Destinology World Wide Travel Blog

Conde Nast Traveller 2012 Hot List

Emma Morris — Fri, 11 May 2012 10:44:00 +0100

The prestigious Conde Nast Traveller Magazine have released their 2012 Hot List this month, showcasing the world’s best and most exciting new hotels for 2012.

The collection of 60 luxurious hotels spans across 29 countries and ranges from isolated lodges in Northern Australia to chic, boutique hotels in Los Angeles. All hotels included in the Hot List have earned their place there - they are sparkling new hotels with luxury facilities and outstanding service that you would expect from a hotel that’s been around for years.

So where do you have to go to find these fabulous properties? Some of the more unusual choices, in slightly out-of-the-ordinary holiday destinations include the Chem Chem in Tanzania, Casa Gangotena in Ecuador and White Pearl Resorts in Mozambique.

Closer to home, the Belgraves Hotel and The Zetter Townhouse are just two of five London hotels to be included in the Hot List. The boutique style Zetter Townhouse also features Bistrot Bruno Loubet, ran by the creative MasterChef guest, Bruno Loubet.

But if I had the choice of going to any of the hotels on the Hot List it would be between Jumeirah Dhevanafushi in the Maldives or the St Regis Bangkok. For a city break, I would love to explore the wonders of Bangkok’s bustling streets and markets whilst taking in the cultural heritage and tempting cuisine! New York’s, Mondrian SoHo is perfect for a romantic trip to the Big Apple, with stunning views over Manhattan and one of the coolest locations in the city.

On the other hand, beach lovers and those seeking private luxury will struggle to find somewhere more exclusive than Jumeirah Dhevanafushi. What with your own personal butler, choice of either a beach, island or ocean revive and the unique over water Talise Spa the resort is one of the finest in the Maldives.

The Raffles Praslin Seychelles Resort emulates the luxury of Jumeirah Dhevanafushi and equally deserves its place in the Hot List.

Finally, the abundance of European Hotels included in the Hot List merits a mention. The several hotels in France, Italy, Amsterdam and Turkey that are featured are increasingly popular and make perfect bases for a Luxury European Holiday.

Awards Galore for Vila Vita Parc

Chris Jones — Tue, 08 May 2012 11:08:00 +0100

VILA VITA Parc in the Algarve has been named as the Best International Resort in the World by the Spanish edition of Conde Nast Traveller, sharing the award with The Residence in Zanzibar.

Of the properties short-listed for the honour, Vila Vita Parc also achieved the distinction of being the only resort from Europe to be included.

The award was collected by Katya Bauval, Vila Vita Parc’s Director of Sales & Marketing, at a Gala ceremony held in Madrid on 26th April.

Conde Nast Traveller is recognised as the world’s leading international travel magazine, and the Spanish edition is a major influence in determining the travel plans of well-heeled Spanish consumers.

Spain is one of VILA VITA Parc’s – and the Algarve’s – most important international markets and the award is certain to encourage more visitors across the border this year.

In Portugal meanwhile, Vila Vita Parc collected a further series of awards in the annual Boa Cama Boa Mesa hotel and food guide published by Expresso, the country’s leading Portuguese-language weekly newspaper.

Hans Neuner, Executive Chef of the resort’s two-Michelin star Ocean restaurant, was named Chef of the Year, whilst Ocean also picked up a Golden Fork award and Vila Vita Parc collected a Gold Key award.

The awards ceremony, which honours the best hotels and restaurants in Portugal, took place in Lisbon on 23rd April.

Authentic Thai Cuisine

Emma Morris — Fri, 04 May 2012 09:13:00 +0100

For this month’s Thailand themed blog article I wanted to focus on something that everyone recognises as a feature of Thailand - something part of the country’s heritage that is loved and treasured. What did I come up with? Thai food of course!

