Community Forum - Blogs - TravelerBen_ll http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/travelerben_ll/ en Mon, 20 May 2013 13:05:00 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.luxurylink.com/community/images/misc/rss.jpg Community Forum - Blogs - TravelerBen_ll http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/travelerben_ll/ A Few of Our Faves http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/travelerben_ll/few-our-faves-1667/ Tue, 14 May 2013 02:58:12 GMT At Luxury Link, we’re committed to discovering the world’s finest hotels and resorts, and offering them to you as part of unique, curated vacation... At Luxury Link, we’re committed to discovering the world’s finest hotels and resorts, and offering them to you as part of unique, curated vacation experiences not available on other travel sites.

Therefore, it’s probably no surprise that our staff is a globetrotting bunch ourselves; we relish in every opportunity to visit Luxury Link properties ourselves, sharing our knowledge with travelers like you!

I had a chance to poll some colleagues and find out what Luxury Link vacation experience most resonated with them personally, asking one simple question – What makes this property truly luxurious?

Scott (CEO) – Victoria Falls Safari Lodge, Zimbabwe
I stayed at Victoria Falls Safari Lodge in Zimbabwe with my wife and had what can only Click image for larger version.  Name: Zimbabwe.jpg  Views: 233  Size: 64.8 KB  ID: 1700be described a as magical and luxurious experience. The rooms are Spartan but clean and feature balconies that overlook a watering hole for animals. You can enjoy a glass of your favorite beverage and watch the wildlife as the sun sets on the African landscape. Simply breathtaking. The hotel restaurant offers inside and outside seating with an amazing menu of both exotic and mainstream fare. It's an experience I will never forget.

Bart (Operations) – Estancia La Jolla, California
The rooms are understated, elegant, and quite. We love the quite gardens throughout theClick image for larger version.  Name: Estancia+La+Jolla+Hotel+%26+Spa+in+Southern+California.jpg  Views: 233  Size: 97.7 KB  ID: 1701 property. Our package included breakfast at Adobe El Restaurante, and dinner at Mustangs and Burros. The service and food at both are outstanding. The romantic vibe at Mustangs and Burros feels like an old Southern California ranch house; far away from the crowds of San Diego. The highlight for us is the saltwater pool, whirlpool, and of course the spa –complete with a eucalyptus steam room.

Tony (Marketing) - Kamandalu Resort and Spa, Ubud, Bali
My wife and I booked Kamandalu Resort in Ubud, Bali on Luxury Link or our honeymoon.Click image for larger version.  Name: Kamandalu+Resort+and+Spa.jpg  Views: 235  Size: 92.8 KB  ID: 1702 Kamandalu is a luxurious resort with expansive lotus ponds and gardens, a great swimming pool and terraced views that are breathtaking. Our package included a 60-minute massage for each of us, a gourmet meal under the stars, breakfast each morning & more. Our room was beautiful, full of light and had a small infinity pool right outside with stunning views. Kamandalu Resort was luxury at it’s finest because of the attentive and friendly staff. The luxury amenities included with the package made it a complete five-star experience.

Greg (Media Sales) – The Stafford London
Back in 2007, my wife and I stayed at The Stafford London and had the privilege toClick image for larger version.  Name: Carriage+House+Junior+Suite.jpg  Views: 233  Size: 57.4 KB  ID: 1703 spend our last two nights in one of their cozy Carriage House rooms. More than just a room, The Stafford London is a luxury experience which exudes romance, elegance and charm. Although the trip was years ago, I still find myself dreaming about the private Carriage House entry, the cobblestone courtyard, the quintessential British lobby and dining areas, and the luxury and grace of The Stafford London.

Karina (Marketing) – Secrets Aura Cozumel
This was my favorite place to stay. The room was very spacious with two bathrooms, a Click image for larger version.  Name: Secrets+Aura+Cozumel.jpg  Views: 231  Size: 72.0 KB  ID: 1704bathtub, and a private lap pool. Our balcony had a great view of the main pool and the ocean. We were greeted with fruit platter and champagne at the room. By the second day the servers greeted us by name and were always ready to go out of their way to please us. The comfortable, luxurious island atmosphere was the perfect scenario for a few days of pure relaxation and restoration.

Kat (Accounting) – Red Mountain Resort, St. George, Utah
Upon arrival at the St George airport, we were greeted with a huge smile, a cool, scentedClick image for larger version.  Name: Red+Mountain+Resort.jpg  Views: 229  Size: 76.7 KB  ID: 1705 cloth and a bottle of water. I had landed in heaven. I started each day with a guided hike. Different guides and locations each day, as well as different levels of intensity. With each step, I felt the stress from my daily life melting away. Meals are another great plus. Breakfast & lunch are a buffet, with a huge selection of healthy choices. When I arrived back home, my friends told me I was "glowing" - of course I was, I just returned from Heaven!

Stefany (Media Sales) – One and Only La Palmilla, Los Cabos, MexicoClick image for larger version.  Name: Pamilla.jpg  Views: 239  Size: 107.8 KB  ID: 1706
This was our honeymoon spot and we were spoiled for life. While the property was situated on one of the most breath-taking beaches, the staff catered to every need from reoccurring foot massages, to a personal butler, to making sure every meal was to our liking. Accommodations faced the ocean and were true to the Mexican heritage. Prepare yourself for the ultimate vacation when staying at La Palmilla.
(Note: No longer on Luxury Link)

…and finally, my turn

Ben (Marketing) – lebua at State Tower, Bangkok, Thailand
A true urban oasis in bustling Bangkok, lebua at State Tower takes luxury to the next Click image for larger version.  Name: Lebua.jpg  Views: 233  Size: 92.0 KB  ID: 1707level in a region of the world with already-lofty service standards. A personal concierge introduces you to every corner of your two-room Riverview suite, turn-down service includes pillow chocolates and slippers placed bedside, and I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the included breakfast buffet; above-and-beyond anything Las Vegas has to offer, with gourmet dishes from across the globe, catering to the hotel’s international clientele. ]]> TravelerBen_ll http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/travelerben_ll/few-our-faves-1667/ Live Blog: The Luxury Link Social Experience http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/travelerben_ll/live-blog-luxury-link-social-experience-1642/ Fri, 03 May 2013 12:52:24 GMT From May 3-6, we invited a select group of devoted Luxury Link travelers to experience an incredible weekend at _Travaasa Austin... From May 3-6, we invited a select group of devoted Luxury Link travelers to experience an incredible weekend at Travaasa Austin in Texas. They are enjoying a full slate of scheduled programs & activities, including spa treatments, equine experiences, culinary classes and more offered by this beautiful spa and wellness property on Lake Travis.Click image for larger version.  Name: LLSE_1200x800.jpg  Views: 346  Size: 126.4 KB  ID: 1671

Follow our live blog below, and connect directly with our travelers on social media as they share the first-ever Luxury Link Social Experience with you!

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Saturday, May 11 - 11:56 a.m. CT

Hard to believe the Luxury Link Social Experience was one week ago! We've recapped this incredible weekend in this Facebook photo gallery, while two of our travelers have already posted blogs here in the Luxury Lounge:
- Shelly tells us all about Travaasa Austin's fantastic spa services
- Connie breaks down all the fun activities our group experienced

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Sunday, May 5 - 11:08 p.m. CT

With one final, exquisitely-prepared meal served in the lush surroundings of Travaasa Farms, we bid adieu to the first-ever Luxury Link Social Experience (I promise we did more today than just eat ;).

It's tough to summarize this unforgettable trip justice in one live blog, which is why five of our travelers will leave Texas with a "homework assignment" to blog about a different aspect of their Travaasa Austin stay.

Until then, farewell from a far-flung group of new friends, all united in their undying love of travel...

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Sunday, May 5 - 4:35 p.m. CT

We've shared a lot about the great experiences this weekend at Travaasa Austin, but not as much about the travelers experiencing them...

Click image for larger version.  Name: DSC01647.jpg  Views: 544  Size: 226.4 KB  ID: 1666We'd like to introduce you to Debbie, a church administrator, wife and "mother" of four beautiful dogs who is the invited guest of Luxury Linker Min (who you can follow on Facebook). The Luxury Link Social Experience is Debbie's first true vacation in 22 years! The reason, she says, is simple "I work too much!"

Debbie has relished every minute of her long weekend getaway, and even used it as an opportunity to reconnect with family yesterday as her niece - who lives in Austin - visited Travaasa for lunch.

Says Debbie:
"It is obvious that Travaasa Austin is more than a resort. It is clear that here I will begin a journey."

Look for Debbie's full trip blog here in the Luxury Lounge soon...

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Sunday, May 5 - 1:56 p.m. CT

The first-ever Luxury Link Chili Cook-Off is in the books! Chef Jim presented us with all the ingredients, divided us into four groups of three, and put us to work (accompanied by local beers and tequilas).

We all tasted each other's creations (one veggie, and three using Waygu beef), and Jim was very diplomatic with the official judging... We can't really declare a winner, but you can decide which looks best in the photos our travelers will share on social media (see above).
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Afterwards, Chef Jim served us his chili creations on the patio along with salad and cornbread.

Our group is about to disperse for an afternoon of R&R. Stay tuned for a great personal story from one of our travelers...

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Sunday, May 5 - 9:00 a.m. CT

Howdy y'all! Rise and shine on another beautiful day at Travaasa Austin... Forecast: 78 degrees and not a cloud in the sky!

Our 10 travelers are enjoying a free morning to take advantage of the resorts facilities and activities, which are truly astounding. They offer everything from tai chi and zumba classes, to archery and harmonica lessons! Click here to see all that's offered...

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Saturday, May 4 - 10:41 p.m. CT

Day 2 of the Luxury Link Social Experience at Travaasa Austin is in the books with another superb dinner prepared by Executive Chef Benjamin Baker, this time served al fresco at Jean's Restaurant. Your blog author opted for the oh-so-fresh Caesar salad to start, followed by a dillectable pork chop in Chinese five-spice rub with chipotle-mashed sweet potatoes and green beans (pictured) and finally an improvised strawberry shortcake for desert.

