Live like a king and dine like a sultan – that`s the kind of holiday treat that many people like. As the famous Irish wit Oscar Wilde once said…
Live like a king and dine like a sultan – that`s the kind of holiday treat that many people like. As the famous Irish wit Oscar Wilde once said: I can give up anything but luxury.Some tour operators and hotel chains have discovered this niche and are developing more and more interesting offers. Those who are looking for that rather special break, will find a wide selection of luxury holidays to choose from at C-B-R 2003, the 34th Caravan-Boat-International Travel Market Exhibition. The fair takes place from Saturday, 15 to Sunday, 23 February 2003 at the New Munich Trade Fair Centre in Munich-Riem.
While others mix with the masses on the beach, sangria flowing freely, the atmosphere is all peace and calm in the new `Mardavall Hotel & Spa` (Hall A5, Stand 540) in Puerto Portals. The hotel is one of the brand of `Luxury Collection` hotels run by Arabella Sheraton Hotelmanagement GmbH of Munich. Round stone arches decorate its facade. In the foyer a broad, sweeping staircase leads up to the apartments. All the rooms are furnished with understated elegance, the duvets are filled with the down of the Icelandic duck. In the evening guests can relax on a lounger and watch the sunset over the Mediterranean. Butlers unpack cases and serve tea, while in the `Es Fum` restaurant the tables are laid for fine dining.
Owner Stefan Schorghuber invested around 85 million euros in this 133-room palace which as a holiday residence can hold its own with any of the other luxury establishments on the Balearics or throughout the Mediterranean. We define luxury as space, time, peace and comfort, said Schorghuber. The wellness area alone covers 4,700 square metres, and here guests can indulge in thalasso therapy and shiatsu. This is also where Dr Zhang Lu prepares an individually mixed beauty drink of healing herbs for every visitor to the spa.
Legendary establishments like Reid`s on Madeira (Hall A5, Stand 433) and Mount Nelson (Hall A5, Stand 527) in South Africa are already well known. They are part of the Orient Express hotel chain. `Luxury is style combined with personality` is their philosophy: No two hotels are alike, as individual style is what`s important. Each hotel has its own personality, and this is carefully maintained. Others in the chain include `Le Manoir aux Quat`Saison` (Hall A5, Stand 544) in Oxfordshire, the `Maroma Resort & Spa` (Hall A5, Stand 406) in the Mexican Maya riviera, the Palladio Suite in the hotel `Cipriani` (Hall A5, Stand 210) in Venice and eight new garden suites in the `Villa San Michele` (Hall A5, Stand 210) in Florence.
European luxury with Australian flair, that`s the `Palazzo Versace`, the first hotel worldwide designed by the star designer Gianni Versace; breaks in this hotel are offered by Meier`s Weltreisen (Hall A5, Stand 410). The palazzo is right by the beach of Surfers Paradise, about 80 km south of Brisbane. The hinterland of this Gold Coast is an area of rainforest, mountain villages, vineyards, charming tea houses and historic buildings. The hotel`s ceilings are gilded, the floors are of marble, the mosaics and the furniture are designed by Versace himself. For variety, guests can enjoy the facilities of the hotel`s own health spa and fitness centre.
Cruise enthusiasts will find their dream holiday at terramar Reisen (Hall A5, Stand 240) – seven days cruise through the island world of the Seychelles on the luxury catamaran `Le Meridien Pearl of Seychelles`. 34 cabins, a restaurant and a bar guarantee a private atmosphere on board. Surfing, water-skiing, kayaking and snorkelling are all on offer. The islands visited include Curieuse, Grande Soeur, Praslin and La Digue.
The most expensive hotel in the world is in Dubai, it`s the Burj al Arab (Hall A5, Stand 410), `the tower of Arabia`. In shape it looks like a dhow`s sail filled with wind, and at 327 metres high, it is just a little taller than the Eiffel Tower. No expense was spared in the interior. Gold in the lobby, red velvet and purple silk everywhere. Giant aquaria with shimmering, colourful marine fish line the walls of the ground floor. Those spending a night or two at the Burj al Arab can even land on the roof of the tower in their helicopter, have their boat moored up at the hotel`s jetty or be collected from the airport by one of the hotel`s six ivory-coloured Rolls Royces.
If it`s luxury in Bavaria you are looking for, the Seehotel Uberfahrt in Rottach-Egern, run by the Dorint chain (Hall B5, Stand 210), is hard to beat: curving walls and fountains in the foyer, thick carpets, four-poster beds, five restaurants and Feng Shui throughout. In the hotel`s own spa, visitors can partake of Qi massages, goats milk in a `softpack` and a right royal bath in Baccara rose blossom. In this hotel is the world`s first and only beauty farm that uses Cle de Peau, the luxury product from Shiseido.
Those who want to really be pampered on holiday will find lots of inspiration at C-B-R 2003, which takes place from Saturday, 15 to Sunday, 23 February 2003 at the New Munich Trade Fair Centre in Munich-Riem.
Theodore is the Co-Founder and Managing Editor of TravelDailyNews Media Network; his responsibilities include business development and planning for TravelDailyNews long-term opportunities.
