Halulu Heiau is located next to the ancient seaside village of Kaunolu on the Hawaiian island of Lanai.

Halulu Heiau is well-preserved heiau and the site is simply full of beauty. It was once a very sacred refuge and traditional meeting place for Hawaiians back in ancient times.

Leaving inland from the eastern bank of Kaunolu, you will find Halulu Heiau across a wide gulch. Looking around, you’ll notice being surrounded by towering cliffs on three sides and view one of the most amazing sights in Kaunolu.

History states the after King Kamehameha the Great captured Lanai in the early 1800′s, he used the village of Kaunolu as his personal favorite vacation spot. The location offered him excellent fishing opportunities.

King Kamehameha rebuilt the old heiau that was once found on this site and declared it a luakini heiau or place of refuge.

Halulu Heiau was one of the last heiaus built on Lanai, because the old god were replaced several decades later when missionaries arrived on the island.

Overall, Halulu Heiau is in very good condition. The Bishop Museum built an interpretive hike through the Kaunolu Village and points out the heiau which is difficult to reach but can easily be viewed on the far side of the gulch.

Remember that Halulu Heiau is an ancient, religious site. Please be respectful of this ancient Hawaiian site.

To book your vacation reservation to Lanai or any of the Hawaiian Islands, please contact The Life of Luxury and one of our travel concierge specialists will help you book your trip.

Have you ever dreamed at staying on a private island? Well now is your chance. Wilson Island is an exclusive private island on the Great Barrier Reef near Australia and it’s waiting for you to enjoy it’s scenic beauty.

This tropical oasis is available for you to stay and have your own private island all to yourself! You need to be quick, since the chance to rent your own private island is only valid through the end of this month.

This could be a once in a lifetime experience for those discerning travelers who only want the best life has to offer. Make it your ultimate private island escape or maybe an exclusive wedding party? How about the most sought after girls’ getaway? The sky’s the limit!

Wilson Island is a small five-acre coral cay that’s part of the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park. The island can only accommodate a maximum of 12 guests in six safari-style luxe tents.

“Glamping” is the trendy name for the combination of glamor and camping. That personifies Wilson Island perfectly. Enjoy safari-tents that provide luxurious king-sized beds, signature duvets and bathrobes, hammocks, in addition to privately secluded areas surrounded by pisonia and pandanus trees. Don’t forget the amazing views of the Great Barrier Reef, one of the great wonders of the world.

So what are you waiting for? Why not live it up and rent your own private island!

For Wilson Island reservations through the end of this month, prices are only $447.50 per person – per night for 12 total people. Pricing includes all your meals and beverages, snorkeling equipment plus return boat transfers from Heron Island.

Getaway from the busy life back home and escape to a simpler time. Wilson Island has no mobile phone reception, no internet access and no TV It’s the quintessential island escape.

To learn more about Wilson Island or book your fantasy vacation on your own private island, please contact The Life of Luxury.

Rosewood Little Dix Bay is a luxury resort located in the Caribbean and offers its guests a choice of luxurious villas and suites, plus a luxury spa. The property is one of the most exclusive five star hotels in the British Virgin Islands.

With the success of the current U.S. Open tennis tournament in New York City, Rosewood Little Dix Bay is now offering its WorldTeam Tennis Legends Camp package.

This is an ultimate tennis-themed travel package that is sure to appeal to tennis lovers, who also want to enjoy a luxury stay in the beautiful British Virgin Islands.

The WorldTeam Tennis Legends Camp package features lessons from professional coaches on the Caribbean resort’s state-of-the-art courts, in addition to the opportunity of watching famous tennis superstars such as Rafael Nadal, Ana Ivanovic, and Stefan Edberg in action.

Between November 12-16, 2013, the luxurious Rosewood Little Dix Bay, Caribbean resort will offer exclusive access to train with celebrated coaches Wayne Bryan and Murphy Jensen. The resort is known for its state-of-the-art courts and top notch tennis programs.

