Lark Hotels owns a collection of boutique hotels, primarily in the Northeast region of the United States, including properties in Maine, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire. They also own one property in Mendocino, California. A new luxury lodge in Vermont is scheduled to open October 1st – Field Guide.

Field Guide becomes the newest boutique hotel in scenic Stowe, Vermont. The new hotel will have a rustic, yet modern design that blends perfectly with the aesthetic of the historic city of Stowe. One change for Lark Hotels in choosing Stowe, the new hotel becomes the first, non-coastal property location and the twelfth in their collection. Later this year, The Merchant boutique hotel with 11 rooms will open Salem, Massachusetts.

Field Guide will offer guests 17 standard guest rooms, plus ten suites and three private-entrance cottages. It will quickly become a great place to stay and be central to everything Vermont has to offer. Enjoy a wonderful vacation experience from the site of the former Ye Olde England Inn.

Rob Blood is CEO of Lark Hotels and was quoted, “Field Guide was conceived and curated for active, curious adventurers who seek the relaxed, modern, and playful style that has become our signature. We fell in love with the bones of Ye Olde England Inn and are excited to share this next chapter with our guests. The hotel is just minutes from the slopes, trails, and main village, and almost any other activity you can imagine.”

What makes each Lark Hotel property so unique in the travel industry, is their goal of providing guests the ability to experience modern luxury, centrally located in an iconic destination. Enjoy your surroundings with a variety of luxury amenities and high-level of service.

Field Guide hotel guests can enjoy a year-round hot tub and seasonal heated pool, spa treatment room, in addition to meeting and event spaces. If you want to unwind, then spend time in the rustic lounge where you can relax in front of a warm, inviting fire or play games or read from a collection of vintage field guides.

For foodies, enjoy a daily, curated breakfast consisting of small plates, which has become a signature of Lark Hotels. Scheduled to open in the winter of 2016, a new restaurant will add a great dining experience to the luxury lodge.

The interior of Filed Guide was created by Boston-based interior designer – Rachel Reider. Her bold style has been recognized with numerous design awards. Her design style includes blending together unique textiles and finishes with a gorgeous color palette, such as gold, green, dusky purple, orange and gray. The colors perfectly compliment the hotel’s furnishings including live edge wooden headboards, silver leaf tree stump end tables and bathroom walls made from reclaimed wood. A unique touch that captures the natural setting of Stowe, Vermont is Reider’s use of unique wallpaper designs. For example, one style feels and looks like birth wood. Then to expand, tree limbs with perched birds are juxtaposed along with papier mâché and cardboard animal heads, antlers and even vintage travel guides of the Vermont area.

Rates at the new Field Guide hotel will range between $139 to $519 per night depending on the season of the year and room type. Get additional information at www.fieldguidestowe.com

The Life of Luxury would like to help plan and book your magical getaway to Vermont and a stay at the new Field Guide boutique hotel in Stowe. If you like reading about new hotel openings and terrific luxury travel destinations, then come back often to follow this luxury blog.

Photo: Lark Hotels

You’re about to get married and can’t wait for the incredible wedding. All the work involved prior to the wedding can be quite stressful. But you also would like to enjoy a luxury experience before saying “I Do.” We wanted to share some amazing packages from the luxury Mirbeau Inn & Spa.

There are actually two wonderful locations to find the French-inspired Mirbeau Inn & Spa – the first is in Plymouth, Massachusetts and the other in Skaneateles, New York.

The Mirbeau Inn & Spa has become one of the top destinations for intimate weddings, unique wellness amenities, as well as romantic getaways for lovers. Offering the best in French country living, the luxury inn in the Finger Lakes Region of New York State is pure heaven and offers guests 34 stunning rooms. Enjoy endless luxury amenities such personal fireplaces, which are perfect especially during the winter months as snow gently falls outside your window.

The Pinehills, Mirbeau Inn & Spa at The Pinehills is a gorgeous, destination retreat offering 50 luxury rooms. This property features the award winning 14,000-square-foot Spa Mirbeau that includes the state-of-the art fitness center.

