A Luxury Travel Blog

2012 is an important year for England as the capital city of London hosts the Olympic Games. There’s so much to see and discover, and if you are looking for an affluent area to buy a house, there are plenty to be found in the capital as well as other parts of the UK. In these areas there is no shortage of designer shops, gourmet restaurants or lavish spas. Here is a small selection of some of the most prosperous neighbourhoods to be found.

London

The richest borough of London is Kensington and Chelsea, which is home to some of the richest people in the UK such as Roman Abramovich, as well as famous faces like Nigella Lawson. The borough prides itself on culture with some of the most popular museums in London. The Victoria and Albert Museum houses huge collections of art; the Natural History Museum hosts a popular dinosaur exhibit and the Science Museum will keep both children and adults entertained for hours. Best of all, all three museums are within walking distance of each other. Gucci, Prada and many other high-end names can be found along Sloane Street, and the infamous Harrods in Knightsbridge is only a stone’s throw away. Foodies will enjoy a wide range of Michelin star restaurants scattered around, including the original Gordon Ramsay restaurant near Sloane Square. Aubergine also merits a mention, setting a cosy ambiance on the river.

Bath

Famous for its beautiful Roman Baths, Bath boasts many theatres, festivals and still makes use of its hot springs with a new modern spa. The stately Georgian architecture that lines the streets are magnificent to look at – especially the homes displayed along the Royal Crescent. Bath is set in the heart of the Somerset countryside and lies on the edge of the Cotswolds, so it is easy to take a long weekend away.

Cheshire

The ‘Golden Triangle’ is at affluent area in Chesire known for its beautiful rural landscapes and leafy woodland areas as well as being home to footballers such as Wayne Rooney and Peter Crouch. The ‘points’ of the triangle are Wilmslow, Prestbury and Alderley Edge and also include the villages of Knutsford and Mottram St Andrew. These small towns and villages still retain old English charm with their black and white timber frame buildings, but still encompass modern amenities for a luxurious lifestyle. Spas and golf courses are abundant in the area and it is possible to spot celebrities at the infamous Belle Epoque restaurant in Knutsford. The area lies close to the city of Manchester, Manchester airport and the Peak District National Park, which gives the Golden Triangle the benefits of city life when needed, but also close enough to nature to escape.

Catherine Thompson is Owner of propertyads.

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The Denver Art Museum is the only venue in the United States for the internationally acclaimed exhibition Yves Saint Laurent: The Retrospective. It will be on show at the museum from 25th March to 8th July 2012.  This retrospective of the designer’s 40 years of creativity features a stunning selection of 200 haute couture outfits along with numerous photographs, drawings and films. These illustrate the development of Saint Laurent’s style and the historical foundations of his work.

Organised thematically, the presentation blends design and art to explore the full arc of Saint Laurent’s career from his first days at Dior in 1958 through to the splendour of his final runway collection in 2002.  Highlights include The Gender Revolution galleries where visitors will see how Saint Laurent bent (and sometimes broke) the rules of what women were expected to wear impacting on the wardrobe of today’s modern woman; The Yves Saint Laurent and Women section, displaying the clothing of the historic women who wore and supported Saint Laurent, including Princess Grace of Monaco, Catherine Deneuve and Paloma Picasso; The Last Ball section, featuring exquisite evening dresses from the glory days of haute couture complete with a red carpet; and The Colours of Yves Saint Laurent gallery, where guests will enjoy vibrant examples from his collections and hundreds of fabric samples

During his 40 years of designing, Saint Laurent (1936-2008) revolutionised the female wardrobe by borrowing the tuxedo, the trouser suit, shorts and the safari jacket from men’s clothing, transferring these symbols of power from one gender to the other. He empowered women with this new form of clothing, turning traditional menswear into haute couture. Saint Laurent reflected women’s changing role in society ahead of any other designer, setting the styles of the day. The show premiered in Paris in 2010 at the Petit Palais, Musee des Beaux-Arts de la Ville de Paris.

Tickets go on sale to the general public on 20th January 2012.  A number of Denver hotels are offering YSL packages – guests who purchase the VIP hotel packages will receive two tickets valid for any date and time along with an audio guide for the exhibition for each room booked. The tickets also allow guests to enter the exhibit at the next available time slot, bypassing any queues.

For the first time ever, the Middle East is to play host to an official ICC ranking Test series – and what’s more, it involves England who lock horns with Pakistan in the first Test beginning on 17th January 2012. So, if you’re planning to enjoy the average 24 degree temperatures of Dubai or Abu Dhabi in January or February then why not grab yourself some tickets and go on cheer your preferred team? It’s sure to be a carnival atmosphere across both venues, the DSC Cricket Ground in Dubai and the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

Newly crowned as the world’s number one Test side, England will be keen to build on their incredible form of late, I for one cannot remember the last time they lost a Test series – and I hope that comment won’t curse them.  For residents, businessmen and holidaymakers, the proposition of international cricket in January is a rare one, and these matches will hopefully ignite an interest in the sport in the Middle East.

Families flock to Dubai for balmy days at Aquaventure – the waterpark metropolis located at Atlantis the Palm Hotel, not to mention Ski Dubai, a sensational indoor facility for all ages. Dubai is also perfect for couples, with romantic spa hotels, miles of sands, outstanding shopping and celebrity restaurants providing top class cuisine.

Dubai is one of the most rapidly growing communities in the world and is very much a premier destination for luxury holidays, with a cosmopolitan culture and a high level of prestige in the industry. Whilst it’s also a playground for the rich and famous with outstanding attractions like the Burj Khalifa – you’ll also find it surprisingly accessible especially if you book during low season like now.

