During a recent visit to the beautiful Lake Tahoe area, we had dinner at Ciera Steak + Chophouse restaurant, which is located on the ground floor of the luxury MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa.

Simply stated, Ciera Steak + Chophouse offered superb service and a truly exquisite fine dining experience. The restaurant is only AAA Four Diamond restaurant in all of Lake Tahoe. The establishment has won that prestigious award eight years in a row, from 2008 to 2015. They have also been voted as Lake Tahoe’s Best Restaurant for Dinner, as well as the Best Steakhouse.

As we entered the restaurant’s luxurious lobby, we were greeted by a welcoming hostess, who led my wife and I to our private booth. The center of the restaurant’s dining room is surrounded by booths that are decorated with red drapes for privacy. The booth’s seating is red leather and the soft lighting produced a relaxing ambiance.

Ciera Steak + Chophouse offers a full menu of enticing choices including steak, fish, poultry and even vegetarian entrees. In addition, they offer a popular $35 Prix Fixe menu with 3 courses. The Prix Fixe menu is offered every Wednesday, Thursday and Sunday nights, except for major holidays.

The steakhouse features a stunning glass display of over 300 wines and champagnes from around the world. There’s bound to be something to meet everybody’s personal taste. In addition, you can choose your favorite spirit.

I ordered the Caesar Salad with white anchovy fillets to start. My entree was the Filet Mignon – 6oz center cut. The “certified angus beef” steak was served with red wine demi-glace and bearnaise sauce, roasted garlic mashed and blistered asparagus. My wife chose the French Onion Soup with three cheese grantine and Caesar Salad with white anchovy fillets for her first course, followed by Grilled Alaskan King Salmon. It was served with mango and papaya salsa, fried wonton skins with cilantro cream, along with with roasted garlic mashed and blistered asparagus. Both our entrees were cooked to perfection.

There were several desserts that all sounded amazing. I picked the Chocolate Lava Cake. It’s a decadent chocolate warm ganache, with white chocolate spire and served with fresh berries and sauce framboise. It was outstanding! My wife chose the Seasonal Tasting of Berries. It came with an array of blueberries, blackberries, raspberries plus strawberries and Chantilly cream.

We received a special treat when the two Chocolate covered strawberries ice where brought to our table. They were complementary and the perfect way to end our fine dining experience at Ciera.

We both felt the entire meal was delicious and perfectly prepared. From the time we were first seated, the meal service was impeccable. The White-coated waitstaff was both attentive, professional and friendly. We also appreciated the maitre d’ Tommy Walker, stopping by our booth several times to make sure everything was to our liking.

The restaurant is open for dinner Wed through Sun, between 5:30pm to 10pm. The bar is open at 5pm.

Overall, it was a wonderful fine dining experience and I would highly recommend Ciera Steak + Chophouse in the MontBleu Resort Casino & Spa for anybody visiting scenic Lake Tahoe.

The Life of Luxury can help plan and book your travel itinerary, including a stay in the alpine beauty of Lake Tahoe. Be sure to enjoy dining at Ciera Steak + Chophouse. If you enjoy reading about luxury travel destinations like Lake Tahoe, return often to read our popular luxury blog.

Photos: The Life of Luxury

This year marks the 10 year anniversary of the Great Chefs Event in Philadelphia. The popular event started back in 2006 when Jeff Benjamin and Marc Vetri brought together chefs to support a fundraiser for the Alex’s Lemonade Stand Foundation.

The 10th Anniversary of the Great Chefs Event will be held on Tuesday June 9, but scheduled the night before is an incredible event that shouldn’t be missed. Enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime, multi-course reunion dinner that will feature all of the Food & Wine magazine Best New Chefs of 1999. The event will be held in the private dining room at Vetri Ristorante in Philadelphia.

In 1999, Marc Vetri was named one of 1999 America’s Best New Chefs, in addition to Paul Kahan (Blackbird, avec, The Publican), James McDevitt (Bohlsen Restaurant Group), Suzanne Goin (Lucques, a.o.c.), La Provence, Domenica), Rocco DiSpirito (award-winning cookbook author of the Now Eat This! series), as well as Dale Reitzer (Acacia). All mentioned chefs will attend the Monday night dinner. The group represent numerous locations across the U.S. – New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Virginia, Louisiana, and Arizona.

