December 3, 2008

El $1 Million Vacation::


A battle is brewing for bragging rights to the most expensive vacation.

The Emirates Palace resort in Abu Dhabi has announced a Million Dollar Travel package that it promises “incarnates pure opulence.”

Along with first-class airfare and seven nights at a giant suite at the Palace, the package includes:

Chauffeur-driven Maybach at your disposal daily during your stay in Abu Dhabi.

Daily spa treatments.

Day trip in private jet to Iran where you’ll create your own Persian carpet with the country’s most-exclusive and best-renowned hand-maker.

Day trip to Bahrain in private jet for “a pearl deep sea experience,” with the pearl then hand-designed with jewelry settings.

The Emirates is hoping the trip gets it a slot in the Guinness Book of World Records. But it turns out that Leading Hotels of the World has its own ode to opulence. Its $1 million Around the World in 80 Ways trip, which plays off the storied journey of Phileas Fogg, “lets travelers recreate the 19th-century around-the-world fantasy experience with 21st-century comfort and flair.”

The 28-night trip starts in London and, along with stays in top hotels in 12 destinations, includes:

Camel safari and hot-air balloon ride in Dubai.

Dinner for two at Le Jules Verne restaurant in the Eiffel Tower.

A specially prepared dinner by Chef Oberoi in his studio in Mumbai, along with cocktails on the Taj yacht.

A traditional Japanese tea ceremony in Tokyo.

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