The Point — Saranac Lake, NY, United States

Located in the Adirondack Mountains on a Pristine Lake, this former Rockefeller Adirondack great camp offers the ultimate civilized wilderness experience for your romantic get away. Log architecture, sumptuous Beds, antique furniture, stone fireplaces and hunting trophies recreate the historic great camp era.

A refined and peaceful house party atmosphere, superb food and wine under the guidance of master chef Albert Roux and the feeling of total escape have earned the rating of number one resort hotel in the US.

The Tides Riviera Maya — Playa Del Carmen, Quintana Roo, Mexico

Situated on the white sands of the Riviera Maya in Playa del Carmen and nestled in the lush tropical forest, The said romantic luxury hotel resort, formerly Ikal Del Mar, is the hotel resort counterpart of being invited to an exclusive private villa and spa. The Tides Riviera Maya beachfront Playa del Carmen hotel resort refuge has a full service luxury spa, an award-winning restaurant and lounge featuring "Yucatecan Cuisine," seven-miles of fine white-sand beach, and trips to nearby ancient cities and ruins.

Hidden in a unspoiled village of Playa Xcalacoco outside Playa del Carmen, along the pearlescent white sands of the Riviera Maya, The Tides Riviera Maya, formerly Ikal Del Mar, is a seaside refuge extending deep into the primitive Maya lush greenery forest. The romantic luxury hotel resort 30-villa property and its stunning spa present the epitome of Maya Riviera beach unpretentious luxury, exuding the ambiance of an exclusive private Playa del Carmen villa or opulent residential area.

The Tides Riviera Maya lush tropical ambiance presents an exceptional setting for special events and activities, augmented by a full-exclusive service spa and to Azul, a premier ocean-side gourmet Riviera Maya restaurant and cocktail lounge. For tasteful and intimate beach side activities luxury accommodations that include private villas and fine Presidential Suite. The boutique resort is also home, the distinctive spa-resort will provide every necessary accommodation for a spectacular occasion.

For the active and athletic, Hatha yoga classes are offered daily in The Tides Riviera Maya seaside yoga studio, which also houses a fitness room. Playa del Carmen's fine shopping venues are easily accessible from the hotel resort, as are the area's golf courses and ancient Maya ruins. Romantic luxury hotel resort robust recreational activities include cenote diving, snorkeling, horseback riding, scuba diving and deep-sea fishing.

Villa San Michele - Florence, Italy

Villa San Michele is a 15th-century Franciscan monastery that was been transformed into one of Europe's most charming and romantic luxury hotel. Located few away minutes from the center of Florence, Villa San Michele with an oasis of peace and unsurpassed beauty, surrounded by its own gardens and woodland on the Fiesole hills.

The said romantic luxury hotel has its facade attributed to Michelangelo and the imposing lateral Loggia looking towards Florence, dates from the year 1600, when the monastery was developed and completely renovated at the expense of Giovanni di Bartolomeo Davanzati.

Villa San Michele got a style that provides a luxurious environment while simultaneously maintaining the beauty and heritage of this magnificent building with 45 guest rooms with windows which enjoy views over the Italian garden, the private woodland and hills of Fiesole.

The romantic luxury hotel Junior Suites has a private garden and terrace, Chapel, the "Orangerie" Limonaia Suites and all rooms situated above the Loggia enjoy views over the town of Florence and the Arno valley.

With Villa San Michele idyllic surroundings, delicious Tuscan cuisine, and spectacular location, The said romantic luxury hotel attracts the most discerning clientele, boasting an incredible list of celebrities that have selected it for a relaxing get away.

Bora Bora Lagoon Resort and Spa — French Polynesia

Situated on a private island one mile away from the main island of Bora Bora and a scenic boat ride from Bora Bora airport. This romantic luxury hotel resort is a secluded enclave on unspoiled Island with no roads or villages with direct access to spectacular reefs beautiful gardens and fine beaches.

