EUROPE'S BEST SKI CHALETS

Ski season is in full swing, check out some of our favourite chalets for a last minute getaway.....

 Chalet Le Rocher

Val d'Isere

A seven bedroom chalet with all the must-haves including full gym, swimming pool and hot tub, at the heart of Val d'Isere. Our favourite feature is the expansive living area complete with crackling log fire for cosy nights in.

Chalet One Oak

Combloux

Another popular resort destination with a difference, sleeping up to twelve people, guests can expect to enjoy fantastic food and service as well as modern amenities in a gorgeous traditional decoration.

Number 14

Verbier

With sixteen staff on hand ready to cater for up to twenty six guests it is clear why Number 14 is one of Verbier's more coveted residences. A host of amenities including a hammam, pool, cinema and two hot tubs await guests after a hard day's ski.

Chalet Owens

Courchevel 1850

The perfect choice for those with an aim to relax, a state of the art gym, indoor/outdoor pool, wine cellar, cinema and infinity pool are among the hoard of perks Owens offers allowing those less keen to ski the chance to relax indoors.

Chalet N

Oberlech

A stand out option with more staff on hand than there are guests, Chalet N is without a doubt one of the most lavish chalets in Europe. With a whole floor dedicated to a spa area, cinema, infinity pool, and wine cellar as well as a fantastic kitchen and living area, Chalet N is almost impossible to resist. 

For more information on the chalets mentioned above or for more information please visit our website or call 0442077249911

HOLLYWOOD HISTORY: TOP 10 ICONIC MOVIE HOTELS

Hotels have long been the backdrop to many legendary movies, here are some of the most iconic settings to Hollywood's biggest blockbusters - see if you recognise any!

The Orient Express from Murder on the Orient Express

The infamous train journey through Europe and into Asia, where the East meets the West, was the setting for the classic Agatha Christie murder mystery.

Caesar's Palace Las Vegas from The Hangover

As seen in the outrageous 2009 comedy where a groom and his three friends run riot in Las Vegas during a stag party gone terribly, terribly wrong.

Park Hyatt Tokyo from Lost in Translation

The Bill Murray movie about an unlikely friendship struck up after a chance meeting in the Park Hyatt's hotel bar perfectly captures the bright lights of Tokyo.

Beverly Wilshire Los Angeles from Pretty Woman 

The modern day Cinderella story's most iconic scenes take place in the Wilshire's presidential suite, overlooking L.A.. The hotel is so connected with the international smash hit that they even offer 'Pretty Woman for a day' packages!

The Fontaine Bleau Miami from Scarface

One of the most luxurious Miami Beach hotels has had its pool feature in countless Hollywood blockbusters. From Goldfinger to the Bodyguard and more notably in the rise and fall of vicious gangster Tony Montana - Scarface.

The Plaza New York from Home Alone II

Another hotel which has frequently appeared on the big screen, not only did Macaulay Culkin famously run amok in this luxury hotel, it has also played host to other films such as Crocodile Dundee, North by Northwest and Almost Famous!

Vertigo Hotel San Francisco from Vertigo

Formerly known as the Empire Hotel, the hotel's name change alone shows its close affiliation with the Hitchcock classic. Not only did the film's character Judy live at the hotel, James Stewart and Kim Novak who star in Vertigo stayed there during filming.

Grandhotel Pupp Czech Republic from Casino Royale

The ostentatious hotel referred to as 'Hotel Splendide' in the Daniel Craig film, sees Bond frolicking around in its reception area and car park after a meal in the hotel restaurant.

Hotel Sidi Driss Tunisia from Star Wars

The hotel's simplistic façade made it ideal as Luke Skywalker's tatooine homestead where he grows up. The hotel has now become a popular 'pilgrimage' site for die-hard Star Wars fans.

Royal Lancaster Hotel London from The Italian Job

The birthplace of Michael Caine's iconic 'hiya Charlie' moment, the Royal Lancaster is where he's commissioned to carry out the eponymous heist by Beckermann's widow.