To pay tribute to the time period, the dinner will feature updated variations of the delicious dishes served by the top chefs sixteen years ago. Dining guests will feast on a host of great tasting food including: Vetri’s Almond Ricotta Tortellini with Truffle Butter, Goin’s Grilled Steak with Tomato Bread Salad, Kahan’s Seared Sea Scallops with Fennell Broth and Orange, DiSpirito’s Seared Salmon with Onions and Rhubarb, Besh’s Fried Goat Cheese and Frisee Salad, McDevitt’s Miso-Marinated Sea Bass, and last but not least – Reitzer’s Sweet Corn Soup with Shiitake Crab Cakes. In addition, each dish will be served along with an expertly paired, wine accompaniment.

Tickets for this unbelievable dinner are $2,500.00 per person and all proceeds will go towards benefiting the Vetri Foundation for Children and Alex’s Lemonade Stand.

Also included in the ticket price, is a GA ticket to the 10th Annual Great Chefs Event on June 9, 2015 ($350 value). This popular Philadelphia event will host more than 40 well known chefs and beverage pros. Food stations will be set up to sample the best tasting food. This year, about 1,200 people are expected to attend the Great Chefs Event. There will also be an after-party held held at the Vetri Family’s that’s near Lo Spiedo.

Tickets can be purchased here: https://vetrifoundation.ticketbud.com/the-great-chefs-event-2015

Would you like to attend this year’s Great Chefs Event? Let us know and we can help plan and book your travel itinerary. Be sure to stop by and follow this luxury blog to read about other food events and luxury travel ideas.

Photo: ALSM / Great Chefs Event

Once a Portuguese colony, Macao is rich with both culture and history. Macao was named by Lonely Planet as one of the “Top 10” regions to visit in 2015. One of our top picks to stay is the luxurious Sheraton Macao Hotel – Cotai Central.

In China, Macao continues to become a popular leisure destination and the offers visitors a chance to view several UNESCO World Heritage Sites. With its booming gambling industry and luxury casinos, Macao has been called the “Las Vegas of Asia.”

Located across the Pearl River Delta from Hong Kong, Macao bustles as an exhilarating entertainment center in Asia, with beautiful vacation spots to enjoy a luxury vacation.

The Sheraton Macao Hotel also is an appealing, luxury property for families who desire a VIP experience. The luxury hotel is offering various family-friendly packages this summer. Here is a summary:

· Junior Hotelier Program – Sheraton Macao Hotel gives kids a unique chance to learn about running a luxury hotel while also having fun. while having fun. This existing program has been so popular, the Sheraton Macao Hotel is extending it throughout this summer.

· Suites and Meals – Sheraton Macao Hotel offers it family guests the DreamWorks-themed family suites. Great for all ages. Enjoy breakfast with Shrekfast. It’s a truly entertaining morning meal for kids who get to meet their favorite Shrek movie characters.

· Planet J – Known as the world’s largest indoor theme park, Planet J opens this summer. The luxury theme park is a beautifully decorated 100,000 square-foot indoor fantasy world. Take a magical journey through the Magic Stone Kingdom. Each guest uses their own “magic scroll” smart phone that comes loaded with Planet J apps for a terrific interactive, experience. Now that’s having fun – VIP style.

Ready for a great family experience and to visit Macao for your next vacation? Contact The Life of Luxury and we can book all your travel plans including a stay at the luxury Sheraton Macao Hotel in China. Read this luxury blog to learn about other luxury travel packages.

Photo: Sheraton Macao Hotel – Cotai Central

The London West Hollywood Hotel is scheduled to unveil its luxury penthouse on May 18. The luxury L.A. hotel will also announce three new Metropolitan suites that will range in size from 1,600 to 2,200 square feet.

At 11,000 square foot, the new luxury penthouse will become the largest hotel suite in Los Angeles. The penthouse and three Metropolitan suites are the final phase of the luxury hotel’s $25 million renovation projected that has lasted 15-months.

