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LUXURY HOTEL INSIDER

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The 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.

| By: Rachael Weir

Happy 2020! It's the start of a new year and a new decade. Where will you go this year? This decade? If you're like us, your list is long. We've put together our top 20 picks for this year. From the Mayflower 400th Anniversary Celebrations in England and Massachusetts, to the Olympics in Tokyo, we've gathered some of the world's most exciting events and happenings, along with luxury hotel suggestions in each locale. 

Happy Travels!

20. Manchester, England

20 Places To Go In 2020 ManchesterOne of Europe's fastest growing cities, Manchester is a popular base for digital and media companies. Blending history and design, the city is experiencing a growth in new development, including the Cultureplex, a railway goods house transformed into a restaurant, bar, and cafe. The revolving program of film, performing arts, and visual arts provides a constant array of entertainment options, and epicurians flock to the city to dine at Mana, the city's first Michelin Star recipient with a Nordic-influenced menu.

A few luxury hotel options ideal for exploring Manchester include The Lowry Hotel, Macdonald Manchester Hotel, and the Doubletree by Hilton Hotel Manchester Piccadilly.

Explore Manchester Luxury Hotels

19. The Big Island, Hawaii

20 Places To Go In 2020 Big Island Hawaii

Following the 2018 volcanic activity on Hawaii's Big Island, the five-month eruption has stopped, and the blue skies have returned. The Halemaumau crater is now three times as wide and four times as deep as it was prior to the 2018 eruption, and a freshwater lake has started to form on the crater's floor. The Thurston Lava Tube is expected to reopen in early 2020 with a redesigned parking area, and roads outside of the park have recently reopened. In November, the Kona Coffee Cultural Festival will celebrate its 50th Anniversary. There are multiple hotels on the island offering exclusive Perks, including the all-new Mauna Lani luxury resort, which will debut in January 2020 with a new era of experiential luxury. As well as the beachfront Fairmont Orchid Hawaii and the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel.

Explore Big Island Luxury Hotels

18. Vienna, Austria

20 Places To Go In 2020 Vienna

There's much to explore in this Germanic destination with cutting-edge art museums and music halls. The Musikverein concert hall will celebrate its 150th anniversary and events will be held throughout the city celebrating Beethoven's 250th birthday. While the classic city is known for its Baroque architecture and classical music venues, the contemporary art venue was transformed into the Belvedere 21, the Freud Museum will reopen in May following a major renovation with nearly 40,000 adds to its library, and the Belvedere Palaces with an extensive classical art collection have been completely renovated.

Luxury hotels in Vienna offer historic charm blended with contemporary amenities, such as the Hotel Sacher Wien, The Ring, and Park Hyatt Vienna, all with exclusive Five Star Alliance Perks. 

Explore Vienna Luxury Hotels

17. Cape Town, South Africa

20 Places To Go In 2020 Cape Town

Beginning this year, United Airlines will offer non-stop service from Newark to Cape Town, saving travelers up to eight hours of travel time from the United States. In addition to new air routes into the Mother City, there's a constantly evolving art scene, and the nearby Winelands offer plenty of vineyards to explore for wine enthusiasts. 

Cape Town is also home to an array of luxury hotels offering exclusive Five Star Alliance Perks including the One&Only Cape Town, Belmond Mount Nelson, and Taj Cape Town

Explore Cape Town Luxury Hotels

16. Buenos Aires, Argentina

20 Places To Go In 2020 Buenos Aires

Currently, travelers can stretch their travel dollars in the land of tango, beef, and Malbec, due to the devaluation of the Argentinian peso. The city is in the midst of a gentrification process with areas like the Old Market expanding with wine bars, cafes, and patisseries, and the Plaza Dorrego neighborhood is bustling with newness. There's a variety of luxury hotels within this South American city, many with exclusive Five Star Alliance Perks including The Park Hyatt Buenos Aires, Alvear Palace Hotel, and the Sofitel Buenos Aires Recoleta Hotel

Explore Buenos Aires Luxury Hotels

15. Edinburgh, Scotland

20 Places To Go In 2020 Edinburgh

Scotland's capital city serves up plenty of history, a multitude of festivals, and the famous Edinburgh Castle. But this year the city is debuting several new attractions including the three-story Johnnie Walker Experience, which will feature a museum, event space, and whiskey shop. The city's ever-expanding selection of luxury hotels provide unique lodging options occupying historic buildings such as the Kimpton Charlotte Square within seven Georgian townhouses, the Waldorf Astoria Edinburgh - The Calendonian Victorian Railway hotel, and the Rocco Forte Balmoral Hotel with its landmark clocktower. 

