Unique luxury hotels, fashionable travel and much more

The chance to stay in an old English Fortress on the small island of Jersey will no doubt appeal to many looking for a historic or romantic way to experience the island’s past. This pretty English territory lies just 12 nautical miles off the Normandy coast of France and is known for its mild weather and unspoilt natural beauty.

The novel vacation accommodation in various old fortifications is however more historical than luxurious, with cast iron doors and bare stone walls. One example is the former military bunker, built by prisoners of the Nazis who occupied the island during World War II. It is part of an old concrete radio tower but the top floor makes a great observation room with 360 degree views across the island.

This and nine other historic fortified buildings are being renovated by Jersey Heritage to preserve the island’s history and culture. The strategically located island was constantly fought over by the English and French naval forces in the 18th and 19th centuries.

The buildings include La Tour Cârée, formerly a Battery Tower, and several Martello Towers which were built to defend the shores of this 46 square mile island. Fort Leicester at Bouley Bay offers stunning sea views and the opportunity to hike across the causeway to the nearby Seymour Tower at low tide. The most attractive building in the project is the red and white striped Archirondel Tower, built as a garrison in 1792 and now used as a navigational landmark.

However, those who prefer to stay in a real luxury hotel on Jersey may prefer the Chateau la Chaire, bookable through Luxique.com, which offers plenty of 18th century history without having to rough it in a draughty fortress.

by Gillian at Luxique Luxury Hotels

Most people look forward to taking life a little easier at 65, but not boutique hotel legend Ian Schrager. Turning 65 later this year he recently became a father to his sixth child and first son. However Schrager is hardly likely to be playing hands-on Dad as his plans for 2011 are more international than ever.

He is embarking upon a new phase in his career with the launch of a new brand of lifestyle hotels called Edition for Marriott International. The first boutique hotel opened last October on Waikiki Beach in Hawaii and others are planned in Istanbul, Barcelona, Bangkok, Miami and Mexico City. The new brand promises a “personal, intimate, individualized and unique lodging experience” aimed largely at the business traveller.

Not content with this new challenge, Schrager recently sold his share in Gramercy Park Hotel to launch another new company, Schrager Hotels. These hotels are destined to focus on value and will make a debut in 24/7 cities such as New York, London, Miami, Rio de Janeiro and once again, Istanbul. More details will follow when he opens the first hotel in Chicago, in the Ambassador East, a historic landmark which has been attracting distinguished guests since 1926.

Recently asked when he plans to stop working Schrager replied, “It’s not work. I think that as long as I am enjoying it and loving what I do, and I get gratification out of it, I’ll continue doing it”.

by Gillian at Luxique Luxury Hotels

A new Waldorf Astoria luxury hotel in Shanghai that’s opened on The Bund (waterfront) includes a famous old colonial landmark.

The fabled Long Bar was once the centre of business and social life in the city. During the era of British rule, British colonials sat along the 110-ft bar in order of rank. Women and Chinese were barred.

It had been completely derelict for some 70 years, but Chinese craftsmen painstakingly rebuilt the bar, panelling and cabinets in Burmese teak using period photographs and the original blueprints. That work alone cost around £320,000 ($507,000).

The building that’s now the Waldorf Astoria dates back to Victorian times and was once Shanghai’s most exclusive and prestigious social club. Aside from the Long Bar, it boasted bowling alleys, restaurants, an oyster bar, games rooms, barber’s shop and two wine cellars.

Since then it’s been an office building, a casino, a movie sound stage and, most recently, a fast food outlet.

“Restoring this forlorn property was a tremendous honour and true labour of love, the ultimate challenge of taking historical context and adding up-to-date convenience and style,” said Ian Carr, head of the architects, HBA.

The prestigious new luxury hotel features a total of 266 rooms, four restaurants, two bars, a patisserie, extensive banqueting facilities, swimming pool, health club and spa.

by Andy Moreton

Shanghai is the jewel of modern China – a fascinating and vibrant city. Luxique can guide you to the best of its luxury hotels, including the Four Seasons Shanghai, the Grand Hyatt Shanghai and the J W Marriott Shanghai.

Pranksters (or perhaps frustrated native New Yorkers) painted a white line down the middle of the sidewalk on Fifth Avenue between 22nd and 23rd. On the shop window side it said ‘tourists’ and on the outside lane ‘New Yorkers.’

