A Luxury Travel Blog

With outposts in Amsterdam, Los Angeles and Singapore, the supperclub franchise is famous for serving up sumptuous suppers in sex-infused adult surroundings. Fortunately for those who reside in London, supperclub’s newest venue in Notting Hill lives up to the brand’s signature style. The interiors are as sleek as you’d expect, with a black-and-red bar for pre-supper drinks and a split-level dining room used for dinner and dancing. The square space is quite a sight to behold with bright white used throughout, from the glossy floor to the sofa-style seating that frames three walls. Cleanliness is considered, with glitzy guests required to take off their Louboutins before curling up on canvas cushions to enjoy the camp entertainment that unfolds before them. There are no menus here, so dinner is always a surprise mix of cuisines. With style and substance carefully balanced, supperclub challenges preconceptions of a night out and brings heady glamour back to the capital with a cool bar/restaurant/club combo.

Nick Clarke is Web Editor at Hg2 luxury city guides

For those who aren’t already familiar, Shanghai Tang is a leading luxury lifestyle brand emerging from China, offering everything from luxury apparel for men, women and children, as well as accessories and homeware.

And now, if you own an iPod Touch or iPhone, you can enjoy their latest collection courtesy of their free ‘City Chic’ app. The collection “embraces the euphoria of love with a sense of restraint and creative defiance, reflecting Shanghai Tang’s distinctive spirit of interpreting diverse artistic and cultural elements with a contemporary Chinese chic style”.

You can view items in the collection, watch video footage of models parading up and down at a Shanghai Tang fashion show and redeem vouchers that give you money off at certain stores or on certain products. But the app goes much further than this… it also tells you the coolest places to eat, drink, shop and party in Shanghai.

Whether you’re looking for a boutique 5 star hotel (88 Xintiandi), a chic little lounge bar (DR Bar near Ma Dang Road), the private tearooms of the Whampoa Club, or a sophisticated nightclub perched on top of a skyscraper (M1NT), or other hidden secrets of the city, you’ll find it all neatly packaged in this app.

There’s also, of course, the fine offerings of Shanghai Tang itself, including the Shanghai Tang Café, the Shanghai Tang Xintiandi Flagship Store, the Shanghai Tang Peninsula hotel store, the Shanghai Tang Shangri-la hotel store and the Shanghai Tang Jinjiang hotel store, making this a great little app for anyone looking to ‘live it up’ in Shanghai.  The app is free – download it, give it a try and let us know what you think.

Toronto is the perfect destination for urban adventurers this spring. Whether hiking through Toronto’s best scenic trails or lively shopping districts, this year-round city rings in the season with heart-warming festivals, captivating cultural events and fun attractions. Come and see for yourself why Toronto is a celebrated cultural and entertainment capital of Canada.

1. This year Toronto’s Canada Blooms (17th-21st March 2010) theme is “Passions” and honours the energy, innovation and passion for excellence of Canada’s landscape and floral industry. In 2010 visitors can explore over 20 new display gardens presented by premier landscape designers and architects as well as browse the new Garden Travel Section featuring countries that include Ireland, Spain, Czech Republic and many Caribbean Destinations.

2. Celebrate Victoria Day weekend (22nd-24th May 2010) at Ontario Place with its annual fireworks on the waterfront. The Festival of Fire is back with world-class fireworks choreographed to the world’s finest music over 3 nights on July 1, 3 and 10. Additional entertainment surrounds each day, with entertainers performing throughout the park leading up to the fireworks. The shows start at 10:30pm, each night. Dates are subject to change.

3. Located adjacent from The Fifth Social Club, Toronto’s most renowned nightclub Cabin 5 has become one of Toronto’s newest hot-spots with its instant success upon its launch in September 2009. With part Aspen chic and part settler’s cabin decor, Cabin 5 promotes a feeling of welcome and good times. Furnished with pine antiques, an old harvest wagon, Hudson Bay blankets and two fireplaces, the room offers a separate entrance, coat check, and washroom facilities. Cabin 5 has proven to be great for an evening out or to host a fun-filled party or event.

4. Located directly across the street from the Metro Toronto Convention Centre, The Loose Moose Tap & Grill® is one of Toronto’s most recognizable bars with a two decade-long legacy. Recently, the beloved restaurant has undergone significant changes in the kitchen, starting with a new chef, Cary Bynoe. Bynoe leads the culinary team at The Loose Moose and is responsible for an entirely new menu. With its close proximity to the Air Canada Centre and Rogers Centre, The Loose Moose is the ideal spot to enjoy a burger and a pint before or after the game or concert.

5. Look, Listen, Touch and Learn at Niagara Fall’s Bird Kingdom’s newly expanded Reptile Encounter Zone. Marvel at the historic area photos from a by-gone era in the new “Niagara Room.” Check out the amazing birds, reptiles and more on opening day, 1st March 2010.

