Fine Traveling

Earlier this month, you may recall we reviewed The Chester Residence in Edinburghs West End. News just in is that the hotel has been named Luxury Accommodation of the Year and Serviced Apartments of the Year at the Scottish Hotel Awards 2011, held at the Thistle Glasgow Hotel. Graham Wood, co-owner with his wife Gillian, was presented with the awards at the ceremony attended by hundreds of hoteliers from across Scotland. These latest accolades back up Tripadvisors endorsement last year when it named The Chester Residence as one of the Top 25 hotels in Europe by the leading global travel website Trip Advisor. Luxury Accommodation of the Year in the Scottish Hotel Awards is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

Grab a bike and go. Courtesy SoulRider.222 and batLo under CC. Already popular in Europe, communal bicycle programs are gaining popularity in cities across the US. Brooklyns program is hoping to roll out shortly, and one for Manhattan is slated for a summer launch. Residents of the San Francisco Bay Area can also look forward to a bike-sharing pilot program later this year for the cities of San Francisco, Palo Alto, Mountain View, and Redwood City.While you wait for these and other programs to get into gear in the US and elsewhere, be sure to take advantage of existing bike-sharing projects in these popular travel destinations:B-cycle, US - Programs in Boulder, Chicago, Denver, Hawaii, San Antonio, and more.Bicing, Barcelona - Over 3,000 bikes available and well over 100 stations.Bycyklen, Copenhagen - Bikes are noted for being simple, durable, and adjustable.Call a Bike, Frankfurt - Dial in and automatically unlock a bike.Bysykkel, Oslo - Also available in Trondheim, Drammen, and Ber

From themed Afternoon Teas to commemorative tea bags and postage stamps, London is getting in the mood for the upcoming Royal Wedding of Prince William and Kate Middleton. Visit London the official tourism organization for the capital recently unveiled a giant 4-foot wedding cake, a lovely replica of the famous St. Brides Church on Fleet Street the actual, real-life inspiration for the traditional tiered wedding cake enjoyed around the world today! Visit London describes their recent feat : Back in the 18th century, London-based bakers apprentice Thomas Rich wanted to create something special for his wedding day so, taking the tall spire and steeple of St Brides Church as a model, he came up with the idea for a tiered cake. This cake was provided by Sophisticake (who made the wedding cake for HRH Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall). It was created using a medieval recipe which required a whopping 200 eggs, 120lb (54kg) of dried fruit and 18lb (8kg) of butter! The cake will be

Pssst! Starwood is having a ginormous sale to herald springs arrival. So if youre looking for a spring fling, why not take a jaunt to one of Starwoods 800 hotels and resorts worldwide? Or even just spend a night away from home in your own hood? The Our World, for a Limited Time package doles out savings of up to 30% at properties available across all nine of Starwoods brands: Sheraton, Westin, W Hotels, St. Regis, Le Mridien , The Luxury Collection , Aloft, Four Points by Sheraton and Element. (We say the W Retreat on Koh Samui looks mighty nice And closer to home: spend the night in the drunk tank at Bostons liberated landmark, The Liberty Hotel .) Available for stays until May 30, 2011, must book by April 4, 2011. Pictured: A heavenly slice of the Mediterranean at Le Meridien Limassol Spa and Resort on Cyprus.

Bedside cocktails, cuisine by acclaimed Chef Daniel Boulud, and a wow-worthy rooftop garden are enough reason to head to The Surrey Hotel in Manhattans Upper East Side. An exceptional guest experience is assured at the hotel that once hosted JFK, as The Surrey , recreated by interior designer Lauren Rottet, has just about everything the modern traveler could dream of. (Yes, even pooches are pampered here with Lauren Rottet-designed pet beds and Pratesi pet robes.) Hot rates: If you book with Five Star Alliance and choose Five Star Alliance rates, youll get a discount on your room plus loads of freebies: in-room Continental breakfast for two, 20% off spa services (not available on mani-pedis), a welcome amenity from the General Manager, and an upgrade based on availability. Related Article: Padma Lakshmis Luxury Jewelry Collection at The Surrey, New York

