A Luxury Travel Blog

A new campaign offers a chance to win a trip to Scandinavia, or an iPad2, through a website devoted to bringing local passion for the Nordic region to US tourists. The website showcases the personal travel stories of well-known Nordic celebrities, as well as Scandinavian locals, with the hope of inspiring U.S. travelers to plan a visit.

Centred around the stories of the celebrities, the travel descriptions and insight into lesser known locations throughout Scandinavia is the campaign’s way of digging deep beyond the content of traditional travel guides and vacation websites, in order to give prospective visitors a more organic taste of the Nordic experience.

The contest is simple to enter: go to facesofscandinavia.com to enter to win two roundtrip tickets to your destination of choice (choosing between Denmark, Norway, Sweden or Finland) and, while on the site, you may also enter to win an iPad 2.

The phrase ‘luxury camping’ will sound like a contradiction to many people, but it really does depend which camp you are in.

Most luxury holiday destinations around the world have this much in common; a rare natural beauty, a scarcity of people traffic and noise, a preponderance of greenery, fresh air, and fine food and drink. Well, there is nothing on that list that you can’t find when camping.

What could be more luxurious than basking in nature’s glory? Its beauty surpasses the finest art, and the majesty of an inspiring landscape reveals the most extravagant architecture as little more than a temporary sandcastle. Far from the concert halls, starched collars and pricey tickets, agile and skilled birdsong trumps the most epic symphony. It floats through the air, bewitching and free, so effortless and without the burdensome weight of the human artist’s neediness.

Most things described as luxury are more natural than their poorer cousins.

You only have to look at the typically leafy suburbs and huge gardens of the wealthy to realise that luxury living often means being closer to nature and more surrounded by its beauty than those without the means. This fact is also reflected in where we go on holiday; the same poor souls whose families are doomed to lifetimes of financial hardship take their holidays in cheap concrete resorts, and go home to unnatural surroundings. Their worlds are full of dirty grey streets, air pollution and brutal architecture. This relationship extends to our clothing decor and furniture, with fake wood, plywood, polyester and plastic rubbish looking cheap and ugly next to the beautiful antique hardwood furniture, real crystal chandeliers and glassware, silk sheets, velvet curtains, leather shoes, sofas and cotton suits of nature’s bounty.

Oh, and let’s not forget food & drink. It is clear from all these, and many more examples of nature’s comparative luxury that nothing could be more luxurious than living right in the heart of it and ideally sleeping under the stars. I know which camp I am in.

But, it’s rarely the camping itself that put people off this noble pastime. More likely the bits in their coffee, finding the toilets in the middle of the night, or spending several days and nights wet to the skin. Maybe it was the insects gnawing flesh, or the thunderstorm that blew their tent apart. Maybe the drunken, arguing large family with 3 portable TV’s camping next door who didn’t go to a godforsaken concrete hotel complex in Ibiza? But don’t complain, oh no.

Even if you are not the sort to join me in a wild camping adventure far from nowhere, you may be pleasantly surprised by the new breed of luxury camping holiday pitching up in green spots all around the world. Their higher price tags might not entirely shelter you from some of the symptoms of life under canvas, but many will go a long way.

Camp Kerala on the borders of Glastonbury Festival could be one such camping destination, although I doubt even their £7000 price tag can protect you from the weather or the pop music. For a luxury camping experience that’s sure to change your perception of what life in a tent can be, head to Mille Etoiles, near La Bastide de Virac in Ardèche where your private yurt awaits. If you don’t call your four-poster bed in a beautifully appointed yurt set in the heart of an ancient French oak forest luxurious…

Then I give up.

Peter Richards is a Digital Marketing Manager at Tropical Sky.

If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

Bali is located in the westernmost end of the Lesser Sunda Islands and a part of Indonesia. The country has a population of over 3.5 million people and is a hot tourist destination for travelers around the world. The weather in Bali makes the island a popular destination, particularly when it’s cool at home. The average temperature on Bali is in the mid- to upper-80s all year long making it the perfect getaway.  There are many choices of accommodation on the island and here are the top 5:

1 Jimbaran Puri Bali

A luxury resort hotel, the resort offers the perfect romantic getaway. Individual cottages and villas promise privacy and the generous views of the sea promise relaxation. There are only 41 cottages at the resort making it small enough that you feel like you’re on your own island yet spacious enough that you’ll never run out of things to do.

2 Viceroy Bali

Villas at Viceroy offer private pools, European fittings and Balinese architectural features. With marble floors and luxurious furnishings, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a tiny corner of heaven. A private helipad is located only meters from the main lobby making arrivals and departures extremely convenient.

3 Ubud Hanging Gardens

38 luxury villas, each with their own heated, infinity pool, will relax you into submission. Set in the forest, the experience and memories you take away from the resort will be like none other. Visit the spa for a full-body massage after a long, activity filled day and you’ll sleep like a baby.

4 Amandari

There may be no other resort that brings such a feel of the island. Made with materials local to Ubud, by craftsmen living in the area, you will feel at home in the peaceful surroundings. Each of the 30 suites is privately walled with their own gardens. Located near the art community of Ubud, traveling artists will fall in love with this resort as soon as they step foot on the grounds.

