This Valentine’s Day treat your loved one to the most lavish and memorable Valentine’s Day possible by booking the ‘One In A Million’ package at the athenaeum hotel in London. It begins with a flight in a private helicopter over the couples’ choice of famous landmarks in the capital. After the flight a private chauffer-driven limousine will arrive at the heliport and take them to the athenaeum in the heart of Mayfair. In The Rooftop Suite couples will find a bottle of vintage Champagne and two stunning lead crystal Champagne flutes. The rooms will be decorated with flowers styled by the hotel’s florist especially for the occasion and the mini bar will be filled with delicious gourmet food from Fortnum & Masons. Even the bathroom will be stocked with cosmetics and perfumes made especially for the guests by a leading London fragrance house. To relax and unwind spa treatments can be booked for either in the hotel’s Spa or in the Rooftop Suite.
A pre-ordered couture dress and a men’s suit from one of London’s most established Savile Row tailors will be hanging in the wardrobe and a jeweller from a leading diamond specialist will arrive with a selection of jewels available to purchase. A team of expert make-up artists and hair stylists will be on hand to help prepare for an evening of celebrations.
Once ready, a private butler will arrive to serve Champagne cocktails and a pre-agreed bespoke menu of canapés. Guests can enjoy the stunning panoramic view from the Rooftop suite’s balcony of Green Park and the London skyline beyond whilst being serenaded by a singer/musician of their choice. Couples can choose to have dinner either in the hotel’s restaurant or in the suite. The head chef has lovingly created an exquisite five-course menu of romantic culinary delights.
Afterwards it’s on to London’s Royal Opera House where guests will meet the lead singers before enjoying a fantastic performance of Mozart’s operatic masterpiece, Le Nozze di Figaro. The following morning breakfast in bed with all the trimmings is served and with it a beautiful photo album documenting the ‘One In A Million’ Valentine’s Day at the athenaeum. Price on application.
For the first time ever, visitors to Ayers Rock – aka Uluru – will be able to enjoy one of the best views as dawn falls over Australia’s Red Centre. The service will begin in March 2012, courtesy of Outback Ballooning. Flights will last around 30 minutes and pass over the Patji region just outside Uluru -Kata Tjuta National Park, with Uluru viewed from the south (depending on the wind direction). This is an area that has never before been accessible to visitors before – at least not without the need for special permits.
From this ultimate viewing platform visitors will get incredible views of the 348 metre high Uluru, and will be able to soak up the vastness of the surrounding desert. As the sun rises, you can admire the rock as it gradually changes colour as the sun rises.
The new service has come about thanks to the support of the traditional Anangu owners. And guests of this experience will also get to help re-pack the balloon after it lands and enjoy a light bush breakfast. Priced at AU$450 per person for a 30-minute flight, the four hour experience also includes transfers to and from your accommodation.
Virgin Australia’s new twice-daily service from Brisbane to Gladstone, Mondays to Fridays, allows visitors to Australia even easier access to the tropical paradise of Heron Island.
Renowned for wonderful diving and snorkelling right off the island’s beautiful white sandy beaches, Heron Island is the perfect introduction to the delights of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef with its plethora of amazing underwater wildlife. And with turtle nesting season in the early stages in December, it is perfect for nature lovers looking to get up close and personal with these fascinating creatures as they begin their slow journey up the pristine beaches on both Heron and neighbouring Wilson Islands to lay their eggs.
From the Monte Carlo casino to the five-star hotels on the Croisette, when it comes to luxury, the French Riviera has a lot to offer. Over 10 million tourists visit the Côte d’Azur for a holiday in the sun every year, but very few are lucky enough to experience the grandiose lifestyle that makes it so desirable. Here are five tips that will ensure you make the most of your luxury holiday in the South of France.
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.
I recently received a printed copy of Dan Poynter’s Air Travel Handbook – a goldmine of information for the travel enthusiast and, in particular, the frequent flyer. It’s not really the kind of book that needs to be read from cover to cover but instead is easy to dip in and out at any point and learn anything and everything you want to know about air travel. Its coverage really is extensive, covering everything from packing to making the most of airline frequent flyer programs. A huge amount of research has gone into compiling the publication, and the book is packed with references to further online sources of information. For this reason, I would suggest you opt for the eBook rather than the printed edition as you’ll be able to click on the links rather than have to copy them from the book into your browser. The author, Dan Poynter, is clearly a seasoned traveller – he is a licensed pilot himself, travels almost 10,000 kms every week and has completed more than 20 round-the-world itineraries. That alone should be make him a pretty good authority when it comes to flying!