The said romantic luxury hotel resort regular boat service to Vaitape on the main island and transfers via boat to and from Bora Bora airport are also provided complimentary. Romantic luxury hotel resort offers visitors the peace and tranquility of a private island as well as a wide range of recreational activities and dining choices.

Bora Bora Lagoon Resort and Spa is made in Tahitian -fare- style with open air buildings constructed with pandanus leaf roofs. Visitors can choose from a wide range of recreational activities such as kayaking, outrigger canoeing, swimming, snorkeling, boating and daily excursions like - shark-feeding and sunset cruises on the romantic hotel resort lagoon.

A perfect place to relax and enjoys holidays and get-away.

One&Only Palmilla — San Jose Del Cabo, Baja California Sur, Mexico

The "Jewel Of Baja," a tropical hideaway for the likes of Hemingway and Harlow, the serenely private and romantic luxurious One&Only Palmilla features expansive beach front accommodation, each with veranda, sunbeds, and indulgent amenities. Globally acclaimed as the quintessential embodiment of elegance, attended to with gracious hospitality, and the distinctive artistry of Mexico is discovered at every edge, from well designed wrought iron as delicately patterned as lace to massive wooden panel doors weathered with age for authentic beauty.

Situated on the tip of the Baja Peninsula, where azure waters greet the mountainous desert and the Pacific Ocean merges with the Sea of Cortez. At One&Only Palmilla, the gracious style of Old Mexico with its red-tiled roofs, whitewashed walls, and idyllic setting of exquisite fountains - is quietly nestled on swaying palms, bird of paradise and other tropical bloom.

Hotel de Crillon — Paris, France

Hotel de Crillon was designated as a unique historical monument in Paris, an elegant 18th century Palace located on the world famous Place De La Concorde. This romantic luxury hotel is just steps away from the Champs-Elysees, the Faubourg Saint Honore shopping area and all major museums.

The Hotel De Crillon is decorated in the eighteenth century style of Louis XV and recently redesigned, the romantic luxury hotel's 147 guest rooms and suites with 140 square meters of terrace, tall windows allowing abundant light, cool to the eyes colors and wood-paneling, these renowned suites offer magnificent views of the city. Offering the hotel visitors the highest level of personalized accommodation service is the ultimate goal.

Extra fine and delicate cuisine is prepared by one of the greatest chefs of France in a palatial romantic setting. Visitors can also try the L'Obelisque Restaurant with its Parisian atmosphere and regional French cooking style. While Le Piano Bar is ideal for meeting over a glass of champagne and the Jardin D'Hiver ideal for afternoon tea.

Peter Island Resort — British Virgin Islands

Named one of the "Best Places to Stay in the World" and "Top 20 Islands" in the world by Conde Nast Traveler, It is a private island that offers all the exclusivity and romance that provides. At said romantic luxury island there are more staff members than guests, with only 52 suites and 1,200 acres of lush, mountainous terrain with 5 private beaches. Peter Island is accessible only by boat or helicopter, the largest private island in the British Virgin Islands is surrounded by the sparkling waters of the Atlantic, Caribbean, and Sir Francis Drake Channel.

So if you're seeking unparalleled way to experience the idyllic, undeveloped serenity of the British Virgin Islands, the said romantic luxury resort's self-contained fine villas are unmatched. It has all the facilities of a leading romantic luxury resort. Crow's Nest, Hawk's Nest, Raven's Nest, and Falcon's Nest are the Peter Island villas with idyllic locations with breathtaking views, a choice of architectural styles and villa sizes, complete privacy, and the finest furnishing.

All Peter Island visitors are delighted with exceptional cuisine, an elegant wine room, and open-air restaurants. The romantic luxury resort is known throughout the Caribbean as much for its inspired scenery as for its innovative cuisine, which artfully matches international favorites with island flair. Filled with the ever-changing blues of Caribbean Sea and sky.

Le Palais de la Mediterranee — Nice, France

Le Palais de la Mediterranee is a landmark in Nice, the said romantic luxury hotel is gateway to the French Alps and the French Riviera. Started on 2004 after an ambitious restoration project, today's tribute to the grandeur of the 1930s is a well define nine stories of imaginative yet sympathetic architecture, creative ideas, opulence on a grand scale and a myriad of entertainment and leisure opportunities to suit the most discerning guests.

