3 Star Michelin Dining at Shangri-La Hotel Beijing

Enjoy luxurious accommodations and exquisite cuisine while staying at the Shangri-La Hotel Beijing. S.T.A.Y. is a three Michelin-starred French gourmet restaurant that opened in September 2011. S.T.A.Y. stands for ‘Simple Table Alléno Yannick,’ and the incredible dishes are created by Chef Yannick Alléno. The aim of the chef is to provide a complete dining experience through the reinterpretation of traditional French cuisine in an interactive manner. Enjoy the option to eat at the communal table which can seat up to 10 people, assist in the creation of your own dessert, and take in the tantalizing flavors.

Make your reservations at the Shangri-La Hotel Beijing and be sure to dine at S.T.A.Y. during your stay!

New Luxury Hotels Opening in 2012: Anantara Sanya

We at Five Star Alliance are all about the best and most luxurious hotels. We certainly keep up with the happenings in the luxury travel world and take pride in bringing our clients the latest luxury travel news. Keep up with our newest blog series where we’ll be featuring luxury hotels opening in 2012 to stay on top of the trends and make your reservations at the newest hotspots.

The Anantara Sanya makes its debut in the Hainan province of China. Anatara has developed the phenomenal reputation of offering luxury hotels in exotic, secluded locales with breathtaking beachfront views, and the Anantara Sanya is of no exception. Situated in the low-level mountains, the Anantara Sanya features 122 rooms, suites, and private pool villas. The pool villas offer ocean views and secluded pool access, and the hotel features 4 restaurants serving traditional Thai and western cuisine as well as a stunning spa offering couple massages and small group yoga. Traveling to Sanya? Check out a few of the other luxury hotels in the area, and be sure to peruse the Anantara hotels located throughout the world!

Peninsula Hong Kong Gets a Facelift

The Peninsula Hong Kong has undergone a few major upgrades during its 58 million dollar renovation, and we’re loving its new look! All of the rooms in the Peninsula Tower are complete, and the modifications include warm beige colors for the carpets and walls, Chinese-inspired ink paintings in the Harbour View rooms, and delicate floral designs woven into the carpet in the Grand Deluxe Suite.

Lovely décor upgrades aside, the Peninsula Hong Kong has also upgraded its technologies for a contemporary and luxuriously convenient guest experience. Bedside and desk tablets that have restaurant menus andhotel services that can be set in one of five languages. The rooms also feature terrestrial TVs, 90 internet TV channels, and 460 internet radio stations. LED touch-screen panels have been added to both the guestrooms and bathrooms so you can go ahead and raise those curtains or adjust the lighting in the guestroom while in the bathroom for no other reason other than simply because you can! All of the rooms have been upgraded to fibre optic cabling, ensuring incredibly fast complimentary WiFi and wired internet access, and free VOIP long-distance calling. Make your reservations at the Peninsula Hong Kong to experience these upgrades for yourself!

Photo courtesy of HotelChatter

Condé Nast Traveler Gold List 2012: Taj Falaknuma Palace

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.

Taj Falaknuma Palace Saisons in Hyderabad, India is featured on the Gold List 2012: Best for ambiance and design. This luxury hotel is 2,000 feet above Hyderabad with 60 beautiful rooms that look out over the clouds and the city. The hotel features Venetian chandeliers, antique furniture, grand marble staircases, intricate fountains, stained-glass windows, a world-class collection of crystal, and Japanese gardens. The Palace Library is a collector’s envy, home to the rarest of manuscripts, books, and one of the most acclaimed collections of the Holy Quran. It’s clear why this luxury hotel has received recognition for its design, and we certainly recommend taking it all in in person by adding this hotel to your bucket list of places to stay.

Your Questions Answered: How to Check Availability and Rates in Mumbai

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: We’re planning a trip to Mumbai, India for December 26th – January 1st, 2013. What hotels have availability and how far are they from the Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport?

Answer: We have nine 5-star hotels and three 4-star hotels in Mumbai, of which 10 are currently showing availability for your dates of travel. To compare their rates and view hotel photos, simply visit this website, click on the ‘Find a Hotel’ tab, select ‘Asia’ as the region, ‘India’ as the country, and ‘Mumbai’ as the city. Below this put in your dates, and then click ‘Go’. This will pull up all of the hotels on our site and show you the starting, lowest rate at each hotel. To view room descriptions and room types, click the ‘Available’ box for the specific hotel. To view photos and hotel descriptions, click on the hotel name link. Once you choose a hotel and specific room type, select that option and fill in the booking form. Your reservation is automatically confirmed with the hotel, and you receive a confirmation email. To view the location of the hotel, simply click the hotel name and then the ‘Location & Map’ tab to view where the property is located. Please be advised that all rates are based on double occupancy and extra person charges for more than two people in a room may apply. Please also be advised that certain rooms have a maximum occupancy of two. Rates and availability are subject to change prior to making a reservation.

Photo of the Oberoi, Mumbai

Eat, Drink, and Be Merry at the Langham Hong Kong

Prepare yourselves for the massive Food & Wine Festival to be hosted by the Langham Hong Kong this year from September 13th - 23rd, 2012. The festival will feature award winning wineries, world-class chefs, and renowned industry aficionados. Foodies will be able to learn some new techniques through master classes taught by Michelin starred international chefs. If you’re more of an eater and drinker than a cooker, then sample from the buffet of dishes or attend a rum appreciation class.