Condé Nast Traveler today announced the results of its 2011 Readers’ Choice Awards, ranking the best cities, islands, cruise lines, airlines, hotels, and resorts worldwide. The awards appear in the November issue (on newsstands from 18th October 2011) and are derived from the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice survey. This year, a record 28,876 readers cast a combined eight million votes on thousands of properties and destinations around the world. The list also highlights a few firsts:
· The Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong, was named the top hotel in the world.
· Charleston, South Carolina grabs the number one spot in Top Cities in the U.S.
· After only two years since the grand opening, Chicago’s Elysian Hotel is named top hotel in the U.S.
· Despite a tough year for Japan, Kyoto claims title as Asia’s top city for the first time.
Top Cities: United States
1. Charleston, South Carolina
2. San Francisco
3. Santa Fe
Top Cities: Europe
1. Florence
2. Barcelona
3. Rome
Top Cities: Asia
1. Kyoto
2. Bangkok
3. Hong Kong
Top Cities: Africa/Middle East
1. Cape Town
2. Beirut
3. Byblos, Lebanon
Top Cities: Canada
1. Quebec City
2. Vancouver
3. Victoria, British Columbia
Top Cities: Oceania
1. Sydney
2. Queenstown, New Zealand
3. Melbourne
Top Cities: Mexico
1. San Miguel de Allende
2. Oaxaca
3. Mérida
Top Cities: Central/South America
1. Buenos Aires
2. Cuzco
3. Antigua de Guatemala
Top Islands: Caribbean/Atlantic
1. Bermuda
2. St. John
3. Nevis
Top Islands: Oceania
1. Bora Bora
2. Great Barrier Reef
3. Moorea
Top Islands: Asia
1. Maldives
2. Bali
3. Phuket
Top Islands: United States
1. Maui
2. Kauai
3. Kiawah, South Carolina
Top Islands: Europe
1. Bozcaada and the Turkish Aegean Islands
2. Mykonos and the Cyclades
3. Madeira
3. Mallorca and the Balearics
Top Resorts: Asia
1. Ayana Resort & Spa, Bali
2. Four Seasons Resort Bali at Sayan
3. Four Seasons, Chiang Mai
3. Oberoi Vanyavilas, Rajasthan
Top Resorts: Mexico
1. One&Only Palmilla, Los Cabos
2. Rancho La Puerta, Tecate
3. The Tides, Riviera Maya
Top Resorts: Africa
1. Four Seasons Sharm El Sheikh
1. Safari Lodges at Phinda Private Game Reserve, South Africa
3. Kirawira Luxury Tented Camp, Tanzania
Top Resorts: Europe
1. Hotel Caesar Augustus, Capri
2. Perivolas, Santorini
3. Park Hotel Kenmare, County Kerry
Top Resorts: Hawaii
1. Travaasa Hana (formerly Hotel Hana-Maui)
2. Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea
3. Trump International Hotel Waikiki Beach Walk
Top Resorts: Atlantic
1. The Reefs, Bermuda
2. Parrot Cay, Turks and Caicos
3. One&Only Ocean Club, Bahamas
Top Resorts: Middle East
1. Burj Al Arab, Dubai
2. Ritz-Carlton, Dubai
3. Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi
Top Resorts: Oceania
1. Lodge at Kauri Cliffs, New Zealand
2. Four Seasons, Bora Bora
3. Le Taha’a Island Resort & Spa, French Polynesia
Top Resorts: Mainland U.S.
1. Resort at Pelican Hill, Newport Coast, California
2. Westin Riverfront Resort & Spa at Beaver Creek Mountain, Avon, Colorado
3. Sanctuary at Kiawah Island Golf Resort, South Carolina
Top Small Resorts: Mainland U.S.
