The Luxury Hotel Insider: Exclusive luxury hotel deals, features and special rates from the luxury hotel experts at Five Star Alliance. The World’s Best Up and Coming Hotels
August 5, 2010
By: Mary Winston Nicklin
In its August 2010 issue, Travel + Leisure highlights "20 to Watch: 2010's Best Up-and-Coming Hotels," many of which can be found in the Five Star Alliance collection. Predicting "the next hottest hotels around the globe," Travel + Leisure scoured the globe "to pick out this year's new and refurbished, expanding, or otherwise evolving hotels." What the magazine's editors found: domestic hotels are raising the bar, with fantastic luxury hotels in the United States and Canada. So without further ado, here's the list:
Algodon Mansion, Buenos AiresAmangiri, Utah
Aria Resort & Casino, Las Vegas
Jumby Bay, A Rosewood Resort, Antigua
The Pierre New York, A Taj Hotel
Radisson Blu Le Metropolitan, Paris
Ritz-Carlton Reserve Phulay Bay, Krabi, Thailand
Town Hall Hotel & Apartments, London
Trident, Bandra Kurla, Mumbai, India
Veranda Resort, Turks & Caicos
Verdura Golf & Spa Resort, Sicily
W Retreat & Spa, Vieques Island
Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa, Australia
Destination Spa: The Ranch at Live Oak Malibu , Malibu, California
The World’s Hottest New Hotels: Travel + Leisure’s New “It List 2010″
May 11, 2010
By: Mary Winston Nicklin
It's our favorite time of year. Travel + Leisure has released their "It List 2010" of the 45 best new hotels in the world. The mag's esteemed editors have hand-picked the year's most exciting hotel debuts, to be revealed in the June issue which hits newsstands this month. What's especially cool to see: ten of the properties have room rates of less than $300 per night. Can't wait til May 21st to see the list? We've got the skinny:
UNITED STATES
+ Bardessono, Yountville, California
+ St. Regis Princeville, Kauai, Hawaii
+ Ranch at Rock Creek, Philipsburg, Montana
+ Andaz Wall Street, New York, New York*
+ Crosby Street Hotel, New York, New York
+ Amangiri, Canyon Point, Utah
+ Waldorf Astoria, Park City, Utah
THE CARIBBEAN , MEXICO, AND CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA
+ Viceroy Anguilla, Barnes Bay, Anguilla
+ Gansevoort, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos
+ W Santiago, Santiago, Chile*
+ Tcherassi Hotel & Spa, Cartagena, Colombia
+ Banyan Tree Cabo Marqués, Acapulco, Mexico
+ Hotel Boca Chica, Acapulco, Mexico*
+ Las Alcobas, Mexico City, Mexico
EUROPE
+ Lime Wood, Hampshire, England*
+ Dean Street Townhouse, London, England*
+ InterContinental Paris Avenue Marceau, Paris, France
+ La Réserve Ramatuelle, Ramatuelle, France
+ Heidelberg Suites, Heidelberg, Germany
+ Il Salviatino, Fiesole, Italy
+ Maison Moschino, Milan, Italy
+ Verdura Golf & Spa Resort, Sciacca, Italy
+ Palazzina Grassi, Venice, Italy
+ Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona, Spain
+ Hotel Consolaciόn, Teruel, Spain*
+ Argos in Cappadocia, Uchisar, Turkey*
ASIA
+ Amanfayun, Hangzhou, China
+ Upper House, Hong Kong, China
+ Peninsula Shanghai, Shanghai, China*
+ PuLi Hotel & Spa, Shanghai, China
+ Serai Jaisalmer, Jaisalmer, India
+ Raas, Jodhpur, India*
+ Alila Villas Uluwatu, Bali, Indonesia
+ Shangri-La Boracay Resort & Spa, Boracay, Philippines
+ Capella Singapore, Sentosa Island, Singapore
+ Langham Place Samui at Lamai Beach, Koh Samui, Thailand*
+ Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Krabi, Thailand
AFRICA, MIDDLE EAST, AUSTRALIA
+ Mamilla Hotel, Jerusalem, Israel
+ Evason Ma’In Hot Springs & Six Senses Spa, Ma’in, Jordan
+ Le Gray, Beirut, Lebanon
+ Four Seasons Resort Seychelles, Mahé, Seychelles
+ One&Only Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
+ Taj Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
+ Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
+ Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa, Lithgow, Australia
*Property has starting room rates of $300/night, double, or less.
We List the World’s Best Restaurants
May 10, 2010
By: Ruthanne Terrero
The S.Pellegrino World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2010 is the result of an extensive poll of the world’s most celebrated chefs, renowned food critics, leading restaurateurs and well-traveled gourmands – collectively known as The World’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy...
