Tag: "Luxury Hotels"

See Legendary Football & Tennis Players at Buccament Bay Resort

The luxurious Buccament Bay Resort in St. Vincent has recently announced that it will host a series of legends from the sports football and tennis throughout 2012.

Buccament Bay Resort guests being coached by Steve Staunton. Photo provided by Buccament Bay Resort

A chance to meet and greet experts within both sports, fans will receive up close and personal insights and learn about expert techniques to perfect their game.

Sessions will be held on the following days:

• Steve Staunton – 13^th – 20^th February 2012 (Football Coaching LFC Academy)
• David Fairclough – 31^st March – 6^th April (Football Coaching LFC Academy)
• Pat Cash – 2^nd – 11^th April 2012 (Tennis Coaching Pat Cash Tennis Academy)
• Ronnie Whelan – 8^th – 15^th April 2012 (Football Coaching LFC Academy)
• Alan Curbishley – 27^th May – 4^th June 2012 (Football Coaching LFC Academy)
• Rodolfo Borrell – 3^rd – 12^th June 2012 (Football Coaching LFC Academy)
• Phil Babb – 8^th – 15^th July 2012 (Football Coaching LFC Academy)
• Don Hutchinson – 29^th July – 5^th August 2012 (Football Coaching LFC Academy)
• Gareth Southgate – 28^th October – 4^th November 2012 (Football Coaching LFC Academy)
• Andy Townsend – 22^nd – 29^th December 2012 (Football Coaching LFC Academy)

Although one-to-one coaching is not available with the Legends, you can book private sessions with the resort’s own professional coaches for $60 USD per hour. Group coaching sessions with the Legends are free for guests staying at Buccament Bay Resort.

A unique opportunity, this is the chance of a lifetime that no serious football or tennis fan travelling to the Caribbean should miss!

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.

Taste the Flavours of Mauritius in Grandma’s Kitchen!

The beautiful Shanti Maurice in Mauritius is spread over 36 acres of tropical gardens with breathtaking views of the hills and the Indian Ocean. In addition to the rejuvenating  amenities of this fantastic five-star resort, Shanti Maurice is also known for the unique culinary experiences it offers. Ingredients come fresh from the ocean, the resort’s gardens or nearby farms, so fresh local produce and imaginative menu choices are the order of the day.

Always at the forefront of innovation in hospitality, Shanti Maurice has recently introduced a new eatery concept which combines home-cooked meals with the essence of a five-star dining palate. On November 2011, Shanti Maurice was also awarded with the prestigious ‘Best Initiative in Clients Experience’ Award by Worldwide Hospitality Awards 2011, for the ‘Grandma’s Kitchen’ experience.

This culinary option invites guest to dine with one of the resort’s favourite team members who prepares and serves her own individual creations of decadence. “Grandma”, is the grandmother of Rimala, the General Manager Paul Van Frank’s assistant, and the venue where Grandma cooks and receives the guest is at their family home.

As a lover of the art of food, Grandma handpicks fresh ingredients daily, guaranteeing that you will have the healthiest, but tastiest selection of options.

Grandma Purchasing Fruits & Vegetables

Her specialities encompass a wide variety of dishes including a fish curry, honey lamb with cinnamon, and a thick soy and ginger sauce. If guests are in the mood for a refreshing sweet treat, she will offer you a pineapple bomb consisting of locally grown fruit, sugar and eggs topped with cream.

Grandma Cooking Food

The importance of Grandma’s Kitchen as a culinary experience is not simply about the food, but also about creating an ‘at home’ atmosphere. During dinner, guests sit around a communal table as Grandma shares stories about her life and passion for cooking.

Grandma's Family & Guests

At the end of the meal, you will receive a mini cookbook that includes some of Grandma’s handwritten recipes and secret cooking tips.

Although your holiday in Mauritius will eventually end, this unique memory of dining in Grandma’s kitchen on your luxurious Mauritius holiday will without a doubt last a lifetime.

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.

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.

Giraffe Eats a Guest’s iPhone off a Second Storey Balcony

Here is one for you, imagine being on a safari holiday and relaxing in your stunning luxury resort, when all of a sudden, you look outside your second storey balcony window and you see an unusual large face peeking over your balcony. What would you do? Scream, shout or reach for your phone? Well, Christine Magda was a guest staying at the Orchid Resort in Kenya when this exact occurrence happened. “Before I could even register what was happening, it was gone, along with my lunch and worst of all, my iPhone!”

According to the Tribe Hotel, one of Nairobi’s designer boutique hotels, occurrences like Christine had are a regular and have become all too familiar with guests reporting disappearances of phones which are left outside on balconies. The Tribe Hotel has issued guests with a new regulation prohibiting guests to leave their smart phones on their room balconies.

Image by Rainbirder

How is that for a once in a lifetime experience?

Top 7 Romantic Luxury Resorts in the World

When you think of luxury hotel resorts, what is the first thing that comes to your mind? A huge infinity edge swimming pool? An empty beach with powdery white sand and a cocktail by your side? Or do you imagine looking out of your large glass room window and seeing elephants drinking out of a waterhole? Well, why don’t you let your imagination roam and try and picture yourself in my top 7 romantic luxury resorts in the world.

