Name: Terry Youens
Bio: Ten years in the retail travel industry in central London ignited a passion for travel that has remained with me for almost 45 years. The following 30 years were spent with one of America's oldest and respected travel companies involved in the development and operation of inclusive luxury coach tours throughout Europe, extending to Japan and the Far East, East and South Africa. Seeking exciting new travel experiences coupled with a carefully understated sophistication of mood, service and comfort all in perfect harmony with their delightful setting thereby enhancing the travel experience for the travel connoisseur. During my time in the travel industry, the landscape of the leisure industry has changed beyond recognition. Once a distant dream, travelling to exotic destinations has become a reality for the masses. The new millennium has seen the development of boutique hotels, the transformation and preservation of historic buildings of architectural splendour; banks, insurance companies, post offices and even prisons into dynamic, vibrant, sophisticated and elegant hotels leading me to believe that the next 45 years promises to be as exciting as the previous. Luxury Holidays Direct shares this passion, this proud tradition of innovative travel experiences. It is with this in mind that I hope that the travel articles will inspire you to visit some of the exotic destinations available in the Luxury Holidays Direct portfolio. Luxury Holidays Direct has created a portfolio of excellence for discerning travellers who demand holidays that embody the ultimate in travel style, luxury and refinement, the crème de la crème selection of ideas that we believe deliver an exceptional formula for that truly special faraway holiday.
Posts by Terry Youens:
THE SETAI, SOUTH BEACH – ESCAPE TO THE WARMTH OF MIAMI
October 13th, 2011A member of The Leading Hotels of the World, The Setai introduces a refreshing balance between the sizzling South Beach scene and a serene tropical hideaway. Asian traditions of simplicity and elegance combine with the Art Deco history of South Beach to create an intimate, private world esteemed by discerning travellers worldwide. A melding of inspiration and setting, The Setai embraces guests in its serenity while connecting them with what has always been the area’s greatest attractions: the beach, the sun and the nightlife. With three pools, a recording studio created by Kravitz Design Inc., an award-winning restaurant, and dedicated concierge team, The Setai leaves no request unfulfilled.
The Setai
You are invited to escape to the warmth of Miami where sizzling events ring in the season, beginning with Fall Fashion Week 2011 (October 19th to 22nd) – a colourful array of designers showcasing their collections to style influencers from around the globe. Alternatively, celebrate the classic American holiday of Thanksgiving (Thursday, November 24th) at The Setai and experience a blend of American tradition with Asian inspiration.
Sample the new Fall dinner menu. Executive Chef David Werly artfully blends traditional cooking styles of the Far East with classical Western dishes to present an inspired menu that remains authentic in nature. At its centrepiece is an open theatre kitchen where a well orchestrated team of chefs evoke the diversity of the cuisine, while creating an atmosphere that is both exotic and inviting. The warm, hospitable staff remain poised to guide patrons on a harmonious culinary journey through The Wok, The Steam, The Tandoor, The Curries, The Rotisserie & Grill, alongside an award-winning wine list featuring hand selected wines from around the globe. From ingredients to décor, each detail is carefully considered to create a memorable experience that is designed to be shared.
The Grill
Finally, enjoy a Sunday Jazz Brunch with live entertainment. Chefs from Thailand, China, Malaysia, India, Indonesia and Singapore prepare authentic flavours of Asia. In addition to American and European breakfast classics, other favourites include a raw bar, oysters, crab and shrimp, rotisserie roasted beef and honey roast ham, gourmet brick oven pizzas and flat breads.
Experience the serenity, energy and elegant atmosphere of The Setai this Fall with Luxury Holidays Direct and make this holiday a truly memorable one!
SHUTTERS ON THE BEACH, SANTA MONICA – CALIFORNIA DREAMING!
October 12th, 2011Rise to surf and sunshine; this iconic Los Angeles luxury hotel is just grains of sand away from the water. Imagine vacations, meetings, social events, business or just a weekend away with first-class accommodation and SoCal ease. You’ll never need to ask – taste the best, relax among friends and retreat in casual comfort.
Shutters on the Beach - Evening Exterior View
Shutters on the Beach is a luxury hotel in Santa Monica where you can look out of your window and see there’s really nothing else to do today. A glass of wine, fresh oysters perhaps, a massage, maybe a nap. It’s called relief. Even if you have to go to work, come back quickly. Shutters is here for you. Getting a second home wasn’t so hard after all!
