Unique luxury hotels, fashionable travel and much more

The experience of travel is all about experiencing something new and different. Vacation destinations should be memorable, and so should the hotel, for all the right reasons of course. Luxury hotels can be found in castles and forts as well as on boats. There are themed hotels all over the world based on art, pop music, Marilyn Monroe, the Wild West or whatever else you might dream of. If all this has aroused your curiosity, here are three themed hotels to get you started:

Ice Hotel in Sweden
The Ice Hotel in Jukkasjarvi in Sweden has to be the coolest hotel on the planet! Created from slabs of ice, this magical palace-cum-igloo is built fresh every year. It includes ice chandeliers lit with fiber optics, an ice bar and evenice beds piled high with reindeer hides and high-tech sleeping bags. This Land of the Midnight Sun location also offers unlimited snow sports including cross-country skiing, dog sleds and snowmobiles as well as helicopter tours to Lapland and if you’re really lucky, the spectacular aurora borealis. Voted the ‘Best Experience in Sweden’ the Ice Hotel continues to draw an eclectic crowd every year from royalty and celebrities to hardy honeymoon couples.

Aria Hotel in Prague
Located in Prague, a city renowned for its classical music, the Aria Hotel is conveniently located between the State Opera House and Rudolfinum, the home of the Czech Philharmonic Orchestra. Follow the Gregorian chants set in the mosaic footpath, which leads from the wrought iron gate right into reception. Every floor of this luxury hotel in Prague is dedicated to a different category of music, from contemporary and classic to opera and jazz. Delightfully furnished guest rooms are predictably named after a composer or musician, but that’s not all. The rooms are a shrine to individual artists with original artwork, biographies, books and even an iPod loaded with their music so that you can totally immerse yourself in your chosen favorite. You get round-the-clock Mozart, Elvis or even Billie Holliday, so choose your room with care! The Aria Hotel even has its own Director of Music to advice and enhance your musical vacation.

Pelican Hotel in Miami

For those who want more from a luxury hotel in Miami’s South Beach than Art Deco features, the Diesel-owned Pelican offers a choice of wacky rooms. The only condition is that you must like neon, and lots of it. Themed rooms range from the garish to the glitzy, based on such themes as Best Whorehouse, Cubarean Islands and Psychedelic Girl. The Pelican Café, spilling out onto the terrace and sidewalk, is considered THE place to be seen having breakfast.

Any newspaper or hotel booking search will offer plenty of boutique hotels in New York City, but if you fancy somewhere a little different, somewhere chic and off the beaten track for a romantic weekend break, where do you begin?

Inn at Irving Place
Gramercy Park is a private park tucked away between East 20 Street and East 21st Street in the Union Square district of the city. Tucked behind an unassuming front door is this New York boutique Hotel jewel offering great charm in each of the individually furnished rooms. The two 1834 townhouses perfectly capture a bygone era in the furnishings, service and genteel atmosphere of this secluded hideaway. Take afternoon tea in Lady Medl’s Tearooms on the ground floor, where antiques and china set the scene beautifully.

The Library Hotel
The very name conjures up a log fire, big armchairs, a favorite over-sized sweater and a good book. Conveniently located between the Morgan Library and the New York Public Library, this boutique hotel is a great escape for bibliophiles. Devoted to a discerning clientele, each level of the Library Hotel has a different theme such as poetry, mystery or eroticism, giving a hint of what hand-picked delights are just waiting to be revealed. The furniture, pictures and accents all reflect the theme, along with a selection of well-chosen books in every room. The perfect choice for readers and writers alike.

Carlyle Hotel
Continuing to thrive on its reputation as the luxury hotel in New York where JF Kennedy had a tryst with Marilyn Monroe, this classy uptown hotel is still painfully discreet. With antique furnishings and Audubon prints it exudes the ambience of a luxury town home, belying the fact that it actually has 190 guest rooms offering the ultimate in comfort. Mini larders replace the usual minibar and together with its luxury spa, pet-friendly policy and in-house shops, it is hard to find a reason to leave.

Dylan Hotel
The best of the best is the Dylan’s trademark. Located in Midtown Manhattan within walking distance of Grand Central Station, Times Square, Central Park and some of the best restaurants, this beautiful boutique hotel in New York is situated in a fabulous 1903 Beaux-Arts structure. Beneath the 11 foot ceilings, interior designer Jeffrey Beers has redefined opulence with his timeless décor. Carrara marble bathrooms and American walnut furnishings turn these understated rooms into something truly classy for the perfect romantic weekend break.

The Wales
Located at the better end of town, the Wales is a well-kept secret in the Upper East side of the city. Quiet walks in Central Park are just a block from this charming boutique hotel in New York, while the Guggenheim and Metropolitan Museum of Art are close by, on what has been dubbed ‘Museum Mile’. Enjoy views of the city skyline from the delightful garden or relax in sumptuous comfort amidst goose down comforters, fresh flowers and rich mahogany furniture.

