Photo: Warner Bros. Pictures

The highly anticipated sequel to Peter Jackson’s “The Hobbit: An Unexpected Journey” is scheduled to be released in movie theaters on December 13, 2013 from Warner Bros. Pictures.

Today, the first of several movie trailer was released. It’s our first chance to view what the next chapter – “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” – has in store for us.

Smaug is the fire-breathing dragon and the next villain we will love to hate. Here’s a peek at Smaug in the just released, movie trailer below.

You will also notice a couple of very popular actors who will play roles in “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug.” The first is hunky Orlando Bloom who is back after a hugely successful run in “The Lord of the Rings” trilogy series. Bloom once again plays the arrow-shooting elf Legolas.

Evangeline Lilly, from the hit ABC show “Lost” will also star. Lilly will play the role of an Elven warrior woman named Tauriel.

Along with some of the best CGI (computer generated imagery) seen anywhere. “The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug” also showcases the endless beauty of New Zealand, where many scenes were filmed.

For those Peter Jackson fans who want to follow in the footsteps of “The Hobbit” and visit New Zealand or maybe attend the movie premier, please contact The Life of Luxury using the below form:

Photo: Fairmont Scottsdale Princess Resort

The luxurious Fairmont Scottsdale Princess is a AAA Five-Diamond resort that’s found in the heart of Scottsdale, Arizona. This luxury property offers guests the ultimate desert oasis and Southwestern experience.

Fairmont Scottsdale Princess resort is rolling out the welcome for fathers around the world as Father’s Day nears.

It’s time to finally celebrate dad! It doesn’t matter if he prefers to be wined and dined, relax at the spa, or play a round of golf at one of the top championship courses in the country. The legendary Fairmont Scottsdale Princess has it all covered.

Below are a some of the major offerings that dads can enjoy at the luxury Fairmont Scottsdale Princess resort.

* Sip, Savor & Swing Package – This overnight package includes deluxe accommodations , a $50 daily resort credit, unlimited golf on the TPC Scottsdale Champion’s Course and the choice of a $50 PGA TOURAcademy credit to be used during the stay or a $100 TOURAcademy credit good for a future stay. As an added bonus, kids under the age of 15 can golf for free after 4 p.m.

* 36 Holes at the TPC Scottsdale – Golfing enthusiasts can’t miss this: A morning round at the Champions Course, followed by lunch at Champions Grill and then a round at the Stadium Course, for only $99. This offer is valid Sunday through Friday from June 10 – 30.

* Before dad heads back to the course, he can be treated to the Stay Active Rx Golf Performance Massage at the resort’s brand new Well & Being at Willow Stream Spa. It’s an exclusive 60-minute massage therapy that’s endorsed by world-class professional golf instructor David Leadbetter and professional golfer Charles Howell III. The combination of massage, stretching and acupressure will aid in improving golf performance and avoiding injury. The treatment assists in improved balance and swing rotation for distance and accuracy. ($179)

* Finally, treat dad to a sumptuous dinner at award-winning BOURBON STEAK, Chef Michael Mina’s upscale, contemporary American steakhouse. Diners may indulge in a tantalizing menu featuring the finest cuts of beef, poultry, and fish, all slow-poached in butter, grilled and finished over seasoned wood-fueled flames. Steak lovers can select from Mesquite Grilled cuts including Cowboy Ribeye, Dry-Aged Porterhouse, and New York Strip.

Also special for the summer months is BOURBON STEAK’s four-course Fried Chicken Nights, which includes a wedge salad, buttermilk fried Jidori chicken with green beans, Grandma’s coleslaw, biscuits and local honey, a cheese course of Humboldt Fog with fig jam, marcona almonds and country bread, ending with the Bourbon banana split with house-made gelato, caramelized banana, hot fudge and candied peanuts. ($49 per person).

