A Luxury Travel Blog

A couple of weeks ago I was meant to be going on a press trip to Tenerife  with my family and reviewing a couple of hotels out there.  Shortly before we were due to depart, I was looking into travel insurance as I was aware that our annual policy had expired.  I contacted the travel insurance company we’d previously had cover from and sent them an email, rather than an instruction initially, because I had a query about the policy that I wanted to run by them.

I never received a reply from that email and, before I knew it, events unfolded shortly afterwards, that were to entirely scupper our plans.  Our younger son was diagnosed with Henoch–Schönlein purpura which left him with a nasty rash on his legs, and resulted in painful swelling on his joints – particularly his ankles – that temporarily prevented him from being able to walk.  Our doctor sensibly advised us not to travel.

With this diagnosis, I knew I couldn’t just get travel insurance retrospectively.  So I contacted Monarch who I’d booked our flights with, and explained my predicament. They were extremely helpful and understanding and have allowed me to re-schedule the flights for the same time next year so that I can make the trip then – all at no cost.

Of course, all this was the least of our worries.  The main thing was that our son made a speedy recovery and I’m pleased to report that he is doing much better now and has even been able to return to school today. That said, it was a very kind gesture from Monarch and gave us one less thing to worry about.

For the record, to my surprise Monarch do have a policy that allows you to amend your flights up to just 4.5 hours prior to your departure, usually at a cost of £27.50 per flight if done online (or £40 if done over the telephone), and you can amend your flight to dates up to a year in advance – a useful feature for anyone else finding themselves in a similar predicament.

A worthy mention also goes to Skyparksecure who I’d booked a ‘meet and greet’ airport parking service with.  I contacted them also, and they have simply re-credited our account so that we can re-book with them on another occasion.

And the moral of the story?  Even if your travels aren’t imminent, if you have a trip booked, make sure you have travel insurance in place at the time of booking, and not just prior to your departure.

The 6,000 plus travel advisors surveyed for Virtuoso’s annual Lux Report have selected Mexico as the number five international travel destination for 2011 – and for good reason. Mexico has long delivered incredible value and rich luxury opportunities to travelers worldwide. Here are five lavish experiences in Mexico sure to surpass the expectations of even the most experienced and discerning of travelers.

1. Vacation in a Private Villa

Exclusive, private villas offer a level of secluded luxury simply unattainable by hotels and resorts. Whether it’s the quiet Colonial countryside, the lofty cliffs overlooking the Pacific coast, or the lush plantations of the Yucatan Peninsula, the vast geography of Mexico is home to unique and distinct villas and haciendas that redefine the notion of “getting away”.

2. Tour by Private Plane/Helicopter

Mexico is an enormous country covering 2 million square kilometers of land area, and has been home to hundreds of fascinating and historically significant cultures. Traveling to the different regions of the country to meet the people of these areas and experience their cultures can be a logistical nightmare.

Chartering private planes and helicopters allows travelers to cover large distances during a holiday as well as opens up more remote, off-the-beaten-path types of opportunities.

3. Picnic at a Private Cenote

Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is one of the most unique regions of the world as it contains thousands of centotes, which are natural pools of water (once underground) that are created when the land-roof above them collapses. The water in theses cenotes has been naturally filtered as it travels underground, which results in extremely vivid pools of blue and green – the perfect setting for a private picnic lunch.

Dining along the banks of a cenote is incredibly tranquil and diving into its refreshing water is the perfect way to cool off after touring in the warm jungles of the Yucatan.

4. Take Private Cooking Classes

Among the first two cuisines ever awarded UNESCO World Heritage Status, the culinary traditions and achievements of Mexico are undeniably legendary. There’s no better way to truly appreciate the complexities of fine cuisine than to observe the creation of a dish from the local markets to the plate.

Taking cooking classes while on holiday in Mexico is an extremely rewarding experience for food and wine lovers alike. Touring local markets to shop for ingredients, studying the traditions and practices of local master chefs in the kitchen, learning about which wines to pair with select dishes, and actually trying your hand at re-creating traditional recipes are all in a days work!

