(Credit: Jiji Press/AFP/Getty Images)

For those wanting to enjoy the local Japan sites onboard a train and travel in ultimate luxury, then consider the new luxury suite from JR Kyushu.

JR Kyushu is a regional, Japanese railway and recently announced a deluxe passenger service that travels across the volcanic southern island of Kyushu. They have become first company in Japan to build a luxury sleeper cruise train.

Luxury comes with a cost, and 2 train tickets on the Seven Stars train can set you back as much as $11,500!

Seven Stars is a “cruise train” that consists of only seven cars. Traditional bullet trains that whisk passengers across Japan at extreme speeds have never been confused with luxury. But Seven Stars plans to change that label.

JR Kyushu states, “The ‘Seven Stars in Kyushu’ cruise train, combines traditional and modern styling in Japanese and Western designs to create a new dimension in elegance and grace.”

Deluxe Suite A can be found in the end car and definitely saves the best for last. Deluxe Suite A features a 226-square-foot room, offering stunning views from a 5-foot panoramic window with an unobstructed line of site from the back of the luxurious Seven Stars train.

The luxury Seven Stars train doesn’t just zoom from point A to point B, but stops by huge volcanoes and relaxing hot springs of Kirishima and Yufuin.

For an insider’s peak at Seven Stars train, take a look at the below video.

As you roll through the scenic Kyushu hills, you will pass Mt. Aso, which is one of the world’s largest volcanoes. The journey continues southern Japanese port city of Kagoshima. You will there be able to see another volcano – Sakurajima. The journey ends by making the round-trip back to where it all started in Hakata.

To relax and enjoy yourself in a more social setting, there is a bar in the lounge car, plus couches and rotating chairs for passengers to sit in while enjoying live musical performances.

Current suite pricing for two people will cost you $5,750 per person for a four-day, three-night journey. The demand has been so high that Deluxe Suite A is already sold out through June of 2014.

You thought the $11,500 price was steep, then get ready for this. Beginning for July journeys, the price shoots up to around $7,835 per person for double occupancy.

If you ready to travel the Japan countryside in luxury style and book a reservation on the Seven Stars Train, then please contact The Life of Luxury and speak to one of our travel concierge specialists.

Miami has been targeted for a new, ultra-luxury development from Lionheart Capital – The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Miami Beach.

The luxurious residential development in South Florida will be located on seven acres in a quiet corner of Miami Beach on the shores of Surprise Lake.

The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Miami Beach will become once completed, the only stand-alone Ritz-Carlton Residences in Miami Beach and one of a select few in the world.

The property will be an expansive, amenity-rich and LEED-certified and will feature gardens, pools, entertainment spaces and a private marina for. The Ritz-Carlton Residences will offer 111 luxury condominium residences plus 15 villas.

The two- to four-bedroom homes will be available in sizes ranging from 1,700 to over 10,000 square feet. Buyers will be able to choose from over 60 floor plans, with stunning interiors that will be custom-designed by Piero Lissoni.

Other ultra-luxury developments from Lionheart Capital include The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Singer Island, Palm Beach and Le Sereno hotel in St. Barths.

The goal of The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Miami Beach lakeside Development is to redefine luxury living in Miami. To achieve that, plans are to offer world-class modernism, extraordinary amenities, in addition to legendary, anticipatory service.

These Miami Beach residences will include a vast collection of premier amenities unparalleled in greater Miami and will defintiely be the “in place” to live.

The new luxury homes will come equipped with Piero Lissoni designed, Boffi kitchens, Gaggenau appliances, oversized stone countertops plus built-in coffee systems. In addition, buyers will find equally impressive Boffi master bathrooms, complete with Dornbracht fixtures.

Owners’ amenities will include a waterfront social room with a bar, catering kitchen and state-of-the-art entertainment system; tropically landscaped half-acre roof-top pool deck with stunning views of Miami Beach, Downtown Miami and Biscayne Bay.

There will be an expansive infinity-edge pool with a waterfall, spacious cabanas, whirlpool spa and poolside Grille Restaurant; a club room with bar, virtual golf and billiard table; a cinema-quality screening room; a game room and a kids room.

