Overview

Gaze over Central Park and the Manhattan skyline from the most breathtaking luxury hotel in New York. This award-winning, 5 Star development high above Columbus Circle offers stunning views from every room. In the beating heart of the city, close to the most prestigious areas, Mandarin Oriental, New York has become a byword for New York style.

Accommodations

Located high above Columbus Circle, our 248 stylishly appointed rooms and suites reflect the oriental heritage of Mandarin Oriental while incorporating contemporary elements of New York City. And with every one of them comes a breathtaking view of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline, or the scenic Hudson River over which the sun sets. Choose your accommodations and view from the selection below.

Spa

The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, New York is a five-star spa offering holistic renewal in a setting of complete tranquility. Facilities including a state-of-the-art fitness center and a 75-foot naturally lit indoor lap pool. Bamboo, stone and gold leaf set the tone for an unforgettable Manhattan spa experience that focuses on the rebalance of the individual, and leaves them with an enhanced sense of well-being.

Dining

The restaurants and bars at Mandarin Oriental, New York offer innovative food & beverage concepts in a city that is renowned throughout the world for its variety of cuisine.

Overview

Serenely nestled amidst Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve, this premier San Diego resort destination seamlessly combines the old-world charm of a Mediterranean estate with the modern luxury of an elegant resort. The result: a destination unparalleled by San Diego hotels and lauded by Condé Nast Traveler as one of the “World’s Best Places To Stay”. Little wonder, given the sun-drenched climate, stunning natural beauty, championship golf course and irresistible dining – epitomized by Addison, Southern California’s only Five-Star and Five Diamond restaurant. And no visit to this San Diego luxury hotel would be complete without an afternoon of pampering at one of only 20 Forbes Five-Star spas in the country.treatment rooms, and more. The Ranch gets you back to nature at its finest.

Accommodations

The Grand Del Mar, a luxury San Diego golf and spa resort, is comprised of 249 thoughtfully appointed guestrooms and suites, each with its own stunning view of either The Grand Golf Club or Los Peñasquitos Canyon Preserve.

Spa

Retreat from the world and slip into a relaxed state at The Spa at The Grand Del Mar, San Diego’s premier resort spa. As you surrender into utter bliss, you’ll understand just why it is one of only 20 Five-Star spas in the country.

Embracing the creative and rejuvenating spirit of the Renaissance, The Spa delivers a sublime experience of relaxed, renewed and restorative wellness. The comprehensive menu of services encompasses a full slate of natural therapies, including cleansing facials, invigorating hydrotherapy body treatments and an organic product line that’s custom-made for The Grand Del Mar.

Dining

The imaginative chefs of The Grand Del Mar embrace the intricate craftsmanship of this luxury San Diego resort’s stunning architecture and exquisite details, creating a fluid transition from place to plate.

Six venues offer a wide array of dining options. Enjoy elegant fine dining and creative contemporary cuisine, or savor casual poolside fare, gourmet espressos and cocktails — all complemented by the enchanting sounds of nightly entertainment.

Overview

Set on an historic working ranch with a heartfelt place in Southern California history, The Ranch at Live Oak Malibu spans acres of native grounds, offering hiking trails, picturesque mountain and canyon views and authentic splendor. The Ranch offers the perfect setting to focus on your health, fitness, nutrition and wellness goals.

Located three miles above the Pacific Ocean in the Santa Monica Mountains, the property houses a Spanish hacienda – as well as The Ranch’s great room, organic farm and kitchen, exercise pavilion, outdoor pool and spa, private treatment rooms, and more. The Ranch gets you back to nature at its finest.

Accommodations

In a welcoming environment, each guest will retreat to his or her own private room with a queen size bed and bathroom. Your stay at The Ranch will feel as if you are in a friend’s comfortable guest house.

The calming colors and beautiful décor of your own private room will not only add to your relaxation and transformation, but also support a restful night’s sleep.

Spa

In one intensive week at our luxury bootcamp, you will gain physical endurance, shed unwanted pounds, tone up and detoxify in a healthy and sustainable way all while “getting off the grid” and back to nature.

While at The Ranch, your time will be spent in low impact, moderate activity, rather than short bursts of intense, injury-prone activity. We believe that stimulating your mind and body through sustainable exercise will enhance your metabolism, cleanse and detoxify your body, allow for healthy weight loss, and offer a heightened sense of mental wellness, clarity and serenity.

In spectacular surroundings, look forward to each day being filled with challenging physical activities that will prove fun and rewarding. And, of course, our dedicated staff will tend to your every need.

