For centuries, Bali has been known as an exotic oasis with some of the world’s best beaches and lush surroundings. In fact, its nickname sums it best: “the Isle of the Gods”. Ride an elephant or frolic the sexy shorelines, but I assure you, couples will enjoy plenty of ‘love’ on this Indonesian island after a bit of ‘eating’ and ‘praying’. But how to choose where to stay in Bali? There are plenty of remarkable private-villa resorts that will put the extra oomph in your dream luxury vacation.
The Bulgari Resort Bali – Perched atop a dramatic cliff, the Bulgari Resort Bali boasts 59 villas with unforgettable ocean views. With Italian design coupled with traditional Balinese style, the resort offers a unique and opulent ambiance. Sip a cocktail while watching the orange hues of the sunset at the Il Bar or enjoy some grilled seafood in the afternoon at La Spiaggia with the cooling breezes of the Indian Ocean sweeping in. What’s more, the private beach at Bulgari is inaccessible to outsiders as it is protected by a coral reef, where then an elevator will take guests to and from the sandy shores of the Jimbaran peninsula.
Banyan Tree Ungasan Bali – Banyan Tree Ungasan is an all-pool luxury villa resort located near the Uluwatu Temple. The resort is flanked with exquisite gardens and unprecedented ocean views. A more relaxed setting, Bambu offers guests Indonesian epicurean flavors for breakfast followed by a la carte lunch and dinner. There are a total of 3 restaurants, 2 bars and in-villa dining which guests can enjoy at their convenience 24 hours a day.
Four Seasons Resort Bali – The Four Seasons have long been known for luxury and opulence as the world’s leading operator of luxury hotels and resorts. Start your romantic vacation at the Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan where, nestled in the jungle of Indonesia, your private villa awaits. It’s a world where all your cares will vanish and the sounds and smells of nature engulf your every sense. With 18 expansive suites and 42 private villas, a stay at Sayan is about spirituality and affection for your companion. After all of that serene tranquility, cater to your adventurous side and head seaside to an elegant private villa with separate sleeping, bathing and living quarters at the Four Seasons at Jimbaran Bay. Larger than other luxury resorts, Four Seasons at Jimbaran Bay houses 156 villas and private residence rentals. Each villa has its own courtyard, large indoor and extensive outdoor area as well. With an array of spa treatments, Jimbaran Bay uses the essences of plants, aromas of healing flowers, elements from the ocean and Balinese and Indonesian herbs and spices to alleviate and rejuvenate.
The Oberoi Bali – Presenting guests with thatched roof wooded villas and private pools with picture-perfect ocean views, The Oberoi Bali prides itself in its traditional Balinese décor which you can find throughout the resort and inside the villas. Considered a true beachside haven, The Oberoi boasts the perfect sunbathing spot known as Seminyak Beach. With four restaurants to choose from, couples have ample opportunity to sample local Indonesian fare.
Necker Island is one of those places you dream of visiting, but only if you can afford the price tag. The white sand beaches, uninterrupted views of the surrounding islands, the impeccable staff (which out numbers the island guest limit 2:1) is what brings the likes of Oprah Winfrey, Owen Wilson, Mel Gibson, and Mariah Carey. These celebrities often opt to rent out the whole island to ensure privacy and this can run up to $54,000 a night.
Owned by Sir Richard Branson, owner of Virgin America and a line of 7 luxury resorts, Necker Island is known as one of the most exclusive beach destinations in the world. A vacation at Necker Island leaves nothing to be desired as the world-class accommodations include 74 acres of private island and is surrounded by crystal waters with 14 private beaches, a full gym and spa services. The coral reefs found around the British Virgin Islands provide fantastic snorkeling and scuba diving and even some unique water sports!
And Necker Island will play host to the 2011 BVI Kite Jam starting 26th February 2011. Top kite surfers from all over the globe will meet at Necker Island for races and other events sponsored by Virgin and the British Islands Tourism Board. Branson is offering a promotion for an all-inclusive week on the island during the celebration from a mere $25,400/couple and includes an invite to exclusive BVI kite parties.
