A Luxury Travel Blog

Raison d’Etre has opened the doors to its first own branded spa at the landmark Grand Hôtel Stockholm in Sweden.  The Nordic-inspired Raison d’Etre spa celebrates the history and landscape of the Swedish archipelagos and expertly blends Swedish materials, design traditions and natural resources with a contemporary design.

Spread over two floors in the Burmanska Palace wing of the hotel, the 1400m ² spa features eight treatment rooms and uses organic and natural treatment products, many custom-made and sourced from the local forest such as birch, blueberry, buckthorn and lingonberry. There are three main treatments known as Our Own Experiences – Be Rested, Be Balanced and Be Renewed. These have been developed over a course of three years and Raison d’Etre Spa is the only place in the world where these can be experienced.

Europe’s first theme park devoted entirely to the understanding and discovery of plant life, will open in April 2010. After 10 years in the making, this extraordinary project has been implemented by the Maine-et-Loire Departmental Council under the guidance of Christophe Béchu.

Perfectly located near Angers in the Anjou district of the Pays de la Loire, France’s leading horticultural region, Terra Botanica, aims to be both fun and educational, offering the visitor an exciting adventure into the world of plants.

At a cost of 83 million euros, it has been designed to respect the environment, whilst inviting visitors to discover the world of plants through highly original interactive activities. Spread across 11 acres of gardens, aquatic spaces, glass houses and buildings, the park will be interspersed with 40 attractions, nature trails and entertainment for all the family.

Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa is situated on the Eastern Head of Knysna in South Africa, just a short drive from George Airport and only a 40-minute flight from Cape Town. Surrounded by rugged cliffs, ancient forests and sheltered beaches Pezula is perfect for a romantic break away for you and your loved one in 2010.

Celebrating an anniversary? Preparing for a romantic proposal? Why not indulge in some private time in the lap of luxury and treat your loved one with a stay in one of the seventy-eight stylish suites housed in elegant African villas. Or for a spectacular treat or grand gesture make a statement by staying in the ultra-luxurious Pezula Private Castle on Noetzie Beach.

In 2010 Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa is offering a sensational deal.  Arriving in George you will be treated to a luxury transfer to Knysna where you will be greeted by your personal butler and shown to your suite.  From the moment you arrive you are free to explore all that Pezula has to offer: enjoy a guided tour through the surrounding indigenous forests, hit a hole in one on the 18-hole championship golf course or simply enjoy some quality time lazing beside the pool.

From the 6th January 2010 to 5th January 2011 take advantage of the Living La Vida Package at Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa.  This exclusive, five night deal includes:

• Transfers from/ to George Airport
• Accommodation and breakfast daily
• Your own personal butler
• Complimentary mini bar and fully stocked gourmet pantry on arrival
• A deluxe private picnic on the breathtaking Noetzie Beach
• Your choice of one of our multi awarding spa treatments
• A private half day gallery or Knysna tour
• A private sunset cruise including champagne and canapés
• A scenic helicopter flight to admire the stunning vistas of the Knysna area
• Prices start at ZAR 59400 ( £4,818.92)

The package is based on two people sharing a suite. All packages are mutually exclusive and cannot be combined or used with any other promotions.

The magical Northern Lights have bewitched humans since time began. Now you can create your own Aurora Borealis, against a fairytale Norwegian backdrop at Visit Norway.  Paint the sky above a dramatic northern Norwegian coastal landscape with your mouse, or use your astrological constellation, in a palette of colour reflecting your mood, to create your own Aurora Borealis. Your personal Northern Lights display will be saved for you to share with your friends via Twitter, Facebook or email.

Food and wine lovers will be keen to experience Taste of South Australia’s  new gourmet walking tours, known as ‘Insiders Adelaide’.  The four tours uncover Adelaide’s hidden secrets, exposing the city’s true essence with inspirational walks hosted by local guides. Highlights include wine tastings, a visit to Adelaide’s colourful Central Market, delicious chocolate from iconic producer Haighs and an exploration of Adelaide’s top foodie street, Rundle Street.  Here are more details on each tour:

MARKET CULTURE: includes Adelaide Central Markets, visiting local potters and cheeseries, learning about local wines and exploring some of the interesting buildings around Victoria Square.

