Jetsettersblog

Orient-Express and Laurent-Perrier to launch a brand new culinary journey aboard the British Pullman in November 2010

For the first time Orient-Express’ The Dinner, one of London’s most exclusive and luxurious dining experiences, will receive some extra sparkle this November.

Orient-Express is working with Laurent-Perrier, their house champagne supplier, to create a unique culinary journey onboard the British Pullman with a touch of fizz.

Seated aboard the luxuriously restored 1930′s carriages, amongst gleaming crystal and intricate marquetry, guests will be taken on a journey of culinary delights complemented by a careful selection of exquisite Laurent-Perrier champagnes.

The menu has been meticulously crafted by Executive Chef de Cuisine, Matthew Smith, along with Laurent-Perrier’s Master of Wine, David Hesketh, to ensure that the food and champagnes work in perfect harmony.

Using the finest ingredients, guests can look forward to exceptional dishes such as Seared Fillet of Halibut, Morelle Sauce & Crispy Leeks to start, accompanied by a chilled glass of Laurent-Perrier Ultra Brut, a light champagne with crystal-clear freshness that complements the delicate flavours of the fish.

A more robust and rounded champagne Grand Siécle by Laurent-Perrier is matched to suit the refined and rich flavours of the main course of Seared Kentish Guinea Fowl, Roasted Pheasant Breast, Confit of Rabbit & Potato Dauphinoise served with Tarragon Scented Jus.

A divine cheese course of Colston Bassett Smoked Stilton and a Kentish Quince Jelly accompanied by a Truffled Welsh Rarebit will also be complemented by this fresh finished champagne.

Dessert lovers will eagerly await an Assiette of Desserts including delights such as Warm Chocolate and Prune Brownie and Poached Damson and Cardamom Cream Shortbread Stack, accompanied by a crisp, fruity Laurent-Perrier Cuvée Rosé, to suit the richness of the indulgent dessert.

To ensure that guests get the most enjoyment and appreciation of the fine champagnes being served, Laurent-Perrier’s Master of Wine, David Hesketh, will be travelling to educate and guide guests through the art of champagne tasting.

The ‘Choo-Choo’ sound will be replaced by the sound of popping corks on 11th November 2010, departing at 7.30pm from London Victoria.

The Dinner in Association with Laurent-Perrier costs £350 per person.

The Dinner in Association with Laurent-Perrier will also be held on 12th November 2011.

Reservations: 0845 077 2222 or www.orient-express.com/uktrains

For information on Laurent-Perrier, please visit: www.laurent-perrier.fr

Wales is the top golfing destination with Ryder Cup 2010 just weeks away and many of the courses throughout Wales have the added advantage of being located close to the top restaurants as recommended in Food Wales eating out guide second edition by Colin Pressdee.

The magnificent Celtic Manor Resort 2010 Golf Course is the setting for the Ryder Cup in early October located close to the M4 at Newport, with many recommended restaurants close at hand.

Throughout Wales there are numerous courses with great character in fabulous locations that will test the skill of the finest golfers. Some of the top chefs in Wales are in hotels and restaurants close to the courses. A golf day is extra special when concluded with a magnificent gourmet dinner.

In North Wales the wonderful championship links course Royal St David’s Harlech is a driver away from the boutique gourmet venue Castle Cottage run by Glyn and Jackie Roberts. Chris and Gunna Chown’s renowned Michelin rated restaurant with rooms Plas Bodegroes is close to Morfa Nefyn where the course extends the length of the peninsula with the finest panoramic vistas over the Irish Sea, and some very challenging holes on a breezy day. On Anglesey Susannah Woods Neuadd Lwyd hotel is convenient for the Holyhead Golf Club, a superb links course at Trearddur Bay.

The Michelin Star Tyddyn Llan run by Chef Bryan Webb and his wife Susan is in fine rural countryside with Bala Golf course and Llangollen Golf Club just ten minutes away.

The gem of a hidden gourmet retreat is Tan-Y-Foel run by Janet, Peter and Kelly Pitman. It overlooks the verdant Conwy Valley with the challenging links course of Conwy Golf Club visible in the elegant distance.

