Luxury Travels Worldwide. VIP, First class tours.

Holidays in Cornwall

2011-10-13T16:00:00.003+01:00

The UK’s southernmost county of Cornwall is perhaps the most mysterious and beautiful corner of the British Isles. A ruggedly picturesque peninsula, its coastline touches upon the English Channel and Atlantic Ocean to its south, the Irish Sea to the north and is bordered to the east by the county of Devon.

From Time immemorial it was an ancient Celtic stronghold of the Bronze Age that pre-dated the Roman invasion of Britain. Its gentle fields and rugged moors still hide in them, remnants of an age so far past and forgotten that much of it refuses to offer up historical explanation. Stone circles, druidic rituals and sunken castles remain intact only as skeletal shadows of the British Isles Neolithic period when it was nothing more than an obscure and barely known land mass to the north of Europe, inhabited by people with terrible Legends and harsh gods that scared the Classical civilizations of the continent to its bones.

People and culture - Cornwall remains, as it has done for millennia, a place that is detached from the rest of the British Isles both geographically and to a large degree, culturally. Here the seasonal Pagan rites and rituals of old are still maintained by many of the Cornish with such a natural ardour that to ask them if they still believed in such things would be to miss the point entirely. They do this simply because it is what they have always done. Periods relating to the earth’s equinox along with the Winter solstice that have long been forgotten throughout the rest of the UK, are a staple of the Cornish calendar and any visitors to the county during these times will be warmly welcomed to join in the festivities.

Cornish people themselves have also long maintained a certain distance from the governing forces of Great Britain, and whilst not officially recognized, many Cornish lay claim to their land as a separate entity and worthy of the devolution granted to the other nations that make up the union of the United Kingdom.

Holidays in Cornwall - The thing that is at first most apparent to any visitor to Cornwall is its understated beauty. There are no wild untamed mountain ranges and precipices of the dazzling variety that Wales and Scotland possess and its countryside is not the patchwork of picture perfect Englishness found in rural counties to the South West of the country. Cornwall’s charm lies in its remote villages and wild moors that touch the coastlines north to south, and in the real life water colours of fishing harbors that are dotted along its bays and inlets.

A holiday in Cornwall can be a remarkably contrasting experience. Bed and Breakfasts can be found in every corner of the county from the stormy cliff face of the United Kingdom’s most southerly point at Land’s End, to the small town immortalized in the old English nursery rhyme about a traveller on the road to St Ives, and along the north coast to the British surfing mecca of Newquay. There is a wide and varied spectrum of choices available from the more antiquated and remote country cottages that are run by couples and families to more sophisticated lodgings in larger towns that offer luxurious rooms and fine dining to their visitors.

Wherever you choose you spend time in this unique corner of the British Isles and whatever it is you choose to do whilst there, you are certain to be left with an experience that will leave you with the feeling that one day soon, you will wish to return again to Cornwall. 'A range of Cornish bed and breakfasts or private rented holiday apartments can be found through wimdu.co.uk'.

Travel and Food: Speciality Food Show, UK

2011-09-30T14:28:00.004+01:00

One event I went to a couple of weeks ago and which travel and food lovers would have enjoyed - and which you might want to come to London for next year is the Speciality Food Show. I am not sure about you but when I travel, I find that food is a great way to take in a part of the local culture and a country such as Italy for example, with different unique foods in every town.

Speciality Food Show - There is a big market in the UK for speciality food and drink and the Speciality Food show is amongst the leading events in the industry. The event, held at Olympia in London, is not only a superb day out for those who work within the industry, it is also one of the most important events in terms of progressing within the field by experiencing a host of products and knowledge in one place.

Undoubtedly the best feature of the Speciality Food show is the opportunity to meet with such a large number of suppliers and manufacturers, as one of the key concepts of a successful speciality food business is to be able to offer a variety of good quality specialist foods. The exhibition stands here are filled with people from both ends of this spectrum, with businesses looking to source new products and manufacturers looking to maximise the commercial outlets for their products. These exhibitors travel to the show from around the UK as well as the rest of the world and encompass the whole range of service providers involved in the industry, including restaurateurs and delicatessens.

Visiting this show is an opportunity to keep yourself a breadth will all of the latest issues and developments in the industry, as well as to gain access to specialist marketing advice to help you to maximise exposure of your business to the target markets. Visitors to the show can network with others whilst sampling the foods which could potentially set the basis for the continued success of their business.

