August 12, 2008
Laps of Luxury
Get a seat trackside at the world’s first-ever twilight Formula One Grand Prix from the rooftop viewing decks of the Fullerton Hotel in Singapore. Guests staying in suites will have access to the hotel’s rooftop viewing platform, which offers sweeping views of the Singapore River as well as the entire 61-lap F1 circuit. Other extras include a champagne and cocktail reception on the roof on qualifying and race days, access to the hotel’s full-service spa, limo transportation to and from the hotel to Singapore’s Changi Airport, and a daily champagne buffet breakfast at the hotel’s Town restaurant. Packages from September 25 through the 28―race days―require a minimum stay of four nights, inclusive of both dates, and start at $1,500 per person, per night. (www.fullertonhotel.com)
—Alexandra Foster
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July 29, 2008
Get Ready to Tee Off and Enjoy a Cigar
Cigar-loving golfers mark your calendars for the upcoming 10th anniversary of the Montecristo Cup Charity Pro-Am held at Casa de Campos on the southeastern coast of the Dominican Republic. On December 3-7, about 100 amateur golfers are invited to join Champions Tour pros and play a tournament round on each of Casa de Campos resort’s three Pete Dye-designed courses, including the famed Teeth of the Dog course. Participants will also meet master cigar maker José Seijas, who will lead a tour of Tabacalera de Garcia, where Montecristo and other luxury cigars are made. Other amenities include four nights’ lodging at Casa de Campos, meals (including gourmet dinners), a pairings party, and a gala awards banquet. Perhaps most appealing, however, will be unlimited offers of Montecristo cigars. Proceeds from the event will benefit the victims of hurricanes in the Caribbean and elsewhere. Reservations are on a first come, first served basis, and the price is $5,250, not including airfare or a non-playing spouse. (800.210.2783, www.montecristocup.com)
―Jessica Taylor
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July 15, 2008
Turkish Indulgence
No Turkish experience is complete without visiting a traditional bath. While many luxury hotels attempt to provide the Turkish bath experience, the hammams at the Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at Bosphorus are the real thing. The 22,605 square-foot spa blends ancient bath traditions such as the use of attar (essences) of rose, pine, sandalwood, and lemon with modern spa technology like underwater music in a sky-lit, pillared pool. The hotel occupies a former 19th-century Ottoman palace with immaculately landscaped gardens, a heated outdoor pool, and a dock that offers private boat access for guests traveling between the hotel at Bosphorus and its sister location at Sultanahmet. Suites start at $1,000 per night, and its grand Atik Pasha Suite is $18,000 per night. (90.212.381.40.00, www.fourseasons.com/bosphorus)
—Jessica DiMarco
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July 1, 2008
An Oasis Opens in Vegas
Ancient takes a contemporary twist at the Palms Place Hotel and Spa in Las Vegas. Here, the hotel’s 50,000-square-foot Drift Spa offers a modern, lavish—and coed—hammam (a Turkish bathhouse) that contains an oversized heated stone slab at its golden-hue core. Guests can lie or sit while inhaling aromatic, ambient steam for cleansing and renewal. A hot pool with underwater-jetted beds, a cool dip pool with a waterfall, and outdoor garden rinse showers provide in-between and finishing touches. The spa also provides more traditional treatments, such as hot-stone massage, ashiatsu massage, herbology, aromatherapy, and bio-energetic medicine. (866.942.7773, www.palmsplace.com)
—Debra Ryono
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June 17, 2008
Tee Time
The Gleneagles Hotel in Perthshire, Scotland, is offering golf lovers the chance to learn from one of the most legendary players in the game, on the course that will play host to the 2014 Ryder Cup. Colin Montgomerie, winner of seven consecutive European Tour of Merit titles, has agreed to conduct a private three-hour clinic this fall. The clinic is part of a hotel package that runs from October 23 to 29 and includes six nights in a Gleneagles classic room, five rounds of golf at any of Gleneagles’ three courses, cocktails and a gala dinner complete with Scottish bagpipers, a whiskey tasting, and a body massage. If guests require more golf, the hotel can arrange for transportation to nearby St. Andrews Old Course, while non-golfers can indulge in the resort’s new luxury spa. The six-night package is $6,295 per person. (800.828.8768) ―Alexandra Foster