Photo: Tim Green Anne Merritt describes six French study abroad programs from the Caribbean to Africa. I learned French in a popular Anglo-Canadian way: attending an immersion school as a child. There, I studied timidly under stern French Canadian teachers, never realizing how lucky I was to be learning this way. As a teacher, I now recognize how great immersion can be for a language learner. As a traveler, I now recognize how valuable French is, and not just for weekends in Montreal. Until recently, French was the most commonly studied second language in the world, and is an official national language on five continents. For the French speaker, travel options are broad. For the French language learner looking for some immersion studies, study options are broad too. If youre keen to take a course abroad, you dont have to sweat the prices in Paris or the dreary winter forecasts in Marseille. French study opportunities are all over the map. Saint Anne, Guadeloupe. Photo: Guillaume Catt

Santa Barbara County wineries. Courtesy Kurt Naks & christamichaels. While California is well known for its fine wines, most people think of Napa and Sonoma Counties when pondering which West Coast wine to try or buy, leaving Central and Southern California completely out of the mix. From Temecula to Santa Barabara, Paso Robles and beyond, the whole of the Golden State has much to offer in the way of picturesque vineyards and premium bottles. Steve Heimoff of Wine Enthusiast notes of the Central Coasts Santa Rita Hills (SRH), for example, Today, I think its safe to say that the SRH stand as one of the greatest places in the New World to grow pinot noir. And they got there on their own-not with marketing packages and celebrity auctioneers. Not with spin. Not by luring in big spenders with resorts and great restaurants.Lacking Napas fame and flair, Californias other wine country is a relatively young one - This is Sonoma in the 1970s-empty roads, a few dozen tasting rooms, winemaker

Walking into the Pebble Beach Food and Wine Festiva l in the spring of 2010, something occurred to me. Why had it taken so long for someoneanyoneto come up with the idea for this annual event? I mean honestly, Pebble Beach is luxury incarnate hulking mansions fronting some of the most beautiful coastline in the world, super luxe shopping, and, of course, a legendary golf course that has hosted the U.S. Open ten times. This is the playground of the rich and famous, princes and kings, captains of industry and celebrity superstars. An over-the-top gourmet fest showcasing the elite of the international restaurant biz and masters of the grape is a no-brainer. This is decadence at its very best. And now, with its fourth year looming large, planners are once again rolling out the red carpet for rockstar chefs and A-list oenophiles. And what a list it is. Among the luminaries cooking for this years Delicacy Dinner in Club XIX (one of the most historic restaurants at Pebble Beach) are Joachi

On business in Shanghai? The Four Seasons Hotel is inviting you to recharge your batteries by disconnecting from your Blackberry and iPhone. The swank hotel insists that two days is all they need to get you fully rebooted and ready to get back to work. Just switch off the power buttons, extend your stay with the new Suite Delight Promotion, and reconnect with the art of relaxation. Youll get reduced rates on your accommodations plus dining and spa credits. Straight from the horses mouth: Opt for a personal Spring detox via the Green Dragon Cleansing Ritual at Qin, The Spa; savour Chefs April Zhou Shan seafood specials in Si Ji Xuan; or sample the tantalizing first flush of Long Jin (Dragon Well) green tea with Spring Flush Afternoon Tea in the Lobby Lounge. And with access to the Hotel Concierges legendary historical, art and cultural itineraries, theres scope to discover even more of the citys sweet spots. The Suite Delight Promotion is offered through May 1, 2011, and includes Exe

It took him just six hours to scale the tallest building in the world. Known for his death-defying stunts climbing skyscrapers around the world without safety equipment Spiderman Alain Robert has successfully added another notch to his belt. On Monday, the French urban climber topped the Burj Khalifa , the soaring glass tower in Dubai thats home to the Armani Hotel . Le Spiderman has scaled some 70 skyscrapers, but complied with safety regulations for this latest stunt, using a rope and harness. He even summited the tapered spire above the top floors of the building, 2,717 feet above the ground. Robert finished the climb in the darkness.