5 Amankila

34 free-standing beach houses sit on a cliff overlooking the Lombok Straits. Special suites at the resort have their own, private pools and other guests are treated to a 3-tiered pool seen nowhere else. The resort is located on a private beach and offers excellent snorkeling and diving opportunities for the adventurous tourist.

No matter where you decide to stay on the island, you’re sure to have the holiday of a lifetime. Miles of beach, seaside cliffs and tropical forests offer relaxing scenery. Bali weather will guarantee sunny days and warm nights, perfect if you are looking for a tropical vacation destination. Treat yourself to luxury in one of these top five resorts; you’ll not have a better holiday anywhere.

Shon Siemonek is Owner of Bali Traveller.

If you would like to be interviewed on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

Tragic news is coming from one of Kabul’s most closely-guarded hotels.  Apparently the Intercontinental Kabul – a hotel popular with Westerners – has come under attack from gunmen and suicide bombers.  The Taliban have claimed responsibility and at least 10 people are reported dead. Although Kabul has been relatively stable for some time, violence and disruption in the city has increased since the death of Osama bin Laden.

Mery Calderon is the founder and President of Kuoda Travel, a tour operator that pioneered private luxury travel in Peru. Born and educated in Cusco, she is an expert in the Andean region and has shown countless guests the majesty of Machu Picchu and the warmth of Peruvian culture.

After growing up in her mother’s souvenir shop and earning her degree in tourism, Mery went on to supervise operations for the leading luxury properties and tour operators in Peru. An epiphany struck after watching her high-end guests being herded onto a group tour bus: travellers electing to stay in the best hotel in Cusco should have access to private guides, private transportation and a much more personalized experience. Thus, Kuoda Travel was born. Ever since, Mery has dedicated herself to the growth of her company via providing flawless operations and impeccable friendly customer service.

What is it that you do exactly?

If we have guests in Cusco, my priority is visiting them. I make it a point to know every guest by name. Sometimes I meet guests at the airport or check in with them at their hotel. I like to personally know how they feel about Peru, South America and their travel experience overall. And, I love to promote my country. Whether a guest is traveling with us or someone else, as long as they enjoy Peru, I am happy.

When I return to the office, I answer emails and then check in with our Travel Designers, who create the client itineraries. I answer questions and make suggestions. I have daily meetings with our Operations Supervisor and we discuss all guests currently in the country. Perhaps we’ve just learned that a particular traveler loves music – we’ll then work together to find ways to include a concert or private music lesson in his itinerary.

I also keep in touch with our suppliers (guides, hotels, restaurants, etc.) on a daily basis. My goal is to learn something new about what I can offer my guests each day.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

As a young woman, career aptitude tests showed that I should be an engineer, but I loved meeting people from other places and so I went into tourism. It’s the same today – I love meeting people from all around the world. I also love seeing how life-changing trips can be or how special. For example, sometimes a trip is the only time a family can really spend together. We had a family travel with us last year. Now their 15 year old son is coming back to spend two weeks volunteering with us and learning Spanish. One guest, after traveling with us, asked us to find local organizations and projects to support, and I was so proud that we had inspired him and that he put this trust in us. I love when people come as visitors and leave as friends. Many guests keep in touch and have even hosted me in their home countries.

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

I love hotels with history and personality. For example, one of the best places I’ve ever stayed was the Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica in Peru’s Amazon rainforest. Inkaterra is the pioneer in Peruvian eco-tourism and they combine incredible knowledge and attention to detail with comfort and luxury. I learned so much about sustainable tourism while I stayed there, and falling asleep to the sounds of the jungle is incredible.

Another wonderful place is the Mansion Del Angel in Quito, Bolivia. It simply feels like romance – the hotel for honeymooners. This is a boutique situated in a colonial mansion. There are just six rooms so you feel like you are a guest in someone’s beautiful home. It is so friendly and peaceful – just perfect.

Finally, I would say the Quinua Villa Boutique in Cusco, Peru. It’s not as luxurious as the Inkaterra La Casona, but the owner – an Italian historian – has given each of the five boutique apartments a personality, so the experience of staying there feels very personal.

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

I would have to say a late afternoon lunch in the MAP café in Cusco. This is the café of the Museo de Arte Pre Colombino, which is basically a modern glass box snuggled in a corner of the beautiful colonial courtyard of the museum. The food is impeccable – delicious Peruvian classics, like ceviche or creamy Aji de Gallina (juicy chicken breast in a creamy spicy sauce), served with modern precision. It is essential to relax, let the fabulous wait staff take care of you and enjoy one of Peru’s best pisco sours! What I love is that despite the modern ambiance and the world-class food, MAP never loses the feeling of being an intimate, friendly café. Plus, you can visit the museum before or after your meal, which is truly one of Cusco’s best.

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

Our guests are highly accomplished individuals. We’ve had everyone from well-known writers, to perfume designers to presidents of large corporations to retired school teachers. That said, I must adhere to our policy of privacy and discretion when it comes to our clients.

