A Luxury Travel Blog

A weekly pick of luxury travel links for your perusal…

• Beautiful by nature: the Turks & Caicos Islands
• A new Mexican resort and residences: Nizuc
• Passionately designed jewellery from Loree Rodkin
• Designed for New York’s long term visitor: Bristol Plaza

Last week I mentioned the extravagant firework display at the Atlantis Palm Jumeirah - the biggest of its kind in the world… ever!  In case you didn’t get an invite to the ‘bash’, now you can see the event in its full glory.

 

And, if that isn’t enough to whet your appetite, there’s a two-part video sequence totalling around 21 minutes for your viewing pleasure:

 

The websites of both Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces and Oberoi Hotels and Resorts carry statements on the current tragedy in Mumbai.

From Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces:

MUMBAI SITUATION UPDATE

Everyone at Taj Hotels is greatly saddened by the recent act of terrorism. Our deepest condolences go out to the families of all those who have lost their lives across the city of Mumbai.

The rescue and recovery operations by the security forces are continuing at the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower, Mumbai. The hotel management and staff are working closely with the relevant authorities and providing full cooperation to them for the safety and security of all our guests and staff.

To provide timely updates and assistance to the guests of the Taj Mahal Palace and Tower and their families, the Taj has set-up a 24×7 helpline. This aims to provide relevant information on the guests who were checked into the hotel from November 26th onwards.

Help desks have also been established at the Taj President, Taj Wellington Mews and Taj Lands End for all guests who have been moved by us to our other properties. These are providing a wide range of support including medical assistance, arrangement of onward travel plans, provision of travel documentation and any other assistance that is required.

The Taj 24×7 helpline numbers are:
India: + 91 22 6657 4322 / 6657 4372 / 1 800 111825
US & Canada: 1866 9691825
Rest of the World: 00800 4588 1825

SECURITY STATEMENT:
We are working closely with the authorities and are taking necessary precautions across all our hotels.

Message from Mr. Ratan N. Tata, Chairman Tata Sons and Chairman, Indian Hotels Company Ltd.
“The terrible wanton attacks last night on innocent people and the destruction of prominent landmarks in India deserve to be universally condemned. My sympathies and condolences go out to all those who have suffered, been injured, and those who have lost their loved ones in this terrible act of hatred and destruction.

We cannot replace the lives that have been lost and we will never forget the terrifying events of last night, but we must stand together, shoulder to shoulder as citizens of India, and rebuild what has been destroyed. We must show that we cannot be disabled or destroyed, but that such heinous act will only make us stronger. It is important that we do not allow divisive forces to weaken us. We need to overcome these forces as one strong unified nation.”

From Oberoi Hotels and Resorts:

Mumbai situation update: The Oberoi, Mumbai

November 28, 2008

The evacuation of guests which commenced this afternoon is now complete. Guests have been rejoined with their families and friends or have been escorted to alternate accommodation that had been arranged for them. Guests who had travelled to Mumbai from other cities and from overseas are being offered all support for their return or onward journey.

We extend our deepest condolences to the families of those who have lost their lives in the horrific act of terrorism. We are deeply saddened by the demise of some guests and member of our staff. We salute our staff for their bravery, tirelessness and dedication

Those who need assistance or require information may call us on our 24-hour helpline number +91 11 2389 0555 or Toll Free 1 800 11 2030.

When Susanne Keen takes her annual three week-long summer trip to Catalonia, Spain, she doesn’t check into a local hotel. Instead, the 46-year-old London City-based barrister, her husband and their two daughters stay in a six-bedroom farmhouse that overlooks neighbouring farmlands.

Renting a house for my vacation is much more personal and easy than staying in a hotel. I get to spend quality time with my family away from the pressures of daily life without sacrificing any privacy or comfort, and avoiding the formality of a hotel setting.

Home rentals are especially good for families or friends travelling together, since living communally is more intimate than checking into separate rooms in a hotel.

While home rentals typically don’t come with the kind of daily housekeeping service, Charming Villas Catalonia – which Mrs. Keen books with – can help arrange it for you at an additional cost. They can also arrange a chef, bike hire, special activities or many other additional services.  The company currently features more than 50 properties in the wonderful region of Catalonia, in the north east of Spain, renowned for its historic towns, gastronomic delights and rich cultural heritage.  They specialise in medium-priced to high-end luxury rentals, special occasion travel, destination celebrations and family travel.

More news on the terrible attacks in Mumbai is beginning to emerge.  Seven simultaneous attacks have been reported, including attacks on The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower Mumbai and The Oberoi Mumbai.  Other tourist targets have included one of India’s busiest railway stations, the Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus, and the Leopold Café.  The remaining three locations are the docks at Mazagaon, the Vile Parle suburb of the city and the Cama Hospital. Sixteen armed groups are said to have been patrolling the city. Click here for a Google map of the Mumbai attacks, outlining these 7 locations.

