Shangri-La Hotels Moves to Turkey: A New 7-Star Hotel for Istanbul?

We're hearing reports that Shangri-La Hotels & Resorts is entering the fray in Istanbul. And they're not doing so quietly. Word on the street is that Shangri-La-- the Hong-Kong based group known for its 66 lavish properties in Asia Pacific, North America and the Middle East-- will be building a 7-star hotel on the banks of the Bosphorus. Due to open in 2012, the 200-room, $250 million hotel will be located in the Beşiktaş district on the site of an old tobacco factory. If all goes according to plan, this luxury hotel will be joining an elite group of the globe's "seven-star" hotels: the Town House Galleria in Milan, the Burj Al Arab in Dubai, and the Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi.

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Free Breakfast, Internet and More: Promotions at The Peninsula Hong Kong

Booking a stay at the Grande Dame of the Far East? You're in for a treat. We're not talking about the pioneering in-room technology, the sublime spa, glam new lounge (Salon de Ning) nor the spectacular Victoria Harbour vistas. Though you'll enjoy all that and more at The Peninsula Hong Kong. We're talking about the new "Five Star Alliance Promo" rates which combine great value with lots of extras. Try a traditional Peninsula breakfast at The Lobby daily, a Peninsula Spa by ESPA gift certificate valued at HK$300 for up to two guests, and complimentary in-room wired and wireless Internet. Simply choose the "Five Star Alliance Promo" rates when booking with Five Star Alliance and you'll get all these perks along with your luxurious accommodations. Subject to availability and the details of the rate inclusions at the time of booking.

The World’s Hottest Hotels: Where to Stay Now

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...

Luxury for Less: A Dining Credit Plus Special Perks at The Fullerton, Singapore

Singapore's landmark riverfront hotel, The Fullerton, is pulling out all the stops to pamper guests on weekends. An indulgent new package features a dining credit and enticing special perks (free Internet, late check-out, and Champagne in room). What's more-- the "Idyllic Gourmet Weekend" promises an exceptional luxury value because you get all this starting from just S$388 per night. Bask in the luxury of The Fullerton (the outdoor infinity pool is tops), or take the hotel's complimentary shuttle service to shop til you drop around town. Valid for check-in on Fridays & Saturdays until December 30, 2010, the "Idyllic Gourmet Weekend" includes one night's accommodation in a Courtyard Room, a dining credit of S$88 per night, complimentary in-room Internet access, and a late check-out at 4 pm. With a minimum two-night stay, you'll get a complimentary bottle of Champagne, to boot.

While in town, why not check out the hotel's new All-Chocolate Buffet? The chocolate creations prepared by Chef Carl Bertka are out-of-this-world. Here's a sampler of the indulgences on offer: a signature Chocolate Fountain, Chocolate Cremeux with Vanilla Panna Cotta and Confit Cherries, and the White Chocolate and Lychee Tiramisu... Best of all: a cup of thick hot chocolate infused with a selection of seasonings like Rose Petal, Lavender, Szechuan Pepper, Chili, Star Anise, Black Cardamon, Wasabi, Lemongrass, Ginger or Coffee.

What’s Hot: Misool Eco Resort, An Exclusive Dive Hotel in Indonesia

An exclusive new dive resort has caught our eye, on a tiny island off the map in Indonesia, surrounded by some of the richest reefs and dive sites on earth. Misool Eco Dive Resort is located in the southern part of Raa Ampat in a large archipelago of uninhabited islands. Getting there, to quote UrbanDaddy, is half the adventure: "Sometimes you've got to go a long way to get anywhere. A flight to Jakarta, another to a tiny Papuan haunt called Sorong, a four-hour boat ride to a private island so tiny it barely qualifies for a name." A dive resort and conservation center all in one, Misool Eco Resort allows guests the privilege of diving the resort's very own 425 square-kilometer No-Take Zone with incredible marine biodiversity, boasting more species and protected coral forests than anywhere else on earth. "You'll spend your days hopping hotel-run boats out to the ocean's more interesting spots, and spend your nights with millionaire hobbyists, alluring nature photographers and Zissou-style adventurers, swapping stories and whiskey bottles in the hotel restaurant." What paradise.

