With all the turmoil in the world, it seems that wars and terrorism are always in the news. Well now you can feel a little bit safer and do so in VIP style, with the new Ripsaw EV2 Luxury Tank.

The luxury tank is built by Howe and Howe Technologies. Ready to handle any terrain, Ripsaw EV2 Extreme Luxury Tank is even equipped with an adjustable pneumatic suspension. This allows you to take off-roading to a whole new level!

EV2 stands for Extreme Vehicle 2. According to Howe and Howe, the EV! is a “demilitarized Ripsaw platform that has been designed specifically for private sector, commercial and recreational uses.” It’s also reported to be “the fastest dual tracked vehicle ever developed.”

The Ripsaw EV2 Luxury Tank has been getting excellent media coverage due to its uniqueness, even appearing on the cover of Popular Science magazine. The tank will feature a touchscreen entertainment system, in addition to a leather interior.

I assume there will be an extremely low quantity of these luxury tanks produced. Again, from the company – “a handcrafted, limited run, high end luxury super tank, developed for the public and extreme off road recreation. These vehicles take up to 6 months to fabricate and can cost well into the 100s of thousands depending on desired luxury and performance packages.”

The luxury tank offers 12″ of suspension travel plus a beefy 600 diesel horsepower engine. You won’t be breaking any land speed records but man – you will really impress your friends and family pulling up in this bad boy, luxury tank!

Whether the Ripsaw EV2 Luxury Tank is something you desire or if you have your sights on another luxury product, contact The Life of Luxury today. We have access to incredible, hard to find gifts and products from around the world. Stop by again to read this luxury blog and stay abreast of the latest luxury industry news.

Photo: Howe and Howe Technologies

With July 4th only a few days away, spend time in the gorgeous Napa Valley of California and celebrate the “Red, White, Bourbon, and BBQ” at The Meritage Resort and Spa.

This event is a wonderful way to support our veterans on Independence Day. The party will be held at the resort’s pool that provides beautiful vineyard views. Live music will be provided by Full Chizel. Enjoy a delicious BBQ, Bourbon, numerous Napa Valley wines, locally provided crafted beers, great tasting American Revolution Vodka and fun, festival games.

The Meritage Resort and Spa is a spectacular, four-diamond Napa Valley luxury resort ideally situated along a scenic, hillside vineyard. The luxury property offers guests 322 Tuscan-inspired guestrooms and luxury suites. The The Meritage Resort and Spa is part of the Meritage Collection, which includes four, amazing California locations – Bacara Resort & Spa, Balboa Bay Resort, Estancia La Jolla Hotel & Spa and The Meritage Resort and Spa.

The “Red, White, Bourbon, and BBQ” is available to both guests of The Meritage Resort, as well as the public. Ticket prices are $49 per adult and include 2 adult beverages, food, and other festivities. The price for people under 21 years pay just $25 and are offered non-alcoholic beverages plus food and on-site festivities. The Napa event will be held from 4 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.

In honor of past and present members of our armed forces, veterans can receive a 15% discount by using promotional code “HERO.” A portion of the event’s proceeds will be donated to help the nation’s military heroes.

A mixologist will be crafting various bourbon and vodka infused cocktails that will feature both Jim Beam bourbon and American Revolution Vodka. There will be delicious food pairings prepared by The Meritage Resort chefs. One offering will be a whole pig roast and Jim Beam’s BBQ sauce.

Prior to the “Red, White, Bourbon, and BBQ”, take part in other July 4th activities in Napa. The Meritage Resort and Spa is proud to be a sponsor of Napa’s Fourth of July celebrations. The parade begins at 10 a.m. There will be an evening fireworks display at 9:30 p.m. Don’t worry about driving, guests can take the luxury resort’s shuttle to and from the downtown Napa’s festivities.

