A Luxury Travel Blog

As we get nearer and nearer to the Royal Wedding ceremony, media speculation about Kate Middleton’s dress is continuing to take centre stage.  Much less talked about has been where the newly-married couple will honeymoon.  Where do you think they will go, and what kind of honeymoon would be perfect for them and why?  Let’s have your comments… but please, no spammy suggestions recommending resorts that you represent!! (they won’t be approved!) Thanks – and to those of you following the event, enjoy the day!

Think of the Netherlands, and you’ll most likely think of clogs or windmills. Some may even think of Delftware, a blue and white tin-glazed pottery that dates back to the 16th Century, a heritage that the Dutch airline KLM has recognised for some time as for many years it has been giving out little blue Delft houses to passengers on business class flights (I know, I’ve had a few over the years!).

Now, in a rather curious campaign, KLM is embracing the 21st Century and has turned to its social media fans and followers and invited them to create a Delft blue tile showing their profile picture, along with a personal message, for use on a real Boeing 777-200. The campaign was launched yesterday and you can learn more or get involved at www.tileyourself.com

Driving up the heavily wooded and romantically shaded road, it’s easy to squint your eyes and be transported back in time to an age when elegant carriages traveled this same route, ushering Presidents and Kings, movie moguls and robber barons through Asheville and the North Carolina mountains. Then, suddenly, there it is in all its stately glory, soaring off its hilltop locale and bidding welcome through massive iron and stone gates. It’s Biltmore, the true American castle that has stood for more than a century as a monument to the wealth and luxury of the Gilded Age.

Built by George Washington Vanderbilt II between 1889 and 1895, Biltmore is the epitome of over-the-top luxury and indulgence fashioned after European models of self-sufficient working estates. With 250 rooms spread out over 175,000 square feet, no expense was spared in adornments and creature comforts, which include a 70,000 gallon indoor pool, bowling alley, exercise rooms, two-story library, elevators, forced-air heat, a comprehensive clock system, fire alarms, and even an intercom. Add in the myriad pieces of priceless art and tapestries and an inventory of furniture dating to the medieval era, and there’s little doubt as to the storied place the home holds in the history of the time.

The gardens at Biltmore are every bit as awe-inspiring as the house. Conceived and constructed by legendary landscape architect Frederick Law Olmsted, they unfold in French, English, and Italian styles both wild and tamed, beckoning visitors down hidden alleés and past centuries-old trees and second-to-none rose gardens. And in his interest of being self-sustaining, Vanderbilt added cattle, dairy, poultry, and vegetable farms and established a forestry program to manage the estate’s grounds.

Whereas the Chateau-inspired behemoth and it’s 8,000 acres of farmland, forest, and gardens sees nearly a million visitors a year, unbeknownst to many is that the property sports an inn and guest cottage, and it was my great privilege to spend a night there some years ago. A friend and I indulged our haute sensibilities and booked a room at the Inn on Biltmore Estate, and over the next 24 hours lived in luxury. On the perennial Conde Nast Gold list and a four-star honoree on Forbes Travel Guide, the stay was nothing short of spectacular, accented by fantastic meals culled from the estate’s gardens and farms, a multi-hour spa visit (for her), and the Land Rover Experience Driving School (for me).

We unfortunately didn’t have time for the wealth of other experiences and explorations—a horseback ride over the grounds or a bit of lazing by the pool—but we did stop on our way out at the Biltmore Winery (the former dairy barn) and had a quick tasting. We also decided on our next visit to spend some time at Antler Hill Village, where the former homes of Biltmore’s construction crews and farm workers have been re-imagined as a charming little shopping district where visitors can stroll through bookstores and peruse period reproductions of some of the mansion’s artisan treasures.

Like the Hearst Castle at San Simeon and the Gilded Age architectural treasures at Hyde Park and Newport, Biltmore exists to remind us of a time when billionaire dreamers could take a skies-the-limit approach to everything and anything they wished. And for the briefest of moments, we were alongside them, channeling their spirits and living the good life.

