Luxe Escapes Magazine – Luxury Destinations, Hotels, Spas & Cuisine

Hotel Overview: The Four Seasons Resort Dubai is set on the pristine Jumeirah Beach, with spectacular views of the Arabian Gulf and Burj Khalifa. The hotel is one of the best located in Dubai and is ideal for both tourists and those visiting on business. The city centre is just 15 minutes’ drive (8km) from the hotel, and luxury shopping is available at the Dubai Mall and Mall of the Emirates, both of which are just 15 minutes from the hotel. The financial district of Dubai is just 10 minutes’ drive from the hotel. The concierge team is on-hand to help guests get the most out of a city as large as Dubai and will be happy to help with selecting the best places to visit and making the necessary reservations. Ambiance & Vibe: With its unparalleled location and fresh, opulent design, Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach is at the top of the heap of the ultra-luxe and ultra-competitive Dubai luxury hotel market. Four Seasons Resort Dubai Jumeirah Beach Hotel Entrance Hallway to reception Reception Mercury Lounge Rooftop Bar Four Seasons Resort Dubai Jumeirah Beach, Manicured Gardens Design & Style: The Four Seasons Resort Dubai at Jumeirah Beach incorporates dramatic Moorish architecture, set against a colour-popping botanical garden overlooking the azure Arabian Gulf. The property’s marble arches, decorative columns and patterned furnishings complete the historic aura. Inside, high-ceilinged spacious guest rooms and suites feature walk-in closets, extravagant marble bathrooms complimented with Merano glass fixtures filled with Etro toiletries. Each have large terraces with views over the sparkling sea or across Dubai’s towering skyline. Lobby Entrance Staircase Lobby area Four Seasons Resort Dubai Jumeirah Beach, Manicured Gardens Accommodation: Deluxe and Premier Skyline rooms offer 70sqm of indoor and outdoor space, are equipped with full marble...

Hotel Overview: A spectacular retreat between sea and sky perched above the hilltop town of Ravello, 1,000ft above sea level, Belmond Hotel Caruso is your heavenly nest overlooking the dramatic Amalfi Coast, with picture postcard views in every direction. Boasting one of the world’s most instagrammed infinity pools and with gorgeous terraced gardens with 360 panoramic views, this is hands down one of the Italy’s most romantic hideaways. This former 11th-century palace boasts all the worldly luxuries for the most discerning guests and is the perfect ultra-luxe bolthole from which to explore the scenic Amalfi coast. Combined with sumptuous rooms offering an incomparable panorama of the Bay of Salerno and served up with old school Italian hospitality, the result is a magnificent and magical property that is easily on the top of most bucket lists. Besides the dreamy cliff top infinity pool overlooking the Amalfi Coastline and the endless horizon beyond, there are two restaurants offering local Italian delicacies, a romantic garden as well as lobby bar for evening apéritifs and an intimate spa and gym. The hotel is an ideal place to relax and enjoy the views over the mountains and sparkling sea, and to explore other delightful places along the celebrated coast including Capri, Positano, Amalfi and Sorrento, or the historical sites at Pompeii, Herculaneum and Paestum. A big perk the hotel offers is the complimentary boat trip from Amalfi to Positano, the perfect way to discover the hidden creeks and bays along the coast and the stunning landscape. The hotel provides a frequent complimentary shuttle to Amalfi Town, stopping off right in front of where its boat is docked. Belmond Hotel Caruso Belmond Hotel Caruso Views From Room Ambiance & Vibe: The ambiance is one...

