The Quirkiest Ski of Your Life

Tweet

guest post by Kirsty Leckie-Palmer

This New Year as you’re busy flinging your glass to the heavens and toasting health, wealth, and happiness, remember to make room on your list of resolutions for a new experience. Once you’ve been on a ski holiday once, it’s unlikely you’ll change the routine if you’ve found a smart little resort with good snow coverage, a cosy fireside and swift access to the slopes. However, the reason we all go skiing - have you forgotten the sense of adventure? When booking your luxury ski holidays 2012, don’t just blindly thrust your credit card at the old reliable destination; check out new, exciting ways to hit the snow. Remember, life is much more fun if you do something every day that scares you…

Night Skiing in Montreal

With the largest area of fully lit pistes in the world, Mont Saint-Saveur in Montreal is perfect for those skiers who are sick of a ruddy nose and the blinding glare of the hillside sun. It also has the record for having the longest ski season, running from October to June. If this isn’t enough, they also have the Viking rollercoaster toboggan ride which hurtles through the trees and snow to leave you shrieking in delight – or terror - depending on whether you decide to use the optional braking mechanism mounted on the toboggan!

Heli-Skiing in Alaska

What’s more exhilarating than flinging your body down a mountain? Factor in a helicopter, and some of the most remote, untouched runs in the world, and you’re getting close. Located in the south-eastern side of the Chugach Mountains, Points North Heli-Adventures inc have the monopoly on the area, with over 1000 square miles of unexplored terrain. In spite of the lack of competition, they still shine globally as one of the best heli-skiing destinations on the planet. They’ll arrange everything from beginners runs to fly fishing and glacier tours. You can even finish your day with fish and chips at the gloriously-dubbed Reluctant Fisherman.

Summer Skiing in California

Yes, it’s possible, and not just on the dry-ski slopes. Whether you’re so dedicated to honing your skills you can’t bear to pack away your gear until winter or you have ambitions of training as instructor, many resorts do stay open in the summer months, and can be a lot more enjoyable with their lack of crowds and more economical tolls. With a ski season lasting from November to June, Mammoth Mountain in California has an unusual volume of snowfall, 3500 acres of mountainside, and a scenic gondola ride. What more do you need?

Indoor Skiing in Dubai

How about not being blasted by the great outdoors? There’s now an entire indoor ski resort, called Ski Dubai, in the extravagant Dubai Emirates Mall. This isn’t just for novices either, the 400 metre slopes boast the world’s only indoor black run. There are professional instructors on hand and a quarter pipe for snowboarders. Then, blow your mind by stepping out into the blazing Emirates sunshine for a well-earned après-ski.

Photo Credits: California, Snow Tracks, Dubai

The Best Luxury All Inclusive Destinations

Tweet

guest post by travelsupermarket

For a truly indulgent holiday, why not go all inclusive? Doing so sees you pay for your flights, hotel and all your meals at once, so everything will be taken care of in a single step. By visiting the following luxury destinations, you can be confident of having a fantastic time!

One place that is certainly synonymous with luxury is Dubai. By visiting the emirate you will have the chance to stay at a number of five-star hotels that offer a host of wonderful amenities and services, and this may particularly be the case should you book at the Hilton Dubai Jumeirah Hotel.

With its own private beach and outdoor pool, you can spend your break relaxing doing nothing. However, the resort offers plenty of opportunities for you to get active as you can take part in watersports such as kayaking, parasailing and waterskiing, or head to the on-site health centre for a workout with a personal trainer.

You can also indulge in luxury massages and body treatments at the spa, before heading to one of the nine restaurants and bars for something to eat.

Staying at the Hilton Dubai Jumeirah also means you are just a short distance from The Walk, Dubai's bustling outdoor shopping district that contains more than 350 shops, perfect for a spot of retail therapy.

You will also find that Ski Dubai, the first indoor winter sports resort in the Middle East, and the championship-standard Emirates Golf Club are just a short distance away.

Alternatively, the Seychelles is an up and coming destination for all inclusive holidays particularly on the North Island.

The luxurious North Island Lodge consists of 11 villas, where you will be able to take in stunning views of the Indian Ocean as well as indulge in wonderful activities such as mountain-biking, fly fishing and sea kayaking.

And as the Seychelles forms part of the world's longest coral reef system, visiting North Island also gives you the chance to go scuba diving where you will be able to see fantastic underwater scenery.

Seychellois cuisine draws on a number of international influences, including Indian and French, and while the resort does not have a set menu, you can be sure the food on offer here will suit your palette. The head chef speaks to each guest personally to figure out their eating preferences before developing a weekly menu based on this information.

Barbados is an equally great place for a luxury holiday and while all inclusive deals can be found across the Caribbean island, the Almond Beach Club and Spa Hotel on the west coast could be particularly ideal.

The adults-only resort is just 100 yards from the beach and as all your meals are paid for in advance you can tuck into fine gourmet cuisine without worrying how much it will cost!

You can take part in yoga, aerobics and tennis lessons or tee-off at the golf course. If you fancy taking a dip, head to one of the three freshwater swimming pools, or alternatively you can try banana boating, snorkelling and sailing.

There is also a twice-weekly shuttle service that runs from the hotel to Bridgetown, the capital of Barbados, perfect if you fancy doing a spot of shopping.

With 161 rooms and suites to choose from, you have plenty of choice over where you stay but for a truly luxurious break, you may want to opt for the Beachfront Suite.

By seeking out a luxury all inclusive holiday, you really can have the break of a lifetime for one fantastic price!

Photo Credits: Dubai, shopping, skiing, north island, scuba, sunset

Luxury Holidays at Le Touessrok and The Residence (Mauritius)

Tweet

guest post by Elegant Resorts

An everyday 'man-in-the-street' most likely wouldn't be able to point to the tiny sub-tropical island Republic of Mauritius on a map. Most likely, they've never even heard of this small former Dutch-French colony and 17th century naval outpost. So, with all that said, why are the reef-encircled, white sand beaches of Mauritius one of the best luxury holiday destinations on the planet?

There are thousands of heavily-traveled tropical tourist traps around the globe. Just imagine places like the Caribbean islands or the Philippines for instance. And anyone who has ever visited the isolated, over-priced American island state of Hawaii can attest to this as well. The real authentic, isolated tropical paradises are scattered about the globe in unique, 'hidden' geographic locations where most people would not expect to find one of the best kept secrets on the planet.

Despite being one of the most pleasurable hotspots on the planet, Mauritius is recognized most often as the home of the extinct, flightless Dodo bird. In fact, travelers can the full skeletal remains of the Dodo at the National History Museum in Port Louis, the island's gem of a capital city.

Mauritius rests off the eastern coast of Madagascar in the middle of the Indian Ocean, nowhere near the over-traveled tropics. More surprising than the island geography, Mauritius has developed a chic, posh, yet modern resort industry. There is no need to leave your Smartphone at home when you take a holiday in Mauritius. The island has all of the technological comforts you will need.

Tourism is a huge part of the culture of Mauritius. The local government, unlike other tropical destinations, has made a viable economy out of such a gorgeous local ecology. Just take a look through the brochures of the island's dozen different resorts and vacation villas.

Opulent to say the least, the five-star resort Le Touessrok stands out as Mauritius' most outstanding, romantic hamlets. The resort itself rests along the island's wild eastern coast, protected by natural coral reefs on all sides. Diving off the island's warm, azure shores is spectacular to say the least.

The luxury resort at The Residence Mauritius is yet another five-star hotspot on the island's east coast. This hotel offers its guests complimentary windsurfing, snorkeling, and water skiing. The facilities here are lavish to say the least, and wedding parties frequent the immaculate shoreline and custom spa. But no matter which luxury resort you choose, you can't go wrong. The hospitality of a diverse Creole local population is legendary among visitors.

But Mauritius isn't exclusively for the wealthy traveler alone. In Port Louis there are a number of historical and cultural sites to see. The Caudan Waterfront stands out as the city's best shopping hotspot. You can find the latest fine international fashions, or you can appreciate craft work by local and regional artists.

At night fall, Caudan transforms into a throbbing nightlife district. Once again, the island's local hospitality is legendary among visitors. If you have an itch to gamble, Port Louis is also home to the Caudan Waterfront Casino. It is always happy hour somewhere in Port Louis. World famous, international DJ's have been known to draw large crowds during local festivals like the Festival International Kreol, which takes place at several venues throughout Port Louis.

Still, it is quite shocking that such a great holiday destination has been kept out of the international spotlight. Maybe it's due to the island's locale, tucked away on the far side of Madagascar. Regardless, if you have the opportunity to test out Mauritius for yourself, your holiday will speak for itself.

Photo Credits: Mauritius Island, beach, dodo, Le Touessrok pool, The Residence pool, caudan waterfront

Luxury Holiday Locations - Sandy Lane, Barbados

Tweet

guest post by Elegant Resorts

Sandy Lane - Barbados is a luxuriously serene resort hotel located in St. James on the Barbados West Coast near Holetown. Situated on the beautiful, calm Caribbean Sea beach amidst exotic, perfumed gardens and swaying mahogany trees, the majestic Palladian style architecture and gorgeous surroundings create the perfect setting for an unforgettable holiday. Couples looking for a romantic interlude will find it at Sandy Lane - Barbados. Families with children will appreciate the effort extended by the first-class staff to entertain young children through the teenage years at the popular Treehouse Club. Complimentary programs and fun are provided daily by a staff that is wonderful with children.

This is also a luxury holiday destination for golfers as they are treated royally with three world-class courses complete with lush grounds and stunning vistas of the Barbados coastline. The Old Nine, the Country Club Course and the Green Monkey Course are a golfer’s paradise. Enjoy the ocean view at the Clubhouse Restaurant while you sip your favorite wine from the 2000+ wine list.

Other fine dining possibilities at Sandy Lane - Barbados include the L’Acajou, situated beachfront, and offering gourmet French international cuisine and fresh seafood; the Bajan Blue located beachside on the Lower Terrace with a menu that includes a sushi bar, a wine bar and grill, and fantastic nightly buffets with a variety of themes; and the Spa Café nestled beneath a cascading waterfall near the luxurious pool and offering a casual dining experience and cool, tropical drinks, while you lounge in the warmth of the Caribbean sun.

Sandy Lane’s room choices are nothing short of astounding. The Villa is an elegant five bedroom beachfront home perfect for families or groups. With a private entrance, pool and large Jacuzzi, the Villa is a private haven, cloistered from public view. The Villa’s own private staff includes a butler, housekeeper, chef and security guard, making Sandy Lane - Barbados the perfect hideaway. The two bedroom penthouses are almost 4,000 square feet in size and include a kitchen, patio dining area and whirlpool tub, all set amidst the beautiful and fragrant tropical gardens. Luxury two bedroom suites include balconies where you can enjoy the fantastic views of the rising and setting sun over the Caribbean’s sapphire waters. The colonial architecture, elegant furnishings and amenities afford each guest a luxurious and memorable experience.

Enter an awesome Romanesque building and climb the magnificent winding staircase to a world of pampered relaxation and personalized treatment at the Sandy Lane – Barbados state-of-the-art spa. This 45,000 square foot award winning facility offers the latest massage therapies plus a full menu of choices for a rejuvenating experience. Choose from deep tissue massages, hot stone treatments, full body scrubs and exercise facilities complete with personal trainers.

Sandy Lane’s Beach Club offers water sports and ocean cruise tours. The adventurous can even swim with the turtles or go sailing on a catamaran.

In addition to the fine amenities offered by the Sandy Lane Barbados resort, the Holetown area offers a variety of restaurants from beach bars to gourmet dining. Shop duty-free at Holetown’s many boutiques or enjoy a night on the town at one of the nightclubs.

The sophisticated Sandy Lane – Barbados resort has many return visitors to this tropical haven, and that speaks volumes about its excellent hospitality and numerous services and amenities. The luxury, the beautiful location and the service are all impeccable. Sandy Lane - Barbados has entertained royalty and many celebrities over the past fifty years of its history. This majestic resort provides the perfect romantic setting for honeymooners and anniversary celebrations. Catered facilities are offered for private parties. Many weddings are held each year in the beautifully manicured gardens and on the sandy beach. Luxury, elegance and tropical beauty abounds at the Sandy Lane-Barbados. Visit Sandy Lane - Barbados for a superior resort experience!

Photo Credits: golf, sunset, restaurant, turtle

La Residencia in Deia (Mallorca, Spain)

Tweet

guest post by Elegant Resorts

La Residencia hotel is situated in the small village known as Deia, Spain. It is an ideal place for a luxury holiday in Spain with its luxurious spa facilities and tennis courts and stunning mountain views. It is located close to the Mediterranean Sea and offers guests the unique experience of fun, comfort and seclusion. Tucked away on a hillside, surrounded by a host of trees and citrus groves, this hotel has been voted in the top three of its kind in Europe.

The history of La Residencia dates as far back as the 16th century. Initially the hotel consisted of three manor houses. Today it has grown significantly to include 63 rooms situated on over 30 acres of hillside. There is also a gymnasium, Jacuzzi, sauna, indoor pool a therapy centre and steam room. The hotel offers activities such as golf lessons, bike rides or beauty treatments.

Deia is an idyllic village with beautiful historic buildings constructed of local stone and a secluded cove. Olive groves and orange trees add to the extraordinary beauty and peace of this Mallorcan haven.



La Residencia is famous for its cuisine offered at the two restaurants located on the premises. El Olivo is arguably one of the best restaurants in Mallorca. The tasty meals are prepared by renowned chef Guillermo Mendez. The restaurant offers a romantic candlelight setting and is also known for its impressive wine list. The Son Fony bistro serves breakfast made from homemade products. Guests are able to enjoy a delicious Mediterranean meal while taking in views of the mountain.

The hotel offers a wide variety of options to keep guest accommodated. They offer ballooning, helicopter rides, yoga lessons, donkey trials and other activities. However, one of the greatest appeals seems to be the spa packages. This includes a daily buffet breakfast and a choice between four different spa programs. This hotel is also the ideal venue to host events such as weddings and receptions.

There are three banqueting salons and conference rooms. Each distinctive in décor. There is the Sala Albeniz, Sala ex Teix, Sala son Fony and the Sala sa Tafona gallery. The salon Albeniz is large room, ideal for banquets, reception, dinners or other events. The Sala ex Teix offers a smaller space than the previous one; this is perfect for conferences or small business meetings. The third salon is known as the Sala sa Tafona gallery and can be used for meetings or cocktail parties. As the name suggest this room is beautifully decorated with a number of different pieces of art. The salon son Fony is attached to the Son Fony restaurant and is usually reserved for cocktail or dinner parties.

Whatever your reason for visiting Deia, be sure to stay at the luxurious La Residencia, one of Europe’s finest hotels.

Photo Credits: Sunset, Deia Hilltop, Stairs

The Jewel In The Crown Of Cyprian Luxury

Tweet

guest post by Elegant Resorts

The jewel in the crown of luxury hotels is the aptly named Anassa Hotel in Cyprus. Anassa means 'Queen' in ancient Greek, and certainly the Anassa Hotel is fit for any royalty. Perhaps more than this, because it overlooks the Baths of Aphrodite and is just a short trip from Paphos Harbour, the mythical birthplace of the Goddess of Love herself.

What do you look for when choosing between luxury hotels? Classic architecture? Seclusion? Fabulous, natural countryside? One of the finest beaches in the world? Luxurious and spacious suites with panoramic views of the ocean, private plunge pools and terraces? Gourmet restaurants so outstanding even the menus are enough to make the mouth water? If so, then the Anassa Hotel is likely to exceed your expectations.

The Anassa Hotel was always bound to be a cut above the rest, with one of the most idyllic and picturesque locations in Cyprus. Situated in the area of Latsi, the region is completely unspoiled, and provides stunning views in all directions. The white, sandy shore is just a stone's throw from your private balcony or terrace, quite literally.

Each dawn you are provided with utter seclusion and unrivalled luxury from the moment you open the curtains and watch the sun rise, hear the Mediterranean gulls call lazily to each other, and listen to the gentle sound of the waves rolling in for another day's splashing about doing whatever it is waves do once they reach the shore.

The fact that the Anassa Hotel is one of the elite luxury hotels in Cyprus which boasts five stars simply doesn't do it justice. Sadly they'd have had to invent an extra star to include everything that's been provided in order to make any stay more than just a holiday experience. From the two waterfalls cascading into the depths of two separate swimming pools to the seemingly endless sandy shores just yards from your private villa, and from the award winning Spa to the four outstanding gourmet restaurants, the Anassa Hotel certainly lives up to its regal name.

The Anassa Hotel is open all year round, and whatever the season there are facilities to cater to your every wish. With both an indoor pool and an outdoor pool, a range of award winning spa treatments and therapies, a contemporary gym, and a wide range of sports activities including tennis and scuba diving, time spent here will be time well spent, whatever the time or season.

Whichever of the spacious 177 rooms and suites you choose you'll benefit from panoramic sea views and outstanding comfort. Tear yourself away from the view for a while and take a stroll down the coast towards the Akamas peninsula, or explore the grounds where wild herbs and flowers create the most astonishing scents in the evening.

When you're ready to eat after all that walking and admiring the views, not to mention the invigorating sea air, one of the most difficult decisions will be which restaurant to dine in each day. The Amphora is the main buffet restaurant, Pelagos provides an al fresco dining experience by the pool, Helios provides a mouth-watering a la carte menu and for gourmet enthusiasts the Basiliko offers a dining experience fit for royalty.

Certainly the Anassa Hotel is one of the most regal luxury hotels in Cyprus, and a stay here will make you feel like royalty every day.

Photo Credits: sunset, water view, walkway, pools, scuba

Discovering Luxury Resorts in the Caribbean (Barbados)

Tweet

guest post by Elegant Resorts

Barbados is a spectacular island paradise, offering some of the finest luxury resorts in the Caribbean. White sand beaches, beautiful waters shaded in vivid hues from turquoise to azure, Barbados is tropical at its finest. There are luxury resorts to suit every taste, from families on holiday to honeymooners looking for that special place to share their most romantic moments. All these resorts are located right on the doorstep of some of the most beautiful beaches in the Caribbean.

When planning which luxury resort to stay at in Barbados,
you must first determine which coast is best suited to provide the optimum pleasure for your planned activities. For instance, the brisk winds coming off the sea toward the east coast makes this spot a favorite with surfers, sun bathers, and those who love to boogie board. Conversely, the west coast, considered the “platinum” coast, offers quiet beauty and pristine white-sand beaches. The southeast coast is perhaps the busiest part of the island, offering some of the best resorts in Barbados, and lots and lots to do.

Luxury resorts in Barbados come in all shapes and sizes, from small boutique resorts offering just the basics to those offering all-inclusive stays. Most luxury resorts welcome families with children and offer all kinds of outdoor activities. Some offer fully-supervised child activity services, allowing the kids to have as much fun as their parents. And meals at all-inclusive resorts are included in the price.

Adults on a romantic getaway, those getting married in Barbados, or newlyweds may find that the luxury resorts located on the west coast beaches of Barbados offer a bit more intimacy and quiet natural beauty than the other spots. There you can stay in luxurious poolside rooms and share an intimate meal while enjoying incredible ocean views.

You’ll experience gourmet dining at its best at any one of the luxury resorts in Barbados, whether you’re having lunch overlooking St. Lawrence Bay, or enjoying a meal on the beach prepared exclusively for you by the hotel chef, nothing about your stay in Barbados will be ordinary. Luxury and elegance abound in Barbados.