Netil House  – Waldorf Project

For an unbelievable night of entertainment, plan on attending The Waldorf Project at the Netil House in London.

Between October 10-14, the global premiere of this spectacular Waldorf Project includes a stylish blend of visual arts, theatrical performance, contemporary choreography and staging, plus fine cuisine and the best rare wine available.

It’s definitely a dining and performance experience to die for as London literally takes center stage for a night to remember.

The Waldorf Project will brilliantly showcase six of the most exciting practitioners in the respective worlds of choreography, design, visual art, theatre, electronic music and gastronomy.

The driving force and director behind the creation of the Waldorf Project is British artist Sean Rogg. The result is the ideal meshing of an unique art performance with visual, aural, creative and performative arts. Topping it off is the chance to enjoy some of the world’s rarest wines and finest, delicious tasting food.

Each of the show’s collaborators was personally and carefully picked by Sean Rogg to represent an imaginative approach to the theme – the rare Japanese muskmelon. In addition they bring their readiness to break boundaries through the most fundamental fusion of their diverse disciplines.

If you are unable to attend this year’s event, be sure experience the Waldorf Project: Chapter Two which be held in the Spring of 2013.

Below is an overview of the Waldorf Project:

Set Design: Gina Geoghegan
Art Director across fields of theatre, film and brand experiences, Gina Geoghegan will transform Netil House into a 5000 square foot hydroponic fantasy land. The immersive environment will be one where the plant culture not only serves as a bewitching backdrop for the performance, but is also incorporated into the menu itself.

Choreography: Imogen Knight
Choreographer and Movement Director Imogen Knight has choreographed eight dancers who will serve guests throughout the evening. The way in which the performers interact with the plates and the space is built into the design of the environment, which itself has been inspired by the food. For The Waldorf Project Imogen has created a performance bridging the gap between naturalism and surrealism, combining darkness and humour and highlighting base human emotions with dramatic effect.

Sound Design: Walls
Winners of the coveted Mojo Electronica Album of the Year award, sound artists Alessio Natalizia and Sam Willis, known together at “Walls”, are two of the most innovative minds working in electronic music today. For the Waldorf Project the duo will create a distinct sonic backdrop for each phase of the evening, completing the multi-sensory experience.

Food Design: Andrew Stellitano and Blanch & Shock
Food design studio Blanch & Shock and gastronomy artist Andrew Stellitano have collaboratively developed the menu as a narrative in 6 courses, moving from the rustic and unprocessed to expertly stylised dishes. Each course has been put together using premium quality produce and will be presented to guests by choreographed dancers.

Wine: Sanford and Benedict
The Waldorf Project will serve fine wines provided by prior owner of legendary California winery Sanford and Benedict. These include arguably the very best two vintages of the last twenty years for the Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, 1994 and 1997. Four of the wines are special collaborations with Au Bon Climat, which were never released onto the market. The wines have been tasted throughout the creation of the menu, intrinsically connecting them to the food and ensuring a perfectly synchronized pairing.

Contact us ASAP if you are interested in attending.

The London 2012 Olympic Games now comes to a memorable close. The Olympic Games Closing Ceremony celebrates the amazing sporting feats of all of the world’s greatest athletes who have taken part in these 2012 London Games.

The USA was once again the overall medal count by finishing with 104 total medal. Like in 2008 when it hosted the Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, China again finished in second place with 87 total medals. Russia came in third place with 82 medals. The United States won the most gold medals with 46.

In addition to celebrating the achievements of athletes at the London 2012 Olympic Games, the Closing Ceremony also includes the official handover from London as the host city to the next – Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 2016.

After a successful Opening Ceremony, many people were looking forward to see how London would finish these successful and safe Summer Olympic games.

Prior to the event, Closing Ceremony Director Kim Gavin was quoted, “We want it to be the best after-show party there has ever been.”  He continues, “It is about British creativity in the arts. There is a hell of a lot of talent and music and a hell of a lot of show in the show.”

AP photo

The London 2012 Olympic Games Closing Ceremony was a fun, colorful and festive party enjoyed by many millions of people both inside Olympic Stadium as well as on TV.

The Closing Ceremony featured greater than 4,100 performers, including 3,500 adult volunteers in addition to 380 schoolchildren from the six east London Host Boroughs.

It was a grand event that showcased the great creative talent of the UK.  The spectacular show opened with pop bands Madness, Pet Shop Boys and One Direction playing their hit songs.

An incredible parade of monochrome replicas covered in newsprint of London’s most popular landmarks including Big Ben’s clocktower, Tower Bridge and the towering London Eye ferris wheel. Once unveiled, the results was the British flag rolled across the massive Olympic Stadium floor.

Once again, the next generation of British royalty was in the audience to enjoy the Closing Ceremony. Prince William’s wife, Kate, and Prince Harry were seated next to Jacques Rogge, who is the current president of the International Olympic Committee. They all sang along to the song “God Save the Queen.”

Always a highlight is parade of athletes. The stadium crowd wildly cheered and took pictures of their favorite athlete heroes. The athletes too enjoyed this amazing experience, especially after the grueling competition comes to an end.

The host country had Ben Ainslie, who is the most successful Olympic sailor ever carry the flag for Britain.

Olympic Games tradition continues as the men’s Marathon Victory Ceremony took place.

As with the historic Opening Ceremony, the main focus of this event was the rich history of music in British culture. It was a treat to see a musical retrospective of British music across the ages.

A moving image ex-Beatles John Lennon appeared on the big screen, followed by Bono with Freedom. Dressed in leather was singer George Michaels.

A parade of famous British supermodels thrilled the crowd – Naomi Campbell, Kate Moss, Stella Tennant and Georgia May Tennant.

Many top musical acts performed including Annie Lennox and the Spice Girls. Queen played as images of deceased Freddy Mercury singing on the various large screens.

A moving moment was the singing of the Olympic Anthem. The Brazilian delegation received the presentation for the upcoming Rio 2016 Olympic Games.

The skies above London lit up with an unbelievable fireworks display.

British rock band legend “The Who”performed a medley of their most popular songs after the Olympic flame was extinguished. The show closed. All of Britain should be proud for hosting such a special Olympic Games show.

Getty Images – AP Photo

As the 30th Olympiad is finally here, London, England is the host country for third time in history – a record (1908, 1948 and now in 2012).

It would be almost impossible to surpass the impressive Opening Ceremony 4 years ago in Beijing, China, but London made its statement.

The London 2012 Olympic Games opening ceremony was themed around the theme of the “Isle of Wonders.” The phrase reference from Caliban’s speech in the William Shakespeare classic play “The Tempest.”

The opening ceremony began with an uplifting flyover of roaring fighter jets leaving behind a trail of red, white and blue smoke. The sold-out Olympic stadium of 80,000 people loudly applauded.

This colorful Olympic ceremony was created and directed by Danny Boyle, who is widely known as director of the hit movie Slumdog Millionaire. Boyle’s vision was to share with the world a glimpse of Britain’s history.

As the opening ceremony began, groups of children positioned around the stadium floor popped balloons with each number, counting down from 10 to 1.

Popular local Bradley Wiggins, who just won the 2012 Tour de France bicycle race was shown, waving to the massive audience.

The U.K.’s pastoral landscape of grass, hedgerows and farm made way to an impressive transition to the Industrial Revolution. The 18th and 19th centuries were a defining time in Britain’s history and basis for the its powerful empire.

Getty Images – AP Photo

The stadium turned into an impress array of towering smoke stacks that rose from the ground, machinery and hundreds of workers, representing the backbone of their labor engine.

Boyle next changed the direction of the show by adding a blend of pop culture with pomp and circumstance. Queen Elizabeth and James Bond, played by Daniel Craig boarded a helicopter and flew over London’s popular sites and monuments, such as Big Ben and Houses of Parliament. The crowed roared as it was depicted that both the Queen and James Bond 007 jumped from high above the stadium and parachuted in.

Getty Images – AP Photo

Next was a tribute to British pop culture and its rich history of music. A series of video clips and songs from Britain’s most famous band and singers were heard including The Who, Rolling Stones, Beatles and Queen.

The colorful parade of nations next took center stage beginning with Greece, the birthplace of the Olympics. 204 countries will be representing during the 2012 Summer Olympic Games in London, featuring over 10,000 Olympic athletes with the single goal of winning a medal.

What everybody waits for is the arrival of the Olympic flame. Who else but local, East London world soccer star David Beckham could ignite the crowd. The flame was delivered from a speedboat driven by David Beckham. The flame was passed on to Steve Redgrave who is one of Britain’s greatest Olympians of all time.

Getty Images – AP Photo

The torch was then handed over to seven sports legends of the Games and then passed to seven young athletes, signifying a passing of the torch. The flames then simultaneously lit up 200 miniature torches that rose together to create a stunning cauldron in the middle of the Olympic stadium.

Getty Images – AP Photo

An incredible fireworks display lit up the skies above London. Singing legend Sir Paul McCartney led the audience with rocking performance of Beatles hit song “Hey Jude,” as the audience sang along in unison, ending the memorable ceremony. Thank you Danny Boyle.

Getty Images – AP Photo

Now … Let the London 2012 Olympic Games begin!

The Lanesborough Suite

To fully enjoy the upcoming Summer Olympics in London, stay in a luxurious London hotel suite.

London’s preeminent luxury hotel is well known to be The Lanesborough. Finding the best accommodations will be a challenge during this busy time while the Summer Olympics are underway.

We wanted to share with you one of the largest and most luxurious suites available anywhere in London – The Lanesborough Suite.

The Lanesborough Suite was designed by world-renowned interior designer Alberto Pinto. This ultra-luxury hotel suite features the ideal blend of 19th century elegance along with contemporary sophistication.

Greater than 4,000 square feet in size, this elegant hotel suite at The Lanesborough features four bedrooms, five and a half bathrooms, two living rooms, a kitchen plus a dining room.

Lanesborough Suite suites can enjoy a whole package of luxury amenities including: tea and coffee upon arrival and with wake-up calls, a complimentary chauffeur driven Rolls Royce Phantom, 24-hour Butler Service, change of clothing pressed on arrival, plus numerous other luxury services.

The Lanesborough

Pricing for The Lanesborough Suite is £14,000, (approximately $21,716) per night plus VAT.

Make a stay at The Lanesborough hotel your perfect way to enjoy all that London has to offer and the Summer Olympic Games.

Michael Phelps – AP

The 27th Summer Olympic Games is almost here. Beginning this Friday, London, England will host the 30th Olympiad and there are many top athletes from around the world to watch.

Rich in culture and history, London will now become the only city to host three official Olympic Games. London first hosted in 1908, then in 1948 after World War II and now in 2012.

As today’s athletes get bigger and faster, these Summer Olympics are the ideal showcase to the display the world their talents. According to NBColympics.com, the U.S. is the all-time leader in medals at the Summer Games with 2,302, more than twice Soviet Union which won 1,122.

Good luck to all the athletes in London. These Summer Olympics Games are destined to be the best ever. It’s estimated that a staggering 4 billion people worldwide, will watch the Games on their TV.

Here is a sample of some of the great athletes to keep a close watch on:

Michael Phelps – AP

Michael Phelps
Likely the biggest athlete to watch will be U.S. swimmer Michael Phelps. This will be Phelps’ third Olympic Games as he tries to break the all-time medal record of 18 (1956 – 1964) held by female Soviet gymnastics legend Larysa Latynina. Michael Phelps already holds the record for most gold medals, with 14 won in 2004 and 2008. What is amazing is Phelps has earned 14 gold of his 16 total medals, and 2 bronze.

Usain Bolt – Dylan Martinez/Reuters

Usain Bolt
The speed demon of the 2008 Summer Games in Beijing China will be a favorite once again in London. Usain Bolt won three track and field gold medals in Beijing – 100 meters, 200 meters and 400 meter relay race for Jamaica. He also set world records in all three of this track races. Bolt is currently the world champion in the 200 meters.

Kohei Uchimura
This gifted Japanese gymnast is the reigning three-time world champion. Uchimura has the honor of being the only gymnast to have won the world title three times in a row. Kohei Uchimura won a silver medal in Beijing in the all-around but hasn’t lost a competition since.

Missy Franklin – Al Bello/Getty Images

Missy Franklin
She’s just 17 years old but American swimmer Missy Franklin will become a household name after these Lond Summer Games are over. her nickname is “Missy the Missle” and she’s lightning fast in the water. During last year’s world championships, the young swimmer won five medals, including three golds.

Carmelita Jeter
Speed is her game the Olympics will be her center stage. Jeter won the 100 meter meter world title in 2011, plus took a silver medal in the 200 meters. She was part of the strong 400 meter U.S. relay team that held off Jamaica to win a gold medal. Last year Carmelita Jeter has the world’s fastest time in the 200 meters at just 10.7 seconds.

Hotel Belgraves London

Contrary to high-risers and hundreds of hotel rooms, Thompson Hotels took a different approach with their new Hotel Belgraves London.  Its premier transatlantic addition is located in Central London’s affluent Belgravia neighborhood, minutes from internationally renowned shops and the famed Sloane Square.

Infusing American bohemian attitude into traditional British hospitality, Hotel Belgraves London translates the signature Thompson luxury experience into a creative movement in design, dining, art, and luxury, pioneering the “new Brittania.”

The property features bold interior architecture and design by acclaimed British designer, Tara Bernerd, and architectural design by EPR Architects.  The 85-room hotel includes an 80-seat restaurant, an intimate library bar, and a fitness center. The chic and eclectic lobby is set to become a second home for both hotel guests and London socialites alike.

Each luxurious room boasts custom-made 400 thread count SFERRA linens, marble flooring, and bathroom amenities by the 140 year-old London luxury skincare and cosmetics brand, Penhaligon’s.  The hotel also features original artwork by a variety of contemporary UK & US artists including Mat Collishaw, Stephen Webster, Natasha Law, Miranda Donovan, Tim Noble & Sue Webster, Rachel Howard, Gary Webb, and many others.

The luxury hotel features an onsite restaurant, the HIX Belgravia, led by Mark Hix.  True to Mark Hix’s approach to luxury dining, with passionately sourced ingredients that are prepared and cooked simply.  Exclusive to the HIX restaurant menu is Mark Hix’s personal favorite dishes inspired by his travels from around the world.

To celebrate its opening, Hotel Belgraves London has launched their #loveLDN photo contest where the winner receives a two-night weekend stay at Belgraves & an all-access pass and VIP tour to capture Belgraves London through the Instagram lens.

To view the contest, please visit: http://www.facebook.com/belgraveslondon/app_254553244581393.  Submitting in a photo for a chance to stay one of the premier luxury hotels in London, is definitely worth a shot.

Stafford London by Kempinski

The Stafford London by Kempinski is located in heart of St James’s The Stafford. The luxury London hotel was originally built as private residences. The buildings that comprise the hotel (number 16-18 St. James’s Place) were home to many tenants including Lord and Lady Lyttelton.

As The Stafford London by Kempinski celebrates its centennial, the luxury hotel is offering an year-long celebration, including its £100,000 VIP Experience.

Long defined by luxury, The Stafford London by Kempinski prepares for a diamond jubilee and the upcoming Olympic Games in London.

Although the exact opening date of The Stafford Hotel as it stands today is highly debated, research indicates that it took place in either spring 1911 or early 1912. With this in mind, the hotel opted to use 2011 as its preparation period for a year of festivities in 2012.

General Manager Leon Baum was quoted, “In 2011, we were inspired by our rich heritage and embarked on a renovation program that made the hotel better than ever; we launched our rustic British restaurant The Lyttelton and began pulling together new one-of-a-kind experiences for our guests. This year, we celebrate it all. Each initiative highlights our quintessential British character, while also illustrating how we continue to evolve and exceed our guests’ wildest expectations.

Stafford London by Kempinski

Hotel guests can find numerous opportunities to learn of The Stafford London by Kempinski’s rich history, including: VIP experiences, historic exhibits, new epicurean offerings, and much more!

To kick-off the celebrations, the hotel is unveiling the ultimate London VIP experience. Drawing on its long-standing relationships with iconic U.K. brands, The Stafford’s £100,000 Anniversary Package celebrates the finer things in life. The luxury hotel package includes:

– Luxurious London pied a terre for three nights at The Stafford in either the duplex Guv’nor’s Suite or more contemporary Penthouse of The Stafford Mews; plus a £10,000 dining credit to spend on epicurean experiences in the hotel’s American Bar, The Lyttelton, or in-room dining throughout the stay
– Effortless airport experience including private waiting lounge, escort through customs/immigration, transfers and more through Heathrow by Invitation
– Chauffeur driven Bentley, Jaguar or Rolls Royce limousine at guests’ beckon call throughout their stay
– Private butler to attend to every need and desire
– Feast fit for the most discerning foodies consisting of a private dinner party in The Stafford’s 380-year-old wine cellars for up to ten guests; a choice of three-course or five-course tasting menu prepared by Executive Chef Brendan Fyldes; and wine pairings by Master Sommelier Gino Nardella
– Bespoke fashions courtesy of famed tailor Henry Poole and hatters Lock & Co; a heirloom-worthy piece of custom jewellery by London’s top designer Patrick Wyatt; fittings and consolations can be conducted in-suite or at the designers’ shops
– A private portrait photo-shoot with internationally renowned photographer Alistair Morrison (Morrison has shot celebrities from Sir Anthony Hopkins to Helen Mirren to Twiggy and has 82 photographs in the National Portrait Gallery)
– Exclusive London experiences to fill the itinerary including: traditional afternoon tea in an exclusive British setting of either the Royal Academy, Highgrove House or Kensington Palace; a private Champagne or Wine Capsule experience on the London Eye; a half-day spa retreat at a neighbouring establishment; a speedboat tour of The Thames River; and a chance to try the indulgent Mahiki Armada Treasure Chest concoction

The incredible £100,000 Anniversary Package is priced at £100,000, excluding taxes and gratuities. It is available now through December 31, 2012 and is subject to availability.

To book, contact reservations at: +44 (0) 207 493 0111.

The upcoming Summer Olympic Games in London, England is expected to be one of the best ever.

As the London 2012 Olympic and Paralympic Games nears, VisitEngland has put together a summary of England’s Olympic history.

A look at England’s Olympic history showcases its humble beginnings in a rural Shropshire Market Town to the Bright Lights and Award-Winning Architecture of London in 2012.

1850 – Once Upon a Time, in Shropshire
So everyone knows that the Olympic Games were first conceived in Greece, right? Well, in fact, the modern International Games have their roots not in Athens, but rather in the small market town of Much Wenlock in Shropshire. In 1850 the town’s local doctor, philanthropist William Penny Brooks, established the Wenlock Olympian Games to ‘promote the moral, physical and intellectual improvement of the inhabitants of the town and neighbourhood of Wenlock by encouragement of outdoor recreation.’

Now, more than 150 years later, one of the London2012 mascots has been named Wenlock in Brookes’ memory, cementing in history the crucial role he played as the forefather of the modern Olympic Games.

1865 – The Games Go National
After several successful years of Much Wenlock Olympian Games, Brookes was responsible for creating the National Olympian Games in 1865. The premiere in Crystal Palace, London attracted 10,000 spectators, and the Games were held annually in different English towns and cities in the following years.

1908 – First Opening Ceremony and Going the Full Distance
Having originally been awarded to Rome, the fourth International Olympic Games instead came to London after the 1906 eruption of Mount Vesuvius skewed plans. The stadium at White City had been built at short notice for the Games (the first purpose-built Olympic venue), and was considered a marvel of its day, holding 68,000 spectators.

That year, the Olympic marathon started in front of the royal apartments at Windsor Castle and ended on the track at White City stadium in front of the royal box. At the time the actual race distance wasn’t fixed – it was just a very long road race; around 25 miles. Moving the starting point from Queen Victoria’s statue to East Terrace so that spectators wouldn’t hinder the athletes added 700 hundred yards to the typical distance.

The 1908 Games were the first to be launched by an Opening Ceremony, during which the competing nations marched into the stadium following their respective national flags.

It was during a speech for Olympic champions by Bishop Ethelbert Talbot in 1908 that the Olympic Creed derides. The Olympic Creed, still used to this day, reads: “The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not to win but to take part, just as the most important thing in life is not the triumph but the struggle. The essential thing is not to have conquered but to have fought well.”

When the Games closed in October, Great Britain topped the medal table with a total of 145 medals. Despite the short notice, the Games were widely declared a success and lay the foundations for London’s legacy as a host Olympic city.

1924 – England Sets Marathon Standard – 26 Miles 385 Yards (naturally)
In 1924, the length of the 1908 Olympic marathon – which turned out to be 26 miles 385 yards – was internationally accepted as the official length of a marathon.

1943 – Stoke Mandeville Develops Sport for Rehabilitation
This August, the Buckinghamshire village of Stoke Mandeville will play host to the Paralympic Torch Relay; apt, as this was in fact the birthplace of the Paralympics. Pioneering German neurologist Professor Sir Ludwig Guttmann became head of the National Spine Injury Centre (NSIC) at the Ministry of Pensions Hospital in Stoke Mandeville towards the end of WWII and came up with the revolutionary idea of using sport for rehabilitation. Sir Ludwig’s patients were encouraged to try activities such as wheelchair polo, basketball and archery.

1948 – War is Over: National Morale Boosted by First Televised Games
Despite a shortage of time and resources, London rose to the challenge to host the first Games after World War II and a 12-year hiatus. This time the Games centred around Wembley stadium and were the first televised Olympic Games, though at that stage few people owned their own television set.

In 1948, the historic coastal town of Dover provided the welcome point for the Olympic Torch. It was a first for both Dover and England because the 1908 London Games took place before the torch relay tradition began. The flame, setting out from Olympia in Greece, travelled in 1,531 stages totalling 720 miles (1,160km), and 1,720 weatherproof torches – including spares – were manufactured to carry it on its way. Brought from Calais to Dover aboard HMS Bicester, a destroyer of the Nore Command, the flame then continued its relay via the Kent towns of Canterbury, Charing, Maidstone and Westerham, through Surrey and Berkshire and on to Wembley.

In 1948, due to post-war rationing, many teams who attended the Olympic Games had to bring their own food with them.

1948 – London’s Second Olympic Games Bring Paralympics to the Fore
In 1948, Sir Ludwig Guttmann organised a competition for 16 paralysed servicemen – the Stoke Mandeville Games for wheelchair athletes – which coincided with the opening ceremony of the London 1948 Olympic Games. Prior to 1948, athletes with disabilities had competed in the same sporting events. The first official Paralympic Games, open not only to war veterans, took place 12 years later, in Rome.

Sir Ludwig went on to found the British Sports Association for the Disabled, and was knighted by the Queen when he retired in 1966, having already been awarded an OBE and CBE. The NSIC continues its rehabilitation programme using sports and exercise to this day, and has expanded from just 26 beds to 190 in the main hospital.

2005 – “The International Olympic Committee has the honour of announcing the Games of the 30th Olympiad in 2012 are awarded to the city of… LONDON”

A spine-tingling announcement was made to thousands of gatherers in Trafalgar Square in central London on 6th July 2005. The city staved off stiff competition from Moscow, New York, Madrid and finally Paris after an impressive presentation by ex-Olympian Lord Coe, who chaired the bid. Prime Minister Tony Blair called it a ‘momentous day’ for the country, saying of London: “many reckon it is the greatest capital city in the world and the Olympics will help keep it that way”.

2012 – London Hosts 30th Olympic and Paralympic Games
This year, London becomes the first city to have hosted the Olympic Games three times. The Games will take place across the country – many outside of the purpose-built 500 acre Olympic Park in Stratford. Football matches will place in Coventry, Manchester and Newcastle; sailing events in Weymouth; cycling in Surrey; rowing in Eton Dorney; mountain biking in Essex and canoe slalom in the Lee Valley.

The 2012 Games will coincide with the culmination of a four-year cultural programme, the Cultural Olympiad, which includes 500 events held over four years. The finale, the London2012 Festival, is the biggest festival the UK has ever seen.

The 2012 Olympic Torch Relay departs from Land’s End, Cornwall on May 19th and will make a 70-day journey – carried by 8,000 torchbearers – around the UK, travelling within 10 miles of 95% of the population. On August 24th, a Paralympic flame will be lit in London, and will meet flames from Belfast, Edinburgh and Cardiff in Stoke Mandeville – the birthplace of the Paralympics – before returning to the Olympic Stadium.

For more information and inspiration visit www.visitengland.com.

The 2012 Olympic Games will be held in London this summer. Would you like the chance to attend the Summer Olympics as a VIP?

Charitybuzz is offering an exciting auction and the winner gets the opportunity to go to London, in addition to help raise funds for the U.S. Olympic Committee.

The whole world united every four years and the 2012 Olympic Games in London is expected to be possibly the best ever. Now get the chance to see the best of the games in luxury style.

Charitybuzz is the leading charity auction site and in partnership with the U.S. Olympic Committee, is offering an incredible $50,000 Olympics package that features inside access and luxury accommodations to the 2012 Summer Olympics.

The auction’s winning bidder plus a guest has the opportunity to design their own unique Olympic adventure. Be front and center for all the gold-medal action with an all-expense trip to London, including event tickets, special access and more!

Auction package details:
Accommodations at the four-star Hilton London Metropole, conveniently located near the Olympic Games site
• Pre-selected tickets to a variety of popular sporting events that include swimming, basketball, track, beach volleyball and more
• Personal concierge service from a U.S. Olympic Committee staff member
• 2 five-day passes to USA House, the U.S. Olympic Committee’s official business and hospitality center
• Two passes to the exclusive CoSport hospitality center
• Access to a special reception with Olympians and Paralympians
• Commemorative Olympics merchandise

Proceeds benefit the U.S. Olympic Committee, supporting U.S. Olympic and Paralympic athletes in achieving sustained competitive excellence.

Bidding is open now through Thursday, January 19th, at http://www.charitybuzz.com/catalog_items/291955

The Setai – Miami

As 2012 is right around the corner, we wanted to share a couple of incredible New Years experiences.

So how do you top last year’s celebration? Try these VIP experiences – over-the-top Moroccan fetes, elegant Times Square soirees and luxury in London.

Join the In-Crowd – One of New York City’s most coveted reservations is now available to revelers who opt to spend New Year’s Eve as a guest of Gramercy Park Hotel. The “3…2…1 at Gramercy Park Hotel” package offers those keen to be in the scene guaranteed access for two to the exclusive Rose Bar on New Year’s Eve. Guests will also receive overnight accommodations, a bottle of Perrier-Jouet in room upon arrival, breakfast for two at Gramercy Terrace on New Year’s Day and guaranteed 3:00pm late check-out. Rates begin at $955.00 per night exclusive of tax. To book, call the hotel directly at 1 -866-784-1300.

Moroccan Magic…in Miami – Continuing its tradition of over-the-top New Year’s affairs, The Setai is hosting an exclusive “trip” to Marrakech (circa 1950) for this year’s celebration. Guests will be treated to a Tattinger Champagne welcome reception and six-course tasting menu by Executive Chef David Werl; the gourmet delights will then be followed by cheersing and dancing well into the evening in a decidedly Moroccan setting. The Restaurant and Grill, along with The Courtyard, will be transformed by Arabian inspired décor, copper lanterns, Moroccan carpets, and Bedouin tents. Entertainment will include belly dancers, tarot card readings, tunes being spun by Buddha Bar’s DJ Popat and additional surprises.

Pricing is $695.00 for adults and $195.00 for children. Reservations required; contact the hotel at 305-520-6400 or e-mail setaidining@ghmamericas.com to secure a spot.

An Elegant Affair in Times Square – A traditional hot spot to ring in the New Year since Dick Clark’s first “Rockin’ New Year’s Eve,” the energy of Times Square can not be found anywhere else in the world. The Michelangelo, located at 51st and 7th Ave, is offering a chance to be in the heart of it all, without having to battle the crowds or the cold. Hosting an Italian-inspired evening that draws on it’s owner’s heritage, guests will enjoy the buzz of the neighborhood while savoring a five-course tasting menu with wine pairings, sipping on craft cocktails from the premium open bar, and saying hello to 2012 with a midnight Champagne toast and dancing.

Pricing is $275.00 per adults and $100.00 per child. Reservations are
required; contact the hotel directly at 1-800-237-0990 to secure a spot.

A Low-key Alternative – For those who ushered in 2011 with a bang and this year are seeking something a bit more subdued, The Stafford London by Kempinski has the answer. Bucking the trend, the hotel keeps festivities to a minimum and instead focuses on offering a memorable gastronomic experience. Executive Chef Brendan Fyldes of The Lyttelton has crafted a special five-course tasting menu exclusively for the evening. Foodies will dine on a collection of rustic British dishes including: Haggis “Neeps and tatties” with a Wee dram of Whisky and Peppered Fillet of Beef with Duck Fat Chips and Peppercorn Sauce. Wine pairings are also available.

Cost for the five-course menu without wine pairings is £95.00 per person; reservations are required and can be made by contacting the hotel directly at +44 20 7493 0111.

One Aldwych, London

People love going to the movies and seeing the latest hits with their famous movie stars lighting up the bigscreen.

Well now movie buffs can enjoy a luxurious private screening room at One Aldwych, London. The One Aldwych is one of the most exciting contemporary hotels in London.

One Aldwych hotel is located in the middle of beautiful Covent Garden. This privately-owned hotel receives high marks for its stylish interiors and dazzling amenities, including the swimming pool with underwater music, fine dining restaurants, and a popular bar scene).

The incredible movie screening room is available for weekend screenings. Hotel guests begin their luxury movie experience with a refreshing Bellini aperitif, before indulging in a three course meal in the Axis restaurant.

After your delicious meal, enjoy the sexy screening room for a wonderful film. Popcorn is also provided!

The multimedia room is fully-equipped with HD Blu-Ray technology, Dolby Digital Surround Sound and comfortable, graduated Italian leather seating.

Movie experience tickets are 55 Euro per adult.