Le Meridien Bali Jimbaran Introduces Bamboo Chic

Breakfast in Bali has never tasted so good! Bamboo Chic, Le Meridien Bali Jimbaran’s newest restaurant boasts its delicious take on Pan-Asian cuisine with a Balinese twist. Le Meridian Jimbaran Bali has gone through a total renovation that displays a beautiful mix of traditional Jimbaran heritage amidst global contemporary design. This mix of traditional Jimbaran culture with the styles of global contemporary can be seen within the flavors of the newly opened restaurant at Le Meridian Jimbaran Bali’s restaurant: Bamboo Chic.

Guests can enjoy their meals in their 3-story restaurant and bar, or can even dine on their roof-top terrace to enjoy a beautiful Bali sunset while eating next to the man-made salt water lagoon. Run by executive chef Paul Lewis, who keeps the Le Meridian farm-to-table food concept alive by using local fresh ingredients and fresh catch-of-the-days in the menu. Bamboo Chic provides food options for all ages, complete with a delicious buffet spread that caters to many taste preferences. The restaurant is well-known for its Pork Hock dish that has a very distinct Balinese twist. Always on the menu, but in different forms, the pork is definitely a must-try at Bamboo Chic!

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Ritz-Carlton Montreal Debuts Maison Boulud

A few months ago, the Ritz-Carlton Montreal's re-opened its doors and unveiled their new $150 million renovated hotel. Part of the multi-million dollar renovations was the much anticipated reveal of the award-winning French Chef Daniel Boulud's new restaurant: Maison Boulud. The combination of the renowned, three star Michelin award-winning chef located in one of the most well-known names in the hotel industry has created a lot of hype amongst local foodies and hotel-guests. Living up to its hype, it has all of Montreal buzzing about its new hot spot eatery. Daniel Boulud has embraced the Montreal culture into his own food philosophy by focusing the restaurant's menu to serve the best "fresh local ingredients and artisanal Québécois products," according to the restaurant’s web site.

Serving breakfast, lunch, dinner, and brunch; Maison Boulud has become Montreal's new go-to spot for special occasions and foodie connoisseurs. The experience is a great one, for those who want to experiment in fine dining in French cuisine. The ambiance, food and service are all top-notch and reflect Daniel Boulud's signature je ne sais quoi elegance embedded in part of his restaurant. If you are in the Montreal area and looking to enjoy the best of what this city has to offer, definitely stop by Maison Boulud for an outstanding gastronomic experience!

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Sponsored Post: Special Spa Services at Trump International Hotel and Tower Chicago

 
Chicago winters are nothing to joke about. While we hope the frigid weather is behind us,  but just in case The Spa at Trump is offering some Chocotherapy to warm up the senses. The 23,000 sq. ft. Spa at Trump, located inside the Trump International Hotel and Tower Chicago, features an array of 5 star services with 11 treatment rooms and 53 spa guestrooms overlooking the Chicago skyline. Here's just a few of the winter services they offer:

-Lovers of chocolate will want to sign up for the Hot Chocolate Body Scrub. The exfoliating treatment helps loosen fat and has an anti-cellulite effect. After the scrub, the skin is hydrated by an delectable chocolate mousse and you get to sip on a delicious cup of hot chocolate. Pair it with the Hot Chocolate Pedicure for the complete decadent service. You'll get a vanilla foot bath followed by a creamy chocolate exfoliation treatment and the chocolate mousse application mentioned above. 

-Prefer pearls over chocolate?  The Black Pearl Body Treatment uses crushed black pearls to exfoliate away dead skin cells and promotes hydration and skin tone. It can be paired with the Black Pearl Facial where Pearl Essence Powder exfoliates and then firms and hydrates the skin. 

Exclusive to the Chicago location of Spa at Trump are year-round services which are designed to combat the harsh effects of city living with natural ingredients that detoxify and replenish.

