Abercrombie & Kent has been internationally recognized as the first name in luxury adventure travel for over 45 years. Founded in 1962 by Geoffrey Kent, the company started as a safari outfitter. Today, its outstanding travel and tour operations explore 100 countries on all seven continents. The best of both worlds, A&K offers the convenience, service and security of a U.S.-based company plus 24/7 support from a network of over 60 on-site offices worldwide. This local involvement gives clients “insider” access and highly personalized, low profile and intelligent service.

A&K’s trips combine active days with comfortable, often luxurious nights. From escorted small group journeys to family holidays to tailor-made private travel, A&K’s itineraries are tirelessly researched and filled with the most authentic experiences. A deep-rooted concern for the natural world infuses every A&K journey.

Abercrombie & Kent Residence Club is the largest equity club in the travel industry. Members enjoy up to 45 days per year in luxurious residences around the world, all with A&K’s signature brand of service excellence. A&K Residence Club has an unmatched portfolio of global destinations, offering members 43 properties in 30 destinations in the U.S. and abroad. These include private homes, villas, urban apartments and boutique hotel suites. Members explore the residence’s surrounding regions with journeys arranged by on-site A&K Destination Hosts who pride themselves on their local knowledge and insider access.

 

Concorde Hotels & Resorts is a Parisian hotel group with an international network of four- and five-star hotels whose location and architecture give them each a unique character. In the heart of some of the most exciting cities of the world—including Paris, Berlin and Geneva—Concorde properties are neighborhood gathering spots and local treasures. The “jewels” within the Concorde group include the Hotel Lutetia, a grand dame on the West Bank of Paris; the Hotel Concorde Berlin, thoroughly modern and elegant with a rotating art gallery; and the Hotel de la Paix on Lake Geneva with splendid views of Mont Blanc. The legendary Hotel Martinez in Cannes, another Concorde gem, is celebrating its 80th anniversary. For a unique room experience in Paris, stay at the Hotel du Louvre in the Pisarro Suite where the actual artist, Pisarro, painted his Impressionist paintings.

 

Curtain Bluff has been synonymous with luxury and value for over 40 years. One of the Caribbean's finest resorts, Curtain Bluff has a picture-perfect location, friendly atmosphere, excellent cuisine and a host of outstanding activities incorporated in a fully-inclusive rate that is one of the best values in the region. Included in the daily rate: all meals and beverages for two persons, and a long list of activities from scuba diving, sailing, snorkeling and water skiing to deep-sea fishing, tennis, yoga and kayaking. This formula has proved so successful the resort enjoys one of the highest return-guest rates in the Caribbean.

What could be more valuable to a traveler than a local guide who knows everyone, can make anything happen and open all doors? If your destination happens to be Scotland, that guide would be Dream Escape.

Founded in 2004 by husband and wife team, David and Holly Tobin, Dream Escape is a travel company designed with a single goal in mind – to provide access to the very best experiences in Scotland. The company creates highly customized itineraries for groups and individuals, using personal contacts to open up estates, castles and museums and other uniquely Scottish sites in ways that are far beyond the reach and imagination of ordinary travelers. A private whisky tasting in the Lagavulin Distillery, a scenic drive through the Highlands in a Spyker C8 sports car, a perfume sampling with renowned perfumer George Dodd, an overnight in 14th-century Cawdor Castle and after-hours shopping in Edinburgh's Harvey Nichols department store, are just a few examples of the company’s privileged access.

The trips can be fully guided or as independent as you want. Chauffeured cars, minibuses, helicopters and luxury speedboats are all available as transport. The Dream Escape team is at your disposal for the duration of your trip to answer questions, make arrangements and facilitate whims. In line with Dream Escape’s cosmopolitan clientele, its Concierge Service operates in over 20 languages.

Long considered one of the Caribbean's most luxurious and "hip" hotels, Eden Rock - St Barths sits on a rocky promontory jutting into the calm waters of the Bay of St. Jean on the chic and beautiful island of St Barths.

The latest addition to the Eden Rock Estates is Villa Rockstar, a 16,000-sq. ft., three-level villa with four large master suites, two staff or teenagers' cabins, a gym, a private office, two vehicles (a Mini Cooper and a Land Rover), dining for 12 people, a pool table and indoor sports area, lawns for croquet, a spa pool and an infinity swimming pool. Villa Rockstar also has a fully equipped recording studio, music room and screening complex—all created in partnership with Ocean Way Recording Studios of Hollywood, CA. The recording studio is also outfitted with a vintage console on which John Lennon recorded the song "Imagine."

