The new skyscraper – Aykon Tower, adjacent to the iconic Thames River in London, will be fifty seven stories high and offer incredible views of London. There will be 360 luxury apartments in total once built. The luxury units will be designed with the “elegance and sensuality” of Donatella Versace.

Get ready for sticker shock. Entry prices for a studio apartment began at a staggering £711,000 (Euro) or $781,056 (US Dollars.) If you think you have time to decide, think again. All units have been sold in a “pre-sales” period.

No doubt there will be luxury amenities galore for a true VIP experience. For example on the 23rd floor of the Aykon Tower, find a private cinema, state of the art gymnasium and spa, plus full-length swimming pool!

The Aykon Tower will be built by one of the largest construction companies in Dubai, UAE. What can residnets expect when they can finally move in and live in opulence? The property’s brochure states, “live the complete Versace lifestyle, a fantasy turned into reality.” It unabashedly proclaims that “Versace is the true celebration of life.”

But don’t expect all the perks to be free. A parking spot for example will cost you £50,000 extra! But don’t stress about the ski-high price. The brochure reads, “Just arrive home and we’ll do the rest”, with concierge and valet services taking care of residents’ needs and whims.” Well there you go.

Even for those whop already purchased a luxury luxury apartments, may be waiting quite a while. Construction completion is not expected until the year 2020. Maybe you can just hang on and flip the property once ready for move in and bank on the expected price appreciation at Aykon Tower over the next five years.

Many Aykon Tower owners are likely interested in renting out their luxury apartment. It’s estimated that rental rates for the entry level studio units bcould be as high as £27,300 a year.

Although the Aykon Tower luxury apartments in London are all sold out, contact us for the latest luxury properties around the world. We work with the best luxury realtors and can help find you your dream home. If you like reading about luxury real estate, follow this luxury blog for the latest news.

Source: The Guardian
Photo (artist impression): JLL Residential Homes

Another way the luxury hotel chains are trying to attract your business is by offering luxury perks geared toward children. We recently published an article about in-room shopping experiences as the top hotel chains battle it out by trying to differentiate themselves.

In the “good old days”, simply offering kids cookies and milk at night was about as luxury as it got. Well no more. Now it’s everything from having pre-ordered toys in the room upon arrival, to cooking classes, fun kids clubs and much more.

In interesting fact from the U.S. Travel Association is that back in 2008, of all leisure trips – 30.7% included kids under 18 years of age. Last year that figure dropped to only 23.4%. Why the steep decline? Younger adults are delaying marriage until they’re older plus when they do tie the know, they are having less children than prior generations. So although the number traveling children is down, they have become a focus as hotels continue to strive to be “family friendly.”

It’s no secret that if kids are happy, then their parents are also happy. Hotel chains want loyal customers who keep coming back to their luxury property. We want to offer a true VIP experience.

For example, the incredible Woolley Grange Hotel in Bradford on Avon – England, has long been a family-friendly, luxury hotel. Family is the core of life during travels, and the Woolley Grange Hotel has established creative programs and activities for both adults and children.

At the hotel’s Woolley Bears Den, try two hours of complimentary childcare during your stay. Perfect for parents to enjoy some alone time. Children’s High Tea is served daily at 5pm. Nannies assist watching your kids as they play and enjoy food and drinks. In the Hen House, older children can indulge in computer games, a pool table plus watch shows on a wide screen TV.

There are ten Peninsula Hotels around the world and they all offer luxury perks for kids. The most famous hotel is the iconic Peninsula Hong Kong, which opened way back in 1928. Children are welcomed with a personal toiletry kit, plus either a puzzle and robe & slippers or a gift or snack such as just-baked cookies – yum! Parents can pay a fee and enroll their children in a Kids Academy. At the Chicago hotel, young girls get to act like a princess and get pampered with nails, makeup and hair treatments. There’s even lovely gowns for them to wear and dress like a little princess. Next, a horse drawn carriage that’s shaped like a pumpkin, takes them on a joy ride for shopping at a local, retail store.