Le Palais de la Mediterranee third floor is the heart of the romantic luxury hotel with a beautifully conceived indoor/outdoor fitness rooms, cozy lounge, pool, gastronomic restaurant and a sun terrace with great views.

Amanjena - Marrakech, Morocco

First Amanresort on the African continent. Amanjena hold 32 pavilions, six, two-storey maisons and largest accommodation, Al-Hamra Maison are set within an oasis of palms and mature olive trees. romantic luxury hotel's rose-blush walls mirror Marrakech, known in Arabic as Al Medina al-Hamra. The Amanjena's design emulates the old Moorish pise buildings, as well as the Berber villages that laid to the High Atlas Mountains. Marrakech was brought to radiant life by the brilliance of 11th-century Almoravid irrigation. Water is no less the unifying element of the said romantic luxury hotel resort, which has as its centrepiece, a large bassin, traditionally a holding pool to collect water for irrigation. The said romantic luxury hotel's pavilions and maisons extend from the bassin, fanning out in two directions, separated by reflecting pools in a landscape of lawns and vines, emerald-clay roofs, marble fountains and glittering hand-cut, glazed tiles.

All of the Amanjena's 32 air-conditioned pavilions include a bedroom-living room and spacious bathroom and dressing area. The Amanjena living area consists of a high, domed ceiling, a king-size platform bed and an open fireplace. Brass lanterns and Berber carpets discreetly reinforce the finest Moroccan theme. Furnishings include a daybed with an accompanying table and chair. The hotel suites have a mini-bar, a CD player and a TV/DVD, while green Moroccan marble and a soaking tub in a garden setting highlight the bathroom. Each Amanjena pavilion has its own private courtyard along with a pillared minzah and a fountain. Romantic luxury hotel's six two-storey maisons rise seven metres from floor to ceiling in a variation of the Moroccan townhouse, packed with trines of second-floor windows looking inward, as if to a garden courtyard. The living area, situated on the main floor, features an arc-cut fireplace, a zellij wall fountain and a small bathroom.

The travelers bedroom, with queen-size bed, bathroom, double change areas and separate courtyard entrance, situated on the entry level. Upstairs, the bathroom is fully defined by marble columns, domed shower, toilet rooms and a pillared, green-marble tub. The bedroom comes with a king-size bed and divan. The romantic luxury hotels maisons also offer a private six-metre swimming pool, a garden and minzah.

With a convenient location at the edge of Marrakech, the said romantic luxury hotel provides the ideal base for further exploration of Marrakech and beyond. The city itself, with its gardens, souks, art and culture, is just seven kilometres away and the lovely resort looks out onto the snow-capped High Atlas Mountains, the highest range in North Africa. Carefully constructed private travel tours and treks, taking in local highlights, are easily arranged deals.

Bauer Il Palazzo — Venice, Italy

One of the worlds romantic luxury hotel within the heart of Venice, Bauer Il Palazzo is a truly authentic, Venetian-style palazzo overlooking Venice's Grand Canal. More like a sophisticated home than a luxury hotel. Bauer Il Palazzo, with its stunning Gothic facade, reflects Venetian opulence at its best, with fine decor and furnishings designed for the ultimate in comfort for travelers to Venice.

Bauer Il Palazzo is conveniently situated just steps from St Mark's Square, and is close to Venice's finest shops, museums and sights. With Bauer Il Palazzo own private boat dock on the Grand Canal, guests arriving at the said romantic luxry hotel are greeted by the sumptuous lobby, decorated in wood panelling and antique veneered Venetian panels, a lasting impression that is reflected in the one of a kind decor and attention to detail in each of the hotel's guest rooms and suites.

