Thursday May 17, 2012
High Tea is a most delicious, most British ritual. Visitors may indulge at a number of London luxury hotels. But the best, for my pence, is at The Langham, London.
One, it's a fabulous feast. Two, an elegant fête. And three, The Langham, London, opened in 1865 and recently renovated to perfection, is where High Tea was born, as afternoon entertainment for the Duchess of Bedford and her aristo set.
The Langham, London will pull out all the stops on Sunday, June 10, for its Jubilee Anniversary Tea, commemorating Queen Elizabeth II's Diamond Jubilee.
On this side of the pond that day, The Langham, Huntington in Pasadena and The Langham, Boston will celebrate with their own Jubilee Anniversary Tea. In honor of the hat-loving sovereign, festive headwear is requested.
Top photo: High Tea in the Palm Court at ©The Langham, London. Left: A monarch fluttered by, and has reigned for 60 years. ©Wikimedia Commons.
Sunday May 13, 2012

Every luxury traveler has his or her own definition of supreme hotel service. For me, the foundation is genuinely connected and welcoming service, from curbside to checkout. And a pin-drop-quiet room is essential. I know you have your own non-negotiables too.
You'll probably agree with hospitality guru Eric Weiss of NYC-based Service Arts Inc. In his experience, "We're lucky to encounter great service 10% of the time, even in the very best hotels."
Eric consults with luxury hotels to bring their service up to true luxury standards. And he shared his Top 10 Musts of Luxury Hotel Service with us luxury travelers.
Photos: Eric Weiss has worked with these properties in the pursuit of hotel service perfection. Top: © Ojai Valley Inn & Spa, California. Left: © Roosevelt Waldorf=Astoria Hotel New Orleans.
Monday May 7, 2012
In the mood for a righteous bacchanal? Consider Vegas Uncork'd, an amazin' eatin' and drinkin' festival masterminded by Bon Appetit magazine. Uncork'd unfurls in Sin City this Thursday, May 10th.
Truth be told, many Uncork'd events are sold out. But one of the most unforgettab'l still has tix available. On Friday night the 11th, the Celebrity Chef Poker Tournament and party has it all:
Players like top toques Jean-Georges Vongerichten, Bradley Ogden, Scott Conant, José Andrés, Mary Sue Milliken, Susan Feniger, Rick Moonen
A glam setting (The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas' Boulevard Pool)
Terrific food (from Blue Ribbon Sushi) and drinks (from David Myers' 18A cocktail program)
Live performances by DJ Who and Paulo
And you, as a player or partier!
Photos: Double down your Vegas Uncork'd fun at The Boulevard Pool at © The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.
Friday May 4, 2012
Machu Picchu is a luxury travel trophy for sure. But once you've made the pilgrimage, what other South American treasure compares?
One answer is Choquequirao, an even more remote Inca treasure in Peru's Sacred Valley. Set deep in the Salkantay Mountains of the Andes, it was once the spiritual stronghold of the Vilcabamba Empire.
The challenge - and blessing - of visiting Choquequirao is that it can be reached only by a 20-mile uphill hike achievable from May through October. Your reward: you feel like you've discovered it.
Jacada Travel offers a private guided four-day trek to Choquequirao. Promises company founder Alex Malcolm, "You will see that the great age of exploration is not over."
Photos: Choquequirao, seen by a privileged few, including clients of © Jacada Travel.