The food alone is a reason to book a table for Easter brunch at Sixteen , the modern American resto at Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago . (With made-to-order sushi, carving stations, and individually-prepared omelets, its a firm favorite among Chicago brunch-goers.) And for the holiday on April 24, the eatery is pulling out all the stops for a festive celebration. Executive Chef Frank Brunacci will offer several special items for Easter: Spring Pea soup; Crispy trout with mushroom and fava bean ragu; Veal medallions with caramelized artichokes and spinach; Thai-spiced shrimp with curry-apple slaw; Grilled asparagus with goat cheese, candied walnuts, and truffle vinaigrette; and Lamb loin with fennel and Vidalia onion jam. For something sweet, stop by Executive Pastry Chef Sarah Kosikowskis dessert station. But dont fill up too fast- your family will also get a homemade chocolate bunny to take home. The kids will get a kick out of the lively entertainment, including a visit

Theres a new opening from Sofitel this month the Sofitel Essaouira Mogador Golf & Spa . Located in the heart of Mogador and adjoining the historical port of Essaouira, the hotel is Sofitels seventh establishment in Morocco. Sofitel Essaouira Mogador Golf & Spa consists of 147 bedrooms and suites as well as 28 villas with private swimming pools which are designed to blend with the rich landscape of Mogador and are particularly well suited to families. Surrounded by a 600ha forest, natural sand dunes and a pristine beach, the hotel was designed by interior designer Didier Gomez , architect Rachid El Andaloussi and landscape artist Isabelle Linski. A continuity between the indoors and outdoors emphasises the tranquillity of the open spaces particularly noticeable in the hotels lobby, with views stretching away into the distance, beyond the golf course and across the ocean. Didier Gomez Interior Design pays tribute to ancient Essaouria, with intense colours, exotic wood varietie

With the Royal Wedding fast approaching and the Olympic Games drumming up excitement for 2012, London has become the destination du jour with no shortage of stylish places to stay! In recent months, a slew of new hotels have opened on the famously fashionable hotel scene. One of the most highly anticipated is the St. Pancras Renaissance London Hotel , reopened after a dramatic 150 million transformation. With the arrival of Eurostar trains in 2007, the St. Pancras railway station was itself renovated, and now it has a hotel to match. The red brick building a stunning example of High Victorian Gothic architecture was saved from demolition and has been restored to its former glory as one of the citys great landmarks. The five-star St. Pancras Renaissance London has 204 rooms and 41 suites. To quote the London Evening Standard : it is the restored public spaces that will astonish visitors: the grand sweeping staircase, the Ladies Smoking Room - the first place in Europe where women c

Visitors to the southernmost point in the United States are often so enchanted with Key West that they never leave. A favorite haunt of Ernest Hemingway, the sunny island has diving and snorkeling, sailing and sunning, deep-sea fishing, elegant dining, and a rowdy nightlife scene. All connected to the mainland by an impressive island-hopping roadway possibly one of the prettiest roads on earth. Theres never a bad time to visit, but Key Wests Conch Republic Independence Celebration is a real hoot. Key West has called itself the Conch Republic since it seceded from Florida in 1982 with the motto: The People Who Seceded Where Others Failed. With drag races, parades, food fests, and the Conch Crawl, the celebration promises to be a rip-roaring good time. Residents are calling it: The Conch Republics own 4th of July, Bastille Day & Cinco de Mayo all rolled into one! Looking for some hotel recommendations? Scroll through the photos in our hand-picked collection of Four-Star and Five-S

Have you heard about the Five Star Alliance giveaway contest ? Were giving away a 3-night stay at The James New York , the sexy new hotel already famous for its rooftop pool deck that has 360-degree views of the Manhattan skyline. Simply sign up for our free monthly newsletter by May 31, 2011 , and youll be automatically entered to win! All new subscribers, aged 18 or older, will be eligible for a chance to score a 3-night getaway in a Deluxe Guestroom at the hotel everyones talking about.

Let us first dispel the myth that all-inclusive holidays in the Mediterranean are limited to budget and mid-market hotels. There are some exceptional five star resort hotels in Turkey if you know where to find them. 1. Ali Bey Resort Side We were amazed by this hotel. All rooms are of a deluxe standard with huge attention to detail, absolutely beautiful and wonderful gardens set amongst the trees. There is nightly entertainment including some great shows put on by the animation team, our favourites were Lion King and Beauty and the Beast. The whole resort is beautiful and spotlessly clean. This is simply a great place to stay! 2. Calista Luxury Resort Belek Wow! A very unique hotel how many hotels in Europe have a 350,000 Versace carpet in the lobby. Everything at this hotel is of the highest quality. A Dubai hotel in Belek! Often referred to as the Pearl of the Mediterranean Coast, and we can see why. 3. Gloria Serenity Resort Belek A beautiful and modern hotel with fabulous in

