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.

London’s most expensive Valentine’s Day package is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

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.

An Australian first: hot air balloon flights launching from Uluru is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

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.

Escaping to Australia’s Heron Island just got easier is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

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.

Melodie Michel is Marketing Manager at Riviera Rental Guide.

If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

5 tips to take luxury to the next step on the French Riviera is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

Book review: Dan Poynter’s Air Travel Handbook is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

· 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

Top Foreign Airlines

1. Singapore Airlines
2. Virgin Atlantic
3. Emirates

Top U.S. Airlines

1. Virgin America
2. JetBlue Airways
3. Hawaiian Airlines

Top Small Airlines

1. OpenSkies
2. Porter Airlines
3. Air Tahiti Nui

Top Hotels: Southern Europe

1. Hôtel de Paris, Monte Carlo
2. Il San Pietro di Positano, Italy
3. Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Sultanahmet

Top Hotels: Northern Europe

1. Mandarin Oriental, Prague
2. Beau-Rivage Palace, Lausanne
3. Regent Berlin

Top Small Hotels: Europe

1. Palazzo Sasso, Ravello
2. Château de La Chèvre d’Or, Côte d’Azur
3. Villa San Michele, Fiesole, Tuscany

Top Hotels: Central America

1. Lapa Rios Ecolodge, Costa Rica
2. Casa Santo Domingo, Antigua Guatemala
3. Inn at Robert’s Grove, Belize

Top Hotels: Oceania

1. Observatory Hotel, Sydney
2. Sydney Harbour Marriott Hotel at Circular Quay
3. The Langham, Auckland
3. Westin Sydney

Top Hotels: British Isles

1. Culloden House, Inverness, Scotland
2. Chewton Glen, Hampshire
3. The Halkin, London

Top Hotels: Caribbean/Atlantic

1. Peninsula House, Dominican Republic
2. The Caves, Jamaica
3. Eden Rock, St. Barts

Top Hotels: Asia

1. Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong
2. Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok
3. The Peninsula, Tokyo

Top Hotels: Africa

1. Steenberg Hotel, Cape Town
2. The Saxon, Johannesburg
3. Cape Grace, Cape Town

Top Hotels: Canada

1. Langdon Hall Country House Hotel & Spa, Cambridge, Ontario
2. Auberge Saint-Antoine, Quebec City
3. Hôtel Nelligan, Montreal

Top Hotels: Mexico

1. Las Mañanitas, Cuernavaca
2. La Casa Que Canta, Zihuatanejo
3. Casa de Sierra Nevada, San Miguel de Allende

Top Hotels: United States

1. Elysian Hotel, Chicago
2. 21c Museum Hotel, Louisville
3. The Peninsula, Chicago

Top Small Hotels: United States

1. Colonial Houses, Williamsburg, Virginia
2. Fairbanks House, Amelia Island
3. Fearrington House Inn, Pittsboro, North Carolina

Top Hotels: South America

1. Hotel Fasano, São Paolo
2. Alvear Palace Hotel, Buenos Aires
3. Palacio Duhau-Park Hyatt, Buenos Aires

Top Hotels: Middle East

1. Park Hyatt Dubai
2. Al Faisaliah Hotel (Rosewood), Riyadh
3. Four Seasons, Doha

The results of the Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Awards 2011 are in… is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

See inside the Dreamliner is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

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.

Pampered pets on private jets is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

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.

If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

Five star Maui is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

How to build an aeroplane in less than 3 minutes is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

1. Singapore 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.

2. Qatar Airways

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.

3. Malaysia Airlines

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.

4. Cathay Pacific

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.

6. Thai Airways

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.

Richard Greenwood is the Marketing Director at Flight Centre Australia.

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The 5 best first class airlines is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

Introducing the all new Virgin Australia is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

Air hostesses showcase their deadly kung fu moves is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

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.

A good news story from an airline – well done, Monarch! is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

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!

Chase Buckner is the Webmaster at Journey Mexico.

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5 fabulous experiences in Mexico is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

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.

