A Luxury Travel Blog

The Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach recently unveiled its new $100 million plus transformation, with the addition of a lavish 19-treatment room Eau Spa. The renovations also included redesign of all 310 guest rooms and suites, including the two-bedroom Presidential Suite, as well as the restaurants and pool areas.   The all-new Eau Spa offers a contemporary take on spa-going and all-day unwinding with unique and affordable treatments, as well as some over the top treatments, a full-service salon and state-of-the-art Eau Fitness center.  

If that wasn’t enough, the hotel is also offering the dynamic AquaNuts and Coast programs, designed to entertain youngsters daily, with a beauty salon, DJ booth, theatrical stage, video editing studio, games and more.

In its continued quest to provide guests with a healthy environment to stay fit and maintain a balanced lifestyle, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has announced an extension of its partnership with German automaker BMW to include a complimentary hotel bicycle service featuring BMW Cruise Bikes. Beginning Spring 2009, Fairmont hotels across Canada will introduce these state-of-the-art bikes as the newest benefit for guests, granting active and adventurous travelers the opportunity to explore the vibrant cities and stunning landscapes of Fairmont’s distinctive locales. In addition to offering a selection of BMW Cruise Bikes, each hotel will also boast a variety of child-sized BMW bikes, allowing families to enjoy the great outdoors together.

And there will be no shortage of options to use the bikes across Fairmont’s hotels in Canada. The Fairmont Chateau Whistler offers unsurpassed biking trails, from paved paths to thrilling mountain descents, ideal for the athletic traveler, and Quebec’s Fairmont Le Château Montebello is every nature-lover’s dream getaway, with bike pathways through woods where riders are certain to spot local wildlife. For guests hoping to see some city sights, Fairmont Château Laurier is the perfect starting point before biking past Canada’s Parliament Buildings, or the area’s historic ByWard Market, where riders will find quaint cafes, boutiques and more.

Navigating a GPS to discover desert creatures, going on a photo safari or meeting real-life explorers, the Fairmont Scottsdale is making this summer an adventure. The luxury resort in Arizona is partnering with National Geographic for the first National Geographic Explorers Camp, exclusively for its overnight guests.

From 22nd May to 7th September 2009, the camp is offering discovery-based activities for children aged 5-12, with half-day and full-day sessions. Campers trek on a “Desert Discovery” GPS treasure hunt, go on a “Photo Safari”, have fun at a “Geo Bowl” geography bee, and play on gigantic, highly-detailed maps of continents.

Best of all, eight world-renowned National Geographic explorers will share stories of their adventures on select Saturdays beginning 30th May. The speakers interact with youngsters at the day camp, then give a special presentation at a Saturday dinner for the whole family.

Summer room rates begin at $199 per room, with a daily $100 dining credit. The Explorers Camp is a la carte and prices start at $49 for a half-day session, and each camper receives a backpack. The Saturday speaker dinner is $15-$30 for kids and adults.

The five-star La Marquise, which is scheduled to open in May 2009, is located with walking distance of the restored Italian Monument – Kallithea Springs and is just 10km from Rhodes Town. The hotel will comprise of 386 rooms ranging from guest rooms, family suites, junior suites, bungalows, villas and VIP maisonettes. There are three restaurants offering a variety of cuisine. The hotel’s leisure facilities include an interlinking lagoon-style outdoor swimming pool, a rooftop swimming pool, a dedicated children’s pool and a heated indoor swimming pool, as well as tennis, squash, a variety of watersports and there is also a fitness suite with a personal trainer available. The La Marquise spa is dedicated to looking after the wellbeing, relaxation and rejuvenation of its guests and has a range of treatments and therapies available. For guests looking for a little more privacy, a private spa suite is also available.

I am just back from a one-week stay with my family at the fabulous Royal Garden Villas situated on the outskirts of Adeje, Tenerife. Even before our visit, I knew this place would be special; afterall, you don’t achieve a #1 Tripadvisor status across the entire island without good reason.  The property is owned by Don José Fernando Cabrera (President of ASHOTEL and Vice President of Tenerife Tourism Corporation) and Doña Maria Lozada (an interior designer and architect) who had already launched two previous resorts under the umbrella  of Grupo Golf Resort. 

