A Luxury Travel Blog

This large open cellar event in May covers many regions in the South of France and draws an audience of over 40,000 people from all over the world! Winemakers, villagers & visitors alike flock to nearby vineyards in and around Provence including the Côte D`Azur and Rhone Valley areas, to join in the festivities and celebrate the tradition & art of winemaking.

This is a day out for everyone – for food and wine lovers, for families, for professionals and even those on vacation who wish to be part of the fun and have a special glimpse into the world of grape harvesting and the universe of oenology… or those who simply come just to drink the wine!

Provence is one of France’s largest and oldest wine producing regions and may be best known for it’s rosé wines of which the most famous are Côtes de Provence and Côteaux d’Aix.  Provence vineyards also produce some fabulous red wines, including very rich red wines from the Var and “grey wine” from the Camargue. The area’s most famous White wine is “Bandol” which has been celebrated since the middle ages.

The “Feast of the Vine and Wine’ or “La Fête de la Vigne et du Vin” was established in 1995 in order to try and prevent the Provençal wine craft from dwindling popularity and showcase to the world the beauty of this trade. It occurs annually on the weekend of Ascension – this year it will be 19th May2012 – and every year the number of wine makers and visitors participating grows significantly making this a much anticipated event on French calendars. With September’s harvesting looming on the horizon, May sees the vineyards prepped and spruced up in readiness – the perfect time to visit and celebrate what is and what is to come!

Local wine making domains, cellars or caves hold many different events, some ticketed others on a first-come-first-served basis and others are free to walk in at leisure. Events vary from guided vineyards tours, to demonstrations on winemaking, talks on the different grape varieties and everyone’s favourite – the tasting! Many cellars offer their guests the chance to sample some of their produce and purchase bottles at heavily discounted prices – or 5th bottle free, this is definitely a festival to come to on foot or bike and avoid driving!

In true festival style, the celebrations are not merely just about the wine and wine making but about people coming together – bands are invited to play, local arts & crafts are displayed & sold and of course where there is wine, there is usually food to accompany! Many wineries will either invite you to join them for a buffet feast around a large table, or offer food stalls & little tasters so you can line your stomach prior to sampling some of the delectable vintages!

This festival is the perfect way to sample not only the fine produce the  Provençal  region has to offer but to glimpse a different way of life for many and an art form which will inspire!

Claire Allen is Head of Marketing at Abercrombie & Kent Villas.

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Italian ice cream or ‘gelato’ is found glistening in tempting abundance across mouth-watering shop fronts and stalls all over Italy; a holiday to Italy without indulging in a scoop or two would in fact be a crime, don’t you think?

Acknowledged by many experts as the best ice cream in the world, traditional gelato is not to be missed and is indeed something to enjoy in countless flavours, multiple times! The only problem is trying to track down and taste the best gelato in Italy.

Only a festival of ice cream would help solve this dilemma… Oh yes, there’s one of those too!

In fact, the production and creative array of ice cream flavours is celebrated amongst Italians, during the Firenze Gelato Festival from 23rd to 27th May 2012, and draws 30,000 happy visitors. The festival turns the City of Florence into a Village of handmade ice-cream “Villaggio del Gelato Artigianale” and the best day out I can imagine – a trail of incredible colour and an invitation to taste copiousness amounts of homemade gelato.

The ice cream festival disembarks upon Florence’s finest squares, paying tribute to the traditions and creativity of gelato, allowing visitors to discover the secrets of Italian ice cream while invariably sampling spectacular flavours by ice cream makers from all over Italy.

An event perfect for the little ones, as well as adults, there are lots of games and activities to suit all the family, as well as workshops teaching the true art of gelato making. Serious foodies also rejoice, as the exhibition tells us the precious history of Italian ice cream, the evolution of techniques for making the icy treat, and the consumption of the flavourful ice cream from Bernardo Buontalenti’s 16th Century creation to this very day.

Italy is already a popular gourmet destination to enjoy the more well-known staple Italian dishes of pasta and pizza – you may not have known that Italian ice cream is also fundamental to Mediterranean cuisine. This festival is not only an excuse to tantalise those taste buds and get sticky fingers, it also showcases the quality and Italian character of ice cream making. But possibly above all else, this event is not to be missed simply for the “happy effect” it produces.

Perfectly positioned in picturesque Florence, as well as being the tastiest day I’ve ever known for family and friends to revel in, why not enjoy the fun to be had at Florence’s Ice Cream Festival this May.

Claire Allen is Head of Marketing at Abercrombie & Kent Villas.

