Ritz-Carlton Tysons Corner Opens New Restaurant from Chef Michel Richard

Rumored to be opening this week outside the nation's capital: the highly-anticipated new restaurant from award-winning chef Michel Richard. Located at The Ritz-Carlton, Tysons Corner, the new "Michel" restaurant will be in the old "Maestro" space and will serve up "innovative modern French cuisine" in an "upscale, casual" setting. Zagat Buzz describes the design scheme:

A symphony of luxurious materials and craftsmanship, the chrome-and-burgundy-toned contemporary space features textured walls and banquettes, sculptured lights that change colors, cleverly designed viewing into a showcase kitchen and a chef’s table that’s suspended from the ceiling (look, Ma – no legs!).

At the helm is Executive chef Levi Mezick, who had former stints at top NYC restaurants Daniel, Oceana and Per Se. What's on the menu? Favorites like wild mushroom pie, steak frites, vegetable tartar, and duck with figs and cinnamon. Expect top-notch desserts, as Chef Richard got his start as a pastry chef in his native France.

Image Via Washington City Paper

4th Night Free in Paris at the Sofitel Arc de Triomphe Hotel

Looking for a little romance in Paris? Book the Sofitel Arc de Triomphe-- just steps from the Champs Elysées-- for a stylish taste of the City of Light. You've got all the fashion boutiques at your fingertips from this address on a quiet street in the Golden Triangle. Behind the Haussmann-style facade, there's a gourmet restaurant that serves bountiful buffet breakfasts (lunch and dinner, too). Plus the Clés d'Or Concierge will hook you up with dinner reservations to the coolest spots in town (or perhaps the top of the Eiffel Tower?) The classic guest rooms are all outfitted with the Sofitel MyBed, flat screen TV, and free wifi. Take advantage of a special offer called "Exclusively Yours" and get your 4th night on the house when staying four consecutive nights.

A Sky-High Infinity Pool and More at Marina Bay Sands in Singapore

How do we love the Marina Bay Sands? Let us count the ways. An infinity pool 55 storeys above the ground with 360 degree views of Singapore... The incredible Sands SkyPark, a tropical oasis floating atop the hotel and stretching longer than the Eiffel Tower on its side... The restaurants by Guy Savoy... The museum shaped like a lotus flower...This is the world's most expensive hotel, built at a cost of billions, so we expect nothing less. Book one of the 2,560 guest rooms and you'll be privy to the inside secrets of a business, leisure, and entertainment destination that's unparalleled. As globorati points out, Savoy's resto is "only the second restaurant outside Paris for the multi-starred Michelin chef," with most of the ingredients flown in from France. What else is inside? An indoor canal, "the best shopping mall in Asia," a convention centre, a casino, and an outdoor event plaza and theaters featuring Broadway hits such as "The Lion King."

Ritz-Carlton Rolls Out the Hotel Credits

Weekend getaway, here we come. Ritz-Carlton may never slash their room rates to lure guests, but they certainly know how to reel in well-heeled clients with alluring enticements. The "Reconnect" package is back, perfect for a quick, rejuvenating escape with luxurious accommodations, breakfast, and up to a $100 resort/hotel credit per night that can be used for shopping, dining, or spa services. All served on a silver platter, Ritz-Carlton style. Plan an adventure to a resort like Grand Cayman (pictured), Powerscourt, Half Moon Bay or Palm Beach (dining under the stars, anyone?), or plot a city escape to a world-class urban hotel.

Talk of the Town: Introducing Cassa Hotel and Residences in New York

There's a new architectural landmark in New York City's Midtown and it's getting lots of press love. A luxury condo hotel with a prime location near Fifth and Madison Avenue shopping and the bright lights of Broadway's theatre district, the Cassa Hotel and Residences has 165 refined guest rooms. Here's what The New York Times has to say about this new breed of condo hotels: "Room service on demand from a celebrity chef. A maid to make the bed with fresh linens every day and leave a chocolate on your pillow at night... All yours with the purchase of a luxury condo." But even if you're not in the market for a Manhattan condo, you're guaranteed to appreciate the service and amenities at this sophisticated hotel. Here's the skinny from The Globe and Mail:

Lower Manhattan's hotel boom is trickling up to Midtown with the opening of Cassa Hotel and Residences. Unlike blander hotels in the Times Square neighbourhood, Cassa has a whiff of European minimalism with exclusive guest amenities such as an in-room Dean and Deluca snack bar, the Cassa Care babysitting program and daily fresh flower delivery upon request. Art and architecture buffs will appreciate the polished, black volcanic walls in the lobby and the Rizzoli and Taschen design books in the rooms... Introductory rates start from $287 a night.

