At a Cabernet Master Class in Melbourne one winemaker asked, during a blind tasting flight, how was wine number four? Rich, deep red, dry tannins, classic Bordeaux, maybe even Saint-Emilion, said the French winemaker. The master of ceremonies then read aloud from a Jancis Robinson book “how on the island of Waiheke in Auckland winemakers were producing the closest example of classic Bordeaux style worldwide”…the bottle was shown and proved to be a Goldwater Cabernet from, yes…. Waiheke Island.

Ever since then I have always had this dream of visiting the island. My dream came true recently. As I sat on the ferry I looked out at the many pleasure boats sailing, I was stunned at the sheer the beauty of Auckland harbor. Just 35 minutes later we arrived into the picturesque bay. Waiheke’s rolling hills and small bays greeted us and the atmosphere suddenly all seemed very relaxed, I felt like I million miles away in pace and beauty.

Staying at the luxurious Boatshed Island Hotel was such a pleasurable part of my visit to Waiheke, which is located above a sun-drenched bay overlooking the spectacular seascape of Oneroa Bay.

The Island’s vineyards, olive groves and pastureland serves up a feast for any gourmet lover. A leisurely stroll around the bays and a long lunch in a vineyard is a perfect way to enjoy this beautiful island, that takes two hours to drive around, slowly. Looking around the island, it reminded me of the south of England, although slightly better wines…. small village settings each with it’s own character and wonderful gardens. An early morning walk along one of the many beaches is a wonderful way to begin the day, and a drive out to the historic Stony Batter that houses three WW2 9.2 inch battle guns, offers you a chance to see most of the green island.

As the ferry departed, clear Pacific waters surround us, this is the ultimate destination to escape from the rush of Auckland – and try some Cabernet.

I rarely take my partner on visits to Kiwi Collection’s luxury properties as he bemoans the hours I like to spend chatting with our General Managers and noting things I both like and dislike about the hotels but, when it came to our anniversary weekend, there was no escaping. Luckily for me, I picked the fabulous Ritz-Carlton Powerscourt which kept him more than busy with its two challenging golf courses and hi-tech gadgetry.

The hotel is less than 30 minutes south of Dublin so an easy commute for business travellers but also an ideal getaway destination for those who like the best of the countryside but need their fix of city culture (Powerscourt is a stunning country estate in County Wicklow, the garden of Ireland).

The rooms are arguably the best in the area with enough space to hold a céilí, cloud beds and space-age TV screens that float in the middle of the bathroom mirrors. We celebrated in style at Powerscourt’s Gordon Ramsay restaurant where General Manager Allan Federer, newly arrived from the Ritz-Carlton Millenia Singapore, spoiled us with the best view in the house so we could watch the sun setting over the hills.

Midnight came and went over a sampling of whiskies in the Irish bar and we eased ourselves into a lazy Sunday by the side of the magnificent black mosaic pool sprinkled with Swarovski crystal lights that shine through swimmers and create mesmorising ripples on the ceiling. The pool is part of the hotel’s ESPA spa, now on my top 10 list of places to be pampered.

Monday morning found me alone and in central Dublin – time to revisit some of my old favourites.

The Dylan is a decadent, cheeky boutique hotel with as much substance as style and a library with a well-thumbed copy of our book. Unlike so many uber stylish hotels, it looks as good as the day it opened and is my top recommendation for a naughty weekend away. Don’t miss the restaurant – surely a contender for a Michelin macaroon.

The Fitzwilliam already has Michelin on its side and wins on location if you want to blow some cash on Grafton Street. The team is justly proud of its newly refurbished rooms which have set a style standard for the rest of the hotel and are guaranteed to shake off the travel blues.

For timeless elegance and immaculate service, you can’t beat the Merrion. A row of Georgian townhouses just off St. Stephen’s Green, the Merrion excels in making guests, including me, feel truly at home, even if your home is a far cry from the hotel with its priceless art collection and turf fires.

Morning pastries or afternoon tea in the lounges are a must on a rainy Irish Sunday and the cellar bar is Dublin at its best. Watch out for the Westbury, emerging from a lengthy facelift, and make time for a homemade chili-infused vodka at the Four Season’s Ice Bar.

I sat back in my chair at The Prince Luxury Hotel and with a glass of Lanson Rose Champagne I exclaimed “WOW” that was the best duck I had eaten to date. Wonderfully prepared and superbly served the Breste duck was now on my all time list of favourite main courses. How would I ever find another duck course like that again?

My wife has always known of my passion for roasted duck and recently signed me up to attend a cooking course at “Luv-a-duck” in Melbourne, Australia. As we sat down after cooking a five-course lunch my thoughts and tastebuds turned back to that great meal in Reims, the capital of Champagne. The flavours and texture were sensational….it of course does help when you have had to slave over a hot stove, but the duck quality was great!

Founded 1958, when 20 year old Art Shoppee moved to Nhill in the heart of Victoria, Art had little idea that the business would grow to become one of Australia’s leading food exporters. Today Luv-a-duck has a world-class facility on a 200-hectare farm, surrounded by thousands of hectares of golden grain fields in Central Victoria, where Luv-a-Duck ducks convert into magnificent meals. It is very much a family affair with daughter Theresa Sfetkidis also involved in the business.

Luv-A-Duck ducks are grown in the Victorian Wimmera Wheatland’s and are fed on premium grains. The ducks are raised in airy and spacious enclosures protected from the elements and from predators. “They have plenty of room to socialise, and constant and free access to clean water and fresh feed,” says Theresa.   It is that quality that has led to export orders through out Asia and the Middle East, and is even served in First Class on Emirates.

The retail showroom and cooking classes are performed in South Melbourne, a 5 min taxi trip from down town Melbourne. The city of Melbourne is often called “Australia’s dining capital”. The blend multiculturalism has ensured a superb range of restaurants that use local produce with traditional recopies.

Visitors are often heard singing their praises for the towns many good eateries. The most prestigious Australian wine trophy “the Jimmy Watson” is named after a wonderful wine bar in the Italian part of Melbourne. Even Jamie Oliver’s “Fifteen” has arrived and recently famed celebrity chef Nobu Matsuhisa opened at Crown Entertainment Complex.

