by Stephanie on September 14, 2010
If you needed a worthy reason to buy yourself a piece of Louis Vuitton luggage, now is the time. In Louis Vuitton’s new Core Values ad campaign, U2′s Bono and wife Ali Hewson — founders of the ethical clothing brand Edun — show off their line, while Ali totes the LV/Edun bag the pair helped design. Special details on the bag include a hand-crafted charm created in Kenua from fair-trade jewellery label MADE, and the inscription “Every journey begins in Africa” on a plaque. All proceeds from the bag will go towards Technoserve in Africa for the Conservation Cotton Initiative, a charity Ali created in 2005. In conjunction with the campaign, a public exhibit entitled “Africa Rising” will be opposite Louis Vuitton’s head offices in Paris, on the rue du Pont-Neu between October 5 – 17, definitely worth checking out if you’re in town.
by Jennifer on September 7, 2010
If you’re lover of all things Lancôme, and photography, then you will want to mark this exhibit on your travel calendar. The Museo Thyssen-Bornemisza in Madrid is showcasing the stunning work of Peruvian photographer Mario Testino — who since 2009 has put his creative and artistic touches on Lancôme’s campaigns. Testino is known for some of the most iconic images of women around the world — from the stunning portraits of Princess Di, to countless Kate Moss fashion spreads and Angelina Jolie’s St. John campaign. The exhibit, which includes 50 photographs (running from September 21, 2010 through January 9, 2011), shows Testino’s ability to capture the sensual, delicate and feminine side of women. From models like Daria Werbowy to celebrities and actresses, the exhibit is a beautiful portrait of the Testino woman. Be sure to check out the never-before-seen images of Kate Winslet and images from Vogue, Vanity Fair, V Magazine, Allure and The Face. As if warm and sunny weather, culture and food wasn’t enough to entice you to go to Madrid — this exhibit should definitely help.
Visit museothyssen.org for more details.
by Stephanie on August 24, 2010
In the heart of the glamorous French Riviera is the extravagant region of Saint-Tropez, famous for its wealthy summertime guests. Yachts lined up along the waterfront, terrace cafes, strolling tourists and the chance to spot a celebrity, make it a perfect destination for the new Hotel Sezz Saint-Tropez, which just opened this summer.
The 37-room hotel was conceived by architect Jean Jacques Ory and designer Christophe Pillet, resulting in a look that is both contemporary in design and architecture. The low buildings are centered around the main pool area, with each room containing a private balcony either looking onto the pool or into a lush garden. One of the main focuses of the hotel was for the feel to be “a hideaway full of light, air and wind” and the spacious and airy rooms achieve an indoor/outdoor feel. READ MORE
by Jennifer on July 20, 2010
Photography courtesy of Denver Four Seasons
While the temperatures in most of North America are skyrocketing and the humidity is thick, we’re helping beat the summer heat by planning trips for the cooler months. We’ve been dying to get to Denver and think it will be a great winter weekend getaway. Thankfully our choice of where to stay just got a bit easier as the new Denver Four Seasons is now accepting reservations for stays beginning November 13th, 2010.
READ MORE
by Jennifer on July 15, 2010
Photography courtesy of The Weinmeister Berlin-Mitte
Berlin is high on our must-see list. We haven’t had the opportunity to get there yet but we’ve been looking at chic restaurants, spas and fab hotels to get a feel for the city, dreaming of all things Berlin. So we were totally excited to hear about a new, funky, artsy hotel opening in the heart of Berlin-Mitte. The Weinmeister Berlin-Mitte not only has an amazing location (near the Hackescher Markt and only 10km from the airport), but from the outside it’s a design wonder with a shimmery gold façade that makes it look less like a hotel and more like a museum, picking up Berlin’s rich and creative vibe. But inside, it’s draped in felt in chocolate and cream shades, and exudes a funky feeling, or, as the hotel website describes, a “Rick Owen’s Brutal Living/Luxury Punk aesthetic.” The gist of this hotel is to pamper you with luxury, but offer little surprises along the way, like Swedish lamps made out of airbags, or a duvet that is big enough to cover six people. It also boasts a spa, 24-hour club lounge, a bar and a comfy resto. It’s a bit kooky and fun, and definitely how we would want to spend our time in Berlin.
WHERE TO FIND:
The Weinmeister Berlin-Mitte
Weinmeisterstraße 2?10178 Berlin?Germany
designhotels.com
by Jennifer on July 7, 2010
Photography courtesy of Tahéima Wellness Resort & Spa
Who doesn’t need a little R&R these days? Our ideal R&R vacay? A spa vacation in sunny Mexico. Thanks to the opening of Tahéima Wellness Resort & Spa planning a relaxing getaway in a warm destination just got easier.
With 135 suits, the boutique Tahéima is located in Nuevo Vallarta just at the edge of the El Tigre Golf Course and has the Sierra Madre Mountains as a stunning backdrop. To make it even better, tropical lagoons, beaches, and gardens also surround the Tahéima.
