Ice Skating in LA Made Possible Thanks to the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel

We love southern California (or SoCal as the locals call it), but we certainly miss partaking in winter holiday festivities when December rolls around. The Hyatt Regency Century Plaza seems to have understood our pain and has recently opened a 3,000 square foot ice rink! The rink is a hybrid version that utilizes non-refrigerated synthetic ice made from recyclable polymers on which regular ice skates work very well. Hopefully that means when we attempt to do an axel jump, the fall won’t be as cold or hard as on real ice. The Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel has had a few other upgrades including installing an infinity pool and upgrading all of its cabanas.  We love how this hotel is setting itself apart from its neighboring properties, and we can't wait to see what other upgrades and installations it has up its sleeve. 

Make reservations at the Hyatt Regency Century Plaza Hotel and cross off ‘ice skate in shorts’ from your bucket list!

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Have a Stress-Free Thanksgiving at the Omni Orlando Resort

Have a wonderful Thanksgiving celebration with friends and family without the stress and hassle of spending hours in the kitchen. Check into the Omni Orlando Resort at ChampionsGate and enjoy a delicious Thanksgiving brunch from 11am – 3pm. Specialties include roasted pork loin, chicken provencal, wild salmon, a variety of traditional and modern side dishes, and of course, dessert. The cost is $39 for adults and $14.95 for children. Space is limited, so make your reservations today!

Explore the Omni Orlando Resort here >>

Your Questions Answered: Rates and Availability in French Polynesia

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: My wife and I will travel to Tahiti and Bora Bora at the end of the year. If possible please send me prices and availability for the schedule below: 1 night at Papeete, 6 nights in Bora Bora. We’re interested in the Four Seasons and Intercontinental Thalasso Spa.

Answer: We have 15 hotels in French Polynesia of which 2 are located in Tahiti. (Papeete is located on the island of Tahiti). For December 31st - January 1st, 2013, the Intercontinental Resort Tahiti in Papeete has availability and rates starting from $653 USD per night. (Full prepay, non-refundable, non-changeable Garden View room with 1 king bed). To view all of the room types and rates available, simply visit this website and enter your dates of travel. (This hotel does have breakfast inclusive rates, but it does not have breakfast and dinner inclusive rates). Rates will display in XPF, so click on the little calculator to the right of the rate to convert it to US dollars.

For January 1st - 7th, 2013 in Bora Bora, the Four Seasons only has one room type available and that is a Bed And Breakfast - Beach View Overwater Bungalow King Bed With Queen Sofabed starting from $1,238.92 USD per night.

For January 1st - 7th, 2013 in Bora Bora, the InterContinental Thalasso Spa Bora Bora does not have availability.

To view availability and rates at other luxury hotels in Bora Bora, visit this website. Transfers are not included in the rates and would be an additional cost. Please be advised that rates and availability are subject to change prior to making a reservation.

Condé Nast Traveler Gold List 2012: Banyan Tree Seychelles

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.

The Banyan Tree Seychelles is featured on the Gold List 2012: Best for leisure facilities. This luxury hotel is nestled in the Intendance Bay, a 30 minute drive from the Mahe International Airport. This 60-villa resort provides visitors the option to choose where they stay since about half of the villas are on the beach while the other half are on the palm-forested slopes overlooking the sea. All of the villas feature private plunge pools, indoor baths, and verandahs. The Banyan Tree Seychelles is recognized for its extensive list of leisure facilities which include opportunities to play tennis, swim in the infinity pool, fine dine at 4 restaurants on site, go fishing, diving, island hopping, and more!

Explore photos, availability, and rates here >>

Hollywood Honeymoons

Our celebrity friends we love to hate tend to have extravagant and luxurious experiences. Whether it’s a romantic getaway or family vacation, these travelers tend to embrace the go big or go home attitude and stay in the best of the best accommodations around the world. Check out where a few of our favorite A-list Hollywood stars spent their romantic honeymoons!

Jay-Z and Beyonce honeymooned at the Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain in Scottsdale, Arizona. This couple stayed in one of seven private homes equipped with a secluded patio and private pool to steer clear of paparazzi and fans.

Fergie from the Black Eyed Peas and husband Josh Duhamel escaped to the One and Only Maldives at Reethi Rah after their wedding and stayed in an incredible 2,500 square foot Grand Water Villa. The couple remained pretty active and took advantage of opportunities to snorkel, water ski, scuba dive, and kayak.

Ryan Reynolds and Blake Lively had a quick 1-night stay at the Inn at Little Washington in Washington, Virginia after their secret wedding near Charleston, South Carolina.

Nicole Kidman and Keith Urban stayed at the St. Regis Bora Bora back in 2006 for their honeymoon, and the details of what the couple did remained confidential, but we imagine they did a little bit of sun bathing, swimming, and a few other activites that took advantage of everything Bora Bora had to offer.

