Lorre White, The Guru of Luxury: Dinner for two: top 5 ultimate dining experiences

Dinner for two: top 5 ultimate dining experiences

Nothing spells romance like an intimate dinner for two but who says Valentine’s Day is the only time that calls for something spectacular? For times when even booking the best table at the hot new restaurant just won’t cut it, you can always count on nature to provide the unforgettable.  Here are our five top ultimate dining experiences that are guaranteed to add the wow factor to any romantic occasion.

1. The Great Wall, China

If you’re looking to impress then look no further— one of the world’s largest and most famous historical sites, China’s iconic Great Wall needs no introduction. Cutting a path through the lush mountains you’ll have a dramatic panorama of sweeping hills and valleys as you luncheon undisturbed in your private Great Wall watchtower. As well as your personal staff waiting on your every hand and foot, you can choose to turn the romance up a notch with some live music to accompany your meal. Dining doesn’t reach a grander scale than this.

 

 

2. The Aurora Borealis, Iceland

The Aurora Borealis, or the ‘Northern Lights’ as it is more commonly known, is one of the world’s most incredible natural wonders and makes for a sensationally romantic backdrop to an evening soirée . Dine by candlelight beside a glacial lagoon dotted with floating icebergs, or perched atop cliffs hanging over the Atlantic Ocean and surrounded by icy waterfalls—a country of staggering beauty, Iceland is filled with intense and otherworldly landscapes that are bound to take your breath away.  After a delicious dinner, stepping outside your snug luxury tent to find the Northern Lights dancing overhead is an experience that truly lives up to its ‘unforgettable’ tag .

 

 

3. Son Doong Cave, Vietnam

If you’re idea of romance comes laced with adventure, then dining in the world’s largest cave is bound to seduce. Only discovered in 2009, there is still much of the magnificent Phong Nha cave system that is yet to be explored, so you really feel like you’re entering a lost world. Only accessible by boat, just getting to the cave is itself a magical journey. Imagine gliding through the emerald waters of Halong Bay (itself a UNESCO World Heritage Site) before entering an underground corridor of ancient columned stalagmites through to a vast chamber filled with hundreds of flickering candles. Here you can wine and dine in your own mystical grotto while bats waltz high above.

 

 

4. Angkor Wat, Cambodia

Tangled deep within Siem Reap’s tropical forests, the majestic temples of Angkor Wat are one of Cambodia’s most treasured archaeological wonders. Walking along a candlelit path amongst the historical splendour of these ancient temples makes an awe-inspiring start to any occasion. Here you can experience luxury that recalls the glory of the Khmer Empire, once the most powerful in all of Asia, with traditional musical performances to accompany the fine Khmer cuisine. With your private waiter on hand to make sure your glass is always full, spend the evening sipping champagne under a velvet sky and gazing at the temple reliefs flickering in the candlelight—this is palatial dining worthy of its ‘ultimate’ status.

 

 

5. Ubud Hanging Gardens, Bali

Hidden amongst smoky volcanoes wrapped in verdant rainforest, this has to be one of our best kept secrets in Bali and the perfect location for a private romantic tryst. Experience Zen-like luxury as your personal waiter serves local delicacies under the gentle glow of oil lamps. To get you into the romantic spirit, take an after-dinner stroll through tropical rainforest to the holy water temple where a priest will perform a purification ritual, followed by a foot massage on the riverside bamboo deck. After an evening here under the stars, no one would be able to resist the exotic charms of this unique resort.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Tom Marchant is Co-founder of Black Tomato.

http://www.aluxurytravelblog.com

 

 

Lorre White, The Guru of Luxury: Dinner for two: top 5 ultimate dining experiences.

Lorre White, The Guru of Luxury: 5 of the most lavish hotel suites in the world

Luxury hotels the world over are renowned for their service and amenities, whether you are staying in a standard room or a suite. But there are also those suites where you get something over and above the norm – here we look at five lavish suites offering everything from personal butlers to extensive living space where you don’t just have a minibar but instead have access to your own pantry.

