2010 will signal a number of important cultural events in Poland, one of which is the opening of a new museum in Warsaw, dedicated to the life and works of Frederic Chopin.
The world’s largest collection of Frederic Chopin related items includes musical manuscripts, printed scores, Chopin’s correspondence, personal items (such as cufflinks and diaries), iconography, as well as biographical works about him and critical commentaries on his compositions and his reception as a composer. The collection was first started in 1899 by the Warsaw Music Society and is located in the renovated Ostrogski Palace, originally a castle founded at the end of the 17th century by Duke Janusz Ostrogski.
Crystal Cruises is announcing yet another industry first: one-night excursions to Russia’s former top secret Cosmonaut Training Center, Star City. From extreme G Forces and weightlessness to the “Final Challenge” in the world’s largest hydrospace laboratory, intrepid Crystal guests can train like modern Russian Cosmonauts on some of the largest, most advanced space equipment in the world. Four distinct Crystal Adventures, available from St. Petersburg with five Crystal Symphony summer Baltic voyages, take guests to Star City, built in the secluded forests outside Moscow:
* Hydrospace: “The Final Challenge” – Considered the most advanced cosmonaut training, participants must install a space antenna on a replica of the International Space Station while wearing an authentic space suit and submerged in 54,000 square feet of water.
* Centrifuge G-Force Experience – On the ride of a lifetime, experience the simulated G-forces of blast off, flight in orbit and spacecraft descent on the specially-reserved 300-ton centrifuge.
* Zero Gravity Weightlessness Adventure – Aboard the world’s largest parabola aircraft, experience the absence of gravity. Flying in a steep parabola formation from as high as 20,000 feet, participants literally take flight at least 10 times during this adventure.
* Russia’s Quest Beyond the Earth – Delve into the behind-the-scenes highlights of cosmonaut training and Russian space travel from the 1950’s and beyond.
The Cosmonaut programs include roundtrip air transportation from St. Petersburg to Moscow, overnight hotel accommodations and a full-day Moscow city tour, including Red Square and the Kremlin.
Extreme adventure comes with a price. Cosmonaut Training fares range from $4,359 up to $32,995 for “The Final Challenge.” Seven-, 10- and 11-day Baltic voyages depart from London, Stockholm or Copenhagen –with overnights in St. Petersburg. Promotional two-for-one per person (double occupancy) cruise fares start at $4,375, including $500 or $1,000 ‘All Inclusive – As You Wish’ shipboard credits and free air transportation from numerous North American gateways – Business Class air for Penthouse guests.
To witness the next solar eclipse, you have to wait until 11th July 2010. But if you’re in the area of Papenburg, Germany, you can see Celebrity Eclipse right now. The third in Celebrity Cruises’ stylish, $3.7-billion Solstice Class fleet, Celebrity Eclipse showed off her sleek profile Sunday as she emerged for the first time from the Meyer Werft shipyard in Papenburg, Germany. Celebrity Eclipse will enter service on 26th April 2010 and, following two “short break” cruises, will offer a series of Canary Islands, Scandinavia/Russia and Spanish Mediterranean sailings roundtrip from Southampton, England. The new vessel will present Caribbean cruises roundtrip from Miami beginning in November.
Luxury specialist Crystal Cruises has expanded its 2010 European cruise collection to include two Black Sea voyages this summer. The two new itineraries feature a maiden visit to Sevastopol, Ukraine, as well as calls in Greece, Italy, Bulgaria and Turkey. Steeped in artistic, military and architectural history, the 12-day cruises sail from Venice to Istanbul on 19th July and 24th August 2010 aboard the award-winning Crystal Serenity.
Beginning with overnight stays in Venice, the itineraries visit Katakolon (birthplace of the Olympics) and Navplion, Greece; Nesebur, Bulgaria; Yalta, Sevastopol and Odessa, Ukraine; and conclude with an overnight stay in Istanbul, Turkey. Other highlights include the sail from Venice, the cruise through the Dardanelles and the Bosporus Straits.
