Photo: The Draycott

The Draycott hotel in London, is the British city’s most refined and charming boutique hotel.

The Draycott Hotel can be found in a stunning 19th century townhouse at 26 Cadogan Gardens in Knightsbridge, inside the borough of Kensington & Chelsea.

As one of the premiere hotels in London and offering five-star accommodations, The Draycott is now offering an incredible package for its guests.

You can have the opportunity to enhance your summer wardrobes with the help of personal shopper and fashion stylist, Ghaz and the world class boutique shopping of Chelsea and Sloane Square.

Photo: The Draycott

The full package is based on a two night stay that also includes morning breakfast for two people plus afternoon tea.

After you’re ready to get your day started, hotel guests will meet with Ghaz, who offers a unique experience for those in search of the most enviable summer wardrobe.

Ghaz is well respected and provides a highly individualized personal styling, wardrobe planning and accompanied personal shopping service for both men and women across the entire London area.

This truly bespoke service is a one of a kind and features a four-hour VIP shopping experience that allows you to take in vintage, new designer and couture shopping throughout the boutiques of Chelsea, Sloane Square and Kings Road.

The Draycott package includes the following:

· Full English Breakfast
· Half day personal shopping and consultation with Ghaz
· Afternoon Tea for two including tea or infusions, a selection of sandwiches, traditional homemade fruit cake, scones, handmade preserves, butter and clotted cream

Hotel package rates are based on a two night stay (rates include VAT):

· Superior Double: £690
· Deluxe Double: £835
· Suite: £979

When you are done with your memorable shopping indulgence, it’s time to head back to The Draycott to enjoy a well-deserved afternoon tea for two served in the splendid drawing room designed by Nina Campbell. This beautiful room overlooks the private garden, and at 6pm – hotel guests can enjoy further pampering with a complimentary glass of champagne.

To book your reservation at The Draycott hotel in London, please contact The Life of Luxury using the form below.

Photo: Cannizaro House

Wimbledon begins June 24th and this year’s famous tennis tournament is expected to be better than ever.

If you’re looking for a bit of British luxury during your stay, then consider the Cannizaro House, Wimbledon.

Cannizaro House, Wimbledon is London’s first boutique country house hotel and is offering several wonderful packages during the Wimbledon tennis tournament.

Located just a two short minute drive from the famous All England Club, Cannizaro House offers first class dining and impeccable service.

Start your special tennis viewing day with Champagne and canapés on the hotel’s terrace. Next enjoy a sumptuous four course lunch in the restaurant. Then be whisked away by a chauffeur driven transport to the tennis tournament.

Wimbledon Lunch package is priced from £200 (incl. VAT @ 20%) per person and includes:
• Coffee and pastries served on the terrace

• Alain Thienot champagne and a selection of canapés

• Four course lunch including unlimited superb red and white wines followed by coffee & something sweet

• Full bar until 2.00pm

• Official Wimbledon programme Aykhurst1042

• Chauffeur driven transport to and from the courts

• Free parking

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Cannizaro House can even offer lunches with a Wimbledon ticket package, which includes all of the above plus:

• Debenture tickets provided by Thomas Cook Sport or BAC Sport

• Prices subject to change and availability for preferred court

For more information about Cannizaro House, Wimbledon – or to make a reservation for the upcoming Wimbledon tennis tournament, please contact The Life of Luxury using the below form:

Hovertravel is the only scheduled Hovercraft operator in Europe. It’s also the quickest way for visitors traveling to the UK, to reach the Isle of Wight.

The scenic Isle of Wight offers some of the best beaches in all of Britain. In addition, enjoy the historic Victorian architecture, all alongside some of quaintest English villages. It is definitely the perfect place for a day out.

Launched in 1965, Hovertravel’s service is a safe and speedy 10 minute flight across The Solent to the Isle of Wight.

More importantly, it means that from London to the Island is a journey of just 1 hour and 45 minutes.

As the world’s longest running hovercraft operator, the Hovertravel experience is also one your children will never forget.