To beat the Arizona heat, don’t forget to try Sonoran Splash, which is the resort’s 6,000 square-foot water oasis. Sonoran Splash lets you cool down and have extreme fun by offering two 200-foot waterslides, cabanas and poolside, plus pop-jet fountains.

To make a reservation at the luxurious Fairmont Scottsdale Princess, please contact The Life of Luxury using the below form:

As Father’s Day approaches, it’s time to honor the millions of fathers around the world who work hard and try to be the best father they can, to their loving family.

But how did Father’s Day come about? Let’s take a look at the history of Father’s Day.

Mrs. John B. Dodd, of Washington state, first suggested the idea of a “father’s day” back in 1909. Mrs. Dodd desired to have a special day to honor her beloved father, William Smart.

William Smart was a Civil War veteran and sadly became widowed when his wife died while giving birth to their sixth child. Mr. Smart was then left to raise the newborn and his other five children all by himself on a rural farm in eastern Washington state.

As Mrs. Dodd became an adult, she realized the strength and selflessness her father, and the sacrifices me made to raise all his children as a single parent.

The first Father’s Day was observed on June 19, 1910 in Spokane Washington. Around the same time in towns and cities across American, other people began to celebrate a “father’s day.”

In early times, wearing flowers was a traditional way of celebrating Father’s Day. Mrs. Dodd favored the red rose to honor a father still living, while a white flower honored a deceased dad.

J.H. Berringer, who also held Father’s Day celebrations in Washington State as early as 1912, chose a white lilac as the Father’s Day Flower.

In 1924, President Calvin Coolidge initially supported the idea of a national Father’s Day. Years went by but no formal declaration was ever made. Finally in 1966, then President Lyndon Johnson signed a presidential proclamation declaring the 3rd Sunday of June as Father’s Day.

Father’s Day has become a special day in June to not only honor your own father, but all men who may have the role as a father figure. For that reason, stepfathers, uncles, grandfathers, and adult male friends are all honored on Father’s Day.

To all fathers out there, have a very special Father’s Day. You deserve it.

Los Cabos Open of Surf

Los Cabos is a popular Mexican tourist destination and has long been recognized for its world-class hotels, championship golf courses and breathtaking beaches.

This summer, Los Cabos will also be noted for another reason as the city will host the first ever Los Cabos Open of Surf between June 17-13, 2013.

The surfing competition will definitely place Los Cabos as a World class tourist destination for surfers from all around the world.

Los Cabos offers over 30-miles of beautiful coastline. This unique location provides adrenaline-seekers year-round, perfect waves on both sides of the scenic Baja Peninsula.

The Los Cabos Open of Surf will be the largest surf and music festival in the history of Mexico and Latin America.

The inaugural surfing event will occur along Costa Azul’s famous Zippers Beach Break, which is known for producing large 8 to 10 ft waves. In addition, the spot will host one of the world’s most prestigious surf competitions, a WQS (world qualifying series) Men’s 6 Star ASP Event.

In addition to the surf contest, the Los Cabos area will offer a series of beach concerts with international artists and DJ’s, beach bars, a food fair showcasing fresh, local cuisine, fashion shows featuring some of the top surf brands, art walks and eco-friendly activities, showcasing the best of the surf lifestyle.

As mentioned earlier, this is a critical event as the ASP (Association of Surfing Professionals)
is the world´s top regulator of the sport, plus an important partner in the event.

You’ll be able to see some of today’s best surfers as this event will surely attract athletes from around the world. The ultimate goal for the surfers is to compete for the chance to win a ticket to the World Championship Tour and a $155,000 cash prize.

To make your reservation and attend or participate in the inaugural Los Cabos Open of Surf, please contact The Life of Luxury using the below form:

Ladera / Paradise Ridge

Located in the St. Lucia, West Indies, the newest line of elegant Suites and one glorious Villa at Paradise Ridge are now officially open at Ladera.

Paradise Ridge is surrounded by the naturally lush tropical rainforest and caps a round of luxury developments in the exclusive southern part of the island.

