The Luxury Hotel Insider: Exclusive luxury hotel deals, features and special rates from the luxury hotel experts at Five Star Alliance.
Named one of Tripbase's Best Luxury Travel Blogs for 2011, below are Five Star Alliance's newest articles featuring exclusive information on luxury hotels worldwide including special offers and deals at the world's best hotels.
Explore the elegant lifestyle of all-inclusive ultra-luxury cruising aboard Silversea's intimate luxury cruise ships sailing to Antarctica. With Silversea Cruises you'll enjoy free-flowing premium wines and spirits, gourmet cuisine, in-suite dining, full butler service for every suite (and yes, in every category), expedition activities and onboard lectures, and of course all gratuities. Savour the peace of mind of knowing that there is no salient price-tag at the end of a wonderful night of entertainment. Which is also complimentary, by the way.
Whether you are interested in an expedition to Antarctica or further North, with over 900 destinations across all 7 continents, wherever you want to go, you can get there with Silversea.
Considered one of the safest cities in the world, Singapore offers an eclectic mix for visitors. Situated on an island at the tip of the Malay Peninsula, Singapore (officially the Republic of Singapore) is a city-state. For centuries, its location made it a natural meeting point on sea routes, which was a popular destination for Arab dhows, Portuguese battleships, Chinese junks, and Buginese schooners.
Today, Singapore is "The Lion City" with its name coming from the Sanskrit words "simha" (lion) and "pura" (city). Modern Singapore was founded in the 19th century by Sir Thomas Stamford Raffles. After being ruled by various nations, Singapore became an independent country in 1965.
Travelers to the city-state will find an array of multi-cultural influences, as well as preserved pieces of the country's colonial and wartime past. Visitors interested in history will want to take a walk along the heritage trail for a real trip through time, while visiting monuments, museums, and memorials along the way.
Throughout the year, Singapore hosts a variety of events including the Singapore Jazz Festival, Neon Lights: a three-day event with music, creative workshops, and art installations, as well as Asia's largest outdoor beach party ZoukOut.
Visitors to the city may want to begin the day at the Botanic Gardens for tai chi amidst rainforest trees, check out a cricket match at Padang, or step back to colonial days at the Supreme Court. Sentosa Island is a popular destination for outdoor recreation, the Sri Mariamman Temple showcases the city's spiritual side in Chinatown, and the Chinatown Night Market is a known for stalls filled with red lanterns, Chinese calligraphy, and traditional clothing. For those that like to shop, Orchard Road is the spot for designer fashions and the latest electronics, Demsey Hill is a haven of antique stores, and Haj Lane in the Arab Quarter has bold textiles and tailored dress shirts.
Featuring floor-to-ceiling windows in all guest rooms and suites, Andaz Singapore is a modern urban retreat. The rooftop outdoor pool has incredible views, there are four dining options including Alley on 25 with a street-dining-inspired menu on the 25th floor of the hotel, and the destination bar Mr. Stork on Level 39. For visitors with a love for sweets, Pandan puts a spin on Singapore's national cake, the pandan chiffon.
FIVE STAR ALLIANCE PERK: Guests booking the “5 Star Signature Package” rate will also receive full American breakfast for each guest daily in Alley on 25, $100 food and beverage credit, per room/per stay (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full), and a welcome amenity.
Home to one of Asia's largest spas, the Fairmont Singapore provides an idyllic location in the heart of downtown. Featuring 15 distinctive restaurants and bars, guests can choose from a variety of dining options from casual to fine dining, authentically local or international. Set at the crossroads of the central business district, world-class shopping and entertainment, the hotel is located above the City Hall Mass Rapid Transit (MRT) train station.
FIVE STAR ALLIANCE PERK: Guests booking the "5 Star Signature Package" rate will also receive daily full breakfast for two, $50 food and beverage credit, per room, per stay, and complimentary internet access.
