Located in the middle of Paris’ active business district, the luxury Meliá Paris La Défense hotel adds elegance to the busy business district of Paris, France. Owned by Meliá Hotels International, Meliá Paris La Défense has become the biggest, four-star hotel that has opened in Paris in ten years.

Paris is known for its incredible landmarks. From this new luxury hotel, enjoy amazing views from your room – including the famous Eiffel Tower. There are 369 guest rooms in total. Included in this number are 29 luxury suites. The hotel is 19 stories high, with guest rooms on the first 18 floors Offering luxury accommodations to both business and leisure travel, the hotel is a perfect choice to enjoy the best Paris has to offer.

For a fine dining experience, be sure to book a reservation at Le Miroir restaurant. Gazing out of the restaurant’s windows, take in views of the Greek artist Takis’ “Bright Trees” exhibit, plus Esplanade water mirror fountain. As you scan the meal menu, you’ll notice enticing entree choices consisting of a delicate fusion of Spanish tradition and international cuisines.

The other restuarant at Meliá Paris La Défense is named The Place lobby bar & lounge. This eating establishment can be found on hotel’s ground floor. Compared to Le Miroir, this restaurant is rather casual. To take advantage of the outdoor terrace, dine with friends, family or business associates in a relaxing environment.

The architectural design of this Parisian hotel takes the shape of the sail of a boat. The clever design was created by Vasconi Architects, in collaboration with Jean-Phillipe Nuel, who is a respected French interior designer.

Due to its central location in Paris’ business district, the hotel makes the perfect place to hold important business meetings or off-site meetings. The event space at the hotel covers greater than 2,775 square feet. In total, there are 8 conference rooms. Between the entire space, the hotel can accommodate up to 400 people at a time. The area is equipped with WiFi, in addition to high-end audio-visual equipment.

After a busy day sightseeing or wrapping up that important meeting, be sure to head up to the 19th floor. You will find the Skyline Paris Lounge & Bar. This fun establishment offers tremendous Paris views. Enjoy a night of the best DJs as well as live music. Kick back and socialize with great tasting cocktails and delicious appetizers.

The luxury hotel has an endless list of luxury amenities to make your stay memorable. The hotel staff is attentive and very professional. THE LEVEL is the hotel’s signature service. Enjoy express check-in, a private lounge, a full breakfast buffet each morning, tea in the afternoon plus cocktails after dinner.

When it’s time to retire to your guest room for the night, you’re in luck. The rooms are both spacious and modern, plus very well maintained. Each room features an en-suite bathroom that comes with a rain shower. The beds are oh so comfortable and fitted with superior-quality linens. A perfect recipe for a great night’s sleep. If you want to a little TV and catch a movie or show, each room has its own flat-screen satellite television.

There is so much to see and do in Paris. Be sure to get out and enjoy this magical city, widely known as “The City of Light”. Be sure to visit the iconic Eiffel Tower River, Gothic Notre-Dame cathedral, Arc de Triomphe, Louvre museum, Jardin du Luxembourg, Sacré-Coeur basilica, Montmartre, Place de la Concorde, Versailles Palace, Moulin Rouge, Musée d’Orsay, Panthéon, Palais Royal and so much more! Be sure to plan enough time because Paris has so much to offer visitors to this wonderful European city and capital of France.

The Life of Luxury invites you to discover Paris and stay at the Meliá Paris La Défense hotel. Our vacation specialists can assist your Paris trip. Return to this luxury for the best in luxury travel.

Photo: Meliá Paris La Défense

The incredible Swiss Alps are wonderful to visit anytime of the year. If you do decide to travel to Switzerland, a stay at a Verbier chalet is a must. Verbier is a village situated in the south-western corner of Switzerland. The border of France is to the west and Italy to the south. Verbier resides at an elevation of about 1,500 meters high.

The Verbier chalet offers elegance and an impressive interior decor. Built in 2008, this Swiss chalet is located on the outskirts of Verbier, but close to the town’s center. This quaint village is a vacationers dream. Stunning views of the Alps are at every turn.

The three story chalet is spacious and features accommodations totaling 4 bedrooms. 3 of those bedrooms are convenient en-suites. The chalet can sleep up to 8 people. Located on the luxury Verbier chalet’s top floor is the master bedroom. It has an en-suite bathroom and roomy dressing area. Step out and take in the awesome views of the nearby rural pastures and Alps from the bedroom’s own private balcony.