CLASSIC ADELAIDE – CULTURE & HISTORY: ideal for art lovers, this tour visits the Art Gallery, explores the Cultural Boulevard with its statuesque Government and University buildings, visits Artlab to view the team restoring historic paintings, books and fabrics and walks past the historic Queen Adelaide Club, home to the city’s elite. The tour also includes tasting Haighs fine chocolate and lunch at SA’s Art gallery.

EAST END PUB CULTURE: this includes some of the city’s quirky sites – the Cupola in honour of Elvis in the Botanic gardens, experiencing a bush food trail and wandering through the historic East End fruit and produce markets. The East End of Rundle Street is one of Adelaide’s finest foodie streets and guests can enjoy food heaven, be that a fresh oyster from the Oyster Bar or a hot indulgent chocolate from Chocolat.

WEST END ART & CULTURE: this tour focuses on the contemporary arts and culture of Adelaide such as the Samstag Museum and the long-established Experimental Art Foundation, as well as many small art venues that are often hidden from those that don’t know the city. There will also be chance to enjoy a wine tasting in the stylish Apothecary restaurant.

Each tour can last two or four hours and costs AU$127 per person for a two hour and AU$187 per person for a four hour tour. Prices include an expert local guide, entrance fees and goodie bag, a light meal – either breakfast, lunch, morning or afternoon tea, depending on time of day tour takes place.

Bon Vivant is a new luxury concierge and lifestyle management service based in London, offering personal and corporate membership on an annual and monthly basis. The company specialises  in creating bespoke travel itineraries, recommending and booking restaurants and bars, arranging entry to private members’ clubs, securing a spot on the guestlist at exclusive nightclubs and advising on a range of lifestyle services. Members have access to a wealth of exclusive treatment and complimentary benefits including free upgrades and complimentary benefits at a wide range of top hotels worldwide, priority reservation and complimentary drinks at top restaurants, large discounts at a range of lifestyle services and access to VIP tickets to exclusive and sold out events.

The picturesque Town Hall Square of the medieval city of Tallinn is once more hosting the annual Christmas Market with its 64 wooden stalls. During the 40 day period from 29th November 2009 until 7th January 2010, visitors may stroll through this amazing festive scene.

Felt hats, buckwheat pillows, wooden bowls and artefacts, wickerwork, beautiful hand-sewn quilts, ceramics and glassware, sea-grass animals as well as home-made candles are offered among others at the Christmas Market as well as typical culinary Estonian delights like pork, sauerkraut, blood sausages, hot soups, gingerbread, marzipan, honey, nuts and sweets. Christmas performances with choirs, dance groups, poets and musicians round of the abundant programme.

Check out this amateur video for an idea of the atmosphere you can expect:

When blue skies turn to grey and winter’s chill is in the air, there is no better time to add some passion to the picture, especially when you can do so in one of the world’s most spectacular locations.  The Jalousie Plantation on the scenic west coast of the Eastern Caribbean Island of St Lucia is perfectly located for couples with romance in mind and adventure in their hearts.

Nestled amid 192 acres of virgin rainforest in the embrace of St Lucia’s World Heritage listed Pitons, Jalousie’s 112 villas and villa suites offer the ultimate in privacy, all within easy reach of some of the island’s most alluring attractions.  And now, the Jalousie Plantation has put together a special package for couples who wish to enjoy a selection of island highlights as well as some winter romance with the one they love.

The Adventurous Winter Romance package includes:

- Return airport transfers from Hewanorra International Airport
- A perfectly chilled bottle of Champagne on arrival
- Introductory dive in the crystal waters or our national marine reserve
- Rainforest Jeep Safari in the heart of the St Lucian forest
- Gros Piton Explorer Hike
- Couple’s cabana massage at the Rainforest Spa
- Romantic candlelit dinner anywhere on property with a bottle of sparkling wine  (subject to weather conditions and venue availability)
- Breakfast in bed on the morning of your choice
- Complimentary room upgrade (subject to availability on arrival)

All this is available for a package price of US$995 per couple (excluding 8% government tax and 10% service charge).

