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Showing posts from April, 2011

Dreamy Honeymoon Destinations: Scrub Island Resort Gets Top Honors

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You saw it on the TODAY Show , and now youre wondering: Where the heck is Scrub Island ? The tropical island retreat has been open for a little over a year and its garnering accolades left and right. And a quick peek at the photos helps you understand why. The first private resort built in the British Virgin Islands in over 15 years, Scrub Island is a seven-minute boat ride away from the Terrance B. Lettsome International Airport (EIS) on Beef Island, which itself is a 35-minute flight from San Juan Luis Muoz Marn International Airport in Puerto Rico. Youll find three private beaches, an infinity edge pool, a world-class marina, and swank rooms with spectacular ocean views. The best part of all? This five-star luxury experience is affordable- with introductory rates starting from just $299/night . Pick up a copy of the May 2011 issue of Travel + Leisure magazine for more praise of this private island resort.

A Dose of Art in St. Petersburg: Special with the Renaissance Vinoy Resort

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Sun, sand, golf, and tennis St. Petersburg, Florida has got its bases covered as a resort destination. But with the opening of the Chihuly Collection in summer 2010 and the addition of the new Salvador Dal Museum in January 2011, St. Petes has become something of a cultural destination, too. To encourage you to discover the art on offer, the Renaissance Vinoy Resort & Golf Club is inviting guests on an Art Retreat. Priced from $174 per night, the getaway package includes an upgrade to a newly renovated bay view guest room; dinner for two at Marchands Bar & Grill from the 1925 Classic Dining Menu; and a choice of two tickets (valued at up to $42) to the Salvador Dal Museum or the Chihuly Collection and the Morean Arts Center Glass Studio & Hot Shop. Listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, the Renaissance Vinoy Resort & Golf Club is also a work of art, showcasing Mediterranean Revival architecture from the 1920s, and its very own Chihuly sculpture in the Grand

Sleep with Rolex & Patek Philippe at Florence's Luxe L'O - Hotel L'Orologio

Hope for Japan: The Peninsula Hotels Group Supports Relief Efforts with Fundraising Drive

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After the massive earthquake and tsunami devastated Japan, the world is looking to help. The Peninsula Hotels Group is proudly supporting Hope for Japan, a fund-raising drive at each hotel in Asia and the U.S. to support the relief effort with donations going directly to the Japanese Red Cross Society. From Shanghai to Chicago , Peninsula Hotels are contributing a donation for every guest stay. The renowned hotel brand has also launched a new Japanese Afternoon Tea, and for each tea ordered, The Peninsula will donate the entire retail price ($50) to the Red Cross. Before departing the hotel, make a donation and hang an origami crane on The Tree of 1,000 Cranes displayed in the Lobby of each Peninsula hotel. In Japanese culture, 1,000 cranes represent hope and healing in challenging times, and so guests are invited to help this worthwhile and meaningful initiative.

A Princely Setting for the Royal Wedding at The Pierre, A Taj Hotel, New York

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Youve been swept away by Royal Wedding fever, but arent too keen on navigating London town with the throngs of royal watchers. The Pierre on New Yorks Central Park has the answer. Book the Rajput Suite, the jewel in the crown of the hotels collection of 11 Grand Suites, for a once-in-a-lifetime experience complete with every regal comfort (and a personal butler on call). If you stay April 28-29, youll be able to gape at the televised royal festivities from the privacy of your very own palace. (The sprawling Rajput Suite is decked out with TVs, so take your pick from the living room, bedroom, even bath tub.) Or stay May 2-4 and youll have the privilege of private shopping at the hotels pop-up souk featuring artisanal jewelry, fashions and more hand-selected by the lifestyle curators at Indagare.com. Here are the details on what the Pierre Rajput Suite Celebration Romance Menu includes: * Two nights in the royally exotic Rajput Suite * Your own private Romance Butler * In-room Couples

From $151: Resort Credits in Puerto Rico at the Conrad San Juan Condado Plaza

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Sunshine, here we come. Give yourself a spring cleaning with a trip to the beach. Just a hop from the East Coast, Puerto Ricos got enough sand and sea to soften even the hardest of hearts. (Any lingering winter blues will dissolve with the first fruity rum drink and salsa dance.) Conrad San Juan Condado Plaza is making a spring break trip easy on the wallet with a special offer that translates to 20% off your stay. In addition, you can get up to $100 in resort credit,* a 50% discount on Childrens tours, and a $25 casino match bet coupon. Priced from $151 per night; minimum two-night stay required . With three pools, a casino, vibrant nightlife, and dazzling sunsets at the Conrad San Juan Condado Plaza what are you waiting for?

