Having opened in December 2011 Jumeirah Vittaveli is already gathering outstanding reviews and it’s little wonder with the Beach Villa lead-in room types spanning an interior of a whopping 184 sq m. It’s space, comfort and luxury all the way as each villa comes with its own private L-shaped swimming pool with furnished sun deck, fully stocked wine cellar, exclusive stretch of beach, massage and dining Sala and a host of in-room gadgets like the Apple media centre and BOSE sound system with iPod and complimentary Wi-Fi internet access. Deep breaths…
Due to open at the end of May is the latest offering from Anantara who brought Qasr al Sarab and Desert Islands Resort & Spa to prominence in the Abu Dhabi desert. Eastern Mangroves will be an inspired Arabian and Colonial styled fusion hotel of 224 rooms and suites across five levels. The hotel forms part of an integrated hotel, marina, retail and residential zone known as the Eastern Mangroves district which is set away from the city life of central Abu Dhabi and its Corniche. Here you’ll find invigorating spa, expansive infinity pool, retail shops and an intimate Thai restaurant serving the finest Asian cuisine.
The brilliantly named Impossible Beach is the destination for this stunning new spa resort with cliff’s edge infinity pool and modern hillside moored penthouses with floor to ceiling glass windows. A secret cave is available for private dining experiences and despite the classic luxury concept, a kids club will sway those travelling with families looking for a deeply romantic, spiritual escape. From guided elephant trekking excursions to sunset temple tours and diving and water sports to Indonesian cookery classes, guests have a wide range of activities should they wish to venture away from the pool or spa.
Set to open on 1st March is this new Indian Ocean offering from the group responsible for the lavish Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi. Located on Mahe around 30 minutes from the international airport, Kempinski will boast a long stretch of white sand beach, a casino, spa with five treatment rooms and a host of leisure facilities including a kids club to tempt families. Business facilities will include banqueting and conference rooms for up to 200 delegates – and a total of 144 sea view rooms and suites, including an opulent Presidential Suite.
The newest addition by Per Aquum who brought us Huvafen Fushi Maldives and Desert Palm Dubai are set to open this exciting double island luxury retreat at the end of February. It’s certainly going to be special; unwind with a treatment at their signature Lime Spa and utilise the services of your own personal Thakuru (butler)- included for all room types. Expect luxury outdoor bathrooms, resort wide Wi-Fi and the piece de resistance – Niyama LIVE – a floating restaurant above the water and below it the very first underwater nightclub in the Maldives which will play host to emerging international DJ’s and musical artistes.
With its anticipated opening this spring, Jumeirah’s portfolio hits Spain for the very first time with this luxury Cliffside resort surrounded by traditional pine forests on one side and the Mediterranean on the other. Guarded by the UNESCO Heritage Tramuntana mountain range, the resort is designed to sensitively blend into the environment with each of the eleven buildings being no taller than three storeys high. World class service will enhance the experience for every guest, the Talise branded Spa will offer a wealth of treatments and 5 restaurants all with perfect sea views will provide the perfect indulgence.
No less than 40 acres make up the Gaya Island Resort, Borneo’s newest addition expected to open in April 2012. Location wise it’s a dream, where a combination of coral reef, golden beach and lush rainforest makes the destination triply enticing – visuals of this island paradise are simply breathtaking. Hill Villas and Two Bedroom Suites form the accommodation in clusters to the expected high specification and when you factor in the integrated spa village and fine Malaysian dining into the equation you begin to realise this is quite some proposition.
Jumeirah’s portfolio expands further still with the creation of this contemporary 5 star business hotel in the heart of Old Town of Dubai. Key highlights include its signature rooftop bar and lounge where you can gaze out over the Creek and golf club as well as a choice of 8 bars and restaurants. If you are visiting here on business then no less than 23 conference rooms are available to book as well as a contemporary ballroom accommodating up to 1000 people.
The prestigious Viceroy hotel chain plan to open their latest luxury resort in the Maldives on the 2nd April, and this will be located on the 17 acre island of Vagaru accessible by seaplane from Male in around 1 hour. Epic bungalows at 192sqm are the lead-in room types, featuring oversized plunge pool, secluded garden, private sundeck with chaise longue and a luxurious living area. The resort is fully Wi-Fi compatible and a range of water sports and PADI diving trips as well as a luxury spa and boutique must be taken advantage of.
