Today is National Rum Day so be sure to enjoy the great taste of rum in your favorite cocktail. Zacapa Rum makes the perfect base in popular, classic drinks including a Manhattan or Negroni.

As summer begins to wind down, there’s no better way to celebrate than with the quintessential spirit of the season.

It doesn’t matter whether you’re a casual drinker or a rum spirit aficionado, Zacapa Rum makes ever cocktail taste great! The spirit’s rich flavors result in a smooth finish.

If cocktails aren’t your thing this National Rum Day, Zacapa can also be enjoyed neat or on the rocks similar to a fine scotch or bourbon.

Below are two cocktail recipes for Zacapa Negroni and Zacapa Manhattan that use Zacapa Rum instead of gin or whiskey.

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Zacapa Rum Negroni

Ingredients:
1 ounce Zacapa Rum 23
2/3 ounce Sweet Vermouth
1/3 ounce Bitter Italian Aperitif
1/3 ounce Semi-Bitter Italian Aperitif
Grapefruit Twist for Garnish

Preparation:

1. Combine Zacapa Rum 23, sweet vermouth, bitter Italian aperitif and semi-bitter Italian aperitif in a mixing glass filled with ice and stir well.
2. Strain contents into a coupe glass.
3. Garnish with grapefruit twist.

Ideal Serving Glass:
Coupe Glass

Yield:
1 drink, no drink contains more than 0.6 fluid ounces of alcohol

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Zacapa Rum Manhattan

Ingredients:
1 ounce Zacapa Rum 23
1/4 ounce Italian Sweet Vermouth
1/4 ounce French Sweet Vermouth
2 dashes Aromatic Bitters
Brandy-Infused Maraschino Cherries for Garnish

Preparation:

1. Combine Zacapa Rum 23, Italian sweet vermouth, French sweet vermouth and aromatic bitters in a mixing glass filled with ice and stir well.
2. Strain contents into a coupe glass.
3. Garnish with brandy-infused maraschino cherries.

Ideal Serving Glass:
Coupe Glass

Yield:
1 drink, no drink contains more than 0.6 fluid ounces of alcohol

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Happy National Rum Day !

It’s often difficult for high-end luxury hotels and resorts to offer interesting programs for children that will not only engage but also entertain them. The luxurious Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort in Fiji has done just that.

The Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort property encompasses 25 spacious free-standing thatched-roof huts or bures. These huts are built from timbers found locally. Not only providing privacy, the traditional thatched Fijian bungalows also offer comfort and personalized service amenities.

The Bula Club is an exciting new kids program being offered at the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort that is ideal for family travel to tropical Fiji. The program offers a wide range of interesting children’s activities and services.

For children who may want to play in the kitchen, the luxury resort is offering a “Chef’s Junior Assistant” program as part of their award-winning Bula Club. The Bula Club provides kids of all ages a variety of educational, fun and cultural activities.

The “Chef’s Junior Assistant” program is available for children between the ages of 6 and 12 who can experience the chance to engage in the following activities:

– Kids can sign up for the program ahead of time and then decide on their choice for meal for the day (participants’ favorite foods are taken into consideration). If a child’s pick is chosen, their choice could even land on that day’s menu.

– Become “Junior Assistants” and wear a chef’s jacket and hat while receiving briefing on kitchen safety and hygiene. Next the children will take a tour of the organic garden with the Chef, hand-picking herbs and garnishes, and assist the Chef with final preparations, plating and serving of the meals to the Bula Club.

– Kids will be able to join the resort’s Chef and a Bula Club representative for about 45 minutes to assist and create a fun meal from start to finish. The children will be active in the process by assisting not only with the preparation, but also the plating and serving.

The Chef’s Junior Assistant Program is an easy and fun way for kids visiting the Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort in Fiji with their vacationing family, to explore their creative sides and learn some foodie basics.

The Bula Club at Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort also offers other engaging activities such as rock pool exploration, hiking, glass-bottom boat excursions and much more! The resort also provides Johnny Singh who is a full-time Fijian naturalist/marine biologist. Sinngh provides a wonderful educational experience for the visiting children.