A very quick mention for our friends over in Cairo who also love food and travel and have just started the Egypt holiday and travel site for thos of you interested in Egypt. If you are interested in Egypt and belly dance then world belly dance can also be worth visiting by the way. If you are a food buff, you might also enjoy our previous post on French culture and food.

The sights and sounds of Central Park

2011-04-06T16:40:00.002+01:00

Central Park is a full of activity throughout the year, and you will always find something to do or see, no matter when you visit this NYC hotspot. Although officially a park, Central Park is more than just an expanse of greenery where you can relax; it has theatres and food stalls, and holds open air concerts, exhibitions and art shows.

One of the most interesting things to do in Central Park is to watch a Shakespeare in the Park show, which has free entry and is held at the Delacorte Theatre. Some of the most popular plays held here include Romeo and Juliet, A Midsummer Night's Dream and Macbeth. However, do remember that although entry is free, you will have to pick up the tickets in advance of the show. Other activities that you can enjoy there include summer chess matches and musical performances held all over the park.

The Great Lawn in Central Park is the site for most the open air concerts and these include opera performances. Other interesting sights include the Turtle Pond, the World War I memorial, fountains, some interesting looking red gates, Central Park SummerStage, Lenon’s Strawberry Fields memorial, Shakespeare Garden, Belvedere Castle and the Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis Reservoir.

You can also buy one of the infamous NYC hotdogs, pretzels, hamburgers or pizzas here as the Park features several eateries and cafes. Depending on when you visit the park, you may find a gaggle of Canadian geese that have migrated there. If you want something more upmarket food wise, there are a number of classy restaurants on the West side of the park and not shortage of good cafes and bars.

Depending on when you are visiting Central Park, you can enjoy a host of activities. For instance, during the winter, the Park features an ice skating rink, while during the fall, its lawns become a natural exhibition are of foliage and colour. Central Park also hosts events and festivals throughout the year, which includes the Central Park Film Festival held on an annual basis, marathons and philharmonic concerts. The classical concerts are a particular favourite of mine and on a good summer’s day, sat in the park with some great music and views of the skyline, are wonderful. You can find more information on travel to New York City from New York Culture.

The Best things about French culture

2011-03-14T00:10:00.003Z

France has a unique and strong culture, and as anyone who has visited France will tell you, the French take their culture very seriously. I have visited France several times on both business and pleasure and have enjoyed my dealings with the French while making some interesting observations about their culture.

One of the best things about French culture is the cuisine, which favours rich sauces and unique methods of cooking. Tourists are sure to enjoy their meals here whether it is a small snack at a café or full course meal in a reputed French restaurant.

The French take their food seriously and as a result, you can expect to get food cooked under a high standard of excellence. You can also expect a long lunch break, in fact you are expected to take time over your food to savour and enjoy it.

Another thing I enjoy about the French culture is that almost every café and little street side eatery serves wine, which is supposed to accompany a meal. It is also part of the French culture to observe dining etiquette.

Fashion and style have always been a part of the region’s culture and as a result you can expect some of the best design houses to have a base in the region. This is a great place to shop and if you like to dress - this is a country that will appreciate your sense of style.

The French are also very open-minded and this includes their attitudes about love and romance. Romance is very much a part of their culture and this is seen in their art and history. However, the French are also experts on not mixing business with pleasure and believe in keeping their private lives separate from business. The French are also big on punctuality which is another great thing about their culture.

If you are planning to visit France soon, Air France are worth checking for flights and Paris apartments one option for affordable accommodation.

Places to catch on camera in Paris, France

2011-02-11T18:06:00.005Z

One of my favourite things to do when I am travelling is taking unusual pictures of popular landmarks. I find that this is one of the bets ways of cataloguing my travels and creating pictures that I will always remember. If you are in Paris and want to take some memorable pictures on camera, there are hundreds of places that you can visit, but it would be advisable to start with these.

1. The Eiffel Tower – Catching the Eiffel Tower on camera should be first one your list of place s in Paris to photograph. You can take good pictures of the Eiffel tower from the base of the monument and also from the top where you will get a great view of the city.

2. Sacre Coeur Basilica – A picture of the Sacre Coeur Basilica will only be beaten by a photograph of the view from the top of this building, which will give you a panoramic view of the city and the Paris sky.

