Aug 7th, 2009 at 2:00PM: Los Angeles may be one of America's trendiest cities, but when it comes to luxury hotels, it's in love with the past. Something about New Money tempts its holders into imitating the old ways rather than forging new ones of their own. So Beverly Hills hotels, especially, operate with a sort of muted, discreet luxury more suited to a moneyed uncle than a cutting-edge whippersnapper.
But late last ...Click on a label to read posts from that part of the world.
luxury posts
Los Angeles' SLS Hotel Reviewed
Aug 7th, 2009 at 2:00PM: Los Angeles may be one of America's trendiest cities, but when it comes to luxury hotels, it's in love with the past. Something about New Money tempts its holders into imitating the old ways rather than forging new ones of their own. So Beverly Hills hotels, especially, operate with a sort of muted, discreet luxury more suited to a moneyed uncle than a cutting-edge whippersnapper.
But late last ...The Brando eco-friendly beach resort to open in 2011
Jul 25th, 2009 at 10:00AM: Did you know that Marlon Brando owned (and now his estate owns) an entire French Polynesian atoll 35 miles from Tahiti? Did you also know that Brando dreamed of creating an eco-friendly resort on the atoll? Well both are true, and by 2011 Brando's dream will be a reality, thanks to Richard Bailey, CEO of Tahiti Beachcomber.
Bailey was a longtime friend of Brando's and had been working with him ...Inside Curtain Bluff: 72 places to call home
Jul 21st, 2009 at 2:00PM: Curtain Bluff isn't the only "all-inclusive" resort on Antigua – you have countless choices. What differentiates this resort from the many, though, is the collection of small touches that blend decadence and home-style comfort seamlessly. Where else would the managing director interrupt an interview with, "Hold on, I need to go make fun of somebody [obviously a guest]?" This same executive's ...The Top 10 Luxury Hotels in the United States
Jul 10th, 2009 at 10:00AM: When I set out to create a list of the Top 10 Luxury Hotels in the United States, I found that there were so many options, it was quite difficult to choose.
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First of all, there are the chains. In most cases, I don't associate the word "chain" with "luxury," but in ...$500 million yacht to match the half-billion dollar plane
Jun 14th, 2009 at 8:00AM: A few days back we posted a story about a custom built Airbus A380 that was being built for Saudi prince al-Waleed bin Talal. With a steam room, a Turkish bath, and a concert hall (complete with baby grand piano), not to mention a full garage for the prince's Rolls Royce, the plane clocked in at a cool half-billion dollars. Not to be outdone by this lavish vehicle, Russian billionaire Roman ...The hard truth of green luxury travel
Jun 3rd, 2009 at 3:00PM: "Green" has become yet another upscale offer for hotels and resorts around the world. The concept allows a premium to be charged – and justifiably so, given the increased expenses that come with minimizing environmental impact. Guests get to feel good when they indulge, and the hotel makes a few extra bucks. Everyone wins, right?
Well, it isn't that simple. Any environmentally friendly ...One&Only Palmilla's New Villa Redefines Los Cabos Luxury
Jun 2nd, 2009 at 8:00AM:
Set foot in One&Only Palmilla in Los Cabos, Mexico, and it's pretty clear there isn't a bad room in the house. Elegantly designed restaurants feature carefully constructed menus, and the beach is within easy reach of just about any spot on the property. But, sometimes privacy is paramount. Or, you'd like a bit more special attention than you'd get at the average upscale resort. When your ...Flexjet cards moving, as even the rich feel the sting
May 20th, 2009 at 5:00PM: The days of the private jet may be over – or at least put off for a while – but those with means are still doing all they can to avoid commercial flights. Fuel prices have come down over the past year, but it still costs a bundle to put a private jet in the sky, especially when much of that "extra cash" has disappeared.
So, it looks like uncooperative financial markets are making ...Five great reasons to travel now
May 20th, 2009 at 3:00PM: You've been bombarded with pessimistic accounts of the travel industry's decline. And, yes, I am fully aware that I'm part of it. Frankly, these reports are true. There is a problem – i.e., people aren't traveling – and it's driven by a combination of macroeconomic challenges and company mismanagement. But, these conditions also mean there's no time like the present to get out on the ...Let Eden Rock pick you up this summer
May 18th, 2009 at 4:00PM: The beauty of a recession is that the once inaccessible becomes downright affordable (assuming you haven't been hit too hard by economic woes). At Eden Rock on St. Barth's, you can travel like the wealthy while paying far less. The "Pick Me Up" packages is the latest example. It feels like stealing, but don't worry: it's perfectly legal.
