Planes, Trains & Automobiles: Intrepid Holiday Transport

Not lucky enough to enjoy a VIP ride on Santa’s sleigh? Fret not: transportation and hotel clients around the globe are offering chic modes of transit this holiday season, from pan-India travel on a luxury train to your very own donkey chauffer in Mallorca – just steer clear from Steve Martin’s travel trips and make sure to make it home post-adventure!

La Residencia, Mallorca
www.laresidencia.com

Donkeys have always played a fundamental role in Mallorcan life, with the mules being used to transport goods to and from villages to the mountains. To honor the Mallorcan way of life, La Residencia offers guests a chance to experience the countryside with these furry friends. The donkeys will accompany guests along a new nature trail on the picturesque hillside that forms the backdrop to the historic Mallorcan manor house. Guests will pass through pinewood forests and olive groves where they will be able to take in the breathtaking views of the Tramuntana mountains and the Mediterranean Sea, pausing by a rustic shepherd’s house to enjoy a traditional Mallorcan picnic lunch, entirely made from locally sourced produce.

MSC Yacht Club, Italy

www.mscyachtclub.com  

What better way to discover the most intriguing parts of Italy – and beyond – than a privately owned, Italian cruising company who knows the region better than any other? Available aboard MSC Fantasia and MSC Splendida, MSC Yacht Club rolls out the red carpet to couples, families and groups as they journey to an array of historic cities, from Genoa and Marseille to Barcelona and Casablanca. What's more, MSC Yacht Club guests receive an abundance of exclusive amenities during seven-night and longer itineraries: Italian-designed suites by renowned Italian architect and interior designer Giuseppe De Jorio; 24-hour Butler service; 24-hour Concierge; complimentary wines and spirits; complimentary fine dining in a private restaurant; and a private sundeck with pool, Jacuzzi and outdoor bar.

Forty 1° North, Newport, Rhode Island

www.41north.com

With a state-of-the-art docking and yacht service facility on par with world-class yachting destinations around the globe, Forty 1° North is the ideal getaway for luxury sailing enthusiasts.  With on-property launch boats, the hotel is able to provide harbor tours for guests seeking to experience Newport’s strong nautical history with the option of enjoying cocktails onboard with family, friends or that special someone. From afternoon leisurely trips to romantic sunset cruises, this is the perfect way to enjoy this waterfront city in style.

The Hiram Bingham Train, Peru

www.orient-express.com 

Once only accessible on foot, today there is a truly relaxing way to reach Machu Picchu: aboard the Hiram Bingham train. Complementing the legendary Orient-Express train service in Europe and Asia, the Hiram Bingham links Cusco to Machu Picchu. For many visitors a trip to Machu Picchu is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and the Hiram Bingham assures a magical journey, never to be forgotten. As passengers step on board they are surrounded by a world of polished wood, gleaming cutlery and glittering crystal.  The train is composed of two dining cars, an observation bar car and a kitchen car, and can carry up to 84 passengers. 

Cox & Kings

www.coxandkingsusa.com

As the traditional mode of transfer in the Middle East, camels are reliable and efficient for their ability to go days without water, if not necessarily the most comfortable ride. On Cox & Kings’ 12-day, 11-night “Hidden Treasures of Jordan” journey, guests enjoy a camel ride through Wadi Rum’s ancient valleys and towering weathered sandstone mountains – the most spectacular desert scenery guests are likely to see.

Saffire Freycinet, Tasmania

www.saffire-freycinet.com.au

Ready for a fast-paced blast up the coastline of Great Oyster Bay? Buckle up for Saffire’s Great Oyster Bay Blast, a thrilling boat ride on board the Saffire vessel. Cruising alongside the picturesque Hazards Beach to Schouten Passage and past Muirs Beach, the vessel is powered by three 350 horse power outboards and can reach speeds of up to 45 knots (50 miles per hour). Throughout this one-hour adventure, guests will learn about Tasmania’s extreme weather conditions and the hazardous livelihoods of some of the Bay’s past and present inhabitants. Bookings essential, cost $110 per person, minimum four people.

Qantas Airways, Australia

www.qantas.com.au

While temperatures drop across the U.S., the Southern hemisphere's summer is just getting started. Escape the five-hour turkey basting sessions with a flight aboard Qantas Airways. Passengers can jet off to Bondi Beach in style aboard an A380 with daily flights from LAX, featuring Marc Newson-designed cabins, ergonomic seating and self-serve snack stations. Travelers now have the option to depart from DFW with direct flights jetting off four times a week with daily service scheduled to begin in 2012. Skip the stove and fly in First to experience Neil Perry's culinary masterpieces, savor the award-winning Comtes de Champagne Taittinger or sleep in comfort on a fully flat Skybed. A trip Down Under promises more excitement than clean up and leftovers.

La Mamounia, Morocco

www.mamounia.com  

Why choose one mode of unique transportation when you can have it all? La Mamounia offers guests an exciting variety of ways to explore the Moroccan landscape. Offering a fleet of bespoke garnet red Jaguar Daimler's and Range Rovers, guests will be transported in comfort and style to any activity or destination. Offering a chance to see Morocco from a different perspective – thousands of feet in the air – guests can experience the magic of Marrakech by hot air balloon. La Mamounia can also arrange a helicopter ride over Marrakech, offering a bird's eye view of the medieval medina, the imposing Atlas Mountains, and the Ourkia Valley dotted with tiny Berber villages. For those who feel the need for speed, the hotel offers excursions on four-wheel 'quad bikes,' a thrill-filled way to take in the stunning scenery and African sunshine.

Hotel Cipriani, Italy

www.hotelcipriani.com

The acclaimed Orient-Express property Hotel Cipriani has partnered with Seawings tooffer guests the chance to discover Venice from the beautiful blue skies aboard a seaplane. For the price of 320 EUR per person, Cipriani guests will be escorted by a private boat from the dock of the hotel to a Cessna Caravan 208 seaplane. The plane accommodates up to nine passengers, all with window seats, to allow guests to take in the gorgeous scenery for approximately 30 minutes. In addition to the Venice Lagoon, sights include the islands of San Servolo, San Giorgio Maggiore, Giudecca, Sant’Elena, Lido, Murano, Burano and Torcello.

Maharajas’ Express, India

www.rirtl.com   

As model trains make their way around Christmas tree displays, travelers can depart on their own life-sized train journey on Maharajas' Express and explore a destination worlds apart from the usual seasonal routine. Trade in wool hats and scarves for saris and kaftans, five-star cuisine and royal elephant polo (a nice departure from Rudolph). Leave the chaos of holiday shopping behind to instead discover colorful bazaars selling an array of exotic spices, hand-woven textiles and carefully crafted toys. With four distinct journeys departing throughout November and December – Royal India, Princely India, Classical India and the newly unveiled Royal Sojourn – the only problem travelers face is choosing just one.

Paul Gauguin Cruises, French Polynesia

www.pgcruises.com

Looking to island hop without living out of a suitcase? Join Paul Gauguin Cruises to experience the beauty of the South Pacific, all from the comfort of a deluxe ocean-view stateroom. Committed to providing an extraordinary luxury cruise experience tailored to the unparalleled wonders of Tahiti, French Polynesia and the South Pacific, the m/s Paul Gauguin will transport discerning guests to explore and experience Tahitian paradise. Exciting itineraries allow guests to travel to Australia, New Caledonia, Fiji, and Tonga, as well as the Marquesas, Tuamotus, Cook and Society Islands.

Grand Hotel Timeo and Villa Sant'Andrea, Sicily

www.grandhoteltimeo.com www.hotelvillasantandrea.com

The winding roads of the Sicilian countryside, the backdrop of the pristine coastline…can it get any better? Thanks to the Grand Hotel Timeo and the Villa Sant’Andrea, it can. Both Orient-Express properties offer guests the opportunity to explore Sicily in their own Vintage Fiat 500. Driving solo or escorted by a personal guide, guests can choose from a variety of itineraries – from discovering the active Mount Etna, cruising through the diverse Wine Country, visiting the small fishing villages, or touring the places that Francis Ford Coppola chose to shoot the famous movie The Godfather, the rich history and culture of Sicily are just a gear shift away.

Bitter End Yacht Club, British Virgin Islands

www.beyc.com

Planes, boats and ferry rides: spend the holidays at Bitter End Yacht Club, located on the protected waters of North Sound on the sunny island of Virgin Gorda in the British Virgin Islands. Bitter End provides its guests with sailing and water sports equipment, all complimentary, including more than one-hundred watercrafts, such as Hobie sailboats, windsurfers and kayaks – all amongst some of the world’s most luxurious private yachts. Accessible only by water, it takes at least one flight and two boat trips to get to the island, where professional sailors come to play and novices learn.

Orion Expedition Cruises, Australia
www.orionexpeditions.com

Anchors away! Based in Australia, Orion Expedition Cruises provides even the most discerning travelers with opportunities to experience "the path less traveled" to destinations including remote parts of Western Australia, New Zealand and sub-Antarctica, Indonesia, Melanesia, Tasmania, Papua New Guinea and Southeast Asia. With two ships in its fleet, Orion Expedition Cruises provides onshore educational experiences led by seasoned expedition leaders and specialists including marine biologists, ornithologists and zoologists.

