No matter where you are in the world, there is always a place enjoying great, summertime weather. Enjoy sunning on a white sand beach in Miami – Florida or lounging poolside by your luxury villa in Saint Tropez, having a great tasting cocktail is a must! But where can you find the best cocktail recipes?

Marie-Claire recently published an article offering some outstanding summertime drinks. We wanted to share with you five, delicious cocktail recipes to enjoy at your next pool party, outdoor bar or tropical vacation getaway.

1) Laid in the Shade – courtesy of The Cosmopolitan of Las Vegas
– 1/2 oz. grenadine
– 1/2 oz. orange juice
– 1/2 oz. cranberry juice
– 1/2 oz. lime juice
– 1/2 oz. Passoa
– 1 1/2 oz. Stoli O
– 2 oz. egg white
– 2 oz. peachcell
– 1 oz. peach purée
Instructions: Shake, strain, and top with peach foam mixture of egg whites, peachcello, and peach puree.

2) Cool as a Cucumber – courtesy of The Peninsula Hotel
– 3 oz. Crop Organic Cucumber Infused Vodka
– 5 slices muddled cucumber
– 1 oz. fresh lime juice
– 1 oz. St. Germain Elderflower Liqueur
Instructions: Shake and strain into a chilled martini glass and garnish with a cucumber spiral.

3) Skinny Dipping – courtesy of ARIA Resort and Casino
– 2 oz. Voli Lemon Vodka
– 2 oz. fresh lemon juice
– 1 oz. strawberry puree
– 1/2 oz. agave nectar
– prosecco to top
Instructions: Shake all ingredients except prosecco and strain into an ice-filled 16 oz. cup. Top with prosecco and garnish with a strawberry.

4) Strawberry Basil Ricky – courtesy of Hotel Erwin
– 3 basil leaves
– 1 large strawberry
– 2 oz. gin
– 3/4 oz. fresh lime juice
– 3/4 oz. simple syrup
– club soda
Instructions: Muddle basil and strawberry thoroughly and add gin, lime juice, and simple syrup. Shake thoroughly over ice for six to 10 seconds. Strain over fresh ice in a tall glass and top with soda. Garnish with a strawberry.

5) Pink Glow Splash – courtesy of the St. Regis Resort
– 1 3/4 oz. of Belvedere Lemon Tea Vodka
– 1/2 oz. of Cointreau
– 1/2 oz. of grenadine
– lime wedge
Instructions: Shake vigorously and strain into martini glass. Garnish with a lime wedge.

If you are ready to beat the cold winter weather and enjoy a tropical vacation getaway, contact The Life of Luxury today. We can assist planning and booking all your travel reservations. Follow our luxury blog to read about other great tasting, cocktail recipes.

Photo by Gabriel Amadeus; some rights reserved.

Baselworld will be held this year in Basel, Switzerland between March 19-26, 2015. Swiss watch manufacturer Frederique Constant will be introducing its new Worldtimer Navy Blue luxury watch.

The Worldtimer Manufacture watch collection continues to be the luxury watch brand’s most popular collection. Their watch designers have created a stunning timepiece that will definitely impress – Worldtimer Navy Blue.

The Worldtimer Navy Blue watch is a blend of stylish design and the finest watchmaking technology. The watch is ideal for men who enjoy to travel and looking for a luxury watch that is sophisticated and comfortable to wear on his wrist.

Due to the watch’s bold look, it can be worn perfectly with a fine suit or even with casual dress. It’s the ideal fashion accessory!

The Worldtimer watch function is valuable for global jetsetters. You simply select a city by placing it at the 12’oclock position of the watch dial.

Driven by the FC-718 Manufacture automatic caliber, the Worldtimer Navy Blue watch is decorated with 26 jewels and has a long-lasting, 42-hour power reserve. The cutting edge design of this new luxury watch from Frederique Constant enable all functions of the watch to be simply accessible through the crown. You won’t find any additional push buttons protruding out from the case sides.

The watch’s incredible blue navy dial features an exquisitely detailed anthracite grey world map in the middle. Both of the watch’s hour and minute hands are silver in color and include a luminous white highlight.

The watch discs will display what time of the day, showing a white disc for day or blue disc at night. The date is available on the 6’oclock counter.