It’s the high style, low key feeling that gives a Shutters room its warmth and ease. John Robshaw comforters dress the bed; a Tibetan rug sits atop the hardwood floor. The bookcase is stocked with a library and keepsakes; the entertainment centre contains a flat-screen television and iPod docking station; suites are equipped with iPads. The marble bathroom features its own TV, houses a whirlpool tub, complimentary candle, and fully loaded ‘Bath and Beach Chest’. You’ll have to visit Shutters to see what’s inside.
Shutters on the Beach - Deluxe Ocean View
Savour dishes for every appetite – no matter your craving. Enjoy elegant food, beachfront casual, or sip and get social in The Living Room.
One Pico Restaurant is more than an address, it’s your greatest expectations met with an exceptional meal. As far as Santa Monica restaurants go, this is refined cuisine with a relaxed feel for a family brunch, ladies lunch, or romantic dinner for two. Coast Beach Café & Bar is a beachfront Santa Monica restaurant, a place to enjoy the view while kicking back and shaking off the sand. Whether you want a quick bite or an afternoon of wine tasting, Coast is where you want to be – even after you leave!
Surrounded by notable art and warm furnishings, The Living Room redefines the lobby lounge. This bar/lounge is the ideal spot for morning coffee or afternoon tea with fabulous views of the Pacific Ocean.
Shutters on the Beach - One Pico Restaurant
Why not celebrate an endless summer at the beach and book a Partial Ocean View room at the special Endless Summer rate? Watch the waves roll in as the people stroll by at Coast Beach Café & Bar, and enjoy a flight of 3 Bastianich wines. Go home with a gourmet cookbook by best-selling author and restaurateur, Lidia Bastianich.
Welcome to your new favourite hotel. Shutters makes you feel at home, at ease – relaxed. With a warm welcome, beach chic style and an ocean view, it is a home you never want to leave!
INTER-CONTINENTAL BOSTON – ON THE WATERFRONT!
July 14th, 2011Located on Boston’s historic Waterfront, the InterContinental Boston symbolises a new luxury hotel era in America’s original city. With its elegant, reflective blue glass architecture and sleek polished granite, InterContinental Boston is the city’s most captivating 4 diamond AAA rated landmark. Boston has a glorious past and a vibrant future and InterContinental Boston delivers the finest international luxury hotel in the heart of 21st century Boston – a true American experience.
InterContinental Boston - Hotel Exterior
InterContinental Boston is steps away from exciting Boston attractions, including Faneuil Hall/Quincy Market, Boston Convention & Exhibition Centre, North End, Chinatown, Beacon Hill and a plethora of historical attractions such as the Boston Tea Party Museum and Freedom Trail.
Relax in one of 424 ultra contemporary guestrooms and elegant suites with stunning Boston Waterfront and downtown skyline views. The luxurious, next generation accommodations offer distinctive style, sophistication, innovation and convenience. Enhanced by original artwork, plush furnishings, stylish architectural touches and rich fabric, each beautiful room is graciously designed to help you rejuvenate with details that complement a demanding global lifestyle.
InterContinental Boston - Deluxe King Room
Boston’s first Provence themed brasserie, Miel ‘Brasserie Provençale’ celebrates the organic wonders and intoxicating flavours of France’s fascinating Côte d’Azur region, focusing on herbs, lavender, honey and olive oil. The French word for honey, Miel, serves Cuisine du Soleil (cuisine of the sun). Delightful organic fare flavoured with fresh Côte d’Azur ingredients – lavender, olive oil, tomatoes and honey – is served in the charming dining room or alfresco overlooking Fort Point Channel.
East meets West at InterContinental Boston’s lively, chic salsa bar featuring innovative and traditional sushi and sashimi paired with vintage tequila, margaritas, martinis and exotic cocktails. Sushi-Teq takes cultural fusion up a notch by combining a sushi bar and a tequila bar in a high-energy atmosphere. Add a shake of the rhythmic blends of Salsa and you have the sassiest cross-cultural hang-out in downtown Boston!
