To celebrate its fifth anniversary, Abama Golf and Spa Resort on the beautiful Spanish island of Tenerife is hosting the first annual ABAMA PRO-AM Golf Tournament. The tournament will take place from February 12 to February 13, 2010.

Cash prizes will be awarded to professional players and prizes for amateurs include stays at other Ritz-Carlton hotels around the world!

We love this world-class golf course, a great challenge for all skill levels. And you won’t get a better view. This resort in the Canary Islands is situated on top of a cliff overlooking the Atlantic Ocean. The course features lakes, waterfalls and lush landscapes in addition to the amazing view of the water.

Guests can stay for three nights, five nights or seven nights, and the ABAMA PRO-AM 2010 packages include:

• Lunch at Casa Club restaurant during the 2-day tournament
• 1 dinner per person at El Mirador Restaurant (excluding beverages)
• 1 Thermal Circuit at Abama Spa per person per stay
• Complimentary 1 hour tennis court per stay
• VIP services at Abama pools and beach
• Special discounts in the Golf Pro Shop and Spa Boutique

This is definitely an opportunity you won’t want to miss if you’re a golfer – so book your stay right away. We reviewed Abama Golf and Spa Resort last year, so check it out!

And, for those of you who love photos, here are some more of the grounds around this fabulous golf resort:

If you are looking for a magical, unforgettable experience to celebrate the new year look no further than the fabulous Barceló Asia Gardens in Costa Blanca, Spain.

This luxury hotel is offering “The Colours of India” program where you and your family can choose from a one to seven days stay in a Deluxe room. Along with your accommodation this program includes:

-A welcome cocktail event on December 31st
-A special New Years Eve Gala dinner serving a Mediterranean menu spiced up with a touch of Indian cuisine
-Indian music with traditional dances
-A Bollywood show
-Grapes of good fortune
-An open bar until dawn
-And on New Year’s morning you will be able to enjoy their special New Year’s Brunch!

If you are bringing along the kids, “The Colours of India” program at Barcelo Asia Gardens has them covered too, they will receive a special Gala dinner of their own as well as the hotels professional entertainment team giving them a wide range of activities making sure they will have a whale of a time while you can enjoy your evening without worries!

Just because winter is around the corner doesn’t mean it can’t feel like spring! From now until December 31, 2009 the Alva Park Resort and Spa in Costa Brava, Spain, is offering a great “Butterfly Dream” package that includes dinner in their Grand Butterfly Garden with hundreds of flying butterflies.

Set on one of the most landscaped beaches in the heart of Costa Brava and only an hour away from Barcelona, is the beautifully luxurious Alva Park Resort and Spa. Close to fabulous art galleries, pristine beaches, world class golf courses and extraordinarily beautiful fishing and medieval villages makes this area perfect for experiencing one of the most fascinating areas of Spain.

Suites at the Alva Park are offer a variety of room choices for guests like sea view suites with elegant canopy covered terraces or suites with a Turkish bath featuring an indoor secret garden under the moon light.

Spain is always a great getaway destination but until December 31, 2009 the Alva Park Resort and Spa is the ultimate destination in Spain. Come take advantage of their “Butterfly Dream” package here which offers two nights in one of their junior suites and lets you wake up each morning to an unlimited a la carte breakfast while the sun is rising over the sea.

This package also includes access to their Indian Princess Bath. This is a magical place that allows you to fully let go and relax as you float in warm salt water in the midst of underwater music. This is not only the highlight of their spa which also offers classic Ayurvedic and Tibetan massages as well as an array of beauty treatments, but it is also a most unique experience that will have you feeling relaxed for days.

To complete this “Butterfly Dream” is a delicious dinner in their Grand Butterfly Garden. This Garden gives spectacular scenery with a mobile roof and glass panels, recreating a natural habitat housing hundreds of flying butterflies, snow and other exciting surprises that you have to see to experience.

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The Westin Palace Madrid is a perfect hotel for a romantic getaway in Spain. Stay here if what you’re looking for is a prime location in a gorgeous historical building in Madrid.

All roads lead to Madrid for a reason! This beautiful city in Spain boasts a great culinary scene, fantastic nightlife and real Spanish culture. One of our favorite hotels in Madrid is The Westin Palace Madrid.

This hotel is quite large. At 417 rooms, you’ll feel as though you are staying in a Spanish palace. The 47 Guest Suites in the hotel are luxurious and created specifically for VIPs.

For a once-in-a-lifetime experience, we recommend checking out The Westin Palace Madrid’s Exclusive Royal Suite.  It comes with a Jacuzzi, sauna, pop-up television, butler service and more.

What more can you ask for in a luxury hotel?

An amazing feature of this hotel is its signature beds. You’ll get a fantastic sleep here on the “Heavenly Beds”, which have custom-designed pillow-top mattresses, topped by plush down comforters and five queen and king sized pillows. The comfortable rooms themselves make for the perfect romantic setting if you want to surprise your sweetheart.

