|
One of the few remaining historic homes on Capri, Villa le Scale offers a private, sophisticated appeal. Each of the historic home's guest rooms is individually decorated, each style taking its theme from a centerpiece artwork. The private gardens on the property are three times the size of the villa, and all guest rooms look out on them. |
Most rooms also have terrific views of the bay. Amenities here include a heated pool and 8-station gym. Staff can help guide guests to the best activities, restaurants, Capri's secrets and more. And our travel agency can make all your necessary arrangements. |
Italy is always one of our most sought after vacation destinations. Travelers never tire of Italy, and there's always new resorts and activities to explore. So what about a luxury vacation package exploring Italy's vacation isles? 
Traveling with children always requires some extra prep time. Even when you pick the best family vacation destinations, there's no guarantee everyone will have a great time. Bottom line: you know the personalities and idiosyncracies of your kids and family best. That should largely serve as a guideline on how you go about it. While it's easy for our luxury travel agency to plan your best vacation in Hawaii, or an all-inclusive Club Med vacation, planning luxury family vacations such as a European vacation, Asia vacation and beyond is more challenging. So here are some general observations about family friendly vacations I hope you'll find useful.1. Take the kids and expose them.
We know children are like sponges in absorbing new sights, sounds and smells. While there are some adults that prefer children not be dragged about the planet because "they're too young to appreciate it, and it's a waste of money;" most parents know exposing children to travel, to other cultures and to new experiences is a great way to acclimate them to grow up to become better rounded individuals. (While this blog isn't about politics, I'm always worried when an elected official to higher office is poorly traveled -- they generally exhibit a much narrorwer viewpoint to the world's problems.)
2. Let your kids be your guide to new experiences.
For parents traveling with children, there's an added bonus. Seeing new destinations through the eyes of children is part of the joy of family vacations. At least that's been my experience traveling with my kids over the years. They often notice and call attention to things that I may not have given a second glance to or considered.
3. Do some advance preparation so your kids have an idea of where they're going and what to look forward to.
When we planned our first trip to Europe with our kids, exposing them to a bit of history and art was important. We went to the library and took out some children's books that dealt with castles in Europe (knights, royalty and all that), and art. Reading these illustrated books, written in language they can understand, prepared them. When we visited a castle or chateau, they had a better appreciation of it, and what life was like in centuries past.
4. How to make a museum visit last longer for everyone's increased pleasure.
We enjoy visiting the world's museums. It's important to limit the time one exposes younger children to at a museum -- there's only so much they'll take or can absorb. But you can make it fun. Our kids have always enjoyed pretty postcards, so sometimes we've gone to the gift shop first, looked at the postcards, had the kids find those they like, then we're off on a treasure hunt in the galleries to find those works of art. Another "game" is have them find paintings that depict certain things, like a castle; or a saint, and what do they think about that portrayal; or an animal, and talk about how the animal is depicted.
5. Don't make all the decisions, let the kids plan some of your activities.
Involving kids in the decision of day-to-day planning is also important. If parents program all the sightseeing without kids' input, and without appropriate down time, kids will generally get bored, have issues, and have a propensity to whine. Making a list of "things to do," and allow everyone to pick their favorite. It's one way to engage kids and cut down on complaining, because they know they got their pick, too. If a full day of sightseeing precludes that, then allow a day just for the kids to do what they want to. If traveling in warm summer months, staying at a hotel with a swimming pool, or near a beach, is advantageous. With the promise of an afternoon swim after some sightseeing, kids can be more patient.
6. Give your kids travel "homework"
Finally, we've always encouraged our kids to keep a travel diary or scrapbook of their adventures. We give them time at the restaurant (waiting for dinner to be served), or before bedtime, to record something about each day. When they were younger, we gave them questions to answer about their day, to make it easier. Saving tickets, pictures, and postcards is also fun and creates memories for them later. Of course, giving them their own digital camera to record their impressions is a bonus. As kids get older, sharing their experiences in the classroom is also useful, and we've encouraged their teachers to let kids talk in class about their adventures abroad, because that's of benefit to all children. (Sometimes they've earned extra credit in class for doing so!)
