If you love travel, like all of us at ENTREE do, perhaps you might be interested in checking out these web sites which we find valuable and fascinating.

 


GrandHotelLienz

In picturesque southern Austria, near the Italian border, framed by Austria’s tallest mountain, the Grossglockner and the Dolomites, you will find the new and remarkable five-star Grand Hotel Lienz, as pretty as a Klimt painting. Surrounded by pristine stunning mountain scenery, if you close your eyes, you might imagine the Trapp family hand in hand skylarking about. Lienz, a charming and cordial medieval Tyrolian town, was settled in the Bronze age and is a fine spot if you are attracted to castles and historic buildings. With many hours of sunshine, unique mountain scenery and the region’s rich culture, Lienz is the perfect place to relax and simply enjoy life all four seasons of the year. Here a relaxed Mediterranean attitude towards life meets stunning mountain landscape. Where else can you sip a cappucino under palm trees while at the same time marvel at the steep, impressive Dolomite mountains? The attractiveness of this region was even appreciated by ancient Romans who built “Aguntum” here, the only Roman town in Tyrol. Numerous churches, frescos and museums tell of the history of East Tyrol. Many artists, galleries, living traditions and unique events make Lienz today a cultural treasure trove. The Dolomites are often referred to as the most beautiful mountains in the world. Soft green hills and woods open into rugged impressive rock formations. We know of few places with such an exclusive and authentic Austrian luxe atmosphere. Imagine soaring vaulted ceilings, delicate chandeliers, marble floors, crystal lamps, overstuffed sofas, large fireplace and gilded mirrors and you have a good picture of the décor here. A true five star hotel (and that means something in Austria), the family who owns the Lienz is proud of their gourmet cuisine, top drawer service, medical center of the highest level, and a spacious spa oasis. Comfortable junior suites (72 of them) plus four royal suites are all filled with natural light, oversized chaises and home-like touches. They are chic and stylish, elegant and spacious with silks, suedes, and damasks plus LCD televisions and high tech touches like WiFi. Large bathrooms have oval tubs, marble galore and silk shades. Not one, but two head chefs, Christian Flaschberger and Thomas Ebner prepare game, fish and meats with love and expertise, using only local products of the highest quality which the attentive staff serves on romantic terraces with beautiful views of the gentle Isel River or in the sleek fireside parlor. There are five separate, intimate dining rooms, all candlelit at night. An extensive wine cellar is filled with a unique selection of wines from all over the world. It is easy to find the perfect complement to the imaginative cuisine or a simple plate of charcuterie. The Lienz spa revolves around wellness, health and beauty in very harmonious surroundings. The indoor/outdoor pool is nicely heated. A state-of-the-art Medical Center administered by Dr. Peter Lechleitner and his team concentrates on health-promoting treatments from highly effective wellness programs for nutrition and vitality. The staff’s comprehensive knowledge and understanding are impressive. Among other therapies, offered are preventive medicine and checkups, homeopathic and acupuncture treatments for all types of ailments. Weight loss and wrinkle reduction are specialities. There is a serious focus on combining Western medicine with traditional Chinese medicine. The Dolomites are often referred to as the most beautiful mountains in the world. Soft green hills and woods open into rugged impressive rock formations. Experience the Lienz Dolomites by walking or hiking, mountain biking, or playing a round of golf. One of the real appeals here is extraordinary skiing. But this is not a place that draws the publicity-seeking glitzy set like Gstaad does; it is for quieter lovers of the very good life, ideally suited for a 21st century Habsburg. We are confident you will be treated well here as Elisabeth and Heinz Simonitsch, who for so many years established and elegantly ran Half Moon in Jamaica as one of the world’s top resorts, are firmly in command as part of the Westreicher family ownership here. The staff is thoughtful and unfailingly attentive and will meet your train with smiles at the station. Visit www.grandhotel-lienz.com.

HearstCastleDinner

California’s most spectacular wine and cuisine celebration showcasing the bounty of the Central Coast and Napa Valley is scheduled for July 12-15 and we urge you not to miss it. The Central Coast Wine Classic, in its 28th year, is the creation of impresario wine wiz Archie McLaren. This is one of the year’s top charity events in America highlighted by a black tie auction dinner at Hearst Castle featuring the area’s best chefs and bidding for extraordinary lifestyle excursions like an incredible Relais & Chateaux trip for two to Paris, Bordeaux, the Rhone, Burgundy and Champagne with stays at the Relais & Chateaux properties throughout France’s renowned wine regions and dinners at Paris restaurants Guy Savoy, Alain Ducasse and Pierre Gagnaire. Many of the auction lot offerings involve wineries and restaurants from Santa Barbara County, San Luis Obispo County, the San Franciso Bay Area and the Napa Valley. Other popular events include a barrel tasting, a Reserve Tasting, various wine symposia, a special tasting of Roederer Estate sparkling wine, and an outdoor winery dinner dance. See the full schedule at www.centralcoastwineclassic.org or call (805) 544-1285. Tickets to the Hearst Castle spectacular dinner are always sold out, so e-mail Mr. McLaren at archie@slonet.org if indulging in fine wines and creative cooking amidst the treasures of San Simeon appeals to you ($1250 per person).

