Treat Mom to a Day at the Spa for Mother’s Day

Mother’s Day is just around the corner, and we can’t think of a better way to show your appreciation for everything mom does than by giving her the gift of luxury and relaxation. The Lodge at Woodloch in Hawley, Pennsylvania features only 58 rooms, and a 15 acre private lake for rowboating, kayaking, and fishing. Check out the packages available to treat mom on her special day!

All packages include lavish accommodations, 3 meals daily, inspiring creative arts, scheduled group fitness classes, chef’s cooking demonstrations, selected guided group adventure excursions, and health and fitness amenities such as pool, hydro massage waterfalls, indoor and outdoor Jacuzzis, steam rooms, saunas, and a state-of-the-art 3,000 square foot cardio weight studio.

Make your reservations for mom today and give her the perfect gift this Mother’s Day!

Romantic Getaway Ideas: The Regent Palms

Whether you’re planning a wedding, honeymoon, or simply a lovely weekend with your loved one, we certainly have a few romantic getaway ideas for you to consider. With over 3,000 luxury hotels on our site, we have something for everyone. So whether you’re searching for an all-inclusive resort, an exciting hotel with outdoor activities, or a snowy paradise, we have you covered. Check in with our blog series for ideas and inspiration on where to ignite your passion next!

Today’s feature is The Regent Palms. This beautiful luxury resort is located less than 600 miles southeast of Miami on the stunning islands of Turks and Caicos. The Regent Palms lies amidst 12 acres of gardens and on the edge of the 12 mile Grace Bay Beach and has 164 rooms and 72 one, two, and three bedroom suites available. Its 26,000 square foot spa has been updated and now offers a new treatment menu, newly introduced product lines, and a soft renovation of the treatment rooms. This phenomenal property was voted #1 Best Beach in the World by TripAdvisor, and it has received the ‘Hotel of the Year’ award from the Turks and Caicos Hotel and Tourism Association for the second year. The fine dining restaurant, Parallel23 tied for the ‘Restaurant of the Year.’ With all of these impressive awards, recognitions, and upgrades, the Regent Palms is certainly a phenomenal option for a romantic retreat!

Check in with us often to explore other luxury hotel recommendations perfect for a romantic escape!

Super Luxury Awaits at the Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve

The Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is set on the shore of the Andaman Sea, and it is a hideaway 54 villa boutique hotel that takes luxury to a new level. The Phulay Bay offers its guests the best of all worlds, with stunning views of the towering limestone karsts, sandy beaches, and a national forest with hidden waterfalls. The Phulay Bay is all about enlivening the senses and providing guests with an enriching experience. Prepare to be stimulated by the resort’s own scent, signature drink, traditional Thai music, and stunning scenery both inside the suites and around the resort. Its phenomenal villas offer stunning ocean views, private plunge pools, walk-in closets, cathedral-like bathrooms, and sheltered outdoor baths and showers set among indigenous flora allowing guests to detach from the world. What sets this hotel apart is its exemplary customer service. From arranging a meditation class in a local monastery to elephant trekking to a remote picnic spot, the staff at the Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is willing to assist you in all of your arrangements to make your visit to Thailand simply unforgettable!

Condé Nast Traveler Gold List 2012: The Peninsula Hong Kong

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 Peninsula Hong Kong in Kowloon, Hong Kong is featured on the Gold List 2012: Best for location. This luxury hotel has been regarded as one of the finest hotels in the world. Built during the 1920s, the Peninsula Hong Kong continues to set the standard worldwide and combines the best of Eastern and Western hospitality in an atmosphere of timeless elegance. It’s perfectly situated on the central tip of Kowloon Peninsula, in the heart of Kowloon’s business, shopping, and entertainment areas. The Peninsula Hong Kong enables guests to travel to the central district on Hong Kong Island is less than 10 minutes, and certain rooms offer breathtaking, panoramic views of the city skyline and the Harbour.