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Tomorrow, our final full day, promises more spa treatments, a chili cook-off (Shelley is the early favorite), and tequila tasting (on Cinco de Mayo, fittingly)...

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Saturday, May 4 - 4:55 p.m. CT

Wow! Just returned from our equine experience, led by Keith, Jody and Matt... real live cowboys! They explained how humans and horses build trust, and feed off each other's energy.

We'll let Shelley give the experience proper justice in her forum thread, but for now here's a couple photos:

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Michael and Connie with Keith

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Joy guiding her horse

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Saturday, May 4 - 1:06 p.m. CT

Al fresco lunch at Jean's Kitchen overlooking Lake Travis on a perfect, 78-degree day.

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Our equine experience is coming up shortly; very few details have been shared, but our Luxury Link Sgroup will be meeting some new friends down at the stables...

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Saturday, May 4 - 9:58 a.m. CT

About to start our "Luxury Link Social Media Seminar" ... our travelers will get a crash-course on how to best share their incredible experience at Travaasa Austin with the world!

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Friday, May 3 - 10:10 p.m. CT

Just wrapped up an incredible communal dinner shared amongst new friends, prepared by Travaasa Austin Chef Benjamin Baker and served in the tranquil Solidago Gardens Room.

Tomorrow, the fun begins - morning spa appointments and then a unique "equine experience" as Travaasa calls it!

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Friday, May 3 - 6:00 p.m. CTClick image for larger version.  Name: IMG_1264.jpg  Views: 769  Size: 380.1 KB  ID: 1658
Had a chance to walk the Travaasa Austin grounds, which include this agave plant in full bloom. Our resort host Brian explained that it takes 100 years for the agave plant to bloom, after which it dies.

Our 10 travelers are about to all meet for the first time, at our welcome reception and private dinner. Let the REAL Luxury Link Social Experience begin!

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Friday, May 3 - 2:55 p.m. CT

We're beginning to arrive in Austin. Here are four of our Social Experience travelers - Michael, Rena, Deb and Min (l-r) - enjoying their stretch SUV limo airport pick-up!

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Friday, May 3 - 10:30 a.m. CT

Our Luxury Link Social Experience crew is en route to Austin! Michael snapped this Instagram photo just before taking off.

Have any of you been to Texas capital? Comment below with some of your favorite Austn sight sand restaurants...

PS - Hooray for in-flight WiFi! ]]> TravelerBen_ll http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/travelerben_ll/live-blog-luxury-link-social-experience-1642/ Introducing the Unrivaled Luxury of Dorchester Collection http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/travelerben_ll/introducing-unrivaled-luxury-dorchester-collection-1618/ Fri, 05 Apr 2013 17:25:44 GMT Iconic Hotels. Iconic Places. It’s a weighty tagline, but one the properties of Dorchester Collection...
Iconic Hotels. Iconic Places.

It’s a weighty tagline, but one the properties of Dorchester Collection wear with pride, honor and most important – veracity.

The nine hotels are not only renowned for luxury and individuality but also provide warm, personalized service and comfort that aim to exceed expectations of even the most Click image for larger version.  Name: Dorchester_Iconic.jpg  Views: 822  Size: 791.1 KB  ID: 1562discriminating guests.

“People choose to stay at Dorchester Collection hotels because they’re in the best locations, they have spectacular heritage yet continually remain cutting-edge. We work with the best designers, the top chefs and have a culture of genuine service,” said Christopher Cowdray, Chief Executive Officer.

The Dorchester Collection hotels are intricately-woven into the fabric of the world-class destinations they call home – cities like Paris, London and Milan that are on every luxury traveler’s must-visit list. For example, when somebody says “meet me at The Beverly Hills Hotel”, no address or directions are needed; it’s simply known.

“The hotels have their individual character, and resonate with the locations they’re in,” Cowdray said. “Our new tagline – Iconic Hotels. Iconic Places. – really describes these incredible landmarks. Most of our hotels have a long history of hosting high-profile events in their cities.”

Luxury Link is privileged to showcase the entire Dorchester Collection, and offer our savvy travelers hand-curated vacation experiences designed to be unforgettable from the moment you step into the lobby.

Constantly striving to remain at the forefront of luxury hospitality, many of the Dorchester Collection properties have unveiled or will debut exciting new initiatives in 2013. Below is our “virtual tour” of these nine iconic hotels in iconic places.

United States
Hotel Bel-Air – Los Angeles, California
Reopened in 2011 after an extensive renovation and two-year closure, Hotel Bel-Air has been stepping out in style ever since. The hotel that once served asClick image for larger version.  Name: Hotel Bel-Air.jpg  Views: 358  Size: 66.7 KB  ID: 1563 Marilyn Monroe’s home has long been Hollywood’s hideaway, and its celebrity appeal extends to the kitchen: Wolfgang Puck at Hotel Bel-Air debuted with the reopening and has been called “a quintessentially Californian restaurant” by the Los Angeles Times. Menu items feature the region’s finest produce and specialty ingredients.

The 58 guestrooms and 45 suites sprawled over 12 acres of gardens display a similar attention to detail, mixing Spanish colonial style smooth finishes and graceful shapes of French Deco. Many feature a wood-burning fireplace and private garden patio.

The Beverly Hills Hotel and Bungalows – Beverly Hills, California
The Beverly Hills Hotel and Bungalows has a style all its own, not to mention a celebrated history that predates the city which name it bears – “The Pink Palace” opened in 1912, two years before Beverly Hills was incorporated. As part of the hotel’s centennial celebration last year, refined menu offerings at the legendary Polo Lounge were unveiled. The new dishes have received highly positive reviews from both guests and local Beverly Hills residents, some of Click image for larger version.  Name: Bevery Hills Hotel and Bungalows.jpg  Views: 353  Size: 75.4 KB  ID: 1564whom are known to dine at the Polo Lounge daily.

As you would expect in such a famous zip code, The Beverly Hills Hotel has hosted a countless celebrities over its 100 years, but every guest is given the red-carpet treatment. Whether you choose to stay in one of the 208 bright, inviting guest rooms or 23 secluded bungalows, every Luxury Link traveler will enjoy daily breakfast in the Polo Lounge and complimentary car service to experience the best of Beverly Hills.

United Kingdom
The Dorchester – London
The hotel from which the Collection derives its name, The Dorchester delivers a classic British guest experience like none other from its ideal location in London’s Mayfair neighborhood. Central to this are spa offerings unparalleledClick image for larger version.  Name: The Dorchester.jpg  Views: 321  Size: 76.1 KB  ID: 1565 among hotels in the cosmopolitan British capital. The newly-unveiled “Selected Spa Signatures from Dorchester Collection” brings the most indulgent treatments from around the globe all under one roof.

Rivaling its spa and wellness offerings are the menus from the hotel’s supremely fashionable restaurants including China Tang and Alain Ducasse at The Dorchester, one of only four three-star Michelin restaurants in the entire UK. Meanwhile, in September 2012 The Dorchester was graced with 22 new suites by acclaimed interior designer Alexandra Champalimaud, each featuring an eclectic array of furnishing, inspired by the British fondness for filling homes with travel mementos.

45 Park Lane – London
Every room at Dorchester Collection’s other prestigious London address, 45 Park Lane, boasts sweeping views over Hyde Park. The perfect contemporary complement to The Dorchester – adjacent to its sister property – the hotel boasts Wolfgang Puck’s modern American steak restaurant CUT, his first eatery in Europe. In addition, Bar 45 has quickly created buzz across London as a destination for sophisticated cocktails.Click image for larger version.  Name: 45 Park Lane.jpg  Views: 325  Size: 60.8 KB  ID: 1566

Art is very much a central theme at 45 Park Lane, thanks in large part to the vision of architect and designer Thierry Despont who believes that every aspect of a living environment is a reflection of the personality of those that inhabit it. That translates to guestrooms and suites designed to feel like private residences – bursting with natural light – where art by ten of Britain’s leading contemporary artists adorn the walls.

Coworth Park – Ascot, England
The third Dorchester Collection hotel in England is also the only one outside of an urban setting. Occupying 240 verdant acres just 45 minutes from central London and 20 minutes from Heathrow, Coworth Park maintains the Georgian charm of the original manor house on which it was built, yet with a contemporary twist. With an on-site equestrian center (including polo fields), kids’ club and eco-luxury spa – recently named the country’s second-favorite Click image for larger version.  Name: Coworth Park.jpg  Views: 323  Size: 53.2 KB  ID: 1567hotel spa by UK readers of Conde Nast Traveller – the property strives to be an elegant, full-service country retreat for couples and families alike.

No two rooms at Coworth Park are alike – with some featuring bespoke hand-wrought four-poster traditional beds while others are draped in soft natural fabrics - yet all enjoy sweeping views of the Berkshire countryside. Scheduled for 2013 are a series of Kitchen Masterclasses and expert speaker events for guests to sharpen their skills and dinner party conversation.

France
Le Meurice – Paris
Paris is the city for fine art lovers, and Le Meurice indulges their passion in exceptional surroundings. In fact, Salvador Dali used to reside in this palace hotel just opposite Tuileries Garden and mere blocks from the Louvre, and its signature restaurant bears his name. Click image for larger version.  Name: Le Meurice.jpg  Views: 321  Size: 86.4 KB  ID: 1568

One of the city's finest luxury hotels since 1835, Le Meurice boasts a litany of awards and accolades, most recently rated as the No. 3 hotel in France by the discriminating readers of Conde Nast Traveler in 2012. While the 160 guestrooms are beautifully adorned in Rococo stylings, Le Meurice’s Philippe Starck-designed public areas and lobby sways towards the modern with playful touches. For example, travelers are invited to write messages on a giant frosted mirror, totally redefining the concept of a guestbook!

