“I am very proud to anounce that Readers of Travel + Leisure (China) voted Nikko Hotel Dalian among the top 100 hotels in China in the 2008 “Readers’ Choice Awards,”

This is fantastic that our customer by choosing our property in the selecting and voting process, have shown recognition for the hard work of all the team members of Nikko hotel Dalian. The spirit and dedication of the team, together with a desire to go the extra mile giving a memorable experience to our customers and always with a smile is very commendable. As the general manager of Nikko Hotel Dalian I am proud to be part of this team” Said Nicolas C. Solari, General Manager, Hotel Nikko Dalian ]]> http://www.xabala.com/2008-china-readers-choice-awards-nikko-hotel-dalian/feed 0 http://www.xabala.com/world%e2%80%99s-largest-swimming-pool http://www.xabala.com/world%e2%80%99s-largest-swimming-pool#comments Wed, 04 Jun 2008 07:59:51 +0000 kevin http://www.xabala.com/?p=54

Already drawing the crowds in the South American resort of San Alfonso del Mar in Chile, this artificial lagoon and swimming pool is eight hectares in size and contains an incredible 250,000 cubic meters of water. Acknowledged by Guinness World Records as being the world’s largest swimming pool, the lagoon trounces all other record holders in the category, including the Orthlieb pool in Casablanca, Morocco, itself a huge 150 meters by 100 meters – the San Alfonso pool is 1km in length.

The revolutionary clear water artificial lagoons, transparent to a depth of 35 meters and unprecedented in design and construction methods, are the brainchild of Crystal Lagoons founder, biochemist and Chilean businessman Fernando Fischmann. Equivalent in size to an incredible 6,000 standard domestic pools, details of its technology are to be unveiled for the first time at Cityscape Dubai later this month.

I believe this gives new meaning to living large!

This strikingly contemporary InterContinental in the French Polynesia consists of 80 identical over water villas, which extend in to the warm lagoon like two claws, with the only differences being the views–of the lagoon, the beach, or Mount Otemanu. Floor-to-ceiling windows, Lucite ceiling fans, bug tubs overlooking the water, and bathrooms with black slate floors relect the clean modern aesthetic throughout.

The atmosphere is more South Beach than South Pacific, down to the stylish clad reception staff and shirtless cabana boys by the infinity-edge pool. In a savvy environmental move, the sort pimps in cold seawater to feed the air-conditioning system and for use at the spa.

A stay here might run you run you $1500/night with a minimum four-night stay, but you’ll be hard pressed to find a more exclusive and exotic retreat.

When it comes to the illustrious E at Equinox in Manhattan, calling it a “gym” doesn’t quite do it justice. This high-end fitness center offers everything from private cabanas and spas to rooftop patios and dining areas serving gourmet food. Equipment is always cutting edge, like their aromatherapy treadmills that release rejuvenating wafts of orange essence. Plush concierge services are also offered, along with a personal manager that keeps track of your progress and schedules workout sessions.

No need to every worry about every waiting in line to use an elliptical, because this gym allows no more than 200 members to join. Of course, such exclusiveness comes at a price. A yearly membership will run you $23,500.

If you’re visiting Tokyo, you’ll want to make a stop at one of the coolest boutiques for trendy street fashions. Inspired by the idea of a “Rock Star’s Residence”, Hysteric Glamour takes pieces of the imaginary star’s daily life, and transforms them into shop functions of the boutique.

Shelves and wardrobes are replaced by items such as the rectangular dining table at the custom made extra-long black Chesterfield sofa in the second floor, creating a sensation as if someone is actually living there.

The VIP room in the second floor, covered with the brand designer’s private collection of original Bettie Page photographs, elicits a condensed atmosphere.

100%ChocolateCafe truly lives up to its name.

The kitchen’s menu serves chocolate, and only chocolate. From chocolate drinks, and chocolate pastries, to chocolate ice cream and even chocolate sandwiches, this Chuo-Ku, Japan restaurant is a chocolate lover’s dream.

The concept behind 100%ChocolateCafe is to put your senses at the middle of a “chocolate kitchen” and it doesn’t fail to deliver. Covering one of the walls are 56 different types of chocolate blocks, tastefully placed in glass showcases.