Mayor Michael Bloomberg took a laid-back view of the defacement, calling it ‘cute’. “When I saw it I said, ‘Oh, that’s a nice thing to do,’” he’s quoted as saying in the New York Daily News. And then with a straight face added: “But you can’t do that every place for tourists, and we’re not about to go to say to tourists, ‘Well, we’re going to clear off some streets just for you.’”

Some had a less friendly reaction in welcoming the short-lived demarcation. “How many times have hurried city-dwellers run into camera-snapping, finger-pointing and sudden-stopping tourists?” asked one blogger.

Others pointed out that those hurried city-dwellers ought to remember the value to New York of the estimated 45.25 million visitors it welcomes every year.

by Andy Moreton

Let Luxique put you on the right path to a luxury hotel in New York City.

One of London’s most recognisable landmarks, the up-market department store, Harrods, has changed hands.

The Egyptian-born businessman, Mohamed al-Fayed, has sold it to Qatar Holding –owned by the Gulf state’s royal family – for £1.5 billion ($2.2 billion).

Harrods attracts 15 million shoppers a year and has as its motto ‘Omnia Omnibus Ubique’ – All Things for All People. It’s maintained its position as a top people’s store and leading tourist attraction in the face of recession and the increasing popularity of internet shopping.

“There’s a certain type of lady who likes to mention over the dinner table that she shops in Harrods, especially its food hall,” said retail analyst, Stella Keaton. “Harrods doesn’t brand its value. It brands its prestige. Its timelessness. Its solidity. It is the cornerstone of the English establishment.”

There’s great interest, therefore, about what plans the new owners might have in store. At an impromptu news conference, the Chairman of Qatar Holdings (and the state’s Prime Minister), Sheikh Hamad bin Jassim al-Thani, said: “Now we are here, rest assured we will dedicate ourselves to making Harrods more important. Not only for the British people but also for tourism and London. Qatar Holding will make it even greater and better.”

Asked if he shopped at Harrods himself, he claimed that it would be loss-making if it relied on his patronage. “If they have customers like me I don’t think they will be in profit – but my wife, yes!”

by Andy Moreton

Luxique offers an unrivalled selection of luxury hotels in London, including a dozen in fashionable Knightsbridge, a short walk from Harrods.

A cloud of ash that drifted from an erupting volcano in Iceland caused the total closure of British airspace on Thursday.

Thousands of flights were cancelled as all UK airports were closed. There was also major disruption to air traffic elsewhere in northern Europe, including the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Finland and Denmark.

Pilots are advised never to fly though an ash cloud because of the extreme problems it can cause an aircraft. Ingesting ash dust can cause partial or total engine power loss, and can also damage the aircraft’s ventilation, hydraulic, electronic and air data systems.

The Fimmvorduhals volcano, which is under an ice cap in south-west Iceland, lies in the midst of some of the country’s highest and wildest mountains and is said to be a breathtaking sight.

Helicopter flights over the crater reveal a river of lava, with waterfalls of molten rock pouring down the mountainside. Police estimate that about 100,000 people have visited, mostly native Icelanders, but also many from abroad, giving much-needed business to hotel rooms and restaurants in the capital, Reykjavik.

Tourism in Iceland is already on the up because the Kronur has fallen in value, making the famously expensive country more affordable. The new attraction, on top of the country’s famous geysers and mudpools, promises to draw visitors for months if it rumbles on into the summer.

by Andy Moreton

If you’re thinking of heading to Iceland, check out Luxique’s two selected boutique hotels in Reykjavik: the Hotel Holt and the Hotel 101.

Hawaii, one of the world’s most popular tourist destinations, is considering adding another attraction to its sun, sand and surf – casinos.

Up to now, gambling has not been permitted in the state, but faced with a big budget deficit and a tourist industry battered by the recession, lawmakers are trying to push through legislation to overturn this.

Supporters of the move say casinos would draw much-needed new money and jobs into the long-troubled, tourism-dependent economy. Tourists from the mainland could skip Las Vegas to sunbathe on pristine beaches and take a turn at the roulette tables.

Opponents say the islands’ reputation as a family-friendly destination would be tarnished and that social problems such as crime would increase. “ People don’t come here to be shut up in a casino to gamble,” said Dianne Kay, President of the Hawaii Coalition Against Legalised Gambling. “It would be sad if we destroyed the beautiful ambience we have here.”

Hawaii is one of only two US states with no legalised gambling – the other is Utah.

by Andy Moreton

With or without gambling, Hawaii is a fabulous place to visit. Check out Luxique’s range of luxury hotels in Honolulu, Maui and Hualalai.

There’s cautious optimism that there will be lasting peace in Sri Lanka after 26 years of civil war.

The government recently announced an end to the fighting after its troops took the last piece of land held by Tamil Tiger rebels, and said it had killed the top rebel leader.

There is much to be done before the island can return to normal – the UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon, has been there to discuss the plight of about 275,000 displaced people.

While it’s still too early to predict the future course of events, the prospect has opened up of tourists returning to the pristine sandy beaches of the north and east of the country.

“This is a good step forward, but we have to be cautious, there is still a lot of work to be done to bring about a true peace,” said Jean-Marc Flambert, who promotes a number of hotels in Sri Lanka.

Throughout the years of conflict, places like Trincomalee – described by Admiral Nelson as the finest harbour in the world – and Arugam Bay have been off-limits to all but domestic visitors and intrepid backpackers. They lack the hotels and infrastructure of the more developed south and west.

“There is a great potential to develop tourism on that side of the island,” said Mr Flambert. “Obviously people are going to remain cautious for a while but many have been waiting for this day.”

by Andy Moreton

Luxique has a fine selection of places to stay in the south of Sri Lanka – from the ocean-side Saman Villas in Bentota to the peace and tranquility of the traditional eco-village of Ulpotha Sanctuary.

I was discussing with a friend who shares my fear of heights what would constitute our ultimate nightmare.

We thought of such vertiginous venues as the Eiffel Tower, the glass-floor elevators in the CN Tower in Toronto, a bungee jump platform and any number of ancient Italian bell towers with just some flimsy wooden bar between you and fresh air.

But eventually, we decided that, for sheer unadulterated terror, it was impossible to separate ‘The Edge’ at the Eureka Skydeck in Melbourne and the Grand Canyon Skywalk.

The Edge Eureka Skydeck Melbourne

I wouldn’t want to spoil the whole ‘Edge’ experience by giving too much away, but suffice to say that those brave enough to volunteer are projected nine feet out from a building in a glass box 900 feet above the ground. Thanks, but no thanks.

The Grand Canyon Skywalk

The Grand Canyon Skywalk extends 65 feet over the edge of the Canyon’s west rim. The glass floor is built to support the weight of nearly 800 people, 100mph winds and major earthquakes. Visitors are given shoe covers to prevent the highly polished glass floor from being scratched. I think I’d need something to cover my eyes as well.

by Andy Moreton

It’s been a rite of passage for countless student backpackers making their way around the world.

And this month, the bungee jump has been celebrating its 20th birthday in the country where it all started – New Zealand.

AJ Hackett and Henry Van Asch opened the first commercial jumping station in 1988. Twenty-eight thrill-seekers queued to pay for the chance to take a terrifying leap off the 140ft Kawarau Bridge in Queenstown with just a rubber cord tied round their ankles.

They turned out to be the first of several million people with a sense of adventure (and a head for heights) who would perform the modern version of an ancient manhood ritual from Vanuatu.

Bungee-jumping is now a global leisure phenomenon which, it’s estimated, has brought in NZ$ 1 billion (£386 million / $564 million) for the country’s economy. Tourism is New Zealand’s biggest foreign exchange earner and bungee jumping typifies the adventurous spirit that is one of its greatest attractions.

Couples have even been known to get married on the high platform before jumping off to celebrate.

Hackett, 50, and Van Asch, 45, celebrated their 20-year success story with a tandem jump from the same bridge where it all started. Hackett thought they’d still enjoy the thrill in another 20 years’ time – although he said they’d probably need to jump with Zimmer frames.

by Andy Moreton

Fast becoming one of the ‘must see’ destinations in the world and Luxique offers a choice of eight luxury hotels in New Zealand, including Millbrook Resort and The Spire in Queenstown.