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The annual Cannes Film Festival transforms this charming town in the French Riviera into a bustling hotspot filled with excitement as the biggest celebrities in Hollywood and worldwide come together to celebrate cinema. From local nightclubs, resorts and hotels, luxury Cannes Film Festival accommodation options see a sudden urge every year. Here are some top spots in Cannes where celebrities love to party and unwind.

Luxury hotels

When it comes to Cannes Film Festival accommodation, celebrities are looking for a private and luxurious experience during their stay in the French Riviera. The Eden Roc Hotel in Antibes is an ideal choice to enjoy private pool parties and varied cuisines.

If you are hoping for a more glamorous choice, the Majestic Barriere offers all the essentials of a luxury vacation. From private beaches, multi cuisine restaurants and stunning ocean views, Hotel Majestic Barriere is designed with silk furnishings and crystal chandeliers.

A global name in luxury hotels, the Ritz Carlton is preferred for its ambiance, royal interiors and spotless private beaches. Its close proximity to the festival makes it a favourite among red carpet celebrities.

Restaurants, bistros and cafés

Apart from offering a great assortment of Cannes Film Festival accommodation options, this city is home to several eating joints that dish up delectable food. To enjoy a relaxing lunch overlooking the French Riviera, dine at the 3.14 The Beach.

For a typically French gourmet experience, visit the Auberge Provencale or Moulin de Mougins. Being one of the highlights of the Mediterranean, seafood in Tetou is counted among the finest in the region. La Colombe d’Or allows you the unique opportunity to dine in the presence of priceless paintings of artists like Picasso, Matisse, and Chagall.

Party destinations

For an exciting lunch by the beach, La Voile Rouge is the perfect spot. Known for its popularity among film entrepreneurs, La Voile Rouge is always beaming with life thanks to all-day DJs playing great music.

Le Baoli is a Pan-Asian restaurant that promises a unique dining experience with private parties and special film screenings. For an exciting evening of dancing and a breathtaking display of fireworks, you can hit the Baron Rouge.

Nightlife

The VIP Room in Cannes is a nightclub filled with A-list celebrities, especially during the festival. Pulsating with hip hop beats, this nightclub is a favourite among celebrities like Paris Hilton, Jay Z, Mary J Blige and Beyonce Knowles.

The Nikki Beach in Cannes is a great way to unwind and relax. Offering a great chance to rejuvenate after the festival, this beach club is a favourite haunt of Hollywood stars.

Andy Butler is the Online Marketing Manager at Burger Davis.

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Everyone who knows Paris associates it with luxury. In fact, the French do luxury better than almost any other culture. While its possible to enjoy Paris as a starving teenager camping out in youth hostels, if you are able to splurge, there is no finer place to do it than in the City of Light. Everything from small to eye-popping luxury awaits you. Here are some of my favorites.

1. Take the $5000 a night duplex suite at the new Shangri-la Palace hotel. The 500 square foot patio that stares directly at the Eiffel tower is perfect for a small soiree or for sitting with your lover and sipping martinis as la tour sparkles.

2. Small luxury: bring home an armful of Diptyque candles after a stop at their shop on Boulevard St. Germain. Nothing can make you feel more pampered and opulent than lighting one of these enticing smelling candles before guests arrive. Hint: try the figuier (fig tree).

3. Have a limo service whisk you around while you are hitting the shops. A driver can take you from Merci to Colette and beyond and your packages will be safely stored in the back. Imagine how much time you will not be wasting in the metro.

4. Stay at the Fouquet’s Barrièrre Palace hotel and enjoy a $100 credit towards your visit to their U spa or at any of their restaurants. I love the gigantic outdoor terrace for a café and a macaron in the afternoon.

5. Watch a ballet performance at the Opéra Garnier, sit up close and stare at the Marc Chagall painted ceiling. Enjoy champagne at intermission.

6. Take home your own bespoke couture perfume, styled just for you. Eva Erikkson Events can help you book this very special experience.

7. Take a load off as you sit down in the private rooms of the Christian Dior showroom, not open to the public. Have a personalized fashion show designed exclusively for you. Rachel at French Links Tours can pull this miracle off.

8. Close down the Flûte bar for your own private party and order one of each of their 22 different Champagnes by the glass for yourself and your guests.

9. Take a stroll and visit every store in the Place Vendôme from Mauboussin to Chanel to Boucheron and pick up a little bauble.

10. Luxury we can all afford: take a step back in time and enjoy a hammam (a Turkish steam bath) and a gommage (a good scrubbing) and then a massage at the Mosquée de Paris. Sip mint tea afterwards and relish your glowing skin.