Hotel Overview: The Upper House is a sleek & stylish, designer hotel and urban retreat featuring an intimate ambience, with the best location in Hong Kong. This chic, boutique haven situated 49 floors above Pacific Place in Admiralty is designed by one of Asia’s hottest designers, Andre Fu. Soak in the Victoria Harbour and city skyline views from the luxury of your elegant apartment-like studio or suite, enjoy the bespoke service, indulge in world class dining at Café Gray Deluxe, then wonder down to partake in some serious label-shopping at the luxe Pacific Place mall downstairs. The hotel offers 117 spacious and ultra luxe guestrooms, serviced by effortlessly attentive staff, from the digital in-room check-in & check-out to the 24 hour personalized concierge service. With its understated residential calmness, The Upper House is an oasis of tranquility amidst the frenetic pace of Hong Kong. The use of natural materials, warm hues and distinctive artwork all contribute to the elegant, inviting atmosphere, while luxe amenities and the world class guest experience team assure a bespoke level of comfort. Starting at 730 sqf, the 117 rooms – including 21 suites and 2 penthouses, are some of the most spacious in Hong Kong; featuring natural materials, gorgeous bathrooms and panoramic views of Victoria Harbour or the Island. Guests can enjoy thrilling views and sophisticated modern European cuisine from acclaimed chef Gray Kunz at one of the best fine dining venues in town, Café Gray Deluxe. Besides the modern gym, guests can also avail of two house bikes for a quick spin in the nearby trails and Yoga sessions held on The Lawn. The hotel is part of Swire Hotels’ luxe, distinctive and uber-trendy – The...

Hotel Overview: Although not officially classified as a “Palace Hotel”, this opulent and ornate property offers quintessential Paris grandeur and is no doubt one of the Grande Dames of Parisian luxury hotels. Proudly occupying a full city block in the most prime location in the heart of Paris, The InterContinental Paris Le Grand Hôtel faces the legendary Place de l’Opéra and is a short walk from the famous Place Vendôme and the iconic Galeries Lafayette department stores. Renowned as one of the world’s grandest hotels, this historic property has borne witness to many important events and has hosted international royalty and celebrities for over a century and a half since it was inaugurated by the Empress Eugenie (wife of Napolean III) in 1862. Many of this luxury hotel’s 470 sumptuous and charming rooms and suites have superb bird’s eye views of the world-famous, gilded Palais Garnier, home to the esteemed Paris Opera, and its elaborate interiors and traditional architecture allow guests to experience the grandeur of past and present-day Paris. Gastronomic delights await at two acclaimed restaurants, Café de la Paix, a legendary Brasserie which is a veritable Parisian institution with a rich cultural history, and La Verrière, a gorgeous 800 sqm atrium restaurant set in a beautiful winter garden. The spectacularly elegant Salon Opera ballroom, is a registered historic monument and has been magnificently restored and continues its illustrious history of hosting Paris’s most exclusive social events. Intercontinental paris le grand hotel Intercontinental Paris Le Grand Ballroom Ambiance & Vibe: The ambiance is one of welcoming old-world luxury, replete with ornate Napoleon III period furnishing and décor, grand marble-clad staircases and a glass-roofed winter garden as an atrium. The patrons of the hotel are a mix of international...

Hotel Overview: Aman Tokyo is an intimate, glamorous, urban oasis occupying the top floors of the Otemachi Tower, high above the buzzing megalapolis of Tokyo. The tone is set by the 33rd floor breathtaking lobby which resembles a gigantic art gallery with its vast light filled open spaces, low symmetrical seating and soaring 30-meter high ceiling made of translucent Washi rice paper and designed to resemble the inside of a traditional Japanese shoji lantern. Besides the phenomenal lobby, the other highlight of this property is the spectacular and serene Zen-like spa, which spans an epic 2,500 sqm over two floors and is a minimalist sun-drenched retreat including a sleek 30-metre pool lined with natural materials, a soothing onsen-style stone bath and glass walls serving up spectacular views across the city. The hotel has 84 luxury rooms and suites that feature Aman’s signature understated minimalist style with a blend of traditional Japanese furnishings, such as washi paper sliding doors and a furo deep-soak bathtub. Add to the mix a signature restaurant serving up some of the best Italian food in the city and a stunning mood lit bar overlooking the cityscape and the green Imperial Palace gardens, and you have the ultimate refined and exclusive hospitality experience in the heart of Tokyo. Ambiance & Vibe: From the moment you walk through the lift doors past the understated reception area, and into its dramatic lobby in the heart of a 30-metre-high atrium, you are enveloped in a Zen like mood and feel a sense of relaxation. A mix of traditional Japanese materials, fabrics and textures creates the distinctive soothing ambiance, while the senses soak in the reflective water pond, meditative rock gardens and beautiful floral display (in our case a cheery...

