A crucial element of maintaining our collection of the world’s best luxury experiences means constantly reviewing and testing our hotels to ensure they are still meeting our standards. This is a costly and time rich activity which ensures we have our finger on the pulse of the luxury travel industry. As such our collection is constantly expanding in both directions. During our most recent trip to New Zealand we excluded five hotels and included one.

Philippe Kjellgren, President of Kiwi Collection and I headed to Christchurch to visit The George. The property is very well located, across from the lush North Hadley Park on the edge of the city. The building itself isn’t overly impressive but once you enter through the front doors a very stylish environment unfolds. The lobby has elegant couches for guests to relax, read newspapers or surf the internet. There is a bar-restaurant set up to enjoy quick snacks, coffee, tea or other refreshments. Their Italian Restaurant, Pescatore, is elegantly styled with views out toward the park and is considered one of the top dining experiences in Christchurch.

The new refurbished premium rooms are located on the fourth floor and are very well appointed. The other three floors are to be renovated this year.

Christchurch as a city isn’t overly exciting, in my books at least. It does have some charming architecture though, mainly found in the city centre. Interestingly enough, its main purpose for international travelers is access to the Antarctic!

We then headed to Otahuna Lodge roughly a 20 minute drive from the George. This property is the polar opposite situated in the countryside and is one of New Zealand’s most historical houses, built in 1895. The owners are a very well traveled and sophisticated couple from New York. I would highly recommend this property for intimate group gatherings or for a romantic weekend getaway. I particularly enjoy the fact they have their own organic vegetable garden.

The next hotel on our journey was the Grasmere Lodge High Country Retreat. The drive is spectacular and could easily be turned into a rally car circuit – lots of fun. The lodge itself is a nice four star experience. The staff are excellent and really passionate about guests and the beauty of their surroundings. The chef served an excellent duck confit prepared in front of a roaring fire on a rather chilly night in February.

I would recommend a stay of three nights and take advantage of activities such as fishing, hiking and horseback riding. Ask the co-owner Tom Butler to take you for a ride on top of the hill opposite the lodge so you can see the enormous mountains directly behind the property. Bring a camera.

Check out The Resort at Pelican Hill if you’re looking for a relaxing golf vacation or spa vacation in California.

California is a great place to go year round due to the mild climate and plentiful sunshine. If you’re just in the mood to relax at a hotel with a fantastic view and plenty of leisurely activities to do, we highly recommend checking out The Resort at Pelican Hill, which is close to Los Angeles.

This California luxury hotel is perched on over 500 acres of countryside up high on a hill. The resort village features a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean.

You won’t be lacking for space at The Resort at Pelican Hill. Suites and bungalows range from 847 to 1,694 square feet! And, of course, all of the resort’s accommodation features a limestone fireplace, private ocean-view terrace, wood beam ceiling, marble bath and parking.

Once you’re at the resort, there are plenty of ways to unwind. Take advantage of this California resort’s golf courses. You’ll find two within arms’ reach (Ocean North and Ocean South), both designed by Tom Fazio. Don’t worry if you aren’t a pro. You can always get in a few lessons with the resort’s Golf Academy who will counsel you on ways to improve every aspect of your game.

If golf isn’t your thing, you’ll probably want to check out the resort’s spa. You’ll be able to enjoy any type of service from massage therapy to hair styling. You’ll definitely find something here that will help you let go of stress and get you in the mood to relax.

After a busy day enjoying the golf courses or the spa, we suggest that you finish things off with an excellent meal at the resort. Executive Chef Jean Pierre Dubray is one of the most accomplished and recognized chefs in California, and you will enjoy all of the meals prepared by him and his staff.
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Perfect for a Honeymoon or a Romantic vacation, Barcelo Asia Gardens is one of the best hotels in Spain for kicking back and enjoying the sun. This gorgeous hotel is found along the Costa Blanca.

Who doesn’t want a touch of the South Pacific in Spain? Barcelo Asia Gardens is a unique hotel in Spain, situated along the Costa Blanca with a distinctive Asian twist. The Costa Blanca is a 200 km stretch of beautiful coastline in the Spanish province of Alicante, and is an extremely popular travel destination due to the beauty of the location and, of course, the fantastic weather.