5. Charter a Private Yacht

Fish, sunbathe, stop to swim and snorkel, enjoy savory meals cooked by private chefs, jet ski – the luxurious opportunities are endless when chartering a private yacht and touring one of Mexico’s many pristine coastlines. For those experienced at sea, book and overnight charter and revel in the moonlight of the open seas!

Chase Buckner is the Webmaster at Journey Mexico.

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Versilia Riviera, set on the Northern Tuscany coast, has become a favourite retreat for celebrities and wealthy vacationers. Its reputation dates to the 1960s, when industrialists made wealthy by a booming economy chose Versilia as a place to get away – followed soon thereafter by the Prince and Princess of Piedmont, who eventually chose Viareggio’s beach resorts for their summer sunbathing.

Today Versilia is well known to travellers and investors from around the world. Visitors come from Russia, Middle Eastern countries, and China, joined by American and Japanese artists who have found a “little Athens” in the small medieval village of Pietrasanta. This rustic site hosts some of the most famous workshops in the world for artisans working with Carrara white marble, bronze, and Venetian Murano glass.

The cosy village also is well equipped with charming hotels, located in luxuriously renovated historical palaces. The Albergo PIETRASANTA evokes a XVIII century Grand Tour, when noblemen and -women stayed as guests in the palaces of the aristocracy, sleeping in frescoed rooms enshrouded by silk tapestries. Modern guests might find themselves sipping a breakfast cappuccino in a winter garden, surrounded by secular palms and masterpieces by famous modern Italian painters, from Fontana to Accardi to Boetti.

Moving toward the Riviera and Forte dei Marmi, tourists enter the shopping district, populated by sleek fashion boutiques and glamorous cafes. The long stretches of palm-lined promenades open to reveal luxury beach resorts, nightclubs and gourmet seafood restaurants. The Annetta Beach Resort is a favourite among sport stars and show-business celebrities, and yet the owners maintain their straightforward and easygoing attitude, always ready to fulfil any desire. (I recommend in particular an express order of mussels and clams spaghetti, with a fresh Vernaccia wine, enjoyed under the gazebo with the waves lapping the seashore nearby.)

But all the hotels in the region consistently earn 4 to 5 stars, because they know how to provide exquisite service in exclusive venues. The Grand Hotel Imperiale is renowned for its ability to accomplish any extreme request, whatever the season, especially for demanding Russian guests who crave to uncork bottles of 2005 vintage Romanée Conti for three thousand euros to drink with pizza or spend four thousand euros for two bottles of red wine and a dessert. The Villa Roma Imperiale, nestled among both Mediterranean amenities and Forte dei Marmi’s urban texture, instead prioritises a cosy, familiar welcome in a refined and charming location.

The Versilia Riviera is enclosed between two natural reserve areas, where Tyrrhenian sea treasures are watched over by dolphins and whales. Viareggio has a long tradition of cuisine inspired by the sea; perhaps the epitome of luscious seafood fare is Ristorante Da Romano, a family-run restaurant that merges tradition, expertise, gourmet cooking and impeccable service in a perfect mix.

Even the natural aromas and flavours enhance the senses in Versilia. The environment encourages unprecedented food offerings, from the most sought after “tordello” in Camaiore, i.e. meat-stuffed fresh pasta scented with peporino (i.e. thyme), to Colonnata bacon seasoned in marble basins to savoury wine from local vineyards to the “Scarpaccia” zucchini cake made famous by the deluxe country style of Ristorante Emilio e Bona.

But the most luxurious, shining penthouse in Versilia—overlooking the entire beach as it stretches from Viareggio to the Gulf of Lerici – is the natural white marble caves in Carrara, including Fantiscritti, which ancient Romans used to decorate their villas and urban arrays, and which Michelangelo demanded as his material for La Pietà. These “white gold” slabs remain in high demand all over the world, and Versilia is the only place to see them in their natural setting.

Serena Giovannoni is a Travel Consultant at WishVersilia.