Travelers of the said romantic luxury hotel can expect a unique experience, together with the ultimate in personalised service. Bauer Il Palazzo's 36 luxurious and comfortable guest rooms and 40 suites are lavishly appointed with the finest Murano glass chandeliers, furniture, fabrics and an array of modern amenities. Each of the suites is individually decorated, with many rooms featuring balconies or terraces offering picturesque views of Venice, the Grand Canal and St Mark's Basin.

Serving finest cuisine in Venice, Chef Giovanni Ciresa prepares a stunning blend of innovative international and Mediterranean dishes at the romatic hotel's restaurant. Breakfast is served at Settimo Cielo, romantic luxury hotel's exclusive terrace and lounge, with magical views over Venice and the lagoon. For aperitifs and cocktails, the Bar Foyer provides an inviting and cosy atmosphere, while the Bar Gran Canale offers an elegant environment with live music every evening.

This romantic luxury hotel offers unsurpassed facilities that include an elegantly appointed Fitness Room and Health Spa complete with the modern exercise equipment, personalised programmes and relaxing treatments and massages. Exclusive Venetian and Italian gifts, many designed and handcrafted by the artisans of Venice, are available at the Bauer Il Palazzo's Boutique.

The Wickaninnish Inn — Tofino, BC, Canada

Magnificently situated on Vancouver Island's rugged west coast, Wickaninnish Inn is minutes from the wonderful township of Tofino. The said romantic luxury hotel is situated on a rocky promontory at the westernmost point of Chesterman Beach, at the gateway to Pacific Rim National Park Reserve and the renowned beauty of Clayoquot Sound. The romantic luxury hotel was surrounded by the ocean on three sides with an old growth forest as a backdrop, Wickaninnish Inn offers panoramic views of the open Pacific, nearby islands and the natural sweep of famous Chesterman Beach.

Each one of the romantic luxury hotel spacious guest rooms and suites provides ocean and beach views. Wickaninnish Inn attentive, anticipatory service is sure to exceed every expectation. The addition of the Ancient Cedars Spa has elevated the stay at the the said romantic luxury hotel to new heights of relaxation. The final ingredients completing the experience will be found at the Pointe Restaurant, which offers ocean front dining and showcases the talents of Wickaninnish Inn award winning kitchen brigade.

Tofino is a relaxed, casual area completely given to unwinding and getting back to nature. It is an intriguing mix of wide fine sandy beaches and old growth forests, fishing boats and whale-watching zodiacs, loggers and surfers, casual eateries and eclectic quality dining. The region is a year-round destination travelers where you can witness the drama of a winter storm, bask in the warmth of a summer day, or explore nature's magic in a tidal pool.

Ashford Castle — County Mayo, Ireland

Set on the fine shores of Lough Corrib, Ashford Castle is Irelands second largest lake - In the wonderbul village Oof Congo. It's now recognized as a world class romantic luxury hotel resort in a private estate of 350 acres.

Once become the home of the Guinness family, Ashford was the perfect location for the producers and stars during the making of the Eepic film Tthe "Quiet Man".

Auberge Du Soleil — Rutherford, CA, United States

A Fine California-French restaurant build by a leading San Francisco Restaurateur Claude Rouas who has evolved into Ine of Americas most sought-after small romantic luxury hotel and a perenniual recioient of the hospilality industrys highest honors. Opened in 1982 as Napa Valleys, Auberge Du Soleil was first fine-dining restaurant and the vision of French - Born Rouas who sought to rebuild the sun-drenched ambiance of provence in the California Wine Country.

Situated inn the slope of Rutherford Hill overlooking Napa Valley. The Auberge quickly gained recognition as one of the finest restaurants in Northern California. Not just only for its superb cuisine but also its spectacular views of the Valley under. In 1985 responding to visitors demand Rouas And Partner Robert Harmon opened the inn. A Collection of fine toned cottages with 50 room and suites each with french doors opening out to a terrace and wonderful views of Olive Grooves And The Vine- Studded Valley.

