Another way the luxury hotel chains are trying to attract your business is by offering luxury perks geared toward children. We recently published an article about in-room shopping experiences as the top hotel chains battle it out by trying to differentiate themselves.

In the “good old days”, simply offering kids cookies and milk at night was about as luxury as it got. Well no more. Now it’s everything from having pre-ordered toys in the room upon arrival, to cooking classes, fun kids clubs and much more.

In interesting fact from the U.S. Travel Association is that back in 2008, of all leisure trips – 30.7% included kids under 18 years of age. Last year that figure dropped to only 23.4%. Why the steep decline? Younger adults are delaying marriage until they’re older plus when they do tie the know, they are having less children than prior generations. So although the number traveling children is down, they have become a focus as hotels continue to strive to be “family friendly.”

It’s no secret that if kids are happy, then their parents are also happy. Hotel chains want loyal customers who keep coming back to their luxury property. We want to offer a true VIP experience.

For example, the incredible Woolley Grange Hotel in Bradford on Avon – England, has long been a family-friendly, luxury hotel. Family is the core of life during travels, and the Woolley Grange Hotel has established creative programs and activities for both adults and children.

At the hotel’s Woolley Bears Den, try two hours of complimentary childcare during your stay. Perfect for parents to enjoy some alone time. Children’s High Tea is served daily at 5pm. Nannies assist watching your kids as they play and enjoy food and drinks. In the Hen House, older children can indulge in computer games, a pool table plus watch shows on a wide screen TV.

There are ten Peninsula Hotels around the world and they all offer luxury perks for kids. The most famous hotel is the iconic Peninsula Hong Kong, which opened way back in 1928. Children are welcomed with a personal toiletry kit, plus either a puzzle and robe & slippers or a gift or snack such as just-baked cookies – yum! Parents can pay a fee and enroll their children in a Kids Academy. At the Chicago hotel, young girls get to act like a princess and get pampered with nails, makeup and hair treatments. There’s even lovely gowns for them to wear and dress like a little princess. Next, a horse drawn carriage that’s shaped like a pumpkin, takes them on a joy ride for shopping at a local, retail store.

We expect these luxury perks for kids to continue to grow and become more extravagant. The top hotel chains are in constant competition to outdo each other and attract your business. The result is great news for consumers and wonderful luxury travel memories.

If you are ready to plan your next luxury travel trip, contact The Life of Luxury today. We can help plan and book all your reservations and even focus on hotel chains offering luxury perks for your children. Come back again to follow this luxury blog and read about interesting luxury travel related stories.

Photo: St. Regis

For a fine dining experience in downtown SoHo in New York City, consider the Osteria Morini restaurant. Chef Michael White serves great tasting Emilia-Romagna cuisine and after a wonderful meal, try a Luce del Sole cocktail.

Summer is the ideal time to enjoy a delicious summer cocktail. The Luce del Sole means “sunlight” in Italian and is made with FACUNDO NEO. The cocktail also includes honey syrup, Montanaro liquore in addition to a bit of floral flavors from the Dandelion Burdock bitters.

Osteria Morini is a casual Italian restaurant that’s a very popular place to dine for both visitors to New York City as well as locals. The establishment is perfect for either a romantic couple or large groups.

Whether you meet friends for a drink after work, or want to try a cocktail during or after your Italian meal at Osteria Morini restaurant, enjoy a Osteria Morini cocktail.

If you would like to make this cocktail at home for your next party or social gathering, here is the recipe.

Luce del Sole by Osteria Morini

– 2 parts FACUNDO NEO
– ¼ parts Honey Syrup (4 parts honey, 1 part water)
– ½ part Montanaro Liquore alla Camomilla
– Dash Dandelion Burdock Bitters
– Lemon twist
– Orange twist

Method:
Combine ingredients in a glass shaker, stir and strain over large ice in a double Old Fashioned glass. Express oils from lemon and orange twists and trim to rectangles. Garnish twists as an X.

Ready for a luxury travel experience? Allow The Life of Luxury to help plan and book your Big Apple stay. Be sure to enjoy a meal at Osteria Morini restaurant and try a Luce del Sole cocktail. Come back again to follow our luxury blog and read about other food, drink and travel stories.

The Parisian company Chanel will be releasing their new Boy.Friend watch this coming September 2015. The emotions of Paris, passion, romance, shopping, and luxury make for a beautifully, shaped timepiece that only a Parisian company could dream up.

Chanel is a French high fashion brand that specializes in haute couture, luxury goods and fashion accessories. Designer Coco Chanel wanted to cater to women’s elegance in dress and jewelry for 19th century fashion. Coco Chanel was credited with liberating women from the standards of fashion at the time and creating casual chic garments.

