Blancpain

Luxury watchmaker Blancpain has been a pioneer since 1930 in the creation of ladies’ watches equipped with self-winding movements.

Just in time for the upcoming Baselworld show in Geneva, Switzerland – Blancpain is proud to introduce the Chronograph Large Date watch. It’s a stunning new luxury watch for contemporary women.

Over the years, Blancpain has pursued a creative watch design path and regularly introduces models developed for women sensitive to watchmaking complications.

The exciting new Chronograph Large Date luxury watch by Blancpain, associates a dainty mother-of-pearl face and a self-winding heart with several complications within a model featuring generous gem-set lines.

The watch’s shimmering mother-of-pearl dial is encompassed by a minute track that reveals a two-part composition delineated by two waves of 17 variously sized diamonds rippling out from the centre with its chronograph seconds hand.

There’s a double-disc large date display that appears through twin apertures 6 o’clock. At 12 o’clock, the off-centered time display features both Roman hour and minute numerals on a mother-of-pearl subdial. This stunning look creates a unique counterpoint to the Arabic numerals on the chronograph counters.

The Chronograph Large Date watch’s 38.6 mm-diameter case is made of 18-carat red gold and set with 40 diamonds. The case is water-resistant to 3 bar.

This new Blancpain watch model comes available in both white gold and steel versions. It’s fitted with a white ostrich leather strap and also comes complete with a second strap in a different color and material.

Range Rover Sport

The all-new Range Rover Sport is the latest addition to the new Range Rover family of vehicles and the third Range Rover model to be launched in two years.

The new Range Rover Sport will debut on March 26, 2013 in a ground breaking live drive through Manhattan, New York City. The introduction is special because the new Sport is Land Rover’s fastest, most responsive and agile vehicle to date.

The world-wide public will be able to view the all-new Range Rover Sport on the eve of the 2013 New York Auto Show. The company will be broadcast the big event live to global audiences via a dedicated microsite – landroverusa.com/newrangeroversport.

Land Rover Global Brand Director, John Edwards, was quoted, “The all-new Range Rover Sport takes the model to another level. It is Land Rover’s most dynamic vehicle yet and showcases the best of British design, engineering and technological innovation.”

More Range Rover Sports are sold in New York than any other metropolitan area in the world, so it’s fitting the launch will take place in the Big Apple. In addition, the Range Rover Sport is also the best-selling Land Rover product in North America.

The all-new Range Rover Sport follows the successful launch of the acclaimed 2012 Range Rover Evoque and the all-new 2013 Range Rover.

Luigi Bianchi Mantova

With its Spring/Summer 2013 collection Luigi Bianchi Mantova continues the evolution of its sophisticated “Made in Italy” dress code, that distinguishes the brand for over 100 years.

The new collection offers an eclectic proposal of exclusive high quality fabrics, combined with experimental treatments and details, produced according to the highest northern Italian manufacturing standards.

The luxury shirt jackets, made with a cotton and silk blend, are as thin and light as a shirt and provide an unconstructed comfort. The tweed sport blazers, ideal for the Summer season, evoke a British sensitivity, with their micro-designs and sporty yet luxurious feel.

While the Hampton Springs silk jackets provide a sense of casual sophistication, the Long Island fancy blazer in linen/ cotton and wool/linen offers a relaxed rugged fit.

As for the fits, two are the styles proposed for Spring/Summer 2013. The formal blazer is constructed due to the use of wool and inner linings that make the fit tailor made.

The tangerine blazer has a softer rustic appeal thanks to its unlined construction and the use of playful color palettes, from the natural ochres and tans to the vibrant blues and creamy whites.

To complete the offer, the jersey blazer renews itself with perfectly calibrated linen and cotton blends. The undercollar flower prints in pure cotton and matching buttons embellish the look and give it a vintage feel.

In the suits proposals, we find solaro and shinier fabrics that give the garments a very silky “mood” by combining silk with other light and luxurious yarns like soft cashmeres, and super light wools

African Travel

Now you can have the memorable experience of walking in the footsteps of Nelson Mandela. Of course Nelson Mandela is the historic, South Africa civil rights leader. He was jailed in prison for 23 years, but his legacy is as popular as ever.

Join a fascinating journey of inspiration through the vibrant and culturally diverse “Rainbow Nation,” the fascinating history of Nelson Mandela’s South Africa is brought to life through a collection of soulful encounters with the people and places that he touched in his efforts to end apartheid.

This tour is offered by African Travel, Inc. and is capped off with an amazing safari that reveals the country’s natural beauty and wildlife. Plus you will have the rare opportunity to hopefully collect a photographic gallery of the magnificent Big Five.