For the perfect VIP experience, try the “Must Do’s Before ‘I Do'” six-month packages at the Mirbeau Inn & Spa. Each of these well thought out, luxury packages offer the ultimate in pampering and self indulgence for that beautiful bride. The packages are designed to make her feel her best, both inside and out. Guys don’t worry, there are many options for you too.

Each program consists of a one-on-one nutritional consultation, manicure and pedicure for the engaged couple, a thorough skin analysis, personally crafted training sessions, bridal makeup, as well as facials designed to make your skin healthy and glowing.

At the conclusion of each program session, brides-to-be can indulge with complimentary fitness classes and use of the inn’s spa equipment, soak in whirlpool, unwind in the heated foot pool and sit in comfy lounge chairs. For grooms who prefer other services and amenities, the Inn’s spa staff can help design custom programs just for you!

If your mother-of-the-bride, bridesmaid or groom want to enjoy other services, they are entitled to 20% off all spa treatments.

The “Must Do’s Before ‘I Do'” six-month programs offer clients an incredible, VIP style experience and consists of the following:

Mirbeau Inn & Spa at The Pinehills (Plymouth, Mass.):

Six months out:
· One 50-minute Mirbeau Signature Facial with skin analysis and Babor product recommendations for home regimen
· One-hour personal training session to assess health and fitness goals
· One nutritional counseling session

Five months out:
· One 50-minute Skin-Renewal Therapy Cosmeceutical Peel, which combines glycolic and lactic acids to increase cell renewal
· One-hour personal training session

Four months out:
· One 50-minute Skin Performance Cosmeceutical Facial designed to brighten skin
· One-hour personal training session

Three months out:
· One 50-minute Skin-Renewal Therapy Cosmeceutical Peel
· Take-home regimen of recommended fluid intake for the following two months
· One-hour personal training session

Two months out:
· One 50-minute Mirbeau Signature Facial
· Bridal makeup trial
· One-hour personal training session

Day before:
· One 50-minute Couple’s Massage
· Couple’s manicure and pedicure for the couple

Day of:
· Deep-conditioning treatment, blowout and style for bride (not including updos)
· Makeup application for bride

· Champagne toast

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Mirbeau Inn & Spa (Skaneateles, N.Y.):
Six months out:
· One 50-minute Vinosource Facial to enrich and nourish skin, and Caudalie products recommended for at-home regimen
· One-hour personal training session to asses health and fitness goals
· One nutritional consultation

Five months out:
· One 50-minute Vinoperfect Facial to promote radiance and vitality to the skin
· One-hour personal training session

Four months out:
· One 50-minute Premier Cru Facial for unparalleled anti-aging results
· One-hour personal training session

Three months out:
· One 50-minute Vinoperfect Facial
· One-hour personal training session

Two months out:
· One 50-minute Vinosource Facial
· One-hour personal training session

Day before:
· 50-minute Couple’s Massage
· Classic Pedicure and Manicure for the bride
· Men’s Hand and Foot Treatment for the groom

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The above programs are both priced at only $1,500 – gratuities are not included.

Make your wedding memorable and try to relive the stress with one of the “Must Do’s Before ‘I Do'” programs at either Mirbeau Inn & Spa locations. Be sure to contact The Life of Luxury and we can help plan and book your travel stay. Return often to follow our luxury blog and stay on top of the latest luxury travel news and hear about unbelievable VIP packages.

Photo: Mirbeau Inn & Spa

Just announced are four, new one-bedroom Executive Suites that have been remodeled at the Corinthia Hotel Budapest in Hungary. This 5 star hotel in Budapest makes for an ideal destination to enjoy all the cultural city of Budapest offers.

The new one-bedroom Executive Suites offer the perfect blend of elegant and spacious interiors. Each suite measures 70 m2 in size. The suite decor consists of new lighting and the perfect mix of both furniture and materials. Sophisticated clientele staying at the Corinthia Hotel Budapest won’t be disappointed and will enjoy the true, VIP experience look and feel.