A 3,000 square metre state-of-the-art health spa has opened at the Corinthia Hotel Lisbon. The €4 million spa is the largest in any five-star hotel in Lisbon, and offers an extensive array of facilities and treatments for relaxation, well-being, aesthetics and fitness. The spa will be operated by the internationally-renowned Malo Clinic Health & Wellness, headed by its president Paulo Malo.

The new stand-alone Malo Spa has 13 fully-equipped treatment rooms including a number of Spa Suites where guests enjoy massage treatments and the latest health and beauty technologies. These include non-invasive fat reduction treatments, non-invasive mesotherapy, facial treatments, individual cocoons for weight/volume loss and anti-ageing treatments.

The wet area is the largest of its kind in Lisbon and offers an interactive pool, hydro massage, Vichy showers, a walking circuit, a Roman spa, aqua beds, Jacuzzis, saunas and a hammam. A heated pool is available all year round, as well as a natural solarium, a gymnasium, a spinning room and a hairdressing and beauty lab.

The spa also has a clinical section, combining traditional spa treatments with integrated health care and cosmetic care services that include nutrition programs, plastic surgery and physiotherapy consultation.

The five-star Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa, Cape Town was recently voted the No. 1 City Hotel and No. 1 Hotel Spa in Africa and the Middle East in Travel & Leisure’s 2009 World’s Best Awards, and gained an impressive score of 94.2 in the Condé Nast Traveler magazine 2009 Readers’ Choice Awards. And this fine hotel has now been further enhanced with an extensive multi-million Rand structural and interior design refurbishment.

President and Founder Beatrice Tollman and her daughter Toni, inspired by the panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and towering peaks of the Twelve Apostles Mountains, have created a fresh and calming design scheme that artfully combines sophistication with simplicity and comfort with elegance.

The glorious seclusion of the surroundings has been used to great effect with the natural feel and character of the environment being echoed throughout the individually designed bedrooms, lobby, corridors, the 24-hour Cafe and the one of a kind Presidential Suite. The ambiance has been achieved with light yet warm fabrics, natural wooden shutters in the bedrooms, plus various designs and colours of Bodrum marble and Thassos beige and white marble to create a delightfully decadent feeling in all the custom-built bathrooms – for convenience a pale blue LED night light provides subtle illumination.

Each en suite bedroom has been carefully decorated to suit every very taste, using luxurious fabrics and soothing colour hues, beautiful antiques and custom furniture. White hardwood plantation shutters adorn the windows, which lead out to private balconies overlooking the Atlantic Ocean or to the famous fynbos vegetation nestling below the magnificent Twelve Apostles Mountain range. Beds are the ultimate in luxury, complete with 400 thread count sheets allowing guests the most perfect nights sleep.

Skilled craftsmen from the local area, and further afield, provide a number of the more unusual items, such as chandeliers made from recycled clay and candy stripe wool carpets to emphasise the relaxed beach feel of Cape Town. A host of other thoughtful details have been added to meet every conceivable need and desire with the latest technology flat screen TVs in all rooms, iPod docking stations and wi-fi for sheer business convenience, all discreetly in evidence, while the walls are adorned with impressive art purchased from local artists and from antique houses round the world. The extensive grounds, already boasting a superb selection of sculptures, have become a showcase for the work of the most talented local artists.

The piece de résistance is the magnificent Presidential Suite, which has undergone a complete transformation, finished with perfect architectural details and the utmost attention to detail. Taking up almost the entire top floor of the hotel, the layout is immensely flexible with a large lounge, wood panelled study and dining area. The suite easily transforms to provide 1, 2 or 3 bedrooms en suite as required. The principal bathroom and bedroom have been significantly extended, affording sweeping uninterrupted views of the Atlantic Ocean, Lions Head and the Twelve Apostles Mountains.

A freestanding, antique marble bath allows guests to relax and unwind while taking in the breathtaking views and the immensity of the blue ocean. The superb seclusion of the private terrace offers the most perfect setting for an intimate cocktail at sunset, or private dinner for two. The decor of brilliant white silks, taffeta and lush custom fabrics in ice blues offers a fresh and vibrant feel of lightness and soothing tranquillity. Chests of drawers have custom crystal knobs and the principal bedroom’s custom made headboard is upholstered in ice blue silk is tufted with over 600 clear crystal buttons.

