Introducing Indonesia’s New 5-Star Beach Club And Villa Resort

With the introduction of BASK Resort, a new luxe beach club and villa resort development debuting in early 2016, the unspoiled island of Gili Meno is soon to become the go-to destination to visit in Indonesia for in-the-know jet setters. A welcome alternative to the now overdeveloped island of neighboring Bali, Gili Meno’s natural beauty is being proactively preserved by the BASK Resort development team, who are dedicated to creating this first five-star, sustainable and ecological resort on the island that spares no expense on luxury or style.

Located in the unspoiled Gili Islands of Indonesia neighboring Bali, BASK Resort Gili Meno is a new beach club and resort offering a niche luxury travel experience for well-heeled creative global influencers seeking off-the-beaten-path privacy, and is set to open in early 2016. As the first such property in the region, BASK is being developed at the forefront of international travel trends, resort aesthetics and ecologically minded construction and sustainability by a strong team of industry leaders.

Spearheading creative direction and the development of BASK’s forward-thinking aesthetic is George Gorrow, an award-winning creative director who has worked across the fashion, lifestyle, hospitality and advertising industries for over 20 years. Best known as the co-founder of the designer denim line Ksubi, Technology entrepreneur Greg Meyer is financing the project and multi-award-winning architect Gary Fell has crafted the resort’s exterior design.

Fell first rose to prominence when he was shortlisted for the Cardiff Opera House competition whilst still a student at the prestigious Bartlett School of Architecture in London. This led to work with the Four Seasons Sayan project in Ubud, Bali and onto a number of residential projects in Australia. Fell founded the Bali-based firm Gfab in 1999, specializing in residential and resort projects for which they have won a swag of awards. In 2011, Bloomberg Google named Fell the top architect in the world for a multiple residence development. And in 2015, Gfab operations extended through the Asia Pacific region and beyond, with active projects in Indonesia, Thailand, India, Turkey, Vietnam, Cambodia, Dubai, Hungary and Australia.

Situated on 300 metres of private white-sand beach on the island’s west-facing shore, BASK Gili Meno will feature 82 individual villas, totaling over 120 rooms in studio, loft, two-bedroom and three-bedroom suite layouts. Local fishing villas, with their thatched roofs and bamboo frames, serve as inspiration for the resort’s architectural design. Flat garden roofs, textured concrete, and sleek wooden finishing combine to form an aesthetic that is both contemporary and authentic.

The beach club will be open to guests and non-guests alike, offering panoramic beachfront and lakeside views from its generous infinity pool deck. The indoor cocktail lounge and beach bar will serve locally sourced organic food, including a raw beer that will tempt even the most health-conscious drinker. The restaurant will serve Indonesian-influenced Asian and Western cuisine, designed by Chef Dan Moran of Sydney’s iconic Rockpool Bar and Grill. Australian mixologist Mark Ward of Hugo’s and Regal Rogue Vermouth will concoct his signature cocktails blended with unique local ingredients. In addition, BASK’s spa and wellness center boasts treatment rooms that offer a wide range of services including massage and local therapies. For those interested in more active pursuits, the resort offers diving, golf, surfing, snorkeling, kayaking, paddle boarding and hiking.

Gili Meno resides in the middle of the three Gili islands, located 30 miles off the coast of the Indonesian province Lombok, and is accessible by international airports on Bali and Lombok, followed by a fast-boat ferry or a private speedboat charter. Gili Meno has seen a steady increase in tourists seeking adventure and looking for an idyllic alternative to neighboring, overdeveloped, and heavily trafficked Bali. Local authorities and landowners endeavor to preserve its natural splendor through conservation efforts such as the Gili Eco Trust and maintaining that the island remains free from motorized vehicles. Rich marine life thrives in the clear waters of the surrounding Indian Ocean, providing world-class scuba diving and snorkeling, and the island is the self-proclaimed “turtle capital of the world”, making it perfect for wildlife enthusiasts.

Adhering to BASK’s dedication to sustainable living, the property will feature a recycling program, no-plastic policy, a water treatment plant and composting system. BASK also aims to minimize its ecological footprint through the establishment of a carbon neutral program, preserving the beauty of Gili Meno.

Villa sales will target investment-savvy buyers looking to produce a yield on a rental product in an already-proven solvent and sustainable real estate market. This unique addition to Indonesia’s high-end resort scene provides potential investors a great opportunity to join what will be a premier destination for travelers from across the globe. The 82 individual villas in studio, loft, 2-bedroom and 3-bedroom suite layouts span from 59.8 sqm to 356.9 sqm respectively. The open floor plan villas range in price from approximately $222,000 to $900,000.

The island of Gili Meno is located only 700m from Gili Trawangan, an emerging hotspot for young tourists visiting the Gili Islands and neighboring Lombok. Roughly 370,000 tourists visit the Lombok area each year.

