Happy Chinese New year! It’s the year 4708 and its time to welcome the year of the Tiger! The big day itself doesn’t start until February 14th but all around the world there are celebrations occurring around that date.

Chinese New Year is full of good luck, firecrackers, lanterns, dragon dances and a whole lot of fun. So because this is the year of the tiger why not celebrate with an Eye of the Tiger Cocktail? It’s sure to get you in the mood to let loose and ring in the New Year.

How to make your Eye of the Tiger Cocktail:

-1 oz Rum
-1 oz Coconut rum (Malibu)
-1 oz Cranberry juice
-1 oz Sugar syrup
-1 oz Orange juice
-1/2 oz Dark rum

Add ingredients (except dark rum) into a martini shaker full of ice and shake. Strain into an ice filled highball glass and top with dark rum. Garnish with an orange slice if you like.

Looking to celebrate the New Year? Cities all over the world are saying hello to the Year of the Tiger with awesome events and great places to stay:

Hong Kong:
Known as the events capital of Asia, Hong Kong will feature it’s world renowned Chinese New Year Night Parade on February 14th from 8pm -930. This parade is one of the best loved events of the entire New Year celebrations! The parade will run along the stunning backdrop of Victoria Harbour and feature participants form almost every country on earth! Other events here include a 2010 Lunar New Year Fireworks display, a Chinese New Year Horserace Day and an New Year’s Soccer tournament to name a few. While you are here be sure to stay that these Hong Kong hotels:

The Upper House:
The Upper House is the perfect calm escape from the hustle and bustle of the city and is great after you indulge in all of the New Year festivities. Boasting extraordinary views of the ancient Victoria Harbour, you are in luck if you want to get an aerial view of the Night Parade!

The Peninsula Hong Kong:
The Peninsula Hong Kong is one of the world’s most notorious and magnificent hotels and is an amazing place to have a New Year’s celebration. Come and stay in their spectacular Victoria Harbour vistas and surround yourself in comfort along with the best cityscape views imaginable.

Singapore:
If you are looking for one of the most anticipated and wildly participated events in Singapore, the Chingay Parade is one huge street party you don’t want to miss out on. Running from February 19- 20th some of the special features this year will include never seen before first fire-cracker dragons as well as fantasy characters like majestic “flying horses” along with various multi-cultural local and overseas performances. And when in town check book your stay at one of these amazing Singapore hotels:

Capella Singapore:
Located on Sentosa Island, Capella Singapore is just far enough away from the New Years hoop la that you can have the best of both worlds; a wonderfully relaxing vacation and a celebratory adventure. Be sure to head over to the bar Bob’s where you can enjoy one of their signature cocktails.

The Fullerton Hotel Singapore:
The Fullerton Hotel Singapore is a mixture of beautiful grand architecture, luxe styling and is the hotel of choice for those who love to be pampered. Usher in the New Year at their Town Restaurant and indulge in an array of international cuisine at their Chinese New Year Buffet Dinner from February 15th- 28th.

San Francisco:
This is the city to be in for any North American looking to ring in the New Year. San Francisco has one of the largest Chinatowns in North America and one of the most important Chinese centers in the United States. There are a lot of events happing all over the city this year including the Shanxi Dancers on February 21 2010 and of course the 2010 Chinese New year Festival and Parade on February 27 at 5:15pm. This parade is known for being one of the best in the world, full of elaborate costumes, ferocious lions, exploding fire crackers and the newly crowned Miss Chinatown. When heading to the city be sure to stay at one of these luxury San Francisco hotels:

Palace Hotel, San Francisco:
The Palace Hotel, San Francisco is the city’s cultural and architectural icon and within walking distance to where all the action will be in Chinatown. And when you book your stay, consider staying a little longer, with their complementary night package – when you say three nights get your fourth night free.

The St. Regis, San Francisco:
Surrounded with dramatic cityscape views, the St. Regis, San Francisco is one luxury hotel that is sure to inspire. Located right next to Museum of Modern Art, come and soak up the city’s culture and celebrate the year of the tiger.

London:
This year Trafalgar Square will be transformed to showcase traditional Chinese dragon and lion dances along with modern music and Chinese performers. Along with a fabulous parade planned on February 21st the city is also featuring a special wild life photography exhibition at the National Geographic Store on Regent St. displaying some of the best images on earth of the big striped cats to celebrate the year of the tiger. And when in town book your stay at some of the best hotels in London:

Baglionli Hotel London:
Known as one of the most premier addresses in Central London, the Baglioni Hotel London will give this Chinese New Year a luxurious Italian flair. Overlooking the Kensington Gardens and Palace this hotel is also close to some of the best shopping in the city. This will be one new year celebration you will never forget.

