Orient-Express Hotels to have announced the acquisition of a fifth property in Peru. The Rio Sagrado Hotel, Villas & Spa is a 21 suite luxury hotel, which opened in April 2009.

Hotel Rio Sagrado, a rustic two storey property set in beautiful gardens overlooking the Urubamba river with an imposing mountain backdrop, is three kilometres from the town of Urubamba and fifteen minutes from Ollantaytambo, home to an important Inca village and fortress as well as the main PeruRail station stop en route to Machu Picchu. The hotel has eleven deluxe and ten junior suites plus two 250 sq m villas, constructed from natural stone and woods such as eucalyptus and cedar, with marble and onyx bathrooms and flagstone terraces. Its 230 sq m spa has a large treatment room with views of the mighty Urubamba, indoor and outdoor Jacuzzis and a sauna.

The Sacred Valley, located between Cuzco and Machu Picchu, is a popular part of holiday itineraries in Peru. Green and fertile, the valley is an important agricultural area, seen from its high towns as a patchwork of fields and Inca terraces. Attractions include the famous Sunday Pisac craft and produce market, Chinchero, according to legend the birthplace of the rainbow, as well as important Inca ruins at Ollantaytambo. PeruRail, the rail operator run by Orient-Express, stops regularly at Ollantaytambo station, as well as Cuzco and Aguas Calientes (the station for Machu Picchu), allowing guests to travel between the Company’s hotels in style, while offering fantastic views of the valley and the Andes.

Paul White, President and Chief Executive of Orient-Express Hotels said, “Expanding the Orient-Express Peruvian experience to the Sacred Valley is a natural as well as a strategic move and enables the company to provide its guests with a luxury itinerary from arrival through to departure. The key sights in this part of Peru are the city of Cuzco, the Inca sanctuary at Machu Picchu and towns, antiquities and markets of the Sacred Valley – arguably one of the most beautiful and scenic places in this wonderful country.”

Eh Chicago! The windy city has it all. Amazing architecture, pretty parks and fantastic nightlife, what more could you want? More details? I’m too good to you, here you go.

Nightlife doesn’t come much better than Chicago’s. Whether it’s an evening at the theatre you’re after or to kick back at a blues club Chicago has it all. The Magnificent Mile is home to a host of theatres where you can catch cream of the crop of shows and plays. And for a more raucous night out why not try one of Chicago’s many clubs. From blues, jazz, rock and hip hop there are clubs to suit every taste.

But before you hit the clubs why not treat yourself to a delicious meal at one of the many restaurants Chicago has to offer. Michigan Avenue is the place to be for an eclectic selection of eateries. But if you know exactly what you want then it couldn’t be easier. From China Town to Little Italy, Chicago has a restaurant for everyone,

And ladies, worry not, there is plenty of shopping to be had in Chicago. Michigan Avenue is home to some of the most up market and fabulous shops in the world from Bloomingdales to Tiffany’s and, of course, Saks Fifth Avenue so get your credit card at the ready.

Culture vulture are not left out. Visit The Art Institute of Chicago for an fascinating selection if impressionist art. The architecture in Chicago is second to none. Make sure you check out the Sears Tower where you can get a birds eye view the city.

Check out all the Drake & Cavendish luxury hotels in Chicago from our luxury hotels Chicago page

If you’re anything like me Bermuda is one of those places you know if probably gorgeous, you take that as a given, but you’ve never actually got round to visiting. Why, is anybody’s guess.  The island is as colourful and interesting as you’d imagine. Here are the top five reasons to visit.

Weather

Probably the most obvious reason to visit Bermuda is the weather. It’s humid climate means you can guarantee hot weather on your holidays giving you the perfect excuse to buy more bikinis than you know what to do with.

Wildlife

There is plenty of wildlife in Bermuda, including wild cats meaning your trip will be interesting to say the least. But be warned there are also plenty of insects and bugs. Now I know what you’re thinking, I’m not a huge fan of creepy crawlies either but, hey, I think a couple of beetles in a stunning country like Bermuda is much more agreeable than a spider back home in Swindon. As they say, everything looks so much better in the sun.

Beaches

As you might expect Bermuda is home to some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. With deep blue waters and white sand Bermuda beaches are a little taste of paradise. And there are so many of them you may even find one you can have all to yourself. Then again, you could want to find a slightly busy one to show off your bikini!

History

St Georges in one of the oldest towns in the Southern Hemisphere and is extremely popular with tourists. It has been named a World Heritage Site.

Dance

While you’re in Bermuda be sure to catch a performance from the Gombey Dancers. The group’s performances are influenced by imported Native American and African slaves and the shows should not be missed.

