Daily Pampering: ‘Out of Africa’ experience in Kenya

by Melanie Nayer on

Luxury is alive in the African bush. The famous Finch Hattons located in Tsavo, West National Park, Kenya, is home to some of the best animal watching under the stars. You could call it a ‘rustic-chic’ getaway, or you could just call it a simply amazing once-in-a-lifetime experience. However you choose to label this hideaway, it’s a trip you’ll never forget.

The long flight to Africa will allow you plenty of time to read Karen Blixen’s “Out of Africa” and re-familiarize yourself with the magic of Kenya. Here at the Hattons, all tents are built on elevated platforms and offer spectacular views of the surrounding forest. Located on a flight from Nairobi, guests are welcomed to the animal kingdom with flowers, a swimming pool and your own personal outdoor tent. This is the real thing -there are no fences, so spotting a lion, elephant or zebra right outside your tent is not only possible, it’s quite likely. The monkeys are mischievous, so zip your tent when you leave and don’t forget to pick up around your area or you’ll come back to animals feasting on your crumbs.

Before you book your personal Out of Africa experience, keep in mind the weather changes. It typically rains more between April to June and October to December, but there are fewer crowds during this season so rates are generally cheaper. July and August are the coldest months – opposite of the North American climate.

Rates start at $540/night for the high season (February – April; July – December) and dip to $380/night for the low season.

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

Daily Pampering: Sailing Bora Bora in your own private catamaran

by Melanie Nayer on

You’re already in Bora Bora, what more could you possibly want? Fortunately, the Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora has planned for travelers like you, who want just a little bit more with their side of luxury. Adding to its fleet of custom-built boats, Four Seasons Resort Bora Bora has introduced the Navigator, a custom-crafted catamaran, available to guests for transportation in and around Bora Bora.

The Navigator features a full bar, dining tables, rooftop sundeck, lavatory and rinse shower, and a fresh water shower on the rear deck allows guests to refresh back on board. Its low hull design and shallow draft allow it to charter to just about any nearby destination.

Go alone or with a group. The configuration of the interior of the boat allows for guests to have intimate evenings at sear or host small receptions and dinners.

Total cost: At today’s exchange rate a 4-hour rental will run you approximately $900; 8-hour rental will cost $1,500. This is just for the catamaran and captain. If you want to go snorkeling, dine on the ship, hire musicians or a private astronomer (which is available), it’ll cost you extra.

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

Daily Pampering: World’s most expensive suitcase

by Melanie Nayer on

Want to impress the person setting next to you on your next flight? The HENK Travelfriend will do just that.

The HENK Travelfriend is fully customizable from calfskin with ostrich embossing in 15 various colors and opens from both sides, so you can see its luxurious insides from any angle. The extendable handle and retractable wheels make this luggage state-of-the-art. Choose everything from the interior linings to the buttons on the top of the handle. You can personalize your HENK with your logo or initials. Grab the matching HENK Attaché Case and you’ll get an anti-theft cable to keep the two together while you’re traveling.

How much for this fashion statement? This luxury suitcase may be purchased from the Dutch company for $20,000. For that price, we suggest you don’t check your bags.

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

Daily Pampering: The Peninsula Hotels’ $20,000 tour of China

by Melanie Nayer on

The Peninsula Hong Kong, The Peninsula Beijing and The Peninsula Shanghai are offering China travelers a new way to see three of the country’s best city, thanks the “Tale of Three Cities” – the hotels’ collection of itineraries showcasing the very best of China.

Hoping to bring back the glamor in travel, the Peninsula’s are hosting above-and-beyond luxury experiences at each hotel that include accommodations, cultural tours, culinary and spa activities and sightseeing in style – via Rolls-Royce and helicopters.

The “Epic Tale” offer features Peninsula Suite accommodation and a host of benefits, while the more value-driven “Classic Tale” program also offers a range of distinctive advantages for the China traveler. Both programs include The Peninsula Academy, with its unique selection of heritage, culinary and lifestyle activities created to give guests a taste of Chinese culture.

“The Epic Tale” – starting price $20,000
Two nights’ accommodation in The Peninsula Suite (the premier suite in each hotel)
Airport transfers by Rolls-Royce Daily American breakfast
A selection of Peninsula Academy activities
Spa treatments at The Peninsula Spa by ESPA
Additional benefits in each hotel, including spa treatments, complimentary drinks, laundry, dry cleaning and more.

“The Classic Tale” – starting price $1,595
Two nights in a regular room
Daily American breakfast
Round-trip airport transfers by limousine
One Peninsula Academy program Spa credits at The Peninsula Spa by ESPA

The Peninsula Hong Kong, The Peninsula Shanghai and The Peninsula Beijing “Tale of Three Cities” programs are available through Dec. 29, 2010.

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

Ritz-Carlton Toronto set to open Fall 2010

by Melanie Nayer on

The Ritz-Carlton’s first foray into Great White North will take place this fall with the opening of its Toronto hotel. The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto was slightly delayed last month thanks to weather-related issue, but the building seems to be back on schedule and the new open date is set for sometime in the late summer or early fall. So, what can Toronto guests expect?

Located in the heart of downtown Toronto, the Ritz-Carlton, Toronto will be within walking distance to entertainment, shopping areas, sports venues, and the city’s business districts. The hotel is surrounded by two parks and all of the 267 rooms will have views of either the city or Lake Ontario. Rooms include floor-to-ceiling windows, Frette linens and luxurious bathroom amenities.

A 23,000 square foot, 16 treatment room spa, referred to by the hotel as the “Urban Sanctuary” will offer an extensive menu of spa services. A fully cardio-equipped fitness center is located on the same floor and features a kinesis center, indoor pool and hot tub.
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The Canada hotel will feature a 120-seat restaurant on the mezzanine level that focuses on “contemporary Canadian cuisine”. Diners will find a glass encased cheese cave, wine display, walk-in wine cellar, open pastry kitchen and a Chef’s table in the kitchen. If the restaurant is too formal, you’ll have the option of lounging in the lobby bar or at the outdoor patio, where a pizza oven and fire pit await.

As part of Ritz-Carlton’s ongoing efforts to support a greener economy, the Ritz-Carlton, Toronto will feature a Deep Lake Water Cooling System, which provides an alternative to conventional air-conditioning. According to the hotel’s website:

The system uses the cool energy in cold water to air-condition our building, reducing the energy consumption by up to 90% compared to conventional chillers.

For those of you eager to track the progress of this hotel, you can keep up with the construction here.
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