FabTravel

Pueblo Bonito Resorts Introduce New Spa Treatment Thermage

2009-11-19T16:48:00.001-08:00

A little tid-bit for all of you luxury spa goers out there:

Pueblo Bonito Oceanfront resorts in Cabo have partnered up with the renowned Raquel Sarfati Cosmetic Clinic to bring guests an exciting, non-invasive, radio frequency cosmetic treatment designed to help tighten skin, reduce the appearance of wrinkles and contour the body without surgery, injections or downtime. The Thermage treatment stimulates the body’s natural collagen renewal process to produce natural looking results on the face, eyes and body for an overall youthful appearance and the treatment can be done in just a single treatment.

The treatment will be available at the award-winning Spa at Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach from December 15, 2009 to January 9, 2010 only. Raquel Sarfati is a medical aesthetics practitioner with fifteen years of experience and a trained staff of medical professionals.

Here's the best part: guests staying at any of the Pueblo Bonito resorts can get a complimentary Thermage consultation including a renewal skin analysis, skin care evaluation and colorscience mineral makeup recommendation, valued at $250.00. To download the voucher visit pueblobonito.com/consultation_voucher.php

For more information about Thermage, visit their website at www.thermage.com

Flashpacking 101

2009-09-03T10:54:00.000-07:00

The current state of the economy has significantly changed the travel industry. Deals and discounts are abundant and "staycations" and roadtrips are more popular than ever. One of the more recent travel trends bears the cheeky title "flashpacking" - also known as backpacking with a little flash. Instead of bumming rides down the highway and 20-bed dorm rooms, it's low-cost airlines and decent accommodations with nice bathrooms. One blog simply describes it as "the kind of backpacking that doesn’t have the pesky constraints of a shoestring budget."

TravelandLeisure.com has some excellent suggestions for flashpacking hot spots: Germany’s loftlike BaxPax Berlin (doubles from $64); Loki Lima (doubles from $25), in Peru, with a popular rooftop lounge; and Cape Town’s 13-room Daddy Long Legs Art Hotel (doubles from $83). Sounds like a good deal to me!

B&Bs can also be a good option for the flashpacker inclined. You'll get a room and breakfast included for added value, not to mention the charm and comfort of a real home. Check out BedandBreakfast.com to find an inn that suits your travel outing.

For those of you who thought that "luxury" and "hostel" would never be friends, take a look at Habitat Hostel in Singapore. Habitat proudly declares itself a "boutique flashpackers hostel" and the accomodations are quite inviting. Chic design, fully air-conditioned rooms and unique self-enclosed sleeping pods (complete with reading light and a small ledge for personal items) are ideally meshed with social activities and a prime location - everything you need for a five-star hostel experience. I think it's safe to call that FabTravel.

Essentialy, a "flashpacker" wants to travel without spending too much money, but is willing to pay extra for nice accommodations, good food and whatever else comes along the way. So what do you think? Are YOU a flashpacker?

Luxury Cabo Wedding Cakes

2009-05-26T10:40:00.000-07:00

A Cabo wedding says luxury from start to finish. No detail is overlooked and this includes the cake! Stylish, carefully designed cakes are an essential piece to the overall look of your wedding, and the colorful possibilities are practically endless! Cabo wedding beach cakes can be especially stunning with tropical or soft blue hues and creative beach or travel-themed designs. I've collected a few of my favorite cakes from TheKnot.com - hopefully they can inspire you!

Delicate yellow flowers cascade down a white background on this simple, yet elegant four tiered cake. This look can perfectly complement a beach themed wedding since it can match with a wide variety of colors. Try light blue or even bold red accents for the rest of your wedding decorations to really make your cake stand out!

This whimsical cake is perfect for the couple that has a penchant for travel. The adorable suitcase topper and dotted map lines give the cake a modern feel while the fun but subtle color scheme doesn't make it too over the top.

For a classic luxury feel, go with royal colors such as this ruby red, and an elegant design like the swirls or mini dot clusters. The ribbons at the base of each tier is a popular cake accent and give it a sleek and sophisticated finish. A slight variation on each tier is a great way to give the cake a design that leaves an impression without making it too busy.

This cake was tailored to the bride, as her nickname growing up was "ladybug". Personal touches on a cake can make it very special and with a little creative twist, you're sure to have the perfect cake. As you may have noticed, when it comes to Cabo wedding cakes, simple is best. By using only a few colors with a chic design, your cake will mesh flawlessly with the rest of your wedding.

This cake is a great example of how only a few colors can go a long way. If you want your cake to be a bit more fun and funky, pick three basic colors and a basic shape and let your creative mind mix them up between the tiers. Dots and other geometric shapes make for a cake that's cute, modern and still sleek.

Typically, I don't like Cabo wedding cakes that are gung-ho on the beach theme , with shells and starfish everywhere, but this cake does it so tastefully that I had to include it. The Adirondack chairs on top give it a unique twist and the light blue matches well with the brown sugar sand.

Fab Eco Travel: Luxury Eco Resorts

2009-05-13T10:09:00.000-07:00

co travel is all the rage, but some hotels are greener than others. If you really want to go luxury green traveling, make sure you book an eco resort that truly adheres to eco friendly standards. This means initiatives beyond energy-efficient lightbulbs and low-flow toilets. I'm talking about the real eco resorts that are made from all natural and local materials, grow and serve organic food, use solar energy and implement a full scale recycle program. Sure, it doesn't sound glamorous but you'd be surprised how incredibly inviting these all-natural eco lodges can be. Take a look at some of my top picks for eco resorts from around the world:

La Cocotera Resort - La Barra de Santiago, El Salvador

La Cocotera is a picturesque green hotel in El Salvador designed for those who seek simple luxury and peaceful relaxation. The adorable thatch roof bungalows are mere steps away from the beach, and the beach hammocks that line the premises don't hurt either. For animal lovers, La Cocotera also sponsers a Turtle Release Program for the Olive Ridley sea turtle. Yes, you get to release baby sea turtles into the ocean!

Daintree Eco Lodge & Spa - Queensland, Australia

When I think eco resort, I think beach...but I also think tree tops. Being one with nature is definitely a priority for this breathtaking eco resort. The fifteen villas are nestled into the rainforest in tree house-style and really look like something out of a movie. Ever wanted a massage in the jungle? You can make it happen at Daintree.

Longitude 131° - Northern Territory, Australia

Yay Australia! One look at this picture and you'll know why this made my list of favorites. The fifteen tents are actually on steel stilts to leave the desert sands beneath undisturbed. It may be in the desert, but the accommodations don't skimp on the luxury. Since you're basically out in the middle of nowhere, you really have some time to relax and wonder at the beauty of the Australian outback.

Soneva Fushi by Six Senses - Maldives

If you love pristine beaches and clear blue ocean, Soneva Fushi is the only place you need to go. The resort offers 65 accommodations that are beach luxury at its finest. Each villa opens to its very own stretch of white sand beach just a few steps away, and some even include Private Sea Water Swimming Pools.

What are you favorite eco resorts? Add them in the comments!

Destination Weddings: The Ultimate FabTravel Experience

2009-04-09T08:35:00.000-07:00

It's springtime and lovers are all a-twitter with romantic strolls and wedding plans! I've been cruising through some wedding photo blogs lately (don't ask me why) and have seen so many beautiful photos of destination weddings in Cabo and the like, and I just had to share some of my favorites. Destination weddings sound uh-mazing - you get to travel, blow tons of money AND get married all while looking fabulous? This is right up my alley! Where do I sign up?

Destination Wedding in Cabo - Leigh Miller Photography (from Real Weddings by The Knot)

Destination Wedding in Cabo - Manuel Burgoin

Destination Wedding in Colorado - Julie Harris Photography (amazing photos, I highly recommend going to to her website and seeing more!)

Destination Wedding in Mazatlan - Larry Scott Photography

Destination Wedding in Cancun - Manuel Burgoin

Destination Wedding in Nuevo Vallarta - Stephanie Williams

San Diego Hotel Sé Opens New Nightclub "Sìrén"

2009-04-07T08:52:00.000-07:00

San Diego's hottest new luxury hotel, Sé, has just bumped it up a notch and opened its rooftop bar/lounge, Sìrén. The 7,000 square-foot hot spot features an infinity edge pool with underwater surround sound, a large central teak bar, eight private cabanas with bottle service and oversized beds. Sounds a lot like the Ivy rooftop bar. We'll see who really comes out on top. Sé is located at 1047 Fifth avenue, between Broadway and C.