1. Keswick Hall at Monticello, Virginia
2. Mii Amo, Sedona
3. Amangani, Jackson Hole
Top Resorts: Canada
1. King Pacific Lodge (Rosewood), British Columbia
2. Emerald Lake Lodge, British Columbia
3. Long Beach Lodge Resort, Vancouver Island
Top Resorts: Caribbean
1. Nisbet Plantation Beach Club, Nevis
2. Jade Mountain, St. Lucia
3. Anse Chastanet, St. Lucia
Top Resorts: Central/South America
1. Four Seasons Resort Carmelo, Uruguay
2. Xandari Resort & Spa, Costa Rica
3. Kanantik Reef & Jungle Resort, Belize
Top Cruise Lines: Small-Ship Lines
1. Seabourn
2. Silversea
3. Windstar
Top Cruise Lines: Medium-Ship Lines
1. Crystal Cruises
2. Regent Seven Seas Cruises
3. Disney
Top Cruise Lines: Large-Ship Lines
1. Celebrity
2. Princess
3. Royal Caribbean
Top Cruise Lines: River Cruises
1. Uniworld Boutique River Cruises
2. Grand Circle Travel
3. Viking River Cruises
Now that the Dreamliner has officially taken off on its maiden voyage, CNBC is taking you inside this much-anticipated aircraft with the documentary, “Dreamliner: Inside the World’s Most Anticipated Airline”, which airs tonight at 9pm. What does it really look like? Will it change the future of travel? What is so special about the Dreamliner that some think it will revolutionize the aviation industry? Clips from the show can be viewed below:
If you’re someone who travels by private jet, you may or may not be aware of the perk of being able to bring along pet family members with you. And now you can make sure your pet is just as safe as you are and pampered every bit as much as you are.
Sit’n Stay Global provides corporate flight attendants who are safety trained not only for all of the usual human situations that might arise on a flight, but they also in their proprietary Pet Safety Protocols that consider everything from turbulence to bracing positions and evacuation procedures on land or in water. They carry pet oxygen masks, pet seat restraints and pet flotation devices with them on every flight. In addition, each flight attendant is trained in Pet First Aid and CPR. They took on these safety measures after learning of an accident where the passengers survived but the dog died on impact when he flew through the cabin and hit the bulkhead. That simply was not acceptable to the folks at Sit’n Stay.
The pampering isn’t limited to amazing meals catered in-flight that rival the human meals in elegance and presentation. These flight attendants often stay on at destination as pet nannies, allowing busy travellers to bring their pets even though they have work or a busy touring schedule planned. They come equipped with the latest apps to point them to the local dog parks, hiking trails and beaches that are pet friendly, cafés and shops where they can shop together and local dog activities.
The island of Maui, Hawaii has long been thought of as the holiday destination of a lifetime. Travelers dream of the iconic luau with its captivating hula dancers, legendary surf and lush rain forest. Experiencing the far flung Pacific culture of Maui with the opulence of one of its renowned five star resorts will leave you pampered, bronzed and feeling like a celebrity.
Maui’s west coast is ripe with resorts vying for position. The ritual of visiting Hawaii is a symbolic one and the staff of your hotel will take these high expectations very seriously. You will be greeted with a fragrant flower lei, cool towel and tropical fruit juice, but this gesture is merely a taste of the superior accommodation you can expect.
At the Ritz Carlton Kapalua your suite will be decadently appointed with rich koa wood and colorful Hawaiian flora and you can be sure your every whim will be catered to. The fresh ahi, snapper, and lobster will have your palate swooning in The Banyan Tree restaurant. Fancy a round of golf on a palm lined, world class course or yoga at sunrise overlooking pink-glowing waves and diamond white beach? Every consideration will be made to ensure you experience whichever corner of Maui you desire.
Whether you define “spoiled” as a soothing spa massage on a breezy lanai or sampling a kaleidoscopic array of exotic passion fruit, pineapple, guava, mango and coconut, the Fairmont Kea Lani-Maui in Wailea will exceed on every level of service. Take advantage of their complimentary snorkeling, surfing and Hawaiian canoe paddling instruction, or dive into one of three sparkling pools.
Let your concierge arrange a Blue Hawaiian helicopter tour over Haleakala Crater or into the misty western Maui mountains. You will marvel at the panorama of contrast between the fertile ridges of Iao Valley and the dusty moonscape of the volcano.
If you seek a more authentic, less hectic Hawaiian experience, brave the infamous Hana Highway. Savor every narrow hairpin turn, shocking drop-off, and roadside waterfall en route to your sanctuary in Hana.
