You’ve heard of Cirque du Soleil, now get ready for a brand new experience, this time located in the heart of Waikiki –

Cirque Hawaii!

Brought to you by some of the very same talented individuals that made Cirque du Soleil such a huge success, Cirque Hawaii features a talented cast of more than 34 performers from around the world who are guaranteed to dazzle and amaze with their unbelievable acrobatic skill and superb dance ability!

Cirque Hawaii has exploded on Waikiki’s entertainment scene with all the joie de vivre that can be expected from a show patterned in the tradition of the wildly popular and purely magical Cirque du Soleil performances of Las Vegas and international fame. Mounted by two former Cirque du Soleil performers, the Waikiki show features a troupe of 34 award-winning aerialists, acrobats and dancers from around the world.

The show is staged in the Cirque Hawaii Theatre, formerly the IMAX Theater, at 325 Seaside Ave. in Waikiki. The performance is not so much a circus but a story about a circus choreographed by a former Cirque du Soleil performer. The costumes, music and lighting, acrobatic artistry and fine-tuned talents of the performers are laced together to bring precision and enchantment to the magical illusion of the show.

The story follows the journey of lead character Josephine, who searches the globe for the best talent for her exotic circus. Flamboyant costumes, extravagant theatrical make-up and captivating music add to the spell of a well-crafted show with highly skilled performers.

Audiences of all ages, locals and visitors alike, are blown away by the high-energy, precision acts, the laugh-out-loud antics and comedic narration, as well as the elaborate costuming and bright, fanciful make-up – and it all takes place in Cirque Hawaii’s multi-million dollar showroom which features a state-of-the-art light and sound system!

There are several different packages to choose from, but the Deluxe Producer’s Package just can’t be beat and includes VIP seating, a backstage tour, and a complimentary group photo with the show’s amazing troupe of artists!

There’s nothing quite like it in all of Waikiki, and, in fact, the entire island of Oahu, so why not come see what all the excitement is about, and “Experience The Unique” at Cirque Hawaii!

Windstar Cruises

Operating a three-ship fleet of luxury yachts that carries between 148 to 312 guests, Windstar Cruises has just been awarded the title of “Top Luxury Cruise” by Islands magazine.

Windstar Cruises is known as a luxury sailing yacht provider, pampering their customers without pretense, in addition to the company’s ability to visit the hidden harbors and secluded coves of the world’s most treasured destinations.

Windstar Cruises was recognized by Islands magazine for their luxury Wind Surf yacht, Rome to Rome itinerary.

The Life of Luxury can make your dream vacation come true. Whether a tropical beach getaway or a luxury cruise, our travel specialists can assist and book your travel itinerary. Enjoy a VIP experience and make it a vacation that will provide lasting memories. Come back to read our luxury blog for all the latest news.

Palms Place Hotel & Spa

From the day it opened (March 2008) in Las Vegas, Palms Place quickly became one of the “it” places to be anywhere in Sin City.

Palms Place Hotel & Spa is a luxury, 47-story hotel and spa featuring 599 units that range in size from spacious studios and one-bedroom suites up to most spectacular penthouses.

The lavish and luxurious, Palms Place is synonymous with elegance and chic. The Palms Place Pool is another of Vegas’ newest hot spots.

Palms Place also features a 50,000 square-foot pool and spa enclave, nestled amongst lush landscaping and beautiful manicured gardens. In addition, the area offers the first hammam in all of Las Vegas, bringing back the ancient traditions of a Turkish bath and offering a decadent blend of ancient and contemporary treatments.

Palms Place Hotel & Spa has just received the coveted AAA Four Diamond Award.

Palms owner George Maloof was quoted, “I am extremely proud of our team at Palms Place. They continue to work hard every day to exceed our customers’ expectations.  Receiving this award is a direct reflection of our dedication to creating an outstanding experience for all guests by delivering unique, personalized service. We look forward to future recognitions at this property.”

The exclusive award is given properties meeting all the criteria that have been established by AAA, including – excellence in comfort, cleanliness and hospitality. In addition, properties must offer an extensive array of amenities combined with a high degree of hospitality, service and attention to detail.

Guests of Palms Place Hotel & Spa will experience the superior service elements and sophistication at Palms Place while still enjoying the exciting features at Palms Casino Resort.

Palms Casino Resort is located a short indoor walk from Palms Place, offering guests top-notch entertainment from the Pearl Concert Theater.