In working with so many families planning vacations over the years, it's not uncommon, after listening to a client's initial trip request, that I've had to ask: Is this trip for you and your wife, or is it for your kids, or are we planning this so all of you have a great time? It makes them consider that maybe they've left out an important equation -- their kids, or in some cases, themselves and their own needs. That helps us plan a better paced vacation that takes everyone's interests into account. Read more about planning family vacation packages.
Whenever an Olympic Games hits town, there's a horde of visitors from around the world that want to attend, and for good reason. The Games are an incredible spectacle, and on one important level, one of those rare occasions when the world comes together in friendly competition.But as it is each Olympic Games, travelers are shocked by the prices hotels charge during these events, which can border on highway robbery. Some cities get away with it, and some suffer the consequences of attracting fewer visitors than they otherwise might have.
Now comes London in 2012. And fresh on the heels of William and Kate's wedding, soon the media frenzy will kick in about the London Olympics. As is typically the case, many hotels tie up rooms for the exclusive use by the IOC. But the good thing about London is, there are lots of accommodation choices, and for those willing to book now, they'll have the best availability, whether at hotels or apartment-type lodging. While many companies are still negotiating rates with hotels and haven't put programs out, others have access and booking accommodations for clients now.
Obviously, the further one stays from the city center, the better the pricing will be, though that will mean battling the underground or city trains and buses to get about. It's important to keep in mind some events won't even occur in London, but in locations like Eton near Windsor, Weymouth, Essex and Hertfordshire. Either way, if you wish to attend the London Olympic Games in 2012, we encourage you to book now. It's bound to be a popular Games.
For those that wish to acquire their own event tickets, or check event schedules, you might refer to www.cosport.com, Otherwise, our luxury travel agency can assist, not just with accommodations, but with touring activities, flights and more. Likewise, we have contacts in London with whom we can make your accommodation arrangements. So for your London vacation packages during the Olympics, or in conjunction with touring Europe, contact our travel agency early, so we can help fulfill your travel request.
Singapore Airlines has always been one of our favorite airlines to Asia. Their service and comfort always makes this long haul flight enjoyable. And Singapore makes for a perfect stepping stone for visiting wonderful southeast Asian counties like Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia and Laos, and beyond.This weekend, on Third Street Promenade in Santa Monica, between Santa Monica Blvd and Arizona, Singapore Airlines will have its A380 seats on display for you to try out. Strap yourself in and imagine what could be... In addition, there will be an Asian cultural fair of sorts, so if you want to get the inside scoop on traveling to this marvelous part of our world, and what it has to offer, you might want to check it out.
The knowledgeable Asia experts at our travel agency, of course, are always eager to help you plan your vacation to Asia. We've got numerous personal connections with hotels and suppliers, and can plan your dream vacation to Asia. So check out Singapore's seats, and once you realize how cozy your flight will be, maybe you'll be ready to plan that Asian vacation you've been dreaming about with one of the vacation planners at our luxury travel agency.
Smithsonian has released it's Life List of 43 places to see before you die. From wonders of the world to thrills for adventure seekers, this is a great list to review for passionate travelers. Whether you're considering African safari tours or an Australia vacation and the Great Barrier Reef, the vacation planners at our luxury travel agency have been to these destinations, and are eager to help arrange yours!
It's not surprising travel has grown in importance to families. It stands to reason: strapped for time, family vacations are those rare windows when hard-working parents and their busy kids can get away and have quality time together. Family vacation packages are no longer luxuries -- they've become a necessity for many.Another type of popular family facation is the family reunion trip: multi-generational vacations. When multiple generations, grandparents and extended family, or even a few different families, get together to plan their best family vacation destinations, it can be challenging to find agreement and make decisions that provide fun and enrichment for everyone involved. That's where our travel agency can help -- a lot. As an unbiased advocate, we can help plan the best family vacations and avoid many of the tensions and frustrations planning such trips can involve. It's often easier to have an "outsider" to make recommendations and handle the arrangements.
