Las Terrazas Resort & Residences has become the tropical country of Belize’s most popular location for the perfect romantic wedding. Ambergris Caye has been named the top Caribbean island by Travel + Leisure. Now you can experience a wedding of a lifetime using nature’s natural beauty as your backdrop.

Ambergris Caye offers consistent climate and a gorgeous landscape with turquoise, crystal clear waters. The largest private beach on the Belize island also is home to Las Terrazas Resort & Residences. This tropical oasis makes the ideal location for exchanging nuptials.

Ambergris Caye is a small island found off of Caribbean coast of Belize. This stunning island features the world’s second largest barrier reef. The kick back lifestyle and incredible natural scenery make it a wonderful place to hold a romantic wedding.

For couples who are looking to plan a tropical destination wedding, Belize and specifically the luxury Las Terrazas Resort & Residences on Ambergris Caye should be near the top of your list.

Las Terrazas offers amazing, spacious townhomes with multiple bedrooms that are perfect wedding parties. Since cost is always a concern in planning a wedding, the townhomes allow both your friends and family to share luxurious accommodations, thus saving big bucks.

A stay at Terrazas Resort & Residences in Belize allows you to plan an intimate wedding with guests that are closest to you and those you want to share this unbelievable experience in person. It’s important to make your special day the best possible.

Once the wedding is over, Ambergris Caye provides the best Belize has to offer. Experience the incredible blue hole from above or snorkel the beautiful reefs. You can head back to the mainland of Belize and visit the famous Mayan ruins.

Wedding packages at the Terrazas Resort & Residences start at just $1,200. Room rates begin at $279 per night – based on double occupancy. One exciting special currently being offered is the newly married couple receives a complimentary wedding night stay plus additional room discounts for their wedding guests when five or more rooms are booked.

If you are ready to begin your romantic wedding in Belize and stay at the Terrazas Resort & Residences on Ambergris Caye, please contact us today. One of our luxury travel concierge specialists can assist plan and book your entire itinerary. Follow this popular luxury blog to read about other amazing travel destinations.

Photo: Terrazas Resort

Luxury watch brand Frederique Constant has announced two new Heartbeat Manufacture watches. These are part of their popular Heart Beat watch Collection. First introduced in 1994, the first Heartbeat timepiece was a terrific success.

The innovative creation was brilliant. It replaced Frederique Constant the balance wheel with an aperture to display the mechanical movement of its “heartbeat”. This skillful watchmaking turned Frederique Constant into a leading player in the luxury watch industry.

Although the setback was devastating, it was a learning process. A mistake with a patent allowed other watch brands to copy what Frederique Constant had created. The company’s drive never wavered. The eventually developed their own in-house movement. This became the Heart Beat Manufacture movement, launched in 2004.

The latest version of the Heartbeat Manufacture watch collection now places the “heartbeat” at the 6 o’clock position. The look is now more elegant than ever. The watch’s craftsmanship is outstanding.

The 2006 version was named the Heart Beat Manufacture Automatic FC-930. This luxury watch featured a beautiful timepiece that was in-house developed, in-house produced and in-house assembled manufacture caliber.

The Heartbeat Manufacture watch has a diameter of 42mm. The watch dial has been refreshed. As a result, you’ll notice emblematic Roman numeral display and at the 6 o’clock position, the featured aperture. The watch also includes the latest FC-930-2 in-house caliber.

The watch’s wide aperture at 6 o’clock reveals the heart of the movement. For ease of use to the watch owner, all functions are easily adjustable via the crown. The watch dial is navy blue in color. Therefore, the watch dial offers new depths and a more sophisticated look. Yu’l notice there is also an additional function of “date by hand” at the 12 o’clock position.

Owning a fine timepiece is something many watch collectors cherish. Not only is a luxury watch a necessity for telling basic time, but also a fashion statement. With the holidays nearing, buying that special person in your life a luxury watch like the new Heartbeat Manufacture, makes the perfect gift.

We hope you enjoyed reading about the Heartbeat Manufacture watch from Frederique Constant. The Life of Luxury can assist you with finding and purchasing that perfect luxury watch. Stop by again to follow our luxury blog.

