China is once again targeted for another luxury hotel. This one is from Fairmont Hotels & Resorts and will named the Fairmont Hangzhou.

Worldwide, Fairmont Hotels & Resorts offers greater than 65 luxury properties including The Plaza in New York, Shanghai’s Fairmont Peace Hotel, plus the Makkah Clock Royal Tower in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

Fairmont Hangzhou is expected to open in 2017 and will feature 300 luxury rooms, five different dining outlets, a Willow Steam Spa, health club and swimming pool, in addition to more than 32,000 square feet (3,000 square meters) of meeting and banquet space.

The Fairmont Hangzhou will be built in the capital city of Zhejiang province in the heart of Yangtze River Delta region, located in Eastern China.

Hangzhou is often described as one of China’s most beautiful cities and is home to the celebrated West Lake, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring various temples, pagodas and gardens.

Fairmont Hotels & Resorts targets its luxury hotel properties to be centered in the best addresses in town. Fairmont Hangzhou will be no different and located atop the city’s tallest building!

The Fairmont Hangzhou will be situated in the middle of Qianjiang Century CBD, which is an upcoming business center planne dot offer house large scale meeting and convention venues, Grade A office towers, high-end residences, plus both commercial and retail spaces.

Jennifer Fox is the president of FRHI International and Fairmont Brand and was quoted, “We continue to expand our footprint in China and are excited to be adding a hotel in a major domestic market like Hangzhou. It’s a city that is renowned for its culture, history and beauty, as well as a destination that attracts both domestic and international travelers. Furthermore, with rail and airport expansion projects underway, and visitor numbers expected to rise, it’s an opportune time to be entering the market.”

In addition, Fairmont Hangzhou will include 180 Fairmont Serviced Residences, all providing access to private concierge services and other exclusive luxury amenities.

Other well known historical and cultural sites in the city of Hangzhou, include – the Tomb of General Yue Fei, Solitary Hill, Six Harmonies Pagoda and the Ling Yin Temple.

When opened in 2017, the Fairmont Hangzhou wll join an impressive collectoin of other luxury hotel in China, including the Fairmont Peace Hotel, Shanghai; Fairmont Beijing; Fairmont Yangcheng Lake; Fairmont Nanjing (2013); Fairmont Chengdu and Residences, China (2014); and Fairmont Taiyuan (2016).

If you have dreamed of visiting China and exploring the diverse culture of this emerging country, please contact The Life of Luxury and talk to one of our experienced, travel concierge specialists to book your next business trip or personal vacation.

Initially making its debut at the Baselworld 2011 show in Geneva, Switzerland, luxury watchmaker Glashütte introduced the original Seventies Panorama Date watch.

Glashütte has enhanced this vintage, watch model with an even richer range of looks. This popular watch model is part of the “20th Century Vintage” collection from Glashütte and was created with the nineteen seventies in mind.

The new watch dial is made of German silver and presented in three options – galvanized ruthenium, galvanized silver, or blue. The stylish ruthenium dial presents a sunburst surface. The stunning silver version is matte. The blue dial features finely graded shading passing from a lighter center to a darker periphery.

The original Seventies Panorama Date was fitted with a hand-crafted four-link steel bracelet. Now there are additional bracelet choices available giving it an even more elegant look.

Another enhancement are the leather and rubber straps. Louisiana Alligator leather straps come in either black, grey or dark blue. They ideally match the three available, watch dial colors.

The rubber straps are water resistant, quite comfortable to wear and enhanced with elaborate laser engravings.

The polished, satin-finished stainless steel case of the Seventies Panorama Date watch features softly flowing curves and represents spirit of the 1970’s decade. The domed sapphire crystal case back provides the ultimate in both comfort and wearability.

The key feature of the Seventies Panorama Date luxury watch is the Glashütte calibre 39-47 automatic movement. The movement is clearly visible through the watch’s domed sapphire crystal case back.