RumBa pays tribute to the legends and lore of the historic rum trade period in a sophisticated rum-themed cocktail bar serving an international collection of distilled rums, deliciously bold appetisers, and hip-moving mixes of Latin and Caribbean music. The private Champagne Bar, discreetly hidden behind sliding mahogany doors, serves a selection of bubbly in an atmosphere inspired by the Moulin Rouge. At RumBa anything goes!
InterContinental Boston - Outdoor Patio
At the end of another exciting day, indulge your senses with a revitalising spa experience at SPA InterContinental, an exclusive spa and wellness concept designed to be the epitome of pleasure and rejuvenation. Encompassing 6,600 total square feet, SPA InterContinental overlooks the Rose Kennedy Greenway and is located on the second level of the InterContinental Boston which is situated on the historic waterfront.
ENCORE AT THE WYNN, LAS VEGAS – INTIMATE, FUN AND FLAMBOYANT!
July 12th, 2011Like its sister (Wynn Las Vegas) next door, Encore at the Wynn obsessively fills every corner with elegant design and attentive service. Only here, everything is a little more intimate, fun and flamboyant. Among Encore’s most notable highlights: the hot nightclubs XS and Surrender; a breathtaking spa; three pools, including the Encore Beach Club (admission fee); and high-fashion boutiques like Hermes and Chanel. Encore guests share all amenities and dining of the connected Wynn Las Vegas resort.
Encore at the Wynn - Beach Club
Encore is designed to pamper you in an atmosphere both intimate and indulgent, and the Resort Suites offer style with a comfortable, residential feel. The Tower Suites offer the comfort of a residential apartment with the service you expect from a Wynn signature resort. The guests of Encore’s Tower Suites enjoy a private entrance and dedicated hotel registration lounge with direct access to Tower Suites floors.
Sinatra Restaurant’s acclaimed chef, Theo Schoenegger, creates a culinary salute to Ol’ Blue Eyes featuring modern riffs on classic Italian cooking – all served in his handsome restaurant, brimming with Sinatra charisma in the Encore Tower Suites.
Dinner is theatre at Switch Steak, where star Chef Rene Lenger’s distinctive steakhouse fare is served with a delectable twist. Switch Steak will not only satisfy your palate, but entertain it! A trailblazer who has garnered critical acclaim at such New York hotspots as Michael Jordan’s Steakhouse, Strip House and the Monkey Bar, Chef Lenger brings his inventive touch and innovative fare to the Las Vegas Strip. Dine indoors or alfresco on the spacious poolside patio.
Botero’s celebrated chef, Mark LoRusso, creates beyond-the-curve steaks, chops and modern cuisine as bold and voluptuous as the Boteros that grace this poolside space. The hip lounge scene gives way to a high-energy outdoor experience that extends deep into the night.
What’s up at Wazuzu? – Simply the delectably innovative Pan-Asian cooking of rising star Chef Jet Tila. This dramatic café showcases his deft touch with Chinese, Japanese, Indian, Singaporean and Thai cuisines.
Encore at the Wynn - XS Nightclub
The chic social scene at Wynn Las Vegas expands with the club at Encore, aptly titled ‘XS’, where too much is never enough. The poolside ambience mingles with the nightclub’s decadent vibe to create an oasis at Las Vegas’ most exclusive address. XS is the gold standard in Vegas nightlife, where no extravagance is spared.
The club design is inspired by the sexy curves of the human body. XS provides an elegant and passionate club environment that surrounds Encore’s outdoor pool and island bar, highlighted by a ten-foot rotating chandelier on the dance floor. Guests can sit at an indoor table or enjoy bottle service poolside in one of the outdoor cabanas. Unlike any other nightclub on the Strip, poolside lounge tables also allow for limited complimentary seating.
When the day fades away, Surrender Nightclub brings the night to life at Encore. The chic choice for those seeking an upscale evening soiree, this sensual 60,000 square-foot nightclub is open to the surrounding outdoor oasis. The indoor/outdoor venue flows between different experiences, the inside offering a traditional premium nightlife environment with plush VIP tables surrounded by go-go dancers and the club’s signature back bar 90-foot metallic snake. Outside, extravagant cabanas and bungalows provide guests the opportunity to party under the stars in an environment unlike any other.
Encore at the Wynn - Surrender Nightclub
SLS HOTEL AT BEVERLY HILLS – A SEDUCTIVE ENVIRONMENT OF GLAMOUR AND COMFORT!