Peter Rerig is a Senior Writer for Vacations.com.

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CheckYourRoom.com is a new hotel booking site that lets you find and book a specific hotel room from a carefully handpicked collection of over 250 one-of-a-kind luxury and boutique hotel rooms in the world.

Travellers can search for a hotel room by destination, budget, feature, keyword or tag and they can book the specific room they see on the site, at the best available price.

The rooms featured on the site are all boutique and luxury hotel rooms in Europe, but the collection is expanding worldwide with new hotels and rooms being added on a weekly basis.

In addition, discerning travellers can take advantage of the Room Concierge service which offers personalized hotel room recommendations for any destination or budget. Ideal for business and leisure travellers who don’t have hours to spend researching and booking their hotel, the Room Concierge service provides tailor-made hotel reservation assistance.

Simply fill out the form that most corresponds to your travel profile (Leisure, Business, Family, or Couples) detailing your hotel and room requests and a concierge (an experienced hotel expert) will find the perfect match within their database of over 10,000 hotel rooms. For travelers who are looking for a hotel room that meets their expectations, the Room Concierge service is an efficient resource that helps travelers avoid unwelcome surprises at check-in.

Between now and the end of May, visitors to London Mayfair’s boutique 47 Park Street hotel and private Members’ club get two nights’ stay at a reduced rate plus a free bottle of Champagne and specially designed cupcakes.

The five-star 47 Park Street, Grand Residences by Marriott is offering visitors to London the special opportunity to spend two nights in a one-bedroom residence for the discounted rate of £339.00 (ex VAT) per night, between now and 31st May 2011. Guests will receive a bottle of Bouché Père & Fils champagne and Union Jack-decorated cupcakes, prepared by its in-house chef Jean-Louis Alexandre.

47 Park Street is Mayfair’s discreet boutique five-star hotel and private Members’ club, offering all the services and standards one would expect coupled with the ambience and comforts of a private home. Each residence is in fact an apartment with sitting room, kitchen, bathroom and bedroom, fully appointed with the accoutrements of a leading hotel. 47 Park Street’s 24-hour concierge has unrivalled local knowledge, and guests can also make use of 47 Park Street’s partnerships including leading day spa, Spa Illuminata.

Monaco is the perfect destination for jet-setting this Spring.  With the most exciting Formula One racing in years, this year’s Monaco Grand Prix is a ‘must’ for any racing fanatic.  The exclusive and stylish event takes place May 27th – 30th

Ladies – if you’re heading out to the Monaco Grand Prix with a true F1 enthusiast, allow your speed-hungry partner to become completely absorbed with the race as you escape the noise and unwind at the Fairmont Hotel’s Willow Stream Spa.  Located in one of Monaco’s finest hotels, this award winning spa is the perfect place to slip away for utter indulgence!

Located in one of the world’s most fabulous places and with its Mediterranean inspired surroundings, the Willow Stream Spa is a wonderfully unique.  Open until 9pm, the spa offers a hammam and eight private treatment rooms with steam showers and tubs.  I suggest unwinding in your own private retreat by experiencing an exfoliating salt scrub followed by a lavender and ylang ylang  whirlpool bath – heaven!  You can even experience a manicure and pedicure while watching the race!

The first-class spa offers an array of luxurious treatments, including their “Elements” ritual which involves a medicinal Moor mud wrap (earth), rejuvenating mineral bath (water), aromatherapy (air) and incredible warm massage (fire).  The “Monaco Power of the Sea” treatment includes a detoxifying sea algae body wrap, sea salt bath, luxurious facial and head massage.

The superb Fairmont pool is located on the roof terrace of the hotel, with amazing views of both the Mediterranean and of the race track (the hotel literally sits on the famous hair-pin bend!).  This is the perfect spot for basking in the Riviera sun, while sipping on a glass of chilled Champagne….

Naomi Whiteley works for Grand Tourist.