3. Disneyland – This is yet another exciting place to catch on camera and you are sure to get a lot of pictures of happy memories ion this place. This is especially advisable if you are travelling with children.

4. Arc de Triomphe – The Arc de Triomphe is one of Paris’ most popular monuments and you must get this on camera. You will also be able to capture some good shots of the Champs-Elysees and the Tuileries Gardens which are located close by.

5. Rue Cler Market - If you want some pictures of a vibrant and colourful Paris, visit the Rue Cler market, which is a local street market where you can see flowers, fruits, vegetables and French bread being sold in abundance.

6. The Louvre – After the movie the Da Vinci Code was released, the Louvre has become even more popular than it has already been. Take a picture of the glass pyramid and the front building to remember your trip here.

You can find cheap flights to Paris and budget Paris apartments online.

4 sights every discerning traveller should see in Cyprus

2011-01-11T17:29:00.002Z

The following is a guest post from James Agate, the author behind the Love Cyprus blog.
Cyprus is a Mediterranean island that’s well worth visiting – stunning views, beautiful beaches lapped by azure waters and a rich cultural heritage with plenty of sights to see. It is often labelled the year round island thanks to the pleasantly warm winters and scorching hot summers.

January is, for the discerning traveller, the perfect time to see Cyprus. It is largely deserted by the ‘usual’ tourists and the dip in temperature makes being active much easier on your body. Here are 4 sights every world luxury traveller should see.

1. The traditional harbour at Agios Georgios - The picturesque village of Agios Georgios is located West of Paphos and the harbour is simply stunning; crystal clear waters gently rock the many wooden fishing boats, stay for a drink and watch the sunset over the bay. If you’ve got the cash to splash, get yourself a villa on the new uber-luxury development Cap St Georges which is being built on the seafront at Agios Georgios overlooking the historic Yeronisos island where Cleopatra is said to have once visited.

2. The Akamas peninsula - Known as the jewel of Cyprus, this breathtakingly beautiful area is unique. It’s unique because it is the only coastal area of Cyprus not to have been spoiled by mass tourism. Locals have, for 20 years, petitioned the Cypriot authorities to declare the area a national park but unfortunately the Government has yet to make a decision – making this a fragile beauty that has to be seen before it’s too late.

3. The Zenobia wreck off the coast of Larnaca - The real diving gem of Cyprus and a true hotspot for divers worldwide. The cargo ship capsized nearly 30 years ago taking over 100 lorries, a selection of industrial machinery and livestock. The nature of the wreck attracts novice and expert divers alike because of the wide variety of underwater sites to be seen and the relatively shallow depths required to see the Zenobia.

4. Yioulou valley in Western Cyprus - This region of the island is at its peak around January/February because the almond trees (for which the valley is famous) begin to blossom creating a sight that has to be seen to be truly appreciated.

These are just 4 of the incredible sights and attractions that Cyprus has to offer. Cyprus is one of those islands that if you are given the chance, you should visit on a number of occasions just so that you get the chance to take it all in.

3 Islands to Consider for Luxury Travel

2010-12-17T20:14:00.003Z

The best way to relax and have fun is to take a luxury vacation to one of the Bahamas Islands or Bora Bora or one of the Greek Islands, especially if you are in a romantic mood and want to spend some quality time with your significant other. These exciting islands are veritable paradises for those who love all types of water sports, marine life and nature.

The Bahamas - The Bahamas are a collection of 700 exotic islands with beaches of pure white sand and you will find the locals to be just as welcoming as the warm turquoise waters of the seas. When you want a break from swimming and diving, you can head over to the straw markets of the Bahamas to purchase beautiful works of local art, ceramics and handicrafts. The Bahamas are a great vacation destination if you love snorkelling, sailing, swimming, golfing, outdoor activities, nightlife and shopping.

Bora Bora - The tropic island of Bora Bora lies in the Pacific Ocean and located at a distance of 2,600 miles from Hawaii, it forms part of the French Polynesia. Featuring dazzling blue water and a couple of towering peaks of black rock, Bora Bora is the most popular island in the world. The fact that the island is associated with mystery, romance and legend adds to its charm. You can windsurf, scuba dive, jet ski, laze on the sands, swim and shop in Bora Bora.

