Each year Venice, Italy comes alive with carnival celebrations and cultural events all across this historical Italian city.

2015 Venice Carnival is expected to be the best event ever. It’s the ideal way explore Italy and enjoy a candlelight dinner in the most charming Palaces of Venice, take a gondola down the world famous Grand Canal, be a guest at exclusive Mask Ball Parties and truly enjoy the magical nights of Carnival.

We wanted to share two luxury programs for 2015 Venice Carnival, that you don’t want to miss:

Ballo Tiepolo
Date: Thursday February 12th, 2015
Hours: 8 pm – 2 am

The main event of the Venice Carnival is the popular costume program. This amazing masked ball allows guests to enter into the magic world of 18th century Venice. You will overlook the famous Grand Canal be among numerous frescos from G.B. Tiepolo and other artists of that era. It’s an entertainer’s dream with musical performers, actors, and dancers plus you will feast at welcome cocktail and the fine dining experience. dinner. This year’s dinner menu will be created by a Michelin star chef!

The theme of this year’s Venice Carnival masked ball is centered around Marco Polo and his journey from Venice and the unexplored territories of Asia.

Dress code: Period costume

——————————————–

Carnival Dream – Celebration of Love
Dates: Saturday February 14th, 2015
Hours: 8.30 pm – 1 am

In the historic Hall of the Ridotto, which is the heart of many extravagant carnivals during the 18th century will host the most elegant

party of the Carnival of Venice. “Carnival Dream” is a lively theatre music performance in English. Be entertained with masks, singers, a live orchestra and even artists on stilts.

Dress code: period costume

——————————————–

Travel Itinerary for 2015 Venice Carnival is as follows:

DAY 1:
Transfer from the airport with a private taxi boat.
Afternoon at Leisure
Dinner in a Starred Restaurant

DAY 2 :
1 hour boat tour
2 hour guided City tour
Light Lunch
Costume selection
Masquerade Ball and dinner

DAY 3:
Morning at Leisure
Transfer to the airport with a private taxi boat.
Luxury Services

Private transfer from and to the airport with private Taxi Boat
Accommodation in a double room in a 5 stars hotel
One dinner in a Starred Restaurant
Invitations for two to the Ball
24 hour English speaking assistance

If you are interested in booking a trip to Venice, Italy and experience Venice Carnival – contact us today. We can help plan and book your entire itinerary. Come back often to follow this luxury blog and read about the latest luxury travel industry news and package deals.

It doesn’t matter whether you are searching for over-the-top suite accommodations or a steamy Fifty Shades of Romance package, we have something for everybody this Valentine’s Day.

Make it a perfect mini holiday vacation and leave all the stress of your daily life behind. Love is in the air and it’s calling you!

The London – West Hollywood
This Valentine’s Day, enjoy uninhibited, luxurious love (or lust) at The London West Hollywood (photo above). This luxury hotel is offering their “As Suite as it Gets” experience. Stay in the hotel’s newly unveiled, lavish Gate Suites, part of a $25 million property-wide renovation.

The property’s palatial rooms (ranging from 1,425 – 1,975 square feet), extravagant amenities and unparalleled panoramic views of the Los Angeles skyline, set the mood for a night to be remembered. Couples will be treated to an hour long in-room couples massage, a hand drawn bath by a bath butler in the suite’s ultra-luxe bathroom, which encompasses a walk-in shower with two showerheads and a large separate

soaking tub, Meringue Kisses and rose champagne delivered upon arrival, as well as breakfast at Gordon Ramsay at The London West Hollywood.

Pricing for the “As Suite as it Gets” package is $3,319 + tax per night for 2 people. It’s available February 13, 14 and 15, 2015. A secondary package option, in a standard suite, is also available and priced at $719 + tax per night for 2 people.

————————————————–

The James-Chicago, Miami & New York
The James understands that traveling with your beloved companion, even if they happen to have paws, should be just as an enjoyable experience for your beloved pets as it is for humans. The James has been welcoming guests with pets to their residentially-styled luxury hotels in Chicago, Miami and New York since 2006. With innovative pet accommodations and whimsical treats to share, The James invites guests to stay with their furry companions to enjoy a relaxing and fun-filled Valentine’s Day weekend.

