The K Club is the first AA Five Red Star property in Ireland. Located in Kildare, this luxurious country retreat sits on 550 acres of pristine parkland on a private piece of land on the scenic River Liffey.

Found on the property grounds is the incredible Straffan House, 34,000-sq-ft country home. For the upcoming Christmas holiday season, a stay at the Straffan House will be a truly VIP experience.

Some of the luxury amenities, enjoy a personal car and driver for shopping in Dublin or nearby Kildare Village designer shopping outlets; a lavish private gourmet Christmas dinner served by their own dedicated staff; a beautifully adorned Christmas tree and decorations throughout the residence, in addition to a personal visit from Santa Claus who arrives Christmas Morning to deliver gifts for everyone.

Straffan House features ten ensuite rooms plus a dining room that can seat 16 people. The house’s rich plush decor is stunning place relax near a crackling fireplace for warmth.

Straffan House also offers a state-of-the-art movie theater, private wine cellar, plus an indoor pool with swim-up bar.

Celebrate this amazing Christmas experience in style with different packages to choose from. Feast on a full Irish breakfast each morning in addition to a delicious Christmas Eve dinner in the River Room. Get in the festive mood with Carol Singing with Mulled wine and try a piece of Mince Pie on Christmas Eve. Each guestroom also includes a Christmas tree!

On Christmas Day, Santa Claus arrives in a horse-drawn carriage bringing holiday gifts for all. Kids can then enjoy a holiday treasure hunt and duck races on the beautiful River Liffey.

K Club Resort

The K Club is a perfectly restored 19th -century Georgian mansion with 69 luxury rooms. Guests who enjoy golf can play on one or both Arnold Palmer-designed championship courses: The Palmer Course has
hosted the 2006 Ryder Cup and is considered one of the best courses in Europe. The Palmer Smurfit Course hosted the European Open between 1995 and 2007.

Hotel reservations at the Straffan House do require a five night minimum stay, beginning December 23 at a rate of $20,000 USD per night.

If you are interested in staying at the either the The K Club or Straffan House, please contact The Life of Luxury. We can help book your entire travel reservation. Learn about other luxury travel deals like this by reading our luxury blog.

The holiday season is quickly approaching. For those traveling to Switzerland this year, be sure to visit the iconic Montreux Noel Christmas market.

Montreux Noel is a traditional Christmas market that allows visitors to stroll and stop at the many stalls and buy food, drink, Christmas decorations and other crafts. It’s a wonderful family atmosphere and a chance to remember what the holiday should really be all about.

The alpine city of Montreux comes alive between the dates of November 21 and December 24, 2014. This year marks the 20th edition of the most beautiful Christmas market in Switzerland – Montreux Noel.

It’s expected that close to 500,000 visitors will come to Montreux, which has an elevation of 2,042 meters. Around 150 Swiss chalets on the lakeside of Montreux will be lit up and provide a magical experience for all who attend Montreux Noel.

Lausanne’s Christmas market is named Les Fêtes de Nöel Lausanne and features 50 illuminated chalets that will be set up in Place Saint-François.

In addition, Lausanne Lumières is a series of incredible, artist-created light sculptures that have been located all around the city. Visitors can enjoy the light installations between November 21 and December 31, 2014.

If you are interested to traveling to Switzerland and enjoy the traditional Christmas markets including Montreux Noel, please contact The Life of Luxury today. We can help you plan out and book your entire luxury travel itinerary. Read out luxury blog to follow travel industry news.

Hotel de Rougemont is a family-style hotel that can be found in the heart of the alpine village of Rougement in Switzerland. Hotel de Rougemont is scheduled to open this December, 2014.

As the most dramatic new hotel opening in the Swiss Alps this winter season, the gorgeous Hotel de Rougemont is a stylish four-star luxury hotel.

Although the chalet-style exterior of the new Swiss Alps hotel blends in with the traditional village chalets that date back four centuries, the interior of the new hotel is a fresh, hip, modern take on alpine décor.

The interior design consists of pale wood paneling, local stone, marble plus inventive lighting. Hotel de Rougemont will offer guests a total of 33 rooms and suites that are bright with a minimalist look, yet with a touch of mid-century modern.

