Where To Go In 2006

Courtesy of Forbes.com (and we are proud to say our very own Manager of Client Services-- Sarah Anderegg-- helped compile the domestic travel spending data), an interesting article on travel spends and hot spots for the new year:

With the new year comes the inevitable tide of resolutions, remorse (for overdoing it during the holidays), anticipation for the 12 months ahead and, for many people, a bad case of the winter blahs.

Former Starwood Exec Launches New Luxury Hotel Brand: The Crillon

Imagine our delight at hearing the recent industry buzz. After all, the Hotel de Crillon is easily our favorite hotel in Paris, and maybe in the whole of Europe. The perfect location, awash in elegance and history, with dynamite service (these guys know how to take care of you) and pretty swell dining. I'd be happy camping out here for a few days, instead of that Canal St Martin apartment. And this marvelous Palace hotel is to be the flagship of the new Crillon brand, launched by Barry Sternlicht, the former chief executive of Starwood Hotels and Resorts Worldwide. Their mission is to bring Crillon style European elegance to hotels around the world. God bless.

Hotel de Crillon, Official Site

Hotel de Crillon, Five Star Alliance

Pink Dolphins? Hong Kong?

You've got to be kidding me. But as CNN reports, HK is no longer just about glitzy skyscrapers, designer shopping and gourmet eats. Throw ecotourism in the mix; the city is one of the best spots to see Indo Pacific humpback dolphins, which just happen to be totally, completely bubblegum-pink. Sign up with tour operator Hong Kong Dolphinwatch, who normally spots these uncanny creatures 97 percent of the time on tours in the South China Sea.

Don’t Buy in Dubai

Speaking of the devil... The Times UK reports that many British homeowners regret their decision to invest in Dubai. That terrible third-rate workmanship of "luxury" properties and poor management belie the slick, glossy brochures advertising the glittering sea, sand and skyscrapers of developments in Dubai. (Thanks Alex!)

Le Paradis St. Lucia Welcomes Westin

The lush, unspoiled landscape of St. Lucia-- 238 square miles of empty beaches and tropical paradise-- is the setting for the new luxury condominium resort development called (naturally) Le Paradis with its ultra-hyped Greg Norman designed golf course. The center of it all will be the Westin St. Lucia, set to open in March of next year with 232 guestrooms. Bring it on.

Via TravelWeekly

Hotel Bel-Air and Veuve Clicquot Celebrate Valentine’s Day in LA

You're invited... to the most fabulous, romantic Valentine's celebration in LA (after you pony up $275 per person, of course). At the Couples Champagne Dinner, served in the private garden room of the legendary Hotel Bel-Air, Veuve Clicquot will be featuring 7 of their high-end vintages, paired with each course. Divine menu items include Maine Lobster, Cream of Peas and Baby Mache, served with Veuve Clicquot la Grande Dame Rosé, 1995.

Hotel Bel-Air, Official Site

Hotel Bel-Air, Five Star Alliance

Let’s Talk About Dubai

Why exactly is it so appealing? Since I'm a Dubai virgin-- passing through the airport on a Delhi-Moscow flight doesn't count for much-- I can only hazard a guess or two. Beaches, warm climate, awe-inspiring architecture that continues to push the envelope, underwater restaurants, the world's only seven star hotel... But Europeans calling it the new Côte d'Azur and buying up real estate like it's their job?! Proximity can't be the reason. Dubai is hot; it's been marketed as hot, and the incredible development continues to gather steam. Thus I implore you, dear reader... let's talk about Dubai. What makes it so damn hot?

Global Warming and the Alps

The Alps are melting. According to an important feature in the February issue of National Geographic (RUN, don't walk, to the newsstand for this one), scientists are estimating that "the Alps have lost half their glacier ice in the past century, 20 percent of that since the 1980s; glaciers in Switzerland have lost a fifth of their surface area in the past 15 years." The glaciers are receding—driving some resort owners to drastic measures like buying white blankets to cover 15 acres of glacier during the summer—and the snow has stopped falling. Which isn’t helped by the 12 million trucks and 50 million cars that cross the Alps each year, their fumes trapped in a nasty greenhouse of emissions within the valleys. This is more than bad news for the region that worldwide symbolizes a wondrous winter playground for international jetsetters and local farmers alike. There are 600 ski resorts nestled in this dramatic mountain range that stretches across eight nations, half of which are predicted to close in the coming decades. For those passionate about Alpine adventures, this means adopting a philosophy of environmental sustainability while packing your bags ASAP for St. Moritz. Badrutts Palace Hotel, of course, here in the birthplace of the Alps winter tourism.

LA Abandons $11 Billion Airport Modernization Plan

Can they send the funds to Paris Charles de Gaulle instead? The airport is the pits. I'm sure when it was constructed in the 70's, it was considered the epitome of cool. A space age vision of the future. Escalators and moving walkways ascending and descending hills through the maze of flashing white lights, crisscrossing the vast circular interior through plastic tubular structures. (The French tell me it resembles-- um-- camembert cheese.) Good luck trying to find the shuttle to the TGV. (It would require a map and pages of carefully detailed instructions.)

A Free Night in Hawaii at the Mauna Lani Bay Hotel

Located on the Big Island's Kohala coast, the AAA five-diamond resort is surrounded by a lush volcanic landscape chock full of waterfalls, rainforests, active lava flows and even snow-capped mountains. And Mauna Lani is a destination even among these wonders, recognized worldwide (almost suffocating with accolades) for its 25,000 sq ft spa, top tennis facilities at the Sport and Fitness Club, and white sand beach, where lucky guests can witness the whale migration just offshore. Escape this winter to an ocean view room or private bungalow, and get a fifth night free! In addition, the hotel is offering a $100-$200 per room per night resort credit (depending on room type) for stays March 1-May 30. But hurry! You must book the "Springtime Early Bird Special" by the end of Jan.

Via Washington Post Weekly Travel Deals

Mauna Lani, Official Site

Mauna Lani, Five Star Alliance