A sparkling new concept resort by the Per Aquum group, Nurai defines the height of style and elegance and will be situated on a 130,000sqm private island to the north east of Abu Dhabi city. Comprising of glass walled private waterside residences – each seaside estate will include a concealed beach rooftop garden with spa pool, infinity swimming pool, indoor reflecting pools, concealed service quarters, entertainment patios, outdoor dining areas, chef and show kitchens and outdoor showers. Nurai is reached in 5 minutes by helicopter from Abu Dhabi airport. Expected to open late 2012 or early 2013.
Carole Booth is Commercial Director at Destinology.
Arguably as enjoyable as time on the slopes, après ski is an essential part of a luxury mountain getaway. Park City, Utah features après options of every nature, from sophisticated lounges to lively social hot spots. Here are five unique ways to unwind after a day on the slopes in Park City:
High West Distillery
The ski-in High West Distillery & Saloon, located at the bottom of Park City Mountain Resort’s Quittin’ Time ski run and a block from Main Street, is a hub of live music, friendly strangers and unique cocktails. Signature drinks are made with the house-distilled, award-winning High West Whiskey and 7000’ Vodka, spirits that extend to the saloon’s fine dining menu as well. The whiskey-infused fondue is a can’t-miss gourmet treat.
Silver Star Café
This hidden gem is tucked away from the base of Park City Mountain Resort at the mid-mountain Silver Star community, a collection of newly constructed condos and restored silver mining buildings, including the Sundance Institute headquarters. Located at the base of Silver Star chairlift, the Silver Star Café features an outdoor plaza with lounge seating, live music through the “Park City Limits” series, locally brewed Wasatch Beer and homemade alpine fare.
Mountain Terrace at St. Regis
At least once during a stay in Park City, take the funicular from Deer Valley Resort’s base to the Mountain Terrace at St. Regis Deer Valley for the sunset Champagne sabering, light gourmet fare and some quality time with friends around the Garden of Fire, an impressive outdoor fire pit that truly lives up to its name.
The Farm at Canyons Resort
Located between the base of the Orange Bubble Lift and the Red Pine Gondola, this slope-side hot spot features a locally inspired menu and enviable proximity to the Canyons Resort ski beach. Starting in late February, you can complete your evening with the Saturday Spring Concert Series, a free outdoor concert hosted on the Canyons Resort plaza.
Adolph’s Swiss Restaurant
Adolph’s pays homage to Park City’s heyday as a ski racing town, complete with old racing paraphernalia on the walls and autographed photos of everyone from Bob Theobold (father of aerial skiing and regular at the bar), to Bode Miller, who stops in now and again. Chef Adolph Imboden, a Swiss ski racer who started Adolph’s in 1974, still dons his apron to make hearty alpine fare like elk medallions and classic Wienerschnitzel. The lighter après menu boasts The Perfect Burger (it’s pretty darn close) and Swiss style raclette.
For other après staples in Park City, try the No Name Saloon on Main Street and Cena at Deer Valley Resort.
Tracie Heffernan is the Communications Director at Resorts West.
One of the many ski resorts located in the majestic Dolomite mountains, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, Val Gardena, Italy is a must-visit during any ski holiday in the region.
Val Gardena is best known in ski racing circles as home to the Saslong Classic, a men’s World Cup downhill race, and long considered one of the five “classic” men’s downhill courses. Skiers can attempt a downhill run, or take a day to traverse the Sella Ronda, the ski circuit around the Sella mountain group. This circuit is a series of ski lifts and downhill runs, all linked together, by which you can circumnavigate the Sella group. You will visit the four Ladin valleys, and set foot in the provinces of South Tyrol, Trentino, and Belluno, and visit the four villages along the route – Val Gardena, Corvara, Canazel, and Arabba. Your traverse will take most of the day, as the length of the circuit is about 65km, but it is accessible to most skiers, as the downhill runs are groomed trails.
Val Gardena is a short drive from Bolzano and Bressanone, two larger towns in Alto Adige that offer a wide variety of apres ski activities and easy access to many ski resorts in the Dolomites, as well as north into Austria. The larger cities offer an abundance of choices in hotels and restaurants, as well as plenty of activities for non-skiers in the group, such as museums and numerous shops featuring everything from local handmade specialties to designer fashion.
For those that prefer to stay at or near the resort itself, a wide range of accommodations are available. At the top end is the Alpenroyal Grand Hotel. Luxurious guest rooms offer a splendid view of the nearby mountains. For those looking for relaxation after a long day on the slopes, the wellness facility includes an outdoors heated pool and whirlpool with yet another beautiful view of the Dolomites, a Finnish sauna in an outdoor hut in the park, a vapor bath, a biosauna and hay baths. Treatments are available as well, including a variety of massages, mud baths and ayurveda.