Bad Economy = Luxury Mexico Vacations for Less? It's true.

2009-04-01T09:34:00.000-07:00

What's that you say? Luxury vacations for less? It's true. Luxury hotels are offering special deals and discounted rates left and right. The latest is from Pueblo Bonito Luxury Resorts and Spas in Mexico. They have announced a "Stimulus Package" promotion that will consist of a series of different offerings all throughout 2009. Currently, the promotion is 4th and 7th nights freeeeee at any of their Mazatlan or Cabo hotels. UPDATE: The current promotion is 35% of rates at their Mazatlan and Cabo hotels plus Kids Stay, Eat and Play Free.

Other promotions that will be sprinkled throughout the year include a Kids Eat, Stay and Play Free promo, spa credits and discounted rates (up to half off). You can read the official press release on their blog. Sounds like the perfect opportunity to take that long awaited vacation to Cabo!

Win a Romantic Retreat to Los Cabos AND Swim with Dolphins? Cha-ching!

2009-03-30T09:01:00.001-07:00

What's better than luxury travel? Luxury travel for free! Cabo Adventures and Pueblo Bonito hotels have teamed up to offer a pretty sweet prize. One lucky couple can win a relaxing 4-day/5-night vacation to the Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Cabo hotel and two passes to the Cabo Adventure complex where you can swim with ze dolphins. The contest ends on April, 7th 2009 so if you want a shot at paradise, hurrrrrry. Go here to enter!

St. Patrick's Day for the Elite - Luxury Hotels in Ireland

2009-03-16T11:32:00.000-07:00

The Ritz-Carlton Powerscourt, County Wicklow

I've never really thought of St. Patrick's day as a luxury travel event, but it very well could be! Who says you can't drink green beer and be fabulous at the same time? Well if you're going to go all out, you have to go to Ireland! I did a little research and found some of the most luxurious places to stay at the end of the old rainbow. Check it out.

Aghadoe Heights This luxury resort overlooks the world famous lakes and mountains of Killarney. This unique 5 star luxury hotel offers stunning features including an Aveda Spa, Fitness suite, swimming pool, extensive terrace and lounges along with stunning bedrooms & suites, all with spectacular views of the Kerry landscape, lakes and mountain range.

Here's the full description of The Penthouse Suite from the Aghadoe Heights website:

Situated on the roof top of The Spa at The Heights, The Penthouse, all 3,000 sq. ft, offers 360 degree vistas of the Lakes, mountains, Killarney and indeed Kerry. The Penthouse is accessible by private lift comprises a spacious lobby, extensive reception lounge and dining area facilitating 22 guests, private study, 2 luxurious bedrooms, 4 bathrooms, private Roof Top Terrace with Outdoor Hot Tub, plasma screen and piped music. Your home away from home or a dream come true- the Penthouse at Aghadoe is simply unique and among the finest in Europe.

The Clarence Dublin's premier boutique hotel located in the heart of the city on the famous River Liffey. Owned by Bono & The Edge of Irish rock group U2, The Clarence is very much a reflection of 21st century Ireland. A personal vision of the hotel's owners, representing a place that they would choose to stay in when visiting Dublin.

The Ritz-Carlton Powerscourt, County Wicklow Set amidst one of the most scenic and historic estates in Ireland, The Ritz-Carlton Powerscourt, County Wicklow is a 200- room resort showcasing Palladian style architecture and offering guests a host of amenities. Two championship-calibre golf courses on the grounds, a 30,000 square foot luxury spa by ESPA and a Gordon Ramsay signature restaurant are among the distinctive attractions of this first Ritz-Carlton in Ireland.

Ashford Castle You can't make a list of luxury places to stay in Ireland with mentioning at least one castle. You can pretend to be a real prince or princess at the Ashford Castl, voted "Best Resort" in Ireland by Conde Nast in 2008, and 2nd Best Resort in Europe. Ashford Castle in Mayo, Ireland has an unsurpassed reputation for providing guests with the very finest accommodation. Many of the rooms retain their original features and all are equipped with modern amenities including Broadband connectivity and Interactive TV.

Dromoland Castle Okay two castles! Standing majestically over 410 acres of its own private demesne, Dromoland Castle quietly affirms itself as one of the most impressive and distinguished castle hotels in Ireland - and one of Europe's most desired 5 Star destinations.

If you're interested in visiting Ireland and staying at the Dromoland Castle, they are currently doing a special Easter Offer - Three nights Deluxe Accommodation, Full Irish Breakfast and Table d'Hote Dinner on two evenings. Yum!

Feeling Fabulous in The Golden Zone - Mazatlan Hotels and Nightlife

2009-03-13T11:17:00.000-07:00

Mazatlan is a tried and true vacation destination for those looking to party it up. While the climate is hot and the beaches are beautiful, Mazatlan also posesses a certain old world charm, making it a wonderful destination for cultural exploration and laid back style.

If you're looking for a wild night out, Mazatlan has plenty of spots to drink, dance and be merry. Senor Frog's Mazatlan (the very first Senor Frogs!) is the perfect place to start. The place has almost become a cult following among those looking to have a good time. The party atmosphere is "legendary and every night is something new." Senor Frog's has good food, a good view, good drinks. That's pretty much all you need!

For a more trendy club experience, try Sumbawa, a popular beach themed nightclub where all the young people are bound to be. Who wants to dance the night away on the sand with me? Another classic dance club experience can be found at Bora Bora, where if the floor is too packed (as it usually is) people dance on the bars!

And don't forget about Fiesta Land. It is what it sounds like. Located at the end of the Golden Zone, this collection of restaurants and clubs offers different styles and music for all tastes. Whether you want to dance to the latest club mixes or sit down for some romantic piano music, Fiesta Land has you covered.

All that dancing and drinking will no doubt leave you in need of some rest and relaxation. Enjoy a luxury spa experience at the Mazatlan hotel, Pueblo Bonito Emerald Bay. The resort boasts a state-of-the-art spa with such signature treatments as the Therapeutic Desert Stone Massage. It's the perfect way to make your fun-filled Mazatlan vacation truly FabTravel.

Can't Buy Me Love! But You Can Buy Me the Tackiest Wedding Ever

2009-03-05T09:45:00.000-08:00

Since it's getting to be wedding season (destination weddings in Cabo anyone?) I just had to share this little gem I found on a blog called Tacky Weddings - teehee! This has less to do with luxury travel and more to do with spending money on awful things. This lovely bride has designed the wedding of her dreams/our nightmare, complete with crop top and skirt wedding dress, Ursula crown and an inappropriately dressed mother. P.S. The bride and groom are 16 and 17. Whatever floats your boat, right?

See the rest of the beautiful weddings photos here!

Top Spring Break Hot Spots for 2009

2009-03-03T09:13:00.000-08:00

Spring Break! Woo!

For Spring Break 2009, I expect college students to be taking a nice, relaxing, sun-soaked vacation in their backyards. But if you're still hell bent on having the time of your life, here are the top destinations for Spring Break 2009 (Spoiler Alert: they're the same as every year).

1. Cancun, Mexico
2. Panama City Beach, FL (location of this year's MTV Spring Break 09 thing)
3. South Padre Island, TX
4. Acapulco, Mexico
5. Mazatlan, Mexico
6. Nassau, Bahamas
7. Negril, Jamaica
8. Puerto Vallarta, Mexico
9. Punta Cana, Dominican Republic
10. Baja (Rosarito Beach, Cabo), Mexico

WOW, Mexico stormed the list! What a suprise! Hey, the party's at where the party's at, right? That was awkward to type. Remember that if you're going to Mexico, you need your passport!

San Diego Vacation Rentals are for Cool People

2009-02-23T12:36:00.000-08:00

Looking for a fun, fabulous and unique way to enjoy your vacation? Try a luxury San Diego vacation rental. You can plan a romantic weekend away for two, or an amenity-filled group getaway with your friends. Luxury vacation rentals come with everything you could ever want on a beach vacation - jacuzzi, bbq, swanky beachfront deck, an amazing view and of course San Diego has amazing summer weather.

Imagine waking up in a big comfortable and cozy house - not a teeny, stuffy hotel room - and then strolling right out to the beach for some surfing and sunbathing. Mmm delicious.

Since I'm from San Diego, I have been looking into this whole luxury vacation rental thing quite intensely. It seems to be a very cool way to spend a weekend or a even a whole week!

Penny Realty is the "trusted leader in San Diego vacation rentals" so I've been perusing their listings. They've got some pretty cool looking houses available - I definitely want the one with the cool open air deck and extremely large living room. Did I mention it's right on the beach?

