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Your Questions Answered: Family-Friendly Resorts in Crete

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:  What are some family friendly resorts in Crete, Greece for a family of 4, children ages 8 and 11 

ANSWER: There are a number of resorts that fit the bill. Here are the top 3 that we recommend:

Blue Palace Resort and Spa – Elounda Crete, Greece. 

The Blue Palace Resort and Spa offers a variety of suites where a maximum of 4 occupants can comfortably stay and they are child-friendly. 

The Deluxe Suites with Sea View and Private Pool  are luxurious bedrooms with elegant décor. In addition they offer a separate living room which leads to an oversized veranda with a corner infinity pool of 44 square meters (473 square feet). These suites can accommodate up to four guests and are 68 square meters(732 square feet).  A Corner suite has a slightly smaller private pool, impressive sea views, a veranda with sun beds and umbrella, and a separate living room. 

Island Luxury Suites with a Sea View and Private Heated Pool have amazing sea views, enlarged private heated pool of 30 square meters (322 square feet) and an outdoor patio with privacy. Two to four guests can be accommodated and they are 72 square meters (775 square feet). These suites include a spacious patio with sun beds, umbrella, separate living room, four poster bed, egg-shaped bathtub or Jacuzzi. 

At Blue Palace Resort and Spa,  guests 12 and under are considered children and sleep for free in the existing bedding of a room shared with a paying adult. (Rollaways, child rollaways and cribs may incur extra charges.)

Kids Only: The Blue Palace Resort and Spa is pleased to provide extensive children facilities and amenities. In addition to an indoor and outdoor playground and two children's swimming pools, they offer a wide range of engaging activities including theater, fishing, painting, and Greek dancing, creating fun-filled times during their stay with great memories to take home.  Baby-sitting can be arranged for the day or night upon request at a charge. The Kids Club is available only to children aged 3 to 12-years-old. 

View photos, read descriptions and check availability at Blue Palace Resort and Spa >>

Elounda Gulf Villas and Suites – Crete, Greece

Stylishly designed Two Bedroom Deluxe Family Suites have an area of approximately 100-120 sqaure meteres and can accommodate up to 5 guests. All Two Bedroom Deluxe Family Suites feature two master bedrooms, spacious bathrooms and a cozy living room equipped with tea and coffee facilities. Beautiful large windows offer views to the azure sea. Tromp l' oeil hand-painted ceilings adorn the spacious marble bathrooms featuring makeup mirror, hairdryer, pool towels, soft bathrobes and slippers and luxury toiletries for a truly comfortable stay. Families can enjoy a refreshing swim at the main stunning pool of the hotel and specially designed children’s pool located only a few steps away from the suites. All Two Bedroom Deluxe Family Suites are ideal for groups of friends and relaxing family vacations.

View photos, read descriptions and check availability at Elounda Gulf Villas and Suites >>

St. Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel and Villas – Aghios Nikolas, Greece

St. Nicholas Bay Resort Hotel and Villas offers interconnecting rooms and family suites, club suites and villas with private pool for families up to 6 persons, The St. Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel has a fully serviced private beach that has been distinguished with an EU Blue Flag rating. The protected sandy cove is ideal for kids and their parents alike. Children can enjoy a seawater paddling pool next to our large outdoor swimming pool just few steps from the sea

Penelopi  Suite: a two bedroom suite with a private pool, offers great privacy and superb seaviews from privileged location with large private swimming pool heated in colder months. The bedrooms have ensuite marbled lined bathroom with Jacuzzi, an elegant living room and spacious terrace.  

Ritz-Carlton Naples Renovates

Twenty-seven might be a little young for human facelifts, but it's just about right for a luxury hotel to undergo some refurbishments. The Ritz-Carlton Naples just announced that that it will close for two months, starting July 24, 2013. while it undergoes renovations.  Refurbishments are planned for all of the 450 guest rooms and suites, the three dining options, the "Princess ballroom," as well as other structural and mechanical renovations.  The guest rooms renovations will be overseen by Interior designers Wimberly Interiors, which plans to have the rooms resemble a luxurious, residential beach home. The three restaurants will be re-done by the New York-based design agency Blue Plate. The Sushi Bar will be renamed The Bar and will be extending its balcony and reconfiguring to allow for more cozy areas. The Terrace will reopen as Terrazza, an Italian eatery open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. The Grill steakhouse will continue as a classic dining establishment with a terrific selection of dry-aged beef, fresh seafood and collection of international wines. Brides will want to take note taht the popular Artisans "princess ballroom" will be redesigned to resemble an elegant jewel box.  The 20,000 square feet of meeting space will also undergo some refreshing. 

