Once in a Blue Moon… One-of-a-Kind Experiences from The Leading Hotels of the World

May 1, 2012 - PRLog -- London, May 2012 – According to folklore, the next blue moon will be on August 31 this year.  A good excuse to do something wonderful. The Leading Hotels of the World has a collection of One-of-A-Kind experiences, (www.LHW.com/OneofaKind) designed for just such an auspicious occasion.  The following are just a few…

Best for… high-flying glamour
   
   Take off on board a private helicopter from the Hôtel Fouquet’s Barrière, to rise above Paris and zoom to glamorous Deauville on the Normandy coast, just a stunning 45 minutes away.  Land in style, then head to the beach to indulge in a gourmet hamper of treats specially prepared by chef Jean-Yves Leuranguer, or have lunch at the Hôtel Normandy Barrière Bar before a stroll along the famous Deauville seafront, Les Planches. Luxury boutiques and the Casino Barrière beckon too, before whirling back to Paris and the Hôtel Fouquet’s Barrière on the Champs Elysées that evening.

From €5,070 for two including heliport transfers, round-trip helicopter flights, a choice of beach picnic or lunch at the Hôtel Normandy Barrière Bar in Deauville, overnight accommodation and breakfast for two at Hôtel Fouquet’s Barrière.

Best for… culture vultures
   
The art of wood inlay or marquetry (intarsio) is intricately woven into the history of Sorrento – as far back as the Benedictine monks who created carvings from lemon, orange and walnut trees in the 6th century.   Learn this compelling art at The Grand Hotel Excelsior Vittoria, set on the cliffs with glorious views across the shimmering Bay of Naples towards Mount Vesuvius.  The hotel has been owned by the same family since 1834 and is the perfect setting for a very special 5-night break, which starts with a visit to the Museobottega della Tarsialignea (MUTA) in Sorrento, which houses a fabulous collection of inlaid objects and furniture, as well as being a keen supporter of    
modern designers.  After three full days of training and practising the craft under the watchful eye of a talented teacher, the end result is a masterpiece to take home with a certificate from MUTA to mark the achievement.   From £2,286, based on 2 sharing a 5 night stay on a B&B basis, with one dinner for two and a 15 hour wood inlay experience for one person, visit to MUTA and airport transfers.

Best for… tales of Arabian nights
   
   For those who don’t have 1,001 nights to explore the mystery and allure of the Middle East, four nights with the beautiful Chedi Muscat will provide a stunning introduction to exotic Oman. This exclusive beach resort is designed in a traditional Omani style, with mesmerising views of the Hajjar mountains.  This One-of-A-Kind Experience includes nights in a luxurious room at the Chedi and one night in a secluded camp in the desert, with a private guided tour to the camp with lunch on the way, a three-course dinner under the stars, and a return transfer to the hotel via land cruiser.

Lunch one day overlooking the sea beside the 3000-year-old Bat Tombs; a four-course candlelight dinner one evening on the beach with champagne; a Balinese massage; and roundtrip airport transfers are all included in this Arabian odyssey. From OMR 2,692, based on double occupancy with roundtrip airport transfers.

Best for… Big Game
   
Cruising the plains of Africa on safari is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience – even more so in the utmost luxury. Orient-Express Safari’s three unique Botswana safari camps offer unparalleled opportunities to view big game and bird life in their natural habitat. Eagle Island Camp, Khwai River Lodge and Savute Elephant Camp are all in their own distinctive ecosystems, while inter-camp flights allow guests to transfer seamlessly. Elevated luxury air-conditioned tents each have their own wildlife viewing decks, allowing guests to get up close to some of Africa’s most beautiful animals.   

Guests can spend two nights at each camp, with two game-viewing activities each day – capped by a spectacular 35 minute helicopter safari over Eagle Island. 6 nights full-board from USD 1455 per night, based on double occupancy.

Best for… a big Aussie adventure
   
   Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa sits in its own private nature reserve in the exceptionally beautiful Greater Blue Mountains in New South Wales.  The adventure begins with a chauffeured limousine ride to the heliport, where guests lift off to Wolgan Valley.  Champagne awaits in the suite, with its private deck and pool.  Two nature-based activities each day – including a heritage and wildlife tour, and a four-wheel-drive tour of the Valley – reveal the local customs and lore.  Three sumptuous meals a day will include a spectacular chef’s table nine-course dinner created by Executive Chef Dwane Goodman, and a

traditional Australian barbecue at the original settler’s 1823 homestead. This Aussie experience also includes an indulgent sunset spa ritual for two; a free flow of non-alcoholic drinks, including those from the mini-bar; a selected range of regional wines and beer with meals, and return transportation to Sydney.  From AUD 3333.  

Best for…  Asian inspiration
Set along a broad stretch of sandy beach, The Nam Hai is sophisticated, serene base from which to discover the rich heritage and gracious hospitality of Vietnam.  A highlight is a half-day visit to Hoi An, brimming with local handcrafts.  Other full-day trips include nearby UNESCO World Heritage sites Hue, with its cobbled streets, Buddhist pagodas, royal tombs, historic citadels and magnificent sacred ruins; and My Son – considered the most sacred place during the ancient Champa Kingdom – with a stop at the Cham Museum.
The five-night stay also includes a trip with a local fisherman along the waterways and a Nam Hai culinary adventure.  In between excursions,   
relax on the serene Ha My beach, lounge by one of the resort’s three swimming pools, or decompress with a soothing spa treatment.   Rates start from USD 1,160 per night.. From USD 1,160 per night.

*Due to the exceptional nature of these unique offers, 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


Press information: Mango PR
Lucinda Buxton | Anita Gryson
0207 421 2500
Lucinda.buxton@mangopr.co.uk | anita.gryson@mangopr.co.uk
Photography: www.LHW.com/press

   
About The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd.
The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd. is the largest luxury hospitality organisation in the world, representing over 430 of the finest hotels, resorts and spas in over 80 countries. Its mission is to curate and champion an exclusive collection of independent properties, including grand palaces and intimate city hideaways, luxury tent enclaves and expansive self-contained resorts. Established in 1928 by several influential and forward-thinking European hoteliers, it started with 38 initial members. Its loyal customers demand levels of quality they have come to expect of the brand, while seeking authentic and enriching travel experiences.  Leading Hotel members are utterly unique and boldly independent. To be considered for inclusion, a hotel must adhere to strict quality standards and master the art of extraordinary hospitality.