July 11th, 2011Ideally situated at the crossroads of Beverly Hills and Los Angeles, the SLS Hotel is a landmark of sleek sophistication, just steps from The Beverly Center, the sparkling storefronts of Rodeo Drive and favourite celebrity haunts. The hotel’s personalisation is exemplified on a grand scale in two distinguished lobbies. The private guest lobby is an intimate dining and lounge space – a sanctuary reserved exclusively for guests. The other lobby, known simply as the ‘Bazaar’ is a modern-day indoor ‘piazza’ where guests and locals alike can enjoy José Andrés’ pioneering culinary creations and innovative libations. The exciting ‘liquid retail’ concept has been created by custom retailer vanguard Murray Moss.
SLS Hotel at Beverly Hills
With unrivalled views across Beverly Hills, the exclusive Altitude pool deck sits handsomely on the sixth floor, offering a seductive environment of glamour and comfort where seven private cabanas flank an elegant reflection pool and revitalising plunge pool. The ground-breaking Ciel Spa at SLS is an unmatched journey to complete bliss, where a menu of revolutionary services proves undeniably tempting. A state-of-the-art fitness centre is open day and night to provide total convenience.
A tempting menu of room options creates a customised experience in each of the 297 guestrooms and suites designed by Philippe Starck for Cassina, including seven lifestyle suites with personal gym equipment and thirty-two hypoallergenic Pure Rooms. Muted earth tones delicately mingle with Philippe Starck’s sleek furniture in the guestrooms and suites, where pristine mirrors, rich leather and wood create a sultry vibe, seductively enveloping the plush beds with sophisticated style.
SLS Hotel at Beverly Hills - Superior Room
Peppered with cosy nooks, books and fireplaces, Tres blends the soul of home with the luxury of exceptional service. A Philippe Starck-designed lounge, the space features sleek leather loveseats, communal seating on marble counters, wireless connectivity and three private dining rooms. Chef José Andrés serves up a menu of inspired cocktails, an extraordinary European breakfast and comfort food with a twist for both lunch and dinner.
Start with Spanish cured Iberico ham and béchamel fritters, and then move on to the refreshing watermelon and feta salad. To round out the meal, indulge in the potato gnocchi or grilled salmon. Speciality drinks add a touch of sweetness to the sultry atmosphere with offerings such as Bellinis with fresh peach juice, mojitos, and margaritas. An extensive wine, beer, and mimosa list encourages guests to linger.
Everything about The Bazaar by José Andrés brings people together, from the intimate 40-seat chef’s tasting room, Saam, to the exciting ‘liquid retail’ concept by design vanguard MOSS that weaves throughout the theatrical Philippe Starck-designed space. Find a seat near the show kitchen, and watch as the culinary team illustrates why The Bazaar was a 2009 James Beard Awards finalist for ‘Best New Restaurant’ and ‘Outstanding Restaurant Design’.
A long menu of tapas, including Kumamoto oysters with lemon and black pepper, Jamon Serrano, and chilled Gazpacho invite guests to share tempting small plates with a traditional feel. Modern tapas are also on the menu, such as soy marinated salmon roe cone, tempura avocado, caviar, and crabmeat steamed buns. Not-to-be-missed desserts include traditional flan with vanilla and oranges, hot chocolate mousse, and Clementine sorbet with roses and blueberries. Indoor and outdoor terrace dining options invite guests to luxuriate in the eternal LA sunshine while sampling menu highlights.
SLS Hotel at Beverly Hills - Swimming Pool
At Altitude, fresh Californian fare with Mediterranean influences and inventive cocktails by José Andrés are paired with unrivalled views across Beverly Hills, offering a seductive environment of glamour and comfort. The SLS Hotel at Beverly Hills‘ expansive pool deck, Altitude, sits handsomely on the sixth floor. The glamorous 11,500-square-foot space, designed as an outdoor living room, features seven private cabanas with an array of amenities, including audio systems with MP3 docks, video-on-demand, a DVD-player, and mini-bar. The private cabanas flank an elegant reflection pool and revitalising plunge pool, while a dedicated pool concierge and team of valets cater to guests’ every need.
THE TIDES SOUTH BEACH – AN ICONIC ART DECO LANDMARK ON MIAMI’S POPULAR OCEAN DRIVE!
