Whittle & Wallis is a maker of fine wooden furniture products. The British company has long produced innovative products, including the announcement of their new “The Churchill” wooden chest.

Whittle & Wallis designs and manufactures all their luxury wood products in England. Their designs are practical and each piece is beautiful. Whether you are redecorating an existing home or moving into a new one, Whittle & Wallis will definitely improve the look of your decor.

The look of a home is an extension of our own personality. You want furniture pieces that accent and also accentuate your decor. Picking the right luxury product can be time consuming, but oh so worth it.

The Churchill wooden chest is the ultimate home accessory. “There are wooden chests and there are wooden chests. This is the latter.” Well said.

This innovative product was well designed and professionally made. The wood chest is carefully handcrafted from the finest English oak. The look is simply stunning. Ths luxurious wooden chest is full of features and pleasant surprises.

Below is a brief summary of the feature of the new “The Churchill” wooden chest.
• Two leather-lined trays
• Full attaché case-style design inlaid into the lid
• Concealed iPad holder
• Suede-lined watch box and secret jewelry compartment
• A secret spirit bottle holder
• Swing-out crystal glass cabinet with engraved tumblers and handmade coasters
• Rear storage drawer
• Drinks companion set, including rosewood corkscrew, anti-drip pourer, vacuum pump stopper and handmade hip flask
• Hidden wine bottle compartment

You know you are purchasing item of high quality. The wood is elegant. Inside the chest, you’ll notice it is lined throughout with incredible, hand-stitched leather. This wooden chest is luxury, both inside and out.

The wooden chest can be purchased for a price of £14,500 + vat. More details are available on the company’s web site.

Looking for luxury decor? Consider buying the new The Churchill wooden chest from Whittle & Wallis. Return again to follow our luxury blog. Read about more luxury decor products from the best manufacturers in the world.

Photo: Whittle & Wallis

The today has finally arrived. Halloween is here. Before you know it, kids of all ages will be knocking on your door asking “Trick or Treat”? If you are hosting a Halloween party, be sure to offer your guests delicious tasting Halloween Cocktails.

Halloween is such a fun holiday. For many it’s the best one of the entire year. Great tasting Halloween cocktails are a sure way to have a successful party or social gathering.

It’s a night of ghosts, goblins and scary things that go bump in the dark. Gather round a carved pumpkin and big bowl of candy. Toast this awesome and creative Halloween holiday with delicious Halloween cocktails. Boo!

We are happy to share several cocktail recipes to try out tonight or anytime. These are available from Basil Hayden’s Bourbon, Cruzan Rum, Knob Creek Bourbon and Baker’s Bourbon.

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The Basil Hayden’s Spellbound Smash
A unique twist on the classic Whiskey Smash cocktail. With the addition of fresh blackberries and orange bitters, the dark red color of this cocktail makes it a perfect spooky sipper for the occasion.

Basil Hayden’s® Spellbound Smash (photo above)
Recipe by Stephen Cole (Chicago, IL)

INGREDIENTS:
2 parts Basil Hayden’s® Bourbon
¾ part Demerara Syrup*
2 dashes Angostura® Bitters
2 dashes Orange Bitters
Half of a Lemon
5 Fresh Blackberries
3 Sage Leaves (2 for garnish)
1 sprig of Thyme (for garnish)

METHOD:
1. Place half of a lemon and the blackberries into a cocktail shaker and lightly press with the back of a bar spoon.
2. Add remaining ingredients, including one sage leaf, to cocktail shaker with ice and shake vigorously.
3. Strain into a rocks glass over ice.
4. Garnish with remaining two sage leaves and a sprig of thyme.

*Demerara Syrup can be purchased, or homemade by combining a 1:1 ratio of Demerara sugar and water in a saucepan over medium heat until sugar dissolves.

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Cruzan Dark as Night
If you’re more of a rum fan, the Cruzan Dark as Night is a sweet treat that combines the sweet, smooth flavor of Cruzan Black Strap Rum with the refreshingly crisp taste of cider.

Cruzan® Dark as Night
INGREDIENTS:
1 part Cruzan® Black Strap Rum
1/4 part Falernum Syrup
1/2 part Fresh Lime Juice
6 parts Cider

METHOD:
1. Combine Black Strap, falernum syrup and fresh lime juice in a mixing glass.
2. Pour cider into a rocks glass and slowly float mixture over top of the cider.
3. Finish with fresh grated nutmeg and a lime or orange peel.

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Knob Creek Rye & Orange Tumbler
Indulge in the big, full flavor of Knob Creek with the Knob Creek Rye & Orange Tumbler. Featuring ingredients that are already in your pantry, this cocktail is easy to make and brings the deliciously rich and savory notes of rye to life with a cocktail that offers smooth spice in every sip.

Knob Creek® Rye & Orange Tumbler
Recipe by Chef Michael Symon

INGREDIENTS:
1½ parts Knob Creek® Rye
1 part Club Soda
½ part Sugar
½ Orange
½ Rosemary Sprig

METHOD:
1. Muddle the orange, rosemary and sugar thoroughly in the bottom of a shaker.
2. Combine with Knob Creek® Rye, add ice and shake vigorously.
3. Strain over ice and float with club soda.

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The Baker’s Autumn Seelbach
Prefer a higher proof cocktail? The Baker’s Autumn Seelbach cocktail mixes fresh pressed apple cider, baked apple bitters and cinnamon, adding a sweet seasonal touch to the robust, 107-proof bourbon.

