Refined Seasonal Eating at Relais Santa Croce's Guelfi e Ghibellini

Guelfi e Ghibellini is the restaurant located on the hotel grounds of Relais Santa Croce hotel in Florence, Italy. A perfect blend of traditional and modernity in Tuscan cuisine, the menu is seasonal and changes every three months dictated by the ingredients local markets have to offer. Guests are welcomed by a marble fireplace and black leather armchairs that create an atmosphere of sophisticated elegance, which guests can uncannily taste in their meals at Guelfi e Ghibellini. The tables are decadently laden with traditional Italian blown glassware, amongst an in-depth selection of different flavors of olive oil. The menu is also known to slightly change on a day-to-day basis, as the talented young local chefs like to enhance the menu with daily produce from local markets. As Italians are known for their artisanal craftsmanship in everything they produce, it is no surprise the same sentiment is trickled into their food. For example, all pastries are made strictly by hand in order to deconstruct the traditional and transform it into a contemporary gastronomical experience.

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Image of the Day: Amanzoe

Comprising a 38-suite resort and an Aman Spa, Amanzo'e is Amanresorts’ third Mediterranean retreat – the Greek complement to Montenegro’s Aman Sveti Stefan and Turkey’s Amanruya. Drawing its name from the Sanskrit-derived word for "peace" and zoe (pronounced zoi), the Greek word for "life," Amanzo'e is situated on a hilltop close to the quaint town of Porto Heli on the east coast of the Peloponnese. The luxury Porto Heli resort offers almost 360º panoramic sea views as well as a private Beach Club in a picturesque bay.

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The Grosvenor House Hotel in London Unveils Dedicated Nursery Suite

With over 100 luxury hotels in London, properties really have to work hard to stand out. We think that Grosvenor House has come up with a creative, thoughtful and practical solution for travelers with young children in mind. Our sister publication, Luxury Travel Advisor, recently wrote about Grosvenor House's unveiling of their dedicated nursery suite for guests.

"Grosvenor House, A JW Marriott Hotel in London, and nursery designers Dragons of Walton Street have opened the 'Suite Dreams' nursery at the hotel. Designed and tailored with a royal baby in mind (and it just so happens that one is due in July), one of Grosvenor House's Premium Park View Suites has been transformed into a quintessentially British nursery – making it the first nursery offering of its kind from a central London luxury hotel.

Inspired by the suite's views of Hyde Park and the hotel’s history, Dragons of Walton Street (which has a historic association with the Royal family) has created and installed a selection of bespoke, hand crafted and painted furniture ideal for families with small kids. The master bedroom has a sculpted scroll top cotbed, complete with a coronet and sheer voiles draped either side. Combining the practical with luxury, the bedroom also has a chaise longue with two arms making nursing easier for new mothers.

Between the bedroom and the bathroom, guests will find a practical baby changing area themed with Beatrix Potter characters, including Peter Rabbit.

The living area has a more playful London theme, with child-size furnishings and toys, including a hand-painted play table and rush-seated chairs, hand-painted for Grosvenor House. But we hear the pièce de resistance is a dolls house cupboard hand painted to represent Grosvenor House's signature architecture (the intricate artwork for this piece alone took five days to paint!). The Suite Dreams nursery also includes a Balmoral Silver Cross Pram, the original coach-built pram that, like Dragons' furniture, is handmade and hand painted in the UK. (We hear it has been the pram of choice for royalty and celebrities around the world for decades.)

Guests will be able to select from three packages that include the suite: Clarence (one night), Windsor (two nights) and Buckingham (three nights). Guests who choose the premium Buckingham package will get a full baby concierge service including: pick up from the airport, an evening of childcare, dinner for two in JW Steakhouse, spa treatments for both parents, a private consultation with one of the Dragons of Walton Street's head designers, a private tour of Buckingham Palace (date dependent) as well as a personal shopping trip at Harrods.

The 'Suite Dreams' package will be available to pre-book from May 2013 and will be officially open to the public from June."

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Peek into The May Fair Hotel's Ebony Suite

The May Fair Hotel London hosts many celebrity studded social events such as the Olivier Awards, and it is the official hotel for London’s Fashion Week. They've just announced their announced their newest suite: The Ebony Suite. Ebony's futuristic facilities and generous proportions are sure to be a hit with celebrities and non-celebrities alike. 

The one-bedroom suite features stylish dark wood, a 67 square metre lounge area, sleek kitchenette, glass dining table, 52" flat screen TV, and separate guest bathroom. Spanning an impressive 110 square metres, and with access to an adjoining King Standard Bedroom, the luxury living area spills out onto a 34 square metre terrace, complete with patio furniture and panoramic views. 