With so many different tastes, herbs, spices and unusual cooking methods, Thai food is totally enjoyable no matter how often you indulge! It’s a cuisine based around tradition, family-style get-togethers and experimentation of flavours which is shown through the different variations of dishes throughout the country. Influences of neighbouring countries such as Malaysia, China and Laos mean that traditional Thai food is slightly different in each region, but that’s not to say they aren’t all delicious. Personal favourites of mine include Thai Green Curry – locally known as Gaeng Keow Wan Kai - and the noodle based Pad Thai dish.

When visiting Thailand you can either dine in lavish restaurants and enjoy delicious a la carte food, good wine and a pleasant atmosphere or explore the local market towns and take-away joints. The elegant and refined Saffron Restaurant at Banyan Tree Koh Samui is one of the best signature restaurants in Thailand, serving traditional dishes but with a modern twist. Meanwhile, the Lomtalay Thai Restaurant at The Surin Phuket is well-known for its excellent choice of lesser-known Thai dishes and offers a great ‘Sharing for Two’ set menu.

On the bustling streets of Bangkok different dishes are sold on every corner, each with irresistible smells and bargain prices. The small café’s and backstreet food stalls are always full with locals and tourists wanting to sample fresh, home cooked dishes in the centre of the city. And no matter what time of day or night you’ll always find somewhere open!

So if you’ve planned any holidays to Thailand you can be rest assured that you won’t go hungry! In fact you can be confident that you’ll enjoy amazing Thai food throughout your holiday, and if you’re staying at one of our featured luxury hotels it’s likely they will also have some delicious international restaurants too!

Dubai holidays during Ramadan

Chris Jones — Tue, 01 May 2012 12:43:00 +0100

Today’s blog entry comes directly from the Dubai Tourist Board, we thought it’d be a really useful article to post here to dispel some of the myths that exist about visiting Dubai during Ramadan .

Visiting Dubai during this period can lead to a fascinating and culturally uplifting holiday, yet it is very often misunderstood. DTCM have answered some FAQ’s about Ramadan in Dubai to show just what is on offer.

What is Ramadan?
During the month of Ramadan, Muslims abstain from food and drink during daylight hours. This year it starts on 20 July and lasts until 18 August.

Are tourists allowed to eat during the day?
Yes - absolutely! While you are unable to eat in public spaces, international hotels still serve food during the day and alcohol after sunset and some restaurants will continue to operate behind screens. You are invited to join in the celebrations after sunset as many hotels and restaurants offer Iftar, which is a special evening meal when the fast is broken. And remember it’s OK for youngsters to eat and drink anywhere, although it’s still a good idea to keep it discreet.

Does everything shut down during Ramadan?
No, although some attractions and shopping malls may operate slightly shorter opening hours, they often stay open until midnight and Sega Republic is open until 1am!

Are there any special events for kids?
Many kids attractions have special Ramadan activities. For example at KidZania they will be making greeting cards, lanterns, jewellery and henna tattooing, as well as a live Arabic drumming parade and traditional dress fashion shows. Also, kids under 12 are not expected to fast.

What about events for adults?
The Sheikh Mohammed Centre for Cultural Understanding (SMCCU) offers a range of interesting activities, walking tours of the historic Bastakiya district and Iftar feasts. Visitors are reminded that when in public places they should wear clothing that covers the shoulders.

Many hotels offer some fantastic deals during Ramadan, with all inclusive, half board and other deals, it make it a very affordable time to travel. Destinology have some exceptional special offers which can be viewed on our Holiday Offers tab where you can filter your search results by travel date and resort.

Top Celebrity Wedding and Honeymoon Destinations

Chris Jones — Wed, 25 Apr 2012 10:19:00 +0100

Perhaps the most recent wedding event to report is the Eastenders actress Patsy Palmer who renewed her wedding vows to husband Richard at the luxurious Buccament Bay in St Vincent & the Grenadines in April 2012.

She commented that her marriage back in 2000 was somewhat rushed – they had tie the knot in a hurry after Patsy gave birth prematurely, at 32 weeks to her son Fenton.