Is Wales the place for a challenging luxury holiday?

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That depends on your definition of challenge and luxury. Luxury travel can and should be challenging at times, provided what the destination has to offer is worth it. Overcoming physical or psychological barriers does add a piquant tang to a holiday experience and if nothing else makes you feel like youve deserved the luxurious accommodation booked at the end of the day. There are some obvious destinations like Africa that spring to mind if its spectacular scenery and natural features you seek to stretch you just a bit, but of all the places in the UK, Wales also seems to tick several boxes when it comes to those seeking luxury with a bit of an edge as well. Welsh holidays are of course better known for catering to families and those who crave something active or on a budget. But aside from hostels and holiday villages, Wales has plenty of extremely high quality, luxury hotels. North Wales offers the visitor an impressive array of landscapes and experiences including the rugged Isle of

Limited Time Offer in Paris: 3rd Night Free at Radisson Blu Hotels

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It feels like summer in Paris this week. Actually, the weathers even better than summer: sunny and 70 degrees! The sidewalk cafes are packed with sun-bathers and people-watchers. Needless to say, work productivity may suffer this April Take advantage of these glorious days in Paris with a special offer from the Radisson Blu Le Dokhans and the Radisson Blu Le Metropolitan . The two luxury hotels have launched a 3=2 offer for new bookings only. Stay three nights and pay for only two from April 15- April 25, 2011. Based on contracted mid-week rates in Deluxe rooms, subject to availability. Located between the Trocadero and the Arc de Triomphe, the neo-classical style Le Dokhans is home to a beautiful Champagne bar. Near the Eiffel Tower, the Radisson Blu Le Metropolitan features sleek contemporary interiors by designer Franois Champsaur (pictured at right).

A Familys Journey in Mexico: Learning Travel Adventures Are Possible with Kids

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Photo: author April Nelson learns that traveling with kids is just a different type of adventure. As a free-spirited traveler, slipping a ring on my left ring finger felt a little like clamping on a ball and chain. Not just one, but now two plane tickets, two work schedules, two destination opinions, and two families to visit between vacations made it twice as difficult for a spontaneous getaway. Adding children, I feared, meant giving up travel adventures forever. Are travel adventures possible with kids? While working in Mexico, I fell in love with a sexy cumbia-dancing, guacamole-making, accent-sporting local. The day we got married, I became a stepmom. Because the kids lived with their mother, our 2004 summer vacation began with my plan for the two of us: Lets go from El Paso to Yosemite, then San Francisco and My newlywed husband halted my vacation dreams. Weve never vacationed with my kids and all they know is the Chihuahuan desert. Couldnt we take them to Mazatln this summe

Discover Lake Comos exclusive lifestyle with new app

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If you are planning a trip to exclusive Lake Como in Italy this year and need to know where are the top spots that the area has to offer, now you can use a dedicated travel guide for iPhone, iPad and iPod Touch that specializes in the most selective tourist attractions of Lake Como. The app, named Lake Como, is available on iTunes in Italian, English, German, Russian and Chinese at the price of $ 9.99 and it offers a handpicked selection of top hotels, exclusive stately homes, sophisticated restaurants, fairy-tale spas, elegant golf clubs, boutiques and golden lakeside beaches of Lake Como along with spectacular ski resorts in the nearby mountains of Bormio, Livigno and Sankt Moritz. Discover Lake Comos exclusive lifestyle with new app is a post from A Luxury Travel Blog

