Condé Nast Traveler Gold List 2012: Le Manoir Aux Quat Saisons

We understand that no one aims to come in second place; there is no recognition for mediocrity. We at Five Star Alliance understand better than anyone the importance of offering the most luxurious resorts in the world, so we notice what’s going on in the industry, and it matters to us, because it matters to you. We work hard to offer you the best in the industry, and we’d like to welcome you to our second blog series where we feature the best and most luxurious resorts in the world. But don’t take our word for it. These resorts have been recognized as the best in the business and have made the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler Gold List 2012.

The Condé Nast Traveler Gold List 2012 is the eighth of their annual lists, and the hotels chosen by their team of editors and experts are the best for service, food, location, rooms, leisure facilities, ambiance and design.

Le Manoir Aux Quat Saisons is featured on the Gold List 2012: Best for food. This luxury hotel is nestled in the beautiful Oxfordshire village of Great Milton in Oxford, United Kingdom, which is renowned as one of Britain’s best gastronomic experiences. This luxury hotel is recognized for its two Michelin Star modern French restaurant for 27 years. The manor only has 32 rooms creating an extremely personal and intimate setting for guests. Le Manoir Aux Quat Saisons has a 2 acre vegetable and herb garden which adds organic produce to the kitchen and allows the chefs to create phenomenal, epicurean experiences!

Make your reservations at Le Manoir Aux Quat Saisons for a culinary and luxurious journey unlike any other!

Cinematic Beaches: The Hotel Martinez Has the Best Private Beach in France?

What happens when you combine the location of perhaps the world's most famous film festival with an amazing beachfront? I could give you a bunch of illustrative analogies, but don't let me spoil the surprise. Why don't you head to the Hotel Martinez and find out for yourself? Zplage, which is both the hotel's private beach and the technical term for when your shirt gets stuck in your zipper, is one of the premiere beaches in the world. With over 400 sun lounges and a vast pontoon, you're free to enjoy the sights of the ocean and tan on the French Riviera, all without having to even dip your toes in the water unless you'd like. Dine right on the beach at the Zplage Beach Restaurant, or head indoors for a two-star Michelin experience at the Le Relais Martinez. The piano bar, heated outdoor pool, and 2500 sq ft of conference space mean that the Martinez can host whatever event you and your operating budget can dream up. It's a tragic oversight that so many people who think of France don't look past Paris because France has far more to offer. If you take a trip a little bit off the beaten path, the Hotel Martinez will make you quickly forget the way back, and you'll be so enraptured, you may even forget to return home.

The Dresden Files: Swissotel Opens New Hotel in Dresden

Swissotel has just announced the official opening of the new Swissotel Dresden Am Schloss. The classic Swiss brand is bringing its crisp, smooth design to old town Dresden, a city that could certainly use a few more hotels to choose from. With an emphasis on the business traveler, the hotel is looking to cater to the large numbers of businessmen who find themselves with occasion to travel to the industrious city. A conference and convention space that spans almost 1500 square feet means the Swissotel has the freedom to host a party of almost any size. VIP events, meetings, social gatherings, and even weddings, can all be amply accommodated in the flexible and stylish space. The rooftop terrace is a great secondary space for smaller cocktail parties and receptions, and it boasts a stunning view of the nearby Hofkirche and surrounding city.

In the heart of the old town, the new hotel is perfectly placed for the tourists among us to get out and see the sights of dresden. The historic buildings, from the Frauenkirche to the Semper Opera, are anchor points for any visit to the city, and once you're done exploring the city, you can return to the Swissotel for a great meal at the Wohnstube, the Sitting Room, for modern Swiss cuisine. We're happy to see a new addition to the hotel catalogue in Dresden, and we're sure the Swissotel Dresden Am Schloss won't disappoint.

Photo via Swissotel Dresden

Ritz Paris Launches Its First Oxygen Treatment at its Health Club

The Ritz Paris has a new oxygen treatment option available at its Ritz Health Club, and we certainly encourage you to check it out before this luxury hotel’s doors close on July 31st, 2012 for an extensive 2 year renovation. Oxygen is an essential element for maintaining the vitality of the skin and is necessary for cell renewal and skin regeneration. With a partnership with the Ritz Health Club, Beauty by Clinica Ivo Pitanguy achieves anti-aging results through the unique method of using oxygen to carry ingredients to the heart of the skin cells without needles. After an hour, skin is firmer, deep wrinkles are filled, and the complexion is radiant. Make your reservation at the Ritz Paris and take advantage of this phenomenal skin treatment to come back looking years younger!

