four seasons

Le Bar is a simple name for a truly decadent bar in the George V (a Four Seasons Hotel in Paris), and a nominee for a Readers' Choice Award for Best Hotel Bars.

The bar is elegant and decidedly dressy, with a distinct Parisian air of entitlement. The decor is very French with classic continental details like the rich mahogany wood, the plush and substantial chairs and the obligatory enormous, heavy draperies and chandeliers. If King Louis XIV were here today, this is where he would take his mistresses when away from Versailles.


Located on the ground floor of the George V with a large window facing the hotel's namesake Avenue (near the Champs-Elysées), the bar is popular with both hotel guests and Parisians -- a combination which is a must-have for weary travelers doing their best to be social while running on jet lag and espresso.

The closure of the Four Seasons Nevis and the involuntary chapter 11 bankruptcy filed against it has been declared a "national emergency" by the government of the island of Nevis. The image on the right shows the devastation the hurricane wreaked on a beach at the resort.

Once considered one of the best hotels in the entire Caribbean, the Four Seasons Nevis was severely damaged by Hurricane Omar in October 2008 and has been closed ever since. The Four Seasons offered 196 spacious, luxurious guest rooms and suites in 12 two-story guest buildings just steps from the beach and exclusive two- to six- bedroom residence villas. The privately-owned self-sufficient estate home accommodations as well as a 18-hole golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones II, were not damaged by the hurricane and are fully operational.

This week, the Sovereign Government of the Island Nation of Nevis filed a motion asking the Delaware bankruptcy court to abstain from hearing the bankruptcy case filed against the hotel's owner, Hotel Equity Fund V, LLC. The Nevis government believes the resort's continuing closure, and the potential impediment to the resort's reopening resulting from the bankruptcy filing, constitutes a "national emergency" for the island, as the Four Seasons resort is the island's largest employer.

Staying at one of the Four Seasons Hotels & Resorts may not be in your budget for this week, but going for a drink at one probably is.

Here's an extra excuse to go: 20 North American Four Seasons properties are currently donating a percentage of their Chilean wine sales to earthquake victims in Chile. Through a partnership with the owners of Chile's Veramonte Winery and distributor Southern Wine & Spirits, Four Seasons will donate $10 per bottle and $2.50 per glass of wine sold to the Chilean Red Cross, now through April 18, 2010.

Properties like Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills are offering multiple vintages by the bottle and glass now through the end of the promotion. There has never been a better time to increase your knowledge about Chilean wine -- which, in case you didn't know, is really, really good. The whites are zingy and many of the reds are light-bodied enough to be enjoyed well into this warm, fabulous spring.

You can read more about the effects of the earthquake on Chile's wine industry here on WineSpectator.

Demand for luxury hotels is ticking higher. Even though the broader hotel industry is likely to cope with depressed room rates this year, due to a combination of economic woes and an increase in capacity, the luxury sector could come back in 2010. Of course, – this sector cut rates by as much as 25 percent last year – but what's important is that the rich are looking for the good life again.

Occupancy is the real story of the luxury hotel recovery, though, with heads in beds expected to surge to as high as 59 percent, a strong gain over last year's 55 percent occupancy rate. In Europe, it could even reach 65 percent this year, with room rate recovery coming next year (at a 5 percent increase).

Bruce Siegel, director of sales and marketing at he Ritz-Carlton Naples Resorts in Florida said to Bloomberg News, "On the leisure side, we certainly are enjoying a rate premium year over year." Further, he continued, "Many guests from the U.S. Northeast with clear signs of exhaustion are arriving at our door." Overall room rates, including corporate bookings, are little changed, he said.

So, what are people looking for when they book rooms at the likes of the Ritz or the Four Seasons, often at $500 a night or more? Ocean views are a must, and guests will be paying more for rooms at the St. Regis, where butler service comes as part of the tab.

More woes for the Four Seasons Hotel and Private Residences in downtown Seattle. The Seattle Times reports that the project is now facing a total of $34 million in liens filed by contractors. The $120 million Four Seasons opened in Fall 2008 but as we mentioned last summer the project, which houses some of Seattle's most expensive condo units, has been a bit of a slow seller. There are 36 condos spread out over 11 stories above the 10-story Four Seasons Hotel.