In-room Pet Amenities Include –
· Curated pet menus from the hotels’ renowned chefs from David Burke’s Primehouse (Chicago), David Burke Kitchen (NYC) and Florida Cookery

(MIA)
· Water bowls with floor mats
· A litter box (feline occupancy)
· “Pet in residence” door hanger and a lint brush
· Partnerships with local pet boutiques: Guests receive a 15% discount at the Tails in the City boutique in Chicago and the Dog Bar boutique in Miami
· Special hotel furnishings in guestrooms with special amenities

————————————————–

The Conrad-New York
The Conrad New York (102 North End Avenue) VIP Valentine’s Day special is a $10,000 all-inclusive package that includes round-trip private luxury car transfers to/ from the airport; lavish accommodations in the 1,500 square-foot Conrad Suite; a customized present for that special someone from David Yurman, ordered and designed with your own “personal shopper” prior to your stay.

Fly around in style on a private “New Yorker” Helicopter tour for two over Manhattan; din ewith a special Valentine’s Day tasting menu dinner with wine prepared and presented by Executive Chef Antonio Cardoso in the intimate Dining Room of the Conrad Suite; Dom Perignon Champagne Toast after dinner at the hotel’s Loopy Doopy Rooftop Bar, reserved specially for two with blankets & candles.

Receive a one-of-Kind floral arrangement from BLOOM, in-room upon arrival along with a bottle of champagne accompanied by chocolate-covered strawberries; and full hot breakfast-in-bed for two.

————————————————–

Eden Roc – Miami Beach
The stunning Eden Roc Miami Beach hotel is offering an exclusive, couples-only package dedicated to the premiere of the steamy, much anticipated film, Fifty Shades of Grey. This incredible package is available through February 28th, 2015.

The “Fifty Shades of Romance” Valentine’s Day Package includes:
– Accommodations in an oceanfront suite with one king bed in Eden Roc’s Ocean Tower
– 20% off in room dining and one complimentary bottle of champagne at dinner
– Welcome “Red Room of Pain” cocktails at Eden Roc’s Lobby Bar
– Chocolate covered strawberries provided in room
– Shopping Experience at Eberjey lingerie shop
– Two tickets to the Fifty Shades of Grey at Regal Cinemas South Beach
– “Laters, Baby” Do Not Disturb signs for door
– Array of complimentary products for couples in a kit placed on the bed at turndown

————————————————–

The Carlton Hotel – New York
The Carlton Hotel has partnered with Broadway’s “Honeymoon In Vegas.” This historic New York City hotel is nestled in the heart of Manhattan’s NoMad District, is please to partner with Broadway’s newest hit show – “Honeymoon in Vegas.” This exclusive hotel package is available to hotel guests and will feature a transformation of the hotel’s Broadway Diva specialty suite into a themed “Honeymoon in Vegas” suite complete with one-of-a-kind items from the show.

The Broadway Diva Suite at the Carlton Hotel will be transformed into the “Honeymoon in Vegas” suite from Jan. 15 through Feb. 28, 2015.

Guests booking the Broadway Diva Suite package during this time will enter a room resplendent with “Honeymoon in Vegas”-themed decor including framed production photos, signed Playbills, branded playing cards and props from the show including an over-sized Champagne bottle as used in the play, fake cocktails, poker accessories and more. Package elements additionally include two tickets to “Honeymoon in Vegas” on Broadway, dinner for two at the hotel’s on-site restaurant Millesime, and a welcome amenity inclusive of one bottle of Prosecco, Lucky

Lovers Message Dice and “Honeymoon in Vegas” branded playing cards. Those guests booking the branded suite over Valentine’s Day weekend, Feb. 12-15, will additionally receive a special opportunity to propose onstage at the conclusion of the Broadway show.

Package rates for Carlton’s “Honeymoon in Vegas” suite during this time period start at $899 plus tax available for booking Thursday through Sunday only.

————————————————–

If you are interested in a last minute Valentine’s Day getaway, please contact us today. We can assist you in planning and booking your entire itinerary. Follow our luxury blog to read about the latest luxury travel industry news and special package deals.

Photo: The London West Hollywood

St. Tropez is a a Provençal town located in southeastern France. This coastal town comes alive in summer with an endless number of activities that are enjoyed by wealthy tourists and celebrities

You can find supercars racing into the center of St. Tropez and lavish parties with terrific food and fine champagne.