The Worldtimer Navy Blue watch is water resistant down to 50 meters and the case is made from a highly-polished, three part stainless steel. The watch also features a convex sapphire crystal and see-through case back.

In addition, the luxury timepiece also comes with a blue alligator bracelet and a gorgeous wooden gift box.

If you are interested in purchasing the new Worldtimer Navy Blue watch from Swiss watchmaker Frederique Constant, please contact The Life of Luxury. We can help locate the perfect luxury watch for your needs. Read this luxury blog to follow all the latest watch industry news and new product releases.

Photo courtesy of Frederique Constant

Located in Kenya, the luxury Mara Plains Camp was recently named the Africa 2015 Grand Award winner as the Most Memorable Safari Experience in Africa. The award–winning Kenyan safari camp received this prestigious honor from the editors of renowned travel organization Andrew Harper.

Mara Plains Camp can be found in the exclusive Olare Motorogi Conservancy, which borders the Maasai Mara National Reserve to the north.

Offering the widest range in the incredible Mara ecosystem, this luxury safari camp also provides access to the Mara North Conservancy.

Reopened in 2013 after a comprehensive remodeling project, Mara Plains Camp has morphed into one of Africa’s top ecological camps. The safari camp is also proud to be member of the distinguished group of hotels – Relais & Châteaux.

Designed to resemble a grand 1800’s safari expedition, Mara Plains Camp offers guests an endless array of luxury amenities. You’ll be amazed at the abundant Kenya wildlife heritage, which can literally walk right up to your doorstep for unbelievable VIP nature experience.

The camp’s decor features ancient Swahili culture and utilized in large wood doors from the coastal town of Lamu, in addition to the bright fabrics of the Maasai people provide accent.

Mara Plains Camp is more than a safari camp. It is designed and built as a home away from home, with the comforts you might expect of a lavish residence yet carried out in the style of a grand 1800’s safari expedition. Kenya’s wildlife heritage is on your doorstep, and often wanders freely through the camp; while the magic of the Maasai and Arab culture is reflected in the decor.

Proud of the most recent award, Dereck Joubert who is the Great Plains Conservation CEO and respected conservationist was quoted, “camps need to have stories deeply embedded in them. East Africa has a history of railway lines, so we found some antique chandeliers from the romantic era of rail travel across Africa. Touches of history and storytelling with every object brings the camp alive with legend and myth, and casts a romantic spell on our guests.”

To book a magical vacation to Kenya, Africa and stay at the luxury Mara Plains Camp, contact us today. We can help plan and make all your travel reservations. Return often to our luxury blog and keep up with the latest luxury travel news.

Photograph courtesy of Great Plains Conservation / ©Beverly Joubert

Taking a luxury cruise is an unbelievable experience. Norwegian Cruise Line will introduce their newest and biggest cruise ship later this year. In November 2015, Norwegian Escape will make its maiden voyage.

For a true VIP experience, the ship’s Mandara Spa will be amazing! It will be an ultra relaxing getaway. The luxury spa will offer guests the largest Thermal Suite at sea and the cruise line’s first Snow Room.

Mandara Spa on the new Norwegian Escape spans two of the ship’s decks that provide unobstructed views of the ocean and a place for total relaxation. There will be 17 heated loungers, a hydro-therapy pool, steam room, whirlpools, a dry sauna, plus a sanarium and salt room. The ultimate in luxury R&R.

To cool down and get rejuvenated, it’s off to the Snow Room (photo above) and a true arctic refreshment! Temperature in the Snow Room ranges between 21 and 32 degrees Fahrenheit. During the day, a flurry of powdery snow bursts into the air. Norwegian Escape guests will recieve multiple health benefits such as stimulating blood circulation in the body and strengthening one’s immune system.

For a pampering expereince, Mandara Spa features 24 contemporary furnished treatment rooms. You can receive greater than 50 different signature services for both women and men. Try the Elemis Aroma Spa Seaweed massge, an Elemis Pro-Collagen Quartz Lift Facial or the Exotic Lime & Ginger Salt Glow – a signature body enhancing treatment.

For adults, try the two private lounge spaces – Spice H2O and Vibe Beach Club. There will also be an all-new grotto area to cool off and unwind after a long day of sunbathing and onboard activities.

