The Hawaiian island of Lanai is the smallest of Hawaii’s inhabited islands. Lanai measures approximately only 140 square miles, with a coastline of about 47 miles.

On the remote northern shore of Lanai, you will find scenic Polihua Beach. About a mile and a half long, Polihua Beach is the longest white sand beach on the island of Lanai.

Beaches on Lanai are never crowded since the island’s population is so small and it receives so few visitors. Lanai City is the only town on the island.

Polihua Beach used to be an egg-laying spot for the endangered green sea turtle. The name Polihua means “egg nest.”

Although Polihua Beach is picturesque, it’s waters can be dangerous. The beach receives high winds and rough surf, along with an unpredictable surf.

Swimming in the ocean waters off Polihua Beach is not recommended and it could be quite unsafe.

If you do make it the island of Lanai, be sure to visit Polihua Beach … even if you don’t go into the rough waters.

Polihua Beach is only accessible via a rugged dirt road.

Hotel Vitale

Not only can you enjoy a Water View room at the luxury Hotel Vitale in San Francisco, but add a sweet treat through the end of February. Hotel Vitale features 199-rooms and is located at the intersection of The Embarcadero and Mission Street.

Hotel Vitale has partnered with TCHO chocolate factory along the scenic Embarcadero. TCHO is located in the heart of San Francisco, at Pier 17 on the legendary San Francisco waterfront, between Fisherman’s Wharf and the Ferry Building.

The Love and Luxury Naturally Package offered by Hotel Vitale features a couple’s side-by-side massage plus a tour of the famous TCHO chocolate factory.

The Hotel Vitale package is based on a two night stay with double occupancy and can be booked for $879 and the luxury package includes:

* Superior Water View Room; view virtual tour here
* Side-by-Side full session massage
* Sparkling wine and TCHO Chocolates upon arrival
* Tour of TCHO chocolate factory, transportation to & from hotel included

The Love and Luxury Naturally Package is subject to availability and blackout dates may apply, and is valid for stays between now and February 29th, 2012.

Hotel Vitale spa appointments are subject to availability and must be booked directly with the penthouse-level Spa Vitale prior to arrival. Please call 415-278-3788 for a reservation.

To learn more about TCHO, click here: http://www.tcho.com/tcho-is/tcho-is

For additional information on Hotel Vitale, please visit www.hotelvitale.com or call 415.278.3700.

Photo: Steve Marcus / Las Vegas Sun

The luxurious Veer Towers at CityCenter Las Vegas is now open, in addition to the model homes.

The Veer Towers is an architectural wonder. The stylish building is comprised of two 37-story glass towers that are inclined at five degree angles.

The latest addition to the 67-acre CityCenter is now the most architecturally significant residential component.  Units at Veer Towers are priced from $300,000 to more than $3 million (studios, 1, 2 & 3-bedrooms and penthouses).

Each Veer Tower is home to approximately 335 contemporary condominium residences, that will range from approximately 500 to 3,300 square feet.

The CityCenter’s Veer Towers was designed by internationally renowned architect Helmut Jahn. The Veer Towers is an architectural and artistic landmark on the global scene – a masterful translation of energy and excitement into physical form.

As the only completely residential development, Veer Towers is inclined at five-degree angles, and additionally lives up to the celebrated buildings’ name because the property consists of two 37-story glass towers that boldly shimmer both day and night.

If you are looking for the finer things in life along with unequaled views of Las Vegas, Veer Towers residents can enjoy the following luxury amenities – infinity-edge pool, hot tub, sun deck and a bar for outdoor entertaining.

Veer Towers at CityCenter also provides a recreation room, private media room, in addition to a fitness center with both men’s and women’s steam rooms and saunas that can be found on the 37th floor, adjacent to the beautiful pool deck.

You can find additional offerings such as a private boardroom and business center, mail room, bike storage, concierge service, private residential valet, plus 24-hour security.

