Francesca Bortolotto Possati is the current CEO of The Bauers Hotel chain in Venice, Italy. These luxury hotels are often the top choice for someone wanting to stay in an opulent property while vacationing in Venice.

But Francesca Bortolotto Possati is also a renowned female hotelier and has offered her luxurious guide to the romantic city of Venice, Italy. Francesca is an author, interior designer, foodie and a highly respected philanthropist.

Her insight into Italian culture is captivating as well as her strong management skills as the CEO of The Bauers Hotel group. Her grandfather was a nearby shipbuilder and also bought and remodeled the first Bauer hotel in 1930. As CEO, Francesca has expanded the company from investment in three additional luxury hotels. They include – Bauers L’Hotel and Bauers Il Palazzo in Venice, and additionally the Bauers Palladio and lastly, the Villa F on Giudecca Island.

Francesca Bortolotto Possati was featured in a Financial Times story titled, “How to Spend It – Diary of a Somebody.” She shared her thoughts on luxurious adventures and getting the most from visiting the romantic city of Venice. We hope you enjoy some of her suggestions during your next stay in Venice, Italy.

Bar Canale:
Relax on the outdoor Terrace during the summer, or have a cozy cup of tea in the winter. Located on Campo San Simeon Grande, Francesca explains that this is her favorite glass of white wine within the entire Bauer complex.

Rialtro Market:
Only twelve minutes from Bauer l’Hotel, this outdoor market is bustling with life and culture, “the market is an explosion of color, sights and smells.” Francesca says. Be sure to arrive before noon to see best selection of fresh fish and produce labeled with their place of origin—almost always from local islands and surrounding countryside.

Basilica Santa Maria degli Angeli:
Soaps that tell an interesting story: Francesca opened this cosmetic laboratory to make soaps, perfumes, and local cosmetics. The Basilica is part of a rehabilitation program for women in the local jail – helping them acquire a beneficial skill set at the crossroads of science and beauty.

Jesurum:
Located down the street from Bauer l’Hotel, this 100% Made In Italy exclusive household linens company focuses on providing exceptional linens for customer’s homes, yachts, and private jets. The company has an extensive history of high-end clientele, including royalty, and continues to maintain its promise of excellence through meticulous attention to detail and flawless craftsmanship. Pick up something to take back home after your stay in Venice.

Quadri:
Just a four-minute walk from the Bauer l’Hotel, this restaurant overlooks St. Mark’s Square. A quintet in the background softly accompanies your dining experience. As Francesca writes, this is one of “Venice’s chicest Michelin-starred restaurant. It is an elegant and intimate restaurant with the most impeccable service.” Ingredients are locally chosen from the Rialtro Market daily.

Bauer Palladio Hotel and Spa:
Located on the Giudecca Island, The Palladio is lavishly equipped with amenities such as spas, gardens, and dining. Francesca says, “This garden is like an oasis from the bustling streets and canals of Venice.”

Il Vivaio Gardens in Campo della Misericordi:
Bortolotto Possati explains that you need to schedule an appointment to visit to see this “hidden gem.” Her love for well-manicured green space expands as she describes her own “three-acre garden hidden behind the Palladio Hotel and Spa and Villa F, our collection of private residences and the newest addition to the portfolio on Giudecca Island.”

Burano Island:
A day excursion about an hour from the hotel, and home to the famous Burano lace, this island features brightly colored homes that reflect into the surrounding water channels. Walking alongside these neon houses, visitors will feel like they are within a piece of art.

Has it been your dream to visit the romantic city of Venice, Italy? Let The Life of Luxury plan and book your entire itinerary. We are luxury travel specialists and you can read more travel destination stories by following our popular luxury blog.

Photo: The Bauers Hotel – Venice, Italy

You may think that traditional, beekeeping methods are a thing of the past. Just don’t tell that to the luxury hotel industry.

Always looking for new ways to differentiate themselves and following the popular “farm to fork” movement popular with foodies, luxury hotels around the world are producing their own honey with various, on-property beekeeping methods.

Beekeeping has been documented going back thousands of years in history. Written records have been found from about 3000 BC in ancient Egypt, migratory beekeeping took place all up and down the iconic Nile river.