I will say that I was visiting Cusco’s Monasterio Hotel one afternoon when I was told Richard Gere was in town. That was quite thrilling!

What currently ranks highest on your travel wish list?

I very much want to visit Patagonia right now. It sounds so pristine, intriguing and magical. And while I’m passing through Argentina, I would love to learn to dance tango.

Thank you for taking part in our interview, Mery. We don’t usually get to cover South America as much as we’d like on A Luxury Travel Blog, so it’s been wonderful to enjoy some of your insights.

If you would like to be interviewed on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

The Hotel Cipriani Restaurant, Copacabana Palace, Avenida Atlantica

Back in the 1920s, when Brazil was a favoured retreat for Hollywood stars and European royalty, there was only one place to stay for the jet-set holidaying in Rio: the Copacabana Palace. This beautiful Art Deco hotel, while now dwarfed by newer buildings, still stands out on the Avenida Atlantica for its air of luxurious grandeur, and it is also still the showcase hotel of Rio. You would naturally expect this standard of hotel to host a leading restaurant and the Copacabana Palace has a peach, playing host to the Hotel Cipriani Restaurant. The head chef here is Francesco Carli, who previously worked at the Hotel Cipriani in Venice, from where the restaurant takes its name. He has brought many of the famous dishes from the Venice hotel with him to Rio and when you dine here you can expect to be served the very finest in North Italian cuisine.

Sample dishes:
Quail tortelloni cooked in its own sauce with shiimeji and Taleggio cream
Veal cutlet flavoured with truffles, “baroa” noisette potato and sautéed artichokes

Casa de Arte e Cultura Julieta de Serpa, 3410 Praia do Flamengo

The story goes that during the 1910s, a husband wanted to give his wife the most beautiful house in Rio and the resulting mansion now forms the Casa de Arte e Cultura Julieta de Serpa. Whether the story is true or not, we can certainly say that the cuisine on offer in the restaurant here matches the elegance of the surroundings perfectly. Chef Elizeu Ferreira serves up cuisine in a classic French style but with distinctly Brazilian ingredients such as coconut-crusted grilled salmon with Sicilian lemon risotto whilst the on-site pâtissier Maurício Ferreira ensures the fine-dining experience extends onto the dessert menu. The wine is treated with just as much respect as the food here and sommelier João Souza has chosen some 200 labels which he feels harmonizes with Ferreira’s creations.

Sample dishes:
Lamb carré in a spice sauce with aracacha mousseline
Magret de canard in a Port sauce with Grana Padano risotto

Sushi Leblon, 256 Rua Dias Ferreira

Something you might not realise about Brazil before your visit is the Japanese influence on the country. Many immigrants from Japan have learnt to call Brazil home and this means that you can get some of the best sushi here outside of Japan. In Rio there is one place on everyone’s lips when it comes to Japanese food: Sushi Leblon. At this small restaurant you will find exquisitely delicate creations made with great care by the expert chefs that work here. But do get here early as the queue to get in starts to build throughout the night as people clamour to get their hands on the decorative treats on offer.

Sample dishes:
Tuna roll with foi gras
Salmon crunch sashimi

Carlota, 64 Rua Dias Ferreira

When the first Carlota opened in Sao Paulo, it caused quite a stir with its mix of Brazilian, Portuguese and Asian cuisines and after winning such high-praise from no less than the New York Times, a Carlota sprung up in the Leblon district of Rio de Janeiro. For those looking for an intimate dining experience it’s at the top of the tree, and as well as superb cuisine, you can expect a warm, welcoming atmosphere here, perhaps down to the fact that its owners Carla and Fernando Pernambuco started their culinary career by running a friendly deli in Sao Paulo.

Sample dishes:
Manioc and creamy shrimp pan-fried cakes in banana leaf
Grilled smoked magret with caramelised orange sauce and petit cassoulet

Espirito Santa, 264 Rua Almirante Alexandrino

Fine-dining Brazilian style! Espirito Santa is where you want to come to get a taste of the real Brazil. Here you’ll be served piranha, para crabs from North-east Brazil and some delectable moquecas. Not only is the food here outstanding but the location too. Found in the Santa Teresa district of the city, the streets here are lined with trendy shops and galleries all built into the beautiful colonial houses that still line the streets in this neighbourhood. The district can be easily reached by the old tram from the Centro district and a trip to Espirito Santa can easily be combined with a day out in Santa Teresa. Of course, if you’re lucky enough to be staying in one of Santa Teresa’s boutique hotels, which fill the old plantation mansions here, then Espirito Santa is great place to have on your doorstep for a casual but upmarket dinner.

Sample dishes:
Marinated pork ribs, fried and garnished with caramelized onions; served with yam puree and graviola (Amazonian fruit) chutney
Filet of Tilapia with heart of palm stuffing, baked and served in banana leaves, with cream of banana scented with Amazonian ginger

Dan Clarke is a Director at Real World Holidays Ltd.

