Today, the Infinity QX50 sedan is one the most powerful and versatile crossover cars in the segment. For the upcoming 2016 Infinity QX50 model, expect a bigger interior, enhanced styling, plus a longer wheelbase.

The Infiniti QX50 was first introduced as the Infiniti EX35 sedan. It became popular as one of the first, personal crossover vehicles on the market. The EX35 was the first car to offer new technology features including Infiniti’s own Around View® Monitor. Car owners could choose between Intelligent All-Wheel Drive or rear-wheel drive, plus it came with one of the most powerful engines in its car class.

The new 2016 Infiniti QX50 will feature a luxurious interior, an array of advanced technology features, plus a stylish exterior that will turn heads and people will quickly recognize on the road. All grade levels of the new QX50 will come with a moonroof. The Infinity’s wheelbase is being extended by 3.2 inches. A new Hagane Blue exterior color option will also be available to car buyers. The other six exterior colors are: Malbec Black, Midnight Garnet, Graphite Shadow, Liquid Platinum, Black Obsidian and Moonlight White.

Randy Parker is the vice president of Infiniti Americas and was quotes, “Following the 2015 introductions of the updated Infiniti Q70 and the addition of the Q70L long-wheelbase version and new range-topping QX80 Limited full-size SUV, we’re kicking off model year 2016 with the updated QX50.”

The outside of the new 2016 Infiniti QX50 will feature large L-shaped headlights with new LED Daytime Running Lights, integrated fog lights, “dynamic arch” profile, xenon auto-leveling headlights and stylish LED taillights. Part of the Deluxe Touring Package, enjoy the new 19-inch aluminum-alloy wheels. Standard package is the 18-inch 8-spoke metallic finish aluminum-alloy wheels with 225/55R18 all-season tires. The car’s rear hatchback spoiler includes an integrated brake light.

The QX50 will also come with a new front and rear bumpers with lower fascia, new double-arch front grille, in addition to new side mirrors that come integrated with LED turn signals.

The interior of the 2016 Infiniti QX50 is incredibly nice. By extending the wheelbase by 3.2 inches, there is now more room inside – equaling an 8.3 cubic feet increase in interior volume. Higher ground clearance allows the driver a higher vantage point that results in improved visibility. The interior of the new QX50 will utilize standard premium leather-appointed seating surfaces. A choice of three different colors are available – Wheat, Graphite as well as Chestnut.

The cabin layout is definitely driver-focused. Enjoy the easy-to-read high-contrast gauges, Infiniti’s signature “double-wave” instrument panel, plus hospitality lighting with pin LED light over the console. Passengers will enjoy the standard premium leather-appointed seating that also comes with heated front seats. Infinity utilizes textured, aluminum accents throughout the car’s cabin. For your listening pleasure, enjoy the Bose premium audio system that is equipped with eleven speakers and two subwoofers.

The new QX50 3.7-liter V-6 engine is rated at 267 lb-ft of torque and 325 horsepower. Experience smooth driving with the standard, seven-speed automatic transmission that has a manual shift mode. The sedan’s standard braking system comes with power-assisted front and rear discs, plus a standard Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) with Electronic Brake force Distribution (EBD) and Brake Assist.

Infinity states the car’s fuel economy is rated at 17 mpg city/25 mpg highway for rear-wheel drive models. For all-wheel drive models, the car manufacturer says to expect 17 mpg city/24 mpg highway.

There will be two models available – the 2016 Infinity QX50 and QX50 AWD. The four option packages available are – Premium Package, Premium Plus Package, Technology Package and Deluxe Touring Package.

The Life of Luxury can assist you during your new car buying experience. Come back again to read our luxury blog and follow the latest luxury car news and car model releases.

Photo: Infinity

This year, luxury brand BUBEN & ZORWEG is celebrating two decades in the worldwide luxury business. They are aware that their clients are very concerned about secrecy and the importance to protect their valuable, personal belongings.