The perfect combination for a long weekend in Melbourne would be to check-in at Crown Towers, cook up a storm at Luv-a-duck with a local drop of Pinot Noir from the Yarra Valley. Then explore the towns Greek or Italian restaurants for dinner. A match made in heaven, but make sure you work up an appetite in the hotels pool or gym, both really excellent, just so you feel good about the task!

Follow me on my trail through the many wine regions around Australia and New Zealand, as I explore and taste my way around…….really hard work!

Bonne appétit!

On my recent trip to Houston I was wowed by a new property (open less that a year): The ZaZa Houston Luxury Hotel. It’s by far the most unique hotel I’ve visited. Like the original ZaZa Hotel in Dallas, ZaZa Houston offers themed rooms that are unlike anything you’ve seen. These rooms are a mixture of high-end elegance and exciting originality.

The Magnificent Seven Suites are an absolute must-see. From the The Magnificent Seven Suites Rock Star Room filled with original rock & roll memorabilia to the Black Label room touting a top-floor outdoor hot-tub with a breathtaking view, the suites will blow you away. As Benji Homesy, President of Z Resorts, gave me a tour of the property, I found myself constantly asking “Who thinks of this stuff?”. Benji is one of the brains behind these rooms and he is understandably very proud of his work.

The Lounge / Bar at ZaZa Houston is know for it’s nightlife (as is ZaZa Dallas where I also had a chance to experience the energy of a packed pool-side bar on a Friday night.) This is definitely a place to be seen. Oversized chairs and wild yet tastefully elegant prints run throughout the common areas, as do stunning photographs – every floor coming with it’s own unique set of images. In fact, during my visit I encountered a group of guests who were simply elevator riding (stopping on every floor) to be able to see the vibrant images displayed in front of the open elevator doors on each floor.

Not surprisingly, both ZaZa hotels are a favourite to celebrities. If you’re looking for something classy yet exciting and outside of the box – Hotel Zaza Houston is for you!

Mallorca’s history is rich and varied – the island has been ruled by Romans, Byzantines, Catalans, and Spaniards, regularly sacked by pirates and vandals and invaded by hordes of tourists from numerous other European countries.

Just as its history is rich and varied so too are its offerings for tourists.

Mallorca as a tourist destination is associated with mass tourism which began in the 1950’s and saw a huge boom in the 60’s, 70’s and 80’s but which tapered off somewhat but continued in the 90’s. Today around 7 million tourists visit the island each year.

Mallorca’s popularity with tourists is a result of both its good weather (in the summer for example, the sea regulates the temperature and the sea breezes keep hot days from becoming too unpleasant) and its fantastic infrastructure.

Besides the temperature and infrastructure there are other things that appeal to travellers. There are a wide range of activities including water based activites, fabulous mountains for hiking, and cultural activities such as classical and Jazz concerts. There is also a wide a range of settings from wide beaches to steep cliffs and beautiful mountains, from modern shopping centres to beautiful old towns, etc…

Today there are estimated to be around 300,000 beds (Hotels, guest houses etc.) available in Mallorca. Most of these can be found along the coast and are in the huge concrete blocks that cater to the lower and middle end of the market. Since the 80’s however, in a bid to improve the economy inland they started converting olive mills and farms inland into boutique hotels. Today there are around 60 such establishments officially registered.

It is estimated that less than 1% (or ~2500 beds) of the beds in Mallorca would be classed at the very top end of the market.

The portfolio of luxury properties can be found across the island. My favourites include: In the capital Palma (Puro Hotel, Castillo Hotel Son Vida), on the seaside (Hotel Maricel and La Residencia) (note that neither of these are on a beach) and inland (Gran Hotel Son Net, Son Brull, Gran Hotel Son Julia).

There is also a wide range of other tourist offerings on Mallorca. Given the plethora of choice it is often difficult to find the best places to visit, shop and eat. For example, there are estimated to be around 1200 restaurants on Mallorca. Four of my favourites include: Es Moli D’en Bou in St. Llorenç des Cardassar (A Michelin starred restaurant in the countryside), La Cuchara in Palma’s Paseo Mallorca (great for organic tapas and reputedly one of Claudia Schiffers favourite tapas bars) and Entre Tapas Y Vinos also in Palma’s Paseo Mallorca (modern tapas bar that produces some truly innovative dishes), Bens d’Avall (between Deja and Soller, provides great views and a fabulous menu). The restaurant at La Residencia in Deja, El Olivo is also excellent (note there is a dress code).

There are also around 200 beaches along the coast of Mallorca. My favourite beach is Es Trenc on the east coast which is the only really large beach which has not been developed (note that it can get a bit windy). If, however you are looking for a clubby atmosphere go to Puro Beach in Palma (this is more like a terrace with a pool but very ‘cool’) for the people watching. They also offer yoga classes and spa treatments.

Mallorca also has a lot of shops. Av. Jaume III is the most exclusive shopping street in Palma. Here you will find all the fine stores from international fashion designers and jewellers such as Cartier. Two of the best stores off the Av Jaume III are: Corner on Paseo de Born and Custo on San Miguel. Both of these shops offer a good range of designer brands. Finally the Alpalpateria Fornes located on Carrer Sant Miquel sells all sorts of articles made of woven straw, from shoes to shopping bags.

Mallorca is an island full of contradictions. From wide white sand beaches ringed by concrete blocks housing tourists to the beautiful gothic architecture in the capital Palma and the beautifully restored olive mills inland. It is a large and busy island whose climate and wide range of activities and facilities make it interesting to all sorts of tourists including the discerning traveller.

As I was standing by the quaint bar at Mollies luxury hotel in Auckland, an American gentleman inquired about the available Pinot Noir by the glass? I have over the years become slightly obsessed by the perfect Pinot Noir so we quickly struck up a conversation. He was taking a well-earned break from the New York share market and was following the New Zealand Pinot Noir trail to Central Otago.

After a while we embarked down the streets and into Auckland’s prime dining area, Ponsonby. My challenge was to convince him that excellent New Zealand Pinot Noir could also be found in Martinborough and Marlborough. The Spanish themed wine bar provided a great venue with a first rate wine list and hours later we returned both having been convinced that New Zealand makes plenty of good Pinot Noir!