Distinguished speakers on world affairs, architecture, science and culture add rich dimension to the voyages, including Newsweek’s Chief Political Correspondent, Senior Editor and Deputy Washington Bureau Chief, Howard Fineman; Dr. David Davenport, Research Fellow at the Hoover Institution at Stanford University and former president of Pepperdine University; and Dr. Bulent Atalay, a compelling expert on art, archaeology and the sciences.
Two-for-one cruise fares start at $6,470 per person, and include $1,000 per person ‘All Inclusive – As You Wish’ shipboard credits. Free air transportation from more than 20 North American gateways – Business Class air for Penthouse guests – is also included.
The Leading Hotels of the World annual directory for 2010 was released worldwide this week. There are 13 new Leading Hotels in the handsome hardcover volume which showcases more than 450 members in over 80 countries across the globe. They are as follows:
A ‘skateboard/punk rocker’ in his youth, David Sutcliffe is now one of three partners who run a small travel agency in Harrogate, England called Traveltalk. Specialising in luxury, tailor-made and adventure travel, Traveltalk was created 25 years ago by David’s colleague, Christine Thompson. After much hard work establishing the company in the area they developed a large core client base and are now, according to David, the leading agency in Yorkshire.
What is it that you do exactly?
My primary task is to be there for our clients, whether it be dealing with a new enquiry or ensuring that their travel plans run smoothly. Beyond that I do the administration tasks necessary to make sure that the agency runs smoothly, allowing the other members of staff to concentrate on dealing with their clients.
What do you enjoy most about what you do?
I’m a self-confessed travel geek, so I enjoy all aspects of the industry. I love reading the magazines, watching the travel channels and talking to clients about my favourite destinations, but most of all I love having the opportunity to visit places I wouldn’t otherwise be able to. I’ve seen parts of the globe that most people never will and I’m very grateful to be in such a position.
What would you say are the 3 best places you’ve ever stayed?
Savute Under Canvas, Botswana – I stayed at 4 of the &Beyond properties in this amazing country, but this was the highlight for me. Staying in a tent whilst outside you could hear lions and hyenas close by was an experience that will stay with me forever. It was also the first time I’d seen a leopard on safari.
Baltschug Kempinski, Moscow – We arrived late into Moscow and didn’t get a real impression until the following morning when I looked out of my bedroom window across the Moscow River to St Basil’s Cathedral, Red Square and the Kremlin. Whilst Moscow might not be as pretty as St Petersburg, you get a real feeling of being somewhere special, somewhere important.
Four Seasons Sayan, Bali – After a long journey this was a real sight for sore eyes. Beautifully set in the Ayung river valley near Ubud, this was the perfect place to relax.
What’s been your most memorable dining experience to date?
If you ever find yourself in Ibiza you must visit the Cardamom Club in Santa Eulalia. Superb Indian cuisine in a wonderful setting – chicken jalfrezi with a cold beer, outdoors under a canopy of trees on a Mediterranean evening……paradise!
Have you rubbed shoulders with the rich and famous, either through your work or your travels?
We do have a few high profile clients, but best to respect their privacy. I’ve been shouted at by the late Hughie Green in a hotel in Edinburgh if that counts, but it was a case of mistaken identity, he apologised and even bought me a drink. I’ve also met Iggy Pop and John Peel. Oops, almost forgot… I am currently in an awkward relationship triangle with Jennifer Love Hewitt and Carmen Electra…
What currently ranks highest on your travel wishlist?
This changes on an almost daily basis, but at the moment I would love to see Norway, preferably on a Hurtigruten cruise. The scenery looks like it would literally awesome.
Thank you, David. I can heartily recommend Norway – it’s been 20 years since I was there but I still have fond recollections of the scenery.
The picturesque Town Hall Square of the medieval city of Tallinn is once more hosting the annual Christmas Market with its 64 wooden stalls. During the 40 day period from 29th November 2009 until 7th January 2010, visitors may stroll through this amazing festive scene.
Felt hats, buckwheat pillows, wooden bowls and artefacts, wickerwork, beautiful hand-sewn quilts, ceramics and glassware, sea-grass animals as well as home-made candles are offered among others at the Christmas Market as well as typical culinary Estonian delights like pork, sauerkraut, blood sausages, hot soups, gingerbread, marzipan, honey, nuts and sweets. Christmas performances with choirs, dance groups, poets and musicians round of the abundant programme.