We stayed in one of the 28 villas here - the two-bedoomed Villa Coral, one floor below the reception level - and our “room” had views over the Golf Costa Adeje’s two-tiered driving range towards El Teide, Europe’s highest mountain.  To the right we also had views out to the Atlantic. To call it a room is an injustice; our accommodation consisted of an entranceway with a fountain, and a twin and master double bedroom to the left, each with their own bathrooms with gala hydromassage showers. To the right was an open-plan living area and fully equipped kitchen (including fridge, dishwasher, etc.), as well as a small utility room with washing machine and dryer – a rare addition but one that is so useful for young families!

Both the master bedroom and the living room led out to a very spacious balcony with a swimming pool (which our children of course loved!) long enough to do a few lengths in (certainly more than the plunge pools which the one-bedroom villas offer) and ample space for eating outside, sunbathing and just generally relaxing – all to a beautiful backdrop of Teide.

On the same level as our villa was the spa – with its splended doorway recovered from a temple in Thailand opening to a haven of tranquillity - and a gym.  I had a relaxing massage in the spa which provided a welcome relief for my rather weary body (I’m one third of the way into a marathon training programme) and my wife a manicure. As well as the treatment rooms, the spa has a hydro-massage pool as its centrepiece. 

The resort also has its own restaurant – Restaurant Jardin – led by Victor Rocha.  Tenerife is yet to have its first Michelin-starred restaurant but this place is sure to be a contender in that quest. Despite not being very able at it, we enjoyed ‘the aromas game’ over dinner; a tasting menu where, for each course, we were presented with three different scents in small bottles and were to try and deduce which scent had been used for each dish.  Sounds easy enough, but it wasn’t, but nevertheless a lot of fun – with exquisite food.

Although there is significant development going on on the island (as there has been for decades), Royal Garden Villas is somewhat protected from this by being flanked on either side by the golf course, making this an ideal place to stay if you’re a keen golfer.  Additional sporting facilities on the doorstep of RGV include Tenerife Top Training which opened in October 2008 with an AthleticAquaCenter, hydrodynamic flume, football pitches and facilities for tennis and squash.

There is also lots to enjoy in the immediate area, whether it be taking advantage of the golf facilities, visiting the twice-weekly market in Costa Adeje, relaxing on one of the nearby beaches, going on a whale watching trip from Los Cristianos (a highlight for us) or simply watching the sunset in La Caleta. A little further afield, attractions include Teide National Park and the well-advertised Loro Parque.

But why venture so far when you’re staying at a haven of tranquillity such as Royal Garden Villas?  One of the things that really struck me about this place is its peacefulness, from the moment we arrived to the day we departed.  Such is the design of the resort that you rarely see other guests apart from at breakfast. The main pool area near reception was invariably deserted despite full occupancy, perhaps because each villa has its own pool, and reception itself is sometimes bypassed by guests because they can leave the complex via the car park on the lowermost floor.  Similarly, we rarely saw guests at the spa. It’s this utter peace and quiet, attention to detail of both the staff and the design and furnishings that has justly earned Royal Garden Villas repeated praise since its opening in September 2006. Long may those glowing Tripadvisor reviews continue.

Rotana has announced the opening of its first property in Ras Al Khaimah – The Cove Rotana Resort -overlooking the Indian Ocean on an idyllic water inlet at Arqoob Beach. This exquisite resort offers authentic Arabian hospitality, an elegant design and more than 600 metres of beach, tranquil azure waters and a multitude of activities. It is within easy reach of both Dubai and Ras Al Khaimah airport, perfect for business travellers and weekend trips to escape the bustle of city life.

The Cove Rotana Resort combines intimacy, comfort and exclusivity with the personalised service and attention to detail that are the hallmarks of Rotana. Indulgent amenities such as a well-appointed leisure and fitness centre and an excellent choice of restaurants, bar and lounge, all come together to create a new and irresistible oasis of relaxation. Accommodating for singles, families or a group of friends, the resort houses 202 rooms and suites and 76 single or multi-room villas that offer breathtaking views. Guests will enjoy the design touches that give every room a distinct sense of Arabian luxury.

