All Posts by Jimmy Lacross

Pest Free Holiday

Most people spend a lot of time and money attempting to get to a point in their life where they can visit some exotic destination that they have always wanted to see. Some people want to see endless miles of beach and others simply want to experience something different from their normal life. The problem is, most all exotic destinations come with bugs that can put a serious damper on any vacation of a lifetime. For this reason, hotels and resorts must find a way to provide a pest free holiday for their guests.

The Problem with Pests

As human beings, we live in a world that is filled with adventure, but we want it to be safe adventures. We have the ability to see our most exotic paradise and enjoy what it has to offer, but then we must worry about the safety of going there. Simply drinking water that we are not used to can put our stomach in an uproar, which could turn our dream vacation into a nightmare we want to forget. Then you also have the added risk of a simple mosquito bite blessing you with Malaria, Dengue Fever, West Nile, the Zika Virus, and many more. It is said that more than 700 million people come into contact with a disease from mosquitoes yearly. Hotels and resorts in paradise have to strive to make guests feel safe while providing an experience they will never forget.

Protecting Guests

A sad truth is that bugs are always a part of life. Spiders can show up anywhere and in some areas, they are dangerous. Mosquitoes buzz around wherever they please, and it has been proven they can be tough to deal with. Eliminating all is not possible, but there are many things a resort or hotel can do to lessen the risk for visitors.

One option is to provide each guest with easy access to mosquito repellents for the times when they want to venture out into the surrounding area. It should be as easy to access as sunblock. However, you should provide several different options, including natural repellents that people will not mind wearing on their body.

There are also mosquito traps that can be used for indoors as well as outdoors. These traps do not put off harmful fumes and draw mosquitoes, as well as other flying insects, away from visitors. You may also choose to have smaller indoor bug zappers located in each of the suites.

Showing Guests Kindness

When you are a part of a resort or a hotel in some exotic location, you know that you have to please your guests. They are the ones who will return and perhaps send friends or family to visit you. These guests may not show up worrying about the mosquitoes or other insects that are native to that area. You have to be prepared for them. Provide for their needs and make it so that they can enjoy all of their time there. It will ensure that they only think of their experiences as positive and they can tell others about the pest free holiday you provided them.

Living Large in Small Spaces

Some people still enjoy the idea of a large house on a hill somewhere, but most people are unable to afford it. We associate luxury and stability with that large home. However, as the new tiny home popularity increases, we can see that comfort isn’t always big. For instance, a hotel. A hotel may be large, but most of the rooms inside are small. The catch is, they allow visitors to live large in their small space by providing luxury accommodations.

Live It Up

A hotel will generally provide more to visitors than a simple bed. Many will provide refrigerators, microwaves, coffee pots, couches, chairs, televisions, and more in an effort to meet the needs of guests. They do it because it is typically the only way that they can feel certain people will return to them the next time that they are passing through. City centers face an even harder challenge. They must appeal to the people by providing every luxury in an area that is heavily congested and space is limited. The property that the hotel rests on is also premium property. If a hotel cannot draw people in, keep it affordable, and provide for guests, then the doors of it will be closed.

How Hotels Provide Lavish Luxuries

When you walk into a hotel room, you know you will find a bed. That is what they are used for. People stay in hotels when they need a place to sleep and are away from home. An outdated bedroom, one that doesn’t match, will never feel luxurious. Therefore, in order to make guests happy, a hotel will provide nice beds, nice blankets, soft pillows, and comfortable sheets. All fabrics will compliment each other and provide a textile experience that people love.

Most of today’s hotels also include side tables with lamps, cozy chairs in a corner, an armoire for clothing, a desk with a comfortable chair, and more. Often the armoire will double as a place for the television’s hiding spot.

In the bathroom of your hotel room, you can expect to find a tub, shower, and toilet. To make it luxurious, some hotels will add a spa-like tub and shower. However, since these are often narrow rooms with a sink outside of it; they may use a small toilet next to the tub. It provides for every need, but looks trendy in the way that it is laid out.

What More Could You Hope For?

A luxury hotel is designed to make people feel at home, even when they are no where near home. Light colors are often used to ensure that the room feels larger than it actually is. Most have large windows to allow guests to enlarge the room if they want to. As a bonus, most will offer visitors a space where they can go to get out of their room for a while. A swimming pool that is well maintained, a gym for working out, and a breakfast area for people to mingle with other guests are all possible.

