Jumeirah Vittaveli, Maldives

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…

Eastern Mangroves Hotel & Spa, Abu Dhabi

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.

Anantara Bali Uluwatu Resort & Spa, Indonesia

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.

Kempinski, Seychelles

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.

Niyama, Maldives

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.

Jumeirah Port Soller, Majorca

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.

Gaya Island Resort, Borneo

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 Creekside, Dubai

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.

Viceroy, Maldives

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.

Nurai, Abu Dhabi

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.

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

Top 10 new luxury hotels for 2012 is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

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.

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

5 ways to après ski in Park City, Utah is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

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!

Kathy Bechtel is Owner of Italiaoutdoors.

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

Great skiing, food and wine in Val Gardena, Italy is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

From this ultimate viewing platform visitors will get incredible views of the 348 metre high Uluru, and will be able to soak up the vastness of the surrounding desert. As the sun rises, you can admire the rock as it gradually changes colour as the sun rises.

The new service has come about thanks to the support of the traditional Anangu owners.  And guests of this experience will also get to help re-pack the balloon after it lands and enjoy a light bush breakfast. Priced at AU$450 per person for a 30-minute flight, the four hour experience also includes transfers to and from your accommodation.

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

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.

Close to paradise in the hills of Tuscany is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

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.

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

The top 5 luxury ski resorts in France is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

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.

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

Test cricket comes to the Middle East is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

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!

A host of new experiences this year at The Kempinski Hotel Soma Bay is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

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

10 of the most glamourous ski destinations in the world is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

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.

Combining luxury and excitement – the Lexus Experiences is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

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.

Simon Hagger is CEO at Show and Stay.

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

Top 10 cities for theatre lovers is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

Mauritius

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.

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

More top tips on 6 honeymoon destinations is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

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.

Aikwood Tower: the epitome of understated luxury is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

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.

Private Dolomite ski holiday tours for small groups is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

Renowned for wonderful diving and snorkelling right off the island’s beautiful white sandy beaches, Heron Island is the perfect introduction to the delights of Australia’s Great Barrier Reef with its plethora of amazing underwater wildlife.   And with turtle nesting season in the early stages in December, it is perfect for nature lovers looking to get up close and personal with these fascinating creatures as they begin their slow journey up the pristine beaches on both Heron and neighbouring Wilson Islands to lay their eggs.

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

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”.

LUX* Island Resorts launching in the Indian Ocean is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

The V&A Waterfront

If your time in Cape Town is short, perhaps you have come in on one of the many cruise ships, then the Waterfront is for you! Rising from down-at-heel working docks, the Waterfront is an amazing blend of cultures and style, sophisticated yet laid-back with something for everyone young or old.

The restaurants and cafes serve a myriad of different tastes from fish & chips to haute cuisine, many of them spilling out of the buildings onto the sidewalks where you can sit beneath the sun brollies watching the world go by.

It’s not just restaurants and shops that make up the Waterfront, but luxury accommodation, leisure activities and a host of exciting possibilities; travel to Robben Island where Nelson Mandela was imprisoned; plan a helicopter ride over the city; take a sunset cruise along the coast to watch the magnificent setting sun. Or simply stay in the supreme luxury of The One & Only or Cape Grace hotels, where your every wish is granted, and relax in the spa.

Winelands Tour

One of the most surprising things about Cape Town is how quickly you can be in the countryside. It is as if the city is tolerated by the land from which it grew; the city only there to entice visitors to explore the fresh air and vibrancy on its doorstep.

And what treasure to explore! The historic wine estates of Constantia lie on the slopes of Table Mountain itself, in the Southern Suburbs, only minutes from the city centre. Like a secret rural idyll, Constantia provides the perfect place to relax and escape the hustle and bustle.

With its own wine route encompassing 7 estates you are sure to find the perfect wine, as Constantia Valley produces world renowned dry whites and reds creating elegant wines that reflect the gentle climate.

A wine tasting tour is a must to experience the friendly hospitality, quality wines and spectacular scenery; and to view a small part of the kaleidoscope that makes up this fascinating city at the foot of Africa.

Panama Jacks

As one of the most unusual settings, Panama Jacks must take an award. Having started life as a boatyard close to the Royal Cape Yacht Club in pre Waterfront days, the restaurant is situated in the commercial dockside in a long, low, wooden shack.