The reward for your efforts is the enchanting Travaasa Hotel Hana-Maui. The island’s first resort founded in 1946, this family run property will evoke a much simpler era of Old Hawaiian hospitality. No less luxurious, but much more serene, the grounds are balmy with the sweet scent of jasmine and gardenia. Your charming, sea view villa will come adorned with bamboo furniture and the attentive staff will provide whatever special accommodation you wish. You won’t find a television or nightclub here, but instead you will have the unique opportunity to learn traditional lei stringing, a few chords on the ukulele, or how to sway your hips in hula rhythm. Fishing gear, beach cruiser bicycles, and boogie boards are complimentary to guests wishing to join the locals and enjoy quaint Hana Bay or top-ranked Hamoa Beach.
The magic of the island will rejuvenate, rekindle romance, and inspire awe at every turn. There is no question your Maui experience will be unforgettable when you relax and let your five star resort provide their impeccable services.
Brian Lutz is the VP of International E-Commerce at Excellent Hotels.
OK, so the subject is perhaps a little misleading… but hopefully you still won’t be disappointed with this fascinating timelapse video of the Boeing 777-200LR being slowly – or quickly, depending on how you look at it – pieced together in Everett, Washington, USA.
If you’re looking to travel in complete luxury, then you want to fly in first class. For some of us it’s something we can only dream of, for others it’s a regular occurrence. Airlines throughout the world compete to capture this high-value, luxury market by providing exceptional quality, services and features. When flying first class you can be treated to an experience like no other, including fine dining restaurants, LCD TV screens, flat beds, Dom Perignon Champagne and exclusive terminal lounges. We all enjoy cheap flights but enjoying true luxury in the sky comes at a price. If this sounds like an experience you would like to indulge in, then I’ve taken the hard work out of trying each airline and put together my list of top 5 first class airlines.
Singapore Airlines provide an experience that can be crafted the way you like it. An option of Dom Perignon or Krug champagne is a great start and combined with food how and when I want it makes this the food-lovers perfect flight! All at once or in courses, you can treat yourself to the way you wish to be served. Combine this with a huge seat that flattens into a bed, oversized pillows and a Givenchy sleep suit and you’ve got yourself one pleasurable plane ride.
The seats on Qatar Airways aren’t quite as long as Singapore Airlines, but nevertheless match them in quality and comfort. What makes the first class experience so enjoyable with this airline is the separate terminal that includes a Jacuzzi and sauna, as well as fine dining restaurants and a medical centre. You’ll want to arrive ahead of schedule to enjoy what you’ve paid for.
This airline comes in third due to the quality of service. If you’re looking for the royal treatment, you will get it with Malaysia Airlines. Like the other airlines, seats become flat beds and you get a personal TV screen. Enjoy the luxury of some exceptional Malaysian cuisine that’s served with a smile.
There’s two things that make this a luxurious experience – outstanding food and massage chairs! Each seat sits behind panels that create a suite-like feel. The super long chairs not only feature built-in massagers, but also lay down as flat beds. The food on Cathay Pacific is exceptional and probably the best of the bunch. If you’re looking for a good in-flight meal, add these guys to your consideration list.
While not as comfortable as some of the other airlines, Thai Airways gives you the complete experience, from personal concierges that checks you in and fast tracks you through customs and immigration to a choice of 22 entrees that can be pre-ordered for your flight. Once again they provide 180-degree flat beds and a spa in their exclusive first-class lounge.
The experience of flying first-class changes your opinion of flying altogether. No longer are you sitting in cramped, economy-class seats but enjoying the luxury of a bed, exceptional service, exclusive lounges and exquisite meals. Once you go first-class, it’s hard to fly any other way.
Watch Virgin Australia’s new television commercial which features industry experts Juli Grbac, responsible for the Virgin Australia uniforms and Hans Hulsbosch, who created the new airline’s logo and plane design.
Air stewardesses at Hong Kong Airlines are being trained in Wing Chun, a deadly martial art that can reputedly knock an aggressor out cold in a matter of seconds. It’s not clear whether it’s mostly PR hype or designed to be a legitimate safety exercise but it’s a kind of kung fu that apparently works best at close quarters so perhaps suited to the confined nature of a plane.
A couple of weeks ago I was meant to be going on a press trip to Tenerife with my family and reviewing a couple of hotels out there. Shortly before we were due to depart, I was looking into travel insurance as I was aware that our annual policy had expired. I contacted the travel insurance company we’d previously had cover from and sent them an email, rather than an instruction initially, because I had a query about the policy that I wanted to run by them.
