MONTBLANC PENS AT THE READY OUR EDITORS BRING YOU DESPATCHES FROM THE LUXE FRONTLINE. WE TRY TO BE LEVEL-HEADEDBUT SOMETIMES WE CAN'T HELP IT - WE JUST FALL IN LUST WITH A DESIGN, A HOTEL ROOM, A PLACE. HEAD-OVER-MANOLO-HEELS. GONE. THEN WE HAVE TO SHARE...
... style on a luxury cruise ship
A collaboration between a stylish cruise ship and a sexy swimsuit range seems like a great idea to The Luxury Travel Bible. That is why we love these super-stylish fashion shots of Kiargo swimsuits, which were taken on board the Silver Shadow (sister ship Silver Whisper) last year, for its 2012 catalogue.
The principles behind the range will suit any female TLTB reader;
Kiargo swimsuits are influenced by the 'architectural style of the 1960's and the extravagance of luxury ocean cruising'. The range was established in 2006 by designer Jessica Holmes alongside the Way Funky Company. Jessica
has
a keen interest in lingerie design and knows what the curvaceous female figure both wants and needs...Sounds perfect for looking stylish on the ocean waves in 2012.
On Friday Kiargo's2012 resort collection was launched aboard Silver Shadow during the luxury cruise ship's call in Circular Quay, Sydney. Later that day the ship set sail for Auckland on a 15-day voyage.
... desirable and stylish S&P sets Virgin Atlantic has replaced it 'highly collectable' salt and pepper sets in its Upper Class cabin. The beautiful new shakers, inspired by a classic cocktail shaker, are made of chrome and snap apart to become an individual salt and pepper shaker. Virgin Atlantic has just one request: 'Please don't pinch these'.
The airline's previous sets had become so sought after that thousands of sets were taken over the past 12 years and they would regularly turn up on eBay. Cabin crew will collect them after each meal service to ensure the same does not happen to the new sets.
Virgin Atlantic are hoping the stylish new shakers will become just as popular and are part of the company's ongoing commitment to bespoke design throughout every Virgin aircraft. SB Luxury Link:www.virginatlantic.com
... golf with a serious view
After his US Open win Rory McIlroy was obviously on cloud nine, now he has (almost) played in the clouds.
The Jumeriah global brand ambassador ended 2011 on a high after he teed off 1023 feet (321 metres) high in the sky on the helipad of Burj Al Arab which had been specially converted into a golf green.Rory commented, 'we did a photo shoot in Dubai last week up on the helipad of Burj Al Arab and it was a lot of fun! I enjoy my activities with Jumeirah as we always do something different and exciting!"
This is the latest sportsman stunt on top of the Burj Al Arab, in 2005 tennis champions Andre Agassi and Roger Federer played a match on the same helipad. SB
'Home for the Holidays' might be preferable but Affinia Hotels are arming their guests with the means to celebrate in style from their hotel room. Deck the Walls with in-room decorations including ornaments and lights to create holiday cheer in New York City, Chicago and Washington, D.C.
Should guests find themselves away from home they can use My Affinia (the group's free of charge programme to customise their stay in advance of arrival) to order decorations to their room.
Continue the seasonal activities with ice skating at Rockefeller Center in the Big Apple, window shopping on Magnificent Mile in Chicago or visiting the National Christmas Tree in D.C.
Guests who sign up to My Affinia receive exclusive offers and benefits, including discounts to local attractions and reservations at popular restaurants, through My Affinia Concierge.
The Anantara Bangkok Riverside Resort & Spa, is now open and Anantara's ancient Sanskrit meaning, 'without end', seems particularly appropriate here as the resort is on the banks of the Chao Phraya River. An oasis in the bustle of busy Bangkok. The resort seems pretty endless too with eleven acres of landscaped grounds flowing down to the river. And ten different restaurants and bars to chose from. There are 407 rooms, but it is the 97 suites which interest TLTB, especially the penthouse of the Suan Luang Suite, the ultimate urban sanctuary. Suites have river or garden views from private balconies and all the usual tech-specs such as internet access, an LCD TV, DVD player and iPod dock. The design is minimalist with a touch of Thai. Bangkok sanctuary-wise we're also looking forward to the Siam, a Small Luxury Hotels property opening on the river by Krung Thon Bridge in historic Dusit area very soon. We'll keep you posted...
Also newly opened for Anantara are Anantara Rasananda Koh Phangan Villa Resort & Spa also in thailand and Anantara Mui Ne Resort in Vietnam. MT
There is a lot happening in Sydney right now: - the Park Hyatt soon to be re-opened, a new five-star, The Darling opening Friday - but for today we're celebrating the new Terrace Suites at Sheraton on the Park. The "opening of these suites marks the culmination of a $40 million renovation at Sheraton on the Park." says Mr Sean Hunt, Regional Vice President for Starwood Pacific Hotels and Managing Director of Sheraton on the Park. Covering up to 120 square metres, they are designed with loft apartments in mind. Views are of the Sydney skyline and nearby Hyde Park. The colour scheme is what we like to call 'Barista browns' - cafe colours like warm mocha carpets and deep chocolate and biscuit for the leather lounges, with a little lightness in the silvery-green walls. Then of course thereare the beds (hotels' just love their signature beds) in this case luxurious King-size Sheraton Sweet Sleeper beds. In the bathroom you'll find a big bath tub and Bvlgari toiletries. Access to the Sheraton Club Lounge is part of the deal. MT
Those with a sweet tooth are rejoicing that the new Pudding Parlour at London's athenaeumhotel is now open. The Luxury Travel Bible attended the opening (to coincide with British Baking Week) and tested the delectable delights on offer.