Baker’s® Autumn Seelbach
Recipe by Dominic Venegas (NYC)

INGREDIENTS:
1 part Baker’s® Bourbon
1/2 part JDK & Sons™ O3
1/2 part Fresh Pressed Apple Cider
5 dashes Baked Apple Bitters
5 dashes Tiki Bitters
Hard Cider

METHOD:
1. Combine Baker’s® Bourbon, JDK & Sons™ O3, fresh pressed apple cider, and bitters in a mixing glass over ice and stir.
2. Strain into a coupe glass and top with hard cider.
3. Garnish with a long apple twist.

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Make Halloween a fun night. It doesn’t matter is you are staying at home or out with friends. Be sure to try one of the above Halloween cocktails.

We hope you enjoyed the recipes we listed above for delicious Halloween cocktails. Come back again to read more in our luxury blog.

As Halloween nears, it’s time once again to share more ghost stories. We all like a good scare when we know we’re really safe. But what about when you are in a scary, unknown environment? Do you have a spine chilling story to share. We want to share 6 Spooky Luxury Hotels.

This is a follow-up to our popular article published just last week – 5 Spooky Luxury Hotels We highlighted 5 luxury hotels covered by Tauck, a leading travel tour provider. Halloween is a time of ghoulish tales and all that is creepy.

The list of 6 spooky luxury hotels was determined by feedback from greater than 200 of the travel company’s tour directors. Their input helped create this list of the best, spooky luxury hotels from around the world.

Here are 6 spooky luxury hotels that we are happy to share with our readers. With Halloween right around the corner, think twice if you see or feel something strange during your next hotel stay. Boo!

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Westin Excelsior Florence (photo above)
(Florence, Italy)
· Politicians and celebrities from Bill Clinton to Tom Cruise have enjoyed stays at the elegant Westin Excelsior Florence, but then again, they’ve probably never tried to sleep in room 152.

· One of the smaller rooms at the hotel, room 152 is routinely used to house Tauck Directors leading the company’s “Italian Lakes, Venice, Florence and Rome” tour. At least three different Tauck Directors have all reported “feeling watched” and having other unnerving experiences in room 152, but perhaps the most deeply affected was Debi Holmes-Binney.

· Holmes-Binney was quoted, “I was so convinced that room 152 was haunted that I absolutely refused to stay on the first floor at all. I actually went down to the concierge at midnight in my jammies because I was so scared To this day, if they told me I had to stay in that room I’d go to another hotel.”

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Grand Hotel Parco dei Principi
(Rome, Italy)
· A more playful spirit appears to inhabit the five-star Grand Hotel Parco dei Principi in Rome. Created by architects Massimo and Maurizio Papiri, the hotel and its décor recall the opulence of villas owned by Rome’s nobility in the 1600s.

· However, the charms of the Parco were sometimes lost on Tauck Director Andrea Orri when he led trips for the company in Italy, particularly when he stayed in room 523. “I’ve stayed at the Parco dei Principi about a million times, and each time I slept in room 523 the lights would go on in the heart of the night and the curtains – with the window closed – would start moving,” recalls Orri.

· Like many Tauck Directors, Orri is frequently housed in the same room at a given hotel by the hotel’s management. Often these rooms have some aspect that makes them somewhat less appealing to regular hotel guests. They may be smaller than standard rooms or offer a less scenic view – or perhaps they have issues of a more supernatural nature? For his part, Orri became so familiar with the apparent poltergeist in room 523 at the Parco that he eventually nicknamed him “Jimmy.”

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Fairmont Le Chateau Fronentac
(Quebec City, Canada)
· Tauck Director Britta Svensson nominated the imposing castle-like Chateau Frontenac, a landmark hotel in Quebec City, for a spot on the list. Britta and several guests on one of her tours each saw a strange man sitting on a windowsill in the hotel, only to have him suddenly vanish.

· According to the hotel, it was likely the apparition of Louis de Buade, Comte de Frontenac, for whom the property was named. De Buade was a 17th century governor general in Quebec. He’d left instructions that, upon his death, his heart was to be sent in a decorative box to his fiancé in Europe. However, his distraught fiancé was too grief-stricken to accept the unique memento, and it was returned to Quebec.

· To this day, de Buade is said to wander the hotel, still seeking to be near his beloved.

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Grand Canyon Lodge – North Rim
(Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona)
· Tauck Director Cindy Walker had a strange experience while traveling with a colleague, Jim Hahn, during the development phase of Tauck’s “Spirit of the Desert” tour. While staying in the guest cabins at the Grand Canyon’s North Rim, Cindy was awakened at 3:33 AM when the phone in her cabin (#328) rang. She answered, but no one was on the line. The following morning, Jim called Cindy on her cell phone and mentioned he couldn’t get through to her by dialing her room number on the property’s phone system. Curious, Cindy checked her in-room telephone and was shocked to see that it was unplugged.

· Cindy told the front desk about her experience, and their response was, “Yeah, it’s probably the ghost.” More recently, while again staying at the North Rim cabins with a Tauck group, Cindy overheard a guest complaining about getting a phone call in the cabin at 3:30 AM – and once again, it was in cabin #328. “Spirit of the Desert” indeed.