We expect these luxury perks for kids to continue to grow and become more extravagant. The top hotel chains are in constant competition to outdo each other and attract your business. The result is great news for consumers and wonderful luxury travel memories.

If you are ready to plan your next luxury travel trip, contact The Life of Luxury today. We can help plan and book all your reservations and even focus on hotel chains offering luxury perks for your children. Come back again to follow this luxury blog and read about interesting luxury travel related stories.

Photo: St. Regis

The luxury Grand Hôtel de Bordeaux & Spa has partnered with celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay. The restaurateur and respected chef will head up the property’s Le Pressoir d’Argent restaurant.

Prior to closing, Le Pressoir d’Argent was a popular, Michelin-starred restaurant that was run by chef Pascal Nibaudeau. The restaurant was famous for using a lobster press that was one of only five anywhere in the world.

Chef Gordon Ramsay also overseas the Waldorf Astoria Trianon Palace in Versailles, which has been awarded two Michelin stars. Born in Scotland but raised in Stratford-upon-Avon, England – Gordon Ramsay has trained with many of the world’s top chefs. Several include: both Marco Pierre White and Albert Roux in London, plus Joël Robuchon and Guy Savoy in France.

Accolades are not foreign to Gordon Ramsay. In London, Restaurant Gordon Ramsay is the city’s longest-running restaurant to received the coveted three Michelin stars. Ramsay is just one of only four chefs to hold three Michelin stars in the UK.

Gordon Ramsay was quoted, “I’m thrilled we are opening our second restaurant in France, following on from the two Michelin-starred Gordon Ramsay au Trianon in Versailles. To open a restaurant in the wine capital of France with its world-class vineyards and glorious regional produce is extremely exciting. Grand Hôtel de Bordeaux & Spa has an incredible history dating back to 18th century and we are really looking forward to working with the hotel team at this incredible listed property in the heart of the City’s golden triangle.”

Photo: Grand Hôtel de Bordeaux & Spa

Chef Ramsay plans to develop seasonal dishes to be served at Le Pressoir d’Argent restaurant, utilizing the best, local ingredients. He is known for his delicious dishes that use spices and BBQ-style smoky flavors. We can’t wait to see what gastronomic creations he comes up with. It should be a fine dining experience like no other.

The incredible Grand Hôtel de Bordeaux & Spa is located in central Bordeaux, in the south-west area of France. For those who desire pampering and a truly relaxing experience, be sure to try Les Bains de Léa spa. You can choose from various spa treatments using leading, French beauty brand NUXE.

Michel Ohayon is the owner of Grand Hotel de Bordeaux, and commented on the Gordon Ramsey announcement, “Le Pressoir d’Argent at Grand Hôtel de Bordeaux & Spa has forever been a timeless centerpiece in the Bordeaux community for fine dining. To me it felt most natural for Gordon Ramsay to take part in this project, which we have finalized in order to announce today. We are honored to be one of the two restaurants in France to work with this internationally acclaimed chef, a real sign of the confidence that he grants us.”

Interested in a luxury travel package to France? Contact The Life of Luxury and we can help book all your travel reservations. Consider staying at the elegant Grand Hôtel de Bordeaux & Spa. Dine at Le Pressoir d’Argent restaurant and you may actually see renowned chef Gordon Ramsay in person! Follow this luxury blog for interesting luxury travel news.

Photo: Gordon Ramsay Group

Bellagio Resort & Casino in Las Vegas is pleased to present their new exhibit, Picasso: Creatures and Creativity. The display will be show cased in the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art, and will allow guests to venture into the creative mind of Picasso.

The exhibit at the incredible Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art will feature over 45 of Picasso’s paintings produced from the 1930-1970s. Guests will journey through Picasso’s peculiar ability to capture human form with his use of line, movement, and color. Guest will not only appreciate the exhibition of fine art, but also understand the artistic vision. The exhibit will run July 3, 2015 through January 10, 2016.