BUBEN & ZORWEG shared a few recent projects for their ultra wealthy clients. In Europe, they installed three 580kg, 2 metre high X-007 safes under the floor of their client’s palatial home. The three safes and floor openings resembled a trap door, accessible from the stage of the in-home theatre. Like something out of the James Bond movie, the entire safe system rises from the floor utilizing a double lift system. The great reveal displays a stunning, 360 degree bullet-proof glass showcase.

For another BUBEN & ZORWEG client with a home in the One Hyde Park apartment block of London wanted the installation to be top secret. This building is known to be popular with international billionaires, so the owner wanted reassurance no one – including the company’s installation team, would discover either the floor or apartment number. To live a VIP lifestyle, one must often be careful about disclosing too much personal information.

Another customer wanted a high security fence installed outside his luxury villa. In addition, two high-security, double-lock doors were installed that lead up to the room where his safes are located.

As you can tell, security and privacy are key desires of the affluent. What the desire from BUBEN & ZORWEG is perfect hand craftsmanship, along with German engineering technology to design and install high-end security systems.

The BUBEN & ZORWEG director Christian Zörweg was quoted, “We love creating extravagant, timeless objects of beauty, embodying the decadent lifestyles of the world’s richest men. At BUBEN&ZORWEG, both luxury and security are in the details.”

BUBEN & ZORWEG proudly develops bespoke objects and interiors to showcase watches, jewelry and other pricey collectibles in private residences and palaces round the world, plus yachts and businesses.

If you need to install the best in security safes, then BUBEN & ZORWEG is your choice. The Life of Luxury is proud to share the latest news in the luxury industry. Please return to follow our luxury blog and stay on top of what’s hot.

Photo: BUBEN & ZORWEG

Francesca Bortolotto Possati is the current CEO of The Bauers Hotel chain in Venice, Italy. These luxury hotels are often the top choice for someone wanting to stay in an opulent property while vacationing in Venice.

But Francesca Bortolotto Possati is also a renowned female hotelier and has offered her luxurious guide to the romantic city of Venice, Italy. Francesca is an author, interior designer, foodie and a highly respected philanthropist.

Her insight into Italian culture is captivating as well as her strong management skills as the CEO of The Bauers Hotel group. Her grandfather was a nearby shipbuilder and also bought and remodeled the first Bauer hotel in 1930. As CEO, Francesca has expanded the company from investment in three additional luxury hotels. They include – Bauers L’Hotel and Bauers Il Palazzo in Venice, and additionally the Bauers Palladio and lastly, the Villa F on Giudecca Island.

Francesca Bortolotto Possati was featured in a Financial Times story titled, “How to Spend It – Diary of a Somebody.” She shared her thoughts on luxurious adventures and getting the most from visiting the romantic city of Venice. We hope you enjoy some of her suggestions during your next stay in Venice, Italy.

Bar Canale:
Relax on the outdoor Terrace during the summer, or have a cozy cup of tea in the winter. Located on Campo San Simeon Grande, Francesca explains that this is her favorite glass of white wine within the entire Bauer complex.

Rialtro Market:
Only twelve minutes from Bauer l’Hotel, this outdoor market is bustling with life and culture, “the market is an explosion of color, sights and smells.” Francesca says. Be sure to arrive before noon to see best selection of fresh fish and produce labeled with their place of origin—almost always from local islands and surrounding countryside.

Basilica Santa Maria degli Angeli:
Soaps that tell an interesting story: Francesca opened this cosmetic laboratory to make soaps, perfumes, and local cosmetics. The Basilica is part of a rehabilitation program for women in the local jail – helping them acquire a beneficial skill set at the crossroads of science and beauty.

Jesurum:
Located down the street from Bauer l’Hotel, this 100% Made In Italy exclusive household linens company focuses on providing exceptional linens for customer’s homes, yachts, and private jets. The company has an extensive history of high-end clientele, including royalty, and continues to maintain its promise of excellence through meticulous attention to detail and flawless craftsmanship. Pick up something to take back home after your stay in Venice.