According to a story from KCRA News in Sacramento, they highlighted five luxury hotels making a buzz with their own beekeeping and honey production.

1) St. Ermin’s Hotel:
The month of September is designated as honey month at the London hotel. The house-made nectar is used in both the hotel’s food and cocktail recipes. During September, the St. Ermin’s Hotel offer guests an urban beekeeping workshop hosted by Camilla Goddard of Capital Bee.

2) The Fairmont Waterfront:
This luxury hotel in Vancouver is a leader of in-house honeybee production. Its process includes about 500,000 honeybees who use the hotel’s big, third floor terrace herb garden.

3) Waldorf Astoria:
Located high above Park Avenue in New York City, the world famous Waldorf Astoria hotel bee collection consists of about 360,000 bees. Harvested each each, the bee colony produce greater than 300 pounds of great tasting honey.

4) Mandarin Oriental:
The luxurious Mandarin Oriental in Paris, France offers its guests an eco-initiatives program. For example, if you reuse your bathroom towels, you receive a delicious jar of honey to thank you for your efforts. You’ll find the use of local produced honey in the hotel’s F&B (Food & Beverage) menu.

5) W Taipei:
Located in Taipei City, Taiwan the W Taipei hotel serves up a “detox martini” cocktail at the hotrl’s WOOBAR. The cocktail’s recipe consists of green tea-infused Belvedere vodka, Grand Marnier, yuzu juice, orange juice, sprite, plus house-made honey.

We love sharing the best travel news, like the use of local beekeeping at some of the top luxury hotels. Be sure to follow our luxury blog and stay abreast of the latest trends and popular travel destinations from around the world.

Photos: St Ermin’s Hotel

The sad death of Cecil, the famous male lion in Zimbabwe has shocked people all around the world. Although big-game trophy hunting for big cats and other wildlife is legal in Zimbabwe, the activity is still very controversial.

But luxury safaris are quite popular in Africa as tourists get the chance to go stealth and observe big cats such as lions, leopards, tigers, jaguars and cheetahs in the open. The thrill of seeing a magnificent animal in its native habitat is incredible.

For example, spotting a cheetah is usually a matter of sheer luck, since a cheetah is the fastest animal in the world. Your best bet to seeing one is in Namibia, but your odds are also high in the Sabi Sands area of South Africa.

So you want to see big cats on an African safari, what should you do? There are so many safari tour companies and individual guides to choose from. We want to share a few for you to consider. Make your African safari a VIP experience and be sure to do your homework. Understand what your safari will include such as accommodations, meals and so on so you won’t be disappointed.

Namiri Plains – Tanzania
This area camp can be found in the famous Serengeti region of Africa. For two decades the area was exclusively used by a research team from the Frankfurt Zoological Society to study big cats. This area is ideal for watching big cats such as cheetahs roam free. After an exhilerating day of animal watching, sit around the campfire and learn interesting facts from local researchers. Namiri camp offers only six tents, so you can enjoy an uncrowded experience to last a lifetime.

Serengeti Safari Camp – Tanzania
Also located Tanzania is the Serengeti Safari Camp. This is like a mobile camp as it repositions during the epic, annual wildebeest migration. It’s a great opportunity to see the various big cats since they closely follow the wildebeest migration, looking for a kill. Just the chance to observe the incredible wildebeest migration up close is a thrill. Enjoy the local beauty and view Africa’s amazing wildlife.

Chitwa Chitwa – South Africa
If you want to see leopards, then one of the best areas is the Sabi Sands in South Africa. Chitwa Chitwa is recognized as one of the best private game lodges in Kruger and the Sabi Sands area. The experienced safari guides know the terrain and how to optimize wildlife viewing, including the big cats such as lions. The camp is well run with great tasting food and excellent accommodations.

Have you dreamed of watching big cats in their natural habitat of Africa? Consider taking an African safari. The Life of Luxury can help plan and book your entire trip. If you enjoy reading about the best luxury travel destinations around the world, then please come back to follow our luxury blog.

Photo: Namiri Plains Camp

A visit to the incredible French Riviera is an unforgettable experience. We wanted to share the luxury Cap d’Antibes villa as one of the most luxurious villas you will find to stay in.

