More and more, people are deciding to make environmentally conscious choices when traveling. This includes how they travel and where they stay when they do.

Recently, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released its annual 100% Green Power Purchaser list which represents organizations that buy enough alternative power to meet 100% of their entire electricity use.

Many hotels made that list and the one that stands out the most is the  Talbott Hotel Chicago which happens to  be one of the best green luxury hotels in the city of Chicago.

Green Seal is a Washington DC based non-profit that provides environmental certification science based standards. What’s different about the Green seal’s standard-setting process is that it works as a collaborative process making its rules fairer and allows for complete transparency gathering its input from industry, government, academia and the public.

The Talbott Hotel has a commitment to sustainability without compromise and assures their guests that their stay will have a minimum impact on the environment. Talbott met the Green Seal approval by a number of following measures:

-Offsetting 100% of its electricity with the use of wind power and the purchasing of wind energy credits.

-An extensive recycling program using only recyclable consumer paper products and biodegradable non-phosphate supplies. Also any unused soaps and shampoos are donated to charity which recycles them for the needy.

-The use of energy efficient equipment from lighting to heating as well as water conserving fixtures

-An optional “eco-mode” for guest rooms which is a simple one touch button that wirelessly alerts the staff that the guest has chosen to have the bed and bath linens replaced every other day and also allows the room temperature to adjust within eight degrees while guests are out of the room.

Not only does the Talbott Hotel Chicago offer its guests uncompromised luxury with spacious rooms, a great location close to a barrage of museums and iconic sites, and a delicious authentic Italian bistro, but gives its guests piece of mind knowing that they go above and beyond the average luxury hotel.

The world opened their hearts to Chile after the recent devastating earthquake at the end of February. Relief and rebuilding efforts are ongoing, helping those most affected by the quake. The most recent positive news to be heard is that as of Monday March 15th electricity was restored to all of Chile after an overheated transformer caused a blackout for over 90% of the country.

And although there is still a lot of work that needs to be done in the country, not all areas of the country have been affected and Toruismo Chile would like to state that visiting the country is safe and all visitors from around the world are welcome.

Certain areas of the country such as the Desert, Easter Island and Patagonia have been virtually unaffected by the recent earthquake, while areas such as Santiago and the Central regions, where the heart of the earthquake occurred have experience damage but nothing that would affect travel. The Passenger Terminal of the Santiago Airport did not suffer structural damage and the main runways of the local air terminal show no problems. Passenger transit has been restored to normal and buses are available to central Santiago until affected areas are repaired. Telecommunications are almost back to normal with 95% of affected areas operating for cellular and landlines.

Kiwi Collection would like to support all of our friends in Chile and would encourage you to visit this beautiful country. From expansive deserts, to glacial fields, gorgeous beaches and amazing people, Chile is one place every traveler must visit. And when you plan your next vacation, be sure to consider one of these amazing hotels to stay at:

Tierra Atacama:
Surrounded by natural beauty, the Tierra Atacama is the perfect place to be if you love experiencing a local culture. Known as of the most eco-friendly hotels in the entire country, this shows great support of the local community who have a high respect for nature. And if you love food, come here and dine on traditional Chilean and Andean dishes created with the best seasonal ingredients from their onsite garden and surrounding areas.

Grand Hyatt Santiago:
Sitting right in the heart of Chile’s capital city, the Grand Hyatt Santiago is standing strong as a luxury urban oasis with views of the Andes Mountains in the distance. Complete with elegant design, a lagoon-style swimming pool with water fall and a luxurious spa. This is one location that shouldn’t be missed. With only minor repairs needed to the hotel, the Grand Hyatt Santiago will be accepting reservations after March 22, 2010. And when you book with Kiwi Collection you will receive a complementary bottle of Chilean red wine.

Indigo Hotel & Spa Patagonia:
Innovative and modern, a visit to the Indigo Hotel might make you feel as though you have ventured to the edge of the earth. Set in the coastal town of Puerto Natales at the southern tip of Chile with the most spectacular surroundings this is one place you may never want to leave. Spend your days here taking a Glacier cruse, horseback riding in Patagonia or kayak though the fjord. Unbelievable experiences await you.

explora  en Patagonia:
Are you ready to explore the Chilean wilderness? Set right in the middle of the beautiful Torres del Paine National Park is explore en Patagonia, a sleek eco-conscious luxury hotel with a minimalist design and exquisite architecture. Food and wine lovers will also enjoy dining here where they feature some of the best Chilean produced wine as well as adopting a philosophy towards cuisine that is to enhance the original flavors of selected ingredients, avoiding excess and alteration.