Each luxury residence will be wired for smart-home technology and many will also come with sprawling terraces, private elevator foyers, summer kitchens and plunge pools.

Situated on the only lake in Miami Beach (Surprise Lake), the Developers’ vision for the existing structure was to strip it to its core elements, preserving its height and uninterrupted views. The result of their vision is 126 exquisite Residences, all surrounded by a neighborhood of upscale single-family homes on the shores of Surprise Lake.

The Ritz-Carlton Residences are currently priced between $2 million to $25 million for penthouses. Sales are scheduled to start in mid-November once the on-site sales office opens.

If you are interested in learning more about The Ritz-Carlton Residences, Miami Beach or purchasing a luxury property anywhere in the word, please contact The Life of Luxury.

One of the most popular destinations in all the Caribbean is the scenic Dominican Republic. As family travel is expected to increase to the island’s lessor know regions in 2014, we wanted to share two luxury boutique hotels – Casa Bonita Tropical Lodge and Sublime Samana Hotel & Residences.

The two luxury hotels are located on opposite coasts of the Dominican Republic. Casa Bonita Tropical Lodge is located in Barahonaand the Sublime Samana Hotel & Residences in the eclectic fishing community of Las Terrenas.

What vacationers love about these two, luxury properties is the more remote nature, far from the mega resorts of popular Punta Cana.

Dominican Republic is a literal treasure trove of cultural delights, adventures galore, hidden beaches and natural wonders.

If you are looking for authentic Dominican charm and luxurious creature comforts, these two undiscovered Dominican boutique hotels offer vacationing families a unique opportunity to discover the hidden treasures of this popular Caribbean island.

Casa Bonita Tropical Lodge:
Found in the tropical rainforest between three peaks, the hotel property offers a thrilling, ten platform canopy tour, horseback riding, mountain biking plus numerous hiking trails.

Well suited for adventurous families, Casa Bonita Tropical Lodge provided its guests an eco-friendly escape that will deliver lasting memories.

The boutique lodge’s 12 guest rooms recently completed extensive renovations to make your stay even better. Discover the natural wonders of the Dominican Republic’s southwestern coast.

Get out and immerse yourself in nature. Take an excursion and visit nearby national parks within the Jaragua, Bahoruco and Enriquillo Biosphere Reserve.

Parents and children looking for some relaxation, can enjoy the hotel’s luxurious open-air, organic river spa that offers a magical escape into the sights and sounds of the surrounding jungle. Healing treatments are available that utilize local ingredients.

Sublime Samana Hotel & Residences
Tucked away on a gorgeous, six-mile stretch of beautiful private beach, the luxury Sublime Samana Hotel & Residences is near the bustling cultural mecca of Las Terrenas. Las Terrenas is quaint fishing town that is a blend of eclectic and accessible culture driven by Italian, French and Dominican influences.

Sublime Samana Hotel & Residences features 26 tremendously spacious guest accommodations that range from one and two-bedroom suites to two and three-bedroom casitas (villas). This luxury hotel is ideally suited for families of all sizes.

For families with younger children, the hotel offers a new bed, turn-down service. Each evening, your children will receive special gifts ranging from nighttime sweets to toys and books.

Sublime Samana Hotel & Residences provides a wide variety of amenities for families including: complimentary use of paddleboards, boogie boards, surfboards and wind surfing equipment. All easily available in one place at the hotel’s brand new water activity center.

For change of pace that doesn’t involve water sports, consider a unforgettable excursion with choices such as a world-class whale watching experience. For foodies, consider taking family cooking lessons. The package includes taking a trip to the local fish market for the freshest, local ingredients. How about a fun time horseback riding? After your enjoyable ride, end up at natural waterfalls and refreshing swimming holes.

It’s no secret that families do not want boring, cookie-cutter itineraries and travel experiences. Adventure and relaxing opportunities await at either the Casa Bonita Tropical Lodge or Sublime Samana Hotel & Residences. Get it all far from the all-inclusive and often crowded mega resorts of Punta Cana.

Both Dominican Republic luxury hotels are currently offering special vacation getaway packages.

