The impressive presence of The Alila Hotel rises like a phoenix from the bowels of old Jakarta. There is no doubt that it is an imposing statement of modern architecture set amongst the cacophonous splendour of a city discovering itself. The modern lines of the reception area and the simplistic clean ambiance are instantly welcoming. We understand that in the language of Sanskrit the word Alila means ‘surprise.’ Having spent two wonderful nights in this oasis of tranquillity, we would say that the name is a perfectly apt description.
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Posted by Paul R Laflin on Wed 16th November 2011 at 09:00 AM, Filed in Luxury Holidays
WOW! – I could sum up our complete food experience aboard the Azamara Quest in this one word.
We tried all of the dining options available during our time on board and all were absolutely fantastic.
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Posted by Paul R Laflin on Tue 15th November 2011 at 05:13 PM, Filed in Luxury Holidays
My wife and I have enjoyed holidays in various forms over the years, including camping and caravanning when the kids were small, self catering holidays in Cyprus and many of the Greek Isles, to more recent luxury holidays in Turkey, Egypt, Mexico, St Lucia, and Thailand (to name a few).
We have never, until now, ventured on a cruise holiday despite many of our friends recommendations and encouragement.
I guess there have been two main reasons for our reluctance;
1. Would we be bored being on one ship with the same people all the time (even though we normally stay in the same hotel with the same people) and….
2. Would we be stuck with the same ‘cruise mad’ individuals all day who wanted to do nothing other than recount their many cruises to a couple of virgin cruisers!
As for so many things experienced in life there always has to be a first time and with my philosophy of ‘don’t knock it until you’ve tried it’ then sooner or later we really had to give it a go.
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Having tired of the annual ski moaning from every member of my family we decided to go private this year – in fact to the aptly named Private Chalet Company. The company offer gourmet and catered chalets in the picturesque Sainte Foy, France, which is only 75 minutes from Chambery airport and 2 hours plus to Geneva, Lyon and Grenoble. The resort is famous for its quiet runs, well-groomed pistes and off-piste skiing and as we discovered is a family-friendly, excellent destination for skiers and snowboarders of all abilities - particularly if you also like the good things in life!
Owners Steven and Nuala, have over 25 years of experience in the service industry and offer escorted skiing not only in Ste Foy but in the resorts of Tignes, Val D’Isere, Les Arcs, La Rosiere and La Thuile in Italy. In one day we managed to have breakfast in Saint Foye – lunch in the very smart Val D’Isere and ended up half way up the mountain in Tignes dancing to some baleric beats early evening – much to the amusement of our teenager!
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You can start your holiday in total relaxation with the new addition of luxury spa treatments in Heathrow’s terminal 3.
Award-winning airport hospitality specialist No.1 Traveller have had success with their spa in Gatwick Airport’s North Terminal, so it was only right their expertise was brought to Heathrow.
No.1 Traveller’s lounge in Heathrow’s Terminal 3 offer an indulgent Travel Spa with bespoke face and body treatments, hairdressing and nail treatments for business, leisure and transit passengers.
Spa treatments include a rather fantastic wet shave for £35, arm and hand massage which firms and tones the hand and forearm using Rodial’s Arm Sculpt gel (prices start from £18 for 15 minutes) and Venom chic facial treatment which banishes fine lines and wrinkles with the acclaimed ‘Glamoxy snake serum’ range from Rodial.
This revolutionary serum mimics the effects of the Temple Viper’s potent venom to instantly lift the face and plump lines without Botox. (£35 for 25 minutes)
Also available are the all important back, neck and shoulder massages as well as treatments for calves, shins and feet.
The No.1 Travel Spa at Heathrow T3 can be accessed independently of the main lounge and travellers can take advantage of six shower rooms to freshen up.
With hair and nail services also on offer, this completes the Luxury spa treatments in Heathrow’s terminal 3.
Start as you mean to go on….in total luxury.
