Condé Nast Traveler Gold List 2012: Le Manoir Aux Quat Saisons

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.

Le Manoir Aux Quat Saisons is featured on the Gold List 2012: Best for food. This luxury hotel is nestled in the beautiful Oxfordshire village of Great Milton in Oxford, United Kingdom, which is renowned as one of Britain’s best gastronomic experiences. This luxury hotel is recognized for its two Michelin Star modern French restaurant for 27 years. The manor only has 32 rooms creating an extremely personal and intimate setting for guests. Le Manoir Aux Quat Saisons has a 2 acre vegetable and herb garden which adds organic produce to the kitchen and allows the chefs to create phenomenal, epicurean experiences!

Make your reservations at Le Manoir Aux Quat Saisons for a culinary and luxurious journey unlike any other!

Cinematic Beaches: The Hotel Martinez Has the Best Private Beach in France?

What happens when you combine the location of perhaps the world's most famous film festival with an amazing beachfront? I could give you a bunch of illustrative analogies, but don't let me spoil the surprise. Why don't you head to the Hotel Martinez and find out for yourself? Zplage, which is both the hotel's private beach and the technical term for when your shirt gets stuck in your zipper, is one of the premiere beaches in the world. With over 400 sun lounges and a vast pontoon, you're free to enjoy the sights of the ocean and tan on the French Riviera, all without having to even dip your toes in the water unless you'd like. Dine right on the beach at the Zplage Beach Restaurant, or head indoors for a two-star Michelin experience at the Le Relais Martinez. The piano bar, heated outdoor pool, and 2500 sq ft of conference space mean that the Martinez can host whatever event you and your operating budget can dream up. It's a tragic oversight that so many people who think of France don't look past Paris because France has far more to offer. If you take a trip a little bit off the beaten path, the Hotel Martinez will make you quickly forget the way back, and you'll be so enraptured, you may even forget to return home.

Deals and Steals at the Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa in Phoenix

We at Five Star Alliance know that you, our loyal travelers, are in search of luxurious accommodations at the best prices available, so we go above and beyond to find the best promotional packages and specials to ensure you get the most from your hotel experience. We’re thrilled to introduce our newest blog series where we’ll be featuring luxury hotels that offer you more than just room-only rates. Whether you’re traveling on business or pleasure, we certainly have something for you, so be sure to check in with us often to get the inside scoop on the best deals and packages available at luxury hotels all over the world!

The Arizona Biltmore Resort and Spa in Phoenix, Arizona is known throughout the world as the ‘Jewel of the Desert,’ and it provides the perfect oasis of beautiful gardens, sparkling swimming pools, and Frank Lloyd Wright influenced architecture. It is considered one of the most spectacular resorts in the world and features 738 guestrooms including 78 one and two bedroom villas, 8 swimming pools, 7 tennis courts, an 18-hole putting course, and a full service European spa, salon, and fitness center. Check out the following packages perfect for golf lovers, foodies, and folks looking for a stress-free vacation.

Golf Package

This package is available for a variety of room types including Classic Rooms with 1 king or 2 queen beds, Resort Rooms with 1 king or 2 queen beds, 2 Bedroom Villas, Premiere Rooms with 1 king or 2 queen beds, 1 Bedroom Villas, Executive Rooms with 1 King or 2 Queen beds, and Mobility Accessible rooms with 1 king or 2 queen beds. This package includes $50 daily food and beverage resort credit and 1 round of golf per person.

Daily F & B Credit Package

This package is available for Classic Rooms with 1 king or 2 queen beds, 1 Bedroom Villas, Resort Rooms with 1 king or 2 queen beds, Premier Rooms with 1 king or 2 queen beds, 2 Bedroom Villas, and Mobility Accessible rooms with 1 king or 2 queen beds. This package includes $50 daily food and beverage resort credit and one room category upgrade if available.