Popular family vacations include all-inclusive resorts like Club Med and family cruise vacations. That's because everything is pretty much included: accommodations, meals, activities and entertainment. However, our family vacation experts can plan a customized vacation for you to just about anywhere in the world. If there's enough of you to consitute a group, extra amenities can also be offered. For example, right now there are all-inclusive resorts in Mexico where children 12 and under stay, play and eat for free! Or at select resorts in the Caribbean, for every five rooms booked you can get one room free. At a beachfront Maui resort, children 12 and under eat and drink free, and free rollaways for children 12 and under are provided.
If you've been involved in planning your family's vacation for a larger group, perhaps you have some tips to share.
Sometimes the best experience is touring Europe on the road less traveled. New discoveries, away from the big popular destinations, can be rewarding. In this case ever more visible Berlin and emerging Estonia highlighted this summer's European adventure.
Getting around was easy with advanced planning and my United Mileage Plus miles. For 135,000 miles and the proper routing I was able to get Lufthansa First Class via Frankfurt to Berlin, roundtrip to Tallinn via Helsinki, ending with Swiss First Class from Zurich to Los Angeles. Both carriers were excellent, but I would give Lufthansa the edge with a more comfortable bed, greater entertainment selections and more attentive service.
Berlin is amazing and continues to evolve into one of the most stimulating cities of the world. With over 200 museums of every character, diverse architecture, huge parks and a city river system, a 24 hour a night life cycle and touring costs generally below most of Western Europe, there is plenty of reasons to visit. Of course summer brings Berlin and all of Europe alive. Yes, airfare is generally less in winter, but summer is unbeatable for the overall best European vacations.
Tallinn, Estonia, which is across the Gulf from Helsinki, Finland, has become popular as a day stop for cruise ships. It is much more than that. Five days in Tallinn was a personal discovery of friendly people in a progressive country, and one more wired than almost any country on earth. The Tallinn Old Town is magical with typical European style hundreds of years old. Beyond that is a thriving city with museums, galleries and churches. Food is amazing and well prepared, including some of the best Russian and European food I have ever had -- and at reasonable prices.
I was lucky to be there during the annual Beer and Music Festival, and for only 12 Euros entrance I was able to mix and mingle with the locals, drinking beer, dining on local cuisine and watching about eight bands a day. A local band, 2 Quick Start, and a touring "Queen" band were the highlights.
When touring Europe, it is easy and convenient to follow the crowds. However, it is sometimes more rewarding to discover and explore something new and exciting. Do you have discoveries you made that made for your best European vacations?
Our luxury travel agency is here to be your travel guide and concierge to maximize your time and funds for the best Europe travel deals.
|
So you're transferring by car in the UK, wondering if you can get any WiFri connection between your destinations. After all, with traffic you've got nearly an hour ormore to kill before you get there, and once you get there, you don't want to spend that hour catching up on emails, right? If only my mobile will work in the car...
Business coach Tanveer Naseer posts about the importance of taking vacations, whether you are a boss or not. (We can't agree more, for all the reasons he notes.) It's worth a read.And for many busy worker bees, strapped for time, we know they can gete to the point where they just toss up their hands out of frustration after spending the first half hour online trying to figure out what to do, where the best European vacation packages are, how to book the best Bora Bora all-inclusive vacations, or where to find the best Africa safari. Indeed, the world is a big place and in the travel arena, there are plenty of fine options to consider. Don't you want an experienced vacation planner to help you out?