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The Gold Coast has some wonderful activities that can be enjoyed by the whole family. So once you’ve booked your accommodation, you may want to consider these suggestions for fun family activities that are sure to please the whole family!

• Take the family snorkeling
  The Gold Coast has some wonderful places to go snorkeling and if you’ve never done it before there are some great tours that teach you the basics and will take you to all of the best places for snorkeling in the region. Experience the underwater world like you never have before, and keep an eye out for dolphins and turtles which are often sighted frolicking in the waters.

• Take an Aquaduck Tour
  The Aquaduck allows you to experience the Gold Coast’s beautiful scenery and water without changing modes of transport. Beginning in the middle of Surfers Paradise the tour takes you on a journey to view the many beautiful beaches of the Gold Coast areas whilst paddling along the beachfront. A tour like no other, the kids are sure to love.

• Seaplane adventures
  Why not take in the Gold Coast from a completely different perspective and take a day tour on a seaplane? These scenic flights are something else and on a beautiful sunny day, you’ll think you’re in paradise. These tours offer you a chance to see parts of the Gold Coast you wouldn’t otherwise get a chance to, making them a great activity for the whole family to enjoy.

• Check out the native wildlife
  Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary is the leading native wildlife attraction providing you and your family with a chance to get up and personal with some of the countries most fascinating creatures and enjoy the beautiful coastal rainforest surrounds. There are 17 daily shows and many different displays. Plenty to keep the whole family entertained for hours.

  At night the Currumbin Wildlife Sanctuary comes alive with nocturnal animals and provides visitors with a Aussie BBQ dinner, night-time tour and an Aboriginal Corroboree show.  It really is a great place to go during the day or night!

• Kick back and relax on the beach- Many of the hotels and other forms of accommodation are just a short walk from the areas most famous beaches. Take a stroll along the waters edge and swim just before sunset. This is a great way to relax, unwind and simply enjoy the beauty of the pristine water and soft sand of the Gold Coasts infamous beaches.

There really are some great activities the whole family can enjoy whilst holidaying on the Gold Coast. From wildlife attractions, to theme parks and outdoor activities there is something for even the fussiest of travellers. I hope our tips for some of the best activities to be enjoyed on the Gold Coast has given you some inspiration for some of the fun things you and your family can enjoy, the next time you take a trip to the beautiful Gold Coast.

Mark James is Head of Marketing at Travel Insuranz.

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The celebrated Icelandic music festival Aldrei fór ég suður will take place on 22nd and 23rd April 2011 in Ísafjörður, on Iceland’s West Fjords, and you are invited to attend via a live stream at www.inspiredbyiceland.com. Aldrei fór ég suður is a music festival unlike any other: located practically at the end of the world, in a town nestled among precipitous mountain slopes, the festival brings together local bands with the biggest names on the Icelandic music scene. Since its inception in 2004 the event has been run on a volunteer basis by Ísafjörður residents. Entrance to all events is free, and this year they are adding a live online stream to give music fans the world over a chance to take part. Lonely Planet named Aldrei fór ég suður as one of the three most interesting happenings around the world in April in its Best of Travel 2011 round up.

Looking for something a little bit different and not just another hotel? Perhaps Tripadvisor’s list of the top 10 unusual vacation rentals will tempt you…

1. Unique Hilltop Windmill Rental, Odemira, Portugal
2. Hawaii Volcano Genuine Treehouse, Volcano, HI
3. My Sedona Place – Unique Dome Home, Sedona, AZ
4. SUITABLE DIGS…cool green lodgings, Santa Fe, NM
5. 1926 C&O Caboose, Natural Bridge, VA
6. Chalet Tropical Crazy Cottages, Las Galeras, Dominican Republic
7. The White Elephant Floating Inn, Boston, MA
8. ModernCottage, Garden Bay, Canada
9. Anna Maria Island Private Tropical Garden Home, Holmes Beach, FL
10. 18′x86′ Houseboat for Weekend Rentals, Knoxville, TN

Which one gets your vote?