For more information on the Bula Club at Jean-Michel Cousteau Resort or help planning a vacation stay the the beautiful Fiji resort, please contact The Life of Luxury.

Masaharu Morimoto is the renowned and very popular Japanese chef and star of Food Network’s “Iron Chef America” TV show.

Morimoto Las Vegas is a new Las Vegas restaurant scheduled to open in early 2014. The Japanese restaurant will be located at The Mirage resort. Morimoto Las Vegas will feature the contemporary Japanese cuisine and signature sushi that has earned renowned Chef Morimoto worldwide acclaim.

The Mirage has long been a popular resort, located in the center of the world famous Las Vegas Strip. The Mirage resort offers its guests contemporary AAA Four Diamond accommodations, top gaming action, the best in fine dining and amazing stage shows.

The new Morimoto Las Vegas restaurant will be found at the location currently occupied by Japonais. There’s no doubt that Chef Masaharu Morimoto will bring his passion for cooking to Sin City and the new restaurant will be a popular fine dining option for locals and visitors to Las Vegas.

Popular Chef Masaharu Morimoto is known to millions of fans and has competed on the Japanese television show, Iron Chef and also appears on the Food Network’s Iron Chef America.

He’s earned top acclaim for his seamless integration of Western and Japanese ingredients. Chef Morimoto was quoted, “I am excited to work with The Mirage on this new restaurant and to bring my cuisine to Las Vegas. With many new features to present at Morimoto Las Vegas, from select menu items to unique design elements, I am passionate about delivering a culinary destination for all guests and visitors of the resort.”

President and COO of The Mirage Trevor Scherrer stated, “Chef Morimoto is a world-renowned culinary icon and the unparalleled talent he brings with his restaurant concepts will be directly reflected in his venue at The Mirage. This partnership will continue to elevate our dining offerings, presenting our guests with an exclusive experience from the most-recognized and respected Iron Chef in the world.”

Considered the “world’s most expensive coffee,” Black Ivory Coffee is no ordinary “cup of joe,” but a very expensive delicacy.

The beans used in Black Ivory Coffee are no ordinary beans, but ones that have been eaten, digested, then excreted as dung from elephants in the beautiful hills of northern Thailand.

Blake Dinkin is a 42-year-old Canadian with a background in civet coffee and has spent $300,000 developing the coffee. He states, “When an elephant eats coffee, its stomach acid breaks down the protein found in coffee, which is a key factor in bitterness. You end up with a cup that’s very smooth without the bitterness of regular coffee.

Black Ivory Coffee is currently selling for about a whopping US $1200/kg! It takes between 15-70 hours as the digestive process removes the bitterness and infuses fruit into the bean. It takes 33 kg of coffee cherries to make 1 kg of Black Ivory Coffee.

Currently Blake Dinkin only sells his very unique but expensive coffee to five star hotels such as the Anantara (Kihavah in the Maldives and Golden Triangle in Thailand), Four Seasons, Ritz Carlton, The Siam Hotel and The Peninsula.

A cup of coffee at one these luxury resorts is not cheap, selling for about $50 per cup. But who simply wants a cup of expensive coffee brought out to their table without some fanfare? Dinkin also wanted to create a unique experience for customers of his Black Ivory Coffee. Hotels will hand grind and serve the coffee at the table of the guest using a brewing machine whose design goes back to 1840.

So why the high cost of dung coffee? The main reason is that raising the street rescued, Thai elephants in a natural reserve is not cheap. Plus Blake pays the wives of the mahouts (elephant owners) to collect the beans by hand. For the wives, this becomes a valuable form of income generation.

Blake Dinkin is also trying to “give back” and make make a positive social impact by donating 8% of their proceeds to the Golden Triangle Asian Elephant Foundation. This particular foundation is where the Thai elephants are located – http://www.helpingelephants.org

If you are interested in supporting this cause, for the next month you can purchase Black Ivory Coffee as part of their Indiegogo campaign. The company is attempting to raise $15000 to cover legal costs so they can try and protect their brand through intellectual property protection. If interested, please visit: IndieGogo

Fine dining in Las Vegas has now elevated its foodie game from simply formal restaurant sit-downs to unforgettable, interactive gourmet experiences!

