A Luxury Travel Blog

Unveiling brand new Maldivian lifestyle experiences that appeal equally to friends, families and couples, Anantara Dhigu Resort & Spa launches an exclusive quartet of two-bedroom Pool Villas, culminating in the hottest accommodation choice of the season. Landing in the world’s most famous natural paradise is undoubtedly a dream come true. But consider the wider allures of choosing to travel there with any kind of companion. Escape to Dhigu island in the South Malé Atoll just a 35 minute speedboat journey from Malé International Airport, and this is precisely what awaits, with Anantara Dhigu’s four new two-bedroom Deluxe Pool Villas pioneering the concept of “a Maldivian experience for all”.

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.

To witness the next solar eclipse, you have to wait until 11th July 2010. But if you’re in the area of Papenburg, Germany, you can see Celebrity Eclipse right now. The third in Celebrity Cruises’ stylish, $3.7-billion Solstice Class fleet, Celebrity Eclipse showed off her sleek profile Sunday as she emerged for the first time from the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. Celebrity Eclipse will enter service on 26th April 2010 and, following two “short break” cruises, will offer a series of Canary Islands, Scandinavia/Russia and Spanish Mediterranean sailings roundtrip from Southampton, England. The new vessel will present Caribbean cruises roundtrip from Miami beginning in November.

Etihad Airways, the national airline of the United Arab Emirates, is expanding the range of services it offers business and leisure travellers with the launch of a new destination management company – Hala Abu Dhabi. The new company will be based in the nation’s capital but offer travel products, services and activities throughout all seven Emirates of the UAE.

I’ve stated on this blog previously that some hotel star ratings are a bit of a nonsense, as new 6 and 7 star hotels continued to spring up.  Now one hotel is claiming to offer an “8 Star Gourmet Emotional Experience”.  The following is an extract from a press release from Relais Santa Croce, the latest acquisition of Baglioni Hotels:

To sample some of the best food in the world try our 8 Star Gourmet Emotional Experience – 5 stars belonging to the Relais Santa Croce and 3 Michelin stars belonging to the Enoteca Pinchiorri: an unparalleled opportunity set inside the same Palazzo that houses both the hotel and this renowned restaurant. Charming spaces enriched by frescos and work of art from Florentine history, luxury rooms and, memorable dinners created by one of the world’s greatest chefs, go together to create a very special stay in a magical city.

Andara Resort & Villa Phuket, a new luxurious hideaway owned by Dr Allan Zeman, is Phuket’s prestigious new address on Millionaires Mile. The private beachside paradise is nestled in the lush tropical hillside above Kamala Beach on the pristine west coast of the Island, with breathtaking views over the Andaman Sea. With Thai-inspired design and dramatic landscaping, Andara Phuket has 26 magnificent pool villas and 37 stunning Residential Suites, most with a private pool or rooftop jacuzzi. Andara offers the ultimate vacation, whether for a romantic getaway or with family and friends.

Secluded and sensual, the immaculate Spa offers an exquisite range of treatments and therapies to help soothe away the stresses and strains of a buzy life, nourishing body, mind and soul. Treatments include traditional Thai massage, Ayurveda, Swiss, Javanese and Swedish massage, as well as a variety of scrubs, detox and body treatments. The Spa includes six luxurious single treatment rooms with private showers and bathrooms facilities and two couples rooms with Jacuzzi bathtubs; and a private steam room.

Andara has exquisitely customized two magnificent Italian-designed private motor yachts, of 28 and 35 meters respectively. Finished to match the Andara standard, the yachts offer the same level of luxury, comfort and service while cruising the crystal clear waters. Popular excursions include sunset cruises to Phi Phi Island and overnight trips to the immaculate Similan Islands. The yachts can be chartered for romantic full or half day cruises, or to explore the coastline and visit nearby islands.

Relais & Châteaux has announced its official India launch at a press briefing.  Three new Indian properties – Sher Bagh in Ranthambore (Rajasthan), The Serai in Jaisalmer (Rajasthan) and Neeleshwar Hermitage in Malabar Coast (Kerala) were accepted as members of the association, in addition to Malabar House (Fort Cochin) and Mahua Kothi (Bandhavgarh Park), already members since 2008.

Sher Bagh is a classic 1920 “Raj” style luxury tented camp and offers the perfect retreat to those looking for the authentic Indian ‘Safari Experience’, in Ranthambhore, which is probably the finest place in the world to see wild tigers.

The Serai, Jaisalmer is a luxury desert camp and spa set in a hundred-acre estate of indigenous desert scrub; it is a luxurious base from which to explore the medieval desert Kingdom of Jaisalmer- the property takes inspiration from a royal caravan serai.

