Savoia Excelsior Palace

For history lovers who also enjoy heritage hotels, your search is now over.  The iconic Savoia Excelsior Palace (part of the Starhotels Collezione) celebrates its 100^th year as a hotel, providing the perfect excuse to uncover the fascinating Italian city of Trieste and experience this iconic grand dame.

The Savoia Excelsior Palace epitomizes grandeur and glamour, and was built by celebrated Austrian architect Ladislaus Fiedler. The luxury property had first public opening back in 1912 and was recognized as ‘the most luxurious hotel in Austria-Hungary’.

Celebrating 100 years, Savoia Excelsior Palace houses over 20,000 meters of silk and velvet, over 6,000 porcelain antiques, plus room-upon-room of delicate period furniture, luxury reigns now as it did a century ago.

Savoia Excelsior Palace is located in Trieste, Italy. Many smaller Italian cities like Trieste are relatively undiscovered by the world’s travelers. Trieste has been part of La Repubblica for less than a century and is a fascinating melting pot of Italian, Mittel-European and Slavic cultures.

Historically tempting the ‘Grand Touring’ elite through its doors with the promise of panoramic views of the Adriatic Sea, from its south-easterly setting on the waterfront, Savoia Excelsior Palace welcomed many aristocrats, artists and diplomats.  Emperor Franz Josef of Austria-Hungary was a frequent guest and his apartments remain perfectly intact today.

Savoia Excelsior Palace went through an extensive renovation project between 2007 and 2009. The result was stunning as turn-of-the century frescos, precious mosaics and intricate architectural detailing have been restored to their former glory.

The restoration project brought an air of contemporary chic by sensitively working with the existing classicism of the building to ensure that it remains the must-visit address in Trieste 100 years on.

Dondero’s restaurant in the Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa on Kauai Hawaii, will satisfy your soul as well as your appetite.

Dondero’s offers its Hawaiian diners an elegant ambiance combined with stellar service make this a dining favorite for those with discriminating taste.

Dondero’s features delicacies that include seared olive-crusted ahi with caponata, organic rack of lamb with gorgonzola and cauliflower soufflé (a favorite of Chef Valentino’s son), okinawan sweet potato gnocchi with smoked prosciutto in cream sauce, and pan-roasted sea bass with fresh tomato concasse and caper dressing.

This fabulous Northern Italian Regional cuisine is carefully paired with wines from all over the world. Delectable desserts and a cappuccino or port round out the repast.

Dondero’s
Grand Hyatt Kauai Resort and Spa
1571 Poipu Road,
Koloa, Hawaii USA 96756
808-240-6456

Poipu Bay Resort Golf Course

Here at the Poipu Bay Resort Golf Course on Kauai, nature renown designer Robert Trent Jones Jr. have conspired to create a stunning venue for the star studded PGA Grand Slam of Golf.

A unique and unforgettable golfing experience awaits you – one that will bring every aspect of your game into fresh and thrilling focus.

Even the Golf Shop at Poipu Bay is rated as one of the finest in America… with a full line of Grand Slam and resort logo wear featured. The PGA Grand  Slam is one of Golf’s most exclusive events.

Recent Grand Slam winners include Tiger Woods, Ernie Els, and Greg Norman.

For them, in addition to Nick Faldo, Ben Crenshaw, Davis Love III, and a host of other golf greats, the ticket to tee off at Poipu Bay Resort Golf Course is victory in The Masters, U.S. Open, British Open, or the PGA Championship.

For you, its a little easier: Simply book a tee time!  Poipu Bay Golf Course

Photo: BLT Steak

Do yourselves a favor, — the next time you want a restaurant meal served to perfection, make a reservation at BLT Steak – (Bistro Laurent Tourondel), located at the Trump Waikiki, 223 Saratoga Rd., Honolulu, HI, 96815

OK, I never thought I’d say this, but move over, Ruth’s Chris, Hy’s, and Wolfgang’s, –there’s a new kid in town, and he has a knack for doing things right.

My friend and I had heard some good things about BLT, so we thought we would try it out ourselves and see what all the positive commotion was all about.

BLT is a medium sized restaurant and very tastefully decorated. We were seated at a corner booth located at the rear of the restaurant, which was unusually comfortable.

Starting things off, we chose a dozen fresh oysters on the half-shell ($34.00/doz.), but we first had to make a choice of which of 4 different species of oyster we desired. Now, that’s a first for me!

