http://www.hotelview.net/news/ en david.simpson@seaview.co.uk Copyright 2012 2012-05-16T09:28:28+00:00 http://www.hotelview.net/news/article/follow-posh-and-becks-to-the-maldives-this-christmas/ http://www.hotelview.net/news/article/follow-posh-and-becks-to-the-maldives-this-christmas/#When:11:42:04Z This festive season, do like the celebrities do and follow in the footsteps of A-listers Beckhams and Ramsays and head to the idyllic Maldives for an ultimate retreat.A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, the captivating Coco Palm Bodu Hithi is located just 40 minutes by speedboat from the capital Malé. Oozing barefoot, luxury chic with traditionally Maldivian flashes, the resort is situated on a stunning, lush private island where sandy paths snake between the mangroves and coconut palms along with over-water wooden walkways to connect all the resort’s fabulous offerings. There are just 100 ultra-hip villas, a diverse selection of contemporary restaurants and bars, a totally indulgent Coco Spa, first-class land and water-sport facilities. Stay in an Island Villa for seven nights from £2,840 per person based on two people sharing, including a daily breakfast, flights with British Airways from London Gatwick and return speedboat transfers.  For travel departures in January 2011. Prices represent a saving of up to £405 per couple. 0844 493 0758, Follow Posh and Becks to the Maldives this Christmas This festive season, do like the celebrities do and follow in the footsteps of A-listers Beckhams and Ramsays and head to the idyllic Maldives for an ultimate retreat. A member of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, the captivating Coco Palm Bodu Hithi is located just 40 minutes by speedboat from the capital Malé. Oozing barefoot, luxury chic with traditionally Maldivian flashes, the resort is situated on a stunning, lush private island where sandy paths snake between the mangroves and coconut palms along with over-water wooden walkways to connect all the resort’s fabulous offerings. There are just 100 ultra-hip villas, a diverse selection of contemporary restaurants and bars, a totally indulgent Coco Spa, first-class land and water-sport facilities. Stay in an Island Villa for seven nights from £2,840 per person based on two people sharing, including a daily breakfast, flights with British Airways from London Gatwick and return speedboat transfers.  For travel departures in January 2011. Prices represent a saving of up to £405 per couple. Hotel News, Small Luxury Hotels 2010-12-02T11:42:04+00:00 http://www.hotelview.net/news/article/eat-pray-and-love-in-style-with-small-luxury-hotels/ http://www.hotelview.net/news/article/eat-pray-and-love-in-style-with-small-luxury-hotels/#When:06:46:42Z Dreaming of a culinary adventure in Italy, a journey of self-discovery in India or finding romance in Bali?With 14 independently-owned hotels across India, 60 properties in Italy and four resorts in Bali as well as over 500 hotels in 75 countries around the world, Small Luxury Hotels of the World offers a diverse choice of hotels and experiences if you’ve been inspired by the book or film ‘Eat Pray Love’. Whether you’re travelling solo or with the love of your life, recovering from heartbreak, looking to find yourself, whisking a special someone off their feet or planning a second honeymoon, you’ll find your perfect getaway. Eat your way around the SLH portfolio in Italy Take in the sights and sounds – and tastes – of Venice with a Gondola ride and gourmet picnic with sparkling wine at Ca’Sagredo (www.slh.com/casagredohotel), a 15th century palazzo on the Grand Canal.  For those wanting to be more hands on, the ‘Cooking & Spa Escape’ at Furore Inn Resort & Spa (www.slh.com/furoreinn) will tickle the taste buds. This resort is a tranquil hideaway on the Amalfi Coast surrounded by olive groves and vineyards overlooking the Mediterranean with gourmet restaurants offering inventive Mediterranean cuisine and local vintage wine. Kick off your four night stay in style with a private limousine transfer followed by two cooking classes, a wine tasting, visit to the local bakery and a dairy and a pampering spa package. If you are on a quest to find the ‘best pizza in the world’ in Naples, stay at Grand Hotel Parker’s with stunning views over the bay to Capri (www.slh.com/grandhotelparkers) and enjoy a bottle of Champagne and chocolate fruits in your room before a private visit to Villa Matlide vineyard and a gourmet dinner with more Champagne.  