Barcelona’s most exclusive hotel gets a contemporary makeover by internationally renowned Spanish designer, Patricia Urquiola.

The new Mandarin Oriental in Barcelona blends the best of Spain’s most romantic city with all that’s new in architecture and design. Situated at the city’s most exclusive address, the hotel offers a sumptuously intimate setting with just 98 rooms and suites. The Mandarin Oriental Hotel Group, known for its exceptional hotels and resorts worldwide, delivers the ultimate experience in luxury accommodations, combining the city’s old-world beauty and charm with Urquiola’s stylish, ultracontemporary interiors and a touch of the Group’s Asian heritage.

Located on the bustling Passeig de Gràcia, the Mandarin Oriental Barcelona boasts two world-class restaurants, Blanc and Moments, as well as Banker’s Bar—all chic places to see and be seen while enjoying delectable cuisine and imbibing Spain’s ἀnest wines and liquors. Al fresco dining, a luxury of the temperate Mediterranean climate, can be enjoyed at the hotel’s breathtaking 660-square-meter Mimosa Garden or poolside on the Terrat rooftop, where panoramic views of the glittering city’s famous architecture provide the perfect backdrop for a romantic meal.

Steps from Barcelona’s most famed attractions, such as the Gothic Quarter and Las Ramblas, the hotel’s central location proves one of its greatest assets. Designer shopping, local dining and Barcelona’s incredible cultural amenities abound, including two of the city’s most celebrated Gaudí-designed buildings. Other neighborhood staples include gorgeous churches, parks, museums and promenades.

For the traveler that prefers to view from afar, many rooms and suites at the Mandarin Oriental Barcelona include sweeping balconies and terraces with views of the glamorous Passeig de Gràcia or the impeccably landscaped hotel garden. The 2,542-square-foot Penthouse Suite, the hotel’s most exclusive and private accommodation, occupies the entire top Ḁoor, boasts views of the Passeig de Gràcia and is outἀtted with top-of-the-line Bang & Olufsen technology. The suite has two bedrooms. The master bedroom boasts its own set of rooms and a terrace. The second bedroom has an en suite bathroom. The Penthouse Suite also has two living areas, one of which has a sweeping terrace. It also has a kitchen, a dining room equipped for eight and a guest powder room. A personal butler rounds out the whole experience at $10,000 per night.

To ease weary feet or just plain relax, indulge in the hotel’s 1,000-square-meter Spa at Mandarin Oriental—the destination for pure pampering. The spa’s tranquil setting and holistic approach to beauty and wellness ensure a variety of treatments to suit every taste. Signature spa programs include both full- and half-day options. The daylong Pathway to Radiance, a rejuvenating program, promises to reveal the best you, and includes a personalized 80-minute aromatherapy massage, the Signature Quintessence Body Scrub and the Age-Defying Facial.

For an afternoon of bliss after wandering Barcelona’s storied streets, the spa’s Urban Escape package awakens the body and soul with an invigorating sea salt, menthol and lime scrub, followed by the Therapeutic Massage and the Regenerating Firming Eye Treatment. The spa also offers a selection of individual treatments for both men and women, including the Signature Spa Therapies, a nearly two-hour-long, full-body treatment developed in consultation with specialists in traditional Chinese medicine, which are tailored to meet the individual needs of each guest.

From its stunning architecture and perfect location to its delicious cuisine, excellent spa and spectacular views of this storybook city, a visit to the Mandarin Oriental Barcelona promises to be a truly remarkable experience. The Mandarin Group’s brand of excellence has surely exceeded itself in the hotel’s development, but it is the groundbreaking design and personalized approach that will ensure the perfect vacation destination for the well-heeled traveler.

Mandarin Oriental, Barcelona, +34.93.151.87.68, www.mandarinoriental.com/barcelona

St. Moritz once again, presents an exclusive line-up of events this winter season. The Badrutt’s Palace Hotel is the ideal destination to celebrate style, sports, cuisine and fashion with discreet service and traditional elegance evoking an atmosphere of pampered luxury. The perfect winter destination features 38 suites with stunning views of the Swiss Alps.

For an exclusive shopping experience, the Palace Galerie offers for the very first time, three late night shopping events on Via Serlas. On December 23, 2010, January 4 and February 19, 2011, the designer boutiques and jewelers will remain open until midnight. Celebrate this New Year’s Eve at Badrutt’s Palace Hotel with the theme “Le Cirque du Palace.” The evening’s entertainment stretches from artists and clowns to musicians and dancers. While guests are donning their finest gowns and jewels for the most important event of the season, the hotel is traditionally decorated in its glorious party robe.

From January 31 to February 4, St. Moritz transforms into the Mecca of the international gourmet food scene. This year it will be a “Week of the Stars,” all ten of the international guest chefs have been awarded Michelin stars for their expertise.