The French Riviera awaits and live in VIP style at the Cap d’Antibes Villa in France. This luxury property lied between Cannes and Nice and has 10 bedrooms and can accommodate up to 20 people. The villa has a vast living area of 760 m².

This 16th century, Provencal villa is represented by Carlton International and was recently renovated. It features huge entertainment areas so it’s perfect for those fabulous, French Riviera parties and social gatherings. The villa is perfectly located between the old town of Antibes and a short 100 meters from the scenic beach.

Outdoors, enjoy the beautifully landscaped gardens that covers about 3,500 square meters. There’s a gray color mosaic swimming pool (13m X 6m) that has a surrounding security fence.

Indoors, enjoy all the comforts of modern living at Cap d’Antibes. The main level of the villa has 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. The deluxe “Galilée” bedroom is air conditioned bedroom and has a double bed. There’s an en-suite shower room with shower, toilet and bidet). The room has both a pool and garden view. The deluxe “Josephine” bedroom is also air conditioned bedroom and has a double bed. This en-suite bathroom comes with a balneo bathtub, shower, WC and bidet). The bedroom has a garden view.

The fabulous Presidential Suite is an independent apartment with two levels. You have independent access separate from the main villa. The suite features 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms and also offers guests its own kitchen and dining room.

If you dreamed of vacationing in France and seeing the beautiful French Riviera, consider a stay at the luxury Cap d’Antibes Villa in France. We can help plan and book your luxury travel getaway. If you enjoy reading about top travel destinations around the world, keep abreast of the latest travel news with our luxury blog.

Photo: Carlton International

Another popular trend in the travel industry is foodie tourism. Driven by the popularity of TV food shows and the desire for travelers to enjoy great food and a fine dining experience, foodie tourism is hot. Luxury hotel and resorts around the world are creating fantastic opportunities and appease our gastro-pleasure desires.

Offering a collection of over 40 luxury and upscale independent hotels, resorts and residences all across the United States, Destination Hotels provides an incredible array of local, foodie programs – everything from foraging, to local farming and fishing experiences, plus get cooking tips from local chefs.

The culinary interactions being offered by Destination Hotels are all authentic. These culinary adventures are one-of-a-kind and are will deliver a memorable experience that your stomach will surely say “Thanks!”

Here’s a list of intriguing, gastronomic getaways from Destination Hotels:

Meet the Forager: The local gardener and forager at Suncadia, A Destination Hotel, guides guests through Hay Creek Garden to share secrets of the many earthy delicacies native to the area. This multi-course dinner showcases the garden’s complete summer harvest, including several types of carrots (red, yellow, purple, white), Arugula, Broccoli Raab, Mustard Greens, Snow Peas, Filet Beans, Eight-Ball Summer Squash, Edible Flowers, White Strawberries and more.

Catch, Keep & Eat King Salmon: In partnership with Cabela’s Outfitters, Fishing the Gorge and Skamania Lodge, A Destination Hotel, hotel guests have the opportunity to climb aboard a beautiful 24-foot Alumaweld Formula Vee boat for a guided King Salmon fishing experience on the Columbia River. Executive Chef Matt and Skamania’s culinary team will then turn the catch into a delicious meal for guests to enjoy fresh that night.

Pop-up Street Food Kitchen: Once a week at the Hotel De Anza, A Destination Hotel, the patio at The Satellite Kitchen is transformed into a pop-up street food kitchen that features a variety of food creations from local guest chefs. This culinary event displays new food concepts and classic favorites while highlighting the local ingredients from the San Francisco Bay Area.

Best of Land and Sea: Terranea Resort, A Destination Hotel offers a myriad of culinary experiences that immerse the senses and satisfy even the most discerning foodie, with the best of California’s coastal cuisine. Through the Farm-to-Terranea dining experience package, guests can participate in a farm tour and cooking demonstration with Terranea’s Chef Bernard, as well as a number of interactive workshops that highlight the sea salt and honey harvesting in the area. Wine and spirits sommeliers can quench their thirst at Terranea’s Pastry & Liquor pairing workshop with Executive Pastry Chef Pierino and Sommelier Szymon Piechaczek, or a wine pairing dinner at signature Mar’sel restaurant.

