REUTERS/Jorge Silva

As the career of the greatest swimmer of all-time ends, it is incredible to see what Michael Phelps has accomplished in his stellar swim career.

Earlier today, Michael Phelps swam as part of the U.S. 400-Meter Medley Relay team that brought home another gold medal. This was 18th Olympic gold that Michael Phelps has won over 3 Summer Olympic Games.

Phelp’s last medal gives him a total of 22 career Olympic medals. Along with long-time swim coach Bob Bowman, the two have brought swimming to another level in world popularity. They have traveled to hundreds of swim meets and went to thousands of pre-dawn practices with the ultimate goal of being the best swimmer in the world.

In his last Olympic race, Michael Phelps swam the third leg (butterfly) of the race and teamed with fellow American swimmers, backstroker Matt Grevers, breaststroker Brendan Hansen and freestyler Nathan Adrian.

AP Photo

The U.S. won the Gold medal a fast time of 3:29.35. Japan won the silver medal with a time of 3:31.26 and Australia took bronze at 3:31.58.

At the 2012 London Olympic Games, Michael Phelps swam in 7 races, compared to the 8 we swam in Bejing back in 2008. Phelps won four gold medals and two silver medals to become the most decorated swimmer in the London Games.

When asked about is amazing career accomplishment, Phelps replied, “I could probably sum it up in a couple of words and just say, ‘I did it.'”

Michael Phelps was proud to break the all-time medal record of 18 that was held by female Soviet gymnastics legend Larysa Latynina between 1956 – 1964.

The American 400 IM relay swim race victory also keeps a streak alive as the U.S. has never lost an Olympic 400 medley relay race.

It took almost 50 years for Michael Phelps to break the  all-time Olympic medal record.  It’s hard to believe anyone can do it ever again. Michael Phelps, you are the best!

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!

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.

Garia

Garia manufacturers top of the line, luxury golf and leisure cars.  Garia is proud to part of Lake Tahoe’s popular golf tournament – the American Century Celebrity Golf Championship, which will be held between July 17 – 22, 2012.

This years 23rd annual American Century Celebrity Golf Championship at Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course has long been a popular Lake Tahoe event dues its field of sports and entertainment stars unmatched in celebrity sports.

Garia will proudly be a participate in collaboration with world-famous golf instructor Hank Haney. Mr. Haney will be conducting clinics and book signings in the booth Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Edgewood Tahoe Golf Course is Lake Tahoe’s premier golf course and has often been mentioned as one of the most scenic golf courses anywhere in the world.

Attendees will have the chance to view two fully upgraded Garia vehicles up close. Garia has also made them available as courtesy cars for celebrities, executives and other VIP’s.

Available in a variety of models, Garia offers – street legal, non-street legal plus a four-person version. The Garia is inspired by cars, and unique luxury features include a supercar inspired steering wheel, hand-stitched seats and a refrigerator built into the dashboard.

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.

Courtesy of: Royal Kaanapali Course

The beautiful Ka’anapali Resort on tropical Maui is home to two championship golf courses. The golf resort is situated on about 1,200 acres of land that’s home to ancient Hawaiian royalty. Golfers will enjoy endless panoramic views of both the Pacific Ocean and West Maui Mountains.

The Royal Kaanapali Course opened its lush fairways in 1962. The golf course offers 6,700 yards and a par 71 course. The Royal Kaanapali Course was rated 4.5 out of 5 stars by Golf Digest in 2008. The scenic golf course is the perfect choice for an avid golfer.

In addition to its breathtaking scenery, the Royal Kaanapali Course is well recognized as a world-class golf facility. Even the easiest holes here are a challenge.

In addition, the Royal Kaanapali Course is one of only two courses anywhere in Hawaii, designed by Robert Trent Jones.

The Royal Kaanapali Course layout takes full advantage of the lush rolling landscape. The course offers gentle, sloping fairways along with large, contoured greens. This combination makes the Royal Kaanapali Course both distinctive as well as demanding.

The greens here are expansive, yet contoured. It’s difficult to decipher the varying slope and pitch of greens. The high sun angle along with the Bermuda grass make putting quite a challenge.

Courtesy of: Royal Kaanapali Course

The Royal Kaanapali Course was previously named the Tournament North Course. The challenging Course begins at sea level, then works its way through the resort out to the Pacific Ocean’s edge at the 5th hole.