I never received a reply from that email and, before I knew it, events unfolded shortly afterwards, that were to entirely scupper our plans. Our younger son was diagnosed with Henoch–Schönlein purpura which left him with a nasty rash on his legs, and resulted in painful swelling on his joints – particularly his ankles – that temporarily prevented him from being able to walk. Our doctor sensibly advised us not to travel.
With this diagnosis, I knew I couldn’t just get travel insurance retrospectively. So I contacted Monarch who I’d booked our flights with, and explained my predicament. They were extremely helpful and understanding and have allowed me to re-schedule the flights for the same time next year so that I can make the trip then – all at no cost.
Of course, all this was the least of our worries. The main thing was that our son made a speedy recovery and I’m pleased to report that he is doing much better now and has even been able to return to school today. That said, it was a very kind gesture from Monarch and gave us one less thing to worry about.
For the record, to my surprise Monarch do have a policy that allows you to amend your flights up to just 4.5 hours prior to your departure, usually at a cost of £27.50 per flight if done online (or £40 if done over the telephone), and you can amend your flight to dates up to a year in advance – a useful feature for anyone else finding themselves in a similar predicament.
A worthy mention also goes to Skyparksecure who I’d booked a ‘meet and greet’ airport parking service with. I contacted them also, and they have simply re-credited our account so that we can re-book with them on another occasion.
And the moral of the story? Even if your travels aren’t imminent, if you have a trip booked, make sure you have travel insurance in place at the time of booking, and not just prior to your departure.
The 6,000 plus travel advisors surveyed for Virtuoso’s annual Lux Report have selected Mexico as the number five international travel destination for 2011 – and for good reason. Mexico has long delivered incredible value and rich luxury opportunities to travelers worldwide. Here are five lavish experiences in Mexico sure to surpass the expectations of even the most experienced and discerning of travelers.
1. Vacation in a Private Villa
Exclusive, private villas offer a level of secluded luxury simply unattainable by hotels and resorts. Whether it’s the quiet Colonial countryside, the lofty cliffs overlooking the Pacific coast, or the lush plantations of the Yucatan Peninsula, the vast geography of Mexico is home to unique and distinct villas and haciendas that redefine the notion of “getting away”.
2. Tour by Private Plane/Helicopter
Mexico is an enormous country covering 2 million square kilometers of land area, and has been home to hundreds of fascinating and historically significant cultures. Traveling to the different regions of the country to meet the people of these areas and experience their cultures can be a logistical nightmare.
Chartering private planes and helicopters allows travelers to cover large distances during a holiday as well as opens up more remote, off-the-beaten-path types of opportunities.
3. Picnic at a Private Cenote
Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula is one of the most unique regions of the world as it contains thousands of centotes, which are natural pools of water (once underground) that are created when the land-roof above them collapses. The water in theses cenotes has been naturally filtered as it travels underground, which results in extremely vivid pools of blue and green – the perfect setting for a private picnic lunch.
Dining along the banks of a cenote is incredibly tranquil and diving into its refreshing water is the perfect way to cool off after touring in the warm jungles of the Yucatan.
4. Take Private Cooking Classes
Among the first two cuisines ever awarded UNESCO World Heritage Status, the culinary traditions and achievements of Mexico are undeniably legendary. There’s no better way to truly appreciate the complexities of fine cuisine than to observe the creation of a dish from the local markets to the plate.
Taking cooking classes while on holiday in Mexico is an extremely rewarding experience for food and wine lovers alike. Touring local markets to shop for ingredients, studying the traditions and practices of local master chefs in the kitchen, learning about which wines to pair with select dishes, and actually trying your hand at re-creating traditional recipes are all in a days work!
5. Charter a Private Yacht
Fish, sunbathe, stop to swim and snorkel, enjoy savory meals cooked by private chefs, jet ski – the luxurious opportunities are endless when chartering a private yacht and touring one of Mexico’s many pristine coastlines. For those experienced at sea, book and overnight charter and revel in the moonlight of the open seas!
Why would anyone want to stay at an airport hotel? Prior to having the pleasure of staying at the Crowne Plaza at Changi Airport, the only answer to that question which I could have come up with would have been “convenience”. Sometimes you’ll stay at an airport hotel just to be handy for moving on to your next destination.
Well, the Crowne Plaza certainly ticks the convenience box – with a huge tick! Literally, you can exit via one of the hotel entrances and you are in Terminal 3 of Singapore’s International Airport. The hotel does offer airport transfers, but they are done on foot with one of their staff and a hotel luggage trolley. That’s all that’s needed. Now that is convenience.