The floors are cool white marble throughout with under floor heating, white chandeliers from Capri, Italy and walls adorned with antique mirrors; some clad with a specially designed sculptural effect and exquisite mosaics. The dining area seating ten, allows their Executive Chef to prepare for you and your guests a private dinner according to your personal selections and while these are prepared, enjoy a specially mixed cocktail of your choice at your private bar while sitting on Italian designed barstools covered in pale blue leather.

Construction is under way on Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts‘ first hotel in the Middle East: Swissôtel Makkah in Saudi Arabia. The international hotel chain expects the hotel to open in January 2011.

The new Swissôtel Makkah is going to have 1571 guest rooms, including 88 suites, spread over 53 floors, with half of all the rooms and suites enjoying a view of the Holy Mosque. The centrally located hotel will have four restaurants serving authentic Arabic and European cuisine, an Executive Lounge, two meeting rooms measuring 75m ² and a Business Centre available to guests.

Bristol Buenaventura, which opened last Spring, is located about 80 minutes southwest of Panama City in an exclusive gated resort community. Boasting 114 spacious guest rooms and lavish suites, as well as 18 two-story lagoon villas, the property provides for the ultimate beachside Panamanian getaway, whether for couples, families or girlfriend getaways.

In addition to the luxurious accommodations, Bristol Buenaventura also features a number of dining options, offering gourmet adaptations of traditional Panamanian dishes in a variety of locations. Additionally, the property includes the beachside El Faro Club House, serving as the meeting place for all water sports and houses the private beach butler service; as well as a private stable that is home to two Peruvian horses and ponies that can be rented for a sunset ride on the beach, around the lake or through the property gardens.

See the video for more:

Celebrate the New Year in style at Dromoland Castle, County Clare and experience a five-star fairytale at one of Ireland’s most distinguished and historic castle hotels.  Located near the delightful city of Limerick, Dromoland Castle is easily accessed from Shannon International Airport.  Whether you’re looking for a romantic retreat, a relaxing spa getaway or an action-packed family break there’s something for everyone at this elegant hotel, set amidst 410 acres of magnificent rolling scenery with meadows, immaculate lawns and a picturesque lake, providing a perfect backdrop to your special New Year celebrations.

For a New Year’s Eve to remember, dress up to the nines and enjoy an evening living it up in style at Dromoland Castle’s New Year’s Eve Gala Ball, which includes a black-tie gourmet dinner with fine wines from the castle’s extensive wine list. Guests can also enjoy the resort’s cocktail reception and fireworks over Dromoland Loch.

For the perfect ‘morning after’ remedy, enjoy a reviving stroll around the idyllic estate or choose from a variety of outdoor pursuits including golf on the Ron Kirby-designed course, horse riding, cycling, clay pigeon shooting, archery, falconry, fishing and boating on the nearby lake.

Or, if your idea of New Year’s Day nirvana is a day of sheer pampering, you’ll love The Spa at Dromoland, with its exclusive products from the 100% organic Irish Voya range and the chic Anne Sémonin collection, plus an extensive treatment menu including the Gaelic Escape signature treatment – a deep release full body massage incorporating a blissful hot stone back, neck and shoulder massage.

What better way to enjoy Christmas than by relaxing beside your private infinity pool, high on a cliffside, cocktail in hand, watching the sun set over the Andaman Ocean? Paresa, Phuket’s acclaimed new luxury resort, is just the place to enjoy all this, plus to celebrate the resort’s first Christmas a host of additional benefits are on offer including free nights, massage treatments and complimentary dining on Christmas Day.

Located on the exclusive ‘Millionaire’s Mile’ on the western coast of Phuket, Paresa occupies a stunning setting. Built into the cliffside, 49 guest suites offer elegant and extremely spacious accommodation with panoramic ocean views and private infinity-edged pools.

On Christmas Day, all guests will enjoy a special festive gift from Paresa, in the form of a complimentary brunch buffet, served from 9am to 3pm followed by a special menu of complimentary Thai and Italian tapas served at Diavolo restaurant from 6pm. In addition, guests booking stays of ten nights or more will receive a complimentary massage per person on the day of arrival.

