St Regis San Francisco

Staying in a luxury hotel is everyone’s dream when getting away from the hustle and bustle of everyday living. Hotels that offer great ambiance from room service for dining, restaurants, stores for shopping, a soothing pool and spa area. We all dream about staying on one of the best luxury hotels, but many never get the chance.

How about romantic walks on the beach, or just listening to waves as they crash against the sea shore … what a better way to spend time with your family, friends or as a couple.

If you are planning that special get-away, or for those who just like to dream, here is a list of the top 15, best luxury hotels in America.

The St. Regis New York

The St. Regis located at Fifth Avenue in New York offers exceptional service that includes butlers on call 24 hours, exquisite guest rooms, Clefs d’Or concierges, a signature bath menu, a magnificent Beaux Arts lobby and a Fifth Avenue location known for some of the best shopping. And who would not like the favorite lux amenity of having a personal butler do your packing and unpacking.

Trump International Hotel & Tower Chicago

If you want incredible views overlooking Chicago, the 339-room Trump International Hotel & Tower has floor-to-ceiling windows in the massive rooms with limestone bathrooms and soaking tubs. This elegant luxury hotel near the Magnificent Mile offers a Michelin-rated restaurant, dazzling indoor pool and spa area, and outstanding service. Upon arrival and based on your preferences, you will enjoy a custom-stocked minibar.

Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek, Dallas

While in Dallas, step into the majestic lobby of the Rosewood Mansion on Turtle Creek where you will be greeted with outstanding services such as free car service and concierges. The property which feels like a Tuscan villa is lush from top to bottom. Relax at the pool or outdoor heated sauna surrounded by beautiful fountains, tile mosaics, and trellis plants. The exclusive rooms with patios are chic and glamorous.

Palazzo Resort Hotel Casino, Las Vegas

If you have ever stayed at the Venetian Resort in Las Vegas, you will want to stay at its upscale sister hotel, the Palazzo Resort Hotel Casino. You will enjoy larger standard rooms with a separate bedroom, and relax on the L-shaped sofas in the sunken living room area. A remote-control opens and closes the shades and curtains using “touch control” technology. As a guest, you will have access to the Canyon Ranch Spa and high-end mall with shops by leading designers.

Hotel Beaux Arts Miami

It doesn’t get any better than the Hotel Beaux Arts in Miami. The 44-room hotel has incredible views looking out the floor-to-ceiling windows from the uppermost floors of the JW Marriott building. Guest rooms come equipped with Bang & Olufsen plasma TVs, stereos and entertainment systems and iPads, as well as TVs in the mirrors. Cherry wood floors, plush beds and marble bathrooms add to the exquisite feel of the room. Work out in the fitness center while enjoying the bay views.

Carmel Valley Ranch

Carmel Valley Ranch offers modern day luxury in a rustic setting surrounded by oak trees, organic gardens and rolling vineyards on a 500-acre property. Rooms are adorned with flat-screen TVs, iPod docks, and Keurig coffeemakers. Pristine bathrooms with soaking tubs and separate walk-in showers along with small private decks and travertine fireplaces provide a relaxing atmosphere. Other features include two outdoor pools, an 18-hole golf course, seven fire pits, and the hotel’s ultra-luxurious spa.

Auberge du Soleil, Napa Valley

Enjoy a romantic retreat in Napa Valley, while staying at the Auberge du Soleil, one of the most elite destinations in the California wine country. This cozy inn has all the comforts of a larger resort: a 7,000 square-foot luxury spa, pool, and a Michelin-star restaurant. The open-air gallery showcases one of the most comprehensive collections of outdoor sculpture ever assembled. Guest rooms have large terraces, most with fireplaces and soaking tubs. The majestic views and lavish grounds offer a peaceful experience that guests will remember.

