The world’s biggest wine festival is held each year in Bad Dürkheim, Germany. Held during the second and third weekend of September, Wurstmarkt hits an important milestone year. 2016 will mark the 600 year occurrence of this popular wine festival. The very first German wine festival was held way back in the year 1417.

Wine making is big business in Germany. The European country has thirteen different wine growing regions. The regions produce incredible wines ranging from crisp Riesling wines to a floral Pinot Noir.

What is interesting is that the wine festival’s name – Wurstmarkt – translates to sausage market. Most people don’t associate wine and sausage together. The town of Bad Dürkheim is located in the premier wine-growing state, Rhineland Palatinate. The legend of how Wurstmarkt got its name is due to the large amounts of sausage that was eaten during the early years of the wine festival. Now it’s the World’s Biggest Wine Festival and people attend from all around the world.

It is expected that greater than 600,000 people will attend this year’s wine festival in Germany. Be sure to check out the Giant Cask, named Dürkheimer Riesenfass. It’s known as the biggest wine barrel in the world. Surprisingly, it even includes a restaurant inside.

Wine connoisseurs can try about 300 award-winning wines and sparkling wines. In addition to the many food and drink stands, plan on enjoying the various fairground carnival rides. There will also be music concerts and spectacular fireworks displays. This is an amazing cultural experience that should not be missed, especially for wine lovers.

This year’s Wurstmarkt wine festival will be held on the consecutive weekends of September 9 to 13 and 16 to 19.

Be sure to attend Wurstmarkt in Germany at the World’s Biggest Wine Festival. Contact The Life of Luxury today for help booking your luxury travel itinerary. Come back again to follow our luxury blog and read about other popular events from around the world.

Opened in the summer 2013, the impressive MuCEM museum is holding an awesome, art exhibition about Pablo Picasso. It will display 270 of Picasso’s works. The MuCEM stands for the Museum of European and Mediterranean Civilisations. This national museum in Marseille, France first opened in the summer of 2013.

Between April 27 and August 29, 2016 the MuCEM museum exhibition is broken into four different sections. Each of these will mirror the masterpieces of Picasso. The famous artist’s works will be accompanied by various reference-objects from the museum.

This exhibition was a massive undertaking and included contributions and partnerships with many organization and partnership, such as with the Musée National Picasso-Paris. In addition to viewing some of his most famous pieces, there will be other surprises and insights into his life.

Pablo Picasso was born on October 25, 1881 in Spain. He passed away in Mougins, France on April 8, 1973. He was 91 years old. The Spanish artist had many talents. He was a painter, sculpture and ceramist. In addition, many people aren’t aware he was also a playwright and poet. His legendary works will be admired for years to come.

When Albert Camus won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1957, we stated in his acceptance speech, “Art obliges the artist not to keep himself apart; it subjects him to the most humble and the most universal truth. That is why true artists scorn nothing.” What a moving and profound quote.

Picasso was influenced by numerous artists over this career. This MuCEM exhibition takes attendees on a magical journey through his art. You’ll discover his interests that turned into his work, such as “Jacqueline with Mantilla” with music, “Blue Acrobat” with the circus and “Bull’s Head” and bullfighting. He was inspired by Marie Cuttoli for textiles, Suzanne and Georges Ramié for ceramics and Paco Durrio for woodworking.

As a true, iconic artist of the 20th century, Pablo Picasso changed culture. His modern works during that era, drew millions of people into the world of fine art.

Robert Hughes was the art critic for TIME magazine. He was quoted, “To say that Pablo Picasso dominated Western art in the 20th century is, by now, the merest commonplace. Before his 50th birthday, the little Spaniard from Malaga had become the very prototype of the modern artist as public figure. No painter before him had had a mass audience in his own lifetime.”

For art lovers and those curious about the fascinating works of Pablo Picasso, be sure to visit the MuCEM museum in Marseille, France. It will be a VIP experience you will always remember.

We can help you plan your trip to Europe and see the Pablo Picasso art exhibition at the MuCEM museum in Marseille, France. Return again to read more art stories in our luxury blog.

Avid cyclists enjoy the traveling aspect of the sport, often as much or more than the exercise they receive. We wanted to share an incredible opportunity. Now you can follow the footsteps of Hannibal on a European cycling tour.

