Top 5 Hidden Gem Luxury Hotels in the South of France

The South of France boasts a variety fabulous accommodation. Luxury hotels in France generally manage to be the perfect blend of style, comfort and service and, as a rule the 4 Star Luxe rating (there is no 5 star rating in France) guarantees the best of conditions. However, if you travel to the South of France and fancy a change, there are some independent luxury hotels which deserve special mention...Thee hidden gems.

Here are the top 5 hidden gems in the South of the country. Each one of these boutique hotels in France offer superb service and an unforgettable stay in one of the most beautiful regions of Europe.

5. Domain des Grages du Bosquet, Provence

Tucked away at the end of a secluded lane, this beautiful stone-built hamlet has been converted into a peaceful guesthouse. It's made up of several independent buildings, mostly three bedroom accommodations. The surroundings feature olive trees, lavender, pines and acacias. If your idea of bliss is warm sunshine, relaxing by the pool and being surrounded typical Provence flora, then this is the South of France luxury hotel for you.

4. Jardin Secrets, Nimes

The first thing you'll notice upon approaching Jardin Secrets is its resemblance to a Tuscan villa rather than an independent luxury hotel. Hidden behind rows of olive trees and with a red clay façade, it would be easy to think you had taken a wrong turn. Inside, however, you are treated to furnishings and decorations more closely associated with 18th-Century France with ornate beds, antiques and traditional roll-top baths. Despite its secluded, peaceful feel, the centre of Nimes is actually just a 10 minute walk away. That is if you ever manage to pull yourself away - the 14 rooms are all crammed with character, the beautiful outdoor swimming pool is an oasis of serenity, and the hotel even boasts a recently-opened spa. A perfect way to recharge and enjoy the fantastic sights of Nimes.

3. Villa Marie, Saint Tropez

Technically not a luxury hotel but a private villa in the south of France, the Villa Marie in Saint Tropez really is something out of the ordinary. Located in the hillside village of Ramatuelle, you get wonderful views of the Bay of Pampelonne and are in close proximity to the colourful village of Saint Tropez with its famous bars, brasseries, shops and market. The owners of this South of France villa have personalised all 38 bedrooms, the restaurant, gardens and spa...It's an adult fairyland. If you're looking for the high-life with a charming twist, look no further.

2. Hotel Le Mas de Peint, Le Sambuc, Camargue

It doesn't get much more idyllic than this luxury hotel in France. In the very heart of Camargue, the Hotel Le Mas de Peint offers a very warm welcome and is ideal for exploring the calm, beautiful and unique surroundings of the Camargue. Surrounded by olive groves and vineyards, you'll spend hours taking in the sights - whether on foot, bicycle or stunning horses. This boutique hotel in the South of France is cosy and welcoming with the owners treating each guest as an old friend and the food is traditional Provencal. Superb.

1. Hotel La Bastide de Marie, Menerbes

Tucked away at the foot of Menerbes - one of France's most beautiful villages - and surrounded by its own vineyard, the Hotel La Bastide de Marie is a hidden gem of an independent luxury hotel in every possible sense! With only 16 rooms, book with us well in advance to guarantee availability. With 15 hectares of vineyards, an outdoor swimming pool and terraces to hide away on. With cakes, aperitifs and home-made wines available throughout the day, La Bastide de Marie really is a great way to get the best out of Provence's beautiful countryside. Lastly (and certainly not least), Chef prepares brilliant food with local ingredients. One of the finest luxury hotels in the South of France.

If you are planning a trip to the south of France in a boutique hotel (or a luxury villa) you can't go wrong by consulting this list. Bon voyage!

Stephanie Clarke is the Managing Director of Concierge Collection, providers of some of the finest boutique hotels in the South of France [http://www.conciergecollection.co.uk/Destinations/Our_Collection-Western_Coast_and_Southwest.asp]. Stephanie and her team use their wealth of experience, expertise and contacts to achieve "Beyond Special". For Concierge Collection, luxury does not have to have a large price tag but the hotels do have to be unique.