Photo: Frederique Constant

Saba is a tropical, Dutch Caribbean island. It’s part of the Lesser Antilles chain. This tranquil island is preparing for the 14th Annual “Sea & Learn” event. We want to share 5 environmental activities for you to try during your Saba visit.

Across Saba, October will be the “Sea & Learn” Environmental Awareness Month and offer many educational events. Saba is also known as “The Unspoiled Queen”. Biodiversity is king this lush island of Saba. The celebration coming up next month will be the 14th annual event. Both locals, as well as visitors from around the word will get involved.

Offering a unique eco-system, the island is the ideal place to enjoy hands-on, nature programs and eco events. The educational activities will provide a wonderful way to understand the local Saba nature and the global environment.

Global research leaders will be involved to teach and assist program participants. Therefore, you will be involved in both learning and taking part in excursions with industry experts.

We strongly believe the “Sea & Learn” Environmental Awareness Month program will be a wonderful experience for all. Below are share 5 environmental activities that are just a sample of what’s available in Saba during the month of October.

“TURTLE TREKKING”
Sue Willis, who directs research and monitoring with Sea Turtle Conservation Bonaire, will give a presentation and answer questions like: Why does Saba have so many turtles when it is located far from any nesting sites? Guests can also sign up for a field project to identify turtle nesting sites on Saba. Sue’s presentation will be Friday, October 14, 2016 at 5:30 p.m. and her field project is on Saturday, October 15, 2016 at 1:00 p.m.

“SEX ON THE REEF”
Martin de Graaf, an expert on ecology and fisheries management, will discuss the unpredictable process of coral reproduction entitled “Sex on the Reef.” Guests can also sign up for a night dive with Martin in an effort to witness the rare event of coral spawning after the full moon. Martin’s presentation will be held on Saturday, October 22, 2016 and the dive will be held Sunday, October 23, 2016 after 10:00 p.m.

“DO FISH TALK?”
Visiting Marine Biologist Kathy Guindon will enlighten guests about “fish talk” and the various ways fish communicate with one another whether friend or foe. Kathy serves as Director of the Florida Fish and Wildlife Conservation Commission’s brand new Suncoast Youth Conservation Center that opened in April 2016. Her public presentation is scheduled for Friday, October 28, 2016 at 5:30 p.m.

“HOT & SOUR SOUP: HOW CLIMATE CHANGE & OCEAN ACIDIFICATION ENDANGER CORAL REEFS”
Last year during “Sea & Learn,” a coral nursery was created in the waters off Saba. Now, a year later, it’s time for next steps with Dr. C. Mark Eakin of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration who will document the growth,success and expansion of this program. Guests can sign up and make a difference by joining Mark on a dive to the coral nursery to clean, measure, and transplant more corals to the coral trees.

“SEA & LEARN”
During this event, program guests are invited to enjoy fascinating large-screen presentations led by the visiting experts, offered every other night during the month. “Happy Hour” will be available throughout Saba’s quaint local bars and restaurants, providing guests with easily accessible dinner accommodations following the nightly sessions. Helping shape the next generation of environmental activists, visiting experts also work with The Saba Conservation and Child Focus School Program during the month to teach the local children the value of Saba’s natural beauty and resources and their importance to the region.

Take advantage of various field excursions and lectures, including the 5 environmental activities. Take part in active field studies and market research. For environmentalists, this is an amazing opportunity. Work alongside scientists, naturalists and academic professionals.

Saba is the perfect location to explore in depth. The Dutch Caribbean island is actually the smallest in the group. It is only five square miles in size. The island’s massive tropical forest rises 3,000 above the Caribbean Sea.

What is impressive of the month-long event list, is all of them are open to the pubic and free. Except for the school program, this includes all evening presentations and all day/night activities.

Contact us soon if you would like to travel and participate in “Sea & Learn” Environmental Awareness Month program. This includes the 5 environmental activities we high-lighted above, plus many more! Return soon and follow our popular luxury blog

Photo: Sea and Learn Saba

Upper Normandy or Haute-Normandie is a region located approximately 90 kilometers west of Paris, France. This beautiful part of France was initially a single province. It’s now split into Upper Normandy and Lower Normandy. Now make your dream come true and purchase a luxury estate for sale.

This property is pure indulgence. It offers everything from sophistication and opulence to grace and serenity. The French chateau is one of the best luxury estate for sale we have seen in a long time.

