Luxury Travel Worldwide

Luxury Cruise Holidays

2012-01-12T16:58:00.002Z

In the last few years I have started travelling on cruise holidays and I have found it to be a wonderful way to get around. Some of the cabins are truly luxurious and spacious and are as good any some of the very best hotel rooms.

The food is often excellent and Cruise Lines I particularly recommend for the luxury market include the Cunard ships such as the Queen Elisabeth and some of the Royal Caribbean ships.

I especially like the Queen Elisabeth and really hope to travel on her again soon!

Plaza Hotel New York – A Truly Luxurious Experience

2011-12-13T13:21:00.004Z

New York is a city filled with luxury, in fact a visit to the city in itself is considered to be something of a luxury by many. Amongst the most luxurious experiences to be had in the city must surely be a stay at the city’s famous Plaza hotel.

The Plaza hotel in NYC is a favoured choice of film producers and directors for films where they want the character to be in a luxurious venue, and this has helped the hotel to become one of the most famous in the world. The hotel, which is now over one hundred years old, has for decades been a preferred option for celebrities, dignitaries and people seeking a luxurious accommodation.

The Plaza experience begins the moment that you walk up to the hotel in the fact that it has such a privileged location. The shadows of the hotel fall onto the famous fifth avenue shopping streets as well as Central Park, one of the most famous parks in the world. When you approach the doors of the hotel you are then greeted by an immaculately dressed porter who holds the door for you as you walk inside the famous doors and out of the realms of normality.

Once inside the hotel it is immediately obvious that you are in for an extraordinary experience. The classy decor and furniture and the well dressed, well groomed and highly attentive staff instantly make you feel special. After checking in and making your way to your room you encounter the ornate beds and the crystal chandeliers before acquainting yourself with the heating and lighting control system. To make the luxury of the hotel complete, the Plaza has a top quality spa and dining facilities which are quite simply out of this world.

Going to Spain soon also? Appartamentos en barcelona for short stays.

First Class Travel on the Trans Siberian Railway

2011-11-10T22:55:00.002Z

When people think of travelling on the Trans Siberian Railway, an enormous rail system connecting Russia to the Far East, they often think of people being crammed into uncomfortable looking bunk beds in carriages that are crammed with people. Whilst there is certainly an argument to travel on the Trans Siberian in this nature to experience it, there is also the alternative option, which is to travel in the more luxurious section of the train.

When enjoying the miles of fantastic scenery along the Trans Siberian Railway, the comfort of being able to do so from your own carriage away from noisy co passengers is surely the best way to do so. These carriages contain comfortable beds, as opposed to small bunk beds in the standard class carriages, and plenty of room to move around. They are well kept which ensures that they are always clean and tidy, whilst the comfortable seating provides the ideal perch from which to enjoy the scenery. The rooms also have televisions and some have their own on suite bathrooms, although others share communal bathrooms with people staying in the same class, although these are also to a high standard.

One of the best aspects of travelling in the first class carriages on the Trans Siberian Railway is that you get to experience the high quality cooking of the on board chefs who create local specialities using fresh ingredients. More luxury rail journeys around the world.

The Benefits of Travelling in a Luxury Camper Van

2011-10-11T16:43:00.004+01:00

Large numbers of people around the world appreciate the benefits of owning a camper van for the luxuries that it affords one when on their travels. Below are some of the main benefits of travelling in this fashion.

You can adapt your route as you go - Generally when you are about to go away your itinerary is limited by the set transport and accommodation arrangements. However, when travelling by camper van you can change your journey as much as you like, so if you pass somewhere that you want to visit you can simply pop in.

Convenience - Travelling can so often be associated with packing and unpacking, especially if you are travelling to a number of different places. When you travel in a camper van you have the luxury of having all of your belongings with you at all times, and you can just drive off and head to the next destination without worrying about packing.

Home comforts - Modern camper vans, especially those towards the top of the market, are extremely comfortable and have all of your home comforts, including sofas, televisions, showers, beds and kitchens. This means that wherever you are, whether it is the centre of a city or out in the countryside, you will always have the luxury of home with you.

Stop whenever you like - If you are driving along in your camper van and decide that you want to stop, you can do exactly that. As long as you park safely and sensibly you can park in the majority of places. A related luxury is that you can wake up wherever you like, and there is nothing quite like waking up to look out of the window to view an area’s natural beauty.

Interested also in holidays in the Seychelles for something even more exotic?

Travelling on the Seabourn Quest

2011-09-04T11:03:00.003+01:00

Cruising the oceans on a modern liner is many people’s idea of luxury, and the extent of that luxury is dependant entirely on which liner you choose. One of the most luxurious liners currently trawling the waters of the world is the Seabourn Quest, which is one of the most recent liner completions boasting simply fantastic resources and facilities which makes the customer’s experience hard to match elsewhere.

The Seabourn Quest was created in Genoa by one of the finest ship building teams in the world, with the aim to raise the bar in luxury cruise line travel. This was certainly achieved as every inch of the liner was designed intricately to maximise the customer’s experience. The design of the ship is only one aspect of creating a luxury liner, once the building is finished the management and staff must work tirelessly hard to create and uphold the standards which will keep the liner in the upper echelons of the market. To ensure this, the Seabourne quest employs only the very best from the service industry, with world class chefs, barmen and customer service agents working together to see to the passenger’s every need. Indeed, the restaurants on board this monster ship are on a par with some of the best restaurants which can be found in cities around the world.

Seabourne Quest has all of the features you would expect from a luxury liner, and more!! The onboard pool is spacious and provides marvellous views of the ocean, whilst the on board entertainment is provided by credible performers in top quality venues.

Places to Visit on Your Luxury Cruise

2011-07-11T13:39:00.009+01:00

A cruise is something that comes synonymous with many people’s visions of luxury. Below are some of the different options open to you in terms of where to visit on your cruise.

Caribbean

This is probably the most fashionable and most desirable cruise option. The Caribbean is famous for its glorious weather, blue seas, sandy beaches and laid back attitude which makes for the perfect break. There are also so many things to do and places to explore on the various islands, of which many are still developing yet highly accommodating to tourists.