So, if you want to time your trip with some international cricket, here is the full schedule:

17th Jan 2012: First Test, Dubai
25th Jan 2012: Second Test, Abu Dhabi
3rd Feb 2012: Third Test, Dubai
13th Feb 2012: First ODI, Abu Dhabi
15th Feb 2012: Second ODI, Abu Dhabi
18th Feb 2012: Third ODI, Dubai
21st Feb 2012: Fourth ODI, Dubai
23rd Feb 2012: First T20, Dubai
25th Feb 2012: Second T20, Dubai
27th Feb 2012: Third T20, Abu Dhabi

Carole Booth is Commercial Director at Destinology.

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The beauty of a Cape Town holiday is the variety of things to see and do whilst you are there. The most trouble you will have is in deciding what to do in the time you have available!  I’ve seen many changes, but the loveliest thing is revisiting favourite haunts that are still top of the pile because they’ve stood the test of time.  Here, then, are some of my best things to do in Cape Town that are guaranteed to have you returning once more to top up the magic.

The V&A Waterfront

If your time in Cape Town is short, perhaps you have come in on one of the many cruise ships, then the Waterfront is for you! Rising from down-at-heel working docks, the Waterfront is an amazing blend of cultures and style, sophisticated yet laid-back with something for everyone young or old.

The restaurants and cafes serve a myriad of different tastes from fish & chips to haute cuisine, many of them spilling out of the buildings onto the sidewalks where you can sit beneath the sun brollies watching the world go by.

It’s not just restaurants and shops that make up the Waterfront, but luxury accommodation, leisure activities and a host of exciting possibilities; travel to Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned; plan a helicopter ride over the city; take a sunset cruise along the coast to watch the magnificent setting sun. Or simply stay in the supreme luxury of The One & Only or Cape Grace hotels, where your every wish is granted, and relax in the spa.

Winelands Tour

One of the most surprising things about Cape Town is how quickly you can be in the countryside. It is as if the city is tolerated by the land from which it grew; the city only there to entice visitors to explore the fresh air and vibrancy on its doorstep.

And what treasure to explore! The historic wine estates of Constantia lie on the slopes of Table Mountain itself, in the Southern Suburbs, only minutes from the city centre. Like a secret rural idyll, Constantia provides the perfect place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle.

With its own wine route encompassing 7 estates you are sure to find the perfect wine, as Constantia Valley produces world renowned dry whites and reds creating elegant wines that reflect the gentle climate.

A wine tasting tour is a must to experience the friendly hospitality, quality wines and spectacular scenery; and to view a small part of the kaleidoscope that makes up this fascinating city at the foot of Africa.

Panama Jacks

As one of the most unusual settings, Panama Jacks must take an award. Having started life as a boatyard close to the Royal Cape Yacht Club in pre Waterfront days, the restaurant is situated in the commercial dockside in a long, low, wooden shack.

At first glance your heart sinks. It appears the building has been washed ashore having floated from the Caribbean. This is not a place visitors get to unless directed by more knowledgeable people, so you pluck up courage and walk through the door.

What greets you is indeed relaxed, yet no compromise on quality. The freshest of fish served, some of it from huge glass tanks where you chose your own lobster or abalone, compliments the large selection of wines from around the world – the whole combining to create one of the best restaurant experiences in Cape Town.

Whatever you choose to do when you are in Cape Town, you are sure to have an experience that will leave you with only happy memories and a longing to return.

James Woolley is owner of Come To Cape Town.

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We’d been deterred from hiring a car in Mauritius by horror stories about unsafe roads, lack of signposting and a proliferation of incompetent drivers but fear not – this is no worse than the average overseas destination and better than most as they drive on the civilised left!

Hire a car

My recommendation is to hire from around 1-2pm, this makes sense for several reasons: 2 days car hire suddenly becomes 3 as you get a full afternoon and evening, a full morning and a full day, there were several places to visit close-by so the 2 half days made perfect sense.

Before you start – Sugar Experience

Our number one tip before going anywhere else at all is to visit L’Aventure du Sucre in the North West situated very close to Pamplemousses Botanical Gardens so it makes a great twin trip. You may not be inspired by an extinct sugar mill but this was one of our biggest surprises; the whole museum is incredibly well presented and interesting but more importantly it gave us an insight into the fascinating history of the island and it’s people through slavery and mass immigration. Being equipped with this knowledge enabled us to make much more sense of places, landscapes of course the Mauritian people.

Pamplemousses / Grand Baie

Pamplemousses Gardens is well worth the very cheap entrance fee and guide if you want one; one thing to consider however is the seasons, in September / October there isn’t much in the way of colour but the trees and other vegetation still make it a worthwhile trip. To us one of the most charming qualities of Mauritius is the scents, especially frangipane which gives the visit another dimension and although we enjoyed the island in their winter we did miss those intoxicating smells and colours of summer. Further north on the coast is Grand Baie, it is lively and has some good shops boutiques selling mainly clothes and bags, there are some good little bars and restaurants so plan on breaking here for lunch if you can. You will also find Arsenal in this area which is a small town dedicated to outlet stores, Triolet is a larger un-touristic place sprawling along the main road with every type of local store you can imagine, quick tour of the supermarket will demonstrate that goods and prices are very similar to home.

Chamarel Falls / Seven Coloured Earth

Detour 1 Tamarind Falls
We did head out to the traditional tourist attractions however in all cases the journey was just as interesting as the final destination and invariably we found more to see en route; if you see a sign for Tamarind Falls then take it and look out for ‘Jessie’ who will take you on a very interesting and informative trek.

Detour 2 Mangal Mahadev
Unexpectedly, although not lost, we found ourselves on a road which I can only describe as disconcertingly similar to the driveway approach to Alton Towers Theme Park once you leave the country lane, (apologies to anyone not familiar with this), then appearing in the distance, directly in the middle of the road, is one enormous 108ft tall sacred Hindu Statue called Mangal Mahadev, worth a stop and a look around for sure.