U.S. Media Contact
Natalie Guevara
The Brandman Agency

T: 212.683.2442

E: natalie@brandmanpr.com

Back to School Travels for Bibliophiles and Literature Buffs

Back to school time brings a sense of nostalgia long after the final dismissal bell rings.  It’s a season of renewal with new knowledge to be gained, fresh faces to meet, and most of all a time to hit the books.  Just in time, we’ve put together a list of hotels in exhilarating destinations across the globe with the best libraries and literary offerings.  Students of the world, pack your suitcases!

La Mamounia, Marrakech: www.mamounia.com

Marrakech, Morocco, steeped in literary history with its Sufi poets and novelists who have resided and passed through the ancient city, welcomes a new chapter in its literary history.  The legendary Hotel La Mamounia proudly celebrates the very best in contemporary Moroccan literature with its annual La Mamounia Literary Awards, which brings together rising Moroccan authors in a competition for the bronze trophy (and a healthy monetary prize), awarded by a panel of academics and stars of francophone literature. Guests of the hotel can judge for themselves, as leather-bound volumes of the winners’ works are permanently housed in La Mamounia’s library.

De L’Europe, Amsterdam: www.leurope.nl

Reminiscent of an ivy league library, De L’Europe is home to tomes: thousands of Dutch classics, historical novels, and non-fiction books - plus the most famous book ever about Holland -  Hans Brinker and the Silver Skates (actually written by an American, and notable for including the legendary boy who sticks his fingers in a dike) and their translations in many languages. Traditional Delft carpeting keeps the room’s volume muted. Guests may borrow a book for nighttime reading in their quarters, or discover a quiet, cozy nook around the hotel to engage their thoughts.

The Chatwal New York: www.thechatwalnyc.com

Now bookable as a guest room complete with antique bed, The Stanford White Studio is a historical Landmarked suite and is styled to look exactly like the library in the original Lambs Club, which was located on the same site as The Chatwal New York now stands. The wood-paneled, 600-square-foot suite comes complete with an original open working fireplace and private outdoor terrace with open air bar. Memorabilia from the estate of Evelyn Nesbit (‘It’ Girl and Stanford White’s mistress) is on display in restored, original bookcases, and a red velvet swing is available upon request for use during events and receptions (marking the same swing, which Stanford White used to seduce Evelyn on at the turn of the century).  The library hosts an impressive range of books and reading matter reflecting the big apple itself, the Empire Deco period of design and architecture, the history of the Lambs Club building and its strong A-lister heritage.  An author signed copy of the book, ‘American Eve’ highlighting White’s relationship with Nesbitt leading to his notorious murder at the turn of the century, is placed in each guest room alongside ‘The Great Gatsby’, a longtime favorite of General Manager, Joel Freyberg.

Upon arrival, the guest relations manager specifically stocks each oversized suite with books, novels and biographies tailored to the guests own personal preference for in-room access. For instance, an architect may come to stay for a week and find books on local Tasmanians who shaped and influenced the building design in historic areas, or books about Australian designers.  Or, if a guest enjoys scuba-diving, they may find a book on the marine life indigenous to the eastern coast of Tasmania.  From books on travel, Tasmania’s wildlife, Australian history, flora and fauna, culinary and wine, design and architecture to books on wellness and spa, history, popular fiction and non-fiction,  the main on-site library is stocked with all one could imagine for a relaxing experience while taking advantage of Saffire’s surrounding  serenity.

Keswick Hall, Charlottesville, Virginia:

www.keswick.com

The Virginia Library at the historic Orient-Express property offers a warm welcome with a roaring fireplace. Guests can enjoy this cozy space, or opt for privacy in their room, to delve deep into the state's colorful history with a selection of more than 400 books that are either about Virginia or written by Virginians. Topics vary from memoirs and cookbooks to nature and fiction. Included in this impressive collection are books by best-seller John Grisham and renowned novelist Rita Mae Brown - both of whom now reside near Keswick Hall. Aptly decorated to reflect Virginia's history, the library boasts original antiques, period inspired pieces and rare paintings. While feeding the mind, fresh snacks made with ingredients from the property's very own garden, as well as decanters gleaming with colorful liqueurs, are made available for a completely satisfying experience.

Forty 1 North, Newport, RI:www.41north.com

Each guestroom has its own section of reading materials, color coded to align with the décor of that room. Books’ subject matter is as diverse as fly fishing to cupcake design, and guests are encouraged to take reading matter into the deep bathtub for the ultimate relaxing soak or in front the roaring fireplace found in each of the marina-side boutique hotel’s 28 luxurious guestrooms.  Similarly, guests will find their own hard cover copy of a Dr Seuss book (each room has a different book from ‘Green Eggs & Ham’ to ‘One Fish Two Fish, Red Fish Blue Fish’) waiting for them on arrival.   Oh, the places you’ll go…

The PuLi Hotel and Spa, Shanghai:www.thepuli.com

Located in the heart of Shanghai, The PuLi Hotel and Spa is the first luxury hotel of its kind in Shanghai, blending the immediacy and convenience of its location with the quiet, emotional indulgences of a peaceful and luxurious resort. Simple and authentic touches sit side by side with new benchmarks in innovation, leading edge technology and design that pervade throughout its contemporary urban spaces. Like the rest of the hotel facilities, the Library was handcrafted to allow guests to relive the traditions of Shanghai's famed hospitality through their historic and cultural value. Located on the ground floor, the Library comes complete with an extensive collection of intellectual delights for both guests and locals alike. More than 1,000 books highlight topics including the arts, history, science, photography and more. The Library also boasts an original set of hand written scripts by contemporary Chinese writer Lu Xun - one of three sets that still exist.

Media Contact:

The Brandman Agency

Jennifer Walters

T: 212-683-2442

E:jennifer@brandmanpr.com

Savy Sailing Around The World

August 2011 -- From the remote Ryuku Islands, to the exotic Nile River to the magical blue waters of French Polynesia, this collection of global sailings has something for the Skipper in us all. All aboard for a luxe cruising adventure!

Orion Expedition Cruises:  Explore “the path less traveled”

www.orionexpeditions.com

Orion Expedition Cruises, Australia's only international-standard, five-star expedition cruise line, increased the size of its fleet last month with the addition of the Orion II, a second expedition ship which joins the line’s existing 106-passenger Orion. The 100-passenger, 50-suite luxury Orion II commenced its inaugural journey on June 10, 2011 with a 24-night voyage from Vancouver to Otaru, Japan. Future itineraries for the ship include trips to the Russian Far East, Inland Sea of Japan, the Ryukyu Islands, and then a series of varying 10-night itineraries around Borneo. Later voyages this year will include Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam.

On the heels of the new ship addition, Orion Expedition Cruises has released a new brochure outlining the 2012 itineraries for both Orion and Orion II. This informative package includes stunning images of destinations the ships visit, in-depth outlines of all itineraries, cabin descriptions and photos, and background information to allow guests a comprehensive look at life onboard luxury expedition cruising ships.

Porto Cupecoy: Mediterranean Style, Caribbean Spirit

www.portocupecoyvillas.com

Looking for a place to dock the Superyacht?  Porto Cupecoy, developed by Orient-Express Hotels Ltd., on the Dutch side of Sint Maarten is a private condominium community nestled around a seaside piazza, featuring international boutiques and renowned restaurants. Sailing enthusiasts will enjoy a deep water white-glove marina with 54 boat slips, including 11 for mega-yachts. First-class amenities are: premier vessel concierge; high-speed Wi-Fi Internet & satellite TV; fully marked and lit access channel; up to 480 volts, 3 phase 100 amps shore power with double water connections; fueling capabilities offering diesel and gasoline, and a full range of engine lubricants. What’s more, Porto Cupecoy provides sailors access to the property’s swimming pool, outdoor tennis courts, fitness center, shops and restaurants.

MSC Yacht Club:  Luxury Ship Within A Ship

www.mscyachtclub.com

MSC Yacht Club introduces the ‘ship-within-a-ship’ concept aboard the prestigious foredecks of MSC’s two designer flagships, MSC Fantasia and MSC Splendida. Itineraries are to some of the most intriguing locales in the Mediterranean, with seven-night rates starting at $3,939 per person, including accommodations, economy flights from select gateways, ground transfers, one-night post hotel accommodations, and up to $250 shipboard credit per person. Yacht Club guests enjoy an array of exclusive privileges: Italian-designed suites; 24-hour butler service; 24-hour Concierge; complimentary fine dining in a private restaurant; priority reservations at the MSC Aurea Spa; a private sundeck with Jacuzzi, swimming pool and a bar; private lounge with afternoon tea service; and more.  Think of the Yacht Club concept as the upgrade cruise equivalent of Business Class complete with the amenities and service to match. 

Paul Gauguin Cruises:  Journeys to the South Pacific

www.pgcruises.com

Paul Gauguin Cruises operates the South Pacific’s highest rated and longest running cruise ship, the m/s Paul Gauguin. The all-inclusive cruise line offers guests the utmost in luxury cruising, with 166 oceanview staterooms and one-of-a-kind experiences on and off the ship. Beginning in 2012, The Gauguin will be expanding its already exciting list of itineraries to include Australia, New Caledonia, Fiji, Tonga, and the Cook & Society Islands. The ship will also be traveling to Rurutu, the “Island of Whales,” at the height of whale-watching season. Paul Gauguin Cruises has added new experiences onboard as well with the introduction of their food and wine themed sailings. The owners of three prestigious wineries will be onboard sharing their unique stories and tastes of their delectable wines. For foodies sailing the South Pacific, Michelin-starred Chef Jean-Pierre Vigato will be joining The Gauguin in June 2012 to prepare gourmet dishes and host demonstrations of his culinary techniques.