The Auberges French-accented California style and soft-spoken reflect the character of Napa Valley - A sanctuary to enjoy the bounty of best rood and wine and immerse yourself in an exquisite natural setting. With a sophisticated latest design and acclaimed new Chef, The Restaurant continues to win International Recognition. The romantic luxury hotel also recently introduced Spa Du Soleil, a retreat modeled after a centuries-old monastery. With its fountains, beautiful private gardens and outdoor soaking pools - The spa gives you a physical and emotional barrier from the outside world offering a setting for tranquil rejuvenation.

Situated in 33-acre olive grove and surrounded by the sun-dappled vineyards of the Verdant Napa Valley. Accommodations are located in cottages terraced on a hillside with the perfect view of the valley. With 50 spacious rooms and suites with its own private terrace and wood burning fireplace Mediterranean style with terra cotta tile floors/natural wood and leather furnishings.

Villa D'Este — Lake Como, Italy

Villa D Este is a former 16th century residence of European aristocrats who welcomed guests with its gracious brand of hospitality Since 1873. Guest are treated to a celebrated standard of service including top-rated rooms, amenities, accommodation and cuisine.

This romantic luxury lakeside Villa is set in a picturesque park, a sanctuary that has won the hearts of travelers. Dining options include the formal verandah, the grill and the Kisho, all with terrace and fine outdoor service in summer. With in-room wireless internet connection, on ground floors both inside and outside of the romantic luxury hotel.

Rocco Forte Hotel De Russie — Rome, Italy

The Hotel de Russie is one of the worlds best business hotel located in the heart of the beautiful city of Rome between the Spanish Steps and Piazza del Popolo on the Via del Babuino. The business hotel is within easy walking distance of Rome's key attractions, fashion houses and Via Condotti.

Hotel de Russie is the most unique luxury hotel in Rome, designed by the Architect Valadier, provides a stunning feature - extensive, terraced gardens which guarantee a tranquil oasis amidst the bustle of the city's center point.

This unique Secret Garden offer every travelers opportunity to relax with a drink in the fashionable Stravinskij Bar and Le Jardin de Russie Restaurant serves a wonderful taste of the Mediterranean cuisine.

Experience De Russie Wellness Zone, one of Rome's best health clubs with a jacuzzi, sauna, hydropool, Turkish steam bath, beauty treatments and gym.

The Leela Kempinski — Mumbai, India

The Leela Kempinski Mumbai was set amidst 11 acres of lush landscaped gardens, cascading waterfalls, lotus pools and fountains, only 1.5 kilometers from the international airport and in proximity to the North Mumbai Central Business District, is an enclave of tranquillity midst the hustle and bustle of India's commercial capital.

At Leela Kempinski Mumbai, the mystique, culture and hospitality of India blends with modern facilities and services to give Mumbai's best business hotel of the country. In a city of lively contemporary culture, this 5-star deluxe business hotel combines modern technology with tasteful decor to create a haven for the travelers, welcoming both business and leisure travellers with warm graciousness.

Fairmont Singapore — Singapore, Singapore

Located at the crossroads of Singapore's business, cultural, entertainment and shopping districts, The Fairmont Singapore hotel offers 769 luxurious guest rooms and suites, a collection of 16 distinctive restaurants and bars and 70,000 square feet of prime meeting space - all supported by award-winning best business hotel service teams.

Travelers have access to the one of the largest spa facilities in Asia, Willow Stream Spa offers the best in spa and fitness services.

Luxury and style in the center point of Southeast Asia, Singapore is not only the economic and trade hub of Southeast Asia, but also a cosmopolitan, vibrant mix of contrasts�where history and modernity coincide comfortably, and East meets West to create an astonishing melting pot of cultures. With fancyful displays of world-class shopping, great cuisine and dazzling entertainment, and a pragmatic center of business and finance, this island offers friendly charms like no other travel destination. The only way to enjoy this captivating city is staying in the heart of it, in the unrivaled elegance and luxury of the award-winning and contemporary Fairmont Singapore business hotel.