Also on the top floor is a comfortable twin bedroom. It has an adjacent shower room. On the first floor, you will find 2 additional bedrooms. One has a queen bed and the other with twin beds. Both of these first floor bedrooms come with an en-suite. All beds in the 4 bedrooms are fitted with luxurious, White Company bed linen.

There are a total of 4 bathrooms, including 3 en-suites plus as separate bathroom. There’s also an additional W.C. on the lower floor of the luxury chalet. To match the bed linen, White Company towels can be found in all of the property’s bathrooms.

The primary living and dining area is located on the second or middle floor of the Verbier chalet. It’s an open plan that provides plenty of room for your family and guests. From the middle floor, you can go out onto either expansive balcony or terrace. Take time to soak in the 360 degree views of the Swiss Alps. Anytime of the year, it’s a magical VIP experience! For entertainment purpose, the Verbier chalet is equipped with an awesome Bose Home Entertainment System plus large LCD TV. Perfect for relaxing and watching a TV show or sporting event. In addition, select from a variety of your favorite videos for all ages, from the chalet’s own collection. Another nice feature is that all the bedrooms include iPod docking stations.

Verbier is a an amazing, year round destination. There is so much to do and see in this village and its surrounding area. During the popular winter months, the town really comes alive. Verbier is part of whats commonly known as the “Four Valleys” ski area. The three others are Nendaz, Thyon and Veysonnaz. Enjoy tremendous, world-class skiing and snowboarding for all skill levels.

During the balance of the year, enjoy a variety of outdoor activities including – hiking, golfing cycling and swimming. At the nearby Verbier sport centre, there’s an indoor as well as outdoor swimming pools. Get fit playing tennis or using the exercise facility. After a busy day, relax and unwind at the luxury sauna. There are plenty more things to do for both children and adults.

Make your next luxury vacation a memorable one. Plan a trip to Switzerland and stay at this luxury Verbier Chalet. Our travel specialists can assist you with all of your itinerary details. Return again soon to follow this luxury blog for the latest travel industry news.

Italy has long been a popular choice for travelers. The European country is rich in both history and culture. We wanted to share 4 amazing culinary experiences in Italy. Don’t settle for seeing only the sights that hordes of tourists flock to. Immerse yourself in the best Italy has to offer.

Fuoritinerario – Discover Your Italy is a well respected, travel company that is located in Perugia, Italy. They take pride in creating authentic excursions and the chance to see the true “Italian’s Italy.” Fuoritinerario is now offering 4 amazing culinary experiences that will delight your culinary desires. These exclusive travel packages offer a unique way to enjoy wonderful Italian food, plus take part in cooking classes.

For a once in a lifetime treat, these new culinary travel packages provide the opportunity to explore the canals of Venice, enjoy open air-dining in the streets of Siena and see the historic palazzos by the sea in Sicily. It’s a cultural experience you don’t want to miss.

Sicilian Cooking Traditions Revealed in a 19th Century Sicilian Kitchen (Catania photo above)
The sea meets the mountains in Catania’s authentic recipes featuring an incredible variety of dishes and flavors that spring from the cultural melting pot that is Sicilian fare. Guests who seek to learn more about Sicily’s culinary fusion can embark on a gastronomical adventure beginning with a guided tour of Pescheria (the traditional fish market). After purchasing local ingredients, head to a stunning 19th century kitchen of the Catania Historical Society for a cooking class where traditional dishes, such as spaghetti rolls alla Norma, pasta with squid ink and ricotta cheese or with anchovies and wild fennel, fish meatballs (whitebait), caponata, cannolo or the so-called “St. Agatha’s breasts” will be prepared and savored.

Dine in the Streets of Siena During the Palio with a Contrada
Twice a year, the 17 districts or contrade of Siena compete against each other in the world-renown race, the Palio di Siena. On the next race day s – August 16, guests will enjoy the thrilling atmosphere of the Palio Horse Race in Siena and dine with one of the district teams in the afternoon. Belissimo! Prior to the race, guests will assist with the medieval parade that showcases all the teams in their colorful dress and, of course, the beautiful horses. Later, after guests catch their breath from watching the legendary horse-race, they will join one of the contradas for their open air dinner – hopefully it is the winning district!

Live Like a Royal: Attend a Gala at a Venetian Palace
For one night in Venice, guests will live the life of a noble Venetian aristocrat as they are whisked away aboard a private water taxi to a gala dinner set in a palace overlooking the Grand Canal. It will be an evening of total sensory experiences while guests linger over cocktails and dinner in this extremely unique historic mansion that has welcomed a legendary A-List from today’s Hollywood set to the Doges of Venice and Italian Nobility.