Home to one of Asia's finest private collections, The St. Regis Singapore offers unsurpassed luxury, with signature St. Regis Butler Service available any time of the day or night. The landmark property is situated at the crossroads of the embassy district, prime shopping along Orchard Road, and the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Singapore Botanic Gardens. Guests can relax at the Remede Spa, dine at Brasserie Les Saveurs, LaBrezza, or Yan Ting, and sip a cocktail at the Astor Bar.
FIVE STAR ALLIANCE PERK: Guests booking the "5 Star Signature Package" rate or "Best Available Rate" will also receive full breakfast for two daily and a $100 USD food and beverage credit per room/per stay.
This luxe city resort is located amidst a tranquil setting with 15 acres of lush gardens and a large free-form pool. Guest rooms and suites at Shangri-La Hotel Singapore are situated within three distinct wings. Family-themed rooms are available with an array of dedicated family-focused amenities, plus there are 11 restaurants and bars. Singapore's first Chi, The Spa is located within the hotel, and the designer shopping malls along Orchard Road are steps away.
FIVE STAR ALLIANCE PERK: Guests booking the "5 Star Signature Package" rate will also receive daily full breakfast for two, $100 USD Hotel Credit per room, per stay valid for food, beverage, and spa (excludes room service and minibar), Welcome Chinese Tea and Fruit in room. Subject to availability at time of check-in/departure: room upgrade, early check-in, and/or late check-out until 4 PM.
Showcasing Marina Bay and skyline views, Mandarin Oriental Singapore has a prime waterfront location with an outdoor swimming pool, private cabanas, and contemporary wet deck. There is a wide range of dining options on-site including Morton's the Steakhouse, Teppan-Ya, MO BAR, and Cherry Garden. While Bay@5 has an exclusive setting for cocktails and sunset views.
FIVE STAR ALLIANCE: Guests booking the 5 Star Signature Package rate will also receive daily international breakfast buffet for two at Melt Cafe, $100USD Food & Beverage or Spa Credit, oner per room, per stay (except Morton's Steakhouse & Teppan-Ya), welcome chocolates, and WiFi. Based on availability at booking, a room category upgrade (upgrades are up to City Suite tier), and subject to availability at check-in/check-out: early check-in and late check-out.
Sparkling in the summer sun, Cunard's Queen Mary 2 is docked in the New York Harbor. Following a $132 million investment, the luxurious ship is boarding its first group of passengers, and embarking from NYC to Southampton on July 6, 2016. Completely transformed inside and out, the revitalized Queen Mary 2 features new public spaces, including the Carinthia Lounge, The Verandah specialty restaurant, and the refreshed Kings Court buffet area. Staterooms have been redesigned, and there are 10 additional dog kennels with Liverpool lamp posts and New York City fire hydrants so dogs can feel right at home.
The Queen Elizabeth 2, an ocean liner previously operating as a cruise ship is in development to become Dubai’s first floating hotel. Although the design of the hotel will differ from its original plan, we certainly have high hopes that it will be nothing short of fabulous. The cruiser made its last trip from New York City to Dubai in 2008, and it has been docked in Port Rashid harbor since. The Telegraph reports that the original plan was to have the QE2 feature 1,000 lavish and luxurious rooms, but now the plan is to have 300 rooms which will maintain many of its original features. We certainly can’t wait to see this floating luxury hotel’s development as it progresses. If you get seasick or like a little more room for exploration, then check out the 61 luxury hotels that are fully grounded and stationary in Dubai!
The Beau-Rivage Palace in Lausanne is offering guests a unique way to experience Lake Geneva this summer. Hop aboard La Suisse, an 100-year-old steamboat that's been plying the lake's idyllic waters since 1910, for an unforgettable sunset sail. Renovated to modern standards, the boat affords splendid views of Lausanne's vineyards and mountains. (What a setting!) While staying at the illustrious palace, make sure to dine at Anne-Sophie Pic's talked-about restaurant (and hit the Cinq Mondes spa). Book the "Sunset Cruise" package at the Beau-Rivage Palace, and you'll enjoy:
* Two nights' accommodation in a superior or deluxe room with a view of Lake Geneva and the Swiss Alps, or a comfort room with a garden view
* Glass of champagne upon arrival
* Daily full buffet breakfast or in-room continental breakfast
* Complimentary in-room flowers and fruit basket upon arrival
* Dinner cruise aboard La Suisse steamboat
* Complimentary access to the hotel's Cinq Mondes Spa, the fitness center and tennis courts
Based on double occupancy, the offer is priced from CHF590 (approx. US$735) per person, and is available through August 27, 2011.