For years, Las Vegas was known for mainly offering only gambling and raunchy shows. But time has changed all that and today Las Vegas is a mega entertainment capital with glitzy resort casinos, 24×7 gaming action, incredible stage shows and world-class dining.

Three of Las Vegas’ most iconic resorts – Bellagio, Monte Carlo and Mandalay Bay are now offering amazing dining activities that prove to be the highlight for any foodie vacation.

Quickly growing as a new hot trend, we want to share several exciting examples of experiential foodie activities that you don’t want to miss while in Las Vegas:

* VIP Private Cooking Lesson at Mandalay Bay’s Aureole:
M life members can learn to cook in the style of celebrity chef Charlie Palmer through an exclusive package that includes a private cooking lesson with Aureole Executive Chef Vincent Pouessel at Mandalay Bay, a multi-course lunch with wine pairings and a tour of Aureole’s famous Wine Tower. This M life Moment is available to loyal members of the Platinum Tier and higher.

* Bellagio’s An Executive Chef’s Culinary Classroom:
Instead of just taking home leftovers, tourists can now order Las Vegas’ award-winning culinary skills to-go at Bellagio’s new An Executive Chef’s Culinary Classroom. Executive Chef Edmund Wong shares his cooking secrets as he personally instructs up to 15 guests through the preparation of a three-course meal inside the state-of-the-art Tuscany Kitchen. The newly trained chefs get to enjoy the fruits of their labor as they indulge in the cuisine they made during an intimate food and wine pairing dinner.

* Cicerone Dinners at Mandalay Bay:
Nevada’s first female cicerone, Sarah Johnson, is enlightening fine-dining connoisseurs about the versatility beer can offer to a high-end meal through her series of beer pairing dinners across Mandalay Bay’s acclaimed restaurants such as Fleur by Hubert Keller.. During the dinners, Johnson walks guests through her five-course beer-pairing menu that complements the restaurants’ celebrated cuisine.

* Art & Wine – A Perfect Pairing at Bellagio:
An innovative night combining the culinary and visual arts, guests enjoy Bellagio’s award-winning wine collection paired with art from “Warhol Out West,” the largest Andy Warhol collection ever exhibited in Las Vegas. Hosted by Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art Director Tarissa Tiberti and Master Sommelier Jason Smith, Art & Wine nights take place the first Wednesday of every month.

* Gus’ Beer & Bites Dinner Series at Monte Carlo:
The Pub at Monte Carlo recently premiered its monthly Beer & Bites dinner series, which pairs a renowned brewery with Executive Chef Tim Radigan’s upscale take on pub-style eats for a fun and lively dinner. The Pub will welcome famed Boston Beer Company Wednesday, August 28 to feature its 2013 Sam Adams collection for a unique dining experience.

* Mixology Training & Tasting at Monte Carlo:
As part of MGM Resorts’ loyalty rewards program M life<http://www.mlife.com/>, Monte Carlo’s Director of Beverage Michael MacDonnell teaches small groups of guests the fine art and history of mixology in a two-hour tasting session at the classic-cocktail-driven Hit Bar & Lounge. This M life Moment is available to all members; M life is free to join.

* Bellagio’s Epicurean Epicenter:
During this special event, guests fill the high-tech Tuscany Kitchen to interact with one of Bellagio’s celebrated chefs such as Todd English and Jean-Georges Vongerichten as they cook a multicourse meal paired with wines provided from a world-class vineyard. Differentiating from other pairing dinners, at Epicurean Epicenter the showcased wines are selected first. Then, one of Bellagio’s talented chefs creates innovative dishes to complement the beverage resulting in outstanding flavor combinations. On Saturday, July 6, Epicurean Epicenter brings back the popular “Beer & BBQ Secrets” dinner where Bellagio Executive Chef Edmond Wong demonstrates the secrets behind gourmet barbecuing along with immaculate beer pairings.

If you would like additional information about these new interactive gourmet experiences or ready to book your travel reservation to Las Vegas, please contact The Life of Luxury using the below form:

Summer and libations – it doesn’t get any better than that! It’s time for celebrations and parties – these two great brands are ideal for any social occasion: Sauza and EFFEN Vodka.