During the renovation, nearby sister property The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort Naples will be open for business and will provide guests with a shuttle to the beach. 

The transformation will be unveiled on October 1, 2013.  

View rates, details, and more photos of Ritz-Carlton Naples and Ritz-Carlton Naples Golf Resort >>

Sponsored Article: Porto Zante Villas and Spa

Contemplating a villa getaway to Greece? May we suggest a stay at Porto Zante Villas and Spa? 

Porto Zante Villas and Spa, located on a beautiful sandy beach on the island of Zakynthos, combines the privacy & space of world class luxury villas with the amenities and services of a leading five star hotel. This intimate boutique hotel is comprised of award-winning villas right on the beach, all with private heated pools. Each of the luxury villas offers privacy and splendid views of the nearby island of Kefalonia, the Peloponnese peninsula, and the endless crystal blue Ionian Sea.

Here are a few villa options:

-The One-bedroom Deluxe Spa (85 m²), located on the beachfront, has a private heated swimming pool. It is comprised of a large master bedroom with a king size bed and an open plan living area with a Kitchenette. There's also a separate additional living room with a sofa bed, and a desk with a personal computer. The large en-suite bathroom is lined with Dionysian antique marble and features a Jacuzzi bath tub and separate shower cabin with hydro-jet devices.

-Taking the family with you? Try the The Presidential Spa Villa, also located on the beachfront. This 2-Bedroom luxury villa (170 m²)  has panoramic glass doors that lead out to a private deck which has direct access to a private swimming pool and a beautifully landscaped garden with sun beds, teak garden furniture, and dining area. This luxury villa consists of an entrance hall, two master bedrooms with king size beds, two en-suite marble lined bathrooms featuring a Jacuzzi bath tub and separate shower cabin with hydro-jet devices, walk-in dressing rooms, a luxuriously decorated living & dining area, a desk with a PC, and a small kitchen.

-Taking all your friends with you? Consider the Imperial Spa Villa, which sleeps 8-12 people.  It's perfect for those who want to rent a private estate with its own private area on the beach and large tropical gardens. The Imperial Spa Villa, offers a private area on the beach with personal sun beds & umbrella. It is a 4-Bedroom luxury villa (420 m²) with a private heated swimming pool and an outdoor Spa pool. The villa’s private estate entrance & gated back yard  makes for the ultimate in privacy & security. This luxury villa consists of an entrance hall, four master bedrooms with king size beds, four en-suite antique Dionysian marble lined bathrooms featuring a Jacuzzi bath tub and separate shower cabins with hydro-jet devices, large walk-in dressing rooms, a luxuriously decorated living & dining area with a fireplace, a desk with a PC, and a large fully equipped kitchen.

Guests at Porto Zante Villas experience an exceptional level of personal service, away from the stress of large impersonal hotels.  If the private pools and beaches aren't enough, guests can choose from a number of activities during their stay, from scuba diving & snorkeling to a spa treatment and private in-villa dining. 

See rates, details, and more photos of Porto Zante Villas and Spa >>

Valen-Find Sweepstakes Winners Announced

Congratulations go out to Valen-Find Sweepstakes winners of $100 Visa Gift Cards!

The winners were:

Patty H of Breckenridge, MN
Iain M of Woodbridge, VA
Linda F of Middletown, CT
Austin B of Macomb MI 
Sharon H of Medina, OH
Lucy M of Pierrefonds, QB
Anne D of St Fenton MI
Janet P of Oshawa, ON
Natasha S of Webbwood, ON
Sharyn B of Coral Springs, FL
Pierre G of Rouyn-Noranda, QB

Winners, check your mailboxes, as your Visa gift cards will be arriving soon!

Thanks to all who entered and keep checking in with our Facebook page for the next contest!

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Claridge's Says So Long to Gordon Ramsay

Come June, London luxury hotel Claridge's will say so long to Gordon Ramsay's iconic restaurant after a long-term relationship. According to the Financial News, the hotel has said "the time has come...for a new dining direction for Claridge's." The restaurant was part of the first wave of celebrity chef-helmed restaurants,  and was a big hit when it opened in 2001.  Recent days have seen a decline, with the restaurant losing its Michelin Star in 2010. 

But don't worry about Gordon. The explosive host of Hell's Kitchen still has 26 restaurants world-wide.