Before we get in to the rooms, restaurants and things to do at this hotel, we have to tell you the about two of its best features:  spectacular gardens and a gorgeous infinity swimming pool. You’ll find more than 60 varieties of plants, bonsais and flowers on the hotel’s grounds. Plant lovers will enjoy relaxing here, enjoying nature and the hotel’s serene atmosphere.

Take a walk through the gardens to reach the hotel’s large infinity pool, bordered by sun terraces.  It is absolutely stunning, and you won’t want to get out of the water once you’re in it. In fact, the hotel has seven pools (three of which are heated) for guests to use.

All 312 rooms at Barcelo Asia Gardens are different, ensuring that each guest gets a personalized and unique experience. The Asian touches in the rooms are particularly unique and beautiful. You’ll love the comfy kimonos and slippers.

Each room offers large terraces, 32” LCD TVs, DVD with stereo, ADSL Internet and WiFi. One of the best features of the rooms is the spacious washrooms. Make sure you ask for a suite that features a Jacuzzi.

When you aren’t enjoying the gardens, or exploring the surrounding area, there is plenty to do at the hotel. Check out the fitness center, salon, Thai spa and running courses. There are also two great 18 hole golf courses nearby (designed by Jack Nicklaus) if you want to play a few rounds of golf.

And, at the end of a long day, you might want to enjoy a glass of bubbly at the Champagne Bar, found in the lobby. This bar specializes in cocktails that contain champagne. The restaurants at the hotel focus on an interesting Asian-Mediterranean fusion. At night, take in a show at the Bonsai Bar, named for the 150-year-old Bonsai tree on the terrace.

Tahiti deserves its legendary status as the ultimate honeymoon destination. The beauty of the vast variety of lush mountains rising out of the sea puts a spell on you. The fascinating atolls, with their incredible abundance of marine life and crystal clear water, make this place a dream come true. The ultimate way to enjoy this would probably be on a small private cruise ship, but we will have to leave that for next time! Instead we stayed at some of the best hotels in French Polynesia.

We just spent 15 precious days in some of the most beautiful corners of the planet. From space the earth would be nothing but blue looking down as the closest landmasses are 8+ hours away by jet (Australia, South and North America). The closest major islands are New Zealand and Hawaii, 5+ hours away. Tahiti and its surrounding atolls and islands stretch over a territory as large as Europe. The night sky is breathtakingly clear with a very detailed view of the Milky Way.

We spent our time equally between Bora Bora, Tikehau and Tahaa (4 days), each a totally unique experience. A boat ride to swim with and feed stingrays and black tip sharks by the pass of the Atoll is a “must-do” in Bora Bora. A three-meter lemon shark was in close range before I quickly got back into the boat. ASW members Sandy Ellacott and his wife, Hiti, are the people to know if you want to explore Bora Bora. They contacted me when they saw my itinerary on the Geolocator.

The Pearl Beach Resort in Tikehau was our second stop, located an hour flight to the North in the Tuamotu Archipelago. This is an outpost and gives you the feeling of what Bora Bora must have been hundreds of years ago.

The marine life surrounding our overwater bungalow was like an aquarium filled with sharks swimming beneath us at dinner time. Officially these sharks are not carnivores, but we did succeed at feeding them pieces of chicken, meat and fish!

We consequently limited our swimming to the day time. We spent the days exploring the wild beaches and pristine lagoon. Pink sand dunes with fish everywhere in the turquoise waters. A complete Robinson Crusoe experience!

Pearl Beach is wild and rustic and I warmly recommend it and its sophisticated and fresh food cooked by brilliant chef Jerome. It is also the only hotel in Tikehau.

Le Taha’a was our last stop. It is the only Relais et Chateaux in all of Polynesia and has the most exquisite location on the ridge of the Atoll. We had a beach villa with a different perspective and definitely more toddler friendly than being on the water. Le Taha’a probably had the most “exclusive” feel to it, accentuated by the fact that the global economic crisis and the low/”rainy” season (although sunny every day).

We left via the capital Papeete where we spent the week-end at the Intercontinental resort conveniently located a few km from the airport. Papeete is the largest city and port in the South Pacific and evokes images of a bygone era. It is far from idyllic but an interesting place to visit for a few days. The black sand beach by the Radisson should not be missed, with its direct access to the ocean.

