You might be a travel veteran, but it doesn’t mean you find trends completely useless, especially if it feels like you’ve done it all. Per Mckinsey, only 17 per cent of respondents out of 5,000 surveyed said they use a travel agent. Others rely on family and friends, search engines and social media to plan their trips, which means you’re more likely to follow trends even when it is done unconsciously.

Now, whether or not you care about what’s hot on the travel scene or not, here are some interesting suggestions from vacationers worldwide that appear to have provided real value for their money and time. Maybe you’ll find them useful, maybe not. But ultimately, they are worth checking out for the kind of excitement they promise to bring to your trip, whether you are going solo or in a group.

Exploring the stars at the Four Seasons Resort Maui at Wailea

Hawaii might not top the list of the best luxury travel destinations, but, like everywhere in the world, it offers some unique, unforgettable experiences. Like the Four Seasons Resort Maui Unforgettable Experiences.

The resort promises a range of activities, from exploring a local town and its sights to going on a coffee-tasting date. The Wayfinder Journey, however, is perhaps its most unique package, because it takes you on an educational exploration of the Southern Cross, a constellation that can only be spotted in Hawaii. You would be taught everything from its cultural significance to the local community, to learning how to use it as a navigation tool when you’re out on the waters. And because celestial navigation is quite the work, you would end your course with a multi-course meal by Four Seasons Maui Chef Samual Taganeca onboard the catamaran.

Activate your five senses with Ker & Downey Africa’s Five Senses Experience

It is very easy to think Africa = Safari, but, just like Ker & Downey is out to prove, there is so much more to this continent that is extremely rich in culture and tradition, than rare and exciting animals.

For its newest travel itinerary in South Africa, the safari company has put together a range of activities that will engage each sense — sight, taste, smell, sound, and touch — through bespoke and highly exclusive experiences that can be tailored to meet the needs of each guest.

For 12-14 days, guests will move through South Africa and Madagascar, stopping at carefully selected destinations like the Ellerman House whose in-house gallery would engage their sense of sight via a unique art experience; La Colombe, a globally-recognised contemporary restaurant whose French and Asian dishes would activate visitors’ taste buds like never before; Babylonstoren, a historic Cape Dutch farm bursting with vegetables and fruits of such rich aromas that would be hard for any nose to miss; the Singita Ebony Lodge where the sounds of the animals and wilderness provide a lovely backdrop to an unbeatable safari experience, and, the Miavana Island Nosy Ankoa, Madagascar where guests can let go on the soft pillow of beautiful white sands with the gentle breeze from the ocean caressing every nook and crevice of their skins under the gentle warmth of the sun.

Going on a wellness-infused tour of Asia via the Eastern & Oriental Express, A Belmond Train

If you’ve never tried a luxury train vacation before, perhaps it is time to, especially with the launch of the Dior Spa on the Eastern & Oriental Express.

Having a luxury spa experience onboard a train is not something you’d normally expect, so this is definitely one to try out. A range of rejuvenating and relaxing spa treatments abound, like the Asian-inspired D-Jungle signature treatment, the Constellation tension-releasing massage, and the luxurious Kobi-Dior facial treatment. Dior would also have its Prestige skincare range available for purchase so that you can keep up a luxury care routine long after the journey has ended.

Learning to cook like the experts at the Royal Mansour Marrakech

Not only is the Royal Mansour one of the top luxury hotels in Morocco, it is now angling to have one of the best culinary workshops in the Kingdom of Light.

When you’re done exploring the bustling beauty of Marrakech, come home to the Royal Mansour and learn how to cook under the expert guidance of the hotel’s Michelin-star culinary team. And, when you’re done with the cooking workshop, you can move on to the patisserie and mixology workshops for a complete crash course on making the perfect 3-course meal.

Enjoy a deluxe spa experience at the One&Only Resorts in Rwanda

Guests will still get to engage in the different activities available in the One&Only Rwanda OneEscape programme, but now, they can go home to relaxing spa treatments using traditional healing practices and local products.

At Nyungwe House, new signature spa treatments draw inspiration from the therapeutic properties of tea while spa treatments at Gorilla’s Nest are based on eucalyptus and chocolate which pay tribute to the forest the lodge is immersed in. Yoga and meditation sessions, as well as, fitness facilities complete this wellness package that is enhanced by the surrounding forest and hills.

The post Discover Some Top Unique Luxury Experiences to Explore on Your Next Vacation first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

The post Discover Some Top Unique Luxury Experiences to Explore on Your Next Vacation appeared first on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

So far, the Group’s footprint in Africa has grown to nearly 100 hotels in operation and development, placing it well on track to reach its goal of 150 hotels within the next five years and further establishing it as the hotel company with the largest market presence in Africa.

In Nigeria, Radisson Hotel Group continues to hold a leading position with a portfolio of 13 hotels in operation and under development, including five new hotels signed in 2023. The new signing of the Radisson RED Hotel Abuja has further bolstered the Group’s presence in the city, bringing the total number of hotels under development in Abuja to four.

Over in Morocco, the Group has pursued the same efforts with a clear transformation plan, growing its presence from one hotel in 2020 to over nine hotels in operation and four hotels in development currently. Casablanca represents a strategic hub among multiple continents, and the new signing of Radisson Blu Hotel & Apartments Casablanca Finance City and Radisson RED Hotel Casablanca Finance City solidifies the Group’s ambitions to reach over 25 hotels by 2030 across the country.