The resort is all about fun, relaxation and excellent cuisine with recreational facilities and restaurants for every palate. Facilities include a fully-equipped gymnasium, Jacuzzi, steam and sauna rooms and seven massage rooms. Guests can also enjoy numerous watersport activities in addition to two swimming pools and 600 metres of alluring golden sand.

The hotel offers guests a choice of chic food and beverage outlets. Lively Cinnamon, the all-day dining restaurant, is the place to socialise over a casual meal with a circle of friends. Unwind and take in the calming atmosphere of poolside dining at Laguna Bay pool bar, which faces the villa islands and lagoons, Breeze bar and lobby lounge is an ideal please for an afternoon coffee or cocktail, Sunset pool bar has unrivaled views and large cushions to lounge in the shade, Breakers is located on the pristine beach and skilled chefs are bring a Mediterranean flavour to the upscale and Italian-influenced Basilico.

For the business traveller, The Cove Rotana Resort features three fully-equipped and stylish meeting rooms with the latest audio-visual equipment and IT facilities, making the resort ideal for small to mid-sized meetings of up to 150 delegates. A business centre with secretarial support is also available.

How many times have you wished you could leave the baby food and kid’s snacks behind when packing for your family holiday? Or been disappointed at the ubiquitous unhealthy kid’s menu on offer at your hotel? (I know I have!) At the exclusive family-friendly five star hotels Porto Sani Village & Spa and Sani Asterias Suites within Halkidiki’s Sani Resort on the Kassandra peninsula of mainland Greece, both babies and children can now enjoy new super-healthy, tasty meals every day and parents need not worry about stressful holiday mealtimes ever again!

Sani is investing in well-being cuisine for babies and children, adding healthy menus to its already excellent family friendly touches that make a parent’s life easy. A gourmet selection of fresh homemade purées for babies and toddlers are now available at both Artemis, the à la carte restaurant at Porto Sani Village & Spa, and Water, the fine-dining restaurant at Sani Asterias Suites. Forget the standard issue jars of gloopy purée – tots at Sani dine on the finest freshly mashed vegetables and meats. Think white fish fillet with potato, leeks and fresh peas; poached chicken breast with carrots, pumpkin and fennel; green vegetables with carnaroli rice, organic olive oil and parmesan or prime beef fillet and vegetables. All baby and toddler meals are prepared using the freshest ingredients and Greek olive oil, and have no salt or pepper added.

Older children can order from the well-being for kids menu at Artemis and Water restaurants – children’s favourites are given a healthy twist whilst still appealing to the most fussy eaters! Dishes include homemade chicken noodle soup with fresh vegetables; San Daniele ham and melon pearls; and grilled veal loin with potato puree and garden veggies. All delicious and nourishing!

All Maldivian islands are idyllic, so how do you decide which of the hundreds of resorts to choose from? The recently opened Iru Fushi Beach & Spa Resort offers something truly special for families and couples alike and here are just some reasons why it excels above the rest…

Size matters – many resort islands are rarely large enough to really escape and enjoy a stretch of derelict beach. However, Iru Fushi is unique in that the sprawling 52 acre island is encased by swathes of soft sand and it takes around 30 minutes to walk the whole parameter. So guests can enjoy a piece of paradise without hoards of people to share it with. What’s more, for those who enjoy exercise, approx. 3.5 km jog around the island at sunset with the ocean gently lapping the shoreline and a cool breeze lifting from the lagoon is the perfect way to end a day.

Food, glorious food – when spending a week or two on one island, it is important to pick a resort that supplies a good choice of dining options. If variety is the spice of life, then Iru Fushi offers a gastronomic feast with its five restaurants, each specialising in cuisine from around the globe, and additional intimate dining experiences. Whether for a traditional Maldivian red snapper at the beach fronted Islanders Grill or, for special occasions, a customised á la carte western menu in the over-water wine cellar, there is something to suit every taste bud.

Rest and relaxation – with the economy in crisis, many people are finding their stress levels are invariably increasing and sleep levels are seemingly decreasing which is why some need a little nurture in the art of nodding off and total relaxation. Totally unique to the Maldives, Iru Fushi has devised a Sweet Dreams programme that will ensure guests leave fully rested and revived. The programme incorporates a sleep spa with yoga classes and a sleep diary, relaxing spa treatments, a pillow menu, soothing herbal baths for bed as well as a Sleep-All-Night-Cap.