All Inclusive Package

This package is available for a variety of room types and includes classic accommodations, breakfast for 2, lunch for 2, dinner for 2, 30% off spa a la carte services, and free self-parking. Offer is subject to availability. Room rate does not include tax, gratuities, or incidental charges. All offer inclusive meals are valid for up to two adults on each day of stay and include tax & gratuity with a combined daily value for two adults up to US$32 per breakfast; up to US$62 per lunch; and up to US$99 for dinners. All meals valid at hotel restaurants only and excludes in-room dining. Meal plan and spa discounts are non-transferable and can not be redeemed for cash or used for future stays. Discount of 30% on spa services is valid only for a la carte services for the duration of guest stay. Spa discount can not be used for salon services, spa/salon packages and cannot be combined with any other special offers or discounts. Advance reservations are required. This offer may not be combinable with any other offers, promotions and/or coupons. Offer is not valid for group rates or select plan codes.

Be sure to take advantage of these phenomenal packages and deals for your next visit to Phoenix, Arizona!

Condé Nast Traveler Hot List 2012: Ohla Hotel Barcelona

Conde Nast Traveler, purveyor of fine hotel reviews and travel advice, has just released its 2012 edition of the Hot List, a list of hotels that are setting the hotel world aflame with fresh designs and new concepts, or maybe just a solid new look at classic luxury. 41 reporters embedded themselves anonymously in hotels across the globe to review their targets. What results is a list of 121 hotels around the world that are so on fire they should be put on your watch list, just in case they end up burning down.

Ohla, la. The Ohla Hotel in Barcelona is looking good enough to make a slightly inappropriate reference to consuming it. Wow, I could just eat it up. Near the Plaza de Catalunya, the small 74-room boutique was built just last year, and while it's still just stretching its legs, it came out of the womb a freakishly mature adult, ready to hit the ground running. Customizability is the name of the game at the Ohla Hotel. Its 24-hour room service offers an a la carte menu for just about everything in the room. Sheets, pillows, aromas for your linens, even films and music. Yeah, you saw that right. You can select what your sheets smell like. I often make the same choice every night at home, but that's more an indication that I should stop eating take-out in bed. Take-out certainly won't be necessary at the Ohla. Just head to the Sauc restaurant which has gotten its very own gold (Michelin) star. If you want to see downtown Barcelona from a room you've made your very own, you can't do better than the Ohla Hotel.

The Grapes of Fest: Newport Beach Wine Festival May 25-27

Wine is probably the closest thing we have on earth to ambrosia, the fabled nectar of the gods. Maybe it is actually, and we're just too mortal to realize what a good thing we've stumbled upon. Well, Newport Beach is trying its hand at celebrating this luscious liquid just a few weekends from now. The Newport Beach Wine Festival is being held by the Balboa Bay Club & Resort from May 25th-27th, and you too can join in on the inebriating fun. The Grand Tasting Gala event will feature over 60 wineries, and the Balboa Bay Club & Resort are putting on everything from an Argentinian BBQ to a Master Sommelier's Wine Dinner. Check out a full brochure of the event here, and be sure to get your room before they fill up for the big celebration.  With California wine country nearby, you're sure to be tasting some of the best wines America has to offer.

Michelin Star Chef Coming to the Alila Villas Soori

The Alila Villas Soori is a beautiful hotel set beachfront in Kelating, Indonesia. It’s located along the southwest coast of Bali, on a gentle slope between rice terraces and beautiful black-sand beaches overlooking the Indian Ocean. Ths boutique has only 48 villas, and they’re perfectly positioned to enjoy panoramic ocean views and sea breezes.

On Friday, June 8th for one night only, the Alila Villas Soori will host Tom Kerridge, a renowned Michelin Star Chef coming on his first Asian tour. Tom Kerridge is the chef patron and owner at the Hand & Flowers pub in Marlow, the only two Michelin-starred pub in the entire world! As put by the Michelin editor Rebecca Burr, ‘Tom’s cooking has risen to new heights. His dishes are sophisticated yet familiar, and are a perfect match for the relaxed surroundings of his charming pub.’ Be sure to make your reservations at the Alila Villas Soori for June to experience the delectable cuisine prepared and put together by Tom Kerridge.