Hotel Overview: A member of the prestigious Relais & Chateaux collection, the storybook Il Borro is a medieval hamlet lovingly restored by the Ferragamo family into a luxe Tuscan retreat. It is part of a 700 hectare working estate and surrounded by vineyards and olive groves in the heart of Tuscany. Wines and olive oil are produced here by traditional methods – they are an integral part of the landscape of the region. From the moment you drive in thru the entrance gates into the majestic driveway surrounded by undulating greenery and horse stables, you know you have arrived at the Tuscany of your dreams. As soon as you check in to the unassuming reception, you are transported into an oasis of calm and serenity. An electric buggy takes you to your luxury suite at the charming medieval village where you can settle in and spend your days strolling through the narrow streets of the village, chatting with the local artisans in the craft shops, relaxing at the pools, enjoying treatments at Il Borro Spa or the traditional Tuscan cuisine at Osteria del Borro. If you want to be active you can choose from an almost unlimited menu including cooking classes, truffle hunting, mountain biking, horse-riding, zipping around in a Ferrari or taking a flight on a hot air balloon. Il Borro represents the storybook Tuscany you have always dreamed about! Il Borro Tuscany Il Borro Tuscany Entrance Ambiance & Vibe: The ambiance is one of welcoming old-world luxury, There’s a genuine village community atmosphere here: the church holds weekly services and there are several craft studios selling made-to-measure shoes, leather goods, artworks and so on, which are open to the public. Only the resort’s electric vehicles...

Offering a uniquely personalised experience, The Oriental Spa at The Landmark Mandarin Oriental is the perfect urban escape. Spread over two luxurious floors, this harmonious place of wellbeing offers far more than the traditional spa experience. Engulfed in a haven of serenity, you will quickly forget that you are in the heart of a city. Our spa’s tranquil, meditative setting allows you to embark on a personalised journey towards wellbeing and relaxation. Following a consultation with your therapist, your treatment begins in the soothing environment of our heat and water oasis. We invite guests to arrive 60 minutes before their appointment time to take full advantage of these facilities and prepare for the deepest therapeutic experience. The Oriental Spa offers a range of high performance products and exquisite signature treatments, delivered by a highly-trained team of therapists to ensure skin is dramatically regenerated and a deep sense of wellbeing is imparted to spirit and mind. Spa Overview: The Oriental Spa at Landmark Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong Ambiance & Vibe: Design & Style: Service Menu: Facilities: Location: What We Love: Luxe Voyager Expert Rating9.7 Ambiance & Vibe10Design & Style10Service10Facilities & Activities10Location10Value For Money8 Map...

With a tranquil setting, talented therapists and excellent treatments, our spa is a uniquely relaxing retreat. Our spa is a harmonious place of wellbeing reaching far beyond the traditional spa experience. Located adjacent to the hotel’s pool area, the spa’s design draws inspiration from Singapore’s rich past to create a tranquil sanctuary in which to enjoy a range of indulgent treatments. Designed to bring balance and equilibrium to each and every individual, our spa menu offers a range of holistic treatments from around the world. Dive in and enjoy our comprehensive fitness facilities. With a stylish outdoor 25-metre swimming pool and fully-equipped fitness centre, there’s more than one way to stay in shape. Spa Overview: Coming soon Ambiance & Vibe: Design & Style: Service Menu: Facilities: Location: What We Love: Luxe Voyager Expert Rating8.8 Ambiance & Vibe8.5Design & Style8.5Service10Facilities & Activities8Location10Value For Money8 Map...

Born from a passion for wellness and rejuvenation, our spa provides a haven for contemplation in the heart of the metropolis. Our spa is a haven for contemplation and discovery in the heart of the bustling metropolis. Offering an elegant and harmonious environment, it is the perfect place to soothe mind, body and spirit. Our experienced therapists will engage you in an in-depth consultation to ascertain the right treatments for you. Following this we offer a relaxing session of Tian Quan, a Chinese bathing therapy. Relying both on ancient wisdom and modern techniques, this wonderful therapy aims to relieve stress and muscular pain, increase blood circulation and aid detoxification. Combining both ancient and modern techniques, our treatments and therapies are designed to restore balance and equilibrium. Beautifully designed with an emphasis on luxury, our couples’ and VIP suites offer space, serenity and the perfect environment for pampering. Spa Overview: Ambiance & Vibe: Design & Style: Service Menu: Facilities: Location: What We Love: Luxe Voyager Expert Rating8.8 Ambiance & Vibe9Design & Style9Service9Facilities & Activities8.5Location9Value For Money8 Map...