Increased Interest in Alternative Vacation Packages

Everyone loves a good vacation. Most of us plan something big to do on an annual basis. A lot of families choose to go visit family and friends in other parts of the world. They may choose to go spend time on a beach or a lake. Camping trips are always a popular choice.  Now, though, there is a huge increased interest surrounding hunting vacation packages. It is ideal for people who want an exotic vacation idea.

The Excitement of Hunting Trips

Hunting trips are not weekend adventures in a local forested area for many people. There are people who travel to other parts of the world to enjoy the new hunting experiences. They find adventures beyond their imagination.

These trips are unique because they take the idea of camping to a whole new level. It allows families who love to hunt to spend time together doing what they enjoy the most. They can spend a week or more in a lodge. They can eat their catch and experience all that the outdoors has to offer. A lodge offers some of the comforts of home, but even with it you gain benefits. When you are in a lodge, you can meet and mingle with people who have the same interests as you. Whereas a traditional vacation spot offers expensive souvenirs. Keepsakes found in the woods will be special. They are the memories and connections you make. Yet, the success of a hunting trip depends on the amenities available there.

What to Expect from a Hunting Lodge

A traditional vacation spot will offer luxuries. Many have private spas, gyms, pools, and more. The goal of these places is to spoil you. They also allow you privacy to enjoy time with your loved ones. A hunting lodge is not designed to pamper you. It is here that you will find fire pits, outhouses, and new friends. Instead of a private boat for you to rent, you may find yourself llama pack hunting. Rather than serve you breakfast and dinner in your private suite. When hunting, you can expect to prepare fresh meat for dinner. Sharing with fellow hunters and their families is optional but appreciated.

Which Vacation Would You Prefer?

A traditional vacation spot will never go completely out of style for everyone. There are some who prefer to enjoy a different, outdoorsy paradise. Hunting trips and lodges provide exotic, fun in a whole new way. They offer things that make “roughing it” more comfortable than a campground. It is not as luxurious or formal as a destination vacation area. As a bonus, if your family does not enjoy hunting, you are more than welcome to go with the guys. No one will question why you chose to bring along your buddy’s instead. And even the rain will not spoil your fun. Are you ready to book your hunting vacation?

Blacklane Brings Luxury Transportation to Barcelona

When you’re travelling to Barcelona, the experience of luxury can truly define your vacation. Whether you’re choosing to stay in a luxury hotel of the Ramblas or have chosen to dine at the best restaurants in the city, every detail counts. One specific component of luxury while travelling to Barcelona will be especially important to the experience, and that is transport. How you get to the city from the airport or how you choose to commute around will also define how luxurious your vacation will be. That’s why we’ve chosen to highlight Blacklane, a superior transport service that will ensure you’re getting around in style and in comfort during your stay in Barcelona.

Getting to the hotels in the city centre from the El Prat Airport can be a difficult endeavour if you’re not keen on bustling around with luggage. With the Blacklane airport transfer service, you will be able to request a ride at the time of your choosing with the vehicle of your liking directly via their easy-to-use app. Once you arrive at the airport, your driver will greet you with a personalized sign and will be ready to help you load your luggage in the vehicle. And yes, they do have safeguards in place in the event you’re running late. If your flight is delayed, the driver will have a flight tracker on-hand that will notify him of the delay. If customs or baggage claim is taking longer than anticipated, you have a free hour waiting time so you don’t have to feel rushed to push through the crowd and catch your ride. It’s all about reducing your stress while you travel.

Two cars

Additionally, you will most likely be finding yourself visiting museums, restaurants and other landmarks during your stay in Barcelona. This kind of travel can be so much easier if you’ve got a reliable ride to help you get to your various hot spots. Blacklane is the best Barcelona limo service available to-date, with a host of travellers relying on their luxury and comfort. Blacklane’s drivers are both discreet and professional as well as possessing extensive local knowledge, so you can get the inside tips for Barcelona’s best restaurants and bars. You can also be sure to get around in style, with sleek and luxurious vehicles that really make an impact.

Beyond that, Blacklane gives you the power to choose when and how you get to where you want to go. Unlike standard taxi services and Uber, you will be left wondering if a driver will accept your request for a ride or if they will leave you waiting for long periods before they show up. Blacklane ensures this never happens.