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June 3, 2008
Pure Luxury
Groves of bamboo and myriad water walls along an indoor corridor welcome guests at the Ritz-Carlton Spa, Kapalua on Maui. The peaceful and purifying presence of water is the theme of the 17,500-square-foot, 15-room oasis. More specifically, the philosophy of the spa is centered on waihua, or water captured by the leaves of the taro plant, which ancient Hawaiians believed to be the purest form of water. Appropriately, most of the treatment rooms feature outdoor shower gardens, and spa treatments include lomilomi massage, and pineapple/papaya- or kukui/coconut-scented aromatherapy massage Even working out here is calming: The spa’s 24-hour fitness center, which offers yoga and Pilates classes, overlooks the beautiful Pacific. (800.262.8440, www.ritzcarlton.com)
―Debra Ryono
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May 20, 2008
Indulge Your Senses
Six Senses Destination Spa in Thailand is premiering a modern immersion into healthy living and complete luxury relaxation this June. Located on the island of Naka Yai, ten minutes from Phuket, the spa features holistic concepts derived from Chinese, Indian, Indonesian, and Thai treatments transformed for the contemporary traveler. Six Senses Phuket is made up of 68 luxury pool villas and suites and offers a range of fitness activities, spa cuisine, and wellness education so guests can truly relax in a natural setting. The sophisticated, refreshing cuisine is based on a combination of local seafood and organically grown produce enhanced by Asian herbs. Six Senses also includes unique edible landscaping. Guests can pick fruits and vegetables from the property for the chef to prepare in the interactive earth kitchen. In addition, the raw food restaurant on the peninsula’s tip offers a phenomenal view of Phang Nga Bay. (+ 66.76.371.418, reservations-naka@sixsenses.com)
―Alyson Gerber
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May 6, 2008
Privacy and Pampering in the Yucatan
The newly opened Mandarin Oriental in Riviera Maya, Mexico is situated on a 26-acre secluded paradise set between white beaches and a tropical jungle with protected mangrove reserves and a deep freshwater reservoir sacred to the ancient Mayans. Within the secluded setting is a 25,000-square-foot holistic spa that combines Mayan philosophy with Asian-rooted healing. The contemporary-style bungalows and two-story villas feature individual terraces or gardens with the option of a private plunge pool. In addition, the Mandarin offers active vacationers beachfront water sports: kayaking, snorkeling, and deep-sea fishing, and a private pier for yachts and sailboats. Ambar, the Mandarin’s signature restaurant, is influenced by refined Mexican and Asian cuisine, and just outside there is a stylish scene at M-bar. For panoramic ocean views and the freshest catch of the day, do not miss beach-club dining at Aguamarina. (800.526.6566, www.mandarinoriental.com)
―Alyson Gerber
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April 22, 2008
Around the World in Luxury
In celebration of its 80th anniversary, the Leading Hotels of the World is offering a $1 million trip around the world in 28 days with stays in the hotel group’s most opulent hotels and resorts, private air transportation, and customized luxury experiences throughout the journey. Starting in London, the “Around the World in 80 Ways” trip follows the journey taken by Phileas Fogg in the Jules Verne classic Around the World in 80 Days. From London, the trip continues on to Paris, Dubai, Mumbai, Jaipur, Udaipur, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Honolulu, San Francisco, Chicago, and New York. Each private excursion is customized to satisfy the individual desires of the guests throughout the 28-day vacation. Highlights include a camel safari in Dubai (image shown); dinner at Le Jules Verne restaurant in the Eiffel Tower; and a stay at Rambagh Palace in Jaipur with rejuvenation therapies in the tented spa and a private visit to the Gem Palace to see the jewels of the maharajas. The bonus: 10 percent of the cost of the trip will be donated to the Elton John AIDS Foundation. (212.515.5704)
―Jill Newman
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April 8, 2008
City Chic and Country Charm
Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco and Meadowood Napa Valley have teamed up to provide the best of the city and country in a four-day getaway replete with customized dining and wine experiences. The package, which starts at $4,600 depending upon room choice, begins with two nights in a suite overlooking the San Francisco Bay at the Mandarin Oriental (shown), where guests are served a chef’s dinner and wine pairing at Silks restaurant. Then it’s off to wine country for two days in a Meadowood Napa Valley suite with a private deck, tranquil views, and fireplace, and a four-course meal with wines expertly paired in the Restaurant at Meadowood. The Town & Country getaway also includes a personal one-hour wine tasting of cabernet sauvignons with Meadowood’s sommelier, spa treatments, and extra amenities at both locales. The package is available through December 22, 2008. (Mandarin Oriental, San Francisco 415.276.9888; Meadowood Napa Valley 707.963.3646)
―Jill Newman
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March 25, 2008
Tee Time at Half Moon
The Half Moon resort in Rose Hall, Jamaica, recently completed a two-year renovation of its renowned golf course, which includes newly aligned, multiple tee complexes, and a repositioned fairway to maximize its majestic views of white sandy beaches and the Caribbean Sea (shown). Renovated by golf architect Roger Rulewich, the course was modernized to satisfy both the avid and casual golfer, and its Golf Academy was also updated. The resort, which has 13 lit tennis courts, an equestrian center, and a Dolphin Lagoon among numerous features, recently opened the $4 million Fern Tree, The Spa at Half Moon, offering hydrotherapy pools, yoga pavilions, and therapeutic and healing spa treatments. (www.halfmoon.com)
―Jill Newman
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March 11, 2008
A Golden Opportunity
The renowned Golden Door Spa, which marks its 50th anniversary this year, has created a new program for time-crunched individuals who want to experience this venue but don’t have seven days to dedicate to treatments. The new Spa Interlude Program offers three- and four-day versions of the spa’s signature package, which will be available exclusively in July, August, and December of 2008. The Golden Door philosophy balances rest and revitalization with the option of mountain hikes, fitness sessions, and Labyrinth meditation classes. Daily massages, Szekely herbal wraps, and beauty treatments―staples of the classic seven-day experience―ensure a pampered retreat. Additionally, the organic garden provides produce to enhance the healthy cuisine. Limited to 40 guests per session, the Spa Interlude Program is $3,626 for three days and $4,725 for four. (800.424.0777, www.GoldenDoor.com)
―Alyson Gerber
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February 26, 2008
Trump in the Windy City
Those in the Windy City have experienced Trump style firsthand with the recent opening of Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago. A vision of Donald Trump himself, the 92-story building featuring floor to ceiling windows offers an encompassing view of Lake Michigan, the Chicago River, and skyline. The Spa floor will be unveiled in March with 53 guest rooms and a lineup of treatments to help revitalize visitors. Other amenities include Rebar for cocktails with expansive river views, the restaurant Sixteen under chef Frank Brunacci, and Trump Health Club’s 75-foot-long heated swimming pool. If a short stay isn’t enough, the Tower also offers 486 residences. (312.588.8000, www.trumpchicagohotel.com)
―Alyson Gerber
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February 12, 2008
Luxurious on the Western Front
Small Luxury Hotels (SLH), a collection of more than 400 independent hotels in more than 65 countries, has recently added another western gem to its hotelier crown. The Teton Springs Lodge & Spa in Victor, Idaho, is currently undergoing a two-phase renovation as a means of accepting its inclusion into the SLH family. “We are ecstatic to have such a terrific property as our first in Idaho,” says SLH CEO, Paul Kerr. “With its blend of luxurious western style and hospitality, Teton Springs exemplifies our finest characteristics.” Indeed, with numerous all-season, outdoor-activity options and with the recent completion of phase I, which incorporated 52 new rooms and suites, an 18-hole championship golf course, and a 5,000-square-foot spa, Teton Springs Lodge & Spa is sure to complement the already-extensive SLH collection. Phase II will be completed later this year, integrating additional rooms, dining options, and a meeting space.
