Photo: Sotto Sopra

There’s nothing like walking into a restaurant and feel like you are welcome. Sotto Sopra in Amagansett, New York is one such fine dining place.

First established in 1969, Bobby Van’s Steakhouses have become highly regarded in New York City’s dining scene. Providing superior customer service and quality food, Bobby Van’s maintains the same high standards over four decades later.

The team behind Bobby Van’s Steakhouses – owners Joseph Smith and Rick Passarelli, operate their Italian eatery, Sotto Sopra in the exclusive Hamptons.

Sotto Sopra has become known for its Italian cuisine, as well as the classic steakhouse fare that Bobby Van’s customers are accustomed to – fusing a modern Tuscan atmosphere with traditional Italian cuisine.

This charming Northern Italian eatery features a wide selection of classic dishes which showcase the restaurants always fresh ingredients. The menu at Sotto Sopra was developed under the culinary influence of Chef Josh Savi.

The dinner menu offers a variety of impeccably flavored dishes from the menu’s Antipasto, Insalate, Le Pizza, Pranzo, Pesce, Carne, Classico Bisteccheria, Piatti Laterali per Due, and Primi Piatti selections. While dining, guests can indulge in Sotto Sopra’s original cocktail menu and extensive wine list.

If you’re considering a fine dining experience at Sotto Sopra, keep a look out for celebrities. This Amagansett hotspot has gained a celebrity following with famous actors including Alec Baldwin, Cameron Diaz and John Slattery, plus successful fashion designers Michael Kors and David Yurman.

Sotto Sopra is open seven days a week for dinner and Saturday & Sunday for brunch.

Sotto Sopra
231 Main Street
Amagansett, NY
(631) 267-3695

Plan your next vacation to New York and dine at the Sotto Sopra by contacting The Life of Luxury. We can assist with all your luxury travel needs. Keep abreast of all the latest luxury travel news by following this luxury blog.

Photo: The Draycott

The Draycott hotel in London, is the British city’s most refined and charming boutique hotel.

The Draycott Hotel can be found in a stunning 19th century townhouse at 26 Cadogan Gardens in Knightsbridge, inside the borough of Kensington & Chelsea.

As one of the premiere hotels in London and offering five-star accommodations, The Draycott is now offering an incredible package for its guests.

You can have the opportunity to enhance your summer wardrobes with the help of personal shopper and fashion stylist, Ghaz and the world class boutique shopping of Chelsea and Sloane Square.

Photo: The Draycott

The full package is based on a two night stay that also includes morning breakfast for two people plus afternoon tea.

After you’re ready to get your day started, hotel guests will meet with Ghaz, who offers a unique experience for those in search of the most enviable summer wardrobe.

Ghaz is well respected and provides a highly individualized personal styling, wardrobe planning and accompanied personal shopping service for both men and women across the entire London area.

This truly bespoke service is a one of a kind and features a four-hour VIP shopping experience that allows you to take in vintage, new designer and couture shopping throughout the boutiques of Chelsea, Sloane Square and Kings Road.

The Draycott package includes the following:

· Full English Breakfast
· Half day personal shopping and consultation with Ghaz
· Afternoon Tea for two including tea or infusions, a selection of sandwiches, traditional homemade fruit cake, scones, handmade preserves, butter and clotted cream

Hotel package rates are based on a two night stay (rates include VAT):

· Superior Double: £690
· Deluxe Double: £835
· Suite: £979

When you are done with your memorable shopping indulgence, it’s time to head back to The Draycott to enjoy a well-deserved afternoon tea for two served in the splendid drawing room designed by Nina Campbell. This beautiful room overlooks the private garden, and at 6pm – hotel guests can enjoy further pampering with a complimentary glass of champagne.

To book your reservation at The Draycott hotel in London, please contact The Life of Luxury using the form below.

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.

Ollia Alexandra Rarisame is a stunningly beautiful, 26-year old Russian socialite and heiress of a Russian oil magnate.

She is the daughter of a prominent Russian businessman, oil-magnate and politician, and loves living a life of luxury.

Ollia can often be spotted at over-the-top, luxurious parties along with Greek and Russian shipping-heirs on St. Tropez Super Yachts. There is one guarantee, she is always “dressed to the nines” and wearing the latest fashion that rivals any celebrity woman today.

With her love for high fashion, Ollia Alexandra Rarisame has worked hard and founded her own fashion label – aptly named “Rarisame”. Ollia’s luxury clothing label is scheduled to launch later this year in the United Kingdom.

For such a young age, you could say that Ollia Rarisame has “lived a lifetime.” Because of her past life experiences, it has molded her into the beautiful, entrepreneur that she is today.

Ollia was born in St. Petersburg in May of 1987. She didn’t live the stereo-typical childhood since her father was a popular political figure. This caused her family to constantly be in the spotlight – not always for the right reasons.

At age eight, her family moved to Ekaterinburg, Russia to be closer to her father’s company headquarters. Due to her father’s political involvement, not only did he receive death threats but sadly Ollia did as well. In addition, her family were also the victims of mob attacks, law enforcement harassment, assassination attempts, and even bomb attacks at the family home. Despite this very disruptive upbringing, it is another factor that drives her strong willed character as an adult.

When asked to describe her chilling childhood, Ollia Rarisame replied, “It was a scary place to be in; I would wake up each morning to go to school, and would be afraid to leave the house till it was made sure that nobody was waiting or hiding nearby, up to this day, when it’s all in the past, I am paranoid about safety, and get scared if I see a man walking behind me on a street, thinking he may have bad intentions.”

Ollia’s family next enrolled her in a nearby, prestigious boarding school to try and shelter her. She states, “I was so young at the time, I didn’t realize the full situation so I was quite excited to move, even though the girls gave me a hard time at school and I was constantly bullied by them, because their boyfriends always stood up for me and always took my side which infuriated the girls even more! I had to grow up fast, I was such a child compared to the others.”

As she grew up, Ollia continued her education at the university level and started to show a strong interest in the fashion industry. She continued perfecting her skills and expanding her love for the business at the London College of Fashion.

During school, Ollia was the resident stylist for her super-rich friends as well as her friends’ mothers. Her designer talent was quite evident as she consulted and provided them expert advice on what to wear and how to wear it. As she gained confidence and the continued approval from her peers, this drove her love of great style and the ambition to create her own luxury, fashion brand label – “Rarisame”.

After finishing her University studies, she was involved in several high profile internships, including: Tatler (featured as a ‘Babe of the Month’), Valentino, Vogue and Bulgari.

Ollia Rarisame currently resides in Belgravia – in central London. With her affluent lifestyle and luxury industry connections, Ollia is known as a Russian multi-millionaire, and is proud to have the very wealthy Abramovich family as her close friends.

In addition to her love for luxury fashion, Ollia keeps busy with many philanthropic ventures including her involvement in both the Serpentine Gallery Patron and Anti-Human Trafficking charities.

Talent, drive and determination will take Ollia Alexandra Rarisame very far in life. Her extraordinary good looks and flare for the “good life” could well make her the next Kim Kardashian, as she’s close to launching her exciting new fashion line: “Rarisame” in the UK.

She has been extremely busy preparing for her brand launch by jetting between Paris, London and New York Fashion weeks. When asked about her exciting future, Ollia concludes, “Rarisame will be a one-way stop for women wanting great designs that complement the female form. Her collection will boast a combination of strong shapes that evoke empowerment and class, but with ultra-modern twists that gives the label its edge. My designs have been created to accentuate the female body in the right places. It is for women who don’t run for trends; instead, understand the importance of clean lines, great fit and modern elegance with an edge.”

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.