To summarize some of Blacklane’s top perks:

• Available in 236 cities worldwide
• No surge pricing
• Professionally licensed drivers
• A choice of three car classes to suit a variety of budgets and styles
• Available for three services: Classic A to B trips, hourly hires, full-service airport transfers

Want the best form of luxury while you vacation in Barcelona? Be sure to try out Blacklane so that you’re always travelling in style and with the utmost comfort. You won’t regret it.

Is A Luxury Hotel Really Worth It?‘

Would a luxury hotel really improve your vacation? Some people might think that they offer unnecessary accommodations and amenities that are only there to drive prices higher. However the real truth is that the hotel makes the vacation! Booking the right hotel sets the stage for your next vacation and that makes it incredibly important to do the research so that you can find the perfect hotel for you. So is a luxury hotel really worth it? Of course it is and so are you! Here’s some great ways that the right luxury hotel for you can dramatically improve your vacation.

One of the biggest draws of staying at a luxury hotel is the experience. Luxury hotels work hard to offer their customers the best possible experience they can. Enjoy the VIP treatment with personalized service, expert desk reception, high end housekeeping, concierge service, and so much more. Luxury hotels work tirelessly to make sure that your experience with them is of the utmost quality. You can’t put a price on feeling like a VIP!

Another amazing benefit of staying at a luxury hotel is all the in-house activities they offer. Staying at a high end hotel is a vacation in and of itself. With so many in-house activities you’ll never have to face traffic or inclement weather, you can just enjoy the comforts of your hotel for the entire vacation. These luxurious hotels offer onsite amenities and activities like spa treatments, golf courses, beautifully maintained swimming pools, and so much more. Aside from these fun activities they tend to offer services that include poolside drink service, dry-cleaning services, and other little perks! When you’re travelling and you want to call your loved ones about the amazing luxury hotel you’re staying in use Verizon. They offer amazing signal and services across the nation.

Don’t forget the superior room conditions! You can expect your room to be in mint condition if you’re staying at a luxury hotel. Unlike other hotels, motels, and inns where you’d find stains, left over trash, subpar bedding, and general unpleasantness. Not to mention luxury hotels offer incredible room service. Most offer 24 hour room service so you can enjoy high quality, delicious food whenever you want it!

Surely these many enjoyments of a luxury hotel have convinced you that they’re totally worth the price. Make your next vacation memorable with a stay at a luxury hotel.

How To Choose The Best Luxurious Hotel?

When it comes to luxurious hotels, it is very difficult to decide which one to choose. In most cases we can tell you that all of them will provide you with the best possible service, their staff is aware of customer dedication, and they will make sure that you don’t miss a thing. Therefore you can conclude that they all are the same. The thing is that they all are so different, and their style and architecture or food depend on a lot of their country and location. It is up to you to decide whose culture you want to meet this holiday.

Park Hyatt Paris – Vendome, Paris, France

When you are visiting France you need to be aware that here the point is not about the beautiful nature, but about the culture and the center of human civilization in the past centuries. It is about luxury, haute couture and the city who manage to gathered different social classes in famous period “Bell Époque.” This town is a witness of the most interesting night life where the most important artist found their loves and inspiration. It is about famous “Bastion de Plaisir “(the wall of pleasure) – Montmartre where the artist from all over the world seek for pleasure. That is why you should visit this hotel if you want to learn about our history and the history of our greatest artist and writers, or poets in the past two centuries. Every rock and the brick in Paris tell their love story. It is the city of passion and fashion as well, and it has been a center of fashion events for the last 100 years.

The Waldorf Hilton, London

If you are interested in meeting the strongest and the most powerful nation and its tradition, then this is the perfect choice for you. As an Iconic Symbol of English Heritage, The Waldorf Hilton represents the real work of art that this nation had made. Placed just 5 minutes from Covent Garden tube station where it can take you anywhere in a second. It represents Edwardian luxury in vibrant West End of London, with a rich history brought to life, and a traditional afternoon tea. Besides the tradition, it also offers you a gym to stay fit with equipped onsite facilities. However, you will feel like you are at home, despite all these amenities mentioned above.

Certainly, if you are a more adventurous type of person, or you are crazy about nature you should choose a more exotic destination where you will get all this, but you will be able to enjoy the wild nature and beautiful landscapes and different tradition and food than European civilization can offer you.

How To Recognize A Luxury Hotel?