In Mid Wales just south of the mighty Cadair Idris mountain is the Wynnstay Hotel in Machynlleth run by Chef Gareth Johns and his brother, a keen golfer Paul. On the Dyfi Estuary is the delightful Aberdovey Gold Club with the links course set amongst the sand dunes, a testing course to work up an appetite for hearty gourmet cuisine. The beautiful seafront setting of Huw and Beth Roberts Gwesty Cymru with its cutting edge interior design and delightful cuisine is a short drive from the hillside course of Aberystwyth Golf Club.

Aberaeron itself has a clubby atmosphere and the hub of social and gourmet scene is the Harbourmaster Hotel on the quay, run by Glyn and Menna Heulyn. A short drive down the coast Cardigan Golf Club at Gwbert on Sea is a fine links course with extensive views and some long and undulating holes to test the best. A sociable ambience and great cuisine of the Falcondale Hotel with its stunning spacious interior design is close to the rural course of Lampeter Golf Club. Chris and Lisa Hutton run this stylish Italianate Mansion with great aplomb.

The Gower Peninsula, Britain’s first designated area of outstanding natural beauty has several fine golf courses each with character whether set in parkland, sand dunes, on the coast, on moorland. Fairyhill is one of Wales best known boutique restaurant with rooms run by Paul Davies and Andrew Hetherington. Close by is the most challenging course of Penard Gold Club, and the frustrating and picturesque Langland Bay Golf Club, with cliff holes that challenge the best in a keen wind.

The Welcome to Town run by Chef Ian Bennett and wife Jay is well known for its Gower cuisine and is close to the parkland courses of The Gower Golf Club at Cefn Golau and Fairwood Park Golf Club, both in fine rural locations. The championship course of Royal Porthcawl Golf Club set on the exposed Bristol Channel coastline is just half an hour away.

The autumn is a wonderful time to visit the area and all places offer special rates in this season.

For more information and to arrange a press visit please contact Colin Pressdee on 07768 948339 or email Colinpressdee@aol.com

Golf Wales – published by Garffeg – has a full listing of Golf Courses and restaurants in their vicinity. Times Golf Correspondent John Hopkins gives a personal view of many of the courses.

Food Wales – eating out guide second edition – is published by Graffeg

Restaurant and Golf Club details.

For full details on both publications visit www.graffeg.com

Colin Pressdee’s recommended restaurants and golf courses

Castle Cottage, Harlech. Glyn and Jacqueline Roberts.
www.castlecottageharlech.co.uk

Royal St David’s
Harlech LL46 2UB
T: 01766 780361
www.royalstdavids.co.uk

Neuadd Lwyd , LlanfairPG, Anglesey. Susannah Woods. www.neuaddlwyd.co.uk

Holyhead Golf Club
LoN Garreg Fawr, Trearddur Bay LL65 2YL
T: 01407 763279
www.holyheadgolfclub.co.uk

Plas Bodegroes , Pwllheli. Chris and Gunna Chown.
www.bodegroes.co.uk

Pwllheli Golf Club
Golf Road, Pwllheli LL53 5PS
www.pwllheligolfclub.co.uk

Morfa Nefyn Golf Club
Nefyn, Pwllheli LL53 6DA
T: 01758 720966
www.nefyn-golf.club.com

Tan-Y-Foel, nr Betws y Coed. Peter, Janet and Kelly Pitman.
www.tyfhotel.co.uk

Conwy Golf Club
Morfa, Conwy LL32 8ER
T: 01492 592423
www.conwygolbclub.com

Llandudno North Wales Golf Club
72 Bryniau Road, West Shore LL30 2DZ
T: 01492 875325
www.northwalesgolfclub.co.uk

Royal Town of Caernarfon Golf Club
Abershore, Llanfaglan, Caernarfon LL54 5RP
T: 01286 678359
www.caernarfongolfclub.co.uk

Tyddyn Llan, Llandrillo. Bryan and Susan Webb.
www.tyddynllan.co.uk

Vale of Llangollen Golf Club
Holyhead Road, Llangollen LL20 7PR
T: 01978 860906
www.vlgc.co.uk

Wrexham Golf Club
Holt Road, Wrexham LL13 9SB
T: 01978 364268
www.wrexhamgolfclub.co.uk

Bala (Penlan) Golf Club
Penlan, Bala LL23 7YD
T: 01678 520359
www.golfbala.co.uk

Wynnstay, Machynlleth. Gareth Johns and Paul Johns.
www.wynnstay-hotel.com

Aberdovey Golf Club
Aberdovey LL35 0RT
T: 01654 767493
www.aberdoveygolf.co.uk

Borth & Ynyslas Golf Club
Borth SY24 5JS
T: 01970 871202
www.borthgolf.co.uk

Machynlleth Golf Club
Newtown Road, Machynlleth SY20 8UH
T: 01654 702000
www.machynllethgolf.co.uk