Each month the menu will feature a ʻPudding Of The Monthʼ by Great British Bake Off winner Edd Kimber.
'The Boy Who Bakes' was on hand at the opening to demonstrate how he made October's featured pudding, the delicious 'Plum Almondine'. The lovely Edd revealed some of the upcoming featured puddings and TLTB particularly likes the sound of December's Traditional Home Made Mince Pies (a Kimber family recipe).
The menu will also feature puddings ranging from Macaroons to chocolate truffles to Champagne jellies
by the hotel's head pastry chef Marion.
So, forget cocktails bars and head to the pudding parlour instead for a post-theatre or late night treat.
The Pudding Parlour at the athenaeum will be open Monday - Friday from 8.00pm -11.00pm and Saturday from 9.00pm - 11.00pm.£10 per visit, £15 including a glass of Pudding Wine. SB
We're loving this quote from a Richard Branson employee's kid during the Big R's trip to Christchurch New Zealand (20 October). Branson was in town to cheer up his troops, help the earthquake-beleagurered city - oh and go on to see the final of the Rugby World Cup in Auckland on Sunday.
''The most gruelling thing was the staff's kids questions,'' Branson told press. ''They were budding journalists in there.'' Yes, such as Daniel Trenberth, 11, whose father Dave is a Pacific Blue training manager, who asked Branson if he was entitled to staff travel on Virgin Galactic.
''He said he was thinking about it,'' Daniel said.
TLTB says, "And what about using Virgin frequent flyer
points Richard"?
In celebration of the BFI London Film festival (12-27 October 2011), the May Fair Bar is going to Hollywood.
Movie-themed cocktails will be on offer to match the star A-list status of the guests (Ewan McGregor was recently spotted there enjoying a pre-event drink before his latest film premiere). Choose from 'Gone With The Wind', a Mint Julep that even Scarlett O'Hara would approve of, 'Some Like it Hot' is a modern twist on Marilyn's favourite Manhattan cocktail, a 'Casablanca' is a classic a Champagne Cocktail while 'Mr Bond' is a classic Bond-worthy martini (available shaken or stirred).
Continuing the 'going to the movies' theme, Joe and Seph's absolutely delicious gourmet popcorn will be served. Pick from flavours including Toffee Apple with Cinnamon, Smooth Caramel, Pepper & Chilli or TLTB's favourite Goat's Cheese & Black Pepper.
The entrance of the hotel will also be transformed for the festival with windows displaying iconic images of actresses in some of their most famous roles. SB
What could be better than afternoon tea in aid of charity?
The Wyndham Grand, London has launched the 'Positively Pink Afternoon Tea' in association with The Haven for Breast Cancer Awareness month. The five-star hotel's pink themed afternoon tea will run throughout October until November 12th in aid of breast cancer charity The Haven, which has support centres in London, Leeds and Hereford.
The hotel has worked with The Haven's nutritionists to create a pink menu featuring 'super food' ingredients such as watercress, green tea, ginger, spinach and turmeric, all known for their medicinal properties in preventing and treating cancer.
Pink sandwiches followed by home-baked cakes including apricot opera cake, banoffee tartlet, green tea panna-cotta, strawberry and lime tartlet and ginger-spiced carrot cake will be served. And of course the traditional warm mini scones with cream and jam will be served too.
On 'Wear it Pink Day' (Friday 28th October) hotel guests wearing unashamedly pink attire will receive a complimentary glass of champagne when booking their afternoon tea. SB
Available from 1st October until 12th November, Positively Pink is £20 per person or £30 with a glass of Taittinger Champagne (pink of course!). 10% of the bill will be donated to The Haven.http://www.wyndhamgrandlondon.co.uk/, www.thehaven.org.uk/
... a great Aussie Travel App
New travel App, AUSTRALIA: Where to Go has just launched on the Apple iTunes store and we just had to share with TLTB readers.
This App is the definitive guide to the best places and authentic experiences Down Under. Want to go snorkelling off tropical islands, dine at Sydney's hottest spots, muster cattle in the outback, see native animals, enjoy deserted beaches, discover centuries-old Aboriginal rock art or watch some of Australia's finest actors on stage? It's all detailed on this App and TLTB readers will be pleased to know that there is plenty of luxury content.
Sue Gough Henly has condensed all that Australia has to offer and created a visually rich (there are more than 2500 photos and videos) app that gives the insider low-down on how to explore Australia like a local, whether visiting for just a few weeks or have lived there a few years.
TLTB loves how user friendly AUSTRALIA: Where to Go is with content filtered by criteria such as outback, on the water, wildlife, family, luxury, urban, eco and sorted by name, distance, price and state. It also features maps and directions and direct links to Wikipedia, State Tourism or Parks Department websites (whichever is most useful to the user). MT
If you are suffering from Fashion Week withdrawals the Radisson Edwardian Berkshire Hotel, London has the package for you. Located in the heart of London's shopping district near Oxford Street and Regent Street, the hotel is offering the 'ultimate stylish stopover', which also includes a 25% discount off your own personal styling session.