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Ahwahnee Hotel
(Yosemite National Park, California)
· Guests on Tauck’s “California’s Gold Coast” tour spend two nights in Yosemite’s rustic yet luxurious Ahwahnee, but apparently other guests of the hotel refuse to check out – even after “checking out.” Tauck Director Cindy Walker adamantly refuses to stay on the sixth floor after having had strange experiences there, and it’s also the sixth floor that she later learned may be haunted by the ghost of Mary Curry Tressider. Tressider was instrumental in the hotel’s development, and she lived in an apartment on the sixth floor until her death in 1970. Shortly after her death, reports of an apparition moving about the sixth floor became common.

· Another unusual story involves the Ahwahnee’s third floor, where President John F. Kennedy stayed during a visit to Yosemite in 1962. A rocking chair had been placed in Kennedy’s room prior to his arrival, because the chair’s motion helped alleviate his chronic back pain. After Kennedy’s death, housekeepers began reporting the presence of a rocking chair, rocking slowly in the room where the President had stayed – despite the fact that the room hadn’t ever been furnished with a rocking chair after Kennedy’s visit.

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Parador de Cardona
(Cardona, Spain)
· The Parador de Cardona in Cardona, Spain, hosts Tauck guests for lunch on Day 3 of their 14-day exploration of Northern Spain and Portugal, and perhaps it’s better that guests don’t spend the night.

· This massive, former fortress in the foothills of the Pyrenees dates back to the year 789, and it once helped secure territories re-conquered from the Moors. Today this luxury property hosts discerning travelers, many of whom have reported seeing apparitions in medieval dress, including armor-clad soldiers.

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Feel free to share our 5 Spooky Luxury Hotels with friends and family. In addition, be sure to read our article titled – History of Halloween – Holiday for Both the Rich and Poor

We hope you loved our 6 Spooky Luxury Hotels article. Please come back soon and follow our luxury blog. Our talented, concierge service staff is ready to assist with your luxury vacation plans.

Each year, long distance runners from all round the world take part in the New York City Marathon. The course of this annual marathon, takes runners through the five boroughs of New York City.

More formally known as the TCS New York City Marathon, the race is the premier event of New York Road Runners. The race is held annually on the first Sunday every November. Covering 26.2 miles, the New York City Marathon is expected to see well over 50,000 runner participate this year. That makes this marathon the largest in the world.

Whether you are in New York City to watch or actually run in the New York City Marathon, plan your stay at either the Loews Regency New York, 1 Hotel Central Park or McCarren Hotel & Pool.

Here’s a fun fact about the race. The original New York City Marathon was held in 1970. Only 127 people actually ran the race. They made four laps around Central Park. A lot has changed over years and the race’s course takes runners through the five boroughs of New York City. It’s a perfect blend of what makes this amazing city so special.

All three of the above mentioned luxury hotels provide race watchers a perfect way to take advantage of this famous race. Here is a summary of marathon race package deals at these famous, New York City hotels.

LOEWS REGENCY NEW YORK
(540 Park Ave, New York, NY 10065)
With the “Ultimate NYC Marathon”, guests can rest, run, recover and relax in style at NYC’s Midtown Manhattan landmark for optimal performance and success. This three-night stay package includes the following:
– Recovery Massage in Julien Farel – maximum of two people
– Marathon gift basket (includes hand warmers, leg warmers, Sweaty Betty merchandise such as water bottle, headband, and socks)
– Pre-fixe menu for dinner in The Regency Bar & Grill on Saturday, November 5
– Your choice of a “Light 5k Run” or “Yoga/Recovery Walk” through Fit Tours NYC
– The starting rate is from $679 per night for a Luxury King Room.

1 HOTEL CENTRAL PARK
(1414 6th Ave, New York, NY 10019)
After a long and exhausting run, your body needs replenishment. 1 Hotel Central Park is pleased to offer marathon runners with a complimentary green juice from its signature restaurant, Jams, led by James Beard-winning chef Jonathan Waxman. Post marathon, relax in comfort, surrounded by living green plants and thoughtful touches of nature at this natural refuge in the middle of Manhattan.

MCCARREN HOTEL & POOL
(160 N. 12th St., Brooklyn, NY 11249)
With unparalleled views to watch the race, diners can chow down in style with specials from Oleanders, the hotel’s signature restaurant. Specials include the following alongside a complimentary brunch cocktail of your choice (Mimosa, Bellini, or Bloody Mary):
– Runners Breakfast – $15
Warm buttermilk biscuit with a maple braised pork belly, grilled asparagus, and poached eggs topped with a bacon hollandaise.
– Marathon marinara pasta – $17
Homemade fettuccini with roasted fall vegetables stewed in a rustic Mariana sauce. Grilled chicken add on is only $5

We hope you can take advantage of these luxury hotel specials during the New York City Marathon. Enjoy this special race and all the Big Apple has to offer. Contact The Life of Luxury and our travel specialists can assist you. Please return again to follow our luxury blog.

Photo: Loews Regency New York

It’s no secret that women view money differently than men. Meriflor Toneatto is an entrepreneur and certified business and life coach. She states, “A woman’s emotional relationship with money directly impacts her overall level of satisfaction in life – or lack of it.”

Toneatto continues, “Wealth isn’t just about money; it’s about the quality of a woman’s overall life. Greater awareness of how you feel about your life can yield helpful insights regarding your relationship with money, which can immediately change for the better.”

Below are 8 ways women can help with their confidence dealing with money and being successful with their own financial management.