At first glance your heart sinks. It appears the building has been washed ashore having floated from the Caribbean. This is not a place visitors get to unless directed by more knowledgeable people, so you pluck up courage and walk through the door.

What greets you is indeed relaxed, yet no compromise on quality. The freshest of fish served, some of it from huge glass tanks where you chose your own lobster or abalone, compliments the large selection of wines from around the world – the whole combining to create one of the best restaurant experiences in Cape Town.

Whatever you choose to do when you are in Cape Town, you are sure to have an experience that will leave you with only happy memories and a longing to return.

James Woolley is owner of Come To Cape Town.

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

3 of the best things to do in Cape Town, South Africa is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

1. World-Class Winter Sports

For your daily ski or snowboard fix, there are 42 ski areas within an hour drive of Bolzano, including Val Gardena, Selva -Sella Ronda and Meran. Another 35 are within 1.5 hours, including ski areas in Austria like Innsbruck. Area passes are available which allow you to choose a different ski area each day; a local guide do the driving and can help you select the best resort destination of the day, based on the weather conditions and snowfall patterns for that year. Enjoy groomed skiing one day, glacier skiing another, and an introduction to backcountry yet another.

2. Apres Ski

Returning to Bolzano in the evenings, you have a wide choice of apres ski activities and restaurants. It is the shopping destination of the region, with porticoed shopping areas providing protection from the weather. You will find many local handicrafts available, as well as the latest in fashion. Wonderful restaurants, from very traditional establishments to more modern tables offer dining options for all tastes.

3. Cultural Exhibits

The city itself offers a wide range of cultural activities and museums to visit to keep you busy on a rest day. From Otzi the Iceman at the South Tyrol Museaum of Archaeology, to a medieval castle at Castel Runkelstein, there is something for everyone. For true mountaineers, a visit to one of the locales of the Messner Mountain Museum is a must-see. A museum project started by Italian mountaineer and extreme climber Reinhold Messner, this is perfect for the hard-core extreme outdoors members of the group.

4. Day Excursions

For those non-skiers, or anyone who has earned a well-deserved rest day, many excursions to various nearby cities are possible. Visit Juliet’s balcony and the ancient Arena in Verona, the Duomo and the museum and frescoes in the Castello del Buonconsiglio of Trento, or the Old Town of Innsbruck. A local guide can set you up with a private tour of these cities to make the best use of your time.

5. Wine

Throughout the Adige valley, vineyards cling to the sides of the mountains, where they experience cool breezes from the Alps to the north intermixing with warm, drying air from Lake Garda to the south. The result of this interplay of air produces some of the most well-structured, aromatic whites in the world, as well as some powerful reds. Some not to be missed: Terlaner, a white blend from vineyards just northwest of Bolzano, Schiava or Vernatsch, a lighter bodied red that pairs perfectly with the local smoked meats, Lagrein, a more full-bodied, nicely tannic big red, with the Muri-Gries monastary in Bolzano worth a tasting stop, as they specialize in this varietal.

The region of Alto Adige has long been a destination for outdoor lovers, but for those discerning snowsport enthusiasts who insist upon great food and wine to close each ski day, Alto Adige boasts more Michelin star restaurants than any other region in Italy. And to quote David Lynch and Joseph Bastianich in their guide to the regional wines of Italy, Vino Italiano, “For those who love both the outdoors and wines, Trentino-Alto Adige is hard to beat”. Great food and wine in the heart of the Dolomites, surrounded by countless ski resorts – a combination hard to beat!

Kathy Bechtel is Owner of Italiaoutdoors.

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

Top 5 reasons to ski Bolzano, Italy is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

African safaris are best suited for children age 5 and up.  Each one is specially designed to suit each family’s interests and preferences and the camps will happily accommodate special dietary requirements.  Your safari experience will be very private and you will be kept well away from the crowds and minibuses that you see in the busier reserves that cater for cheaper package tours.  Africa is a year round safari destination and there are always good game viewing opportunities – whether you are visiting over Christmas, Easter, the summer holiday or one of the half term breaks.

South Africa and Kenya are the obvious family safari destinations but Botswana, Tanzania and Zambia also offer some excellent family accommodation.  South Africa is popular because it offers malaria free safaris and Kenya is popular for its easy access from the UK and Europe as well as its wonderful variety of activities and cultural interaction. A Botswana safari and a Zambia safari are well suited for active families with teenagers who enjoy traditional game viewing activities like walking safaris and game drives.