For relaxation, Hotel de Rougemont will feature a spa and indoor lap pool. Guest will enjoy a wine bar, large lounge with tapas service, cigar lounge, in addition to a fine dining restaurant.

The boutique hotel and spa can be found only minutes from ski lifts leading to 150 miles of Alpine slopes and endless hours of terrific skiing or snowboarding.

The village Rougement in Switzerland is renowned for its undeniable tranquility plus gentle pace of life.

If you are interested in traveling to Switzerland and would like to stay at the new Hotel de Rougemont, please contact us. One of our experienced luxury travel agents can assist planning and booking your travel itinerary. Read about other new hotels and the latest travel industry news by following this popular luxury blog.

Come the winter months, many of us will be jetting off in search of colder climates as we embark on our 2014 ski vacation. If you still haven’t decided where to go, read on to find out more about the fabulous resort of St Moritz in Switzerland.

Ski opportunities

As the playground of the rich and famous, chances are that you have already heard of St Moritz. Over the years, the resort has gained a reputation as an all-round winter sports hotspot, attracting visitors from across the globe.

Split into four main sectors, Corviglia, Corvatsch, Diavolezza/Lagalb and Zuoz, the region’s ski area features a huge 350km of piste and has slopes to suit a variety of skiers. Intermediates will delight in the long runs offered in Corviglia and Corvatsch, while experts can challenge themselves with the black runs of Lagalb. The smaller resort of Zuoz, on the other hand, caters to families and beginners.

Accommodation

As the glamorous nature of the resort suggests, St Moritz is home to some of the world’s most spectacular chalets. With properties that feature private gyms, saunas, Jacuzzis and home cinemas, visitors have come to expect luxury as standard in this vibrant resort.

SkiBoutique has an extensive collection of luxury ski chalets in the resort. To add an extra touch of indulgence to this already exuberant location, the company assign you your very own PA to ensure your trip is stress- and hassle-free.

Après ski

Compared to livelier Swiss resorts, St Moritz can been seen as somewhat tame to seasoned partiers. However, this isn’t to say the resort becomes something of a ghost town after 5pm: rather, it offers a distinctly more sophisticated affair.

Foodies will not be disappointed by the range of restaurants the resort offers. You’ll find everything from quaint eateries offering wholesome home-cooked food to swanky restaurants like La Marmite, which serves up truffles and caviar to its exclusive patrons.

In terms of nightlife, there are numerous options available for those looking to party. The elegant King’s Club often plays host to world-renowned DJs. Forget dancing on tables though: with the club’s A-list guest list and jaw-dropping interior, the club attracts a more elegant crowd.

On- or off-piste, St Moritz offers an unparalleled vibrancy that attracts visitors year after year to this popular Switzerland destination. Will you be one of them in 2014?

If you would like to visit Switzerland and book a travel reservation in St Moritz, please contact The Life of Luxury today. We will be able to assist with all your luxury travel plans. Please come back often and read about other interesting travel destinations, by following this luxury blog.

Located in the Mediterranean Sea, Malta is a magical place of beauty and culture that consists of archipelago of seven, scenic islands.

The luxury Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa in Malta is offering a new program titled, “Private Malta” and is the perfect way to discover the stunning, Maltese Islands.

The 4-day tour is unique and will give tourists a chance to view some of the coveted sightseeing spots in Malta such as ‘the silent city’ of Mdina and the baroque capital Valletta. You will also be able to go behind the normally-closed doors of some of the most interesting private homes and Palazzos and actually meet the owners.

The “Private Malta” program offers numerous highlights – private visits to the stunning St John’s Cathedral, an unbelievable tour by yacht of The Grand Harbour, in addition to memorable musical performances in Palazzos.

Malta is proud to have been chosen to host Europe’s “City of Culture” in 2018 and share its stunning,
architecturally superb capital of Valetta to the world. In addition, Malta, features numerous, top UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

A major renaissance is underway in The City of Valetta. The property sector is seeing many refurbishments on both its public and private buildings.

As part of the refurbishment campaign, a new Parliament building is under construction and designed by word famous Italian designer Renzo Piano. In addition, many of the the ancient city walls in the capital and around the island, named Bastions, are being repaired as well as upgraded due to years of neglect.