cuixmala

Cuixmala in Careyes, Mexico was created by Sir James Goldsmith as a family retreat on a grand scale. Not only is the estate the setting for several family homes but it is also a vast nature reserve of over 25,000 acres protecting a rare type of habitat which is home to a variety of endangered species including the jaguar. In addition to the the nature reserve are organic farms which provide most of the food served at Cuixmala. Today, Cuixmala is maintained as a private estate with members of the Goldsmith family still in residence, the difference being that they now accept a small group of visitors. Sir James' daughter, Alix Goldsmith Marcaccini and her husband Goffredo operate Cuixmala and its sister property Hacienda de San Antonio with their vision of offering a rare guest experience of nature, luxury and privacy. Cuixmala is a fantasy palace set on a wide swath of unspoiled beach all within a vast private nature reserve. Exotic animals graze in the distance, lagoons are home to crocodiles and thousands of birds. An exotic destination like no other. The house's cool white interiors float above a vast expanse of azure sea. The panoramic views, soaring ceilings, and quiet fountain courtyards blend to create a fantasy hideaway. The master suite, a suite of unparalleled proportions, is palatial in scope with its own living terrace with splash pool size jacuzzi and an ocean view bathroom. There are three additional deluxe bedroom suites in the main house plus living rooms, dining room, library, media room and office, complemented by three palapa covered ocean view terraces for outdoor living and dining. There are also six extremely private guest bungalows sprinkled within a tropical garden. The staff includes, butlers, waiters, chefs, maids, laundress, gardeners, pool men, concierge and security. Staying at La Loma is more like staying at the house of a rich friend rather than any type of hotel experience with highly personalized service. Most of the time La Loma is rented out in its entirety either by VIP/Celebrity types looking for an ultra private holiday retreat or by people staging a very special event such as a wedding or 40th birthday bash, but at other times one is able to stay in a suite or one of the coveted bungalows as an individual guest enjoying all the amenities and services of this palatial house. Visit www.cuixmala.com.

Set on 504 acres by the Pacific Ocean in Newport Beach, Pelican Hill features 128 two-, three- and four-bedroom villas with magnificent coastal views and an unparalleled array of appointments, immersing guests in the absolute finest of everything. There are 204 luxuriously appointed bungalow guest rooms and suites with private terraces; a rejuvenating five-star spa with a menu of the world’s most celebrated therapies; world-class restaurants including Andrea serving authentic Northern Italian cuisine; an iconic “Coliseum Pool,” one of the largest circular pools anywhere with tiered decks and luxurious cabanas; and Pelican Hill Golf Club with 36 dramatic holes by Tom Fazio, nearly all with ocean panoramas. Pelican Hill is perfect for a getaway or a longer stay. Their Villa Luxury Extended Stay Program is the ideal solution for a variety of home transitions. Come for a week, a month or longer during an extensive home renovation, restoration due to fire or water damage, a job relocation or long-term-term vacation. A turn-key program makes moving-in simple and takes the hassle out of finding a temporary residence. All of the two, three, and four bedroom Villas are beautifully furnished, plus fully equipped down to the house wares and linens. An overview of Villa features: private terrace furnished with chaise lounges and a dining table with chairs, great room with wood-beam ceiling, casually elegant residential furniture, spacious dining areas and limestone fireplace. There is a kitchen with all cookware, small appliances, dishes, glassware, silverware, Wolf appliances, Sub Zero refrigerator and wine cabinet, granite counter tops and fruit wood cabinetry. The master suite features spacious bath with marble walk-in shower, deep soaking tub and double basins. Most secondary bedrooms have adjoining baths with marble walk-in shower, deep soaking tub and double basins. (Some offer double queen beds.) Technology includes 50 or 60" flat-screen television with DVD player in the great room, 45" televisions in bedrooms, wireless Internet, Bose sound system and MP3 port. All have in-Villa washer & dryer, private one or two-car garage, turn-key phone & utility services. The Luxury Extended Stay Program also offers complimentary services, such as concierge and personal grocery programs. And there is access to a world-class spa, fitness center, golf course, Coliseum Pool, in-room dining, coach services and more. Among the resort’s 128 Villas, the Extended Stay choices include two-bedroom residences starting from $7,500 monthly; three-bedroom residences starting from $15,000 monthly; and four-bedroom residences from $22,500 monthly. Visit www.pelicanhill.com.