$43,000 Will Buy You Two Dead Birds

2009-02-18T15:21:00.000-08:00

Who wants to fork over $43,000 dollars for some roadkill? Roger Vivier says you do! Check out these rockin' robin shoes! Yeah, those are real birds.

Each stuffed bird has a crystal-encrusted head, 24 ct gold-coated mesh, silk, ribbons and crocodile-skin rosettes. Every pair also comes with special protective crocodile or snakeskin platforms that attach to the bottom of the shoes so they never have to come into contact with the ground. You only have to wait three months after you order them, presumably because they need time to hatch and raise the birds before killing and hot glue-ing them to the front of a pair of generic gold shoes. Oh what money can buy!

Vivier does have some other shoes in his 2009 Spring/Summer collection that are quite unique and kinda cute too. If you want to travel in style, definitely consider some of his shoes.

Source: Luxist.com

Forbes List: World's Most Decadent Hotel Amenities

2009-02-12T11:11:00.000-08:00

True luxury travel is more than just a nice big room - it's what comes with the room. Come one, come all, and read about the extravagant amenities available at some of the the world's most luxurious hotels.

Pet Services - Pet's are luxury travelers too! If you think you love your pet, image to what lengths a rich pet owner would go to make sure their furry friend is taken care of. At the Lowell New York, the pet room service menu includes filet mignon tartar and organic buffalo marrow bone. Sounds more gourmet than most of my meals. It doesn't stop there. Pets that need pampering will enjoy an aromatherapy spray, oatmeal shampoo or paw moisturizer treatments.

Butler Service - There are more than 150 butler programs around the world, including those at the Marriott Moscow Royal Aurora, the Rixos Hotel Premium Belek in Turkey and the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel in Hawaii. Butler service gets pretty specific at Keswick Hall, an Orient-Express hotel in Virginia. New moms can take advantage of the baby butler - they warm bottles, place a rocking chair and personalized crib in the room and rock the baby to sleep while mom soaks in the tub.

Excursions - Who says you can't go on vacation while you're on vacation? At the Banyan Tree Phuket, guests can fly by private plane to a secluded island where they'll watch the sunrise over breakfast.

Transport - Instead of arriving at the hotel by taxi, why not roll up in a Bentley or Rolls Royce? The JW Marriott in Beijing will escort guests from the airport in one of these. At Taj Palaces in India, guests arrive in a restored vintage car and are greeted by hotel staff--as well as elephants and camels.

Details - It's hard to feel truly doted upon without the little touches. At the Ritz Madrid in Spain, monogrammed robes are placed in a guest's room before arrival. The Conrad Bangkok in Thailand provides its guests with personalized milk, white and dark chocolate business cards.

Tech Stuff - It's a tech world and the hotel industry is not one to be left behind. Plasma TVs, DVD players and iPod docking stations are increasingly common at high-end hotels. Aloft, a W Hotel brand, offers guests the ability to plug and play with a 42" LCD TV that hooks up to other electronic devices. At Pueblo Bonito's Cabo hotel, Pacifica, guests are provided with their own iPods - while they lounge on a private beach bed and enjoy a gourmet 3 course dinner and champagne.

Want to read more? See the full list of Forbe's World's Decadent Hotel Amenities!

Brangelina Continues to Disgust Us With Their Perfection

2009-02-10T16:58:00.001-08:00

Breaking entertainment news guys:

Angelina Jolie Misplaces $1.6M Diamond Earrings

Angie on way to airport when she realized she didn't have the earrings

Yeah, she has 1.6 million dollar earrings. Oh, the traveling woes of the rich and famous.
Why they're so sickeningly perfect:

Exhibit A:

Aww teaching the kids with books and stuff.

Exhibits B - F:

They have "adorable six-month-old twins, Knox and Vivienne" and they couldn't be happier with their big family.

Angelina says, "He is the man that made all my dreams come true" about Brad and Brad says "[Angelina's beauty] never gets old." !!!

They're both considered someone of the most beautiful people in the world.

They make millions of dollars and get to travel all over the world as a family.

To top it all off, they've both been nominated for best actor/actress for this year's Academy Awards.

Why must you everything fall so perfectly in place for you? Why Brangelina why?
Read the full article about the earrings here

In the Lap of Luxury (for V-day, at least!): Cabo Spas

2009-02-09T12:32:00.000-08:00

With Valentine's day around the corner, everyone has dimly-lit restaurants, chocolates and relaxing couple's massages on the mind.

Well what better place to enjoy a weekend away from it all than Cabo San Lucas, Mexico! And if you're going for a romantic vacation, you have to visit one of the many luxurious Cabo spas. Hey, a Cabo hotel vacation is good any time of the year, not just Valentine's day :)

Pueblo Bonito's Cabo spas are uh-mazing, and I highly recommend them to anyone looking for complete pampering and relaxation. Here is just a short list of the luxurious spa treatments they offer, from facials to manicures to a million different types of massages.

Honey Scrub
An innovative body treatment that nourishes and regenerates the skin by exfoliating dead cells, revealing smooth, healthy skin. Its exclusive formula incorporates crystallized honey, which nurtures and hydrates the skin, and a delicate floral scent that promotes relaxation. This soothing treatment ends with a body lotion massage. 50 minutes - $110.00 USD

Temazcal
A steam bath of pre-Hispanic origin that is utilized for therapeutic, detoxifying and ritual purposes. Exotic! Healing benefits include menstrual period regulation, release of muscle tension, and release of stress and negative energy. The close quarters are also great for bonding and "introspective exploration". Ceremony - $130.00

Therapeutic Stone Massage
A wonderfully soothing treatment that includes a variety of massage techniques combined with the healing properties of heated river stones. These smooth stones are placed on key tension areas to open the chakras or energy channels. This massage is designed to take you into a deep state of relaxation. 80 minutes $170.00

For The Guys: Gentleman's Nourishing Facial
A remarkable treatment specifically designed for men. This facial begins with a deep pore cleansing with enzyme peeling and steam. A relaxing anti-stress facial massage follows, ending with a hydrating mask. As a final touch, a moisturizer and soothing gel are applied to prevent razor burn and sensitivity. For best results, we recommend shaving prior to the treatment. 50 minutes - $100.00

Couple's Massage
The perfect choice for couples. Massages are given side-by-side on two separate tables, each with your own therapist, in a relaxing private environment. Select from Swedish, Sport or Deep Tissue massage. 50 minutes $200.00, 80 minutes $280.00

For more indulgences, check out the complete list of luxury spa services.

Hotels on Myspace

2009-02-05T12:42:00.000-08:00

Hotels on Facebook? Check. Hotels on Twitter? Double check. Hotels on Myspace? Hmmm... well it comes as no surprise that hotels have plugged into this vast social network but it took a little work to find some good ones. I was curious to see how hotel Myspace profiles would look and how they would approach the whole thing and it was actually pretty interesting to see what worked...and what didn't.

Vibes Hotels - Definitely the best one I've seen. Very sleek design that actually loads fairly fast! It's well organized, clean and just generally very visually appealing. Two thumbs for this Australian hotel chain. Could use some more info about the hotels though - but I guess that's what the real website is for.

Luxor - Captures the essence of Myspace and Las Vegas very nicely. The color black, clubbing, gettin' crunk, being fabulous, etc. Customized design, looks like it's updated pretty frequently, thousands of friends and very user-interactive. Good job Luxor. You are dominating the social media scene.

Mandalay Bay - The layout had a lot of potential in terms of colors and photo placement, but a few elements are cut off, which is very off-putting.

Pueblo Bonito - They kept it simple, so it looks good and I can read all about their Cabo hotels with ease. Who says you need to be flashy to be credible?

Hotel Chelsea - Okay this one is actually a tribute to the Hotel, not made and managed by the hotel. Weird. The page has a cool artsy background with a collage of pictures making one picture but it makes it hard to see anything else. Whatever, they're artists.

Ghostbar at W Hotel Dallas - Let me just say that this fits the Myspace vibe perfectly. Party party party and about 5 million too many pictures.

Madagascar (not the movie): A Luxury Travel Destination?

2009-02-02T09:13:00.000-08:00

Madagascar is more than just a kid's movie! Did you know that some people think it is a made up place? Well it is not. Madagascar is a tropical island (the fourth-largest in the world) off the southeastern shores of Africa. The island is home to many exotic plants and endangered animals, including the lemur, a type of primate found only in Madagascar and surrounding islands. In fact, most of the plants and animal species in Madagascar are found nowhere else in the world.