You’ll also get the opportunity to watch the Necker Cup Tennis Charity Exhibition with courtside seats and view the tennis talents of Rafael Nadal, Ana Ivanovic, and Stefan Edberg.

After the Necker Cup Tennis Charity Exhibition ends, you will enjoy a fine dining experience at Sir Richard Branson’s legendary “End of the World” charity dinner, auction and party.

WorldTeam Tennis Legends Camp tennis package at Rosewood Little Dix Bay includes:
* 4-night / 5-day all-inclusive package
* Entry into the Legends Tennis Camp and Clinics for two (2)
* Two (2) courtside seats to the Necker Cup Charity Exhibition on Necker Island
* Two (2) entries to the “End of the World” Charity Dinner, Auction & Party with Sir Richard Branson and other ATP / WTA Tennis Legends, on Necker Island
* Breakfast, lunch and dinner daily. (cocktails, house wines included; excludes Super Premium alcohol, wine lists, & sparkling wines)
* All food and beverage service charges
* Round-trip transfers from Tortola and VIJ Airport
* 20% discount on spa treatments from 9am-2pm
* Unlimited use of Rosewood Little Dix Bay resort facilities including snorkeling gear, movie presentations, fitness, pool and tennis

Pricing for this amazing tennis getaway package is $13,000. 10% of the package proceeds are designated for charity.

Don’t miss the opportunity to enjoy this tennis-themed travel package. It’s truly a tennis-lover’s dream come true.

If you are interested in booking a reservation at the Caribbean’s Rosewood Little Dix Bay luxury resort, please contact one of the travel concierge specialists at The Life of Luxury.

The Temazcal steam bath is one of the oldest and most effective purification rituals in the world. In ancient Mesoamerican tradition, Temazcal offered the chance to be reborn and reinvent oneself via invocation, chanting as well as purification.

The luxurious El Dorado Casitas Royale and El Dorado Seaside Suites by Karisma in Riviera Maya, Mexico are part of the premier hotel collection of adults-only properties throughout the Riviera Maya, Mexico.

If you want to detox your body, mind and spirit in a traditional, Temazcal steam bath service, then indulge yourself at the N’aay Spa.

The goal of a Temazcal steam bath is to provide a calming and therapeutic experience with numerous physical benefits. A few are cleaning the body of toxins, purification of the respiratory system, and the alleviation of skin and nervous system conditions.

Temazcal Ritual sessions at N’aay Spa occur inside a round earthen structure that is meant to symbolize the womb of mother earth. Inside, you will find the elements of water, fire, and air which are combined together with fresh herbs to create an authentic herbal steam bath experience which invites both physical and spiritual healing.

A N’aay Spa spa attendant will facilitate each Temezcal Ritual session and will adjust the heat, humidity, and herbal vapors as needed, to meet spa customer’s individual needs.

The Temazcal Ritual at N’aay Spa is available as part of two couple’s spa packages:

* Golden Elements Couples Grand Experience: Enjoy a couple’s massage performed with a massage cream infused with citrus and ginger, followed by a Jacuzzi session with an elixir of bamboo ending in a detoxification Temezcal Ritual. Amenities include a fruit basket and a glass of sparkling wine. Session: 80 minutes / $260 per couple.

* Golden N’aay Couples Grand Experience: Revel in the Kukulcan massage, a creation of ancient techniques that shall give your body profound relaxation, accompanied by a bubbling Jacuzzi session using a green tea elixir. Finish the experience with a Temazcal steam bath of eucalyptus essence. Amenities include chocolate fondue with fruits, a glass of sparkling wine and a selection of bites created by our Chef. Session: 120 minutes / $350 per couple.

For groups of five or greater, resort guests can purchase the relaxing session for a starting price of only $68 per person.

The luxury spa offers a variety of services that are designed in the Mexican tradition. Choose from a menu of indigenous and alternative spa therapies, each utilizing ingredients from the local region. The treatments also include ancient healing to soothe the senses and pamper the body.

