Monterey, Calif.: Pebble Beach is as amazing as its reputation suggests. And yes, Cypress Point is even more spectacular and breathtaking. Throw in a few other rounds at Spyglass, Poppy Hills or Monterey Peninsula Country Club and have yourself a bowl – or 10 – of clam chowder from the Old Fisherman’s Grotto on the wharf and I can’t say it gets any more heavenly than that.
Long Island, N.Y.: Bethpage, Shinnecock, Long Island National and a slew of other courses crowd the populated state and I imagine any of them would be one of the best courses I’ve ever played. I’ve never been, but would love to see grown men sleeping in their cars overnight just to be one of the first in line to tee up at Bethpage.
Bandon, Ore.: Rumor has it that Bandon is home to some of the most beautiful, links-style courses on the western coast. With four courses to choose from – Bandon Dunes, Pacific Dunes, Bandon Trails and Old Macdonald – I’d be lucky to play just one, let alone all four.
Scottsdale, Ariz.: Call me biased, call me partial. I spent three years in the Phoenix/Scottsdale area playing golf and writing about it, and it was nearly the perfect job. A few of my favorites include Quintero, We-Ko-Pa, Southern Dunes, Estancia, Grayhawk and DC Ranch, but you can hardly go wrong anywhere you play. Throw in a good margarita, guacamole and some short rib tacos and call me a happy clam.
St. Andrews: I surmise St. Andrews is on every golfer’s list of dream destinations, so I don’t have to explain myself on this one. Seeing the birthplace of golf and soaking in the history? I’ll get there one day.
Originally posted on : http://www.golfchannel.com/news/golftalkcentral/he-said-she-said-top-5-golf-destinations/
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Luxury Travel Group Ltd’s Founder and CEO Pham Ha Recommends Timeless Charm of Vietnam Destination and Its Newest Properties
Founder and CEO of Luxury Travel Ltd recommends 10 new and trendy hotels and resorts and the destination Vietnam – the emerging luxury destination in Southeast Asia.
Ba Dinh Dist, Hanoi — (SBWIRE) — 12/29/2011 — Travelers discovering the spectacular and charming beauty of Vietnam, return often and word of mouth has made a visit a must on every discerning tourist’s bucket list.
But to truly capture the essence of this Southeast Asian country one must stay at one of its premier hotels.
Here are ten that are new luxury properties selected by Pham Ha, Founder and CEO of Luxury Travel Ltd, Vietnam’s First Luxury Tour Operator. He is a seasoned travel expert who’s traveled and experienced services of the property and they are based on the feedback of his clients.
Hotel De L’Opera Hanoi http://www.hoteldelopera.com/
Vinpearl Luxury Danang http://www.vinpearlluxury-danang.com
Hyatt Regency Danang http://www.hyatt.com
Intercontiental Danang http://www.ichotelsgroup.com
Fusion Maia Resort and Spa Danang http://www.fusionmaiadanang.com/
Sheraton Nha Trang http://www.sheraton.com
Vinpearl Luxury Nha Trang http://www.vinpearluxury-nhatrang.com
Princess d’Annam Resort and Spa Ke Ga, Phan Thiet http://www.princessannam.com
Intercontinental Asiana Hotel Saigon http://www.ichotelsgroup.com
Con Dao: Six Senses Con Dao http://www.sixsenses.com
The following sets Vietnam apart from other destinations in the region according to Pham Ha:
1. Thrills, 2. wilderness, 3. heritage, 4. festival, 5. pristine, 6. enjoyment, 7. scenery, 8. essence,
1. Thrills:
The thrills offered are endless and span a wide range, including: hiking, trekking, biking, kayaking, climbing, rafting, snorkeling, scuba diving, fishing, hot air ballooning, camping, yachting and more. Some of the locations where these activities can be enjoyed include: Sapa, Halong Bay, Cu Lao Cham, the Central Highlands, the Mekong Delta, Phan Thiet, Con Dao, the Phu Quoc Islands and many more.
2. Wilderness and Nature:
The wilderness amazes, from the green beauty of the national parks, reserves and ramsars to the mountains, waterfalls, rivers, lakes and grottoes. Halong Bay is a new seventh natural wonder of the world. Discover the natural allure of Vietnam by indulging in a wide array of accommodations, tour packages and attractions at places such as Mai Chau, Sapa, Ha Giang, Ba Be, Halong Bay, Phong Nha Ke Bang, the Central Highlands, Nam Cat Tien and many more.
3. Heritage
With its long history and unique way of life, Vietnam has a rich heritage. There are many interesting and diverse sites to be found around the country. As of January 1, 2012, there are more than 3,000 relics and landscape areas classified as national heritage sites, including some very special national relics. Besides the two mentioned above, UNESCO recognized five world cultural heritage sites: the Central Sector of the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long – Ha Noi, the Citadel of the Ho Dynasty, the complex of Hue Monuments, Hoi An Ancient Town and My Son Sanctuary.
