EXQUISITE COLLECTION | Falaknuma Palace, the ‘Heavenly Abode’ of Hyderabad, India Opens November 2010

Coming this Fall November 2010, Taj Hotels will open the doors to a magical new experience. The Falaknuma Palace, one of the most remarkable sights of Hyderabad, will be re-opened as a luxury palace hotel. Built in 1884 and situated on a hillock, Falaknuma Palace, meaning the heavenly abode, is a rare blend of Italian and Tudor architecture.

This magnificent palace is being converted into a 60-room hotel in the first phase of restoration and refurbishment, which will no doubt preserve its inherent history. For example, the original suite of the Nizam, the 101 Dining Room and the original Mughal, Rajasthani and Japanese gardens created by the Nizam would be retained.

The grandeur of the Falaknuma Palace is best described in its detailing. The Palace has priceless collections of Osler chandeliers that are of Belgian make, paintings, statues, English furniture, stained glass windows, leather upholstered rosewood chairs, gold and crystal tables, ivory figurines and an Italian white marble fountain at the entrance.

The library has a walnut carved roof, which is a replica of that in Windsor Castle and houses one of the finest collections of the holy Quran in India. … Continue Reading

DISCOVER THE WORLD YOU’VE BEEN MISSING | Aboard The VIRGIN GALACTIC for UCI MIND

Think you’ve been all over the planet? What’s next? Well…. Space, of course! Virgin Galactic has appointed Virtuoso, the premier network of professional travel agents, as their Exclusive Retail Travel Group in North America. Virtuoso travel advisors are the first in the world endorsed to reserve seats on Virgin Galactic spaceflights, due to launch in 2010. Together with Virgin Galactic, Virtuoso’s member consultants will help make the dream of going into space a reality. Virgin Galactic is the world’s first ever venture into space tourism, giving you the groundbreaking opportunity to be one of the first ever space tourists, your Virtuoso travel advisor will help you book space flights. … Continue Reading

DISCOVER OPULENCE IN PUERTO RICO | The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort to Mark the Legendary Brand’s First Property in the Caribbean Opening this Fall 2010

Bahia Beach, Puerto Rico – Opening November 4th, 2010, The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort in Puerto Rico will mark the debut of the first St. Regis property in the Caribbean, introducing unparalleled luxury and bespoke service to one of the world’s most beautiful destinations. Ideally located on a former coconut plantation nestled between the lush El Yunque rainforest and the tranquil waters of the Espiritu Santo River, The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort will be the Caribbean’s first certified Gold Audubon Signature Sanctuary. The spectacular 483-acre resort embraces the Island’s stunning natural beauty and is destined to set new standards of service and luxury for Puerto Rico, offering St. Regis’ legendary Butler Service and featuring Jean-Georges’ restaurant Fern, a 10,000 square foot Remède Spa and a magnificent golf course designed by Robert Trent Jones Jr. “We are thrilled to introduce St. Regis to the Caribbean with the debut of The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort in Puerto Rico, offering travelers access to the highest expression of personalization, refined elegance and uncompromised guest experiences the St. Regis legacy is distinguished for,” says David Kurland, General Manager of The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort. “With the region’s fascinating natural surroundings, welcoming atmosphere and vibrant culture, Puerto Rico is certainly one of the world’s most coveted destinations for our discernable guests, and The St. Regis Bahia Beach Resort is poised to become the Caribbean’s idyllic address.” … Continue Reading

MEDITERRANEAN ESTATE | OC Equestrian Fans will be romanced by the old-world charm and modern luxury of The Grand Del Mar beginning Opening Day at the Races by Marguerite Munoz

Bing Crosby’s dream of building a horse racing track in the tranquil seaside community of Del Mar, just 20 miles north of San Diego, was fulfilled in 1937 when he partnered with Hollywood cronies Jimmy Duarte, Pat O’Brien, Oliver Hardy, and Charles S. Horward to erect the Del Mar Thoroughbred Club and Race Track. Crosby envisioned the track as a world-class attraction that would draw people from all over to enjoy the excitement of watching the nation’s best horses and horsemen in a comfortable setting of  summer sun and ocean breeze. Between 1938 and 1941, Hollywood luminaries like Ava Gardner, Lucille Ball, and Desi Arnaz graced the Del Mar Race Track with their glamorous presence. The star studded legacy of the track deepened when the match up between Charles Howard’s Seabiscuit and the Binglin Stable’s Ligaroti was broadcasted coast to coast on the NBC radio network in 1938. Seabiscuit’s victory was coupled with the heightened fame of the Del Mar Race Track, known as the grandest race track in the country.