The incredible penthouse was inspired by iconic fashion designer Vivienne Westwood. Along Richmond Design, Westwood assisted with the design of the new, bi-level penthouse suite. The incredible suite will feature custom furnishings as well as exclusive art and décor

Offering intimate ambiance, the penthouse suite is a massive 6,000 square feet in size. Located on the tenth floor of the luxury hotel, guests can enter via a contemporary-styled corridor.

Jeff Kulek is the General Manager of The London West Hollywood Hotel and was quoted, “We are proud to unveil the city’s largest, most lavish and fashion-forward hotel suite, inspired by renowned designer Vivienne Westwood, and we look forward to impressing our discerning guests with all it has to offer. The new penthouse, along with our three impressive new Metropolitan Collection suites, not only offer superior overnight accommodations, but also provide unparalleled entertaining opportunities found nowhere else in Los Angeles.”

Enter the suite through double entry doors and quickly realize the gorgeous decor and endless luxury amenities. The large foyer blends into a 2,000 square foot Grand Salon. This spacious entertaining space showcases large corner sofas, polished stone floors, custom cabinetry and rich furniture, all accented beautifully by Vivienne Westwood upholstery and cushions.

The Master Bedroom Suite is jaw dropping and actually consist of several luxurious spaces. You’ll notice a stunning contemporary King-sized four poster bed beneath a coffered ceiling. A handmade tapestry from Vivienne Westwood is 125 x 125 cms in size. The tapestry is hand-stitched in wool and surrounded by a wooden frame.

The penthouse suite’s marble bathroom is incredible. It includes hand drawn Westwood tartan, white on white, soft cotton towels. The bathroom’s ceiling light creates a lovely ambiance, gently shining down up on free-standing bathtub. Step outside on the penthouse’s amazing 5,000 square foot rooftop terrace. It’s massive and can hold up to 300 guests. A terrific place to hold an outdoor party or social gathering. Look out and enjoy breath-taking panoramic views of Los Angeles.

Pricing for The London West Hollywood Hotel luxury suite is $25,000 per night. Included are numerous designer, VIP experiences such Her gift bags from Vivienne Westwood upon check-in; a one hour of private shopping at the Vivienne Westwood store in West Hollywood with special discounts, in addition to Vivienne Westwood-branded amenities found within the suite.

The hotel’s three Metropolitan Suites are quite spacious with open floor plans and can be found on the second floor. Offering one and two-bedroom suites, they range in size between 1,600 and  2,200 square feet.

To make a reservation at The London West Hollywood Hotel, contact The Life of Luxury today. We can help plan and book all your travel reservations. If you enjoy reading about new luxury travel news, be sure to return to our luxury blog.

Photos: The London West Hollywood Hotel

For those of us who love traditional camping, the idea of pulling out a dirty, smelly, musty (oh you get the idea) tent from your garage is not a pleasant thought. Thermo Tents could be the answer and the future of camping!

Derek O’Sullivan is an Irish native and founded Thermo Tents in 2013. The company clams to have developed the world’s very first properly insulated tent, both thermally & acoustically.

Their latest product is Thermo Tent 6 and not only does it offer campers a comfortable temperature inside the tent, but it also does an excellent job of insulating from those annoying, outside noises that can sometimes ruin your camping trip.

The new Thermo Tent 6 was designed utilizing cutting-edge, insulation technology made from several breathable materials, including cotton-based and poly-cotton insulation. The end result is the luxury tent provides surprising enjoyable indoor temperatures and eliminates noise from the outside.

Including the porch, the external tent measures 23 feet (7 meters) long, 13 feet (4 meters) wide and 7.2 feet (2.2 meters) high. Interior wise, the tent is 7.6 feet (2.3 meters) long, 12.5 feet (3.8 meters) wide and 7 feet (2.1 meters high.

THERMO TENT 6
The new Thermo Tent 6 from Thermo Tents is pure quality. The fully insulated sleeping quarters is split into two separate rooms – 2 berth and 4 berth. Each room has its own door. Try the world’s very first correctly insulated camping tent and to enjoy the most comfortable night’s sleep in any tent.