Pelican Hill, Orange County

This impeccable 500 acre resort with Two Tom Fazio-designed golf courses, complete with an elegant clubhouse is luxury at its best. The Pelican Hill in Orange County has 332 bungalows and villas, two pools and a 23,000-square-foot spa. Rooms, many with ocean views, feature large marble bathrooms, fireplaces, and terraces. Guests staying in the villas are attended to by a private staff and have access to a separate clubhouse with a pool and fitness center.

Waldorf Astoria Orlando

If you are planning a family vacation to Walt Disney World, the Waldorf Astoria in Orlando is a true luxury hotel just minutes from Epcot. Everything in this hotel is first class, including the staff which provides quality service. Free transportation in a luxury vehicle is provided from the hotel to the Disney Resort. Start your day with a buffet breakfast at Oscar’s or enjoy a golf outing on the beautiful 18-hole golf course just steps from the front door.

Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa, Scottsdale

Overlooking Praying Monk Rock and the desert, Sanctuary on Camelback Mountain Resort & Spa is one of the highest ranked resorts in the Southwest. Located in one of the most desirable locations in Scottsdale this resort continues to attract high-profile guests with its superior farm-fresh cuisine, spa, and stunning suites along with an offering of classes, including yoga and tennis.

The Grand Del Mar, San Diego

The old-world décor, enormous rooms and luxurious spa make The Grand Del Mar in San Diego a great luxury pick. Located in the hills near Del Mar this stunning 249-room Spanish-Colonial-style resort features four pools, exceptional restaurants, an 18-hole golf course, an equestrian center, and free car service to Del Mar in a Mercedes or Cadillac Escalade. Other amenities include free Wi-Fi and free off-site parking.

The St. Regis San Francisco

Indulge in luxury at the The St. Regis in San Francisco. The spacious rooms and suites offer superior technology and the many amenities include round the clock personalized butler service; treat yourself to chocolate truffles and champagne while relaxing at the Remede Spa; lounge at the 50-foot, heated infinity-edge pool; enjoy an elegant dining experience at Ame restaurant. Built in 2005, this hotel offers the best in modern luxury.

Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado, Santa Fe

The Four Seasons Resort Rancho Encantado located a few miles north of Santa Fe sits on 57 wonderfully landscaped acres with marvelous views of the Sangre de Cristo Mountains. Decorated in a Southwestern style of warm browns and oranges, you will relax in large, lavish rooms with concrete and wood floors, Native American-style rugs, wood-burning fireplaces, and private patios. Stay warm and toasty from head to toe while walking on radiant heated floors. Wine and dine at the Terra restaurant or take a dip in the outdoor seasonal pool, whirlpool, and luxury spa.

The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay

You will receive nothing but the best at the The Ritz-Carlton. This romantic 261-room hotel in Half Moon Bay sits atop a cliff overlooking the Pacific with beautiful views of the rocky coast. Bay views combined with a large spa and rooms elegantly designed with gorgeous marble bathrooms will make your stay complete. Enjoy the outdoors while sitting around the fire pits or playing a round of golf on the 18-hole golf course. If you are a tennis enthusiast, you will be delighted to know the resort fee includes tennis rackets, tennis balls, ball machines, and private or group lessons with professionals from Peter Burwash International.

The Hay-Adams, Washington, D.C.

The Hay-Adams, known as the most famous hotel in the capital, provides guests a luxurious retreat as though staying in a private mansion. This historic hotel, with panoramic views of the White House, is located at the center of downtown Washington, D.C. just minutes away from some of the most significant destinations and legendary monuments in the country. Relax and enjoy elegant rooms which feature Asprey London toiletries and custom Italian bed linens and bath towels. Exceptional service, along with a terrific bar and restaurant make this the perfect get-away with an intimate atmosphere.

Source: http://www.businessinsider.com/15-of-the-best-luxury-hotels-in-america-2012-12?op=1

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House of Martell cognac

The House of Martell is pleased to reveal the luxury gift box (called the “Dôme”) of L’OR de Jean Martell, a prestigious cognac, the most complex blend of the Martell Range.