1) Be honest. Total honesty is the best way to get to the root of your feelings, beliefs and attitudes about money. Women often keep secrets about our true feelings, especially regarding money.

2) Give yourself permission. For better or worse, women tend to seek support or permission for significant life decisions. Skip a step and give yourself permission. It’s important to have an open mind and heart as you proceed with financial self-improvement, which includes being grateful for who you are right now, warts and all, for arriving at this moment in your life.

3) Practice forgiveness. A key way to move beyond your emotional obstacles with money is to let them go and forgive. Practicing forgiveness is a powerful way to remove what’s standing between you and having more money in your life.

4) Celebrate the big and small – have fun! We always notice the big things in life, but we tend to overlook the little steps we took to get there. They all count! And, take heart in your journey – an adventure of self-discovery, love, courage and possibility. This is at the heart of true, lifelong self-improvement.

5) Put yourself first. Commit to taking care of yourself and putting your needs at the top of your priority list. Think of it as “self-full” rather than “selfish.” When you love yourself, you’ll experience positive changes that will benefit those around you; you will operate better. “Self-fullness” may include scheduling uninterrupted time alone for reflection, reading, meditation, physical training and other ways to get in touch with your emotions.

6) Start a money journal. Consider keeping a gratitude journal and, taking it a steep further, a financial journal. What you focus on will grow, so focus on being grateful about money and you’ll start to see positive changes in your life.

7) Pay attention to synchronicities. As you begin to work on transforming your relationship with money, pay attention to what comes back to you as a result of your intention. Be aware of coincidences, synchronicities and opportunities that come your way. This may include new clients at unexpected places, hearing references to new books or even a mentor, or the possibility that you’re at the right place at the right time.

8) Feel prosperous and rich now. Prosperity and wealth is a state of mind. It’s essential that you don’t feel poor because that brings your thoughts toward poverty. Your goal is to take stock of what you have now, embellish it with gratitude, and enjoy the return.

We hope you enjoyed reading the 8 Ways Women Can Improve Dealing With Money article. If you are in need of help with your finances or investments but don’t have someone to work with, please contact us today. We can refer you to a qualified financial advisor. Educate yourself on financial industry news by following this popular luxury blog.

Image by Tumisu from Pixabay

Skyler Bouchard (@nycdining) is a famous New York City foodie. With Halloween less than 2 weeks away, he has created a delicious cocktail – Halloween Sugar Cookie Shooter. Perfect for that outrageous Halloween party or a quiet social gathering.

“Trick or Treat” is the popular saying around Halloween. This great tasting cocktail from Skyler is definitely a treat!

Halloween is a great time to have fun. Get in the holiday spirit and wear your favorite Halloween costume and enjoy attending a party. An awesome cocktail is the hit of any social event. The Halloween Sugar Cookie Shooter is as delish as you can get. Baileys Original Irish Cream Liqueur, sugar cookies and vanilla ice cream. Doesn’t that sound amazing?

The cocktail recipe for the Halloween Sugar Cookie Shooter is decadent. The smooth taste of Baileys is a joy to drink. Here is the cocktail recipe created by Skyler Bouchard of @NYCDining. (photo above)

Halloween Sugar Cookie Shooter
Ingredients:
* 2 oz Baileys Original
* 1 oz Milk
* 1 scoop Vanilla Ice Cream
* Honey for Garnish
* Halloween Sugar Cookies for Garnish
* Sugar Cookie Sprinkles for Garnish

Preparation:
* Rim shooter glass with honey and sugar cookie sprinkles.
* Combine Baileys Original, vanilla ice cream and milk into blender. Blend well.
* Pour contents into shooter glass.
* Top and serve with Halloween sugar cookies.

Ideal Serve:
* Shooter Glass

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You can’t celebrate Halloween without a pumpkin. Most people carve and decorate their pumpkin in all types of styles and design. Pumpkin pie is also popular as a desert. But what about a pumpkin cocktail? Try a Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice cocktail. It’s made with Baileys Pumpkin Spice, which is a new limited edition. As a result, it’s available only through the month of November.

Add Captain Morgan rum as well as and vanilla ice cream, and its a cocktail to die for. The Halloween spirit lives on and this terrific tasting cocktail is also perfect for Thanksgiving.

Here is the cocktail recipe created by New York City Mixologist Sarah Morrissey.

Photo: Shannon Sturgis Photography

Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice

Ingredients:
* 1 oz Baileys Pumpkin Spice
* 1 oz Captain Morgan Spiced Rum
* 1 1/2 scoop Vanilla Ice Cream
* Cola to Top
* Mint Sprig for Garnish

Preparation:
* Combine Baileys Pumpkin Spice, Captain Morgan and vanilla ice cream in a highball glass.
* Top with cola and stir. Garnish with mint sprig.

Ideal Serve:
* Highball Glass

Make your Halloween party a success with a fun, seasonal cocktails like the Halloween Sugar Cookie Shooter and Pumpkin Spice and Everything Nice. Stop back and follow our popular luxury blog. Read about more delicious cocktails for any occasion.

Wearing a luxury watch is definitely a fashion statement. Although it’s most basic purpose is to tell time, it’s clearly a status symbol as well. The new Grande Seconde Dual Time Watch by Jaquet Droz is a beautiful piece of jewelry.

The figure eight has long been a symbol of both infinity and balance. Likewise, the figure eight is also a big part of the culture at Jaquet Droz and apparent in the new Grande Seconde Dual Time watch. The luxury watch features two off-center dials. They slightly overlap to cleverly make a figure eight.

