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.

You may not have heard of Pure Four Hundred, TOAST, or Bookem Danno Productions, but you’re certainly familiar with their work.  They are the teams behind Superbowl’s celebrity-filled Maxim Magazine red carpet events.

Their most recent project is once again a star-studded TEAM experience, exclusive to the country’s top VIPs, trendsetters, and adventurers.  The TEAM features an “all access” experience to participate and preview one of the finest Olympic training facilities in the world — with the finest Olympic athletes in the world.

The goal of the Pure Four Hundred TEAM is to raise much needed funds for the continued training and development of the US Ski and Snowboard teams.  Unlike other major countries, the US Ski and Snowboard teams actually do not receive government support to train their athletes to compete in the Winter Olympics.  Each company sponsorship will help contribute to the USSA team and place their brand before an elite and esteemed group.

The upcoming 2012 Pure Four Hundred TEAM will be held from Wednesday July 18 through July 21, with some of the top Olympic athletes in the world.  The eventful four days include grand receptions, tours of the USSA National training facilities, meet-and-greets with the athletes, gourmet dinners, luxury wine and whiskey tours and tastings.  Of course, they wouldn’t leave out what the Pure Four Hundred is about, the sport.  The sponsorship also includes bobsled runs, golf, hot air balloon tours, and aerial ski shows.

Sponsorships come in two different packages, a 4-day TEAM package for $7,500 and a 2-day TEAM package for $5,500.  The 4-day package includes for exclusive events and perks.  Both packages include entrance to the Pure Four Hundred White Party.  More information on both packages can be found here.

Rapidly becoming the hardest and hottest ticket to get for the event will be the Pure Four Hundred White Party.  The White Party will be an unprecedented outdoor white carpet event (all-white attire suggested), and the toast event of a Park City summer.  Numerous athletes, musicians, and celebrities will host this extravagant event.  Limited to 400 guests and VIPS, it will include costumed models, custom-designed venues, sophisticated décor, an intimate dance floor, the hottest DJs and musical performers.  Additionally, there will be a unique and intimate private VIP area overlooking the entire event.

The White Party will be held on Friday, July 20, third day of the extravaganza.  Aside from being “the place to see and be seen,” the Pure Four Hundred White Party will also benefit the USSA, that is also based in Park City at The Center of Excellence.  Cost to just attend the party is $400 for the VIP ticket and $250 for a general admission ticket.  If you’re a winter sports enthusiasts, a thrill-seeker, a fan wanting to meet the athletes, or simply just want to contribute to the great Olympic athletes, this is the ideal event for you.

Il Falconiere – Tuscany, Italy

When searching for art, monuments, museums, culture, history, food, wine, and of course, romance, Italy will always come up top on the short list.  Strada del Vino Terre di Arezzo in Tuscany is offering all of that plus a true vineyard experience.

In addition to exploring museums, enjoying good food and learning how to cook authentic Italian cuisine, Strada del Vino Terre di Arezzo is also educating its guests on how some of the finest wines are produced and bottled.

Strada del Vino Terre di Arezzo spans across about 124 miles in the heart of Tuscany and includes 19 cities such as Cortona, the main cultural and art center of Tuscany; the medieval appeal and culture of Arezzo; and the religious center of majestic cathedrals located in Valdarno.  This region of Tuscany is known for full-bodied wines such as Vinsanto di Chianti, Chianti DOCG, and Cortona DOC.

Established in 2000, Strada del Vino Terre di Arezzo is an organization made up of private and public institutions that aim to bring together vineyards and wine companies.  Today, it has grown to a membership of 180 participants, including farms, inns, wineries, wine bars, and restaurants.  Among that list are a small group of villas that specializes in the perfect Tuscany experience.

One of the villas, Il Falconiere Relais & Chateaux, is a classic Tuscan villa dating back to the 17^th century.  The first thing anyone immediately notices is its serene countryside locale and elegant décor.  Each of their twenty rooms is uniquely designed with their own color and décor, representative of classic refinement of Tuscan homes.  Inspired by the famous book and movie, Under the Tuscan Sun, the villa holds daily cooking classes personally taught by the owner, Silvia Baracchi.