Explore Edinburgh Luxury Hotels

14. Kyoto, Japan

20 Places To Go In 2020 Kyoto

While Tokyo is hosting the Olympics, Kyoto is another trending destination within Japan. The city's imperial history is evident throughout, providing travelers with a glimpse into the past. There are temples, gardens, and tea houses for an authentic feel, along with museum expansions at the Fukuda Art Museum and the Kyocera Museum of Art.

Kyoto has a variety of luxury hotel options with exclusive Perks ranging from the countryside Suiran within the grounds of the Tenryuji Temple to the contemporary Hyatt Regency Kyoto and the riverside The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto

Explore Kyoto Luxury Hotels

13. Maine

20 Places To Go In 2020 Maine

2020 marks 200 years of statehood for the state of Maine. In honor of the Bicentennial year, the state is hosting a year of special events. To experience coastal life, the Cliff House Maine has an oceanfront location where travelers can enjoy the waves hitting the rocky coast from the comfort of their room, plus exclusive Five Star Alliance Perks. For a private cottage, Hidden Pond offers a charming setting with access to the Tides Beach Club situated two miles away at Goose Rocks Beach. While the White Barn Inn offers rustic luxury with the hotel's restaurant occupying two restored barns from the 1860s. 

Explore Maine Luxury Hotels

12. Galway, Ireland

20 Places To Go In 2020 Galway

This bohemian city with an arts-focused feel on the west coast of Ireland has long been a destination for creatives. Named a European Capital of Culture for 2020, the city by the sea is home to an array of festivals throughout the year, as well as forward-thinking luxury hotels like The G Hotel and The Galmont Hotel & Spa. For a unique and completely Irish experience, the nearby Ashford Castle is about a 30-minute drive from Galway City with creative cuisine, spa, and exclusive Five Star Alliance Perks. 

Explore Galway Luxury Hotels

11. Macau

20 Places To Go In 2020 Macau

On December 20, Macau will celebrating its 20th anniversary as a Special Administrative Region of China. Macau is an international destination mixing Asian and European cultures, providing travelers with luxe hotels such as the Four Seasons Hotel Macao Cotai Strip, Wynn Macao, and the Banyan Tree Macau. In addition to fine hotels, Macau offers travelers an array of world-class dining options, casinos, and cultural experiences. 

Explore Macau Luxury Hotels 

10. Tel Aviv, Israel

20 Places To Go In 2020 Tel Aviv

Experience a destination where modern living merges with ancient history. In 2020, the Ben-Gurion Airport will expand to accommodate additional aircraft. Tel Aviv's White City Zone is a UNESCO-designated site and home to over 4,000 Bauhaus-style buildings, the largest collection of its kind in the world. The area will take center stage this year, as Tel Aviv commemorates the 100th Anniversary of the Bauhaus architecture movement. The beach city along Israel's Mediterranean coast offers an array of luxury hotels including three with exclusive Five Star Alliance Perks: The Setai with a seafront location, beachfront Dan Tel Aviv Hotel, and the InterContinental David Tel Aviv

Explore Tel Aviv Luxury Hotels

9. Vancouver Island, Canada

20 Places To Go In 2020 Vancouver Island

From the capital city of Victoria on the harborfront to the surf town of Tofino, Vancouver Island offers land and sea experiences along with local cuisine. Afternoon Tea at the Fairmont Empress is a classic institution. Travelers can experience Native traditions as the island is home to 50 First Nations communities, or book a cycling tour in Ucluelet. Spring is an ideal time to visit the island, with the West Coast Trail opening for hiking season May 1. Watch for whales from Prestige Oceanfront Resort Sook, or dine at the Pointe Restaurant offering ocean views at the Wickaninnish Inn. Located about 70 miles west of Vancouver, the island is reachable via ferry or flight into Victoria's International Airport. 

