Category: Luxury Hotels

The Dream Downtown in New York

New York City is forever coming out with quirkier and more unique hotels with hoteliers trying desperately to outdo one another with flair and character. The Dream Downtown is one of those hotels.

Located on West 16^th Street, only a few blocks from Union Square and the fashionable West Village, the Dream Downtown’s most unusual feature is the large oversized porthole windows left over from when the building used to be maritime offices. It gives a feeling of being on a boat or a submarine if it wasn’t for the spectacular views of the city. These views are at their best from the rooftop lounge, PHD which serves delicious cocktails like Linda’s Lemonade and Dream Girl with bits and bites. The bar opens at 5pm making it a perfect viewing point for the sunset and becomes the place to party as the night progresses.

The opening of the High Line last year and its much anticipated expansion is making this area of Manhattan the up and coming neighbourhood to be in and as the local park, you can often find many New Yorkers relaxing on one of the architecturally designed benches that blend discreetly into the design.

Away from the tourist hotspots of Times Square, the neighbourhood is pulsating with New Yorkers going about their day to day lives. Fashionable shops keep the streets active during the day while popular restaurants and bars cause the streets to come alive at night with activity. See our selection of New York city breaks here.

Nice you see you, but to see Puerto Rico, VERY nice

British favourite Bruce Forsyth chats to the Daily Mail about his wonderful wife Wilnelia and her home country, the beautiful paradise island of Puerto Rico. He writes the article from Puerto Rico itself where he has been for the past six weeks relaxing and playing golf. Married since 1983 and with one son, Wilnelia was once crowned Miss World and it was while they were both judging the Miss World event in 1980 that they met.

Bruce talks about his passion for golf and the invigorating feeling that Puerto Rico gives him whenever he spends time on the island. His house on the north side of the island is set by magnificent beaches and in his opinion the best golf clubs in the Caribbean. He recommends one of Western & Oriental’s most popular resorts, “the luxurious St. Regis Bahia Beach, which is the most beautiful property and would be the perfect setting for a honeymoon.”

With a “gorgeous climate” Bruce can’t understand “why the British aren’t queuing up to get in” to this beautiful island. Perfect weather in winter make the island a great getaway from the Christmas period.

Bruce mentions how Puerto Rico is not only excellent for golf, but “Wilnelia is in raptures about the shopping. It’s marvellous because you have all the big American stores but also fabulous local designers. It’s a very fashionable place.”

Knowing the island so well, Bruce recommends El Meson Gallego in San Juan to eat, Playa Sucia to soak up the sun and with “mysterious mists creeping down hillsides” there are plenty of walks and hikes to embark on.

Bruce concludes, “I couldn’t write about Puerto Rico without mentioning the dancing. Wilnelia loves the nightlife in Old San Juan, where you can find live music and bars with big salsa bands. In Puerto Rico, most social events end with a dance.” However he laments that while he has been known to strut his stuff on our Saturday night favourite, Strictly Come Dancing, his merengue is still to be perfected with his wife Wilnelia telling him that they “need to do a little more practice on the turns.”

When will you be going on your Puerto Rico Holiday?

Celebrity Chef James Martin Explores the Culinary Beauty of the Mediterranean

Earlier this month, Sky Good Food began airing an exciting new series starring celebrity chef James Martin. Visiting and exploring the vast food culture of the Mediterranean, the 28 November episode of James Martin’s Mediterranean featured a look at the culinary specialities from the luxurious 5* Domes of Elounda Resort in Elounda, Greece.

Starting with an assorted palate of Cretan cuisine, James tasted a variety of foods inspired by the different characteristics of the local area. As the episode progressed, he delved into full-dish delights including a Greek salad complimented by fried spring rolls filled with feta cheese and a finely cooked sea bass seasoned with traditional Cretan herbs. All of the recipes captured the culinary philosophy of the resort and complemented its beautiful setting.

Each episode also features James meeting up with local chefs, farmers, and ex-pats as he continues his quest to find out the best way to cook meat, fish, and vegetables in the way people of the region do on a daily basis.

The series airs on The Good Food Network until 1 December 2012.