The Westin Palace Madrid is quite close to a lot of the city’s main attractions for sightseers, too. Stay here if you want to enjoy the Prado Museum, Thyssen Bornemisza, Reina Sofia Art Center and more.

After a long day of exploring the city, don’t forget to check out some of Madrid’s best tapas bars for a snack and a drink!

Who doesn’t like to get a little dirty sometimes? It’s that time of the year again for the salsa riot, better known as La Tomatina. In Valencia Spain, every third week in August, this festival gives a whole new meaning to “playing with your food”.

Participants take their best shot and pelt each other with juicy red tomatoes. Wednesday, August 26, 2009 is this year’s big day to get a little messy!

Although this food fight happens on one day, preparation for it is a weeklong festival featuring parades, music, dancing and fireworks. Officially held in the town of Bunol just outside of Valencia, this festival has been a strong tradition since 1945. Possible theories on how this craziness all began vary from a practical joke on a bad musician to a local food fight – but the most popular is that disgruntled townspeople attacked city councilmen with tomatoes during a town celebration.

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With so many beautiful luxury hotels in Spain, Hospes Palau de la Mar is the perfect hotel in Valencia to rest up from all the festivities or wash off all of that tomato juice.

Located in the heart of Valencia, and only a 30 min drive east of the La Tomatina showdown in Bunol, this beautifully designed boutique hotel is sure to be a fabulous experience in and of itself. Close to many cultural land marks such as the Palace of Music, Oceanic Museum, Plaza del Toros and the Mediterranean beach makes the Hospes Palau de la Mar is a great pick for visitors of all interests.

Hospes Palau de la Mar is housed in a heritage-listed 19th century stately home which symbolizes the values of the city’s inhabitants and their seafaring spirit. Continuing a tradition of fine cuisine and hospitality, the Palau de la Mar (Palace of the Sea) is a modern remodeling of two palace residences in the centre of the city with interior designs by Isabel Lopes and Sandra Tarruella.

Dining at Hospes Palau de la Mar is wonderful with scrumptious morning breakfasts to start your day and elegant dinners presenting a range of local dishes, prepared with the fines Valencian ingredients. Although the city is basking with wonderful eateries, with this hotels culinary talent, you may never want to leave.

The coast of the Mediterranean is always inviting and is sure to take your breath away. Whether you come to participate in the festivities or relax and get away from it all, your trip to Valencia is sure to be an unforgettable one.

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The best place to go if you’re looking for sand, sun and sea is Mallorca. And there is no better time to visit this gorgeous Spanish island than in the summer time.

If you’re planning on going to Mallorca to soak up the sun, lay on the beach and explore island life, you will definitely want to stay at The St. Regis Mardavall Mallorca Resort.

This stunning resort in Mallorca, located right on the coast, is perfect for all purposes of travel: romantic vacations, honeymoons and even family vacations.

One of the best features of the St. Regis Mardavall Mallorca is the amazing view of the Mediterranean Sea and Tramuntana Mountans. Minutes from Puerto Portals marina, guests find themselves in the nicest area of the island – steps from world class shops, restaurants and sugary beaches.

All of the 133 rooms at this resort have been meticulously designed in a contemporary style and includes state of the art technology. Most rooms have terraces with fabulous views, so be sure to ask for that! For a seriously lavish holiday, go for the Blue Oasis Suite, which has its own swimming pool, or the Mardavall Diamond Suite, which comes with a whirlpool and steam bath.

Guests who enjoy a little bit more attention can take advantage of Resort Mallorca’s private “Luxury Butler Service”, too!

After a day of perfecting your tan on the beach, enjoy some of the fine cuisine the resort has to offer. Go to Es Fum for Brasserie-style fare, Aqua for healthy treats and Sa Badia Pool Bar for casual meals by the pool.

In fact, we particularly like the poolside area for enjoying drinks and tapas in the evening, but nothing beats the cigar bar, perfect for savoring your evening in an intimate environment.

Mallorca is the perfect spot to kick back and relax in the summer, so be sure to head to here this summer.

Stay at Hotel Villa Magna in Madrid, Spain, for a luxurious shopping vacation. This hotel is also perfect for guests who are traveling to Madrid to enjoy the city’s amazing art scene and museums, due to its central location.

Elegant, charming and full of luxury boutiques and great museums and galleries, Madrid is one of the most interesting cities in Spain. All roads lead here for a reason!

During your next trip to Madrid, we highly recommend that you stay at Hotel Villa Magna – one of Spain’s best hotels.

Traditional in style and boutique in size, Hotel Villa Magna really gets luxury accommodation. Combining old-world charm with modern elegance, advanced technology and top notch service, this hotel will definitely meet your expectations.

With 150 rooms, Hotel Villa Magna is found in Madrid’s most sophisticated area: Salamanca. This is the heart of Madrid – smack dab in the middle of the city’s financial and cultural districts. The area is well known for its exclusive boutiques, museums and sites. Just crossing an inner courtyard leads to a five-floor shopping area in Corte Ingles (Madrid’s most luxurious store).

Rooms are decorated with subtle colors and come equipped with everything you’ll need to make your stay pleasant. All rooms have individual safes and soundproofed windows (which can be opened if you need some fresh air).
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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.