We made our selection after a brief course in “oysterology” from our server, and our selection was superb, –very mild tasting and very fresh, and served with lemon wedges and a horseradish seafood sauce.

An ice-cold Heineken went well with the little critters as we waited for our entree.

We chose a main course consisting of a Porterhouse for two ($72.00), cooked on the rare side of medium-rare, which was prepared with a red wine reduction and served with horseradish on the side.

I’m not a big Porterhouse aficionado, but this steak was to die for — most excellent!

A baked potato accompanied the steak for me, and my partner had roasted tomatoes. Both were prepared excellently and were quite enjoyable.

Both were priced ala carte at $8.00 each. We skipped the pre-entree salad, which I’m sure my dearly departed mother would be so upset about.

We chose an Arrowood Chardonnay, ($72.00), which was very enjoyable, but probably more suitable for the oysters than for the Porterhouse.

Dinner was capped off with a shared dessert consisting of a peanut butter chocolate mousse ($10.00), and a cappuccino. — This dessert was absolutely superb!

Our server, a young lady named Peris, was like a server from heaven. She was always attentive, very knowledgeable about everything on the menu, (including the oysters – now that was impressive!), and very professional.

I recommend BLT Steak wholeheartedly and trust that your experience will be as marvelous as ours. Please enjoy!

BLT Steak
Trump International Hotel Waikiki Beach Walk
223 Saratoga Road
Honolulu, HI 96815
Telephone: 808-683-7440

Author: Val Patacchi is a freelance writer and avid traveler.

Guaycura Boutique Hotel & Spa

For those who prefer smaller boutique style hotels, we have five Latin America properties for you to consider for your next getaway.

Each of these five luxury boutique hotels offer features that appeal to a variety of guests including families, couples looking for a romantic getaway, girlfriend retreats, small wedding, as well as corporate meetings.

Take a look at these five luxury boutique hotels that are beautifully designed and offer luxurious amenities:

• Esencia Estate: This deluxe 29-room property on 50 acres of immaculately groomed tropical gardens was once the estate of an Italian Duchess. Guests can feast at their acclaimed restaurant or luxuriate at their circular spa surrounded by herb gardens from which guests can snip their own spa ingredients used in treatment. This tranquil retreat is set on one of the Riviera Maya’s most spectacular white sandy beaches.
• Guaycura Boutique Hotel & Spa: New to the picturesque town of Todos Santos, in Mexico’s Baja California, this early 19^th-century brick property was exquisitely converted and opened in late 2010. With 14 luxurious rooms and suites all boasting spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean guests are just steps from the beach, art galleries, museums, shops restaurants and bars.
• The Lodge at Pico Bonito: Situated on 400 acres of Honduran rainforest, no expense was spared in creating a rustic yet luxurious eco-lodge. Located far from any touristy areas this 22-room property is adjacent to a lush national park. Perfect for the adventurous type but also ideal for those looking for romance.
• Sublime Samana: Situated in the Samana Peninsula, this hip new property possesses all the characteristics of paradise. Surrounded by glorious mountains and the cooling waves of the sea, Sublime Samana is just a 10 minute drive to the town where French-aspired restaurants line the plazas with boutique style shops.  Activities are a must with hikes to the nearby waterfalls “El Limon” and yacht tours to Los Haitises where several species of birds can be spotted and caves can be explored. The ocean side spa pavilion features an outdoor spa area where relaxing massages can be enjoyed with the tranquil sounds of the waves. Guests have a choice of pool-side dining with spectacular dishes featuring the catch of the day or at the Bistro, where only local ingredients are incorporated into each dish.
• Casa Bonita Tropical Lodge: Situated between two rushing rivers, and overlooking the Caribbean Sea. This 12-cabana lodge offers a unique ecological experience to guests. Located in the secluded southwest region of the Dominican Republic, Casa Bonita is adjacent to the only biosphere reserve in the country. The lodge’s restaurant uses locally grown produce and ingredients from its own Pat’s Organic Garden, named after the garden’s designer.

Please use the Contact Form below to submit your travel request if you would like to stay in one of the above, five luxury boutique hotels in Latin America.

The luxurious Dolder Grand Hotel in Zurich Switzerland has a long tradition of excellence, going back as far as 1899.

The Dolder Grand Hotel re-opened its doors in 2008, to its élite clientèle after an extensive renovation period of four years. After touring the hotel, it became quite evident why it has taken them so long to re-open.

