Two chicks with major wanderlust who live to see the world: themselves, through others, or just living vicariously with the latest & greatest gadgets, travel accoutrements - from luggage to skincare
"Too many people these days travel purely to tick items off a list of things to be seen, rather than letting the experience truly seep through," notes the French-born Anne Suire, the owner of Luxury Travel Consultant, which has six new tours of France on offer for fall, all focusing on various regional specialties - and all at a relaxed pace.
Designed for small groups of 8-10 people, they are divided into three categories of two tours each:
for women who like art, food, wine,
and shopping
with a focus on painting in the Luberon region of France
the high life in a plush castle outside Avignon with an expert chef, housekeepers and waiters
All the tours include:
visits to wineries
tours of the region
visits to local artists like potters, sculptors and designers
"Our tours are not touristy but rather educational, and we want our clients to see the world from a different perspective and feel absolutely at home in France." For France at a more French pace, visit LuxuryTravelConsultant.com.
Tucked away in Val d'Aran, Baqueira, a scenic 2 hour drive from the
Toulouse Airport and 3 ½ hours from the Barcelona Airport is one of Spain's premier five-star resorts & part of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World portfolio: the 70-room La Pleta Hotel & Spa.
From June 23rd through Sept. 19, 2007, La Pleta is offering three, five and seven night wellness packages at its 2,000 square foot Occitania Spa, featuring modern design with exquisitely lit, glass-floored treatment rooms that still retain the regional rustic feel amid décor of slate, local stone and wood.
3-NIGHT PACKAGE includes accommodation in one Occitania superior room, breakfast buffet, transfers service from/to Barcelona, one spa honey massage per person, and one bottle of Cava sparkling wine in your room. from $1,870.42 (per room, per stay, & exclusive of the 7% tax)
5-NIGHT PACKAGE a superior Occitania room with sparkling water, breakfast buffet & transfers, as well as a mineralised aromatic exfoliation, facial, and hot stone massage. from $2,780.28
7-NIGHT PACKAGE superior Occitania room with sparkling water, champagne and Vin Caud (Catalan hot wine), breakfast buffet & transfers, a flower elixir treatment, an anti stress treatment, one hot stones treatment, and one facial treatment. from $3571.83
To make a reservation, visit Small Luxury Hotels of the World at slh.com. For more info on La Pleta, go to LaPleta.com.
A recent article published by the International Herald Tribune (The Workplace: U.S.-style Work Stress is Spreading to Europe) revealed the extent of the increased stress levels sweeping through European nations. According to the author, Britain, Ireland, and most recently, the Netherlands and other areas of Scandinavia are most prone to suffering from stress and anxiety caused by the adoption of stressful American-style work habits. The European Commission estimates that stress and anxiety result in a cost of at least 20 billion Euro annually, much of which is derived from the lack of productivity caused by continuous levels of stress in the workplace.
However, unlike their American compatriots, Europeans are more inclined to take recuperative action. "Even though the stressful American lifestyle has now crossed the ocean
and crept into Europe, it seems that Europeans aren't so caught up in the frenzy that they won't make the time to relax and regroup," says Marcel Stillekens, co-owner of EuroBookings.com, a Holland-based travel and tourism company that offers deep discount rates on more than 25,000 hotels across Europe. "We've seen a marked increase in wellness and holistic traveling -- destinations that offer dedicated spa's, yoga retreats, and other relaxation activities."
This rising wave of stress directly correlates with rising interest in health tourism in Europe at places like the Landmark London (spa treatments) and London's Radisson Edwardian Pastoria hotel (body wraps, facials, and full treatment courses in a 4-star luxury setting), and other European hotels that cater specifically to relaxation and rejuvenation.