The large living quarters of each Executive Suite are luxurious. There are two, separate bathrooms – each with a bathtub, shower plus roomy walk-in wardrobe. In addition, each luxury suite includes a media hub, two interactive 24 inch LCD TVs, Nespresso coffee machine, plus luxurious new furniture. The suite’s walls are adorned with neutral shades of light grey and taupe.

We love the gorgeous glass panel that contrast with the velvety flooring and luxury bedding. The modern interior design is perfect and the bright spaces are very inviting. They just ooze luxury from the moment you step inside of these new, one-bedroom Executive Suites at the Corinthia Hotel Budapest.

General Manager at the Corinthia Hotel Budapest is Jean Pierre Mifsud and was quoted, “This major renovation proves our dedication to the constant development and investment in guest comfort, so we are better able to provide our guests with world class and personalized service. We wanted to tip a hat to the rich, historic feel of the Corinthia Hotel Budapest, but also ensure the new suites have a contemporary feel. Our goal was to give guests the sense that while they are walking into a modern setting, they quickly understand that this is a timeless design.”

Hotel guests that stay in one of the newly remodeled Executive Suites, will enjoy complimentary access to both the hotel’s Royal Spa and Executive Lounge. The Roal Spa features a large 15-meter pool, saunas, Jacuzzis plus a steam bath. After a busy day of sightseeing and experiencing all that Budapest has to offer, it’s time to get pampered in the luxury spa. The spa has utilized the city’s rich, historical traditions of healing waters and spas. Unwind with ESPA’s cutting-edge skincare treatments and technologies.

In the Executive Lounge, hotel guests are treated to complimentary access and can enjoy private check-in and check-out. Try a complimentary welcome drink, in addition to a wide selection of complimentary snacks, canapés, and drinks that are served all day long.

The new Executive Suites are priced at €699 per night, which is about $780.16 US. VAT is extra per night.

Are you interested in visiting Budapest, Hungary and staying at the luxury Corinthia Hotel Budapest? The Life of Luxury can assist you with all your travel plans. Be sure to return often and follow this luxury blog to read about the latest luxury travel news and package deals.

Photo: Corinthia Hotel Budapest

Francesca Bortolotto Possati is the current CEO of The Bauers Hotel chain in Venice, Italy. These luxury hotels are often the top choice for someone wanting to stay in an opulent property while vacationing in Venice.

But Francesca Bortolotto Possati is also a renowned female hotelier and has offered her luxurious guide to the romantic city of Venice, Italy. Francesca is an author, interior designer, foodie and a highly respected philanthropist.

Her insight into Italian culture is captivating as well as her strong management skills as the CEO of The Bauers Hotel group. Her grandfather was a nearby shipbuilder and also bought and remodeled the first Bauer hotel in 1930. As CEO, Francesca has expanded the company from investment in three additional luxury hotels. They include – Bauers L’Hotel and Bauers Il Palazzo in Venice, and additionally the Bauers Palladio and lastly, the Villa F on Giudecca Island.

Francesca Bortolotto Possati was featured in a Financial Times story titled, “How to Spend It – Diary of a Somebody.” She shared her thoughts on luxurious adventures and getting the most from visiting the romantic city of Venice. We hope you enjoy some of her suggestions during your next stay in Venice, Italy.

Bar Canale:
Relax on the outdoor Terrace during the summer, or have a cozy cup of tea in the winter. Located on Campo San Simeon Grande, Francesca explains that this is her favorite glass of white wine within the entire Bauer complex.

Rialtro Market:
Only twelve minutes from Bauer l’Hotel, this outdoor market is bustling with life and culture, “the market is an explosion of color, sights and smells.” Francesca says. Be sure to arrive before noon to see best selection of fresh fish and produce labeled with their place of origin—almost always from local islands and surrounding countryside.

Basilica Santa Maria degli Angeli:
Soaps that tell an interesting story: Francesca opened this cosmetic laboratory to make soaps, perfumes, and local cosmetics. The Basilica is part of a rehabilitation program for women in the local jail – helping them acquire a beneficial skill set at the crossroads of science and beauty.