Remember to save room for pizza! The Michelin-starred Mirabelle Restaurant at Hotel Splendide Royal in Rome (www.slh.com/splendidroyal), pictured above,  offers a unique dining experience courtesy of Giuseppe Sestito, Executive Chef, with stunning views from the huge glass terrace across the city. Find your own path to enlightenment in India If yoga is your salvation there could be no better setting to enjoy your practice than the lush grounds of The Oberoi Rajvilas in Rajasthan, India (www.slh.com/rajvilas). After an al fresco yoga session visit the 260-year-old Shiva temple in the 32 acre grounds. For some inner contemplation, escape the pace of city life and visit the meditation centre at Ganga Kutir, pictured above, set on the banks of the Ganges in Kolkata, West Bengal, India (www.slh.com/gangakutir). Romance is alive in Bali At The Balé (www.slh.com/thebale target=“_blank”) in Nusa Dua, Bali, couples can enjoy the privacy of their own pavilion and swimming pool, a welcome massage and two hour body treatment, Champagne and a candle-lit dinner with a bottle of wine. Even though there is access to a butler 24 hours a day, guests are welcome to put up the ‘do not disturb’ sign. At Viceroy Bali (www.slh.com/viceroy), pictured above, which is set in a terraced valley in the foothills of the mountains near Ubud, lovers will be greeted with a heart-shaped red rose and a bottle of French Champagne followed by a two hour romantic couple’s spa treatment and flower bath and a romantic candle-lit dinner. Hotel News, Small Luxury Hotels 2010-09-10T06:46:42+00:00 http://www.hotelview.net/news/article/green-shoots-of-recovery-now-in-full-bloom-slh-survey/ http://www.hotelview.net/news/article/green-shoots-of-recovery-now-in-full-bloom-slh-survey/#When:10:13:47Z Luxury travel in both the business and leisure segments is set to increase over the next 12 months according to the results of a new survey by Small Luxury Hotels of the World.The survey was targeted at members of The Club of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, the luxury brand’s customer recognition programme. Forty-one per cent of respondents said they expected to have more disposable income in the next year with 11 per cent saying they expect to see a significant increase.  Members of The Club are high net worth, frequent travellers and are well placed to offer insights into the behaviour of affluent consumers. Thity-one per cent of Club Members who responded to the survey spend over three weeks staying at hotels every year and ten per cent stay at hotels over 30 nights every year on holiday. Thirteen per cent of respondents said they stay at hotels on business over 30 nights every year.  The survey was co-ordinated by PricewaterhouseCoopers and was initiated to assess current consumer sentiment and to gain insights into travel plans for the next 12 months following the recent global economic downturn. More than 7,500 members of The Club of Small Luxury Hotels of the World responded to the survey. Frequency of travel, a key sign of recovery, is increasing with 41 per cent of respondents revealing that they are planning to go on holiday four times or more this year and nearly half (45 per cent) saying that they will travel four times or more for business. Nearly one quarter (23 per cent) said this will mean an increase in their business travel over the next 12 months.  In terms of researching hotels, even the most discerning travellers are jumping online with over 84 per cent of respondents choosing www.slh.com over any other option. Even the most affluent and discerning travellers are looking for value for money with over two thirds (67 per cent) saying that they search for the best hotel rates on the internet. Paul Kerr, CEO of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, said: “Travel behaviour has changed dramatically in the last ten years and this has been affected by the global financial crisis, the cost of air travel, world events – both natural and man-made. “There is no such thing as ‘normal behaviour’ any more. What we can say is that travel patterns are settling down and that we are seeing positive indicators such as a resurgence in long-haul travel, longer lead times and increased frequency and length of stay.” Small Luxury Hotels 2010-08-05T10:13:47+00:00 http://www.hotelview.net/news/article/small-luxury-hotels-of-the-world-new-properties-in-2010/ http://www.hotelview.net/news/article/small-luxury-hotels-of-the-world-new-properties-in-2010/#When:11:08:21Z EUROPE Port Palace, Monte Carlo, Monaco www.slh.com/portpalace Close to the casinos and facing the Prince’s Palace, Port Palace, one of the most popular boutique hotels in Monte Carlo, boasts a Michelin-starred restaurant, Restaurant Mandarine, a wellness spa and stunning harbour views from every room. The rooms and suites were designed by Leïla Menchari of Hermes. Guests can enjoy first-class views over the Formula One Grand Prix Circuit at race weekend. Escalus Luxury Suites Verona, Italy www.slh.com/escalus Escalus Luxury Suites is a well-kept secret just metres from Verona’s historic Roman amphitheatre. The all-suite hotel offers a stylish alternative to the city’s large hotels with modern décor and spacious rooms designed by Andrea Truglio. Enjoy breakfast in bed before setting off on the hotel’s private ‘City of Love’ tour including a visit to Juliet’s mythical balcony. Casa Angelina, Amalfi, Italy www.slh.com/casaangelina Perched on a cliff edge overlooking the Mediterranean, Casa Angelina provides stunning sea views. Guests can enjoy Italian cuisine, an outdoor pool, holistic spa and a private boat for touring. Set against the backdrop of an azure sea and sky, the white colour scheme and floor-to-ceiling windows flood the place with light and capture the superb sea views. Hotel Vestibul Palace, Split, Croatia www.slh.com/vestibul Hotel Vestibul Palace, set in a stunning location next to the 1700-year-old Roman vestibule walls in the Diocletian’s Palace, blends history, modern minimalism and comfort.  Discover the delights of the surrounding UNESCO World Heritage Palace Complex which dates from AD295. Cowley Manor, Cotswolds, England www.slh.com/cowleymanor Cowley Manor, a modernist-inspired country retreat in the heart of the Cotswolds, is a classic 19th-century manor house with a stylish, modern interior set in 55 acres of Grade II private gardens featuring woodland, lakes and Victorian cascades. The Arden Hotel, Stratford-Upon-Avon, England The Arden is located in the centre of town, opposite the world-renowned Royal Shakespeare Theatre and the river Avon. Executive Chef, Simon Haigh, who holds a Michelin star, has designed a menu of delicious modern European dishes inspired by the best local seasonal ingredients. Simon’s sophisticated cooking and commitment to sustainability, traceability and the environment mean that the Arden Hotel will strive to become a champion of food excellence, introducing customers to some of the finest artisan producers in Stratford. The hotel is scheduled to open in July 2010. Heritage Hotel, Hallstatt, Austria www.slh.com/heritagehotel An integral part of the historic centre of Hallstatt, Heritage Hotel comprises three buildings each painstakingly refurbished to reflect their own unique and historic character. With a mountain backdrop and lake views, the hotel is the perfect romantic bolthole all year round. Guests can take a tour of the fascinating 7000-year old salt mining village and nearby subterranean caves before enjoying an evening candlelit tour by boat and an indulgent sauna at the hotel before dinner. Notos Therme & Spa, Santorini, Greece www.slh.com/notospa A heavenly spa in a breathtaking setting, Notos Therme & Spa grips the volcanic soil of Santorini where spring water is naturally purified and used as a base for innovative spa treatments. The unique spa contrasts with the bright nautical theme in the rooms above, all with verandas providing stunning sea views. Enter the quiet caves of the spa where you can indulge in sea algae wraps or have a de-toxifying facial. Le Grand Hotel Cannes, Cannes, France www.slh.com/grandcannes The oldest hotel on the famous Croisette in this lively Film Festival Town, Le Grand Hotel is right on the beach overlooking the bay and has been completely refurbished in 60s retro style. The hotel boasts a Michelin-starred restaurant, a private beach club and a large relaxing garden. Château des Vigiers Golf & Country Club, Bordeaux, France www.slh.com/vigiers Known locally as ‘Little Versailles’, Château des Vigiers Golf & Country Club is an impressive hotel, golf and country club set in 450 acres of beautiful French countryside near Bergerac with gourmet dining, its own wine estate, a sublime spa and a testing 27-hole golf course. Palacio Guendulain, Pamplona, Spain www.slh.com/palacioguendulain Situated in