Hôtel Plaza Athénée Paris – Paris
Joining Le Meurice among the rarefied group to receive “Palace Hotel” distinction from the French government, Hôtel Plaza Athénée Paris celebrates its centennial in 2013. Events are planned throughout the year at this landmark property in an envious location between the Champs-Élysées and the Eiffel Tower, punctuated by an April 20 gathering commemorating its opening date; Click image for larger version.  Name: Hôtel Plaza Athénée Pari.jpg  Views: 332  Size: 89.3 KB  ID: 1569100 brightly-colored balloons will be released and guests are invited to share in a gigantic “anniversary” cake.

Whenever you visit Hôtel Plaza Athénée, expect unrivaled service as you experience guestrooms and suites evocative of elegant Parisian apartments. Located in one of the world’s gastronomic capitals, the hotel matches the high standards of its surroundings with Alain Ducasse au Plaza Athénée, a three-star Michelin restaurant.

Italy
Hotel Principe di Savoia – Milan
Stylish. Trend-setting. Expressive. All of these adjectives describe the Italian fashion and business capital of Milan to a tee. They also fit Hotel Principe di Savoia flawlessly. The only Dorchester Collection property in Italy plays a keyClick image for larger version.  Name: Hotel Principe di Savoia.jpg  Views: 330  Size: 65.7 KB  ID: 1570 role hosting events during Milan Fashion Week and throughout the year, and has one of the most buzzing, upscale scenes in the city at Principe Bar.

Hotel Principe di Savoia offers its guests an uncompromising level of personal attention and the too-often-lost tradition of service. For those looking to explore more of northern Italy, you’re well-situated not far from the beautiful Lake Como region, where stars like George Clooney have built vacation homes.

Switzerland
Le Richemond – Geneva
The newest hotel in the Dorchester Collection joined the exclusive portfolio in 2011. Boasting a spectacular garden setting and unrivaled location on the shores of Lake Geneva, Le Richemond allows you to explore this truly international city in impeccable style. The signature Armeleder Suite – named after the family that opened the hotel in 1875 – offers the only wrap around Click image for larger version.  Name: Le Richemond.jpg  Views: 319  Size: 58.8 KB  ID: 1571views of the city, sparkling lake and Le Jet d’Eau against the striking backdrop of Mont Blanc.

With a new general manager hired last year to steward Le Richemond into its next phase, the sky’s the limit for this gem at the base of the Swiss Alps! ]]> TravelerBen_ll http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/travelerben_ll/introducing-unrivaled-luxury-dorchester-collection-1618/ Eight Days, Three Cities, One Luxurious European Holiday http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/travelerben_ll/eight-days-three-cities-one-luxurious-european-holiday-1576/ Thu, 28 Feb 2013 22:49:42 GMT For most members of our Luxury Link community, the days of backpacking Attachment 1420... For most members of our Luxury Link community, the days of backpacking Click image for larger version.  Name: London.jpg  Views: 1527  Size: 146.6 KB  ID: 1420through Europe with a rail pass – and without a set itinerary – are but a distant memory. And in this deadline-driven, always-connected society, an extended vacation allowing you to trapeze between countries and experience a variety of rich European cultures is not often feasible.

However, by combining a trio of Luxury Link’s smartly-priced, amenity-laden hotel packages and utilizing Europe’s high-speed train network, you can experience three of Europe’s most vibrant cities during an unforgettable, upscale week-long vacation. Here’s how…

Depart the U.S. on a Saturday, arriving London on a Sunday with plenty of time for sightseeing. Luxury Link currently features 12 properties in London at rates up to 55% off; all are in the center of a city that’s still buzzing after hosting the 2012 Summer Olympics. We recommend a three-night package at The Rubens at the Palace in the heart of Westminster or the Click image for larger version.  Name: Landmark.jpg  Views: 847  Size: 72.3 KB  ID: 1421Victorian-style Landmark London near verdant Regent Park. Both properties include a wealth of add-ons, including breakfast daily. The Rubens even includes tickets for two to the Queen's Gallery at Buckingham Palace.

All of London’s main attractions – from Big Ben to Buckingham Palace to St. Paul’s Cathedral – are in close proximity thanks to the highly-developed London Underground subway network, known locally as the “Tube”. For an edgier experience, head to the Tate Modern gallery and other museums along the south bank of the River Themes. Evenings are best spent sampling the wide range of cuisines that define London’s “melting pot” culture – Indian food is particularly divine here – while no visit to the English capital is complete without taking in a theatre performance in the West End.

After three nights in Jolly Ol’ England, it’s time to don your berets and Click image for larger version.  Name: Paris.jpg  Views: 862  Size: 515.5 KB  ID: 1422head to Paris! Thanks to the lightning-quick Eurostar train, holiday-makers are transported from London’s St. Pancras International station to Gare du Nord in the center of Paris in just two hours and 15 minutes. View timetables and book your Eurostar tickets here.

Reserve a two-night stay at Castille Paris, located in the exclusive 1st Arrondissment, where your two-level junior suite features a living room, mezzanine bedroom and Carrara marble in the bathroom. As one might expect in the wine capital of the world, Castille Click image for larger version.  Name: Castille.jpg  Views: 828  Size: 87.4 KB  ID: 1423welcomes Luxury Link guests with a bottle of French wine in your room.

Art aficionados - Paris’ legendary museums including the Louvre, Musée d'Orsay and Centre Georges Pompidou will take your breath away. The same can be said for an evening ride to the top of the Eiffel Tower, where the “City of Lights” twinkles all around you. French cuisine is renowned the world over, and a meal at Restaurant Le Meurice (located inside the exclusive hotel of the same name, featured on Luxury Link) is a decadent experience you won’t soon forget.

Enriched by the culinary and cultural gems of Paris, on the sixth day of your whirlwind European holiday board a Thalys train at Gare du Nord bound for Amsterdam, just over three hours north. This free-spirited and fun-loving city, build on a series of elaborate canals to prevent flooding, is the perfect place to end your trip. Click image for larger version.  Name: College.jpg  Views: 818  Size: 46.8 KB  ID: 1424

The College Hotel – part of the Preferred Hotel Group – is Luxury Link’s recommended property in Amsterdam. With 40 impeccable rooms designed in pristine white and earth tones, and bathrooms featuring heated-tile floors and cascade showers, The College will feel like home-away-from-home during your two-night stay.

Amsterdam is a compact and easily-walkable city but also a great place to explore by bike, which are available for rent. Like Paris, Amsterdam features world-class art galleries including the Rijksmuseum and Van Gough Museum, while visiting the Anne Frank House is a moving experience. The city’s dining scene, like its residents, is eclectic, but don’t Click image for larger version.  Name: Amsterdam.jpg  Views: 839  Size: 136.4 KB  ID: 1425leave without trying the Dutch delicacy – pickled herring, eaten whole! Makes for a great photo op to end your trip…

With numerous non-stop and one-stop connections between Amsterdam and the U.S., you’ll return home on a Sunday with plenty of time to decompress and reflect on eight extraordinary days and seven luxurious nights Europe! ]]> TravelerBen_ll http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/travelerben_ll/eight-days-three-cities-one-luxurious-european-holiday-1576/ The Crane Residential Resort: Still Flying High After 125 Years http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/travelerben_ll/crane-residential-resort-still-flying-high-after-125-years-1565/ Thu, 31 Jan 2013 01:56:47 GMT With 80-degree weather and mesmerizing views overlooking one of the top-ten beaches in Attachment 1340... With 80-degree weather and mesmerizing views overlooking one of the top-ten beaches in Click image for larger version.  Name: Crane Aerial.jpg  Views: 1459  Size: 89.8 KB  ID: 1340the world, The Crane Residential Resort is your perfect, luxurious escape from winter.

The Crane was first opened in 1887, making 2012 its 125th anniversary. The original hotel - a 19th-century mansion touted to be the first hotel in the entire Eastern Caribbean - has been restored and still hosts guests on what is now a sprawling, amenity-filled property. From fine dining to your own private pool, The Crane Residential Resort has evolved through its storied history to epitomize luxury travel in the Caribbean.

Perhaps it is in The Crane’s one-bedroom ocean view private residences where upscale Click image for larger version.  Name: Bed.jpg  Views: 791  Size: 67.8 KB  ID: 1341 touches are the most evident. Each of the rooms enjoys high ceilings, hardwood floors and antique furnishings, coupled with oversized four-poster beds carved from mahogany. As the name implies, enjoy all the comforts of home with a fully-equipped kitchen plus washer and dryer.

Luxury Link has chosen these private residences for its Rekindle the Romance package, which begins with a meet-and-greet airport pick-up and continues as you gaze upon Crane Beach from your private patio with plunge pool.

“There are many elements that combine to make the property truly luxurious; the period architecture with private swimming pools, gardens and roof terraces,” Director of Marketing Joanna Robinson said enthusiastically. “Many of our guests agree that Click image for larger version.  Name: Room View.jpg  Views: 790  Size: 67.4 KB  ID: 1342the four poster mahogany king sized beds in every suite, marble bathrooms with whirlpool tubs, and spa showers are all winning features.”

Four exquisite on-site dining options await you including Zen, rated “No. 1 for food in Barbados” by Zagat for its inventive Thai/Japanese hybrid cuisine. L’Azure is known for its tempting range of classic Caribbean dishes, fresh seafood and panoramic ocean views. Lastly, go and relax poolside at Carriage House where guests can enjoy divine food and tropical cocktails all day long.

Robinson shared some of her favorite dishes with Luxury Link.

“For lunch, the Blue Swimmers Crab wrap served with a side of fries from The Carriage House is a splendid option. For a true fusion of international cuisine, the award-winning L’Azure restaurant offers a grilled marinated salmon over ratatouille tossed in lemon thyme oil.”

To work off those indulgent meals, enjoy time in your private pool or one of the four sparkling water features located on the property. You can even live/swim on the edge, in the infinity pool that teeters on the edge of a cliff. Jaw-dropping Crane Beach offers the best sClick image for larger version.  Name: Beach View.jpg  Views: 754  Size: 58.0 KB  ID: 1344wimming on the island, surrounded and protected by a natural coral reef. Otherwise, the breathtaking views give you the chance to walk or bike around and absorb the beautiful scenery. At the end of the day, you and your loved one can kick-back, relax and enjoy a catamaran cruise, included in your Luxury Link vacation experience.