Jesurum:
Located down the street from Bauer l’Hotel, this 100% Made In Italy exclusive household linens company focuses on providing exceptional linens for customer’s homes, yachts, and private jets. The company has an extensive history of high-end clientele, including royalty, and continues to maintain its promise of excellence through meticulous attention to detail and flawless craftsmanship. Pick up something to take back home after your stay in Venice.

Quadri:
Just a four-minute walk from the Bauer l’Hotel, this restaurant overlooks St. Mark’s Square. A quintet in the background softly accompanies your dining experience. As Francesca writes, this is one of “Venice’s chicest Michelin-starred restaurant. It is an elegant and intimate restaurant with the most impeccable service.” Ingredients are locally chosen from the Rialtro Market daily.

Bauer Palladio Hotel and Spa:
Located on the Giudecca Island, The Palladio is lavishly equipped with amenities such as spas, gardens, and dining. Francesca says, “This garden is like an oasis from the bustling streets and canals of Venice.”

Il Vivaio Gardens in Campo della Misericordi:
Bortolotto Possati explains that you need to schedule an appointment to visit to see this “hidden gem.” Her love for well-manicured green space expands as she describes her own “three-acre garden hidden behind the Palladio Hotel and Spa and Villa F, our collection of private residences and the newest addition to the portfolio on Giudecca Island.”

Burano Island:
A day excursion about an hour from the hotel, and home to the famous Burano lace, this island features brightly colored homes that reflect into the surrounding water channels. Walking alongside these neon houses, visitors will feel like they are within a piece of art.

Has it been your dream to visit the romantic city of Venice, Italy? Let The Life of Luxury plan and book your entire itinerary. We are luxury travel specialists and you can read more travel destination stories by following our popular luxury blog.

Photo: The Bauers Hotel – Venice, Italy

You may think that traditional, beekeeping methods are a thing of the past. Just don’t tell that to the luxury hotel industry.

Always looking for new ways to differentiate themselves and following the popular “farm to fork” movement popular with foodies, luxury hotels around the world are producing their own honey with various, on-property beekeeping methods.

Beekeeping has been documented going back thousands of years in history. Written records have been found from about 3000 BC in ancient Egypt, migratory beekeeping took place all up and down the iconic Nile river.

According to a story from KCRA News in Sacramento, they highlighted five luxury hotels making a buzz with their own beekeeping and honey production.

1) St. Ermin’s Hotel:
The month of September is designated as honey month at the London hotel. The house-made nectar is used in both the hotel’s food and cocktail recipes. During September, the St. Ermin’s Hotel offer guests an urban beekeeping workshop hosted by Camilla Goddard of Capital Bee.

2) The Fairmont Waterfront:
This luxury hotel in Vancouver is a leader of in-house honeybee production. Its process includes about 500,000 honeybees who use the hotel’s big, third floor terrace herb garden.

3) Waldorf Astoria:
Located high above Park Avenue in New York City, the world famous Waldorf Astoria hotel bee collection consists of about 360,000 bees. Harvested each each, the bee colony produce greater than 300 pounds of great tasting honey.

4) Mandarin Oriental:
The luxurious Mandarin Oriental in Paris, France offers its guests an eco-initiatives program. For example, if you reuse your bathroom towels, you receive a delicious jar of honey to thank you for your efforts. You’ll find the use of local produced honey in the hotel’s F&B (Food & Beverage) menu.

5) W Taipei:
Located in Taipei City, Taiwan the W Taipei hotel serves up a “detox martini” cocktail at the hotrl’s WOOBAR. The cocktail’s recipe consists of green tea-infused Belvedere vodka, Grand Marnier, yuzu juice, orange juice, sprite, plus house-made honey.

We love sharing the best travel news, like the use of local beekeeping at some of the top luxury hotels. Be sure to follow our luxury blog and stay abreast of the latest trends and popular travel destinations from around the world.

Photos: St Ermin’s Hotel

The sad death of Cecil, the famous male lion in Zimbabwe has shocked people all around the world. Although big-game trophy hunting for big cats and other wildlife is legal in Zimbabwe, the activity is still very controversial.

