Ending on a high and starting with a bang!
I hope you all have had a fantastic start to 2012 – here at SLH we have certainly started the New Year as we mean to go on, with the announcement of our 2011 year end results. We enjoyed a record year – reservations revenue increased by 23% in 2011 when compared with the same period in 2010 and we also saw a fantastic 71% increase in online bookings. Melissa, I am sure your travel tales have helped inspire our guests along the way!
I personally am feeling refreshed after a wonderful stay at Pangkor Laut in Malaysia. A private island resort on the West Coast, it certainly lived up to and exceeded its excellent reputation. 
The service was first class from all of the staff, who were so friendly and for whom nothing was too much trouble. From ordering in my favourite beer to pampering my children, our every need was met. The range and quality of food was something I particularly enjoyed – I had one of the best Chinese meals I’ve ever experienced at Uncle Lim’s and the amazing breakfasts were also a highlight. Luckily I played squash every day with my son so the delicious cuisine hasn’t had disastrous consequences. You would have loved the Spa – it was truly the haven of tranquillity and relaxation it was described as. I long to go back!
But it’s back to work for me…and looking ahead to 2012, it’s going to be a busy year. SLH turns 21 this year and we’ll be bringing some exciting new initiatives to the table. We’re seeing particularly strong growth in China, Latin America and Scandinaviain terms of new hotels, so stick those on your wish list for the coming months. 
Other new properties I’m particularly excited about are Gaya Island Resort & Spa, a jungle retreat opening in Borneo in July, and Niyama, a cutting edge hotel set to inject something new into the Maldives when it opens next month – I’ve heard there will be an underwater night club and 24 hour spa. Sounds like it was built for you MV!
PK
Happy New Year
Happy 2012 everyone!
I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas and New Year break and hopefully a luxury getaway too! Did anyone have any exciting holiday adventures? Do tell!
My time at Tylney Hall for Christmas was wonderful and allowed me to fully embrace my festive feeling as it was dripping in the most beautiful decorations I have ever seen, mince pies galore, as much mulled wine as I could manage and evenings spent listening to local choristers under their stunning Swedish pine tree. Perfection.
For New Year I decided to continue my traditional festive holiday and head to Scotland – home to Hogmanay and from what I’ve heard the best New Year party you can find and as I’m now travelling solo yet again (unfortunately I was left forsaken under the mistletoe this year with only my slightly inappropriate Uncle for company) a good old New Year Bash is exactly what I need. When else do you HAVE to find someone to kiss at midnight?!
When staying in Scotland there is only one place I go and that is the Marcliffe Hotel & Spa on the outskirts of the beautiful, historic city ofAberdeen. A stunning white mansion surrounded by 11 acres of delightful parkland estate, this traditional Scottish refuge offers guests seasonal Scottish produce in its restaurant, a sensational spa and a fine-art collection including a display of 140 cheese dishes! Strange but true!
As the clock struck midnight and 2011 came to a close I realised I’d spent more of the night marvelling at the various cheese types on display that working the room – oh well! So my New Years Resolutions for 2012 are to Try Something New, Learn Something New and Meet Someone New.
Word on the street is that 2012 is going to be a fabulous year for the world of luxury – my sources tell me that Rolls Royce have had their best year yet and SLH is going from strength to strength.
Paul, can you give us the inside goss on where’s hot for 2012?!
Merry Christmas from Melissa
Thanks Paul, the Square Mile Masked Ball was a great start to the festive season and definitely put me in the Christmas spirit. Therefore I have decided this year to banish my inner-Scrooge and fully, 100% embrace all that is great about the holidays with a stay at the divine Tylney Hall in the depths of beautiful Hampshire.
Nothing embodies the spirit of Christmas more than this majestic Victoria mansion set in 66 acres of gardens, parkland, lawns and lakes – perfect for an afternoon stroll to walk off those Christmas lunch calories! 
I can’t wait to sit by the fire in Tylney Hall’s exquisite dining room with a glass of brandy in hand and crispy chestnuts roasting.
Whether you’re embracing or escaping Christmas this year, I hope you all have a wonderful festive season, full or happiness and cheer wherever you are.
I’ll see you in 2012 for another year of fabulous adventures!
Christmas Wishes
Well your advice has yet to steer me wrong, so I’ve decided to take two weeks in the Austrian mountains as a belated Christmas present to myself. In order to truly get my fill of snow and mulled wine I’m booked in to stay at both the Jagdgut Wachelhof and Bentleys House. 
I booked through the Club of SLH as usual and they couldn’t have been more helpful with booking both hotels and transfers in between. I’m now an official ‘Honoured member’ so I even got an extra night stay and upgrade! Can’t wait to get to the mountains now, the powder is calling to me.
Where to spend Christmas is an annual dilemma for me; I can never decide whether I want to fully embrace the festive spirit, decorating the tree and indulging in one too many glasses of sherry or if I just want to escape it all somewhere sunny and return with glowing skin once the madness is over. What would you suggest?
While my Christmas plans are currently at a stand-still, my Christmas shopping however has taken off marvellously thanks to the new SLH Hotel Gift Certificates. 