Hotel Casa Higueras:
Hotel Casa Higueras is an intimate 1920’s mansion in the port city of Valparaiso and offers amazing views from every window. Comfortable, luminous and spacious rooms at this boutique hotel also offer individual terraces to look out over Valparaiso bay, the Cordillera and Concepcion hills. Be sure to take a dip in their pool which is surrounded by their exquisite gardens.

ZEROHOTEL:
ZEROHOTEL is a small nine-room boutique hotel that is completely luxurious with the charm of the area’s unique architecture in the city of Valparaiso. Ultra modern with huge floor to ceiling windows, exquisite design and one of the most comfortable says imaginable is what you will get when you visit this beautiful hotel.

And we’ve also got many more of the best luxury hotels in Chile that are open for business and ready for your visit. Click on the links below to learn more about the hotel and book your next stay:

Ritz Carlton Santiago in Santiago
W Santiago in Santiago
Puyuhuapi Lodge & Spa in Patagonia Aysen
Patagonia Camp in Torres del Paine
Hotel Casa Real in Maipo Valley
The Cliffs Preserve at Patagonia in Puerto Varas
Awasi in San Pedro de Atacama
explora en Atacama in San Pedro de Atacama
Alto Atacama in San Pedro de Atacama
Kunza Hotel & Spa in San Pedro de Atacama
Hotel Portillo in Ski Portillo
explora en Rapa Nui on Easter Island

When I travel to a hot location I want to experience more than just the good weather. I had the opportunity to spend two nights at the Parker Palm Springs and not only did I get the heat but I also had an unforgettable time!

Located in the desert like climate of Palm Springs CA, the Parker Palm Springs has a very private and exclusive feeling while also being close to the city centre.

Upon entering the resort I was greeted by the most welcoming staff whom also were all quite complimentary to the overall look and feel of the Parker. Rich with a very colorful history, “Formerly Gene Autry’s Melody Ranch and Merv Griffin’s Givenchy Resort and Spa, the Parker Palm Springs is situated on thirteen acres of landscaped gardens surrounded by the desert and mountains”. The Parker has a very fun energy to the entire hotel. The smile I had as soon as I arrived didn’t leave my face at any point during my stay.

My room was a private villa that lead out to a private poolside area. A wall to wall mirror in the bathroom filed the whole villa with light making the room feel very open and relaxing. It was extremely comfortable and clean with the most amazing decor. A very thoughtfully stacked mini fridge, unique wall art and artistically themed coffee table books were just some of the tiny details that made my room a delight to be in. I had everything I needed to carry out any type of travel, an iron and ironing board were present had I intended on attending a conference as well as enough ( might I add quiet beautiful ) furniture to entertain more than one guest were also tastefully picked out for the villa.

When I wasn’t poolside I checked out the Lemonade Stand, famous for its muddled lemonade, which was suggested to me upon arrival by the friendly people at the front desk. I relaxed at the lemonade stand for a long time as I soaked up the sun and the properties history that the staff informed me about.

I felt like I was in a dream where every staff member was there to provide me and only me with a hotel experience that is only provided to celebrities when they frequent the Parker.

Another wonderful feature of the Parker is the well-maintained grounds. I spent some time walking along its Palm tree trimmed paths taking in some of the beautiful set ups they had going on such as a life size chess set, outdoor fire pit lined with comfy chairs for unwinding in as well as the second pool located not too far from the first one that my room had access too.

I also took some time to take in the infamous menu at the Parker. The food was not only a feast for my stomach but my eyes as well. Everything I ordered was just as much about the presentation as it was about the taste.

The Parker Palm Springs left me with the best memories and the urge to return back as soon as possible! It truly is an amazing place that I would recommend to anyone who is looking for first class service and an unforgettable stay.

