Cinematic Beaches: The Hotel Martinez Has the Best Private Beach in France?

What happens when you combine the location of perhaps the world's most famous film festival with an amazing beachfront? I could give you a bunch of illustrative analogies, but don't let me spoil the surprise. Why don't you head to the Hotel Martinez and find out for yourself? Zplage, which is both the hotel's private beach and the technical term for when your shirt gets stuck in your zipper, is one of the premiere beaches in the world. With over 400 sun lounges and a vast pontoon, you're free to enjoy the sights of the ocean and tan on the French Riviera, all without having to even dip your toes in the water unless you'd like. Dine right on the beach at the Zplage Beach Restaurant, or head indoors for a two-star Michelin experience at the Le Relais Martinez. The piano bar, heated outdoor pool, and 2500 sq ft of conference space mean that the Martinez can host whatever event you and your operating budget can dream up. It's a tragic oversight that so many people who think of France don't look past Paris because France has far more to offer. If you take a trip a little bit off the beaten path, the Hotel Martinez will make you quickly forget the way back, and you'll be so enraptured, you may even forget to return home.

The Dresden Files: Swissotel Opens New Hotel in Dresden

Swissotel has just announced the official opening of the new Swissotel Dresden Am Schloss. The classic Swiss brand is bringing its crisp, smooth design to old town Dresden, a city that could certainly use a few more hotels to choose from. With an emphasis on the business traveler, the hotel is looking to cater to the large numbers of businessmen who find themselves with occasion to travel to the industrious city. A conference and convention space that spans almost 1500 square feet means the Swissotel has the freedom to host a party of almost any size. VIP events, meetings, social gatherings, and even weddings, can all be amply accommodated in the flexible and stylish space. The rooftop terrace is a great secondary space for smaller cocktail parties and receptions, and it boasts a stunning view of the nearby Hofkirche and surrounding city.

In the heart of the old town, the new hotel is perfectly placed for the tourists among us to get out and see the sights of dresden. The historic buildings, from the Frauenkirche to the Semper Opera, are anchor points for any visit to the city, and once you're done exploring the city, you can return to the Swissotel for a great meal at the Wohnstube, the Sitting Room, for modern Swiss cuisine. We're happy to see a new addition to the hotel catalogue in Dresden, and we're sure the Swissotel Dresden Am Schloss won't disappoint.

Photo via Swissotel Dresden

Ritz Paris Launches Its First Oxygen Treatment at its Health Club

The Ritz Paris has a new oxygen treatment option available at its Ritz Health Club, and we certainly encourage you to check it out before this luxury hotel’s doors close on July 31st, 2012 for an extensive 2 year renovation. Oxygen is an essential element for maintaining the vitality of the skin and is necessary for cell renewal and skin regeneration. With a partnership with the Ritz Health Club, Beauty by Clinica Ivo Pitanguy achieves anti-aging results through the unique method of using oxygen to carry ingredients to the heart of the skin cells without needles. After an hour, skin is firmer, deep wrinkles are filled, and the complexion is radiant. Make your reservation at the Ritz Paris and take advantage of this phenomenal skin treatment to come back looking years younger!

The Grove Is an In-Spa-Ration To Us All

There's always a lot of hullaballoo around hotels in London. It's a major destination, and everyone wants to be in the middle of the action. The Grove, however, takes exactly the opposite tactic, catering to those of us who want to get away from the rush of the hectic city, and instead relax and enjoy the countryside. The 18th century house is such an idyllic backdrop for relaxation that I keep imagining I'll run into someone who claims to be named Ernest and has a ward of eligible age. While I doubt that a vacation to the country should result in an unexpected engagement, you can be sure that you'll come back from your own Bunburying feeling quite refreshed. 

If there's one thing that goes hand-in-hand with a rejuvenating retreat, it's top-notch spa facilities. The Grove is a country estate in nearby Hertfordshire, and its spa facilities are second-to-none. 12 specially designed treatments rooms and a VIP double room are more than enough to serve up all of the latest in the various greek and latinate treatments: aromatherapy, thalassotherapy, phytotherapy, and hydrotherapy. If there's a prefix for it, they have a spa treatment of it. There is plenty of fine dining available on site, and you'll never be wanting for activities at the former home of the Earls of Clarendon. Sporty types will find ample tennis courts and an golf course that hosted the 2006 World Cup. So next time you need a break, pack up your hatboxes and sensational diary and head to The Grove in Hertfordshire.