The Stube dining rooms at the Alpenroyal offer elegant, gourmet meals nightly; their cuisine has been noted in guides such as Michelin and Gambero Rosso. Complemented by an excellent wine cellar, they also feature tastings of locally produced cheeses and a wide selection of grappas. Plenty of other options are in town for the gourmet, including restaurants Anna Stuben, Concordia, and Mauriz Keller.
For those oenophiles interested in exploring the local wines, the nearby Valle Isarco DOC. With terraced vineyards along the banks of the Isarco River, between Bolzano and Bressanone, this region produces both whites such as Sylvaner, Veltiner, and Muller Thurgau and reds such as varietals Schiava and Lagrein, as well as blends such as Klausner Laitacher and Santa Maddalena. Producers to look out for include Abbazia di Novacella, Garlider, Hoandlhof, and Kuenhof – Peter Pliger. A nice rest day excursion would be a visit a few of these wineries along the Isarco River, with a local guide to do the driving for you!
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.
A Tuscan retreat has designed an exclusive ‘nest close to paradise’ package especially for groups. Castello di Vicarello, in the Maremma region of Tuscany, is surrounded by rolling hills, vineyards and orchards with stunning views down to the sea, providing a wonderful setting for intimate getaways with your nearest and dearest. This 12th Century ultra-luxury retreat offers floral-filled gardens, striking scenery and cool sea breezes, as well as two secluded infinity pools and a spa.
Perfect for family and friend celebrations, such as milestone birthdays, the exclusive package allows intimacy in a gorgeous setting which will truly make you appreciate the things that truly matter in life. The Castello’s Villa Chiesina (Suite Chiesina, Deluxe Grotta) and Suite Sassi will be transformed into a private nest for 6 persons, and will include a dedicated butler, private breakfast, lunch & dinner (including room service), mini-bar drinks, private access to Villa Chiesina’s infinity pool and use of the sauna & hot tub. With your every need catered to, you can live in the lap of luxury with your nearest and dearest, without a care in the world.
The package is offered at €4,800 per night. Guests can also opt for a yoga version of this package for an additional €240 per day.
Looking for a way to unwind and do it in style? Visiting one of the top luxury ski resorts in France is a good idea. The ski resorts offer the best of world-class skiing options and accommodations. They are surrounded by pristine white mountains where you can experience some of the most thrilling ski slopes. And when it is time for you to relax, you can settle down before a roaring, warm fireplace in a luxury chalet and kick back. Here are five of the top luxury resorts in France:
Courchevel
Courchevel is the place to be in if you want to get a taste of the best of luxury on a skiing trip. Recognized by many as the best resort for skiing in Europe, it is one of the most expensive. It has a fantastic lift system which ensures that people don’t have to wait for long. The ski resort, well-known for its fine-dining options and luxury accommodations, has attracted VIPs and members of royal families.
Serre Chevalier
One of the prime ski resorts in France, Serre Chevalier, is situated in the southern region of the Alps. You can have a fabulous skiing experience on the large expanse of snowy slopes that are offset by a sunny backdrop. With the slopes enjoying the sun 300 days in a year, it is one of the most pleasant spots for skiing. Thirteen villages with chalets dot the floor of the valley.
Montchavin
If you want to spend your holiday in a ski resort that lets you get the best of luxury and a vast skiing area, head to Montchavin. It has quaint chalets located in close proximity to the ski area, also called La Plange. The chalets come with hot tubs and swimming pools in which you can take a dip after spending hours skiing. Sit before the fire in your chalet, and enjoy a few drinks.
L’Alpe-d’Huez
Both experienced and inexperienced skiers should visit Alpe-d’Huez. With its easy-to-ski slopes, it is the ideal spot for families. Alpe-d’Huez is one of the premier venues for skiing in Europe. Its slopes have become famous for being the site for the Tour de France in summers. With the exception of 2009 and 2010, the mountains have been a part of the race since 1976.
Tignes
In Tignes, skiers are welcomed by wide slopes that have smooth curves. One of the biggest attractions of Tignes is its large ski area which has bumps, boardercrosses and pistes. You can stay in a luxury chalet situated in the villages in Tignes. Most of them are suitable for big groups of people. Tignes is one of the sure snow luxury resorts in France, which stays open for ten months every year.