If you are interested in purchasing the Seventies Panorama Date luxury watch by Glashütte, please contact The Life of Luxury.

The stress of your wedding is finally over. The bride and groom now just need to time to relax and begin their long awaited marriage.

Consider a once-in-a-lifetime, luxury honeymoon that you will surely never forget.

How about a private, in-room pool suite, or hiking in the mountains of French Polynesia, or maybe a spectacular resort with a bedroom that opens up on the white-sand beaches overlooking the Caribbean Sea, or maybe a sailing through China on a luxury river cruise?

The Aranui III is a unique cargo-passenger cruise ship that carries honeymooners through the romantic Marquesas Islands in French Polynesia.

This 14-day journey offers couples a chance to enjoy on-shore experiences such as – incredible nature hikes past majestic waterfalls, translucent lagoons and jungle ruins. You can observe farmers and artisans while they work and even picnicking with locals while feasting on regional specialties such as poisson cru and breadfruit. and is the only ship in the world that sails this isolated, exotic itinerary.

A cruise on the Aranui III is the ultimate lover’s paradise experience, featuring spacious, air-conditioned staterooms and suites. The cruise ship features a large dining room that is capable of holding up to 200 dining guests, which is also the ship’s full capacity. You will also be able to enjoy several bars and lounge areas, sun deck, swimming pool and gym.

The Aranui III offers 17 departures a year. Cruise rates begin at $2,346 per person (based on double occupancy). Included are: three meals daily with complimentary wine, guided excursions outlined in the itinerary, plus on-shore picnics and meals.

A perfect, luxury honeymoon getaway for newlyweds who desire a culturally unique experience is with Victoria Cruises, who showcases the culture of China and the incredible Yangtze River. Victoria Cruises operates a fully updated fleet of seven five-star, ultra-luxury vessels and is the only American cruiseline that sails the Yangtze River. The ships offer a modern blend of European-Asian design with private balconies in all
staterooms.

For a unique cultural experience, try morning Tai Chi, informative lectures, acupuncture demonstrations, painting demonstrations, plus lessons on the Mandarin language, mah jong, calligraphy in addition to the making of silk kites.

Victoria Cruises range from three to seven days in duration and pricing starts at just $880 per person (based on double occupancy).

Passengers can reserve Superior Staterooms with Executive Amenities from $1,080, per person, based on double occupancy. Executive Suites begin at $1,340 per person, based on double occupancy. Honeymooners can take advantage of Victoria Cruises Executive Amenities upgrade program to receive many VIP amenities.

Magdalena Grand Beach Resort is the newest and largest resort in Tobago and a perfect destination for a luxury honeymoon. This luxury resort provides newlyweds a unique opportunity to embrace their love in the culturally rich and naturally beautiful environment of Tobago. It’s definitely a remarkable, Caribbean paradise.

Couples can enjoy intimate indulgences that are part of resort’s Honeymoon Package. Upon arrival, luxury honeymoon couples will be escorted to a decorated one-bedroom suite featuring a private hot tub, a platter of chocolate-covered strawberries and sparkling champagne. No doubt this will set the mood for sweet delight. In addition, enjoy a sensual couples massage (with choice of location: on the beach or on the room’s private balcony).

Pricing for the Magdalena Grand Beach Resort Honeymoon Package begins at $2,799 per couple, for four nights (inclusive of all taxes and service charge).

A true Caribbean paradise, gorgeous St. Maarten provides couples numerous traditional honeymoon vacation options, including romance packages from various resorts across the tropical island or non-conventional getaways that couples create themselves based on their interests.

While in St. Maarten, couples celebrate amongst the natural, picturesque backdrop of swaying palm trees, turquoise blue water and white-sand beaches. You have a choice of hotel accommodations, such as an expansive luxury resort, a premier hotel complex, intimate guesthouse or a quaint inn. Perfect for your luxury honeymoon experience.

