Ritz Carlton Shanghai Pudong -The best hotel in the world 2011

Ritz Carlton Shanghai Pudong outer view

Influential magazine Condé Nast Traveler has named the Ritz-Carlton Shanghai, Pudong as the best hotel in the world in its annual Readers’ Choice survey.
The publication, announcing the results ahead of the November issue, revealed the Shanghai hotel’s victory ahead of Peninsula House in the Dominican Republic, which won second place, October 11.
The Four Seasons Sharm El Sheikh won third place, while the Safari Lodges at Phinda Private Game Reserve in South Africa came in fourth.

Ritz Carlton Shanghai Pudong interiors

The Readers’ Choice Awards are among the most comprehensive in the travel calendar, recognizing over 1,200 winners across various categories as voted for by over 28,000 respondants.
Another much-watched category is that of best city, which is awarded by country or continent.

This year’s US winner was Charleston, South Carolina, while Quebec City took the top gong in Canada and San Miguel de Allende won in Mexico.
Sydney took the prize for Oceania, Buenos Aires won in Central and South America, Kyoto won in Asia, Cape Town in Africa and Florence, Italy, took the award in Europe.

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Tori-Tori-Restaurant, Mexico City -A digital design for a digital age

Tori-Tori restaurant

A uniquely designed hot spot for loves of food and architecture.

A digital design for a digital age — that is what was envisioned for the Tori-Tori restaurant located in Polanco near Mexico City. The stunningly beautiful blue ivy-like structure is now complete and is the collaborative work of Mexico-based architectural firm Rojkind Arquitectos and design workshop Esrawe Studio.

Tori-Tori-Indoor-Dining-Area

The structure is made of two-layer self-supporting steel that generates the layered and ivy-like façade. Outside, guests can dine and drink amongst natural vegetation, enjoying a remarkably unique dining experience thanks to handcrafted furniture designed exclusively to match the form and function of the restaurant. While we aren't quite sure how well the form and design of the restaurant translates to the food, we would at least enjoy its digitally beautiful atmosphere.

Tori-Tori-Green-Vegetation-Dining-Area

Tori-Tori-entryway

  Tori-Tori-Lounge

Tori-Tori-Corner-Dining-Area

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BestHotels/Hotel de EDGE, Hong Kong(Photos)

With sleek style and stunning views, the new Hotel de EDGE by Rhombus sits perched above Hong Kong's Victoria Harbour and Sun Yat Sen Memorial Park. And since it's situated right in the thick of downtown, you don't need a junk to sail you to amazing Hong Kong food and festival experiences.

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Extreme hotels/ The world's deepest subterranean hotel room

The eerie hotel suite accommodates two and is situated 155 meters (509 ft) below the earth's surface, amidst winding tunnels and deep cavities (image: Sala Silvermine)

Deep within the dark tunnels and cavity shafts of an old Swedish silver mine, guests can sleep in the world's deepest hotel suite. The Sala Silvermine is located in Sala (120 km/75 miles from Stockholm) and is believed to date back to the Middle Ages. For a long period of time the mine was Sweden's largest source of silver, and is now home to an underground hotel room, dining experience, museum, live theater and numerous exploration activities.

The eerie hotel suite accommodates two and is situated 155 meters (509 ft) below the earth's surface, amidst winding tunnels and deep cavities. The suite is not suitable for claustrophobes, as the dark chamber features a double bed surrounded by three rock walls, candles, seating and little else.
Upon arrival, the daring guests receive a guided tour of the space to orientate themselves before being left alone for the night. A staff member remains available above ground for the duration of the stay, contactable by an intercom radio. Guests are also reminded that cell phones do not work this deep underground! 

There is a toilet located 50 meters (165 ft) below ground, however guests will have to use the bathroom facilities in the adjoining hostel above ground.
The mine also features two dining rooms in the vicinity of the hotel suite, where dinner guests can experience a banquet in a truly unique environment.

Above ground, in the southern area of the mine, lie several high wire adventure tracks, including ropeways, hanging bridges and other tree challenges. But if you'd prefer to go underground, adventurers have the opportunity to go cave diving. The cave dive offers a limited number of divers access to explore the mine's underwater environment. The water temperature is constantly a chilly 2 degrees Celsius / 35 degrees Fahrenheit, however divers braving the cold conditions are promised a "spectacular scenery" experience.
A night's stay in the underground suite at the Sala Silvermine will cost approximately US$580.