But what we’re really excited about is the new Destination Spa and Wellness Institute. The holistic spa is set on the rooftop with gorgeous views of the nearby lagoons and mountains and includes an indoor pool and more than 30 individual treatments rooms to help you relax and rejuvenate. Before your treatment, sip on fresh fruit juices in the relaxation lounge, or sooth your mind by wandering through one of their Zen-like labyrinths. Treatments range from facials, pedicures and manicures, to seaweed wraps and aromatherapy massages and reflexology, Shiatsu, and holistic reiki and chakra balancing.
The Wellness Institute will keep your body in tune with healthy diet options including fresh fish, fruits and veggies and also provides wellness learning activities.
Right now, you can have the chance to soak up this relaxation luxury with a special all-inclusive offer. Check out the Tahéima website for details on this chance to try the property’s most amazing features. The special runs until December 31, so it’s plenty of time to get pampered.
by Stephanie on June 29, 2010
Costa Rica’s Tabacón Grand Spa Thermal Resort is now the second hotel in the world to achieve the Luxury Eco Certification Standard (LECS), a program developed by the Leading Hotels of the World and Sustainable Travel International. Some of the eco-qualities they look for include energy and water conservation, recycling and community, as well as policy and documentation.
May 2009, Tabacón became a 100% carbon neutral resort and the first hotel in the world to obtain Seven Stars and Stripes’ Green World Award. Set in the rainforest, with views of the Arenal volcano, nature really is in the forefront of this luxurious destination.
Some of their green initiatives include:
- Two underground reservoirs, which provide all of the resort’s water are naturally heated by the nearby active volcano
- Electricity uses eco-friendly technology like fluorescent lighting, lighting timers and photo voltaic cells in gardens/paths
- Low-flow showers and an on-site wastewater treatment plant
- Recycling receptacles are located throughout resort
We love that Tabacón merges luxury with sustainability in a way that maintains a high level of quality without destroying the environment. Plus it’s home to some incredible natural features like the thermal hot springs (heated by the Arenal volcano), and the surrounding rainforest.
by Jennifer on June 23, 2010
Photography courtesy of Thompson Toronto
With hotels in LA, NYC, DC and Chicago, it only seemed natural that the next urban location for this hip chain of hotel be the bustling King West area of Toronto. The Thompson Toronto, which opened June 21, is exactly what the Toronto hotel scene was lacking — a super urban, NYC-inspired chic hotel that will attract young hipsters. We had the chance to check out the hotel’s rooftop bar and pool before the grand opening and fell in love with the stunning 360° view of Toronto’s skyline and waterfront. The drinks were flowing and the crowd was stylish.
Photography courtesy of Thompson Toronto
But we also love the location. Situated in trendy King West, Toronto’s design hub, the hotel’s 102 rooms each boast floor to ceiling windows designed by NYC design group Studio Gaia. The rooms are decked out in modern contemporary furniture, giving it a distinctly Manhattan vibe.
The hotel will also have three amazing restos, the best of which might be the modern take on the classic diner, which will be open 24 hours (we’ll probably be stopping by after a night on the rooftop lounge). But it will also have an upscale Italian restaurant as well as a sushi restaurant.
Along with an amazing infinity pool, a state-of-the-art screening room, a private lounge and great service, even though we’re based in Toronto, we think we’ll be spending a lot time at the new Thompson Toronto.
WHERE TO FIND:
Thompson Toronto
550 Wellington Street West, Toronto; (416) 640-7778
thompsonhotels.com
by Stephanie on June 15, 2010
Just in time for the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa, Signature Life Hotels unveils its newest property in the village of Salt Rock. Just three metres away from the beach, the Canelands Beach Club is a luxurious and elegant destination, with 10 bedrooms, four of which face the Indian Ocean.
Privacy, the lush setting, and unparalled ocean views (frolicking dolphins and whales are just part of the scenery) are some of the highlights of the resort. Dining-wise the onsite restaurant seats 40, offering guests views of the water, as well as a fresh and simple menu, with the cooks preparing food right in front of your eyes.
Service-wise you’ll be treated like royalty while you relax on the beach. Their beach butlers will attend to your requests (whether that’s a tropical beverage or fresh towel) when you literally flag them down with a flag.
Other note-worthy facilities include the 25-metre swimming pool, Wi-Fi, flat-screen TV’s and floor-to-ceiling windows in the bedrooms.
Signature Life Hotels is the fast-growing South African hospitality company and was formed when several of South Africa’s top hoteliers converged. Mostly recently the chain has been nominated by the World Travel Awards for “Africa’s Leading Innovative Hospitality Operator.” Stay tuned for more with this brand, as there are plans for more hotels to open in both Mozambique and Madagascar.
by Stephanie on June 2, 2010
Known as “The Jewels of the Caribbean,” St. Vincent & The Grenadines are made up of 32 small islands including the largest island of St. Vincent. Opening this summer is the luxury Buccament Bay Resort, which will be the first five-star resort on St. Vincent. The resort is the first from the new hotel brand, Harlequin Hotels & Resorts, which is planning on more developing more properties in St. Lucia, Barbados, and the Dominican Republic. READ MORE