For a ‘fair dinkum’ sunshine-filled Aussie Outback festive season look no further than Voyages Ayers Rock Resort in the heart of Australia’s aptly named ‘Red Centre’.  With a selection of five hotel properties, to suit all tastes and budgets, Ayers Rock Resort has literally lined up a feast of activities throughout the resort at the various restaurants to ensure the whole family enjoys the season to be merry!

24th December – Christmas Eve:  Arnguli Grill

On Christmas Eve, join your fellow travellers for a 4-course á la carte dining experience at the Arnguli Grill located within Desert Gardens Hotel. Feast on Honey Glazed Roast Turkey, Roasted Pork Loin or Macadamia Crusted Atlantic Salmon, followed by traditional Christmas desserts. The cost is $75 per person.

25th December – Christmas Day:  Kuniya Restaurant

Celebrate Christmas Day with lunch or dinner at Kuniya Restaurant, Sails in the Desert’s fine dining experience. Within this elegant setting, enjoy a 3-course á la carte menu featuring Black Angus Beef Wellington, Baked Barramundi, Lamb Rack or Turkey Breast followed by a selection of delectable desserts. The restaurant’s wine list reflects its Australian heritage and the service is both discerning and personalised. The cost is $105 per person for lunch or dinner.

Winkiku Restaurant

In a brasserie-style setting, enjoy a Christmas buffet lunch or dinner at Winkiku Restaurant at Sails in the Desert Hotel. The menu will feature some traditional Christmas favourites such as Honey Glazed Ham, Roast Turkey, Seafood and a selection of cold cuts to name just a few scrumptious items on the buffet. Then sit back and savour some traditional delights such as Christmas pudding with brandy custard, gingerbread, seasonal fruit and assorted Australian cheeses. The cost is $100 per person for lunch or dinner.

Arnguli Grill

On Christmas Day, enjoy a 4-course á la carte dining experience at the Arnguli Grill located at Desert Gardens Hotel. Feast on Honey Glazed Roast Turkey, Roasted Pork Loin or Macadamia Crusted Atlantic Salmon followed by traditional Christmas desserts. The cost is $75 per person.

Sounds of Silence

Enjoy a Christmas dinner to remember under the stars, at the award winning Sounds of Silence buffet barbeque dining experience. After dinner, tour the southern night sky with our resident star talker. The cost is $195 per person, bookings are essential.

31st December – New Year’s Eve

As the sun sets on another year, heralding the start of a new one, a buffet feast will be served at the White Gums Restaurant located at Desert Gardens Hotel. A cold selection of Tasmanian Smoked Salmon, Coffin Bay Oysters and Western Australian King Prawns will be served, followed by a hot selection of Roast Pork, Roast Spring Lamb, Kangaroo, Chicken, Aged Rib Fillet and Grilled Barramundi. Dessert will also be served. The cost is $80 per person.

New Year’s Eve celebrations will be held at the Outback Pioneer Hotel Bar, where there will be live music and the countdown to midnight.

Alta Badia, a stunning ski region at the heart of the Italian Dolomites (recently declared a UNESCO Natural World Heritage Site), opens for the winter season today. It is made up of six picturesque alpine villages: Corvara (1550m), Colfosco (1650m),  La Villa (1430m),  San Cassiano (1540m),  Badia (1320m) and La Val (1350m).

The season launches with a Winter Warm Up promotion, a new hotel, Lagació Mountain Residence in San Cassiano, and a ski-gastro theme launching a Breakfast with Powder Snow package and 10 new dishes – created by Michelin-star rated chefs – for 10 mountain rifugi.

New snow-making machines have enhanced the Alta Badia cross-country ski area.  Thanks to state-of-the-art snow-making technology, connections between the villages of La Villa, San Cassiano and Corvara will open today with other ski links opening as soon as snow conditions permit. Experienced skiers will be able to tackle the famous World Cup black run, Gran Risa, and Bamby 2 and Alting – training slopes for the international giant slalom and men’s slalom – will also be open.