Cooking by the Sea in Sicily with The Duchess
This is not a simple cooking lesson in an 18th century palazzo by the sea. It’s a fascinating journey through Sicilian culture and food. Rise early, meet ‘The Duchess’ and follow her through a colorful local market to buy the seasons freshest ingredients. Throughout her tour, The Dutchess will share hidden treasures of Palermo, one of the most intriguing cities of the Mediterranean. In the spacious and historic kitchen at her palazzo, guests will learn to cook a whole Sicilian menu under The Duchess’ guidance. After lunch in the elegant dining room, enjoy a tour of the lush terrace and the beautifully restored palazzo, the last home of Prince Giuseppe Tomasi di Lampedusa, author of the world-famous novel The Leopard.

Has Italy been on your Bucket List as a lifetime dream destination? Then consider making plans and booking one of these incredible travel itineraries. Visit this fascinating country and see some of the most amazing historical landmarks in the world.

Contact The Life of Luxury if interested in booking one of the above, amazing culinary experiences in Italy. Our travel specialists can help plan your next luxury vacation, anywhere in the world. Stop by soon and follow this lxuury blog. Keep up on the latest travel trends and news.

Photo: Fuoritinerario – Discover Your Italy

The world’s biggest wine festival is held each year in Bad Dürkheim, Germany. Held during the second and third weekend of September, Wurstmarkt hits an important milestone year. 2016 will mark the 600 year occurrence of this popular wine festival. The very first German wine festival was held way back in the year 1417.

Wine making is big business in Germany. The European country has thirteen different wine growing regions. The regions produce incredible wines ranging from crisp Riesling wines to a floral Pinot Noir.

What is interesting is that the wine festival’s name – Wurstmarkt – translates to sausage market. Most people don’t associate wine and sausage together. The town of Bad Dürkheim is located in the premier wine-growing state, Rhineland Palatinate. The legend of how Wurstmarkt got its name is due to the large amounts of sausage that was eaten during the early years of the wine festival. Now it’s the World’s Biggest Wine Festival and people attend from all around the world.

It is expected that greater than 600,000 people will attend this year’s wine festival in Germany. Be sure to check out the Giant Cask, named Dürkheimer Riesenfass. It’s known as the biggest wine barrel in the world. Surprisingly, it even includes a restaurant inside.

Wine connoisseurs can try about 300 award-winning wines and sparkling wines. In addition to the many food and drink stands, plan on enjoying the various fairground carnival rides. There will also be music concerts and spectacular fireworks displays. This is an amazing cultural experience that should not be missed, especially for wine lovers.

This year’s Wurstmarkt wine festival will be held on the consecutive weekends of September 9 to 13 and 16 to 19.

Be sure to attend Wurstmarkt in Germany at the World’s Biggest Wine Festival. Contact The Life of Luxury today for help booking your luxury travel itinerary. Come back again to follow our luxury blog and read about other popular events from around the world.

Opened in the summer 2013, the impressive MuCEM museum is holding an awesome, art exhibition about Pablo Picasso. It will display 270 of Picasso’s works. The MuCEM stands for the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations. This national museum in Marseille, France first opened in the summer of 2013.

Between April 27 and August 29, 2016 the MuCEM museum exhibition is broken into four different sections. Each of these will mirror the masterpieces of Picasso. The famous artist’s works will be accompanied by various reference-objects from the museum.

This exhibition was a massive undertaking and included contributions and partnerships with many organization and partnership, such as with the Musée National Picasso-Paris. In addition to viewing some of his most famous pieces, there will be other surprises and insights into his life.

Pablo Picasso was born on October 25, 1881 in Spain. He passed away in Mougins, France on April 8, 1973. He was 91 years old. The Spanish artist had many talents. He was a painter, sculpture and ceramist. In addition, many people aren’t aware he was also a playwright and poet. His legendary works will be admired for years to come.

When Albert Camus won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1957, we stated in his acceptance speech, “Art obliges the artist not to keep himself apart; it subjects him to the most humble and the most universal truth. That is why true artists scorn nothing.” What a moving and profound quote.

Picasso was influenced by numerous artists over this career. This MuCEM exhibition takes attendees on a magical journey through his art. You’ll discover his interests that turned into his work, such as “Jacqueline with Mantilla” with music, “Blue Acrobat” with the circus and “Bull’s Head” and bullfighting. He was inspired by Marie Cuttoli for textiles, Suzanne and Georges Ramié for ceramics and Paco Durrio for woodworking.

As a true, iconic artist of the 20th century, Pablo Picasso changed culture. His modern works during that era, drew millions of people into the world of fine art.