July 8th, 2011A classic example of the Art Deco design movement of the 1930s, The Tides South Beach is an elegant hotel tastefully updated with 21st century amenities. Located just steps from the beach at 1220 Ocean Drive, the hotel resides in the heart of South Beach’s most famous street for fashion, entertainment and people-watching. Popular boutiques, nightclubs and restaurants lie within easy walking distance, as do the Miami Beach Convention Center, museums and theatres.
The Tides South Beach - Poolside Cabana
This South Beach boutique hotel features forty-five stylish luxury suites all offering expansive ocean views. Spacious hotel accommodations range from Oceanfront Studio Suites of 50 square metres to the 240-square metre Tides Suite. Restaurants and bars have earned the epithet of South Beach’s living room – experiences that are distinct in character. You’ll find dramatic ocean views at La Marea Terrace, intimate settings at Coral Bar and sophisticated dining. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are served seven days a week at La Marea. Hotel guests can also enjoy lunch, snacks and cocktails poolside and twenty-four hour room service.
The Tides South Beach - Guestroom
La Marea at The Tides is a refreshing addition to the South Beach dining scene. Meaning ebb and flow of the tides in Italian and Spanish, La Marea features American-style fare created with seasonal ingredients accented with a Latin flair. The diverse menu is ingredient focused, with particular attention given to local produce and seafood. The culinary team seeks out the best and freshest products and most innovative techniques to achieve a balance of flavours, textures, and aromas. An intimate space focused entirely on exceptional service, design, food and libations, La Marea at The Tides is poised to become one of South Beach’s premier dining destinations.
The new, lushly landscaped entry terrace with intimate alfresco lounging and dining is Ocean Drive’s premier spot to enjoy breakfast, lunch and dinner selections from La Marea Restaurant in South Beach Miami. The Terrace features dense hedges and plush seating offer privacy and comfort, while intuitive service provides a relaxed dining experience.
The Tides South Beach - La Marea Restaurant
Coral Bar in South Beach at The Tides provides a distinctive, intimate setting in which to enjoy rum infused cocktails and fresh, seasonal culinary appetisers. With brass barstools made of faux hide seats and a reverse-glass mural of sea creatures, the bar’s inviting milieu tempts guests to linger and mingle within the lobby’s grand space.
MANDARIN ORIENTAL LAS VEGAS – DISCREET LUXURY AND ORIENTAL HARMONY!
July 7th, 2011From glittering casinos to natural wonders, Las Vegas has everything a visitor could hope for – and quite a bit more. The Strip, storied in song, film, books and television, is the unmistakable heart of the city – the glitziest stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard and home to Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas. Apart from the casinos, conventions and concerts, The Strip also serves as the perfect starting-off point for any Vegas adventure, whether it’s a visit to the closest baccarat tables or an excursion to the desert. As any visitor soon discovers, there are so many things to see and do here, it’s a good thing Las Vegas is open 24 hours a day. Best of all, when you’re ready to call it a day (or night), Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas provides the perfect retreat, where you can recharge in sophisticated luxury before heading out for more Vegas-style fun.
Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas - View at Dusk
The 392 guestrooms and suites offer a highly exclusive experience in Las Vegas. Interiors are by renowned designer Adam D.Tihany, and each is a model of sleek, contemporary design with subtle Oriental touches. Located within CityCenter, a showcase of sustainable design, you’ll find conservation and 21st century luxuries coexist comfortably at Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas. In addition, it’s the intangible pleasures that will delight, such as the gracious and sincere service that all guests have at their fingertips.
Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas - Executive Room
Located on the 8th floor, the Pool Café offers a selection of fresh cuisine, light fare, delectable desserts and speciality cocktails and wines. Open for breakfast and lunch, the Café boasts stunning views of the gleaming heights of CityCenter where guests may dine poolside or in the comfort of a private cabana while enjoying a stylish and tranquil atmosphere.
A tantalising culinary experience coupled with a contemporary feel and a welcoming atmosphere. Entice your senses with an artistic culinary experience at MOzen Bistro, where chefs have created a tour through Asia with a wide-variety of delicious cuisines and a selection of American favourites. Located on the 3rd floor and open for breakfast, lunch and dinner, MOzen has a refreshing light ambience, complemented by impeccable service. The menu showcases an exquisite sushi bar, zesty Indian delicacies and savoury Thai dishes that are sure to delight.