The Capital Hotel:
The Capital Hotel is probably one of the best boutique hotels you will find in the city. Known for its classic British elegance and just a short walk from Hyde Park, this prime locations is perfect for seeing the sites and of course, the Chinese New Year’s celebrations.

New York:
The New York City metropolitan area contains at least 6 Chinatowns and Manhattan’s Chinatown has one of the largest Chinese communities outside of Asia. This year though, the big celebratory parade is happening in Queens on February 20th starting at 11am – 1pm. The route will begin on Union St. and 37th ending at Main St. and 39th Ave. with around 4,000 participants featuring dragon dancers, steel drummers and of course lots of fireworks. Be sure to book your stay early at these great New York City hotels:

Jumeirah Essex House:
Say happy New Year in this Art Deco masterpiece that is located right on Central Park South. The Jumeirah Essex House is the perfect place for first time visitors to New York and is close to all of the city’s well known attractions.

Andaz Wall Street:
Eating, drinking and socializing is a huge part of the Andaz Wall Street hotel’s plan. Their Bar Seven will serve you up cocktails that is sure to help you get ready for all of the Chinese New Year festivities. Modern and cozy, this is a great place to be while enjoying the “city that never sleeps”.

Spacious, luxurious and relaxing, the Peninsula Hong Kong Hotel is a 1920’s gem in Hong Kong that is not to be missed.

Guests who are looking for a cross between Eastern and Western hospitality will love this excellent hotel in Hong Kong.

Whether you’re in to historical décor or more modern interior design, you’ll find a room for you at the Peninsula. The original building is classic and historical, but stay in the Modern Tower if you’re looking for a modern twist. If you stay in the tower, you’ll also get excellent views of Victoria Harbour.

Regardless of where you stay, you’ll have the top of the line in luxury amenities and fixtures in your room. Think cool, white marble bathrooms, plasma screen televisions and environmental controls at your finger tips.

And, if you’re really in the mood to relax, spend some time at this hotel’s spa facilities. We love the roman-style swimming pool. Ladies will love the beauty and hairdressing salon.

Your trip also won’t be complete without taking in a meal or three at some of the Peninsula Hong Kong’s restaurants and bars. Gaddi’s offers some of Hong Kong’s best French cuisine, and high tea at “The Lobby” is an absolute must. For some excellent Cantonese cuisine, try the eats at Spring Moon.

Kiwi Collections luxury online magazine Wow Travel has just put together a new photo feature. This is just a small sampling of some of the hotels beautiful evening settings.

Be sure to take a look at Wow Travel’s full photo feature titled Lantern Love.

The Mandarin Oriental Hong Kong in Hong Kong, China.

The One&Only Palmilla in Los Cabos, Mexico.

The beautiful W New Orleans French Quarter in New Orleans, USA.

The Tanjong Jara Resort in Dungun, Malaysia.

The Singita Boulders Lodge in Sabi Sand Reserve, South Africa.

Le Touessrok in Trou d’Eau Douce, Mauritius.

The Mahua Kothi in Bandhavgarh National Park, India.

October 1st is the anniversary of the founding of the People’s Republic of China, and is celebrated as China National Day. This year marks the country’s 60th anniversary and is sure to kick off with some of the best festivities to date. A variety of government organized events including fireworks and concerts are planned as well as a special ceremony in Tiananmen Square, where the Resolution on the National Day of the People’s Republic of China was first held.

Although the entire country will be in celebration, one of the best places in China during the national holiday will surely be at Hong Kong’s Victoria Harbor. A barge of over 23,000 fireworks will light up the sky in the heart of this vibrant cosmopolitan city. There is no doubt that the crowds will be huge for this amazing multi-million dollar sound and light extravaganza and its something that is sure to be truly unique and express China’s special cultural identity.

If you are in Hong Kong for the event, the show starts at 8 p.m. and Kiwi Collection has some of the best hotels in Hong Kong within walking distance of the display.

The Upper House:

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A just step away from Victoria Harbor, The Upper House is a small intimate hotel where every guest is treated as an individual. All services are catered to your needs.

Hotel rooms start on level 38 of the building, making the view one of the main attractions at this hotel. With many overlooking Victoria Harbor, this is a perfect spot to enjoy the national fireworks display right in your hotel room. You’ll see the show while avoiding the huge crowds that will sure to be in attendance.

