Breitling U.S. Tribute Watch

Owning a luxury watch is high on the list of what people want to own and what they often associate luxury with. Luxury watchmaker Breitling has introduced three incredible watches just in time for Valentine’s Day.

– Breitling Galactic 36 – With a variety of colorful leather or lizard skin straps to choose from, this is one of Breitling’s most feminine watches and versions featuring mother of pearl and diamonds lend an especially glamorous touch.

The mechanical movement of the sporty, versatile and refined Galactic 36 Automatic is housed within a generous steel case.

Price: From $5,950 to $39,230, depending on materials selected.

– Breitling Chronomat 44 – These watches a great choice for matching “his and hers” Valentine’s Day gifts this year. Sure to please any man or woman, the Chronomat 44 is one of Breitling’s signature pieces this year and features their very own in-house movement.

The watch case with satin-brushed upper surface, exclusive black dial and is available in 18K rose gold or white gold.

Price: From $7,560 in steel; from $25,500 in gold and rose gold, depending on materials selected

– Breitling U.S. Tribute –  A watch in tribute to military veterans across the United States, Breitling has created a 50-piece limited edition American Tribute watch.

This is a great choice as it is a “gift that gives back.” Breitling is donating 100% of the proceeds from this watch to the Fisher House Foundation, which constructs comfort homes to provide free, temporary housing to the families of service members needing medical care across the U.S.
Price: $8,960

For upcoming Valentine’s Day or any special occasion, a luxury watch makes the ideal gift. Van Cleef & Arpels has just released a luxury collection titled, “Poetic Complications.”

Each Poetic Wish timepiece is presented in its own extraordinary cabinet made of precious woods and mother-of-pearl inlay. The boxes tell the story of the Poetic Wish watches and, when they are put together, the young lovers from within the story are re-united. The cabinet’s interiors have been conceived following the tradition of stringed instrument makers so as to enhance the sound of the Poetic Complications. The watch, placed in its customised box, becomes a collector’s piece.

You may be wondering what was the inspiration behind the Van Cleef & Arpels luxury watch collection. Here’s the magical story …

Once upon a time, Van Cleef & Arpels asked a diamond fairy to transform the colours of time. Thanks to her, complication movements, so precious to watchmakers and to watch lovers, became poetic. This was in 2007, Van Cleef & Arpels presented a Poetic Complication: the Lady Arpels Féérie watch, equipped with a retrograde movement.

A diamond fairy indicated the hours with her wand, the minutes with the tip of her wings. Her dazzling wand had granted another wish: to a baby girl in her cradle, she promised happiness, love and joy. A few years later, Van Cleef & Arpels added another chapter to its Poetry of Time with the Une Journée à Paris watch.

The child had become a girl and she discovered the City of Romance thanks to a series of symbols on the watch’s dial: the place Vendôme column, the giant Ferris wheel of the jardin des Tuileries… and the Eiffel Tower.

In 2010, the girl was back in Paris with the Pont des Amoureux watch. Two young people, on a summer’s night, walked along a bridge on the Seine river. The young woman’s steps indicated the hours; the young man’s marked the minutes.

Slowly but surely, they came closer to finally exchange a kiss at midnight. Since then, the two young lovers have stayed in Paris and a new chapter of The Poetry of Time has been written for them. The Lady Arpels Poetic Wish and the Midnight Poetic Wish symbolize this never-ending love story.

A story where the passing of time, and its precious hours and minutes, casts a spell of eternal renewal.

Alexandra Cipriani

Desire to conform diminishes with age. When I was high school, I wanted nothing more than to wear the same clothes, listen to the same music, and shop at the same stores as everyone else my age.

The older I get, as my sense of self identity increases, the less I want to look like everyone else. Now Mr. Calvin Klein, I’m sure you are very nice, but paying $35 for a t-shirt with your name in bold letters across the chest is sheer lunacy. Unique styles like ones designed by Alexandra Cipriani resonates with me more.

Although I personally do not wear leather, Alexandra Cipriani’s design style perfects the blend of fashion and edginess. Her silver-studded leather jacket and short leather party dress show off the key features of leather: form-fitting yet comfortable.