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Waiting at baggage claim as a sea of same-looking suitcases roll past can often lead to confusion — and at the very least anxiety.  But luxury travel brand Tumi has created a stylish way to tell your suitcase apart from all the others.  Enter “Accent Your Alpha”, a chic customization service that allows customers to spruce up their bags with colored components.

Parts of the bag that can be personalized with a pop of color include the monogrammed leather patch at front, luggage tag, add-a-bag hook, bag guards, zipper pulls and zippered pouch — so ideally you should be able to tell your bag apart from all others at any angle.  Customers can have red, pink, green, blue, silver or brown accents applied to their bags upon purchase at Tumi stores.  For those frequent fliers who already have a Tumi bag (or two, or three!), just bring it back to the store, buy the coloring kit for $50, and Tumi will put all the extra touches on your staple suitcase.

Leave it to Tumi to come up with a sleek and simple solution to baggage mix-up woes.  It seems so perfect in fact, it’s hard to believe they’ve only just started this service!

Rachel Greenberg is the Founder of Suitcase Secrets.

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Cologne, Germany is a gorgeous and ancient city, snuggled right next to the Rhine River so, like most of the German river towns and cities, it is extremely accessible by river cruise ships. You can tour the lovely cathedral, stroll the cobblestone streets, have a coffee at one of the cafes or shop for beautiful handmade linens in the shops.

But make sure you save time to visit the wonderful Lindt World of Chocolate Museum because it is well worth a visit. You can’t miss the huge and modern museum, which looks much like a ship, located right on the river front, just a short walk from the Cologne Cathedral. Pay your admission and begin your journey through the three exhibition levels which take you on a tour through 3,000 years of the history of chocolate, all the way from Aztec chocolate makers to the modern Lindt chocolate candies. The smell of chocolate permeates the building – it’s probably the best-smelling museum in the world!

There is a small but complete demonstration area of a chocolate production facility, where you can watch through glass viewing windows at the elaborate individual production steps. You can watch them make chocolate bars, hollow figures and pralines – and then (the best part) – you get free samples from a vat of fresh melted chocolate!

You can learn about the cultural history of chocolate and advertising as you continue your self-guided tour. Dr. Hans Imhoff opened the Chocolate Museum in 1993 and began working with the Lindt & Sprungli company in March 2006. It’s the only chocolate museum in the world where you can learn everything about chocolate. Since its opening, over 7 million guests from all over the world had toured the museum. It is one of the ten most visited museums in Germany.
Make time for the lovely little café where you can sit on the Rhinebank Terrace, overlooking the Rhine River, have some delicious chocolate cake or hot chocolate and watch the ships and barges pass by or just relax in one of the comfortable chairs. There is also a traditional Beer Garden where you can get the local Kolsch beer along with some bratwurst and French fries.

But be sure not to leave without visiting the huge gift shop on the first floor. I have never seen so many different kinds of candies in my life and they all looked (and tasted) absolutely delicious. It’s the perfect place to buy beautifully packaged candies to take home for gifts. If you can get them home without eating them, that is!

Jan Ross is Editor of The Travel Authority Blog.

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Lakes are one of our more familiar geographical phenomena; punctuating the landscape and offering some of the world’s most breathtaking scenery. Found in all shapes, sizes, colours and even concentrations (consider the Dead Sea), the beauty and mystery of a lake is something that can inspire creativity, passion or in the case of Loch Ness, even fear. It was whilst gazing out over Lake Como in Italy that Mary Shelley first began to conceive her masterpiece, Frankenstein; in 1955 Donald Campbell raced across Ullswater in the English Lake District to set the first of his world water speed records in Bluebird V7; and it was a desire to catalogue the great lakes of Africa and discover the true source of the Nile River that lead Dr. David Livingstone on a journey deep into the African bush from which he would never return.

As we can see, these extraordinary natural features have become truly embedded into the human narrative and today we can all enjoy their history and splendour by visiting them as tourists. Sites such as Lake Victoria, Lake Taupo and Lake Tahoe have for centuries served as hubs for social and economic progression as well as major attractions for locals and travellers alike. So without any further ado, here is a list, albeit somewhat abbreviated, of my favourite lakes of the world.