Orange Grove Dinner: The Orange Grove at Royal Palms Resort and Spa in Phoenix, Arizona – a luxury Destination Hotel, is an idyllic dining vignette. The original resort, built in the middle of a citrus grove at the base of Camelback Mountain, creates an intimate setting for any occasion with its farm-fresh culinary offerings and inspired craft cocktails menus.

Blue Crabbing and Farmers Market: At Wild Dunes, A Destination Hotel, guests can catch wild blue crabs on Capers Island in South Carolina, a nearby boneyard beach that is a scenic boat ride away. Guests then enjoy an authentic beachside crab boil with their catches. For those looking to explore the historic downtown Charleston with a foodie twist, a local chef will guide guests through the Farmers Market Showcase who will pick out local produce and the prepare a fresh and wholesome lunch.

How Sweet It Is: The Carolina Inn, A Destination Hotel, and local bee keeper Marty Hanks, are working together to curate organic, homemade honey at Hank’s charming five-acre farm in Orange County. These painted and decorates hives will be harvested in July for guests to use and enjoy in the award-winning Carolina Crossroads Restaurant at the Carolina Inn.

Backyard to Table: Suncadia, A Destination Hotel, has put its own spin on the Farm-to-Table movement with the Backyard-To-Table Summer Foraging Dinner at the Nelson Farm in Washington. Chef Rick Shell and his culinary team have crafted an innovative multi-course dinner inspired by the vibrant flavors of the summer season. From Eight-Ball Summer Squash, to White Strawberries, to wild foraged mushrooms — the menu highlights the area’s glorious summer produce straight from the hotel’s backyard garden, which guests handpick themselves.

Water & Wine: Guests looking to work up an appetite and truly earn those wine calories will enjoy this unique tour offered by Stowe Mountain Lodge, A Destination Hotel in partnership with nearby Boyden Valley Winery & Spirits in the renowned Green Mountains. Guests are driven to the winery’s outpost in Cambridge, VT and enjoy a 90-minute paddle in a boat of choice (kayak, paddleboards or single or tandem canoes) followed by a special private winery tour. A wine tasting and a platter of fresh Vermont cheddar cheeses along with French bread will be provided as a reward for the hard work endured on the lake, and a guide will transport guests back to the car at the winery tour conclusion. Located in a restored 1875 carriage barn, Boyden Valley Winery is steeped in culture and agriculture heritage and offers 8,000 grapevines and 300 acres of maple trees tended to by the same family for four generations. Each wine features only the finest locally grown fruit from the loamy soils of the Lamoille River Valley.

In addition to the above foodie programs by Destination Hotels, the award winning travel company also also features 20 renowned golf courses, 19 indigenous spas, in addition to 105 exceptional bars and restaurants.

If a foodie experience at one of the Destination Hotels is what you’ve been wanting to try, please contact The Life of Luxury and we can help plan and book your entire luxury travel reservation. Enjoy a true VIP experience. Keep up with all the latest fine dining and travel news, by returning to this luxury blog.

Photot: Royal Palms Resort and Spa / Destination Hotels

Pikaia Lodge is the first luxury lodge built in the Galapagos Islands and provides the perfect combination of the great outdoors and also wonderful indoors.

The Incredible Galapagos Islands lie off the coast of Ecuador. Of course, we know researcher Charles Darwin made his historic visit to the Galapagos Islands back in 1835. Based on his observations of the island’s various species, Darwin developed his theory of evolution.

As a luxury eco-lodge, Pikaia Lodge on the uplands of beautiful Santa Cruz Island features 14 rooms. This luxury resort actually sits upon a plateau between the craters of two extinct volcano, but offers all the luxury amenities one expects for a high-end property.

Pikaia Lodge opened in October of 2014, but already has become a top destination for those you want to experience the wonders of the Galapagos Islands first hand. The lodge takes pride in being environmentally conscious and offers 270-degree views of the Pacific Ocean and neighboring islands of the Galapagos archipelago. The resort is also one of the most advanced green lodges found anywhere in the world.

The 76 acre estate was designed in a contemporary style and built from recyclable steel, beautiful natural stone and glass. The lodge floors are made from bamboo and the gorgeous furniture was made from Ecuadorian teak.