Under expert supervision on a specially designed training site, guests can spin, drift and slide in their car over the snow and ice. Every Wednesday throughout January and February, Badrutt’s Palace Hotel offers its guests a professionally conducted Driver Safety Course in Samedan. Ideally the training will be conducted in the guest’s own car, however, a car can be hired on request.

As soon as Lake St. Moritz freezes over and is covered with a thick layer of snow, the vibrant activities begin on the lake. Starting off with the 27th annual St. Moritz Polo World Cup on Snow, January 27 to 30, the event line-up includes the 23rd Cricket on Ice Tournament, February 3 to 5, White Turf Horse Racing, on the weekends of February 6, 13 and 20, and finally the 5th annual Art on Ice, February 8. Meanwhile, the Bobsleigh and Skeleton European and World Championships will draw crowds on January 24th, as competitors tackle the worlds only natural ice bob run used for international competition.

~Affluent Page

Described by one guest as “a wonderful piece of Eden,” the Chindeni Bushcamp of The Bushcamp Company has always been a luxurious retreat, but recently, the picturesque tented camp has reopened with a touch more charm. A new multilevel deck takes advantage of its surrounding ebony trees in order to maintain a serene blend of nature and comfort in a location known for its romantic seclusion. From the deck, amateur explorers enjoy a spectacular view and are able to observe some of the over 60 different species of mammal that live nearby even after their guided expeditions are over. Overlooking the Chindeni Hills and a nearby lagoon, these lavish accommodations redefine the safari experience, exposing guests to the hundreds of different bird species that grace South Luangwa National Park.

The bushcamp’s tents have also been refurnished to provide a wood-burning pizza oven, hammocks, and open rain showers; overall a sublime way to experience South Luangwa’s exotic landscape. While there, guests can expect guided walking safaris and game drives both during the day and at night. Unchanged by tourism, South Luangwa embraces its natural beauty and has avoided the visitor centers and restaurant complexes common to other national parks in Africa. Considered the pioneer of the walking tour, South Luangwa’s pristine conditions allow visitors to experience “the compelling mix of excitement, fear, vulnerability, respect and awe” such proximity to nature offers. But The Bushcamp Company does not expect you to go without ammonites. With every expedition comes “the all-important-tea-porter” for a variety of refreshments.

The four room Chindeni Bushcamp is available for $4,720 a night in addition to the daily park fee of $360 and Luangwa Conservation and Community Fund charge of $80 per day.

~Affluent Page

The Bushcamp Company

Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons is holding its Prestige Cuvée Champagne Dinner on September 23rd, and while it may seem a little early to announce the event, Le Manoir’s events often sell out months in advance.  The dinner offers some of the finest Champagnes and will feature Don Perignon, Veuve Clicquot La Grand Dame, Dom Ruinart, and Krug, brands that embody nobility and traditional craftsmanship. The dinner itself will be a six-course creation by Le Manoir’s very own Raymond Blanc and Executive Head Chef Gary Jones.

Raymond Blanc, completely self-taught, is one of the United Kingdom’s most respected chefs and the creator of Le Manoir aux Quat’Saisons. His restaurant has earned two prestigious Michelin stars and prides itself on freshness.

Located in the Oxfordshire village of Great Milton, Le Manoir is renowned for its sublime culinary classes and gastronomic experiences, procuring over 90 types of vegetables and 70 types of herbs from its very own organic gardens. The gardens are expansive and lend the hotel a bucolic beauty. While the hotel offers 32 unique rooms, I would recommend the spacious garden suites which draw their inspiration from Raymond Blanc’s French heritage. The suites cost £990 a night and like all rooms at Le Manoir, their fee includes the hotel’s French breakfast, fresh fruit and flowers, Maneira wine, and a daily paper.

The dinner is priced at £395 per person and black tie, of course, is required.

~Affluent Page

Staying on an exclusive island is fairly ordinary; having your own island for 12 days is not.

Located in the secluded grasslands of western Tanzania, the newly renovated Lupita Island is certain to exceed your expectations. Lupita Island by Firelight, is located in the Rukwa region of western Tanzania on Lake Tanganyika. The island consists of 130 acres of untainted forests surrounded by crystal clear water, and offers 13 lavishly decorated open-air villas with unobstructed views of Africa’s second largest lake.

The list of luxury accommodations range from a variety of ultimate water sports, professionally guided safari tours, or personal spa therapists–for those seeking less extreme adventures. The island also offers an intimate dining experience, which allows you to delight in exotic flavors of each entrée. The island’s chefs specialize in modern African cuisine and are best known for their desserts and libations. The menu includes fresh fish, grilled Nile perch, perfectly seasoned Kuwe, as well as a variety of typical dishes. As for transportation, no need to bring your personal toys; the island will make available a helicopter and/or Cessna Caravan planes to be utilized at any time during your stay.