The atmosphere at this hotel is relaxing and calm, giving visitors a welcomed sanctuary from the bustling city below. Created with all natural material and distinctive artwork, the modern contemporary design of the Upper House presents a remarkable level of comfort. And on level six of the hotel, make sure to indulge in their natural city retreat, complete with a secret garden and lawn, perfect for quick bite or a drink any time of the day.

The Upper House also hosts their Café Gray Deluxe which is a 21st Century Grand Café featuring a unique style of European classics and signature dishes. Open from mid-morning to late evening this is the perfect place to watch the sun dip behind the peaks of the surrounding islands while enjoying one of their hand crafted cocktails, or a glass of wine from their extensive list.

Island Shangri-La, Hong Kong:

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Consistently voted as one of the finest hotels in the world, Island Shangri-La is also another great hotel that towers 56 floors above Victoria Harbor. This alone makes it perfect for enjoying China National Day’s fireworks display.

Known as a gleaming architectural jewel in Hong Kong, this hotel has 771 chandeliers and is located just above the islands most prestigious shopping and entertainment complex.  Guest will really enjoy the highest level of luxury and comfort here.

Each of the Island Shangri-La’s spacious rooms are among the largest in the city, all with amazing views. Rooms are competed with Asian-accented European furnishings as well.

Whether you’re a corporate executives or a holidaymaker, you’ll appreciate a level of unsurpassed luxury with the Island Shangri-La’s dedicated service and extensive range of facilities.

The Island Shangri-La offers a tempting range of dining options in some of the finest restaurants in Hong Kong. Savor the cuisine at Restaurant Petrus, perched high above the city, and enjoy the friendly international ambience of their café.

The Island Shangri-La offers sophistication and distinguished Asian hospitality which is sure to make your trip to China a memorable one.

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As a businesswoman and a tri-resident of Sydney, Singapore and Hong Kong, one can often wonder where exactly home is. However, while abroad and consumed by a somewhat unhealthy schedule, I like to feel at home to some degree when I return to yet another hotel room after a hectic day.

I often find that while I regularly frequent the leading hotels of the world, something is missing. And not just a little something, but that something that makes the gypsy lifestyle a lot easier to adopt. Despite their beauty, glamour and contemporary feel, I just never quite get that feeling where I feel as though I would potentially not mind spending a lot of time there, which in my case, is inevitable.

On my most recent business trip to Hong Kong, I decided to stay at the true and original Mandarin Oriental. Nestled amidst the most prominent and notable commercial buildings, major shopping districts and the most stylish restaurants and bars in the city, the Mandarin Oriental’s location alone was enough to entice me.

After an undesirable flight and day to say the least, I was greeted ever so promptly from the moment I pulled up to the front door. Nothing seemed to be an issue for the staff at the Oriental, and I must say that the efficiency mixed with old school charm and glamour, sold me on this great hotel in Hong Kong right away.

After the most expeditious check- in of my life, I was ushered to my Harbour View room. The room was incredibly beautiful in the old Hollywood, Beverly Hills Hotel kind of way. I immediately felt a sense of warmth upon my settling.
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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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As I plan my next business travel, my health promise to myself has to be taken in to account. I am over 40 and the spread is beginning to show. I have always used the excuse of my travels, but now more then ever I am committed to loosing weight and creating a new fitness regime to get healthy. After all a healthy body is a healthy mind!

The spa and fitness business has become big business with hotels worldwide; it’s no longer enough just to have a room stashed away in some corner with a few pieces of equipment. Now clients expect a facility that will cater to all the needs, from a swimming pool to the complete gym to spa treatment rooms. But its not only hotels guests who crave this facility, city location hotels have realised that there is big business to be made in the gym business, but clients are also actively searching for hotels with extended facilities.

Athens, Greece: The Grande Bretagne
The newly renovated hotel has combined the complete health facility in the basement. As you enter into this almost Roman bath area a wonderful combination of boutique gym, lap pool, various steam rooms awaits you. Relax after and then enjoy a truly grand hotel experience, maybe with breakfast or dinner on top floor looking over Athens.

London, England: The Grove
This award wining Sequoia Spa was voted Best UK Spa Retreat’ Condé Nast Traveller. The wonderful gym with every dreamable work out tool and personal trainers is complemented by a superb spa centre and to cap it all a beautiful black swimming pool. The centre is built in an old farm house sunk into the ground and is a spectacular sight by night time. If the gym is not enough, then why not try 18 holes on one of the world great PGA courses. Even a certain Tiger had his challenges with that course!

Sydney, Australia: The Sydney Hilton
This gym is most likely one of Australia’s best gym facilities. Well planned and maintained the facility incorporates a 25 m lap pool with various spas & sauna’s and a smaller spa treatment area. Sydney residents can join up and have few excuses not to do with such a facility.

