Celebrity Life

Summer isn’t quite yet over, and if you haven’t yet had a breakaway – then it’s time to get booking.  We all need some rest and relaxation every now and then.  If you are someone that likes the finer things in life, then you will no doubt be looking for something a little decadent.  That’s […]

The post 5 Luxury Summer Holiday Destinations to Explore appeared first on Upscale Living Magazine.

There are some views that need to be seen from above! If you’re a fan of luxury travel experiences, you need to take a look at the best helicopter rides!

There are many wonderful places all over the world from where you can catch a glimpse of stunning views! For example, the Empire State Building that has amazing views over Manhattan, or the Eiffel Tower over Paris.

Continue reading Best Helicopter Rides All Luxury Travel Fans Need To Know at Luxxu Blog.

Is This Resort Home to the Most Beautiful Bahamas Beach? The question for those considering a Cape Santa Maria Resort vacation: “To what lengths would you go to experience one of the most beautiful beaches in the world?” Cape Santa Maria Resort is located on Long Island. We aren’t talking about the island next to […]

The post Cape Santa Maria Resort in the Bahamas appeared first on Upscale Living Magazine.

If you've ever met a Kiwi  -- a New Zealander, not the bird -- then you already know that they're some of the most laidback, welcoming and friendly people you'll ever come across. Translate that into the service that you get in Business Premier with Air New Zealand and you have something that all business travellers should take note of. From dedicated check-in services and curated selections of New Zealand wines and beers to the lie-flat bed you'll need for every long-haul flight from now on, read on for our review on the airline that gave me an amazing sleep in the sky.

Airline: Air New Zealand

Aircraft: Boeing 777-200

Class: Business Premier

Checked Baggage Allowance: 2 pieces at 23kg each

Flight Duration:  11 hours, 40 minutes 

Route: Auckland (AKL) to Hong Kong (HKG)

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Check-in: 10/10

If, like me, you're not fond of waiting, then you'll likely enjoy the extreme swiftness of the private Business Premier check-in. Friendly staff assisted us as soon as we walked into the terminal, and it was only a few short minutes before they handed over my boarding pass and fast-track priority screening. It's quick and seamless. You can even take a private elevator through to immigration and bypass what would usually be a much longer wait.

Lounge: 9/10

After doing a little duty-free shopping, it's worth stopping by the Air New Zealand Auckland Lounge -- after all, it is their flagship lounge. The lounge features tailored seating zones with plenty of space to relax, take a shower, or even get some work done with the free WiFi. Personally, it was definitely a good decision to visit the lounge as the flight was delayed and I had an hour or so to spare. First order of business: Make use of the fully stocked bar of New Zealand wines and craft beers, which I absolutely did, and found them to be fantastic. I also enjoyed the hot food buffet which included a mushroom risotto and chicken stew, alongside a salad bar and lots of different cheeses.

Space & Comfort: 8/10

The Business Premier cabin is configured with 26 seats in a 1-2-1 herringbone layout and fitted with fully lie-flat beds. Upon entering the plane, the rows from 1 to 7 were softened with mood lighting for passengers to wind down for the night flight. The diagonal seating felt odd at first as I was facing the aisle and other passengers, so despite the curved back wall, it didn't feel very private. I was also angled away from the window, which meant no fluffy cloud views. However, the seat's saving grace is the lie-flat bed mode and turndown service with a memory foam mattress pad, duvet and pillows. It was the best sleep I've ever had on a long-haul flight and probably the most comfortable, too.[inline_related_article article_id="152660"]

Food & Beverages: 8/10

The food menu was interesting and featured New Zealand accents. Highlights included prosciutto with pomegranate and black pepper paste, Fiddlers Hill goat cheese and pistachios, as well as the warm bread and Hawke's Bay extra virgin olive oil. Next up was the main dish of Marlborough salmon with rose harissa saffron sauce; created by New Zealand chef Peter Gordon, it came with baby potatoes and seared zucchini with capers. The most noteworthy aspect, though, was the selection of fine New Zealand cheeses, quince paste and crackers that went down beautifully with a glass of local wine.

