London, Paris and Dubai continue to dominate luxury city hotel developments, whilst outback Australia and coastal Mexico offer the best in luxury retreats
The gardens inside Paris’s Le Bristol
Despite the frequency luxury openings in late 2010, London continues to be a hotspot for hotel development with the opening of the Corinthia London and the Four Seasons Hyde Park. News also surfaced recently that British tourism authorities are considering calling an official end to the Star Rating system, replacing it with user-generated reviews in the style of TripAdvisor, arguing that such a system will ‘offer consumers a better idea of what the hotel’s quality will be like and what they can expect from a stay’.
Across the channel in Paris, Le Bristol announced a $33 million revamp, which includes a super-luxe Penthouse, rumoured to become one of the most expensive in the world. The 240sqm two-bedroom suite will encompass the entire eighth floor and feature incredible views of the rue de Faubourg Saint Honoré and the famed Le Bristol gardens.
Finally Japan’s Mandarin Oriental will play host to a monthly private dining experience, “Si Fong Choi”, in its Michelin starred restaurant, Sense. Master Chef Kenichi Takase will showcase a Cantonese meal for up to eight guests per month, showcasing inaccessible ingredients in Japan and seasonal themes.
Wildman Wilderness Lodge, Western Australia
For those seeking a luxury retreat, Wildman Wilderness Lodge has recently opened in remote Western Australia, approximately 2 hours from Darwin on the fringe of the famed Kakadu National Park. The lodge comprises a central hub including a restaurant and bar, 10 cabins and 15 luxe safari tents, for those that prefer to get closer to nature. The free-standing cabins offer air-conditioned comfort, luxury bedding, premium furnishings and en suite bathrooms, alternatively guests can choose to stay in one of the 50sqm luxe ‘camping’ fan cooled tents.
Website: Wildman Wilderness Lodge
Source: Elite Market
Corinthia Hotel, London
Corinthia hotels added a London location to its portfolio of properties, with existing hotels in Budapest, Lisbon, Malta & Prague. A few minutes from 10 Downing Street and close to cultural institutions the National Gallery and Royal Opera House, the hotel seeks to combine London’s lavish and illustrious past with modern luxury standards. The vast lobbies and high ceilings take full advantage of spectacular cityscape views and cutting-edge designs create iconic public spaces flooded with natural light. The hotel houses 294 sumptuous rooms and suites, stylish destination bars and speciality restaurants, together with the city’s largest spa and wellness facility.
Website: Corinthia Hotel London
Source: Luxury Travel Blog
The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai
Fast becoming one of the financial capitals of the world, Dubai is now home to The Ritz-Carlton, Dubai International Financial Centre, an opulent home-away-from-home in the heart of the Financial Centre. Offering convenient access to The Gate business centre, soothing spa treatments and four world-class restaurants, the hotel is a luxurious proposition for the business traveller.
Website: The Ritz-Carlton Dubai
Source: Elite Traveler
St Regis, Bangkok
Located in Bangkok’s most coveted address, Ratchadamri Road, the St Regis Bangkok gives guests access to the city’s key commercial corridor where major corporations and elite financial institutions make their home. The hotel boasts a carefully edited selection of vintage wines, distinguished restaurants, comprehensive function spaces and an exclusive Elemis Spa to complement the 227 rooms. Signature St. Regis Butlers are available attend to all requests around the clock, reservations are now being taken for April 1, 2011.
Website: St Regis Bangkok
Source: Luxury Travel Magazine
Garza Blanca Preserve, Puerto Vallarta
Surrounded by the crystal clear waters of the Pacific Ocean and the tropical forests of the Sierra Madre mountains, Garza Blanca Preserve Resort & Spa is the ultimate luxury retreat. Suites range from 345 to 560sqm and feature expansive outdoor terraces and indulgent private Jacuzzi’s. Atrium penthouses also have access to ultra modern and top-of-the-line luxury amenities: private elevator access, underground parking, personal assistant, private in-home chef and central air conditioning with overhead ceiling fans.
Website: Garza Blanca Preserve Puerto Vallarta
Source: Luxury Travel Blog
Four Seasons Hotel, London
Now taking reservations from January 31, 2011, the Four Seasons in Mayfair has undergone a significant refurbishment at the hands of Pierre-Yves Rochon. The property features 192 rooms, including 45 suites, some with fireplaces and private terraces. The re-launched hotel will also feature a luxury 697sqm spa with 360-degree views of the capital, nine treatment rooms including a double suite overlooking Hyde Park, male and female saunas and a rooftop fitness centre.
Website: Four Seasons Hotel Park Lane
Source: Business Traveller
The Sebastian, Vail
Luxury Resort operator Timbers Resorts’ recently unveiled their latest Ski resort in Veil, Colorado. The luxurious hotel and private residence club houses 100 guestrooms and seven suites, a new fine dining restaurant, destination spa, hotel bar, gourmet cafe, and 750sqm of meeting and conference space. The hotel also hosts a Private Residence Club comprised of 36 luxury residences.
Website: The Sebastian, Vail
Source: Business Wire
Pavillon des Lettres, Paris
A unique boutique hotel in Paris, Pavillon des Lettres, has opened in the 8th arrondissement, not far from Madeleine and the famed Champs-Élysées and Rue du Faubourg Saint-Honoré. The concept is centred on the art of writing and pays homage to the known and hidden talents of both French and international literature. 26 rooms are named after 26 different writers, each selected to represent a letter of the alphabet. Rooms are designed to invoke the spirit of a poet or a writer, which will give a special atmosphere to the room, with the help in particular of extracts chosen and printed on the walls.
Website: Pavillon des Lettres Paris
Source: New York Times
Jumeirah Zabeel Saray, Dubai
A luxurious beachside resort, located on the west crescent of the iconic Palm Jumeirah in Dubai, offers exhilarating views of the Arabian Gulf and Dubai’s impressive skyline. The lavish interiors have been inspired by Ottoman palaces and feature hand painted finishing’s, Turkish artworks and stunning murals that conjure up images of the grand and magnificent era of the Ottoman Empire. The hotel offers a comprehensive array of restaurants, casual dining spaces and bars, as well as an Ottoman inspired Spa facility, there is also a variety of meeting spaces for the corporate traveller or event organiser.
Website: Jumeirah Zabeel Saray Dubai
Source: Luxist
Waldorf Astoria, Shanghai
Another luxury addition to the Bund, the Waldorf Astoria Shanghai mixes the history and culture of the surrounding district with a taste for 21st century sophistication. Comprising 269 guest rooms and suites across two buildings, a newly built modern tower connects to an all-suite heritage building. Formerly the Shanghai Club built in 1911, it has been painstakingly restored using archival photographs whilst equipping it with contemporary luxuries for modern-day travel experiences. Suites feature plush amenities, clawfoot bathtubs, exquisite chandeliers and the signature Waldorf poster bed. All 269 rooms and suites are fitted with state of the art in-room entertainment, a walk-in closet, and a marble-finished bathroom.
Website: Waldorf Astoria Shanghai
Source: Luxury Insider
