Grand Hotels: Hotel Ritz - Paris

The mere mention of the name Ritz is synonymous with opulent luxury combined with excellent service and the Paris establishment of this legendary hotel is no exception. César Ritz founded his luxury hotel in 1898 and it quickly established a reputation that remains to this day; Proust was inspired by it, Coco Chanel lived here and in the century since it’s been operating it’s attracted celebrities, politicians, business magnates and royalty from all corners of the globe. All the luxurious rooms and suites here are individually furnished and combine the modern conveniences you’d expect of a 21st Century hotel with a splash of thoroughly French style.

For those wishing to indulge in that little bit of extra luxury should book into one of the hotel’s Prestige Suites; the suites available embody the timeless chic of the Ritz (18th Century wood panelling, priceless antiques, period furniture) but also feature elements reminiscent of one of the eleven famous persons after which these rooms are inspired by, whether it be Ernest Hemingway, Elton John, Chopin or the Duke and Duchess of Windsor. The elegant L’Espadon restaurant is Michelin starred and is a splendid location to enjoy a tasty breakfast, a business lunch or a romantic dinner. In addition to the varying delights on the menu you can choose from over 1000 different wines from the Ritz’s cellar. If it’s authentic French joie de vivre you’re after on your vacation then the Ritz is nearly impossible to surpass.

The 10 Best Island Vacations

Some of the most beautiful and unique vacation destinations around the world are islands. While everyone has their favorites, for those looking for an excellent island vacation, the following information can provide a starting point. Hopefully, you will find a destination that fits both your budget and your idea of a good time.

The Cayman Islands For the person interested in scuba diving, the Cayman Islands are a wonderful choice. There are shipwrecks, corals and reefs to keep the diver entranced while underwater. The water is comfortably warm, and the visibility can often reach 100 feet or more.

If diving is not your choice of activities, try out one of the many restaurants in the area. The Cayman Islands are unique in that they offer not only traditional island food, but a variety of top quality international food as well.

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First-class Burgundy, luxury hotels on land and on water

Burgundy boasts an increasing number of luxury hotels. Top quality hotels in Burgundy, festivals, events, wine tastings, fine food, exhibitions and relaxing vacation time – the attractions of Burgundy are many. The region has a unique appeal for those wishing to slow down and enjoy real holidays in a tranquil corner of France. A deep historical heritage allied with its strongly rural culture, scenic country and culinary tradition sets Burgundy apart.

Which luxury hotel in Burgundy to choose?

Burgundy offers quality accommodation of all classification and types. From country hotels full of charm to holiday rentals and bed and breakfast houses hidden away in the vines, there is no shortage of choice. But one of the major advantages of Burgundy as a destination is the range of top-quality hostelries, luxury hotels and inns close to the principal towns and tucked away along the wine routes.

Perhaps the most comfortable way to explore the region, Burgundy’s hotel barges offer a unique perspective from which to view the bucolic meadows and vineyards. Available as full charters for groups or on a bed and breakfast basis, barge hotels in Burgundy offer a flexible and profoundly relaxing vacation opportunity. Your skipper will tailor the route and the cuisine, a major aspect of any barge trip in Burgundy, to suit you. View featured barge accommodation in Burgundy.

Historical icons transformed into luxury hotels

A wide variety of historical residences in Burgundy have been converted from châteaux, manor houses, abbeys, mills, hill forts – into luxury hotels of unmatched opulence and distinctive character. A stay in these 4 and 5 star hotels brings visitors back in time, entering within walls imbibed history evokes another era, the elegance of another age.

The monks have long gone at the Cistercian Abbaye de la Bussière, but this luxurious country house hotel retains a sense of spiritual tranquillity.

Each room reflects the history of these remarkable edifices dating back to the Middle Ages or Renaissance era. Furniture is of different styles, from Louis XIII through to Art Nouveau, antiques are often mixed with contemporary art. The grounds and formal garden of many luxury chateaux in Burgundy offer guest splendid views from their hotel room windows.

Country tranquility or the comfort of a hotel in the heart of town

The Wine Routes of the the Burgundy countryside are lined with luxury hotels. Chablis, Côte de Nuits, Beaune, Aloxe-Corton, Fixin, Meursault, Gevrey-Chambertin, Puligny-Montrachet, Volnay, Vougeot, Vosne-Romanée… names which conjure images of memorable places and unforgettable moments, to discover during a visit to Burgundy. Many will arrange day trips for their guests, visits to grand cru wine cellars and introductions to the most interesting châteaux estates.

Véronique Perrin of the Hôtel Villa Louise provides tours and tastings of her wines in the family cellars in Aloxe-Corton.

But the charm of the region and its unique historical heritage lies not only in the wine villages and their exclusive chateaux hotels. Burgundy is also its towns, its religious centres - Cluny, Cîteaux, Vézelay, La Charité-sur-Loire – medieval towns imbued with spiritual and historical importance far beyond the frontiers of Burgundy. Visit Dijon, Beaune, the flamboyant capital of Burgundy wine, the river banks of Auxerre, the china potteries of Nevers or Mâcon with its soft southern air and so many other small towns in Burgundy with luxury hotels.

The most expensive hotels in the world ( Hugh Hefner Sky Villa, Palms Casino Resort, Las Vegas: $40,000 a night (£19,842) )

Hugh Hefner Sky Villa, Palms Casino Resort, Las Vegas: $40,000 a night (£19,842)
Located on the 34th floor in the Fantasy tower, the Hugh Hefner Sky Villa has everything you need for entertaining guests: Playboy artwork selected by Hugh himself, an outdoor cantilevered Jacuzzi — with Playboy bunny head logo — living room, media room and dining room and bar, and an eight foot round, rotating bed.