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Benjamin Hotel Guarantees Sound Slumber in the City that Never Sleeps

Sat, 18 May 2013 15:10:43 +0000

In the restaurant biz, energetic is a euphemism for noisy. So what does that say about the city famed for its 24-hour energy?

Yes, New York City is noisy. And its hubbub can intrude on hotel guests' peaceful slumber.

One Big Apple hotel, The Benjamin, has developed a comprehensive Sleep Program and guarantees sound shuteye.

Find out what goes into The Benjamin's Sleep Program, and how you can snooze better on the road and at home >>
Find out more about the exceptionally service-oriented, pet-friendly Benjamin Hotel (and its Top Chef Geoffrey Zakarian restaurant) >>
In case you needed a reminder, reasons to visit The City that Never Sleeps >>

Photos from top: ©The Benjamin's Sleep Concierge, Anya, with her wares. Manhattan Bridge seen from Brooklyn ©Karen Tina Harrison. Sleeping dogs lie happy; 1927 Art Deco home of ©The Benjamin.

The Ritz-Carlton Mystique

Wed, 15 May 2013 04:58:45 +0000

The Ritz-Carlton first became a legend in the early 20th century, and was revived by the Marriott hospitality company in 1983. Once again, The Ritz-Carlton is a beloved luxury hotel brand.

This top-drawer name now graces 82 hotels in 27 countries. Ritz-Carlton properties to open in 2014:

Two in Morocco: at Marrakech's jet-set Jnan Amar Polo Resort (top); and on Rabat's famed golf course
Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto, on Kamogawa River near the Gion geisha district (left)

2011 marked the opening of the futuristic Ritz-Carlton, Toronto (below) and the first ultra-luxe Ritz-Carlton Reserve, in Phulay Bay, Thailand (right). Two hotels, one word: breathtaking.

The takeaway: Ritz-Carlton remains charismatic and cutting-edge, like a true superstar.

Find out more about the hotel label that inspired Puttin' on the Ritz >>
See why other hospitality brands aspire to Ritz-Carlton's service standards >>

Photos from top: ©The Ritz-Carlton, Marrakech; ©The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto; ©Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Thailand; ©The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto; Kids' club at ©The Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach.

St. Lucia, Not the Same-Old Caribbean Island Destination

Sat, 11 May 2013 03:23:27 +0000

The Caribbean is a competitive travel market. And St. Lucia has emerged from the pack.

This English-speaking, green isle has it all: breathtaking volcanic scenery, incredible outdoor escapes, fine dining. And more.

Prepare to be captivated by:

St. Lucia's seductive ways >>
St. Lucia's stunning resorts >>
St. Lucia's chocolate scene >>

Photos from top: ©Jade Mountain resort; Sailing ©St. Lucia Tourist Board; ©Anse Chastenet resort; Horseback riding ©St. Lucia Tourist Board.

Vegas Uncork'd Celeb Chefs Tell All

Mon, 06 May 2013 02:58:41 +0000

Sin City's annual bacchanal is about to begin. From this Thursday, May 9 through Sunday May 12, Vegas Uncork'd by Bon Appétit takes over Las Vegas.

If you can get there, you should. Uncork'd is a legendary Vegas party weekend.

But if you can't Uncork yourself, you can still meet some of the festival's hottest chefs...right here at Luxury Travel.

Find about Sin City's hedonists' convention, Vegas Uncork'd >>
See which Uncork'd events you can still get into >>
Be surprised by what Gordon Ramsay, Michael Mina, Guy Savoy, and other Uncork'd chefs revealed to us >>

Photos: Four-Vegas-Restaurant Chef Michael Mina ©Mina Group; Three-Michelin-star Uncork'd Chef Guy Savoy ©Vegas Uncork'd by Bon Appétit.

Mexico City's Time Has Come

Thu, 02 May 2013 05:10:24 +0000

Luxury travel destinations wax and wane, like stars. And one star whose magnitude is brightening is Mexico City.

Mexico City? Don't prejudge. See for yourself just how sophisticated, beautiful, green, and welcoming this town is.

One sign that Mexico City is a truly First World capital: who has built hotels here. Two brands you'll approve of: Four Seasons and St. Regis. Plus others.

Bottom line: Mexico City offers an uplifting urban vacation.

Be dazzled by Mexico City's luxury hotels >>
Get a taste of Mexico City's restaurants >>

Photos from top: Suite at ©St. Regis Mexico City; Palacio de Bellas Artes museum ©Karen Tina Harrison; ©Four Seasons Hotel Mexico City; Izote restaurant's Chile en Nogada in the colors of the Mexican flag ©Max Jacobson.

Vegas Gets Uncork'd in May

Fri, 26 Apr 2013 23:52:37 +0000

Autumn in New York. April in Paris. So legendary, they're songs.

But I want to sing about May in Vegas. That's when Sin City goes wild with Vegas Uncork'd.

Vegas Uncork'd by Bon Appétit is Vegas's irresistible annual festival: a seductive celebration of food and drink, with nonstop parties and memorable meals masterminded by celebrity chefs.

This year, Vegas Uncork'd swings from May 9 to 12. Try to swing by. Viva Las Vegas! (Wait, that's already a song.)

Every delicious reason you must experience Vegas Uncork'd >>
Vegas Uncork'd schedule & still-available events >>
The Eating Las Vegas critics' 10 essential Sin City restaurants >>
And if you need a reminder, why it's called Fabulous Las Vegas >>

Photos from top: Vegas Uncork'd by Bon Appétit Grand Tasting ©Ethan Miller; Chefs' Saber-Off and Gordon Ramsay at Uncork'd ©Isaac Brekken. Las Vegas Strip with Fountains of Bellagio ©Karen Tina Harrison.

Inspirato with American Express: Easy, Exclusive Vacation Club

Mon, 22 Apr 2013 00:54:07 +0000

Private villa vacations are booming. But it can be a lot of work to find the perfect villa.

That's where Inspirato with American Express comes in.

Inspirato, an elite travel club, does all the legwork for you.

Your job is to pack for one of the world's most in-demand luxury hotspots, be it an island, ski slope, or seductive city.

Inspirato's Access Program eases members into the best seats at coveted events like Sundance Film Festival, New York Fashion Week, and the Kentucky Derby.

Space! Privacy! See all the reasons that many lux travelers choose villa rentals over luxury hotels >>
Find out how easy and affordable luxury vacations can be for members of Inspirato with American Express >>

Photos from top: vacation possibilities in Los Cabos, Provence, Vail, Turks and Caicos, Rosemary Beach (Florida). All from ©Inspirato with American Express

Pack Royal Snacks and Carry On

Fri, 19 Apr 2013 02:20:11 +0000

Many of us Anglophones who read this site are also Anglophiles who love London and all things British.

Especially Scottish shortbread.

In my opinion, Highland All Butter Shortbread by Duchy Originals meets several Luxury Travel criteria:

Delicious: These all-natural cookies (pardon me, biscuits) are made in satisfying butter, lemon, ginger, and crunchy oat flavors
Convenient: Packaged in sixes or twos, they slip right into your carryon
Pedigreed: The guiding force behind the charitable Duchy Originals company is none other than HRH Charles, Prince of Wales

This treat has won my heart - and a pocket in my carryon bag.

See how Americans can order Duchy Originals
Learn the secrets of packing carryon
Avoid the 12 tipoffs of wanna-be luxury travelers

Photos: Shortbread ©Duchy Originals. HRH Prince Charles in 2012 ©Dan Marsh/Wikimedia Commons. In 1972 ©Allan Warren/Wikimedia Commons.

US GRANT: So-So Prez, Super Hotel

Sun, 14 Apr 2013 02:03:42 +0000

The 18th American president may not make anyone's Top 10 POTUS list. But his namesake, THE US GRANT, is a top-notch hotel -- and San Diego's peak place to stay.

Since it opened in 1910, this Southern California landmark has been San Diego's grand hotel: the place to see and be seen, the keeper of local legend and lore.

Yet THE US GRANT is not a fusty old hotel. It is as au courant as it is historic. It was overhauled a few years ago with light, bright décor and art everywhere.

And the hotel's restaurant, Grant Grill, is a San Diego go-to for contemporary cuisine and cocktails.

See what Luxury Travel Guest Author Max Jacobson loved about San Diego's legendary hotel, THE US GRANT >>

Photos: THE US GRANT.

A-ROSA: What's New in Old Europe

Wed, 10 Apr 2013 03:21:50 +0000

Luxury traveler, I know you've criss-crossed Europe every which way: by air, by rail, by Mediterranean voyage, by rented car with stick shift.

You've seen more of Europe than the Roman Legion. But have you done a Continental river cruise?

Visitors don't typically travel this way. But locals do. River cruises in Germany and France, in particular, are a time-honored vacation tradition.

The Germany-based A-ROSA river cruise line is letting this secret out. They've dedicated three modern ships to North American passengers. Beginning in June, several all-inclusive, English-speaking cruises will ply storied waterways like the Rhine, Danube, and Rhone rivers.

Luxury Travel Guest Author Karen Loftus previewed the Germany Christmas Markets itinerary. "A-ROSA river cruises feel like floating cocktail parties," she reports. "And then you glide into a fabled river town and step into its medieval port."

"This is made for Europe connoisseurs," says Karen.

Enjoy, explore, enjoy some more: that's the m.o. of A-ROSA Cruises >>