The gourmet food options on a cruise ship are awesome and the varieties that are offered on-board are truly eye-opening!  Let me take you sailing on some of the most well-known cruise ships to discover and indulge in their bounties of mouth-watering tasteful pleasures…

Royal Caribbean International Allure of the Seas

The Allure of the Seas offers more than 24 differrent dining venues, however, only a handful of these could be classified as being  gourmet. One of these is 150 Central Park, which seats around 70 people and can be dined at for a supplement charge of $35 per person (which is pretty reasonable for the food you’ll be served!) Molly Brandt is the resident chef, and along with her team in the state of the art galley, will serve up a set menu with meals such as smoked sweet potato soup (signature dish), crispy duck cigar and chocolate raspberry crunch cake. The Head Chef will often enter the restaurant to talk personally with the guests about the food she has served, and its personal touches like this that can really make the meal feel special (aside from the incredible food!)

Carnival – all ships

The Chef’s Table experience on Carnival has now been rolled out across each of their 24 cruise ships. Depending on the ship, the meal takes place in a non-traditional dining venue like the library, the galley, or the conference centre. With a select group of 12 guests, you’ll start with a glass of champagne and a selection of hors d’oevres. This is followed by a guided tour of the ship’s galley to see it in full flow. You’ll then sit down for your meal – a mind-blowing full-service dinner including many dishes that aren’t found on the regular ship menu. Dishes like Duck Pot Sticker, Avocado Cheesecake, Norwegian Salmol tartar with Salmon Caviar, and Aged Filet Mignon can be found on the menu, and these can be washed down with as much red or white wine as you can manage! The supplement for this experience is $75 per person, but for a once in a lifetime experience such as this, you can’t really go wrong!

Norwegian Epic

With over over 20 culinary dining choices aboard the Norwegian Epic, you’re bound to find one that will tickle your taste buds. The most exclusive of these is Le Bistro, a French Restaurant with a cover charge of $20 per person, but this does exclude your drinks. Le Bistro offers traditional French fayre such as escargot and steamed mussels. Entrees include Bouillabaise, Coq au Vin, Duo de Canard (Breast of Duck) and Carre D’Agneau Rotis (Rack of Lamb). There are a few specials on the menu also which include lobster, shrimps, scallops and a 32 oz Premium Golden Angus Rib Eye Steak, but these do cost an extra $10 per person. So if you like french food, and are looking for something a little different on your Epic cruise, this restaurant is definitely for you!

Neil Page is the Online Manager at CruiseNation.com.

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Gourmet food on cruise ships is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

Gourmet Bliss is valid throughout the day and includes lunch at six restaurants, all drinks including champagne and selected wines, afternoon tea, snacks and even gourmet picnic baskets for tours of the unspoiled, mountainous landscape in the south of the island.

Cuisine is an important part of Mauritian culture which includes French, British, Creole and Asian influences and as such, this offer has been designed for guests to enjoy this varied and rich culinary offering across the Domaine de Bel Ombre. From Mauritian fusion in an elegant 19th century mansion to barefoot chic dining overlooking the ocean, Gourmet Bliss allows guests to enjoy some of the island’s very best gastronomy.

Some of the most memorable dinners take place at Annabella’s, the main restaurant at Heritage Le Telfair. The classic French brasserie style menu includes classic Gallic fare such as venison terrine with pear and apricot or duck confit with ragout. There is also a varied children’s menu available for inclusive family dining and from the large terrace an exceptional view of the Citronniers River as it flows through the resort to the Indian Ocean.

Pan-Asian cuisine at Heritage Le Telfair’s Gin’ja restaurant is a must do experience. From sushi and teppanyaki to noodle and rice dishes, the modern lifestyle restaurant set on a picturesque stretch of white sand beach presents the ultimate barefoot dining experience and serves the best poached lobster. A relaxed beach style service at lunchtime is replaced with a more elegant à la carte dining experience in the evening.