If you’re ready for a relaxing getaway, consider the gourmet inclusive, El Dorado Casitas Royale and El Dorado Seaside Suites. Be sure to book a relaxing, Temazcal steam bath session at N’aay Spa. Contact The Life of Luxury for all your personal and business travel needs.

Raffles Hotels & Resorts is proud to be an award-winning, luxury international hotel company. Its history dates all the way back to 1887 when the with Raffles Singapore was first opened. Now the Raffles Hainan will open in China this month on the tropical island of Hainan.

Raffles Hainan is the company’s second hotel to open in China. The new luxury resort will open in Clearwater Bay, which has become the new hotspot on China’s southeast coast of Hainan Island.

Clearwater Bay is a 500 square-kilometre development that includes the Raffles resort, plus two championship golf courses adjacent to Raffles, private residences, a cinema complex, luxury retail, yacht clubs and a 780-berth marina for sailing and water sports.

Offering 12 kilometres of gorgeous coastline, Clearwater Bay is likened to the French Riviera and is destined to rise near the top the luxury tourism market.

Raffles Hainan offers hotel guests the perfect beachfront location with 299 rooms – starting at 80sqm – plus 32 villas, all with private balconies and scenic views of the ocean or golf course.

With a strong connection to art, Raffles Hotels &; Resorts wanted to continue that trend in Hainan. Raffles Hainan showcases over 1,000 beautiful works of art throughout the luxury China resort.

Herbert Laubichler-Pichler is the General Manager of Raffles Hainan and was quoted, “Raffles Hainan will be one of the most prestigious addresses on China’s popular holiday island as the first luxury opening on Clearwater Bay, the only resort adjoining championship golf courses and with Sanya’s largest guestrooms, all with sea-view balconies. With the addition of Raffles’ signature warm and graceful service embodied by the Raffles Butlers, we are setting a new luxury benchmark on the island.”

The Raffles Spa offers ultimate pampering an relaxation. The spa features both Asian and Western treatments to its clients. Foodies will enjoy seven fine dining restaurants and bars, and private events spaces will sit alongside Hainan’s homage to the Long Bar at Raffles Singapore, in tribute to the Hainanese bartender who created the Singapore Sling.

Rooms and suites at the Raffles Hainan will feature a contemporary design that combines local inspired interior design accents. Artisan wood furnishings, colorful fabrics and artworks pay homage to the traditional hill tribes in Hainan, and bring a sense of place to the interiors.

To make plans and visit China and stay at the luxury Raffles Hainan hotel, please contact The Life of Luxury and talk to one of our travel concierge specialists to book your dream vacation.

Situated amongst 550 acres in Kildare, Ireland – the K Club Hotel, Spa and Country Club is a luxurious Irish country retreat that offers guest 69 rooms.

Straffan House was built on the countryside grounds of the K Club property. 34,000-sq-ft in size, Straffan House was first inspired by the original structure of the same name built back in 1832 in the style of a French Chateau that now houses the nearby K Club Hotel.

This elegant private residence is now available for exclusive use for all to experience its beauty. Guests will enjoy traditional outdoor pursuits of fishing on the River Liffey, falconry, skeet shooting and horse riding.

For golf lovers, you’re in luck. You can play unlimited golf on either the Arnold Palmer designed championship courses: The Palmer Course which was the location of the 2006 Ryder Cup, or the Smurfit Course, which for the last three years has hosted to the European Open.

If you are looking for a little pampering, guests can also enjoy the luxurious 20,000 square foot K Spa which is widely recognized as one of the finest spas across all of Europe. It’s no doubt considered the finest in Ireland.

Straffan House spa

The private estate Straffan House features a total of 10 bedrooms which are all ensuite. Also find an indoor swimming pool with ‘swim up bar’, spa, games room, cinema, gym, in addition to a glass-enclosed, thermostatically-controlled wine cellar. Plus for foodies, enjoy a dedicated service team, concierge and private chef.