A lien for $23.7 million, was filed in August by Lease Crutcher Lewis, the project's general contractor. Other liens have been filed by subcontractors who weren't paid by Lease Crutcher Lewis. Rumor has it that the project has been experiencing some financial pressures. Overall hotel revenues in Seattle have been down. A quick spin through the MLS shows a two-bedroom condo at the project listed at $6.306 million.

The hotel remains open for business as usual. Lien judgments can result in foreclosure but often liens like this are satisfied before things go to far. Of course in the past year we've also seen things go the other way, with several posh properties being returned to their lenders.

The newly renovated Four Seasons Los Angeles at Beverly Hills is offering a sexy massage for couples that could be the perfect way to give the object of your affections something you can share.

The Lover's Duet Couples Massage is a 60 or 90 minute treatment in a private suite for two. Champagne elixirs infused with dark chocolate and passionfruit will be given to you in your rose petal-adorned room as romantic music plays, lulling you and your honey into sweet relaxation. At the end of your massage, you'll be given bath salts and custom blended massage oil to take home.

If you'd like to know how to use that massage oil, you can have a 30 minute training session with one of the spa's leading massage therapists (for an additional $105). Now that's an everlasting Valentine's Day gift ($380-$90 without the massage training).

But wait. From February 12-14, your Valentine's Day indulgences can be even more comprehensive -- The Everlasting Valentine's Day package ($535) includes a cocktail and breakfast for two, accommodations, and a private meeting with custom perfume specialist Kedra Hart of Opus Oils' Jitterbug Perfume Parlour. Couples will be guided on an "aromatic journey" and create their very own fragrance, which will be given to them in the form of a 2 oz Eau de Parfum spray and a travel sized roll-on (formula will be kept on file, refills available).

Even if you don't normally splurge for Valentine's Day, don't you both deserve a little pampering? You could split the cost and get it for each other. Visit the website or call (310) 273-2222 to book an appointment.

Only a few short steps away from the Champs-Elysées, is the world-renowned Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris. This world-renowned hotel in the heart of Paris is the Luxist Awards' Readers' Choice Winner for Best City Hotel.

The opulent hotel's gracious lobby is beautifully decorated with an impressive collection of objets d'art; the 17th-century tapestries adorning its walls are breathtaking. The hotel has a spirit that lives on in thoroughly reborn, highly advanced spaces. The Four Seasons George V Paris redefines luxury and impeccable service in the City of Light.

Rising eight stories above the city, the hotel was built in 1928. It offers 245 guest rooms with nearly one-quarter being suites. All feature unique architectural details and many feature private terraces overlooking Paris. The guest rooms are among the most spacious of all Paris hotels.The hotel is ideally situated in what is referred to as the "Golden Triangle of Paris". The River Seine is nearby as is the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower, while some of the world's best shopping is a delightful 10 minute walk away.

Best Caribbean Cruises
Each of finalists for the Readers' Choice for the Best Caribbean Cruse offers the ultimate in luxury. One features a ship that cost $800 million to build, measures 1,132 feet in length and is outfitted with the latest and most modern amenities, including a pool with a retractable dome. Another offers all-suite, all-balcony ships and the must inclusive ultra-luxury experience with everything included in the fare, including air, gratuities and unlimited shore excursions. The third nominee is perfect for anyone seeking an exclusive experience on a smaller ship while the fourth nominee bills itself as the world's best upper premium cruise line. Finally, there's a nominee known for the feng shui-inspired elegance of its ships as well as the rich cultural activities for its passengers.

Crystal Cruises
Cunard Cruise Lines
Oceania
Regent
Silversea


Best City Hotels
Nominees for Readers' Choice for Best City Hotel include one considered to be the most glamorous in all of London that has been the destination of choice by Kings and Queens alike, not to mention a smattering of Hollywood stars. Another, designed by world-renowned architect, I.M. Pei, rises high above Manhattan offering stunning views. The third nominee is a historic hotel that is only a few short steps away from the Champs-Elysées in Paris. Another nominee, also in Paris, is a breathtakingly beautiful property that was originally a palace commissioned by Louis XV. The final nominee is a tranquil, lush getaway amid gorgeous manicured gardens in Venice, accessible only by boat.