11. Small scrumptious luxury: stop by Patrick Roger and fill up on his
exquisitely wrapped chocolates. Try out the 20th parallel sampling chocolate from Indonesia, the Caribbean, Africa and South America.

12. Score a seat at Verjus near the Palais Royale and indulge in their spectacular six-course tasting menu with the perfect wine pairings. Laura and Braden who hail from California have recently opened this hot spot after their huge Hidden Kitchen success.

Doni Belau is Founder of Girls’ Guide to Paris.

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As the host of the recently announced 2018 Commonwealth Games, the world’s attention will turn towards Australia’s Gold Coast. It was the 42 kilometres of uninterrupted beach that first drew travellers to the region. However today, while the beach remains as a family favourite, it’s the theme parks, a 24-hour casino and a thriving nightlife that have firmly put the Gold Coast on the tourist map. Here’s a top 10 list of luxury accommodation on the Gold Coast.

Palazzo Versace

Arguably the most opulent accommodation option on the Gold Coast, Palazzo Versace is the world’s first fashion-branded hotel and channels the vision, style and sophistication of Gianni Versace. The stunning waterfront location, impressive architectural design and centrepiece antique chandelier create a sumptuous holiday experience.

Hilton Surfers Paradise

With a distinctive curved architectural design, the Hilton Surfers Paradise delivers an exceptional accommodation experience. Conveniently located in the very heart of Surfers Paradise, moments to the iconic beach and famed Cavill Avenue, the hotel offers a range of in-house services and facilities. Enjoy a meal in Luke Mangan’s Salt Grill restaurant, savour a cocktail in the FIX lounge bar or rejuvenate in the spa.

Jupiters Hotel and Casino Gold Coast Broadbeach

The famed Jupiters Casino, situated in exclusive Broadbeach, offers the convenience of a luxury hotel within the entertainment complex. Choose from a beautifully-appointed guest room, suite or penthouse, before heading downstairs to try your luck on the gaming tables. The casino also regularly presents tournaments, world-class theatre shows, live music concerts and stand-up comedians.

Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa

With a recent $20 million refurbishment, the Surfers Paradise Marriott Resort & Spa has again garnered attention from the holidaying social set. After a day’s activities on the beach, enjoy a meal in one of the restaurants including Citrique for international cuisine, the Benihana Japanese Steak House or the Lobby Lounge Bar for tapas.

Azzura Greens Resort

Situated on Hope Island surrounded by scenic canals and waterways, the Azzura Greens Resort offers luxury apartment style accommodation. The centrepiece of the resort is a lagoon-inspired swimming pool set in lush tropical gardens. Other facilities include barbeque areas and a gymnasium, while the adjacent Pat Cash Tennis Academy and the Hope Island Golf Club welcome guests from the Azzura.

Sheraton Mirage Resort and Spa Gold Coast

With absolute beach front access and set within tropical lagoons and lush gardens, the Sheraton Mirage Resort and Spa Gold Coast is a destination hotel. Facilities include a heated pool, tennis court, fitness centre and dedicated children’s pool.

Sofitel Gold Coast Broadbeach

The Sofitel proudly offers spacious, free-of-clutter rooms that lead to a private balcony for generous views over the sea or the mountains to the west. Broadbeach’s shops, bars, restaurants are nearby and the casino is accessed via a monorail.

Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove

Using as inspiration traditional Australian architectural designs, the Hyatt Regency Sanctuary Cove offers resort-style accommodation. The big attraction is the private one-acre salt-water beach lagoon pool. Energetic holiday makers will appreciate the tennis courts, heated lap pool, yoga room and fitness centre.

Peppers Broadbeach

With panoramic views over the Pacific Ocean and across to the hinterland from the two towers, Peppers Broadbeach presents a chic, sophisticated place to stay while travelling for business or pleasure. Once checked in, stroll through the zen gardens, cool down in the lap pool or relax in the stream room.

Crowne Plaza Surfers Paradise

Boasting Queensland’s only revolving restaurant, the views from the Crowne Plaza’s Four Winds Restaurant are just as terrific as the inspired cuisine created by culinary experts. The hotel itself also offers a day spa and a chapel for romantic Gold Coast’s weddings.

Jason Dutton-Smith is Area Leader of Product and Content at Flight Centre.