Alaska

Visiting Alaska is one of the best destinations to cruise while experience nature at its best. The glaciers and general landscape simply need to experienced whilst the intimate wildlife activity is hard to find elsewhere.

Nile

A cruise along the Nile will enable you to enjoy fantastic weather and rescue some of the most intriguing places you have ever been. Egypt, and in particular the Nile, is absolutely packed with history, with the pyramids and temples being the biggest attraction. There are also superb cultural attractions and intriguing towns to visit and explore.

South Western Europe

Travel around the western side of Europe and take in the fabulous food, weather, beaches, cultures and history for which this part of the world is famous. This is one of the more developed parts of the world and tourists attract less attention from locals than in other areas.

One of the most exquisite vacations you can ever take is by going on a luxury cruise, and the above should help guide you in your search for that perfect time out at sea.

Best Restaurants in Sao Paulo, Brazil

2011-06-23T18:12:00.003+01:00

Nobody would blame you if you were having a hard time finding the best restaurants in Sao Paulo, Brazil because they’re all pretty good... Dining in Brazil is a divine experience as the food in the country has so many influences from over the years. Below are some of the best restaurants for those seeking the luxury of wine and dine in Sao Paulo, one of the largest cities in Brazil.

Restaurante Figueira Rubaiyat

There are not many restaurants in the world where the dining room is spread around a large tree... The fig tree that lives in the centre of this dining room is a genuinely different experience, and one that’s supported by great quality food. This unique touch makes the Restaurante Figueira Rubaiyat stand out as one of the best restaurants that Sao Paulo has to offer.

Amadeus

Top quality sea food is not something that you necessarily expect to find in Sao Paulo due to the fact that it is not located on the coast. It therefore comes as a pleasant surprise that the standard of food available here is exquisite and definitely makes this restaurant a luxurious one in relation to other similar establishments in the city.

Dalva e Dito

Which is the best restaurant in Sao Paulo for Brazilian home cooking? Well, go figure, for if it isn’t the Dalva e Dito, then it isn’t any other restaurant!

Here you can experience the very best dishes in Brazilian home cooking. The dishes are lovingly created to a standard that will blow your mind. It’s arguably the best place in the city to experience genuine Brazilian food.

Restaurante Fasano

Fasano is a well-known hotel and restaurant brand in Brazil and is renowned for its top quality service and products. The Restaurante Fasano, which is in the Sao Paulo Hotel, is formal and exquisite.

They serve Italian cuisine, and although the Italian style dishes are not in keeping with the local culture, you can surely let yourself make the slip for one night – you’ll be in good hands anyway since it counts as one of the best restaurants in Sao Paulo, Brazil.

5 Exclusive Destinations in the Caribbean

2011-06-10T15:27:00.003+01:00

With a wide range of islands to choose from, the Caribbean is sure to provide the perfect holiday destination and we have found 5 exclusive locations available on great holiday deals, including all-inclusive. Although many of the Islands in the Caribbean are often visible from one another over just a few miles of sea, they are
mostly surprisingly different. Some are lively and well developed and others are a sleepy island idyll with sand and palm trees, so there is bound to be one to suit you.

Rendevouz Resort –St Lucia - This resort offers an elegant and romantic setting ideal for couples on an all-inclusive basis. The Rendevouz has recently undergone a $15Million refurbishment and the luxury rooms and suites are furnished in traditional Caribbean style with four poster beds and views out to sea. Out of nearly 800 internet reviews of the resort from holidaymakers nearly 90% posted a positive comment.

Crystal Cove – Barbados - Another all-inclusive gem, this resort is surrounded by an eight acre tropical garden and offers great value with fine dining and a selection of inclusive watersports. Crystal Cove provides a great blend of relaxation and activity as well as high quality accommodation and excellent dining options.

Canouan Resort – St Vincent & The Grenadines - This is a luxury five star retreat set in 200 acres and providing the highest standards of excellence with amazing views of turquoise seas. If you want a picturesque setting, this is the place for you with a 17th Century English church forming the centre of the resort and a range of 5 private secluded beaches and coves to choose from.

The Calabash Hotel & Villas – Grenada - This is Grenada’s only “All Suite” luxury hotel with beautiful gardens and the trademark powdery white sands found in such an exotic location. The celebrity chef Gary Rhodes has opened his first overseas restaurant at the resort to complete the great holiday package at this friendly and informal exclusive holiday destination.

Cotton House – Mustique - The original exclusive celebrity destination ever since a young looking Mick Jagger bought a holiday residence on the island, yet the island has held its charm and allure for that long ! Cotton House is a brilliant way to experience Mustique, with 20 luxurious suites and cottages to choose from and the beautifully manicured beaches, a visit to this island is the trip of a lifetime.

5 Reasons why the Seychelles are so Luxurious

2011-05-10T15:14:00.004+01:00

If asked to name the most luxurious places on earth it is likely that many people would include the Seychelles in that list. The islands have a well established reputation as being a heavenly destination for holiday makers, and below are some of the reasons why.

The Beaches - The beaches in the Seychelles are some of the best in the world. It would be difficult to imagine a better beach than some of the beaches that are situated here. The sandy, luscious beaches and clear, warm sea are an absolute haven for anyone, regardless of where you are from or where you have been previously.

The Water - The water around the Seychelles are home to some of the most wonderful ecosystems in the world. There are hundreds of species of exotic fish, lobsters and octopus, and the sea turtles are famous worldwide.

The Landscape - The Seychelles has a vast range of hills and greenery to explore. You can take yourself away from the more touristy areas and experience the true sensation of a desert island. There surely can be few places which equal the Seychelles n terms of natural beauty. You can really let go of work and home pressures and feel as though you are in paradise whilst in the Seychelles.

The Weather - When we dream of jetting off to a remote island in the sunshine, the reality is often that we are uncomfortable due to the often excessive heat. The climate in the Seychelles is not like this at all as the weather rarely rises above 32 degrees. By the same note, the weather is generally always above 24 degrees. The weather is not fo course guaranteed so still bring some warm jumpers or tops for the late evenings. Chances are though that you'll love the weather whilst in the Seychelles.