Heating up the Heart of Hollywood

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The Roosevelt Hotel. Courtesy Yle is dreaming and micaela under CC. Founded in 1927 to house east coast talent working on the west coast, the Hollywood Roosevelt has been a star-magnet from day one. Celebrities like Will Rogers, Charlie Chaplain, and Greta Garbo were on hand for the hotels grand opening celebration and, soon after, the Roosevelt hosted the first-ever Academy Awards ceremony in May of 1929. Among its early star-studded guest list were Clark Gable and Carole Lombard, and Marilyn Monroe was a frequent patron of Cinegrill - a restaurant and cabaret nightclub that was popular with those in the limelight.Just as glamorous as ever, todays Roosevelt Hotel still attracts big names. A visit to the poolside Tropicana Bar might yield brushes with famous faces like Bruce Willis, Scarlett Johansson, Paris Hilton, Hugh Hefner, or Eva Mendes. And while ideally located in the center of Hollywood on the Walk of Fame and just across the street from both Graumans Chinese and the Kodak T

Announcing the Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa

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Hyatt Hotels Corporation has officially planted its flag in the Maldives with the April 1 opening of the Park Hyatt Maldives Hadahaa on the Indian Ocean atoll called North Huvadhoo. Formerly the Alila Villas Hadahaa Resort, the property was rebranded a Park Hyatt and promises a dose of luxury in a swoonworthy tropical locale. (Just check out the websites photos and youll be plotting your getaway.) The resort is comprised of 50 villas, some with private plunge pools just steps from the crystal clear waters of the lagoon. From sumptuous spa treatments at the Spa by Mandara to scuba diving at the onsite PADI dive center, the Park Hyatt Maldives offers a range of experiences to help you get the most out of your stay in paradise.

Take Me Out to the Ballgame: Langham Boston Gets into the Swing of Spring

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Its official. The Boston Red Sox are swinging into baseball season and The Langham, Boston is inviting you to experience a game at one of Americas favorite ballparks. The AAA Four-Diamond hotel provides two baseball package options Take Me Out to the Ballgame and Cheer From the Bleachers which include two tickets to the game at Fenway Park with seats either in Right Field within the first 20 rows or in the Bleachers within the first 20 rows. Rates start from $385, a savings of $70. Overlooking the Norman B. Leventhal Park of Post Office Square, The Langham is within walking distance to Faneuil Hall Marketplace, the Freedom Trail, the North End, the Financial District, the New England Aquarium and the Boston Harbor waterfront. If youre inspired to get back into shape after winters long hibernation, youll want to hit up their excellent fitness center, followed by a massage at Chuan Body + Soul spa. And that means dont go overboad on peanuts and beer at the game!

Book Now: Rosewood Crescent Hotel in Dallas for $100/Night

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Sound too good to be true? The ultra-luxe Rosewood Crescent Hotel located in the heart of Uptown Dallas is celebrating its 25th anniversary by offering guests the original 1986 room rate of $100 per night. Beginning today, a limited amount of rooms will be available for booking on a first-come, first-served basis. (Rates are normally $525 and up, so if you can score one of these rooms, youll be getting a discount of over 80%!) This deal is available for the weekends of Memorial Day, Fourth of July, and Labor Day (Friday-Tuesday). While youre at it, take advantage of one of the 25 Exclusive Offers for 25 Years available at the hotel; discounts abound at the spa and eateries, though not including the on-site Nobu restaurant. A few examples: 25% off wine at lunch at The Conservatory, $25 off the Rosewood Journey Pedicure, and $25 room upgrades.

Special feature: Dining at the Tanjung Rhu Resort, Langkawi

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We had a wonderful stay at the Tanjung Rhu Resort recently, and there was so much to write about I decided to do it over several articles. The first was a special feature about the resort itself . Now lets look at the dining options. There are several restaurants at the resort: The Rhu this is the resorts fine dining restaurant with both indoor air-conditioned areas and al fresco dining. The Rhu is open for dinner only. Smoking is not allowed at this restaurant but you can nip across the path and sit on the verandah underneath the Reading Room and the staff will happily bring your wine over for you too. Children are not allowed on the upper floor of the restaurant. There is also a dress code and smart casual clothing is required. There is no dress code anywhere else on the resort pretty much anything goes (within reason). We sat outside upstairs and enjoyed the beautiful view of the Andaman Sea waves lapping gently onto the resorts long white-sand beach. (Hint: book early and nab a