Explore Victoria Luxury Hotels

8. Doha, Qatar

20 Places To Go In 2020 Doha

In preparation for hosting the 2022 Fifa World Cup, Doha introduced a brand-new underground railway system, and the city is expanding its arts and culture scene with the opening of new museums including the National Museum of Qatar. Getting from the airport to the palm-lined Corniche is more convenient than ever with the new transportation system, Old Doha provides a historic feel, and Souq Waqif is a must-see open-air street market. Choose from an array of luxury hotels in the city including the InterContinental Doha, JW Marriott Marquis City Center, and The St. Regis Doha

Explore Doha Luxury Hotels

7. Melbourne, Australia

20 Places To Go In 2020 Melbourne

Providing a European feel in the land of Oz, Melbourne is a cosmopolitan city known for its street art, constantly changing landscape, and live music. There's a strong coffee culture throughout the city, and it is the capital of the Australian state of Victoria. Ideal for foodies, coffee lovers, and art enthusiasts, Melbourne is considered the Culture Capital of Australia. Cobbled laneways in the city center have coffee shops, cafes, and one-of-a-kind boutiques ideal for exploring, while the Queen Victoria Markets is the largest open-air market in the Southern Hemisphere.

The city will be hosting a number of major events throughout the year, including the Australian Open January 20 - February 2, the ICC Women's T20 World Cup 2020 will February 21 - March 8, and the ICC Men's T20 World Cup 2020 will be October 18 - November 15.

Melbourne is home to an array of five star hotels, including several with exclusive Five Star Alliance Perks such as The Langham Melbourne, InterContinental Melbourne The Rialto, and Park Hyatt Melbourne

Explore Melbourne Luxury Hotels

6. Nashville, Tennessee

20 Places To Go In 2020 Nashville

While this trend-setting destination has been popular for the past few years, Nashville is continuing to grow, adding new draws to the city beyond country music. In the summer of 2020, the National Museum of African American Music will open along Broadway, right in the heart of downtown. The museum will feature five interactive galleries showcasing the 50 genres of African American Music. Plus, the city is constantly expanding its hotel selection with new additions like the JW Marriott Nashville, Thompson Nashville in the growing neighborhood of "The Gulch", and the newly-renovated Hutton Hotel with writer's rooms and a 5,000-square-foot live music venue.

Explore Nashville Luxury Hotels

5. Dominica

20 Places To Go In 2020 Dominica

Paradise for outdoorsy travelers, Dominica is a 290-square-mile teardrop-shaped island with the world's second-largest hot spring, plus 300 miles of hiking trails, 365 rivers, and a dozen waterfalls. The recently opened Cabrits Resort & Spa Kempinski is a luxury five star resort with a spa designed to create a greater connection to nature and the island's ecosystem. The massive Spa at Kempinski Dominica offers mud baths sourced from the island's ten volcanoes, and a water temple surrounded by rainforest trees. There's also four restaurants and bars each with a local-focused approach, four hot and cold water pools, tennis courts, and easy access to the island's eco-tourism opportunities. Plus, exclusive Five Star Alliance Perks. 

Book a stay at Cabrits Resort & Spa Kempinski

4. Porto, Portugal

20 Places To Go In 2020 Porto Portugal

Ideal for wine lovers and foodies, Porto offers idyllic weather along with great food and wine. As the home of Port wine (and the city's namesake), Porto is perfect as a starting point for exploring historic Port Wine houses and the vineyards of Douro Valley. Offering travelers a good value for their monty the city center of Porto is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and an easy trip from Lisbon.  

The city is also home to several luxury hotels including several with exclusive Five Star Alliance Perks: The Yeatman, InterContinental Porto Palacio Das Cardosas, and Infante Sagres

Explore Porto Luxury Hotels

3. Plymouth, England & Plymouth, Massachusetts

20 Places To Go In 2020 Plymouth

2020 marks the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower's voyage from Plymouth, England to Plymouth, Massachusetts. In celebration, both cities are hosting an array of events to commemorate the pioneering voyage and the group of travelers that would go on to have more than 30 million United States descendents. In England, the Mayflower 400 celebrations focus on the towns and cities along the national Mayflower Trail. While the Plymouth 400 events in the United States will be centered in the town of Plymouth, located 40 miles south of downtown Boston. 