If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

Sunrise on the Isle of Palms brings the calls of seagulls and sandpipers, backdropped by gentle waves lapping the soft sand. Before long, those tunes of nature are accented by the squeals of kids running across the beautiful swaths of sands, screaming in delight as they dart in and out of the water and plan their next sandcastle masterpiece. Later, the sounds of golf carts motoring up and down the quiet, palmetto-lined streets signal the beginning of the day’s rounds, as seasoned pros and amateur duffers seek to tackle the island’s coast-framed courses. Then the familiar “thwack” of tennis balls punctuates the air, as early birds hit the courts for few sets before summer’s oppressive heat kicks in. This is life at Wild Dunes Resort, a slice of heaven on the South Carolina coast, just a stone’s throw away from downtown Charleston.

A relative newcomer among high-end vacation/live communities in the region, Wild Dunes has nonetheless built a considerable reputation over the past three decades. As recently as 1972, the tip of the Isle of Palms where the resort now rests was little more than a scattering of post-World War II housing set amidst brackish ponds and coastal forest. Yet out of those humble environs grew a complex that now tops perennial “best of” lists, from golf to tennis to dining to beach scenes.

Wild Dunes offers the casual vacationer or extended-stay resident ample choices for lodgings, from private home rentals to townhouses and beachside villas. Presently, the resort sports two AAA Four Diamond properties: the Boardwalk Inn and the newly opened Village at Wild Dunes. Both offer luxurious rooms running the gamut from penthouse suites with superb service and sophistication to multi-room suites with kitchens and water views. The Village also recently completed work on the Plaza, which hosts an upscale market with adjoining spa and fitness center. And as the sun sets each evening, live acoustic music peppers the air from the terraced lawn, as visitors tuck into a cocktail and watch the tides and ebb and flow.

The Boardwalk Inn, located in the heart of the resort, offers similar luxury and relaxation, all with an obvious nod of Old South gentility and grace. Only a few yards from the ocean, the Boardwalk inspires calm and solace, from its huge sparkling pool to the award-winning Sea Island Grill located on the premises.

Of course, life at Wild Dunes revolves around golf and tennis, and as such the property began garnering accolades as far back as 1981. Designed by Tom Fazio and earning the honor of “best in the state” from Golf Digest magazine, the Harbor and Links Courses are surrounded by amazing marsh views and waterside vistas, with many holes running parallel to the beach and crossing ponds where a plethora of alligators rest solemnly on the banks.

The tennis scene is equally impressive, and as such is ranked at a U.S. Top 10 Resort by Tennis magazine. Seventeen courts grace Wild Dunes, including a stadium and five night-lit courts. Throw in a full-service pro shop and world-renowned teaching programs and it’s little wonder why internationally ranked players travel here to tune up their game between events.

For those who want to indulge in all things Southern food, the resort boasts six restaurants and cafes serving up everything from haute cuisine at Sea Island Grill to simple lunchtime fare at The Lettered Olive, each utilizing seafood, meat, and produce culled from local farms and waters. And should you want a nice massage or mineral bath soak between rounds or matches, the Sea and Sand Salon is the ideal place to help foster some inner peace or some outer fitness—personal trainers are always on duty, as are yoga teachers and wellness guides who can ensure you stay on track during your fun in the sun.

The best things in life are often those born from humble beginnings. So whether you spend weeks hitting balls and being pampered, dig your toes into the sand and watch the waves come and go, or just lounge on a private balcony with a good book and an equally good cocktail, this wonderful oasis of the Carolina coast hold immeasurable charms fit for a week’s respite or a lifetime retreat.

Peter Rerig is a Senior Writer for Vacations.com.

If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

Istanbul is a bustling city with something new and exciting for every day of the week.  There are so many options, that it sometimes be overwhelming to choose what to do to make the post out of your time in Istanbul.  These are our top 5 suggestions for the ultimate luxurious vacation to Istanbul exploring new and interesting sites.

1. A Bosphorous cruise is a relaxing way to view the city from both sides of the continent.    Enjoy a dinner cruise or private lunch on one of Plan Tours yachts for a truly luxurious experience.

2. Shop at Lokum and feel as if you are shopping in a store designed to furnish an elegant lady’s personal boudoir.  Items such as a decadent box of dusted confectionary and silk kaftans will make women who walk through the boutique feel like they are in a dream.

3. The Egyptian Bazaar is the best place to find exotic seeds, dried fruits, spices, coffee and almost anything else you could possibly want.  Although most people think of bazaars as a place to find bargains (and those are also definitely to be found here), the Egyptian Bazaar also sells high end luxurious products.

4. Visit SALT, one of the premier galleries in Istanbul.  You should make sure to check out their new series, Modern Essays,   exploring various effects and aspects of light modernization and Turkey’s Westernization process.

5. Leave the city for a day trip to Buyukada. Located only an hour away from Istanbul, you will feel like you are in another world in this quaint and picturesque island.  Highlights of the island include the restaurants and cafes in the main waterfront, clock tower in the town square and hiking through the forest.

Talya Arditi is Editor at The Guide Istanbul.