Santorini - If you are dreaming of lazing on warm sun-kissed sands, you should consider a visit to one of the Greek Islands, such as the Island of Santorini, which features warm turquoise waters. This romantic place features unique landscapes, colourful scenery and interesting architecture and offers a rich nightlife and plenty of shopping centres. The Island of Santorini is a great place to get married in or to have your honeymoon.

5 Best places to go for a Yoga Holiday

2010-11-14T18:35:00.004Z

If you are looking to go on a healing holiday where you can practice yoga while enjoying the beauty of nature, there are many places that you can visit. Here is guide to five of the best places for a relaxing Yoga holiday.

1. The French Alps - The French Alps are home to some of the best eco-lodges in Europe. Most of these lodges offer 7-day holiday packages which include healthy meals, Yoga instructors, and hot baths. This destination has the added advantages of being located in one of the most scenic regions of France.

2. Le Marche, Italy - There are a number of excellent holistic centres located in Le Marche, Italy. These centres offer healthy meals, eco-friendly accommodations, and Yoga classes supervised by some of the best Tai Chi and Yoga masters in the world. They also offer salt water pools built within Le Marche’s relaxing woodlands. (if staying in Italy consider our friends at Rome aparrtments Italy).

3. Essauire, Morocco - Located in the heart of Bearbear, Morocco, is one of the best Yoga destinations in North Africa. There are a number of establishments that offer Yoga workshops that deal with a wide variety of meditative practices.

4. Malta - The Mediterranean Island of Malta is home to a renowned underground Yoga studio. The underground Yoga studio allows Yoga practitioners a unique escape from stress.

5. Alicante, Spain - The Mountains in Alicante boast some of the best views in Spain and a good number of hotels located in the protected national park offer Yoga sessions to weary guests.

Why Luxury Travel is Worth Paying For

2010-10-19T00:03:00.003+01:00

I prefer luxury travel to budget travel for hundreds of reasons and I will explain a few of them here. If you are looking for a private and customized travel experience, a luxury travel package is the best solution for you. All top-class luxury travel companies offer the most luxurious facilities and services right from the initial phases of planning the trip to the day of returning home.

Flexibility is the greatest advantage of a customized luxury tour package, enabling you to enjoy each day of your luxury vacation according to your tastes, interests, level of physical energy, moods and preferences. Some of the finest benefits of luxury travel include access to highly qualified travel experts, first-class travelling experiences, great service, fine dining, high-class accommodation, personalized services, freebies, discounts, cash back offers, money-back guarantees and guaranteed customer satisfaction.

Luxury travel packages involves an experts who not only will plan your trip, but will also take care of details such as reservations and bookings besides providing first-hand information on the vacation destination and its attractions in any language under the sun.

If value for money is what you are looking for, your must opt for luxury travel because it ensures the best possible service with regard to accommodation, travelling, cultural experience and sightseeing. This is because luxury travel companies are associated with the finest luxury cruise companies, luxury hotels and resorts, airlines and coaches and others. The best of luxury travel companies have years of experience to their credit.

People take vacations to beat stress, spend quality time with loved ones and relax, which is impossible if they have to run around booking reservations and planning travel itineraries. The best option, therefore, is to leave your vacation in the hands of a luxury travel company, which will see that you will get the best deals and ensure that you are thoroughly pampered on your vacation. Interested in Luxury travel to Rome?

Favourite Restaurants – Emyr Thomas, Bon Vivant

2010-08-05T15:15:00.002+01:00

St Bart’s is well known in the US as a chic holiday destination, but it doesn’t have the same reputation in the UK, with Brits favouring larger islands such as Barbados. St Bart’s is my favourite place in the Caribbean as it’s just idyllic – the turquoise sea, the white sand and the glorious weather. The island is so intimate and it’s the perfect blend of barefoot luxury with a splash of glamour! My favourite restaurant is On The Rocks at the Eden Rock hotel, which offers French cuisine with a Caribbean twist in the most romantic and serene setting with panoramic sea views and crashing waves all around you. There is also the more casual Sand Bar, which is an ideal setting for a long lunch on the beach, inches from the sea.

One of my most memorable dining experiences was in The White Caves restaurant at the Kirini hotel in Santorini. The restaurant is built into the caves with gorgeous views of the caldera, which is truly spectacular, offering refined Greek food using produce from Santorini. Dinner can be paired with a selection of Santorini wines, which makes the experience even more memorable.