The new world has for many years struggled to perfect Pinot Noir compared to the great Burgundy wines. It is really only in the last 15 years that Australia and New Zealand have emerged to join Oregon in the US as premium Pinot Noir producers. Winemakers often describe the grape variety as the “most difficult grape to perfect”; it requires ideal growing conditions, warm to cool climate and the right clone. The wines can be like silk running through your mouth with superb depth and flavours, on the other hand they can be thin and taste like bad Ribena! The variance is massive, as are the vineyards and regions globally. The regions of Central Otago, and Martinborough lead the way in New Zealand with Marlborough & Canterbury hot on their heels.

Martinborough is located 40 miles east of New Zealand’s capital Wellington. The drive takes you through the countryside and into the region; my reward was the stunning Wharekauhau lodge that is based on a 5000 acre working sheep station overlooking the spectacular Palliser Bay. The Lodge is imbued with a warmth and character seldom found in a modern hotel.

The design, sumptuous furnishings, exquisite tableware and outstanding cuisine all combine to satisfy the senses. The indoor lap pool and gym is a great additional feature, especially after the cuisine. My trip around the region offered a wonderful diverse range of vineyards.

Top of the list is the founder and creator of Martinborough Estate, Larry McKenna, who today has established the Escarpment Vineyard and maybe the best of all! The depth and complexity, but still elegance of his wines confirms his greatness as a Pinot Noir winemaker. Even lovers of the great Burgundy wines would have to admit that these wines are outstanding. Have I just found the best of both worlds?

A quick flight over the Cook Straight and I arrive at the town of Blenheim. As we descend into the airport I see the endless sight of vineyards. The region of Marlborough has become the queen of Sauvignon Blanc, but Pinot Noir is now a real force. My choice of hotel is the luxurious Hotel d’Urville, which used to be the old Public Trust building and was built in the art deco style in the 1920’s.

Located in the centre of Blenheim the hotel is very different to the traditional lodges. The vast vineyards and landscapes are spectacular, the cloudy bay label of endless mountains and blue sky crate a magic setting. The quality and value for money on offer is just brilliant, where else can I buy high quality Pinot Noir for under $30. The price is often what scares people off from venturing into good Pinot Noir, but here that is not the case.

This is the region of the big companies, from Nobilo, Montana, Stoneleigh to Cloudy Bay, all making very smart wines. I depart after a few wonderful days and drive south, following the stunning countryside to Christchurch and into “Lord of the Rings country. The snow-capped mountains create a beautiful image as I arrive into the Canterbury region.

I have arranged to stay over at the newly renovated Otahuna Lodge, the hosts; Miles Refo and Hall Cannon greet me on the driveway. As I settle in I am enthralled with the beauty the have recreated. Dinner is a delight and I doze off in front of the fire as I dream about my next few days.

Long, dry summers, abundant sunshine and relatively cool growing conditions are a feature in Canterbury, which is sheltered from the coast by a low range of hills, can be significantly warmer. Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are the most widely planted grape varieties, together making up nearly 60% of the region’s vineyard. I loved the Chardonnay’s, classic rich styles, but the stand out Pinot was the Giesen Reserve 1999, with Muddy Waters and Pegasus Bay well placed.

As I head south along the coast my views of the Pacific Ocean and the plains turn towards the magic mountains of Mount Cook. The awaresome nature of South Island and the Southern Alps are a sensational sight, the sun shines from clear blue sky’s making it a picture perfect drive. I slowly begin to arrive into world’s southernmost wine region of Central Otago, and arrive into Queenstown. I love this town, full of action with snowfields, water sports and every dreamable outdoor activity, including Pinot tastings!!

I settle in to the elegant Sofitel Queenstown Hotel and Spa for my first night and watch the town come to life. The central location means a short walk to everything, my choice is the superb bar at Eichardts Private Hotel where a Tapas style dinner is served. Next day I head off to visit and taste my way around, the area of Bannockburn is often said to have the best and that is quickly confirmed. The Olssens Slapjack Creek Reserve is quite brilliant. The Amisfield winery at Lake Hayes and Gibbston Valley are both wineries that dreams are made out of. The location, cellar door design and wines are excellent, confirming why the region has such a strong reputation. My only slight feeling is that many of wines have very similar flavors, where as Martinborough had more distinctive and individual flavors, but overall the quality is brilliant.

It is with heavy feet that I board the plane and head home, as the plane gains altitude over the snow-clad mountains, I ponder if I have found the perfect Pinot Noir? A few stand out, but overall New Zealand has produced a sensational countryside with great accommodation and simply stunning wines!

No wonder they are well respected on the global Pinot Noir map. My search will have to continue; next stop the southern states of Australia!

Kiwi Collection welcomes the sublime Es Saadi Palace & Villas, where luxury meets nature.

Discover for yourself the renowned Moroccan luxury and hospitality in exquisite surroundings, play to your heart’s content in exotic Marrakech.

Es Saadi Palace & Villas is set in the heart of the city of Marrakech in an eight hectare park with shaded pathways leading to the resort, the palace, and the villas. The resort showcases 1950’s French architecture along with luxury, refinement and traditional Moroccan hospitality for three generations. The resort is an environmentally conscious property and uses much of the property’s natural gifts.

Facing the beautiful snow capped Atlas Mountains, The Palace guest rooms offer sumptuous decoration created by Master Craftsmen of Morocco. There are 90 spacious suites meticulously and artistically decorated for guest’s pleasure. For extra privacy Es Saadi Palace & Villas feature 10 villas situated in their own beautiful exotic gardens, each with a swimming pool which is heated in the winter season. All villas feature Oriental themed architecture and are spacious, light and designed for comfort.

Savor culinary delights at the restaurant, offering local specialties with romantic ambiance, whether out by the serene lights of the pool at night or in the grand restaurant.

Be taken away to another time in the Oriental Spa Es Saadi, where traditional rituals and treatments ensure a complete holistic experience. Try your luck at the Casino de Marrakech. Or dance the night away at the glamorous Theatro nightclub.

Es Saadi Palace & Villas is located in the beautiful city of Marrakech, Morocco. The city is renowned for its fabulous architecture, cuisine and cultural heritage.

Cant wait to see you there!

During my travels I have had the pleasure of visiting many islands around the world. Some stand out for the natural beauty, others have great beaches, but very few offer a wonderful combination of history, luxury resorts, world-class botanical gardens and a countryside that includes mountains and vineyards.

As you arrive in Madeira, you can’t help notice the many plantations on the drive along the stunning rugged coastline towards the capital Funchal. After 20 min the main road turns and there in-front of you lies the city in almost amphi theatre. The lights on the hillsides create a stunning effect as dusk settles over Funchal.