Pablo Picasso drew inspiration from real life experiences. Most of his adulthood was spent in France. Picasso has been extraordinarily prolific throughout the course of his life. He has achieved widespread fortune for his innovative artistic accomplishments. He has become one the best-known figures in 20th-century art. Several paintings rank among the most expensive paintings in the world.

Picasso is known for his paintings, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, ceramics, stage design, and writing. Some of his notable work are: Les Demoiselles d’ Avignon (1907), Guernica (1937), and The Weeping Woman (1937).

Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art is located in the heart of the luxurious Bellagio Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. Since opening in 1998, Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art has presented objects and artwork drawn from worldwide acclaimed museums and private collections. The gallery has presented such showcases as: American Modernism, Classic Contemporary: Lichtenstein, Warhol & Friends, Ansel Adams: America, The Impressionist Landscape: From Corot to Van Gogh, Impressionism: Art in Bloom.

The Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art has been known as “Where great art goes on vacation.” Bellagio Resort & Casino was inspired by the lake Como town in Bellagio, Italy. Bellagio known for elegance, beauty, and luxury has provided guest with additional attractions.

Resort guests are able to experience these attractions while visiting or lodging such as: The Fountains of Bellagio, Fiori di Como, The bank Night Club, Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Garden, and the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art.

Although, many travel to Las Vegas for leisure, many are unaware of the hidden riches that Bellagio Resort & Casino holds. Any art enthusiast, or person who appreciates talent, history, color, and expression, would enjoy the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art.

If you want to visit Las Vegas and stay at the luxury Bellagio Resort & Casino, contact The Life of Luxury today. Be sure to see the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art. Return here to follow this luxury blog and read up on all the latest luxury travel news.

Photo Credit: Pablo Picasso, Woman Wearing Yellow Hat (Jacqueline), 1962, Oil on canvas, 36 x 28 ¾”, © 2015 Estate of Pablo Picasso/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York

China’s most highly regarded and well known in-depth talk show, Yang Lan One-on-One interviewed Derek and Beverly Joubert, while they were in China. A follow-up from her interview with the Joubert’s on her Village Forum, which was viewed on social media by 195 million people. Recently the Chinese government announced they would start the process of banning all ivory importation.

Derek and Beverly have lived and worked in Botswana, Africa for over 30 years. They are award winning filmmakers and have produced numerous articles for National Geographic Magazine. The Joubert’s have spoken about the rapid rate at which we are losing rhino, elephant, leopard and lion due to a limitless in-demand market in China and South East Asia.

Ivory poaching is a highly prized material in China. It has many usages, one being the material used to make chop-sticks. Amongst the necessities ivory is used for, the Asian hunger for wild animal parts claim to work miracles ranging from increasing virility, to curing cancer.

During the interview with Yang Lan, Dereck Joubert was quoted, “If we can draw on the ancient wisdom of care, compassion, respect, trust and empathy that is so prevalent over 2,000 years of Chinese culture from dynasty to dynasty, we will find a common language. And if China can shutdown the demand, we can handle closing off the supply with anti–poaching and crime fighting.”

The demand has driven ivory poaching and profits from illegal trafficking to record-shattering levels. Africa is losing 5 lions per day, 5 elephants per hour, and a rhino every 7 hours. The decline of these key species could threaten both the environment and the economy of Africa.

Even though this may be an African problem, controlling the demand and trafficking from China and the Far East could shorten poaching along with not ignoring the problem alone. Derek and Beverly have launched a new initiative to help save Africa’s rhinos. A huge part has to be creating awareness. Starting with Africa, and Asia.

If stories like ivory poaching and travel to exotic destinations around the world are appealing to you, be sure to return and read our luxury blog. The Life of Luxury is proud to present the latest news in the luxury industry.