Ramsay Rankoussi, Vice President, Development, Africa and Turkey at Radisson Hotel Group, said, “The seven new hotels align with our expansion strategy, demonstrating significant growth in key African markets such as Morocco, Nigeria, Tunisia and Ethiopia as well as our highly anticipated debut in Tanzania. These hotels also highlight our conversion strategy and our commitment to diversifying our portfolio by introducing new brands and cementing our presence in these important markets.”

Here’s everything we know about all seven hotel signings

Radisson Blu Hotel & Apartments, Dar es Salaam (Tanzania)

Marking the Group’s debut in Tanzania, this 138-room hotel, featuring 94 guestrooms and 44 three-bedroom apartments, is set to open in 2025 as part of a mixed-use development in Dar es Salaam’s CBD. The hotel will occupy the top 14 floors of a 33-floor tower, one of the tallest buildings in the area, and is within walking distance of the ferry terminal to Zanzibar Island.

The hotel will offer a diverse array of dining facilities, including a lobby café, business class lounge, all-day dining restaurant, speciality restaurant, outdoor pool, and pool restaurant. Additional amenities include retail stores, a ladies’ salon, indoor parking, a gym, a steam room and sauna, a kids’ playroom, and eight meeting rooms.

Radisson Hotel Mwanza (Tanzania)

Supporting a strong market entry, this 196-room hotel currently under construction will launch the Radisson brand in Tanzania in 2025. Mwanza, Tanzania’s second-largest city, is renowned for corporate meetings and events and is the ideal starting point for tours to the Serengeti National Park. As the only branded hotel in Mwanza, it will feature a lobby café and bar, an all-day dining restaurant, sports bar, outdoor pool bar, executive lounge, and two speciality restaurants: Balaustine, a ‘casual-fine dining’ experience inspired by the Barbary coast, and, the Levant and Filini, offering a delectable dining experience of fresh, simple, and delicious Italian-style cuisine.

The meetings and events space includes a triple-height ballroom, a business centre, boardrooms, and a conference room. The extensive wellness facilities will comprise a gym, spa, outdoor pool, and kids’ playground.

Radisson Blu Hotel & Apartments, Casablanca Finance City, and, Radisson RED Casablanca Finance City (Morocco)

Enhancing the Group’s Moroccan portfolio – which currently includes eleven hotels in operation and under development – is the addition of two new branded hotels and a serviced apartment. These new builds, including the first Radisson RED hotel in North Africa, will feature a total of 381 rooms and are set to open in late 2027. They will be located in Casa Anfa, at the heart of Casablanca Finance City, the city’s new financial hub, recognized as Africa’s leading financial centre, on par with London and La Défense in Paris.

Providing guests with an array of dining and wellness facilities for an ideal stay, the Radisson Blu will offer guests an all-day dining restaurant, a speciality rooftop restaurant, and a rooftop bar. Meanwhile, the Radisson RED hotel will include a restaurant and a pool bar. At the Radisson Blu’s wellness facilities, expect a spa, a fitness centre, and an outdoor rooftop swimming pool. The Radisson RED will have nearly the same features with a fitness centre, an outdoor pool and a rooftop swimming pool.

For meetings and events, in addition to the five meeting rooms at the Radisson Blu, there will be a 1,100-square-meter conference centre comprising an auditorium, a large ballroom and three meeting rooms, making the complex the future meeting destination.

Radisson Blu Hotel & Conference Center, Tunis (Tunisia)

This 305-room hotel, a conversion of an existing property, will soon premiere the Radisson Blu brand in Tunis, complementing the Group’s footprint in Tunisia as its seventh hotel in the country and fourth in Tunis. Located just ten minutes from the airport, the hotel will come equipped with dining outlets such as a lobby bar, shisha bar, all-day dining restaurant, and three speciality restaurants.

The expansive convention centre will include multiple meeting rooms, boardrooms, a VIP room, an executive lounge, a business centre, and a 1,400 sqm ballroom, making it the largest conference centre in the city.

Radisson RED Abuja (Nigeria)

The 105-room hotel, set to open in 2028, will be Radisson Hotel Group’s 13th property in Nigeria and the second Radisson RED in the country, introducing the upper upscale brand to Abuja. Located in Wuse, Abuja’s main commercial and social district, the hotel will be surrounded by corporate offices, popular estates, shopping malls, and nightlife venues. The hotel will feature a bar and terrace, an all-day dining restaurant, and a pool bar and grill. It will also offer 238 square meters of meeting space, including three meeting rooms, a pre-function area, and a fitness facility.

Park Inn by Radisson Addis Ababa (Ethiopia)

Scheduled to open in 2025, this 120-room hotel will be the Group’s third hotel in Ethiopia, all located in Addis Ababa and will introduce the Park Inn by Radisson brand to the country. Dining options will include a breakfast hall, restaurant hall, coffee shop, and four soft drink bars. The meeting and events space will consist of a large and medium conference room and four meeting rooms. Guests can also enjoy two gyms, a spa, a business centre, sports facilities, a kids’ entertainment area, a retail space, and a co-working space.