When asked to give her parting advice for guests at The Crane Residential Resort, Robinson replied: “Relaxation is spoken here and we encourage all guests to make use of the spaciousness of the rooms, and the finest amenities across the resort including a Barbadian massage like no other from Serenity Spa.”

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]]> TravelerBen_ll http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/travelerben_ll/crane-residential-resort-still-flying-high-after-125-years-1565/ Eden Roc at Cap Cana: A Dominican Delight http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/travelerben_ll/eden-roc-cap-cana-dominican-delight-1559/ Sat, 19 Jan 2013 01:44:06 GMT There are the trips when you’re constantly on the go, fitting in as much sightseeing as Attachment 1324... There are the trips when you’re constantly on the go, fitting in as much sightseeing as Click image for larger version.  Name: Eden Aerial.jpg  Views: 1398  Size: 76.7 KB  ID: 1324possible. Then there the vacations where relaxation is the focus, but with a healthy dose of exploration.

Finally, there is a destination like the all-suite Eden Roc at Cap Cana. At this Dominican Republic slice of paradise – located on one of the world’s finest stretches of sand – every luxury traveler’s whim can be indulged at your doorstep, whether you’re interested in activities galore or unapologetic relaxation.

Unwinding and decompressing starts in your one bedroom lagoon or garden view suite. Spanning nearly 1,100 square feet, each suite features a private swimming pool plus a private massage area. While going “off-the-grid” is important to many upscale travelers, even non-techies will love using comprehensive lighting, temperature and sound control through an ultra modern iPad entertainment system.

These are just a few of many luxurious appointments.

“Click image for larger version.  Name: One-Bedroom+Suite+Lagoon+View+with+private+pool+.jpg  Views: 849  Size: 59.0 KB  ID: 1325We used top-quality materials and amenities in the architecture and interior design of the hotel: from premium coral stone and hand-painted tile floorings, to goose down feather duvets and pillows and 300 thread count luxury sheets and pillowcases made from 100% mercerized Egyptian cotton, just to name a few details,” said Juliana Cordones Sabala, Sales and Marketing Coordinator.

If the in-suite massage table is any indication, Eden Roc takes the spa and wellness concept very seriously. Luxury Link guests enjoy daily access to the newly-reopened Solaya Spa, where a free-form swimming pool, Swedish sauna and a beautiful hammam set a mood of serenity. A 50-minute couple’s massage is included in your vacation experience, which can be enjoyed under a beachfront cabana with gently-lapping Click image for larger version.  Name: Beachfront+Massage+Pavilion.jpg  Views: 842  Size: 58.3 KB  ID: 1326Caribbean waves providing the perfect soundtrack.

Complimenting the Solaya Spa experience is a full state-of-the-art gym and SOLSPA Menu, allowing you to eat right during your Dominican Republic vacation.

We alluded to Eden Rock’s bevy of on-site activities above, and with 30,000 square feet of lush, tropical grounds, virtually any pleasure-seeking whim can be indulged at Camp Cana. Hearing Juliana Cordones Salaba describe what a guest’s typical day might be like left us breathless.

“A delicious breakfast with ocean views, relaxing beach time, unique culinary experiences, massages at our Beachfront Massage Pavilion, world-class golf at Punta Espada Golf Course, tailor-made excursions from shopping and cultural to eco-adventure and animal encounters are just some of the options we offer guests.”
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“World-class” might be an understatement to describe Punta Espada, a Jack Nicklaus-designed course named Best Course in the Caribbean and Mexico in 2011 by Golfweek. The intricate layout engages golfers with breathtaking scenery of cliffs, beaches and waterfalls.

Dining is also a full-contact sport at Eden Roc, with four on-site restaurants:

  • Mediterraneo, featuring creative French and Italian cuisine using the freshest local ingredients and specialties flown in from artisanal suppliers in Europe
  • Gastronomico, a gourmet’s journey to every corner of the globe as the resort’s chefs experiment with flavors that delight the palate
  • Blue Lagoon Pool Bar-Restaurant, a casual place for light fare and deli favorites
  • La Palapa by Eden Roc, with seafood and more prepared to perfection under the direction of international chef Gianluca Re Fraschini


Located in the exclusive Caleton Beach Club, La Palapa has a number of inventive Click image for larger version.  Name: La+Palapa+by+Eden+Roc+-+Red+tuna+tartar.jpg  Views: 840  Size: 44.8 KB  ID: 1327dishes recommended by Cordones Salba.

“Some of the specialties at La Palapa are shrimp ceviche with crispy onion and coconut dressing or an octopus, rock fish, langoustine and crab meat “Guazzeto”, with a tomato sauce and croutons,” she advised.

As a Luxury Link traveler, included in your vacation experience is a romantic three-course dinner for two on one evening of your choice.

Set against the backdrop of one of the top-10 beaches in the world according to Trip Advisor, Eden Roc at Cap Cana takes the concept of full-service luxury resort to the next level. Take full advantage of the on-site activities, or relax to the fullest at the beach, your suite’s private swimming pool or the Solaya Spa. It’s YOUR Luxury Link vacation experience…we promise not to judge!

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]]> TravelerBen_ll http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/travelerben_ll/eden-roc-cap-cana-dominican-delight-1559/ <![CDATA[Achieve Your New Year's Resolution Through Travel]]> http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/travelerben_ll/achieve-your-new-years-resolution-through-travel-1553/ Fri, 28 Dec 2012 18:06:23 GMT Travel is the perfect catalyst to put your New Year’s resolutions into serious action! HereAttachment 1266... Travel is the perfect catalyst to put your New Year’s resolutions into serious action! HereClick image for larger version.  Name: new-yr_top-img2.jpg  Views: 1454  Size: 65.8 KB  ID: 1266 at Luxury Link we asked the staff for their self-improvement goals for 2013, and here are four of our favorites…with some suggested vacation experiences to match!

Get Fit
Perhaps the most popular New Year’s resolution, as evidenced by all the gym memberships sold each January! Instead of staring at blinking lights on a treadmill, why not treat yourself to a wellness escape or luxe property that puts you in the heart of the great outdoors?
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In the U.S., Luxury Link has a myriad of vacation experiences that nurture the mind, body and soul. We love Miraval Resort and Spa in Tucson, Arizona – recently named to the Conde Nast Traveler Gold List 2013 – which includes participation in scheduled wellness programs and activities, exercise classes and tennis. Wind down at the award-winning spa, making full use of the included $520 resort credit!

Further afield, Costa Rica has pretty much cornered the market on active, adventurous vacations, with surfing, zip-lining, kayaking, hiking and more accessible from virtually every corner of this verdant Latin American nation. Centrally base yourself at Asclepios Wellness & Healing Retreat – not far from the main international airport – to get that calorie-burning, adrenaline-filled rush all day before relaxing in your large and airy guestroom with private balcony and rainforest view.

Give Back
At Luxury Link, 2012 was certainly our year of helping those in need. We formed an incredible partnership with Pack for a Purpose, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that encourages travelers to deliver needed to supplies to the communities they visit across the globe. Then in November, we joined in the Hurricane Sandy recovery efforts by donating over $2,000 to Direct Relief International.
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However we’re not here to talk about us…2013 is all about your resolution to give back! Join the thousands of travelers who have collectively donated over 17,000 pounds of supplies around the world by staying at a Pack for a Purpose/Luxury Link partner hotel. One such property is The Landings St. Lucia, which represents the ultimate win-win travel proposition – the requested supplies you drop off at the resort will benefit a number of local charities, while you’ll be handsomely rewarded with sweeping views from your one-bedroom harbor front villa suite, including private plunge pool.

Other PFaP partners available on Luxury Link include Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection, River Saigon in Southeast Asia and Pelican Eyes Resort & Spa in Nicaragua.

Go Green
Part-and-parcel with giving back is leaving a smaller carbon footprint when you travel. We’re here to inspire you with stunning resorts that are also leading the way in eco-tourism with a number of green initiatives.

For eClick image for larger version.  Name: Green.jpg  Views: 377  Size: 565.1 KB  ID: 1269xample, take Hawaii Island Retreat on the north shore of the Big Island. Located on 50 lush acres of gardens, valleys and coastline, HIR is almost completely self-sustaining, generating its own solar power and serving organic, farm-fresh meals cultivated on-site. However, this “green” philosophy does not come at a sacrifice to luxurious touches throughout Hawaii Island Retreat. The nine guestrooms surround a central courtyard and are gracious and refined, with high ceiling and polished hardwood floors, as well as large bathrooms with beautiful finishes and soaking tubs.

It may be hard to believe that in the urban jungle of Manhattan exists one of only five U.S. hotels honored with the ECOTEL® Five-Globe Certification. “Green” and gorgeous simultaneously, the 209-room Benjamin wows you the moment you step in from the timeless building exterior to its elegant lobby awash in marble and rich wood. Behind-the-scenes The Benjamin supports Mother Nature with comprehensive recycling and water conservation programs and energy-conscious lighting throughout the property.

Spend More Time with Family
In today’s hectic, always-connected world, this may be the most difficult resolution of all to achieve! However Luxury Link strives to create upscale vacations that also bring people together through shared experiences. Take for example Lismacue House in the tranquil Irish countryside. Here, up to 10 guests can enjoy the drawing room with fireplace, croquet lawn, and huge dining room where a lavish meal including wine is prepared on one evening of your choice.Click image for larger version.  Name: Family_Montage.jpg  Views: 385  Size: 703.1 KB  ID: 1270

For a more festive family gathering, say “hola” to Villa Mandarinas in Puerto Vallarta. Another package for up to 10 guests, this gorgeous villa equips each of the five bedrooms with a whirlpool tub and private terraces with ocean view. Communally, enjoy the game room with billiards table, big screen TV and bar, outdoor fire pit and private infinity pool. Work off the chef-prepared dinner included with your Luxury Link vacation experience by kayaking and snorkeling to your heart’s content. Book Villa Mandarinas during the month of February, 2013, and the familial relations are sure to increase with your complimentary two-hour margarita sampling!