Three stories tall, Straffan House offers luxurious amenities and high ceilings, fine stucco work and gorgeous chandeliers. You will also find original works of art by noted Irish artists Sir William Orpen and Jack B.

Rates at Straffan House are currently US$26,000 per night in the summer months and US$16,000 per night in the winter which runs from September 15th to March 15th inclusive.

If interested in learning more or booking a reservation at the Straffan House or K Club Hotel, Spa and Country Club in Kildare, Ireland (near Dublin), please contact a travel concierge specialist at The Life of Luxury.

Vichayito, Peru is a beautiful destination that offers an abundance of wildlife all year
round. Area guests can observe dolphins, ocean turtles, sea lions, plus the amazing seasonal migration of humpback whales.

Vichayito Beach can be found on the north coast of Peru. There you will find the idyllic resort Vichayito Bungalows & Tents By Aranwa Hotels. The luxury resort provides a variety of Bedouin-style tents and stilted bungalows that have been set on the sand and offer incredible views of the Pacific surf.

Vichayito Bungalows & Tents is the perfect spot to watch the humpback whale migration as these gentle mammals travel on their annual migration along along the Peru coast from Antarctica.

Vichayito Bungalows & Tents by Aranwa offers hotel guests a rare and close-up opportunity to see the migrating humpback whales. The resort is offering the “Peru Country of Whales” package in partnership with The Blue Whale Foundation and their non-profits campaign.

Between now October 31, 2013, choose from one of two the “Peru Country of Whales” packages. Both include a morning whale watching tour guided by FBA marine biologists with round-trip transportation from the hotel to Organos port, drinks and snacks on board, and access to FBA whale specialists while on land.

This once-in-a-lifetime 4 day/3 night Peru package begins at around US$222.00 per person and the 3 day/2 night package starts at around US$177.00 per person inclusive of VAT and service.

In addition to the humpback whale activities, the two packages include accommodations for two, plus an American buffet breakfast and pizza night for two.

The hotel’s fresh and rustic ambiance is the ideal complement to the relaxed Vichayito beachside location.

The Bedouin-style tents are a luxurious way to connect to the environment with their soothing
natural soundtrack of ocean waves and are well-appointed with amenities such as spacious bathrooms with multi-jet showers, a large terrace for dining and lounging, flat screen TVs, minibars and much more.

Looking for something more upscale? The suite tents also offer air conditioning, a separate living area, and bathrooms with separate showers and claw foot tubs.

If you are interesting in watching the annual Humpback humpback whale migration from Vichayito Bungalows & Tents in Peru, please contact The Life of Luxury and one of our travel concierge specialists will assist booking your trip.

Pololu Valley on the Big Island of Hawaii is a pristine and beautiful valley once inhabited by early Hawaiians, but long since abandoned because of fear of Tsunamis.

The valley, however, offers spectacular vistas of green sloping cliffs dropping into the deep blue waters of the Pacific Ocean below. Pololu Beach, located at the bottom of the valley, is also a gorgeous black sand beach. Because of these areas inaccessibility to cars, the area remains calm and pristine and is a great out of the way destination.

To get to Pololu Valley, drive to the very end of Highway 270 on the big island. At the parking lot/trailhead at the end of the highway you can either enjoy the spectacular Hawaiian scenery from your car, or you can take the adventurous route and hike down into the valley and onto the black sand beach below.

The hike is relatively short (about 25 minutes), but is rather steep and can be wet and treacherous. In fact, the trail was long closed due to earthquake damage, but has now re-opened to the public.

The zigzagging dirt path will take you through beautiful ironwood trees, through marshland, lead you past the creek flowing through the valley and offer you stunning views of waterfalls and the cliffs dropping into the ocean.

Once you arrive at Pololu beach, bring a picnic, spread out and relax. The breathtaking local island scenery is well worth the steep climb up and down.