Calling all travel addicts. Check out the new blog from Princess Cruises-- a bucket list of experiences that are "personal journeys of discovery" from the Princess line's Destination Experts, the longest-serving shipboard and shore-side employees who've traveled thousands of sea and air miles. Get a load of their "must-see travel spots" around the globe. Some of the experiences highlighted on the blog include "dog mushing on a sunlit glacier in Alaska" and a visit to the Christ the Redeemer statue in Rio de Janeiro. (All showcased destinations can be visited during a Princess cruise.) What's more- readers can share their own experiences- with one story chosen to be published each week on the blog.
You’ll be BFFs forever after a day at one of these sizzling spas.
We say the spa at the Mandarin Oriental, Miami is worth a visit for the VIP suites alone; there are six of them, all with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Biscayne Bay. (Tip: If you book a treatment toward evening, you’ll witness some splendid sunsets over the water.)
The signature treatment is the Oriental Essence massage, which includes a consultation with the therapist and a full-body customized treatment. An interesting half-day program, drawing on Miami’s heritage, is the Latin Rhythms spa package, which includes a private Samba class followed by an exfoliation of lime, mint and sugar, and a hot stone massage. A Spa Mojito cocktail and a Latin-Asian bento box lunch are then served poolside. Detox-Retox, we’re all over that!
Spa Director Osa Mallo suggests reserving treatments a week in advance for weekends and holidays, though last-minute requests are usually accommodated. E-mail her at [email protected] or call her at 305-913-8331 for insider tips.
Considering a bridal shower or other special event for you and your BFFs? Consult Spa Sales Manager Stephanie Menendez ([email protected]; 305-913-3806), who is an expert at setting up suite and spa buyouts for bachelorette parties and other smaller groups. Note: If your client is traveling with children, there are yoga programs for those aged 5-11 and teen treatments that include manicures, pedicures and facials, as well as belly dancing and salsa classes.
Staying at the hotel? If you want your room to have an inviting and peaceful spa vibe, opt for the one-bedroom Mandarin Suite, which has a living room, formal dining room, gourmet kitchen and a large private balcony accessible from every room. There’s also a spa serenity room with fabulous views of Biscayne Bay. If that’s taken, insiders tell us the Deluxe Veranda guest rooms are the hotel’s best-kept secret. They’re a step up from Deluxe Bay View rooms and have oversized terraces with views of the bay and the Miami skyline—perfect for entertaining the girls. Note: All rooms at the hotel have private balconies; the most popular are the Biscayne suites with stunning views of the bay and the bridge.
Chief Concierge Guillerme DeMelo ([email protected]; 305-913-3794) can procure a Vespa scooter for your Girlfriend Group to tool around Miami; he’s also known to have arranged for a private jet to fly a guest and his date to Little Palm Island in the Florida Keys for a romantic dinner. His most famous feat, however, was shipping 100 palm trees to a guest’s home in the Middle East.
After our stay, we say that the cozy Ritz-Carlton, Coconut Grove is a gem of a boutique hotel. It’s a best bet for women traveling solo as the service is attentive and it’s close to one of Miami’s most interesting dining and shopping districts. We’re talking walking distance.
The spa may be petite (just 6,000 square feet) but houses separate men’s and women’s lounges, saunas and steam rooms and six treatment rooms.
If you go, try the time-saving Tandem Treatment, which, for 50 minutes, employs two therapists who work together to serve up a signature facial and pedicure that includes a foot and leg massage, as well as a shoulder, neck, arm and scalp massage. Be sure to request appointments at least six hours prior to each service.
Spa Director Laura Kain ([email protected]; 305-644-4684) can recommend the top therapist, including Danilo Toledo, who is most requested for the Signature or Hot Stone Massage.