Claridge's, London
Four Seasons, New York
Four Seasons George V, Paris
Hotel Cipriani
Hôtel de Crillon, Paris

Last month I wrote about the stalled Four Seasons Barbados project now it seems the project is getting help from the government of the island nation. The Wall Street Journal reports that in order to keep the project going and save jobs, the government of Barbados has agreed to guarantee a $60 million loan from a Caribbean bank to restart construction. In return the government will get a 20 percent equity stake in the project. But like all bailouts, it's risky, should the developer go belly up the Barbadian taxpayers will be stuck with the bill. While $60 million may be a drop in the bucket compared to the U.S. bailouts of car makers and banks, it's a lot for the small island nation which has a population of just about 270,000 people.


The project has attracted celebrity buyers including Simon Cowell and Andrew Lloyd Webber. Construction of the project stopped a year ago and debts began to mount on the property. The project calls for 36 luxury villas and a Four Seasons hotel. All the villas also offer services of butlers and other staff from the Four Seasons hotel whenever the villa owners are in residence. The villas will be outfitted with the finest finishes and antiques sourced form around the world. About half of the villas have been sold at prices from $11 million to $18 million apiece. The Four Seasons website proclaims that Paradise Beach Limited will recommence construction on site before the end of first quarter of 2010 and that the overall development master plan and the original hotel layout will both be revised to provide optimum use of the land but keeping all of the original facilities. The developers are still charged with finding another 19 buyers ready to pay high prices for the villas in order to complete the project and at least for Barbados' sake we hope they find them.

The Luxist Awards' Readers' Choice nominees for the Best Luxury Family Winter Vacation include a luxurious family safari in Kenya where you'll see the wilds up close. The second nominee is a family trip to the Rockies in Colorado where just about every winter sport can be enjoyed. The third nominee is a paradise for families located in a picture-perfect stretch of beach on the Big Island's Kona Coast. The fourth nominee offers a once-in-a-lifetime educational cruise to the Galápagos Islands. The final nominee is nestled in a rugged 2,500 acres of native forest on the edge of the Mamaku Plateau in New Zealand; it boasts a game reserve, seven trout streams, four lakes and more than 70 kilometers of hiking trails.

Abercrombie & Kent Family Safari in Kenya, Africa
For families with a thirst for adventure, a safari trip to Africa may be the ideal cure to the winter blues. Leave the planning to Abercrombie & Kent, a luxury travel company that's been at it for half a century, now nominated for a Readers' Choice Award in the Best Luxury Family Winter Vacation category.

Founded in 1962 by a British family living in East Africa, Abercrombie & Kent offers an unparalleled family safari in Kenya. The 11-day itinerary starts with a flight to Nairobi, the capital of Kenya and cultural, economic and political hub of East Africa. Once there, you'll start your journey with a visit to Daphne Sheldrick's Baby Elephant Orphanage, where keepers sometimes sleep with lonely animals at night. Proceed to the Giraffe Center, where you'll feed long-necked beauties from the palm of your hand.

Next, you'll head out into the wilds with a drive to the Sweetwaters Reserve, one of the best places to spot a rare chimpanzee or black rhino. Then delve deep into bush country with a trip to the Samburu game reserve, rife with buffalo, lion, leopard among others; meet with members of the nomadic Samburu tribe and track game, catch butterflies, or even ride a camel.

The next day, you'll spend the first of three days on the Masai Mara Game reserve, sleeping in tents near the Talek River and witnessing the vast expanse of the African savannah. Travel to a nearby village to learn about tribal culture and discover the proper way to throw a spear or light a fire with sticks. For amateur aviators, consider the optional hot air balloon safari before heading home.

Vote now for what you believe is the best international ski destination. Readers' Choice Awards for the Best in Winter Travel will be announced on February 1st.

The Four Seasons Maui


And we thought bathing in Evian was expensive. ME! Bath, creators of the luxurious Ice Cream Bath bombs have searched the world far and wide to find the rarest and most expensive ingredients to plunge into your bathwater, creating the world's Most Expensive Bath.

If you're not one to blink an eye at blowing the cost of a year's college tuition on a day in the bathtub, you can choose to take your bath at home or at spas and resorts including The Ritz Carlton Aspen Highland, The Four Seasons Maui, and The Beverly Wilshire.

So just what has ME! concocted to justify such a high price tag?