-The Ultimate Urban Body Mask begins with a body purifying exfoliation featuring detoxifying herbal mineral sals and antioxidant vitamins. That's followed by a blue-green algae mask enhanced with chlorophyll extracts to infuse the skin with potent cellular nutrition. The treatment finished up with a replenishing massage application of detoxifying aromatherapy oils, including cypress, rosemary and grapefruit.

-The 90-minute Ultimate Urban Facial is designed to enhance all skin types. It begins with a deep cleanse using 100% natural cleansers and floral waters designed to wash away dull surface skin cells. Cellular renewal is then stimulated with a glycolic or fruit enzyme peel designed to exfoliate and reduce the appearance of fine lines. To cap off the experience, you'll receive a warm and soothing foot massage. 

-The Ultimate Urban Neck & Shoulder Massage combines acupressure and massage techniques, hot and cold volcanic rocks, and specially formulate shea butter and is designed to penetrate deeply into muscles and joints.  

These are just a few of the services currently offered at the Spa at Trump. Be sure to check in to see what Spring treatments await you!

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Focus on Ponta dos Ganchos

Located on the Emerald Coast in the southern province of Santa Catarina, the private island resort Ponta dos Ganchos  is only accessible via private jet. It is the epitome of a private island oasis. Enjoy the panoramic sea views while comfortably laying on a hammock, sipping on a selection from the line of Ponta Dos Ganchos coffee. This resort only allows guests that are 18 and over, to ensure complete adults-only serenity. Known for their impeccable attention to detail and customized service, Ponta dos Ganchos is as relaxed and easy-going despite the posh feel of the resort. The employees of this resort seem to have one goal: Making it all about their guests. This is seen in their meals as they do not have set meal times, giving their guests the luxury to not be bound to a schedule set by the resort but their own. Their restaurant has different options that change on a daily basis to keep things fresh. Daily meal ideas are decided upon what is available at the market or caught at sea that day.  This is the perfect oasis for those couples that want a hideaway vacation, complete with equal parts of exclusiveness and luxury!

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Your Questions Answered: What are the best rooms for families at the Omni San Francisco

Your Questions Answered: What Are the Best Rooms for Families at the Omni San Francisco.

Tour Around St. Regis Grand Rome

Rome is one of the most visited cities in the world, and is also home the Colosseum, one of the Seven Wonders of the World. The Romans are known to be a sophisticated bunch, complete with one of the world’s largest and impressive collection of art and the breeding ground of great philosophers of our time. If art, culture and sophistication are your main drivers in choosing destinations and hotels, The St. Regis Grand Rome should be your first stop! The Romans claim to fame in the art world was back in the 16th century when they gave birth to one of the most well-known styles/themes of art to date. The Baroque and Rococo artistic styling and architecture was a period of exuberant elegance and grandeur opulence, a form of art that defined the Renaissance.

The St. Regis Grand Rome is the epitome and holds the essence of all things Renaissance from the architecture, the art work, the furniture to etiquette of the service they provide, and is a landmark in its own right. The very first 5-star hotel in Rome, The St Regis Grand Rome’s hotel design theory of mixing traditional with splashes of lux modernity can be seen through all the things they provide in their hotel. Guests can view the hotel’s private collection of curated art and antiques or indulge in private concierge service in their Bottega Veneta designed suite. The Renaissance heritage runs deep at The St. Regis Grand Rome, as they are known for their amazing butler service and prompt response times. This makes it no surprise to know that the hotel has naturally become the unofficial meeting grounds of the Italian and international political, diplomatic, economic and socialite elite. As the saying goes, “When in Rome..”, do as the Romans do and experience all the amazing things they have to offer by staying at The St. Regis Grand Rome.

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Inside Paradisus Cancun

Five Star Alliance's sister publication, Travel Agent, recently wrote an article about the recently re-vamped Pardisus Cancun. 

