Sicily is Italy’s largest island and the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. It’s also a geographical and political region of Italy, famed for its beautiful beaches, cuisine, and fascinating history.

Prepare to be overwhelmed by Sicily’s contrasts, landscapes, beaches and amazingly diverse, ancient heritage. From its bustling capital of Palermo to age-old Roman and Greek ruins, the sun-drenched beaches and the towering, smouldering Mount Etna, this is one island that overflows with wonderful treasures.

When you think of Sicily, sprawling five-star resorts don’t usually come to mind, but that’s about to change. Next month, the most rustic of the Mediterranean islands will be home to the most luxurious resort in the region.

Set to host its first visitors in May, Verdura Golf and Spa Resort will be the only property in the Mediterranean to offer an across the board 5-star experience.

Boasting two championship golf courses, a first-rate spa, a yoga center, six restaurants, a private beach and 55 luxury private villas, the luxury Verdura Golf and Spa Resort is certainly upping the ante when it comes to Sicilian hotels.

Book your vacation now and stay at the luxury Verdura Golf and Spa Resort in Italy. Read our luxury blog to learn about the best luxury travel destinations in the world.

Located in the heart of the Jardin Alpin – France, the five-star Hotel de Charme Les Airelles is well known for its old world charm.

Hotel de Charme Les Airelles had completed a 37 million Euro renovation back in December 2009.

The Hotel de Charme Les Airelles is designed in the spirit of grand chalets of the past. The hotel is perfectly positioned at the foothills of the mountain with convenient access to the ski slopes via Gloriette and the Relais des Skieurs.

The hotel offers its guest 37 guestrooms, 14 suites, plus a 5,900 square-foot private apartment.

Several of many guest amenities include: flat screen TV’s and built-in DVD players, video-on-demand service, sound dock, jukebox, in addition to wireless high-speed Internet access.

Enjoy the luxurious 7,000 square-foot Valmont Spa, the Pierre Gagnaire Restaurant and three additional dining options.

The hotel provides a beautiful Hermes designed horse-drawn carriage, a skating rink and carousel offering endless hours of fun. Shoppers can also find an exclusive Valentino boutique.

Hotel de Charme Les Airelles offers families an elaborate Kid’s Kingdom that provides hours of entertainment for children, under the direct supervision of a certified nanny.

Hotel de Charme Les Airelles is just five minutes from the nearby Courchevel Airport, thirty minutes from Moûtiers Rail Station, and approximately a two-hour drive from both the Geneva and Lyon International Airport.

For more information, please visit www.airelles.fr

Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica

Inkaterra is a Peruvian organization that celebrates 37 years of experience in sustainable and luxury tourism initiatives.

For the second time since 2010 by Tourism for Tomorrow, Inkaterra is proud to one of the three finalists in the “Conservation” category. Tourism for Tomorrow Awards is organized by the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC).

Inkaterra Reserva Amazonica is located on the Madre de Dios River, in Southern Peruvian Amazon rainforest and a pioneer of conservation and sustainability in Peru. Inkaterra La Casona is an 11-suites boutique hotel in the historic city of Cusco, Peru.

In addition to the Tourism for Tomorrow nomination, the luxury property recently received the First International Certificate in Sustainable Tourism given by Control Union Green Choice Sustainable Tourism Standard.

The hotel prides itself on their luxury accommodations and impeccable service. Condé Nast Johansens, the international luxury travel guide, awarded Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel “Most Excellent Eco Resort” in the 2012 Awards for Excellence. Inkaterra was the only hotel in Peru to receive an award.

The boutique hotel strives for excellence and focuses on preserving and rescuing Peru’s geography, nature, customs and cultures and sharing them with the world.

For additional information or to book a stay at Inkaterra, please visit: www.inkaterra.com Make your dreams come true and enjoy a VIP experience at a luxury hotel.

Fairmont Kea Lani Resort

White sand and calming blue waves against a picturesque cloudless sky backdrop, Maui is nothing short of paradise.  Now, it can add one more reason to visit: the new Fairmont Kea Lani.  In the past three years, the Fairmont Kea Lani on Maui – Hawaii has invested $28 million in the property to continue elevating the luxurious Maui experience.

The Fairmont Kea Lani renovation spanned across every suite, villa, pool deck, ballroom, corridor, and even the elevator of the entire resort.  Every detail that is guest-facing has been considerably examined and further upgraded.