One of the impressive amenities is lodge guests can use a eight-cabin yacht that’s 100 foot in length. Named the M/Y Pikaia, take the air-conditioned, luxury yacht for an overnight excursion and cruise to the outer range of the reaches of the impressive Galapagos Islands.

One of the greatest treats about staying at this luxury lodge is the chance to see the famous giant tortoises in person. Pikaia Lodge even has its very own private Tortoise Reserve on their property.

If you are ready for a true VIP experience and staying at Pikaia Lodge in the Galapagos Islands, please conatct us today. We can help book your luxury travel trip. Enjoy reading about luxury travel destinations? Come back and follow this luxury blog for the best in luxury living.

Photo: Pikaia Lodge

Most air travelers don’t have to deal with the hassle of transporting animals. If you are one of them, New York City’s JFK Airport is trying to make the process a little easier – offering the world’s first, luxury animal terminal – The ARK at JFK.

According to the website, ARK Development, LLC, a Racebrook Portfolio Company is developing The ARK at JFK. It’s planned to become a complete and multi-purpose animal handling and air cargo facility, located at world famous John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City.

Once completed, The ARK at JFK will become the world’s first privately owned animal terminal. The animal terminal will be USDA-approved and offer a full-service, 24-hour, airport quarantine facility that handles both the importing and exporting of pets, horses, birds, plus livestock.

Currently as animals arrive at JFK Airport, they must be be quarantined for various periods of time. For example horses require 3 days of quarantine. The goal is to make sure any arriving animals are not carrying contagious diseases.

Back in January, a press release announced that organizers signed a thirty year lease with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. The ARK at JFK will consist of 178,000 sq ft and will be located at the former site of Cargo Building 78. This building at JFK was vacant for over ten years.

With construction already underway, planned completion is currently scheduled for 2016. The animal terminal will include a “USDA-­approved import quarantine, veterinary hospital, diagnostic laboratory, and companion animal boarding and grooming spa.”

The ARK of JFK will offer a 20,000 sq ft pet resort, consisting of massage therapy, splashing pools shaped like bones. You can even pamper your pet with “pawdicures with colored nail pawlish.” The pet resort will be managed by Paradise 4 Paws.

According to Racebrook Chairman and Ark founder John J. Cuticelli Jr., “The animal terminal will set new international airport standards for comprehensive veterinary, kenneling and quarantine services.”

In case medical attention is required, The ARK of JFK will feature LifeCare, which is a animal veterinary hospital.

The Life of Luxury is available to assist you with all of your luxury travel needs. We want to offer the ultimate VIP experience. If you enjoy reading about the latest in luxury travel news, follow our popular luxury blog.

Photo: ARK Development, LLC, a Racebrook Portfolio Company

Napa’s Meritage Resort & Spa in Northern California is proud to announce their Masters and Makers Winemaker Dinner Series 2015. Guests will be given an opportunity to gain an in-depth development in the process of wine, all while enjoying a culinary creative, multi-course dinner. You’ll also get the opportunity to talk to representatives from some of Napa Valley’s prominent wineries and personally speak with local winemakers.

The event will start with a reception at 6:30pm in the Vineyard Deck, and continue with dinner in the Estate Cave. Guests will be able to create their own ‘Bordeaux’ style of wine and enter to win a complimentary one-night stay at the luxury Meritage Resort and Spa. This incredible event began July 18 and will run through October 30, 2015.

Napa Valley is home to hundreds of wineries that produce some of the top wines in the world. Napa has produced some elegant Chardonnay and expressive Cabernet wines. Napa Valley is a tourist mecca and offers multiple boutique cellars, romantic caves, catered luncheon, private guided tastings, wine blending and seminars. You will be able to enjoy the many luxuries of cuisine, rich history, and many scenic landmarks.

Meritage Resort and Spa is an award winning AAA Four-Diamond Resort. It offers over 300 Tuscan inspired guestrooms & luxury suites. Stroll along the walking trails, and the Napa property even has its own vineyard. If a busy schedule keeps you from traveling to Italy, The Meritage will offer you an ideal experience offering charm, stunning landscapes, imaginative cuisine, and desired wine. The resort also offers other leisure activities and provides a luxury experience like no other for true, wine enthusiasts.