What luxury can do for you in Australia

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Australia is famous for its rugged outback, but you dont hear a lot about the 5 star side of the country. Yes, there are some very wild places all around Australia, but its a bit of a waste to miss the real luxuries available. Luxury, Australian style Australia doesnt have to boast about its lifestyle, but not many people realize that the lifestyle is really universal. Australians live better than most. The luxury version of Australian lifestyle is actually pretty close to the famous al fresco barbie but with in a different price bracket, and always absolute top quality. Add a 5 star resort and full services, and you get the idea. The fact is that the choice of luxury in Australian cities is enormous. Queensland, for example, has an absolutely incredible range of 4 and 5 star resorts, hotels, and beach villas. There are more different types of luxury accommodation in Brisbane alone than most people would expect to find anywhere on Earth. Luxury also comes in other forms. The executive

Honeymoon top picks

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With the wedding season just around the corner travel agencies are choc-a-bloc with pre-hitched couples looking to make last minute adjustments and tweaks to finalise their wedding fantasies. Once the vows have been exchanged, the bouquets been thrown and some evanescent substance cheered and sipped, its time for the newlyweds real journey to take course; Im not talking about a life time of married life, Im referring more along the lines of the honeymoon. Honeymoons are the real highlight of wedded life (not raising the children) and in most cases the steeple point of a marriage due to the mesmerising experience of starry eyedly enthralled together by taking the most extravagant holidays you may ever get to experience. If youre looking for paradise youll most certainly be swayed in the direction of the Indian Ocean or the Caribbean regions as they are both drenched in eternally warm sunshine, heart stoppingly beautiful landscapes, and uncompromised tranquillity which when all accounted

Romance reigns in Carmel-by-the-Sea

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The town is storybook pretty: narrow streets lined with quintessentially charming cottages and a main drag filled with every manner of boutique, caf, coffee house, inn, and restaurant. Add to that the seaside charm of waves crashing on rocks and soft sand beaches that tempt you to linger longer, and its hard not to find serenity and peace around every corner. This is Carmel-by-the-Sea, a wonderful central coast village that shouts romantic retreat, arm-in-arm walks on the beach, and quiet candlelit dinners. For a true one-of-a-kind getaway with your significant other to this gem of a town, consider booking one of the popular packages before offered by many of the stately old hotels in town. There are spa, golf, dining, kayaking, wine tasting, and horseback riding retreats, private whale watching charters, and special weekend offerings that encompass one of the regions signature events, such as the Carmel Bach Festival , Monterey Jazz Festival , golf tourneys, and more. And happily, man

6 of the worlds most luxurious diving destinations

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For the discerning traveller, diver or not, who has money to spend and wants the very best, these six destinations offer an incomparable level of service, style, and of course diving. So dream awhile, and casting all financial concerns aside, enjoy that lottery moment and consider which are the most spoiling and amazing destinations where you can have sensational diving at the same time as staying in even more sensational accommodation. Here are my top picks: Frgate Island Private , Seychelles Frgates full title is Frgate Island Private with the emphasis is on the last word; from your own private beach and even private diving. In fact if you want to dive with more than just you and your instructor you have to ask. The resort can be found on a truly stunning island, a tiny part of which has been turned over to the resort, crammed with every eco and organic intent. Just 25 amazing rooms with private infinity pools and spectacular views, a beach voted the best in the Seychelles and for th

April Flickr Photo Challenge

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Beautiful Budapest. Courtesy Tams Virg on Flickr. April showers bring May flowers, as they say. And were ready for the May flowers. That said, although rain can easily ruin an otherwise idyllic escape, it can also offer a unique opportunity for the perfect picture. Stormy skies at sunrise or sunset can be pure magic, while during the day they shroud a city in dark mystery, with dramatic views at every turn. The photo opps even in the worst of weather, are endless. If you havent already, Perfect Escapes is inviting you to take the plunge and join its photo pool on Flickr. Our Flickr photo pool is the place to share your perfect escapes: Posh hotel pictures, idyllic travel images, and tales detailing all of your luxury hotel experiences and adventures. Whether you visit a luxury hotel or just walk by one, post your five-star travel memories here. Each month we look for images matching a particular travel-related topic or theme and announce itright here (and on our Flickr photo pool pag