The hotel has teamed up with celebrity stylist Gabrielle Teare, who was style consultant for Confessions of a Shopaholic starring Isla Fisher, for 'Style in the City'. Gabrielle will use her vast fashion knowledge to take fashionistas to fashion hot spots and hidden gems and use her expertise to give create a 'new you'. Based on guests' shape, colouring and style preference, Gabrielle will do the hard bit and search the stores beforehand so you can do the fun bit and hits the shops as soon as you check in. SB
Deep down, The Luxury Travel Bible thinks everyone wants to be a cowboy (or at least spend some time with one).
But there is no need to venture too far into the Wild, Wild West as The Ranch at Rock Creek, Montana is offering a more luxurious cowboy adventure.
With over 20 outdoor activities to try out ranch staff felt guests were overlooking the simple art of relaxation. 'Cowboy Kipping' or 'Napping', as it is known on the ranch, has joined the line-up of Autumn activities, giving guests the opportunity to kick-back in rugged terrain, just like the Lone Ranger.
Six hammocks across riverside and mountain locations are all newly equipped with soft pillows, warm blankets and all offer up-close viewing points for local wildlife and the golden Autumnal foliage. Guests can either hike to the napping spots or be driven out by one of the onsite ranch hands for some quiet contemplation.
For the full cowboy experience guests can saddle-up and horseback ride through the throughout the 6,600 acre ranch, learn fly fishing at Rock Creek and try their hand at a spot of clay pigeon shooting. MT
LUXE City Guides, known
for their short, sharp and snappy reviews,
has launched a brand new series aimed at families. Little LUXE gives all the information you need for travelling with children. The first pocket sized book in the series will be Little LUXE Hong Kong. Little LUXE guides are
written by resident editors with families for fellow luxury traveller
families.
LUXE has partnered with Little Steps Asia, an online resource giving
parents guidance on what to do, buy, and discover in Asia, to create a guide that will keep the kids happy and therefore their parents. CA
Little LUXE Hong Kong is now available in stores and online at www.luxecityguides.comLittle LUXE Singapore will be available from November.
... arriving in style
The Luxury Travel Bible loves to arrive (and depart) in style and that is exactly what happens at MAIA Luxury Resort & Spa in The Seychelles.
The luxury resort has recently launched its own helipad and have also purchased an amphibian boat, 'Sealegs'.
The helipad allows guest to arrive in just 10 minutes from other resorts nearby and also explore the area on scenic flights. The resort has teamed up with Zil Air, a newly launched helicopter company in the Seychelles who can arrange stylish flights for guests.
'Sealegs' gives guests the opportunity to keep their feet dry when arriving at the resort
from their yachts which can be moored off the resort's beach. 'Sealegs' can also take guests on days trips to visit other islands and secluded beaches.
MAIA Luxury Resort & Spa has 30 private villas including
3 Ocean View Villas and 8 Ocean Front Villas. A Leading Hotels of the World property it isset on a 30 acre private peninsula on the southwest coast of the main island of Mahé. SB
You already know The Luxury Travel Bible loves chocolate, champagne and gold and we are very fond on Tuscany too. That's why we are loving the sound of the new ultra-luxe chocolates, the Chocolate.
In the search of the ultimate luxurious present creators, Roy and Tracey Jones scoured the earth (embarking on a two year journey) for the key ingredient to create the world's finest luxury chocolate experience.
When you think of a taste of Tuscany you might originally think of wine and olives but 'the Chocolate' uses 63% Toscano Black sourced from a tiny artisan chocolate maker based just outside historic Pisa. The cocoa beans are refined using a traditional granite stone mill and the result has been judged by the Academy of Chocolate as officially the best in the world.
The handmade truffles are made using an award winning, secret recipe Italian chocolate, filled with several glasses of champagne (non-alcoholic also available ), flaked with edible 24-carat gold and all enclosed within a bespoke handcrafted boutique box encrusted with more than 450 Swarovski Crystals inside and out.
We bet your mouths are watering already...
The Boutique Box contains 15 chocolates minimum and a weight of 200g, retails at £190 including p&p. The Bambina is a one chocolate box experience, retails at £50 including p&p. www.the-chocolate.com/SB
... sipping afternoon teaat InterContinental Sydney
Tea aficionados will be delighted to hear that in the new Cafe Opera at the Intercontinental Sydney
is
the place for high tea these days. It so popular that ladies who lunch' are turning into 'ladies who meet
for tea' instead. The hotel has partnered with German Teehaus Ronnefeldt, to offer a selection of twenty loose leaf teas sourced from the finest growing regions of the world and a tea cupping service by resident Silver Tea Master, Marcus
Wong.
(which roughly translated means that the elegant
Mr Wong tastes and evaluates
the quality of loose leaf teas to 'maximize tea drinking satisfaction').
Mr Wong matches your tea with your cakes with as much precision as a sommelier matched wine with food and the results are delicious.
Who knew that the right tea could enhance the flavour of chocolate cake or bring out coolness of the coolness in the cucumber in your sandwiches?
Silver-tiered cake stands are piled high with
a sumptuous array of scones, macaroons and delicate sandwiches a Victorian matron would be proud of.
And did we mention the chocolate cake? HD
It is amazing how a scent can bring back memories of travel. The smell of sunscreen, flowers or a local cuisine can instantly transport one back to a favourite location or holiday. That is why we love Molton Brown's new perfume range.