Check out this amateur video for an idea of the atmosphere you can expect:
White Line Hotels, recently launched by Iain Ainsworth (formerly of Design Hotels), offers a unique and inspirational collection of personally recommended international hotels. Each hotel has been defined by the individual owners, and characterised by the exceptional creative design and style. Acting as a curator, Iain seeks to bring these hotels together, which all have a strong spirit of location and where the soul of the place can be seen, touched, felt and sensed.
The White Line Hotels Y(our) collection currently includes ten inspirational international hotels, including: the Hotel Omm (in Barcelona) the Greulich Hotel (in Zurich), Lesic Dimitri Palace (in Croatia) and Krafft Hotel (in Basel) with more recommended hotels continually being featured and added to the portfolio.
White Line Hotels has been fashioned and created to attract the True Believers, people who search for the most unusual and the most inspirational places to stay: establishing and creating an exciting new culture, a new scene and an entire new community.
Following the first phase of a significant renovation to the hotel’s guest rooms and public spaces, the iconic Hotel National in Moscow has joined The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts, a glittering ensemble of more than 70 of the world’s finest hotels and resorts. Built in 1903 by famed Russian architect Alexander Ivanov, the hotel has been an historic landmark for more than a century, in a magnificent location overlooking the Moscow Kremlin and Red Square in the very heart of Moscow’s historical, cultural and business centre.
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.
Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts is set to open its first hotel in Russia in 2012. It will be a 400-room hotel occupying the top floors of a 42-storey building in Moscow’s Park Huaming Business Centre in Moscow – a new major multi-purpose development. Next to the Russian Botanic Garden, Northeast District, on Vilgelma Pika Street, the hotel will be only 10 kilometres from Red Square and 25 kilometres from the international airport.
Guestrooms will have a minimum size of 40 square metres and each room will have a view of the Chinese landscapes at the Park Huaming Business Centre or views of the Russian Botanic Garden. The hotel will also have a Chinese and Russian restaurant, an indoor swimming pool and health club, a 1,200-square-metre grand ballroom, a 700-square-metre auditorium and a wide range of function rooms suited for events of all sizes.
Take time out and enjoy a seven-day yoga and meditation holiday at the picturesque baroque style Castle Hotel in Szirák, just an hour outside of Budapest. This stunning castle hotel is surrounded by five acres of pristine evergreen forest and is the perfect location to relax and restore body and mind with daily yoga classes taught by internationally renowned masters, as well as meditation, massage and other pampering treatments. All classes are conducted in English and are suitable for all levels from beginners to advanced levels and guests will immerse themselves in this ancient discipline to rediscover their inner harmony, as well as listen to lectures from the masters. Guests also receive a complimentary traditional Hungarian foot massage and a Thai massage during their stay.
A day trip to Dobogókõ is included, a stunning village that is said to be an important place for ‘Chakra’ energy and is often mentioned alongside other important places such as the Pyramids of Giza and Machu Picchu. The Dalai Lama is said to have visited this location to meditate and the day’s yoga class and mediation sessions will take place here. There is also the opportunity to discover the local area and to visit a nearby farm where guests can enjoy activities such as horse riding, horse and cart rides, feeding of the animals and can even have a go at milking the cows, if they wish!
The castle which has been converted into a beautiful hotel was originally built in 1684 and now offers guests four suites furnished in period style, four double rooms in the main building and 17 rooms in the wins. Facilities include an outdoor swimming pool, tennis courses, riding stables, sauna, solarium and indoor archery room and bowling room.
The price is from €1,310 per person (or €1,580 based on single occupancy in a double room) and includes return transfer from Budapest airport or hotel in Budapest, six nights accommodation with breakfast and either lunch or dinner (three courses), daily yoga and meditation sessions, two massages and the farm visit, plus use of all the fantastic facilities.