If spending more than 10 hours on a plane sounds like a version of hell, then you’ll want to be sure you land in somewhere like heaven. Of course, if you’re stepping off that plane in Sydney, then you have nothing to worry about.
Australia offers some of the most breathtaking sights, fabulous cities and stunning beaches in the world. It is impossible to list all the reasons to visit the Australia so here are five of the best of Sydney:

Sydney Harbour Bridge
You cannot visit Australia without seeing the view from Sydney Harbour Bridge’s Pylon Lookout. Alternatively, if you’re feeling fearless, take the opportunity to climb a section of the bridge itself. Visitors are now offered the chance to climb part of the bridge at dusk. For more info check out www.pylonlookout.com.au

The Rocks
Dating back to the days when Sydney was a convict colony, The Rocks is a maze of sandstone lanes, cul-de-sacs and courtyards, jam-packed with shops, warehouses and terraces that were built in the early 19th century. Once home to Sydney’s dockworkers, The Rocks is now popular with international visitors, who flock to its many shops, pubs and restaurants.

Luna Park
If huge, modern amusement parks aren’t your thing then Luna Park in Sydney is the place for you. The 1930s fun fair features vintage rides and has no entrance charge so if you don’t fancy riding you can wonder round this charming park for free!
And keeping with the vintage theme is the North Sydney Olympic Swimming Pool. Built in 1938 the outdoor pool has its own restaurant with views over Sydney harbour.

Sydney Opera House
The Sydney opera house is one of the most distinctive buildings in the world and is one of the most famous performing arts venues of all time. It is also one of the most popular tourist attractions in Australia.

The Sun
Finally, what better reason to visit Australia than the glorious sunshine? It is always sunny in Australia and the best part is when it’s winter in the Northern Hemisphere it is summer in Australia so you can escape to Australia for two weeks of sun, sea and sand while everyone back home endures the wind and the rain!

In football it may be one of our biggest rivals but if you can put aside your national pride for a little while Argentina is one of the most fascinating countries you could wish to visit.

Despite its economic and political problems Argentina’s natural beauty makes it a great place for a holiday and there is plenty to do once you get there.

In Andean Northwest you’ll find some of the most striking natural attractions in the country from subtropical rainforests to desert canyons. There are also plenty of archaeological sites to visit here.

Of course when it comes to natural attractions they don’t get much bigger, or much better than the Iguazu Falls. The 230ft water fall is situated in the Parque Nacional Iguazu in Puerto Iguazu. As well as being aesthetically breathtaking the falls and surrounding areas are also home to various water sports including kayaking and canoeing.

Patagonia is the best place to go to spot wild animals. Think of it as one of the world’s greatest safaris and you won’t be far wrong. Here you can witness flamingos, elephant seals and magnificent sea birds in their natural habitat. Be sure to take your camera!

Then there is Buenos Aires. If it’s a bustling city with fabulous restaurants and a vibrant atmosphere you’re after Buenos Aires is the place to be. It’s also great for a night out with plenty of clubs and bars and great music.

Argentina is a captivating country that will leave you amazed. If you’re looking for a holiday that’s colourful and interesting and full of great places to visit then look no further than this South American gem.

With its fabulous shopping, fantastic nightlife and gourmet restaurants you could be forgiven for forgetting that New York has some of the best sights in the world. So if you can drag yourself away from fifth avenue and check out some of New York’s biggest tourist attractions.

• Empire State Building
  The 102-story Empire State Building is one of New York’s most recognisable landmarks. Featured in countless movies the Empire State Building is an American icon. Visit the 86th floor outside observatory for views of up to 80 miles.
   
• Statue of Liberty & Ellis Island
  The symbol of political freedom and democracy is probably the biggest tourist attraction on New York. Situated on Liberty Island in New York Harbour, the Statue of Liberty was a gift from the people of France. It was dedicated on October 28, 1886, and was designated a National Monument on October 15, 1924. Ellis Island was incorporated as part of the Statue of Liberty National Monument on May 11, 1965.

1. Rockefeller Center
   During the winter months, the Rockefeller Centre is best known for its ice skating rink. However that’s not to say the Center is not worth a visit at any other times. The complex consists of 19 buildings and includes plenty of shops and restaurants all connected by underground corridors. Tours of the NBC studios and Radio City Music Hall are also available.
2. American Museum of Natural History
   The American Museum of Natural History houses such a massive collection that only a small portion of it can be displayed at any one time. The museum is famous for its dinosaur exhibits but recent renovation including the new Rose Center for Earth and Space (formerly the Hayden Planetarium) has made this attraction even more popular.
3. United Nations Building
   The headquarters of the United Nations is located in New York City. However, the impressive building with its 191 flags and 18-acre site is actually international territory and belongs to all the member countries. It has its own police force, fire department and postal service. Tours are available, led by representatives from the member countries.