The Bitter End Yacht Club: An Island Outpost with Historic Charm

www.beyc.com

Bitter End Yacht Club is accessible only by sea and has been luring ocean and sailing-lovers for more than 30 years. Located on the protected waters of North Sound on the island of Virgin Gorda (British Virgin Islands), the lush, beachfront resort is a sailing and water sports mecca, thanks to its near perfect year-round sailing conditions, sunshine and crystal-blue waters. Guests can learn to sail at Bitter End’s U.S. Sailing-accredited Sailing and Windsurfing School, dive with the world-famous Kilbrides Sunchaser Scuba or take advantage of the resort’s legendary Club fleet, featuring over 100 well-maintained watercrafts, and its more than 15 weekly excursions to many of the BVI’s treasured islands and reefs. The resort includes 85 beachfront, bungalow-style guest rooms, the world’s largest complimentary fleet of watercraft, 70 moorings and 25 slips, an on-site sailing school, two restaurants, a full-service spa, an Emporium, shops, a freshwater pool and three private beaches. Resting on the northeast extremity of Virgin Gorda, Bitter End is just 12 miles from Tortola, 30 miles from St. Thomas and 75 miles from Puerto Rico.

Oberoi Cruisers:  Exotic Sailings along the Nile River

www.oberoihotels.com

Built on the lines of an Edwardian Paddlesteamer, The Oberoi Philae, Nile Cruiser, offers guests a cruise on the Nile along the landmarks of an ancient civilization. The journey begins in Luxor or Aswan and courses through Pharaonic dynasties that span back thousands of years. Elegant interiors with teak paneling, parquet floors, European antiques, Oriental carpets and a private balcony lend an air of a British country house to the interiors.  Impeccable service and a beautiful setting come together to make this a voyage of discovery - there simply is no finer way to travel down this historic waterway than aboard on The Oberoi Philae.

The Oberoi Zahra, Luxury Nile Cruiser continues Oberoi Hotels & Resorts’ tradition of offering the highest standards of hospitality and is amongst the most spacious accommodation on the Nile. It sails on a seven-day itinerary from Luxor to Aswan, allowing guests the opportunity to leisurely discover five thousand years of Egyptian culture. The mutedly elegant interior of the Luxury Cabins and Luxury Suites are complemented by expansive views of the river framed by large windows within the cabins and the en suite bathrooms. The Oberoi Zahra is the only boat on the Nile with a full-service spa. Guests can rejuvenate the senses with wellness options that include massage suites, a swimming pool and gymnasium. Explore the Nile in unparalleled luxury on The Oberoi, Zahra.

U.S. Media Contact:
Iliana Carr
The Brandman Agency

T: 212.683.2442

E: Iliana@brandmanpr.com

Scent Of A Journey

One's sense of smell is possibly the strongest of the five senses tied to memory. Travel is indeed one of the best ways to create lasting memories and when the two are combined, a magical journey awaits! Inhale deeply and follow your nose from Europe to Africa, then on to North America as the following leaders in luxury travel demonstrate their unique aroma and fragrances, sure to conjure up ideas for the perfect trip.

The creative minds behind the “ship-within-a-ship” concept, with the launch of MSC Yacht Club aboard the prestigious foredecks of MSC Fantasia and MSC Splendida, have once again come out smelling like a rose – well, more like a soothing blend of lavender, fig, fresh herbs and citrus flavors, actually. Aptly named after the intriguing Mediterrenean locations MSC Yacht Club cruise ships visits, MED by MSC is a tailor-made frangrance, which gently permeates throughout Yacht Club’s Italian-designed suites, 24-hour Concierge area, excusive  restaurant and private lounge with daily afternoon tea service. MED was developed by Brand Sense, a global leader in sensory marketing, and Firmenich, the largest privately-owned company in perfumery.  www.mscyachtclub.com

Reid’s Palace, an Orient-Express property in Portugal, has welcomed many luminaries throughout its colorful history. One in particular is Elisabeth of Austria – better known as Empress Sissi. A beloved icon in Europe, Empress Sissi spent much of her time wandering the flower island of Madeira, occupying a suite at Reid’s Palace. In honor of her frequent visits, Nicolas de Barry, a “Maître Perfumer,” has recently launched his new perfume. “Sissi” embodies hints of violet, subtle powder and sumptuous vanilla. This unusual and seducing perfume is conveniently available for purchase at the hotel’s chic boutique. www.reidspalace.com.

The Chatwal New York teamed up with renowned French perfumer Krigler to create both the hotel’s signature scent – “The Chatwal No. 44” – and a service for guests that allows them to customize their own fragrance. If guests choose to partake in the latter, a Krigler perfumer will bring a trunk containing 48 Krigler fragrances to the guests’ suite to sample at their leisure. Guests can either concoct their own signature scent from scratch, which takes six months to complete the order, or customize an existing one, which takes about three days. Krigler’s fragrances have been favored by iconic beauties like Grace Kelly and Audrey Hepburn to beloved dignitaries, including President Kennedy. Both “The Chatwal No.44” scent, which is available in a candle, or the custom-made perfume, will be a special souvenir that will always remind guests of The Chatwal New York. www.thechatwalny.com

La Mamounia, located in the heart of the enchanting city of Marrakech, boasts a bespoke signature scent created exclusively for the property by the world-renowned fragrance expert, Olivia Giacobetti, one of the seven 'noses' of the world. The unique and sumptuous fragrance beautifully combines hints of date, rose and cedar, which are seamlessly infused through the public areas of the Moroccan-chic hotel. Additionally, all Spa and in-room soaps and bath products were created uniquely under Olivia's direction. Infused with notes of cedar and eucalyptus, guests are invited to relive and take home their La Mamounia experience with each light of the signature candle available for purchase exclusively from La Mamounia itself. www.mamounia.com.

Located in its own private oasis close to world famous Waikiki Beach, The Waikiki EDITION is a game-changer for the lifestyle hotel experience with personalized design, true innovation, and comforting service. To complete the originality and vision of “home away from home” for The Waikiki EDITION, Le Labo customized a signature scent around a “black tea” theme, incorporating notes of fig, black tea, cedarwood, patchouli and rose to evoke a feeling of well-being, comfort and exoticism. Available in-room amenities include shampoo, conditioner, body wash, bath soap, moisturizer, and a signature EDITION scented candle is also available for purchase. www.editionhotels.com

Poolside Retreats

A Collection of This Season's Most Splash Worthy Pool Scenes

NEW YORK, (July 28, 2011) – With this summer’s heat wave in full force, cool pool parties are top of mind. From sexy swimming adventures to day time dance parties you just can’t miss, these ‘it’ venues are chill alternatives as the temperatures rise.

Dream Downtown & Dream South Beach

www.dreamintl.com

When it comes to the hottest pool party destinations this summer the sky is the limit- and the rooftop pools at New York’s Dream Downtown and Miami’s Dream South Beach will be sizzling all season long.  The Beach at Dream Downtown is a true beach club complete with sun, sand and cabana boys. As the city’s best DJ’s play on, guests can soak up the sun and put their toes in the sand at Dream Downtown’s poolside retreat. Sun bathers can delight in the hotel’s custom plush lounge chairs or take a dip in the translucent-glass bottom pool that sits directly above the hotel lobby. Down the coast in South Beach, is the swank 70’s inspired Highbar with an Infinity edge pool overlooking the Atlantic Ocean.  Set high above Collins Ave, the Studio-54-meets-South-Beach lounge is the hotbed of South Beach’s sun-kissed social scene. 

The PuLi Hotel and Spa

www.thepuli.com

Bask in the sexy serene scene at The PuLi Hotel and Spa’s 82-foot Infinity lap pool. Located in the heart of Shanghai, The PuLi Hotel and Spa blends the immediacy and convenience of being in Shanghai’s most central location with the quiet, emotional indulgences of a peaceful, luxurious resort. The hotel’s enveloping pool provides a bird’s eye view over JingAn Park and the vibrant city of Shanghai. Guests may further indulge and enhance revitalization at the hotel’s award-winning Anantara Spa after a tantalizing dip with signature treatments combining China’s healing past and the best the 21^st century has to offer.

MSC Yacht Club

www.mscyachtclub.com

Experience luxury aboard the MSC Yacht Club’s designer flagships, MSC Fantasia and MSC Splendida, charting to the hottest destinations in the Mediterranean. This exclusive ship within a ship experience provides VIP treatment through-out including a private swimming pool and beach area along with afternoon tea served daily by a private butler designated solely for Yacht Club members.  Sip Champagne while lounging privately poolside or experience hand-crafted shore excursions on this elite journey through exotic locales.

Keswick Hall

www.keswick.com

The 600-acre Orient-Express property is indeed music to your ears! The Horizon Pool, an infinity edge lounging pool on the piazza level, offers piped underwater music. After working up an appetite in the refreshing water, guests can dine off a poolside dining menu through Labor Day and also enjoy an energizing cocktail for that next tune.