To recognize their bravery during early World Was II battles, in 1942 the people of Malta were awarded the prestigious George Cross by the British King George V1. The “Private Malta” program will integrate both historical achievements, plus where th eisland nation of Malta is going in the future.

Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa’s general manager David Woodward, the was quoted, “Malta means so many different things to so many different people. It has a prevailing warm climate, clear blue seas, constantly-improving cuisine and a great nightlife scene, as well as an unbeatable history and incredible architecture. We will highlight all that through Private Malta – the Knights’ of St John, the ports and cities, the spectacular Grand Harbour and, finally, the Palazzos and private homes.”

Jim Dunn is the creator of “Private Malta” and advisor to the Corinthia Palace Hotel & Spa. He stated, “Our aim is to not only let the visitors see and learn much of Malta’s tremendous history over the centuries, but to enable visitors meet the locals in their homes for a private visit over a lunch, dinner or coffee.”

The “Private Malta” program is priced from €2,150 per person (in a group). This luxury travel itinerary includes four nights’ accommodation in a deluxe twin room, all meals during your stay, transfers, guides and all taxes.

If you would like to visit Malta and book a “Private Malta” program reservation, please contact The Life of Luxury today. We will be able to assist with all your luxury travel plans. Return to read about other interesting travel destinations, by following our popular luxury blog.

It’s never too early to think about your luxury travel plans for the Christmas holidays. One of the most memorable ways to enjoy the tradition of the Christmas season is taking a cruise and experience the Christmas markets of Europe.

The wonderful Christmas markets are true, holiday tradition across Europe. They are held during the four weeks of Advent and provide a rich, cultural experience like no other.

Emerald Waterways is the first, new river cruise company in Europe in over six years. The river cruise company has announced a fabulous, 15-day Christmas Markets of Europe cruise.

It’s the ideal way to travel along Europe’s greatest waterways in VIP style and celebrate the magic of the upcoming holiday season.

Two popular stops are the Nuremburg Christmas market and Vienna Christkindlmarkt, both rich in history. The Nuremburg Christmas market goes all the way back to 1628 and creates many of the finest toys found anywhere in the world. The Vienna Christkindlmarkt is held in front of the Austria city’s “rathaus” or town hall.

Walk the amazing streets of some of Europe’s greatest cities and enjoy incredible luxury shopping. Shop for holiday gifts such as nutcrackers and hand-crafted toys. After you work up an work up an appetite, try several of the tastie treats including stollen, apple strudel and roasted nuts.

Enjoy a walking tour of the Amsterdam city center its many scenic canals. In Cologne, Germany – stroll along Old Town and discover Germany’s oldest city. In Wertheim and Würzburg, Germany, river cruise guests can experience a slower life in a quaint European village first hand,

The new ships offered by Emerald Waterway are the Emerald Star and Emerald Sky. Each river cruise ship carries up to 182 guests in 72 luxury suites and 20 staterooms. Two of the staterooms are available for single travelers. Take a dip in the onboard, heated swimming pool. The pool’s retractable roof even turns into a movie theater at night!

Foodie lovers can dine at one of two restaurants – Reflections is the main dining room, and The Terrace is available for both breakfast and lunch.

The 15-day Christmas Markets of Europe river cruise visits greater than 25 of Europe’s famous Christmas markets. The river cruise departs from Amsterdam on November 29 and completes its journey on December 13 in Budapest, Hungary.

Cruise pricing ranges between $3,960 and $7,705 per person, based on double occupancy. If 15 days is too long a trip for you, consider sailing on a shorter eight-day itinerary. One cruise leaves November 29 from Amsterdam and travels to Nuremberg. The other choice departs December 6 from Nuremberg and arrives in Budapest. Prices for these eight-day cruises range between $2,080 to $3,955.

If you have always wanted to take a scenic river cruise and experience the fabulous Christmas markets of Europe, then contact us today. We can help plan and book your entire luxury vacation. If you enjoy reading about luxury travel destinations, follow our popular luxury blog.

