Champagne bath menu at London’s Cadogan Hotel

London’s Cadogan hotel has launched a new ‘Champagne bath menu’ in time for the most romantic day of the year. All 120 bottles of Champagne that it takes to fill one of the hotel’s baths will be the task of one’s own personal butler assigned by the hotel. The butlers will be sure to place some chocolate covered strawberries and a complimentary bottle of vintage Champagne within easy reach of the bath. The “Champagne Bath Menu” will be available to guests from Valentine’s Day 2012.

Champagne Bath Menu – Per Bath

Louis de Custine Brut – £4,000
Perrier Jouet Grand Brut – £6,000
Perrier Jouet ‘Blason’ Rose – £8,000
Dom Perignon Vintage – £25,000

The Cadogan
75 Sloane Street
Knightsbridge
London
SW1X 9SG

Reservations:
020 7235 7141
www.cadogan.com


Luxury Amazon Cruises with Aqua Expedition

Looking for adventure in luxury? For those who have heard of the storied Amazon River and want the chance to see it in person, now is your chance. Aqua Expeditions is a Peruvian luxury tour operator and the first adventure travel company to introduce five-star luxury cruises on the Amazon River in Peru. Designed by Peruvian architect Jordi Puig, you can board the MV Aqua luxury cruise ship year round and sail on 7,4 and 3 night journeys. The MV Aqua is the only luxury boat that takes this route and is equipped with 12 suites that feature panoramic views of the sometimes perilous Amazon. You can witness the river from the safety of your room while helpful concierges cater to your needs in a five star boutique atmosphere. Noted Chef Pedro Miguel Schiaffino, one of Peru’s top ten chefs, has also created exclusive menus. Recent guests include Nobu Matsuhis and Ferrán Adrià.

http://www.aquaexpeditions.com/


Notre Dame Vacation Rental, Paris

Via Haven In Paris, there’s much to love about this amazing vacation rental in Paris:

With Notre Dame cathedral around the corner and the winding cobblestone streets of the Left Bank as your playground, this lovely light-filled 1 bedroom luxury flat is the perfect vacation rental for your idyllic Parisian holiday.

Located in a typical Haussmanian building one block from the Seine and just across the river from Notre Dame Cathedral, this apartment is equipped with all the amenities of a boutique luxury hotel in the heart of one of Paris’ oldest districts. Tastefully decorated in light tones and with fantastic northern and southern exposure, this flat enjoys plentiful sunlight all day – to be soaked up from the spacious living room or from the flat’s tiny private balcony right off the living room.

The master bedroom, with its plush queen-size bed and high-quality linens, overlooks a quiet side street – affording you peace and quiet when you want to retreat from Paris’ hustle and bustle. Additional guests are welcome on the living room’s comfortable double sofabed. The sleek and modern kitchen, complete with brand new high end appliances has everything you need to prepare delicious home-cooked feasts with the day’s outdoor market finds. After a long day of Parisian sightseeing, relax on the sofa to English-language channels on the flat-screen TV – or opt for one of the DVDs available for your entertainment. The just-renovated bathroom features a rain shower and full bathtub, and a heated towel rack for your comfort.

Whether you’re planning the next day’s excursions on the Mac laptop provided for your use or swapping stories around the dinner table, we’re sure you’ll find this Paris luxury vacation rental a home-base you won’t want to leave… if only to go pick up some croissants for breakfast.


Inspired by Flowers: Hollow Restaurant in Russia

Hollow Restaurant is the result of a fruitful collaboration between Sergei Makhno and Vasiliy Butenko, and promises to provide a stylish gathering place for people looking to enjoy a good meal. The overall design of the project was inspired by natural elements and the color palette is meant to relax.

What do visitors expect from the new restaurant? A delicious meal? – No doubt. Comfort? – Of course. Cosiness? – it’s a must! A place where you want to spend time with family, loved ones, friends and colleagues“. These were the main factors to consider when developing the concept for the “Hollow Restaurant”, a unit that will greet its visitors with a natural, casual design.

According to the official architecture plans, the restaurant is structured on two levels. The first floor accommodates a generous dining area, brought to life with the help of several flower-inspired elements. The second level hosts a more private lounge, with green armchairs and tables shaped like petals. The lighting is provided by designer Vasiliy Butenko and consists of elegant and subtle pendant lamps, enhancing the natural and cozy feel of the restaurant. Each level features a large window to the outdoors, originally shaped into one of the walls of the building and the ceiling respectively.


CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa Anguilla

The moment you arrive at CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa in Anguilla, your body immediately begins to unwind as you bask in the sun, sand and sea. Boasting white stucco buildings and distinct, Mediterranean-influenced architecture, this beachfront property has it all, for families or a romantic get-away.

The generously sized pool features a highly attentive staff, which offers you cool towels and delicious ice cream sandwiches when you are feeling hot and in the mood for a snack. The stunning infinity pool leads to the sea, where you will find miles of pristine white beaches to stroll, along with all the requisite water sports, including sailboats, kayaks and banana boats for the young and young at heart.