This ultimate luxury destination should be part of your ‘must-do’ list as almost nothing in the world can compare to Necker Island.
For most, the Caribbean evokes images of picture perfect white sand beaches, palm trees swaying in the wind and warm turquoise waters. Now couple that imagery with an idyllic luxury resort and you’ve got yourself the recipe for an exquisite vacation. It’s truly no question the Caribbean appeals to honeymooners and couples in search of the perfect romantic getaway.
Boasting some of the best views in all of St. Lucia is the luxurious Jade Mountain. An exclusive resort-within-a-resort, Jade Mountain sits above the 600 acre beach of Anse Chastanet, where the famous pitons in the distance rise majestically over sapphire waters.
Often voted as St. Lucia’s most romantic luxury resort, it’s the ideal choice for couples in love. Expect a futuristic ambiance yet stone and wood exterior playing in the harmony of the Caribbean. In fact, its bold architectural design is what sets it apart from the rest. Jade Mountain guests have access to all of Anse Chastanet’s facilities, which include two restaurants and bars, a spa, a fitness center, a tennis court, an excursion and car rental desk, two boutiques, water sport facilities, and a pristine beach perfect for sunbathing and snorkeling.
Venturing on over to the U.S. Virgin Islands, The Ritz-Carlton in St. Thomas is easily the most luxurious resort on the island. Forget about the cruise ship masses because The Ritz-Carlton is ideally located on the Eastern end of the island with convenient access to the ferry to St. John and other neighboring islands. Its seclusion and luxurious surroundings makes for the perfect romantic getaway to the Caribbean.
After an extensive $40 million renovation, The Ritz-Carlton is reminiscent of a Mediterranean villa with Caribbean flair. Guests can enjoy complimentary water sports, excellent dining venues, an infinity pool, a fitness center, a spa and a private catamaran, The Lady Lynsey, to sail you away to St. John or the British Virgin Islands.
Moving closer to the U.S. mainland is the Island of Enchantment, otherwise known as Puerto Rico. While Puerto Rico boasts many excellent luxury resorts, couples should venture to the recently opened St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort in Rio Grande, Puerto Rico. As the first St. Regis in the Caribbean, it’s a must for any luxury resort enthusiast with its pristine surroundings and exotic feel.
Sitting on the romantic setting of a Caribbean coconut plantation, the resort is ideally situated between the lush rainforest and the sparkling golden sand beach. A brisk 25-minute drive from San Juan’s Airport, Bahia Beach is easily accessible. Some packages include a private car to whisk you away and bring you to your home away from home, making you feel every bit like royalty. The resort boasts a Robert Trent Jones, Jr. golf course, a spa, award-winning cuisine and a picture perfect pool.
While there are many Caribbean islands, each unique in the personalities, these luxury resorts make for a destination all their own and deserve a visit at least once.
Vianni Busquets is a romance travel writer for examiner.com.
February: A romantic weekend escape to Paris, or a luxurious winter sports break in Portes du Soleil.
March: A perfect month to immerse yourself in magical Morocco. Or indulge in some retail therapy in super stylish Milan.
April: Experience a gastronomic haven in the heart of the French countryside in Burgundy.
May: Glamour and excitement, style and sophistication, yachts, fine dining and Formula 1 Racing at the Monaco Grand Prix.
June: Horseracing, hats, helicopters and of course, champagne at Royal Ascot. Or perhaps make a weekend of it at Wimbledon.
July: Mingle with Royalty at the Cartier Polo Club, the highlight of the British social season.
August: Imagine driving through the breathtaking Tuscan countryside in a Ferrari… what an experience!
September: Hit the French Riviera for ‘Les Voiles de St Tropez‘ – the most beautiful and extraordinary yachts battling for The Rolex Trophy. Or kick back in unspoilt Galway for delectable treats at the Oyster Festival.