Basking in the glare of the glitterati at the Cannes Film Festival
"Cannes is an important opportunity for European film producers. Getting a film recognized at the Cannes Film Festival can launch a new producer's career almost instantaneously," notes Marcel Stillekens, owner of EuroBookings.com, a Holland-based travel and tourism company offering deep discount rates on hotels in France & other popular European destinations. "And because there has been a mounting interest in recent years in films made outside of Hollywood, Cannes has become a main attraction to film stars around the world." While the actual Festival is reserved only for filmmakers and cinema elite, the buzz spills over into the rest of the city with myriad red carpet events, fabulous boutiques & shopping, and celeb sightings in popular hotel bars such as the Bar des Celebrities.
"If you're not
a celebrity, media representative, or a filmmaker, but still want to be close the action, the best way is to secure a hotel in the center of the action," advises Sillekens. "In May 2006 we saw an enormous increase in searches for Cannes hotels in France due to the Cannes film Festival which is getting more and more popular among travelers. There is no such thing as booking too early for Cannes." As the event nears, they have already begun to see a commensurate increase in website traffic and interest in hotels near the festival site, Palais des Festivals, in the upscale Mediterranean city. Although the Ritz Carlton remains the premier hotel & celeb hot spot during the Festival, there are more than 100 others to choose from within the city of Cannes."With an event like this, the location of the hotel will define the overall experience. According to customer reviews from past year's Cannes Film Festival attendees, staying close to the action makes for a much more exciting and enjoyable experience."
From June 2 to November 4, Germany's oldest city is hosting a special exhibition on Roman Emperor Constantine the Great. Founded by the Romans in 16 BC, Trier was the Christian emperor's first imperial residence and capital of his empire from 307 to 324 AD - and the city is still a treasure trove of Roman monuments such as the well-preserved 2nd-century Porta Nigra (Black Gate), his throne room, the Amphitheater and Imperial Baths. The exhibition - which will be held at the Rhine State Museum, the Bishopric Cathedral & Diocese Museum, and the Simeonstift City Museum - will focus on the traditions and myths of his legacy, including original frescoes depicting his family, the head of a colossal statue of the emperor, and scale models of Christian churches he built.
In more recent times, Trier has boasted an array of colorful historical figures and places: the medieval
Augustinian monastery in Erfurt, where the young Martin Luther lived before the German Reformation; Karl Marx House in Trier, where the founder of Communism was born in 1818 and lived until 1835; the 18th-century gabled Buddenbrooks House, the family home and setting for Thomas Mann's great novel, Buddenbrooks about the decline of a wealthy Lübeck merchant family; and the Günter Grass House, honoring Germany's greatest living writer (Mann & Grass both won Nobel prizes in 1929 & 1999 respectively)
In addition to history, Trier is also a good base for exploring the winding Mosel Valley with its wine villages and vineyards, many planted by the Romans more than 2,000 years ago.
Carnival in Spain is an extravaganza of fun, extremism, and an all-round wild time. "Spain is always a popular destination, but the carnivals attract a large world-wide audience -- they are a pure good time," explains Marcel Stillekens of Eurobookings.com.
Spanish carnivals of note include:
February 22 - March 4: Maspalomas Carnival
February 23 - March 1: Santiago de Compostela & Vilanova i La Geltrú
February 23 - March 1: Carnival in Sitges (often referred to as Spain's wildest party)
February 23 - March 10: Jerez Flamenco Festival
The Tenerife carnival has made a name in the national news in recent days after almost being cancelled because of a noise complaint. Located on Canary Island, this carnival is a Latin-style good time, second only in extravagancy to Rio de Janeiro itself. Though the complaint was considered, the party continued on. "These carnivals aren't for the meek and mild," says Stillekens. "They are all about fun, extremism, and having a wild time."
If you're the adventurous sort who enjoys your travel off the beaten path, but still digs excellent accomodation, Lonely Planet's Haystack is serving up a unique 'invitation only' booking service that features only properties that have been chosen, visited, reviewed and recommended by a Lonely Planet
author.