The former Royal Scottish Automobile Club, one of Glasgow’s most iconic buildings has been transformed into a luxurious five star hotel. Blythswood Square Hotel opens its doors to the public today, Tuesday 10th November.

The £25 million redevelopment of the landmark property has been carried out by Scotland’s stylish luxury boutique hotel group, The Town House Collection. Peter Taylor, Chairman of the group (click here to view his video), said: “Our aim was to capture the glamour of a bygone era whilst showcasing the latest in designer styling as befits this vibrant and sociable city. We are absolutely delighted with the outcome.”

“It has been our privilege to have the opportunity to restore this landmark Glasgow property into a contemporary hotel, retaining the unique features and personality for which it became famous.”

Blythswood Square Luxury Hotel overlooks one of Glasgow’s only remaining green spaces. The hotel will boast 100 bedrooms including six spacious suites and an enticing top floor penthouse complete with rooftop hot tub. It will also house Glasgow‟s first luxury spa offering indigenous Scottish treatments, a restaurant, bars, a private screening room and event facilities.

Formerly the Royal Scottish Automobile Club’s ballroom, the hotel’s main 120-cover restaurant and cocktail bar is impressive with its high ceilings and grand dimensions. However, the atmosphere will be fun and relaxed, a place to enjoy delicious seasonally chosen and locally sourced food and inventive cocktails with friends under the attention of award winning Executive Head Chef, Dan Hall.

The Spa at Blythswood Square will open early in 2010 and will champion the latest in cutting edge design offering a number of unique facilities and treatments specially created for the spa.

Additional highlights within Blythswood Square include the stunning marble bathrooms from Italy by IQ Quadro of Livorno, a 35 metre Salon featuring two original fire places, columns and cornicing with stunning views over Blythswood Square and a private Screening Room, the first in a Scottish hotel, which will be furnished in over 40 different designs of Harris Tweed.

There is also the RSAC’s original ‘Rally Bar’ named after the Monte Carlo Rally which started from Blythswood Square in 1955. Over the years many high profile racing drivers frequented the bar and it grew a wide reaching and auspicious reputation. The Rally Bar is being restored to its former glory and is available to guests booking the hotel’s event suites.

Luxury hotels in London have begun signing up to the London Development Agency’s (LDA) Green Tourism for London scheme.

More than 30 hotels and attractions have already signed up, including the Ritz, the O2 Centre and the Royal Lancaster Hotel.

The scheme, initially launched in October 2007 to help “improve resource and energy management”, awards Bronze, Silver and Gold accreditations to help visitors select the most eco-friendly venue.

LDA chief executive Manny Lewis told Travel Weekly that the scheme underlines the responsibility of all London’s businesses to the environment.

He said: “In signing up to the Green Tourism for London scheme these hotels and attractions are not just doing their bit for the environment but are making huge savings in their energy and water costs.”

It is also hoped that the scheme will help raise London’s green tourism profile amid growing global consumer concern over the impact of climate change.

Egypt has attracted significant interest from tourists, according to the UK’s leading long haul operator Kuoni Travel.

Their latest Egypt advertising video, showcasing the sights, landscapes and activities that travellers can hope to pack into a luxury holiday, has had more viewings than any other, attracting the interest of 25,000 tourists over the last six months.

Britons currently top the tourist list of visitors to Egypt, followed closely by Russians in second place.

Senior product manager Alicia Welsman noted its popularity is in no small part down to the amount the country has to offer in the way of luxury holiday experiences.

She said: “As a destination, Egypt has an enormous amount to offer; it’s relatively close to the UK, has reliably good weather and presents many cultural and historic attractions as well as fantastic diving and beaches.”

According to tourism consultancy firm IPK, Egypt enjoyed 21 per cent growth in international tourism numbers last year – the highest in the North African region.

Luxury hotels in Jamaica are enjoying an unprecedented boom in guests that has them bursting at the seams, it has been revealed.

Luxury holiday resorts such as the Jamaica Pegasus Hotel and the Hilton Hotel, currently hosting the UK’s Prince Charles and wife the Duchess of Cornwall on a visit, have found themselves fully booked.

Claudette Kenlock, director of sales and marketing at the Hilton Hotel told the Jamaica Observer that ISSA boys’ and girls’ Athletic Championships at the National Stadium in Kingston is likely to bring in even more visitors.

She told the newspaper: “We are at a 100 per cent occupancy and the Champs persons would add to it.”

Similarly, smaller luxury hotels such as the Knutsford Court Hotel and the Courtleigh Hotel are also feeling the effects of increased international popularity of both Jamaica and the sporting event.

Such has been the growth of Jamaica’s tourism industry that it is set to construct a state-of-the-art hospitality institute, due to be completed in 2009, to train tourism industry professionals.