More to the point, the personal hours you save will be considerable, you've got someone to rely on to work out issues (especially if things don't go according to plan), and, more likely than not, a good luxury travel agency can save you quite a bit in executing that best vacation experience. It goes beyond just helping you reach a decision and making the arrangements because, after all, for some vacations these days, that's quite easy to do online. But what you won't get online are the insights of experienced vacation planners who can differentiate what may work out best for you (and don't tell me you can completely rely on the posted opinions on sights like Trip Advisor). You also get the benefit of the personal contacts and access we have with hotels around the world, and knowing which tour companies and suppliers will deliver the services you want. We work with companies that are tested and "deliver the goods," and that stand behind their service.
So read Tanveer's post, then contact an experienced luxury travel agency like ours -- because you deserve to have a great vacation.
Singapore is a destination that represents various southeast Asia cultures in a harmonious city state setting. English is the official language. Public transportation and taxis are easy to use, hotels as well as entertainment options are endless, and the food makes this a destination not to be missed.
Singapore Airlines is renowned for it's meticulous service delivered in flight by the Singapore Girl. Nonstop service from both Los Angeles and New York in an all-business-class A345 Jumbo Jet, with only 100 seats, makes the long journey a delight. Upon arrival at Singapore Changi airport, one of the world's finest, your checked luggage is waitinig for you once you clear immigration, guaranteed. On the 20-minute drive into town you are engulfed by an oasis of green trees and Bougainville-lined avenues.
Our hotel is the Fullerton Bay, 100 rooms built over the water, a masterpiece in elegant contemporary design with amazing views of the bay, the three new Marina Bay Sands towers and its floating island on top (see photo), as well as the lotus like Art & Science museum. With its sexy rooftop with pool deck and outdoor restaurant, turned into a vibrant bar scene at night, the Fullerton Bay is a sought after destination. The hotel is one component of the Fullerton Heritage, a waterfront project that also includes a variety of high end restaurants, entertainment venues as well as the Fullerton Hotel, with it's 400 deluxe rooms in an iconic, traditional colonial architecture that once housed the post office.
The recommended stay would be 3-4 days to full take advantage of all that is there: world class architecture, a haven for foodies from hawker stalls (sanitary street food stalls open 24 hrs) to fine dining on top of some of the skyscrapers, a ride on the Singapore Flyer while enjoying a Singapore sling, dancing on the floating island at kou de tat on top of the Marina Sands Towers.
It's fun to ride a rickshaw through Chinatown and to visit the Indian as well as the Muslim parts of town. There's endless shopping, friendly people, and excellent warm climate year around. And the island of Sentosa is a playground with theme park and spa. There's no better city to get to know and be comfortable in before traveling to other parts of South East Asia. Of course, our luxury travel agency is pleased to arrange your Asian travel adventures.
What's your favorite thing to do in Singapore?
Even before last year's World Cup in South Africa, interest in adventure travel to Africa has been on the rise. It's not surprising. As our lives have become more hectic and the information overload seeing no bounds, we have a growing need to escape, "get back to" nature, experience life at its more grassroots and take pleasure in the miracles our planet offers. An African wildlife safari fulfills on all counts.
The other huge growth we've seen in travel is an interest in all things food and wine. And in particular, there's a growing interest in experiencing the wines of up and coming regions, such as Chile, New Zealand, Argentina and South Africa. So it's not surprising when you can combine the best African safari with a wine experience, you've got a winner.
Stellenbosch, along the Cape Winelands, is the soul of the South Africa wine region, and this year's Stellenbosch Wine Festival takes place from July 28 to 31. The festival will be presented at more than 50 participating cellars.
A comprehensive program will include an opportunity to taste over 500 wines, meet winemakers and watch professional chefs compete in cooking competitions. Of course, our luxury travel agency specializes in travel to South Africa and in arranging the best African safaris. So if you just have to be there, contact your TravelStore agent or one of our Africa travel experts.