The Gourmet Bliss formula includes:

- Breakfast at Heritage Le Telfair’s main restaurant Annabella’s
- Lunch at one of six restaurants in the Domaine de Bel Ombre region
- Afternoon Tea at the Cavendish Bar at Heritage Le Telfair
- Dinner at up to seven different restaurants in the Domaine de Bel Ombre
- Selected ‘ à la carte’ menu or buffet as per daily choices
- Full ‘à la carte’ menu in all 12 Domaine de Bel Ombre restaurants against food credit of 1000 rupees per person
- All drinks including beers, soft drinks, juices, selected house wines and unlimited champagne by the glass in all bars and restaurants in the Domaine de Bel Ombre
- Picnic baskets for lunch when going on excursions

Gourmet Bliss at Heritage Le Telfair, Mauritius is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

High West Distillery

The ski-in High West Distillery & Saloon, located at the bottom of Park City Mountain Resort’s Quittin’ Time ski run and a block from Main Street, is a hub of live music, friendly strangers and unique cocktails. Signature drinks are made with the house-distilled, award-winning High West Whiskey and 7000’ Vodka, spirits that extend to the saloon’s fine dining menu as well. The whiskey-infused fondue is a can’t-miss gourmet treat.

Silver Star Café

This hidden gem is tucked away from the base of Park City Mountain Resort at the mid-mountain Silver Star community, a collection of newly constructed condos and restored silver mining buildings, including the Sundance Institute headquarters. Located at the base of Silver Star chairlift, the Silver Star Café features an outdoor plaza with lounge seating, live music through the “Park City Limits” series, locally brewed Wasatch Beer and homemade alpine fare.

Mountain Terrace at St. Regis

At least once during a stay in Park City, take the funicular from Deer Valley Resort’s base to the Mountain Terrace at St. Regis Deer Valley for the sunset Champagne sabering, light gourmet fare and some quality time with friends around the Garden of Fire, an impressive outdoor fire pit that truly lives up to its name.

The Farm at Canyons Resort

Located between the base of the Orange Bubble Lift and the Red Pine Gondola, this slope-side hot spot features a locally inspired menu and enviable proximity to the Canyons Resort ski beach. Starting in late February, you can complete your evening with the Saturday Spring Concert Series, a free outdoor concert hosted on the Canyons Resort plaza.

Adolph’s Swiss Restaurant

Adolph’s pays homage to Park City’s heyday as a ski racing town, complete with old racing paraphernalia on the walls and autographed photos of everyone from Bob Theobold (father of aerial skiing and regular at the bar), to Bode Miller, who stops in now and again. Chef Adolph Imboden, a Swiss ski racer who started Adolph’s in 1974, still dons his apron to make hearty alpine fare like elk medallions and classic Wienerschnitzel. The lighter après menu boasts The Perfect Burger (it’s pretty darn close) and Swiss style raclette.

For other après staples in Park City, try the No Name Saloon on Main Street and Cena at Deer Valley Resort.

Tracie Heffernan is the Communications Director at Resorts West.

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5 ways to après ski in Park City, Utah is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

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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Where to find luxury accommodation in England is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

To enter, all you have to do is become a fan of A Luxury Travel Blog’s Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/luxurytravel and a winner will be drawn at random on 30th April 2012.

The prize is for 7 nights B&B at the five star Hotel Villa Vik (flights and transfers excluded) and is valid for use until 31st October 2012. The booking is to be made on request, but must exclude high season and festive days.

To be notified of other great travel competitions, sign up at Travel Competitions.

Win a luxury holiday on Lanzarote! is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

All rooms have a brand new look with new furnishings and amenities including luxury EverNu mattresses, 42-inch plasma TVs, climate control and new bedding and linen. The hotel’s trademark Colonial West Indian four-poster, mahogany beds were also upgraded, serving as inviting centrepieces for each room and suite, with tropical-inspired art adorning the freshly painted walls.