 The Waikiki EDITION

www.EDITIONHOTELS.com

As if Hawaii wasn’t sexy enough, the adult only Private Sunset Beach and Bar at The Waikiki EDITION takes the ultimate plunge in seduction. Hidden under graceful palms and native foliage, the inland private beach surrounds a lagoon with sleek custom teak lounge chairs set amongst the water.  This summer, enjoy the party rockin’ ambience while sipping Mai-Tai’s and listening to some of world’s most renowned DJs in this exotic locale.

The Liaison Capital Hill

www.affinia.com

As the district’s sidewalks start to sizzle, The Liaison Capitol Hill reinvents itself by transforming into the city’s urban oasis, a “rooftop resort” offering guests a sky-high way to relax and keep cool this summer. This DC hotspot is now open through Labor Day, Monday, Sept. 5. Surrounded by plush chaise lounges and cozy daybeds, the pool offers plethora ways to make a splash, from sipping delicious summer cocktails like the Porch Swing, a mix of bourbon, iced tea, fresh peaches and mint to nibbling from a poolside menu of seasonal easy-to-eat small bites like Maryland Grassfed Beef Burger with Talbot cheddar, onion marmalade and hand cut fries. Start each morning, channeling inner zen with complimentary Yoga, a Vinyasa-based class suitable for all experience and fitness levels taught by experienced instructors from Faith Hunter, arguably the city’s best instructor, reservations necessary.

Thompson Beverly Hills

www.thompsonhotels.com

Kick back like a true celebrity this summer at Thompson Beverly Hills’s rooftop pool.  With sweeping views of the Hollywood hills in the distance, guests can focus on achieving the perfect sexy tan while sipping on cocktails and taking in the sights.  Looking for a little privacy?  The poolside cabanas offer a perfect spot to unwind (and escape the paparazzi).  After a dip, sun worshippers can enjoy all ABH (Above Beverly Hills) has to offer.  Known as one of LA’s top rooftop destinations, ABH is a lounge located on the north side of the hotel that features unique cocktails, delectable appetizers, private trellis shade areas and fire pits perfect for enjoying with friends year round.

La Mamounia

www.mamounia.com

Summer like the Stars -- La Mamounia has long been a place to see and be seen, and this summer is no exception. The hotel is host to a 7,500-square-foot outdoor heated, ozone-treated swimming pool, which serves as the perfect place to relax, unwind and mingle with the world’s elite. Kick back in one of the rotating, double sun pods or comfortable loungers and enjoy champagne cocktails served by the hotel’s poolside butlers. La Mamounia has long been a favorite destination for travelers from around the world, hosting legendary figures such as Winston Churchill, Elton John and Jennifer Aniston.  Originally, when the property first opened in 1923, its central pool was the talk of the town as in the center of the pool were living palm trees. After its restoration by Jacques Garcia, those same palm trees were lovingly reinstated inside today's larger and grander pool for guests to enjoy.

U.S. Media Contact

Maggie Salone

The Brandman Agency

T: 212.683.2442

E: maggie@brandmanpr.com

Are We There Yet? 

 School is out, summer vacation is in!  Turn on the Out-of-Office reply, put away the glowing report card, take off the cap and gown and head to Europe, Africa or the French Polynesia.  Here is a roster of family-friendly travel packages and special offers from around the world, which will have parents and children brimming over with glee (only minus the show tunes…):

 Villa San Michele

 Florence, Italy

www.villasanmichele.com

With a brand-new kid’s program, the Orient-Express property delights young guests to an array of educational yet fun lessons, from chocolate making to painting with water colors to basic soccer techniques. Off-property excursions include a sweet adventure to Vivoli, to get the scoop on the history of the famous “gelateria,” followed by a highly anticipated multi-flavored tasting. Curious travels of all ages will enjoy the nearby Palazzo Vecchio and Museo dei Ragazzi, where interactive workshops and guided tours abound.

 Reid’s Palace

Madeira, Portugal

www.reidspalace.com

Families can opt for the new Fun@Reid’s package to enjoy: personalized check-in, dedicated family desk, in-house entertainment and educational activities at the Kids Club, and children’s playground. Endless on-property activities include: three swimming pools, all-weather tennis courts, fitness center, water-skiing, windsurfing, deep-sea fishing, diving, paragliding, parasailing, sailing and canoeing. A wide range of accommodation options, from classic rooms to superior suites to Presidential suites, is ideal for families. All rooms offer balconies or terraces with views of the Atlantic and Funchal Bay. Select between eight restaurant and bar options, ranging from fine French cuisine, to authentic Italian dishes at a cliff top restaurant, to Cocktail Bar with live entertainment. Children’s menu is available.

Villa Magna

Madrid, Spain

www.hotelvillamagna.com

For intrepid families with precocious, art-enthusiastic adolescents, Villa Magna created its “Magna Arts & Culture” package which includes: two tickets to either the Prado, Thyssen-Bornemisza, or Reina Sofía museums, all a short jaunt from the hotel; a private two-hour guided tour of the Prado; and a personalized chauffeured tour of Madrid. To ensure that guests’ day of enlightenment does not begin on an empty stomach, the hotel includes a daily buffet breakfast at the eponymous Villa Magna Restaurant, and – as a delicious prelude to bedtime – the hotel puts an authentically Spanish spin on traditional bedtime milk and cookies with "chocolate a la taza" (gourmet hot chocolate) and just-out-of-the-oven cookies; for adults, a variety of signature treats, including Villa Magna's brilliantly hued macaroons served with luscious sweet creams and passion fruit prepared daily in the property's patisserie, are among the delicacies for nibbling. “Magna Arts & Culture” from approximately U.S. $715 per night for a Deluxe Room.

Cox & Kings

www.coxandkingsusa.com

 Time to retire that annual family vacation to Florida! Cox & Kings offers a family-fun 5-day, 4-night jaunt to sunny Colombia. When arriving in the scenic coast of Cartagena, families will be greeted by a Cox & Kings guide who will accompany them through a tour of Colonial Cartagena, exploring the streets and plazas by both foot and horse-drawn carriage. Stroll down the century-old town San Basilio de Palenque and watch the colorfully dressed Palenquera women commute to the markets to sell candy and fruit. Family members will take a cue from the stylish civilians and have the opportunity to dress in colorful costume dresses and practice balancing bowls their heads. Afterwards, guests can discover Colombia’s dynamic, ever-changing landscape through activities such as a private picnic at the base of a 50-foot mud volcano – sure to give that homemade science project a run for its money.   Guests will relish their own Dancing With the Stars moment as the whole family learns the rhythmic moves of merengue and cumbia, music Colombia is famous for. This experience is offered on Cox & Kings’ customizable Latin America itineraries; US price available upon request.

The Crane

St. Philip, Barbados

www.thecrane.com

Boasting the most spacious suites on the island of Barbados, as well as the island’s most amazing pool complex overlooking the ocean waters, The Crane – a historic resort in the lush, secluded southeast Atlantic coast – is now offering a “Summer to Remember” package, in which families can trade their usual summertime blues for the azure waters of Barbados. If booked by June 15^th, guests can enjoy a 20% discount on all room categories, along with two complimentary breakfasts plus a guaranteed upgrade from a one-bedroom suite with an ocean view to a one-bedroom suite with an ocean view and a private plunge pool over the course of any three-night stay. All suites also house full kitchens, making this self-contained family getaway truly delightful.

 Maroma Resort and Spa

Riviera Maya, Mexico 

www.maromahotel.com

Maroma Resort and Spa, located in Mexico’s picturesque Riviera Maya, scores high on child-o-meter with the launch of The Family Package.  Tailored specifically for kids and parents alike, the brand-new offer includes myriad educational activities from baking cookies with Executive Chef Juan Pablo Loza to learning basic Spanish from resort’s attentive staff. Deserving parents can opt for a pampering day at the Kinan Spa or enjoy an enthralling snorkeling trip to the second largest reef in the world.

Available from July 1^st through August 31, 2011, The Family Package is available for Ocean View Master Suite and Oceanfront One Bedroom Suite categories.  Rates start at $1,040 per night, based on double occupancy, plus 14 percent tax and 10 percent service charge.

 Paul Gauguin Cruises

www.pgcruises.com

School will be out in no time -- and no experience creates stronger family bonds than an exotic summer getaway to the idyllic tropical islands of French Polynesia with Paul Gauguin Cruises. To make a summer cruise aboard the deluxe m/s Paul Gauguin even more enriching for the kids, sign them up for the Ambassadors of the Environment Youth Program. Created by world-renowned explorer and environmentalist Jean-Michel Cousteau and his Ocean Futures Society, an organization founded in 1999 to help protect the world's oceans, this groundbreaking program is a wonderful way to introduce children to the extraordinary natural wonders of French Polynesia through direct, hands-on, interactive learning. They will discover how black pearls and vanilla are cultivated, how volcanic islands become coral atolls, how to paddle an outrigger canoe, and the importance of maintaining the ocean's marine and island ecosystems – and they'll have fun doing it! In addition to joining the kids in the discovery of the South Seas aboard this luxurious ship, parents can relax with a pampering treatment at the Deep Nature Spa by Algotherm ... forget every day cares on a thrilling snorkeling expedition ... indulge in the gourmet meals included in the all-inclusive fares ... and fall under the spell of dancing away the evening under the stars.