The Exclusivity - Whilst there is a large amount of tourist activity in the Seychelles, it is by no means of the level of other popular holiday destinations and it does not influence the experience. Seychelles has both private and public beaches. The choice is yours.

Best Natural Attractions in Hong Kong

2011-04-07T20:13:00.002+01:00

There is a long association between the British and the Cantonese dating back to when Hong Kong was under British rule. Due to the good terms on which the island was handed back to China, there is still a good relationship between the two countries which ensures that you will receive a warm welcome here. For such a small island there is much to keep the visitor entertained, and below are some of the best natural attractions to enjoy on your visit.

Deep Water Bay - This glorious bay offers some of the best views on the island. The beach here, whilst not overrun with tourists, is a popular place for locals due to the mountains that surround it and the trails which provide perfect jogging lanes.

Turtle Cove Beach - This beach may be small, but that doesn’t mean that it lacks in quality. There is a degree of manmade influence here, but it is not at the level where it detracts from the enjoyment of the surrounding environment. As the title of the beach suggest, it is a good place to see turtles if you venture a bit further out to sea.

Victoria Park - This is one of the most popular parks in Hong Kong for locals and tourists alike. It is a mixture of manmade structures, cafes and statues and healthy natural growth. It is somewhat of a contrast to the built up surroundings.

3 Best Luxury Hotels in Stockholm

2011-03-10T20:51:00.002Z

Stockholm is popular with tourists from all over Europe, but is perhaps sometimes more associated as a location for backpackers as opposed to a top end, luxury tourist destination. This is a guide to some luxurious 5 star hotels in Stockholm which prove that the city can cater for tourists at each end of the scale.

Radisson Blue Royal Viking Hotel - The red brick architecture of this hotel gives it a charismatic exterior which stands out from its surroundings. Located right in the heart of the city centre it is the ideal base for your tourist or business activities. The interior is highly luxurious and guests can make use of the health club as well as enjoying satellite TV.

Grand Hotel Stockholm - This hotel has a privileged located by the waterfront and within close proximity to the Royal Palace and National Art Museum. Culture lovers will adore it here and will be just as fond of the standard of decor and service within this 19th century building. The hall of mirrors within the hotel shows off the building’s heritage whilst the health spa gives the hotel a modern dimension.

First Hotel Reisen - The narrow and cobbled streets along the waterfront in Stockholm are amongst the most historic in the centre and this building is a great example of the 18th century architecture which can be found in the area. It has been superbly converted into this luxury hotel which boasts glorious views.

The World’s Finest Champagnes

2011-02-08T18:50:00.003Z

When you think of luxurious surroundings and the items which make a situation luxurious, one of the items most commonly mentioned is champagne. The refined taste and the care afforded to its production make it one of the most luxurious drinks available. Whilst enjoying luxury travel you can really add to the experience by sipping on some of the world’s finest champagnes. Below is a brief guide to some of the bottles which fall into this category:

Dom Perignon - This is one of the brands of champagne most associated with being luxurious as a result of its often high price range. The price range is justified by crisp taste which enables one to drink it as if it is water. It is impossible to experience this drink without feeling momentarily mesmerised.

Krug - Krug is so luxurious as it is extremely rare. Only limited amounts are made meaning that the price can be amongst the highest in the champagne world.

Lanson - This brand of champagne has been around for centuries and is common on the drinks list in the most renowned restaurants around the world. Don’t be fooled by the understated packaging.

Luis Roederer Cristal - This champagne is only produced in small quantities, so if you get the opportunity to experience it make sure you snap it up. An indication of its quality is that initially it was made exclusively for the Tsars of Russia.

Moet and Chandon - One of the most recognisable brands of champagne in the UK, the success of this variety of champagne is a testament to its quality. It has been said that a bottle of Moet and Chandon is opened somewhere in the world every second.

Cyprus – a truly luxurious holiday destination

2011-01-13T12:47:00.003Z

Cyprus is one beautiful Mediterranean island in fact it has become one of the most popular tourist destinations on earth as millions of people flood the island during the peak summer months. Cyprus offers year round pleasures though and there are plenty of options if you are looking for a holiday with a bit of luxury.

Cap St Georges Villa Club is a new development of luxury villas for sale in a prime seafront mediterranean location near Paphos, Cyprus. These villas have a unique edge because they combine all the advantages of private villa ownership with the facilities and service of a 5* hotel.
5* Hotels in Cyprus. If you’re not quite ready to acquire a villa in Cyprus then perhaps one of these fine, luxury hotels will take your fancy:

Grecian Park Hotel – Located in Cape Greco, this beautiful 5* hotel property has 239 rooms including a number of suites as well as a selection of bars and restaurants within the complex and a coastal location.

Atlantica Golden Beach – this hotel is to the north of Pafos and offers a romantic atmosphere. It is nestled amongst lush banana plantations and is a firm favourite for many discerning travellers that visit Cyprus.

Elysium – labelled the soul of Cyprus, the Elysium is a 5* hotel and world-class resort. It is located opposite the Tomb of the Kings and is quite possibly the best hotel on the entire island.

Luxury shopping in Cyprus - What would a holiday be if you didn’t get the chance to pick up some gifts or souvenirs for yourself or loved ones? Cyprus offers a plethora of shopping destinations and here are some of the more salubrious ones to visit:

The Shacolas Emporium Park in Nicosia – offering a superb blend of major luxury brands and locally produced merchandise. A nice way to escape the heat and spend that hard-earned cash!

The Mall of Cyprus – this is another mall located in Nicosia. It offers a great range of luxury brands and retailers however it is a little light on locally produced merchandise with Debenhams and Best Buy occupying huge units in the centre.

There are plenty of independent shops well worth visiting on the island too. However it is worth remembering that Cypriots operate on a very seasonal basis where it is not uncommon for shops to close early or be closed entirely during the winter months.

Guest post from James Agate, the author of the Love Cyprus blog and offering Luxury Property in Cyprus for visitors.

3 Islands for Luxury tourism

2010-12-13T16:44:00.003Z

If you are looking for a luxury holiday, where you wish to be completely secluded and pampered, then there are luxury holiday island resorts dotted all around the world, ready to cater to your every whim. These luxury resorts are ideal for honeymoons, romantic breaks or simply if you need to get away from it all.