Fishing the Pacific Northwest is not only amazing, but provides encounters with wildlife you simply do not expect. Here is a little story of our Alaska travel trip that my travel friend and I experienced last summer in the Saskatchewan. My friend is really into sports fishing, so we had booked a stay at the stately Waterfall Resort in Ketchikan, Alaska. Flying in there on a float plane was quite a charm! The fishery was stunning. Waterfall Resort is nestled in Alaskas Inside Passage on the scenic Prince of Wales Island just west of Ketchikan, Alaska. It has been commercially fished for more than a hundred years, and probably fed natives for millennia. May was King Salmon season, and the salmon were running straight for the hooks of men in yellow waders. The Waterfall Resort seems to be a sports fishing destination for many top corporate and business men. Many of them had come because they had won incentive based business challenges. I am sure you can imagine that this trip was a drea

Jack Sarvary is the co-founder and CEO of Itinerie , a flash-sale startup. Itinerie expands on flash-sale sites like Jetsetter and Vacationist by offering full luxury vacation packages, rather than just hotels. All of these luxury one-week packages are fully private and include all accommodations and transportation to 2-4 destinations in a single Latin American country. In addition, we arrange a number of customizable activities for each of our travellers. Before starting Itinerie, Jack worked for the Boston Consulting Group in New York City and Endeavor in Buenos Aires. What is it that you do exactly? Every day is different. We are only a few weeks away from launching our first sale and we are finalizing many last details to ensure we enter the market with the strongest product possible. These days, I might spend my morning working with our partner in Peru to decide whether we should offer our customers a photography tour or a cooking class or both. Later, I likely will spend some ti

Opened this month, the glamorous new W Retreat & Spa Bali- Seminyak is the fourth W Retreat in an exotic location worldwide, joining properties in the Maldives, Koh Samui, and Vieques Island. W Hotels Worldwide debuted the property after cutting the ribbon on the buzzed-about W London- Leicester Square in February. The Retreat concept is an enticing one; take the signature W touches (like Whatever/Whenever service and trendy destination bars) and transplant them to idyllic beach settings, and youve got a taste of pure, unadulterated luxury. Comprised of 237 Retreats and Villa Retreats on Petitenget Beach, the new resort boasts a 24-hour spa and three-storey beach bar. Be one of the first guests to check out the W Retreat & Spa Bali - Seminyak and save up to 30% on stays between March 31 and May 30, 2011, with rates starting from $240 per night for two people in a Wonderful Garden View Retreat. Also includes: complimentary Wifi, unlimited access to SWEAT (the fitness center

If you saw the wonderful article on Paris in The New York Times Travel section this past weekend, you might be pining for a trip to the City of Light. And you couldnt have picked a better time. The sun is shining, the flowers are blooming, and theres not a cloud in the sky. In fact, the temps have been in the 70s and it feels almost balmy. Take a stroll through the citys glorious gardens and youll find the air fragrant with flowers, the sidewalk cafes packed with people-watchers. For some insider tips on Paris, book a private tour with Eye Prefer Paris . A transplanted New Yorker, Richard Nahem delights visitors on tours through his Marais neighborhood and other prime spots around town. Each three-hour walking tour is individually tailored, so if youre interested in jewelry and fashion, Richard can point out secret addresses and cutting-edge boutiques; if youre a die-hard foodie, hes got the skinny on local food shops, markets, and restaurants. Price for the private tour is 195 euros

Saranda waterfront. Photo by timniblett Kristin Conard reflects on a brief connection with a local in Albania. Saranda, on the Albanian Riviera, is wildly popular with locals for honeymoons, but I wasnt in a romantic mood. I was headed to the caf with my book and my journal, and I was ready to indulge in an hour or so of self-pity and reflection. For just the day before, the man I was traveling with, the man who had come to meet me at the airport, the man I had already labeled in my head as edging towards being a significant other, had unexpectedly hopped on a bus to a town six hours away and had told me hed miss me, but had also said, I need to go my own way at the moment. I was preparing to be able to respect that, but in that moment, all I wanted to do was get my coffee and try to sort out how I felt knowing Id likely not ever see him again. We went through a dozen cars this way. Each time I correctly guessed the license, she pat my hand or squeezed my shoulder. In between cars, s