With clients like Paulina Rubio, Enrique Iglesias, and Lil Mama, Cipriani’s designs give each of its wearers the rock star treatment. Whether you are Jennifer Lopez from Hollywood, or Jennifer Smith from accounting, your garment will be hand-sewn and custom-made by request.

Alexandra Cipriani

Alexandra Cipriani chose to specialize in leather because of the animal instinct that remains behind the skin. She personally believes that leather and sexiness are two elements that can easily be married.

Cipriani states, “When people wear my garments for the first time, their reaction is priceless; they automatically exude confidence, as if they could achieve anything.”

To learn more about the Alexandra Cipriani Collection, please visit: www.alexandracipriani.com

Courtesy of: Vdara Hotel & Spa

Vdara Hotel & Spa was first phase of the incredible 67-acre, $8.5 billion mixed-use urban development center called CityCenter, on The Strip in Las Vegas.

The massive CityCenter is located between the Monte Carlo and Bellagio. CityCenter has become the cultural centerpiece of Las Vegas and the amazing vertical city transformed the Las Vegas Strip.

Vdara is an all-suite hotel and spa and is designed for those who love the non-stop excitement of Las Vegas but desire more relaxed accommodations, in an exclusive, non-gaming, smoke-free environment.

The towering 57-story Vdara, has a total of 1,495 luxury suites, all equipped with full kitchens.

The units include deluxe suites and one- and two-bedroom units ranging from 500 to 1,650 square feet. There are also penthouse units and 250 corner-end suites with panoramic views.

The luxury Vdara Hotel & Spa will offer both customized amenities and services that will cater to the discerning clientele who are looking for the ultimate experience.

Courtesy of: Vdara Hotel & Spa

Guests at Vdara can enjoy a luxurious 18,000-square-foot wellness spa and salon, a hip and vibrant pool and lounge perched high above The Strip with 40,000-square-foot pool deck, a state-of-the-art fitness center and 10,000 square feet of meeting space.

The Vdara Hotel & Spa is a short walk from another new hotel-casino called Aria. Vdara is also approximately 100 feet from the entrance to Bellagio’s south tower.

Jim Murren is the Chairman and CEO of MGM Mirage. During a recent press event, Murren stated, “We are incredibly proud to offer the world this first taste of all that CityCenter will bring to the Las Vegas Strip. Travelers will finally find in Las Vegas what they find in other great cities around the world – spectacular architecture, culturally significant art, great public spaces, sophisticated hotels, unique restaurants and incredible amenities. We look forward to unveiling all of this and more as the month unfolds.”

“It was designed to complement Aria, not operate as an extension of Aria,” McBeath said. “It has its own style, own flavor and its own personality. We really believe the Vdara brand is going to be the sleeper of CityCenter.”

Vdara is categorized as a condominium hotel. This means the hotel’s units can be bought and placed into a rental program where they can then be leased as hotel rooms when vacant by their owners.

For over a century, the name Neiman Marcus has defined luxury retailing. The Neiman Marcus brand is synonymous with merchandising and service excellence.

Neiman Marcus is the king of Las Vegas luxury shopping. The store has been located in the Fashion Show Mall since 1981.

Neiman Marcus has a reputation for having some of the best personal shoppers in the U.S. So if you are looking for the ultimate in luxury and fashion, consider letting someone else do the work for you.

Neiman Marcus
3200 Las Vegas Blvd S # 100
Las Vegas, NV 89109
702-731-3636

Cartier

I’m a firm believer that no matter how fancy, as soon as you introduce gaudiness into an item, it begins to look cheap.

Diamonds is the ultimate symbol of luxury, but if one starts wearing diamond-encrusted coats with matching hat and scarf, the look screams more Jersey Shore than Audrey Hepburn; not to mention the backlash an overly flashy ensemble would elicit.

With the same concerns in mind, Cartier, the indisputable brand of sophistication is introducing discreet watches to assuage luxury-goods guilt.

With a prestigious client list that includes the star of Russia and the late and great Elizabeth Taylor, Cartier is focusing on watches with more understated class than ostentatious displays of wealth. Not skimping on jewels, diamond, gold, and other precious stones and metals, Cartier will show complicated timepieces and watches at the SIHH watch fair in Geneva.