They’re gorgeously presented and there are lots of options, so this year all my family and friends are going to be getting either a gourmet, spa or honeymoon break – lucky them!
My personal favourite is the gourmet certificate that I chose for my godmother who thinks herself as a bit of a Delia in-the-making – I think trying out the Indonesian market and cooking lessons at The Balé in Indonesia would be right up her street.
Xmas Shopping
Paul’s Reply:
The Val d’Isère cocktail party sounded brilliant, I love the RAC and the ski crowd are a brilliant bunch.
For your ski trip, why don’t you try out both?! I know the inner ski-bunny in you is just dying to get out so I’m sure adding a few more days on the slopes won’t be a problem.
The Jagdgut Wachelhof is brand new to SLH so would definitely be worth checking out before anyone else, I know how much you love to get an exclusive peek!
And if you’re after privacy then Bentleys House will be perfect, you even get your own private butler so you won’t have to lift a single tired finger.
Regarding your hat dilemma; you’ll be forgiven for thinking I am a fashion guru on the slopes (I saw you checking out my trusty bobble-hat last year) but not sure I can help much on that one…
I can however help with your Christmas plans, where will you be spending the holidays this year?
Melissa from Milan to Ireland
After long days running around Milan and meeting up with all my favourite fashion friends, there was nowhere better to rest my tired, Manolo-beaten feet than at The Gray Hotel.
The city’s most stylish and creative hideaway; it’s all steel, glass, ebony, silk and vibrant animal prints. Milan was a whirlwind of shopping, parties and celeb FROW spotting – so much so I was exhausted and Mr Italian had to treat me to a spa break to recharge.
I think someone had been checking out my copy of the new Tatler Spa Guide as I was whisked off to one of my favourite countryside SLH hotels, the gorgeous Park Hotel Kenmare in Ireland – one of Tatler magazine’s top ‘Long-Weekend Wonderlands.’ 
(Big congrats also to the fabulous Les Sources de Caudalie and Cowley Manor who also topped the Tatler lists recently!)
I’ve only visited the Park Hotel in Kenmare once before when I was younger and my father was obsessed with their 16-year old malt whisky which he insisted was the best in Ireland. I’m glad to say that our long-weekend focussed much more on SÁMAS, the hotel’s deluxe destination spa than the local tipple.
The spa is a delightfully unexpected juxtaposition from the antique furnishings and oil paintings found around this grand 19th century building. The spa itself sits in a wild-grass-covered Scandinavian-style eco-lodge and absolutely exudes modern glamour. The sparkling interiors offer thermal suites, tropical showers and Mr Italian’s highlight, a 40°C pool open to the elements.
After three luxurious days of dining on classic and modern Irish cuisine, trying my hand at their 18-hole golf course (which only proved to further demonstrate my horrendous hand-eye coordination) and allowing the SÁMAS therapists to buff my skin to new-born quality with their gorgeous new Sisley treatments – the Park Hotel Kenmare definitely exceeded my expectations as more than just a haven for Irish whisky-lovers.
Road Trip!
Thelma and Louise, eat your heart out! I spent last week on an East Coast adventure with Serena. After picking up a Cadillac in New York and kitting ourselves out with the finest calfskin driving gloves and Tods loafers for the journey, we drove upstate to leafy Massachusetts with the radio blasting Billy Joel and a car full of those naughty American snacks I wouldn’t be caught dead eating at home!
Cranwell Resort, Spa and Golf Club, Lenox, USA
Autumn is a fabulous time to visit this area as the trees begin to turn – we were dazzled by the panorama of red, orange and gold that greeted us as we arrived in scenic New England. Our first stop was Cranwell Resort, Spa & Golf Club, a darling hideaway in the Berkshires of Western Massachusetts that boasts one of the largest Spas in the north-east. We pootled around, popping into the Norman Rockwell Museum and admiring the typically NewEngland style clapboard townhouses. Serena wanted to buy one – I think she fancies a rural retreat to compliment herManhattan loft.
From there, we headed north again viaBostonand then on up to the idyllic countryside of New Hampshire.
The Manor on Golden Pond Holderness, USA
We were drawn to The Manor on Golden Pond – famous as the location of the aptly named movie “On Golden Pond” starring silver screen beauties Katherine Hepburn and Jane Fonda. After taking in the positively life-affirming views over Squam Lake and exploring the natty antique shops of local town Holderness, the charming general manager of the hotel somehow persuaded us to take a hot air balloon ride to fully appreciate the dramatic landscape. Our poor pilot – I think he was deafened by the squealing and rather scared when we both clung to him, but once we were cruising above the tree tops it was incredible! Love to hear your hot air balloon stories from around the world…I am definitely a convert!
Until next time friends – and watch this space for a guest blogger soon!
New York Travel Tips
Sounds like you had a fantastic night at the Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Awards; I’ve just picked up the October issue and it was great to see various SLH hotels gracing the winners’ lists – you definitely should check out the Aquapura Duoro Valley Hotel in Portugal at some point, they serve some of the best local wine I’ve ever tasted!