• Flysheet – Poly-cotton (65%35%) with Ripstop, 7,000 HH
• Groundsheet (Sewn In) – 210D Strong Oxford, 10,000mm HH.
• Poles – HT Steel, 12mm.
• Inner Tent – 2 layers of extra breathable Polycotton come together to sandwich our special TTinsulate insulation which boasts very low thermal conductivity and a high density.
• Fire Retardant – All of our materials are FR, and exceed ISO EN 5912 (2011) standards.
• Pegs – Our plastic pegs are the most durable in the marketplace and they won’t turn in windy conditions as some other cheaper products do.
• Night visibility – Our pegs and guy lines are reflective and so easy to see, even in darker conditions.
• Mesh – B3 standard (Top possible quality).
• 48kgs weight total

THERMO TENT 3 PERSON SLEEPING TENT
The sleeping section from the Modular Tent from Thermo Tents can be bought as a either a standalone or three person insulated sleeping tent.

• Flysheet – Poly-cotton (65%:35%) with rip-stop, 7,000mm HH on Dome.
• Poly-cotton (65%:35%) with Ripstop on sleeping tent, along with 30mm TTinsulate high performance insulation.
• Groundsheet (Sewn In) – 210D Strong Oxford, 10,000mm HH.
• Poles – HT Steel 12mm on dome and 9mm fibreglass on sleeping tents.
• Fire Retardant – All of our materials are FR, and exceed ISO EN 5912(2011) standards.
• Pegs – Our plastic pegs are the most durable in the marketplace and they won’t turn in windy conditions as some other cheaper products tend to do.
• Night visibility – Our pegs and guy lines are reflective and so easy to see, even in darker conditions.
• Weight – dome 35kgs, sleeping tent 11kgs.

THERMO TENT MODULAR
Thermo Tent Mod is the latest addition to the Thermo Tent family of tents. It has a unique design, combining the space of the large living along with the privacy of separate, insulated bedrooms. Each bedroom can sleep up to three people. This tent model has both storage compartments and pet compartments that you can zip on or off, depending on your needs.

• Flysheet – Poly-cotton (65%:35%) with rip-stop, 7,000mm HH on Dome.
• Poly-cotton (65%:35%) with Ripstop on sleeping tent, along with 30mm TTinsulate high performance insulation.
• Groundsheet (Sewn In) – 210D Strong Oxford, 10,000mm HH.
• Poles – HT Steel 12mm on dome and 9mm fibreglass on sleeping tents.
• Fire Retardant – All of our materials are FR, and exceed ISO EN 5912(2011) standards.
• Pegs – Our plastic pegs are the most durable in the marketplace and they won’t turn in windy conditions as some other cheaper products tend to do.
• Night visibility – Our pegs and guy lines are reflective and so easy to see, even in darker conditions.
• Weight – dome 35kgs, sleeping tent 11kgs.

If you enjoy reading the latest travel industry news like the new Thermo Tents, then follow our luxury blog. We can also help plan and book all your luxury travel reservations.

Photo: Thermo Tents

Another Royal Family milestone was achieved with the recent birth of Royal Baby – Princess Charlotte Elizabeth Diana. Proud parents Duchess Kate Middleton and Prince William have added another heir to the throne. Princess Charlotte is now fourth on the list after grandfather Prince Charles, father Prince William and her older brother George.

In celebration of the Royal Baby birth event, the luxury Trump International Hotel & Tower New York has announced their Central Park Princess Package.

Designed for the discerning traveler, the Trump International Hotel & Tower New York is located at 1 Central Park West) and offers guests 35 deluxe hotel rooms and 141 luxury Manhattan suites. The high-end property is on the corner of on Columbus Circle between Broadway and Central Park West.

So to make each hotel guest feel like royalty, the luxury hotel’s Central Park Princess Package is a great way to experience New York in VIP style! The package includes the following luxury activities and amenities:
· Accommodations in a park-view suite
· Princess Rhinestone-Studded Tiara
· Four Tickets to the Following Family Attractions of Your Choice: Central Park Zoo, Manhattan’s Children’s Museum or the Museum of Natural History
· $100 FAO Schwartz Gift Card
· Kid’s DVDs to Watch In-Room
· In-Room Milk and Cookies from Jean-Georges
· Coloring Book and Crayons Upon Check-In
· All Trump Kids Services and Amenities (special children’s menus, swimming lessons, board games, and children’s books, etc.)