Since 2022, the Group has opened a total of 14 hotels, including the debut of the Radisson brand in Morocco (Radisson Hotel Casablanca Gauthier La Citadelle) and Tunis (Radisson Hotel Tunis City Center). These openings have diversified the Group’s portfolio with the first safari hotel in Africa, Radisson Safari Hotel Hoedspruit; the first resort in Livingstone, Radisson Blu Resort Mosi-oa-Tunya, and, the debut in Reunion Island with Radisson Hotel Saint-Denis. This achievement has set a record for the Group in terms of realizing its pipeline into openings, translating into a commendable 15 per cent annual net operating growth in its African portfolio.

“With a strong first half of the year, we plan to continue the momentum in the second half by focusing on expanding our presence in key markets such as Morocco and South Africa, where we’ve recently announced our ambition to reach 25 hotels by 2030, doubling the portfolio in both countries. We thank each of our partners for their valued trust in us and our brands,” concluded Rankoussi.

The post From Tunisia To Tanzania, Radisson is Growing Its Footprint in Africa first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

The post From Tunisia To Tanzania, Radisson is Growing Its Footprint in Africa appeared first on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

Now that we’ve put your worries to rest (hopefully!), here’s our list of some of the top luxury lodgings in Morocco worth checking out. Each has been picked for different reasons, and, even if you choose not to stay in any of them when you do visit Morocco, we hope that the things that stood out to us guide you in your final choice(s).

Luxury Riads

The Royal Mansour, Marrakech

If you have heard of the Hassan II Mosque, you’ve most likely heard of the Royal Mansour, Marrakech, and for good reason.

Like every other establishment on this list, the hotel reflects the intricate craftsmanship of traditional Moroccan artisans and includes local materials and designs – but this is about where the similarities end. Instead of suites and villas, the Royal Mansour Marrakech features private riads complete with private terraces (that come with retractable glass roofs in case it rains) and plunge pools. The 2,3 and 4-bedroom riads come with a dedicated butler, while the Prestige and Grand riads (3 and 4-bedroom apartments) have a private hammam and adjoining elevators.

With four restaurants offering French, Moroccan, Spanish, Asian and Mediterranean dishes,  dining at The Royal Mansour, Marrakech is not a problem. And with all the services and amenities available at the hotel, a stay there is just as unique an experience as a day exploring the surrounding medina.

Le Riad Yasmine

If 53 riads in one place sound like a lot to you, and you crave a deeper connection to Moroccan culture, then Le Riad Yasmine, an 8-riad boutique hotel located right in the centre of the medina should be just about right for you.

The riads do not feature traditional Moroccan decor with frescoes and intricate floor, wall, and ceiling designs, but, several traditional Moroccan architectural elements abound. Most of the rooms can take 2-3 guests, but if you’re travelling with a large party, you can check out the family riad or Le Petite Yasmine, next door to Le Riad Yasmine.

An onsite kitchen would take care of meals, but, since you will be in the heart of the medina, then you would have a wide option of meals literally at your fingertips.

Luxury Hotels

Sofitel, Casablanca

Casablanca is considered by many as being the modern heart of Morocco, and, because it is such a huge melting pot of different cultures, it is a great starting point for your Morocco exploration. And, for accommodation, the Sofitel Tour Blanche (white tower) is exactly the right fit for you.

Located strategically in the heart of the city, the Sofitel is a 24-floor chic and contemporary lodging with all the luxuries you’d expect from a hotel of this calibre. It is also close to all the the famous tourist destinations that abound in Casablanca like the Hassan II Mosque and the Medina, but, should you choose to stay in all day, you still have access to amenities that would make your stay as interesting as a full day out. One of these is the Sofitel Spa which occupies 2 floors and has a hot tub, a traditional-style hammam and a sauna, and, offers beauty and massage treatments combining French and Moroccan beauty practices.

For a taste of Lebanese cuisine, you can dine at the hotel’s L’Atelier Oriental. The second restaurant, the Brasserie La Tour,  offers French cuisine. For a more delightful experience however, guests can go up to the rooftop bar on the 24^th floor from where they will experience a panoramic view of the Old Medina and the Hassan II Mosque.

Hilton Tangier

The city of Tangier retains more of the soul of ancient Morocco, and its culture and traditions are very much alive in this city. So, it may feel rather inauthentic to opt for a hotel instead of an opulent riad. However, the Hilton Tangier City Centre, while being a part of a global brand, is as Moroccan in its service and decor as it gets.

This luxury hotel is strategically located in the city of Tangier, opposite La Gare Tangier Ville (the Tangier rail station) and facing the Malabata beachfront.  Stepping into the Hilton is like entering into a luxe Moroccan home. Expect a warm traditional welcome upon arrival with a serving of the ubiquitous Moroccan mint tea alongside indigenous sweets and treats on a platter by men dressed in traditional male attire. Rooms are tastefully furnished, and of course, reflect the general architecture and style of the local region.

For food, a range of delicious meals abound to suit every palette. However, if nothing on the menu is to your taste — which frankly, is highly unlikely — the unique location of the Hilton Tanger City Centre makes it easy to get whatever you need within walking distance.

A rooftop pool, an executive lounge, a fully-fitted gym and access to the beach make this Hilton hotel in Tangier the place to be if you would be visiting the city.

Luxury Kasbahs

Kasbah Tamadot, Atlas Mountains

Situated an hour away from Marrakech in Morocco’s Atlas Mountains, Kasbah Tamadot, a private resort that is part of Sir Ricard Branson’s Virgin Limited Collection is where you’d want to be if you seek a dreamy, surreal and quiet vacation somewhere removed from the hustle and bustle of the city.