Seven Coloured Earth / Chamarel Falls / South and West

The countryside around the south both inland and on the coast varies noticeably from the north; it is hillier and appears more affluent, the roads are probably slightly better too. Traffic was light on the climb up to Chamarel with high trees lining much of the ascent – this made the view all the more dramatic when passing a clearing. Be careful not to miss the entrance to Chamarel Park as it’s easy to do; you pay a small fee and follow the path to the falls then further on to the Seven Coloured Earth. The waterfall is – well a waterfall, it’s pretty with lush vegetation all around but a few minutes here are all you’d need. Driving on you get to a small car park with a pathway down to the coloured earth; I’m not too sure what I was expecting or how expansive I thought it would be and I still can’t tell you now if I was underwhelmed or not, it is at a guess, the size of a football pitch but not oblong, and the colours are definitely different (this is caused by volcanic activity), it was however well worth a visit and I’m glad I took the drive this way for everything else I came across too.

So do be inspired to set out to discover Mauritius and I’m sure you’ll find your own unspoilt favourite, mine was the north east with its small villages, towns and markets and narrow lanes with curious dead-ends!

And finally if you really don’t want to drive then look at hiring a driver – we were quoted just over £30 on top of our hire charge per day.

Carole Booth is Commercial Director at Destinology.

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

From the Monte Carlo casino to the five-star hotels on the Croisette, when it comes to luxury, the French Riviera has a lot to offer. Over 10 million tourists visit the Côte d’Azur for a holiday in the sun every year, but very few are lucky enough to experience the grandiose lifestyle that makes it so desirable. Here are five tips that will ensure you make the most of your luxury holiday in the South of France.

Timing is everything

There is one month in the year when everyone on the Riviera steps up their game to welcome the world’s glitterati—May. The Cannes Film Festival and the Monaco Grand Prix are two of the most globally publicised events, making the area the place to be for a couple of weeks. The best restaurants and nightlife venues migrate to short-term locations on the coast, giving visitors the opportunity to taste food prepared by top chefs and dance to mixes by hot DJs. Heaven’s Floor in Cannes and Amber Lounge in Monaco are among the most select clubs, and Alain Ducasse’s Electrolux Agora pop-up restaurant created a huge buzz last year.

Location, location, location

Although quite small, the Côte d’Azur offers a lot of variety when it comes to choosing where to stay, and there is a location for every type of holiday you can wish for. If you enjoy 24-hour activity and don’t feel like driving too much, book a hotel or a penthouse apartment on the Croisette in Cannes, or on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice. Both the Carlton and the Negresco are registered historic monuments due to their beautiful architecture, and the Palais de la Méditerranée offers a terrace with a great sea view. All three hotels also have a selection of restaurants and bars accessible to the public. If what you’re looking for is a quiet haven away from the crowds, look along the cliff roads between Nice and Monaco. The area is home to some of the prettiest towns, including Villefranche, St Jean Cap Ferrat, Beaulieu and Eze, all full of sumptuous villas, more intimate than a hotel yet close to the beaches and other amenities. And for a real feel of Provence, go further inland; Grasse and its surroundings offer a choice of authentic village houses that will give you a taste of the history and traditions that made the Riviera what it is today.

Maximise the private beach experience

Beaches on the Côte d’Azur can get very crowded, so sometimes there is no better satisfaction than having one all to yourself for a day. A few restaurants in the Cannes area allow you to book private events for special occasions. La Guérite, on the Lérins Islands, offers a shuttle boat service to and from Cannes, and can take care of the whole organisation of your party, leaving you free to relax and enjoy the peacefulness of the islands with a panoramic view of Cannes.

See it from above

Spoiling yourself with a helicopter tour over the French Riviera is something you will never regret. From the azure of the Mediterranean to the majestic peaks of the Alps, the view is absolutely breathtaking. Various providers advertise transfers from Nice to St Tropez in less than half an hour, probably the most worthwhile trip as it would take you over the Esterel Mountains, its pine trees and red rocks— the natural jewel of the Riviera.

You ought to rent a yacht

There is a reason the area between Antibes and Juan les Pins is called Baie des Milliardaires (Billionaires’ Bay). The most luxurious way to enjoy the French Riviera is from the water. There you can appreciate the weather, the sea and the view, all from the quiet intimacy of your boat. To rent a yacht, you will need your passport and a deposit of about 50% of the total amount. There are a variety of sizes and charter durations available but Alexander J. Coles, senior charter broker at Moody Yachts France, recommends booking as far in advance as possible, as most summer charters are booked four to five months ahead. Taking the time to make your selection in advance will prove worth it, because with the perfect yacht, your trip will take on a completely different dimension.

Melodie Michel is Marketing Manager at Riviera Rental Guide.

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This is a heads-up on how you can enjoy a luxurious hotel stay without paying five-star prices. It’s “simple luxury”. The concept is that a premium room in a four-star hotel can offer better facilities and services at a price cheaper than a standard room in a five-star. We tried it and here’s how we got on.

The Peninsula Excelsior, which is located in Coleman Street, Clarke Quay, is primarily a business hotel. Spokeswoman Corina Teo explained that in these days of economic recession, many businesses are cutting back on the business travel expenses of their executives. Thus the Peninsula Excelsior is offering a different kind of service. Companies can save money by accommodating their executives in a premium room in a four-star hotel and yet the executives still have a better room and facilities than they would in a basic five-star room.

Despite billing itself as being mainly for business travellers, the Peninsula Excelsior has a lot to offer for luxury tourists too. It’s only a few minutes’ walk to many of Singapore’s best attractions. You have the night-life of the waterfront area, Clarke’s Quay and Robertson Quay where there are lots of restaurants to try, the Raffles City shopping centre is only a stone’s throw away, and St Andrew’s Cathedral is virtually on your doorstep. I don’t usually get excited about cathedrals, but this one is so pristine, so beautiful, and so strange, sited as it is in this space-age cityscape that it almost seems like something from a computer fantasy game. (It’s even better if you get a room on a high floor overlooking the Marina Bay. The Premier Club rooms are on the 19th floor and upwards!) It’s also only a five-minute taxi ride to the Marina Bay Sands casino, Chinatown and the posh shops in Orchard Road, ten minutes to the Universal Studios Theme Park and the Resorts World Sentosa casino, and only 20 minutes’ drive away from the airport.