But luxury safaris are quite popular in Africa as tourists get the chance to go stealth and observe big cats such as lions, leopards, tigers, jaguars and cheetahs in the open. The thrill of seeing a magnificent animal in its native habitat is incredible.

For example, spotting a cheetah is usually a matter of sheer luck, since a cheetah is the fastest animal in the world. Your best bet to seeing one is in Namibia, but your odds are also high in the Sabi Sands area of South Africa.

So you want to see big cats on an African safari, what should you do? There are so many safari tour companies and individual guides to choose from. We want to share a few for you to consider. Make your African safari a VIP experience and be sure to do your homework. Understand what your safari will include such as accommodations, meals and so on so you won’t be disappointed.

Namiri Plains – Tanzania
This area camp can be found in the famous Serengeti region of Africa. For two decades the area was exclusively used by a research team from the Frankfurt Zoological Society to study big cats. This area is ideal for watching big cats such as cheetahs roam free. After an exhilerating day of animal watching, sit around the campfire and learn interesting facts from local researchers. Namiri camp offers only six tents, so you can enjoy an uncrowded experience to last a lifetime.

Serengeti Safari Camp – Tanzania
Also located Tanzania is the Serengeti Safari Camp. This is like a mobile camp as it repositions during the epic, annual wildebeest migration. It’s a great opportunity to see the various big cats since they closely follow the wildebeest migration, looking for a kill. Just the chance to observe the incredible wildebeest migration up close is a thrill. Enjoy the local beauty and view Africa’s amazing wildlife.

Chitwa Chitwa – South Africa
If you want to see leopards, then one of the best areas is the Sabi Sands in South Africa. Chitwa Chitwa is recognized as one of the best private game lodges in Kruger and the Sabi Sands area. The experienced safari guides know the terrain and how to optimize wildlife viewing, including the big cats such as lions. The camp is well run with great tasting food and excellent accommodations.

Have you dreamed of watching big cats in their natural habitat of Africa? Consider taking an African safari. The Life of Luxury can help plan and book your entire trip. If you enjoy reading about the best luxury travel destinations around the world, then please come back to follow our luxury blog.

Photo: Namiri Plains Camp

A visit to the incredible French Riviera is an unforgettable experience. We wanted to share the luxury Cap d’Antibes villa as one of the most luxurious villas you will find to stay in.

The French Riviera awaits and live in VIP style at the Cap d’Antibes Villa in France. This luxury property lied between Cannes and Nice and has 10 bedrooms and can accommodate up to 20 people. The villa has a vast living area of 760 m².

This 16th century, Provencal villa is represented by Carlton International and was recently renovated. It features huge entertainment areas so it’s perfect for those fabulous, French Riviera parties and social gatherings. The villa is perfectly located between the old town of Antibes and a short 100 meters from the scenic beach.

Outdoors, enjoy the beautifully landscaped gardens that covers about 3,500 square meters. There’s a gray color mosaic swimming pool (13m X 6m) that has a surrounding security fence.

Indoors, enjoy all the comforts of modern living at Cap d’Antibes. The main level of the villa has 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. The deluxe “Galilée” bedroom is air conditioned bedroom and has a double bed. There’s an en-suite shower room with shower, toilet and bidet). The room has both a pool and garden view. The deluxe “Josephine” bedroom is also air conditioned bedroom and has a double bed. This en-suite bathroom comes with a balneo bathtub, shower, WC and bidet). The bedroom has a garden view.

The fabulous Presidential Suite is an independent apartment with two levels. You have independent access separate from the main villa. The suite features 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms and also offers guests its own kitchen and dining room.

If you dreamed of vacationing in France and seeing the beautiful French Riviera, consider a stay at the luxury Cap d’Antibes Villa in France. We can help plan and book your luxury travel getaway. If you enjoy reading about top travel destinations around the world, keep abreast of the latest travel news with our luxury blog.

