A Luxury Travel Blog

A Luxury Travel Blog has teamed up with the publishers Thames & Hudson to offer you a great chance to win one of 5 copies of the fabulous book ‘Dive in Style’ by Tim Simmond. I have a copy of this beautiful book myself and it contains over 700 fabulous illustrations of where you can “chill, snorkel and dive”… a must for anyone who has a passion for the most luxurious diving spots around the world!

To be in with a chance of winning, all you have to do is comment on the posts within this blog. The five readers with the most approved comments during the remainder of August and September 2010 will each receive a free copy of the book. (Naturally, comments need to be of a certain quality, otherwise they won’t be approved.) So… what are you waiting for? Have a browse of the blog – there’s literally thouands of blog entries which you can discuss – and comment away!

A stone’s throw from the upmarket shopping precinct of Plaza del Duque, the five star Iberostar Grand Hotel Anthelia is well positioned on the south of the island of Tenerife – close to the beach and good quality shops, yet sufficiently far enough away from the hustle and bustle of Playa de las Americas. This was my fifth visit to Tenerife and my third to the Adeje region, and once again it didn’t disappoint.

The Iberostar Anthelia is a large hotel, with some 390 rooms divided into 5 separate zones. We had adjoining rooms in ‘Carmen’ which overlooks the kids’ club and pool, and out to the sea and the beachfront of Fañabé beyond.  We arrived quite late so, after ordering from room service, had a great night’s sleep and explored the hotel the next day.

A sumptuous breakfast buffet was served in the Zeus restaurant in the morning, between the hours of 7.30am and 10.30am, so catering both for the early risers and those who enjoyed a lie-in whilst on holiday. The first morning after our arrival I noticed that ‘football’ (soccer) was available on the activity calendar. Although I was leaving it rather too late for a call-up from Fabio Capello, I turned up to a game supervised by the ever-friendly Marcus, a young German working at the hotel.  It was hot, but thoroughly enjoyable with a mixture of English and Spanish players; I just hope Marcus has fully recovered from me accidentally standing on his ankle in a goalmouth incident!

Activities available at the hotel are wide and varied, with everything from cooking demonstrations and evening shows to tennis and tai chi. One of the highlights for families staying is the kids’ club and the entertainment available for children aged 4-12 years old.  The club was equipped with lots of indoor and outdoor space, a small area for playing football and a small pool, and several staff on hand.  Each day, all the children could participate in the day’s games and, if successful, were presented with a medal at the kids’ disco later that evening.  Without exception, all the children loved the disco, learning the actions to a medley of English and German tunes, whilst parents relaxed with a drink or two before ‘Smiley’ the dog made an appearance at the end to draw the night to a close… a perfect recipe for a good night’s sleep for the whole family!

Other facilities at the hotel include multiple pools, restaurants and bars. In all, the hotel has three restaurants: Poseidon (a gourmet restaurant), Portofino (an Italian restaurant) and Zeus (a buffet restaurant). There is also the Thai Zen SPAce area which offers a new concept in wellbeing, offering yoga, meditation, massage, beauty treatments, flower baths, aromatherapy Jacuzzi, etc… you name it!

I was also lucky enough to be given a tour of Iberostar Grand Hotel El Mirador, an adults-only hotel just a little further up the coast towards La Caleta, with 120 suites. The tour took in the stunning Royal Suite for which guests pay an additional supplement of 900 euros per night.  This hotel also has three restaurants, as well as a meeting room/wedding venue/cinema, and it currently shares its spa with Anthelia but will have a new spa coming soon. There is also a gym with windows with sea views that open up to a lovely sea breeze whilst you’re burning the calories.

Both hotels do what they do well.  If you’re travelling with family, or perhaps in a group, you’ll enjoy the facilities and scale of Anthelia.  If you’re looking for a romantic getaway – away from children – then the solitude of El Mirador will suit you down to the ground.

My thanks go to Tenerife Tourism Corporation for their assitance with the visit.

