Luxury travel has assumed a new meaning among vacationers looking to be submerged in their destinations’ natural environment. In response to a growing demand for close-to-nature vacation experiences, some progressive luxury resorts are eliminating the physical barriers between travelers and their ultimate destination: nature. These high-end resorts now offer open-air experiences that provide their elite clients with more than a beautifully appointed room, but also a tangible connection with the great outdoors.

Who says fitness and luxury vacations don’t mix? Crystal Cruises’ professional fitness directors suggest numerous ways for travelers to maintain or even start a fitness regime on any one of the ultra-luxury line’s worldwide vacations.

Introducing the recently opened Chalet Balthazar, Villars, offering luxury chalet- style accommodation with personal five star concierge. Based on site, the bi-lingual English owners are on hand to provide essential advice and make any necessary arrangements to ensure a stress free ski-break. From organising logistics of ski hire, passes and lessons to arranging skidoo rides to mountain refuges, from arranging a baby sitter, masseur or private chef, nothing is too much trouble. What’s more, their wealth of insider knowledge will help guests get the best out of their holiday.

JAL Hotels Co., Ltd. announced that The Montcalm, a Nikko Hotels International property in London, has reopened after a year-long total renovation. The new Montcalm is an ultra-luxurious hotel with five-star standards featuring world-class amenities. The hotel now features an elegant contemporary design while preserving its architectural heritage.

Emirates Hotels & Resorts’ new property joins exclusive Leading Hotels of the World listing

A new travel trade event is being launched to target Japan’s luxury market. Blossom Japan will be held in Tokyo in January 2011 as an invitation-only, and will be run by Lucioles, the new company headed by Jay Martens, Co-Founder of the Asia Luxury Travel Market.