The world championship course has been host to many major golf tournaments including the Champions TOUR Ka’anapali Classic, LPGA Kemper Cup, Senior Tour’s Ka’anapali Classic and Wendy’s Champions SKINS GAME.

For more information please visit Royal Kaanapali Course

Compagnie du Ponant

For golf and travel enthusiasts who are looking to combine their two passions, Compagnie du Ponant invites has just the package for you.

Compagnie du Ponant introduced its nine-day “Nice–Nice” voyage that sails to eight ports and visits five stunning courses in Italy and France aboard the three-masted sailing yacht Le Ponant.

The 290-foot Le Ponant is a luxurious 64-passenger yacht that cruises the Mediterranean Sea. The yacht features intimacy and luxury with a full roster of high-end amenities that are sure to deliver a memorable sailing experience.

During port stops, golf lovers can play rounds at popular courses including La Pevero, considered one of the world’s “best kept secrets,” and Cannes-Mougins, nestled within the protected lands of the Valmasque Forest.

If golf is not your game, you are in luck. Enjoy stops in Civitavecchia, the gateway to Rome; Viareggio, a placid Tuscan seaside resort town; and Calvi, home to the Genoese Citadel.

Compagnie du Ponant is offering three differenet “Nice-Nice” Golf Themed Cruises, departuring May 6, 17 and 25.

These luxury golf themed cruises are designed for the golfer looking for a little adventure and the traveler looking to exceed the bounds of traditional cruising — unspoiled destinations, less-visited ports and out-of-the-way locales.

Cruise fares are priced from $4,841 to $5,453 per person, double occupancy. Golfers pay an additional $760 per person for golf course fees.

· Acquabona Golf Club – set in hilly countryside bordered by oak pines and eucalyptus trees, this nine-hole course with double starting ground challenges guests with uphill and downhill shots complicated by crosswinds from the sea. Situated on the Island of Elba, halfway between Portoferraio and Porto Azzurro, the course offers stunning panoramic views of the gulf and inland landscape.

· Le Pavoniere – the former playground of Lorenzo de’Medici, this relatively flat course in the old Tavola Farmhouse Estate Park is surrounded by holm-oak woods, cluster pines and Tuscan cypresses. Designed in 1986 by Arnold Palmer, the course suits golfers of all skill levels.

· Pevero – a creation of Robert Trent Jones Sr. is renowned for the beauty of its tree-covered hills and rocky coastline and has been ranked in the top 50 courses in the world by Golf Magazine. The innovative layout incorporates the natural challenges in the landscape, from the Mistral – the northern wind that shaped the rocks in the area – to vegetation, lakes and 70 bunkers that dot the 6,688-yard course.

· Sperone Golf Club – comprised partly of rocky scrubland and partly linked, this 18-hole course is considered to be one of Robert Trent Jones Sr.’s masterpieces – and is ranked 6th in all of France. The course offers three signature holes: the 10th, where your drive must carry the water; the 15th, which has a cliff-top green; and the 16th, named one of the world’s most stunning Par 5 holes by Golf Magazine.

· Golf Country Club de Cannes-Mougins – nestled within the heart of the Valmasque Forest and traversed by the Boullide River, this 6,906 yard, 18-hole course offers a round that is as breathtaking as it is complex. Founded in 1923, the course was rebuilt in 1977 by golf architects Peter Allis and Dave Thomas and has since organized the Cannes Open, serving as a highlight on the European Tour.

All of Compagnie du Ponant’s ships and cruise itineraries are designed to protect marine wildlife, coastal environments and local flora and fauna. For additional information or to make reservations, please contact us at:

East Course at Dorado Beach

The East Course at Dorado Beach has long been regarded as the most historic course in the Caribbean. For most who have played a round of golf there, they consider it one of the best.

This history rich golf course – East Course at Dorado Beach has officially reopened. Although the famed golf course routing has remained intact, it has actually changed dramatically.

The 18-hole crown jewel at Dorado Beach continues the Robert Trent Jones legacy and is the first of his quartet of creations unequaled in the Caribbean.

East Course at Dorado Beach is the golf course where pro golfer Chi Chi Rodriguez learned the skills that molded the pro he is today. Many well known people had had the luxury of playing East Course at Dorado Beach, including legendary amateurs: Mickey Mantle, Joe DiMaggio, Presidents Gerald Ford, Dwight Eisenhower, and even President John F. Kennedy.

