Patek Philippe / Tiffany & Co

There was a recent announcement by two leaders in the luxury watch industry as Tiffany & Co and Patek Philippe & Co have teamed up.

The two luxury brands announced two new watches — one each for men and women. The announcement coincided with the 5th anniversary of the Patek Philippe boutique at Tiffany’s iconic 5th Avenue store, which was the luxury watchmaker’s first in the U.S.

The men’s version is an Annual Calendar watch that offers a masculine design. The watch features an 18-karat white gold case that encloses a black face, displaying the day, date, month, moon phases plus a 24-hour indication. The watch comes with a black matte black alligator strap.

The women’s version watch is named Gondolo. The watch offers an art deco-inspired look with Roman numerals, in addition to a curved 18-karat white gold and diamond case. The luxury watch is available in in two color options – a matte blue dial with white numerals with a dark blue satin strap, as well as a white mother-of-pearl dial with gold numerals with a cream satin strap.

Both of the new luxury watches are signed each by Patek Philippe and Tiffany & Co.

Patek Philippe’s new partnership with Tiffany & Co. follows a world record for the luxury watchmaking company, which set the record at the Geneva Important Watch Auction in Geneva, Switzerland. Their “J.B. Champion Platinum Observatory Chronometer” became the most expensive watch-only timepiece ever sold, for an amount slightly below $4 million.

Source – Time

Photo: Victor

Traveling with your dog can be a challenge, but we all love to pamper your pooch. Conventional airlines often treat the pet more like cargo than a member of the family.  This can be a frightening and stressful experience for both the dog and their owner.

Flying is not an enjoyable experience when you are worried about the well-being and safety of your canine companion the entire flight.

But now that is all changing.  Victor, a private jet charter company based in the UK, lets you book a seat for your pooch.  Dubbed “Furs Class,” Victor is enticing pet lovers onto its planes by allowing guests to purchase a seat for their dog.

You can now bring along your furry companion and no longer will your beloved family pet be loaded into cargo.  But the service doesn’t come cheap, with the cost of a seat for Fido averaging a total of $2,000.

Your dog will thank you as he relaxes in his very own leather-upholstered seat, strapped in for safety, all while enjoying a window view.  For on-board entertainment, treats and toys can be arranged.  There is no charge for pets under eight inches tall or weighing less than six and one half pounds … they fly for free.

For famous jetsetters such as Paris Hilton and actress Zsa Zsa Gabor, the notion of traveling with one’s pup on a flight is  not a new luxury by any measure.  But for those affluent animal lovers who cannot afford their own private jet yet dislike the idea of their dog in a crate with the cargo, Victor will allow you to share aircraft costs by teaming up with other pet lovers.

As stated on the company;s website, “Your pet is a member of the family. You wouldn’t ship your sister or grandfather as freight, so why treat your pet any differently?”

If money is no issue and you believe the price is worth it, you can visit Victor’s website to book a pair of seats for you and your pooch. It’s time pamper your pooch

New York Boat Show

Winter is just around the corner so the last thing on many people’s minds is boating. But boating is a year-end luxury in many parts of the world. Each year in January, the New York Boat Show takes place and is attended by thousands of boat lovers.

People from around the world come to New York to attend the New York Boat Show. Boat show attendees can find the latest technology upgrades and other bells and whistles needed to keep their yachts on the cutting edge and in the lap of luxury.

The New York Boat Show is the first and longest running boat show in the U.S. and a four day event that provides the opportunity to find the best deals on the best the boating industry has to offer.

It doesn’t matter whether you are an avid boater or just want to experience a boating lifestyle, you can shop and compare hundreds of boat brands side by side to find competitive deals on everything from luxury motor yachts and sport fishers to performance boats, sailboats, and thousands of marine accessories.

The annual New York Boat Show will be held at the Javits Center and if you arrive in New York early enough, you can witness many boats being towed down the Westside of Manhattan.

The upcoming New York Boat Show runs from January 3-6, 2013. Below is the boat show’s key information.

New York Boat Show at Javits Center, 655 West 34th Street, New York, NY
Thursday and Friday: Noon-9pm
Saturday: 10am-9pm
Sunday:10am-6pm

Ticket are priced at $15 for adults. Children 15 years and under get in FREE. You can purchase advance tickets online at NYBoatShow.com

Heritage Auctions

For Disney lovers, now’s your chance to own an iconic piece of history – a 1928 movie poster of Mickey Mouse.