1. Turtle Island, Fiji - There is arguably nothing more beautiful than sunset over a Pacific island and Fiji is no different. Turtle Island is a luxury resort that does everything from traditional Fijian weddings to private getaways. The island has everything you will need from personal beaches, to private beach hunts to 'champagne breakfasts'. The island was also where the film “The Blue Lagoon” was shot, for its paradise-esque quality and its clear blue waters.

2. Palm Island, The Grenadines - Located near the southern tip of St. Vincent, Palm Island is a private resort famed for its natural beauty, warm waters and luxurious accommodation. Its resort has 43 bespoke rooms, which are treated to gourmet cuisine as well as host of activities, including spa treatments. It is a wonderful place to forget your worries, with boat trips, hikes, horse riding or simply its pristine beaches at your fingertips.

3. Bedarra Island, Australia - Found on the Great Barrier Reef, Bedarra Island is an top secret exclusive resort that only caters to 32 guests at any given time. In fact in order to get there, you have to charter a boat or plane! Once there however, guests are able to enjoy the island's stunning beauty, its clear waters, its gym, spa treatments and top of the line accommodation, as well as staff that will take care of any requests.

Luxury Shopping in the Spanish Steps Area

2010-11-22T14:25:00.004Z

The Spanish Steps, one of the most popular tourist attractions in Rome, epitomizes architectural splendour and luxury shopping. If you are a luxury shopper in Rome, head straight to the Spanish Steps, which has no dearth of luxury boutiques and shops and enjoy a fun filled day of shopping.

When I first visited the Spanish Steps, I was literally dazzled with the wide choice of luxury shopping ahead of me. You will find world famous Italian brands such as Benetton, Dolce and Gabbana and Robert Cavalli have made the Spanish Steps their home. If you are looking for top quality designers and fine clothes, do not forget to visit Alberto Guardiani and Krizia, two world class boutiques in the area.

Men will surely enjoy a trip to Cesare Paciotti, Rocco Barocco or Franco Castiello, which produce the best men’s clothes and designer apparel. Women looking to shop till they drop should head to Marina Rinaldi known for their women’s apparel and designer garments. While Fendi is by far the best place for you if you are interested in the latest fashions, the Laura Biagiotti boutique is also a good place to stop by for those who love classical designs.

I was able to find great belts, wallets and bags at Louis Vuitton, and though I wished I could purchase all those lovely shoes in Fratelli Rosetti, I could only walk away with two pairs without denting my wallet. If you are looking to purchase a cashmere or woollen product, go straight to the Valambert boutique, which has been in the trade since 1985.

Via Condotti is Rome’s most popular street for luxury shopping and you can find designer clothes, shoes, accessories and jewellery here. Other boutiques you can visit in the Spanish Steps area include Dior, Valentino and Gucci, which are located right in front of the steps. Some of the top luxury boutiques you must visit here are Hermes, La Perla, Armani, Trussardi, Alberta Ferreti and Celine, to mention just a few.

Luxury Travel: Try Private Sales

2010-10-12T10:42:00.004+01:00

If you are a luxury traveller who has not tried private sales as yet, then you have been missing out on the ultimate luxury shopping experience. Today, you will find several private sales opportunities available if you know where to look; for instance, the private sales site Jetsetter.com will give you an idea of how much you can get from such sales.

Jetsetter is an online community for luxury travellers, where you will find the best deals and expert information on everything from luxury vacations to hotel rooms. The only downside is that Jetsetter sales last only one week and those who come first are served first.

Jetsetter private sales include luxurious five-star hotels, resorts and cruises all over the world. If you like a trip, but have not yet decided whether to purchase it, you can pay just 10 percent of the total amount and keep it on hold for 72 hours until you make up your mind. At the end of the 72 hours, you can either purchase the luxury trip or have your money refunded in the form of Jetsetter credits.

For those luxury travellers who still do not have an inkling of what I am talking about, let me start with the basics. Private sales sites are recent entrants into the luxury travel industry. They are associated with resorts, cruises, luxury hotels and travel companies all over the world, owing to which they have access to unsold rooms or trips, which they sell online at a heavy discount. Sometimes the discount is as large as 70 percent. Jetsetter.com is not the only major private sales site around; and if something about Jetsetter does not appeal to you, you can always try Voyage Prive or Sniqueaway. For luxury holiday rentals get onto the waiting list of luxury-velvet.com.

You can join a private sales site absolutely free of charge, after which you can either request email updates or login regularly to get the best hotel rooms, cruises, trips, safaris and even golf vacations at top destinations around the globe such Tahiti, London, New York, Venice, Barcelona and Paris.

Luxury Independent Travel

2010-08-03T19:05:00.004+01:00

In a previous post I talked a bit luxury concierge services for time-challenged travellers and those who prefer to leave the arrangements to someone else. But I also think its possible to have a more independent holiday whilst still enjoying a luxury experience. Renting a luxury holiday apartment or villa is of course one way and the other is purchasing a travel guide suitable to your tastes.

No longer the domain of budget-minded backpackers, there are travel guides these days for nearly every type of traveller, including those wanting a more sophisticated and exclusive holiday.

The first to recognise that not everyone wanted to travel a lonely planet was the luxury baggage makers Louis Vuitton. As to be expected, their City Guides are beautifully designed with a certain 19th century ‘grand tour’ feel to them. They now cover 31 (mainly European) cities and come in boxed sets or nine. But don’t bother looking for them on Amazon. In a canny marketing move these guides are only available at Louis Vuitton shops.

If the Louis Vuitton Guides are aimed at the more distinguished traveller, then the Wallpaper* City Guides appeal to those who appreciate art and design. Small (they are the same dimensions as the classic Moleskin notebook) and compact, each venue featured is accompanied by stunning photograph. Focussing on super select best spas, hotels, shops and bars (and low on practical and background information) you would be fairly lost if this was the only guidebook you popped into your hand luggage for a long trip, though for weekend city breaks they are great.