The new Norwegian Escape ship from Norwegian Cruise Line is still being constructed in Germany. It will offer weekly seven-day cruises from its homeport in Miami, Florida. She will set sail to the Eastern Caribbean beginning November 14, 2015. Norwegian Escape will weigh 164,600 gross ton and can carry up to 4,200 guests to luxurious, tropical Caribbean destinations such as – St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands; British Virgin Islands, Tortola and Nassau, Bahamas.

Vibe Beach Club

The ship’s Spice H2O and Vibe Beach Club will quickly become adult-only, outdoor favorites. It’s the ideal way to lounge away. Spice H2O is located toward the ship’s back on deck 17, and will be an adult-only enclave providing a host of day-time, complimentary leisure activities.

Norwegian Escape is proud to offer the largest ropes course of any ship in the world. It will be a massive, three-story high multiplex of exciting challenges, including two planks and five Sky Rails, plus zip tracks enabling guests to fly through the air.

The Aqua Park will also be the largest at sea and features a new Aqua Racer slide. The enormous sports complex will offer kids a fun, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle miniature golf course. In addition, there’s ongoing entertainment from Nickelodeon plus Norwegian Cruise Line’s first dedicated nursery for children two years or under.

If you are interested in booking a cruise on new Norwegian Escape ship from Norwegian Cruise Line, please contact us today. We can help plan and book your entire travel itinerary. Follow this popular luxury blog to read about other luxury cruise and travel industry news.

Photos: Norwegian Cruise Line

Headquartered in San Francisco, WaterField Designs is an innovative designer and manufacturer of high quality bags and cases for tech-savvy consumers who desire a trendy and stylishly way to carry their technology.

WaterField Designs has just announced a new attaché – the Bolt Briefcase that was designed specifically to meet the evolving needs of both business travelers and tech professionals.

It’s perfect for techies and travelers who need to carry a variety of gadgets. Bolt Briefcase is an essential accessory for the modern workplace.

Mobile professionals fully understand the frustration on transporting your critical tech gadgets. How to get from point A to B without forgetting or damaging them? The new Bolt Briefcase is the answer. The bag offers classic lines and materials that age beautifully.

The Bolt Briefcase features two easy-access pockets that allow you to hold frequently-needed items such as your phone or wallet. The pockets cleverly closed with invisible magnets. In addition, a hidden, horizontal pocket that includes a waterproof zipper, holds items such as a tablet or your boarding pass.

The bag’s main compartment is very roomy and includes a padded laptop slot to keep it very well protected. There are two additional open-topped pockets to help you organize your business cards, pens, and similar items.

Whether you want a casual or professional look, the stylish Bolt Briefcase comes in your choice of rugged black ballistic nylon or durable tan waxed canvas. Pick from either black, chocolate or grizzly naturally-tanned, full-grain leather accents. The perfect way to customize your look!

For both convenience and a fashionable look, we like the detachable, suspension shoulder strap and even a wide slip that nicely fits over a rolling suitcase handle for easy transport. Dashing through that crowded airport to catch your next flight has never been easier.

You can choose between two Bolt Briefcase sizes. One will fit up to 13-inch laptops and the other will handle p to 17-inch laptops in addition to your accessories. The larger size can even store shoes and overnight accessories when needed. The Bolt is now also available in a 15-inch size.

Pricing for small size is $249 and has dimensions of 14.5″ x 10.5″ x 4”. The weight is only 1.95 lbs. The large bag is priced at $279 and is 17″ x 11.5″ x 5″ in size. It weights 2.95 lbs.

Available starting today, the Bolt Briefcase from WaterField Designs can ordered and custom made within five business days of order.

To learn more or order, please visit http://www.sfbags.com/products/bolt-briefcase

If you enjoy reading about the latest tech and fashion products, return often to our luxury blog. Keep up on everything hot in the luxury industry.

Lumeria Maui is Hawaii’s leading retreat for the mind, body and spirit and have partnered with David Bernstein’s Life Force Project to offer two back-to-back yoga and wellness retreats this summer.

It’s important to heal your mind, body and spirit and take a break from the daily stress in our lives. What better place to do that but in tropical Hawaii.

Lumeria Maui is a six-acre, award-winning destination that employs leading teachers and wellness professionals. It’s the ideal way to experience holistic educational experiences, yoga, therapies, in addition to other age-old disciplines that have carefully been woven into Hawaii’s pioneering wave sports and adventure.