Neil Chapman, managing director of Hovertravel, explains, “For any Americans visiting Europe, the quick flight on our hovercraft is a truly unique and enjoyable experience. We regularly welcome visitors from around the world who have traveled many miles to witness this iconic British invention.”

The Hovertravel terminal is linked to London via several transport options including trains and the Greyhound coach service which departs directly outside the Hovertravel terminal.

For additional information on travel deals and events in Europe this Spring & Summer, please contact us using the below form:

Courtesy: Riverdance

Riverdance is as popular as ever and its continued popularity just proves it remains a worldwide phenomenon with millions of fans.

As a wonderful celebration of Irish music, song and dance, Riverdance draws on Irish traditions and combines the richness of the music with the magic and sensuality of the dance.

Now is your chance to visit Ireland between July 20-21, 2013 and immerse yourself in an incredible Riverdance experience. Enjoy this is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be a part of one of Ireland’s most cherished traditions!

Ticket packages include premium tickets to see Riverdance: On Screen, a live gathering of Riverdance bands past and present, but for those with a basic competency in Irish dancing, a one-off opportunity to participate in an attempt to break the current record for the longest Riverdance line!

Each Riverdance – The Gathering vacation package above includes a seat to the following highlight events and are included in your price:
1. Seated tickets for Riverdance: On Screen at Merrion Square – July 20th
2. Reserved priority viewing area for Riverdance – The Record Breaking Attempt – July 21st. Retail Value: $25 per person.
3. Riverdance at the Gaiety special Gathering performances July 20 or 21st (matinee and evening performances). Retail Value: $70 per person. Brendan Vacations has several wonderful travel packages available:

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“Dance & Drive” Vacation Package

Delight in the ultimate Irish experience! Start in Dublin, Ireland’s bustling capital city and enjoy sightseeing and Riverdance festivities before setting off to the quaint countryside and ending in Shannon!
6-night Self-Drive Vacation from $902* per person.

Your travel value includes:
– Private airport arrival transfer
– Your choice of Dublin City Bike or Walking Tour
– Riverdance Experience in Dublin (Complete details online here)
– 2-nights at a 4-star Downtown Hotel in Dublin (several options)
– 5-day Economy Hertz Rental Car with select inclusions
– 1-night stay in Kilkenny or Waterford at a Bed and Breakfast “Gem” of your choice with breakfast
– 2-nights in Killarney at the 4-star Arbutus or The Malton hotel
– 1-night in Shannon at the Bed and Breakfast “Gem” of your choice with breakfast
– All accommodation taxes

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Private Chauffeur Experience: Ireland & Riverdance

Dreaming of Ireland? There is no better way to experience the Emerald Isle’s wondrous traditions than with a premium, private chauffeured vacation. Begin in Dublin, enjoy Riverdance and set off on a journey that will reveal Ireland’s most breathtaking sights and experiences. Best of all, it’s at your pace, with your driver and private car.
7-nights from $4,733** per person, traveling July 19-26, 2013.

Your travel value includes:
– Luxury private car and chauffeur throughout
– Private airport arrival greeting/departure transfers by your chauffeur
– Riverdance Experience in Dublin (Complete details online here)
– 3-nights at the 5-star Merrrion Hotel with daily breakfast in Dublin
– 1-night at the 5-star Waterford Castle with breakfast in Glendalough
– 2-nights at the 5-star Aghadoe Heights Hotel with breakfast in Lakeside
– Private excursions to Bru na Boinne with Newgrange or Knowth to visit the Neolithic tombs; Powerscourt House and Gardens; Blarney Castle; Ring of Kerry; the Foynes Flying Boat Museum and a tasting of traditional “Irish Coffee”
– 1-night at the majestic 5-star Dromoland Castle with breakfast
– All accommodation taxes

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If you are interested in creating your own Irish travel experience, the contact us to add the 2013 Riverdance – The Gathering experience for only $69 per person to any Customized Vacation or either our Dublin & Killarney, or Dublin & Belfast Independent Vacation itineraries – a great value!

To learn more about the available Riverdance – The Gathering vacation package or to book your reservation, please contact us using the below form:

St Ermin’s Hotel

The luxury St Ermin’s Hotel is now offering a spy package that is ideally timed to celebrate the 60th anniversary of Ian Fleming’s first Bond book “Casino Royale,” which gave life to his legendary character. Now hotel guests have a chance to be James Bond 007 like Daniel Craig and live like a spy!

St Ermin’s Hotel in London’s St James’s, which completed an 18-month, £30 million renovation in the summer of 2012, is distinctly individual, contemporary and welcoming with 331 newly designed stylish rooms, including 41 luxurious suites.

With a rich history of espionage, undercover activities and even a secret passageway to British Parliament, London’s recently renovated St. Ermin’s Hotel, offers young 007 fans a chance to be special agents with its “Budding Bonds” package.

Families can use their own undercover abilities with the hotel’s “Budding Bonds” package which lets kids test their code breaking and observational skills. At check-in, each child receives their own Top Secret briefing pack containing confidential information on the hotel’s links to the intelligence community. A book of codes and tips help budding agents develop spy skills, while a series of searching questions.

The briefing pack also takes them on a London Spy Walk Challenge enabling them to win a coveted ‘iSpy for St. Ermin’s’ identity card before being rewarded with their very own shaken not stirred, non-alcoholic cocktail.

For avid James Bond 007 fans and die-hard enthusiasts, the luxury London hotel can arrange a private London Spy Walking Tour, which highlights major points of interest in the country’s history of espionage, much of which took place nearby.

The “Budding Bonds” package is priced at £550 (approximately USD $831.00 based on a family of four sharing) inclusive of VAT for a two-night stay. It includes a Family Room accommodation which sleeps five – two Queen-beds, a full-size day bed and two bathrooms – on a bed & breakfast basis. And, of course, a St. Ermin’s Secret Agent Package per child, including the London Spy Walk Challenge. A minimum two-night stay is required. Offer is subject to availability and is valid till December 31, 2013. Blackout dates may apply.

In 2012, St. Ermin’s Hotel made the Condé Nast Traveler “Hot List” as one of the world’s best new hotels.

To learn more about the St. Ermin’s Hotel “Budding Bonds” package in London or make a reservation, please use the contact form below.

St. Ermin’s Hotel
2 Caxton St
London, SW1H 0QW

Photo: Ellenborough Park

Located in the spectacular rolling countryside of the Cotswolds, Ellenborough Park is a 16^th century country house hotel offering the perfect mid-week getaway for those seeking a deluxe male relaxation experience.

Just over two hours from London, the incredible scenery of Ellenborough Park’s grounds and surrounding landscape offers guests a further opportunity to escape.

Guests can escape their daily routines and indulge themselves in ultimate comfort and luxury through a rejuvenating spa experience, exquisite fine food and wine, along with enjoying the extensive grounds and facilities at this luxurious 5-star award-winning hotel.

The Indian-themed spa offers the ideal venue for relaxation with three separate secluded treatment rooms.

Hotel guests can relax and wind down in the hydrotherapy pool, sauna and steam room. if you’re feeling more energetic, then take advantage of the property’s amazing fitness suite facilities or outdoor swimming pool, heated to a perfect 31 degrees.

Ellenborough Park is part of Mantis, a collection of five star boutique hotels and eco-escapes around the world.

Ellenborough Park which was sensitively restored back in 2011 and has proudly been awarded a number of prestigious accolades since re-opening, most recently winning Leading Country House Hotel and Leading Spa Hotel at the World Travel Awards 2012, along with being voted Trip Advisor’s Traveller’s Choice No. 1 UK Luxury Hotel.

Gentleman’s Luxury Retreat at Ellenborough Park is available Tuesday – Friday from £625

· Overnight stay in a luxury room
· 1 hour – 25 minute spa treatment of back massage, manicure and pedicure
· 3 course fine dining with 3 selected wines specially selected by hear sommelier Clio Giudici

Please use the Contact Form below to submit your travel request for a stay at the Ellenborough Park hotel. We will promptly get back to you.

Wiesbaden

Hanau is located in the scenic Frankfurt Rhine-Main region, in the heart of Germany. The famous Brothers Grimm (Jacob and Wilhelm) were born there and 2013 marks the 200th anniversary of their first publishing of the first volume of “Children’s and Household Tales.” Years later, Walt Disney brought to life the famous characters – Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, and Little Red Riding Hood.

Now the Frankfurt Rhine-Main region is celebrating this milestone by offering various events that celebrate the work and life of the Brothers Grimm. The region can be described as a fairy tale-like landscape, with amazing castles and an unmistakably magical atmosphere.

Frankfurt Rhine-Main region features an array of cultural, historical, and culinary delights, plus thriving cities like Frankfurt, Wiesbaden, Aschaffenburg and Mainz, in addition to traditional villages such as Seligenstadt, Bad Homburg and Rüdesheim.

Hanau is where the rivers Main and Kinzig meet, inviting visitors to enjoy some absolutely amazing scenery. At the market square, in front of the Baroque Neustädter Rathaus (town hall), stands the impressive Brothers Grimm memorial, which commemorates the famous sons of Hanau and marks the starting point of the 373 mile-long Fairy Tale Route.

The “EXPEDITION GRIMM exhibition is located in the documenta-Halle and sponsored by the State of Hessen. Between April 27th until September 8th, some of the Grimm brother’s most precious manuscripts and personal mementos will be on display. This unique exhibition also sheds new light onto who the Brothers Grimm really were: far from being mere fairy tale collectors, they were also language scholars, legal historians, and politicians.

There are incredible festivals to enjoy, including:
Grimm Fairy Tale festival, Hanau (from May 1st – July 1st)
Brothers Grimm Museum in the Castle Bellevue, Kassel
Brothers Grimm Festival, Kassel (from July 18th – August 18th)

One of the most significant Renaissance castles in all of Germany is the impressive Johannisburg Castle. The Johannisburg Castle features a front made of bright red sandstone, and is truly the landmark of the city of Aschaffenburg. The stunning castle is a spectacular sight along the shores of the famous, river Main. There is no better place for seeing breathtaking, historical castles than right here in the Frankfurt Rhine-Main region!

Additional events to plan on attending, include:
– Art Views 2013 in Offenbach (April 24th – 28th)
– Darmstadt Art Nouveau Festival (May 24th – 26th)
– Skyscraper Festival in Frankfurt (May 25th – 26th)
– International Jazz Festival “Bingen swings” (June 28th – 30th)

Please use the Contact Form below to submit your travel request to experience the Brothers Grimm celebration in the Frankfurt Rhine-Main region of Germany. We will promptly get back to you.

Corinthia London

Look Left Look Right invites everyone to “take the stage” as you journey through a night of adventure and suspense at the Corinthia Hotel London, a 294 room Victorian building including 36 suites and 7 penthouses with breathtaking views across London’s most popular landmarks.

A thrilling series of theatrical performances, entitled Above and Beyond, by the award-winning interactive theater company, Look Left Look Right, will take audiences on an exhilarating adventure. Hotel guests are invited to enjoy vivid performances through one-on-one interaction followed by world class luxury accommodations.

Located in the heart of London, Corinthia London is home to the flagship ESPA Life at Corinthia, a next-generation spa housed across four floors, plus its own Daniel Galvin hair salon. Enjoy fine dining at The Northall, serving the best in British produce throughout the day; modern Italian cuisine at Massimo Restaurant & Oyster Bar, and the musically inspired Bassoon Bar.

Corinthia London

Production of this play required the theatre company’s Artistic Director Mimi Poskitt and writers Morgan Lloyd Malcolm and Katie Lyons to take up residency at Corinthia London for a month. Stories about the hotel’s past and present will form part of the interactive experience.

With 24 performances per night scheduled, each participant will be guided through a number of mysterious encounters set around the Lobby Lounge and Victorian Ballroom to the previously unseen back of house areas. The play lasting 70 minutes will allow individuals to take part in approximately 15 scenes lasting ten seconds to seven minutes long.