"Whenever you go checking places out grumpy hotel owners say "Why do you guys come at such difficult times?" and that's exactly why we do it. We want to see places at their best and worst," explains one of Lonely Planet's intrepid authors. "First thing in the morning when people are checking out is always a good time to see how people handle being busy, plus there's always a helpful cleaner who might let you see a room that you might not otherwise have caught on the grand tour. The most important thing is to avoid the "official tour," where the people at the desk get the manager and you get shown how light switches work or invited for a cup of tea. Sometimes this can mean sneaking around the front desk or talking to people who are staying there or even just breaking up that tour by saying "What about these rooms?" You have to review against what you're being shown, which often means being pretty annoying to hotel staff." Adds another of their authors: "I don't really jump on beds, but I do look closely to see that the bedspreads are clean (I hate gunky-looking patterned bedspreads), suss out the bathrooms for water pressure and mould, test the windows to see if they can be opened and open wardrobes to look for wire coat hangers (yuck!). I often check minibar prices to see if they're extortionate, and I like to look at communal areas to see how guests and guests of guests are treated. I like to say hello to the people who clean the rooms to, you can tell a lot about a place by the greeting that's returned - and I think everyone in a hotel/motel or wherever should be happy to be there, even if it's for work."
In fact, many of their properties were not previously bookable online through any other service. "We are inviting our favorite properties from around the globe to join the service -- whether it's a backpackers in Sydney, an eco-resort in Yap, or a boutique hotel in Rome," says Dan Christian, Lonely Planet's Haystack Product Manager. "Haystack is a unique service in that every property listed is recommended as a great place to stay. Every property review is 100% independent and written by an experienced travel writer." Currently, Haystack boasts over 1000 properties in more than 58 countries, and more are being added all the time. "Haystack will continue to grow daily as more destinations and
properties are added to the site throughout 2007 and beyond."
As the season kicks off, Turin, A Local's Guide to the Olympic City is the perfect pocket-sized reference to bring along. Penned by a freelance journalist who has lived in Italy for 15 years - and even carried the Olympic Flame on its journey to the Games last year - author James Sajo has stocked the book full of his experience as a guide in Turin, as well as comprehensive info about Italian travel, sport, cuisine, and culture.
In addition to 100+ pages of practical info on important tourist sites in and around the city, dining suggestions, and a regional wine guide, there are useful Italian words and phrases, detailed maps of central Turin, and a thorough explanation of the public transportation network.
From celebrating our nation's past, to exotic destinations, to hearing the crack of yacht sails as they race for the oldest active trophy in international sport, the Orbitz Insider unearths up-and-coming hotspots before they register on the mainstream radar:
New Orleans, Louisiana Continuing its remarkable comeback after Hurricane Katrina, New Orleans is once again bustling and thriving. Events are plentiful in New Orleans in 2007 as the city welcomes travelers back for its always-outlandish Mardi Gras celebration in February and the New Orleans Jazz & Heritage Festival in April. The French Quarter Festival, also in April, is another excuse to stroll down Bourbon Street, with music on 14 stages and booths teeming with famous Cajun cuisine.
Jamestown, Virginia This year marks the 400th anniversary of this historic city, the first English settlement in the United States. To mark the occasion, they are hosting America's Anniversary Weekend Celebration, May 11-13. From concerts to children's events and fireworks, this town and event make for the perfect educational and fun family vacation. History buffs can explore the life-size re-creations of the colonists' fort, a Powhatan Native American village and three replicas of the ships which sailed from England to Virginia bringing settlers to the United States. For more historic parks & family activities, historic Williamsburg is only a short drive away.
Cruising to Alaska Wildlife, glaciers, mountains, as well as whales, fjords, and maybe some Grizzly bears - all in the course of a single day. And adventures aren't just confied to the ship; serious adventure excursions are a fun option, such as helicopter touring, glacier trekking and sea kayaking, where you can get up-close and personal with Alaska's extreme -- and extremely beautiful -- landscape. The season only runs from May to September, so it's advisable to book far in advance.