The size of the spa makes it ideal for buyouts for a wedding party or other group event. Know a bride considering a wedding in South Florida? Contact Jeysa Plana ([email protected]; 786-470-1202), who can detail the nuptial venues on site.
After the pampering, you and your BFFs will want to retire to the top digs in the house, The Ritz-Carlton Suite (a.k.a. the Presidential Suite). It has two bedrooms, private balconies, a living and dining room, an office, private butler service and great views of Biscayne Bay and Coconut Grove.
We found our Executive Suite to be a fine place to crash for several days (request No. 529, 629, 729 or 829 for the top vistas), courtesy of its large living and dining area. Note: The hotel was modeled after the nearby Villa Vizcaya (the posh former estate of magnate John Deering), so rooms and public spaces have an elegant and regal ambiance. If clients must book a standard guest room, they’ll take heart in knowing that a private balcony awaits.
Note: If you’re sailing in or out of the Miami cruise port, a 15-minute drive away, the hotel has a Sail Away package that covers accommodations, breakfast for two and transportation to or from the port.
Those arriving via private chopper or jet can land at Kendall-Tamiami Executive General Airport; contact Airport Manager Michael J. Handrahan ([email protected]) for details. Another option is Opa-Locka Executive Airport; contact Chris McArthur ([email protected]).
Departing from London on a cruise? Make it a breeze with a special package with the Egerton House Hotel-- the luxury townhouse hotel located in the heart of fashionable Knightsbridge. The hotel will take the hassle out of the journey, arranging transfers from the airport to your cruise liner, while also spoiling you for a few days in London on either your outward or return journey. Take a few days to enjoy all that the vibrant capital has to offer, while luxuriating at the hideaway known for its attentive service (starting with a glass of Champagne or a pot of tea when you arrive). Available until December 31, 2010, the "Pre and Post Cruise" package includes two nights in the room or suite of your choice, English Breakfast on both mornings, and luxury car transfers between London Heathrow and your cruise liner on the outward and return journeys, including the transfers to and from the Egerton House Hotel in between. Prices start from £311 for Tower Bridge and £415 for Dover or Southampton. This price is per room per night and based on two adults sharing a Classic Double room. Minimum two-night stay required.
The Aircruise is a radical new design that promises to accommodate guests in a 265-meter tall hotel that could float above city skylines or over dramatic landscapes according to its designers at Seymourpowell.
The experience is described as like taking a cruise, but high above the earth, so that the 100 lucky passengers can take in vistas of the Serengeti, or the tallest skyscraper in the world, in a serene environment. The beauty of this luxury airship? The head of transportation at Seymourpowell says it best: "The Aircruise concept questions whether the future of luxury travel should be based around space-constrained, resource hungry, and all too often stressful airline travel."
Cruise lines are going all out with new enhancements and over-the-top facilities. And we thought botox onboard was something to talk about! Norwegian Cruise Line's new ship, called Epic, will feature an Ice Bar, where guests can slurp cocktails while braving the chilly 17 degrees, outfitted in faux fur coats, gloves, and a hat. As the Los Angeles Times reports, "Stand by for the first reported case of frostbite ever reported aboard a cruise ship sailing the Caribbean." Likewise remarkable: The Epic will also have NCL's first water park, the first squash court at sea, and-- drum roll please-- the Blue Man Group and Cirque Dreams & Dinner for top-notch entertainment. In fact, all across the seas, cruise lines are upping the luxury quotient: Royal Caribbean's Carnival Dream will have a two-level mini golf course plus The Waterworks Park featuring the largest water slide at sea, while Disney's Dream will have an Aquaduck that combines a water slide and a roller coaster.
The Queen Elizabeth 2, an ocean liner previously operating as a cruise ship is in development to become Dubai’s first floating hotel. Although the design of the hotel will differ from its original plan, we certainly have high hopes that it will be nothing short of fabulous. The cruiser made its last trip from New York City to Dubai in 2008, and it has been docked in Port Rashid harbor since. The 
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Cruise lines are going all out with new enhancements and over-the-top facilities. And we thought 
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