We capped our epic journey yesterday with an “A Small World” drink with 40 fascinating Tahiti based members, followed by a dinner for ten of the country’s key people in the travel and leisure business, including ASW members Christian Vernaudon, President of Air Tahiti Nui and Laurent Bessou, President of the Pearl Beach hotel chain. They are both true pioneers in Tahiti having spent 30+ years running the country’s tourism industry.

Sardinia is a great spot to travel to in the summer. Its sun-baked beaches and warm culture are truly inviting for luxury travelers who want to explore one of Italy’s most interesting islands.

With more than 300 sunny days a year, Sardinia is one of the best places to visit if you want to soak up some sunshine and relax on the beach. Known for its upscale resorts catering to luxury travelers, a trip to Italy’s second largest island should definitely be on your hit list this summer.

There are three Sardinia hotels in the Kiwi Collection, all located in the Costa Smeralda (Emerald Coast) that will be opening back up in May for the summer. The Costa Smeralda features beautiful white sandy beaches, a golf club, private jet access and helicopter services for the world’s top movers and shakers.

Hotel Cala di Volpe

At this stunning Costa Smeralda hotel, you’ll get a fabulous view of Sardinia’s coastline, mountains and the sea. You’re sure to enjoy the traditional architecture and tiles, typical of the area, giving you a very authentic Sardinian experience.  Since Hotel Cala di Volpe is located within a charming fishing village and adjacent to the pevero Golf Club, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors: take a walk along the turquoise coastline, relax in the saltwater swimming pool, enjoy a round of golf at the Pevero Golf club or go to water-skiing school.

Hotel Romazzino

Another Sardinian gem is Hotel Romazzino. This hotel has a tranquil, traditional Mediterranean feel. The whitewashed buildings at the hotel are splashed with color through the gardens on property’s grounds. With restored interiors, each of this boutique hotel’s 94 guest rooms truly reflect the colors of the Costa Smeralda. You will definitely want to take in at least one great meal at Romazzino Restaurant that has a nice terrace overlooking the water.

Hotel Pitrizza

A perfect getaway for a romantic holiday or Honeymoon, Hotel Pitrizza is right on the Costa Smeralda’s rouged coastline. With only 55 rooms, this hotel is the smallest of the three, giving it a very intimate, boutique atmosphere. Have a cocktail and lunch at Ristorante Pitrizza with your sweetheart and enjoy the sunset. During the day, enjoy the sea-water swimming pool, Cervo Tennis club and windsurfing! You can also rent motor boasts here if you want to take advantage of the hotel’s close proximity to the water.

There has been a lot of negative press about Mexico lately—mostly about violence along the US border due to drug cartels and the war on drugs. But what most of the headlines don’t say is that this violence is very localized, mainly involving individuals that are involved in the cartel and only occurring close to the US border.

Mexico is still a very safe and enjoyable place to travel, which is why Kiwi Collection is running a series about the safest places to stay in Mexico. Part one of the series will focus on “Sun and Sand” resorts in the Mayan Riviera.

The Mayan Riviera is a huge tourist district in Mexico, home to some of the country’s finest (and safest) beach resorts and boutique hotels. Located on the Atlantic side of Mexico, the Mayan Riviera starts at Playa del Carmen and ends at the village of Tulum, although Cancun is considered to be a part of the district as well.

This gorgeous region parallels the Caribbean coastline. With some of the best weather on the planet, travelers to this district get the benefits of the warm waters of the Caribbean Sea.

There are plenty of great luxury hotels to choose from in this region. If you’re looking for a quiet escape at an adult-centric resort, check out Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita or Esencia.

At Zoetry Paraiso de la Bonita, you’ll find that the buildings truly capture Mayan culture: open courtyards, fountain-laden walkways and reflective pools are everywhere. With 90 suites, you are sure to find one that suites your needs. We particularly enjoy the 24,000 square foot luxury spa and the resort’s 48-foot luxury catamaran.

Esencia is perfect if you’re trying to find a great honeymoon resort or a place to kick back and relax. This resort sits along a two-mile stretch of sugary beach. It’s a quiet, boutique hotel with 29 rooms, so you are sure to find some privacy and peace and quiet here. This Mexico resort also features a great spa, using only organic ingredients in all of its products.

If you’re planning a family vacation, and want a resort that’s suitable for both adults and kids, there are quite a few luxurious options in the Mayan Riviera. Think about the Fairmont Mayakoba or the Mandarin Oriental Riviera Maya.