The 'Navigations through Scent' Collection's five unique fragrances can instantly trigger a memory of a place, location, time or setting. Jennifer Jambon, Molton Brown's Principle Perfumer spent a year researching each of the destinations and discovering scent ingredients which can powerfully evoke emotions.
(The Luxury Travel Biblehas tried them all and they really do!)
The range starts in the Ancient World and birthplace of fragrance, Egypt, China and Indonesia. It then journeys to England for trade and then travels to the New World in Canada.
Each fragrance contains a lead ingredient from the country it is named after.
IUNU (Egypt) has Egyptian white jasmine as its lead ingredient for 'elegant opulence', the floral-musky LIJIANG (China) conjures images of silk and tea and SINGOSARI (Indonesia) takes inspiration from spices and patchouli. APULDRE
(England) leads with juniper berries so it is no wonder images of gin and tonics on green lawns are created. Finally, ROGART (Canada) features fir balsam and maple to recreate the feeling of feeling warm inside, with cold weather outside.
Not only would these luxury fragrances make a stylish, special gift for anyone who loves travel they are striking unisex scents for anyone who loves perfume. After a 'journey through scent' TLTB has decided that our favourite is either Singosari or Apuldure.
The Luxury Travel Bible loves beautiful, handcrafted jewellery and we love it even more when it helps a local community.
The Shompole Collection was devised through a spirit of 'uplifting communities and creating commerce and partnerships in Africa' to create an organic, unique and purely African line of jewellery. The collection has now launched
the first ever range of fine 18k gold jewellery created by the Maasai tribe 'in Africa, by Africans, using African gold, bone, gem stones and other indigenous materials'.
The woman responsible for the Shompole Collection is Liz Gilbert. Liz's partner Anthony Russell created the beautiful
Shompole Lodge,
located in South Eastern Kenya on the Tanzanian border. Liz and the team at Shompole Lodge converted an old bar in the village to be used as a studio for the local Maasai women. Here, the women have the means to create their original art.
The Shompole Collection aims to preserve African goldsmithing in a modern way and is a collaboration of multi-tribal African artists. As well as gold, garnets, pearls, amber and topaz the collection also features materials sourced from the markets of Nairobi such as chunks of amber, pieces of camel bone, cow horn, old beads and even talismans from a witchdoctor's coat!
The Shompole Collection is
available from the boutique at Shompole Lodge or online at www.shompolecollection.com. Each piece of jewellery is individually crafted by hand and can be made to order.
Liz Gilbert in a 'docu-mercial' about the process of creating the Shompole Collection.
...
making a fashionable entrance
Celebrating its fourth year as the Official Hotel of the London Fashion Week, The May Fair Hotel have collaborated with fashion graphic designer, Spiros Halaris. His vibrant fashion illustrations, depicting images from the catwalk, will transform the windows of the hotel for London Fashion Week making a very stylish entrance.
Having previously worked with luxury fashion brands such as D&G, Hemyca and Tom Ford, The Luxury Travel Bible looks forward to seeing the exclusive collaboration when the fashionable windows are unveiled on September 15th.
In celebration of fashion week the hotel has also specially created a LFW Cocktail, The Pout (Victoria Beckham would approve) and the spa will be offering a 'Catwalk Wrap' treatment to get guests catwalk ready.
Luxury watch company Enigma have produced ten, limited edition Aqua Expeditions C42 Amazon watches to celebrate the launch of Aqua Expeditions' new luxury Pervuian Amazon cruiser, the M/V Aria.
The limited edition Aqua Expeditions C42 Amazon watches will be exclusively available on board the M/V Aria, and the company's first vessel, the M/V Aqua.
The Luxury Travel Bible thinks this is a pretty cool souvenir to bring home from a luxury holiday.
Each of the stylish, unisex watches has the Enigma and Aqua Expeditions logos on the watch face and have been designed with the Amazon environment in mind. The watch is perfect for optimal reading during low-light wildlife treks with Luminova treated hands, a steel case with anti-glare glass, a see-through case back and the watch is waterproof to 100 metres - sounds perfect for a luxury adventure traveller.
Peruvian tour company, Aqua Expeditions were the first to introduce five-star luxury cruises to the Amazon River in Peru. For further information about Aqua Expeditions visit www.aquaexpeditions.com
... a summer BBQ
If your idea of a Barbecue is a few burnt sausages over some smouldering coal, think again.
On Saturday The Luxury Travel Bible attended a BBQ Masterclass at The Terrace at Jumeirah Lowndes Hotel in Belgravia to learn more about the menu. Executive Chef Martin Gabler demonstrated making each of the dishes from the menu. The Luxury Travel Bible even had a go at making the signature Beef Burgers... we now know the ingredients to the burgers but we won't reveal the secret - you will just have to try them for yourself.
The sun was shining, the Pimms was suitable chilled, the atmosphere on the Terrace was sociable and most importantly the mouthwatering food was plentiful. The only way to end the meal was with one of the most delicious Chocolate Fondants TLTB has ever tasted.
The beauty of the menu is down to excellent quality ingredients. A visit to The Terrace is worth it just to try the delicious prawns and the tender chicken kebabs ... oh and the juicy steaks... and the burgers. .. oh and the Lamb Koftas....
Children will love the athenaeum's new pop-up playroom for the British school summer holidays. Created by Disney, the first time the company has worked with a UK hotel to create a 'Disney experience', the playroom is packed with toys, Lego Duplo, crafts and games all featuring Pooh and his friends. The room also houses giant Winnie the Pooh characters and a one hundred-acre wood style table and chairs. Every weekend the kids' concierge will host a honey-flavoured 'High-Tea' made using Regent's Park bees' honey (or should that be 'hunny' as Pooh would say) in the Playroom for children and their parents.
