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Archive for July, 2008

Celebrity Retreat 101: Demi Moore & Ashton Kutcher in Paradise Island

Posted by Jess Dayuno on 31st July 2008

The superstars and megastars of Hollywood’s Red Carpet go on vacation just like everyone else. They plan it so meticulously as to avoid paparazzi. The A-lister’s prefer exclusive, luxurious places that will allow them to act normal and have fun without anyone gawking at them especially the nosy photographers and reporters.

Some of them can get a way with it but others are just quite unfortunate because there will always be someone somewhere who will be reporting or boasting to others that they have seen these celebrities frolicking on the beach or skiing down a slope.

Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher first hooked up back in 2003. During those times, Demi was already being linked with several younger guys but soon noticed to have been exclusively dating her now husband Ashton who was 25 that time and Demi was already 41.

They were seen heading to a luxurious romantic getaway in the Bahamas particularly the Paradise Island in the city of Nassau with Sean Combs and love of his life Kim Porter. It seems that they enjoyed their time together there and so they keep coming back. Two years later, they went to the altar and said their wedding vows.

Paradise Island was bought and developed by supermarket tycoon Huntington Hartford back in 1959. He hired the best architect, John Volk to build different establishments in the area such as Hurricane Hole, Café Martinique, Ocean Club among others. He brought in Gary Player to act as golf pro while Pancho Gonzales as the tennis pro. Both international magazines Time and Newsweek covered the grand inauguration. Later on acquired a gambling license for his new luxurious island.

Because of the different amenities those establishments offer that gave Paradise Island a chance to be the best vacation spot in the Bahamas, several big budgeted films was filmed there like James Bond’s Thunderball and Casino Royale, Beatles’ Help, Holiday in the Sun by the Olsen Twins and Pierce Brosnan’s After The Sunset. Even TV’s number #1 comedy series FRIENDS filmed an episode there.

By the 1980’s, Paradise Island was purchased by Donald Trump with USD$79M, Merv Griffin bought it from The Donald for USD$400M and later on it was sold to Sol Kerzner and presently it is estimated to hold a value of around USD$2 billion.

Almost everyone who went there stayed at the Atlantis. Check everything about the resort in this site: Atlantis Paradise Island, Bahamas.

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A Romantic Maldives Retreat: Anantara Resort Maldives

Posted by Jess Dayuno on 30th July 2008

Many people feel that they are at the ends of the world when they stay at Anantara Resort Maldives. All they see around them are clear blue water. It is a resort which is situated in an over-the-water environment.

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Creative Commons License Photo Credit: acme

What they offer in Maldives is a lot different in the beaches you see in the Caribbean or Hawaii. It is a beautiful, romantic lagoon wherein a guest can dive into the water directly from a secluded deck. Many people believes that the over the water ambience helps a lot in renewing the energy that was depleted from those who are stressed with the life in the metropolis. This is one reason why many are attracted to hold their much-needed rest in Anantara Resort Maldives.

It is located at the South Male Atoll. The whole resort is spread out on two islands, one in Dhigufinolhu and the other in Veligandu Huraa.  A guest can choose to stay in the beachfront pool villas or experience the over-the-water bungalows that give the guest more privacy.

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Creative Commons License Photo Credit: acme

Anantara Resort Maldives is packed with luxurious facilities and amenities and if you want a more detailed description download the resort’s fact sheet here or review all the packages that they offer here.

While it is on a remote location, getting there is quite easy since it is just a half an hour away from the Male International Airport. Male is the Maldivian capital and so there are plenty of international flights flying over there daily. Check a digital map at this site: Anantara Resort Map.

Posted in Luxury Beach Resorts, Uncategorized | No Comments »

Grace Bay Club, Carribean’s Most Beautiful Resort

Posted by Jess Dayuno on 28th July 2008

This beach is the reason why the Caribbean became the favorite hot spot of the rich and famous, not because it was the first resort in the area but mostly because it is by far the most spectacular beach resort in the Caribbean. The Grace Bay Club is located in Providenciales in Turks and Caicos.

