Image of the Day: Casa de Campo

On Casa de Campos' exclusive Minitas Beach, guests can enjoy a sea of water sports. Choose from kayaks, Hobie cats, windsurfers, and paddleboats. Special arrangements can be made for anglers, snorklers or those guests that wish to scuba dive. Minitas also houses a massage room for private soothing sessions by the water.

Explore rates, details, photos and more at Casa de Campos >>

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Image of the Day: Paradisus Punta Cana

At Paradisus Punta Cana, twelve restaurants offer an incredible choice of contemporary world cuisine and eight bars offer fashionable Caribbean cocktails and international premium brand drinks.

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Image of the Day: The Royal Begonia

Nestled on the sparkling ivory beaches of the southeastern coast of Hainan Island, The Royal Begonia overlooks the sapphire South China Sea. To the north, majestic mountains and verdant rainforests set an indelible scene for inspiring hikes.

Explore rates, details, photos and more at The Royal Begonia >>

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Phillipe Starck Takes the Stairs to Bali

Philippe Starck, the French designer responsible for dreaming up the interiors of The Royalton Hotel, the Felix restaurant at The Peninsula Hong Kong, the Delano Hotel,  and the Mondrian Hotel, has undertaken a new project.  This time, Starck is headed to Seminyak, Bali, to envision The Stairs Villa Hotel. The hotel is set to break ground in 2013 in the Petitenget neighborhood and will be accessible by a monolithic 65-foot wide stairway. The Stairs is the first Starck fully-designed villa hotel in Indonesia. It will feature a private village of 12 limited-edition villas, with signature floor-to-roof glass facades by internationally-acclaimed artist JonOne; and public areas with a cafe patisserie, restaurant, bar lounge, boutique, mezzanine bibliotheque, signature spa, and workout facilities.

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Romantic Getaway Ideas for Valentine’s Day

Valentine’s Day is just around the corner, and it can certainly put a little bit of stress on those lucky gentlemen out there with special someone’s. Instead of the traditional dinner and flowers, consider whisking your significant other away for a luxurious romantic getaway!

L’Ermitage Beverly Hills has an Ultimate Romance package which includes two nights in a suite, private car service from LAX, and breakfast for two. The $7,000 package also includes a four-course dinner at Livello, a 50 minute helicopter tour of Los Angeles, and some alone time on a Santa Monica mountaintop overlooking Malibu!

Explore photos, availability, and rates at L’Ermitage Beverly Hills here >>

AKARYN Koh Samui Delivers Pizza

If you are craving pizza in Koh Samui, you are in luck! These aren’t your average jumbo slices, either. AKARYN Samui Resort and Spa has unveiled a new menu of over 80 gourmet pizzas, cooked in the island's only hand-made, wood-fired, beachfront pizza oven and featuring the cream of genuine Italian cheeses and cold cuts.  The oven was hand-built built by Chef (and Venice native) Andrea Brunello. The pizza choices pay homage to all the major regions in Italy,with toppings ranging from San Daniele Parma Ham to Schiacciata Calabra Salami to Parmigiano Reggiano Cheese. Other choices include classic pizzas, truffle pizzas, novelty shaped pizzas and Thai-infused specialties like Tom Yum Pizza.

The pizza-making started last week, and 400 pies have already been sold. The pizza has proved so popular that the resort is delivering to select luxury villas in the neighbourhood of Hanuman Bay. The luxury resort is also launching Samui’s first Pizza Academy, where guests (and residents) can learn how to make real pizzas. AKARYN Pizza takes its place in the resort's Gourmet Village, where other culinary options include the Asian tapas experience Ochos, The Legend, dedicated to rediscovering the culinary secrets of Old Siam, The Edge, where fresh seafood is served with international flair, and The Wet Bar, the island's most chilled submerged bar.
 

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Image of the Day: Banyan Tree Sanya

Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind. – Seneca

Explore rates, details, photos and more at Banyan Tree Sanya >>

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Image of the Day: Niyama Maldives

One’s destination is never a place, but a new way of seeing things. – Henry Miller

Explore rates, details, photos and more at Niyama Maldives >>

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Newly Renovated El Encanto Opening Soon!

We’re holding our breath for the opening of the new and improved El Encanto in Santa Barbara, California! This Orient Express property has been undergoing a major renovation for the last few months, and we’re absolutely thrilled to see all of the upgrades and modifications! Opening day is currently set for March 18th, 2013, and this luxury hotel will stand out from the rest in more ways than one! A few additions to look forward to include:

- El Encanto will have its very own cow, Ellie whose milk will be used to make a special cheese only to be found at this hotel. (cool, huh?)

- This hotel will be serving unpasteurized beer brewed nearby to go with the special cheese.

- The coffee served for breakfast will be El Encanto’s own brand, and their on-site herb and vegetable garden will ensure only the very best greens make it to your table.

- For the eco-friendly travelers, El Encanto has added various energy saving and preservation techniques to reduce overall consumption. Guests are encouraged to leave their cars behind and hop on one of the complimentary electric bikes and mosey their way to the beach or into town.

- Accommodations will include 92 intimate bungalows that are scattered throughout seven acres of grounds.

Explore details and photos of El Encanto here, and be sure to make your reservation for this stunning property in March!

Your Questions Answered: Hotels in the Maldives Perfect for Family Travel

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 hotels in the Maldives do you recommend for a family traveling with kids?

Answer: A few hotels in the Maldives that we’d recommend for families traveling with kids are below:

Dusit Thani Maldives - Children’s play area and club facility.

One and Only Maldives at Reethi Rah - KidsOnly is free for all children from 2-11 years and provides world-class benefits including exciting and imaginative daily fun programs, age-appropriate activities, facilities and amenities, over twelve hours a day. Babysitters are available 24 hours a day for those under 2.

Anantara Veli Resort and Spa - Open for children from the ages of 3 to 12, the Dhoni Kids Club keeps our youngest guests entertained during their holidays with an action-packed program featuring a variety of beach and outdoor activities, creative crafts and games that are fun, educational and culturally enriching.

LUX Maldives - PLAY offers children between the ages of 3 and 12 an opportunity to explore the many wonders and delights of island living. Supervised by a highly trained and enthusiastic team, kids are exposed to the nature and culture of the island's incredible surrounds, as well as a range of high-energy sports and outdoor activities. From art classes and treasure hunts to engaging and educational Teddy Tennis lessons, PLAY is everything your kids could hope for on an island vacation.

Four Seasons Kuda Huraa Maldives - Kids For All Seasons Kudamas Club, an organized program of fun activities

The Gili Lankanfushi Maldives - Baby sitting service is available.

Waldorf Astoria Maldives - Children are VIPs at the Waldorf Astoria Kids' Club. Their own little paradise has a private pool, games room, a bungee trampoline for older children and adults and an extensive tailor-made program of activities for their entertainment. Fun and discovery never end.

Kanuhura - The Kids Club offers imaginative fun for kids (2 to 11 years old).

To view availability, rates, and to make a reservation, simply visit this website and enter your dates of travel!