Luxury Eco Friendly Hotel Products and Amenities

In the era where pollution has become very serious problem and has raised its head in almost all sectors. Hotel industry is no exception, specialized eco hotels are mushrooming, and existing ones are resorting to environment friendly products and this means reducing the level of pollution in the environment. Therefore the guest amenities and toiletries are being packed and manufactured with such materials that blend well with the environment and are free of chemicals.

First thing that can be worked upon is the packaging of guest amenities with materials or specially manufactured plastic that can be recycled or is biodegradable. There are many companies that offer such type of packaging without comment on the look and quality of the packaging. One gets to choose from many options without compromising on the luxury factor.

From towels to toiletries all products can be manufactured using eco friendly materials, such things do not pollute the environment, water, air or ground with chemicals. They are basically produced using non-renewable resources that can blend well with the environment. Soaps, shampoos, conditioners, furniture, shower gel, slippers, bath robes, body lotion, toothpaste and much more can be made eco friendly. Some hotels offer their guests an entire range of complimentary eco friendly products. Such products and things are good for our body as well as the surroundings.

'Going Green' is the latest corporate mantra, which is liked by the masses especially who travel frequently and have to stay in hotels more wish to have such products that are harmless yet have good quality and satisfaction. These hotels get the accessories packed into eco friendly packaging which may include sewing kits, shaving kits, sanitary bags, nail care kits, vanity kits, combs, dental kits, shower caps, shoe shine sponge, etc.

Hotels do not go on packing and producing toiletries themselves, they give contract to companies who undertake such services. It is important to select a company who is known for its quality products and services. You can find such manufacturing companies online and surf through the range of eco products they offer, you can also ask them to get your products customized.

Some hotels that have turned into eco hotels even provide guests with certain suggestions and tips on how to save the environment. Hotel owners can bring down the cost of such products by purchasing them or ordering them in bulk.

This concept is becoming very popular, thanks to the marketing of eco tourism that focuses on merging with the environment yet enjoying luxury staying and travelling. Eco friendly guest amenity manufacturers can provide various information on their websites, therefore if you are considering a company which is not geographically nearby, use their website for further enquiries and contract prices.

Visit manufacturer and suppliers of luxury Hotel Soap with quality materials. As a Hotel Slippers, Hotel Shampoo including bathroom, bedroom and related hotel products ranging from housekeeping accessories to luggage racks & trolleys.

Top 2 Luxury Hotels in Colca Canyon

Las Casitas del Colca

This eco-friendly luxury hotel has everything guests could wish for from spectacular scenery to five star cuisine and service. Las Casitas del Colca is composed of individual bungalows with spacious bedrooms, an elegant lounge area with a fireplace, and a dressing area. Beyond this, these 1,200 plus square foot bungalows offer privacy and multiple bathing options for guests to choose from. There is an outdoor shower for nature-inspired bathing, an indoor shower for early mornings, an indoor romantic bathtub for two designed under a glass roof for star gazing, and an outdoor heated plunge pool.

The hotel has a beautiful and relaxing spa with a variety of treatments all featuring herbs from the organic garden, as well as cooking classes, a vegetable garden and a small farm. A truly gorgeous property, the hotel is an ideal place for exploring breathtaking and remote Colca Canyon while spending time in luxurious surroundings. The friendly and professional staff makes guests feel pampered and comfortable, even going so far as wrapping blankets around exposed shoulders for the walk to bungalows after dinner.

Colca Lodge

Another excellent option for travelers to the famous Colca Canyon Area, this four star hotel offers simple, but elegant rooms with lovely, private terraces, and spacious private bathrooms. Guests can spend a rejuvenating day in the full-service spa which offers plenty of treatments to choose from including manicures, pedicures, massages, facials, body treatments, and soaks in the romantic Jacuzzi. One of the best features of this hotel is the large, naturally heated hot springs perfect for relaxing those weary muscles after a day of hiking or mountain biking. Inside the lodge, there is a comfortable lounge area with a roaring fireplace and full bar for guests wanting to socialize or have an evening cocktail. Ideally located in picturesque Colca Canyon, guests can easily access the highlights of the region.