Mid and South Wales

Falcondale, Lampeter. Chris and Lisa Hutton.
www.falcondalehotel.com

Cilgwyn Golf Club
Llangybi, Lampeter SA48 8NN
T: 01570 493286

Derllys Golf Club
Llysonnen Road, Carmarthen SA33 5DT
T: 01267 211575
www.derllyscourtgolfclub.com

Gwesty Cymru, Aberystwyth. Huw and Beth Roberts. www.gwestycymru.com

Aberystwyth Golf Club
Brynmor Road, Aberystwyth SY23 2HY
T: 01970 615104
www.aberystwythgolfclub.co.uk

Harbourmaster, Aberaeron. Glyn and Menna Heulyn.
www.harbour-master.com

Cardigan Golf Club
Gwbert- on- Sea Golf, Cardigan SA43 1PR
T: 01239 621775

Fairyhill, Reynoldston. Andrew Hetherington and Paul Davies.
www.fairyhill.net

and Welcome to Town, Llanrhidian. Ian and Jay Bennett. www.welcometotown.co.uk

Clyne Golf Club
118-120 Owl’s Lodge Lane, Mayals, Swansea SA3

Gower Golf Course
Cefn Goleu, Three Crosses, Swansea SA4 3HS
T: 01792 872480
www.gowergolfclub.co.uk

Pennard Golf Course
2 Southgate Road, Southgate, Swansea SA3 2BT
T: 01792 233131
www.pennardgolfclub.com

Langland Bay Golf Club
Langland Bay Road, Langland, Swansea SA3 4QR
T: 01792 361721
www.langlandbaygolfclub.com

Fairwood Park Golf Club
Blackhills Lane, Upper Killay, Swansea SA2 7JN
T: 01792 297849
www.fairwoodpark.com

Machynys Golf & Country Club
Nicklaus Avenue, Machynys, Llanelli SA15 2DG
T: 01554 744888
www.machynys.com

In Finland, ski season is at its best from October to mid-June. Snow covers parts of the country from as early as mid-October to late May.

Last winter, Ruka in north of Finland was the first resort in Europe to open the ski season on Oct. 13.

Closer to the capital, ski resorts a half hour’s drive away from Helsinki open from mid-November or early December to mid-April. Finland is also home to first class snowmaking expertise.

Top resorts include Ruka, home to Finland’s longest ski season and 29 slopes. Ski season at the resort lasts 200 days, from October to mid-June.

There are options for every skill level, with ski areas especially for children and beginners to black slopes for the advanced. In addition, Ruka’s fully equipped Battery Park is a popular destination for snowboarders.

Possibilities for cross-country skiing are also excellent. For more information, visit www.ruka.fi/winter_eng

Another ski resort, Levi has hosted World Cup events annually since 2004. This year, the race will be held on Nov. 13.

Situated 105 miles north of the Arctic Circle, Levi’s skiing and snowboarding season usually stretches from mid-October to June. Husky, reindeer and snowmobile safaris, snowshoe excursions, ice fishing and tour skating are just some of the other attractions to try over the extended winter.

For more information, visit www.levi.fi/en/home.html

Ylläs, the country’s largest resort is home to 62 slopes, the longest measures over 9,800 feet.

Floodlights illuminate about half of the slopes, so the skiing need not stop when day turns to dusk.

In addition, cross-country skiers can use the 186-mile network of tracks. Ylläs hosts the Finnish downhill kick sleighing Championships in November. For more information, visit www.yllas.fi/?deptid=8951.

Located in the Finnish Lakeland area, Tahko’s central location and excellent air and land transport connections serve 23 downhill skiing slopes and 40 miles of cross-country skiing trails.

Visitors also come for the snowmobiles, skis, skates, horses, dogsled rides, reindeer, and even rally cars all at your disposal.

For more information, visit

www.tahko.com/index.php?lId=2

Vuokatti is a prestigious sports training center which focuses on innovation, health and wellness. Vuokatti’s facilities include a 262-foot-long, 65-foot-wide snowboard tunnel that is open in all seasons, even at the height of summer.

