The luxury hotel Cromlix in Perthshire, Scotland is owned by tennis star Andy Murray. Cromlix now becomes the 28th Scotish property part of the Connoisseurs Scotland family of luxury accommodations.

Cromlix is the latest venture by Wimbledon champion Andy Murray. The luxury hotel is managed on behalf of Mr. Murray by Inverlochy Castle Management International (ICMI).

The 15-bedroom luxurious Cromlix hotel is a stunning, Victorian mansion located just three short miles from Murray’s hometown of Dunblane.

The hotel is pure, grand country house living. The recently completed renovation has focused on keeping the original heritage. The hotel’s property even includes its own private chapel and loch.

The Cromlix offers a whisky room for guests to relax and have their favorite beverage. There’s a drawing room, furnished with muted sofas and an open fire. Overall, you will find nine different fireplaces throughout the hotel.

Cromlix Hotel Drawing Room

The hotel’s luxury decor features an elegant blend of antique Scottish furniture. The bar is decorated in sky blue and gold leaf and the Chez Roux dining room is adorned in French navy and moss green with glass-walls.

Guest accommodations at the luxurious Cromlix hotel include 10 bedrooms and 5 suites. Many of the bedrooms offer gorgeous views of the manicured grounds and nearby tennis courts. The VIP style rooms bask in natural light and are subtly decorated.

The 5 elegant suites have been named after famous Scots – Burns, Bowes-Lyon, Bruce, Eden and Ferguson by Andy Murray himself. Each of the luxury suites has their own unique character to make your Scotish stay a special one. You’ll find stunning, freestanding gold, silver and copper baths, in addition to high-end 32-inch televisions screens that are cleverly disguised as mirrors. It’s VIP living at its very best.

For a truly fine dining experience, try Chez Roux restaurant. This luxury restaurant is overseen by the legendary French chef – Albert Roux. Award-winning Executive Head Chef runs Chez Roux restaurant.

Darin Campbell, is housed in an elegant conservatory overlooking the grounds and offers diners a ringside view of the chefs at work in the extensive open kitchen. Guest will also find other private dining opportunities such as the intimacy of a small study that seats up to 10 people or the first-floor snooker room that offers traditional atmosphere. You’ll find a full-size snooker table that creatively spins over from green baize to a table that can easily seat up to 20 people.

If you would like to hold a wedding party at the Cromlix, there is a beautiful chapel that can hold up to 30 people. In addition, there’s a gorgeous organ with exposed pipes at foot of the stylish, hotel staircase.

Norbert Lieder is the managing director and was quoted, “Cromlix and Chez Roux combine to truly offer one of the best hotel and restaurant experiences in the country. The interiors, service, food and attention to every detail of the customer journey will make sure Cromlix becomes as well known for its service as it is for its famous owner. We look forward to welcoming guests from all over Scotland, the UK and the world.”

Outdoors, enjoy the beauty of Scotland. The perfectly manicured landscaped grounds are lush with flowers, trees and shrubs. Play the role of tennis star Andy Murray while you play a few games on the property’s tennis courts. The tennis court and practice wall have look and feel of Wimbledon, painted in the colors of purple and green.

To book a reservation to Scotland and stay at the Cromlix luxury hotel, please contact The Life of Luxury and we can help arrange you entire itinerary. Want to read up on the latest travel news, follow our luxury blog.

St. Maarten / St. Martin is a beautiful island located in the northeast Caribbean, about 150 miles southeast of Puerto Rico. This tropical oasis is a great way to enjoy the beautiful weather, 37 sandy beaches, and laid-back lifestyle. Luxury travel at its very best.

Truly a magical place, the cosmopolitan island of St. Maarten has long been a destination for those who desire the best and want to renew their passion for life. It’s an ideal place for a luxury vacation.

Located at the northern end of the Lesser Antilles, incredible St. Maarten was discovered by Christopher Columbus back in 1493. The country was then divided between France and Holland in 1648.

This gorgeous island country was recently named by Fodor’s Travel in the “Top 10 Most Popular Destinations Worldwide” in 2013 among American travelers. It was also the only Caribbean island to be listed in Top 10.