Experienced travelers have it on the tip of their finger and can spot a luxury hotel from a mile away. But what about the rookie adventurers who do not want to end up spending their whole vacation budget on a single night spent in a hotel? How can they recognize a luxurious hotel and avoid this mistake?

Many hotels around the world consider themselves luxurious. However, the standards which regulate the categorization of hotels vary greatly. A 3-star hotel in one country may pass as a 5 star in another. Keep reading and find out what is it that makes a hotel luxurious without looking at the price list.

Simple booking

High-end hotels take care of their clients` time. They are aware that people do not want to waste their holiday filling out forms or standing in line at the reception. The booking process has to be quick, effective and effortless.

Providing the promised quality

A luxury hotel will not jeopardize its reputation by offering clients rooms which are not identical to the ones showed at websites. A client expects what he has booked, and a proper luxury hotel will always deliver the promised level of quality.

Luxurious features

From high-end furniture to top-class bathroom amenities, a room in a luxury hotel has to win you over with quality and style. The unique furnishings, tasty decorations, high-tech amenities, stunning views and beautiful bathrooms, a true luxury hotel must have it all. Of course, we cannot leave out a good breakfast. A luxury hotel has to offer a rich, tasty and healthy breakfast.

A range of activities

A luxury hotel offers not only a room to sleep in but additional activities for their clients. Most luxury hotels offer indoor swimming pools, spa centers, fitness areas and many more amenities. Other features include hairdresser salons, beauty parlors, sports halls, tennis courts, conference areas and others.

Concierge services

A hotel without a concierge cannot be called a luxury hotel. A concierge is a person who is not only an employee of the hotel; it is a person you can count on. A concierge will take care of your flight arrangements, your theater tickets, and your taxi service. He will also explain where to have the best sushi in town and get you dinner reservations at the hottest restaurants. Indeed, a good concierge is what every luxury hotel needs.

Services That A Luxury Hotel Can Offer You & Your Family

If you have ever seen luxury hotels depicted in the movies, you will see that often times, the staff of these hotels will go above and beyond to ensure that their guests have everything that they desire. Sometimes, what is portrayed on screen can seem a little bit ridiculous, going to extremes to entertain the audience or to elicit a laugh from the audience.

However, luxury hotels will go to (sometimes extreme) lengths to ensure that their guests have everything they want, making sure that they are kept happy. This results in repeat business, and free “word of mouth” advertising, that is priceless in itself.

Here are a few of the services that luxury hotels can offer you and your family:

Private Chef:

Certain luxury hotels will offer guests the option of having their own private chef to have at their disposal to cook a meal for them.

Having this kind of attentive service available to guests has a huge impact on them, as they know that the food they are getting is not “off the rack”, is cooked to their exact specifications and will be as delicious as possible.

In Villa Dining:

Some luxury hotels have private villas for their guests, and they offer the option of having a table service provided to guests, in their own villa!

In conjunction with having a private chef at their disposal, this is a unique experience for guests, and having this one on one treatment is something really special.

Private Pool:

Some of those villas may come with their own private pool also. Having the ability to take a dip in your very own pool, free from children and other guests is something that many guests treasure. This is real “living the dream” stuff!

Private Beach:

Indeed, if your hotel is located close to the sea, you may find that the hotel offers you your very own private stretch of beach with your villa or room. There is nothing quite like waking in the morning, to opening your door to a fresh sea breeze, while the sun warms the golden sands under your feet.

Chauffeur Service:

Do you need to head somewhere, but do not fancy having to drive your hire car or taking public transport to your destination? Many luxury hotels offer chauffeur services, meaning that you can be dropped off and collected from your destination in style. A real slice of the movie star lifestyle!

The Need Anything – Just Ask Approach!

Luxury hotels really will go above and beyond to ensure that you have everything at your disposal that you could possibly want. You will often find that all you need to do is ask (within reason of course – nobody is going to carry out illegal activities for you!).

Seriously though, all you need to do is experience a luxury hotel once, and you will find it almost impossible to ever return to inferior offerings from 3 or 4 star hotels.

Features Never Found In Luxury Hotels:

If you have ever stayed in 3 or 4 star hotels (as I am sure many of you reading this have over the years), there are a number of “features” or experiences that you will no doubt have had, that you will never experience at a luxury hotel.