Seven nights at Iru Fushi Beach & Spa Resort starts from US$ 1,240 per person. Valid from 20 April to 20 July, the price includes return seaplane transfers from Malé airport and accommodation on a bed and breakfast basis staying in a Jacuzzi Beach Villa.

Special offer: get two nights FREE when staying seven nights in either a Water Villa or Jacuzzi Water Villa on a bed and breakfast basis (guests only pay Government bed tax of US$ 8 per person, per night for the two complimentary nights). Valid from 20th April until 31st October 2009, prices start from US$ 429 per room, per night for a Water Villa.

Before starting Original Travel Tom Barber was a journalist for GQ and then freelance for the Evening Standard, Independent, Tatler and Brides. He went on two or three ‘honeymoons’ a year for Brides, and in 2003 set up OT with two friends – Nick Newbury, who was in corporate finance, and Alastair Poulain, a venture capitalist. They started by offering what they call Big Short Breaks – tailormade long weekends with an adventurous slant for busy professionals, and after a year or so they had so much demand for longer haul destinations that they expanded the team and the portfolio to include pretty much everywhere that they know and love around the world. The addition in 2008 of their Original Kids trips for funky families completes the OT picture.

What is it that you do exactly?

I basically oversee marketing and product development at OT. For a small company we have a pretty large portfolio of trips, so maintaining up to date firsthand knowledge of our destinations is crucial. We try to offer original (funnily enough!) places that might have that element of ‘boastability’ so you can tell your friends you’ve been somewhere you know they won’t have. For the more ‘conventional’ destinations, we’re always looking at how we can improve the experience and offer new regions. I spend my days coordinating this ongoing process.

What do you enjoy most about what you do?

The creativity, from coming up with new concepts and destinations, to promoting them through our award-winning website or brochures. Also, however cheesy it sounds, it’s also immensely satisfying receiving a gushing feedback email from a client who has got back from an amazing trip.

What would you say are the 3 best places you’ve ever stayed?

Everyone likes something a bit different, and so the most important task our team of consultants have is judging which places and activities would best suit the client. We have around a 70% repeat and referral rate, so in most cases we have a great understanding of what will work. Things like barefoot luxury and solitude float my boat, and so for two of my favourites I’d probably say Soneva Fushi in the Maldives for the Robinson Crusoe feel, and Private Camp at Wolwedans in Namibia for the remoteness – the camp is two miles away from the rest of the lodge and there’s so little light pollution you can see stars at the horizon. For sheer ‘hotel as destination’ luxury, I recently stayed at the Four Seasons in Budapest which was immaculate. Fantastic location, great rooms and wonderful service. Highly recommended.

What’s been your most memorable dining experience to date?

A few years back I was staying on the island of Anguilla in the Caribbean, which prides itself on fantastic food. There’s a tiny island in the middle of a bay called Scilly Cay, and you have to wave across to the waiters, who come and pick you up in a boat. The walls are all inlaid with conch shells and there’s one thing on the menu – lobster in a curry sauce. You choose you lobster in the kitchen, and 10 minutes later it’s on your plate. Wash it down with a cold Carib beer, and then snorkel around the entire island/restaurant in the afternoon. Very special.

Have you rubbed shoulders with the rich and famous, either through your work or your travels?

Most hotels are pretty good at being discreet about who is staying with them at any time, even though they are presumably desperate to tell the world! I – literally – bumped into Richard Gere while staying at Parrot Cay in the Turks and Caicos Islands a few years back, and wouldn’t have known he was there otherwise. None more exciting than that, I’m afraid, but we’ve sent everyone from supermodels to royalty away on Original Travel trips.

What currently ranks highest on your travel wishlist?

One of the very few downsides of this industry is that you are constantly surrounded by people talking about wonderful places, and seeing incredible photography of intriguing destinations. It’s all very tempting. Still top of my wishlist from the Original Travel destinations that I haven’t been to is the Skeleton Coast in Namibia which I missed last time I was there. The trip involves flying in light aircraft into the incredible wilderness along the coast, occasionally landing on the beach to inspect a shipwreck (hence the name Skeleton Coast) and seal colonies, before meeting the fascinating Himba tribespeople. Still trying to work out how I can justify going even though 4 other people from the office have done the trip!