Hannibal Barca lived in the second and 3rd century B.C. He was military commander from Carthage. He had a brilliant military mind and is widely respected as one of the top military commanders ever. He’s most famous for his battles versus the Romans during Second Punic War. He commanded the powerful Carthaginian army and trekked through southern Europe and the Alps with a team of elephants.

This incredible, European cycling tour lasts 28 days and will take you through the countries of Spain, France and Italy. The tour dates of the “Hannibal Expedition” are scheduled from September 3, 2016 through September 30, 2016. Although this race will the very challenging, it will give you a greater respect for what Hannibal had to endure.

Sam Woods is the co-founder of Ride and Seek. He gained inspiration for this epic, European cycling tour working on a BBC documentary that covered Hannibal’s Trail. Co-founder Dylan Reynolds of Ride & Seek was quoted, “Join us on a ride of historical proportions as we ride in the footsteps of Hannibal from Barcelona to Rome. Cycling on some of Europe’s most iconic and picturesque bike touring routes through Spain, France and Italy, this epic journey has it all.”

Riders who participate in the “Hannibal Expedition” will travel over three iconic, mountain ranges – the Pyrenees, Alps and Apennines. You will recognize many of the same roads as they’ve been featured on both the world famous Tour de France plus Giro d’Italia bike races.

This European cycling tour will be divided into 2 stages. It’s an awesome way to have a VIP experience doing what you love. As you ride through beautiful scenery, you’ll the unique opportunity to indulge in the rich culture and history of Europe. Some of the regions you will drive though included – Catalonia, Provence, Tuscany, Languedoc, Piedmont and Umbria.

During Stage 1, you’ll start the tour in the amazing city of Barcelona, Spain. You’ll next travel through Cataluña and cross over the Pyrenees mountain range. Your next stop the quaint town of Ceret. It’s the place famous artist Picasso was born. As you head north, you’ll pass through the memorable destinations of Ventoux, Galibier, Alpe d’Huez, Agnel and Izoard. Your ends in Alba.

During stage 2, you’ll ride across the Apennines of Italy. The scenery will be magnificent! Enjoy the views of castles, vines, hilltop towns and much more. This stage begins in Piedont, then on to Oltrepo Pavese and Emilia Romagna. Foodies will love the culinary delights that await you. This region is known for delicious food. Explore Reggio Emilia, Modena, Parma and Piacenza. You arrive in the historic city of Pisa and then cycle into the scenic, Tuscany region and end in the ancient city of Rome.

Below is a summary of this ultimate, European cycling tour – “Hannibal Expedition”. You can choose to ride in either Stage 1 or 2, or the entire journey.

Stage 1 – Barcelona to Alba
Length: 15 days / 14 nights
Distance: 1,458 km (908 miles)
Price: €5,390

Stage 2 – Alba to Rome
Length: 14 days / 13 nights
Distance: 1,212 km (758 miles)
Price: €5,065

Full Hannibal Expedition: Barcelona to Rome
Length: 28 days / 27 nights
Distance: 2,670 km (1,667 miles)
Price: €10,080

If interested in this unbelievable, European cycling tour contact us today. We can assist you in planning and booking your European vacation. We hope you enjoy reading our luxury blog and learning about other VIP packages.

Photo: Ride & Seek

We all love our moms and want to give her the very best whenever we can. Mother’s Day is coming in 2 weeks, so make it a special day for your mom. Choose a luxury experience that will make it a memorable one for years to come.

We understand the challenge of choosing a gift each year. A bouquet or flower arrangement, box of chocolates, or a family meal at a local restaurant. Been there, done that, right? Now it’s time to make a change – a big change.

The gift of luxury travel can be an incredible gift for your mom. Maybe she has a Bucket List of her own and a dream vacation in mind. If you want to give your mom a special luxury experience, we want to share eight adventures that are simply amazing.

* Argentina Wine + Photo Adventure –
Mom will join the first-ever photography and high-altitude wine tour of Northwest Argentina. This is a magical journey that is perfect for photographers and wine lovers of all levels. Mom will be immersed in the region’s geography, wildlife, cuisine, and culture.

* Cycle the Villages of Provence –
Take Mom on Ride & Seek’s Provence cycling tour through the most beautiful villages of France as ordained by the group Les Plus Beaux Villages de France. This tour emphasizes authentic cuisine and local wines. There is a wonderful correlation between fine wine growing areas and world-class cycling.