Photo Credit: Grace Bay Club

The 12 miles of blinding, pristine, immaculate white soft sand and the clear turquoise waters like no other says it all. It is simply beautiful. What makes it more fantastic is the impeccable service and the overall pampering that one can get to experience in Grace Bay Club.

The luxurious resort offers a place where guests can experience uninterrupted serene and calming relaxation. It is one of the main reasons why people prefer to go to Grace Bay Club.

Another reason why people put the luxurious resort on the top of their summer destination is because it offers an unbelievable, breathtaking view from The Estate residences they are in. People enjoy the fact that they are within a few steps to the perfectly white sand beach and unto the clear blue waters.

Guests who trooped to the resort cannot forget the unbelievable pampering they have experienced from the efficient staff of the Grace Bay Club who were all trained to do everything that is possible to fulfill the guests wishes like chilled towels, sipping champagne, licking ice cream on a hot sunny day on the beach.

Photo Credit: Grace Bay Club

Even if they promised an uninterrupted holiday, do not expect an unplugged vacation. They are fully equipped with the latest communication and entertainment gadgets, which are all, provided in the private suites. Aside from the bar and resto’s that are serving international cuisines, each suite is also equipped with a kitchenette if one is willing or prefers to do his or her own meal.

No beach resort can be referred to as luxurious without the in-house SPA that attracts plenty of guests to do their mind and body renewal of energy. The Grace Bay Club has six treatment rooms in the Anani Spa.

Aside from the Spa, there is a Fitness Center, an 18-hole championship golf course, beach exploration via a private catamaran, freshwater swimming pools, Jacuzzi tubs, and the longest bar in the Caribbean, the Infiniti Bar. It is a 90 feet long bar and restaurant which the guests are served with meals and beverages under an umbrella shielding them from the sun while their feet are immersed in the water.

A beach enthusiast may say that everything that I mentioned above is just like any other luxurious beach resort in the Caribbean and it is possible but one thing that makes it different from the others is the scuba diving and snorkeling world class experience that only the Grace Bay Club can give. An avid diver can explore the Molasses Reef. It is the oldest European Shipwreck in the area and for diving addicts, this reason alone is enough to make them go back every summer. Rates vary depending on the season.

If you are not contented with the images included here, check out this video to see more of the resort.
 

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Las Ventanas, A World Class Tennis Resort

Posted by Jess Dayuno on 25th July 2008

Do you have what it takes to follow the footsteps of Andre Agassi or his wife Stefi Graf? If yes, then why not practice in style? If no, then just relax and enjoy the unbelievable amenities this luxurious tennis resort has to offer.

Photo Credit: LasVentanas

The Las Ventanas in Los Cabos, Mexico is one of the premiere tennis resorts in the world. A paradise that will truly enchant those who want to escape from the stressful life in the city especially avid tennis lovers who likes to spend each day hitting the courts.

They call it “A window to Paradise.” Their aim is to pamper their guests with luxury and hospitality. It is a desert resort that features spectacular huge suites, a spa, sumptuous cuisine and a serene and calming atmosphere.

Most people frequented the place because they offer the best in the tennis world. They have a tennis program like no other with two championship courts. The Las Ventanas Resort is very much known for extending their pampering services up to the tennis courts. Each player is provided with cold towels all the time and a refreshing Evian spray mists. Cold beverages are available anytime as long as it’s not inside the court itself. An attendant will be at the guest’s beck and call the whole duration of the match. The tennis courts are available 24/7, no time limitations.

Dining in the luxurious resort is quite an experience. Since, Las Ventanas is known for pure elegance and sophistication, a dress code is required if guests prefer to dine in their restaurant. There is also a wine room where a guest has the opportunity to be surrounded by one of the finest collection of wines in their region.

The resort’s spa is world class, which can provide those who want to relax their minds and body after a strenuous tennis match.

