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End-of-year
The Ritz-Carlton Moscow, RussiaThe world's A-list cities can seem dead between Christmas and New Year. Business and local residents have decamped for the festive season but, guess what; this is often a great time to explore those cities. You have plenty to do, and plenty of space. The brand-new central-city Ritz-Carlton Moscow, indeed, has so many ideas for activities December 26th to December 30th 2007, that it warrants a separate article - see here. At the hotel, relax in the enormous spa, with indoor pool, and enjoy Heinz Winkler's food in Jereboam.Visit Property Site |   |
The hotel has a package with the Metropolitan Opera that includes tickets to Engelbert Humperdinck's Hansel and Gretel (sung in English), starring Alice Coote and Christine Schäfer. There is also a partnership with New York City Ballet, that allows you to experience the magical annual production of George Balanchine’s The Nutcracker™ (availability December 29th only). Back at the luxury hotel, kids can enjoy a Peppermint Pedi in The Spa while parents luxuriate, perhaps in the VIP Spa Suite with a working fire and sensational 36th floor views over Central Park. Visit Property Site | |
London without the crowds can be a joy. Among many excitements at this time are ice-skating at Somerset House, horseback riding in Hyde Park and a romantic (daytime only) walk on Hampstead Heath. Harrods' famous Sale starts on the 28th, and on December 30th, there are services at St Paul's Cathedral and Westminster Abbey. The Royal Opera House also features The Nutcracker as well as Pierangelo Valtinoni’s Pinocchio. Tutankhamun's treasures are on at the 02 Bubble, formerly the London Dome. At the hotel, savor afternoon tea, with the help of the tea sommelier. Visit Property Site | |
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This Dorchester Collection palace - built in 1835 for Louis-Augustin Meurice - has thoughtfully provided new bikes (in old-fashioned style) for guests to cycle around town (which of course is much easier in the traffic-free end-of-year days). The Tuileries are just across the road, and you have a host of exhibitions to visit. The Galeries Nationales du Grand Palais features Gustave Corbet, with over 120 paintings, some 30 graphic works and around 60 photos. The Musée Carnavalet honors the tercentenary of Benjamin Franklin, retracing his diplomatic mission to Paris from 1776 to 1785. Visit Property Site | |
Grand Hyatt Cairo, EgyptThe noise and bustle that is an essential part of Cairo continues, holiday season or not, but looking out over the adjacent Nile River is forever calming - the 41-floor hotel is on the northern tip of Roda Island and the views are sensational. For a special end of year treat, go horse-back riding at the Pyramids, about 30 minutes' drive away. Get there to watch the sun rise (horses are available for beginners through to Olympic standard). Afterwards, you have arranged breakfast in a felukka on the Nile, with fresh orange juice bellinis, fruit, and fresh Egyptian bread and lebaneh yogurt. Visit Property Site | |
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This luxury hotel also offers superlative water views, with all-wall windows overlooking the busy harbor, and Hong Kong Island beyond (if you have been clever enough to reserve the two-floor Presidential Suite you have your own water, in the form of a rooftop infinity pool). Start the day with complimentary Tai Chi, 6.30 am on 26th, and 28th-30th, revel in the fact that Hong Kong's shopping never stops, festive season or not. Watch the nightly 8pm Symphony of Lights laser show, across the water, and dine at the hotel's sensational restaurants, Nobu, Spoon by Alain Ducasse and the eternally popular Steak House. Visit Property Site | |
For real shopping superlatives, here is heaven. With Rodeo Drive just across the road, retail therapy is in order - and the hotel's newly-appointed Jewellery Ambassador Teresa Emrick can help with your choices. Enjoy Beverly Hills on the 40-minute narrated Trolley Tour runs every day but Monday, December until the 30th. Warm up on your return with a Melted Snowflake white chocolate (cocoa and liqueur) cocktail, in honor of the Baccarat Snowflake festive lighting outside, organized by Baccarat, with all its 12,000 crystals sponsored in aid of UNICEF. Visit Property Site | |
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