Cognac is brandy, and is also called eau de vie. It is produced by doubly distilling white wines produced in any of the designated growing regions.

Martell gave Eric Gizard, French interior architect and designer, the task of creating a special box to further enrich L’OR de Jean Martell, the result of a series of “rare encounters”. The combination of Grande Champagne and Borderies creates a unique blend of elegance, power, and richness.

This elegant box designed by Eric Gizard matches the sophistication of the blend and allows you to carry and display this most beautiful gem in its collection. Called upon for his creativity, the main idea behind the bottle was to surround L’OR de Jean Martell with several skins that would gradually lead to the cognac and make a ritual out of serving it.

The result is dramatic. The Sèvres Crystal decanter is presented under a Dome, which itself is sheathed in a delicate cover of fine-grain leather and the metallic luster of a lid which sits perfectly enshrined within its container. When the carafe is beneath its Dome, it is topped by a transport cap, but once it is displayed, the formal crystal cap returns to its original place.

When Eric Gizard launched the Dome to retail outlets he applied his presentation concept using a back-lit display case to showcase the warm color of the cognac, with its mahogany tints. A concave mirror behind the carafe creates a stunning optical effect and highlights the crystal decanter in the simplest way, as if levitating above its base.

Discover L’OR de Jean Martell visuals on site in prestigious places such as Le Lucien bar at Fouquet’s in Paris or Les Airelles hotel in Courchevel.

Blancpain Saint-Valentin 2013

Valentine’s Day is celebrated between loved ones with a showering of candy, flowers and gifts given to your one “true-love” on this romantic day in February.

In keeping with this tradition, Swiss luxury watch brand Blancpain presents a watch especially created for the day of love and lovers – the luxurious Blancpain Saint-Valentin 2013. As a symbol of your affection, declare your true feelings with the Saint-Valentin 2013 model with its shapes, colors and gemstones.

The white mother-of-pearl base is topped with two rows of full-cut diamonds. With a delicate play on textures and shapes, the middle of the case is decorated with five red-lacquered ceramic hearts giving a touch of intense color.

This functional, self-winding, three-hand timepiece features a delicate second hand, displays the date, and is equipped with a 100-hour power reserve – all the way through to the rotor which is also decorated with hearts.

Adding to the finishing touch, the Blancpain Saint-Valentin 2013 watch will wrap delicately around your wrist in a white ostrich leather strap featuring an alzavel lining concealing more dainty hearts. You will by the envy wearing this watch in colors filled with love.

This 99-piece limited edition is delivered in a white wooden presentation box covered with white hearts evoking the dial design.

Please use the Contact Form below to learn more or purchase the Saint-Valentin 2013 luxury womens watch from Blancpain.

John Dekuyper & Sons – Crave Chocolate Liqueur

Mark your calendar … January 3 is National Chocolate Covered Cherry Day. Yum ! Chocolate covered cherries are a big hit during the holidays, and a common gift, to those that “Crave” the smooth, rich chocolate cherry flavor.

To celebrate National Chocolate Covered Cherry Day hopefully you were one of the lucky ones and received a bottle of Crave Chocolate Cherry Liqueur that unveiled in October. Beam Inc. launched John DeKuyper & Sons™ Crave Chocolate Liqueurs featuring three tempting flavors – Chocolate Cherry, Chocolate Mint and Chocolate Chili.

This premium chocolate liqueur with its sweet cherry taste takes center stage complimented by hints of cocoa … leaving a delectable taste of fruit, vanilla and bittersweet chocolate. Crave Chocolate Cherry Liqueur is delicious when served over ice, with a splash of milk or as a yummy addition to any cocktail.

Crave Chocolate Cherry Liqueur

Bring in the New Year right and celebrate National Chocolate Covered Cherry Day and try anyone of the tasty cocktail recipes listed below. Additional recipes and information can be found at http://www.dekuyperusa.com/crave.