For more information, visit www.vuokatti.fi/index_uk.php

Messilä is set between forest ridges and lakeshore about an hour from Helsinki. Despite its southern position on Finland’s map, Messilä’s slopes are snowy all winter long.

Sleeping options range from traditional hotel rooms to old warehouses and log cabins with private saunas.

For more information, visit www.messila.fi/en/Home

Pyhä, ski getaway in the heart of Lapland, lies 90 minutes from the Arctic Circle.

Pyhä combines the comfort of modern hotels and spa facilities with adventure in the great outdoors.

In addition to well-groomed downhill slopes and cross country tracks, the added attractions of Pyhä’s Husky and Reindeer Park and Amethyst Mine. The resort opens this year’s skiing season in November with major new developments, including six-person chairlifts that arrive at the top in four minutes, allowing guests a little more time for skiing.

For more information, visit www.ski.pyha.fi

For general destination information, visit www.visitfinland.com

NEW Le Boat 1500 Series fleet of self-drive cruisers revolutionises boating holidays Green, sleek and sexy: the new Le Boat 1500 Series cruises Europe’s waterways in 2011 Le Boat, part of TUI Marine, the marine division of the Specialist & Activity Sector of TUI Travel Plc is to introduce the new Le Boat 1500 Series – a luxury fleet of ecofriendly self-drive motor leisure cruisers exclusive to Le Boat and built by world-renowned yacht builders, Groupe Bénéteau.

The Le Boat 1500 Series will change the way boating holidays are both perceived and enjoyed forever. The three models (8+, 6+, 4+) boast a range of technical features and creature comforts that are set to revolutionise the holiday boating industry, giving customers the chance to enjoy luxurious, green boating holidays on Europe’s beautiful inland waterways.

NEW HYBRID TECHNOLOGY ensures greener boating holidays for the future

The Le Boat 1500 Series allows the customer to cruise via a conventional diesel engine or under electric power with zero noise, zero pollution and zero fuel consumption – helping to preserve the waterways for the enjoyment of future generations.

Each boat has six solar panels to generate green energy that is stored in the boat’s industry-leading battery bank (produced by Valence Technology) making cruising possible even on cloudy days.

Electric energy will also be provided via the boat’s generator and shore power connectivity.

The superior diesel engine is built using the latest marine technology by Volkswagen Marine and has very low CO2 emissions.

The low-wave making hull is specially designed to minimise bank erosion and large holding tanks store all grey and black water.

A range of other technology enhancements and benefits for the customer – such as low wattage LED lighting and minimal flush toilet systems are also being developed.

NEW JOYSTICK STEERING makes the Le Boat 1500 Series the easiest to drive and manoeuvre.

The new Le Boat 1500 Series will without doubt be the easiest boat on the waterways to manoeuvre thanks to the introduction of revolutionary joystick technology and a steerable POD drive system which eliminates the need for a rudder.

Le Boat is the first company to install these features into an inland waterways commercial hire fleet.

The joystick will be in addition to two conventional interior and exterior steering positions with steering wheels.

The steerable POD drive system, which is connected to the boat’s bow thruster, will give customers greater cruising control while the joystick enables the boat to rotate 360 degrees and dock sideways alongside the canal bank.

These unique features are set to revolutionise and simplify mooring and docking procedures, change the way cruising holidays are enjoyed for the better.

NEW LUXURIOUS INTERIOR – designer cruising arrives

With all models built on the same 14.97m x 4.65m hull, the new Le Boat 1500 Series is the most luxurious and spacious boat in the Le Boat fleet and designed to provide a home-from-home environment.

All cabins have flat screen TVs and en-suite bathrooms and have individual air-conditioning.

Cabins have flexible twin/double layouts with additional space for children via fold-down beds. All beds are standard-sized with proper mattresses for maximum comfort.

A spacious arc-shaped saloon will comfortably accommodate all passengers and provide access to the foredeck.

A convertible settee sleeps one extra person if required. The open-plan kitchen galley has been designed for great on-board socialising while appliances such as the large fridge-freezer with ice compartment and regular-sized oven while make for easy catering for all onboard.

There will be standing headroom and level flooring throughout and large windows on all sides will increase the feeling of light and space as well as provide panoramic views. The huge top deck (flybridge) has plenty of comfortable seating and a large bimini (sun canopy) as well as a gas BBQ, bar fridge and outer shower/sink.