Perfect for a discerning buyer. The estate offers 16 total bedrooms. Eight of them include an ensuite bathroom. Need a little more room for your visiting guests? No worries. There are three self-contained studios that come with attached kitchenettes. Wow!

Adorned with lavish ornamental decor, the luxury chateau has extra spacious rooms. From the monumental glass-paneled windows, plush parquet flooring and grand fireplaces, it is breathtaking. In addition, it features elevated ceilings and beautifully adorned cornices and moldings. The detailing and careful consideration to preset luxury at every turn is impressive.

The luxury estate for sale in northern France embodies refinement a class. As a result of a large-scale renovation project, 17th-century chateau has never looked better. It’s magnificent! The chateau boasts over 600m² (~6,500 sq ft) of luxurious living space.

Obviously, spending the asking price of €3 million or $3.358 million is a lot of money. Therefore, choosing wisely is key to any home purchase. Especially when it’s a multi-million dollar luxury home.

Your first impression of this massive state is amazing. The entire property is gated and there’s a grand entranceway that is jaw dropping. The luxury estate sits upon 17 hectares in northern France. The grounds are well manicured. In addition to the estate, you will find a 100m² caretaker house, a small chapel from the 13th century, plus a 300m² outbuilding.

Although the home is oversized, the surrounding grounds offer a lot to enjoy as well. Utilize the vast outdoor spaces for dining and entertaining both family and guests. Get some exercise with a full-size tennis court. Alternatively, simply relax and enjoy the fresh air in the several al fresco areas.

This €3 million luxury estate for sale can be yours. It is being represented by Signature Residences Worldwide. This firm is a leading, boutique luxury real estate company. They offer bespoke property search assistance and high-end agency services for their affluent clients.

If you desire owning a luxurious chateau in Normandy, France – then you should seriously consider this wonderful opportunity. It’s lavish inside and out and will provide necessary privacy for its owners.

To learn more about this luxury estate for sale in Normandy, contact us today. The Life of Luxury works with many leading real estate offices around the world. Come back again to follow our luxury blog. You may find your next luxury home!

Photo: Signature Residences Worldwide / Antoine VERDE-DELISLE

As the Baby Boomer generation continues to age, about 10,000 people in the U.S. turn 65 years old each day. That is an astonishing figure. Many of us worry about retirement planning and if we will be ready. It’s a very scary thought.

Everybody is concerned about retirement and retirement planning is critical. The recession over the last 8-9 years has really hurt many families who thought they had a nice, nest egg set aside for retirement.

Financial planners are needed more than ever to help navigate individual portfolios and manage retirement planning for their client.

Carl Edwards is the owner of C.E. Wealth Group there are numerous factors to be concerned with regarding retirement planning for baby boomers – the uncertainty about the future of Social Security funding and dealing with one’s workplace retirement accounts like a 401(k).

Edwards states, “Many advisors and clients rely too much on single product lines. This misuse often gives products and the financial industry in general a bad name.”

Edwards provides seven helpful points that everyone should know and better understand, related to your retirement planning.

• Avoid trying to time the market. Markets often move in cycles and some investors believe that they can boost their investment returns by buying at the bottom and selling at the top. The problem is that investors are terrible at correctly predicting market movements and multiple studies have shown that market timers usually end up with significantly smaller retirement savings than buy-and-hold investors. While it can be stressful to see your portfolio plummet during a market correction, it’s important to stay calm and focus on your long-term strategy.

• Use risk-appropriate financial vehicles. Retiring can be a risky business. The days of relying on employer-provided pension plans are largely over and retirees now have to deal with risks including investment, inflation, healthcare, longevity and others. Though the total elimination of risk isn’t possible, we can manage many of them through competent retirement planning and a clear understanding of factors like your goals, time horizon and financial circumstances.

• Complete a cash flow analysis. Retirement will involve major changes to your finances. Sources and timing of income will change and financial priorities may shift as you start generating income from retirement savings. A cash flow analysis will identify spending patterns and help ensure that you have enough income to support your retirement lifestyle.

• Consider the effects of inflation. Inflation is one of the biggest issues facing retirees because they are disproportionately affected by rising prices. Escalating food, fuel and medical costs can devastate a retirement portfolio unless these costs have been factored into your planning. Positioning your retirement portfolio to fight inflation is critical to ensuring adequate income in retirement.

