Anantara Phuket Resort & Spa

Anantara Phuket Villas launches the Summer Escape package, making indulgent two nights private Pool Villa stays even more enticing.  Simply book before June 30, 2010 for stays until the end of October 2010, and discover the high life of Phuket, inclusive of daily gourmet breakfast.

Located a convenient 15 minutes from Phuket International Airport, Anantara Phuket Villas nestles Mai Khao beach on the island’s secluded northwest coast, between sun-kissed beaches and Sirinath National Park.  83 private Pool Villas introduce guests to the height of island sophistication, with a blend of captivating scenery, imaginative luxuries and unique resort features promising journeys of breathtaking allure.

“From the open pavilion reception, rest on spacious sofas as cool welcome drinks and refreshing towels are served.  Glimpse your first sights of our traditional Thai village inspired resort, designed around a lattice of tranquil lagoons.  Gaze over a central lake edged by a wooden walkway and La Sala restaurant’s spacious terrace, where breakfasts are enjoyed as families of white ducks meander through the lush lotus leaves.

Stroll, or take a buggy ride, along a maze of tropical pathways to your very own Pool Villa.  Through a private wooden doorway, walk into a garden courtyard with wooden deck framing your pool and shaded sala.  Refresh with a choice of al fresco rain shower and inside bathroom, with doors opening onto an oversized bathtub of floating petals that is sunken into the pool, admiring ornamental fish lights which can be dimmed to suit your mood.  Turn back through the spacious bathroom to find a wardrobe and dressing area packed with every home convenience imaginable.  Complete the circular villa tour to wind up in the king sized bedroom, where a corner lounging area is adorned with distinctive oriental cushions.  Laze in bed, draw round the white muslin drapes, and cocoon yourselves in a timelessly evocative four poster bed.  Awaken to inspect your villa in closer detail to discover inspiring hints of the land and sea, with the turtle emblem evident throughout the resort, depicting not only the picturesque national park setting, but also the charity that Anantara Phuket generously supports.

Exchange private pool seclusion for our unique infinity pool.  Perch on stools at the swim-up bubble bar.  Lie back on stone slabs between two turtle fountains where jets create a whole body massage.  Wade through ankle deep water of the overflowing infinity pool, where double daybeds on raised platforms overlook a grassy garden of beanbags and oversized cushions, beyond which a sand volleyball pitch edges a pine tree fringed beach dotted with windsurfs, creating an idyllic spot for dramatic sunset toasts as world renowned chill-out beats are played.

Alternatively ascend spiral steps wound around an age-old banyon tree and sink back into a double daybed at The Treehouse for complimentary coffees and teas between 4 and 5pm.    Or listen to ambient music in time for sundowners, using the latest gadget that has taken the world by storm as you make plans for a spa treatment or boat trip to Phang Nga bay, simply by touching the menus on the resort’s new in-house iPad.”

Experience surprising luxury from Phuket’s most secluded shores, with Anantara’s special Breeze rates.

For reservations and more information, please contact +66 (0) 76336100

Terms and conditions:

-         For stays between April 11 and October 31, 2010

-         Valid for bookings made before June 30, 2010

-         Minimum 2 nights’ stay required

-         Rates are subject to tax & service charges of 18.7%

-         Available only in the Pool Villa category

-         Subject to availability

For more information please visit www.anantara.com

Blue Mosque, Istanbul

Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, Asia Pacific’s leading luxury hotel group, has signed an agreement with Tanriverdi Holding Company to manage the Shangri-La Hotel, Istanbul, opening in April 2012. The hotel will be the group’s first in Turkey.

Shangri-La Hotel, Istanbul will be located between the Dolmabahce and the Maritime Museum on the European coast of the Bosphorus Straits, the 30-kilometer stretch of water separating Europe and Asia. Set within the Besiktas district, the shopping and transport hub of Istanbul, the hotel will be near the city’s financial district and the Istanbul Convention and Exhibition Centre. The neighborhood surrounding the hotel is home to many historical and cultural sites including: the Istanbul Concert Hall, the Ataturk Culture Centre, the newly restored Akaretler complex of neoclassical buildings, palaces from the Ottoman Empire period, and several theaters.

The hotel will be a five-minute walk from the Dolmabahce Palace, the former center of the Ottoman Empire and home to six sultans, which is now a national heritage museum. Also within easy reach is the Nisantasi neighborhood known for its restaurants, cafes and bars and the prestigious Macka luxury shopping area. Guests will be able to reach Sultanahmet, the historic center of the city that lies across the Golden Horn, within 15 minutes by public transportation.