The rooms are clean and newly refurbished. The hotel recently underwent a multi-million dollar renovation. The process is not yet totally complete but they expect to finish in the first quarter of 2012. Our room on the 19th floor had already been done with new furniture, attractive soft furnishings, large flat-screen TV, tea and coffee-making facilities, a good-sized well-stocked mini-bar, a generously proportioned safe and a large, comfortable bed which we estimated as being at least 6′6″ wide. Broadband Internet access is free, as is the daily shoe shine service, and laundry facilities are discounted by 20 per cent.

One of the main benefits of staying Premier Club class at the Peninsula Excelsior is that you get access to the Sky Lounge on the 22nd floor – from the beginning of your stay to the end, as you get to check in and out there too. Much more comfortable than queueing in reception. I wrote about the Sky Lounge before and am still of the opinion that the view from up there is possibly the best you could find in all of Singapore.

In addition to the spectacular view of Marina Bay (including a clear view of the Marina Bay Sands Skypark, which offers what is considered to be one of the most amazing swimming pools in the world), the Peninsula Excelsior Sky Lounge also has a clear view of the many events staged in this central area of Singapore city. It’s in a prime location to watch the Singapore Formula 1 Grand Prix every September. If your need for speed is of a more aquatic nature, there’s F1H₂O – the Nations Cup for power boat racing – which is being held in Marina Bay this month (19-20 November 2011). In addition to their usual room stays, the Peninsula Excelsior is also offering daytime packages for guests to watch the action from the Sky Lounge whilst enjoying food and beverages.

It seems there is nearly always something going on here. As with many other hotels, the Peninsula Excelsior enjoys high occupancy levels (they were recently running at 100% occupancy!) so you need to book reasonably early to avoid disappointment. However, you can’t book too far ahead for some of these events, as the government imposes a charge on those hotels which have the privileged vantage points. And the hotels need to know what the service levy is before they can set their room rates. The levy goes towards providing the infrastructure required to stage these events.

Even if your stay doesn’t coincide with a specific event, you can enjoy a nightly light show from the Marina Bay Sands complex. Lights and lasers change the colours of the various architectural features of Marina Bay. It really is a space-age scene and one almost expects to see flying cars and space ships going about their business. Given Singapore’s rate of innovation, perhaps we will see that in a few years time.

The Sky Lounge’s facilities include a complimentary buffet breakfast with eggs cooked to order (you can choose to breakfast in Coleman’s on the fifth floor along with the standard-class guests if you prefer), sundowner drinks with canapés, free WiFi, freeflow tea and coffee all day, and newspapers and magazines. If you need to conduct business, a private meeting room’s available – two hours of complimentary usage per room per stay, subject to availability. Smoking is not permitted in the Sky Lounge, but there is an area set aside for the human chimneys outside on the balcony. I was pleased to note that there is a disabled-accessible toilet in the Sky Lounge and stuck my head around the door for a look. It’s clean, spacious, and fully equipped with grab rails.

There is also a menu for snacks and meals beyond the complimentary offerings. We spent a leisurely evening over a four-course dinner, and couldn’t have wished for more congenial surroundings to eat it in. As for the food itself, the cream of mushroom soup was a tasty affair made with proper mushrooms and cream, with an added herby dimension – far more satisfying than the cappuccino soups that seem to be ubiquitous just now. The Caesar salad was good, with fresh Cos lettuce leaves, crisp bacon, and even crisper croutons. And the main course – a rib-eye steak – was done perfectly medium-rare as ordered, and came with a pepper sauce that was pleasantly piquant rather than bland or overly fierce, as well as gratin potatoes Dauphinoises (which we chose rather than fries) and mixed vegetables. The Tiger beer we ordered to wash it all down with was perfectly chilled, and everything we needed was brought to us by staff that were friendly, polite and eager to please.

If you’re feeling guilty about over-indulging – or if you’re already fit and want to keep that way – the hotel has a gym, a sauna and not one but two swimming pools!

So if you want “simple luxury”, try staying in a Premier Club room in the Peninsula Excelsior rather than a standard room in a five-star. You’ll get a lot more bang for your buck.

The Mandarin Oriental Group of hotels requires no introduction on a blog about luxury travel, as the brand is famous for its prestigious hotels and resorts. The interesting thing, though, is that they are all quite different from one another. Whilst they all maintain standards of excellence, this is a group rather than a chain and each one retains its autonomy and individuality. We dined at Le Normandie in Bangkok recently and were excited to see what the Mandarin Oriental in Kuala Lumpur had to offer.

We were invited to dinner at their new Mosaic restaurant. The Mosaic was launched in August 2011, and is positioned to become the city’s leading all-day dining restaurant. And you know what? I think they can do it. It’s a superb place; vibrant and very comfortable. The décor is elegant and the interior reflects the “sense of place” and local culture, that of the Peranakan (also known as the Straits Chinese). It was clear that the designers had paid close attention to detail. From the silk hangings on the walls, the Chinese-style woodwork and fretwork in glass screening off the private dining rooms, and the light-shades made of the pewter for which Malaysia is famous, the restaurant oozed style but in a relaxed rather than an ostentatious way.

Well, it was certainly a nice place to be and to admire the surroundings, but what about the food? It was delicious. Absolutely delicious. It was also fun because they have a variety of live cooking stations so you can interact with the chefs while they’re cooking your meal individually for you. Of course you can just order something and have it brought to your table, but I enjoy talking to chefs about their work and creations.