A respected leader in the global hospitality industry, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts has one of the largest collections of landmark properties in the world. The Fairmont Copley Plaza Boston, the Fairmont Chateau Frontenac in Quebec City, the Fairmont Chateau Whistler and the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise are just a few of the castles, lodges, meeting places and modern retreats in the Fairmont portfolio with a legendary status.

Located in cities and resort areas in the US, Canada, Bermuda, Barbados, Egypt, Germany, Kenya, Mexico, Monaco, Switzerland, the UAE and the UK, they provide access to activities that are culturally rich and authentically local. Fairmont's portfolio includes 56 distinctive hotels, with plans to develop over 30 new properties in the coming years in destinations like Shanghai, Abu Dhabi and Anguilla. Fairmont is committed to responsible tourism and is an industry leader in sustainable hotel management with its award-winning Green Partnership program, now 20 years strong. The program continues to make an impact in the communities in which Fairmont is investing globally, establishing original recycling programs and sustainable practices in many destinations.

Grande Lakes Orlando continues to be the luxury-resort leader of Orlando, America's #1 vacation destination. Only minutes from the city’s major attractions, the 500-acre, $600-million estate includes a 584-room Ritz-Carlton and a 1,000-room JW Marriott.

Grande Lakes offers activities for all ages. Its Outfitters program provides guests with the opportunity to experience fly fishing, kayaking eco-tours and nature walks (the resort is near the headwaters of the Everglades). Golfers can enjoy the Greg Norman-designed, 18-hole Ritz-Carlton golf course and take tips from Golf Caddie-Concierges. The 40,000-square-foot, citrus-themed Ritz-Carlton Spa offers such original menu items as the new rooftop hammock eco-massage.

Elsewhere on the property there are 10 different dining and lounge choices including two signature restaurants. Norman's, at the Ritz-Carlton, is a culinary collaboration with celebrated chef Norman Van Aken. At the JW Marriott, the highlight is Chef Melissa Kelly's Primo restaurant that uses organic ingredients grown in the resort’s garden.

This renowned 1,400-acre private island in the Grenadines has long been a favorite hideaway for the world's most discriminating travelers. Scattered around the island are 72 extraordinary designer villas, each with its own distinctive architecture and atmosphere. Available for weekly rentals, these villas range in size from two to nine bedrooms, and in price from $4,250 to $150,000 a week, including a full staff and vehicle. The only hotel on the island, the Cotton House is an elegant West Indian-style plantation estate with 17 luxurious guest rooms, cottages and suites, 11 of which have private plunge pools.

Orlando is a city with the world’s best attractions, world-class luxury, fine dining, adventure, spa experiences and cultural offerings. As the #1 destination of choice for families across the globe, Orlando has it all, from the famous theme parks to an undiscovered side which includes farmer’s markets, upscale shopping, museums and thrilling outdoor adventures.

 

Combining the sophistication and luxury of a private island retreat with the relaxed, understated elegance of the British Virgin Islands, Peter Island Resort is a true "Caribbean classic” with the accolades to prove it. The resort was ranked in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2009 “Gold List,” and the Travel + Leisure “T+L 500,” which lists readers’ choices for the top 500 hotels in the world.

The lush, 1,800-acre island—ideal for destination weddings and honeymoons—includes 52 rooms and suites, three villas, two restaurants, five stunning beaches, a 10,000-square-foot spa and a staff that goes "above and beyond" to satisfy guests. Activity options range from a private yacht to tennis, hiking, biking, scuba diving and deep-sea fishing. Peter Island’s villa program features Falcon’s Nest, which is perched 350 feet above the sea, boasting six-bedrooms, a personal chef, housekeeper, valet and butler. Special attractions include a two-story great room, a two-tiered pool with large Jacuzzi and private fitness room, and an ocean view couples spa room.

The Melbourne Convention and Visitors Bureau is a non-profit organization working to ensure that Melbourne consistently ranks as one of the world’s foremost convention destinations and upholds its reputation as a leading city for business events. Melbourne is second to none as a multi-cultural location and culinary capital of Australia, thanks in part to its proximity to some of the country’s must-see sites like the Yarra Valley and Phillip Island. A complimentary shuttle, tram and guide service throughout the city is perfect for business and incentive groups looking for a memorable time at a great value.