One of the most artistic and celebrated chefs in the world today, Twist by Pierre Gagnaire is the only US restaurant by world-renowned three Michelin star chef Pierre Gagnaire. Introducing an entirely new dining concept, Twist by Pierre Gagnaire matches flavours and textures in the most unexpected ways. Each dish delights the senses with the familiarity of classic French cuisine with a modern twist, resulting in combinations that are exuberant.
Prominently located on the 23rd floor, Twist features spectacular views of the glittering Las Vegas skyline through floor-to-ceiling windows. The dinner-only restaurant boasts imaginative menus including a delightful pre-theatre menu, seasonal à la carte offerings, and a lavish six-course tasting experience. Additionally, Twist showcases the finest cuts of meat such as the Australian Wagyu Beef Filet, Nebraska Prime Rib Eye and Pennsylvania Veal Chop. Twist by Pierre Gagnaire is a spectacular setting for the highest level of dining in Las Vegas – and beyond.
Stunning panoramic views, cool cocktails and a lively atmosphere, Mandarin Bar is an ultra chic scene to mix and mingle above it all. Exclusively located on the 23rd floor of the hotel, Mandarin Bar boasts the best views of the city in an ultra chic scene. Surrounded by the radiant lights of the Las Vegas skyline, visitors can enjoy signature cocktails in the heart of The Strip. The venue provides a stylish atmosphere where guests can catch up with old friends or make new acquaintances, while enjoying a variety of live jazz every Wednesday through Saturday. With a creative drink menu, live jazz and stunning panoramic views, Mandarin Bar is the place to mix and mingle above it all.
Mandarin Oriental Las Vegas - Twist by Pierre Gagnaire
Take a moment to relax with friends while enjoying beautiful city views at Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas’ Tea Lounge. Mandarin Oriental has selected the finest leaves and infusions from around the world to create the perfect Tea Lounge overlooking Las Vegas Boulevard. The Tea Lounge provides a tranquil tea service daily as well as classic English Afternoon Tea from 2:30 pm – 5:00 pm., where you can choose from a selection of freshly brewed loose leaf teas and divine pastry delights. The surroundings are Zen and comfortable, and the service is sincere, creating a moment of calm to enjoy the delicate refreshments amongst the dazzling lights of Las Vegas.
The Spa at Mandarin Oriental is a seductive retreat for your body and soul, high above the Las Vegas Strip. One of only 20 spas in the world to receive the esteemed Forbes Five-Star Award, The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas, offers a deeply therapeutic experience, in surroundings that reflect the exotic luxury of 1930s Shanghai. Its philosophy is to deliver all aspects of wellness, physical and emotional, and provide inspiration for lifestyle change. Welcome to the Mandarin Oriental, Las Vegas!
MANDARIN ORIENTAL BOSTON – ORIENTAL BEAUTY AND BOSTONIAN ELEGANCE!
July 6th, 2011A new luxury hotel, Mandarin Oriental, Boston adds another fine façade to undoubtedly one of the most desirable addresses, on Boylston Street. Connected directly to the Prudential Center, home to the city’s premier businesses and boutiques, the Mandarin Oriental, Boston redefines luxury, blending the simple beauties of Oriental style with Bostonian elegance.
Mandarin Oriental Boston
With a Back Bay address that cannot be matched, there are plenty of ways to make yourself at home in the luxurious 136 guestrooms and 12 suites. Each has been designed with remarkable attention to detail and feature soaking tubs, designer linens, and state-of-the-art technology. Enjoy inspired dining in the heart of Boston’s most desirable neighbourhood. The signature restaurant, Asana, serves authentic and pure New England dishes in a dramatic atmosphere right in the heart of Back Bay. With floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Boylston Street, M Bar & Lounge is at the centre of the lounge scene. This stylish bar offers creative cuisine, vibrant settings and marvellous views of historic Boylston Street. Boston’s only five-star Spa offers blissful relaxation including signature treatments created exclusively for The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Boston.
Mandarin Oriental Boston - Executive Suite
Asana is the perfect place for a power breakfast, business lunch, or sophisticated dinner. The stylish and world-class fare at this Forbes Four-Star rated Asana Restaurant is served in an elegant and exotic ambience.