the historic part of Pamplona, a city which is famed for its annual ‘running of the bulls’ festival, Palacio Guendulain is a stunning hotel residing behind a beautiful façade in a charming town square. This hotel strikes a unique balance between ultra-modern comfort and elegant, classical decoration with paintings in abundance all within a charming historic building with a regal 18th-century horse carriage and a fascinating collection of vintage motor cars. Hotel Viura, Rioja, Spain www.slh.com/viura A modern work of art in its own right, Hotel Viura is a beacon of architectural modernity juxtaposed against the traditional buildings of Villabuena de Álava village in the renowned Rioja Alavesa wine region. With amazing views of the Sierra de Cantabria mountains, the hotel has a gourmet restaurant with a comprehensive wine cellar, a bar and gymnasium. Reflecting the new wave of modern architecture in Rioja’s well-known bodegas, externally the hotel resembles a series of cubes precariously balanced on top of one another. Inside, expansive French windows flood the rooms with light and provide relaxing country views. Columbia Beach Resort, Pissouri, Cyprus www.slh.com/columbiapissouri A stunning all-suite resort set on a two-kilometre sandy beach and flanked by impressive white cliffs, Columbia Beach Resort overlooks the Bay of Pissouri. The resort has the feel of a traditional Cypriot village with beautifully restored terracotta roof tiles, stone arches and attractive window shutters. Golf enthusiasts will find a choice of three championship golf courses close by, while the pool and spa are the perfect spots to relax. Alpaga, Megève, France www.slh.com/alpaga Overlooking the Arly Valley and onwards to Mont Blanc, Alpaga is an elegant hotel just five-minutes walk from the centre of the ski resort of Megève. With a bar, a spa with an indoor pool, steam room, treatment rooms and a gastronomic restaurant, this is a fabulous all-season bolthole. All 22 rooms, four apartments and six chalets have amazing mountain views. Guests can enjoy a vast range of outdoor activities throughout the year from skiing, horse or dog sledding, and ice skating to wall climbing, pony trekking and tennis in the summer months. Cap Rocat, Mallorca, Spain www.slh.com/caprocat Cap Rocat has been created from a former 19th century military fortress, set on an incredibly secluded headland on the Bay of Palma de Mallorca, with direct access to the sea. Stunningly blended into the landscape, the magnificent fortress has been totally transformed, whilst retaining the integrity of its architecture and the natural environment. Hotel Villa Ducale, Taormina, Italy www.slh.com/villaducale Perched high on a cliff overlooking the medieval village of Taormina, with breathtaking views of the sea and Mount Etna, Hotel Villa Ducale has the ambience of a private villa and celebrates Sicilian tradition with contemporary touches. Guests can enjoy drinks on the terrace overlooking the bay of Giardini-Naxos while watching the lava glow of the volcano in the distance. THE AMERICAS Lodge Kura Hulanda and Beach Club, Curaçao, Netherlands Antilles www.slh.com/kurahulandalodge At the western-most point of Curaçao, Lodge Kura Hulanda offers the seclusion of an island hideaway. Situated on a white sandy beach with calm, clear blue waters, this is an idyllic spot for diving, snorkelling and enjoying the best sunsets in the Caribbean. A cliff-top free-form pool, three restaurants, poolside massages, a fitness centre and an on site pre-historic Indian Cave add to the allure of this serene getaway. Kura Hulanda Spa and Casino, Curaçao, Netherlands Antilles www.slh.com/kurahulandaspa Enchanting cobblestone streets meander through Hotel Kura Hulanda Spa and Casino, a beautifully restored collection of 17th and 18th-century Dutch colonial buildings which are part of a UNESCO World Heritage site. Interspersed with intimate courtyards and gardens, this historic resort village offers two pools, numerous restaurants and bars, boutiques, a world-class museum, a spa and a casino. Cranwell Resort, Spa & Golf Club, Massachusetts, Lenox, USA www.slh.com/cranwell Cranwell Resort, Spa and Golf Club is an all-season resort with a spectacular 18-hole championship golf course, award-winning restaurants and a cross country skiing centre. Guests can brush up on their golf or skiing skills or relax at the spa. The choice of accommodation is vast from guest rooms in the Mansion