I’m pretty sure this is where Willy Wonka hangs out after a hard day’s work at the Chocolate Factory.

Conceptionalized by Kundo Koyama, the creator of the “Iron Chef” TV show, Tokyo Curry Lab restaurant is based on a concept of creating an innovative lab for experimenting and inventing unique curry recipes.

Located in Tokyo’s monumental Tokyo Tower, a “lab” area with colorful spice tubes on display is accompanied by a contemporary dining counter behind it. The serious yet humorous interior is intended for curry lovers serious at play.

Don’t you hate it when you’re waiting in the two hour long dinner buffet line at the Bellagio and some so called “VIP” guest strolls right in? I used to hate it as well, until I was the VIP that didn’t have to wait in line or pay for my food.

So how did I manage to get comped? The key is to join the casino’s players club. Every casino has a different players club program, so be sure to stop by their information desk and ask what they have to offer. After you’ve found the casino you enjoy playing and staying at, stick with it. For Tami and I, we absolutely love the Venetian. It’s a beautiful casino with a nice shopping mall and it’s just a short walk to our other favorites; Bellagio, Caesars Palace and Wynn. Not to mention, the Venetian is home to the Tao, one of the most exclusive night clubs in Vegas, and boy do we love to party!

After you’ve received your players card, be sure to use it every time you’re at the tables or slots. Using the players card gives you a “rating” as the casino tracks the amount of money you’re spending. As a basic rule, the more money you spend, the better the comps get. Tami usually plays a couple hundred at most in slots, and I’m usually at the crap tables with no more than a thousand bucks. Even as light gamblers, Venetian Players Club has given us everything from comped spa treatments and show tickets, to buffets and hotel suites.

In fact, they just sent us a free weekend stay for October and November, and you best bet that we’ll be out here having a crazy fun time in Sin City. So next time you’re in Vegas, don’t be the chump waiting in line or paying for your stay. Get your players club card, and start being a VIP!

Just a rock throw away from Palm Beach, Florida is a little known 17-mile-long village named Jupiter Island. It’s rated year after year by Forbes as one of the most expensive zip codes in the United States. Not surprisingly since the median home price is $5.6 million.

This island plays home to some of America’s — and the world’s — richest celebrities. Among it’s most illustrious denizens are famed singer Celine Dion and golf pro Tiger Woods.

In 2005, Celine Dion paid a whopping $12.5 million for her 6,859 square feet Jupiter Island house, which was built in 1963. Not to be outdone, in 2006, Tiger Woods dropped a record-breaking $38 million for a 10-acre Jupiter Island estate.

With mega superstars like these gobbling up the land of the 33455 zip code, don’t hold your breath for house prices here to drop anytime soon.

With all the clubbing options Sin City has to offer, which clubs offer the best way to drink and dance your pants off with sexy strangers throughout the night? If you’re looking for a high-energy mega-club, we suggest JET, Studio 54 or Rain. If you’re looking to impress some clients with a Vegas experience they’re likely to go home and brag about, don’t miss TAO, Moon or PURE. And for more of a mellow, airy evening, we suggest Tryst, at Wynn Las Vegas, with its 90-foot-tall waterfall.

If you’re really rolling in Vegas, you’re being hosted. Just be sure you have your Centurion credit card handy, because highly liquid guests are assigned casino hosts who make certain things disappear (lines, doormen) and other things appear (tables, perhaps some beautiful company).

Here’s a guide to the Top 10 Las Vegas Nightclubs you shouldn’t miss.

PURE at Caesars Palace

PURE is a certifiable celebrity magnet—a prominent British clothier recently dropped $176,000 here. Patrons can generally get in for under a few grand, but it’s common to spend $20-$50k for a premium night out. With three distinct experiences enveloped in two stories of decadance, PURE is not just a nightclub; it is The Strip’s first nightlife destination. At 36,000 square feet, PURE is three venues in one, each featuring its own DJ, sound system and sexy style.