Of all the luxury destinations in the world Turtle Island Fiji rates amongst the top most romantic and beautiful holiday sites in the world. This intimate and welcoming island nestled in the turquoise waters of the Pacific Ocean is part of a dream world, in which you can forget all the stress and turmoil of the world you left behind.

You can either arrive on the island and stay at one of the exclusive resorts or indeed rent the entire island to ensure the utmost privacy during your stay. Whichever formula you choose, the staff on the island will ensure that all your needs are looked after. A dedicated person known as the Bure Mama is your personal liaison with the island’s activities and arrangements. The Bure Mama will make sure you have everything you need to make your holiday a perfect and exclusive experience.

Turtle Island is located in the Yasawa Island group on in the northwest of Fiji. The island’s surface area is of 500 acres bordered by pristine white beaches and coral-rich turquoise waters. The island is actually privately owned and the local staff is composed of the friendliest people on Earth, reflecting the typical Fiji’s nature and culture.

Not only is Turtle Island the most welcoming place in the world, it has also been awarded and classified as being a location of sustainable tourism. This island resort is both a luxury site and takes care to preserve the delicate balance between Nature and Man.

Turtle Island offers a perfect place in which to plunge into adventurous escapades and relax in a paradisiacal environment of peace and privacy. The island is a couples’ only resort all year round except on occasions when it is rented in its integrity and families are invited. This guarantees total privacy and tranquility.

The lodgings on Turtle Island are traditional two-roomed thatched cottages, which were handcrafted by the local people. These beautifully hand-woven vaulted ceilings and wooden floors come with king-sized beds, Jacuzzis and sweeping verandas.

If you are feeling energetic you can take advantage of the many outdoor activities on the island, which include snorkeling, scuba diving, sport fishing, kayaking, horseback riding, hiking and biking. For those of you who prefer a more relaxed vacation you can take some wonderful garden and island tours, picnic escapades as well as enjoy relaxing therapies such as massage sessions.

The evenings on Turtle Island offer exclusive settings, with candle-lit dinners and festive parties. If you wish for a romantic twosome dinner, take advantage of the special ambience on the Turtle’s floating dock, expressly designed for a romantic “tête à tête”. The island cuisine specializes in fresh seafood, first quality Australian beef and fresh prime fruit accompanied by world-renowned wines and Champagnes.

Turtle Island offers ideal temperatures all year round with an average of 83° F/28°C during June to September, which is winter on the island and 88°F/31°C from December to March, summertime on the island. Summer months can bring rainy weather and more humidity although evenings are cooler.

Turtle Island is a dream vacation whichever month you choose to stay, for there are few other sites in the world that can boast such a luxurious ambience in an eco-friendly tropical setting.

Alina Christy is Editor of Best Travel Store.

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Will Bolsover has worked in travel and Africa for the past 15 years. Starting out as a teacher in the remotewestern region of Kenya, he went on to study French and African and Asian Studies at Sussex University then worked as a safari guide in numerous African destinations. Six years ago, he set up the luxury touroperator, World Primate Safaris based in Brighton, Sussex. Since then, the company – Natural World Safaris – has expanded into other wildlife niches, namely World Big Cat Safaris and World Bear Safaris.

What is it that you do exactly?

That is what I love about my job…day to day I do so many different things.

I get an early start, dropping off my son at nursery, followed by a walk along the beach with Sprokit the dog. Once in the office, the main focus of my work nowadays revolves around developing new products, but this involves so many different job descriptions.

In the first instance, the ground work must be done and this involves experiencing the product. For example, launching World Bear Safaris involved a lot of travel to various bear haunts throughout 2010. From there, I build a website, work on SEO and launch the experience to our clients. Usually we develop a new product on the back of client demand so feedback from clients is always gratefully received.