The well-known phrase “Rainbow Nation” was first labeled by Reverend Desmond Tutu and elaborated upon by President Nelson Mandela in his first month of office, when he proclaimed: “We have triumphed in the effort to implant hope in the breasts of the millions of our people. We enter into a covenant that we shall build the society in which all South Africans, both black and white, will be able to walk tall, without any fear in their hearts, assured of their inalienable right to human dignity – a rainbow nation at peace with itself and the world.”

In The Footsteps of Mandela is an 8 day tour and priced from $3,565 per person. Tour customers will spend 3 Nights in Cape Town, 2 Nights in Johannesburg and 2 Nights in Karongwe Private Game Reserve.

Here are some highlights of this incredible trip:

– Explore a township in the Cape Town area and gain insight into the daily life of the residents with visits to entrepreneurial shops, a local bar, and a traditional Xhosa healer.

– Enjoy a “taste safari” of African cuisine from cape Malay to Timbuktu, while tall, graceful Mali puppets captivate you during
dinner.

– Experience the rhythms of Africa, while you learn to play the djembe drum.

– Discover the heritage and history of South Africa on a full schedule of excursions including a ferry ride to Robben Island, where Mandela was incarcerated for 18 of his 27 years in prison, and now a historical landmark.

Please use the Contact Form below to submit your travel request to South Africa and Walk In The Footsteps of Nelson Mandela. We will promptly get back to you.

Carthusia

Carthusia is a small niche perfume house from the Italian island of Capri, which is well regarded as one of the world’s most beautiful islands.

All of Carthusia’s perfumes are made from the highest quality ingredients and the end product hand-wrapped. Women understand that a scent plays a truly important part on their moods and emotions.

The exquisite perfumes produced by Carthusia not only tell a tale of one of the world’s most beautiful isle (Capri) but also about the beautiful flowers which grow there.

Capri can be described as stunning, hypnotic, unforgettable and mythical. The air of Capri is filled with aromatic scents and they linger unaltered in one’s memory.

The evocative power of scents is rooted in tradition and ancient legends. Even today, nothing has
changed: working methods, the quality of the raw materials, the love with which each perfume is prepared, filtered and individually packaged by hand.

Carthusia offers a complete range of magnificent perfumes for both yourself and your home. The most classical Carthusia fragrances are expertly adapted into new formulas in order to please the most sensitive of noses.

This is the spirit of Carthusia – the scents of Capri!

Carthusia has introduced their latest line of products, including:

– Carthusia solid wax perfume

– Carthusia shower gel

– Carthusia body lotion

– Carthusia solid soap

– Carthusia room fragrances

Garia

Garia introduced its latest limited edition new Garia Roadster, titled the Garia Mansory Currus at the 83th International Geneva Motor Show last week.

The newest model, the Garia Roadster was designed in close collaboration with Mansory, the car customizer famous for customizing luxury super cars such as Bentley, Bugatti, and Ferrari and of course Garia – the Danish manufacturer of luxury golf cars.

There will only be 7 of the Garia Mansory Currus manufactured and available for sale. Each luxury golf car will come with signature Mansory luxury features, including a custom seat, genuine leather dashboard, and carbon fiber rear body plus many other details.

Mr. Anders Lynge, Designer and Creative Director of Garia, was quoted, “The Garia Roadster is really the closest you get to a golf car version of your favorite luxury sports car. We were inspired by the sense of freedom and joy you get from riding a sports car and we wanted to translate that experience to the golf car.”

Garia prides itself in offering luxury golf cars that are inspired by cars. It’s the perfect blend of convenience of a golf and leisure car with the experience of exquisite luxury. The limited edition roadster – Garia Mansory Currus and is available as street legal in Europe and as non-street legal in the U.S.

The new Garia Mansory Currus luxury golf car also comes with an adjustable setting for maximum motor braking and battery regeneration while driving as well as a speed switch with different driving modes called Golf, Street and Race, which adjust top speed and acceleration parameters.

Street legal in Europe, it’s fitted with lithium batteries for an extended range of up to 60 km / 37 miles, and a speed package for increased speed of up to 60 km/h / 37 mph. What makes this Garia vehicle so special is that these settings are unique to Garia Mansory Currus and not available on any other golf cars currently on the market.

Cattleya Orchid – Akatsuka Orchid Gardens

Akatsuka Orchid Gardens on the Big Island of Hawaii, features the largest collection of orchids and exotic tropical flowers in all of Hawaii.

