The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, L.L.C. is launching a new exclusive brand for high-end travellers; Ritz-Carlton Reserve. Phulay Bay in Krabi, Thailand, will be the first property to open in spring 2009. The philosophy behind the Ritz-Carlton Reserve portfolio is to create idyllic retreats where guests can escape into an exclusive leisure experience. It offers guests a new interpretation of local lifestyle and culture. The architecture respects the environment of each destination and the suites and villas are integrated in it, furthermore local culture and history are reflected in the design. So a private exquisite atmosphere is created where guests can experience relaxed comfort and an intuitive individual service. Future locations will include The United Arab Emirates, Puerto Rico, Turks & Caicos and Costa Rica.
New exclusive brand from Ritz-Carlton: Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Interview with Tom Barber of Original Travel
Before starting Original Travel Tom Barber was a journalist for GQ and then freelance for the Evening Standard, Independent, Tatler and Brides. He went on two or three ‘honeymoons’ a year for Brides, and in 2003 set up OT with two friends - Nick Newbury, who was in corporate finance, and Alastair Poulain, a venture capitalist. They started by offering what they call Big Short Breaks - tailormade long weekends with an adventurous slant for busy professionals, and after a year or so they had so much demand for longer haul destinations that they expanded the team and the portfolio to include pretty much everywhere that they know and love around the world. The addition in 2008 of their Original Kids trips for funky families completes the OT picture.
What is it that you do exactly?
I basically oversee marketing and product development at OT. For a small company we have a pretty large portfolio of trips, so maintaining up to date firsthand knowledge of our destinations is crucial. We try to offer original (funnily enough!) places that might have that element of ‘boastability’ so you can tell your friends you’ve been somewhere you know they won’t have. For the more ‘conventional’ destinations, we’re always looking at how we can improve the experience and offer new regions. I spend my days coordinating this ongoing process.
What do you enjoy most about what you do?
The creativity, from coming up with new concepts and destinations, to promoting them through our award-winning website or brochures. Also, however cheesy it sounds, it’s also immensely satisfying receiving a gushing feedback email from a client who has got back from an amazing trip.
What would you say are the 3 best places you’ve ever stayed?
Everyone likes something a bit different, and so the most important task our team of consultants have is judging which places and activities would best suit the client. We have around a 70% repeat and referral rate, so in most cases we have a great understanding of what will work. Things like barefoot luxury and solitude float my boat, and so for two of my favourites I’d probably say Soneva Fushi in the Maldives for the Robinson Crusoe feel, and Private Camp at Wolwedans in Namibia for the remoteness - the camp is two miles away from the rest of the lodge and there’s so little light pollution you can see stars at the horizon. For sheer ‘hotel as destination’ luxury, I recently stayed at the Four Seasons in Budapest which was immaculate. Fantastic location, great rooms and wonderful service. Highly recommended.
What’s been your most memorable dining experience to date?
A few years back I was staying on the island of Anguilla in the Caribbean, which prides itself on fantastic food. There’s a tiny island in the middle of a bay called Scilly Cay, and you have to wave across to the waiters, who come and pick you up in a boat. The walls are all inlaid with conch shells and there’s one thing on the menu - lobster in a curry sauce. You choose you lobster in the kitchen, and 10 minutes later it’s on your plate. Wash it down with a cold Carib beer, and then snorkel around the entire island/restaurant in the afternoon. Very special.
Have you rubbed shoulders with the rich and famous, either through your work or your travels?
Most hotels are pretty good at being discreet about who is staying with them at any time, even though they are presumably desperate to tell the world! I - literally - bumped into Richard Gere while staying at Parrot Cay in the Turks and Caicos Islands a few years back, and wouldn’t have known he was there otherwise. None more exciting than that, I’m afraid, but we’ve sent everyone from supermodels to royalty away on Original Travel trips.
What currently ranks highest on your travel wishlist?
One of the very few downsides of this industry is that you are constantly surrounded by people talking about wonderful places, and seeing incredible photography of intriguing destinations. It’s all very tempting. Still top of my wishlist from the Original Travel destinations that I haven’t been to is the Skeleton Coast in Namibia which I missed last time I was there. The trip involves flying in light aircraft into the incredible wilderness along the coast, occasionally landing on the beach to inspect a shipwreck (hence the name Skeleton Coast) and seal colonies, before meeting the fascinating Himba tribespeople. Still trying to work out how I can justify going even though 4 other people from the office have done the trip!
Thank you, Tom. I’m sure you’ll work out a way to find that justification somehow!