Napa is top destination for travelers all over the world. If you want to book a reservation and stay at The Meritage Resort and Spa, please contact The Life of Luxury. We can make your trip a VIP experience. Come back often to follow our luxury blog and read about other luxury travel events from around the world.

Photo: The Meritage Resort and Spa

In 2016, Starwood Hotels & Resorts is planning to open its first luxury resort under the St. Regis luxury brand in Maldives – The St. Regis Vommuli Resort, Maldives. Starwood currently offers Sheraton Maldives Full Moon Resort & Spa and W Retreat & Spa – Maldives.

The St. Regis Vommuli Resort, Maldives is being built on the private island of Vommuli in the Dhaalu Atoll. You can reach the island by taking a 40-minute seaplane ride from Male, which is the capital of Maldives. This new luxury resort will surely become a spectacular travel destination when completed.

The new Maldives resort will be situated on more than 20 acres of lush, tropical paradise. The area will be surrounded by pristine beaches, as well as a secluded lagoon with beautiful turquoise water.

The St. Regis Vommuli Resort, Maldives will offer guests 77 luxurious villas, each with a unique, contemporary design. The resort will include a luxury spa to relax and unwind. There will be a half-dozen private treatment rooms to get pampered and enjoy a VIP experience.

In total, there will be five restaurants and bars including – an all-day dining restaurant, plus three specialty restaurants and a signature bar. Be sure to try the iconic Bloody Mary cocktail, which is served at each of Starwood’s 34 resorts and hotels found all around the world.

The resort will offers its guests endless luxury amenities such as a first-class fitness center and yoga space, infinity swimming pool, in addition to a dive and activity center. The luxury services by all St. Regis properties are amazing.

Visiting the Maldives is an incredible experience. Contact The Life of Luxury and we can help book your entire travel itinerary, including a stay at The St. Regis Vommuli Resort, Maldives when it opens next year. Return often to follow this luxury blog for the latest news in the luxury travel industry.

Photo: Starwood Hotels & Resorts / The St. Regis Vommuli Resort, Maldives

Scheduled for availability in early fall 2015, the 2016 Cadillac ELR Coupe will include not only improved performance, but also additional luxury features and enhanced dynamics. The 2016 model will be faster than ever – going 0-60 MPH in just 6.4 seconds. That’s a significant 1.5 second improvement over the current ELR model.

The car’s handling will be updated and expect improved connectivity plus wireless device charging and OnStar 4G LTE. Cadillac will deliver additional standard content in the 2016 Cadillac ELR beyond what the current car model offers. There will be both new safety and security features. The new ELR will boast a re-tuned chassis and steering for improved road handling.

Its bold and stylish body design makes it an instant head-turner on the road. The 2016 Cadillac ELR Coupe will feature an increase in both torque and horsepower, in addition to upgraded brakes. The front grill looks slightly modified. There will also be the capability for wireless battery pack charging. The car’s battery is 17.1 kWh 360 V lithium-ion.

The 2016 Cadillac ELR will also come in an optional Sport Package for those who love to push the boundaries and want the optimum driving experience.

The new ELR from Cadillac with 181 HP is expected to have an MSRP starting around $65,000.

Are you in the market to buy a luxury car? Contact us as we work directly with the best car dealers around the world and help you during the buying process. Like reading about luxury cars? Then follow our popular, luxury blog.

Photo: Cadillac

The Delano Las Vegas is an incredible, all-suite property. Located in a 43-story tower on the Mandalay Bay Resort property, the luxury Las Vegas hotel’s lobby directly connects to the popular Mandalay Bay. The Delano Las Vegas offers guests large rooms, as well a excellent service and food.

From now until July 6, the Delano Las Vegas hotel is presenting “GRAVITATION.” It’s a new art exhibit from Zak Ostrowski. As an artist, designer and builder – Zak Ostrowski creates impressive art pieces of all forms and sizes by utilizing diverse materials. Zak has created numerous fine art pieces such as sculpture and paintings to large scale, public art installations.

