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LUXURY HOTEL INSIDER
 
FSA LogoThe Luxury Hotel Insider: Exclusive luxury hotel deals, features and special rates from the luxury hotel experts at Five Star Alliance. 
 
Named one of Tripbase's Best Luxury Travel Blogs for 2011, below are Five Star Alliance's newest articles featuring exclusive information on luxury hotels worldwide including special offers and deals at the world's best hotels.

Expolore a First Class Suite with Emirates A380 (including a shower!)

August 29, 2012
By: Courtney W. May

Youtube user Volterrific was able to experience the Emirates Airlines A380 First Class Suites on a flight from Bangkok to Hong Kong.

Included in his experience? An onboard marble shower spa plus his suite offered a sliding door to his seat/suite, a fully flat bed with a mattress, a personal mini-bar, adjustable ambient lighting, and its own vanity table, mirror, wardrobe.

Watch the video below to see his experience:


Around the World by Private Jet with Four Seasons Hotels

September 27, 2011
By: Mary Winston Nicklin

Four Seasons Bali Jimbaran BayLeave it to Four Seasons to put together the ultimate globe-trotting adventure: Around the World by Private Jet. Departing from Los Angeles on October 29, 2012, this 22-day adventure will hit up Four Seasons destinations in Hawaii, French Polynesia, Australia, Bali, Indonesia, Thailand, India, Egypt and the UK. Just 78 guest will be whisked away on a specially-outfitted Boeing 757 provided by TCS & Starquest Expeditions. (Jetsetters will feel right at home in the VIP seats, attended to by a Four Seasons concierge, and debriefed on destinations by onboard experts in art history, cuisine, and more.) On the ground, personalized itineraries will include local specialties, behind-the-scenes tours, and off-the-beaten path treasures. Here are a few of the highlights of this three-week trip:

Two of the world’s most active volcanoes in Hawai’i, the vibrant coral gardens of the South Pacific, Sydney’s iconic buildings and scenic gorges, the mystical allure of Ayers Rock, Bali’s Goa Gajah (Elephant Cave) and Yeh Pulu temples, Thai cooking classes in Chiang Mai, Agra’s Taj Mahal, Mumbai’s Mani Bhavan Gandhi Museum, and a private, lantern-lit dinner amid the pyramids of Gîza.

Pictured: Four Seasons Bali Jimbaran Bay.


Behind the Scenes, All Access Pass to Qatar Airways

September 26, 2011
By: Oksana Balytsky

Qatar Airways hosted a media reception at Dulles International Airport in Washington, D.C. on Wednesday, September 21, 2011. With the opportunity to attend the event, I thought you, our luxurious travelers might like an inside look into this luxury hotel in the sky!

Qatar Airways has earned the reputation of offering a luxurious experience the moment you set foot on the plane, but for us, the special treatment began the moment we arrived. Our evening started with champagne and hors d’oeuvres being served at Qatar Airway’s downtown office. Afterwards, we proceeded to Dulles Airport, aboard a Reston’s Limo Bus, giving everyone on board a flashback to senior prom. Upon arrival, we were taken on a tour of the airport and got a quick rundown of how the control tower manages incoming and outgoing flights.

We then proceeded to the best part of the evening, an on-the-ground tour of a Boeing 777. The sheer size of the plane was breathtaking, and it made you wonder for a second how a machine of that magnitude can fly. Our tour continued onto the aircraft, which had two business classes, accommodating 42 seats total. The plush, crimson chairs recline fully, and the pristine flight attendants pride themselves on providing five-star service. Qatar Airways prides itself on delivering individual service and catering to every passenger on board. There is no designated meal time; at any point during your flight you can enjoy anything off the unlimited menu that offers indulgences such as zucchini soup, salmon, and even ice cream. And by unlimited, they really mean unlimited. If you want eight servings of ice cream, you are more than welcome to it.

Our evening ended with an incredible dinner, and at that point it was quite clear why Skytrax voted Quatar Airways Airline of the Year in 2011. Qatar Airways flies to over 100 destinations, and since it is at the forefront of the luxury travel industry, it’s bound to meet and exceed your expectations.

Bottom Line: For your next trip to a 5-star resort, consider flying with the leader in luxury, Qatar Airways.

(Photo via Qatar Airways)


Kids Fly Free in August on the World's Best Airline

July 25, 2011
By: Five Star Alliance

Kids Fly For Less on Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways was recently named ”Airline of the Year” by Skytrax at the annual World Airline Awards 2011 for outstanding inflight product and operational excellence. Fly onboard one of the worlds youngest and most modern fleets to an ever-expanding global network of over 100 destinations.

And this August, fly Qatar Airways to selected destinations and pay only taxes and surcharges for up to two kids. Enjoy a family holiday to some of the most exciting destinations the world has to offer, including Abu Dhabi, Dubai and Doha.

Get all the information here >> http://www.qatarairways.com/global/en/special-offers/kids-fly-for-less.html


Qatar Airways Business Class Luxury

June 15, 2011
By: Five Star Alliance

Did you know that Qatar Airways is a global airline with over 100 destinations worldwide?

Qatar Airways Business Class

Qatar Airways Business Class sets the standard for onboard comfort and space. Here's why it was awarded World's Leading Business Class at the 16th World Travel Awards 2009.