If you are planning a trip to visit the Hawaii Volcanoes National Park, be sure to stop at Akatsuka Orchid Gardens. You will find over a 1000 species of beautiful orchids grown here.

Akatsuka Orchid Gardens was established in 1974 and is managed by Moriyasu Akatsuka. Mr. Akatsuka worked in a family orchid nursery in Japan and has worked in the orchid business for decades.

The east side of the Big Island receives frequent rain showers and experiences a warm, humid climate, so the Puna district is the perfect location for growing orchids.

The Akatsuka Orchid Gardens can be found in the island town of Volcano on Highway 11, near the edge of the rainforest.

Akatsuka Orchid Gardens is open 7 days a week, between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Be sure to visit the display room and see many of Mr. Akatsuka’s beautiful orchids up close. They also offer a free self guided tour of the flower gardens.

If you would like to purchase flowers for yourself or friends and family but don’t want the worry of keeping your flowers fresh during your Hawaii stay, don’t worry. You can have your orchids shipped anywhere in the world. All of the Akatsuka Orchid Gardens products are both agriculturally inspected and certified.

Akatsuka Orchids
11-3051 Volcano Road
Volcano, HI 96785
(808) 967-8234

Maker’s Mark

March 27 is designated as World Whisky Day and there’s no better to celebrate than with a bottle of fine Maker’s Mark bourbon.

Maker’s Mark is handcrafted at the oldest operating bourbon distillery in the world, at Star Hill Farm in Loretto, Kentucky.

In recognition of World Whisky Day 2013, enjoy Maker’s Mark which is one of America’s favorite bourbons. It’s the perfect occasion to highlight and celebrate this premium spirit that forever changed the industry back in 1953.

Maker’s Mark

Here are several fun facts about both Maker’s Mark and whisky:

– Whisky sales have sky rocketed in the past year in the U.S. and abroad! In the U.S., American whiskies including bourbon and Tennessee whiskey were at the forefront of this growth, with a combined volume rising 5.2% – that’s 16.9 million cases in 2012 alone! American whiskies also accounted for 70% of the total U.S. spirits exports for 2012.

– Did you know whisky can be spelled with or without an E? The difference in the spelling depends on the style or country of origin. Whisky is generally used in Scotland, Wales, Canada and Japan, while whiskey is mostly used in Ireland and the U.S. While Maker’s Mark is distilled in Kentucky, the Samuels’ family has Scottish roots – therefore no “e.”

– Whisky comes from all over the world. Each type varies by region, distillation, aging and grain mash recipe. For instance, Irish whiskies are normally distilled three times while Scottish whiskies are distilled twice. Maker’s Mark whisky is made from mash that consists of at least 51% corn, red winter wheat and barley malt and is distilled twice.

– Bourbon is both good behind the bar and in the kitchen. Maker’s Mark has become a favorite among bartenders and chefs alike, as it offers great dimension when added to sauces for meats and in sweets like ice creams and cakes. Go ahead-take a stab at adding some whisky to your favorite recipes!

In addition, we wanted to share two classic cocktail recipes to enjoy.

Maker’s Mark Manhattan
* 1-1/2 parts Maker’s Mark(r) Bourbon
* 1/2 part sweet vermouth
* 1 teaspoon maraschino cherry juice
* 1 maraschino cherry

Shake all together for 30 seconds. Strain into chilled Manhattan glass. Garnish with a maraschino cherry (served up, no ice).

Maker’s Mark Old Fashioned
* 1-1/2 parts Maker’s Mark(r) Bourbon
* 1/2 part club soda
* 2 orange slices
* 2 maraschino cherries
* 1 teaspoon sugar

Muddle 1 orange slice, 1 maraschino cherry and the sugar in an Old Fashioned glass. Fill glass 3/4 full of ice. Add Maker’s Mark(r) Bourbon and splash of club soda. Garnish with additional orange slice and maraschino cherry.

Louis XIII

Enjoyed by both royalty and noted world leaders such as King George V and Winston Churchill, Louis XIII has been regarded as the world’s premier luxury Cognac since 1874.

Louis XIII is a unique blend of over 1,200 eaux-de-vie sourced exclusively from Grande Champagne, the most prestigious cru in Cognac. Each stunning, handmade Louis XIII crystal decanter is created by a
minimum of five expert craftsmen and finished with 24 carat gold.

For fine cognac lovers, lightning does really strike twice. By the grace of nature, Louis XIII is delighted to reveal the spectacular Louis XIII Rare Cask 42,6, discovered by the gifted Cellar Master, Pierrette Trichet.

Available in very limited supplies, there will never be more than 738 decanters worldwide. Each one will be hand engraved with an individual number.