Andy Butler is the Online Marketing Manager at Burger Davis.
For the first time ever, the Middle East is to play host to an official ICC ranking Test series – and what’s more, it involves England who lock horns with Pakistan in the first Test beginning on 17th January 2012. So, if you’re planning to enjoy the average 24 degree temperatures of Dubai or Abu Dhabi in January or February then why not grab yourself some tickets and go on cheer your preferred team? It’s sure to be a carnival atmosphere across both venues, the DSC Cricket Ground in Dubai and the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi.
Newly crowned as the world’s number one Test side, England will be keen to build on their incredible form of late, I for one cannot remember the last time they lost a Test series – and I hope that comment won’t curse them. For residents, businessmen and holidaymakers, the proposition of international cricket in January is a rare one, and these matches will hopefully ignite an interest in the sport in the Middle East.
Families flock to Dubai for balmy days at Aquaventure – the waterpark metropolis located at Atlantis the Palm Hotel, not to mention Ski Dubai, a sensational indoor facility for all ages. Dubai is also perfect for couples, with romantic spa hotels, miles of sands, outstanding shopping and celebrity restaurants providing top class cuisine.
Dubai is one of the most rapidly growing communities in the world and is very much a premier destination for luxury holidays, with a cosmopolitan culture and a high level of prestige in the industry. Whilst it’s also a playground for the rich and famous with outstanding attractions like the Burj Khalifa – you’ll also find it surprisingly accessible especially if you book during low season like now.
So, if you want to time your trip with some international cricket, here is the full schedule:
17th Jan 2012: First Test, Dubai
25th Jan 2012: Second Test, Abu Dhabi
3rd Feb 2012: Third Test, Dubai
13th Feb 2012: First ODI, Abu Dhabi
15th Feb 2012: Second ODI, Abu Dhabi
18th Feb 2012: Third ODI, Dubai
21st Feb 2012: Fourth ODI, Dubai
23rd Feb 2012: First T20, Dubai
25th Feb 2012: Second T20, Dubai
27th Feb 2012: Third T20, Abu Dhabi
Carole Booth is Commercial Director at Destinology.
The Kempinski Hotel Soma Bay has a great line-up of experiences available this year. Here’s just some of what’s on offer:
Learn a new skill – Arabic cooking lessons
Banish Friday-night takeaways and boring beans on toast with a masterclass in authentic Arabic cuisine now available at the beautiful open-air Al Mar Restaurant. Guests will discover exciting new culinary flavours and delicacies from Egypt, Lebanon and bordering Mediterranean regions. Young and old will return home with a plethora of delicious new recipes added to their culinary repertoire, including Kofta, Mousaka and Taboula. Every guest at the Kempinski Hotel Soma Bay will receive a one hour complimentary cooking class, plus a full chef’s uniform and printed recipes to take home so all meals can be enjoyed again and again!
Improve health & wellbeing – sensational spa experiences
We’re all often guilty of working long hours and not spending enough time on ourselves to totally relax and rejuvenate. Make 2012 the year of self-indulgence and enjoy some quality time at the renowned Kempinski Hotel Soma Bay Spa. There are a variety of exotic massages to choose from including Swedish, Deep Tissue and Balinese plus Shirodhara, Elakkizbi, Ayurvedic and Facial Purification treatments. For an ultimate healing experience, visit Les Thermes Marins des Cascades Spa & Thalasso Centre for a seaweed wrap and underwater massage rich in mineral salts, vitamins and amino acids to truly discover the new you.
Experience new cultures – historical Egypt
This year after a day or two by the pool, why not take an excursion to discover the fascinating history and stories surrounding this captivating country. The Kempinski Hotel Soma Bay is in the ideal location to reach the Ottoman Fortress of El-Quseir dating back to the 16th century and the ancient sites of the Valley of the Kings and Queens, the Karnak and Luxor Temples. The monasteries of St. Paul and St. Anthony are another intriguing insight into the history of the Red Sea Mountains that both still observe rituals that have hardly changed in 16 centuries. Take a walk around the charming self-contained village with gardens, a mill, bakery and churches plus a library that boasts over 1,700 ancient manuscripts.
