The Luxury Connection

Hot Luxury Home Features

noreply@blogger.com (High_Life) — Wed, 06 Jul 2011 19:06:00 +0000

It used to be that having a home theater in your home meant you had top-of-the-line luxury, but today it's the little things that count. Special, unique touches are what make a truly luxury property stand out and push it into truly high-end territory. Many of today's beautiful homes take cues from luxury hotels, especially boutique hotels.

Fire and water features: Outdoors and in, water features are a must for a luxury home. Waterfalls and fountains have expanded from the traditional to the extremely creative, from cascading water walls to jumping airless fountains á la the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas. Patios are no longer simple but are flanked with subtle streams and fountains, contain gorgeous firepit tables and conversation areas and other fun features.

Custom luxury sinks and high-end luxury hardware: Gone are the days of cream or white sinks and custom cabinetry, now a too-easy finish. Even laundry and utility rooms have moved away from basic utility sinks. Gorgeous ceramic sinks and glass sinks abound, and can also be requisitioned to express individual passions. A special flower or plant, a sport such as horse-racing or yachting...any design can be rendered in glass, mosaic or ceramic for a special touch to the powder room or kitchen. Luxury sink designs have gotten extremely creative over the past decade, with everything from wave designs and flowing bowls to angular, modern masterpieces that are a perfect showcase in any bathroom.

Custom luxury closets: Instead of just having a large walk-in closet with many drawers, bars and shelving, today's wealthy are being more specific. With wardrobes and accessories tailored to their individual lifestyles, homeowners want closet space that both reflects and accommodates their specific belongings. Built-in displays for jewelry, shoe or scarf collections, sports-related items and purses, bags, etc. are common. Dream closets are getting just as tailored as the items they hold!

Games on the grounds: Larger-than-life chess boards built into patio; golf putting greens embedded in manicured lawns; go-cart tracks in a back field...the wealthy love their toys and what better place to play than at home? Great for guests, these fun game ideas are good conversation starters and offer a unique facet to entertaining. Just learning? You may enjoy chess tips online.

Luxury Halloween Costumes

noreply@blogger.com (High_Life) — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 00:23:00 +0000

Halloween is the one time when adults can play dress up and have fun just like kids...and for some this means an occasion to go all out. More and more people are holding Halloween parties for adults, which has lead to a thriving adult costume industry.

As this idea gains more popularity, the costumes have become less cheap and more elaborate. There are many companies offering luxury Hallowe'en costumes and your choices are many. You may even find yourself going to a beautiful masquerade ball or an intriguing evening such as 'An Evening of Murder' wherein complex murder mystery scenes are played out.

Getting into character or having a luxury adult Halloween costume to wear will help you fit right in to your next adult Halloween party!

Luxury Vampire Costume from Luxury Costumes

Luxury Marie Antoniette Costume from Luxury Costumes

Mmmmm...Luxurious Holiday Gift Ideas

noreply@blogger.com (High_Life) — Fri, 05 Dec 2008 18:11:00 +0000

It's that time of year again...the time when we start thinking about the people we adore and what we might like to treat them with for the Holidays.

Luxurious Holiday Gifts are luxurious because they are things we wouldn't normally buy for ourselves. They are extra-special and give us a feeling of decadence and excitement. Read on for some ideas for luxurious holiday gifts for the special 'someone' on your list (pssst! maybe it's you - be sure and leave your list out where people are bound to find it! *wink*).

PRADA Perfume (by Prada) for ladies: Make her feel like a queen with this decadent and sensuous perfume. 2.7 ounces. Order soon for delivery by December 24th!

French Gourmet gourmet oils and vinegars by J. LeBlanc: Specially boxed, 4 bottles of 16 fl oz - walnut and olive oils, raspberry and tarragon vinegars.

Luxury herringbone warming blanket by Sunbeam: The decadent version of an electric blanket in c;assy 'Oregano' color.

14K Knot Earrings from DivaDiamonds: Yellow gold, these earrings will complete any outfit.

Essence of Luxury Bath and Body Spa Gift Set by Art of Appreciation: Indulge her spa-loving soul with this splendid gift set!

Many thanks to Amazon.com for today's specials!

Wholesale and Off-Lease Used Cars

noreply@blogger.com (High_Life) — Wed, 08 Oct 2008 23:43:00 +0000

Why are we talking about wholesale cars on a luxury site, you ask?

A: Because we're talking about luxury cars!

Anyone with a high net worth will agree that a key principal key in obtaining - and maintaining - wealth is to be careful with one's money. This does not mean being cheap - what it does mean is doing one's homework and receiving the best value possible for every dollar spent.

An opportunity exists right now in the luxury used cars market for people with cash on hand to pick up some gems for unheard-of prices. For instance, a beautiful Mercedes SL500 which only two years ago would have been well over $120K can now be had for between $35-$70K.

With an eye for luxury and value, a savvy purchaser can snag some great deals. While banks are less and less willing to lend to the average citizen and car loans are becoming harder to get, the cars themselves are losing value and many - MANY - are sitting on used lots or in repossession compounds, and this is good for you! As a buyer, it means you have an array of choices, all at tantalizingly nice prices.

From your local luxury car dealer to the state or provincial repo. yard, you're sure to find a lovely new car if you're in the market. Enjoy!

Treat Your Special Someone

noreply@blogger.com (High_Life) — Sun, 27 Jul 2008 23:29:00 +0000

Looking for ideas for that upcoming anniversary, or other special occasion?

Of course, we don't always need an 'occasion' to express our appreciation of the ones we love. For a significant event or for any day at all, here are some extra special, high-end ideas for treating a special someone in your life.

Luxury Cruise: Aboard the Regent Seven Seas line of cruise ships, you can treat your sweetheart to a getaway unlike any other. Each intimate Regent ship is designed to get into ports which the larger, more commercial lines cannot. Passengers number in the hundreds, rather than thousands, and the crew to passenger ratio is very high - 1:1.6. Attention to detail and elegance are hallmarks on a Regent ship, and with a price tag anywhere between $5,000 to $25,000 depending on destination and cabin choice, the decadence is top notch. Individual day trips can be customized to your every whim, and Regent prides themselves in their ability to surprise and delight their clientel. Visit their site today for a full array of exotic worlwide destinations.

Stylish Safari in Africa: With a new breed of wealthy adventure-seekers trotting the globe comes a new type of excursion - the luxury safari.

Gone are the pitched pup-tents of old school safaris. The new, high-end trip into the wilds of Africa includes stays at exotic and decadent lodges, carved out of the breathtaking landscape. There exist companies dedicated solely to the genre of luxury travel in every area of the world, and Africa is no exception.

Try: Uncharted Outposts Safari and Travel Company
http://www.unchartedoutposts.com/

Underwater Dining: Enjoy the latest trend in cutting edge restaraunts and dine with the fish in the sea! Some upscale hotels in exotic locales around the world are investing in underwater restaurants to delight their guests. Dine on exquisiste cuisine while watching the local underwater creatures as they swim around your glass-enclosed table.

To try: Ithaa at the Conrad (owned by Hilton) Maldives Mangali Island resort.

Declare Your Love: Cartier's Love collection is a beautiful way to say 'I Love You.' Offering a selection of pendants, bracelets and rings, the collection is sure to please while delivering your clear message. You can even buy a matching set. The distinctive design is already renowned, and because Cartier takes exquisite care in every line they present, you and your love will cherish owning a piece of Cartier history.

New Four Seasons Hotel in Istanbul

noreply@blogger.com (High_Life) — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 18:53:00 +0000

If sweeping, romantic views, European ambience and Four Seasons luxury are your idea of the best of all worlds, you will enjoy the latest offering from this top-notch hotel company.

The city of Istanbul itself is a remarkable place to visit, with diverse cultural influences and many stunning sights to behold. The Four Seasons Hotel Istanbul at the Bosphorus adds to the already exceptional offerings in Istanbul, and is a second location for the Four Seasons brand (the original Four Seasons Istanbul at Sultanahmet).

Ensconced within a 19th century palace, the new Four Seasons unites the architecture and rich history of Istanbul with modern luxury and amenities in the best possible marriage. The finishing touches are just being completed, and discerning travelers are sure to make this a favorite in no time, starting in June of 2008.

For more information and for rates, please visit FourSeasons.com.

New York City's Luxury Boutique Hotels

noreply@blogger.com (High_Life) — Sun, 23 Sep 2007 01:14:00 +0000

Every veteran New York traveler has their favorite hotel. Whether you are visiting New York City for the first time or the hundredth, you will find all the big name hotels to satisfy every taste when it comes to service and amenities.

Competition for the patronage of New York's upscale visitors has never been more fierce, however, and for those who find the larger luxury hotels to be somewhat generic, a high-end boutique hotel offers a more uniquely sumptuous experience.

These hotels are stylish and fresh, which explains why many often host elegant 'after' parties with such panache. Here are a few offerings to get you started. Some are well-known, others are new and still others are well-kept secrets. Each review contains a link to the hotel's website where you can peruse pictures and rates, and decide what suits your fancy. Enjoy!

Hotel Gansevoort

Billing itself as 'The First Full-Service Luxury Hotel in Manhattan's Meatpacking District,' the Hotel Gansevoort is a delightful new choice in an up-and-coming area. The hotel is hip and modern; the rooms are chic and soothing and feature amazing views. Included are your daily Wall Street Journal or New York Times newspapers, continental breakfast, same-day laundry services, Wi-Fi (throughout the hotel) and other thoughtful touches. They even offer pet-friendly floors, a growing trend in NYC.

The Shoreham

Centrally located in midtown Manhattan, the Shoreham is a very convenient place to see and be seen. Your needs have been considerately anticipated all through your visit, from well-thought-out packages which include tickets to MoMA (the Metropolitan Museum of Art), to 'iJoy' massage chairs in suites to relax in after a long day. The rooms are simple, chic havens of relaxation with beds that purportedly feel like heaven.

The Gramercy Park Hotel

This legendary location in Manhattan has been re-done by Ian Schrager and offers a distinctly artistic place to call home during your stay. The Gramercy is visually stunning, drawing on a combination of modern touches mixed with antiques which pay homage to its' history, resulting in a stylish and contemporary setting. The bold use of color throughout is not for everyone, but will be deeply appreciated by those who enjoy Schrager's visionary touch.

Dream Hotel

Part of the Epoque Hotel group, Dream Hotel is definitely a unique indulgence. Ornate and visionary, it bills itself as an 'haute couture hotel.' This hotel manages to be modern and timeless all at once, with influences ranging from Ayurvedic healing to the visual stimulation of modern art and the infusion of technology. Conveniently located between Central Park and Times Square.

Hotel 57

An oasis of serenity, the trendy Hotel 57 is a luxurious and convenient place to stay in midtown Manhattan (east side). The rooms are contemporary and geared for rest for the busy traveler, with flat screen TV's, ultra-modern bathrooms and pinpoint reading lights above decadent 340 count Egyptian cotton bedding.

Soho Grand

The sexy and sophisticated Soho Grand is located at 310 West Broadway, and was a trendsetter when it opened in 1996, leading the gentrification of SoHo. The sleek Soho Grand is the perfect place to entertain or as a stepping-out point for fabulous nearby shopping. Decor is funky, loft-like and modern, and the young-ish, hip crowd will feel right at home here.

The Carlyle

A standalone property in quality and sophistication, the Carlyle is a sanctuary of refinement and privacy. Quiet elegance and privacy are the watchwords here, and it has been home to diplomats and business and entertainment leaders who value discretion and world-class style. Each suite has a decidedly residential feel, and is luxuriously outfitted to be a decadent home-away-from-home. The Carlyle is geared towards sophisticated and worldly guests who value polished service and traditional elegance.

The Lowell New York

"Located on a quiet, tree-lined street off Madison Avenue, The Lowell is in the heart of New York’s most exclusive and fashionable Upper East Side." Couldn't have said it better myself! This description from the Lowell website paints the perfect picture. The Lowell is understated, classy and beautiful. The rooms are comfortable and relaxing, with plush couches and gorgeous, peaceful views. Many feature beautiful fireplaces and terraces (be sure and request a fireplace if you prefer one). Most suites have kitchens.

Enjoy your next trip to the Big Apple!

Luxury Jewelry for the Princess in Your Life

noreply@blogger.com (High_Life) — Mon, 10 Sep 2007 20:31:00 +0000

If you love upscale adornments, the world is your oyster. Custom jewelers, watchmakers and fashion houses the world over are exploring and demonstrating their creativity and offering more and more choice each year. As the designers compete for the business of upscale customers, it seems as if new fantastic options come onto the market weekly. Luxury destinations the world over are getting into the act, as more and more hotels and private villa resorts are offering luxe shopping boutiques for their well-heeled patrons.

With this in mind, we bring you a few of the latest precious offerings, designed to dazzle and delight the Princess in your life - whether that's you or a loved one!

Cartier

The Cartier brand is a style icon, and living up to it's reputation while creating new and appealing designs takes high priority. Cartier goes to great lengths to offer pieces that marry beauty and sophistication with stylish individuality. As their ongoing Cartier Libre watch collection testifies, they have been extremely successful in meeting this challenge. Ballon Bleu de Cartier (pictured), for example, exemplifies all that is Cartier and is available in boutiques. Visit www.cartier.com for further information.

Mikimoto

Famous for stunning and unique pearl jewelry, Mikimoto is known internationally for the refinement and beautiful details of it's designs. Even women who do not care for a traditional string of pearls are finding they adore Mikimoto's modern and sophisticated take on pearl jewelry. Theor Elements of Life collection, for example, 'is inspired by the Four Elements: Water, Fire, Earth and Air - the source of all life in the universe. Colored sapphires and diamonds add sparkle to Akoya, Tahitian and White South Sea cultured pearls.' For more information, visit Mikimoto.com.

Judith Ripka

Designer Judith Ripka brings us beautifully crafted pieces which are intended to be wearable in any circumstance, from daytime casual to black tie events. Judith's pieces are balanced, intricately detailed and unique. Trained by her couturier mother, Judith says she takes her cues from the everyday beauty that surrounds her. Her pieces have become staples of jewelry-loving women all over the world. For more information, visit judithripka.com.

Tiffany's

Well-known for their branded jewelry, Tiffany's has been a New York icon for generations. Their signature jewelry is usually chunky, simple and very recognizable. Tiffany's Atlas collection is no different, with it's lovely roman numerals and simple lines. Featuring a full range - from rings and pendants to charm bracelets and watches - a piece from this collection is a must-have for the jewelry-loving girl. For more information visit tiffany.com.

Collexium Revs Up The Luxury Car World

noreply@blogger.com (High_Life) — Thu, 09 Aug 2007 15:54:00 +0000

Vroom! Vroom!!!

From a former member of the highly successful Microsoft pioneers comes an innovative and unique new membership concept: COLLEXIUM.

The company was formed to offer a new option in the luxury car world: access to enjoyment of luxury cars without the hassle of ownership, storage and maintenance.

Founder and CEO Blas Garcia Moros is quoted in an interview with Million Air Magazine explaining the genesis of this enterprise after his retirement at the age of 38. He found that while he could enjoy access to great jets, vacation homes and yachts via shared ownership systems, '"here was nothing out there for cars."

The Collexium membership system will allow lucky participants access to premiere luxury cars from around the globe. According to their website collexium.com, the Exclusive Drivers Club owns a collection of the world’s finest performance and luxury automobiles, with an average value of $200,000 each. Along with the expected Bentley, Lamborghini and Ferrari luxury sport cars, there will be a rotation of rare and unique cars available for limited times each...no doubt these will be very popular as well. Says Moros, "Collexium offers auto enthusiasts what wine enthusiasts have: great variety, and an easy way to enjoy it."

Owners will also enjoy unique and exclusive extras, such as VIP social events and guests, and visits to automobile manufacturers. Many owners will appreciate the intangible benefit of being on the company of others who share their passion for luxury and exotic cars.

The Collexium warehouse and showroom is located in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. According to Moros, the concept has been such a hit with that there are plans to expand to other major centers such as Miami, Orlando, and even Phoenix and California.

For those who already enjoy the benefits of shared private jet and luxury villa or vacation home ownership, Collexium's luxury car concept will be a welcome addition to their portfolio of options. At its' peak Moros says owners "could conceivably drive a different car every three days." For those of who who get shivers of pleasure from the very thought, Collexium was made for you! Find out more at Collexium.com.

Luxury is Taken to New Heights in Austria

noreply@blogger.com (High_Life) — Fri, 27 Jul 2007 15:23:00 +0000

From the former president and COO of the Ritz-Carlton hotel brand, Horst Schulze, comes the new Capella Hotel and Resorts brand.

For those eagerly awaiting the latest word in luxury hotels, the launch of Capella's first property in Austria is an exciting development - pun intended! Set on the shores of beautiful Lake Woerth in Carinthia, Schloss Velden is surrounded by the picturesque snow-capped Alps, making for a stunning, world-class setting.

Originally a private chateau, Schloss Velden eventually became a hotel and has been a gathering place for discerning guests seeking luxury and leisure ever since. This elegant property with such rich history is ideal as the premier property to enjoy the lavish attentions of Horst Schulze. Offering all the luxury amenities you have come to expect from an ultra-luxury brand, the newest incarnation of Schloss Velden is a welcome addition to decadent destination lists. The exterior holds true to the traditional yellow facade and architecture it has become know n for; the interior, with 39 guest rooms, has been entirely re-done and offers every luxury, rendered in clean and modern lines.

Look for more exciting properties from Capella soon, including offerings in Cabo San Lucas, Telluride, Colorado, Sentosa Island, Singapore, and more! For more information and reservations, visit capellahotels.com.

Global Happenings

noreply@blogger.com (High_Life) — Tue, 17 Jul 2007 15:06:00 +0000

A Celebration of Grace: For anyone who lives the elite lifestyle - or dreams of it - Monaco is almost always in the top ten list of destinations. Defining the essence of class, grace and excitement that is Monaco is Princess Grace Kelly, who has remained an icon in the past 25 years since she left us. Her legacy lives on, and in celebration of her life and of beautiful Monaco, this year from July 12th through September 23rd you can enjoy the Grace Kelly Years Exhibition. Don't miss the Monaco Yacht Show from September 19th to the 22nd.

Whether or not you catch the Monaco Yacht Show, you can enjoy the Fort Lauderdale International Boat Show, coming October 25th through 29th. This is one of the largest shows in the world, and for anyone in North America is fairly easy to get to. Featuring over $1.6 billion in boats and beautiful yachts, as well as displays from companies spanning the globe, this show is not to be missed for the yachting enthusiast.

Blue Star Rewards: A new rewards program launched by Blue Star Jets promises to be very popular with its' clientel. Blue Star, a U.S.-based jet charter company with a range of executive and wealthy clients, has jumped onthe rewards bandwagon and now offers a points program which allows customers to build points for every trip booked. Reward points can be put towards an impressive collection of high-end merchandise. Visit BlueStarJets.com.

Stay tuned for more updates and exciting events, and live prosperously!

The Millionaire Inside: CNBC Special

noreply@blogger.com (High_Life) — Wed, 04 Jul 2007 19:02:00 +0000

Many of you may know by now that CNBC has created and is hosting a television series about wealth, investing and prosperity, called The Millionaire Inside.

CNBC programs will be familiar to many people who are interested in finances, and that includes most of the readers of this blog. No matter how wealthy we become, we can always benefit from more knowledge about money and how to make it work even harder and more efficiently for us.

The Millionaire Inside is set up in an interview format, with a panel of experts and an audience, moderated by the lovely and capable CBNC anchor Erin Burnett. What makes this series stand out from the many financial advisory shows and books available to the average citizen is that rather than featuring money 'experts' (who often have far less money than you do), the panelists are without exception self-made millionaires, and in some cases billionaires. They are all very wealthy, and their advice comes from experience, rather than theory. Much of what is said is hard-hitting and controversial, going against the mainstream financial advice widely available. As most wealthy people know, the afore-mentioned 'mainstream' advice does not a wealthy person create, for the most part.

The Millionaire Inside series airs in the evenings with regular daytime and evening re-runs. Check the schedule on their webpage for the next show. Enjoy, and prosper!

$$$$$$$$$

May/June Elite Traveler...Going, Going, Gone!

noreply@blogger.com (High_Life) — Sat, 23 Jun 2007 14:33:00 +0000

If you are not already a subscriber, be sure and grab your edition of Elite Traveler before it's gone. This special issue, entitled 'Kings and Their Castles', is dubbed The Men's Issue, and as you might suspect it is chock-full of luxury items - watches and jewlery, the latest in sports and electronics, fashion - travel destinations and articles with the wealthy, wordly man in mind.

This edition, enjoy insider reviews of Elite Castle Getaways, the latest luxury suites in the Middle East (incredible luxury and decadence await you in this burgeoning tourist region), style, arts and culture trends and so much more. For a full digital version complete with stunning pictures, visit Elite Traveler online.

Elite Traveler is bar-none the most beautiful, chic magazine available today, and the full-color pictures, reviews of elite destinations and products make this one of the rare magazines worthy of collecting. Not a week goes by when some guest in my home does not admire my own collection, and I enjoy them constantly myself, using them not only as a reference for destinations and products, but also just as beautiful browsing material. Enjoy!