What truly sets CuisinArt apart from most other Caribbean properties is the uncompromising quality of their cuisine, thanks in large part to a private hydroponic farm, which produces fresh, organic produce for both of the resort’s restaurants. Guests will be fascinated by the tour of the farm, even more so after the discovery of the bowl of homegrown cherry tomatoes waiting in their room at check-in. Salads take on a new meaning when you have the freshest ingredients right in your backyard.

The Venus Spa offers the latest and most innovative techniques, along with a spacious gym to refresh and rejuvenate your body, mind and soul. Not long ago, CuisinArt acquired the only golf course on Anguilla, which boasts spectacular views of St. Maarten from several of the fairways. Along with tennis, children and their parents alike will enjoy the two Bocce courts situated by the pool, an ideal meeting point for a quick game before dinner or a longer one if the competitive spirit should arise.

With impeccable service, a highly attentive staff, and endless possibilities for fun, sun and romance, CuisinArt Golf Resort & Spa is a must-do luxury destination in the Caribbean.


Stunning Villa El Cid in Spain defined by luxury

Visiting Spain and looking for a fabulous place where you can enjoy magnificent views, luxurious amenities and round the clock services even for hiring a maid, chef or a Yacht? Yes, I just described one of the most beautiful vacations, defined by luxury, comfort and pure relaxation. Villa El Cid in Marbella, Spain, is the place where not only your wishes be satisfied, but also your love for stunning architecture and design. Part of the exclusive Del Sol Villas collection, the luxurious vacation place captures breathtaking views of the Mediterranean, Gibraltar and the African coast.

Accommodating up to 18 people, the warm and inviting villa welcomes guests with elegant living and entertaining spaces, 9 bathrooms and some luxurious water features like the heated indoor and outdoor pool with jacuzzi, a sauna, or the jacuzzi on the roof terrace. A games room, professional putting green and own practice area or the tennis court might convince you that there are many healthy activities to be enjoyed here, apart from the surroundings.  Featured in American reality television dating game The Bachelor, the property overlooking the Los Flamingos Golf Course and extending views over the large stretches of green fields would ensures a successful vacation.


Trump International Hotel & Tower Toronto

Trump Hotels has opened its latest international property, adding another 261 rooms to Toronto’s booming hotel scene.

The 65-storey Trump International Hotel & Tower Toronto is Canada’s tallest residential building and its second-tallest structure, boasting both condos and the second international outpost of Trump Hotels.

Highlights include a huge mosaic and a three-dimensional cherry blossom branch behind the reception desk, which was handmade from Czech crystals.

The stone, steel and glass facade rises 900 feet (275 meters) into the Toronto skyline and offers guests some impressive views of the city from the rooms and suites.

The hotel’s 261 guest rooms and suites range from 550-square-foot (51 square meter) rooms to the 4,000-square-foot (372 square meter) Presidential Suite.

All suites offer a powder room and fireplaces, along with Nespresso coffee machines and HDTVs, while the hotel’s 4,000 square foot 30th-floor suite includes its own soundproofed media room, private dining room, and two and a half baths.

A spa and wellness facility stretching 18,000-square feet (1,670 square meters) is also on offer, featuring city views from the 31st floor in ten treatment rooms and a personal spa concierge on hand to guide guests through the complex.

Trump’s new masterpiece is one of several which have been appearing on the Toronto skyline in recent months, several of them new five-star offerings — not bad for a city which had no five-star hotels only four years ago.

The hotel also offers a Destination Lounge on the 31st floor, with sweeping views of the city, alongside a two-floor spa and wellness center, with ten treatment rooms and a 65-foot (20m) saltwater lap pool.


W South Beach Reviewed

Casual Luxury! Cool Spot! Hot Vibe! It’s the W South Beach!

The first thing you’ll notice when you arrive at the W South Beach is that it has three really important things going for it: Location, Location, and Location!

First, and foremost: It is right on the beach. Just steps from your room you’ll find white sand, crashing waves, and best of all, Beach Ambassadors to attend to your every whim. They bring umbrellas, adjust your chaise lounge and rush you a towel when you come out of the ocean. Plus, if you are up for it, find a variety of water sports, such as jet skiing and parasailing.

So, that’s number one. Second, the hotel is within an easy, evening stroll of world-class restaurants like Nobu and Casa Tua. But be sure to save a night to stay in, and enjoy the legendary dining experience at Mr. Chow’s, located in the hotel lobby.

Number three, if you came to Miami for the South Beach experience, the W Hotel puts you smack dab in the middle of the action. Hit the hottest clubs and restaurants and travel in style, using the complimentary ride service with a personal driver in the new Acura MDX, fully loaded with W treats and goodies.

The oversized rooms designed by Yabu Pushelberg have a hip, modern look, boasting nine-foot ceilings and the very latest in technology. Also, for many the favorite feature is the extra large shower, which comfortably fits more than just one.