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From prestigious events to world-class cultural encounters and fabulous natural attractions, here are 12 defining reasons to include Hamilton Island, the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, in an Australian itinerary in 2012:

JANUARY

Visitors to Hamilton Island have over 60 activities to choose from including go-karting, bushwalking, scuba diving, parasailing, squash, tennis, fishing, sailing, kayaking, target sports and windsurfing, not to mention the new nine-pin indoor Kegel bowling alley, perfect for anyone wanting to learn a new skill for 2012.

FEBRUARY

Whether you plan to pop the question or tie the knot, there is no more romantic month than February on Hamilton Island. From a seaplane ‘Love Flight’ over magnificent Heart Reef to an underwater ceremony or a pontoon wedding, Hamilton Island has it covered. Hamilton Island Weddings also have the only commercial permit in Australia to conduct ceremonies on Whitehaven Beach, in the middle of the World Heritage listed Great Barrier Reef Marine Park.

Why not treat your loved one to some ‘Romance on the Reef‘. The three-night Valentine’s package costs from AU$4,218 per Leeward pavilion (twin share), including three nights’ accommodation at qualia, a trip to Whitehaven Beach by helicopter with a picnic and a sunset cruise on the “Atomic”, qualia’s luxury power boat.

MARCH

Indulge in some pampering for body and soul this month at Hamilton Island’s fabulous spas. Whether you want to unwind at Spa wumurdaylin (“woo-mer-day-lin”), the Island’s first full service day spa, or revel in total pampering at the luxury Spa qualia you’re ensured of an authentic Australian wellbeing nirvana.

APRIL

Audiences inspired by the BBC documentary, ‘Great Barrier Reef’, can escape for their own close encounters with this most spectacular natural wonder with a reef-freshing break on Hamilton Island. April is the perfect month to check in to the Fantasea Reefworld pontoon in the heart of the Great Barrier Reef, which by night transforms itself into a private floating hotel. Following a night on Hamilton Island, guests cruise out to the Reefworld pontoon at Hardy Reef where a range of activities, including semi-submersible tours and the underwater viewing chamber, allows them to explore the reef from both in and out of the water.

MAY

As Olympians prepare for London 2012, this month offers the ideal warm up with the Hilly Half Marathon challenge, which takes place on Sunday 6th May. A rugged 21-kilometre route uphill and down dale, the Westpac Hilly Half Marathon follows road, fire trails and walking tracks through Hamilton Island’s undulating interior.

JUNE

The island plays host to the annual Hamilton Island Cup from 14th – 18th June 2012, Australia’s largest outrigger event and one of the world’s largest canoe regattas. Last year over 1000 paddlers took part from all over Australia plus international teams from Hong Kong, Singapore, Papua New Guinea, New Zealand and Canada. The Cup features more than 100 sprint and medium-distance races. The main event is the 42-kilometre marathon Hamilton Cup, an impressive sight for spectators as the canoes circle Hamilton Island and race through the Whitsundays.

JULY

Foodies should flock to Hamilton Island to enjoy the ultimate food and wine event, set against the stunning backdrop of the Whitsundays. The Great Barrier Feast kicks off with guest chef, Guillaume Brahimi, (6th – 8th July 2012) from the much-applauded Sydney Opera House flagship restaurant, Bennelong.

This month, Hamilton Island also plays host to a special photography workshop with two of Australia’s best known photographers, David Oliver and Peter Eastway. AWAY in the Whitsundays photography course runs from 29th July – 3rd August 2012, offering the opportunity for hands on expert tuition in one of the most beautiful locations in the world.

AUGUST

This is the month that Hamilton Island hosts Australia’s largest and most prestigious off-shore yachting event – Audi Hamilton Island Race Week 17th – 25th August 2012. From serious offshore racing and fabulous super-yachts to onshore glitz, glamour and gourmet fare, Audi Hamilton Island Race Week offers guests the opportunity to experience the best the Whitsundays has to offer.

This is also an ideal time for family travel – Australia’s winter is mild and comfortable for younger members of the family. Excursions to the Great Barrier Reef, snorkelling safaris and a trip to see the island’s koalas, kangaroos and wombats at ‘Wild Life Hamilton Island’ make holidays for children both educational and fun. Accommodation and meals in selected restaurants are free for children up to the age of 15, whilst the Clownfish Club offers activities for children up to 14 years.

SEPTEMBER

September is whale watching season when visitors can see baby humpbacks that have been born in the warm waters of the Whitsundays, travelling past the coast in pod sizes of between eight and ten whales. Whales, which can vary in length from five to 18 metres, can also been seen in their migrating season (June to September) from Hamilton Island itself.