Visitors to London this fall will be able to enjoy The Paddington Trail. Now you can follow along the trail of the world’s favorite Peruvian explorer – Paddington Bear – and discover many of London’s major cultural and landmark hotspots.

Fifty life-size Paddington Bear statues will be located around London, England, allowing visitors to learn about the city’s museums, shops, parks, and other landmarks. It’s a great luxury travel experience you don’t want to miss.

The new Paddington Trail launches this October. You can go to VisitLondon.com/Paddington and download the trail map, plus share your favorite photos along the trail. Read about the stories behind each Paddington Bear statue and trail location.

The Paddington Trail is part of the publicity plan leading up to the film’s highly release in U.K. cinemas on November 28, 2014. The film will debut in U.S. theaters in late-December 2014.

The highly anticipated movie is based on author Michael Bond’s original tales of a young, stowaway bear who’s all alone in London. He is invited to stay by the Brown family. Feeling welcomed and more secure, he begins his journey discovering the big city of London.

You can view a trailer of upcoming Paddington movie here:
(Note: the video is no longer available)

Boris Johnson is the current Mayor of London and was quoted, “As a long-time fan of Paddington Bear I’m delighted that this world-famous, marmalade-loving, duffle-coat wearing, polite but notoriously accident prone bear will be celebrated by Londoners and visitors to our great city, with the launch of this fantastic trail.”

3DEye is a design company based in London and helped create the three-foot six-inch tall, Paddington Bear statues. The statues will be auctioned off later this year. The money raised will support various charities including the NSPCC who supports protecting vulnerable children and trying to keep them safe.

In addition to the NSPCC, the trail will benefit the children’s charity – Action Medical Research. Paddington Bear has been the official mascot of this fine charity for over 35 years!

To make vacation plans to visit London and tour the Paddington Trail, contact us today and we can assist with planning and booking your stay. Follow our luxury blog to read about other luxury travel special events.

The glittering Emerald Coast of Sardinia is a true Italian gem and a cozy retreat for celebrities and affluent visitors who enjoy the finer things in life. With crystal clear waters, ancient monoliths, rustic rolling farmlands and untouched natural splendor, it’s no wonder that Sardinia is such a sought after summer destination. Now you can enjoy sheer freedom and complete pleasure on the shoreline of Sardinia as you explore the sights and sounds of the Emerald.

Coast on your Quadski:
The Quadski is the new must have superyacht toy, a prestigious BMW engine, reactionary wheel retraction and high powered speeds allow this amphibious vehicle to explore both the land and the sea, meaning you can truly get off the beaten track. After your superyacht docks in a prestigious port or anchored off in a secluded bay, you can take to the waves and discover Sardinia’s elusive draw and secret spots.

Sweeping Sand Dunes:
The beaches of Sardinia offer golden sunlit cliffs laced in green, peach sands and sparkling jade colored waters that are always welcoming. Those wanting to embrace solitude, nature and adventure should head for the sweeping Piscinas Dunes near Arbus. The towering dunes cling to the sky, and the gentle sea breeze continues to carve and shape them throughout the day. The effect making you feel like you are visiting the dreamscape of Dali’s paintings as the landscape melts and curves and changes.

Dazzling Marine Grottos:
The dazzling Grotta di Nettuno in Alghero offers a spectacular sight for Quadski cruisers. The ruptured sea wall hiding the lovely town twinkles with illuminated rock formations and white foam crashing gently at the maze of hidden coves. The dramatic marine display of Neptune’s Grotto can be reached by passing through the luscious deep waters rippling beneath Porto Conte, which is an adventure in itself.

Sweet Pesto and Wine:
The shores of Olbia are the best place to stop for a spot of lunch with the Dolceacqua being a sumptuous choice for Sardinian zest. The award winning blend of rustic ingredients with a modern and innovative twist and plenty of sea fresh flavors are sure to satiate every appetite. Flaky sea bream, sweet, nutty homemade pesto and golden honeyed wines offer a bounty of beauty for the palate.

Virgin Beauty on La Maddalena Archipelago:
Breath-taking beauty, Mother Natures touch and shimmering sands and sea are waiting to embrace you in the heart of La Maddalena Archipelago. This incredible collection of islands has been declared a UNESCO heritage site and with its transparent waters, blushing rose colored sands and complete preservation of nature, it is a dream spot to explore on your Quadski.