In addition, there are world-class nightlife options including ghostbar, Rain, Moon and the celebrated Playboy Club.

The collection of works in the Uffizi Gallery cannot be compared to any other world collection and is probably the only one to have just masterpieces of exceptional value.

The Uffizi Gallery, (1560-1580) designed by Vasari in 1560 and built by Cosimo I of Medici. The Uffizi was meant to be an officio (office) for magistrates as well as judges, technicians and merchants of Florence, were turned on the top floor into a private gallery for the pleasure of the ruling family of Florence, the Medicis, and their guests.

Vasari, who sadly died that same year, could hardly have imagined that inside that building, born to house the Magistracy, almost all the major painters (not just Florentine) whose biographies he had written in one of the most interesting documents on the history of art, Lives, would have been on show.

In addition to paintings, statues, jewelry, scientific instruments, even weapons, were displayed there. This unique situation made the Uffizi one of the most interesting and precious collections in the whole world.

It was based on an idea of Vasari, who had put the portrait of each artist with his biography, that Leopoldo de’Medici started the rich collection of artists’ self-portraits.

Since 1865 it became a museum, nowadays with 50 rooms housing paintings ranging from 13th century to the 18th century. Highlights are the famous “Madonna enthroned” by Giotto, the “Battle of San Romano” by Paolo Uccello, the double portrait by Piero della Francesca, “Federico da Montefeltro”, the “Birth of Venus” by Botticelli , in addition to 3 works by Leonardo, 1 by Michelangelo, a few by Raffaello and many by Tiziano.

All of the gallery’s paintings have been displayed chronologically, so it is possible to fully appreciated all the innovations in art throughout the centuries.

Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp – Atlantis, Paradise Island – The Bahamas

If you love great rock and roll music and having fun in a tropical paradise, then Atlantis, Paradise Island resort – The Bahamas is the perfect choice.

Atlantis, Paradise Island is offering the ultimate fantasy in Paradise for would-be rock-star’s! Located in The Bahamas, Atlantis will be hosting a Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp over President’s Day Weekend, February 17-20, 2011.

You can have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to meet rock legends Tommy Lee (solo artist and founding member of the glam metal band Mötley Crüe), Ace Frehley (original member of the rock band Kiss) and Lita Ford (formerly the lead guitarist/singer of The Runaways) as your camp counselors.

The Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp (RRFC) was formed in 1997 and has made the fantasies of novice, expert and dabbling music fans come to life on hundreds of stages all over the world.

Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp

Participants of The Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp are given the opportunity to write and record an original song, practice and jam with rock star band mates and learn the ins and outs of the music business with their very own exclusive all access VIP backstage pass.

This is a terrific experience, as campers will write and record original music, participate in jam sessions and rehearsals and cap off the weekend with a finale concert where the rock-legends will perform LIVE on stage with each camper’s band.

Next year’s Rock ‘n’ Roll Fantasy Camp will be held at the luxury Atlantis, Paradise Island in the Bahamas. Atlantis is an ocean-themed destination and features a variety of accommodations, all built around a 141-acre waterscape comprised of over 20 million gallons of fresh and saltwater lagoons, pools and habitats.

Priced at $4999/person, music lovers won’t want to miss out on unleashing their inner-rock star, alongside legends and in paradise, so book now as availability is limited. Rates start at $249 per night not including the cost of the Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp

For all the details of the Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp in Atlantis – Paradise Island, please visit: Rockcamp.com

Photo: Abama Hotel Tenerife

The Abama Hotel Tenerife is a vast, family-friendly resort on the south west coast of Tenerife, Spain. In scale, Abama Hotel Tenerife is more like a village than a resort. The 160 hectare ‘finca’ or private estate is tucked away in the tranquil and little known area of Guía de Isora.

On the smooth slopes of the Teide, the highest peak on the island, the resort is set in an attractive hillside landscape that runs all the way down to the ocean and an exclusive beach. This volcanic terrain is covered by exuberant vegetation, with over 300 varieties of plants, trees and palm trees, in a situation with stunning panoramic views over the Atlantic Ocean and the neighboring island of La Gomera.

The architectural design of the Abama is ethnically inspired, using earth-colored walls, terracotta-tiled floors and irregular architecture. Nature is incorporated into the design, cleverly using trees and vegetation to build an unusual and relaxing look.

Villa rooms and suites come complete with their own gardens, terraces and shared pools, providing a wide choice of relaxing accommodation for families and couples alike. The three-hundred rooms in the main building continue the ethnic look with floors strewn with rugs, exotic plants and dark wood furnishings. Water is an essential element that runs through the entire resort with its numerous lakes and waterfalls.