With sweeping 180-degree views, the Millionaire Suites at Sandals La Toc are regarded as some of the most sumptuous in all of Saint Lucia. Positioned on Sunset Bluff, the resorts’ highest point, they offer an uninterrupted 180-degree view of the Caribbean ocean. An outdoor sundeck overlooking the turquoise ocean, that is accessible by your living room or bedroom, features a private infinity pool, waterfall and bubbling Jacuzzi. Only accessible by a golf cart, ensuring maximum privacy, each Millionaire Suite comes with its very own Personal Butler, trained by the Guild of Professional English Butlers, to cater to your every demand…

Royal Suite, InterContinental London Park Lane, London, UK

Celebrating the historic location, the glamorous Royal Suite takes inspiration from Her Majesty’s style and duties to create residential grandeur, perfectly suited to entertaining, meeting or relaxing. The newly designed Royal Suite at InterContinental London Park Lane celebrates the hotel’s location on the site of 145 Piccadilly, Queen Elizabeth II’s former childhood residence. Located on the 8th floor, overlooking the Royal Parks and historic monuments, the design blends inspiration from Her Majesty’s early years with modern British design.

The enchanting Mayfair suite sits at the heart of a new ‘By Appointment’ collection that creates one of the largest offerings in the capital. At the centre of the Royal Suite is a living and entertaining area that celebrates old world glamour, featuring a hand-blown glass chandelier inspired by Her Majesty’s diamond collection.

The elegant dining area has a black lacquer dining table and bespoke Art Deco-inspired accessories, and is complemented by an intimate seating alcove. The study area features a traditional writing desk with a stylised interpretation of a white leather wingback desk chair and bespoke accessories.

The master bedroom’s flora lined satin canopy bed celebrates the backdrops Cecil Beaton used in portraits of Her Majesty with a luxurious marble ensuite.

Royal Mangroves Residence, Royal Mangroves Hotel & Spa, Abu Dhabi, UAE

The palatial Royal Mangroves Residence at the Royal Mangroves Hotel & Spa offers elegance unlike any other hotel accommodation in Abu Dhabi, comprising up to 2,455 sq m of duplex living space, making it the largest suite in Abu Dhabi, and the only versatile suite with altering sizes from three to ten king sized en-suite bedrooms depending on the guest’s needs, with balconies complementing throughout and interconnecting rooms and connecting doors from the corridors.

The Royal Mangroves Residence offers a lavish intimate feel promising the finest five star services. The suite comes equipped with its own rooftop terrace garden and lawned sundecks overlooking the mangroves, a 60 sq m swimming pool with a swim-up pool bar and a BBQ entertainment area, catering to a quintessential lifestyle.

The residence, which enjoys its own private entrance and dedicated lift for ultimate privacy also features a separate living area, study, kitchenette, a common lounge area, a walk-in closet, butler’s pantry, rain showers and oversized free-standing terrazzo bathtubs with panoramic views of the mangroves and an entertainment system spanning 2 floors.

Presidential Suite at Barceló Los Cabos Palace Deluxe, Mexico

Los Cabos in Mexico is among the most famous and irresistible resorts in the world for summer vacations. One of its “hidden” treasures that will make your sunshine holiday better than a dream is the Presidential Suite in the hotel Barceló Los Cabos Palace Deluxe. On the “modest” space of 1,933 sq ft., guests of the resort can enjoy a marvellous abundance of amenities of a real world-class suite and the ideal conditions for all inclusive vacations.

This lavish lodging features awe-inspiring views of the Pacific Ocean from its huge terrace, fully furnished for your delight. The suite boasts a wonderful swimming pool and jacuzzi for complete rejuvenation. The interior of this superior apartment makes impression with the authentic decorations of Mexican craft work and designs, and the lavish furniture made of dark wood and glass that give a chick finish of the rooms. This luxury suite will give you a new meaning of “relaxation” with its intelligent room technology that enables you to control the features of your room with a single push of a button of the remote control. Breathtaking surroundings of Los Cabos and a fabulous suite of your dreams right in the heart of this Paradise, what more do you need for the next Summer?

The Ritz-Carlton Suite at The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong

This is a two-bedroom suite located on floor 117 overlooking breathtaking Victoria Harbour. Guests at The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong can enjoy a soothing retreat in a one-of-a-kind location with personalized butler service and 600-thread count bed linens with down feather pillows and throws.

In addition, is a 55-inch flat screen LCD television, Blu-ray DVD player, Bang & Olufsen BeoSound 8 speaker dock, 160GB Classic iPod, iPod docking station, and CD selection. Lastly, guests can enjoy an en suite marble bathroom with a 32-inch flat screen LCD television, Acqua di Parma bath amenities, spacious living and dining areas with a separate pantry. Each of these distinctive hotel rooms offers 24-hour access to the Ritz-Carlton 24 hour Club Lounge.