Planning your honeymoon? Tell us about it on Facebook or Twitter!

Image of the One and Only Maldives at Reethi Rah

Acqualina Spa Voted Top Spa in 2012!

Acqualina Resort in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida was voted as having the top spa in Spafinder Wellness Readers’ Choice Awards in 2012 in six categories including Best Beach Spa, Best for Accommodations, Best for Interior Design and Best for Men. This recognition is awarded annually to the top ten most voted spas by spa-goers around the world.

This luxury hotel’s 2 story oceanfront European spa encourages guests to show up 60 minutes (that’s right, an HOUR) prior to their treatment time to enjoy freshly prepared teas and organic treats as well as relax in the Relaxation Lounge and take advantage of the Heat Experiences including the Crystal Steam Room, Ice Fountain, Experience Shower, Spa Pool, Jacuzzi, Roman Waterfall and Sun Deck. Any spa that features extra amenities along with exceptional service and a wide range of treatment options deserves an A rating in our book!

Explore the Acqualina Resort and Spa here!

Questions Answered: Hotel in Bali for 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: Could you please advice me. I'm traveling to Indonesia with a stop over in Bali for two nights. With me is my wife and 5-year old daughter. We'd like to stay at a really nice hotel - but one that would allow kids. As it's our 10 year wedding anniversary I want to make it special. Could you please help me and point out any hotel that would be suitable?

Answer: We would recommend the Four Seasons Sayan Bali which has a maximum occupancy of 3 for the majority of its room types. This hotel also has a Children's Program featuring Balinese dance performances, resort garden tours and yoga classes. To explore availability, rates, and photos, visit this website and enter your dates of travel. To make a reservation, select a room type and fill in the booking form. Be sure to add 'traveling with 5 year old child and 2 adults' to the special request field so the hotel can properly prepare for your arrival. Please be advised that the rates, availability, as well as the extra person charges are subject to change depending on the hotel’s policies.

Jamaica Inn Marks the Perfect Spot to Get-A-Way!

Built in 1950, this intimate property has a few unique attributes and access to one of the best beaches on the north coast of Jamaica! What differentiates the Jamaica Inn from other luxury hotels is its charm, hospitality, and lively personality. Teddy, the bartender at the beach bar, has been whipping up cocktails and interacting with guests for the last 54 years! The Jamaica Inn also offers Wi-Fi but the rooms have no televisions, radios, or clocks so guests can fully relax, unwind, and unplug from their hectic daily lives. (There is, however, a TV room and a television in the main bar just in case there’s a game or event going on that can’t be missed.) To maintain its pristine conditions, the Jamaica Inn closes down once a year for 6 weeks to ensure all the rooms are meeting the highest standards of quality and luxury. This hotel attracts a variety of vacationers ranging from folks celebrating an anniversary, going on their honeymoon, traveling solo for a calm getaway, or a family going on vacation. The Jamaica Inn features beautiful rooms, suites, and 2 bedroom cottages perfect for travelers of all types (minimum age requirement is 10 for the summer and 12 for the winter). A few other key features include a Cliffside spa which uses all natural and organic ingredients, and a beautiful outdoor terrace overlooking the ocean and featuring nightly live music and sensational cuisine.

Explore photos, availability, and rates at the Jamaica Inn here >>

Shangri-La Fijian Voted Best Family Resort

Shangri-La Fijian Resort and Spa is rated as one of the best family resorts in Fiji, so you can take the kids and have a vacation that’s perfect for the whole family.

For the sixth consecutive year, this luxury hotel was voted #1 for Best Ten Resorts for Families 2012 in Fiji. The criteria for earning the number one spot included activities and facilities for children, childcare and babysitting services, staff hospitality, standard of accommodation, location, accessibility, safety, fun for the entire family, value for money, and overall experience.

Explore the Shangri-La Fijian Resort and Spa photos, availability, and rates here >>

Your Questions Answered: Best Room Type in Bora Bora for 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: I would like to see if you have any glass bottom over the water bungalows that sleep two adults and one child available for December 25th – 27th, 2012 at the Hotel Bora Bora.

Answer: The Hotel Bora Bora does not have availability for your dates of travel, but the Four Seasons Resort has the following room type available which has a maximum occupancy of 3 people, so this would be a good option for your family. It is for an overwater bungalow but it does not specify whether it would have a glass bottom. You could certainly request this, but it would not be guaranteed. To make a reservation for this room type, please visit this website, enter your dates of travel, select the room type, and fill in the booking form. Be sure to fill in the Special Request field stating ‘traveling with 10 year old child and would like a bungalow with a glass bottom’ so the hotel can properly prepare for your arrival.

Bed And Breakfast - Beach View Overwater Bungalow King Bed With Queen Sofabed Maximum Occ 3

The rate is currently 1,250.77 USD per night plus tax and fees. (rates are subject to change prior to making a reservation)

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