BOOZY CHERRY CHOCOLATE MILK

Ingredients:

· 2-3 parts JDK & Sons ™ Crave Chocolate Cherry Liqueur

· Milk

Instructions:
· Pour liqueur in a collins glass and add ice-cold milk to taste
· Stir & enjoy

CHOCOLATE CHERRY MARTINI

Ingredients:
· 1 1/2 partS JDK & Sons ™ Crave Chocolate Cherry Liqueur
· 1 part Premium Vodka (regular or vanilla)

Instructions:
· Combine all ingredients in a shaker filled with ice
· Shake vigorously and strain into a martini glass
· Garnish with Maraschino Cherry (optional)

GROWN-UP CHERRY HOT CHOCOLATE

Ingredients:
· 2-3 parts of JDK & Sons ™ Crave Chocolate Cherry Liqueur
· Hot Chocolate

Instructions:
· Pour liqueur in a warmed coffee mug and add hot chocolate ot taste
· Top with whipped cream

LUSCIOUS CHERRY RUSSIAN

Ingredients:
· 1 part JDK & Sons ™ Crave Chocolate Cherry Liqueur
· 1 part Premium Vodka (Effen recommended)
· Milk or Half & Half

Instructions:
· Build ingredients over ice in an old fashioned glass
· Add a splash of milk (or half & half) to make it even more luscious

CHERRY MACAROON MARTINI

Ingredients:
· 1 part JDK & Sons ™ Crave Chocolate Cherry Liqueur
· 1 part Cruzan Coconut Rum
· Soda Water

Instructions:
· Shake all ingredients (except Soda Water) with ice
· Strain into a martini glass and top with a splash of soda water
· Garnish with Maraschino Cherry (optional)

DESSERT MANHATTAN

Ingredients:
· 1 1/2 parts JDK & Sons™ Crave Chocolate Cherry Liqueur
· 1 part Jim Beam® Bourbon

Instructions:
· Build over ice, stir gently, and serve

Inn By The Sea

Looking to vacation in a winter wonderland? Maine is the place to go to discover New England’s pleasures while taking in the splendor of the majestic, inland mountains and spectacular, rocky coastline.

Enjoy the beauty along the Maine coast while staying at the Inn by the Sea, a luxurious new Beach Suite with a sea view, a roaring fireplace and a soaking tub on scenic Cape Elizabeth. The hotel has combined all these amenities to create their Winter Warmer package which also includes a stay in one of the Inn’s new 700-square-foot Beach Suites overlooking Crescent Beach.

This luxurious package offers guests a warm welcome drink and a new pair of L.L. Bean “Wicked Good Slippers,” as well as a Casco Bay Hot Stone treatment at the SPA and Chef Mitchell Kaldrovich’s cheese fondue in the Fireplace Lounge. If you are so inspired to venture out of the Beach Suite, Portland is just a 15 minute drive away. As part of the Winter Warmer package, you will be offered more than $100 in savings.

Inn By The Sea – suite

The Inn, with its 57 one and two bedroom suites, and now its newest line of Ocean View Beach Suites, was named as one of Travel + Leisure’s top 50 hotels in the 2012 Worlds Best List and Forbes Traveler’s list as one of the Top Ten Green Hotels in the U.S. and Canada.

If you are fortunate enough to enjoy a luxury getaway on the Maine coast this winter, you will want to select Inn by the Sea where you can relax in your room snuggled next to a warm fireplace and delight in dramatic sea views.

The Winter Warmer package at the luxurious Inn by the Sea includes:

Two nights in a one-bedroom Beach Suite, with an ocean-view, fireplace and a soaking tub in an oversized bathroom.

Gourmet breakfast for two daily

Welcome Spiked Hot Chocolate in the Fireplace Lounge

Two pairs of L.L. Bean Wicked Good Slippers

Two 60-Minute Casco Bay Hot Stone Massage treatments at the SPA

Chef’s Cheese Fondue for Two in the Fireplace Lounge

The Inn by the Sea package is offered from January 2 to March 31, 2013 and is priced at $515.62 per night, based on a minimum two-night stay and double occupancy.