Managing a company such as Natural World Safaris is a forever changing job role and aside from developing new products my daily routine can include anything from assisting the sales team with enquiries, training our consultants on destination knowledge, and updating websites to liaising with our in country staff and ensuring a quality experience to our client base.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

Liaising with clients is a personal favourite. Receiving feedback from clients that have travelled with us in the past and who have had a thoroughly enjoyable and unique experience makes the long days worthwhile. Client satisfaction and providing a truly quality experience are the foundations of the company.

What would you say are the 3 best places you’ve ever stayed?

Zarafa Camp – a truly exclusive luxury camp based in the private Selinda concession in Botswana. With only 4 luxury tents, private plunge pools and exclusive high class game viewing, Zarafa Camp is hard to beat.

Sabyinyo Silverback Lodge – a luxury lodge located in the foothills of the Virunga Volcanoes. Stunning views across the valleys and countryside of Rwanda and the ideal place from where to set off on one of the best wildlife experiences there is…gorilla tracking.

Anjajavy – located in a private nature reserve on the north west coast of Madagascar this lodge offers comfort at the same time as a remote wilderness experience. You have sifakas (a type of lemur) dancing across the lawns, sandy beaches and a tropical climate.

What’s been your most memorable dining experience to date?

A meal with my father at the George V in Paris in celebration of my upcoming marriage to my now wife Ciara. Are there really that many different olive oils…?!

Have you rubbed shoulders with the rich and famous, either through your work or your travels?

Surely this is a trick question?! Yes…but as a company we would never reveal who, where or when.

What currently ranks highest on your travel wish list?

Even though I have been to Botswana numerous times it is still up there. Otherwise, the Osa Peninsula in Costa Rica, a return trip to Ningaloo Reef in Western Australia. As to travel gadgets, a Nikon 200-400mm lens is very tempting…

Thank you for a fascinating insight into your world, Will, and we hope your safari business goes from strength to strength. Great name for a dog, by the way!

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If you are a true golf aficionado, a golfing holiday at one of Europe’s luxury golf resorts would be a dream come true. There you can golf the same fairways that have challenged some of the world’s golf legends, fine tune your game, sample some of the best cuisine the region has to offer and relax in luxurious surroundings. Here are five of the top luxury golf resorts that Europe has to offer.

The Turnberry Hotel and Golf Resort on the southwest coast of Scotland

Set on a rugged stretch of coastline overlooking the Atlantic, this resort boasts one of Europe’s must-play golf courses, The Turnberry Alisa, along with the somewhat less challenging Turnberry Kintyre course. The resort has recently added a spa and golf academy. The stately, historic hotel underwent a complete renovation in 2009 and offers exceptional dining and everything you would expect from a five-star facility.

The K Club in County Kildare near Dublin, Ireland

Set on the banks of the River Liffey with stunning views of the surrounding countryside, the resort offers two world class eighteen-hole courses designed by the legendary Arnold Palmer, the Palmer Ryder Cup course and the Palmer Smurfit course. The resort features opulent five-star accommodations in an elegant country manor or self-catering villas, a golf academy, a driving range, a luxurious spa, excellent service and cuisine, and will even provide you with a personal chef if you so desire.

The La Bretesche Resort on the west coast of France

Set on the grounds of the majestic Château of La Bretesche, the resort’s eighteen-hole woodlands course winds around the fairy-tale Château. You can opt to stay in the five-star luxury of the resort’s hotel, where you’ll be treated to gourmet cuisine prepared by their Michelin starred chefs, or choose one of their self-catering cottages. While staying at La Bretesche, you may also want to book a tee time at one of the three courses at the nearby La Baule resort.

The Penha Longa Hotel, Spa and Golf Resort in Lisbon, Portugal

Reminiscent of a Moorish palace, the resort’s pink edifice sits on a hillside overlooking two eighteen-hole golf championship golf courses, set amongst lush gardens, rolling hills, sparkling lakes and a 14th century monastery. Recently refurbished, the resort offers elegant accommodations, a fully equipped fitness centre, indoor and outdoor pools, tennis and squash courts, and five restaurants.