Whether you’re a party animal or a connoisseur of spirits, one thing is for sure: every city has its hidden gems when it comes to bars. From rooftop bars to speakeasies, there’s a little something for everyone. So, get ready to pack your bags (and your liver) because let’s take a trip around the world and discover the best bars you can set foot in! SUSHISAMBA Looking for a swanky rooftop restaurant in London with a lively bar scene? Look no further than SUSHISAMBA in London. This place combines the best of both worlds with panoramic views of the city skyline and a menu that is seriously drool-worthy. From fresh sushi and sashimi to creative cocktails, there’s something here to satisfy every craving. And let’s be real – who doesn’t want to sip a drink or two while taking in stunning views of London? So gather a group of your closest friends, make a reservation, and get ready for an unforgettable night out at SUSHISAMBA. Cheers to rooftop dining! Please Don’t Tell Let’s fly across the pond to the city that never sleeps – New York City. If you’re a fan of the prohibition era, you’ll love Please Don’t Tell (PDT). This speakeasy-style bar is hidden behind a phone booth inside a hotdog joint. Don’t worry, if you’re feeling adventurous, the bartenders will whip up “dealer’s choice” cocktail for you. If you’re looking for a rooftop bar, head over to Westlight at the William Vale. The view of the Manhattan skyline will take your breath away. The Churchill Arms Discover the must-see gems in London! Make sure to visit The Churchill Arms, a transformed pub that will leave you in awe with...

Advantages of Renting Self-Catering Accommodation in Lake District       Attracting visitors from near and far, the Lake District in the United Kingdom has been one of the primary locations that offers stunning views and natural wonders to behold. With numerous attractions that include hills, waterfalls, crystal-clear lakes, and delightful towns, there is a lot in store for a traveller to experience while holidaying here. But instead of settling for a hotel or B&B, why not choose a self-catering holiday home to enhance the stay?   This article discusses the numerous benefits of renting self-catering accommodation in the Lake District, thus making it a prime choice for an unforgettable getaway.   If you are looking forward to enjoying a quiet break in any part of the United Kingdom, head to the Lake District and choose self-catering accommodation. The best thing about staying in a self-catering cottage is that you get your space and room that includes everything you need. With self-contained amenities, you can make your self-catering break more enjoyable with friends, family, or even alone.   Exploring the Beauty of Grasmere in Lake District   Set within the beautiful Lake District, Grasmere is a lovely village and home to stunning scenery. It offers countless outdoor activities to make your stay truly magical. Take advantage of the selection of luxury cottages in Grasmere if you plan to explore this remarkable region.   From traditional cottages to luxury holiday cottages in the lake district, you will find a wide range of self-catering accommodation options that suit your budget and preferences. By choosing to rent a holiday home in Grasmere, you will be able to enjoy all the natural beauty and outdoor adventures that the Lake District has to offer while staying in the comfort of your own space.   Experience...

Packing for a trip is never easy. For a first-time business trip, it might seem almost impossible. That’s because packing for a business trip is different from packing for your holiday. However, you don’t need to be a travel expert to pack like a pro. There are lots of little tricks and hacks to help you out. Here are five easy ways that you can pack for your next trip. Plan Being prepared is the key to success. Plan well in advance. Think about where you are going and for how long. Start by making a list and then setting it aside for a little while. After a day or two, come back to the list and think about if you have missed anything. Chances are, you have! Ask colleagues or friends who frequently travel for business. They probably have a few tricks up their sleeves that they would be happy to share. Keep in mind that the most important thing on your trip is business. You need to make sure that you have everything you need for work. Ask your boss if there is anything, in particular, you should make sure to take. Plan when you are going to pack as well as what you will pack. Booking Save yourself the stress and make sure everything is well-booked. Sometimes you may need to book things at the last minute. That’s why it’s handy to use a booking service like Hotel Engine. Hotel Engine is a booking service that specializes in business travel. They are experts when it comes to last-minute bookings. They also know how to get the best rates and prices. Your main priority should be on business. You shouldn’t have to worry about making...