Want more fun facts? Madagascar is the world's largest producer and exporter of vanilla.

Okay, so it's a fabulous place for ecologists, but is it a worthy luxury travel destination? While Madagascar is considered a third-world country, the presence of breath taking natural surroundings and just general unique-ness (who wouldn't want to see a ring-tailed lemur up close?) and remote-ness have made way for a few luxury hotel and resort gems. With the rise of the eco-tourism market, travel to Madagascar has become increasingly popular.

Anjajavy
Set along the Mozambique Channel in an extremely diverse environment, the hotel comprises an outstanding complex of 25 rosewood villas. Each villa features a large terrace facing the ocean, a living room area and breakfast area and a bed room. A small staircase provides access to the first floor which features a relaxation room that can be used as an office or children’s/guest room.

The nature reserve alongside the hotel is home to over 1,800 floral species, most of which are endemic to the country along with many medicinal plants. The forest is also home to many animal species such as the famous Sifaka lemur, birds of paradise, chameleons and Cuvier’s oplure (a type of iguana).

Anjajavy can be accessed by plane from the private airline Air Hotel from Antananarivo or Nosy Be.

Constance Lodge Tsarabanjina
This luxury eco resort is actually on its own island of the same name, and is comprised of twenty-one thatched-roof bungalows looking out on the sea, each with private terrace built from rosewood. Every bungalow is unique and bears the name of a flower, a tree or fish. In addition to the supreme seclusion and "an island, all your own, just for you" concept, the resort is an ideal place for diving, kayaking, nature walks and other eco activities.

Princess Bora Lodge - Ile Sainte Marie
Located on Sainte-Marie, a small island just off the northeast coast of Madagascar, the Princess Bora Lodge is a beach-lovers paradise. The hotel boasts two private beaches, Coco Bay and Clipper Bay, both of which are surrounded by a large forest of coconut trees.

The Executive Beach Villas include a large central bathtub made of stone, a double shower, a double basin, separate closets, a wide terrace and a king size bed that faces the Indian Ocean. Everything from the food to the spa treatments is unique and luxurious, but it doesn't stop there. Bicycle, kayak and snorkel gear rentals are all included, and if you crave more than just basking in the resorts superb surroundings, activities such as whale watching and scuba diving area also readily available.

There are many other beautiful options in Madagascar, ranging from luxurious to adventurous to all-natural. Each make for a unique experience that cannot be found anywhere else in the world - that in itself is a luxury!

Luxury Travel can be "Green" too - La Cocotera Eco Resort

2009-01-26T09:29:00.000-08:00

Green is the new black...even in the world of travel! Luxury eco resorts are popping up all over the place and the morphing of "environmentally-friendly" and "luxury travel" couldn't have come at a better time.

Our featured resort this week is La Cocotera Resort, an all-inclusive luxury eco resort in El Salvador.

Located on the beautiful shores of La Barra de Santiago in El Salvador, La Cocotera Resort aims to support the local people and environment while offering visitors picturesque accomodations, fresh food and lots of relaxation. One big plus of the resort is that it is far away from big crowds or touristy areas. A main focus of eco travel is educating visitors about the importance of our environment and how beautiful nature can be. By experiencing nature in such a positive way, eco resorts such as La Cocotera hope to inspire and encourage travelers to do their part in saving the environment.

Besides many nature tours, birdwatching, kayaking and other adventurous activities, the resort offers visitors the unique opportunity to release baby Olive Ridley turtles in to the ocean as part of a special turtle release program.

According to the website, La Cocotera eco resort was built by locals using local natural materials such as palm fronds, sustainable teak wood, plant vines, natural stone and hand woven fabrics. The resort also utilizes solar energy for all hot water and has its own state-of-the-art waste water recycling system. Everything is environmentally safe down to the soaps, shampoos and cleaning products. Visit www.lacocoteraresort.com for more information and for reservations.

Luxury Mexico Resort Reviews

2009-01-19T11:41:00.001-08:00

One thing all luxury travelers must do is read lots of reviews of the hotels they intend to book. What's even better than finding a decent review? Writing your own amazing review and - hold up - getting PAID to do it. Well if that interests you then check out sarasmexico.com. Unfortunately, the site focuses exclusively on luxury resort vacations in Mexico, but if that's where the wind is taking you, these reviews are actually quite good. They are descriptive, straightforward and tell you all the details you want to know from whether the rooms have WiFi to what the best nearby restaurants are. It's pretty nifty.

The site includes such luxury fare as Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach reviews, Grand Mayan Acapulco reviews, and reviews of the top all-inclusive Omni Cancun.

Did I mention you can get paid for submitting a good review?

Celebrity Travel Style - What to Wear

2009-01-16T09:34:00.000-08:00

There are 2 things you really must have to travel in celebrity style this winter: A trench coat and boots. Pair those with ANYTHING that matches and a pair of huge dark sunglasses and you'll have paparazzi all over you.

Okay I guess there's bit more to it than that. Especially if you plan to travel not in the winter. Who does that? Here are a few fab things that can make you the pinnacle of fashion on your luxury vacation:

1. A Chic Carryall
A definite must. Designer brand is best. Louis Vuitton, Prada, Marc Jacobs, Chanel, etc. Make sure the label shows. See my other post on Designer Luggage for some cute luggage pics.

Chloe Andy Canvas Tote

2. Sarong
Wear it over your suit as a skirt or a dress and you'll be sexy and stylin'. If you're going on a beach-y vacation pick bright tropical colors like hot pink, yellow or a bright teal.

3. Long Comfy Dress
A "maxi-dress", as they call it, is a great great thing. These dresses are trendy, comfortable, and you can work it from the airport to shopping to dinner. Try pairing it with a cute cardigan, and of course a cute bag and a pillow with an LV pillow case (do they make those?).

Eva knows what's up.

4. A Hat
Straw fedora hats are all the rage. Little slouchy knit berets are great for that hip casual look. Or go with your own signature style a la Gwen Stefani. Just wear a hat okay?

5. Mix and match stuff
"You only need a few key items to mix and match the entire trip," says Nicolette Prpa, world traveler and owner of chic Chicago boutique SHE. Try choosing a color theme for all of your vacation clothes. Neutral tones or simple black and white are always smart, sophisticated and goooood lookin'. Layer your pieces and add some cool accessories and you're as fab as Fergie. You know, if you want to be.

6. Designer Sunglasses.
Or ones that look designer. This one is really a no-brainer. Go big, go dark or go home. Brown sunglasses are cool too. Do NOT get this "creative" with your look:

But we love your sunglasses, Victoria!

Rich? Flipper Will Be Your Friend

2009-01-14T15:42:00.000-08:00

Okay, I confess - the reason I'm writing this post is because I've always wanted to swim with dolphins. You don't have to be a super duper luxury traveler to enjoy some quality time with a fun-loving dolphin, but it is definitely not for the shoestring traveler. Heck, if you want to enjoy a group session with dolphins at The Atlantis Hotel in Dubai you have to shell out 230 big ones...per person.

Be prepared to hand over and arm and a leg if you want individual or small group dolphin interaction (why would you want anything else?). If you're a celebrity, it's probably free though. Take Mischa Barton for example:

After partying with a host of celebrities at the opening extravaganza of the Atlantis Hotel in Dubai back in November, she took some time out to play with a dolphin in the resort's Aquaventure water park. Looks like she got a professional photographer to play too!

Fabulous Photo: The Giant Windsail Hotel

2009-01-13T14:40:00.001-08:00

What? This is crazy looking. This is the W Barcelona, scheduled to open October 1, 2009. According to the W Hotel website, it's "nothing but sweet dreams in 473 inviting rooms."

I don't think anything else about the hotel can top its exterior, but the interior is sure going to try. The giant wind sail hotel will feature world-class gourmet restaurants, "sensual rooftop bar" (not sure how they are going to accomplish that), a decadent spa and state-of-the-art meeting spaces.

(Image: www.ricardobofill.com)

Luxury Travel Must-Have: Cabo Beach Beds

2009-01-12T10:02:00.000-08:00

Being in bed is a great place to be, especially if you're trying to relax. But being in bed on a beautiful white sand beach in Cabo takes the luxury travel cake.

Before this year, I thought beach beds only existed in music videos but now I know that I, too, can be fabulous and lay in bed on the beach. Luxury resorts in legendary beach hot spots like Cabo, Hawaii and Thailand offer this amazing opportunity that everyone seems to want to know more about and I am no exception.