To learn more and book a reservation to the Dominican Republic, please contact The Life of Luxury and allow us to make your dream, family vacation a reality.

Luxury mobile phone brand Vertu, has announced the U.S. launch of the Constellation smartphone.

For more than a decade, Vertu has defined the ultra-luxury mobile phone market with world-class products and service. They infuse innovative technology with expert craftsmanship and all proudly made in England.

The Vertu range of mobile phones consist of three unique models – Vertu Ti, Signature and Constellation.

The new Vertu Constellation phone features a stunning 104-carat sapphire crystal screen that’s surrounded by grade 5 titanium casing and swathed in high-quality calf leather. The leather is carefully hand selected from the Alpine region of Europe.

The Vertu Constellation operating using the latest Android OS – Jelly Bean. The impressive new Constellation offers the ultimate in technology and delivers special content, access to unique opportunities plus personal security directly through the handset.

Vertu pioneered the luxury mobile phone category with the launch of the iconic ‘Signature’ phone back in 2002. Since that time, the luxury mobile phone company has dominated the category that it created, despite strong competition from many, larger brands over the years.

Massimiliano Pogliani is the Vertu Chief Executive Officer and was quoted, “This is a vibrant time for Vertu. This is our second major product launch of 2013 and it helps define a clear segmentation strategy which identifies distinct product lines in the Vertu portfolio. This will broaden Vertu’s appeal, attracting new customers to the brand as well as increasing the choice for our existing global customer base.”The new Vertu Constellation luxury smartphone includes a portfolio of melodic ringtones that were created especially for Vertu

and performed by the London Symphony Orchestra. The ringtone portfolio also includes a clever set that features an English bird song.

The luxury phone’s sleek, contemporary form was purposely designed and engineered to appeal equally to both male and female consumers.

The Vertu Constellation luxury smartphone has a retail price of $5,950.

If you are interested in purchasing the new Vertu Constellation mobile phone, please contact The Life of Luxury.

The House of Angostura® is distinguished by its excellence in providing superb tasting, premium rum. Angostura just announced the launch of Angostura No.1. It’s the first in a new collection of limited edition premium rums.

First released in the UK,  Angostura No.1 has a taste that’s exceptionally smooth and well-rounded with delightful flavors that simply explode on your tongue.

The premium rum collection from Angostura is bottled at 40% and aged in special casks. The rum has a rich, amber color with nuances of chocolate.

Angostura No.1 is proud to be the first premium rum introduced in the new Cask Collection, which is completely dedicated to rums made in special barrels.

The Angostura No.1 consists of a blend of carefully selected rums, all aged between ten to twelve years. Next, the liquid was stored for twelve more months in First Fill Bourbon Casks.

The House of Angostura is known for its iconic bitters and rum-making heritage and is the only rum distillery in Trinidad today.

Destined to be a classic premium rum, Angostura No.1 will consist of only 9,600 bottles. Just 20 cases have been allocated to the UK. For rum enthusiasts out there, you will want to act quickly to purchase this special edition.

Angostura has been recognized over the centuries by the granting of Royal Warrants of Appointment to the royal households of Great Britain, Prussia, Spain and Sweden as suppliers of Angostura aromatic bitters.

Angostura No. 1 is now available only at specialist stockists. Retail price is £38.99.

If you need assistance searching for Angostura No.1 or any other limited edition spirit, wine, etc…. please contact The Life of Luxury.

The city that never sleeps – New York City is about to welcome a new luxury hotel – WestHouse New York is centrally located in New York City’s Midtown area at 201 West 55th Street – between 7th Avenue and Broadway.

The WestHouse New York is a new, luxury boutique hotel that is proud to offer a new hospitality concept by providing its hotel guests aka “hotel residents” with a true “house away from home” experience.

Scheduled to open next month, The WestHouse New York is distinguishing itself from other NYC hotel, by providing a curated portfolio of upscale services and amenities at an unprecedented value, plus an elevated level of intuitive service.

The new hospitality concept was carefully designed to satisfy the demands of the world’s most discerning guests in an environment reminiscent of a luxurious New York Townhouse.

WestHouse will offer 172 refined and exquisitely appointed guest rooms that includes 18 spacious suites.