Robert Hughes was the art critic for TIME magazine. He was quoted, “To say that Pablo Picasso dominated Western art in the 20th century is, by now, the merest commonplace. Before his 50th birthday, the little Spaniard from Malaga had become the very prototype of the modern artist as public figure. No painter before him had had a mass audience in his own lifetime.”

For art lovers and those curious about the fascinating works of Pablo Picasso, be sure to visit the MuCEM museum in Marseille, France. It will be a VIP experience you will always remember.

We can help you plan your trip to Europe and see the Pablo Picasso art exhibition at the MuCEM museum in Marseille, France. Return again to read more art stories in our luxury blog.

Avid cyclists enjoy the traveling aspect of the sport, often as much or more than the exercise they receive. We wanted to share an incredible opportunity. Now you can follow the footsteps of Hannibal on a European cycling tour.

Hannibal Barca lived in the second and 3rd century B.C. He was military commander from Carthage. He had a brilliant military mind and is widely respected as one of the top military commanders ever. He’s most famous for his battles versus the Romans during Second Punic War. He commanded the powerful Carthaginian army and trekked through southern Europe and the Alps with a team of elephants.

This incredible, European cycling tour lasts 28 days and will take you through the countries of Spain, France and Italy. The tour dates of the “Hannibal Expedition” are scheduled from September 3, 2016 through September 30, 2016. Although this race will the very challenging, it will give you a greater respect for what Hannibal had to endure.

Sam Woods is the co-founder of Ride and Seek. He gained inspiration for this epic, European cycling tour working on a BBC documentary that covered Hannibal’s Trail. Co-founder Dylan Reynolds of Ride & Seek was quoted, “Join us on a ride of historical proportions as we ride in the footsteps of Hannibal from Barcelona to Rome. Cycling on some of Europe’s most iconic and picturesque bike touring routes through Spain, France and Italy, this epic journey has it all.”

Riders who participate in the “Hannibal Expedition” will travel over three iconic, mountain ranges – the Pyrenees, Alps and Apennines. You will recognize many of the same roads as they’ve been featured on both the world famous Tour de France plus Giro d’Italia bike races.

This European cycling tour will be divided into 2 stages. It’s an awesome way to have a VIP experience doing what you love. As you ride through beautiful scenery, you’ll the unique opportunity to indulge in the rich culture and history of Europe. Some of the regions you will drive though included – Catalonia, Provence, Tuscany, Languedoc, Piedmont and Umbria.

During Stage 1, you’ll start the tour in the amazing city of Barcelona, Spain. You’ll next travel through Cataluña and cross over the Pyrenees mountain range. Your next stop the quaint town of Ceret. It’s the place famous artist Picasso was born. As you head north, you’ll pass through the memorable destinations of Ventoux, Galibier, Alpe d’Huez, Agnel and Izoard. Your ends in Alba.

During stage 2, you’ll ride across the Apennines of Italy. The scenery will be magnificent! Enjoy the views of castles, vines, hilltop towns and much more. This stage begins in Piedont, then on to Oltrepo Pavese and Emilia Romagna. Foodies will love the culinary delights that await you. This region is known for delicious food. Explore Reggio Emilia, Modena, Parma and Piacenza. You arrive in the historic city of Pisa and then cycle into the scenic, Tuscany region and end in the ancient city of Rome.

Below is a summary of this ultimate, European cycling tour – “Hannibal Expedition”. You can choose to ride in either Stage 1 or 2, or the entire journey.

Stage 1 – Barcelona to Alba
Length: 15 days / 14 nights
Distance: 1,458 km (908 miles)
Price: €5,390

Stage 2 – Alba to Rome
Length: 14 days / 13 nights
Distance: 1,212 km (758 miles)
Price: €5,065

Full Hannibal Expedition: Barcelona to Rome
Length: 28 days / 27 nights
Distance: 2,670 km (1,667 miles)
Price: €10,080

If interested in this unbelievable, European cycling tour contact us today. We can assist you in planning and booking your European vacation. We hope you enjoy reading our luxury blog and learning about other VIP packages.

Photo: Ride & Seek

We all love our moms and want to give her the very best whenever we can. Mother’s Day is coming in 2 weeks, so make it a special day for your mom. Choose a luxury experience that will make it a memorable one for years to come.

We understand the challenge of choosing a gift each year. A bouquet or flower arrangement, box of chocolates, or a family meal at a local restaurant. Been there, done that, right? Now it’s time to make a change – a big change.