Tenerife is the largest of the seven islands that make up the Canary Island Archipelago, found just north of the Tropic of Cancer. In this location, the Abama enjoys more hours of sunshine than any other part of Spain, with an average annual temperature of 23°.

At the heart of the Abama complex, is ‘the citadel’ where bars and restaurants, the library and screening room, decadently indulgent spa, secret gardens, ornamental lakes and swimming pools can be found. In ‘the citadel’ there is a choice of a deluxe room or two categories of suite accommodation.

The rooms’ interior decor makes use of local materials such as Canary Island pine, and each has a king-size or twin beds, fitted oak furniture and state of the art entertainment equipment. Marble bathrooms have large tubs, a separate shower stall, and complimentary brand-name bath products. Each row of villas has access to an exclusive pool, ocean views from their top floor rooms and spacious terraces.

Unsurprisingly, given the resort’s size, the facilities available to guests are extensive. With ten restaurants, eight swimming pools, seven tennis courts and a golf course and spa center, residents may spend a week at Abama and never step outside.

The fabulous golf course, designed by Dave Thomas, and boasting twenty two lakes and 25,000 palm trees, waterfalls, and Atlantic views, can be enjoyed all year round and is a major draw for many guests. There is a golf academy for guests to enjoy one-to-one golf lessons, and a pro shop stocked with leading brands of specialist golf equipment.

For a more sedate form of relaxation, an extensive spa and wellness center allows guests full immersion in an oasis of calm with a complete range of massages and other therapies on offer. Skincare, anti-stress and beauty treatments make use of natural and local materials such as volcanic stones, mineralizing marine algae, aromatic herbs and healing fruits. In addition, the spa has a hydrotherapy pool, thermal water circuit and a complete fitness center.

The Abama Golf and Spa Resort has a huge choice of ways to spend a holiday in a constant state of luxury relaxation. Combining a stunning location, fantastic facilities and excellent service, the resort has all the ingredients for an indulgent and memorable visit to the island of Tenerife.

Bellagio Hotel and Casino – Christmas Holiday

2011 is quickly winding down and the holiday season is approaching. Many of you make Las Vegas one of your top destinations for holiday season travel.

More than eight million people visited Las Vegas during last year’s holiday season, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.

Spend a memorable holiday season in Las Vegas this year. We’ve gathered some of our best holiday season picks for you to enjoy.

Thanksgiving
– Thanksgiving is wonderful but it can be a lot for work – the cooking, clean-up, etc….  Now you can finally skip doing the dishes this year and try an extraordinary Thanksgiving meal the whole family will love.
– The Buffet at ARIA is a true palate pleaser, offering limitless fine food choices such as fresh crab legs, made-to-order pastas and seasonal favorites including oven-roasted turkey, of course.
– For those with a sweet tooth, you can feast upon signature creations by World Pastry Champion Jean-Philippe Maury.
– The best part is there’s no need to clean the kitchen afterward. Instead, head over to one of the many state-of-the-art sports books to catch all the football action.
– If you’re a sports lover, then feel the excitement of every tackle and touchdown with more than 10,000 square feet of big-screen action at The Mirage or try a more intimate setting with the private Skyboxes at MGM Grand complete with 42-inch plasma televisions and surround-sound audio systems.

Holiday Shopping
– Shopping during the holidays can be a treat for many. Now you can take an enchanted journey through couture, cuisine and entertainment inside Crystals at CityCenter.
– Located within a magnificently modern gathering place, the options for luxurious brands are endless and include fine fashion boutiques such as world-renowned designers Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci and Tom Ford.
– Consider perusing The Shoppes at Mandalay Place and enjoy one-of-a-kind boutiques like LUSH, the “cosmetic grocer” that features traditional and non-traditional merchandise from fragrant soaps to fizzing bath bombs.
– For dad, The Art of Shaving carries a large collection of accessories for men and also offers the Royal Shave, scissor haircuts or skin treatments performed by expertly trained master barbers in the luxurious Barber Spa.
For golfers on the shopping list, check out Nike Golf, the first location in the U.S. to offer the hottest brand in the golf industry today. This unique store is known for innovation in apparel and offers complete lines of men’s, women’s and children’s brand apparel as well as professional personalized swing analysis (what better gift for anyone who takes their golf seriously?).

New Year’s Eve
– Although it’s frigid in other parts of the world, Las Vegas is still heating things up, even in a December winter.
– Some of the world’s hottest New Year’s Eve parties line the Vegas Strip at nightclubs like ARIA’s Haze, MGM Grand’s Studio 54, Bellagio’s The Bank and Mandalay Bay’s miX Lounge.
– From outrageous celebrity appearances to mind-blowing performances by world-class DJs, few cities can do New Year’s Eve like Las Vegas can.
– But the party doesn’t stop there; The Strip becomes America ’s Party as resorts including MGM Grand and ARIA launch unbelievable fireworks displays when the clock strikes midnight.

Contact us today to help plan your trip and spend a memorable holiday season in Las Vegas. Make this year a magical VIP experience, that only Las Vegas can deliver.

At the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa, enjoy fine dining at the Cascades Grill and Sushi Bar.

The Cascades Grill and Sushi Bar combines spectacular Pacific Ocean views with innovative Hawaiian island dishes, add touches of superb sushi by master chefs and you have found a true masterpiece in dining.

From steaks grilled to perfection to the daily catch, you’ll discover the freshest of flavors in this garden setting overlooking our beautiful pools and the Pacific.

Delight all your senses at the very tempting Sushi bar, as you watch the culinary masters prepare such tasty creations as maki sushi rolls and Japanese traditional nigiri.

Hailed by both guests and experts, Cascades Grill and Sushi Bar is widely known as one of the best Maui restaurants.

Coupled with the surrounding Hawaiian Island ambiance, even the most ordinary meal at the Cascades Grill and Sushi Bar becomes an unforgettable dining occasion.

Click Here for more information

Cascades Grill and Sushi Bar
Tel: +1 808 667 4727

Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa
200 Nohea Kai Drive,
Lahaina, Hawaii, USA 96761-1985
Tel: +1 808 661 1234    Fax: +1 808 667 4498

From the moment you descend the marble staircase leading to Tryst, the nightclub at Wynn Las Vegas, it becomes evident that a decidedly unique nightlife experience awaits you.

At the base of the stairs is a lounge, complete with its own DJ booth, tables and couches, walls covered almost completely by hundreds of framed mirrors. But it is the plush red velvet walls of a hall beyond that beckon you to enter the waiting nightclub.

As you emerge from the hall, prepare to have your breath taken away, as you find yourself immediately captivated by the club’s centerpiece – a 94-foot waterfall, rising above Tryst’s private oasis.

Tryst seems even larger with the waterfall as the centerpiece of the action. The falling water makes you want to dance the night away and have a few too many drinks.

The club itself is awash in rich, dark chocolate and red tones, with alligator-skin booths and elegant marble tables. Lush velvet is found everywhere – walls, draperies, and especially in the VIP champagne room, which is all red velvet and sensual crimson lighting, centered by a pole dancing stage.

A dark-tiled dance floor in the center of the club opens out onto the patio, extending 15 feet over the water outside. Plush, vanilla-colored seating lines the patio, which wraps around the semicircular lagoon. Exclusive seating and beds are available right next to the spectacular waterfall.

The crowd is generally more upscale as the Wynn Las Vegas clientele frequent this hot spot. The dance floor is sizeable and there are three bars around the club to keep you hydrated.

Gorgeous cocktail servers in alluring attire serve the needs of patrons enjoying bottle service, which is available from about $300, at one of the club’s 84 tables. There are also two bars in the main club area and one in the champagne room, so libations are never far away. Tryst also offers specialty drinks and a limited selection of high-end cigars.
Review by: PJ Perez

Mandarin Oriental Hotel du Rhone Geneva, Switzerland

The Mandarin Oriental Hotel du Rhone Geneva is ideally located in the heart of Geneva – a stone’s throw away from the main shopping, cultural  and business district.

The Mandarin Oriental Hotel Du Rhone Geneva is located on the right bank of the River Rhone. The hotel is recently refurbished with historic art deco masterpiece is a luxurious symphony of silk, Italian marble, parquet and leather. As guests enter this luxury hotel, there is a spacious lobby to greet them along with a welcoming bar.

This amazing hotel offers 192 guest rooms and suites. The rooms and suites are spacious, elegantly furnished and fully prepared for the business traveler.

Many rooms have soothing views of the River Rhone and all are designed for relaxation in the warmest shades of cognac, plum and chocolate. The luxurious suites are features with private lifts, dining rooms and even a white grand piano.