The new watch from Jaquet Droz was designed with a new movement. The movement was developed with a an upper dial that displays the local time. The lower seconds dial is found at the six o clock position and is off-centered. In addition, it has both an hours and minutes dial that provides the reference time.

The aesthetic of each luxury watch from Jaquet Droz has always been a key ingredient to their success. As a result, they have mastered bringing technical excellence and convenience together seamlessly. Therefore, the Grande Seconde Dual Time watch has been fitted with a silicon escapement. Hence he watch is unaffected by magnetic fields.

Many luxury watches available today are very cluttered. I feel this fact takes away from it’s basic function. Hence, I really like the sleek and sophisticated look of this luxury timepiece. The clean lines of the watch design are impressive and give it a rich look and feel.

In addition, the luxury watch brand added a clever date function. It comes with a red-tipped hand. Therefore, the result is it enhances the recessed lower subdial. This technique is a common characteristic of Jaquet Droz. The ultimate goal is improved readability.

The watch’s classic dial display features complementary, but contrasting indexes. As you can see from the photo, the upper counter uses Roman numerals. Find Arabic numerals on the lower counter.

You can choose from three different versions of the Grande Seconde Dual Time watch. They all come in a 43mm diameter size case.
1) Ivory Grand Feu enameled dial with a red gold case
2) Onyx dial with a stainless steel case
3) Silvery opaline dial with a stainless steel case

The Jaquet Droz luxury timepiece has a 65-hour power reserve for incredible dependability. Lastly, it’s complimented by a classic black leather strap.

Consider buying this watch for yourself. It would make a really nice addition to your fine watch collection. By the way, with the holidays coming up, consider giving one as a gift. Give a terrific luxury gift to that special man in your life.

Follow our luxury blog and read about more luxury watches such as the new Grande Seconde Dual Time watch from Jaquet Droz. Our concierge service can help you locate almost any watch you desire.

Photo: Jaquet Droz

As Halloween nears, people begin sharing their best ghost stories. Many are simple the creative imagination of people. But some chilling stories are hard to discredit. Would you like to read about 5 Spooky Luxury Hotels? Of course you would! Spreading a few ghoulish tales is a major part of what Halloween is all about.

Tauck is a highly respected tour, cruise and safari operator that has been in business for 90 years! That is an incredible accomplishment and testament to their professionalism and high-quality tour packages. Tauck operates in 70 countries and provides clients with greater than 100 tour itineraries to choose from. More than 200 of the travel company’s tour directors help create a list of the best, spooky luxury hotels.

Here are 5 Spooky Luxury Hotels that we want to share with you today. Check back as we will offer additional hotels in the next week with Halloween right around the corner.

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The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel
(Alberta, Canada)
· The Fairmont Banff Springs Hotel is a glorious castle in the Canadian Rockies, built in 1886 in the Scottish baronial style to accommodate travelers on the Canadian Pacific Railroad. Today, the hotel is a popular stay on a number of Tauck itineraries.

· Tauck Director Ed Gans tells two stories of ghosts at the Banff Springs. The first involves a helpful bellman named Sam who frequently assists guests on the hotel’s ninth floor. Therefore, when guests try to engage Sam in conversation or offer him a tip, he quickly departs – “almost into thin air,” as reported by one guest. As a result, hotel guests are invariably shocked to learn that Sam is a former hotel employee who passed away decades ago.

· The second story is a tragic tale of a young bride who, following her wedding ceremony, was descending a marble staircase in her bridal gown to the ballroom below. Hence, a sudden gust of wind tangled the gown’s long train in the bride’s feet, causing her to fall to her death down the marble stairs.

· Today the hotel still reports mysterious, chilling breezes on the marble staircase. As a result, strange sightings of a beautiful woman in a flowing white dress descending the stairs or dancing in the ballroom.

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Ritz-Carlton New Orleans
(New Orleans, Louisiana)
· Housed within a 103-year-old historic landmark, the Ritz-Carlton New Orleans is just three blocks from the grave of New Orleans’ famous voodoo priestess Marie Laveau. As a tribute to this otherworldly icon, the Ritz-Carlton’s spa offers a Marie Laveau Voodoo Love Bath and Massage service. Could that be behind the strange happenings reported in the spa?

· According to the hotel’s massage therapists, doors in the spa open on their own, even after being closed. Massage oils shift mysteriously on counter tops when no one is looking, and the hydrotherapy tub lights flicker. Perhaps the spa’s use of Marie Laveau’s name simple “rubs her the wrong way?”

· A trio of other ghosts also supposedly haunt the Ritz-Carlton, including two young girls who routinely run up and down the hallways, and an older gentlemen sometimes seen quietly reading in the Library area of The Club Level.

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Chateau Rochecotte
(Loire Valley, France)
· The stunning Chateau Rochecotte was once owned by the Duchesse de Dino who resided there with her uncle, the renowned diplomat Talleyrand. Tauck Director Nicole Kreigenhofer relates a story that suggests that the Duchesse may actually still be in residence at Rochecotte.

· According to Kreigenhofer, a Tauck motorcoach driver named Michel awoke one night at the chateau to find a woman in white with long flowing hair floating above his bed. Michel was so paralyzed with fear that he was unable to move or scream.

· Kreigenhofer was quoted, “From that night on, Michel would either stay awake all night with the TV and lights on, or he’d sleep in the motorcoach – he was too proud or embarrassed to ask for a different room.”