TUESDAY TRAVEL: ISLAND HOPPING IN THE MEDITERRANEAN

Kick start your Mediterranean adventure with an action packed three nights in Crete. Fly direct with British Airways from London Gatwick to Heraklion before being chauffeured to the gorgeous Elounda Bay Palace Hotel. Overlooking Mirabello Bay, the hotel offers stunning views as well as action packed fun catering for everything and anything from water-skiing to scuba diving excursions. When you’ve had your fill of fun the onsite spa is always on-hand to help you relax and the hotel’s four restaurants ensure that your taste buds are always more than satisfied.

Next stop, St. George’s Bay, Malta where three nights at the opulent Corinthia Hotel and Spa will leave you feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. The hotel, steeped in history and tradition, offers its guests the ultimate in relaxation as the charm and understated elegance of the hotel along with Corinthia’s famed attentive service combine to create an oasis of calm to which guests can retreat.

Travel to foodie paradise at Forte Village Resort on the iconic Sardinian coastline where white sandy beaches meet crystal blue seas. The resort offers the ultimate holiday package with tennis courts, multiple pools, Michelin star restaurants, nightclub and go karting. If that isn't enough, the resort sits on the edge of an award winning beach whose warm climate and particularly warm sea provide a stunning setting for holidaymakers in search of sun.

A three day spa break at the renowned Capri Palace featuring the world’s best spa provides the perfect remedy for any remaining stress. The hotel isn't short on dining options either with three restaurants on site, two of which are Michelin starred. Explore the nearby ancient Acropolis Anacapri where life slows down a pace and allows you to take in its beautiful surroundings on an evening ‘passeggiata’, ice cream in hand.

Complete your Mediterranean break with three nights in inimitable Ibiza where you can let your hair down and relax in hotel ME Ibiza’s unrivalled opulence.  Sitting beach side,

 enjoy its endless list of amenities including rooftop spa, bar and pool with 360 degree views and beach club with direct yacht access. When it all gets a bit too much there’s a 27 hole golf course nearby. Enjoy the best of Ibiza in its iconic old town, just thirty minutes down the road, ideal for long, luxurious dinners overlooking the beaches or to simply sip champagne in style.

For more information check out our website or give us a call on 020 7724 9911

TUESDAY TRAVEL: FUN FOR ALL THE FAMILY

Let's face it, we can't always leave the kids with Grandma, that's why we've compiled a list of some of the world's best hotels in top destinations, guaranteeing fun for all the family - happy kids, happy parents!

Denis Island, Seychelles

This private island is what dreams are made of, luscious greenery surrounds 25 open plan villas on the north-western tip of the island, these open onto white sandy beaches reaching out into a turquoise ocean. Families can either opt for the Family Cottage (two adults, two children) or the Beach Villa which offers the added luxury of its own private pool so that the little ones can splash around, whilst you have a well deserved tanning session. The island's wildlife is sure to be a hit with the kids, turtles nest on its beaches in October and November, it also has an enclosure of giant tortoises for little ones to ogle. 

Cape Weligama, Sri Lanka

This complex offers four-suite villas situated by a shallow pool supervised by swimming teachers so parents need not worry. Two sandy beaches are also nearby for days when parents are feeling adventurous, older children can try their hand at a variety of activities and water sports including a PADI accredited diving centre. With the children sorted, parents can head to the infinity pool overlooking the ocean and finish off the day with a family bike ride around the local temples and villages. 

Ocean View, Harbour Island, Bahamas

This island owned by Pip Simmons later taken over by his son Ben offers a variety of cottages for all guests, however Pip's cottage is recommended for families (based on children sleeping in the front room). This cottage features a fantastic claw-foot outdoor bath making bath time a bit less of a chore, finished with comfy floral sofas and minimal designs. Guests gather for meals in the main house, where little ones can help the chefs by donning an apron and decorating cookies. The island offers plenty of activities to fill the day such as paddle boarding, snorkelling and diving or one can simply lie back and enjoy the sun (with a cocktail or three).

Constance Le Prince Maurice, Mauritius

The Constance is a resort hotel framed by the Indian ocean and offers a variety of suites from beach front to lake edge options. It has many facilities including a free-form swimming pool and floating restaurant, all topped off with charming service taking care of all your family's needs, so that you can enjoy the sun.

To find out more about exclusive holidays and luxury hotels, please visit our website.