With a fresh approach, Asana welcomes diners with authentic and pure New England cuisine. Inspired by local and seasonal ingredients applying modern twists, the culinary team offers a menu enriched by taste and tradition. The dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows give the space a modern flair that is as vibrant as its Back Bay surroundings while the hand-carved limestone block walls, rich exotic wood floors, and stylish banquette seating create an organic background for the inspired dishes to truly delight.
Mandarin Oriental Boston - Asana Restaurant
Nourish your mind, body and soul at The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Boston. Enjoy something delicious in the intimate Spa Café. Created by the culinary team, this healthy menu consists of items that are seasonal to New England and locally produced. Choose from a selection of comforting teas, fresh juices, smoothies or a light meal during your visit.
Make yourself comfortable in the stylish M Bar & Lounge, where an extensive wine list, crafted cocktails and a mouth-watering bar menu is just part of the attraction. Fitting perfectly into the Back Bay neighbourhood, M Bar & Lounge provides the ideal setting for catching up with old friends, making new acquaintances, or relaxing after a day of shopping or sightseeing. The interior features an innovative mix of Hassan green and grey stone and an illuminated glass bar top, intimate banquettes, and dramatic floor-to-ceiling windows. Hand-carved tamarind wood blocks adorn the back bar wall, adding a subtle artistic touch. M Bar & Lounge features a custom-designed wine wall, with some superior wine vintages, and offers an extensive menu of classic and exotic cocktails. Guests can select from the bar menu, ranging from American favourites to the Bento box varieties.
When you cross the dramatic green stone threshold to The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, Boston you leave the bustle of the city behind and enter an oasis of complete calm. Highly trained therapists take a holistic approach, paying close attention to the needs of your body, mind and spirit. Every spa treatment begins with blissful relaxation in a heat and water experience, soothing muscles and preparing you for your spa journey ahead. The Mandarin Suite offers simply the most exclusive spa experience for two. Facilities also include a high-tech fitness centre and the Spa Café, which serves delicious healthy fare in a relaxed bistro setting.
MANDARIN ORIENTAL NEW YORK – A BYWORD FOR NEW YORK STYLE!
June 21st, 2011Visitors come to New York for fabulous shopping, food and culture and to see the many sites that have a strange sense of the familiar it being the set of a thousand films, from the Empire State Building to Grand Central Station. It is invariably impossible to tick off every destination on your personal list but the stunning panoramic views of Manhattan from your room in The Mandarin Oriental, New York will give you a superb perspective of the city.
Exterior View
Located at the top of the Time Warner Centre at the southwest tip of Central Park all the main attractions are within easy reach of the hotel. For outdoor pleasures the Park is across the road, with the Zoo and Wollman Memorial Rink for summer roller blading and winter ice skating. Fifth Avenue shopping is a ten minute walk. The concierge can book you into world famous music performances at Carnegie Hall, the Lincoln Centre or the Metropolitan Opera House, all on your doorstep. Both Broadway, with its 30 or more grand stages, and the blinding neon of Times Square are an easy stroll away. One of New York’s hottest restaurants is Mandarin Oriental’s Asiate but the concierge is happy to book you into the latest arrivals to this evolutionary dining scene.
Located high above Columbus Circle, the 248 luxuriously appointed guestrooms and suites reflect the Oriental heritage of Mandarin Oriental with stylish and contemporary elements of New York City. And, at every turn, there’s a breathtaking view of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline, or the scenic Hudson River over which the sun sets.
Hudson River View
As Manhattan’s favourite celebration destination, Restaurant Asiate elevates guests’ dining experiences to new heights with gracious service, inventive cuisine, an award-winning wine collection and stylish design that are only surpassed by the stunning floor-to-ceiling views of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline. Chef de Cuisine Brandon Kida artistically crafts his contemporary cuisine with international influences from his travels and his Asian-American background. The changing seasons showcased in Asiate’s Central Park views are also reflected in Chef Kida’s seasonal menu featuring dishes made with fresh, local ingredients brought together in a balance and harmony inherent in every aspect of Mandarin Oriental.
