• Four Seasons Hotel Moscow. After being closed for a number of years, the Four Seasons Hotel Moscow has reopened its doors to the public. Located on Manezhnaya Square and just steps from Red Square, the colourful domes of St Basil’s Cathedral and the world-renowned Bolshoi Theatre, the hotel offers guests 180 rooms and suites, many with step-out balconies. To welcome its first guests, Four Seasons Hotel Moscow is offering a Stay Longer — Third Night Free package, as well as a special bed-and-breakfast rate. Guests will have access to a number of eateries, including the Italian restaurant Quadrum. And for those looking to treat themselves, the Amnis Spa offers a variety of treatments., Prices from 16, 967 roubles (Dh1,465), per night, for two guests , (www.fourseasons.com/moscow; 007 499 277 7100). Courtesy Four Seasons Hotel Moscow
    Four Seasons Hotel Moscow. After being closed for a number of years, the Four Seasons Hotel Moscow has reopened its doors to the public. Located on Manezhnaya Square and just steps from Red Square, the colourful domes of St Basil’s Cathedral and the world-renowned Bolshoi Theatre, the hotel offers guests 180 rooms and suites, many with step-out balconies. To welcome its first guests, Four Seasons Hotel Moscow is offering a Stay Longer — Third Night Free package, as well as a special bed-and-breakfast rate. Guests will have access to a number of eateries, including the Italian restaurant Quadrum. And for those looking to treat themselves, the Amnis Spa offers a variety of treatments., Prices from 16, 967 roubles (Dh1,465), per night, for two guests , (www.fourseasons.com/moscow; 007 499 277 7100). Courtesy Four Seasons Hotel Moscow
  • Michelin-starred delicacies at newly opened Raffles Istanbul. Raffles recently opened its newest hotel, Raffles Istanbul. Overlooking the Bosphorus and the Princes Islands, the hotel has 181 rooms and suites (some, the hotel claims, are the largest in the city), Raffles Butler Service, a rooftop pool and access to the Raffles Spa, offering a number of treatments by Organic Pharmacy. Guests also have the option of several restaurants to choose from, including Arola, headed by the Michelin-starred chef, Sergi Arola. The restaurant, which seats 74 people, offers up tapas-style dishes and guests are urged to try either las bravas de Arola, (Arola’s bravas potatoes) or fritos como un clásico bocata de calamares (his famous Calamari “sandwich”), two of Arola’s signature dishes. Other dining options include Rocca, offering guests a Mediterranean-based menu, the Writers Bar and the Lounge Bar. Rates for a deluxe room, with breakfast buffet, start from €519 (Dh2,430) per night, for two people (www.raffles.com/istanbul; 0090 212 924 0200). Courtesy Raffles Hotels & Resorts
    Michelin-starred delicacies at newly opened Raffles Istanbul. Raffles recently opened its newest hotel, Raffles Istanbul. Overlooking the Bosphorus and the Princes Islands, the hotel has 181 rooms and suites (some, the hotel claims, are the largest in the city), Raffles Butler Service, a rooftop pool and access to the Raffles Spa, offering a number of treatments by Organic Pharmacy. Guests also have the option of several restaurants to choose from, including Arola, headed by the Michelin-starred chef, Sergi Arola. The restaurant, which seats 74 people, offers up tapas-style dishes and guests are urged to try either las bravas de Arola, (Arola’s bravas potatoes) or fritos como un clásico bocata de calamares (his famous Calamari “sandwich”), two of Arola’s signature dishes. Other dining options include Rocca, offering guests a Mediterranean-based menu, the Writers Bar and the Lounge Bar. Rates for a deluxe room, with breakfast buffet, start from €519 (Dh2,430) per night, for two people (www.raffles.com/istanbul; 0090 212 924 0200). Courtesy Raffles Hotels & Resorts
  • Meliá Hotels to open new location in Doha. Meliá Hotels International announced January 2015 as the confirmed opening of Meliá Doha. The hotel will have, 280 rooms, with 37 suites ranging from executive to the larger royal suite, and will offer a wide range of international and specialist restaurants, separate spas for men and women, pools and a gym. The 41-floor Bin Samikh Tower, which will host the new Meliá Doha, is located in West Bay, which is considered to be one of the most prestigious districts in Doha. Visit www.melia.com or call, 0034 971 224 400. Courtesy Melia Hotels International
    Meliá Hotels to open new location in Doha. Meliá Hotels International announced January 2015 as the confirmed opening of Meliá Doha. The hotel will have, 280 rooms, with 37 suites ranging from executive to the larger royal suite, and will offer a wide range of international and specialist restaurants, separate spas for men and women, pools and a gym. The 41-floor Bin Samikh Tower, which will host the new Meliá Doha, is located in West Bay, which is considered to be one of the most prestigious districts in Doha. Visit www.melia.com or call, 0034 971 224 400. Courtesy Melia Hotels International
  • Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, Finland. A vast, high-end “West Village” area of Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort in Lapland is now open, offering guests everything from a safari with huskies to the Glass Igloo Bar. A five-minute drive from the original East Village, those staying at the resort will have access to a number of services, including Santa’s Home, Santa’s Celebration House, 33 glass igloos, horse stables, and two smoke saunas. Guests will have an option to stay in one of the, 18 small log cabins or seven large log cabins with two en suite bathrooms. Also available are the 12 new large glass igloos with a capacity of four people with a small bathroom and shower cabin. The private activity area, located next to the West Village, includes safaris with huskies, reindeer, snowmobiles and horses., Prices starts from €142 (Dh665), per night, per double bed, for two people (www.kakslauttanen.fi; 00358 1666 7100). Courtesy Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort
    Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort, Finland. A vast, high-end “West Village” area of Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort in Lapland is now open, offering guests everything from a safari with huskies to the Glass Igloo Bar. A five-minute drive from the original East Village, those staying at the resort will have access to a number of services, including Santa’s Home, Santa’s Celebration House, 33 glass igloos, horse stables, and two smoke saunas. Guests will have an option to stay in one of the, 18 small log cabins or seven large log cabins with two en suite bathrooms. Also available are the 12 new large glass igloos with a capacity of four people with a small bathroom and shower cabin. The private activity area, located next to the West Village, includes safaris with huskies, reindeer, snowmobiles and horses., Prices starts from €142 (Dh665), per night, per double bed, for two people (www.kakslauttanen.fi; 00358 1666 7100). Courtesy Kakslauttanen Arctic Resort
  • Cheval Blanc Courchevel, France. Cheval Blanc Courchevel reopens in December for the 2014-2015 winter season and will present its Chalet by Sybille de Margerie. Rebuilt and twice its original size, the independent three-bedroom suite now includes a spa, extensive outdoor areas and a number of new bespoke venues and experiences. Access to the Chalet will be decorated with handmade glass inserts and leads directly to the Chalet’s private quarters, allowing guests to take off their skiwear and don the Maison’s warm slippers before accessing any of the floors by private elevator. Cheval Blanc Courchevel allows those with children an opportunity to enjoy a crafts area, as well as alcoves and secret passages, meant for playtime. Le Paddock, another new space, is also available for families with teenagers. The facility offers a number of entertainment options such as a made-to-measure table football game set and an interactive dance floor, www.courchevel.chevalblanc.com; 0033 479 005 050. Courtesy Cheval Blanc
    Cheval Blanc Courchevel, France. Cheval Blanc Courchevel reopens in December for the 2014-2015 winter season and will present its Chalet by Sybille de Margerie. Rebuilt and twice its original size, the independent three-bedroom suite now includes a spa, extensive outdoor areas and a number of new bespoke venues and experiences. Access to the Chalet will be decorated with handmade glass inserts and leads directly to the Chalet’s private quarters, allowing guests to take off their skiwear and don the Maison’s warm slippers before accessing any of the floors by private elevator. Cheval Blanc Courchevel allows those with children an opportunity to enjoy a crafts area, as well as alcoves and secret passages, meant for playtime. Le Paddock, another new space, is also available for families with teenagers. The facility offers a number of entertainment options such as a made-to-measure table football game set and an interactive dance floor, www.courchevel.chevalblanc.com; 0033 479 005 050. Courtesy Cheval Blanc
  • La Bastide de Marie, France. The boutique hotel will open from December 19 until January 4, 2015, for its first festive season. Guests can celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Eve in the heart of Provence, with a number of traditional celebrations at the hotel as well as in the nearby village of Ménerbes and the city of Avignon. Celebrations and activities will include a Christmas Eve meal, festive markets, fairs, exhibitions and more. Located in Luberon National Park, the hotel offers 14 suites, a terrace overlooking the gardens, an old-fashioned farmhouse kitchen and a library, and adjoins the Domaine de Marie vineyard. Double rooms from €350 (Dh1,640) per night, including half board (en.labastidedemarie.com). David Andre / La Bastide de Marie)
    La Bastide de Marie, France. The boutique hotel will open from December 19 until January 4, 2015, for its first festive season. Guests can celebrate Christmas and New Year’s Eve in the heart of Provence, with a number of traditional celebrations at the hotel as well as in the nearby village of Ménerbes and the city of Avignon. Celebrations and activities will include a Christmas Eve meal, festive markets, fairs, exhibitions and more. Located in Luberon National Park, the hotel offers 14 suites, a terrace overlooking the gardens, an old-fashioned farmhouse kitchen and a library, and adjoins the Domaine de Marie vineyard. Double rooms from €350 (Dh1,640) per night, including half board (en.labastidedemarie.com). David Andre / La Bastide de Marie)
  • Six Senses Laamu, Maldives. The Six Senses Laamu in Maldives is now offering the Exclusive Lightfoot Travel package to residents of the GCC. Book before December 31 and receive one night free when you book in for four. Prices start from US$860 (Dh3,160) per night for two people in a Lagoon Water Villa and includes $100 (Dh370) per day in island credit. Guests will have access to the Six Senses Spa and a number of restaurants, including the underwater eatery Zen. Package only available for reservations until December 21 and then from January 8 to 31 and March 1 to 31., Visit www.lightfoottravel.com or call 04 455 8788. Lightfoot Travel / Six Senses Laamu
    Six Senses Laamu, Maldives. The Six Senses Laamu in Maldives is now offering the Exclusive Lightfoot Travel package to residents of the GCC. Book before December 31 and receive one night free when you book in for four. Prices start from US$860 (Dh3,160) per night for two people in a Lagoon Water Villa and includes $100 (Dh370) per day in island credit. Guests will have access to the Six Senses Spa and a number of restaurants, including the underwater eatery Zen. Package only available for reservations until December 21 and then from January 8 to 31 and March 1 to 31., Visit www.lightfoottravel.com or call 04 455 8788. Lightfoot Travel / Six Senses Laamu

Travel directory for winter 2015: Royal Caribbean launches world’s most technologically advanced cruise ship

Ashley Lane

November 24, 2014

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A look around of all the latest travel news happening for the winter season.

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