1. Noma, Denmark
+45 3296 3297
2. El Bulli, Spain
+ 34 972 150 457
3. The Fat Duck, UK
+44 (0) 1628 580 333
4. El Celler de Can Roca, Spain
+34 972 22 21 57
5. Mugaritz, Spain
+34 943 522 455
6. Osteria Francescana, Italy
+39 (0)59 210 118
http://www.osteriafrancescana.it
7. Alinea, USA
+1 312-867-0110
http://www.alinea-restaurant.com
8. Daniel, USA
+1 212 288 0033
9. Arzak, Spain
+34 943 78456
10. Per Se, United States
+1212 823 9335
11. Le Chateaubriand, France
+33 (0)1 43574595
12. La Colombe, South Africa
+ 27 (0) 21 794 2390
http://www.constantia-uitsig.com
13. Pierre Gagnaire, France
+ 33 01 58 36 12 50
http://www.pierre-gagnaire.com
14. Hotel de Ville Switzerland
+41 21 634 0505
15. Le Bernardin, USA
+1 212 554 1515
16. L’Astrance, France
+33 1 40 50 84 40
http://www.lastrance.abemadi.com
17. Hof van Cleve, Belgium
+32 (0) 9 383 5848
18. D.O.M., Brazil
+55 11 3088 0761
19. Oud Sluis, Holland
+31 (0) 117-461269
20. Le Calandre, Italy
+39 049 630303
21. Steirereck, Austria
+43 (1) 713 31 68
http://www.steirereck.at/wien restaurant
22. Vendome, Germany
+49 (0) 22 04 42 1941
http://www.schlossbensberg.com
23. Chez Dominique, Finland
+ 358 9 612 7393
24. Les Créations de Narisawa, Japan
+81 (3) 5785 0799
http://www.narisawa-yoshihiro.com
25. Mathias Dahlgren, Sweden
+46 (0) 8 679 35 84
http://www.mathiasdahlgren.com
26. Momofuku Ssam Bar, USA
+1 212 254-3500
27. Quay, Australia
+ 61 (2) 9251 5600
28. Iggy’s, Singapore
+65 6732 2234
29. L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon, France
+33 1 42 225656
30. Schloss Schauenstein, Switzerland
+41 81 632 10 80
31. Le Quartier Francais, South Africa
+27 21 876 2151
32. The French Laundry, USA
+1 707 944 2380
33. Martin Berasategui, Spain
+34 943 366 471
http://www.martinberasategui.com
34. Aqua, Germany
+49 5361 606056
http://www.restaurant-aqua.com
35. Combal Zero, Italy
+39 011 9565225
36. Dal Pescatore, Italy
+39 (0)37 672 3001
37. De Librije, Netherlands
+31 (0)38 4212083
38. Tetsuya’s, Australia
+61 (2)9267 2900
39. Jaan par Andre, Singapore
+65 6338 8585
http://www.swissotel.com/singapore-stamford
40. Il Canto, Italy
+39 (0)577 28 81 80
http://www.certosadimaggiano.com
41. Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athenee, France
+33 1 53 67 66 65
http://www.plaza-athenee-paris.com
42. Oaxen Krog, Sweden
+46 8 8 551 531 05
43. St John, UK
+44 020 7251 0848
http://www.stjohnrestaurant.com
44. La Maison Troisgros, France
+33 4 77 71 66 97
45. wd~50, USA
+1 212 477 2900
46. Biko, Mexico
+52 55 5282 0722
47. Die Schwarzwaldstube, Germany
+49 7442 4926
48. Nihonryori RyuGin, Japan
+81 3 3423 8006
http://www.nihonryori-ryugin.com
49. Hibiscus, UK
+44 020 7629 2999
http://www.hibiscusrestaurant.co.uk
50. Eleven Madison Park, USA
+1 212 889 090
http://www.elevenmadisonpark.com
By: Ruthanne Terrero
Travel + Leisure Announces World’s Best Hotels Survey Winners
July 22, 2009
By: K. Clare Johnson
Travel + Leisure has just announced the winners of its World’s Best Hotels 2009 survey, and no surprise, many of the top hotels named can be found on Five Star Alliance. In top fifteen alone, favorites include South Africa's Bushmans Kloof (pictured), Singita Sabi Sand , and Twelve Apostles; Jade Mountain Resort in St. Lucia, India's Oberoi Vanyavilas and Oberoi Udaivilas; Palacio Duhau Park Hyatt in Buenos Aires, Tanzania's Kirawira Camp, and America's own Inn at Palmetto Bluff in South Carolina. Congrats to all the winners!
By: K. Clare Johnson
And The World’s Best Hotel is…
June 29, 2009
By: K. Clare Johnson
The Forbes Traveller 400 has spoken, and Villa d'Este has come out on top. The luxury Lake Como resort took top honors in the poll, besting world-class hotels such as
The Peninsula Bangkok, Hong Kong's
The Landmark Mandarin Oriental,
Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris and
Burj al Arab in Dubai. The poll was conducted among top travel connoisseurs-professionals who stay in five-star luxury properties at least 20 times per year- and the ratings were based on room quality, service, decor and cuisine.