house to suites, cottages and townhouses. Hotel Encanto, Acapulco, Mexico www.slh.com/encanto Located in the exclusive Punta Diamante district of Acapulco, all the suites and villas at Hotel Encanto benefit from private terraces facing the sea. The architectural and interior design is specifically based on a concept of total privacy and serenity with spacious suites, crisp, white furnishings, evocative mood lighting and inspiring water views. A number of the villas and suites have their own private pool. Flor de Mar 360º, the hotel’s restaurant, is an original creation of celebrated Mexican Chef Mónica Patiño, and features natural cuisine with Asian accents and contrasting flavours. Ka’ana Boutique, San Ignacio, Belize www.slh.com/kaanabelize True to its Mayan name ‘Ka’ana’ meaning ‘heavenly place’, this boutique resort, set in tropical gardens, offers exceptional accommodation in charming cottages with fine dining, superb service and easy access to ancient Mayan sites and numerous activities.  Guests can relax on their private verandas surrounded by papaya trees, flowers and the sound of macaws. Ka’ana pays tribute to local artists and craftsman throughout the resort, with work in guest accommodations changing on the fourth night of each traveller’s stay in an attempt to expose them even more to local Belizean masterpieces. Guests are invited to guests to off-set their carbon footprint by planting a ginger lily free of charge as they depart. ASIA PACIFIC Hotel Quote Taipei, Taipei, Taiwan www.slh.com/hotelquote Amid the bustle of Taiwan’s capital, Hotel Quote Taipei is a tranquil and cosy bolthole with an atmospheric restaurant, 333 Restaurant & Bar, and convenient 24-hour lounge serving snacks and drinks. The hotel is also within easy access to the business areas and city attractions including the National Palace Museum, Taipei Tower and night markets. Every room in the hotel is stylishly minimalist and decorated in warm, earth tones with bright, harmonious accents of colour. The Crystal Resort Sun Moon Lake, Taiwan www.slh.com/thecrystal Truly reflective of the magnificent lakeside setting, the stylish use of glass, crystal and mirrors at The Crystal Resort Sun Moon Lake creates a feeling of light and space. Guests can enjoy a moonlit dinner at Crystal Lakeview Restaurant, cycle around the lake and visit the Formosan Aboriginal Culture Village, the Peacock Garden and the Cihen Pagoda. Serene Pavilions, Wadduwa, Sri Lanka www.slh.com/serenepavilions An adult-only resort with only 12 spacious pavilions nestled in a seven-acre coconut grove on the edge of the Indian Ocean, Serene Pavilions offers private pools, four-poster beds, superb international cuisine, a Balinese spa and a high degree of personal attention. A 24-hour butler caters to guests’ every need. Chrome Hotel, Kolkata, India www.slh.com/chromehotel Chrome Hotel is a stylish, contemporary design hotel offering 24-hour butlers who can take care of guests’ every need including secretarial work and will personally accompany guests on private city tours. The hotel has 63 rooms including eight suites and many are themed based on concepts around golf, music, theatre, love and greenhouse. One of the suites is based on the colour therapy philosophy. Orange County Coorg, Siddapura, India www.slh.com/orangecountycoorg Bordered by the legendary river Cauvery, and surrounded by virginal forests, this 300 acre working plantation resort perched at a height of 800m, gives guests a unique insight into the deepest secrets of this mystic mountain. Coorg is 235kms from Bangalore by road via Srirangapatna. Sari Pacifica Resort & Spa, Sibu Island, Malaysia www.slh.com/sibu Set against a lush tropical backdrop and facing a golden sandy beach, Sari Pacifica Resort & Spa Sibu Island overlooks its own private bay with views across the water to Tinggi Island. The spacious villas each have spectacular sea views and Zen touchers and guests can enjoy sophisticated international cuisine, a fabulously indulgent spa and excellent snorkelling and diving. Sari Pacifica Resort & Spa, Pulau Redang, Malaysia www.slh.com/redang Sari Pacifica Resort & Spa Redang Island overlooks the white sands of Pasir Panjang beach. With generously sized villas, superb dining, a stunning infinity pool and unmatched diving and snorkelling, it is the ultimate tropical escape. The endangered green turtle migrates here to lay its eggs and nature lovers will appreciate the colourful coral