You’ll find it all at the Fairmont Mayakoba as there is plenty to do at this large resort. The property is surrounded by tropical woods and lush lagoons, and is situated on a pristine beach!  Whether you want to go golfing, go fishing, enjoy the spa or just relax at the pool or at the beach, you’ll find everything that you’re looking for on your vacation to Mexico.

The Mandarin Oriental Riviera Maya is the perfect (luxurious!) base from which to explore the Mayan ruins. This pet-friendly resort also boasts three swimming pools and a fabulous 25,000 square foot spa. You’ll be taken to your room by golf cart so that you can enjoy the winding paths and peaceful waterways at this resort.

Travelers who have a keen eye for design will also enjoy the Mayan Riviera. There are a few chic design hotels in the area that are sure to appeal to all of your senses. The Banyan Tree Mayakoba and Hotel Basico are two of the trendiest hotels in the region.

The Banyan Tree Mayakoba has rooms adorned with dark woods and creamy ivory palettes. Even though this hotel is located in Mexico, there are many fine Asian design elements used to create an overall tranquil and calming feel. All villas at this resort focus on airy living and dining areas, spacious washrooms and private gardens.

Hotel Basico is an industrial, fashionable hotel with an urban, modern edge. Trendy, young travelers who want to have a lot of fun will really enjoy this design hotel. Head to Hotel Basico’s beach club if you’re trying to find a popular hangout. We’ve profiled Hotel Basico on the jetsetter earlier this year.

Stay tuned for our next installment of the safest places to stay in Mexico, where we will profile resorts in Mexico’s Puerto Vallarta area!

One of Relais & Chateaux’s newest members, Sonora Resort, is an absolute jewel amid the wild beauty and pristine waters of Canada’s West Coast. You’ll enjoy this British Columbia hotel if you’re looking for a great hotel for fishing or spa hotel.

Sonora Resort, on Canada’s west coast is located in one of the most beautiful and unspoiled places on earth: Desolation Sound. An area of wild and enchanting natural beauty, it is surrounded by rugged mountains, pristine waters, thriving wildlife and precious old-growth forest. Best known as a fishing lodge — and perfect for a great fishing vacation in Canada’s wilderness — the resort has recently been expanded to include amenities and services designed to complement the fishers, and offer alternatives for those guests not entirely thrilled to spend eight hours every day on the water.

We arrived in a Seair Cessna Caravan from Vancouver. The 50-minute flight North afforded us spectacular West Coast views as we flew up the Sound, over Stuart Island and the Arran Rapids.

General Manager Sean Ross and his entourage of staff were there to greet us and, after a quick briefing that included issuance of fishing licenses for everyone, Sean took us on a tour of the resort.

Sonora Resort’s buildings are strategically placed like pods around the property to take full advantage of the most breathtaking views. Each of the three guestroom buildings comes with its own common area that includes a fireplace, flat screen TV, exterior deck, and a refrigerator filled with complimentary beverages and snacks.

In the Arbutus Lodge, our room (51) was immaculate with hard wood flooring and a stone fireplace; the bathrooms have heated floors, large double sinks, slate showers with rainfall showerhead and a soaker tub, all complimented with Aveda spa products.
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After a packed 12-hour Japan Airlines flight, we land at Narita airport. Japan Airlines has great service and provided the initial glimpse of the amazingly friendly attitude of the Japanese particularly with children. We boarded a bus transfer to our hotel after having been warned that a taxi ride to the city costs $350. We quickly realized that our army of Blackberries was of no use, but that I finally was going to put my Swedish I-Phone to the test of constant use. Japan has a different mobile phone system that requires a 3G phone.

We arrived at the lobby of the Mandarin Oriental Hotel on the 38th floor with an awe-inspiring view of Tokyo’s bustling skyline. The view is a little like the one from mid-town Manhattan, with a similar looking river to the East River on one side and Central Park on the other, except that there are at least a dozen Manhattans with skyscrapers literally reaching the horizon everywhere you look.

This hotel in Tokyo is probably the best hotel I have ever experienced, where no detail is overlooked. With bold, exciting and tasteful architecture and décor, this Japan hotel had windows reaching from the floors up to an impressive ceiling height.