Quadri:
Just a four-minute walk from the Bauer l’Hotel, this restaurant overlooks St. Mark’s Square. A quintet in the background softly accompanies your dining experience. As Francesca writes, this is one of “Venice’s chicest Michelin-starred restaurant. It is an elegant and intimate restaurant with the most impeccable service.” Ingredients are locally chosen from the Rialtro Market daily.

Bauer Palladio Hotel and Spa:
Located on the Giudecca Island, The Palladio is lavishly equipped with amenities such as spas, gardens, and dining. Francesca says, “This garden is like an oasis from the bustling streets and canals of Venice.”

Il Vivaio Gardens in Campo della Misericordi:
Bortolotto Possati explains that you need to schedule an appointment to visit to see this “hidden gem.” Her love for well-manicured green space expands as she describes her own “three-acre garden hidden behind the Palladio Hotel and Spa and Villa F, our collection of private residences and the newest addition to the portfolio on Giudecca Island.”

Burano Island:
A day excursion about an hour from the hotel, and home to the famous Burano lace, this island features brightly colored homes that reflect into the surrounding water channels. Walking alongside these neon houses, visitors will feel like they are within a piece of art.

Has it been your dream to visit the romantic city of Venice, Italy? Let The Life of Luxury plan and book your entire itinerary. We are luxury travel specialists and you can read more travel destination stories by following our popular luxury blog.

Photo: The Bauers Hotel – Venice, Italy

The philosophy of luxury watch manufacturer Nico Gerard is “Uncompromised Luxury Watches – Uncompromised Technology – Uncompromised Engineering – Uncompromised Luxury”.

Nico Gerard is owned by the father-son duo of Andreas and Adam Pluemer. The two men started on a journey to develop a mechanical-electrical hybrid timepiece – the luxury Pinnacle watch.

If you desire the best precision and watch design traditions of Swiss watch-making and also want to wear the stylish new Apple Watch, then Nico Gerard Pinnacle watch is your answer.

The Apple Watch is discretely attractive but not over the top luxurious. We may want to occasionally dress up a bit but not have to put your watch away for the night. The new Pinnacle watch is actual a hybrid between an Apple Watch and a luxury watch. Nico Gerard has brilliantly pulled it off.

The new the Pinnacle watch line ranges in price from $9,300 up to $112,000. You not only get an Apple Watch but also a luxury watch on the other side of the band.

During an interview with NBC news, Adam Pluemer, president of California-based Nico Gerard – Adam Pluemer was quoted, “Wearing a smartwatch on the inside of your wrist provides a wide range of benefits, especially when it comes to privacy. He continued, “If you’re at a conference table and you have your hands on the table, you don’t want someone reading your text messages.”

Of course, the Pinnacle watch will be made in limited edition quantities, and placing your order will require a $200 reservation fee. The watch is only available online at https://www.nicogerard.com/

If you are in the market for a luxury watch like the new Pinnacle Watch from Nico Gerard, please contact The Life of Luxury. We can help locate the perfect luxury watch you have dreamed of buying. Return her to read about other luxury watch news by following this luxury blog.

Many car enthusiasts consider the iconic Ferrari F40 as the greatest supercar ever built. But for whatever reason, the Ferrari F40 has not achieved the same fame as other Ferrari’s during public auctions.

A new record was just set for a gorgeous 1992 Ferrari F40 supercar. The staggering price for the winning auction bid was $1.2 million or €1.12 million. The Ferrari F40 was the last car sold by Ferrari founder – Enzo Ferrari.

The auction was held in Nürburgring, Germany – which is a popular motorsports complex near the German town of Nürburg. The auction was sponsored by Coys and they state the winning bid was a record breaker for a Ferrari F40.

Recently, prices for the F40 have risen rapidly. Not too long away, you could have picked up one on eBay Motors for under $600,000 using the “Buy It Now” option. Looks like that bargain price will now be a thing of the past and car lovers of this classic, 1992 Ferari F40 supercar will have to depart with a lot for money.