The flagship Sunset Grille restaurant has also had an overhaul with a fresh colour scheme and furnishings. Guests can also enjoy a brand new look to the open-air Mira Solo Martini Bar, a modern, chic space that overlooks the cascading waterfall, where you can listen to the live entertainment or sample one of the 52 varieties of Martini.

Set on 15 acres with 1,500 feet of white sand beachfront, Radisson Aruba Resort, Casino & Spa is located on the island’s most famous strip, the idyllic Palm Beach, which was voted last year as No3 ‘Best beach in the world’ by TripAdvisor’s users, the world’s largest travel review site. The resort is renowned for its lush, tropical landscaping, which has been given a freshenup along with an expanded interactive aviary programme that allows guests to visit nine tropical birds living on-site (including Macaws, a Sulfur-Crested Cockatoo, African Grey Parrots, a Cuban Amazon Parrot and a Brazilian Toucan).

Aruba’s oldest hotel gets a $30 million makeover is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

Luxurious beaches

Forget about flying to the Caribbean to experience some of the world’s best beaches. There is really no need as Turkey has its own fair share of sandy paradises. Ovabuku beach is one of the best kept beaches in Turkey and largely free from hoards of tourists that frequent the more popular areas. Located in the Datca peninsular, Ovabuku does not have perfect white sand but it does have a secluded location, natural tranquillity and locally owned restaurants nearby which come together to create a stunning beach location. This is the perfect place to head to if you are the type of person who has not stopped for the past 6 months. Just sit back and let your worries pass you by without the sounds of screaming children or mobile phone ringtones adding to your stress levels. If you cannot access this beach, do not worry too much. There are plenty of other alternatives offering a similar experience. Gemiler and Hisaronu Bay are getting a good reputation too.

Luxurious restaurants

If you enjoy food, you will without question enjoy Turkey. Istanbul has a fantastic reputation as a food lover’s paradise and it’s not too difficult to find out why. With national dishes such as kebabs heavily featured on local menus, finding a luxurious plate of food is not difficult. If you find yourself in the bustling city of Istanbul, you will be able to find doner on most street corners, but of course this is not for everybody. Restaurants such as Kasap Osman have doner kebab making down to a tee and partly explains why getting a table is half of the challenge. Who would have thought that tucking into a doner kebab would qualify as luxurious? Forget about the take-aways we are used to back in the UK, kebabs are on another planet in Turkey.

Luxurious hotels

Do you expect five star accommodation with service to match? Turkey will not disappoint. The Marmaris Palace in Icmeler is a five star resort consisting of over 250 villa rooms all set to a backdrop of a pristine pinewood forest, along with another 177 rooms in the main building. The Didim Beach Resort in Altinkum is another five star option which is situated in one of the beautiful bays of the Aegean coast. Or maybe The Buyuk Anadolu Didim Hotel – 5-star luxury on the outskirts of Altinkum, a sandy beach and warm shallow waters right on the doorstep. Turkey really can offer the luxury traveller an experience to match any other country in the world. Of course there are cheap holidays to Turkey too, but if you want to experience secluded beaches, first class food and be pampered in stylish hotels, take a trip to Turkey and indulge yourself!

Daniel Ox is Managing Director at Beat the Brochure.

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3 reasons why Turkey is a luxurious travel destination is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

The luxury establishment hosts only 6 suites all decorated with extremely modern taste. You can pick between the bungalows in the garden, at R$950 that accommodate families up to 5 people; or the romantic suites with an ocean view at R$980. The restaurant by the pool, headed by top chef Carlos Marques from Lisbon, sits overlooking the vast blue ocean. There you will delight yourself with the carefully selected menu choices and the windsurfers and kitesurfers riding along in the background.

This is the perfect pick for couples looking to relax by the pool with a cool breeze, listening to soft house music and drinking a few glasses of Champagne.