October: Wind down in style truffle hunting in Northern Italy.
November: Christmas shopping in probably the most exciting city on the planet – New York. Or how about a sparkling weekend in the Champagne region of France?
December: Soak up the festive atmosphere at Christmas markets in beautiful cities such as Prague, Vienna and Salzburg.
Naomi Whiteley works for the UK-based boutique tour operator Grand Tourist.
Following the announcement of the Royal engagement between Kate Middleton and Prince William, the spotlight has very much been on Kenya’s Lewa Wildlife Conservancy. The private reserve, in the Laikipia region of the East African nation, served as the perfect romantic retreat for the future King of England to propose to his long term girlfriend. For me, there can be few experiences more intimate and idealistic than whiling away the hours with a loved one in an exclusive African lodge. There is something so special about this mysterious place, something enrapturing, hypnotizing even, and as anyone who has visited the continent will testify, utterly unforgettable. The rhythm of the African drum will beat in your heart long after your departure.
Although I am a huge fan of Lewa Wildlife Conservancy I think perhaps it has had enough attention for one week and so in this post I have decided to take a closer look at some of Africa’s, other, luxurious lodges; alternatives if you will, to the William and Kate experience. Perhaps someday soon you might be sharing your own special moment, with bended knee or not, in a luxury African Lodge.
Shambala Game Reserve, South Africa – Tucked away in the stunning Waterberg Mountains, Shambala consists of 10,000 hectares of pristine South African countryside; a place that, though relatively small compared to other reserves, still boasts the chance to see Africa’s elusive ‘Big Five’, (Lions, Elephants, Leopards, Rhinos and Buffalos). As well as its animal interests the reserve also has a human heart at its core, a family run cultural village which acts as a living, breathing information centre where visitors can learn all about South Africa’s incredible history. The accommodation is preoccupied with authenticity and tradition, the Zulu camp, consisting of six fantastically appointed Zulu Huts, offers five-star accommodation but with a real sense of cultural legitimacy. All of the huts come with spacious double bedrooms and full shower facilities, providing all the comfort you might need to create some magical memories.
Chobe Game Lodge, Botswana – The only permanently fixed lodge within the Chobe National Park, the site is perfectly located along the Chobe River to observe the largest concentration of elephants in Africa. The sleek lines and elegant qualities of the lodge’s Moorish architecture create a sense of light and space; the typical features which include high arches, barrel-vaulted ceilings and tiled floors all contribute towards a clean and classic aesthetic. The 47 rooms are adorned with original African paintings and carvings, retaining a real sense of place as well as boasting all of the comforts of modern living; the accommodation’s considered design also makes it ideal for families and children.
Sossusvlei Desert Lodge, Namibia – Sossusvlei is quite literally a desert oasis, nestled between the spectacular dunes of the Namib Desert and the jagged outcrops of the rocky escarpment. You’ll feel like you’re really part of the African experience when you stay at Sossusvlei, where the ten individual villas constructed out of stone and glass offer the perfect symmetry between modern minimalist design and traditional African design. All are air conditioned to keep you fresh during the day and cosy fireplaces have been installed for those cooler winter nights. Despite being located on the periphery of a desert there is still an incredible array of wildlife to be seen, including the iconic oryx, Hartmann’s mountain zebras, antelopes, springbok and smaller mammals such as the bat-eared fox, aardwolf and porcupine.
Thanda Game Reserve, South Africa – Thanda, a word derived from the Zulu for love, was awarded the prize of ‘World’s Leading Luxury Lodge’ at the recent World Travel Awards. Thanda offers a range of accommodation to suit all budgets and tastes, from the opulence of the royal private villas or the warmth of the main lodge to the rugged refinement of the tented camp. Located 23 kilometres north of Hluhluwe in Zululand, the reserve is a tribute to South African cultural heritage, and as a romantic sanctuary of peace and tranquility, many would consider it peerless in all of Africa. Catering for adults and children alike, it boasts fine dining and a wellness centre, were natural holistic approaches to treatment will leave you feeling revived and refreshed. Let’s not also forget the wildlife, the big five are at your doorstep and because the reserve is so close to the Indian Ocean, horse riding on the nearby beaches or a trip to the Isimangaliso wetlands are also a must.