When it comes to ski holidays, Switzerland has something of a reputation as the playground of the rich and famous. Whether this is down to its cinematic appearances (Heidi, On Her Majesty’s Secret Service), its clientele (the Beckhams being one recent example), its stunning, majestic scenery or its prestige (St. Moritz has played host to ski holidays since 1864), it’s hard to say. Whatever the reason, the Swiss Alps are the location of choice for the skiing connoisseur.

As a result of this, there is a healthy supply of luxury ski chalets available in any of the top-name Swiss resorts. For those who have never experienced a luxury ski holiday, a luxury ski chalet typically comes with a personal chef, a full-range of technological treats (iPods, HD TVs) and mod-cons (saunas, hot tubs) and a chauffeur. Chaperones may be available to escort children to ski school if on a family ski holiday and plenty more besides depending on your requirements. Think of it as staying in a 5 star hotel where you’re allowed to raid the fridge.

St. Moritz is one of the headline Swiss ski resorts, having not only been open since 1864, but having hosted the Winter Olympics in both 1928 and 1948, whilst Zermatt offers the most spectacular scenery, sitting as it does in the shadow of the imposing grandeur of the Matterhorn mountain.

At a close second, Saas Fee offers 13 peaks reaching 4,000 metres above sea level for some more outstanding scenery. In the sort of surroundings that only the Swiss Alps can offer, and with a long and prestigious history of providing for the rich and famous, whichever resort you end up in will turn a group ski holiday into a luxury ski holiday.

Nick Lewis writes for Eclipse Ski, a Brighton based ski holidays agency.

Sheraton Algarve Hotel overlooks miles of unspoiled beaches and offers a vast range of lifestyle experiences from an 9-hole Golf Course, health clubs, beauty centre, 7,000sqm children’s club as well as an array of 11 restaurants and bars. Stay a minimum 3 nights to take advantage of rates from 150 euros a night.

Clouds Mountain Gorilla Lodge is situated in Nkuringo, Uganda, bordering the south-western corner of the impenetrable Bwindi National Park. The panoramic view of the Virunga mountain range the Great Rift Valley is the magnificent backdrop for the unique eco-lodge which sits high on a ridge at 2100m.

With the Canadian Grand Prix in Montreal just around the corner (11th-13th June 2010), we thought we’d tip you off on some of the best places to eat whilst you’re there.  Just make sure you book well in advance!

Le Castillon

The terrace at Le Castillon restaurant delivers all the romance promised by its name. Located on the roof of the Bonaventure Hotel, it is surrounded by lush plants, flowers and majestic trees. It features a waterfall pouring into a pool stocked with several species of fish. The terrace is open to the public only in the morning and at noon.
Hilton Hotel Bonaventure

Le Pois Penche

In a decor that recalls Parisien brasseries of the 1940s, the terrace of Le Pois Penche opens onto De Maisonneuve Boulevard thanks to its central alley. The terrace is not covered and can seat up to 70. The same menu is served on the terrace as in the indoor dining room.
1230 de Maisonneuve Boulevard West

Club Chasse et Peche

The terrace at Club Chasse et Peche is located in the courtyard behind Chateau Ramezay. The terrace which has an awning opens onto a historic fruit and flower garden. Note that they are only open for lunch.
280 Notre Dame Street West

KOKO

In a modern contemporary decor, the terrace at Koko restaurant can seat up to 100 people or accommodate 350 standing. Comfortable sofa’s offer a relaxing place to enjoy drinks in the sunshine or in the shade of a partial cover. The terrace which is open both day and night is surrounded by walls that create a feeling of intimacy. In the evening the space is lit by lanterns.
10 Sherbrooke Street West

Jardin Nelson

The terrace of the Nelson garden is 85% covered and has 50 heaters, which means you can eat outdoors comfortably in any weather. Luxurious vegetation and a brick wall soften the decor as do many small lights that light up the terrace in the evening. Live jazz and pop bands provides entertainment every day. The restaurant only accepts reservations from groups of 20 or less.
407 Place Jacques Cartier