To fully enjoy St. Tropez and stay at a luxury, consider Villa Cap Bastide. To vacation at Villa Cap Bastide provides the unique mix of luxury amenities and a serene family setting. The luxury Villa Cap Bastide is close to the bustling town center in addition to the areas finest beaches, including Tahiti beach which is one of St. Tropez’ most famous private beaches.

As a family property, Villa Cap Bastide offers guests almost 3,000 square meters well landscaped gardens, plus a large but shallow, private swimming pool.

Security and safety is always a concern for traveling families. This luxury villa provides a secure grounds perimeter. This allows children to enjoy the large playground and parents some peace of mind.

Adults can socialize and enjoy the private bar or relax and sit outdoors one of the property’s terraces. Head into St. Tropez for an incredible fine dining experience the party all night long at one of the city’s lively bars.

Live like the rich and famous and enjoy St. Tropez holiday with a stay at the all-inclusive family paradise – Villa Cap Bastide.

To learn more or book a reservation at Villa Cap Bastide, contact The Life of Luxury. We can assist plan your entire St. Tropez vacation. Return soon to read about other premier vacation hot spots in our luxury blog.

The BAUERs Hotel is a luxury, five-star property located in magical Venice, Italy. This amazing hotel features an art-deco style and is one of the most luxurious hotels found anywhere in the world.

In February, The BAUERS will present its fourth annual Carnival event. It’s a tribute to La Marchesa Luisa Casati, the eccentric Italian heiress of the early 20th-century. Casati inspired numerous, Italian artists including Boccioni, Marinetti and D’Annunzio.

The Carnival event will be held starting Saturday February 7th and runs through Saturday, February 14th, 2015. This special occasion will be at The BAUERs Hotel’s Grand Canal Terrace.

The fourth edition of the Venetion Carnival will be a memorable night of incredible theatrical performances, led by famous Maestro De Luigi. Enjoy authentic music, dance and great tasting food.

La Marchesa Luisa Casati was once quoted “I want to be a living work of art.” The Venetion Carnival at the The BAUERs Hotel hopes to bring her visionary spirit to life.

You can experience parcours through the city of Venice tha is also being professionally filmed as a short movie. This is a wonderful idea for a spectacular souvenir of your stay. Of course you will want to immerse yourself and dress in costume.

If you have never stayed at The BAUERs Il Palazzo, you must. This oppulant boutique hotel offers its guests an unforgettable experience.

Enjoy five star luxury service and amenities, surrounded by the culture and beauty of romantic Venice.

Pricing for a stay at The BAUERs begin at 650 euros per night.

If you would like to visit Venice, Italy and stay at The BAUERs Il Palazzo luxury hotel, please contact The Life of Luxury. Read about other luxury travel packages by following our luxury blog.

Italy has long, rich history of culture and incredible castles. Dozens of private castles across Italy are now up for sale.

Dimitri Corti is the CEO of Lionard Luxury Real Estate, and says his firm currently has 37 castles for sale, but there are over 70 throughout Italy in their portfolio.

So what’s driving the abundance of private castles? Corti states, “The high maintenance costs and the increasing tax burden on properties have convinced many owners, whose properties have often been in the family for generations to evaluate sales opportunities aimed at the foreign market.”

Prices for a private castle ranges from €1,200 to €8,500 per square metre for properties of great charm and value, in perfect condition,. Some tof the castles for sale are already being used as a tourist accommodation, or as a farm.

Two, great historical figures from Dante’s Divine Comedy are Farinata degli Uberti (c. 1212-1264) who was one of the damned souls in Hell, and the Sienese noblewoman Sapia Salvani (c. 1210 -1278), who was one of the envious souls in Purgatory. Both these characters are associated with two castles in Tuscany – Castello di Sapia near Siena and Castello di Tavolese near Florence. Now you can purchase one of these famous castles and become part of history.

Piedmontis the city where yo uwill find the best value properties. For example, one of the most eye-catching castles in the Monferrato area is surrounded by a park with age-old trees, 5,962 square metres of perfectly-restored indoor space, and a sixteenth century guesthouse. The asking price for this castle is about €7 million.