If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

Tripadvisor has released its ‘10 hidden gems for wining and dining’. Making the shortlist are the following:

1. Enoteca de Belem, Lisbon, Portugal
2. La Vineria Bollicine, Sorrento, Italy
3. Chez Marcel, Paris, France
4. Voyager Estate, Margaret River, Australia
5. The Wine Cellar, Willemstad, Curacao
6. Rust en Vrede, Stellenbosch, South Africa
7. La Locanda del Castello Restaurant, San Giovanni d’Asso, Italy
8. Medina Restaurant, Mdina, Malta
9. Tamada, London, England
10. Couqley, Beiruit, Lebanon

When you think of the Amazon, you picture exotic forest and wild animals. But what are the next images that come to mind? No electricity, no warm water? Lots of heat, dirt and bugs? How can you avoid all these discomforts and travel in style in such an extraordinary destination? Three words: luxury Amazon cruises.

Peru is one of the best Amazon destinations, as over 60% of its territory is covered by the lush rainforest. One of the main gateways to the jungle is Iquitos, a jungle settlement located right on the shores of the Amazon River itself, and an ideal base to launch an Amazon cruise.

In recent years, luxury tourism has taken a step forward in Peru, and the Amazon is no exception. You’ll find an array of excellent cruise ships ready to take you into the heart of the jungle, where there are no roads and human life is scarce. From hot showers to gastronomic meals, from hot tubs to private cabin terraces, no expense is spared to make your Amazon adventure as comfortable and luxurious as possible.

Tempted? Then check out our selection of the 3 best luxury Amazon cruises in Peru.

Delfin I

Entirely refurbished in 2010, the Delfin I offers a true luxury Amazon adventure. Sailing aboard this incredible ship is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience. This small vessel provides first class amenities that can rival the best international hotels, and that right in the middle of the jungle. With only 4 suites, the Delfin I takes the meaning of luxury a step further than the rest.

All suites are incredibly large and dotted with private terraces, sitting areas, floor-to-ceiling windows for exceptional panoramic views, and state-of-the-art facilities. Two of them even boast their own Jacuzzis. If you are looking for privacy, intimacy, and highly personalized service, the Delfin I is made for you. The 4 suites are equipped with air conditioning, as well as king size beds, eco-friendly bath products, and soft bath robes.

The Delfin I also has an observation lounge where guests can relax to the sounds of the jungle and spot wildlife, a stunning dining room with excellent gourmet cuisine, a cocktail bar featuring live music in the evenings, and an extremely attentive staff ready to meet each and every wish of their guests.

Aqua

First luxury cruise ship in the Amazon, built in 2007 by a renowned Peruvian architect, the M/V Aqua is the epitome of luxury. Constructed with the highest standards of comfort in mind, this beautiful ship can accommodate only 24 guests on board, allowing for intimate Amazon experiences.

The ship features 12 opulent and spacious suites, all boasting en suite sitting areas and full size windows for panoramic views. All suites are at least 230 square feet, equipped with air conditioning, private facilities with a hair dryer, luxury products, and 24-hour hot water. The suites are decorated to create the feeling of a luxury lodge right in the heart of the jungle.

For the ultimate luxury experience, there are 4 master suites located at the front of the vessel. The suites include a fully separate sitting area, a king-size bed, and panoramic windows to allow for star gazing from the comfort of your cabin.

The 16-member crew is on call 24/7 to ensure maximum comfort. English speaking naturalists are also on board and ready to guide you on adventurous land excursions in the rainforest. M/V Aqua has spacious and lavish social area, from the bar and dining room where gourmet Peruvian cuisine is served, to the indoor lounge, observation deck, and small boutique.

Delfin II

A brand new Amazon cruise ship, the Delfin II offers an alternative luxury rainforest journey. The ship can accommodate up to 28 passengers in 14 spacious suites. Refined elegance characterizes the ship, from the comfortable cabins to the luxuriously appointed social areas.

The especially striking dining room welcomes guests in a cozy ambiance, with sparkling china, candle-lit tables and exquisite, sophisticated cuisine. There is also an observation deck, bar, library, entertainment center, and sun deck equipped with hammocks so guests can soak up the sun while enjoying the breathtaking scenery.

For extreme luxury, choose one of the 4 master suites boasting panoramic views. All suites are elegantly appointed with extra large windows. The wooden interiors and contemporary furniture of each suite make for a modern and inviting haven.

Once you’ve seen what luxury means in the Amazon, you’ll never want to travel another way. Spend the extra buck and hop on the adventure of a lifetime sprinkled with a touch of luxury.

Richard Leon is Director of Peru Luxury Travel.

If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

I was fortunate enough to be sent a miniature of Louis XIII Remy Martin cognac last week, from the House of Rémy Martin which was established in 1724.  This is no ordinary cognac – it is blended from no less than 1,200 eaux-de-vie (fruit brandies), all from Grande Champagne, and aged in century-old Limousin oak casks.  A 70cl decanter of the cognac will set you back around €1,500. And, on 15th June 2011, Rémy Martin launched a highly exclusive Jeroboam bottle (3 litres, so more than 4 times the regular bottle) of Louis XIII, the decanter handedcrafted by skilled craftsmen at Cristallerie de Sèvres, making it a must-have for any serious collector, and with a price tag of €16,000.