6. This spring, Harry Potter fans will have the chance to step inside the famous wizard’s magical world when Harry Potter: The Exhibition opens at the Ontario Science Centre in Toronto on April 9, 2010, its first venue outside the United States. The 14,000 square-foot exhibition offers fans a firsthand view of authentic artefacts displayed in detailed settings inspired by the film sets, including the Great Hall, Hagrid’s hut, the Gryffindorâ„¢ common room, and more.

7. The award-winning Tundra Trek, an awesome Arctic experience, home to polar bears, Arctic wolves, Arctic foxes, snowy owls, reindeer and lesser snow geese, is now open at the Toronto Zoo. Special features are the spacious new polar bear exhibit; the Wolf Bridge; the Goose Camp, depicting the contributions of native Canadians; the new Caribou Restaurant; Plexiglas Arctic fox burrows that kids can clamber through; a whale skeleton; bush plane; and state-of-the-art audio components that deliver realistic animal sounds. Tundra Trek conveys the impact of climate change and global warming. Construction on this new exhibit, valued at $13.5 million, began in August of 2007 and completed in August 2009.

8. This spring the Martin Goodman Trail gets a breath of fresh air as the 56-kilometre-long waterfront recreation trail sees the addition of new wave decks. The Martin Goodman Trail traverses a multitude of environments, all highly developed. Its western end starts just west of the Humber River at the Palace Pier condominium complex. Undulating ribbons of wood designed to resemble the water’s own waves, these architectural wonders are worth the walk.

9. Intrepid Urban Adventures has arrived in Toronto! Tour Guys has partnered with Intrepid Travel to be the exclusive provider of their Toronto Urban Adventures – unique walking tours and city experiences that range in duration from 2 hours to a full day. Toronto is now part of a rapidly expanding global network of cities that offer Urban Adventures to travellers and locals who want to get off the beaten track. Check out popular tours such as “Beer Makes History Better” and “Multicultural Kensington Market & Chinatown”.

10. Toronto’s most unique and classic charter boat has had a face lift! The New Beginnings which has operated on Toronto’s waterfront for decades has undergone major restoration in 2009/10 to restore its shine, brilliance and comfort. This beautiful teak and mahogany power yacht is perfect for birthday parties, weddings, corporate events or simply a cold drink out on the water! The “New Bee” has Available for hourly or daily charter, May-October. See www.harbourtourstoronto.ca for further info.

St. Maarten’s Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino has been honoured with its third consecutive Incentive Magazine Platinum Partner Award for outstanding meetings services. The award has become the benchmark of achievement in the areas of motivation, corporate gifting and incentive travel for the past 17 years.

With more than 16,000 square feet of meeting space, Sonesta Maho Beach Resort & Casino has earned its reputation as one of St. Maarten’s premier resorts for meetings and social events. A medley of options and unique settings are available for corporate meetings, incentive group activities, receptions and dinners. For after-work hours, the Maho Promenade features over 40 shops, restaurants, nightclub, and a world-class casino.

Hilton Shanghai is offering a new feature to offer connoisseurs a fresh venue to savour fine cigars. Just launched in June, Libre Cigar Lounge, provides individuals who enjoy this recreation with more than 20 brands and 60 types of Cuba’s best products. The collection includes limited versions of cigars with essences ranging from light to strong. It is located at the western area of the hotel lobby.

A Vegas-style gambling experience is Hungary bound. Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Hungary, a stylish and modern world-class resort, will open in 2012, close to Vienna, Austria, Bratislava, Slovakia and Budapest. Amenities will include a pool and deck for lounging and entertainment, a Rock Spa for relaxing and detoxing, and a Rock Shop, where guests can check out Hard Rock’s authentic rock ‘n’ roll gear and merchandise. Signature restaurants and bars, a convention center, concert venue, nightclub, and high-end retail shopping will be among the many highlights for guests of this one-of-a-kind resort.

A new dining and nightlife concept called LAVO came to the Palazzo Las Vegas in September 2008 and now the restaurant has transformed its culinary offerings to an Italian menu with simple and classic flavors. Here guests make a journey from lounge to restaurant to nightclub; twenty foot ceilings of old wood and low chandeliers crown an area featuring a curved bar and leather seating. The restaurant is highlighted by a spectacular glass and wood screened bridge which leads to an intimate second story nightclub.

Signature highlights in the restaurant now include the likes of Baked Clams Oreganato featuring Littleneck clams with toasted bread crumbs and garlic butter. And LAVO also features a wood burning brick oven, producing some of the best pizzas in Las Vegas. The Lobster Scampi Pizza, for instance, is a delicate balance of roasted lobster, crispy fingerling potatoes, garlic and fresh herbs.