Nestled in the forests of Croatia, roughly halfway between Zagreb and Zadar along the Croatian coast is the Plitvice Lakes National Park. Accredited an UNESO World Heritage status in 1979, the real attraction of the area is the eponymous lakes themselves. A collection of sixteen incredibly blue bodies of water, each feeding into the next via a series of cascading waterfalls awaits visitors to this mystical landscape. Several walk ways have been sympathetically constructed to allow visitors to negotiate the waterways and embrace the stunning vistas over the valley. Widely considered as Croatia’s most famous tourist attraction, the Plitvice Lakes are a must for any visitor to the country.

Just off Australia’s famed North Queensland Coast lies Fraser Island, the world’s largest independent sand island. Favoured by tourists and backpackers who tour the area in self-drive 4×4s or larger guided rovers, Fraser is renowned for its whale watching and unspoiled forests. Trekking through the dense undergrowth travellers should been prepared to have their breath well and truly taken away as they suddenly stumble upon a spectacular natural inland lake. Lake McKenzie along with the hundred or so other smaller lakes that scatter across the island offers incredibly clear crystal waters, naturally filtered by the sand. The beach that surrounds the lake is constituted almost entirely of silica, making it one of the purest beaches in Australia.

Along with Lake Mashu in Japan and Crater Lake in Oregon, New Zealand’s Lake Matheson is considered as one of the cleanest and clearest lakes in the world. Matheson is referred to locally as the, ‘Mirror Lake’, for the way that its waters reflect the rugged ranges of the Westland National Park, which includes New Zealand’s tallest peaks, Mt Tasman and Mt Cook. Winding through the ancient rainforest, the established wooden walkway provides three unique viewing platforms from which to appreciate the panorama of the site. A great test of just how clear Lake Matheson’s waters are is to take a photograph and present it upside down to someone who has never seen it before; the chances are unless you tell them, they won’t be able notice any difference.

James Bell is a Director of Turquoise Holidays.

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Shoe shopping, Champagne, an iconic five-star hotel, manicures and pedicures and lunch in one of London’s hottest restaurants. What more can a girl ask for?

Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London and Christian Louboutin have joined forces to create the ‘Paint the Town Red’ package – the ultimate treat. Guests will be able to check in to their room at London’s most exclusive address, Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park in Knightsbridge before a mani/pedi nail paint and polish by the award-winning spa team.

Then it’s a quick taxi ride to Christian Louboutin’s flagship London store on Mayfair’s Mount Street where they will be welcomed into the hidden ‘Library Room’ in the heart of the boutique, designed to be invisible to other shoppers through a series of mirrors and Perspex alcoves. There they will be able to to shop in private for those coveted red heels whilst enjoying a complimentary glass of champagne and treats.

Returning to the hotel, the concierge will be delighted to help with all those Christian Louboutin shopping bags as guests dash to get ready for the evening ahead, beginning with specially-created ‘Paint the Town Red’ cocktails at Mandarin Bar.

The next morning, enjoy a revitalising lunch in the ultra stylish Bar Boulud, London before heading home. Or perhaps a little more shopping in Knightsbridge?

The ‘Paint the Town Red’ package costs from GBP 495 based on two people sharing and includes:

• A Winter Berry, Royal Red or Merlot red nail paint and file for two people
• A private appointment in the private room at Christian Louboutin’s Mount Street store
• Two ‘Paint the Town Red’ cocktails in Mandarin Bar
• A 12pm Brunch at Bar Boulud, London with a bottle of wine, red of course, or two Bloody Marys

Exclusive of VAT and 5% discretionary service charge. The programme is valid until December 2011 and is subject to availability.

What makes a holiday stand out from any other? It’s probably a question of timing, circumstance,travel companions and above all, taste. That’s never truer than in the luxury end of the market, but what luxury travellers increasingly seem to want is not just opulent suites, glamorous destinations and extravagant restaurants serving first-class food, but holidays that make the heart leap. Even the cruise operators which have traditionally catered for the 50–65+ age range report their clientele are also seeking something with a bit more adventure.