Picture: Lufei Photo

If you are in New York City the week of July 4, then be sure to check out the “The Festival of Tall Ships.” Get the opportunity to step onboard El Galeón, which is a replica of 16th century ship that was part of Spain’s West Indies fleet.

It’s a great way to see an authentic wooden replica up close and personal. The impressive El Galeón ship will sail into New York Harbor and the South Street Seaport and can be seen between July 4 – 12, 2015.

Sponsored by Hornblower Cruises & Events, Cameron Clark, who’s the Vice President and General Manager of Hornblower New York was quoted, “For one week only, El Galeón is commandeering South Street Seaport which will be a boom to the lower Manhattan community during the busy July 4th period. We are also donating a portion of ticket sales from El Galeón to the South Street Seaport Museum and the New York Harbor School, both staple institutions that represent the best of the maritime industry and its links to New York Harbor and also provide an important piece of history for visitors and its neighbors, including the Museum’s sail training and sea education programs on the Lettie G. Howard.”

El Galeón will be docked at Pier 15 at the South Street Seaport’s Waterfront Esplanade. Visitors can relive the route of famous explorer Ponce de Leon aboard the amazing, 170-foot wooden ship. Juan Ponce de León was a Spanish explorer lived between 1460 and 1521. He explored a nearby, San Juan Bautista island, which later was named Puerto Rico. He actually as the island’s governor.

There will an available exhibition tilted, “San Pelayo” where you can learn about 16th century European sailing techniques and navigational technology during that era.

El Galeón is an impressive Spanish ship. It features three large masts, seven sails, six decks and even crew quarters. As you step onboard and tour the ship, explore the expansive main and upper decks, plus the quarter and gun decks and Admiral’s room.

El Galeón tours are available 9am – 5pm each day. If you would like to host a special event one evening, the ship can hold up to 225 people – making it ideal for business conferences, VIP events and other special occasions.

To learn more, please visit www.hornblowernewyork.com

Has visiting New York City always been a dream of yours? Contact The Life of Luxury and have us plan and book your luxury travel itinerary. Come back to read other stories like the El Galeón Spanish ship and follow this luxury blog.

With July 4th only a few days away, spend time in the gorgeous Napa Valley of California and celebrate the “Red, White, Bourbon, and BBQ” at The Meritage Resort and Spa.

This event is a wonderful way to support our veterans on Independence Day. The party will be held at the resort’s pool that provides beautiful vineyard views. Live music will be provided by Full Chizel. Enjoy a delicious BBQ, Bourbon, numerous Napa Valley wines, locally provided crafted beers, great tasting American Revolution Vodka and fun, festival games.

The Meritage Resort and Spa is a spectacular, four-diamond Napa Valley luxury resort ideally situated along a scenic, hillside vineyard. The luxury property offers guests 322 Tuscan-inspired guestrooms and luxury suites. The The Meritage Resort and Spa is part of the Meritage Collection, which includes four, amazing California locations – Bacara Resort & Spa, Balboa Bay Resort, Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa and The Meritage Resort and Spa.

The “Red, White, Bourbon, and BBQ” is available to both guests of The Meritage Resort, as well as the public. Ticket prices are $49 per adult and include 2 adult beverages, food, and other festivities. The price for people under 21 years pay just $25 and are offered non-alcoholic beverages plus food and on-site festivities. The Napa event will be held from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

In honor of past and present members of our armed forces, veterans can receive a 15% discount by using promotional code “HERO.” A portion of the event’s proceeds will be donated to help the nation’s military heroes.

A mixologist will be crafting various bourbon and vodka infused cocktails that will feature both Jim Beam bourbon and American Revolution Vodka. There will be delicious food pairings prepared by The Meritage Resort chefs. One offering will be a whole pig roast and Jim Beam’s BBQ sauce.