The Abama Golf and Spa Resort on the island of Tenerife, Spain

With panoramic views of the Atlantic Ocean and the nearby island of La Gomera, this resort features a world-class golf course set amid waterfalls, twenty-two lakes, thousands of palm trees, and white sand bunkers. Considered to be a masterpiece in design, the course can prove challenging to even the best golfers. This huge resort offers the ultimate in luxury and amenities including ten dining rooms, three bars, seven swimming pools plus two natural pools, an exclusive beach, a spa and fitness centre and both tennis and golf academies. The resort also offers action-packed fun for your children aged three to twelve, at Club Abami as well as a babysitting service for children under three.

Peter Connan is Director of PackYourClubs.com.

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In the early morning mist, with a languid calm settling over the Live Oaks dripping with Spanish moss, a strange sound in the distance roused me from sleep. Having spent enough time in the heart of the South Carolina Lowcountry, I immediately recognized the stirrings of an alligator clambering up a muddy bank on the May River. Heading out to the screened porch of my private cottage, cup of coffee in hand, I settled into a chair and let the aura of this place envelop me. This was the solace I’d been looking for.

Good things come to those who wait— as the old saying goes — and I had waited a long time for the opportunity to spend a weekend at The Inn at Palmetto Bluff Resort, a multiple-award winning property in the small-but-growing town of Bluffton, the gateway to Hilton Head Island. In 2010, the Auberge resort garnered three honors from Travel + Leisure magazine, including number one spa resort and number one for service in the U.S. and Canada. And after a few hours here, it was wholly evident that those distinctions were well earned.

To begin with, the rooms and cottages are nothing short of spectacular. High-end linens, fireplaces, steam showers, garden tubs, the aforementioned private porches with lagoon and river views, vaulted ceilings, plasma television—it’s all just a little slice of perfect. And at more than 1,100 square feet, I admit I was feeling a bit guilty having it all to myself. But I had snagged a great deal, thanks to a promotional package that gave me three nights for price of two—still expensive, but well worth the splurge.

Wandering over to the main clubhouse, I popped into the May River Grill for a quick breakfast on the outdoor terrace, which proved to be anything but quick as I was quickly absorbed by the pristine fairway views of the May River Golf Club. Finally tearing myself away while lamenting the fact that I didn’t bring my clubs, I headed back to the reception area to await the guide that would take me on a three-hour historic Bluffton excursion, which began with a boat ride across the river and took in centuries-old homes and churches, oyster warehouses, and visits to some local artisan galleries. A similar tour of nearby Daufuskie Island was also available, and I planned to give it a whirl on my (hopefully) my next visit.

The next day brought a completely different set of activities. It was time to go natural, and I started with a guided kayak fishing trip through the meandering creeks and marshes surrounding the resort. A few caught-and-released redfish later, I was happily tucked into an Atlantic Salmon burger and salad at Buffalos, a popular gathering place for the permanent residents of “the Bluff.” After a late-day run along some of the nature trails crisscrossing the property, I settled in for the night, eager for the next day’s explorations.

Although I’m not really into spa services for reasons which I myself don’t completely understand, I took a “when in Rome” attitude and booked the “20^th Hole” gentleman’s treatment at the resort’s spa, which included a nice long steam followed by a deep tissue sports massage. Feeling both relaxed and energized, it was over to the River House’s heated pool with book in hand, where I spent the majority of the afternoon. Dinner was with some new friends at the Canoe Club, where I feasted on a Shrimp and Grits Martini and Ahi steak, capped with a couple glasses of Pinot.

It’s no great surprise that I didn’t want to leave the next morning, but the deadlines of the real world were calling. However, I was sated by the fact that I’d finally captured the experience of Lowcountry luxury I’d been pining for. I’d seen a lot and missed even more at Palmetto Bluff, but that’s a good reason to get back as soon as possible.

