Author Archive for Andrea Wren
Short Bohemian journeys for luxury train travellers
By Andrea Wren on Mar 11, 2009 in Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Eastern Europe, Europe, Germany, Hungary, Rail Travel, Regions, Special Offers & Packages, Speciality Travel, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe
The trend towards luxury train travel appears to be increasing for travellers who enjoy a relaxing time watching the world go by in sumptuous surroundings, whilst also knowing exactly how their budget is being spent (being that many such journeys include most meals and drinks). And travellers should be pleased to know that short European 
The new Park Hyatt Istanbul-Maçka Palas is a grand design!
Istanbul’s historic Maçka Palas – built in 1922 by the Italian architect Guilio Mongeri and one of the finest buildings in the city – has now become home to Park Hyatt Istanbul-Maçka Palas, following the opening of the hotel on 7th November 2008. Mongeri, who was from Milan, was inspired by the elegant Palazzos in
Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts open two new Amrita Spa & Wellness Centers
By Andrea Wren on Nov 13, 2008 in Accommodation, Hotels, Middle East, Regions, Spas & Pampering, Speciality Travel, Turkey
Anyone fond of the spa experience at Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts will be pleased to know the group has opened two new splendid Amrita Spa & Wellness Centers; one is at the Swissôtel The Bosphorus, Istanbul, and the other is in Swissôtel Grand Efes, Izmir. The ‘Amrita Spa & Wellness’ concept, if you are familiar 
London's May Fair Hotel on YouTube
By Andrea Wren on Nov 10, 2008 in Accommodation, Europe, Hotels, Regions, Travel Miscellany, United Kingdom, Videos, Western Europe
London’s famous 5-star May Fair Hotel is staying ahead of the times – and certainly not complying with an image that luxury hotels ‘don’t do’ this ‘kind of thing’, by launching the first ever independent UK hotel channel on YouTube. According to the hotel, the new channel is far from “corporate mish-mash of literature and 
Latest addition to the luxury Mantis Collection opening August 2008
The elite and still-under-construction Shamwari Townhouse in Port Elizabeth, on the Southeast coast of South Africa, is now expected to open in August 2008, making it the newest addition to the Mantis Collection of ultra-deluxe boutique hotels and game reserves. Because of the Townhouse’s secluded environment, it is promised as a perfect ‘retreat’ for the
See your Michelin-starred meal being cooked at five-star Celtic Manor
By Andrea Wren on May 01, 2008 in Accommodation, Business Travel, Europe, Food and Drink, Going Out, Hotels, Leisure Travel, Regions, Resorts, Restaurants, Speciality Travel, Travel Miscellany, United Kingdom, Western Europe
Luxury hotel Celtic Manor Resort is now giving guests the opportunity to watch their Michelin-starred meal being cooked via a plasma screen at the head of chef’s table for ten! The five-star Celtic Manor Resort, located in the Usk Valley, Wales, has teamed up with The Crown at Whitebrook, Monmouthshire, and its Michelin star Chef 
Luxurious 'Platinum' service introduced Down Under on The Ghan
Known for making the epic journey from Darwin through to Adelaide, legendary Australian train The Ghan is introducing a ‘platinum’ service in September that aims to be exceptional in luxurious standards. Passengers will be able to rest their heads on deluxe pillows from a menu, stretch out in cabins with fresh flowers that are twice
'For your eyes only' with luxury Rocco Forte Brown's Hotel
By Andrea Wren on Apr 15, 2008 in Accommodation, Attractions, Bars, Europe, Going Out, Hotels, Regions, Spas & Pampering, Special Offers & Packages, Speciality Travel, Travel Miscellany, United Kingdom, Western Europe
Luxury hotel chain Rocco Forte is offering a special package at their London Brown’s Hotel to celebrate the 100-year anniversary of Ian Fleming’s birth and the launch of the Imperial War Museum London‘s new exhibition, “For Your Eyes Only: Ian Fleming and James Bond“. The ‘Ian Fleming Centenary’ stay includes overnight accommodation in a luxurious 
Sweden's first floating hotel to open in time for 'black gold' season
By Andrea Wren on Apr 09, 2008 in Accommodation, Europe, Food and Drink, Going Out, Hotels, Regions, Restaurants, Sweden, Travel Miscellany, Western Europe
In September this year, Sweden is to be the proud owner of its first floating hotel. The eco-friendly accommodation will open at the renowned and upmarket Salt & Sill restaurant, offering a new way to experience the beauty of the Bohuslan coast and enjoy the acclaimed seafood of this A Taste of West Sweden accredited 
Refurbishment plans for luxury Silversea Cruises guest ships
Silversea Cruises are going to bring the interiors of their 296-guest ships – Silver Cloud and Silver Wind – in line with the style and glamour of their newest ship, Silver Spirit, says Luxury Travel Magazine. This 540-guest ship is scheduled to hit the waters in December 2009, and the refurbishments to the other ships
The Golden Chariot: India's newest luxury train
India’s ‘hot on the rails’ newest luxury train not only provides exquisite on-board luxury for its guests, but it will cater for those who like to keep fit on holiday as well as at home. The Golden Chariot boasts a fully equipped gymnasium to keep up on the step-machine, as well as an Ayurveda Spa
