Phileas Fogg’s 80-Day Around the World Race Updated for

Top Auction Lot Benefiting Elton John’s AIDS Foundation at

Oscar Viewing Party February 24

(NEW YORK, February 12, 2008) - It was 80 years ago that two international legends were launched:  the Academy Awards and The Leading Hotels of the World, Ltd.  And to celebrate that mutual milestone, Leading Hotels has drawn on all the adventure, romance and excitement that made the Academy Award-winning classic “Around the World in 80 Days” so memorable to create an Oscar-worthy performance in luxury travel:  “Around the World in 80 Ways”. 

Celebrating eight decades of international hospitality excellence, The Leading Hotels of the World pays homage to this epic film, creating an extraordinary journey around the globe, retracing (loosely) the steps of Phileas Fogg, brilliantly played by legendary actor David Niven.

The 28-day odyssey for one lucky couple will be a highlight of an auction to benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation, which will take place during the Foundation’s 16^th annual Academy Awards viewing party, February 24, 2008.   The auctioneer for this stellar gathering will be David Niven’s son Jamie Niven.

The trip begins in London, the starting point for Phileas Fogg’s quest.  It continues on to Paris, Dubai, Mumbai, Jaipur, Udaipur, Hong Kong, Tokyo, Honolulu, San Francisco, Chicago and New York.  The winning bidders, who will be flying first class all the way, will stay in ultra-luxurious Leading hotels and resorts in all 12 destinations, where they will enjoy exotic experiences and unmatched elegance.

In addition to exquisite suite accommodations throughout, just a few of the elements of this once-in-a-lifetime trip include a camel safari in the desert, couture and bespoke wardrobes, dinner for two at Le Jules Verne in the Eiffel Tower, a traditional Japanese tea ceremony, a private cocktail cruise on the Arabian Sea, personal butlers, soothing couples’ massages, private dinner for two afloat on India’s Lake Pichola, and Rolls Royce Phantom limousines. Every detail has been richly imagined. [Back to Press Releases Main]