For more information go to www.innbythesea.com

Please use the Contact Form below to submit your New England travel request. We will promptly get back to you.

The Fairmont Orchid in Kamuela, is a luxurious, lush oasis that is poised on 32 tropical acres on Hawaii’s Big Island.

Adjacent to the Francis H. I’i Brown Golf Course, this oceanfront property is a first class resort featuring luxurious guest rooms, full service spa, spectacular dining, swimming and championship golf.

The 540 guestrooms feature teak-wood furnishings, sliding-glass doors that open to private furnished lanais with ocean or garden views. Bathrooms feature dual marble vanities, complimentary toiletries, bathrobes, phones and separate showers and bathtubs.

Nightly hula shows and Hawaiian music accompany the Hawaiian cuisine served at Brown’s Beach House.

The Orchid Court provides buffet-style breakfasts and a la carte selections, while Norio’s Sushi Bar & Restaurant boasts tempura, fresh sushi and teriyaki.

Oceanfront massage cabanas and waterfall massage houses are hosted at Spa Without Walls, where pampering services include the Big Island Coffee & Vanilla Exfoliation Treatment and the Lomilomi Massage.

A 36-hole championship golf course is featured, while 10 tennis courts reside at the property’s K-Swiss Resort Academy. A fitness center contains free weights and cardiovascular equipment.

Kayaking, surfing and snorkeling are available on site, with additional amenities including two lava-rock spa tubs, a sand-bottomed children’s pool and a 10,000-foot oceanfront pool. Children’s activities include the Keiki Aloha program, offering nature walks, snorkeling and arts and crafts activities for a fee.

Don’t forget to ask about special package discounts at the The Fairmont Orchid, Hawaii, such as 6th Night Free, Keiki Program, Bed & Breakfast, Family, Spa and Golf Packages.

Please use the Contact Form below to submit your travel request. We will promptly get back to you.

Food University at Caesars Palace – Las Vegas

Are you a creative cook with the makings of becoming a chef but you lack the experience, or maybe you just need a little training; regardless, before entering the world as a professional cook you need both experience and education. Here is the answer to your problem, and who knows, you could end up being a future “Top Chef” star.

Food University is offering a new inaugural class scheduled for March 27-29, 2013 at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Join the fun-loving foodies from across the country and in just 72 hours you may go from a cook wannabe to a competition-ready chef.

The Food University classes range in topics from wine and cheese pairing to classic Italian to mixology will be offered. Every essential cooking technique from knife skills to Mastering Beef to Seafood 101 and beyond will be covered, plus you will be given a private VIP behind-the-scenes tour of the brand new Gordon Ramsay Pub & Grill at Caesars Palace, as well as the Southern Wine and Spirits Hospitality Mixology program with Mixologist Francesco LaFranconi, usually available only to hotel and restaurant executives.

Among those attending will be philanthropist and hospitality industry leader Larry Ruvo, Food Network co-founder Robin Leach and veteran culinary entertainment producer Richard Gore. Also in attendance will be high-profile chefs along with Food University’s culinary faculty. Other special guest appearances will be named in coming weeks. The prestigious hospitality school from the University of Nevada Las Vegas will provide student volunteers to assist with preparations for this event.

This festive event will accommodate up to 80 culinary scholars in what will be Food U’s first graduating class. Each student will receive the Food University “Enlightened Palate” diploma, and if you enroll in the first classes, you will receive a private VIP invitation to tour some of Napa Valley’s never-before-seen prominent wineries.

Tuition is $1,995 per person for the three day sessions which includes all food, beverages, and course instruction. For more information visit www.FoodUniversityLasVegas.com

Proceeds from Food University “admissions” will go to Keep Memory Alive, committed to finding cures for brain disorders such as Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, Huntington’s and ALS.

Black Limited Editio​n

Men and women alike are attracted to Rolex watches, and what a better way to celebrate that special occasion than to give a Rolex watch as a gift … something others will notice.