Condé Nast Traveler Hot List 2012: Ohla Hotel Barcelona

Conde Nast Traveler, purveyor of fine hotel reviews and travel advice, has just released its 2012 edition of the Hot List, a list of hotels that are setting the hotel world aflame with fresh designs and new concepts, or maybe just a solid new look at classic luxury. 41 reporters embedded themselves anonymously in hotels across the globe to review their targets. What results is a list of 121 hotels around the world that are so on fire they should be put on your watch list, just in case they end up burning down.

Ohla, la. The Ohla Hotel in Barcelona is looking good enough to make a slightly inappropriate reference to consuming it. Wow, I could just eat it up. Near the Plaza de Catalunya, the small 74-room boutique was built just last year, and while it's still just stretching its legs, it came out of the womb a freakishly mature adult, ready to hit the ground running. Customizability is the name of the game at the Ohla Hotel. Its 24-hour room service offers an a la carte menu for just about everything in the room. Sheets, pillows, aromas for your linens, even films and music. Yeah, you saw that right. You can select what your sheets smell like. I often make the same choice every night at home, but that's more an indication that I should stop eating take-out in bed. Take-out certainly won't be necessary at the Ohla. Just head to the Sauc restaurant which has gotten its very own gold (Michelin) star. If you want to see downtown Barcelona from a room you've made your very own, you can't do better than the Ohla Hotel.

Condé Nast Traveler Gold List 2012: Coworth Park

We understand that no one aims to come in second place; there is no recognition for mediocrity. We at Five Star Alliance understand better than anyone the importance of offering the most luxurious resorts in the world, so we notice what’s going on in the industry, and it matters to us, because it matters to you. We work hard to offer you the best in the industry, and we’d like to welcome you to our second blog series where we feature the best and most luxurious resorts in the world. But don’t take our word for it. These resorts have been recognized as the best in the business and have made the prestigious Condé Nast Traveler Gold List 2012.

The Condé Nast Traveler Gold List 2012 is the eighth of their annual lists, and the hotels chosen by their team of editors and experts are the best for service, food, location, rooms, leisure facilities, ambiance and design.

Coworth Park is featured on the Gold List 2012: Best for leisure facilities. This luxury hotel is set in 240 acres of tranquil Berkshire Parkland in the United Kingdom, and Coworth Park is a restored Georgian Manor-House and estate with only 70 rooms and suites. The charm of the estate has been enhanced through a contemporary decorative flair which includes English smoked oak flooring and exquisite craftsmanship. This luxury hotel has earned recognition for its leisure facilities, and it’s certainly the perfect spot for guests to take pleasure in England’s greatest traditions including afternoon tea at the conservatory, croquet on the lawn, a round of golf, or even a picnic in the woods.

Check rates, availability, photos and more at the Coworth Park here!

Condé Nast Traveler Hot List 2012: Saint James Paris

Conde Nast Traveler, purveyor of fine hotel reviews and travel advice, has just released its 2012 edition of the Hot List, a list of hotels that are setting the hotel world aflame with fresh designs and new concepts, or maybe just a solid new look at classic luxury. 41 reporters embedded themselves anonymously in hotels across the globe to review their targets. What results is a list of 121 hotels around the world that are so on fire they should be put on your watch list, just in case they end up burning down.

Paris has always been a popular destination for world travelers. Famous not just for its romance and rich cultural history, the city is a thriving hotel scene that boasts some of the most cutting-edge design in the world. While the exterior of the Saint James Paris looks much like any other neo-classical mansion, the interior boasts a bold, colorful decor that rivals the more contemporary boutique hotels. What makes it unique is that these stark colors are contrasted with more classical furnishings and old-world sensibility that allows Saint James to balance carefully on the edge between classic luxury and modern boutique. The only Chateau-hotel in the capital, Saint James was built on the old airfield where Paris's famed hot air balloons took to the sky. Now the 100-year-old hotel offers the most personalized service to its small number of guests, earning it a clear place on the Conde Nast Hot List 2012.