The Taj Mahal Palace has had its top floor engulfed in flames at the southern end of the building.  Shootings and at least six explosions have been reported. One eye witness has stated that a gunman opened fire in the hotel lobby. Half a dozen or so hostages are said to be being held at the hotel and commandos have surrounded the buliding.

At the Oberoi Mumbai it is rumoured that forty hostages are being held by three or four gunmen but there seems to be a great deal of uncertainty on this point at this stage. At Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus there have been more shootings and some grenades. Terrorists opened fire in the Leopold Café, not far from the Taj Palace.  The siege on the hospital has been cleared by police.

An Islamic terrorist group called the Deccan Mujahideen is claiming responsibility for the attacks. Latest reports are that 84 people have been killed – including some security officials – and 250 injured. 4 suspected terrorists have been killed and 9 arrested.

The British Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) has issued a telephone number for those concerned for family.  It is 020 7008 0000. UK nationals in India can register their details with their LOCATE service.

Similarly, the US State Department has issued the number 888 407 4747 for Americans to concerned about family members in Mumbai. Australians should contact the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade on 1300 555 135.

Thoughts and prayers go out to all those involved in the tragedy.

There is tragic news from India today.  Attacks on a number of hotels in Mumbai have seen gunmen burst in, killing people (more than 80 have been reported dead) and looking to take British and American passport holders as hostages.  The Taj Mahal Palace & Tower – which is currently on fire as I type – and the Oberoi Mumbai are among those that have been attacked.  More later.

Istanbul’s historic Maçka Palas – built in 1922 by the Italian architect Guilio Mongeri and one of the finest buildings in the city – has now become home to Park Hyatt Istanbul-Maçka Palas, following the opening of the hotel on 7th November 2008. Mongeri, who was from Milan, was inspired by the elegant Palazzos in his creation of Maçka Palas, which is located in the fashionable NiÅŸantaşı residential and shopping district.

The hotel combines the traditional architecture of an Art Deco building with innovative interior design, the work of Randy Gerner of Gerner Kronick + Valcarcel in New York City. Gerner’s design intent was to mesh together the rich history of Art Deco buildings and the city with state-of-the-art amenities. Historic Turkish patterns and icons are represented in contemporary scale and composition, while fine architectural details have been painstakingly restored, complementing contemporary finishes and lighting. Classic walnut in varying finishes and anodised bronze runs throughout the hotel.

The newly opened Park Hyatt Istanbul-Maçka Palas does, of course, have all the facilities and features (plus more) that are synonymous with the Park Hyatt brand – though where Park Hyatt hotels are typically small and distinguished properties designed to meet the needs of discerning individual travellers, the grander Park Hyatt Istanbul-Maçka Palas represents a further step in Hyatt’s development in Europe.

Andrea Wren is a freelance journalist and owner of Wren Elite Travel.

The Telegraph details a $1 million ’special offer’ that’s currently being advertised by Emirates Palace.  For this price you get a week in the luxurious Palace Suite at the hotel, along with first class flights from anywhere in the world.  You’ll also get a butler service, access to a chauffeur-driver Maybach and a choice of twelve restaurants.  But of course there’s more… at $1 million it doesn’t just stop there.

During their break, the guests will spend three separate days travelling on a private jet to different countries in the Middle East to experience exotic treats. The first excursion is to Iran, where guests will get the chance to create their own Persian carpet with the help of a leading local designer. Next comes a day trip to Jordan to visit the Dead Sea and an exclusive local spa.

But perhaps the highlight of the entire holiday is the visit to Bahrain for deep sea pearl diving. The pearls that are found on the day will then be hand designed with jewellery settings, which can be kept at the end of the week.

Now I always thought these kinds of offers were nothing more than a publicity stunt, but the hotel is confirming that they have already accepted two bookings for the package.

In a world where your personal space is only getting smaller, it’s nice to know there’s a place where your world will only get bigger. Ke Kailani’s exclusive 65-acres on Hawaii’s Big Island provide the perfect setting for their airy and luxurious villas, as well as some of the last remaining oceanfront home sites on the Kohala Coast.  And if all that lush open space – including the spectacular infinity pool at their dramatic Kaiola Grotto – isn’t room enough, explore the rest of the 3200-acre Mauna Lani Resort for privileged access to its luxurious amenities.

A weekly pick of luxury travel links for your perusal…

• On the Baja Peninsula’s southern tip: Villas del Mar
• Ulysse Nardin: fine timepieces since 1846
• Luxury motor yachts from Sunseeker
• Revolutionary jet ownership from Vitesse Flight Partners

With a vision to add zest and zeal to the lives of passionate whisky drinkers in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa is launching its very own exclusive Whisky Club today at the resort’s Borneo Lounge and Bar. The essence of the resort’s Whisky Club is to give its members the opportunity to nurture their knowledge of fine whiskies, get special discounts on whiskies, attend whisky presentations and be expertly introduced to world-class bourbons and whiskies.