 MSC Yacht Club

www.mscyachtclub.com

 Located in the premier foredecks of MSC’s designer flagships, MSC Fantasia and MSC Splendida, MSC Yacht Club provides sanctuary for families seeking an exclusive cruise experience, coupled with access to the entire ship’s services. Set sail on a Mediterranean adventure in the comfort of a spacious family suite, offering picturesque views over tranquil waters and vibrant ports. Accommodations are carefully designed with amenities for guests of all ages, including a complimentary mini-bar with soft drinks and alcoholic beverages, a Nintendo Wii console, and a pillow menu. MSC Yacht Club pampers families with a 24-hour butler service to assist with packing and unpacking, priority embarkation and disembarkation, dinner reservations, shopping at a selection of stores on the ship, and more. The 24-hour Concierge is also readily available for Yacht Club guests for excursion coordinations and ground transfers. Parents can opt for well-deserved pampering at the MSC Aurea Spa, themed around the famous Balinese massage that combines acupressure, reflexology and aromatherapy into one session, or sunbathing at the secluded One Pool, while younger guests enjoy children’s playroom, supervised youth programs and a teen center. Dedicated restaurants serve gourmet cuisine with a menu catering for fine diners, as well as, your little picky eater. The private Top Sail Lounge also offers hearty snacks throughout the day with daily afternoon tea service.

 The Willard InterContinental

Washington, D.C. 

www.intercontinental.com/washington

 Don’t be afraid the summer will slip away, undetected.  The Willard InterContinental Washington, D.C. has partnered with kid-friendly organization The International Spy Museum for a special summer event on Tuesday, June 21: “Spy Rings, Covert Action, and Deception: Spies and their Tactics.” Families can join International Spy Museum historian Mark Stout who will explain all about espionage during the Civil War, as well as the spy “gadgets” available to the Civil War-era James Bond.

The Surrey

New York City

www.thesurrey.com

 Kids have all the fun at New York’s chic Upper East Side hotel, The Surrey. The hotel is currently offering in-room children’s amenities which include: a child-size white bathrobe with black “S” logo on pocket, black child-sized slippers, black stuffed “Bentley” dog, NYC attractions coloring book with crayons and a guest sign in sheet on which children can list their favorite food, movie and game which the hotel will have ready for families on their return stay. Situated in New York City’s exclusive Upper East Side neighborhood, the hotel affords direct access to Madison Avenue’s upscale boutiques & restaurants, Museum Mile, iconic landmarks and Central Park making it the ideal location for families to experience some of the cities finest offerings.

Reflecting a 1920s Beaux-Arts-designed residential townhouse, The Surrey is an Upper East Side hotel where tradition blends with a unique modern personality. The hotel reopened in November 2009 after a complete re-creation by designer Lauren Rottet, and features 189 salons and suites. Guests can relax in sophisticated luxury while enjoying unique treatments at the Spa at The Surrey, dining at Café Boulud, and seasonal cocktails by master mixologists at Bar Pleiades. During the warmer months, The Surrey offers guests a private roof garden with unbeatable views of the city.

April marks the “National Public Health Week” (April 4-10) and the “World Health Day” (April 7). To celebrate in style – and in health – here are a few healthy eating tips while traveling in some of the most intriguing locales of the world. Bon Appétit!

Fresh Start

The Spa at The Surrey springs ahead with an exclusive partnership with Organic Avenue, NYC’s popular health lifestyle company. Guests at the Upper East Side hotel can now experience a three-day “LOVE” cleanse and revitalization package that includes: accommodations in a luxury Salon or Suite, a choice of a signature three-day juice cleanse program – LOVEeasy, LOVEfast or LOVEdeep, two 60-minute detoxifying treatments – facial, massage or scrub, and a choice of either one private yoga or Pilates class. Rates start at $574 per night for a minimum of three consecutive nights through December 31, 2011. As an alternative to the overnight package, health conscious New Yorkers and visitors alike can select a day option, excluding overnight accommodations for a one-time rate of $750, representing a 10 percent savings on the cost of the program. www.thesurrey.com

Zen Palate

Tackle fitness and eating with zest at InterContinental Montelucia Resort & Spa and its signature zen haven Joya Spa, which is launching the first annual Joya Living Well Yoga Retreat April 1-3, 2011. This reinvigorating retreat will be the first installment of the Joya Living Well Yoga Series, which will bring several of today’s leading experts in yoga and wellness to Arizona’s most luxe resort. Renowned yoga instructors Brock and Krista Cahill will lead participants in a series of sessions including "Yogi Happy Hour" Detox Flow, "The Press Handstand and Beyond," and "Deep Twists and Backbends." Vendors including A Glimpse of Angel, My Own Bottle and Chelle Baby Zen Malas will also be present to showcase their newest arrivals.  Classes are $45 each; an All-Session Pass is available for $100.  Guests may book the Joya Living Well Yoga Retreat Package from $249 per night (three-night minimum), which includes two All Session Passes for the retreat, a $50 dining credit and a $50 spa credit. www.joyaspa.com/joyalivingwell.com

To Market, To Market

Follow the fresh scent to Sazon Cooking School at Casa de Sierra Nevada where the experienced chef will lead guests on a tour of the vibrant San Miguel local market in Mexico. Guided by in-house chef Héctor Leyve, visitors will learn how to select the freshest seasonal ingredients of the day while chef imparts his knowledge on possible flavor combinations. Inspired by the local culture of the market, guests will then return with their ingredients to the Sazon kitchen to create refreshing, delicious and authentically Mexican dishes like salsas, sopes, quesadillas and salads. Should guests choose to book the Sazon Culinary Experience package, they can retreat back to charming Casa de Sierra Nevada hotel to enjoy package inclusions of luxury accommodations, margaritas and snacks on arrival, and daily American breakfast in one of the hotel’s world-renowned restaurants, Andanza or Casa del Parque. www.casadesierranevada.com

Know Where It Comes From

Nestled amidst manicured grounds in the picturesque Oxfordshire, Le Manoir aux Quat'Saisons boasts bountiful gardens that play an integral part of what is produced in the kitchen. The world-renowned Raymond Blanc Cookery School at the premises offers a one-day, non-residential “garden to plate” course, where culinary enthusiasts use organic ingredients from the garden to create authentic dishes. What’s more, the delicious class includes a morning and afternoon tea and lunch. Rates start at $538*.  www.manoir.com

You Can Always Eat What You Want

A world-class luxury resort in St. Martin, French West Indies, La Samanna seasons the art of culinary travel to perfection with an exclusive kosher menu. With Executive Chef Vincent Wallez at the helm, foodies can savor their favorite ingredients at the picturesque La Cave restaurant. Customized menu options might include: red pepper confit with garlic & paprika, red betroot seeds with aged balsamic vinegar, caramelized pecan nuts & hibiscus flower; grilled codfish, light saffron cream, pilaf rice with almonds, basil emulsion; and terrine of exotic fruits, vanilla ice-cream and chocolate sauce. Rates start at $450 per person. www.lasamanna.com

Have Your Bikini and Wear It Too

The Waikiki EDITION’s in-room dining menu features an array of delectable yet healthy options for travelers watching their waistline. Overseen by Executive Chef Kaleo Adams, the hotel’s culinary team serves up daily fresh dishes, such as the Egg White Scramble with kale, assorted mushrooms and parmesan cheese and selection of seasonal Fresh Fruit Smoothies for breakfast plus all day options, such as the Nalo Greens Salad made with local farmers market veggies and an Organic Chicken Breast served with quinoa salad, wilted watercress and lemon juice.  And while more decadent dishes are also on offer, these feel-good creations are too tasty to pass up, especially in the bikini capital of Waikiki Beach. EDITION’s Surf & Bikini Boot Camp is customized by a team of pro-surfers, naturalists, yogis and personal trainers – including renowned nutritionist Corey Coopersmith. www.editionhotels.com

The School of Food

InterContinental Hong Kong’s innovative ihealth program provides a wide range of options for guests maintaining their health while on-the-go.  Based on academic nutritional guidance from Hong Kong Adventist Hospital, the hotel’s Executive Chef Laurent Andre and his team have developed a ‘delicious / nutritious’ preventative health menu, with icon-marked dishes designed to address the top health concerns worldwide - diabetes, cardiac disease, hypertension, and the need for antioxidants. The à la carte ihealth menu features delectable dishes such as Beetroot Carpaccio, Australian Organic Rack of Lamb and Low Sugar Chocolate Fondant at Harbourside Restaurant and around-the-clock through in-room dining. In addition, the Pool Terrace offers a selection of ihealth dishes on its menu, as does the Lobby Lounge at breakfast.  www.hongkong-ic.intercontinental.com

The Breakfast of Champions

At Art and Soul restaurant in Washington DC, celebrity chef Art Smith puts healthy twists on breakfast classics with his “ArtStart” menu. Treat taste buds to the crunch of his Toasted Quinoa Granola ($11) - a signature item. Housemade granola is accented with almonds, pecans, cinnamon, agave nectar, maple syrup and one special, all-important ingredient – quinoa (pronounced KEEN-wah). Art eats this granola concoction to start his day as part of his sustained efforts to maintain a healthy lifestyle after losing 100 pounds over the past year. Quinoa, a fluffy grain from the Andes with nutty flavor, complements the taste of granola, but it also boasts health benefits. It is high in protein, with essential amino acids that make it a complete protein source - unlike most other plant foods. The gluten-free nutritional grain is also a good source of dietary fiber, which makes it easy to digest. www.artandsouldc.com