At Your Service

2010-07-12T15:02:00.005+01:00

Even when choosing self-catering accommodation over a hotel, it is possible to have a concierge, as entrepreneurs offering to take the guesswork out of your holiday arrangements are popping up all over the world.

Like a hotel concierge, these individuals or agencies can recommend and reserve restaurant tables, organise for a personal shopper, make onward travel arrangements and even find caterers and baby-sitters.

In Barcelona the website of Alberta La Grup offers (in rather clunky English) ‘a personal assistant to manage exceptional lifestyles’. Services include party planning for those that are coming to the city to celebrate a birthday or anniversary, devising bespoke sightseeing agendas, private gallery viewings, specialist tours and so on. A quick google search will reveal similar such companies in other major cities.

Whilst Alberta la Grup and others offer their services for hire, some other private concierge companies require a membership. Quintessentially charges £ 1,000 per year for ’24-hour access to the world’s finest lifestyle management service’ (or £ 2,500 for a ‘Dedicated’ membership). Working more akin to an exclusive club, Quintessentially claims they can actually save you money by securing discounts and cut rates on the world’s most exclusive hotels and services.

With over 700 people on their staff globally, including in far-flung destinations in the Middle East and Africa, they certainly seem to have the resources to be able to provide you with complete concierge and lifestyle management services on your holidays.

Have any luxury travel news you want to submit and have included in this blog? Looking for luxury holiday apartments?

My weekend in Raffles Hotel in Singapore

2010-07-08T16:58:00.006+01:00

On my recent trip to Singapore I made a spur of the moment decision to stay at the Raffles Hotel in Singapore instead of the Four Seasons – and enjoyed every minute of my stay there! And, after spending a weekend at Raffles, I realised that this was one hotel that knew the meaning of luxury and indulgence.

Built in 1889, Raffles is the region’s most historic hotel and as a result makes for a very interesting stay. The staff there was so helpful and friendly and seemed to anticipate my every need, I was delighted to find that they were also very well informed about Singapore and could give me directions to any place I wanted to visit in addition to providing suggestions on activities and places I might like to visit.

On my second day here, when I had asked to be taken on a tour of the hotel, I was regaled with stories about the hotel’s past and famous guest list which included the likes of Michael Jackson, Ava Gardner, Hugh Jackman, Elizabeth Taylor, Queen Elizabeth II, Queen Sofia of Spain and Singapore’s last tiger.

The suites at the Raffles were decadently furnished and it seemed as if every piece of antique furniture had earned its place there along with the Oriental rug and rich, elegant furnishings. I always make it a point of interest to rate the comfort factor of the bed and Raffles gets a ten on ten in this department.

The hotel also houses the Raffles museum and Long Bar renowned all over the world for its famous cocktail: the Singapore Sling, which I personally recommend.

Staying in this hotel that has hosted queens and being served by staff who make sure that every guest is treated like royalty, makes you feel pampered and very good about yourself. Needless to say, I will be going back to Raffles the nest time I am in Singapore! in Asia, you might also be interested in holidays in Korea and Singapur (Singapore apartments) for holiday visits.

Pamper your Pooch on Holidays

2010-05-31T17:00:00.003+01:00

It’s a dog’s life these days. Especially when we choose to take out best friends on holiday with us. And even if we are forced to leave them at home, luxury alternatives to the old-fashioned kennel are popping up everywhere.

One of the first countries to go the extra mile with doggie care was Australia. At the Bark Hyatt in Sydney, dogs and cats are cared for in the lap of luxury at their spacious, green ‘day care centre’. In the just- opened Pan Pacific Hotel in Seattle (US), bottled water, ice-cream and other gourmet treats from a local ‘dog bakery’ are just some of the services that await four-legged guests that check in with you.

As the name suggests, Pet Airways is an airline exclusively for cats and canines or indeed any ‘non-aggressive’ domestic animal. Instead of going in cages in the cargo hold as they would on regular flights, animals become ‘pawsengers’ and fly in the main cabin, albeit inside a carrier.

Owners need to bring along their pets vaccination certificates and other documentation, as well as food for the journey, which will be fed to them by the on-board ‘pet attendants.’ Pet Airways currently operates in the USA only—and regularly participates in post-disaster animal rescue work.

Niche dog beauty products were waiting to happen. Sexy Beast (www.sexybeaststyle.com) makes designer-packaged doggie fragrance (it’s bergamont and vanilla infused), shampoos, conditioners and other coat-care products. For a real treat take them to a pet day spa. Growing in popularity all over the world, places such as The Ritz Canine in the UK offer massage, coat treatments, pedicures and even acupuncture.

The Best Restaurants in the World

2010-05-10T19:30:00.003+01:00

The Pellegrino ’50 Best Restaurants in the World’ list has always been somewhat overshadowed by the Michelin star system. That is until this year. Why? Because after four years in the number one position Ferran Adriá’s El Bulli has dropped to second place and to add insult to injury he was de-crowned by a Dane.

The Pellegrino Awards are voted for by an 800–strong panel of international, industry professionals, making them vastly different from the secretive Michelin system of single anonymous judges. They can only allocate three votes to restaurants in the their own locations and two must be allocated to ones outside, and they must have eaten in them in the last 18 months. One could also argue that the Pellegrino Awards are more focussed on the food, as the Michelin reviewers must also take into account the quality of the table settings, crockery and cutlery and service when dishing out their ‘stars’.

This year, four Spanish restaurants made the top ten list, but the biggest surprise of all was that the

number one position went to Noma in Copenhagen. Located in an old warehouse on the city’s waterfront, Noma is run by René Redzepi, who has quietly been toiling away at recreating Nordic classic dishes and re-introducing local ingredients, often foraged from the Danish countryside, to a new audience. Some of the produce that features on his menu includes elderberries, whey, and lovage

Some of the chefs that were left off this year’s list include Gordon ‘Hell’s Kitchen’ Ramsay. In fact British haute cuisine, despite the hype that has surrounded it in the past years, fared badly with restaurants such as St. John slipping well-down in rank from previous years.

Premium Class Air Travel

2010-04-19T17:09:00.004+01:00

Perhaps it was only to be expected; some airlines have started to introduce private cabins, upping the ante on ‘first class’ by providing full-size beds, bathrooms, room service and - perhaps the greatest luxury of all on the long-haul flight - privacy.