OCTOBER

Since Captain Cook charted Australia’s coastline in the 1700s, the Whitsunday Islands have been recognised as one of the best sailing playgrounds in the world. Sunsail’s Sailing Academy on Hamilton Island offers a wide range of accredited marine qualifications for yachts, catamarans and motorboats, with tuition for beginners and experienced sailors alike. After offshore action, wind down at the iconic Hamilton Island Yacht Club.

NOVEMBER

The Australian Ballet returns for the fifth consecutive year to give an intimate outdoor performance at Hamilton Island’s luxury resort, qualia. Pas de Deux in Paradise will be staged from 16th – 18th November 2012.

Also this month, the Fujifilm Triathlon (10th November 2012) and Fujifilm Whitehaven Beach Ocean Swim and Junior Triathlon (11th November 2012) take in some of the Whitsunday’s most iconic locations for a sporting epic.

DECEMBER

Time for a round of golf on Australia’s only 18-hole championship golf course situated on its own island. The 6,120 metre, par 71, course is located on Dent Island, a five minute boat ride from Hamilton Island. Created by five-time British Open champion Peter Thomson, the course is gaining a reputation as one of the world’s top courses not least because of the stunning Whitsunday views from each hole.

The crowning glory of the course is the Chris Beckingham-designed clubhouse, ideally perched to take in the fantastic views of Passage Peak and the Coral Sea. The clubhouse offers an idyllic spot for non-golfing partners to relax over a laid-back lunch or for golfers to take stock of the day’s game over a cold beer.

The Denver Art Museum is the only venue in the United States for the internationally acclaimed exhibition Yves Saint Laurent: The Retrospective. It will be on show at the museum from 25th March to 8th July 2012.  This retrospective of the designer’s 40 years of creativity features a stunning selection of 200 haute couture outfits along with numerous photographs, drawings and films. These illustrate the development of Saint Laurent’s style and the historical foundations of his work.

Organised thematically, the presentation blends design and art to explore the full arc of Saint Laurent’s career from his first days at Dior in 1958 through to the splendour of his final runway collection in 2002.  Highlights include The Gender Revolution galleries where visitors will see how Saint Laurent bent (and sometimes broke) the rules of what women were expected to wear impacting on the wardrobe of today’s modern woman; The Yves Saint Laurent and Women section, displaying the clothing of the historic women who wore and supported Saint Laurent, including Princess Grace of Monaco, Catherine Deneuve and Paloma Picasso; The Last Ball section, featuring exquisite evening dresses from the glory days of haute couture complete with a red carpet; and The Colours of Yves Saint Laurent gallery, where guests will enjoy vibrant examples from his collections and hundreds of fabric samples

During his 40 years of designing, Saint Laurent (1936-2008) revolutionised the female wardrobe by borrowing the tuxedo, the trouser suit, shorts and the safari jacket from men’s clothing, transferring these symbols of power from one gender to the other. He empowered women with this new form of clothing, turning traditional menswear into haute couture. Saint Laurent reflected women’s changing role in society ahead of any other designer, setting the styles of the day. The show premiered in Paris in 2010 at the Petit Palais, Musee des Beaux-Arts de la Ville de Paris.

Tickets go on sale to the general public on 20th January 2012.  A number of Denver hotels are offering YSL packages – guests who purchase the VIP hotel packages will receive two tickets valid for any date and time along with an audio guide for the exhibition for each room booked. The tickets also allow guests to enter the exhibit at the next available time slot, bypassing any queues.

Hong Kong is ready to celebrate the Year of the Dragon in spectacular style with stunning flower markets, a fantastic International Night Parade, dazzling fireworks, lively sporting events and much, much more. Chinese New Year is the most important celebration of the year and the lead up to the festival is a busy time for everyone. Weeks beforehand it seems the whole of Hong Kong is immersed in a whirl of house cleaning and renovation, installation of auspicious red and gold decorations, selection of peach or plum blossom branches and kumquat trees laden with fruit, not to mention shopping and cooking in preparation for a big family gathering.

Visitors to Hong Kong can join locals at one of the pre-holiday flower markets in Hong Kong in search of the perfect bloom to bring good luck in the coming year. In return, you’ll be treated to a riot of colour and aromas. One of the most popular is in Victoria Park; this is one of the largest in Hong Kong and is open from the 17th January 2012 until the 22nd, with the best time to beat the crowds being between 6pm – 9pm.