Switching gears to Valdarno, the Tenuta il Borro offers a completely different accommodation experience by matching modern hospitality with a medieval setting.  Owned by the Ferragamo family, the Il Borro is surrounded by vineyards and sunflower fields.  Fully taking advantage of the landscape of the Pratomagno mountains, the Il Borro currently has 45 hectares of vineyards, all of which are between 300 and 500 meters above sea level, giving it optimal viticulture conditions for Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah.

The third accommodation variety is the Mannucci Droandi estate.  Unlike the Il Faclconiere Relais & Chateaux and the Il Borro, the Azienda Agricola Mannucci Droandi estate focuses on farming and winemaking traditions.  It’s characterized by a large, square stone farmhouse sitting in wild, unspoiled countryside, where the woods almost dominate the few cultivated areas.

Last but not least of the notable accommodations in the Strada del Vino Terre di Arezzo, is the Azienda Agricola La Torre.  The La Torre compound was once Chiassa Superiore’s fortification site, a medieval Lombard castle.  Today, the building is much more approachable with a paved interior courtyard connects the main residence to the adjoining farmhouses.  The Relais consists of five suites, a reception hall, and a historical chapel established in 1756.

Located on the hills of Arezzo, La Torre’s wines are known for having very fruity notes.  In addition to producing wine and olive oil, the sweet “straw wine”, Vin Santo, is also one of La Torre’s specialties.  With food, wine, culture, history, and nature, Strada del Vino Terre di Arezzo is a one stop vacation spot that gives you the most complete Italian experience.

Ka’ana Belize

The recent trend of ultimate luxury has expanded beyond just cushy accommodations and stunning views.  The new definition of ultimate luxury now includes a sense of environmentalism, hence the new hybrid model of “eco-luxury.”  As implied in its name, eco-luxury gives guests comfort and pamper of luxury with minimal burden on the environment.

Oftentimes, these eco-luxury resorts incorporate nature into their overall architecture and resort experience.  Ka’ana Belize, a boutique, eco-luxury resort on the Western border of Belize does just that.

Earlier this month, Ka’ana Belize introduced the opening of two new Private Pool Villas.  Staying true to its commitment to culture and the environment, the villas combine the vision of designer, Eric Ledoit’s Parisian-Guatemalan elements, and its vision to promote what is local and authentic through global influences.

Known for its culturally diverse and authentic designs, Ledoit’s has designed hotels from around the world, from Bali and Botswana to Thailand and St. Barths, all infused with locally-sourced materials, craftsmen, carpenters, and builders.

Upholding one of the pivotal features of an eco-luxury resort, Ka’ana Belize successfully blended the indoor-outdoor feel of the villas to mirror Ka’ana’s ethos of balancing adventure with luxury, and paves the way for luxury accommodations in Belize.  The villas come in one-bedroom and two-bedrooms.  The one-bedroom villa is situated off a secluded garden pathway.  The 1,250 square-foot space boasts the most current amenities while embracing the culture and history of inland Belize.

The Villa hosts a private plunge pool, an expansive outdoor terrace and gardens, an outdoor shower, a pre-stocked personalized mini bar and, of course, a private butler and housekeeper.  After an active day of exploring the Mayan ruins of Belize, guests can rest in the California King bed with 500 thread count sheets in the air-conditioned villa.  Though guests may not opt to check emails in a paradise setting, but the option of complimentary wireless is available.

The only thing more impressive than the one-bedroom villa is the two-bedroom villa at the Ka’ana.  With handmade bamboo headboards, custom-built antique iron doors and 2,400 square feet of private sanctuary, the villa features a master bedroom and a spacious guest room, as well as a private plunge pool, private outdoor gardens and living and dining areas.  Private outdoor showers, a pre-stocked private outdoor wet bar also all come with the two-bedroom villa.  And of course, you can’t forget the private butler and housekeeper.

Lush Maya Mountains, famed cultural and historical exploration sites, Ka’ana is one of the most easily accessible inland havens for adventurers or just ones with a taste for fine dining and world-class relaxation.