Her creative design was realized in jewelry, handbags, and fragrance. Coco Chanel’s signature scent, Chancel No.5, has become iconic around the world. The Chanel brand products have been personified by fashion models, Hollywood actresses and other celebrities.

The concept for this masculine timepiece was created with the idea about a woman who decides to ‘borrow’ for herself, after a night with her boyfriend.

The inspiration is modeled by Chanel’s eminent No.5 perfume bottle cap. The shape design for the No.5 perfume originated from the aerial view of the Place Vendome in Paris.

The octagon elongated frame that is decorated with diamonds ads an elegant touch. You have the option to choose between 18k beige gold or 18k white gold. The Boy.Friend watch is available with or without decorated diamonds.

The stylish watch’s semi-matte black alligator strap has a gold pin buckle matching the watchcase, a material that is associated with elegance. The Boy.Friend watch is available in two sizes: L that is 34.6mm x 26.7mm, or XL 37mm x 28.6mm. The luxury watch is also waterproof. Currently the Boy.Friend watch is priced between $12,500 – $27,000 USD.

The Boy.Friend watch is chic, and sure to go with every style piece of clothing. It exudes grace, and sophistication. No matter where you choose to be, wearing this accessory will have you feel a part of the Paris elegance while expressing your personal style. The Boy.Friend watch ultimately is the best accessory.

Got to own the new Boy.Friend watch from Chanel? Let us know and we can help you locate and purchase this chic and stylish luxury watch. Return again to read our luxury blog and keep up on all the latest luxury watch and fashion news from around the world.

Photo: Chanel

The Wizard of Oz is one of the most beloved Hollywood films ever made. But movie buffs were shocked almost ten years ago when the iconic ruby slippers worn by Judy Garland were stolen.

The famous ruby slippers were on display at the Judy Garland Museum, in Grand Rapids, Minnesota. Although there have been countless leads on who may have stolen the size 5 1/2 shoes, they have never been found.

Luckily, there are three other pairs in existence, including one pair at the Smithsonian Institution in Washington D.C. In addition, you will be able to see Dorothy’s ruby slippers at the The Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences Museum once it’s finished being constructed. This museum will become the world’s leading movie museum and will be located in Los Angeles.

If you have any information regarding the theft of the ruby slippers from The Wizard of Oz, there is now a one million dollar reward. To collect from the anonymous benefactor, you must provide the exact location of the stolen slippers, plus the actual name of the thief’s name or names if more than one were involved.

When the ruby slippers were stolen in August of 2005, they were insured for $1 million. The executive director of the Judy Garland Museum is John Kelsch and he told the Associated Press he believes the shoes are now worth between two and three million dollars.

The Wizard of Oz has release in 1939 and once production finished shooting, the ruby slippers were stored in the MGM wardrobe department. The pair that was donated to the Smithsonian Museum, was found at MGM in 1970 and bought during an auction for just $15,000. What a bargain for such an amazing piece of movie history!

If anybody has information on the missing shoes, you can contact the Grand Rapids Minnesota Police Department. Their phone number is 218-326-3464. Solve the ten year old case, and you could be $1 million richer.

The Life of Luxury enjoys sharing interesting stories like the new $1 million reward solving the stolen ruby slippers case. Come back often to enjoy reading our luxury blog. We offer numerous luxury experiences and unforgettable access to VIP events around the world.

Photo: By dbking [CC BY 2.0 (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0)], via Wikimedia Commons

The luxury Grand Hôtel de Bordeaux & Spa has partnered with celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay. The restaurateur and respected chef will head up the property’s Le Pressoir d’Argent restaurant.

Prior to closing, Le Pressoir d’Argent was a popular, Michelin-starred restaurant that was run by chef Pascal Nibaudeau. The restaurant was famous for using a lobster press that was one of only five anywhere in the world.

Chef Gordon Ramsay also overseas the Waldorf Astoria Trianon Palace in Versailles, which has been awarded two Michelin stars. Born in Scotland but raised in Stratford-upon-Avon, England – Gordon Ramsay has trained with many of the world’s top chefs. Several include: both Marco Pierre White and Albert Roux in London, plus Joël Robuchon and Guy Savoy in France.

Accolades are not foreign to Gordon Ramsay. In London, Restaurant Gordon Ramsay is the city’s longest-running restaurant to received the coveted three Michelin stars. Ramsay is just one of only four chefs to hold three Michelin stars in the UK.