Photo: Carlton International

Another popular trend in the travel industry is foodie tourism. Driven by the popularity of TV food shows and the desire for travelers to enjoy great food and a fine dining experience, foodie tourism is hot. Luxury hotel and resorts around the world are creating fantastic opportunities and appease our gastro-pleasure desires.

Offering a collection of over 40 luxury and upscale independent hotels, resorts and residences all across the United States, Destination Hotels provides an incredible array of local, foodie programs – everything from foraging, to local farming and fishing experiences, plus get cooking tips from local chefs.

The culinary interactions being offered by Destination Hotels are all authentic. These culinary adventures are one-of-a-kind and are will deliver a memorable experience that your stomach will surely say “Thanks!”

Here’s a list of intriguing, gastronomic getaways from Destination Hotels:

Meet the Forager: The local gardener and forager at Suncadia, A Destination Hotel, guides guests through Hay Creek Garden to share secrets of the many earthy delicacies native to the area. This multi-course dinner showcases the garden’s complete summer harvest, including several types of carrots (red, yellow, purple, white), Arugula, Broccoli Raab, Mustard Greens, Snow Peas, Filet Beans, Eight-Ball Summer Squash, Edible Flowers, White Strawberries and more.

Catch, Keep & Eat King Salmon: In partnership with Cabela’s Outfitters, Fishing the Gorge and Skamania Lodge, A Destination Hotel, hotel guests have the opportunity to climb aboard a beautiful 24-foot Alumaweld Formula Vee boat for a guided King Salmon fishing experience on the Columbia River. Executive Chef Matt and Skamania’s culinary team will then turn the catch into a delicious meal for guests to enjoy fresh that night.

Pop-up Street Food Kitchen: Once a week at the Hotel De Anza, A Destination Hotel, the patio at The Satellite Kitchen is transformed into a pop-up street food kitchen that features a variety of food creations from local guest chefs. This culinary event displays new food concepts and classic favorites while highlighting the local ingredients from the San Francisco Bay Area.

Best of Land and Sea: Terranea Resort, A Destination Hotel offers a myriad of culinary experiences that immerse the senses and satisfy even the most discerning foodie, with the best of California’s coastal cuisine. Through the Farm-to-Terranea dining experience package, guests can participate in a farm tour and cooking demonstration with Terranea’s Chef Bernard, as well as a number of interactive workshops that highlight the sea salt and honey harvesting in the area. Wine and spirits sommeliers can quench their thirst at Terranea’s Pastry & Liquor pairing workshop with Executive Pastry Chef Pierino and Sommelier Szymon Piechaczek, or a wine pairing dinner at signature Mar’sel restaurant.

Orange Grove Dinner: The Orange Grove at Royal Palms Resort and Spa in Phoenix, Arizona – a luxury Destination Hotel, is an idyllic dining vignette. The original resort, built in the middle of a citrus grove at the base of Camelback Mountain, creates an intimate setting for any occasion with its farm-fresh culinary offerings and inspired craft cocktails menus.

Blue Crabbing and Farmers Market: At Wild Dunes, A Destination Hotel, guests can catch wild blue crabs on Capers Island in South Carolina, a nearby boneyard beach that is a scenic boat ride away. Guests then enjoy an authentic beachside crab boil with their catches. For those looking to explore the historic downtown Charleston with a foodie twist, a local chef will guide guests through the Farmers Market Showcase who will pick out local produce and the prepare a fresh and wholesome lunch.

How Sweet It Is: The Carolina Inn, A Destination Hotel, and local bee keeper Marty Hanks, are working together to curate organic, homemade honey at Hank’s charming five-acre farm in Orange County. These painted and decorates hives will be harvested in July for guests to use and enjoy in the award-winning Carolina Crossroads Restaurant at the Carolina Inn.

Backyard to Table: Suncadia, A Destination Hotel, has put its own spin on the Farm-to-Table movement with the Backyard-To-Table Summer Foraging Dinner at the Nelson Farm in Washington. Chef Rick Shell and his culinary team have crafted an innovative multi-course dinner inspired by the vibrant flavors of the summer season. From Eight-Ball Summer Squash, to White Strawberries, to wild foraged mushrooms — the menu highlights the area’s glorious summer produce straight from the hotel’s backyard garden, which guests handpick themselves.