Service: 9/10

Since boarding was delayed, it was nice to be able to get on the plane in a speedy manner. Business class passengers were filed through a separate door and flight attendants were ready to greet, assist and serve Business Premier guests. Next, a hot towel and pre-departure drink were offered and while I sipped champagne, I was asked what I wanted for my meal to follow. Service was quick and attentive: snacks and drinks were offered quietly while I watched a movie and my fellow passengers slept soundly. When I finally decided to retire, my bed was made while I freshened up in the bathroom.

Entertainment: 7/10

The screen was definitely on the smaller side at just 12.6 inches wide. It was however, smartly stored in the seat wall. I was also fairly impressed by the wide entertainment offering with a good selection of movies, TV shows and box sets, including some recent releases, too -- not to mention the classics such as Lord of The Rings, naturally.[inline_related_article article_id="98215"]

Amenities: 8/10

A compact amenities kit was offered on board the flight, and it had all the essentials inside: toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, earplugs, eye mask, flight socks, moisturiser and lip balm. The toiletries are from local Auckland brand Ashley & Co. and though I didn't use much of it (I brought most of my own), my chapped in-flight lips were extremely grateful for the lip balm.

Facilities: 7/10

The main facility is definitely the lie-flat bed complete with memory foam mattress, duvets and pillows. Other than the separate business class bathroom and the free 10 minute WiFi pass that all Air New Zealand passengers can make use of, there's not much else of note on this carrier.

Verdict: 8.25/10

In a nutshell: This was the best sleep on a long-haul flight we've ever had, and the service was attentive from start to finish.

The post Airline Review: Air New Zealand’s Business Premier Offers Great Service and Sleep appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

By now you've no doubt heard about the highly anticipated remake of the beloved 1994 Disney movie The Lion King, which features highly lifelike, computer-generated visuals and a star-studded cast of voice actors including Beyoncé, Donald Glover, James Earl Jones and Seth Rogan. With the film's Hong Kong release happening this week (Thursday, 25th July), you might be feeling inspired to take a trip to meet the king of the beasts in real life on a wildlife safari. So whether you prefer a luxury excursion or unique expeditions off the beaten path, here are our top picks for the most incredible safari adventures to experience right now.

Scott Dunn’s Lion King Adventure

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The Safari: 7 days through Nairobi and Laikipia in Kenya (from HK$49,100 per person)

This adventure starts off at the iconic Giraffe Manor in Nairobi, where there are -- you guessed it -- plenty of giraffes. The fun part is that you can wake up with them poking their heads through the windows looking for breakfast. Afterward, you’re off to the untouched natural haven of Laikipia, where you’ll stay on the Borana Conservancy, which is home to Pride Rock and a rhino sanctuary and where you can jump on an open 4x4 vehicle or horse to explore the African bush. Finally, this safari will take you to one of Africa’s most famed reserves, Maasai Mara, to spot safari royalty otherwise known as the 'big five': lions, leopards, rhinoceros, elephants, and cape buffalos.

Singita’s Adventure to the South

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The Safari: 12 days through the South African bush, Cape Town and Antartica (approx. HK$523,435 per person)

This safari is probably the most unique of them all: With a series of wildlife encounters from South Africa to Antartica, it’s an adventure that takes you from the bush to the ice. It begins in South Africa’s Kruger National Park, where you’ll likely find wildlife such as hippos, crocodiles, elephants, giraffes, zebras, leopards, cheetahs and, of course, lions. The next stop is more of an urban safari, where you’ll explore Cape Town’s food, culture and history before being whisked off by private jet to Earth's southernmost continent: Antartica. Here, you'll enjoy glamping at White Desert Antarctica’s Whichaway Camp before witnessing a rare spectacle: Emperor penguin chicks taking their first steps across the ice.

Finch Hattons and Mahali Mzuri's Flying Safari

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The Safari: 7 days through Kenya (price on request)

This dual experience takes you on not one, but two luxury safaris, the first of which is located in Tsavo West National Park, set around natural fresh water springs and stunning views of Mount Kilimanjaro. During this more luxurious and relaxing safari, wildlife fans can enjoy spectacular views -- think impalas, hyenas, giraffes, zebras, gazelles, lions and cheetahs -- before heading back to wind down at their camp spas and swimming pools. As you move on to Mahali Mzuri, meaning ‘beautiful place’ in Swahili and located in the private Olare Motorogi Conservancy, you'll have a front row seat to the rich wildlife on display and can have guided experiences led by local Maasai guides.