Seasoned travellers demand real luxury with excellent food, superb service and accommodation andthe freedom to do as they please. They also expect their holiday to be as carefully crafted as anybespoke suit to fit their individual needs. Above all, they want to be transported to other worlds, indulge in activities that will lift the spirits and interact with local people who make them feel welcome. You would also imagine that they would want to put their work and business cares aside or at least on hold for a couple of weeks. You’d be wrong!

Trip Advisor’s latest annual travel trends survey of more than 3,000 American travellers showed that 59% of them remained connected to their place of work using the latest computer and communication technology. 62% admitted to checking their work e-mail while on holiday,while 13% actually called the office! 90% connected with home on their leisure travels, but the preference here seemed to be for the new technology as well. By far the majority of the respondents (74%) said they emailed home, sent text messages or used social networking sites likeFacebook. A mere 26% sent postcards while only 8% said that they deliberately selected a luxurious but remote destination specifically to avoid connecting with work.

The one thing all US travellers seemed to share was an increasing eagerness to pack their bags in the coming year and travel more. That is reflected in data from the Virtuoso’s Luxe Report which forecasts trends for upscale 2011 US travel. The report suggests that American travellers at least are once again looking at multi-destination exploration type holidays with long haul back on top. International trips of eight days or longer increasingly seems to be the norm and for US tourists, Italy, France and South Africa are the three most popular international destinations this coming year. Vietnam has also supplanted India as the most popular “emerging destination”. The survey also suggested that family and multi-generational travel is one of the biggest emerging luxury traveltrends for 2011 together with greater interest in luxury cruises and an increase in people seekingguided or private touring holidays in order to get a truly authentic experience in a new and as yet unspoilt destination.

Peter Richards is a Digital Marketing Manager at Tropical Sky.

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We stepped out of one of the ubiquitous Amsterdam canal boats onto the cobblestone path which ran beside the scenic canal. Many-leveled warehouses with big windows which had been converted to homes and apartments overlooked the canal and hundreds of bikes – the transportation of choice in Amsterdam – lined the streets. But we didn’t pay much attention to these uniquely Amsterdam sights because we were on a mission. A cheese-tasting mission. Braving the icy fall rain and clutching a note with directions in my hand which included confusing words like Dam/Raadhuisstraat, we headed to the Reypenaer Cheese Tasting Rooms.

Reypenaer makes some of the most delicious Dutch cheese you have ever tasted. They have a 100-year-old warehouse on the Oude Rijn in Woerden where the cheese matures naturally as it has done for three generations of the family, resulting in a distinctive and complex flavor and aroma. The historic ripening process of the Reypenaer cheeses is unique in the Netherlands and these artisan cheeses are quite unique.

But they also have a lovely little store, tucked away on a side street in the middle of Amsterdam where they sell a variety of cheese and, in a quiet little basement furnished with wooden tables and chairs like a schoolroom, they have cheese tastings with the guidance of an expert cheese taster.

Each cheese tasting session lasts approximately one hour, and is designed for a maximum of 20 people per tasting. Tasting workshops take place every Wednesday to Sunday throughout the day and the basic introductory workshop costs 7.50 euros per person. There is also an advanced tasting with wine and a connoisseur tasting with wine and port. They will also cater to private groups and parties as well as corporate events.

We shook the rain out of our coats and settled down at our little table for two with several others who had braved the rain for the love of cheese. We watched a little video clip about cheese and then we began with the sampling. On our small wooden table we had a cutting board with several large chunks of cheese, all with different colors and consistencies. As the cheese taster explained about how the cheese was aged and what we should expect to taste, we cut slices, sampled them and made notes to compare the different experiences so we could decide which cheeses we preferred. The longer the cheeses had been aged, the more crystals formed, which meant the older cheeses were more salty and strong-tasting. It’s all a matter of taste as far as which cheese you prefer. Once we had sampled our fill, we all went upstairs to the little shop and chose the cheeses we wanted to purchase and take home.
If you are in Amsterdam and you like cheese (and who doesn’t, really?) you should do this cheese tasting. It was fun and delicious and we totally felt like some sort of expert gourmands while we were participating.