After successfully hosting the 1988 Summer Olympic Games, the FIFA World Cup and Asian Games in 2002 and being shortlisted amongst the final three contenders for the 2010 and 2014 Winter Olympics, Korea continues to rise as a venue for major international sporting events by hosting its first F1 Grand Prix in 2010. The circuit on which the race will take place is currently under construction and forms part of a major leisure resort being built at Yeongam-am in the province of Jellanam on the south west tip of Korea, approximately 3.5 hours by road from Seoul. In addition to the motor racing circuit, the leisure complex will include hotels, a water park, marina, casino, golf course, theme park, shopping malls, watersports, and numerous restaurants, bars and nightclubs.

With a vision to add zest and zeal to the lives of passionate whisky drinkers in Kota Kinabalu, Malaysia, Shangri-La’s Tanjung Aru Resort and Spa is launching its very own exclusive Whisky Club today at the resort’s Borneo Lounge and Bar. The essence of the resort’s Whisky Club is to give its members the opportunity to nurture their knowledge of fine whiskies, get special discounts on whiskies, attend whisky presentations and be expertly introduced to world-class bourbons and whiskies.

Encore, the new signature resort in the Wynn collection, is now accepting reservations from 22nd December 2008. Those looking to be among the first to experience Encore’s luxury accommodations can reserve online by visiting their site. Located at Las Vegas’ most exclusive address, Encore is situated next door to flagship property Wynn Las Vegas and is a distinct resort destination with its own repertoire of suites, culinary offerings and leisure activities. Highlights include five signature restaurants, 11 retail outlets, seven cozy bars and lounges, an ultra-chic nightclub and an opulent spa and salon. A vibrant atrium and European-inspired pool area are centerpieces of the Encore experience.

East travels West at Shoko Madrid, a lounge club in the fashionable La Latina region of Madrid. The party starts at midnight, Thursday to Saturday, when the in-crowd dances the night away to House tunes. Watch out also for the Med-Japanese fusion restaurant.

Last week Las Brisas Acapulco completed a two-phase, $20-million renovation. The iconic 1960s hotel, with its pink and white facade, has received the AAA Four Diamond Award for 2009 and has been honoured by both Expedia and Celebrated Living as one of Mexico’s best hotels. The renovations have included new flat screen TVs, glass ceilings, plush linens, larger bathrooms, outdoor seating, and more. La Concha Beach Club, the restaurants, the lobby and and meeting areas have also undergone significant transformations.

Kate Maxwell presents for CondéNast Traveler, giving an insight into what’s available on a night out in Vegas.

 

The Del Mar Thoroughbred Club, one of San Diego’s most celebrated attractions has partnered with the city’s hippest new hotel and nightlife offering The Ivy Hotel for a special summer hotel package.  Priced from $999 on weekdays and $1049 on weekends, The Summer Trifecta package includes a one-night stay in a superior guestroom with welcome glass of Champagne; admission for two to Ivy Hotel’s Envy Nightclub; passes for two to Del Mar’s ultra-exclusive Turf Club; transportation to and from the racetrack; stylish Havaianas flip flops for two; and cool-as-ever binoculars to help guests pick their winning ponies.

The latest luxe skiing holidays are about everything but snow. Coco, a new clubhouse that’s opened in Verbier, couldn’t be more OTT. Guests can sip £500 cocktails, stroke the white fur curtains or dance to tunes spun by the resident DJ from Harry and Will’s London hangout, Boujis.

If you are looking for the perfect escape this summer, the Hotel Byblos Saint-Tropez is the place for you. Nestled in the stunning Provencal village of Saint-Tropez that comes back to life every year between April and September, it is the paradise for an unforgettable journey to the South of France. From Saint-Tropez devotees to party aficionados to Provence lovers or gourmet travelers, the Byblos offers an exceptional ambience that makes visitors return every year and feel perfectly at home. Decorated with warm hues, the Byblos features 51 rooms and 45 suites, two upscale restaurants and a stunning spa; the Byblos Spa By Sisley Cosmetics. New this season, the Byblos is launching new concepts for their restaurants. SPOON at Byblos, the Mediterranean version of Alain Ducasse’s Spoon at Marignan, now offers a new menu inspired by the flavors and spices of the South of France. B., the former Bayader, welcomes guests poolside and the menu is adapted to everyone’s aspiration and pace. Totally renovated for the upcoming season, the swimming pool was redesigned and now allows you to enjoy a seaside atmosphere with a sunbathing deck, complete with luxury snacking at any time you please. When the sun goes down, the area turns into a chic lounge and trendy place, perfect to enjoy a cocktail before going clubbing at the world-famous hotspot Les Caves Du Roy. After a long party at the famed nightclub, the Byblos Spa By Sisley Cosmetics, launched last year, will be exactly what guests need to unwind. The spa features six deluxe treatment rooms, a Turkish bath, side-by-side massage tables and a private garden complete with olive trees. This year, the spa will be themed around the five senses. The new concept will allow guests to “hear, smell, taste, feel and see” the spa.