L’autre version

Located in an inner courtyard lined with brick walls, the terrace at L’autre version can hold up to 70 people. A lounge space furnished with sofas is available for cocktail service. Customers on the terrace are offered an exclusive tapas menu.
295 Saint Paul Street East

La Gargote

The terrace at La Gargote restaurant, located in Place D’Youville in the heart of old montreal , is surrounded by a lattice wall which creates an intimate feeling. Measuring 400 square feet, the space can accomodate 35 people. Parasols provide shade on hot days.
351 d’Youville Square

Bistro Vu

Bristo Vu , located in the Old Port of Montreal, has three levels of terrace with a retractable roof. The upper level terrace decorated in lounge style offers an unbeatable view of the fireworks competitions in the summer. This section of the restaurant can accomodate between 100 – 200 people and serves a tapas menu. Two lower terrace levels with a capacity of 100 , serve full menu mediterranean style cuisine.
550 de La Commune East

Verses Sky

Located on the rooftop of the Nelligan hotel, the Verses Sky terrace offers a great view of the St. Lawrence River and the historic buildings of Old Montreal. The treated wood flooring, the colourful plants and flower bouquets offer an undeniable cachet to the place. With the new addition of a retractable roof, the terrace can accommodate up to 80 people. A special menu designed especially for diners on the terrace is offered up until 22.00, although the bar serves drinks till midnight every night. Reservations are taken for groups of 10 or more.
100 Saint Paul Street West

The Tenerife Tourism Corporation has announced that the 9th Tenerife Ladies Open will be taking place at Buenavista Golf from 1st to 4th July 2010. Usually held in the winter months, this year the tournament will be held in the summer showcasing the island’s attributes as a world-class year round golfing destination.  And to be fair, Tenerife does enjoy a very steady and very palatable year-round climate with average daily temperatures of 23 degrees Centigrade throughout the year.

Hosting this year’s tournament, 18-hole Buenavista Golf is considered a true golfer’s delight, due to its prime location in the verdant north, surrounded by spectacular volcanic landscapes and the Atlantic Ocean. The surrounding accommodation offering has recently been enhanced with the opening of the five star Vincci Seleccion Buenavista Golf & Spa, providing 117 rooms, a Nammu Spa, a “Gourmet Canario” restaurant and Golf School.

There is something decadent about a hotel swimming pool that lends itself well to luxury. Whilst the sea allows you to connect with nature, the salty water and sticky sand can mitigate the enjoyment for many.

With man-made aquatic pleasure zones, there are no such discomforts. And it is little wonder that so many hotels around the world put so much thought and effort into getting their swimming pools just right. A great pool can be a hotel’s Pièce de résistance; a therapeutic and sensual chill out space where the troubles of home feel at their most distant.

Of course, just as there are several methods to skin a cat, the magic of a great swimming pool can arise in different ways, such as the ambience, the architecture, or the view. Some would say they also have to be population-controlled. After all, even the most beautiful pool can be rendered uninhabitable by a gaggle of splashing Half Term school kids.

But that’s all in the planning. Choose your hotel carefully, perhaps rise out of bed that extra hour early, and if you’re lucky, you’ll get to enjoy the perfect hotel swimming pool experience.

Here are a selection of some of the best hotel swimming pools in Europe:

Ritz, Paris
The hotel that oozes old world glamour like none other inevitably comes up trumps with its grandiose swimming pool. Boasting ornate architecture and neoclassical design, the Paris Ritz’s pool is one of the most elegant places to swim in the entire City of Lights. Open to hotel guests or members of its health club, this opulent subterranean escape is suitably exclusive to ensure only a privileged few get to enjoy its still waters.

Ledra Marriott Hotel, Athens
The rooftop pool at the Athens Marriot does not instantly strike you with its beauty, but raise your eye level and you will quickly awaken to its stark appeal. The 360-degree panoramic views of Athens afforded from the pool are simply sensational, including magnificent vistas of the famous Acropolis and the maze-like streets of the Plaka down below. As an added bonus, during balmy summer evenings. the rooftop hosts parties and banquets.