But onto New York City eh? A brilliant decision – autumn is definitely the best time to go in my opinion. When staying in the city The Inn at Irving Place and The Iroquois are the most luxurious boutique hotels you’ll find. My top tip would be to have pre-dinner drinks at the superb Martini Lounge at the Inn at Irving Place, it’s where all the city’s most eligible bachelors hide (well, we’ve got to go somewhere!) Let me know how it goes…
Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Awards
As a lover of all things travel, one of the biggest events in my diary every year is the renowned Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Awards and this year I had front row seats on awards night.
I have always found that personal experiences and word-of-mouth recommendations are the best possible travel agent you could find, so the CNT awards are the perfect guide to the top hotspots for the year ahead. The results are out with the October issue.
I was delighted to see some of my SLH favourites in the mix!
Cowley Manor, UK
The beautiful Cowley Manor in Cheltenham where I have spent many a long weekend was crowned Best UK Hotel Spa (a thoroughly deserved win in my opinion, as the C-side Spa offers an incredible range of indulgent and therapeutic Green and Spring treatments – well worth a visit!)
Another fantastic new entry from SLH to make the Top 10 List of UK Business Hotels was the divine St. James’s Hotel and Club in Mayfair.
St. James's Hotel and Club, London, UK
For all you shopaholics out there, St. James’s is the perfect place for a superbly stylish retreat, ideal after a long-day hitting the West End. (Top tip: make sure you check out the incredible gourmet restaurant, ‘Seven Park Place’ from Executive Chef William Drabble – its now been awarded a Michelin star and the food is melt-in-the-mouth perfection.)
My top SLH hotel discovery of the evening however was the 19th century manor house, Aquapura Duoro Valley Hotel that overlooks the River Duoro in Portugal. The super-slick interiors perfectly complement the traditional Mediterranean surroundings with incredible terrace views over miles of vineyards. I think I may have found my next wine-tour hotspot…
Aquapura Douro Valley, Porto, Portugal
I think for my next big trip Condé Nast Traveller readers have inspired me to rediscover one of my all-time favourite destinations, and this year’s number 1 rated city in the awards…
New York, here I come!!!
Five For Fall
Quite right Paul, why limit myself to one continent when I have the world at my doorstep!
Your message got me thinking – where to see and be seen this Autumn? We all have our “bucket list” destinations to see before we die, but where’s hot RIGHT NOW? I’ve been having a think and here are my Five For Fall…let me know your thoughts everyone!
1. Beijing, China
Nowhere is China’s rich history and dazzling progress more evident than Beijing, with its glittering skyscrapers and secret Hutongs. I want to explore the Forbidden City, waft through the Summer Palace, snap up a few tailor-made silk dresses, designer handbags and jade jewellery. Check out Han’s Royal Garden Hotel. Located in the centre of Beijing surrounded by the city’s famous hutongs, this charming hotel reflects the grandeur of a historic noble Chinese family home. From 1st Sept – 15th Nov they are offering a delicious complimentary dinner with all stays of 5 nights or longer!
Han's Royal Garden Hotel Beijing, China
2. British Columbia, Canada
I’ve never been to Canada but I rather like the idea of galloping around the wide open countryside on horseback, the wind in my hair and a cowboy at my side! Echo Valley Ranch & Spa in Jesmond is a totally unique getaway in British Columbia’s Cariboo country, and the perfect antidote to London apathy. With gorgeous views across the Fraser River Valley, the ranch is surrounded by scented pine forests, awe-inspiring canyons and mountain ranges. The perfect place to get one’s adventure hat on and explore the wilderness!
Echo Valley Ranch & Spa - Jesmond, Canada
3. Kyoto, Japan
Travel to Japan is very much back on following the tragic events earlier this year, and I’m desperate to visit Kyoto after reading about Hoshinoya Kyoto in Conde Nast Traveler’s Hot List last year. A fabulously chic take on a traditional ryokan, this divine sanctuary is accessed by a boat ride along the Hozugawa River. Check out the divine rooms:
HOSHINOYA Kyoto - Kyoto, Japan
Autumn is a fantastic time to visit Japan for “leaf peeping” – an activity my American friends seem to be crazy about!
4. New Zealand
I’ll be cheering our boys on when the Rugby World Cup kicks off in a matter of days in New Zealand, and I’d recommend making time to tour both islands if you are heading out to watch a match or two! With fixtures up and down the country, it’s the perfect excuse to fit in a stay at the renowned Blanket Bay in Queenstown or Grasmere Lodge in Canterbury.
Blanket Bay - Queenstown, New Zealand
5. Paris, France
Playing host to the 2011 Qatar Prix de l’Arc de Triomphe at Longchamp at the end of September, Paris is the ideal Autumn mini break city destination for those that love the thrill of the horses! I love to stay at the San Regis, which never loses it charm and exclusive feel no matter how many times I visit! Dates for the horse racing are 30th September – 3rd October 2011, can’t wait for a flutter!
Hôtel San Régis - Paris, France