The hotel's nannies can be booked to watch the children in the playroom if the parents wish to sneak off to enjoy the spa, afternoon tea or the attractions of London for a couple of hours.
In conjunction with the themed playroom the hotel has launched honey-themed family picnic hampers which can be enjoyed in one of the nearby Royal parks. The hampers include delicious honey roasted ham sandwiches, and
honey cheesecake and comes with a Winnie The Pooh teddy bear and sticker book. SB Luxury Links:http://www.athenaeumhotel.com/http://www.disney.co.uk/
...
asleek
new hotel
The new Hotel Lone, the first Design Hotels member in Croatia, opened yesterday in the Mediterranean town of Rovinj, in the exclusive Monte Mulini neighbourhood. The 248-room hotel has been built to resemble a white ocean liner floating along the hillside. As you would expect with a Design Hotels member, Hotel Lone is design-focused with minimalist curves, designed by Croatian architect Silvije Novak of 3LHD. The hotel's 'Y-Shaped' design has been created to give each of the room either sea or park views. The interior design shows respect for the environment with the integration of the location into the hotel through the use of large glass walls and mirrors.
Each of Hotel Lone's seven restaurants and bars have a different concept and cuisine and the Wellness Center's eight treatment rooms offers a variety of treatments including facial and body treatments, massages, invigorating baths and sauna with scented steam, Finnish, Turkish, salt and infrared sauna options.
Travellers who love luxury and who also love their four legged friends will love 'Chien Bleu', which is devoted to fine accommodation that also satisfies guests of the canine variety.
This new holiday company has tested its entire portfolio with their pups in tow and only accommodation meeting their dog-friendly criteria receives the 'Paw of Approval'.
'Chien Bleu' was created by Erin Boyd and is named after her yellow labrador, Blue. Erin noticed that many people love to travel with their dogs and the only available resource to find dog-friendly hotels came from other dogs who had already said there. Erin saw that there was a gap in the market so embarked on 18 months of research, testing and travelling to create the company.
During 2011 'Chien Bleu' is focusing on hotels in the UK, with 30 hotels already being picked out as their favourites. There are plans for a worldwide brochure in the future. 'Chien Bleu' launches August 2nd.
The Luxury Travel Bible always like anything that combines champagne and skiing so we are looking forward to 'Clicquot in the Snow for 2011'.
This celebration of Veuve Clicquot champagne and après ski will take over Thredbo Village, NSW, Australia from August 1-7 2011. The entire village will turn 'Clicquot yellow', with bars and clubs decked out in exclusive Clicquot décor and hosting Veuve Clicquot inspired events for guests to enjoy.
Events include Clicquot On Piste Brunch Sessions, a Celebrity Tube-A-Thon, Degustation Dinners, a pop-up Clicquot Ice Bar and a Clicquot Snow Picnic. The week concludes with the Clicquot Classic Ski Race for skiers and snowboarders.
'Clicquot in the Snow' began in Aspen in 2007 and continues to grow each year. 'Clicquot in the Snow Thredbo' will be held August 1 - 7 2011. To purchase tickets to any of the Clicquot in the Snow 2011 experiences visit www.thredbo.com.au
... a hotel group's use of social media
How many of us can claim they have a hotel room named after them? Hugh Hefner can. Barbie can. John Lennon can. Vera Wang can. But now, thanks to NH Hotels, this is no longer only reserved for celebrities.NH Hotels are running a competition, via Facebook, for fans to name their own room in one of their favourite 400 plus hotels in 24 countries worldwide. Not only will their name appear on the door of the room you will also be entered into a competition to win a trip to visit your room in person.Name your room via NH Hotels' Facebook Page: www.facebook.com/NHHotelesGood Luck!
The Luxury Travel Bible loves this entertaining embrace of social media by a hotel group. SB
...
thatTahiti Still Looks Nice Tahiti still looks nice according to the newly revamped advert for Cussons Imperial Leather. The 1970s advert coined the immortal catchphrases "Tahiti looks nice" and "Simon, Tahiti...".
After three decades off television (they were probably off jetsetting somewhere), Simon is back in the cockpit to lure a new generation of consumers in to the shower with Imperial Leather products via luxury destination Tahiti.
The original advert has been brought up to date but retains the same message and memorable lines and also reminds us that we always need a little luxury in our lives.
This modern adaptation will be available on Australian television from July 10 and also on YouTube. As part of this campaign Imperial Leather are holding a competition to win a trip for four to Tahiti. For further details visitwww.imperialleather.com.auSB
Located just 20 minutes by boat from the tip of Viti Levu, the 13-acre Dolphin Island is the ultimate private island retreat. It has been a while coming (think Fiji time) but now Huka Retreats have officially announced the spectacular relaunch of Dolphin. Guests arriving by the island's own private boat will find a renovated and refurbished resort created by interior designer Virginia Fisher (who made sister properties Huka Lodge, New Zealand and Grande Provence Estate, South Africa so special). Fisher is known for her ability to create a sense of place, as well as a feeling of relaxed luxury so the colours, textures and patterns of the Pacific are much in evidence in this redesign. The Luxury Travel Bible particularly likes the idea of the hilltop sleep-out bure, a hatched open-air bedroom perfect for a romantic tryst.