Madeira has an area of 285 sq miles and is situated in the northern half of the Atlantic Ocean, 300 miles from west Morocco and 620 miles south from mainland Portugal. Flights from London take just over 3 hours and one hour from Lisbon. The volcanic origin of the island makes it fertile, giving it is fascinating topography of gentle rolling hills edged on to steep ravines and sharp cliffs towering above lush green valleys. The flower paradise in the ocean enjoys an excellent climate without any extreme seasonal variations.

As I walk through the town I cannot help notice the wonderful age-old buildings and the history that surrounds them. Joao Goncalves Zarco discovered Madeira in 1418 during the golden age of discoveries, when under command of Prince Henry The Navigator, the Portuguese sailors set out on their epic missions into the great unknown. Along with discovering Madeira & Porto Santo, these being the first of many discovery missions set out from Portugal’s capital, Lisbon.

A favourite destination for many northern Europeans to escape the cold winter months, it was also the winter get-away for Sir Winston Churchill, who would spend his past time painting the local scenery. Sir Winston would spend many afternoons seating on the veranda at the oldest hotel and today the best, Reid’s Palace. Today it is a wonderful hotel and is still “the” location for afternoon tea served with Madeira cake on the veranda overlooking the ocean. The hotel enjoys a stunning location facing the bay and the hotels botanical garden is a delight to visit.

As one of the “grand” hotels of Europe, the hotel is loaded with tradition. The service is warm friendly, all in all top quality and follows the style and slightly formal ambience. The pool area overlooks the ocean and has a lift to the cliffs where from a simply jump and you are in the warm Atlantic Ocean. With the Gulf Stream running around Madeira, the waters are always nice and warm all year. Food & Beverage in the hotel was fairly traditional; the breakfast buffet offers a great selection and even local sparkling wine with your fresh juice. The two restaurants are quite stunning in design, one more formal fine dining and the second an Italian. Make sure you sit outside and take in the view, but are worth a visit. The hotel bar is a must after dinner. Dance away with the back-drop of Funchal lights to the live band and gaze away after at the view, just make sure you also look at your partner from time to time…..the evening setting is magic.

Madeira is an island that must be experienced. The new road system makes it easy to drive around and visit the outer lying villages, where the true beauty of Madeira is found. The colours are sensational in the countryside. The Madeira vineyards lie high above in the hillside and close to the sea, growing the famous Madeira wine. I had the pleasure of tasting a few and wow, the older they get the more stunning the taste….the 1954 Boal was quite a thrill.

Madeira also offers delightful local food. A great mix of a deep-sea fish called “Espada served with local grilled banana’s” and the Espetada, beef brochettes, made in a wood fried oven served with fabulous garlic bread! A few glasses of Portuguese red wine or the green white wine, “Vino Verde” and you are feeling very relaxed.

As I set about to view Madeira I was taken on a levada walk. The levada or irrigation channels are located all over Madeira and were used by locals to travel between villages on foot. Today a wonderful network exists and is a must as part of a visit. Some of the walks even take you through the botanical gardens and give guided tours of the rich fauna.

The gardens are dream for any keen gardener. One of the most beautiful is was once private garden, Quinta do Palheriro was converted into a golf course and is now a public botanical garden. The walk around the golf course offers a good combination of sightseeing when the swing maybe does not quite work!

After a day on the golf course it is great to be pampered at Choupana Hills Resort & Spa. Located on the hillside overlooking the bay of Funchal, this modern addition to the hotel scene is an ideal hide-away. The resort & spa was first to the island, and now a few more have followed suit.

As I sat back at Reid’s Palace veranda with a cup of tea and admired the natural beauty, I have to admit that Sir Winston also made a great decision about where to hide and enjoy life. Cheers! I can’t wait for my return trip to Madeira.

My travels in July took me away from the Kiwi Collection Asia Pacific office in Sydney, Australia to explore some exotic destinations throughout SE Asia.

My first stop was the island of Penang, Malaysia, which has both business and leisure qualities that attract guests from all over the world.  The island produces 25% of the world’s computer chips and is home to global companies such as Intel, Sony and First Solar, who have just invested over $1 Billion dollars in their new manufacturing plant.

The top business hotels include G Hotel, Penang which boosts contemporary design features, great food and beverage facilities and stunning executive loft suites overlooking the ocean.  The Shangri-La Rasa Sayang Resort & Spa is a lush oasis and is located on Batu Feringgi Beach.  The property is perfect for those interested in getting away from it all and indulging in their fabulous restaurants (six in total), the CHI Spa or simply lounging around the pool with beautiful rainforest surroundings.  For business travelers the property has extensive conference facilities.

My next stop was to the Four Seasons Langkawi a hotel that is worthy of our highest rating in the collection, a 5 Star + WOW Pick.  It is surrounded by 500 million year old limestone cliffs located right on Tanjung Rhu, one of the island’s best beaches.  The most striking features of the property are the middle-eastern design elements, beach surroundings and sheer size.

I was also able to fit in a quick visit to the two GHM Hotels on Langkawi, the iconic Datai and the Andaman Langkawi.  Both hotels are surrounded by spectacular rainforests and have excellent beachfront.  Note the roads to the above resorts are both quite windy!

An exciting new opening (September 1st), led me to Kuala Lumpur (KL) and the Club at The Saujana. This new luxury hotel has a very chic entrance and guest-welcoming lounge, which looks onto their pool water feature and lush tropical surroundings.

The designers have been really clever in hiding the elevator on the first floor with an amazing wine cellar which guests can browse through while awaiting the lift. It is the perfect oasis for those travelling to KL wanting an escape from the central business district, as the resort is only 30-45 minutes away depending on traffic. The hotel offers many different stylish room configurations, my favourite being the corner executive suite.

I would highly recommend experiencing their Japanese and Italian restaurants. For avid golfers the property is surrounded by two 18-hole championship golf courses of the Saujana Golf & Country Club. The owners are also planning on developing the land next door where a new spa and wellness centre is envisioned.

Ever wondered how to find time for a moment of bliss in your hectic business travels?

Well I found a few of those moments of absolute bliss and tranquility during my stay at the Grand Hyatt in Hong Kong. I was in Hong Kong attending the HEDNA conference and during my conference tour I had an opportunity to experience the luxurious services of the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, which became one of the highlights during my conference stay.