It would be difficult to imagine a more fitting complement to the beautiful splendor of the Del Mar Spanish Mission style race track than Del Mar’s exquisite retreat, The Grand Del Mar. The Grand Del Mar proves that it is not necessary to travel far to reach paradise.  … Continue Reading

SOUTH PACIFIC ISLAND ESCAPE | Presenting PAUL GAUGIN CRUISES Discover TAHITI & the Society Islands through the eyes of the Renown Artist

At the turn of the century, impressionist Paul Gauguin traveled to the tropical shores of French Polynesia to create some of his most renowned masterpieces. Today his namesake, the m/s Paul Gauguin, transports you to the same romantic Tahitian vacation paradise—to explore, experience and escape. With the freedom to discover the exotic ports of the South Pacific without limitation, your cruise aboard m/s Paul Gauguin will fulfill your every dream and expectation. … Continue Reading

ART of TRAVEL & STYLE | Exclusive Private Wine Tasting Tour of Salvatore Ferragamo Museum To Be Hosted By Famed Fashion Designer’s Grandson

This month’s REELHAUTE Film in Focus is “CREATIVITY IN COLOUR” a video commissioned by the Triennale di Milano for the first edition of  Triennale Design Museum, a new museum dedicated to Italian design.  HAUTEOC TRAVELER had a rare opportunity to discuss with Le Clip Production founder and  filmmaker Angelo Albertini about his film produced with co-creator Simone Scafidi and their tribute to the Salvatore Ferragamo Museum located in the historical city center of Florence a highlight of HAUTEOC TRAVELER’S Classic Italy Tour Package.

HAUTEOC: There are  extraordinary shoe designers in the world but this we know – there is only one Salvatore Ferragamo, renown for designing shoes from Eva Peron to Marilyn Monroe he was a visionary with an incredible life story of success and art that is inspirational to date. In 1933, Ferragamo filed for bankruptcy during the economic recession but went on to design up to 300 hand-made shoes a day staffed with over 700 artisans we learned that he experimented with designs, and even went so far as to apply for patents for ornamental and utility models. In your film, you’ve captured this tell us about it ..

ALBERTINI: The first thing you realize when you visit Ferragamo’s Museum in Florence, Italy is the fact that you are not just simply looking at beautiful shoes … Continue Reading

ROMANTIC TRAVELERS | Thousands of Passerbys Lock their Memories in Paris on the Bridge Alexandre III by Kathy Marino and Marguerite Munoz

HAUTEOC: First off Emeric, what a beautiful film you’ve created, its compelling and portrays a powerful sentiment for those travelers passionate at heart . . Most people consider the 19th century Pont Alexandre III the most beautiful bridge in Paris — without a doubt it is one of the city’s most opulently decorated bridge – you captured it in your film just beautifully and seamlessly conveyed a powerful message of those romantic at heart.. Tell us how you came to create this film and ‘Forever, locked in Paris..”

FILM ARTIST EMERIC:
Well I must say it’s more or less accidentally! Having the chance to live in a city like Paris, I use to film some places I like here for nearly a year now. But in that case, I was more on my way to take pictures and not to film, one of the most famous bridge in Paris. But while taking pictures I noticed some locks on one of the first statue of the bridge. I took some shots, and while walking on the bridge I found locks all over the bridge. Seeing that, I felt there was a nice subject for a short video, not really knowing how to deal with it yet. So I came back some days later and start filming. … Continue Reading

DISCOVER CLASSIC ITALY | Experience History in a Luxurious Renaissance Palace of the 16th Century

An aristocratic Palazzo of the 16th century 

…at the heart of Florence’s history  PALAZZO MAGNANI FERONI

Palazzo Magnani Feroni is an historical home that for over five hundred years has been at the centre of Florence’s aristocratic life: one of the oldest dwellings in the San Frediano neighborhood, it has stood as an important symbol of the city’s history and its artistic value.  The class of this elegant renaissance palace, evident upon entering, finds its maximum expression in the sumptuous suites and the luxurious hospitality quarters, furnished with candelabra, statues, paintings and frescoes form the ’500.  An example is the spacious Murano hall (over 160 square meters) where breakfast is served, lit by an original Murano crystal chandelier that hangs from the splendid coffered ceiling that once graced Palazzo Farnese in Rome. … Continue Reading

Extraordinary Escapes | Isle of Capri, Anacapri, Italy

Capri Palace Hotel & Spa occupies an exclusive and unspoiled setting in Anacapri, with views extending from the Bay of Naples to the enchanting islands of Ischia and Procida. The hotel’s extravagance is legendary, from the Penthouse Suite with its hanging garden and private swimming pool to the Capri Beauty Farm, with its sought-after personalized spa programs. Take time for an excursion on one of the private yachts, reveling in the pristine beauty of the region. L’Olivo restaurant, Capri’s only Michelin-starred eatery, boasts innovative Mediterranean cuisine. See HAUTEOC TRAVELER’s Worldview Travel Signature Collection or contact us to tailor make your luxury experience.