The service was outstanding where the level of attention was 100 percent, without having the feeling that you are being watched.

Prices in Tokyo are incredibly steep, particularly when it comes to food and transportation. A meal at a top-rated restaurant can easily run $250+ per person, or 2-3 times that of London, New York or Paris. Quality and price are interdependent as we noticed, having much more enjoyed a reasonably priced meal at the relaxed and quaint local restaurant Teyandei, than an exorbitantly priced meal at Kadowaki, both in the Azabu/Roppongi area. The bill for two was $80 and $600 respectively. The pricing difference was “justified” by the added Foie Gras sauce and truffles at Kadowaki, when the other ingredients consisted of mostly rice and potatoes!

It is clear that Tokyo is an extraordinary urban jungle filled with amazing surprises, yet a minefield for the uninitiated. This is where solid advice from experienced locals and expats becomes a necessity. We will strive to capture this knowledge and experience in our “A Small World” City Guide. Every turn in the wrong direction represents a lost opportunity or as we experienced a rip-off by relying on the wrong source for information. Relying on subjective advice from “concierge services” can often be risky given inherent conflicts of interests with service providers.
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Spring skiing and enjoying the wilderness are the perfect ways to enjoy your time in Colorado. Kiwi Insider John Nielsen recently took a trip to Colorado to go on a ski vacation. He details his experience in Colorado below! Remember to stay in Colorado’s best hotels on your next trip to explore this state’s national parks and mountains. All of the photos are courtesy of Nick Nielsen.

There can be few greater feelings then standing at the top of a snow capped mountain, with the sun blazing from a clear blue sky, and view’s of skiers setting off. The fresh cool air, powder snow, colorful outfits, snow capped trees and energy from holiday markers, makes skiing such a wonderful sport – especially when you on top of the world in some of Colorado best mountains!

I have been fortunate enough to ski in major parts of Switzerland, New Zealand, South Korea and Australia, and have always dreamt of visiting the Rocky Mountains in Colorado. My wish came true recently.

Denver is the capital city of the magnificent state that is a paradise for nature lovers, be it the skier or the hiker. The national parks of Colorado are quite sensational. If you are an experienced or a less experienced skier then head east to Vail located in Summit County, which offers a great blend of ski fields for the whole family. Vail Mountain has a maximum elevation of 12,250 feet and low of 8,120 feet with 193 marked trails, so plenty to choose from!

The lovely town is ideal to retreat to once you have finished a day on the slopes and offers shoppers paradise along with excellent hotels. Another major advantage is its location. Vail is only 25 minutes drive from two other brilliant ski resorts of Breckenridge and Keystone. The resort is owned and operated by Vail Resorts, which means that your lift pass can be used in these resorts and that they offer regular bus services to Keystone and Breckenridge. Keystone is the smaller of the two, and again serves up superb family skiing facilities, where as Breckenridge is a much bigger town with a more traditional large resort feel. The mountains of Breckenridge are known as the “3 peaks”.

The restaurant scene in and around the three resorts is first class. Keystone is home to two of the best, the Ski Tip Lodge, a Swiss Chalet, that serves up a treat, have dinner in the main dining room and then retreat to the open fireplace lounge and feast on dessert. A second and most impressive option is the Keystone Ranch, located on the Keystone PGA Golf course. The main dining room has a traditional wooden feel and the adjacent lounge is magnificent.
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The Huntley is the perfect California escape! Located right on Santa Monica Beach, this beach hotel stands out due to its great restaurant, impeccable service and chic allure.

Sometimes you just need a quick escape, and Santa Monica California is perfect for just that. Surrounded by Los Angeles, this pretty city is just outside the big city to be convenient, but far enough away from the bustle to be relaxing.

When planning a trip to Santa Monica, we Kiwi Insiders recommend staying at The Huntley, located close to Santa Monica beach. This Santa Monica hotel is found right by the Third Street Promenade, where you’ll find lots of trendy shops and restaurants. The Huntley is totally chic with a post-modern design and eclectic furniture.

With 209 rooms, the hotel has 20 suites and one penthouse suite which cater to guests who prefer more space and privacy. Suites have breathtaking views of the Pacific Ocean and of the Santa Monica and Los Angeles cityscapes. You’ll love the “pillow beds” and open concept spa-type washrooms.