* Diamond Circle Tour of Iceland –
The land of fire and ice, active volcanoes and glaciers! Countless geysers, hot pots, and fumaroles dot the landscape. These unique features create a landscape filled with incredible waterfalls, lakes, mountains and stories of trolls and elves. On this six-day trip, Mom will travel by 4WD car from Reykjavik through the Skagafjordur Region to see the highlights of the Diamond Circle in the north, and return to Reykjavik by plane.

* Nicaragua Escape –
Retreat to a tranquil hideaway overlooking the white sands beaches of the Pacific Ocean at Aqua Wellness Resort. Mom will enjoy two days in charming Granada City where she will kayak, volcano hike, and zip-line, before heading to her exceptional beachfront retreat. She will relax, play, and decompress in a beautiful rainforest setting.

* Moscow and St. Petersburg –
Mom will discover where Russian art, architecture and culture began. In between the urban centers of Moscow and St. Petersburg, she’ll experience the Russian countryside. The oldest and loveliest churches in Russia, Sergiev Posad’s wooden crafts, and Fedoskino’s glowing lacquer boxes all put a shine on Russia’s Golden Ring that Mom will never forget.

* Alaska Northern Lights –
Join Gondwana EcoTours on a Northern Lights tour of Alaska. Mom will get a dose of local culture by day, and by night have the opportunity to photograph the Aurora Borealis under the massive Alaskan sky! She will zip between snow-covered trees on the back of a dog-sled, soak in the mineral-rich waters of geothermal hot springs, walk through the frozen art of an ice-sculpture museum, and sip martinis out of glasses made of ice.

* Barge Cruise through France –
Fine wines, delicious cuisine, and a leisurely approach to the enjoyment of each day await Mom on a barge cruise down France’s picturesque waterways. From the rolling vineyards of Burgundy to the tree-lined Canal du Midi in the Languedoc region, Frontiers International Travel’s selection of handpicked vessels provide a range of options suitable for anyone in search of a unique holiday with like-minded people.

* Dude Ranch Retreat –
The 25,000 acre Red Reflet Ranch in Ten Sleep, Wyoming is both working ranch and luxury resort. Mom will hike, ride horses, skeet shoot, fly fish, mountain bike, dine on gourmet food, and play cowgirl on this fun-filled getaway. From cattle drives to branding, the true western lifestyle thrives at Red Reflet.

Enjoying a VIP experience has increasingly become a popular want from travelers. We’re pushing the boundaries on where to go and what we do. We desire more than ever immersing ourselves in the culture and history of a magical destination. It’s a big world out there. Isn’t it time to see it in person?

The Life of Luxury has to access to many jaw-dropping places. Choose a special luxury experience for your mom make it a memorable Mother’s Day for her. We hope you stop by again to read our luxury blog. We love to share the best in luxury travel

The islands of Malta in the Mediterranean have a rich history. Located south of Sicily, Italy – the Maltese archipelago consists of three separate islands with Malta being the largest. Gozo and Comino are the names of the other two islands.

Maltese celebrations occur all during the year. Now that spring has arrived, all sorts of activities are planned as warm weather prevails. Offering scenic landscapes and traditional culture, visitors will find numerous international, as well as local festivals on the islands of Malta.

This past Saturday in Marsaxlokk, saw the start of Malta’s 16th Annual International Fireworks Festival. Don’t worry because you can still catch it in Xaghra Gozo on April 23 and in Valletta on April 30th. Enjoy amazing pyrotechnics that are free to the public. The International Fireworks Festival continues to grow and attract people from all around the world. In addition, firework businesses from many countries such as Canada, Italy, Spain and Australia proudly display their creations at night.

The islands of Malta are pleased to kick-off festa season in April. Festas are considered one of most traditional types of celebration in Malta. From now until September, various Maltese villages celebrate their. The festivities can be for a single day or even last a week. During a typical year, more than 60 festas occur. Organized by local parishes, these culture-rich festivals consist of delicious street food, brass bands playing traditional music, tons of decorations and nightly firework displays.

The annual Malta Food Festival is scheduled between May 5 and May 7. Indulge in great tasting food from Greece, China and Brazil. The land in Malta is very fertile. It’s a food paradise you don’t want to miss. Due to the abundance of specialty crops, many food festivals occur year-round. Attendees can watch live cooking shows and chef demonstrations. This event continues to draw bigger crowds each year. In 2015, greater than 17,000 people attended.