Kasbah Tamadot consists of rooms, suites, tents and riads that are uniquely decorated and combine typical Moroccan style with hints of minimalism. however, following the September 2023 earthquake, the rooms and suites have been closed for renovation and only the six 3-bedroom riads and ten Berber-styled tents are available.

There are a host of activities to indulge in during your stay, including learning to make Morocco’s famous tagines, hiking the mountains and a relaxing day at the spa. Chefs are at hand to serve a mix of Moroccan and international dishes with ingredients sourced from the resort’s gardens.

And, if you ever get tired of the resort, remember: Marrakech is just an hour away.

Dar ba Sidi Chefchouen

Chefchouen may even be more traditional than Tangier, and due to building laws, you would not find any high-rise buildings in this ancient fortress. But, whatever it may lack in grand opulence, the Dar ba Sidi resort more than makes up for in decor and other luxury amenities present in its property.

If Chefchouen is a pretty picturesque town, then Dar ba Sidi, with its beautiful flower gardens, its blue, cream and white colour scheme and red-topped roofs, and, its very traditional Moroccan decor and ambience is a truly beautiful sight to behold. Adding to its charm are the comfortable and spacious, traditionally designed rooms whose windows open up to the most glorious sights ever.

An onsite restaurant serving Moroccan cuisine, and a bar offering a wide range of drinks are your options for food here, but, its proximity to the city centre means that your epicurean choices are not limited if you are looking for something more than what’s available on the menu.

The Oberoi, Marrakech

Ok, The Oberoi may not regard itself as a kasbah, but, if any establishment here deserves the title of a luxury fortress, it is this stunning hotel.

From the moment the doors of The Oberoi are flung open upon your arrival, to the moment you step foot onto its majestic, lush, green courtyard, to that exact period when you’re swallowed into the cool refreshing warmth of its lobby, adorned and accented with traditional Moroccan designs and objets, and then, ushered into your opulent suite tastefully furnished with everything the finest accommodations have to offer, the sensory experience you’d be enveloped in can only be described as heavenly.

Once you step into your suite – apparently, there are no rooms in The Oberoi Marrakech – expect a handwritten note from the General Manager welcoming you to the hotel as well as a bottle of wine. The hotel has a total of 84 lodgings, 72 of which are villas with private pools. Each villa is massive, with a closet area that is equipped with a picnic basket, hats and an iron; a bathroom with a soaking tub that has views of the lush greenery outside; a large walk-in shower that connects to the pool outside so that you can take a shower after a day out swimming or lounging, and, a bedroom with a good-sized comfortable bed, an armoire housing the minibar, with a sofa, occasional chair and a separate dining table/workspace for two. There are also bathrobes and toiletries by Anne Semonine of Paris, and its exceptional service means that anything that was somehow missed would be provided immediately upon request.

The Siniman, Tamimt and Azur restaurants are on hand for your gastronomic needs, whether you crave local Moroccan dishes or meals from other parts of the world. The Vue bar opens from late afternoon into the evening for drinks or light snacks. Several in-house experiences, from a morning run with a fitness coach to sunrise yoga, cardio boxing and nature trail walks mean that you’d still stay in shape regardless of what you consume during your vacation.

Complimentary bicycles and a shuttle service are available for exploring the city but, because The Oberoi isn’t too far, you might prefer a brisk walk to the medina. We daresay that choosing to stay at the hotel during your vacation may single-handedly be the decision you can make if you are visiting Marrakech. That is, if you will not be staying at The Royal Mansour.

Luxury Tents

Merzouga Luxury Desert Camp

Don’t fancy a vacation in the city? Morocco is one of the countries of the Sahara, so a desert vacation just might be a great idea to explore.

Now, simply because you are taking your vacation to the desert doesn’t translate to zero luxury hotels or lodgings. If you are looking for a place to stay, look no further than the Merzouga Luxury Desert Camp. Situated in the dunes of the Erg Chebbi, the Khaimas tents, so-called because they are made from camel skin, promise an authentic desert experience without sacrificing all the luxuries you’re accustomed to. You will get to enjoy activities like camel riding, sandboarding, hiking up the highest dune, and, watching the sunset once you’re up.

Meals are traditional Moroccan cuisine, but, if you’d fancy something different, you can confer with the staff to see what they can whip up.

Al Kamar Camp Erg Chigaga Luxury Desert Camp, Nick and Bobo’s

There are quite a number of luxury desert camps to choose from while in Morocco; however, what sets Nick and Bobo’s apart is their focus on sustainability and delivering an authentic desert experience. Per the camp’s website, “Chigaga is not a mainstream destination. It appeals to those seeking adventure, something unique, something off-grid.”

There are three types of tents, each offering different levels of privacy but all the same size. The most exclusive is the private nomadic camp,  but the private camp with five tents can also be exclusively booked for a family or a small group. Expect to enjoy stunning views of the desert, as well as other carefully curated activities that include visiting the desert tribes and guided walks along quiet sandy paths.

Morocco’s luxury lodging scene is as diverse as the landscapes that define this enchanting country. From the heart of bustling medinas to the serene expanse of the Sahara, there is no shortage of exquisite options to suit every taste. Whether you seek the opulence of renowned hotel chains, the authenticity of traditional riads, the seclusion of kasbahs, or the adventure of luxury desert camps, Morocco promises a unique and unforgettable experience.