Despite its location on the Moyenne Corniche between Monte Carlo and Nice, the quaint, medieval village of Eze, perched on a narrow rocky peak with sublime views of the Mediterranean Sea, feels so far removed from the buzz of the rest of the Cote d’Azur. There are two great restaurants in Eze, both of which are contained in luxurious hotels, including the highly acclaimed Chateau de la Chevre d’Or. However, for me, its unassuming neighbour, Chateau Eza, is the true gem, with its cavernous feel, its traditional French haute cuisine with contemporary influences and its perfectly positioned terrace for watching the sun set with a cocktail before dinner.

Just outside Berlin, the Vivaldi restaurant offers refined dining in the palatial and glamorous setting of the Schlosshotel, which is surrounded by small lakes and wooded trails, which all adds to the enchanting atmosphere. The restaurant focuses on using locally sourced ingredients to showcase its modern European menu with Mediterranean influences. It’s a 30-minute trip from central Berlin, but it is worth the effort.

Bon Vivant - Bon Vivant is the bespoke, highly personalised concierge service that advises on and arranges every travel, lifestyle and leisure need. Members have access to exclusive treatment, complimentary benefits and discounts at top hotels, restaurants, members’ clubs, exclusive nightclubs and a range of lifestyle services as well as access to VIP and sold out events.
For affordable luxury with the personal touch for £100 per month, visit their website at http://www.bonvivant.co.uk/ or their blog at http://bonvivantliving.wordpress.com/.

Best new luxury travel items

2010-07-12T16:00:00.003+01:00

Those of you, who love travelling but still miss the comforts of home (such as closets), may find it difficult to club the two and enjoy the comforts of home in an exotic place such as Rome or Paris. However, smart travellers can create a home-like atmosphere even in their hotel rooms or rental apartments by simply carrying a wise choice of luxury travel items. Expensive though they are, these luxury travel items are definitely worth it.

No woman can survive without her make up and jewellery far away from home, which is why a Louis Vuitton case with mirror is an essential luxury item for women travellers. This charming item has an S-lock with a key ensuring the safety of your jewels and ample space for 14 bottles. If you are a man, who wants to bring a smile on the face of your woman just before whisking her off to Barcelona or Rome, get her a Zazendi’s luxury jewellery roll, which is a zippered travel bag in which she can carry all her jewels and accessories in real style.

It is no fun to waste precious time hunting for a shoe polisher when you would rather view the Eiffel Tower when in Paris. Montlanc has launched an amazing Travel Shoe Polish Kit containing neutral and black shoe polish, a polish cloth, a brush and a shoehorn. If you want your man to look well-groomed on the move, get him Charles Tyrwhitt’s Grooming Gift Set containing shaving cream, shaving brush and razor and an after-shave balm. More luxury travel ideas.

A quick mention for our friends at the Italian English translations office and thank you for your help with the website!

Cancelled flights and the Luxury travel Dilemna

2010-05-17T20:35:00.004+01:00

Even with luxury travel, cancelled flights mean that no matter how much we have paid for our flight, even if we have paid for 1st class tickets, we still do not get to fly. With British Airways strikes and volcanic ash, it has been harder for us all and the problems have been regardless of the class of service paid for. It does help I have to admit though to have the 1st class lounge and also the ability to access the Internet in the lounge for booking an alternative flight - hence even in times of delayed and cancelled flights, 1st class travel can mean one is still better off.

The dilemma in many ways comes in whether or not to keep faith with an airline such as British Airways. I love their 1st Class service when travelling long distances. I love the food and the overall experience. But with the prospect of continued strikes it is a danger to put too much faith and money into booking British Airways flights. So do I keep faith in BA or change to another airline? I am still deciding.

Just more positive news just to quickly mention in this post, holiday-velvet.com have added a lot of new Paris vacation rentals too their site to match their Rome and Barcelona choice.

Luxury Shopping in London

2010-04-13T11:41:00.003+01:00

If you are spending some time in London and looking for places to do some luxury shopping, there are many great options. Some options:

Knightsbridge - The area as a whole has some classy stores and boutiques and as one of the most expensive areas of London, this is reflected in the large number of boutique style shops.

Harrods - One of the most exclusive stores in the world and sat between 87 - 135 Brompton Road in Knightbridge, Harrods has the very best in luxury products. This is without question one of the most exclusive stores in the world and there is no limit to how much you can spend and what you can buy in Harrods.