Photo Via Flickr/PatrikNilsson

Your Own Private House (with Butler) in the Maldives at Naladhu Resort

Dreaming of ditching all earthly cares and jetting to a private island paradise? We can't think of a better place to recharge your batteries than the palm-fringed islands of the Maldives, where turquoise seas and white sands propose a dreamy setting for some romantic R&R. Set on the island of Velighandu Huraa in the South Male Atoll, Naladhu Resort is the place to be, offering only 19 private houses for the ultimate exclusivity. You'll barely have to share the perfect stretches of sand right outside your front door! Complete with infinity-edge pool, hardwood floors, goose-down pillows, and all the latest tech gadgets, your private house is beautifully designed with free-flowing inside and outside spaces. (You'll dig the steam room and garden rain shower.) Best of all? Your very own House Master, who is butler, concierge, guide, and personal assistant all in one, and can cater to your every whim. Eager to go for a cruise on the resort's yacht? Your House Master can make the arrangements for a sunset sail on The Horizon, an elegant timber vessel with plush daybeds.

Cruise the Southern Islands on the Capella Singapore’s Yacht

Since its opening last year, Capella Singapore keeps racking up the awards: "Best Resort in Singapore 2010" according to Tatler Singapore; "World's Best Spa" says Singapore Airlines' magazine, with sumptuous spa treatments recognized by Harper's BAZAAR in giving awards for the "best organic treatment" and "most opulent body treatment." Just minutes from the hustle and bustle of cosmopolitan Singapore, the Capella's setting--30 acres of rolling hills on private Sentosa Island -- instills instant calm. Needless to say, this seaside location provides excellent yachting opportunities, with both the South China Sea and the Pacific Ocean framing the island. Hop aboard the resort's 54-foot yacht, Sardinia, and cruise the Southern Islands, stopping at Lazarus Island to swim, kayak, and explore the beautiful lagoon that's just 15 minutes from the city center. Your own personal chef will prepare a delectable feast for your enjoyment on the sand. Also available at Capella Singapore: a sunset sail to ogle the Singapore skyline and watch the Song Of The Sea, a massive lights show that combines sound and water effects, too.

50% Off Your Second Night in Bangkok at the Westin Grande Sukhumvit

Bangkok bound? For supreme comfort and relaxation, you can't go wrong checking into the Westin Grande Sukhumvit, fully equipped with all the hotel facilities you'll most appreciate after a busy working day or sightseeing adventure around town. State-of-the-art gym? Check. Spa with Vichy shower room and hydrotherapy bath? Check. A swimming pool? Check. Guest rooms are just as rejuvenating, furnished with all-white signature Heavenly Beds for guaranteed slumber. This urban oasis has direct access to the Asok SkyTrain station, meaning instant transport to all Bangkok has to offer. With the "Better Tomorrows" package, you can get a second night for 50% off when you pay a regular rate for your first night. So whether you stay two or four nights, you'll be seeing the savings. Offer valid for stays from now until December 31, 2010.

Luxury Travel Trends: Six Senses Maldives Gives Free Nights for Voluntourism

From Hong Kong to Miami, volunteer tourism-- or "voluntourism"-- is on the rise, a growing trend among travelers looking to volunteer some time during their vacations. The latest to jump on the bandwagon? Two Six Senses resorts in the Maldives. The New York Times In Transit blog is reporting that the Soneva Gili and Soneva Fushi will encourage travelers to engage in voluntourism by giving out free nights for the hours donated.

From June 1 to Oct. 12, guests who stay for five nights, and who spend five hours a day working on community projects, will be given an additional five nights for free, adding up to an 11-day stay. Guests can teach children, plant trees, help in marine conservation or do other work.

Tokyo Treats: Free Breakfast and Chocolate at the Shangri-La Hotel Tokyo

Tokyo bound? Check into the city's newest luxury hotel, the Shangri-La Tokyo, and revel in the lavish facilities, apartment-size guest rooms, and faultless service that are getting such rave reviews. Decorated with 2,000 works of art and several Swarovski crystal chandeliers (including a dramatic 480,000-piece stunner in the lobby), the opulent hotel is located next to Tokyo Station. Book with Five Star Alliance-- just choose Five Star Alliance rates-- and you'll get a special bonus: daily complimentary breakfast plus boxes of chocolate and tins of gourmet tea in your room.