New to southern Thailand: Casas del Sol in Koh Tao

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With a desire to offer a refreshing new definition of the luxury beach bungalow experience, Casas del Sol has officially opened on the island of Koh Tao, Thailand. Created by Australian Interior Designer, Christina Saenz de Santamaria, Casas del Sol are five individually designed beach villas that offer self-catered accommodation in an ideal location of the island that is both central and convenient yet private and tranquil. Each two-bedroom villa offers views of the open ocean, island and sunsets, and four of the five villas have a private swimming pool on the terrace. The fundamental design of the villas was inspired by the tropical climate of Thailand that blends both the indoor and outdoor environments together with the use of an outdoor terrace and open-plan living. Natural ventilation was an important element for cooling in the tropical heat with high ceilings, windows and large terrace doors. A major style influence to the villas was the Mediterranean culture due to villa owner

The New Apprentice-Trips Program from Fairmont Hotels

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Weve just learned about the new Apprentice-Trips program at Fairmont Hotels & Resorts, a neat experience for travelers seeking out enriching and authentic adventures while on the road. Fairmont has taken this yearning to learn movement and created a collection of thoughtful experiences for hotel guests to learn, perfect, or acquire a new skill while on vacay. From surfing in Montreal to art immersion in Dallas , the program offers something for everyone. A smattering of these offerings are outlined below: How to Pass a Bill in Washington D.C. (learn how to craft your agenda with a federally-registered lobbyist) Find Your Inner Chi in Beijing (perfect the ancient art of Tai Chi) Samuel Adams Behind the Scenes Boston Brewery Package at the Fairmont Copley Plaza Canoes, Coffee and Culture in Hawaii at the Fairmont Orchid Cook with the Chef at the Fairmont Algonquin and the Fairmont Southampton Learn about the Grizzly Bear while hiking from the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise

Easter in Paris: A Rabbit-Filled Garden and Easter Egg Hunts at Ritz Paris

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Who needs a giant Easter Bunny in a costume when you can have the real thing? For the entire month of April, the Ritz Paris will be transformed into a flower-filled wonderland. Florist Djordje Varda is decorating the halls with yellow butterflies made from Oncidium orchids. The Grand Jardin the leafy terraced oasis at the heart of the hotel has morphed into a secret garden where real bunnies can be found in the vegetation. Accompanied by their parents, kids can seek out the rabbits and other fun surprises. A lavish Easter brunch will be served on Sunday, April 24 from 11 am to 3 pm, and during this time, there will be three Easter Egg Hunts in the Grand Jardin. The hotels on-site chocolaterie will also be entertaining pint-sized guests with chocolate-making demos ( chocolate Easter eggs galore! ) The brunch is priced from 155 euros for adults, including a glass of Champagne, and 80 euros for children under 12. Kids under 5 eat free. Related Article: An Inside Look at the Escoffier Co

Where to Go Now: Egypt Offers Tourism Incentives

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Jet to Egypt this spring and you could have the Pyramids all to yourself While many travelers are avoiding North Africa and the Middle East because of political unrest, a now-peaceful Egypt is luring visitors with all kinds of special offers- including discounted hotel rooms and airfares. The Wall Street Journal reports that the country is also offering airlines incentives to fly to the tourism-dependent North African country as it seeks to stimulate demand and stop carriers from slashing capacity. Pictured here: The Oberoi, Sahl Hasheesh set on the coast of the Red Sea at Hurghada. Browse the Five Star Alliance collection of Four- and Five-Star Hotels in Egypt in destinations like Alexandria, Cairo, and Sharm El Sheik.