The Ferrari was first sold in 1987 and records show only 1,315 were manufactured. The F40 was built for just several years. But when it was available, it was definitely the fastest and most powerful car form Italian carmaker Ferrari. It was also quite pricey and also the most expensive, Ferari road car.

Historians will note that the Ferrari F40 was launched in 1987 to honor 40th anniversary of Ferrari. Great cars always stand the test of time.

The 1992 Ferrari F40 wasn’t the only high priced car sold during the Coys auction. For a winning bid of €562,000 or $616,250, a 1937 BMW 328 Roadster was sold.

Is a 1992 Ferrari F40 supercar on your radar to buy? The Life of Luxury works with many specialty and vintage car dealers and we can help locate that perfect car to add to your collection or for your driving pleasure. Read our luxury blog for more luxury car stories.

Photo: Motor Authority

You may think that traditional, beekeeping methods are a thing of the past. Just don’t tell that to the luxury hotel industry.

Always looking for new ways to differentiate themselves and following the popular “farm to fork” movement popular with foodies, luxury hotels around the world are producing their own honey with various, on-property beekeeping methods.

Beekeeping has been documented going back thousands of years in history. Written records have been found from about 3000 BC in ancient Egypt, migratory beekeeping took place all up and down the iconic Nile river.

According to a story from KCRA News in Sacramento, they highlighted five luxury hotels making a buzz with their own beekeeping and honey production.

1) St. Ermin’s Hotel:
The month of September is designated as honey month at the London hotel. The house-made nectar is used in both the hotel’s food and cocktail recipes. During September, the St. Ermin’s Hotel offer guests an urban beekeeping workshop hosted by Camilla Goddard of Capital Bee.

2) The Fairmont Waterfront:
This luxury hotel in Vancouver is a leader of in-house honeybee production. Its process includes about 500,000 honeybees who use the hotel’s big, third floor terrace herb garden.

3) Waldorf Astoria:
Located high above Park Avenue in New York City, the world famous Waldorf Astoria hotel bee collection consists of about 360,000 bees. Harvested each each, the bee colony produce greater than 300 pounds of great tasting honey.

4) Mandarin Oriental:
The luxurious Mandarin Oriental in Paris, France offers its guests an eco-initiatives program. For example, if you reuse your bathroom towels, you receive a delicious jar of honey to thank you for your efforts. You’ll find the use of local produced honey in the hotel’s F&B (Food & Beverage) menu.

5) W Taipei:
Located in Taipei City, Taiwan the W Taipei hotel serves up a “detox martini” cocktail at the hotrl’s WOOBAR. The cocktail’s recipe consists of green tea-infused Belvedere vodka, Grand Marnier, yuzu juice, orange juice, sprite, plus house-made honey.

We love sharing the best travel news, like the use of local beekeeping at some of the top luxury hotels. Be sure to follow our luxury blog and stay abreast of the latest trends and popular travel destinations from around the world.

Photos: St Ermin’s Hotel

The sad death of Cecil, the famous male lion in Zimbabwe has shocked people all around the world. Although big-game trophy hunting for big cats and other wildlife is legal in Zimbabwe, the activity is still very controversial.

But luxury safaris are quite popular in Africa as tourists get the chance to go stealth and observe big cats such as lions, leopards, tigers, jaguars and cheetahs in the open. The thrill of seeing a magnificent animal in its native habitat is incredible.

For example, spotting a cheetah is usually a matter of sheer luck, since a cheetah is the fastest animal in the world. Your best bet to seeing one is in Namibia, but your odds are also high in the Sabi Sands area of South Africa.

So you want to see big cats on an African safari, what should you do? There are so many safari tour companies and individual guides to choose from. We want to share a few for you to consider. Make your African safari a VIP experience and be sure to do your homework. Understand what your safari will include such as accommodations, meals and so on so you won’t be disappointed.

Namiri Plains – Tanzania
This area camp can be found in the famous Serengeti region of Africa. For two decades the area was exclusively used by a research team from the Frankfurt Zoological Society to study big cats. This area is ideal for watching big cats such as cheetahs roam free. After an exhilerating day of animal watching, sit around the campfire and learn interesting facts from local researchers. Namiri camp offers only six tents, so you can enjoy an uncrowded experience to last a lifetime.