The bouquet brings with it the incredibly rich and intense aged oak casks (known as tiercons). As for the taste, this is a cognac that certainly won’t disappoint.  Hints of fruits, spices, jasmine and passion fruit are united, and intertwine with ginger and nutmeg.  Rose, iris, fig and prune all enter the mix, too, as your taste buds revel in the expertise of no less than four generations of the House of Rémy Martin cellarmasters.

Italians are passionate about their driving, and in the country that produces some of the greatest luxury cars, it is clear to see the roots of this passion. Italy has some of the finest roads in Europe, taking you through breathtaking scenery. Although Italian drivers have a reputation for being risk takers, they actually happen to be great drivers and driving in this stunning country is fast, exciting and serious fun.

Amalfi Drive – the most beautiful coastline
Location: between Sorrento and Salerno, Campania

Meandering along one of the most beautiful stretches of shoreline in the world, Amalfi Drive was originally built by the Romans, and is carved out of the side of the coastal cliffs. With a succession of dramatic hairpin bends winding through the famous picturesque villages of Positano, Ravello and Amalfi, and over secluded bays and deep gorges for which this region is renowned, driving this road never ceases to thrill. But whilst driving here is immensely enjoyable, you do sometimes need patience to cope with the volume of traffic.

Chianti (Via Chiantigiana) – the picturesque wine road
Location: between Florence and Sienna, Tuscany

A picturesque “wine road” dating from the 1700s, the Via Chiantigiana as it is known locally, crosses the Chianti region between Florence and Siena, west of the Pesa valley and the Elsa valley. Driving this road is a bit like driving through a Van Gogh painting with swaying cypress trees, rolling hills, and pretty hilltop villages that are simply stunning. This region is once again renowned for its wine and some of Italy’s most famous wine producers are located here – in fact most roads seem to lead to an award-winning vineyard or other.

Stelvio Pass (Passo dello Stelvio) – the world’s greatest driving road
Location: between Bormeo and Stelvio, Italian Alps

Having gained fame in recent years as BBC Top Gear’s ‘greatest driving road in the world’, this is one of the most dramatic and challenging roads to drive in Italy, with 60 hairpin bends forming the pass up and down the mountain. Originally built in 1820-25 by the Austrian Empire, little has changed along the route, except today you can expect to see an impressive array of fast cars navigating the repetitive twists and turns. The road is amazing, but the pleasure of the Stelvio is not just in the driving; it is the natural beauty of the place and the view is incredible.

Via Aurelia – the glamorous Italian Riviera
Location: between Bordighera and La Spezia, Liguria

This coastal drive traverses the Italian Riviera. Glamorous in an old-fashioned way, the Italian Riviera has an air of elegance and luxury that has long faded from many other European resorts. This route will lead you to a wealth of beautiful villages and towns, such as the luxurious resort of Portofino with its dramatic tree-lined cliffs, ocean views and wonderful restaurants, not to mention the best Bellini’s in Italy. Via Aurelia really is a pleasurable drive – the road is narrow, and prone to the inevitable congestion, but it is in great condition.

Great Dolomite Road (Grande Strada delle Dolomiti) – breathtaking mountain views
Location: between Bolzano to Cortina d’Ampezzo

Finally, the ‘Strada delle Dolomiti’ is a 100 km drive from Bolzano to Cortina d’Ampezzo that cuts through the most scenic peaks of Dolomite mountain range in the Italian Alps. There are three ways to follow the ancient trade route; by car (the fastest), hiking across the mountains and during the winter following the pistes of Dolomiti Superski ski area on skis. The road can be driven in three hours although to really appreciate the scenic beauty it is recommended to take detours to visit some of the villages and mountain views along the way. The scenery is stunning, the little towns are charming and this corner of Italy is truly pristine.

Clare Haward is Marketing Manager for Europe Luxury Car Hire.

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In the last few years, the British have gone mad cruising. Let me put that another way, in the last few years the British have gone cruising mad. Yes, over the last few years cruising has been all the rage. On reflection that might seem a little odd, as afterall aren’t we in a recession, and isn’t cruising meant to be very expensive? Well, yes and yes and no. A little explanation may be called for here.

There are some compelling reasons why people go on cruises. Firstly, the send off or arrival can be an absolutely unforgettable experience. If you have ever had a send off, or an arrival in Southampton, or any other port for that matter, you will know what I mean. The crowds, the ticker tape, the cheering, the noise and the honking of horns lives on in the memory. You get caught up in the joy. You feel on top of the world, and the centre of it, if only for a while. You hardly get such a welcome or send off on a normal holiday do you? Except may be from your dog…

A lot of people go on holiday for a rest. They want to do nothing, not even lift a little finger. Recuperation is the word. Well, cruises are definitely made for these types of people. You do not have to do a thing, except a few decisions about which restaurant to go to eat in, and how you want to be entertained.

A lot of people want to go on holiday but do not want to spend beyond their budget. How many people go on their holiday, go overboard with spending on a few good restaurants at the start of the holidays, and end up eating sandwiches and little else for the last few days before going home? We have probably all made this type of mistake at some stage or other.