Zak Ostrowski stated, “Delano Las Vegas is a very unique Strip hotel as it is so mindful of its environment. The design of Delano is representative of the natural beauty found throughout Las Vegas and beyond – like the red rocks and colors of the sunsets – and my art is meant to be a reflection of the same elements.”

GRAVITATION was developed with the Delano Las Vegas hotel’s Mojave-inspired design in mind. For example, the sleek sculptural bench is made from concrete and is a combination of nature, art and design. The piece also incorporates representations of desert sandstone, depicting the surrounding Las Vegas desert.

Matthew Chilton is General Manager of Delano Las Vegas luxury hotel and was quoted, “Immersing our guests in art and culture is an important component of the Delano experience. We are excited to showcase the work of such a talented local artist to our guests from around the world, especially since the inspiration for GRAVITATION is rooted in Las Vegas’ natural surroundings.”

After viewing the GRAVITATION art display by Zak Ostrowski, be sure to check out one of the unique social spaces at the Delano Las Vegas – the Franklin is an eclectic lounge, Della’s Kitchen is where “historic farmhouse meets urban kitchen” or enjoy a warm drink at 3940 Coffee + Tea.

If you are planning a trip to Las Vegas, let us help book your entire itinerary, including a stay at the smoke-free, Delano Las Vegas luxury hotel. If you enjoy reading about great luxury travel destinations like Las Vegas, follow our luxury blog for the latest travel industry news.

Photo: Delano Las Vegas

So what do Americans desire? Most of us dream of extravagant things and living a life of luxury, with unlimited wealth to do as we please. Method Fitness conducted a recent, luxury survey of 1,000 people in the U.S. to better understand their ultimate luxuries.

Although it’s no surprise that we all want to enjoy luxury goods and services, the luxury survey also identifies most people don’t feel they will ever attain their dream items. An example, is over half the respondents think have a personal trainer is a luxury, but just 36% feel they can afford one at some point.

We hear that today’s younger generation is less concerned with wealth and name-brand luxury products, but the luxury survey showed otherwise. Between the age of 18 and 24, 60% or people stated they would buy luxury items. That percentage drops with age. For the over 55 year category, just 36% said they would purchase a luxury item. Older people realize material goods are not what’s important in life as they age.

David Guzman is the CEO of Method Fitness, which is a personal training supplier company. He was quoted, “Most folks just want a taste of what it feels like to be pampered, to be catered to, to feel important.”

Below are the interesting results of the luxury survey. Do the results match your wish list?

Top 10 Ultimate Luxuries:
1. Rolls Royce
2. Personal Chef
3. Beachfront Home in Hawaii
4. Rolex watch
5. Tiffany diamonds / jewelry
6. Personal driver
7. Bentley
8. Mansion in Beverly Hills
9. Porsche
10. Jaguar
11. Cartier diamonds / watch / jewelry
12. Beachfront home / condo in Malibu
13. Home in the South of France
14. Louis Vuitton handbag / luggage
15. Personal trainer (in home or while traveling)
16. Prada bag/luggage
17. Any diamond
18. Harry Winston diamonds/jewelry
19. Louis Vuitton shoes
20. Van Cleef & Arpels diamonds/jewelry

When naming their ultimate luxuries, American men put a Rolls Royce at the top of the list, while women opted for a personal chef, according to a national survey of 1,000 people conducted by personal training supplier Methodfitness.com.

Although viewing the list of luxury desirables, not surprisingly there are differences between men and women, both in brands as well as priority order. Some luxury items like owning a Rolls Royce, having a personal chef or driver, wearing a Rolex watch and purchasing beach front property in Hawaii are on both gender lists.