The gift of luxury travel can be an incredible gift for your mom. Maybe she has a Bucket List of her own and a dream vacation in mind. If you want to give your mom a special luxury experience, we want to share eight adventures that are simply amazing.

* Argentina Wine + Photo Adventure –
Mom will join the first-ever photography and high-altitude wine tour of Northwest Argentina. This is a magical journey that is perfect for photographers and wine lovers of all levels. Mom will be immersed in the region’s geography, wildlife, cuisine, and culture.

* Cycle the Villages of Provence –
Take Mom on Ride & Seek’s Provence cycling tour through the most beautiful villages of France as ordained by the group Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. This tour emphasizes authentic cuisine and local wines. There is a wonderful correlation between fine wine growing areas and world-class cycling.

* Diamond Circle Tour of Iceland –
The land of fire and ice, active volcanoes and glaciers! Countless geysers, hot pots, and fumaroles dot the landscape. These unique features create a landscape filled with incredible waterfalls, lakes, mountains and stories of trolls and elves. On this six-day trip, Mom will travel by 4WD car from Reykjavik through the Skagafjordur Region to see the highlights of the Diamond Circle in the north, and return to Reykjavik by plane.

* Nicaragua Escape –
Retreat to a tranquil hideaway overlooking the white sands beaches of the Pacific Ocean at Aqua Wellness Resort. Mom will enjoy two days in charming Granada City where she will kayak, volcano hike, and zip-line, before heading to her exceptional beachfront retreat. She will relax, play, and decompress in a beautiful rainforest setting.

* Moscow and St. Petersburg –
Mom will discover where Russian art, architecture and culture began. In between the urban centers of Moscow and St. Petersburg, she’ll experience the Russian countryside. The oldest and loveliest churches in Russia, Sergiev Posad’s wooden crafts, and Fedoskino’s glowing lacquer boxes all put a shine on Russia’s Golden Ring that Mom will never forget.

* Alaska Northern Lights –
Join Gondwana EcoTours on a Northern Lights tour of Alaska. Mom will get a dose of local culture by day, and by night have the opportunity to photograph the Aurora Borealis under the massive Alaskan sky! She will zip between snow-covered trees on the back of a dog-sled, soak in the mineral-rich waters of geothermal hot springs, walk through the frozen art of an ice-sculpture museum, and sip martinis out of glasses made of ice.

* Barge Cruise through France –
Fine wines, delicious cuisine, and a leisurely approach to the enjoyment of each day await Mom on a barge cruise down France’s picturesque waterways. From the rolling vineyards of Burgundy to the tree-lined Canal du Midi in the Languedoc region, Frontiers International Travel’s selection of handpicked vessels provide a range of options suitable for anyone in search of a unique holiday with like-minded people.

* Dude Ranch Retreat –
The 25,000 acre Red Reflet Ranch in Ten Sleep, Wyoming is both working ranch and luxury resort. Mom will hike, ride horses, skeet shoot, fly fish, mountain bike, dine on gourmet food, and play cowgirl on this fun-filled getaway. From cattle drives to branding, the true western lifestyle thrives at Red Reflet.

Enjoying a VIP experience has increasingly become a popular want from travelers. We’re pushing the boundaries on where to go and what we do. We desire more than ever immersing ourselves in the culture and history of a magical destination. It’s a big world out there. Isn’t it time to see it in person?

The Life of Luxury has to access to many jaw-dropping places. Choose a special luxury experience for your mom make it a memorable Mother’s Day for her. We hope you stop by again to read our luxury blog. We love to share the best in luxury travel

The islands of Malta in the Mediterranean have a rich history. Located south of Sicily, Italy – the Maltese archipelago consists of three separate islands with Malta being the largest. Gozo and Comino are the names of the other two islands.

Maltese celebrations occur all during the year. Now that spring has arrived, all sorts of activities are planned as warm weather prevails. Offering scenic landscapes and traditional culture, visitors will find numerous international, as well as local festivals on the islands of Malta.

This past Saturday in Marsaxlokk, saw the start of Malta’s 16th Annual International Fireworks Festival. Don’t worry because you can still catch it in Xaghra Gozo on April 23 and in Valletta on April 30th. Enjoy amazing pyrotechnics that are free to the public. The International Fireworks Festival continues to grow and attract people from all around the world. In addition, firework businesses from many countries such as Canada, Italy, Spain and Australia proudly display their creations at night.