Its that time of year again. Tax season is upon us, and with the April 15 deadline just around the corner, you may be desperate for a little tax relief. Duane Street Hotel to the rescue! The stylish 45-room hotel located in New Yorks red-hot TriBeCa neighborhood is offering the Crunch Time package so you can take a tax break. Starting from $370 per night, the package includes chic accommodations, unlimited in-room coffee, a complimentary Taxes for Dummies book, and access to an iPad loaded with TurboTax, along with a round of celebratory cocktails when youve done the deed. Follow Five Star Alliance on Twitter!

This design-driven boutique hotel is the result of a successful industrial recovery project. After thirty years of total neglect, the property first built as an important radio factory and later used to print La Settimana Enigmistica (an established Italian weekly) was totally refurbished and rebuilt. Opened in 2002, this trendy four-star hotel has 123 guest rooms decorated with refined fabrics and materials, some of which were custom made for Enterprise by acclaimed brands Flos and Cassina. These contemporary rooms were designed in a minimalist style with comfort in mind and they have all the latest technology, including free wireless Internet access. The Enterprise Hotel Milan also has a Congress Centre with eight meeting rooms filled with natural light, where companies like BMW, Coca Cola, Este Lauder, and Hugo Boss have held events. The hotel has hosted its fair share of photo shoots, art exhibits, and fashion shows, too. Last summer, the Lounge bar presented Kama Karana, a speci

This design-driven boutique hotel is the result of a successful industrial recovery project. After thirty years of total neglect, the property first built as an important radio factory and later used to print La Settimana Enigmistica (an established Italian weekly) was totally refurbished and rebuilt. Opened in 2002, this trendy four-star hotel has 123 guest rooms decorated with refined fabrics and materials, some of which were custom made for Enterprise by acclaimed brands Flos and Cassina. These contemporary rooms were designed in a minimalist style with comfort in mind and they have all the latest technology, including free wireless Internet access. The Enterprise Hotel Milan also has a Congress Centre with eight meeting rooms filled with natural light, where companies like BMW, Coca Cola, Este Lauder, and Hugo Boss have held events. The hotel has hosted its fair share of photo shoots, art exhibits, and fashion shows, too. Last summer, the Lounge bar presented Kama Karana, a speci

Take a long weekend in Charleston, and its guaranteed that youll return home with a spring in your step. A good dose of history, lots of art, flower-filled gardens, and all kinds of good grub (from elegant fare to Southern comfort food thats finger lickin good). Not to mention the comfortable climate. Charleston Place the Orient-Express hotel thats famed for its true Southern hospitality is celebrating the arrival of spring with a fabulous package where you get to choose from a memorable variety of experiences, one for each day of your stay. Available from April 1- June 4, 2011 and priced from $370 per night, the Spring Selections package includes luxury accommodations, complimentary Internet access and daily newspaper, plus your choice of one of the following (per night): * $100 Food & Beverage Gift Card for use in the Charleston Grill, Palmetto Cafe, Thoroughbred Club or In Room Dining * $100 Spa Gift Card for use in The Spa at Charleston Place * Schooner Pride two hour Sunse

Calling all sun-seekers. Ditch the frigid temps on the East Coast and get thee to the golden shores of Puerto Rico, where sandy beaches and fruity cocktails await. As if you needed more enticing, Wyndham Rio Mar Beach Resort & Spa nestled between the El Yunque National Rainforest and a mile-long stretch of Atlantic beach has rolled out the Farewell to Frost promotion until May 31, 2011. Embrace the warm weather with rates starting from $267 (single occupancy) and get sunscreen, bottled water, and peppermint lip balm upon check-in to help ease your winter-weary body back into warm weather mode. Included in your package: a complimentary buffet breakfast at Marbella restaurant.

