The best lofts of paris!

1. The Loft I Fratelli

60 Avenue Pierre Mendès-France, 75013 Paris

A luxurious loft with a permanent party atmosphere, the I Fratelli provides a large terrace as well as an open space indoors for a maximum capacity of 350 guests. The place also has a kitchen and is equipped so that you can offer your guests a crazy atmosphere, on a birthday for example!

Booking and Info: Book the Loft I Fratelli

2. The Loft Montaigne

8 rue Marbeuf, 75008 Paris

The Loft Montaigne, a stone's throw from avenue George V, is a beautiful Parisian apartment of 220m² with sober and modern decoration. Perfect for corporate events, the Loft Montaigne is perfect for a relaxed environment with colleagues or simply for a cocktail with friends, French charm in addition!

Booking and Info: Book the Montaigne Loft

3. The Bastille Loft

48 Rue Godefroy Cavaignac, 75011 Paris

From the indoor pool to the cozy terrace, you will inevitably find what you are looking for in one of the spaces at Loft Bastille. Everything is there: a quality sound system in all the loft, modern furniture that adapts to your project, a maximum capacity of 240 people ... In short, an opportunity of choice for you to make the evenin of the year !

4. The Marais Loft

Rue Chapon in Paris, 75003 Paris

Typical 4 bedroom Parisian loft at the heart of Le Marais; can host up to 10 guests comfortably (3 doubles, 4 singles). Walking Distance to Beaubourg, Le Louvre, Musee Picasso, Notre Dame and many other Paris monuments. Renovated in October 2017

Booking and Info: Book the Marais Loft

When you travel to Paris, beware of hidden costs when renting a place...

Well-being and relaxation time in Bangkok

Bangkok, the capital of Thailand, is an important city of the country, but also one of the most polluted city of Thailand, that's why places to relax after a day of shopping or sightseeing are very important.

Bangkok is the birthplace of the famous 'Thai Massage', it was created in one of the oldest temple of Bangkok, called Wat Pho. The temple hosts also a massage school and a traditional medicine school. The Thai massage help to improve the blood circulation and relieve all the body.

Spas are part of the Thai culture, the country is promoting itself as the Spa capital of Asia, indeed the thai massage is famous all aroudn the world that's why it is a good way to attract tourist into the country. There are plenty of spas all around the city with almost the same offer, meaning the traditional Thai massage, Medical Spa.

Massage costs around 30USD$ for the most basic one, and almost 90USD$ for the particular one in a luxury spa.

Love From Capri

Refuge to emperors and princes, poets and eccentrics, Capri retains its amorous spookiness.

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Boats moored off the coast of Capri, Italy.

Capri, like many islands, has always colluded in its own secretiveness. The Villa Jovis of Tiberius, the most notorious pleasure palace of the Roman Empire, still stands at its eastern tip, and all over its cliffs of ilex stand the empty villas of the Belle Époque, when Capri was not only the gay capital of Europe but a sanctuary from an increasingly violent and industrialized continent. It was a place where eccentrics and wealthy fantasists could exorcize their demons. From Rilke to Norman Douglas, Axel Munthe to Henry James, Capri holds its fascinating charm and raw sexual appeal that tease the imagination like no other place has ever done.

Lovers still come, armed with all their credit cards. Yet democratic tourism has also come to avenge the snobbery of the past. The Naples hydrofoils disgorge the day trippers wearing color-coded baseball caps and, around their necks, translation devices connected to their ears. They move slowly, in tribal groups, like medieval mendicants. Strangest are the Russians, anxiously headphoned, dressed in Black Sabbath T shirts and Crimean beachwear and led through the piazzetta by guides covered with buttons. Since they evince no joy whatsoever, no one knows why they are there.

Fersen’s beautiful Villa Lysis still stands intact: its white columns encrusted with gold mosaics and its tiled opium den withstands the test of time. Ironically, Fersen also committed suicide on Capri, in 1923, by drinking champagne mixed with cocaine, and his house today is filled with photographs of his lover Nino Cesarini dressed as Pan. It was an affect, this paganism of the northern homosexual, but it had found at last a place that did not spurn it.