From Wildlife to Winelands with Ulusaba

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The Safari: 7 days from the Sabi Sand reserve to Mont Rochelle’s Vineyard (price on request)

Combining wine and wildlife, this safari takes travellers from Sir Richard Branson's private safari game reserve to the heart of the South Afria's winelands at Mont Rochelle. Located in the Sabi Sand reserve, the Ulusaba Hills offer a top vantage point that displays the surrounding terrain like no other, allowing for some incredible sightings. What’s more, the game drives come with experienced rangers and trackers to make the most out of your safari. After your adventure, you can unwind with a glass of new world wine in the Mediterranean-like climes of Mont Rochelle, where you can sit back and reminisce about your safari while sipping on their best vintages.

Track Lions on Foot with Warriors on Airbnb Adventures

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The Safari: 3 days through Nairobi (HK$4,023 per person)

Curated by Airbnb Experiences, which allows daring explorers to venture off the tourist trail, this safari is made for the real adventurers. Here, you can observe lions in their natural habitat while also helping conservation professionals conduct field work. Highlights include learning about African wildlife and local Samburu culture around an evening campfire, going on a ramble to encounter lions and other animals with a guide who personally knows the prides, and assisting the Lion Warrior Project, which employs Samburu warriors to help conserve, educate and ensure a future for Kenya's lion population.

The post Meet the Real Lion King on These Thrilling Safari Adventures appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

What to do in the Moroccan city once frequented by Yves Saint Laurent and style icon Talitha Getty, among others.

The post The Fashionable Guide to Marrakech appeared first on LUXUO.

Stay in one of the best riads in Marrakesh for the ultimate experience of this bustling city! Discover a few you need to know about before you depart to the red city.

Marrakesh is becoming a very popular destination these days. With the increase of its popularity and stunning photos surfacing all over Instagram and Pinterest, this desert destination is on almost anyone’s travel bucket list at the moment.

Continue reading The Best Riads In Marrakesh To Stay In at Luxxu Blog.

What’s a holiday without some indulgent pampering? Think unlimited free massages and all-natural wellness masterclasses. That’s precisely what The Pavilions Hotels and Resorts, a luxury boutique hotel chain, is showcasing at its properties in Phuket and Bali, respectively. The group announced that it will be putting the spotlight on wellness and delivering some of the most immersive experiences to help restore your mind, body and soul.

[caption id="attachment_153125" align="aligncenter" width="1000"] The Pavilions Phuket (image from www.pavilionshotels.com)[/caption]

Take the brand’s flagship The Pavilions Phuket, for instance. The cosy hilltop retreat offers unlimited complimentary massages to guests who are checked-in at the 310 sqm Ocean View Pool Villas (starts at MYR1,947 plus taxes per night). Signature spa therapies include a two-hour Thai Silk experience that fuses a rejuvenating mandarin scrub with a traditional Thai massage to soothe those travel-weary muscles. Love Journey, a three-hour couples’ experience, features a sea salt scrub, a massage, a floral milk bath and a platter full of tropical treats. The Spa and Pool Pavilions here spell unparalleled luxury complete with steam rooms, sala (an open pavilion) and a terrace.

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Elsewhere at the organic spa in The Pavilions Bali, guests can try their hand at natural beauty treatments and sign up for an exclusive aloe vera facial masterclass. This 90-minute session guides interested participants on various aspects of organic wellness, right from whipping up their own ‘skin superfood’, to choosing the freshest natural ingredients and taking them for setting up spa time back home. The session uses handpicked organic ingredients from the resort’s spa kitchen and touches upon techniques such as facial rejuvenation, DIY facial massage and reflexology; there’s even a recipe booklet that guests can take home. The best part? The Pavilions Bali is offering a 30 percent discount on advance bookings and accommodation at the Garden Villa, which is priced at MYR642 plus taxes per night. [inline_related_article article_id="145987"]
The group’s upcoming urban resort in Rome will feature state-of-the-art wellness facilities, thanks to a collaboration with Revivo Wellness Resorts. This luxury resort group currently has one property in Indonesia, with further openings in Japan, Sri Lanka, Spain, Italy and France. Its main focus includes sustainable wellness and rejuvenation through yoga, Pilates, holistic medicine treatments, meditation and food. First Roma Ego, the new resort in Rome, will be unveiled in 2020. This is the group’s third boutique luxury hotel in the city, the other two being First Roma Arte and First Roma Dolce. [dual-images right-image-url="https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/FirstDolce_Facade_daylight-min.jpg" left-image-url="https://www.prestigeonline.com/hk/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/pavilions-arte.jpg" right-caption="Facade of The First Roma - Dolce (image from www.thefirsthotel.com)" left-caption="The grand entrance of The First Roma - Arte (image from www.thefirsthotel.com)"]
The Pavilions Hotels and Resorts aims to help guests unwind and attain their wellness goals through personalised spa journeys. Whether it means soaking in the foothills of the Annapurna in Nepal at The Pavilions Himalayas Lake View or discovering hidden canals while staying at The Toren in Amsterdam, there’s always a myriad of ways to relax and connect with your inner self.