One of my favorite Cabo hotels, Pueblo Bonito Pacifica, offers what they call the "Beach Royalty Packages":

I'm sold.

The Couples Royalty Day Package includes:

Your own curtained bed on the hotel's beautiful private beach
Two iPods
Two cocktails
Two bottles of Voss water
Your choice of a snack or lunch from a special menu

OR, if you want to spend a romantic evening, you can enjoy a delicious three-course meal, complete with Voss water and a domestic drink. "Dinner begins at 6pm, the rest is up to you." Oh RLY?

Sounds like heaven to me, and the perfect way to spend time with your significant other. Even if it's your dog.

Celebs Invade Cabo for the New Year

2009-01-07T16:16:00.000-08:00

If you haven't heard, celebrities are flocking to Cabo resorts. The list of big timers who visited Cabo to ring in the New Year include: Cindy Crawford, Kid Rock, Jennifer Aniston and John Mayer, Courtney Cox and fam, Ben Harper and fam and George Clooney. Phew!

Luxury Camping is In-Tents

2009-01-05T11:34:00.000-08:00

Luxury camping is all the rage for FabTravelers. Who knew that camping doesn't have to be all about dirt and roughing it? Places like Mauritius, Thailand and Australia all have luxurious tent resorts that just may be the unique high-end experience you've been looking for. If you cringe at the thought of dirty feet and infrequent showering but love the romance of star gazing and being one with nature then luxury camping is for you.

Le Martis Camp - Kenya. Experience Africa - with style. The camp is beautifully designed by camp owner Lemarti's wife, Anna Trzebinski, but its intention is to immerse you in an authentic and awe-inspiring African environment.

Greystoke Mahale , Tanzania. Located on the Beach at the edge of Lake Tanganyika, in the Mahale Mountains National Park; it doesn't get more remote than this. This luxury camping ground (with running water, no less) can only be accessed by charter flight and is home to the world's largest known population of chimpanzees. Every day you can venture out into the forest to observe them. Oh, and you can't book with them directly, you need to find a reputable Tour Operator who specializes in African travel. Yeah.

Four Seasons Tented Camp Golden Triangle, Thailand. You need a river boat to get to this "camp ground" that features only 15 luxury tented accommodations. Take a bath in your hand-hammered copper tub on your all-inclusive three- or four-night stay, then train a few elephants and embark on an excursion through the exotic bamboo jungle.

Banjaar Tola Kahna National Park, India. A jungle safari lodge fit for the movies. Situated along the banks of the Banjaar River, Banjaar Tola is actually the third safari lodge in the Taj Resorts family. It is set to open in early 2009. Did I mention that Kahna National Park is also a tiger reserve? Rawr.

San Diego Hot Spots

2008-12-15T15:30:00.000-08:00

I currently reside in the lovely city of San Diego, California and if I do say so myself, it is definitely a fab place for travel - if you do it right.

San Diego has plenty of gorgeous places to lounge if you want a posh night out, and the beach never goes out of style. If you're a fabtraveler and you're going to be breezing through San Diego at some point, you don't want to miss these luxury trave l recommendations.

The Ivy Hotel / Envy
Celebs like Meryl Streep, Terrence Howard, John Mayer and Jessica Biel have all graced the tastefully decorated halls with their presence and so can you. The Ivy Hotel is a top notch hotel, and boasts a classy (read: expensive) restaurant called The Quarter Kitchen as well as a sizzling nightclub, aptly named Envy. The place reeks of luxury. Pictured is the Star Suite, a 1275 sq. foot room with, yes, king-size bunk beds, a "performance" pole and a shower that turns opaque when touched (??). I call top bunk!

Moonstone LoungeAnd here I was thinking that the Hard Rock Hotel had passed its prime. The Moonstone lounge, located on the refreshing rooftops of San Diego's Hard Rock Hotel in the famed Gaslamp quarter, is a fabulous place for fabulous lounging. Private poolside cabanas feature lounge seating, flat screen TV's and mini bars all for your personal indulgence.

Stingaree
Stingaree, one of the hottest nightclubs in San Diego takes a fab night out straight to the top - literally. The Oasis at Stingaree is a rooftop lounge for those who need a break "when the action gets too hot inside". Grab a seat next to the cozy fire pit or lounge on one of the Oasis beds. For those who consider themselves true VIPs, eight cabanas are available for reservation.

30 TWO Bar & Lounge
This luxury hang out elevates itself from the rest of the crowd with two words: members only. 30-TWO Bar and Lounge members gain all kinds of VIP access to the place including: a private backdoor entrance, high tech entertainment systems, town car service, personal concierge assistance and special access to entertainment events. In addition to personal nightlife entertainment, 30-TWO Bar and Lounge opens its sleek corridors for corporate trainings, art and music exhibits and openings, and television and movie filming and screenings.

Party Monsters Cabo is Full of Monsters

2008-12-15T09:39:00.001-08:00

The idea: Nine ambitious party planners head to the LG Villa in Cabo to see who can throw the ultimate party for Hollywood's hottest A-listers—and only one will return a winner

The problem: It's a reality TV show.

The other problem: They're planning for "hollywood A-listers" so there's a lot of whining and ridiculous requests and apparently the contestants don't know what they're doing. Sounds like another weekly hour of people acting like over the top idiots on camera. Plus, it's a reality TV show.

The other other problem: It's a reality TV show.

But I guess if I got to stay at a luxury Cabo hotel I would toootally do it too. Even if I only had 24 hours to throw a party for Diddy. DIDDY his name is DIDDY come ON people!

Jo-Bro Heats Up in Cabo

2008-12-11T17:13:00.001-08:00

Cabo seems to be on the radar an awful lot lately. As evidenced by Heidi and Spencer from The Hills, it's a hot spot for destination weddings in Cabo as well as a Cabo hotel vacation.

Well here's the latest - Jo Bro Joe Jonas was spotted vacationing in Cabo with his new girlfriend! Noooooo already? I thought we were still ~~celebrating~~ sympathizing the breakup with Taylor Swift. Here's the paparazzi-tastic pic:

Scandalous. So who is this girl? It's 10,000 BC star Camilla Belle, with whom Joe has denied being involved. Well we caught you Joe. You want us to believe you brought this girl all the way to Cabo as a demonstration of your friendship? I think not.

Best Hotel Room Views. Ever.

2008-12-11T10:32:00.000-08:00

Pueblo Bonito Pacifica (featured Cabo hotel) - Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

Paying the big bucks for a hotel room doesn't just mean a big bed and a grand piano in the middle of your suite. It often means the most incredible views - views you didn't even think existed in real life. Having trouble visualizing that kind of view? Take a look at these from the exclusive Luxury Travel community, Extravigator.com:

Corner Junior Suite (Room 471) at the Hotel Splendido - Portofino, Italy

Grand Velas All Suites & Spa Resort - Nuevo Vallarta, Mexico

Singita Boulders Lodge - Sabi San Reserve, South Africa

La Sirenuse - Positano, Italy

29th floor of the Bellagio's Spa Tower - Las Vegas, NV

The REAL Eiffel Tower. The Hotel Le Meurice - Paris, France

And my personal favorite, drumroll please....

Royal Suite at the Birkenhead House - Hermanus, South Africa. Now that's what I call luxury travel!

Want to see a few more of the best hotel room views in the world? Visit Extravigator.com.

Take the Celebrity Travel Quiz

2008-12-10T12:20:00.000-08:00

Think you're up to date on all your celebrity gossip?

Well iVillage has put together this little quiz to see just how much you know about celebs and all the fabulous places they travel.

Where did Brad and Jen spend their final weekend as a couple? Where do Cam Diaz and Drew Barrymore like to hang out? If you don't already know you can totally find out! Enough talk, test your knowledge and take the quiz here!

Cabo Hotel Pueblo Bonito Rose Reveals New Upgrades

2008-12-08T11:21:00.000-08:00

Pueblo Bonito Rose, an all-suite Cabo hotel and resort, has unveiled some welcome enhancements. I looked up reviews for this resort and many people said that the rooms were outdated. Well guests new and old will be glad to know that they've majorly updated their look. They've redone their suites with new furniture, design and decoration, they've revamped their gourmet restaurant Fellini's (tres chic) and they've even added a new beachfront sushi restaurant and an Internet Cafe. Sounds abso-lovely Pueblo Bonito, congrats! Wanna see a magic trick? Here's some exclusive pics:

BEFORE:

AFTER:

Ooh la la!

