Suite Escapes: the Mandarin Oriental New York Celebrates its Taipan Suite

Imagine a luxurious home-away-from-home in the heart of Manhattan, featuring designer furnishings by rock-star designers Robert Kuo, Martha Sturdy, Barbara Berry and Bill Sofield. The two-bedroom Taipan Suite is a dreamy 1,210 sq feet, with floor-to-ceiling views overlooking Central Park, the Hudson River and Manhattan skyline from the 54th floor of the Mandarin Oriental. The decor? The best of urban chic, with Asian and Art Deco influence. The bathrooms—equipped with heavenly bath products by FRESH—are unique and luxurious: an oversized marble bath with LCD flat panel TV and separate shower, and the other featuring a soaking tub with picture window overlooking Central Park. Take care of some business—your suite converts easily to an office with three multi-line telephones, high-speed internet access, laptop connections to LCD TV, and printer and fax machine upon request. Or relax with a drink from the wet bar with Bisazza tiles, and enjoy a flick from the home theater set-up.

Mandarin Oriental New York, Official Site

Mandarin Oriental New York, Five Star Alliance

Special Offers: Spring Indulgence at Kingsbrae Arms Relais and Chateaux, New Brunswick, Canada

Think Spring. Flowers blooming, birds chirping, and the ultimate country house inn from which to witness nature's reawakening. Named one of the Top 50 Romantic Spots in the World by Travel and Leisure, Kingsbrae Arms is Relais and Chateaux's only Eastern Canada property. And though this country inn is a perfect hideaway, it’s not much of a secret—this spot is a two-time Andrew Harper Hideaway Grand Award winner, Mobil Four-Star, and listed in Fodor's Top Twenty Hotels in the World. Overlooking the sea, harbor and the historic seaside resort of St. Andrews, Kingsbrae Arms is surrounded by historic, salt-air gardens. Sumptuously appointed suites are the essence of romance. But the best part of a stay at the inn is the unforgettable evening dinner party, where gorgeous organic cuisine is paired with selections from the Wine Spectator Award winning cellar. These evenings are legendary. Available throughout the month of May, the Spring Indulgence Package includes two nights luxurious accommodations with spring flower bouquet, full country breakfasts each morning, and four-course dinner for two with Champagne cocktail reception. Starting at $750 per couple, standard guestroom.

Kingsbrae Arms, Official Site

Kingsbrae Arms, Five Star Alliance

Now Open: Private Beach Bungalows at The Breakers Palm Beach

Private luxurious beach bungalows are now available for daytime rental at The Breakers. Enjoy a secluded day retreat on the ocean with loads of ultra-luxurious conveniences. Situated next to the Ocean Grill across from the new Active Pool, the five cabanas are 300 square feet in size with outside patio surrounded by lush tropical landscaping. The Breakers has done it right with its new $15 million beachfront makeover. Along with the casual dining at the new Ocean Grill overlooking the Atlantic and the expansive Active Fun Pool (free-form zero entry pool on the beach, designed for families), 15 more Beach Bungalows will be available for some lucky folks come end-of-March. These cabanas will be situated next to the new luxury relaxation pool designated quiet area (more chill-out zone than people-watching hub).

The Breakers, Official Site

The Breakers, Five Star Alliance

Recipes from The Regency, A Loews Hotel New York

From Gary Stram, Director of Sales and Marketing, The Regency, A Loews Hotel

You have three choices when dining at The Regency, A Loews Hotel in New York City. Whether it is a power breakfast, light lunch, afternoon wine and hors d'oeuvres, pre-theater dinner, or late night candy - you can indulge in it all without leaving The Regency.

First. Feinstein's at The Regency - Yes, it's that Feinstein. The world-famous, Grammy-nominated, pop vocalist, songwriter, and music archivist, Michael Feinstein. He is the owner of the restaurant which brinds fine dining together with cabaret. Second. The Library. It's a place packed with literary legends - well, in spirit, at least. Shelves of books and comfy banquettes grace The Library where menus and wine lists make for some of the best reading around. Lastly, 540 Park which has long been regarded as the home of the power breakfast. 540 Park is also a serious contender when it comes to memorable dinners. The entrees, environment, and service are always exquisite. In fact, all that's missing is the pretention.