Since 2007, one of the events that features some of the biggest names in music is the Isle of MTV. During this year’s Malta Music Week, the Isle of MTV will be held at the Granaries in Floriana on June 28. Music Week runs from June 24 to the 29th. Lady Gaga, Snoop Dogg, Enrique Iglesias and Jason Derulo are a few of the past, headline performers. Over the 5 days of music celebration, enjoy great music at beach parties at sunset or local clubs. A few examples include Gianpula, La Grotta in Gozo, plus Cafe del Mar.

Ghana is a Maltese-style of folk singing. Each year, there’s a three-day music festival named Għanafest. The Ghana music event is held this year between June 10 and June 12. Attendees can enjoy street vendors, craft demonstrations and specialized art.

For jazz lovers, you are in luck. The popular Malta International Jazz Festival runs from July 21 through the 23rd. This amazing jazz festival has been running since 1990. This year’s event will be held at the Grand Harbour in Ta’ Liesse, Valletta. Groove to the soulful sounds of jazz and listen to another all-star line-up of performers.

If you love flowers then be sure to attend the Horticulture Spring Show. This annual event will occur on May 14 at the San Anton Gardens. See incredible displays of floral decor and floral design contests.

The beautiful islands of Malta offer something for almost everybody. In addition to all the festivals and events held throughout the year, be sure to take time and see the islands. Enjoy the numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites and natural beauty.

To learn more about planning a trip to Malta, go to Visit Malta.

We can help you book your dream vacation to the islands of Malta. See the sites and attend its festivals. Be sure to stop by again soon and follow our luxury blog. We enjoy sharing fabulous places to visit and making your luxury travel dreams come true.

Photo: Mario Galea / MTV

Located in Hanover, Germany the Royal Herrenhausen Gardens have long been recognized as one of the most beautiful parks in all of Europe. The Herrenhausen Palace was once the summer residence of the Royal House of Hanover. During the raging battles of World War II, the beautiful Herrenhausen Palace was sadly destroyed.

The Royal Herrenhausen Gardens include three different areas. Each area represents a unique style. Grossergarten is the largest of the three gardens and construction began way back in 1666. It has a French Baroque style and is the largest Baroque garden in Germany. Martin Charbonnier was a French designer and appointed to design the garden by Electress Sophia of Hannover.

The second largest garden is Georgengarten. This garden has a romantic, English style. You’ll find the nearby University of Hannover partially on its grounds. The smallest of the three Royal Herrenhausen Gardens is named Berggarten. It also has a traditional English garden style, similar to Georgengarten.

The 6th Award Ceremony of the European Garden Award was held in Hamburg, Germany in September. The event is sponsored by the European Garden Heritage Network (EGHN) as well as the Schloss Dyck Foundation.
Eight parks and gardens were recognized in four different categories. Six European countries were represented in the eight awards. They are Germany, France, Sweden, Portugal, Italy and the UK.

The European Gardenprize 2015 was awarded to the Herrenhausen Gardens in the “Best Development of a Historical Park or Garden” category. The European Garden Award appreciated the cultivated garden art along with the restored castle of the Royal Herrenhausen Gardens.

Another German park won the “Special Award of the Schloss Dyck Foundation”. Hermannshof in Weinheim is public trial and show garden that’s a privately owned. The organization gave Hermannshof the award based on its innovative and internationally respected, planting concepts.

After the conclusion of the event, the director of the Schloss Dyck – Jens Spanjer was quoted, “This year again, all honored eight parks and gardens from the different European countries have qualified due to an excellent performance in the designing respectively valorising of parks and gardens or in urban and regional planning. The European Garden Network EGHN wishes to acknowledge these outstanding projects by awarding them the Garden Award. So they will not only gain duly attention, but will be increasingly perceived publicly as best practice for other projects, or may even inspire further projects.”

You can read about all of the award winners at the European Garden Award web site.

If you love beautiful gardens, be sure to visit Europe and see them firsthand. To view the Royal Herrenhausen Gardens in Hanover, Germany please contact us. We can help you plan and book your travel itinerary. Return again to read our luxury blog for other luxury travel ideas and top destinations.

Photo: Herrenhausen Gardens

The Monaco Grand Prix race is widely recognized as one of the most prestigious automobile races anywhere in the world. As a race card river, the Monaco Grand Prix is one of the premier races every driver has dreams of winning. Now you can watch this incredible event in person.