The Huntley is really well known for its fantastic rooftop restaurant and lounge called “The Penthouse”. Designed by Thomas Shoos (who designed such top restaurants as Kol and Tao), you will sit 18 floors above the Pacific Ocean! You won’t be able to get over the view!

Both the ambiance and the culinary treats served at The Penthouse will make your trip to Santa Monica unforgettable, so be sure to check it out on one of your evenings out.

Aside from the fabulous restaurant, The Huntley stands out in many ways. With reasonable rates, this hotel is a lot smaller than neighboring hotels, giving it a much more intimate feeling.

Kiwi Insider Bradley Cocks gives us the lo down on some of Kiwi Collection’s best green hotels, for those of us who want to help the environment in style! Going green is not only an innovative (and cost saving) business direction for hotels, but a great way to differentiate yourself in an increasingly competitive market. Check out Kiwi Collection’s photo gallery of eco-friendly hotels.

As competition for the luxury travel dollar becomes more intense, many high-end hotels are looking to attract clients and save operating costs by becoming more green.
These properties are among the best in the world and the variety of luxury offerings is a diverse as the planet.

Some are exceptional resorts such as the ocean destination Punta Caracol in Panama or the Sundance Resort in Utah’s hideaway for business leaders and celebrities alike.

What I find interesting, however, is the way smart hotel chains are seeking out the business travel market through green initiatives; these include Starwood with their Element brand and Kimpton Hotels. Many of the independents are also carving out a niche, including the trendy luxury hotel Nine Zero in downtown Boston.

A leader in the Asia Pacific region is Nihiwatu,which set up the successful Sumba Foundation. The hotel produces 100% of its energy needs from bio diesel made from coconuts; they recycle absolutely everything and even have a carbon-offset program, to date planting over 64,000 trees. The owner is a good friend of mine, Claude Graves, an American with a vision of setting up such a project over twenty years ago.

These businesses often find going green isn’t that onerous and guests appreciate things like healthy food – organic or not – and towel reuse programs.

If you are looking for a green hotel, here is my checklist of what to look for:

Elements of a green hotel:

- Energy efficient lighting and timers
- Alternative energy sources (i.e. solar, bio-diesel)
- Water-saving fixtures and policies [including towel reuse]
- Sustainable cleaning products
- Sustainable in-room amenities
- Green offerings for guests (organic food, transportation, events)
- Refillable soap bottles in rooms
- Recycling program

If you’re thinking of taking a trip in the near future, sites such as ours at Kiwi Collection direct visitors to green hotels around the world. You’ll be surprised the number of options waiting for you – from exotic get-aways to downtown business hotels.

Tortuga Bay at Puntacana Resort is the perfect place to stay if you’re looking for a private beach getaway! Find yourself in the jewel of the Caribbean.

This was my first time visiting Punta Cana in the Dominican Republic, and much to my surprise it really is paradise – a place where postcard pictures are taken. The weather had more or less been amazing our entire trip – around 30 degrees Celsius.

I stayed at the lovely Tortuga Bay located just five minutes from the Punta Cana International Airport, although you would never know it (we never heard or saw any planes); as it has such a private secluded feel to it nestled in an exclusive residential neighborhood.

The entire property is surrounded by beautiful landscaping, a picturesque white sand beach and dotted with fabulous yellow villas. And of course, the service and staff are just as amazing as the resort itself.

My villa at this gorgeous luxury Punta Cana hotel was stunning with a large private deck, a view of what felt like our own private beach and the lush lawns. Designed by Oscar de la Renta the villas are inspired by the rich culture of the area. Guests are also given a golf cart for convenient travel throughout the resort – which was great. Another great idea from Tortuga Bay includes a cell phone in the room to keep in touch with your Villa Manager no matter where you are.

Dining at Tortuga Bay was absolutely scrumptious. Lunch at La Yola, which overlooks the shimmering Caribbean Sea and the resorts marina, was delectable. I indulged and ordered the Tropical Lobster Salad – with mango, avocado, parmesan cheese and a herb vinaigrette. It was the die for! My salad was accompanied by a small basket with a variety of different breads served with olive oil and shaved parmesan cheese. For a truly special dining experience, visit Bamboo. Dinner at Bamboo consisted of Grilled New Zealand Lamb with a spectacular cheese risotto. Again, to die for! Then there was dessert – pineapple shaved paper-thin with strawberry sauce, topped with strawberry ice cream.