• Invest in the most tax-efficient manner. Taxes can take a big bite out of investment returns, which is why we stress tax-efficient planning with our clients. While taxes are just one piece of the overall financial puzzle, it’s important to structure your investments so that you are able to keep what you earn.

• Guarantee your required income. For many retirees, having income that is not subject to market fluctuations is an important part of their retirement plan. Many will have at least some level of guaranteed income from Social Security or defined benefit pension plans. However, if you are worried that your expenses exceed your guaranteed income, a financial advisor can help you explore options for additional streams of income for life. Guarantees are subject to the paying ability of the income provider.

• Utilize longevity planning. Today’s retirees are living longer than ever and many worry about outliving their assets. Longevity planning is about preparing for a happy, comfortable and independent retirement and can help ensure that your wealth lasts as long as you need it to.

If you are concerned about retirement planning and are seeking a certified financial advisor, contact us today. We can refer licensed and respected financial advisor professionals in your area to help you. Return to follow this luxury blog and learn about other financial tips and investment industry news.

San Francisco is known as “The City by the Bay“. There are many vantage points to take advantage of awesome views of this great American city. You can now add the the new Cityscape San Francisco Lounge to the list.

The Cityscape San Francisco Lounge can be found in the Hilton San Francisco Union Square. The luxury hotel opened the new venue two weeks ago on the 46th floor. You can just imagine the jaw-dropping views available from this high up. Enjoy 360-degree panoramic views. You can see the iconic landmarks and buildings in world famous San Francisco. In addition, take in views of the entire Bay Area. Simply breathtaking!

The Cityscape lounge will quickly become one the popular hot spots in the city, to enjoy good times and incredible views. It is open 7 days a week from 5:00 p.m. to 12:00 a.m. (midnight).

As you gaze out the large floor-to-ceiling windows, take in the sites and unwind after a long day. From the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, to Coit Tower, to the sleek Transamerica Pyramid building. It’s the perfect place to enjoy the company of friends and family or business colleagues after work.

The lounge menu includes a variety of small entrees and appetizers. A sample of available dishes include – California Pistachios and Almonds, Avocado Hummus, Chilled Prawns, Spiced Cucumbers, Dungeness Crab, Beef Satay and more!

Enjoy one of the bar’s signature cocktails. Select from fine spirits, the best beers on tap, plus delicious wines by the glass or bottle. A few the available cocktails include – Russian Hill, Nob Hill Manhattan, Berkeley Bramble and Presidio. The Presidio is made with Maestro Dobel Diamond Tequila, St. Germain, ruby red grapefruit and lime.

Choose from outstanding red and white wines from nearby Napa Valley and Sonoma Valley. Champagne lovers will enjoy a selection of choices from France, Italy and California. The fine spirit list includes – Gin, Vodka, Tequila, Rum, Cognac, Scotch and Bourbon / Rye Whiskey.

If you are celebrating a special occasion or money to burn, try Louis XIII – de Remy Martin cognac. It’s great tasting and goes down smooth. What more could you ask for? You can purchase a one-half ounce glass for $80, a one ounce glass for $150 or a two ounce for $290.

I believe Citiscape general manager, Lenny Gumm states it perfectly, “No two days look the same from Cityscape, where San Francisco weather flows over the ever changing skyline. What doesn’t change are the 360-degree views enjoyed through 14-foot floor-to-ceiling windows and the great food and drinks to enjoy with them.”

The weather in San Francisco is always changing. You may need a jacket during summer or wear short sleeves in the winter. A thick blanket of fog may roll in or blues skies abound. Just another ingredient that makes San Francisco one of the greatest cities in the world.

The new Cityscape San Francisco Lounge is not just perfect for couples and small gatherings. In fact, the lounge provide private corners for groups of 20 people. If you desire holding a large event here, no worries. Cityscape can accommodate up to 350 guests and you can hold your own private function. Enjoy VIP service and special menus.

For out of town visitors, plan on staying at the Hilton San Francisco Union Square hotel. This luxury property features 1,919 total guest rooms that includes 151 suites with stunning, San Fran views. The hotel is near the best in world-class shopping and many popular sites. Make it a weekend or stay a week or longer. Be sure to enjoy all San Francisco and the Bay Area has to offer.