The Meritage has an Ultra Lounge, that features 6 luxury bowling lanes, full bar, pool table, and darts. You may also stumble upon The Meritage’s Estate Cave. One of its kind, and the only underground full service spa, tasting room, and banquet room. It offers natural stone and copper water features, combined with old world Florentine architecture. The Estate Cave is a destination in itself, combining luxury, romance, and authentic ambiance.

Join The Meritage Resort and Spa as it welcomes the most prestigious winemakers of Napa Valley. Depending on the date you choose to attend, the event cost is only $125-$175 per person. Each dinner will provide a VIP experience, seamlessly blending leisure and culinary delight. Don’t miss out on a chance to mix wine, cuisine, all in the beauty of world famous Napa Valley, California.

The Life of Luxury offers an endless list of luxury travel VIP experience options, like the 2015 Masters and Makers Winemaker Dinner Series at The Meritage Resort and Spa in Napa, California. Return again to follow our luxury blog and stay abreast of all the latest luxury travel news.

Photo: The Meritage Resort and Spa / Rex Gelert

The new skyscraper – Aykon Tower, adjacent to the iconic Thames River in London, will be fifty seven stories high and offer incredible views of London. There will be 360 luxury apartments in total once built. The luxury units will be designed with the “elegance and sensuality” of Donatella Versace.

Get ready for sticker shock. Entry prices for a studio apartment began at a staggering £711,000 (Euro) or $781,056 (US Dollars.) If you think you have time to decide, think again. All units have been sold in a “pre-sales” period.

No doubt there will be luxury amenities galore for a true VIP experience. For example on the 23rd floor of the Aykon Tower, find a private cinema, state of the art gymnasium and spa, plus full-length swimming pool!

The Aykon Tower will be built by one of the largest construction companies in Dubai, UAE. What can residnets expect when they can finally move in and live in opulence? The property’s brochure states, “live the complete Versace lifestyle, a fantasy turned into reality.” It unabashedly proclaims that “Versace is the true celebration of life.”

But don’t expect all the perks to be free. A parking spot for example will cost you £50,000 extra! But don’t stress about the ski-high price. The brochure reads, “Just arrive home and we’ll do the rest”, with concierge and valet services taking care of residents’ needs and whims.” Well there you go.

Even for those whop already purchased a luxury luxury apartments, may be waiting quite a while. Construction completion is not expected until the year 2020. Maybe you can just hang on and flip the property once ready for move in and bank on the expected price appreciation at Aykon Tower over the next five years.

Many Aykon Tower owners are likely interested in renting out their luxury apartment. It’s estimated that rental rates for the entry level studio units bcould be as high as £27,300 a year.

Although the Aykon Tower luxury apartments in London are all sold out, contact us for the latest luxury properties around the world. We work with the best luxury realtors and can help find you your dream home. If you like reading about luxury real estate, follow this luxury blog for the latest news.

Source: The Guardian
Photo (artist impression): JLL Residential Homes

Another way the luxury hotel chains are trying to attract your business is by offering luxury perks geared toward children. We recently published an article about in-room shopping experiences as the top hotel chains battle it out by trying to differentiate themselves.

In the “good old days”, simply offering kids cookies and milk at night was about as luxury as it got. Well no more. Now it’s everything from having pre-ordered toys in the room upon arrival, to cooking classes, fun kids clubs and much more.

In interesting fact from the U.S. Travel Association is that back in 2008, of all leisure trips – 30.7% included kids under 18 years of age. Last year that figure dropped to only 23.4%. Why the steep decline? Younger adults are delaying marriage until they’re older plus when they do tie the know, they are having less children than prior generations. So although the number traveling children is down, they have become a focus as hotels continue to strive to be “family friendly.”

It’s no secret that if kids are happy, then their parents are also happy. Hotel chains want loyal customers who keep coming back to their luxury property. We want to offer a true VIP experience.

For example, the incredible Woolley Grange Hotel in Bradford on Avon – England, has long been a family-friendly, luxury hotel. Family is the core of life during travels, and the Woolley Grange Hotel has established creative programs and activities for both adults and children.