· After several sleepless nights, Michel finally told his story to the front desk and the staff thereafter always tried to assign him another room.

· Still, Kreigenhofer suspects that the experience had a lasting effect on Michel. “He retired not long afterward,” says Kreigenhofer, “and I can’t help but wonder if that was what pushed him into retirement.”

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Toftaholm Herrgård
(Toftaholm, Sweden)
· Named a Leading Historic Hotel Of Sweden, the Toftaholm Herrgård dates back to the 14th century and enjoys a quiet setting by the eastern shore of Lake Vidöstern. Room 324 at the hotel is said to be haunted by the ghost of young man named Mats, who hanged himself from the room’s rafters in 1750.

· At the time, the hotel was the private manor home of a local baron, and Mats was an illegitimate peasant who worked there as a stable boy. Next, Mats and the baron’s daughter Ebba had fallen deeply in love, but the baron instead forced Ebba into an arranged marriage against her will. Sadly, on the morning of Ebba’s wedding, a devastated Mats took his own life.

· Today, according to the hotel’s Torbjorn Colfach, Mats’ restless spirit continues to haunt room 324, as well as other rooms occupied by attractive young women. “Mats is very friendly,” says Colfach. “On the other hand our guests report funny things, such as strange sounds, the unexplained movement of various things, and doors or windows being closed in the morning that were left open the night before.”

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Keltic Lodge
(Cape Breton Island, Nova Scotia)
· Tauck Director Tom Olinyk was familiar with the story of the Keltic Lodge being haunted by the ghost of former owner Julia Corson, who allegedly died at the property in the 1930s and today still walks the property in a long, flowing white gown. Many of the hotel’s staff have experienced Julia’s presence, but it took the experience of a Tauck guest to make Tom a believer.

· Tom tells the story: “One morning years ago I had a lady on the tour who, while we were leaving Keltic Lodge for Halifax, asked me if the Lodge was haunted. When I asked why, she told me the night before she had an experience where she felt a cold presence and saw a lady in a long white gown. The ‘lady’ entered the room from the area of the door, which of course was shut and locked, and my guest watched the apparition as it slowly and gracefully crossed the room, hesitated for a while and then exited through the opposite wall.”

· The story continues, “What made the whole thing so interesting to me was the fact that I hadn’t mentioned to any of the guests that the hotel was supposedly haunted, and I couldn’t believe that my guest had described exactly the same thing that other people had reported seeing.”

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Feel free to share our 5 Spooky Luxury Hotels with friends and family. In addition, be sure to read our article titled – History of Halloween – Holiday for Both the Rich and Poor

We hope you loved our 5 Spooky Luxury Hotels article. Stop back soon to follow our luxury blog. Our concierge service can help you book a luxury vacation anywhere in the world. Just ask us!

Photos: Tauck

American cars are bold and brash and are often at the forefront of the automotive industry. Without American ingenuity and foresight, modern cars wouldn’t have accessories such as car stereos, V8 engines, muscle cars, intermittent wiper technology or the electric starter. The American car industry has had a huge effect on the industry as a whole.

This article will celebrate that ingenuity by talking about the Top 10 iconic cars in American history. These cars that are known for their style, their innovation and their long lasting effect on the industry. These are the cars that truly changed the world for the better.

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Top 10 Iconic Cars in American Motoring History