They have all the cooking stations and variety of food one would expect from a restaurant in a five-star hotel offering international cuisine – local (in this case, Malaysian), Indian, Japanese, seafood, salads, Western, and desserts. What I didn’t expect, although I’ve seen it become more popular in the Far East recently, was that they also had a Middle Eastern section. Their hummus was to die for and the babaghanoush likewise, as were the marinated Kalamata olives. Such complexity of flavours in what are essentially fairly simple dishes. I don’t remember tasting anything better anywhere else before. (And I’ve been around quite a bit.)

If you like Middle Eastern food, then don’t miss this place. Actually, if you like Indian food, then don’t miss this place. Do you like oysters? They serve the best. Sushi and sashimi? Perhaps a medium-rare rib-eye steak cooked to order? Don’t miss this place. If you care about the quality of food you eat, then don’t… I guess I’ve made my point by now.

The restaurant also has a good wine list, which includes a variety of wines to suit most budgets. The staff are very friendly and efficient too. I often think that the staff can make or break a place. I really liked the people at the Mosaic. There are some places where you get the impression that it’s not just a job for them and they actively enjoy being there. The Mosaic was one of these places. They were all cheerful and knowledgeable, and happy to talk about what they were doing and show off their skills.

The Mosaic is open 24 hours a day and features live cooking stations including grill, wok, noodle, tandoor, and more. It’s situated in central Kuala Lumpur near to the KLCC complex and has a great view of the beautiful KLCC Park. If you’re planning a visit to KL, then don’t forget to put this restaurant on your travel wish list.

You can visit their website for more details of the menu, dress code (smart casual), and for reservations.

OK, well maybe it is a little. There is desert, there are camels, and the locals do wear dish-dashes.  But to say Abu Dhabi is developing as luxury holiday destination is something of an understatement. Gradually, the make-up of the landscape of Abu Dhabi is evolving into a cosmopolitan, dynamic resort. The tourist board have and are investing a huge amount of money to crank up the appeal of this sun drenched capital of the UAE. I visited last year and saw the scaled down model version of the ‘new Abu Dhabi’ which 18 months on has begun to really take shape.

Much of Abu Dhabi’s evolution is focused around the development of Saadiyat Island, a natural island located just 500 metres off the coast of Abu Dhabi which has initially been fully developed almost entirely for the enhancement of tourism, and features several kilometres of natural beaches.

The Saadiyat Island Beach Golf Club is in full swing if you’ll excuse the pun, and garnering some great reviews from professionals delighted with the scenery and challenging straits of this 18-hole Gary Player designed course. Two brand new luxury hotels have opened too, Park Hyatt and St Regis. The future holds great things for the island, with a cultural district housing a Louvre and Guggenheim Museum, a performing arts centre and a campus for New York University to open in the next couple of years.

Future plans in the pipeline for Saadiyat include a huge promenade, a retreat featuring boutique hotels, Saadiyat Reserves featuring a tidal golf course, and a number of other ambitious projects. The final phase of the island’s development will see around 145,000 residents move in and a ten lane causeway connecting Saadiyat to the mainland will be built.

But it’s not just about what’s in the pipeline. Abu Dhabi is a great place to visit right here, right now. Large scale international sporting and leisure events have cottoned on to Abu Dhabi’s soaring appeal. The weekend of 12th-13th November this year will see the penultimate Grand Prix of the Formula One season being held at the Yas Marina Circuit on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi and this is the first of a number of exciting events scheduled over the next couple of months.

I have blogged previously about the Volvo Ocean Race at the beginning of 2012 which will draw thousands of people from across the globe. The Corniche will be transformed into a marine village for the latest leg of this famous round the world event. Then it’s time for the Dubai and Abu Dhabi Shopping Festival which takes place in January and February on an annual basis, where traditional arts and crafts, Emirati gifts, candles, spices, textiles and trinkets are just some of the items you can barter for.

One thing is for certain, this is a destination proud of its heritage – but one focused on growing its stature and appeal to a worldwide public.

Carole Booth is Commercial Director at Destinology.

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

An exclusive stay package is now offered at the most luxurious private residence in Florence, with “no queues” entrance tickets to the exhibition “Money and Beauty. Bankers, Botticelli and the Bonfire of the Vanities”.

Experience the most topical art exhibition in Florence through the masterpieces by Botticelli, Filippo Lippi, Beato Angelico, Paolo Uccello, Donatello, Antonio del Pollaiolo, and other great Renaissance artists. The exhibition that takes place at Palazzo Strozzi from 17th September 2011 until 22nd January 2012, shows how the birth and development of the modern banking system is linked to the most important artistic flowering in the history of the Western world.

For such a charming journey inside the world of art and culture, Relais Santa Croce has created the exclusive experience called “Money and Beauty… the Bonfire of the Vanities”.

The package, valid from 17th September to 28th December 2011 (minimum stay required 2 nights) includes:

· Accommodation in the room type of your choice
· A rich buffet breakfast
· As a welcome gift: the charming catalogue of the Michael Rogatchi’s exhibition, until December by the Relais Santa Croce, and a high-quality catalogue of the event at Palazzo Strozzi
· Entrance tickets with “no queues” to the exhibition “Money and Beauty. Bankers, Botticelli and the Bonfire of Vanities”

For this impossible-to-miss date with The Art, Relais Santa Croce is the perfect choice to fully enjoy a stay in Florence, combining the intimacy that only a palace of the 18th century can give, together with the excellent gastronomical offer of the Hotel’s Restaurant, Guelfi e Ghibellini, that proposes regional, seasonal and innovative menus. You will also have the possibility to taste the menu of Enoteca Pinchiorri, 3 Michelin-star restaurant, located at the entrance of Relais Santa Croce.

And for those who would like to continue the artistic tour of the town, Relais Santa Croce re-confirms itself as a great choice thanks to its central position, a few minutes’ walk from the main places of interest, among which are Basilica di Santa Croce, Piazza della Signoria, Galleria degli Uffizi, Piazza del Duomo, Ponte Vecchio.