I was delightfully surprised by the level of service and personal attention that was given to me during my stay. First off, the hotel was kind enough to upgrade me to one of their club rooms which had an 180 degree view of the Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbour, which is absolutely magnificent. I thought that It couldnt get any better, but  right in front of the view was a single seat sofa with a pedestal table and on it a beautiful bottle of red with a glass ready to be poured. I took that moment to throw off my shoes, loosen my tie and enjoy the view along with the wine.

After 15 minutes of tranquility in my room with a glass of fine wine, I reluctantly but also excitedly, got up to change into my robe for my massage the Plateau Spa. This oasis in a luxury corporate hotel is truly a step out of the extra-ordinary. They are true to the word of tranquility and sheer experience. My massage and facial treatment left me feeling refreshed and washed away the stress of the day! The Plateau, which is situated on the 11th floor of the hotel also has one of the most exclusive fitness and exercise studios in Hong Kong, and I made a mental note to take advantage of the fitness centre the following morning before continuing upon my conference.

One of my favourite things to do when traveling on business is to take in at least one wonderful dining experience, as it is one of the things I enjoy the most about traveling to foreign countries. And I make sure to immerse myself at least one time into local cuisine; enjoying delicacies that I may not otherwise find back at home…or at least as convincingly. One of my colleagues at the conference had said to me that if I enjoy dim sum I need not go too far to experience some of the finest in Hong Kong, as the Hyatt’s own cantonese restaurant, housed on the eighth floor of the hotel, was stellar…and I must say, my colleague’s recommendation was spot on. The restaurant had been recently renovated and I sat and ate delicious local cuisine while looking out at the magnificent views over Victoria Harbour. One recommendation is to save room for dessert. I chose the mango pudding…I recommend you try it as well!

Until next time…

The whole concept of ‘luxury travel’ has been shaken up, turned around and made over. It dresses more discreetly these days – in fashion speak it is increasingly about insider labels and an inherent quality rather than any obvious brand one upmanship. What does luxury mean if everyone on the High Street is wearing the same over-designed and over-embroidered garment? It’s less a matter of exclusivity, more a matter of less being more. And so it is with travel… People are not only thinking about what they want from their luxury experience, but also what they don’t want.

As travel has become a democracy, with the package crowd moving from their traditional fun-in-the-sun enclaves to the further reaches of the far east and beyond, quality control has suffered across the board for the sake of making things mainstream and accessible; a kind of ‘McHoliday’ effect. A quiet revolution has been taking place at the polar opposite end of the market – streamlining, honing and refining the business of luxury for the clued up wealthy traveller who knows what they want, and is making travel arrangements accordingly.

For some years, many elements of what travellers don’t want from their luxury experience have in fact been the first thing they experience. Continuing its decline from an exciting part of the travel experience, air travel is, for many, the worst part of their trip. Recent years have seen the rise of all-business class flights as well as ever more innovative design in premium service cabins. Providers have promised to lessen all the elements that have ruined travel, eliminating a three hour check-in, an hour sitting on the runway and an hour waiting for luggage. By taking away the complications of modern air travel, the airlines give you the most precious thing you can get, along with your Le Caprice designed menu: time. In a world where time is what you don’t have, to have to check in a mere 20 minute before your long haul flight is better than any amount of complimentary Anya Hindmarch or Elemis.

There is no reason for the luxury experience to change once you step off the plane (and collect your luggage immediately, of course). Like the airlines, the most successful of the new wave of hotels also go out of their way to make the most of your precious time. Room service, if you’d rather spend the morning in bed, is universal, but great hotels are now offering high quality food equivalent to destination dining. In the same way, if you want a DVD or book that perhaps you haven’t had a chance to catch up with in your ‘real life’, it should be immediately available, or sourceable within a short time.

It is this attention to detail and focus on doing the little things well which we are seeing more of. Contemporary luxury in hotels is less about show, more about substance: the impact of an evidently huge florist’s bill in the lobby of a grand hotel is dampened if, on arrival in your suite, you’re presented with mean single-serving bathroom products. For a truly luxurious experience it is the sense of generosity which is key, in contrast to the showy opulence of the 80s. To echo the earlier fashion analogy, luxury hotels are like Versace; the embodiment of flash twenty years ago, now an embodiment of understated, chic Jackie Onassis style minimalism.

This feeling of generosity over opulence is echoed in the size of the rooms in what people consider to be the best hotels. This generosity isn’t necessarily anything to do with size, but style and layout. Many of the most successful luxury design and boutique hotels don’t offer anything like the dimensions of, say, the suites in a grand hotel, but their guests have a completely different expectation of luxury. As well as the layout of individual rooms, the scale of hotels is changing at the top end of the market. There is more expectation and more demand for privacy. Travellers don’t want to feel as though they are in a hotel with hundreds of other people having the same experience as them, and hoteliers have subsequently started to focus on smaller properties, often with a focus on villa accommodation rather than traditional hotel rooms. In these cases the layout is spread across a series of rooms to make the guest feel like they are in a small, exclusive environment, no matter what size the hotel.

Luxury is becoming less and less about standardisation. It must feel bespoke and there must be flexibility for each guest’s experience. Each guest’s tastes, from pillow fillings and flowers to food likes and dislikes, are assessed in advance by questionnaire, so that the hotel can prepare for their visit and make their experience unique. The result is a personalised experience, from the stock in the minibar to the music playing when they first enter their room. However, the strategy is only as good as its execution as expectations are, of course, raised by filling in a questionnaire, so if the wrong kind of bedding is awaiting a guest on arrival it’s worse than if there had been no expectation. The promise of luxury must be kept.

Today’s traveller is bored of the feeling that they could be anywhere in the world, and wants an authentic feel to their holiday, to know where they are and really feel as though they are experiencing local culture. This can be reflected in many facets of the experience, from the décor to the activities available to guests. In fact, culture is the one thing that cannot be copied and luxury hotels are now realising its potential. People want to do something ‘out of the ordinary’ on their holiday, not return home with a memory card full of images the same as last year’s. In the past, few people would have thought that spending the night in a sleeping bag in -5 degrees would be an integral part of a luxury holiday, and yet the Ice Hotel in Sweden now has over 100 rooms that are fully booked throughout the winter. Is this a kind of one-upmanship amongst luxury travellers, doing something none of their friends have? Quite possibly so… but isn’t that part of the fun? The more creative and unique the experience the better, because the luxury travel experience should feel like culture… one of a kind, exclusive to you and impossible to duplicate….just like great fashion.