A signature scent with notes of Lotus Flower and Sycamore Wood mirrors the legendary flora of the Nile Garden. Sidr Honey, which costs $200/oz is harvested twice a year in the Hadramaut Mountains of the Southwestern Arabian Peninsula. It's known for its high antioxidant and detoxing properties. Add to that other skin nourishing, and expensive, ingredients including Peruvian Pink Salt, Illipe Butter, Murumuru Butter, 100% Certified Organic Israeli Jojoba Oil, and Kokum Butter, for the ultimate spa experience.

And the water itself is sourced from 15,000 year old polar ice cap glaciers, blended with Deep Hawaiian Seawater, found 3,000 feet below sea level. Try that on for size, Evian.

Now top that off with some 24-karat gold, known for making skin truly glow. If the irony of literally bathing in money doesn't phase you, it's time to pick up the phone and book.

And the shining light in all of this is there may be a tax write-off for you. A "large portion" of proceeds of the Most Expensive Bath will benefit Water for People, which provides clean water in developing nations.

To start booking, visit TheMostExpensiveBath.com. Prices start at $50,000.

Perhaps the most kid-friendly of Luxist's best winter family vacation nominees is the Four Seasons Hotel in Hualalai, Hawaii. The island resort, which sits on a picture-perfect stretch of beach on the Big Island's Kona Coast, and its surrounding areas, offer a range of experience that will suit everyone from baby to grandma.

Situated between the roaring Pacific Ocean and a lush jungle with volcanoes beyond, Hualalai makes for quite the dramatic setting. Nearby attractions include an on-site beach, spa, and two restaurants including the elegant beachside Pahu i`a. Guest can work off dinnertime decadence at the Hualalai Sports Club, which boasts cardio equipment, free weights, basketball courts and a 25-meter outdoor lap pool. There's also a private 18-hole Jack Nicklaus-designed signature golf course that winds over 7,100 yards.

Myriad options beckon beyond the bounds of the Four Seasons' grounds. A half hour drive takes you to Kauna`oa Beach and its snorkeling and surfing opportunities. Those willing to endure a 2.5-hour car ride can explore Volcano National Park, home to Mt. Kilauea, the world's most active volcano. The 11-mile Crater Rim Drive is a scenic attraction for all ages; the more adventurous can spring for a helicopter ride over the crater. Local legend says the volcano erupts whenever the goddess Pele is angry, and she must be livid – Kilauea has been erupting continuously since 1983.

Amenities geared toward the younger set include a complementary children's program that includes such activities as treasure hunts, sand sculpting, volcano building, and canoe and tennis lessons. For the family, there's Hawaiian arts and crafts, snorkeling, and organized beach games.

The resort's 243 guest rooms, including 51 suites, are expansive and have private, furnished lanais and stunning ocean views. There are 20 new ocean-view deluxe and superior suites that are one and two bedrooms in size. Deluxe suites have private steam showers, while most lower-level guest rooms and suites have outdoor gardens and lava rock showers.

Airfare to the Big Island often approaches $1,000 per person when traveling from the mainland, since most require a stopover in Honolulu. Once at the Four Seasons in Hualalai, rates for a standard room start at $725 per night; while suites start at $1,300.

Vote now for what you believe is the best of breed for each of the Winter Travel categories. Readers' Choice Awards for the Best in Winter Travel will be announced on January 31st.

Only a few short steps away from the Champs-Elysées, is the world-renowned Four Seasons Hotel George V Paris. This world-renowned hotel in the heart of Paris is a Readers' Choice Nominee for Best City Hotel.

The opulent hotel's gracious lobby is beautifully decorated with an impressive collection of objets d'art; the 17th-century tapestries adorning its walls are breathtaking. The hotel has a spirit that lives on in thoroughly reborn, highly advanced spaces. The Four Seasons George V Paris redefines luxury and impeccable service in the City of Light.

Rising eight stories above the city, the hotel was built in 1928. It offers 245 guest rooms with nearly one-quarter being suites. All feature unique architectural details and many feature private terraces overlooking Paris. The guest rooms are among the most spacious of all Paris hotels.The hotel is ideally situated in what is referred to as the "Golden Triangle of Paris". The River Seine is nearby as is the Arc de Triomphe and the Eiffel Tower, while some of the world's best shopping is a delightful 10 minute walk away.

The spa is a peaceful respite in the heart of the bustling city. It is decorated in muted colors and 18th century prints. Considered to be the most luxurious and finest hotel spa in Paris, the spa offers a comprehensive menu of skin and body treatment rooms, a whirlpool, sauna, steam bath, massage facilities and a relaxation room. The hotel also offers an indoor swimming pool that is decorated with exquisite trompe l'oeil murals depicting the gardens of Versailles. There's also a fitness center with state-of-the-art cardiovascular equipment and strength machines.