Crumbling Walls of Castelsardo:
Enjoy a historic stop laced in Medieval magic and Italian charm at Castelsardo, voted one of the most beautiful villages in Italy. Explore the turrets, crumbling walls and majestic sea views of the castle, walk the winding alleys over spilling with hand woven baskets and other trinkets and admire the Neolithic tombs cut into the rock.

Summertime Glitz:
Il Portico in Porto Cervo is the place to be seen on your superyacht toy. This popular celebrity hangout offers stylish, intimate surroundings and incredible canapés. Admire the blissful views, relish in first-class company and let the glamor of the Emerald Coast sweep you away.

Ready to plan a fabulous vacation to Italy and the Sardinia coast and explore on your Quadski? Contact us today and we can help arrange your entire luxury travel itinerary. Return to read our luxury blog and stay on top of the latest luxury travel news.

To learn more about Quadski, please click here: http://www.gibbssports.com/

In the new Mastercard Global Cities Index report, London was announced as the most popular tourist destination in the world. London tops both Bangkok and Paris.

The Mastercard Global Cities Index report states that London is forecasted to have 18.7 million international visitors during 2014. In 2013, Bangkok – Thailand held the top spot. But projections show London will surpass Bangkok this year by 300,000 visitors.

This is the fourth year for the Mastercard Global Cities Index report. The organization evaluates and ranks 132 of the most traveled cities around the world.

The top cities for 2014 include London and Paris from Europe, Bangkok, Singapare plus Dubai in the Middle East.

Europe had a strong showing with 8 of the top 20 most traveled cities. In addition to London and Paris, the list includes Istanbul at #7, Barcelona at #11, Amsterdam at #12, Milan at #13, Rome at #14 and Vienna #17.

Boris Johnson is the current Mayor of London and was quoted after hearing the news about his city, “With nearly nineteen million visitors this year London is the world’s favourite place to visit. Our city perfectly combines history, heritage, arts and culture, not to mention vast amounts of green space and major events that are the envy of the planet.”

Last year, London set an all-time record of international visitors with a total of 16 million. This is according National Statistics International Passenger Survey. If the 18.7 million international visitor forecast comes true, that’s a 17% year to year increase and will be another new high for travelers to London.

London has long been a popular luxury travel destination. There is so much to do and the city offers a true cultural experience. There is Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Tower Bridge, Thames River, London Eye, British Museum, Madame Tussauds, National Gallery, Westminster Abbey, Houses of Parliament, St Paul’s Cathedral, Royal Opera House, Hyde Park, Royal Albert Hall and much more!

Marking the 100th Anniversary of World War I, London is the place to be. The Imperial War Museum re-opens this month to honor the event. Travel visitors can also view the ‘Great War in Portraits’ exhibit at the amazing National Portrait Gallery.

For those you looking for a rewarding cultural experience, this year London is hosting some amazing events, including – ‘Ming: 50 Years that changed China’ at the British Museum, ‘Rembrandt: The Final Years’ at the National Gallery, in addition to ‘Constable: The Making of a Master’ at the V&A.

If you are interested in booking a luxury travel vacation to London this year, please contact The Life of Luxury. One of our travel concierge specialists can help plan and book your entire itinerary. If you enjoy reading about luxury travel and VIP experiences, follow our luxury blog.

Photo: Westminster Abbey / VisitLondon.com

Weddings are just as popular in the summer as they are in the spring. With nice weather, it’s the idea time to plan a perfect fantasy wedding, a luxury destination wedding, or a romantic honeymoon.

With romance in the air, we want to share three fabulous locations for the perfect fantasy wedding proposal, destination wedding and romantic honeymoon getaway. We all want to have a VIP experience and take part in our very own  fairly-tale, so why not choose from one of these luxury destinations to fulfill your dreams.

