THE LANESBOROUGH- London
You’ve really got to love a hotel that ensures all of their honored guests are cared for by personal butlers and welcomed into what feels like their own private home. Except in most cases, this is far better than the average home. We’re talking a St. Regis property that is splendid luxury landmark outfitted in outstanding classic 19th century British royal splendor with a posh Knightsbridge address, where tea & coffee are served upon arrival, you’ll find your very own Sony VAIO laptop in your room, bountiful fresh fruit replenished daily, a modern fitness studio, personalized stationary, and signature 24-hour personal service by your very own proper butler and concierge.

Ah yes, the butler and concierge…that are somehow omnipresent but not intrusive, and magically there when you need something at the drop of a hat to handle packing or unpacking your luggage, making your stress-melting treatment appointments in the Spa Studio, arranging a family outing complete with unique children's’ activities, or arranging a chauffeured ride in one of their automobiles in their sweet fleet of Rolls Royce Phantoms, Mercedes or BMW 7 series. There’s London luxe, and then there’s Lanesborough London luxe… trust us, you won’t want to miss this. http://www.thecollektion.com/london1.html

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- Book now and receive complimentary champagne and petit fours upon arrival while your personal butler unpacks your suitcase. You’ll also be given an exclusive shopping card with incredible discounts and privileges at over 100 designer stores including Rupert Sanderson, Duchamp, Dunhill, Prada, Tods, Ralph Lauren and many more. Click HERE for more information and as always, be sure & tell 'em The Explorateur sent you!

51 BUCKINGHAM GATE, TAJ SUITES & RESIDENCES- London
It’s the ultimate in London luxury, a unique five-star townhouse hotel in the heart of gorgeous Westminster and we think you need to be there. It’s a member of the Taj portfolio, so naturally decadence abounds with stunning suites, an indulgent spa, Michelin-starred restaurant, and even a private courtyard space completing the feel of being in your own private grand residence, with personal butlers at your beckon call. We’re talking stylish contemporary décor, state of the art technology en-suite, with service and location so fabulous you’ll feel like royalty. As if that wasn’t enough, we’ve got two remarkable offers to share with you with unique twists and treats- enjoy!

HARRODS at 51- For shoppers
Experience the ultimate luxury shopping & sleeping experience with this extraordinary package including:

-Stylish suite accommodations at 51 including daily breakfast for 1 night
-Chauffeur-driven Jaguar to and from Harrods
-£100 off all purchases at Harrods, membership to Harrods Rewards and copy of Harrods magazine
-Invitation to “By Appointment- Harrods personal shopping service
-10% off purchases in Harrods food hall plus complimentary evening cocktail/canapés reception in the Library at 51
-Full use of spa and gym facilities on property

HAMLEYS at 51- For families
Enjoy the benefits of 51’s exclusive partnership with the world’s finest toy store, including:

-Stylish suite accommodations at 51 including daily breakfast for 1 night for 2 adults and 2 children up to age 12 including daily breakfast
-Hamley’s welcome hamper
-Personal shopping experience in Hamleys
-Cooking or baking lesson with Chef en-suite including personalized chef’s jacket for each participating child
-Babysitter for 4 hours
- Complimentary evening cocktail/canapés reception in the Library at 51
-Full use of spa and gym facilities on property http://www.51-buckinghamgate.com/

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- Book either of these packages and receive a beautiful bouquet of welcome flowers and fresh fruit basket platter en-suite upon arrival. Click HERE for more information or to book, and as always, be sure & tell ‘em The Explorateur sent you!

*valid for travel through 31 Dec 2010

THE SMELL OF A GREAT BRITISH BREAK
Ever wonder what travellers take home the most as a reminder of their best British holiday? We came across some interesting tidbits we wanted to share with you, courtesy of a recent study done by www.cottages4you.co.uk, one of the nation’s premier self-catering holidaymakers.

Out of 1,000 surveyed consumers

-16% say wild country flowers
-15% say the sea
-9% say freshly cut grass
-1 in 5 are so keen to keep their holiday memories alive that they even turn their own homes into replicas of their holiday pads, adding furnishings and decor reminiscent of a fabulous stay

However, we think most would agree that the scent of a proper English breakfast is definitely the most comforting and relaxing, the smokey scents left by fresh farmhouse bacon, sausages and eggs lingering in the air triggers instant recollections of security and nostalgia and there’s no better way to immerse yourself in this bubble of bliss than booking a cottage of your own.

Cottages4you currently has thousands of cottages in their portfolio, many of which carry special offers- for further information visit www.cottages4you.co.uk or call +144845 268 1560.

MESMEAR- Cornwall, UK

"Where do you live, in a barn?" Oh that phrase used to make us cringe when we were little, Dad's echo of dissatisfaction with our incessant refusal to close doors. Now that we're all grown up, we actually think barns are cool and we love this special little trio of 3 luxurious barns-turned-cottages in delightful North Cornwall.

If you don't know North Cornwall, it's time to get acquainted. It's not only beautiful, but super-chic and framed on one side by a surfer's paradise, a foodie haven, and a quaint fishing village. There's lots to do, which is why it's excellent for families, or large groups of friends traveling together.