Another example is Acquabella that is located in the gorgeous setting of the Vallombrosa Nature Reserve, near the Abbey of the same name. The castle has been restored to perfection, boasting a total of about 5,000 square metres of indoor space.

An early 20th-century castle found on the coast between Livorno and Castiglioncello, provide stunning sea views. This castle has 700 square metres of indoor space over four floors and two crenellated towers. The castle property features a lush park with palm trees, oaks, age-old pines and exotic plants.

On sale for for €2.5 million is another property – Castello di Sapia. This castle was named after a main character in an episode of Canto XIII of Dante’s Purgatory. Located near Monteriggioni, Italy, this castle is nestled in the timeless countryside, but does need a complete restoration.

For those with a bigger budget and wanting a luxury castle, there were several that range in price between €10 and €20 million or more.

In Lombardy, you’ll find several manor houses for sale, including an impressive castle near Milan. This luxurious castle (photo above) is surrounded by a circle of medieval walls, protected by a typical moat, with six crenellated towers, the castle has 8,800 square metres of indoor space with adjoining stables, chapel and private cemetery. The property features a beautiful, Italian-style garden, in addition to a large swimming pool set in a nineteenth-century bath.

One impressive is castle is Castello di Tavolese. This amazing private castle once belonged to the illustrious Farinata degli Uberti and Canigiani families, Petrarch’s mother belonging to the dynasty of the latter. The castle offers 7,676 square metres of indoor space and 62 hectares of parkland. There are also other buildings on site such as a church and several farmhouses.

If you are interested in learning more about these private castles for sale in Italy, please contact The Life of Luxury. Return to follow this luxury blog to read about other luxury real estate news and luxury properties for sale.

Located in the romantic city of Venice, Italy – The BAUERs has long been recognized as luxury hotel property with a strong family tradition that represents the true spirit of Venice.

Each year, The BAUERs hotel celebrates Christmas Eve by decorating this luxury hotel with beautiful and colorful glass ornaments. Hotel guests can experience the Christmas spirit and warmth of the winter season.

For a memorable fine dining experience, the BAUERs offers the ultimate Christmas feast that will tease and please your senses. You can enjoy the evening with a unique and delicious tasting dinner at the hotel’s own De Pisis Restaurant. There are two entree choices – a meat and a seafood menu.

The amazing meat menu starts with a duck pie that features fruit mustard from Cremona, and an incredible game terrine with pumpkin and pomegranate. The meal’s first course includes pheasant tortellini with consommé and black truffles and then followed by a delicious serving of roast beef with cream of Jerusalem artichokes, green pepper, and Balsamic vinegar sauce. This unbelievable holiday meal finishes with a truly, classic and irreplaceable Christmas Italian dessert – Panettone, with a tasty tangerine flan with pistachio ice cream.

The sensational seafood menu begins with fried and marinated mackerel and red prawns, and orange flavored chicory and cream chickpeas, and next a black ink tagliolini with cuttlefish and venus clams. The dinner’s main course is a fresh, almond-crusted fillet of turbot with broccoli and a seven-spice sauce, followed by a typical Christmas dessert, such as a chocolate log.

Each dinner menu pairs ideally with a post-dinner stroll around this luxurious hotel. Enjoy viewing the atmosphere and unmatched beauty of Christmas at The BAUERs.

The evening’s dress code requires a jacket.
When: December 24th and 25th, 2014
Where: Ristorante De Pisis at The BAUERs hotel in Venice, Italy
Cost: 120 euros per person, wines excluded ­ VAT included

Please contact The Life of Luxury to book your travel reservation at The BAUERs in Venice, Italy for their Christmas holiday dinner. Return often to read about other luxury travel packages and industry news by following this luxury blog.

Now is your chance to own a luxury property in beautiful Highlands of Scotland. Up for sale is an amazing golf and spa resort.

Located on one of Scotland’s most important privately-owned historic castle estates, you can purchase outright ownership
and fractional ownership properties in the unique Highland Tay Retreat development.

This investment opportunity is an ideal real estate investment in Perthshire in the Scottish Highlands. Property investors can enjoy on-site facilities plus spacious, luxury properties.

The Highland Tay Retreat is found in one of the most beautiful areas in the entire British Isles. It’s only minutes north-east of the picturesque village of Kenmore in Perth and Kinross and just over an hour from the historic city of Edinburgh.

