Luxury Travel & Hotels

Luxe Travel Tip: JetBlue's New Direct Service to Turks & Caicos

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) — Mar 17th 2011 at 12:00PM

Thanks to JetBlue, it's now a whole lot easier to get to one of our favorite luxe travel destinations, the Turks & Caicos islands. The eco-friendly airline known for its style and value just introduced direct service to the Caribbean hotspot's Providenciales island from New York's JFK and Boston's Logan airports. The flights leave JFK daily.

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Royal Wedding Tour at Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park: Live Like a Prince (or Princess)

by McLean Robbins (RSS feed) — Mar 16th 2011 at 11:18AM

This is, without a doubt, one of the more over-the-top packages we've seen recently.

Book the Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park's Royal Wedding Tour and you'll receive special access and hosted tours by family members and associates of the royal family to Kensington Palace, Chartwell, Spencer House, Althorp and Westminster Abbey, all venues which members of the public have not had such private access to before.

The hotel itself also has a rich history: Queen Elizabeth II and the late Princess Margaret first learned to dance in the gilded ballroom, Prince Charles and Princess Anne visited the tearooms as children and more recently, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip were guests at Baroness Margaret Thatcher's 80th birthday party. Sir Winston Churchill was even a temporary resident while his London house was being refurbished. Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park also boasts the only private Royal Entrance from Hyde Park.

Gallery: Mandarin Oriental Hyde Park, London

Tags: hotel, london, mandarin oriental, mandarin oriental hyde park, royal wedding

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Istanbul EDITION Hotel Set to Debut in April 2011

by McLean Robbins (RSS feed) — Mar 16th 2011 at 8:00AM

New luxury lifestyle hotel brand EDITION is set to make its European debut in Istanbul in April, hot on the heels of the opening of the brand's first property on Oahu, Waikiki EDITION, last October.

But if you're a fan of the Hawaii property, don't expect a carbon copy, at least in terms of aesthetics.

Situated within the city's lively Levent neighborhood, known for its Kanyon mall and impressive skyline, the Istanbul EDITION will be an urban resort offering a mix of Eastern and Western influences, the signature creative direction of Ian Schrager and the high-touch service of Marriott.

The starting point? A tall, domed lobby; a fundamental mark of traditional Ottoman style realized here with a modern twist. Eastern touches are present throughout: walls, ceilings and floors are lined with mosaic tiles, a cornerstone of traditional Byzantine architecture, and public spaces are gracefully bejeweled with bronze and gold leaf reminiscent of Ottoman style in all of its splendor. Traditional hanging lamps are featured in the guest rooms while Gold Bar's VIP seating area has taken its inspiration from traditional Turkish Tea Rooms. Leather tufted ottomans are surrounded by u-shaped seating influenced by old Bosphorus villas that featured such rooms for socializing, relaxing and smoking. The long-standing ritual of the Hammam is clearly reflected in the unparalleled spa offerings.

Tags: edition hotels, hammam, ian schrager, istanbul, istanbul edition, istanbul edition hotel, marriott, new hotel openings, turkey, waikiki edition

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Five Fabulous Things to Do On A Ski Trip Without the Skis in Park City, Utah

by shira levine (RSS feed) — Mar 14th 2011 at 3:01PM

You don't have to ski or snowboard to have a good time in Park City, Utah. Besides the Sundance Film Festival and all things Robert Redford, there are a slew of other fabulous ways to spend your days and nights in the resort town. Park City proves itself well in the luxury category.

We put together a list of ways to live well in the city known for having the "Greatest Snow On Earth" (and being the site of a few scenes in Dumb and Dumber), and all without having to ever put on those godforsaken foot and calf-suffocating ski boots.

Apres Ski
In a way, resort hopping the apres ski scene is Park City's other great sporting event. The French term specifically refers to the drinking and revelry that ensues after a long day of skiing or snowboarding. The art of the cocktail is nothing to scoff at in snow country and up in these mountains the Mormon influence shunning drinking and nightlife is forgotten. Alta Resort's Sitzmark Bar is a classic. Off-resort, check out High West Distillery and Saloon. They make their own whiskey and vodka and have a killer, innovative cocktail list with drinks like the High West Silver Julep using High West's Silver Oat Whiskey and Rendezvous Rye. Park City's Main Street features a collection of classic, mountain and Western motif bars and nightclubs like No Name Saloon, The Sidecar, and The Spur. There's also Downstairs, owned by Danny Masterson of "That 70s Show" fame, a hip rocker lounge that celebrities typically flock to when they're in town.

Shop
Ski bunny fashion is no joke in Park City. Locals and pros sport some of the slickest and brightest colored gear and pseudo-gear from brands like The North Face, Patagonia, and Lululemon, or, hanging in resort shopping areas in Park City Mountain Resort, Deer Valley Resort and The Canyons. It's hard to resist not purchasing a brilliant blue fleece when witness to everyone else looking fashionably ski hip. There's shopping too for the fashion-forward who prefer to wear something that's also stylish away from the resorts. Along Main Street are adorable boutiques like Bunya Bunya and Mary Jane's with clothing and accessories handmade by local artists and independent designers. Park City also has the largest collection of factory outlet stores in northern Utah.

Tags: awards-main, DumbandDumber, golf, luxist-awards, luxury, Montage Deer Valley, parkcity, RobertRedford, shopping, skiing, spa, stein eriksen lodge, Sundance, utah

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Tumi Launches 'Accent Your Alpha' Customization Program

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) — Mar 14th 2011 at 2:02PM

Tumi Launches 'Accent Your Alfa' Customization Program

When President Obama selected a black leather Tumi laptop bag as his briefcase of choice, it merely confirmed that the brand has become the leader in premium business and travel accessories, a fact long known by serious sojourners. The company, which recently celebrated its 35th anniversary, has launched a personalization program for its flagship Alpha line of luggage in super-tough ballistic nylon, so your case really stands out in a crowd. The new "Accent Your Alpha" service lets road warriors and holiday travelers alike personalize their classic carriers by adding striking pops of color to monogram patches, luggage tags, zipper pulls, and more. The chic palette not only adds a dose of style but sets the personalized cases apart from the many Tumi imitators.

Tags: Barack Obama, briefcase, luggage, nylon luggage, Obama style, President Obama, suitcase, Tumi, Tumi Alpha

The Classicist: Thoroughbreds, Bourbon and Private Planes from Flexjet

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) — Mar 14th 2011 at 9:02AM

Private jet juggernaut Flexjet is offering an alluring incentive to new fractional owners via a promotion with Kentucky's Keeneland, one of the world's leading thoroughbred racing and auction facilities. The three-day Unbridled experience centers around the 2011 Breeders' Cup World Championships this fall. Known as the thoroughbred industry's most prestigious championship event, the Breeders' Cup attracts fierce competition for the richest prize-money event in the world with over $26 million in purses at stake. There's a lot more to the Unbridled experience, however, as you'd expect considering the cost for a 1/16th fraction (or 50 hours / year) on one of the company's Learjet 40XRs starts at $362,500.

Each owner and their guest will enjoy the Breeders' Cup races in the comfort of a finish-line owner's suite at the iconic Churchill Downs, one of the world's greatest racetracks and home of the Kentucky Derby, as well as an invitation to attend sun-up morning workouts. A one-on-one meeting with a renowned thoroughbred trainer and an insider's look at a famed horse farm are also in the offing. The Unbridled experience is available in limited quantities at no extra charge for Flexjet customers purchasing a new fractional share now through June 12, 2011; the all-inclusive experience takes place November 3 - 6.

Gallery: Flexjet Unbridled Experience

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RSVIP: Dinner with an Astronaut and Fireworks in Costa Rica

by Jeffrey Slonim (RSS feed) — Mar 10th 2011 at 8:01PM

After a frenetic Oscar week, RSVIP simply wanted to languish in a tropical plunge pool, right. Call it kismet, but a birthday-fete invite arrived from a college pal, former Democratic National Committee Chair Joe Andrew, husband of America's first female ambassador to Costa Rica, Anne Slaughter Andrew.

The Obama-appointed ambassador, a font of Indiana-spun charm, is a formidable advocate of biodiversity, a former environmental lawyer, and an entrepreneur. At her current post, when she isn't glued to her BlackBerry or being whisked off by her security detail, she spends 16 hours a day at chess like diplomacy.

Friday afternoon, a breath of jungle steam greeted RSVIP as the cabin door of my Taca Airline flight opened at San Jose International Airport. After a bumpy, 20-minute taxi shuttle through gumdrop volcanic hills, we puttered up to the Real Intercontinental Hotel in Escazu, a chichi suburb of San Jose, Costa Rica. A cacophony of parrots in palm fronds screeched overhead. A five-story lobby and a kickboxing session at the spa overlooked two attractive pools with a throbbing water feature. Views were complemented by an, ahem, $41 Mexican buffet and a Factory Steak and Lobster restaurant with tables facing the pool. A nearby mall boasts a Givenchy boutique, but good luck crossing the street at rush hour.

Tags: costa rica, rsvip

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A Peek Inside the Plaza Hotel in New York (with Video)

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) — Mar 10th 2011 at 5:31PM

The Plaza Hotel recently reopened the newly renovated Palm Court.

Luxist recently sat down with Shane Krige, general manager of New York's famous Plaza Hotel, to discuss (see video below) and view the newly renovated landmark building across from New York's Central Park.

The hotel, which will celebrate its 103rd anniversary in October, underwent a complete restoration which cost more than $450 million. Every guest room was completely renovated and provide elegant accomodations inspired by the richly decorative style of Louis XV. Every guest bathroom is finished with inlaid earth stone mosaics in floral motifs and 24-carat gold plated faucets and accessories.

The Royal Plaza Suite, as seen in the video, is a magnificient three-bedroom, three-bathroom suite accessed by private elevator and located in a private area of the hotel overlooking Fifth Avenue and Central Park South. The exquisitely designed living room features a grand piano while the gracious dining room seats up to 12 guests. There's even a wood-paneled library stocked with titles hand-selected by Prosper Assouline, the founder of Assouline, the luxury book publisher. The state-of-the-art kitchen outfitted with Viking appliances is ideal for guests who travel with a personal chef.

As part of the restoration, the Palm Court was returned to its original design not seen for years. Its newly launched afternoon tea service is not to be missed. Known as the heart and soul of The Plaza, the Palm Court is a vast landmark space bordered by mirrored doors, fleur-de-peche marble columns and crowned with a domed yellow-and-green skylight. The $6.5 million restoration included the re-creation of the original 1,800 square foot stained-glass lay light that dates back to the beginning of the 20th century. The airy, romantic space within the legendary hotel is nothing short of breathtaking.

Tags: assouline, AssoulinePublishing, awards-main, luxist-awards, Plaza Hotel, Prosper Assouline, Shane Krige

1930s Bespoke Gentleman's Spirits Case from Goyard

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) — Mar 10th 2011 at 2:02PM

An elegant 1930s bespoke gentleman's spirits case from Goyard, the luxurious Parisian luggage maker founded in 1853, is being offered for sale by New York's Mantiques Modern for $2,800. Custom made for a connoisseur who wanted to be sure of always having his favorite tipple ready to hand while gallivanting around the globe, the handmade monogrammed case is crafted of fine pigskin with brass hardware. Inside it features two sizable silver plated flasks and a set of four silver tumblers in fitted compartments. When fastened it resembles a briefcase. Goyard has long had a devoted clientele of celebrities and royalty. Aristocrats such as the Grand Duke of Russia, the Maharajah of Kapurthala and the Duke of Windsor all traveled with Goyard luggage.

Gallery: 1930s Goyard Spirits Case

Tags: 1930s, antiques, bespoke, briefcase, flasks, France, Goyard, leather luggage, luggage, Mantiques Modern, mens style, New York, Paris, silver, spirits, vintage luggage

Waldorf Astoria To Open In Seville

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) — Mar 10th 2011 at 3:01AM

Just after last week's announcement of Waldorf Astoria Ras Al Khaimah, Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts has announced it will open in Spain this summer. The Waldorf Astoria Sevilla at La Boticaria will be the brand's fifth property to open in Europe. This property was previously the Hacienda La Boticaria. The Waldorf Astoria Sevilla at La Boticaria will have 133 guest rooms and suites and one of Europe's largest hotel spa facilities. The property is on 40 acres of land that includes an on-site equestrian center with 16 thoroughbred Spanish horses and a driving range for golf enthusiasts close to the Real Club de Golf de Sevilla.

Tags: seville, spain, spanish hotels, spanish travel, waldorf astoria

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Giraffe Manor in Kenya: Where Guests Live Among World's Tallest Creatures (with video)

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) — Mar 9th 2011 at 9:31AM

Giraffe Manor in Nairobi Kenya

For those seeking a truly exotic, once-in-a-lifetime Out of Africa-type experience, Giraffe Manor may be just the place. Here, guests enjoy the unique chance to interact with its resident herd of Rothschild Giraffe, a rare breed which is among the world's tallest creatures. Guests have the unparalleled experience of the giraffes, with the animals vying for guests' attention at the breakfast table, the front door and even at the bedroom window. Giraffe Manor is located in 12 acres of private land only 20 kilometers from Nairobi, the capital city of Kenya. It is set within 140 acres of indigenous forest.

Guests interact with the giraffes throughout the day. Breakfast is served in the sun room, with its enormous windows flung open to welcome the giraffe that come and join you. Dinner is a cosy affair as the drawing room fire is lit and guests and managers gather for evening drinks. You can either chose to have a candlelit hosted meal in the dramatic wood paneled dining room or at your own table under the stars surrounded by the glow created by lanterns and candles on the terrace.

Gallery: Giraffe Manor in Nairobi, Kenya

Tags: Africa, awards-main, giraffe, Giraffe Manor, giraffe+manor+in+kenya, giraffemanorinkenya, giraffes, Kenya, luxist-awards, luxury travel, Nairobi, Rothschild Giraffe, Rothschild Giraffes, safari, video, www.luxist.com/2011/03/09/giraffe-manor-in

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Emmy Rossum On Hand As JW Marriott Chicago Hosts Grand Opening

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) — Mar 9th 2011 at 1:02AM

Actress and singer Emmy Rossum was on hand as the JW Marriott had its grand opening in Chicago this week. Rossum stars in Showtime's Chicago-centered series "Shameless." JW Marriott Hotels & Resorts celebrated the event with performances from the Joffrey Ballet and Chicago Symphony Orchestra. The hotel is in Chicago architect Daniel Burnham's historic Continental & Commercial National Bank Building in the financial district. The hotel opened last fall and occupies the first 12 floors of the building. It has 610 guestrooms including 29 corner suites and 36 meeting rooms as well as a luxury spa and fitness center, Valeo and two different restaurants, The Florentine, an Italian Steakhouse created by the BLT Restaurant Group, and a lounge serving more casual plates and sushi. Nightly rates start at $209.

MARRIOTT INTERNATIONAL from Marriott International on Vimeo.

Tags: chicago hotels, emmy rossum, jew marriott chicago, jw marriott

Sheraton Opens New Hotel at Milan Malpensa Airport

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) — Mar 8th 2011 at 9:02PM

Part of a global expansion plan to add over 50 new locations to its global portfolio over the next three years, Starwood Hotels has opened a new location at Milan's Malpensa Airport.

Adjacent to Terminal 1, 30 minutes away from downtown Milan and with views of the Italian alps, the Sheraton Milan Malpensa Airport Hotel and Conference Centre offers 433 guest rooms, 19 suites, 58 "club rooms" and a 200 square-meter members' lounge. It also has 2,000 square meters of meeting rooms, including a 1,000-person multi-function hall and 22 individual board rooms, as well as a 1,000 square-meter fitness center and spa (including an indoor swimming pool), plus the Monte Rosa Bar and Il Canneto for dining options.

The hotel is owned by Degennaro Group and was designed by King Roselli Architects and Saporiti Hotel Design.

Tags: airport, airport hotel, degennaro, hotel, italian hotels, malpensa, milan, sheraton, starwood, starwood hotels

Carry-On Baggage Costs Taxpayers $260 Million

by Noah Joseph (RSS feed) — Mar 8th 2011 at 6:01PM

Frequent flyers often prefer to fit everything they need into a carry-on bag instead of checking luggage. With the hassles of air travel constantly on the rise, this simple step means eliminating the wait at the baggage carousel upon arrival, and can often mean cutting to the head of the line when checking in. After all, it doesn't cost anything (except forgoing your checked baggage allowance). Well, not to the passenger, anyway. And not to the airline, either. But it does cost the taxpayers.

According to Janet Napolitano, U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, carry-on luggage is costing the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) some $260 million every year. The figure reportedly came up when testifying before Congress last week on a debate over whether to raise the $5 TSA surcharge tacked on to every airline ticket. The question is whether Congress will opt to either raise that surcharge or place further restrictions on hand luggage to decrease its operating costs and make air travel that much more difficult.

[Source: TREND-News.com]

Tags: air travel, airport, carry-on, janet napolitano, security, transportation security administration, tsa

Flexjet Partners with Abercrombie & Kent

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) — Mar 8th 2011 at 11:01AM

Luxury travel enthusiasts will be pleased to hear about a new partnership between adventure travel company Abercrombie & Kent and jet share leader Flexjet. Flexjet customers will now have complimentary access to Abercrombie & Kent's travel experts to plan dream vacations, and Abercrombie & Kent's travelers will receive generous benefits when purchasing Flexjet options. Marco Polo Club members, Abercrombie & Kent's most frequent travelers, will receive benefits on Flexjet fractional purchases or jet cards, while Flexjet fractional customers will be treated to a three-year Marco Polo Club membership and customized itineraries to coincide with the use of their private jet.

"We continue to seek and pioneer new ways of exploring the globe and admire this same ambition in Flexjet," said Geoffrey Kent, Founder and Executive Chairman, Abercrombie & Kent. "We're pleased to be forging this relationship with a top aviation solutions provider that is also known for setting industry standards and look forward to introducing its customers to some of our favorite hidden corners of the world." Born as a safari outfitter in 1962, Abercrombie & Kent's unparalleled travel services now extend around the globe to more than 100 countries on all seven continents, bringing unexpected comforts and amenities to remote destinations.

Gallery: Flexjet x Abercrombie & Kent