By Luxique Luxury Hotels

A weekend break in Milan, Italy’s second largest city, is the perfect place to unwind and enjoy some retail therapy at any time of year. Make time to visit the Castello Sforzesco with its fine collection of art, archeology and coins or book tickets to the world-famous Teatro alla Scala, a chance which is not to be missed. Any weekend in Milan would not be complete without a shopping spree. Consider splashing out on a luxury hotel to suit your mood from one of our personal recommendations at Luxique.

The wealth of artwork which is available in the galleries of Milan is almost unfair. The Pinacoteca Ambrosiana has works by Titian, Raphael, Tiepolo, Caravaggio and Giorgone, all in a palazzo which is more than worthy of these exhibits. Built in 1609 to house Cardinal Borromeo’s art collection, it recently had a €21.7 million restoration. More classic and modern art can be seen at the Pinacoteca di Brera with works by Modigliani and Picasso alongside the Rubens and Van Dycks.

This stylish, modern city full of smartly dressed locals is the place to shop for a new wardrobe for the forthcoming season. The 19th century Galleria Vittorio Emanuele II is packed ful of sophisticated shops, bars and restaurants. Enjoy the zodiac floor mosaics as you browse the designer shops in this covered arcade then head for the Designer Fashion District of Via Montenapoleone, Via Andrea, Via Gesù, Via Borgospesso and Via della Spiga.

There are a host of fine luxury hotels in Milan to choose from. The Gran Hotel et de Milan is one of the best located hotels which will not disappoint. Traditional in style, it is within a stone’s throw of some of the best-known fashion houses and boutiques and close to the Teatro alla Scala, the Duomo and the Palazzo Marino. More contemporary in style with minimalist furnishings, The Gray Hotel is arguably one of the best luxury hotels in Milan. Those who are looking for chic, contemporary style will feel right at home in this designer creation. Visitors to Milan who want to add a little romance to their stay will be delighted with Townhouse 31, a boutique hotel with just 18 rooms, offering an oasis of serenity yet within walking distance of Milan’s bustling shopping district of Montenapoleone. Those who are only impressed by designer names must experience the Bulgari Hotel. Lush gardens surround this former monastery which has been transformed into an ultra-modern luxury hotel with the lavish use of rare and precious materials in its décor. From the opulent spa to the exquisite restaurant, the Bulgari pulls out all the stops to make your weekend break in Milan complete.

by Luxique Luxury Travel

Vacant land around the refuge where Nelson Mandela spent his last days of freedom is to be used to build a luxury boutique hotel.

As apartheid raged in South Africa in 1961, Liliesleaf Farm in Rivonia, north of Johannesburg, was bought on behalf of the South African Communist Party and used as the headquarters of the military arm of the African National Congress.

Mandela sought refuge there in the days before his arrest in 1963 and subsequent 27-year imprisonment on political charges, which ended on February 11.

The hotel will complement an historical museum that already exists at the farm. Nicholas Wolpe, of the Liliesleaf Trust, said:

“This is not a commercial venture, it’s more about making Liliesleaf self-sustaining. We thought about the best way to do this and a hotel seemed to fit.”

“Liliesleaf played a crucial, seminal role in the liberation struggle and it’s important for the world to understand that role.”

There will be historic exhibits in the 48-room hotel, and suites will be named after key players in South Africa’s struggle for racial equality. Construction is likely to begin in June and the property is scheduled to open in September 2011.

by Andy Moreton

If you’re travelling to South Africa, take a look at Luxique’s selection of luxury hotels in Cape Town, Johannesburg and other many other parts of this stunning country.

The leading business publisher, Forbes (of ‘Rich List’ fame) recently announced its experts’ pick of Europe’s most luxurious hotels.

Among them are the following six which are available to book at the best rates through Luxique. Alongside is a snapshot of the jury’s verdict:

• Le Meurice Paris: ‘Modern elegance, with the opulence of Versailles.’

• Claridge’s, London: ‘The destination of choice for the world’s celebrities and royals.’

• Grand Hotel du Cap Ferrat, St Jean Cap Ferrat, France: ‘A legendary hotel that epitomises and exudes old-world glamour, while simultaneously offering modern amenities for today’s discerning traveller.”

• Hotel Adlon Berlin: ‘An historic masterpiece, in a prime location, provoking a sense of awe upon arrival.’

• Corinthia Grand Hotel Royal, Budapest: ‘Behind the opulent and grand façade lies the fully restored 19th-century spa where guests can enjoy anything from a mud or seaweed bath to an array of full-body wraps.’

• Villa d’Este, Lake Como, Italy: ‘A much-vaunted palazzo hotel that has dazzled royalty, celebrities, billionaires and chic in-the-know jetsetters for more than a century.’

by Andy Moreton, with acknowledgements to Richard Carnell of Forbes.com.

When a luxury hotel is built in three years’ time on the island of Solta off Croatia, the one thing that guests will not be able to complain about is the view from their bedroom windows.

That’s because the view will be constantly changing in the world’s first revolving hotel.

The British architect behind the building, Richard Hywel Evans, is keen to stress that prospective guests need not worry about becoming dizzy. The rotating section will turn very, very slowly – 1.3 times every 24 hours – and guests will not actually feel it move.

The hotel, costing around £70 million ($114 million) to build, will have 50 suites on three storeys and will stand in the middle of a purpose-built lake. There’ll be a marina and yacht club alongside.

A static reception area will be situated across the lake and an underground entrance will escort guests to the hotel. For those who wish to remain ‘unmoved’ during their vacation, luxury villas will also be provided.

by Andy Moreton

The Croatian capital, Zagreb, is now competing with Prague and Budapest as the most popular city in central Europe for foreign visitors. Luxique offers the most competitive rates at one of the best luxury hotels in the city – the Starwood-owned Westin Zagreb.

It’s been reported here in the UK that Beyoncé Knowles booked a hotel room - just for her luggage!

The diva was performing at the Liverpool Echo Arena, but stayed in Manchester in the lavish Charles Forte Presidential Suite at the Lowry Hotel at the rate of about £2,450 ($4,000) a night.

But after struggling to find space for her 12 items of luggage, her minders rented another room, this time at Liverpool’s Malmaison hotel.

A source there told the Press:

“She had seven suitcases, three hand-luggage bags and two boxes, all for her mammoth concert. In the cases were, apparently, 14 dresses, lots of shoes, make-up and 25 wigs.”

It apparently took four helpers to carry her luggage up the stairs to the room.

Beyoncé is not the only singer who refuses to travel light. Last year, Mariah Carey flew to London for a three-day trip – and brought 20 suitcases with her.

by Andy Moreton

Both these fine luxury hotels in North-West England – the Lowry and the Malmaison – are ready to book through Luxique

Cuba seems to be gearing up to welcome American visitors for the first time for 47 years, with plans for a new exclusive hotel in the capital, Havana.

The US trade embargo and travel ban to Cuba has lasted since the missile crisis in 1962, but President Obama has said he wants improved ties between the two countries and has lifted restrictions on Cuban-American travel to Cuba. A travel bill, which would eliminate the ban on Americans visiting the island, is also pending in Congress.

Now it’s reported that the Hemingway Hotel, a Chinese-Cuban enterprise, is being developed, with one target the possible arrival of American cruise ships. The American cruise market is estimated at $15billion (£9.3 billion) and would drive much-needed funding into the island, which has struggled financially since the collapse of the Soviet Union.

The 600-bed hotel will be built at the Hemingway Marina, just west of Havana, named after the famed US author, Ernest Hemingway, who lived in Cuba for many years.

Qatar and Cuba signed an agreement in May to build a $75 million (£46.5 million) luxury hotel on Cuba’s Cayo Largo.

by Andy Moreton

This is quite the most bizarre special offer I’ve come across. A luxury resort in the United States is offering rooms for $19 (£11) a night, but you have to sleep in a tent and bring your own toilet paper.

The Rancho Bernardo Inn in San Diego, California has introduced what it calls its ‘survival package’. It starts at $219 (£132) a night, but as you take away each amenity, it gets cheaper. Thus the $19 tariff means no bed, towels, toiletries, loo paper or even lighting.

You’d have to be mad, wouldn’t you? Well, apparently when a similar promotion was run in June, 100 people took up the offer.

The declining economy has taken its toll on the Rancho Bernardo, which boasts three pools, a golf course, three restaurants and a spa in a 200,000-acre luxury resort.

“During a brainstorming session, we were talking about discounts and promotions and wanted to come up with something different,” said Rancho Bernardo’s General Manager, John Gates.

“We wanted to do something fun and clever. It’s a way of making the best of these bad economic times and trying to give customers an experience.”

The promotion has again proved so popular that it’s apparently been extended to September.

by Andy Moreton

There are ambitious multi-million pound plans to transform Northern Ireland’s oldest prison into a four-star hotel.

Armagh jail, which is a listed building, has stood on a prime site in Armagh city for 230 years, during which time it hosted numerous executions. It closed as a prison in 1986.

It was one of the key detention centres for women prisoners during the sectarian unrest (‘The Troubles’) that blighted Northern Ireland for more than thirty years.

Bernadette Devlin, who was jailed there for six months for her part in riots in 1969, commented: “I just hope the food is better there now.” The former Republican MP, who now works with a community group, added: “My main concern would be ensuring that such a beautiful building is maintained and that the money from the sale is put back into improving prison conditions.”

A spokesman for Armagh City Council, which owns the site, said it had chosen the developer who had converted Oxford jail into the award-winning Malmaison Hotel. The council liked the sympathetic way it had treated that project.

by Andy Moreton

With The Troubles now in the past, the Northern Ireland Tourist Board has been extolling the delights of a visit there. Luxique offers the most competitive rates at three luxury hotels in Belfast.