Peter Rerig is a Senior Writer for Vacations.com.

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In a bid no doubt to build awareness for its members, Great Hotels of the World has revealed its holiday hotspot predictions for Summer 2011 based on searches made on their site.

1. Tenerife, Spain

The Canary Island of Tenerife is a firm favourite with holiday makers and continues to be one of the most searched-for destinations on the site and with good reason too. Year-round good weather and great value for money makes it an ideal holiday location for couples and families. Searches for Tenerife are up by over 20% in the first three months of 2011 in comparison to the same period last year.

Where to stay: Gran Hotel Bahia del Duque Resort, Tenerife, Spain

2. Marrakech, Morocco

Marrakech is fast becoming a must-see city. Still enjoying increased popularity from last year’s Sex & the City 2 movie, it is now a popular city break destination. With low-cost carriers now offering flights and just a few hours from Europe, this strikingly different, fascinating city makes an ideal holiday hotspot and features highly in the most-searched for cities.

Where to stay: La Sultana, Marrakech, Morocco

3. The Algarve, Portugal

Climbing in to the top ten most searched for destinations in 2011, the Algarve continues to be an affordable yet exciting holiday destination. Stretching across the entire southern coastline of Portugal, the Algarve boasts some of Europe’s most attractive and cleanest beaches, many leisure attractions, beautiful landscapes and year-round sunshine.

Where to stay: Vale d’Oliveiras Quinta Resort & Spa, Algarve, Portugal

4. The Costa Blanca, Spain

With frequent and affordable flights and convenient transport links to nearby resorts such as Alicante, Calpe and Benidorm, the Costa Blanca has all the ingredients for the ideal Spanish beach getaway. Searches for the region on the Great Hotels website have always been high and are up 10% in 2011 in comparison to 2010 – with a great variety of hotels and offers available, this trend is forecast to continue.

Where to stay: AR Diamante Beach SPA Hotel & Convention Centre, Calpe, Spain

5. Greek Islands

The Greek Islands are an old favourite amongst sun seekers and after a brief downturn in recent years they are firmly back on the map as a holiday hotspot for 2011. Crete, Mykonos, Rhodes and Santorini in particular are popular searches on the Great Hotels website as well as island hopping itineraries thanks to the frequent and convenient ferry connections.

Where to stay: Cavo Tagoo, Mykonos, Greece

6. Antalya, Turkey

Until recently a large number of tourists flocked to the south-western resorts of Turkey, however more and more people are now venturing East to resorts including Antalya. With palm tree-lined streets, parks, restaurants, bars, nightclubs, a beautiful marina and a wide variety of stunning accommodation, Antalya has it all and is sure to be a holiday hotspot this summer season.

Where to stay: Gloria Serenity Resort, Belek, Antalya, Turkey

7. Buzios, Brazil

Searches for the stunning Brazilian beach resort of Buzios have risen by over 20% in the first three months of 2011 in comparison to the same period last year. A few hours’ drive east of Rio, this formerly quiet fishing village has emerged as a chic and lively yet relaxed seaside resort and for the moment can still be considered as one of Brazil’s hidden gems.

Where to stay: Casas Brancas Boutique Hotel & Spa, Buzios, Brazil

8. Florence, Italy

The traditionally popular city break destination of Florence is still featuring high on searches for summer 2011. Full of charm and character, the cultural gem of Tuscany appeals to those who are less interested in beaches and partying and has so much to offer with stunning architecture, galleries, museums, art and shopping.

Where to stay: Monsignor della Casa Country Resort, Tuscany, Italy

9. Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s varied offerings make it an ideal destination that’s fast becoming a popular holiday hotspot and is on many travellers’ to-do lists. With beautiful unspoilt beaches, tea plantations, lush vegetation, a plethora of wildlife and a great variety of accommodation to suit all budgets, the Indian Ocean island offers excellent value for money and something a different than the usual beach break.