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The Ritz-Carlton Hotel In Saudi Arabia Opens Doors To Guests

The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company announceed the opening of its long-awaited The Ritz-Carlton Riyadh, which is scheduled to begin receiving guests on October 24, 2011. Situated next to the Diplomatic Quarter and adjacent to the King Abdul Aziz Convention Centre, The Ritz-Carlton Riyadh features 493 rooms and suites.
The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, LLC, will open its first hotel in the Saudi Arabia, in Riyadh
Within 213,500 sq m (52 acres) of landscaped gardens, the hotel’s stately architecture is modelled on traditional palaces and elegant Arabian residences. Native palms, 600-year old olive trees from Lebanon, and water fountains abound on the property.

Choosy guests will be satisfied with some of 49 two-bedroom Royal Suites, each measuring more than 425 sqm and 50 one-bedroom Executive Suites at 95 sqm. All guestrooms and suites are styled using the vibrant colors and ethnic textures of the region, and are equipped with wireless and wired Internet access, flat screen televisions and DVD players.
The hotel offers more than 5,800 sqm of conference space combined, including two colossal ballrooms in a separate wing that are both identical in size at 1,970 sq meters. They are complemented by two vast auditorium-styled theatres with stepped floors and built-in stages. Completing the conference area is Aubergine restaurant that cater exclusively for the invited delegates, journalists and accompanying security personnel.

Flanking the indoor swimming pool on the ground level is Hong, the Asian restaurant featuring a contemporary fusion of fresh Oriental ingredients with a western flair, and Azzuro Italian restaurant that serves authentic cuisine from the old country.
Recreational facilities include a full-service men’s health club complete with three treatment rooms. For medical emergencies, the hotel features a fully-equipped Intensive Care Unit (ICU) with separate rooms for patients.
The Ritz-Carlton Riyadh joins nine other Ritz-Carlton hotels and resorts currently operating or under development in the Middle East: Bahrain, Dubai, Sharm El Sheikh, Doha, Sharq Village & Spa, Dubai International Finance Centre, Muscat, Abu Dhabi and Nile Cairo (opening respectively in 2012 and 2013.) [The Ritz Carlton]

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Travel/Starwood to Open Naka Island Resort in Phuket

The Naka Island, Starwood Hotels & Resorts’ newest Luxury Collection property in Asia, will open to the public on November 1st, 2011. Situated in the southernmost province just off the coast of Phuket in Thailand, The Naka Island is a private boutique resort on Naka Yai Island, comprising 67 villas fitted with tropical gardens and private plunge pools, along with a world-class spa facility.

Known as the Pearl of the Andaman, Phuket is Thailand’s largest island and one of Southeast Asia’s most highly-regarded destinations. Phuket FantaSea is just 28.0 km away from the Island and also offers exciting jungle experience. Apart from these attractions, Golfers have three wonderful courses to choose from: Laguna Phuket Golf Club, Blue Canyon Country Club, and Mission Hills Golf Course.

The island is located just 25 minutes from Phuket International Airport, including a five-minute ride by private speedboat. It is only 100 square kilometers in size – easily navigable on foot, or by bicycle, or by boat to the various beaches. Naka’s stunning natural environs are the recreational focal point of The Naka Island resort, with ample opportunities for hiking, biking, watersports, and snorkeling. Or, if relaxation is the priority, The Naka Island offers a spa and exclusive access to pristine sandy beaches.

The huge sized villas have private plunge pools, open air bathrooms, sala pavilion and large outdoor space. Each villa will also feature comprehensive library, indoor sound system and extravagant views over Phang Nga Bay and Phuket Island. The resort features different F&B outlets including Tonsai, an all-day dining restaurant in a casual seaside setting. Al fresco dining at My Grill, an open beachside grill house, which will offer seafood and steaks with a southern Thai influence. Or, guests will be able to enjoy a glass of wine from the extensive wine cellar at the Z Bar while they enjoy the colourful sunsets.

Each guest will be provided with an ‘Experienced Guide’ who will act as a concierge, guest relations officer and a personal butler who will take care of each and every need of the guests. This Experience Guide will book a dining reservation, will arrange for outing and sightseeing, will take you to the driving trips and will help you to explore the Island and other nearby places.

The Naka Island has the largest spa in the region that offers complete peace of mind, body and soul through their world class spa therapies. The Spa is bespoke for every individual guest at the Island.

 The resort opens for premier stays November 1st, so be the first to experience Naka Island in Phuket.
 [The Naka Island]

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Travel/Underwater hotel room has guests sleeping with the sharks

The resort has been known to transform the underwater dining room into a private bedroom suite for two on special occasions (Photos: Conrad Rangali)
We were intrigued by the Amphibious 1000's proposed floating suites and private underwater lounges, however The Conrad Maldives Rangali Island Resort hosts the real deal! Situated in the tropical gardens on Rangalifinolhu Island, access to the resort is only by seaplane and while it may sound like any other exclusive get away, the Conrad Rangali will have you dining with stingrays and on special occasions, sleeping with the sharks.