Contributed by Paul Johnson

10+ Incredible Experiences In Newly-Cool Jerusalem

My last trip to Jerusalem was over ten years ago and while it was an eye-opening experience from a religious and historical perspective, it was not a place that I would describe as particularly fun or edgy. But with a slew of recent innovations which can be seen in the city’s dynamic food scene, counter-culture nabes, hip bars and an abundance of stylish new designer boutiques springing up, Jerusalem is really having a “moment”. Newbies will most certainly want to allow time to see Jerusalem’s awe-inspiring Big 5: the Church of the Holy Sepulcher, City of David, the Western Wall, the Temple Mount and Yad Vashem.

Sleep in style

The historic American Colony Hotel is the antithesis to cookie-cutter chain establishments since every room in this elegant property (once a Pasha’s palace) is uniquely furnished combining classic Arabian arches, opulent Oriental rugs, Armenian ceramics and polished stone floors with welcome modern updates including a flat-screen TV, Italian “Frette” bed linens, modern bathrooms and evening turndown service. The whole staff is exceedingly gracious and just a sampling of the hotel’s many amenities include a champagne welcome drink, complimentary Wi-Fi, parking and (how sweet is this?) 20 minutes of free long distance calling nightly. Conveniently located at the crossroads of East and West Jerusalem, the American Colony Hotel has hosted a plethora of famous guests over the last century including Sir Winston Churchill, Lawrence of Arabia, Mikhail Gorbachev, Graham Greene, Robert De Niro, Bob Dylan, Giorgio Armani, Sir Ben Kingsley, etc. With its world-class restaurants, high-tech fitness center, fabulous swimming pool, and beautifully landscaped gardens filled with tropical flowers, stone fountains and olive trees, it can be difficult to tear yourself away.

Insider tip: If you’re jetlagged, be sure to set your alarm because you won’t want to miss the bountiful breakfast buffet-one of the city’s best.

Techie travels

You can aimlessly wander through the labyrinth of cobblestoned alleyways that make up the Old City, where you are almost certain to get lost and could miss out on some of the four quarters ( Jewish, Muslim, Christian and Armenian) or you can get smart and download a free app, The Old City of Jerusalem Audio Walking Tours has 16 self-guided tours (complete with user-friendly directions, maps, descriptions of the sights and photos) covering a wide range of interests such as In the footsteps of Christian sects, The Jewish Quarter, or Marketplaces in the Old City. This app kicks Siri to the curb!

Underrated gem

The new Herzl Museum opened on the 100th anniversary of Binyamin Ze’ev (Theodore) Herzl death, the founder of modern political Zionism, to commemorate the impact his life had on the creation of a Jewish State. A visit here includes a riveting hour long, audio-visual, theatrical encounter with this visionary Zionist. The presentation provides fascinating insight into Herzl’s ambitious goals and incredible achievements, as well as his deep disappointments and turbulent personal life–fodder for a reality show. Herzl and his wife Julia, who was prone to mental instability, had three children, each of whom met a terrible end and Herzl died when he was only 44. Yet only fifty years later, his daring dream, the establishment of the independent State of Israel became a reality.

Insider tip: The museum is adjacent to Mt. Herzl, where Herzl is buried alongside many of Israel’s presidents, prime ministers, Knesset speakers and other leaders.

New/old discovery

A half-hour drive into the Judean Desert brings you to the seldom-visited Herodion, a magnificent seven-story, palace-fortress built between 23 and 15 BCE. After a 35 year search, Professor Ehud Netzer recently discovered Herod’s royal tomb. Herodian, the third largest palace of its day, is similar to Masada, which was also designed by Herod, the greatest builder of the ancient world. The Talmud states, “If you have not seen the Temple that Herod built, you have not seen the most beautiful structure in the world.” You can appreciate Herod’s incredible building skills as you wander through the palace remains, complete with courtyards, a Roman theatre, synagogue, banquet rooms, opulent living quarters, and the largest Roman bathhouse in the country, where you can still see some of the original tiles and colorful frescoes. This gifted builder was also an extremely cruel and paranoid leader, who murdered several family members.

Shoptalk

Small but fabulous Little Bezalel Street is the epitome of style. The pedestrian-only, cobblestoned street is lined with postage stamp sized, stone built shops, home to some very talented Israeli clothing and jewelry designers, as well as a handful of fashionable outdoor cafes. Two chic clothing boutiques, Momi Mia and Homi, feature sophisticated Israeli fashions, while Alit Heiman, a one-woman force to be reckoned with, recently opened a gorgeous jewelry shop. Once a dancer, Alit’s gracefully designed sterling silver and vermeil pieces combine elegant poise and balance.

Insider Tip: If you’re there on a Friday take in the Bezalel Arts Fair, a lively street fair with over 100 crafty booths between Bezalel Street and Shmuel HaNagid Street, next to the old home of the renown Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design.