So far its only Singapore Airlines, Emirates and Etihad (another Middle East carrier) that has taken the plunge, but I am sure their initiative will set a trend. The truth is that over the years first class and business class facilities have been getting more and more elaborate. One of the first to recognize the fact that continent-hopping executives were prepared to pay for a little pampering was Virgin Atlantic. Their ‘Upper Class’ offers one of the largest flat beds around and an onboard bar for socializing with fellow passengers. Gourmet in-flight meals are another way airlines are competing with each other.

Qantas Airlines offers an eight course tasting menu designed by Rockpool, one of Sydney’s top restaurants whilst Cathay Pacific has a rice cooker, toaster and skillet in the galley, ready to whip up any food whims on request. Airlines also use amenities to vie for the luxury dollar. Here, Qantas come up trumps again with products from the French company Payot and toiletry bags and complimentary pajamas created by two top Australian designers; Colette Dinnigan for women and Akira Isogawa for men.

Of course, the question remains is whether these ‘little extras’ are worth the (often) 150 percent more that First Class airfares cost over economy ones. But with long-haul travel on the rise again (up 13 percent from 2009 figures) it seems that some people will always be prepared to pay for a comfortable night’s sleep.

The most famous squares in Europe

2010-03-25T19:08:00.005Z

In the last post I talked a bit about Europe’s most emblematic streets, and this time I thought I’d take the topic a bit further and talk about its most gorgeous squares. My criteria are fairly simple; they need to be architecturally stunning and have a handful of outdoors cafes from which you can enjoy their beauty.

Probably the grand dame of all European squares is Venice’s San Marco, a simply divine stage surrounded by richly detailed baroque and renaissance architecture, including the basilica of the same name. Has there anyone that has not been captivated by it? I actually prefer it at night, when tourists have retired to their hotels and the resident pigeons have flown home. To admire its beauty you can’t beat an outdoor table at the Florian, a café seeped in the city’s history.

Also in Italy, Rome’s Piazza Navona has Bernini’s gorgeous fountain, the Fontana dei Quattro Fiumi as a centrepiece surrounded by sumptuous palazzi. As the foal point of the centro storico, it’s also busy most of the time. My favourite thing to do here is buy a gelato and sit of the edge the fountain to watch the passing parade.

In Barcelona, the Plaça Reial, just off Las Ramblas has a faded glory that is particularly lovely during the day, whilst Madrid’s Plaza del Sol, scene of medieval bullfights, never fails to impress with its perfect symmetry.

In Paris, the Place de la Concorde, is the largest in the French capital and of course has the famous Obelisk. But my personal favourite is the Place de l’Opera, with the beautiful opera house and the Café de Paris, one of the nicest terrace-cafes in the city.

The Most Famous Streets in Europe

2010-03-03T16:41:00.004Z

When you stop to think about, every major European city has its Champs Elysees: a grand avenue, generally boasting beautiful historic architecture that has somehow played a major part in the city’s biography. I thought it would be fun to take a virtual stroll down a few of these.

In Barcelona it’s the Passeig de Gràcia (and not, as is commonly thought, the more downbeat Las Ramblas), the Passeig de Gràcia is an elegant avenue that acts as main artery in the Eixample district, or the 19th century ‘New Town’. Florid, grey blue tiles line the pavements. They are reproductions of a design by the great modernista architect Antoni Gaudí and two of his most famous works, the Casa Milá and Casa Batlló are also on the Passeig de Grácia. In between are some more glorious buildings and big name boutiques such as Chanel and Loewe, the luxury Spanish leather goods manufacturers.

In Rome the dog legged-shaped Via Veneto is legendary, largely thanks to Frederico Fellini’s classic 1960 film ‘La Dolce Vita’, which was largely shot on the Via Veneto. The street is home to the (in) famous Café de Paris, the American Embassy and some of the city’s most exclusive hotels.

In Amsterdam the PC Hooftstraat is THE shopping street, with stores and boutiques from Gucci, Cartier, Bulgari et al. The street is named after Pieter Corneliszoon Hooft, Dutch historian and poet and naturally, it contains the most expensive real estate in the city. Locals often jokingly refer to SUVs as PC-Hoofttractors, as these large vehicles proliferate in the immediate area.

Short term domestic staff service

2010-02-03T16:32:00.004Z

In my last post I talked about my preference for staying in holiday apartments (or vacation rentals) when staying for longer than three days on my trips around Europe. I can hear some you saying, but what about the lack of service? Whilst I travel alone and am fairly capable of doing a bit of washing for myself and throwing a meal together, I can understand how families travelling together maybe put off this, especially when on holidays and have other things on their agenda.

I was talking this over with a friend of mine they other day, who was planning a trip with her three children. Whilst she loved the idea of the space and autonomy a holiday apartments affords, she was worried she would spend most of her time on looking after her children as her husband was not able to join them on the trip.

So I suggested she contact a short-term domestic staff service. There is generally one in each city, and they have staff on their books like cooks, maids, butler and even nannies who could give you a hand during your stay. Some ones I have heard about are www.butlerforyou.com and www.4familycare.com.

Luxury apartments for your holiday

2009-11-15T14:38:00.000Z

I have been travelling around Europe quite a lot lately and the topic of luxury accommodation is always on my mind. After trips to Paris, Barcelona and London in recent weeks, I have tested out a number of holiday apartments (vacation rentals for Americans) and the experience was very positive.

I love staying in good hotels. But, if the stay is for more than 3 days I then prefer the extra space, having a kitchen and saving on overall costs. I have found short-term holiday apartments to be a very good option.

There are a number of companies in the mix offering holiday apartments. I always use Holiday-Velvet.com for holiday apartments but there are a few established companies. Just be careful of the not so good companies. You can also learn more about short-term vacation rentals on LuxuryTravelsworldwide.com.

Dubai shopping and bargains - Surprises Event

2009-09-14T14:26:00.004+01:00

I am not sure if you attended last years event but the Surprises Event in Dubai is an annual event which on Shopping and is a kind of month sale and one which kind of turns into a festival of sorts. It is not easy to explain as it is a bit like the January sales in the UK each year but in Dubai it is officially its own festival.

