omniture

The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts Embarks on Exclusive Global Adventures with the Debut of Epicurean Expeditons and Destination Discoveries

2008-11-11 16:00 1566

New Adventures Include a Private Helicopter Tour of Bora Bora, an Authentic Indian Clay Pot Tasting Menu and Exclusive Cooking Classes on Africa's Coast

The Luxury Collection Invites Global Explorers to Experience Rich Culinary Expeditions, Authentic Cultural Offerings and Indigenous Adventures, Exclusively Curated by Award-Winning Chefs and Destination Experts from the World's Finest Hotels and Resorts

SINGAPORE, Nov. 11 /Xinhua-PRNewswire/ -- The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts, a glittering ensemble of the world's finest hotels and resorts in more than 26 countries, today proudly announced the launch of Epicurean Expeditions and Destination Discoveries -- one-of-a-kind destination experiences, exclusively curated by world-renowned chefs and local travel experts. Through the launch of these exceptional offerings, guests are invited to unlock a world of discovery, featuring unique, authentic and enriching experiences at the The Luxury Collection's award-winning and iconic properties from around the world, including The Laguna Resort & Spa Nusa Dua, Bali, Indonesia; ITC Mughal, a Luxury Collection Hotel, Agra, India; Hotel Imperial, Vienna; Hotel Danieli, Venice; Grande Bretagne, Athens; Bora Bora Nui Resort and Spa, French Polynesia; The U.S. Grant, San Diego and The Phoenician, Scottsdale. Each exclusive adventure includes luxury accommodations for two, breakfast for two and a late 4pm check-out based upon availability

(Logo: http://www.prnasia.com/xprn/sa/200807290935.jpg )

Epicurean Expeditions

Epicurean Expeditions offer global explorers the chance to embark on indigenous culinary adventures designed by the award-winning chefs at each of The Luxury Collection's distinct properties. Each one-of-a-kind epicurean journey has been individually crafted to reflect the rich culinary culture and local traditions indigenous to the destination. From personalized tours of Thailand's local markets to private cooking lessons in the Mediterranean, Epicurean Expeditions offers guests a unique and authentic experience from some of the world's most desirable destinations.

Now at the Hotel Pulitzer, guests can join renowned Chef Rob Sartourius for an exhilarating culinary expedition through Amsterdam's rich epicurean world. After settling in to the iconic hotel, guests are taken on a private tour of the premier local food markets, guided by Sartouruis, followed by an indulgent six-course Dutch tasting menu at Pulitzers Restaurant. At the end of the evening, guests take home a parcel from the experience, including a cookbook, recipe cards and locally made chocolates.

Global explorers looking for an authentic adventure in the midst of India are invited to join Executive Chef Vijay Nagpal at the ITC Maurya for a unique New Delhi culinary experience. Renowned for its Northwest frontier cuisine, the hotel's Bukhara restaurant brings rustic flavors to life with a modern approach to traditional clay oven cooking. Named as one of the "Top 50 Restaurants in the World," guests are invited to watch the exhilarating process of the ancient culinary art, followed by dinner at one of Asia's finest restaurants.

For the global explorer looking to get in the kitchen, The Luxury Collection offers guests the opportunity to join several of its noted chefs for private cooking classes. The Blue Place Resort & Spa's Executive Chef Alexis Lefkaditis expertly demonstrates how to make the country's famous indigenous dish, Greek Mousaka, followed by a beachfront dining experience at Blue Door Taverna. A multiple recipient of Greece's highest culinary honor, the "Golden Toque," the chef uses only the best of local produce to create his Cretan menu. In addition, guests of The Grand Mauritian Resort & Spa, can join "Caribbean Chef of the Year" Stephane Brallet for a full culinary experience that includes a private bread and pastry cooking class, an introduction to the exotic spices, tropical fruits and wines of Africa, and a six-course dinner for two.