Be sure to visit the new Cityscape San Francisco Lounge when visiting San Francisco. The Life of Luxury can assist with your next vacation or business trip. Come back soon and follow our luxury blog. Read about the best luxury travel destinations.

Photo: Cityscape San Francisco Lounge

Luxury watch brand Jaquet Droz released a new version of its classic Lady 8 Flower watch. This stunning luxury watch is perfect as gift for a loved one or to add to your personal collection.

The elegant Lady 8 Flower watch is the follow-on to the highly successful Lady 8 watch. It was introduced in 2013 and became an instant success and received worldwide praise. It was the initial ladies watch introduced by Jaquet Droz. The number 8 has an important meaning for the watch company. It signifies both infinity and completeness.

This gorgeous, luxury watch features two different, superimposed dials plus soft lines. The Lady 8 Flower watch is decorated with a lovely lotus flower. The watch owner can fold back the flower petals upon request. Now that is cool! The automation feature really is impressive and adds an amazing refinement quality.

Jaquet Droz continues to deliver cutting edge watches that not only offer technological advances, but timeless beauty. The lower dial was created with a mother-of-pearl. Absolutely stunning. The light reflects in dazzling display.

In addition, the luxury watch’s upper dial is spectacular. The lotus flower is found below a sapphire crystal dome. There is a button located at the 2 o’clock position. When pushed, the six lotus flower petals slowly open. What soon appears is either a briolette-cut ruby or sapphire in the flower’s center. The 18-carat white gold petals surround the luscious gemstone.

As you stare in awe at the opened flower, it will soon close up and return to its ready position. Therefore, it’s a fascinating automation feat from Jaquet Droz.

The watch case measures 35mm. The watch comes with a self-winding mechanical movement. You can view the two watch movements through the back of the watch. It comes with a 38 hour power reserve and is water resistant to 3 bar or 30 meters.

There are two colors to choose from. The Lady 8 Flower comes in either white or red gold. As a result, this watch is extremely limited edition. Only 8 pieces are available for each color.

Anybody who is luck enough to own this beautiful, luxury watch is luck. It’s literally a piece of fine art resting upon your wrist.

Contact The Life of Luxury today if you are interested in the Lady 8 Flower watch from Jaquet Droz. We can locate almost any luxury watch at great prices. Be sure to stop back real soon. Follow our luxury blog for the latest fine jewelry news and product releases

Photo: Jaquet Droz

A gorgeous luxury home recently sold in Holmby Hills, California. The purchase price for the Owlwood Estate was an eye popping $90 million. The historic home is located in a very affluent neighborhood in the district of Westwood, in west Los Angeles.

The buyer of this $90 million luxury estate was Sturmer Pippin Investments, LLC. Mercer Vine is an emerging, Los Angeles-based real estate firm and represented the buyer. Adam Rosenfeld is the firm’s founding principal and was quoted, “Rarely has there existed an estate that combines a truly legendary past with even greater future potential. Mercer Vine’s goal was to reach a deal that gave the buyer the financial flexibility and profit potential needed to reimagine the Owlwood Estate. After months of careful planning and negotiation, this deal ensures that the estate will remain part of Los Angeles real estate history for years to come.”

The Owlwood Estate home buyers will partner with Woodbridge Luxury Homes on future renovations. Woodbridge Luxury Homes is a highly respected company that focuses on increasing home values across luxury neighborhoods. Their expertise is utilized by focusing on modernizing classic estates. They always take into account a home’s rich history in all of their remodeling projects. As of this date, there are no concrete plans that have been announced.

The beautiful home was built back in 1936. It is an expansive property that offers 12,200 square feet of living space. The upscale estate was designed by architect Robert D. Farquhar. It has a distinct Tuscan-style design and exudes luxury at every turn.

There are two adjacent lots that are now part of the current property. This land was not part of the original estate. As a result, the total acreage now is greater than 10 acres in size. The Owlwood Estate address is 141 South Carolwood Drive in Holmby Hills.

Bob Shapiro is the head of Sturmer Pippin Investments and CEO of Woodbridge Luxury Homes. He was quoted, “The Owlwood Estate has been the unchallenged symbol of uber-luxury since being built during the Great Depression, and we will keep it that way for another 80 years. We fully intend to honor this property’s legendary past by ensuring it remains the absolute definition of luxury living for wealthy buyers from around the world.”