Available March 18 through April 14, 2013, this unique luxury package includes 2 tickets for the Above & Beyond play held at Corinthia Hotel London and a one night stay in luxury accommodations followed by an English Breakfast for two in The Northall (based on two adults sharing).

You can learn more about about other luxury Corinthia Hotels in Europe.

Please use the Contact Form below to submit your travel request. We will promptly get back to you.

The BAUERs Hotel

Love is always in the air in the romantic city of Venice, Italy and Venice also offers an impressive lineup of amazing cultural events.

If you are planning a trip to Venice, Italy – there is no better place to stay than The BAUERs Hotel. The luxury Italian hotel is located in the heart of Venice, just two minutes walking distance from historic St. Mark’s Square. This is definitely the ideal spot to experience this magnificent city in all aspects plus discover its culture and beauty.

The BAUERs can provide for all their guests’ needs, from museum visits to nightly entertainment. The hotel is also complete with its own water taxi dock to ensure that guests travel through the famous canals of Venice is simple an hassle-free.

The first thing to do to begin your day with a Venetian sunrise and a delicious gourmet breakfast served at the “Settimo Cielo” restaurant located on the terrace of The BAUERs Il Palazzo, the highest in all of Venice. From this truly magnificent viewpoint, you will observe the sun lift over the ancient buildings, the basin of San Marco, the spectacular white dome of Santa Maria Della Salute, and the world famous Grand Canal.

After breakfast, enjoy one of the several cultural things available for this autumn day in Venice. For art lovers, Museo Correr will house a monographic exhibition dedicated to Francesco Guardi, the last great landscape artist of the 18th century. The experience will not stop at the museum though – The BAUERs can in fact provide private tours of the locations that inspired the exhibit.

The rest of the afternoon could be spent discovering more about Italian artists at the Biennale’s new Padiglione Italia, a unique location that overlooks the Gaggiandre and the 16th century Tese on one side and the Giardino della Vergini on the other. After an entire day of walking, guests of The BAUERs can relax at Il Palladio Hotel Spa, on Giudecca Island. Here it’s possible to enjoy different treatments, such as a soothing Venetian bath with milk and roses.

At night, Venice would not be the same without a romantic candlelight dinner in The BAUERs gourmet restaurant De Pisis. Among the signature dishes served at De Pisis, is the Risotto with carrot juice, oranges and chicory sprouts as a favorite.

Guests can also enjoy a great tasting cocktail and after dinner drinks at the luxury hotel’s intimate Bar. Here it is possible to taste barman Gennario Forio’s new autumn cocktail – Sensation. The cocktail is red like Christmas time and sparkly like New Year delicious champagne. The ingredients are all mixed up with a selection of shakers coming from all over the world from the 1930’s to the latest styles.

There is no better day to end your memorable day in Venice., Italy

Please use the Contact Form below to submit your travel request to Venice, Italy. We will promptly get back to you.

Cliffs of Moher

“The Gathering” is Ireland’s yearlong celebration of the incredible Emerald Isle. It showcases the unique culture and long standing tradition of Ireland.

To experience the best of Irish arts, culture and fun, consider enjoying the country’s major festivals and clan gatherings. The “The Gathering” started with unforgettable New Year’s Eve bash in Dublin.

There are over 70 million people around the world that claim Irish ancestry, so now you can join the celebration with Trafalgar, the Insider of guided vacations, as they offer 9 trips heading to the culture-rich Emerald Isle.

Below are several amazing trip options to fully enjoy “The Gathering” celebration in Ireland:

Best of Ireland
An 11-day journey to the most interesting and picturesque parts of the country, Trafalgar’s Best of Ireland trip is a comfortably-paced vacation starting and ending in Dublin. The trip makes overnight stops in Sligo, Limerick, Killarney and Cork, as well as day stops in Blarney, Kilkenny, Galway and the Cliffs of Moher to name a few. Following a Welcome Reception with a traditional Irish meal and drinks in a pub, guests spent the next day seeing the sights in Dublin and visiting the Guinness Storehouse for an included tour of the famous brewery before exploring the city on their own. On the journey to Cork, guests stop at the Irish National Stud farm, dedicated to rearing world-class thoroughbreds. It’s all sightseeing and marveling in the beauty of the Emerald Isle for the next few days, spending two nights in Killarney and two in Sligo before heading back to Dublin for a Farewell Dinner with wine at a local restaurant with fellow travelers.

