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LUXURY HOTEL INSIDER
 
FSA LogoThe 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.

Your Questions Answered: Family-Friendly Resorts in Crete

March 21, 2013
By: Betsy LeTourneau

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. Blue Palace Resort and Spa

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, GreeceElounda Gulf Villas and Suites

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.  St Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel and Villas

Apollo  Suite: a two bedroom Club Villa with a private pool: Centrally located offering generous space and a cool contemporary feeling with elegant open plan lounge leading to a beautiful terrace garden and a large private pool (heated during the colder months). Privacy and tranquility meet panoramic sea views and your own sun loungers, sunshades and open-air dining table for four persons. Two bedrooms offer direct access to two spacious marble lined bathrooms with Jacuzzi bathtub. 

Poseidon House: a two bedroom, 2 story Villa with a  private pool: With a privileged seafront location, this delightful villa combines indoor and outdoor living with spacious rooms, terrace garden with an extra sized swimming pool (heated during the colder months), large patio with dining table, sunshades, daybeds and sun loungers and commands spectacular views to the Mirabello Bay. Centrally located in two levels it is composed with 2 bedrooms, separate living room, dining room area and kitchenette on the mid level. Master bedroom features a french double bed, ensuite marble lined bathroom with Jacuzzi while the upstairs bedroom has separate shower and balcony with sea view.

St. Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel & Villas welcomes Kids at the Hotel's Mini Club every day and the complimentary kids's program is available for children from 4 to 11 years old under the supervision of dedicated and fully certified staff. Children’s menus and high chairs provided in all restaurants, except “Minotaure” restaurant by the pool. 

All rates are based on double occupancy and extra person charges may apply. Please be advised that the rates, availability, as well as any extra person charges are subject to change depending on the hotel’s policies.   

View photos, read descriptions and check availability at St. Nicolas Bay Resort Hotel and Villas >>

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Sponsored Article: Porto Zante Villas and Spa

March 18, 2013
By: K. Clare Johnson

 

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 >>

 


The Summer Houses of Dar Al Masyaf at Madinat Jumeirah

March 12, 2013
By: Five Star Alliance

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.

Dar Al Masayaf Arabian Summer Houses

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


New to Five Star Alliance

March 5, 2013
By: K. Clare Johnson

 

We're always on the lookout for the top luxury hotels to add to the Five Star Alliance collection. Here are a few we've added recently.

 


Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Perla
, located in Playa del Carmen, Mexico, is an adults-only all-inclusive resort located on a spectacular and intimate bay. Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Perla combines a prestigious Caribbean setting with world-class facilities, including Royal Service, the ultimate in spa treatments, a relaxed ambience, and flexible meeting spaces with state-of-the-art equipment. 

View Rates, Details, and More Photos of Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Perla>>

 

 

Refinery Hotel New York is located in the heart of Manhattan's garment district.  It is blocks from Bryant Park, the theater district, Times Square, and the Empire State Building. There are 197 Guest Rooms and Executive Suites throughout the hotel's 12 elegant floors, each opulently tailored and custom-furnished. The chic decor and artistic ambience have industrial accents, a nod to the building's former life as a hat factory. 

 

View Rates, Details, and More Photos of Refinery Hotel New York>>

 

 

 

Paradisus Playa del Carmen Esmeralda, also located in Playa del Carmen, is also all-inclusive, but is geared towards a fun family vacation. There is a family pool, and 11 restaurants to choose from. The oceanfront location is surrounded by a lush tropical mangrove preserve and has views of Cozumel Island.  Enjoy fun activities such as tango dance classes, sushi-making, and sensorial experiences. 

 

View Rates, Details, and More Photos of Paradisus Playa del Carmen La Esmeralda>>

 

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Image of the Day: Vinpearl Resort Nha Trang

February 26, 2013
By: K. Clare Johnson

 

Vinpearl Resort Nha Trang has a 700m-length beach with amazingly beautiful white sand and rows of coconut-palms. It also is the largest island-sea tourism and entertainment resort in Vietnam.

 

View rates, details and more photos for Vinpearl Resort Nha Trang >>

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A Blast From The Past: Hotel del Coronado in San Diego

February 20, 2013
By: Five Star Alliance

This year is Hotel del Coronado's 125th Anniversary. Rising from water's edge on the quaint island of Coronado in San Diego, The Del is a classic historic hotel built in 1888 and designated a National Historic Landmark in 1977.

Hotel del Coronado in 1888

View rates, details and more photos for Hotel del Coronado in San Diego >>


Image of the Day: CuisinArt Resort And Spa

February 18, 2013
By: K. Clare Johnson

 

CuisinArt Resort and Spa is located on the tranquil island of Anguilla, the most northerly of the Eastern Caribbean’s Leeward Islands. Situated on Rendezvous Bay along the southern shore, the Resort offers unobstructed views of St. Martin and the Sea, with beachfront access to one of the Caribbean’s most beautiful beaches.

 

View rates, details and more photos for CuisinArt Resort And Spa >>

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Image of the Day: Casa de Campo

February 11, 2013
By: K. Clare Johnson

On Casa de Campos' exclusive Minitas Beach, guests can enjoy a sea of water sports. Choose from kayaks, Hobie cats, windsurfers, and paddleboats. Special arrangements can be made for anglers, snorklers or those guests that wish to scuba dive. Minitas also houses a massage room for private soothing sessions by the water.

 

Explore rates, details, photos and more at Casa de Campos >>

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Image of the Day: Paradisus Punta Cana

February 10, 2013
By: K. Clare Johnson

At Paradisus Punta Cana, twelve restaurants offer an incredible choice of contemporary world cuisine and eight bars offer fashionable Caribbean cocktails and international premium brand drinks.

Explore rates, details, photos and more at Paradisus Punta Cana >>

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