The 180 degree flat-bed seats come with foot rests, 8 in-seat massage settings, and an in-seat power supply* to charge all your electronics. Need to put the finishing touches on a Powerpoint presentation or business proposal? You'll have no problem getting your work done in this environment. And when it comes time to relax, you'll find touch-screen inflight entertainment, 15.4” monitors, and, over 770 audio and visual options. Best of all: you'll arrive at your destination fresh and ready to go.

 *Available on selected routes only. Not available to Europe and Africa. Click here to learn more about our fleet.

The meals are memorable too. As a premium passenger, you will be treated to five-star dining at 35,000 feet with delicacies including foie gras, caviar, and smoked salmon. Complement your meal with a wide selection of fine wines and champagnes, plus select vintages exclusive to Qatar Airways. You'll also taste regional specialties, as Qatar Airways chooses the menu based on the direction of travel. For example, the Osaka to Doha route in Business Class has all kinds of Japanese delights. The Late Evening Indulgence features a sushi plate, seafood soba noodles soup, and wagyu beef sukiyaki in addition to the smoked center-cut salmon; foie gras with mushroom & chive salad; classic arabic mezze; donatello's azuki and green tea ice creams; sliced fresh fruit; cheese plate of farmhouse cheddar, brie de meaux and fourme d'ambert. The Japanese Breakfast offers grilled balloon fish; braised dried tofu, egg roll simmered shitake; poached egg with miso simmered spinach and carrot; steamed rice; miso soup; yaki nori seaweed; muskmelon & fresh fruit; forest berries in mountain yoghurt; and a selection of Japanese tea, espresso, African coffee, and freshly squeezed orange juice.

Book your flight now >>

 


Rome’s Hotel Villa Spalletti Trivelli Ranked Among 50 Best Hotels in the World

March 1, 2011
By: Mary Winston Nicklin

Hotel Villa Spalletti Trivelli, RomeHotel-obsessed travel addicts will want to check out the list of the "50 Best Hotels in the World" compiled by The Telegraph. Encompassing all budgets, the list of all-time favorites includes off-the-beaten path gems alongside the more popular icons. We weren't surprised to see the Hotel Villa Spalletti Trivelli-- among some of our other favorites-- make the cut. Here's what the editors had to say about the Villa:

The spectacular Roman town house of the blue-eyed and blue-blooded Count Giangiacomo Spalletti Trivelli has been turned into the city’s most aristocratic luxury hotel. Ideally placed between the shopping street of Via Nazionale and the presidential palace, this antique and art-stuffed palazzo boasts opulent interiors of such historic significance that they are listed by the Italian heritage ministry. But there’s no haughtiness or condescension: the customer is king here and from the spa to the turndown service, it all works to perfection.


Friday Photos in the Fiji Islands: Shangri-La’s Fijian Resort and Spa

October 23, 2009
By: Mary Winston Nicklin

Shangri-La's Fijian Resort and Spa

Dreaming of a South Pacific escape? Shangri-La's Fijian Resort is located on a private island called Yanuca, an 109-acre paradise of sandy beaches, swaying palms, and turquoise lagoons. Committed to protecting its pristine setting, the resort has engaged in conservation programs; its Yanuca Marine Protected Area, a co-operative project, was chosen as a model site for coral reef development by the United Nations Environmental Program. Comprehensive amenities-- including internet access, helicopter transfers, and a business center-- distinguish the luxury resort from others in Fiji. On-site facilities include the new Ratu Makutu Events Centre and the signature CHI, The Spa at Shangri-La, which is the largest and most luxurious private spa in Fiji.

Shangri-La's Fijian Resort and Spa


Private Jets to Las Vegas: Incredible Package Deal with the Wynn and Encore Resorts

October 13, 2009
By: Mary Winston Nicklin

Wynn Las VegasWhat down economy? In true Wynn jet-set style, the Encore and Wynn Las Vegas Resorts are wooing visitors to Sin City with a glam package deal. You'll get private jet service (roundtrip airfare from Burbank-Glendale-Pasadena Airport or John Wayne Airport in Orange County) coupled with luxe accommodations for three nights. On the jet, a Wynn concierge will hand over your room keys and get you drunk spoil you with Champagne. When you arrive, a limo will whisk you away to the resort so you can dodge that notorious Vegas taxi line. The price tag? A cool $780 per person for double occupancy, or $260 per night. Not bad when you factor in the perks. Available through November 29, 2009. [Map]


New All-Business Class Service Between New York and London City Airport

October 1, 2009
By: Mary Winston Nicklin

British AirwaysJust this week British Airways launched a new flight to London that will have business travelers smiling. The all-business class flights connect New York and London City Airport. Since the demise of luxury carriers like Eos and Maxjet, there's been a dearth of options for travelers seeking luxurious transatlantic flights. BA to the rescue. The specially-configured planes have just 32 seats (lie-flat beds, of course). The biggest perk? Internet access while onboard. Cheers to that.


New in the Friendly Skies: Etithad Airways Launches New Diamond First Class Cabins

July 24, 2009
By: Mary Winston Nicklin

Etithad AirwaysThe economic climate may be tough, but Etithad Airways is planning to launch new first-class cabins in August: 12 individual suites of pure luxury. What's in store for lucky travelers to Abu Dhabi (and beyond)? For one, a huge seat that converts to a flatbed, equipped with a built-in massager, lumbar support and adjustable headrest, as well as power sockets. The bathroom even has a full-length mirror. What's more: the suite boasts its own personal wardrobe, mini bar, and 23" wide-screen LCD screen TV with more more than 600 hours of "on demand" entertainment.