The hotel's restaurant, Le Cinq, is an elegant dining room featuring classic French culinary techniques. Just two months after its opening, Le Cinq was awarded its first star from the Michelin Guide; within the first year a second star was awarded. Michelin awards stars for excellence in food, quality, creativity, service and atmosphere.

Rates at the Four Seasons George V Paris are approximately 750 euros for a moderate room, while suites start at 1,795 euros per night. Rates include taxes and service charges. Reservations can be made here.

Vote now for what you believe is the best of breed for each of the Winter Travel categories. Readers' Choice Awards for the Best in Winter Travel will be announced on January 31st.

Rising over Manhattan's premier shopping and business district is the Four Seasons Hotel, a nominee for a Readers' Choice Award for Best City Hotel.

Designed by I.M. Pei, the hotel features stunning views and gracious style. It is a remarkable luxury experience in one of the busiest cities of the world.

The hotel offers 368 generously-sized guest rooms, including 63 suites. Some accomodations have furnished terraces with views of Central Park or the downtown skyline. The décor is contemporary and understated, featuring the finest handcrafted furniture and English sycamore panelling. Signature facilities include Florentine marble bathrooms with a glass-enclosed shower stall, a deep soaking tub that fills in 60 seconds and a private changing area.

On the 52nd floor, the 4,300 square feet Ty Warner Penthouse, named for the owner of the hotel, was a collaboration between Ty Warner, renowned designer Peter Marino and I.M. Pei. With cantilevered glass balconies and floor-to-ceiling bay windows, the suite is set beneath 25-foot cathedral ceilings. The nine-room penthouse offers a breathtaking 360-degree view of all Manhattan, a private spa room, library, breakfast room, indoor-outdoor Zen garden and library. The suite was custom-commissioned in every detail, from semi-precious stone surfaces to fabrics woven with platinum and gold and comes equipped with a private chauffeur for unlimited travel during the guests' stay with a choice of a Rolls Royce Phantom or a Mercedes Maybach.

The hotel features a full-service spa with Shiatsu, hot stone, Thai ceremony and reflexology treatments (massage, facial and hand and foot treatments) in addition to whirlpool, sauna and steam facilities. There is also a 5,000 square foot fitness facility with cardiovascular equipment; fitness and yoga trainesr are also available for hire.

Nightly rates (not including taxes and service charges) start at $655 for a moderate room; suites start at $1,950 per night.

Vote now for what you believe is the best of breed for each of the Winter Travel categories. Readers' Choice Awards for the Best in Winter Travel will be announced on January 31st.

With just under a month left until Super Bowl XLIV it is time for fans to start thinking about making their way to Miami, Florida for the big event. If you are a Ravens or Cardinals fan you must be thrilled by yesterday's wins and we now have the final teams for the playoffs in the AFC and NFC. Whether or not there are clear cut favorites for this year's Super Bowl is still up for debate but you can count on having a fabulous luxury vacation and seeing the game if that is what your heart desires.

One purveyor of luxury sports event vacations is the company Fine Things Packages. They offer an "Ultimate Super Bowl Package" for upwards of $15,000 per person. The company prides themselves on being a leading provider of major sold out sports events worldwide, having the best service team in the industry and independent of all of the normal ties that often lead to a conflict of interest in the travel industry.

Some of the items this ultimate package includes are:

• Four nights accommodation at the five star Four Seasons Miami
• Round-trip first class airfare from anywhere in the Continental United States to Miami
• One lower lever ticket between the 30 and 50 yard lines to Super Bowl XLIV
• Ticket for the Saturday night party of your choice including - Playboy, Leigh Steinberg, Sports Illustrated, etc
• Official NFL Hospitality
• Access to NFL Gameday Fan Plaza
• Various transportation from the airport, game, etc.

To see the exact specifications for this travel package click here. The company also offers more moderately priced packages starting at $4,350. the biggest difference seems to be in the quality of the hotels, class of airfare and stadium seat location. If the Jets, Ravens, Colts or Vikings make it all the way to the Super Bowl we know that their local fans could use to escape from the winter weather as well as go cheer on their home town favorite! Hope your team wins!