Take advantage of the Sneak Peek Special Offer, available until December 30, 2010, and get savings depending on the length of stay. Stay 2 Nights, Save 10%; Stay 3 Nights, Save 15%; Stay 4+ Nights, Save 20%. (2-night minimum stay and 1-night non-refundable deposit required. Rates are based on double occupancy and subject to room availability; blackout dates may apply.)

Autumn in Rome: Shopping, Spa, and Foodie Delights at the Hotel Hassler

Autumn could be the best time to visit the Eternal City, when the summer crowds have dispersed and Rome is yours for the taking. Immerse yourself in the fall colors (not to mention fashion!) and experience a stay at the Hassler Roma, the legendary hotel perched atop the Spanish Steps in the heart of the historic city center. The hotel of choice for visiting stars, The Hassler is just minutes away from Rome's top shopping venues and important landmarks (like the Pantheon and Coliseum). The "Autumn in Rome" package is the ultimate pampering experience. Here's what's included: • 3 nights in a room of your choice • Daily buffet breakfast at the elegant Salone Eva • 2 massages at the Amorvero SPA (1 per person, per stay) • Relaxing tea at the Amorvero SPA after the massage • Light lunch for 2 in the Salone Eva (starter, first course & home-made dessert, drinks excl.) Validity dates: November 1 – December 22, 2010. Limited availability! “Autumn in Rome ” package rates are euro 1,350 for a Deluxe Double / twin room and euro 1,530 for a Grand Deluxe Double / twin room. Rates are for a 3-night stay, per room. Cancellation deadline is 4 days prior to arrival in order to not incur a 50% penalty charge.

Where to Sleep in Chicago

The New York Times recently fixed its gaze on the Windy City in "36 Hours in Chicago" after Mayor Richard M. Daley's recent announcement that he'll be stepping down after 21 years in office. From architectural wonders to the hottest restaurants in Chicago (like Girl & the Goat, "a much-blogged-about new restaurant where the "Top Chef" winner Stephanie Izard takes livestock parts seriously"), the article has some good picks. Where to bed down while in town? The Elysian, of course, which landed a place on Conde Nast Traveler's annual Hot List 2010. Here's the skinny from The NYT:

Opened last year, the Elysian (11 East Walton Street; 312-646-1300; elysianhotels.com) is a cushy 188-room hotel where the beds aren’t made — they’re “draped” in 460-thread-count Rivolta Carmignani linens. From the outside, the building, not far from the Magnificent Mile, resembles a chateau. Rooms start at about $430.

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Win Fab Anniversary Prizes at JIA Hong Kong

The JIA Hong Kong-- the trendy Philippe Starck-designed boutique hotel-- is celebrating its first anniversary with a lucky draw. Stay at the JIA Hong Kong between September 1 and November 30 for a chance to win exceptional prizes plus a one-night stay in a suite. The JIA prides itself on the true "insider's experience" of Hong Kong that it offers each guest. When you stay at the hotel, you get the insider access card as one of the hotel's signature extras, which gives entry to the hottest private members clubs in town, plus privileges at cool restaurants, bars, stores and spas. Thus the prizes for the draw are offered by JIA Insider Access Partners: a Bothos vegetan buffalo leather trolley suitcase worth HK$8,800, and a bespoke man's suite from Moustache worth HK$8,500.

Details on the First Anniversary Lucky Draw: Each night of your stay will be entered in the draw. Complimentary room prize is valid from December 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011 (not valid on New Year's Eve or Rugby Sevens 2011).

Luxury Shopping in Shanghai at The Peninsula Arcade

In Shanghai for the World Expo 2010? (Hopefully you booked the EXPO-rience package at the Art Deco-inspired Peninsula Hotel, the new property on the Bund that offers breathtaking views over the city.) Shopaholics won't want to miss the exclusive shopping opportunities at the Peninsula Arcade, boasting a slew of luxury boutiques-- from Giorgio Armani and Prada to Chopard and Piaget. Billed as the most exclusive shopping destination in Shanghai, the two-storey arcade even has a Peninsula Boutique along with 24 leading luxury brands.

Girfriend Getaway: Miami

You’ll be BFFs forever after a day at one of these sizzling spas.