Vivian Taylor International

Vivian Taylor is a travel agent who combines personal passion for travel with real boots-on-the-ground experience and confident knowledge about destinations to exceed the clients’ expectations. She has a deep commitment and expertise to design travel experiences that match unique hopes and ambitions with seamless execution. When you talk to Vivian, you have a pro on your case—superior know how, quick reactions, superb followup, detail orientation, impeccable contacts and unfailing dedication to her clients-24 hours a day. At her side is Jeff Rodgers who provides equally devoted client attention. No wonder so many high profile travelers turn to Vivian Taylor for their travel needs. Contact Vivian Taylor International, (302) 945-7255; mobile: (310) 497-2650; (323) 270-6748; Fax: (302) 945-7266; e-mail: vivian@viviantaylor.com.

Experience the freedom and simplicity of traveling without luggage. Luggage Concierge will ship your bags to and from your destination, allowing you to breeze through airports without the discomfort and inconvenience of carrying them.

“The Industry Leader In Luggage Shipping”
CNBC.com

DMC Limousine Service
New York's Finest Limousines and Drivers

For the finest limousine service to and from New York's airports and Teterboro plus exceptional in-town driving, we highly recommend DMC Limousine Service. Run with personal care by Donald McCann, DMC offers brilliantly maintained sedans, SUVs, Mercedes Benz, and 14-passenger vans at rates that are the best in New York, considering their high quality of service. With DMC, expect professional, polite, discreet drivers and vehicles that are in tip top condition. Call them at 212-481-6365 or e-mail dmclimousineservice@gmail.com.

Hacienda San Angel, an award-wining Puerto Vallarta Luxury Boutique Hotel in Mexico

Puerto Vallarta hotel providing luxury accommodations once owned by some of Mexico's most prominent families. Here, where the majestic Sierra Madre Mountains embrace the azure waters of Banderas Bay, vacationers can revel in a beguiling blend of colonial charm, outdoor activities and superb Puerto Vallarta accommodations unparalleled on the fabled Mexican Riviera. This fabulous boutique hotel in Mexico offers elegant luxury villas that exemplify all that's stylish about living in Mexico, as well as fantastic weddings in Puerto Vallarta.

http://haciendasanangel.com/special_events.htm

Are you planning a Puerto Vallarta destination wedding? Looking for a wedding chapel in Mexico? HACIENDA SAN ANGEL NOW OFFERS ITS PRIVATE CHAPEL FOR WEDDINGS!! Planning a destination wedding in Puerto Vallarta at Hacienda San Angel will be an exclusive and exciting experience. For your Puerto Vallarta destination wedding, Hacienda San Angel not only offers you the most unique and beautiful location in Puerto Vallarta, but also offers the finest services. Their talented wedding coordinators will take care of all the details including accommodations, transportation, wedding reception, music, flowers and theme decorations, and the preparation of all required legal documents. Whether you choose to have an intimate wedding ceremony for two, a renewal of your vows, or an elaborate wedding celebration with a large number of guests, their team of bridal specialists will help you make every moment of your special celebration in Puerto Vallarta wonderful and unique. You and your guests have the option of staying in the Hacienda or if you prefer to stay somewhere else you can still have your wedding and/or your reception in the Hacienda's beautiful facilities.

The Taj Group of Hotels
India's First and South Asia's Finest

Six miles east of Montego Bay, the historic western city and tourism capital of Jamaica, lies this elegant and luxurious complete resort. Within a 10 minute drive from the Sangster International Airport is the luxurious Half Moon Golf, Tennis and Beach Club. The colonial style Half Moon pampers guests in luxurious accommodations, with award winning cuisine and a full complement of sports. www.halfmoonclub.net

Bouchard Finlayson Vineyards and Winery.
South African producers of outstanding quality Pinot Noir, Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc wines. www.bouchardfinlayson.co.za

Leonard Logsdail, Savile Row
master custom tailor
now in New York

For bespoke celestial suits, jackets and trousers cut with comfort and style, visit Mr. Logsdail at 9 E. 53rd Street, (212) 752-5030.

Our favorite places to stay in London, Palm Beach, Geneva and Cape Town. Six magnificently decorated hotels that will appeal to those seeking sophisticated syle and warm charm. Each Red Carnation hotel is dedicated to flawless service, total comfort and peerless cuisine.

ENTREE has thoroughly enjoyed working with Tom Buhl on our newsletter and web site production for many years. If you have a publishing or web project that could benefit from working with a caring and knowledgeable professional, contact: tom@tombuhl.com.

 

 

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