As the plane descends and I move closer to the island of Lana’i, its spectacular coastline with its towering cliffs, comes up to meet me. The earth is red. I can see the perfectly etched outlines of where the pineapple fields once were. Once on the ground, I inhale the sweet aroma of the ocean and tropical flowers. Stress falls away, this is paradise. Why have I never come here before?
If you are looking for nightlife and a party scene, please head for a Maui beach vacation, a short boat ride away, or to Oahu. This is not the place for you. Here you step back in time, to live the idyllic vision of how Hawaii used to be. There are no stoplights, no traffic jams, no fast food and no neon signs. Its only concession to the 21st century is a renovated theater that offers first-run movies. And yes, as of recently, you will find an ATM machine!
So what do you do on Lana’i? I had wondered the same thing. The island is inhabited by a mere 2,300 people living on its 141 square miles. Only two quality hotels, both managed by Four Seasons, grace its 47 miles of shoreline. One is Manele Bay, on the coast, and the other is the Lodge at Ko’ele, located inland. So what do you do with such a sparse population and so few buildings? More than you would think!
For the perfect beach experience, the Manele Bay Hotel is perched on a truly spectacular beach. No problem finding a spot for your towel here. You will find very few people vying for position. If you prefer to be more active, Hupopo’e Bay has fabulous snorkeling. It is a lush marine preserve with huge parrotfish, sea turtles, eagle rays, moray eels and octopuses, just to name a few.
If you dive, head to the northeastern shore and Shipwreck Beach. It boasts a concrete hull of a World War II Liberty ship. You can picnic there as well
For the hiker, there are endless trails that lend themselves to both expert and beginner. Everywhere on Lana’i you will find overlooks and spectacular views. No need for a car if you prefer not to drive. You can take advantage of the many trails located right near the hotel. Yet, if you do love to drive, rent a Jeep and go on an adventure. You will have a true off-road experience because 90 percent of the roads are unpaved.
The more spirited traveler can kayak off the coast or head to Pine Sporting Clays for skeet shooting (adults and teenagers only.)
Championship golf is a major attraction on the island, and both hotels offer highly acclaimed courses, designed by Jack Nicklaus. The challenge at Manele is the home of the signature 12th hole, with a stunning cliff rising 150 feet above the crashing surf. During winter months you can enjoy whale watching from the fairway. At Ko’ele, the golf experience is a Greg Norman and Ted Robinson work of art. Dramatically different from Manele; here you will find a cooler, milder climate with misty wooded slopes, stately pine trees, manicured bunkers and terraced water hazards. The 17th hole drops 250 feet to the fairway below from a tee box on the ridge.
What a great island, what a great feeling. I have discovered there is plenty to do on this enchanting island in the style of Old Hawaii. I highly recommend you visit this island and maybe take the ferry over to Maui for the next part of your trip. Make your next Hawaii trip different. Of course, our luxury travel agency can make all the arrangements.
At our luxury travel agency we get a lot of requests from our clients for resort getaways. But with so much online noise about hotel deals, some have started to question the value of booking resort accommodations with a travel agency, or even where to find a travel agent to do so and deliver good value.
We have arrangements with nearly 800 hotels and resorts worldwide at which by booking with us, breakfast and additional amenities ARE INCLUDED! As for short getaways, we can also offer some great value. You can seach for those here.
Take for example the popular Ventana Inn & Spa. Book two nights of luxury with our travel agency, and receive a $100 resort credit in a Ventana Guest Room, Ventana Fireplace Room, or Superior Fireplace Room, or a $200 resort credit in a Big Sur Suite, Superior Hot Tub Room, Big Sur Spa Suite, Pacific House, Big Sur Villa, Big Sur Cottage, Vista Hot Tub Suite, or Sur House.
you can travel anytime through the end of the year. However, while many online deals are good for one day -- we'll give you till July 18th to book and take advantage of this one.
