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LUXURY HOTEL INSIDER
 
FSA LogoThe Luxury Hotel Insider: Exclusive luxury hotel deals, features and special rates from the luxury hotel experts at Five Star Alliance. 
 
Named one of Tripbase's Best Luxury Travel Blogs for 2011, below are Five Star Alliance's newest articles featuring exclusive information on luxury hotels worldwide including special offers and deals at the world's best hotels.

Summer Camp for Everyone at Virgin Gorda’s Bitter End Yacht Club

April 6, 2009
By: K. Clare Johnson

Bitter EndSpring is finally here, which means planning for summer vacation. So why not harken back to your pre-teen days and spend summer camp at Virgin Gorda's Bitter End Yacht Club? While you take up a new sport or relax by the beach, your kids can discover the joys of sailing or the flora and fauna. Or, pack a gourmet picnic lunch into a Boston Whaler and take off on your own adventure for the day; you might even discover your own private beach together. Of course, the food and the accommodations are a whole lot more luxurious than they were at your local sleep-away camp.


Bring a Friend: Cuisinart Resort and Spa

April 6, 2009
By: Alison Victor

Cuisinart Resort and SpaA getaway can get difficult to plan when there are more than a few people involved. Not only do you have to worry about accommodations, but also about finding a destination that will please even the most discerning traveler. Fortunately, Cuisinart Resort and Spa in Anguilla understands this, and has a luxuriously easy solution. From now until November 2009, you can take advantage of the "Friends and Family" promotion. Book a Beachfront Junior Suite at their regular rate, and save 50 percent on the second suite. The resort offers extraordinary sea views, two restaurants, an infinite pool, and tennis courts. With the promotion, you will also enjoy complimentary continental breakfast, an airport or ferry greeting, and free non-motorized sports.


The Perfect Anniversary Gift: Low Room Rates at Elbow Beach Club Resort

April 2, 2009
By: Alison Victor

Elbow Beach Club ResortWhat better way to celebrate the 400th anniversary of the beautiful island of Bermuda then with luxury rooms at the Elbow Beach Club Resort? Starting at 195 USD per night, Elbow Beach Club Resort pays homage to the island and its history with low room rates running now through April 19th. At Elbow Beach Club Resort, located in Paget Parish, luxury and relaxation go hand in hand. You can take advantage of the many amenities offered, including water sports, tennis, and the newly opened spa. Or simply just thank Bermuda for its 400 years by taking in the breathtaking view of ocean and pink sand from one of Elbow Beach Club Resort's 235 rooms and suites.


Deadline Today: Win a Five-night Stay at One of Seven Raffles Hotels Worldwide

March 30, 2009
By: Mary Winston Nicklin

Raffles DubaiIn conjunction with the launch of the new Raffles.com, Raffles Hotels and Resorts is running a contest whereby the grand prize winner gets five nights in a Presidential Suite at any of the seven properties world-wide-- from Dubai (pictured) to the Grenadines. Five runners-up get a two-nights stay. What's required on your part? Share your story-- either your most enchanting experience at a Raffles hotel, or the dream experience you'd love to have. Hop to it! Deadline is today. You may just win your dream stay at any Raffles worldwide.


Get a Complimentary Night from the Regent Grand Turks and Caicos

March 27, 2009
By: Christina Vasquez

The Regent Grand Turks and CaicosWith the Easter holiday ahead and spring break season in full swing, we're receiving lots of inquiries from clients requesting that we point them in the direction of special deals in the Caribbean. Well I have great news: As of yesterday I came across a fantastic deal from The Regent Grand Turks and Caicos. Book four consecutive nights, and the hotel will give you one free night! My advice when booking this offer: Make sure you book the rate term that specifically states, "Stay 4, Pay for 3" in the rate description. The rate term must state this in order for you to receive the complimentary room night, also once the rate is confirmed you will notice that the reservation summary will indicate the total rate for all four nights, but don't fret, the hotel will adjust the last night for you upon check-out.

Special Offer from Five Star Alliance: Five Star Alliance guests at The Regent Grand receive a wine and fruit basket in their room on arrival along with the best golf rates on the island.


Shake Off Winter at Barbados’ Sunny Colony Club

March 27, 2009
By: K. Clare Johnson

Colony Club There's still time to escape the winter blues. Spring seems to be a long time coming this year, so why not take advantage of Colony Club's "Winter Blues Getaway"? From now until April 30, 2009, when you book the Barbados resort, you can save up to 30 percent off regular rates. While at the luxury resort, you can enjoy the four lagoon-style swimming pools and seven acres of tropical, palm-filled gardens. The resort is located a mere 20 minutes from Bridgetown, the capital of Barbados, so if you tire of complimentary water sports (including snorkeling, sailing, boogie boards, kayaking, windsurfing and water-skiing), there's plenty else that beckons: preferred tee time agreement with Royal Westmoreland Golf & Country Club, beauty salon, fitness center and and 2 restaurants and bars, city shopping.


Thalassotherapy Demystified

March 25, 2009
By: K. Clare Johnson

Blue Palace EloundaIf you've spent time on Five Star Alliance, you may have noticed quite a few spas that offer Thalassotherapy. So what is it? Thalassotherapy is the therapeutic use of seawater and sea air. Originally used to treat joint troubles and injuries, the properties of seawater are also believed to have beneficial effects upon the pores of the skin. Thalassotherapy was developed in seaside towns in Brittany, France during the 19th century. Trace elements of magnesium, potassium, calcium, sodium, and iodide found in seawater are believed to be absorbed through the skin. The therapy is applied in various forms, as either showers of warmed seawater, application of marine mud or of algae paste, or the inhalation of sea fog. For it to be true Thalassotherapy, the simultaneous use of sea water and sea air should be used. In various forms and treatments, Thalassotherapy can be found at Blue Palace Resort and Spa in Crete, Divani Apollon Palace And Spa in Athens, just to name a few of the many European hotels that offer the service. JW Marriott Ihilani Resort and Spa in Hawaii offers Deluxe Thalasso Therapy with Color and Essential Oils. And the The Thalasso Spa at Point Grace Resort on Providenciales is a full-service European-style Thalassotherapy spa.


Live like the Rich and Famous at Parrot Cay Resort

March 25, 2009
By: Alison Victor

Parrot Cay Resort and Shambhala Retreat HotelThis past weekend, an elite few gathered at Bruce Willis's private home on Parrot Cay Island to watch him tie the knot with model Emma Heming. While many people would love to own private home on a private island in the Caribbean, it remains a reality for very few. Fortunately, there is a great option for those of you wanting a getaway that is private, luxurious, and fit for a celebrity. On said island of Parrot Cay-- a one-thousand acre private oasis of white sands and wetlands-- lies the Parrot Cay Resort and Shambhala Retreat Hotel. The airy rooms and luxurious villas of Parrot Cay Resort stretch across the beautifully deserted beach. Guests can partake in anything from kayaking to water cruises. At the Como Shambhala, recently named "World's Best Hotel Spa" by Travel & Leisure magazine, take part in a variety of holistic therapies, including beach yoga.

You may not ever own a luxury villa in the Caribbean, but at least at Parrot Cay Resort and Shambhala Retreat Hotel, you can suspend belief for a few days.

Special Offer from Five Star Alliance: Guests who make their reservations through Five Star Alliance for Parrot Cay Resort and Shambhala Retreat Hotel will receive a one hour private yoga session for two, per room.


Luxury Values in the Caribbean: Every Other Night Free at Cap Juluca, Anguilla

March 23, 2009
By: Mary Winston Nicklin

Cap JulucaCaribbean, here we come. Forget Panama City (Florida) for Spring Break. A luxurious spring respite is within reach at one of the Caribbean's swankiest offerings: Cap Juluca Resort on the sleepy isle of Anguilla. In this picture-perfect beach paradise, the recently-renovated resort sits on the powdery sand, a romantic vision of Moorish architecture. Rooms are now equipped with comfortable new Stearns and Foster beds and Frette linens, 40" Sony Bravia HDTVs and DVD players, Bose Wave stereos with iPod docking stations, free wireless internet as well as enhanced patio furniture, new towels and new robes. Cap Juluca is offering a 2 for 1 deal (every-other-night free) for stays through April 12. The rate for two nights is now $995 double. (Note: Room taxes are still steep at 20 percent.)

Via Washington Post


Seasonal Diversion with Sofitel Hotels: Free Night, Chocolate Box, and Late Check-Out

March 20, 2009
By: Mary Winston Nicklin

Sofitel FirenzeAt last, spring has arrived. Feeling frisky? Plan an escape for two (or a family outing) and celebrate the season with a generous offer from Sofitel Hotels. With sophisticated lodgings around the globe, Sofitel charms guests with distinctive French style, savoir-faire, and refinement (and good eats, of course). Available until May 25th, 2009, the Sofitel "Seasonal Diversion" provides 1 night free when you stay 4 nights, a chocolate box and a guaranteed late check-out until 4 pm. Assuage spring fever by browsing through these swanky properties:

Sofitel MelbourneSofitel Melbourne:Stylish accommodations aren't the only thing you'll find here at this well-situated Melbourne hotel. Guests and all hotel visitors are treated to a stimulating range of exhibitions at Sofitel Melbourne, as the hotel-- a huge supporter of the city's arts community-- is famous for its temporary art exhibitions.

Sofitel Venezia:Located on the canal, this Venice hotel features luxurious accommodations furnished in XVIII century Venetian style. The "Golden Key" concierge service can organize gondola trips, book tickets for Fenice Theatre, and ensure an unforgettable stay.

Sofitel RomaSofitel Firenze:You'll find all the modern conveniences within this charming 17th century building. The hotel is ideally located opposite Via Tornabuoni's shopping thoroughfare, within a stone's throw of the major sites in the historic center, and close to the railway station.

Sofitel Brussels Europe:Elegant Brussels hotel just a short walk from the European institutions. Situated on Jourdan Place, this hotel-- known for gracious hospitality--is at the doorstep of Leopold Park, near the museums of Cinquantenaire Park and the Félix Hap garden.

Sofitel Roma Villa Borghese:Overlooking the magnificent Villa Borghese gardens, the hotel has a bar on the rooftop terrace with panoramic views of Rome. Legend has it that the Sofitel Rome Villa Borghese was the secret refuge of the Hollywood stars who thronged Rome during the years of the "Dolce Vita."

Sofitel Wanda Beijing:The new flagship Sofitel in Asia Pacific boasts striking design, elegant French cuisine, and the indulgent LeSpa. High-tech amenities abound.

Sofitel Royal AngkorSofitel Royal Angkor: Consistently rated as one of the best Siem Reap hotels, this is the place to stay when visiting Angkor Wat, the UNESCO World Heritage site in Cambodia. The large free form swimming pool is magnificent.

Sofitel Nicolas de Ovando:A palace turned luxury hotel complete with swimming pool and fitness center in the 16th century colonial quarter of Santo Domingo. The hotel's remarkable buildings include the original home of the town's founder, Governor Nicolas de Ovando.

Sofitel Rio de Janeiro:Sprawling resort complex with pools in front of the famous Copacabana Beach.