I decided to try the room service for breakfast the next morning, French Toast on my balcony with the amazing view – what could be better?

Tortuga Bay is a premier Caribbean get-away location. But the only way to truly appreciate its breadth and luxury is to experience it for yourself!

Kiwi Insider Erik Wachtmeister recently traveled to China. In part two of this series, he recounts his experience at the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong, a great hotel to stay at if you want a business oriented hotel.

I must admit that arriving in Hong Kong from Shanghai was very pleasant. It felt like a little deja vu from the days when I was commuting between Kiev and Paris.

Hong Kong is extremely civilized and has a special old world charm to it. You feel that it is THE hub in Asia, albeit not the center of China.

We stayed five nights at the Mandarin Oriental, definitely the most convenient place to stay in Hong Kong. You are a five-minute walk from ninety percent of all business, shopping and restaurant destinations. Nice spa and very good choice of in-house dining. We were very well taken care of at the Oriental , but the Grand Hyatt Hong Kong earns top marks.

We were persuaded to experience the service at this hotel in Hong Kong and were frankly blown away! I would recommend anyone visiting Hong Kong to stay there. It may not be the obvious choice, but sometimes the less obvious is preferable.

A Club floor room (30-37) or a suite is recommended as the best rooms in this China hotel. The views are exhilarating, the rooms large, service great, the spa and the four hands massage to die for!
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The James Chicago Hotel is a great business hotel in the bustling city of Chicago Illinois. It’s definitely a home away from home for busy professionals on the road who are looking for top notch accommodation, excellent food and a relaxing spa.

Chicago is one of the biggest and most interesting cities in North America. Whether you’re travelling on business or for pleasure, you are sure to find yourself here at some point. When visiting Chicago, we at Kiwi Collection highly recommend staying at the James Chicago Hotel.

The James Chicago is perfect for business travelers looking for the best accommodation in town. But, it is also right in the heart of the city (steps from Michigan Avenue), making it a great home base if you’re traveling to Chicago to get in some quality sightseeing and shopping time.

All rooms employ a warm, timelessly modern design that is both artistic and functional. The warm tones, streamlined dark wood furniture and slate-tile and marble bathrooms make for a comfortable and modern experience.

Here, you’ll feel right at home as the rooms are well designed with a full range of amenities. Have your pick of all types and sizes of rooms: guestrooms, studios and lofts, one bedroom apartments and loft penthouses!  You won’t be disappointed.
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The Trump International Hotel and Tower New York is known as being a great business hotel and a fantastic food and wine hotel. It’s been awarded with two top awards for the best hotel in New York City and the best hotel in the United States!

If you’re traveling to New York City, you’re going to want to do it right – whether you’re traveling there for business or for pleasure. The hotel that has it all is definitely the Trump International Hotel and Tower New York. This luxury New York hotel is absolutely stunning and stands 52 stories high. You also can’t get a better location. The Trump New York is right at the juncture of Central Park, Columbus Circle and Broadway.

With 167 rooms and suites, guests will enjoy custom designed furnishings, fully equipped kitchens and floor-to-ceiling windows looking out over Central Park.  Choose from 38 superior and deluxe guestrooms, 89 executive one-bedroom suites or 40 two-bedroom suites. Regardless of what room  you’re in, you’ll have the use of your own private Jacuzzi tub. Take advantage of it!

If you’re up for a few business meetings, you can take advantage of the hotel’s Executive Salon, which features teleconferencing capabilities and is catered by the hotel’s five star restaurant Jean Georges.

And speaking of Jean Georges, it is the Tump New York’s signature restaurant named after its award-winning chef, Jean-Georges Vongerichten. He is one of three Michelin-starred chefs in New York City, so you will definitely not want to miss an opportunity to try some of his fine and innovative cuisine during your stay. Chef Vongerichten blends French, American and Indochinese ingredients together to create his culinary masterpieces.

There is more than just one way to indulge at this hotel. If you really want to relax, be sure to spend some time at the Trump Spa as well. This 6,000 square foot area is peaceful and serene. Experience facials, massages and treatments for men, women and couples. Here, you’ll also find a top notch health club, indoor pool, steam bath and sauna as well as yoga and personal training programs.