We've commented before about the relationship between happiness and taking vacations. (In fact, studies show planning a vacation is a greater source of happiness than actually taking one.) While we've always known we're in the happiness business, at our luxury travel agency we sometimes jokingly refer to ourselves as personal therapists, too.
Now, according to an article in HotelNewsNow.com, "Three in four Americans feel taking a vacation will be important to their mental health this year." So yes, I guess it's true. When you find a personal travel agent, you can think of them as a personal therapist, too. After all, what we do impacts your well being. Of course, there are good therapists and bad therapists, and we're blessed at our luxury travel agency to have so many "travel therapists" that are totally focused on what's best for their clients.
In the survey quoted by HotelNewsNow.com: "Respondents cited these top three reasons why vacations are important to American’s mental health: relieving stress (44%); rejuvenating spirits (37%); and getting relationships back on track (8%).
So whether you're in need of the best European vacations, want to travel to Tahiti or looking for a Costa Rica travel vacation, our travel experts, nee therapists, are on call for you and committed to relieving your stress and rejuvenating your spirits. (The "getting relationships on track" part you'll have to work on yourself!) We hope you agree. :-)
My name is Jonathan and I am Travel Consultant with TravelStore, a luxury travel agency. This is my first entry into what will be a blog of travel adventures, advice and stories. I love cruises, luxury travel and enjoy new adventures and experiences. I'm heading off for an adventure to the Arctic, within 450 miles of the North Pole, on Tuesday! I will be blogging throughout the trip. Thanks to Oceania Cruises, this vacation should be amazing. I will be spending 1 night in Copenhagen then boarding Oceania's Insignia for the next 18, then 2 nights in London before heading back to Los Angeles. During the cruise, I will be going to nine cities in Norway, the land of the Vikings and Fjords and Murmansk, the Russian arctic port. At my farthest point north I will be circling Svalbard, home to the Polar Bears, Whales and Walruses. There is no better way to go touring around Europe, especially Norway, then by a cruise. No packing and unpacking, just wake up in a new destination everyday. This was of of the best European vacations I have seen, as a way to experience more of the continent than is on the standard itinerary. I can't wait to share my experiences with all of you. If you are looking to find a travel agent, please feel free to contact me about any of your future travels.
Some of the consumer anger is with the process of boarding. Certainly with regard to lines for security checks, I often spend more time in line at Starbucks getting a coffee than I do getting through security to board a flight. Why are people so impatient with security control at airports, and so patient awaiting their caffeine fix?
Be that as it may, we often can't figure out how the heck airlines board those airplanes. Waiting to board, I'm sometimes trying to figure out what monkeys concocted the strategy. And I'll never forget one flight I was in line at the gate to board, and the economy boarding was suspended because they had to keep the aisle clear on the plane so flight attendants could serve drinks to business class travelers! (And they actually announced that over the loudspeaker in the terminal!) Oh, well. This CNN article addresses some of what's going on with boarding.
Summer is here, and families that haven't planned ahead want to know where to go. And of course, key on the mind of many is where they can get great value for price paid. One of our best family vacation destinations is... Club Med Ixtapa. Yes, some travelers have concerns about the destination, but Mexico is a big country and, after all, there are places in the US that one wouldn't take their family to.
I still have fond memories of our family vacation at Club Med in Ixtapa - -and that was before their fabulous recent renovation. It was simply a great getaway for our kids and for us, because everybody had a good time, the flight wasn't too long, there was plenty to do, our kids met other kids they got along with and the food was great and everybody got to eat whatever they wanted. Activity wise we enjoyed swimming and sailing, archery, tennis, soccer, volleyball, bocce ball and trampoline. Perhaps you've enjoyed a family
vacation here, too? If so, let us know your take on this resort, and if you felt safe there.