Gordon Ramsay was quoted, “I’m thrilled we are opening our second restaurant in France, following on from the two Michelin-starred Gordon Ramsay au Trianon in Versailles. To open a restaurant in the wine capital of France with its world-class vineyards and glorious regional produce is extremely exciting. Grand Hôtel de Bordeaux & Spa has an incredible history dating back to 18th century and we are really looking forward to working with the hotel team at this incredible listed property in the heart of the City’s golden triangle.”

Photo: Grand Hôtel de Bordeaux & Spa

Chef Ramsay plans to develop seasonal dishes to be served at Le Pressoir d’Argent restaurant, utilizing the best, local ingredients. He is known for his delicious dishes that use spices and BBQ-style smoky flavors. We can’t wait to see what gastronomic creations he comes up with. It should be a fine dining experience like no other.

The incredible Grand Hôtel de Bordeaux & Spa is located in central Bordeaux, in the south-west area of France. For those who desire pampering and a truly relaxing experience, be sure to try Les Bains de Léa spa. You can choose from various spa treatments using leading, French beauty brand NUXE.

Michel Ohayon is the owner of Grand Hotel de Bordeaux, and commented on the Gordon Ramsey announcement, “Le Pressoir d’Argent at Grand Hôtel de Bordeaux & Spa has forever been a timeless centerpiece in the Bordeaux community for fine dining. To me it felt most natural for Gordon Ramsay to take part in this project, which we have finalized in order to announce today. We are honored to be one of the two restaurants in France to work with this internationally acclaimed chef, a real sign of the confidence that he grants us.”

Interested in a luxury travel package to France? Contact The Life of Luxury and we can help book all your travel reservations. Consider staying at the elegant Grand Hôtel de Bordeaux & Spa. Dine at Le Pressoir d’Argent restaurant and you may actually see renowned chef Gordon Ramsay in person! Follow this luxury blog for interesting luxury travel news.

Photo: Gordon Ramsay Group

Located in Geneva, Switzerland, luxury brand Frederique Constant is a family owned watch manufacturer and well known for their high quality and differentiation and precision in both luxury watch design and manufacturing.

Frederique Constant has just released its Vintage Rally Healey Chronograph Automatic watch. The watch becomes part of the popular Vintage Rally Collection. Long associated with several categories of motorsports, particularly vintage car rallies, the luxury watch brand has been a serious partner with the Austin Healey car brand. Frederique Constant and Austin Healey share common traits such as engineering, innovation and artistic impression.

The Vintage Rally Healey chronograph automatic watch was brilliantly designed and the luxury timepiece is combined with a strong motorsports heritage to deliver a timeless contemporary watch design in addition to a sporty elegance.

The watch’s green dial delivers a strong sporting character and is enclosed in a three-part rose gold plated polished stainless steel case that measures 42 mm. The convex sapphire crystal protects the watch’s mechanics. Watch enthusiasts can see the movement through the transparent case back.

The plated hands are rose gold and finished with superluminovas o they are visible in the dark. The Vintage Rally Healey Chronograph Automatic watch is water-resistant up to 50 metres and features the signature Healey logo.

The fine watch comes with a stylish, brown leather strap with large holes, that convey both elegance and sport. In addition, the new Frederique Constant watch comes in a silver polished stainless steel case with a black leather strap.

This watch has a limited production of only 2,888 numbered pieces. Each watch is enclosed in a gorgeous gift box plus a stunning Healey NOJ393 car miniature model.

Driven by the join passion for vintage cars, the partnership between Austin Healey and Frederique Constant has delivered a stylish but sporty watch that any watch connoisseur would be proud to own and wear.

In the market for a luxury watch such as the new Vintage Rally Healey Chronograph Automatic watch from Frederique Constant? Please contact The Life of Luxury and we can help locate and purchase your perfect watch. Read our luxury blog to keep up on the latest luxury watch news and product releases.

Photo: Frederique Constant

Bellagio Resort & Casino in Las Vegas is pleased to present their new exhibit, Picasso: Creatures and Creativity. The display will be show cased in the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art, and will allow guests to venture into the creative mind of Picasso.

The exhibit at the incredible Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art will feature over 45 of Picasso’s paintings produced from the 1930-1970s. Guests will journey through Picasso’s peculiar ability to capture human form with his use of line, movement, and color. Guest will not only appreciate the exhibition of fine art, but also understand the artistic vision. The exhibit will run July 3, 2015 through January 10, 2016.