Try a new activity – beginners kite-surfing & diving lessons
Thanks to its flat water conditions, fantastic sandy beaches and side shore winds, Soma Bay is the ideal location to try your hand at kite-surfing or scuba diving amongst some of the world’s most beautiful reefs. Professionals and beginners alike are fully catered for with video and headset training aids that make learning and improving their wind-surfer skills easier and safer. The Soma Bay Dive Centre also has a 420 metre jetty that extends directly to the reef with electric cars available to carry equipment and divers for effortless access to Soma Bay’s underwater world, perfect for beginners just finding their ocean feet!
In an email from Tripadvisor, here’s what they claim to be the 10 most glamourous ski destinations in the world. Do you agree with the choices, think some shouldn’t have made the list, or believe there are any glaring errors? Or have they got it about right?
1. St. Moritz, Switzerland
2. Aspen, US
3. Courchevel, France
4. Jackson Hole, US
5. Park City, US
6. Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy
7. Chamonix, France
8. Gstaad, Switzerland
9. Hinterglemm, Austria
10. Courmayeur, Italy
Combining luxury and excitement the Lexus Experiences are the perfect Christmas gift and something you won’t forget in a hurry. To spoil the man in your life, the English Gentleman Experience offers two days of refined entertainment in the most stunning setting. Starting at The Grove Hotel, your personal Lexus chauffeur will pick you up for clay pigeon shooting at Holland & Holland’s historic grounds, then drive you back to unwind with champagne and fresh oysters. Followed by a mouth-watering meal in Collette’s fine dining restaurant and the choice of a round of golf or a treatment in the award-winning spa, this is the perfect way to relax this Christmas.
Lexus Experiences are jam-packed full of exciting and inspiring ways to make the most of the festival season, so why not give someone a gift they will never forget this year? Prices start from £135pp.
Whether you’re an opera addict or a ballet buff, visiting a theatre district can be the perfect way to enrich your city break or holiday. We take a look at some of the world’s cultural nerve centres to find the best destinations for fans of all things theatrical.
Milan
Stylish and refined, this chic city is the perfect destination for cultural
connoisseurs, with its elegant opera houses and theatres. The fashionable Corso Como precinct is a great place to be seen enjoying a pre-performance aperitivo, and if you want to rub shoulders with the cultural elite, La Scala will provide an opulent setting in which to enjoy a bit of Puccini or Verdi. The Milanese are among the best-dressed in Europe, so be sure to wear your finest couture if you want to fit right in.
London
Theatre devotees are spoilt for choice in England’s capital, from blockbuster shows in the vibrant and bustling West End to Elizabethan drama brought to life at The Globe, or charming summer spectacles at the Regent’s Park open-air theatre. Why not take a tour of Theatreland, taking in the impressive Victorian facades while absorbing the history of these cherished playhouses in the heart of central London.
New York
Every theatre aficionado dreams of the bright lights of Broadway, and in reality, New York is unlikely to disappoint. With a dazzling spectrum of shows, from the sparkle and pizzazz of smash-hit musicals to off-broadway plays in intimate venues to underground productions in ramshackle hideaways, there’s a rich selection for all tastes. Restaurant Row provides countless options for pre- and post-show refreshment, or sample the world-class fare at one of Times Square’s many diners.
Moscow
Moscow’s bustling metropolis provides an abundance of enticing options for theatre-buffs, but none more tempting than the Bolshoi ballet. The sumptuous gilt-finished auditorium is the perfect setting for the works of the great Russian composers, with its astounding acoustic clarity and expansive neo-classical interior. The city boasts a wealth of highbrow arts activity, including the Academic Orchestra at the Moscow Conservatory and bohemian experimental performance at the Helikon Opera theatre.
Melbourne
Victoria’s capital has much to offer theatre-wise, from the art deco playhouses of the Theatre District to the progressive cultural nucleus of the Arts Precinct on the Southbank of the Yarra River. The former is home to some of the city’s most beautiful Victorian buildings, whereas the latter is characterised by iconic modern architecture, punctuated with neon tubing, honeycomb mesh and bold designs. Or if you’re looking for something a bit more classical, head to the Royal Botanical Gardens for Shakespeare under the stars during the summer months.
Salzburg
The city of Mozart is bursting with cultural delights, including some of the finest arts festivals in the world. For standard cultural fare, head to the Salzburg County Theatre, but for something out-of-the-ordinary, try the Salzburger Marionettentheater for enchanting puppet performances of opera and Shakespeare or the Kleine Theatre for some cult cabaret.