Hotel Cipriani, Venice
The first thing visitors to Venice notice is its incomparable beauty. The second thing, alas, is often the smell wafting from its ubiquitous canals. So what better way to restore equilibrium to your nasals than retreat to the only hotel swimming pool in central Venice? The pool is filled with salt water and is even heated for your comfort during the cooler months of the year.

The Berkeley, London
There are plenty of high-quality indoor swimming pools in London – indeed, book into any 5-star hotel and you will find one. But the city’s changeable – and often damn right cold – weather has shied many establishments away from investing in an outdoor pool. One exception is the historical Berkeley Hotel. Built in the 1970s, the pool is set under a retractable roof and is flanked by imposing Roman pillars and arches. But its crowning glory is its views, which span the vast green beauty of Hyde Park, and bustling commercial activity around exclusive department stores Harvey Nichols and Harrods.

Hotel Caruso Belvedere, Ravello, Amalfi Coast
Located on the highest point of the town, one bright spark had the idea of marking this hotel’s geographical landmark with an open-air infinity pool. And what an idea it proved to be. The pool offers glorious panoramas of one of Europe’s most delightful coastlines, as well as a myriad of 11th-century Roman Ruins. And as with the very best infinity pools, this one generates a visual effect of water extending to the horizon, adding to the sense of drama and character.

Susan Radcliffe is a qualified journalist working for hotel comparison site sletoH.com (’hotels’ spelt backwards!!)

After months of great anticipation, Sandals Emerald Bay, Great Exuma, Bahamas officially opened its doors yesterday, welcoming guests to another new and exciting Luxury Included® holiday destination. Following a soft-opening on 22nd January 2010, the resort additionally hosted more than 30 top tour operators and travel agents for a first-hand look at the newest property in the Sandals Resorts portfolio.

Acquired in summer 2009, Sandals Emerald Bay, Great Exuma, Bahamas is a former Four Seasons, and now the 14th Sandals Resort in the Caribbean. Expanding on the company’s Luxury Included® concept, it is the first Sandals Resort to offer a Greg Norman-designed golf course, world-class marina and professionally-trained butlers in all 183 beachfront rooms and suites.

It is set on one of the Bahamas’ most beautiful Out Islands, offers gourmet dining in a choice of five à la carte restaurants, land and watersports including six Har-tru tennis courts all lit for night play, airport transfers and gratuities. An exclusive 16,000 sq. ft. Red Lane® Spa is also available to guests, featuring 17 treatment rooms and premier services that embrace the best of the Caribbean region.

In addition to the grand opening, guests travelling to the new resort can currently save up to 35% on travel dates throughout 2010.

Miami-based Desires Hotels has announced the latest international addition to their modern boutique collection, The Cliffs Ocean Resort, which is situated between Puerto Plata and Samana along the stunning north coast of the Dominican Republic. Opening in the Summer of 2011, room amenities will include large living areas and private terraces with unmatched views to the ocean and the mountains while being completely surrounded by a lush tropical landscape.

Built on 25 acres of ocean-side property, the resort will include a luxury spa featuring a wide array of Asian treatments that soothe the mind, body, and soul. For those wanting to relax poolside, there will be two salt-water infinity pools overlooking the Caribbean Sea along with a Beach Club that offers another form of respite in the bar and cigar lounge — the club also consists of a food and beverage outlet and area for teenagers. The resort has 24-hour room service, a Fitness Centre, helipad, and commercial shopping area. For those seeking a more active holiday there is golf practice facility, sports centre with tennis courts, and equestrian centre.

The Tivoli Victoria has been voted one of the best international hotels after figuring among the winners of Trip Advisor’s Travelers’ Choice 2010 Awards. In the category of Relaxation/Spa, the hotel took 1st place in the Top 10 in Europe.

The Tivoli Victoria is the first property in the Tivoli Hotels & Resorts chain which has been purpose built from the ground up. The hotel opened to the public in March 2009 and has already notched up numerous important awards. Last week it was the winner of the Portuguese Tourism Board award in the category of Best New Private Project and in September 2009 it won the award for Best Real Estate Project in the category of Tourism, at the “SIL National Real Estate Awards 2009″.