Some people do brave the rough surf and go for a swim at this beach, but use extreme caution, especially in winter months as the surf and currents can be very strong.

If you are ready to book that dream vacation to tropical Hawaii, then contact one our travel concierge specialists at The Life of Luxury.

Hotel Esencia

The Caribbean region continues to be the number one destination for international travelers and 2014 looks like the area will remain the world’s most popular hot spot.

For 2012, over one billion international tourists vacationed in the Caribbean region and took the top place in world travel. To date for 2013, it looks like the Caribbean will have another banner as traffic is surpassing that of 2012.

We wanted to share with you several picks for the Caribbean region’s top travel destinations for 2014.

Honduras and the Birding Boom:
Honduras is truly a natural paradise and is becoming more popular as awareness grows. The Central America country is already a popular eco-destination. James Adams is the head naturalist, at The Lodge at Pico Bonito and has declared Honduras as the ‘toucan capital of the world.’

Birding is a popular activity around the world. For example, in the U.S. it’s the 15th most popular and the fastest growing outdoor recreational activity. Birders love to travel so Honduras makes the ideal destination for these birding enthusiasts.

The Lodge at Pico Bonito offers its hotel guests access to a multi-story canopy observation tower plus naturalist guides who can lead birding hikes to spot over 400 species of birds that have previously been seen on the nature lodge site.

Hotel Esencia:
Mexico is still another popular tourist destination, although the drug wars over the last several years has tarnished the country’s travel industry. In 2012, over 20 million U.S. tourists visited Mexico and greater than 20% of those travelers visiting the scenic Riviera Maya region on the Yucatan Peninsula of Mexico.

At one time, Hotel Esencia was the private retreat of an Italian Duchess and has become the area’s top boutique hotel. The resort property offers guests the Riviera Maya’s first world-class organic spa – featuring a wide variety of new healing spa rituals, incredible regionally inspired gourmet cuisine plus 29 luxuriously outfitted rooms and suites.

Be sure to explore several of Mexico’s amazing archaeological sites with nearby trips to Tulum, Chichen Itza, Uxmal and many more.

Samana Peninsula:
An undiscovered hideaway that awaits you, the Samana Peninsula provide stunning beaches to relax and enjoy the Caribbean weather.

You will find the Sublime Samana Hotel & Residences in the community of Las Terrenas. the Sublime Samana Hotel & Residences is a luxury 20-room boutique resort that offers guests six miles of private beachfront. It’s also the area’s top luxury hotel.

Ciudad Colonial in Santo Domingo:
The Dominican Republic is another Caribbean gem that must be seen. As the oldest city in the new world, the colonial city of Santo Domingo increases in popularity. Santo Domingo is proud to be home to the first church in the Americas, and offers visitors to see experience numerous museums, fine dining restaurants and non-stop nightlife.

The first luxury hotel, Las Casas del XVI, is scheduled to open later this year in November. Hotel guest of Las Casas del XVI will have access to nine rooms and suites in the recently renovated houses that date back to the sixteenth century. The hotel is also perfectly situated as it’s within walking distance to many local area attractions.

If you need help in booking a reservation for a memorable Caribbean vacation, please contact one of our travel concierge specialists at The Life of Luxury.

Mammoth Mountain Ski Area is the leading four-season mountain resort in California and is proudly celebrating its 60th anniversary this year.

With 1.3 million annual skier visits, Mammoth Mountain is the third most frequented ski resort in the entire United States. The popular ski resort attract skiers and snowboarders from all across California as well as from across the U.S. plus many countries from around the world.

Mammoth is undergoing a variety of enhancements as it prepares for the upcoming 2013/2014 ski season. One example is the popular Mammoth Mountain Inn is undergoing a $700,000 renovation that will enhance the hotel guest experience.