The recently opened David Burke Kitchen at the James New York hotel. For those traveling to Gotham this spring, there are is a bevy of new and recently reopened upscale eateries to sample. Among a long list of new and noteworthy contenders are the following for your consideration:The Astor Room - A contemporary supper club serving traditional American fare.Brasserie Beaumarchais - Brunch is a favorite at this French-style brasserie.Brooklyn Star - Exceptional American comfort and Southern-style soul food.David Burke Kitchen - A creative American menu from star chef David Burke.Ditch Plains - Savor the seafood at this Upper West Side spot from Marc Murphy.Fifty Five - Mediterranean-inspired delights from chef Victor LaPlaca.Niko - Eat everything from sushi to tempura squash and sweet shrimp.What Happens When - A unique blend of American and Scandinavian cuisine.Find great luxury hotels in New York City on Perfect Escapes .

Thanks to Gwyneth Paltrows GOOP newsletter , were privy to a fun cocktail recipe from The Connaught Bar. In the St. Patricks Day edition, GP tracked down recipes from some of her fave watering holes around the world. Among them? One of our top spots for libations: The Connaught Bar, designed by David Collins at the hotel of the same name in London town. Their mixologist, Italian Agostino Perrone, is famous for revamping the bars cocktails, and making this one of the best spots in London for an impressively well crafted drink. And without further ado: Spicy Cup For one cocktail: * 25ml Apple Juice * 35ml Berneroy fine Calvados * 15ml Galliano Ristretto Liqueur * 15ml Kings Ginger Liqueur * 15ml Homemade Vanilla Sugar * 15ml Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice * 60ml Top With Cider Stir all the ingredients over ice and pour in a highball glass filled with ice.Garnish with lemon zest and mint.

In the Middle Ages the Venetians who ruled the Ionian island of Zakynthos named it Flower of the East. Centuries later, it is flowering in all its glory at the boutique five-star Porto Zante Villas & Spa , which has combined the privacy of world class private villas with the amenities and services only seen in top five star hotels. Standing majestically on a private sandy beach of a secluded bay, this tiny all-villas resort has proven a hit with well-known clients from political and business leaders to artists. Each of Porto Zantes luxury villas offers unparalleled privacy & seclusion. Villas range from one to four bedrooms, all of them with private heated pool, and some with private spa and private beach area. Dining at the resorts restaurant or at the privacy of the villas is a true authentic Greek experience. All the products used by the Chef is organically grown in the island or at the estate of the villas. The meat is from the islands mountains and the fish is fresh deliv

The Mark already has a courtesy car for guests use (and a neat 24-hour check-in policy ). But now it gets even better. When you book a suite*, youll get a complimentary car and driver with your stay. Youll be chauffeured anywhere you wish in Manhattan for up to six hours each day of your stay. While youre in town, ask the concierge to book you a table at the hotels restaurant by Jean-Georges Vongerichten. (We tend to drool over the raw bar selections like oysters on the half-shell, chilled Maine lobster, and caviar on warm blinis, but the a la carte menu items are just as exciting.) In need of a haircut and styling? Check out the hotels on-site salon services by famous hairstylist Frederic Fekkai. *Excluding the Courtyard Suite, Seventy-Seven Suites, and Studios.

A picture-perfect Kauai sunset. Courtesy JPhilipson under CC. Whether its sun, sand, sport, or spa you seek this spring, its difficult to find a more perfect place where all of these elements are found in abundance. The Hawaiian Islands promise something for everyone. Turtle Bay Resort - Enjoy exclusive amenities including a $50 resort credit per stay, room upgrade, and more when you book your stay through Perfect Escapes. Hyatt Regency Waikiki - Wake up to daily breakfast for two, complimentary parking, and other exclusive perks for Perfect Escapes guests. Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel - Book your stay through Perfect Escapes and receive breakfast for two daily , along with other special amenities. Hotel Renew - Stay longer and save 20% off the best-available rate when you book a 4-night stay. Plus, enjoy additional benefits when you book through Perfect Escapes. The Fairmont Orchid Hawaii - Take advantage of a guaranteed upgrade to the next room category and other perks for Perfec