The new product, Tank Anglaise, is available in three colors of gold as well as a gold and steel version. It’s said to be the biggest introduction since the Balloon Bleu. Balloon Bleu watches was first introduced to the market in 2007 and stood apart from its competitors with round cases and a crown set with sapphire.

Standard model of the Balloon Bleu begin at 10,000 euros while the diamond-encrusted versions are worth hundreds of thousands of euros.

Class, sophistication, and the agility to roll with the current socio-economic times are just a few of the reasons for Cartier’s revenue and market share growth.

Sandals Resorts

The Pirates was such an overwhelmingly influential franchise, it glorified pirates (mostly of the Caribbean persuasion) and showcased the beauty of the Caribbean.

Played by Johnny Depp, Captain Jack Sparrow standing proudly on a small, sinking sailboat was the image that immediately pops into my head, when I hear or see the word, “Caribbean.” But that hardly does Sandals Vacations justice. If anything can dominate the image of Captain Sparrow, it would be Sandals.

Sandals Resorts has a global reputation for providing the most romantic vacation experience in the Caribbean. With 14 luxurious all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica, Antigua, St. Lucia, and The Bahamas, Sandals is further solidifying its reputation by offering a limited-time “Sandals Renewal of Vows” event.

The concepts of  The Sandals Renewal of Vows are simple, for each couple that reserves a stay of six nights or longer in any room category will receive a complimentary, intimate Renewal of Vows ceremony.

“A Sandals Renewal of Vows ceremony is perfectly tailored to create the ideal romantic experience and moments that will be treasured for a lifetime,” says Marsha-Ann Brown, Director of Romance, Sandals Resorts. Married couples looking to profess their love will enjoy a complimentary Renewal of Vows ceremony and reception styled by Martha Stewart that incorporates elements of the Sandals Weddings by Martha Stewart ‘Beautiful Beginnings’ theme.

Along with a Personal Vow Renewal Consultant, all Renewal of Vows ceremonies include recorded musical accompaniment, an elegant reception with chilled hors d’oeuvres and sparkling wine, as well as a Renewal of Vows Officiant and personalized commemorative certificate.

Following the festivities, couples celebrating a vow renewal at Sandals Resorts will also receive a full breakfast in bed on the morning of their choice, a romantic in-room turn down service and a 5×7 “second honeymoon” photograph and branded beach bag.

For more details on the Sandals “Renewal of Vows” package, visit www.sandals.com or call 1-877-SANDALS and mention promotion code ROV12.

Courtesy of: Terzetto at M Resort

Capping off a recent stay at the “M” Resort in Las Vegas, we were going to drive back into the strip, (probably 5 miles +), and try out another potentially interesting eatery.

But alas, it was already 8:45 p.m. and our energy level was running on empty. Hence, we opted to remain at the “M” and try out its local cuisine, — and we’re so glad we did.

We made arrangements to dine at “Terzetto”, which boasts a wonderful oyster bar, and an interior design worthy of the cover of “Architectural Digest.”

We began with a shared appetizer salad of a tomato / mozzarella caprese with spring greens and a light vinaigrette. –Very tasty.

My friend ordered a rare 12 oz prime rib*, with a side of fresh sauteed brocolinni, prepared deftly and perfectly, – Very nice.

My entree was a combination 8 oz fillet mignon* (rare) and 8 oz lobster tail served with drawn lemon butter. Both accompanied by a side of cubed butternut squash gratinee.

All three offerings were prepared impeccably and tasted magnificently. Some beautiful deserts were presented to us, but alas, we were stuffed to the gills, –no more room.

The meal was served with a buttery complex house chardonnay, which was quite acceptable.

The french bread offered at the onset was one of the best I’ve ever tasted.

* All beef served at Terzetto is raised on the owner’s cattle ranch in Montana, and the quality was superb.

I strongly recommend Terzetto to everyone. It is a comfortable and beautiful restaurant, with excellently prepared food.

Please enjoy!!!

Author: Val Patacchi is a freelance writer and avid traveler.

The Peninsula Hong Kong

Are you looking for an ultimate rush of adrenalin and luxury, then consider the “Sky High Champagne Breakfast” experience in Hong Kong.

The Sky High Champagne Breakfast is offered by The Peninsula Hong Kong. Begin your ultra-unique experience with a delicious breakfast at the luxury hotel’s aviation themed lounge – The China Clipper.