This package is great to explore the Big Apple with museum visits and shopping sprees. The new Trump International Hotel & Tower New York package is now available and will run until September 7, 2015. Package pricing begins at $1,700 per night for reservations in a one-bedroom park-view, luxury suite.

To take advantage of the Central Park Princess Package at the Trump International Hotel & Tower New York, contact us to help plan and bool your trip. If you enjoy reading about the latest luxury travel news and packages, follow this popular luxury blog.

Photo: Trump International Hotel & Tower New York

Who wouldn’t want to sail on a luxury yacht and enjoy the tranquil beauty of the ocean. Silver Star has an awesome portfolio of luxury yachts, including the largest yacht in their fleet – M/Y Serene superyacht.

To receive the ultimate luxury yacht charter experience available, the M/Y Serene is 134 meters in length and has been described as one of most technically advanced superyachts that has ever been constructed. That is saying a lot since there are some incredible luxury yachts around the world.

M/Y Serene was built in 2011 by Italian shipyard Fincantieri. The stunning superyacht can accommodate up 24 guests, has a crew 52 people and features 12 luxurious cabins.

For those who want to simply relax and soak in the sun’s rays, M/Y Serene offers several different swimming pools, steam room, a jet stream swimming pool, hot and cold spa pools and even a snow room!

If you are an adventurous type and want to enjoy your time on the open seas to the fullest, M/Y Serene features – sea kayaks, sports fishing safeboat with full diving support, deep sea fishing equipment, various inflatable toys, two lasers, plus water skis and wakeboards. In addition, there’s a storage area for a submarine and a large internal seawater swimming pool, plus even two helicopter platforms for your VIP escape to the mainland.

The interior of this incredible superyacht was designed by famous yacht interior designer- Reymond Langton. The yacht’s decor is stunning and guests will even find a drop-dead gorgeous spiral staircase.

The twelve luxury staterooms include a principal’s suite, VIP staterooms and guest staterooms that come in both double and twin configurations. The spacious principal’s stateroom includes an oversize California King bed, a beautiful en-suite bathroom and a full walk-in dressing area. The attached deck has a hot tub located on the private terrace.

For those families bringing children, no worries. M/Y Serene yacht is equipped to keep the little ones busy at all times. Children can have fun in the playroom, equipped with its own climbing wall. Between the yacht’s decks, kids can try the slide or visit the magical Nemo Room. For gamers, you are in luck. The yacht’s own game room comes with video games consoles, large toy collection and even a cinema to watch your favorite movies.

The superyacht M/Y Serene is available for charter on the Mediterranean. So if you are looking for a memorable VIP experience aboard a luxury yacht, then fulfill your dream and cruise along the Amalfi coast of Italy in style.

Please contact The Life of Luxury if you are interested taking a luxury yacht charter. We work with the best yacht charter companies around the world and can also help plan and book your entire trip itinerary. Follow our luxury blog to stay abreast of the latest luxury travel industries news and tour packages.

Photo: Silver Star

Opening this summer in South Beach, Florida is a new luxury hotel – The Hall. This 164-room boutique hotel in South Beach is set on an incredible 1.4-acre property and will be the first East Coast hotel from Joie de Vivre – the boutique lifestyle hotel brand.

The Hall hotel will feature a stunning Olympic-sized pool that will be surrounded by chic cabanas that will enable a great social scene. An amazing colossal banyan tree anchors the outdoor space and you can also enjoy a backyard bar and outdoor lounge.

Guests at The Hall boutique hotel will enjoy delicious F&B (Food and Beverage) choices from star chef and restaurateur Spike Mendelsohn (Good Stuff Eatery; We, The Pizza; Béarnaise), and the design from talented Robert McKinley (The Surf Lodge, Ruschmeyer’s). Spike Mendelsohn is a classically-trained chef and opens his first restaurant in Miami. Named “Sunny’s”, the new a casual courtyard eatery was inspired by classic seaside cafes plus beach bars from all around the globe.