Here is a a summary of what is available at the historic Highland Tay Retreat Taymouth Castle
– 13th Fractional Ownership of a freehold property
– Located within Taymouth Castle
– Own a luxury hotel suite in Taymouth Castle’s East Wing
– Outright Freehold Ownership of a property in Highland Tay Retreat
– Each owner receives a rental return of 10% of the purchase price per annum for 2 years from completion
– Impressive onsite facilities for full relaxation and enjoyment of the splendor of the Highlands
– Rental returns paid from solicitor’s escrow account
– Alternatively, you can use your property for up to 4 weeks per year.
– Facilities including an 18-hole golf course designed by James Braid (who created Gleneagles, which hosted the 2014 Ryder Cup), fishing on the River Tay and much more, including a world-class spa.

Inside the castle, Francis Bernasconi who is known as the greatest designer of fine plasterwork of the era, created a central staircase that rises up 100 feet through all four stories of the central tower. In addition, many of the castle’s ceilings were painted by Cornelius Dixon.

The scenic River Tay is the longest river found in Scotland and is famous for its Atlantic salmon. The river runs right through the castle grounds, making it a terrific place for great fishing.

So now you can own a property within the walls of a legendary Scottish castle along with an incredible hotel suite.

Pre-launch pricing for the Scotland’s Highland Tay Retreat Taymouth Castle is:
Property outright starts at £357,500 instead of £390,000
Fractional membership starts at £27,500 instead of £30,000

If you are interested in learning more about purchasing the Highland Tay Retreat Taymouth Castle in Scotland, please contact The Life of Luxury today. Be alerted to other luxury real estate announcements by following this popular luxury blog.

Remy Martin has announced they plan to open their first members club – La Maison Remy Martin. The club will is ideal for cognac lovers but will only be open between November 25 and December 6, 2014 in London, England.

The new club will consist of two bars serving Remy Martin cognacs and offer creative workshops plus the chance to meet talented craftsmen of London.

The La Maison Rémy Martin concept will be a first for any cognac brand but access is extremely limited. The cognac club will only be accessible for members only and personally invited by Remy Martin. For the public, if you want a chance to attend, there will be a competition where 100 lucky people can win the chance to become a member of La Maison Remy Martin.

Located in the SoHo area of London, La Maison Remy Martin can be found at 19 Greek Street and will cover all four floors of the building. On the first floor, members can experience the VSOP Bar & Lounge and enjoy the work of five talented mixologists from London. These are five of the every best and include Erik Lorincz from The American Bar at The Savoy, Alex Kratena from the Artesian and Agostino Perrone from The Connaught Bar. They will develop an inspiring cocktail menu specifically designed for La Maison Rémy Martin.

The club’s second floor will host the “Cognathèque”, whch is a retail space that features a gorgeous seating area. Mmebers can sample and buy Rémy Martin cognacs that are currently sold around the world. worldwide. Also enjoy a Rémy Martin cognac masterclass to be hosted by the International Brand Ambassadors of the house.

The third floor will host “L’Atelier Rémy Martin” which is an exclusive space where Remy Martin will collaborate with selected lifestyle brands to offer creative workshops. You can also view selected pieces of Remy Martin’s latest Futur Heritage project in partnership with ECAL,

On the fourth floor of the La Maison Remy Martin club is the Remy Martin XO lounge. The bar provides an opportunity to try Remy Martin XO serves.

If you are interested in visiting the La Maison Remy Martin in London, and taste some of the best cognacs in the world, please contact us for more information or visit lamaison.remymartin.com. Follow this popular luxury blog to read about the latest luxury industry news.

The K Club is the first AA Five Red Star property in Ireland. Located in Kildare, this luxurious country retreat sits on 550 acres of pristine parkland on a private piece of land on the scenic River Liffey.

Found on the property grounds is the incredible Straffan House, 34,000-sq-ft country home. For the upcoming Christmas holiday season, a stay at the Straffan House will be a truly VIP experience.

Some of the luxury amenities, enjoy a personal car and driver for shopping in Dublin or nearby Kildare Village designer shopping outlets; a lavish private gourmet Christmas dinner served by their own dedicated staff; a beautifully adorned Christmas tree and decorations throughout the residence, in addition to a personal visit from Santa Claus who arrives Christmas Morning to deliver gifts for everyone.