Proposing can be stressful and it’s a big moment for both people involved. So why not choose the ideal luxury destination where romance can sweep you both away. The luxury Grand Hotel Tremezzo in Lake Como, Italy (see photo above) is the ideal choice. Imagine sitting at an intimate table for two. Flowers are in full bloom and you both gaze out across scenic Lake Como. Enjoy a romantic candlelight dinner prepared by a private chef. Then you pop the ultimate question. How can you can any other answer than ‘yes’? The Grand Hotel Tremezzo can even arrange a private musician to serenade you both. How romantic is that? Next phase is the fantasy wedding.

Deciding on a location for your fantasy wedding can be difficult. There are lots of choices if you are only getting married once, then got big and a choose a fantasy destination you will never forget. Consider the Kildare Club – Hotel, Spa & Country Club in the beautiful city of Kildare in Ireland.

Located in the gorgeous Irish countryside is this incredible manor house that makes for the ideal place for your fantasy wedding. This award-winning luxury hotel is located on 550 acres of beautiful wood and parkland. The Kildare Club – Hotel, Spa & Country Club is a restored 19th Century Georgian estate. The luxury hotel can customize your wedding to include a bagpipe procession or even “tie the knot” with an authentic, Irish hand-fasting wedding ceremony. In-house Wedding Specialist, Susie Hopkins-Burke will make you fantasy wedding a special one.

Once the wedding is over, it’s time for a romantic honeymoon to celebrate the new union of two loving people. Consider am exotic romance and honeymoon adventure to Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa. Relax on the gorgeous white sand beaches of the Seychelles and enjoy an unforgettable exotic safari in East Africa. What an amazing VIP experience! Take a journey of love on your honeymoon and create memories to last a lifetime.

It doesn’t matter whether you are planning a fantasy wedding proposal, an amazing destination wedding or enjoying a romantic honeymoon getaway, please contact The Life of Luxury and we can help plan and book your entire itinerary. We only work with the best companies to provide ultimate VIP service. Come back soon to follow our luxury blog and get additional luxury travel tips.

This year marks a historical point in the German city of Aschaffenburg. It celebrates its 200 year jubilee as part of Bavaria. In addition the amazing Johannesburg Castle in Aschaffenburg is celebrating 400 years.

Aschaffenburg was referred by King Ludwig I of Bavaria as the “Bavarian Nice.” It’s a beautiful city filled with rich culture and historic buildings.

Aschaffenburg is also widely known as the “Bavarian city of castles, palaces and parks.” This year will bring a wide variety of various events and exhibitions to celebrate the city’s big milestone.

Regarded as one of the most significant Renaissance castles in all of Germany, Johannesburg Castle proudly sits along the the river Main and is currently the only 4 tower castle remaining. The current castle was built by a mason from Strasbourg named Georg Ridinger. Constructed occurred between 1604 and 1615. Until 1803, the palace served as the second official residence for both the electors and Mainz. Johannisburg Castle was basically destroyed during World War II. Soon after, reconstruction began and the mighty castle was rebuilt by 1964.

Recognized as one of the earliest landscape gardens in Germany is the stately Schönbusch Palace. Beginning in 1775 on the grounds of the palace, Friedrich Carl von Erthal who was the Archbishop of Mainz, decided to have his deer park redesigned in the English landscape style. Schönbusch Park was finally completed in 1790 by Ludwig Sckell who was the garden architect. Visitors will delight in a beautiful garden setting. Discover the Temple of Friendship, the Red Bridge, the Philosopher’s House plus an observation tower. You’ll also find a small village consisting of shepherds’ cottages around artificial lakes.

Another site that should not be missed is the Pompeiianum, which is an incredible, full replica of an ancient Roman villa that was moved to central Germany. It represent the House of Castor and Pollux, which was seen in a painting that was discovered at the entrance to the ancient Italian city of Pompeii. Sadly, Pompeii was buried during a large volcanic eruption way back in 79 A.D. Pompeiianum was built between 1840 and 1848 for King Ludwig I of Bavaria by Friedrich von Gärtner.

Aschaffenburg in Germany is a city that needs to be explored at leisure, to take in all that the city has to offer. It’s rich in history, culture and offers stunning architecture.

If you would like to visit Germany and spend time in the beautiful city of Aschaffenburg, please contact The Life of Luxury. We can help plan and book your entire stay. Make your luxury travel experience a memorable one. Follow this luxury blog to read about other great travel destinations.