Interested in partaking in these commemorative events? In England, travelers could consider basing themselves in London and taking daytrips via train to various towns on the Mayflower Trail. An additional option would be the Lime Wood in Lyndhurst, a Regency country house hotel located a short drive from Southampton, a key destination on the Mayflower Trail. For participaing in events near and around Plymouth, Massachusetts, we recommend a luxury hotel in Boston such as the Fairmont Copley Plaza or Fifteen Beacon

2. Dubai, UAE

20 Places To Go In 2020 Dubai

Beginning in October 2020, Dubai is hosting the World Expo. Lasting for 6 months, the city has designed the metropolis of the future with 130 buildings connected via smart technology. Later this year the Museum of the Future designed by a computer algorithm and the Aladdin City will also open.

For accommodations in this world-class city in the desert we have three key recommendations, each with exclusive Five Star Alliance Perks: One&Only Royal Mirage, Taj Dubai, and Burj Al Arab

Explore Dubai Luxury Hotels

1. Tokyo, Japan

20 Places To Go In 2020 Tokyo

Hosting the XXXII Olympic Summer Games, Jul 24 - Aug 9, Tokyo is a business and cultural megacenter. Known for extreme attention to detail, the cutting-edge destination is home to world-class art galleries and museums, as well nightlife. With 234 Michelin-starred restaurants (the most of any city in the world), Japan's capital city is an ideal destination for foodies.

The Aman Tokyo offers an urban sanctuary setting on the top six floors of the recently-built Otemachi Tower, plus exclusive Five Star Alliance Perks including daily breakfast. For a landmark stay, The Peninsula Tokyo is an iconic destination in the prestigious Marunouchi financial district with sophisticated facilities including a wedding chapel, indoor pool, outdoor pool with views of the Imperial Palace Gardens, and exclusive Five Star Alliance Perks. While the Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel is located directly above Shibuya Station with a modern design, entertainment venues, and perks for Five Star Alliance guests.

Explore Tokyo Luxury Hotels


| By: Rachael Weir

Providing one-of-a-kind views of the Parliament Buildings, Inner Harbour, and Royal BC Museum, the Royal Suite at the Fairmont Empress is the most luxurious suite on Vancouver Island. Guests of the suite are welcomed into a large open concept living room with a plush sitting area with a queen sofa bed, and a dining table that comfortably seats eight. Designed for guests seeking luxe living at its finest, the suite has a palatial feel. Continue reading below the photo of the Royal Suite. 

Fairmont Empress Royal Suite Living Room

When its time to retire for the evening, the large king bedroom offers a luxe retreat with deluxe amenities, down-filled duvets and pillows, as well as windows that open. There is a walk-in closet for guests to stow belongings during their stay, as well as a spa bathroom. In addition, guests of the Royal Suite receive access to all Fairmont Gold services and amenities. Continue reading below the photo for an exclusive Five Star Alliance Perk. 

Fairmont Empress Royal Suite Bathroom

Overlooking the Inner Harbour, the Fairmont Empress is a landmark hotel. Opened in 1908, the grand turn-of-the-century hotel recently underwent a major renovation, restoring the property to the elegance of a bygone era, while infusing the hotel with the latest amenities for luxury travelers. The property serves an elegant afternoon tea (reservations recommended), there's a Willow Stream Spa, and dining, plus the hotel is an ideal base for visiting the Butchart Gardens, wine touring, and whale watching excursions. Learn about an exclusive Five Star Alliance Perk & Suite Privileges below the photo.

Fairmont Empress

FIVE STAR ALLIANCE PERK: Reservations booked under the "5 Star Signature Package" rate will also include breakfast for two daily, $100 CDN hotel credit per room/per stay (no cash value), a welcome amenity, and complimentary WiFi. 

Plus, this property offers exclusive 2019 FIVE STAR ALLIANCE SUITE & VILLA PRIVILEGES that can be combined with the FIVE STAR ALLIANCE PERK (if requirements are met). 

2019 FIVE STAR ALLIANCE SUITE & VILLA PRIVILEGES: Guests booking a stay of 2 or more nights in a suite receive a $100 USD Spa Credit, once per stay. This offer is valid for stays of at least two nights through December 31, 2019 in an Executive Suite, One Bedroom Suite, One Bedroom Harbour View Suite, Signature One Bedroom Suite, Signature Two Bedroom Suite, Fairmont Gold One Bedroom Suite, Fairmont Gold One Bedroom Harbour View Suite, and Fairmont Two Bedroom Harbour View Suite. 