Special feature: Tanjung Rhu Resort, Langkawi, Malaysia

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We hadnt been to Langkawi island before, although weve been to Malaysia many times. Langkawi is an amazing place and the Tanjung Rhu Resort is ideal for getting away from all the stresses of modern life. There are several ways to get to Langkawi. We tried two different methods of coming and going. First we flew into Langkawi from Kuala Lumpur the flight takes about an hour. At the end of our stay we left by going on the ferry to Penang. The small catamaran was absolutely fine for us but Id not recommend it for anyone who gets seasick. The journey takes about three hours and if the sea is a bit choppy, which it was on the day we travelled, then be prepared for a bumpy ride. The resort was very efficient about organising transport for our pick-up from the airport and drop-off at the jetty. The Tanjung Rhu Resort is situated at the north east of Langkawi, where the islands best beaches are. And Tanjung Rhu has more than two kilometres of private beach! Most of their beach is tranquil

Experience Andre Rieu live with eWaterways and Luxury River Cruiser Royal Crown

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x eWaterways has expanded its luxury cruise portfolio with the addition of five-star river yacht Royal Crown. The luxury cruiser renowned for its private members club feel will begin a new European sailing programme with eWaterways this month that includes a unique opportunity to see Andr Rieu , the internationally renowned Dutch violinist and composer, perform an intimate concert at the Vrijthof Theatre . The Andr Rieu Journey is a 6-day river cruise along the Rhine and the Meuse from which guests will be able to explore the landscapes at leisure, enjoy the popular caf culture on the waterfront or take city tours charting the historically rich cities of Cologne, Nijmegen, Roermond and Amsterdam. The highlight of the cruise is undoubtedly Maastricht and the evenings musical event. Arriving in the famous city at sunrise, guests can spend the day sightseeing on an official tour or discover the traditional market and the sophisticated shopping district before experiencing an unforgettabl

A Day in the Life of an Expat in Perth, Australia

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Beach sculpture at Cottesloe Beach. Photo by Michael Spencer Helen Billiald describes how she works and relaxes in Perth, Australia. Ever since the kookaburra came by, our alarm clock has been out of work. Something about the lemon tree, its branches inches from the bedroom window, makes it a kookaburras fantasy singing spot. At half five in the morning, one of these birds takes a deep breath and begins to bellow through the flyscreen window. The day has begun. Perths summer heat makes me grateful for this jagged dawn chorus. In the bathroom the high square window already forecasts a perfect picture of blue. Im forced to skip over a chain of ants to reach the shower and I wonder if the gecko has spotted them. Hes glued damply to the tiles, all dark eyes and oyster-pearl body. The radio is croaking news of bushfires just outside Perth, listing roads closed and evacuation routes. I hear Roleystone mentioned, the wooded scarp where a friend lives and concentrate on the voice. Swan River

Antwerp: a culinary heaven

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Antwerp is a lovely location to go to for a quick weekend getaway. Even though the city is relatively small and has no major landmarks, the small streets full of charm, the cool shopping boutiques and the wine and dine culture, all give us some good reasons why we should go and visit. During your stay in Antwerp there are few things you will learn quickly about the locals: they like to enjoy life, they dress very fashionably and they are very nice and humble people. Unlike other European cities that are over-populated with tourists, here you wont feel like you get ripped off with everything you purchased and you will not have the need to push people in order to go through the busy streets. You will also always feel welcome and well treated as the Belgian people like to have visitors in their country. Here are some tips on where you should go out at night, what is the best sushi restaurant in town and which clothing shop you simply cannot miss: Birds Market Theaterplein, Antwerp 2000 Th

The Great 2011 Destinations

Tropical Thailand: Aleenta Resort Phuket Adds to its Private Villa Collection

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When youre traveling with a group of friends or extended family, sometimes a private villa is the way to go. You get plenty of space and privacy, but with all the luxurious facilities of a five-star resort, doting staff included. On Thailands popular island of Phuket, the Aleenta Resorts Private Villa Collection offers an exclusive experience on the golden sand of Natai beach, just 20 minutes north of Phuket International Airport. Recently Aleenta Resorts opened a third new villa called Grand Villa Satis, a four-bedroom hideaway complete with a child-safe swimming pool, full kitchen, and outdoor terrace lounge area leading to a secluded stretch of beach. Guests booking Grand Villa Satis between now and September 30, 2011, will enjoy benefits such as a roundtrip airport transfer, followed by private check-in and welcome sunset cocktails at their villa, where they will be greeted by a personal butler who will be on hand during their entire stay. Daily breakfast, along with a delivered n