The tropical island comprised of 37 square miles of gorgeous beaches and offers many historical and family-oriented attractions for all ages. You can enjoy the warm, clear waters and try scuba diving or snorkeling. If shopping is on your list, the capital of Philipsburg offers duty-free shopping at a variety of name brand and specialty shops.

St. Maarten is known as “the culinary capital of the Caribbean,” and features an incredible variety of cuisine. Food lovers can choose from over 365 restaurants that cover everything from fine dining to casual. The island country is proud to be the only Caribbean island with greater than one restaurant ranked on the TripAdvisor “Travelers’ Favorite Fine Dining Restaurants” – Caribbean 2013 list.

After the tropical sun sets, the island really comes alive. Gamblers can choose from fourteen world-class, Las Vegas style casinos and try take their chances against lady luck. A great social experience is visiting a nightclub and dance into the early morning. The Caribbean music consisting of beats and rhythms drive a pulsating environment, as you move to the world’s trendiest DJs.

So make St. Maarten / St. Martin your choice for a luxury vacation and enjoy all this beautiful island has to offer, all throughout the year.

Contact The Life of Luxury and we’ll help arrange your luxury getaway to St. Maarten for an unforgettable Caribbean experience. Follow our luxury blog for the latest travel news around the world.

This stunning new luxury watch from Swiss luxury watch brand  Breguet, houses an amazing horological invention – an off-centred tourbillon in a titanium carriage.

The Classique Tourbillon Extra-Plat Automatique 5377 luxury watch by Breguet, is fitted with a non-magnetic silicon balance spring plus an escapement that’s made of both non-magnetic steel and silicon.

The stylish watch dial features of this 42 mm platinum wristwatch include four different engine-turned patterns that are executed by hand. This function is shows note of respect for the old traditions of supreme, watch making workmanship and flawless finish.

The Breguet luxury watch is surprisingly thin with just a 7 mm-high case. The watchmaker designed a peripheral rotor in platinum that winds in both directions of spin. This cutting-edge technical achievement makes the reference 5377 luxury watch the thinnest self-winding tourbillon.

The Classique Tourbillon Extra-Plat Automatique 5377 watch power-reserve indicator located in the 8:30 position is adorned with gorgeous engine-turned strait chevrons. The watch’s hours and minutes chapter is enhanced by a clou de Paris hobnail pattern that’s been edged with a stylish barleycorn motif.

A stunning blue sapphire is found in the centre of the tourbillon bridge and creatively draws your eyes to the watch hands. The luxury watch dial comes in 18-carat gold, silvered and engine-turned in four, different patterns.

The Breguet’s patented high-energy barrel keeps the reference 5377 going for up to 90 hours once taken off the wrist.

The Classique Tourbillon Extra-Plat Automatique 5377 watch case is made from platinum. The sapphire caseback is 42 mm in diameter and encloses an extra-thin self-winding movement of only 3 mm with tourbillon.

The watch comes with a leather strap and a triple-blade folding clasp.

If you are interested in purchasing the new Classique Tourbillon Extra-Plat Automatique 5377 Watch by Breguet, please contact The Life of Luxury. Keep up with luxury watch industry news by following our luxury blog.

It doesn’t matter what time of the year it is, women need to take care of their skin. It’s no secret that great looking skin not only makes you look better, but also feel better. Shouldn’t you deserve the best?

The line of natural and organic Amala skin care products is designed to revitalize as well as nourish your sensitive skin. Amala skin care products are used at five-star spas all around the world.

With Mother’s Day approaching next month, a wonderful gift for your loving mom would be Amala. With Amala skin care products, it’s like bringing a luxury five star spa experience into your home! Mom gets to feel pampered plus revitalized all throughout the year.

Amala skin care products are made in Germany and well know for their ultra-premium, results-oriented custom formulas. These cutting edge formulas are derived from advanced plant chemistry. All Amala skin care products are of 100% natural origin. They work in conjunction with your own body and the result is clearly visible results and proven skin benefits.

Amala’s Rejuvenate Collection for maturing skin is a treatment system that’s clinically proven. The luxury skin care products help smooth, firm and renew the skin’s elasticity with organic Cocoa Bean. The mighty cocoa bean is known for its special ability to stimulate skin cell renewal, help promote microcirculation, in addition to helping repair your skin’s moisture level.

Here are several Amala products to consider for Mother’s Day:
• Rejuvenate Advanced Firming Complex – amazingly restores your skin’s youthful firmness and elasticity. It clearly minimizes the appearance of skin lines and wrinkles. It also improves both skin texture and tone. Price is $248

• Rejuvenate Treatment Oil – This Amala product is a powerful, concentrated blend of skin nourishing seed oils that are rich in age-fighting antioxidants, Omega 3, in addition to six essential fatty acids. You’ll definitely notice an improvement in skin elasticity, firmness and uneven tone. Get that younger looking skin you are desiring. Price is $186

• Rejuvenating Serum – It’s firming gel serum combined with high potency antioxidants and collagen- boosting botanicals. There is clinical proof that it increases both skin hydration and improve firmness. Also reducing are the depth of lines and wrinkles. The Rejuvenating Serum from Amala also repairs free radical damage, evens out your skin tone, plus and helps to stimulate collagen synthesis, producing firmer and fresh skin with youthful clarity. Price is $182

• Rejuvenate Targeted Wrinkle Treatment – This goes after the appearance of lines and wrinkles with a powerful blend of antioxidant-rich Amazon plant actives. It’s a combination of Vitamin C-infused Acerola, peptide-rich Cocoa Bean plus antioxidant Acai. Price is $116

So treat your mom to the ultimate gift this Mother’s Day with a caring gift of Amala natural and organic skin care.

If you are interested in purchasing Amala skin care products or would like to book a reservation at a leading luxury spa anywhere in the world, please contact The Life of Luxury. Keep up with the latest beauty news by following this luxury blog.

Following a $15 million renovation of the iconic Huntington Hotel in San Francisco, The Scarlet Huntington luxury hotel is scheduled to open in May.

Influenced of San Francisco’s beauty and heritage, The Scarlet Huntington is not just another luxury hotel, but a property that offers international couture, charm and a unique style incapable of being imitated.

The Scarlet Huntington is owned by Grace International, a Singapore-based hospitality group and represents the company’s vision to introduce incredible interior design experience that’s delivered with gracious hospitality.

Nob Hill is one of San Francisco’s bets known neighborhoods. The hotel’s opening next month, will deliver a contemporary grace and luxury to this posh, City by the Bay neighborhood. Nob Hill offers possibly the best views of beautiful San Francisco Bay. This affluent area is noted for luxury hotels, fine dining restaurants and amazing, custom homes.

The iconic red color of the former Huntington Hotel’s exterior remains. The brick façade and lighted sign on top of the San Francisco luxury hotel, continues the tradition of the prior Huntington Hotel. The richness of red also now transitions into the alluring theme of The Scarlet.

Another traditional element that remains is the gorgeous black wood hand-carved door located at the entrance to the luxury hotel. In addition, you’ll notice the beauty of the crystal chandelier, beautiful arches, crown molding, plus the original 1924 mailbox chute that is still in operation.

Fong Kah Seng is the Grace International group chief executive officer and was quoted, “Located in the heart of one of the world’s most vibrant and culturally rich metropolises, The Scarlet Huntington echoes the persona of its surroundings. The revitalized hotel will introduce locals and visitors to the well-dressed and modern sensibilities that define The Scarlet, our signature hotel brand, while enriching the property’s distinct character, signature hospitality, and uncompromising standards.”

Each of the luxury hotel’s guestrooms plus three Signature Suites will feature a design to invite one’s senses on a ride like no other. Guests will experience the delicate balance of modern elegance and ultimate comfort. For example, the rooms include whimsical lamps that establish a soothing mood with striking dim lighting.

Additional luxurious amenities include: Bathrooms with stunning hand carved vanities, lighted mirrors plus a variety of hand-picked and exquisite bath products. For convenience and accessibility, you’ll also find USB ports, LED reading lights plus electrical charging stations.

Other favorite components of The Huntington Hotel will be retained, such as popular Nob Hill Spa and Big 4 Restaurant. The fine dining establishment underwent minor changes that will improve a customer’s dining experience, including: new paint and carpets, linen-free tabletops as well as re-upholstery.