San Juan Islands, Washington For sea kayaking enthusiasts, this is the spot. Located about an hour and a half north of Seattle, kayakers from novice to expert can explore the San Juan Islands' beautiful landscape and wildlife, which includes Orca whales, seals and a variety of birds. The Islands also boast outstanding scuba diving as well as fishing and sailing. As a great day trip destination from Seattle, ferry lines can be long, so purchase tickets in advance to avoid a long & boring wait in the passenger toll lines.
Valencia, Spain With roots dating back to 138 BC, the architecture of this Mediterranean coastal city is rich with history. It's also known for its excellent sailing conditions, and this year from June 23 and July 7, they will be hosting the 32nd Annual America's Cup final, the world's premier sailing competition. And you don't just have to watch. Learn to sail through the school organized by the Comunidad Valenciana Sailing Federation, where would-be mariners from the age of nine up can learn to sail and race in the same conditions as the America's Cup sailors.
Krakow, Poland Often referred to as the "new Prague," Krakow is considered the cultural center of Poland. Krakow is known for its museums and its extremely well-preserved architecture, including castles and cathedrals dating back to the Medieval and Renaissance periods. However, while its roots are deep, Krakow isn't stuck in the dark ages. This city has a vibrant social scene, with one of its most notable events being Carnival -- a two-month non-stop party in January and February with events at restaurants and nightclubs throughout the city. And don't forget to purchase a European rail pass so you can take advantage of the great rail system with short trips to neighboring countries such as Germany and the Czech Republic.
Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam For a glimpse of a country on the verge of opening up to the world, Ho Chi Minh City is a bustling blend of the modern and the traditional. Upscale restaurants and entertainment keep company with traditional Vietnamese street markets and sidewalk cafes; the Ben Thanh Market sells everything from flowers and seafood to fabrics and glassware; and the Museum of Vietnamese History features an extensive collection of Vietnamese antiquities. For a taste of the countryside, Ho Chi Minh City is a great launching point to the area's many beautiful beaches as well as the Mekong Delta, one of the richest agricultural areas of Vietnam.
A longtime fave hideaway for the rich & fabulous on Spain's Costa de Sol now boasts equally fab accommodations. Nestled between the Sierra Blanca Mountains and the Mediterranean Sea about two miles from the heart of Marbella, the newly unveiled 29-room Sentidos en Rio Real is the resort town's sole member of the elite Small Luxury Hotels of the World.
Designed by the same architect who was commissioned by the Spanish royal family, it's a blend of traditional Spanish architecture with Asian and Mediterranean influences. Guests have the option of landing on the 24-hour helipad, and then slipping in through a gated entrance geared toward utmost privacy. An equally private entrance to one of the various spacious rooms reveals a peaceful, modern space appointed with hand-selected furnishings, Egyptian cotton linens, and a private terrace with commanding views of the cliff-side golf course - an 18-hole, par-72 wonder stretching across a
beautiful valley, softly sloping from the mountains to the
Mediterranean.
Apres golf, players can hang out in the club house and munch on gourmet snacks or enjoy a bevvy, all the while availing themselves of the golf concierge (who is always on hand). Other options include a game of tennis on the hotel's court, catching some rays on the sun deck or by the pool, horseback riding, water sports, or an outing aboard the hotel's opulent private yacht, the Rio Real III. (Custom-designed itineraries can be created with accommodations and use of the hotel yacht for upwards of $40,000 per week.) The hotel's pristine, glass-walled spa offers myriad pampering indulgences, including a range of therapeutic and relaxing massages, body wraps and facials utilizing locally grown flowers, citrus fruits and olive oils.
The hotel's Sentidos Restaurant specializes in Andalucian cuisine and boasts a wine cellar stocked with vintages from across Europe and around the world. Many of Hollywood's old school elite from the 60s maintain villas nearby and often drop by to take in the views from the floor-to-ceiling windows, or dine al fresco on the patio overlooking the golf course - and soak up some warm Andalucian
hospitality.
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