Huka Retreats is owned by the enigmatic entrepreneur Alex van Heeren whose properties are always top of our list. Just eight guests at a time can enjoy this exclusive-use experience so we're tipping the new Dolphin Island as the ultimate private Pacific paradise. HD
With her new campaign for Louis Vuitton Angelina Jolie is joining a whole handbag full of celebrities including Madonna, Jennifer Lopez, Bono, Keith Richards and Scarlett Johansson, who are all former faces of Vuitton.
The campaign was shot in Siem Reap, Cambodia, by Annie Leibovitz. Jolie is no stranger to Cambodia. In 2001, the actress played the lead in the film, Laura Croft: Tomb Raider, filmed in Angkor Wat, Cambodia.
Siem Reap is also the birth place of Jolie and Brad Pitt's adopted son, Maddox. After the adoption of Maddox in 2002 Jolie established the Maddox Jolie Foundation, which has since been changed to Maddox Jolie-Pitt foundation.The foundation works with impoverished rural villagers and local governments and tries to help help alleviate food shortages and increase basic necessities like healthcare and education. Currently, the foundation is working on the Samlout 2012 project which aims to improve economic grown and reduce environmental destruction in the rural Samlout district. AP
...
a grand Italian
suite
And the newly unveiled the Ludovisi Suite in the Regina Hotel Baglioni is certainly that. Black Marquina marble alternating with white Carrara marble decorates the Art Dèco floors, pure silk tapestries featuring creamy cappuccino colours decorate the walls. Louis XVI antique furniture is scattered artfully about the vast living area, three bedrooms and four bathrooms. The word 'sumptuous' springs to mind. Surrounded by a terrace overlooking the Via Veneto, the Ludovisi Suite has unparalleled views over the rooftops and monuments of the Eternal City. Aromatic plants such as lavender, myrtle, rosemary and lemon have been selected to recreate a typical Mediterranean garden atmosphere.
If that isn't enough for you, guests of Ludovisi Suite may also have exclusive use of Regina Hotel Baglioni's private roof top terraces. Oh and did we mention the private elevator to the 7th floor? In fact if you want complete privacy you can reserve the whole of the 7th ' In this way the floor can have increased security ,' says the hotel, 'which makes it the ideal solution for diplomatic stays'. Or indeed visiting film stars and their entourages. HD Luxury Link: www.baglionihotels.com
..
a Hong Kong high
When yours is the highest bar in the world, a dizzy 450 metres (1,480 ft) or so up, you have to do something pretty special to compete with the views, especially when the views are of the neon heart of Hong Kong. Last night The Luxury Travel Bible was imbibing blackberry mojitos at the bar at the top of the new Ritz Carlton in HK and we can report that the bar is as breathtaking as the views, no wonder they call it Ozone. A high speed lift sucked us up to the hotel's lobby, already a mind-boggling 103 floors up .Then another elevator shot us into the stratosphere. Stepping out on the 118 floor of this designer fantasy is like starring in Barbarella; shapes twist and turn ,coloured lights dance, builbs drip from the ceiling like clusters of redioactive bubbles. Below us the river twisted like an electric eel surrounded by the twinkle of the city skyscapers. TLTB also loved the coloured lights on the floor that lead to food and the Aladdin's cave of light that leads to the private dining rooms. Where to eat? Italianat Tosca or Chinese at Tin Lung Heen, both have heady views. We predict these will be the hottest tables in town next Chinese new year but can the fireworks even reach this high? HD
The Luxury Travel Bible loves a stylish coffee table book - especially if it is one that celebrates a hotel with such a glamorous history. ʻAll That Life Can Affordʼ by Clive Aslet has been published to celebrate Jumeriah Carlton Tower's 50th Anniversary. Through photographs and anecdotes it reveals the history and people who have shaped the hotel since it opened in 1961 as London's tallest hotel.
Some of TLTB's favourite images of the hotel include model Twiggy advertising the new Mini, designer Mary Quant staging a fashion show and a model during a photo shoot playing up to the camera.
ʻAll That Life Can Affordʼ gives great insight into the hotel and also reveals some of the secrets such as the history behind painter Felix Topolskiʼs portraits of the ʻChelsea Girlsʼ, featuring actress Vanessa Redgrave and Lady Astor which are still on display in the hotel. Fans of the ' The Rib Room' restaurant will be pleased to read the secret of the signature dish of Aberdeen Angus Roast Beef (TV chef Nigella Lawson is also a fan).
ʻAll That Life Can Affordʼ will be available at Jumeirah Carlton Tower and exclusively at Harrods, Knightsbridge with an RRP of £29.95
Last week
The Luxury Travel Bible got a sneak peek of the athenaeum's newly refurbished apartments. Housed within historic Edwardian buildings on a quiet street in Mayfair the apartments allow guests to live in their 'Home away from Home' as a true
Londoner - they even get their own Mayfair front door.
TLTB loves that interior designer Paul Faulkner has respected the original Edwardian building's features yet at the same time his modern refurbishment reflects the hotel's personality.
The apartments all come with five star services (including a hot line to Harvey Nichols food hall) and full access to the hotel's facilities and concierge. One guest has commented, "it is like having your own Mayfair home, with a rather lovely hotel attached!". Various sized apartments are available which will suit couples, families as well as business travellers for as long or short as stay as required. Kids will love the bunk beds and complimentary Kid's Menu (created by kids, for kids) while adults will love being able to eat breakfast in their robe and the free mini bar and ice cream.