Since its debut as Raffles’ first Caribbean venture, Raffles Canouan has established itself as one of the finest resorts in the Caribbean. The five-star, 156-room property is managed by Singapore-based Raffles Hotels & Resorts, known around the world for its intuitive, discreet and personalized service. Its extraordinary facilities include the Jim Fazio-designed, 18-hole Trump International Golf Club, the Raffles Amrita Spa (with 11 treatment suites including the Caribbean's only two glass-bottomed, over-the-water treatment suites), the Trump Club Privèe gaming room and five gourmet restaurants.

Guests enjoy outdoor adventures like horseback riding, ATV riding, hiking, rafting, shooting sporting clays and fly-fishing (on seven miles of the famed Blackfoot River that runs through the property). Relax with fine wines and dine on gourmet cuisine, enjoy a spa treatment, and unwind in the oversized hot tubs on the deck of private 2,600-square-foot Big Timber Homes, complete with flat-screen TV, DSL, "The Last Best Bed" with 300 thread-count sheets, and Western eclectic decor. The Resort at Paws Up can host a total of 152 guests in a variety of luxury accommodations from two- and three-bedroom Big Timber Homes, to the famed tented accommodations of Tent City and River Camp. Annually anticipated events at the resort include Wine & Bitch weekend (each spring for dogs/owners and wine lovers) and Montana Master Chefs each fall (an intimate long weekend with celebrity chefs and notable personality/experts in the culinary industry).

In 2008 The Resort at Paws Up announced the debut of its newest fleet of premier accommodations, The Wilderness Estates—ten 3,200-square-foot homes impeccably designed with state-of-the art amenities, home comforts, scenic views, personal Miles Electric vehicles, and private access. Also, in 2009 the new River Camp at Paws up is opening for its first full summer season—featuring six oversized tented accommodations set directly along the Blackfoot River including two four-person family tent suites.

The Ritz-Carlton Resorts of Naples features two resort properties: The Ritz-Carlton, Naples and The Ritz-Carlton Golf Resort, Naples. Located only three miles apart, both offer Ritz-Carlton's renowned combination of deep comfort and refined service while also providing unique experiences that give each property its own identity.

The Ritz-Carlton Naples borders the white sand beach on Naples’ beautiful Gulf Coast. The hotel’s 450 rooms feature private balconies and sweeping views of the Gulf of Mexico. The Ritz-Carlton Spa offers 30 treatment rooms for relaxation and body therapies, including environmentally friendly treatments done in a designated Eco-room. In November 2007, The Ritz-Carlton, Naples launched "Nature’s Wonders," an environmentally-focused program for families and guests visiting the resort. A host of eco-friendly activities are available, including nature walks and an Eco-sail. Guests can also enjoy vue (virtual user experience), the ultimate entertainment lounge featuring game systems like Nintendo Wii, flat screen televisions with DVD and Blu-ray players, and iPod and Mac stations.

The resort’s Greg Norman-designed championship golf course, Tiburón, earned it #9 ranking (the highest ranked golf resort in Florida) in Condè Nast Traveler’s 2008 Top 100 Golf Resorts poll. The course is home to The Rick Smith Golf Academy, where even the most experienced golfer can learn from a one-on-one lesson. The resort has 295 rooms featuring private balconies and panoramic views of the golf course.

Guests of both hotels can take advantage of the services and amenities at either resort.

Laurance Rockefeller originally created the RockResorts brand in 1956. The Rockefeller family sold the brand in 1986 but the commitment to excellence and character remains unchanged. RockResorts properties are located in truly iconic locations in Colorado, New Mexico, Wyoming, and The Caribbean. The company embodies the naturalist roots of its founder with a strong focus on preserving the environment and reducing energy usage. With a well-established reputation for delivering outstanding cuisine, exceptional spa services and uniquely local experiences, RockResorts continues its growth with new locations planned for Miami, The Bahamas and Vermont.