Deals and Steals at the St. Regis Grand Rome in Italy

We at Five Star Alliance know that you, our loyal travelers, are in search of luxurious accommodations at the best prices available, so we go above and beyond to find the best promotional packages and specials to ensure you get the most from your hotel experience. We’re thrilled to introduce our newest blog series where we’ll be featuring luxury hotels that offer you more than just room-only rates. Whether you’re traveling on business or pleasure, we certainly have something for you, so be sure to check in with us often to get the inside scoop on the best deals and packages available at luxury hotels all over the world!

The St. Regis Grand Rome is perfectly located in the heart of Rome within walking distance of many historic sites including the Spanish Steps, the Trevi Fountain, and Via Veneto. The Colosseum and the Piazza Navona are also located nearby, and each of the 138 guest rooms and 23 suites feature a unique identity and are beautifully decorated in Empire, Regency, and Louis XV styles.

Taste of Luxury Package

This package is available for a Superior room with 1 king bed, Deluxe room with 1 king bed, or an Imperial room with 1 king bed. It includes breakfast for 2, and the 4th night is free for travel between November 2011 and March 2013. The free night is applied upon check in. (This special package must be selected to receive the 4th night free.)

Luxury Romance Package

This package is available for a Superior room, Deluxe room, or Imperial room option with 1 king bed, and it includes daily room service breakfast for 2, beautiful flowers, and champagne upon arrival. Dive into a romantic escape with this package that’s perfect for an anniversary, birthday, or just a weekend away.

Vivendo Dinner Package

This package is perfect for the food connoisseur and it is available for either a Superior or Deluxe room. Included in this package is a buffet breakfast and a phenomenal 3 course dinner from the Grand menu at Vivendo Restaurant.

These packages and specials are based on double occupancy, subject to availability, and exclusive of tax.

Be sure to make your travel plans today to take advantage of the incredible packages and deals that await you in Rome!

Deals and Steals at the Four Seasons Dublin, Ireland

We at Five Star Alliance know that our travelers are in search of luxurious accommodations at the best prices available, so we go above and beyond to find the best promotional packages and specials to ensure you get the most from your hotel experience. We’re thrilled to introduce our newest blog series where we’ll be featuring luxury hotels that offer you more than just room-only rates. Whether you’re traveling on business or pleasure, we certainly have something for you. Be sure to check in with us often to get the inside scoop on the best deals and packages available at luxury hotels all over the world!

Today's big opportunity comes at the Four Seasons Dublin, a wonderful place to stay and see one of the UK's most storied cities. The Four Seasons is close enough to the heart of Dublin to feel the city's heartbeat, but you'll also find yourself looking out over over Ireland's natural beauty. A great mainstay for a trip to Ireland.

Stay A While and Listen

What's the big deal at the Four Seasons Dublin? Stay for at least three nights, and the third will be on the house while you're in the house. That means you can get 3 nights for 2 or 4 for 3, or even 11 for 10 if you're feeling extra intrepid. In any case, check out the upcoming months for availability on this great deal at the Four Seasons Dublin.

New Luxury Hotels Opening in 2012: Nobilis Hotel in Lviv, Ukraine

We at Five Star Alliance are all about the best and most luxurious hotels. We certainly keep up with the happenings in the luxury travel world and take pride in bringing our clients the latest luxury travel news. Keep up with our newest blog series where we’ll be featuring luxury hotels opening in 2012 to stay on top of the trends and make your reservations at the newest hotspots.

The Nobilis Hotel in Lviv is the first and only world class luxury hotel located in the heart of Lviv, and the classical building façade decorated with hand-paintings beautifully compliments the architectural design of the city. Lviv, which means the City of Lions, is a historic and beautiful city which has successfully meshed the architectural and traditional culture of Eastern Europe with those of Italy, Germany, and France. Referred to as the ‘Little Paris of Ukraine,’ Lviv’s cobblestone streets and cultural institutions make it a romantic and beautiful city certainly worth exploring. The Nobilis Hotel has 49 spacious rooms and 9 luxurious suites equipped with the latest technology and decorated with elegant and tasteful style. Its exquisite restaurant, piano-lounge bar, 24-hour lobby bar with fireplace, and its spa and fitness center all add to the hotel’s lavish comforts and charm. Be sure to make your reservations at this beautiful property soon to make it in time for the EuroCup 2012, and get ready to visit what in my very biased opinion is the best city in the world!