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!

Condé Nast Traveler Gold List 2012: Armani Hotel Dubai

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 Armani Hotel Dubai is featured on the Gold List 2012: Best for rooms. This luxury hotel soars high above downtown Dubai in the beautiful Burj Khalifa, the world’s tallest tower. This is the first hotel designed and developed by Giorgio Armani, and it reflects the pure elegance, simplicity, and comfort that define Armani’s signature style. Every detail in the hotel’s 160 luxurious rooms bears the Armani signature, from the Italian-style hospitality to stone floors to the zebrawood panels. Every guest is appointed a Lifestyle Manager to guide him/her around the hotel’s impressive facilities including a nightclub, 7 restaurants, a spa, and several boutiques.

Check rates, availability, photos and more at the Armani Hotel Dubai here!

Aleenta Phuket Launches a Secret Dinner Series

The Aleenta Phuket Phang Nga Resort and Spa in North Phuket, Thailand is proud to present the NA THALANG Ancestral Siamese Cuisine Secret Dinner series every Monday until further notice. Prepare to experience traditional and authentic dishes from the kitchen of Chef Premchit Prateap Na Thalang prepared from secret recipes passed down through 12 generations. The menu will feature distinctive southern Siamese cuisine with Chinese and Indian elements and fresh ingredients from the forests and seas of the Andaman coast. The courses will feature juice, canapés, an aperitif served at 7:00pm, and an 8-course tasting dinner served at 7:30pm.

The Aleenta Phuket is a beautiful boutique hotel with only 40 rooms and 15 suites including pool villas, ocean view lofts, and private 2 and 3 bedroom beachfront villas located steps from the beach. This luxury hotel is only 20 minutes from the Phuket International Airport and a short distance from the Blue Canyon Golf Course and the beautiful Phang Nga Bay.

Be sure to explore this simply stunning hotel and make your dinner reservations to embark on a truly authentic and once-in-a-lifetime culinary experience!

Deals and Steals at the St. Regis Grand Rome in Italy

We at Five Star Alliance know that you, our loyal travelers, are in search of luxurious accommodations at the best prices available, so we go above and beyond to find the best promotional packages and specials to ensure you get the most from your hotel experience. We’re thrilled to introduce our newest blog series where we’ll be featuring luxury hotels that offer you more than just room-only rates. Whether you’re traveling on business or pleasure, we certainly have something for you, so be sure to check in with us often to get the inside scoop on the best deals and packages available at luxury hotels all over the world!

The St. Regis Grand Rome is perfectly located in the heart of Rome within walking distance of many historic sites including the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, and Via Veneto. The Colosseum and the Piazza Navona are also located nearby, and each of the 138 guest rooms and 23 suites feature a unique identity and are beautifully decorated in Empire, Regency, and Louis XV styles.

Taste of Luxury Package

This package is available for a Superior room with 1 king bed, Deluxe room with 1 king bed, or an Imperial room with 1 king bed. It includes breakfast for 2, and the 4th night is free for travel between November 2011 and March 2013. The free night is applied upon check in. (This special package must be selected to receive the 4th night free.)

Luxury Romance Package

This package is available for a Superior room, Deluxe room, or Imperial room option with 1 king bed, and it includes daily room service breakfast for 2, beautiful flowers, and champagne upon arrival. Dive into a romantic escape with this package that’s perfect for an anniversary, birthday, or just a weekend away.

Vivendo Dinner Package

This package is perfect for the food connoisseur and it is available for either a Superior or Deluxe room. Included in this package is a buffet breakfast and a phenomenal 3 course dinner from the Grand menu at Vivendo Restaurant.

These packages and specials are based on double occupancy, subject to availability, and exclusive of tax.

Be sure to make your travel plans today to take advantage of the incredible packages and deals that await you in Rome!