Inspired by concepts of timelessness and style, the hotel has been designed to meet the needs of the most demanding of guests in the golf, leisure and meetings and events segments. It also enjoys a privileged location in Vilamoura overlooking the Victoria Golf Course.

And if that wasn’t already enough, it also has an Elements Spa by Banyan Tree, a Spa concept based on pure luxury in the best oriental tradition. Covering approximately 1,200 sq m the spa has an indoor treatment pool (vitality pool) with a panoramic view over the sea. The extensive facilities include sauna, Jacuzzi, hydro-massage, seven treatment rooms and relaxation areas, all decorated in a style of true Asian luxury. In order to ensure the quality of service, all therapists are fully trained at the Banyan Tree Spas in Thailand and most are Thai nationality.

Anantara Hotels, Resorts & Spas has announced its continued global expansion with the unveiling of Anantara Lawana Resort & Spa, Koh Samui, as the brand’s seventh Thai property and their second to grace Samui’s shores. Designed in contemporary Sino-Thai style and embraced by lush tropical gardens, Anantara Lawana boasts 88 spacious rooms and 34 pool villas.

With exotic touches that open a window into the life of the island’s original Chinese merchant settlers, and occupying an enviable beachfront position just north of Chaweng Beach, the resort’s exotic location is just a convenient 6 kilometres from Samui International Airport. Anantara Lawana offers total immersion in scenic tranquility and leisurely luxury, whilst the hustle and bustle of Chaweng town’s shopping and nightlife scene is just a stone’s throw away for those who prefer to explore the heart of the island’s action.

Ayana Resort and Spa Bali has re-opened Damar Terrace restaurant following extensive renovations by Yasuhiro Koichi, the acclaimed Japanese designer behind the Rock Bar.

Koichi, whose company Design Studio SPIN has created some of Asia’s most iconic bars and restaurants, combined comfort with modern Asian decor for relaxed all-day dining at Damar Terrace. His trademark style is reflected in the combination of traditional materials, motifs and colors, set off by cutting-edge lighting and clean modern lines softened by tranquil lotus ponds.

The restaurant’s menu has also been relaunched to feature more ‘small bite’ options and European dishes, to add to the range of Asian favorites.

Rose petals, Champagne, a seductive atmosphere and fabulous Italian food… what more could you want for the one you love on St Valentine’s Day? At the Baglioni Hotel London you can make dreams come true by booking their very romantic package as a surprise gift.

Arrive in your De Luxe Junior Suite to find that the butler has the Champagne on ice to start your evening in style. Follow that with cocktails and a delicious dinner for 2 in Brunello. On returning to your room, you will find the scented candles lit, the music turned on and the bed strewn with rose petals…

The following day after a hearty breakfast you may use their Jaguar courtesy car and chauffeur to do a spot of shopping in Knightsbridge before returning home, relaxed and refreshed.

The package is valid on 14th February 2010 and includes:

• Accommodation in a Deluxe Junior Suite
• English breakfast for 2 people
• Bottle of Moet & Chandon Champagne and Chocolates in the room on arrival
• Bouquet of Flowers in the room on arrival
• 3 Course Valentine Dinner for two in Brunello Restaurant
(beverages not included)
• Romantic Turndown with scented candles, music and rose petals on bed
• Complimentary unlimited blockbuster movies on demand
• Complimentary use of Jaguar within a 1.5 mile radius of the hotel
(subject to availability)
• Butler service
• Entrance to The Baglioni Spa, use of the gym and steam room

There is a 2 night minimum stay and a package rate of £380 per night for two people.

Last October we were honoured to be the first guests ever to stay at the newly opened Elounda Solfez Villas. Situated high upon a hillside overlooking Elounda, this small group of properties raises the bar on self-catering accommodation to an entirely new level and comes with a stunning view over the whole of the Bay of Elounda.

As the name implies with self-catering accommodation, you normally cater for yourself, but that needn’t be so at these villas.   Firstly, you can choose a Cretan delights package which means that you can arrive to a well-stocked fridge and freezer, fresh fruit and vegetables, Greek wine, etc. – ample provisions for most of your stay.