Dining

At The Ranch, our commitment to quality and excellence is readily apparent in the seasonal culinary cuisine created by Chef Kurt Steeber, our nutritional alchemist.

Our chef creates artful cuisine that tastes delectable and is visually stunning, using all fresh, organic vegetarian fare designed to sustain you throughout your stay, giving you energy and allow for healthy weight loss. The dietary program at The Ranch excludes alcohol, caffeine and processed sugars, aiding in your detoxification and revitalization process.

Overview

Resembling a gracious private residence, The Peninsula Beverly Hills offers luxuriously appointed rooms, suites and private villas nestled amid lush gardens for the most discerning of travelers. Various dining venues offers sophistication to casual elegance.

Accommodations

With one of Southern California’s most desirable addresses, The Peninsula Beverly Hills looks and feels like an exclusive private residence built in classic Renaissance style. Discretion is key and our guests are assures of complete confidentiality and security during their stay. With a choice of 193 luxuriously elegant rooms and suites, we also offer 16 gloriously comfortable detached Garden Villa Suites with their own discreet entrances. Unique to the hotel is 24 hour check-in service, meaning your room is ready regardless of when you check in or out.

Spa

Relax your body and soothe your soul in the tranquil world of our Spa retreat on the roof garden of The Peninsula Beverly Hills. Voted No.1 for Service and No.2 for Treatments for Urban Spas in the United States by readers of Conde Nast Traveler, The Peninsula Beverly Hills Spa is the place to revitalize your mind, body and spirit in this haven of calm, with luxurious body treatments and sublime skincare.

Dining

The Belvedere, Hollywood’s power dining favorite, is the only Southern California restaurant to win the AAA Five-Diamond Award or 16 consecutive years. Epitomising prestige and culinary excellence, The Peninsula Beverly Hills restaurants and bar are united by the common denominator of fabulous food and unobtrusive service, from the Living Room, specializing in Traditional Afternoon Tea, to the relaxed Roof Garden and the Club Bar, home to wine and cognac enthusiasts.

Overview

Welcome to Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills. Its inviting Southern California style and high-energy buzz have made Four Seasons a Hollywood icon for decades. Now a complete refurbishment adds modern Italian dining, a larger Windows Lounge, new pool, terrace and whirlpool. From balconies in sun-filled guest rooms to outdoor dining options, this is alfresco living at its best. This luxury five-star hotel is conveniently located near Sunset Boulevard, Wilshire Boulevard and Rodeo Drive in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles.

Accommodations

Decorated in warm tones to echo the sunshine of Southern California, the Hotel’s 285 spacious guest rooms and suites all feature French doors to a step-out balcony with views of the gardens, the Hollywood Hills, Los Angeles or Beverly Hills.

All Hotel accommodations feature a living area furnished with a writing desk, armchair, glass-top table, an armoire and a television and DVD player. All include NXTV with 50 television channels, as well as pay-per-view movies and video games, plus a Bose radio with iPod docking station. Three telephone lines are accompanied by wired or wireless Internet access. Lavish marble bathrooms include a make-up stool, telephone and TV/radio, plus premium bath amenities and grooming accessories.

Spa

Escape to Los Angeles’ most exclusive sanctuary for the senses, a spa worthy of Four Seasons. Take it all in: the luxurious atmosphere; the oh-so-indulgent services; the exquisite, one-of-a-kind treatments. It’s the perfect retreat – spring, summer, autumn or winter. Relax, rejuvenate and return to indulgence.

A private poolside cabana, providing outdoor spa services, is available daily for our guests. Services include foot reflexology, Swedish or deep-tissue massage, manicures and pedicures. Gift certificates and spa packages are available.

Dining

A favourite Beverly Hills destination for business or relaxation, Four Seasons Hotel Los Angeles offers settings for every occasion – from indoor-outdoor modern Italian cuisine in Culina, Modern Italian, to sophisticated cocktails at Windows Lounge, known as Hollywood’s living room.

Resort Highlights

Nestled at the base of Tucson’s stunning Catalina Mountains, Miraval Arizona’s 400 acres of lush Sonoran Desert creates an inspiring backdrop that is warm and welcoming any time of the year. Designed to create an intimate, nurturing environment, the grounds delight and surprise while the luxurious accommodations filled with premier amenities envelop you in your own private world.

There are over 110 ways to restore, inspire and transform you on your path to a Life in Balance™. For time to relax or explore, to connect with loved ones or with yourself, Miraval provides hundreds of experiences that make every individual’s time at Miraval unforgettable.

