Daily Pampering: Hollywood-inspired spa treatments at Claridge’s in London

by Melanie Nayer on

The Spa at Claridge’s in London is debuting a new spa treatment menu inspired some of Hollywood’s finest. The new treatments, created for both men and women, take their queue from some of our most notable icons, like Clark Gable and Grace Kelly.

In one of the three treatment rooms at The Spa at Claridge’s, choose one of the many new offerings including the “The Grace Kelly” treatment – a 1-hour cellular facial, a manicure, pedicure and a light lunch; or the “Clark Gable”, which comes complete with a 1-hour deep-tissue massage, 1-hour cellular facial catered toward the men. Additional treatments include:

“The Fred Astaire” – a personal training session, facial, back massage
“The Vivien Leigh” – a back massage, facial, manicure with “Miss Scarlett” polish, an eyebrow clean-up and Darjeeling tea.

Claridge’s, the iconic Art Deco landmark in Mayfair, has been a destination of choice for discerning travelers and Hollywood’s elite. The hotel features luxurious rooms and suites, the legendary Claridge’s Bar and Fumoir Bar, and is located in the heart of Mayfair, steps away from London’s best boutiques and restaurants.

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Ritz-Carlton Naples speaks out over discrimination suit

by Melanie Nayer on

Luxury hotels aims to please everyone, but how far can guest requests go before they become offensive?

A British family who visited the Ritz-Carlton Resort in Naples in March requested they not be served by “people of color” or staff with “foreign accents,” according to a federal lawsuit filed this week. Now, the Florida beach resort is being sued by a current employee, Wadner Tranchant, who says the hotel approved the guest’s request, and that he was discriminated against because he was black.

I spoke briefly with Bruce Seigal, director of marketing for the Ritz-Carlton Resort of Naples, who reiterated the hotel’s no-tolerance policy when it comes to discrimination.

“We absolutely deny that Ritz-Carlton in any way condones discrimination in any form. We value our guests and employees and their diversity in all respects,” said Seigal. “We are in the process of reminding all of our employees of Ritz-Carlton’s strong non-discrimination policies.”

According to the lawsuit filed and obtained by ABC News, Tranchant seeks more than $75,000 in punitive and compensatory damages. As for the guests? Seigal tells me the guests in question were barred from the hotel and other Ritz-Carlton Hotels shortly after their stay ended, as information about their conduct and comments came to light.

Daily Pampering: Renovations at the Ritz-Carlton Chicago

by Melanie Nayer on

After two years and $25 million, the Ritz-Carlton Chicago is ready for its close-up.

The Ritz-Carlton Chicago (a Four Seasons Hotel) recently completed its latest restyling and is ready show off a new lobby, restaurant and bar, ballroom and presidential suite.

The Ritz-Carlton Chicago’s prime location at Water Tower Place sets the mood for unbridled extravagance. The 12th floor lobby was redesigned with deep woods and earth tones,and welcomes guests to a blend of contemporary and traditional design. A sky-lit fountain is centered in the room and thanks to its high-rise location, guests will have amazing views of the city before arriving in their guest rooms.

Located behind the lobby fountain is the new deca RESTAURANT + BAR, which infuses art deco design with brasserie-influenced cuisine. Executive Chef Mark Payne and his team offer a menu of classic items with inventive twists and the wine list offers over 40 wines served by the glass.

The stunning new 2,900-square-foot Presidential Suite is the grand dame of this hotel’s renovations. The re-imagined two-story Suite boasts a spiral staircase featuring new interiors and floor-to-ceiling two-story window views of Lake Michigan. It includes a kitchen, living, dining and study rooms, three full and two half baths. A media room, baby grand piano and Bose surround sound stereo system add to the decor. Amenities include a 24-hour personal assistant with in-room business center; transportation to and from the local airport via a Rolls Royce Phantom; and a daily in room 90 minute massage.

What’s not to love about this Chicago-style pampering?

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Daily Pampering: Underwater Suite for Two

by Melanie Nayer on

What’s one way to show a little spontaneity in an un-adventurous vacation? How about a meeting under the sea. Ithaa, the world’s first all-glass undersea restaurant at the Conrad Maldives Rangali Island, is celebrating its fifth anniversary by turning its underwater restaurant into a suite built for two.

The Maldives resort is offering guests the chance to spend the night under-water by turning the restaurant into an exclusive suite for two, complete with a private champagne dinner and breakfast in bed. (Caveat: Private in this sense means more underwater sea creatures and less humans.) Resting five meters (approximately 16 feet) below the Indian Ocean, the restaurant-turned-romance room is surrounded by a vibrant coral reef and encased in clear glass. Using aquarium technology, “Ithaa” meaning “pearl”in the Maldivian language of Divehi, was built to allow guests to enjoy the color, clarity and beauty of the Indian Ocean without getting their feet wet.

Diners at Ithaa Undersea Restaurant enjoy a set-menu of 23 different dishes over four courses. The restaurant is adults-only for dinner (children can join for lunch) and it only seats 12 people.

The cost of this little luxury? $320 per person for dinner. Want to spend the night? The price is available upon request, depending on your dates of travel.

Daily Pampering: Detox at The Dolder Grand

by Melanie Nayer on

This Switzerland retreat knows you’ve had a rough winter. All those hot totties by the fireplace skewed your usual caloric intake, and the cold winter winds wreaked havoc on your skin. No worries, the healing process is about to begin.

Zurich’s Dolder Grand is offering “Detox” and “Retreat” packages with 30% savings to encourage health and wellness this spring. Whether you’re in need of a detox escape or just a relaxing spa getaway, experience one of the world’s most exceptional spas at Dolder Grand. The best part: both of these treatments are available through Dec. 31, 2010, so you have plenty of time to make your way to Zurich.

The Grand Detox Program:

  • Five nights luxury accommodations at the Dolder Grand
  • Complete five day detox nutritional meal plan, including introductory interview including “needs analysis” and daily coaching with the Dolder Grand Spa Team
  • Fitness and body composition analysis
  • Daily fitness and relaxation sessions
  • Daily treatments of Cleansing and Detox Rituals with custom massage
  • Consultation for continuation at home
  • Unlimited use of Dolder Grand Spa
  • Total cost: 8,600 CHF/ Double occupancy (approx. $8,000 USD) or 4,720 CHF/ Single occupancy (approx. $4,400 USD)

The Grand Spa Retreat:

  • Three nights luxury accommodations at the Dolder Grand
  • Daily breakfast at the Garden Restaurant per person
  • One dinner in the Garden Restaurant per person (beverages not included)
  • One 90-minute La Prairie Caviar Firming Facial per person
  • One 90-minute Grand Body Ritual, with replenishing scrub, therapeutic bath and massage application, per person
  • One 90-minute Bamboo Shiatsu Massage per person
  • One 60-minute Kerstin Florian Classic Pedicure per person
  • Unlimited use of Dolder Grand Spa
  • Total cost: 3,100 CHF/ Double occupancy (approx. $2,880 USD) or 1,770 CHF/ Single occupancy (approx. $1,645 USD)

Sit back, relax and detox.