New Luxury Hotels Opening in 2012: The James Royal Palm

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 James Royal Palm is opening in the fall of 2012 and it is currently accepting reservations. Featured as one of Forbes Magazine’s “top 10 most anticipated openings of 2012,” this luxury hotel is an oceanfront beach retreat topping everyone’s must-visit lists. Located in the heart of South Beach, the James Royal Palm is perfectly situated in a vibrant and energetic setting. The hotel will feature two swimming pools and cabanas, a full service spa with salt-infused treatments, two dining options, a poolside bar, and Lil James offerings for kids. Just a few steps from Ocean Drive and Lincoln Road, you will certainly have ample opportunities to wine, dine, shop, and unwind at this new luxury kid on the block, the James Royal Palm!

Your Questions Answered: Best Room Types at La Perouse in Nice, France for a Family of 6

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: Please let me know of availability and room types at Hotel La Perouse, Nice, France, for October 7th 2012 through October 14th 2012 for 3 adults and 3 children (ages 11, 7, 4).

Answer: For 3 adults and 3 children, we would suggest making a reservation for a Junior Suite and a Superior Room with either 1 double or 2 twin beds. The Junior Suite has 1 double bed and a sofabed, and it can accommodate 2 adults and 2 children, while the Superior Room can have either 2 twin beds or a double bed and can accommodate 2 adults and 1 child. (an extra bed can be added to this room upon request. Please be advised that extra charges may apply.) These room options add up to more than 6 individuals, so you would likely be able to adjust who stays in which room to fit your needs best. To make a reservation for two rooms, simply visit the this website, enter your dates of travel, and select the room type of your choice. Once you complete the first reservation, simply repeat the process to make the second room reservation. Please fill in the Special Request field of both reservations requesting that the two rooms be interconnecting or adjacent. This cannot be guaranteed but the hotel would certainly do its best to accommodate this request. To view full nightly breakdowns and to make your reservations, simply click on the hotel name link, enter your dates of travel, and select a specific room type. Please be sure to fill in the special request field of each room reservation stating the number of kids and the ages of the kids that will be staying in each room so that the hotel can properly prepare for your arrival.

Please be advised that the rates, availability, as well as any extra person charges are subject to change depending on the hotel’s policies.

The Villas of Villa d'Este in Lake Como: Villa Malakoff

Villa d'Este, the classic and opulent hotel overlooking Lake Como, is a former 16th century princely residence turned resort destination. In addition to the 152 guest rooms, the luxury hotel offers two magnificently renovated 19th Century villas within the 25-acre park. Villa Malakoff and Villa Cima are available for short term tenancies with amenities ranging from housekeeping to full hotel service. (Click the image at right to view a larger format.)

Guests are able to use all of the facilities and amenities of the hotel, while maintaining the privacy and exclusivity that their own private villa can offer.

Villa Malakoff

Built in 1860, the Villa takes its name from one of the fortresses around Sebastopol, conquered by the French General MacMahon. Standing on a small hill within the grounds of Villa d’Este, it offers splendid views of Lake Como and is where you will feel most at home. Its rooms are distributed over 3 floors and offer 300 square metres of living space (3200 sq. ft.).

The rooms are tastefully and luxuriously appointed, and the warm tones and informal ambience of this grand yet hospitable residence will immediately put you at ease.

A stay at the Villa Malakoff is truly the best of both worlds: a private home where you can enjoy discretion and privacy, yet one provided with all the amenities and creature comforts offered by the world class service of a Villa d’Este Group property. A stay at Villa Malakoff is truly a gift to yourself, a once in a lifetime experience.

More images of Villa Malakoff here>>

Read more about the second private villa at Villa d'Este - Villa Cima here >>

View availability, rates and make reservations at Villa d'Este here >>

The Villas of Villa d'Este in Lake Como: Villa Cima

Villa d'Este, the classic and opulent hotel overlooking Lake Como, is a former 16th century princely residence turned resort destination. In addition to the 152 guest rooms, the luxury hotel offers two magnificently renovated 19th Century villas within the 25-acre park. Villa Malakoff and Villa Cima are available for short term tenancies with amenities ranging from housekeeping to full hotel service. (Click the image at right to view a larger format.)

Guests are able to use all of the facilities and amenities of the hotel, while maintaining the privacy and exclusivity that their own private villa can offer.

Villa Cima

Standing on the banks of the Lake, this Villa was built on the grounds of Villa d’Este in 1814 by Caroline of Brunswick, Princess of Wales and future Queen of England, to house Count and Countess Pino, the Villa’s former proprietors.

The accommodations in this stately 650-square-metre (7,000 sq. ft.) residence are distributed over three floors. Luxurious décor is the keynote in the living room, dining room, sleeping quarters, and in the spacious, luminous kitchen.

No two rooms are exactly alike and each is filled with antiques and art. The views from the Villa’s spectacular windows are simply breathtaking and frame memories that will stay with you for a lifetime. Many subtle touches, the utmost discretion, and impeccable service are the hallmarks of the Villa d’Este Hotels.

More images of Villa Cima here>>

Read more about the second private villa at Villa d'Este - Villa Malakoff here >>

View availability, rates and make reservations at Villa d'Este here >>

Inn at Harbour Town is a Hotspot for Eco-Tours

Ecotourism has been growing in popularity with more and more luxury travelers searching for hotels that support conservation efforts and encourage socially responsible travel. Taking advantage of natural activities is a positive way to relax, unwind, and recharge your batteries while remaining active. Prepare for an exciting adventure and get ready for countless beautiful photo opportunities and a few fun facts learned along the way!