Opening its doors a little over five years ago, the resort features the world's first all-glass, under-the-sea restaurant. Guests are offered the experience of dining 16 feet (4.9 m) below sea level with 180-degree views of the reef and marine life. The resort has also been known to transform the underwater dining room into a private bedroom suite for two on special occasions.

Nestled away on two private islands and surrounded by white-sandy beaches, the hotel boasts 50 water villas, 79 beach villas and 21 spa villas with private treatment rooms. Spa treatments are also available in glass-floored rooms situated above the lagoon's coral reef and outdoor activities include scuba diving, snorkeling safaris, windsurfing, game fishing, catamaran sailing and sunset cruising on the resort's yacht.

The Conrad Rangali has all the luxury resort trappings with ocean view baths, Philippe Starck fittings, private sun decks, espresso machines and Bulgari bathroom goodies. It's also definitely at the higher end of the market with guest rooms starting at US$815 per night, per couple. The underwater restaurant only seats 12 and guests are advised to book well in advance.

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Special Hotels/ Bella Sky Comwell Hotel(10 photos)

The Bella Sky Comwell Hotel in Copenhagen has opened its doors. The 250 feet (76.5 m) tall, 814 room hotel is among of the largest in Scandinavia, but its not the size of the design from architecture firm 3XN that's striking - it's the shape. The building's tilting twin towers lean apart from each other at an impressive 15 degrees, an angle that provides guests with a better view of the surrounding parkland.

The hotel features 23 floors, 814 designer rooms with 200 different room types, 30 meeting and conference rooms, three restaurants, two bars and a wellness center. Natural design elements of earth colors, wood and grass throughout the hotel create a warm atmosphere and highlight the Scandinavian connection to the environment.

The entrance boasts a stunning light installation and furniture is designed to reflecting the structure of the building's facade, which is notable for its pattern of blue and white triangle shaped glass.

"The challenge was to build two towers with a single origin, so a common foyer was possible," said Kim Herforth Nielsen, founder of 3XN and Creative Director. "Designing a sustainable building was also vital to us. This includes insulating the building from solar heat and heat loss, which meant that the facade could not be comprised of more than 50% glass. The facade's pattern provides this insulating effect. And the pattern, which is formed by diagonal and vertical lines, enhances the building's look by following the turning of the towers."

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Travel/Marques de Riscal Hotel(11pics)

For all those who like impressive nature, tradition and exquisite gastronomy associated with wine our recommendation is Hotel Marques de Riscal. Marques de Riscal, founded in 1860, is one of the oldest wineries in Rioja, Elciego and one of the first to introduce French winemaking techniques.

Marques de Riscal, XXIst century hotel is located in the The City of Wine in the Rioja wine region and it is a true masterpiece of internationally architect Frank O. Gehry. This is the most innovative hotel from the prestigious brand The Luxury Collection by Starwood Hotels & Resorts.

Hotel Marques de Riscal offers 43 guestrooms. All rooms have wireless internet access, premium television channels, DVD player, bathrobes, complimentary toiletries, hair dryer, separate sitting areas, minibars, direct-dial phones, refrigerators…

In the Marques de Riscal restaurant you can taste the traditional dishes of the region with a vanguard touch accompanied by the best selection of wines or enjoy the impressive views of the town of Elciego, vineyards and mountains of the Basque country from the Bistro 1860 restaurant, with access to the main terraces of the hotel, and discover a refined cuisine with regional specialties.

At the Wine Bar – Wine Shop of the hotel you can taste the best wines of Marques de Riscal or if you prefer, enjoy a coffee, a tea or a snack or visit the Lounge – Library Roof, ideal place for tapas or a cocktail enjoying the most extraordinary panoramic views of Hotel Marques de Riscal.

For all business people the hotel offers 8 spacious conference rooms and ballrooms which can welcome up to 850 people and 7 terraces, perfect for social events, with the most spectacular sights of the vineyards, the mountains and the medieval villages. Also for all those who don`t know yet where to organize wedding and banquet the hotel will surprise them and make their dreams come true.

When we are talking about other amenities Marqes de Riscal is not behind other luxuries hotels. There are SPA Vinotherapie Caudalie with baths, wraps and scrubs, facial, hand and feet treatments, the day package in the City of Wine, sauna, fitness center,indoor pool, library, picnic area and a lots of amenities nearby like golfing, snowboarding, fishing, bird watching, tennis, running, horse riding…

Whether you are interested in wine or not don`t miss the chance to spend several days in gorgeus Spain in the luxuries Hotel Marques de Riscal.

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