A Luxury Travel Blog

These days, restaurant menus are so descriptive they read like fine literature. And with all the scrumptious-sounding descriptions of foams, emulsions, purées and reductions, it’s tempting to bathe in the dishes rather than eat them.  Actually… now you can!

Order up a treatment from the new Apothecary Menu at Four Seasons Resort Hualalai’s Spa, and both your body and spirit will benefit from Hawaii’s freshest local ingredients. When you book a wrap or scrub at The Spa, which has just undergone a $7 million facelift, a Spa Concierge will create a custom blend just for you. Featuring more than twenty Hawaiian ingredients, the Apothecary Menu takes its inspiration from the Big Island’s long tradition of healing with natural elements. Your custom blend will be based on physical characteristics, scent preferences and overall needs for well-being.

Need some exfoliation? Try crushed macadamia nuts, coconut or volcanic pumice. Craving a detoxification? Kona - a green, deep sea clay - should do the trick. Ready to be soothed? (And really, who isn’t?) Your custom blend might include essential oils of juniper, birch, rosemary, lavender, Vitamin E and grape seed.

A luxury AAA Four Diamond resort, The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii is offering a new adventure package which includes admission to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, plus you can enrol in one of the many classes offered by the Hawaii Volcanoes Institute, an educational arm of the Friends of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, and a non-profit organisation dedicated to the education of Hawaii Island geology, biology, history and culture - an ideal opportunity for the visitor who would like a bit more than just sand and surf during their Hawaiian getaway.  Guests can experience a variety of educational opportunities ranging from monitoring Kilauea’s vital signs to learning basic birding techniques about Hawaii’s endangered birds. Package includes deluxe accommodation, daily breakfast for 2, daily tennis, Fun in the Sun Activity passes, a picnic lunch for two, enrollment in a Hawaii Volcanoes Institute class, and a donation to Hawaii Volcanoes National Park through the Friends of Hawaii Volcanoes National Park to be used to support the threatened and endangered species at the park including the Hawaiian Petrel (seabird), Hawksbill Turtle, the Mauna Loa silversword, and the Hawaiian Nene Goose. Prices from USD449 per night including taxes. Three-night minimum stay required. Valid until 20th December 2009.

Featuring newly remodeled guest rooms, a refreshed spa and fitness centre, updated restaurant and lounges, remodeled beach and pool, and up-to-the-minute technology upgrades across the resort, Grand Wailea’s charm and founding elements of trees, water, flowers, art, light and sound more prominent and enjoyable than ever.

$50 million in renovations has seen guest rooms re-designed to create a unique and luxurious residential experience consistent with The Waldorf Astoria Collection, welcoming guests with a tasteful blend of Western and Polynesian décor, including new carpeting, freshly-painted walls, beautiful dark wood furnishings and 37” flat-screen televisions. The bathrooms have been enhanced with new frameless shower enclosures, upgraded fixtures, lighting and artwork, complimenting the existing oversized soaking tubs, marble vanities, and sinks and accessories.

The Wailea Canyon Activity Pool has been restored with fresh colour schemes and seven separate pools including a baby beach, seven waterslides, the world’s first water elevator, caves, waterfalls and Jacuzzis, have all been re-tiled and re-plastered to enhance guest enjoyment and relaxation in and out of the water. Recently named “Top Hotel Spa in Hawaii” by Travel and Leisure magazine, Spa Grande has also undergone renovations.

Upgrades have also been made to food and beverage venues including a complete renovation of the famous Botero Bar, and private luxury town homes (Ho’olei at Grand Wailea) have been introduced to a gated community adjacent to the resort, ideal for large family gatherings, groups of friends, or anyone looking for more exclusive and spacious vacation options.

In a world where your personal space is only getting smaller, it’s nice to know there’s a place where your world will only get bigger. Ke Kailani’s exclusive 65-acres on Hawaii’s Big Island provide the perfect setting for their airy and luxurious villas, as well as some of the last remaining oceanfront home sites on the Kohala Coast.  And if all that lush open space - including the spectacular infinity pool at their dramatic Kaiola Grotto - isn’t room enough, explore the rest of the 3200-acre Mauna Lani Resort for privileged access to its luxurious amenities.