Honeymooners will quickly notice that St. Maarten provides a selection of both day and nighttime diversions to provide a ideal expereince of romance and adventure. A sample of these include: daytrips to neighboring islands, water sports, organized tours, duty-free shopping, land-based sports, dining options, dance clubs, casinos plus beach bars.

To learn more or book a romantic getaway or luxury honeymoon reservation, please contact The Life of Luxury.

Before you know it, winter will be here and that means great skiing at some the top U.S. ski resorts. Park City, Utah is always named amongst the most popular resort destinations.

Resorts West is the finest luxury accommodation and ski chalet rental company in Park City. This holiday season, they are offering incredible stay & ski getaways.

Teaming up with FAO Schwarz, Resorts West if offering the amazing “Holidays Memories Package.”

Prior to even arriving, the Resorts West concierge service will assist you in choosing the top selling FAO Schwarz toys for the family to enjoy during your stay! The toys will be shipped, wrapped and arranged into a magical display.

Upon your arrival in Park City, your luxury property will be decorated in a winter wonderland with a stunning display of FAO Schwarz toys for your children. It’s their way of spreading holiday cheer from these second the kids enter the home.

The “Holiday Memories” package from The Resorts West will be available from Dec. 4 to Dec. 31, 2013. The luxury Park City package includes seven nights’ accommodation at a private chalet, all Resorts West services, advanced toy purchase, delivery and staging prior to arrival.

In addition, your toy collection will be shipped back to guests’ residence within the United States. International shipping is available at an additional cost.

James Ballstaedt is the President and Co-Founder of Resorts West and was quoted, “We know that for many families, the holidays are often the only time of the year that they can reconnect and spend quality time together.We strive to create unforgettable holiday experiences for our guests and we are excited to share the enchantment created by FAO Schwarz.”

Park City properties range from 2-bedroom slope-side condos to luxurious, 8-bedroom ski-in/ski-out full-service chalets. These properties include daily housekeeping, complimentary shuttle service, in-home spa treatments, luggage shipment and private concierge services.

Your personal concierge is available to the customer throughout their unforgettable stay, as well as for post-vacation assistance.

Resorts West offers a selection of luxury, slope-side mountain homes at each of Park City’s three world-class ski destinations, including Deer Valley Resort, Park City Mountain Resort and Canyons Resort.

The Resorts West properties all include gourmet kitchens, en-suite baths, ski-in/ski-out access, theaters, game rooms, plus fitness rooms and saunas. In addition, all guests receive hotel-like services such as daily housekeeping and even complimentary car service throughout Park City.

When your luxury vacation comes to an end, don’t worry about how you’re going to get all those FAO Schwarz back home. The Resorts West private concierge will help arrange for complimentary shipment of all toys back to your home.

This exclusive ski vacation package begins at $40,000 plus taxes and fees for a 5-bedroom private home. Customized packages at smaller properties are available upon request.

To experience this unforgettable Part City, Utah family “Holiday Memories” package, please contact The Life of Luxury and one of our travel concierge specialists will assist with all of your reservation needs.

The AAA Five Diamond Ritz-Carlton New York, Battery Park is Manhattan’s only luxury waterfront hotel. The 39-story, 298-room luxury hotel can be found in Battery Park’s scenic esplanade. This luxury New York city hotel is close many of New York’s top cultural sites and historical landmarks.

Although summer is officially over and temps begin to cool down, The Ritz-Carlton New York, Battery Park is offering young guests a unique chance to keep the fun alive with the new Indoor Campout Package.

Hotel guests that are between 3 and 8 years pf age can enjoy an evening of adventure! The Indoor Campout Package includes sleeping in a tent for two that’s equipped with many camping essentials such as two custom sleeping bags, an indoor lantern, and the “L is for Liberty” children’s book.

To provide an authentic camping experience, campers can share stories by the fire, using toy campfire logs that glow and have moving “flames.”

It’s a great way for children to enjoy the excitement of an outdoor camping experience, all within the comforts of their hotel room. It offers fun camping activities and amenities that will create a memorable visit for the entire family.