Its happened to the best of us. Upon arriving at your destination, you unpack your suitcase, only to discover the missing (and desperately needed) item. Oh woe! The Elysian Hotel Chicago to the rescue, explains HotelChatter in a recent story . The luxury hotel stocks Emergency Style Kits to help with your fashion 911 and the offerings are pretty snazzy: The womens Emergency Style Kit is filled with all-purpose goodies that will make you look good, whether you get last-minute tickets to the Lyric Opera or have a business meeting that requires some dress-up. The kit includes the perfect wear-it-a-million-ways LBD, the Donna Karan black Infiniti convertible jersey dress. Ladies also get accessory choices, too. The kit carries classic Jimmy Choo black Gilbert Kid leather pumps, MAC Viva Glam Lipstick, Wolford Power Shape tights and a red Lanvin Ouloulette clutch. Guys can also arm themselves with fashionable items from their very own Emergency Style Kit, stocked with an Ermenegildo Zegna

Need a change of scene? Craving a little Spring sunshine? Book yourself a trip to Europe for Easter break and youll find yourself stopping to sniff the flowers (and sip the wine, and taste the chocolate bunnies) while recharging your batteries. Nothing says Easter like Italy And the Baglioni Hotels Collection is doing it right with festive meals and fine chocolates for all guests. Whether youre looking to travel to Venice, Rome, Florence or Milan, Baglionis got you covered. Heres the scoop: Luna Hotel Baglioni , located just a few steps from St. Marks Square in Venice, is celebrating Easter by giving guests a Chocolate Easter Egg and a choice of Easter lunch or dinner at the award-winning Canova Restaurant. Relais Santa Croce , a stylish 18th century residence in Florence, is offering a special Easter weekend focused on food: a chocolate tasting at Arte del Cioccolato by specialist Tuscan chocolate maker, Roberto Catinari and dinner at the Guelfi & Ghibellini restaurant with a swee

Almost 2 years ago now, I blogged about the most followed travel-related accounts on Twitter ( here and here ). Since then, Twitter has seen enormous growth of course so I thought it was about time that I updated the list. Back then, not one of the accounts had even got close to 1 million followers. Now more than half have surpassed that number. Theres also a greater dominance in the list by corporate accounts (in particular, from the airline industry). The number of followers are correct at the time of publishing. #1 JetBlue Airways @JetBlue (1,610,015 followers) #2 adventuregirl @AdventureGirl (1,499,279) #3 trazzler.com @trazzler (1,308,691) #4 Southwest Airlines @SouthwestAir (1,094,519) #5 Lonely Planet @lonelyplanet (292,784) #6 TripAdvisor @tripadvisor (282,986) #7 Travel Channel @travelchannel (179,671) #8 TAM Airlines @TAMAirlines (179,294) #9 Virgin America @VirginAmerica (177,944) #10 Travel, Food, Culture @WeBlogtheWorld (175,175) If weve missed anyone off the l

With all the new smart phones out that are almost constantly connected to the internet, looking for updates to apps,checking for email, or many other features that they have. This can end up costing you a fortune, so we have taken alook at the best options for you data hungry travellers. T-Mobile Surfing on your phone, in countries in the EU will cost you 1.50 per megabyte (MB) of data, the equivalent of about15 of your holiday snaps being uploaded onto Facebook. This is if you are on holiday in Europe, whereas outside ofthe EU you can find yourself being charged 7.50 per MB of data, thats 50p per uploaded photo. Vodafone Vodafone offer a much more confusing service allowing you to pay for data at 2 a day for 25MB in selected EUcountries and 5MB in other countries in Europe. This would cost you about 14 if youre going away for a week, oryou can opt in to a contract add on for 10 a month where you get the same data usage a day. This is the best optionas you can opt out of the service af

Good news for ski bunnies. The Canyons , Utahs largest ski resort, has extended its 2010/2011-ski season by a full week to April 17, 2011. The six new dining and aprs ski outlets, along with the first heated chair lift in North America, are scheduled to remain open in celebration of great snow conditions and the resorts recent multi-million dollar re-creation. Located in Park City, the Canyons offers 4,000 acres of exceptional skiing and snowboarding terrain, 180 trails, and five world class lodging properties including Silverado Lodge , Grand Summit Hotel , and Escala Lodge (pictured). The ski conditions have been phenomenal this season; the resort has already reported more than 270 inches of snow with forecasters predicting even more to fall later in the season. The Canyons is so excited about its makeover, which includes the new Ski Beach base area, that theyre running two special promotions. The Youll-Love-It-Or-Its-Free-Guarantee offers a refundable lift ticket ! for gues ts no