The Carlyle, a Rosewood Hotel — New York, NY, United States

The Carlyle, A Rosewood Hotel is timeless classic business hotel, has been called home by leaders in world affairs, entertainment, business, society and the arts since its debut in 1930. Located in Madison Avenue, which is a true New York landmark that showcase a great art of privacy and a sanctuary of refined taste. Travelers feel truly ensconced in an elegant private residential atmosphere, which includes a discreet and best business hotel staff as well as world-class dining and entertainment.

Situated in the center point of Manhattan, The Carlyle business hotel offers sweeping views of Central Park and easy access to the encircling Upper East Side galleries and boutiques, as well its closeness in "Museum Mile." Each of the business hotel 180 rooms and suites have been individually decorated and appointed with the finest and sofisticated fabrics, rugs, boudoir chairs and Frette linens. The walls and architectural renderings are adorned with original Audubon prints and English country scenes by Piranesi.

There are accommodations that feature private terraces, grand pianos and spectacular views of the city's skyline. Business hotel suites, priced by size, space and exposure, offer separate sitting rooms with powder room.

Jumeirah Essex House — New York, NY, United States

Essex House was built in 1931 and become a well-known feature of Manhattan, recognised throughout the world as a best business hotel with its graceful elegance and art-deco sophistication.

Ideally situated in the heart of New York City, Jumeirah Essex House best business hotel offers an unbeatable location that has lured dignitaries, celebrities and world leaders for years. Enjoy their stylish setting, nestled between the beauty of Central Park and the buzz of Broadway, and surround yourself in elegance and style.

Hotel Rating Systems: Six and seven-star hotels

Six or seven stars is a joke according to travel professionals notion, since most respectable hotel rating systems do not give out a rating higher than five stars. Since few hotels can achieve the five star rating, then there should not be a rating higher than five stars.

Dubai's Burj al-Arab is an example of a popularly known "seven star" hotel. It's certainly one of the most luxurious and the tallest hotels in the world. But in reality, it is a 5 star deluxe property.

The five-star hotels is the quintessential luxury hotel, offering thrills above and beyond the actual needs of the travel. They have restaurants and night spots that are world class, with food and entertainment that draw non-guests to sample it too.

Five-star hotels also tend to have opulent and expensive decorations; fancy gyms, swimming pools and spas. Major five-star chains compete to offer the most ludicrous thrills imaginable: Loews offers dog-walking services, while Conrad will let you order from a menu of pillows. Needless to say, all this comes at a steep price, and you're unlikely to be able to justify the expense of a five-star for ordinary business travel.
The other downside to five-stardom is that hotels that can jump through all the hoops to achieve the rating are likely to be large and impersonal.

Four-star hotels

Major chains: Orient-Express Hotels, Conrad (Hilton), Pan Pacific Hotels and Resorts, St. Regis, Le Meridien and W (Starwood), Intercontinental, JW Marriott and Ritz Carlton (Marriott), Shangri-La, Mandarin Oriental, Sofitel, Four Seasons, Regent, Langham International

The four-star hotel is a good business hotel. Everything works smoothly, there's Internet in every room, a well-equipped business center, they'll arrange your airport transfer and room service is palatable and only somewhat expensive. And your boss will probably not faint when they see the bill.


Three-star hotels

Major chains: Hilton, Marriott, Novotel, Crowne Plaza (Intercontinental) Cyprus Hotels

Three-star hotels are solid but dull. Your room will have an attached bathroom and there's probably a restaurant downstairs and 24-hour reception service.


Two-star hotels

Major chains: Ibis, Mercure (two Accor hotels brands), Courtyard by Marriott, Holiday Inn Cyprus Hotels

Two stars means no-frills hotel. In most countries two stars means that your room probably has its own bathroom and there's probably a TV and telephone in your room, but rooms are bare-bones and you're unlikely to want to spend any more time than strictly necessary inside.


One-star hotels

Major chains: Comfort Inn, Motel 6, Super 8 and Etap

You don't see many of these, and with reason. One-stars are not just no-frills, but often downright dodgy: rooms are barely functional, shared bathrooms are somewhere down a corridor and the painted ladies from the all-hours karaoke bar next door dance the horizontal tango all night long in the room next to yours.