So I was surprised to read about the incredible family vacation deal available at this all-inclusive resort: from $199 per room in a Family Club that accommodates 2 adults, 3 children and an infant. A family of 6 can enjoy a 3-day vacationat Club Med Ixtapa for $597, or a 7-day vacation for $1,393. The deal at $199 per room is only valid through June 30 and again from August 21 through December 17. The price goes up to $299 for travel from July through August 20, which is still a great deal when you consider all that's included -- making this one of the best all inclusive family vacation destinations. The catch is families have to book by June 28th to get this vacation deal. You can read more about Club Med and as we have a preferred relationship with Club Med, our luxury travel agency can make it happen.
Of late I've come across some articles on the topic of what makes us happy. Tony Hsieh of Zappos has some great insights on this. Recently in Ode magazine, I read an article that referenced a study by two professors, from the University of Wisconsin and University of Chicago, that looked at the relationship between happiness and different kinds of consumption. In their research, only leisure ("money spent on vacations") and vehicle consumption correlated with happiness, and to our well being. No other type of consumption, including spending on food or health, did so. In case the subject interests you, it turns out there's even a Journal of Happiness Studies, founded by Ruut Veenhoven, a professor at Erasmus University in Rotterdam.
Likewise, research at the the universities of Rotterdam and Tilburg "found vacationers reported a higher degree of happiness...compared to non-vacationers." Indeed, we look forward to making our customers happy! I guess our luxury travel agency is in the happiness business!
Halifax has a rich and layered history and you can see it throughout the town with its many parks, monuments and the huge Citidal Fort which dominates the highest part of the old town. An aviation museum, a maritime museum with an actual deck chair from Titanic, and the gravestones of over 200 of its passengers and crew, make that clear. Mr. Cunard was a favorite son who founded the cruise line that still bears his name.The center of town blends old and new seamlessly together with a florishing waterside farmer's market next to the very comfortable landmark, Westin Nova Scotian Hotel. A stop at the Fish Shop means a slower fast food experience, as their freshest catch is scooped up out of their display case and cooked to your order. Further down the walkable waterfront, you can sample the smooth and creamy maple and walnut ice cream.
The natives are more than friendly as they say "Welcome to Canada" and an open map is an invitation for a local to lend assistance and ask how they can help. (In fact, Canada is one also one of the best family vacations destinations -- easy to get around in, friendly, and offering great outdoor adventure experiences.) Several local universities add energy and a vibrant night life with many fine restaurants, cafes and clubs. Sample a very tasty local beer strangely called Alexander Keith's India Pale Lager. It is one more good reason to visit Nova Scotia.
Whether by cruise ship or land trip, Nova Scotia is one of the family friendly vacation destinations, and our luxury travel agency would be pleased to arrange your visit.
Even more to celebrate is a downtown revival which is bursting at the seams with culture, sports and culinary events and the arrival of at least four new 5 Star luxury hotels to meet the demand.
I stayed at the new iconic Ritz-Carlton just two blocks from the CN Tower. The 53-story glass tower has one of the best locations, surrounded on two sides by parks so the views are impressive. I love the current Ritz Carlton concept of reflecting the areas where they are located. Almost 900 commissioned pieces of Canadian art by local artists are included in both the public areas and the rooms even down to the maple leafs imbedded in the lobby floor.
The rooms are good sized with every amenity, with separate shower and bath, double sinks and even a mable entry and bath floor that heats up in winter. The comtemporary but warm look extends to the 20th floor Executive Lounge which offers, for a small premium, 5 separate food offerings daily, as well as complimentary beverages, computer stations and included room WiFi. Service was flawless with many little touches including lunch in the main restaurant and a perfect lobster benedict.
The spotlight of the newest luxury hotel moves quickly to the Trump Tower opening later this year; and in 2012 the Shangri La and the new Four Seasons will debut.
For those with only a few days on their hands, you can have a true international experience with little jet lag on non-stop service and avoid those exchange issues with the Euro and British Pound. Toronto can fill the need for travel and the next several months will see more of those warmer days and nights. Our travel agency would be happy to assist with the arrangements.
Powered by Compendium