The new Le Boat 1500 Series will be available as a range of models and will be available in France, Germany and Italy in 2011.

The first 50 boats will join the Le Boat fleet at the start of the 2011 season, with more set to join the fleet in the coming years as Le Boat builds a greener and cleaner fleet for the future.

Commenting on the new boats Lex Raas, TUI Marine CEO, says: “It is a privilege to be involved in the creation of a totally new concept for the inland waterways boating industry. I believe the new Le Boat 1500 Series will not only become the most sought after model for our customers, but it will also set the standards for environmentally conscious cruising for the future. Waterways authorities and tourism companies connected with the waterways have to work in partnership to protect and preserve the waterways for the enjoyment of future generations and I will personally ensure that Le Boat continues to push the boundaries.”

Models:

Le Boat 15-02: 2 luxurious equal-sized en-suite cabins each with fold-down child’s bed and comfortable seating (4+3) Le Boat 15-03A 3 equal-sized cabins, each with optional fold-down child’s bed and en-suite bathrooms (6+4) Le Boat 15-03 B: 1 master cabin with optional fold down child’s bed and 2 smaller cabins – all en-suite (6+2) Le Boat 15-04 4 equal-sized cabins and 4 en-suite bathrooms (8+1)

Key partners:
* Groupe Bénéteau, France
World-renowned boat builders, charged with the construction of the new Le Boat 1500 fleet
* Seaway, Slovenia
Award-winning boat design and development company, specialising in hybrid technology
* Volkswagen Marine, Germany
Specialists in the creation, design and development of superior marine engines
* ZF Friedrichshafen AG, Germany
Specialists in innovative pod drive propulsion systems
* Valence Technology, US
Specialists in energy storage solutions; suppliers of Le Boat’s iron magnesium phosphate battery bank

From the state-of-the-art digital audio system in the rooms to their first own releases labelled ‘Puro Music’ and ‘Puro Desert Lounge’ – Puro Oasis Urbano, Palma de Mallorca’s stylish member of Design HotelsTM, has always been a synonym for soothing sounds and unforgettable parties.

Puro ‘reloaded’ in the summer of 2010 with more rooms, meeting spaces and remodelled interiors.

It is now also the perfect venue for creative business meetings, with three new event and meeting spaces, including a grand Private Wing Room opening in early 2011.

The hotel will also unveil a Music Studio in March 2011 which can be hired exclusively by musicians and private or corporate groups.

A Space for Every Occasion

From cocktails on the roof deck to business lunches in the courtyard, Puro Oasis Urbano offers year-round multiple event and meeting spaces for 10 to 40 people. The new Media Room, furnished with comfortable seating and sofas, is an eclectic space for 10 people with a 72” screen, video console, Mac computer and Internet access.

Located on the ground floor next to the outdoor patio, the room has the feeling of a classy living room and is ideal for small groups, presentations, brainstorming and informal meetings.

The Mandala Room on the upper floor is a spacious and functional meeting space with natural light for up to 40 people.

It comes fully equipped with state-of-the-art audio visual equipment. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer views of the surrounding townhouses with their characteristic balconies.

At the beginning of 2011 the hotel will also open a Private Wing with 10 rooms, one suite, and two meeting spaces, offering the utmost privacy and unique space for corporate and social events.

The Private Wing Room is a grand space in a separate historic townhouse with a high ceiling, an open fireplace and traditional mosaic flooring creating an authentic mix of craftmanship and contemporary style.

In March 2011 a new Music Studio will also open in the new Private Wing. This completely new area can be hired exclusively by musicians or small groups.

The Music studio is perfectly equipped with state-of-the-art technology.

For those seeking a place to wind down afterwards, Purobeach with its stunning pool, casual restaurant and spa treatments is the ultimate option.

The venue in the bay of Palma is an ideal creative retreat and separate event space for up to 200 guests.

Whizzing down white slopes, warming up with mulled wine and après ski fun – Design Hotels presents five chic ski resorts in Sweden and Switzerland that guarantee a winter in style. Situated on top of Mount Förberget in Åre, Sweden, Copperhill Mountain Lodge (www.designhotels.com/copperhill)  is in the largest skiing area of northern Europe, and has its own lift ‘

The Copperhill Express’ which takes guests straight from the slopes to the hotel’s entrance.