Clambering along wild cliffs above the sea at dusk, lost in back paths bordered with flaking villas and orange trees, eating wild leeks and drinking Greco di Tufa wine... these are only some of the things you may enjoy as you bathe in Caprinian luxury.

Greco di Tufa vineyard

Much of Capri is pedestrianized, and the alleys carry earnestly quaint signs admonishing the ambulant rich to maintain values of “pulizia e silenzio”—cleanliness and silence—which is presumably what they want anyway.

Why do places become the way they are? Capri was certainly shaped by the myth of Tiberius himself, an emperor who has always been misunderstood. His hostile biographer, Suetonius, invented the myth of an aging debauchee locked away on his favorite island and having himself serviced by girls and boys nicknamed “minnows” who would nibble between his legs as he took his daily swim. The Tiberian palace became a symbol of mad depravity, but modern scholars think it is more likely that the adopted son of Augustus lived a modest and abstemious life on Capri. No matter. We imagine the Tiberius we want to imagine, and the Tiberius of Capri is a monster created by a fusion of absolute power with inscrutable island solitude. The island seemed to have intoxicated the ruler of the known world, and the tourist hedonists of the early 20th century took up this theme deliberately.


Tiberius statue

Meanwhile, its amorous spookiness prevails. On the remote paths between Jovis and Lysis, among the irises and fernlike wild asparagus, the land breathes a sexual heat and brightness. Enormous lemons grow in the sunken gardens, the white pillar houses set among strawberry trees like the villas of Minoan Crete. At night, on the path that skirts the sea toward the Arco Naturale, a deserted Roman cave shrine on the steps that lead up to the almost aerial restaurant at Le Grotelle.

At the other end of the island, another place that keeps ahold of the past is the Caesar Augustus hotel in Anacapri. This former residence of a Russian prince, Emmanuel Bullack, sits on thousand-foot cliffs that look across to Vesuvius and Naples, just below the Villa San Michele. It’s one of those Italian cinque stelle -lusso—five-star luxe—hotels whose prime virtue is their unostentatious simplicity. From the balconies of the rooms one looks down at falcons, at the emerald shades of a sea that does not forget its centuries. In the beautiful restaurant run by Giuseppe Resta, on offer is Seppia linguine with conch and king crab and eggplant and fava and sweet mint from the hotel orto with a bottle of chilled Fiano de Avellino. The great urban restaurants don’t get near this level of soul.

Luxurious Caesar Augustus hotel.

You can complain about what Capri has become—about the endless tableware stores, the yuppie underwear outlets, and the signs for “custom-made sandals”—but the nights still smell of sea and pine. The views in some unnerving way are already well known and memorized through news publications and shiny advertisements: the steep limestone cliffs crowded with umbrella pines and wild broom - and underneath, the limitless expanse of gemstone waters. Inevitably we will agree that Capri will forever be Capri.
Adopted and Adapted from Newsweek.
For more ideas on luxury travel, visit www.travelervoice.com

Lury travel in Marais : shopping , hotels and the best restaurants

Situated on the Right Bank of the Seine, Le Marais stretches across the 3rd and 4th districts of Paris and is home to famous landmarks such as the Place des Vosges and the Picasso Museum. A hive of history and culture, it also offers a cutting-edge dining scene, with many fine dining establishments dotted around the area. Our culture lover’s guide explores ten must-try restaurants in the ever-trendy Le Marais.


Luxury stay !
 
The term boutique hotel actually makes sense at the Hôtel du Petit Moulin (1) (29 rue de Poitou; 00 33 1 42 74 10 10; https://www.booking.com/hotel/fr/du-petit-moulin.en-gb.html?aid=327561), since the reception, still with its painted ceiling, was once a baker, frequented by Victor Hugo. It’s now the frontispiece to a small hotel, brilliantly decorated by Christian Lacroix. With just 17 rooms, it is intimate, full of luscious fabrics and patterns. Double rooms from €194, not including breakfast.