10. Ford Model T
Produced between 1908 through 1927, the Ford Model T was initially designed as a “farmer’s car.” This vehicle was built for the masses and it meant to serve the needs of a mostly rural nation. However, it became much more than that. It initially was priced at $825 a vehicle, but through refinement of the mass production process, Ford was able to lower the cost of the vehicle to around $260. They were so popular that over 15 million were made and no one could compete against this cheap and sturdy “every man’s” car for quite a while.
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9. Duesenberg Model J/SJ
Produced between 1929 and 1937—during the Great Depression—the Duesenberg Model J/SJ was a car that was the exact opposite of the cars driven at that time. It was meant for those who had money during those hard economic times, which was a selected market indeed. However, what this car was able to do was to define a style that would influence all manner of vehicles all over the world. The “J” model had the innovative “convertible coupe” and the “SJ” model had super-charged engines that were capable of going as fast as 104 MPH. The “SJ” models were really the icons of the rich and famous—with American stars such as Clark Gable and Gary Cooper owning the only two short-wheelbase models—but unfortunately only 36 “SJ” units were manufactured in total. And although the company went out of business in 1937, the cars available today are still as beautiful as they ever were.
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8. Tucker 48
The Tucker 48 was invented during the 1940s because the big 3 auto manufacturers of the day—Ford, GM and Chrysler—failed to produce the innovations that wowed Preston Tucker. He sensed a genuine lack of ingenuity in the industry and set out to change it, which he did. With innovations such as a centered third head lamp that turned with the wheels (known as a cyclops eye); an independent four-wheel suspension; four-wheel disc brakes and a separate locking mechanism on the parking brake to prevent theft, this car was well on its way to automotive history. Unfortunately, thanks to several setbacks—such as a lackluster premier, a SEC investigation and an inability to get raw steel thanks to questionable political moves on the part of their competition, the company would build just 51 cars before they ran out of money and eventually went out of business. Today, these cars are worth over $1 million dollars apiece.
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7. Chevrolet Corvette
Known as the first American sports car, the Chevrolet Corvette is still a classic icon of America’s desire for speed. However, when it debuted in 1953, it was ironically very slow and unreliable. Still, it garnered enough interest for it to go into production and by 1955, Chevrolet had worked out the kinks. They had invented a car that was not only good looking but also had the performance that automotive enthusiasts wanted. But its style and its speed wouldn’t sync up until the 1963 Corvette Sting Ray Coupe was released. A car that had a split rear window, precision handling, a sleek magnesium alloy and aluminum body, and a powerful 327 V-8 300 HP engine. Today, they are manufacturing cars such as the C6 with ZR1 package, a car with a super-charged 6.2 L LS9 V8 engine that can compete with fast foreign cars at half or a third of these cars prices.
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6. Cadillac Eldorado
First launched in 1953, the Cadillac Eldorado is a car that was manufactured for almost 50 years. It is also an iconic car that was loved for generations and driven by everyone from President Eisenhower to Elvis Presley. It had huge tail fins that are recognizable by just about anyone. From 1953 to 1967, this car was a rear-wheel drive car but was changed to a front wheel drive in 1967. In 1959, the tail fins grew even larger and complimented other additions such as dual bullet taillights, roof pillar configurations and deck lid beauty panels. During the 1970s, it began to lose favor with the American public—mainly due to its gas guzzling V8—but it has still earned its title among the most iconic American cars.
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5. Ford Mustang
Based on the same platform as the Ford Falcon, and introduced at the 1964 World’s Fair, the Ford Mustang would go on to become one of the most recognizable American cars. It launched the “pony car” movement–a term used to describe compact, affordable and sporty performance oriented cars. This allowed it to tap into the imagination of America’s youth and at the same time become a symbol of it. Despite being manufactured at the same time as other pony cars—such as the Camero, and Firebird—the Ford Mustang still managed to sell more than both of them combined. While always fast and sporty, the real performance of the Ford Mustang wouldn’t be unleashed until the Shelby GT350 hit the scene in 1965. The Ford Mustang is now in its fifth decade and shows no sign of losing its competitive edge in the American muscle car market.
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4. Shelby Cobra
The Shelby Cobra–also known as an AC Cobra or a Shelby AC Cobra—is the stepchild born of the deal between Ford and British carmaker AC. It was a deal brokered by racecar driver Carroll Shelby and resulted in huge American V8 engines being wedged into British sports car, the AC Cobra. The result was pure genius. Known for their huge leg pipes and flared fenders, the 427 Cobra would go on to become the consummate car of the 1960s. Unfortunately, their run would be short lived and production would eventual end in 1967.
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3. Pontiac GTO
The Pontiac GTO is an iconic vehicle built between 1964 and 1974. It was originally named after Ferrari 250 GTO. It would become the signature car for GM during the 1960s and eventually the ideal image of the American muscle car—a car that was light but had a lot of power. Today, the “Judge”, as it is otherwise known, will remain an iconic American car that will continue to live on in our memories of late night cruising, street racing and burnt rubber.
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2. Jeep Wrangler
The Jeep Wrangler is a modern descendant of the Willys-Overland Jeep that was commissioned for the United States military during World War II. By the end of the war, more than 700,000 Jeeps had been built. This gave American ground forces a distinct advantage. In fact, General Eisenhower said as much when he said, “The Jeep, the Dakota airplane, and the landing craft were the three tools that won the war.” Although Jeep is now owned by Chrysler and produces a wide range of different utility vehicles, it is quite clear that the Wrangler embodies the spirit of the first Jeeps and combines toughness and style with off-road maneuverability.
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1. Tesla Model S
The Tesla Model S has shown that America still has some manufacturing flair in its arsenal. This car wouldn’t have came into existence without the entrepreneurial spirit that made this country great and it has changed the conversation about electric powered vehicles. They are no longer the stuff of imagination, but are here and real–made of American steel and forged by American ingenuity. And by making the car one of the quickest American sedans ever built, going 0-60 in just over 3 seconds, the manufacturer has shown that it is not only environmentally responsible but cool as well.

The Life of Luxury offers a car concierge service. We can help you locate that perfect classic car or luxury car. Make your dream come true! Do you like one of the Top 10 Iconic Cars we previewed? Stop by soon to follow our luxury blog. Read about the best cars money can buy.

Author: David Ross
He was born and raised in Detroit and is an avid, car enthusiast. To reach him, go to Twitter – @davidcmoss

Image credits: David Ross
Image 7: Image courtesy of James Emery / Wikimedia Commons / CC 2.0

Luxury brand Harry Winston has done it again. They recently unveiled their Harry Winston Emerald timepiece collection. It’s a contemporary, classic watch collection for sure. The elegance of this watch is luxury, through and through.

The high-end jewelry brand was founded way back in 1932 by of course – Harry Winston. Known as the “King of Diamonds”, he focused on acquiring exclusive estate jewelry. He carefully took each piece of luxury jewelry and methodically re-cut and re-set the gemstones. Winston personally felt the emerald cut was the most elegant. His precious stones dazzled and became the iconic centerpiece of so many of his jewelry creations.

The new Harry Winston Emerald timepiece collection is stunning. The blue dial is intense! It seems each diamond on the watch is shaped in the emerald cut. Therefore, the look honors the late Harry Winston with its spectacular design and look.

You can choose from two different case colors – rose or white. The iconic Harry Winston logo in gold is found at the 12 o’clock position. The dimensions of the 18K white gold Case are 17.75 x 24 mm with a height of 6.1 mm. The crystal is sapphire.