The #1 cocktail in the U.S. is the margarita and Sauza wants to support the popular cocktail demand with their latest innovation – Sauza Sparkling Margarita.

Sauza Sparkling Margarita was just introduced in time for summer. It’s a ready-to-serve drink that will keep you from playing bartender all evening long. Simply chill, pour and add a fun straw or two!

Available in three delicious flavors, Sauza Sparkling Margarita comes in Wild Berry, Original Lime and Mango Peach. It’s terrific for any occasion, no matter if you’re at home or on-the-go.

EFFEN Vodka has all the right recipes to ensure your next party is the one everyone talks about the following Monday at work. Drink recipes feature refreshing EFFEN Cucumber Vodka as well as the light and sweet taste of EFFEN Black Cherry. Each choice offers a little something for every palette.

Try these delicious, cocktail recipes from EFFEN Vodka:

EFFEN® Summer Storm
1 1/2 parts EFFEN® Black Cherry Vodka
1/2 part DeKuyper® Peachtree Schnapps Liqueur
1 1/2 parts Fresh Apple Juice
3/4 part Lemon Juice
1/2 part Simple Syrup
6 Basil Leaves

Method: In a mixing glass, muddle basil, lemon, and simple syrup. Add
remaining ingredients over ice. Stir and strain into a low tumbler over ice.
Garnish with Basil.

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EFFEN® Black Cherry Bloom
2 parts EFFEN® Black Cherry Vodka
1 part Fresh Blood Orange Juice
3Ž4 part Lime Juice
3Ž4 part Agave Syrup
3 Fresh Strawberries
3-4 Fresh Mint Leaves
Pinch of Cayenne Pepper

Method: In a mixing glass, muddle all ingredients except vodka. Add vodka
and shake with ice. Strain into a Collins glass over ice. Garnish with a
mint leaf and strawberry.

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EFFEN® Spring Breeze
2 parts EFFEN® Cucumber Vodka
1 part Fresh Lime Juice
1 part Pineapple/Basil-Infused Simple Syrup (* see below)
2 Cucumber Slices
Soda

Method: In a mixing glass, muddle 2 cucumber slices. Add vodka, lime juice
and simple syrup and shake with ice. Strain into a tall Collins glass
filled over ice and top with soda. Garnish with cucumber slices.

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* Pineapple/Basil Syrup
1 Cup Water
1 Cup Sugar
1 Cup Fresh Pineapple ­ Cubed
8 Basil Leaves

Method: Combine equal parts water and sugar in a saucepan. Bring to a boil,
and then add basil leaves and pineapple chunks to simple syrup. Let infuse
for 1 hour.

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Photo: Corinthia Hotel London

Londoners love their tea. As Wimbledon 2013 nears, the world famous tennis tournament will draw thousands of tennis fans to historic London.

The luxurious Corinthia Hotel London has introduced a new program that will serve Wimbledon spectators of the capital the ideal Championship Afternoon Tea.

As you enter the gorgeous lobby of the Corinthia Hotel London, guest will notice soaring dome of the “Full Moon” chandelier. The atmosphere exudes royalty as tranquillity and calm are the order of the play.

The stunning Baccarat Chandelier was made with 1,001 crystals baubles that truly illuminate The Lobby Lounge.

You can enjoy a wide array of teas that include bespoke blends developed specifically for the Corinthia London’s Tea Palace menu. Be sure to try one of the delicious, themed afternoon pastries.

For foodie lovers, consider the savory selection of delicious finger sandwiches with gourmet fillings such as Loch Var smoked salmon, creamed Innes goats cheese with cucumber and organic egg mayonnaise with micro watercress. To end the fine meal, enjoy a mouth-watering selection of scones.

For those who enjoy Champagne, try a glass of Laurent-Perrier with a Champagne Afternoon Tea.

Corinthia Hotel London is offering its Championship Afternoon Tea program each day at 3pm, between June 24th and July 9th 2013.