Straffan House features ten ensuite rooms plus a dining room that can seat 16 people. The house’s rich plush decor is stunning place relax near a crackling fireplace for warmth.

Straffan House also offers a state-of-the-art movie theater, private wine cellar, plus an indoor pool with swim-up bar.

Celebrate this amazing Christmas experience in style with different packages to choose from. Feast on a full Irish breakfast each morning in addition to a delicious Christmas Eve dinner in the River Room. Get in the festive mood with Carol Singing with Mulled wine and try a piece of Mince Pie on Christmas Eve. Each guestroom also includes a Christmas tree!

On Christmas Day, Santa Claus arrives in a horse-drawn carriage bringing holiday gifts for all. Kids can then enjoy a holiday treasure hunt and duck races on the beautiful River Liffey.

K Club Resort

The K Club is a perfectly restored 19th -century Georgian mansion with 69 luxury rooms. Guests who enjoy golf can play on one or both Arnold Palmer-designed championship courses: The Palmer Course has
hosted the 2006 Ryder Cup and is considered one of the best courses in Europe. The Palmer Smurfit Course hosted the European Open between 1995 and 2007.

Hotel reservations at the Straffan House do require a five night minimum stay, beginning December 23 at a rate of $20,000 USD per night.

If you are interested in staying at the either the The K Club or Straffan House, please contact The Life of Luxury. We can help book your entire travel reservation. Learn about other luxury travel deals like this by reading our luxury blog.

The holiday season is quickly approaching. For those traveling to Switzerland this year, be sure to visit the iconic Montreux Noel Christmas market.

Montreux Noel is a traditional Christmas market that allows visitors to stroll and stop at the many stalls and buy food, drink, Christmas decorations and other crafts. It’s a wonderful family atmosphere and a chance to remember what the holiday should really be all about.

The alpine city of Montreux comes alive between the dates of November 21 and December 24, 2014. This year marks the 20th edition of the most beautiful Christmas market in Switzerland – Montreux Noel.

It’s expected that close to 500,000 visitors will come to Montreux, which has an elevation of 2,042 meters. Around 150 Swiss chalets on the lakeside of Montreux will be lit up and provide a magical experience for all who attend Montreux Noel.

Lausanne’s Christmas market is named Les Fêtes de Nöel Lausanne and features 50 illuminated chalets that will be set up in Place Saint-François.

In addition, Lausanne Lumières is a series of incredible, artist-created light sculptures that have been located all around the city. Visitors can enjoy the light installations between November 21 and December 31, 2014.

If you are interested to traveling to Switzerland and enjoy the traditional Christmas markets including Montreux Noel, please contact The Life of Luxury today. We can help you plan out and book your entire luxury travel itinerary. Read out luxury blog to follow travel industry news.

Hotel de Rougemont is a family-style hotel that can be found in the heart of the alpine village of Rougement in Switzerland. Hotel de Rougemont is scheduled to open this December, 2014.

As the most dramatic new hotel opening in the Swiss Alps this winter season, the gorgeous Hotel de Rougemont is a stylish four-star luxury hotel.

Although the chalet-style exterior of the new Swiss Alps hotel blends in with the traditional village chalets that date back four centuries, the interior of the new hotel is a fresh, hip, modern take on alpine décor.

The interior design consists of pale wood paneling, local stone, marble plus inventive lighting. Hotel de Rougemont will offer guests a total of 33 rooms and suites that are bright with a minimalist look, yet with a touch of mid-century modern.

For relaxation, Hotel de Rougemont will feature a spa and indoor lap pool. Guest will enjoy a wine bar, large lounge with tapas service, cigar lounge, in addition to a fine dining restaurant.

The boutique hotel and spa can be found only minutes from ski lifts leading to 150 miles of Alpine slopes and endless hours of terrific skiing or snowboarding.

The village Rougement in Switzerland is renowned for its undeniable tranquility plus gentle pace of life.

If you are interested in traveling to Switzerland and would like to stay at the new Hotel de Rougemont, please contact us. One of our experienced luxury travel agents can assist planning and booking your travel itinerary. Read about other new hotels and the latest travel industry news by following this popular luxury blog.