Kids love chocolate so The Ritz-Carlton New York has thought of everything. Prior to going to bed for the night, young guests can also enjoy a special, all-chocolate camping-themed treat created by the hotel’s award-winning French Pastry Chef Laurent Richard.

With young children camping safely in the suite’s living room, their parents can really enjoy the privacy of their separate, king-bedded guest room. A night of romance awaits!

The Indoor Campout Package at The Ritz-Carlton New York, Battery Park is only available to guests staying in one of the hotel’s suites. Package pricing begins at $570 per night.

If you are interested in booking the Indoor Campout Package at The Ritz-Carlton New York, Battery Park please contact The Life of Luxury and one of our travel concierge specialists can assist you with your reservation.

Since the day they opened for business back in 1995, Buben & Zorweg has been committed to exploring the limits of technology and craftsmanship with exciting new masterpieces. Their latest development is the Magnum luxury safe.

Buben & Zorweg began to focus on security products in 2008 and introduced their first luxury safes that also offered a unique design which became an attractive addition to every elegant interior.

The goal in the development of the Magnum Luxury Safe, was to create a product not only that would appear to look secure, but to have the appearance of an object of design.

Magnum comes with two handles which visually interprets the character of the safe. The incredible safe doors don’t open outwards, but instead disappear inside the safe when opened to decoratively present its valuable content.

It’s apparent that one glance at the Magnum luxury safe an done gets the sense of what high security really looks like. The result if from the intellectual creative process behind designing and manufacturing a masterpiece.

Another detailed solution offered is the extendible interior. The safe doors are rather thick for obvious security reasons, which would normally mean for example – an exclusive watch collection strapped to TIME MOVER® units would be located deep inside the safe.

But Buben & Zorweg has cleverly turned a high-security safe into an impressive presentation shrine.

Key features of the new Magnum luxury safe include:
• High-security safe with VDS I (German Security Certification), Made in Germany
• Electronic German high security locking system
• Buben & Zorweg signature clock with a stainless steel bezel
• TIME MOVER® for 16 watches and 4 drawers, TIME MOVER® for 32 watches and 1 drawer or TIME MOVER® for 48 watches
• Hidden compartments behind the TIME MOVER® modules
• 8-day spring-driven movement of German manufacture

The end goal of Buben & Zorweg is to consistently search for the ideal solution to satisfy the discerning demands of watch collectors and aficionados of the unusual.

For those planning to attend “BASELWORLD“ next year, be sure to stop by and view the Magnum luxury safe from Buben & Zorweg first-hand.

(AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)

Italian fashion designer Donatella Versace was born on May 2, 1955. She is the force behind the iconic Versace high-fashion brand name.

Donatella Versace rose in the ranks of Versace after the untimely death of Gianni, her brother. Donatella is currently the Vice-President of the Versace Group.

The latest 2014 summer fashion collection from Donatella Versace combines a sophisticated styles along with street wear. The new look is described as “urban luxury” and was unveiled at a recent fashion show in the courtyard of the Versace palazzo in downtown Milan, Italy.

The new Versace collection offers a wide variety of looks for today’s active woman – denim jackets worn over a delicate floral sheath, or tough harness tops paired up with demure flared skirts, or a beautiful chiffon dress held together by fashionable metal hooks.

Donatella Versace has focused a lot of her efforts on the collection’s materials. The techno research first started by her late brother Gianni, is now one of the label’s trademarks. Gianni is known as the first Italian designer to use chain metal.

Donatella Versace was quoted, “When you talk about luxury everybody thinks of evening gowns, but it’s also about basic items like a pair of jeans, a shirt or a T-shirt.”

Also displayed down the runway were biker T-shirts and leather belts accompanied by a buckle in the shape of the Versace Medusa logo, heavy metal necklaces, and chain metal pouches and bandanas. In addition, the fashion line was paired with the latest designer Versace footwear, including a high-heeled platform sandal that was cleverly held together by elastic bands.