A must-try experience: The spa package at the Peninsula Hong Kong #travel #luxury - ht.ly/acNY6

— Penne Cole (@pennecole) April 11, 2012

Hotels with a History: Keswick Hall at Monticello

Certain hotels have a story behind them, a culture that seeps through the walls and a personality that emanates from every room. Every city has an appreciated and valued history worth exploring, and certain hotels have become a part of that rich and interesting past. For this reason, we’d like to introduce you to our blog series, Hotels with a History where we’ll be featuring unique hotels that have a little more to them than a comfortable bed and superb amenities.

This landmark estate is framed by the Blue Ridge Mountains and offers 600 acres in the heart of Keswick, Virginia. No other place combines the equestrian lifestyle, wine making, and American history together quite like this luxury hotel. Keswick Hall is a beautiful mansion surrounded by the most beautiful scenery and home to horse races, hunts, and vineyards. It has its very own Arnold Palmer Signature 18-hole golf course and a lavish spa. Enjoy the plethora of activities available on site or nearby including swimming, fly fishing, hiking, horseback riding, winery tours, with the list going on and on! Located a short drive from Washington DC, make your reservations for a weekend escape from the hustle and bustle and learn the true meaning of rest and relaxation at the Keswick Hall at Monticello!

Win Free Nights at the Carlyle or the 41 Hotel!

In case you missed your first chance to be entered to win 3 free nights at the 41 Hotel in London or 2 free nights at the Carlyle, a Rosewood Hotel in New York City, then fear not, because we have a new promotion going on just for you! Simply sign up for our free monthly newsletter, the Informed Traveler, by April 15th, 2012 to automatically be entered to win. The Informed Traveler features articles on the finest luxury hotels worldwide, special offers, and the latest luxury travel news. You love staying at luxury hotels, and we love writing about them, so sign up today and receive the inside scoop on luxury travel, and be entered to win 2 free nights at the Carlyle, a Rosewood Hotel or 3 free nights at the 41 Hotel! Click here for more details about this promotion, and click here to sign up for the Informed Traveler!  Be sure to check out our Facebook page to view images of both hotels and much more!

Terms and conditions: The prize is subject to availability and the winner may choose either hotel as the prize. (No being selfish here, you gotta pick just one!) No purchase necessary. Contest is open to participants who are at least 18 years old at time of entry. Flights and travel visas are not included, and the prize is based on double occupancy (leave your entourage at home). The prize at the Carlyle entitles the bearer to 1 complimentary Deluxe Room (including tax) for 2 people for 2 nights. All other expenses (food, beverages, service charges) will be charged to the holder’s account. This prize expires on July 31, 2012 and is subject to availability. The Carlyle certificate may be used from July 1, 2012 to July 31, 2012. The prize at the 41 Hotel entitles the bearer to 1 complimentary King Bed Room, including full English breakfast. All other expenses (food, beverages, service charges) to be settled upon departure. The prize is valid until June 30, 2012, and some blackout dates may apply. Additional terms and conditions may apply. Competition closing date is April 15, 2012. Winner will be notified via email and will have 48 hours from notification to respond or the prize will be forfeit. Maybe void in certain locations.

Love the Hunger Games? Then Be Sure to Visit Asheville!

The big hit movie the Hunger Games was filmed in Asheville, North Carolina, and this southern town is certainly drawing in quite the crowd because of it! The town of Asheville has two 5-star hotels properties and one 4-star hotel. Read on below to explore these luxury hotel options and choose the one that is most suitable for you and your Hunger Games needs!

The Grove Park Inn Resort and Spa

This is one of the most popular hotels on our site, and it is one of the South’s best loved resorts. It offers beautiful views of the Blue Ridge Mountains, and it overlooks the city of Asheville. The property has a 40,000 square foot spa, a restored golf course, tennis courts, indoor and outdoor pools, child programs, and much more.

