Focus on Matakauri Lodge

Matakauri Lodge offers eleven luxurious suites and villas, each with private terraces looking out to a dramatic Queenstown lakeside, with mountain views.  

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Red Carnation Acquires the Historic Ashford Castle

Ashford Castle will be soon be seeing red.  Our sister publication Luxury Travel Advisor, has reported that Red Carnation Hotels has taken over the historic property. Ashford Castle is the former estate of the Guinness family. It dates back to 1228 and is set on the shores of Lough Corrib, Ireland's second largest lake, in the picturesque village of Cong. Jena Tessa Fox reports that:

Red Carnation Hotels' Managing Director Jonathan Raggett said that the team was looking forward to working with Ashford's General Manager Niall Rochford and to growing the workforce with local talent. "We will be working with local suppliers and partners on a refurbishment program that will restore this illustrious hotel to its former glory, and build on the fine reputation that the hotel already enjoys," Raggett said.

More on the acquisition >>

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New to Five Star Alliance: Hotel St Barth Isle de France

Hotel St Barth Isle de France is located on one of the loveliest beaches of St Barthélemy, Flamands Beach, just 5 minutes by car from the airport and the main town Gustavia.

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New to Five Star Alliance: Travaasa Austin

Travaasa Austin thinks of itself as Texas's most active destination resort and spa. The luxury resort takes pride in offering its guests a compelling menu of inclusive guided adventures, culinary classes, cultural encounters, healing spa treatments, and fitness and wellness workshops, all located in a Zen-like preserve for the soul.

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Burj Al Arab Goes for the Gold iPad

Think a gold credit card is impressive? Not anymore. Burj Al Arab, the super-luxury hotel in Dubai, has introduced the latest status symbol for luxury travelers: The gold iPad.

Guest at Burj Al Arab often arrive one of the world’s largest chauffeur-driven fleets of Rolls Royce’s or by a dedicated helicopter transfer service. After check-in, the 24-karat iPad, which is worth approximately $10,000, is yours to play the world's most expensive game of Angry Birds on. Or, guests can use the virtual concierge program that comes loaded on the gadget to take advantage of the hotel's many bespoke services. The hotel introduced a similar amenity back in October 2012, with a 24-carat rose gold iPad that was designed as part of its Breast Cancer Awareness month program. 

Sadly, the iPad, much like a room key, has to be returned to the front desk upon check-out. Although you can purchase your own in the hotel's boutique, along with a gold iPad minii and a gold iPhone5.

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Movie Star Suites at Leading Hotels

Nobody can make you a star, but you can check in to a hotel that will make you feel like you are one. Our sister publication, Luxury Travel Advisor, has the rundown on sleeping in star spots. Here's an excerpt:

Did you miss out on Cannes this year? We hear The Leading Hotels of the World is offering travelers a chance to live the celeb life at some movie-star themed suites around the world. Here are the top picks:

An ardent fan of the town of Portofino, actress Ava Gardner often chose to spend her holidays there. In 1952, she stayed at Hotel Splendido, during the filming of The Barefoot Contessa, co-starring Humphrey Bogart and Edmond O’Brien. In homage to Ms. Gardner, sister hotel Splendido Mare dedicated a suite to her. Stretching across the entire top floor of the hotel, the Ava Gardner Suite offers a magnificent terrace with incomparable views of the harbor, promontory and Castello Brown, which are also fully visible from the bed and the sitting room. The 603-square-foot terrace is adorned with a huge, potted lemon tree and flowering Mediterranean plants. The expansive bedroom is incredibly well lit thanks to two generous windows that highlight the soft pastel tones of the walls, fabrics and furniture. A large door connects to the sun-filled sitting room, which boasts an almost wall-to-wall window. When open, this joins the sitting room and terrace, creating one magnificent space— half indoors and half outdoors. No doubt Ms. Gardner would feel blissfully at home here!

More Star Suites >>

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New to Five Star Alliance: The Dunloe

The Dunloe is a beautiful luxury hotel, overlooking the famous Gap of Dunloe, set on its own 64 acre estate leading to the ruins of the 12th century castle and River Laune.

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Did You Know? Inn at Pelican Bay

 
There are literally dozens of golf courses in Naples, FL. The Inn at Pelican Bay is just blocks from pristine Paradise Coast beaches, award-winning golf courses, and fabulous shopping opportunities, this hotel in Naples, FL provides a delightfully serene retreat.

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New to Five Star Alliance: Chatrium Hotel Sathon Bangkok

Chatrium Hotel Sathon Bangkok is the newest addition to the Five Star Alliance collection.  The luxury hotel is an oasis of calm in the

bustling Thai city. Enjoy the picturesque oasis of calm with the oversized free-form swimming pool set amongst lush greenery.

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Shangri-La's Villingili Resort and Spa Maldives Lands a Private Runway

Have a private jet? Now you have somewhere to land it the next time you visit the Maldives.  Our sister publication, Luxury Travel Advisor, has the scoop on a new private jet airport terminal at Shangri-La's Villingili Resort and Spa. 

Globetrotters now have a new reason to touch down in the Maldives. We hear Shangri-La’s Villingili Resort and Spa is gearing up to have its own private jet airport terminal.

Located at Gan International Airport in Addu Atoll, the terminal is for the exclusive arrival and departure of the resort’s guests, including those on commercial flights to and from Male International Airport. The terminal is five minutes by speedboat from the resort and has two lounges and a VIP room. Extra Touch: A private lounge is reserved for guests arriving by private jet and offers one-stop immigration, custom and baggage screening services.

Those looking to leap on this opportunity can take part in the Private Jet Experience, which features stays in a presidential villa and other benefits. The Private Jet Experience benefits include welcome champagne; a dedicated villa butler; dolphin cruise; daily massage at CHI, The Spa; personal mobile phone and the bespoke “Dine by Design” experience.

View rates, details, and more photos of Shangri-La's Villingili Resort and Spa >>

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