There is a general trend of consolidation in the luxury hotel market, with new hotels aligning themselves with the four or five leading luxury brands. For example, the time-worn Caruso on the Amalfi Coast was completely refurbished and has re-opened in the Orient-Express collection to great acclaim. Each hotel that has recently become part of One and Only (such as Kanuhura in the Maldives) has enjoyed quick sell-out situations.

To the discriminating traveller, this means that despite a hotel’s newness, if it has opened under one of the luxury umbrellas, book fast!

Your Confidante is always working to ensure that you are at the cutting edge of what's new in hotels. That the end, I am pleased to introduce ...

The Kasbah Tamadot is Richard Branson’s amazing new Moroccan resort located in the foothills of the high Atlas Mountains. This latest addition to the Limited Edition by Virgin portfolio of special places owned by Branson is one of the most stunning hotels in North Africa. Web site.

The Emirates Palace in Abu Dhabi is a wonder to behold for all who venture through its magnificent gates. Fairytales come to life as your senses are treated to an extraordinary and unforgettable experience. Direct flights by Etihad Airways from Toronto. Web site.

North Island resort in the Seychelles is a conservation-oriented, ethically driven company inspired by the philosophies of honoring their environment, and spoiling their guests. A unique, and regenerating, educational experience in an exclusive luxury lodge. Web site.

The Mandarin Oriental, Hong Kong has begun a $140 million renovation, losing the property until late August. The renovations will see the hotel's balconies enclosed, increasing the size of the rooms.

Westin Hotels goes smoke free. With research showing that 92% of Westin's guests request a non-smoking room when traveling and do not smoke in any part of the hotel, including public areas, Westin is the first smoke-free upscale hotel brand.

Fairmont Hotels, anchored by the famous Royal York and Chateau Laurier, has just been bought by a Saudi group, Kingdom Hotels, which also controls the Raffles brand.

Orient-Express Hotels is going one up on those pillow "concierges" and technology "butlers" at other high-end digs. In the spirit of love and St Valentine, they have introduced a Proposal Concierge to help pop the question.

For most vacationers, a hotel is a place to sleep and shower. Here are five instances, however, where the hotel is the destination. Enjoy MS-NBC’s roundup of the world’s top five most bizarre hotels, and make your next holiday a decidedly different experience. Would you like that coffin lid open, or closed, madam?

Later this month, your Confidante is traveling to Charleston SC, for the inaugural meeting of the world-wide Orient-Express Top Travel Agents Club. I am honored to be the only travel professional in Canada chosen to be part of this group.

In March, it’s off to Singapore to the Virtuoso Symposium for five days of meetings with luxury travel suppliers from around the world. I’ll be taking a week’s vacation, as well, including a cruise on the Star Clipper around Malaysia and Thailand.

Happy Travels!