The lovingly-restored 18th Century former farm buildings are now known as The Mill, The Barn and The Calf's House and generally are taken on a weekly basis. Gone is the hay, replaced with silken Egyptian cotton sheets. Gone are the farm blankets, replaced with fluffy towels, and gone is the sawdust, replaced with under-floor heating. There are all sorts of goodies to add in, such as a personal chef & housekeeper to prepare your meals and the quintessential daily afternoon tea, or even a Master culinary class with the resident chef who will take you out himself to collect the fresh free-range eggs and pick the home grown vegetables. Go barnstyle and enjoy!

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- Twice the value!
• Book your stay at either The Barn or The Calf's House and receive a delicious complimentary three-course meal for two with wine, cooked and served in the comfort of your own rental property by Mesmear’s resident chef.

• Book your stay at The mill and receive £80 of complimentary beauty treatments at the Cowshed Spa at the St Moritz Hotel, situated nearby.

Offer valid for all of 2010, non-combinable with any other promotion. Visit the Mesmear site at http://www.mesmear.co.uk/ or call +144101208 869 731 and be sure & tell 'em The Explorateur sent you!

THE GORING, London
Next year, The Goring in London celebrates its centenary. For Jeremy Goring, the fourth Goring to run it, those celebrations will be all about family, staff and guests. It is now the only five-star hotel in London that is still owned and run by the family that built it. As The Goring approaches its centenary, it is already in the limelight. This year alone it has been awarded the Catey for "Best Independent Hotel" and readers of Condé Nast Traveller magazine in the U.S. voted it as having the "Best Service in the U.K.".
Over the past five years, Jeremy Goring has been investing in the fabric of the hotel, first overseeing the transformation of the Dining Room by David Linley and the refurbishment of rooms and suites by designers Tim Gosling and Nina Campbell. A new afternoon tea veranda has been added, overlooking the hotel's very private gardens. Last year, Gosling came back to give the Bar, Lounge and Terrace a theatrical and silk-lined new look. Finally, this year saw the redesign of many of the largest rooms in the hotel, overlooking the garden, by Russell Sage, using historic silks specially rewoven for The Goring by the Royal Warrant holders, Gainsborough. The hotel will operate a year-long calendar of centenary celebrations. For more information, visit http://www.thegoring.com/.

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- As a special birthday treat to Explorateur readers, The Goring are offering an exclusive 2 night break. For only GBP £499, stay for 2 nights at The Goring in a Delightful King Room, enjoy an early dinner* in the award-winning Goring Dining Room on one night, and a full English breakfast both mornings of your stay. VAT is included. Valid for travel 1 Jan - 11 Apr 2010.

http://www.thegoring.com/

SANDRA'S WALKS- London

We all know London is so much better on foot than by train or car, and walking this fab city has never been so much fun thanks to Sandra Shevey. She knows the ins and outs of EVERY market and is all too happy to share her insider knowledge with you on her signature London Street Market Walks. These 3-hour personally guided jaunts celebrate the city's multicultural diversity, while taking care to ensure you're still getting the whole true cockney market experience, true to the city's roots. She keeps it even more interesting by mixing up the markets and route each day, so you're always sure to get a great surprise. Departing daily at 11 AM, £25

Shopping not your thing? Channel your inner mystery-movie-loving self and embark on the Alfred Hitchcock walk, where you'll pass by locations used in the multitude of movies in the brilliant writer/director's collection, and even be treated to audio clips of Hitchcock interviews along the way. Departing Mondays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays at 11 AM, £25

Get to steppin' and see London in a whole new way...

EXPLORATEUR EXCLUSIVE- 10% off all of Sandra's Walks, and her DVD documentary about London's ancient markets until February 2010. Contact Sandra herself to book at sandra_shevey@yahoo.com and be sure & tell her The Explorateur sent you!
Browse our Europe Travel Guide and know about the Luxury Travel Destinations of Europe. 

BATH, ENGLAND- 2 For 1 Summer Deals

Chances are, if you're reading this you've done London inside and out- probably more than a handful of times as well one should, it's a fabulous city. But, have you ever considered Bath? Well, if you're passing through Jolly Old this summer and find yourself with an extra day on your hands, we emphatically encourage you to venture out to the rolling hills of one of the world's most picturesque spots. Aside from us being tremendous fans of this positively charming and unforgettable city, there are quite a few more compelling reasons to visit Bath that we want to share.

1. It's a designated World Heritage Site (we always love that)

2. It boasts one of the world's most unique natural thermal Spa experiences

3. It's filled with dozens of retail gems

4. 2 for 1 SUMMER DEALS!!

That's right- we discovered some fantastic offers that make this the ideal day trip or overnight stop whilst in London. Travel this summer and receive deals like
-2 for 1 Tower Tours, Museum entries
-2 for 1 cream teas, or 3 courses for the price of 2 at select restaurants
-4 hours of indulgant bliss at Thermae Bath Spa for the price of 2 and more

Best part is it's only a 90 minute train ride from either Paddington or Waterloo Station in London. Click here for convenient schedules & train fares, and to register for the deals! http://www.firstgreatwestern.co.uk/TwoForOne.aspx

We provide Luxury Travel Services across the world for more information please visit www.theexplorateurportfolio.com