Check availability at the Fairmont Empress


| By: Rachael Weir

Today is Canada Day! In celebration, we've gathered five of the top Canadian hotels offering exclusive Five Star Alliance Perks. Whether you seek time by the sea in Victoria, fancy a cosmopolitan stay in Toronto, or like to mix history with contemporary style, there's a Canadian property on this list to suit your style. 

1. Fairmont Empress | Victoria, British Columbia

Lobby at the Fairmont Empress

Overlooking the Inner Harbour, the Fairmont Empress is a landmark hotel. Opened in 1908, the grand turn-of-the-century hotel recently underwent a major renovation, restoring the property to the elegance of a bygone era, while infusing the hotel with the latest amenities for luxury travelers. The property serves an elegant afternoon tea (reservations recommended), there's a Willow Stream Spa, and dining, plus the hotel is an ideal base for visiting the Butchart Gardens, wine touring, and whale watching excursions. 

FIVE STAR ALLIANCE PERK: Guests booking the "5 Star Signature Package" rate will also receive breakfast for two daily, $100 CDN hotel credit per room/per stay (no cash value), a welcome amenity, and complimentary WiFi.

Check rates at the Fairmont Empress

2. The Douglas | Vancouver, British Columbia

The Douglas

Set along the False Creek waterfront of downtown, The Douglas is a luxury boutique hotel designed for the modern traveler. The Victor serves a seasonally-inspired Pacific Northwest menu overlooking the property's sixth-level Rooftop Park. There is an indoor/outdoor rooftop lounge with city skyline views, and guests have direct access to Parq Vancouver with world-class gaming and eight restaurants and lounges. 

FIVE STAR ALLIANCE PERK: Guests booking the “5 Star Signature Package” rate will also receive a Classic Breakfast for two daily through in-dining, a $100 CAD spa treatment credit, per room/per stay, complimentary Wi-Fi, a welcome amenity and an automatic room category upgrade at booking based on availability.

Check rates at The Douglas

3. Shangri-La Hotel Toronto | Toronto, Ontario

Shangri-La Hotel Toronto

Offering some of the largest rooms in all of Canada, Shangri-La Hotel Toronto has guest rooms and suites designed to enhance the sleep experience, Asian-inspired decor, and large bathrooms. Culinary experiences can be found throughout the hotel including at the signature restaurant Bosk with Asian-inspired cuisine, Soho House, and Chef David Chang's famed Momofuku, while the Lobby Lounge offering daily live music is an ideal spot for light refreshments or a glass of wine. The Wellness Floor has an indoor swimming pool, fitness center, class studio, and Miraj Hammam Spa by Caudalie Paris.

FIVE STAR ALLIANCE PERK: Guests booking the "5 Star Signature Package" rate or "Rack Rate" will also receive full breakfast for two daily at Bosk Restaurant, complimentary WiFi, and a $100 CAD food and beverage credit per room/per stay (not valid on room rate and no cash value).

Check rates at Shangri-La Hotel Toronto

4. Le Mount Stephen | Montreal, Quebec

Guest room at Le Mount Stephen

Carefully restored to protect the building's historic heritage, Le Mount Stephen is a boutique hotel in the midst of Montreal's Golden Square Mile. Nestled within an opulent mansion, accommodations have floor-to-ceiling windows and bathrooms with chromotherapy rainfall showerheads and heated floors. Bar George is a British-inspired restaurant serving chef-created contemporary takes on classic dishes. 

FIVE STAR ALLIANCE PERK: Guests booking the "5 Star Signature Package" rate or "Best Available Rate" will also receive daily continental breakfast for 2 at Bar George, $100 USD Hotel credit, per room, per stay, and welcome amenity.

Check rates at Le Mount Stephen

5. Auberge Saint-Antoine | Quebec City, Quebec

Suite at Auberge Saint-Antoine

Overlooking the St. Lawrence River, Auberge Saint-Antoine is a contemporary boutique hotel in the city's historic Old Port. This Relais & Châteaux property was built on a major archaeological site, and features displays of artifacts unearthed during the excavatio for the building from the French and British colonial regimes. Guest rooms and suites have contemporary decor infused with historical elements, as well as Bose stereos, Nespresso coffee machines, and bathrooms with heated floors, no-fog mirrors, and soaking tubs. For dining, Chez Muffy restaurant serves classic French dishes with a modern approach amidst a historic warehouse building with stone walls and exposed wooden beams. 