For a complete ski-in/ski-out experience, as well as a new but authentic alpine lifestyle, rocksresort (www.designhotels.com/rocksresort)  in Switzerland is a self-contained village in Laax with a variety of restaurants, bars and shops, as well as a swimming pool, saunas and whirlpool.

In Verbier, Hotel Nevaï (www.designhotels.com/nevai)  is the place for stylish party-goers with its cozy bar and adjacent Farm Club, famous for its legendary parties.

With its beautiful winter garden, and outdoor thermal pool, guests at The Cambrian (www.designhotels.com/the_cambrian)  are encouraged to relax after an action-packed day in the surrounding Swiss Alps.

For a modern take on a traditional mountain lodge, The Omnia (www.designhotels.com/omnia) , set on a hill above the town of Zermatt, is the ultimate place for sophisticated ski and snow lovers.

Copperhill Mountain Lodge, Åre , Sweden

With its new extended Sami-inspired spa opening in December, Copperhill Mountain Resort has yet one more outstanding feature that makes it Sweden´s best ski destination.

Drawing inspiration from Åre’s grand era of copper mining, the lodge boasts a warm helping of rustic mountain charm, while at the same time featuring all the comfort and services of an exclusive resort.

The 112 rooms range from doubles to eight-bed suites, all with magnificent views – the perfect spot to cozy up with a cup of hot cocoa after a jam-packed day skiing and exploring Jämtland. Apart from snow mobile safaris, dog sledding, ice driving with specially prepared cars, guided off-piste and helicopter skiing, this winter the Copperhill´s own Skier’s Inn “Coppermine Co” offers après ski with live music and rustic dishes.

The right choice for a romantic evening is the “Fireside Lounge & Bar” with soft piano music.

www.designhotels.com/copperhill

Hotel Nevaï, Verbier, Switzerland

Known for its luxurious and alpine-chic ambience, Hotel Nevaï, Verbier is surrounded by more than 400 km of slopes for skiers of all levels. With its name denoting “snow” in Patois (the language traditionally spoken in this region of Switzerland), Nevaï draws its inspiration from its surroundings.

The 33 rooms offer stunning vistas of the Swiss Alps and all come with a private south facing balcony.

In the evening the restaurant is a buzzing place to feast on grilled meats, fish and vegetables, after which a drink can be enjoyed in the cozy Nevaï bar. The hotel’s famous Farm Club is still the place to see and be seen later on, where an international crowd has been mingling for over 35 years.

www.designhotels.com/nevai

Rocksresort, Laax, Switzerland

Rocksresort offers everything needed for a superb winter holiday, including a ski and snowboard school and a variety of restaurants, clubs and bars.

The hotel is situated adjacent to the base station in Laax, Switzerland’s leading freestyle winter resort, and offers a range of four-star services on request.

Finished in rough-hewn stone, the cubic exterior of this hotel complex succeeds at blending in with its environment. The sleek self-contained, minimalistic complex houses furnished holiday apartments, shops, restaurants and bars, all arranged around a central square.

Although consciously unpretentious and minimalist, the self-catering apartments offer a warm and inviting atmosphere using precious natural materials such as untreated gnarled oak, aged linden wood, coarse linen and concrete.

For the best ski-in ski-out experience, rocksresort is located at the base station of Laax, at the bottom of the slopes.

Due to its altitude, the resort has gained a reputation for being a reliable place to find natural snow.

www.designhotels.com/rocksresort

The Omnia, Zermatt, Switzerland

The Omnia is located in the center of Zermatt, 45 meters above the rooftops of the alpine village with 300km of pistes and more than 70 lifts.

With its warm atmosphere and personalized service like homemade cookies and milk brought to the rooms, guests know immediately this is a place to feel at home.

The interior is a modern interpretation of a ski lodge and is a magnificent place from which to take in views of the Matterhorn.

By ski bus, electro-taxi or on foot, the slopes are only five to 15 minutes away.

After an action-packed day in the snow, the open fire at The Omnia´s lobby invites guests to relax and delve into the numerous art books of the hotel´s library with a mulled wine.

www.designhotels.com/omnia

The Cambrian, Adelboden, Switzerland

Nestled deep in a valley in the Swiss alpine village of Adelboden, The Cambrian looks out onto one of the world’s most spectacular landscapes.

Combining smooth, modern design with an innovative use of natural, local materials, The Cambrian’s interior effortlessly reflects its natural setting.