Hotelchatter.com listed Pueblo Bonito Rose as an ideal Cabo hotel to visit for winter vacations a while back (check out the article here), and in light of that I'm seriously considering visiting. I hear airfaire to Cabo is pretty affordable as of late too. AND, as if I needed anymore incentive go to, PuebloBonito.com is offering a 25% discount for booking through thier site. Sweet!

Oh Cabo, you've stolen my heart. Now if only I could convince my friends to go with me...

New Wynn Hotel Scheduled to Open Dec 22

2008-12-03T15:48:00.001-08:00

Want more Wynn? You got it. A fabulous new luxury Wynn hotel called Encore is opening right next to the old one in Vegas. Every room is a suite! Woo! Although I have no idea why you would want to open a brand new, relatively expensive hotel in these times, it still sounds pretty cool and is probably worth a reservation. Also you have to give the guy credit for sitting on the roof of his hotel to introduce it. Hey, if you got the dough, why not spend it?

Luxury Travel Tips: FabTravel on a Budget

2008-12-01T15:18:00.000-08:00

As much as we all love the idea of FabTravel, it's not always possible to live the complete celeb luxury life. I think I'm definitely feeling that right now. So in response, I've decided to put together a few tips on how to travel in the Fab lane but still save a few bucks. I swear, it's possible.

Tip #1: Do your research. It can get a little time-consuming, but when it comes to getting good deals on a luxury Cabo hotel and the like, searching for good prices will almost always save you some dough. Sites like farecast.com not only gives you results for all the hotels in your desired area, it can even tell if the current rate is a deal, average, or overpriced.

Tip #2: Pack light. If you really want to commit to the luxury lifestyle, you don't need to bring a lot of stuff! You're staying at a fab hotel so chances are they're going to provide you with everything you could want including snazzy toiletries and a lovely robe or towel you can lounge in all day. So forget extra clothes and anything that will weigh you down - you'll only end up paying extra fees for your extra baggage at the airport!

Tip #3: Try the local fare! Luxury travel isn't just about staying at a luxurious hotel, it's about being in a new and different place. If you're in a city or country that has some unique food to offer, try going local and buying some authentic street fare. This way, you won't be spending a fortune on a 5 star gourmet meal EVERY night and day of your vacay. It's a great way to experience the area at it's best- plus it's fun!

Tip #4: Travel with friends. Split the cost of everything and you could save big bucks on your luxury suite, bottle service at luxury night clubs, a limo, or anything else that is a little too posh for just one. It's worth a shot and you'll have an excellent time living in the fab lane with your peeps. Can't go wrong there!

Do you have a tip? Let me know in the comments and I'll add it!

-MissFab

How to Judge a Hotel by Its Website

2008-11-20T16:55:00.001-08:00

We know you've all heard the saying "don't judge a book by its cover," but that doesn't apply when it comes to hotels and their websites. The quality of a hotel website can be a very telling factor when it comes to the quality of the hotel itself. I found an interesting video on About.com on just how to judge a hotel based on its website. Check it out!

Submit Your Luxury Travel Stories

2008-11-20T15:27:00.001-08:00

Got any info on the latest in Fabtravel?
Did you go on a fabulous vacation and want to brag about it?
Send me a comment or message and I'll feature it on the blog!

Best of: Cabo Hotels

2008-11-19T10:53:00.000-08:00

As Cabo San Lucas continues to grow as a luxury travel destination, the hotels and resorts are becoming increasingly fabulous. Now that travel isn't really the first thing on everyone's mind, the best Cabo hotels are offering the occasional discounted rate. Yippee!

So what do I mean by "fabulous"? Beautiful rooms, gorgeous views, impeccable service, luxury spas and more...each of these Cabo hotels wish to offer the entire luxury experience. Enjoy!

Pueblo Bonito Pacific Holistic Retreat and Spa

The ultimate luxury Cabo hotel for complete relaxation. Pueblo Bonito Pacifica is strategically located away from the hustle and bustle of the strip of Cabo hotels on Medano Beach. A private beach completes the romantic atmosphere (no kids allowed). Travel tip: Check out their beach bed packages!

The Esperanza

The Esperanza may be a small boutique resort, but it is every bit as luxurious as its rivals. Newly renovated in 2007, The Esperanza is a sophisticated, intimate hideaway. With beautiful oceanview casitas and ten luxury suites, every detail is artfully executed.

The One and Only Palmilla

A great resort for honeymooning couples and families alike, The One and Only Palmilla is, as its name implies, a remarkable place. If you long for picturesque oceanviews, this resort is it. All rooms have ocean front or beach front views and the 24-hour butler service doesn't hurt.

Las Ventanas al Paraiso

Las Ventanas is all about pampering its guests. From the cuisine to the spa to the rooms, the resort is top notch in every respect. All suites have marble showers and Conchuela limestone floors, some even with personal telescopes!

Dreams Los Cabos

Another great resort for families, and a popular destination for weddings, Dreams Los Cabos is an all-suite resort perfect for those seeking a balance between luxury and exploring all that Cabo has to offer.

While all of these Cabo hotels are definitely in the realm of FabTravel, each has its own unique luxury flair!

Be Fab, Shop By Appointment in a Limo

2008-11-17T09:38:00.000-08:00

In Vancouver, you don't have to be a celebrity to shop in the fab lane. You probably do have to be at least a little rich, though.

As if your trip to British Columbia needed to get any better, Vancouver now offers Shopping By Appointment Tours.

So here's the breakdown: You, in a limo or town car, being taken to a bunch of high-end stores picked with your specific desires in mind, on a 3 or 4 hour shopping extravaganza, all for $500-690. Don't forget to bring extra dough for all the shopping you'll be doing.

The neighborhoods range from Granville Island to Robson Street, Chinatown to the South Granville Rise and you’ll check out everything from haute couture designs to museum quality First Nations art.

The Shopping Tours have such enticing titles as Carts and Bling Bling, Shoes! Shoes! Shoes!... Shoes? I don't need to say another word. But I will: There are 26 different tours to select from. Wahoo!

Luxury Travel = Luxury Spas

2008-11-14T09:04:00.000-08:00

When I think of Fab Travel I think of enjoying a star-studded day at a Cabo spa. Massage, facial, body wrap, mud mask, sauna, mani, pedi, the whole she-BANG. Ahhhh, pampering.

Here are the top spas from across the globe. If you can't actually go to them, maybe you can relax by visualizing yourself there...

Four Seasons Hotel George V, Paris, France

This Parisian spa has all the good stuff but where it really shines is with its private treatment rooms, a private VIP room with a whirlpool, sauna, steam bath and two massage beds, and a relaxation room with three lounge chairs and private music stations. Talk about luxury!

Chiva-Som International Health Resort, Hua Hin, Thailand

Besides a beautiful tropical surroundings, this beachfront resort uses indigenous herbs, flowers, and oils in its spa treatments.

Signature Treatment: The Revitalizing Body Cocoon, which starts with an invigorating lemongrass-spice scrub, followed by an aromatherapeutic body wrap to stimulate circulation and calm the senses. (Offered as part of Chiva-Som Spa Packages, starting at $1,650 for 3 days.)

Golden Door, Escondido, California

The Golden Door spa is a favorite of Hollywood celebrities, as its location and treatments allow for a 5-star escape. The spa hosts week-long health, beauty, and relaxation programs.

Signature Treatment: The 45-minute Citrus-Sea Salt Scrub with Avocado includes a full-body exfoliation with aromatic sea salts, a warm water wash, and mosturization with a citrus-shea butter body cream (part of a seven-day program, $7,750).

Pueblo Bonito Pacifica, Cabo San Lucas, Mexico

This luxury Cabo spa is all about complete holistic relaxation and cleansing. An adults-only Cabo resort, Pueblo Bonito Pacifica takes a cue from its beautiful surroundings and treats its guests to the ultimate luxury spa treatment.

Signature Treatment: Jantsu Water Therapy. This deeply relaxing aquatic experience simulates a dolphin’s dance and is an energetic therapy that takes you underwater into a deep state of peaceful meditation. ($130.00)

Couples Negril, Jamaica

Four Seasons Resort Hualalai, Kailua-Kona

Signature Treatment: During the Polynesian Niu (Coconut) Scrub, a blend of organic coconut and pineapple products is used to polish and massage the whole body—which is then wrapped in a warm blanket and moisturized with soothing coconut milk (80 min, $220).

Mii Amo at Enchantment Resort, Sedona, Arizona

Signature Treatment: The Mii Amo Spirit—an hour-long treatment that combines energy balancing and massage with guided healing visualization ($140).