By: K. Clare Johnson
America’s Best Bathroom Award: And the Winner is…
May 1, 2009
By: Alison Victor
Located in the heart of downtown Nashville, The Hermitage Hotel is an ultra-luxurious property, named for Andrew Jackson's Hermitage Estate. The Hermitage is not only a coveted Five Diamond award-winning hotel, but it is also the 2008 America's Best Bathroom Award Winner. Not familiar with the Best Bathroom Award? Well, Cintas Corporation, the company that provides businesses with bathroom supplies, has presented this award for seven years and running. Any restroom in the United States that is open to the public is eligible for this award. Essentially, people go to a website and nominate their public bathroom of choice. Editors sift through the nominations, and they then narrow the field to 10 finalists based on exceptional hygiene, style and open access to the public. The public then casts their final votes, and the resulting winner is announced. Maybe not quite as crowning an achievement as say the Mobil Five Star rating that placed The Hermitage House on an elite list of 31 hotels, but acknowledgment of its superior operating standards nonetheless.
By: Alison Victor
Head to Virginia’s Homestead for the Holidays
October 20, 2008
By: K. Clare Johnson
Why not travel to Virginia's The Homestead to celebrate the holiday season this year? The Allegheny Mountain luxury resort has been in business since 1766, so they are clearly doing something right. The Homestead is one of Virginia's pioneer ski resorts, offering guests the opportunity to ski, snowboard, and snow tube their way through mounds of fresh snow. The Holiday Escape Package offers overnight accommodations, a commemorative ornament, full breakfast buffet daily (first two children under 12 nosh for free), and 20 percent off any outdoor activities.
The Homestead has even taken care of the decorating. The Great Hall Christmas Tree will be a 21-foot-tall Fraser Fir that was planted 25 years ago especially for The Homestead. There will be 45 other festively decorated trees on the property, 700 poinsettias, 104 wreaths, 3,000 feet of evergreen garlands, 82,000 lights, and a tasty Gingerbread Village. Santa makes his arrival on Christmas Eve for a brief visit, then returns Christmas morning to share in the traditional holiday breakfast. Other activities include a holiday hayride or horseback ride, swimming in the naturally heated indoor pool, afternoon tea, holiday concert, art classes, a visit to the luxury spa, and a dance clinic.
By: K. Clare Johnson
Swiss Massages Get the Hawaiian Touch at Villa Principe Leopoldo
October 20, 2008
By: K. Clare Johnson
What can happen in 100 minutes? You'll find out at the Conde Nast Award-winning Swiss hotel Villa Principe Leopoldo. For starters, you'll be on your way to Hawaii, via Switzerland. Villa Principe Leopoldo is offering a special package for those who want to visit their jewel of a beauty spa. You'll get two nights and three days in a peaceful, spacious Parco room at the residence of Villa Principe Leopoldo. You'll get the 100-minute KISO Facial "Hawaii." Exclusive products that are highly effective yet gentle and sweetly scented make for a natural, soothing, and harmonious facial. Couple that with the KISO Beauty massage, 60 minutes of a spiritual massage against a backdrop of heavenly music, and you really will think you are in paradise.
Prices start at CHF 1,980 / € 1,238 double occupancy.
By: K. Clare Johnson
Experience Paris Zen at La Tremoille
October 17, 2008
By: K. Clare Johnson
Paris in spring is wonderful, but Paris in winter plus great rates and spa treatments is just as lovely. La Tremoille is offering a Zen Couple week-end package from now until January 10, 2009. Guests will receive one night at the hotel, a Continental breakfast, and two treatments. Choose from 1/2 hour massage, facial care treatment, or back/neck/shoulder massage. This offer is valid on Fridays, Saturdays, or Sundays depending upon availability.
Special Offer from Five Star Alliance: Five Star Alliance guests at La Tremoille will receive a box of Laduree macaroons in room upon arrival.
By: K. Clare Johnson
Experience a Palm Beach Thanksgiving at The Breakers
October 16, 2008
By: K. Clare Johnson
Turkey day is fast approaching. Why not start a new trend and spend the holiday at The Breakers? The Palm Beach luxury resort is now booking for their Thanksgiving Tradition. Enjoy Thanksgiving dinner with all the trimmings, a bonfire on the beach, sandcastle creation, a seashells and shark tooth scavenger hunt, harvest festival, wine tasting, pajama party, teen lounge, and glow in the dark laser tag. You can also enjoy The Breakers 20,000 square-foot spa with ocean view, 10 tennis courts, 5 swimming pools and 8 restaurants. The BreakersThanksgiving Tradition is being offered from $399 per night.
By: K. Clare Johnson