The islands of Malta are pleased to kick-off festa season in April. Festas are considered one of most traditional types of celebration in Malta. From now until September, various Maltese villages celebrate their. The festivities can be for a single day or even last a week. During a typical year, more than 60 festas occur. Organized by local parishes, these culture-rich festivals consist of delicious street food, brass bands playing traditional music, tons of decorations and nightly firework displays.

The annual Malta Food Festival is scheduled between May 5 and May 7. Indulge in great tasting food from Greece, China and Brazil. The land in Malta is very fertile. It’s a food paradise you don’t want to miss. Due to the abundance of specialty crops, many food festivals occur year-round. Attendees can watch live cooking shows and chef demonstrations. This event continues to draw bigger crowds each year. In 2015, greater than 17,000 people attended.

Since 2007, one of the events that features some of the biggest names in music is the Isle of MTV. During this year’s Malta Music Week, the Isle of MTV will be held at the Granaries in Floriana on June 28. Music Week runs from June 24 to the 29th. Lady Gaga, Snoop Dogg, Enrique Iglesias and Jason Derulo are a few of the past, headline performers. Over the 5 days of music celebration, enjoy great music at beach parties at sunset or local clubs. A few examples include Gianpula, La Grotta in Gozo, plus Cafe del Mar.

Ghana is a Maltese-style of folk singing. Each year, there’s a three-day music festival named Għanafest. The Ghana music event is held this year between June 10 and June 12. Attendees can enjoy street vendors, craft demonstrations and specialized art.

For jazz lovers, you are in luck. The popular Malta International Jazz Festival runs from July 21 through the 23rd. This amazing jazz festival has been running since 1990. This year’s event will be held at the Grand Harbour in Ta’ Liesse, Valletta. Groove to the soulful sounds of jazz and listen to another all-star line-up of performers.

If you love flowers then be sure to attend the Horticulture Spring Show. This annual event will occur on May 14 at the San Anton Gardens. See incredible displays of floral decor and floral design contests.

The beautiful islands of Malta offer something for almost everybody. In addition to all the festivals and events held throughout the year, be sure to take time and see the islands. Enjoy the numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites and natural beauty.

To learn more about planning a trip to Malta, go to Visit Malta.

We can help you book your dream vacation to the islands of Malta. See the sites and attend its festivals. Be sure to stop by again soon and follow our luxury blog. We enjoy sharing fabulous places to visit and making your luxury travel dreams come true.

Photo: Mario Galea / MTV

Located in Hanover, Germany the Royal Herrenhausen Gardens have long been recognized as one of the most beautiful parks in all of Europe. The Herrenhausen Palace was once the summer residence of the Royal House of Hanover. During the raging battles of World War II, the beautiful Herrenhausen Palace was sadly destroyed.

The Royal Herrenhausen Gardens include three different areas. Each area represents a unique style. Grossergarten is the largest of the three gardens and construction began way back in 1666. It has a French Baroque style and is the largest Baroque garden in Germany. Martin Charbonnier was a French designer and appointed to design the garden by Electress Sophia of Hannover.

The second largest garden is Georgengarten. This garden has a romantic, English style. You’ll find the nearby University of Hannover partially on its grounds. The smallest of the three Royal Herrenhausen Gardens is named Berggarten. It also has a traditional English garden style, similar to Georgengarten.

The 6th Award Ceremony of the European Garden Award was held in Hamburg, Germany in September. The event is sponsored by the European Garden Heritage Network (EGHN) as well as the Schloss Dyck Foundation.
Eight parks and gardens were recognized in four different categories. Six European countries were represented in the eight awards. They are Germany, France, Sweden, Portugal, Italy and the UK.

The European Gardenprize 2015 was awarded to the Herrenhausen Gardens in the “Best Development of a Historical Park or Garden” category. The European Garden Award appreciated the cultivated garden art along with the restored castle of the Royal Herrenhausen Gardens.

Another German park won the “Special Award of the Schloss Dyck Foundation”. Hermannshof in Weinheim is public trial and show garden that’s a privately owned. The organization gave Hermannshof the award based on its innovative and internationally respected, planting concepts.

After the conclusion of the event, the director of the Schloss Dyck – Jens Spanjer was quoted, “This year again, all honored eight parks and gardens from the different European countries have qualified due to an excellent performance in the designing respectively valorising of parks and gardens or in urban and regional planning. The European Garden Network EGHN wishes to acknowledge these outstanding projects by awarding them the Garden Award. So they will not only gain duly attention, but will be increasingly perceived publicly as best practice for other projects, or may even inspire further projects.”

You can read about all of the award winners at the European Garden Award web site.