Relais Santa Croce belongs to Gruppo Baglioni Hotels, that today includes 9 facilities in Italy (Milan, Venice, Florence, Punta Ala, Rome), France (Aix-en-Provence, Champillon-Epernay, Saint Paul de Vence) and UK (London).

Jordan is an often forgotten about destination in the Middle East. However this hidden gem offers a range of unique experiences that will make your trip one to remember. We have included some of the country’s highlights below;

The Treasury, Petra

One of Jordan’s most famous experiences is the tour of the Treasury. The building also known as the Al Khazneh, is carved out of a sandstone rock face. Its style is reminiscent of classical Greek-influenced architecture.

To get to The Treasury you will be guided through the Siq, a narrow gorge of over 1 kilometre in length. The path is flanked on each side by 80 metre cliffs and builds expectation for the great experience you are about to have.

The Treasury has featured in many films and is famous for being the home of the Holy Grail in the Harrison Ford movie “Indiana Jones and The Last Crusade”.

Tip: While you are at The Treasury we would recommend you also explore the Monastery, another great piece of architecture that is frequently confused for the Al Khazneh.

Star Gazing, Aqaba & Tala Bay

While you can try to see stars on a clear night in the UK, Jordan offers amazing star gazing opportunities. Without the city lights you are able to see numerous constellations including the famous Milky Way. During July and August there is an annual meteor shower with an average of 60 meteors per hour. That is something you definitely would not want to miss while on your trip.

Wadi Rum

The Wadi Rum desert, also known as “The Valley of the Moon”, is one of the most impressive desert landscapes on the globe. One of the rock formations found in the area is called “The Seven Pillars of Wisdom” in memory of T. E. Lawrence, a British officer who fought in the area.

Tip: Take a jeep tour of the area just before night fall and watch the beautiful sunset. We recommend watching the sun fall with a traditional cup of Bedouin tea.

Sabina Shaida is Managing Director at Mosaic Holidays.

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Turkey offers a range of great activities and destinations for all types of tourist, from its culture rich capital of Istanbul, to the golden beaches of Antalya. We have listed the top 5 attractions you must see on your trip to the country.

Grand Bazaar, Istanbul

The Grand Bazaar is one of the world’s largest outdoor markets. The Bazaar located in the countries capital covers 60 streets. With over 5,000 shops there is sure to be something for everyone. The market is Europe’s number one most visited tourist attraction and should definitely be all shoppers to-do list.

Cappadocia

The natural soft volcanic rock landscape is one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. The soft rock has allowed architects to carve great designs into the rock. There is even a hotel carved into the rock called The Cave Resort and Spa which offers a 5*service. We would recommend seeing the area from the sky via one of the countries hot air balloon rides.

Blue Mosque

One of the most famous Mosques in the world and the largest in Turkey. Named after its blue interior, the building is an impressive architectural achievement. The mosque has become a popular tourist attraction in recent years however it hasn’t been transformed into an attraction and is still one of the country’s most popular places of worship.

Pamukkale

One of the world’s most amazing natural phenomenons and a place any photographer or architecture will want to visit before they leave. The spring water that shoots up in the area has formed a white/blue coating to the land creating this unique looking landscape. The therapeutic qualities of the spring water have been said to cure rheumatism, kidney and heart disease.

Ephesus

One of the country’s oldest standing cities and a part of the ancient world. The Ephesus dates back to 12 C BC. The seven world wonder, the Temple of Artemis was once based in Ephesus. Some highlights from the city are the Blue Marble Street, Great Theatre, Odeon and Commercial Agora.

Sabina Shaida is Managing Director at Mosaic Holidays.

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

24th July of this year marked 100 years exactly since Yale man and National Geographic explorer Hiram Bingham puffed and sweated his way up to the jungle-covered ruins of Machu Picchu. A century later, travelers who want to take in this true wonder of the world aren’t limited to explorer-style bivouacking; rather, there are now a wide range of accommodations, dining experiences, spas and adventures that rival the best in the world. So, in honor of Machu Picchu, Hiram Bingham and the incredible cultural patrimony of Peru, I would like to show you what a luxury trip to Machu Picchu looks like today.

Most visitors begin their journey in Lima. A short stay allows you to soak in the glorious colonial past of Lima’s central plaza. Palms, tropical-yellow buildings with exquisitely-carved wooden balconies and Spanish palaces sweep you back in time. Before becoming too nostalgic, head for the modern and very hip Miraflores district. Hugging the green cliffs, Miraflores offers visitors an incredible vista of the Pacific, where sunsets are tinged with not a little romance. It also is at the heart of Peru’s gastronomic revolution (read about it in CN Traveller). Refresh yourself with tart, spicy ceviche at celebrity-chef Gaston Acurio’s La Mar or revel in his refined dishes at Astrid y Gaston. Allow yourself to be lulled to sleep by the sound of the sea as you rest at the incredible Miraflores Park Hotel.

An early-morning flight sweeps you away from the coast over the breath-taking snow-covered Andes to Cusco, the mountain capital of the ancient Inca empire. Before you even notice the altitude, your private guide and driver escort you to Peru’s Sacred Valley. This drive winds up through the hills surrounding Cusco and takes you across the high purple altiplano. Mountains rise steeply in the distance while cows and sheep graze roadside. Descending into a warm valley, follow the wide Urubamba River to the secret garden that hides Sol y Luna’s beautiful luxury casitas. Relax in your own little home, enjoying the scent of the flowers, birdsong and complimentary local chocolates. Enjoy an evening at the chef’s table with a selection of fine wines before returning to a roaring fire and a relaxing bath.