See details, rates, and more photos of Claridge's >>

Spa Nautica at the Ritz Carlton Marina del Rey

Five Star Alliance's sister publication, Luxury Travel Advisor, recently wrote an article about Ritz-Carlton's Marina Del Ray's new Spa Nautica:

View rates, details and more photos for Ritz Carlton Marina del Ray >>

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The Summer Houses of Dar Al Masyaf at Madinat Jumeirah

Dar Al Masyaf is one of the three properties of Madinat Jumeirah Resort. Literally translated, Dar Al Masyaf means summer houses and the property features 29 summer houses comprising 283 rooms and suites with private balconies or terrace areas.

Beautifully appointed, all 283 rooms and suites portray an Arabian theme in keeping with the overall style of the resort. An integrated design means that guests can take either one room or even an entire summer house. Designed for the guest who seeks added privacy within intimate enclaves yet with easy access to all Madinat Jumeirah resort facilities,  the summer houses of Dar Al Masyaf are an ideal refuge. Offering two house types (Gulf and Arabian), each with luxurious guest rooms and suites, the Gulf summer houses offer superb access to the beach and all houses benefit from privileged locations within the resort.

View more photos, read more, or check rates and availability at Dar Al Masyaf at Madinat Jumeirah >>

Eco-Adventures at The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel

Why have an ordinary hotel stay when you can have an eco-adventure?

The Ritz-Carlton, Laguna Niguel, which premiered as the first luxury beach resort along coastal Orange County, is located halfway between San Diego and Los Angeles.  It sits high up on a 150 foot bluff that features cascading views of the Pacific Ocean. 

Set amidst such a beauty, it's not surprising that the luxury hotel has an Eco-Adventure Center that turns the local surroundings into a natural classroom and living laboratory.  The Center offers adventures for all ages, with the aim to encourage sound environmental practices and a deeper respect for nature. 

Sample events and adventures include:

-Garden tours where guest will learn about sustainable gardening practices and about the indigenous flora and fauna of Southern California.  

-Whale-watching excursion to Dana Point, which is the Whale Capital of the West. Blue, Humpback, and Gray Whales are all visible as they migrate along the Pacific Coast.  

-Exploration of Strands Beach. Guests will investigate the local foliage and wildlife of the Dana Point Headlands and learn how they adapt to the ever-changing coast.

-Body Boarding at Salt Creek Beach.  Learn how waves are created, study the effects of a rip current, and discover the longshore drift.  Then cap off all that learning with some body boarding. 

-Snorkeling the kelp forest. Learn about the harmonious and diverse kelp forest and learn what can be done to protect it. 

-Customized programs for groups, including unique team building activites that bring individuals in touch with the ocean, planet, and themselves. 

See rates, details, and more photos of Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel >>

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The Kessler Collection Announces Plans for The Grand Bohemian at Historic Power Plant in Savannah

Original article written by Adam Van Brimmer and posted at Savannahnow.com, Savannah Morning News

Richard Kessler's Kessler Collection of hotels has a grand vision for remaking the west end of Savannah, Georgia's River Street.

The hotel developer and Savannah native unveiled his preliminary plans for the Plant Riverside site Thursday during a Savannah City Council workshop. The Grand Bohemian at Historic Power Plant will anchor the $100 million-plus redevelopment of the waterfront property, which straddles the intersection of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard and River Street.

Redevelopment of the site, which Kessler bought for $9 million on New Year’s Eve, won’t begin for at least a year. Construction will take between 18 months and two years, meaning the hotel will open no earlier than 2016.

The 160-room Grand Bohemian is just one piece of the project. The hotel will be housed in the historic power plant, along with a café, a restaurant and bar, a 3,500-seat ballroom, a 3,000-square-foot art gallery and other upscale retail.

Kessler proposes to build a combination exhibition hall/parking garage to the west of the power plant along the riverfront. The cleared lot east of the power plant, which once was home to the transformer farm, initially will be converted to a grassed plaza and reserved for future development.

Kessler’s project was warmly received by council, a testament to the success of his past development work in Savannah. The Grand Bohemian will be the seventh hotel he’s built in the Historic District since launching his development career in 1970.
 

The Kessler Collection of Hotels:

The Mansion on Forsyth Park in Savannah, GA
Beaver Creek Lodge in Beaver Creek, CO
Kessler Canyon in DeBeque, CO
Grand Bohemian Hotel Orlando in Orlando, FL
The Castle in Orlando, FL
Casa Monica Hotel in St. Augustine, FL
Bohemian Hotel Celebration in Orlando, FL
Bohemian Hotel Savannah in Savannah, GA
El Monte Sagrado in Taos, NM
Grand Bohemian Hotel in Asheville, NC

Image of the Day: Rocpool Reserve Hotel

 Red, not Scottish plaid, is the color du jour in this sitting room at Rocpool Reserve Hotel. 

View rates, details, and more photos of Rocpool Reserve Hotel >>

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