'Summer Surprises' is now marketed as an event in its own right and for 2009 takes place between 11th June and the 14th August. Apart from sales throughout many of the malls and shops the festival itself means a number of:

Live Music shows
Food tastings
Market stalls
Competitions
and Workshops

You can learn more from the official Dubai Surprises site and for Dubai apartamentos there are plenty fo places to rent for a vacation stay. Learn also about the best attractions in Dubai for tourists. Learn more also about Dubai travel.

Palace in Wheels - Luxury Train Rides India

2009-08-10T17:49:00.004+01:00

One of the most exciting and luxurious train rides in the world surely has to be the 'Palace on Wheels'. The Palace on Wheels is still one trip I have yet to take but am dying to one day do.

In case you have never heard of it the Palace on Wheels is a luxury train journey with 52 luxury rooms, bar restaurant and other outstanding facilities on board. The trip is normally 7 days and travels from and back to Delhi Cantt, India.

This is really a true luxury way to see India and a wonderful way to meet other people who travel on the train for the 7 day trip. This is in many ways the Orient Express of India and prices are high but if you travel on the train you will understand why. You can learn more about the Palace on Wheels online.

Jazz Supercruise 2009 and 2010

2009-05-18T19:42:00.005+01:00

There are so many excellent cruise options out there these days and some wonderful ships and facilities. The choice of itineraries is amazing with a range of Caribbean, Far East and world cruises available on the market.

One cruise though which I would love to go on and which might be of interest to many of you is the Jazz Supercruise. How does a combination of the following sound:

The worlds top Jazz stars (including Candy Dulfer and and Najee)
Cruising the Caribbean for 7 days
A Caribbean Jazz beach party

The Jazz Supercruise, sponsored by Capital Jazz, leaves the Port of Baltimore October 10th 2009 and returns a week later. People from around the world join this cruise and with decent priced flights from Europe to Baltimore international airport, this is an event which is practical where ever you live.

3 Airlines which are maybe not suited for Luxury Travel

2009-04-07T15:38:00.004+01:00

If you love Luxury Travel and the idea of 1st class travel and travelling in style, it is also sometimes good to know how not to travel. Below 3 airlines which are perhaps not the ones you want to fly with for luxury and 1st class travel.

1. Ryanair - If your idea of potentially paying to use the toilet and using the priority class means you still end up going to the airplane on the same bus as other people, then this is perhaps not the airline. Alas there are plans also for Ryanair to get rid of the check in staff.

2. Aeroflot - It is perhaps ones own definition of what luxury is, which defines what luxury really means: Luxury means different things to different people. So, if your idea of sharing a a seat with live animals including chickens is potentially your idea of luxury then maybe Aeroflot is actually for you.

3. If your idea of luxury is a free massage on the flight, then the bumpy rides with Reem Air, Kyrgyzstan, might get you feeling you have got your money's worth. If you like to combine luxury with adventure then Reem are certainly worth considering.

Get prepared for the Luxury Travel Fair

2009-03-06T19:17:00.007Z

Dates have now been given for the Luxury Travel Show 2009 and even though November 5th - 8th is a little way away, if is worth blocking off one or two of these days in your calendar for the event. The venue again this year is the Olympia Exhibition Centre in London, England.

If you are exhibiting at the event bookings are now being taken. Booking early means you get a priority over floor space and location so it is worth signing up now. For those of you planning to go as an attendee you can sign up on the official Luxury Travel Show site. Tickets are discounted if booked in advance and can be bought directly online.

Overall, the show covers the high end of the travel and tourim market and areas covered include Luxury Cruises, 5 Star hotels, First Class travel and bespoke VIP tours. Everything you need for luxury travel is covered at this show which is sponsored by Condé Nast Traveller magazine and by British Airways.

A number of travel companies worldwide attend the Luxury Travel Show including the likes of:

Velvet Holiday Apartmamentos
British Airways
Cap d'Agde Sales Co.
The Egyptian Tourist Board
Ibiza Jobs Co.

Spa and Sauna and luxury travel

2009-01-22T16:37:00.005Z

One very good form of Luxury travel is to book a Spa week or weekend and stay in a luxury wellness centre of similar venue. There are hundreds of such centres and if you live for example in the UK, there are a number of high quality Health spas and hotels.

The Wildmoor Spa & Health Club, Warwickshire, UK is a great venue and makes for an excellent live-in spa and wellness trip. If you are in the U.S. a venue such as Hawaii's

Mauna Lani Spa at the popular Mana Lani Resort is one quite amazing spa venue. It is not cheap but if you want great luxury and can afford it then Mauna Lani is an excellent venue.

If you want to incorporate a wellness or luxury spa trip with a city tour then your best bet can be to book the vacation accommodation seperately to paying for entrance to the spa and wellness facilitis. Germany is an excellent country for wellness and Baden Baden is a whole town based on wellness and spa and sauna.

Baraka Barcelona

2009-01-16T19:35:00.007Z

Baraka means "grace of God" in Arabic and it is the first name of the new president of the U.S. In Barcelona, Baraka is a teahouse in the district of El Raval. The golden tea cups, chairs and couches from the Baroque period appear as a French court of Louis XIV.

You can get the first cup of coffee of the day to a beer in the evening, no doubt to get a delicious cup of white, red or green tea. The shop sells organic products: pasta, honey, wine, all natural and they have not been in contact with pesticides. Baraka also offers space for all kinds of activities: massages, tarot sessions, lectures, documentaries and concerts.

When you are in the neighborhood, please keep this place in mind.
Baraka: Carrer de Valldonzella 25.

Metro: Universitat.

Also looking for Luxury Barcelona apartments or for Barcelona travel exhibitions in Spain.

The high tea hotspot in London

2008-12-23T13:51:00.003Z

On your next trip to London make sure to enjoy a cup of tea in traditional British hospitality
High tea is no longer just something enjoyed by the elderly, but now the latest trend amongst young travelers.

Traditional afternoon tea consists of a selection of dainty sandwiches (including thinly sliced cucumber sandwiches), scones served with cream and preserves. Cakes and pastries are also served. Tea grown in India or Ceylon is poured from silver tea pots into delicate bone china cups.