Pablo Picasso drew inspiration from real life experiences. Most of his adulthood was spent in France. Picasso has been extraordinarily prolific throughout the course of his life. He has achieved widespread fortune for his innovative artistic accomplishments. He has become one the best-known figures in 20th-century art. Several paintings rank among the most expensive paintings in the world.

Picasso is known for his paintings, drawing, sculpture, printmaking, ceramics, stage design, and writing. Some of his notable work are: Les Demoiselles d’ Avignon (1907), Guernica (1937), and The Weeping Woman (1937).

Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art is located in the heart of the luxurious Bellagio Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. Since opening in 1998, Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art has presented objects and artwork drawn from worldwide acclaimed museums and private collections. The gallery has presented such showcases as: American Modernism, Classic Contemporary: Lichtenstein, Warhol & Friends, Ansel Adams: America, The Impressionist Landscape: From Corot to Van Gogh, Impressionism: Art in Bloom.

The Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art has been known as “Where great art goes on vacation.” Bellagio Resort & Casino was inspired by the lake Como town in Bellagio, Italy. Bellagio known for elegance, beauty, and luxury has provided guest with additional attractions.

Resort guests are able to experience these attractions while visiting or lodging such as: The Fountains of Bellagio, Fiori di Como, The bank Night Club, Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Garden, and the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art.

Although, many travel to Las Vegas for leisure, many are unaware of the hidden riches that Bellagio Resort & Casino holds. Any art enthusiast, or person who appreciates talent, history, color, and expression, would enjoy the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art.

If you want to visit Las Vegas and stay at the luxury Bellagio Resort & Casino, contact The Life of Luxury today. Be sure to see the Bellagio Gallery of Fine Art. Return here to follow this luxury blog and read up on all the latest luxury travel news.

Photo Credit: Pablo Picasso, Woman Wearing Yellow Hat (Jacqueline), 1962, Oil on canvas, 36 x 28 ¾”, © 2015 Estate of Pablo Picasso/Artists Rights Society (ARS), New York

Sounds like after waiting and fighting with the California Coastal Commission, U2 lead guitarist The Edge has finally won the battle. He will be allowed to build 5 luxury mansions in the scenic Malibu coast off California.

The 5 luxury mansions will each range in size from 10,000 to 14,000 square feet. The properties are located in Sweetwater Mesa, in the well known Santa Monica mountains of Southern California. The Edge (his real name is David Evans) is from Ireland and originally purchased 156 acres of SoCal land back in 2005.

The years of haggling involved nearby residents of Serra Retreat who were concerned with the potential noise and traffic from potentially years of construction. In an article by the L.A. Times, both the Los Angeles County Supervisor Sheila Kuehl and National Park Service also raised concerns with the project.

What appears to have happened is The Edge agreed to several concessions, including a reduction in the size of the 5 luxury mansions. Additional concessions involved greater efforts related to ecological preservation. 137 acres of his total land parcel must also be dedicated to the Mountains Recreation and Conservation Authority.

Jack Ainsworth is the senior deputy director of the California Coastal Commission’s panel and was quoted in an interview the L.S. Times, “It would be great if there were no homes. But if you look at this project going from six total lots down to five, reconfigured and clustered, … this alternative is the least environmentally damaging and allows for reasonable economic use of the property.”

The Edge plans to build one of the 5 mansions and own it himself, along with his wife Morleigh Steinberg. It will be interesting to follow the construction process and see if further delays or legal actions takes place.

Do you enjoy reading about luxury real estate news? Then follow our luxury blog for the latest luxury news announcements. Contact The Life of Luxury if you are interested in purchasing a luxury home or property anywhere in the world. We work with the best realtors and can help find you the perfect home or mansion.

Photo: Wikimedia.org / Flickr – Y2kcrazyjoker4 (Creative Commons)

With July 4th almost here, it’s time to plan your summer party and enjoy time with family and friends. Summertime is here, so let’s try and keep that patriotic spirit going all summer long.

So whether you’re planning that perfect day on the beach or an amazing backyard barbecue, make sure you have delicious tasting cocktails. They are perfect to serve along with your BBQ steak, burgers, hotdogs, chicken or whatever else you are grilling.

Cruzan Rum believes in living the “Don’t Hurry.” Make sure you embrace each and every day and live life to the fullest. Fourth of July themed cocktails are fun to make and even better to drink, so indulge in a rum cocktail. It’s time to celebrate Independence Day with creative, red, white and blue party drinks that everyone will enjoy.

Cruzan Rum has announced a great tasting rum cocktail recipe. Ideal for a fun evening of watching fireworks and socializing. The Cruzan Caribbean Dream cocktail is a refreshing rum shooter that has a unique, patriotic flair.