Scenic Ireland
The 9-day Scenic Ireland was introduced in 2012 as a new At Leisure itinerary, quickly becoming a popular choice for travellers. With a focus on taking clients to the most picturesque parts of the country, Scenic Ireland offers up the perfect opportunity to explore the Irish countryside at a relaxed pace. The trip starts with a few days in lively Dublin, where guests will receive a morning tour with a local guide then enjoy a day of free time to explore the city by themselves with a hop-on-hop-off sightseeing ticket. Next, a visit to Blarney Castle means guests can get the Irish gift of gab as they tilt themselves upside down to kiss the infamous Blarney Stone. At the breathtaking Dingle Peninsula, Europe’s most westerly point, Trafalgar passengers are treated to a special Be My Guest dinner on a beautiful family-owned farm, where they will dine with locals and savour traditional Irish fare. Traveling on to Killaloe on Lough Derg, clients will finish their journey with a Guinness stew and soda bread cooking demonstration, which they’ll get to enjoy afterwards.

Irish Experience
On the 12-day Irish Experience trip, Trafalgar guests get to see all of the Emerald Isle as they visit Northern Ireland and spend nights in Londonderry and Belfast. Beginning and ending in Dublin, the trip also
stops at Ballina, Galway, Killarney and Waterford along the way. This itinerary is chock-full of incredible insider experiences, from a visit to the new Titanic Belfast Visitor Centre to learn about the history of the world’s most famous ship to zipping around Belfast in a Black Cab with a Local Expert ‘Cabbie’. In Waterford, clients will get an opportunity to visit the iconic House of Waterford Crystal to watch master craftsmen at work. In Dublin, a day spent sightseeing with a Local Guide is followed by an evening cruise along the city’s 200-year-old Grand Canal. Guests will also get to appreciate the country’s natural beauty with a visit to the Giant’s Causeway, an area of 40,000 interlocking basalt columns on the northern shore that has been deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site and which Trafalgar is involved in the preservation of through their parent company’s Treadright Foundation.

Please use the Contact Form below to submit your travel request. We will promptly get back to you.

The luxury Ring Hotel is located in Vienna, Austria’s prestige location with a world of culture, art and shopping at your doorstep. In the heart of Vienna, The Ring Hotel offers wonderful views of the famous Ringstrasse and Vienna State Opera.

The Ring, Vienna’s casual luxury hotel, offers guests a warm and welcoming atmosphere by blending a new and contemporary design with charming historical features. This designer boutique hotel offers the perfect balance of style along with casual ambiance.

With a unique design experience, the 68 spacious guest rooms and elegant suites are a comfortable mix of contemporary and classical furniture complemented by innovative lighting. Many of the guest rooms reveal a fabulous view of the historic Vienna ring road – Ringstrasse.

Drings is the Ring Hotel’s stylishly chic bar and serves a novel selection of exclusive vodka cocktails. The restaurant, At Eight, offers a concept of ‘aroma cuisine’ consisting of various tasting components finished with herbal oils.

The Ring Hotel Day Spa is a relaxing sanctuary, comprised of breezy colors, warm woods. Your senses will be stimulated by a multitude of textures, gentle music and therapeutic lighting.

You can choose from various treatments at the Ring Spa, which includes a fitness area and private treatment room for soothing massages. There is also a steam bath and sauna with a fantastic view overlooking Vienna.

So if you are lucky enough to visit beautiful Vienna, stay at chicest and most modern design hotel in the city – The Ring, Vienna’s Casual Luxury Hotel.

The Ring Hotel
Kaerntner Ring 8
A-1010 Vienna, Austria
Phone: +43 1 22 1 22
Fax: +43 1 22 1 22-900