Mr. Stram at the hotel was nice enough to share with us three recipes that are just screaming to be recreated. See the first of the three after the jump ...

Penne with Vodka Sauce

Equipment Needed

1 - 10 quart stock pot

2 - 8 quart sauce pot

1 colander

1 - 10" saute pan

1 - cutting board

1 - 10" chef knife

1 wooden spoon

Ingredients Needed

2 lbs of Penne Pasta (Either Penne Spinach Rigate or Penne Rigate)

1 - 32oz can of whole peeled tomatoes with basil

1 - 32oz can of crushed tomatoes

1 head of garlic, thinly sliced

1 Spanish Onion

1 bunch of fresh basil, julienne

1 bunch of fresh thyme, chopped fine

1 bunch of fresh, oregano, chopped fine

Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Unsalted Butter

Kosher Salt

White Pepper

6 oz of a Premium Brand of Vodka (Grey Goose or Absolute)

4 oz of Burgundy Wine

1 quart of heavy cream

Preparing the Sauce and the Pasta

1. Boil 1 gallon of water in the Stock pot and add 3 oz of kosher salt, and 3 oz of olive oil.

2. While the water comes to a boil, preheat the sauce pot and oil and butter.

3. Add the diced onion, and sweat, than add the sliced garlic.

3. Add the herbs and add the Burgundy Wine and reduce by half.

4. Add the canned tomato product and allow to simmer for 45 minutes

5. Allow to rest.

6. Add the 2lbs of pasta and stir constantly

7. Allow to cook about 8 minutes which is a little under al dente.

8. Pour into the colander

9. Toss with a little Extra Virgin Olive Oil

10. In the other sauce pot put on a low heat, take the pot off the heat, add the 4oz vodka.

11. Add the Heavy Cream and reduce by half and add the tomato sauce.

12. Combine the Pasta with the Vodka Sauce and portion into your favorite dish.

Enjoy.

The Regency, A Loews Hotel, Official Site

The Regency, A Loews Hotel, Five Star Alliance

The Carlyle Hotel in New York City (Re)Opens The Royal Suite

From James McBride, General Manager, The Carlyle

In case you missed it, the Carlyle Hotel in New York City just announced the reopening of the Royal Suite after a redesign by Alexandra Champalimaud from Champalimaud & Associates (ACA) in Manhattan. The suite (seen at right) is inspired by the legendary and long list of celebrity and regal guests who have stayed at the hotel. The suite has been completely refurbished, but still retains the feel of the private residence it emulates. As the Carlyle says, they attract "the highest echelon of clientele and the Royal Suite exceeds their every expectation as a space truly at the pinnacle of luxury." Want to reserve it for a day or a month? You can't do it online so contact the Carlyle reservations to make it your own.

More information and pictures below

NEW YORK - The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel is thrilled to announce the opening of the Royal Suite. These luxurious quarters, in name inspired by the long list of rock n' roll and regal guests who have stayed at the legendary property, has been completely refurbished; freshness and modernity have been added to the decor yet it still conjures the intimate feel of a private residence.

A space of grand proportions and fabulous history, the Royal Suite is an example of urbane luxury combined with intimacy of design. Set on the 22nd floor of the legendary Carlyle, the duplex suite boasts extensive spaces - two full bedrooms, two full baths, a sizable dining room and kitchen and an expansive traditional living room with lofty ceilings and two-story views of the Manhattan skyline.

An impressive fireplace with faux quartz logs towers the living room, adding to the drama and the modernization of the suite, while resonating with the hotel's renowned Thierry Despont-designed lobby. Royal Suite guests can admire the antique books, sunburst clocks and Lars Bolanger orange lacquered boxes or read from beautiful glossy paged books on Harley Davidson, Tom Ford and other cultural icons.

The living room includes a sage velvet seating group at the fireplace, an elegant English secretary for jotting notes, comfortable armchairs by the windows, an expansive desk and finally - for the occasional musician in residence - a Steinway piano. Wall-mounted plasma -screen televisions and state-of-the-art acoustics are also present. To be noted are the draperies by Dedar, the Nina Campbell trims on the draperies and furniture and the Stark carpeting.

The Royal Suite has always been, and will continue to be considered, a legendary New York suite. The renovations have maintained the integrity of a historical New York space while elevating sophisticated design to an experience of unique refinement and style. The Carlyle attracts the highest echelon of clientele and the Royal Suite exceeds their every expectation as a space truly at the pinnacle of luxury.