By

http://www.aluxurytravelblog.com

Lorre White, The Guru of Luxury: 5 of the most lavish hotel suites in the world.

At Netherlands pop-up restaurant, diners select the furniture | Springwise

The IkHa temporary restaurant allowed customers to select their choice of Ikea furniture to populate the space while they dined.

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We’ve seen personalization in the dining world through the Hoppit site, which allows a user to select a restaurant based on ambience. Similarly, the IkHa temporary restaurant in the Netherlands recently allowed customers to select their choice of Ikea furniture to populate the space while they dined.

Created by Oatmeal Studio, the café was erected as part of last year’s Nordic Film Festival and aimed to make the experience of eating out more customizable for diners. Upon arriving, customers filled out their preferred furnishings – and meal choice – in pencil onto a paper slip, much like the process found in the Ikea store. As well as selecting from a range of tables, chairs and decorations, diners could cut their own tablecloth from wallpaper hanging from the walls. The space invited those using it to personalize it according to their tastes, providing a more engaging experience for diners, as well as doubling as a showroom for Ikea – despite the company not being officially involved in the project.

While the festival is now over, the IkHa restaurant is still available to hire. How else can others in the hospitality industry offer customers a greater role in designing the spaces they use?

Website: www.oatmealstudio.nl/index.php?/root/ikha
Contact: info@oatmealstudio.nl

Spotted by: Alexia M

At Netherlands pop-up restaurant, diners select the furniture | Springwise.

100 Things to Watch in 2013 | JWT Intelligence

Posted by: in North America

Adult Playgrounds, Chia Seeds and Instant-Erase Apps—just a few items from our annual list of 100 Things to Watch for the year ahead.

It’s a wide-ranging compilation that reflects developments that are bubbling up across sectors, including travel, technology, food, retail and sustainability. As always, many of our Things to Watch are tech-centric, including the proliferation of “appcessories,” digital ecosystems, flexible screens and responsive Web design. The list also includes new foods or ingredients to watch (faux meat, teff), new types of goods or businesses (quiet products, shopping hotels), new behaviors (mindful living, privacy etiquette) and ideas with the potential to ladder up to bigger trends.

Check out our list, along with a little bit about what makes each item worth watching, below.

http://www.jwtintelligence.com/2012/12/100-watch-2013/

Lorre White, The Guru of Luxury: Leading Hotels have devised creative ways to offer VIP airport assistance for their guests

To counter the airport hassles which travelers encounter nowadays, several members of Leading Hotels have devised creative ways to offer VIP airport assistance for their guests on arrival and departure, so the Leading experience begins before check-in, and lasts after check-out.

A trip to the Caribbean should be relaxing and carefree, so Tortuga Bay in the Dominican Republic makes sure that its guests enjoy their island holiday from the minute they land. On arrival, they are welcomed right at the plane by an airport associate with a sign displaying their name, then whisked through the immigration process without having to stand in line, and taken directly to the resort vehicle that awaits them outside. And when, sadly, it’s time to leave, guests are returned to the airport where they can relax in a VIP lounge, complete with free food and beverage services. All of this pampering comes at no charge.

The legendary La Mamounia has established a partnership with Marrakech’s Menara Airport, allowing guests to luxuriate in the La Mamounia experience of elegance from the moment they land until the moment they depart. Designed by Jacques Garcia, and offering the same ambiance as the hotel, the 560-square-foot lounge is decorated with plush armchairs in warm tones; beautifully crafted coffee tables; a unique fragrance — created by Olivia Giacobetti exclusively for La Mamounia — filtered through the lounge; and personalized reception to allow guests to fall immediately into the atmosphere of the hotel. Wireless Internet connection, gourmet cuisine and a full team of attentive La Mamounia staff ensure that guests are made to feel special immediately. These services and amenities are offered at no cost.

The Leading Hotels of the World introduces hotels with VIP Airport Experiences La Mamounia Marrakech

At Le Royal Monceau – Raffles Paris, the palace experience starts the minute guests step off the plane. Why waste precious time in the notoriously long waiting lines at the French customs, when one could be queuing at the local bakery for freshly baked croissants instead? After being individually met at the gate by a hotel representative, guests are escorted to a VIP-only ‘Express’ desk to clear passport control. They proceed to baggage claim, where the agent takes care of the luggage, before being expedited through customs and escorted to their private limousine. For transfers back to the airport, guests are also invited to use the VIP lane at the tax refund office, to save precious time. Prices for this service start at EUR 310, plus tax.