Tokyo
Tokyo’s performing arts scene is scattered across the capital, but with so many unique theatre traditions, you’ll need plenty of time to experience it all. There’s the tiny fringe theatres hidden among the winding streets of Shimokitazawa, OperaCity in Hatsudai or jazz and comedy at Setagaya-ku’s Carrot Tower. Don’t miss the extravagant beauty of traditional Kabuki theatre, an elaborate and colourful visual feast accompanied by Japanese instruments. The grandest Kabuki theatre, Kabuki-Za, reopens in 2013.
Athens
The birthplace of drama, this lively capital is ideal for anyone interested in classical theatre. The Odeon of Herodes Atticus is one of the earliest preserved theatres and it continues to be used as a venue for performance. A spot of Sophocles or Euripides in this stunning setting is an absolute must for arts lovers, but if regional revelry is more your thing, visit the Dora Stratou Garden Theatre for some traditional folk entertainment.
Paris
The City of Lights offers an eclectic mix of theatre from the conventional to the avant-garde. With some of the most iconic theatres in the world — the Opera Bastille, La Comedie-Francaise and even the Moulin Rouge — there’s a wealth of choice that will whet any cultural appetite. The Theatre des Bouffes du Nord is an exquisite gem of a theatre near Gare du Nord station, frequently offering English plays.
Mumbai
Often referred to as the entertainment capital of India, Mumbai is a cosmopolitan blend of contemporary art and culture. The Prithvi Theatre is an intimate venue belonging to one of the most influential Bollywood families, and it’s the perfect place to grab an Irish coffee and scope out the local culturati. For a truly unforgettable experience, head to the Horniman Circle Garden for open-air plays and concerts in English, Gujarati and Marathi.
A colleague of mine has recently returned from Mauritius, where she hired a car and saw most of the country’s key highlights like Chamarel, Port Louis and Ile aux Cerfs. She commented that ‘off the beaten track bays, beaches, coral reefs and coves suddenly felt all the more accessible due to the veritable small scale of the island. Also, the prices quoted to have a personal driver on top of your car hire is not astronomical; around 20 Euros per day on top of your hire charge’. Kayak through mangroves, ramble through tropical jungle or hire a bicycle and explore the orchards and stunning gardens of Domaine de l’Etoile, this really is a nature lover’s paradise. Of course, beach dwellers will love it here, but there’s so much more than meets the eye, you can even walk with the lions at Casela Nature Park.
Thailand
Ah, Thailand… what a country. So many opportunities from its bustling capital to the sleepy and idyllic Bang Tao Bay. Frenetic adventure or quiet contemplation are equally achievable holidays in Thailand. Want to experience the buzz of Bangkok twinned with an island paradise? Head to Koh Chang. Fancy Thailand but not Bangkok? Fly into Phuket and discover Southern Thailand instead. Choices here include the picturesque Similan Islands where they filmed The Man with the Golden Gun. Or you could catch a boat from Krabi to Phi Phi Island, home to indigenous monkeys and the hidden bay as featured in the movie, The Beach. If you do only do one thing, don’t miss an elephant trek in this exhilarating destination where the hospitality fits perfectly for an extra special honeymoon.
Malaysia
Malaysia is an ideal multi centre honeymoon choice, with the modern city of Kuala Lumpur being your first port of call – well worth staying for a couple of nights. Animal lovers will adore the Orang-utan sanctuaries at Kota Kinabalu, whilst foodies will love the renowned cuisine of Penang. In general, Malay dishes emphasise flavour and spice in equal measure, so if you’re a fan of curries or seafood, you’ll love what you find here. For beach lovers, the unfeasibly beautiful bay at Redang Island is recommended (as is the majestic private island of Pangkor Laut) or for ramblers how about the winding tea plantations at Cameron Highlands? Malaysia can also be done on an extreme budget too, check out the beachside huts at the Perhentian Islands for a real rustic honeymoon experience.
Bahamas
The Bahamas represent a sound choice for a honeymoon – but there’s no getting away from the fact that you will need a decent sized budget. We’d recommend honeymooners stay away from the numerous family orientated resorts and lean towards somewhere like the terrific One&Only Ocean Club, which was used for filing of Casino Royale. After all, if it’s good enough for James Bond! Snorkelling, diving and fishing are popular pursuits and can of course be done in tandem making them doubly appealing for couples. The well known Straw Market is worth a visit for a unique shopping experience where plenty of goods can be found. One final tip, make sure you take advantage of the chance to swim with dolphins in the Bahamas, you’ll regret it if you don’t.
