Harrods considers luxury hotel on rooftop

by Melanie Nayer on

What’s better than a sale at Harrods and mid-afternoon tea? A sale at Harrods and mid-afternoon tea from your hotel room at the top of Harrods.

The new owners of the iconic London department store are considering plans to open a luxury hotel on the roof, according to the London Evening Standard. The article claims the Qatari owners of the landmark store think a luxury “Harrods Hotel” would be a success with wealthy, foreign visitors. We tend to agree.

The store is located in the trendy Knightsbridge district, also home to the five-star Mandarin Oriental hotel, Jumeirah Carlton Tower Hotel and The Stafford London by Kempinski.

Could this be a trend? Might other department stores start planning hotels in their presence? In Massachusetts, the Natick Collection, which houses everything from Nordstrom’s to Levi’s, also has condos and business apartments on the top floors of the mall. Strategic planning? Absolutely!

We want to know: Would you stay at a hotel located on top of a department store, or would the temptation be too much?

[via USA Today]

Daily Pampering: Thai detoxifying ritual at Canyon Ranch

by Melanie Nayer on

There’s a massage that leaves you relaxed and rejuvenated, and then there’s a massage that transports you into another universe. Enter: the traditional Thai detoxifying ritual from Canyon Ranch Miami.

The 100-minute session is a celebration of Thai healing therapies based on the royal healing traditions of Thailand. It begins with an application of aromatic Thai herbal pouches, combined with warm-oil massage to increase energy flow, relax muscles, soothe soreness and increase flexibility. The masseause stretches you while applying pressure to muscles, allowing better circulation before you step into a personal steam treatment, meant to uplift and detoxify. Called the “time machine” by those at the spa, you’ll steam the space-age looking capsule for 20 minutes before enjoying a 50-minute massage. Thanks to Canyon Ranch’s Aquavana, a European-inspired aquathermal oasis that offers everything from igloo capsules to personal rainshowers, you can continue on with your bliss following the treatment.

The price for this pampering: $330

Want more? Get your daily dose of pampering right here.

Daily Pampering: The Parisian life at Le Meurice

by Melanie Nayer on

Admit it, you’ve always wondered what it would be like to live life as a true Parisian. If the thought of French press coffee and freshly-baked baquettes turns you on, the Dorchester’s Collection Le Meurice in Paris has a deal for you.

Located opposite from the Tuileries Gardens with breathtaking views overlooking the Musée d’Orsay, the hotel is now offering an exclusive package, giving guests a VIP peek and chance to “live the life as a real Parisian for 24 hours.” With grand 18-century architecture combined with the design of Philippe Starck, dishes prepared by three-star Michelin Chef, 160 spacious and elegant guestrooms and more, Le Meurice is the quintessential glamorous Parisian hotel now giving a real entrée into the best that the City of Lights has to offer.

Package for two includes:

  • Arrival airport transfer
  • Minimum two night stay including breakfast
  • VIP welcome with Champagne
  • Dinner for two at Executive Chef Yannick Alléno’s Le Dali restaurant (beverages excluded)
  • Two hand treatments “speedy mani” at the Spa Valmont
  • Use of Le Meurice’s scooter or bicycle to explore the city
  • VIP kit at Printemps, Paris’ luxury department store
  • Garment bag for all purchases
  • “My Little Paris Passport” booklet which gives an insider’s list of the best places to eat, see and explore

The price for this Parisian pampering? Rates per room per night begin at 805 Euros (approximately $1,101 USD).

Want more? Get your daily dose of pampering right here.

Daily Pampering: Rum flights at Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne

by Melanie Nayer on

While the U.S. and Cuba continue to talk through travel options, the Ritz-Carlton, Key Biscayne has found a way to bring a bit of Old Havana to Florida. The dark, sophisticated and sultry RUMBAR in the hotel sets the mood for what could be a steamy night. Thanks to the endless bottles of rum, however, guests won’t go thirsty.

On the weekends, RUMBAR transforms into Miami’s only upscale live Latin music venue with Grupo Nostalgia, a four-piece band in white dinner jackets, reminiscent of vintage Cuba. While you’re getting your groove on, take advantage of some of the unique and tasty offerings. Guests can choose from 52 rums, cachacas and piscos from 18 countries, an extensive cigar collection and, if you’re so inclined, VIP Rum Lockers for storing personal bottles.

Not that hip to your rum yet? No worries. The hotel offers rum flights so you can taste a few of the best.

On the flight menu:

  • Atlántico- Dominican Republic / aged between 5-15 years / $225 per bottle
  • Zacapa- Guatemala / aged between 6-23 years / $215 per bottle
  • Santa Teresa 1796 / aged over 15 years / $200 per bottle

Don’t worry my rum-tasting travelers, you don’t have to shell out a few hundred for a sip. The price of the flight is $30 and includes three (3), one (1) ounce pours of each rum.

Want more? Get your daily dose of pampering right here.

Daily Pampering: Chauffeured rides ensure royal treatment at Napa’s Milliken Creek Inn & Spa

by Melanie Nayer on

Why worry about getting from point A to point B when your luxury hotel can do that for you? Milliken Creek Inn & Spa, an intimate luxury boutique hotel in Napa Valley, is offering “Your Carriage Awaits” package – a romantic, two-night travel package that allows guests to tour the region without having to lift a finger.

Upon arrival, guests will be taken to one of the Inn’s 12 individually designed, spacious suites where oversized hydrotherapy bathtubs await. After a quick soak and change, roundtrip chauffeured transportation to dinner in downtown Napa will be provided. Upon return, indulge in the chocolate-covered strawberries, candles and rose petals that complete your turn-down service.

Spend the next morning at the spa before hopping into the chauffeured four-hour wine tour to visit three Napa wineries before heading off to dinner.

The cost of this pretty pampering? A mere $930 per couple per stay. For full details, visit Milliken Creek Inn’s website or call 800.822.8418 and request offer code “CARRIAGE.”

Want more? Get your daily dose of pampering right here.