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North America

North America

19 of the world's sexiest hotels

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Just two weeks after The Luxury Travel Bible issued a press release with its top 10 sexiest hotels in the world for Valentine’s, I’ve been sent an email by Tripadvisor with their own top 10 sexy hotels.  Perhaps not surprisingly, there aren’t many that are common to both lists.   Here are the two lists:

Top 10 Sexiest Hotels in the World from The Luxury Travel Bible

Andaz San Diego, San Diego, California, USA
Crazy Bear Hotel, Beaconsfield, UK
Fleming House, Goldeneye, Jamaica
Hotel Amour, Paris, France
Hotel Sezz, Paris, France
Maison Moschino, Milan
Night New York, New York, USA
The Library Hotel, New York, USA
The Palms, Las Vegas, USA
The Seven Hotel, Paris, France

Top 10 Sexy Hotels from Tripadvisor

Palmer House South Beach, Miami Beach, USA
Iron Horse Hotel, Milwaukee, USA
ME Madrid Reina Victoria, Madrid, Spain
Night Hotel, New York City, USA
Le Meridien Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand
W Hollywood, Los Angeles, USA
Axel Hotel Berlin, Berlin, Germany
Buddha-Bar Hotel, Prague, Czech Republic
Gansevoort Turks + Caicos, Providenciales, Turks and Caicos
be Manos, Brussels, Belgium

Congratulations to Night New York, the one hotel to make both lists.

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North America

Cyber Monday Sale from Starwood Hotels & Resorts

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Starwood‘s Cyber Monday Sale kicks off on Monday 29th November 2010 and will run for 5 days only, offering special rates at more than 60 of the world’s hottest resorts in premium destinations such as Mexico, Hawaii and the Caribbean. As an added incentive, on 29th November only, Starwood will offer additional extraordinary offers at some of Starwood’s most desirable resorts. These offers must be booked by 11:59 pm EST, or while inventory lasts, and represent savings of up to 50% off, with some deals as low as $99 per night.

Guests who are fans of the Starwood Preferred Guest (SPG) loyalty program on Facebook (Facebook.com/SPG), or who follow SPG on Twitter (@SPGInsider), will have insider access to the sale for six hours before the launch, beginning at 6pm EST on 28th November.

Cyber Monday rates are available for stays between 1st January and 30th April 2011.

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North America

85th anniversary for Florida's Renaissance Vinoy Resort & Golf Club

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The Renaissance Vinoy Resort & Golf Club in downtown St. Petersburg, Florida, is channeling Willy Wonka this holiday season. In celebration of its 85th anniversary on 31st December 2010, the historic property will surprise one guest each night with a Golden Ticket.

Not unlike little Charlie Bucket in “Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory,” those who find a Golden Ticket will reap the rewards – from an exquisite dinner for two at Marchand’s Bar & Grill or Fred’s Steakhouse, to a 60-minute spa treatment at the Vinoy Day Spa & Salon, to a round of golf at the private 18-hole golf course.

In addition to the Willy Wonka-inspired surprises, guests can celebrate their stays at the Vinoy with a $100 resort credit per two-night stay, and additional $50 credit per additional night.

With that credit, guests may choose to get into the holiday spirit with an edible replica of the resort, a holiday-themed history tour and more! Those who are spa-minded will love to indulge in a Peppermint Pedi, Warm Vanilla Sugar Scrub, or a Sinful Cinnamon Massage. Ahhhhh… the holidays!

The Vinoy, listed on the National Registry of Historic Places, is a gem in downtown St. Petersburg. All 361 guestrooms and suites in the seven-story hotel have recently been renovated, while maintaining the resort’s Mediterranean Revival architecture.

Those seeking a discerning, luxurious resort in St. Pete will be pleased with themselves when they select the Vinoy – especially so if they find a Golden Ticket!

Susan Barnes is a freelance writer based in Tampa, Florida.

If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

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North America

Crystal slashes prices for Mexico cruise in March 2011

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Mexico has become the land of buried treasure as luxury cruise line Crystal Cruises announces dramatic discounts for its 10-day Mexican Riviera cruise sailing round trip from Los Angeles. Departing 31st March 2011, the getaway offers new per person tiered rates at 30-45% less than previous fares: $1995 for Deluxe Outside Staterooms with large windows, $2995 for Verandah Staterooms, and $5995 and $7995 for its butler-serviced Penthouses and Penthouse Suites, respectively – plus $500 “All Inclusive – As You Wish” shipboard spending credits.

The Mexican destinations they’re visiting are really very welcoming to tourists, but negative publicity in other parts of Mexico have hurt tourism for the whole country. By offering this itinerary at such unprecedented prices, the cruise line hopes that those who have dreamed about experiencing Crystal’s ‘VIP treatment’ will be inspired to sample this convenient warm weather, winter getaway.

Sailing round-trip aboard the award-winning Crystal Symphony from easily-accessible LA, ports-of-call include San Diego; the charming villages of La Paz and Loreto; and legendary Mexican Riviera towns Cabo San Lucas, Mazatlán and Puerto Vallarta.