Explore the menu and schedule here and be sure to reserve your spot to sample various foods. To explore the Langham Hong Kong and stay amidst the action, make your reservations here >>

Your Questions Answered: Anantara Seminyak Spa Treatments and Transportation

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: We would like to know the rate of the Anantara Suite Luxuriously Furnished Ocean View which includes breakfast from August 13th – 16th, 2012. We would also like to know airport pickup service prices and what sorts of treatments are offered at the spa.

Answer: The Anantara Seminyak Resort and Spa in Bali, Indonesia has an ocean view suite with breakfast included available for your dates of travel at a rate of $630 per night plus $529.20 in taxes. For transportation, the hotel offers limousine service in VIP Van between Ngurah Rai International Airport and Anantara Seminyak Resort is at a rate of USD 45+ per car per way, for a maximum of four persons with luggage. The hotel has a few signature spa treatments, and the details are listed below:

Rooftop Signature Massage (90 minutes)

Relinquish your senses to our exquisite signature massage treatment, and experience therapeutic relaxation for mind and body. Using our signature Vanilla Magic oil derived from the seeds of vanilla pods found deep in the jungles west of Bali and prepared fresh before your treatment, our therapists incorporate long, soothing strokes to stretch and relax your muscle fibres together with acupressure to allow your body to let go of accumulated stress. Pure bliss, dedicated to new beginnings.

Anantara Retreat (150 minutes)

Surrender your body and mind to a top to toe escape that will leave your body deeply relaxed and your spirit balanced. Begin with a head to toe Body Scrub, selecting from a range of exfoliating and conditioning ingredients to nourish and prepare the skin’s surface. Then, enjoy a thoroughly relaxing Anantara Signature massage using luxurious Vanilla Magic oil. Complete your journey with an aromatic bathing experience or a therapeutic session of foot reflexology. aspx

To make a reservation for this room option, simply click on the hotel name link, enter your dates of travel, select the room option, and fill in the booking form. Please be advised that the rates, availability, as well as the extra person charges are subject to change depending on the hotel’s policies.

Your Questions Answered: Best Luxury Hotels in Singapore for a Family of 3

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: We are looking to book a 2 night accommodation, checking in 26th July and checking out 28th July. We are a party of three, 2 adults and our 6 year old daughter. We are looking to book a 5 star hotel either in the Marina District or Orchard Road District. Can you please advise on the best hotels to visit with our 6 year old daughter? It is difficult to determine from a web site which rooms are suitable for an additional bed for a child.

Answer: Overall, when traveling with kids you want to look for either a Junior Suite with a separate living area, a Suite with a separate living area, or a room with 2 double or 2 queen beds. Two great options are the Mandarin Oriental Singapore and the Four Seasons Singapore. The Mandarin Oriental is located in the heart of Marina Bay, and it has an Ocean Grand Room with 1 king or 2 twin beds which has a separate sitting area. The Four Seasons Singapore is steps from Orchard Road, and it has a few room options that can accommodate 3 people. It has a Deluxe Room with a king size bed or 2 twin beds, which start from 420 SGD per night, its Premier Corner Room with a king or 2 twin beds starting from 500 SGD per night, or its Boulevard Room with 1 king or 2 twin beds which has a separate sitting area and starts from 450 SGD per night. To view full nightly breakdowns and to make your reservations, simply click on the hotel name links, enter your dates of travel, and select a specific room type. Please be sure to fill in the special request field stating that you'll be traveling with a child 6 years of age so that the hotel can properly prepare for your arrival.

Please be advised that the rates, availability, as well as any extra person charges are subject to change depending on the hotel’s policies.

Deals and Steals at the Viceroy Bali

We at Five Star Alliance know that our 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. 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!

For a limited time only, the Viceroy Bali is offering a special Five Star Alliance Rate, good for bookings made up until July 2013. The special rate offers $50/night off the standard rate across the board, so you can enjoy the unsurpassed luxury of one of Bali's most prestigious resorts and use your savings to order a few drinks on the patio while you take in the breathtaking views of the Petanu river gorge and tropical forests. The rate is currently only available for a limited time, so make sure to strike while the iron is hot. Learn more about the Viceroy Bali and find the availability for your stay right here on Five Star Alliance.

No Man Is an Island, But the Waldorf Astoria Maldives Is

Everyone loves a beach resort, and the shallow waters of the Maldives make it possible to find a truly singular experience. Because the oceans are uniquely calm, resorts like the Waldorf Astoria have built out entire bungalows just above the lapping waves. From your residence, you'll have a truly panoramic view of the surrounding waters. Among a series of already outstanding resorts, the Waldorf Astoria Maldives sets itself apart even from that distinguished crowd. I'd hate to turn this into an apotheosis of the Waldorf, but it's hard not to exalt the virtues of a resort that is its own island. The seclusion of having your own bungalow on a private island is truly unmatched.

When a resort is an island, it is doubly important that it has the luxurious facilities to accommodate your every desire. While fine dining and a top-notch spa are the unmistakable call signs of any luxury resort, the Waldorf Astoria has taken them to another level. Their world-class Modun Spa is organized around the concept of a winding journey towards self-discovery and holistic rejuvenation with the spa facilities laid out along a twisting path that leads you through a natural progression of treatment. Dine on incredibly sumptuous cuisine either at one of the many restaurants and bars or bring that very same experience to the comfort and privacy of your own villa. Children are cared for in the Kids' Club, leaving the adults free to experience the unmatched luxury. If I wanted the experience of the unmistakable Maldivian bungalow, I would be remiss if I didn't seriously consider the Waldorf Astoria Maldives as my destination of choice.