Jan Ross is Editor of The Travel Authority Blog.

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Soft glimmers of light resting upon the gentle rock of yachts always remind me of our escorted wine cruise on Lake Cospuden in Leipzig, Germany.  Surprised?  Not me!

I was surprised at first, though.  I didn’t know how amazing the glow of summer and autumn in Leipzig could be.  You see, my knowledge of Europe was quite baroque before I visited Germany for the first time.  Leipzig took my heart, body and spirit by storm, and transfixed my focus upon its history, culture and charms.  Although many of us might historically associate Leipzig with the works of Bach, Wagner, Mahler, philosophers and architects, Leipzig is also a bustling modern city of commerce, culture, art and leisure.

The City of linden trees is the largest city in the State of Saxony, Germany, and was originally settled as a place of commerce around 1015 Anno Domini.  The city has grown into a modern hub of culture, history, education and commerce.  This is the place where Goethe fell in love!  Let it not be forgotten, though, that Leipzig is a place of great leisure amongst so much intellect and growth.  In fact, these forces play hand-in-hand in remarkable balance.

The city parks are lovely places to stroll, picnic and float away on the hours of a soft blue and green afternoon.  The Clara Zetkin park or Auenwald floodplain forest are some of the best places for a healthy stroll through lush green and rushing water.  Upon strolling for hours, you might find yourself at the Grassi Museum, which stands with its doors open to those seeking ethnographic and applied art exhibits, as well as an interesting permanent exhibit on musical instruments.  Sports are abundant, as in many European cities.  In fact, the German Football (soccer) Association was founded in Leipzig in 1900.  One could have a peaceful stroll in the morning followed by a raucous soccer game in the afternoon!  On a weekend, it is not uncommon to charter a boat on Lake Cospuden for a cruise and wine tasting for a lovely afternoon and evening.

Where else but Leipzig could inspire art, wisdom, poetry, philosophy and Bach?  Just a stroll upon its streets, laced with cobblestone, modern glass and Baroque sensitivities will give lift to old and new world tastes alike.  It also happens to be a hub of the Central European Railway.  This makes Leipzig an ideal place to see, even if you are on a tour visiting other European sites, or are planning to visit a place that can be a “jumping-off” point for other travel destinations.

Carol Atkins is a Group Travel Leader with YMT Vacations.

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For some, the ‘perfect holiday’ involves relaxing and getting away from the stresses of modern life. For those people, staying in a luxury hotel is a great way of achieving this.

Whilst this certainly isn’t a cheap holiday option, it is one of the best. If you are planning a trip to a luxury hotel for your holiday in 2011, you want to consider one of the following stunning hotels.

Burj Al Arab hotel, Dubai, UAE

For a truly decadent experience, a stay at the Burj Al Arab hotel in Dubai is a wise choice. Set on its own manmade island, the hotel offers a variety of duplex suites, including one and two-bedroom options and the Club Suite, which includes a full-size snooker table.

However, it is the two Royal Suites on the 25th floor that could provide the most opulent stay. Featuring a private elevator, cinema and library, officials at the hotel claim these suites are “the last word in luxury”.

Opened in 1991, the 321-metre building is the tallest all-suite hotel in the world. Staying at the hotel also gives you the chance to travel in chauffeur-driven BMW’s and Rolls-Royce’s when going to and from the airport, although if you prefer you can make your journey by helicopter.

While there are a number of open-air and indoor swimming pools, staying at the Burj Al Arab means you also have access to a private beach. Not only can you spend time soaking up the sun, but you can indulge in a range of water sports here from kayaking to parasailing.

Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi, UAE

Alternatively, a stay in the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi could provide the luxurious hotel experience you have been longing for. There are more than 300 rooms to choose from, each decorated in Arabian regal splendour. However, you may prefer to stay in one of the numerous suites, which comprises of a separate lounge area, bedroom, terrace and bathroom. Staying in the three-bedroom Palace Suite, meanwhile, offers airport limousine transfers, a silver Jacuzzi and use of a golden laptop.