CLOSED: Enter Our Family Photo Competition

We are pleased to announce the winners of our photo competition:

Grand Prize-Kenny Mackie

My son building sandcastle on Balmedie Beach, Aberdee. Uploaded by Kenny Mackie

Runner-up – Lorna Garratt

A fun day out with my family visiting the local sights. Uploaded by Lorna Garratt

Runner-up – Krisztina  Lencses

Me and my family enjoyed a few days in a beautiful place in the Easter holidays. Uploaded by Krisztina Lencses

Congratulations our winners and thanks to everyone for your participation!

CLOSED: Win an 8 night family holiday for four to amazing Thailand

Thailand is the ideal location for a fun-filled, active and cultural luxury family holiday with plenty to do for children (and parents!) of all ages, and Western & Oriental have teamed up with the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Four Seasons Resorts and Thai Airways to bring you an exciting photo competition for your chance to win a first prize of an outstanding family holiday! The prize includes four nights stay at the 5* Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai and four nights at the 5* Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui for two adults and two children, including flights with Thai Airways. Two runners up will each win a special prize from one of our family specialist partners.

How To Enter?

For your chance to win, enter our photo competition by emailing us your best family holiday photos to blog@wandotravel.com  and include your name, address, telephone number and a description of your family photo. You can send us anything from the kids building sand castles, splashing in the pool, to photos of you all trekking through a jungle or even riding on camels. The list is endless! We will then upload your photos here and onto our Facebook page so that you can view your photo along side other pictures in the competition.

Western & Oriental and the Tourism Authority of Thailand will choose the best family holiday photos and announce the winners within seven days of the closing date of the competition. The competition closes at 16:00 GMT on 18th November 2011; open to UK and Eire residents only. Subject to availability. Terms & conditions apply (see below). Good luck!

View our latest competition photos below & good luck!

My son Andrew spots me taking his picture as he watches the ocean.Uploaded by Charlotte Norman

 

My wife and son Christopher swing across the adventure canyon in the hot sun. Uploaded by Michael Mayer

 

My nephew steven enjoys the bouncy ball course on a breezy afternoon. Uploaded by Sarah O'Neill

 

My three kids leading each other to the shoreline for a look at the waves. Uploaded by Edwin Lee.

 

The most spectacular sunset. Mavisehir, Didim. Turkey. Uploaded by Catherine Simms

 

MY TWO LOVELY BOYS ARE JOINED AT THE HIP AND LOVED PLAYING TOGETHER ON OURHOLIDAY TO SHARM IN EGYPT. Uploaded by Hazel Anna Rigazio

 

This was our last family holiday together good times. Uploaded by Wendy Dalby

 

When we went to the wizarding world of harry potter this summer we just had to stop for some butterbeer. It was delicious.Uploaded by Britnee Hager

 

Me and my children infront of the beach on an evening...whilst the sun was setting. Uploaded by Carla Morris.

 

This picture of my daughter, her friend and my son was taken when the fair travelled into our hometown of Bexhill. Uploaded by Carrie Hanrahan

 

Here is me, mum and my 7 year old son Rhys. We had a fantastic time in Euro Disney and this picture proves you are never too old for the magic Disney offers.Uploaded by Lisa Williams

 

Have fun in Florida with the Dolphins. Uploaded by Ryan Turner.

 

This was taken a few weeks back on the Island of Dominica where my sister in now studying medicine at Ross University School of Medicine. It was taken in Portsmouth, Dominica on our last night together as a family.Uploaded by Sumeet Sharma.

 

At Gatorland in Florida. Uploaded by Glenn Hutton

 

Our 1st trip to the beach, he wasnt too keen on the pebbles but loved the sea. Uploaded by Suneil Bhatia

 

My daughter having fun on the beach. Uploaded by Luisa Connor.

 

This is me and my family swimming with dolphins in Florida a coupld of years ago. It was amazing, even if it was freezing that day! Uploaded by Samantha Byrne

 

Having time of our life on our California holiday and visit in Universal Studios LA!!. Uploaded by Michaela Williams

 

Alice and Lucy enjoying the sunset in Naples, Florida, and watching the Pelicans fly to roost at the pier.

 

My girlfriend feeding the elephants at a waterfall in Koh Samui.Uploaded by Feargal Norton

Having Fun with the Penguins! Uploaded by Mya Turner

My son meets a dolphin. By Lena Payne.