Spring Breaks: Bonus Nights at The James Chicago

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March 21 has come and gone, which only means one thing: time for a spring break. The strikingly stylish James Chicago is inviting you to turn a business trip into pleasure by extending your stay with bonus nights. Get three nights for the price of two, four nights for the price of three, or seven nights for the price of five. With the extra savings, get out and enjoy Chitown: a show at Steppenwolf Theatre Company, a visit to the Museum of Contemporary Art, or shopping on Chicagos Magnificent Mile. Though you may be attraction-ed out, in which case, there are plenty of reasons to stay in at The James Chicago . The hotel suggests a personal training session designed by celebrity trainer Jim Karas, a 60-minute massage from The Spa by ASHA, an award-winning dry-aged steak from David Burkes Primehouse.

A Good Value at Qamardeen Hotel in Downtown Dubai

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Looking for luxury in Dubai without breaking the bank? Qamardeen Hotel located in downtown Dubai just a five-minute walk from Burj Khalifa (the worlds tallest building) promises a really excellent value for money compared to Dubais vast number of five-star hotels. This four-star deluxe hotel offers contemporary style and Arabic architecture smack in the thick of things. On the hotels doorstep is the Dubai Mall with 1,200 boutiques, and Souk al Bahar, a retail destination resembling a traditional Arabian souk with winding corridors and high archways overlooking Burj Khalifa. Qamardeen Hotel gets high marks for its warm staff, outdoor swimming pool, state-of-the-art Fitness Center, and well-equipped guest rooms. Take your choice of 13 Executive Suites, 123 Queen Rooms and 48 Twin Rooms filled with natural light, each with a flat screen TV, complimentary high speed internet access, free coffee and tea-making facilities and bottled water. Youll also find a spacious desk area, an open-pla

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Hot Deals: Family Escape to the Arizona Grand Resort, Phoenix

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Theres a whole lot to love at the Arizona Grand Resort in Phoenix. Situated on the doorstep of 17,000 acres of South Mountain Preserve (the largest municipal park in the world!), the resort has golf, a colossal water park (seven acres of it!), full-service spa and a 20,000 square foot athletic club (the largest resort spa and fitness center in the state!). And lets not forget the sultry temperatures afforded by Arizonas winning climate Weve just learned about a deal for families looking for some fun in the sun in Phoenix. The new BBC Travel blog is reporting that you can snag rates from $169 per night for two adults and two kids in a Resort Suite through May 9, 2011, and $139 per night from May 22- September 10, 2011. Make that a Deluxe Suite for $20 more. The Escape Kit includes your luxurious accommodations, full American breakfast for two at the Lobby Grill, a $50 spa credit towards any 50-minute treatment, andfour passes to the Oasis Water park. So what are you waiting for? The

Friday Photos: Hotel Napoleon Paris, Two Steps from the Champs Elyses

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Not too shabby a gift! Built in the 1920s, the Hotel Napoleon was bought by a Russian businessman as a wedding present for the French girl he had fallen for. Over the years the hotel hosted famous guests from the eras high society. (Josephine Baker, Ernest Hemingway, and Dali all stayed here.) In the 1930s, the hotel was immortalized by one of Frances most famous actors, Jean Gabin, in a couple of his films. Today the boutique hotel is appreciated for its location in the heart of the Triangle dOr, just a stones throw from the Arc de Triomphe and the world-famous Champs Elyses. Adorned with Napoleonic artwork and elegant Directoire furniture, the Hotel Napoleon has retained an intimate ambience. The 102 guest rooms are decorated in the Empire style and have views over the Paris rooftops and the Eiffel Tower. What could be better than starting the day with breakfast on your terrace, with all of Paris at your feet?