The resort’s enhancements will offer customers more fun on the slopes thanks to the re-opening of June Mountain, new air service routes from the biggest California cities, a Sochi Olympic Games training ground, enhanced experiences for visiting families at the Unbound Playgrounds and Adventure Zones, in addition to new culinary experiences that will make foodies very happy.

Mammoth Mountain is proud to have been named an Official Training Ground for U.S. Freeskiing and U.S. Snowboarding, by the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association. It will be a great chance to see the top U.S. skiers and snowboarders prepare for the 2014 Sochi Olympic Games early next year in Russia.

In addition, the 2014 Olympic Snowboarding Team for halfpipe and the new slopestyle Olympic event will be announced at Mammoth during the final Sprint U.S. Snowboarding Grand Prix Jan 18-19, 2014.

June Mountain is Mammoth Mountain’s neighboring resort and is scheduled to re-open in mid-December with full operations. June Mountain hopes ot attract both skiers and snowboarders by offering an experience for all levels of abilities. The resort is idelaly suited for both families and entry-level skiers and snowboarders.

For those who enjoy a fine dining experience, try CAMPO and celebrated chef Mark Estee. The restaurant, located in The Village at Mammoth was just named one of Esquire’s best new restaurants in the United States. In addition, Lakefront Restaurant is a delightful lakeside restaurant and introduced a new chef, seasonal menu, and organic produce.

Families can enjoy both Unbound Playgrounds and Adventure Zones, which provide a comfortable introduction to snow terrain parks for beginners and children.

New this season are the arrival of Big Bird and the Cookie Monster who will reside in The Playground section of the park. The park will offer a Sesame Street West theme this winter, which make sit the perfect place for children to kids to discover the winter sport.

If you are interesting in booking your winter ski trip to Mammoth Mountain, California – please contact one of our travel concierge specialists who can help arrange your stay.

Combining modern amenities with authentic Victorian opulence as you traverse the Mississippi River, the American Queen Steamboat Company operates the largest steamboat ever built and certainly the most luxurious – the American Queen.

The American Queen from the American Queen Steamboat Company © is the largest paddlewheel boat offering overnight accommodations across the heartland of the United States.

From the works of famous author Mark Twain, to Tennessee Williams and William Faulkner, the romantic imagery of the Mississippi River and the mighty steamboats that once traversed her flowing waters have become an ingrained part of how we view the mighty river.

Today, this imagery of the Mississippi River is all but gone, with the exception of a few ships that fall more into the category of floating museums than truly, operational luxury cruisers.

Undeniably grand
Recently rescued from retirement by The Great American Steamboat Co. to the tune of around 15 million dollars, the American Queen has now seen a further six million dollars invested for restoration and renovation costs. Trumpeted as “the only authentic overnight paddlewheel steamboat in America”, certain is that the American Queen is unquestionably the largest and grandest steamboat in operation today.

Old-world aesthetic and entertainment
Styled like an antebellum era Victorian mansion, the luxurious American Queen dazzles with the luxurious interior design, and period correct furniture and antiques that glorified the famous steamers that inspired her creation. A wide variety of themed tours are available ranging from blues BBQ adventures to a trip that follows in the footsteps of Elvis Presley as he made his way through Ohio and Tennessee. Traditional showboat entertainment is paired with big band music and swing dancing in the two-deck tall Grand Saloon, and onshore excursions throughout your trip give guests the opportunity to experience the culture, cuisine and history surrounding the Mississippi river like they’ve never seen before.

Accommodations
Despite the American Queen’s elegant upper-class decoration and atmosphere, the dress code onboard requires only elegant-casual attire. In true Victorian fashion, the most exclusive and luxurious suites feature an attached veranda from which to enjoy a tea or cocktail while soaking in the panoramic river view. Antique fittings and furniture complete the ambiance of nostalgic old-world luxury offering guests an experience that’s tough to top.

For additional information about the American Queen and their themed steamboat trips down the mighty Mississippi River, please contact a luxury travel concierge member at The Life of Luxury.