On a cruise there are no mistakes with the budget. You bite the bullet up front, and after that it is all plain sailing. Everything is included in the price, and it is just as well, especially in the recession. The food is usually of the highest standards and in great abundance. There is usually a very good choice of restaurants for each occasion. There are no sandwiches, except if you want them for tea, or you are on a day excursion.

If you do want to lift a little finger, there are many opportunities to do something interesting and different. The list of activities on cruises is as long as your arm, and includes swimming, aerobics and fitness classes, golf and many more. If you prefer more intellectual like activities, there are courses such as photography, cuisine, history classes or even meeting celebrities.

There is also the opportunity to meet different and interesting people of one’s own social status or higher. There are plenty of opportunities to socialize if you would like to from the invitations to the Captains cocktail parties and to dine at his table at dinner, to organizing your own dinner arrangements with your chosen guests.

The most compelling reason for going on a cruise, however, has got to be the enormous thrill of waking up in a different port each morning. How cool is that? No other type of holiday can offer you this kind of excitement. Seeing a new city slowly approach into view is a remarkably exciting and relaxing sensation.

All of this comes amongst the news that P & O Cruises has ordered it largest-ever cruise ship, which will weigh 141,000 tons and carry 3,611 passengers. It will operate out of Southampton from 2015 and sail around the Mediterranean and Baltic seas.

However, there is a twist in the tail. Cruises have been affordable for many people because of their all-inclusive pricing and the flexibility of travel agents who have been willing to reduce their commissions to attract customers. But one cruise line has announced that they will be increasing their pricing by ten per cent to reduce travel agents commissions. It is thought that in practice other cruise lines will follow this will result in the pricing of all cruises going up. This all goes to show that even going on a cruise may not be plain sailing after all.

Gerard Moxon is Founder of Luxury Hedonist.

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Billed as “the don of all doners”, the world’s most expensive kebab will set you back a cool £750. The dish has been devised by British chef Andy Bates who runs Eat My Pies who hand-picked succulent milk-fed lamb from the Pyrenees, chose barrel-aged feta cheese and a cooling cucumber yoghurt infused with Krug Grande Cuvee Champagne, and finished it with edible gold leaf and platinum. The full breakdown for this ultimate doner kebab is as follows:

Shoulder of milk-fed lamb – £84
Coeur de Boeuf tomatoes – £20
Micro Cress and Bibb Salad – £11.95
Chili Peppers – £35
Barrel Aged Feta Cheese – £54.20
Laudemio Extra Virgin Olive Oil – £26.95
Purple violet potatoes – £15
Edible gold leaf and platinum – £130
Saffron – £138
Krug Champagne – £195
Other ingredients (garlic, lemon, salsa, mint, cucumber, yoghurt) – £40
Total: £750.10

Camilla Shaughnessy is the founder of EventfulStays.com, a UK accommodation website which specialises in mid- to high-end home stays available for short term lets searchable by event. Camilla enjoyed the echelons of senior positions in corporate life before establishing her own consultancy firm in 1994. She went on to launch Eventful Stays in December 2010, inspired by renting out her Oxfordshire home to help generate additional income after the market crash in early 2010 when she and her husband lost their savings. While investigating ways in which to rent out her home – which features a pool house, helipad and gym – Camilla realised that, whilst there are numerous holiday rental companies, none specialise in major event-focused breaks or indeed personal ‘events’ such as special birthdays, wedding anniversaries and hen weekends – and so Eventful Stays was born.

What is it that you do exactly?

I get up at 5am when my head is usually buzzing with ideas and get a couple of hours of work done before the phones start ringing. I look after the day-to-day running of the website, deal with new potential rentals to make sure they adhere to our standards and manage the marketing and public relations teams. By 7.30am it’s time for a break so I go for a run, cycle, do a bit of kickboxing or 60 lengths in the pool. I’m lucky that my office is in my home – my team works from the summer house – so no commuting for me. When everyone has arrived, the office banter begins and we start the day with a motivational chat. As I recruit mainly young graduates I make sure they are involved or know about all the big decisions so they can see the effort that goes into running a new business. They’ve all had to watch me lament the loss of my beloved sports car which had to be sold to pay for the next phase of the website!

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

Starting a website and overcoming all the hurdles that inevitably brings is mentally stimulating and I’m sure not everyone can say that about their job. I’m also a member of ‘Modern Muse’, which was established last year by the Everywoman network. Modern Muse aims to inspire and motivate young women and girls about business and entrepreneurship. I recruit young, mainly female graduates on paid internships and arm them with the skills needed for a professional upmarket start up business. Once a week, some of the team stay for supper – or as they put it ‘are held hostage’ – so that they can have open and frank exchanges about their hopes and aspirations, ideas and frustrations. I also line up discussion groups with schools and college sixth forms to engage young women in understanding the opportunities that can be made available to those with drive, determination and a bit of imagination. All they need is a little inspiration and to know what is possible. That gives me a lot of satisfaction.

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

I’d say the strangest place I’ve ever spent a night was a luxury converted Double Decker Bus with an on-board Jacuzzi, which I now think of as a great alternative for the more, uhm, discerning festival-goer (that would be doing Glastonbury in style!).