Grand Bohemian Hotel Asheville Autograph Collection

This boutique hotel is located in the famous Biltmore Village, and it’s set among the beautiful Blue Ridge Mountains. Its 104 rooms and suites have personal touches including stone flooring and custom bedding. This hotel has a fine dining restaurant, spa, lounge, and art gallery all easily accessible and readily available. Experience the elegance of the Old World at this charming and rustic boutique hotel.

Biltmore Village Inn

This 4-star hotel is located on top of Reed Hill, above Biltmore Village. It offers a 360 degree view of the mountains and overlooks the Village and Swannanoa River Valley. This charming, small boutique hotel only has 7 rooms in 2 buildings, so you can expect an extremely personal stay.

Explore these hotel options and be sure to visit the beautiful town of Asheville to get an even more personal connection to the Hunger Games!

Condé Nast Traveler Gold List 2012: The Wickaninnish Inn

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 Wickaninnish Inn in Tofino, Canada is featured on the Gold List 2012: Best for leisure facilities. This luxury hotel is located on Vancouver Island’s beautiful west coast, on a rocky promontory, surrounded by ocean on three sides. Each of its 46 guest rooms and suites provide ocean and beach views, soaking tubs, fireplaces, and private balconies. This beautiful boutique hotel offers a mix of sandy beaches and old growth forests, providing its guests with almost too many things to do! Take advantage of the fishing, whale watching, golfing, hiking, scuba diving, shopping, and a whole lot more. This is a year-round resort where you can witness a beautiful snowfall, a hot summer day, and everything in between. Be sure to explore the photos and room options at the Wickaninnish Inn for a scenic and exciting escape from the norm.

New Luxury Hotels Opening in 2012: Fairmont Grand Hotel Kyiv

We at Five Star Alliance are all about the best and most luxurious hotels. We certainly keep up with the happenings in the luxury travel world and take pride in bringing our clients the latest luxury travel news. Keep up with our newest blog series where we’ll be featuring luxury hotels opening in 2012 to stay on top of the trends and make your reservations at the newest hotspots.

The Fairmont Grand Hotel Kyiv has just opened in Ukraine’s capital, just in time for the Euro Cup 2012! This brand new luxury hotel is the first Fairmont in Eastern Europe, and it will mark the 4th luxury hotel in the beautiful city of Kiev. It features 248 luxurious guest rooms including Royal and Presidential suites, each beautifully decorated and equipped with magnificent amenities. Many rooms offer stunning views of the Dnipro River, and it’s located in the heart of the city center, within walking distance from the Golden Gate and the St. Sophia Cathedral. Be sure to make your reservations for this beautiful new property and experience one of the most vibrant and phenomenal cities in all of Europe!

Hotels with an Incredible View! Athens, Greece

We understand that an incredible view is of utmost importance to luxury travelers. After a day of exploring a new city, there’s nothing more enjoyable then returning to your luxurious accommodations and taking in the miraculous view before calling it a day. For others, there simply is no time to enjoy everything a city has to offer, and the only exploration one has time for is to take in the view from the hotel. We’d like to introduce you to our new blog series, which will be featuring incredible hotels with incredible views! Whatever your travel reasons or however much time you have to enjoy your trip, we hope you leave thinking wow what a view!

Our feature hotel is King George Palace in Athens, Greece. It has been distinguished as the best hotel in Greece and it has been called home by Kings, Presidents, and travelers since the 1930s. This unique boutique hotel has 102 rooms and 22 suites, each gracefully designed with classical and modern concepts in mind. King George Palace is located on Constitution Square, within steps from of the Greek Parliament and near the historical city center. The most stunning feature of this hotel is certainly the views it offers. Some of the rooms offer breathtaking views of the Acropolis, and the rooftop restaurant, the Tudor features remarkable views of the Acropolis and the city of Athens. Check out this phenomenal hotel and get to have your breath taken away!

Be sure to keep up with our blog series to discover various luxury hotels all over the world with the best views!