Greg Fox is a Director at luxury travel specialists Mahlatini.
Costa Rica has become one of the top tourist destinations in recent years for its overwhelming beauty, lavish rainforests, miles of white sand beaches, and some of the best surfing and golf in the world. Along with the best ambiance, Costa Rica is home to some of most luxurious hotels around.
The Rancho Pacifico is one of Costa Rica’s finest Eco-Friendly hotels and Spa. Located in the Costa Ballena(Whale Coast), named for the abundance of whales who live in the area. The hotels location is one of the last places in Costa Rica where you can still have an untouched rainforest experience. The hotel provides a variety of Villas, Suites, and an exotic treehaus villa hideaway where you are suspended 20 feet in the air for one of the most breathtaking views imaginable. The Spa Tranquila is a tree-top lap of luxury, with multiple infinity pools, serene Spa gardens, and spring-fed soaking tubs, leaving nothing to desire. We all get wrapped up in our day to day lives and we forget to really appreciate the world around us. A visit to this eco-friendly luxury resort will engage all of your senses and bring out your sense of adventure!
The Zephyr Palace is located in Costa Rica’s Central Pacific coast. The property boasts a number of luxury suites that will take you to a whole new world. You can also rent the “mansion” and experience true privacy and bliss. Weddings, honeymoons, and special events are delicately detailed and provide a truly unforgettable experience. The hotel gives a unique spin on romance by showing you the wild side of elegance and luxury.
The Arenal Volcano area is one of the top tourist destinations of Costa Rica and for good reason. The area is home to exotic rainforests, thermal hot springs, and of course the active Arenal Volcano. The Tabacon Grand Spa Thermal Resort is located at the base of the Arenal Volcano and boasts the Tabacan Hot Springs which is the only place you will want to be after a long day touring the Arenal area. The Tacacan Hot Springs has been named one of the world’s best eco-spa by National Geographic Magazine, and is certainly not something to miss on your next trip to the Arenal area.
If a great round of golf is what you are looking for, than the Four Seasons Resort Costa Rica at Peninsula Papagayo is where you need to be. This par-72, 18-hole golf course was designed by Arnold Palmer and rests in between the mountains and Pacific Ocean. The resort offers a number of golf packages from the beginner to the expert and can be quite challenging. The Resort sports 155 different accommodations including suites, and residences. If you are looking for a true home away from home experience, the residences can give you all that and more.
No matter where you plan to stay you are sure to enjoy the unrivalled and exotic atmosphere that Costa Rica has to offer.
Starwood’s Cyber Monday Sale kicks off on Monday 29th November 2010 and will run for 5 days only, offering special rates at more than 60 of the world’s hottest resorts in premium destinations such as Mexico, Hawaii and the Caribbean. As an added incentive, on 29th November only, Starwood will offer additional extraordinary offers at some of Starwood’s most desirable resorts. These offers must be booked by 11:59 pm EST, or while inventory lasts, and represent savings of up to 50% off, with some deals as low as $99 per night.
Guests who are fans of the Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) loyalty program on Facebook (Facebook.com/SPG), or who follow SPG on Twitter (@SPGInsider), will have insider access to the sale for six hours before the launch, beginning at 6pm EST on 28th November.
Cyber Monday rates are available for stays between 1st January and 30th April 2011.