The Hall General Manger is Caroline Dyal and she was quoted, “Robert and Spike are both avid surfers who share a deep appreciation for beach life, as well as a passion for Miami Beach and its rich history. While they are responsible for different aspects of the hotel experience, everything has come together so seamlessly; we couldn’t have asked for better creative partners to bring the spirit of The Hall to life.”

The main entrance to The Hall hotel is on 15th Street and Collins in Miami’s South Beach. It’s centrally located and near the beach and Atlantic Ocean, in addition to Miami Beach Convention Center. The three building hotel is uniquely Bohemian in design. Each of the three-story buildings are connected together utilizing colorful pathways that provide a beachside village look and feel.

Utilizing the creative design concepts from Robert McKinley, all rooms at The Hall hotel will feature custom and reclaimed furnishings. Some examples are – lacquer case goods in pastel green, wire mesh night tables, artwork of palm trees, salmon-colored louvered doors, in addition to photos of surfers and beach waves by famed photographer Scott Rudin.

Foodies can rejoice. The hotel’s breakfast, all-day and dinner menus will feature reinterpretations of classic food favorites from Spike Mendelsohn. He’s created his dining offering sform his many travels. A sample dish will be Gulf Coast Grilled Grouper “Reuben” that’s made with Swiss cheese, sauerkraut, plus Thousand Island and Cajun seasoning on marble rye. Delish!

In the spacious outdoor space we mentioned earlier, how about trying a game of bocce ball? The beautiful banyan tree will be adorned with tree-hung string lights to set the mood at night. It’s the ideal place for hotel guests to hang out and relax in a tropical setting.

If you are interested in staying at the new The Hall boutique hotel in South Beach, Florida, please contact The Life of Luxury. We can help you plan all of your luxury travel needs for the ultimate, Miami VIP experience. Come back again to read our luxury blog and learn all about the latest travel industry news and package deals.

Photo: The Hall

Taking an around the world trip is an item on many people’s Bucket List. Now you can go in VIP style in a flying, luxury hotel by Four Seasons, which operates 92 hotels and private residences all around the world.

The luxury hotel brand is offering an amazing, private jet experience. Join Four Seasons on an exclusive journey around the world. It’s a VIP experience of a lifetime and a unique opportunity to discover the world. In a luxurious Boeing 757 jet, Four Seasons will begin offering a series of around the world trips in 2016.

The initial trip will be a 24-day, nine-destination journey that begins in Los Angeles with stops including Hawaii, Bali, and Thailand. You will be staying in luxury accommodations at various Four Seasons Hotels before the trip ends in London, England.

Four Seasons started offering its around-the-world trip in 2012, but the luxury hotel brand only used a non-branded jet that carried 78 travelers. The new Four Season luxury jet is painted black and the aircraft will prominently display the iconic Four Seasons name in white on the fuselage. The jet’s tail section will be the company’s tree logo in white.

Fly the skies at 32,000 in this customized, private jet that seems like a flying hotel. From the first time you board, it will transform into your Private Jet Experience with endless luxury amenities that only the Four Seasons can offer. Starting with the cabin crew, you’ll be accompanied by an executive chef, sous chef, concierge and guest services manager.

The custom Boeing 757 jet plane features 52 leather flat-bed seats that were expertly handcrafted in Italy. The carpet is handwoven adding to the luxury decor. A Four Seasons Executive Chef carefully designs and prepares all in-flight dining menus utilizing the finest and freshest ingredients found from local sources during your around the world journey. Another nice perk is the Four Seasons offers its flying guests iconic champagne brand Dom Pérignon. It all adds up to flying in both ultimate comfort and VIP style.

During your trip, all travel itineraries offer a variety of options and activities. This allows each traveler to customize their trip to their own personal taste. You can immediately begin your plans with the Four Seasons Global Guest Services Manager, who will also be onboard for all of your flight. You will also have access to a Four Seasons Concierge during your trip.

Below are the planned, around the world trips being offered by Four Seasons during 2016.