Tony Dennis, executive vice president, CityCenter Residential Division states, “Arguably the most striking residential building in the world, Veer Towers is a masterful work of contemporary architecture offering buyers an immersive, artful lifestyle set within the urban mosaic of CityCenter.”

Veer Towers has also affirmed its commitment to delivering a new level of environmental consciousness to the Las Vegas Strip. The luxury property has proudly earned CityCenter’s sixth LEED® Gold certification from the U.S. Green Building Council.

In celebration, Veer Towers is offering a Grand Opening Promotion that includes a limited-time studio promotion with a retail value of up to $20,000.

With the purchase of select Veer East Interior Studios, new owners will also receive a complimentary turnkey living package designed and furnished by Robb & Stucky, the largest high-end interior design firm in the country.

For more information about Veer Towers, the studio promotion and CityCenter’s residential opportunities, please call (702) 590-5999, toll-free (866) 708-7111, or visit www.citycenter.com

Sicily is Italy’s largest island and the largest island in the Mediterranean Sea. It’s also a geographical and political region of Italy, famed for its beautiful beaches, cuisine, and fascinating history.

Prepare to be overwhelmed by Sicily’s contrasts, landscapes, beaches and amazingly diverse, ancient heritage. From its bustling capital of Palermo to age-old Roman and Greek ruins, the sun-drenched beaches and the towering, smouldering Mount Etna, this is one island that overflows with wonderful treasures.

When you think of Sicily, sprawling five-star resorts don’t usually come to mind, but that’s about to change. Next month, the most rustic of the Mediterranean islands will be home to the most luxurious resort in the region.

Set to host its first visitors in May, Verdura Golf and Spa Resort will be the only property in the Mediterranean to offer an across the board 5-star experience.

Boasting two championship golf courses, a first-rate spa, a yoga center, six restaurants, a private beach and 55 luxury private villas, the luxury Verdura Golf and Spa Resort is certainly upping the ante when it comes to Sicilian hotels.

Book your vacation now and stay at the luxury Verdura Golf and Spa Resort in Italy. Read our luxury blog to learn about the best luxury travel destinations in the world.

The P’haku Naha or better known as the Naha Stone, is located on the eastern side of the Big Island of Hawaii, in the city of Hilo.

Legend states that King Kamehameha proved them all wrong. He not only moved the 7,000 pound stone, but actually flipped it completely over when he was only 14 years old!

Kamehameha lifted the stone to fulfill a prophecy. Legend was the person who lifted the Naha Stone would unite the Hawaiian Islands.

Hawaii is a tropical island destination and offers an incredible luxury vacation, VIP experience. Enjoy warm ocean waters, terrific year-round weather and a rich culture. Be sure to visit the Naha Stone.

From Cirque du Soleil to David Copperfield and club TAO to Studio 54, extravagance is the essence of Las Vegas. This May, there is one more event that defines the luxury of Las Vegas. 60 restaurants, 50 chefs, 30 sommeliers, 30 events, and four extraordinary resorts collaborate for one incredible weekend: the sixth annual Vegas Uncork’d! by Bon Appétit magazine. The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas, Bellagio, Caesars Palace, and Mandalay Bay are putting on an event
worthy of their luxurious brand.

Bon Appétit has remained one of food lovers’ most trusted guides. As the country’s largest epicurean magazine with the most affluent readership, Bon Appétit produces recipes, tips, techniques, world of lush travel, and up-to-the-minute restaurant coverage. Each of their issues is known for featuring up-and-coming as well as renowned tastemakers, chefs, restauranteurs, fashion designers, and celebrities.

