The Suite Life

What’s new, Buenos Aires?  Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Inc. has just announced plans to develop the first St. Regis Hotel & Residences in Buenos Aires, set to open in 2010 in the newly hip town of Puerto Madero.

 Puerto Madero is quickly emerging as the new “it” spot in the city with its exciting array of nightlife, cool cuisine and funky boutiques. What was once the city’s cargo terminal is now a prime destination for tourists and locals alike.

 But unlike most renovated neighborhoods, Puerto Madero retains its old world charm in the face of so much newness.  Old signs, original brick buildings, and the calm pace of the Rio de la Plata give the bustling town a unique sense of history.  An excellent place for both a hot night on the town and a daytime stroll, Puerto Madero is yet another gem in the cultural extravaganza that exists in Buenos Aires.

 The St. Regis Hotel & Residences in Buenos Aires boasts not only this prime location but also the high standard of luxury that one has come to expect from the St. Regis brand.  This includes an exclusive spa, intricately designed spaces and restaurants, one-of-a-kind experiences and the legendary butler service that provides expert attention to the needs of each guest.

 For the full press release announcing the new St. Regis click here.

 Experience the luxury of The St. Regis a little closer to home

 Perfect Escapes also recomends these Buenos Aires Hotels:

 Sofitel Buenos Aires

Faena Hotel and Universe

When it comes to luxury hotels, nothing is left out, including 5-star dining. More and more hotels are wowing their guests not only with outstanding location, décor and service, but with food as well. In the past few years the most luxurious destinations have paid special attention to the culinary senses of their well-traveled guests, particularly with very special sweet endings.

The Fortress Hotel in Sri Lanka is one such luxury destination that offers the world’s most expensive dessert, a $14,500 chocolate figurine and fruit concoction. The crown jewel of this edible experience is the 80-carat aquamarine stone that dates back to a centuries old fishing legend that claims the stone has the powers of the ocean to protect and promote happiness.

While no one has yet ordered this sweet ending, luxury hotels are now recognizing that creating a memorable vacation experience means saving room for dessert.

Other expensive desserts and luxury hotels from Forbes Traveler

What: Valrhona Chocolate Sphere
Where: Al Mahara, Burj Al Arab Hotel;
Price: $48

Warm chocolate sauce is poured over a very thin chocolate shell, causing the sphere to implode, which reveals luscious raspberries and layers of chocolate inside.

What: King-size Imperial Torte
Where: Hotel Imperial
Price: $57

Comprised of almond, marzipan and cocoa crème under a milk-chocolate glaze, this handmade cake is presented in a fanciful wooden box and shipped to Ottoman lovers all over the world.

According to the Miami Herald, Regent Hotels & Resorts left its 80-room property Regent South Beach due to disappointing occupancy levels and room rates. The Spain-based hotel operator Vincci Hoteles took over the property, renamed Vincci South Beach, on Friday. In the United States, Vincci also operates Vincci Avalon in Manhattan and Vincci Garden Court in Palo Alto California. According to Regent’s web site, the operator continues to develop the Regent Bal Harbour, Florida, which is scheduled to open in early 2008.

Related Articles:

Exclusive Offer at the Regent South Beach (now Vincci South Beach) from $699/night

Register for the Perfect 10 Newsletter on Perfect Escapes between September 7 and December 31, 2007 and you’re automatically entered to win a 3-night luxury getaway at the Wynn Las Vegas.

Your prize includes:

• 3-night stay in a luxury salon suite at the Wynn Las Vegas
• Dinner at the SW Steakhouse at the Wynn ($400 dining credit)
• 2 tickets to Le Reve
• $400 credit for spa or shopping
• Airport limo service at arrival & departure

Visit the most recent edition of the Perfect 10 on the site to see an example of the semi-monthly newsletter.

Tucson Escape – Loews Ventana Canyon Resort

No, it’s not a painted backdrop. You really are looking out your window at waterfalls, Saguaro cacti and 100 magnificent acres of a lush desert sanctuary. Tee off on one of two signature 18-hole Tom Fazio PGA golf courses. Cool down in a pool or chill out at the spa. Dine at the Ventana Room, Tucson’s only five-diamond restaurant.

Exclusively for Perfect Escapes members, the two-night Tucson Escape offer includes:

* Luxurious overnight accommodations
* A $50 resort credit to spend on spa services, golf, food and beverages, or retail purchases

Guests who book this package — or any other Loews Ventana Canyon Resort stay through Perfect Escapes — also receive:

* Breakfast for two each day in the restaurant, or through room service
* Daily complimentary parking
* Early 12pm check-in*
* Late 4pm check-out*
* A complimentary room upgrade*
* Complimentary access to the resort’s workout facilities
(* based on availability)

Rates for this special offer start at:$219 per night through September 30
$249 per night for stays October 1 through November 17
$189 per night for stays November 18 through January 8, 2008

This is a limited time offer so book the Loews Ventana Canyon Resort soon.