The central lobby’s stone fireplace, the indoor pool and waterfall, the outdoor thermal pool that actually seems as though it is flowing right into the mountains and the Finnish Sauna with Bisazza mosaics, all maximize relaxation.

However, the highlight of Adelboden are the extraordinary sports like freeride tours and lessons, fullmoon snowshoe hikes and sledding by day or night. To finish off the night, an igloo is the setting for a romantic dinner, followed by an après ski drink as DJs perform live at the hotel. www.designhotels.com/the_cambrian

Gourmets from all over the world rejoice! Restaurant Colette at the new Design Hotels™ member Hotel Sezz Saint-Tropez (www.designhotels.com/hotel_sezz_st_tropez ) is open. Colette is headed by chef Pierre Gagnaire whose eponymous restaurant Pierre Gagnaire in Paris was awarded three Michelin stars.

Gagnaire, who trained under the renowned French chef Paul Bocuse, started his career in St. Etienne, France at the family restaurant Le Clos Fleuri.

After establishing several successful restaurants all over the world, he returns to his French origins and is on his way to even more stars with the opening of Colette at the Hotel Sezz Saint-Tropez.

THE RESTAURANT

The restaurant’s name Colette is inspired by French writer Sidonie Gabrielle Colette, who was one of the most important novelists of the 20th century.

In 1925, she settled in Saint-Tropez and bought a house on Canebier Bay close to the hotel.

At Colette, Pierre Gagnaire combines the savoir-vivre of French cuisine with the best and freshest ingredients from the region.

He focuses on Mediterranean cuisine with products sourced from local suppliers.

The menu is quite diverse and includes extraordinary entrées such as lobster fricassee with basil, tomato puree and fresh gherkins and heart of beef tenderloin with red onion petals and an infusion of parsley fried mushrooms. During the day the dining experience is casual and relaxed, while dinner at Colette is a glamorous affair.

In keeping with the sophisticated air of the French Riviera, Hotel Sezz Saint-Tropez has partnered with the champagne brand Dom Pérignon to create a stylish champagne bar next to the restaurant. It’s the perfect spot for an apéritif or one of the signature champagne cocktails such as Geisha Tears and Velvet Lips.

THE HOTEL

Hotel Sezz Saint-Tropez is located on the French Riviera a few minutes outside Saint-Tropez. Owner Shahé Kalaidjian, designer Christophe Pillet, architect Jean-Jacques Ory and landscape designer Christophe Ponceau have created a contemporary version of a Provencal village with a collection of single-storey buildings and a central pool at its hub. The 37 rooms, suites and villas are grouped around the main pool and come with a private garden and outdoor shower.

Hotel Ritz Madrid will mark its Centenary as Madrid’s most iconic hotel, providing guests with a luxurious and elegant base from which to explore Spain’s vibrant capital city for ten decades. Madrileños love to celebrate and the Ritz Madrid is no exception, with a year-long schedule of events and parties planned.

As part of the Centenary offering, Hotel Ritz Madrid (www.ritzmadrid.com) has created a special accommodation package offering guests a rate of 100 Euros for the first night of their stay, when booking a minimum three night stay.

The package is subject to availability, includes a daily buffet breakfast and will be available from October 1 2010 until September 2011 (excluding December 28 – January 1). Rates for a classic room are priced from 535 Euros per room, per night.

Over the past 100 years, Hotel Ritz Madrid has been at the forefront of innovation in fine dining.

To pay homage to his predecessors, executive chef Jorge Gonzales, will re-create a selection of dishes from the Goya Restaurant that reflect the evolution of cooking styles throughout the century. Iconic dishes, such as the Beef Tenderloin Centre Périgueux that was served for New Year’s Dinner on 1936, will take guests on a gastronomical journey from 1910 to the present day.

To kick off a year-long calendar of celebratory events, Hotel Ritz Madrid hosted celebrated Spanish songstress, Olga Maria Ramos, for several performances.

Also scheduled for 2010 is a special Christmas gift for Madrid residents over the age of 100 years, who will be invited to the Hotel Ritz for an afternoon tea party, featuring a specially created birthday cake.

Celebrations will continue well into 2011, with the hotel hosting a 1920′s themed flapper carnival party in February and also sponsoring the Madrid Masters Golf Championship in May 2011.