I’ve just received a note from The Rocco Forte Collection informing me that The Augustine Prague opens today. It can be found in the Malá Strana district of the city close to Prague Castle, the Wallenstein Garden and the famous Charles Bridge. It has 101 rooms including 16 suites, all offering views over the courtyards, the monastery chapel or Prague Castle, a glass-covered courtyard restaurant, a 17th Century cellar bar complete with stalactites and stalagmites, as well as the more modern Tom’s Bar. The hotel is running a 3 for 2 promotion until the end of the month.
Our latest interview is with Suzanne Aaronson, Editor-in-Chief and Founder of Suzanne’s Files, a leading quality lifestyle resource. Suzanne’s Files provides expert picks on under-the-radar getaways, hidden gems, wow services, truly unique gifts, lifetime experiences, and niche experts around the world.
What is it that you do exactly?
Everyday is different – that’s for sure! Throughout everyday there is a mix of our insiders, people I meet, things I read that help keep me and our team well informed about special finds all over the world. My days are mixed with business meetings and “checking things out” time. The mix is perfect for me!
What do you enjoy most about what you do?
Everyone I know, almost everyone I meet is interested in Suzanne’s Files – super flattering. People are so curious how they can tap the ever-growing site; the way it can help them navigate through the noise out there- the clutter. The time-saving benefits they get from the e-Newsletters; the insight and personal voice is like a friend would tell you!
What would you say are the 3 best places you’ve ever stayed?
Little Kulala Lodge, Namibia: an intimate desert retreat on a private Namibian wilderness reserve. It felt like Fred Flintstone’s house meets chic stylish. A real wow when you can sleep under the stars on your rooftop.
St. Regis in Singapore: imagine the most well serviced and most eclectically designed city hotel – now multiply by 2!
Cap Estel, Eze, Cote D’Azur, France: exactly what the Med should be. Surrounded by the sparkling sea, provided with great sporty activities on property.
What’s been your most memorable dining experience to date?
Hmmm… that’s a fun question! So, I’d have to say when I was 16 years old, out to dinner in New York at a great Indian restaurant and I saw Bill Cosby (whom I grew up watching of course and adored). I walked over to him and said hi and asked if I could have a hug. He hugged me tight!
Have you rubbed shoulders with the rich and famous, either through your work or your travels?
I like to keep celebrities’ anonymity as there are quite a few that tap me for my suggestions of wonderful experiences to have, places to visit and go… I’ll share one non-work related story which is that years ago Christy Turlington entered the same elevator I was in in NYC. She turned to me and complimented my jacket – which I had designed myself from an old military jacket I bought in a Washington DC thrift store. I felt very stylish to say the least…
What currently ranks highest on your travel wishlist?
No question – these places: Atacama Desert in Chile, Mozambique, Madagascar, Wild Fitness bootcamp in Kenya, Croatian Coast, Tokyo….and I’d like to learn how to video document to better share my perceptions and finds via the web.
Thank you, Suzanne, for a great interview. And apologies on me having to be chased to get it published… it’s been a busy time here at A Luxury Travel Blog!
The Rocco Forte Collection’s newest property, The Augustine in Prague is taking bookings for 14th May onwards 2009. Created from a set of seven buildings, including the 13th Century St Thomas’s Monastery, The Augustine’s beautiful historic features have been restored and crafted into the hotel’s design. Located in the picturesque Malá Strana district, the 101-bedroom property, including 16 suites, boasts magnificent views of Prague Castle, St Thomas’s Church and monastery courtyard. Completing this invigorating mix is a serene spa and hamam, cutting edge gym, the choice of two original bars and The Monastery restaurant.
The Polish city of Krakow, too often overlooked by travellers, has been recognised as one of the world’s top five cities by readers of Wanderlust magazine. The self-styled magazine “for people with a passion for travel” placed Krakow fourth place in its list of favourite cities for 2009 and described it as a “bargain destination”. The other cities to make the top five were Antigua in Guatemala, Kyoto in Japan, the US city of Boston and the Cuban capital of Havana.
A ‘skateboard/punk rocker’ in his youth, David Sutcliffe is now one of three partners who run a small travel agency in Harrogate, England called 
Following the first phase of a significant renovation to the hotel’s guest rooms and public spaces, the iconic 
Take time out and enjoy 
I’ve just received a note from 
Our latest interview is with Suzanne Aaronson, Editor-in-Chief and Founder of