Equinox Resort & Spa, Manchester Village, Vermont

Signature Treatment: The Equinox Legend combines a skin analysis and facial along with a healing body wrap. Both treatments are customized with specific salts, sugars, muds, seaweeds, and fragranced oils to target particular skin types (80 min., $185).

St. Regis Resort, Aspen, Colorado

Luxury travel at it's best! Signature Treatment: The Remede Customized Massage is based on a one-on-one consultation to focus the relief (1 hour, $155).

Luxury Hotel Rooms of the Future

2008-11-13T10:35:00.000-08:00

So we don't have flying cars, but German scientists have taken a cue from The Jetsons and are working on the luxury hotel room of the future. According to HotelChatter.com, the room is super-techy, with features like sensor-lined carpet that heats up the room when the guest arrives and a bed that "simulates a light pendulum motion" that gently rocks you to sleep. Weird. I wonder if that actually helps you sleep. I guess it has to.

The futuristic-ness doesn't stop there, though. The bathroom is equipped with infrared beams from the walls that instantly transform your ho-hum toilet-center into a sauna, complete with a whirlpool set in the floor.

Lastly - perhaps the most creepy part - at the touch of a switch, a robot delivers the drink of your choice (visions of I, Robot dancing in my head). Well, I guess the creepiest part is how WHITE and sterile-looking the room is in the picture.

That's quite a step up from the luxury Cabo hotels I've been to lately. But we are talking about the future here! I think I still prefer the ocean view hotel room...

FabTravel Made Easier – You want to vacation in a Cabo Hotel? GO FOR IT

2008-11-12T09:56:00.000-08:00

Fabulous travel just got better - and more accessible. Popular airline Southwest is teaming up with Mexican carrier Volaris to add flights to fabulous locations like Cabo and Puerto Vallarta. By joining forces, the two airlines hope to bring lower fares and better customer service across the U.S./Mexican border. Volaris will offer flights to the U.S. starting in 2009 and in 2010 they will become Southwest Airlines’ Mexico codeshare partner.

So hopefully in a few short months we’ll be jet-setting our way to a luxury Cabo hotel, basking in the sun and forgetting our troubles. Woo!

For more information on the merge, check out Southwest’s blog: http://www.blogsouthwest.com/blog/viva-mexico

Cute Celebs with Cute Luggage

2008-11-07T14:00:00.001-08:00

...in cute airports?

Not really. But the bags are awesome! Check out these fabulous celebrities with their fabulously cute luggage! Also get ideas for what's in for designer luggage this winter. If you want to travel like the celebs, you've gotta stick with the high end brands. Louis Vuitton and Prada always seem to lead the pack. Not only are the very good quality pieces, they're super classy and stylish.

Beyonce, Louis Vuitton Patchwork Bag

Victoria Beckham, Prada Napa Fringe Tote Bag in Brown

Fergie and Marc Jacobs

Cameron Diaz, Prada handbag and Louis Vuitton luggage

Jessica Simpson, Prada Napa Gauffre Frame Bag

Eva Longoria, Salvatore Ferragamo Annabella bag in a dark cherry patent

Want to see more cute luggage? Check out my previous post on Designer Luggage for Fall and Winter 2008.

Gorgeous Sunsets at Cabo Hotel, Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Reviews

2008-11-05T13:50:00.000-08:00

I stumbled across a great travel blog with some beautiful pictures of Cabo sunsets. These pictures were taken by the authors of the LA76 Strategic Design blog. The location is Pueblo Bonito Pacifica, a luxury hotel in Cabo San Lucas.

That beach bed looks like the peak of luxury travel to me! Ohhh what I wouldn't give to be at a Cabo hotel right now! For more information and to read Pueblo Bonito Pacifica reviews, visit www.mypueblobonito.com.

See the rest of the collection at LA76 Strategic Design: Sucker for Sunsets

Destination Weddings in Cabo

2008-11-03T12:22:00.001-08:00

What better way to chase away the winter blues than to escape to a tropical paradise and get hitched!?

A particularly popular idea is destination weddings in Cabo, and with good reason. Cabo has amazing weather, beautiful beaches, gorgeous luxury resorts and, well, it's Cabo. It speaks for itself really. Anyhoo, here are some pictures I gathered from resorts and hotels for some destination wedding in Cabo inspiration.

Ceremony at Pueblo Bonito Pacifica

Fun, beachy table set. Love the colored wine glasses!
Photo: Pueblo Bonito Pacifica

Starfish, navy, beachy theme. So cute!
Photo: www.weddingchicks.com

A classy (and classic) dinner set. Can't go wrong with silver.
Photo: Pueblo Bonito Pacifica

Beach wedding in Cabo!! Gotta have that harp.
Photo: Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach

Inspiration from Christina Aguilera's bachelorette party in Cabo. Can you say beach bed?
Photo: www.weddingchicks.com.

Beach wedding again. I imagine getting married and then just running into the ocean with glee.
Photo: Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach

For more advice and tips on destination weddings in Cabo, visit the Pueblo Bonito Weddings Page

Oh, The Fabulous Life...

2008-10-16T12:21:00.000-07:00

“The cool thing about being famous is traveling. I have always wanted to travel across seas, like to Canada and stuff.”

Britney Spears

Travel 2.0 - Traveling in a Web 2.0 World

2008-10-05T12:20:00.000-07:00

I recently came across some interesting sites that are quite intriguing for the travel savvy. In any case, they're a good way to pass the time if you're bored on the Internet. Journeys is probably my fave on the list because you can see some really amazing pictures you don't really find on other travel sites.

Jneys.com - Travel the world without ever leaving your house! Journeys is an amazing visual adventure to some of the most beautiful places in the world.

CostToDrive.com - calculate how much it would cost to drive from Point A to Point B. This site is particularly useful if you'd like to see whether flying or driving would be more economical. Unfortunately, the site only does locations within the use. So if you're like me and you live in San Diego and you wanted to see how much it would cost to drive to to your favorite Cabo hotel, then you're outta luck!

Onebag.com - the ultimate guide to packing light. Categories include what to pack, what to pack it in and how to pack it.

BestRestroom.com - ever wanted to know what America's best bathrooms looks like? Well now you can see them in all of thier decorative glory...and then maybe you can start a roadtrip and visit them all?

Awesome Travel Video: On a Canal in Venice

2008-10-04T12:18:00.000-07:00

I went a-traveling through some of the blogs on OnSugar.com a few days ago - there's a lot of cool stuff out there! I came across Maud's blog where she posted a video of her riding along a canal in Venice and I wanted to share it here. It's a great video and kind of makes you feel like you're the one in the boat. Oh, the life of the traveler.

Here's a link to the original post: http://maud.onsugar.com/1893558

If you have a post on one of your travel adventures, let me know and I'll feature it. Thanks again to Maud. Looks like you had an amazing time in Italy!

Luxury Designer Luggage Fall 2008

2008-10-03T12:18:00.000-07:00

The cost of traveling by plane may be on the rise, but designer luggage isn't getting any cheaper, or any less popular. I guess if you're a celebrity, or if you can afford it, it don't matta. I once heard that 80% of feeling good is looking good - and you definitely need to feel good if you're trying to battle your way through an airport...especially if you're being followed by the paparazzi. Besides, who can resist cute luggage? Check out the goods:

Gucci Crest Tote, $1295

French 1946 Savoy Collection, Pieces include a hatbox ($785), satchel ($425), backpack with a bottom ($450), and 52-inch, roll-along garment bag ($1,085) with companion mini bag ($375). Perfect for a posh arrival at a Cabo resort.

Louis Vuitton Eole 60, $2050. The Louis Vuitton official website says, "it is light yet spacious and it is accepted as hand luggage. The bag can hold one week's clothing."

Samsonite Vintage Collection, Beauty Bag, $310. Arrive at your destination wedding in Cabo in style with this adorable vintage collection. You'll be the blushing bride for sure when everyone starts fawning over your chic luggage ;)

Tumi Voyageur Cologne Tote in Zebra, $295

I just had to add this. Coach passport cover, $148. If you're a frequent traveler, you need this stylish passport cover. You don't want to arrive at your Cabo hotel without this high-end accessory.

Coach OP Art Travel Sabrina, $798. Just the cutest little carry on bag around. Fits all you need and makes you look fabulous.

Coach Legacy Crocodile Medium Duffle, $12000. $12,000?? Surely I miscounted the zeroes...nope.