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Timeless Discoveries: An Around the World Journey
Destinations: L.A., Kona, Bora Bora, Sydney, Bali, Chiang Mai, Taj Mahal & Mumbai, Prague and London
This signature Around the World trip features many of the world’s most iconic destinations. From the Taj Mahal to the beaches of Bora Bora, this 24-day luxury travel itinerary touches down in sophisticated cities and island paradises. See Sydney by seaplane, explore a 14th-century castle in Prague plus go on an elephant trek through the jungles of Chiang Mai.
Travel Dates: January 26 – February 18, 2016
Price: USD $132,000 per person based on double occupancy
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International Intrigue: An Around the World Journey
Destinations: Seattle, Tokyo, Beijing, The Maldives, Serengeti, Istanbul, St Petersburg, Marrakech and Boston
Travel to some of the world’s most intriguing cities and breathtaking landscapes. This package choice includes some of Four Seasons newest properties. From the exciting African game drives in the Serengeti to gorgeous palaces of St. Petersburg, to a private dinner on The Great Wall in China, this Around the World journey is a 24-day experience that spans the globe.
Travel Dates: April 14 – May 7, 2016
Price: USD $132,000 per person based on double occupancy
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Extraordinary Adventures: An Around the World Journey
This new itinerary is geared toward the adventurous spirit. Enjoy a 25-day journey that’s complete with fascinating adventures at every stop. You can fly by zip line across the rain forest canopy of Costa Rica, kayak through Malaysian mangroves, hike Australia’s Jenolan Caves, plus experience the “Big Five” on a Serengeti game drive in Africa.
Destinations: Austin, Costa Rica, Lana’i, Sydney, Langkawi, Mauritius. Serengeti, Petra or the Dead Sea and Lisbon
Travel Dates: September 17 – October 11, 2016
Price: USD $137,000 per person based on double occupancy
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Cultural Escape: Europe, Middle East & Africa
Destinations: London, Petra and the Dead Sea, Dubai, Seychelles, Serengeti, Florence and London
Immerse yourself in 19 days of unique cultures. Take a journey to incredibly fascinating areas of the world. Visit Dubai with the best views from the top of the world’s tallest building, discover the Italian art and architecture of Florence and be amazed by marine life and snorke in the Seychelles. Continue your travels and see the lost city of Petra, in addition to visiting the lowest point on earth and experience the healing properties of the magnificent Dead Sea.
Travel Dates: November 4 – November 22, 2016
Price: USD $106,000 per person based on double occupancy
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If you wish to make your dream come true and enjoy an around the world trip on a luxury jet by Four Seasons, contact The Life of Luxury today. We can help assist with all your reservations. Return to this luxury blog and read about other luxury travel packages.

Photo: Four Seasons

What occurs the first Saturday each May at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky is not just a horse race. It’s the would famous Kentucky Derby and often described as the “most exciting two minutes in sports.” If you’re not lucky enough to be at Churchill Downs in person, then host a Kentucky Derby party in style.

First run in 1875, this year marks the 141st edition of The Kentucky Derby. The popular event kicks off the horse racing circuit and is the first jewel of the Thoroughbred Horse Racing Triple Crown.

The Derby isn’t only about horse racing. This incredible event is a unique blend of sports, fashion and style. Southern traditions are in full display. Roses are the official flower of the Kentucky Derby and G.H. MUMM is proud to once again be the official champagne.

Limor Suss is an Entertaining and Lifestyle Expert and has offered some wonderful tips to make your Kentucky Derby party a fun and successful one for all. She’s offered some derby games and even how to make derby hats from cheese!

Suss suggests all party guest dress the role and come in their finest clothes. Women can war the derby traditional colorful sundresses and hats. Men should dress to impress by wearing light linen or seersucker suits. It’s not a time to be conservative. Consider eye popping colors like light blue, coral, yellow or even lime.

As mentioned above, roses are the office race flower. Bring some Southern charm to your Kentucky Derby party by spreading red rose petals on your serving tables.