The Grove Is an In-Spa-Ration To Us All

There's always a lot of hullaballoo around hotels in London. It's a major destination, and everyone wants to be in the middle of the action. The Grove, however, takes exactly the opposite tactic, catering to those of us who want to get away from the rush of the hectic city, and instead relax and enjoy the countryside. The 18th century house is such an idyllic backdrop for relaxation that I keep imagining I'll run into someone who claims to be named Ernest and has a ward of eligible age. While I doubt that a vacation to the country should result in an unexpected engagement, you can be sure that you'll come back from your own Bunburying feeling quite refreshed. 

If there's one thing that goes hand-in-hand with a rejuvenating retreat, it's top-notch spa facilities. The Grove is a country estate in nearby Hertfordshire, and its spa facilities are second-to-none. 12 specially designed treatments rooms and a VIP double room are more than enough to serve up all of the latest in the various greek and latinate treatments: aromatherapy, thalassotherapy, phytotherapy, and hydrotherapy. If there's a prefix for it, they have a spa treatment of it. There is plenty of fine dining available on site, and you'll never be wanting for activities at the former home of the Earls of Clarendon. Sporty types will find ample tennis courts and an golf course that hosted the 2006 World Cup. So next time you need a break, pack up your hatboxes and sensational diary and head to The Grove in Hertfordshire.

Condé Nast Traveler Hot List 2012: Amanruya

Conde Nast Traveler, purveyor of fine hotel reviews and travel advice, has just released its 2012 edition of the Hot List, a list of hotels that are setting the hotel world aflame with fresh designs and new concepts, or maybe just a solid new look at classic luxury. 41 reporters embedded themselves anonymously in hotels across the globe to review their targets. What results is a list of 121 hotels around the world that are so on fire they should be put on your watch list, just in case they end up burning down.

Aman Resorts are world-renowned for their ability to capture a special kind of serenity and bring it to all different parts of the world. Amanruya, on the Bodrum peninsula, is no exception, and its 36 seaside cottages are precisely the kind of escape that guests coming to Turkey hope for. Not only do the waters of the Mediterranean stretch out in front of the hotel, the resort is just a short drive from nearby Göltürkbükü, a hopping town for adventurous types to explore an active nightlife. While you're there, be sure to visit the excavation of Ephesus, where you can find one of the seven wonders of the world, the Temple of Artemis. The flat-roofed cottages of Amanruya are the perfect place to stay for a weekend in one of the world's most historic regions.

Deals and Steals at the Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa in Phoenix

We at Five Star Alliance know that you, our loyal travelers, are in search of luxurious accommodations at the best prices available, so we go above and beyond to find the best promotional packages and specials to ensure you get the most from your hotel experience. We’re thrilled to introduce our newest blog series where we’ll be featuring luxury hotels that offer you more than just room-only rates. Whether you’re traveling on business or pleasure, we certainly have something for you, so be sure to check in with us often to get the inside scoop on the best deals and packages available at luxury hotels all over the world!

The Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa in Phoenix, Arizona is known throughout the world as the ‘Jewel of the Desert,’ and it provides the perfect oasis of beautiful gardens, sparkling swimming pools, and Frank Lloyd Wright influenced architecture. It is considered one of the most spectacular resorts in the world and features 738 guestrooms including 78 one and two bedroom villas, 8 swimming pools, 7 tennis courts, an 18-hole putting course, and a full service European spa, salon, and fitness center. Check out the following packages perfect for golf lovers, foodies, and folks looking for a stress-free vacation.

Golf Package

This package is available for a variety of room types including Classic Rooms with 1 king or 2 queen beds, Resort Rooms with 1 king or 2 queen beds, 2 Bedroom Villas, Premiere Rooms with 1 king or 2 queen beds, 1 Bedroom Villas, Executive Rooms with 1 King or 2 Queen beds, and Mobility Accessible rooms with 1 king or 2 queen beds. This package includes $50 daily food and beverage resort credit and 1 round of golf per person.

Daily F & B Credit Package

This package is available for Classic Rooms with 1 king or 2 queen beds, 1 Bedroom Villas, Resort Rooms with 1 king or 2 queen beds, Premier Rooms with 1 king or 2 queen beds, 2 Bedroom Villas, and Mobility Accessible rooms with 1 king or 2 queen beds. This package includes $50 daily food and beverage resort credit and one room category upgrade if available.