Easeamine Skin Care Collection by the Teresian Carmelite Monks

Chairman and founder of Carmel Laboratories, Brother Dennis Wyrzykowski announced the official launch the Easeamine Skin Care Collection for women ages 35 to 65-plus.  With a skin care line of five complementary products, including day, night, and eye creams, as well as cleanser and toner, the new Easamine line boasts anything but a modest price tag.  Raging between $26 to $138, Easamine products are well worth their price.

The new collection has two centerpiece products, the Easeamine Day Crème and Easeamine Night Crème, both features adenosine, hydrators, and moisturizers enriched with antioxidants Vitamins A, C, and E.  Easeamine Eye Crème concentrates on reducing puffiness, crow’s feet, diminishing the appearance of dark circles, and promotes the appearance of tighter skin.  The toner and cleanser are infused with aloe leaf juice, honeysuckle, marshmallow, and grapefruit extracts, all known to deep clean down to the skin’s pores without damaging or over-drying the skin.

Developed and patented by famed scientist, James G. Dobson Jr., Ph.D., while conducting cardiovascular research at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, Adenosine Skin Technology has been clinically proven to have a visible effect on skin repair.  The technology focuses on treating adenosine, which is a naturally occurring, anti-inflammatory biochemical compound, directly to the dermis.  Adenosine would increase the production of dermal fibroblast proteins collagen and elastin, increase blood flow to the outer layers of the skin, and increase cell size.  All work together to create an effect of fuller, smoother skin.

University of Massachusetts Medical School licenses Adenosine Skin Technology exclusively to Carmel Labs, providing for its charitable work benefitting the underprivileged through educational and outreach programs.  Deemed by Wyrzykowski and other at the monastery as “divine intervention for your skin” the new Easeamine line can “radically [transform] your skin, you are also providing opportunities to transform the lives of the less fortunate in a positive way.

Unsurprisingly, the natural Easeamine line is free of parabens, preservatives, mineral oils, artificial fragrances, artificial colors, and artificial dyes.  The new line is available on their website, www.easeamine.com.  Proceeds from Easeamine have been used by Teresian Carmelite carry out their mission to helping people help themselves through education and outreach programs in Nativity School, University Park Campus School, Worcester County Food Pantry and Dismas House in Worcester, Mass.; Boston Collegiate Charter School in Dorchester, Mass.; Clinton/Bush Haiti Relief Fund; and the Millbury, Mass. Police Department.

Ladera Resort – St. Lucia

Known for its breathtaking, serene sceneries, St. Lucia is legendary a good reason.  The award winning Ladera Resort in St. Lucia takes luxury to a whole new level.  Its open-air architecture, luxury hospitality, and eco-friendly practices at 1,100 feet above the Caribbean Sea, is celebrating its 20th Anniversary by launching an exciting new offer that generously gives back to its guests.

Starting early April, the Ladera Resort is offering the first 1,100 people (or 550 couples) who book a Hilltop Dream Suite or Luxury Villa under the new “Anniversary Package” promotion, full, gourmet breakfast, lunch, and dinner at Ladera’s famous restaurant, Dasheene.

Regarded as one of Caribbean’s most innovative West Indian cuisine, Dasheene also boasts unobstructed views of the sunset and the Piton Mountains, a famed UNESCO World Heritage site.  The promotional code is “20ANNIV” and is valid for minimum of five-night stays between now and December 21, 2012.

Since its inception in 1992, Ladera Resort has become the top Caribbean hot spot for celebrities and honeymooners.  It has received numerous awards, including the prestigious “Best Hotel in the Caribbean”, “Best Hotel in the World” and was given the number spot on the “Best of the Best” list.

Its Dasheene Restaurant is one of the highlights of Ladera, offering some of the most refined dining and astounded views in the Caribbean.  Its elegant decor focuses on natural fabrics and woods to complement the birds-eye view of the island.  The menu features Chef de Cuisine Nigel Mitchell’s innovative interpretations of Saint Lucian and Caribbean specialties, based on local produce, and fresh fish.

During this 20^th anniversary celebration, the St. Lucia resort will also unveil five additional connecting luxury one-bedroom Hilltop Dream suites on Paradise Ridge due to open in October 2012.  Other new Ladera Resort developments to mark their twenty years of achievements include, a new fitness room, equipped with state-of-the-art machines and Yoga classes.