One of the ‘must see’ events of the celebrations takes place on 23rd January 2012, the Cathay Pacific International Chinese New Year Night Parade. The parade starts from 8pm until 9.30pm featuring illuminated floats accompanied by spectacular international and local performing groups and it’s free to watch. Experience this carnival atmosphere as festive crowds lining the route around Tsim Sha Tsui watch the colourful parade pass by with Victoria Harbour serving as a stunning backdrop to this magical evening. Then at midnight on the 23rd visit the Sik Sik Yuen Wong Tai Sin Temple to witness the locals rushing through the gates to be the first plant incense to receive good luck!

Then on New Year’s Day the 24th January 2012 at 8pm experience the fantastic Lunar New Year fireworks display traditionally used to scare bad spirits away. For some of the best views head over to Wan Chai near the Hong Kong Convention & Exhibition Centre or the Avenue of Stars in Tsim Sha Tsui. The spectacular backdrop of city lights, harbour and surrounding mountains makes this a must see event.

For those who enjoy a flutter the races the Chinese New Year Race Day on the 25th January 2012 is a must see event. Join local sports fans hoping to kick off the New Year with a winner and head to Sha Tin racecourse. There will also be an array of festive programmes staged at the Sha Tin racecourse designed to bring prosperity and good fortune to racing fans.

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.

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For those who have been lucky enough to get tickets the London 2012 Olympics the next challenge for most is going to be finding a place to stay. With many of London’s top hotels already be claiming to be fully booked I have decided to look into a number of different options which still have availability for the Olympic period.

Those who want to be near the action should stay in East London – or, more specifically, Clerkenwell, Hoxton or Shoreditch, all of which are close to the games but lively areas in their own right. Shoreditch House is already booked up, but other trendy hotels have rooms. Try Terence Conran venture the Boundary, Bethnal Green’s Town Hall Hotel, with its celebrated restaurant Viajante, or The Zetter in Clerkenwell, which is well placed for both the Olympic village and the West End.

Staying outside London lets you explore the English countryside, but still venture into the capital for daytrips. Chewton Glen, a five-star country-house hotel set in 130 acres in Hampshire, is accessible to London by train or car in under two hours, while also being convenient for the rowing at Eton and sailing at Weymouth. And when you’re bored of sport, you can visit the spa, voted the UK’s favourite by Condé Nast Traveller readers.

The Landmark Trust, a conservation charity that restores historic buildings before renting them as holiday lets, has a devoted following. But some may be surprised to learn that the Trust not only owns rural properties – it also has several in London, including a Huguenot weaver’s house in Spitalfields, Sir John Betjeman’s old home in the City, and two properties in Hampton Court Palace (which happens to be the start and finish point for the cycling event).

Sometimes hotels, with their cramped rooms, overpriced breakfasts and disappointing décor, simply don’t hit the spot. Enter the unhotel, which gives visitors the chance to stay in upscale London homes while their owners are elsewhere. Luxury amenities, such as five-star linens and White Company toiletries, come as standard, while prices are more reasonable than you’d think, starting at £119 per night for a pretty studio in Notting Hill. An ideal solution for families, or anyone who’d prefer to live like a local. onefinestay has just signed up its 200th property so they still have some great homes available for the those with tickets to the games.

Tom Beverley is Head of Marketing at onefinestay.

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From the Monte Carlo casino to the five-star hotels on the Croisette, when it comes to luxury, the French Riviera has a lot to offer. Over 10 million tourists visit the Côte d’Azur for a holiday in the sun every year, but very few are lucky enough to experience the grandiose lifestyle that makes it so desirable. Here are five tips that will ensure you make the most of your luxury holiday in the South of France.

Timing is everything

There is one month in the year when everyone on the Riviera steps up their game to welcome the world’s glitterati—May. The Cannes Film Festival and the Monaco Grand Prix are two of the most globally publicised events, making the area the place to be for a couple of weeks. The best restaurants and nightlife venues migrate to short-term locations on the coast, giving visitors the opportunity to taste food prepared by top chefs and dance to mixes by hot DJs. Heaven’s Floor in Cannes and Amber Lounge in Monaco are among the most select clubs, and Alain Ducasse’s Electrolux Agora pop-up restaurant created a huge buzz last year.