Cruzan® Caribbean Dream
Ingredients:
– 1 1/2 part Cruzan® Blueberry Lemonade Rum
– 1/2 part Fresh Lime Juice
– 1/2 part Cream
– Cinnamon
– Cherries

Method:
Combine all ingredients over ice in a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously for 10 seconds and double strain into a shot glass. Garnish with freshly grated cinnamon and a speared cherry.

Looking for fun party ideas and great tasting cocktail recipes like with Cruzan Rum? Please follow our luxury blog and read about other popular spirits and recipes.

Photo: Cruzan Rum

China’s most highly regarded and well known in-depth talk show, Yang Lan One-on-One interviewed Derek and Beverly Joubert, while they were in China. A follow-up from her interview with the Joubert’s on her Village Forum, which was viewed on social media by 195 million people. Recently the Chinese government announced they would start the process of banning all ivory importation.

Derek and Beverly have lived and worked in Botswana, Africa for over 30 years. They are award winning filmmakers and have produced numerous articles for National Geographic Magazine. The Joubert’s have spoken about the rapid rate at which we are losing rhino, elephant, leopard and lion due to a limitless in-demand market in China and South East Asia.

Ivory poaching is a highly prized material in China. It has many usages, one being the material used to make chop-sticks. Amongst the necessities ivory is used for, the Asian hunger for wild animal parts claim to work miracles ranging from increasing virility, to curing cancer.

During the interview with Yang Lan, Dereck Joubert was quoted, “If we can draw on the ancient wisdom of care, compassion, respect, trust and empathy that is so prevalent over 2,000 years of Chinese culture from dynasty to dynasty, we will find a common language. And if China can shutdown the demand, we can handle closing off the supply with anti–poaching and crime fighting.”

The demand has driven ivory poaching and profits from illegal trafficking to record-shattering levels. Africa is losing 5 lions per day, 5 elephants per hour, and a rhino every 7 hours. The decline of these key species could threaten both the environment and the economy of Africa.

Even though this may be an African problem, controlling the demand and trafficking from China and the Far East could shorten poaching along with not ignoring the problem alone. Derek and Beverly have launched a new initiative to help save Africa’s rhinos. A huge part has to be creating awareness. Starting with Africa, and Asia.

If stories like ivory poaching and travel to exotic destinations around the world are appealing to you, be sure to return and read our luxury blog. The Life of Luxury is proud to present the latest news in the luxury industry.

Picture: Lufei Photo

If you are in New York City the week of July 4, then be sure to check out the “The Festival of Tall Ships.” Get the opportunity to step onboard El Galeón, which is a replica of 16th century ship that was part of Spain’s West Indies fleet.

It’s a great way to see an authentic wooden replica up close and personal. The impressive El Galeón ship will sail into New York Harbor and the South Street Seaport and can be seen between July 4 – 12, 2015.

Sponsored by Hornblower Cruises & Events, Cameron Clark, who’s the Vice President and General Manager of Hornblower New York was quoted, “For one week only, El Galeón is commandeering South Street Seaport which will be a boom to the lower Manhattan community during the busy July 4th period. We are also donating a portion of ticket sales from El Galeón to the South Street Seaport Museum and the New York Harbor School, both staple institutions that represent the best of the maritime industry and its links to New York Harbor and also provide an important piece of history for visitors and its neighbors, including the Museum’s sail training and sea education programs on the Lettie G. Howard.”

El Galeón will be docked at Pier 15 at the South Street Seaport’s Waterfront Esplanade. Visitors can relive the route of famous explorer Ponce de Leon aboard the amazing, 170-foot wooden ship. Juan Ponce de León was a Spanish explorer lived between 1460 and 1521. He explored a nearby, San Juan Bautista island, which later was named Puerto Rico. He actually as the island’s governor.

There will an available exhibition tilted, “San Pelayo” where you can learn about 16th century European sailing techniques and navigational technology during that era.

El Galeón is an impressive Spanish ship. It features three large masts, seven sails, six decks and even crew quarters. As you step onboard and tour the ship, explore the expansive main and upper decks, plus the quarter and gun decks and Admiral’s room.

El Galeón tours are available 9am – 5pm each day. If you would like to host a special event one evening, the ship can hold up to 225 people – making it ideal for business conferences, VIP events and other special occasions.

To learn more, please visit www.hornblowernewyork.com

Has visiting New York City always been a dream of yours? Contact The Life of Luxury and have us plan and book your luxury travel itinerary. Come back to read other stories like the El Galeón Spanish ship and follow this luxury blog.