Whatever room or suite you select, you can use the hotel’s many services and amenities, including the Anantara Spa and the 1.3 km sandy beach. You can also shop for designer goods in various boutiques. And as the Emirates Palace is a part of Kempinski, the oldest luxury hotel group in Europe, you can be sure your every whim will be catered for.

Viceroy Hotel, Miami, USA

The Viceroy Hotel in Miami, Florida can also be great for a luxury break, with each of the five-star hotel’s 162 guestrooms and suites featuring a 42-inch flatscreen TV and iPod docking station. Set within the ten-acre Icon Brickell enclave, you can also take advantage of a rental car and lifestyle assistant service during your stay.

Meanwhile, the hotel’s spa and wellness centre includes a 2,500 sq ft exercise facility, while there is a private rooftop evening lounge, oversized outdoor fireplace, movie theatre and swimming pool.

Hotel Suites, Dresden, Germany

For a taste of luxury a little closer home, why not visit the award-winning Hotel Suites in Dresden, Germany? Here you will be able to call on the services of a chauffeur and concierge from the comfort of your suite, before dining at its Michelin-starred restaurant.

After you eat, you will find attractions such as the world-famous Saxon State Opera and the 16th century Dresden Castle just a short distance away. And you could be in good company when booking in at the hotel, with jazz musician Ron Carter and architect Daniel Libeskind among the big names to have stayed there.

The Ritz, Paris, France

The Ritz Paris can also be a great place for a luxurious hotel stay in 2011. Built in 1898, it was the first Ritz hotel in the world – a brand that has been synonymous with decadence and top-quality service. Dining at its L’Espadon restaurant allows you to tuck into Michelin-starred cuisine, while the wine cellars offer more than 1,000 vintages to choose from.

There are a wide selection of rooms and suites to stay in, including the Elton John suite, in honour of the singer who was a former guest at the hotel. Other famous names to have stayed there include Winston Churchill and Ernest Hemmingway, as well as members of royal families from across the world.

No matter where you are looking to go, take the time to compare prices in order to get the most competitive deals. Staying in a luxury hotel could well cost less than you think!

David Wilcox is a travel writer at Travel Supermarket.

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With the promise of snow across the Alps, temperatures are plummeting, drawers are being ransacked for extra thermal layers and that all important question is on many a skier or snowboarder’s blue lips: ‘where shall we go for hot chocolate?’

Switzerland is the chocolate capital of the world, and Zermatt the best chocolate cliché of them all. From the different sized chocolate Matterhorns that you can buy in the bakeries, to the slabs of different coloured, different textured, different flavoured cocoa delights lining the shops on the quaintly cobbled high street, chocolate here is a way of life to be proud of.

Zermatt’s three interconnected ski areas are well known for mountain gourmet restaurants, and stopping for a luxurious chocolat chaud is a great test of the best. After your breakfast fix in your über luxury chalet, ski to Chez Vrony, which has a terrace with views of the Matterhorn that traps the sun even on the coldest days. There are soft, warm fleeces to sit on and woolen blankets to wrap round you as you point your sunglasses skywards, soak up the sun, and bury your nose in the chocolaty steam from your cup.

You are never far from the next stop. Ski to Flualp, listen to live music and dance on the tables in your ski boots. Next onto the elegant Riffelalp, reached on skis or by the Gornergrat railway. Thaw out your chilled hands around a huge mug of warming, rich-scented, thick hot chocolate in the tiny mountain hamlet of Zum See. Après ski chocolate, with a hefty dollop of local cherry schnaps can be taken at the Hennu stall, where more live music and dancing continues until dark and a short ski home.

But don’t just ask for any old hot chocolate. In Zermatt you have to choose between dark, milk and white before you even start deciding on whipped cream, liqueur, vanilla, hazelnut or apricot kernel. But no marshmallows: in Zermatt your hot chocolate is served with… a chocolate.

Angeline Davies is the Executive Chef at Elysian Collection.