Now Black Limited Edition, under the Day Dreamer Projects umbrella, is launching a limited edition series of customized Rolex watches. Alejandro Alcocer, a watch enthusiast and design entrepreneur, locates vintage watches and works with skilled watchmakers to tailor each one of them into an all-black creation.

Each Rolex watch are put through a specialized process of deep cleaning after which they go through a Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) coating process which adheres a micron thick layer of metal compounds to metal and other materials to form a black matte finish.  To increase strength, a Diamond Like Coating (DLC) is applied.  Rolexes coated in PVD and DLC will continue to increase in value over time.  Because they are so desirable, this makes the watch a good investment.

Alejandro Alocer states “I am not trying to make a vintage watch appear brand new. I place importance on the idea of recycling a classic, timeless object and giving it a second life. A well designed watch has always reminded me that we are given an unknown amount of time to realize dreams and fulfill visions.”

Black Limited Edition will develop and design these watches on a limited edition basis.  A total of six classic Rolex designs are available, with fifty pieces in each style.

Vintage Explorer – released in the early 1950’s and marketed as the watch used during the first climb of Mt. Everest.

Explorer II – a watch developed and marketed for explorers and travelers, and equipped with the ability to maintain two different time zones.

Submariner  – the classic Rolex watch used for diving and adventure.

GMT Mastera – a Rolex  specially designed for pilots with the ability to maintain the GMT time.

GMT Master II – a slightly larger version of the GMT with the ability to show another time zone, in addition to the GMT time.

Sea Dweller – the largest of vintage Rolex watches, designed for very deep diving.
These watches are a status symbol which equals beauty and fashion.

Also look for Alejandro’s new Black Limited Soap and Candles for Spring 2013.  The exclusive items are available in luxury stores Louis Boston and Pachute in NYC and come in fragrances including sage, sandalwood, and grapefruit.

Please use the Contact Form below to inquire about purchasing a luxury watch from Black Limited Edition.

Hurtigruten

Sailing on Hurtigruten and experiencing some of the most scenic and picturesque destinations including Antarctica, Greenland and the Arctic’s Spitsbergen as well as year round along Norway’s coast and Europe in the spring and fall can be considered the world’s most beautiful sea voyage.

But now Hurtigruten has found another exciting and adventurous way to experience its exploration sailings … the latest being overnight camping in tents on the ice-covered landscape of the Antarctica. Full of nature and wildlife, it is home to millions of penguins, thousands of seals and is a rich feeding area for large numbers of whales that visit during the summer. Listen to the silence of nature and experience endless white landscapes … a powerful experience like nothing else on Earth.

Guests can opt for this once-in-a-lifetime adventure and live through what it may have been like for explorers such as Roald Amundsen and Earnest Shackleton, with one slight modification, guests will have the perks of modern equipment and safeguards. Mona Ringstrand, Explorer Product Manager at Hurtigruten ASA states: “The idea is to offer our guests an authentic experience in the spirit of the great explorer, Amundsen.” This “bragging rights” adventure is priced at roughly $500 per person.

Hurtigruten

Also, special pricing, upwards of 25% off regular fares, is being offered by the company for their January 20 Weddell Sea sailing and four Classic Expedition ventures … a savings of $4,000 to $9,000 per couple. Experienced guides will be provided for every 15 participants and activities contingent on the situations will include … short walks, talks, listening to the polar sounds, offering hot drinks and a cold drink toast, wake-up calls for the White Continent sunrise, and more. Guests will take part in the setup of the two-person tents and all cold-weather needs will be supplied, except pajamas.

The company abides by IAATO guidelines in alliance with the Norwegian Polar Institute – all meals still on board the expedition ship MS Fram. Hurtigruten gives you the option of choosing from five different Antarctica itineraries with starting prices from $5,327 to $10,321.