Next it’s time to take flight as you embark on a memorable bird’s eye view tour of scenic Hong Kong in an Aerospatiale twin-engine Squirrel AS355N helicopter. You will depart right from The Peninsula’s own helipads!

This amazing opportunity will only be available until Jun of this year. Enjoy an incredible, eight-minute helicopter experience that will take around Hong Kong’s world famous skyline.

The Squirrel AS355N helicopter are equipped with wraparound windows, so you’ll get one-of-a-kind views of Hong Kong’s thriving metropolis. Take in the views and the Hong Kong’s skyscrapers, then sweep around Happy Valley with full views of the racetrack, fly over to North Point for a photo opportunity of Kowloon and Hong Kong, then make their way back for a landing atop The Peninsula.

The Peninsula Hong Kong’s new and truly extraordinary Sky High Champagne Breakfast helicopter experience, is available now through June 2012. Guests begin with breakfast at The Peninsula Hong Kong’s aviation themed lounge, The China Clipper, followed by a bird’s eye view tour of Hong Kong in an Aerospatiale twin-engine Squirrel AS355N helicopter, departing from The Peninsula’s own helipads.

The Sky High Champagne Breakfast is currently availble through 24th June 2012, on Sundays and public holidays from 9:30 am to 11:00 am, with helicopter flights taking off between 9:45 am and 10:45 am.

This luxury experience is priced at at HK$1,388 per person, and includes a glass of Champagne. For reservations or additional information, please call (852) 2315 3146 or email diningphk@peninsula.com.

Courtesy of: worldisround.com

On the Hawaiian island of Molokai, there is a wonderful coconut grove that was planted in the 1860′s by King Kamehameha V. King Kamehameha V. was nicknamed Kapuaiwa, and selected this particular site due to the seven sacred ponds located here.

The King ordered 1,000 tall, royal coconut palm trees to be planted on Molokai to represent each individual warrior in his mighty army, in addition to shading his sacred bathing pools of the ali’i (royalty).

The Kapuaiwa coconut grove is located on the south shore of Molokai, approximately 1.5 miles west of the town of Kaunakakai.

Sadly, not many of the original coconut palm trees still stand today. The original one thousand coconut trees covered about an area of ten acres. Now only a few hundred of these beautiful palms are still there.

Due to the danger of heavy coconuts falling from the tall palm trees, entering through the palm tree grove is not allowed.

But all is not lost. Take in a fabulous sunset view of the Kapuaiwa Coconut Grove from the nearby Kiowea Beach Park.

You can also view a concrete military bunker, located at the ocean’s edge of the grove as a real historical reminder of WWII.

To reach the Kapuaiwa Coconut Grove, go east on Highway 460 from the town of Kaunakakai. You will then see the Kapuaiwa Coconut Grove on your left, across the street from Church Row.

Summit of Leysin, Switzerland

Winter in northern CA is experiencing delays. Midway into January, we are finally getting some cool weather. Though not nearly enough snow where I live, but at least Summit of Leysin, Switzerland is enjoying my snowy winter.

The luxury alpine resort at Les Diablerets in the Lake Geneva Region is covered in a deep blanket of fresh snow (yes, the fluffy kind).

With eight feet of snow to date, also known as the Canton of Vaud, the Lake Geneva Region is located in Southwestern Switzerland. With entertainment and recreation other than just skiing, the area is also home to museums, restaurants and shops; something for the artistically-hungry, the foodies, and the shoppers.

With stunning mountain views across Lake Geneva, cozy chalets serving authentic cheese fondue, and fast scenic rail connections from Geneva Cointrin Airport to the mountain villages in less than two hours, the Lake Geneva Region offers the ultimate Swiss ski vacation.

Thanks to more than 500 miles of marked ski runs, the resorts of the Lake Geneva Region can offer slopes for skiers and boarders of all abilities.

Currently 37 resort properties in the Lake Geneva Region are offering a Free for Kids offer that gives children age 9 and younger a complimentary ski pass and free accommodations in their parents/accompanying adult guardian’s room.

Take advantage of the snow while it lasts. Fluffy snow beats a thin layer of dirty northern California frost any day!

For additional news and information about the Lake Geneva Region, visit www.lake-geneva-region.ch