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Your Questions Answered: Family-Friendly Resorts in Crete

We at Five Star Alliance work tirelessly to ensure we bring you the best luxury hotels selection and information regarding amenities, location, and highlights so you are confident that the hotel you choose will exceed your expectations and serve your needs. Sometimes, however, you are left with a few questions that go unanswered, and that’s why we’re here.  Be sure to explore our new blog series ‘Your Questions Answered’ to find answers to real questions submitted to us by our clients regarding traveling with kids, pets, the best beach hotels, and much more. 

QUESTION:  What are some family friendly resorts in Crete, Greece for a family of 4, children ages 8 and 11 

ANSWER: There are a number of resorts that fit the bill. Here are the top 3 that we recommend:

Blue Palace Resort and Spa – Elounda Crete, Greece. 

The Blue Palace Resort and Spa offers a variety of suites where a maximum of 4 occupants can comfortably stay and they are child-friendly. 

The Deluxe Suites with Sea View and Private Pool  are luxurious bedrooms with elegant décor. In addition they offer a separate living room which leads to an oversized veranda with a corner infinity pool of 44 square meters (473 square feet). These suites can accommodate up to four guests and are 68 square meters(732 square feet).  A Corner suite has a slightly smaller private pool, impressive sea views, a veranda with sun beds and umbrella, and a separate living room. 

Island Luxury Suites with a Sea View and Private Heated Pool have amazing sea views, enlarged private heated pool of 30 square meters (322 square feet) and an outdoor patio with privacy. Two to four guests can be accommodated and they are 72 square meters (775 square feet). These suites include a spacious patio with sun beds, umbrella, separate living room, four poster bed, egg-shaped bathtub or Jacuzzi. 

At Blue Palace Resort and Spa,  guests 12 and under are considered children and sleep for free in the existing bedding of a room shared with a paying adult. (Rollaways, child rollaways and cribs may incur extra charges.)

Kids Only: The Blue Palace Resort and Spa is pleased to provide extensive children facilities and amenities. In addition to an indoor and outdoor playground and two children's swimming pools, they offer a wide range of engaging activities including theater, fishing, painting, and Greek dancing, creating fun-filled times during their stay with great memories to take home.  Baby-sitting can be arranged for the day or night upon request at a charge. The Kids Club is available only to children aged 3 to 12-years-old. 

View photos, read descriptions and check availability at Blue Palace Resort and Spa >>

Elounda Gulf Villas and Suites – Crete, Greece

Stylishly designed Two Bedroom Deluxe Family Suites have an area of approximately 100-120 sqaure meteres and can accommodate up to 5 guests. All Two Bedroom Deluxe Family Suites feature two master bedrooms, spacious bathrooms and a cozy living room equipped with tea and coffee facilities. Beautiful large windows offer views to the azure sea. Tromp l' oeil hand-painted ceilings adorn the spacious marble bathrooms featuring makeup mirror, hairdryer, pool towels, soft bathrobes and slippers and luxury toiletries for a truly comfortable stay. Families can enjoy a refreshing swim at the main stunning pool of the hotel and specially designed children’s pool located only a few steps away from the suites. All Two Bedroom Deluxe Family Suites are ideal for groups of friends and relaxing family vacations.

View photos, read descriptions and check availability at Elounda Gulf Villas and Suites >>

St. Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel and Villas – Aghios Nikolas, Greece

St. Nicholas Bay Resort Hotel and Villas offers interconnecting rooms and family suites, club suites and villas with private pool for families up to 6 persons, The St. Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel has a fully serviced private beach that has been distinguished with an EU Blue Flag rating. The protected sandy cove is ideal for kids and their parents alike. Children can enjoy a seawater paddling pool next to our large outdoor swimming pool just few steps from the sea

Penelopi  Suite: a two bedroom suite with a private pool, offers great privacy and superb seaviews from privileged location with large private swimming pool heated in colder months. The bedrooms have ensuite marbled lined bathroom with Jacuzzi, an elegant living room and spacious terrace.  