Mandarin Oriental New York - Restaurant Asiate
Located on the sky lobby on floor 35, the Lobby Lounge is the perfect place to enjoy a light fare, afternoon tea, or cocktails and late night desserts with dramatic views of Central Park and the City skyline. With walls of windows that greet guests as soon as the elevator doors open, the Lobby Lounge’s most prominent feature is its stunning panorama of Central Park and the Manhattan skyline. The décor is a modern blend of Oriental touches and Art Deco chic, with a luxuriously cosy residential feel. It’s the perfect place to unwind after a busy day in Manhattan. And the finishing touch to this dramatic setting is two immense paintings by internationally acclaimed artist Valerio Adami, inspired by his vision of New York and Broadway. It’s an experience not to be missed.
Trendy yet utterly inviting, there’s always a lively atmosphere at the chic and fashionable MObar. The focal point of this stylish cocktail venue is the island bar in polished, hammered nickel. Inspired by 1930s residential pieces, it picks up the sparkle of the evening and provides a centre point around which guests can gather to catch up with old friends or make new acquaintances. Tailored leather seating in cosy nooks, and chic high-top tables divided by hand-sculpted brownstone and a wall of velvet allow for more intimate socialising.
The Spa at Mandarin Oriental, New York is an oasis of ultimate relaxation and rejuvenation high above New York City that offers holistic renewal in a setting of complete tranquillity. Facilities including a state-of-the-art fitness centre and a 75-foot naturally lit indoor lap pool. Bamboo, stone and gold leaf set the tone for an unforgettable Manhattan spa experience that focuses on the rebalance of the individual, and leaves them with an enhanced sense of wellbeing.
Spa facilities include six multi-functional treatment rooms with private showers, Thai Yoga Suite with deep soaking tub and water features, VIP Spa Suite with fireplace and private steam & shower, separate men’s and women’s heat experiences – vitality pool, amethyst crystal steam room, separate men’s and women’s relaxation lounges, and Oriental Tea Lounge.
CLIFT SAN FRANCISCO – SURREALISTIC MAGIC & ELEGANCE IN PERFECT HARMONY!
June 14th, 2011An inspired fusion of old-world hotel elegance with distinctly contemporary energy and glamour, the newly redesigned Clift, in the heart of San Francisco’s Union Square district, takes modern luxury to another level. From the Surrealistic magic of its soaring lobby to the digital art exhibitions in its celebrated and legendary Redwood Room, the nearly century-old Clift’s daring new sense of diversity perfectly captures the city’s spirit. The accomplished collaboration of Ian Schrager and celebrated designer Philippe Starck, Clift is one of San Francisco’s most chic social venues – an inspired fusion of Italian Renaissance style and minimalist design.
The Clift San Francisco - Entrance
Clift’s 363 guestrooms and suites are generously proportioned and elegantly decorated with luxurious fabrics – silks, leathers and velvets, all in tranquil shades – ivories, greys and lavenders, which combine to create an effect that is richly layered and sophisticated. Floor-to-ceiling mirrors on opposite walls create a soothing ‘infinity effect’ and reflect the rosy Bay Area light.
The Clift San Francisco - Loft
Clift’s famous and historic Redwood Room has been restored and reinvented as an exceptionally elegant and modern space. Suffused with all-out glamour, the interior features the original redwood panelling and enormous bar, which, legend has, was carved from a single redwood tree, as well as Starck-designed lounge furniture and an ever-changing array of digital artwork displayed on plasma television screens hung throughout the room. A cherished San Francisco landmark, the Redwood Room is back and better than ever.
Clift introduces Velvet Room, a multi-purpose venue for eating, drinking and entertaining. Designed to complement the legendary Redwood Room, Velvet Room is a unique venue for corporate meetings and select nightlife events, while offering breakfast and dinner daily. The elegant and dramatic room, complemented by lush velvet curtains, mahogany and leather banquettes, hand blown Murano glass lamps, and a spectacular cross-shaped illuminated communal dining table entirely of hand-etched Venetian mirror will be a host to an eclectic roster of events and social gatherings.
The Clift San Francisco - Redwood Bar
Located just off the main lobby, and evoking the spirit of an old English club or drawing room, the Living Room is furnished with large comfortable velvet sofas, leather wing chairs, and classic library lamps. Adding a modern twist and bit of humour are the gallery of formal black and white photographic ‘portraits’ of plastic toy animals by renowned French artist Jean-Baptiste Mondino. Quiet and cosy, the Living Room is the perfect perch from which to read, relax or people-watch in the lobby beyond.