My most anticipated event for the Fairmont is the April reopening of their signature restaurant, Kō, after a $5 million transformation.  Kō (“sugarcane” in Hawaiian) is the only restaurant I have seen that has mastered the art of true Asian fusion cuisine.  Unlike the Hollywood version of a “homemade” meal, Kō’s Executive Chef, Tylun Pang, designed a menu that features traditional family recipes by taking advantage of Hawaii’s naturally fresh ingredients.

The Fairmont Kea Lani property in Maui has over 400 one-bedroom suites and each has been carefully furnished with new furniture, décor, woodworking on doors, and HD flat screen televisions.  The remaining 37 exclusive two-story villas house two- and three-bedroom villas have also gone through an extensive transformation: new tile floors, furniture, and décor to infuse modernism into a Hawaiian motif.

Leaving no stones unturned, the Fairmont has also improved its Keiki Lani kids club with a new 140-foot water slide and toddler pool.  Adults can now enjoy Maui in a true paradise fashion with two whirlpools, a swim up bar, and spa.

For the readers looking for the perfect Hawaiian place to getaway this summer, the Fairmont Kea Lani in Maui, Hawaii is currently offering a 40% discount on their room rate. To book a reservation, Click Here to contact us.

Westin Verasa Napa Hotel

For a perfect visit in scenic Napa, California – stay at The Westin Verasa Napa hotel. This luxury, serene hotel is set in an idyllic location in Napa, across from the world famous Napa Valley Wine Train, just a block away from the Oxbow Market and near the Napa Opera House.

The Westin Verasa combines a rich cultural heritage along with the natural beauty of its surroundings, along the beautiful Napa River.

As you enter the hotel’s expansive lobby, you quickly notice a warm and truly inviting feeling as natural light illuminates the area.

Westin Verasa Napa Hotel Lobby

Featuring 180 rooms, the Westin property offers its guests spacious rooms and suites.  The modern suites include a kitchenette  and are decorated with dark wood furniture and warm colors with bright accents. The suites feature a separate living room, two 32″ wall-mounted flat-screen TVs, X-Box 360 with iPod docking station and DVD player, high-speed Internet access, plus a private balcony to enjoy the views.

Westin Verasa Napa Hotel Suite

The Westin Verasa Napa offers a variety of on-site amenities. Sit back and relax on the large sundeck or near the stone firepit on the hotel’s terrace. Other amenities include an outdoor swimming pool, hot tub, two bocce courts, and 12,000 square feet of indoor-outdoor meeting space.  For a romantic stroll, access the walking paths along the Napa River.

This green/sustainable hotel is situated  in the heart of downtown Napa, making it the perfect springboard for a variety of  local Napa Valley activities. The hotel’s helpful Concierge desk can arrange wine tours. You will find numerous wineries within a mile of the hotel or venture out to some of the world’s best wineries across Napa Valley.

For wine lovers, the Westin Verasa Napa hotel hosts wine tasting and appetizers every night in the main lobby, between 5 – 7 pm.

For foodies, the Westin Verasa Napa doesn’t disappoint. Treat yourself to award-winning cuisine at La Toque. Located in the lobby, BANK Café and Bar offers the casual side of Chef Ken Frank’s renowned La Toque kitchen.

La Toque restaurant

My wife and I had dinner at La Toque and the experience was nothing short of spectacular. Chef Ken Frank and his award winning La Toque was named one of the “Best Restaurants in America” by The Wine Spectator. La Toque was also awarded a prestigious Michelin Star. The multiple menu choices consist of modern French cuisine and the restaurant’s wine program is without equal in Napa Valley.

We selected three savory dishes for our meal. For starters, we had “Japanese Hamachi, Avocado and Asian Pear with Yuzu Kizami Emulsion and Dashi Gel” and “Seafood Pot au Feu with Matsutake and Local Dungeness Crab.” Next we enjoyed “New England Skate Wing with Candied Eggplant, Pine Nuts and Brown Butter” and “Ricotta Chick Pea Ravioli in a Parmesan Wild Mushroom Broth.” Our main dish included “Slow Coked Bacon Wrapped Pork Tenderloin with Braised Napa Cabbage and Heirloom Apples” and “Liberty Farm Duck Breast and Leg.”

The entire 5-star experience was top notch …. from the talented chef and kitchen staff, attentive and helpful restaurant employees, to the knowledgeable sommelier’s suggested dinner wine pairing. The restaurant’s ambiance was ideal. The lights were dimmed enough to create an idyllic setting, and the overall, dining atmosphere was not stuffy like other upscale restaurants.