• 118 recently renovated luxurious rooms with private casita-style accommodations
• World-class spa, whirlpool, quiet room, steam room and sauna with new Outdoor Treatment Rooms
• Body Mindfulness Center featuring Olympic lap pool and state-of-the-art equipment including Cybex and Woodway machines, treadmills, life cycles, Stair Masters and free weights
• On-site Challenge Course with climbing wall, hiking and mountain biking
• Swimming pool areas including a tri-level pool with cascading waterfalls, accupressure stone walk and whirlpool
• Access to golf is 20 minutes away at the Golf Club at Vistoso, an 18-hole, par 72, Tom Weiskopf-designed course playing to 6,905 yards
• Agave Yoga Center and Yucca Pilates studio Zen and desert gardens with labyrinth and panoramic Kiva

Rooms at Miraval

At Miraval we have 118 casually elegant casita-style rooms and suites grouped in six villages, each with a variety of rooms and features. The rooms are inviting and comfortable, with natural colors from the earth that create a connection with the desert landscape and surrounding mountains. Each room features responsibly sourced and sustainable materials.

Miraval’s Dining

Miraval brings balance to dining, nourishment and the preparation of food – the art of dining that is both satisfying and healthful, consciously observing and enjoying the flavor, texture, aroma and presentation of a nutritious meal. Their  Chefs complement many dishes with animal proteins, dairy products and natural sweeteners, using these enhancements purposefully and moderately to create dishes that are not only nutritious, but also flavorful and gratifying.

They strive to awaken the senses to possibilities through the intentional use of seasonal, local ingredients and the blending of colors, textures, aromas and flavors. Their culinary team continuously seeks the finest selection of organically grown produce, legumes and grains wherever possible. They also obtain naturally raised animal products to provide foods free of antibiotics, growth hormones and pesticides.

MIRAVAL SHUTTLE

Miraval is pleased to provide complimentary transportation to and from the Tucson International Airport. To ensure timely service, we need transportation information no less than 72 hours prior to your schedule needs. The last complimentary airport shuttle to leave for the airport is 2 pm. Please note that late check-out service may be subject to additional transportation fees to the airport if shuttle service is not currently scheduled. Guests arriving at the resort after 9:00 pm will receive a late night snack in their room.

Groups

Gracing 400 acres of stunning desert landscape and boasting an idyllic year-round climate, Miraval® Arizona is a planner’s delight.  Nestled into the base of the majestic Santa Catalina Mountains, the resort’s natural beauty sets the perfect tone for inspired retreats, while our exceptional service and signature programs ensure your group’s success. Miraval sets the standard with a full complement of group facilities, including over 6,600 square feet of meeting space and the latest in technology. Guests experience the finest of everything with our 118 beautifully appointed casita-style guest rooms and suites, state-of-the-art fitness facilities and Miraval’s world-renowned motivational programs that are sure to make every visit engaging and memorable.

Overview

If only this one had been open in January when millions rushing to D.C. to witness President Obama’s Inauguration were faced with sold-out hotels left and right. In what marks another milestone in the global expansion of the W Hotel brand, the W Hotel in Washington, D.C opened this past Thursday with a giant bash. It was a jam-packed party full of the town’s political elite, including Presidential Aide Reggie Love and the President’s personal secretary Katie Johnson, as well as celebs like Emmy Rossum who flocked to hear an intimate performance by John Legend. In an event that brought Versailles to Washington, the party was full of Marie Antoinettemodels sporting powdered wigs and opera glasses while guests sipped on pink cocktails and munched on cotton candy.

The new W Hotel, the 25th to open in North America, takes over the historic Hotel Washington, which opened in 1917. The new design incorporates the 1920s Beaux Arts architecture of the original building with the edgy designs of Diana Wong whose, L.A.-based firm transformed all of the interiors. Wong gathered artwork symbolizing “old Washington,” which she sprinkled among her more modern designs including a digital fireplace, crackled paint, deconstructed fixtures, and new chandeliers complimenting the original 1920s light fixtures. Her theme throughout the hotel is “pinstripes and lace,” to appeal to both the masculine and feminine powers of Washington.

As the city’s closest hotel to the White House, the location features unparalleled views of our nation’s monuments, and can expect to attract an abundance of stately guests from around the world, and perhaps a national scandal or two.

Dining

W turned the famed rooftop, where for decades politicos have converged to drink and deliberate, into a modern cocktail lounge, with a menu provided by cocktail king Sasha Petraske of Milk & Honey and Little Branch. The cocktails can also be ordered in the Living Room, W’s design of the traditional hotel lobby. Dining options include the J&G Steakhouse and Wine Bar from Chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten.