To book your reservation to attend the Wimbledon 2013 tennis tournament or a stay at the luxury Corinthia Hotel London, please contact The Life of Luxury below:

Summer is the time for parties and celebrations such as family reunions, barbecues and numerous summertime social gatherings.

Make sure your friends and family members enjoy great tasting cocktails. Tequila Don Julio is the perfect choice and will make any summer occasion a popular one with your guests.

Tequila Don Julio is offering several choice drink recipes that feature its tequila paired with lagers, resulting in the new go-to drink.

Try a Palo-veza after you finish that round of golf or a Little Dragon served with some spicy sausage at a backyard barbecue. Tequila Don Julio has the perfect recipe for you.

Here are the two Tequila Don Julio cocktail recipes:

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Palo-veza:
Created by New York City mixologist Tim Cooper
Ingredients:
1 ounce Tequila Don Julio Reposado
3 ounces Grapefruit Soda
3 ounces Lager
Grapefruit Peel for Garnish

Preparation:
1. Combine Tequila Don Julio Reposado, grapefruit soda and lager into a highball glass with ice (salted rim optional).
2. Garnish with a long grapefruit peel.

Ideal Serving Glass:
Highball glass

Yield:
1 drink, no drink contains more than 0.6 fluid ounces of alcohol

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Little Dragon:
Created by New York City mixologist Tim Cooper
Ingredients:
3/4 ounce Tequila Don Julio Blanco
1/4 ounce Green Pepper Jalapeño Hot Sauce
1/4 ounce Agave nectar
3/4 ounce Fresh Lime Juice
6 ounces Lager
Pinch of Celery Salt

Preparation:
1. Combine Tequila Don Julio Blanco, green pepper jalapeño hot sauce, agave nectar, lime juice and celery salt into a cocktail shaker with ice.
2. Shake and strain into a highball glass then top with six ounces of lager.
3. Garnish with a lime wheel.

Ideal Serving Glass:
Highball glass

Yield:
1 drink, no drink contains more than 0.6 fluid ounces of alcohol

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Kilbeggan

Although Father’s Day just passed, dads still desire a great tasting whiskey year-round. Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey has the perfect solution.

Kilbeggan Irish Whiskey comes from the oldest operating distillery in Ireland, and its fine whiskey is double-distilled so that it retains its one-of-a-kind flavor.

Kilbeggan Distillery can be found on the River Brosna in Kilbeggan, Ireland. It’s proud to be recognized as the world’s oldest distillery that is still producing the finest Irish whiskey.

By partnering with Eoghan (Owen) Hughes, who’s a bar manager at the Knockranny House Hotel in Mayo, Ireland – Kilbeggan wanted to pay homage to a traditional Irish breakfast, the Dad’s Secret Dram.

Now people fro all over the world, can enjoy sipping and savoring their favorite whiskey just like the Irish do.

Kilbeggan Dad’s Secret Dram

Ingredients:
– 2 Parts Kilbeggan® Irish Whiskey
– 3/4 Part Fresh Squeezed Orange Juice

– 1 Part Honey Syrup (1/2 honey 1/2 water)
– 2 Dashes Orange Bitters
– 1 Part Egg White

Method:
Pour all ingredients into a shaker and shake to mix well and emulsify. Add ice and shake hard for another 15 seconds. Pour into a large tumbler over ice. This is a “man’s drink,” so no garnish is needed.

Photo: Harvest Inn

The Harvest Inn is a AAA Four Diamond hotel that’s located in scenic St. Helena.

With summer almost here, the luxury hotel in the world famous Napa Valley, is introducing its new ‘Healthy Living in Napa Valley’ package.

The Harvest Inn is surrounded by many world-class wineries and extraordinary dining. It’s the is the ideal retreat where hotel guests can simply relax and rejuvenate after a full day of local wine country adventures.

The Harvest Inn serves up a truly authentic Napa Valley experience, so much so that guests return here again and again. The luxury hotel features country estate-style accommodations such as uniquely designed, well-appointed brick and wood cottages, guestrooms and suites spread over eight acres of gorgeously landscaped gardens and hundreds of redwood trees.