With little touches such as a fully stocked kitchen, beautiful artwork (TLTB loved the modern piece depicting English money), CDs, DVD's and magazines (all picked to suit the guest) and fresh flowers, you'll feel at home in no time. SB
...
a way to celebrate the seasons in luxury Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts are celebrating northern Summer with a series of incentives, from complimentary nights to spending credits, to give guests great value and luxury this summer. The Luxury Travel Bible loves the accompanying video.
Cool iced tea, spa treatments, infinity pools, beautiful beaches, the crystal-clear ocean, stunning views, great service, bright sunshine and luxury sum up everything that summer should be (or any other season for that matter). SB Luxury Link:www.fourseasons.com/special_offers/
...
an Ambassador leadingA Dog's Life
Fairmont St Andrews latest recruit to the management team isn't what you might expect for a world famous five-star hotel. She sleeps on the job, has her bed in the foyer, leaves the front desk to go on long walks and can legitimately be called a 'Bitch'.
Smudge, a beautiful three-year-old golden Labrador, has been announced as the hotel's 'Canine Ambassador'. Smudge lives with the recently appointed general manager, Garrett Turta, and he was keen to ensure she earned her keep. Originally Smudge trained as a guide dog with 'Canadian Dogs for the Blind' but entered the hotel industry when it turned out that she was far too sociable.
Turta says, "She''s available to go walking with hotel guests and children in particular love that'. Appointments to walk Smudge can be made by hotel guests at the concierge desk. Smudge will even have her own email address and her business cards are currently being printed.
Despite repeated media requests, Smudge was unavailable for comment. SB
The Luxury Travel Biblerecently had drinks at The May Fair Hotel. We tried and loved the signature May Fair Mojito - some even go as far as calling it legendary. The cocktail is a delicious blend of English Blackberries and mint and Cuban rum. It also looks beautiful making it a great cocktail for the British summer.
So how do they make it stand out from every other Mojito on the cocktail menus in London bars? Luckily
resident
mixologist at the May Fair Bar,Marios Elias has starred in a How-to video to whet our appetites and also demonstrate to those wishing to recreate it at home.
Question is; What is the secret ingredient? More research is obviously called for.
SB
Two hours away from riotous Rio de Janiero is Insólito Boutique Hotel - the hotel's rooms reflect the style of its owner, French-born Emmanuelle de Clermont Tonnerre who has carefully chosen and curated each room's theme. This is a hotel with its own special style so
TLTB welcomes the addition of nine new guest rooms and a new restaurant and outdoor parilla (barbeque). Nestled in a rocky hillside, with stunning views of Ferradura Beach, the solar-heated Insólito blends perfectly into its natural surroundings thanks to the skills of celebrated architect Otavio Raja Gabaglia. Two superior rooms, four luxury rooms and three master suites make up the hotel's new digs. Set in an entirely new building, the rooms have been designed to reflect Brazilian Modernism with items of Brazilian furniture by Jorge Zalszupin - one of the founders of L'Austral -and photographs by modernist photographer, Almir Reis.
NS
Luxury Link: www.designhotels.com
... a mega-yacht with style
The newest addition to the exclusive Compaignie du Ponant fleet is L'Austral a mega-yacht with 132 cabins and the best in French decor from designer jean-Philippe Nuel. Large arched windows open onto the sea and the good news is that this ultra-sleek, chic yacht has also earned a 'green ship' label for its eco-frendly features, so you can feel extra good about relaxing in your luxurious suite with its own private balcony.
SB
When you travel as much as
The Luxury Travel Bible
does we are always on the lookout for smarter ways to pack. That is why we think Redfoot Shoes' patented split-sole, folding shoes are such a stylish, space-saving solution when travelling.
TLTB
took a couple of pairs of Redfoot Shoes on a recent trip and it was a great relief not to have a heavy carry-on half full of shoes (as is so often the case).
Redfoot Shoes' wide range of fashionable ballet flats, loafers, sandals and even Wellington boots all fold down to half their size and take up hardly any space in your luggage. Proving that size does matter - but in a good way. The shoes were still comfortable after a long day of sightseeing and are great to keep in your bag when the killer heels get too much at the end of the night.
The boys need not feel left out; we think
TLTB's golfing correspondent should take along some Redfoot Mens on their next trip. The shoes are compact enough to fit in your golf bag yet are smart enough to wear when having a well deserved drink at the nineteenth hole.
SB
The RHS Chelsea Flower Show officially opens tomorrow to the delight of green fingered fans everywhere (even The Queen has only missed one show in the past sixty years).
To celebrate this annual event one of our favourite new Champagne lounges has created a special cocktail. The Perrier-Jouët lounge at DUKES LONDON will be serving 'The Flower of Champagne' which combines Rose vodka, lillet, Perrier-Jouët Grand Brut. This aromatic and refreshing cocktail is topped off with a delicate rose petal.
The Luxury Travel Bible recently caught up with DUKES' General Manager Debrah Dhugga to hear all of the hotel's latest news. While we were there we got to try 'The Flower of Champagne' . Our verdict? A delicious cocktail that subtly reflects British summertime.
The Flower of Champagne Cocktail at DUKES LONDON's Perrier-Jouët Lounge costs £17.50. The 2011 RHS Chelsea Flower Show
is open from 24th to 28th May.