Of course, a world of family vacation opportunities can also be found on our sister site Family Getaway. We’ve hand-selected the best family-friendly hotels and resorts worldwide…in many cases, doubling the number of room to give parents and kids some privacy. We’ve also included money-saving amenities such as resort credits, breakfasts and babysitting services.
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From our family to yours, we wish you a joyful, prosperous and travel-filled New Year! We hope these “resolution vacations” inspire you to stick to those 2013 goals, all while enjoying incredible new experiences across the globe! ]]> TravelerBen_ll http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/travelerben_ll/achieve-your-new-years-resolution-through-travel-1553/ <![CDATA[Livin' la Vida Lebua]]> http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/travelerben_ll/livin-la-vida-lebua-1547/ Sat, 15 Dec 2012 00:12:15 GMT During my recent Southeast Asian adventure, November 22 was a day of contrasts. My traveling companion and I awoke in Siem Reap, Cambodia, prepared... During my recent Southeast Asian adventure, November 22 was a day of contrasts. My traveling companion and I awoke in Siem Reap, Cambodia, prepared for a long day of international overland travel to Bangkok, Thailand. We had chosen this route because Click image for larger version.  Name: DSC01313.JPG  Views: 964  Size: 62.9 KB  ID: 1220airfares on Bangkok Airways – which owns a monopoly on the quick one-hour flight – were cost-prohibitive.

Ten tiring hours later, encompassing two taxi rides, a walk across the Cambodian/Thai border, a long bus journey and short jaunt in a tuk-tuk, we arrived at Lebua at State Tower. At check-in we were greeted by a personal concierge – the cheerful Nadine from Germany – and shown to our expansive two-room Riverview Suite on the 54th floor. Coincidentally it was Thanksgiving back in the States, and rarely have I been more thankful to see both a shower and a bed…

Click image for larger version.  Name: Combo.jpg  Views: 317  Size: 203.6 KB  ID: 1219However, with Lebua being one of Bangkok’s most luxurious high-rise hotels and a best-seller on Luxury Link, this wasn’t just any shower and bed! Nadine familiarized us with all the amenities in our suite, from the multiple places to work or relax in the living room, to the stove, refrigerator and complimentary bottled water in our kitchenette, to the sweeping views of southern Bangkok from our private balcony. While there was a sprawling, vibrant metropolis to explore, that first night I wanted little more than to take a dip in the hotel’s huge pool, prune myself in the hot and dry saunas, and call it a day.

Thoroughly refreshed, the next morning we ventured down to the poolside Café Mozu, where our Luxury Link-included buffet breakfast was served. I had already stuffed myself with offerings from the pastry, omelete and Chinese dim-sum stations – declaring it one of the best buffets outside of Las Vegas – before realizing there was an entire SECOND serving area inside! There, multiple hot dishes, sushi, salad and cold cuts cater to the hotel’s international clientele (as well as expanding waistlines). Thankfully Lebua at State Tower has a large gym with all the latest fitness equipment, free to use for guests!
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Our two full days in Bangkok were a whirlwind of culture, commerce and of course spicy Thai cuisine. We toured Wat Pho - home of the reclining Buddha - and ventured to the almost-overwhelming Chatuchak Weekend Market, where anything and everything is available from over 15,000 vendors. I encourage you to pick up one of the free maps, which color-codes the market into its different sections such as clothing, artwork and one ominously-titled “Creatures”. Yes, you can buy both pets and meat at Chatuchak…

An indulgent (and thankfully air-conditioned) experience in this steamy city was watching the new James Bond movie Skyfall at Siam Paragon, a high-end shopping mall. Before the trip I had read about Bangkok’s over-the-top cineplexes, and this one lived up to the hype. Our theater had no more than 20 reclining chairs – which I would compare a business-class airplane seat – and included in the ticket price were blankets and pillows, popcorn and soda and even a 15-minute massage after the movie!

One piece of advice I can impart to first-time Bangkok visitors: take the BTS SkyTrain whenever possible. Living in Los Angeles, I know traffic, but have never seen anything like Bangkok’s; a two-mile taxi ride took over 45 minutes! The Skytrain network is clean, efficient and gets you to the cities most-visited areas like the aforementioned Chatuchak Market and the expat mecca of Sukhumvit. There's a station a 10-minute walk from Lebua at State Tower, which lies in the business district of Silom and adjacent to Bangkok’s thriving Chinatown community.

Click image for larger version.  Name: IMG_0916.jpg  Views: 250  Size: 61.8 KB  ID: 1222Despite falling in love with the buzzing, in-your-face energy of the Thai capital, one of the highlights was knowing I had the calm oasis of Lebua to return to each day. We spent one evening at the hotel’s 65th-story rooftop Skybar, made famous by its role in the climactic scene of The Hangover Part II. I’m a pretty humble, down-to-earth guy, but there was a certain rush felt when emerging from the elevator to hob-nob with a veritable United Nations of patrons, with Bangkok’s sea of lights below me in every direction. In keeping with its dedication to exceptional guest experiences – which I found commonplace throughout Southeast Asia – we’d return to the room each night to find the comforters turned-down with chocolate, and our Lebua-embroidered slippers bedside.

Remember my slightly-harrowing journey to Bangkok? Well, I couldn’t have had a more opposite experience on the way out of town. Included in any Luxury Link vacation experience is a private car transfer service from Lebua to one of Bangkok’s two airports – Suvarnabhumi (for international flights) or Don Muang (domestic). We were headed to the Andaman Sea islands in Krabi province, and on a blissfully traffic-free Sunday morning wereClick image for larger version.  Name: DSC01310.JPG  Views: 296  Size: 115.7 KB  ID: 1223 whisked to Don Muang by an enthusiastic driver and met at the airport by another Lebua rep, who grabbed our bags and walked us through check-in all the way to security! The standard-issue car is a leather-appointed Toyota Camry, but guests can upgrade to several other vehicles – including a limousine – if they desire.

On that drive to the airport, I gazed at skyscrapers, temples and billboards in an unfamiliar language, reflecting on my time in Bangkok. Most of my memories centered on the incredible views, amenities and service at Lebua at State Tower, a hotel that clearly understands its role as one of the premiere properties in a truly global city. Ten days in Thailand merely whet my appetite to explore more of The Land of Smiles, and with all roads leading through Bangkok, I expect to find myself staying at Lebua once again! ]]> TravelerBen_ll http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/travelerben_ll/livin-la-vida-lebua-1547/ Sipping in Style with Wine World Tours http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/travelerben_ll/sipping-style-wine-world-tours-1543/ Tue, 11 Dec 2012 21:52:36 GMT Luxury Link has greatly expanded its portfolio of _guided vacations and excursions... Luxury Link has greatly expanded its portfolio of guided vacations and excursions in Click image for larger version.  Name: WineGlasses.jpg  Views: 860  Size: 435.2 KB  ID: 12102012, and among those we’re particularly excited about are the creative and indulgent itineraries from Wine World Tours.

These incredible, personally-tailored programs explore the most prestigious and storied winemaking regions in the world: Napa and Sonoma Valleys in California, legendary names like Burgundy, Bordeaux and Tuscany in Europe as well as the South American nations of Chile and Argentina. On your tour, enjoy the luxury of a carefully-selected itinerary that provides private drivers and expert guides tol help you savor of every moment.

“We start with a luxury template of accommodations, cultural and historical activities, wineries, restaurants and artisan experiences and then we personalize and customize it to meet our clients’ tastes and interests…and it becomes as unique as the people taking it,” said Wine World Tours CEO David Marchese.

Because fine wine tasting is best enjoyed as a communal experience, each Wine World Tour itinerary offers incredible savings when booked as a group of six or more travelers.

Napa and Sonoma, California
Wine World Tours offers access to the most renowned winemaking region in the U.S. with a pair of tours in Northern California – Classic American Wine Country (4 days/3 nights) and Town & California Wine Country (8 days/7 nights). Both experiences begins with roundtrip airport transfers in either San Francisco or Oakland and continue with your luxe accommodations at the Villagio Inn & Spa in Yountville, with an add-on say at Cavallo Point in romantic Sausalito on the longer itinerary. Days will be filled with tastings at the best wineries Napa and Sonoma have to offer, visits to artisan shops and memorable gourmet dining experiences. Lunch aboard the Napa Valley Wine Train and a four-course tasting menu dinner at Rustic – Francis Ford Coppola's winery-restaurant – are among the culinary adventures awaiting your palate. Town & California Wine Country includes reservations at Napa’s exclusive French Laundry, a hot-air Click image for larger version.  Name: Wine+World+Tours_USA.jpg  Views: 328  Size: 57.4 KB  ID: 1211balloon ride, helicopter tour of San Francisco and spa treatments, among other perks.

Before your World Wine Tour in scenic Northern California, Marchese encourages all guests to fill out a questionnaire, which helps ensure that desired activities are included on your itinerary. Travelers are paired with an expert driver who offers insights into the rich history of the area, along with VIP access to the best wineries in the country. With the option to roam the countryside yourself, Wine World Tours offers complimentary use of a luxury SUV for the duration of your tour. Lastly, bring home some of the fine wines you taste at savings of 25-30% off general public prices.

Book your group of six or more travelers on the Classic American Wine Country tour and save $800 per person off the advertised price, or $1,700 per person when reserving the Town & California experience!

Europe
For many wine aficionados, the fertile, temperate grape-growing regions of France and Italy represent the epicenter of their passion. Wine World Tours is pleased to offer a quartet of seven-night itineraries designed to delve deep into these rich wine-producing cultures.

An incredibly popular tour is A Taste of Tuscany, starting and ending in Florence with excursions deep into this hilly and impossible gorgeous region. After visiting the legendary Uffizi Gallery – home of Michelangelo’s David – guests will base Click image for larger version.  Name: WWT_Italy.jpg  Views: 336  Size: 84.8 KB  ID: 1212themselves in the medieval city of Siena, centered on an enormous shell-shaped central square. Interspersed with 11 winery visits throughout Tuscany and Chianti – accompanied by an expert chauffeur and bilingual guide – are meetings with artisan craftsmen and 13 meals, including one gourmet lunch prepared yourself in a private cooking class!