The redesigning of the suite was handled by Alexandra Champalimaud from Champalimaud & Associates (ACA). ACA is a full service interior design and interior architecture firm that specializes in high-end hospitality design. The company has built its reputation through its work with a discerning international clientele including Four Seasons, The Maybourne Group and The Savoy Group amongst others. ACA maintains a staff of approximately twenty-five, with central offices in Manhattan and supporting offices in Montreal and Los Angeles.

Standing at the corner of 76th Street and Madison Avenue, The Carlyle has been an enduring landmark for East Side social life since 1930. The internationally-acclaimed hotel has always been ranked amongst the best in the world and was recently named one of the top 20 U.S City Hotels by Harper's Hideaway's 2005 Reader Survey. The Carlyle is a 35-story, 179-room hotel that has long understood the aesthetic sensibilities of its clientele and is surrounded by galleries, designer boutiques, and the city’s most popular art museums. Embracing a passion for the arts, pianos grace 23 of the suites, and most rooms have views of Central Park.

The Carlyle, Official Site

The Carlyle, Five Star Alliance

Mid-Atlantic Ski Resorts

They're open! And there's plenty of snow. Just in time for President's Day Weekend. The Wash Post has the skinny.

The Ultimate Spa Experience at the Sheraton Wild Horse Pass in Phoenix, Arizona

Top-quality spas abound, but the Aji Spa is sublime. Named for the Pima word for "sanctuary," the 17,500 sq ft spa features treatments derived from the ancient Native American cultural tradition. Specifically, treatments like the Blue Coyote Wrap and the Blue Bird Facial are inspired by longstanding Pima lore and utilize ingredients like red clay from the Gila River and Cholla cactus bud to help purify the body. Additionally, the Ho'dai (or River Rock Massage) uses the hot river stones (naturally smooth) that the Pima and Maricopa have used for centuries to alleviate pain. With 17 treatment rooms, fitness center, relaxing watsu pool and a traditional roundhouse, the Aji Spa is surrounded by Arizona's stunning natural scenery, only 15 minutes from downtown Phoenix.

Sheraton Wild Horse Pass, Official Site

Sheraton Wild Horse Pass, Five Star Alliance

Miami Hot Spots: South Beach Food and Wine Festival

Decadent, daring, delicious. This is one of the country's premier culinary extravaganzas, with a star-studded lineup of celebrity chefs and renowned wine and spirits producers ready to entertain and delight over the three-day-weekend. Hosted by Food and Wine magazine, the South Beach Food and Wine Festival will boast 75 restaurants and 150 wineries under tasting tents overlooking the beach. Starring chefs include Wolfgang Puck and Nobu Matsuhisa. Feb 24-26 (though Veuve Clicquot's Bubble Bath, at the Hotel Victor, is on the 23rd). Buy your tix online.

Gadget on the Go: Pure Digital Disposable Videocam

On vaca and you forgot the video camera? Don't fret. The newly- and greatly-improved US Airways mag has found the answer. A disposable videocam. I kid you not. $30, weighs a mere five ounces, and on sale at the ubiquitous CVS pharmacy. The little thing captures up to 20 minutes of video and sound, which the CVS photo lab will happily put on DVD for you. ($13 processing fee)

Going Pink at the Don CeSar Beach Resort, St Pete Beach, Florida

Just in time for Valentine's Day, indulge yourself in a perfectly pink paradise of fun. St. Pete's Loews Hotel—the palatial pink icon otherwise known as "Florida's Pink Palace"-- is offering a Pink Panther themed vacation package. So even if the movie sucked (Steve Martin and Beyonce just couldn't redeem it), your whole family will be tickled pink by this clever and fun package that includes pink milkshakes and Pink Panther Gift Bags. Starting at $1,174, the package includes three nights accommodations for four, two pink milkshakes for the kiddies, "Who Stole the Pink?" Treasure Hunt, Two Pink Panther Gift Bags, and one full-day admission to Camp CeSar for two kids. Available from Feb 10- April 22. Rates are slightly higher during the weekends.

The Don CeSar Beach Resort, Official Site

The Don CeSar Beach Resort, Five Star Alliance