May 10, 2008

InterContinental Marrakech Resort & Spa

Category: Accommodation, Africa, Morocco, Regions, Resorts, Spas & Pampering, Speciality Travel — Paul Johnson @ 11:55 pm

InterContinental Hotels & Resorts has announced an agreement with Moroccan developer, Groupe Cadex, to open its very first property in Morocco in the beautiful resort destination of Marrakech.   Somewhat surprisingly, this is not only the first venture into Morocco for the InterContinental Hotels & Resorts brand, but also for parent company InterContinental Hotels Group (IHG). The new-build resort development – the InterContinental Marrakech Resort & Spa – is scheduled to open in the first quarter of 2011 and InterContinental is working closely with Groupe Cadex to create the finest resort in North Africa.

Possibly related posts:
  • New InterContinental Resort in Bora Bora
  • Presidente Intercontinental Cozumel Resort and Spa
  • InterContinental Le Moana Resort Bora Bora re-opens
  • March 13, 2008

    Top 10 Best Luxury Hotels in Africa, according to Tripadvisor

    Category: Accommodation, Africa, Egypt, Hotels, Mauritius, Morocco, Regions, Resorts, South Africa, Tanzania — Paul Johnson @ 9:38 am

    Come back tomorrow for the final instalment - the best in Canada!

    Possibly related posts:
  • Travelers’ Choice 2008, from Tripadvisor
  • New Year recommendations from Tripadvisor
  • Oberoi Hotels to expand
  • March 1, 2008

    Norwegian Jade to remain in Europe

    Norwegian JadeFor the first time in more than 40 years, Norwegian Cruise Line is going to deploy one of its ships in Europe for the whole year round. The 2,400-passenger Norwegian Jade will remain in Europe until the spring of 2010 - a change from the original plans to sail back to the US in November 2008. Instead she will follow new itineraries from Barcelona, including 12-day eastern Mediterranean sailings, 9-day Canary Islands and Morocco voyages and a 14-day Mediterranean cruise.

    Possibly related posts:
  • Norwegian Cruise Line 3-in-1 cruise
  • New Norwegian Cruise Line ships
  • Jade Mountain, St. Lucia
  • September 19, 2007

    Top 10 Small Luxury Hotels in the World

    oberoiudaivillas.jpgTerry Knealing has dropped me a note to draw my attention to his top 10 choices for small luxury hotels worldwide over at LifeOnTop.com.  For the purposes of his list, small hotels are defined as ones that have less than 125 guest rooms and suites (so not necessarily all that small!) Here goes:

    1. Oberoi Udaivilas - Rajasthan, India
    2. Le Sirenuse - Positano, Italy
    3. Las Ventanas Al Paraiso - Los Cabos, Mexico
    4. Amanjena Resort Marrakech - Marrakech, Morocco
    5. The Setai - Miami, Florida
    6. Chateau de Bagnols - Bagnols, France
    7. The Milestone Hotel - London, Great Britain
    8. The Wheatleigh - Lenox, Massachusetts
    9. Ladera - St. Lucia, West Indies
    10. Il Falconiere, Relais et Chateaux - Cortona, Tuscany, Italy
    Possibly related posts:
  • Small Luxury Hotels of the World on tour
  • Win a dream getaway courtesy of Small Luxury Hotels of the World
  • Special Hotels of the World - a little confusing?
  • August 7, 2007

    Goldsmith from Mr. and Mrs. Smith

    Category: Africa, Clubs, Europe, Going Out, Greece, Morocco, Regions, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe — Paul Johnson @ 8:05 am

    Mr. and Mrs. SmithA new travel club is poised to cause quite a fuss among luxury travel goers – GoldSmith. The brainchild of Mr. and Mrs. Smith, purveyor of the much-loved guide books and website, this exclusive invitation-only level of Smith membership is a brand-new booking and concierge service that customises and coordinates its clients’ entire trip. From homing in on the comfiest bed adorned with 1000-thread count sheets in Mykonos to recommending a hidden gem of a Riad in Marrakech, Mr. and Mrs. Smith curate their clients’ holidays, with luxury and individuality being of paramount importance. Of the countless perks associated with being a part of this exclusive travel club, some of the favoured Goldsmith benefits include deals on flights and car hire, access to VIP airport lounges and significant upgrades at all Smith hotels. There’s even discounts at premier retailers such as Mulberry (30%) and Jo Malone (20%).

    Possibly related posts:
  • Mr and Mrs Smith Hotel Collection
  • The most popular tourist attraction in the Bahamas?
  • European Coast and Country from Mr & Mrs Smith
  • June 24, 2007

    Luxury travel links of the week

    Luxury linksA weekly pick of luxury travel links for your perusal…

    Possibly related posts:
  • Luxury travel links of the week
  • Photograph of the week… what do you think?
  • Luxury travel links of the week
  • February 12, 2007

    Suite of the week: Ifri Suite at Kasbah de Toubkal, Imlil, Morocco

    Category: Accommodation, Africa, Morocco, Regions, Resorts, Suite of the Week, Vacation Rentals — Paul Johnson @ 9:28 am

    Suite name: Ifri Suite
    Resort: Kasbah du Toubkal, High Atlas Mountains, Morocco
    Size of accommodation: 110 sq m
    Cost per night: 420 euros
    What makes it special? The 12m glass wall in the lounge with views of Jbel Toubkal the largest mountain in North Africa.

    Ifri Suite at Kasbah de Toubkal

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    This generous garden apartment comes with a deluxe double or twin bedroom, with rolltop bath with shower, twin wash basins, bidet and WC. It offers a generous living area - the large lounge has a 12m glass wall opening to a balcony with views of waterfalls and the High Atlas Mountains.