January Sale from ITC Classics
Still not yet decided where to go this year? Maybe luxury travel specialists ITC Classics will give you some inspiration. Here’s a selection of ideas from their January Sale:
Indian Ocean
Stay 7 nights and only pay for 5, plus book more than 45 days in advance and receive an extra 10% discount. Valid until 31 July 2009 (excluding 10th-15th April). You will stay in a Junior Suite on a Half Board basis from £2,590 per person. Price includes economy flights and seaplane transfers.
Saving £1,960 per couple.
Caribbean
Royal by Rex Resorts, St Lucia
Stay 10 nights and only pay for 7. In addition receive a complimentary spa treatment during your holiday.
Valid until 30th April 2009. You’ll stay in a Deluxe Suite on a room only basis from £1,730 per person. Price includes economy flights and private transfers. Saving £640 per couple.
Receive 30% off accommodation in the Cove Suites. Valid until 18th December 2009. Enjoy 7 nights at Blue Waters in a Cove Suite on a bed & breakfast basis from £1,570 per person. Price includes economy flights and private transfers. Saving £1,100 per couple.
Stay 7 nights and only pay for 5. In addition, book by 31st January 2009 and receive complimentary half board. Valid until 12th March 2009. Enjoy a Garden View Room on a bed & breakfast basis from £2,450 per person. Price includes economy flights and private transfers. Saving £1,860 per couple.
Middle East
Stay 5 nights and only pay for 4 plus receive complimentary dine around. Valid until 13th February 2009.
Relax in a Palace Deluxe Room on a bed & breakfast basis from £1,345 per person. Price includes economy flights and private transfers. Saving £1,135 per couple.
Far East
Stay 7 nights and only pay for 5. Valid until 31st March 2009. You’ll be treated to a Pool Villa on a room only basis from £2,369 per person. Price includes economy flights and private transfers. Saving £1,620 per couple.
Stay 7 nights and only pay for 5. Valid until 31st March 2009. Indulge in a 2 Bedroom Pool Residence on a room only basis from £2,420 per person. Price includes economy flights and private transfers. Saving £1,360 per couple.
Terms and conditions apply. All offers are subject to availability.
Luxury travel links of the week
A weekly pick of luxury travel links for your perusal…
- Beautiful by nature: the Turks & Caicos Islands
- A new Mexican resort and residences: Nizuc
- Passionately designed jewellery from Loree Rodkin
- Designed for New York’s long term visitor: Bristol Plaza
Truly under the radar: Turks and Caicos
A promotional video for the Turks and Caicos.
Top 10 Best Luxury Hotels in Latin America and the Caribbean, according to Tripadvisor
- Nisbet Plantation Beach Club - Newcastle Beach, Nevis
- Jamaica Inn - Ochos Rios, Jamaica
- Excellence Riviera Cancun - Puerto Morelos, Mexico
- Galley Bay Resort - St John’s, Antigua
- East Winds Inn - Gros Islet, St. Lucia
- The Caves - Negril, Jamaica
- Villa Renaissance - Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
- La Casa Que Canta - Zihuatanejo, Mexico
- Pompano Beach Club - Southampton, Bermuda
- Cozumel Palace - Cozumel, Mexico
Come back tomorrow for the best in South America!
14th World Travel Awards
The 14th World Travel Awards, held at Beaches Turks & Caicos Resort & Spa on the island of Providenciales, has finally concluded. It’s the second year running that the ceremony has been held at the Turks & Caicos islands. Notable winners this year included Marriott Hotels Resorts & Suites (World’s Leading Hotel Brand), Burj Al Arab (World’s Leading Hotel), Jumeirah (World’s Leading Luxury Hotel Brand) and the Maldives Tourism Promotion Board was honoured with an award for World’s Most Romantic Destination. A full list of winners will no doubt soon be published at http://www.worldtravelawards.com
Find some winter sun with these wallet-friendly luxury beach vacations
In an article published today, Forbes gives the nod to South Africa, Mexico and a number of other destinations, saying they offer affordable opportunities to get some winter sun. In true Forbes online style, they provide us with a list:
- Las Palomas Beach & Golf Resort, Puerto Peñasco, Mexico
One-bedroom suites start at $265 per night - The Reef Atlantis, Paradise Island, Bahamas
Rooms start at $340 per night - The Regent Bal Harbour, Bal Harbour, Florida, USA
Bay-view rooms from $475 per night between 2nd January and 30th April 2008 - Sonoran Spa Resort, Puerto Peñasco, Mexico (what… no website???!!)
