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| Luna Hotel Baglioni is one of many Leading Hotels of the World that is offering One-of-a-Kind packages. // (c) 2011 Luna Hotel Baglioni |
The Leading Hotels of the World is celebrating its independent luxury hotels by announcing its new collaboration with the world’s top concierge teams to create Leading One-of-a-Kind packages. Each participating Leading Hotel has developed a truly memorable offer incorporating elements that cannot be found at any other hotel.
Ted Teng, president and CEO of Leading Hotels said, “These exceptional One-of-a-Kind experiences reflect the essence of our extraordinary properties and clearly differentiate our hotels from the predictable sameness offered by luxury chain brands. These offers are designed to appeal to travelers who have a genuine sense of discovery and an appreciation for truly authentic and uncommon experiences.”
Insider tours of a city and its cultural institutions, exceptional gastronomic events, rare vintage wine tastings, personal shopping excursions, specialty suite accommodations, behind-the-scenes access to venues not open to the public--these are just some of the features travelers can discover. Due to the highly curated nature of these unique offers, reservations are available only by calling 800-223-6800.
Examples of the organization's One-of-Kind packages include the following:
Ritz Paris is offering guests the opportunity to step back in time with an experience that includes an excursion by private car to the Chateau of Vaux le Vicomte, located about 35 miles southeast of Paris. This masterpiece of baroque architecture belonged to Nicolas Fouquet, one-time finance minister to Louis XIV, who upon seeing the magnificent palace and grounds, had his minister arrested, confiscated the property, and proceeded to build Versailles to an even grander scale. Modern-day guests will enjoy a guided tour of the palace and gardens, complete with lunch. The package, which requires a two-night stay, includes daily American breakfast served in the room or in L’Espadon restaurant. Prices start at EUR 1,243 per night, single or double occupancy.
Irish eyes won’t be the only ones smiling with the “Town and Country” holiday that offers guests the chance to enjoy stays at both The Merrion in Dublin and Ashford Castle in County Mayo. The offer includes three nights’ accommodation at each hotel, and welcome cocktails at both. Other elements are full Irish breakfast daily, tickets to the National Gallery of Ireland in Dublin as well as a copy of The Merrion’s Art Catalogue, a one-hour massage per person at each hotel, a limousine transfer from one hotel to the other with a picnic lunch along the way, the choice of a one-hour falconry lesson or golf with club rental at Ashford Castle, and round-trip airport transfers. Rates start from EUR 2,900 for the six-night stay, double occupancy.
Imbued with the history of Venice, tracing its beginnings to the 12th century, Luna Hotel Baglioni is the strategic starting point for an insider’s look at the legendary La Serenissima. You are welcomed with a bottle of sparkling wine and chocolate-covered strawberries to get your visit off to a festive start. Behind-the-scenes elements of the offer include a two-hour private guided tour of the famed Doge’s Palace overlooking the lagoon, or of the Museo Correr on St. Mark’s Square, during hours when they are not open to the public; and entrance to Casino Ca’Vendramin Calergi of Venice. Also included are daily American buffet breakfast, and a lavish three-course dinner for two. A minimum three-night stay is required and rates start as low as EUR 550 per night, double occupancy. Tax is additional at 10 percent.
Kanuhura in the Lhaviyani Atoll in the Maldives is featuring a special five-night offer that takes privacy another step further. Guests are dropped off from a private boat to spend an evening on the resort’s own Jehunuhra Island where they enjoy an intimate Maldivian barbecue dinner complete with a bottle of champagne – the launch brings them back later. There is also a local island tour, offering more insights into this paradise in the Indian Ocean, as well as a traditional Maldivian sunset dolphin cruise, and a romantic bath ceremony. Rates start at USD $730 per night, minimum five-night stay required. Tax and service charges are extra.
Warm Mexican hospitality is the hallmark of the Royal Hideaway Playacar, where the all-inclusive concept is raised to entirely new levels of luxury. But it’s not just about lazing around this sumptuous resort, soaking up the sun and tropical breezes. It’s about experiencing the rich heritage of this ancient land. The highlight of a three-night stay here will be a Mayan cultural tour of Chichen Itza with its massive step pyramid, the Temple of Kukulkan; or to Tulum, the site of a pre-Columbian walled city overlooking the Caribbean. Other components are all meals and beverages – among them a royal dinner on the beach and a memorable chef's table dining experience comprising a 12-course meal with wine pairings. In addition, the rates, which start USD 1,036 per night, double occupancy, include non-motorized water sports, taxes and tips.
The Prado Museum in Madrid is unquestionably one of the world’s treasure troves of fine art, and now guests of Hotel Villa Magna can experience this jewel from a unique perspective. The museum opens its doors especially for you and your guest to accompany your private guide for a visit of the collections. The highlight is a gourmet dinner – complete with musicians and elegant floral arrangements – served in one of the exhibition rooms, where you will be surrounded by paintings by world-renowned artists. Also included are accommodation in the Royal Suite - with butler service and a Maserati at your disposal – a bottle of cava (sparkling wine) and strawberries; full breakfast daily, either in the restaurant or from room service; and round-trip airport transfers. A two-night stay is required, and rates start at EUR 10,000 per night, including service charge. VAT is additional at 8 percent.
Reservations are available only by calling toll-free 1-800-223-6800 and refer to promotion code LOK.
A full list of participating hotels may be viewed at www.lhw.com/oneofakind.