Neeleshwar Hermitage is the first boutique hotel on the beautiful unspoiled coast of Malabar. It is an oasis of eco-friendly practice and a refuge for the soul: The Hermitage offers a large variety of ayurvedic and spa treatments, as well as yoga and meditation.

Luxury specialist Crystal Cruises has expanded its 2010 European cruise collection to include two Black Sea voyages this summer. The two new itineraries feature a maiden visit to Sevastopol, Ukraine, as well as calls in Greece, Italy, Bulgaria and Turkey. Steeped in artistic, military and architectural history, the 12-day cruises sail from Venice to Istanbul on 19th July and 24th August 2010 aboard the award-winning Crystal Serenity.

Beginning with overnight stays in Venice, the itineraries visit Katakolon (birthplace of the Olympics) and Navplion, Greece; Nesebur, Bulgaria; Yalta, Sevastopol and Odessa, Ukraine; and conclude with an overnight stay in Istanbul, Turkey. Other highlights include the sail from Venice, the cruise through the Dardanelles and the Bosporus Straits.

Distinguished speakers on world affairs, architecture, science and culture add rich dimension to the voyages, including Newsweek’s Chief Political Correspondent, Senior Editor and Deputy Washington Bureau Chief, Howard Fineman; Dr. David Davenport, Research Fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University and former president of Pepperdine University; and Dr. Bulent Atalay, a compelling expert on art, archaeology and the sciences.

Two-for-one cruise fares start at $6,470 per person, and include $1,000 per person ‘All Inclusive – As You Wish’ shipboard credits. Free air transportation from more than 20 North American gateways – Business Class air for Penthouse guests – is also included.

After a successful two-year search for mainland China’s best chefs, an exhaustive multi-million renovation, and months of culinary research, Wynn Macau launches Golden Flower, its most ambitious and exclusive restaurant to date. Set in an opulent and exclusive dining room, Golden Flower celebrates the life of the historic Cantonese Qing dynasty official Tan Zongjun with the authentic flavours of China’s interior – Tan, Lu (Shandong), and Sichuan. Signature dishes include braised Jinshan shark’s fin in supreme chicken broth, Imperial dessert and many more.

Tan Zongjun inspired several generations of chefs to uphold the traditions of Tan Cuisine, including Golden Flower’s very own Chinese Executive chef Liu Guo Zhu, who worked for more than a decade in the same kitchen as a chef from the original Tan household.  Master Liu, who heads Golden Flower and oversees Wynn Macau’s entire Chinese kitchen operations, was discovered during Wynn Macau’s exhaustive two-year search for China’s best Mainland Chinese chefs.

A few miles north of the Italian island Sardinia is Isola Maddalena, the largest island of La Maddalena Archipelago National Park. The beaches (especially Cala Corsara) and sea in this protected region are considered to be the most beautiful in the entire Mediterranean, and the nature is still perfectly unspoilt.

Isola Maddalena can only be reached by boat, but renting a private yacht is easy in the nearby city of Palau. The trip from Palau to the archipelago is spectacular. Amazing rock formations carved by Mother Nature and stunning views make you forget everything around you. When you reach the island, the romantic walking trails and beautiful parks are waiting for you.

You can spend the night on your boat or in one of the few hotels or resorts on the island. You can also choose to stay on the popular and nearby Costa Smeralda, but why follow all other tourists, when you can enjoy the luxury of Mother Nature?

Paolo Rossi has over 25 years experience in the Italian luxury travel industry and is the owner of Charming Puglia.

VIE Hotel Bangkok, one of Asia’s trendiest hotels, introduces a new guest concept – “Deep Sleep” bringing together all the essential elements to help guests revitalize their mind and body through a better night’s sleep.

A good sleep is vital for a person’s wellbeing, ensuring the mind and body rejuvenates and restores itself. Studies indicate that most travelers have difficulties getting sufficient and restful sleep, leading to weariness that may affect their activities during the day.

“Research with our hotel guests found many said similar things about minor sleeping disorders when traveling. A common factor was their biological clock being out of sync with their home base, having to constantly adapt to different time zones and forcing themselves to sleep at unnatural hours adds to the weariness” says Remko Kroesen, General Manager of VIE Hotel Bangkok.

The Deep Sleep product offers a methodical plan of activities and elements to choose from in order to ensure ultimate relaxation and sleep preparedness. The service provides a retreat from the hectic life outside the hotel and an opportunity for guests to find respite and take care of the most important thing – themselves.

VIE’s Sleep Consultants provide recommendations and advice on the best sleeping position, meditation and muscle relaxation activities, suggestions on sleep-friendly meals and create an environment that soothes the senses of sight, scent, sound, taste and touch for the ultimate sleeping experience.