As you plan your journey to the Kingdom of Light, let these exceptional accommodations be your sanctuary, ensuring that every moment spent in this beautiful country is nothing short of magical. So, pack your bags, embark on your Moroccan adventure, and let the splendour of these luxurious retreats enhance your stay.

The post Visiting Morocco? Take a Look at Some of the Best Hotels to Stay first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

The post Visiting Morocco? Take a Look at Some of the Best Hotels to Stay appeared first on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

The rise of sleep tourism

Going on vacation to relax and rest better has always been part of the reasons why people travel. However, since 2022, more and more vacationers have chosen to go on holidays just to sleep, per Global Wellness Institute.

The consensus is that the Coronavirus is not only the culprit behind increased chronic fatigue, but also the reason why more people are prioritising wellness, and by extension, sleep-focused vacations.

How the hospitality industry is helping tourists sleep better

A. Sleep programs/sleep retreats: this is perhaps the highest level of sleep tourism travellers can embark on. Wellness clinics or sleep resorts usually offer these kinds of holistic programs, but increasingly, luxury hotels are adding these services to their portfolio.

Every facility has its unique package, but generally, a sleep retreat/program comprises an expert diagnosis and treatment, wellness therapies and relaxing treatments, sleep education, spa treatments, yoga and rooms designed to promote a restful night’s sleep.

Well-known hotels and clinics offering this service include SHA Wellness Clinic, Spain; Mandarin Oriental, Geneva, Switzerland; Carillon Miami Wellness Resort, USA, and, select Six Senses spas.

B. Sleep suites: if a full sleep package sounds like a lot, sleep suites are a great way to ease into the ‘sleepcation’ experience.

These rooms are designed to ensure that visitors have no other choice than to fall asleep as soon as their head hits the pillows. Using specially crafted beds and bed linens, plus eliminating distractions that can interrupt a deep rest, sleep suites are quiet, zen-like spaces perfect for people for whom falling asleep is not a problem, but staying asleep is.

Places with dedicated sleep suites include Zedwell hotels which are famous for their windowless, soundproof rooms; Unplugged, UK, whose eco-friendly, off-grid cabins welcome you but not your digital devices, and, Hästens Sleep Spa Boutique hotel, Portugal, whose innovative comfort beds, duvets, bed linens and bathrobes promise the best sleep experience you will ever have.

C. Sleep concierge services: some luxury hotels do not have dedicated sleep outlets yet, but have chosen instead to offer ‘sleep better’ services to guests who need them.

Those offering sleep concierge services can choose to partner with a third party, like The Cadogan London which has partnered with sleep specialist and hypnotherapist Malminder Gill to offer a recorded meditation and an optional, one-on-one, in-room sleep assistance session. Their concierge service also comes with a pillow menu, weighted blanket, bedtime tea blend and scented pillow mist.

The Royal Champagne Hotel and Spa in France has a similar service. In 2022, it launched its Royal Sleep Experience in partnership with French beauty brand AIME. Guests who request this service will receive AIME products that promote quality sleep, such as calming essential oil sprays and melatonin-based drops that help to regenerate skin overnight. The hotel also offers in-room amenities like a meditation box, a satin face mask, and a candle massage.

D. Sleep amenities: some luxury hotels have simply chosen to have their rooms equipped with products that promise a deep, thorough rest without too much emphasis on the art of falling and staying asleep.

At the Equinox in New York for example, the hotel has a ‘sleep system’ in place that consists of a combination of luxury bed linens and handmade mattresses, temperature-regulated bedsheets, sound-blocking walls and blackout curtains to eliminate distractions and ensure that guests stay asleep for as long as they like and need.

The Westin Hotels and Resorts has almost the same system in place. A combination of the ‘Heavenly Bed’, a rest-inducing superfood menu and lavender balms have been made available so that guests have no trouble sleeping at night.

Which sleep package is best for you?

It is difficult to say since everyone’s needs are unique to them. But, if the growing sleep tourism trend sounds like something you need right now, then you can rest assured that there is a service that is just right for you.

The post Sleep Tourism: Which ‘Sleepcation’ Package is Right For You? first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

The post Sleep Tourism: Which ‘Sleepcation’ Package is Right For You? appeared first on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

Whichever category you fall into, there is an emerging luxury travel trend that you should perhaps take into consideration this 2024. It is the proliferation of luxury fashion hotels promising to give you all the experiences you crave in one location.

From Audemars Piguet to Louis Vuitton, luxury fashion brands are the newcomers in the hospitality industry

First, it was Audemars Piguet (in recent times of course, since luxury fashion brands like Bulgari have had their hotels for years now.) Hôtel des Horlogers opened to the public last year with the promise of eco-conscious lodgings and soundproof rooms, unobstructed views of the surrounding valley, and most importantly, easy access to the epicentre of Swiss watchmaking as well as ski resorts and other interesting sights.

Then, Louis Vuitton announced that it was transforming its Paris headquarters into a hotel and the largest LV boutique, amongst other things. There are scant details of what the hotel would look like, as well as a deadline for completion, but, with its strategic location, proximity to La Samaritaine and historical and tourist landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, the Louvre and the Notre Dame Cathedral, it is definitely the hotel for luxury travellers who want to fill their vacation with plenty activities.