My little girl is flying a kite on her own for the first time. Uploaded by Lena Payne.

My children are having fun together at the beach. Uploaded by Lena Payne.

Wonderful Experience in Sani Asterias Suites – Winners of TripAdvisor Award of Excellence 2011

I was delighted to hear that the Sani Asterias Suites Resort had won a TripAdvisor Award of Excellence, having just come back from the resort myself, I feel that this award was well deserved.

Sani Asterias Suites Pool

A luxury hotel resort was the highest priority on our list, and secondly of course was the children. In order for us to have a good holiday, we wanted the children to enjoy themselves and be occupied, this is how we came to settle on the Sani Asterias Suites as the hotel of our choice, and I am very grateful that we did.

We arrived at the door and we were greeted by a group of friendly faces, whom took our bags, handed us refreshment and escorted us to the reception desk. After a quick check- in with no time for the children to get bored, we strolled to our individual luxury suite, complete with private lounge, dining area and spectacular beach front views. I felt like we had landed in paradise, the ideal place for us to spend our two week family holiday.

Sani Asterias Suites Bedroom

We quickly freshened up and went in search of a place to eat, and found the ‘Water Restaurant,’ overlooking the Sani Marina. We were astounded by the breathtaking views, and the beautiful al fresco setting especially because we had only arrived a matter of hours earlier! Then came the star of the show, the food. The Michelin starred chefs cooked some delicious dishes and we knew we were in good hands. The wine was flowing and the children were happy enjoying the splendour of the dishes before them. What one might call, the perfect evening! We went back to the room for the night, after the exquisite dinner and the soft King Size bed looked so inviting.  Off for a good nights sleep!

Waking up at about ten o’clock we ambled to the breakfast room, and enjoyed a full selection of a continental and hot breakfast. After having a bite to eat, we were ready for the day, the children scampered off to the Kids’ Club, and my husband and I decided on a stroll along the beautiful white sandy beach.

After some lunch with the children, the spa seemed to be the next obvious destination to visit and we decided to book an In-Suite Spa Service where we enjoyed a few treatments from the spa menu. We felt completely revitalised, and it was the perfect setting in which to be pampered, in your own room, with calm and complete serenity.

I will now fast forward to the last evening of our holiday when we decided to have dinner on our terrace, with stunning sea views, and the beautiful sound of the waves hitting the shore. My family and I were able to sit and enjoy each other’s company, a rarity these days with my husband working long hours. The children ate their favourite meals which were specially cooked by the chef on request and my husband and I enjoyed some of the most exquisite wines and champagne which Sani Asterias Suites Resort had on offer.

Now that we’re back in the UK, we already booked our next luxury family holiday to return to San Asterias Suites for next summer.  There was plenty for the children to do, which meant that my husband and I were able to spend some time together, being pampered and enjoying fine wine. It is reassuring to know that the kids were in a safe environment and also enjoying themselves. I would recommend San Asterias Suites to anyone whether you are booking it for your honeymoon or looking to book a luxury family holiday.

Medhufushi Island Resort Wins TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence 2011

Surrounded by powdery white sand and a warm crystal clear lagoon, Medhufushi Island Resort is located in the unspoilt Meemu Atoll in the Maldives. This luxury resort offers beautiful beaches and is a perfect retreat for couples and honeymooners looking to relax in an unspoilt, calm and peaceful atmosphere. It’s also a very popular choice with divers and those looking for water sports, where the attractive, unspoilt and relatively unexplored atolls offer some of the world’s best diving sites.

Holidays in Medhufushi Island Resort are also a popular choice for holiday makers who love eating from an exquisite range of delicious culinary delights. Medhufushi Island Resort offers guests a fantastic, spacious buffet-style restaurant which serves superb food, themed nights and often beach barbeques.

In May 2011, after many holiday makers had shared their positive experiences of Medhufushi Island Resort on TripAdvisor, the website announced that the resort had won its 2011 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence. This award was offered to the resort due to receiving consistent excellent ratings from TripAdvisor’s members and community. TripAdvisor quoted, “We think your 4 rating is something to be proud of and we hope you do too.”