The Monaco Grand Prix race began in 1929 and has run each year since. It’s considered part of the triple crown of motorsport. Along with the Le Mans 24 Hours and Indy 500, this iconic car race is a must to see up close.

As the jewel of the Formula One Calendar race circuit, anticipation is already on the rise for this year’s Monaco Grand Prix race. With 78 turns and 3,367 km in total length, the F1 car race will be seen by millions of people around the world.

The first race in 1929 was won by William Grover-Williams. Ayrton Senna from Brazil has won the Monaco Grand Prix six times. That’s more than any other car driver. He won an amazing, five straight time between between the years of 1989 and 1993.

We are proud to offer a VIP experience to view this year’s Monaco Grand Prix race event. Enjoy ultimate hospitality and the best race viewing. Your package included accommodations at the luxury Metropole Hotel. Your Monaco Grand Prix experience will also include yacht parties, helicopter transfers, having drinks with F1 racing legends, plus access to private Amber Lounge.

Below is the itinerary for your Formula 1 package:

Friday May 27, 2016
* Helicopter transfer service from the Nice airport to Monaco
* Shuttle service from the Monaco helipad straight to the Metropole Hotel so you and your party can check in
* Enjoy spending the day exploring spectacular Monaco. Take in the sights and local culture.
* During the evening, enjoy an intimate drink reception with F1 racing Legends (Martin Brundle, David Coulthard, Paul Di Restaand and more)
* Guests will be transported by shuttle to the harbor for a 5* Yacht Cocktail Party. Enjoy extensive canapés and an open bar to enjoy your favorite drink

Saturday May 28, 2016
* At the world famous Hotel de Paris, you’ll watch all the racing action from a Casino Square Suite. Feast on a delicious buffet lunch that will be served right in the suite. There will be an open bar with Pink Champagne, beers, fine wines, plus a selection of soft drinks.
* That evening, we can help you book a fine dining experience at the Joel Robuchon 2-Michelin star restaurant inside the Metropole Hotel.

Sunday May 29, 2016
* Be treated to some of the best race viewing of the Monaco track at the Ermanno Palace. From a private balcony, guests will be able to view the tunnel exit, Tabac Corner, Chicane, swimming pool section, start/finish straight, Beau Rivage climb, Sainte Devote Corner, in addition to the huge harbor screen. Enjoy a full day of hospitality with caterers serving an incredible buffet luncheon and afternoon tea. There will also be an open bar with champagne, selected spirits, beers and wines.
* During the evening, have fun at the popular Amber Lounge post-race party with your own VIP table. All of the drinks for the night are are included. Expect the party to go all night long and continue to around 5am the next morning.

Monday May 30, 2016
* You will be picked up by shuttle service and driven from your hotel back to the Monaco Helipad
* Take in the views as your helicopter transports you from Monaco to the Nice Airport and your departure home.

This will be a once in a life time, VIP experience that shouldn’t be missed.

The pricing for the above, Monaco Grand Prix race package is €14,500 per person for a Superior room at the Metropole Hotel or €15,300 per person for a Deluxe room.

The quoted prices are per person and based upon double occupancy. The price also includes your breakfast plus local taxes.

Feel of rush of F1 racing at this year’s Monaco Grand Prix race. The Life of Luxury can help you plan and book your travel itinerary. We enjoy sharing great VIP experiences and hope you return to follow our luxury blog.

Photo: By Charles Dyer from Cheltenham, United Kingdom (DSC03130 Uploaded by sk) [CC BY-SA 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

As one of the largest lakes in Western Europe, Lake Geneva actually resides in both Switzerland and France. The stunning Lake Geneva region offers visitors both diversity and natural beauty. It’s a popular destination all year long.

The Lake Geneva region of Switzerland encompasses the following cantons of Vaud, Geneva and Valais. A canton is generally described as a small territorial division of a country, or a city and its surrounding community.

Spring is finally here and the weather is warming up in Switzerland. The Lake Geneva region is getting ready for another busy tourism year. There many things to see and do locally. We wanted to share 6 reasons to visit the scenic, Lake Geneva region this year.

1) Moderntimes Hotel
The Moderntimes Hotel is located in Saint-Légier Switzerland – the heart of Swiss Riviera. This luxury hotel can be found near near Chaplin’s World (see below for more details). This contemporary Swiss hotel features 145 sleek rooms. The Moderntimes Hotel is a 4-star design property. Enjoy a wonderful dining experience at Times Grill restaurant or get a good workout at the hotel’s fitness room.