Julia Oeseburg is Founder of Brazilian Guru.

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The perfect hotel in Paradise: Jericoacoara, Brazil is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

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.

Yves Saint Laurent Exhibition in Denver is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

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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Test cricket comes to the Middle East is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

The Wensleydale Heifer is a fabulous boutique hotel set in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales National Park, between the towns of Hawes and Leyburn. It has an award winning restaurant serving the finest seasonal local produce and mouthwatering seafood dishes. Residents can enjoy the sumptuous luxury of four poster beds, en-suite facilities and absolute comfort in one of the unique character rooms or junior suite. Take advantage of the Whisky Club room which offers a wide range of pre-dinner or after-dinner drinks to relax and unwind you before experiencing the best nights’ sleep ever! After enjoying a wonderfully satisfying breakfast there are numerous places to explore and experience the clean fresh air and natural beauty of the surrounding countryside.

The Bothy offers a stunning, romantic retreat for two in the secluded valley of West Burton in Wensleydale. Fully equipped to the highest standard, the self catering property has a log burning stove, double en-suite bedroom with views across the pretty garden and a woodland walk leading down to the river. There is plenty to see and do in the area and some lovely walks leading to Bolton Castle and Aysgarth Falls are right on the doorstep. Nearby restaurants and traditional pubs offer fine cuisine from locally sourced produce, and local breweries supply a wide range of real ales and beers. Within easy reach are several of the dales market towns where fresh meats, vegetables and home made produce can be purchased to take home and cook on the barbecue whilst relaxing in your enclosed garden with a well deserved glass of wine!

Best Western Ripon Spa Hotel is conveniently situated at the gateway to the Yorkshire Dales and is surrounded by a wealth of historic houses and places of interest. The stunning hotel is decorated to a high standard and offers all modern conveniences in its 40 en-suite rooms. The beautiful Edwardian building stands out amidst perfectly landscaped gardens and provides a peaceful haven for visitors.

Thornton Lodge 5* Bed & Breakfast is a beautiful period building set in the stunning surroundings of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. Accommodation is on a truly luxurious scale and offers fully en- suite rooms, four poster beds and even a large family suite. The lodge gardens are a wildlife haven and with all this on the doorstep it may prove very difficult to venture out and explore the rest of the area, or maybe that might take a few visits! The views across the dales are breathtaking and the situation is idyllic for that relaxing break or touring holiday to discover all that the north of England has to offer.

For your next UK holiday, come and try this wonderful region – you will not be disappointed.

John Shimeld is Managing Director at Stayin the Yorkshire Dales.

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4 luxury accommodation options in the Yorkshire Dales, UK is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

The nightlife in Spain is unlike any other and there are certain unique elements that make it an exciting and unforgettable experience.

Tapas

There are many theories to how tapas were created. Stories range from people placing food across the top of their drink to keep the fruit fly out, to a time when King Alfonso X visited a small inn in the Cadiz province of Southern Spain. Legend states that when the king ordered a glass of sherry the innkeeper placed a slice of ham over the drink to keep the gusty Cadiz winds from blowing anything into the glass. Once he finished, King Alfonso X ordered another drink, but this time he specifically asked for a tapa (or “cover”) to come with it.

Although there may not be agreement on the origin of tapas, we can all agree on one thing: tapas are delicious. They can consist of almost any kind of food: fish, vegetables, bread, meat, cheese, olives… What makes tapas unique is their size, which is about a quarter of a regular meal size. Ranging between 2€ and 5€, these small meals are perfect to share over drinks with friends.

Music and flamenco

A night out in Spain isn’t complete without little music and flamenco. Whether you are walking down the street at night or standing in a tapas bar with friends, you will always hear Spanish guitar and singing in the distance. Flamenco music and dancing also makes the nightlife in Spain so unique and full of life. There are plenty of incredible professional performances to see, but sometimes the best experiences with flamenco are in a more traditional setting: a crowded bar, eating tapas, drinking and spending time with friends. Squeeze your way to the front of the stage and witness an unforgettable display of passion and creativity.

