For food lovers, there can be no better experience than to meet a world famous chef. Well we can top that because now you can actually have the opportunity to actually with dine with one – Chef Michael Mina.

Las Vegas has long been that luxury destination in the Nevada desert with non-stop casino gaming action, bright lights, stage shows and amazing hotels and resorts. Las Vegas is also known for some the world best, fine dining restaurants including Michael Mina Bellagio.

On August 20th at 7pm, renowned celebrity chef Michael Mina will be teaming up with celebrated Huneeus Vinters at his Michael Mina Bellagio restaurant in Las Vegas. Now you have the opportunity to meet and even dine with Michael Mina at the Bellagio Resort & Casino. What a fine dining, VIP experience!

This special event in Las Vegas is an exclusive wine pairing dinner that should not be missed. It’s great opportunity to delight your taste buds with an incredibly delicious, six-course menu that was carefully created by chef Michael Mina and Michael Mina Bellagio restaurant, Executive Chef Ben Jenkins.

Each of the dinner’s six courses will be perfectly paired with various wine selections specifically chosen by the evening event’s hosts: Chef Michael Mina, Jason Smith who is the Bellagio Director of Wine and Master Sommelier, in addition to Master Sommelier and Huneeus Estate Director Larry Stone.

The wine dinner pairing menu at Michael Mina Bellagio restaurant will include:

1) Chef’s Selection of Canapes; paired with Illumination Sauvignon Blanc;
2) White Asparagus, complemented with king salmon and Osetra caviar; paired with Flowers Chardonnay;
3) Hudson Valley Foie Gras, seasoned with lavender and plum; paired with Flowers Pinot Noir
4) Roasted California Squab, served with heirloom beets and blackberry jus; paired with Neyen Blend
5) Snake River Farms New York Strip, flavored with lobster mushroom and sesame; paired with Quintessa 2010;
6) Crottin de Chavignol, served with black mission fig and hazelnut; paired with Faust Cabernet Sauvignon

Huneeus Vintners features three stellar wineries – Quintessa, Winery and Faust and Flowers Vineyard. The wineries are managed by famous wine vintner Agustin Huneeus. Huneeus is a wine expert who is well know for identifying incredible vineyards over the last 50 years.

Pricing for this unforgettable meet & dine experience with chef Michael Mina is only $195 per person. As a reminder, the wine pairing dinner will be held at Mina’s own Michael Mina Bellagio restaurant in Las Vegas.

While in Las Vegas, be sure to stay at the word famous Bellagio Resort & Casino. This luxury resort in Las Vegas was inspired by the scenic villages of Europe. The Bellagio resort is proud to be a AAA Five Diamond property. A popular attraction at the Bellagio is the stunning blue lake and Bellagio Water Fountains where you can view a water fountain show choreographed to great music and magical lights.

If you want to book a reservation and enjoy a meet & dine, VIP experience with celebrity chef Michael Mina, please contact The Life of Luxury today! We can can also take care of all your luxury travel reservations needs. If you enjoy reading about luxury travel and fine dining stories, follow our luxury blog to keep up with the latest announcements.

This summer’s top yachting destinations are as varied as they are beautiful. When it comes to where you take your yacht, only the best of locals will suffice. It does not matter whether you are a seasoned sailor or just out for a luxury cruise, where you decide to take your boat is a reflection of your own adventurous spirit.

Because of brand new hotels and tour opportunities, these hot vacation spots are a must see for this summer vacation! One of the top, yachting destinations this year is the Little Corn Island off the coast of Nicaragua. It is a picturesque place with white sandy beaches, crystal clear lagoons, and amazing weather.

Looking to enjoy some of the native cuisine? Try some of the fresh lobster, caught that day and made ready to eat for a very small price. This beautiful island getaway features a brand new hotel with sixteen beachfront cabanas, just waiting to be enjoyed by travelers. Little Corn Island is certainly a must see on your yachting adventure this summer.