Since it was built, Owlwood Estate has been owned by a bevy of noted celebrities and business owners. The list includes singers Sonny & Cher, actor Tony Curtis, the founder Hotel Bel-Air Joseph Drown, as well as Joseph Schenck – the co-founder of 20th Century Fox. What a VIP experience it must be to actually live in this incredible luxury estate.

As a reference, there are many multi-million home listings in the greater Los Angeles area. The luxury real estate market is red hot in SoCal. Here is a list of currently available homes for sale:
673 Siena Way, Los Angeles – $47,900,000
9719 Heather Rd, Beverly Hills – $35,000,000
44 Beverly Park Cir, Beverly Hills – $31,000,000
46 Beverly Park Cir, Beverly Hills – $29,995,000
355 S Mapleton Dr, Los Angeles – $26,500,000

Are you ready to make your dream of owning a luxury home a reality? Start a living a life of luxury!

If you are looking to purchase luxury real estate like the Owlwood Estate, please contact us today. We work with many of the top luxury home agents around the world. Come back soon to follow our luxury blog.

Photo: Mercer Vine

Owning a Lamborghini supercar is a dream for many car connoisseurs. The sleek body style, top speeds and an expensive price tag are the allure to actually own one. When you are ready to buy your own Lamborghini, be sure to choose your dream car at the Ad Personam Studio vehicle customization studio.

You will find the Lamborghini headquarters in Sant’Agata Bolognese. This historic town in Italy is the place to be. Choose all your options and customize your own Lambo. How exciting is that?

The new Ad Personam vehicle customization studio has already become quite popular. Over 50% of new Lamborghini owners are utilizing the Ad Personam program. That may seem like a high number. But Lamborghini have the money to fly to Italy and get exactly what they want in their new luxury car.

Owners are anxious to choose the colors, interior trim and various materials of their own super sports car. As a result, owners will be assisted by an Ad Personam specialist. It’s a unique VIP experience Lamborghini offers its loyal customers.

Prioe to the decision process, owners will received a guided factory tour. In addition, they can view be potential configurations of different Huracán and Aventador models. That alone is a huge thrill. By viewing the various options in person, it can assist each customer when it comes time to decide for themselves.

Once inside the Ad Personam Studio, you will see the variety of colors, leathers, materials, rims and seats on display. The sophisticated showroom includes an advanced car configurator. It’s perfect to see a digital simulation of your possible options. Head over to the lounge area. Once there, view a display of your custom Lamborghini model.

The initial Ad Personam program started back in 2006. A dedicated team of Lamborghini representatives was added in 2013. Each rep has experience covering the various car options. The luxury supercar brand has introduced greater than 50 new colors wince 2013. The result is many more options to pick from. Therefore each customer can create a unique car to fit their desire. In addition, new fine leathers have been added such as semi-aniline leather. For the interior, decide from various types of Alcantara.

As a result of the tailored consulting service at the Ad Personam Studio, each customer achieves getting what they really want. A custom Lamborghini supercar, customized to their liking. For example, Forged Composite has become a popular material choice. This carbon fiber material has been patented by Lamborghini. Use it to pimp your Aventador in the car’s interior and/or on the roof.

During your visit to Italy, be sure to take time to do some sightseeing. First, finish up your important business at the Ad Personam Studio. Customize your dream Lamborghini supercar and then enjoy time traveling the Italian countryside or popular cities. Rome, Venice, Milan, Florence, Turan, Naples, Palermo and many more await. Italy is rich in history and culture.

The Life of Luxury can help plan and book your trip to Italy. Pick your custom Lamborghini options at the Ad Personam Studio. Follow our luxury blog fore the best luxury car and travel stories.

Photo: Lamborghini

Almost everybody loves chocolate. As a result, when going on a vacation or business trip, chocolate connoisseurs search out the best chocolate. It makes a perfect gift or to be consumed when you return home. A visit to the Chocolate Museum in Cologne, Germany is a must.