WestHouse New York guests will Upon arrival, be referred to as ‘hotel residents’ and feel like they have entered the pied-a-terre of a world traveler.

Jeffrey Beers International (JBI) is an award-winning design firm that conceived the overall design for WestHouse. They created timeless interiors, paying tribute to the hotel property’s historical Midtown location dating back to the 1920s.

For hotel guests who desire sanctuary, consider the elegant and spacious 1500-square-foot Presidential Suite. This luxurious suite offers stunning views of both Central Park and Times Square.

Each room comes complete with distinctive amenities to make a guest feel comfortably at-home, such as custom-made furnishings and fittings, luxurious bespoke DayNa Decker bath and body products, and plush specially-designed 400 thread-count SFERRA Venetian bed linens. To top it off, enjoy an ambient scent that was specifically created by 12.29 for WestHouse.

Karla Keskin is the General Manager of WestHouse New York and was quoted, “We recognized a niche within the industry that was not being addressed by any New York City Hotel. What we have composed for this lifestyle luxury property is an experience that blends the exceedingly superb privileges of a private club with the elegant residential comforts of a refined hotel environment.”

“The Den” and “The Terrace” convey a luxurious “house away from home” experience where guests will enjoy the refined ambiance of a high-end residence.

“The Den” can be found on the lobby level and will offer all hotel guests with premium alcoholic beverages, non-alcoholic refreshments, Barista crafted coffees, and international culinary offerings all during the day.

“The Terrace” is a relaxing lounge and located on the 23rd floor. It features stunning floor-to-ceiling glass windows that offer incredible New York city views. “The Terrace” consists of separate dining areas for guests to savor a variety of delicious breakfast items, in addition to hors d’oeuvres and evening canapés.

The WestHouse Guestrooms and Suites feature a timeless tone-on-tone palette, using dark woods in the entry that convey a classic residential touch. Each guestroom will also offer marble-top desks with beveled make-up mirrors ideal for dining or working, Wi-Fi, and an In-Room Pantry, among other plush amenities.

If you are interested in booking a reservation at the new WestHouse New York boutique hotel, please contact The Life of Luxury and a travel specialist will assist your travel plans.

How would you like endless French Riviera Views and live in a luxurious penthouse? Well now you can, as three penthouses are now for sale in Roquebrune-Cap-Martin, near Monaco.

Roquebrune can be found between Menton and Monaco on the gorgeous French Riviera. The area has long attracted an international clientele who desire a mix of natural beauty and wellbeing.

The scenic, French Riviera area also offers beaches, a medieval town center, pine-tree shaded footpaths with magical views that overlook the Mediterranean Sea and numerous hidden coves.

The three luxury penthouses were designed to perfectly face the sea and are only 300 meters from the beach. Embrace outdoor living with extensive terraces and beautiful Mediterranean Sea views. The ideal, regional weather offers 300 days of sunshine per year.

The building is located in a quiet residential area of Roquebrune-Cap-Martin. Avenue François de Monléon has numerous shops and restaurants that offer additional pleasure to living in this exclusive area.

The three 2-3 bedroom, luxury penthouses offer the following key amenities:
• Extensive terraces (from 35m²) and enchanting views of the Mediterranean Sea
• Short 300-metre walk to the beach
• Luxury interiors (from 62m² of living space)
• Centrally location in an exclusive residential area, near Monaco
• Fully equipped with the latest in home networking technology
• Just 8 km from Monaco, 30 km from Nice and 6km to Italy.

Monaco remains a hot real estate market. It’s been ranked as the most expensive real estate market in the world for two years in a row.

Nearby Roquebrune thus has become an appealing long-term investment opportunity in the South of France real estate.

The prices of the penthouse begin at EUR 651,000 or $882,636 USD.

If you are interested in learning more about these luxury, French Riviera penthouses or purchasing other luxury real estate from around the world, please contact The Life of Luxury.

The all-new 2014 Range Rover Sport is Land Rover’s fastest, most responsive and agile car to ever hit the market. To celebrate this luxury SUV, Land Rover has developed an interactive digital experience, titled “Race The Sun.”