But, if you would rather not wait, then the Vermelho, a 13-room boutique hotel by Christian Louboutin designed in collaboration with architect Madalena Caiado, might be perfect for you. Vermelho is the Portuguese word for red, Louboutin’s favourite colour, and although it looks simple on the outside, the inside is awash with character and maximalist details, filled with rooms that feature unique designs and antiques from the fashion designer’s collection.

Vermelho is situated in the village of Melides, Portugal’s next big beach town according to this publication. Whether you choose to go wine tasting or to immerse yourself in the nearly-unspoiled surroundings and the local cuisine, Christain Louboutin’s hotel and its location in Melides is worth a spot on your bucket list.

And if stealth luxury is your thing, then look no further than Chopard’s 1 Place Vendôme. Located above its boutique in Place Vendôme Square, the uber-luxurious hotel is big on privacy and exclusivity. When it launched on November 15 this year, it did so through high-end travel agencies and its VIP Chopard clientele because “We wanted to do things differently… In a very targeted way,” says Karl-Fritz Scheufele, third generation of the Scheufele family — owners of Chopard since 1963.

Made up of 10 suites and 5 rooms, 1 Place Vendôme wants to be an ‘anti-hotel’ that still manages to give all the traditional trappings of top luxury accommodations, down to its choice of furnishings, wall coverings and accents that are a nod to the Chopard brand itself.

Should you choose to stay at this hotel, you would have easy access to legacy luxury fashion brands like Cartier, Chaumet, Boucheron, Breguet and Jaeger-LeCoultre which are located in the Vendôme Square and can also explore other touristy locations like the Seine which is just a few minutes away.

So, whether you are looking to tick items off your bucket list, or you want to spend more meaningful time with family and friends on a different kind of vacation, these new luxury ‘fashion hotels’ are an emerging trend you may want to try out. Who knows? They just might offer you everything you are looking for in one place!

The post The Least Talked-About Luxury Travel Trend You Should Probably Explore in 2024 first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

The post The Least Talked-About Luxury Travel Trend You Should Probably Explore in 2024 appeared first on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

Location

There are three things that matter in property: location, location, location – Lord Harold Samuel

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Tour Nigeria (@tournigeria)

The Koko Beach Hotel and Resort is situated at Ilashe, a strategic axis known for other notable luxury beach resorts like the Ilashe Beach House, Lighthouse Beach House and Sencillo Lagos. Ilashe itself is a riverine community – a peninsula if you would like – tucked between the lagoon and the Atlantic Ocean, which helps to seclude it from the never-ending hustle and bustle that goes on in the Lagos metropolis, and makes it the ultimate scenic location for relaxing, de-stressing or even partying.

Sitting comfortably on the Ibeshe/Ikaare beach, the new resort will have access to a vast body of water that bestows a private-island status upon it.

Amenities

What comes to your mind when you think of a luxury all-inclusive resort? Spacious villas filled with top-quality furniture and complementary accents? On-site restaurants promising delicious local and foreign delicacies? Endless blue skies and sparkling, equally blue waters?

Well, the Koko Beach Hotel and Resort is promising all these and more. The hotel comes with 60 rooms that include 3 and 4-bedroom private villas, and, a honeymoon suite. There is also a water park to keep the kids engaged, a sports complex for group games and a spa and gym if you would rather engage your muscles solo. Other perks are an arrival dock and helipad, a water park for kids, infinity pools, an on-site boutique, an event centre and a theatre+ cinema.

It is not clear what the epicurean offer would be like, but there would definitely be on-site restaurants serving a variety of dishes.

The Curio Collection by Hilton

Typically, the hotels in the Curio Collection by Hilton are usually 3-4 star establishments offering the best services to clients who walk through their doors. Currently, there are at least 90 independent hotels in more than 25 countries under this umbrella. All of these hotels are on the Hilton reservation system and can access its Hilton Honours guest loyalty programme.

Koko Beach Hotel and Resort joining the Curio Collection makes it a part of this illustrious network, which means that when and if it opens its doors in 2025, luxury hospitality as we know it in Nigeria will take on a whole new meaning.

The post How Koko Beach Hotel and Resort is Shaping Up to Be Lagos’ Dream Luxury Destination first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

The post How Koko Beach Hotel and Resort is Shaping Up to Be Lagos’ Dream Luxury Destination appeared first on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

A Luxury Hotel with a Rich Legacy

On the site where the new Hôtel des Horlogers currently sits once stood another well-known establishment. The Hôtel De France was one of just two hotels at the time in the Vallée de Joux in Le Brassus which is regarded as the epicentre of Swiss watchmaking. According to history, the then-resident cattle farmers took to crafting and improving upon horological pieces during long, harsh winters when they were snowed in with little to do. Their continued ‘side hobby’ during winter laid the foundation of what we know today as Swiss watchmaking.

It is also here, across the valley, that other luxury timepiece manufacturers like Jaeger-LeCoultre, Blancpain, Breguet, and Patek Philippe, are situated. Visitors to the newly opened hotel will not only enjoy the warm hospitality of the town but also have the unique opportunity to visit these other watchmaking houses and learn a bit more about their favourite timepieces. The Jaeger-LeCoultre museum or the independent Espace Horloger in Le Sentier, four kilometres from Le Brassus, are excellent venues for a historic overview of Swiss watchmaking.