For additional information please visit www.firelightexpeditions.com.

~Affluent Page

On March 15th, Los Angeles will roll out the red carpet for the grand opening of the third Ritz Carlton in the area. This new hotel will act as part of the “L.A. Live” sports and entertainment development in the city’s newly revitalized downtown.

The “L.A. Live” centerpiece will feature 123 rooms and 224 private condominiums, known as The Ritz-Carlton Residences at L.A. Live. Each room will be nestled within the distinctive architecture of the hotel’s blue and green patterned windows.

With an interior design done by Babey Moulton Jue & Booth (BaMo), the hotel will feature a 3,400 square foot Club Lounge, which will serve as the check-in area for guests. Standing apart from their Marina del Rey and Pasadena locations, the Ritz Carlton Los Angeles hotel will offer unique aspects such as, the combined Lobby Lounge and restaurant (24th floor) and an outdoor rooftop swimming pool, which provides each guest with a panoramic view of the city.

Atop the hotel, the illustrious private condominiums of The Ritz Carlton Residences at L.A. Live will include a library, multi-seat theater, and a fitness center. Along with these lavish elements, each resident will be treated to a one, two, or three bedroom luxury apartment, which provides housekeeping, catering, and valet.

Under the ownership of AEG (sports & entertainment company), Los Angeles’ version of the Ritz Carlton, will provide elegant shade for the Staples Center, The Nokia Theater, The Grammy Museum, and a variety of L.A.’s hot spots.

-Affluent Page

[Ritz Carlton]

Flight Options, a leading aircraft fractional ownership company boldly claims that its newest aircraft, the Phenom 300, literally “renders the competition obsolete”. ”The Phenom 300 must be seen to truly understand how it exceeds every other jet aircraft in its class,” says Jay Heublein, Vice President of Sales and Marketing.

Currently, the Flight Options team is on the road dazzling audiences with the 300’s unequaled performance and operational efficiency.  The tour, expected to last until mid-July, plans to hit such major cities as New York, Dallas, Chicago, and Las Vegas.

“We are extremely excited to travel the country and show people first-hand, a plane that integrates exceptional performance and spacious comfort at a fraction of the cost you would expect to pay for an aircraft of its caliber,” says Heublein. Some of the Phenom’s features include a spacious, lightweight cabin built to accommodate up to 7 passengers, the latest in advanced safety equipment, and a surprising $1,400 per hour rate, which creates an average saving of 25%.

For more info on tour dates, locations, and RSVP information visit http://www.flightoptions.com/phenom-tour.html

~Affluent Page

To further their development as a major tourist attraction within the United Arab Emirates, Al Ain is in the beginning stages of development on a state-of-the-art luxury zoo.

Backed by the Abu Dhabi government, the multibillion-dirham resort is expected to be completed by 2014. According to Rebecca Bundhun of The National, the development will include luxury lodges, a five-star hotel with 200 rooms, and over 1,000 villas. The hub will be the wildlife park built in a 900-hectare area, and will be split into three zones: a north Kenyan Park; a North American area; and an Arabian sector.

Although the finished product is not expected until 2014, the building plan will be split into three phases, the first to be completed within two years. This initial phase will include the African area, a hotel, a lodge, and the Sheikh Zayed Desert Learning Center. The Center is named after Sheikh Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan, the first President of the UAE and who was born in Al Ain. The main focus of the learning center will be adapting plants and animals into the desert climate, as well as natural history education and conservation efforts.

Built in 1969, the current Al Ain Zoo features such Arabian animals as antelopes, oryx, eland, gazelle, and lechwe. The 400-hectare property will be incorporated into the new luxury zoo.

As the second largest city in the Abu Dhabi Emirate, and 4th largest in the entire UAE, Al Ain is fast developing as a Middle Eastern tourist attraction. Nicknamed “Garden City” due to its vast amount of greenery, Al Ain also boasts other tourist attractions the National Museum, Palace Museum, as well as many oases.

-Affluent Page

[UAE Interact]

Hangzhou, China was once dubbed the “City of Heaven” by Marco Polo, and at the end of this summer it will also be home to the the Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake. The hotel is just 45 minutes from the Hangzhou Xiaoshan International Airport, and will be a mere 38 minutes from Shanghai when construction on the long awaited Shanghai-Hangzhou Maglev Train is completed in October.

The Maglev, with its amazingly comfortable VIP cars, will utilize magnetic levitation and reach speeds of approximately 280 miles per hour, while providing excellent views of some of China’s most beautiful landscapes. This new method of transportation conveniently links the two cities for the traveler who prioritizes the destination above a lengthy journey.