According to experts, this Mickey Mouse movie poster was made in 1928. What make sit so unique is the fact it’s considered the oldest surviving movie poster of Mickey Mouse.

Grey Smith who is the director of movie poster auctions for Dallas-based Heritage Auctions, said the poster was made the same year Mickey Mouse was created by Walt Disney.

Smith was quoted in a news release, “The first 12 Mickey cartoons were distributed in 1928 and 1929 by Celebrity Pictures, a very low-budget distributor. This is very likely the only Mickey Mouse poster created until 1930 when Disney cartoons began to be distributed by Columbia Pictures.”

The Mickey Mouse was owned by Crowell Havens Beech from Chico, California. He bought it in 1988 and kept it a secret until just before he passed away in 2010 at the age of 86. He told his daughter about it. Tracy Leighton stated, “I didn’t even know he had it.”

The Disney poster is full-color and measures 27 by 41-inches. The movie poster displays the world famous Mickey Mouse waving a gloved hand. Text included, “The World’s Funniest Cartoon Character.”

The Mickey Mouse movie poster will be up for auction both online and in Dallas, Texas on November 29. The poster is expected to have an estimated value of $20,000 or more according to Heritage Auctions.
Source – Sacramento Bee

Mount Sinai Medical Center

Giving birth is both exciting and very expensive. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human services, hospital birth costs on average around $10,000. For more complex deliveries involving cesarean sections, the price tag can rise over $20,000.

Every delivery is special, but now there is extra-special delivery. News sources reported that when pop star Beyonce gave birth to her daughter Blue Ivy at Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City earlier this year, she stayed in a suite complete with catered meals, a flat-screen TV and round-the-clock nursing care . all for only $1,700 per night. These luxury maternity rooms are becoming increasingly popular.

Offering luxury maternity rooms seems to be the new trend at large city hospitals for women who can dig deeper into their pockets than the insurance co-pay demands.

Private, luxury maternity rooms at Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York run an extra $500 – $850 per night depending on the size of the room and the view from the window. New moms, pampered and spoiled, can order in-room gourmet meals, pedicures and luxury spa services.

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles offers deluxe rooms for $2,673 a night that come with a personal care aide to focus on the needs of mom and baby. The bathrooms in the private rooms at Mt. Sinai are, as explained on their website, “spa-inspired” with “decidedly female private baths” featuring Italian glass tile, elegant sconces, and decorative mirrors. Many of these rooms do their very best to mimic a five-star hotel room.

Wealthier mothers are snapping up private maternity rooms as fast as they’re being offered. Giving birth outside of celebrity-magnet cities like New York and LA, new moms can rent “Beyonce rooms”.

For $250 a night over and above insurance coverage, Medical City Hospital in Dallas offers private rooms with a foldout guest bed and large screen TV.

Victoria’s Secret – Alessandra Ambrosio

Sexy supermodel Alessandra Ambrosio has long been one of the most popular runway models for Victoria’s Secret, and has appeared in every Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show since 2000.

She has proudly adorned the patented angel wings but for this year’s 2012 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show. Alessandra Ambrosio will add the most coveted gem to her outfit – precious diamonds.

The $2.5 million Floral Fantasy Bra that Ambrosio will wear comes with a matching belt that was created by London Jewelers.

This beautiful bra features a removable 20-carat white diamond that hangs in the middle plus includes over 5,000 amethysts, rubies, sapphires and gorgeous white, pink and yellow diamonds that have been arranged in a stylish, floral pattern.

The one-of-a-kind, sexy push-up bra from Victoria’s Secret also includes two diamond flower pins that also detach.

When asked about the $2.5 million Floral Fantasy Bra Gift Set, beautiful model Alessandra Ambrosio replied, “I felt they made it for me. It’s very romantic. I’ve been waiting for this moment for a long time.”

You can see sexy Alessandra Ambrosio wear the $2.5 million Floral Fantasy Bra at The 2012 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show, which airs on December 4 on TV channel CBS.

The buzz is growing as people are really looking forward to this year’s Victoria’s Secret fashion show after the sensational presentation last year during  the 2011 Victoria’s Secret Fashion Show.