The two retreats are the “Enchanted Healing – A Yoga Journey Within” which will be taught by Bee Bosnak. This retreat is offered between July 25-31, 2015. Soon after the “Yoga for the Radiant Soul” retreat is led by Sibyl Buck and held August 1-7, 2015.

The Life Force Project develops international wellness experiences, workshops and customized programs that are focused on connecting, expanding and evolving lives. David Bernstein is both founder and owner of Life Force Project and created it in 2013 after discovering his own inspiration during a journey into mindfulness, health and well-being. He then decided to leave fast-paced world of finance behind forever.

Bee Bosnak is a highly desired yoga teacher and healer from New York City. She will guide students during the “Enchanted Healing” retreat via her Heal Yourself program. The program explores the strength of the physical body and at the same time, releases both suffering and emotional burdens. By utilizing both pranayama and asanas to create a mind-body connection, Bee also uses meditations, mantras and both gentle vinyasa and restorative yoga to improve each student’s emotional and physical bodies.

During the “Yoga for the Radiant Soul” retreat at Lumeria Maui, Sibyl Buck who a former high-fashion model and worked at some the top fashion icons in France such as – Chanel, Yves St. Laurent and Alexander McQueen. Buck will focus on developing power and strength, plus body restoration and relaxation by way of her various classes. Sibyl’s classes will integrate muscle strengthening, body alignment, postures and guided meditations. The goal of the course is to revive the body and encourage students to explore their own inner dimensions of the essential self.

This years courses at Lumeria Maui continues its efforts as one of Hawaii’s premiere destinations for education and adventure for both your body and mind. Their programs feature holistic experiences that cover diverse areas of wellness arts and practices. Lumeria has a goal to always honor the rich heritage, culture and land of the Hawaiian islands. In addition, they want to integrate the property’s design, programming and teaching into all aspects of the Lumeria Maui experience.

Each retreat program includes resort accommodations on Maui, plus all planned activities and dining at Lumeria’s restaurant MuBu. MuBu sources its dining ingredients first right on the property’s own organic gardens. In addition, they utilize neighboring farms in upcountry Maui.

If you are interested in traveling to tropical Hawaii and attend one of the two, yoga and wellness retreats at Lumeria Maui, contact The Life of Luxury today. We can help plan and book your entire travel itinerary. If you are looking for more luxury travel and health packages, return and follow this luxury blog.

The new luxury watch creation from Grieb & Benzinger is a pure beauty. Black has long been a fashionable color. It’s a popular color associated with elegance and style plus a status symbol in the luxury industry.

The Pharos Centurion Imperial model by German watchmaker Grieb & Benzinger is a glamorous looking watch that sports a gorgeous, all-black appearance.

The watch’s cool black look is high-lited by an expressive, eye-catching pavé-set bezel that includes 66 luxurious, black Princess-cut diamonds. It’s absolutely stunning!

The luxury Pharos Centurion Imperial timepiece can also be considered understated as its sophisticated look isn’t gaudy like many luxury watches today.

The totally blackened manually wound movement is also black and comes in the signature three-quarter-plate that’s fully skeletonized, guilloché and engraved by hand. It’s professionally and stylishly decorated in true Grieb & Benzinger fashion.

The luxury watch’s case is made from blackened PD950 palladium and comes in a 43 mm in diameter size.

The Pharos Centurion Imperial watch is complimented by a black alligator-skin strap.

As with other luxury watches from Grieb & Benzinger, quantities are limited. At press time, the exact retail price is not known but expected to be in the six-digit range.

This luxury watch will make the ideal gift or a perfect addition to your own watch collection.

If you are interested in purchasing the new Pharos Centurion Imperial watch by Grieb & Benzinger, contact us today. Return to read this luxury blog and hear about other new luxury watch releases.

Famous chef Michael Mina opens Bardot Brasserie restaurant this Friday, January 16. Guests will feel like they’re in Paris enjoying the finest French fare.

Michael Mina is the highly acclaimed and James Beard Award-winning chef and will deliver a modern and sexy spin on the traditional French brasserie experience at the Aria Resort & Casino in Las Vegas.