We also love this beautiful Paris Loft for rent on airbnb or here at maraisloft.com

Luxury Shopping
 
 Suffering from IKEA fatigue? Don’t panic, there is furniture made outside Sweden. Spread over nearly 350 square metres, Fleux offers a plethora of decorative and colourful design pieces. Opened in 2005, Luc Moulin’s and Gaétan Aucher’s boutique focuses on two key concepts: the superfluous and the luxurious. So rather than practical flat pack, expect to find anything from ceramic owls to green deer heads and paper lanterns. But it’s not all impractical gewgaws – even if the keyword here is derision, many pieces also serve a purpose, such as bird hooks (€15.50 for two), lamps in old jars and hand-shaped bookends (€24.90).

Luxury dinner: Chez Julien


Overlooking the Seine and the Ile Saint Louis, and facing the Saint-Gervais church, Chez Julien is an idyllic place to stop and soak up the historical atmosphere of Le Marais. A former bakery, the restaurant has retained its original features including an ornate tiled ceiling and glass panels on the façade. Candles and candelabras are infinitely reflected in the huge mirrors of the ground floor. Guests can either dine al fresco with the magnificent views or in the privacy of the cosy upstairs quarters. The menu promises flavoursome food including whole lobster salad in a mango dressing or a rack of lamb accompanied by couscous with dried fruits and fresh herbs.

Chez Julien, 1 rue du Pont Louis-Philippe, Paris, France, +33 1 42 78 31 64

Luxury Hotels in Kuala Lumpur

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The breathtaking surrounds of Malaysia provide the perfect backdrop for luxurious hotels in Kuala Lumpur. Whether you’re planning a short vacation or want to escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, there is no beating these magnificent, luxurious, world class accommodation options. For some inspiration, when finding the perfect home away from home in Kuala Lumpur, you can’t go past these luxurious hotels.

Grand Millennium Kuala Lumpur

Located in the vibrant surrounds of Jalan Bukit Bintang, the Grand Millennium Kuala Lumpur is a representation of five star luxury at its finest. Within walking distance of the hotel are various world class shopping districts, including the Pavilion Kuala Lumpur and the Starhill Gallery. While the surrounding regions of the hotel offer all of the finest features of Kuala Lumpur, guests needn’t leave their rooms to experience true luxury.

The ‘Presidential Suite’ crème de le crème of hotel rooms and sets the standards for all other competitors in the industry. Guests staying in the ‘Presidential Suite’ will be left in awe by the sheer enormity of the rooms, commonly used to host private meetings of business professionals. Only the best services are provided to those staying at the hotel, with all-inclusive options of buffet breakfast, all day snacks, access to private library and theatre, along with various dining facilities available.

Intercontinental Kuala Lumpur

If you’re looking for sophistication and elegance, there is no beating the Intercontinental Kuala Lumpur. Laying eyes upon the entrance to this magnificent hotel, it is easy to see that guests will be treated to only the finer things in life. The dining facilities at the hotel are some of the best in the world, as five star chefs produce the perfect fusion of western and eastern flavours. There are more than five dining options at the Intercontinental Kuala Lumpur, including various Asian inspired restaurants and charming pubs, perfect for a relaxed afternoon.

The rooms, facilities and amenities at the hotel are truly some of the best in Kuala Lumpur, if not the world. The Intercontinental has shown that luxury and ambience can be perfectly infused with the comforts and relaxation of a home away from home.

Mandarin Oriental Kuala Lumpur

The most spectacular views of the city can be seen from the comfort of your world class suite or the surrounds of the hotels infinity swimming pool. Offering breathtaking sights of The Patronas Towers, in the heart of this vibrant city, the ‘Premium City View’ rooms at the Mandarin Oriental provide the upmost in elegance and indulgence.

The Spa and Wellness Centre on the hotel grounds provides the perfect means of relaxation for guests. Whether you fancy indulging with a luxurious massage or prefer the sound of a customised aromatherapy facial, you’ll be in for a treat with a trip to the spa.