With The Ashes series not far off, the eyes of the cricketing world will soon be focussed on Australia. While it’s no secret to savvy Brisbanites, sporting tourists to Queensland’s Woolloongabba (known as the Gabba) may be bowled over to find a vibrant restaurant quarter has sprung up just a stone’s throw from the hallowed ground transforming the area into a stylish dining hub. From 1889 Enoteca, a Roman-flavoured vinaio/wine bar/restaurant in the heritage-listed Heaslop building, to next door neighbour and newcomer Bistrot Bistro; while further along sits the cool Pearl Cafe. The deliciousness continues in a renovated antique store, courtesy of The Crosstown Eating House.
With all eyes on the Royal couple following the announcement of their engagement, many people are asking when the wedding will be, where the ceremony will be held and where Prince William and Kate Middleton will honeymoon. Here I’ve taken a step back to bring you details of where they got engaged. Rutundu is the mountain log cabin where it all happened. (In fact, the proposal took place actually by Lake Alice – about a 45 minute walk from the cabin.)
Rutundu can be found on the slopes of Mount Kenya. Very remote, very romantic and very James Bond. You get a chopper in and then stay in the secluded cabin, hiking and fishing in the nearby Lake Alice. Images also will show this very clearly. This one is very off the beaten track and only for those in the know.
Located on the edge of Lake Rutundu, overlooking the north-eastern face of Mount Kenya, these rustic yet chic cabins are the perfect mid-safari break or escape from the bustle of Nairobi. The elevation (10,200ft) results in vegetation and wildlife entirely unique to the area.
Activities include:
Walking: The area surrounding Rutundu is a paradise for those who love nature and hiking. We are currently finding and creating the best trails in the area. There is a beautiful walk around Lake Alice through giant groundsel and heather forests. In contrast to this moorland terrain, the Cedar and Podo forest, half an hour’s drive below Rutundu, is full of lovely walks and beautiful spots to have a picnic.
Fishing: Lake Rutundu and Lake Alice, a 2-hour walk further up the mountain, are stocked with rainbow trout and provide excellent opportunities for fishing. The average catch is 2-3lbs with larger fish reaching up to 6lbs. A boat/punt is provided and there are three casting platforms. Previous fly-fishing experience is not necessary. Next to Lake Rutundu is the Kizita River Gorge, a crystal clear river with small brown trout to catch. Please read the ‘fishing rules’ displayed in the sitting room.
Bird watching: Rutundu’s unique location allows for ample opportunities for birdwatchers, and most mornings scarlet- tufted malachite sunbirds (Nectarinia Johnstoni) are seen from the breakfast table.
Horse riding: There is an option of riding to Rutundu from the neighbouring Kisima Farm, across the moorland and all the way up to Rutundu. Overnight stays are advisable for this trip as the ride takes at least four hours. The horses are well- schooled polo ponies and you need to be an experienced rider.
Rates start at just $300 a night as this is an adventure. You catch the fish and the staff cook it up for you – lots of fun!
The well-known Barcelona F1 circuit offers the chance to get inside its installations and enable you to feel as a F1 pilot. While visiting its facilities with a private guide, you will discover how a race is organized and controlled, where the mechanics work and access to all confined spaces such as the Briefing room, pre-podium, podium, the press room, race control, lounge, the boxes and the paddock.
However, for those who want to be more than just a privileged visitor should try a more exciting option. Choose the car you have always dream about – Ferrari, Lamborghini or Porsche – put your helmet on, fasten your seatbelt and experience the incredible sensations of the F1 driving. You will be accompanied by an instructor that will help you to make the best of this experience.
After the GT driving, its time to chill out in one of the private box rooms located in front of the main straight while having a tasty buffet lunch.
Italians are as passionate about their gardens as the English and that love is evident in Invitation to Tuscany’s latest range of holiday homes where the outdoor space is every bit as special as the indoor.
Lavender, oleander and roses provide colour and fragrance, stately holm oaks and silvery olive trees provide the accents, while wide green lawns invite barefoot exploration – and ball games – at Torrevecchia, a lovely family house close to Grosseto on the southern Tuscan coast. Sleeping up to ten, the rose-painted single-storey home has bright, spacious and relaxing rooms with doors leading outside where there is also a good-size swimming pool and vine-covered pergola. Long sandy beaches are ten minutes away. Rental is £2,727 low season (January to mid-April and October to December); £3,376 mid-season (mid-April to July 1 and September); and £3,766 in high season (July/August).