When I saw the price – around $1,500 – I ...Create a custom experience at the Palazzo Sasson
Apr 25th, 2009 at 5:00PM: It doesn't take much to make Italy enticing. The prospect of staying at the Palazzo Sasso in Ravello, though, will effectively deprive you of your free will. This twelfth century palace has the laudable goal of treating you to the same standard as its original inhabitants.
Yeah, I can live with that.
Of course, times are tough, so everybody's upping the ante. For the Palazzo Sasso, this means ...Save on luxury hotels in today's 24 Hour Sale at Hotels.com
Apr 21st, 2009 at 10:45AM: Been eyeing a top-tier hotel in the US or Canada, just waiting for the economy to catch up and lower the price? Hotels.com is making it happen today, with or without the economy shenanigans. This week's 24 Hour Sale features luxury hotels, which means that it's the four- and five-star hotel rates that are dropping up to 50%. For example, the Adolphus in Dallas is discounted 50% to $79/night, and ...Gadling Take FIVE: Week of April 11--April 17
Apr 17th, 2009 at 6:00PM: How wonderful to be in the middle of April when the flowers are blooming, the sun is shining. By now, you've noticed Gadling has a brand new look. Kudos to the design team! We're pleased as punch. With wider photos, Karen can show off her photography expertise all that much more.
Along with the changes, we found out that Tynan, thankfully, survived a mugging. He has tips on what you need to ...Top 10 hotels in Vietnam
Apr 17th, 2009 at 10:30AM: When I first went to Vietnam in the mid-90's, Hanoi was still a fairly sleepy town where cyclos could go everywhere and the buzz of motorcycles was a once in awhile occurrence. Most places to stay were family-owned guest houses and luxury meant air conditioning and a TV that worked and offered more than a couple of channels.
One morning, I stood on the corner of a street in Hoi An taking pictures ...Relax in style at the Hotel Hivernage
Apr 12th, 2009 at 9:00AM: The greeting you'll receive at the Hotel Hivernage is pure charm, but it requires patience. Instead of tapping your toe at the front desk while the guy in front of you spills his life story, you'll be invited to sit in the lobby while you complete your check-in forms. The staff is not in a rush, so set aside your New York-sculpted expectations. This first taste will set the tone for your stay: ...Private jet, 4 weeks in hotel, starts at NZ$1
Apr 3rd, 2009 at 9:00AM: The bidding starts at NZ$1, but it probably won't stay there long! New Zealand Luxury is auctioning more than NZ$30,000 in luxury travel with a reserve that's 0.033% of its value. The package includes four weeks worth of accommodations at an exclusive private villa, flights on a private jet and local trips by helicopter. Oh, and did I mention the yacht? And the chauffeur-driven private car? Yeah, ...Party like a rock star on St. Barth's
Feb 21st, 2009 at 12:00PM: Don't pay attention to the stock market; luxury isn't dead. If you need proof, just look to the recently opened Villa Rockstar on St. Barth's. Ultra-luxury doesn't begin to describe this six-star, six-bedroom domicile. A 10-foot wall keeps the proletarians at by, while you enjoy private chef and butler service in 16,000 sqft of unblemished bliss. This property is designed to unleash your inner ...A&K does the unimaginable
Feb 12th, 2009 at 4:00PM: Luxury travel company Abercrombie & Kent is getting ready to surprise you. On February 19, 2009, it will celebrate its newly redesigned website with an unusual discount program. Starting at 9 AM (CST), a savings of 5 percent will be offered on each of five itineraries. Every half hour, another 5 percent will be cut from the price. By 3 PM, the discount will reach its final level of 60 percent ...Flexjet gives rich people new choices
Jan 26th, 2009 at 12:00PM: The wealthy feel pain, just like the rest of us. As we fight the tightening walls of a global recession, Flexjet is making things a little easier for the world's financial elite. If you're looking to extend the value of your private jet dollar, these two programs could be exactly what you need. If, on the other hand, you are like me, read something else, maybe the Cockpit Chronicles or Galley ...Photo of the Day (1-21-09)
Jan 21st, 2009 at 4:30PM:
Titled "Afternoon Snack," this photo by Patrick Powers is a modern day still-life. What a study of light, colors and shapes that capture the mood of a Sunday afternoon in California. The photo was taken at the Ritz-Carlton. Wouldn't Rembrandt have loved the subtle light on the people in the background and the glint and shimmers of the glass?
If you have an image that would make an art master ...