A visit to the spa is one of the best ways to relax, let go and feel completely rejuvenated. Kiwi Collection has hundreds of luxury spa hotels from all over the world, but for those of you who hear Europe calling, here are some of our favorite luxury spa getaways:

The Connaught:
Known as one of London’s most historic and legendary hotels, The Connaught has recently opened the Aman Spa. Focusing on treatments reflecting the renewing traditions of China, Thailand, India and the Americas, insures optimal relaxation and comfort, perfect for a long overdue escape. This international approach to wellness also means that the Aman Spa can offer treatments that will target individual needs with their internationally trained holistic therapists. And when you stay at The Connaught anytime from now until the end of 2010, book with their Revitalizing Retreat offer which includes a 60 minute holistic massage, daily English breakfast for two, a welcome bottle of Champagne and late check out until 2pm.

Domes of Elounda:
Escape to Elounda, Greece on the island of Crete and indulge yourself at the Milfey Spa at the Domes of Elounda. With floor to ceiling windows offering enchanting views of the Mediterranean Sea and landscape assists in restoring a sense of wellness and inspires and aura of vitality. And a special treat at the Milfey Spay is their black and gold glimmering hammam along with the secret methods of the ancient Greeks using the same Mediterranean wasters used throughout the ages.

Hotel Raito:
Set on the gorgeous Amalfi Coast in Italy, Hotel Raito’s Expure SPA has a refined atmosphere that will transport you into a world of ultimate relaxation. This spa uses only fresh ingredients along with soothing sounds that will restore your physical harmony either indoors or in their open air solarium overlooking the Gulf of Salerno. And when booking your stay, don’t forget about their Wellness & Beauty Package which offers: accommodation in a double room, delicious breakfast buffet, free entrance to their spa with swimming pool, sauna and Turkish bath, a 40 min. Californian massage, a 30 min. craniosacral massage and a 10% reduction in any additional spa treatments.

Mandarin Oriental Prague:
Voted as the best spa in Europe by the prestigious Luxury Spa Finder magazine, this is the place to relax while soaking up a little history. The Spa at Mandarin Oriental Prague is a two-floor oasis that is the only spa in the world located in a former Renaissance chapel which appropriately accompanies its philosophy that your body is a temple for your spirit. When you visit for a minimum of two nights, from now until June 30, 2010 the have a Spa Indulgence Package which offers a welcome detox Mocktail upon arrival in the hotel’s baroque colonnade Monastery Lounge, Daily breakfast at Essensia or in the privacy of your guestroom, a full-day Bohemian Ritual including a healthy lunch at the spa, a special spa keepsake and a complementary early check-in and late check-out.

The Westin Paris:
With views of the Tuileries Gardens and the Eiffel Tower, The Westin Paris is the ideal place to stay right in the heart of one of the most popular destinations in the world. Come here and embark on your spa journey which, at their Six Senses spa, tailors every treatment to suite your individual needs. This urban well-being sanctuary will invigorate you with the elements of the earth which is assisted by the stunning interior design by French architect Pierre David. And with their Touch of Spa package when you book your stay for two nights or more you will get a great accommodation rate, buffet breakfast for two each morning and a 30 minute Six Senses “Discovery” treatment.

Known for its romantic atmosphere, Sooke Harbour House is definitely the perfect spot for a wedding, or even a quick romantic escapade.

This 28-room boutique inn overlooks the Olympic Mountains across the Strait of Juan de Fuca. All rooms have excellent views of the Ocean, and you’ll be able to enjoy this west coast paradise from your own balcony or terrace.

All rooms are unique with antiques, art and books ensuring a totally cozy and romantic atmosphere!

Due to the view and stunning location, it’s not unusual to find this great hotel in Victoria hosting weddings. Perfect for both ceremonies and receptions, Sooke Harbour House has been in the wedding business for a long time. So, brides to be – watch out for this one!

Sooke Harbour House specializes in food and wine, wedding cakes and bridal flowers – and has an excellent spa as well. The staff is used to planning and executing weddings, so this takes out a lot of the stress of planning a wedding here that’s for sure.

In addition, the hotel has quite a few areas that make for scenic and special spots for your ceremony. Think about getting married in the Upper Gardens, surrounded by flowers and herbs while facing the Pacific Ocean, or (for larger parties) the Lower Gardens that also feature gorgeous ocean views and flowers outside.