Moving west to France, Burgundy and Chablis Wine Country Discovery combines varietals with history and culture, hosted by Wine World Tours' Executive Director of Wine Travel Peter Smith. In eight amazing days, visit eight wineries, a cheese shop, barrel cooperage, the Crusader sites of Hospices de Beaune and Vézelay Basilica and take in a theatre performance in Paris – either Moulin Rouge or Lido. Of course, dine on some of the world’s most haute cuisine as you sip your way through Burgundy and Chablis!

Enjoy up to $2,300 in savings per person when booking a Wine World Tour in Europe!

South America
You’ve drank the Malbecs and Merlots that made the winemaking regions of Chile and Argentina legendary, now visit this enchanting corner of the Southern Hemisphere with Wine World Tours.

Marchese loves the epicurean diversity of South America.

“Take Chile…where there are signature wines coming from local varietals and wine-making methods such as Carmenere. Also, there are signature drinks like Pisco - a light-colored brandy that is the national drink of Chile. They even have their own type of empanadas stuffed with a variety of goodies accented by olives and raisins,” he said. “In every country, we seek these out for our clients as they are part of the local experience that we believe helps makes the vacation unique.”

Click image for larger version.  Name: WWT_Argentina.jpg  Views: 304  Size: 66.5 KB  ID: 1213Wine World Tours offers a seven-night Cultural and Culinary Chilean Journey starting and ending in Santiago with a focus on the regions of Maule and the Colchagua Valley, plus a tour of seaside Valparaiso. A nine-night tour crosses the towering Andes into Argentina with four nights in scenic Mendoza, 18 total winery visits, a cooking school experience and 24 total meals. As you may know, Argentine steak is legendary!

Wine World Tours’ South American itineraries offer incredible incentive to travel as a group. South American Wine Adventure offers savings of $4,750 per person for a party of six!

The intersection of luxury, relaxation, and history of course wine education within each tour provide an experience that is unique and sure to enchant even the most sophisticated of luxury travelers. ]]> TravelerBen_ll http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/travelerben_ll/sipping-style-wine-world-tours-1543/ Packing for a Purpose in Cambodia http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/travelerben_ll/packing-purpose-cambodia-1539/ Thu, 06 Dec 2012 07:37:49 GMT One of the most rewarding aspects of my position with Luxury Link is serving as Attachment 1190... One of the most rewarding aspects of my position with Luxury Link is serving as Name: suitecase-logo.gif Views: 415 Size: 6.0 KBthe day-to-day contact with our incredible non-profit partner, Pack for a Purpose. Over the past year I've had the privilege of working closely with the organization's founder Rebecca Rothney, learning about the simple yet profound way PFAP connects travelers with communities in need and helping advocate its "Small Space. Little Effort. Big Impact." message via Luxury Link's social media channels and online community, the Luxury Lounge.

Personally, I've encouraged friends to Pack for a Purpose when heading abroad, and delighted when several Luxury Link colleagues before me delivered supplies for non-profit organizations in destinations as far-flung as Costa Rica and India.

Finally, this November it was my turn. I planned my first-ever trip to Southeast Click image for larger version.  Name: DSC01173.jpg  Views: 189  Size: 78.0 KB  ID: 1191Asia, with my first stop being Siem Reap, Cambodia, home of the incredible Angkor Wat temples. Immediately after confirming my itinerary, I visited PackForAPurpose.org and learned that they have two non-profit partners in Siem Reap, including The Future of Khmer Children's Organization which is supported by Luxury Link partner Uniworld Boutique River Cruise Collection. Cruisers can simply drop off supplies at the start of their River Saigon cruise, however since my itinerary was completely on land I outreached Future of Khmer Founder and Executive Director Leng Theany with news that I planned to deliver a large duffel bag of supplies to her organization.

Theany enthusiastically replied within hours. She offered to pick me up at my hotel the morning after I arrived and drive me to the school she founded in 2008 to provide free education and primary health care education for children of all ages. The plan went off without a hitch, as the 30-pound duffel bag I bid farewell to at LAX almost two days earlier greeted me at the Siem Reap airport, filled to the brim with schools supplies and sports equipment generously donated by friends and co-workers.

Siem Reap is a town heavily dependent on tourism, with flashy new hotels, international restaurants and well-paved roads leading to the cash-cow of Angkor Wat, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. However, the real Cambodia began to reveal itself the moment our truck turned off of National Highway 6 onto a muddy road lined with single-room family homes, wild chickens and emaciated cattle. Click image for larger version.  Name: IMG_0812.JPG  Views: 250  Size: 212.7 KB  ID: 1192 That was merely a prelude to what I was in store for upon reaching The Future of Khmer Children’s Organization…

Immediately after exiting the truck, I was surrounded by dozens of smiling faces, all dressed in white shirts and blue pants or skirts. I felt like a rock star sans electric guitar, only a big black duffel bag in tow! These students were an inquisitive bunch, curiously rubbing my forearm (apparently Western men are a bit “fuzzier” than our Cambodian counterparts) and asking me three standard questions that they had obviously learned and recited in class: “What is your name?”, ”Where are you from?” and “How old are you?”. In fact, I was a bit embarrassed as their English-speaking skills dwarfed mine in Khmer, as I could only muster a simple “sues'day” (“hello”).

Click image for larger version.  Name: IMG_0813.jpg  Views: 196  Size: 125.5 KB  ID: 1193One of the teachers excitedly ruffled through my bag of goodies, pulling out a soccer ball which we used to play an informal game of volleyball. When the ball flew into a lily pond abutting the school, my heart stopped as one brazen student crawled through a barb-wire fence and into the pond to retrieve it!

Thoroughly drenched in sweat (it was my first day in the tropics), I was then asked by Theany to give a math lesson using flash cards donated by my kind-hearted Luxury Link colleague Kat. The subject was multiplication tables – specifically multiples of five – and I’m pleased to report that Future of Khmer students did not miss a single answer written on the dry erase board. I must confess that when 5x8 came up I had to confirm with a teacher that it was in fact 40, making me realize just how reliant we are on calculators as adults!Click image for larger version.  Name: IMG_0829.JPG  Views: 192  Size: 174.4 KB  ID: 1194

The entire school then lined up to sing a song about frogs (so I was told) and then headed home to their villages surrounding Siem Reap (mostly via bicycle); a second group of students were set to arrive for the afternoon session. Meanwhile, Theany and her husband kindly drove me to the airport where I was scheduled to meet my traveling companion for the next two weeks.

Two things struck me about my incredible experience with The Future of Khmer Children’s Organization:

  1. I learned just how easy it is to make an impact while traveling by Packing for a Purpose. I bought a duffel bag, filled it with requested supplies, and set up the delivery with just a couple of emails. The process is even simpler when travelers carve out five pounds of space in their luggage (which is all Pack for a Purpose requests) and drop off items at a PFAP partner hotel.
  2. Click image for larger version.  Name: DSC01170.JPG  Views: 187  Size: 152.7 KB  ID: 1195More importantly, my visit reaffirmed that people don’t need much material wealth to be happy. The students I met came from very poor families, yet you would never know it from their collectively sunny disposition. One child who stands out was wearing the most ill-fitting, mangled pair of secondhand eyeglasses, but had a smile from ear-to-ear every time I saw him. I believe it’s all part of the Cambodian psyche; throughout Siem Reap locals would gather on the streets and exchange laughter, seemingly without care that they live one of Asia’s most economically-depressed countries.


The rest of my holiday in Cambodia and Thailand was spent exploring Buddhist temples, sampling exotic cuisine and – frankly – enjoying a lot of beach time. However when people inquire about my vacation, the memory I share first is the magical, surreal hour I spent with those students in Siem Reap. I may now be 8,000 miles from Cambodia, but thanks to a connection made through Pack for a Purpose I was able to leave behind empowering, educational tools that will benefit a special group of Khmer children for years to come.

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]]> TravelerBen_ll http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/travelerben_ll/packing-purpose-cambodia-1539/ Five-Star, Black-Diamond: Colorado, Vermont and the Alps http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/travelerben_ll/five-star-black-diamond-colorado-vermont-alps-1525/ Thu, 08 Nov 2012 16:25:59 GMT Attachment 1092 (http://www.luxurylink.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=1092)Ski season and luxury travel go together like peanut butter and... Click image for larger version.  Name: SkiTown.jpg  Views: 1878  Size: 272.4 KB  ID: 1092Ski season and luxury travel go together like peanut butter and jelly. As temperatures cool and the white stuff hits the ground, there’s no better way to indulge than carving through world-class slopes by day and recharging your battery at world-class resorts by night!

Luxury Link is your lift ticket to incredible savings on five-star resorts near black-diamond runs, with a bounty of après-ski extras such as a welcome bottle of wine, gourmet meals and soothing spa treatments included in your vacation experience.

Below, we’re taking a tour of exquisite resorts in three of our favorite mountain regions across the globe. Head for the hills and book your next winter escape today by clicking here!

Colorado
Towering peaks run the length of Colorado from north to south, and dotting the Rocky Mountains are legendary ski resorts that are a virtual Nirvana snow aficionados. These upmarket ski towns not only have incredible slopes to conquer, but fine dining, fabulous shopping and of course top-notch accommodations.

In Aspen, a newcomer to the luxury hotel scene is also a faClick image for larger version.  Name: Aspen.jpg  Views: 913  Size: 22.5 KB  ID: 1093miliar one: Hotel Jerome is reopened in December 2012 on the heels of a multi-million dollar renovation. While the hotel’s signature service remains, guests will relish in guest room enhancements such as luxury linens, flat screen televisions, and deluxe bathrooms with soaking tubs as well as updated spa facilities, fitness studio, outdoor heated pool and Jacuzzis.