Originally the brainchild of King Alfonso XIII, who noticed a distinct lack of luxury accommodation in Madrid at the time of his wedding, the Hotel Ritz Madrid was created to satisfy the tastes of the most distinguished and discerning travellers and was designed and built under the personal supervision of legendary hotelier, Cesar Ritz.

The inauguration gala of 1902 was a grand occasion attended by the Spanish royal family including King Alfonso XIII, Queen Ena, the royal mother and Prime Minister Canalejas.

The hotel is one of the original grand luxury hotels of Europe and an architectural treasure, exemplary of the Belle Époque era. It continues to play host to kings, prime ministers, aristocrats, movie stars, authors and painters, such as Nelson Mandela,

The Duke and Duchess of Windsor, Yasser Arafat, Jennifer Lopez, Princess Diana and Prince Charles, Salvador Dali, George Clooney, Richard Gere, Tom Ford, and Penelope Cruz.

All 167 rooms have marble bathrooms, handmade carpets, embroidered linen sheets and stunning views of the Prado National Museum or gardens.

Details of packages on offer at Hotel Ritz Madrid are at www.ritzmadrid.com

Further information on Orient-Express is at www.orient-express.com

Concorde Hotels & Resorts has launched a new Corporate Social Responsibility program which signifies the group’s decision to globally commit and lead a flagship, cross-entity project that unites all of the 27 four- and five-star hotels around the world.

The program is centered around three key pillars, including environmental commitment, which starts with the development of carbon footprints of the hotels, in turn allowing the group to reduce energy consumption, fight pollution, better sort its waste, develop an offering of in-season products on the menus of its restaurants, as well as obtain Green Globe accreditation for all of its hotels.

This commitment spans hotel kitchens, concierge desks, business offices, bathroom amenities, food and beverage, and staff training.

Also, Concorde Hotels & Resorts is committed to an approach favoring access to employment for all, particularly in accommodating senior employees or employees with disabilities.

For example, in 2010, nearly 15 new employees with disabilities have benefited from this policy, joining the 34 other such employees already present within the company.

Concorde Hotels & Resorts also emphasizes skill development as a major component of its Human Resources policy. The group’s employees have training opportunities throughout their career with Concorde.

This training is then recorded in a Training Passport that will help them throughout their career. The internal training center, Contact, offers various tools, including nearly 150 online training modules.

Concorde Hotels & Resorts has partnered with a non-governmental charitable organization, Care France, an international association with dedicated social missions in 23 countries around the world.

In particular, the group has committed to supporting the projects of Care Franceand climate change for the planet’s southern populations.

These actions will result in prevention (construction of shelter), training (sustainable farming), repair and reconstruction, as well as emergency interventions.

Concorde guests and employees are encouraged to give back through charity events, fundraising efforts, airline miles’ conversions and “solidarity packages” in which financial contributions will be made to Care Francefor each stay purchased.

This societal initiative also extends to meeting groups at Concorde hotels who will now be given a chance to participate in local community outreach activities in place of traditional incentive activities.

In order to further affirm its commitment, Concorde Hotels & Resorts will obtain Green Globe accreditation for all its hotels with nearly 240 labeling criteria detailing environmental, social and cultural efforts and initiatives.

In April 2010, Hotel ConcordeBerlinwas the group’s first property accredited by Green Globe with an 86 percent success score — a first step towards the inclusion of other hotels including Hotel Martinez in Cannesand Concorde Opera Paris.

In addition to this distinction, the group has signed the Diversity Charter as well as the United Nations Global Compact, two initiatives that further the company’s dedication to its CSR programs.

For more information, call 800-888-4747 or visit www.concorde-hotels.com.

A&O Hotels & Hostels will open a second hotel and hostel in Cologne, Germany, on Jan. 1.

The A&O Cologne Cathedral will be located in Komoedienstrasse next to the city’s central station.

The former Hotel Good Sleep will provide guests with 31 rooms and about 100 beds. A&O Hotels & Hostels was founded in 2000 and currently operates 15 locations in Berlin, Dresden, Düsseldorf, Hamburg, Cologne, Leipzig, Munich, Prague and Vienna.

Two more hotels and hostels will open up in Dortmund and Nuremberg in 2011.

In 2009, the company registered a total of 1.3 million accommodations.

Roughly 4,200 school groups make use of the group’s hostels annually for their class trips.

For more information, call 800-888-0200 or visit

www.aohostels.com