What could be more romantic then a Valentines getaway in Venice? This Italian city is gorgeous inside and out,  full of beautiful art, rich culture, and marvelous canals, make this year’s Valentine’s day one to always remember.

When visiting this amazing city, one of the best hotels in Venice has to be Hotel Danieli, a fabulous luxury hotel located on Riva degli Schiavoni, with easy access to Piazza San Marco, cultural attractions, La Biennale di Venezia, shopping, and outdoor cafès and restaurants. Comprised of three palaces, these 14th century structures will give you a glimpse into Venice’s past glory while surrounding yourself with all of the modern comforts of the 21st century.

Each of the 225 spacious rooms at Hotel Danieli is decked out in a Gothic/modern style and evoke a sense of magic and theater only found in Venice. With rooftop views or of the Venetian lagoon, every room is extraordinary and dramatic.

Hotel Danieli is committed to making every guests stay and exceptional one and dining out at their restaurant, Restaurant Terrazza Danieli, is no exception. This Valentine’s day lover’s are sure to enjoy the exquisite cuisine of their special 6-course Love and Passion Valentine’s Day candle lit dinner. Along with live music and rare water views of the city, the restaurant’s Executive Chef Gian Nicola Colucci has prepared a crescendo of flavor emotions, from oysters, caviar and passion fruit scampi, to lobster, wild boar and cigar cream brulé.

But if you can’t make it to Venice for Valentine’s day, Hotel Danieli also has a wonderfully romantic In-Room Spa Package available anytime from now until the end of 2010; which will make the perfect Valentine’s day gift! This package includes a luxurious, two night accommodation with a beautiful lagoon view, a welcome wellness basket upon arrival, daily breakfast at Restaurant Terrazza Danieli, late check out and one 50 minute Couple’s Swedish Massage. What could be better than that?

Come and indulge in the luxurious setting of Hotel Danieli and rekindle your romance any time of the year in the most beautiful city built by man.

Anantara Phuket Resort & Spa’s Infinity Sunset Sessions are now in full swing, bestowing guests with a fabulous blend of fine dining, tempting cocktails, coastal fashion and intoxicating sounds, against a backdrop of Phuket’s raved about sunsets.

Nestling the exotic sandy shores of Mai Kao beach, Anantara Phuket boasts the perfect setting for long, spectacular sunsets, while the fibre optic infinity pool, lounge and bar play host to leisurely magical evenings.

This alluring setting conjured an exquisite venue for the Infinity Sunsets launch event on 3rd December, at which this gorgeous resort in Phuket proudly partnered with Jim Thompson and DJ Jose Padilla for the very first, and much talked about, Infinity Sunset Session.

For the ongoing Infinity Sunset Sessions, which will run every night up until April 2010, the line up is simply astounding.

Throughout December and January world renowned DJ Tony Montana from London will be gracing the decks with his illustrious ambient beats, to be followed by a rapturous roster of guest chill-out DJ’s throughout March and April.

These unmissable sunset sessions kick off at twilight with flame lit torches and atmospheric lanterns illuminating the exotic beachside lounging area in fiery island flair.

Languish by the infinity pool as international mixology specialists craft exquisitely tailored cocktails, including the fabulous Grilled Peach Martini, or sidle up to the uniquely appealing bubble bar.

Friday nights culminate in a dining experience extraordinaire.
Step up for a ‘barefoot’ dinner served in the infinity pool from 7 p.m., comprising the signature Coastal BBQ accompanied by free flowing wines by the glass.

Reflecting the launch event in silky style on these frivolous Friday nights, Jim Thompson will display a weekly showcasing of elegant coastal fashion, available for guests to purchase.

Guests who time their visit on other nights are promised not to miss out on the much coveted silky wares, with specially designed apparel from Jim Thompson’s launch event range also available exclusively at the Anantara Boutique, while decorative fabrics from this revered designer are soon to grace the resort’s plush interiors.

Artists who are looking for a creative retreat this spring will really like Arajilla Artists’ Retreats – think warm weather, gorgeous scenery, and art lessons from some of Australia’s best talent all on beautiful Lord Howe Island.