Savile Row - Famous worldwide as a place for being able to buy some of the quality custom made suits in the world, this is situated in the exclusive Mayfair area - another very expensive and classy area in London. If you have the money and need a suit then Savile Row is the place to head to.

Family accommodation in Berlin

2010-03-03T00:04:00.006Z

One of the questions I get asked often is about where to stay in Berlin, Germany on holiday or vacation if you are travelling with children. There is always the choice between hotel, B&B, camping or vacation rentals.

It is of course up to you to make the final decision but my thoughts and preference whilst the kids are still young is to go for a vacation rental (holiday apartment).
This is a fast increasing popular form of holiday accommodation and there are many benefits and it is easy to see why this holiday accommodation type has gained such popularity in recent years. Benefits from my experience are:

Increased space (very handy with young kids)

Reduced costs (when you work out the overall rates especially if you are 4 or more people, this can work out cheaper)
Self-catering facilities - This has two benefits because you have the easy ability to feed the kids what they actually want to eat and also it means big cost savings. If you eat a big breakfast in the apartment, to keep you and the family going until late afternoon, you will save a whole lot of money.

There are some excellent companies who deal with Berlin apartments. Holiday-Velvet.com are who I usually stay with and I know them to be a genuine and good company, having also used them for Barcelona, Rome and Phuket. There are some other companies also which are also good. More also about Berlin accommodation online via Berlin Culture.

3 Useful Luxury Travel accessories

2009-12-07T17:16:00.002Z

There are some excellent luxury travel accessories out there and I have my own personal favourites which I use especially for long trips. My top 3 are as follows (as feel free to send in your own ideas).

1. Cashmere slippers - You are sat in 1st class on the flight or in the hotel and what do you need? Your cashmere slippers. Very, very comfortable.

2. Designer Grooming Kit - This is particularly good for men and means a compact yet excellent kit for keeping clean and fresh.

3. Merian Scout Navigator GPS - if you want something which will guide you to the bets luxury restaurants, rentals and locations in Europe.

You can get more ideas on Luxury travel accessories online and for luxury apartments Holiday-Velvet.com

Mr & Mrs Smith Boutique and Luxury Hotels

2009-11-17T06:42:00.007Z

Make mine an… architectural punch bowl
November 16, 2009 at 12:10 pm

Jelly. A curious entity – reminiscent of school days, lumpy custard and Seventies trifles. Many would agree it’s an unlikely object of passion. Not Bompas and Parr, the oddballs behind the Horseless Carriage of Curiosities, Flavour Tripping and the breathable cocktail. Their slippery creations include wobbly wedding cake-alternatives for adventurous brides, alcoholic stars for Courvoisier, and squidgy buildings for a charitable Architectural Jelly Banquet. And let’s not forget their glow-in-the-dark, sherry flavoured Funeral Jellies, exhibited at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art and accompanied by a jelly funeral march (see right). How better to add a note of solemnity to a grave (pardon the pun) affair?

Having peddled their powdered pectin and water-based confections to the masses, Bompas and Parr are dabbling in the art of cocktail making. Never ones to play by the rules, the duo are planning a cocktail construction as big as a building – a punch bowl so vast, punters will be able to row a boat across it. The event is inspired by a 17th-century sea soak, Admiral Edward Russell, who, in the year 1694, created a punchbowl so large it took 2,500 lemons to make, and was dished up by a small boy in a boat.

The particular poison to fill Bompas and Parr’s drinkable installation is still under discussion. Mixologists have submitted their entries, and the winning whimsy will be decided by a panel of judges, expert in all things liquid, edible and architectural. The shortlisted concoctions include a candyfloss, chai, orange blossom and Courvoisier blend; Red October – inspired by the 1917 Russian Revolution; and La Charante au Petit Matin, which judge Ruth Reed likened to 'Breakfast in bed: tea, toast and marmalade.’

The winning entry will be announced on 1 December, at the Architectural Punch Bowl, 33 Portland Place. See the crazy sight for yourself (and taste the tipple too, of course) from the 8-10 December. Smith can’t wait. Tickets cost £6.50, available from http://www.jellymongers.co.uk/, with proceeds going to the environmental charity Article 25.