This traditional, but luxury hotel boasts many art deco features, and provides guests with comfortable, spacious rooms, as well as a Michelin-starred restaurant and extensive meeting facilities.

Mandarin Oriental Hotel du Rhone
Quai Turrettini 1
1201 Geneva,
Switzerland
+41 (22) 909 00 00

Napa Valley Wine Train

Napa Valley can be found about an hour north of San Francisco, California. This scenic countryside is where you will find lush vineyards, incredible wineries, fine dining restaurants and luxury accommodations.

The famous vineyards of Napa Valley are the top producers of wine in the United States, and many of the world’s finest wines come from these fertile lands.

A truly memorable way to see the beautiful Napa Valley and its rich, wine making history … is by taking the Napa Valley Wine Train. It’s definitely one of the most popular and “must-do” activities in Napa’s wine country.

The Napa Valley Wine Train offers a unique wine country travel experience offering a picturesque view of the peaceful Napa countryside.

Wine Train passengers will enjoy a leisurely, three-hour journey from Napa to St. Helena and back, traveling through the towns of Yountvile, Oakville, and Rutherford.

This 36 mile round-trip journey is simply not just a train ride, but also an unforgettable, culinary experience. It’s the perfect combination of terrific food and fine wine from Napa Valley.

Napa Valley Wine Train at night

Your journey begins the moment you climb aboard the train. The restored vintage rail cars are an amazing site and consist of a combination of 1915-17 Pullman dining cars and lounge cars, plus a 1952 Pullman Vista Dome car.

It actually feels like you’re going back in time, as these historic cars have been restored to their original beauty.

There are several excursion packages to choose from. For lunch, two options include:
Gourmet Lunch Package
– A 3-course gourmet meal that is prepared on-board in an adjacent kitchen car, next to each dining area.

Vista Dome Lunch Package.
– For a more private dining experience, enjoy your 4-course meal in the Vista Dome Car, which provides an elevated observation view of the Napa wine country. The dining car has been meticulously refurbished using elegant Honduran Mahogany paneling and luxurious brass accents.

Extend your experience by booking one of four different, well-known winery tours, with your choice of visiting – Raymond Vineyards, ZD Winery, Domaine Chandon Winery, Grgich Hills Estate or the Raymond Family Vineyards.

For dinner, there are also two options to choose from:
Gourmet Dinner Package
– Enjoy a 4-course gourmet meal while you enjoy an amazing evening via an antique train.

Vista Dome Dinner Package.
– A 5-course gourmet meal is the ultimate fine dining experience and one I personally had the pleasure of experiencing.

Napa Valley Wine Train – Gourmet Dinner

The team of servers during our meal were incredible. From their knowledge and suggestions of local wines to their polite and prompt service, you quickly knew you were dealing with the “best of the best.”

Our fabulous 5-course meal started with a plate of incredible Hors D’Oeuvres consisting of seasonal vegetables, cheeses and finely cut meats. Next was delicious baby lettuce salad with candied walnuts and smoked goat cheese in a honey cider. Following was a tasty Harlequin Sorbet made of the perfect blend of the Wine Train’s very own Sorbets.

For the main entrée, we had the choice of Grilled Lamp Chop, Achiote Pork Tenderloin, Sweet Pea Ravioli with Roasted Peppers, or Swordfish. A lover of seafood, I decided to go with the Swordfish, which was prepared and served to perfection!

There was an incredible list of wine to choose from. We decided to try a bottle of white wine. Our server suggested a 2008 ZD Wines Reserve Chardonnay. An excellent choice and superb tasting wine!

After our dinner was complete, we moved to the dessert car and had a difficult choice between Creme Brulee and Chocolate Tiramisu. My wife chose the former and I, the latter. After sampling both, they were equally decadent. It was the perfect way to end an exquisite meal – sitting in plush swivel chairs while gazing out the large windows at the passing Napa Valley scenery.

The Napa Valley Wine Train also offers its own wine tasting bar. Stop by and sample a wide variety of boutique wines from many of the local Napa wineries.

Be sure to plan ahead and make your reservations early as the Napa Valley Wine Train is very popular, especially during the busy summer months.

The Napa Valley Wine Train is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that everyone should enjoy. It simply is the ideal way to enjoy fine wine, a gourmet meal, and take in the breathtaking Napa Valley scenery in a historic, yet elegant train.

Napa Valley Wine Train
1275 McKinstry Street
Napa, CA 94559
(800) 427-4124
(707) 253-2111 (local)