If you love beautiful gardens, be sure to visit Europe and see them firsthand. To view the Royal Herrenhausen Gardens in Hanover, Germany please contact us. We can help you plan and book your travel itinerary. Return again to read our luxury blog for other luxury travel ideas and top destinations.

Photo: Herrenhausen Gardens

The Monaco Grand Prix race is widely recognized as one of the most prestigious automobile races anywhere in the world. As a race card river, the Monaco Grand Prix is one of the premier races every driver has dreams of winning. Now you can watch this incredible event in person.

The Monaco Grand Prix race began in 1929 and has run each year since. It’s considered part of the triple crown of motorsport. Along with the Le Mans 24 Hours and Indy 500, this iconic car race is a must to see up close.

As the jewel of the Formula One Calendar race circuit, anticipation is already on the rise for this year’s Monaco Grand Prix race. With 78 turns and 3,367 km in total length, the F1 car race will be seen by millions of people around the world.

The first race in 1929 was won by William Grover-Williams. Ayrton Senna from Brazil has won the Monaco Grand Prix six times. That’s more than any other car driver. He won an amazing, five straight time between between the years of 1989 and 1993.

We are proud to offer a VIP experience to view this year’s Monaco Grand Prix race event. Enjoy ultimate hospitality and the best race viewing. Your package included accommodations at the luxury Metropole Hotel. Your Monaco Grand Prix experience will also include yacht parties, helicopter transfers, having drinks with F1 racing legends, plus access to private Amber Lounge.

Below is the itinerary for your Formula 1 package:

Friday May 27, 2016
* Helicopter transfer service from the Nice airport to Monaco
* Shuttle service from the Monaco helipad straight to the Metropole Hotel so you and your party can check in
* Enjoy spending the day exploring spectacular Monaco. Take in the sights and local culture.
* During the evening, enjoy an intimate drink reception with F1 racing Legends (Martin Brundle, David Coulthard, Paul Di Restaand and more)
* Guests will be transported by shuttle to the harbor for a 5* Yacht Cocktail Party. Enjoy extensive canapés and an open bar to enjoy your favorite drink

Saturday May 28, 2016
* At the world famous Hotel de Paris, you’ll watch all the racing action from a Casino Square Suite. Feast on a delicious buffet lunch that will be served right in the suite. There will be an open bar with Pink Champagne, beers, fine wines, plus a selection of soft drinks.
* That evening, we can help you book a fine dining experience at the Joel Robuchon 2-Michelin star restaurant inside the Metropole Hotel.

Sunday May 29, 2016
* Be treated to some of the best race viewing of the Monaco track at the Ermanno Palace. From a private balcony, guests will be able to view the tunnel exit, Tabac Corner, Chicane, swimming pool section, start/finish straight, Beau Rivage climb, Sainte Devote Corner, in addition to the huge harbor screen. Enjoy a full day of hospitality with caterers serving an incredible buffet luncheon and afternoon tea. There will also be an open bar with champagne, selected spirits, beers and wines.
* During the evening, have fun at the popular Amber Lounge post-race party with your own VIP table. All of the drinks for the night are are included. Expect the party to go all night long and continue to around 5am the next morning.

Monday May 30, 2016
* You will be picked up by shuttle service and driven from your hotel back to the Monaco Helipad
* Take in the views as your helicopter transports you from Monaco to the Nice Airport and your departure home.

This will be a once in a life time, VIP experience that shouldn’t be missed.

The pricing for the above, Monaco Grand Prix race package is €14,500 per person for a Superior room at the Metropole Hotel or €15,300 per person for a Deluxe room.

The quoted prices are per person and based upon double occupancy. The price also includes your breakfast plus local taxes.

Feel of rush of F1 racing at this year’s Monaco Grand Prix race. The Life of Luxury can help you plan and book your travel itinerary. We enjoy sharing great VIP experiences and hope you return to follow our luxury blog.

Photo: By Charles Dyer from Cheltenham, United Kingdom (DSC03130 Uploaded by sk) [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

As one of the largest lakes in Western Europe, Lake Geneva actually resides in both Switzerland and France. The stunning Lake Geneva region offers visitors both diversity and natural beauty. It’s a popular destination all year long.

The Lake Geneva region of Switzerland encompasses the following cantons of Vaud, Geneva and Valais. A canton is generally described as a small territorial division of a country, or a city and its surrounding community.

Spring is finally here and the weather is warming up in Switzerland. The Lake Geneva region is getting ready for another busy tourism year. There many things to see and do locally. We wanted to share 6 reasons to visit the scenic, Lake Geneva region this year.