Built on the site of a former tobacco factory and warehouse from the 1930s, the Shangri-La Hotel, Istanbul will recreate the exterior facades of the old building, which are protected by the city’s Cultural and Natural Assets Committee. From the hotel’s prime coastline location, guests will enjoy views across to the Asian coast of Istanbul, the Bosphorus Bridge and the city’s historic peninsula.  The hotel will be designed by Istanbul-based architect Piramit with 14 storeys, seven of which will be underground to protect the historic facade. The building will be the second tallest on the coast after the Dolmabahce Palace.

The hotel’s 200 guestrooms, some of which will have private terraces, will reflect the city’s proud heritage while also including the Asian design touches and modern travel technologies for which Shangri-La is well known. The hotel will offer several restaurants and bars including a rooftop restaurant with views of the city’s historic skyline and coastline. Additional facilities will include a health club, spa, swimming pool, business centre, ballroom, and conference and meeting room facilities.

“We are proud to work with the Tanriverdi Group on their first hotel project to make their dream of a world class luxury hotel a reality,” said Kuok Khoon Ean, chairman of Shangri-La Asia Limited. “We are honored to have the opportunity to create a Shangri-La in Istanbul, a city that has welcomed distinguished guests since the Roman and Byzantine empires, and look forward to becoming a part of the city’s future.”

“We selected Shangri-La to manage this property because of its sterling reputation in providing luxury hospitality.  The travel and tourism industry continues to grow in Turkey and with our passion for the hotel business alongside Shangri-La’s commitment to excellence we hope to contribute to that growth by creating the best hotel in the region,” said Recep Tanriverdi, company chairman of Tanriverdi Holding Company.

About Tanriverdi Group of Companies
Founded in 1904 by Tanriverdi family, Tanriverdi Company first engaged in retail store activities. Tanriverdi Mensucat was established in 1970 for the wholesale and retail of home textile products. In 1986, the first fabrics the group started to produce were macramé, embroidery and sconce. From 1986 till now, adding yarn twist, weaving, dyeing, fabric paint finish, curtain, upholstery apparel and chemical production, Tanrıverdi Group became one of the leading curtain producers. In 1995, all companies united under Tanrıverdi Holding Company. With exports to more than 80 countries in the world the group constantly renovated and adapted to the latest technologies. Known as a reliable and respected curtain manufacturer, the group’s investments in real estate and energy continue to this day. The group employs 3,100 people. The Tanriverdi family is from Samsun and since 1992, has built five high schools and three student dormitories in Samsun. The family is now building a university. For more information, please go to www.tanriverdi.com.

Hong Kong-based Shangri-La Hotels and Resorts, Asia Pacific’s leading luxury hotel group, currently owns and/or manages 66 hotels under the deluxe Shangri-La and mid-market Traders brands, with a rooms inventory of over 30,000.  The group has over 40 projects under development in Austria, Canada, mainland China, France, India, Macau, Malaysia, Philippines, Russia, Qatar, Seychelles, Turkey and United Kingdom.   For more information and reservations, please contact a travel professional or access the website at www.shangri-la.com.

Mandarin Oriental New York, Spa Treatment

The award-winning Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group will introduce a new bespoke Oriental Essence spa therapy, together with additional homecare products at many of its luxury hotel spas worldwide, from May 2010.

The one-hour signature Oriental Essence massage has been devised to introduce guests to a simple, effective and authentic spa experience in a short period of time. Oriental Essence consists of a powerful, hands-on body massage ritual that combines the potent effects of oriental meridian massage with the therapeutic benefits of Mandarin Oriental’s signature ‘Quintessence’ custom-blended essential oil.

Each treatment begins with a short back diagnostic consultation in order to determine each individual’s personal and current state of wellbeing. A firm full body massage is then tailored to each guest in order to leave the body, mind and spirit energised, revitalised and in perfect harmony.

“The Oriental Essence therapy is a powerful stand-alone treatment that will leave guests feeling relaxed in a short period of time. It is also a wonderful introduction to Mandarin Oriental’s signature therapies, for those who wish to learn more about the Group’s award-winning, holistic approach to wellness,” said Group Director of Spa, Andrew Gibson.

‘Quintessence’ custom-blended essential oil is used in the Oriental Essence treatment, and is the foundation of Mandarin Oriental’s signature product line, which has been developed specifically for the Group by the award-winning UK based company, Aromatherapy Associates. This balancing essential oil blend brings the body’s energy flow into alignment. Warming ginger, uplifting mandarin and sacred frankincense bring a grounding influence, encouraging a deep sense of equilibrium for mind and body.

