Did You Know? Dunton Hot Springs

Dunton Hot Springs is now an perfectly restored ghost town turned luxury retreat. The history of the property stretches back to 1885, when the town of Dunton was established. Dunto was a mining camp, with mines located about 1/2 mile from the log structures that comprised the town. After a mining boom and bust, the town was nearly deserted by 1918. The property spent the next 80 or so years as a cattle ranch and then a dude ranch for tourists. It closed down in the mid-1990s, and was bought in 1994 and subsequently renovated.

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Luxury Hotel History: The Savoy London

The Savoy London was originally built in 1889 by Richard D’Oyly Carte on land adjacent to his Savoy Theatre. The hotel was built to accommodate the many tourists who came to London to see the Savoy Operas by Gilbert & Sullivan.  In 2007 the legendary hotel closed for the first time in order to undertake a 3-year, £220 million restoration project.

Want more Savoy London History?>>

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Polo Lessons at Coworth Park

Summer means polo season! Our sister publication Luxury Travel Advisor, has the inside scoop on all the polo perks at Coworth Park. 

Writer Jena Tesse Fox reports that:

Players and fans alike can head up to the Berkshire property to learn and train with Hine and play with members of the world's most famous polo club.

This season, Coworth Park is offering a range of polo lessons and polo days from beginners to more advanced players. An hour-long private lesson can be booked from $203, with a course of five lessons from $952, while group lessons (three people or more) cost from $190. Upon request, the property can arrange for bespoke polo experiences for individual clients and instructional chukkas (polo games) are available for the more serious player. For younger players, Coworth Park offers smaller mallets for children, allowing everyone of all ages to enjoy this noble sport. Preferential rates are offered for guests of Coworth Park and Guards Polo Club members. Guests must be over ten years of age.

Luxury Hotels from the Past: The Ponce de León Hotel

Recently Shorpy showcased the Ponce de Leon Hotel in St. Augustin Florida - "Vacation Spots: 1890s".

Completed in 1888, the exclusive luxury hotel in St. Augustine, Florida was built by millionaire developer and Standard Oil co-founder Henry M. Flagler. Designed in the Spanish Renaissance style it was constructed entirely of poured concrete. From the very beginning, the hotel also was wired for electricity with power being supplied by D.C. generators supplied by Flagler's friend, Thomas Edison and was one of the first buildings in the nation to have electricity.

During World War II the Hotel was used as a Coast Guard Training Center and in 1963 the Hotel was one of several St. Augustine sites involved in the civil rights movement. In the late 1960's the hotel and grounds became the focal point of the newly-established Flagler College.

From Shorpy: "St. Augustine, Florida, circa 1890s. 'The Ponce de Leon, rear view.' Henry Flagler's grand hotel, with the street traffic none too artfully stippled out. 8x10 inch glass negative by William Henry Jackson."

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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? The Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens

The Lodge and Spa at Callaway Gardens is located at Callaway Gardens, a man-made landscape in a unique natural setting. was The 6,500 acres at this destination draws over 750,000 visitors annually.

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Hotel de Crillon Renovations Revealed

The legendary Parisian Hotel de Crillon recently closed in order to go a major renovation that's expected to last two years. Our sister publication, The Luxury Travel Advisor, got some inside information on what future guests might expect.

 Here's what writer Jena Tessa Fox found out about the renovations: 

Architect Richard Martinet, along with Artistic Director Aline d'Amman and three Parisian decorators – Cyril Vergniol, Chahan Minassian and Tristan Auer – are working to bring the historic hotel into the 21st century. And although both management and designers have revealed little in the way of details, a recent press release offered a hint: "The 7th floor … will be imagined as a 'quarter within the hotel' where fashion designers and brands can collaborate with the Crillon to decorate the suites." The hotel's management contract, the story continues, may take a page from the Kempinski model - an established brand that manages a number of historic hotels. And the Crillon will need a special kind of care to balance contemporary tastes with classic style: It is 250 years old, and several rooms are listed as national historic monuments. But the "Louis XV" decor, while never lacking for gilding, can seem a tad dated, and when the French Ministry of Tourism was handing out "palace" status to hotels in 2011, the Crillon was absent from the list. It is worth noting that Mohamed Al-Fayed's Paris Ritz also lost out and has also recently closed for a 27-month refurbishment. The renovated hotel will open its doors again in 2015.

We look forward to seeing the stunning results! 