AAA has announced the 2009 AAA Five Diamond Award winners. Ten establishments have been added for a total of 103 hotels and 59 restaurants that have achieved Five Diamond status, the travel authority’s highest rating for hotels and restaurants. For 2009, six hotels were added to the list: The Beverly Hills Hotel and Bungalows, Beverly Hills, CA; Montage Laguna Beach, Laguna Beach, CA; Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village, Westlake Village, CA; The Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach, Manalapan, FL; InterContinental Buckhead Atlanta, Atlanta, GA; and Four Seasons Hotel St. Louis, St. Louis, MO. The four dining additions are Addison, San Diego, CA; Chef Mavro, Honolulu, HI; Restaurant Guy Savoy, Las Vegas, NV; and The Pavilion Antigua, New Winthorpes, Antigua.

Representing the upper echelon of the hospitality industry, AAA Five Diamond Award winners make up just 0.28 percent of the 58,000 Diamond Rated lodgings and restaurants throughout the United States, Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean.

Enjoy up to 40% off the prevailing rate at Hyatt Regency Waikiki Beach Resort and Spa. Take advantage of this discounted rate through until 26th December 2008.  Aloha has many meanings. It could mean hello, goodbye, love or great rates at this amazing resort.

Enjoy five nights accommodations at The Kapalua Villas with VIP passes to an exclusive sky box located on the 18th hole (15th-19th October 2008 only) You’ll also get a one hour golf clinic for two with an LPGA Tournament Professional at the Kapalua Golf Academy.  See their website for further details.

Owned by the famous McCormick Spice family, The Onion House is a unique architectural oddity that has now been made available to rent as a holiday retreat. It can be found in Kailua Kona on Hawaii’s Big Island and was built by the celebrated architect Kendrick Bangs Kellogg, designed to take full advantage of its natural tropical surroundings. The property has garnered a great deal of media attention since opening and HGTV chose the master bedroom of the house as one of the top ten ‘Most Romantic Bedrooms’ in the world.

Wailea Beach Villas is offering adventurous souls the chance to explore Maui by canoe, surf and snorkel!  The luxury resort offers private adventure tours by local guide Charlie Fleck. Enjoy a guided hike in a bamboo forest, an outrigger canoe trip, surf lessons and snorkeling at Turtle Town.  The Maui Adventure Guide Experience five nights accommodation in a two bedroom penthouse and one, complimentary half-day excursion with Charlie. The package rate begins at $1,225 per person based on four people in a two bedroom penthouse. This special offer is available through until 19th December 2008. Fleck also can be reserved for full and multi-day excursions that are customized to meet each guest’s needs.

Kapalua Resort is excited to add an LPGA full-field tournament to its roster of Signature Events. The Kapalua LPGA Classic is scheduled for October 13 to 19, 2008 at The Bay Course. For complete details, visit www.kapalua.com/lpga

Destination Resorts Hawaii is offering a Honua Makuahine (Mother Earth) package, valid from 1st April to 15th June 2008, to the tropical paradise of the Aloha state.  This five night package offers a $250 carbon credit which will help off-set 3.5 round trip flights from the West Coast, a complimentary Dollar rental car and free parking.  Destination Resorts Hawaii is the largest provider of luxury vacation rentals in the prestigious Wailea and Makena resorts on Maui.  For more information or to book, click here and mention GREENPKG.

• Signature at MGM Grand - Las Vegas, Nevada
• Sofitel New York - New York City, New York
• Omni San Francisco Hotel - San Francisco, California
• Affinia Dumont - New York City, New York
• The Orchard Hotel - San Francisco, California
• Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea - Wailea, Hawaii
• The Villas at Grand Cypress - Orlando, Florida
• Sofitel Chicago Water Tower - Chicago, Illinois
• Four Seasons Hotel San Francisco - San Francisco, California
• Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort - Naples, Florida

Come back tomorrow for the best in Europe!