Where to stay: Saman Villas, Bentota, Sri Lanka

10. Iceland

Despite the famous volcano ash cloud disaster, Iceland is now becoming a popular holiday destination as tourists flock to see the landscape’s post-eruption transformation as well as the eruption site itself. The area now also has a museum and visitor centre. What a difference 12 months makes…

Where to stay: Hotel Ranga, Sudurlandsvegur, Iceland

Florida is home to Disneyland, Universal Studios and some of the most luxurious beaches in the world with over mile long stretches of glorious white sands being lapped up by sparkling blue oceans. When it comes to accommodation in Florida, we have found the 5 most luxurious hotels/rental properties money can buy, to enjoy your trip to Florida in style.

Miami Beach Hotel

The Miami Beach Hotel is, as the name would suggest, planted on the doorstep of the crystal blue Atlantic Ocean and sugar-sand beach. This top class hotel has 18 floors of luxurious rooms which look out onto the ocean. The hotel is perfectly situated a short distance from Miami Beach Boardwalk and the pulsing nightlife of South Beach with easy access to Downtown Miami. They also provide fantastic watersports activities in the Beachfront Aqua Sports Centre where you can enjoy intense jet skiing and parasailing.

Sanibel Hotel

The Sanibel Hotel perfectly displays what a dream holiday is all about. Based along four acres of swaying palm trees and golden sands, the setting of this glorious hotel is quite literally to die for. If you are looking for a luxurious holiday with tranquillity and calmness as the main themes, then the Sanibel Hotel, set against the Gulf of Mexico, is just what you are looking for.

Hilton Clearwater Beach Hotel

Also situated along the Gulf of Mexico, the Clearwater Beach Hotel is perfectly situated overlooking one of the world’s most scenic, white-sand beaches. This hotel is perfect for planning a luxurious holiday or business meeting amongst mouth-watering scenery. They really have pulled out all the stops in the 425 guest rooms. With access to 10 acres of golden-white sandy beaches, two heated beachside pools and Jacuzzi you really are spoilt for choice. Among the standard available water sports, you can also try your hand at ‘wave running’ here.

Casa Marina

The Casa Marina is a luxury hotel set in the Key West area and is a local landmark with it being listed in the National Register for Historic Places. Since the 1920’s the Key West area has attracted business tycoons and other famous people. From here you can get to the historic ‘Old Town’ and also sample the nightlife of the nearby Duval Street. Located on the largest private beach in Key West, and with 311 guest rooms, the Casa Marina Hotel offers everything you could want with access to world-class water sports including diving in Americas only living barrier reef.

Sundial Beach and Golf Resort

Situated off the South Coast of Florida, on Sanibel Island, this premier resort offers its customers the beautiful tropical paradise of glistening shell-strewn beaches and first class golfing and tennis facilities. If you fancy a break from the golf, there are also a host of different water sports available! With good access to Fort Myers and The Dunes Golf and Tennis Club, this is the perfect getaway holiday if you want to jet off with your golf clubs and enjoy the exquisite surroundings and gorgeous weather.

Ricky Grant is Editor of Kissimmee Hotels.

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I’m not sure what makes a hotel a ‘hidden gem’ as a considerable number in the list that follows are to be found in major European cities. That aside, here’s the top 10 hidden gem hotels according to Tripadvisor. (They don’t actually say ‘Europe’s top 10′ but since all of them are in Europe (in fact, they’re all in Western Europe), we assume that’s what they meant.)

1. Club Maritimo de Sotogrande, Sotogrande, Spain
2. Hotel Recamier, Paris, France
3. Residenza Del Moro, Florence, Italy
4. Hotel Geiger, Hopfen am See, Germany
5. Kreta Natur, Crete, Greece
6. Storfjord Hotel, More og Romsdal, Norway
7. Hotel Indigo London Tower Hill, London, England
8. The Old Convent, Clogheen, Ireland
9. Hotel Seven one Seven, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
10. Bonobo Apart Hotel, Bruges, Belgium