WOW Suite

The W Washington D.C. has 317 guestrooms in total, including 23 Marvelous suites. The W’s interpretation of the traditional Presidential Suite, the “pinstripes and lace” Extreme WOW suite, is an exact symbol of the new design influence quickly arriving in our nation’s capital.

This is what makes the coolest W to ever reside in the capital city: Virtual fireplace so the heat is on, signature W cocktail candy to cool it off, so much space you can roam like it was the land of the free.

The oval-shaped dining table for four is the hot spot for a power meal, with violet leather-upholstered chair subordinates. Before you slip into that food coma, slide onto the diamond-tufted sofa and settle among grape accent pillows—now take that power nap. As drapes of blue, violet and gold frame white accents, stretch out on the grape velveteen sofa where state-of-the-art entertainment is presented through the 46″ flat screen TV and iPod docking station—there’s no end to the spectacular selections in our culturally aware media library. You’re the host with the most seats of power, from the bronze bench with mother of pearl leather seat to the pumpkin-shaped stool with silver leaf legs and pink leather to the black oak sled chair with white crocodile seat – the only thing you’d have to stand for is your right to neat treats from the delightful Munchie Box. Need some libation liberation? Wheel and deal at the signature W cocktail caddy, where colorful cocktails are created in seconds. Make it official at the curved white lacquer desk with silver tassels—with High Speed Internet Access and a cordless phone with voicemail and speakerphone capabilities, you can kick back in the comfy plum chair. Take heart with the art by Andy Taylor adorning the walls, featuring luminous and vibrant pieces from this “Diamond Dust on Glass” collection.

Slip through sliding doors from the living room to bedroom, where the signature W bed with pillow-top mattress, 350-thread-count sheets and goose down comforter and pillows awaits. This one’s a gem with mother of pearl leather headboards and bed frame, complemented by a Bohemian glass lamp on the nightstand and bedside furnishings dressed in gray oak veneers. Go ahead and sleep soundly after some late night 37″ flat screen TV—the Tivoli clock radio gets you up in time for that meeting with Bliss® Spa amenities. Will it be a bubbly (double?) dip in the marble-topped bathtub with or a refresher under the waterfall shower behind frosted glass doors? A luxurious double vanity makes room for everyone, while the white Caesar stone vanity top and check out the silver leaf mirror to make that all-important first impression before you step out. (805 – 851 square feet)

by Ariston Anderson – Luxist

Overview

Amangiri, ‘peaceful mountain’ (Opening in October 2009), is located in the southwest region of the USA also known as the Four Corners, where the states of Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona meet. Boasting one of the most dramatic landscapes in the USA with deep canyons and towering plateaus, the region has been home for centuries to the native Navajo and Hopi tribes yet is sparsely populated and presents the raw landscape for which the American Southwest has become famous.

Experience unparalleled comfort in 34 exquisite hotel guest rooms or 31 spectacular villas, available for purchase. With an extraordinary sense of entry, stylish indoor and outdoor dining and picturesque public courtyards, a tranquil atmosphere pervades, creating a quintessential Aman resort.

Spa

Catering to the fitness and well being of its guests in some of the world’s most compelling natural environments has always been a cornerstone of the Aman approach. Amangiri’s Spa sanctuary artfully blends Eastern therapy with Western hospitality for a singularly unique experience. The Spa offers a myriad of exotic treatments from ancient Thai and Indian traditions created for revitalization and renewal.

Activities

There are many diversions to entertain and exhilarate at Amangiri; from whitewater rafting down the Colorado River to heliskiing adventures at nearby Dunton Hot Springs. Explore this amazing landscape on private hikes guided by the latest in GPS technologies or a personal guide. Those desiring less rugged pursuits will delight in championship golf, private flights to Las Vegas and our Aman-designed event boats located on Lake Powell.

Overview

Sir Richard Branson’s Private Game Reserve is set in the heart of the Sabi Sand reserve on the border of the Kruger National Park in South Africa. Most of the staff hail from the surrounding villages therefore guests benefit from authentic South African hospitality. They promote from within where they can, and support the local community through their charitable project, Pride ‘n Purpose. The Ulusaba family of 119 individuals includes some of the finest and most qualified rangers and trackers in the reserve who guarantee the experience of a lifetime on  game drive. They delight in going the extra mile for all their guests!

Ulusaba is part of Virgin Limited Edition, Sir Richard Branson’s portfolio of unique retreats.

Location

Ulusaba Private Game Reserve is located in the western sector of the  Sabi Sand Reserve. We’re close to Kruger National Park which is in the Mpumalanga province of South Africa.