Thank you, Tom. I’m sure you’ll work out a way to find that justification somehow!

Fancy Easter in the Algarve? To tempt you further Powder Byrne have two exclusive offers at Vila Vita Parc. Not only do we have an early booking rate (which expires on 30th January 2009), they are also offering a night on them between 18th April and 2nd May 2009. For the kids Vila Vita Parc is paradise. The BP crèche is second to none when it comes to looking after your little ones. And with plenty of open space for fun and games in thei Scallywags programme the kids will be in their element, so relax… they take care of everything. Prices from £1113.

At Hyatt Resorts you’re pretty much guaranteed a fun-filled holiday for the whole family as both children and parents are well catered for.  A typical example is the Oasis Kids’ Club at Hyatt Regency Sharm El Sheikh which will amuse and delight youngsters with fun and educational activities overseen by a team of professionally trained child minders, allowing parents enjoy the freedom to explore the myriad of activities elsewhere in the resort. Daily activities include children’s aerobics, dancing lessons, painting, handicrafts, mini sports and storytelling. The Clubhouse features a shaded kiddies pool, playroom and nap room. Sounds like enough to tire the little ones out so they also sleep well at the end of the day!

Look no further for your Easter break. Soak up the Easter sun in Tunisia with Powder Byrne’s exclusive ‘night on us’ offer at The Residence. What’s more under 12s stay free when sharing their parents’ room and under 2s travel free too. If that’s not enough to tempt you then maybe the new golf course and top notch spa will be. Powder Byrne ensure that you don’t have to lift an organisational finger – from arranging tee times and pairing up like-minded guests for a round, to pre-booking that well earned facial and anything in between, we’ll take care of it. For the kids the PB crèche and Scallywags programme will keep the troops entertained so you can enjoy all of the above safe in the knowledge they’re having a ball. Prices from £1,075 per person.

We stayed in Room 503 on the top floor of the Lato Boutique Hotel in Heraklion, Crete.  Being sited on the corner of the building, it offers views in two directions from a generous L-shaped balcony with ample space for sun loungers.  From here you have the best views of the port and the Venetian fortress of Heraklion – and the sea beyond - to be found anywhere in the city.

The hotel has a very contemporary, forward-thinking look and feel throughout. Formerly a school of chemistry, the building has been in the Karatarakis family since the 1960s and now, under the skilled leadership of Lefteris Karatarakis, it is a hotel that is continually striving to be the finest in Heraklion.  A current Tripadvisor ranking of 6th out of 111 hotels in the city is testament to this. 

Our room consisted of a lounge (which doubled up as a chilren’s bedroom with two single beds), a shower room, a main bedroom and a bathroom with a whirlpool bath. It was an ideal family room for us but would serve equally well as a spacious suite for just a couple. Lush fabrics and rich, quality décor provide guests with a soothing ambience in which they can truly relax.

A recent addition to the hotel has been a rooftop herb restaurant, The Herbs’ Garden, which enjoys the same wonderful views and offers relaxed open air dining.  Scattered around this dining area are large plants pots with an abundance of different herbs which are used for dishes such as potatoes fried in olive oil with fresh oregano and grated anthotyro (a Cretan cheese).

A buffet breakfast is available in the Aroma Restaurant, which is situated between the bar and one of the hidden gems of Lato: the fabulous Brillant Restaurant. This gourmet restaurant is open to both guests of the hotel and the general public.  Unfortunately our visit was a little poorly timed as it fell in a short window just between the Herbs’ Garden closing and Brillant opening.

Mr. Karatarakis’ generous hospitality, however, meant that we were able to dine privately in Brillant – despite it not being officially open – and enjoy a quite incredible Cretan feast. Everything from dakos with tomatoes to traditional Cretan omelette to dolmades to deliciously tender octopus and much, much more – such an array of wonderful food that we felt somewhat overfaced, not to mention very full! Despite being a relaxed-yet-formal place to dine, children are welcome here, such is the family-oriented nature of the Greek lifestyle.

To complete my round-up of the hotel, I should also mention that, tucked away in the basement are conference facilities, a small gym and a steam room which complete the offerings of this modern, family hotel.  With the hotel’s location, its friendly staff, unique design touches and continual upgrades, you really ought to look up Lato if you’re ever staying in Heraklion.  We’re glad we did.