—Bailey S. Barnard
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January 29, 2008
Have It All, While Getting Away From It All
For the month of February, the Bernardus Lodge, tucked away in California’s picturesque Carmel Valley, is offering a luxury five-night getaway package for wine lovers. Couples are given the spa suite situated on the sprawling Bernardus Winery with special offerings that include unlimited spa treatments, a private winery tour with wine director Mark Jensen, a “best wines of the century” 10-course tasting dinner at the renowned restaurant Marinus, golf at its Jack Nicklaus-designed golf course, and a personalized shopping spree at nearby Carmel Plaza. The holiday concludes with a farewell dinner in the wine cellar of Marinus hosted by the lodge’s general manager Mike Oprish. The package, which can be customized to satisfy a client’s preferences, starts at $50,000, and is available through the month of February. (831.658.3400, www.bernardus.com)
―Alexandra Foster
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January 15, 2008
Rooms with a View
London’s legendary Dorchester hotel has refurbished three of its most luxurious penthouse suites, each with a private outdoor terrace offering sweeping views of Hyde Park. Designed by New York-based Alexandra Champalimaud, the lavish rooms infuse 1930s glamour with contemporary touches and employ rich materials like mahogany, pleated silk, and Calacatta oro marble. In addition to traditional butler service and state-of-the-art technology, each of the suites includes a dressing room, dining room, and study. While each suite provides roomy outdoor space, with al fresco dining upon request, the Terrace Suite is a true oasis from the hustle of the city below―it features a Zen stone water feature that houses koi and a dramatic topiary. Prices start at $5,120 per night. (800.727.9820, www.thedorchester.com)
―Alexandra Foster
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January 2, 2008
Pampered in India
INDIA in LUXURY is a chance to explore this exotic land with the sense of an independent traveler, but under the meticulous guidance of an experienced tour. Organized by the Oberoi Hotels and Resorts, INDIA in LUXURY offers different itinerary options that highlight the diversity of the country including a visit to Rajasthan, replete with stops at palaces, forts, and temples; a stay at the famous tiger reserve of Ranthambhore; and a tour through the colorful deserts and majestic Himalayas. Each trip is guided by a Luxury Experience Manager, who discreetly manages the details and arrangements while expert guides are enlisted at each locale to introduce travelers to history, culture, and regional cuisine. Guests can absorb a customized experience suited to their personal interests and enjoy Oberoi’s acclaimed service and holistic spa treatments. Depending on the length of the trip, costs range from $7,580 to $17,190 per guest. (800.562.3764, www.oberoihotels.com/indiainluxury)
―Aly Gerber
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December 18, 2007
A Grand Place for Golfers
The Grand Del Mar, a newly opened luxury resort, is a big draw for golfers: It has the only 18-hole Tom Fazio-designed golf course in the San Diego area. Nestled between the coastal community of Del Mar and Rancho Santa Fe, developer Douglas Manchester spent $300 million to purchase and transform the resort into a palatial destination with four swimming pools, a 21,000-square-foot spa and fitness club, and all the amenities expected with a grand hotel. Designed in the style of Addison Mizner, the architectural visionary responsible for the Palm Beach and Boca Raton, Florida, resort communities of the 1920s, the hotel features 31 luxury suites starting at $770 to $5,500. Private and fractional ownership of villas are also available. (858.314.2000, www.thegranddelmar.com)
—Alexandra Foster
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December 11, 2007
Southern Comforts