Here is the breakdown between men and women:

Top 10 Luxuries For Men:
1. Rolls Royce
2. Rolex watch
3. Beachfront Home in Hawaii
4. Tiffany diamonds / jewelry
5. Bentley
6. Porsche
7. Mansion in Beverly Hills
8. Personal Chef
9. Personal driver
10. Cartier diamonds / watch / jewelry

Top 10 Luxuries For Women:
1. Personal Chef
2. Rolls Royce
3. Beachfront Home in Hawaii
4. Personal driver
5. Tiffany diamonds / jewelry
6. Rolex watch
7. Bentley
8. Mansion in Beverly Hills
9. Jaguar
10. Porsche

Women have long been categorized as “big spenders” but men said they would spend on average $45,000 on a single luxury item. But the average for women is less than half that – at only $20,000.

When asked what luxury means to them, one respondent said “Luxury in my world is all the bills are paid at once.” Another reply was “It means I’ve made it financially. I’m rich.” Of course some people could care less about a VIP lifestyle and traveling around the world. About 25% state they could care less about adding extravagance to their lives.

43% of answers to the luxury say they treat themselves to luxury items. About 25% say they have received luxury gifts before.

David Guzman states, “We see these things in store windows and in magazines, worn by celebrities and the rich and famous in movies and on television. And despite dreaming, we think it’s not possible. But with hard work, many of these things are within our reach.”

Living a good life means different things to different people. Remember to be happy with who you are and be grateful for what you have. Isn’t that what life should be all about?

If you are interested in making your luxury dream list a reality, please contact The Life of Luxury. We can help you plan your luxury vacation or buy that extravagant item. Be sure to come back again to read about other interesting news, published each week in our luxury blog.

Photo: Rolls Royce Phantom

As luxury hotels try to one up each other to attract guests, some of the top hotel brands in the U.S. are adding a new luxury amenity to their offering – In-room shopping experiences.

Published in the New York Times, the story explains that many luxury hotels are teaming up with luxury retail stores to offer their guest unique shopping experiences.

For shopaholics, it’s the ideal way to shop for stylish clothes and fashion accessories, plus other luxury items. As a world renowned fashion hub, New York City features many luxury hotels that have partnered up with high-end retailers.

The Quin in Midtown hotel is partnering with Bergdorf Goodman and offering a direct-dial button in all the hotel’s 208 rooms. Try in-room shopping and order direct to your room or make an appointment at the store. It’s shopping VIP style!

The WestHouse in Midtown in New York City is offering a $500 gift card for stays of three nights or longer. This in-room shopping experience allows you to shop at Net-a-Porter – an online, fashion retailer.

Also in New York City, The Mark Hotel located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan has also partnered with Bergdorf Goodman. Rise in style in a pedicab and taken from the luxury hotel directly to the Fifth Avenue store. If you stay in a suite at The Mark Hotel, guests will receive a both a $500 gift card plus facial in the beauty department of Bergdorf Goodman.

South of New York City, guests at the The St. Regis Washington, D.C. hotel offers guests to pre-order clothing and accessories from Neiman Marcus and available in your hotel room upon your arrival. Now that’s VIP service! There is no cost for the service and guests only pay if the clothes are tried on. .

As both luxury hotels and retail shops continue to try and attract customers, the luxury amenities and perks offered will continue to rise. It’s a win-win for consumers and a way to try a new VIP experience – In-room shopping.

Ready for a luxury travel experience to New York City? Let The Life of Luxury plan and book your Big Apple trip. Stay at one of the luxury hotels and try the trendy new, in-room shopping experience. Follow this luxury blog to read about the latest luxury travel news and hotel packages.

Photo: WestHouse in Midtown

There are a lot of sushi lovers around the world. On June 18, is International Sushi Day. The day became popular via Facebook back in 2009, International Sushi Day is a time to enjoy their favorite sushi dish.

Sushi is a traditional, Japanese food that’s made from rice, salt, sugar, vinegar various types of raw fish. On International Sushi Day, there will be restaurants all over the world serving up the best tasting sushi dishes, some even for free on June 18.