Mandarin Oriental Sanya, Spa Products

As well as body oil, ‘Quintessence’ is available as a generic body scrub, body wash, burning oil, bath and shower oil and body lotion. All contain natural ingredients and are paraben free, and have been blended by a master blender to Mandarin Oriental’s specifications. The ‘Quintessence’ products, together with Mandarin Oriental’s other signature formulations are available for purchase at Mandarin Oriental spas, so that guests can continue using specific blends at home.

Fairmont Monte Carlo

Known worldwide as the jewel in the crown of Formula 1’s notable circuits with some of the most historical bends, the Monaco Grand Prix is back this year as one of the most prestigious international sporting events.

Located on the famous Monaco Grand Prix circuit, the Fairmont Monte Carlo offers the best views of the race with its location on the hairpin bend which this year will be officially renamed the “Fairmont Hairpin”.

The hairpin bend has gone through a series of name changes throughout the history of the Monaco Grand Prix, originally known as the Station Hairpin for its location on the fringe of the Monte Carlo train station, followed by the Loews Hairpin, and most recently known as the “Sun Casino Hairpin”.

This year the Fairmont Monte Carlo honours its famous bend renamed “Fairmont Hairpin”, and will be installing 200 VIP Stadium seats, sporting the highest views of the Monaco Grand Prix circuit, on its roof top panoramic terrace allowing hotel guests to be at the heart of the action. Similar views that suites of the hotel enjoy; and so popular are these suites with the F1 community that the Fairmont Monte Carlo is planning to dedicate them to the greatest FI drivers in the history of the Grand Prix.

Fairmont Monte Carlo

To commemorate this historical event, the Fairmont Monte Carlo will be producing a limited edition souvenir cap, designed specifically for The Fairmont Monte Carlo by the artist Armin Flossdorf.

This year’s Formula will also be marked by the third consecutive year of the Billionaire Club for 5 special theme nights run by former F1 team boss Flavio Briatore. This highly trendy club will invite you for partying all night long amongst stars, jet setters and models …an event not to be missed.

For an exceptional event in Monaco’s leading hotel for the Monaco Grand Prix, the Fairmont Monte Carlo is offering F1 packages,including room accommodation (three and four night stays), buffet breakfast, access to the Roof Top terrace overlooking the world-famous hairpin bend, mega plasma screen to follow the race, welcome amenities, and access to Grand Prix in-house activities. Rates starting from 4800 euros for a three-night stay, this package* is available from May 12th to May 16th, 2010 (subject to availability).

* For more details, please visit www.fairmontmontecarlogp.com

The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Chicago

An Earth Day facial, a lemon inspired manicure/pedicure and the La-Tea-Spa day escape indulge the senses this season.

Enjoy a fling with beauty and relaxation this Spring at The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Chicago. From a special organic facial to commemorate Earth Day to the new Lemon Sugar Manicure and Pedicure, the Spa will awaken the senses this season.

In addition, La-Tea-Spa – a Spa and afternoon day escape for two – returns just in time for Mother’s Day.

Earth Day Organic Facial
Guests can unearth their natural beauty as they celebrate the 40th anniversary of Earth Day with a special 25-minute “Nature’s Most Pure Facial” for $40 USD. The facial features the Amala natural skin care line, which sources its plants from organic farms around the world for its three skin type collections: blue lotus, cocoa bean and jasmine.
The experience begins with a skin care analysis by a seasoned aesthetician, who will determine the best collection for the guest’s skin type. The facials feature rituals of cleansing and exfoliation followed by replenishing masques. The experience concludes with Amala’s hydrating and healing moisturisers.

The $40 USD facial is available Monday, April 19 through Earth Day, Thursday, April 22.

The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Chicago

Lemon Sugar Manicure & Pedicure
The Spa brightens and nurtures hands and feet this spring with the Lemon Sugar Manicure and Pedicure. The treatment features an exfoliation of sugar, lemon extract and lotus flower and fruit seeds and a rich lemon moisturising cream of lemon extract and shea butter which leaves the skin replenished and looking radiant. A treat of sugar cookies and choice of lemonade or a Tropical Lemonade cocktail sweeten the experience. Manicure, $45 USD; Pedicure, $70 USD.

La-Tea-Spa
Share and extend the relaxation with La-Tea-Spa, a special spa and afternoon tea day escape. On Mondays through Thursdays, beginning May 3 through Labour Day, guests can bring a friend to the Spa and Afternoon Tea and receive half off the second spa treatment (of equal or lesser value) and half off the second tea in Seasons Lounge. Spa treatments must be a minimum of 55 minutes and offer is only good with the same-day purchase of two spa experiences and afternoon teas.

Applicable treatments begin at $140 USD and tea is $32 USD per person. With La-Tea-Spa, a second spa treatment could cost $70 USD and the second tea, just $16 USD, excluding tax and gratuity.

The Spa at Four Seasons Hotel Chicago welcomes hotel and non-hotel guests. For appointments, please call (312) 649-2340. 

For more information visit : www.fourseasons.com/chicagofs

Video : The Four Seasons Hotel Chicago

Shanti Ananda Maurice

Tucked away in an idyllic pocket of Mauritian paradise, Shanti Ananda Maurice is a luxury resort with a world class spa. Spread over 36 acres of tropical gardens, flanked by sugar-cane fields and breathtaking views of the hills and the Indian Ocean, Shanti Ananda is located in the southern, most unspoilt part of Mauritius.

Opened in December 2006, Shanti Ananda offers a soothing escape from the pressures of high-octane daily living, where every detail is taken care of with ease and a friendly Mauritian smile. The hotel welcomes all travellers – be it the single spa goer, a couple seeking a romantic interlude or families with children and is ideal for weddings and honeymoons.

In Sanskrit, the words Shanti and Ananda mean ‘peace’ and ‘bliss’ respectively. The Shanti Ananda experience is designed to go well beyond mere physical rejuvenation, encompassing all the elements of holistic and stress-free living: optimum health, mental wellbeing, revitalised senses, spiritual awakening and positive dietary changes. Upon arrival, guests are greeted with a glass of fresh Mauritian ginger tea, and presented with a gift of Rudraksha – a garland of beads made from the seeds of an evergreen which are believed to combat stress and promote a meditative state.

The resort comprises 61 spacious suites and villas, spread across a landscape of fragrant tropical gardens. All 17 villas – including the ultimate in luxurious living, the Presidential villa – are located on the beachfront overlooking the Indian Ocean, and are designed to ensure maximum privacy for discerning guests. All accommodations are designed with a contemporary yet timeless blend of Mauritian and African culture and style, capturing the spirit of Mauritius. The use of natural materials, landscaped surroundings, vibrant local art pieces and elegant tones of Tiffany blue and teak create a comfortable, relaxed and stylish living space.

Shanti Ananda Maurice

The world-renowned spa at Shanti Ananda is a Zen-like space spread over 75,000 square foot, featuring tropical gardens, water and native flowers. In addition to 25 treatment rooms, the spa features an enchanting tea pavilion at its centre, where spa-goers can relax with a fresh ginger tea pre or post treatment, and two yoga pavilions offering three sessions per day. The spa’s extensive menu features body and beauty treatments, integrating the traditional Indian systems of Ayurveda and Yoga with Thalassotherapy and contemporary international spa treatments. Guests can tailor their own programme with help from expert consultants, and Ayurveda-trained doctors are at hand to prescribe the best treatments based on body type or ‘doshas’.

The resort warmly welcomes families and caters superbly with the younger traveller in mind. A specially designed Kids Club, for children up to 10 years old, is set within its own grounds beside The Spa and comes complete with its own toddler’s pool, games room (including snooker and table football), children’s DVD films, computers, play stations and Wii games. A special kids menu at the resort features perennial favourites such as ‘Spoodles’ (Spaghetti Bolognese), ‘Chix Fix’ (chicken nuggets) and ‘Burgosaurus’ (mini chicken or vegetable burgers). A weekly activity programme, crammed with fun-filled pursuits such as Mauritius flag and flower making, kids’ yoga, face painting and musical games ensure the little ones are entertained during their stay. In addition, field trips can be arranged to the nearby Crocodile Park and Casela bird sanctuary, where children can make friends of the furry or scaled variety.

Flavorful and authentic food is served in Shanti Ananda’s two restaurants which offer a wide range of international dishes, including Indian Ocean specialties and a choice of wellness spa cuisine. Shanti Ananda’s intimate, fine dining restaurant, Da Maurizio, offers signature dishes with a Provencal base and spectacular ocean views. Pebbles Restaurant serves Mauritian, International and Spa Cuisine in a relaxed setting, overlooking the resort’s main courtyard and pools. Before or after dinner, Red Ginger cocktail bar provides an ideal place to relax whilst enjoying live performances of traditional Mauritian music.