The Arrabelle at Vail Square, A RockResort
arrabelle.rockresorts.com
The Arrabelle at Vail Square opened in January 2008, introducing a new level of luxury to the popular ski destination. The hotel combines old-world charm and the timeless elegance of Europe’s grand resorts with the romance and world-class style of Vail’s alpine heritage. The Arrabelle has 36 rooms and 50 condominiums, fine dining at the French-country Centre V brasserie, a luxurious RockResorts Spa and ample meeting space. Arrabelle guests are offered personalized services, such as butlers and ski nannies, ensuring that all their travel needs are met. The centrally located Vail Square is highlighted by a stunning European-inspired village atmosphere with a ice-skating rink, high-end retail outlets, many dining options and easy access to Vail Mountain’s gondola.

Hotel Jerome, A RockResort (Aspen)
hoteljerome.rockresorts.com
Hotel Jerome, Aspen’s finest hotel since 1889, is more than a place to stay; it's a place to experience. It is often said, “If you haven’t been to the Jerome, you haven’t been to Aspen.”

In the heart of Aspen, yet surrounded by the magnificence of the Rocky Mountains, the Jerome embodies the philosophy of Aspen—a balance of body, mind and spirit. It's known for its elegant and relaxed ambiance, impeccable service, unsurpassed accommodations and exquisite dining in two award-winning restaurants. A favorite among both locals and guests, the celebrated J-Bar is the town's unofficial meeting spot. Each of the 92 richly appointed guestrooms and spacious suites mix comfort and sophistication.

Keystone, Colorado
Keystone is a skier's paradise deep in the White River National Forest just 90 minutes from Denver. Winter visitors can experience Nordic skiing, snowmobiling, scenic gondola rides, wine tasting, snow-tubing, snowshoeing and sleigh rides. In the summer months, guests can enjoy two award-winning golf courses and nearly 60 miles of trails providing some of the best mountain biking in the country. After a full day of activities, guests can take advantage of the eco-friendly RockResorts Spa, as well as great dining options, including Keystone Ranch, The Ski Tip Lodge and The Bighorn Steakhouse. Lodging includes Keystone Lodge & Spa, A RockResort, and The Inn at Keystone, in addition to numerous town-homes and condominiums ranging from high-end to budget.

The Landings St. Lucia, A RockResort
landings.rockresorts.com
In December 2008, The Landings St. Lucia unveiled 60 new villa suites, pools, tennis courts and more. Each of the resort’s 122 one-, two- and three-bedroom spacious suites has a fully equipped kitchen and two large balconies or landscaped terrace, many with heated, jetted plunge pools. The beachfront all-suite resort offers a private yacht harbor, two tennis courts, three pools, a water sports concession and an indigenous 7,000 square-foot RockResorts Spa®. The resort has two restaurants including The Beach Club (formerly known as The Yacht Haven) and The Viscount Lounge, with premium wines and spirits, a tapas menu and commanding views.

Vail Beaver Creek Resort Properties
www.vbcrp.com
Description: Located in the heart of the Rocky Mountains, Beaver Creek is a picturesque resort town comprised of three unique villages. Beaver Creek’s luxury accommodations include properties such as two RockResorts (The Osprey at Beaver Creek and The Pines Lodge) and condominiums in Bachelor Gulch Village, SaddleRidge at Beaver Creek, St. James Place, and Market Square at Beaver Creek. For a secluded mountain retreat, Trapper’s Cabin is an elegant log cabin located at 9,500 feet for families/groups of up to 10 people.

The newest gem in Beaver Creek is The Osprey. This RockResort opened in December 2008 and features the closest ski-in/ski-out hotel accommodations to a chairlift in North America. The Osprey offers sophisticated alpine-chic design, 45 luxurious accommodations, a hotspot social scene, and posh-yet-playful services and amenities. For more information, visit www.ospreyatbeavercreek.com.

La Posada de Santa Fe Resort & Spa, A RockResort
La Posada de Santa Fe Resort & Spa is located on six lush, landscaped acres in downtown Santa Fe, just two blocks from the historic Plaza, art galleries and world-class shopping. The resort features adobe-style architecture, vibrant artwork (the result of a unique partnership with local galleries), and the award-winning fine-dining Fuego restaurant. It has also entered into a partnership with the Museum of New Mexico Foundation to incorporate indigenous fabrics in the interior design plan.

The Lodge at Vail, A RockResort
Situated in the heart of Vail Village, the slope-side AAA Four-Diamond rated Lodge at Vail is renown for relaxed luxury and impeccable personal service. Offering mountain and village views, the lodge’s 165 rooms and suites are reminiscent of a fine European chalet with accents of mahogany and marble. The Lodge features two exceptional restaurants, the Wildflower and Cucina Rustica, as well as Mickey’s Bar, a Vail institution with live entertainment.