Built with the environment in mind

The Hôtel des Horlogers, designed by Denmark’s Bjarke Ingels, was conceived to blend seamlessly with the existing architecture, and stand as a timeless, hidden structure in the countryside.

As such, it has been designed in a zigzag sort of way to mirror the topography of the region. The design also has the dual advantage of ensuring that none of the hotel’s 50 soundproof rooms rests on top of another and every room has unobstructed views of the sweeping valley. So whether you’re staying in the guest room or the suite, you’re assured of the utmost privacy and a truly fantastic view of the outdoors.

The stringent Swiss Minergie-ECO certification guided the hotel’s design, and its owners place great emphasis on minimising energy consumption and waste. The building harnesses a local wood-based heating network, which recycles bio waste, to provide hot water and heating. The entire hotel is paperless and observes a zero-plastic policy while single-use items are made of biodegradable materials.

For example, the bags are burlap; pencils contain thyme seeds that can be planted in the forest and are used instead of pens; combs are made of wood and the slippers in the rooms are biodegradable. The hotel even has its own bottling system for spring water from the Valley to avoid the transport of tons of glass bottles all year round and reduce its carbon footprint.

What to do at the Hôtel des Horlogers

In spite of the fact that Audemars Piguet is in the business of timekeeping, it wants you to lose your sense of time as you slow down and truly enjoy yourself at its hotel.

It goes without saying that the first activity on your to-do list is to visit the neighbouring watchmaking houses and other related attractions. Thankfully, Audemars Piguet has its own museum, the spiral-shaped Musée Atelier Audemars Piguet also designed by Ingels, where you can go to discover unimaginably precious timepieces spanning the history of watchmaking.

Switzerland is a ski haven, and the Vallée de Joux itself is home to four ski resorts. After you’ve learnt everything you can on watchmaking, go skiing, or consult with the concierge for other activities ranging from water sports to hiking and fishing. The AstroVal observatory is also nearby, so you can explore a more interesting one in the skies if you’re tired of the activities on land.

The post Hôtel des Horlogers by Audemars Piguet offers the Promise of a Better Time first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

The post Hôtel des Horlogers by Audemars Piguet offers the Promise of a Better Time appeared first on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

When people think of Vegas, it is likely that they picture the Bellagio and the famous fountains. Yet, this hotel has much more to offer than just the water show and is an ultimate luxury experience that has everything.

Rooms

Vegas’s suites are famous for having everything, and the Bellagio is no different. The hotel is home to some of the best suites in Vegas, such as the Executive Parlor Suite, which comes with a personal billiard table and media room, and the Grand Lakeview Suite, which features both a steam room and a whirlpool bath, all while overlooking the famous Bellagio fountains. For those who want the full Vegas lifestyle, the Bellagio hotel is the place to stay.

Casino

The Bellagio casino is one of the most iconic in Las Vegas and has been featured many times on film, most famously in Ocean’s 11 and 13, as the height of luxury. The casino floor has a 2,300+ reel, video reel and video poker games as well as a wide selection of classic casino tables, including Blackjack, Roulette, and crabs. It is also home to one of the city’s most luxurious poker rooms which has 40 tables covering 7,000 square feet. This list of the best poker rooms in Vegas highlights how this card room is a high-stakes room and famous for its upscale clientele.

Dining

The Bellagio is one of the gastronomic centres of Vegas with some of the city’s top restaurants located within its walls.

Like the famed AAA and Forbes Travel Guide 5-star-rated restaurant, Picasso. Or the Prime Steakhouse from top chef Jean-Georges Vongerichten which is one of the top steakhouses in the city. The hotel celebrates cuisines from across the globe and nowhere is this more on show than the Yellowtail Japanese Restaurant & Lounge, a combination of Japanese elegance and Vegas luxury. The restaurant is run by Michelin-starred chef Akira Back.

Entertainment

There are many places to visit in Vegas for night-time entertainment, but if you are staying at the Bellagio you don’t have to go far for world-class entertainment. The hotel is home to the famous Cirque du Soleil and their water-inspired production ‘O’.

For art lovers, there is the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art which has revolving exhibitions from the world’s top artists, both current and past.

Shopping

If you are looking for luxury goods and the most exclusive names in fashion, then they are all under one roof, a stunning glass canopy, at the Bellagio. From Alexander McQueen to Valentino, there is everything a fan of luxury could need. Most boutiques also offer personal shopper services, making the experience even more exclusive.

In case you are planning a bucket list trip to the Las Vegas Strip, make the Bellagio the place you stay at. From the famed poker rooms to the exclusive shopping experience the hotel truly does have everything.

The post The Bellagio is Always a Good Idea! first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

The post The Bellagio is Always a Good Idea! appeared first on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

According to a recent survey conducted by Travel Mag, top of the list is a private island resort in Seychelles, followed by luxury lodges in places you may least expect. Want to find out what these hotels are? Here’s a list of the top 10 most expensive hotels in the world for 2022.

1. North Island, Seychelles

Dubbed “(perhaps) the most exclusive private island destination in the world”, North Island is located 30km north of Mahé, Seychelles’ main island. It has just 11 villas, each individually handcrafted to be unique from the others.

Guests are promised bespoke, extraordinary experiences on a slice of untouched, unspoiled nature complete with all the frills and thrills that make for a true luxury escape.

A minimum of 4-7 nights is required to confirm rates and availability, and, at an average nightly rate of $6,851 for two adults, it tops the list of the priciest hotels in the world.