The new “Healthy Living in Napa Valley” package being offered by the Harvest Inn, provides its guests an exclusive blend of outdoor adventures with the best in food, wine and relaxation in the heart of Napa Valley.

The Harvest Inn “Healthy Living in Napa Valley” Package includes the following amenities:

* luxurious two-night stay in a charming guestroom at the Harvest Inn
* unique cycling excursion from Clif Family Winery at Velo Vino, followed by a post-ride Le Maillot Jaune tasting experience
* two 60-minute rejuvenating massage therapy treatments
* $100 gift card to Cindy Pawlcyn’s Wood Grill and Wine Bar
* complimentary wine country breakfast each morning, tailored amenities, access to the fitness center and pool, plus much more!

The unique cycling excursion will provide lasting memories. The “Cruiser Road Rental Package” from Clif Family Winery at Velo Vino, includes a cruiser bike rental from Calistoga Bike Shop, customized fitting, and bicycle helmet.

Prior to your cycling journey, guests will enjoy a complimentary espresso and Clif Bar at Velo Vino. You’ll pick up a map noting the top bike routes in picturesque Napa Valley or have a customized ride developed just for them.

In addition, your “Healthy Living in Napa Valley” package also comes with:

* Complimentary wine country breakfast each morning
* Wine and cheese tastings on Friday and Saturday evenings in the Harvest Inn’s Great Room
* Access to the Fitness Center and swimming pool
* On-site parking
* Free Internet access

The Harvest Inn features stunning vineyard and mountain vistas, two heated swimming pools open 24 hours, a well-equipped Fitness Room, massage treatment rooms tucked into the gardens and among the redwoods, complimentary breakfast daily, warm, inviting hospitality and high-quality service, plus a relaxed, retreat-like atmosphere steeped in comfortable luxury.

For guests that simply want to unwind and let your escape your worries, just beyond the lobby you’ll find the Inn’s spacious Great Room, where guests enjoy fireside wine tastings beside the massive cobblestone hearth.

In addition, the cozy wine bar offers fine samples of local vintages as well as tranquil views, handsome leather sofas, a grand piano and backgammon tables.

To take advantage of the “Healthy Living in Napa Valley” package and book a reservation at the Harvest Inn hotel in St. Helena, please contact The Life of Luxury using the below form:

Photo: Sotto Sopra

There’s nothing like walking into a restaurant and feel like you are welcome. Sotto Sopra in Amagansett, New York is one such fine dining place.

First established in 1969, Bobby Van’s Steakhouses have become highly regarded in New York City’s dining scene. Providing superior customer service and quality food, Bobby Van’s maintains the same high standards over four decades later.

The team behind Bobby Van’s Steakhouses – owners Joseph Smith and Rick Passarelli, operate their Italian eatery, Sotto Sopra in the exclusive Hamptons.

Sotto Sopra has become known for its Italian cuisine, as well as the classic steakhouse fare that Bobby Van’s customers are accustomed to – fusing a modern Tuscan atmosphere with traditional Italian cuisine.

This charming Northern Italian eatery features a wide selection of classic dishes which showcase the restaurants always fresh ingredients. The menu at Sotto Sopra was developed under the culinary influence of Chef Josh Savi.

The dinner menu offers a variety of impeccably flavored dishes from the menu’s Antipasto, Insalate, Le Pizza, Pranzo, Pesce, Carne, Classico Bisteccheria, Piatti Laterali per Due, and Primi Piatti selections. While dining, guests can indulge in Sotto Sopra’s original cocktail menu and extensive wine list.

If you’re considering a fine dining experience at Sotto Sopra, keep a look out for celebrities. This Amagansett hotspot has gained a celebrity following with famous actors including Alec Baldwin, Cameron Diaz and John Slattery, plus successful fashion designers Michael Kors and David Yurman.

Sotto Sopra is open seven days a week for dinner and Saturday & Sunday for brunch.

Sotto Sopra
231 Main Street
Amagansett, NY
(631) 267-3695

Plan your next vacation to New York and dine at the Sotto Sopra by contacting The Life of Luxury. We can assist with all your luxury travel needs. Keep abreast of all the latest luxury travel news by following this luxury blog.