Originally, British tea was served at four or five p.m. and ended around seven p.m. However today it is served from three until five in the afternoon. Courtesy of the British Empire, the tradition of High Tea spread across the world. Two hot spots to visit for your English High tea experience:

For a romantic option, The Ritz has been serving tea in the flowery, domed Palm Court for 100 years.
For a more relaxed atmosphere and a excellent range of traditional teas, The Carlton Towers would be also a good option.

Rijeka Carnival awaits you this January 2009 (Friday 23 January until Sunday)

2008-12-08T14:25:00.003Z

With a long ship making tradition preserved until present day and a rich cultural-historical heritage, Rijeka, Croatia is the ideal holiday destination in January. When walking down the streets of Rijeka, you can almost taste the smell of fresh aromas of traditional Croatian cooking. Rijeka has not changed much and still keeps its traditional charm.

The Carnival is the best excuse to visit the Croatian islands. The Croatian islands are filled with surprises to be explored, still unspoiled as the lighthouses stands guard along the Croatian coastline.

The Carnival opens with the Queen Contest on the 23rd of January, followed by Concerts, exhibitions, parties, performances and many more. The Carnival Parade, consist of hundreds of floats, thousands of masks. Every year the streets of Rijeka are colored with thousands of spectators, and participants joining in to celebrate carnival tradition and to enjoy Croatian hospitality.

Christmas in Paris

2008-11-17T13:25:00.005Z

Also this year you can enjoy the Christmas period in Paris. The city is beautifully illuminated and decorated. There is also plenty to see and experience!

You can do Christmas shopping, because the big stores Galeries de la Fayette and Printemps are all decorated in Christmas atmosphere with beautiful interiors and shop windows. At the Galeries La Fayette they show scenes from "Alice in Wonderland" and on Wednesday and Friday a teen choir sings Christmas songs.

Galeries Lafayette PARIS HAUSSMANN

40, boulevard Haussmann

Opening times: Monday - Saturday 9.30-20.00 (Thursday until 21.00)

Metro stop : Chaussée d'Antin La Fayette,

Printemps Haussmann

64, boulevard HaussmannOpening times: Monday - Saturday 9.35-19.00 (Thursday until 22.00)

Metro : Havre Caumartin

Or visit one of the many Christmas markets in the city. This' Marches de Noël you will find on the squares of Saint-Sulpice and Saint-Germain-des-Pres, on the Champs-Elysees, the Gare de l'Est and la Defense. Walking along the many stalls or chalets with delicious local products and fun Christmas stuff.

Le village du Père Noël, place Saint-Sulpice 10-24 Dec (10.00-20.00) Le village du Père Noël, place Saint-Germain-des-Prés 5-31 Dec (10.00-20.00)Marché de Noël: Champs-Elysées 20 Nov-4 JanMarché de Noël: Gare de l’ Est 29 Nov-13 Dec (Mo-Sa 8.00-20.00/ Su 9.00-19.00)Marché de Noël: l’ Arche de Noël à la Défense 26 Nov-28 Dec (11.00-19.30)Marché de Noël: place des Abbesses 28 Nov-30 Dec.

Sushi & Japanese restaurants in the center of Barcelona

2008-10-27T23:26:00.004Z

It's an unusual occurrence in European cities to find a concentration of ethnic restaurants on the same street but the exception makes the rule with: Barcelona's Calle Ciutat and its Japanese restaurants. Calle Ciutat (Carrer Ciudad in Catalan and on google maps) is a street that runs off the Plaza San Jaume in the very center of the Barrio Gotico.

From Plaza San Jaume start your descent into sushi heaven with the trendy Kynoto Sushi Lounge (C/Ciudad, 5. tel: 933042376). 200 meters further down the street and you stumble upon 1.Matsuri Sushi Bar (Pl. Regomir 1. tel: 932681535) with a small menu of all the favourites and 2. the family run Shinjuku serving a delicious Toro tuna belly (C/Ciudad, 13. tel: 932690941).

If you are after a light sushi lunch in Barcelona make a quick left for the small but excellent Sushiya (C/Cometa 3. tel: 932690671). Within 5 minutes walk, North of Plaza San Jaume, find the renowned Shunka (C/ Sagristans 5. tel: 934124991), just next to the Cathedral.
Happy sushi!

Top 10 Things to do with Kids in Thailand!

2008-10-22T14:36:00.004+01:00

Thailand also called the "Land of Smiles" can be a fun destination for your kids. Top 10 things to do in Thailand with your kids:

Ride an elephant near Chiang Mai
Have your hair braided
Visit the floating markets just outside of Bangkok
Ride the sky train in Bangkok
Admire the Big Buddha on Ko Samui
Play water sports in Phuket
Enjoy traditional dancing
Eat a banana waffle
Ride in a tuk-tuk (motorised rickshaw)
Visit the Bangkok aquarium

Barcelona Jazz Festival

2008-09-22T12:01:00.004+01:00

My of my favourite music festivals in Europe each summer is the jazz festival in Barcelona. From the 19th of October until the 29th of November the 40th edition of the Voll-Damm Festival International de Jazz de Barcelona will be held this year, in several venues.

The Barcelona international jazz festival is one of the largest and most appreciated events in Europe. The festival takes place during the autumn season and that what makes it pleasant as well because the real summer heat has gone and there are less tourists.

During the festival there are several music styles where you can listen to, from large bands and bebop to gospel and Latin jazz. All the songs are played by a great number of international artists.

The festival will be held in Palau de la Música and Barcelona accommodation for the jazz festival is still available. For flights a good site which compares several companies is http://www.expedia.co.uk/

Welcome to the Luxury Travel Worldwide site

2008-09-16T16:47:00.000+01:00

Over the coming weeks and months we will cover all aspects of Luxury travel worldwide. Topics in the coming months will include:

Destinations and ideas for Luxury holidays and vacations worldwide
Luxury accommodation options and ideas
Travel and flights news
Luxury honeymoons abroad

If you want to contribute also feel free to write to us via: johnyvelvet@gmail.com