The Chocolate Museum (Schokoladen Museum) was first opened in 1993. It is a popular place to visit in Köln or Cologn, Germany. The museum sits on the banks of the iconic Rhine River, near the stunning Cologne Cathedral. The museum looks like a might, metal and glass ship. Inside is a treasure to many – lots of delicious chocolate!

The Chocolate Museum in Cologne consists of nine different exhibition areas. It covers about 4,000 square meters in size. Visitors will gain an appreciation of chocolate production as well as learn the long history of cocoa. From the days of the Olmecs, Mayas and Aztecs to modern times, it’s a wonderful journey.

Be sure to check out the tropicarium. It’s a large glass house where you can view live cacao trees. This visual helps many people better understand where the cocoa bean and where chocolate starts from. See various chocolate molds and machines that can make chocolate bars.

There are numerous, guided tours available for adults, children, school classes, as well as persons with disabilities. For example, there are 5 different adult tours to choose from:
– From the Cocoa to the Chocolate
– 100% Chocolate – guided tour with tasting
– Brown Gold – a sweet temptation
– Temptation to Pleasure
– Cocoa – Global good, stored locally! Sustainable cultivation and fair trade

Back in In 2006, the popular Lindt chocolate company became a partner at the Chocolate Museum. When you walk around, you’ll notice the majority of chocolates on display and sold is from Lindt.

First of all, the top attraction for almost everybody who visits, is the chocolate fountain. The chocolate fountain is 3 meters high and a stunning, visual sight. The fountain can hold up to 200 kilos of beautiful, liquid chocolate. It’s warm and looks mouth watering. Museum employees actually dip waffle cookie (wafer) into the fountain to hand out to many anxious people. Therefore as you can imagine, it puts a smile on many faces.

The Chocolate Museum in Cologne is open Tuesday to Friday from 10:00 – 18:00 hours plus Saturday, Sunday and German bank holidays from 11:00 – 19:00 hours.

If you are considering a trip to Germany, be sure to visit the Chocolate Museum in Cologne. The Life of Luxury can assist planning and booking your luxury vacation. Come back soon to read our blog for more, sightseeing hot spots.

Photo: Chocolate Museum

Who wants to drive the same vehicle like everybody else on the road? Of course not. Larte Design is a tuning company based in Russia. Their latest tuning kick – Mercedes GLS Black Crystal – was on full display at the MIAS 2016 (Manila International Auto Show) in the Philippines.

Discerning Car buyers want to distinguish themselves. Driving a unique SUV turns heads and draws attention. The new Mercedes GLS Black Crystal turning kit does just that and it’s impressive.

The Mercedes GLS Black Crystal tuning kit utilizes new materials such as basalt and carbon and about 50 new parts. The end result is a modified Mercedes GLS that is truly impressive.

There are several new features for the SUV’s front bumper. There is a splitter, as well as aelegant carbon fiber inserts. The Black Crystal Swarovski symbol can be seen on both the right and left sides of the front bumper.

On the rear bumper, you’ll find a diffuser plus carbon inserts. Due to this design, a nice feature is the Larte Design experts still allow the SUV’s tow bar to be used.

Back up front, the Mercedes GLS radiator grille is adorned with impressive carbon fiber, plus the company’s logo has a shape like a horseshoe. As a result of giving the GLS a more powerful look, the tuning kit adds expanded side arches.

The tips on the dual exhaust are made from carbon fiber. Another nice touch in this cool Mercedes GLS Black Crystal tuning kit that provides individuality and style.

What we like about the extended use of the carbon elements, is they can be easily painted to complement the color concept you desire. If you are going to customize your Mercedes GLS, then go all the way. Each client should make their car design unique.

In conclusion, Larte Design offers a wide selection of tuning kits available. In addition to the Mercedes GLS Black Crystal kit, you can choose to customize the following vehicle makes and models:
– Infiniti Q70 LR, QX60 LR1, QX70 (FX37) and QX80 (QX56)
– Lexus LX 570 Alligator and LX and NX accessories
– Maserati Ghibli accessories
– Mercedes GL Black Crystal and V-class Black Crystal
– Range Rover Evoque and Sport Winner
– Tesla Model S Elizabeta

If you would like to pimp your rise, contact The Life of Luxury and we can help you. Consider the Mercedes GLS Black Crystal kit from Larte Design or one of their other incredible options. Be sure to come back again and read our luxury blog.

Photo: Larte Design