There are also six on the world intangible heritage list: Nha Nhac – Vietnamese Royal Court Music, the Space of Gong Culture in Central Highland, Quan Ho Bac Ninh folk songs, Ca Tru singing, Xoan singing of Phu Tho Province and the Giong Festival of Phu Dong and Soc Temples (Hanoi).
Last, but not least, there are two inclusions on the World Documentary Heritage list: the woodblocks of the Nguyen Dynasty and the stone steles in Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam (Hanoi).
4. Festivals:
Many colorful festivals can be enjoyed year round. The time after Tet Nguyen Dan (Vietnamese Lunar New Year) is especially exciting. Festivals include the Perfume Pagoda, Hung King, Kate, Lim and Giay Festivals, just to name a few.
5. Pristine:
Many pristine islands and beaches are to be found in this tropical country. Vietnam has 3620 km of coastline, with beautiful white sand beaches and world class resorts. Of these, you should not miss the stunning sand and clear waters of My Khe, Cua Dai, Nha Trang, Ninh Van Bay, Quy Nhon, Mui Ne, Vung Tau, Phu Quoc and the Con Dao Islands.
6. Enjoyment:
Holidaymakers have the choice of new and trendy boutique hotels, spas, golfing, cruises, shopping centres, restaurants and nightlife. With new luxury hotels and world class golf courses having recently opened or set to open soon, and the introduction of luxury train journeys, exclusive cruises and upscale private tours spanning the length of the country, Vietnam is fast emerging as an exciting destination in Asia.
7. Scenery:
Spectacular scenery and a diverse landscape exists from North to South. Mountains, forests, nature reserves, rivers, beaches, and islands are all here to be enjoyed. Verdant patchworks of rice paddies and pointed lampshade-style hats are just a small part of what there is to be seen in this formerly war ravaged country. Visitors will see more than the economic repression often portrayed on worldwide television and in newspapers. There is also natural beauty, a harmonious array of ethnic cultures, imperial monuments, timeless traditional villages, idyllic sea resorts and dynamic cities.
8. Essence: Vietnam boasts scores of traditions, lifestyles and religions. The friendly and hospitable population has been influenced by the cultures of China, France and America, and this is reflected in the country’s lifestyle, architecture, cuisine and art.
Opened in 2004, the Luxury Travel Company Limited has its own offices, luxury vehicles, luxury travel advisors, and serves thousands of high-end travelers every year, while experiencing 30% growth annually. The company’s depth of experience and large infrastructure enable it to create unique itineraries with the operational confidence to fulfill client expectations. Luxury Travel Ltd has won numerous travel awards for excellent performance, including the most recent award: “Best Luxury Tour Operator in Vietnam.”
Luxury travel destinations for 2012
by Melanie Nayer
With each year brings new ideas, plans and promises. Resolutions aside, travel is one of the best laid plans in the new year. The question is: will you actually plan that dream trip you’ve been talking about for the past year?
As 2012 draws near, luxury travel network Virtuoso® asked its expert travel advisors to name their top luxury destinations for 2012. In some cases, their picks are extreme, but then again, if you’re going to go, go big! I’ve added a few of my own suggestions to their list, so read on and then let me know: where is the one place you long to explore in 2012?
Here’s are my three picks for the luxury destinations you should consider in 2012:
Hong Kong: This city seems to always make the list, but for good reason. Hong Kong is one of the most fascinating and evolving cities in the world. Luxury hotels and Michelin-star restaurants abound in Hong Kong, so you won’t be without a luxurious experience while you’re here. For all its enhancements, Hong Kong is still true to its roots. Leave the hotel and head out the hidden streets in Kowloon to experience life on a much simpler level. You can always go back to your hotel later and indulge in something extravagant.
Take a dip in the infinity pool at the Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong, the highest hotel in the world. The pool, located on the hotel’s 118th floor, is also the highest pool in the world.
Mexico: The country south of the border has been suffering from crime reports taking place in remote places that are far from where you’ll travel. The luxury side of Mexico is one worth indulging in. The upside to the bad press: Mexico is insanely affordable for a luxury trip. You can find five-day retreats for $1,000-$1,500 at some of the area’s top hotels and resorts. Choose a spot in the Riviera Maya, a 30-45 minute cab ride from Cancun airport (depending where you stay), and let Mexico pamper you in style. Consider it your “hideaway” retreat. In most cases you won’t need to leave the resort, and for a quick 3 or 4 day getaway you won’t need to. Resorts in the Riviera Maya have multiple restaurants, star-rated spas and private villas with ocean views perfect for those who just want to escape.
For something a little more remote, the always entertaining Virgin America just announcedflights to Puerto Vallarta and Riveria Nayarit. The airline is offering five nonstop flights a week from San Francisco International Airport (SFO) to Puerto Vallarta International Airport (PVR). Puerto Vallarta was voted best Mexican vacation destination by U.S. News & World, and Riviera Nayarit was named the newest global celebrity “hot spot” by Harper’s Bazaar magazine.