Lasting from Thursday, May 10 to Sunday, May 13, Vegas Uncork’d! in Las Vegas is any food lover’s dream. In addition to fan favorites such as Grand Tasting (Sixty restaurants participate in this ultimate outdoor culinary experience at Caesars Palace’s Garden of the Gods Pool Oasis); After-Hours the Remix (Chef Alain Ducasse is joined by chef Hubert Keller and Mandalay Bay executive pastry chef and master chocolatier Vincent Pilon for a late-night party at Mix, the rooftop lounge at Mandalay Bay; and VIP Saber-Off at Caesars Palace, this year, Bon Appétit is boasting a brand new, extended program:

• Master Series Dinner with Michel Richard, Thursday, May 10: Caesars Palace adds a new restaurant to its Master Series dinners—Central, helmed by renowned chef Michel Richard and his James Beard Award–winning staff.
• Follow That Food Truck, Thursday, May 10: The most sought-after food trucks from Las Vegas and surrounding areas join forces for one incredible festival. Join chefs Julian Serrano, Todd English, Jean-Georges Vongerichten, and Michael Mina for live music and ice-cold beers on Bellagio’s rooftop.
• Too-Hot Tamales Live Demonstration, Friday, May 11: Hosted by Bon Appétit editor in chief Adam Rapoport, chefs Mary Sue Milliken and Susan Feniger prepare a fourcourse menu with tequila pairings at Mandalay Bay’s Border Grill.
• Paella Lunch with José Andrés, Friday, May 11: One of the restaurant industry’s most captivating personalities, José Andrés lets loose with a live demo on how to make one of Spain’s signature dishes. He’ll prepare it on a wood-fired paella grill—the only one of its kind in the U.S.—at Jaleo in the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas.
• Gone Fishing with Costas Spiliadis, Saturday, May 12: Join chef Spiliadis at the Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas as he shares his secrets to selecting the highest-quality fish at the market, secrets on making fish at home, and healthful eating through the Mediterranean diet.

Jay Sarno owned a chain of “cabana” motels across the U.S. and looked at Las Vegas as his place for expansion.

Back in 1962, Jay Sarno used a $10.6 million loan from Teamsters Central States Pension Fund, to begin construction of an elegant Las Vegas resort. Caesars Palace was built on a 34-acre piece of property.

Initially, the Vegas resort was to be named the Cabana Palace. It next changed to the Desert Palace, then finally Caesars Palace.

Sarno went to the nth level of detail to model after the ancient Roman time period. Sarno included everything form the traditional Roman decor, toga-like waitress costumes, the hotel logo, the parchment-like desk stationary, matchbooks and business cards with simulated burnt edges.

Building the mighty hotel did have its share of construction problems. One notable one was when builders hit water during the building of a planned underground parking lot. Using coverts to divert the water, building eventually resumed but sometime later, the underground parking plan was abandoned.

Inside Caesars was a very large casino that seemed to go on forever. The casino offered a shallow oval-shaped dome hanging low over the gaming pit. Sarno felt this design created relaxation. The casino offered no windows and the ceiling was blacked-out. Away from the massive casino, a variety of retail shops, restaurants, lounges and corridors awaited the hotel’s patrons. Down one corridor was the impressive Circus Maximus, the resort’s main showroom.

Caesars Palace opened on August 5, 1966, offering visitors a mighty 14-story, 700 room resort to Las Vegas.

There have been many memorable moments held at Caesars Palace. One that was legendary for years to come occurred on December 31, 1967. That was when Evel Knievel failed in his attempt to jump over the famous Caesars’ fountain in his motorcycle.

As the hotels expansion continued in 1973, Del Webb Corporation built a 16 story, 333 room high-rise tower that finished the following year. Then in 1979, a 22-story tower was completed.

To finish what his famous dad couldn’t, Robby Knievel, son of Evel Knievel, did make the jump over Caesars’ fountains on April 14, 1989.

Caesars palace has continued to grow and expand, adding more rooms, casino space, fine dining and luxury shopping.  A visit to the Caesars Palace Forum Shops is a must.

Located in the heart of the Jardin Alpin – France, the five-star Hotel de Charme Les Airelles is well known for its old world charm.

Hotel de Charme Les Airelles had completed a 37 million Euro renovation back in December 2009.

The Hotel de Charme Les Airelles is designed in the spirit of grand chalets of the past. The hotel is perfectly positioned at the foothills of the mountain with convenient access to the ski slopes via Gloriette and the Relais des Skieurs.