All Inclusive Package

This package is available for a variety of room types and includes classic accommodations, breakfast for 2, lunch for 2, dinner for 2, 30% off spa a la carte services, and free self-parking. Offer is subject to availability. Room rate does not include tax, gratuities, or incidental charges. All offer inclusive meals are valid for up to two adults on each day of stay and include tax & gratuity with a combined daily value for two adults up to US$32 per breakfast; up to US$62 per lunch; and up to US$99 for dinners. All meals valid at hotel restaurants only and excludes in-room dining. Meal plan and spa discounts are non-transferable and can not be redeemed for cash or used for future stays. Discount of 30% on spa services is valid only for a la carte services for the duration of guest stay. Spa discount can not be used for salon services, spa/salon packages and cannot be combined with any other special offers or discounts. Advance reservations are required. This offer may not be combinable with any other offers, promotions and/or coupons. Offer is not valid for group rates or select plan codes.

Be sure to take advantage of these phenomenal packages and deals for your next visit to Phoenix, Arizona!

Condé Nast Traveler Hot List 2012: Ohla Hotel Barcelona

Conde Nast Traveler, purveyor of fine hotel reviews and travel advice, has just released its 2012 edition of the Hot List, a list of hotels that are setting the hotel world aflame with fresh designs and new concepts, or maybe just a solid new look at classic luxury. 41 reporters embedded themselves anonymously in hotels across the globe to review their targets. What results is a list of 121 hotels around the world that are so on fire they should be put on your watch list, just in case they end up burning down.

Ohla, la. The Ohla Hotel in Barcelona is looking good enough to make a slightly inappropriate reference to consuming it. Wow, I could just eat it up. Near the Plaza de Catalunya, the small 74-room boutique was built just last year, and while it's still just stretching its legs, it came out of the womb a freakishly mature adult, ready to hit the ground running. Customizability is the name of the game at the Ohla Hotel. Its 24-hour room service offers an a la carte menu for just about everything in the room. Sheets, pillows, aromas for your linens, even films and music. Yeah, you saw that right. You can select what your sheets smell like. I often make the same choice every night at home, but that's more an indication that I should stop eating take-out in bed. Take-out certainly won't be necessary at the Ohla. Just head to the Sauc restaurant which has gotten its very own gold (Michelin) star. If you want to see downtown Barcelona from a room you've made your very own, you can't do better than the Ohla Hotel.

New Dubai Hotel Announced to be Under the Sea

Sebastian certainly sang it best, and we’re taking it from him that ‘under the sea, darling it’s better down where it’s wetter.’ It has been announced that an underwater hotel is to be built off the coast of Dubai. This extremely unique hotel concept has not yet been confirmed, but we’re crossing our fingers that it’ll get built. Designed by Deep Ocean Technology, the ‘Water Discus Hotel’ would have 2 discs comprising the main part of the hotel, and it would be connected by 3 vertical shafts and another shaft that would hold the elevator and stairs. One disc would rise above the water while the other would be fully submerged. The disc above water would have the lobby, restaurant, spa, and pools, and the disc below water would have 21 luxurious rooms and a bar. We’ll certainly keep you updated on any development on this new hotel concept, but in the meantime, be sure to check out the various 5 star properties located in Dubai!

Photo courtesy of HotelChatter

Condé Nast Traveler Hot List 2012: Hotel Missoni Kuwait

Conde Nast Traveler, purveyor of fine hotel reviews and travel advice, has just released its 2012 edition of the Hot List, a list of hotels that are setting the hotel world aflame with fresh designs and new concepts, or maybe just a solid new look at classic luxury. 41 reporters embedded themselves anonymously in hotels across the globe to review their targets. What results is a list of 121 hotels around the world that are so on fire they should be put on your watch list, just in case they end up burning down.

My experience with a hotel like the Hotel Missoni in Kuwait could only be characterized as Christopher and the Amazing Technicolor Dream Room. Upon entering, one might be tempted to channel the spirit of a certain 90s popsicle commercial: "the colors, Duke, the colors!" I wonder how many rainbows were harmed in the making of that upholstery. In any case, the Hotel Missoni has definitely embraced the boutique spirit. They've taken an offbeat design concept and embraced it wholeheartedly, carving a niche market out of a space that didn't used to exist. A room that appears as if it was diffracted through a raindrop might not be your style, but if it is, you certainly won't find it anywhere else in the world in quite the same way as the Missoni Kuwait. 

Of course, the hotel has its more traditional luxury aspects as well. The hotel features 169 uniquely designed rooms on the Kuwaiti coast with both the water and vast sandscapes nearby. Elegant Italian dining and a chocolate and coffee cafe anchor the hotel's restaurant experience, and its Six Senses Spa and outdoor pool are perfect for relaxing. If you're looking for a completely different aesthetic meshed with the five-star luxury you know and love, the Hotel Missoni Kuwait might be just what you're looking for.