The next morning you’ll awake to brilliant sunshine and decide whether you’ll ride horses in the face of the glorious Andes, kayak brilliant blue lakes, soften your muscles in Sol y Luna’s beautiful spa or perhaps try them all! You’ll visit Inca ruins, ancient towns and vibrant artisan markets. You may even join a local chef as he shops for the freshest native ingredients and teaches you to prepare Peru’s best dishes. You’ll lunch the Peruvian way with a “pachamanca” al fresco experience: adobe-roasted potatoes and meats. The evening brings performances of traditional local dance and excellent, tart pisco sours.

Now that you’ve acclimatized, you return to Cusco. This Andean city is a brilliant mix of Inca stones, indigenous tradition, Spanish architecture and colonial culture. From the Plaza de Armas, set like blue, green and red gemstones against the background of the dusty Andean foothills, you can explore cathedrals rich in Cuzqueña School art and golden woodwork. You’ll discover Incan history in glorious museums and enjoy an emperor’s perspective as you gaze down on the city from the Inca fortress of Sachsayhuaman. Perhaps you’ll spend one evening in the incomparable, historic Monasterio Hotel (Richard Gere and Jim Carrey were recent guests) or perhaps you’ll opt for the more intimate pleasures of Inkaterra’s La Casona – a refined restoration of a colonial mansion. Regardless, you won’t lack for dining choices, from the nuevo-Andino perfection of Gaston Acurio’s Chicha to the rich tapas and select piscos of Cicciolina.

Walk past exquisitely crafted Inca stones, take your photo with a gaily-decorated alpaca and then stroke the soft sweaters and scarves made from this Peruvian camelid’s wool. Listen to the ancient Quechua language, still used to do daily business at the local market, and revel in the joyful music and brilliant costumes at an exhibition of Peruvian dance.

In the morning, prepare for a journey of a lifetime as you board the blue and gold Hiram Bingham train. Beautifully appointed in the old-world style of 1920s Pullman cars, this train journey not only harkens back to a time when travel was incredibly special and incredibly luxurious, it also takes you from high mountain scenery to cloud rainforests, redolent of South American adventure. You will enjoy exquisite cuisine and awe-inspiring views as you relax in the glass-encased observation car.

Upon your arrival in Machu Picchu town, your private guide will escort you to the completely unique Sanctuary Lodge. Perched just outside of the citadel of Machu Picchu, this property allows you to sleep and dine steps away from this world-famous place.

A place that photos can not do justice. The surrounding peaks are impossibly steep, green with rainforest growth. The river rushes white far below. Clouds drift in through the valley, hemming the city in and creating the impression that you are floating high above the rest of the world. The buildings of Machu Picchu are carved of grey stone, seemingly out of the mountain itself. As you stand, surrounded by wonders of nature and human history, the sense of tranquility and wonder is unlike anything else. Your stay in the exclusive Sanctuary Lodge means that you, unlike many tourists, will see the sun rise and set over the ruins as your private guide brings the stone and stories to life.

The Hiram Bingham train brings you back to Cusco, where you enjoy one more day browsing the great markets, steeping yourself in the clear Andean air. You fly to Lima, stroll through the bohemian beauty of Barranco, taking in the Pacific one more time. By the time you board your homeward-bound flight, you are relaxed and as tranquil as a Machu Picchu morning. You sleep, satisfied.

Emily Guilmette is the Marketing Director at Kuoda Travel.

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Machu Picchu is one of the most spectacular sites in the worlds, so it is only fitting that your trip to the ancient Incan citadel should compare in class. Luckily, the city of Cusco, where many visitors base themselves before and after their Machu Picchu tours, is flush in 5-star accommodations. Here are some recommendations to help you start planning your dream Peru vacation.

La Casona

The most exclusive and intimate 5-star hotel in Cusco is undeniably La Casona. With only 11 suites within a complex closed to the public, guests are ensured privacy and high attention to detail. From architecture, to design, to its own history, Las Casona is as colonial as it gets. The building was built sometime between 1585 and 1700 on the location of the former Inka Pumakurko neighborhood, which included several Incan schools—the practice of replacing Inca structures with colonial ones was a popular practice among the conquering Spaniards. La Casona passed through several owners, and at one point became part of the Santa Clara convent. Today, La Casona is recognized by the National Institute of Culture as a Historical Monument and is Cusco’s premier luxury hotel. It is discretely tucked away on the tranquil Plaza Laz Nazarenas, just 2 blocks from Cusco’s main square. Guests enjoy personalized professional dining services, in-room fireplaces, marble bathrooms with luxurious tubs, and VIP services that include housecleaning 3 times daily.

Casa Cartagena

First an Inca temple, then a home of Spanish nobility, and finally a luxurious boutique hotel, Casa Cartagena encompasses modern comfort with colonial charm. Situated between the main historic center square and the charming San Blas art district, Casa Cartagena is steps away from Plaza Las Nazarenas where upscale shops mix with cobblestone streets. The 16 exclusive suites surround two lovely private courtyards, and the interior decoration is an exquisite blend of colonial features—such as stone face walls and carved wooden furniture—and chic modern design. In addition to the hotel’s upscale boutique shop that sells handmade Andean goods, such as clothing made from baby alpaca wool, guests are sure to appreciate the full service spa. The three level spa begins on the ground floor with a hydro massage pool, continues on to a men’s only level, and concludes with an area exclusively for women, allowing all guests to relax in their area of personal comfort.

Aranwa Boutique Hotel

A slightly larger 5-star hotel in Cusco is the Aranwa Boutique Hotel. Part of a luxury Peruvian hotel chain, Aranwa Boutique occupies a refurbished 16-century mansion where famous paintings from the Cusco School of Art hang in thick frames on stately walls. The exterior of the hotel features an exquisitely preserved wooden façade, which accents the grand wooden front door, which is framed by stone pillars. Aranwa offers a variety of room options; its 42 rooms are divided from classic rooms up to suites. All come with impressive marble bathrooms, colonial-style furniture, and twice-a-day housekeeping. The hotel opened in 2010, so all its rooms and amenities are new, and it will soon open a full service spa. Aranwa Boutique is conveniently located a few blocks from the main plaza.