It’s all in the name at Villa delle Rose, created from a restored lemon house just outside the medieval city of Arezzo. Pink roses clamber over the golden-stone walls of a house for six people featuring an appealing blend of contemporary and traditional furnishings. Outside is a large swimming pool with sun beds and umbrellas set in a clearing amongst olive groves, plus an ivy-covered pergola and wide terrace for those long Italian lunches admiring the views of green hills. Famous for its antique market, wide piazzas, ancient archways and the stunning Renaissance frescoes of Piero della Francesca, Arezzo is a five-minute drive. Weekly rental is £1,727 low season, £2,091 mid-season and £2,363 high season.
Podere Fulvia is the spacious ground floor of a farmhouse sleeping four just outside Siena. It has pretty, sunny rooms filled with country antiques and even an ancient small statue of St Anthony, the patron saint of animals (revealing its original existence as a stable). But it is the exceptionally lovely flower-filled gardens that are the main attraction. A white wisteria shades a pergola and furnished patio – perfect for outdoor dining – while a gazebo on a wide terrace offers views of the surrounding hills studded with convents and castles. A village pizzeria is within a short walk. Cost is £668 low season, £735 mid-season and £802 high.
The simple farm cottage where Leonardo da Vinci was born is only a short walk from a large, luxurious and classically-proportioned villa set in the heart of extensive parkland and gardens an hour’s drive from Florence. Villa Da Vinci sleeps up to nine, with an adjacent cottage accommodating another three. It faces a piazza that leads onto the surrounding gardens with wide lawns, a furnished pergola, children’s playground and a large pool with infinity edge and stunning views of olive groves, vineyards and the little town of Vinci where guests can visit his home and a museum celebrating its most famous son. Rental is £4,227 in low season, £4,363 in mid, and £4,500 in high.
Cameras at the ready… private jet booking network PrivateFly.com suggests the world’s Top 10 stunning and inspirational airport approaches.
1. Sion Airport
Nestled in the heart of the Alps, the approach to Sion airport takes you down the Rhone valley. With the high mountain terrain to negotiate, your airline or private jet pilot will be radar vectored by Swiss military air traffic control to the initial approach point, after which the navigation is simple: fly straight down the valley with the cliffs above you, circle the town, and avoid the hospital for a perfect touchdown at Europe’s most stunning airport.
2. St Maarten – Princess Juliana Airport
The Princess Juliana airport on the island of St Maarten (Saint Martin) is exceptionally close to the beach, with private jet aircraft and airliners literally skimming over the heads of holidaymakers. At the end of the runway is the sunset bar area – the ultimate planespotter’s viewing spot. Riding the fence is a local ritual: thrillseekers sit on the fence and hang on while jet blast blows at them as a 747 takes off.
3. St Barts Airport
The Caribbean island of St Barts is just a few minutes connecting flight from Princess Juliana on St Maarten. With a very short runway, it does not cater to international jet flights – only scheduled and private charter propeller services. The approach is thrilling: With very tight angles, hills, unusual wind conditions and the short runway to negotiate, there’s little margin for error and only the most qualified and highly-trained pilots can land there.
4. Gibraltar Airport
Gibraltar airport is owned by the Ministry of Defence as RAF Gibraltar. Private jet operators also use the airport to arrange private jet charter to and from Gibraltar – and civilian airlines for flights to the UK and Spain. The airport has the distinction of being the closest to the city that it serves, being only 500 metres from Gibraltar’s city centre. The runway is actually intersected by a main road which has to be closed every time a plane lands or departs. The rock of Gibraltar looms large on the stunning approach, causing unusual wind patterns and turbulence.