If you’re planning your next holiday and are considering a luxurious escape to the pristine surrounds of Malaysia, book flights to Kuala Lumpur to discover true beauty today. Discover the breathtaking sights of the Patronas Towers and uncover some of the best shopping districts in the world.

Sustainable Luxury in Singapore

Singapore has recently shown a genuine interest in pushing its hotel to turn green, which on the first sight appeared difficult to combine with the luxury brands it has promoted in the past.
Here is a selection of the finest hotel you can expect to book in if you were to visit Singapore: the Naumi hotel, the Regent, The Siloso Beach Resort...
And it’s precisely aware of this vast amount of travellers passing through its territory, and of the economical and natural improvement one can expect from a ecological policy, for it encourages efficiency at every level, the Singapore Environment Council has understood the
great potential hotels could offer to influence behaviour of their customers as well as to showcase remarkable sustainable practices.
You will find here detailed the activity of the http://www.sec.org.sg/index.php Council, as well as a list of the best hotels to follow there : http://bit.ly/zKn4qq

World's Coolest Pools

If you are someone who visits the swimming pools or engage in water sports when going for a holiday, you might be interested in knowing some of the world's coolest pools. Some of these pools have a rich history as they existed since ancient times while some other pools are made possible due to technological advancements. Nonetheless, it would be a luxurious experience if you happen to swim in these pools one day.



Utah's Underground Pool

Located just below the grounds of the Homestead Resort, this pool is a 55 foot-high limestone rock dome filled with natural spring waters that are rich in minerals. It is believed to be over 10,000 years old, formed from melting snow that once came from the Wasatch Mountains, after picking up minerals along the way. The magical wonder is, the mineral water is naturally kept warm at between 90 to 96 degrees Fahrenheit.

Lighting is only required during the night as the hole on top allows natural sunlight to enter.

The Homestead Resort has also thoughtfully built a tunnel that goes through the rock wall from the ground level so that visitors can easily access the pool.

Because of the warm water, this pool has attracted numerous scuba diving enthusiasts. In fact it is the only warm water diving destination in the United States. Swimming and snorkelling is also allowed in the waters. 

(via Homesteadresort.com) 

Gellert Baths

One of the most famous Gellert Baths is housed in Hotel Gellert, in Budapest, where it is commonly believed that the mineral spring water have healing powers. Gellert Baths was built in 1918 and once damaged during the World War II. Despite a restoration in 2008, the traditional design used in the Roman times still remains.

There are a total of 13 bath units, both indoor and outdoor, which are all heated up as well. Temperature of the water ranges from 26 degree Celcius to 38 degree Celcius.

(via gellertbath.com)

Nemo 33

Titled the 'World's Deepest Swimming Pool", Nemo 33 is constructed  by a diving enthusiast named John Beernaerts, who was keen on searching for an ideal venue for fellow scuba-diving lovers.

It may look just like any other swimming pool from the ground level but what lies beneath is 2,5000,000 litres of non-chlorinated but highly filtered spring water of about 30 degree Celsius. The pool has 2 flat platforms; one at the 5m depth level and the other at the 10m level, followed by a circular shaped pit that is 33m below water surface.

(via anvari.org) 

The clubhouse now has set up a diving school that offers various diving courses and a dive shop that sells professional diving equipment. In fact, it is getting popular for film productions as well!

Hope it gets you interested in some of these coolest pools in the world. After all, the expectations of swimming pools are getting higher as strong competition kicks in. Personally, infinity pools are my favourite. Even if guests do not swim in them, the presence of an infinity pool alone adds on to the aesthetics of the place, don't you think so? ;) 

Signing off,

Michelle 

Luxury Holidays that South Africa Has to Offer

South Africa has long been established as a luxury honeymoon location with all of the stunning landscapes of beach and bush, but there is so much more to South Africa that many people do not realise.

Everything is possible in South Africa, safaris, horseriding treks, adventure trails, historical expeditions, scuba diving, wine tasting, bungee jumping, fishing or relaxing at the beach or spa. There's something for everyone.