This guide to luxury Colca Canyon Peru hotels was written by a Peru travel expert at Peru For Less always available to help you custom design your vacation.

Radisson BLU - Hotels That Love To Say YES! (part 1)

twitter.com - Radisson Blu Hotels & Resorts, part of the Rezidor Hotel Group, currently operates over 155 hotels in Europe, the Middle East and Africa, with another 47 projects under development. Radisson Blu is a first class full service hotel brand with key differentiators such as the 100% Guest Satisfaction Guarantee and the Yes I Can! spirit of service. As time goes by, your much loved Radisson SAS Hotels & Resorts is changing their name to Radisson Blu. This is not a revolution but a gentle evolution. A small graphical change that is significant only in that it reflects a corporate transaction of a few years ago that brought about the natural end of Radisson's links with the SAS group. Our values remain the same, our beliefs are the same, our ambitions are the same, our people are the same, our hotels are the same, and our Blu box that allows us to stand out from the global Radisson crowd, remains the same. The world's favourite colour will soon come to represent a cool, calm and collective Radisson hotel experience. The more things change, the more they stay the same. Radisson Blu, you'll soon forget it was ever known as anything else.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5cbgetAWbZI&hl=en

Inverdoorn Game reserve

A South Africa luxury safari & game lodge, Inverdoorn is a private game reserve at less than 2 hours from Cape Town, 4 stars hotel, 10000 hectares, Malaria free.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H8FfVvgeUB4&hl=en

How to Make Your Luxury Holiday Home More Like a Five Star Hotel

Guests often have high expectations for luxury vacation rentals and prestige villa rentals. Owners of top notch vacation properties must think in terms of offering guests some of the same amenities, creature comforts, and services that their discerning guests are used to receiving at five star hotels.

Walk through your property as if it were a hotel. What would a luxury hotel suite offer that you don't? What can you offer in a home that a hotel cannot?

The following list can help you prepare your property for rental to the kind of guests your luxury villa advertising will attract:

Basic Needs: Consider having travel adapters (for every country) available for your guests, in addition to blow dryers, extra toothbrushes, charming guest soaps, extra toilet paper, paper towels, travel-size products, and the like. Make sure that you have adequate linens available for everyone staying, and make certain those linens are soft and fluffy. Offer separate extra-large beach and pool towels, too.

More Basic Comfort Needs: The best hotels provide their guests with ways to adjust the room temperature, provide in-unit CD players and alarm clocks, an easy way to prepare a cup of coffee or tea and always extra pillows and blankets in the room if desired. Don't forget extra fans and heaters hidden away in the closet, just in case an automatic system goes down or a guest prefers fans and heaters.

Bathrooms: In the bathrooms, have you provided adequate storage and/or a table where they can leave their toiletry kits? Have you provided no-slip, rubberized bathtub covers so your clients don't slip and fall getting out of the tub? What about small bath rugs so they can dry off without making the bathroom floor slippery?

In the bedrooms and other public areas, have you provided adequate lighting for reading, and a desk with a comfortable adjustable chair near an outlet for those who want to compute? What about a selection of various pillows because not everyone likes the same kind of head pillow.

Home Office: Is your internet speed and service of a good enough quality for a business person with a lot of work to do? Have you installed wireless internet access so that your visitors can work from any part of your property? Have you installed a phone system which allows your clients to make free local or even long distance calls; if you don't wish to allow long distance, have you made card purchase available through the housekeeper or concierge? Consider suggesting or offering them telephone cards so they are not left without long distance phone access. Make sure your printer, fax, copy machine, scanner and other equipment is easy to use and supplies are at hand for your guests.

For a truly upscale property, offer a computer loaded with all the software they could ever need (just in case they forget their laptop computer at home). The home office can truly be a deciding factor for those families that have the resources to spend on a long stay, yet want to be well-equipped to run their businesses from a remote office. Make it an easy decision for them to choose your property over others! Don't hesitate to mention this in your luxury vacation rental listing on the websites where you advertise your holiday home.