Each retreat takes place from a Friday to a Monday (four days and three nights), making for a fun, creative long weekend.

While on the retreat at this gorgeous boutique hotel on Lord Howe Island, you’ll partake in drawing and painting with the artist in both studio and at spectacular Lord Howe outdoor locations, evening art lectures, discussions and films.

And it wouldn’t be a retreat without a small group size – there’s only a maximum of 10 participants allowed.

Garry Shead, along with fellow artist Adam Rish, will be the featured artists for the March 2010 session (March 19 to March 22, 2010).

Guy Maesti (this year’s Archibald prize winner) will be leading the June 2010 session (June 4 to June 7, 2010).

At only 12 suites, Arajilla Retreat is truly a luxurious, relaxing escape from the every day.

Guests will love the resort’s tranquil and soft design, and stunning location on one of Australia’s most beautiful islands.

There’s plenty to do outdoors here, so be prepared to spend some time snorkeling, hiking, fishing or mountain biking.

Check out some more photos of Lord Howe Island, this beautiful resort in Australia, and the artists at the retreat:

If you’re planning a romantic escape to the windy city, you may be interested to learn that Sofitel Chicago Water Tower was just voted “Chicago’s Sexiest Hotel” in a Victoria Secret poll.

It won for the hotel category of a poll that covered everything from restaurants to people to neighbourhoods – all things Chicago!

So what makes Sofitel Chicago Water Tower so hot?

“It’s likely due to the hotel’s structure with its eye-catching curves, sexy French accents spoken by many employees, stylish bar and international jet setters coming and going that add to the allure,” said Lisa Taylor, Public Relations and Marketing Manager for the hotel.

Check out some photos – it’s not hard to see why this Chicago hotel got the local vote.

You know you’re a diva when you refuse a complimentary stay in one of the best luxury hotels in London, as reported in the Mirror today.

We just learned that Alicia Keys refused a three-day stay at the Jumeirah Carlton Hotel’s Luxury Suite (worth about £5,000) because she wanted a bigger room.

Wow.

Pretty shocking since this particular one is one of the nicest suites in the city!

The Jumeirah Carlton Tower Hotel in Knightsbridge has 220 rooms of pure luxury, three fabulous restaurants, an excellent health club and one of the best locations in London.

Guests here can take a quick jaunt through Hyde Park, or pop in to the Tate Gallery at a moment’s notice.

And, the luxury suite overlooks the gardens of Cadogan Place and comes adorned with a gorgeous crystal chandelier, a relaxing Jacuzzi spa bath tub and walk-in rain shower. It was designed by Kuan Chew and boasts some excellent art work by local British artists.

It has been the hang out of many a celeb, including everyone’s favourite pop star, Michael Jackson.

The Jumeirah Carlton Tower Hotel was voted as the ‘Best UK Business Hotel’ at the Conde Nast Reader’s Travel Awards last year.

The Hills Golf Course, New Zealand

If you’re thinking about visiting Queenstown, New Zealand, January 2010 is the time to be there. Why? There’s a million things to do in this gorgeous place during the summer, no matter what you’re in to.

Aside from amazing scenery, tasty wine and friendly people, artistic types will love the month long arts and culture festival, Summerdaze, which takes place between December 31 and January 31, 2010. It’s a major local event, so visitors to New Zealand’s lovely Queenstown will get to rub shoulders with many of the people who live and work in the area.

Golf lovers will definitely want to be at The Michael Hill New Zealand Open (the country’s premier golf tournament), which takes place from January 28 to January 31, 2010. The tournament takes place at the Hills Golf Course in Arrowtown, which is about half an hour away from Queenstown.

Horse enthusiasts get something too – Glenorchy Race Day on January 2, 2010. This event includes races like “walk trot gallop”, “trotting cup”, “relay race”, “double banking”, “ladies gallop” and more. Anyone with a horse can register – but this event attracts a serious crowd and competition is high.

Queenstown, New Zealand is home to some of the world’s best boutique hotels. Here are some of our favorites:

The Spire Hotel

The Spire Queenstown was just voted Australasia’s Leading Boutique Hotel at the World Travel Awards 2009, and it’s easy to see why: Chic, charming and centrally located, this gorgeous New Zealand hotel was designed with the sophisticated, design-loving traveler in mind. Think spacious guest rooms, stone fireplaces, large balconies and excellent service and you’re brushing the surface of what this hotel has to offer.