Ritz-Carlton Naples Renovates

Twenty-seven might be a little young for human facelifts, but it's just about right for a luxury hotel to undergo some refurbishments. The Ritz-Carlton Naples just announced that that it will close for two months, starting July 24, 2013. while it undergoes renovations.  Refurbishments are planned for all of the 450 guest rooms and suites, the three dining options, the "Princess ballroom," as well as other structural and mechanical renovations.  The guest rooms renovations will be overseen by Interior designers Wimberly Interiors, which plans to have the rooms resemble a luxurious, residential beach home. The three restaurants will be re-done by the New York-based design agency Blue Plate. The Sushi Bar will be renamed The Bar and will be extending its balcony and reconfiguring to allow for more cozy areas. The Terrace will reopen as Terrazza, an Italian eatery open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Grill steakhouse will continue as a classic dining establishment with a terrific selection of dry-aged beef, fresh seafood and collection of international wines. Brides will want to take note taht the popular Artisans "princess ballroom" will be redesigned to resemble an elegant jewel box.  The 20,000 square feet of meeting space will also undergo some refreshing. 

During the renovation, nearby sister property The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort Naples will be open for business and will provide guests with a shuttle to the beach. 

The transformation will be unveiled on October 1, 2013.  

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Sponsored Article: Porto Zante Villas and Spa

Contemplating a villa getaway to Greece? May we suggest a stay at Porto Zante Villas and Spa? 

Porto Zante Villas and Spa, located on a beautiful sandy beach on the island of Zakynthos, combines the privacy & space of world class luxury villas with the amenities and services of a leading five star hotel. This intimate boutique hotel is comprised of award-winning villas right on the beach, all with private heated pools. Each of the luxury villas offers privacy and splendid views of the nearby island of Kefalonia, the Peloponnese peninsula, and the endless crystal blue Ionian Sea.

Here are a few villa options:

-The One-bedroom Deluxe Spa (85 m²), located on the beachfront, has a private heated swimming pool. It is comprised of a large master bedroom with a king size bed and an open plan living area with a Kitchenette. There's also a separate additional living room with a sofa bed, and a desk with a personal computer. The large en-suite bathroom is lined with Dionysian antique marble and features a Jacuzzi bath tub and separate shower cabin with hydro-jet devices.

-Taking the family with you? Try the The Presidential Spa Villa, also located on the beachfront. This 2-Bedroom luxury villa (170 m²)  has panoramic glass doors that lead out to a private deck which has direct access to a private swimming pool and a beautifully landscaped garden with sun beds, teak garden furniture, and dining area. This luxury villa consists of an entrance hall, two master bedrooms with king size beds, two en-suite marble lined bathrooms featuring a Jacuzzi bath tub and separate shower cabin with hydro-jet devices, walk-in dressing rooms, a luxuriously decorated living & dining area, a desk with a PC, and a small kitchen.

-Taking all your friends with you? Consider the Imperial Spa Villa, which sleeps 8-12 people.  It's perfect for those who want to rent a private estate with its own private area on the beach and large tropical gardens. The Imperial Spa Villa, offers a private area on the beach with personal sun beds & umbrella. It is a 4-Bedroom luxury villa (420 m²) with a private heated swimming pool and an outdoor Spa pool. The villa’s private estate entrance & gated back yard  makes for the ultimate in privacy & security. This luxury villa consists of an entrance hall, four master bedrooms with king size beds, four en-suite antique Dionysian marble lined bathrooms featuring a Jacuzzi bath tub and separate shower cabins with hydro-jet devices, large walk-in dressing rooms, a luxuriously decorated living & dining area with a fireplace, a desk with a PC, and a large fully equipped kitchen.

Guests at Porto Zante Villas experience an exceptional level of personal service, away from the stress of large impersonal hotels.  If the private pools and beaches aren't enough, guests can choose from a number of activities during their stay, from scuba diving & snorkeling to a spa treatment and private in-villa dining. 

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