At the hotel’s Woolley Bears Den, try two hours of complimentary childcare during your stay. Perfect for parents to enjoy some alone time. Children’s High Tea is served daily at 5pm. Nannies assist watching your kids as they play and enjoy food and drinks. In the Hen House, older children can indulge in computer games, a pool table plus watch shows on a wide screen TV.

There are ten Peninsula Hotels around the world and they all offer luxury perks for kids. The most famous hotel is the iconic Peninsula Hong Kong, which opened way back in 1928. Children are welcomed with a personal toiletry kit, plus either a puzzle and robe & slippers or a gift or snack such as just-baked cookies – yum! Parents can pay a fee and enroll their children in a Kids Academy. At the Chicago hotel, young girls get to act like a princess and get pampered with nails, makeup and hair treatments. There’s even lovely gowns for them to wear and dress like a little princess. Next, a horse drawn carriage that’s shaped like a pumpkin, takes them on a joy ride for shopping at a local, retail store.

We expect these luxury perks for kids to continue to grow and become more extravagant. The top hotel chains are in constant competition to outdo each other and attract your business. The result is great news for consumers and wonderful luxury travel memories.

If you are ready to plan your next luxury travel trip, contact The Life of Luxury today. We can help plan and book all your reservations and even focus on hotel chains offering luxury perks for your children. Come back again to follow this luxury blog and read about interesting luxury travel related stories.

Photo: St. Regis

The luxury Grand Hôtel de Bordeaux & Spa has partnered with celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay. The restaurateur and respected chef will head up the property’s Le Pressoir d’Argent restaurant.

Prior to closing, Le Pressoir d’Argent was a popular, Michelin-starred restaurant that was run by chef Pascal Nibaudeau. The restaurant was famous for using a lobster press that was one of only five anywhere in the world.

Chef Gordon Ramsay also overseas the Waldorf Astoria Trianon Palace in Versailles, which has been awarded two Michelin stars. Born in Scotland but raised in Stratford-upon-Avon, England – Gordon Ramsay has trained with many of the world’s top chefs. Several include: both Marco Pierre White and Albert Roux in London, plus Joël Robuchon and Guy Savoy in France.

Accolades are not foreign to Gordon Ramsay. In London, Restaurant Gordon Ramsay is the city’s longest-running restaurant to received the coveted three Michelin stars. Ramsay is just one of only four chefs to hold three Michelin stars in the UK.

Gordon Ramsay was quoted, “I’m thrilled we are opening our second restaurant in France, following on from the two Michelin-starred Gordon Ramsay au Trianon in Versailles. To open a restaurant in the wine capital of France with its world-class vineyards and glorious regional produce is extremely exciting. Grand Hôtel de Bordeaux & Spa has an incredible history dating back to 18th century and we are really looking forward to working with the hotel team at this incredible listed property in the heart of the City’s golden triangle.”

Photo: Grand Hôtel de Bordeaux & Spa

Chef Ramsay plans to develop seasonal dishes to be served at Le Pressoir d’Argent restaurant, utilizing the best, local ingredients. He is known for his delicious dishes that use spices and BBQ-style smoky flavors. We can’t wait to see what gastronomic creations he comes up with. It should be a fine dining experience like no other.

The incredible Grand Hôtel de Bordeaux & Spa is located in central Bordeaux, in the south-west area of France. For those who desire pampering and a truly relaxing experience, be sure to try Les Bains de Léa spa. You can choose from various spa treatments using leading, French beauty brand NUXE.

Michel Ohayon is the owner of Grand Hotel de Bordeaux, and commented on the Gordon Ramsey announcement, “Le Pressoir d’Argent at Grand Hôtel de Bordeaux & Spa has forever been a timeless centerpiece in the Bordeaux community for fine dining. To me it felt most natural for Gordon Ramsay to take part in this project, which we have finalized in order to announce today. We are honored to be one of the two restaurants in France to work with this internationally acclaimed chef, a real sign of the confidence that he grants us.”

Interested in a luxury travel package to France? Contact The Life of Luxury and we can help book all your travel reservations. Consider staying at the elegant Grand Hôtel de Bordeaux & Spa. Dine at Le Pressoir d’Argent restaurant and you may actually see renowned chef Gordon Ramsay in person! Follow this luxury blog for interesting luxury travel news.

Photo: Gordon Ramsay Group