The hotel has a lot more to offer than its superb location, which is strategically placed for the Singapore Expo, Changi Business Park, and several golf courses, as well as the airport. It’s also only about 20 minutes’ drive away from the business, shopping and dining areas of the city centre. All very convenient, but is there anything more to recommend about it? Absolutely, yes!
The building itself is totally unlike any airport hotel building you’ll have seen before. With the guest rooms facing onto open-air corridors, a structure planned to make the most of natural light and shade, and its theme of “wood and water”, it’s a temple to eco-chic. An abundance of tropical greenery and clever use of water features make it an oasis of tranquillity in the bustling city-state of Singapore. The deluxe guest rooms have excellent soundproofing and you’d never know you were so close to an airport.
Yet for all the luxury and calm, the hotel is also very high tech and offers excellent facilities to cater for business travellers as well as those on leisure trips. A capacious ballroom, and several Smart Meeting Rooms designed to promote creative discussion, can host events for numbers from 10 to 300.
The deluxe rooms are comfortable, with an ample 36 square metres to stretch out in. A decent-sized desk ensures plenty of working space if you need to take care of business, but you may prefer to relax in front of the wide-screen TV, gaze out of the picture windows at the tropical greenery, or perhaps plug your iPod into the bedside CD player and lull yourself to sleep with your own choice of music. Bathrooms come with a generously-proportioned bathtub and a separate rain shower.
The suites are even more luxurious, with more than twice the space – 75 square metres! The living/reception area has room enough to work in and hold meetings, with a separate toilet for guests, while the bedroom has its own LCD television, superbly appointed bathroom and walk-in wardrobe, allowing you to withdraw to your own private area when you wish. And in-room dining is available throughout the hotel, 24 hours a day.
Of course, you don’t have to be confined to your room – lovely though it is. The resort atmosphere is sustained in the Aspara Spa, where you can have all the knots smoothed out of those travel-weary muscles with a relaxing massage. And if you need to blow the cobwebs out and get the blood pumping round your body again, then take a turn in the well-equipped gym – or if swimming’s your thing, then how about a few lengths in the 30-metre landscaped swimming pool? I can guarantee you’ll never have been in a pool like it!
Guests staying in Executive Club level accommodation gain access to the Crowne Plaza Club on Floor 3. You can go online using the Club computer or with your own equipment with the Club’s free WiFi access, or unwind with a quiet early evening cocktail and appetisers (perhaps over a game of chess or Chinese chess!) before dinner. Complimentary continental breakfast is also laid on in the Club. It’s a great place to chill out, and heightens the sense of staying at a resort rather than a hotel at a major international hub airport.
But even those not lucky enough to have Club access are well provided for. The Lobby Lounge is a great place to meet friends or business contacts, with a choice of indoor or outdoor seating. If sports are your thing, then you can follow the latest match or shoot some pool in Bar ’75 – a three-zoned bar with a distinctive ’70s Asia theme.
And when you’re hungry, you’ve got the choice of Azur – a funky all-day dining restaurant with not one, but two show kitchens preparing a variety of international cuisines – and Imperial Treasure, a branch of the renowned Chinese restaurant chain that serves fine-dining Cantonese and speciality food.
This award winning hotel, which was on Conde Nast Traveler’s Hot List 2009, is well worth a stay – even if you don’t have a flight to catch the following day.
Follow ALTB on Facebook
Follow ALTB on Twitter
Follow ALTB on Google+
Find Paul on LinkedIn
This Valentine’s Day treat your loved one to the most lavish and memorable Valentine’s Day possible by booking the ‘One In A Million’ package at the athenaeum hotel in London. It begins with a flight in a private helicopter over the couples’ choice of famous landmarks in the capital. After the flight a private chauffer-driven limousine will arrive at the heliport and take them to the athenaeum in the heart of Mayfair. In The Rooftop Suite couples will find a bottle of vintage Champagne and two stunning lead crystal Champagne flutes. The rooms will be decorated with flowers styled by the hotel’s florist especially for the occasion and the mini bar will be filled with delicious gourmet food from Fortnum & Masons. Even the bathroom will be stocked with cosmetics and perfumes made especially for the guests by a leading London fragrance house. To relax and unwind spa treatments can be booked for either in the hotel’s Spa or in the Rooftop Suite.