4,000 years of history in 45 breathtaking minutes

You can not find a more spectacular setting (hence the name, “The Night Spectacular”) than the massive expanse of ancient citadel walls that serve as the backdrop for the Tower of David -Light and Sound Show. Jerusalem’s 4,000 year old history is brought to life during this state-of-the-art, multi-sensory experience that utilizes 20 projectors, 10 video players, 14 computers and 14 loudspeakers resulting in an extraordinary experience that will linger long after the last orchestral note and breathtaking, virtual reality image has faded away.

Insider tip: See below for the perfect end to your evening.

Unique tour experiences

If you’re afraid you won’t have time to see it all or just want to take in the city’s highlights from another perspective, join ZuZu on one of their magical, mysterious Midnight Bike Tours. The company will supply you with a good bike, light and helmet, and a fun, knowledgeable guide who will lead you on a 2 or 3 hour circle tour offering spectacular views of the Old City, as you pedal through the quiet, empty streets up to the top of a hill overlooking the city lights.

Insider tip: Zuzu also offers a variety of Segway City Tours in either Hebrew or English.

Non-schlocky souvenirs 

Yad LaKashish: Lifeline for the Old not only offers one-stop shopping for beautiful, gently priced, hand-made jewelry, candlesticks, menorahs and other quality crafts but at the same time you’ll be performing a mitzvah (charitable act) since this non-profit organization provides approximately 300 of Jerusalem’s needy elderly and disabled a sense of purpose through creative work opportunities. Located in the Musrara neighborhood of Old Jerusalem, the small shack which was originally used as the bookbindery has grown into an impressive complex, offering daily workshops in ceramics, metalwork, embroidery, silk painting, woodwork, paper mache and much more. Standouts include colorful Ethiopian clay mobiles, recycled paper stationery, and very cool hand made metal Star of David necklaces.

Insider tip: Sign up in advance for a tour where you’ll be able to meet these inspiring artisans and see their work works-in-progress.

Market mayhem

The Mahne Yehuda Market aka The Jerusalem Shuk ranks up there with the world’s best. The minute you step foot in the Shuk you are enveloped by the same captivating cloud of scents, sights and flavors that has wooed shoppers since the Ottoman Era, when it served as a social meeting place. Join the throngs of mankind at this cacophonous food market haphazardly lined with over 250 stalls stocked with the finest local produce, freshly ground coffee, exotic teas and spices, dried fruits and nuts, fish, meat, cheese, olives, and baked goods, many which offer tasty free sample! After a recent revitalization the market now includes many new bistros, lively espresso bars and hip clothing boutiques and has become a popular evening hangout.

Insider tip: Some faves here include an incredible cup of freshly roasted coffee served by the sweetest baristas at Cafelix; Basher’s Formagerie, opened since1956 and considered to be the finest cheese outlet in Israel; Marzipan Bakery for their renown gooey, fudge-y, piping-hot, killer-rich chocolate rugelach and The Halva Kingdom which offers 100 different flavors of this ground sesame treat. For a more substantial meal head to Manou ba Shouk, for their decadent baked eggplant anointed with a pool of creamy tahini.

Food to fly back for

Machneyuda is a vivacious venue run by three wildly inventive Jerusalem chefs. Every seat has a view of the open kitchen where you might see the chefs banging on pots in time to the blasting music or painstakingly adding the final touches to their “I’d like to be under the sea, in an octopus garden with you” dish before dancing it over to your table. The creative menu changes daily featuring the freshest ingredients from the adjacent Mahne Yehuda Market.

Insider tip: Foodies near and far have discovered this treasure so be sure to make reservations waaaay in advance.

Adom restaurant, hidden away in the newly renovated First Train Station complex, is a great choice if you’re looking for someplace a bit more romantic. Dramatic design elements include lots of wood, stone and glass with camel, black and burgundy leather banquettes, and outdoor seating. The fusion food has Italian, French and Mediterranean nuances which pairs nicely with the extensive international wine list. Top hits here include any of the seafood dishes, gnocci, a seriously good burger (served with little potato croquettes instead of fries) or any of the not-overly sweet desserts.

Insider tip: The bar is party central after 10:00 pm when a special ½ price menu is available.

Timely transport

Finally someone gets mass transport right! Hop on the environmentally friendly, electrically operated, Jerusalem Light Rail for a virtually noise and pollution free mode of transportation which takes you to many of the city’s popular destinations.

Insider tip: The red line takes you across the new Chords Bridge, also called The Bridge of Strings, a cantilever spar cable-stayed bridge designed by the Spanish architect and engineer Santiago Calatrava. Costing over $70 million the bridge has sparked major controversy for both its price and artistic merit.

For help in planning your exciting trip to Jerusalem visit the Israel Ministry of Tourism website.

Contributed by Janice Nieder, aluxurytravelblog.com
Follow us on Twitter: @TraveloreReport

Top 10 Luxury Hotels In Brazil

Brazil is a country blessed with outstanding natural beauty, some of the biggest sights in the world and has a superb array of luxury hotels to complement. It can be argued that many of the best hotels in the country are in Sao Paulo, the economic and cultural hub of Brazil, and certainly there were a few in the city which I couldn’t include such as the Emiliano, a favourite for business travellers. Rio de Janeiro too has some wonderful hotels with new properties due to open in the run up to the Olympics.