Serengeti Safari Camp – Tanzania
Also located Tanzania is the Serengeti Safari Camp. This is like a mobile camp as it repositions during the epic, annual wildebeest migration. It’s a great opportunity to see the various big cats since they closely follow the wildebeest migration, looking for a kill. Just the chance to observe the incredible wildebeest migration up close is a thrill. Enjoy the local beauty and view Africa’s amazing wildlife.

Chitwa Chitwa – South Africa
If you want to see leopards, then one of the best areas is the Sabi Sands in South Africa. Chitwa Chitwa is recognized as one of the best private game lodges in Kruger and the Sabi Sands area. The experienced safari guides know the terrain and how to optimize wildlife viewing, including the big cats such as lions. The camp is well run with great tasting food and excellent accommodations.

Have you dreamed of watching big cats in their natural habitat of Africa? Consider taking an African safari. The Life of Luxury can help plan and book your entire trip. If you enjoy reading about the best luxury travel destinations around the world, then please come back to follow our luxury blog.

Photo: Namiri Plains Camp

This Sunday, August 16th is National Rum Day. It’s hard to argue that when you think of a great tasting rum cocktail, it usually includes BACARDI rum.

The history of rum dates back to the 17th century. In the Caribbean, sugar farmers discovered that molasses was by product of the process in crushing sugar cane. After the juice was boiled, molasses and sugar were produced. With so much molasses available, after a fermentation process … rum was born.

Bacardi began back in 1862. Facundo Bacardi and his brother Jose purchased the Santiago de Cuba distillery and this started th w world’s most popular rum to be commercially produced.

To this day, rum is as popular as ever and favorite spirit in many, delicious cocktails. The Flor de Violette rum cocktail features BACARDÍ Gran Reserva Maestro de Ron, which is a new, super-premium rum from Baracdi. The rum was specifically designed to enhance the overall, cocktail experience.

Rum is mixed with seasonally-appropriate floral flavors of St. Germain and Crème de Violette to create the Flor de Violette cocktail. The below drink recipe produces an incredible, lavender-hued cocktail that seamlessly blends each ingredient’s distinct flavor along with the subtle hints of pears, honey plus red currants from the rum.

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Flor de Violette
1 ½ parts BACARDÍ Gran Reserva Maestro de Ron
¾ part lemon juice
½ part St. Germain
1/7 part Crème de Violette
1/7 part simple syrup

· Method:
– Shake all ingredients vigorously with ice and strain into a coupe glass.
– Garnish with a lemon peel

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Be sure to enjoy National Rum Day with a great tasting rum cocktail using the new BACARDÍ Gran Reserva Maestro de Ron rum. The Life of Luxury is proud to share the latest news in the lxuury industry. Be sure to read our luxury blog so you don’t miss a thing.

It’s been 35 long and frustrating years, but a stolen, Stradivarius violin has finally been recovered. The rare violin was stolen back in 1980 and was owned by a young, talented violinist named Roman Totenberg.

Although Phillip Johnson was a suspect right after the initial theft, the police were unable to pursue the lead due to a lack of evidence. The rare violin was taken from Totenberg’s office at Longy Music School in Cambridge, Massachusetts.

After Johnson had passed away, his ex-wife and new boyfriend discovered a locked violin case while doing some housecleaning. They broke the case lock and discovered the violin. There was a label that read 1734 and was made by Antonio Stradivari, who was the most famous violin maker ever.

Sadly, Mr. Totenberg will not personally enjoy the return of the missing Stradivarius Violin since he passed away from cancer at the age of 58.

Since Mr. Totenberg had received a $250,000 insurance settlement soon after the theft, an agreement was made in a U.S, federal court that if the $250,000 was repaid, the three surviving daughters of Mr. Totenberg would receive the valuable Stradivarius violin.