Chef Michael Mina was quoted, “For chefs, French cuisine is a homecoming of sorts, since much of our initial training is rooted in French technique. With BARDOT, we’re looking to pay homage to all the classics while embracing the French philosophy of ‘Joie de vivre’ and you’ll see it in everything – from the food and drink to the atmosphere – the experience is going to be a celebration of that lifestyle.”

For an ultimate, fine dining experience in Las Vegas, Mina’s Bardot restaurant will offer an incredible variety of delicious, Parisian cuisine. It will truly be a culinary delight for the senses.

Along with Executive Chef Josh Smith, Michael Mina will feature a menu with Duck Wings À L’Orange, Foie Gras Sausage, Monkfish Bourride, Onion Soup Gratinée and much more!

Here’s a summary of what savory dishes you can enjoy at Bardot Brasserie:

Hors D’oeuvres
· Foie Gras Parfait – Renowned for his caviar parfait, Mina developed this concoction by combining foie gras and port wine gelée, which can then be placed on fresh grilled country bread.

· Duck Wings À L’Orange – Mina adds an approachable twist to this French dish by preparing it as wood-grilled wings, cooked with seasonal citrus and sauce maltaise.

· Croque Madame – Bursting with flavor at every bite, this popular French sandwich is loaded with Parisian ham, Gruyere fondue and topped with an organic egg.

Entrees
· Sautéed Skate Wing – Adventurous eaters will enjoy the presentation of this scaly fish, complemented by wood-roasted cauliflower purée, wild capers, parsley, brown butter and lemon.

· Oven Roasted Chicken – A signature dish on BARDOT’s menu, this interpretation includes wild mushroom-brioche bread pudding, buttered haricots verts and sauce vin jaune.

· Foie Gras Sausage – An avid fan of foie gras, Chef Mina has created an out-of-the-ordinary decadent sausage special for BARDOT, presented with mushroom duxelles, confit prunes, chestnut fondant and Earl Grey jus.

· Monkfish Bourride – Another exotic fish to round out BARDOT’s culinary offerings, the monkfish is poached in olive oil, accented by a garlic aioli and served with black mussels, fingerling potatoes and braised leeks.

Customizable Selections
· Onion Soup Gratinée – Chef Mina takes the classic French Onion Soup to the next level by giving guests the option of adding perigord truffles, braised oxtail and a soft-poached egg, creating a multi-textured, flavorful soup.

· Fruits de Mer – Seafood aficionados will rejoice over the opportunity to create a tower of under-the-sea delights. Choosing between the Brasserie Luxe or Brasserie Royale sizes, guests can fill their plates with lobster, king crab, oysters, clams and shrimp.

· Les Steak Frites – For those new to the world of French cuisine, Steak Frites is an excellent place to start. Guests can select from an 8 oz. Hanger, 12 oz. Ribeye or 8 oz. Filet, which can be enhanced with béarnaise, au poivre, bordelaise or foie gras butter. Pair the succulent meat with a hearty portion of fries and bon appétit!

· Fromagerie – No fine French meal is complete without a taste of the country’s quintessential creamy cheeses. Guests at BARDOT can order a choice of three, five or seven world-class fromages ranging from Brie, to Roquefort and Camembert.

Desserts
· Chocolate Macaron – Offering a larger-than-life take on the French macaron, Chef Mina developed one big enough to share, filled to the brim with dark chocolate ganache.

· Apple Tarte Tatin – Those with a sweet tooth should not leave BARDOT without trying this dish, created with warm caramelized apple tart and puff pastry, topped with vanilla bean ice cream.

While in Las Vegas, be sure to enjoy an unforgettable dining experience at Bardot Brasserie in the luxurious Aria Resort & Casino.

Bardot will be open daily between 5 p.m. and 11 p.m. You will find the new restaurant located on the second floor of Aria.

If you have never been to Las Vegas or are a regular visitor, be sure to enjoy delicious French fare at the new Bardot Brasseri. The Life of Luxury can help plan and book your entire travel itinerary. Return to this luxury blog and read about new restaurant openings and luxury travel news.

Located on famous Nob Hill in San Francisco, Nob Hill Spa at The Scarlet Huntington San Francisco hotel is celebrating its 15 year anniversary.