Crowne Plaza Hotel Changi Airport
75 Airport Boulevard
Singapore 819664
Tel: +65 6823 5300

Special feature: Crowne Plaza, Changi Airport, Singapore is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

Exclusive Clue: Over 10,000 litres of beer are served daily at this city’s most famous drinking establishment – Hofbräuhaus. Regular beer aficionados even have a locker to store their steins. Where am I?

For other clues, go here. When you think you know which city it is visit this link and enter your details. All entries must be received by midnight 19th December 2010.

The winner will be announced on 21st December 2010 and will have the chance to blog about their trip on the WhichBudget Blog. The competition is subject to Terms and Conditions

Some information about Salzburg

Salzburg is the perfect destination for a pre-Christmas jaunt. Surrounded by hills that are brought to life by The Sound of Music, the Salzburg Christkindlmarkt, set under the Cathedral in the heart of the Old Town, brings the whole city of Salzburg alive. Picturesque lanes of wooden stalls offer traditional must-have delicacies such as hand made sweets, roasted almonds and chestnuts as well as decorated gingerbread goodies. Pause for some warming Gluhwein or traditional Punsch before browsing the locally hand crafted toys, tree decorations and souvenirs. Finish with a stroll up to the Monschberg and take in the fairytale views of the snow covered roof tops of Salzburg.

To be notified of other great travel competitions, sign up at Travel Competitions.

Win a trip to Salzburg! is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

February: A romantic weekend escape to Paris, or a luxurious winter sports break in Portes du Soleil.

March: A perfect month to immerse yourself in magical Morocco. Or indulge in some retail therapy in super stylish Milan.

April: Experience a gastronomic haven in the heart of the French countryside in Burgundy.

May: Glamour and excitement, style and sophistication, yachts, fine dining and Formula 1 Racing at the Monaco Grand Prix.

June: Horseracing, hats, helicopters and of course, champagne at Royal Ascot. Or perhaps make a weekend of it at Wimbledon.

July: Mingle with Royalty at the Cartier Polo Club, the highlight of the British social season.

August: Imagine driving through the breathtaking Tuscan countryside in a Ferrari… what an experience!

September: Hit the French Riviera for ‘Les Voiles de St Tropez‘ – the most beautiful and extraordinary yachts battling for The Rolex Trophy. Or kick back in unspoilt Galway for delectable treats at the Oyster Festival.

October: Wind down in style truffle hunting in Northern Italy.

November: Christmas shopping in probably the most exciting city on the planet – New York. Or how about a sparkling weekend in the Champagne region of France?

December: Soak up the festive atmosphere at Christmas markets in beautiful cities such as Prague, Vienna and Salzburg.

Naomi Whiteley works for the UK-based boutique tour operator Grand Tourist.

If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

Some wonderful ideas for luxury breaks in 2011… be inspired! is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

1. Sion Airport

Nestled in the heart of the Alps, the approach to Sion airport takes you down the Rhone valley. With the high mountain terrain to negotiate, your airline or private jet pilot will be radar vectored by Swiss military air traffic control to the initial approach point, after which the navigation is simple: fly straight down the valley with the cliffs above you, circle the town, and avoid the hospital for a perfect touchdown at Europe’s most stunning airport.

2. St Maarten – Princess Juliana Airport

The Princess Juliana airport on the island of St Maarten (Saint Martin) is exceptionally close to the beach, with private jet aircraft and airliners literally skimming over the heads of holidaymakers. At the end of the runway is the sunset bar area – the ultimate planespotter’s viewing spot. Riding the fence is a local ritual: thrillseekers sit on the fence and hang on while jet blast blows at them as a 747 takes off.

3. St Barts Airport

The Caribbean island of St Barts is just a few minutes connecting flight from Princess Juliana on St Maarten. With a very short runway, it does not cater to international jet flights – only scheduled and private charter propeller services. The approach is thrilling: With very tight angles, hills, unusual wind conditions and the short runway to negotiate, there’s little margin for error and only the most qualified and highly-trained pilots can land there.