Barbados
Calling honeymooners after beach glamour with a feel good vibe from the friendly locals. Find placid golden beaches by day and that alluring, tranquil Caribbean Sea. Groove to the funky beats of Holetown where colourful locals ensure evenings are always memorable. Regular fish fry nights take place on the beaches where you’ll also find some affordable 3* hotels offering a good standard of accommodation if travelling on a budget. If you are looking for somewhere chic and stylish, choose The House and even if you aren’t staying here, make sure you book a table to dine at Daphne’s, one of the culinary dining highlights of the island. Barbados is not particularly cheap when you are out there but as a Caribbean honeymoon choice it certainly is not the most expensive. The locals love their sport, especially cricket, and you can enjoy activities on the beach as well as spa treatments with the cool Caribbean breeze and melting sunsets to enhance your one time romantic getaway.
Carole Booth is Commercial Director at Destinology.
Forty miles south of Edinburgh, set in the idyllic landscapes of the Ettrick Forest lies Aikwood Tower – a newly renovated 16th Century border peel tower set on the ancient hunting grounds of Mary Queen of the Scots. The surrounding area is fast becoming a hot spot for pheasant shooters and fishers in the know, whilst the rolling hills and forest trails are a refreshing, and beautiful change to the bleak mountains and highlands that Scotland is renowned for. The River Tweed and its surrounding tributaries mean that salmon fishing is particularly good at this time of year, whereas local pheasant shoots at Bowhill Estate are second to none. If fishing and shooting aren’t quite for you then an afternoon mountain biking or horse riding might be more suited, or better still, simply spend your stay indulging in the “Larder of Britain” – a well appointed title for an area of the UK known to provide only the freshest and tastiest produce. With only the highest quality local organic produce filling it, a welcome hamper, worth £400, is provided for your stay and is sure to satiate all appetites.
Owning a Five Star Visit Scotland award, and playing host to five en suite bedrooms and four reception rooms, Aikwood Tower is one of Scotland’s finest examples of understated luxury and the ideal place to enjoy all that the Scottish borders have to offer this festive season. Built in the 1540s and having been owned previously by the Scot Clan since the Duke of Buccleuch, the tower has a rich past dating back to medieval times and is the perfect spot to relax and unwind with its spacious and beautiful interiors full of authentic history. A recent refurbishment to the Grade A listed building by leading designers means that Aikwood has all the trappings of the 21st century whilst still maintaining a unique medieval allure. With the castle’s halls all decked out with period Christmas decorations and a roaring log fire, Aikwood Tower is sure to make for a decidedly luxurious Yuletide this year.
This ski season, Italiaoutdoors is introducing unique private ski and snowboard adventures in the Dolomites of Italy. Italiaoutdoors is a two person team that creates vacation adventures for small active groups (6-12 people). This season, they’re inviting winter sport enthusiasts who also share a passion for fine food, wine and the culture of Italy to join them in the Trentino-Alto Adige region for an in-depth exploration of the skiing, cuisine and countryside.
Their home base can be a single ski resort, or one of the urban centers of the region – Bolzano, Trento, Merano, Bressanone. Area passes for multiple ski areas will offer new terrain on a daily basis. You can have lessons one day, guided resort skiing another, glacier skiing or even an introduction to backcountry touring. Many other winter activities are possible, from cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, winter hiking, and tobogganing.
Apres ski, the cities offer a wide range of options; shopping, fine dining, and nightlife. Italiaoutdoors provide daily wine tastings to introduce their guests to the many high-quality wines found in this region. The restaurants frequented can range from casual osterias to fine dining, but all will offer the best in the regional cuisine. For non-skiers, or those who desire a well-earned rest day, city excursions to Verona, Italy and Innsbruck, Austria can be arranged, complete with private tours of the city.
Your hosts and guides for the week are the owners of Italiaoutdoors, Vernon McClure and Kathy Bechtel. Vernon is a former US Airborne Ranger who has resided in Vicenza, Italy for the past 20 years. He has over 15 years experience designing and guiding ski, bike, and hiking adventures in Europe, and is a professionally trained ski and snowboard instructor and mountain guide. Kathy Bechtel joined Italiaoutdoors in 2010 to bring her culinary and wine expertise into the design of each of their tours. A professionally trained chef and wine student, she teaches cooking classes in Italian cuisine. She is also a certified ski instructor, currently on staff at Sugarloaf, ME.
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.