Impressed? Have a look at some of the luxury treats which Medhufushi Island Resort has in store for you:

Medhufushi Island Resort Birds Eye View

Beach Lunch at Medhufushi Island Resort

Medhufushi Island Resort Spa

Medhufushi Island Resort Pool & Bar

Medhufushi Island Resort - Water Villa

Medhufushi Island Resort - Water Villa Interior

Share your experiences at the Medhufushi Island Resort with us. Would you like to go here on your next Maldives holiday?

See the Far East for the price of a London bus fare

At one minute past 12 on 6th May 2011, Malaysia Airlines launched a very special seat sale designed to encourage holiday makers to visit the wonders of South East Asia and the Far East. Destinations include Bangkok, Phuket, Kuala Lumpur, Hong Kong and Singapore, great hubs to fly into and fly out of to other destinations such as Vietnam, Borneo and Thailand.

With air fare at just £2 per person plus tax, you can fly with Malaysia Airlines to those stunning picture postcard beaches you may have always dreamt of visiting.

Here are just a few ideas to entice you…

Phuket, Thailand
Located just off the west coast of mainland Thailand and a 60 minute flight south of Bangkok, this stunning tropical island boasts some of the most glorious beaches and attractive offshore islands in Thailand.  If you’ve dreamt of a luxury hotel in a secluded and refined setting and maybe a few spa treatments for two, this is the place to be.

Banyan Tree Phuket, Thailand

Bali & Lombok

Bali is a wonderful tropical island, where you can see the richness of their culture in an instant. Holidays to Bali offer a combination of blissful romance, cultural discoveries and exotic beaches. Whether you are looking for a spa holiday, diverse scenery to explore, sandy beaches to kick back on or want to take part in a water sport or two, Bali is an island that offers more then just a beach and you’ll be sure to find something to suit you.

The Amala, Bali

Langkawi, Malaysia

Malaysia is a country that has a blend of fascinating and diverse cultures mixed in with exotic island retreats and eco-adventure options. Kuala Lumpur is the proud capital of Malaysia, combining high rise modern skyscrapers with intricate temples and mosques. If the chic city vibe isn’t for you then head over to the west coast where you’ll discover the islands of Langkawi and Pangkor. Both islands boast lovely beaches and a rural atmosphere making them a real island retreat.

The Datai Langkawi, Malaysia

So you’re probably thinking…what’s the catch for this great seat sale? Well, Malaysia Airlines has issued only 10,000 seats for the sale and a final booking date of 17th May 2011, so to avoid disappointment turn those dreams into reality and book your perfect luxury and tailor-made holiday today. See Western & Oriental Travel’s special offers for Malaysia Airlines.

NEW! The Luxurious Melati Beach Resort and Spa, Thailand

The luxurious sanctuary resort experience, Melati Beach Resort and Spa in Koh Samui, Thailand can be found on the northern most tip of Koh Samui Island at Thongson Bay. This 4*+ resort and spa is located on an exclusive limited access beach and conveniently situated just 15 minutes away from Chaweng Beach which is a brilliant place to shop, visit entertainment venues, eat and a 10 minute drive from Samui Airport.

The luxury resort is perfect for couples on honeymoons or if you are looking for an exclusive relaxing holiday for you and your friends.  Upon arrival in your room, you will have the choice of customising your sleep experience with a choice of pillow, music, as well aromatherapy oils to be enjoyed just before you go to bed.

Mornings at Melati Beach Resort are a fantastic experience where you will find the breakfast served with a selection of rotating a la carte selections such as grilled steak and eggs to gourmet omelet’s scented with black truffle and plenty more. In the evenings, guests can also have romantic dinners in their villas.

The Melati Beach Resort and Spa boasts spacious accommodation, a gorgeous beach front and an outstanding selection of in-house restaurants. Popular menus include Thai dishes such as Pad Thai (traditional Thai noodle with tiger prawns), Tom Yam Kung (Traditional Thai Soup with Thai prawn broth, flavoured with lemongrass, mushroom and Thai herbs) and Pan-fried Snapper. For beer lovers, the luxury resort serves the best local Singha beer.

An ideal luxury holiday resort for those seeking indulgent romance or true relaxation.

Thank you to Napissara for this guest post on behalf of Melati Beach Resort and Spa.