The highlights of this versatile country include the Kruger National Park, game reserves and Eastern Cape where the 'big five' can be seen on safari. The Eastern Coast of the cape is known as the Garden Route which is a particularly beautiful stretch of coast with pristine beaches, dense woodland and rugged coastline.

Those looking for a city break would head straight for Cape Town with the stunning backdrop of the iconic Table Mountain. At Cape Town you will find the Victoria & Alfred Waterfront with its shops, the aquarium and other tourist attractions. Similarly, Johannesburg offers the cultural break that you may be looking for but also has easy access to the stunning natural world around it.

For ultimate luxury and relaxation, consider visiting one of the many lavish hotels on the coastline that offer you relentless pampering in the spa and stunning beaches to unwind on.

To find out more about planning a tailor made South Africa holiday, speak to The Ultimate Travel Company who can make a bespoke holiday itinerary for you. 

Luxury Travel into Bali: 5-star Hotel or Private Luxury Villa ?

Bali, the island of Gods, the tiny resort destination in the middle of Indonesia is home to a growing number of luxury travel options from the fancy luxury hotels to the most luxurious villas for rent.

Seminyak, the Saint-Tropez of Bali, has indeed more than 300 villas for rent, all located around the famous Jalan Oberoi, the shopping and fashion street of Bali. Seminyak is also home to the best hotels such as the W or the Oberoi (photo of the new W Seminyak below)

So when staying in Seminyak, should you go for one of these 5-star hotels or for a Private Villa in Seminyak?


There are different things to consider, but, at the end of the day, renting a luxury villa will for sure get you more space, privacy and value for your money, as compared to staying in a Hotel. The reason is that, for the price of 2 luxury hotel rooms in a branded property, you can get a large, 6 bedroom, luxury Villa at the heart of Seminyak such as, for example the Villa Chocolat 6 in Seminyak. This kind of Villa comes with full privacy obviously - but also with a range of personalized services - always hard to get in a 300-room hotel. Not to mention the saving on Food & Beverage you will get in your Private Villa where your Chef will do local shopping for you and your guests.

Having this in mind, always look at one of the villa specialist website before you make any booking in Bali !

Travel on the roads, the luxurious way

What is your perception of a road trip? Due to the advancement of technologies, road trips will never be the same again. Begone boring driving on the never ending highways with limited entertainment options. Here some photos of luxury buses; enjoy!

It may look like a normal bus from the outside...

But check out the storage compartment:

Huge enough to store your car.

Here are the interior designs:

Exactly like how a house would look like.

The living room and kitchen area, equipped with a sofa, massage chairs and complete cooking equipment.

Impressive, issn't it?

Stay tuned on this blog for more updates about luxury travel.

Have a good day!

London 2012

Since Olympics 2012 is starting soon in a couple of weeks, I was thinking that it would be a good idea to feature London for this week's blog entry. If you are thinking of travelling to London, here's some of the  popular places that you can consider visiting during your trip!

Windsor Castle

Known to be the oldest occupied and largest castle in Europe, Windsor Castle has always been a main attraction for travellers. Get to personally see the official residence of her majesty the Queen, where state banquets are often held. If you are heading there in June or July this year, be sure to catch the Guard Changing Ceremony which happens daily except for Sundays. The Windsor Castle features other attractions such as the St George's Chapel and Queen Mary's Dolls House.



London Eye

The London Eye would be extending its operating hours until midnight during the 2012 Olympic period. It is currently operated by EDF Energy, Britain's largest low carbon electricity producer, which believes in the importance of a cleaner and lower carbon living city. In fact, EDF Energy is also the official sustainability partner for London 2012. FYI, the London Eye can contain 800 passengers per revolution, which is equivalent to 11 London red double decker buses.



London Tower and Bridge

The Tower of London was built in 1078, by William the Conqueror and is one the most visited tourist attractions in the country. Situated on the north bank of the River Thames, the London Tower is known to be a historical castle that is once used as a prison, armoury and treasury and is now home of the Crown Jewels of the United Kingdom.