If you were in Dubai last night, you would be hard pressed to believe there was a global financial currently taking place. Kylie Minogue - along with the world’s most rich and famous – performed at a £20m party that marked the opening of the Atlantis Palm Jumeirah. Among the guests were 2,000 celebrities and billionaires who had flown in from around the world for the lavish occasion.  A firework display costing seven times as much as the largest display ever before (at the Beijing Olympics) made for a spectacular finale.

IHG has signed a deal for its first Hotel Indigo in the region to be located in Shanghai.  The group’s fast-growing lifestyle brand occupy a riverfront site along the Huangpu River in the form of the Hotel Indigo Shanghai on the Bund. The 180-room hotel is scheduled to begin welcoming guests in 2010. The area around the hotel is also being developed into a commercial, retail, restaurant and entertainment district called the Pier 16th Development.

We had the pleasure of spending 4 nights at St. Nicolas Bay Resort a few weeks ago. The focal point of this beautiful resort – approximately 2 kilometres from Agios Nikolaos – is undoubtedly the central pool area.  This consists of the main infinity pool, a children’s pool, an abundance of sunbeds and a breakfast/dining area at one corner, as well as stunning sea views.

Also in this vicinity is a boutique shop, games area for older children (with table tennis, table football, etc.) and, just a stone’s throw away, the luxurious Poseidon Elemis Spa offering Thalasso treatments and a facility for younger children aged four and above, with adult supervision and lots of toys – a great respite for Mums and Dads seeking a little quiet time together.

There are 107 rooms and suites here, capable of accommodating up to 220 guests. We stayed in a Family Suite (Room 315), spread over two floors.  The ground floor consisted of a hallway, lounge, kitchenette, bedroom, bathroom and outdoor space with a table and four chairs, a pool and beautiful views out to sea.  Upstairs there was an additional bedroom and shower room.

As far as dining was concerned we opted to eat at the Labyrinth Restaurant for our evening meals.  It provided an informal buffet-style offering with plenty of Greek specialities, as well as a daily changing ‘international corner’ from which you could select.  During the day we had a light lunch and the occasional drink at the very relaxed Blue Bay Restaurant overlooking the Agii Pantes islands.

Moving on to the Poseidon Elemis Spa: this conists of a pool, Turkish steam baths, saunas, treatments rooms and a ‘treatment cave’ for two, known as Aphrodite’s Bath, situated right next to the sea.  The spa has been open for 5 years now, with its partnership with Elemis having existed for 4 of those years. There’s also a well-equipped gym with Cybex and Technogym equipment.

This is undoubtedly the best five star hotel in Agios Nikolaos and locally probably only the hotels in Elounda compare.  It’s no wonder that repeat business was at 28% in 2008 – that might not seem such a high figure on first viewing but, for a resort of this kind – when you consider the multitude of options Greece and the rest of Europe has to offer – it’s a statistic with which they can feel justly proud.

A new devlopment, acquired 3 years ago, is the nearby Thalassa Villas. There are 6 villas here, each capable of sleeping anything from 5 to 7 people. A porter service, doorman and security service is available 24 hours a day. Daily rates start from 580 euros for a 3-bedroom villa out of season, including VAT and all taxes. And, of course, guests have use of St. Nicolas Bay Resort’s facilties.

New Year’s hotel offers in London and Leeds – from The Eton Collection – to make the start of 2009 go swimmingly…

The Academy, London – walk to Trafalgar square to see in the New Year at the famous London countdown. Price from £232 per room which includes a full English breakfast, a late check out and VAT. Book online, email or call +44 (0)20 7631 4115.

The Colonnade, London – in just 15 minutes you’re in London’s West End for the bright Christmas lights and fireworks. You’ve got all night, as the underground will run for 24hours. From £160 per room includes a full English breakfast, a late check out and VAT. Book online, email or call +44 (0)20 7286 1052.

Threadneedles, London – special dinner package in modern French hotel restaurant Bonds, a full English breakfast, late checkout, Prices from £485 per room includes VAT. Book online, email or call +44 (0)20 7657 8080.

Quebecs, Leeds – 4 course dinner with live music special at the famous Harvey Nichols, just a short walk away from the hotel. Full dinner package, a hearty Yorkshire breakfast in the morning, late check out and VAT from £360 per room. Book online, email or call +44 (0)113 244 8989.

42 The Calls, Leeds – 3 course festive dining package with BrasserieForty4 next to the hotel. Finish with a legendary breakfast featuring 12 varieties of sausage, a late check out (subject to availability). From £300 per room includes VAT. Book online, email or call +44 (0)113 244 0099.

All offers are only available by booking directly with the hotels. Prices are per room, based on two people sharing.

Renowned for its expansive meeting and event spaces, Plaza Athenee Bangkok, a Royal Meridien Hotel has unveiled its brand new Athenee Crystal Hall. The pillarless ballroom is geared for social functions of up to 1,200 people. Bathed in natural light through its 8-metre tall bay windows, it can also seat 900 delegates theatre-style.