Like those in attendance at Churchill Downs, serve delicious tasting G.H. MUMM champagne. Serve up a G.H. MUMM Mint Julep, which is a bubbly twist on the traditional Kentucky Derby Cocktail. Here is the G.H. MUMM Mint Julep recipe:

Ingredients:
– 2 parts G.H. MUMM Cordon Rouge
– 11/2 parts Absolut Citron Vodka
– 1 part Fresh squeezed lemon juice
– 1/2 part Simple syrup
– 1 finger pinch Fresh mint
Instructions:
– Pour all ingredients, except G.H. MUMM Cordon Rouge, into a mixing glass.
– Add ice, cover and shake vigorously for 7-8 seconds.
– Pour G.H. MUMM Cordon Rouge into a chilled cocktail-martini glass and pour the cocktail over it.

Ladies will really enjoy participating in a hat decorating station. Purchase some fun items like flowers, butterflies, lace, tulle and even feathers. Place them on a table along with some inexpensive hats. Create your own custom hat with a a glue gun and your imagination. What fun!

How about making a derby hat out of cheese? A Derby “Cheese Hat” can easily be made with several different sized rounds of brie cheese. Like a traditional wedding cake, stack the brie cheese or any other round cheese. You can add a colored ribbon or even some flowers and herbs. Serve your guests the cheese along with fig jam and toasted bread.

Who doesn’t love dessert? Serve your Kentucky Derby party guests some derby inspired delicacies. Since the race is the first leg of the Triple Crown, serve three different desserts including Mini pecan pies, mint julep cupcakes and Bourbon bites.

If you would actually like to attend this year’s coveted Kentucky Derby in person, contact us today. We can help make all your travel reservation plans and provide you a VIP experience. If you enjoy reading about how to host a Kentucky Derby party, return and follow our popular luxury blog.

Photo: G.H. MUMM

The Downtown Manhattan property in New York City, formerly known as the Mondrian SoHo, has just been re-branded and now titled – NOMO SOHO. In a partnership between ASRR Capital, Alex Sapir and Rotem Rosen’s publicly traded Israeli Company, and Gerard Guez, the luxury property will become part of the Preferred Hotel & Resorts’ “Lifestyle” collection.

The Mondrian SoHo hotel was acquired by ASRR Capital and fashion mogul and Buddha Bar founder Gerard Guez out of foreclosure for $205 million. The 263 room hotel was managed by Jason Kalisman’s Morgans Hotel Group. But last week, Sapir Organization took control and announced the property’s re-branding, including the name change to NOMO SOHO.

The NOMO SOHO hotel was built in 2012 and located in an historic neighborhood at 9 Crosby Street in Downtown Manhattan, New York City. NOMO is an abbreviation for “nostalgic + modern” and the hotel plans to blend the area’s culture and modern hospitality. The area surrounding the luxury hotel consists of cast iron architecture along with cobblestone streets.

ASRR Capital made the purchase earlier this year with a goal of expanding their luxury hospitality portfolio. Graham Leslie is the Head of Hospitality and the Chief Executive of NOMO SOHO and was quoted, “The acquisition of NOMO SOHO marks an exciting time for ASRR Capital. This gem of a property will be inspired by the diverse creative types who stay, work and play in this neighborhood. With our guests’ progressive personalities and styles in the forefront of our minds, we’re eager to revamp the experience into a curated environment for all who walk through our doors.”

Leslie has an excellent reputation in the hotel industry and was responsible for starting up the Conrad brand plus worked with many of the world’s most exclusive, iconic properties. Two luxury properties include The Hotel Adlon in Berlin and Plaza Athénée in Paris.

NOMO SOHO hotel will feature luxurious guestrooms and endless luxury amenities for its guests. The hotel’s rooms offer floor-to-ceiling windows that provide incredible skyline views of New York City.

Both the NOMO SOHO hotel’s restaurant and bar spaces will offer continually changing menus throughout the year. Centrally located the luxury hotel is the ideal location to visit many of New York City’s most popular shopping destinations. In addition, you are near world-class art galleries and for a fine dining experience, choose from numerous restaurants and bars.

The new owners are hoping to provide guests a VIP experience and make NOMO SOHO truly be your “home away from home.”

If you are planning a trip to New York City and would like to stay at the NOMO SOHO hotel in Downtown Manhattan, please contact The Life of Luxury. We can assist with planning out your luxury travel itinerary. Come back again to read our respected luxury blog to keep up on all the latest travel and hospitality industry news.

Photo: NOMO SOHO Hotel