4. Gibraltar Airport

Gibraltar airport is owned by the Ministry of Defence as RAF Gibraltar. Private jet operators also use the airport to arrange private jet charter to and from Gibraltar – and civilian airlines for flights to the UK and Spain. The airport has the distinction of being the closest to the city that it serves, being only 500 metres from Gibraltar’s city centre. The runway is actually intersected by a main road which has to be closed every time a plane lands or departs. The rock of Gibraltar looms large on the stunning approach, causing unusual wind patterns and turbulence.

5. St Gallen-Altenrhein Airport

St Gallen-Altenrhein has an idyllic setting between Lake Constance and the alpine foot hills of the Appenzell region in Switzerland. It was built in 1927-1928 by pumping mud from nearby Lake Constance (Bodensee) onto a swampy area close to the shore line. Almost in the middle of this area a turf runway was built, laterally marked on both sides by a ditch which was filled up with yellow gravel from the Jura mountain range on the French border. The airport is used by airlines and for private jet charter flights.

6. Madeira Funchal Airport

The runway at Madeira’s Funchal airport (also known as Santa Catarina) is bordered by water on one side and hills on the other and was rebuilt in 2000 to include a stunning bridge-like extension with 180 supporting pillars over the Atlantic, providing both a dramatic view and additional car parking (underneath!). Before the rebuild, Madeira’s airport was infamous for its short runway which, surrounded by high mountains and the ocean, made it a tricky landing for even the most experienced of pilots. The new runway now allows both airlines and private jets to land at Madeira Funchal.

7. London City Airport

As the closest airport to London’s city centre, the approach to London City airport provides a highly scenic approach over world-famous London landmarks. Air Traffic Control will route you over the London Eye, the Houses of Parliament and Big Ben, before sliding you down the side of Canary Wharf with amazing views of the O2 music venue. The approach is unique as the glide path is set at stomach-churning 5.8 degrees as opposed to the usual 3, making for a fairground ride-like buzz. The runway is described by pilots as an ‘aircraft carrier’: relatively short and surrounded by the River Thames. On the ground, London City airport provides some of the best private jet and business aviation services in Europe to its passengers.

8. Lukla Airport

Arriving at Lukla airport in Nepal by private charter propeller aircraft is an exhilarating experience, involving a 10-minute approach down a steep-sided valley followed by a sharp left-hand turn and an uphill landing. A sudden stop is very necessary: With a sheer rock face of hundred metres high at the end of the runway, there is no margin for error. Sirens inform people for miles around when a plane is coming in to land. Lukla airport was built by Sherpas in the 1960s, under instruction from Sir Edmund Hillary, and is the place that most people start their Mount Everest trek.

9. Las Vegas McCarran Airport

The aerial approach to Las Vegas is a truly spectacular one, offering the contrast of desert with a sudden metropolis, unrivalled for sheer size and glamour – even in daylight (though it’s even more dramatic at night). If you are in a private jet you’ll have a panoramic view of Las Vegas and, on the left-hand side of the plane, the world-famous Strip stretches from the Stratosphere at one end to Mandalay Bay at the other. Red Rock canyon is another highlight, just to the West on the approach.

10. Barra Airport

Barra Airport is the only airport in the world where scheduled aircraft land on a beach. The airport is situated on the wide beach of Traigh Mhor, on tiny Barra Island in the Outer Hebrides of Scotland. There is a choice of three runways at Barra – so that the propeller aircraft can always land into the wind. Flight times vary as the airport is literally washed away by the tide once a day. If you arrive in late afternoon on a gloomy day (or for emergency night flights) cars may have their lights on to provide pilots with added visibility, since the airport has no artificial lighting. Visitors and cockle-pickers share use of the beach, with signs asking them to observe the windsock to see if the airport is in operation.

The world’s top 10 airport approaches is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

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Ollivier Jacq is Founder of Paradizo.

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Luxury yacht and boat-based heliskiing is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog