If climbing mighty Kilimanjaro in Africa is on your ever growing Bucket List, then make it even more memorable with a Kilimanjaro hike on Christmas Eve.

Kilimanjaro is quite impressive. Composed of three volcanic cones, it’s the highest mountain in Africa. Located in Kilimanjaro National Park in Tanzania, Kilimanjaro is 5,895 meters tall or 19,341 feet.

Tusker Trail is a world-class adventure travel company and will lead an incredible, Kilimanjaro hike. It’s an opportunity to reach the summit of Kilimanjaro on Christmas Eve 2013.

Kilimanjaro is a huge, dormant volcanic mountain and surprising to many – the world’s highest free-standing mountain. What a wonderful chance to reach its summit and possibly enjoy “White Kili Christmas.”

The 13-day climb traverses the Lemosho Route and the final reward is waking up the next morning on Christmas Day, at Crater Camp.

Lemosho Route is one of their most popular routes used by Tusker Trail. It consists of a longer itinerary, but advantage is it provides climbers the chance to acclimatize more easily to the mountain altitude. The additional climbing time increases the chances that each traveler actually summits the Mt. Kilimanjaro.

Another advantage is that Lemosho offers one of the more scenic routes up Kilimanjaro. In addition, it doesn’t require a midnight summit climb.

The Kilimanjaro hike features 10 days of climbing through some of the most pristine and diverse terrain in the world, delicious food, and expert guides from Tusker Trail.

Eddie Frank is the Founder and Owner of Tusker Trail and has been expertly leading treks up Kilimanjaro for more than 37 years. With 48 completed Kilimanjaro climbs, Eddie Frank has cemented Tusker Trail’s reputation as the top climbing outfitter on Kilimanjaro.

With their expertise and experience, Tusker Trail boasts an impressive Kilimanjaro hike summit rate of 99%. That result is more than twice the average on the mighty mountain.

For those worried about unforeseen medical issues, don’t. The Tusker Trail team is top notch. Their unparalleled Kilimanjaro climbing experience plus medically-trained mountain guides are well trained to handle high altitude emergencies. Their guides also have the most extensive medical training in the hiking business.

The Christmas Kili climb is scheduled to depart on December 15th, 2013. The Kilimanjaro hike package price is $5,190 per person.

If that particular date doesn’t fit your schedule, there are additional Kilimanjaro hike climbing dates available.

To experience the opportunity of a lifetime, make your Kilimanjaro hike plans now. To make your travel reservations or learn more, please contact The Life of Luxury.

Now you can combine the beauty of San Francisco and and the exciting new Cirque du Soleil at the luxury W San Francisco Hotel.

Amaluna is the newest touring show from Cirque du Soleil and now you can view it firsthand. The spectacular Amaluna show offers audience goers on a journey to a mysterious island that’s governed by Goddesses and guided by the cycles of the moon.

The luxury W San Francisco hotel is offering an exclusive package that is ideal for a unique wintertime getaway or thoughtful holiday gift for that special person in your life.

Amaluna from Cirque du Soleil runs from November 15 to December 29 and performances will be held at AT&T Park, which is only one mile from the W San Francisco hotel),

The “Amaluna” Cirque du Soleil Package includes:
• Custom themed cocktails in W’s energetic Living Room Bar
• Complimentary parking
• Complimentary late checkout
• General admission tickets to Amaluna™
• A special Cirque du Soleil gift

The new W San Francisco, Cirque du Soleil Package is priced starting at only $449.

If you are interested in booking a reservation at the luxury W San Francisco hotel, then please contact The Life of Luxury.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

(AP Photo/Antonio Calanni)

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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