Visit PURE Nightclub

TAO at the Venetian

The entry hall sets the tone here; it usually features a startling display of lingerie-clad models painting henna tattoos on one another. The nude model in the rose petal strewn bathtub is another giveaway. Warm up with dinner alongside a giant Buddha downstairs at Tao restaurant before heading up to this sexy Asian escape. There is something for everyone at Tao with an outside terrace with Strip views, The Temple room and The Emperors Ballroom, eight private sky boxes with mini-bars and bottle service.

Visit TOA Nightclub

JET at Mirage

This mega-club boasts three main areas: a techno and trance floor, a hip-hop room, and the main room, which features the all important VIP tables. JET even has (brace yourself) V-VIP areas. One sits prominently on a raised stage with seven tables, and another sits behind the DJ booth with six tables. Four full-service libation bars offer creative specialty cocktails. State-of-the-art lighting and sound intermingled with brilliant visuals provide the ultimate combination of sophistication and cutting edge.

Visit: JET Nightclub

Light at Bellagio

Light Nightclub brings Las Vegas nightlife back to the exclusivity and glamour that the city was founded upon. The club’s reputation is surpassed only by its actual experience, and cosmopolitan luxury is de rigueur. The doormen here select who can enter into Vegas’ first “European Bottle Service Club.” VIPs who prefer anonymity over showing off their wealth come here and ask for the blue room, while those want to want to enjoy the entertainment choose the main room. A Methuselah (six liters) of Dom Pérignon Champagne ($25,000) and a Rémy Martin Louis XIII ($14,500) are available, just ask.

Visit: Light Nightclub

Body English at Hard Rock

This swanky style dance club is one place you don’t want to miss while you are in town. Getting in the front door is a bit tricky, but once you do you’ll be partying with anyone who is anyone in the nightlife scene. Not to mention the abundance of celebrities who constantly come to play making Body English the ultimate VIP experience with tables, bottle service, and even a special VIP room that looks over the dance floor through a secret mirrored wall.

Visit: Body English Nighclub

Tryst at Wynn

Tryst boasts a 90-foot waterfall and a lagoon-themed atmosphere. Since it’s a partially open-air club, the outside breeze gives the dancers at Tryst a little extra lift. The most desirable tables are those on the dance floor, near the obligatory stripper pole and outside by the waterfall. Down the stairs from the front entrance enjoy drinks at the martini and champagne lounge. Totaling 70 tables, all close to the dance floor, no one will miss the party.

Visit: Tryst Nightclub

Studio 54 at MGM Grand

The club that redefined the New York nightclub scene in the 1970s is setting the standard in the ever-expanding Las Vegas nightclub scene of the new century. Studio 54 features the most eclectic music mix around. This is a 22,000 square-foot, high-energy club where VIPs can be voyeurs—the tables that look down on the dance floor. Half nightclub, half Cirque du Soleil act, Studio 54 also features “wall walkers” and dancers twirling above the bouncing dance floor. Look up, that’s confetti (not money) raining down on you.

Moon, Playboy Club at Palms

Bunnies, blackjack and big ballers. Dubbed “the cleavage central of in the clouds,” The new Playboy Club atop The Palms’ Fantasy Tower drips with testosterone-infused indulgence. With diamond-encrusted walls, onyx chandeliers, rich reptilian seating, and Cavalli-clad Bunnies, this ain’t your father’s—or even your father’s father’s—Playboy fantasy. $14,000 gets you a three-liter double magnum bottles of Cristal, and a friendly visit from a hostess.
Visit: Moon Nightclub

Rain at Palms

Not the newest club in town, but still very popular. Expect long lines, a dancefloor surrounded by a water mote, go-go dancers on swings, and the occasional fire blast. A great place to come if you want to meet friendly visitors. There are plenty of VIP tables and sky boxes for preferred service.
Visit: Rain Nightclub

Cherry Nightclub at Red Rock

Ripe with hip, young singles, Cherry Nightclub is just begging to be plucked. Take in edgy dance beats from the area’s hottest DJs, and enjoy tasty cocktails all night long. With its sinfully-sweet surroundings and private outdoor pool area brought to life by nightclub aficionado Rande Gerber, it doesn’t take long to figure out why Cherry is oh-so-very hot.

Visit: Cherry Nightclub

Sources: (Forbes, Club Planet)