1) Moderntimes Hotel
The Moderntimes Hotel is located in Saint-Légier Switzerland – the heart of Swiss Riviera. This luxury hotel can be found near near Chaplin’s World (see below for more details). This contemporary Swiss hotel features 145 sleek rooms. The Moderntimes Hotel is a 4-star design property. Enjoy a wonderful dining experience at Times Grill restaurant or get a good workout at the hotel’s fitness room.

Photo: Charlie Chaplin Museum
2) Chaplin’s World – The Modern Times Museum
Located in Corsier-sur-Vevey, Chaplin’s World opened last year on April 17. Chaplin’s World pays tribute to the amazing and talented Charlie Chaplin. Chaplin was both an actor and filmmaker. The museum is located in the museum, where Charlie Chaplin lived between 1957 and 1977 – the year he died. The mansion resides on 34 acres of beautiful gardens and pathways. The terraces provide stunning views of the iconic Swiss Alps and nearby Lake Geneva. The museum is a door into the incredible life of Chaplin. There is 32,000 square feet of exhibition space for a truly interactive experience. A cultural center features a series of exhibits and of course his famous films.

3) Hotel Royal Savoy
This luxury hotel can be found in Lausanne and re-opened after a $100 million expansion and renovation project. Now a five-star luxury property, the Hotel Royal Savoy first opened way back in 1906. Originally named the Art Nouveau hotel, this palatial property was long a favorite place to stay for royals. The expansion project added a new addition to the hotel. Fans of the gorgeous, grand facade will not be disappointed as it still remains. The Hotel Royal Savoy offers guests 196 rooms. The Sky Terrace on the hotel’s rooftop is new. Enjoy panoramic views all across the beautiful city of Lausanne. In addition, you can see the Alps and Lake Geneva. Get pampered in VIP style at the hotel’s luxury spa.

4) An Alpine Night in a “Love Yurt”
For a unique experience for lovers, consider staying in a Mongol yurt. A yurt is the name for round tent that c is portable. It’s typically surrounded by felt fabric or skins to insulate it. This ultimate getaway at Rochers-de-Naye provides tremendous views at an elevation of 6,500 feet. You can see the Alps and Lake Geneva n all their glory. You can reach the “Love Yurt” easily by a short train ride from Montreux. Enjoy a romantic night on the mountain summit. The price for a Friday/Saturday package is only $265 or CHF 260 per couple. In addition to your accommodations, the package price includes a roundtrip train ride, breakfast plus a 375-ml bottle of champagne.

5) Summer Music in Vaud
2016 is the 50th anniversary of the popular Montreux Jazz Festival. This event runs from July 1 to 16. This year’s Montreux Jazz Festival will feature the English band – Muse who won a 2016 Grammy Award. The full list of bands performing will be released on April 14. Every five years, the Federal Music Festival rotates to a different Swiss town. This’s year festival will be in Montreux and runs June 10-12 and 17-19. The 200,000 plus visitors can expect to listen to around 25,000 musicians. They consist of orchestras, brass bands, as well as marching ensembles. Each August, the Roman amphitheater in Avenches comes alive with rock music. The Rock Oz’Arènes festival will run from August 3 to 7. This year will be the popular event’s 25th anniversary. Lastly, Lausanne will once again host the Lausanne Estivale. Held from mid-June to mid-September, the Lausanne Estivale is free. Music fans of all ages can enjoy shows, concerts, and various entertainments. It should be a fun time for all.

6) The Swiss Wine Hotel & Bar
Situated in the heart of Lausanne, the Swiss Wine Hotel & Bar just opened for business. This trendy, Swiss hotel is rated three-stars and is decorated with decor utilizing the Swiss wine region of Lavaux. Lavaux is a UNESCO World Heritage Site next to Lausanne. The Swiss Wine Hotel & Bar offers 62 rooms for its guests. You can enjoy nice views of the Lausanne Cathedral and the city’s old town. In the morning, start your day right with breakfast served right in your room. Now that’s a VIP experience! Relax in the evening and sip some of the local Swiss wines at the hotel’s wine bar.

There is so much to see and do in the Lake Geneva region. It’s a destination to be explored at your leisure. There is lots of history and you can soak in the rich culture this area offers. From wine tasting at the Lavaux vineyards to sweeping view of the Alps and Lake Geneva, be sure to visit this region of western Switzerland.,

We can help you plan and book your travel reservations to the Lake Geneva region in Switzerland. Be sure to return again soon to read more luxury travel ideas from our luxury blog.

Photo: My Switzerland Swiss Cities / Stephan Engler