Nearby, Sky Hotel provides a modern-boutique twist on alpine accommodations. For dedicated snow buffs, the hotel offers ski-in/ski-out access to Aspen’s legendary slopes, as well as an on-site rental shop. For those with a serious après-ski appetite, the Sky boasts a sizzling dining and drinking scene at 39 Degrees Lounge plus its uber-popular “Attitude Adjustment” nightly wine reception, where guests are treated to amazing chair massages. Also recently renovated, the Sky Hotel features luxe guestroom touches including down comforters, Aveda bath amenities, and iPod docks.

Click image for larger version.  Name: lodge.jpg  Views: 924  Size: 23.3 KB  ID: 1094One-hundred miles to the northeast, another winter playground beckons luxury travelers. The Vail Valley boasts two world-class mountains in namesake Vail as well as BeaverCreek. Nestled among them are exceptional accommodations that Luxury Link is proud to offer travelers, including The Lodge and Spa at Cordillera. Perched on a mountaintop overlooking the valley and Sawatch Range, this AAA Four-Diamond Award winner places guests in heart of Colorado’s year-round bounty of outdoor activities. However in winter it’s all about conquering the mountain, with complimentary shuttle service to Cordillera Club at Vail and Beaver Creek, including ski-in/ski-out access at the latter. Meanwhile, Lodge and Spa at Cordillera guestrooms exquisitely compliment their natural surroundings, with warm woods and in-room fireplaces, plus private terraces with mountain views.

Click image for larger version.  Name: Dunton2.jpg  Views: 890  Size: 22.3 KB  ID: 1095Tucked in Colorado’s southwest corner, Dunton Hot Springs is a luxe, all-inclusive option in the colorful town of Dolores, only a hideaway of Butch Cassidy. Dunton pampers guests with breakfast, lunch and dinner daily - including alcoholic and nonalcoholic beverages – much of it from an on-site farm and vineyard! Venturing from your secluded riverside Dolores Cabin, nearby are the towering slopes of Telluride as well as options for hiking, snowshoeing, heli-skiing.

Vermont
The awe-inspiring resort towns Colorado are well-served by flights from across the U.S., but best appreciated as an extended weekend or week-long getaway. For ski enthusiasts along the East Coast, Vermont is the ideal winter playground in their own backdoor with 17 alpine ski resorts, 30 cross-country touring centers. “Quaint” is often a word to describe New England, and The Green Mountain State lives up to that billing with its refined slope-side properties.

The resort town of Stowe is ground zero for Vermont’s alpine pursuits, and perched Click image for larger version.  Name: Topnotch.jpg  Views: 901  Size: 21.1 KB  ID: 1096among all the action is Topnotch Resort and Spa, occupying 120 acres with its classic country motif. This is a full-service resort destination, with on-site restaurants, swimming and fitness facilities and the award-wining Spa at Topnoch, with a whopping 30 treatment rooms. Guestrooms feature European touches, with full American breakfast served daily before guests strap on their skis, snowboards or snowshoes, or hop aboard a romantic sleigh ride.

Closer to the Massachusetts border sits a Luxury Link property bestowed with a place among the Historic Hotels of America, and spot on Travel + Leisure’s list of World’s Best 500 Hotels. Castle Hill Resort & Spa in Ludlow occupies a gracious estate built at the turnoff the 20th century, recalling a bygone era. Guestrooms are perfect for a winter romantic getaway, with decorative fireplaces and whirlpool tubs. Couples will also love the massage treatments and four-course dinner on one evening of your choice included in a Luxury Link vacation experience. The region offers plenty of options to step into the snow, or take a leisurely drive through New England’s famous covered bridges.

The Alps
Every traveler has a case of wanderlust at one time or another, and ski buffs are no exception. When black-diamond slopes on home soil just don’t cut it, head for the vaunted peaks of the European Alps. Combine awe-inspiring mountain scenery with quaint towns ropping with history, refined restaurants and exquisite shopping, and you have the stuff that winter vacation dreams are made of.

SClick image for larger version.  Name: Nira+Alpina.jpg  Views: 893  Size: 61.7 KB  ID: 1099t. Moritz in Switzerland is the epitome of this Alpine bliss, and Nira Alpina is a five-star resort that takes slope-side luxury to the next level. Huge junior suites boast picture indows to soak in views of the towering Endagin Mountains, or enjoy it from a gigantic private terrace. When you’re ready to strap on those boots, Nira Alpina couldn’t be more convenient, with the Corvatsch cable car literally connected to the hotel and beckoning you to take a ride up the hill. Like their American counterparts, the Swiss are deeply committed to après-ski fun. Have a soak in the thermal baths of the Nira Spa, or indulge at one of the hotel’s two exquisite on-site restaurants, Stars or Stalla Veglia.

Across the border in Austria, the full-service concept popularized at luxury beachfront resorts worldwide is transported to the mountains at Kristiania Lech. Billing itself as a Click image for larger version.  Name: Lech.jpg  Views: 898  Size: 68.0 KB  ID: 1098“contemporary lifestyle of the highest caliber”, this resort in the world-famous Arlberg ski region pampers guests with individualized guest rooms bathed in with warm color palates, homemade chocolate and complimentary mini-bar as well as the services of an on-site ski concierge. Daily breakfast and dinn
er are included in your seven-night Luxury Link vacation experience, with one night reserved for a fun an intimate raclette and fondue party. With 200 works of art throughout the property and even a reading butler to deliver the perfect book to your door, Kristiania Lech is European alpine hospitality at its finest! ]]> TravelerBen_ll http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/travelerben_ll/five-star-black-diamond-colorado-vermont-alps-1525/ Hotel Tugu Bali: The Intersection of Style and Service http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/travelerben_ll/hotel-tugu-bali-intersection-style-service-1522/ Mon, 29 Oct 2012 21:34:32 GMT When a property is described as “Bali’s first boutique museum hotel”, you know you’re in Attachment 1083... When a property is described as “Bali’s first boutique museum hotel”, you know you’re in Click image for larger version.  Name: Tugu Exterior.jpg  Views: 1016  Size: 85.8 KB  ID: 1083for a special kind of vacation experience.

That’s the unique concept behind Hotel Tugu Bali, a labor of love for its founder Anhar Setjadibrata. A doctor, lawyer and – most important for hotel guests – an art collector, Setjadibrata has adorned Tugu Bali with one of the largest private collections of Javanese, Chinese and Dutch colonial antiques; nearly 1,000 total pieces!

“I have never thought of collecting for profit,” he remarked. “I was only thinking of a way to save these treasures because they are a part of Indonesia’s history, history that I can touch and feel.”

While design and culture are central to the Tugu Bali experience, so is a dedication to Asian hospitality that helped it earn distinction as One of the 101 Best Hotels in the World by Tatler Travel Guide.

Click image for larger version.  Name: Tugu Lobby.jpg  Views: 682  Size: 214.0 KB  ID: 1084It all starts in darkened lobby of the Hotel Tugu Bali. With the sounds of traditional Balinese gongs floating in the air, you will be welcomed by the most unlikely of figures: a giant, two-story wooden statue of a beaked eagle, wings outstretched.

“Just sit back and relax, gazing up at a winged Hindu divinity, drinking tea. Would you like us to light some candles for you as well? No problem,“ said Era Erawati, Sales Manager. “Because that, really, is the point of this place: to let the Balinese spirit sink in.”

Meanwhile, your guest suite features a flawless co-existence of refined amenities, open space and water. It might be difficult choosing between either a Dedari Suite – featuring a semi-open-air bathroom, oversized bathtub and private plunge pool – or Rejang Suite, withClick image for larger version.  Name: Tugu Suite.jpg  Views: 642  Size: 93.7 KB  ID: 1085 private spa area and sunken bathtub, plus ocean view.

Speaking of spas, Hotel Tugu Bali will expose you to the intricate and healing methods of traditional Balinese and Javanese treatments. Exotic practices like Keraton Leha-Leha and Dandang Watoe may not be easy to pronounce, but will leave you relaxed and rejuvenated.

Ask and ye shall receive,’ has been conveyed to the Tugu’s staff as the hotel’s credo,” said Erawati. "If you feel like surprising your loved one with a most romantic tete-a-tete dinner over the lotus pond at midnight of her birthday, or to book an eight-hour spa treatment after hours, everything is possible. Meals don't have to be taken in the restaurants or the rooms, but the hotel provides various beautiful dining venues and romantic corners of the garden where guests can choose for themselves. There are no rules, no opening and closing hours at Tugu to make guests feel really at home. "
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Dining is yet another art form at Hotel Tugu Bali, and like the on-site antiques, pays homage to the region’s traditions. Guests are strongly encouraged to try “Waroeng Tugu,” a special dining experience in an open-air, traditional Javanese kitchen hut. Here, traditional Javanese meals are cooked in front of you in authentic pots on a wood-burning stove before being served on antique tables. Accompany your meal with a Tamajito cocktail, which Erawati calls a must-try drink served at the hotel, or take an Indonesian cooking class with chef Ibu Click image for larger version.  Name: Tugu Meal.jpg  Views: 487  Size: 221.7 KB  ID: 1087Soelastri.

If you prefer to head into the nearby town of Seminyak for dinner, the Tugu Bali will arrange a private car service to whisk you away to your reservation. Speaking of location, it would be difficult for Hotel Tugu Bali to be more sublimely-situated. Located on a private beach in the quaint fishing village of Canggu southwest coast of Bali, both sunset-seekers and surfers will love this stunning stretch of sand. From here, Explore the island’s other legendary beaches or head inland to lush, mist-shrouded tropical rainforests.

Bali is well-established as a premier destination for sun, sand and spa, but Hotel Tugu Bali takes these experiences to the next level with its extreme attention to detail and dedication to traditional art and architecture. On your next Southeast Asian escape, delight each of your senses with a stay at this one-of-a-kind resort!

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]]> TravelerBen_ll http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/travelerben_ll/hotel-tugu-bali-intersection-style-service-1522/ <![CDATA[St. Ermin's Hotel: A Distinctly London Experience]]> http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/travelerben_ll/st-ermins-hotel-distinctly-london-experience-1519/ Fri, 19 Oct 2012 15:18:56 GMT Attachment 1049 (http://www.luxurylink.com/community/attachment.php?attachmentid=1049)London is a city that captivates visitors at all hours, and to... Click image for larger version.  Name: Ermin_Ex.jpg  Views: 848  Size: 22.3 KB  ID: 1049London is a city that captivates visitors at all hours, and to get the most out of your experience inhe English capital, look no further than the St. Ermin’s Hotel. This stately property is situated in the heart of Westminster, near many of the popular sights and sounds that define this enthralling metropolis.

Stuart Leckie, the hotel’s Director of Sales & Marketing, explains: “The St. Ermin’s Hotel, nestled in the heart of London, is in the center of the city's vibrant business, leisure and government districts. Just five minute's walk from Buckingham Palace, Westminster Abbey and St. James’ Park, this distinctive four-star deluxe hotel is a relaxed and elegant haven from London's bustling streets.”

Even with all of the activities in close proximity, you may find this hotel hard to leave. The lush tree-lined courtyard welcomes you to a place of elegance and luxury. Spacious marble bathrooms, tate-of-the-art ntertainment systems and fine linens all help ease you ease into that “home away from home” feeling.
Click image for larger version.  Name: Ermin.jpg  Views: 455  Size: 298.0 KB  ID: 1054“The bedrooms and suites were all fullyenovated in 2011 with exquisitely-designed features, from the triple-sprung beds to the monsoon showers, fluffy bathrobes and slippers, bathroom products from The White Company and luxury tea/coffee making facilities,” said Leckie.

Complimenting the exceptional amenities, St. Ermin’s offers innovative and uncommon dining experiences. Many hotels are described as “buzzing” and this one, literally so! That’s because St. Ermin’s produces its own honey, from a beehive located on the roof of the hotel!

When asked if there are any must-try dishes, Leckie replied: “Guests love our Caxton Grill restaurant with its unique Josper Grill that imparts a lovely smoky BBQ flavor to dishes. Diners say it’s the best tasting steak they’ve ever had! It also smokes fresh fish daily and it’s entirely organic.”

Aside from the architectural touches that are quintessential London Click image for larger version.  Name: Ermin_Lobby.jpg  Views: 404  Size: 23.0 KB  ID: 1053 legance, St. Ermin’s has a unique history of its own. During World War II, the hotel was used as the HQ for British Special Ops. In addition, there is a tunnel that leads from the lobby staircase to the Houses of Parliament.

If your vacation mission is to get the most out of London – and do so in style – St. Ermin’s Hotel is sure to exceed expectations. A distinctly London experience, in the city’s top location, let Luxury Link be your gateway to a great stay! ]]> TravelerBen_ll http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/travelerben_ll/st-ermins-hotel-distinctly-london-experience-1519/ <![CDATA[The Huntley Hotel & My Santa Monica Staycation]]> http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/travelerben_ll/huntley-hotel-my-santa-monica-staycation-1516/ Wed, 10 Oct 2012 19:10:14 GMT As a lifelong Los Angeleno, I always suggest first-time visitors spend at least a week in my Attachment 1041... As a lifelong Los Angeleno, I always suggest first-time visitors spend at least a week in my Click image for larger version.  Name: The+Huntley Exterior.jpg  Views: 966  Size: 61.4 KB  ID: 1041hometown to truly get a feel for this vast, vast metropolis. My second recommendation is to split one’s time between “The Eastside” – staying in either Downtown LA or Hollywood – and “The Westside”, namely Santa Monica and its famous stretch of sand.

A few weeks ago, I had the opportunity to be a tourist in my own town and spend a weekend at one of Santa Monica’s most upscale properties, The Huntley Hotel. A block west is Ocean Avenue overlooking Santa Monica State Beach, and the same distance east puts you on the pedestrian-only Third Street Promenade, meaning The Huntley is perfectly-positioned for a Southern California staycation.

Click image for larger version.  Name: Room.JPG  Views: 534  Size: 123.1 KB  ID: 1042Handing my car keys off to perhaps the friendliest valets in LA, I was assigned my King Room on the 17th floor, with a sweeping view of the coast and points south. My first reaction was “this room is HUGE!”, with ample floorspace between the bed, couch and desk. Ditto for the marble-tiled bathroom, outfitted with both a deep Jacuzzi tub and spacious glass-enclosed shower. A word of advice, however: the 17th floor is directly below The Penthouse rooftop restaurant, and on weekend nights it turns into quite the hip-and-happening bar scene so noise can creep in. If your ears are sensitive, request a room on the 16th floor or below.Click image for larger version.  Name: Bathroom.JPG  Views: 509  Size: 133.9 KB  ID: 1043

It was a warm and unusually-humid day for Southern California, so naturally my first inclination was to cross Pacific Coast Highway’s pedestrian overpass and hit the beach. I can’t tell you how liberating it was to stroll to the seashore, rather than battle our city’s infamous traffic to get there!

That night, I met a friend to cavort along the Promenade, three long blocks of retail shops, restaurants, bars and street performers. Just like my beachgoing experience earlier, I relished in the rare opportunity to walk – not drive – to an area of town I have been frequenting for years and know like the back of my hand.

Click image for larger version.  Name: Lobby.jpg  Views: 408  Size: 62.5 KB  ID: 1044Making my way back to the Huntley that night, it almost felt as though I were leaving laid-back Santa Monica and stepping into Midtown Manhattan. The hotel’s classic concrete exterior and sleek, minimalist lobby are more evocative of a chic urban hotel than one located two blocks from the shimmering Pacific...

Knowing my short stay at the Huntley was winding down, on Sunday I wanted to maximize my time in the spacious room, with NFL football on the giant flat-screen TV as my companion. Before checking out, I headed back upstairs to The Penthouse, since I was Click image for larger version.  Name: View.JPG  Views: 953  Size: 546.7 KB  ID: 1045tipped off that its ocean views are incredible. That was most certainly the case, and I can attest that the most dramatic panorama is from a decidedly “private” part of the restaurant, if you catch my drift ;)

Meeting up with more friends for a
second sun-kissed day on Santa Monica Beach, I reflected on my staycation experience at The Huntley Hotel and almost nearly that home, work and my daily routine were mere miles away!

(Exterior and lobby photos courtesy of The Huntley...others by yours truly) ]]> TravelerBen_ll http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/travelerben_ll/huntley-hotel-my-santa-monica-staycation-1516/ Shhh....Can You Keep a Secret (Bay)? http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/travelerben_ll/shhh-can-you-keep-secret-bay-1510/ Sat, 29 Sep 2012 01:08:19 GMT The secret’s getting out – _Secret Bay (http://www.luxurylink.com/fivestar/hotels/portsmouth-dominica/secret-bay?pdpcontroltest=1)_ in Dominica is... The secret’s getting out – Secret Bay in Dominica is re-defining boutique Caribbean eco-Click image for larger version.  Name: Wild+Orchid+Garden+upper+deck.jpg  Views: 1435  Size: 101.5 KB  ID: 1023luxury. However as a savvy Luxury Link traveler, your ability to experience this extraordinary property at exceptional savings still makes you part of an elite group of insiders…

Undoubtedly one of Secret Bay’s greatest appeals is its location. Within just its four acres, this modern-day Garden of Eden features two beaches, two micro-climates, a river and a sea cave.

“It has the wonderful juxtaposition of being ‘in the jungle’ while being ‘on the beach’,” Secret Bay owner Gregor Nassief said.

The resort’s dramatic location is a microcosm of what guests can expect as a whole from Dominica, which can be reached non-stop from San Juan, Puerto Rico and a number of other CClick image for larger version.  Name: Secret+Bay+from+the+sea.jpg  Views: 853  Size: 75.1 KB  ID: 1024aribbean islands. It’s abundance of mountains, rivers, waterfalls and black and white-sand beaches is stunning, while volcanic topography makes it one of the least-densely populated islands in the region (Dominica is twice the size of Barbados with one quarter of the population). Dominica also boasts one of only two boiling lakes in the world – the aptly-named Boiling Lake – which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Like the surrounding island landscape, accommodations at Secret Bay are anything but ordinary, and with just two villas and two bungalows on the entire property, offer the upmost privacy. Seclusion to the point of secrecy, if you will, and one of the reasons Secret Bay was selected by The Knot as one of the 50 best places in the world to honeymoon.

“The accommodations have been described as ‘luxury treehouses’ and ‘modern Caribbean Click image for larger version.  Name: Zabuco+Honeymoon+Villa+verandah+entrance.jpg  Views: 1002  Size: 75.0 KB  ID: 1025 inimalistic’. Floor to ceiling glass, exotic hardwood, locally crafted furniture, Italian kitchens and bathrooms, German appliances, iPod docking stations, high-speed wireless,” said Nassief. “These are not hotel rooms or cabins but rather fully equipped vacation homes with the right balance of ‘eco’ and ‘luxury’.”

The mood for a relaxing, intimate stay is set upon arrival, with a private dinner for two on your first evening, and continues with five-star service throughout your stay.

“Each villa and bungalow has a dedicated attendant and the property has an amazing concierge service that can arrange everything form an in-villa massage or a private one-man jazz concert to a tailored day tour with a dedicated driver,” Nassief stated enthusiastically.
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Because of the serenity at your Secret Bay doorstep, it may be difficult to step outside this remarkable property. However, the multitude of fun, unique, and unforgettable activities on Dominica are just a stone’s throw away. The island has long been a top-ranked destination for hiking and SCUBA diving. Snorkeling, river tubing and zip-lining opportunities are nearby for adventure-seekers. More so, Mr. Nassief explains there is a 90% success rate for spotting whales on a whale watching excursion!Click image for larger version.  Name: Kayak+at+Secret+Beach.jpg  Views: 742  Size: 69.4 KB  ID: 1027

In a world of beachfront mega-resorts and over-the-top fabrications of the Caribbean idea, Dominica has flown under-the radar compared to its neighbors. The name Secret Bay may reflect that, but once word about this slice of tropical perfection reaches the masses, the resort’s moniker may have to change! ]]> TravelerBen_ll http://www.luxurylink.com/community/blogs/travelerben_ll/shhh-can-you-keep-secret-bay-1510/