Which is the best kind of tropical island holiday? One where you lie on the same spot of the beach every day, read a couple of paperbacks, barely leave your lounger and pay exorbitant prices for imported water? Or one with benefits that last well after the tan has faded? Where you come back feeling re-energised, reinvigorated, re-inspired and re-ignited?
For those who tick the second box, LUX* Island Resorts launches this month at three hotels on Mauritius, one in the Maldives and one on Ile de La Réunion. The new brand, which replaces Naïade Resorts Ltd, represents the complete re-launch of the company and the culmination of an intensive twelve months of painstaking preparation and rehearsal.
CEO Paul Jones, a passionate hotelier and travel industry expert, was previously a key member of the team responsible for launching the highly aspirational One&Only brand. When he took over the fading Naïade Resorts group in late 2010, he and his management team saw an opportunity to create something truly unique in its place. They recognised that luxury itself had undergone a sea change: no longer synonymous with excess and bling, true luxury has become simpler, fresher and more individual.
Inspired by this change, it was agreed that rather than offering the standard sun, sea and sand 5-star vacation, LUX* Island Resorts would be defined by an experience that had been entirely and radically re-conceptualised.
The manifestation of this change is Island Light, the signature concept that will run at all LUX* Island Resorts. Adopting a name which is Latin for light, the new brand is dedicated to staging a lighter, brighter and less complicated holiday experience. Jones compares the concept to a musical production, where each resort is a theatre and its staff is the cast producing a show-stopping performance every day.
At its core is the commitment to doing the ordinary extraordinarily. Freshly-roasted organic coffee, retro-styled ice-cream parlours, on-the-beach film screenings, pop-up restaurants, integrated wellness & spa programmes, honesty bars and libraries of cool magazines are individually tempting, but it is the cumulative impact of these and a whole raft of other carefully choreographed Island Light experiences – underpinned by truly incredible service – which adds up to an exhilarating change of direction within the ’sea of sameness’ that most resorts offer.
LUX* recognises that it is the audience – the guests – who count most and Jones is confident that this new brand of simpler, more relaxed and more individual luxury – underpinned with truly incredible service – will have wide appeal: “I have spent 35 years designing, building, operating and managing resorts in exotic destinations around the world”, says Jones, “this project has presented me with an opportunity to contribute all that knowledge and insight. We are doing more than simply changing the name of the Company or putting a new brand on our hotels. Island Light is the summation of many different ingredients, which when experienced as a whole are a very powerful alternative to the usual island resort holiday. LUX* has determined its purpose as ‘Helping People Celebrate Life’ and that is what every
member of our team is committed to and has pledged to deliver”.
Follow ALTB on Facebook
Follow ALTB on Twitter
Follow ALTB on Google+
Find Paul on LinkedIn
Arguably as enjoyable as time on the slopes, après ski is an essential part of a luxury mountain getaway. Park City, Utah features après options of every nature, from sophisticated lounges to lively social hot spots. Here are five unique ways to unwind after a day on the slopes in Park City:
One of the many ski resorts located in the majestic Dolomite mountains, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, Val Gardena, Italy is a must-visit during any ski holiday in the region.
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 
A Tuscan retreat has designed an exclusive ‘nest close to paradise’ package especially for groups. 
Looking for a way to unwind and do it in style? Visiting one of the top luxury ski resorts in France is a good idea. The ski resorts offer the best of world-class skiing options and accommodations. They are surrounded by pristine white mountains where you can experience some of the most thrilling ski slopes. And when it is time for you to relax, you can settle down before a roaring, warm fireplace in a luxury chalet and kick back. Here are five of the top luxury resorts in France:
For the first time ever, the Middle East is to play host to an official 
In an email from Tripadvisor, here’s what they claim to be the 10 most glamourous ski destinations in the world. Do you agree with the choices, think some shouldn’t have made the list, or believe there are any glaring errors? Or have they got it about right?
Combining luxury and excitement the 
Whether you’re an opera addict or a ballet buff, visiting a theatre district can be the perfect way to enrich your city break or holiday. We take a look at some of the world’s cultural nerve centres to find the best destinations for fans of all things theatrical.
I blogged a few weeks ago 
Forty miles south of Edinburgh, set in the idyllic landscapes of the Ettrick Forest lies 
This ski season, 
Which is the best kind of tropical island holiday? One where you lie on the same spot of the beach every day, read a couple of paperbacks, barely leave your lounger and pay exorbitant prices for imported water? Or one with benefits that last well after the tan has faded? Where you come back feeling re-energised, reinvigorated, re-inspired and re-ignited?