Kick back in your own private casitas on the beach at the Fairmont Mayakoba in Riviera Maya, Mexico.
South Africa: South Africa has been at the top of luxury destinations to visit for years, but I’m adding a new twist to it: South Africa wine country. While most people plan trips to Napa or Sonoma, Tuscany and Chile, few people consider South Africa for wine trips. In reality, South Africa has some of the greatest wineries in the world, and some of the most amazing resorts to sip wine under the night sky. Plan for at least two weeks on this trip, and be prepared to spend well. Enjoy the city scene in Cape Town, or opt for a luxury tent under the stars.
Cape Town, South Africa, is one of the most visited destinations in the country. This photo, taken by travel agent Laura Allen, is of the Cape Town waterfront.
Here are three of Virtuoso’s recommendations for 2012:
Tasmania: Located on the other side of the world, and then a two-hour flight from Sydney, Tasmania offers wild and dramatic landscapes for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure-seekers. Because of its remoteness and the currents that flow from the Southern Ocean, the island has some of the planet’s most pristine coastal and inland waters.
Photo of Wineglass Bay, Freycinet National Park, Tasmania, courtesy of Flickr user Rudy Prater.
Thailand and Laos: Travelers looking for exotic, yet affordable locations will find the ideal destination in Southeast Asia. Bordering countries, Thailand and Laos, offer startling contrasts from mountainous regions with hill-tribes, little towns with lively markets, to densely populated cities such as Bangkok.
Mornings on Mai Khao Beach in Phuket, Thailand, render this view. This photo was taken around 6 a.m. from the beach at the Renaissance Phuket Resort & Spa, just as the sun was just starting to rise.
Ireland: For Europe first-timers or travelers seeking an English-speaking destination, Ireland offers rolling green countryside, quaint bed and breakfasts and hospitable locals that extend warmth and friendliness to visitors. From old to new: Ireland takes on a Robin Hood-esque feel amongst crumbling medieval castles for history buffs and site-seers, to world-class golf courses and resorts, offering some of the most renowned links in the world.
One of the many luxurious views you’ll see in Ireland. This picture was taken in Cork County, home to some of the best B&B’s in Ireland.
Readers: Where do you want to go in 2012?
The 5 most luxurious family friendly holiday resorts
By Mark Bishop
When planning a luxury holiday for the family, one of the key things parents want to know is how well the destination resort caters for children and teenagers. A 5 star hotel in a peaceful, tranquil and sun soaked destination may be the minimum requirement for adults, however, that much needed peace and quiet could be quashed if a range of activities for kids are not provided. In addition, parents need to know that the resort they choose boasts appropriate facilities and equipment for babies, toddlers and young children.
To help parents find an appropriate resort; here are 5 luxurious, family friendly holiday destinations all providing extensive programmes and facilities for children:
1. Sandy Lane, Barbados
Well known as one of the most prestigious family holiday destinations in the Caribbean, Sandy Lane boasts a fleet of Rolls Royce Phantoms and truly stunning 5 star seafront suites. The resort is very child friendly; their ‘Treehouse Club’ provides a complimentary, onsite programme of activities for kids of all ages.
2. Atlantis The Palm, Dubai
This spectacular looking, 6 star resort features its own monorail system, an Aquaventure theme water park, a music stadium featuring performances from internationally renowned artists and 20,000ft of retail space. The provisions for children and parents are exceptional and include: a 24 hour in-room babysitting program; a Kids Club for children aged 3 to 12 and ‘Club Rush’ for teenagers featuring a Mocktail bar, chill out lounge and internet café.
3. Sani Beach Club, Greece
This elegant and luxurious, beachfront hotel offers the perfect location for parents to unwind and relax on beautiful white sand beaches. The resort is baby, toddler and child friendly, and takes pride in the fact that its crèche and kids club is run by a leading childcare specialist to Ofsted standards. Teenagers will enjoy activities including: classes in hip-hop, dancing and DJing.
4. Jumby Bay, Antigua
A favourite getaway destination for multimillionaires, Jumby Bay is set on a 300 acre private Caribbean Island. Following a recent £18 million refurbishment, the resort re-opened with 18 new suites finished to an incredibly high standard. Baby friendly facilities include: portable cribs; baby monitors and in-room baby proofing service. The island itself is a wonderful environment for children to explore the surrounding wildlife and the resort provides extensive activities to support their exploration.
5. Laguna Beach Resort, Thailand
Finally this stunning family friendly holiday resort in Phuket, Thailand goes the extra mile in providing activities for children and teenagers. It has achieved three top 10 awards by the family holiday specialists ‘Holidays with Kids’ in 2009, 2010 and 2011. The resort’s water park features a 50 metre water slide, scuba pool and Jacuzzi. Their kids club provides daily activities for children aged 4 to 12, whilst recreational activities such as diving, tennis, archery and a fully equipped games room will keep teenagers busy.
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