For more information visit :

www.shantiananda.com and Finest-spa.com

Don’t miss ou online contest competition to win a Luxurious Holiday for two at Shanti Ananda Maurice available until the 15th of June 2010 at the link below : http://www.finest-spa.com/jeux-concours/best-of-spas-2010/en_index.html

The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles

Downtown Los Angeles’s first five-star caliber hotel marks the completion of $2.5 Billion L.A. LIVE sports, residential and entertainment district.

LOS ANGELES, 1 April 2010 – The highly anticipated Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles opens on April 2, 2010 as the first luxury hotel of its caliber in Downtown Los Angeles. The opening of the hotel is the final piece of L.A. LIVE, the $2.5 billion sports, residential and entertainment district, which was inaugurated with the opening of STAPLES Center in 1999.

“We are proud that The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles is a part of L.A. LIVE and the renaissance of Downtown Los Angeles,” said General Manager Javier Cano.  “The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles provides another dimension to this exciting and active area, which is now a true destination for travelers and local residents.”

Perched on the upper floors of the 54-story tower that it shares with sister hotel the JW Marriott Los Angeles at L.A. LIVE and The Ritz-Carlton Residences at L.A. LIVE, The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles has 123 well-appointed guestrooms, including 14 suites.  The 3,000 square-foot/278 square metre Ritz-Carlton Suite is the hotel’s largest and boasts incredible northern and western views.  The luxurious suite includes a piano and entertainment room, media corner, lounge, kitchen and formal dining area.

The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles

Featuring elegant, contemporary décor by renowned Los Angeles firm, Barry Design, and some of the city’s best views of Downtown L.A., the hotel provides guests with an exclusive retreat.  Designed by Gensler, the hotel and luxury condominium tower will be LEED-certified (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design certification by the US Green Building Council) and is owned by Los Angeles-based AEG, developer of the four million square foot L.A. LIVE, and MacFarlane Partners.

The hotel is home to Downtown L.A.’s only full-service hotel spa, The Ritz-Carlton Spa, a luxurious, 8,000-square-foot/743 square metre sanctuary that is designed to reflect the glamour and excitement of Los Angeles in a calming yet sophisticated environment.  With nine treatment rooms, two customized aromatherapy steam rooms, cold plunge showers and two relaxation lounges, the Spa offers guests a true respite. The experience is further enhanced by iPod docking capability for each treatment table, which allows guests to have fully customizable music for their treatments.  Featuring the finest products available, the Spa offers services that range from The Ritz-Carlton Signature organic experiences in massage and skincare to results-oriented, cosmeceutical-grade skin care.  The “Champagne and Shimmer” theme of the Spa is highlighted with treatments that include the Glowing Gold Facial and the Champagne and Citrus Scrub.

Celebrity chef Wolfgang Puck brings WP24, his latest restaurant concept, to The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles.   Located on the 24th floor of the hotel, WP24 features refined Asian fare from a dining area with floor to ceiling windows providing a stunning view of the Los Angeles skyline.  In addition to a spacious dining room and lounge, the restaurant offers a wine cave and two private dining rooms.

The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles

Guests can also take pleasure in the panoramic vistas of Downtown L.A. and surrounding Southern California from the 3,400-square-foot/315 square metre signature Ritz-Carlton Club Lounge on the 23rd floor.  In addition, guests can see the spectacular views from the 26th floor as they relax by the exclusive, private rooftop pool and bar.  Cabana and conversational seating arrangements allow guests to enjoy the outdoors both day and night.  For those interested in more active pursuits, a 2,000-square-foot/185 square metre fitness center on the 26th floor offers guests the opportunity to catch a productive workout while enjoying the cityscape.

The hotel also offers meeting and event planners the Gallery Collection, the most efficient meeting space in Downtown L.A., with nearly 100,000-square-feet/10,000 square metres of ballroom and meeting rooms.  With the size and flexibility of the event space, The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles provides long-awaited support for the Los Angeles Convention Center.

Just steps away from STAPLES Center, Nokia Theatre L.A. LIVE, The GRAMMY® Museum and a variety of dining and other entertainment options, The Ritz-Carlton, Los Angeles provides guests with an oasis from the activity of the city as well as the convenience of being seconds away from the heart of one of the most exciting parts of Los Angeles.

L.A. LIVE is home to 13 restaurants and bars including Wolfgang Puck Bar & Grill, The Farm of Beverly Hills, Rosa Mexicano, Katsuya, ESPN Zone, Flemings Prime Steakhouse and Wine Bar, Rock ‘N Fish and Trader Vic’s.  The district also houses some of Los Angeles’ most popular entertainment venues such as Club Nokia and Lucky Strike Lanes & Lounge.

For more information on L.A. LIVE visit www.LALive.com and www.ritzcarlton.com.