You can also re-energize at the SWEAT gym, or work up a sweat of your own on the seventh floor, where you’ll find a full-size, outdoor tennis court, alongside a basketball court which often grabs the attention of NBA players, who have been known to frequent the hotel.

The W South Beach is a refreshing, modern, luxurious hotel that can set the stage for a memorable Miami experience.


Five funky best places to stay in the Alps

Powered by Guardian.co.ukThis article titled “Funky ski chalets and hotels in the Alps” was written by Susan Greenwood, for The Guardian on Friday 27th January 2012 22.44 UTC

Loft, Bourg-Saint-Maurice, France

It may be a hostel offering budget accommodation with great access to the Paradiski area of Les Arcs, La Plagne and Peisey-Vallandry, but don’t expect Loft to scrimp on style. With big lounge areas, Sky TV, a pool table, Wi‑Fi, primary colours and well-thought-out storage, it’s a very fresh take on cheap and cheerful. Plus it’s just become a test centre for Ride Snowboards, so this season you can try the latest gear for free.
• +33 4 7900 7593, loftbourg.com, dorm beds from €27pp per night

Vert Hotel, Chamonix, France

There’s a lot you can achieve with fairy lights, and the Vert demonstrates this with panache in its bar and restaurant. Rooms are decorated with Alpine simplicity and all are en suite with free Wi-Fi. Despite being a 15‑minute walk from town, the Vert hosts some incredibly popular nights and has a friendly, lively après ski dotted with famous extreme sports athletes.
• +33 4 5053 1358, verthotel.com, doubles from €58.50

Rudechalets, Avoriaz, France

Avoriaz has one of the best snowparks in Europe for freestyle skiing and snowboarding. But if you lack the skills to look cool on the slopes, at least with Rude you’ve got somewhere to retire to that can up your trendiness quota. Their two self-catering apartments are slick white with colourful touches, flatscreen TVs, Xboxes and funky sofas to rest those bruised limbs on.
• 0870 068 7030, rudechalets.com, seven nights self-catering in an apartment sleeping five from £449

Mooser Hotel, St Anton, Austria

Attached to one of the world’s greatest and wildest après-ski bars, the new Mooser is a total contrast to the dancing on tables and beer swilling that goes on next door at the MooserWirt bar. Instead, it’s a peaceful and uber-stylish bolthole, with a bar that overlooks the slopes, amazing food and a spa with an outdoor pool. Rooms come with iPod docks, giant flatscreen tellies and glass cube bathrooms with blinds.
• Book through Kaluma Ski (01730 260263, kalumatravel.co.uk), four nights from £725pp B&B, based on two sharing

Hôtel Ormelune, Val d’Isère, France

It don’t come cheap, but it sure is pretty – the Hôtel Ormelune is heaven for design lovers. Spot a fireplace with flames poking up through smooth pebbles, reindeer-shaped coathooks, piles of vintage suitcases, and red or feathered chandeliers, or find the life‑sized colourfully painted cows – all were added in a revamp two years ago that replaced the Alpine-chintz look with colourful craziness.
• +33 4 7906 1293, ormelune.com, doubles from €180

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The Mercer – Luxury Chic in the heart of Soho

Situated directly in the heart of Manhattan’s most eclectic and energetic neighborhood, at the corner of Mercer and Prince Street, The Mercer is the ultimate urban hotel.

Hotelier Andre Balaz has developed this Soho institution, creating a home away from home for celebrities, fashionistas, hip-hop artists, and savvy European travelers in the know.

With a distinct, minimalist, but low-key modern style, the main lobby doubles as a library and lounge, with a casual vibe and inviting leather and velvet seating. The Mercer is downtown’s ultimate see-and-be-seen spot, while also managing to maintain a sincere coziness that is otherwise hard to find in Manhattan.

You can dine in the lobby or in the legendary Jean-Georges Vongerichten’s kitchen downstairs, a spacious and open restaurant aptly called The Kitchen.

You’ll love the airy, loft-like ceilings, which make even the less spacious quarters feel roomier, and windows that open will remind you more of the Left Bank of Paris than the bustle of lower Manhattan.

Just steps from your door you will find the premier shopping in New York, with
Prada, Moncler and James Perse, to name only a few. Add the world-renowned art galleries and countless restaurants, and you’ll experience the full measure of luxury and style.

Since you won’t need to work hard to get around you may feel the need to work up a sweat. No problem! As a guest of The Mercer you can take advantage of day passes for the Soho Equinox, just two blocks away, for a workout or a yoga or pilates class.

If you can’t leave home without your best friend, The Mercer will provide all you could ever need to pamper your pooch, including a daily walking service and luxury dog bed, plus bowls and treats waiting for the lucky dog upon arrival.

For the unbeatable combination of impeccable service, enviable location, the blessing of the in-crowd and the comfort of home, there is no better choice. Welcome to The Mercer.