The Star Diamond Standard

While many East Coast additions were welcomed to our family including the entire City of New York and the state of Rhode Island, for our West Coast readers we have compiled some of the most luxurious travel destinations from across the globe for your consideration. It is my New Year’s wish that you take the opportunity to experience these first-class venues in the coming year.

When considering your winter travels this season, the Harisch Hotel Weisses Rössl Kitzbühel in Austria is one Star Diamond property that must appear at the top of your wish list. Known for its winter sports, there are more than 100 miles of slopes, 56 cable cars and lifts, and 25 miles of cross-country tracks, meaning that skiing, snowboarding, snowshoe hiking, Nordic walking, tobogganing, and ice sports abound. In addition to the exposure to the great outdoors, the 68-room luxury property welcomes weary travelers with the down home, yet luxurious feel of a country-style abode that perfectly embraces the ambiance of a snowy mountain retreat, outfitted in the elegance of  silks, satins, and marbles. Dining at its finest includes seven-course gourmet specials that are flown in from all across the globe, while homemade marmalade and farmer’s bread grace the breakfast tables.

Harisch Hotel Weisses Rössl Kitzbühel
Austria
+43.535.671.900
www.roesslkitz.at

For those who are really looking to do some globe trekking this season, I must direct your attention to the InterContinental Almaty in Kazakhstan. While the name of the country might frighten the faint at heart, the name of the hotel should certainly reassure. Boasting one of the most prestigious addresses across from the Presidential Palace in Republic Square, the InterContinental Almaty delivers on the stellar reputation of service for which the luxury hotel group has become famous. In addition to brand recognition, recent renovations to the 277 guest rooms and suites catapulted the property into such posh status that former president Bill Clinton and Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin have been booked on past registries.

InterContinental Almaty
Kazakhstan
+007.727.250.5000
www.ichotelsgroup.com/intercontinental/en/gb/locations/almaty

For the international traveler who can’t seem to get enough gaming while traversing the globe, the award-winning architecture of the casino hotel, Galaxy StarWorld in Macau is a must. The designs of Rocco S. K. Yim make this an undeniable Macau landmark, with big city-bright lights that pay homage to true Las Vegas style in a Lego-like block motif. Though the 507 rooms and suites offer the poshest crash pads around, guests usually find it hard to tear themselves away from the 223 gaming tables and 283 slot machines. When the hunger becomes too much to bear, refresh your mind, soul, and tummy at one of the five gourmet restaurants found on site.

Galaxy StarWorld
Macau
853.2838.3838
www.starworldmacau.com

Known for stylish living with aesthetic overtones of comfort and technology, Hotel Martinez was built more than 70 years ago. It is a waterfront hotel that has firmly established itself over the decades as the flagship hotel on the Riviera and one of the top luxury properties in Europe. The beautiful exterior architecture of the seven-story hotel lends itself to a timeless and elegant eternal youth that transcends into the spacious and extravagant interior. Comprised of 412 rooms and suites, the hotel features three on-site restaurants, including the Michelin-starred La Palme d’Or, a piano bar, vast private beach, heated pool, and 15 meeting rooms and reception lounges, making it a popular destination no matter what time of year. With its prime location on the prestigious La Croisette, the hotel overlooks the palm tree-lined avenue that leads to the golden beaches of the French Riviera.

Hotel Martinez
73 Boulevard de la Croisette
06400 Cannes, France
04 92 98 73 00
www.hotel-martinez.com

When land travels become mundane, there is nothing that can compare with the luxuries aboard a private yacht. When the captain of MS Europa came calling for us, we happily complied with his commands for cruise line enjoyment. Setting international standards, the MS Europa is the ideal destination for a luxurious private sphere with an obliging staff. The ship accommodates 408 guests and is comprised solely of suites. Once guests have boarded this award-winning vessel they are privy to single seating dining at the Europa Restaurant where they can order from an a la carte menu while gazing out large panoramic windows. There are two additional dining options at the more intimate specialty restaurants Oriental and Venezia where the very best of Euro-Asia and Italian cuisine are served. The ship also features the various cruise amenities and activities, all which guarantee relaxation in sophisticated surroundings. For onboard shopping needs, I recommend the exclusive high-end boutiques on the Promenade.

MS EUROPA
www.hl-cruises.com

But if leaving the U.S. doesn’t tickle your fancy this year, a trip to New York to take in the culinary delights at da Umberto is certainly a must. Da Umberto, open since 1988, is nestled in the heart of Chelsea and offers a delectable menu, an extremely palatable wine list, and a personal touch from its staff, which helps to explain why many call this the most authentic Italian restaurant in the entire city. There is an inviting bar and naturally lit dining room that quickly fills nightly with patrons. Dishes you won’t want to pass up on include house-made pasta; grilled fish; Porterhouse steak for two; roast suckling pig with wild fennel; and sushi grade tuna with spice rub and salsa verde.

Da Umberto
107 W. 17th St., New York
212-989-0303
www.daumbertonyc.com