Kitchen: In the kitchen, consider offering a high quality juicer, a powerful blender, waffle or crepe machine, food processor, and electric grill, rice steamer, chef quality pots and pans, and a set of high calibre, sharp knives. For those who love to prepare meals at home, these items are indispensable. The promise of an outstanding kitchen can be one of the great deciding factors in a client booking your property for a long period (or not). In areas where the water quality is questionable for tourists, be sure and warn your guests beforehand. Specialized under-sink filtration/purification systems are a great asset in the kitchen, so that even rinsed foods will not leave traces of questionable water for your guests. This is really something to brag about and can also make the difference in your property being booked (or not).

Small Fire Extinguishers: Have these readily available in various areas of the home where appropriate.

Extras: Have you thought about what your clients might do on a rainy day? Consider providing a closet filled with a selection of board games, childrens books, art supplies, and anything else that may provide some entertainment. Don't forget umbrellas, various sizes of rain boots, and rain slickers for a walk outside.

For homes near the beach, make sure that you offer your clients use of adequate beach equipment, and a manner to carry everything to and from the beach comfortably. In certain areas where it's possible, consider taking a membership at a local cabana club, which for an extra fee might allow your guests free access to their facilities. This could be a major selling point in getting your home rented over others.

For homes with tennis courts, bocce ball, badminton, ping-pong, a pool table, or other amenities: make sure you have adequate supplies and equipment available for your guests to actually play the games. Guests who booked the home with the hope of enjoying these amenities will be disappointed if they must go out and spend time and money shopping for supplies for their games.

Security: If theft of your 'extra' items is a concern, have your clients sign a checklist and "check out" the items from you, and offer locks to the supply closets by checkout. Later, have a staff member verify the items and receive the keys before their departure.

Make sure any potentially dark areas, hallways, and stairs have adequate lighting. Install automatic night lights, or lights which come on automatically when motion is detected. Consider lighting the underwater of your pool area for a romantic ambiance and security as well.

Make sure your pool area is child-proofed with a gate system if this is a concern. A portable pool gate system is a good idea if sometimes the house will only be occupied by adults and this way both children and adult guests can be accommodated. Not everyone wants to look at a pool gate.

Offer your clients the use of a large central safe, or individual safes in each suite. They will appreciate the extra feeling of security in leaving their more valuable belongings in the home. Make sure that your fire alarm system is up to date and the batteries are current. Also, in the case of individual smoke detectors, provide a ladder which is handy in case the alarms go off by accident and your clients need to reach up to turn them off!

Little Ones: Consider your clients who are parents. Offer baby equipment such as high chairs, cribs, a changing station, and other necessities that parents may need. Perhaps you might dedicate a small room to being a nursery or playroom. A wide selection of toys can usually be found inexpensive at local charity shops. To appeal to the vast number of couples traveling with small children, consider having your home "baby-proofed" by a professional who can assure that all areas of the home are safe for the smaller guests.

Your vacation rental is a hybrid between a hotel and a home, and the details do matter. The more amenities you can provide your guests (and do feel free in charging something extra for the privileges) the more clients it will appeal to, and the more likely your luxury vacation property will be booked, enjoyed, and returned to, again and again.

www.luxuryvillafinder.com is an elegant, uncluttered "vacation rentals by owner" site where an elite group of owners and agents advertise villas, mansions, estates, pied a terre, vessels and yachts, boutique hotels, maison d'hotes, and bed and breakfast inns. Advertise luxury villas as Luxury Villa Finder: where details DO matter.