The hotel offers its guest 37 guestrooms, 14 suites, plus a 5,900 square-foot private apartment.

Several of many guest amenities include: flat screen TV’s and built-in DVD players, video-on-demand service, sound dock, jukebox, in addition to wireless high-speed Internet access.

Enjoy the luxurious 7,000 square-foot Valmont Spa, the Pierre Gagnaire Restaurant and three additional dining options.

The hotel provides a beautiful Hermes designed horse-drawn carriage, a skating rink and carousel offering endless hours of fun. Shoppers can also find an exclusive Valentino boutique.

Hotel de Charme Les Airelles offers families an elaborate Kid’s Kingdom that provides hours of entertainment for children, under the direct supervision of a certified nanny.

Hotel de Charme Les Airelles is just five minutes from the nearby Courchevel Airport, thirty minutes from Moûtiers Rail Station, and approximately a two-hour drive from both the Geneva and Lyon International Airport.

For more information, please visit www.airelles.fr

Hotel de La Paix

As the 2012 Academy Awards nears, it’s time to see which of the deserving Oscar nominations wins the coveted statue. We all love to watch a great Oscar film in a theater with popcorn and our favorite drink and candy.

Often what makes a movie special is the luxury destinations movies are filmed in. An Oscar film can quickly increase tourism to that destination.

We all have our favorite movies with tropical beaches, majestic mountains  or historic cities.Just like the successful history of the Oscar, here are seven nomination-worthy vacation spots you can visit.

Enjoy these film locations and discover some of the awesome resorts that call them home. Maybe you’ll see an Oscar film that’s on your favorite movie watch list.

Film: Lara Croft
Set Location: Siem Reap Cambodia
Where to Stay: Hôtel de la Paix
Video game adventurer Lara Croft comes to life in a movie where she races against time and villains to recover powerful artifacts from the ancient temples Angkor. Played by red carpet regular Angelina Jolie, Lara Croft is skilled in hand-to-hand combat, weapons training and foreign languages – and conquers death-defying dangers in tight outfits. Channel your inner tomb raider while staying at the five-star, centrally located Hôtel de la Paix Siem Reap and explore one of the most religious sites in the world with one of the hotel’s multilingual tour guides.

Film: To Catch a Thief
Set Location: The French Riviera
Where to Stay: Pan Dei Palais
Retired jewel thief John Robie, played by Cary Grant, steals the heart of Oscar-winning actress Grace Kelly in Alfred Hitchcock’s ultimate romantic thriller. The movie, by the way, is responsible for turning Grace Kelly into Her Serene Highness Princess Grace of Monaco. Whisk your love away to Pan Dei Palais, the starting set for a stylish and romantic  adventure through the French Riviera and Monaco, where you can see for yourself why the film won the 1956 Oscar for Cinematography.

Film: The Beach

Set Location: Koh Phi Phi, Thailand
Where to Stay:  Six Senses Yao Noi
Phang Nga Bay is world famous for its unique limestone formations and pristine beaches where “The Beach” was filmed starring sensational award-winning actors Leonardo DiCaprio and Tilda Swinton. Pack your bags and take your darling to get a taste of that stunning panoramic scenery viewed from the ultra luxurious hilltop reserve at Six Senses Yao Noi. Trust us, it’s irresistible.

Film: Dr. No
Set Location: Ocho Rios
Where to Stay: Jewel Dunn’s River Beach Resort & Spa
In the 1962 James Bond film, the short stretch of golden sand beach that has a gorgeous waterfall emptying out into the Caribbean is the notable Dunn’s River Falls in Ocho Rios, Jamaica. This is where the legendary scene takes place when James Bond, played by Sean Connery, first meets Honey Ryder who emerges from the water. A stone’s throw from these breathtaking waterfalls sits the adults-only, all-inclusive Jewel Dunn’s River Beach Resort & Spa, the perfect place to take your honey for a dip and dive-in movie. Jamaican jerk popcorn included!