Laura Elise is Marketing Director of SA Luxury Expeditions.

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Last weekend we stayed at a lovely self-catering cottage in the north-east of England. Available through luxury holiday home specialists Crabtree & Crabtree, Lake Cottage at Middleton Hall in Northumberland provides the ideal retreat for families looking for a little peace and quiet.

We arrived in the darkness of night, after a rather difficult journey through driving rain but were quickly able to feel at home. The fire had been lit in anticipation of our arrival, the cottage was warm and cosy, and we were generously supplied with a bottle of Champagne, a local newspaper and provisions such as milk, orange juice, bread, bacon, eggs, biscuits and chocolates.

The property can sleep up to 6 people in three bedrooms: two doubles and one twin with a nautical theme, ideal for children.

An open plan living area, dining room and kitchen serves as a sociable space for families to relax in. The kitchen was well equipped with everything you would need, as well as oven, hob, microwave, toaster, kettle and even an electric wine cooler.

The next day we expected more of the same weather we’d experienced at the end of our journey the night before, but were pleasantly surprised by a glorious morning as we ambled around the grounds. Owned by Brian and June Morton for three years now, this secluded part of Northumbria is clearly a peaceful retreat whatever the season and has also been the film set for a number of Catherine Cookson novels. The hall, which dates back to 1871, serves as a venue for family gatherings, birthday parties, weddings or corporate events. It is Grade 2 listed and has luxurious accommodation for up to 36 people.

Also on site is a private fishing lake as well as another self-catering property, The Boathouse, which sleeps 2 people on the shore of the lake.

The grounds are also a haven for wildlife, with otters, kingfishers and red squirrels for those lucky enough to spot them.

Returning to Lake Cottage, we found it to be very well suited to families, and particularly to young families. It comes with its own enclosed garden with swings, slide and a Wendy house.

Inside, there are plenty of children’s games, DVDs and even a wardrobe full of costumes for little ones to dress up in. Next door is Swinhoe Farm Riding Centre for those who enjoy horse riding. We opted instead for a short trip to nearby Holy Island, a tidal island also known as Lindisfarne, and home to Lindisfarne Castle.

On the next day we visited Alnwick Castle – the residence of the Duke of Northumberland – which was thoroughly enjoyable, and complete with broomstick flying lessons. (Alnwick Castle was used as Hogwarts School in the Harry Potter films.)

It’s worth getting a combined ticket that gives you access also to the equally impressive Alnwick Gardens. It is hard to believe that this site was derelict just 10 years ago (it opened in October 2001), but today it is home to beautifully landscaped gardens, a poison garden, bamboo labyrinth, multiple water sculptures and the Grand Cascade water display pictured below.

So, Lake Cottage is not only a wonderful hideaway, but it is also within easy reach of some superb attractions and places of interest, including the likes of Bamburgh Castle, Chillingham Castle, Dunstanburgh Castle and Howick Gardens. For golfers there are courses at Alnwick, Alnmouth, Bamburgh, Berwick and Seahouses, and for anyone just wanting to enjoy the beaches, there’s Holy Island, Cheswick Sands, Lowmoor Point, Budle Bay, Bamburgh and Beadnell.

As a prosperous 21st Century city, Singapore is well known for glittering skyscrapers, bustling trade and thriving tourism. It has grown significantly as a city-break destination, as more and more holidaymakers opt for a long weekend break or a 3 night stopover before flying to a luxury beach island like Sentosa, Bintan or Langkawi. The city’s stunning architecture, busy streets and luxury city hotels attract people from all over the world every year.

And in the not-too-distant future, Singapore is set to attract even more visitors and tourists, as several events, celebrations and attractions are planned over the next year or so. The showcasing of these tourist events and attractions will further develop Singapore’s thriving economy and will affirm its place as one of the world’s leading cities.

There’s something for everyone to enjoy in the vast tourism plans from exhilarating themeparks to cultural museum openings. One of the main attractions in Singapore is The Universal Studios Theme Park, filled with over 20 movie-themed rides and shows such as Revenge of the Mummy, Shrek 4D, Accelerator and WaterWorld. The park is an entertainment hub for the latest blockbusters and movie spectaculars, making it a perfect day out.

For the more refined visitors to Singapore, a trip to the Art Science Museum is not to be missed. The 50,000 square foot Lotus shaped building is home to an array of modern and fascinating art displays. The museum holds dozens of impressive exhibitions throughout the year and attracts tourists from across the world.

An announcement that got me quite excited was the opening of the Louis Vuitton Island on 18th September 2011. The prestigious retailer is opening a unique ‘island store’ at the Marina Bay Sands which will simply float on the water… sounds very lavish and well worth a visit to me!

Future tourist attractions in Singapore include Marine Life Park and the River Safari. Both of these are superb for family holidays and both are based around wildlife and water creatures. Set to open in 2012, the Marine Life Park is reckoned to become the largest aquarium in the world while the River Safari will be a river-themed zoo, highlighting distinct environments from across the world, allowing guests to experience scenes from the Nile and the Amazon.

The line-up of shows and events in Singapore is also impressive over the next few months. This month, the award winning Swan Lake on Ice is performing at the Marina Bay Sands Grand Theatre as part of a two year tour. The F1 Singapore Grand Prix also takes place on the 23rd, 24th and 25th September 2011, including a spectacular night race event.

November sees another Formula 1 event with the Power Boat Race at Marina Bay. This high speed event will set the waters alight as super powerboats compete in the race. And just in time for the festive season, the Singapore Symphony Orchestra is hosting Christmas Concerts throughout December 2011, with contributions from the enchanted Singapore’s Symphony Children’s Choir.

Carole Booth is Commercial Director at Destinology.

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