The luxury Caribbean resort’s Ti Kai Posé Spa will offer new outdoor Couples Massages on Paradise Ridge, a completely private retreat area of the resort which overlooks the Caribbean Sea and Pitons.  The Ladera has definitely made some remarkable upgrades to its already top-of-the-line luxury accommodations.

Cherchbi

Referred to as the Louis Vuitton of wool, Cherchbi takes a holistic approach to fashion and accessories.  Cherchbi has long used The Herdwick to create its exquisite bags.  The Herdwick is an ancient breed of sheep that received its name from Old Norse.

Evolved to adapt to the cold, wet, rugged mountains of England’s Lake District, these extraordinary sheep have the incredible ability to survive extreme conditions.

The result: a type of fleece that is sturdy and warm, yet thick and coarse, designed to extreme wear and tear.  The Herdwick’s bristly nature makes it difficult to spin.  However, advocates recognized the Herdwick’s value in rural British heritage, and began experimenting ways to use the Herdwick’s sturdy nature to its advantage.

It started out as carpets and even as building insulation.  But in 2007, Adam Atkinson transformed the Herdwick fleece into handmade, high-quality tweed, alchemy in wool to produce beautiful and durable bags.

The new Cherchbi Archive Messenger Bag encompasses four years and nine weaves of innovation and trial and error.  Handmade entirely in Britain, this bag is handsome enough for professional use, yet sturdy enough for everyday use.

Each Cherchbi handbag is made from specially woven English Union fabric, a waterproof cotton/linen herringbone material, with multiple exterior and interior pockets for practicality.  Exclusively available on Bench and Loom, the Archive Messenger Bag is prime example of the tenacity of Atkinson and the remarkable Herdwick sheep.

Mars Lab – G-Pod

Developed in the UK by Mars Lab, and making its debut in the US this summer, the Garden Pod is an interesting twist on luxurious outdoor living.  Garden Pods, or G-Pods, are versatile outdoor living space-cabanas that can be customized into winetasting rooms, outdoor dining rooms, or outdoor sleeping/living spaces.

Equipped with unique interior design features and solar panels and materials used in boats, yachts, and other marine equipment materials, G-Pods were created to be long lasting, easy to clean, and fully sustainable.

Constructed from responsibly farmed pine and high-quality weather-resistant materials, the G-Pod fuses modern technology with classic wooden structure.  The G-Pod is part of a British line of “Rotating Loungers.”  Like all Rotating Loungers, the G-Pod was designed for gathering, dining, lounging, creative space, or simply personal sanctuary.

Ranging in height from 7.5 to 9 feet and width between 7.5 to 11 feet, each G-Pod comes with a table that can be lowered which easily transforms the Lounger into a sleeping space.  Its rotating design allows the G-Pods to be rotated into different positions for a change in view, or to avoid wind, rain, or sun glare.  With no details spared, the G-Pod was created to infuse a sense of luxury and indoor comfort into nature.

Depending on the size, a medium G-Pod will cost approximately $14,000, while larger models can range between $29,000 and $31,000.  The inspiration of the G-Pod’s circular design comes from being among nature.  Aside from being pleasing to the eye, a rotating, circular design allows full panoramic views of the surrounding sceneries.  Its design also sets the G-Pod apart from other pods on the market.  Most pods were square, rectangular, or hexagonal.

The designers’ goal was to “capture the feeling of being outdoors but with the protection of being indoors.”  Based on their virtual tour, it looks like they achieved that goal in spades.  For more curious readers, you can contact them for more information on the G-Pod before its release mid-summer at info@thegpod.com or 424-214-0005.

Morella Sassoon

Luxury fashion is tricky.  Overly simple designs understate the elegant essence of the apparel.  But ostensible luxury designs achieve a gaudy look and feel.  Morella Sassoon, however, seems to have simple luxury fashion down to an art.

Morella Sassoon is known for delivering meticulous designs that accentuates feminine elegance through intricate embellishments and delicate finishes.  The label is headed by British self-taught designer, Daniella, and her partner, Monty Sassoon.  Daniella infuses the right amount of English eccentricity and personality into her designs.  She blends rich fabrics and deliberate beadwork to create clothing women can wear with ease and comfort.