The Leading Hotels of the World introduces hotels with VIP Airport Experiences le Royal Monceau Raffles Paris

The Saxon Boutique Hotel, Villas & Spa makes sure that guests requiring extra discretion and assistance are well taken care of. A VIP handler at the airport notifies the hotel as the guest’s plane is about to land. From the hotel, the concierge leaves with a convoy, comprising a lead security vehicle, a middle or “principle” vehicle for the VIP, and a Mercedes microbus with the hotel’s security manager for the luggage. The handler welcomes the clients at the door of the plane to escort them to the front of the line at customs and passport control. The handler then assists them through baggage claim to the arrivals hall, or for clients seeking more privacy, proceeding to an alternative rear exit. Guests are met by the concierge at the convoy for the transfer to the hotel. Upon arrival at the Saxon, they are escorted to their accommodations, where the check-in procedure is completed. As the services are customized to each arrival, costs are available on request.

For the convenience of its guests, the Taj Mahal Palace in Mumbai has arranged a one-point contact for clients at the airport. This hotel representative is equipped to assist them on arrival with baggage and immigration lines, and provide access to private airport waiting lounges. At the end of the stay, the hotel offers pre-check-in for departing flights before guests leave the hotel, escorting them to expedited security checkpoints and providing gourmet snack boxes. In addition, the hotel offers guests a private concierge service, as well as airport check-in and in-room check-out facilities, at no charge. For guests looking to arrive in style, the hotel will be happy to arrange a fee-based transfer via Jaguar.

The legendary Copacabana Palacemakes “flying down to Rio” an experience Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers could relate to! Guests are met at the door of the aircraft by a hotel agent bearing a sign with their names. From there, they are guided through customs and immigration, offered assistance in completing all the necessary forms, and go on to baggage claim where the agent retrieves the luggage. The agent will even tend to the bags while the guests engage in some duty free shopping. After leaving the restricted areas of the airport, the agent accompanies the guests to the car where the hotel’s driver awaits to transport them to the hotel. When leaving Rio, an agent welcomes the guests at their departure terminal at the airport, assisting with luggage and check-in, and escorting them through immigration to the departure lounge. The hotel agent waits at the airport until he or she receives confirmation that the guests’ flight has taken off. Services are available in English and Spanish, and cost BRL 350 per person, plus tax. Prices for the car start at BRL 225, plus tax, depending on the guests’ requirements.

The Leading Hotels of the World introduces hotels with VIP Airport Experiences 2 Copacabana Palace Rio

The PuLi Hotel and Spa provides elite airport service to guests arriving at Shanghai’s airports which include a private airport waiting lounge where guests can enjoy gourmet snack boxes. An elite agent will wait for guests at the boarding bridge and escort them to security and customs check, as well as pick up the luggage via an express line. The current fee for this service is RMB 600 plus tax.

PP-Luxury.com

Lorre White, The Guru of Luxury: Leading Hotels have devised creative ways to offer VIP airport assistance for their guests.

Lorre White, The Guru of Luxury: CHINA’S FUTURE MEGACITIES

The McKinsey Global Institute, in its 2011 Urban World report, conjectured that 13 of the world’s 25 fastest-growing cities would be in mainland China, and that between 2007 and 2025, the country’s top 225 cities would be responsible for 30 percent of global economic growth.

Currently, several second-tier cities stand to take a position in the spotlight, and they are specializing their industries as a means to accelerate growth. These newly emerging economic hubs all have several factors going for them as they accelerate into major players, including lower labor costs and a younger population that places less burden on the social services compared to first-tier cities.

Changsha

Economic growth: 14.5 percent in 2011
Specialty:
Entertainment, construction

McKinsey says Changsha’s gross domestic product will triple between 2010 and 2025. This is not surprising, considering they are famous for building what the growing Chinese culture wants and needs: television programs and heavy machinery. Changsha’s local television network, known as Hunan TV, created the very popular, American Idol-like shows Chao Ji Nu Sheng (Super Girl) and Kuai Le Nan Sheng (Super Boy).