The elegant Dolder had been truly transformed into an oasis of well-being. The famous architects, Foster & Partners, have turned this very traditional and monumental Zurich landmark into a luxury city resort.

Sitting on the hills of Zurich, overlooking the lake’s busy shores as well as the Alps, the hotel offers a serene environment of forest walkways whilst, at the same time, it is just minutes from the city where you’ll find everything from the best shops to metropolitan entertainment.

The rooms at the Dolder Grand Hotel are spacious, decorated with the finest materials and opulent furniture in a contemporary design, featuring the highest standard of modern day technology (for example every room offers free wireless internet access, as well as clever Bang & Olufsen entertainment units which allow you to control almost all of the room’s luxuries with the touch of a universal remote).

After soaking up the view from your private terrace, the hotel has an award winning Spa which stretches on forever. The spa includes countless pampering extravagances which will rejuvenate you from head to toe.

The Spa was designed by the internationally renowned wellness specialist Ms. Sylvia Sepielli and is open to indulge you 7 days a week from 7am to 10pm. In September 2008, it received the Tatler Award for “the smartest escape”. A temple of relaxation, where only the best is good enough, with all the amenities and delights that anyone, even the most demanding client, could ask for.

Culinary excitement is provided by the German cook Heiko Nieder who will serve you up some miraculous treats for your taste buds in “The Restaurant”, which has been awarded a Michelin star, as well as 17 Gault Millau points.

The quality service and attention to detail in this newly re-opened resort is nothing short of excellent and it makes for the perfect weekend getaway, to clear your head and to soak up the finest, luxurious pleasures. In April, the Dolder Grand was on the 2009 hotlist of Condé Nast Travelor (UK) as one of the world’s best new hotels.

Each of the Dolder Grand’s four luxury Top Suites is an expression of individual extravagance. Harmonious interior designs, each different from the other, create an exclusive ambience in all four suites.

For more information: please visit The Dolder Grand Hotel

Las Vegas golf is at its best at the scenic Desert Pines Golf Club. With thousands of mature Pine trees lining the greens and fairways of the Desert Pines Golf Club, many golfers refer to it as “The Pinehurst”.

Players of all levels will enjoy that rolling green hills protested by white sand bunkers, and the fact that half of the holes have water hazards around them, making Desert Pines a scenic, affordable place to enjoy golf in Las Vegas.

You can find name brand golf merchandise in the excellent clubhouse at Desert Pines, along with shoe rentals, in case you forgot to bring your own.

You can take a break for the sun and golf at one of the excellent restaurants in the clubhouse or enjoy it on the green from the comfort of your golf cart.

Golf in Las Vegas doesn’t have to be ridiculously expensive to be enjoyable and relaxing, and the Desert Pines Golf club gives you everything you could hope for you in a round of Las Vegas golf at a reasonable price.

The Desert Pines Golf Club has a 20,000 square foot practice center where you can warm up or practice at. The only one of its kind, the automated ball delivery system and climate-controlled atmosphere is something you won’t find at any other Las Vegas Golf course.

You can golf in Las Vegas for as little at $45 when you book your reservations at least 90 days in advance.

Desert Pines Golf Club
3415 E. Bonanza Rd., Las Vegas, NV 89101
Phone: (866) 447-4653

Courtesy of: Vdara Hotel & Spa

Vdara Hotel & Spa was first phase of the incredible 67-acre, $8.5 billion mixed-use urban development center called CityCenter, on The Strip in Las Vegas.

The massive CityCenter is located between the Monte Carlo and Bellagio. CityCenter has become the cultural centerpiece of Las Vegas and the amazing vertical city transformed the Las Vegas Strip.

Vdara is an all-suite hotel and spa and is designed for those who love the non-stop excitement of Las Vegas but desire more relaxed accommodations, in an exclusive, non-gaming, smoke-free environment.

The towering 57-story Vdara, has a total of 1,495 luxury suites, all equipped with full kitchens.

The units include deluxe suites and one- and two-bedroom units ranging from 500 to 1,650 square feet. There are also penthouse units and 250 corner-end suites with panoramic views.

The luxury Vdara Hotel & Spa will offer both customized amenities and services that will cater to the discerning clientele who are looking for the ultimate experience.

Courtesy of: Vdara Hotel & Spa

Guests at Vdara can enjoy a luxurious 18,000-square-foot wellness spa and salon, a hip and vibrant pool and lounge perched high above The Strip with 40,000-square-foot pool deck, a state-of-the-art fitness center and 10,000 square feet of meeting space.