A Vegan Journey

The newly reopened Planet Restaurant at the Mount Nelson Hotel features locally-sourced ingredients which are brought in daily from numerous organic and local farms around the Cape Town area.  Executive Chef Rudi Liebenberg truly believes in respect for the ingredient, respect for the process, respect for the end product and respect for the guest.  To this end, Chef Rudi has added an entirely vegan menu to the restaurant’s nightly offerings.  Titled the ‘Vegan Journey,’ the menu celebrates the taste of the vegetable with dishes prepared as simply as possible using no dairy or dairy substitutes.  Menu items include Watercress and Potato Tortellini with Thyme, Pumpkin Seeds, and a Butternut Purée, and Spiced Chickpea Fritter with Warm Bean Salad and Nut and Seed Quinoa with Dried Fruits. www.mountnelson.co.za

Step Back in Time

Banyan Tree Hotels and Resorts have introduced Spa Cafés to their Thailand hotels in Phuket, Bangkok and Samui with a menu that is based around the Ayurvedic principles of the three “Doshas” (Vata, Pitta and Kapha). The menu caters to each individual’s dominant dosha with corresponding menu items benefiting their particular constitution. In Sanskrit, Ayu means "Life" and Veda means "knowledge or science." Known as the Science of Life, Ayurveda is a traditional healing system which originated in India approximately 5,000 years ago. Based on the belief that life is made up of five primal elements - air, space, water, fire and earth, these elements form the building blocks of Ayurvedic healing, the tri-dosha. It treats each individual by working holistically, combining nutrition, herbal remedies, exercises such as yoga and massages to achieve health and harmony. Steeped in Asian healing traditions and a holistic focus on spiritual, mental and physical harmony, Banyan Tree Spa embraces the benefits of Ayurvedic traditions and heightens the wellness quotient with an innovative dining experience. www.banyantree.com

Looking to sweep someone special off her or his feet this Valentine’s Day?  Don’t be stymied by the red and pink clichés that appear in stores every year around February 14th.  From steamy escapes to brilliant gems to Tahitian body art, let our guide to what’s hot and what’s not help you to find true romance this year.

HOT: 24-Hour Butler Service

The crew of MSC Yacht Club will pamper you and your honey to your heart’s desire with 24-hour Butler Service delivering warm pain au chocolat and ice cold Cuvee Prestige Brut to you poolside on the members-only deck. Talk about a love boat! 

NOT: All You Can Eat

The ship has sailed for the grand buffet with overflowing cornucpias and ice sculptures galore. 

HOT: Sleek Showers Large Enough for Two

The guest bathrooms at the always sleek and sexy The Chatwal New York feature luxe, large raindrop shower heads as standard in every spacious shower. Lather up with Asprey’s Purple Water amenities, exclusive to The Chatwal within NYC, and smell your best for your sweetheart.

NOT: Heart-Shaped Jacuzzi Tubs

Because your heart is already full enough that you don’t have to be so literal and sit in one.

HOT: A Private Helicopter Ride

Let love lift you higher at La Mamounia in Marrakech.  This Valentine’s Day, the iconic hotel is offering an unforgettable weekend, inclusive of airport transfers, a relaxing couples massage and a signature Hamman treatment, cocktails in the historic Gallerie Majorelle followed by a romantic dinner at L’Italien by Don Alfonso, plus a 45-minute private helicopter ride above the Atlas Mountains to top off the weekend. Available from February 9th to 16th, the extraordinary experience starts at approximately USD $3,090*.

NOT: A Subway Ride

Uptown or downtown, a crowded, dirty train is never romantic.

The rustic yet luxurious Maroma Resort & Spa in Mexico warms up with a “K’aak Night,” themed around the Mayan word for fire. Take a step into yesteryear with an inspiring fire dance on the secluded private white-sand beach. The vibrant event is seasoned to perfection in the company of Executive Chef Juan Pablo, who dishes out a wide array of menu items from a beachfront grill. More to love is live music performances and a bonfire party.

NOT: Dinner and a Movie

Love meter shows low temperatures for the same old routine of dinner on a couch and a Netflix night.

HOT: Checking In

Sweep your sweetie off their feet and check into New York’s most intimate address for romance, The Surrey Hotel.  Either customize your stay or select the ultimate “Romance Package” including a couples massage, Champagne and chocolate turn down and rose-scented Diptyque candles to set the mood, along with a space available upgrade.  Don’t forget the do not disturb sign!

NOT: Checking Out

Distractions at home that keep your mind off romance.

HOT: Carats

Spoil yourself not your appetite this Valentine’s Day with Pave Crownwork Signet Rings from fine jewelry designer, Ray Griffiths. Renowned for his exquisite metalwork, brilliantly-cut gemstones, profound technical skills and harmonious designs, Ray’s signature “crownwork” pieces reflect his early training fabricating the delicate substructures of tiaras and crowns.

NOT: Candy

Kiss the days of eating your feelings good-bye, put down that box of chocolates and enjoy the guilt-free way to splurge this year. 

HOT: Cooking for Two

Heat things up in the kitchen by grabbing your significant other – or even a friend – to join Keswick Hall’s Executive Chef Dean Maupin and his wife in a cooking class for two. The couples’ cooking course takes place Saturday, February 26th at 3:00pm, at Keswick Hall in Charlottesville, Virginia.

NOT: Cooking for One

Because microwaving a T.V. dinner for one is just not sexy.

HOT: Soufflé Cooking Class

Lake Placid Lodge’s new Valentine’s Day Package includes three nights in premier accommodations; a cooking class for couples on February 13th to learn the art of making soufflés; custom monogrammed robes or a $100 credit to the Lodge’s gallery; and complimentary late check-out based on availability. Available from Thursday, February 10 through Monday, February 14, 2011, rates for the Valentine’s Day Package begin at $2,570.  Please call (877) 523-2700 or visit www.lakeplacidlodge.com (request the "Valentine's Day Package”).

NOT: Box of Chocolates

Skip the heart-shaped box of chocolates from the nearest drugstore and learn to make the most romantic dessert in the world.

HOT: Tahitian-Inspired Tattoos

For Polynesians, tattooing is a means of asserting their ma’ohi heritage and cultural identity, favoring the use of black color to the detriment of others. Join InterContinental Resorts French Polynesia to become immersed in Tahitian culture, and visit a gifted generation of tattoo artists in Tahiti and the surrounding islands, where their talents are frequently solicited by passing tourists.

NOT: His & Hers Ink

No amount of Billy Bob’s and Angelina’s could make this worth the permanency. Sadly, a couples' tattoo will often far outlast the couple.

HOT: Couples Massage Lesson at The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur

Enhance your intimacy this Valentine’s Day by learning how to massage your loved one. Under the guidance of a massage therapist, couples at The Oberoi Rajvilas, Jaipur will learn various massage techniques for the back and feet and then will spend 30 minutes each, practicing on one another. The lesson concludes with time alone for you and your better half, and a bathtub filled with Gulab Jal (rose essence) and floating fragrant rose petals.  Cost: INR6500/- approx $145 USD*

NOT: Motorized Back Massagers

These are sure to buzz the romance out of any relationship.

HOT: Exploring the final frontier – under the sea

Cast away with your honey on a secluded coral atoll in the paradisiacal Maldives archipelago to experience a sense of magic, romance and tranquility at Banyan Tree Maldives Vabbinfaru . Couples looking to experience first-hand the mystique of the crystal waters will find paradise here. The resort’s house reef is ideal for snorkeling straight off the beach to view the wondrous sea creatures that live below. Gear is complimentary for guests and includes fins, masks, snorkels and life jackets. 

NOT: Couples’ couch time with Discovery Channel

Leave “Man vs. Wild” and “Planet Earth” for the DVR.

*Please note that rates have been based on currency conversion at the time of release.

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Media Contact:

Jennifer Walters

The Brandman Agency

T: 212-683-2442

E: jennifer@brandmanpr.com

Molori Great Barrier Reef, Australia

www.molori.com

The best way to keep warm this winter is to head somewhere sizzling. Our winter season is Australia’s summer, and what better spot to soak up the sun than the stunning Molori Great Barrier Reef, a private hideaway nestled within world’s oldest rainforest, Daintree, and offering unparalleled access to Australia’s iconic coral reef. A bespoke retreat that can accommodate up to 10 guests, Molori Great Barrier Reef offers guests remarkable interactions with their lush environment – from wildlife river cruises and crocodile spotting to Aboriginal cultural sightings. After a long day’s adventure, guests can enjoy a delicious meal al fresco prepared by a personal chef or arrange activities through the property’s attentive staff – from relaxing with massages, Champagne & canapés by the pool to horseback riding on Four Mile Beach. All amenities are state-of-the-art, with eclectic and one-of-a-kind interiors hand-picked by the property’s owner – and design wiz – Kirk Lazarus.

The Waikiki EDITION

www.editionhotels.com

There’s no better way to stoke your inner fire than with four days of core-strengthening yoga, stand-up paddle boarding, mountain hikes, “killer cardio” classes and personalized surfing lessons, all under the heat of the Hawaiian sun on the spectacular island of Oahu.   This February, The Waikiki EDITION introduces its Surf & Bikini Boot Camp, a unique program customized by a team of pro-surfers, naturalists, yogis and personal trainers.  Combined with spa treatments and healthy, organic meals, the Surf & Bikini Boot Camp will leave guests returning home rejuvenated and on the fast track to a hot body revealing this spring. 