As a country so closely associated with beach life there are of course many amazing beach hotels and there are a number of high quality luxury hotels which just missed our top ten such as Casa Turquesa in Paraty, Villas de Trancoso in Trancoso, Nannai Resort in Porto de Galinhas, Quinta do Bucanero in Praia do Rosa or Kenoa Resort near Maceio to mention just a few.

Likewise some of the best hotels to experience Brazil’s big natural sights are missing like the Hotel Das Cataratas at Iguassu Falls, Caiman Ecological Refuge in the Pantanal or Anavilhanas Lodge in the Amazon but we’ll save those for another post. Therefore reducing this list to a top 10 wasn’t easy but here’s our selection. Enjoy.

Copacabana Palace

The most famous hotel in South America and an iconic sight in Brazil which has been home to anyone who’s anyone in the world of showbiz, government and royalty over the last century. The hotel was opened in 1923 and immediately became an architectural landmark, designed by the French architect Joseph Gire, who took his inspiration from the Hotel Carlton in Cannes and the Hotel Negresco in Nice. Prior to the 2014 World Cup, the Copacabana Palace underwent extensive refurbishments to ensure its position as South America’s premiere hotel. The hotel is also one of Rio’s top dining experiences with three restaurants available for the guests, The Pérgula, situated by the pool which is great for celebrity spotting, the fine Asian food at Mee is the creation of legendary chef Ken Hom where you can discover the most sophisticated pan-Asian cuisine in Rio, and the famous Cipriani restaurant which serves up a selection of Italian cuisine. At the latter of these you are also able to have a real treat and dine at the Chefs Table inside the kitchen for a very personal dining experience with private sommelier, waiter and the personal attention of Chef Luca Orini.

Fasano Rio

The pretender to the crown of the Copacabana Palace, the Fasano is the hotel of choice of many young celebrities looking for luxury in Rio. It’s uber cool and super trendy. The hotel has a priviledged location opposite the fashionable Posto 8 on Ipanema Beach which is the place to be seen on the sand in Rio. The hotel was designed by celebrated designer by Phillipe Starck and is a place where luxury abounds, illustrated from the white goose down pillows to the amazing rooftop infinity pool looking out to the ocean. To satisfy a demanding clientele all the rooms possess private balconies, separated by mirror screens making privacy and discretion a hallmark of the property. The Fasano family made their name with their restaurants and so it is unsurprising that the Al Mare restaurant is one of the best dining experiences in Rio with a menu focusing on a Mediterranean style seafood cuisine whilst the Baretto-Londra lounge offers award-winning signature cocktails and is one of Rio’s ‘places to be seen’.

Fasano Sao Paulo

The Hotel Fasano in Sao Paulo set the standard for all other luxury hotels in Brazil to follow and still today, many years after it first opened, not much has changed. The designers of the Hotel Fasano have crafted a distinctly elegant 1930s throwback style ambience where modern meets the richness of classic designs. Such work can be seen in the façade bricks, imported from England, and the lobby’s marble beams from Rome and the style of the hotel is felt immediately on entrance; sophisticated design, dark woods and stylish leather seats. The hotel is located on a quiet road that runs parallel with the shopping delights offered on Rua Oscar Freire between the business centres of Paulista and Faria Lima Avenues neighbouring renowned brands such as Armani, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany, Bulgari, Versace, Cartier and Dior just to mention a few. The Fasano restaurant is regularly considered the best Italian restaurant in South America and a place to be seen in a stylish design which is typical of the Fasano name whilst the fabulous Bar Baretto, an intimate live music and jazz bar, regularly hosts top performers.

Unique

The Hotel Unique in Sao Paulo is one of the most distinctive in the world due to its design. This fabulous boat shaped property is a real eye-catcher and located opposite the city’s Ibirapuera Park in the upmarket area of Jardins. The hotel Unique is a destination where art, architecture, design, fashion, music, gastronomy and exquisite service are at the heart of a groundbreaking hotel culture. The hotel has a mix of rooms and suites with the rooms offering contemporary and elegant décor, high-technology amenities and maximum comfort furnished with Brazilian hardwood floors, and oversized, round windows which mimic portholes on a ship and allow for natural light to flood in. The suites also incorporate the curve of the building with “infinity floors” that gently slope into the walls, providing architectural drama. The Hotel Unique also boasts the best views of the city skyline and on the roof you can find Skye, an area which contains a crimson red pool with an underwater sound system, lounge area and bar with stunning vistas over Ibirapuera Park and the entire São Paulo skyline. It’s the place to go if you want to be seen.