The Vdara Hotel & Spa is a short walk from another new hotel-casino called Aria. Vdara is also approximately 100 feet from the entrance to Bellagio’s south tower.

Jim Murren is the Chairman and CEO of MGM Mirage. During a recent press event, Murren stated, “We are incredibly proud to offer the world this first taste of all that CityCenter will bring to the Las Vegas Strip. Travelers will finally find in Las Vegas what they find in other great cities around the world – spectacular architecture, culturally significant art, great public spaces, sophisticated hotels, unique restaurants and incredible amenities. We look forward to unveiling all of this and more as the month unfolds.”

“It was designed to complement Aria, not operate as an extension of Aria,” McBeath said. “It has its own style, own flavor and its own personality. We really believe the Vdara brand is going to be the sleeper of CityCenter.”

Vdara is categorized as a condominium hotel. This means the hotel’s units can be bought and placed into a rental program where they can then be leased as hotel rooms when vacant by their owners.

For over a century, the name Neiman Marcus has defined luxury retailing. The Neiman Marcus brand is synonymous with merchandising and service excellence.

Neiman Marcus is the king of Las Vegas luxury shopping. The store has been located in the Fashion Show Mall since 1981.

Neiman Marcus has a reputation for having some of the best personal shoppers in the U.S. So if you are looking for the ultimate in luxury and fashion, consider letting someone else do the work for you.

Neiman Marcus
3200 Las Vegas Blvd S # 100
Las Vegas, NV 89109
702-731-3636

Courtesy of: Terzetto at M Resort

Capping off a recent stay at the “M” Resort in Las Vegas, we were going to drive back into the strip, (probably 5 miles +), and try out another potentially interesting eatery.

But alas, it was already 8:45 p.m. and our energy level was running on empty. Hence, we opted to remain at the “M” and try out its local cuisine, — and we’re so glad we did.

We made arrangements to dine at “Terzetto”, which boasts a wonderful oyster bar, and an interior design worthy of the cover of “Architectural Digest.”

We began with a shared appetizer salad of a tomato / mozzarella caprese with spring greens and a light vinaigrette. –Very tasty.

My friend ordered a rare 12 oz prime rib*, with a side of fresh sauteed brocolinni, prepared deftly and perfectly, – Very nice.

My entree was a combination 8 oz fillet mignon* (rare) and 8 oz lobster tail served with drawn lemon butter. Both accompanied by a side of cubed butternut squash gratinee.

All three offerings were prepared impeccably and tasted magnificently. Some beautiful deserts were presented to us, but alas, we were stuffed to the gills, –no more room.

The meal was served with a buttery complex house chardonnay, which was quite acceptable.

The french bread offered at the onset was one of the best I’ve ever tasted.

* All beef served at Terzetto is raised on the owner’s cattle ranch in Montana, and the quality was superb.

I strongly recommend Terzetto to everyone. It is a comfortable and beautiful restaurant, with excellently prepared food.

Please enjoy!!!

Author: Val Patacchi is a freelance writer and avid traveler.

Courtesy of: worldisround.com

On the Hawaiian island of Molokai, there is a wonderful coconut grove that was planted in the 1860′s by King Kamehameha V. King Kamehameha V. was nicknamed Kapuaiwa, and selected this particular site due to the seven sacred ponds located here.

The King ordered 1,000 tall, royal coconut palm trees to be planted on Molokai to represent each individual warrior in his mighty army, in addition to shading his sacred bathing pools of the ali’i (royalty).

The Kapuaiwa coconut grove is located on the south shore of Molokai, approximately 1.5 miles west of the town of Kaunakakai.

Sadly, not many of the original coconut palm trees still stand today. The original one thousand coconut trees covered about an area of ten acres. Now only a few hundred of these beautiful palms are still there.

Due to the danger of heavy coconuts falling from the tall palm trees, entering through the palm tree grove is not allowed.

But all is not lost. Take in a fabulous sunset view of the Kapuaiwa Coconut Grove from the nearby Kiowea Beach Park.

You can also view a concrete military bunker, located at the ocean’s edge of the grove as a real historical reminder of WWII.

To reach the Kapuaiwa Coconut Grove, go east on Highway 460 from the town of Kaunakakai. You will then see the Kapuaiwa Coconut Grove on your left, across the street from Church Row.