Location, location, location

Although quite small, the Côte d’Azur offers a lot of variety when it comes to choosing where to stay, and there is a location for every type of holiday you can wish for. If you enjoy 24-hour activity and don’t feel like driving too much, book a hotel or a penthouse apartment on the Croisette in Cannes, or on the Promenade des Anglais in Nice. Both the Carlton and the Negresco are registered historic monuments due to their beautiful architecture, and the Palais de la Méditerranée offers a terrace with a great sea view. All three hotels also have a selection of restaurants and bars accessible to the public. If what you’re looking for is a quiet haven away from the crowds, look along the cliff roads between Nice and Monaco. The area is home to some of the prettiest towns, including Villefranche, St Jean Cap Ferrat, Beaulieu and Eze, all full of sumptuous villas, more intimate than a hotel yet close to the beaches and other amenities. And for a real feel of Provence, go further inland; Grasse and its surroundings offer a choice of authentic village houses that will give you a taste of the history and traditions that made the Riviera what it is today.

Maximise the private beach experience

Beaches on the Côte d’Azur can get very crowded, so sometimes there is no better satisfaction than having one all to yourself for a day. A few restaurants in the Cannes area allow you to book private events for special occasions. La Guérite, on the Lérins Islands, offers a shuttle boat service to and from Cannes, and can take care of the whole organisation of your party, leaving you free to relax and enjoy the peacefulness of the islands with a panoramic view of Cannes.

See it from above

Spoiling yourself with a helicopter tour over the French Riviera is something you will never regret. From the azure of the Mediterranean to the majestic peaks of the Alps, the view is absolutely breathtaking. Various providers advertise transfers from Nice to St Tropez in less than half an hour, probably the most worthwhile trip as it would take you over the Esterel Mountains, its pine trees and red rocks— the natural jewel of the Riviera.

You ought to rent a yacht

There is a reason the area between Antibes and Juan les Pins is called Baie des Milliardaires (Billionaires’ Bay). The most luxurious way to enjoy the French Riviera is from the water. There you can appreciate the weather, the sea and the view, all from the quiet intimacy of your boat. To rent a yacht, you will need your passport and a deposit of about 50% of the total amount. There are a variety of sizes and charter durations available but Alexander J. Coles, senior charter broker at Moody Yachts France, recommends booking as far in advance as possible, as most summer charters are booked four to five months ahead. Taking the time to make your selection in advance will prove worth it, because with the perfect yacht, your trip will take on a completely different dimension.

Melodie Michel is Marketing Manager at Riviera Rental Guide.

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Badrutt’s Palace Hotel will be transformed into a rococo palace this New Year’s Eve, 31st December 2011. Bejewelled and sparkling, and decorated with the theme of “Le Reve du Palace”, the hotel will be thronging with New Year’s guests from around the world – many of whom book a year in advance to celebrate on this special night. As well as live bands, artists dressed in costumes wander the Palace to represent the night’s theme.  Dinner is served in the hotel itself and in the rustic Chesa Veglia, a traditional farmhouse built in 1658, where guests can choose between three restaurants.

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.

The Historic Grand Prix (11th-13th May 2012)  is a magnificent event that commemorates the golden age of motor racing on the glamorous streets of Monaco.  It is a must for any motorsport enthusiast!

The race takes place on the very same circuit as it did back in 1929. The Monaco circuit is considered one of the most demanding in the world and a very dangerous place to race.  You’ll witness some of the finest cars in history tackle the twists and turns of the track, whizzing through Casino Square and through the infamous tunnel.  The Historic Grand Prix showcases a range of cars from the 1920s to 1974 – the beginning of modern F1 racing.  The main race takes place chronologically, starting with the Formula 1 cars of the 1920’s such as Bugattis and Alfa Romeos. This will be followed by the 1930s era with the Maseratis, then the 1950s Jaguars, Ferraris and Lotus and finally the 1960s and 70s Formula One cars all racing flat out.

For the ultimate Historic Grand Prix experience, stay at the fabulous Hotel Metropole. This Belle Epoque landmark hotel is situated in the heart of Monaco, just steps away from Casino Square. The stunning 5* hotel features an outdoor pool, fitness centre and a fabulous spa.

As for mouth-wateringly fabulous cuisine, gourmet Mediterranean cuisine is served in the 2 Michelin starred Joel Robouchon restaurant (within the Metrolpole). Yoshi (also headed by Robouchon) boasts 1 Michelin star and serves Asian-fusion food with a contemporary twist.  Or alternatively, enjoy an aperitif at the Café de Paris followed by dinner at Louis XV.  Located inside the opulent Hotel de Paris, this is the height of sophisticated dining. The restaurant contains the world’s largest wine cellar, with 250,000 bottles of wine stashed in a stone cave!  If time allows, head to the hills of St Paul de Vence and to the internationall renowned Colombe d’Or.  Food here is delicious and the art collection is magnificent with pieces by Matisse, Picasso and Chagall (artists used to pay their bills with paintings or sculptures). There is a beautiful terrace and the views are breathtaking… leaving you with wonderful memories of the Cote d’Azur.