The suite can also be booked as a two-bedroom suite. When booked as a two-bedroom suite, guests can also make use of the suite's separate entrance, which doubles up as a private lobby - perfect for receiving visitors. 

The May Fair Hotel London definitely invested some technological time into the Ebony Suite bathroom. The centerpiece of the spacious shower room is an oversized temperature color-changing bathtub, elegantly positioned on a raised platform in the master bedroom and, for extra privacy, partially enclosed by Japanese-inspired paneling. 

The technologically driven bathroom is complete with a multi-lingual shower that speaks a total of 8 different languages, and a Washlet, the world’s most advanced lavatory with integrated bidet, temperature and massage functions, operated via a wall-mounted remote control panel. 

The Ebony Suite joins The May Fair's  large and diverse luxury suite collection. Lavish without being showy, dramatic without compromising on comfort and with service that's attentive yet low-key, the May Fair redefines modern luxury with playful panache. 

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Water, Water, Everywhere And Lots to Drink at Divani Appolon

In a Greek beach town not far from Athens,  you can find the epitome of luxury at the Divani Apollon Palace and Spa. This wonderful hotel is covered with a plethora of pool options and they also have a private beach. Guests can bask in the sun on the sun deck or the different water locations while soaking in the picturesque Aegean Sea. Luxury being provided in every imaginable step of the way makes it hard for anyone ever wanting to leave. Guests have praised the Divani Apollon Palace’s attention to every minute detail, which is evident as guests talk about how incredibly soft the beach towels are, to even comparing the grass on the property to walking on pillows. At night, the scene is just as beautiful, as guests are welcome to enjoy the beautiful Saronic Gulf sunset while sipping on cocktails or enjoying an unforgettable dining experience on the beach.

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Rooftop Pleasures at Divani Caravel Hotel Athens

Soak up the sun while soaking up an unforgettable view at  The Divani Caravel Hotel Athens' rooftop, located in the heart of Athens, Greece. With an unbeatable panoramic view where guests can see Greece’s most prized sites like the ancient Acropolis and Lucabettus Hill, going to the rooftop at the Divani Caravel hotel is definitely a treat! Home to many swoon-worthy amenities that would make hotel guests never want to leave, the rooftop at the Divani Caravel hotel is like a fully-equipped luxurious relaxation oasis.

Your Questions Answered: Family-Friendly Resorts in Crete

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 are some family friendly resorts in Crete, Greece for a family of 4, children ages 8 and 11 

ANSWER: There are a number of resorts that fit the bill. Here are the top 3 that we recommend:

Blue Palace Resort and Spa – Elounda Crete, Greece. 

The Blue Palace Resort and Spa offers a variety of suites where a maximum of 4 occupants can comfortably stay and they are child-friendly. 

The Deluxe Suites with Sea View and Private Pool  are luxurious bedrooms with elegant décor. In addition they offer a separate living room which leads to an oversized veranda with a corner infinity pool of 44 square meters (473 square feet). These suites can accommodate up to four guests and are 68 square meters(732 square feet).  A Corner suite has a slightly smaller private pool, impressive sea views, a veranda with sun beds and umbrella, and a separate living room. 

Island Luxury Suites with a Sea View and Private Heated Pool have amazing sea views, enlarged private heated pool of 30 square meters (322 square feet) and an outdoor patio with privacy. Two to four guests can be accommodated and they are 72 square meters (775 square feet). These suites include a spacious patio with sun beds, umbrella, separate living room, four poster bed, egg-shaped bathtub or Jacuzzi. 

At Blue Palace Resort and Spa,  guests 12 and under are considered children and sleep for free in the existing bedding of a room shared with a paying adult. (Rollaways, child rollaways and cribs may incur extra charges.)

Kids Only: The Blue Palace Resort and Spa is pleased to provide extensive children facilities and amenities. In addition to an indoor and outdoor playground and two children's swimming pools, they offer a wide range of engaging activities including theater, fishing, painting, and Greek dancing, creating fun-filled times during their stay with great memories to take home.  Baby-sitting can be arranged for the day or night upon request at a charge. The Kids Club is available only to children aged 3 to 12-years-old. 