Robert Trent Jones, Jr. completed an 18-month restoration to all 18-holes of the Caribbean’s East Course at Dorado Beach. The renovation of the East Course is the first phase of a complete transformation of the property that includes the addition of the first Ritz-Carlton Reserve Residences.

Back in 1956, visionary Laurence Rockefeller commissioned Robert Trent Jones Sr. to build this 72-hole masterpiece that helped catapult the island to its international acclaim. With great thanks to Rockefeller’s contribution, Puerto Rico is now the most golf celebrated island in the Caribbean and home to more than 40,000 golfers.

In addition to having breath taking ocean and golf course views, the residence owners are also granted membership to the Dorado Beach Golf Club and its 72-holes. The grand opening of Dorado Beach, a Ritz-Carlton Reserve is this December.

The Wolf course, being dubbed as the most difficult course in the Las Vegas valley, is a golf lovers delight at the Las Vegas Paiute Golf Resort.

Pete Dye thought of what creature a golfer would not want to come across in the desert (other than a rattle-snake) and that would be a wolf. That is a perfect name for this course, because it is scary and does make you feel like its teeth are snarling at you dripping with saliva. In other words, this track is tough. Utilizing every aspect of the desert landscaping, Wolf was designed to give the most skilled players a run for their money.

With the fairways being tight and the greens small, there is little room for error if you want a good score for your handicap. The natural desert wash areas are strategically used on each hole forcing long hitters to hit it straight or work the ball to find the short stuff.

The signature hole and the one you will always remember is number 15. It is a par-3 that plays 182 yards from the tips. Doesn’t sound tough huh, how about a true island green to go along with that?

Not hard enough, how about a three-tiered greenfor ridiculously hard putts. Even though the green is generous in size, for some reason the island green makes it look smaller. This hole is picture worthy.

The Las Vegas Paiute Golf Resort is located roughly 30-40 minutes from the Las Vegas Strip. This is a full featured resort including all of the normal amenities: driving range, chipping and putting greens, full bar and restaurant, generous sized golf shop, and full banquet or reception accommodations.

The course is designed with rye fairways, fescue rough, and bentgrass greens. The greens come with moderate to severe breaks and undulations. Enjoy your round at the Las Vegas Paiute Golf Resort.

The Revere at Anthem features two championship golf courses designed by architects Billy Casper & Greg Nash.

Revere at Anthem golf courses include the Lexington and the Concord. The Lexington is a desert-style course that plays through three canyons. Despite the trio of canyons, the Lexington’s fairways are regarded as open and generous.

There are a variety of greens, ranging from large to those with undulation, and also some that are postage-stamp sized. Several fairways at Revere at Anthem golf course necessitate careful play over ample sand bunkers.

Concord is the newer of Revere at Anthem’s two courses. Also a desert style course, the Concord plays from 5,306 to 7,034-yards. With wide open, undulating fairways, the Concord can offer some challenging lies.

The greens vary in size and there is ample bunkering throughout the layout.

Try your swing at Revere at Anthem golf courses next time you are in Las Vegas.

Do you want a VIP experience and play at a top golf course like Revere at Anthem in Las Vegas? Contact us and allow us to be your luxury travel concierge source.

Photo: Shadow Creek

Bellagio presents the upper echelon of Las Vegas golf. Be sure to indulge your love for the game of golf. The World-famous Shadow Creek golf course, legendary Primm Valley site, and various Partner Courses each offer a distinctive experience to suit your specific level of play. Now go grab your golf clubs and head to Bellagio Golf.

When you stay at the luxurious Bellagio hotel in Las Vegas you get to play golf at the world famous Shadow Creek course and the legendary Primm Valley site. This rare privilege for hotel guests, includes limousine transportation and a personal caddie.

The Bellagio hotel also has affiliations with several other golf courses. So take a much needed break from gambling and indulge in the game you love, for a weekend away. It’s going to be wonderful weekend.

These golf courses are manicured to perfection. The greens are lush, the lakes are cool, and the water features are breathtaking. The sun shines bright in the beautiful blue desert sky that’s always shining in sultry Las Vegas.

The palm trees sway in the soft blowing wind, which sends the aroma of the plants and flowers your way as you swing and hit a perfect… hole-in-one shot.

What are you waiting for .… FOUR!