All this creativity has got us thinking about some of our favourite hotels, the ones with more than a hint of the kooky about them. If we had the job of putting the likes of Bompas and Parr up for the night, we’d suggest they bed down in the following…

Winvian, Litchfield Hills
Style Idiosyncratic rural retreat
Setting Wild woodland, perfect pastures
This 113-acre boutique resort in Connecticut comprises 18 kooky cottages that surround an antique-filled, colonial-style farmhouse. Each cottage has its own individual design scheme – from fairytale Woodlands to lighthouse-like Maritime. As all are individually designed, your favourite will no doubt come down to personal taste. We loved 'Helicopter’, based on a Connecticut Coastguard chopper, which is unbelievably bold and outrageous. The 'Charter Oak’ cottage has an oak tree growing up through the middle of it.

New Majestic Hotel, Singapore
Style Bold boutique design doyen
Setting Chinatown’s sleepy shophouse streets
There’s something pleasantly unusual about glancing up to see someone swimming over your head while you’re at dinner. In fact, there’s something pleasantly unusual about most aspects of the New Majestic Hotel. Idiosyncratic in the extreme, it features rooms designed by the city’s biggest creative names, eccentric artworks in every nook, and a vast collection of vintage chairs in the gleaming terrazzo lobby.

Rough Luxe, London
Style Art-inspired shabby-chic
Setting Crux of King’s Cross
There’s, quite simply, no place like Rough Luxe. This is the antithesis of a conventional luxury hotel: an unprepossessing Georgian building in King’s Cross where cracked, peeling paintwork and shreds of faded wallpaper sit alongside attention-grabbing artworks both ancient and modern and weathered retro areas give way to sumptuous designer comforts. From the moment you step inside, you’re really not in Kansas anymore. (BYO jelly.)

Luxury Vacations, Cruises, Tour Package Specials

2009-11-17T06:42:00.006Z

Washington D.C Hotel Deals
Promo Code:TIWS

In Washington D.C., you'll enjoy access to fascinating, FREE attractions and historic sights. Touch a moon rock, marvel at the Hope Diamond, view Dorothy's Ruby Red Slippers or explore Native American culture at the Smithsonian Institution's fifteen Washington D.C. area facilities.

Away from these celebrated federal sites, Washington D.C. unwinds into a fascinating network of neighborhoods where visitors discover trendy boutiques, hip bars and restaurants, plus art galleries, historic homes and lush parks and gardens.

Sofitel Washington D.C. Lafayette Square
4 nights from $589

The Fairmont Washington D.C.
4 nights from $625

The Fairfax at Embassy Row, Washington D.C.
4 nights from $665

Washington D.C. Vacation Packages are person and include: • 4-night hotel accommodations • Hotel tax

Call 1-800-330-8820 to book your Washington D.C. Vacation Package or click here for reservations.

Special subject to change without notice. Certain restrictions apply. Not responsible for errors or omissions . TravelWizard.com: Specialists in the Art of Travel: Call 1-800-330-8820.

Luxury Travel Worldwide

2009-11-16T06:40:00.002Z

Luxury apartments for your holiday
November 15, 2009 at 9:39 am

I have been travelling around Europe quite a lot lately and the topic of luxury accommodation is always on my mind. After trips to Paris, Barcelona and London in recent weeks, I have tested out a number of holiday apartments (vacation rentals for Americans) and the experience was very positive.

I love staying in good hotels. But, if the stay is for more than 3 days I then prefer the extra space, having a kitchen and saving on overall costs. I have found short-term holiday apartments to be a very good option.

There are a number of companies in the mix offering holiday apartments. I always use Holiday-Velvet.com for holiday apartments but there are a few established companies. Just be careful of the not so good companies. You can also learn more about short-term vacation rentals on LuxuryTravelsworldwide.com.

Air France long haul

2009-11-15T23:02:00.002Z

Starting April 1, 2010, Air France is offering a new service on its medium-haul network, aimed at better meeting the changing expectations of travelers seeking greater simplicity and clarity, and more affordable fares. The essentials of the Air France service will remain, and the airline will continue to offer two clearly separate cabins, the "Voyageur" cabin and the "Premium" cabin.

The Air France service will not be that of a low-cost carrier. The Voyageur offering is designed for customers looking for a simple, inexpensive product, with all the essentials of the Air France service. It includes carriage of hold baggage up to 50 pounds, choice of seat at check-in, wide choice of newspapers, catering adapted to the flight time and designated counters for customers requiring assistance.