Sushi started in Japan dating back to 8th century, but didn’t really get introduced in the U.S. until the 1950’s and 60’s. Now you can find terrific sushi restaurants all around the world.

Katsuya by Starck is run by master sushi Chef Katsuya Uechi. This upscale restaurant is located in the SLS Las Vegas Hotel & Casino. Now you can dine in luxury style and enjoy a one-of-a-kind sushi experience in Las Vegas. Katsuya by Starck features a wide selection of unique Japanese flavors, including unique rolls and incredible sushi and sashimi platters.

On International Sushi Day, Katsuya by Starck in Las Vegas is the place to be for shushi lovers. Enjoy master chef Katsuya’s signature Omakase Geta. This dish is a wonderful sushi display that features the finest cuts of sushi and sashimi, along with premier selections of the day. The price is $175 per person.

Enjoy International Sushi Day at your favorite sushi restaurant. If you happen to be in Las Vegas, be sure to dine at Katsuya by Starck at the SLS Las Vegas Hotel & Casino. Return often to follow our luxury blog for food and luxury travel tips and industry news.

Photo: Katsuya at SLS Las Vegas

Founded in 1883 in Geneva, Switzerland, Alpina is a family-owned fine watchmaking manufacture, known for its red triangle signature. Alpina announced the Seastrong Diver 300 Chronograph Big Date diving watch.

Alpina diving watches have long been popular, starting back in the 1960’s. Back then the popular Seastrong “10” diving watch allowed divers to go down to depths of 200m or 660ft. The new Seastrong Diver 300 Chronograph Big Date watch is a top, readable professional diving chronograph range. The watch is water-resistant, down to 300m or 1000ft.

The Seastrong Diver 300 Chronograph Big Date by Alpna has unique, colored unidirectional turning diving bezels. In addition the diving watch’s oversized minute hand is perfect for optimum, diving time readability.

The Extreme Diver 300 watch was carefully designed to include all of the necessary features allowing watch owners to obtain the important information they require. The goal is to provide valuable info when a diver needs it and help them enjoy a safe dive.

The new Alpina watch features an aluminum, unidirectional, turning bezel that turns in only a anti-clockwise direction. Therefore the number of elapsed minutes can only be increased and never accidentally decreased.

The Alpina Seastrong Diver 300 Chronograph Big Date watch utilizes the AL-372 Swiss High Precision Quartz Chronograph movement. This movement is incredibly precise and reliable to 1/10th of second. The watch features a Swiss quartz chronograph movement with 30 and 10 hour chronograph counters. In addition, the watch comes with a standard battery life of 48 months, plus both add and split functions and a big date display.

On the bezel are 60 minutes markers which are luminous,. The dial indexes are also luminous which makes a great contrast versus the watch dial’s matte black finish. The hands of the Alpina diving watch are luminous as well, This allows maximum readability even in very low visibility conditions. The watch also comes with an over-sized minute hand so you can safely read the important diving time.

The Seastrong Diver 300 Chronograph Big Date is perfect for divers and the new watch from Alpina comes in four different models and each with a different color of bezel – grey, bordeaux, orange and navy blue.

If you would like to purchase the new Seastrong Diver 300 Chronograph Big Date diving watch from Alpina, contact us today. Follow this luxury blog to read about other luxury watch releases and the latest news in the watch industry.

Photo: Alpina

As another, busy summer travel season approaches, Washington, D.C. continues to be a top destination in the U.S. But Washington, D.C. is not just the home of incredible museums and historical monuments.

The Jefferson DC hotel is offering a new travel package that includes enjoying a Wineventure and sampling some of the best wines in the region, plus take part if the Where’s Tommy (Jefferson) Instagram adventure.

The Jefferson is a 95-room luxury hotel conveniently located in downtown Washington, D.C., near the iconic White House. First built in 1923, The Jefferson Apartment became the historic Washington, D.C. hotel – The Jefferson in 1955.