Melbourne, Australia: Crown Towers
Located on the 8th floor the gym looks over the brilliantly designed pool and spa area. The gym has a large glass panels face area and also looks on to the tennis courts in addition to the pool.

New Zealand: Kauri Cliffs Lodge
The latest edition to the brilliant Kauri Cliffs Lodge and golf course. Hidden in a small kauri forest, the spa has been designed with privacy in mind. A perfect boutique gym and lap pool is incorporated with 8 treatment rooms and even a small river that run along side the spa, offering the complete relaxation.

Hong Kong: Grand Hyatt Hong Kong
Located on the 11th floor, you step into another world. Welcome to the www.plateau.com.hk. With stunning views of Victoria harbour the spa is a step above most. Outdoor 50-metre heated swimming pool, open year round 400-metre jogging track.

Las Vegas, America: The MGM Skylofts
In a world of it’s own lies the MGM Spa. Away from the many restaurants, gaming machines and action lays a facility that may not loose you few dollars, but maybe a few pounds! A serious work out can be attained here, with machines you did not even know would exist.

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…

Part of the luxury travel experience are the special perks afforded to the discerning traveler that make the destination that much more enjoyable. We think that we’ve amassed some pretty unique luxury properties in the Kiwi Collection, ones that provide that something extra…thats why we individually choose and inspect each property we add to the Collection…ensuring that our word is golden in the eyes of you, our clients.

One of the things that gets my mojo going is having a cool bevvie on a fabulous rooftop, or simply enjoying the sunset. So here’s a list (in no particular order) of Seven Sensational Rooftop views. Agree? Disagree? Have other recommendations? Let me know what you think. Enjoy!

1. Cavalieri Hilton, Rome, Italy
For the best birds-eye view of the Dome of St Peter’s and what seems like the whole of this beautiful city, dine at the Michelin two-star La Pergola on the ninth floor rooftop of the Cavalieri Hilton, near the Vatican (you get the same views too from the two 200 sq m duplex suites on the corners of the eighth and ninth floor – and they have private entrances to La Pergola. Hotel General Manager is Marcus-Milan Arandelovic.

2. Banyan Tree Bangkok, Bangkok, Thailand
The Banyan Tree’s 62nd floor Vertigo restaurant is not for the faint-hearted, but where else can you dine so high, out of doors, while checking the city’s rooftops? If you are fit enough, by the way, enter the annual September vertical marathon, 1,073 steps from ground to the top of the building. General Manager is Bernold Schroeder.

3. Athenaeum InterContinental, Athens, Greece
The eighth floor Club Continental terrace of the Athenaeum InterContinental allows you to enjoy complimentary cocktails as you watch the sun set over the Acropolis. Later, enjoy floodlit views of this center of ancient Greece from the hotel’s rooftop Premier restaurant. General Manager of this art-filled hotel is Panos Panayotopoulos.

4. Hotel Gansevoort, New York, NY, USA
The 13-floor Gansevoort, in the Meat Packing District, has a popular rooftop. There is a 45-foot long outdoor heated pool with underwater light and music show, and the bar gives 360-degree views over lower Manhattan and, west across the Hudson River, to New Jersey (you are also a three floors higher than the members-only Soho House so you can watch the rooftop antics there). General Manager is Elon Kenchington.

5. Burj al Arab, Dubai, UAE
Unless you are THE Woods (who hit a golfball there), or Agassi or Federer (who had a mock tennis game over a specially-constructed net), the only way you can get out on the cantilevered 28th floor helicopter landing pad of the Burj al Arab is to arrange helicopter transfer in from the airport. And yes, it is worth it, if only for the view! General Manager is Luc Delafosse.

6. Las Ventanas al Paraiso, Los Cabos, Mexico
Take one of the two-floor casitas – say 208 – at Las Ventanas al Paraiso, and head upstairs to watch the stars over the Sea of Cortez as you enjoy the jacuzzi on your private terrace. The resort’s spa offers, in addition, a Sea and Stars massage. General Manager is Luis Fernandes.

7. The Peninsula Hong Kong, Hong Kong, China
Arrange to fly in by helicopter and you land on the roof of The Peninsula’s 28th floor tower – the view on the way is magnificent, and as you land you look over Victoria Harbour to Hong Kong Island. If you do not, of course, fancy a chopper, come in from the airport by a hotel Rolls, take a high-floor Harbour-facing suite and dine up at Felix restaurant and the view of the Island is the same. General Manager is Ian Coughlan.