“Race The Sun” communicates a highly suspenseful and original story via an interactive film that is integrated with competitive gaming functionality.

“Driven to Another Level” is Range Rover’s Sport marketing campaign and the new video is a key component of their marketing strategy.

Viewers will experience a mysterious and high intensity race across wilderness and asphalt while driving the new 2014 Range Rover Sport.

While racing towards a setting sun, use your driving skills to keep up with the Range Rover Sport driver and his vehicle.

To view the interactive digital experience from Land Rover, click here – RACE THE SUN

Viewers have several ways to engage with the film. They can sync to their smartphones and turning it into a game controller and second screen experience, or use their computer keyboard. Tablet users will also have the full experience.

As the journey of Range Rover Sport continues, viewers follow along for the ride, unsure of how their fun journey will finally end. The video also features a 360º interior and exterior experience of the stylish new Range Rover Sport.

Kim McCullough is the Brand Vice President of Land Rover North America and was quoted, “We developed RACE THE SUN to be a unique, engaging way for current and future customers to interact with the new Range Rover Sport.”

The technologically advanced, 2014 Range Rover Sport features an assertive and muscular exterior, luxurious interior and the practical flexibility that’s provided by the option of 5+2 third row seating.

The “Driven to Another Level” marketing campaign highlights key elements of the vehicle’s DNA – its unparalleled on- and off-road capabilities – in addition to its target consumer, who are individuals driven to go beyond the limits in their everyday lives.

The all-new 2014 Range Rover Sport is available in three, impressive SUV models: SE, HSE and Supercharged.

Land Rover believes the 2014 Range Rover Sport allows customers the perfect balance of both sport and luxury. Pricing begins $63,495.

The Life of Luxury has access to an extensive network of fine, luxury vehicles – both new and classic / vintage models. Please contact us to help your luxury car buying experience.

Central Florida is known for its fabulous theme parks like Disneyworld and Epcot. But the New York Times recently called The Alfond Inn “a sophisticated alternative to Disney.”

The Alfond Inn is a new, 112-room boutique hotel in Winter Park, Florida and has just introduced their “Art in the Park” package.

Winter Park is a small city well known for chain of beautiful lakes and lush urban plantings. The Florida city’s winding streets are lined with amazing, early 20th century homes and mansions. Art collecting and philanthropy have been at the heart of Winter Park for over a century.

Winter Park is also the home of the Cornell Fine Arts Museum found on the campus of Rollins College, the Polasek Museum and the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art. Interesting to note, the Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art houses the most expansive collection of works by Louis Comfort Tiffany in the world.

Not to be left out, The Alfond Inn features The Alfond Collection of Contemporary Art for Rollins College. It’s a 100-plus piece collection that’s owned by longtime Rollins College donors and alumni Barbara and Ted Alfond.

Deanne Gabel is the General Manager of The Alfond Inn and was quoted, “Thanks to its world class museums, Winter Park is one of the most important artistic beacons in the state. Given our own commitment to exhibit contemporary art in The Alfond Inn, we wanted to create a package that would welcome visitors to explore this lesser known side of Florida.”

The Art in the Park package at The Alfond Inn includes:
• Two nights in a Classic King Room, based on double occupancy
• The hotel package rate is $395
• One $100 credit at The Alfond’s Hamilton’s Kitchen, featuring Executive Chef Chris Windus’ Floridian-inspired menu of signature dishes
• Admission to the Cornell Fine Art Museum
• Two tickets to The Charles Hosmer Morse Museum of American Art, plus 20% off one item at the museum gift shop
• Guided tour of The Alfond Contemporary Art Collection
• Art in the Park package is valid through December 31, 2013

The Alfond Inn also offers its hotel guests Hamilton’s Kitchen restaurant, pool and fitness center, plus 10,000 square feet of flexible meeting space.

The Alfond Inn was built with a $12.5-million grant from the Harold Alfond Foundation.

So discover Central Orlando and stay at The Alfond Inn and experience the “Art in the Park” package. To make travel reservations, please contact The Life of Luxury.

The luxurious AAA Five Diamond St. Regis Punta Mita resort is located just north of Puerto Vallarta, Mexico in the Riviera Nayarit.

St. Regis Punta Mita is celebrating its five year anniversary and to commemorate the milestone, has introduced a fantastic new travel package – “Five Years, Five Diamonds, Five Options.”

In addition to the luxurious accommodations offered by this top resort, guests will also receive Signature St. Regis Butler Service.

The St. Regis Punta Mita “Five Years, Five Diamonds, Five Options” package is available during the month of November.

Help toast the occasion and celebrate in luxury style with an alluring experience at the best address in Punta Mita, Mexico.

Resort guests can choose from one of the following five, incredible experiences and luxury amenities:
· An exhilarating Marine Safari tour for two guests, including snorkeling at the famed Hidden Beach and stand-up paddle at Marietas Islands
· Two 18-hole rounds of golf at the resort’s acclaimed Jack Nicklaus signature golf courses, Bahía and Pacifico
· Two personalized 60-minute massages at the 10,000 square-foot Reméde Spa
· A private tequila tasting for two with five different premier tequilas from the resort’s Master Tequilero
· An exquisite five-course dinner for two at the resort’s distinguished Five-Diamond restaurant, Carolina

Guests will also receive daily breakfast for two at either of the elegant Sea Breeze or Las Marietas restaurants, plus signature St. Regis Butler Service. For a little R&R pampering, you’ll receive complimentary access to Reméde Spa’s relaxation areas and St. Regis Rituals which includes their weekly Champagne Ritual.

The luxury St. Regis Punta Mita resort features World-class accommodations, including 89 spacious rooms and 31 refined suites with stunning Pacific Coast views.

This incredible “Five Years, Five Diamonds, Five Options” anniversary package starts at just $500 per night for a deluxe garden view room or $600 per night for a deluxe ocean view room.

Rates are based on double occupancy and exclude both tax and service fees. A three-night minimum stay is required for this package deal.

To book your stay at the luxurious St. Regis Punta Mita report in Mexico, please contact The Life of Luxury and on eof our experienced travel concierge specialists will be glad to help you with all your travel plans.

Laphroaig® is proud to be the world’s #1 Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky. As fall has arrived and the winter holidays will be upon us all soon enough, Laphroaig introduced its latest seasonal expression – Laphroaig Triple Wood.

Laphroaig Triple Wood is 96 proof and best enjoyed neat. This allows the powerful, yet slightly creamy consistency of the whisky to speak for itself.

The new Laphroaig Triple Wood follows a unique, triple maturation process that includes ex-bourbon barrels, 19th Century-style quarter casks, in addition to specially selected European Oak oloroso sherry casks.

The result of this process is a great tasting whisky, boasting a rich blend of creamy vanilla and hints of sweet fruit. Plus the whisky retains the distinctive smoky peat flavor that Laphroaig is well known for.

The new whisky from Laphroaig joins a complete family of Scotch whiskies, including: Laphroaig® 10-Year-Old, 10-Year-Old Cask Strength, Quarter Cask, 18-Year-Old, 25-Year-Old, QA Cask, plus Càirdeas.

John Campbell is the Master Distiller at Laphroaig and was quoted, “We are thrilled that our Friends of Laphroaig® members are just as passionate about their Scotch as we are. Triple Wood is the perfect seasonal expression for fall. Its bright gold color and bursts of peat, vanilla and fruit flavors embody the fall season and bring you back to Islay, the land that gives Laphroaig® its unique peaty notes.”

Laphroaig  is a Single Malt Scotch Whisky not only with a distinct taste, but also story in every bottle. In addition to each bottle of Laphroaig offering the world’s #1 Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, but buyers also get a gift of friendship.

The Friends of Laphroaig is the distinguished Laphroaig loyalty group that provides a lifetime lease on a numbered, one square foot plot of land in Islay. The land is located along the the Killbride stream, which is the critical Laphroaig water source for various whisky’s.

Friends of Laphroaig currently includes over 500,000 members from greater than 150 countries all around the world.

A recipient of numerous awards, Laphroaig is also the only Single Malt Scotch Whisky to bear a Royal Warrant bestowed by HRH Prince Charles.

Laphroaig Triple Wood has a suggested retail price of $59.99 per 750ml bottle.