The King and Prince Beach & Golf Resort has been a premier destination for travellers seeking luxury and relaxation for over 75 years. On the National Register of Historic Places and a member of Historic Hotels of America, this Georgia resort is steeped in history and southern charm. And, as one of the only oceanfront properties on St. Simons Island, one of Georgia’s fabled Golden Isles, the resort offers beautiful views and proximity to many island activities.

Visitors to the resort can relax by one of several pools overlooking the ocean, get a massage in the Royal Treatment Cottage, an intimate retreat just steps from the ocean, or play a round of golf on the Resort’s award-winning course. Enjoy all the adventures that St. Simons Island has to offer from fishing and kayaking around the island or a dolphin sightseeing tour.  On land, explore the island’s historic plantations, churches or lighthouse, or shop in one of the islands many boutiques.

Celebrating its 75^th anniversary, its rich southern heritage continues to draw guests wowed by the luxurious accommodations, beautiful vistas and gourmet dining.

Located just 20 minutes north of Phuket airport lay the untouched beaches of Phang Nga West Coast. Described as “The Hamptons”, this up and coming area in Thailand offers tranquil luxury a stone’s throw away from the tourist hub of Phuket.

There are three untouched beaches in Phang Nga that offer the perfect escape. Natai Beach, home to the beautiful Aleenta Resort and Spa, is an endless stretch of white sand with crisp blue views over the Andaman Sea. This unique boutique all-villa resort offers traditional Thai cuisine in addition to French gourmet from the Chef’s Table, the property’s dining hotspot led by a renowned French Chef.

Bor Dan and Tah Sai beach provide blissful getaways, infused with natural scenery and picturesque lagoons; West Coast Phang Nga is a luxurious escape for those who wish to retreat from the hustle and bustle from everyday life.

After months of great anticipation, Sandals Emerald Bay, Great Exuma, Bahamas officially opened its doors yesterday, welcoming guests to another new and exciting Luxury Included® holiday destination. Following a soft-opening on 22nd January 2010, the resort additionally hosted more than 30 top tour operators and travel agents for a first-hand look at the newest property in the Sandals Resorts portfolio.

Acquired in summer 2009, Sandals Emerald Bay, Great Exuma, Bahamas is a former Four Seasons, and now the 14th Sandals Resort in the Caribbean. Expanding on the company’s Luxury Included® concept, it is the first Sandals Resort to offer a Greg Norman-designed golf course, world-class marina and professionally-trained butlers in all 183 beachfront rooms and suites.

It is set on one of the Bahamas’ most beautiful Out Islands, offers gourmet dining in a choice of five à la carte restaurants, land and watersports including six Har-tru tennis courts all lit for night play, airport transfers and gratuities. An exclusive 16,000 sq. ft. Red Lane® Spa is also available to guests, featuring 17 treatment rooms and premier services that embrace the best of the Caribbean region.

In addition to the grand opening, guests travelling to the new resort can currently save up to 35% on travel dates throughout 2010.

Media speculation claims that Victoria Beckham has been offered a cool £25 million to design rooms and staff uniforms for a luxury Dubai hotel. Isla Moda has reportedly already recruited the services of Chanel’s head designer Karl Lagerfield and it’s claimed that Sheik Mohammed bin Rashid al-Maktoum has personally approached the former Spice Girl about the project.  The Dubai Government is denying the rumour, however.

Flying hotels… the future of luxury travel?  Who knows? But an aircruise concept from Seymourpowell in association with Samsung looks to be little more than a publicity stunt to us here at A Luxury Travel Blog.  Not only does it look an unlikely shape for such a vessel but the choice of hydrogen gas to get it airborne leaves us wondering whether the people behind it have ever even heard of the Hindenburg disaster.  Still, it did manage to ’suck in’ all kinds of media interest, including the likes of CNN and The Independent who you would hope might have known better than to take the bait.  Enjoy the video but don’t expect to see one of these things any time soon!

On the East coast of Thailand, a mere 20 minute speedboat journey away from Koh Samui, and approximately 60 minutes between Surat Thani and Nakhon Si Thammarat airports which has 3-5 flights from Bacngkok per day, you will find the pristine beaches of the Greater Khanom Area.

Pink dolphins, hidden caves and beautiful waterfalls line this coast making it truly unique to Thailand. This area is remote and untouched, perfect for those who are looking the Thailand of 30 years ago. But for those who are looking to excape in luxury Aava Resort and Spa offer exclusive accommodation on a secluded waterfront location.

Famous for it Southern Thai cuisine, which is unlike any other, the bays in Greater Khanom Area are a fantastic place to try new and delicious dishes.

Tong Ching and Sichon Bay are two of the beautiful beaches that can be found along this coast. Tong Ching Bay is a true hideaway, featuring only one quiet resort, a large white sand beach and beautiful oversized rock formations and Sichon Bay is a beautiful step into a Thai fishing village, filled with culture and tranquillity.