Film: Fool’s Gold
Set Location: Out Islands of The Bahamas
Where to Stay: Pink Sands, Harbour Island, The Bahamas
A new clue to the whereabouts of a buried treasure rekindles a married couple’s sense of adventure in this 2008 adventure comedy starring Matthew McConaughey and Kate Hudson. A stay at Pink Sands is guaranteed to spark the romance in one of the resort’s cottages and estates nestled in lush gardens, steps away from the legendary pink sands beach. This one is golden. No fools here!

Film: Limitless
Set Location: Puerta Vallarta, Mexico
Where to Stay: Garza Blanca Preserve, Resort & Spa
In the 2011 film Limitless, Hollywood stud Bradley Cooper is seen blasting down the cobblestone streets at the junction of Morelos and Paseo Diaz Ordez, Puerto Vallarta’s famous and dynamic streets ten minutes from Garza Blanca. So after a limitless-filled evening of  vibrant culture, award-winning restaurants and exciting nightlife, recharge at Garza Blanca.

Ulus 29

Looking for a unique, international social experience? In amazing Istanbul, Turkey you can see for miles and enjoy fine dining.

Ulus 29 opened back in 1993 and can be found on the scenic, hilltops of Ulus, Turkey. This incredible restaurant establishment offers patrons magnificent views overlooking the Bosphorus.

Ulus 29 both with its fine dining restaurant and Club 29, clearly establishes the luxury standard of indulgence and entertainment of Turkey.

Metin Fadillioglu is the owner of Ulus 29 and has created many classical trendy spots like, Çubuklu 29 and Hip Nişantaşı Brasserie. Fadillioglu is definitely a pioneer name in the Istanbul restaurant & entertainment industry.

Ulus 29 is a unique fine dining restaurant, where internationally acclaimed chef Mert Şeran features his very distinct techniques and creativity in avant-garde modern cuisine. Şeran is quite popular and one of the top chefs in Istanbul culinary scene.

The chef offers diners two signature menus: one with a wide sushi selection and the other with a list of Turkish and international favorites.

For wine lovers, you are in luck. Ulus 29 has highly experienced sommelier Stephane Vattepain, who will provide exquisite recommendations from the restaurant’s own wine cellar, which was awarded with Wine Spectator Award in 2011. The Ulus 29 wine list offers from over 4,000 fine wines to choose from.

The elegant and vibrant Terrace Bar and the Club section adjoin the spectacular view of the restaurant. The Terrace Bar is a great spot to have cocktails after work or your fine dining experience.

For a night to remember, on Fridays and Saturdays you can enjoy yourself at the Club 29 with its famous DJ’s and special cocktails. The Club is known as one of the world’s trendiest night clubs, with its music and its hip clientele including celebrities and many well-known international names.

With breathtaking views of Diamond Head, Waikiki Beach and Honolulu’s famous skyline, Sarento’s Top of the “I” brings a bit of Italy to Hawaii with style.

This popular, Hawaiian dining establishment has old country warmth, hospitality and live piano music are part of the atmosphere that makes this fine dining establishment one of Hawaii’s most celebrated.

Sarento’s Top Of The I in Honolulu is a two star Italian restaurant. This restaurant is quite expensive, but well worth every dollar.

The restaurant is located in the Renaissance Ilikai Waikiki, in Waikiki, Hawaii.

It’s been awarded the Wine Spectator Award of Excellence award. This place features great views. When you step inside the restaurant, you’ll notice an elegant atmosphere.

This fine dining restaurant offers diners a casual elegance but with superior service. Combined with the terrific culinary offerings and has well earned numerous accolades from the local Hawaiian community.

Sarentao’s also features fine wines to meet everyone’s taste. It’s a wonderful place to dine in Hawaii and share special memories with friends and family. The Life of Luxury can help you plan a trip to Hawaii and enjoy a VIP experience in this tropical paradise.

Sarento’s Top of the “I”
1777 Ala Moana Blvd
Honolulu, HI 96815
(808) 955-5559