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North America

New vacation home on Anna Maria Island

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Mintfish is the latest and exclusive vacation home from Pineapplefish Luxury Villas on Anna Maria Island. A fantastic and luxurious 4-bedroom waterfront rental home on Anna Maria Island, Mintfish enjoys an incredible waterfront location with spectacular views across Bimini Bay. A single-storey, spacious rental, the open plan living area has large picture windows looking out across the water capturing beautiful sunrises each morning. Tropical colors, bright but calming luxury furniture and furnishings, Mintfish is a wonderful home for families and friends and consists of a master bedroom with king bed, 2 further double rooms with queen beds, and the fourth bedroom has 2 bunk beds (4 beds). The beautiful outside area, facing out toward the Bay, boasts a great sized swimming pool, with Jacuzzi, a dock and plenty of space for relaxing and entertaining, with Royal palm trees having recently been planted all around the property too.

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North America

A Luxury Travel Blog – For those who enjoy the finer things in life…

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Off & Away, a luxury hotel deals website is kicking off February 2011, the traditional month of love with gusto thanks to one of the highest-value auctions ever. The fun new auction site for travel connoisseurs seeking luxury travel experiences will auction off a special three-night stay in the ME Cancun Hotel’s Suite ME prior to Valentine’s Day. The winning bidder will receive an all-inclusive stay in the luxurious 9,757 square foot, bi-level Suite ME, home to the cast of the 22nd season of “The Real World,” for up to 10 friends and family members.

The ME Suite is the definition of luxury, offering numerous lavish features including four ocean-view bedrooms, six bathrooms, two Jacuzzis, three private balconies, a jellyfish aquarium, pool table, gourmet kitchen, bar, and much more.

This all inclusive three-night stay in the “Real World” Suite is expected to be won in February for 80-95% off the retail price, the average amount of savings won by consumers of this site and provides a great opportunity for a bachelor/bachelorette party of any group who wants to escape to the fun, sun, and luxury of a world-renowned Mexican resort.

This package is part of Off & Away’s February “Whole Lotta Love” series – specially designed auctions for betrothed couples. The other special luxury packages include an Engagement Extraordinaire, Wedding by the Sea, and Honeymoon of Romance. The “Whole Lotta Love” auctions will begin on 11th February continuing through Valentine’s Day, 14th February 2011.

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North America

Soft curves, stunning penthouses and a new concept of Mexican Caribbean luxury architecture

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El Taj Oceanfront, the luxury condo hotel that opened its doors this spring in Playa del Carmen, right on the white sand of the Mexican Caribbean coast, is known for its smooth, soft curves and natural materials, as well as for spacious condos and penthouses with private rooftops.

Sergio Segura, the celebrated Mexican architect designed the whole El Taj Oceanfront condo hotel, including the Beach Club. White curves of El Taj Oceanfront elegantly match with thatched natural rooftops, water fountains and lush vegetation. Bali-inspired exterior and interior elements add to the sense of a lush, comforting tropical paradise. Segura’s objective was to create a building that blends in with the pace, façade, culture and flavors of the Riviera Maya where it’s located by using local materials, such as wood, stone, palm tree roofs, and a lot of wild vegetation, by adjusting to the warm Caribbean climate and its beachfront location.

When it comes to interior design elements, El Taj Oceanfront features marble counter tops in kitchens and bathrooms, private terraces, the newest appliances, private elevators serving only two units, hurricane resistant window glass, Jacuzzis, private rooftop showers, as well as artwork imported from Bali, among many other things. Top-floor penthouses are especially stunning, as they offer sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea from the spacious living rooms, and access to private rooftops with large outdoor Jacuzzis, BBQ grills, dining tables and outdoor showers. Penthouses can be used for private parties, anniversaries and even smaller wedding receptions.

As for the amenities, the development is only be a block away from a world-class gym, inspired and built by Vito Errico, the original founder of the famous Equinox sports clubs in the US, two upscale restaurants, a Spa and a Health Café.

Only steps away, there is the famous pedestrian 5th avenue with the convenience of the best restaurants, nightlife and shopping.

The luxury condos are available for vacation rentals and also for sale. The rates at El Taj Oceanfront condo hotel start at $230 per night per 1 bedroom condo and $470 per night per 2 bedroom penthouse during low season.

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North America

Making the most of a short break in New York

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New York is definitely one city where you need to live the experience rather than rush around a lot of attractions, especially if you’re only there for a few days. But that’s easier said than done if you don’t have a native New Yorker to help you out. Well, don’t worry, our guide will give you an exciting morning to evening itinerary.

Breakfast

Americans really know how to do breakfast, and if you choose one of the more substantial dishes (they’re all pretty substantial, to be honest) you won’t need to eat again till the evening. The amazing Pastis in the meatpacking district is a great place for a week day breakfast or brunch, serving classics such as eggs Benedict, pancakes, and, amazingly, a full English breakfast.