SFERRA

www.sferra.com

The new Hayden Throws ($262) are a beautiful way to wrap your loved ones in warmth and style…especially for those nights when, Baby, It’s Cold Outside! SFERRA’s Hayden Throws are made of the very finest 100% Australian baby lamb's wool and finished with decorative fringe. They’re the perfect excuse to escape that long winter storm and the shoveling that comes with it! Available in Camel, Grey, Moss, and Saffire. Guaranteed to keep you cozy all year-round and a perfect accent for any room.

MSC Yacht Club

www.mscyachtclub.com

ALL ABOARD! Be sure not to miss the boat this winter.   MSC Yacht Club is an exclusive ship within a ship aboard the prestigious foredecks of MSC’s designer flagships, MSC Fantasia and MSC Splendida. MSC Yacht Club guests enjoy private access to an array of exclusive venues, including The One sun deck complex, which features two hot tubs. Indulge in a warm, relaxing dip while on a picturesque voyage to the most intriguing locales in the Mediterranean.

Thompson Toronto

www.thompsonhotels.com

This recently opened hot spot boasts a modern interpretation of the classic boxcar diner dubbed The Counter. Among serving delectable classic diner bites with a refined twist, the menu includes a specialty Hot Toddy menu featuring a Hot Scotty complete with Dewar’s, sugar syrup, whole cloves, lemon zest and steaming water. The perfect remedy for those chilly Toronto nights. The 102-room Thompson Toronto is sleek and elegant, with 16 glass- encased floors, multiple dining and nightlife venues including a private rooftop bar/lounge with panoramic views of the city.

Maroma Resort and Spa & Casa de Sierra Nevada - Riviera Maya & San Miguel de Allende, Mexico

www.maromahotel.com  & www.casadesierranevada.com

If the warmth of Mexico is not quite hot enough, both Maroma Resort and Spa and Casa de Sierra Nevada now offer the traditional Temazcal ritual. The Maya Temazcal is similar to a North American Indian sweat lodge in which a source of heat (in this case super heated lava rocks) is doused with herb-infused water to create aromatic and healing steam. The Temazcal provides a womb-like sanctuary where guests in the darkness can let go of stress and face their fears. This ritualistic treatment weaves together ancient traditions, chants and meditation – guests often report seeing visions, which are later interpreted. The body is nourished using fruit essence and enriched mineral mud. At Maroma’s Kinan Spa, the ritual lasts 90 minutes at a cost of $120 per person. At Casa de Sierra Nevada’s Laja Spa, the ritual lasts 145 minutes at a cost of $750 pesos (approximately $60 US Dollars). 

InterContinental Moorea Resort & Spa

www.moorea.intercont.com

Why make a snow angel when you can build a sand castle? Situated on one of the most spectacular tropical islands of French Polynesia, InterContinental Moorea Resort & Spa provides a magnificent setting for a memorable South Seas vacation. The resort recently completed multi-million dollar refurbishments: the overwater bungalows enjoy improved access to the water with a new sea-level platform and ladder, and private plunge pools have been added to each of the 17 Garden Bungalows. The heart of the hotel boasts two new Infinity pools between the newly landscaped restaurant terrace and the main beach overlooking the picturesque blue waters of the South Pacific. 

Dream South Beach - South Beach, Miami

www.dreamsouthbeach.com

This winter, experience Miami differently – enjoy the usual sun and style spiked with a blast of heat from the Halston-meets-Moroccan glamour at Dream South Beach, a new hotel on Collins Avenue comprised of two renovated Art Deco properties. As the latest addition to the lively South Beach district, the fashion-forward hotel – slated to open in February 2011 – is located directly behind the former Versace Mansion. The property offers 108 guestrooms, inventive-meets-classic American dining, a sleek destination rooftop lounge to warm up in the sun with a private Infinity pool and views of the Atlantic, and a spa offering Ayurvedic treatments.

Isle de France

www.isle-de-france.com

Long recognized as a “hot spot” for celebrities, Isle de France is located on one of the most pristine beaches on picturesque St. Barth’s. The recently debuted Flamands Villas offer spacious living rooms, a private fitness room, a home cinema, private access to the beach and private infinity plunge pools. The hotel boasts unspoiled a white sand beach, a beachside restaurant overlooking the turquoise blue waters, 2 fresh-water pools and a Molton Brown Spa. No better way to beat the winter blues than relaxing in one of the world’s most beautiful beaches. 

Grand Hotel Europe, St. Petersburg, Russia

www.grandhoteleurope.com

Located on the famous Nevsky Prospekt in St. Petersburg, Grand Hotel Europe is a cultural and culinary landmark among the city’s great architectural treasures, renowned for its impressive façade and decorative interiors. A visit to the hotel takes guests to the heart of Russia during the White Days of winter, when snow lies outside and a warm welcome awaits within. With the ground blanketed in snow, what better way to warm up than with a shot of Russian vodka paired with selection of delectable caviar from the hotel’s Caviar Bar. The Caviar Bar is the perfect place to go for a true taste of Russian cuisine and crisp vodka that warms the spirits. 

The Liaison Capitol Hill

www.affinia.com

Through February 27, travelers visiting The Liaison Capitol Hill in Washington, DC will enjoy one of the capital’s most iconic experiences: Washington Winter Wonderland, a revelry of the city’s more playful side. The fun includes ice skating at the renowned National Gallery of Art Sculpture Garden outdoor rink in the heart of the National Mall, two tickets for skating and skate rentals, a sweet treat of peppermint bark from Art and Soul restaurant, a pair of hand warmers to keep you cozy and a comfortable Affinia room customized by you at Myaffinia.com. Rates from $ 169.

The PuLi Hotel and Spa

www.ThePuLi.com

Spice up your winter retreat and escape to Shanghai’s The PuLi Hotel and Spa. The PuLi’s Long Bar not only boasts breathtaking views of JingAn Park but also serves the “longest” selection of wine and champagne by the glass as well as their mouth watering signature cocktails. To start your night with a bang, sip their signature Sichuan Spice cocktail complete with vodka, lime juice, ginger, Sichuan pepper, mint leaves and cucumber which will keep you toasty all night long. A fusion of contemporary elements and traditional Asian charm, the 209-room and 20-suite hotel offers a distinctively unique guest experience.

Worldly Works of Art

One needn’t head south to Miami Art Basel to enjoy a zany art show. From Morocco to the Great Barrier Reef, these luxury international hotels and lifestyle brands boast unique art pieces and eclectic collections of their own.

Molori Great Barrier Reef - Australia

www.molori.com

Custom-designed by its owner Kirk Lazarus, an international entrepreneur, hotelier and interiors wiz, Molori Great Barrier Reef features several one-of-a-kind art pieces. Commissioned by Lazarus and located in the main guestroom is a whimsical painting of Dr. Seuss’s Cat in the Hat spinning across the globe, carefully juggling hotels, oil, a blonde and a brunette – a creative illustration of Lazarus’s own life, a delicate balancing act.

The entrance to Molori Great Barrier Reef includes a South African solid bronze statue, also commissioned by Lazarus and shipped from Cape Town, depicting a warrior offering the dove of peace.

The Oberoi, Gurgaon (opening February 1, 2010)

www.oberoihotels.com  

The Oberoi Group’s patronage of Indian art is well known. Each of the properties house works of artists from all over the country, offering guests a glimpse of the vibrant and versatile culture of India.  In keeping with this tradition, the soon-to-open Oberoi, Gurgaon has specially commissioned work by young contemporary Indian artists from the major art centers of the country – including works by Mrinmoy Barua from the Bengal School in Shantiniketan, Neeraj Yadav representing the new age, contemporary work from Baroda, and Delhi based artists Archana and Amit Dutta.

While the paintings are contemporary, the wall panels in each room and suite features the traditional Zardozi work from artisans in Lucknow and Bhopal.  In addition to the hotel’s own art collection, The Oberoi, Gurgaon, also offers patrons an opportunity to appreciate and buy contemporary Indian art. For the very first time in any Indian hotel, The Oberoi, Gurgaon hosts a 2,000 sq. ft. contemporary Indian art gallery by Nature Morte in its luxury retail arcade.

The Waikiki EDITION

www.editionhotels.com

One of the first features that guests of The Waikiki EDITION encounter in the lobby is a wall-to-wall surfboard installation by artist and internationally famed former professional surfer Herbie Fletcher, made from over 100 collected, broken surfboards from the sport’s best pipeline surfers: Kelly Slater, Andy Irons, Mick Fanning, Joel Parkinson, Nathan Fletcher, Bruce Irons and Christian Fletcher. It hangs effortlessly above the one-of-a-kind, custom designed reception desk made from sculpted plywood which has been transformed into a natural, organic shape and finished using the techniques and traditions of local Hawaiian surfboard making. The installation adds a unique sense of location to the modern, understated interiors.

Dream, Vikram Chatwal Hotels

www.vikramchatwalhotels.com

Dream New York - Midtown, New York City

www.dreamny.com

Situated between New York’s theatre district and Central Park West, and defined by Vikram Chatwal Hotels’ chic-cool design, Dream New York brings an avant-garde level of surrealism to the hotel industry.  The lobby, in particular, showcases an array of bizarre antique curiosities just behind a two-story cylindrical tank of tropical fish, all intended to represent the disconnected and visceral nature of dream sequences.