The Inn at Harbour Town in Hilton Head, South Carolina is a charming and intimate European style hotel that has 605 acres of forest preserve for exploration. Hop on a hard-bottom inflatable boat for a guided tour through Calibogue Sound. Get ready to see shore birds, sea turtles, and bottom nose dolphins, and be sure to hop off at an island beach to find beautiful shells. If you’re hoping for something a little slower paced, check out the Alligator Wine and Cheese tour. Sail away on a sunset cruise on the freshwater lakes and discover native plants and animals while sipping on complimentary wine and nibbling on complimentary cheese. Whether you’re looking for exploration, relaxation, or a little bit of both, the Inn at Harbour Town has abundant ecotourism opportunities for a range of interests.

New Luxury Hotels Opening in 2012: Palacio Nazarenas in Cuzco, Peru

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 Palacio Nazarenas is Peru’s newest luxury hotel, opening its doors in June 2012. Located in a peaceful plaza between the city’s central square, Plaza de Armas, and the lively neighborhood of San Blas, this former palace and convent has undergone extensive renovations to become one of the city’s most exclusive luxury hotels. With a boutique style, the Palacio Nazarenas offers only 55 suites each equipped with its own private bar. The hotel has a luxurious spa, the city’s first outdoor pool, and an incredible fine dining restaurant serving authentic Peruvian cuisine. Be sure to make your reservations at this stunning property to be one of the first to experience Cuzco in true luxury!

New Luxury Hotels Opening in 2012: SLS Hotel South Beach

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 SLS Hotel South Beach opened on June 14th, 2012, and this new and swanky luxury hotel is located on the beach in the heart of South Beach, Florida. A few key highlights worth exploring are the hotel’s day club and nightclub, Hyde Lounge, located on Hyde Beach as well as The Bazaar, a world-renowned restaurant by James Beard and award winning chef Jose Andres. Hyde Lounge features 8,000 square feet of pool, beach, and a mix of indoor and outdoor space. Along with its incredible lounge and restaurant, the SLS South Beach has a Philippe Stark designed Salon offering the finest pampering options for the body and soul. Be sure to check out this new hip and trendy luxury hotel for your next visit to South Beach!

Five Star Alliance Photo Submission Contest!

We love having a relationship with our luxury travelers, hearing about your adventures, and seeing your vacation photos, so we invite you to submit your favorite vacation photo to us by August 1st, 2012 to be entered to win a free iPod shuffle! Your photo can be of your favorite hotel, a beautiful sunset, a shot of you drinking out of a coconut on the beach, etc. We certainly encourage creativity and would love to see what sort of vacation destinations you enjoy. We’ll post your photo in an album on our Facebook page, and our team of luxury travelers will choose a winner based on location, quality, style, and creativity, so hook up that digital camera and submit your favorite vacation photo to us today here!

Terms and conditions: This promotion is in no way sponsored, endorsed, administered by, or associated with Facebook. You are providing information to Five Star Alliance, not Facebook. Liking or commenting on a photo on Facebook will not increase your chances of winning, but we certainly love and encourage participation! A photo must be attached to your entry to be eligible to win. The photo must be your own and free from third party copyright restrictions. Only one photo submission per person. Five Star Alliance reserves the right to delete any photos it deems inappropriate without notification. By participating in this competition, you authorize Five Star Alliance to announce your first name and use your image on our Facebook page. We will not share or sell contact details or use full names. The winner will be contacted on August 3rd, 2012 via email from an @fivestaralliance.com email address and will have seven (7) business days to respond or the prize will be forfeit.

Your Questions Answered: Best Luxury Hotels in Jamaica for a Family of 3

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: We are planning on coming to Jamaica next month. Could you let us know about availability from July 11th to July 20th 2012? We are a couple with a 7 year old daughter.

Answer: A few great luxury hotels for families in Jamaica that have availability for your dates of travel are the Round Hill Hotel and Villas as well as the Ritz Carlton Rose Hall Jamaica. The Round Hill Hotel and Villas has one bedroom and villa suites available that would be able to accommodate 2 adults and 1 child for an additional $30 per night, and the Ritz Carlton Rose Hall Jamaica has Garden View Suite with a king bed and a sofa bed that would be able to accommodate your family of 3 as well. To make a reservation at either of these room options, simply click on the hotel name, enter your dates of travel, select the room option, and fill in the booking form. Please fill in the special request field stating that you will be traveling with a 7 year old child so the hotel can properly prepare for your arrival.

Please be advised that the rates, availability, as well as the extra person charges are subject to change depending on the hotel’s policies.

Explore all of the luxury hotels in Jamaica here >>

Celebrate the Fourth of July in DC!

We can’t think of a better place to celebrate our country’s Independence Day than our nation’s capital! Take advantage of the mid-week holiday by taking an extra-long weekend to explore and take in everything DC has to offer. With 37 luxury hotels located in various parts of the city, Washington DC certainly has the perfect hotel for your individual stay. Take advantage of the free Smithsonian Folk Life Festival which celebrates unique cultures with music, food, demonstrations, and more on the National Mall as well as the patriotic programs put on at the National Archives, the National Cathedral, and the Smithsonian Museums. For more information about the happenings in Washington DC, check out washington.org. Explore the various hotel options and make your reservations in Washington DC to ensure you’re in on all the action this Fourth of July!