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Elounda Gulf Villas and Suites – Crete, Greece

Stylishly designed Two Bedroom Deluxe Family Suites have an area of approximately 100-120 sqaure meteres and can accommodate up to 5 guests. All Two Bedroom Deluxe Family Suites feature two master bedrooms, spacious bathrooms and a cozy living room equipped with tea and coffee facilities. Beautiful large windows offer views to the azure sea. Tromp l' oeil hand-painted ceilings adorn the spacious marble bathrooms featuring makeup mirror, hairdryer, pool towels, soft bathrobes and slippers and luxury toiletries for a truly comfortable stay. Families can enjoy a refreshing swim at the main stunning pool of the hotel and specially designed children’s pool located only a few steps away from the suites. All Two Bedroom Deluxe Family Suites are ideal for groups of friends and relaxing family vacations.

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St. Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel and Villas – Aghios Nikolas, Greece

St. Nicholas Bay Resort Hotel and Villas offers interconnecting rooms and family suites, club suites and villas with private pool for families up to 6 persons, The St. Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel has a fully serviced private beach that has been distinguished with an EU Blue Flag rating. The protected sandy cove is ideal for kids and their parents alike. Children can enjoy a seawater paddling pool next to our large outdoor swimming pool just few steps from the sea

Penelopi  Suite: a two bedroom suite with a private pool, offers great privacy and superb seaviews from privileged location with large private swimming pool heated in colder months. The bedrooms have ensuite marbled lined bathroom with Jacuzzi, an elegant living room and spacious terrace.  

Sponsored Article: Porto Zante Villas and Spa

Contemplating a villa getaway to Greece? May we suggest a stay at Porto Zante Villas and Spa? 

Porto Zante Villas and Spa, located on a beautiful sandy beach on the island of Zakynthos, combines the privacy & space of world class luxury villas with the amenities and services of a leading five star hotel. This intimate boutique hotel is comprised of award-winning villas right on the beach, all with private heated pools. Each of the luxury villas offers privacy and splendid views of the nearby island of Kefalonia, the Peloponnese peninsula, and the endless crystal blue Ionian Sea.

Here are a few villa options:

-The One-bedroom Deluxe Spa (85 m²), located on the beachfront, has a private heated swimming pool. It is comprised of a large master bedroom with a king size bed and an open plan living area with a Kitchenette. There's also a separate additional living room with a sofa bed, and a desk with a personal computer. The large en-suite bathroom is lined with Dionysian antique marble and features a Jacuzzi bath tub and separate shower cabin with hydro-jet devices.

-Taking the family with you? Try the The Presidential Spa Villa, also located on the beachfront. This 2-Bedroom luxury villa (170 m²)  has panoramic glass doors that lead out to a private deck which has direct access to a private swimming pool and a beautifully landscaped garden with sun beds, teak garden furniture, and dining area. This luxury villa consists of an entrance hall, two master bedrooms with king size beds, two en-suite marble lined bathrooms featuring a Jacuzzi bath tub and separate shower cabin with hydro-jet devices, walk-in dressing rooms, a luxuriously decorated living & dining area, a desk with a PC, and a small kitchen.

-Taking all your friends with you? Consider the Imperial Spa Villa, which sleeps 8-12 people.  It's perfect for those who want to rent a private estate with its own private area on the beach and large tropical gardens. The Imperial Spa Villa, offers a private area on the beach with personal sun beds & umbrella. It is a 4-Bedroom luxury villa (420 m²) with a private heated swimming pool and an outdoor Spa pool. The villa’s private estate entrance & gated back yard  makes for the ultimate in privacy & security. This luxury villa consists of an entrance hall, four master bedrooms with king size beds, four en-suite antique Dionysian marble lined bathrooms featuring a Jacuzzi bath tub and separate shower cabins with hydro-jet devices, large walk-in dressing rooms, a luxuriously decorated living & dining area with a fireplace, a desk with a PC, and a large fully equipped kitchen.

Guests at Porto Zante Villas experience an exceptional level of personal service, away from the stress of large impersonal hotels.  If the private pools and beaches aren't enough, guests can choose from a number of activities during their stay, from scuba diving & snorkeling to a spa treatment and private in-villa dining. 

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Claridge's Says So Long to Gordon Ramsay

Come June, London luxury hotel Claridge's will say so long to Gordon Ramsay's iconic restaurant after a long-term relationship. According to the Financial News, the hotel has said "the time has come...for a new dining direction for Claridge's." The restaurant was part of the first wave of celebrity chef-helmed restaurants,  and was a big hit when it opened in 2001.  Recent days have seen a decline, with the restaurant losing its Michelin Star in 2010. 

But don't worry about Gordon. The explosive host of Hell's Kitchen still has 26 restaurants world-wide.

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Grand Hotel Tremezzo Opens for the Season

Five Star Alliance's sister publication, Luxury Travel Advisor, recently wrote an article about Grand Hotel Tremezzo's season opening:  

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