For gentlemen hailing from any region, the Ritz-Carlton, Reynolds Plantation on Lake Oconee in Greensboro, Georgia, offers a taste of true southern comfort. The four-day, three-night “Southern Gentlemen” package includes a bass-fishing expedition, a round of American-style skeet shooting, 18 holes of golf on the Rees Jones-designed Oconee course, and a steak dinner. Kelt XO cognac and an AVO No. 2 cigar cap off the experience. This men-only escape is based on double occupancy, provides lake-view accommodations, and starts at $719 per night. (706.467.0600, www.ritzcarlton.com)
—Bailey S. Barnard
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December 4, 2007
Crus Cruise Cruising to Burgundy’s Finest
Orient-Express has introduced the Semaine des Grands Crus, a weeklong cruise aboard the luxury barge Napoléon celebrating the 33 Grands Crus wines of France’s Burgundy region. The intimate experience, available to just 12 guests, includes wine tastings, classes, and meals created by a Cordon Bleu chef while traversing the canals of Burgundy. The lavish journey begins in the French countryside town of Macon, where passengers are welcomed onto the magnificent barge with a Champagne reception. There are tours of four exclusive vineyards including Joseph Drouhin, the Drouhn-Laroze estate, and Domaine Pinsot, as well as a visit to the distinguished capital of this wine region, Beaune. The $6,200-per-person charge includes round-trip train travel from Paris. (800.524.2420, www.orient-express.com)
—Aly Gerber
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November 20, 2007
Spa Adventure
Adventure seekers who also desire pampering can combine the two at the new luxury adventure spa Tierra Atacama Hotel and Spa, slated to open in February in San Pedro de Atacama, Chile. The 32-room luxury resort offers rigorous wildlife expeditions, such as climbing volcano ascents, demanding mountain biking tours, and nighttime astronomical adventures for some of the world’s best star-gazing. After a day of demanding expeditions, guests can indulge at the Uma Spa for an array of treatments that incorporate the local elements, including lithium-rich salt flats and volcanic mud, which are used in massages, body wraps and scrubs. Daily rates start at $330 per person. (800.829.5325, www.tierraatacama.com)
- Alexandra Foster
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November 1, 2007
Sleep Is on the Menu
For those who have trouble sleeping in any bed but their own, the Fairmont Washington, D.C., has just the ticket. The Sleep Concierge program, for Fairmont Gold members, offers the Sleep Menu, which includes such somnolent amenities as an in-room 15-minute neck massage, a 30-minute yoga class, rose petals and lavender candles for the bath, and a silk eye pillow or teddy bear to help bring on the Zs. Items range from $8 to $30 each and will be delivered promptly to any guest who doesn’t want to count sheep. (202.429.2400, 800.257.7544, www.fairmont.com)
—Alexandra Foster
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November 1, 2007
The French Are Coming…to Miami
French pampering is coming to Miami with the opening of Guerlain’s new deluxe spa at the Regent Bal Harbour in North Miami Beach. The 10,000-square-foot spa will have 15 treatment rooms, and services will be available to both hotel guests and day visitors. The array of customized services will be delivered only after a guest has filled out a Spa Therapy Questionnaire, which therapists then use to create an individualized beauty and wellness program. The must-have facial: the signature two-hour Orchidée Impériale for $390. (800.545.4000, www.regenthotels.com/BalHarbour)
—Alexandra Foster
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November 1, 2007
New Casitas at Marquis Los Cabos Beach Resort
Marquis Los Cabos Resort has introduced 10 renovated oceanfront casitas on its luxurious beachfront property in Los Cabos, Mexico. Located at the tip of Cabo San Lucas, where the Sea of Cortez and the Pacific Ocean meet, the casitas provide spectacular ocean views, and packages include use of a private butler, personal Hummer for transport and exploring, a wet bar, hydro-massage tub, and a separate shower room. Two-story casitas feature dramatic rooftop plunge pools, and start at $920 a night. (877.238.9399, www.marquisloscabos.com)
— Alexandra Foster
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