Upon arrival, the Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake immediately offers a unique experience by synthesizing traditional Chinese architecture with the most modern technologies and luxurious amenities. The Hotel features 81 guestrooms, including 7 suites and 3 residential villas. Decorated in the traditional Jiang Nan style, the grounds are composed of several pagoda-like buildings lining a series of lagoons and streams. The pristine walkways wind through 9 acres of bamboo groves and are the perfect way to explore the hotel grounds and admire the ornate architecture, which blends seamlessly into the surrounding environment.

Guests can choose from an executive suite, a premier room, and a deluxe room with or without a terrace. The Lake, Lagoon and Lotus Suites all exceed 1300 square feet and feature some of the best scenic views in the hotel. The Presidential Villa and the Garden Villa are each 10,000 square feet, and come complete with three bedrooms, three bathrooms, a private garden and swimming pool.

Jin Sha, the Four Season’s main restaurant, features classic Shanghainese and Cantonese dishes that can be enjoyed in the chic dining room,  bustling bar, or in one of Jin Sha’s eleven private dining pavilions. Featuring both indoor and outdoor space, these elegant, secluded pavilions are open to parties of 6-16 people, and are perfect for intimate dinner parties, or important business meetings. The West Lake Bistro, also known as WLB, is the other in-house restaurant. Serving both Asian and Western cuisine for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, the bistro is a more casual dining option and offers round-the-clock in-room service.

The Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake is also equipped with two contemporary lounges, spacious conference rooms, and an extravagant ballroom.. The Lobby Lounge, located next to the reception area, offers a traditional afternoon tea service daily and provides a welcoming place to meet or just relax. The Bar, often referred to as the heart of the hotel’s social scene, serves premium quality liqueur and champagne in a modern space with a vibrant atmosphere. The Willow, Maple, and Pine conference rooms blend business like décor with breathtaking views and time-honored Chinese design, making them ideal for meetings and seminars. Combined, the conference spaces offer over 5,500 square feet and feature everything from state-of-the-art audiovisual equipment to readily available worldwide courier services. The sophisticated 3,444 square foot ballroom has its own lush carpeted foyer, an inviting terrace overlooking the garden lagoon, and traditional crystal chandeliers. The Spa offers treatments aptly described as “traditional rituals,” all of which are over two hours long and designed to engage the senses. There is a particular emphasis on smell and all treatments utilize aromatherapy. The Emperor’s bath ritual is a modern twist on the ancient tradition of herbal bathing, complete with full-body exfoliation, steam, and hot stone massage. The spa also offers treatments inspired by The Pursuit of Pleasures in the Course of the Seasons, the masterpiece created for Emperor Qianlong by his court painter Chen Mei. Guests can enjoy the water lily and peony spring rites, the jade and lotus summer rites, moon and chrysanthemum autumn rites, and lantern and plum-blossom winter rites. Each are designed for maximum comfort and relaxation during the appropriate season.

Hangzhou’s most prominent attractions are located only moments from the Four Seasons. West Lake, most often described by visitors as “enchanting,” features a sprawling 1500-acre Chinese garden, and is surrounded on three sides by mountain landscape. The other side of the lake faces the skyline of the city, where you can shop in the Hubin or Wulin districts for famous Chinese and international brands. Qing He Fang Street is most famous for its ancient shops and abundance of local cuisine. The Lingyin Temple, one of China’s largest and most affluent Buddhist temples is located only moments from the hotel, and is home to many famous cliff-side stone carvings and towering pagodas. The China Silk Museum, the Museum of Traditional Chinese Medicine, and one of China’s six ancient towns, Wuzhen, are also popular destinations in close proximity. For more recreational options, the city of Hangzhou also has a Jack Nicklaus designed golf course and a tennis stadium.

The Four Seasons Hotel Hangzhou at West Lake is currently accepting reservations for arrival dates beginning October 1^st, 2010. Rooms start at $400 a night and vary depending on requested amenities

-Affluent Page

[Four Seasons]

If you’re looking for the second-most expensive hotel suite in the country, check out the penthouse at the Four Seasons Hotel in New York. This luxurious suite definitely lives up to its $35,000-per-night rate. The sky-top palace covers the entire top floor of the hotel (4,300 square feet,) requires 850 light bulbs to keep the nine rooms properly lit and has 25- foot ceilings.

The suite also comes with a twenty-four-hour on-call butler, 360-degree views of the Empire State Building, the Chrysler Building and the Statue of Liberty, a full bathroom made entirely of marble, and a guest powder room. The master bedroom’s Thai canopy bed is threaded in gold and sits only a short distance from the ultimate in relaxation-a private spa room and a bathtub with a chromatherapy option. Finally, to cap off the experience, guests are provided with a personal trainer/therapist and a driver for unlimited travel in their choice of a Mercedes Maybach or a Rolls-Royce Phantom.

~Affluent Page

[Four Seasons]