    Ifri Suite at Kasbah de Toubkal

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    The accommodation is complete with a fitted kitchen, a private sun/breakfast terrace and access to a shared garden.  It is easily accessible from Marrakech which is just 40 miles away.

    Ifri Suite at Kasbah de Toubkal

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Ifri Suite at Kasbah de Toubkal

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

    Possibly related posts:
  • Kasbah Tamadot
  • Suite Stays at The Ritz London
  • Suite of the week: Hollywood Suite at the Warwick New York Hotel
  • January 17, 2007

    Launch of Royal Resort Cap Malabata, Morocco

    Category: Accommodation, Africa, Morocco, Regions, Resorts — Paul Johnson @ 1:14 pm

    Cap MalabataThe $600 million Royal Resort Cap Malabata, in Tangiers, Morocco, is being officially launched today. The  resort is a mixed-use tourism, commercial and residential destination on the Mediterranean coast and the Atlantic Ocean. It is one of the two distinctive but complementary elements of the $1.4 billion ‘Gateway to Morocco’ project. The second is the Royal Ranches Marrakech, in the city of Marrakech.

    Possibly related posts:
  • Madada Mogador in Morocco
  • InterContinental Marrakech Resort & Spa
  • Spring gifts from the Evian Royal Resort, France
  • September 20, 2006

    New Royal Tulip brand from Golden Tulip Hospitality

    Golden TulipAccording to news just in, Golden Tulip Hospitality are introducing a new luxury brand.  The Royal Tulip, as it will be known, will be a five-star brand and be first introduced to Amsterdam, Berlin, Casablanca, Mirbat and Dallas TX.  Golden Tulip Hotels and Golden Tulip Resorts will continue to cater for the four star market.

    Possibly related posts:
  • Royal Tulip Amsterdam Symphony
  • Golden Tulip awards its 14 best hotels worldwide for 2007
  • Golden Tulip’s first venture into Bulgaria
  • July 5, 2006

    La Plage Rouge near Marrakech

    Category: Africa, Clubs, Europe, France, Going Out, Morocco, Regions, Restaurants, Western Europe — Paul Johnson @ 11:12 pm

    La Plage RougeLa Plage Rouge by La Compagnie des Comptoirs, 10 kilometres outside of Marrakech in Morocco, is a new restaurant from the Pourcel brothers of Le Jardin des Sens (in Montpellier, France) fame. In addition to the food and the restaurant’s party and club atmosphere is an 80m x 40m swimming pool, surrounded by sand to give you that beach-like feeling.

    Possibly related posts:
  • Manhattan’s Marrakech Hotel opens Moroccan-themed bar
  • InterContinental Marrakech Resort & Spa
  • Launch of Royal Resort Cap Malabata, Morocco
  • May 10, 2006

    Top 10 summer resorts

    Soneva GiliThe excellent Luxist blog has run a feature entitled “Top Ten Summer Resorts” in preparation for the forthcoming summer and have given us their pick of the best:

    Possibly related posts:
  • Summer specials with De Vere Hotels & Resorts
  • The Taj’s Incredible Escapes Summer 2007 Offers
  • Be Hyatt’s guest
  • April 19, 2006

    Kasbah Tamadot

    Category: Accommodation, Africa, Bed & Breakfasts, Hotels, Morocco, Regions — Paul Johnson @ 12:04 am

    Kasbah TamadotVirgin’s Sir Richard Branson has created a wonderful retreat in the foothills of Morocco’s Atlas mountains.  Kasbah Tamadot is the newest addition to the Virgin Limited Edition portfolio, emerging as a divine hideaway where the spirit and charm of traditional Moroccan design is beautifully infused with contemporary elements, creating an ambience of luxurious serenity with a hint of exotic adventure.

    Possibly related posts:
  • Suite of the week: Ifri Suite at Kasbah de Toubkal, Imlil, Morocco
  • Top 10 summer resorts
  • Top 10 World’s Most Romantic Luxury Hideaways
  • February 19, 2006

    La Mamounia, Morocco

    Category: Accommodation, Africa, Hotels, Morocco, Regions — Paul Johnson @ 12:43 am

    La Mamounia, MoroccoLa Mamounia is probably the most famous hotel in North Africa, immortalised by Winston Churchill, who spent many an hour in front of his easel, trying to capture views of the distant Atlas Mountains. The hotel has 57 opulent suites and 171 de luxe guest rooms, several restaurants, a gorgeous outdoor pool and a casino. The hotel’s gardens alone are well worth a visit: 17 wonderful acres of olives and oranges, palms and peacefulness, created as a wedding present from a sultan to his son.

    Possibly related posts:
  • Madada Mogador in Morocco
  • Launch of Royal Resort Cap Malabata, Morocco
  • Villas of Morocco
  • February 5, 2006

    Madada Mogador in Morocco

    Category: Accommodation, Africa, Hotels, Morocco, Regions — Paul Johnson @ 10:29 pm

    Madada Mogador in MoroccoIf you’re looking for a luxury but still wary of how much you spend, then the Madada Mogador at Essaouira in Morocco is worth investigating. The rooms offer a simple mix of Moroccan and French colonial styles. Go for the Mogador room itself - it’s bigger than the rest and offers the best views. The hotel’s terrace overhangs the fishing port and beach. (The months of September and October are best for the beach.)

    Possibly related posts:
  • Launch of Royal Resort Cap Malabata, Morocco
  • Villas of Morocco
  • La Mamounia, Morocco
  • Top 10 World’s Most Romantic Luxury Hideaways

    Categor