A luxury family safari in Africa combines well with a Robinson Crusoe style beach holiday in Mozambique, Mauritius or Zanzibar where the whole family can enjoy a variety of water sports.  If you are planning a malaria free South Africa safari, then you should definitely spend a few days in Cape Town – exploring the city and the Cape Winelands.

A few family safari camps and lodges:

Lagoon Camp

Lagoon Camp lies on the banks of a permanent lagoon formed by the Kwando River.  The camp consists of 6 tents and is the perfect place for families who are very into wildlife.  The activities are focussed on the game viewing experience and include canoeing safaris, boating safaris, walking safaris and traditional game drives as well as tiger fishing – a popular activity for boys of all ages.

Chitabe Lediba

Chitabe Lediba is situated in the Chitabe Concession, neighbouring the Moremi Game Reserve.  It is just south f the Okavango Delta and features a seasonal landscape that changes from brown scrub in the dry season to a lush green oasis in the wet season.  Chitabe is a small camp that consists of five tented suites that have been built on raised teak platforms.  Some of the tents are inter leading – making it a great choice for family groups.  The wildlife is prolific and activities include walking safaris, game drives and sleep outs in the hides.

Sabuk Lodge

Sabuk Lodge is situated in the northern frontier district and is perched on a cliff that overlooks the Ewaso River.  The camp has far reaching views over the Laikipia plains and offers the very best in family accommodation.  Activities are adventurous and include camel safaris, walking safaris, game drives, bush craft, fire lighting, animal tracking and cultural interaction with the Samburu guides who will teach your kids about their traditional way of life.

Vamizi Island Lodge

Vamizi Island Lodge is a Robinson Crusoe style beach lodge on the northern coast of Mozambique.  It offers private accommodation that is surrounded by miles and miles of white powdery sand and crystal clear and warm Indian Ocean waters.  Activities include scuba diving, snorkelling, fishing, kayaking, game walks and picnic to the neighbouring islands.

Impodimo

Impodimo is situated in the malaria free Madikwe reserve. At Impodimo, staff go out of their way to welcome children of all ages.  All children are given a good y bag on arrival and activities are designed to be fun and informative.  They include bush baking, bush crafts, animal tracking, paper mask making, swimming and guided nature walks around the camp.  Impodimo also offers a baby sitting service so parents can enjoy a much needed rest.

Kiba Point

Kiba Point is a beautiful Tanzania safari lodge situated in the Northern Selous.  It offers one of the best family safari experiences in Tanzania and is suited for children of all ages.  The camp has been built in a lovely quiet spot on the banks of the Rufiji River and consists of four spacious and well appointed cottages with private plunge pools.  You will also have a private vehicle and guide who will accompany you on all your bush activities.  Activities include game drives, walking safaris, boating safaris and fishing.

Cape Grace

Although the Cape Grace is not a safari camp it has great family accommodation choices and is worth a stay if you are visiting Cape Town.  The Cape Grace is situated on the bustling Victoria and Alfred Waterfront – in the shadow of Table Mountain.  The accommodation is spacious and very luxurious and it is the ideal base from which to explore the city.  The hotel is very welcoming to families and even offers a baby sitting service.  Children are given a welcome pack on arrival and are invited to enjoy bedtime stories in the library every evening.  The hotel also has a luxury yacht that is available for exclusive use.

Rebecca Sparrow is Marketing Manager at Safari.co.uk.

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

7 great places to experience a luxury family safari in Africa is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

Also, the 19th St Moritz Gourmet Festival, taking place 30th January to 3rd February 2012, is always a high point at Badrutt’s Palace. For a week, ten Michelen-starred chefs descend on St Moritz to wow guests with a cornucopia of culinary events. French Chef Regis Marcon, who owns Régis et Jaques Marcon in Saint-Bonnet-le-Froid in France, will dazzle guests with a five-course menu or an à la carte dinner in Le Restaurant.

Finally, Badrutt’s Palace will also play host to the Funky Kitchen Party, which kicks off at 10.30pm on 1st February 2012, in the Palace kitchen and in Le Bistro. Guests mingle around steaming saucepans and sizzling frying pans, savouring each dish as it is prepared – accompanied by an appropriate champagne, wine or spirit – while chefs do their magic and prepare exquisite dishes all evening long.

New Year’s Eve and other events at Badrutt’s Palace Hotel is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog