The Luxury Hotel Insider: Exclusive luxury hotel deals, features and special rates from the luxury hotel experts at Five Star Alliance. Last-Minute Weekend Escape to Costa Rica at JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort
September 29, 2010
By: Mary Winston Nicklin
Back to the grind after a perfect summer filled with weekend beach getaways... Maybe you're lusting for an exotic tropical escape to recharge the batteries- close to home, that won't break the bank. How about Costa Rica in the off-season? JW Marriott Guanacaste-- situated on Mansita beach near Tamarindo and home to a world-class spa and golf course-- has some last-minute weekend deals in October. Take in the sunset over the Pacific while sipping a cool cocktail by the pool, then tuck into a delicious dinner at one of four restaurants. Retire to your spacious bedroom, equipped with a furnished private balcony or terrace, to luxuriate in style. Nightly rates are available from $195 for a two-night stay on October 15-17 and October 22-24, 2010. Limited availability so act fast!
Related Article:
Family Escape to Costa Rica: Special at JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort
Ponta dos Ganchos, Brazil: A Romantic Candle-lit Dinner on a Private Island
September 24, 2010
By: Mary Winston Nicklin
Another reason to love the sexy beach resort on Brazil's southern coast near Florianopolis: an exclusive dinner experience available nightly for one lucky couple. Tuck into sophisticated Brazilian specialties over candlelight, surrounded by the lush vegetation of the inhabited private island just offshore from the resort's main beach. The shore is lit with torches, and the only soundtrack is the lapping of waves against the sand. A private butler attends to your every whim. Reservations are strongly recommended.
Related Article:
Best of Brazil: Ponta dos Ganchos Exclusive Resort, Emerald Coast
The World’s Best Up and Coming Hotels
August 5, 2010
By: Mary Winston Nicklin
In its August 2010 issue, Travel + Leisure highlights "20 to Watch: 2010's Best Up-and-Coming Hotels," many of which can be found in the Five Star Alliance collection. Predicting "the next hottest hotels around the globe," Travel + Leisure scoured the globe "to pick out this year's new and refurbished, expanding, or otherwise evolving hotels." What the magazine's editors found: domestic hotels are raising the bar, with fantastic luxury hotels in the United States and Canada. So without further ado, here's the list:
Algodon Mansion, Buenos AiresAmangiri, Utah
Aria Resort & Casino, Las Vegas
Jumby Bay, A Rosewood Resort, Antigua
The Pierre New York, A Taj Hotel
Radisson Blu Le Metropolitan, Paris
Ritz-Carlton Reserve Phulay Bay, Krabi, Thailand
Town Hall Hotel & Apartments, London
Trident, Bandra Kurla, Mumbai, India
Veranda Resort, Turks & Caicos
Verdura Golf & Spa Resort, Sicily
W Retreat & Spa, Vieques Island
Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa, Australia
Destination Spa: The Ranch at Live Oak Malibu , Malibu, California
Ski Chile’s Snow-Capped Slopes with the San Cristobal Tower, Santiago
June 30, 2010
By: Mary Winston Nicklin
It may be hot and humid in the Northern Hemisphere, but cold weather-addicts can still get their winter fix by high-tailing it down south of the equator. Winter is in full swing in the Southern Hemisphere, and the snow-capped peaks of the Andes, just 30 miles from Chile's capital city of Santiago, beckon adrenaline hounds hoping to get some action on the powder. Lucky you- San Cristobal Tower-- a sumptuous urban resort and member of Starwood's Luxury Collection-- has organized a package so that you can discover Chile's world-class ski centers. Considered the most easily accessible skiing in all of South America because of their proximity to Santiago International Airport, the triumvirate of ski resorts (La Parva, Valle Nevado and El Colorado) offer some stunning terrain with some 40 lifts between them. With the San Cristobal Tower's ski experience, you'll enjoy accommodations in a Grand Deluxe Double Room and a day of skiing for two at one of the three above-mentioned resorts including round-trip transfers, equipment rentals, and lift tickets. You'll also get 500 Bonus Starpoints, buffet breakfast, admission to the health club, a bottle of Chilean wine in-room, and late check-out at 4 pm. Starting from $439, available until September 30, 2010.
The World’s Hottest New Hotels: Travel + Leisure’s New “It List 2010″
May 11, 2010
By: Mary Winston Nicklin
It's our favorite time of year. Travel + Leisure has released their "It List 2010" of the 45 best new hotels in the world. The mag's esteemed editors have hand-picked the year's most exciting hotel debuts, to be revealed in the June issue which hits newsstands this month. What's especially cool to see: ten of the properties have room rates of less than $300 per night. Can't wait til May 21st to see the list? We've got the skinny:
UNITED STATES
+ Bardessono, Yountville, California
+ St. Regis Princeville, Kauai, Hawaii
+ Ranch at Rock Creek, Philipsburg, Montana
+ Andaz Wall Street, New York, New York*
+ Crosby Street Hotel, New York, New York
+ Amangiri, Canyon Point, Utah
+ Waldorf Astoria, Park City, Utah
THE CARIBBEAN , MEXICO, AND CENTRAL AND SOUTH AMERICA
+ Viceroy Anguilla, Barnes Bay, Anguilla
+ Gansevoort, Providenciales, Turks & Caicos
+ W Santiago, Santiago, Chile*
+ Tcherassi Hotel & Spa, Cartagena, Colombia
+ Banyan Tree Cabo Marqués, Acapulco, Mexico
+ Hotel Boca Chica, Acapulco, Mexico*
+ Las Alcobas, Mexico City, Mexico
EUROPE
+ Lime Wood, Hampshire, England*
+ Dean Street Townhouse, London, England*
+ InterContinental Paris Avenue Marceau, Paris, France
+ La Réserve Ramatuelle, Ramatuelle, France
+ Heidelberg Suites, Heidelberg, Germany
+ Il Salviatino, Fiesole, Italy
+ Maison Moschino, Milan, Italy
+ Verdura Golf & Spa Resort, Sciacca, Italy
+ Palazzina Grassi, Venice, Italy
+ Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona, Spain
+ Hotel Consolaciόn, Teruel, Spain*
+ Argos in Cappadocia, Uchisar, Turkey*
ASIA
+ Amanfayun, Hangzhou, China
+ Upper House, Hong Kong, China
+ Peninsula Shanghai, Shanghai, China*
+ PuLi Hotel & Spa, Shanghai, China
+ Serai Jaisalmer, Jaisalmer, India
+ Raas, Jodhpur, India*
+ Alila Villas Uluwatu, Bali, Indonesia
+ Shangri-La Boracay Resort & Spa, Boracay, Philippines
+ Capella Singapore, Sentosa Island, Singapore
+ Langham Place Samui at Lamai Beach, Koh Samui, Thailand*
+ Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Krabi, Thailand
AFRICA, MIDDLE EAST, AUSTRALIA
+ Mamilla Hotel, Jerusalem, Israel
+ Evason Ma’In Hot Springs & Six Senses Spa, Ma’in, Jordan
+ Le Gray, Beirut, Lebanon
+ Four Seasons Resort Seychelles, Mahé, Seychelles
+ One&Only Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
+ Taj Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa
+ Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
+ Wolgan Valley Resort & Spa, Lithgow, Australia
*Property has starting room rates of $300/night, double, or less.
We List the World’s Best Restaurants
May 10, 2010
By: Ruthanne Terrero
The S.Pellegrino World’s 50 Best Restaurants 2010 is the result of an extensive poll of the world’s most celebrated chefs, renowned food critics, leading restaurateurs and well-traveled gourmands – collectively known as The World’s 50 Best Restaurants Academy...
1. Noma, Denmark
+45 3296 3297
2. El Bulli, Spain
+ 34 972 150 457
3. The Fat Duck, UK
+44 (0) 1628 580 333
4. El Celler de Can Roca, Spain
+34 972 22 21 57
5. Mugaritz, Spain
+34 943 522 455
6. Osteria Francescana, Italy
+39 (0)59 210 118
http://www.osteriafrancescana.it
7. Alinea, USA
+1 312-867-0110
http://www.alinea-restaurant.com
8. Daniel, USA
+1 212 288 0033
9. Arzak, Spain
+34 943 78456
10. Per Se, United States
+1212 823 9335
11. Le Chateaubriand, France
+33 (0)1 43574595
12. La Colombe, South Africa
+ 27 (0) 21 794 2390
http://www.constantia-uitsig.com
13. Pierre Gagnaire, France
+ 33 01 58 36 12 50
http://www.pierre-gagnaire.com
14. Hotel de Ville Switzerland
+41 21 634 0505
15. Le Bernardin, USA
+1 212 554 1515
16. L’Astrance, France
+33 1 40 50 84 40
http://www.lastrance.abemadi.com
17. Hof van Cleve, Belgium
+32 (0) 9 383 5848
18. D.O.M., Brazil
+55 11 3088 0761
19. Oud Sluis, Holland
+31 (0) 117-461269
20. Le Calandre, Italy
+39 049 630303
21. Steirereck, Austria
+43 (1) 713 31 68
http://www.steirereck.at/wien restaurant
22. Vendome, Germany
+49 (0) 22 04 42 1941
http://www.schlossbensberg.com
23. Chez Dominique, Finland
+ 358 9 612 7393
24. Les Créations de Narisawa, Japan
+81 (3) 5785 0799
http://www.narisawa-yoshihiro.com
25. Mathias Dahlgren, Sweden
+46 (0) 8 679 35 84
http://www.mathiasdahlgren.com
26. Momofuku Ssam Bar, USA
+1 212 254-3500
27. Quay, Australia
+ 61 (2) 9251 5600
28. Iggy’s, Singapore
+65 6732 2234
29. L’Atelier de Joel Robuchon, France
+33 1 42 225656
30. Schloss Schauenstein, Switzerland
+41 81 632 10 80
31. Le Quartier Francais, South Africa