Enriched by delicate strands of silk, Donatella Versace designed a ballerina skirt that is made of raffia. The stylish skirt also appears throughout the fashion show as either a monochromatic or pastel print look. The skirt was paired with matching blouses or bra tops.

If you would like to attend a fashion show anywhere in the world, The Life of Luxury can provide access to every major high fashion show. Please contact us for the latest details.

LeBron James is arguably the best pro basketball player in the NBA today. Winner of back-to-back NBA Championships, LeBron can now add a new luxury watch to list of accomplishments – Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph LeBron James.

The new, limited edition luxury watch is from Audmars Piguet has a retail price of $51,500.

Luxury watchmaker Audemars Piguet is proud to offer the Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph LeBron James watch and having “King James” involved will definitely make it a hot commodity in the luxury watch industry.

The Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph LeBron James watch features a 44mm 18K pink gold case and titanium bezel.

The self-winding chronograph calibre 3126/3840 watch is stylish in its design and will make a perfect addition to anyone’s luxury watch collection.

Printed in blue on the sapphire crystal display back is the signature of LeBron James. The Audmars Piguet watch’s 365-part movement provides a long-lasting, 55-hour power reserve.

Under LeBron’s signature, you can see the 22 carat, oscillating weight. The watch has a hand-stitched, grey crocodile strap and includes an 18K pink gold pin buckle.

LeBron James continues to rack up awards in his successful basketball career. In July, he won three ESPY Awards that included male athlete of the year. Earlier this year, James won a second straight NBA championship with the Miami Heat.

Last year, he was also part of the U.S. Olympic gold medalist basketball team. LeBron James was voted NBA MVP in 2009, 2010, 2012 and 2013. He was also awarded NBA Rookie of the Year in 2004.

You can purchase the Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph LeBron James watch exclusively at either of the two Audemars Piguet boutiques in New York City and Bal Harbour.

If you are interested in purchasing the Royal Oak Offshore Chronograph LeBron James watch or any other luxury watch, please contact The Life of Luxury.

Challenging the perception of traditional serving ritual for whisky, Ballantine’s 12 has introduced its new, limited edition Scotch Whisky – Ballance.

Ballance is the creation from the award winning, Swedish, female design trio of FRONT. Ballance is inspired by the elegant balance of the blend and proudly celebrates the craftsmanship in both whisky and design.

Ballance cleverly features a series of handcrafted objects which mysterially appear to suspend in mid-air. The reuslt creates one super-premium design collectible. Each element of Ballance has the Ballantine’s 12 by FRONT design collaboration elegantly burned, etched or stamped onto it so that they stand also alone as collectibles.

Sandy Hyslop is Ballantine’s Master Blender of scotch whisky and was quoted, “It was fascinating spending time with FRONT and exploring our shared obsessions with excellence and rooting contemporary relevance in authentic crafts. Ballance is as beautiful as it is functional – lending elegance and theatre to the serving ritual. With Ballance the ultimate aim is for whisky connoisseurs to discover their own perfect balance in enjoying Ballantine’s 12.”

Consisting of five essential items, Ballance creates the perfect serve of Ballantine’s 12. The interactive sculpture is inspired by the balance of flavours that will be discovered in the elegant whisky itself, as well as the artistry of the Master Blender.

A contemporary, elegant whisky glass balances a trio of pieces; a copper ice bowl, beautifully honed using copper in a tribute to the copper stills used to distil the precious whisky, a square shaped water jug, whose shape mirrors the silhouette of the Ballantine’s 12 bottle, and – precariously balanced at the sculpture’s summit – a copper spoon.

Ballantine’s 12 pays special homage to scotch whisky aging and mixing rituals. An example is both oak and copper are predominantly featured since these materials are key to realizing Ballantine’s 12 and the design appears to magically ‘balance’ in mid-air.

Ballance can also be deconstructed, allowing owners to delight their friends and use to serve Ballantine’s 12: each piece of the sculpture is a collectible in its own right.