Reservations at the new The Scarlet Huntington, are now being accepted for stays beginning May 6, 2014.

If you are interested in visiting San Francisco and staying at The Scarlet Huntington luxury hotel, please contact The Life of Luxury. Follow this luxury blog for the latest news in the luxury travel industry.

This video showcases an incredible, luxury mansion in Tucson, Arizona. It’s a beautiful property that features a negative edge pool and spa, in addition to an outdoor kitchen.

This luxury mansion boasts 6 bedrooms, 6 full baths and 4 half baths. All rooms come with gorgeous detail from crown molding to high-end flooring. The Tucson mansion offers 13,200 sq. ft. of lavish, living space. The luxury home is accented by a host of European antique fixtures and fireplace mantels.

Contact The Life of Luxury if you are interested in this luxury mansion in Tucson, Arizona or are in the market for luxury homes anywhere in the world. Follow our luxury blog for the latest luxury real estate news.

Have you ever heard of a watch made from wood? Don’t worry, you are not alone. JORD is a watch brand that offers a variety of stylish collection of wooden watches. A new fashion paradyme is now underway.

The name “Jord” is Swedish and translates into “earth, soil, land.” The company offers stunning watches made from 100% natural wood that’s found all across the world. Available wood types include maple, sandlewood, bamboo, cheery, teak and blackwood.

It seems that JORD is pushing the fashion envelop and trying to steer people away from the wide variety of traditional metal and rubber watches offered today. These unique wood watches are quite trendy and will soon be a very common occurrence as part of either a man or woman’s fashion look.

The wooden watch is surprisingly very lightweight and well made, including the stainless steel clasp and watch band links.

With a mission of creating a new line of watches, each one unique due to the nature of wood, JORD set out to push the boundaries of what is normal and break that mold.

Don’t worry about your wooden watch being destroyed by water. Jord watches are “splash proof” so you can get wet, but not meant to be submerged under water.

The glossy wood grain of each watch is a peace of art in my mind. The watch’s rich colors and wood grain make each watch special in its own right and produce a rich, fashion flare. A definite fashion statement and true collector’s item.

One of the luxury watch series I like is the Sully. It combines a professional look with a casual flare. This wooden watch series from JORD includes a 3-hand Citizen Miyota Quartz movement and is 33mm diameter in size. The wood watch band features a single action locking clasp that’s made from stainless steel.

The new wooden watch line from JORD is the 746 series. These incredibly, stunning wooden watches are limited edition. This premium mechanical series features an automatic and exposed skeleton movement. The watch doesn’t require a battery as it can be wound and remains running due to your body’s own natural movement. The 746 serious wood watch includes a hardened, scratch-proof glass face that measures 30mm x 37mm. To keep your watch safe or ideal as a gift, it comes with stained bamboo display box.

Every wooden watch from JORD comes with a standard twelve month warranty and covers any defects in either material or watch workmanship.

Wooden Wristwatch

If you are interested in purchasing a JORD wooden watch, please visit their site at http://www.woodwatches.com/ or contact The Life of Luxury. Keep up with updated luxury watch news by following our luxury blog.

The luxury 2015 Audi A3 Quattro is available in two different trim level choices. The Audi A3 FWD 1.8 pricing starts at $29,900, and the Audi Quattro 2.0 begins at a $32,900 price.

The Audi car model that was tested in this video by Autobytel has the legendary 2.0 liter turbocharged 4-cylinder engine. The engine produces 220 horsepower and 258 lb-ft. of torque. The Audi A3 Quattro fuel economy level comes in at 24 MPG in the city and 33 MPG on the highway.

It’s the ultimate battle of cocktail mixology on the high seas! 5,500 of the world’s best bartenders will go head to head in an epic competition.

Diageo Reserve World Class™ is sponsoring this battle in partner of 4 of the biggest names in the cruise industry – Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruise Line, Celebrity Cruises and Royal Caribbean International.

Diageo Reserve World Class has been transforming fine drinking experiences and cocktail culture, both around the world as well as at home. The brand offers some of most recognized spirits known today. Their luxury portfolio includes the following popular labels:

JOHNNIE WALKER® BLUE LABEL™ Blended Scotch Whisky, JOHNNIE WALKER® PLATINUM LABEL™ Blended Scotch Whisky, JOHNNIE WALKER® GOLD LABEL RESERVE™ Blended Scotch Whisky, The SINGLETON™ Single Malt Scotch Whisky, CÎROC® Vodka, KETEL ONE® Vodka, TANQUERAY® No.TEN™ Gin, DON JULIO® Tequila, ZACAPA® Rum, Bulleit® Bourbon, and Talisker Single Malt Scotch Whisky.

This year’s competition will see a huge increase in participation as 5,500 cruise line bartenders from around the world will compete for supremacy. That’s almost 15 times more participants than last year.

Photo: Ian Derry

The goal of this incredible bartender battle is to discover the next generation of bartending talent by introducing and sharing the latest mixology trends, then carrying these learnings to the best bars worldwide.

The head to head rounds will go on until only four bartenders remain. The final four will compete at the glamorous Diageo Reserve World Class Global Travel semi-final event on 5th June, and held in tropical Miami, Florida. Who will be crowned the mixologist extraordinaire?

World Class Global Winner for Latin America & Caribbean 2013, Mario Seijo, will be managing the training program this year. Seijo will be supported by leading mixologists Joseph Brooke, Julio Cabrera plus Michael Parish. The team will coach the on board bartenders in various showmanship skills in addition to the latest cocktail making trends to create great tasting drinks for their cruise ship guests. Two of those trends include ‘Gin and the Secrets of Distillation’ and ‘Mediterranean Mastery’.

Louise Higgins is the Marketing Director of Diageo GTME Western was was quoted, “WORLD CLASS has become synonymous with creativity, style and sophistication, constantly pushing the boundaries of contemporary and experiential cocktail culture. Through DIAGEO RESERVE WORLD CLASS, the drinks industry’s largest investment in luxury drinking experiences, we are delighted to be collaborating with the best cruise lines in the industry to transform fine-drinking for holiday makers. This is our biggest year ever by some way and we are excited to see these bartenders will take their cocktail making skills to new levels in the world’s most credible cocktail competition.”

Due to the large increase in participating bartenders, Diageo Reserve World Class decided to bring in two more cruise line heavyweights. Royal Caribbean International and Celebrity Cruises will join this year and are excited to add fine-drinking experiences for their passengers as well.

If you would like to learn more and book a reservation on one of these luxury cruise ships to watch the bartender competition. please contact The Life of Luxury. A travel concierge member will be happy to assist you. Come back often to read the latest news on our luxury blog.

April 6 is National Tartan Day. It’s a holiday that occurs each year to recognize proud Americans of Scottish descent and Scotland’s important contributions in the United States.

There will be numerous celebrations across the country leading up to National Tartan Day, such as parades, bagpipe players plus Scotch whisky tastings. Of course, great tasting Scotch Whisky is the perfect drink to help you have fun and enjoy this honored holiday.

Laphroaig® Single Malt Scotch Whisky is well recognized whisky brand and known as the most richly flavoured Scotch Whisky found anywhere. Below is a delicious cocktail recipe we hope you will enjoy on National Tartan Day.

Laphroaig® Affinity ingredients:
– 1 1⁄2 parts Laphroaig® Quarter Cask Scotch Whisky
– 1⁄2 part Sweet Vermouth
– 1⁄2 part Dry Vermouth
– 2-3 dashes Orange Bitters

Method: Stir all ingredients with ice and strain into a chilled rocks glass. Garnish with an orange peel.

We have gathered some interesting, Scottish heritage facts to share with others who may be celebrating National Tartan Day.

• The U.S. Senate passed a bill resolution in 1998, naming April 6th as National Tartan Day. The reason that particular date was chosen wa because it was the anniversary of the Declaration of Arbroath, which was signed in 1320 and asserted Scotland’s sovereignty over English claims.
• Across the U.S., there are eight towns named Edinburgh, eight that are named Aberdeen, and seven named Glasgow. IN addition, eight towns are called Scotland.
• The world’s first color photograph was of a Tartan ribbon.
• Americans of Scotch descent number over 5 million people. Several well known names include: Lucille Ball, Reese Witherspoon, Lyndon B. Johnson, