The Luxury Hotel Insider: Exclusive luxury hotel deals, features and special rates from the luxury hotel experts at Five Star Alliance. Pezula Resort, South Africa: The Choice of the French Team for the FIFA World Cup
June 7, 2010
By: Mary Winston Nicklin
A world-class spa? Check. Gourmet eats? Check. A magnificent setting on the coastline of the Western Cape? The Pezula Resort Hotel & Spa has jaw-dropping views of the Indian Ocean, the Knysna Lagoon, and the Outeniqua Mountains from its 1,000-hectare estate. The French soccer team certainly doesn't compromise when it comes to luxury digs for the FIFA World Cup 2010 in South Africa. The 1998 champions may be struggling a bit on the field this year, but they're still planning to enjoy the Word Cup challenge (and Pezula's renowned hospitality) while in South Africa this summer. What else will they find at this sparkling resort? A slew of on-site activities to enjoy during their down-time, like tennis, championship golf, hiking through indigenous forest, canoeing along the Noetzie River to a beautiful secluded beach, even an animal "touch farm." And the 78 suites? They're equipped with private balconies or patios, log fireplaces and sumptuous en-suite bathrooms. If les bleus are victorious, they can party at the Champagne & Whisky Bar.
Restaurants in Cape Town for the 2010 FIFA World Cup, South Africa
June 3, 2010
By: Mary Winston Nicklin
Heading to South Africa for the sports event of the year? You snagged a room at some prime lodgings in Cape Town (lucky you!), but you may be looking for a few places to grub while in town. You fear there are scant pickings, as summed up in a recent Wall Street Journal article:
People come to Cape Town for its fine beaches and waterfront—they have since the 1600s, when the Dutch established it as a watering stopover for ships trading with the East. They come for the sports: The city will hold eight World Cup matches this June. They come for the history, to see Robben Island, where Nelson Mandela spent most of his imprisonment. But few visitors come for the food.
Never fear, the article ultimately affirms our faith in the Cape Town dining scene, describing a "spurt of high-caliber restaurants" that has transformed the culinary landscape. Here's a few that are highly recommended:
Codfather
maze at the One&Only Hotel (yep, this is one of Gordon Ramsay's babies)
South Africa on the World Stage: Stay in Luxury (and Get Free Hotel Nights)
May 24, 2010
By: Mary Winston Nicklin
South Africa is the place to be this summer. Topping the list of 2010's hot destinations, South Africa is prepping for the sports event of the year: the 2010 FIFA World Cup which will run from June 11- July 11, 2010. Eager to get your game on? There's still room at the inn at some of the country's finest hotels, including the family-run Red Carnation Collection. In fact, swank hotels like The Twelve Apostles Hotel and Spa, Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve and Wellness Retreat, and The Oyster Box are pulling out all the stops to make sure visitors get the most out of their South African getaway. With the "Stay Longer" promotion, you'll get an extra night on the house on all stays between four and seven nights-- a savings up to R4,428! Valid until September 30, 2010, "Stay Longer" is sadly not available on stays between June 11 - July 11, 2010. But you can still take advantage of this offer to extend your stay and discover a rich and diverse destination. Twelve Apostles has an incredible setting overlooking the mountains and Atlantic in Cape Town, while Bushmans Kloof Wilderness Reserve is located in a spectacular Natural Heritage Site in the Cederberg Mountains in the Western Cape, and the recently renovated Oyster Box-- named to the Condé Nast Traveler Hot List 2010-- is located in Umhlanga Rocks near Durban.
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
The World’s Top Hotel Bars
April 27, 2010
By: Mary Winston Nicklin
Who doesn't love hotel bars? These days they've become destinations in their own right. And present some of the finest opportunities for savoring the local nightlife-- from Tokyo's New York Bar (showcased in the film Lost in Translation) to London's chic Artesian Bar at The Langham (beautifully designed by David Collins Studio). A recent "Top 10" list in Bon Appetit touches on one of our favorite subjects. The magazine picks just 10 spots "offering memorable combinations of sublime cocktails, lovely views, and storied pasts." On the list? Lobby Bar at Alvear Palace Hotel in Buenos Aires, Bar Dos Descasados at Hotel Santa Teresa in Rio, M Bar at Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, Coburg Bar at The Connaught in London, Bar Hemingway at the Ritz Paris, The Bar at Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace in Budapest, Hassler Bar at Hotel Hassler Roma, New York Bar at the Park Hyatt Tokyo, O2 Lounge at The Ritz-Carlton, Moscow and Bascule Whisky, Wine & Cocktail Bar at Cape Grace in Cape Town. For the full article, click here.
The World’s Hottest Hotels: Where to Stay Now
April 12, 2010
By: Mary Winston Nicklin
Conde Nast Traveler has released their annual Hot List 2010 "of the newest and most innovative hotels worldwide" and a quick browse is guaranteed to inspire wanderlust. Best of all: 42 hotels that made the cut have rooms costing under $250 a night. We were pleased to see a few of our faves make the list. In North America, for example: the Capella Pedregal, Crosby Street Hotel, The Allison, St. Regis Mexico City, Amangiri, The Jefferson, The Betsy, The Elysian, W South Beach, and Viceroy Snowmass...
Room Availability at Luxury Hotels for the South Africa World Cup
February 22, 2010
By: Mary Winston Nicklin
Heading to Cape Town for the 2010 World Cup? Still haven't booked your accommodations? High-end hotels are filling up fast, but we've got the scoop on what's still available. Though Cape Grace Hotel is reportedly 90 percent booked, there are still a few rooms up for the taking. Situated on its own private quay in the heart of the Victoria and Alfred Waterfront, Cape Grace offers 121 newly refashioned guest rooms and a spa with sweeping views of Table Mountain. You can also still nab a room at the five-star Table Bay Hotel on the V & A Waterfront. (Availability is limited; try 7 free rooms as of last week.) Our last recommendation? The swanky new Taj Cape Town located in the downtown area. But act fast, these rooms will be gone in a flash.
Related Articles:
Now Open in South Africa: The Taj Hotel Cape Town
Top 10 Lists: Family-Friendly Luxury Hotels and Resorts
February 16, 2010
By: Mary Winston Nicklin
From mini ice-skating rinks (pictured) to cookies & milk in the evenings, luxury hotels definitely get creative when taking care of their pint-sized guests. The world's finest hotels go to extraordinary lengths in the pampering department- whether their clients are 8 or 80 years old. A recent article in Forbes highlights some of the top family-friendly luxury hotels in the world. Who made the cut? The Hotel Plaza Athénée in Paris, The Athenaeum in London, the Porto Elounda De Luxe Resort in Crete, the Commune by the Great Wall outside Beijing, Edinburgh's Balmoral Hotel, Caneel Bay in St. John, The Ritz-Carlton Cancun, the Hotel Cipriani in Venice, Four Seasons Resort Bali, One & Only Reethi Rah in the Maldives, Cape Grace in Cape Town, and The Oriental in Bangkok. We'd add Le Meurice to the list (for their Parisian treasure hunt), and Loews Hotels across the U.S. for their innovative kids programs (think dive-in movies in the summer months). Any hotels you'd recommend as note-worthy? Who'd we miss?
The Pyramids and More: The Conrad Hotel Wants to Show You Around Cairo
February 1, 2010
By: Mary Winston Nicklin
Game to explore Cairo? The Conrad Hotel-- smack dab in the heart of town on the banks of the Nile River-- wants to show you the city's hidden treasures. If you can tear yourself away from the views from your guest room (private balconies overlook the river), a tour guide will drive you around town to check out the sights. Return to the hotel and relax with a snack at Felucca Café as you gaze out over the Nile. There's a heated pool and fully-equipped gym for those craving a work-out. And for those feeling lucky: an onsite casino. This special package-- called "Let Us Show You Around Cairo"-- includes two nights accommodation in a classic room with a complimentary upgrade to a deluxe room; meet & greet at the airport with transportation back to the hotel; daily breakfast buffet; tour guide, transportation and sightseeing entrance fees; choice of one of the following sightseeing attractions: Egyptian Museum and Cairo Tower; Pyramides and Sphinx; Old Cairo and Citadel; Islamic Cairo, Khan El Khalily Bazaar and Azhar Park.