Did You Know? Hotel St. Francis

Hotel St. Francis is named for the patron saint of Santa Fe. The historic hotel embodies the authentic spirit of old Santa Fe, with handcrafted wood furniture by local artisans inspired by the Palace of the Governors, and a palette of natural colors reflecting the days of Santa Fe's early Franciscan missionaries.

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Be Nautical at The Inn at Perry Cabin

Ahoy, mateys!

The Inn at Perry Cabin is located on the Maryland Eastern shore, alongside the Chesapeake Bay. The location alone makes it an ideal vacation spot for sailing enthusiasts to set a course to this nautical friendly destination. The Inn at Perry Cabin caters to its location and sailing enthusiasts with an array of exciting excursions, tours and activities that are available on stand by. Guests can anchor aweigh on one of the many vessels for a sailing tour along the Chesapeake Bay, or spend a day running a trotline and dipping crabs while munching and sipping away on The Inn at Perry Cabin delicacies. At the end of your crabbing trip, the employees at The Inn at Perry Cabin will steam their guests' catch and deliver them fresh to eat for dinner that same night! The Inn at Perry Cabin provides two different sailing courses through the Chesapeake Bay's Offshore Sailing School, located on their property. The Inn provides a novice Learn to Sail course to get the basics of sailing down, and a five day Bareboat Cruising course for the more experienced sailing Enthusiast. Or guests can stay ashore and learn traditional boat building by becoming an apprentice for a day. Sail away towards The Inn at Perry Cabin, to indulge your sailing dreams!

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Spotlight on Baglioni Hotel Group

The Baglioni Group’s Core Values are hospitality, luxury and style made in Italy, unique experiences, personalised services, locations of great historic value and prestige.  Here are just a few of their terrific hotels that truly embody their mission. 

Carlton Hotel Baglioni

The Carlton Hotel Baglioni is a luxury 5 star hotel perfect for both leisure and business trips. It is situated in the heart of Milan, at the crossroads of culture, fashion and design, in a highly prestigious position: it directly overlooks Via della Spiga, the most celebrated shopping street in the city. Via Montenapoleone, the cathedral and the famous La Scala theatre are situated a short distance away.

Luna Hotel Baglioni

Housed in a beautiful and aristocratic building, the luxurious Luna Hotel Baglioni provides its guests with a warm, intimate atmosphere and impeccable service. Luna Hotel Baglioni has that unique hospitality that welcomes back generations of guests year after year. The stamp of glamour and sophistication is evident in the frescoes, antique furniture and imposing crystal chandeliers which adorn the foyer and the public rooms.

Relais Santa Croce

A perfect balance between the luxury of a bygone era and modern comforts. In the historic centre of Florence, an eighteenth century residence hosts the exclusive, refined Relais Santa Croce hotel. Surrounded by its sumptuous furnishings and frescoed ceilings, you will be assisted by highly professional staff and delighted by the evocative nature of this truly extraordinary location in which luxury and refinement are the predominant features. It is the ideal destination for those seeking the intimacy of a private residence in Florence.

Regina Hotel Baglioni

The Regina Hotel Baglioni is situated right on the renowned Via Veneto, next to the Spanish Steps, closeto Rome's key attractions and its elegant shopping area. The Hotel offers a refined combination of luxury with an Italian touch in perfect harmony with a modern concept of cosmopolitan hospitality. The guest rooms and suites feature a sleek art deco style and classic stylish interior of timeless elegance. Guests and Romans enjoy authentic Mediterranean cuisine or can savour a cocktail at Brunello Lounge & Restaurant.

Baglioni Hotel London

The chic and very stylish Baglioni Hotel London is a modern classic housed in a traditional London building. The location may be English, but the hotel is certainly Italian in spirit. The Baglioni Group's commitment to its Italian heritage strives to combine luxury, individuality and culture in each of it's properties.

From the Baglioni Group, Coming soon to Five Star Alliance:
Cala del Porto, in Punta Ala Tuscany. Cala del Porto is situated overlooking the marina of Punta Ala. From the terraces of the hotel you can see glimpses of the Maremma landscape and look across the beautiful bay of Punta Ala towards the island of Elba in the distance. In this elegant and stylish hotel you will find welcoming staff and warm, Italian hospitality making you immediately feel at home. The aim of the hotel is to make your dreams come true and leave you with unforgettable memories of a wonderful, relaxing holiday.

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