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Nobu Hotels, Ready for Takeoff

It takes a lot for a luxury hotel's branding to stand out. Here's a new concept that will: celebrity chef-owned hotels. Awaiting your appraisal: Nobu Hotels.

First Out of the Gate
Luxury Travel Spotlight10

India Hicks: Why I Left London for Harbour Island in the Bahamas

Tuesday May 21, 2013
Harbour Island Beach

Loyalists -- American colonists who sided with England during the Revolutionary War -- were run out of the soon-to-be USA. Some of them fled to Harbour Island in the Bahamas. When you see where they ended up, you can't think of them as losers.

India Hicks

Luxury Travel's guide to this patch of paradise is resident India Hicks. Once known as Princess Diana's 13-year-old bridesmaid, the native Brit is today a designer, entrepreneur, and creator of award-winning Crabtree & Evelyn potions. Allow India to...

Harbour Island Bikes

Photos: Harbour Island pink sand beach at sunset. ©Larry Deack/Wikimedia. India Hicks ©Tim Monro. Cycling on Harbour Island ©The Islands of the Bahamas.

Benjamin Hotel Guarantees Sound Slumber in the City that Never Sleeps

Saturday May 18, 2013
Benjamin Hotel NYC Sleep Concierge

In the restaurant biz, energetic is a euphemism for noisy. So what does that say about the city famed for its 24-hour energy?

Manhattan Bridge

Yes, New York City is noisy. And its hubbub can intrude on hotel guests' peaceful slumber.

One Big Apple hotel, The Benjamin, has developed a comprehensive Sleep Program and guarantees sound shuteye.

null Benjamin Hotel NYC

Photos from top: ©The Benjamin's Sleep Concierge, Anya, with her wares. Manhattan Bridge seen from Brooklyn ©Karen Tina Harrison. Sleeping dogs lie happy; 1927 Art Deco home of ©The Benjamin.

The Ritz-Carlton Mystique

Wednesday May 15, 2013
Ritz-Carlton Marrakech

The Ritz-Carlton first became a legend in the early 20th century, and was revived by the Marriott hospitality company in 1983. Once again, The Ritz-Carlton is a beloved luxury hotel brand.

This top-drawer name now graces 82 hotels in 27 countries. Ritz-Carlton properties to open in 2014:

Ritz-Carlton Kyoto

  • Two in Morocco: at Marrakech's jet-set Jnan Amar Polo Resort (top); and on Rabat's famed golf course
  • Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto, on Kamogawa River near the Gion geisha district (left)
Ritz-Carlton Phulay Bay Thailand

2011 marked the opening of the futuristic Ritz-Carlton, Toronto (below) and the first ultra-luxe Ritz-Carlton Reserve, in Phulay Bay, Thailand (right). Two hotels, one word: breathtaking.

The takeaway: Ritz-Carlton remains charismatic and cutting-edge, like a true superstar.

Ritz -Carlton Hotel Toronto Ritz-Carlton Palm Beach Kids Club

Photos from top: ©The Ritz-Carlton, Marrakech; ©The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto; ©Phulay Bay, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve, Thailand; ©The Ritz-Carlton, Toronto; Kids' club at ©The Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach.

St. Lucia, Not the Same-Old Caribbean Island Destination

Saturday May 11, 2013
Jade Mountain resort St Lucia

The Caribbean is a competitive travel market. And St. Lucia has emerged from the pack.

St. Lucia sailing

This English-speaking, green isle has it all: breathtaking volcanic scenery, incredible outdoor escapes, fine dining. And more.

Anse Chastenet resort

Prepare to be captivated by:

St Lucia on Horseback

Photos from top: ©Jade Mountain resort; Sailing ©St. Lucia Tourist Board; ©Anse Chastenet resort; Horseback riding ©St. Lucia Tourist Board.

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