Bourne actor Matt Damon chose to hold his civil ceremony with Ellen Pompeo at the fully revamped Manhattan Marriage Bureau at City Hall, New York. Having recently undergone a $12m refurbishment, this classic building re-opened as a wedding palace with two chapels and private dressing rooms offering a truly regal setting perfect for the Hollywood A-list star.

American heartthrob Jason Priestley chose the One&Ocean Ocean Club in the Bahamas for his big day, following in the footsteps of Chris Evert and Greg Norman who both married here as well. And who can blame them, the hotel is a treasure and was even used for the filming of scenes in Casino Royale, so if it’s good enough for James Bond it’s good enough for most people you’d have to think.

Prince William and Kate Middleton kept their honeymoon destination firmly under wraps, which you absolutely can’t blame them for. After all, you’d imagine the last thing they’d want is prying eyes and carefully concealed lenses snapping intimate moments on their special honeymoon. But following their return it was widely reported that their chosen destination was Desroches Island in the Seychelles. Looks like a terrific choice!

British actress Kate Beckinsale chose the legendary Hotel Bel Air for her big day. This amazing luxury oasis is set over 12 acres of luscious Los Angeles countryside and was the perfect venue for her to marry movie producer Len Wiseman, surrounded by sycamore trees and tranquil waterways.

Pop diva Beyonce and US rapper Jay-Z chose the sanctuary of Camelback Mountain in the USA for their honeymoon, whilst Chelsea Clinton chose the African outback for a safari and the ill fated marriage of Katy Perry and Russell Brand was celebrated with a honeymoon in the Maldives.

And finally, keep this one quiet but Jennifer Aniston has been spotted at Elounda Resorts searching for Greek wedding venues for her and beau Justin Theroux...which would tie in with her own Greek heritage.

Special Family Offers at Laguna Phuket

Chris Jones — Mon, 23 Apr 2012 15:48:00 +0100

If you are planning a family holiday for 2012 and you’ve taken some admiring glances towards Thailand, then this following information is most definitely for you!

Some incredible additions are available at the outstanding Laguna Resort in Phuket – an area comprised of 1,000 acres of tropical parkland along an 8km stretch of pristine beach at Bang Tao Bay on Phuket's tropical Western coastline.

Here, you’ll find a choice of impeccable 5* luxury hotels - with spas, restaurants, bars, boutique shopping, private charter and join-in luxury tours thrown into the mix. There are daily activities at most Laguna Phuket hotels like canoeing, sailing, resort golf, and those lazy days lounging on the pristine beaches lapped by the Andaman Sea.

Everywhere within the resort is easily accessed within minutes by complimentary shuttle boats and buses meaning this delightful stretch of Thailand will be at your fingertips for the duration of your stay. Just take a look at these inclusions for the upcoming season:

Summer Family Festival Value Added Benefits for Laguna Phuket Hotel Guests (valid 15 May – 31 Oct 2012):

Kids Dine FREE at Laguna Phuket hotels*

•    Valid for children aged 12 and under of registered in-house guests only
•    One child enjoys free dining and beverages (unlimited courses from Kids Menus at all Laguna Phuket restaurants) per one full paying adult for breakfast, lunch and dinner
•    Promotion is not available on in-room dining menus
•    Promotion cannot be used in conjunction with any other discounts or promotions
•    Promotion is applicable to all bookings

FREE Kids Golf when playing with a full paying adult

•    Applicable only for children aged between 9 and 16 years of age playing with a full paying adult
•    Proof of age is required
•    Child player must have a level of golf proficiency as acceptable by the Club or play may be refused
•    Applicable for either 9 or 18 holes green fee only
•    Does not include the compulsory caddy fee
•    Reservations must be made in advance at T: 076 324350, 270991 or e-mail: golf@lagunaphuket.com
•    Promotion is not valid in conjunction with other promotions
•    All conditions of play are governed by the Club’s standard rules and policies
•    Promotion is applicable to all bookings

Daily Kidz Fun Zone Activities (25 Jun – 25 Aug 2012)

•    Daily activities program operated by Quest Laguna Phuket Adventure for kids aged 5-15 years
•    First time entrance is free. Guests will receive a voucher upon hotel check-in for presentation at Kidz Fun Zone
•    All subsequent entrances will be charged at 200 Baht per child
•    2 week rotational program including Adventure Antics, Wet & Wild, Wacky Games, Little Chefs, Treasure Hunt, Kids vs Wild, Castaways, Sport Skills, etc
•    Splash Jungle water park and Bowling Bonanza off site activities incur extra charges. Promotion is applicable to all bookings

FREE Laguna Tours for kids on selected excursions (Splash Jungle Water Park, X Treme Adventure and more...)

•    Children of registered guests aged three to 12 free when accompanied by a minimum of two paying adults

FREE Extra Bed for Children aged 12 and under

•    Restricted to one extra bed per room, includes ABF for child. Subject to availability.
•    Promotion is applicable to all bookings

FREE evening Kidz Lounges at Laguna Phuket hotels open 6-9pm*

•    Available to children aged 4 years and above of all Laguna hotel guests when parents dine in same hotel. Younger children must be accompanied by an adult

*excludes Banyan Tree Phuket

FREE tennis at Laguna hotels for in-house guests

•    Available at host hotel for in-house guests only. Excludes Best Western Allamanda Laguna Phuket, Outrigger Laguna Phuket Resort & Villas and Laguna Holiday Club Resort
•    Excludes equipment rental

New openings at Puente Romano

Chris Jones — Fri, 20 Apr 2012 11:38:00 +0100

Hotel Puente Romano has opened two new settings, Suite Du Ciel and namazake, who are called to become Marbella’s new hotspots for the upcoming summer season.

With the opening of Suite Du Ciel, Suite corporate group has increased its offer to match all tastes. As well as the popular “Suite” and “Suite del Mar”, Hotel Puente Romano offers “Suite Du Ciel”, an outdoor venue in to enjoy the best cocktails under the stars, while listening to the best tracks from today’s leading artists and older classics from yesteryear.

This space is luxuriously decorated with Moroccan style; Its cozy marquee will be holding the most exclusive nights of the summer. On the other hand, Namazake Sake & Sushi Restaurant offers the most varied Japanese delights. In addition to traditional sushi and sashimi their guests will enjoy more unusual delights prepared by lead chef Elquin.

These two impressive settings were presented in a unique event in which the guests enjoyed a cocktail followed by a unique spectacle of acrobats and accompanied by the best international music.

Free nights for eco volunteers at Six Senses Resorts

Chris Jones — Thu, 19 Apr 2012 13:56:00 +0100

Six Senses Resorts are offering an inventive way to lure guests in this summer.

When you book to stay 6 nights at any of the resorts below, they’ll give you three nights for free. So there’s an offer you can't refuse. All you need to do to have half of your stay paid for is lend a hand with some local community projects that fit in with Six Senses’ SLOW LIFE* philosophy.

This scheme is referred to by the resort as eco volunteering – offering guests a best of both worlds experience.

You get to spend some quality time enveloped in Soneva or Six Senses luxury where unrivalled dining, facilities and service are part of the fabric. You’ll also have the opportunity to work with real people on worthwhile projects where your 'job' might be to remove litter from a coral reef or teach local children the value of recycling waste. Each resort has specific projects to tackle.

Guests who have been eco volunteers in the past have found it an incredibly rewarding way to spend time abroad. Akin to a luxury holiday with perspective and meaning to the community.

The resort state that it's no easy ride; they’d expect you to commit at least four hours a day (on volunteer days) to the task in hand but the chances are that guests will return home glowing with pride, enriched by a sense of achievement having made lifelong friends. There’s also the likelihood you’ll learn something new, whether it's how to grow organic herbs in the tropics or how to rehabilitate orphaned gibbons.

The following resorts are running SLOW LIFE season packages with free nights in return for volunteering. Click on each to find out more, and please note that terms and conditions vary:

Soneva Fushi by Six Senses
Soneva Kiri by Six Senses
Six Senses Hua Hin
Six Senses Ninh Van Bay

Best selling hotels in the Maldives

Chris Jones — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 10:52:00 +0100

We often get asked what are our best selling hotels are, and the truth is that we sell a wide cross section of hotels all of which are listed on our website.

Now, as a destination, the genetic make-up of the Maldives certainly makes it unique. Hundreds of tiny islands dotted in the Indian Ocean are accessible mainly by speedboat and small seaplane, making for a dramatic and exciting transfer experience.

As you might imagine, there are many top class hotels in the Maldives and separating them in a top ten style is almost impossible to do – but what we can do is tell you our most popular ones, namely those hotels we tend to do the most bookings for.

Our lead- in products for the Maldives bring us a lot of business, the three to fall in this category are Kurumba, Kanuhura and Lux. Each of these three hotels are extremely popular with our customers and offer 5 star standards, spas, private palm tree strewn beaches and that all important island culture.

Going up a little in price are two further hotels where we tend to sell well, namely Velassaru and then above that, at the top of the range – is One&Only Maldives at Reethi Rah. Both of these hotels whilst offering a different kind of product are very popular with our customers.

Sales and enquiries are progressing nicely for three new resorts in the Maldives, the freshly rebranded Park Hyatt Hadahaa, the all new Viceroy Maldives and Per AQUUM’s latest luxury offering, NIYAMA which opened in March 2012.

Don’t forget you can filter your searches on our website by visiting our special offers page and selecting the Maldives and your travel dates, and our system will do the rest for you!

Why book with Destinology?

Chris Jones — Mon, 16 Apr 2012 11:42:00 +0100

Luxury holidays are our speciality here at Destinology, but what sets us apart from the other tour operators, why should you book with us ahead of someone else?

Firstly, we pride ourselves on our customer service which actually begins before you’ve even picked up the telephone. We’ve always offered a freephone number so you don’t need to worry about racking up the phone bills when you speak to us. We think this is an important aspect of our business and one we’re proud to promote. Phone lines are even open until 22:00 on weekdays so you won’t struggle to get hold of us after work, and weekends you can reach us until 17:00 on both Saturday and Sundays.

When you do make that call, if you’ve never booked with us before and you have a specific destination in mind, you’ll be assigned to someone experienced in that area – often who has visited the destination and therefore can offer you first hand advice to best suit your needs.

If you have booked with us before, you’ll be given the same person that took your booking when you first travelled with us. We like to create a bond between our travel consultants and our customers to enhance that level of service on a more personal level. Further to this, you’ll be given a direct line phone number to reach your personal travel consultant meaning you won’t have to repeat your itinerary requirements to different members of staff throughout the planning stages of your booking.

We think this sets us apart from our competitors, especially as all of our consultants can offer friendly advice and detailed resort knowledge to enable you to get the very best from your holiday, be it an annual sojourn, a one time beach honeymoon or an intrepid safari in the wilderness.

As a business, we regularly train our staff and send them on educational visits to resort. For 2012 we have scheduled trips to Dubai in April; Tenerife, Abu Dhabi and Crete in May and the Maldives and Seychelles in June. These trips are always busy, with full itineraries meaning as many hotels as possible are visited and all of the most up to date resort information is relayed to staff to pass on to our customers.

We’re hugely competitive on price too. We have direct contracts with many of the hotels you see on our website, meaning that we can transfer these rates to you as well as sourcing some amazing special offers including free half board stays, room upgrades and complimentary transfers. You can check our special offers page for all of the latest travel bargains we offer.

Recently we introduced reviews to our site and we’re gradually building these up over time, so you can see what our customers think of the hotels they have stayed in, and of course you can write a review yourself following your trip with us. Naturally all our holidays come with full ATOL bonding, meaning you are covered in case of any emergency.

So, to all our existing customers, this is a big thank you – we’re very proud to have been able to organise your holidays and we’d be delighted to continue to do so. And to all our potential new customers, why not give us a try?