Water & Wine: Guests looking to work up an appetite and truly earn those wine calories will enjoy this unique tour offered by Stowe Mountain Lodge, A Destination Hotel in partnership with nearby Boyden Valley Winery & Spirits in the renowned Green Mountains. Guests are driven to the winery’s outpost in Cambridge, VT and enjoy a 90-minute paddle in a boat of choice (kayak, paddleboards or single or tandem canoes) followed by a special private winery tour. A wine tasting and a platter of fresh Vermont cheddar cheeses along with French bread will be provided as a reward for the hard work endured on the lake, and a guide will transport guests back to the car at the winery tour conclusion. Located in a restored 1875 carriage barn, Boyden Valley Winery is steeped in culture and agriculture heritage and offers 8,000 grapevines and 300 acres of maple trees tended to by the same family for four generations. Each wine features only the finest locally grown fruit from the loamy soils of the Lamoille River Valley.

In addition to the above foodie programs by Destination Hotels, the award winning travel company also also features 20 renowned golf courses, 19 indigenous spas, in addition to 105 exceptional bars and restaurants.

If a foodie experience at one of the Destination Hotels is what you’ve been wanting to try, please contact The Life of Luxury and we can help plan and book your entire luxury travel reservation. Enjoy a true VIP experience. Keep up with all the latest fine dining and travel news, by returning to this luxury blog.

Photot: Royal Palms Resort and Spa / Destination Hotels

Pikaia Lodge is the first luxury lodge built in the Galapagos Islands and provides the perfect combination of the great outdoors and also wonderful indoors.

The Incredible Galapagos Islands lie off the coast of Ecuador. Of course, we know researcher Charles Darwin made his historic visit to the Galapagos Islands back in 1835. Based on his observations of the island’s various species, Darwin developed his theory of evolution.

As a luxury eco-lodge, Pikaia Lodge on the uplands of beautiful Santa Cruz Island features 14 rooms. This luxury resort actually sits upon a plateau between the craters of two extinct volcano, but offers all the luxury amenities one expects for a high-end property.

Pikaia Lodge opened in October of 2014, but already has become a top destination for those you want to experience the wonders of the Galapagos Islands first hand. The lodge takes pride in being environmentally conscious and offers 270-degree views of the Pacific Ocean and neighboring islands of the Galapagos archipelago. The resort is also one of the most advanced green lodges found anywhere in the world.

The 76 acre estate was designed in a contemporary style and built from recyclable steel, beautiful natural stone and glass. The lodge floors are made from bamboo and the gorgeous furniture was made from Ecuadorian teak.

One of the impressive amenities is lodge guests can use a eight-cabin yacht that’s 100 foot in length. Named the M/Y Pikaia, take the air-conditioned, luxury yacht for an overnight excursion and cruise to the outer range of the reaches of the impressive Galapagos Islands.

One of the greatest treats about staying at this luxury lodge is the chance to see the famous giant tortoises in person. Pikaia Lodge even has its very own private Tortoise Reserve on their property.

If you are ready for a true VIP experience and staying at Pikaia Lodge in the Galapagos Islands, please conatct us today. We can help book your luxury travel trip. Enjoy reading about luxury travel destinations? Come back and follow this luxury blog for the best in luxury living.

Photo: Pikaia Lodge

Most air travelers don’t have to deal with the hassle of transporting animals. If you are one of them, New York City’s JFK Airport is trying to make the process a little easier – offering the world’s first, luxury animal terminal – The ARK at JFK.

According to the website, ARK Development, LLC, a Racebrook Portfolio Company is developing The ARK at JFK. It’s planned to become a complete and multi-purpose animal handling and air cargo facility, located at world famous John F. Kennedy International Airport in New York City.

Once completed, The ARK at JFK will become the world’s first privately owned animal terminal. The animal terminal will be USDA-approved and offer a full-service, 24-hour, airport quarantine facility that handles both the importing and exporting of pets, horses, birds, plus livestock.

Currently as animals arrive at JFK Airport, they must be be quarantined for various periods of time. For example horses require 3 days of quarantine. The goal is to make sure any arriving animals are not carrying contagious diseases.

Back in January, a press release announced that organizers signed a thirty year lease with the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. The ARK at JFK will consist of 178,000 sq ft and will be located at the former site of Cargo Building 78. This building at JFK was vacant for over ten years.

With construction already underway, planned completion is currently scheduled for 2016. The animal terminal will include a “USDA-­approved import quarantine, veterinary hospital, diagnostic laboratory, and companion animal boarding and grooming spa.”

The ARK of JFK will offer a 20,000 sq ft pet resort, consisting of massage therapy, splashing pools shaped like bones. You can even pamper your pet with “pawdicures with colored nail pawlish.” The pet resort will be managed by Paradise 4 Paws.

According to Racebrook Chairman and Ark founder John J. Cuticelli Jr., “The animal terminal will set new international airport standards for comprehensive veterinary, kenneling and quarantine services.”

In case medical attention is required, The ARK of JFK will feature LifeCare, which is a animal veterinary hospital.

The Life of Luxury is available to assist you with all of your luxury travel needs. We want to offer the ultimate VIP experience. If you enjoy reading about the latest in luxury travel news, follow our popular luxury blog.

Photo: ARK Development, LLC, a Racebrook Portfolio Company

Napa’s Meritage Resort & Spa in Northern California is proud to announce their Masters and Makers Winemaker Dinner Series 2015. Guests will be given an opportunity to gain an in-depth development in the process of wine, all while enjoying a culinary creative, multi-course dinner. You’ll also get the opportunity to talk to representatives from some of Napa Valley’s prominent wineries and personally speak with local winemakers.

The event will start with a reception at 6:30pm in the Vineyard Deck, and continue with dinner in the Estate Cave. Guests will be able to create their own ‘Bordeaux’ style of wine and enter to win a complimentary one-night stay at the luxury Meritage Resort and Spa. This incredible event began July 18 and will run through October 30, 2015.

Napa Valley is home to hundreds of wineries that produce some of the top wines in the world. Napa has produced some elegant Chardonnay and expressive Cabernet wines. Napa Valley is a tourist mecca and offers multiple boutique cellars, romantic caves, catered luncheon, private guided tastings, wine blending and seminars. You will be able to enjoy the many luxuries of cuisine, rich history, and many scenic landmarks.

Meritage Resort and Spa is an award winning AAA Four-Diamond Resort. It offers over 300 Tuscan inspired guestrooms & luxury suites. Stroll along the walking trails, and the Napa property even has its own vineyard. If a busy schedule keeps you from traveling to Italy, The Meritage will offer you an ideal experience offering charm, stunning landscapes, imaginative cuisine, and desired wine. The resort also offers other leisure activities and provides a luxury experience like no other for true, wine enthusiasts.

The Meritage has an Ultra Lounge, that features 6 luxury bowling lanes, full bar, pool table, and darts. You may also stumble upon The Meritage’s Estate Cave. One of its kind, and the only underground full service spa, tasting room, and banquet room. It offers natural stone and copper water features, combined with old world Florentine architecture. The Estate Cave is a destination in itself, combining luxury, romance, and authentic ambiance.

Join The Meritage Resort and Spa as it welcomes the most prestigious winemakers of Napa Valley. Depending on the date you choose to attend, the event cost is only $125-$175 per person. Each dinner will provide a VIP experience, seamlessly blending leisure and culinary delight. Don’t miss out on a chance to mix wine, cuisine, all in the beauty of world famous Napa Valley, California.

The Life of Luxury offers an endless list of luxury travel VIP experience options, like the 2015 Masters and Makers Winemaker Dinner Series at The Meritage Resort and Spa in Napa, California. Return again to follow our luxury blog and stay abreast of all the latest luxury travel news.

Photo: The Meritage Resort and Spa / Rex Gelert