The post Pavilions Hotel and Resorts foray into wellness with new collaboration appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

Imagine renting out an entire private island in French Polynesia or sleeping in an 18th-century château in Provençe that you booked through Airbnb -- well, now you can do exactly that. The vacation rental platform has launched a brand new luxury tier called Airbnb Luxe that offers access to more than 2,000 of the most spectacular properties in the world. All bookings will also include a dedicated trip designer that can arrange bespoke experiences and provide 24-hour VIP support during your stay.

Thanks to its acquisition of Luxury Retreats in 2017, Airbnb has gained expertise in the arena of extravagance and is now able to offer the kind of accommodation that appeals to customers with a slightly higher budget. Ranging from HK$8,000 to HK$1 million a night, Airbnb Luxe listings includes only the best of the best, as they all must pass strict inspection with over 300 criteria to keep to the highest standards and five-star quality.

So for those who need a jaw-dropping experience to celebrate an occasion or simply prefer travelling in utter luxury and privacy, here are our top five luxe properties on the Airbnb Luxe list.

1. Château d'Estoublon in Provence, France

For a little heritage and sophistication, this 18th-century château certainly hits the mark. Aside from admiring the surrounding countryside, you can enjoy historic architecture and modern interiors with a heated pool, wine cave, theatre and more on the grounds.

2. The Fleming Villa in Jamaica

Named after James Bond writer Ian Fleming, this beachfront villa in the Caribbean may spark some of your own adventures. After all, it was on Jamaica’s stunning north coast that Fleming wrote all 14 of his popular spy novels.

3. Nukutepipi in French Polynesia

A secluded private paradise in French Polynesia, this island retreat can host a total of 52 guests in houses and bungalows amidst lush palm trees, pristine white-sand beaches and azure Pacific Ocean views.

4. Sky Loft in Sydney

This luxurious sub-penthouse is situated in the Darlinghurst suburb of Sydney. The property has a wraparound balcony that shows off panoramic views of the iconic skyline, and it's just minutes away from the Royal Botanic Gardens or Sydney Opera House, too.

5. Chalet Les Étrennes in Swiss Alps

Newly renovated and expanded, this Swiss chalet is the ideal luxury stay you’ve been looking for. The property overlooks the incredible pistes of the Mont Blanc massif and Verbier. So ski away, and then indulge in the alfresco hot tub for a little après-ski.

The post Airbnb Luxe Allows You to Stay in the World’s Most Extraordinary Homes appeared first on Prestige Online - Hong Kong.

One of Six Senses’ first-ever city hotels, the Maxwell intrigues with its combination of modern chic and traditional vibes

The post REVIEW: Six Senses Maxwell is one of the finest in Singapore appeared first on LUXUO.

If you’re looking for hotels to stay in during ICFF New York you need to take a look at this selection of some of the best hotels in the city that never sleeps.

If you’re going to be in New York you need to know all about the best spots! It’s a city that offers so much to the world, incredible rooftops, great food, amazing nightlife, a paradise for shopping and of course some incredible experiences if you’re a fan of luxury travel.

Continue reading Best Hotels To Stay In During ICFF New York at Luxxu Blog.

Looking for the best Summer travel destinations for 2019? Take a look at this list of 4 incredible breath-taking places you need to consider when booking your next holidays!

Summer is quickly approaching and with it, lots of travel destinations and opportunities arise! There’s something about the good weather that makes us want to get out there and explore. Traveling offers the best experiences whether you’re an adventurer or a fan of luxury travel, there is always one more destination to add to the travel bucket list!

Continue reading Best Summer Travel Destinations For 2019 at Luxxu Blog.