INSIDE LUXURY TRAVEL – THE FINEST
Presenter: Varun Sharma
During a visit to the Karen Lynne Gallery in Los Angeles, presenter Varun Sharma was lucky enough to pick up a stunning sculpture by innovative Floridian artist David Langley.
To get even more first class information and tips on luxury travel, be sure to tune into INSIDE LUXURY TRAVEL – THE FINEST WITH VARUN SHARMA exclusively on Travel Channel.
Episode 1: Monaco 1
Varun checks out the finest hotels in Monaco starting with the newest boutique property The Port Palace. Then, he heads for one of the oldest hotels in the Principality - the legendary Hermitage. Next up, one of his favourite hotels in the world, The Mirabeau - for very personal reasons, followed by The Metropole complete with a Michelin-starred Joel Robouchon restaurant. He finally ends up at the Columbus Hotel which is co-owned by F1 legend David Coulthard.
Episode 2: Monaco 2
Varun Sharma has 5 luxury hotels left to review and he starts off with the largest property on the French Riviera, The Fairmont, followed by the hotel that is possibly the most famous hotel in Europe - The Hotel de Paris. He then checks out the only hotel in Monaco with a private beach, Le Meridien, followed by the Summer celebrity hang-out complete with trendy bar at the Monte Carlo Beach Club. He ends his visit at The Monte Carlo Bay Hotel - the newest luxury hotel in the Principality.
Episode 3: London 1
In London, Varun visits The Four Seasons, Park Lane, takes tea at The Ritz, rediscovers his love of whisky & cigars at The Athenauem, is fascinated by the history of The Stafford and finally plays golf and sips the most expensive champagne cocktail in the world at The Jumeirah Carlton Tower.
Episode 4: London 2
Varun kicks off at one of his favourite hotels - The Mandarin Oriental, then ventures through London's oldest hotel - Brown's. He’s taught wine appreciation at The Milestone, discovers Canary Wharf at The Four Seasons and finally lives it up in one of London's finest suites at 1 Aldwych!
Episode 5: Hong Kong 1
In this episode Varun discovers 5 luxury hotels. The first luxury boutique hotel is in Hong Kong - the Jai, the next represents 'ultimate luxury' - The Four Seasons. The third hotel is the newly refurbished Mandarin Oriental, then we're off to the luxury business hotel - the Conrad and finally Varun stays in the most expensive hotel room in Asia at the Intercontinental!!
Episode 6: Hong Kong 2
In this episode Varun starts off at The Island Shangri- La boasting the world's largest silk painting, he's then off to the finest luxury city boutique hotel in the world - The Landmark. Swiftly he moves onto the Grand Hyatt, then over the harbour to the world-famous Peninsula Hotel before ending up at the eclectic Salvador Dali-esque Luxe Manor!!
Episode 7: Tokyo 1
Varun visits 5 luxury hotels in Japan's capital city. He starts at the Grand Hyatt in Roppongi - and visits the only hotel suite in Tokyo that has its own swimming pool. Then he trots off to Chinzanso - home to the Four Seasons - which is set in stunning Japanese gardens that include a pagoda, temple and tea-house. Then it’s high tea at The Peninsula, followed by relaxation at the Mandarin Oriental and he ends with a visit to his frequent home in Tokyo - the Seiyo Ginza!!
Episode 8: Tokyo 2
Varun starts the show at The Conrad which has excellent views over Tokyo Harbour and a superb cigar room! Then he visits the Four Seasons, Marunouchi where he goes shopping with the "Shopping Concierge" and has a non-traditional Japanese tea. Then it’s over to the Hilton, home to the world famous Teppan Grill - with Chef Konumi and finally the Ritz-Carlton and a $150.00 sandwich in Tokyo's tallest skyscraper!
Episode 9: LA1
Varun starts his hotel reviews at the Oceana in Santa Monica. It was once home to Stan Laurel from Laurel & Hardy fame. From there he heads down the street to Le Merigot where he takes a surfing lesson in the Pacific Ocean. Over to the OC - at the Montage at Laguna Beach - he takes a cooking lesson from the great James Boyce and ends up at Suite 1001 at the Beverly Wilshire (a Four Seasons hotel) where Warren Beatty lived for a decade!
Episode 10: LA2
The first hotel Varun looks at is the Four Seasons - Los Angeles at Beverly Hills where the staff do all the talking! Then it’s over to the legendary Hotel Bel-Air where Varun checks out The Crowes Nest ... where Russell Crowe stayed when he won his first Oscar! Then it’s over to the Raffles L'Ermitage where he discovers the LA art scene and finally ends up at The Peninsula - Beverly Hills where he takes a wine tasting lesson ... California's finest - of course!
Episode 11: Miami 1
First stop in this episode is the Ritz Carlton South Beach which has the world's first "tanning butler" , followed by a most excellent massage at the Fairmont Turnberry Isle. Varun Sharma takes a golf lesson at The Mandarin Oriental followed by the BEST - BEST - BEST - ever Spaghetti Carbonara at Il Mulino at Aqualina in the "Sunny Isles".
Episode 12: Miami 2
Fisher Island Club is Varun's first stop, it’s one of his favourite hotels in the world. Then it’s The Setai and The Ritz-Carlton on Key Biscayne where he drinks one of the most expensive rums in the world. He ends at The Victor on Ocean Drive which was originally opened in 1937! There he interviews the "Vibe Manager" ... hmmm?
Episode 13: Look Back from the Grove.
Varun & the team look back at the Season from The Grove in Hampshire ...