The Jefferson hotel went through a comprehensive renovation 2009 that included adding two specialty suites, upgrading of all 95 guestrooms plus restaurants and common areas, and the return of the gorgeous 1923 skylight in the lobby.

This summer, stay at The Jefferson hotel and book the Summer of Adventure package:

By teaming up with the National Geographic Museum across the street, Indiana Jones aficionados can get their thrills with this new travel package in Washington, D.C.!

Package prices begin at $365, the Summer of Adventure package includes:
– Overnight accommodations at the The Jefferson
– Two tickets to the Indiana Jones and the Adventure of Archeology exhibit at The National Geographic Museum
– Two of our signature Indiana Jones cocktails in Quill
– Indiana Jones-themed welcome amenity

Try the luxury hotel’s exclusive, self-guided WHERE’S TOMMY? tour. You will visit eight locations in and around Washington, D.C. Make it an interactive experience by taking a picture of character Tommy with your smart phone or tablet, then upload it to Instagram – use the handle @TheJeffersonDC and #WheresTommyDC The WHERE’S TOMMY Experience is complimentary to all guests staying at The Jefferson hotel.

Be sure to try the Wineventure. It highlights The Jefferson, D.C’s very own wine collection that consist of 1,300 in-house labels. Get out and visit DC’s local wine country.

Planning a trip to Washington, D.C.? Let The Life of Luxury help book your entire luxury travel itinerary, including a stay at the historic The Jefferson hotel. Return often and read our luxury blog for more great summer travel ideas.

Photo: The Jefferson Hotel

This Saturday, June 13th marks the seventh World Gin Day. It’s a fun day for Gin lovers to savoir their favorite juniper-based spirit.

The humble beginning began in 2009, when Neil Houston from YetAnotherGin.com wanted a day to socialize with friends and enjoy a few gin drinks. It has really taken off and now World Gin Day is enjoyed all around the word.

To help celebrate National Gin Day, several U.S. bartenders want to share their gin-tastic cocktails! Caorunn is a Scottish gin that’s made with foraged, Celtic botanicals. Whether you like the traditional gin and tonic or a Caorunn infused milkshake, enjoy World Gin Day and try out these great tasting gin cocktails.

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Clearly Crane
2 1/2 ounces lemonade or Sprite
2 1/2 ounces tonic
1 1/2 ounces Caorunn Gin
1/2 ounces dry vermouth
5 drops lemon bitters

Build in a chilled glass. Add alcohol and bitters.
Add some fine diced orange, lemon, lime and grapefruit and three long sprigs of mint before adding ice.
Fill with crushed ice and add rest of the ingredients. Stir well so fruit is distributed.

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Waverely
By Andrey Kalinin, Highlands, NYC

2 ounces thyme infused Caorunn Gin
3/4 ounce lime juice
3/4 ounce cane sugar syrup
3/4 ounce cucumber puree

Combine all ingredients and shake.
Serve in rocks glass on ice.
Garnish with thinly sliced cucumber and a sprig of fresh thyme.

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Bloodhound Shake
By Allison Kave, Butter & Scotch, Brooklyn, NYC

1 ounce Caorunn Gin
1/2 ounce sweet vermouth
1/2 ounce dry vermouth
2 scoops vanilla ice cream
1 scoop strawberry ice cream

Combine all ingredients in a blender until blended.
Pour into a parfait or pint glass.
Top with whipped cream and a slice of fresh strawberry.

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972
By Matt Sopata, Metro Oyster Exchange, Virginia Beach, VA
2 ounces Caorunn Gin
1 ounce Lillet Blanc
1 ounce fresh pear juice
1/2 ounce honey

Combine all ingredients and shake with ice.
Rinse glass with Domaine de Canton, strain and serve in a martini glass.

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Enjoy other spirit and tasty cocktail recipes by reading this popular luxury blog. The Life of Luxury offers an extensive, concierge program featuring access to over 50,000 events around the world. Enjoy a VIP experience!