Every exquisite Louis XIII Rare Cask is made out of precious black Baccarat crystal – Rare Cask’s signature, created by 20 expert craftsmen, who have to execute the most challenging colour to which the art of crystal can aspire. A rose gold decor dresses the neck of the decanter, crowned by a black crystal stopper.

Pierrette Trichet is the fourth in a succession of the House of Rémy Martin Cellar Masters. Pierrette commented on her emotions after she found Rare Cask: “As I tasted, I experienced that same sensation, that moment of revelation and emotion that I remembered so well. All signs suggested that I had found another Rare Cask. ”

The unique Louis XIII Rare Cask 42,6 cognac will soon be available exclusively by the glass from June of this year, in great establishments such as The Arts Club and 45 Park Lane (Dorchester Collection), and can be purchased at fine wine & spirit boutiques such as Harrods or Hedonism Wines from September 2013; RRP £15,000.

Wiesbaden

Hanau is located in the scenic Frankfurt Rhine-Main region, in the heart of Germany. The famous Brothers Grimm (Jacob and Wilhelm) were born there and 2013 marks the 200th anniversary of their first publishing of the first volume of “Children’s and Household Tales.” Years later, Walt Disney brought to life the famous characters – Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, and Little Red Riding Hood.

Now the Frankfurt Rhine-Main region is celebrating this milestone by offering various events that celebrate the work and life of the Brothers Grimm. The region can be described as a fairy tale-like landscape, with amazing castles and an unmistakably magical atmosphere.

Frankfurt Rhine-Main region features an array of cultural, historical, and culinary delights, plus thriving cities like Frankfurt, Wiesbaden, Aschaffenburg and Mainz, in addition to traditional villages such as Seligenstadt, Bad Homburg and Rüdesheim.

Hanau is where the rivers Main and Kinzig meet, inviting visitors to enjoy some absolutely amazing scenery. At the market square, in front of the Baroque Neustädter Rathaus (town hall), stands the impressive Brothers Grimm memorial, which commemorates the famous sons of Hanau and marks the starting point of the 373 mile-long Fairy Tale Route.

The “EXPEDITION GRIMM exhibition is located in the documenta-Halle and sponsored by the State of Hessen. Between April 27th until September 8th, some of the Grimm brother’s most precious manuscripts and personal mementos will be on display. This unique exhibition also sheds new light onto who the Brothers Grimm really were: far from being mere fairy tale collectors, they were also language scholars, legal historians, and politicians.

There are incredible festivals to enjoy, including:
Grimm Fairy Tale festival, Hanau (from May 1st – July 1st)
Brothers Grimm Museum in the Castle Bellevue, Kassel
Brothers Grimm Festival, Kassel (from July 18th – August 18th)

One of the most significant Renaissance castles in all of Germany is the impressive Johannisburg Castle. The Johannisburg Castle features a front made of bright red sandstone, and is truly the landmark of the city of Aschaffenburg. The stunning castle is a spectacular sight along the shores of the famous, river Main. There is no better place for seeing breathtaking, historical castles than right here in the Frankfurt Rhine-Main region!

Additional events to plan on attending, include:
– Art Views 2013 in Offenbach (April 24th – 28th)
– Darmstadt Art Nouveau Festival (May 24th – 26th)
– Skyscraper Festival in Frankfurt (May 25th – 26th)
– International Jazz Festival “Bingen swings” (June 28th – 30th)

Please use the Contact Form below to submit your travel request to experience the Brothers Grimm celebration in the Frankfurt Rhine-Main region of Germany. We will promptly get back to you.

On the Big Island of Hawaii, Hapuna Beach is consistently called America’s most beautiful beach. Hapuna Beach is located in Hapuna Bay, at the north end of the beautiful Kohala Coast.

Hapuna Beach is the largest white sand beach on the island and is unbelievably beautiful. Hapuna Beach on the Big Isalnd of Hawaii is about a half a mile long and 200 feet wide.

The sandy beach faces almost directly towards the west, so you will almost always be treated to amazing sunsets.

There is excellent snorkeling to be found at the south end of Hapuna beach along the rocks. There are also some pretty cool lava tubes or cave to explore in the cliff side.

The body surfing’s pretty decent, especially when the wind picks up). Going on a weekday means less crowds and more room to explore on your own.

There’s a snack bar at the park entrance offering basic food choices,  plus chair and umbrella rentals, which help protects you from the tropical sun.

Shade is minimal at the beach, so pay the $10 for two chairs and an umbrella, and enjoy your day. If it’s too windy, find yourself a shady area near the trees in the back.