+27 21 876 2151
32. The French Laundry, USA
+1 707 944 2380
33. Martin Berasategui, Spain
+34 943 366 471
http://www.martinberasategui.com
34. Aqua, Germany
+49 5361 606056
http://www.restaurant-aqua.com
35. Combal Zero, Italy
+39 011 9565225
36. Dal Pescatore, Italy
+39 (0)37 672 3001
37. De Librije, Netherlands
+31 (0)38 4212083
38. Tetsuya’s, Australia
+61 (2)9267 2900
39. Jaan par Andre, Singapore
+65 6338 8585
http://www.swissotel.com/singapore-stamford
40. Il Canto, Italy
+39 (0)577 28 81 80
http://www.certosadimaggiano.com
41. Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athenee, France
+33 1 53 67 66 65
http://www.plaza-athenee-paris.com
42. Oaxen Krog, Sweden
+46 8 8 551 531 05
43. St John, UK
+44 020 7251 0848
http://www.stjohnrestaurant.com
44. La Maison Troisgros, France
+33 4 77 71 66 97
45. wd~50, USA
+1 212 477 2900
46. Biko, Mexico
+52 55 5282 0722
47. Die Schwarzwaldstube, Germany
+49 7442 4926
48. Nihonryori RyuGin, Japan
+81 3 3423 8006
http://www.nihonryori-ryugin.com
49. Hibiscus, UK
+44 020 7629 2999
http://www.hibiscusrestaurant.co.uk
50. Eleven Madison Park, USA
+1 212 889 090
http://www.elevenmadisonpark.com
By: Ruthanne Terrero
The World’s Top Hotel Bars
April 27, 2010
By: Mary Winston Nicklin
Who doesn't love hotel bars? These days they've become destinations in their own right. And present some of the finest opportunities for savoring the local nightlife-- from Tokyo's New York Bar (showcased in the film Lost in Translation) to London's chic Artesian Bar at The Langham (beautifully designed by David Collins Studio). A recent "Top 10" list in Bon Appetit touches on one of our favorite subjects. The magazine picks just 10 spots "offering memorable combinations of sublime cocktails, lovely views, and storied pasts." On the list? Lobby Bar at Alvear Palace Hotel in Buenos Aires, Bar Dos Descasados at Hotel Santa Teresa in Rio, M Bar at Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong, Coburg Bar at The Connaught in London, Bar Hemingway at the Ritz Paris, The Bar at Four Seasons Hotel Gresham Palace in Budapest, Hassler Bar at Hotel Hassler Roma, New York Bar at the Park Hyatt Tokyo, O2 Lounge at The Ritz-Carlton, Moscow and Bascule Whisky, Wine & Cocktail Bar at Cape Grace in Cape Town. For the full article, click here.
The World’s Hottest Hotels: Where to Stay Now
April 12, 2010
By: Mary Winston Nicklin
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...
What’s Hot in Buenos Aires: Algodon Mansion, a New Wine Hotel
April 1, 2010
By: Mary Winston Nicklin
There's a new luxury boutique hotel on the scene in B.A. that's "perfect for wine aficionados." And we can see why. The folks behind the new Algodon Mansion are the Algodon Wine Estates & Champions Club, the 2,050-acre vineyard estate in the heart of Malbec wine country, aka "the Napa Valley of Argentina." There's a lot to love here at 1647 Montevideo Street in the elegant Recoleta quarter: personal butlers on call any hour of the day (or night), a Cognac Bar with hand-crafted cigars, a complimentary massage for each and every guest, a rooftop pool that's "an oasis in the sky." Did we mention the 95° Spa featuring Vine Therapy, a relaxation technique using organic products procured from the vineyards of Algodon Wine Estates? Housed in a French-style mansion dating from 1912, the Algodon Mansion offers 10 opulent suites with in-room wine bars.
Family Escape to Costa Rica: Special at JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort
March 29, 2010
By: Mary Winston Nicklin
Take the kids on an adventure to Costa Rica. Discover unspoiled beaches surrounded by pristine nature where the whole fam can go for hikes, partake in ecological activities, and spy some exotic wildlife. Smack dab on the Pacific oceanfront in Guanacaste, the JW Marriott offers treasure hunts and kite-making for pint-sized guests, while their parents lounge by the pool (or secluded beach), sip tropical cocktails at sunset, or luxuriate in the spa. There's even an equestrian center and championship golf available. The 310 guest rooms feature furnished balconies with to-die-for views over the pool and the serene Pacific. The Family Escape package provides the fun after an activity-filled day; relax with a movie, pizza, and cookies with milk in your room. Priced from $269 per night and available through December 19, 2010, the package also includes accommodations in a deluxe garden view room and daily buffet breakfast.
Related Articles: Up Close: The New JW Marriott Guanacaste Resort and Spa, Costa Rica