The pampering of guests in Las Ventanas is guaranteed with a personal butler for the one-bedroom to three-bedroom suites. Their residences are truly enclave with sophistication and sensuousness designed to give a guest a feeling of utmost luxury and privacy.

An instruction guide on how to get there is provided at this link

Posted in Luxury Beach Resorts, Luxury Resorts for The Rich and Famous, Mexico | No Comments »

Clint Eastwood’s Mission Ranch

Posted by Jess Dayuno on 24th July 2008

Who would not want to take a peek on Hollywood’s Megastars own magnificently designed and maintained properties, which are open to the public.

Photo Credit: MissionRanchCarmel

Ever since one of Tinsel town’s most revered actor-director Clint Eastwood bought this old, rundown historical ranch back in 1986 called Mission Ranch, he made sure that he hired the best architectural and engineering team to restore it to the way it was during the 1850s. He even enhanced the interiors of the place and painstakingly maintained it to be the best ranch-resort in California.

The Mission Ranch today is one of the most visited places in Carmel. It does not hurt that it is owned by one of the award winning actor-director in Hollywood but the place is quite magnificent and so people who wants a more laid-back type of vacation prefers to stay in the Mission Ranch.

They have 31 rooms with fireplaces and Jacuzzi services. Tennis buffs will have a blast here since they have six championship tennis courts and a fitness gym to accommodate those health aficionados who can’t live without their daily workout.

Dining in Mission Ranch restaurant is an experience quite different from other places. The views are quite spectacular; grazing sheep and the serenity that the ranch is offering is amazing.

It is a good way to relax and forget the toxic, fast paced life in the metropolis. Mission Ranch was originally a 160-hectare property but as time goes by and with 17 previous owners, when Clint Eastwood saw it, the property is only 22 hectares.

It is quite surprising that they really do not charge much but booking a room is not that easy. It would be a wise move if reservations were made early. Check out their site: Mission Ranch for more details.

Posted in Celebrity Owned Resort/Hotel, Luxury Resorts in USA | No Comments »

Ski in Telluride, Stay at Tempter

Posted by Jess Dayuno on 22nd July 2008

Planning for a ski trip this summer? Tired of having to squeeze your way into clear space in Aspen? Well, there is another beautiful and luxurious way of skiing in Colorado. Consider going to Telluride and stay at one of the posh and private ski getaway in North America, Tempter House.

It is sitting above a ridge in one of the most magnificent location in the Rocky Mountains. Why stay with overcrowded places when you can stay above the rest. It is located beside the Gold Hill overlooking the Telluride Ski and Golf Resort.

Tempter House is a five level house and was designed by Annie Eckley who is registered at the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The owner is his son, David Eckley who is quite known in the marathon world. He was a former marathon runner and was undefeated for three years in the Masters Class.

Most people know that in skiing, luxury means privacy. Tempter House offers this kind of exclusivity. All the amenities that you can think of when planning for a ski trip are being offered there such as the all important steam showers and Jacuzzi tub, log fireplaces, in and out ski transportation, massages etc.

Photo Credit: TelluridePlatinum

Guests are pampered in every way possible. A 24-hour Concierge is there to accommodate all their needs. They have their own Ski Patrol to whisk the guests wherever they want to go day and night.

This exclusivity and luxurious accommodations comes with a hefty price of USD$5,000 a night during winter and half of it during summer. However, this place is not designed to receive children as guests due to its location, it is mostly offered for adults.

Go and check this site and book early for the place because availability is limited.

Posted in Luxury Ski Resorts | No Comments »

Huka Lodge, The Ultimate Kiwi Experience

Posted by Jess Dayuno on 21st July 2008

huka lodge

Almost every single known Royal and some of the most prominent people in politics, business & entertainment stayed there. The Huka Lodge is most famous Lodge in their region, located in the central part of North Island in New Zealand specifically in Taupo.

Photo Credit: HukaLodgePress

It has become popular with the affluent community for the park-like gardens, hot pools, lake, falls, fishing grounds, and a major global tourist spot, which is an hour’s drive away from the lodge.

Those who love fishing frequent Huka Lodge. They can ride a boat to several streams and different parts of Lake Taupo to catch a trout or two. Water sports enthusiasts will have a blast there, as the place is famous for its aquatic activities such as water skiing, jet boating and water rafting.

There are still several more activities that can be enjoyed in this luxurious getaway like Hunting. Those avid hunters can hunt for deer and boar. Those who like to practice target shooting; there are plenty of duck and turkey around the hunting grounds.

Golf aficionados can also choose from 8 different courses to play, which is only 30 minutes away from the lodge. However, the Wairakai International Golf Course is highly recommended by local golfers, which is where the Huka Lodge Classic Golf Tournament is held every year.

Photo Credit: HukaLodgePress

One of the main attractions that the place is famous for is the chance to enjoy the Huka Lodge Experience, which includes a helicopter ride, which will fly the guests over the eastern part of the lake passing over the spectacular mountain ranges. The chopper will then park near a river where guest can stroll to the different secluded pools in the area or go to another scenic part of the lake and enjoy a delicious lunch while viewing the majestic snow-capped peaks of the mountain while breathing fresh air.

It is one great adventure, relaxing and enjoying nature at its best. It is not surprising at all that some of their famous guests were the true blue Royals: Queen Elizabeth II of England and Queen Beatrix of Netherlands, Prince Willem-Alexander, Prince Edward, Duchess of Kent, King Albert, Sultan Mahmud Ismail Terengganu and business tycoons, Bill Gates & Rupert Murdoch to name a few.

This is why this ultimate kiwi escape has been recognized as the number one in the top 20 List of the Best in Australia and Pacific Resorts. Book now and check their rates.

Posted in Luxury Resorts, Luxury Resorts for The Rich and Famous, Uncategorized | No Comments »

The Posh and Pink Sands in Bahamas

Posted by Jess Dayuno on 21st July 2008

It has a feel of a private exclusive club but a friendlier one. The Pink Sands Resort in Harbour Island in Bahamas serves as a celeb hideaway.

 pink sands bahamas

Photo Credit: PinkSands

The 20-acre luxury beach resort is aptly named inspired by the world famous pink sand that covers three miles of the area. The cottages built around the beach accentuated the pink sand, as they are all pastel-colored. Their spacious rooms are beautifully designed and strategically located so the guests will enjoy more privacy from other people. They have their patios and own pathways going to the beach and that is one of the reasons why Hollywood megastar, Julia Roberts have been spotted several times there.

The owner Chris Blackwell made sure that all guests would have fully equipped rooms. Each room was installed with all the entertainment and modern gadgets so they can enjoy both worlds: nature and technology at its best.

The resort cuisine is excellent focusing more on Caribbean dishes mixed with Asian and Bahamian. They do have a nightly 4-course dinner for guests while Lunch and Breakfast are served with less formal ambience.  They also offer romantic candlelight dinner for those who prefer them.

Photo Credit: PinkSands

While the guests can freely use the in-house amenities like Jacuzzi, tennis courts, freshwater swimming pool, massages, gym and library among others; they can also enjoy different water off-site activities like Bone, Reef & Deep Sea Fishing; Scuba Diving; Snorkeling, etc. The resort staff can make arrangements for them although advance reservations are required.

With all the privacy, amenities and spectacular scenic beach views, it is no surprising that the Pink Sands Resort received many awards and recognitions such as the InStyle Coolest Hotel in Bahamas, included in Travel & Leisure’s Top 500 Hotels, Top 25 Caribbean Spot, etc.

It is quite easy to get there. The resort is around 20 minutes away from the Eleuthera International Airport via land or water. If guests are coming from the US, Continental Connections has a couple of flights each day via Ft. Lauderdale or Miami. If guests are coming from Europe British Airways has direct flights from London to Nassau.

However, most guests flies over via their own private jets so it would only take a short time for them to get there and stroll in the pink sands.