Prior to the “Red, White, Bourbon, and BBQ”, take part in other July 4th activities in Napa. The Meritage Resort and Spa is proud to be a sponsor of Napa’s Fourth of July celebrations. The parade begins at 10 a.m. There will be an evening fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. Don’t worry about driving, guests can take the luxury resort’s shuttle to and from the downtown Napa’s festivities.

Napa is top destination for travelers all over the world. If you want to book a reservation and stay at The Meritage Resort and Spa, please contact The Life of Luxury. We can make your trip a VIP experience. Come back often to follow our luxury blog and read about other luxury travel events from around the world.

Photo: The Meritage Resort and Spa

In 2016, Starwood Hotels & Resorts is planning to open its first luxury resort under the St. Regis luxury brand in Maldives – The St. Regis Vommuli Resort, Maldives. Starwood currently offers Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa and W Retreat & Spa – Maldives.

The St. Regis Vommuli Resort, Maldives is being built on the private island of Vommuli in the Dhaalu Atoll. You can reach the island by taking a 40-minute seaplane ride from Male, which is the capital of Maldives. This new luxury resort will surely become a spectacular travel destination when completed.

The new Maldives resort will be situated on more than 20 acres of lush, tropical paradise. The area will be surrounded by pristine beaches, as well as a secluded lagoon with beautiful turquoise water.

The St. Regis Vommuli Resort, Maldives will offer guests 77 luxurious villas, each with a unique, contemporary design. The resort will include a luxury spa to relax and unwind. There will be a half-dozen private treatment rooms to get pampered and enjoy a VIP experience.

In total, there will be five restaurants and bars including – an all-day dining restaurant, plus three specialty restaurants and a signature bar. Be sure to try the iconic Bloody Mary cocktail, which is served at each of Starwood’s 34 resorts and hotels found all around the world.

The resort will offers its guests endless luxury amenities such as a first-class fitness center and yoga space, infinity swimming pool, in addition to a dive and activity center. The luxury services by all St. Regis properties are amazing.

Visiting the Maldives is an incredible experience. Contact The Life of Luxury and we can help book your entire travel itinerary, including a stay at The St. Regis Vommuli Resort, Maldives when it opens next year. Return often to follow this luxury blog for the latest news in the luxury travel industry.

Photo: Starwood Hotels & Resorts / The St. Regis Vommuli Resort, Maldives

The Delano Las Vegas is an incredible, all-suite property. Located in a 43-story tower on the Mandalay Bay Resort property, the luxury Las Vegas hotel’s lobby directly connects to the popular Mandalay Bay. The Delano Las Vegas offers guests large rooms, as well a excellent service and food.

From now until July 6, the Delano Las Vegas hotel is presenting “GRAVITATION.” It’s a new art exhibit from Zak Ostrowski. As an artist, designer and builder – Zak Ostrowski creates impressive art pieces of all forms and sizes by utilizing diverse materials. Zak has created numerous fine art pieces such as sculpture and paintings to large scale, public art installations.

Zak Ostrowski stated, “Delano Las Vegas is a very unique Strip hotel as it is so mindful of its environment. The design of Delano is representative of the natural beauty found throughout Las Vegas and beyond – like the red rocks and colors of the sunsets – and my art is meant to be a reflection of the same elements.”

GRAVITATION was developed with the Delano Las Vegas hotel’s Mojave-inspired design in mind. For example, the sleek sculptural bench is made from concrete and is a combination of nature, art and design. The piece also incorporates representations of desert sandstone, depicting the surrounding Las Vegas desert.

Matthew Chilton is General Manager of Delano Las Vegas luxury hotel and was quoted, “Immersing our guests in art and culture is an important component of the Delano experience. We are excited to showcase the work of such a talented local artist to our guests from around the world, especially since the inspiration for GRAVITATION is rooted in Las Vegas’ natural surroundings.”

After viewing the GRAVITATION art display by Zak Ostrowski, be sure to check out one of the unique social spaces at the Delano Las Vegas – the Franklin is an eclectic lounge, Della’s Kitchen is where “historic farmhouse meets urban kitchen” or enjoy a warm drink at 3940 Coffee + Tea.