Watch The 5th Annual Groove Awards with Skiza online on www.grooveawards.co.ke/2010

The Groove Awards with Skiza 2010, which seeks to Promote, Expose and Celebrate Gospel talent across Africa officially started with the Media Launch on the 24th of February at the Sarova Stanley Hotel. Groove Awards kicked off by calling upon gospel artists across East Africa to submit their entries, for the 5th edition of the event that will be held on May 1st at the Kenyatta International Conference Centre (KICC). Since its inception in 2004, over 600 artists/groups have been nominated and over 100 Groove statuettes presented to musicians in Kenya and East African region. With an attendance of over 4000 people of all ages, every year taking it to the next level, Groove Awards 2009 was LIVE on NTV and had countrywide audience, as well as the millions of DSTV viewers. Are you an artist, choir, group, DJ, radio or video producer, radio or TV presenter who does gospel music? A Groove could be yours this year. The Objectives of Groove Awards are to: 1. Promote and connect Gospel artists across Africa 2. Open doors for upcoming aspiring singers, songwriters and musicians 3. Raise the standards in the music industry 4. Promote local gospel artists and their music to a global audience 5. Unite gospel musicians through celebrating excellence in music Acts 1:8 but you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nPCk0y-swB8&hl=en

What Luxury Hotels in Santorini Can Offer to Their Guests

Santorini is one of the world's foremost destinations for the traveler who loves water, sun, beaches and magnificent views.

And while you are in Santorini, you have many options to stay in. The luxury hotels in Santorini are a famed bunch and each of them has a repeat clientele that is the envy of hotels in other destinations in the area. There are thousands of guests who keep coming back year after year and stay at the same luxury hotels in Santorini. The number one reason why Santorini is such a marvelous destination is because of it's sunset. So, make sure that you choose a luxury hotel in Santorini, which has rooms facing the ocean and the sunset.

Greece is well known the world over for its food and drink. Rich Mediterranean cuisine, especially seafood is served at the open air restaurants of most of the luxury hotels in Santorini. Most of these hotels also have a separate dining area opening onto the deck, which host a spectacular candle-light dinner. It is indeed an experience beyond words to spend time in these restaurants, wooing your loved one over chef's choice dishes and a cool breeze from the sea with views to kill for!

Luxury hotels in Santorini offer dining options ranging from Cafés to Coffee Shops to Specialty restaurants to international cuisine. There are some splendid bars and lounges also at some luxury hotels in Santorini. One regular place for the bars in Santorini is the poolside. When you are on a leisurely vacation, what better thing to do than lounge on the sea deck beside the pool and sip drinks, watching the sun lazily move across the sky!

As is common in Greek culture, eating out and entertainment are not two separate things at the Luxury hotels in Santorini. Eating out is entertainment! So, be ready to take a lot of time over your lunch or your dinner. Unlike places elsewhere, your table is yours for the entire evening while in Greece! So, prepare to indulge, Dig in and Enjoy your meal!

There are several other avenues for entertainment at Luxury hotels in Santorini. But you'd better discover them for yourself!

Kenya Beach Hotels - Mnarani, Serena, Whitesands & Hemmingways

Featuring Mnarani Beach Hotel at Killifi Creek, White Sands Hotel, Mombasa, Serena Hotel Mombasa and Hemmingways Malindi. Indian Ocean views, accommodation, beaches, Killifi Creek and Dhowl Restaurant, lush gardens, local fishing and deep sea fishing in Kenya.



http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4DCAP6w6zfs&hl=en

Luxury Hotels and Resorts and Where To Find Them

We all like to be pampered now and again, but your holidays are the only time where you can properly relax and unwind from the busy stresses of everyday life - so make sure you plan it right!

There is an abundance of Luxury Hotels all over the world but many aren't too family-friendly. Trying to get that balance between taking advantage of all the benefits of a luxury resort, yet having the privacy of your own luxury villa can be hard to get right - but there are options out there. Luxury Resorts in the Far East are a perfect option for those seeking a villa-style holiday, as most of their hotels are luxury villa properties where you can have the privacy of your own villa but at the same time feel part of the hotel too.

Family-friendly luxury hotel Soneva Kiri, part of the Six Senses Group, is an ideal retreat for those families looking for the ultimate escape where every family member is catered for. Set on its own lush tropical island just off the east coast of Thailand, Soneva Kiri offers its guests unparralled levels of excellence. With 29 oversized pool villas, which are set along the stunning beachfront or hillside, each one has an exceptional view out to sea. With 3 restaurants, spa, swimming pool, motorised and non-motorised watersports, tennis and fitness centre there is lots on offer; and for those younger ones, there's a revolutionary childrens club, The Den, which hangs over the forest canopy, with professional supervision giving an opportunity of relaxation for parents!