Posted in Luxury Beach Resorts, Luxury Resorts for The Rich and Famous | No Comments »

Skibo Castle Run By the Most Exclusive Club

Posted by Jess Dayuno on 18th July 2008

If you want exclusivity at its best, go to Skibo Castle. Home of many high-profile weddings situated at the western part of Dornoch in Scotland. The Bishop of Caithness, Gilbert de Moravia, built it in 1186.

Photo Credit: LTR CO UK

Its Gaelic name is Schytherbolle, which means “a place of peace” or “fairyland.” From its construction up to the year 1545, it has been the official residence of bishops. The Castle was well maintained but in 1745 when there was a revolt, the place was turned over to different owners until a man with vision for excellence and grandeur leased the place for a year in 1897. Two years after, Andrew Carnegie purchased it from the owners for an amount of 85,000 pounds.

The new owner spent around 2 million pounds to renovate the Castle and turn it to an exclusive luxurious private members only club. A membership will cost around 23,000 pounds. Before 2008, it was open to non-members but only for one night accommodation. Today, the Castle is for the exclusive use of the Carnegie Club members. They do not accept applications as of this moment and there is already a long waiting list for those who already submitted their papers in the past.

entrance hall, skibo castle master bedroom

Photo Credit: LTR CO UK

The 7,500-acre Castle is well hidden from the public and is inside a forested area. It has so many facilities that you won’t find easily in other castles in Europe. It has a swimming pool, spa, an 18-hole golf course, tennis & badminton courts, fishing grounds, horse rising, snooker, archery, mountain biking & hiking and target shooting.

This particular Castle had been the venue of some of the high profile weddings in the past like Madonna and Guy Ritchie’s union in 2000, Ewan McGregor, Sam Torrance, Ashley Judd and Dario Franchitti’s in 2001.

Any interested traveler can get more information here: Skibo Castle.

 

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Dine, Wine and Sleep Like Royalty in Chateau de Bagnols

Posted by Jess Dayuno on 18th July 2008

 A 5-star Chateau in France can turn an ordinary vacation to a grand royal experience. Chateau de Bagnols is truly one of the finest in the world.

bagnols suite

Photo Credit: Bagnols

This chateau-hotel is one historical landmark in France. It was built back in the 13th century and has stood the test of time, marching over four significant periods in history. It was majestically designed and decorated with opulence and grandiose. There are still items in the Chateau that was originally there since it was built like the wall paintings in one of the residential quarters or the largest royal coat of arms in France, which was placed above the fireplace to commemorate King Charles VIII visit to the place.

All the previous owners of the Bagnols since the 13th century, added new item or facility that made it more regal, elegant and sturdy. The painting collection that they have there are said to be the most extensive and are sought after by many art enthusiasts.

However, by the end of the 18th century, new owners lost interest in maintaining the place and so it was unkempt for the next 200 years. It was pure fate that in 1987 Lady Hamlyn discovered it and fell in love with the place. She restored it to its former glory and made it to be one of Europe’s finest vineyard Chateau-Hotel.

Today, it boasts of magical Renaissance ambience that can rival any other palaces in the land. It has 21 bedrooms, which includes 8 different apartments that was designed and named in honor of those previous owners that contributed to its history like the Chambre de Madame de Sévigné, Chambre des Seigneurs d’Oingt, and the Suite des Seigneurs de Balzac.

Photo Credit: Bagnols

Although this magical historic Royal chateau-hotel is available for those who can afford their rates, they also offer the whole place for an exclusive use of one person and his party. Many high-profile guests have rented the whole chateau to celebrate special occasions such as weddings, birthdays or corporate anniversary.

It may looked like it was built centuries ago but it is now installed with everything that modern technology has to offer. It has an old, palatial ambiance with a modern twist.

The place is breathtaking and so former Hollywood mega couple Tom Cruise and Nicole Kidman use to frequent this place when they were still together. It is not surprising to know that they received many awards from travel/hotel award giving bodies.

 

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