Rates start at $278 per night, but look out for 3 nights for price of 2 offers - Four Seasons Nevis, Kitts and Nevis, West Indies
50% off regular rates - “Highlights Of South Africa” Package from VSA Vacations
9-day trip runs at $1999, including airfare - Colony Club Hotel, Platinum Coast, Barbados
Book by 15th December 2007 and rooms start at $539 per night - Bucuti Beach Resort, Aruba, Eagle Beach, Aruba
- Ocean Club Resort, Turks and Caicos, West Indies
Offers such as ’stay six nights, get the seventh free’ available, but see what deal you can negotiate
Sun, sand and gourmet dining at The Regent Palms Turks and Caicos
The Regent Palms Turks and Caicos, located on the world-renowned 12-mile Grace Bay Beach, offers a special Palm d’Or Package designed for those who relish a Caribbean escape and yearn for sun, sand and gourmet indulgence. The Regent Palms’ package features a 4-day / 3-night stay in a Luxury Room, One or Two Bedroom Oceanfront or Oceanview Suite; one dinner for two in the resort’s signature restaurant, Parallel23; entrance to the fitness centre and tennis court, lit for night play; non-motorized watersports; buffet breakfast daily; a deluxe welcome amenity and roundtrip airport transfers. Package rates start at $1,125 for a Luxury Room through until 19th December 2007. Rates are based on double occupancy and include room tax and service charge.
New brand from Ritz-Carlton: Ritz-Carlton Reserve
Ritz-Carlton is launching a new brand, Ritz-Carlton Reserve, to cater for those who prefer more unusual destinations. The first such resort within the brand will be Molasses Reef in the Turks & Caicos Islands, scheduled to open in 2008 with 125 suites, 60 villas starting from $2.6 million, two restaurants and a spa. Over 50% of Phase I has been sold and just 13 villas currently remain.
Tripadvisor’s top 10 beach escapes for winter
In a newsletter I’ve just received from Tripadvisor, they’re recommending the following beach destinations if you’d sooner be shovelling sand rather than snow this winter:
- Tulum, Mexico
- Maui, Hawaii
- Palm/Eagle Beach, Aruba
- Grace Bay, Turks & Caicos
- Destin, Florida
- Bora Bora, French Polynesia
- Mykonos, Greece
- St. John, USVI
- Shoal Bay, Anguilla
- Laguna Beach, California
I must say I’m a little surprised to see Mykonos make the list. Temperatures on the island are typically around 5-10 degrees Centigrade in January and, last January, they even had snow there.
Ultra-Luxury for Less from CheapCaribbean.com
In response to online travelers’ demands for upscale, luxurious accommodations, CheapCaribbean.com has introduced the Ultra-Luxury for Less product line, which promises lavish accommodations, sumptuous gourmet dining, and pampering service throughout Bermuda, the Caribbean & Mexico, for a price that you won’t find anywhere else. Among its partners are the Fairmont Southampton in Bermuda, The Palms on Grace Bay Beach in the Turks & Caicos Islands, the Sivory Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic and Mexico’s charming Hotel Villa del Sol.
World Travel Awards 2006
It’s the 13th Annual World Travel Awards ceremony tomorrow so watch this space for further news! The event is this year being held in the idyllic Turks & Caicos islands.
Top yoga retreats
According to a recent Concierge.com article, the top yoga retreats to be found worldwide are:
- Wildflower Hall, Shimla, India
- Como Shambhala at Parrot Cay, Turks & Caicos
- Chiva-Som, Hua Hin, Thailand
- Begawan Giri, Bali, Indonesia
- Adventure Yoga Retreats (all over the Americas)
- Esalen Institute, Big Sur, California
- LifeTime Private Retreats, Kangaroo Island, Australia
- Maya Tulum, Yucatán Peninsula, Mexico
- The Standard Miami, Miami Beach, Florida
Crown Princess is given OK to sail
The Crown Princess which experienced problems earlier this week when it suddenly listed 16 to 18 degrees, has been given clearance from the U.S. Coast Guard, the National Transportation Safety Board and British flag authorities to sail. A revised seven-day sailing that will call in Grand Turk, Turks and Caicos and Bermuda, and not in San Juan and St. Thomas as originally scheduled, set sail yesterday.
O Property Collection
The owners of the Magic Life Group, one of Europe’s most well-loved ‘high end’ travel and property groups have announced the launch of the O Property Collection. The new venture will be focused on unparalleled service, luxury accommodation and facilities. The flagship development for the company is set to open in 2008 on the private island of Dellis Cay, a part of the the Turks and Caicos group. Other locations, including a mixed use development in Turkey, are being planned as part of a rapid expansion of the company’s profile.