When they make their reservation, customers can specify their preference for a window or aisle seat free of charge, and have their boarding pass sent to them by email. For just $15, Air France also proposes a “grace period,” so that customers can keep their reservation and the fare they have found for several days. Air France is the only airline to offer this service online. Fares have been reduced and the simplified price range makes it easier to find the lowest price: the price displayed on the same Web page combines the cheapest available fare for the outbound flight and the cheapest available fare for the return flight. Tickets are sold for round trips, but promotional fares are now available one-way.

These tickets are not refundable but can be modified for an additional $75. For more information, visit www.airfrance.com.

Luxury Travel New - what Hot 2010

2009-11-15T14:35:00.002Z

Luxury Travel New – what Hot 2010.

5 places I think will be hot in 2010 for Luxury Travel:

1. Sicily
2. Cuba (islands)
3. Paris (always a contender)
4. Kenya
5. Miami

Holiday in Rome? Holidays Cuba & Barcelona.

Luxury travel on a budget

2009-10-22T11:55:00.003+01:00

The whole concept of luxury travel and budget travel are quite contradictory and reflect quite different ends of the travel market. With the increased of the Internet though, the two markets are in part converging in that travellers with a lot of money to spend are realising that they might as well still make large savings but spending a relatively short-time on the Internet - checking the deals.

As consumers on all ends of the market, we are becoming more 'sophisticated consumers'. All ends of the travel market are now seeing the influence of online and direct bookings and even packaged tours and trips are still booked direct a lot more from the traveller rather than through an agent.

As a Luxury Traveller the Internet offers many options for getting more for your money. The fact that a travel company by selling online, cuts out the cost of the intermediary, means that they can offer you an online discount for booking online. My advice - always check the travel companies own site and see if they offer a discount for booking online.

Luxury Cruise Sale

2009-07-30T15:17:00.004+01:00

Luxury Cruise sale fares - Many of you who book high-end luxury cruises although placing quality above price, I know will still appreciate the chance to save on the costs provided the quality is maintained.

One of the companies I use often are Thomas Cook because you know that they have a good customer support service (has worked well for me) and because they are regulated and offer some very good options and cruises.

Good news is that they have a sale on right now until August 5th and the sale fares include for their trip with:

Cunard (My favourite cruise line)
Cystal Cruises
Silversea
and Seabourn

This is a great time for getting organised for 2010 cruises and I fancy a Far Eastern cruise for next year.

Repositioning cruises

2009-04-26T17:41:00.007+01:00

If you love cruise as a form of travel but still would like to reduce the costs, then it is certainly worth considering Repositioning cruises.

'Repositioning cruises' in case you have not heard of this term before, refers to when a cruise ship has to reposition itself to a different location in the world. It might for example be the end of the cruise season in Europe and the ship thus needs to be sent to the Caribbean for the winter.

Repositioning cruises are very often cheaper because the ship is going one way and also to attract people to cover the cost for the cruise lines to reposition the ships.

A lot of the main cruise lines do repositioning cruises although they often do not market these cruises as such. If you ask though you will be directed to these cheaper and budget options.

A more detailed article on repositioning cruises will also shortly be online at the luxury travels workdwide site.

Luxury Travel Fair 2009

2009-03-20T01:29:00.003Z

The Luxury Travel Fair will take place again this year 2009 and planning for the event is already under way. Last year's event was very successful for many of the exhibitors and many have already signed up for the 2009 event.

The Excel Exhibition Centre, London is the venue and the dates to remember are 6-9th November. Luxury and 1st Class Travel are key elements of this, with cruising, safari, air travel and luxury accommodation all respresented.

Many big names you will likely know and who have defintiely signed up include:

Abercrombie & Kent Ltd
Boutique Getaways
Pride of Britain
Sandals Resorts
Grace Hotels

Will we see you there are the Luxury Travel Fair 2009?

Welcome to the Luxury Travel Blog

2009-03-17T12:50:00.000Z

Over the coming weeks and months we will be covering every aspect of Luxury Travel world including:

World Cruises
First Class Travel
Luxury locations
New and unsusual luxury travel ideas.

This is going to be a fun blog to write and I think it is going to be a very informative blog. First main post coming in a few days time.