The Little Nell

Aspen offers the most diverse selection of terrain and on-snow experiences in the Rocky High Mountains state of Colorado. There are four world-class mountains within the area. After a fun day of either skiing or snowboarding, you want to relax with a great tasting cocktail.

The Little Nell in scenic Aspen, Colorado has introduced the Nachtmann Aspen Smash, a new signature cocktail of Aspen’s iconic and only five-star hotel.

This delicious tasting cocktail is infused solely with hallmark Colorado spirits and crafted by newly-minted Master Sommelier Sabato Sagaria exclusively for the legendary Aspen hotel.

The Little Nell will exclusively offer the “Nachtmann Aspen Smash,” served in a Nachtmann Aspen rocks glass, beginning December 2012, just in time for the start of the Aspen ski season, through the winter months.

Sabato Sagaria was quoted, “The ingredients of the Nachtmann Aspen Smash are only enhanced by the Nachtmann Aspen tumbler, which perfectly reflects the pristine nature of Aspen’s icy wonderland, a mix of greenery, snow and sunshine.”

For many, Aspen calls to mind brisk winter days spent skiing, socializing or shopping, or perhaps time spent out in the elements, a welcome escape to nature. Whatever activities you fancy, coming home to a relaxing drink and dinner by the fire is an essential part of the routine.

And what better way to fit in with the jet-set crowd than ending your night with a “Nachtmann Aspen Smash” at The Little Nell. [cid:image002.jpg@01CDBDB8.CB4DAD30] Inspired by the naturally vibrant city, Nachtmann’s Aspen collection is a series showcasing precision-cut, elegantly faceted crystal glassware, offering the timeless style and easy sophistication of Aspen’s elite for all.

Earlier this year, we reported about The Little Nell’s new Veuve Clicquot Branded POP-Up Champagne Bar

Below is the drink recipe …. enjoy!

Nachtmann Aspen Smash
Glassware: Nachtmann Aspen rocks glass
Garnish:  Mint bouquet on top, lemon wheel
Recipe:
2 oz Stranahan’s Colorado Whiskey
½ oz Leopold Bros. Maraschino Liqueur
6 sprigs of mint
2 lime wedges
1 1/2 oz sweet and sour*
crushed ice

Directions:
Fill Nachtmann Aspen tumbler overflowing with crushed ice.
In shaker, muddle mint with lime.
Add whiskey, maraschino and sweet and sour to shaker.
Strain onto crushed ice.
Garnish with mint bouquet on top and a lemon wheel on the side of the glass.

* Sweet and Sour
1.5 cups hot water
1.5 cups sugar
1 cup fresh-squeezed lemon juice
1 cup fresh-squeezed lime juice
In a large glass pitcher or jar combine all the ingredients and stir. Let cool.

Waldorf Astoria Naples

The luxurious Waldorf Astoria Naples hotel is widely known as Southwest Florida’s premiere destination for couples, families, and business groups looking for an eco-smart beach retreat with panoramic views of the gorgeous Gulf of Mexico.

With Thanksgiving just a few days away, if your looking for a luxury getaway then consider the Waldorf Astoria Naples who is offering a Thanksgiving celebration even the Pilgrims would have enjoyed!

Thanksgiving will be especially festive with a package called “Fit for a Pilgrim” that the whole family can enjoy.

In addition to a lavish Thanksgiving feast, the package at the Waldorf Astoria Naples hotel features – luxurious accommodations, breakfast for two each morning at the resort’s stylish Aura Restaurant, plus use of a wide range of resort facilities including several pools, fifteen tennis courts and a gorgeous unspoiled beach.

Hotel rates for the hotel’s “Fit for a Pilgrim” package begin at only $249 per night for a couple (two adults) and $319 per night for a family (two adults and up to three children) with a minimum stay of three nights, one of which must be Thanksgiving Night itself, Thursday, November 22, 2012.

Waldorf Astoria Naples is the perfect place to relax, rewind, and recharge while sharing and celebrating the harvest of Thanksgiving.

For additional information and Thanksgiving Brunch reservations, please call (239) 594-6002. For room reservations and to reserve the Fit for a Pilgrim package, please call (800) WALDORF or visit
www.waldorfastorianaples.com.

Longines

Luxury watchmaker Longines is based in St. Imier in Switzerland since 1832, and has just added a new edition to its popular and luxurious Longines Conquest line – the stunning Ladies Diamond Conquest.