Azur
Private and intimate experiences are Azur’s specialty. This Queenstown boutique hotel is composed of nine spacious villas overlooking the lake and mountains. This gorgeous resort is all about the views, so be sure to make use of your private deck and lounge area to make the most out of your stay here.

Blanket Bay
Situated right at the edge of a brilliantly blue lake, Blanket Bay is right in the middle of a green valley between snow-capped mountain peaks. Ideal for outdoorsy types, and people who really enjoy the natural beauty of New Zealand, Blanket Bay cleaned up in the awards category this year, earning the title of “New Zealand’s Best Regional Property” at the HM Awards 2009 and was voted the best leisure hotel in Australasia and the South Pacific in the Conde Nast Traveller Readers’ Travel Awards 2009. We wrote about Blanket Bay’s 2009 awards on the blog earlier this year.

Want to see the fireworks display to end all fireworks displays?

Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi is showing the World’s largest pyrotechnics display (and will set a new Guinness World Record) on December 2, 2009, in celebration of the UAE’s 38th National Day.

The entire skyline of Abu Dhabi will be alight with displays up to 2,000 meters high providing a firework extravaganza to inspire spectators beyond belief. You’ll definitely enjoy the scintillating performance at key locations across Abu Dhabi!

The spectacular show starts at 8.30 pm.

Three barges will be located at the Emirates Palace Marina Bay, and five alongside the West Corniche Road with synchronized music.

The performance will last 45 minutes.

Guests at the Emirates Palace will enjoy traditional UAE cuisine buffet at Le Vendome Restaurant from December 1 to December 3, 2009, and handcrafted UAE National Day Chocolates in every guest room.

An exclusive exhibition runs is currently running in the Emirates Palace Dome, including a 38 tiered National Day Cake, a display of 38 types of dates exhibit, exclusive public showing of a painting by Van Merbeck of HH Sheikh Zayed Bin Sultan Al Nahyan and an authentic traditional Bedouin Tent.

For one week from sunset to midnight starting on December 2, 2009, Emirates Palace will dramatically light up the night sky with a uniquely designed and orchestrated laser show including sky beam and flying elements.

It appears that Jennifer Aniston and Conde Nast Traveler readers have something in common…they’re both fans of the One & Only Palmilla Resort in Los Cabos.

Spotted enjoying a luxurious getaway at One & Only Palmilla Resort just this month, the lovely Jennifer Aniston retreated once again to one of her favorite spots in the Baja California Peninsula. Was the trip’s purpose to contemplate lingering feelings for Brad Pitt? Who cares! She’s in paradise. Let’s leave her alone for once.

But there is a reason Condé Nast Traveler readers selected this property as one of the best places to stay in the world, for the past five years. (And why Jen has returned to one of her and Brad’s favorite destinations from the past.) Having experienced a lavish $90 million rebuilding and expansion in 2004, this incredible property is the ultimate private retreat complete with intuitive butler service and other countless thoughtful details scattered throughout the resort.

Attracted by the privacy of this gorgeous resort in Mexico, and the deep-sea fishing location, some of the One & Only Palmilla’s earliest guests includes celebrities like John Wayne, Bing Crosby, Lucille Ball and United States President Dwight D. Eisenhower.

Book a vacation here and who knows…maybe you could be lounging by the pool, enjoying a margarita ice pop with one of Hollywood’s most talented!

John Nielsen’s first encounter with the Madeira wine was not the most pleasant. He found it sweet and thin, and in general could not quite understand its fame. But that was all to change.

Mention the word “Madeira” and most people will think of Madeira wine that is produced on the beautiful island. Others will recall using the wine to enhance their cooking.

Venturing into the world of wines and gaining a taste for the alcoholic grape juice can often be a long process. A dear friend, Luiz began the educational process and my mind opened up to a world that I now adore and have worked with for 25 years. Luiz explained the complicated set up of the vineyards and then laid out six different bottles to taste.

The first few wines I had tasted were largely “non vintage” and were by his account “excellent for cooking with”…..the next bracket had an average age of 20 years and proved rich and elegant, but it was the 30 year olds that were simply stunning, I suddenly began to understand the depth and change.

The beautiful island, also known as the “island of Paradise” lies 465 miles off the African coast of Morocco and 622 miles from the Portuguese capital city of Lisbon. With stunning botanical gardens, miles of “lavada” trails for the keen walker, and a landscape that boast mountains, sea cliffs, historical sights and a fascinating history, it’s an ideal destination for all to explore.

The island of Madeira has an oceanic microclimate with the warm Gulf Stream passing through the islands and offers year round warm waters to swim in. The capital town of Funchal is picture perfectly set in the bay and is home to the majority of 300,000 population. You’ll also find a range of some of Madeira’s luxury hotels here including one of Europe grand hotels, Reid’s Palace and newly opened chic boutique hotel, The Vine.

The soil and climate of Madeira were found to be ideal for the production of wine. But many arduous years had to pass by, since the first plantings – circa 1470, before the land was cleared and enough vines planted to make an industry.

Most vineyards are on the south and north of the island, the smallest quantity on the eastern end. Usually the vines hang off trellises with lattice crosspieces for the vines to rest on at heights of six feet.

The roots of Madeira’s wine industry dates back to the Age of Exploration when Madeira was a regular port of call for ships traveling to the New World and East Indies.

The earliest examples of Madeira, like Port, were unfortified and had the habit of spoiling at sea.

Following the example of Port, a small amount of distilled alcohol made from cane sugar was added to stabilize the wine by boosting the alcohol content. The Dutch East India Company became a regular customer, picking up large (112 gal/423 l) casks of wine known as pipes for their voyages to India. The intense heat and constant movement of the ships had a transforming effect on the wine. It was found that the customer preferred the taste of this style of this Madeira Wine. Today three techniques are used to ensure the highest quality of Madeira’s are aged without the use of any artificial heat, being stored by the winery in warm rooms left to age by the heat of the sun. In cases like vintage Madeira, this heating process can last for from 20 years to 100 years.

Grape Varieties and Styles

There are four major types of Madeira, named according to the grape variety used. Ranging from the sweetest to the driest style they are: Malmsey, Bual, Verdelho, and Sercial. The four varieties will guide you in terms of taste, but real style and quality factor is the age. Often found in the export markets are the 5 year old “Reserve ” & the 10-year old Special Reserve.
When visiting Madeira make sure you taste the 15 to 20 year old Extra Reserve.

These wines are rich and a delight. Try them with a bit local goat cheese! To cap of the fine flavors seek out older Vintage Madeira, which must have a minimum age of 20 years and often can be over 50 years old, they can be quite sensational.

Winemaking

The initial winemaking steps of Madeira start out like most other wines with the grapes being harvested in October, crushed, pressed and then fermented in either stainless steel or oak cask. The annual harvest offers visitors a wonderful time to visit, when celebrations are high and the villages are decorated to mark the big event. Through out the island locals can be found helping produce the vintage or at least be part of the process!

The 1954 and 1905 Bual were sensational and dear to my heart. The 1905 was the birth year of my late grandmother and to celebrate her 75th birthday we opened this beautiful bottle. I can still taste the deep rich texture with raisin and honey flavors.

The 1954 proved brilliant and cemented my deep admiration for the growers and makers of this wine, as well as the island.

Madeira’s have been known to survive over 150 years in excellent condition. It is not uncommon to see Madeira’s pushing the century mark for sale at stores that specialize in rare wine.
As I walk down the cobbled streets of Funchal and pass by a wine shop or two, my eyes search to find a few more bottles with vintage Madeira from years that I will treasure.

Tyra Banks, former supermodel turned TV host (among other things), was recently vacationing with friends in Palm Springs, California. Of course, Tyra has impeccable taste and stayed at The Parker Palm Springs?

As Tyra was about to enjoy a delicious lunch on the patio at Norma’s restaurant her waiter, Juan, (nervous and stumbling over his words) introduced himself.

He should have just introduced himself as ‘America’s Next Top Male Model’ as he was just about to be discovered by one of the most popular supermodels of all time!

Way to go, Juan.

Who knows…maybe you’ll get discovered too during your next vacation in Palm Springs?