Not to be mistaken with the London Bridge, the Tower Bridge is located close to the Tower of London and hence the name. It exist over the River Thames and offers magnificent views of London from the high level walkways. Visitors are encouraged to check out the available tours and exhibits before heading down as there will always be new activities happening at the Tower Bridge Exhibition, ranging from Jazz bands to food festivals.



Madame Tussauds

Though not only available exclusively in London, the Madame Tussauds is still considered one of the must visits places when you are in the city. Moreover, a brand new Marvel Super Heroes 4D movie is introduced at Madame Tussauds London, in which you will be able to feel the special effects from water, vibrations and wind! Visitors would definitely have a fun time witnessing over 300 well known wax figurines, which will keep you entertained for hours.



Hope you enjoy the read! Cheers

Signing off,
Michelle

Underwater Hotel Room, Maldives

Hi readers,

Today I will be featuring a luxury accommodation provider, The Conrad Maldives Rangali Island Resort which houses 79 beach villas, 50 water villas and 21 spa villas with private treatment rooms, spoiling travellers with choices of different breathtaking scenery options.

What makes the resort special is, it also offers a dining space that is declared the world's first all-glass undersea restaurant. The Ithaa Undersea Restaurant is built 16 feet below sea level and serves exclusive European and Maldivian-Western fusion cuisine.

(Photo: Conrad Rangali)

Diners will be impressed with the exclusivity this restaurant provides. In fact, advance booking up to 14 days prior to arrival is highly encouraged as only 12 people can be accommodated at one time and children under the age of 12 are not allowed to ensure that everyone gets to enjoy their meal in an unforgettable atmosphere. 

(Photo: Conrad Rangali)

More impressively, the resort has thoughtfully allow the restaurant space to be converted into a private bedroom suite for two during special occasions. 

(Photo: Conrad Rangali)

(Photo: Conrad Rangali)

Quite a perfect location for weddings and honeymoons.

If not, the resort is also great for a holiday get away as there are countless of activities to engage in. Maldives have been well known for its clear turquoise waters which makes it an ideal location for water sports such as snorkelling, windsurfing, scuba diving and canoeing. The resort also organizes mini-submarine rides for 2 passengers, in a 30-minute interval.

Hotel rates start from US$815 per night, per couple.

(via: gizmag.com)



Looking for other resorts in Maldives? Feel free to browse through the hotels and resorts that are listed at Greenty, the first green travel guide. Also, do check out its blog here

Signing off,

Michelle

Hello Kitty airline

Next time you see an aeroplane flying in the sky, try spotting Hello Kitty among the clouds.

Eva Air, an airline company based in Taiwan, has recently launched several Hello Kitty themed Airbus A330-300 air crafts, catching the attention of Hello Kitty fans from all over the world. These air crafts started off by only flying between cities Taiwan, Shanghai, Tokyo, Fukuoka, Sapporo, Seoul, Hong Kong and Guam; a collaboration with Sanrio, the Japan company that created and owns the Hello Kitty brand.

The experience starts right when you check in.

Pink and white check-in booths that welcomes you before you board the plane. 

 

The customized boarding pass.

Even customized Hello Kitty passports!



In fact, for every different city you visit via the airline, a different stamp design would be inked on it. Eva Air has initiated a program in which guests can win Hello Kitty souvenirs when they manage to collect all of the stamp designs within a year.

Interior design of the plane:

It is impressive how Eva Air has managed to incorporate the designs of Hello Kitty into so many areas of the air craft, including the meals served to passengers;

Served by pretty air stewardesses donned on with Hello Kitty aprons.

and even toilet amenities.

There are currently only 3 designs of the air craft:

Hello Kitty with Magic Stars,

Hello Kitty Around the World,

and Hello Kitty Loves Apples, inspired by the character's favourite food.

 

Of course, with such personalized designs and service, you would not expect a budget price. Check out Eva Air's prices at their website here.

Just wondering, will males avoid travelling in such an aircraft, decorated with a feminine touch? Feel free to share your thoughts through the comment box (: