GATE 1A

The St. Regis Rome

Mon, 25 Jun 2012 11:18:42 -0400

Ancient history and modern luxury form the perfect combination at the perfect hotel in a perfect city…Rome. Welcome to The St. Regis Rome. With spectacular sites outside and stunning décor inside, The St. Regis Rome is what discerning guests desire. From the moment you step beyond the sensational marble entrance, your journey in the Eternal City is off to a glorious start.

Within walking distance of the Spanish Steps, world-class shopping and the not-to-be-missed Trevi Fountain and Colosseum, The St. Regis Rome is the ideal location for business and leisure travelers alike.

Spacious rooms filled with antique furniture, marble bathrooms and chandeliers are a natural fit in this stunning, opulent hotel that still manages to feel warm and intimate. There is even an old-school, metal cage elevator so charming that you may find yourself at times just joy-riding from floor to floor.

Once you have spent the day exploring the wonders of Rome, pampering is a must at the KamiSpa offering the very popular St. Regis Rome signature massage, a combination of thai, shiatsu and lomi techniques that is guaranteed to leave your entire well-being re-energized. And, as an added bonus, all these services are available 24 hours a day.

Once you are feeling fresh from your invigorating spa treatment or workout in the state-of-the-art fitness center, discover one of Rome’s top places to see and be seen, the hotel lobby. Formally referred to as the Grand Bar, it’s the perfect place to relax, people-watch and have a Bellini. Adjacent to this glorious lobby/bar is the hotel restaurant Vivendo, which boasts a seasonal menu and wine list that any sommelier will find impressive.

The icing on the cake at The St. Regis Rome is the Concierge Service. While accessible 24 hours/7 days a week, what really makes it special is the ability to make things happen. If you need dinner reservations, pre-opening or after hours Vatican visits, pizza-making/cooking classes or even “fight like a gladiator” lessons, you will not be disappointed.

With the famous St. Regis Butler service, a Concierge desk that goes above and beyond, and a setting that is at once glorious, glamorous and oh so comfortable…you cannot possibly go wrong at The St. Regis Rome.

W Montreal Reviewed

Mon, 18 Jun 2012 17:34:00 -0400

Have you ever been to a city that has it all?

Well, if you’re looking for urban sophistication, outdoor adventure, culture, shopping and even a casino, Montreal is the place for you and the perfect place to experience all the city has to offer is the ultra-hip W Montreal.

Ideally located in downtown, adjacent to Old Montreal, the W Montreal is the place to see and be seen in a town that never runs out of things to see. From bustling street corners, charming shops, gourmet take-out and chic boutiques, Montreal has it all strewn among it’s cobbled streets, and the W Montreal is in the center of all the action.

With the triple-peaked hill Mount Royal nearby, the view is breathtaking from rooms that all boast oversized windows which open and urban decor befitting of the hip city. This uber chic design touches every aspect within the hotel, yet in the lobby’s inviting, comfy, never-ending sofa with colors that pop in just the right way, you can easily see yourself relaxing and watching the in-crowd flow in and out.

With the dynamic restaurant Ottos offering innovative Italian and Mediterranean cuisine, even the pickiest diners will experience delight. You could spend all night at this hotspot, or just steps away you will find multiple options to relax and enjoy the night, including one of Montreal’s hottest bars, Wunderbar, with a sunken VIP area and white marble DJ station. This is definitely the jetset scene to experience.

When you’re finally ready to dream the night away, you can plunge into your plush, pillow-top mattress and featherbed that will invite you to sink right in. After a good night of sleep you will be ready to start the morning at the full service, state-of-the-art fitness center and work up a good sweat or, for a slower start, check out the Away Spa that offers W Signature Treatments.

A city rich in culture and history, paired with the uber chic W Montreal: The perfect pairing for the perfect getaway.

MANDARIN ORIENTAL, BARCELONA REVIEWED

Wed, 16 May 2012 16:19:18 -0400

There may not be a more stylish city in all of Europe than Barcelona, and if you don’t believe any hotel could possibly match the mood, the style and the attitude of Spain’s second largest city, then you haven’t experienced the Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona.

Located on the city’s famous Passeig de Gracia, in a mid 20th century building that was a bank in a previous life, the light and airy minimalist décor, with Asian influence, is the perfect home base from which to experience all that Barcelona has to offer. Fashion, dining, nightlife and a myriad of cultural venues, including the famous Gaudi Houses, Casa Batllo and Le Pedrera, are walking distance from the hotel. And it is only a short ride in a taxi to Gaudi’s masterpiece, the spectacular Sagrada Familia church.

Inside the Mandarin Oriental, spacious rooms boast balconies and views of either the Passeig de Gracia or the stunningly landscaped interior garden, while a highly attentive staff is there to meet your every need. With five restaurants to choose from on the property, you can choose based upon your culinary mood from among the Mimosa Garden for seasonal tapas or the funky, all-white, chic Blanc restaurant serving Mediterranean dishes that also boasts an Epicurean Table for breakfast offering Spanish cheeses, meats and breads. For a more formal experience, don’t miss the innovative cuisine by a Michelin star rated chef at the hotel’s Moments restaurant.

Once you’ve experienced the outstanding cuisine, work it all off with a few miles in the lap pool or fitness and wellness center. Or, you can skip the gym and instead head straight to the stunning spa to experience the herbal steam room or any of the holistic treatments in private rooms, or for a uniquely romantic experience, try the couples treatment rooms for luxurious quality time with your significant other.

With an ideal location, unbeatable selection of fine dining and amazingly attentive staff, the Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona is the perfect hotel, in the perfect city, for the most perfectly sophisticated of vacations.

Hotel La Mamounia

Thu, 10 May 2012 14:14:00 -0400

Winston Churchill called it “the most beautiful place in the world.” The moment you arrive at La Mamounia, you will know why. This famous hotel, situated in the heart of Marrakech, will take your breath away.

Your first impression comes when you are greeted by doormen in traditional dress, including fezzes, as they welcome you into the massive lobby which features gigantic marble pillars and vases filled with exquisite flowers that will have you sniffing with delight.

La Mamounia boasts authentic tapestries, stunning mosaic and intricate woodwork, all done by local artisans, and after a three-year renovation the hotel has been restored and modernized and continues to host royalty, dignitaries and celebrities. alike

Just a five-minute walk from the door you will find the bustle of the Djemaa el Fna, a legendary local marketplace teeming with activity and energy, including acrobats, snake-charmers and local food-stalls. If you need to unwind after your visit, you can relax back at La Mamounia by the stunning, turquoise pool decorated with glimmering fish-scale tiles. Set amidst 20-acre gardens filled with impeccably manicured olive and fruit trees, you will be shimmering in the water with glee. If a bit more activity is what you crave, check out the clay tennis courts, often used to host International tournaments, or the state-of-the-art fitness center. And when you are spent, don’t miss a chance to unwind at the spectacular spa where you will be pampered in an opulent setting fit for royalty, literally; there often is royalty there.

With four amazing restaurants ranging from formal to less formal, and two of them boasting Michelin stars, you will be treated to a myriad of extraordinary culinary cuisine, and to make sure all your cravings are fulfilled there is a charming hut situated in the gardens that serves delicious delicacies for dessert to tantalize and satisfy any sweet-tooth.

Explore the souks, discover the amazing sites of Marrakech, and treat yourself like a king or queen. At La Mamounia, the ultimate, unforgettable, sensational get-away.

Mystique, A Luxury Collection Hotel Santorini

Sun, 06 May 2012 17:38:00 -0400

Close your eyes and imagine the most beautiful place on earth. What does it look like? How does it make you feel? Then, open them and find yourself in a place so spectacular, so tranquil, so breathtaking that it defies even your imagination. This is where you are: Mystique, on the Greek Island Santorini.

Built into a cliff, Mystique’s dazzling views of the sea, combined with the Aegean Caldera and Volcano, are sensational. Situated on the northern tip of Santorini, Mystique is in a section called Oia, which boasts charming cafes and shops and is known as the destination when searching for the ultimate sunset. You can experience this from the hotel’s private beach or infinity-edge pool while taking advantage of all the amenities this luxurious hotel has to offer.

For example, there is the Secret Wine Cave, which is as sumptuous and exclusive as it sounds, featuring wide selections of rare wines and available for private candlelit dinners. That’s one way to experience the culinary cuisine, the other is at the open-air, hotel-guests-only Charisma Restaurant, which uses the freshest local ingredients and offers a fusion of traditional and modern cuisine.

Then there is the Spa, which promotes well-being treatments that promise to rejuvenate and renew your body, your mind and your soul. Then, after you’ve been transformed you’ll delight in the relaxation area, with stunning views and a freshly prepared signature drink. This is the true meaning of relaxation.

In keeping with the natural beauty of the surroundings, the guest rooms offer a cave-like intimacy, with whitewashed walls and unique patterns carved in, using furnishings made from natural materials and smooth concrete floors for a minimalist, luxurious look and feel.

So close your eyes. And imagine an exclusive, breathtaking experience. And then make your plans, to discover Mystique.

Hotel Grande Bretagne, Athens

Sun, 06 May 2012 14:43:00 -0400

How high are your sights set?

Well, if you are looking for a vacation spot steeped not only in culture, cuisine and history but also in Gods, you need look no further than the Hotel Grande Bretagne, Athens.

This spectacular hotel, ideally situated in the heart of the city, is the perfect place to experience all that Athens has to offer. Not only are some of the most famous sites in the world within walking distance, but the hotel also boasts breathtaking views; a glass of wine takes on a different air when it is enjoyed while gazing at the Acropolis and the Parthenon.

The hotel’s stunning rooftop restaurant and bar is a culinary destination unto itself, with extraordinary Mediterranean cuisine that is the equal of the magnificent view. If you need help building your appetite, try a swim in the outdoor pool and experience the Grecian summer air, surrounded by living history and a view of Lycabettus Hill.

If you feel the need to focus further on your aquatic experience, check out the indoor pool at the spa, which is ideal for laps any time of year. And if you’re feeling especially strong, continue that focused workout at the state-of-the art fitness center with private trainers available. Once you have your own body looking like a Greek God, be sure and pamper yourself with an Ouzo Oil Massage or the spa’s signature treatment, a Yoghurt, Honey and Sugar Wrap.

For old-world elegant décor to stimulate your senses combined with all the modern amenities required for your comfort, plus impeccable service and cuisine, the Hotel Grande Bretagne, Athens is the perfect place to have it all.

Castle Hill Inn, Rhode Island

Sun, 06 May 2012 14:35:00 -0400

Journey back in time, in the timeless beauty and sophistication by the sea that is Castle Hill Inn in Newport, Rhode Island.

Take a stroll past historic mansions and breath-taking scenery, or enjoy the sailing races while you bask in the salty-fresh air and world-class gourmet cuisine, whatever your pleasure, the charming Castle Hill Inn is your quintessential entry to Newport.

Whether you want to hop into the bustling seacoast center of town just a few minutes away, or take a leisurely bike ride along the water to the mansions, Castle Hill is set directly in the middle of it all. Nestled on a stunning peninsula, with rooms available just steps from the beach, you will be swept away by the view, the charm and the intimacy.

Of course, there is no better way to fully unwind than to enjoy a fabulous feast prepared with locally grown produce, fresh local fish and a seasonal menu. Adding to the experience is your selection of one of over 500 wines, you can sip away while you eat in the dining room with a spectacular panoramic view of the seacoast.

Old world charm, new world amenities, ideal location and oceanfront scenery, they’re all waiting for you at the charming Inn on the Coast.

Stay healthy when you travel....some tips to keep in mind.

Sat, 05 May 2012 19:44:00 -0400

Stay healthy when you travel....some tips to keep in mind.

LanceWovens Tote

Sat, 05 May 2012 18:34:00 -0400

Bottega Veneta meets LL Bean tote, what a combination….a dream for the luxe traveler, carry-on from LanceWovens.com

Four Seasons Hotel Chicago still believes! Go Bull!

Fri, 04 May 2012 19:32:00 -0400

Four Seasons Hotel Chicago still believes! Go Bull!

Four Seasons Hotel Boston Reviewed

Sun, 29 Apr 2012 00:00:00 -0400

Harvard….M.I.T…Red Sox….Celtics….just a few of the unbelievable attractions that the city of Boston has to offer, and with a city so steeped in tradition and history, the best way to taste the icing on the cake is by staying at the Four Seasons Hotel Boston.

This chic, elegant hotel with a contemporary décor is located in the heart of the city, Boston’s Back Bay, offering close proximity to the amazing historical and cultural attractions, and overlooking the stunning Public Garden. Shoppers will also rejoice in the proximity to Newbury Street, offering world-class shops just outside the front door.

While most of the city is within walking distance, if you want to rest your feet the Four Seasons Hotel Boston offers a complimentary town car service that will take you to any of the nearby attractions, as well as a 24-hour multilingual concierge. Parlez-vous Francais?

As Boston is known for it’s seafood, you don’t need to look any further than the hotel’s restaurant The Bristol Lounge, which offers innovative regional cuisine that will tempt you to keep ordering. Once you have had enough “clam chowder,” the Lounge itself is an amazing place to sit back and enjoy a cocktail or afternoon tea in front of the massive fireplace and floor-to-ceiling windows looking out onto the Public Gardens.

After a day of the Freedom Trail, checking out Paul Revere’s house, a ride on a Boston Pedi-cab and more clam chowder, relax at the sauna or take a swim in the 44-foot long swimming pool, a perfect place to end the day. Of course you never have to worry about time to work out, as the state-of-the-art fitness center is open 24-hours. If a run outside is your preference, the Four Seasons will supply you with trail maps, and upon your return you will be greeted with towels and bottled water.

In a city brimming with history and tradition, you need a hotel that offers impeccable service and exquisite atmosphere. What are you waiting for? Welcome to the Four Seasons Hotel Boston.