The new Paradise Ridge is not simply the latest luxury development to open in Saint Lucia. The iconic rooms, unique views from 1,100 feet above the Sea and the welcoming Saint Lucian staff, combined with Ladera’s lasting commitment to local cuisine, design and handcrafted local décor, is one of a kind and unforgettable experience of Saint Lucia.

The new Villa and four Suites at Paradise Ridge in Ladera, offers stunning panoramic vistas of the beautiful Caribbean and UNESCO World Heritage Pitons and truly delivers a standard of service and luxury that are as elevated as the views.

The luxurious Villa at Paradise Ridge is Saint Lucia’s newest showpiece. It was designed as a romantic hideaway. The lavish 1,700 square foot aerie takes Ladera’s pioneering concept of the three-walled open room design to an even loftier level.

Once villa guests step over the threshold into the new exclusive enclave – through a dramatic archway crafted in tropical hardwood and traditional island design by on-site artisans – the sense of ultimate privacy, design and elevated luxury become evident.

Each unit in The Villa at Paradise Ridge offers an expansive living area that’s appointed with contemporary Dedon furniture, including a dining area, lounge seating and a double daybed. The homerun attraction is the canopied, four poster King bed, perfectly positioned for endless sea views from this enchanting retreat.

The Villa at Paradise Ridge is priced at $1,900 per night based on double occupancy, year round.

The four new Suites at Paradise Ridge are open aeries with added privacy, generous living areas, expansive bathrooms with Kohler fixtures throughout, four poster canopied King beds, private plunge pools and, of course, the signature views of the Caribbean Sea and the Pitons. The Suites at Paradise Ridge are priced at $1,600 per night based on double occupancy, year round.

To make a reservation at either the Villas or suites at Paradise Ridge, please contact The Life of Luxury using the below form:

Summer is almost upon us and families are already planning or preparing their summer vacation. But just like you, identity thieves are also looking forward to this busy travel period.

It’s no secret, that identity thieves are constantly planning new ways to steal your personal information. Consumers often let their guards down on vacation, putting them at greater risk of identity theft.

Equifax is a global leader in consumer and commercial information solutions and wants to help everybody from being the unfortunate victim of identify theft.

Equifax would like to share the top 10 ways consumers can help protect themselves while traveling any time of the year:

1. Don’t announce your travel plans on social media. This invites identity thieves to target your house while you’re away.
2. Place a hold on your mail. When criminals see an overflowing mailbox, they see an easy way to steal personal information.
3. Go through your wallet and leave at home your library card and other cards with your name on them. Carry only necessities in your wallet when traveling. Tourist areas are hotspots for pickpockets.
4. Set up a travel alert on your credit card accounts, and freeze your credit with the three credit bureaus.
5. Leave your laptop computer at home if you can. If you must travel with a laptop, update your anti-virus and anti-spyware programs. Do not access bank accounts from your laptop while in a hotel room or at a coffee shop or other public location.
6. While staying at a hotel, lock important documents such as your passport in a safe.
7. Use only ATMs located in banks.
8. Protect your smartphone. Create a password for access, and use an application with a GPS locator to find your phone if it is lost or stolen.
9. Don’t put your full name and address on luggage tags. Include just your last name and phone number.
10. Tear up and discard used boarding passes. Many travelers leave boarding passes behind in airplanes or hotels. They often contain full names and other personal information.

In an effort to curb the growing problem of identity theft, be alert at all times and try to stay one step ahead of the crooks.

Trey Loughran is the president of the Personal Solutions unit at Equifax and was quoted, “By developing good identity protection habits at home and on the road, you can reduce your risk of becoming a victim.”

Remember the wise saying ……  an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.  So be prepared and start dreaming about and planning your special vacation getaway!