Travellers are increasingly confident in their desires and as such the luxury in the hospitality world now reflects the ultimate in fashion luxury: couture: Individual, unique and tailored to an individual. The difference? You won’t spend hours being ‘fitted’ for your experience; everything will be done for you.

The Lapa Palace is set on a hill overlooking Lisbon’s Tagus River, amid tranquil gardens dotted with ornamental fountains and streams.

Arriving at Lapa Palace, a luxury hotel in Lisbon, you drive into small circular tesselated forecourt of what looks like a two-floor pink building, with a third floor set into the black mansard roof.

In through glass doors, in front of you is a large single-floor lobby that seems larger because of trompe l’oeil fabric on walls and table tops. If you go straight on through, you come to the Ristorante Hotel Cipriani – on again, to the restaurant terrace, and you look down three floors (past balconies of bedrooms beneath) through lush gardens to the curvilinear outdoor pool. For those swimming or sunbathing, beds are set up, a supply of magazines and paperbacks is provided, and polo-shirted waiters offer complimentary fresh fruit punch. At right angles to the main palace, on the north side, is a seven-floor modern block, with balconies overlooking the garden. In the apex of the two areas is a multi-level blue-on-white tiled waterfall, with water trickling down through a pair of 12-step falls, either side of the door into that garden.

The original Palace was built in 1870 for the Count of Valencas. It was his family who sold what was by then a vandalized shell to financier Antonio Sinoes de Almeida, who in 1983 had restored the Albatroz hotel in nearby Cascais. At Lapa, he spent a fortune on restoring the marble, stucco, wood carving, richly-patterned azulejos hand-knotted carpets. He added the pool, the modern block and the health club (with its own indoor pool) and in 1992 he opened it as the 94-room Lapa Palace Hotel. Six years later, however, he tired of hotel keeping. He sold the Albatroz to his brother Carlos, and the Lapa Palace to Orient-Express Hotels, Resorts & Trains.

Sandro Fabris, the charming Italian General Manager, personally escorted us up to room 701. He opened the wooden door beaming with pride. Look, he said. The foyer had walls covered in braid-edged blue pictorial fabric. Inset into the marble floor was a white azulejos hand-sewn carpet with blue flowers and a hint of the same yellow that highlighted the four pairs of closet doors (inside these were a safe, wrapped umbrella, masses of hangers and the minibar, with Krups Nespresso, Dafour organic teas and Cloer kettle, and white Villeroy & Boch china, and fresh milk available from room service). On the inside of the main door are two fabric bows, one red, one green, with brass signs ‘do not disturb’ and ‘please make up now’.

Leading off the foyer to the right was the big bathroom, most of its walls completely covered, to the ceiling, with blue and white pictorial tiles. Above the double Jacuzzi was a heated towel rail. There was a separate power-shower stall, and a separate – but door-less – toilet area. The double sink, with big surround, had a copious supply of ribbon-wrapped Helleboro Italian toiletries, including a walnut and carrot sun-tanning lotion. There were scales, hotel logo robes and slippers.

First things first. The broadband access is one of the fastest in memory: there is also a free business center. Copies of today’s Financial Times and International Herald Tribune were waiting, mid-morning, on the bedroom table, which also had a giant white lily display. This room has cream walls with a lower discreet dado of yellow-edged blue tiles, and the two-level ceiling has panels edged with soft yellow and blue. Part of the parquet floor – I think original, and somewhat noisy – was covered with a large blue, yellow and white azulejos. Awaiting us were a ship’s decanter of port, and a plate of irresistible Pasteis de Belém bite-sized tartlets (apparently in 1837 Domingos Rafael Alves came here from Brazil and met Elias Martinez, a Calician pastry chef at the Convent of Jeroninos; together they opened a Belem shop and these pastries, best eaten with cinnamon powder and vanilla sugar, are one of the symbols of Portuguese gastronomy).

The king size bed has double dark-wood headboards regally set underneath a ceiling-high blue and yellow fabric fall. At the bed’s base is a mirror-facetted wood box from which the flat-screen television rises, and swirled through 360° as required. There are two terraces, one of which has loungers: a 35-ft over-roof walkway leads to the other, a stone-sided octagonal eyrie, with table for four, looking down to the Tagus River far below.

The restaurant is eat-inside, or out, on the terrace looking into the floodlit gardens. A guitar player strummed softly. Tables were set with white linens, Villeroy & Boch china and Sambonet cutlery. An amuse arrived, a shot glass filled with magnificent clear tomato jelly topped by mozarrella foam. A basket-tray of home-made breads included bite-sized flavored focaccias, to go with Beurre Echiré butters. The maitre d’ suggested a tasting menus of three appetizers, say a chervil-perfumed egg soufflé, with soft egg yolk inside, in a puddle of pea sauce; white and green asparagus with parmesan flakes; three bresaola and ricotta sandwiches filled with, in turn, asparagus, peas, artichokes. We also tried green gnocchi with pesto, and a Cipriani specialty, a classic flattened veal cutlet, still on the bone, breaded and served with a rocket and dried cherry tomato salad. The wine list uniquely starts with waters, with a range of nine still waters and five sparkling waters. The list then goes on to such enticing sections as ‘whites that make forget reds’. We drank wines from the Alentejo region, south of Lisbon en route to the Algarve. As one would expect from such a luxury hotel in Portugal, service at Lapa Palace is thoughtful, and discreet.

In the morning, to avoid getting lost in what is a somewhat-confusing hilltop area of town, for my pre-breakfast I merely passed the Dutch and US embassies and followed tramlines right down to the main river-side road. Back home, I could have made myself a cup of espresso from the lobby-set trolley but I rushed upstairs to shower. We breakfasted in the mornings-only restaurant, inside, or out on a lower terrace. We sat outside, at a table set with pale apricot-coloured damask. There were piles of Financial Times, International Herald Tribunes, and today’s faxed news, printed on different colors for each language. The exquisite buffet came with seven fresh juices in tall glass jugs with side-set inner receptacles for ice. There was J Charpentier Champagne and Absolut. The main food station had whole figs, papaya, cereals (and colorful M&Ms), an array of different breads, smoked salmon and trimmings, baby goats’ and other cheeses, and cold cuts. Among the already-opened big pots of Schneekoppe preserves were Marmite for the Brits and Nutella for the Germans. A chef, on another station, supervised small quantities of excellent-quality hot dishes.