Sassoon’s current 2012/2013 collection can now be viewed on their website.  Their designs range from tea length to ankle length, shapes spans from ball gown to mermaid.

Their collection is diverse enough for women to wear to date nights, parties, weddings, or formal evening galas.  As different as each dress was designed, one thing is apparent: all of the dresses focus on simple yet soft feminine lines.  Every dress is created to flatter a specific body type.  Even the simplest of tea length dresses does not compromise on the overall elegance.

What I found interesting was Sassoon’s blog site.  It details the new collection as well as upcoming events like their first showcasing at China White, London.  The event is on April 12, 2012.

Interested readers in the area can request a press or buyer’s pass through their media contact,  press@morellasassoon.com.

d-JAYS

Any company that opens their introduction with their passion says a lot about how far they are willing to go to make the best products.  Swedish luxury headphone maker, JAYS begins their bio in just that way, “We love music… We followed our passion for music, listened with our ears and hearts and we listened carefully and shaped it until we loved what we heard.”

Their latest product, a-JAYS One+ is a remarkable headset with universal application across smartphone platforms, Apple, Samsung, LG, HTC, and Blackberry.  Based on the award-winning a-JAYS series, it comes with a one-button remote, radically boosted with an app for Android available for free at Android Market (where it is top rated and one of the most downloaded).

The new, upgraded t-JAYS Four, JAYS’s finest and most fine-tuned in-ear earphone, now comes with a three-button remote for Apple products.

JAYS offers six families of headphones and earphones: t-JAYS, a-JAYS, d-JAYS, q-JAYS, v-JAYS, and c-JAYS, each uniquely designed for a specific and differentiated purpose.  a-JAYS offers a bass driven detailed sound enhanced in the voice spectrum, while t-JAYS provides a warmer sound ideal for acoustic music.

d-JAYS boasts a balanced sound with great midrange details and high output, and q-JAYS promotes neutral, transparent sound with very high details across the whole frequency range. c-JAYS and v-JAYS provide slightly more powerful sounds that’s more focused on bass.

The JAYS brand is now represented in 26 countries worldwide and is among one of the worlds’ fastest growing headphone brands.  It’s not surprising that JAYS has won multiple recognitions from Cnet, PC World, and PC Advisor.

The Mansions at Acqualina

We’ve all been fascinated with celebrity homes at one time or another, the luxurious penthouses with heated pools that exceed the size of an average person’s entire apartment; or indoor basketball courts with solid gold trims.  Already garnered a record-setting $200 million in sales in just one month, the famed Acqualina in Sunny Isles, Miami Beach is creating quite the stir.

Built and designed more like the Ritz Carlton than someone’s permanent residence, The Mansions at Acqualina has rapidly become an architectural icon.  The lavish amenities at The Mansions are created by Eddie and Jules Trump of the Trump Group; every single detail was meticulously tended to in order to make this the finest residences ever to be built.  Buyers hailed from the U.S., Canada, and rest of the world put down deposits on the oceanfront residences starting at $5 million.

With no more than two units per floor, the entire building only houses a total of 79 units.  The Mansions offer wraparound views with huge entertaining areas as its centerpiece.  One of the 79 oceanfront “sky mansions,” features a 16,000 square-foot penthouse, aptly named “Palazzo di Oro” is priced at $50 million.  It boasts luxurious and custom finishes by world-renowned designers at Fendi Casa.

Despite the fluctuating housing market, Acqualina is one of the only Miami-Dade condo buildings that seem to be impervious to housing value decreases.  In addition, The Mansions features eleven outdoor private sanctuaries, from a fire pit to sunset pool, dog park, cabanas, and gardens.  Amenities include a spa, fitness center, children’s activity center, golf simulators, cigar lounge, wine room with private cellar, and an outdoor dining and breakfast bar.

With consistent recognition by AAA’s Five Diamond Award three years in a row, Acqualina’s internationally celebrated reputation to create prestigious properties is unrivaled.  Teamed with award-winning architects, interior designers, and craftsman from around the world, it’s no wonder that the new “Mansions-in-the-Sky” has been deemed as introducing a new level of construction never before seen in residential development.