Construction companies Zoomlion and Sany, which call Changsha home, have also done extremely well during China’s building boom. Liang Wengen, one of China’s richest men, owns Sany and now the German cement-pump maker Putzmeister. By exporting excavators, truck cranes, and other specialty vehicles to India, Brazil, and Africa, Wengen has found another income draw.

Chengdu

Economic growth: 15 percent in 2011
Specialty:
High-tech manufacturing

Dell and Texas Instruments have a presence in Chengdu. If it’s any indication of this city’s future, Intel recently moved its assembly and testing facility there from Shanghai.

Shenyang

Economic growth: 14 percent
Specialty: Transportation assembly

Thanks to the recent boom of second-tier cities, Shenyang is experiencing a resurrection of sorts: an industrial center when Japan occupied Manchuria, Shenyang’s economy plummeted in the 1990s when the state-owned factories closed. Now BMW and Boeing have brought assembly plants to the city, luring other foreign investors to follow.

Wuxi

Economic growth: 13 percent
Specialty: Solar

Wuxi is called “little Shanghai” because of its close proximity to the city, rapid urbanization and booming economy. Wuxi also has a history of business people involved in modern Shanghai commerce since the early 20th century. A major push has been made by the Wuxi government to become a leader in new energy industries. The city is becoming the solar technology hub in China with two major solar panel manufacturers, Suntech and Jetion Holdings Ltd.

Xian

Economic growth: 14.5 percent
Specialty: Aerospace

Historically a base of the military-industrial complex, Xi’an has emerged as an important cultural, industrial and educational center of the central-northwest region with facilities for research and development, national security, and China’s space exploration program. It is busy working to develop the nation’s aerospace industry.

[businessweek]
photo credit: twoamericansinchina

Lorre White, The Guru of Luxury: CHINA’S FUTURE MEGACITIES.

Cioccolato Bakery Boutique – Monterrey, Mexico. Coolhunter

via coolhunter

September 2 2012

There is something mouth-wateringly yummy and creamily liquid going on in the interior of Cioccolato, a bakery boutique in Monterrey, Mexico.

The designers aimed for a Willy Wonka factory feel of slight madness, and we think they’ve succeeded.

The new shop focuses on custom desserts and special events, and it is a specialized spin-off concept of the existing, fairly traditional Cioccolato pastry and cake brand.

The designers of the new concept are Savvy Studio Savvy-Studio.net of San Pedro Garza García, Nuevo León, México.

One of the main concerns of the design team was to ensure clear differentiation of the new concept, without confusing the brands current customers.


The gooey concept evokes cravings of sweet sugary treats and thick whipped cream, strong chocolate and colourful candies, feather-light macaroons

and juicy cupcakes – anything sweet and happy and festive.


Our favourite is the white table with one leg formed by dripping something, perhaps jam or some other irresistible filling.

Chocolate drips off shelves and the seats seem to be made of licorice and ice cream.
Savvy Studio was in charge of the entire rebranding concept, from visual identity to interior design and packaging.

Savvy is a multi-disciplinary studio involved in industrial design, architecture, graphic design, marketing and communications.

Tuija Seipell

See also

El Montero, Saltillo Coahuila – Mexico- Coolhunter

by Coolhunter
October 9 2012

It is not often that we see an extensive series of images depicting the visual and physical interpretations of a restaurant brand and we think: Wow. These are ALL great!

But that was the case with El Montero. It is a restaurant located in the city of Saltillo in the Mexican state of Coahuila, not far from the Texan border. The surrounding area is desert and the visual and culinary style of the restaurant reflect this.

The town itself is nicknamed both the Athens of Mexico (for its history and concentration of intellectuals) and the Detroit of Mexico for the automobile assembly plants of Mercedes Benz, General Motors and Chrysler. Seems odd that one city could be both an Athens and a Detroit, but that’s what we are told.

As always, we fall in love with dualities and juxtapositions. We like the combination of sophistication and aged materials, contemporary and historical, dark and light. One cannot miss the fantastic, custom-created chandelier consisting of more than 4 kilometers of chain.

Or the cactus forest of the roomy terrace. Or the great combination of an exposed old-stone wall with ornate gold detailing.


The branding and interior design of El Montero were developed by Anagrama, a multi-disciplinary creative agency located in San Pedro Garza García in the state of Nuevo León. – Tuija Seipell