The coffee was strong, and slightly chocolatey. It was time to go. Bags down, pay bill, a young doorman put us in the taxi, said come back soon, and he would be waiting for us.

Seychelles: Banyan Tree

The third property we stayed in was the Banyan Tree. Like Maia, the Banyan Tree is located on Mahé, so there are a wide range of local cultural activities to participate in within driving distance. Again like Maia, it is the property itself that is the star at the Banyan Tree.

Nestled on the hill and along one of the world’s most charming beaches, the Banyan Tree really feels far from civilisation. The property consists of 53 private villas with plunge pools, a main building (housing lobby, bar, two restaurants, and the main pool complex), and the spa. The buildings are designed in a colonial style that seems very practical.

Our experience started at the entry to the Maia Luxury Resort and Spa, where the Banyan Tree limo (or rather, 4×4) picked us up. The “de rigeur” cold towels and water were offered by the driver once we had entered the comfortable, leather clad interior of the car. The driver, who had been with the Banyan Tree since it opened, was extremely professional and a treasure trove of information regarding the Seychelles (and Mahé in particular). He started the engine, turned on a soothing CD, and we were off on the third leg of our adventure in paradise. I’m not sure that it would be possible to be more relaxed than we already were after our two previous experiences, but I can assure you that if it were possible, it would have happened.

The welcome was fantastic. Drinks on the veranda of the main building, a brief check-in procedure, and then we were given the choice of having a tour of the resort or to be taken to our villa. We chose the latter, with a view to taking the tour at a later time.

Our villa was lovely. It consisted of four main areas: the lounging/dining pavilion and deck, incorporating the plunge pool; the bedroom/bathroom; the sun lounging deck (with a two person Jacuzzi); and the spa pavilion. Each area had fabulous, picture postcard views. The beach, the ocean, and the surrounding hillside consisted of vibrant greens, blues and whites framing the hotel villas and main building.

We were in one of the highest placed hillside pool villas, and the drive from the main building took a few minutes. But it was well worth it, and certainly did not affect the levels of service we received in any way. All meals were delivered rapidly and the food was excellent. One evening we had the pleasure of dining in the Thai restaurant and the food there was also excellent.

At the Banyan Tree we discovered that there was a lot more to do in the Seychelles than we had originally expected. From trips to local artists’ studios, to helicopter tours of the island (from the Banyan Tree’s own helipad), there is no excuse to ever feel bored.

More than anything, the Banyan Tree made us feel comfortable. With views to stimulate the senses, excellent food, and service levels at the top of their league, we felt truly pampered.

Unfortunately, due to our schedule we were only able to stay at the Banyan Tree for two nights, but we still had a fantastic experience. The first day we relaxed in our hillside villa and had dinner in the Thai restaurant. The second day we stayed in our villa and took a trip down to the beach, sat on towels provided by the pool staff, and watched the ebb and flow of the tides. We stayed there until it was time for dinner, which we had in our own private villa. On the last day, we stayed in our villa – there really was no reason to leave and as we were hoping time would forget us and we could stay forever.

When we did leave the Banyan Tree, it was again in one of their private cars. Again the driver was professional, relaxed, and shared interesting anecdotes about the local environment. When we got to the airport, the driver even found a trolley for our bags and escorted us to the correct check-in counter. I have rarely been so sad to leave somewhere at the end of a holiday.

How do we define paradise? We all have our own definition, however, I cannot think of a better one than a place that stimulates all your senses with its beauty, level of service, and generosity of spirit; a place that provides memories you treasure in your heart, and that you vow to return to. For me personally, the Seychelles represents this type of paradise.

When my wife and I left after our 12 day stay we felt completely rested, both mentally and physically, and ready to take on the mantle of our regular lives – until our next visit…

Seychelles: Maia Luxury Resort and Spa

The second property we stayed in was Maia. The Maia experience, like the North Island experience, started the moment we walked off the plane. As we exited the domestic terminal our driver was waiting for us and escorted us to our car. Once inside, we were offered the usual cool towel and bottle of water. The drive from the airport to Maia took about 30 minutes, along the coast then across to the other side (west) of Mahé and a bay called Anse Louis.

Maia is a relatively new property, opened in September 2006, although you would never know it from the setting. The phenomenal plantings really seem mature. It consists of 30 independent villas all of the same design (when you have a perfect design then why alter it!). The only thing that differs between the villas is their location and their view. Some of the villas are along the small but perfectly formed beach (these are the most popular villas with families), and the remainder are spread up (or down depending on your perspective) the hill.

Once we arrived at Maia we were greeted at the entrance and whisked by buggy up to our beautiful hillside villa, where our butler was waiting for us. Welcome drinks, fruit platter, etc., were all part of the plan, and executed perfectly. We hardly even noticed when our butler Salim asked us for our credit card to cover “incidentals”.

The experience at Maia is very much linked to the villa and your own private butler. There are some lovely communal areas such as the lounge, the bar, the restaurant, and the communal pool in front of the beach. And of course there is also the lovely beach, although most guests choose to remain in their villas. It is also important to note that only guests and staff are allowed into Maia. That means that guests will never encounter outsiders strolling around the property, using the spas, or eating in the restaurant. This is a very firm policy and not even relaxed for local VIPs.

Maia really is a private hideaway. You can enter your villa, close the door, spend the remainder of your stay in the haven of comfort and tranquility that is your villa, and never leave except for excursions to the beach, to the restaurant (if you want to eat in the restaurant rather than in your villa), and for the unpopular event of leaving.

The villas are amazing. They consist of five areas: a small lounging/dining pavilion with the butler’s bar, the bedroom, the main bathroom and toilet, the plunge pool, and the dipping pool/outdoor bath. The buildings are solid concrete, with tall thatched ceilings that give them a Balinese feel. But the real trump card here is the quality of all the modern conveniences; the fittings and fixtures in the rooms. iPod docks, built in Bose speakers, Sony flat-screen TVs, a sound system that pipes music to all areas of the villa, Nespresso coffee makers – the list could go on forever. The rooms are extremely comfortable. The beds are possibly the most comfortable beds we have ever experienced in a hotel or resort; the sheets are a delight, and the goose down duvets are light and fluffy. The toiletries in the bathroom are La Prairie, which my wife couldn’t get enough of – their body lotion was fantastic.