After we finished our delicious desserts, we both agreed that this was truly one of the best meals and dining experiences we’ve ever had. To Chef Ken Frank, our evening was “simply incredible.”

The Westin Verasa Napa is highly recommended and caters to a wide variety of guests from romantic stays, family getaways or girlfriend retreats, to weddings, banquets and corporate meetings. From wonderful accommodations and service plus terrific dining, add this luxury Napa hotel to your “must stay” list.

Westin Verasa Napa
1314 McKinstry Street  Napa, CA 94559
(866) 599-6674

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.

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

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.

Sandals Resorts

The Pirates was such an overwhelmingly influential franchise, it glorified pirates (mostly of the Caribbean persuasion) and showcased the beauty of the Caribbean.

Played by Johnny Depp, Captain Jack Sparrow standing proudly on a small, sinking sailboat was the image that immediately pops into my head, when I hear or see the word, “Caribbean.” But that hardly does Sandals Vacations justice. If anything can dominate the image of Captain Sparrow, it would be Sandals.

Sandals Resorts has a global reputation for providing the most romantic vacation experience in the Caribbean. With 14 luxurious all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica, Antigua, St. Lucia, and The Bahamas, Sandals is further solidifying its reputation by offering a limited-time “Sandals Renewal of Vows” event.

The concepts of  The Sandals Renewal of Vows are simple, for each couple that reserves a stay of six nights or longer in any room category will receive a complimentary, intimate Renewal of Vows ceremony.

“A Sandals Renewal of Vows ceremony is perfectly tailored to create the ideal romantic experience and moments that will be treasured for a lifetime,” says Marsha-Ann Brown, Director of Romance, Sandals Resorts. Married couples looking to profess their love will enjoy a complimentary Renewal of Vows ceremony and reception styled by Martha Stewart that incorporates elements of the Sandals Weddings by Martha Stewart ‘Beautiful Beginnings’ theme.

Along with a Personal Vow Renewal Consultant, all Renewal of Vows ceremonies include recorded musical accompaniment, an elegant reception with chilled hors d’oeuvres and sparkling wine, as well as a Renewal of Vows Officiant and personalized commemorative certificate.

Following the festivities, couples celebrating a vow renewal at Sandals Resorts will also receive a full breakfast in bed on the morning of their choice, a romantic in-room turn down service and a 5×7 “second honeymoon” photograph and branded beach bag.

For more details on the Sandals “Renewal of Vows” package, visit www.sandals.com or call 1-877-SANDALS and mention promotion code ROV12.

The Peninsula Hong Kong

Are you looking for an ultimate rush of adrenalin and luxury, then consider the “Sky High Champagne Breakfast” experience in Hong Kong.

The Sky High Champagne Breakfast is offered by The Peninsula Hong Kong. Begin your ultra-unique experience with a delicious breakfast at the luxury hotel’s aviation themed lounge – The China Clipper.

Next it’s time to take flight as you embark on a memorable bird’s eye view tour of scenic Hong Kong in an Aerospatiale twin-engine Squirrel AS355N helicopter. You will depart right from The Peninsula’s own helipads!

This amazing opportunity will only be available until Jun of this year. Enjoy an incredible, eight-minute helicopter experience that will take around Hong Kong’s world famous skyline.

The Squirrel AS355N helicopter are equipped with wraparound windows, so you’ll get one-of-a-kind views of Hong Kong’s thriving metropolis. Take in the views and the Hong Kong’s skyscrapers, then sweep around Happy Valley with full views of the racetrack, fly over to North Point for a photo opportunity of Kowloon and Hong Kong, then make their way back for a landing atop The Peninsula.

The Peninsula Hong Kong’s new and truly extraordinary Sky High Champagne Breakfast helicopter experience, is available now through June 2012. Guests begin with breakfast at The Peninsula Hong Kong’s aviation themed lounge, The China Clipper, followed by a bird’s eye view tour of Hong Kong in an Aerospatiale twin-engine Squirrel AS355N helicopter, departing from The Peninsula’s own helipads.

The Sky High Champagne Breakfast is currently availble through 24th June 2012, on Sundays and public holidays from 9:30 am to 11:00 am, with helicopter flights taking off between 9:45 am and 10:45 am.

This luxury experience is priced at at HK$1,388 per person, and includes a glass of Champagne. For reservations or additional information, please call (852) 2315 3146 or email diningphk@peninsula.com.