If you’re looking for a fantastic luxury hotel in Barcelona that’s close to great sites, nightlife and the commercial center of the city, look no further than Murmuri Barcelona. In part two of our series about Majestic Hotel Group’s Barcelona hotels, we give you a rundown of this gorgeous boutique hotel, designed by famous UK interior designer Kelly Hoppen.

Right in the very heart of Barcelona, you’ll find Majestic Hotel and Spa Barcelona’s sister hotel, Murmuri Hotel. Found on the Eixaple (beside the Passeig de Gracia), this is the commercial and cultural hub of Barcelona. Here, you’re within walking distance of Sagrada Familia, Diagonal Avenue and Las Ramblas.

Guests have quite a bit of choice on room size and type. Choose from classic rooms, superior rooms, privilege rooms, junior suites or deluxe suites. Suites are decorated in neutral modern colours giving all rooms sophisticated feeling that’s sure to appeal to all.

During the day, if you have business to attend to, feel free to make use of the meeting room at this Barcelona hotel. The room can cater up to 18 people – perfect for small business meetings. You can also check out the hotel’s business centre to gain access to PCs and the internet if you forgot your laptop at home.
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There’s never a bad time of year to visit the beautiful Canary Islands in Spain. Consisting of seven major islands, one minor island and several small islets, these volcanic North Atlantic islands have mild temperatures all year long and sandy beaches for all to enjoy.

Tenerife, is one of the best islands to visit. Not only is it home to the majority of the people who live in the Canary Islands, but it’s home to “the Teide Volcano”, which is the highest mountain in Spain (and the third largest volcano on Earth).

And, if that isn’t a draw enough, who can forget the sandy beaches and sunshine, best enjoyed during the summer.

When visiting, we suggest staying at the Abama Hotel Resort. This five-star hotel in the Canary Islands is found on the west coast of the island and offers a wide variety of accommodation options. There isn’t a bad room in this luxury hotel because it’s located on the top of a cliff. All suites and rooms having spacious terraces and great views.
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Kiwi Collection CEO Erik Haugen offers journey suggestions to travellers based upon his own personal experiences travelling around the globe. The journey below is meant to provide and idea of what is possible based on our experience and does not represent an endorsement of the particular properties chosen. All the properties in the Kiwi Collection have been chosen based on their ability to provide an outstanding guest experience and are recommended by Kiwi Collection.

Fly into Madrid. Transfer to Bilbao, or if you have time, why not take the train?

Stay 2 nights in Bilbao at the stylish and unique Gran Hotel Domine Bilbao, taking time to visit the Guggenheim Museum next door

Stay 2 nights in the picturesque and gastronomically famous city of San Sebastian, staying the Hotel Maria Cristina, a classically styled hotel

Stay 3 nights amongst Elciego vineyards in the modern, architecturally stunning Hotel Marques de Riscal, taking advantage of the wine tasting

Stay 3 nights in the centre of Madrid in the art-filled Hotel Urban, relaxing after a day of wandering round the nearby galleries with a swim in their rooftop pool

Fly out of Madrid.

Madrid might be the capital of Spain but when it comes to luxury hotels, Barcelona cuts the manchego.

List all the ingredients of a great city break and Barcelona has them in abundance, with the added bonus of being a major gateway to the rest of Spain.

The iconic Hotel Arts, Ritz-Carlton’s first property of three in Spain and still the flagship, is at the heart of the action. I love arranging client meetings in its lobby as the flowers are always breathtaking and the atmosphere buzzing. Check in to one of the higher floors, or the Six Senses Spa on 42, to check out the views.

If you are on a mission to seek out all that is Gaudi, then you will love the Hotel Casa Fuster on Passeig de Gracia, just down the road from the Gaudi House with its eclectic style and focus on the arts.

The Majestic is true to its name, particularly if you can climb the lofty heights to the penthouse suites which have their own rooftop decks with hot tubs and spectacular city views.

One of my favourite stays is in a corner suite of the Gran Hotel la Florida. The hotel is a 30 minute drive from the centre, perched 500m above the city and ideal if you want a mix of culture and retreat. From my bedroom window, I could see the entire city laid out beneath me in miniature as well as the trademark indoor/outdoor pool in the Zen Zone Spa and huge panoramic deck.

A little further afield is one of our favourite hidden gems in Kiwi Collection. The Alva Park is an Asian oasis slap bang in the middle of Lloret del Mar; kids get the bucket and spade vibe they love while you languish in unadulterated luxury.

Make time for the Molton Brown Spa with its unique Indian Princess Bath where tiny rain drops fall from a 24-carat gold-tiled ceiling, book a tee-off on your pick of championship golf courses in the virtual club, experience Japanese food like never before in a multi-sensory experience and, if you really love your little tikes, check into the Children’s Kingdom Suite where they have their own mini bathroom and amenities, over-sized railway set and Victorian dolls house. I won’t give the game away but suffice to say this hotel is not one to skimp on guest amenities…

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.