Photo: Charlie Chaplin Museum
2) Chaplin’s World – The Modern Times Museum
Located in Corsier-sur-Vevey, Chaplin’s World opened last year on April 17. Chaplin’s World pays tribute to the amazing and talented Charlie Chaplin. Chaplin was both an actor and filmmaker. The museum is located in the museum, where Charlie Chaplin lived between 1957 and 1977 – the year he died. The mansion resides on 34 acres of beautiful gardens and pathways. The terraces provide stunning views of the iconic Swiss Alps and nearby Lake Geneva. The museum is a door into the incredible life of Chaplin. There is 32,000 square feet of exhibition space for a truly interactive experience. A cultural center features a series of exhibits and of course his famous films.

3) Hotel Royal Savoy
This luxury hotel can be found in Lausanne and re-opened after a $100 million expansion and renovation project. Now a five-star luxury property, the Hotel Royal Savoy first opened way back in 1906. Originally named the Art Nouveau hotel, this palatial property was long a favorite place to stay for royals. The expansion project added a new addition to the hotel. Fans of the gorgeous, grand facade will not be disappointed as it still remains. The Hotel Royal Savoy offers guests 196 rooms. The Sky Terrace on the hotel’s rooftop is new. Enjoy panoramic views all across the beautiful city of Lausanne. In addition, you can see the Alps and Lake Geneva. Get pampered in VIP style at the hotel’s luxury spa.

4) An Alpine Night in a “Love Yurt”
For a unique experience for lovers, consider staying in a Mongol yurt. A yurt is the name for round tent that c is portable. It’s typically surrounded by felt fabric or skins to insulate it. This ultimate getaway at Rochers-de-Naye provides tremendous views at an elevation of 6,500 feet. You can see the Alps and Lake Geneva n all their glory. You can reach the “Love Yurt” easily by a short train ride from Montreux. Enjoy a romantic night on the mountain summit. The price for a Friday/Saturday package is only $265 or CHF 260 per couple. In addition to your accommodations, the package price includes a roundtrip train ride, breakfast plus a 375-ml bottle of champagne.

5) Summer Music in Vaud
2016 is the 50th anniversary of the popular Montreux Jazz Festival. This event runs from July 1 to 16. This year’s Montreux Jazz Festival will feature the English band – Muse who won a 2016 Grammy Award. The full list of bands performing will be released on April 14. Every five years, the Federal Music Festival rotates to a different Swiss town. This’s year festival will be in Montreux and runs June 10-12 and 17-19. The 200,000 plus visitors can expect to listen to around 25,000 musicians. They consist of orchestras, brass bands, as well as marching ensembles. Each August, the Roman amphitheater in Avenches comes alive with rock music. The Rock Oz’Arènes festival will run from August 3 to 7. This year will be the popular event’s 25th anniversary. Lastly, Lausanne will once again host the Lausanne Estivale. Held from mid-June to mid-September, the Lausanne Estivale is free. Music fans of all ages can enjoy shows, concerts, and various entertainments. It should be a fun time for all.

6) The Swiss Wine Hotel & Bar
Situated in the heart of Lausanne, the Swiss Wine Hotel & Bar just opened for business. This trendy, Swiss hotel is rated three-stars and is decorated with decor utilizing the Swiss wine region of Lavaux. Lavaux is a UNESCO World Heritage Site next to Lausanne. The Swiss Wine Hotel & Bar offers 62 rooms for its guests. You can enjoy nice views of the Lausanne Cathedral and the city’s old town. In the morning, start your day right with breakfast served right in your room. Now that’s a VIP experience! Relax in the evening and sip some of the local Swiss wines at the hotel’s wine bar.

There is so much to see and do in the Lake Geneva region. It’s a destination to be explored at your leisure. There is lots of history and you can soak in the rich culture this area offers. From wine tasting at the Lavaux vineyards to sweeping view of the Alps and Lake Geneva, be sure to visit this region of western Switzerland.,

We can help you plan and book your travel reservations to the Lake Geneva region in Switzerland. Be sure to return again soon to read more luxury travel ideas from our luxury blog.

Photo: My Switzerland Swiss Cities / Stephan Engler

The iconic Ruhr Valley in northern Germany has seen its share of ups and downs. The area has been hit hard with the decline of the steel industry. Many idle factories and high unemployment were the result. But you can now enjoy the Ruhr Valley by bike.