However, you don't have to go that far a-field to enjoy a luxury villa holiday. The Mediterranean is easy to get to (especially good for families) and generally the weather is very fine throughout the summer months. If you opt for a villa with childcare, a chef and a host included, you're well into the realms of Luxury Holiday. And as for Luxury Resorts, these too can be found in France - Moliets is a Luxury Resort with plenty of sporting activities and watersports on offer, as well as great food and lovely scenery.

Kuoni, Only Exclusive Travel and Scott Dunn, are all luxury tour operators specialising in Luxury Hotels and Luxury Villa Holidays. There are some great offers for Soneva Kiri, one of them being stay 7 nights but pay 5. Another travel company who offer Luxury Resorts and Luxury Hotels is Tripadvisor, the ideal website where you can read reviews by other holiday goers.

Kate Ransby has wonderful and perfect options to suggest for a family holiday. Exhilarating destinations like the Luxury Hotels Soneva Kiri or Moleits - Luxury Resorts, Kuoni or Scott Dunn for that matter, are perfect for a family holidays.

San Francisco Hotels at a Glance

Hotel Campton Place has spent millions in renovations that was completed towards the end of 2001, this is a fabulous luxury hotel offering some of the excellent accommodations in SF. Hotel rooms are compact and comfortable with beautiful limestone, pear wood and Italian made decors. There are two executive suites and one luxury suite with first class California king-size beds, exquisite bathrooms with bathrobes, top-notch toiletries, slippers and other everyday necessities. Chef Daniel from Campton received the Best New Chef status from Food & Wine and a James Beard nomination in 2005 will delight diners with skillfully prepared and very sculpted cuisine at the excellent Campton Place Restaurant that underwent an alluring face-lift only in 2002.

Ian Schrager is a king of such ultra hip hotels of New York's Royalton and Paramount, Los Angeles's Mondrian and Miami's Delano renovated this classic old luxury property for trendy look. Youngsters flock to enjoy the monochrome pale-purple streamlined glamorous rooms with stunning ambiance. Its best trait is the renovated historic hotel is the Redwood Room worked with sexy redwood walls and luxurious interiors designed by Phillipe Starck. The Argonaut Hotel is another luxury boutique Kempton Hotel located in middle of San Francisco's Fisherman's Wharf. It acts as a home in the historic Haslett Warehouse at The Cannery and overlooks San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park and San Francisco Bay. The Argonaut Hotel gives you spectacular outside views and unparalleled customer service with an attracting atmosphere.

When visiting Mandarin Oriental Hotel, treated guests with panoramic views of San Francisco or the bay from their luxurious rooms. This extravagant hotel occupies the top floors of a 48 story tower, which is San Francisco's third tallest building in the Financial District of SF. It is just few blocks from Union Square and four blocks away from Transamerica Pyramid. The Orchard Garden Hotel is San Francisco is the 'greenest' and newest hotel located in San Francisco's heart which is the only hotel built to the nationally standards accepted for green buildings; it's very stylish and environmental friendly and it is just a short stroll from Union Square.

Towering about 32 stories above San Francisco City's heart, the new InterContinental SF is sure to become an easy success, located near to the magnificent Moscone Center, the hotel is within a short with cool blue exteriors that will provide guests numerous reasons to stay inside as the city does to venture out. Another great luxurious hotel is Le Meridien located in the center of San Francisco's Financial District, connecting the historic Federal Reserve Building by a landscaped pedestrian bridge. This is also quite near the main city attractions such as the Ferry Building, Chinatown and the California Street cable cars, Fisherman's Wharf and Ghirardelli Square.

Peter is a seo copywriter for artificial grass. Eco Alliance Synthetic Grass specializes in the distribution and installation of synthetic grass for commercial and residential applications. Contact her through mail at brayan.peter@gmail.com