Insolitos

Located Buzios, the Insolito Boutique Hotel is pick of the top hotels in this sophisticated town and in 2012 was voted as the Best Beach Hotel in South America at the World Travel Awards. Insolitos is located on Ferradura beach, one of the best in Buzios, and was designed to perfectly integrate with its natural surroundings. Its owner has lovingly created the unique themes which vary throughout the hotel. Brazilian legends combined with the use of local arts and crafts have wonderfully created 20 individually styled and welcoming rooms most of which feature Brazilian modern art or photography, all personally chosen by the owner. All rooms come with panoramic views of the ocean and some include a veranda with whirlpool. The hotel features two pools, a dry sauna, a steam sauna, plus jacuzzi and an Ofurô. The hotel has two speedboats for guests to use and explore the surrounding waters for watersports, fishing or picnics whilst the trendy beach lounge and restaurant is the place to be wined and dined featuring a fabulous Franco-Brazilian menu.

Ponta dos Ganchos

Ponta dos Ganchos Resort is a small but special hotel. It’s situated next to a traditional fishing village overlooking stunning, forested coastline just north of Florianopolis on a privately-owned peninsula, surrounded by the exuberant Emerald Coast. The hotel is regarded as one of the most exclusive beach resorts in Brazil, and it regularly wins the title of the best beach hotel in South America. The hotel is exclusively for adults and a major honeymoon destination for those looking for romance and luxury. Ponta dos Ganchos is part of the Leading Hotels of the World group which act as a seal of testament to its impeccable facilities. The hotel has 25 sophisticated bungalows set in amazingly lush vegetation by the rainforest creating a dazzling display of light and colour. Ponta dos Ganchos is the perfect place to relax offering a cinema, a state-of-the-art fitness centre, bar, restaurant, oceanfront tennis court, Spa, Massage gazebos, heated swimming pool and some wonderful nature trails to follow. In addition there are numerous water-borne activities which can be enjoyed close the resort with boat trips out to see dolphins, excellent scuba diving and close to the best area in Brazil for whale-watching.

Txai Resort

The Txai Resort is located in southern Bahia, close to the town of Itacare on the beautiful Itacarezinho Beach on the Coconut Coast. The boutique resort is a beach paradise which combines an eco-friendly style with style and luxury comforts. There are 38 individual private bungalows which are scattered throughout a coconut grove which overlook the ocean and creates a tropical paradise. If you are looking for a luxury family getaway then the resort has 3 villas for larger groups or families and these properties consist of 4 separate suites plus a kitchen, living and dining areas as well as containing their own barbecue area and swimming pool. Bahia is famous for its cuisine and seafood features heavily on the menu of the excellent restaurant. The hotel places a heavy emphasis on eco-tourism and the resort offers some wonderful trips to nearby attractions which include rafting, surfing, horse riding, bird watching and trips to local waterfalls. For those who are simply looking to laze and relax then the resort offers massage services, a health centre, a relaxation room and three swimming pools. The big skies make for a special way to end your day as stargazing from your bungalow has to be one of the most special things to do at this stunning resort.

UXUA Casa

UXUA Casa is a special place to stay. So much so that the hotel website Mr and Mrs Smith declared the hotel in 2014 as the best in the world. It’s quite a claim but having stayed there I can perfectly see why. Situated next to the famous Quadrado the hotels has 10 exclusive residences (casas), each with their own unique design. The casas vary in size and are perfect for honeymooners or families. This really is the place to be seen on holiday in Trancoso. UXUA Casa translates as ‘Marvellous House’ and is the creation of renowned designer Wilbert Das, formerly of the Diesel clothing label, who is regularly seen in the hotel and very engaging with guests. All of the 10 casas are carefully styled with art from the Trancoso area and set in stunning natural surroundings. Our particular favourite is the Casa da Arvore, the tree house, which is a favourite for honeymooners. All ten casas include large comfortable beds, indoor and outdoor living areas, flatscreen TV, air-conditioning and wifi. The pool located next the restaurant was designed to have lake-like quality, built incorporating beautiful green aventurine stone, which the locals consider that they have therapeutic power, helping to calm the mind and reduce stress. The restaurant is one of the best in Trancoso and can host cookery classes too whereas a short stroll to the beach will take you to the fabulous beach bar in the form of a semi-sunken boat in the sand serving great seafood and caipirinhas which are far too easy to drink.

Pousada Maravilha

Fernando de Noronha tops the travel bucket list of many Brazilians, an archipelago of 21 islands a 60 minute flight from the mainland off the north-east coast and one of the most incredible destinations on earth. World class diving and secluded beaches are the main attractions here including the Baia do Sancho beach, voted best beach in the world for the last 2 years by TripAdvisor. The Pousada Maravilha is the most exclusive hotel on Fernando de Noronha combining stylish sophistication with natural resources to produce a truly wonderful luxury hotel. Located on the south-east of the island the hotel is a five star luxurious resort built with ecology in mind. The hotel offers two types of accommodation options: five bungalows for couples and three luxury apartments which can hold up to four people. All bungalows have an ocean view, complete with a hot tub on the balcony and a hammock on the veranda, it’s an incredible place to relax in this paradise location. All of the apartments contain the same comforts of the bungalows but are without a hot tub. The pool area (pictured) has wonderful views of this idyllic paradise and the pousada offers endless leisure options for those looking for more than just relaxation.