To celebrate my sister’s wedding we stayed at this delightful pousada in Portugal. I’m a big fan of avoiding hotels and B&B’s when a home stay is an alternative, if you haven’t noticed.

I enjoyed a stay at a fabulous Georgian Beach House in Ilfracombe, Devon where we celebrated a memorable winter family reunion. But then our family, being of Irish descent, usually have pretty sizable get-togethers! We just celebrated my father’s 87th birthday at a sumptuous cottage in Gloucestershire. We dined in style and a spontaneous game of water polo turned into a fun riot, as no one seemed to know the rules – or be bothered about them. The kids just looked on in horror at their mad parents until they gave in and joined the fun. My father played referee – needless to say!

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

Well, I once helped out my friend Gerald – the owner of a firm that provides personal bodyguards – by having lunch at The Ivy with a ‘loaned’ team of protectors positioned in and around the restaurant, foyer and outside – with cars at the ready. Best favour I’ve ever done! The bodyguards were on their final VIP training exercise so I stepped in as their client. Needless to say the other diners were completely intrigued – especially as they obviously didn’t recognise me. I then went to Brown’s, where I had a business meeting over tea, and the doorman was completely taken aback when asking if I wanted a taxi, he suddenly realised I had three cars awaiting me. Shopping in Harrods was equally as entertaining. It was like having five husbands watch what you are spending.

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

Well just this week I rubbed shoulders with the Prime Minister at a Conservative lunch and I often see Jeremy Clarkson as he lives about 10-miles away from my home from Chipping Norton.

What currently ranks highest on your travel wish list?

My schedule is pretty punishing so if I went anywhere it would sadly have to be with my laptop and iPhone in hand! But first and foremost is spending time with my husband and son. This summer I have decided to go back to my roots and spend a week cycling and fine dining in Ireland – for the simple reason that my husband would only agree on the basis of the fine dining and my 15-year-old son’s prerequisite was dare-devil off-road biking. My next priority is time with my friends. Perhaps a trip to Scotland to walk, talk and stay in a Laird’s castle. And once the sports car is replaced – definitely a priority – I’ll look at going somewhere warm and beautiful like the Maldives.

Thank you for taking part in our interview, Camilla. I’m off to Scotland myself next month to do a special feature on some very luxurious accommodation on a Scottish island… watch this space for details!

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For most, when thinking of Tenerife – luxury is not the first word that springs to mind. However a closer look at Tenerife proves that it really does know how to treat visitors to a bit of indulgence and well-being, you just need to know where to look.

The first luxurious element of Tenerife is that it is an island blessed with year round warmth. Temperatures rarely drop below 18 degrees Centigrade, even in winter and the ocean is always welcomingly warm. The moist atmosphere and occasional rainfall have given resorts such as Puerto de la Cruz the status as ‘The City of the Eternal Spring’, with beautiful, lush vegetation all around. There are many stunning beaches around the island where the water glistens in contrast to the picturesque black, volcanic sand. Puerto de la Cruz and Costa Adeje are two of the most luxurious resorts on the island, and offer sensuous cosmopolitan vibes, far removed from the boisterous reputation of some of Tenerife’s more touristy resorts. Puerto de la Cruz is one of the oldest resorts in the whole of the Canaries and this well-aged, quirky city offers a relaxing, sophisticated style of holiday.

Tenerife has an elegant history and culture that the locals are so proud to be a part of. Santa Cruz de Tenerife is home to the second largest street carnival in the world. Every February thousands flock to the capital of the Canary Islands to check out the brightly coloured costumes, floats, delicious food and local sangria. The charming Santa Cruz is full of interestingly old streets, enchanting parks, museums and art galleries and many stylish bars and restaurants where you are encouraged to relax, and watch the world go by, like a true Canarian! If you are into art, you may like to know that Tenerife was officially declared as a ‘Surrealist Island’ after the city hosted a Universal Surrealism Exhibition in 1935. There is also evidence of many different forms of Street Sculpture along the streets of Santa Cruz for passers to gaze at.

There are so many picturesque sights to see round the island. There are some fantastic excursions that leave from most major resorts and will take you on a selection of cultural tours of the island; discovering much about the history and culture. You will get to see Tenerife in a completely different light visiting the Masca village, surrounded by the Teno Mountains, witnessing its deep ravines and gorgeous flora and fauna as you are driven round the hairpin roads, soaking in the breath-taking sights around you. The Masca village is regarded as the prettiest in Tenerife and has kept to the old Canarian traditional way of life.

The botanical gardens in La Paz, one of the more upmarket districts in Puerto de la Cruz, offers a magnificent Botanical garden experience with over 5,000 exotic plants and trees from every corner of the world. If you are in the mood for a bit of retail therapy Santa Cruz and Puerto de la Cruz offer a large and attractive range of high quality and designer shopping areas with classy restaurants and bars that are never too far away. Calle Castillo in Santa Cruz has even been claimed as a ‘shoppers paradise’ by locals and tourists alike! So for a luxurious break, full of enchantment, with plenty to see and do, that also won’t break the bank; give Tenerife a try, it won’t disappoint.

Fran Hall is Marketing Director of lowcostholidays.com

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