2. One & Only Gorilla’s Nest, Rwanda

In what may come as a surprise to some, the next on this list is yet another luxury resort in Africa, the One & Only Gorilla’s Nest. In fact, most of the hotels in the top 10 are situated on the continent.

The One & Only Gorilla’s Nest does not only grant front-row access to the mountain gorillas, but it also immerses you in a vibrant ecosystem that is designed to stimulate and relax you simultaneously.

Nightly rates start at $6,800 for 2 adults.

3. Como Laucala Island, Fiji

Picture brilliant white sand, dazzlingly blue waters, lush green leafy trees, and nature at its finest. That is what you’ll be getting at the Como Laucala Island resort in Fiji.

Add to this private pools for each of the lodge’s 25 residences, a wellness retreat that allows you to create your own soaps and lotions, and other luxury facilities, and its $6,440 nightly fee for 2 adults just might sound well worth it.

4. Singita Grumeti Sasakwa Lodge, Tanzania

What do you get for a $5,800/night stay (for 2 adults) at the Singita Grumeti Sasakwa Lodge in Tanzania?

Access to untouched nature and top-notch luxury so that you can truly relax and connect with the universe without sacrificing the comforts you have come to know and love.

5. Amangiri, USA

At Amangiri, nature at its finest and rawest is once again the principal offering, with luxury amenities as the bonus.

If you love the desert and are looking to unwind in a location cut off from our busy world, then at an average of $4,913/night for two, the Amangiri resort in Utah will offer you this on a platter of sheer luxury.

6. Singita Lebombo Lodge, South Africa

At an average price of $4,688/night for 2, South Africa’s Singita Lebombo is number six on the list of the most expensive hotels in the world currently.

And if you’re wondering whether its price tag is justified, maybe a mental picture of traditionally-designed yet luxurious structures suspended between river and sky with the best of nature filtering in through open spaces will convince you.

7. Belmond Eagle Island Lodge, Botswana

Set on a private island in the heart of the Okavango Delta, Belmond Eagle is yet another resort that allows its guests to enjoy the finest offerings of nature, whether they are ensconced in the comfortable luxury of their rooms, or are out in the open, traversing land, water or sky.

All these are available to guests for an average price of $4,550/night for two.

8. Kudadoo Maldives Private Island, Maldives

Wondering if $4,473 for 2 guests is a good price to pay nightly for resort accommodation?

Well, Kudadoo Maldives Private Island believes that when the offer includes exceptional cuisine, leisure and wellness activities which can be planned with the help of a personal butler, and, a fully solar-powered facility among other perks, the price is well worth it.

9&10. Singita Boulders Lodge and Singita Ebony Lodge, South Africa

Whether you choose to stay at Singita Boulders Lodge or the Singita Ebony Lodge both in Sabi Sands, the promise is an exceptional safari experience in tastefully-designed lodges for an average of $4,456/night for two.

The post The Top 10 Most Expensive Hotels in the World, 2022 first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

The post The Top 10 Most Expensive Hotels in the World, 2022 appeared first on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

Cancellations, especially those done last-minute, are a hotel’s worst nightmare. Empty rooms not only mean decreased revenue, but they may also impact a hotel’s ratings if it happens frequently. Apparently, nothing has worked so far, not even cancellation fees, leaving owners exasperated about how they can effectively manage the situation.

Until now.

As adoption grows, NFTs are finding new and creative uses across industries. And the hospitality industry is the latest to unlock a new function: some hotels in the Dominican Republic and Hawaii are now allowing guests to make reservations through NFTs to avoid the cancellation challenge.

RNTs: the New NFTs for Hotels

In 2020, tech startup Pinktada launched with a promise to replace the “archaic and outdated reservation model” of the hospitality industry. So far, it has tested its revolutionary method in the Dominican Republic and Hawaii and plans to expand to San Francisco, Bahamas, Cancun, Puerto Vallarta, and Cozumel among other locations.

Its model is quite simple. Guests make reservations at any of the hotels on the Pinktada network by purchasing Room-Night Tokens (RNTs). The RNTs would guarantee the buyer a specific room for a specified number of nights, which is exactly how traditional booking methods work.

The RNT model is a win-win for everyone. Once it has been purchased, the hotel receives value and it cannot lose the revenue from this booking regardless of whether or not the guest shows up. Guests on the other hand have the option of doing so much with their RNTs. They can sell it to other guests on the Pinktada platform at current market prices (which means they can make a profit if prices go higher); they can swap it for another room in another (participating) hotel. They can even transfer to someone else, all at no cost to the hotel.

There is a clause, however: RNTs can exchange hands “up until midnight local time two nights before the reservation in the time zone of the hotel.” In addition, the exchange can only happen among registered users on the Pinktada platform.

Is the future of Hotel Bookings here?

It’s still too early to say, but with all the uncertainty the world has faced in the last two years, adoption may happen faster than if this technology were introduced pre-2020.

Besides, no hotel likes cancellations. If RNTs ensure that they get to make a profit from all bookings without losing paying guests, then you just may be making a reservation with an NFT sooner rather than later.

The post You May Soon Have To Pay for Your Hotel Bookings with an NFT first appeared on Aspire Luxury Magazine.

The post You May Soon Have To Pay for Your Hotel Bookings with an NFT appeared first on Aspire Luxury Magazine.