Another great location to go to while on your yachting excursion would be Hermitage Bay in Antigua. This blissful barefoot local is again the perfect place to travel to with your yacht. It features a luxury resort of twenty five cottages tucked away in over sixteen acres of beautiful tropical vegetation next to a beautiful beach on a warm, blue lagoon of the purest water. If staying on your yacht while on this vacation does not suit your fancy, consider staying in one of these beautiful resorts and be pampered by the all-inclusive dining that will be perfectly tailored to your desires.

Yet another must see location is Hayman Island, just off the Great Barrier Reef in mysterious Australia. Hayman Island is a one of a kind resort that will make you feel like royalty in a tropical paradise and favorite among the best yachting destinations in the world. Enjoy the flora and fauna of the region with all manner of wildlife including exotic fish, kookaburras and wallabies. Another reason why Hayman Island is such a wonderful retreat is the water sport activities and food options available for travelers. Dock your boat and enjoy meals by world famous chefs and winemakers under the stars.

No matter where you decide to take your luxury yacht this summer, make sure that it will be an experience to remember. Remember, yachting is about exploring the unknown and making lifelong friends along the way.

If you have always dreamed of vacationing in one the world’s best yachting destinations, contact our travel concierge specialists. We can help book your luxury vacation or luxury yacht charter. Return often to follow our luxury blog and keep up on the latest luxury travel news.

Hat wearing has had different phases of popularuity over the years. But people appreciate good fashion, and the luxury line of hand-woven Toquilla Straw hats from Monticristi are very stylish.

The new Toquilla Straw hats are the culmination of two years of tireless effort by co-owners Emilio Gomez, Pablo Vinueza and Jose Molina. The result is a very fashionable look that retains the classic style of Toquilla Straw hat and uses 100 percent Toquilla Straw.

Considered to be the finest straw hats found anywhere, Toquilla Straw hats are made at plantations that have the ideal climate. In addition, the expertise of the plantation weavers are superior. Monticristi utilizes the best hat weavers found in the towns of both Montecristi and Pile in the South American country of Ecuador.

These custom Toquilla Straw hats from Monticristi are made for the stylish consumer who want to make a true, luxury fashion statement.

Of course, now that summer is hear and we are all trying to be careful about excess sun exposure. Monticristi straw hats are perfect for protecting ourselves from the sun’s harmful rays and helping prevent potential skin damage. It’s time to look your best but also be “Safe and Stylish in the Sun!”

Co-owner Pablo Vinueza was quoted, “It is our intention to make the art of weaving recognizable internationally, fusing it with a touch of contemporary fashion to sustain its prestigious legacy.”

The straw hat’s head band is carefully hand-stitched to the hat. It’s made from the best silk available in India. The result is a luxury product from Monticristi that can be characterized as one of “the finest straw hats” available anywhere.

The start to finish process for each Monticristi hat can take as long as 10 months. It starts with the harvest of the first straw bud – to the final product product being packaged and ready for sale. The actual weaving process involves six, detailed steps. The final outstanding look of each Toquilla Straw hat from Montecristi is only possible from talented, local artisans who have devoted their lives to this craft.

“Natives of ancient cultures have mastered and passed down the art of straw weaving from generation to generation for more than 4000 years.” stated co-owner Emilio Gomez.

You can purchase a fashionable, hand-woven Toquilla Straw Hat from Monticristi online at www.monticristi.com

Keep up with the latest luxury fashion news by following our highly regarded luxury blog. If you need help purchasing a luxury product, please contact The Life of Luxury.

In the new Mastercard Global Cities Index report, London was announced as the most popular tourist destination in the world. London tops both Bangkok and Paris.

The Mastercard Global Cities Index report states that London is forecasted to have 18.7 million international visitors during 2014. In 2013, Bangkok – Thailand held the top spot. But projections show London will surpass Bangkok this year by 300,000 visitors.

This is the fourth year for the Mastercard Global Cities Index report. The organization evaluates and ranks 132 of the most traveled cities around the world.

The top cities for 2014 include London and Paris from Europe, Bangkok, Singapare plus Dubai in the Middle East.

Europe had a strong showing with 8 of the top 20 most traveled cities. In addition to London and Paris, the list includes Istanbul at #7, Barcelona at #11, Amsterdam at #12, Milan at #13, Rome at #14 and Vienna #17.

Boris Johnson is the current Mayor of London and was quoted after hearing the news about his city, “With nearly nineteen million visitors this year London is the world’s favourite place to visit. Our city perfectly combines history, heritage, arts and culture, not to mention vast amounts of green space and major events that are the envy of the planet.”

Last year, London set an all-time record of international visitors with a total of 16 million. This is according National Statistics International Passenger Survey. If the 18.7 million international visitor forecast comes true, that’s a 17% year to year increase and will be another new high for travelers to London.

London has long been a popular luxury travel destination. There is so much to do and the city offers a true cultural experience. There is Buckingham Palace, Big Ben, Tower Bridge, Thames River, London Eye, British Museum, Madame Tussauds, National Gallery, Westminster Abbey, Houses of Parliament, St Paul’s Cathedral, Royal Opera House, Hyde Park, Royal Albert Hall and much more!

Marking the 100th Anniversary of World War I, London is the place to be. The Imperial War Museum re-opens this month to honor the event. Travel visitors can also view the ‘Great War in Portraits’ exhibit at the amazing National Portrait Gallery.

For those you looking for a rewarding cultural experience, this year London is hosting some amazing events, including – ‘Ming: 50 Years that changed China’ at the British Museum, ‘Rembrandt: The Final Years’ at the National Gallery, in addition to ‘Constable: The Making of a Master’ at the V&A.

If you are interested in booking a luxury travel vacation to London this year, please contact The Life of Luxury. One of our travel concierge specialists can help plan and book your entire itinerary. If you enjoy reading about luxury travel and VIP experiences, follow our luxury blog.

Photo: Westminster Abbey / VisitLondon.com

Located on 236 lush acres in Rhinebeck, New York, sits Old Stone Farm. This historic property is surrounded by woodlands, horses grazing in paddocks, natural ponds and grassy meadows.

Just two hours from New York City, Old Stone Farm is the ideal luxury escape for those trying to beat the hustle of our busy, daily lives.

This iconic 200 year old farm is perfect no matter what your time frame is – weekend getaway, week-long vacation or an extended retreat. This peace of heaven allows guest to enjoy nature at it’s best and relieve our stress.

Old Stone Farm was founded by owners Sherry and Stu Kahn in 1998 and carefully restored. The New York state property is made up of 20 buildings, some originally built back in 1759. This historic farm now offers its guests eco-conscious accommodations.

Sherry is the driving force behind the resort’s vision of both physical and spiritual nourishment. The luxury resorts offers a variety of activities including: yoga, extensive nature trails, wellness workshops, farm-to-table cuisine, plus 22 beautiful horses that can be used by guests.

Sherry was quoted, “My lifelong passion for energy healing, yoga, physical wellness, and the intuitive arts, has formed the backbone of Old Stone Farm’s mission and the healing experience that we offer guests.”

On the property is Stu’s Inn. This two-story historic barn provides luxury accommodations with nine guest rooms plus a two-room suite. Each of the rooms was named after one of the farm’s horses. The rooms are decorated with country antiques and original art. They all have a private bathroom, queen size custom beds with organic mattresses, plush robes to wear and relax in, plus a safe to keep your personal items in.

All room rates include three gourmet meals, guided hikes, yoga classes, and memorable horse experiences. The Hudson River yoga barn is the oldest structure on the property, built way back in 1759. The barn’s amazing 36-foot high ceilings are stunning. There’s about 1,000 square feet of space in the barn that makes it ideal for relaxing and holding either intimate yoga classes or workshops.

Use this beautiful setting to participate in inspirational wellness workshops that are held on the weekends. These workshops are an ideal way to heal your mind, body and soul. Courses offered include – meditation, yoga, equine therapy, plus additional, inspirational activities.

Pricing at Old Stone Farm which also includes all three daily meals prepared by Chef Matt range between $395 and $895. For a two-room suite begins at $595 up to $995. The resort’s four-bedroom, three-bathroom guesthouse pricing begins at $995 up to $1,295.

If you would like to learn more about a stay at the Old Stone Farm resort in Hudson Valley, New York – please call us today. We can book your luxury travel itinerary and make it a trip you will never forget. If you enjoy reading about health and wellness stories like this, return often to follow this luxury blog.

The saying goes that a marriage is the joining of two people – the union of two hearts. I don’t remember it including some pricey grapes. How about Ruby Roman grapes that cost a staggering $5,600!

That’s right. At a recent auction in Japan – according to The Japanese Times, a bunch of rare Ruby Roman Grapes sold for a whopping 550,000 Yen or about $5,400.

A wedding hall operator in , central Ishikawa, Japan – won the auction for the bunch that includes just 30 Ruby Roman grapes.

Ruby Roman grapes are actually the most expensive grapes you can buy. This winning auction bid now becomes the record high paid in Japan and likely a new world record. The prior Japanese record was set in 2009.

Some quick math calculated that each of the 30 grapes goes for $180. That’s each! At that price, listen to what your parents said while you were growing up – “chew slowly.”

A bridal couple will soon have the joy and privilege of tasting the Ruby Roman grapes during their wedding reception. Hopefully this marriage lasts many years!

These particular brand of rare grapes were created in Japan. The actual qualifications for Ruby Roman grapes are quite strict. For example, each grape must weigh a minimum of 20 grams. This particular bunch of grapes weighed around 800 grams so that’s almost 27 grams each! As a comparison, a golf ball weights about 46 grams.

If you are looking for the perfect wedding gift or want to have a fantasy dream wedding, please contact The Life of Luxury and let our concierge specialists help you.

Stay abreast of the latest luxury industry news such as this Ruby Roman grapes story, then routinely follow our luxury blog.

Photo: FLOWER GARDEN/KYODO – The Japanese Times

For those following the dramatic twists and turns of the hit, romance TV show The Bachelorette, will see tonight’s episode filmed at Paradisus Punta Cana resort in the Dominican Republic.

Andi Dorfman is this season’s Bachelorette and is looking for true love and hopefully a marriage proposal. There are only three eligible bachelors left – Nick, Chris and Josh – after Marcus was sent home last week.

Paradisus Punta Cana is an all-inclusive, luxury resort in the Dominican Republic and features 424 over-sized Guest Suites, that include 80 Royal Service Suites, four Ambassador Oceanview Suites, in addition to a luxurious One Garden Villa Beachfront Suite.

Tonight’s TV episode on ABC will feature a special Fantasy Suite dinner date as the three remaining guys try to win over the love of the Bachelorette – 27 year old Andi Dorfman.

Paradisus Punta Cana is the ideal locale as this luxury resort offers a wide variety of chic suite accommodations and an endless list of luxury amenities. It’s definitely a VIP experience to stay at this top-rated resort.

Romantic luxury vacation destinations have long been key ingredient to the show’s success. We have reported on several show tapings including the The Bachelor Finale filmed at Cap Maison Luxury Resort in Saint Lucia – Read more here: Cap Maison

For a fine dining flare, Martin Berasategui is the one of the world’s finest chefs and is proud to be the well deserving winner of six Michelin stars. It’s quite an accomplishment for this very talented chef. Enjoy a fine dining experience at the resort’s “Passion” restaurant.

Resort guest can get in shape at YHI Spa – the full-service health club. Use their state-of-the-art equipment or get fitness assistance from their personal trainers. YHI Spa also offers a full service beauty salon to pamper yourself. Treat your hair, nails or skin and feel and look your best. There’s also a variety of spa treatments including massage, body wraps, aromatherapy, facials and much more! You can also use the spa’s saunas, whirlpools and steam rooms which are all offered at no charge for resort guests at Paradisus Punta Cana.

When asked about his feelings regarding The Bachelorette being filmed there, Rafael Torres who is Managing Director of Paradisus Punta Cana stated, “We are honored that The Bachelorette chose Paradisus Punta Cana to serve as the beautiful backdrop for this episode. Paradisus Punta Cana provides the essential elements for a romantic getaway, and we hope we helped Andi come one step closer to finding love.”

If you would like to find love like Andi Dorfman on The Bachelorette and stay at the Paradisus Punta Cana luxury resort, then contact us for your personal, luxury travel reservation. We can make it a VIP experience you will never forget. Return to follow this luxury blog and read about other luxury travel destination and other VIP experiences.

Wanting to break the rules of the luxury watch industry, British watchmaker brand Christopher Ward recently announced it will introduced its own in-house watch movement – Calibre SH21

Christopher Ward was establish in 2006 and sent a direct challenge to the mega, $23 billion Swiss watch industry by developing its own movement. The announcement was perfectly summarized by the iconic co-founder of the British luxury watch brand – Chris Ward, “probably the most significant watch industry development by a British brand in the past 50 years”.

Christopher Ward first broke the mold when they became the world’s first pure online luxury watch brand. It was a new paradigm and direct challenge to the traditional Swiss watch industry. Christopher Ward sells more mechanical watches compared to other brands that are based in the UK. About 40% of the company’s sales are overseas with the U.S. being the top market.

After a merger with Synergies Horlogères, the new watch movement which is basically the engine of a watch began to move forward. Since the Swatch Group, which is the luxury watch industry’s biggest manufacturer of movements sets the industry supply, Christopher Ward felt it needed to break away and create for flexibility. The new Calibre SH21 now allows them more independence.

Chris Ward was quoted, “Today, we are advancing to a new level of independence that strengthens the future growth of the business and enables us to develop a family of movements, the first of which is the beautiful C9 Harrison 5 Day Automatic, housing the Calibre SH21, which we also launched today.”

The above photo is the new C9 Harrison 5 Day Automatic luxury watch, that incorporates the first in-house movement, Calibre SH21.

If you are interested in purchasing a luxury watch such as from Christopher Ward, the contact The Life of Luxury. One of our watch concierge specialists can help streamline the watching buying process. To enjoy additional luxury watch news stories like this one from Christopher Ward, return to follow our leading, luxury blog.

The Travel + Leisure 2014 World’s Best Awards were announced and the luxury Luxury Triple Creek Ranch in Montana was named World’s Best Hotel.

Located in Montana’s Bitterroot Mountain range, the incredible Triple Creek Ranch had the top ranking in the annual poll of Travel + Leisure readers.

The award was based on feedback covering rooms, service, service, value and food. The competition was stiff as all the major hotels and top brands of the world were included in the reader poll.

Triple Creek Ranch offers something for everybody and takes advanatge of its location among four million acres of scenic National Forest. Hotel guests can try a wide variety of activities including: hiking, horseback riding along the Lewis and Clark Trail, cattle drives, dog sledding with a 12-time Iditarod Race finisher, guided wildlife outings, panning for sapphires, or Orvis-endorsed fly fishing. If you can just to relax then sit by the fireplace and unwind.

There are 23 log cabins situated under Ponderosa pines that come with wood burning fireplaces, plus either private or nearby hot tubs. The decor of the intimate, Triple Creek Ranch cabins consist of original Western art from the hotel owners own private collection. This is a true VIP experience that should not be missed.

Staying at the luxury property is like becoming part of nature and appreciating all its natural beauty. Guests can enjoy a true Western experience by spending a day outdoors. The hotel also offers many luxury amenities. After a tiring day of playing, a fine dining experience awakes back at the lodge. Enjoy a delicious dinner that’s prepared by Executive Chef Jacob Leatherman. Leatherman is the noted chef who cooked for a sellout crowd at the James Beard Foundation in New York.

All inclusive travel package rates at the Triple Creek Ranch begin at only $950 per couple, per night. Prices are based on double occupancy and include the following – your own private cabin, all your meals, unlimited house wine and spirits, in addition to most activities at the hotel.

If you would like to travel to Montana and book a reservation to stay at the Triple Creek Ranch, please contact us. One of our luxury travel concierge specialists can arrange your entire itinerary. Come back often to read our luxury blog and follow other luxury travel deals.

For those staying on Grand Cayman, you can get pampered at the full-service La Mer Spa, located at the luxury Morritt’s Resort Tortuga Club.

Customers of La Mer Spa will find a sauna, two massage suites and one couples massage suite with shower plus a manicure/pedicure station to be pampered. The luxury spa provides professional therapists who are available seven days a week and available to help guests choose the ideal spa treatment.