There’s of course the story of Catherine the Great, Neptune and Madonna and Child, a copper statue that lived a former life atop a bar in Hartford called The Russian Lady; a two-story photograph of a couple embracing – both marked by their love of “ink” – that lines the shaft of the lobby’s glass elevator, shot custom for the hotel by designer Mark Zeff; and an oversized glass-domed cake plate encasing a bundt cake precariously perched above spikes – look but don’t touch! For a Freudian touch, each of the elevator landings on the guest floors have custom light boxes featuring art pieces that represent distinct dream archetypes.

Dream South Beach (opening early 2011) - South Beach, Miami

www.dreamsouthbeach.com

With a creative concept spearheaded by Michael Czysz’s design house Architropolis and interiors lead Kelly Ogden, Dream South Beach embodies the transformation of two iconic Art Deco South Beach hotels, the Tudor Hotel and Palmer House, into an alluring hideaway from the South Florida sun.

When it opens next year, Dream South Beach will feature a number of unique art objects, including a statue of Ganesha, the keeper of entrances, by Las Vegas-based ceramic artist Miguel Rodríguez – the statue will sit on a lotus flower among the bamboo grove in the central entry of the property.

In the interior public spaces the hotel will feature wonderful 3-D mixed media art by Austin-based artist Adam Morey. Titled Ether, the art is reminiscent of topographical maps, with an auto-paint finish. His cubes series featuring 3-D white acrylic cubes will also be on-property – no two cubes are alike.

La Mamounia - Morocco

www.mamounia.com   

La Mamounia, Marrakech’s iconic hotel, re-opened its doors in September 2009 following an extensive restoration project led by internationally acclaimed interior designer Jacques Garcia.  Globally regarded as one of the most desirable hotels in the world, the new La Mamounia boasts an impressive roster of art including an original mural by Jacques Majorelle; works by renowned French painter and sculptor Rachid Khimoune; and photography by various French and Moroccan photographers, including Saad Tazi, Saad Moulay Mohamed, Michel Kirch and Michelle Maurin.

True to its role as a patron of the arts, this winter La Mamounia will host a temporary photography exhibition by celebrated photographer Carole Bellaiche, honoring the history of French cinema.   In collaboration with Marrakech’s Galerie 127, the exhibition is scheduled to run from December 3rd until February 28th, 2011, coinciding with the 10th edition of the International Film Festival of Marrakech (Dec. 3-11). 

Las Alcobas -Mexico City

www.lasalcobas.com

Las Alcobas, Mexico City’s newest and most stylish small luxury hotel, boasts two fantastic murals located in the lobby, both of which were painted by renowned artist Roberto Cortazar. In addition, two of the hotel’s suites have original pieces by Cortazar. Each guestroom offers original pieces of artwork – one, a hand-painted chair by artisans in Oaxaca found in the minibar and two, an original hand-painted “alebrije” in every hallway. The hotel has also acquired additional accents from the Fonart (Fondo Nacional para el Foment de las Artes), with which the hotel is currently working on acquiring winning pieces from every year’s national competition.

Thompson Hotels

www.thompsonhotels.com   

Thompson LES

Gritty sexy only begins to describe Thompson LES, the 141- room hotel located on Manhattan’s Lower East Side. Informed by the traditions that have made the LES the city’s most intriguing neighborhood, the hotel’s industrial design is complemented with the works of several of America’s most influential artists. Each room features a custom-designed lightbox by Lee Friedlander; the lobby showcases the work of legendary painter Peter Halley; and the base of the pool displays a portrait of Andy Warhol by his muse and confidant, Gerard Malanga.

Thompson Toronto

Thompson Toronto’s lobby offers an artistically edgy, avant-garde motif – a sublime gateway to the sexy and luxurious guestrooms above. Upon entering the coal-black lobby designed by Studio Gaia, first to strike on the visual hit list is the simple white-on-black sketch by Spanish artist Javier Mariscal of the city’s urban skyline adorning the entire back wall.

Thompson Beverly Hills

Thompson Beverly Hills merges the sophistication of New York design with the ease of the Southern California lifestyle.  Rooms and public spaces evoke the commanding cool of 1960s Hollywood, with California Modernism design elements throughout.  Furniture is custom-designed by Dodd Mitchell, with dark wood and glass accents, while the iconic works of fashion photographer Steven Klein accent guestrooms and public spaces. 

Gild Hall - Financial District, New York City

Works of society photographer Slim Aarons, who was known for his intimate shots of “beautiful people,” are displayed along the corridors of the Gild Hall.  Perfectly complementing Gild Hall’s glamorous ambiance, the works will showcase the fashionistas and glitterati that Aarons photographed in the mid-1900s (think Truman Capote, Salvador Dali, and Britt Ekland). 

Smyth Tribeca - New York City

The lobby of Smyth Tribeca, designed by Yabu Pushelberg, reveals a unique combination of exterior strength and classic elegance. The hotel draws inspiration from its vibrant surrounding neighborhood, pairing sumptuous fabrics with a curated collection of custom and vintage furniture.  Also unique to the space are a series of ink profile sketches by Miami-based artist Santiago Rubino – a personal favorite of Yabu Pushelberg’s principals.

Orient-Express Hotels

www.orient-express.com

Villa San Michele - Florence, Italy

The precious 1642 fresco of the Last Supper by Nicoderno Ferrucci in the refectory of the Villa San Michele was carefully restored by hand in 1999 using materials of the period such as limewash and naturally occurring oxides, such as enamel.  The fresco is painted into three lunettes separated by two painted columns behind which the scene unfolds and had suffered some damage over the 350 years since its creation by soot, dust and water.  A further delight the restoration unveiled was the presence of a little white cat at the foot of the disciples, who appears to be enjoying his own fish supper.  The Villa San Michele is a former 15th century monastery in the hills above Florence.  Its façade is attributed to Michelangelo.

La Residencia - Deià, Mallorca

For the unsuspecting client, La Residencia's art collection is an event – and an immense surprise. Displayed here are outstanding works by over 85 artists, all of whom have lived and worked in Deià or the north side of Mallorca during the last three or four decades. Throughout the collection one may find different versions or improvisations of past renowned European masters: Veláquez, Carvaggio, Georges de La Tour, Delacroix, Titian. They have been honored with the hotel’s once yearly theme show at La Residencia's Tafona Gallery, where the artists reveal their “personal view” of these great works.

Hotel Monasterio - Cuzco, Peru 

The collection of original paintings in the Hotel Monasterio is one of the most interesting in the city of Cuzco.  Most of the pieces originate from the early 18th century and have a Flemish influence. Many have been highlighted with gilt brocade – a stencil technique that became popular in 1730 and was used to redecorate the paintings. All the paintings depict religious messages and were meant to guard against temptation.  Angels and demons populated the spiritual world of the 18th-century Cusquenians – the sermons in the cathedral, full of Catholic fervor, described a nonmaterial world where evil ensnared the unwary at every turn. The Hotel Monasterio arranges free weekly tours of its art collection guided by a local art historian.

Athenaeum InterContinental Athens - Athens, Greece

www.athens.intercontinental.com

Since its inception the Athenaeum InterContinental Athens has remained committed to supporting and acquiring works of art by contemporary Greek artists and amassed a unique collection that contains a variety of works by established artists, with an emphasis on works by a generation of younger artists who have come in prominence in recent years. This unique modern art collection forms an integral part of the hotel’s identity; art pieces and statues adorn the hotel’s public areas, function rooms as well as a great number of its rooms and suites.

The iconic statue located in the hotel’s lobby, Blue Man by George Lappas, unfolds in time. The transparent plastic, aided by light, takes the solid core of Lappas’s artistic thought towards the spiritual sphere and the joy of life, towards a metaphysical blue which reminds admirers of Yves Klein.

The Chatwal New York - Midtown, New York City

www.thechatwalny.com

Newly opened, The Chatwal New York is simply brimming with antiques and is in itself a living piece of art. From murals in its lobby and mezzanine depicting the building’s strong New York roots, the iconic building was the epicenter of American theater for the 20th century and originally opened in 1905 as home to the prestigious Lambs Club – America's first professional theatrical club. Since the club’s founding, there have been more than 6,000 Lambs, with an elite roster reading like a Who’s Who of American theatre: Maurice, Lionel and John Barrymore, Red Barber, Oscar Hammerstein II, Charles Chaplin, John Wayne, Douglas Fairbanks and Fred Astaire.  The building has been restored and modernized by master architect and designer Thierry Despont, who provides a subtle nod to the building’s theatrical and historical origins.

A striking floor-to-ceiling 18th-century stone fireplace, originally a gift from Stanford White to the Lambs, acts as a centerpiece for the hotel’s restaurant, lovingly named The Lambs Club (the walls of which are lined with black-and-white photographs of original Lambs members), with an original photograph of the Lambs in full celebratory-swing turned into a mural now depicted on its wall. The landmark façade of the building has been restored to its former glory, complete with original marble Ram’s heads and a marble plaque alluding to the glory days of the Lambs.  Guestrooms feature iconic New York black and white photographs, as well as vintage Broadway posters which line guestroom corridors, evoking a sense of the building’s location in the heart of Manhattan’s theatre district.