Now, that is not to say that luxury hotels are lacking in any way, rather the opposite is true. Read on to discover some of these “features” or experiences that you will never endure at luxury hotels:

Extended Waits Checking In and Out:

3 and 4 star hotels are used by the vast majority of holiday goers, as they are somewhat cheap and cheerful. However, once check in time arrives, people seem to descend from everywhere, clamoring to get checked in to drop off their bags in the room.

The same is true of check out time. This does not happen in luxury hotels, as it is the staff’s top priority to ensure that you have the very best experience possible, right from the start.

Some luxury hotels enable you to check out, before you even leave your room, meaning all you have to do is drop off your room key before heading off on your journey home.

Sub Par Bedding:

They say that there is nothing like your own bed at home. Perhaps the person or persons who came up with this phrase never experienced beds in luxury hotels however!

3 or 4 star hotels all seem to have the same beds and bedding materials, usually hard mattresses (to ensure that they are acceptable to a range of tastes, and are hard wearing), while some luxury hotels will allow you to choose your preferred mattress and bedding material type, ahead of checking in.

No more rock hard mattress or scratchy blankets!

Food Choice – What Food Choice?!

3 or 4 star hotels normally have just 1 restaurant, and while there may be different cuisines on offer, these are usually a shadow of what the authentic cuisine should be, prepared with substitute ingredients, that have been stocked to cater to the wide ranging menu.

Luxury hotels will usually have several restaurant options on site, with specialized and authentic menu options, often prepared by a chef who specializes in that particular cuisine. You will know the difference immediately, as the correct ingredient will be used to ensure the freshest, tastiest experience possible.

This too is true of vegan or vegetarian options, as 3 or 4 star hotels may have only just 1 item on the menu to cater to your tastes, while luxury hotels will have a massive range to choose from.

General Surroundings:

3 and 4 star hotels are “adequately” decorated in both their rooms and public areas. Often favored by business people for meetings and “off the street” customers for food etc, these hotels are perfectly fine for short stays.

However, luxury hotels are prepared to the highest standards, ensuring that no matter where guests look, they are witnessing the very finest.

The Very Best Luxury Hotels In Asia

Hot on the heels of our piece on the best luxury hotels in Europe, comes this article on the best luxury hotels in Asia.

Asia seems to be the “new frontier” for a lot of holiday makers, especially in the last decade, who maybe have become a little weary of the same old beach holidays in Spain or Portugal for example, or for those looking for a little more than traditional holiday destinations can offer.

Here are some of the finest hotels you will find in Asia.

Burj Al Arab, Dubai, UAE:

One simply cannot begin an article on luxury hotels in Asia without first mentioning the Burj Al Arab. The self proclaimed “World’s Most Luxurious Hotel” is famous the world over.

And while they may be lofty claims by the hoteliers, the are also well founded. Staying here is usually a once per lifetime experience, and is the ultimate in decadence.

From the butler service on every floor, to the seven different restaurants on site, to the 24 carat iPads in each room, this hotel is kitted out to ensure that each guest comes away knowing they will certainly never experience another hotel like this.

Dhara Dhevi, Chiang Mai, Thailand:

Built to resemble a Burmese temple, this hotel is the top hotel in all of Thailand. Featuring 123 rooms, you will be met by a horse and carriage service at the gate upon entering. Villas have their own private plunge pools and some of the best spas in the world can be found here.

If you are a little bored of an evening, you can choose from over 5000 books or DVDs to while a few hours away. Food choices are vast, ranging from fine French cuisine to royal Thai offerings.

The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong, China:

The Ritz-Carlton is renowned for the levels of luxury offered to guests, and this is no different. Of all the hotels spread across this massive city, this is the finest.

From the plush beds to Nespresso coffee makers in each room, the owners sure do like to ensure that guests have everything they could ever want. There are even iPods and iPod docks in each room, so you will never be bored while staying here!

Perhaps best of all, this hotel is connected to a shopping mall, meaning you do not have far to travel to get some retail therapy!

Banana Island Resort Doha, By Anantara, Doha, Qatar:

Although the name is quite a mouthful, this resort is set on a private 32 acre island. Situated off the coast of Doha, you can look forward to features such as a holistic wellness center, huge pool in the style of a lagoon, amazing crescent beach that is kept spotless, bowling alleys and much more.

Food options are vast, spread over seven different areas, ranging from American style cuisine to Tapas.

These are a small slice of the luxury hotels that are available in Asia. No matter where you choose to go, there is likely a luxury hotel available to you!