5. St Gallen-Altenrhein Airport
St Gallen-Altenrhein has an idyllic setting between Lake Constance and the alpine foot hills of the Appenzell region in Switzerland. It was built in 1927-1928 by pumping mud from nearby Lake Constance (Bodensee) onto a swampy area close to the shore line. Almost in the middle of this area a turf runway was built, laterally marked on both sides by a ditch which was filled up with yellow gravel from the Jura mountain range on the French border. The airport is used by airlines and for private jet charter flights.
6. Madeira Funchal Airport
The runway at Madeira’s Funchal airport (also known as Santa Catarina) is bordered by water on one side and hills on the other and was rebuilt in 2000 to include a stunning bridge-like extension with 180 supporting pillars over the Atlantic, providing both a dramatic view and additional car parking (underneath!). Before the rebuild, Madeira’s airport was infamous for its short runway which, surrounded by high mountains and the ocean, made it a tricky landing for even the most experienced of pilots. The new runway now allows both airlines and private jets to land at Madeira Funchal.
7. London City Airport
As the closest airport to London’s city centre, the approach to London City airport provides a highly scenic approach over world-famous London landmarks. Air Traffic Control will route you over the London Eye, the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, before sliding you down the side of Canary Wharf with amazing views of the O2 music venue. The approach is unique as the glide path is set at stomach-churning 5.8 degrees as opposed to the usual 3, making for a fairground ride-like buzz. The runway is described by pilots as an ‘aircraft carrier’: relatively short and surrounded by the River Thames. On the ground, London City airport provides some of the best private jet and business aviation services in Europe to its passengers.
8. Lukla Airport
Arriving at Lukla airport in Nepal by private charter propeller aircraft is an exhilarating experience, involving a 10-minute approach down a steep-sided valley followed by a sharp left-hand turn and an uphill landing. A sudden stop is very necessary: With a sheer rock face of hundred metres high at the end of the runway, there is no margin for error. Sirens inform people for miles around when a plane is coming in to land. Lukla airport was built by Sherpas in the 1960s, under instruction from Sir Edmund Hillary, and is the place that most people start their Mount Everest trek.
9. Las Vegas McCarran Airport
The aerial approach to Las Vegas is a truly spectacular one, offering the contrast of desert with a sudden metropolis, unrivalled for sheer size and glamour – even in daylight (though it’s even more dramatic at night). If you are in a private jet you’ll have a panoramic view of Las Vegas and, on the left-hand side of the plane, the world-famous Strip stretches from the Stratosphere at one end to Mandalay Bay at the other. Red Rock canyon is another highlight, just to the West on the approach.
10. Barra Airport
Barra Airport is the only airport in the world where scheduled aircraft land on a beach. The airport is situated on the wide beach of Traigh Mhor, on tiny Barra Island in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. There is a choice of three runways at Barra – so that the propeller aircraft can always land into the wind. Flight times vary as the airport is literally washed away by the tide once a day. If you arrive in late afternoon on a gloomy day (or for emergency night flights) cars may have their lights on to provide pilots with added visibility, since the airport has no artificial lighting. Visitors and cockle-pickers share use of the beach, with signs asking them to observe the windsock to see if the airport is in operation.
There’s something of a media frenzy in the UK at the moment surrounding the announcement of the Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton that will take place next year.
I’ve noticed lots of press releases being churned out by tourist boards and the like, suggesting places where the newly-weds should spend their honeymoon. Of course, they are little more than a PR exercise designed to increase awareness of their respective offerings to the likes of you and me, rather than necessarily to the happy couple tying the knot (although I’m sure they’d all relish the opportunity of being chosen as their honeymoon destination).
Where do you think William and Kate will (or should!) honeymoon and why?