If you are planning a trip to Las Vegas, let us help book your entire itinerary, including a stay at the smoke-free, Delano Las Vegas luxury hotel. If you enjoy reading about great luxury travel destinations like Las Vegas, follow our luxury blog for the latest travel industry news.

Photo: Delano Las Vegas

As luxury hotels try to one up each other to attract guests, some of the top hotel brands in the U.S. are adding a new luxury amenity to their offering – In-room shopping experiences.

Published in the New York Times, the story explains that many luxury hotels are teaming up with luxury retail stores to offer their guest unique shopping experiences.

For shopaholics, it’s the ideal way to shop for stylish clothes and fashion accessories, plus other luxury items. As a world renowned fashion hub, New York City features many luxury hotels that have partnered up with high-end retailers.

The Quin in Midtown hotel is partnering with Bergdorf Goodman and offering a direct-dial button in all the hotel’s 208 rooms. Try in-room shopping and order direct to your room or make an appointment at the store. It’s shopping VIP style!

The WestHouse in Midtown in New York City is offering a $500 gift card for stays of three nights or longer. This in-room shopping experience allows you to shop at Net-a-Porter – an online, fashion retailer.

Also in New York City, The Mark Hotel located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan has also partnered with Bergdorf Goodman. Rise in style in a pedicab and taken from the luxury hotel directly to the Fifth Avenue store. If you stay in a suite at The Mark Hotel, guests will receive a both a $500 gift card plus facial in the beauty department of Bergdorf Goodman.

South of New York City, guests at the The St. Regis Washington, D.C. hotel offers guests to pre-order clothing and accessories from Neiman Marcus and available in your hotel room upon your arrival. Now that’s VIP service! There is no cost for the service and guests only pay if the clothes are tried on. .

As both luxury hotels and retail shops continue to try and attract customers, the luxury amenities and perks offered will continue to rise. It’s a win-win for consumers and a way to try a new VIP experience – In-room shopping.

Ready for a luxury travel experience to New York City? Let The Life of Luxury plan and book your Big Apple trip. Stay at one of the luxury hotels and try the trendy new, in-room shopping experience. Follow this luxury blog to read about the latest luxury travel news and hotel packages.

Photo: WestHouse in Midtown

There are a lot of sushi lovers around the world. On June 18, is International Sushi Day. The day became popular via Facebook back in 2009, International Sushi Day is a time to enjoy their favorite sushi dish.

Sushi is a traditional, Japanese food that’s made from rice, salt, sugar, vinegar various types of raw fish. On International Sushi Day, there will be restaurants all over the world serving up the best tasting sushi dishes, some even for free on June 18.

Sushi started in Japan dating back to 8th century, but didn’t really get introduced in the U.S. until the 1950’s and 60’s. Now you can find terrific sushi restaurants all around the world.

Katsuya by Starck is run by master sushi Chef Katsuya Uechi. This upscale restaurant is located in the SLS Las Vegas Hotel & Casino. Now you can dine in luxury style and enjoy a one-of-a-kind sushi experience in Las Vegas. Katsuya by Starck features a wide selection of unique Japanese flavors, including unique rolls and incredible sushi and sashimi platters.

On International Sushi Day, Katsuya by Starck in Las Vegas is the place to be for shushi lovers. Enjoy master chef Katsuya’s signature Omakase Geta. This dish is a wonderful sushi display that features the finest cuts of sushi and sashimi, along with premier selections of the day. The price is $175 per person.

Enjoy International Sushi Day at your favorite sushi restaurant. If you happen to be in Las Vegas, be sure to dine at Katsuya by Starck at the SLS Las Vegas Hotel & Casino. Return often to follow our luxury blog for food and luxury travel tips and industry news.

Photo: Katsuya at SLS Las Vegas