Socializing

One of the greatest elements of the Spanish culture is the socialization. At night, many Spaniards go out to tapas bars with friends, family or co-workers. Sitting down and enjoying the night with others, rather than spending it hunched over a computer and working, is usually a priority in Spain. This healthy disconnect allows for the liveliness and spontaneity that is evident throughout Southern Spain. People talk, people listen, people laugh while savoring delicious tapas, tinto de verano and enjoying each other’s company. Another exciting element of Spanish nightlife is clubbing. On the weekends it is normal for some Spaniards to go to the clubs and discotheques around 2 or 3 a.m. and stay until 7 in the morning! What makes Spain unique is that some of the “nightlife” ends when other people are just starting their day.

Lindsey O’Connor is Chief Editor at Andalucia Inside.

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Spanish nightlife is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

The Cinnamon Club goes to Manhattan is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

Ingredients: (serves 4-6 people)

Filling

• 400g porcini
• 200g mascarpone
• 2 tbsp parsley
• 2 tbsp butter
• sprigs of rosemary
• 3 tbsp white breadcrumbs
• fresh-ground salt and pepper
• a little white wine
• onions

Pasta

• 250 g semolina
• 250 g wheat flour
• 2 eggs
• 7 egg yolks
• 2cl olive oil
• 2cl water

Vegetables

• 1 onion
• 50g carrots
• 50g celery
• 50g leeks
• 50g courgettes
• 2 tomatoes

Saddle of venison

• 600g saddle of venison cleaned by the butcher
• salt
• pepper
• rosemary
• clarified butter

Directions:

1. Knead the pasta ingredients together well until smooth and supple. Leave to rest for approximately 1-2 hours in a damp cloth. Dice the vegetables, peel the tomatoes and remove the seeds.
2. To prepare the ravioli, wash the mushrooms and chop two thirds of them finely, and lightly fry in a non-stick pan with a little browned butter. Season and remove from the heat. Add the rest of the ingredients, mix and season to taste. Then roll out the pasta thinly with a pasta machine, cut to shape with a fluted cutter or with a knife. Fill the pasta sheets and press down the edges. Bring a pan of salted water to the boil. Cook the ravioli until al dente (4 – 5 min.). In the meantime, heat the remaining butter in a frying pan, and sauté the rest of the mushrooms and the vegetables (with the rosemary). Add the white wine, season and steam until soft. Toss the ravioli and tomato pieces together with the vegetables and serve.
3. To prepare the saddle of venison, season the meat and sauté briefly. Next, roast it in the oven for approx. 10 minutes at 160° until pink and then leave to rest at room temperature for approx. 10 minutes. Slice and serve with the ravioli.  Tip: morel or chanterelle mushrooms can also be used for the filling.

Thank you to Bernd Schützelhofer, Executive Chef of Kronenstübli at the Grand Hotel Kronenhof in the Swiss Alps, for the recipe.

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Recipe of the week: Porcini and mascarpone ravioli with fresh vegetables and pink roasted saddle of venison is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

Set on the side of the ancient rock walls of Eze, a thousand-year-old medieval village more than 400 metres above the Mediterranean Sea, the refurbishment came with its logistical challenges due to the only access to the hotel being via the 500 metre staircase from the village. Helicopters were deployed to remove rubble, bring in construction materials and deliver the private outdoor Jacuzzis to the terraces of the suites.

Once home to Prince William of Sweden, architects Alain Bennati and Alain Cecchetti of Cabinet Art-Tec had to incorporate authenticity and conservation aspects into the brief. Only the most exceptional European materials were used including; warm terracotta and Italian Emperado for the bedrooms and Travertine and Carrera marble for the bathrooms. Golden Fleur-de-Lis adorns the in-suite fabrics combined with the finest Egyptian cotton linens for the bedding.