If you need help making your summer travel plans, please contact The Life of Luxury using the below form:

Garden of the Gods is a unique but beautiful rock formation that has been created by thousands of years of erosion. The result is colorful pinnacles and buttes in a remote canyon area on the tropical Hawaiian island of Lanai.

Deep colors of red, purple, and ochra earth, along with crusted lava create offers island visitors an incredible lunar landscape.

You want to view the Garden of the Gods either in either the early morning or late evening. The reason for this is because the sun’s rays strike the various minerals in the rock, bringing out dynamic range of colors and offering up a feast for the eyes.

What makes this Hawaiian location even more unique is the surrounding dry environment and gusty coastal winds off the Pacific Ocean.

The ancient Hawaiian legend of how Garden of the Gods actually got its name is that the massive rocks and boulders were dropped from the sky by the gods tending their gardens.

Only 4-wheel drive vehicles are allowed on the the dirt road leading to the Garden of the Gods. Be sure to check with your rental car company before making the trip.

To book a reservation to see the Garden of the Gods on Lanai, Hawaii, please contact The Life of Luxury today to experience the tropical beauty of Hawaii.

Photo: Swims

With Father’s Day almost here, give that special dad in your life something that’s practical but personal.

A Swims loafer is a classic shoe that’s both fun and functional. The stylish shoe brand is a fresh alternative to the ties and tools typically gifted for fathers on this special occasion.

Swims loafers are extremely versatile and can easily be dressed up or down, depending on the occasion.

If you dad loves the outdoors and is a huge boating/yachting enthusiast, these stylish shoes are the perfect gift as they have an anti-slip, non-marking sole, that offer great breathability and are extremely comfortable.

Available not only in a variety of classic colors for that traditional dad who enjoys sticking to basic blacks, browns and navys, these loafers also come in fun, vibrant colors such as reds, bright blues, yellows and even purple for all those stylish fathers out there.

If you get them a little dirty, no worries. You can even throw them in the washing machine for cleaning. They are not only practical but will turn heads as you make a stylish, fashion statement.

Swim loafers are lightweight so they make the ideal travel companion for any upcoming holiday this summer season.

Copperhead Course

Innisbrook – a Salamander Golf & Spa Resort is one of Florida’s most classic golf venues. Innisbrook’s famed Copperhead Course will host the inaugural Top 100 Pro-Am Championship.

The inaugural Top 100 Pro-Am Golf Championship will be held between January 26-28, 2014. Located just northeast of Tampa, Florida – the famous Copperhead Course is widely considered by golf tour pros to be among their favorite each year.

The gorgeous golf course was also ranked as one of their Top 10 by Golf World, plus ranked by Golfweek in 2012 as the #3 Best Golf Course you can play in Florida.

The first golf event of its kind, The Top 100 Pro-Am Championship will be open to all clubs and courses that have ever been ranked in an official Top 100 Ranking List as published by the main magazines across
the globe.

The plan is for The Top 100 Pro-Am Championship to be held at one of the top golf resorts in the USA directly following the annual PGA Merchandise Show held in Orlando each year.

The tournament will kick off with a fun nine-hole ‘shoot out’ among the professionals on the Sunday afternoon of January 26th followed by a 36-hole championship played on the Monday and Tuesday of January 27th and 28th.

The Top 100 Pro-Am Golf Championship will feature four-person teams from the best and most famous clubs and courses throughout the golfing world and will have golf professionals paired with three amateur partners from the same club or course competing in a truly international tournament.

To learn more or make reservations to attend the inaugural Top 100 Pro-Am Golf Championship, please contact The Life of Luxury using the below form:

Squaw Valley USA is the proud home of the 1960 Winter Olympics and located at the base of the world class ski resort near picturesque Lake Tahoe, is the luxurious Resort at Squaw Creek – a AAA Four-Diamond resort.

This incredible alpine resort in Squaw Valley was recognized as one of the Top 50 Ski Hotels in North America, and Top 150 Resorts: US Mainland.