NEWS: the Lodge unveiled its elegant, new 11,600-square-foot RockResorts Spa in June 2008. Based around organic ingredients, its treatments range from indigenous massages and wraps to rejuvenating facials.

Snake River Lodge & Spa, A RockResort (Jackson Hole)
Part rugged lodge and part AAA Four Diamond luxury hotel, Snake River is the perfect complement to the legendary mountain resort, Jackson Hole. Its slope-side location is close to the base lifts and guests can use the complimentary Ski Valet at the resort. Its Western elegance and style is evident in all of the 93 guest rooms and 58 condos. The Avanyu Spa—a magnificent five-story, 17,000-square-foot facility—is considered Wyoming's largest and best spa facility.

 

Tempo Miami, A RockResort
tempomiami.rockresorts.com
The temperature is going to rise with the debut of Tempo Miami, opening fall 2009 in the heart of the city’s cultural center. The luxury resort is RockResorts’ first urban venture and will embody chic sophistication, adding to Miami’s reputation as an influential cultural hotspot. Located at the 67-story Marquis residences, Tempo Miami will feature 56 accommodations ranging from stylish guest rooms to lavish suites, as well as a gourmet restaurant, a RockResorts Spa® an infinity-edge sunrise swim spa and lagoon-style sunset pool with Asian-inspired gardens, and personal concierge services.

Montréal is often referred to as the “most European city in North America,” and with good reason. Named a “City of Design” by UNESCO, a stroll through any of Montréal’s neighborhoods will show how this city has blended the old with the new with style and sophistication for over 360 years. Whether it’s history, culture, festivals, museums, the best restaurants, underground DJs (even Underground shopping!) and the most rockin’ music scene outside of London, Montréal caters to the varied needs and wants of today’s discerning travelers. The city offers great value options throughout the year and getting there is easy with plenty of air travel options.

Design: Montréal has been named the “City of Design” by UNESCO. For over 360 years it has blended old and new, a shot of Europe and a dash of North America, French colonial and Victorian elegance, modern minimalist design.

Festivals: Among the more than 90 festivals hosted here year round, are the Grand Masquerade (end of October/Halloween), High Lights Festival (February/March 2009), and the Just for Laughs and Jazz Festival (summer 2009).

Food: The city has 5,000 restaurants (more per capita than anywhere else in North America) serving over 80 types of international cuisine.

Shopping—There are over 3,000 shops in the downtown core alone and 20 miles of shops in the Underground Shopping Network, making the city a shopper's paradise selling everything from international fashion and the work of innovative local designers to antiques and home décor.

Nightlife: Montréal is ranked fifth in the world for nightlife.

Culture: Montréal is known the world over for its world-class museums, unique exhibits, funky art galleries, grand ballet, modern dance, underground DJs and soothing symphonies.

The home state of Australia’s cool cosmopolitan city, Melbourne, Victoria is a microcosm of the authentic Aussie experience. In Melbourne, a thriving food and art culture can be found in hidden laneways lined with art galleries, secret eateries and bars. A short drive from the city in any direction unveils world-class vineyards, national parks, nature reserves, regional food trails, indigenous cultural sites and luxury lodges.

Victoria’s many gems include the beautiful Yarra Valley and 20 other wine regions, the Great Ocean Road and its Twelve Apostles, Wilson’s Promontory and the Grampians national parks. And since the fall 2008 launch of Qantas Airlines’ A380 air service, offering direct flights from Los Angeles to Melbourne, visiting Victoria is easier than ever.

Robert Burns, Robert Louis Stevenson, JK Rowling and Sean Connery are just a few of the storytellers who grew up in Scotland. With exciting, modern cities to stunning, rural landscapes dotted with castles, the country is an uncommonly rich destination with thousands of different tales to tell.

They surface in world-class events like the Edinburgh Festival, intriguing museums, explorations of the western isles, the country's many whisky-tasting routes, traditional Scottish music at the pub, or simply walking in the footsteps of your ancestors (one of every five American visitors to Scotland go there to trace their roots). Every golfer should visit the game's spiritual home and play legendary courses like St. Andrews, Turnberry and Troon. And foodies come to taste those other memorable "courses" served in acclaimed city restaurants and country hotels, often family-owned and decorated with heirloom antiques.