Zorah Beach

The Zorah Beach Hotel is a relatively new hotel on the luxury travel scene in Brazil but doesn’t disappoint. Located on Brazil’s north shore in the small town of Guajiru, roughly 2 hours from Fortaleza, the hotel offers the perfect slice of paradise on a beach which is deserted save for a few kitesurfers. Such a tropical beachfront in Brazil is perhaps the last place you may expect to find an Asian-themed luxury hideaway, however this is how Zorah Beach Hotel has been designed and the look is perfect. The hotel offers its clientele a choice of 22 different luxury accommodations which range from spacious Suites to roomy Bungalows as well as an exclusive waterfront Villa. All rooms and the villa boast Super King size beds, flat-screen TVs and L’Occitane amenities. The Asian influence at Zorah Beach Hotel also extends to the restaurant, where a unique slant on Asian cuisine crafted from the finest local ingredients is delivered. For something a little less formal, Zorah’s Beach Bar offers a-la-carte drinks and seafood in a poolside setting, perfect for unwinding. If languid relaxation is the order of the day at Zorah Beach Hotel then the large outdoor swimming pool presents the perfect forum whilst for those more active then Guariju is considered as one of the world’s leading kitesurfing destinations and the hotel can arrange lessons and board hire.

Contributed by Simon Williams, Director of Bespoke Brazil.  A Luxury Travel Blog

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6 Tips To Upgrade Your Travel

Do you wish you could upgrade your travel, for example fly first class instead of economy class, access airport lounges, be upgraded more often at hotels, and just generally enjoy a more luxurious vacation? Here are my top tips for how to upgrade your travel:

1. Plan ahead

One of the most expensive mistakes some of my clients and other travelers make is not booking their vacation far enough in advance. While there can be last minute deals for cheaper hotels, luxury properties are often sold out for high demand dates, and airfare is more expensive or sold out for the most convenient routes.

I don’t recommend traveling during peak holiday seasons, as I’ll explain below, but if you must travel during the holidays, planning ahead becomes even more critical.

2. Use frequent flyer miles for first class or business class

For international trips, one of the biggest expenses is airfare, particularly if you fly business class. By planning ahead and using frequent flyer miles to book first class or business class award seats, you get to upgrade your flying experience to one you might not be able to afford on paid tickets. Other benefits of flying business or first class include airport lounge access and a flat bed for better sleep (complete with mattress, turn down service and pajamas in first class). Getting a good night’s sleep and arriving well rested at your destination means less jet lag, so you can start enjoying your vacation instead of needing to recover from the flight. You also save an enormous amount of money that can be used to upgrade your hotels and the rest of your vacation.

Naturally it does call for some organization and planning to earn the frequent flyer miles, but often, even if you need to buy some extra miles to top up an account, you come out ahead. U.S. residents with great credit scores have a particular advantage, with great credit card signup offers of 50,000 or more miles or points per card, and various category spend bonuses from 2X to 5X.

3. Travel during shoulder season, not during peak holiday season

There’s significant variation in pricing for many resorts, depending on whether you stay there during peak season, shoulder season or low season. While I don’t recommend visiting a resort during the lowest season, which is often monsoon season, I do recommend avoiding peak holiday season. Not only are prices high, the full occupancy of the resort will make any kind of upgrade very unlikely, and service can suffer.

Instead, aim to travel during shoulder season, perhaps a few weeks after the resort’s busy winter holiday period or during the fall, after kids have gone back to school.

4. Book a room in a 5 star hotel, not a suite in a 4 star hotel

If you have a large family or need to be guaranteed a suite, feel free to ignore this advice, but in general I find that my clients have better experiences at a true 5-star luxury hotel, even if they only booked an entry level room, than in a suite at a 4 star hotel.

Why is this? One of the greatest differentiators between decent hotels and great hotels is their quality of service and attention to detail. And the service (or lack thereof) is also often what we remember most, more than the room decor or how big the suite was. A long line or dour face during the check-in process, which is more common at an average hotel, already starts to set the tone for the stay. And if something isn’t right with the room or suite, a great 5-star hotel will make a better service recovery than a lower quality hotel.

5. Book with preferred partner programs

A secret that even some otherwise knowledgeable world travelers don’t know is that your best chance of an upgrade at a luxury hotel is not by booking direct with the hotel, not by booking online via Expedia, Priceline, etc., and not by using an AMEX or other credit card hotels program.

Instead, your best bet at an upgrade is by booking through a preferred partner program, using a luxury travel advisor who belongs to the program. This is because hotels such as Four Seasons, The Peninsula, The Dorchester Collection and others prioritize upgrades booked via their preferred partner program over other booking channels. Other benefits of booking using a preferred partner program are benefits such as complimentary daily breakfast for two, complimentary internet access, and a property-specific amenity, such as a resort credit for dining or for the spa.