It’s been reported that there are less than 650 Stradivarius violins in existence today. Like thieves trying to resell fine art, it can be be extremely difficult to sell a stolen Stradivarius violin due to its rarity. Due it’s authenticity, the recovered violin could be worth several million dollars.

I expect we may see this particular Stradivarius violin appear at a high-end, public auction where the bidding can reach atmospheric levels as avid collectors try to outbid each other to own this rare violin.

If you enjoy reading about interesting luxury news stories like the recovery of the stolen Stradivarius violin, then come back often to follow our popular luxury blog. We enjoy sharing the best news from the world of luxury.

Photo: By Σπάρτακος (Own work) [CC BY-SA 3.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

A visit to the incredible French Riviera is an unforgettable experience. We wanted to share the luxury Cap d’Antibes villa as one of the most luxurious villas you will find to stay in.

The French Riviera awaits and live in VIP style at the Cap d’Antibes Villa in France. This luxury property lied between Cannes and Nice and has 10 bedrooms and can accommodate up to 20 people. The villa has a vast living area of 760 m².

This 16th century, Provencal villa is represented by Carlton International and was recently renovated. It features huge entertainment areas so it’s perfect for those fabulous, French Riviera parties and social gatherings. The villa is perfectly located between the old town of Antibes and a short 100 meters from the scenic beach.

Outdoors, enjoy the beautifully landscaped gardens that covers about 3,500 square meters. There’s a gray color mosaic swimming pool (13m X 6m) that has a surrounding security fence.

Indoors, enjoy all the comforts of modern living at Cap d’Antibes. The main level of the villa has 4 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms. The deluxe “Galilée” bedroom is air conditioned bedroom and has a double bed. There’s an en-suite shower room with shower, toilet and bidet). The room has both a pool and garden view. The deluxe “Josephine” bedroom is also air conditioned bedroom and has a double bed. This en-suite bathroom comes with a balneo bathtub, shower, WC and bidet). The bedroom has a garden view.

The fabulous Presidential Suite is an independent apartment with two levels. You have independent access separate from the main villa. The suite features 3 bedrooms and 3 bathrooms and also offers guests its own kitchen and dining room.

If you dreamed of vacationing in France and seeing the beautiful French Riviera, consider a stay at the luxury Cap d’Antibes Villa in France. We can help plan and book your luxury travel getaway. If you enjoy reading about top travel destinations around the world, keep abreast of the latest travel news with our luxury blog.

Photo: Carlton International

Another popular trend in the travel industry is foodie tourism. Driven by the popularity of TV food shows and the desire for travelers to enjoy great food and a fine dining experience, foodie tourism is hot. Luxury hotel and resorts around the world are creating fantastic opportunities and appease our gastro-pleasure desires.

Offering a collection of over 40 luxury and upscale independent hotels, resorts and residences all across the United States, Destination Hotels provides an incredible array of local, foodie programs – everything from foraging, to local farming and fishing experiences, plus get cooking tips from local chefs.

The culinary interactions being offered by Destination Hotels are all authentic. These culinary adventures are one-of-a-kind and are will deliver a memorable experience that your stomach will surely say “Thanks!”

Here’s a list of intriguing, gastronomic getaways from Destination Hotels:

Meet the Forager: The local gardener and forager at Suncadia, A Destination Hotel, guides guests through Hay Creek Garden to share secrets of the many earthy delicacies native to the area. This multi-course dinner showcases the garden’s complete summer harvest, including several types of carrots (red, yellow, purple, white), Arugula, Broccoli Raab, Mustard Greens, Snow Peas, Filet Beans, Eight-Ball Summer Squash, Edible Flowers, White Strawberries and more.

Catch, Keep & Eat King Salmon: In partnership with Cabela’s Outfitters, Fishing the Gorge and Skamania Lodge, A Destination Hotel, hotel guests have the opportunity to climb aboard a beautiful 24-foot Alumaweld Formula Vee boat for a guided King Salmon fishing experience on the Columbia River. Executive Chef Matt and Skamania’s culinary team will then turn the catch into a delicious meal for guests to enjoy fresh that night.