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The new Ski Resorts Visual Search tool from Bing allows users to explore and snowplough their way through 486 different ski resort locations, saving them the hassle of flicking through  countless holiday brochures when searching for last minute skiing holidays. With rich colour images of the top skiing resorts, users can helpfully filter results down by region, difficulty, number of open runs, new snow in the last seven days and more.

Also, illustrating that France’s slopes are still a jump above the rest, search stats on Bing UK find Chamonix to be the most searched for skiing destination with Morzine and Tignes following close behind. Slightly further afield, Canada’s famous Banff ski resort comes in at fourth place with France’s Meribel finding fifth place.

1. Chamonix, France
2. Morzine, France
3. Tignes, France
4. Banff, Canada
5. Meribel, France
6. Val Thorens, France
7. Aspen, United States of America
8. La Plagne, France
9. Verbier, Switzerland
10.  Courchevel, France

The Baldacchino Supreme is being billed as the world’s most expensive bed. A collaboration between Stuart Hughes of Liverpool, UK and HEBANON by F.lli Basile Interiors of Nocera Superiore Italy Lacquered has resulted in a handmade bed inlaid with 107kg (236lb) of 24 karat gold, fashioned out of chestnut and ash wood with a cherry wood canopy. It also comes complete with Italian silk and cotton drapes and the headboard can be customized to take diamonds for that hint of extra bling. And all this can be yours for just $6.5 million.

Located just 20 minutes from the Dubrovnik Old Town, is the Dubrovnik Riviera’s exclusive fully integrated 5 star resort. Preparations at Dubrovnik Sun Gardens are in full swing to welcome quests as the Spring and Summer months are just around the corner. The resort, beautifully designed offers a five star 201 room Radisson Blu Hotel and boasts private residences for sale and for rent, three swimming pools, kids’ club, an extensive beachfront with a wide range of watersport activities, a world class spa, 13 restaurants and bars and its own promenade of market shops.

Dubrovnik Sun Gardens enjoys a privileged location and offers a haven of tranquillity with its unique waterfront position. Regular ferry services from the resort’s marina transports guests straight into the heart of the Old Town, whilst the hotel also provides a regular shuttle bus service. Keen sailors can take advantage of the brilliant calm and clear Adriatic waters for a spot of sailing to the nearby Elafiti islands.

Whether you are a family, a group of friends or a retired couple seeking a stress free and memorable holiday, this resort will meet all needs. Dubrovnik plays host to a number of cultural festivals and celebrations around the year, most well known is its International Film Festival held in July. Widely regarded as one of Europe’s most treasured cities, Dubrovnik has firmly established itself as a must-visit destination on the natty traveller’s map. Best known for its historic, sea-facing medieval walls and Old Town, this UNESCO World Heritage Site combines both luxury and sophistication. Often described as a ‘city reborn’, every inch of the walled city has been restored with its historical past remaining intact.

Currents rates and packages are as follows – Double Rooms at Radisson Blu Hotel are available from €99 on a B&B basis. The Family Package is a two-bedroom sea view residence, including a bottle of wine & fruit basket, buffet breakfast and buffet dinner from €292 per person. The Spa Delight Package includes two-night accommodation in a standard room complemented with one spa treatment per person and the hotel’s buffet breakfast. From €119 per person. For private residences, prices start from €170,000 (£144,000) for a one-bed and €241,000 for a two-bedroom property.

Standing on the “Roof of the World” at 12,000 feet above sea level, The St. Regis Lhasa Resort offers refined luxury and superlative service in a storied city. The resort boasts awe-inspiring views of the Himalayas and the Lhasa Valley from each of the 162 guest rooms, suites and villas which feature distinctive architectural details and décor that entwine modern luxury with traditional Tibetan elements.

As well as the signature St. Regis Butler Service, no less than three world class restaurants, a signature tea room, wine bar and an expansive 11,700 square foot Iridium Spa. The latter comes with an ornate, gold-tiled pool… what could be more soothing than floating in a shimmering pool of liquid gold?!

The hotel opens on 1st April 2011.