The Luxury Hotel Insider: Exclusive luxury hotel deals, features and special rates from the luxury hotel experts at Five Star Alliance. Eco-Adventures at The Ritz-Carlton Laguna Niguel
March 11, 2013
By: K. Clare Johnson
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 >>
Share this article:
By: K. Clare Johnson
The Kessler Collection Announces Plans for The Grand Bohemian at Historic Power Plant in Savannah
March 11, 2013
By: Five Star Alliance
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
March 10, 2013
By: K. Clare Johnson
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 >>
Share this article:
By: K. Clare Johnson
Image of the Day: The Raj Palace
March 9, 2013
By: K. Clare Johnson
Just one of the many majestic rooms at The Raj Palace in Jaipur, India
See rates, details, and more photos of The Raj Palace >>
Share this article:
By: K. Clare Johnson
Image of the Day: Art Series The Cullen
March 8, 2013
By: K. Clare Johnson
One of the many pieces of whimsical art found at Melbourne's Art Series The Cullen
View rates, details, and more photos of Art Series The Cullen >>
Share this article:
By: K. Clare Johnson
Grand Hotel Tremezzo Opens for the Season
March 8, 2013
By: Meagan Drillinger
Five Star Alliance's sister publication, Luxury Travel Advisor, recently wrote an article about Grand Hotel Tremezzo's season opening: 
Debuting for the first time last year, the hotel unveiled a newly renovated Rooftop Floor, made up of eight suites. The fifth floor of the palace now includes three Rooftop Junior Suites, three Rooftop Corner Suites and two Rooftop Front Suites. Each has its own private terrace, outdoor heated Jacuzzi pool, butler services and views of the lake.
View rates, details and more photos for Grand Hotel Tremezzo and other Lake Como resorts >>
Share this article:
Image of the Day: The Westin Beach Resort & Spa Fort Lauderdale
March 7, 2013
By: K. Clare Johnson
The stunning walkway to the beach courtesty of The Westin Beach Resort & Spa Fort Lauderdale
See rates, details, and more photos of The Westin Beach Resort & Spa Fort Lauderdale >>
Share this article:
By: K. Clare Johnson
Your Questions Answered: What are the best accommodations for a family of six in Scottsdale, AZ?
March 7, 2013
By: Betsy LeTourneau
Your Questions Answered: What are the best accommodations for a family of six in Scottsdale, AZ?
The Hilton Scottsdale Resort & Villas is located in the heart of Scottsdale, Arizona, within minutes of shopping, attractions, dining, world-class golf, and business districts. With breathtaking views of Camelback Mountain, this AAA Four Diamond resort combines a relaxed ambience with decor inspired by the Sonoran Desert. Relax in your beautifully furnished, spacious guest room. Unique from other Scottsdale hotels are our spacious two-bedroom villas with wood-burning fireplaces which provide beautiful views from your private balcony, and a pool dedicated solely to the villas.
Two Bedroom Deluxe Villa Details: these luxurious two bedroom, two bathroom Villas range between 1,500 and 1,800 sq. ft. All of the Villas have identical guestroom configurations; the first bedroom offers a king bed, and the second guest room offers two double beds. The spacious living room features a wood burning fireplace, queen sleeper sofa, wet bar, dining table and a 42-inch flat-screen plasma television with Bose stereo system. The kitchenette is stocked with ample cookware, cooking utensils and silverware. Other kitchenette amenities include: flat top range, refrigerator, toaster and plenty of cabinet storage. Additional villa amenities include: secure entrance, private pool, complimentary wireless internet, dual line telephones, washer and dryer, private patio and upscale bath amenities.
Share this article:
By: Betsy LeTourneau
Image of the Day: Metropol Palace Belgrade
March 6, 2013
By: K. Clare Johnson
One of the many snazzy seating areas at Metropol Palace Belgrade
View rates, details, and more photos of Metropol Palace Belgrade >>
Share this article:
By: K. Clare Johnson
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>>
Share this article:
By: K. Clare Johnson