We say the spa at the Mandarin Oriental, Miami is worth a visit for the VIP suites alone; there are six of them, all with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Biscayne Bay. (Tip: If you book a treatment toward evening, you’ll witness some splendid sunsets over the water.)

The signature treatment is the Oriental Essence massage, which includes a consultation with the therapist and a full-body customized treatment. An interesting half-day program, drawing on Miami’s heritage, is the Latin Rhythms spa package, which includes a private Samba class followed by an exfoliation of lime, mint and sugar, and a hot stone massage. A Spa Mojito cocktail and a Latin-Asian bento box lunch are then served poolside. Detox-Retox, we’re all over that!

Spa Director Osa Mallo suggests reserving treatments a week in advance for weekends and holidays, though last-minute requests are usually accommodated. E-mail her at omallo@mohg.com or call her at 305-913-8331 for insider tips.

Considering a bridal shower or other special event for you and your BFFs? Consult Spa Sales Manager Stephanie Menendez (smenendez@mohg.com; 305-913-3806), who is an expert at setting up suite and spa buyouts for bachelorette parties and other smaller groups. Note: If your client is traveling with children, there are yoga programs for those aged 5-11 and teen treatments that include manicures, pedicures and facials, as well as belly dancing and salsa classes.

Staying at the hotel? If you want your room to have an inviting and peaceful spa vibe, opt for the one-bedroom Mandarin Suite, which has a living room, formal dining room, gourmet kitchen and a large private balcony accessible from every room. There’s also a spa serenity room with fabulous views of Biscayne Bay. If that’s taken, insiders tell us the Deluxe Veranda guest rooms are the hotel’s best-kept secret. They’re a step up from Deluxe Bay View rooms and have oversized terraces with views of the bay and the Miami skyline—perfect for entertaining the girls. Note: All rooms at the hotel have private balconies; the most popular are the Biscayne suites with stunning views of the bay and the bridge.

Chief Concierge Guillerme DeMelo (gdemelo@mohg.com; 305-913-3794) can procure a Vespa scooter for your Girlfriend Group to tool around Miami; he’s also known to have arranged for a private jet to fly a guest and his date to Little Palm Island in the Florida Keys for a romantic dinner. His most famous feat, however, was shipping 100 palm trees to a guest’s home in the Middle East.

After our stay, we say that the cozy Ritz-Carlton, Coconut Grove is a gem of a boutique hotel. It’s a best bet for women traveling solo as the service is attentive and it’s close to one of Miami’s most interesting dining and shopping districts. We’re talking walking distance.

The spa may be petite (just 6,000 square feet) but houses separate men’s and women’s lounges, saunas and steam rooms and six treatment rooms.

If you go, try the time-saving Tandem Treatment, which, for 50 minutes, employs two therapists who work together to serve up a signature facial and pedicure that includes a foot and leg massage, as well as a shoulder, neck, arm and scalp massage. Be sure to request appointments at least six hours prior to each service.

Spa Director Laura Kain (laura.kain@ritzcarlton.com; 305-644-4684) can recommend the top therapist, including Danilo Toledo, who is most requested for the Signature or Hot Stone Massage.

The size of the spa makes it ideal for buyouts for a wedding party or other group event. Know a bride considering a wedding in South Florida? Contact Jeysa Plana (jeysa.plana@ritzcarlton.com; 786-470-1202), who can detail the nuptial venues on site.

After the pampering, you and your BFFs will want to retire to the top digs in the house, The Ritz-Carlton Suite (a.k.a. the Presidential Suite). It has two bedrooms, private balconies, a living and dining room, an office, private butler service and great views of Biscayne Bay and Coconut Grove.

We found our Executive Suite to be a fine place to crash for several days (request No. 529, 629, 729 or 829 for the top vistas), courtesy of its large living and dining area. Note: The hotel was modeled after the nearby Villa Vizcaya (the posh former estate of magnate John Deering), so rooms and public spaces have an elegant and regal ambiance. If clients must book a standard guest room, they’ll take heart in knowing that a private balcony awaits.

Note: If you’re sailing in or out of the Miami cruise port, a 15-minute drive away, the hotel has a Sail Away package that covers accommodations, breakfast for two and transportation to or from the port.

Those arriving via private chopper or jet can land at Kendall-Tamiami Executive General Airport; contact Airport Manager Michael J. Handrahan (mhandrahan@miami-airport.com) for details. Another option is Opa-Locka Executive Airport; contact Chris McArthur (CMcArthur@miami-airport.com).