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Bulgari London Hotel and Residences to open in April

Bulgari Hotels will open Bulgari London in the city’s Knightsbridge area in April. The luxury hotel of 85 rooms is a joint venture with Marriott International. In addition to the overnight accommodations, there will also be residences available for sale, including a 7th floor penthouse of 9,260 square feet.

The hotel will also include an Italian restaurant, a bar, a ballroom, 47-seat screening room, a library, a cigar shop, a pool, and a spa facility. The hotel is at 171 Knightsbridge in London. http://www.bulgarihotels.com/en-us/london-2012/london-2012 http://www.bulgariresidenceslondon.com

Fairmont Hotel Amman to open in 2014

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts will open another Middle East property in 2014 in Jordan. The luxurious hotel will offer 300 guestrooms and suites. The hotel will also include several specialty restaurants and the Fairmont’s signature Willow Stream Spa. The Fairmont Hotel Amman will be located in the capital city’s Embassy District, about 30 minutes from the airport. Click here for more on future Fairmont Hotel & Resorts properties.

Redesigned St. Regis Aspen opens for the 2012 ski season

The St. Regis Aspen kicks off the 2011-12 ski season with the reveal of its $40 million redesign. The luxury hotel uses the natural colors of the area and incorporates wrought iron and cast dark bronze, antiqued nickel, local stone, Hickory wood paneling, and patterned cast glass from a local foundry. Each season, they will change out drapes, pillows, and throws to transition from warm and cozy in winter to light and bright in spring and summer. New shared spaces include the Shadow Mountain Lounge; a library with fireplace, bookshelves, game tables, and sofas; and a ballroom with crown molding, antique mirrors, and elegant furnishings.

The refurbished guest rooms are in the tradition of the 19th-century mountain manor. Custom leather beds by Ralph Lauren feature throw blankets of faux fur in winter or white cable knit in summer. The antiqued oak flooring, freestanding soaking tub, and mosaic-tiled shower make this an unforgettable retreat. http://www.stregis.com/aspen

Waldorf Astoria opens property in Scotland

The Caledonian Hilton Edinburgh will reemerge in the summer of 2012 as the Caledonian, a Waldorf Astoria hotel, after more than $37 million in renovations. The 241-room hotel originally opened in 1903. It will be the first Waldorf property in Scotland, the third in the UK. The Caledonian is on Princess Street and offers views of Edinburgh Castle. http://www.waldorfastoria.com

Highest spa in the world

The highest spa in the world opened in August 2011 on the 116th through 118th floors of the Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong. The spa offers 9 deluxe treatment rooms and 2 couples’ suites, each with floor-to-ceiling windows providing panoramic views of the Hong Kong skyline. The spa by ESPA, designed by Hirsch Bedner Associates, features only rounded edges and curved walls.

The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong is now the world’s highest hotel at 1600 feet tall. The International Commerce Centre, which houses the hotel, is in the financial hub on the banks of the South China Sea. After 10 years of planning, the hotel offers ultimate luxury. The rack rate will start at HK$6000 (approximately $770 US) per night, making it one of the most expensive places to stay in Hong Kong. There are 312 guest rooms, including the Presidential Suite (HK$100,000 per night). The top-floor pool includes the highest bar in the world and a 62-foot ceiling-mounted LCD screen to entertain swimmers. http://www.ritzcarlton.com/HongKong

Rent an island retreat

It is now possible to rent Sir Richard Branson’s private island retreat, Makepeace Island, located 20 minutes from Noosa in Queensland, Australia. The 22.8-acre, heart-shaped island is a super-luxurious Balinese-style retreat. Prices start at $7900 per night  for up to 8 guests, going to about $14,990 for 20 vacationers. The rent includes breakfast, lunch, dinner, transfers, non-motorized activities, water skiing, non-alcoholic beverages, and exclusive run of the island. http://makepeaceisland.com.

Branson also rents out Necker Island in the British Virgin Islands. That 74-acre Balinese Village-style property accommodates up to 28 of your friends in one main house and 6 smaller Bali houses, and is available for $54,000 per night. He also offers several “Celebration Weekends” where couples can book individual rooms for seven nights. Rates for rooms start at $26,495 for the week ($1946 per person per night). Pricing in both packages includes all boat transfers, meals and drinks (including alcoholic drinks), internet access, and a staff of 60. Amenities include 2 pools, hot tubs, tennis courts, water sports, fishing, and a spa. http://www.neckerisland.virgin.com

Santa Barbara’s Hotel Mar Monte gets a makeover

Hotel Mar Monte has long been a Santa Barbara fixture and has hosted many celebrities throughout the years. It is currently undergoing a $9 million renovation and will be relaunching as the Hyatt Santa Barbara. The completed first phase upgraded 92 of 171 guestrooms, the lobby, landscaping, and area around the pool and deck. The remaining upgrades will be done throughout the coming year. http://www.santabarbara.hyatt.com

Taj Hotels Resort and Palaces expands into Marrakech

Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces will open Taj Palace Marrakech in the fall of 2011. The hotel features 161 guestrooms, including 25 Grand Suites and one Royal Suite. The rooms offer sweeping views of the Atlas Mountains. The hotel will feature several restaurants, with cuisine from Morocco, Asia, and the Mediterranean. The hotel will also house a 40,000 square foot Grand Spa and fitness center. http://www.tajhotels.com

Westin Houston Memorial City

The Westin Houston Memorial City, located in Houston’s upscale Memorial City Complex, opened in March 2011. The new hotel has 267 rooms, each offering the unique Westin experience. The Westin Heavenly Bed® is a 10-layer ensemble of luxurious comfort featuring a pillow-top mattress set, cozy down blanket, 3 crisp sheets, comforter, duvet, and 5 plush pillows.

The Westin Houston Memorial City greets guests with a lobby showcasing an elegant 3-story glass and wood staircase. There are 2 full Club floors in the hotel and a Club Lounge. The hotel’s 18th floor Infinity Pool features a stunning waterfall and gorgeous city views. There is a workout facility and spa, as well as 30,000 square feet of meeting space.

The Westin Houston Memorial City is connected via a sky bridge to Memorial Hermann Memorial City Medical Center and Memorial City Mall.

8Hotels opens Chandra Villas in Bali

8Hotels announced the opening of Chandra Villas in Bali in May 2011. The luxurious private villas each have an outdoor rock shower, freestanding bathtubs, sun decks, and private lap pools. They are equipped with stainless steel appliances in the kitchens, and private chefs are available to cook meals in the privacy of your own private villa. Each guest receives private airport shuttle service, complimentary WiFi, surround sound, iPod docking station, and bottled water. Private all-day butler service will help guests plan everything from dinner reservations to babysitters to in-room spa treatments. The luxurious villas rent for $490 per night, which includes all taxes, breakfast, and airport transfers.

New Four Seasons Hotel & Residence set to open in Toronto in 2012

The Four Seasons Hotel & Residences Toronto, a 2-tower hotel and residences complex in the city’s Yorkville district, is set to open in the summer of 2012 on the corner of Bay Street and Yorkville Avenue. The new hotel will be one block east of the existing Four Seasons Hotel Toronto, which will close in April 2012.

The new hotel will offer 253 hotel rooms and over 200 private residences in two towers — the 26-floor East Residence and 55-floor West Residence. The top floor of the West Residence will feature a penthouse residence, there will be a first-floor restaurant, a bar, spa with skylit indoor pool, and two ballrooms. The hotel will occupy the first 20 floors of the West Residence building. For more information visit http://www.yorkvilleresidences.com.

London’s Lanesborough Hotel unveils luxury suite

The Lanesborough, one of London’s five-star hotels, is unveiling its new Lanesborough Suite in May 2011. The Lanesborough is billing the 4090 square foot (380 square meter), 4-bedroom suite as one of the largest and most luxurious suites in London. The suite, located on the hotel’s first floor, will include 4 bedrooms, 5 and a half bathrooms, 2 living rooms, kitchen, and dining room. Floor-to-ceiling windows will offer views over Wellington Arch and Green Park. For the price of £14,000 ($22,421 US at today’s exchange rate), the suite also includes the services of a complimentary chauffeur-drive Rolls Royce Phantom and a 24-hour butler. Visit http://www.lanesborough.com.

The Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong opens as world’s tallest hotel on March 29, 2011

When the Ritz-Carlton Hong Kong opens on March 29, 2011, it will be the world’s tallest hotel. The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong, which will occupy floors 102 to 118 of the International Commerce Centre (ICC) in Kowloon, will be a stylish and thoroughly modern hotel that truly reflects the sophistication, style, and elegance of the Ritz-Carlton brand in a contemporary way.

With interiors by Singapore’s LTW in a building developed by Hong Kong’s premier developer Sun Hung Kai Properties working with New York architects KPF, the hotel will offer 312 guest rooms all providing spectacular city and harbor views. Starting at 538 square feet for a Deluxe Harbor Room, and reaching an incredible 3928 square feet for the magnificent Ritz-Carlton Suite, all rooms provide state of the art technology including WiFi, iPod docking stations, and stylish flat screen TVs. In addition, Club Room guests will enjoy the panoramic  Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge with complimentary food and beverage presentations 24 hours a day, we well as a dedicated Club Concierge, work stations, meetings rooms, and WiFi throughout.

One of the unique aspects of the hotel, which reflects a move to more casual elegance of the Ritz-Carlton brand, will be its bars and restaurants, which have been stylishly designed by Japan’s Spin Studio. With six dining venues starting on the 102nd floor, including state of the art designer Chinese and Italian restaurants, and the lobby lounge. The alfresco rooftop bar will be a truly stunning venue at 1600 feet above sea level with outstanding views over Hong Kong. Asian-style tapas and contemporary cocktails will be served on the roof terrace, where fire pits and casual seating will create an atmosphere of stylish luxury.

For those wishing to relax and indulge, the E SPA is located on the 116th floor. It is a 9200 square foot facility with treatment rooms and relaxation area. Featuring nine deluxe treatment rooms and three couples suites, every treatment room offers floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic views where a world-class team of professional therapists ensure a spa experience like no other.There is also an indoor pool and fully equipped fitness center on the 118th floor.

At the base of the ICC tower, the Elements shopping mall offers some of the finest luxury shopping in Hong Kong with brand names and international fashion brands located in this world-class location. Hong Kong International Airport is just 20 minutes away and Central Hong Kong is only five minutes from the hotel, making The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong an ideal location for those looking to work or play in Hong Kong. For more information: http://www.ritzcarlton.com/en/Properties/HongKong/Default.htm

Marriott International has purchased the historic Berners Hotel in London

Marriott International has purchased the historic Berners Hotel in London, which it plans to redevelop over the next two years into a boutique Edition brand hotel. The London Edition marks the latest new property announcement for a brand which only opened the doors of its first property late 2010 in Hawaii.

The building will now be totally redeveloped by Ian Schrager, Marriott’s partner in the Edition venture and the man credited with creating the “boutique hotel” genre. Marriott president Arne Sorenson said that it offered a great location and beautiful facade, describing it as a “perfect canvas for creating a true work of art.”

The Savoy, a Fairmont managed hotel

Fairmont reopened the legendary Savoy hotel in October 2010 after a £220 ($348 million) restoration. The hotel was originally opened in 1889, but was closed in 2007 for what has been called one of the most comprehensive in Britain’s history. More than 1000 craftsmen, artists, and artisans have revamped the hotel. There are 268 rooms under the direction of General Manager Kiaran MacDonald. The famous Savoy Grill is under the direction of Gordon Ramsay. The Savoy also lays claim to one of the city’s only rooftop swimming pools. http://www.fairmont.com/savoy

Langham Chicago Hotel to open in 2012

A new hotel, Langham Chicago Hotel, will open in 2012 at 330 N. Wabash on the Riverfront. The hotel will be in floors 2 through 13 of the 52-story building and will also occupy some space of the first floor and in the riverfront plaza. The new hotel is expected to cost about $200 million.

The hotel will feature 330 guest rooms and suites, with the largest slated for over 2000 square feet. The rooms will have 9.5 foot ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows. There are also plans for 20,000 square feet of meeting space, a 9000 square foot restaurant, wine room, fitness center, indoor pool, and Langham’s signature Palm Court and Chuan Spa. The building was the Midwest headquarters for IBM until 2006.

Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas opens

The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas finally opens in December 2010 after five years of struggles and billions of dollars in expense. The 3,000-room resort is the last of the mega properties currently planned on the Las Vegas Strip and it took a foreclosure and law suits before it finally opened. The resort is all about luxury and glamor, combining Art Deco with 1960s modernism, created by a laundry list of Who’s Who in celebrity designers. The resort includes a 100,000 square foot casino, the Sahra Spa and Hammam, three pools, Marquee Nightclub and Dayclub at The Cosmopolitan, 60,000 square foot multi-level nightclub, nine retail boutiques, fitness center, numerous restaurants, and ample meeting space. Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas is located at 3708 Las Vegas Boulevard South. 702-698-7000.

Sofitel opens new hotels

Sofitel opened three new hotels in December 2010: Sofitel Vienna Stephansdom in Austria, Sofitel So Mauritius, and Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra in Cambodia. Sofitel Vienna Stephansdom is a modern 18-story glass and steel structure. The top four floors feature the hotel’s glass-walled restaurant “Le Loft.” The 182 rooms and suites are monochromatic in shades of white, light gray and black. Sofitel So Mauritius is a trendy contemporary boutique hotel of 92 individual suites and villas built into the natural landscape and lush gardens with views of the Indian Ocean. Each suite and villa features a private garden and outdoor pool or pond and patio with outdoor shower. The spa will feature local fruits and spices. Sofitel Phnom Penh Phokeethra is reminiscent of a Khmer palace. There are 201 rooms and suites, a huge conference center, four restaurants, a sports complex and clubhouse, tennis and squash courts, two pools, gorgeous lawns and gardens, and a SO spa offering both Khmer treatments and French-style spa care.

St. Regis Bangkok

Starwood Hotels & Resorts will open the 227-room St. Regis Bangkok in Bangkok Thailand on April 1, 2011. The hotel will introduce the signature St. Regis butler service, the brand’s Elemis Spa, and the Elemis skincare products, to Thailand. The hotel will feature a lavish spa, restaurants, wine lounge, pool bar, swimming pool, state-of-the-art business center, and meeting space. Each accommodation features floor-to-ceiling windows and lavish furnishings.

Four Seasons Resort & Residences Vail

The Four Seasons Resort & Residences Vail opened in December in Colorado. The resort features a 121-room resort, as well as 16 whole-ownership residences and 19 fractional-ownership residences. The owners can enjoy the services of the Ski Concierge, which offers ski rentals on site, equipment waxed and tuned each day based on current snow conditions, European-designed lockers, and a retail boutique. Owners will also have full access to many of the Four Seasons signature amenities, including 14,000 square foot spa, 75 foot all-season saline pool, whirlpools, fitness center, restaurants, and 24-hour concierge service.

New Four Seasons Hotel in Bahrain Bay

Construction has just begun on what will be Bahrain’s only Four Season Hotel & Spa, scheduled for completion before the end of 2013. The 43-story hotel will offer 260 guest rooms and a penthouse level “Sky Pod” restaurant with views of the Arabian Gulf. The hotel will be part of the growing $2.5 billion waterfront development area of Bahrain Bay.

Five-star Saffire Freycinet resort opens in Tasmania

A unique resort opened the summer of 2010 on the island of Tasmania, just off Australia’s mainland. The $33 million five-star Saffire Freycinet aims to meet every luxury need. All rooms have incredible floor-to-ceiling views of the water and granite cliffs. Accommodations range from luxurious 860 square foot rooms to 1500 square foot suites with kitchens, plunge pool, private veranda, and more. Every room includes spa treatment and a number of activities, such as kayak trips, excursions, or hikes. Personal service is a hallmark of the resort and the cuisine is world class. Rates begin at $1250 per night, but the experience is once-in-a-lifetime. http://www.saffire-freycinet.com.au

W Retreat Bali to open in April

The W Retreat & Spa in Seminyak in Bali opens in April 2011, making it the fourth W Retreat worldwide. While keeping the trademark W concepts, W Retreat Bali will also draw from the local community — rice fields, bright greens, beaches, oranges of the Buddhist temples. The hotel will be lit by 600 candles each night. There will be a variety of room options, including garden and ocean retreats, and an array of “lifestyle” options — four pools, beach, bars, restaurants. One of the signature features of W Retreat Bali will be the Away Spa — the first W spa to be open 24 hours daily, fully embracing W’s “whatever, whenever” philosophy.

Trump Ocean Club International Hotel & Tower® Panama to open in 2011

Trump Hotel Collection announced the debut of Trump Ocean Club International Hotel & Tower® Panama in Spring 2011. The hotel, on Panama Bay with views of the Pearl Islands and the ocean, stands 70 stories high. It features 369 rooms and suites with floor-to-ceilings windows, 10,000 square foot spa and fitness center, business facilities with top-of-the-line technology, multiple world-class dining options, two floors of elite boutiques and shops, 13th floor infinity-edge pool with private cabanas, loungers, open-air bistro, and bar.

King Pacific Lodge, Canada, honored by World Travel Awards

King Pacific Lodge, A Rosewood Resort, is in the Great Bear Rainforest a little over 200 miles north of Vancouver. The Lodge was just named North America’s Leading Green Hotel 2010by the World Travel Awards. King Pacific Lodge is a 17-room floating, luxury, wilderness lodge anchored off Princess Royal Island. The resort was also named the Number 1 Resort in Canada by Condé Nast Traveler in the 2010 Readers’ Choice Awards.

Tokyo Restaurants

Tokyo has more Michelin 3-star rated restaurants than any other city in the world — even more than in Paris. Tokyo boasts 14 Michelin three-star restaurants, 54 Michelin two-star restaurants, and 198 Michelin one-star rated eateries.

South Africa’s Blue Train

South Africa’s Blue Train is a five-star hotel on wheels that runs 994 miles from Pretoria to Cape Town in27 hours. The individual suites have attached bathrooms, some offering bath tubs. The dining car serves haute cuisine and dinner is a formal black-tie affair. The menu often includes exotic dishes such as Ostrich fillets and Knysna oysters. There are also wood-paneled lounge and club cars. The trip goes through some of the most scenic regions in the country. The Pretoria to Cape Town Southbound trip includes a stop at Kimberley with a look at the history of South African diamonds. On the Cape Town to Pretoria Northbound journey, the stop is at the colonial village of Matjiesfontein.

The Pretoria to Cape Town and Cape Town to Pretoria package starts from $1,460 per person based on double occupancy, which includes all meals, high tea, drinks, and excursions.