Each year The Leading Hotels of the World select the winners of the prestigious Leaders Club Awards based on user feedback. To commemorate these special accolades, all three honourees for 2007 will be offering a bottle of Champagne any time Leaders Club members stay with them until 31st March 2008.  As for the winners, they are:

Halekulani, Honolulu, Hawaii, U.S.A.

A tradition of world-renowned service and unparalleled luxury is the essence of Halekulani, where guests leave as much of an impression on the resort as the resort leaves on them. Originally a private beachfront estate, Halekulani has been accommodating discriminating visitors to Waikiki Beach since 1917. A long-standing tradition of gracious hospitality prevails today in the same idyllic setting, offering a haven of luxury, impeccable personal attention, and fine cuisine. Located on five oceanfront acres on Waikiki Beach, the Halekulani features open courtyards, lush gardens and balmy ocean breezes.

Ritz London, London, United Kingdom

Opened by renowned hotelier Cesar Ritz in 1906, The Ritz still today retains all the excitement and glamour synonymous with this legendary hotel. The 136 guestrooms combine Louis XVI-style interiors with modern-day technology, while fine dining facilities include the magnificent Ritz Restaurant, the opulent Palm Court for afternoon tea, and the stylish Rivoli Bar. William Kent House, the 18th-century mansion house recently opened at The Ritz, features a spectacular choice of banquet rooms and suites. The Ritz is the only hotel to have been awarded a Royal Warrant by HRH The Prince of Wales for Banquet and Catering services.

The Alex Hotel, New York, New York, U.S.A.

The Alex rises 33 stories above midtown Manhattan, within steps of the prime business, shopping and entertainment areas. The 203 suites and guest rooms offer a comfortable, stylish and well-designed retreat. The Alex Hotel’s impeccable services and amenities will transform an ordinary overnight stay or long-term sojourn to a luxurious experience.

Vacations are always more fun when there’s a coastline in view, or at least so say Tripadvisor.  They’ve come up with a list outlining their top 10 favourite beachside destinations:

1. Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
2. Honolulu, Hawaii 
3. Cancun, Mexico
4. Surfer’s Paradise, Australia
5. Negril, Jamaica
6. Miami, Florida
7. Viti Levu, Fiji
8. Boracay, Philippines
9. Tenerife, Canary Islands
10. Ko Phi Phi Don, Thailand

What places would be in your top 10 that are not in this list?

Earlier this month I was invited to the private beta of Kango.com and have only just now got around to taking a look.  I must say that, from first impressions, I’m quietly impressed.  After getting around the initial geographical restrictions (a strong bias towards North and Central America), I entered a search for hotels for a family holiday in Hawaii for the price bracket of $350+ per night.  It returned 33 options, the first of which - with a 98% relevancy - was the Grand Wailea Resort Hotel and Spa.  But, and here comes the nice bit, as well as giving the usual brief description, photograph, etc. I was immediately presented with ratings from TripAdvisor and Yahoo! Travel (other results also include similar information from Orbitz, VirtualTourist, MyTravelGuide and Expedia), and links to 427 reviews with the former, and 99 reviews with the latter.  Now, whilst I recognise that reviews have to be taken with a pinch of salt, this is a tremendous mine of information collated all under one roof, allowing the user to very quickly get a detailed insight into the individual search results that are returned.  The other thing that I like is that the reviews that are highlighted appear to be the ones that are made by families (I assume this isn’t a co-incidence) so they’re targeted specifically towards my initial search requirements.  Good stuff.

The Lusso Collection - an exclusive destination club that began in June last year and provides members unlimited access to a collection of multi-million dollar residences in the world’s most sought-after vacation destinations - has announced that it has signed more than 100 members since its official launch. Destinations covered include Hawaii, Cabo San Lucas (Mexico), Kiawah Island (South Carolina), Deer Valley (Utah), New York, Great Abaco Island (Bahamas) and La Jolla (California).