10-day “Classic Expedition” focuses solely on Antarctica, sailing through the Drake Passage to landings that immerse guests in the remote landscape and exotic wildlife of The White Continent;
13-day “Polar Circle Expedition,” similar to the 10-day experience, spends its extra days traveling as far south as the Antarctic Circle;
13-day “Weddell Sea Expedition” follows the path forged by British Captain James Weddell, who reached 74º latitude in 1823 – a first for explorations;
17-day “Christmas Expedition” celebrates the season with traditional carols, festive meals, Santa Claus visits and a New Year’s gala and includes the Falklands and South Georgia;
19-day “In the Realm of the Great Explorers” explores the areas visited by Sir Ernest Henry Shackleton, and takes in the sub-Arctic eco-system of the Falkland Islands, and South Georgia.

Relax and enjoy the scenery and culture of your destination aboard one of the company’s fleet of twelve ships designed to bring guests closer to nature, wildlife and extraordinary experiences while sailing in polar waters. Each ship carries 100 to 646 guests to share magnificent sights and a lifetime of memories.

Please use the Contact Form below to submit your travel request or receive additional information and brochures. We will promptly get back to you.

Sorellina – Kim and Nicole Carosella

Sorellina is a jewelry design house that was founded by two sisters, Kim and Nicole Carosella. All of the stunningly beautiful pieces of their high-end jewelry collection are bespoke custom-made luxury designs.

Sorellina has definitely redefined the “everyday” piece of jewelry. Their jewelry work is neither subtle nor discreet, but are bold, statement pieces made for the urban, modern day woman.

The Carosella work with raw sapphires, vintage diamonds(pre 1940s) and stones all of which, can be custom-designed to be one of a kind pieces. They pride themselves on 100% U.S. craftsmanship, with a focus on sustainability, as nearly all materials are recycled, reused or re-purposed for later use.

Sorellina

Every piece of their luxurious jewelry collection can be worn by women who view fine jewelry as wearable art and believe jewelry should be enjoyed everyday and not only on special occasions. If you want that VIP lifestyle look, them you need to glam up your fashion, and particularly your jewelry.

Each stunning piece can be worn both day and night, making it the staple of a woman’s wardrobe which in turn, cleverly transforms clothing into the accessory.

Pricing for Sorellina’s debut jewelry collection ranges between $500 – $75,000. View the entire collection at www.sorellinanewyork.com

Mornings are magical. There’s an aura of serenity, innocence and freshness in the hours just after sunrise; it’s as though in the dark of night, when most of us were sleeping, breezes swept away all impurities, rewarding us with a clean tableau. Treat yourself to a sunrise sail.

During a sunrise sail, this feeling of renewal seems more pronounced when you’re sailing. Old salts will tell you the farther you are from shore, the more aware you are of the miracle that is nature.

About three dozen guests boarded the 55-foot sailing catamaran Trilogy VI for Trilogy Excursions’ Discover Lanai Sunrise Sail. We are all looking forward to a memorable experience and hopefully seeing many whales up close.

Daylight had just broken when we headed from Maui’s Lahaina Harbor across the Auau Channel to Manele Bay on the southern coast of Lanai. The wind and sea appeared to be dozing; their movements were barely perceptible.

No sooner were the words out of his mouth than a woman standing on the starboard side shouted excitedly, “There’s a whale out there!” This was truly the ultimate, sunrise experience!

We turned just in time to see a spout of mist and part of a humpback’s dark blue-gray body rising out of the water. Another blue-gray form appeared beside it. Even though they were off in the distance, we were pretty sure they were a mother and her baby.

During our leisurely 90-minute trip to Manele, we spotted a few other whales; unfortunately, they were too far away for us to get decent photos, but it was thrilling just the same. One even lifted a fin as if to wave at us.

We arrived at Manele, anticipating a full day of fun. First, we took an hour-long van tour of Lanai City, the ambitiously named center of Hawaii’s smallest inhabited island.

No hustle. No bustle. As we drove through the heart of town past rows and rows of modest but tidy plantation houses, most dating back to the 1930s, it was clear life here moved at its own easy going pace.