Transportation

Ulusaba is approximately a 1 hour and 20 minute flight from OR Tambo (Johannesburg) International Airport (JNB), flying by twin engine aircraft, or 30 minutes from Kruger Mpumalanga International Airport (KMIA). Ulusaba has its own private airstrip and there are daily scheduled and charter flights available. Get a window seat – the view is terrific! You can also come by road from KMIA, which will take approximately two and a half hours. Try and arrive by 1pm – just in time for lunch!

Lodges

Ulusaba has 21 rooms and suites spread over two lodges-Rock Lodge and Safari Lodge. Rock Lodge is ‘Heaven in Heaven’, perched high on the summit of a koppie with views over the South African bush below. Nearly 500 metres away is Safari Lodge, known as ‘Heaven on Earth’. Built along the banks of a dry riverbed, Safari Lodge guests cross swing bridges between the exquisite tree house style rooms. For the ultimate experience, guests can share their time between both lodges.

Activities

When not occupied on a walking safari or twice daily game drive, take a dip in the swimming pools or indulge in a spa treatment. For the more active, there are tennis courts and gyms available. Try a few South African wines from the wine cellar and after dinner enjoy a spot of stargazing at the bush observatory.

Overview

Founded in 1998, Trails of Indochina provides customized travel services for high-end travelers in Southeast Asia. Based in Vietnam, they offer two key advantages:

1. familiarity with the region combined with
2. an understanding of the specialized requirements of up-market travelers.

Our relationship with Trails of Indochina, combined with extensive experience in the travel industry and an unrivalled network of contacts in the region, we can tailor itineraries to meet your diverse needs – and far exceed your expectations.

Here is a sample itinerary of just one of the dozens of excursions we can provide:

Cambodia In Depth

Unforgettable: As you pause to admire the intricate carvings on a temple’s cracked wall, a stone carver engaged in restoration work beckons you over to compare his efforts to that of his 12th century predecessor

Day 1 Phnom Penh: get a feel for Cambodia’s unique art and architecture through visits to the National Museum, Royal Palace and Silver Pagoda—so named for its floor paved in real silver tiles; come face-to-face with some of the millions of Cambodians who died at the hands of the Khmer Rouge in a former torture center, thereby gaining some understanding of these people’s courage and resilience;

Day 2 Udong: drive past fields and stilt-houses to Udong, a forgotten outpost that served as Cambodia’s capital from the 17th through mid-19th centuries; explore this sleepy town’s Buddhist stupas and shrines; pay a sobering visit to the “killing fields”—an area where thousands of the Khmer Rouge’s victims were murdered and buried;

Day 3 In and around Phnom Penh: undo your belt a few notches at the Sunday Food Fair, a vibrant rural market where vendors sell scrumptious local snacks and fruit; sit with women in a traditional weaving village as they explain their age-old techniques; dine on the banks of the Mekong, where old French villas evoke images of long-gone colonial traders sipping sundowners beneath slow-moving ceiling fans;

Day 4 Temple tour: travel by car and boat to view the sixth century temple of Phnom Da, believed to have been erected on the site of Cambodia’s first capital; climb two-hundred steps to reach the bombed temple of Phnom Chisor, its intricate bas-relief sculptures now scattered across two square km;

Day 5 Angkor Wat: (flight Phnom Penh-Siem Riep) begin your exploration of the temples of Angkor, about one hundred of which remain scattered throughout the jungle; find yourself staring into the forbidding stone faces that adorn the fifty towers of Angkor Thom, built by Angkor’s greatest king, the 12th century Jayavarman VII; climb Mount Bakheng to see Angkor Wat’s tiered towers silhouetted against the setting sun;

Day 6 Outlying temples: make your way through crumbling passageways and over the twisted roots of the banyan trees that are slowly strangling the hauntingly beautiful temple of Ta Prohm; stroll across the courtyard of the late 12th century Preah Neak Pean temple, imagining its elaborately carved pools filled with water for the purification rituals that once occurred here;

Day 7 Trekking: rest near a reclining Buddha that lies at the summit of a sacred mountain; trek through old-growth forest to a revered stream, its limestone banks carved with linga fertility symbols, then picnic beside a jungle waterfall;

Day 8 Temples & boating: step from the jungle to discover a temple guarded by strange statues of mythical creatures; take a boat trip to the region’s floating villages, where everything from clinics to schools are on water;

Day 9 Departure: relax in Siem Riep’s quaint cafes, bistros and art galleries until it’s time to fly out

Expect to understand more about the ancient glory and recent devastation of this enigmatic land—a place where the people you meet will leave as much of an impression as the monuments