Pop-up Street Food Kitchen: Once a week at the Hotel De Anza, A Destination Hotel, the patio at The Satellite Kitchen is transformed into a pop-up street food kitchen that features a variety of food creations from local guest chefs. This culinary event displays new food concepts and classic favorites while highlighting the local ingredients from the San Francisco Bay Area.

Best of Land and Sea: Terranea Resort, A Destination Hotel offers a myriad of culinary experiences that immerse the senses and satisfy even the most discerning foodie, with the best of California’s coastal cuisine. Through the Farm-to-Terranea dining experience package, guests can participate in a farm tour and cooking demonstration with Terranea’s Chef Bernard, as well as a number of interactive workshops that highlight the sea salt and honey harvesting in the area. Wine and spirits sommeliers can quench their thirst at Terranea’s Pastry & Liquor pairing workshop with Executive Pastry Chef Pierino and Sommelier Szymon Piechaczek, or a wine pairing dinner at signature Mar’sel restaurant.

Orange Grove Dinner: The Orange Grove at Royal Palms Resort and Spa in Phoenix, Arizona – a luxury Destination Hotel, is an idyllic dining vignette. The original resort, built in the middle of a citrus grove at the base of Camelback Mountain, creates an intimate setting for any occasion with its farm-fresh culinary offerings and inspired craft cocktails menus.

Blue Crabbing and Farmers Market: At Wild Dunes, A Destination Hotel, guests can catch wild blue crabs on Capers Island in South Carolina, a nearby boneyard beach that is a scenic boat ride away. Guests then enjoy an authentic beachside crab boil with their catches. For those looking to explore the historic downtown Charleston with a foodie twist, a local chef will guide guests through the Farmers Market Showcase who will pick out local produce and the prepare a fresh and wholesome lunch.

How Sweet It Is: The Carolina Inn, A Destination Hotel, and local bee keeper Marty Hanks, are working together to curate organic, homemade honey at Hank’s charming five-acre farm in Orange County. These painted and decorates hives will be harvested in July for guests to use and enjoy in the award-winning Carolina Crossroads Restaurant at the Carolina Inn.

Backyard to Table: Suncadia, A Destination Hotel, has put its own spin on the Farm-to-Table movement with the Backyard-To-Table Summer Foraging Dinner at the Nelson Farm in Washington. Chef Rick Shell and his culinary team have crafted an innovative multi-course dinner inspired by the vibrant flavors of the summer season. From Eight-Ball Summer Squash, to White Strawberries, to wild foraged mushrooms — the menu highlights the area’s glorious summer produce straight from the hotel’s backyard garden, which guests handpick themselves.

Water & Wine: Guests looking to work up an appetite and truly earn those wine calories will enjoy this unique tour offered by Stowe Mountain Lodge, A Destination Hotel in partnership with nearby Boyden Valley Winery & Spirits in the renowned Green Mountains. Guests are driven to the winery’s outpost in Cambridge, VT and enjoy a 90-minute paddle in a boat of choice (kayak, paddleboards or single or tandem canoes) followed by a special private winery tour. A wine tasting and a platter of fresh Vermont cheddar cheeses along with French bread will be provided as a reward for the hard work endured on the lake, and a guide will transport guests back to the car at the winery tour conclusion. Located in a restored 1875 carriage barn, Boyden Valley Winery is steeped in culture and agriculture heritage and offers 8,000 grapevines and 300 acres of maple trees tended to by the same family for four generations. Each wine features only the finest locally grown fruit from the loamy soils of the Lamoille River Valley.

In addition to the above foodie programs by Destination Hotels, the award winning travel company also also features 20 renowned golf courses, 19 indigenous spas, in addition to 105 exceptional bars and restaurants.

If a foodie experience at one of the Destination Hotels is what you’ve been wanting to try, please contact The Life of Luxury and we can help plan and book your entire luxury travel reservation. Enjoy a true VIP experience. Keep up with all the latest fine dining and travel news, by returning to this luxury blog.

Photot: Royal Palms Resort and Spa / Destination Hotels