6. Families: select a resort with a complimentary kids’ club or activities

It’s not much of a vacation for parents if you go to a resort that doesn’t have a lot to offer your kids, so they complain about having “nothing to do” or just spend the trip glued to their electronic devices. The solution is to select a resort with a complimentary kids’ club or activities where your kids can meet others their age and be engaged in a variety of outdoor and indoor activities, from sand castle building to treasure hunts to learning about the local culture through arts and crafts. That gives you some quality couple’s time, and provides a nice balance for everyone between separate activities and excursions together with the entire family.

Contributed by Hilary Stockton, CEO at TravelSort. A Luxury Travel Blog

Follow us on Twitter: @TraveloreReport

6 Luxury (Vegan) Hotels In Singapore (And Johor Bahru)

With the rapidly increasing number of people choosing a vegan lifestyle, luxury hotels and resorts are beginning to adapt their services to ensure guests looking for plant based luxury feel just as at home as their non-vegan counterparts. There are already some vegan hotspots in the world (including Berlin and Los Angeles) that are well known for their plentiful vegan offerings, where you can eat happily without having to accept salad at every meal.

Now Singapore, famed for it’s culture, history and culinary adventures, is nipping at the heels of some of the more famous vegan cities in the world and it’s luxury hotels are helping to lead the way.

It’s also just over the Causeway from Johor Bahru in Malaysia, where the luxury continues and the vegan food is really pretty special.

Johor Bahru is often overlooked by those travelling in the region despite being just an hour from the centre of Singapore and a frequent destination for Singaporeans who love to shop, the city is currently undergoing huge development with shopping malls, new hotels and theme parks including Legoland and Hello Kitty World, all opening recently and drawing massive crowds.

Here’s our pick of 6 luxury (vegan) hotels in Singapore (and Johor Bahru).

The Westin Singapore

Situated in the heart of the Central Business District, The Westin Singapore is a modern and fresh new property with killer views and a weekend brunch event that’s famous with food loving Singaporeans.

But a lesser known fact is that the Westin follows a culinary philosophy (SuperFoodsRX) that contains mainly vegan foods and they have a dedicated chef who deals with all special dietary requirements.

The hotel is also right near one of the iconic VeganBurg restaurants so guests wanting to try one of these world famous vegan burgers can pop by during their stay.

Grand Hyatt Singapore

Right in the centre of the busy Orchard Road shopping and entertainment district, vegans will be very happy at Grand Hyatt Singapore.

Chefs at their signature, award winning restaurant Mezza9 are happy to put together a vegan menu where guests can dine on vegan versions of Asian cuisine from around the region.

Plus the in-room amenities are by New York based luxury brand June Jacobs whose products are all natural, organic and 100% vegan (rarely found in hotels so this is an added luxury vegan bonus).

Sheraton Towers Singapore

Sheraton Towers Singapore has a great location on Scotts Road and offers all of the upscale amenities you would expect from a 5 star hotel in Singapore.

They earn their place on our list because of the amazing array of vegan delights, including a phenomenal vegan breakfast, where their talented team pulled out all the stops and made a stack of vegan pancakes, vegan banana bread, granola, a range of cooked options and a variety of fresh juices.

Drink vegan cocktails in the Towers Executive Lounge and eat dainty vegan canapes before heading down to Li Bai, the Sheraton Towers Singapore’s fine dining Cantonese restaurant where you’ll be seriously impressed by the vegan food on offer.

A stay here gets you a vegan banquet in the morning but make sure to leave room for all the other vegan food on offer because there is a lot of it!

Four Seasons Singapore

Check in to be greeted by beautiful vegan snacks in your classic luxury suite. The Four Seasons brand is well established in the luxury travel world but they’re also very well equipped to look after vegan travellers who want to experience what this top end brand has to offer.

The renowned fine dining Cantonese restaurant has a menu with a whole section of vegan (and vegetarian) dishes. Dinner at Jiang-Nan Chun as a vegan guest still offers the same high quality experience as other (non-vegan) guests with exquisite food being served at every course.

There’s nothing out of the ordinary about eating plant-based food in this restaurant and the food is exceptional.

The other great thing about the Four Seasons Singapore is the great range of luxury vegan products available in their spa. Whether booking in for a treatment or stocking up on luxury skincare, vegan guests can choose from a range of products that contain no animal products and haven’t been tested on animals.

Regent Singapore

Located just around the corner from the Four Seasons Singapore, the Regent Singapore is home to the seriously talented Chef Angelo, whose ability to make vegan guests feel at home is second to none.

Vegan visitors to the Regent Singapore will be well looked after during their stay but making a reservation at Basilico, their signature Italian restaurant guarantees a fine dining experience that won’t be forgotten in a hurry.

At breakfast, they’ll make you vegan versions of local favourites as well as coming up with a few extra dishes that taste as good as they look.