Kids of all ages can have a splashing time at Aruba’s newest and wettest attraction, Morgan’s Island Water Park, the largest of its kind in the Caribbean. The new $14 million water park opened to the public on 5th December 2008, and features the ‘Dragon Revenge’ tower offering six different heart-stopping waterslides, toboggan rides, two and four person water-tube rides and two wave pools. Coming soon is the ‘Buccaneer Tower’ which will boast an impressive 21-metre vertical drop and will be the second tallest, second fastest, single-person, free-fall waterslide in the world!

Younger children can spend time at the dedicated water-playground featuring smaller slides and water spouts. After the excitement, families can refuel at the Black Pearl, a self-service restaurant, the Jack Sparrow Bar or Treasure Chest coffee shop. Entrance to the water park costs $57 for adults and $47 for children aged 2-12 years.

From starring roles on Channel 4’s Grand Designs to boutique barns and seaside chic retreats, Baby Friendly Boltholes has discounts of up to 50% off family-friendly designer cottages and boutique hotels this Christmas and New Year. The best deals include:

Grand Designs Star in New Forest for Xmas or New Year from £175 a Night – Save 18%

Get a festive preview of Dairy Cottage, a stylish 2-bedroom cottage with views of a New Forest nature reserve, which is due to star in a Spring 09 episode of Channel 4’s Grand Designs. Available Dec 19-Jan 2 and £175 per night (min 3nts) including a luxury food hamper and a bottle of Champagne.

Contemporary Beach Bolthole in Trendy Whitstable – Christmas £500 for 5nts – 50% Off!

Set just a few minutes walk from Whitstable’s beach, bistros and galleries, 3-bedroom Hoy Cottage is a stunning architect refurb of a fisherman’s cottage complete with mod-cons ranging from intelligent lighting and sound systems to IPod docks, Nespresso and flatscreen TVs, plus a host of toys and nursery equipment so parents can pack light. The cottage sleeps 6 and can be rented from Dec 22-27 for £500 – 50% off! Also 15% off 2009 bookings made by Jan 31st.

Save 20% Off Family Friendly Boutique Hotel, The Cove in Cornwall

Set overlooking Lamorna Cove in Cornwall, the Cove offers family-friendly 1 & 2-bedroom suites with full kitchens, stylish interiors, a chic bar and bistro and a stunning outdoor pool heated to an inviting 30 degrees. This Christmas, there’s Santa’s grotto, storytelling and the famous Christmas lights made famous in the kiddie’s book, The Mousehole Cat, just down the road in the village of the same name. Apartments are discounted by 20% and available from £154 – £199 a night, depending on the size.

Christmas/NYE in Devon Forest from £395 – Save £100

Nestling in a forest-like location yet within minutes of East Devon’s best beaches and pretty coastal towns, the chic courtyard cottages at Mazzard Farm make for cosy Christmas retreats, especially when the log-burners are going! Very large 1-bed Bramley Cottage avail Dec 19-27 for £395 for 4nts or £525 for 8nts. For New Year – Contemporary 2-bed Medlar Cottage avail Dec 27-Jan 3 for £675 or £495 for 4nt break.

When Susanne Keen takes her annual three week-long summer trip to Catalonia, Spain, she doesn’t check into a local hotel. Instead, the 46-year-old London City-based barrister, her husband and their two daughters stay in a six-bedroom farmhouse that overlooks neighbouring farmlands.

Renting a house for my vacation is much more personal and easy than staying in a hotel. I get to spend quality time with my family away from the pressures of daily life without sacrificing any privacy or comfort, and avoiding the formality of a hotel setting.

Home rentals are especially good for families or friends travelling together, since living communally is more intimate than checking into separate rooms in a hotel.

While home rentals typically don’t come with the kind of daily housekeeping service, Charming Villas Catalonia – which Mrs. Keen books with – can help arrange it for you at an additional cost. They can also arrange a chef, bike hire, special activities or many other additional services.  The company currently features more than 50 properties in the wonderful region of Catalonia, in the north east of Spain, renowned for its historic towns, gastronomic delights and rich cultural heritage.  They specialise in medium-priced to high-end luxury rentals, special occasion travel, destination celebrations and family travel.