Premium Independent Wineries of South Africa (PIWOSA) is a collective of family owned, like minded, premium, independent wine producers of South Africa’s Western Cape, dedicated to the highest quality production of boutique wines. With innovative programs and events, they shine the spotlight on the flourishing premium South African category for local and global wine lovers. While each winery portrays its own micro climates and unique sites and soils, PIWOSA represents the incredible diversity of Premium South African wine today. Influenced by Mediterranean climate, the Western Cape is cooler than its position might suggest, with conditions that are ideal for growing a wide range of noble wine cultivars. Although winemaking commenced here in 1659, its viticulture is rooted in some of the most ancient soils in the world dating back over 600 million years. Combining distinctive and diverse topography, the region produces a wide range of style of premium wines of incredible character.   Map of Western Cape Municipal Districts, South Africa   PIWOSA wowed Hong Kong in a stunning debut last week, with a series of exclusive events for media, F&B professionals and trade, including a blind tasting competition for the city’s top sommeliers and wine professionals. Results were astonishing in that not one participant could detect all of the top French wines from amongst the line-up of premium South African wines. The first event of the day, “Flight Club”, was hosted by Debra Meiburg MW and 9 winery owners and representatives from PIWOSA. It comprised a blind tasting competition for 25 top sommeliers, critics and wine professionals with an all-expenses paid trip to South Africa at stake. One top French wine was hidden in each of the five flights of South African wines, separated by...

The award-winning Master of Wine personality, Debra Meiburg, http://debramasterofwine.com/ recently hosted the inaugural Swire “Women of Wine” (WoW) festival at the Hong Kong General Chamber of Commerce Chamber Theatre in Hong Kong. This debut event, teaming “wow-worthy women with wonderful wines” was an inspirational, learning and fun grand finale to International Women’s Week. The event featured some of the leading female personalities in Hong Kong from the corporate, finance, media, fashion, sports, travel, technology, entrepreneurial and F&B worlds. Combining wine tasting seminars, informative pop-up workshops and networking, this festival featured more than 50 global wines made by women winemakers and presented by Hong Kong’s leading female owned wine importers. The event attracted a full house of over 350 mostly female guests. Actress and celebrity winemaker, Bernice Liu, as the guest of honor, opened the festival with a bang as VIP female guests, led by founder and director Debra Meiburg, Master of Wine, popped a cluster of balloons to kick off the event. Swire Women of Wine festival - Wine List Swire Women of Wine festival opening ceremony Debra Meiburg MW said, “Wow, what an event! This was serious girl power and grapes all blended together in the most fabulous way. Along with celebrating International Women’s Day and the achievements of our leading ladies in wine, business and a cross-section of major fields, we wanted to bring together the city’s female wine importers with a large gathering of professional and lifestyle savvy women interested to know more about wine. Creating good relationships with importers and wine enthusiasts offers a great way for the introduction to wine for people who’ve previously felt intimidated to ask questions, experiment and learn more.” “As part of this learning experience, we...

The Hong Kong based boutique wine importer, Flavours from Apulia, recently hosted a wine tasting of Southern Italian wines from the Apulia region at the Gaia Italian restaurant in Hong Kong. Flavours from Apulia wines represent the richness of the grape varieties available in the Apulia region, focusing on both small and less known wineries of the territory, as well as more internationally known and awarded ones. The event was sponsored by the Italian Chamber of Commerce, which regularly sponsors some of the finest Italian F&B related events in Hong Kong. The setting for the tasting was the elegant & contemporary Gaia Ristorante, which has an alfresco Italian piazza style setting in Sheung Wan. Gaia Ristorante On offer was a great selection of 9 labels including red, white & sparkling, including organic and vegan certified wines from boutique wineries in the Puglia region of south-east Italy, which  due to its location and shape has earned the nickname “heel of the Italian boot”. It is the region with the longest coastline in Italy and offers breathtaking landscapes. But more than everything, it is a land of hospitality and great food and wines. The wine labels are produced from grapes grown in the Apulia region and most of these grapes are indigenous, dating back to the Roman Empire, such as Negroamaro, Malvasia Nera, Verdeca and Primitivo. Some of the wines are also produced using more well known grapes, like Chardonnay which gains very interesting flavours growing in this warm and dry region. Puglia Map Some of the wineries represented included: (1) Cantine Brancasi, with its DOC wines being produced using Negroamaro and Malvasia Nera grapes, typical grapes from the area, but also quality wines with Chardonnay and...