Sandy Lane in Barbados raises the bar for standards of luxury. And for the true hedonist, Sandy Lane is very hip indeed. Sandy Lane opened in 1961, but was completely demolished in 1998 only for a complete replica to take its place with each Caribbean Georgian detail very carefully adhered to. With a gorgeous golf course and spa (well, you wouldn’t expect anything less), Sandy Lane is the epitome of Caribbean luxury.

Sandy Lane might boast total opulence, but some like their luxury a little more understated, so just down the road in Barbados is The House, so laid back that it feels that you’re staying at, well, a House, rather than a hotel. But it may be during a complimentary daily champagne breakfast at The House that guests are reminded how excellently they are taken care of at this diamond of a Caribbean bolthole.

Up in sunny California is another type of luxury altogether. Think “celebrity retreat” and Chateau Marmont immediately springs to mind – the ultimate in A-List escapism. This is the quintessence of La La Land, an enduring feature of the movie screen scene since the early Thirties. But such a high profile has not jeopardised the ultimate exclusivity of this Hollywood mainstay: its bungalows, cottages and suites are all nestled among lush gardens for the utmost in discretion and privacy. Check into Chateau Marmont to sample the truest of A-list experiences.

Also topping the coveted World’s Top Hotels list is Richard Branson’s retreat in Morocco, Kasbah Tamdot. Set in the foothills of the Atlas Mountains, this is a real “get away from it all” experience, where guests can drop into local Berber homes for glasses of mint tea, explore the medinas in Marrakech and dine on extraordinary food conjured up by the resident chefs at Kasbah Tamadot.

For more information about Virgin Holidays + Hip Hotels visit www.vhiphotels.co.uk or call 0844 573 2460

Catering for those who love to plan ahead, the brochure enables customers to secure the exact holiday that they want. Featuring a hand picked selection of some of the best selling resorts in Florida and the Caribbean.

Virgin Holidays is also offering a price guarantee for summer 2011. If customers find a lower price by 21 April’10, then Virgin Holidays will match any of our holidays flying with Virgin Atlantic, to the same hotel, against any ABTA/ATOL Tour Operator.
*When customers book online or at selected travel agent partners. ** Terms and conditions apply

Other incentives include free regional connections to Gatwick and Heathrow (subject to availability on selected dates and airports) as well as direct flights from Glasgow to Orlando, every weekend from May to October; these will depart every Saturday and most Sundays. Plus, customers can still take advantage of the Virgin Holidays exclusive invitation to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter™.

The brochure will enable customers to spread the cost of their holiday evenly over the year. With the direct debit scheme, customers can afford those flight and room upgrades, or even buy all their tickets and excursions now, paying a little each month.

Added extras:

· Kids from only £399
· Kids Eat Free Card – For all Orlando package holidays, kids aged 11 years and under will receive their own ‘Kids Eat Free Card’ which is valid in over 130 restaurants in the Orlando Area. Guests simply pick up their card at their welcome meeting. *One FREE child meal is offered with an adult meal or entrée. Conditions apply. For full details and restrictions see www.kidseatfreecard.com.
· Free Car Upgrade if staying 7 nights at any Disney Hotel.
· Twilight check-in service at Gatwick.
· Downtown Disney Check-in – Exclusively free to Virgin Holidays guests, who can Check-in their luggage from 8.30am on the morning of departure, where they receive their boarding pass and seat assignment, allowing customers to relax and enjoy their last day.

Orlando
7 nights in Orlando from £699
Seven nights in Orlando with Virgin Holidays, including scheduled flights with Virgin Atlantic from London Gatwick to Orlando, accommodation at the 3V Quality Inn International on a room only basis with car hire included. Prices are per person, based on 2 adults travelling and sharing a standard room, price includes all applicable taxes and fuel surcharges which are subject to change. Prices are based on departures from 05 Sep – 13 Oct 2011.

Walt Disney World Resort
7 nights in Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando from £869
Seven nights in Walt Disney World Resort, Orlando with Virgin Holidays, including scheduled flights with Virgin Atlantic from London Gatwick to Orlando, accommodation at the 3V Disney’s Pop Century Resort on a room only basis with car hire included. Prices are per person, based on 2 adults travelling and sharing a standard room, price includes all applicable taxes and fuel surcharges which are subject to change. Prices are based on departures from 26 Aug – 04 Sep 2011.

Self-Catering Option
7 nights in Kissimmee from £710
Seven nights in Kissimmee with Virgin Holidays, including scheduled flights with Virgin Atlantic from London Gatwick to Orlando, accommodation at the Coral Cay Resort on a self catering basis with car hire included. Prices are per person, based on 8 adults travelling and sharing a 4-bedroom townhouse, price includes all applicable taxes and fuel surcharges which are subject to change. Prices are based on departures from 06 – 16 Jun Oct 2011.

Caribbean
7 nights in Barbados from £799
Seven nights in Barbados with Virgin Holidays, including scheduled flights with Virgin Atlantic from London Gatwick to Barbados, accommodation at the 3V All Seasons Resort Europa on a self catering basis with transfers included. Prices are per person, based on 2 adults travelling and sharing a 1 bedroom apartment, price includes all applicable taxes and fuel surcharges which are subject to change. Prices are based on departures from 01 Sep – 13 Oct 2011.