Maia provided us with a series of pleasant surprises throughout our stay, beginning when we entered our villa (a Signature Villa overlooking the ocean and the mainland) and we were struck by two key things. The view, which was spectacular, and the plunge pool (~ 8 meters x 4 meters), which really drew us in with its azure blue promise of cooling comfort.

From the moment you arrive, to the moment you leave, your butler is your single point of contact for all things. They are on call 24 hours and are always keen to help out. Want to arrange a barbeque on the beach? They will sort it out for you. Want to arrange a fishing trip? They will arrange it for you. If you just want to be left alone they can, of course, arrange that too. Just hang the coconut on the door to your villa and you will not be disturbed.

So what did we do at Maia? Well, out of respect for the philosophy of the property we spent most of our time in the outstanding villa and at the magnificent spa. The routine was simple: wake up, eat breakfast in the villa, sit in the sun loungers, read a book, have a dip in the plunge pool, take a trip to the beach, take a dip in the plunge pool, have lunch in the villa, have a rest, take a dip in the plunge pool, and have a treatment in the spa. In the evening we went down to the restaurant for dinner so that we could see who else was at the property. We were sure that we recognised a group of ladies from North Island, but since we had only seen them from afar we were not entirely sure.

On one day we took a tour of the island by car. We had a driver, and of course our trusty butler along for the ride. We went up Mount Josephine and had magnificent views of Mahé, the other islands, and the ocean. We stopped at Beau Vallon on the beach for a delightful picnic, laid out by our butler, and then we returned to the property for dinner.

The staff at Maia are fantastic. Representing over ten nationalities and three continents, they have been honed into a finely tuned machine by the General Manager and his management team.

Given the amount of focus there is on the butler, the success or failure of the individual guest’s experience does depend on the butlers. Fortunately they have sourced the best there is. For our part, it was really thanks to our butler Salim that we had such a memorable experience.

Four nights seemed like a short stay as we were just starting to really relax and get used to each other’s company again when we had to leave.

We left the property with our butler as well as the General Manager waving us off. A very nice personal touch.

Miami is a great destination for the adventure seeker and relaxation aficionado alike. Whether you’re into sunshine, surf, shopping, salsa or sensational spa experiences, Miami is a magical year-round destination, complete with world-class hotels and restaurants, great beaches and a nightlife that never sleeps.

I had an opportunity to tour some Kiwi Collection properties during my recent trip to Miami, and I was blown away by the service and amenities, and pampered myself with some remarkable spa treatments. Hey, when in Rome…err, Miami.

My first stop was at the Fairmont Turnberry Isle Resort, which has undergone extensive renovations recently – a really impressive end product! With two of the best golf courses in the area and huge 25 treatment room state-of-the-art spa, it really is a “getaway” destination. Almost making one forget they’re actually in Miami, it feels more like a remote tropical resort. The property is over 300 acres and very secluded, however it is right across the street from Aventura Mall for great shopping if you want to indulge in some retail therapy. The resort caters to both families and quiet getaways with two separate pools catering to each group. I had the opportunity to experience the Salon within the spa for a pedicure, manicure and hair cut, the 3 hours flew by and I felt like family by the time I left.

Speaking of spas, two spas that I absolutely need to experience are at the Regent Bal Harbour and the Aqualina Resort and Spa on the Beach. I had a tour through each and both were very alluring; that “spa fragrance” the minute you walk in the door and easy listening music instantly puts you into “spa mode”.

Hotel Victor has such an appeal to the guest looking for trendy but still very classic accommodations. The dark theme throughout the hotel truly feels “VIP” but the jellyfish theme gives it that South Beach spark. The hotel recently hosted the Christian Audigier, Ed Hardy swim wear launch at the chique pool deck – what a perfect venue!

During the trip, I also visited the Ritz-Carlton South Beach – true luxury on one of Miami’s hottest beaches. The guest experience was truly outstanding; nothing was overlooked! The location of this hotel was perfect – one side hugging the beach and the other facing Lincoln Avenue for shopping and dining. I also discovered my new favorite cocktail; the frozen blueberry mojito – a definite must try! The crab cake burger at Bistro One is absolutely delightful as well. The famous Di Lido restaurant is very popular for its gorgeous views of the beach promenade and the ocean.

If you are looking for a true VIP experience, you definitely need to check out the rooftop scene at Gansevoort South (minimum age is 21). Similar to Gansevoort in NYC with the private pool area for guests only, the other half of the rooftop is an extremely trendy popular local night spot. Hardy Hill with the Opium Group headline Thursday night festivities – you don’t want to miss them; the vibe and the crowd are very sexy – truly Miami. One thing that is extremely unique are the outdoor restrooms…..might sound odd, but it’s really cool.

Another stop in my Miami trip was at the Four Seasons Hotel, located in the downtown area of the city. Rumored to be one of the tallest buildings south of New York City at 70 stories high, this property feels like a resort with its enormous pool deck. You can choose a very private area or have the option to share some family time with the kids, the area is definitely large enough for both. The property’s fitness center, Sports Club/LA is absolutely enormous with 50,000 square feet of anything you need, its definitely catering to the fitness conscious travelers. The beds at the Four Seasons are incredible, I can actually sleep all the way through the night here, which can be a difficult feat whilst on the road.

I visited the Fisher Island Hotel & Resort and words simply cannot describe it. Its completely exclusive and accessible only by ferry, their security is absolutely incredible and the resort is beautiful. Most of the island consists of private residences and I mean “private”, that is the whole point of this island. The hotel currently has 48 rooms but will likely grow to 65 rooms and be capped at that once the rest of the development is completed. If you want a very secluded VIP vacation – this is the spot!

The last visit during my Miami stay was the stunning Setai – I was completely blown away by the Asian design influence. Not a detail has been ignored in this luxury design property. Every area in the hotel is gorgeous, its no wonder so many people have chosen to make this their permanent residence. The property stands on its own in Miami and is an absolute masterpiece…a walk through the lobby into the outdoor lounge area alone is enough to entice you to stay.