Grace Santorini – Greece

The Grace Santorini brings serenity, tranquillity and elegance to guests who are looking to stay in a luxury four-star plus resort located 300 meters above the Caldera in Santorini, with breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea. Grace Santorini is a popular romantic honeymoon resort which is renowned for its pretty whitewashed terraces carved into the cliffs that boast white-on-white interiors and stunning panoramic views of the golden sun set over the Aegean Sea.

Conrad Maldives – Maldives

The award-winning Conrad Maldives Rangali Island Resort is a heaven for honeymoon makers and spans across two private islands among miles of sugar white sandy beaches and unspoilt coral reef. The main island of Rangalifinolhu is home to 75 deluxe beach villas and 25 beach villas and the neighbouring Rangali Island houses 40 water villas and 8 deluxe water villas, all built on stilts over the Indian Ocean. Guests are able to sip champagne cocktails and sample Maldivian-Western cuisine whilst 16 feet below sea level at Ithaa Undersea Restaurant on Rangali Island, with 180 degree views of coral reef and marine life.

Esencia Estate – Riviera Maya, Mexico

Escencia Estate is a located just 10 minutes from the lively seaside of Playa del Carmen on the Mexican Riviera Maya. Escencia is a 50-acre private estate which boasts an awe-inspiring beachfront with crystal blue water, a gourmet restaurant, two beautiful swimming pools, outstanding accommodation and service which is fit for royalty. Riviera Maya is the perfect place to celebrate your special relationship including honeymoons and wedding anniversaries.

Leopard Hills Private Game Reserve – South Africa

Leopard Hills Private Game Reserve is located on a spectacular hilltop sanctuary which overlooks a natural waterhole that attracts animals both day and night. This luxury lodge consists of eight luxurious suites with glass-fronts which are complete with their own sundeck and rock plunge pool which offer fantastic views of the African bush and wild animals in their habitat. This perfect luxury resort provides an unforgettable honeymoon experience for guests every year.

Guana Island – British Virgin Islands, Caribbean

Guana Island is one of the largest of the British Virgin Islands at 850 acres and one of few remaining privately-owned islands in the Caribbean. Each of the comfortable guest rooms are housed in charming stone cottages which are individually styled and feature a terrace that boasts gorgeous views of the island and surrounding waters. The private cottages offer secluded honeymoons, romantic getaways and a five-star experience guests will always remember.

Maharaja Express – Luxury Train Journey, India

If you are seduced by the romance of train travel, the Maharaja Express rail journey is sure to be your ultimate romantic experience. Once you and your partner step onboard India’s luxurious Maharaja Express, you will both be transported into a world of red carpets, tapestry of majestic landscapes and find yourselves transported back in time to embark on the voyage of a lifetime. The grand luxury train presents guests with five coaches for Deluxe Cabins, six coaches for Junior Suites, two for Suites and one for the Grand Presidential Suite.

Constance Lemuria Resort – Praslin, Seychelles

The Constance Lemuria Resort of Praslin, Seychelles, is a five-star luxury resort with its very own 18-hole championship golf course. Each suite and villa is constructed with natural minerals including wood, marble, pink granite, stone and natural fabrics. There are three restaurants located in three beautiful locations offering a variety of delicious quality cuisines from a la carte menus to special themed evenings and five-star buffets. Perfect for a romantic meal for two.

Like our photo essay on our Top 7 Romantic Luxury Resorts in the World on Facebook.

Which hotels and destinations fit in your top list of romantic holiday resorts?

Chocolate is no longer just for eating!

When you work in travel you expect to see stunning destinations every day – island escapes or fascinating architecture. But lately I have noticed my tastebuds watering more often than they should.

Chocolate Pudding at Tides Resort Riviera Maya

Chocolate – once known only as a treat with a couple of rows after dinner for those with a sweet tooth, has now become the theme for holidays & more:

• Chocolate Destinations – We have seen lots of chocolate shop visits & tasting tours, especially in the traditional homes of chocolate – Belgium & Switzerland.  But now, South America is showing its heritage for chocolate with Venezuela and Colombia – home to cocoa beans, establishing tours where you can see the entire refining process, from harvesting the beans through to production of the end product.

• Chocolate Spa Treatments – Forget a massage with oil, many of the world’s top spas now feature treatments with chocolate at the core, as the antioxidants & cocoa butter do wonders for the skin.  One such experience, the Chocolate Massage is offered at The Tides Resort & Spa in Mexico, where you can experience a massage & chocolate masque.  I think I would struggle not to just eat the masque with a spoon!

Chocolate Massage at Tides Resort & Spa, Riviera Maya

• & finally – for over-indulgence, there are now complete chocolate hotels.  In February 2011, the brand new Hotel Chocolat opened its doors in Saint Lucia and is one such example of a chocoholics dream come true.  Set on a cocoa estate, guests can follow the entire chocolate experience as much or as little as they want whilst relaxing in this paradise. Guests can take part in the cocoa harvest, view the cocoa plantation to enjoying classes in chocolate making, savoury chocolate recipes and chocolate cocktails. This is one holiday resort that will get your taste buds tingling.

Hotel Chocolat's Cocoa Plantation in Saint Lucia

So, until I get to experience this Latin Chocolate experience, I’m off to the supermarket to satisfy my cravings with a block of Galaxy!

What is your favourite chocolate?