A Luxury Travel Blog

Turkey specialist Exclusive Escapes is opening its Kalkan programme for the Easter holidays, from 16th April 2011, including a range of hi spec private villas with pools and the Kalkan Regency boutique hotel. This news should appeal to hard working singles and parents, since as the Easter weekend is followed by the Royal Wedding and 2nd May Bank Holiday, it’s possible to escape to warmer climes for up to two weeks taking just a handful of days off work.

Those booking their Easter escape now will secure the best deals for the Lycian Coast since, unlike other operators, Exclusive Escapes’ prices rise as departure dates draw nearer. And for those who commit before the end of April, there are a range of luxurious early booking rewards.

Guests can save almost 40% off business class supplements on London Heathrow-Dalaman flights, travelling in style on a BMI aircraft chartered solely for Exclusive Escapes’ guests. Enjoy use of the BMI Lounge and a 1 hour check-in at Heathrow. On arrival in Dalaman, guests are channelled separately through the CIP Terminal and can be en route to their property within 30 minutes of touch-down.

Other early booking rewards include a film-star day at sea on a motor cruiser, passing the sunken ruins at Kekova and stopping off for champagne and a cooling dip in one of the jaw-dropping coves, only accessible by boat. The luxury day’s cruise includes a freshly prepared lunch and costs £80pp (normally £150pp) if booked by the end of April. Traditionalists may prefer a day on a Turkish gulet from just £35pp (normally costs £40pp) – which is complimentary for every hotel guest.

Departing 16th April, Exclusive Escapes offers 7 nights’ B&B in a standard room at the Kalkan Regency from £540pp sharing or 14 nights from £945pp, including return Heathrow-Dalaman flights, transfers, and a days’ gulet cruise. Or treat yourself to a private pool suite which costs from £1050pp for 7 nights on the same basis. Business class flight supplements cost from £400pp.

My friends and I like to play “what if” games, and lately one query that seems to keep resurfacing is this: if you could take an über luxurious, no holds-barred vacation, where would you go? A private beach in the South Pacific? A chateau tucked into the French Alps? A month-long African safari? It’s an interesting game, mostly because our answers seem to change from year to year – or even day to day – depending on our moods. And honestly, vacations are all about moods.

A recent, somewhat budget-friendly trip to New York City fresh in my mind, I began to mentally plan a luxe Big Apple trip as an answer to this latest round of “what if?”

First up: where to stay? Definitely Upper East Side, where amazing views of Central Park would be the first thing I see in the morning and the last thing I see at night. The Carlyle, a preferred stop for U.S. presidents and European royalty; The Pierre, that copper-topped beauty that just received a $100 million renovation reestablished its reputation of foremost grace and elegance; and The St. Regis, that bastion of Gilded Age opulence where guest rooms are appointed with priceless antiques and custom made furnishings and second-to-none butler service is de rigeur.

Then there’s food, glorious food. New, hip restaurants open seemingly daily in the city, so I rack my brain for the Old Guard eateries. Sirio Maccioni’s masterpiece Le Cirque is a sure bet, a place where the new industrialists and headline-grabbing celebrities dine regularly. The carnivore in me would tuck into a porterhouse at Peter Luger Steakhouse. And lunchtime would mean a visit to Cipriani on West Broadway.

As tempting as it would be to lounge around my hotel room, my every whim and desire being attended to, getting out and about is non-negotiable. Securing car service (Rolls Royce limo preferably), visits to The Whitney on Madison Avenue and a private Champagne-fueled sunset cruise around the island are must-dos. And of course, nothing says decadence like high tea at The Plaza, a true blue New York City tradition. And when night falls, box seats to an opera at the Met or a concert at Carnegie Hall followed by cocktails at the Blue Note Jazz Club on West Third are absolutely on the agenda.

Then there are things that are so out of the realm of possibility on a standard vacation that, in this scenario, they seem required. Trying the $1,000 Golden Opulence Sundae at Serendipity III; hobnobbing with the city’s movers and shakers at the Marquee lounge; and maxing out a credit card or two along Madison Avenue. No city does luxury quite like New York; I can’t think of a better place to live it up on an uber luxurious vacation.

Of course, ask me tomorrow and I’ll probably have changed my mind. Maybe that safari or chalet in the Alps is the way to go?

Peter Rerig is a Senior Writer for Vacations.com.

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Locked in a powerful battle between the forces of nature the Ta Prohm monastery in Cambodia is a masterpiece of Gothic beauty.

Here a natural silence speaks volumes. It tells the tale of a long forgotten history. A history that saw temple inhabitants exiled and the temple left unattended and uncared for. Left to fend for itself, neighbouring trees began to penetrate the temple walls and foundations eventually permeating themselves into the temple’s architecture. This symbiotic relationship of nature and ancient masonry is a perfect example of the irony that is Cambodia. This iconic beauty is reason many consider this place to be one of the most beautiful habitats of all the luxury travel destinations in the world.

A small peaceful country in Southeast Asia, Cambodia borders Thailand, Vietnam and Laos. Ironically its sometimes violent past has been replaced with an embracing of the body, mind and spirit. Most of its current inhabitants practice some form of Buddhism.

Minutes away from these massive stone carved temples, nestled deep in this natural habitat is Amansara luxury resort. The resort was created by King Norodom Sihanouk in the sixties for entertaining many dignitaries and celebrities. Several transformations later it is one of the most sought after luxury resorts and spas in the world . A private garden compound, this 24 suite luxury resort with 12 pool side suites has the comfort and ambiance of a private home while it is ideally located for those wishing to explore Khmer culture and the ancient ruins of Angkor mere minutes away.

Open concepts, glassed walls and finishing’ of terrazzo and timber adds a modern feel to this ecological fortress. Its peaceful serenity reminds you that sometimes luxury is found not in what you do but how it makes you feel.

For the more adventurous type the resort offers custom fitted remorks with driver for guided tours of the nearby temples, yoga classes, swimming and magnificent spas treatments. Just like home the resort offers a variety of both Asian and Western cuisine.

Cambodia is definitely worth a second thought!

Jacque Busby is the CEO of Luxe Travel Deals.

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