There will be only 150 of the limited editions released worldwide, beginning at the end of October. The Scotch whisky product is the culmination of a collaboration between FRONT and Sandy Hyslop.

Each Ballance, Scotch whisky piece from Ballantine’s 12 will have a recommended retail selling price of £350 or equivalent (currency dependent).

To learn more about Ballance from Ballantine’s 12, please contact The Life of Luxury for further details.

British manufacturer BRYCLA offers simply luxurious chairs used at a wide variety of high-end events plus special occasions such as VIP functions. and even Royal/Celebrity weddings.

BRYCLA showcased its line of the world’s most exclusive banqueting chairs at the World Luxury Expo in Abu Dhabi. The World Luxury Expo show was held at the Emirates Palace last week between September 27th – 29th, 2013.

BRYCLA has a passion and is proud to supply “100% British” innovative products. BRYCLA chairs are used around the world at only the worlds most exclusive events. Client desires nothing short of perfection, and BRYCA surely delivers.

The first of the two new products featured to the Saudi Arabian market is the stunning BRYCLA ROYAL luxury chair. The chair is finished in 22 carat gold and also certified with authentication.

The BRYCLA ROYAL chair is definitely a must, especially for VIP weddings and special functions, state occasions, luxury hotels, Government buildings, royal households, luxury palaces, in addition to other exclusive venues.

The chair seat pads are interchangeable to better suit the venue’s unique décor and can be manufactured in the customer’s specific style. The BRYCLA ROYAL chairs are currently used throughout Europe by many of the Royal households.

The second chair product to be shown at this U.A.E. event was the impressive BRYCLA PLATINUM. The patented BRYCLA PLATINUM chair is a revolutionary and elegant chair.

It features world-first design and first-class manufacturing techniques that are based on the classic napoleon design. This unique chrome napoleon chair will definitely enhance any hotel, room, event or venue with its gorgeous mirror-like finish.

BRYCLA wholesale prices are £2,000 for their elegant 22 carat gold plated “Royal” chair and just £360 for the equally impressive Chrome “Platinum” chair.

To learn more about purchasing a luxury chair from BRYCLA, please contact The Life of Luxury.

The luxurious Bentley Continental GT3 will make its race debut in Abu Dhabi this December 13.

Bentley has a long standing heritage in the motorsports arena and now 10 years after their victory at Le Mans, Bentley will return to the racetrack with the Continental GT3 at the 2013 Gulf 12 Hours.

The 2013 Gulf 12 Hours is a two-part endurance race test that takes place at the stunning Yas Marina circuit. The upcoming event marks Bentley’s return to motorsport ten years after its dominant win at the 24 Hours of Le Mans in 2003.

The race event will allow the new Bentley Continental GT3 to publicly display the luxury sedan’s performance capabilities in its most extreme form.

Bentley’s new race car has begun an intensive program of performance, setup and durability testing at tracks across Europe, ever since the Continental GT3’s exciting debut at the Goodwood Festival of Speed back in July.

To complement its racing ambitions, the Bentley Continental GT3 retains it luxury Grand Tourer roots, with a fashionable steering wheel, gorgeous carbon racing seat and leather door-pulls that are all trimmed and stitched by hand by the craftsmen and women at the Bentley factory in Crewe.

The new Bentley Continental GT3 is powered by a race-prepared and dry-sump version of Bentley’s powerful but efficient road-going 4.0- litre twin-turbo V8. The engine produces up to 600 bhp in unrestricted race configuration. The instantly-recognizable shape of the Continental GT makes the GT3 a true member of the iconic, luxury Continental family.

So mark your calendar for Gulf 12 Hours race in Abu Dhabi and see in person the return of Bentley to motorsport.. It will truly be a memorable event!

If you are interested in attending the Gulf 12 Hours race in Abu Dhabi or purchasing a Bentley GT3 Continental, please contact one of our travel concierge specialists at The Life of Luxury.