Take The House in Barbados. This is a beachside version of the hippest downtown bolthole. And with only 34 rooms and suites, exclusivity is the name of the game. Guests staying at The House compare the experience to staying in a private villa, except here there’s a complimentary champagne breakfast every morning and a personal ambassador to cater to every whim. From £1,859 for seven nights.

For those looking for a true A-list experience, the Travel Gurus advise guests to leave overtly flashy glamour behind and check-in to the iconic Chateau Marmont in Los Angeles.  This hotel has truly earned its spot on the list of the World’s Top Hotels for its unrivalled location, scandalous history and total intrigue – Chateau Marmont is as ‘Hollywood’ as you get. Yes, this is where Jean Harlow carried on an affair with Clark Gable, and where Jim Morrison jumped off the roof of a poolside cabana. This is where the real A-list starlets retreat to – to the bungalows, cottages and suites nestled in the gardens of Chateau Marmont, guaranteeing absolute privacy. From £1,499 for four nights.

Morocco is fast becoming the hottest destination of 2010. And it’s no surprise that Richard Branson’s Kasbah Tamadot is right at the top of the list of the World’s Top Hotels. This stunning retreat is set at the foothills of the High Atlas Mountains and guests are free to explore the area on one of Kasbah Tamadot’s resident mules, stopping by a traditional Berber home for a glass of mint tea. Guests love the local cuisine served up in Kanoun, Kasbah Tamdot’s restaurant, created by Head Chef, Lee Cowie. From £759 for three nights.

New York has dozens of top-quality hotels, but only a handful makes it on to the list of the World’s Top Hotels. Gramercy Park Hotel earns its place by maintaining total glamour, style, quality and service since 1925. Decades of stars have flocked to the Gramercy Park Hotel, inspired by its charm and exclusive clientele that can be found at the Rose Bar and Jade Bar. Babe Ruth liked to drink at the bar, Humphrey Bogart was married here and Mark Twain liked to play in the park. From £859 for three nights.
For more information about Virgin Holidays + Hip Hotels visit www.vhiphotels.co.uk or call 0844 573 2460

Hotels in Orlando range from the first-class and deluxe accommodation to the budget-friendly two star and up lodging conveniently located near to the city’s main attractions. If your target destination is Disney World, you may choose from Orlando hotels located inside the park and enjoy a special discount with Disney park admissions. In addition, you may opt for the surrounding Orlando area hotels, many of which will provide free shuttle service to and from Disney World.

Orlando is located in the centre of the state, so first time travellers to Florida may wish to spend some time on one of the state’s pristine beaches. Try an international flight into one of the seaside resort areas such as Miami, located about two hours from Greater Orlando. Miami hotels abound with options for sea view rooms or moderately priced accommodation that is walking distance to the beach.

Disney World and Epcot Center are the main attractions for the millions of visitors that make their way to Orlando each year. Tickets may be purchased at the main gate for a one-day’s admission, or preferably, you may opt to purchase a multi-day pass.

In addition to the Disney attractions, Orlando is teaming with interesting places to explore. For an adventurous evening out for dinner and floor show, try Medieval Times for a hearty meal and interactive entertainment. The show is set in a lavish English-style castle with a thrilling performance from the knights on horseback. Watch the jousting and expert equestrian showmanship while pampered by your “wench” with a four course meal. Medieval Times is opened daily and reservations are strongly recommended.

And when you need to find that perfect souvenir, Orlando is a shopping paradise with many outlet malls to serve you. Shop till you drop at Orlando Premium Outlets for best bargain deals and savings up to 75% off retail. Located at 8200 Vineland Ave, this mega shopping centre has over 150 stores that carry international brands to include Armani, Barney’s of New York, Fendi, Nike and more.

Another popular choice for best bargain shopping is the Lake Buena Vista Factory Stores, located just minutes from Walt Disney World at 15657 S. Apopka Vineland Road. This favorite shop spot features Disney merchandise at huge discounts and has an action-packed playground for the kids. Free shuttle service may be arranged from participating Orlando hotels with pick-ups commencing at 9 AM.

Booking your holiday in Orlando may be made through a pre-planned itinerary or a self-guided tour with local hotels. The length of stay in this bustling city should be at least five nights to enjoy everything Disney has made available and take in the sights, sounds and flavours of Orlando’s fine restaurants and nightlife.

There are of course many different geographic regions of Florida, and each has its own unique set of elements to offer. Perhaps one of the most famous cities in Florida is Miami, and for good reason. Miami is host to some of the best nightlife and dining in the world, and is a bustling city full of tourists and locals alike. If you are searching out villas to rent in Florida, Miami is full of them. Combine all of this with beautiful beaches and you’ve got a wonderful spot for a holiday. Keep in mind, however, that Miami is more of an adult holiday spot than other parts of Florida as most of the excitement is geared towards nightlife.

Another famous city in Florida is Orlando, and is perhaps the best area to take a family on holiday. Orlando is an area surrounded with theme parks, and also happens to be one of the most beautiful parts of the state. Orlando villas are very easy to come by, and there are many Orlando villas to rent for only a week or two if need be.

The fact that there are so many Florida villas for rent is reason enough to holiday there. Holiday villas in Florida are just about everywhere along the coast, and in areas such as Daytona Beach, they can be rented very reasonably. In fact, most people who holiday in Florida rent villas as opposed to any other type of lodging. This can turn your holiday into more than just time away from work – it can turn it into an experience that your whole family will remember time and time again for years to come.

So remember – if you are looking to holiday in the sun, consider giving Florida a chance.