With a focus on creating the ambience of romance, featured rooms have been masterfully accented with tones such as ‘lavish noble whites’ and ‘French royal inspired blues’. Six out of the 11 rooms have real working chimneys and the rustic Sarrazin bedroom rock walls give an air of authenticity. LED lighting has been used throughout the hotel, in-floor heating, geothermal windows, LED flat screen TVs and only the finest reclamation practices have been used to retain exposed ancient wood beams and rare parquet hardwood flooring.

All of the 11 exquisitely refurbished suites have luxurious en-suite bathrooms with some of the toilets costing €9,000 each. In the ‘Royal Suite’ the Côte d’Azur’s finest views of St. Jean Cap Ferrat can be savoured whilst douching in the luxurious Trevertine Champagne marble shower. With a nod to the Roman presence throughout the village the ‘Romantique Suite’ bathroom has two hand-carved stone fireplaces next to the showcase Jacuzzi. Both the ‘Chateau’ and ‘Panoramic’ suites feature large private outdoor terraces with Jacuzzis and the indoor shower/steam rooms are set to be a luxurious trademark of the hotel’s signature suites.

The Michelin star restaurant now offers private balcony dining as well as the 50 covers. Recessed French styled ceilings give an illumination of air to the restaurant and full length mirrors reflect the breathtaking panoramic views in this elegant and well designed dining room. Chef Axel Wagner continues to focus and pay special attention to the exceptional menu creation, sourcing only the finest local, international and organic ingredients.

Château Eza was recently voted no.11 in Europe’s Best Hotels by Travel & Leisure Magazine readers. It has consecutively been placed in the World’s Top 100 Hotels (#43 Worldwide in 2010) and was by Conde Nast Johansens as the 2011 “Most Excellent Room with a View”.

€2 million refurbishment for Château Eza is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

Yet dancefloors – whether above or below water – and the DJs charged to fill them, are increasingly being seen as a vital component to tourism in the country. Whether for providing a spot of mellow entertainment, a party atmosphere for beach-side bashes, or a soundtrack to a more jovial flailing of limbs at resorts around the country, hospitality groups are looking to disc-spinners as a means to differentiate themselves from the competition.

A number of the country’s resorts are therefore looking to host upcoming and established global DJs at their properties for special events and launches, and in some cases, even putting together their very own spin-off soundtrack albums for guests. One such property looking to offer its own take on clubbing in the Maldives is the W Retreat and Spa in North Ari Atoll.

Since the property opened five years ago, W has offered its guests the chance to take advantage of its on-site nightclub known as 15BELOW, a feature the company claims it pioneered in the country not only to provide a different take on “after-dinner” entertainment, but also to attempt to offer a destination for emerging DJs to perform.

A spokesperson for the group says it is not however looking to compete with the world’s major dance-floor destinations, but rather trying to create different experiences to those usually associated with a vacation in the country.

“The Maldives offers visitors a very different experience to Ibiza,” adds a spokesperson for the W Retreat and Spa Maldives. “I don’t believe that guests are travelling to the Maldives just to see a particular DJ, but they are choosing to stay at W Retreat & Spa [in the] Maldives because they are able to connect with our brand and the experience that they have usually had at one of our other W Hotels.”

As part of the company’s aim to try and bring up and coming, as well as established DJs to the Maldives, W properties around the world are serving as the exclusive venues for the DJ Lab Global tour, which will see a number of new faces in dance music set to play several gigs over the next year.

The first DJ to perform at the W Retreat and Spa in the Maldives as part of this tour will be Angus Wong, the resident disc spinner at W’s Hong Kong hotel.

Between January 21 to January 25 2012, Wong – who started the monthly Gay Tea Dance at Tivo event back in Hong Kong – will look to provide the resort’s guests with a memorable soundtrack during their stay.