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

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The Luxury Travel Fair gets underway at Olympia, London from tomorrow and will run until the end of the week. Now in its 6th year, it is the only dedicated consumer focused luxury travel event in the UK. Held in association with Condé Nast Traveller, the fair hosts over 100 hotels, travel companies and destinations from around the world, enticing visitors to enjoy unique, unusual and unforgettable travel experiences. This year there are more than 30 new exhibitors taking part for the first time, including the new Siam Kempinski Hotel in Bangkok, Ville in Italia, the Mallorca Tourist Board and QuintessentiallyTravel.

An exclusive stay package is now offered at the most luxurious private residence in Florence, with “no queues” entrance tickets to the exhibition “Money and Beauty. Bankers, Botticelli and the Bonfire of the Vanities”.

Experience the most topical art exhibition in Florence through the masterpieces by Botticelli, Filippo Lippi, Beato Angelico, Paolo Uccello, Donatello, Antonio del Pollaiolo, and other great Renaissance artists. The exhibition that takes place at Palazzo Strozzi from 17th September 2011 until 22nd January 2012, shows how the birth and development of the modern banking system is linked to the most important artistic flowering in the history of the Western world.

For such a charming journey inside the world of art and culture, Relais Santa Croce has created the exclusive experience called “Money and Beauty… the Bonfire of the Vanities”.

The package, valid from 17th September to 28th December 2011 (minimum stay required 2 nights) includes:

· Accommodation in the room type of your choice
· A rich buffet breakfast
· As a welcome gift: the charming catalogue of the Michael Rogatchi’s exhibition, until December by the Relais Santa Croce, and a high-quality catalogue of the event at Palazzo Strozzi
· Entrance tickets with “no queues” to the exhibition “Money and Beauty. Bankers, Botticelli and the Bonfire of Vanities”

For this impossible-to-miss date with The Art, Relais Santa Croce is the perfect choice to fully enjoy a stay in Florence, combining the intimacy that only a palace of the 18th century can give, together with the excellent gastronomical offer of the Hotel’s Restaurant, Guelfi e Ghibellini, that proposes regional, seasonal and innovative menus. You will also have the possibility to taste the menu of Enoteca Pinchiorri, 3 Michelin-star restaurant, located at the entrance of Relais Santa Croce.

And for those who would like to continue the artistic tour of the town, Relais Santa Croce re-confirms itself as a great choice thanks to its central position, a few minutes’ walk from the main places of interest, among which are Basilica di Santa Croce, Piazza della Signoria, Galleria degli Uffizi, Piazza del Duomo, Ponte Vecchio.

Relais Santa Croce belongs to Gruppo Baglioni Hotels, that today includes 9 facilities in Italy (Milan, Venice, Florence, Punta Ala, Rome), France (Aix-en-Provence, Champillon-Epernay, Saint Paul de Vence) and UK (London).

I’ve just received my ‘invitation’ to a Champagne Dinner at The Ritz together with Dom Pérignon on 24th November 2011. In honour of this special occasion, the hotel’s Executive Chef John Williams has created a remarkable menu, paired with some of the finest offerings from Champagne Dom Pérignon. The dinner will be held in the magnificent 18th Century surroundings of William Kent House, commencing with a Champagne and canapé reception in The Marie Antoinette Suite and followed by dinner in The William Kent Room.

Mr Richard Geoffroy, Chef de Cave at Dom Pérignon since 1996, will be on hand to advise how best to appreciate the differing styles of the wines which, combined with the culinary expertise of the Chef’s menu, promises a unique and memorable dining experience.

Cornet of Smoked Salmon Moscovite
Goats Cheese Pin Wheel with Black Olive
Foie Gras bon bon
Brioche Pizza with Truffle
Dom Pérignon 2002

Sauté of Goose Liver and Smoked Eel
with Green Apple and Radish
and Seaweed Brioche
Dom Pérignon 2002

Confit of Turbot, Hazelnut Butter and Braised Oxtail
Dom Pérignon OE 1996

Bresse Chicken Champenoise
Dom Pérignon Rosé 2000

Pear William, Caramelised Wafer
with Prune and Armagnac Cream
Dom Pérignon 2000

So… “will I be accepting the ‘invitation’?”, I hear you ask.  Alas no… at £395 per person, it’s just a little out of my budget.  But I’m sharing it nevertheless with the rest of you.