The popular, Ruhr Valley Cycle Route has been rated by the German Cyclists’ Federation as a four-star, premium bike route. Ruhr Valley Cycle Route includes greater than 140 miles of scenic countryside and the Ruhr’s industrial region.

Germany is known for expense luxury cars flying down the Autobahn at amazing speeds. But don’t worry. Discover Ruhr Valley by bike and be pleased it’s almost entirely free of cars. As you ride along, take in the sights such as the famous Ruhr River, beautiful forests and even industrial monuments.

As your cycle trip continues, you’ll ride through medieval towns, river docks of Duisburg, Lake Baldeney in Essen and the mining area of Muttental valley.

The terrain varies. Expect to ride up some steep climbs. The main portion of more challenging terrain is within the first 35 kilometers. Once past, you will enjoy a relatively flat riding experience.

Cycling in Germany is very popular. You can find over 200 long-distance cycle routes in this Western Europe country. It’s a wonderful way to see the Germany up close and enjoy its major cities and unspoiled lands.

One of the many treats to exploring Ruhr Valley by bike, is to break your trip up and enjoy the local culture. You’ll find cyclist-friendly accommodations to sty at. You can choose from quaint farms to even ancient, castle hotels. What an experience.

If you would like to vacation in German and Ruhr Valley by bike, let us know. We can help you arrange your entire travel itinerary. We hope you enjoy our luxury blog as we share the best in the luxury industry.

Photo: German National Tourist Board

The goal of a Le Cordon Bleu school is to help prepare its students for an exciting career covering culinary arts to culinary operations and management. This well known institution is recognized as the biggest network of culinary and hospitality schools anywhere in the world.

A new Le Cordon Bleu school is scheduled to open in Paris, France. The new school opens June, 22, 2016 and will be located on the banks of the Seine River, near the Statue of Liberty. The new culinary school is also next to the famous Beaugrenelle shopping centre, nearby the iconic Eiffel Tower.

It’s expected that the newest Le Cordon Bleu school will enroll greater than 1,000 culinary students each year. They will learn all there is to know about culinary arts and wine, hotel and restaurant management. Their training program education will prepare them for the fast, growing culinary industry.

The Paris school is 4,000 square meters in size and will feature the latest modern technology and equipment. The stylish, school building was designed and built to be eco-friendly. With a contemporary look, it was made out of aluminum and glass.

As the world’s population continues to grow, so does the number of restaurants. It’s been reported that there is a shortage of chefs. A key driver is the relatively low salary they receive. Receiving an education from a top culinary arts and hotel management institute like Le Cordon Bleu can be quite expensive. The chef profession has always seen a high turnover ration. But the abundance of TV chef shows tend to overly glamorize the profession. It’s hard work and long hours. The result is many chefs unfortunately quit.

Below is a summary of just a few of the many features student will enjoy at the new Le Cordon Bleu school in Paris France.

• 7 practical classrooms for cuisine, pastry and boulangerie lessons, including one classroom that has been specially designed for teaching Asian cuisine: Thai, Japanese and Chinese.
• 6 modular classrooms that can be transformed into a 420 m² event space
• 3 large, demonstration rooms
• 1 workshop that’s dedicated to individual or group lessons for cuisine amateurs
• 1 cellar-style room that is dedicated to Wine and Management
• 1 boutique that carries a wide range of products and gourmet gifts. They are carefully selected by Le Cordon Bleu Chefs, as well as an array of cuisine and pastry equipment
• 1 student area with multimedia equipment and large library. Find a wide selection of international culinary books and magazines
• Le Cordon Bleu Café gives students and passers by the opportunity to try a range of quality goods either on site or at home

As part of the eco-friendly design, the building’s roof features a large vegetable garden that is 800 square meters in size. Designed to be energy autonomous, the roof, vegetable garden uses heat from the kitchen hoods. That heat then heats up the green house. Rainwater is collected in a rooftop tank and used ot water th plants.

Not only to grow vegetables, but the roof garden also provides a hands-on way for students to learn about how various fruit, vegetables, herbs and edible flowers can be grown in a city environment.

Le Cordon Bleu provides students around the world training programs covering the following fields: gastronomy, wine, tourism and hotel. Choose from different lengths of programs from an initiation level up to receiving an MBA degree.