The rich blue color of the Harry Winston Emerald timepiece dial consists of blue satin sunburst, 3 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 0.01 carat), plus an 18K white gold Emerald applique.

The watch strip is simply divine. Since it’s made of blue satin double tour, it compliments the watch to perfection. The strap buckle is made from 18K white gold ardillon and includes 11 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 0.06 carat in total weight).

The Harry Winston Emerald timepiece illuminates with a brilliant glossy sheen. As a result, the intense blue color seems to actually glow. In addition, there are three, brilliant-cut diamonds found at the 3, 6 and 9 o’clock positions. The watch crown, bezel, lugs, plus the ardillon buckle are adorned with 67 brilliant-cut diamonds. It’s a beauty to behold. The total weight of those diamonds is approximately 0.53 carat.

A tough decision is picking which model to buy. As a result, you can pick from two Harry Winston Emerald timepiece models. First is one in rose gold with a snowy white satin sunburst dial. Second is a white gold model with a blue lacquered dial.

Here is a summary of both Harry Winston watch models:

* 18K rose gold case, set with 53 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 0.46 carat), white satin sunburst dial, 3 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 0.01 carat), 18K rose gold Emerald applique, white satin double tour strap, 18K rose gold ardillon buckle set with 11 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 0.06 carat)

* 18K rose gold case, set with 53 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 0.46 carat), white satin sunburst dial, 3 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 0.01 carat), 18K rose gold Emerald applique, 18K rose gold Milanese bracelet set with 36 diamonds (approx. 0.04 carat), 18K rose gold ardillon buckle set with 11 brilliant-cut diamonds (approx. 0.06 carat)

Both luxury watches are simply stunning. In addition, pick from a double tour satin strap that will perfectly match the watch dial’s color theme.

This time of year is always important for locating a special luxury gift for that person in our life. Hence, it could be a spouse, significant other, family member, coworker or even a good friend. A watch is a special gift anytime of the year, including this holiday season It’s not only practical but also a fashion statement. What woman wouldn’t turn heads wearing the new Harry Winston Emerald timepiece?

Make this holiday season a special one by giving a luxury watch. The new Harry Winston Emerald timepiece would make a special gift. The Life of Luxury can help you locate that perfect luxury watch. Stop by soon to follow our luxury blog. Read about the latest timepieces in the luxury industry.

Photo: © Harry Winston, Inc. All rights reserved.

El Palauet Living (or “Little Palace” in Catalan) is a boutique design hotel home to only six stunning 2-bedroom suites. The is actually inside a landmark building in the heart of Gracia, a charming village-like neighborhood in the progressive city of Barcelona. Built with the utmost attention to detail in design and service, this unique property has quickly become the hotel of choice. As a result, it’s perfect for luxury travelers seeking a true home away from home in bustling city of Barcelona.

El Palauet Living hotel is now celebrating its 5-year anniversary. You can find this luxury hotel on the Passeig de Gracia. It’s a wide, tree-lined avenue flanked by architectural treasures, including the El Palauet building itself. In addition, the hotel was designed by renowned architect Pere Falqués, who also designed the ornate benches and streetlights that line the boulevard outside.

Opened in 2011, the luxury hotel is situated among the Passeig’s numerous Modernisme (the Catalan version of Art Nouveau) architected buildings, small cafes, bars, and independent clothing boutiques of the bohemian neighborhood. As a result, the hotel’s charming surroundings only add to the homelike feel of any stay at El Palauet. The actual building the El Palauet Living is inside of has beginnings dating back to 1906. Renowned Spanish architect Pere Falqués both designed and built the building.

Discerning travelers are always searching for a unique property to stay during their vacation or holiday. As a result, some like older architecture and a rich history. Others like the vibe from a modern, contemporary hotel. Barcelona, Spain is a marvelous city, rich in history and Spanish culture.

Barcelona is situated on the scenic, Mediterranean coast of Catalonia. The thriving city has a population of about 1.5 million people. Therefore, Barcelona is a top destination in Europe for travelers. Enjoy wonderful food and sports lovers cheer on their favorite football (soccer) teams. Culture abounds with fabulous museums and historic buildings.

For travelers who want to experience the best Barcelona has to offer, be sure to see La Sagrada Familia church, Las Ramblas street, Picasso Museum Barcelona, Magic Fountain show, Barrio Gotico area, Montjuic hill, Poble Espanyol Spanish village, Tibidabo hill, Modernist Park Guell by Gaudi and FC Barcelona museum & Camp Nou stadium, to name a few. It’s a fabulous city and must be visited at each once in a person’s lifetime.

Guests staying at this all-suite hotel will enjoy six large 1,600 square foot apartment suites. The offer outdoor space, along with personalized guest services, as well as on-call personal assistants. Be treated to luxury amenities during your stay.

Each suite at the El Palauet Living hotel has two bedrooms and two bathrooms. Therefore, each can accommodate up to four guests. You will be pleased to discover the suites provide plenty of closet and shelving space. In addition, there is iPad-controlled mood lighting, plus temperature, and sound systems. The result is guests are thoroughly pleased with the their luxury accommodations.

Plan your next vacation to Barcelona, Spain and stay at the El Palauet Living hotel. The Life of Luxury can help you plan your travel itinerary. Return again and follow this luxury blog.

Photo: El Palauet Living