FIVE STAR ALLIANCE PERK: Guests booking the "5 Star Signature Package" rate or "Best Available Rate" will also receive complimentary full breakfast for 2 daily in Chez Muffy Restaurant, a 100 CAD spa credit (not combinable, not valid on room rate, no cash value if not redeemed in full), and a welcome amenity.

Check rates at Auberge Saint-Antoine


| By: Five Star Alliance

Hastings House
In 1937, Warren Hastings, an English naval architect with a gift for story-telling, moved to Salt Spring Island from Sussex, England with his new bride Barbara. According to Hastings, he and Barbara "decided to build on Salt Spring Island because we love the sea and we think it is one of the most beautiful places in the world, with a lovely climate." Hastings built the Manor House in 1940 to resemble his 11th century Sussex-style family home because their "furniture was suitable for a house of this type."
 

 

 

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| By: Five Star Alliance

Abigail's Hotel was  was originally built in the 1930's as a Tudor revival-style apartment building known as The Bessborough apartments. The apartments were named after Vere Brabazon Ponsonby, ninth Earl of Bessborough, who was Governor General of Canada from 1931 until 1935. The building is derived from the half-timbered houses of the 16th and 17th centuries with irregular shapes, steeply pitched roofs, multi-paned windows and rough-hewn materials. 

Abigail's Hotel 

View rates, details, and more images of Abigail's Hotel >>

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| By: Oksana Balytsky

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 visiting Victoria and require a handicap accessible room which has a walk in shower and grab rails in the shower and bathroom. Which hotel do you recommend?

Answer: The Hotel Grand Pacific has handicap room options that would fit your needs. The Pacific Suite has a harbour view and can have grab bars in the shower/bath tub installed. However a walk in shower is not possible in this type of Suite. A walk in shower is available in the "accessible" Victoria Rooms. These rooms have one queen sized bed, lower to the ground as they are designed for guests in a wheelchair, and the view is a residential view. Please be advised that the rates and availability are subject to change prior to making a reservation.


| By: Five Star Alliance

A wistful and lovely evening look at Abigail's Hotel.

Posted in: Victoria, BC, Hot Spots

| By: Christopher Roney

Salt Spring Island is one of the most iconic destinations in all of Canada, a small, exclusive natural island that promises an escape we'd all like to enjoy. Overlooking Ganges Harbor, Hastings House is a small manor house that's a perfectly self-contained destination. The folks there do dining right as well. They are clearly friends with one Peregrin Took because not only is muffin and coffee delivered right to your door, you can follow it up with a leisurely second, English breakfast. Lamb and local seafood are the figureheads of the Verandah's beautiful dinner options, and they are always complimented by fresh herbs and produce from the estate gardens. It couldn't be fresher if you picked it yourself. Top it off with a glass from their incredibly well-stocked and international wine cellar.

The small manor also offers its very own wellness treatments from massages to body wraps right next to the fireplace in your very own suite. It's a vacation experience you won't want to miss out on. The Hastings House even has some adorable pet lambs


| By: Mary Winston Nicklin

Fairmont Celebrates TeaFairmont has declared November 12, 2011 an official "tea day"-- celebrating all things tea-- and being tea fans ourselves, we're thrilled about the "tea-rrific" events they have planned at hotels and resorts around the world. From tastings with a tea sommelier at The Fairmont Empress in Victoria to tours of a neighboring tea estate at Kenya's historic Fairmont The Norfolk, the festive events celebrate Fairmont's historic connection to the traditional afternoon ritual. Other fun, noteworthy celebrations: get discounts for wearing fancy hats at The Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise; imbibe signature "Tea-quila" cocktails at The Fairmont Dallas; try Swiss-style tea at the Fairmont Le Montreux Palace featuring finger sandwiches made with local Gruyère cheese; partake in a multi-cultural tea celebration at The Fairmont Kea Lani, Maui. For the full run-down of activities, check out the official website. And if you're in need of a little Tea Etiquette, the experts at The Fairmont Empress have some top tips.

Pssst. You can also try some tea-infused cocktails from the hotel brand's top mixologists.

Image via Fairmont Hotels/ Everyone's an Original