The stunning Morritt’s Resort Tortuga Club is the premier resort property Grand Cayman’s Eastern Districts. This luxury resorts was designed with postmodern, colonial style ambiance and blended with the Caribbean lifestyle, tropical charm.

The resort’s luxurious accommodations offer many amenities so you can truly enjoy your vacation stay. The popular Caymanian hospitality is found everywhere as each resort guest treated with the utmost respect and care. Enjoy world-class hotel services that leave a lasting impression. It’s a true VIP experience.

If you’ve ever wanted to be pampered in paradise, then consider getting a luxury spa treatment at La Mer Spa. The spa’s talented staff has knowledge of the latest aromatherapy, fruit therapy, phytotherapy and marine therapy techniques.

At the end of each luxury spa treatment, guest meet with experienced estheticians who can advise on various products that are available to be used if they would like to continue their personal treatments at home.

La Mer Spa has a variety of luxury spa treatments including Facial Therapy, Body Therapy, Hand and Food Therapy, Beauty Therapy Treatments, Waxing/Threading and Massage Therapy. There are even Exclusive Spa Packages with longer treatment lengths and additional luxury services.

Guests at Morritt’s Resort Tortuga Club can also enjoy a selection of outdoor leisure activities, such as – jet skiing, kayaking, sailing, wind surfing, scuba diving, banana boat rides, both full- and half-day snorkeling trips, in addition to wonderful boat excursions.

If you are interested in booking a reservation at Morritt’s Resort Tortuga Club and trying a luxury spa treatment at La Mer Spa, please contact The Life of Luxury. Follow this luxury blog to read about other terrific luxury travel getaways.

Weddings are just as popular in the summer as they are in the spring. With nice weather, it’s the idea time to plan a perfect fantasy wedding, a luxury destination wedding, or a romantic honeymoon.

With romance in the air, we want to share three fabulous locations for the perfect fantasy wedding proposal, destination wedding and romantic honeymoon getaway. We all want to have a VIP experience and take part in our very own  fairly-tale, so why not choose from one of these luxury destinations to fulfill your dreams.

Proposing can be stressful and it’s a big moment for both people involved. So why not choose the ideal luxury destination where romance can sweep you both away. The luxury Grand Hotel Tremezzo in Lake Como, Italy (see photo above) is the ideal choice. Imagine sitting at an intimate table for two. Flowers are in full bloom and you both gaze out across scenic Lake Como. Enjoy a romantic candlelight dinner prepared by a private chef. Then you pop the ultimate question. How can you can any other answer than ‘yes’? The Grand Hotel Tremezzo can even arrange a private musician to serenade you both. How romantic is that? Next phase is the fantasy wedding.

Deciding on a location for your fantasy wedding can be difficult. There are lots of choices if you are only getting married once, then got big and a choose a fantasy destination you will never forget. Consider the Kildare Club – Hotel, Spa & Country Club in the beautiful city of Kildare in Ireland.

Located in the gorgeous Irish countryside is this incredible manor house that makes for the ideal place for your fantasy wedding. This award-winning luxury hotel is located on 550 acres of beautiful wood and parkland. The Kildare Club – Hotel, Spa & Country Club is a restored 19th Century Georgian estate. The luxury hotel can customize your wedding to include a bagpipe procession or even “tie the knot” with an authentic, Irish hand-fasting wedding ceremony. In-house Wedding Specialist, Susie Hopkins-Burke will make you fantasy wedding a special one.

Once the wedding is over, it’s time for a romantic honeymoon to celebrate the new union of two loving people. Consider am exotic romance and honeymoon adventure to Table Mountain in Cape Town, South Africa. Relax on the gorgeous white sand beaches of the Seychelles and enjoy an unforgettable exotic safari in East Africa. What an amazing VIP experience! Take a journey of love on your honeymoon and create memories to last a lifetime.

It doesn’t matter whether you are planning a fantasy wedding proposal, an amazing destination wedding or enjoying a romantic honeymoon getaway, please contact The Life of Luxury and we can help plan and book your entire itinerary. We only work with the best companies to provide ultimate VIP service. Come back soon to follow our luxury blog and get additional luxury travel tips.