Hartmann Wings Collection, Mobile Carry-all, $675

Really makes you want to go out and get them doesn't it? Well, maybe.

Featured Luxury Resort: Pueblo Bonito Cabo Resorts

2008-09-29T12:17:00.000-07:00

I've decided to feature a luxury resort every week. Monday's are so much fun. This week it's the Pueblo Bonito Cabo Resort, Sunset Beach. They have seven hotels - four in Cabo, two in Mazatlan and one in Puerto Vallarta. However, I think the best one is Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach in Cabo. It was where the cast of The Bachelor Season 11 stayed!

It's also where Two and a Half Men actor Jon Cryer married entertainment reporter Lisa Joyner. Very big deal.

Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach in Cabo San Lucas is situated on the western side of the tip of Baja, overlooking the Pacific. Set away from the concentration of hotels along the Sea of Cortes, the resort's 50-acre site and expansive private beach provides guests with a uniquely tranquil and secluded setting. All 327 guest rooms are suites ranging from Junior and Master Suites, to Presidential and Penthouse Suites. Each room has an ocean view and a private balcony! The spa is also top-notch and features the therapeutic desert stone massage. If you're looking for a gorgeous Cabo hotel for your next vacation, definitely consider Pueblo Bonito Sunset Beach. Also noteworthy is Sunset Beach's neighbor, Pueblo Bonito Pacifica, the newest of the Pueblo Bonito family and ideal place for holistic rejuvenation and renewal.

Pueblo Bonito's Cabo resorts are ideal places for destination weddings in Cabo. For more information on these services, visit the Pueblo Bonito website at www.pueblobonito.com

If you know of a resort that should be featured let me know!

The Most Expensive Hotel Rooms in the World 2008

2008-09-26T12:16:00.000-07:00

Okay, so in the spirit of "fab travel" I wanted to do a little research and find out about the classiest, most luxurious, most expensive hotels in the world. There's some jaw-dropping stuff out there! Here's what I found:

Ty Warner Penthouse, Four Seasons, New York; $34,000 per night

Covering the entire 52nd floor of the luxury hotel, this suite includes a grand piano, rock-crystal sinks and a dressing room. With cantilevered glass balconies and floor-to-ceiling bay windows, set beneath 25-foot (7.6-metre) cathedral ceilings, the Ty Warner Penthouse offers a breathtaking 360-degree view of all Manhattan.

Royal Penthouse Suite, President Wilson Hotel, Geneva; $33,000 per night

Not much is known about the Royal Penthouse, largely because the hotel staff is reluctant to publicize it. One insider said the suite is almost exclusively reserved for heads of state and celebrities. The hotel overall, though, is considered the peak of classic luxury. Note: this is a picture of the BATHROOM.

The Presidential Suite, Hotel Cala di Volpe, Costa Smeralda, Italy; $21,000 per night

The suite comprises three bedrooms, three bathrooms, and an outdoor saltwater swimming pool. The hotel charges $42,000 a night during July and August. Now if that doesn't say luxury travel, I don't know what does.

Royal Suite, Burj Al Arab, Dubai; $18,000 per night

The extraordinary Burj Al Arab has become one of the world’s most instantly recognizable hotels with its billowing sail-like structure stretching out on an artificial island into the Gulf of Arabia. The 780 sq/metre Royal Suite on the 25th floor has a marble and gold staircase, leopard print carpets, its own private lift and a rotating four-poster canopy bed – and of course extraordinary views across the ever rising skyline of Dubai and out to the Gulf of Arabia.

Penthouse Suite, Hotel Martinez, Cannes; $9,300 per night

This expensive luxury resort is comprised of 500 sq/metre apartments include include a sitting room, dining room, two bedrooms, two bathrooms with Turkish bath, shower, and spa bath, dressing room and sauna. But the real wow-factor of the penthouse suites is two 200 sq/metre private terraces overlooking the Bay of Cannes. During the Cannes Film Festival the Penthouse Suites go up to $48,000 a night.

Coral Suite, Four Seasons Resort Punta Mita, Mexico, Cost per night: $15,000

You know you’re traveling in the fab lane when you have your own butler. The coral suite has five-bedrooms, an oversized patio with a wraparound pool, a gym with a 42-inch plasma television, a spa room and a theater with reclining leather seats and a 92-inch screen with digital surround sound. As far as luxury resorts in Mexico go, this is the cream of the crop.

Private Reserve, Soneva Gili Resort & Spa, Maldives, Cost per night: $10,000

This 15,000-square-foot suite is made up of six buildings built over the water. It has two master bedrooms with circular glass showers that are accessed via walkways through a private garden. The bathtubs are out on their own decks along with day beds for lounging, and the private spas have saunas, massage pavilions and gyms. Oh yeah, and you have two personal assistants.

Two Story Sky Villa, The Palms Fantasy Suites, Las Vegas, Cost per night: $25,000

The Palms has a one-story and a two-story Sky Villa. The two-story is over 9,000 square feet and features a massage room, exercise room, bedroom balconies, a glass elevator, Jacuzzi pool with glass end wall and a spectacular view of the Strip.

Tips For A Stress-Free Vacation: Sending Luggage Through the Mail

2008-09-07T12:10:00.000-07:00

Wouldn’t it be nice to walk up to the ticket holder, hand over your boarding pass, briskly pass through customs and board your plane? And after the flight, wouldn’t it be nice to not wait for your luggage and not worry if it made it through the layover (leaving you with only the clothes on your back)? Instead, you walk hands free to the taxi and up to your Cabo hotel where your luggage already awaits you. Sounds nice huh?

Here is a quick tip to travel with the utmost convenience, ease and luxury: send your luggage through USPS.

With airlines struggling to make ends meet, hefty suitcases have higher fees and luggage pieces per person are limited to conserve gas. Increased security measures also cause long baggage lines, making sending luggage through the mail a great alternative to all the hassle.

USPS, FedEx, UPS, typically recommend packing your items in boxes. As an added bonus, many mailing providers will pick up your boxes from you house or hotel.

Some companies will ship your items in your suitcase. Luggage Free and Luggage Forward, for example, specialize in sending luggage pieces to your destination.

Using the mail method is also easier when buying souvenirs, clothes or trinkets - simply put them in your UPS box, instead of lugging them around the airport.

But don’t forget to check the time table for shipping internationally. USPS suggests shipping your items seven business days ahead of time to ensure arrival. A pickup time is scheduled, usually for a two-hour window. It is important to note that you cannot ship some of the recently banned carry-on items such as hairspray and shaving cream because they are flammable or hazardous. Lastly, I would suggest including a return receipt with your boxes.

Here is a list of useful sites for shipping your luggage through the mail:

www.usps.com
www.fedex.com
www.ups.com
www.luggageforward.com
www.luggagefree.com
www.tsa.gov

If you print your boarding pass online, this method will help reduce time at the ticket counter. And with no luggage, you can go straight to the terminal security. So travel worry free and have a more relaxing time. You can bask poolside at the Emerald Bay luxury hotel in Mazatlan or rejuvenate at the Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Spa in Cabo, stress free. Live luxuriously, you deserve it.

Source: http://mypueblobonito.com/?p=105

About FabTravel

2008-09-03T11:59:00.000-07:00

FabTravel, as its name implies, is a place for everything fabulous travel! I blog about everything VIP from amazing hotel rooms and hotel views, to designer luggage and celebrity travel news. Got a tip? Send it this way. Or, you know, I'll keep checking HotelChatter ;)

Who is MissFab?

I am a travel connoisseur (phew, that was hard to spell) with an affinity for the luxury lifestyle. Okay, I'm a travel diva in training who likes to live vicariously and put a fun and flirty spin on the fabulous life. I have been bitten by the luxury travel bug and always like to do a little splurge everytime I travel.

I currently reside in beautiful San Diego and enjoy working the nightlife scene. I am also a blogger for Pueblo Bonito resorts, you can check out some of my other work on the Pueblo Bonito Luxury Travel Blog

Any other questions? Leave a comment! Thanks for visiting!

Smooch,

MissFab

Luxury Resorts in Cabo

2008-09-03T11:38:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Fab Travel: Luxury Resorts, Hotels, Spas, Beaches, Transportation and More!

A place for travel stories, advice, thoughts, musings and anything related to luxury travel. This blog is intended to spread interesting facts about different travel destinations and how to do it all in style. I'll be posting about Cabo resorts and spas, celebrity sightings at LAX, my favorite destinations, beaches, luggage and anything else that's related to travel and living in the fab lane.

Happy traveling!