reefs and glimpses of macaque monkeys, mouse deer sea eagles and rare species of orchids. Sari Pacifica Resort & Spa Lang Tengah Island, Malaysia www.slh.com/langtengah Hidden away on one of Malaysia’s little-known islands, in the midst of some of the best diving and snorkelling sites in the country, Sari Pacifica Resort & Spa Lang Tengah Island is an idyllic retreat with 47 traditionally-styled villas. A powdery sand beach, irresistible cuisine and a fabulous spa combine to create the ultimate secluded getaway. Among the deep purple, offshore coral reefs divers and snorkellers can discover a rich diversity of sea life from clown and parrotfish to barracuda, leopard sharks and turtles. Brilliant Resort & Spa Chongqing www.brilliantspa.com Brilliant Resort & Spa Chongqing is located in the North Hot Spring Park which has a rich heritage of over 1,600 years. Executive Chef Arthur Zhao is passionate about combining molecular gastronomy and traditional Chinese cuisine. In addition, Brilliant Resort & Spa Chongqing will have a fine-dining Cantonese restaurant as well as a Japanese restaurant with two Teppanyaki long tables and a sushi bar. S31 Sukhumvit Bangkok, Thailand www.slh.com/s31 At the cutting edge of contemporary design, S31 Sukhumvit Bangkok combines a prime location with supreme comfort and style and caters to both business and leisure travellers. Designed by the well-known Thai architect, Dr. Sumej Jumsai, the duplex suites offer city views through vast floor-to-ceiling windows and eight-foot beds. The Siam, Bangkok, Thailand The Siam is under construction and is due to open in June 2011. It will be the first and only hotel in Bangkok with a pool villa concept. The design is contemporary and the hotel will be filled with ancient Thai antiques and paintings with the Jim Thompson Thai House on site. The Siam is located on the Bangkok side of the Chao Phraya River in the historic area of Dusit. The Siam has a private pier and two luxury boats. Hansar Bangkok, Thailand Hansar Bangkok is currently under construction and is scheduled to open in Q4 2010. The hotel is centrally located in the heart of Bangkok on Rajdamri Road, around the corner from the luxury shopping haven of Siam Paragon, Central World and Gaysorn Plaza. It overlooks the polo field of the esteemed Royal Bangkok Sports Club. Hotel La Suite Kobe Harborland, Kobe Japan Hotel La Suite Kobe is a city centre resort which offers a fine dining restaurant with French cuisine, views of the ocean from every room, its own chapel for weddings and women’s only spa. A team of butlers, including English-speaking staff, is on hand to cater to guests’ every need. Designed by local architect, Hiroyuki Seki, La Suite Kobe opened in November 2008. Small Luxury Hotels 2010-06-28T11:08:21+00:00 http://www.hotelview.net/news/article/solid-six-month-performance-by-small-luxury-hotels/ http://www.hotelview.net/news/article/solid-six-month-performance-by-small-luxury-hotels/#When:14:34:28Z Small Luxury Hotels of the World has seen strong positive growth in the first half of 2010, with a 16 per cent increase in reservations compared to the same period last yearThere has also been an increase in revenue of 14 per cent and the addition of over 30 hotels since September 2009 wmeans the brand’s portfolio now exceeds 500 properties worldwide. The upward trend across all areas of business is reflected in positive feedback from members of The Club of Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Initial findings from research indicate that average disposable incomes will increase this year with one in three Club members who responded to the survey saying that they expect to be better off in 2010 than last year. Corporate travel looks set to pick up again this year with 23 per cent of respondents anticipating an increase in business travel and for leisure, more short breaks are planned over the next 12 months. When asked about researching hotels, over 80 per cent of Club members use the Small Luxury Hotels of the World website www.slh.com over any other method. Paul Kerr, CEO of Small Luxury Hotels of the World, said: “We have always maintained that discerning travellers will never compromise on luxury. While we have seen a shift in behaviour over the past 24 months, current travel patterns indicate that consumer confidence is returning and we are seeing encouraging numbers of advance bookings.” Hotel News, Small Luxury Hotels 2010-06-25T14:34:28+00:00