Yacht enthusiasts, rejoice, and not only because you make enough money to be a yacht enthusiast. The Aviation and Superyacht division of Pure-Sang, in cooperation with Glass-Deco International, introduced its latest luxury vehicle, The Beluga: Emperor of the Seven Seas, at last month’s Monaco boat show, where it won the title of “Best New Super Yacht Concept.”
Bangkok hotelier Lebua has fenced off exclusive travel accommodations in both Thailand and New Zealand, luxury retreats that offer similar comforts and very different experiences. The company’s home base at Bangkok’s State Tower is the bigger of the two destinations and has an all-suite complex with views of the Chao Phraya River available in each unit. The most premium suites here come with a private chef who prepares all meals and pours tea and cocktails. In New Zealand, the five-star Lake Okareka Lodge, is smaller and a bit more subdued. Each of the Okareka suites boast lake views, individual balconies and Bulgari accessories and come with a private lounge, spa, office and access to the resort’s private chef. [via luxist]
With dense diversity of tropical forests on one side and the azure Andaman Sea on the other, Kamala is an island amidst awe-inspiring beauty. From high atop a cliff, the Paresa Resort captures the pristine oasis, located near Phuket, Thailand. Each Paresa guestroom faces the ocean and most come outfitted with private infinity-edge pools that disappear into the nearby ocean. Rooms all have seven foot-square beds, flatscreen TVs and private verandas, while the resorts most exclusive suites give luxury guests their own fully-stocked wine fridge and private chef. [via luxo, pics via luxo and paresaresorts]
In light of recession-fueled troubles for the luxury hotel business, the latest reports show that hotel guest satisfaction rates has improved in 2009. More to it, J.D. Power and Associates have shown that after two consecutive years on top, Ritz-Carlton has been kicked to second place by Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts in terms of guest satisfaction. It’s quite interesting to see that the luxury segment hoteliers know that the recipe for continued success is to provide extraordinary guest service in both good and bad times. Might be time to consider booking with Four Seasons instead of Ritz Carlton… [via Luxist]
Camping may not be what it used to be if we’re to consider the luxurious Sausage Tree Camp on the Zambezi River. Voted the number one luxury destination by the folk at the BBC Holiday Program’s “Ten Best”, the Sausage Tree Camp houses guests in bedouin tents in open air luxury that offer beautiful views over the water. The tent can be home to only 16 guests at one time. Sixteen folk in the same tent might not seem like tranquility, but our bet is the staff at this luxury destination know how to cater to the need for peace and quiet. And considering that each tent has its own personal butler (Muchinda), this sounds like a rather delectable experience . [via Adelto]
The Four Seasons in Maui’s Wailea Beach is a modern version of a luxurious Hawaiian palace by the sea. This summer the award-winning resort has just opened an $11 million spectacular infinity-edge saltwater swimming pool with a 4,100 sqm terrace to add to its chic sophistication. Known as the Serenity Pool, only the adults will get to enjoy the underwater music, four bubble loungers, two hot tubs, and a walk-up/swim-up bar where you can enjoy the island’s best cocktails. A great place for you to discover the aloha enchantment and to dwelve into the relaxing, casual atmosphere, the Four Seasons Mauiis stunning in every regard. Definitely makes you crave for a week on this white-sand crescent of Pacific paradise. [via Luxist]
Sophisticated and refined, Tucker’s Point Hotel & Spa is an elegant luxury hotel located in the centuries-old British territory of Bermuda. The newest luxury resort in these parts of the world in the last decades, Tucker’s Point takes advantage of the unique abundance of tropical plants, flowers and ocean minerals and delivers an amazing cocktail of contrasting beauties. With its pink-sand beaches, temperate climate and the grandeur of Bermuda’s legendary past, the Tucker’s Point Hotel & Spa will have you sleeping in either the 17th century manor house perched above Castle Harbour or the cascading luxury villas that are close to the sparkling aquamarine waters. [via Luxist]
The Finca Cortesin Resort, a boutique getaway on Spain’s Costa del Sol opened last fall to much luxury acclaim, finding itself featured on multiple travel blogs and top travel lists organized by publications like Condé Nast Traveler, which added the hotel to its “Hot List” for 2009. The resort recently responded to global financial problems and tighter-than-ever travel budgets by offering up an opulent 23,000 square-foot spa. Guests are greeted by a trio of pools at the new spa, including a pair of outdoor pools and a 114-foot indoor pool outlined by tall columns and tile work. Dripping visitors can warm themselves in a Turkish “hamam” steam bath and invigorate their day by rolling around in a Finnish tradition-inspired snow cave. [via luxist]
Grand cognac brand Rémy Martin has opened its historic estate and is leading snifter-sippers through luxury tours of its famed private cellar. Les Rendez-Vous Rémy Martin is centered around the alchemy behind Louis XIII, the company’s acclaimed 100-year oak-aged batch, which guests will be treated to, along with an exclusive lunch and dinner prepared by the estate’s executive chef, Philippe Saint Romas, who has worked in acclaimed kitchens at Hôtel de Crillon and Alain Ducasse. The tour includes instruction by Pierrette Trichet, the only female cognac cellar master, who will teach guests how to blend the drink to their specific palate. [via luxist]