Paradou, again in the meatpacking district, is the perfect choice for relaxed weekend brunch, with Champagne cocktails coming as part of the deal. Prepare to be fed well, with dishes such as ‘the best burger in town’ and Duck Reuben – an enormous duck sandwich served with baked potato.

If you want a real American diner experience, the Hudson Diner on Hudson Street has a million different breakfast varieties and a warm, traditional American vibe.

Daytime attractions

OK, we said we weren’t going to do the big tourist sites, but really, you can’t miss the Empire State Building. Not only does it have the best view of New York, it’s also an art deco masterpiece from the city’s golden era. Pretend you’re Fay Wray as you cling to the viewing deck at the very top. Be warned, though, that the queues can be immense, so give yourself plenty of time. You can skip some of those queues if you buy your tickets online (available through various outlets).

You will probably want to go to a couple of museums. We’d recommend the Museum of Modern Art, otherwise known as MoMA, which is roughly New York’s equivalent of London’s Tate Modern. MoMA houses a huge range of modern artefacts, from architecture and design to media and performance art. Special exhibitions will cost more, so check online to see what’s on.

The Metropolitan Museum of Art is a more imposing affair, and something akin to the National Gallery in London or the British Museum. The collection contains Egyptian, Greek and Roman art, mediaeval art, costume and modern American art. Again, you can buy tickets for special exhibitions online.

Take a stroll

If it’s a beautiful New York day (and it may well be, even in winter) then take a walk around some of New York’s most beautiful districts. To see the city at its iconic best walk across Brooklyn Bridge and take in the entire skyline. If you want an inner city, Breakfast at Tiffany’s type experience then wander around the East and West Village, perhaps stopping at the famous Magnolia Bakery for cup cakes.

Of course you’ll want to visit Central Park. Be careful though, it is enormous and will take a while to get across. If you want to pretend you’re a real New Yorker you can take a run around the reservoir, or take a boat out on the lake.

Shopping

Are you on a budget or prepared to splurge? If you’re on a budget try bargain hunting around Chinatown, and while you’re there, help yourself to some authentic dim sum. If you’re after something more stylish then head for Fifth Avenue for the full designer experience, or SoHo for a mix of designer outlets and inexpensive, independent boutiques.

Dinner

New York, like any big city, has a huge range of top quality restaurants and you’ll probably have a great dining experience in any district. A few restaurants that stand out are Buddakan, which featured in the first Sex and the City movie and which serves up delicious and delicate Asian fusion food. Another is Gotham Grill, serving classic American and international dishes.

Matt Walls is the Senior Director of Marketing at Hotels.com.

If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

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North America

Alaska cruise amongst the Aurora Borealis

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For once, me and my travel partner decided, we would explore some new territory. As our season for vacations approached, we looked at the overwhelming trend of our past vacations: island hopping in the Pacific Rim, island hopping in the Caribbean, long stays in the Mediterranean and all of the surrounding countries. We had done all of these trips several times. Although they were all wonderful places and experiences, we felt like going to a completely foreign, almost untouched destination. To our surprise, our deliberations whittled down to one place: Alaska.

Although we both are American and speak English, Alaska sounded like one of the most foreign places we could travel to. With the numerous options different cruise lines offer, it wasn’t difficult to fill out our plans to see glaciers, whales, the frontier and the Aurora Borealis. We chose a relaxing, luxurious cruise with generous dabs of exciting scenery and experiences.

Frankly, I was surprised at the level of quality and personal experience this vacation offered. Because of the nature of cruising in Alaska, many of the ships in the line are smaller. This makes the experience far more intimate. Our suite (and almost everyone else) had a private balcony and exquisite furnishings. Like most luxury cruises, everything was included. But the fare aboard this ship was truly top notch. I often find that most cruise lines offer meals that measure up to decent catering service standards, but rarely exceed it. Well, this cruise did. Naturally, being in salmon country, there were some exceptional meals of this country’s most famous indigenous fare.

Our fees included unlimited shore excursions. We got to explore Grouse Mountain by tram in Vancouver, native art and totem poles in Katchikan, and heard the “white thunder” of crashing ice in the Hubbard glacier. For anyone interested in wildlife, I would highly recommend planning your trip according to the wildlife that you want to see. There are certain times of the year to get a look at particular groups of wildlife and scenery. The spring and summer are great times to catch the various whale migrations, and a number of smaller vessels specialize in whale watching tours. Conversely, the best times for seeing the Aurora Borealis is in the winter.

For all of the spectacular amenities aboard the cruise, and all the amazing sights and experiences that there are in the wild Alaskan frontier and water ways, there was one thing that stood out for me. By far, the most spectacular thing I experienced happened almost at the end of our journey on a warm, calm night. Even though it was summer, the Aurora Borealis blessed us with her dancing vivid presence. I won’’t soon forget the dazzling image of the Northern Lights dancing about us on one of the most spectacular vacations yet.

Carol Atkins is a Group Travel Leader with YMT Vacations.

If you would like to be a guest blogger on A Luxury Travel Blog in order to raise your profile, please contact us.

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