Wong is among five acts selected by W Hotels Global Music Director Michaelangelo L’Acqua to be part of the DJ Lab tour that plans to bring performers to a number of the company’s worldwide properties.

These acts include New York-based Lincoln Madley (aka DJ Bouji), the Parisian duo Miaou Mix, consisting of Noemi Sunshine Ferst and Judith Dju from Tête d’Affiche in Paris, London-based Daniel Avery, known as Stopmakingme, and Eiko of Tokyo.

The DJ Lab tour, a collaboration with the Burn energy drink brand, has already seen these acts being taken to Ibiza to meet with respected DJs like Arthur Baker, Cassius and Mode F for a spot of Balearic mentoring ahead of their performances.

Yet W, part of the Starwood Hotels brand, is not alone in trying to associate its Maldives property with big and emerging names in dance music.  Properties like the Huvafen Fushi resort in North Male’ Atoll have themselves in recent years been part of an ongoing collaboration with DJs such as Charles Shillings.

With a CV boasting performances at venues such as Lotus in New York and Le Café d’Anvers in Belgium, Shillings has become something of a fixture in the Maldives, playing at a number of properties to holidaymakers looking for a good boogey or something a touch cooler.

Huvafen Fushi has also played host back in 2010 to record producer Poet Name Life  for a one off performance to support the launch of his solo album “Songs for Girls” – as well as presumably getting a nice holiday to boot.  Poet Name Life has counted the Black Eyed Peas amongst his collaborators for better or worse.

The idea of providing purpose built nightclubs at resorts in the Maldives – a luxury or burden not often afforded to local people themselves, despite the relative popularity of dance events and performances of local dance styles like Bodu-Beru – appears to be gaining traction in the country.

Resort group Naiade also provides an on-site night club for guests to enjoy as part of the leisure activities available at its Diva property in the form of the Musik venue.

According to the company, the club provides dance-floor fillers of numerous genres including rock, salsa and techno until the early hours.

With the anticipated opening in January 2012 of its Niyama resort, the Per Aquum company, which also operates Huvafen Fushi in the country, plans to introduce its own underwater nightclub to the Maldives to try and entice guests alongside a host of other features.

Neil Merrett is Sales and Marketing Director at Dhonisaurus.

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Taking stock of a Maldives club scene is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

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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3 of the best things to do in Cape Town, South Africa is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

New lodge Hacienda Concepcion, located downriver from Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica, boasts a guesthouse-style central lodge constructed of natural materials with 8 double rooms, a spacious bar and restaurant and views into the surrounding jungle. Evenings are punctuated by the sounds of the rainforest, with trails around the lodge illuminated by oil lanterns and candles. One of the first guests through the door was Mick Jagger, who booked the entire complex for his family on his recent tour of the country. Guests at Hacienda Concepcion can enjoy authentic Peruvian dishes made from locally-sourced ingredients and complimentary Pisco Sour cocktails at sundown. A shady pathway through rubber and cocoa trees leads to 7 individual cabanas built in the local tribal style set around a natural lake which attracts colourful exotic birds and many reptiles. IN line with Inkaterra’s reputation for conservation and investment in the local natural economy, the lodge is 100% carbon neutral and guests can undertake numerous discovery excursions into the rainforest to observe fauna, wildlife and indulge in twilight walks to spot fireflies, tarantulas, snakes and bushbabies, amongst others. There are also canoe trips down the nearby Madre de Dios river to track caiman and capybara as well as visits to the original Fitzcarrald shipwreck which inspired film director Werner Herzog’s award-winning movie “Fitzcarraldo”.

A 3 day/2 night package starts from $280 per person sharing a double room. Rate is on a full-board basis and includes round trip transportation by land and river, excursions to the canopy walkway, Inkaterra butterfly house and a trip to Lake Sandoval.

A new way to see the Amazon is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

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.

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Mauritius: have wheels, will drive! is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

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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5 tips to take luxury to the next step on the French Riviera is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog