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Top Ten Hotel Openings of 2010

The tentacles of luxury have gripped capital cities so tightly that the phrase "The Big Smoke" more likely refers to wisps of black forest incense and lavender candles, not the white clouds of industry. Last year's list of top hotel openings was impressive for the mere fact that luxury boutique hotels were still fighting to open their doors, no matter where they were. This year, though, with the luxury tide returning to strength, there were a huge number of openings all over and the list took a bit more curating than even we expected. That means there were a very good hotels and resorts that aren't on this list, but - again with the help of our friends over at TabletHotels.com - these are the special establishments in special places that we think you should know about...

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One and Only and Physique 57 Partner On Fitness Retreats

by Deidre Woollard (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Spas

It's a little early to get started on New Year's resolutions but if you are anything like me fitness will probably be on the list. Instead of heading to the gym you can really treat yourself, enjoying a fitness retreat on Paradise Island, Bahamas. One&Only Ocean Club has partnered with acclaimed fitness program Physique 57™ on two exclusive four-night fitness retreats.

The weekend retreat includes four nights in the Caribbean's most luxurious resort, two daily Physique classes on the outdoor beachfront pavilion, a gift bag with Physique 57™ DVD set and more. The retreats are scheduled for January 13-17 and May 12-16, 2011.

Physique 57™ is an exercise method that uses isometric exercises and orthopedic stretches. Interval training sets incorporate muscle-defining arm exercises, intense thigh and seat sequences, waist-chiseling abdominal moves and fluid stretches to create a long and lean physique.

The One&Only Ocean Club also has a Balinese-style spa featuring eight private treatment villas and the package comes with two $50 spa certificates. The weekend event opens with a welcome beach barbecue catered by Michelin-starred chef Jean-Georges. Guests will enjoy personalized butler service, daily fruit bowl and afternoon champagne and strawberries, complimentary access to on-site fitness center, wireless internet access, a pillow menu, nightly turndown service, CD and DVD library, twice-daily maid service, access to the One&Only Ocean Club concierge, pool concierge services including a selection of music and periodicals in addition to complimentary access to the VIP KidsOnly programming. Package pricing starts at $1,450 per person based upon double occupancy for a total of $2,900.

Tags: bahamas, fitness retreats, One and Only, one only ocean club, paradise island, physique 57

Nominees for Best in Spas

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Luxury Travel & Hotels, Spas

Best Day Spa
The first nominee has 20 locations around the world, its own line of take-home products and an attitude almost as refreshing as its spa treatments while the second nominee is a luxurious spa ensconced in a sumptuous hotel located in one of the most splendid cities in the world. The third nominee is widely recognized for revolutionizing the day spa, while stepping into the fourth us reminiscent of a sixteenth century Mediterranean villa, albeit in San Diego. The final nominee offers body treatments and skincare with techniques borrowed from European and Asian tradition with sweeping views of the Hong Kong Harbor.

Bliss
Dior Institute at the Plaza Athénée
Exhale
The Spa at The Grand del Mar
Peninsula Spa by Espa

Best Green Spa
The first nominee is a Napa Valley retreat that opened a year ago while the second, also in the California wine country takes green to a whole new level. The third nominee is in Australia, nestled in the middle of the world's oldest living rain forest, while the fourth is located more than 500 miles off the coast of East Africa, making it one of the world's most exclusive and secluded spas. The final nominee is located in Hawaii and is powered almost entirely by the energy soaked up by solar panels that adorn the roofs of nearly all of its structures.

Bardessono
Calistoga Ranch
Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa
Frégate Island Private
Sullivan Estate & SPA Retreat

Best Extended Stay Spa
The first nominee is the recipient of countless awards and accolades for its innovative approach to health, wellness and holistic and integrative care while the second offers different site-specific perks at each of its five locations. The third nominee offers all-inclusive stays that include airfare and is located in the mountains of Arizona. The fourth nominee dates back over 80 years and is located in a charming historic town 35 miles south of Santa Barbara and the final nominee is the original destination fitness resort and spa.

Canyon Ranch
Golden Door Spas
Miraval
Ojai Valley Inn & Spa
Rancho La Puerta

Best Men's Spa

The first nominee offers the best of ancient Asian relaxation techniques while the second is "comfortable and stylish" and "reassuringly masculine." The third nominee has earned the title of "El Primer Spa Masculino" in its native Buenos Aires. The fourth nominee has styled itself as a destination for a new generation of men and the final nominee, which is based in Chicago, has a distinct masculine feel to it, thanks to exposed brick walls, rich wood trim and a beer-stocked refrigerator.

Chuan Body and Soul
Gentlemen's Tonic
Markus for Men
Nickel Spa
Sir Spa

Best International Spa

The first nominee offers results-oriented programs and is located on the island of Capri in the Tyrrhenian Sea. The second nominee was built in the 17th century by Ferdinando I de' Medici, the Grand Duke of Tuscany, in the Tuscan countryside while the third nominee is the only treetop spa in Polynesia. The fourth has long been a favorite retreat for Hollywood celebrities and savvy travelers alike since it originally opened in 1956. The final nominee is in Costa Rica amidst a lush rain forest setting complete with a thermal mineral river and a volcano.

Capri Palace Hotel & Spa
Fonteverde Natural Spa Resort
Marù Spa at Bora Bora Lagoon Resort & Spa
One&Only Palmilla
Tabacón Resort

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One&Only Palmilla: Blissful Harmony on the Sea of Cortez

by Carrie Coolidge (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Spas

One&Only Palmilla has been nominated for a Luxist Awards' Readers' Choice Award for Best International Spa.

The property, which is part of the One&Only luxury resorts brand owned and operated by Kerzner International, has long been a favorite retreat for Hollywood celebrities and savvy travelers alike since it originally opened in 1956. One&Only Palmilla is located in Los Cabos, Mexico and offers dramatic views of the Sea of Cortéz. It recently completed an extensive, $120 million expansion and renovation project.

The resort's One&Only Spa is a luxurious indoor/outdoor 22,000 square foot facility inspired by the artistic and architectural themes of Mexico with stunning natural vistas of the Baja landscape. The spa is comprised of six buildings surrounded by lush landscaping and features 13 private treatment villas, accommodating either one or two people – allowing guests to enjoy their spa regime in complete sanctuary, whether for a few hours or a half-day.

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One&Only Cape Town Opening With First African Nobu

by Jared Paul Stern (RSS feed) —

Filed under: Dining, Luxury Travel & Hotels

In April One&Only Resorts will open their latest luxury property, One&Only Cape Town in South Africa, defying the downturn with aplomb. The lavish 131 room retreat features two marquee celebrity chef restaurants, Gordon Ramsay's maze and the first African outpost of Nobu, in addition to a 6,000 bottle tri-level wine loft boasting the largest collection of South African vintages in the world. Situated on the stunning Victoria & Alfred Waterfront, the resort's rooms have views of Table Mountain, a 13,000-square-foot exclusive spa island. To celebrate the opening, the hotel has partnered with South Africa's premier luxury safari lodge, Singita Game Reserves in the Sabi Sand and Kruger National Park, to offer an exclusive travel package including luxe upgrades through the end of September.

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