...
the all-suite
life
A new kind of river cruiser is now sailing down the Rhine on its maiden voyage. The new Avalon Panorama calls itself a 'suite ship' and it is certainly a new concept for a river cruiser with two full decks of suites featuring a wall-to-wall window that transforms the living space into a vast open-air balcony. The suites area so 30% larger than the industry standard. Onboard amenities include an Internet corner and Wi-Fi access, a well-stocked library, an expanded fitness center, and a spacious Sky Deck and open-air Bistro. Watch the scenery float past on a series of itineraries that take in the Danube, Rhine and Main. NS
Sometimes a hotel is good enough to eat and this one should be. The new Mr C hotel in Beverly Hills is the first hotel venture from the Cipriani restaurant family. Guiseppe Cipriani senior sold his interest in the famous Hotel Cipriani in Venice to Orient Express way back in the 1960s so this generation of Ciprianis have never been in the hotel business before. They own the famous Harry's Bar in Venice and other restaurants scattered around Europe. So far however this first venture is looking good.
AP
And we don't just mean five star. How about movie star? Hotel le Bristol in Parisis the backdrop for Woody Allen's just-released movie, Midnight in Paris. The movie, a romantic comedy starring Owen Wilson, Michael Sheen and Rachel McAdams was shot on location last summer. Some of its more glamorous scenes were filmed at Le Bristol, including shots of the hotel's untra-luxurious Panoramic Suite, in its elegant lobby and the hotel's famous entrance. Didier Le Calvez, General Manager of Le Bristol, said: "We were thrilled to assist Woody Allen, the cast and crew during the making of Midnight in Paris last summer... and are delighted that Le Bristol features alongside such a distinguished cast.
HD
...a Cube with a great view
The just opened Casa de La Flora brings contemporary design to Khao Lak in Thailand. Stepped down the shore line at the edge of the Andaman Sea the shiny new resort is the brainchild of businessman Sompong Dowpiset. Design Hotels who have to the new resort on their books call the 36-villa resort - an ode to the angular geometries of Brutalist architecture'. Can't argue with that. The hotel is designed by VaSLab Architecture. From each villa, guests have sea views, private pools and are surrounded by gardens.
HD
When the high-rise Banyan Tree Macau opens on May 15 in the impressive Galaxy complex, Cotai City it will be the first 'urban resort' in Macau to have private indoor relaxation pools in
all of its 227 suites. It also adjoins the world's largest 'sky wave' pool (eat your heart out Marina Bay Sands)- complete with a 150-metre white sand beach- in the largest resort development in Macau. The jewel in
this sky-scraping crown will be the 3,400 square metre Banyan Tree Spa with 21 treatment rooms, designed with a contemporary Asian theme (note the bamboo-motif reception and a bamboo courtyard with glass skylight) and the usual sublime Banyan spa treatments. Since Banyan Tree academy opened at Banyan''s Phuket resort in 2001 their spas have been a bench mark and
The Luxury Travel Bible will sumit to one of their massage tables anytime. We suggest the signature
Royal Banyan treatment or the
Banyan Gui Shi for those looking for true indulgence in Macau.
Does the world need another Champagne bar? Absolutely
The LuxuryTravel Biblesays!
Especially when said lounge is a little different.
TLTBwas present at the intimate launch this week of the new Perrier - Jouët lounge at London's Dukes' Hotel and we had to stop ourselves staring at all the luxe design features.
Interior designer Shaun Clarkson has considered every aspect of the room's design. When you next visit take time to notice the carpet (and not just because you've had one too many) it is hand- made in India to reflect the flowers on the Perrier - Jouët bottles. The roses reflect the pink of the cushions, the shades of champagne are present in the wallpaper and the whole colour scheme is inspired by the classic Belle Époque bottle.
Oh, and the champagne isn't half bad either!
Sommelier Thomas was on hand to recommend the best bottle ... he also says the Champagne Cocktail '1811' will go down very nicely after dinner.
All those roses make a change from other champagne bars in the area (no leather, dark wood and mood-y
lighting here). While all men at the launch felt very at home with a glass in hand the women all agreed that it was a very female-friendly space - great for a girls' get together.
But boys, if you feel a need for a more manly area head upstairs to Dukes' Martini Bar. Ultimate male James Bond was created here when Ian Fleming
wrote some of the original Casino Royale. Yes, that is why Bond drinks his Martini shaken, not stirred. Looking for macho inspiration?
Ask if you can sit at Fleming's table.
SB
The Terrace at the Jumeirah Lowndes hotel will re-open on the 15 April offering a peaceful and secluded outdoor space for all day al fresco drinks and dining.
This year The Terrace will also feature a Pommery champagne bar. A menu of summer cocktails will be available including the signature ʻTerrace Breeze cocktail, a blend of mango juice, Tanquery gin, Smirnoff vodka, orange juice and grenadine - sounds perfect for a balmy London evening. A menu offering dishes ranging from Rock Oysters to simple summer salads to BBQ favourites to indulgent desserts will suit all tastes and dining occasions.
The Luxury Travel Bible loves that for such a busy spot in London, The Terrace is remarkable quiet and peaceful. SB
The Terrace at the Jumeirah Lowndes re-opens for the British summer on 15th April 2011. All day dining will be available 11:00am - 10.00pm (Monday - Saturday) and 11:00am - 7:00pm on Sunday.