Two cruiselines – Carnival Cruise Lines and Princess Cruises – have suspended calls to St. Kitts following an incident at the weekend. On Sunday, cruise passengers had disembarked Celebrity Mercury and were travelling on an organised excursion; their tour bus was stopped by two armed robbers who proceeded to steal money, jewellery, mobile phones and other personal items. Thankfully nobody was injured by the incident but this hasn’t allayed the concerns of two cruise operators. This week the 2,124-berth Carnival Miracle was diverted to Antigua, while on Wednesday the 2,600-passenger Grand Princess cancelled a visit to the port of Basseterre. Intrestingly, though, Celebrity Cruises, the operators of the Celebrity Mercury, have yet to cancel visits to the island.
The Rembrandt Hotel and Towers, one of the most renowned hotels in Bangkok, has undergone a new makeover this year. This also resulted in the promotion of Simon P. Rindlisbacher to the position of Hotel Manager – one of the youngest hotel managers in town. Simon’s rise in the ranks has been quite meteoric. From his start in the industry as a waiter whilst still at school in Switzerland, his homeland, he raced up the career ladder to his current position. Simon graduated from the Hotel Management School Belvoirpark, in Zurich in 2002, and speaks German, French, Spanish and English. It’s a perfect background for a hotelier, especially in cosmopolitan Bangkok.
What is it that you do exactly?
I am responsible for the entire operation at the Rembrandt Hotel Bangkok, making sure that all our guests are happy and want to come back and recommend our hotel to their family, friends and colleagues. It’s lots of fun to work closely with all the different Heads of Department towards the same goal of offering outstanding guest services.
Competition is huge, but because of the Rembrandt’s more than 17 years’ experience, combined with the famous Thai hospitality, our international clientele enjoy a guaranteed “above my expectations” experience. During the last four years we have also renovated all our guest rooms, lobby area and bar. We’ve also completely re-done our wellness area with “The Rembrandt Spa”, fitness centre and swimming pool, with which I have been very actively involved. I also work closely with the Rembrandt’s General Manager, Mr Eric Hallin, whose great experience helps me to further develop myself.
What do you enjoy most about what you do?
To be privileged to do what I am passionate about. I love all the various aspects of a large city hotel. It’s the contact with the guests at the lobby, welcoming them to our executive lounge, inviting people for an exciting wine dinner in one of our award winning restaurants, as well as working with my colleagues and associates. I am proud of what I do, and of the hotel I work for. When you feel that you are representing a brand like this, then you just can’t go wrong.
What would you say are the 3 best places you’ve ever stayed?
The Beau-Rivage Lausanne in Switzerland. This is a must-visit, even if you don’t stay there, to enjoy all the little details in an environment of very beautiful scenery.
Six Senses Hide Away on Koh Samui, as it was a great experience in enjoying something different. I also like their way of living their CSR (Corporate Social Responsibilities).
My parents’ home in Gossau, Switzerland.
What’s been your most memorable dining experience to date?
A BBQ in the rain forest close to the “Angel Falls” (tallest waterfall in the world) in Venezuela. Don’t ask me what food it was but it just tasted unforgettably good.
OK, this probably won’t surprise you, but also my Mum’s food.
Have you rubbed shoulders with the rich and famous, either through your work or your travels?
Yes, and it is always nice to see that they very much appreciate if we treat them as “one of us”. For sure there are some, who like the big bang or just need the polite distance, but I believe it’s nice for them too in just having a quiet time. Here at the Rembrandt Hotel, Bangkok, the Prime Minister is a frequent guest. We also have many Ambassadors and famous entertainment personalities from Switzerland, due to the hotel’s strong and well-known brand there.
What currently ranks highest on your travel wish list?
I love being in cities, such as Singapore, and seeing their continued development, but would really enjoy being up the mountains back home in Switzerland for a couple of weeks. Living away for over eight years makes my home country really beautiful again. Living the life of a farmer, making cheese, getting up with the sun and being with my family and good friends. All this without TV and Internet, etc.
Thank you for sharing your experiences, Simon. I wish you all the best in your current position and look forward to hearing more great things about your achievements in the future.
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Cameras at the ready… private jet booking network 
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