To explore more Epicurean Expeditions, http://www.luxurycollection.com/epicureanexpeditions

Destination Discoveries

For guests looking to unlock the treasures of a distinct local, The Luxury Collection's world-renowned concierge service offers exclusive Destination Discoveries -- custom curated adventures designed to offer travelers exceptional indigenous experiences. Each one-of-a-kind destination journey has been individually curated by the properties' Head Concierge to reflect the rich culture and local treasures indigenous to the destination. From private tours of Italy's world-renowned museums to off-road adventures across Asia Pacific, Destination Discoveries offers guests a unique and authentic experience from some of the world's most desirable destinations.

At the Bora Bora Nui Resort & Spa, guests can experience a truly invigorating Bora Bora adventure with an exclusive lagoon safari, featuring a shark and stingray feeding and a private helicopter tour of the island. Upon returning to the resort, guests are treated to a full, relaxing day at the hotel's pristine spa, including lunch and a three-hour Pacific Indulgence treatment.

For guests looking to experience the cultural diversity and architecture of Malaysia, the chief concierge at Hotel Imperial Kuala Lumpur offers a unique journey through Kuala's Lumpur's architectural heritage. For the guest looking to experience the rich wine culture of Argentina, the Patios de Cafayate Hotel & Spa offers a unique journey through one of South America's premier wine regions. Following a stroll through the hotel's tranquil gardens and expansive vineyards, guests are invited to take part in wine and cheese pairings, visits to local wineries and for further relaxation, indulge in an exclusive wine bath.

Additional Destination Discoveries include an exclusive tour of the world-famous Venetian city sites, curated by the Hotel Gritti Palace. Upon arrival, guests receive an artisan-designed notebook and limited-edition bookmark crafted by Italian silversmiths, followed by a privately lead tour of some of the ancient city's greatest sites, including The Musei Civici Veneziani, Doge's Palace, Museo Correr and the Ca' Rezzonico Museum of 18th Century Art.

Unlocking indigenous secrets from around the world, The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts deliver unique, authentic and enriching experiences to discerning global explorers. These adventures are open to all guests and are reserved on a first come basis at www.luxurycollection.com, or by contacting travel professionals.

To explore more Destination Discoveries, http://www.luxurycollection.com/destinationdiscoveries

About The Luxury Collection Hotels & Resorts

The Luxury Collection(R) is a selection of hotels and resorts offering unique, authentic experiences that evoke lasting, treasured memories. For the global explorer, The Luxury Collection offers a gateway to the world's most exciting and desirable destinations. Each hotel and resort is a unique and cherished expression of its location; a portal to the destination's indigenous charms and treasures. Magnificent décor, spectacular settings, impeccable service and the latest modern conveniences combine to provide a uniquely enriching experience. Today, The Luxury Collection is a glittering ensemble of more than 65 of the world's finest hotels and resorts in more than 26 countries in bustling cities and spectacular destinations around the world. The Luxury Collection includes award-winning hotels that continuously exceed guest expectations by offering unparalleled service, style and class in some of the most desired destinations in the world. Most recently, Mystique, a Luxury Collection Resort, was honored with the 2008 Travel + Leisure Design Award for Best Small Resort in the world. All of these hotels, many of them centuries old, are internationally recognized as being among the world's finest. For more information, please visit http://www.luxurycollection.com .

About Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc.

Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. is one of the leading hotel and leisure companies in the world with approximately 900 properties in more than 100 countries and 155,000 employees at its owned and managed properties. Starwood Hotels is a fully integrated owner, operator and franchisor of hotels, resorts and residences with the following internationally renowned brands: St. Regis(R), The Luxury Collection(R), W(R), Westin(R), Le Méridien(R), Sheraton(R), Four Points(R) by Sheraton, and the recently launched aloft(SM), and element(SM). Starwood Hotels also owns Starwood Vacation Ownership, Inc., one of the premier developers and operators of high quality vacation interval ownership resorts. For more information, please visit http://www.starwoodhotels.com .

Source: Starwood Hotels & Resorts
Related Stocks:
NYSE:HOT
Keywords: Travel
collection