The Resort at Squaw Creek is a ski-in ski-out, top class full service resort hotel with its own lift access to the incredible Squaw Valley ski resort.

Upon arrival you can take advantage of valet parking. Once you enter the resort’s dramatic, open lobby, you immediately become aware of the building’s stunning architecture. There’s a beautiful cascading waterfall that can be seen through large windows that provide amazing views of the 195 hillside acres beneath the mammoth peaks of nearby Squaw Valley.

The resort features 405 hotel rooms and are superbly furnished and very spacious. Rooms provide either a forest view or a valley view (panoramic view of the entire Squaw Valley and surrounding peaks).

Each Resort at Squaw Creek room offers refrigerators, coffee makers, flat screen TVs, irons and ironing boards, robes, hair dryers and a free daily newspaper.

For foodies, there are four main eateries found on site for your dining pleasure. Sweet Potatoes Deli, Sandy’s Pub, The Six Peak Grill and the Montagna Ristorante and Wine Bar provide enough dining diversity for all price ranges. Sandy’s Pub provides well priced, delicious American pub fare and a primo selection of brews, wine and spirits. During the summertime, try The Oasis pool bar and grill.

Squaw Valley and its surrounding area is a winter mecca for sure. Snow lovers come to Lake Tahoe all winter long, but there’s plenty to do here year-round and visitors can experience a place of world-class recreation.

The resort at Squaw Creek is close to several other area ski resorts. Alpine Meadows is just 15 minutes away in the next valley to the south.

During the winter months, the resort offers on-property ice skating, horse-drawn sleigh rides, dog sledding, a complete Nordic Center, and a sport shop with the latest rental gear. There’s also a shopping promenade and several dining options.

During summer time, guests can try a variety of outdoor activities including: on-property fly fishing center, bikes rentals, tennis, horseback riding, swimming and guided hikes.

Resort at Squaw Creek Golf Course

For golfers, it’s a true treat. The resort features an 18-hole championship golf course is both challenging and magnificent. The golf course was designed by Robert Trent Jone Jr. and is surrounded by protected wetlands and the towering granite peaks of Squaw Valley.

It’s also a great place to stay if you love the water. Guests can enjoy one of the the resort’s three outdoor swimming pools, outdoor hot tubs and the world-class luxury spa – The Spa at Squaw Creek.

Relax and The Spa at Squaw Creek is north Lake Tahoe’s largest and most luxurious spa facility. The Spa at Squaw Creek was proud to have been voted #5 on the 2013 Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Poll for Top 100 U.S. Resort Spas.

Squaw Valley in Lake Tahoe is truly a stunningly, beautiful place. The Resort at Squaw Creek offers its guests – year-round luxury amenities, elegant ambiance and award-winning services.

To make a reservation at The Resort at Squaw Creek or book travel plans to the scenic Lake Tahoe area, please contact The Life of Luxury using the below form:

Resort at Squaw Creek

Photo: PokerStars

Avid tennis fans would love a chance to one day play a tennis match against seven times French Open winner – Rafa Nadal.

Located just five minutes away from the famous clay courts of the Roland Garros tournament, Rafa Nadal did challenge 100 of his fans to play against him at a Paris tennis club. The twist was it was a game of online poker!

An online poker tournament was held and free to enter. The PokerStars mobile app was played using mobile phones and tablets.

Rafa Nadal discovered that playing online poker allowed him to keep mentally alert and remain in the competitive mind set during his down time between tennis tournaments.

Nadal is the 26-year-old Spanish superstar who is well known globally for fierce competitive spirit on tennis courts all around the world.

Rafa Nadal was quoted, “It’s no secret that I love the competition, and that’s what I like about the game of poker. It’s a game of skill that requires mental strength and the ability to out think your opponents and in that way it is very similar to tennis. As I’m in Paris for the Roland Garros tournament, I wanted to be able to have some fun with my fans, and a poker tournament seemed like a great way to do that.”