Renaissance Johor Bahru

Our top pick in Johor Bahru has to be the Renaissance Johor Bahru, a 5 star luxury hotel just 10 minutes from the Malaysia – Singapore checkpoint, enabling guests to experience both Malaysia and Singapore on the same visit.

Expect modern rooms, state of the art fitness centre, a stylish outdoor pool and superb customer service, as well as delicious vegan dining at both Cafe BLD and Wan Li.

The award winning chef at Cafe BLD will prepare a vegan feast that not only tastes amazing but looks amazing too, including this exquisite ‘Carrot Cake with Pepper Relish and a Green Pea Puree’ and ‘Potato Cake With Marmalade, Beetroot Puree’.

If Cantonese fine dining is your thing then Wan Li will not fail to impress with a wide range of vegan dishes, our favourite being the ‘Bamboo Shoot Rolls with Golden Pumpkin Sauce’ which were packed full of flavour.

The wonderful thing about all of these hotels is that even though they aren’t specifically vegan companies, they cater exceptionally well for all their customers no matter what their dietary requirements are.

So now vegan travellers looking for luxury can head to Singapore and neighbouring Johor Bahru where they can see the sights, soak up the culture and enjoy the finer things in life in one of our chosen luxury hotels.

Amazing vegan food is guaranteed!

Contributed by Paul Eyers, Founder of Vegan Food Quest. www.aluxurytravelblog.com

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Luxury In The Land Of Maharajas: India’s Top Palace Hotels

In amongst India’s 1.2 billion population, this extraordinary country enthralls its visitors with ancient inhabited cities, astonishing colourful festivities and beautiful landscapes; it’s a real overload of the senses. To add to the many incredible experiences India has to offer, the country is home to a number of undeniably luxurious palace hotels, all of which have their own unique charm and character. There is no better way to travel through the country than by spending a night or two in these grand properties, many of which were previously owned by Rajasthan royalty.

If you wish to follow in the footsteps of royalty, here are my top 5 palace hotels:

The Taj Lake Palace, Udaipur

Built between 1743 and 1746 as a royal summer palace, the Taj Lake Palace is an iconic property in India thanks to its romantic location in the middle of Lake Pichola, in the beautiful city of Udaipur. Overlooking the city palace, this hotel is a truly delightful place to stay, and serves as the perfect conclusion to a trip exploring other parts of Rajasthan.

You will find yourself gliding across the lake by boat to reach the Taj Lake Palace entrance, before being showered with flower petals as you are welcomed into the hotel. It is true to say that this is one of the most romantic and exceptional places to stay when exploring this part of the world.

The Rambagh Palace, Jaipur

Set in the heart of the Pink City, the Rambagh Palace is the former residence of the Maharaja of Jaipur and is often considered one of the best hotels in the world. Boasting 47 acres of perfectly manicured gardens, this luxury property is a welcome oasis from the hustle and bustle of Rajasthan’s capital city.

Each room here is lavishly designed and it’s easy to imagine yourself a part of its royal history. Don’t miss out on a tipple or two in the polo bar.

Umaid Bhawan Palace, Jodhpur

Situated high above the city of Jodhpur sits the almighty Umaid Bhawan Palace in all its grandeur, looking down on the desert landscape below. This art deco designed palace is one of the world’s largest private residences and serves as the principle home to the former Jodhpur royal family. Part of the palace is managed by Taj Hotels Resorts and Palaces, and is run as an opulent property for those looking to enjoy the Blue City in utmost luxury.

The palace is colossal and offers a range of facilities such as a tennis court, indoor swimming pool and an impressive spa. If you like vintage cars, you may also wish to visit the gallery here which showcases the royal family’s most prized automobile collection.

Nadesar Palace, Varanasi

Located in one of the oldest inhabited cities on the planet, Nadesar Palace has hosted royalty and statesmen since 1845. The city of Varanasi is a once in a life time place to visit and the Nadesar offers an equally impressive place to stay. With just 10 rooms it has an air of exclusivity, and if you’re feeling regal you may wish to arrive at the entrance in the hotel’s traditional horse and cart.

Due to its size, you receive a very personal service and may find it hard to pull yourself away from your luxurious surroundings. But don’t miss out on the chance to see the nightly Ganga Aarti down by the River Ganges. In this busy and remarkable city, the Nadesar Palace is without a doubt the most luxurious hotel to spend a night or two.

The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Mumbai

Opened in 1909, the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel is not strictly a historical palace but it is still a grand hotel with a rich history and an interesting architectural design. Overlooking the Gateway of India, this property is one of the most recognisable hotels in the world and offers all of the facilities you would expect from a top luxury hotel.

Walking through the hallways of the property you will notice the many famous faces who have stayed here before, from prime ministers and presidents to rock stars and Bollywood actors. The hotel itself claims to offer the highest level of service in India and is one of the best places to stay when in the bright city lights of Bombay.

Contributed by Craig Burkinshaw, a Founder Director of Audley Travel. www.aluxurytravelblog.com

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