The luxury Scarlet Huntington hotel is part of the Singapore-based luxury hotel group Grace International, and offers stunning, panoramic views of the “City by the Bay.”

To commemorate the big milestone, Nob Hill Spa is now offering flashback pricing for its signature treatments and series spa packages.

On January 15, 2015, Nob Hill Spa is rolling back prices to its inaugural year and offer great pricing on all-time favorite services such as the Longevity Relaxation Massage ($110), Organic Lavender Sugar Scrub ($110), and European Facial ($120) for one day only.

Ania Mankowska-Allard is the spa director of Nob Hill Spa and was quoted, “Nob Hill Spa invites guests to join the celebration and commemorate a special milestone. Our anniversary is a way for us to say thank you to valued guests who have loyally supported us over the years and welcome first-time visitors to experience Nob Hill Spa’s indulgent treatments – designed to rejuvenate and refresh the body, mind and soul.”

In addition, until the end of January, Nob Hill Spa will offer its popular spa series packages at a special promotional price of only $1,100. These spa treats are available in the following combinations: ten 50 minute facials, ten 50 minute massages and ten mixed treatments (three facials, five massages and two body treatments).

Nob Hill Spa is regularly named as a favorite destination for both local residents visitors to San Francisco. The luxury spa offers its clients a complete spa retreat that is carefully arranged according to the ancient theories of feng shui. You can enjoy unique massages, facials, nail services and body treatments that reflect rich healing traditions.

Nob Hill Spa is an award-winning facility that covers 10,000 square feet. Be treated in VIP style with an indoor infinity relaxation pool, whirlpool and fireside lounge area, and a Zen Room.

Since is first opened in 2000, Nob Hill Spa has received countless awards such as the recent Conde Nast Traveler’s “2014 Top 50 Hotel Spas” and Gayot’s “Top 10 Spas in San Francisco.”

To book an appointment at Nob Hill Spa, please call the spa reception desk at 415-345-2888.

If you are planning a trip to San Francisco and interested in staying at The Scarlet Huntington hotel or getting a spa treatment at Nob Hill Spa, please contact The Life of Luxury. Follow our luxury blog to keep up on the latest travel industry news.

Cemas is located in Istanbul, Turkey and this Turkish company imports, exports and manufactures it’s own machinery products, but also offers stunning backgammon boards.

These top quality backgammon boards are handmade and are literally a piece of art. The luxury boards are made from walnut tree and include handmade brass filigree and original inlaid with genuine, mosaic mother of pearl made from the Red Sea Oyster.

To give each board a luxury look, they are carefully handpainted with olive oil. The final board is incredible with such attention to detail and expert craftsmanship.

These custom, handmade backgammon boards are available in various designs and sizes. Each creation would be a focal point in your home, office or even in a hotel lobby or game room. The ultimate in luxury decor.

If you want to receive additional information about the handmade boards, contact us today. Follow our luxury blog for other luxury related news and industry announcements.

St. Tropez is a a Provençal town located in southeastern France. This coastal town comes alive in summer with an endless number of activities that are enjoyed by wealthy tourists and celebrities

You can find supercars racing into the center of St. Tropez and lavish parties with terrific food and fine champagne.

To fully enjoy St. Tropez and stay at a luxury, consider Villa Cap Bastide. To vacation at Villa Cap Bastide provides the unique mix of luxury amenities and a serene family setting. The luxury Villa Cap Bastide is close to the bustling town center in addition to the areas finest beaches, including Tahiti beach which is one of St. Tropez’ most famous private beaches.

As a family property, Villa Cap Bastide offers guests almost 3,000 square meters well landscaped gardens, plus a large but shallow, private swimming pool.

Security and safety is always a concern for traveling families. This luxury villa provides a secure grounds perimeter. This allows children to enjoy the large playground and parents some peace of mind.

Adults can socialize and enjoy the private bar or relax and sit outdoors one of the property’s terraces. Head into St. Tropez for an incredible fine dining experience the party all night long at one of the city’s lively bars.

Live like the rich and famous and enjoy St. Tropez holiday with a stay at the all-inclusive family paradise – Villa Cap Bastide.

To learn more or book a reservation at Villa Cap Bastide, contact The Life of Luxury. We can assist plan your entire St. Tropez vacation. Return soon to read about other premier vacation hot spots in our luxury blog.