For the first time ever, visitors to Ayers Rock – aka Uluru – will be able to enjoy one of the best views as dawn falls over Australia’s Red Centre. The service will begin in March 2012, courtesy of 
From the Monte Carlo casino to the five-star hotels on the Croisette, when it comes to luxury, the French Riviera has a lot to offer. Over 10 million tourists visit the Côte d’Azur for a holiday in the sun every year, but very few are lucky enough to experience the grandiose lifestyle that makes it so desirable. Here are five tips that will ensure you make the most of your luxury holiday in the South of France.
I recently received a printed copy of Dan Poynter’s 
If you’re someone who travels by private jet, you may or may not be aware of the perk of being able to bring along pet family members with you. And now you can make sure your pet is just as safe as you are and pampered every bit as much as you are.
The island of Maui, Hawaii has long been thought of as the holiday destination of a lifetime. Travelers dream of the iconic luau with its captivating hula dancers, legendary surf and lush rain forest. Experiencing the far flung Pacific culture of Maui with the opulence of one of its renowned five star resorts will leave you pampered, bronzed and feeling like a celebrity.
If you’re looking to travel in complete luxury, then you want to fly in first class. For some of us it’s something we can only dream of, for others it’s a regular occurrence. Airlines throughout the world compete to capture this high-value, luxury market by providing exceptional quality, services and features. When flying first class you can be treated to an experience like no other, including fine dining restaurants, LCD TV screens, flat beds, Dom Perignon Champagne and exclusive terminal lounges. We all enjoy cheap flights but enjoying true luxury in the sky comes at a price. If this sounds like an experience you would like to indulge in, then I’ve taken the hard work out of trying each airline and put together my list of top 5 first class airlines.
A couple of weeks ago I was meant to be going on a press trip to Tenerife with my family and reviewing a couple of hotels out there. Shortly before we were due to depart, I was looking into travel insurance as I was aware that our annual policy had expired. I contacted the travel insurance company we’d previously had cover from and sent them an email, rather than an instruction initially, because I had a query about the policy that I wanted to run by them.
The 6,000 plus travel advisors surveyed for Virtuoso’s annual Lux Report have selected Mexico as the number five international travel destination for 2011 – and for good reason. Mexico has long delivered incredible value and rich luxury opportunities to travelers worldwide. Here are five lavish experiences in Mexico sure to surpass the expectations of even the most experienced and discerning of travelers.
Why would anyone want to stay at an airport hotel? Prior to having the pleasure of staying at the 
The deluxe rooms are comfortable, with an ample 36 square metres to stretch out in. A decent-sized desk ensures plenty of working space if you need to take care of business, but you may prefer to relax in front of the wide-screen TV, gaze out of the picture windows at the tropical greenery, or perhaps plug your iPod into the bedside CD player and lull yourself to sleep with your own choice of music. Bathrooms come with a generously-proportioned bathtub and a separate rain shower.
The suites are even more luxurious, with more than twice the space – 75 square metres! The living/reception area has room enough to work in and hold meetings, with a separate toilet for guests, while the bedroom has its own LCD television, superbly appointed bathroom and walk-in wardrobe, allowing you to withdraw to your own private area when you wish. And in-room dining is available throughout the hotel, 24 hours a day.
Of course, you don’t have to be confined to your room – lovely though it is. The resort atmosphere is sustained in the Aspara Spa, where you can have all the knots smoothed out of those travel-weary muscles with a relaxing massage. And if you need to blow the cobwebs out and get the blood pumping round your body again, then take a turn in the well-equipped gym – or if swimming’s your thing, then how about a few lengths in the 30-metre landscaped swimming pool? I can guarantee you’ll never have been in a pool like it!
Guests staying in Executive Club level accommodation gain access to the Crowne Plaza Club on Floor 3. You can go online using the Club computer or with your own equipment with the Club’s free WiFi access, or unwind with a quiet early evening cocktail and appetisers (perhaps over a game of chess or Chinese chess!) before dinner. Complimentary continental breakfast is also laid on in the Club. It’s a great place to chill out, and heightens the sense of staying at a resort rather than a hotel at a major international hub airport.
But even those not lucky enough to have Club access are well provided for. The Lobby Lounge is a great place to meet friends or business contacts, with a choice of indoor or outdoor seating. If sports are your thing, then you can follow the latest match or shoot some pool in Bar ’75 – a three-zoned bar with a distinctive ’70s Asia theme.