If you desire to have a career in the culinary field, then be sure to check out a Le Cordon Bleu school where you live. We enjoy sharing the latest news and food industry announcements. Be sure to stop by again and follow our luxury blog.

Photo: Le Cordon Bleu

For high-end travelers who desire the best when taking a luxury vacation, UltraVilla has added over a dozen, new luxury villas to its portfolio. Staying in a luxury villa continues to be a hot trend, as we begin to ramp up the 2016 travel season.

UltraVilla is a consortium of properties by invitation-only. The company brings together the most exclusive, luxury vacation villas, resorts, urban apartments and lodges. They are the world’s first, global rental consultancy and features the best villa experts.

UltraVilla launched last year and is founded by luxury villa, industry leaders Ileana von Hirsch of Five Star Greece, Marina Gratsos of Carpe Diem Luxury Travel, Andrew Loyd of Loyd Townsend Rose and Madelyn Byrne of Paris Perfect. Their combined expertise in luxury accommodations and advice is invaluable. It doesn’t matter whether you want a small, boutique property in rainforest of Costa Rica or a mega, luxury villa in Greece. They offer over 30 experienced members, who provide advice and recommendations about the world’s most exclusive and exciting luxury properties.

Their simple to use directory is ideal for both high-end travelers, as well as travel agents. Don’t make a mistake and blindly book a luxury villa online without doing some research.

We now want to share some of the hottest, rental properties. Take a look at these luxury villas and make it a VIP experience. Why not make your next vacation a memorable one?

Fiji:
In April, Vatuvara Private Islands will have their grand opening. Consisting of 2 islands named Kaibu and Vatuvara, they provide the perfect locale for an all-inclusive haven. These islands in Fiji’s northern Lau waters can only be accessed by private plane. Choose from 4 different, one-bedroom villas.

Costa Rica:
Later this year, Papagayo Luxury will open a gorgeous, five-suite named Villa Magayon (featured photo). This luxury villa provides direct access to the Pacific Ocean. Explore the nearby islands by kayak. This incredible, Peninsula Papagayo resort offers guests the ultimate in luxury amenities and complete privacy. .

Vista de Oro is new, OTT luxury holiday home. It is a beautiful place that was completely refurbished by the owner. You will appreciate the expansive stonework and custom tile work.

Golden Bull Estate offers outstanding Pacific views, perched from its mountain top location. Covering over 2,200 acres, this six bedroom, luxury mansion is a special place. It also features three guest bungalows. Take a dip in the free-form infinity pool or have a cocktail at the bar. To burn off some calories, be sure to try the huge, professional gymnasium. There are lots of nearby, outdoor activities to try like zipline canopy tours , hiking or taking surf lessons.

Spain:
Casa Inés is in the north-west part of Spain and one of the most stylish, luxury estates found in popular Ibiza. This estate resides on eight hectares of land. The grounds include 900 trees and surrounded by scenic terraces of olive, fruit and almond orchards. You’ll also find rolling, pine forests.

France:
Domaine de Ronsard is located in Provence. It’s one of the finest, Saint Rémy homes. The landscaped gardens consist of around 3,000 olive trees and water features. Swim in the 20-metre heated pool. This luxury home is the perfect retreat. The interior is highlighted by tile and stone floors, enduit walls and amazing, antique fireplaces. The home’s decor includes beautiful antiques that provide guests an authentic, Provence experience.

Greece:
Syros IK is represented by Five Star Greece. Located on the island of Syros, this stunning, 19th century waterfront mansion is so close to the ocean, you and see and hear the sea wave lapping the exterior walls of the house.

New Zealand:
Found in Queenstown, Jack’s Point Lake House was recently completed. It’s a spacious, four-bedroom house that’s perfect for a wonderful getaway. This Jack’s Point property is lake front and features an incredible media room, equipped with a curved plasma screen. Enjoy breath-taking views of the nearby mountains and natural preserve, from the outdoor entertaining area. It includes a wood fireplace, large hot tub, barbecue and extensive seating for that perfect social gathering or party.

Don’t just settle for a luxury hotel or resort. Beat the crowds and enjoy your next vacation in VIP style. There are amazing luxury villas located all around the world. If you want the perfect place to celebrate a honeymoon, anniversary, family gathering or a romantic getaway for two, do it the right way.

The Life of Luxury can help plan and book your next luxury vacation. Choose from the world’s best luxury villas. Stop back soon and read more travel industry articles on our luxury blog.

Photo: Villa Magayon