The new Ladies Diamond Conquest watch is part of The Longines Sport Collection, and has quite the sparkle appeal with the addition of several diamonds.

The Ladies Diamond Conquest watch models are targeted at women who enjoy sports but do not want to compromise on elegance. The elegant new timepiece features a sporty elegance and is mounted on either a stainless steel or a black or white ceramic bracelet.

This new women’s watch line is truly luxurious, thanks to Longines’ creative use gorgeous diamonds plus the innovative combination with ceramic.

The first luxury watch version comes with a bezel that features 120 Top Wesselton VVS diamonds, with either a white mother-of-pearl or a black dial set with 11 diamonds as indices. The second watch version offers utilizes the use of ceramic that’s embellished with 54 Top Wesselton VVS diamonds set around the inside of the bezel and on the dial.

The watch’s bezel and bracelet are both reinforced by the use of white or black ceramic while the matching dial – white mother-of-pearl or black. Longines also offers a special version of the Ladies Diamond Conquest watch, mounted on a steel bracelet.

Displaying the company’s iconic emblem, the watch prominently features the Longines winged hourglass.

There is no doubt this luxurious timepiece from Longines is perfect for a wide variety of occasions. Proudly display your new Ladies Diamond Conquest watch at a tennis tournament, equestrian competition, or just having fun on the ski slopes this winter. But it also exudes a touch of elegance worn either at a cocktail party or a formal dinner.

Swissotel Changsha

A new luxury hotel joins the impressive portfolio of Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts. This one is in China. Swissôtel Changsha will be part of a mixed-use development that will feature a Grade A office tower. The luxury hotel is planned to open in 2014.

The Chinese city of Changsha is the capital of Hunan Province and the transportation hub in south-central China.

Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts is an international hotel group providing luxury hotels with accommodations targeted the high end of the worldwide hotel industry.

The Swissôtel Changsha hotel is a continuation of the expansion in China for Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts. The impressive Swissôtel Changsha will feature 400 luxurious rooms and suites, each with a minimum room size of 40m2. In addition, hotel guests can enjoy five restaurants and bars, over 2000m2 of meeting and banqueting space, plus recreational facilities including a Pürovel Spa.

President of Swissôtel Hotels & Resorts – Meinhard Huck was quoted, “Changsha is one of the most important economic centres in the country, and as the ‘entertainment capital of China’ it is a year-round attraction for visitors. Swissôtel Changsha is another important step in our expansion in China, where we already manage several five-star hotels, and it is significant for the growth of our brand recognition in Asia.”

The China district has become well-known for its natural environment and also an important cultural spot. Due to these attributes, the area is thriving as an affluent residential area in Changsha.

Appleton Estate Rum

Appleton Estate Rum recently released the oldest rum in the world to honor and celebrate 50th year of Jamaican independence.

Jamaica Independence Reserve comprises rums that have been aged for a minimum of 50 years in hand-selected oak barrels and is believed to be the oldest rum available for sale in the world.

This particular hand-blended rum was put aside back when Jamaican first gained independence. The rum was aged in American oak barrels for half a century, thus making it the world’s oldest rum according to the distillery.

Appleton Estate Jamaica Rums are created at the world-famous Appleton Estate in Jamaica. It’s the oldest sugar factory and distillery and the rums are exclusively distributed in the US by Kobrand Spirits.

These old rums were watched after for over fifty years – initially by Master Blender Owen Tulloch, then by his protege and current Master Blender, Joy Spence.

Master Blender, Joy Spence carefully examined each barrel as the 50th Anniversary of Jamaica’s Independence approached, to make sure the barrels had aged to perfection.

By planning ahead, the rums that make Appleton Estate 50-Year-Old Jamaica Rum were purposely set aside to eventually be used to celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Jamaica’s Independence.

The barrels full of rum were moved from the warehouse to the blending hall and blended together in a special vat and left to “marry,” for several months. The process allowed each rum’s character, flavor and bouquet were allowed to fuse together in harmony.

The end result is the highly anticipated Appleton Estate 50-Year-Old Jamaica Rum – Jamaica Independence Reserve Rum – Oldest Rum in the World.

Each bottle of this rare Appleton Estate rum blend costs £3,500 There are only 800 bottles worldwide available for sale.

For purchase information from Appleton Estate’s white glove concierge service, please visit http://www.appletonestateinsider.com