You can also request all manner of services not normally associated with self-catering, whether it be a regular pool attendant who’ll ensure your villa’s private pool is free of leaves and any other debris, a daily maid service or whether you would simply like your own private chef to come and serve you breakfast or dinner.

We stayed in Villa Re which sleeps six; the entrance door took us into an open plan lounge and kitchen on the middle floor. The lounge was equipped with a large flat-screen TV, DVD player and music system, and led out to an outdoor terrace where you could dine whilst basking in the sunshine and taking in the fabulous view.

Up a floor was the en suite master bedroom with a large window at the foot of the bed, dramatically overlooking the Bay of Elounda, and a small balcony that you could sit out on. Down a floor from the lounge there were two further bedrooms – a double and a twin – each sharing a bathroom with bath and shower, plus a washer/dryer and security box.

From this lower level, you could get direct access to your own private infinity pool, sunbeds, a small garden area and a dedicated barbecue corner with accompanying dining table and chairs.  Nothing had been overlooked here – if you so wished, you could spend the whole time in your villa, revelling in the views and relaxing in the peacefulness of the location.

There is however plenty to see and do in the area. A hire car is recommended since the villas are situated on the outskirts of Elounda, but you do have a fabulous Six Senses spa within walking distance, courtesy of the previously reviewed Porto Elounda de Luxe Resort which can be used by guests staying at the Elounda Solfez Villas. Having such great facilities on the doorstep rather sums the place up – I don’t think I’ve ever encountered self-catering accommodation where so many fantastic services are available should guests wish to use them – services that are normally only associated with top hotels and resorts.

In October we had the pleasure of staying at the Blue Palace Resort & Spa near Elounda on the Greek island of Crete. Since we arrived quite late in the evening, it wasn’t until morning that we could appreciate the full beauty of the resort’s position with its stunning view of the island of Spinalonga, with its rich and varied history.

The hotel, a member of The Luxury Collection fromStarwood Hotels & Resorts, is perfectly situated close to the small seaside village of Plaka. From the moment we arrived, it was clear that this was going to be a wonderful place to relax. We occupied two interconnecting rooms; spacious and ideal for families with young children.

Both rooms came with balconies that provided us with a good overview of the resort, as did the rather handy resort map provided.  Blue Palace has its own stretch of private beach, numerous pools, its own watersports centre, conference facilities, a small boutique, tennis courts, a helipad and even a private chapel.

There are also multiple restaurants and bars here, including the traditional Blue Door restaurant. Close to the waters edge and enjoying a gentle sea breeze, Blue Door adopts the style of a typical Greek taverna its brightly painted tables and chairs overlooking a spectacular beachfront location.  It offered a themed fish night every Friday.

We primarily dined at the Isola Italian Restaurant and Olea (where breakfast is also served), but there are plenty of options including L’Orangerie, a two-time recipient of the Golden Toque Award (given to the best restaurants in Greece).  At Olea, you can experience a Greek night (Thursdays) and savour an authentic Greek dining experience.

At the heart of Blue Palace is The Elounda Spa & Thalassotherapy offering signature treatments, massages, facials and body wraps, with a swimming pool, saunas, Jacuzzis, steam baths, a hair salon and a well-equipped fitness centre.  Its received many prestigious awards including the Spa Finder Readers’ Award 2007 for The Best Spa in Greece.

For children there is ample to enjoy. The resort has its own kids club and a playground area where the little ones can enjoy everything from swings to climbing olive trees.  There’s also table tennis and of course the beach and the swimming pools which are two boys thoroughly enjoyed.  It’s worth noting that a kids’ menu was available in all the restaurants, so they are made to feel welcome throughout the resort.

In conclusion, nothing was too much trouble for the staff at Blue Palace and this is what sets it apart from many other places. With their Ultimate Guest Service, you can request whatever you want, be it a bath with candles, Champagne and strawberries, or a helicopter ride to Santorini.  When staff are eager to fulfil any and every request their guests throw at them, you know you are staying somewhere special.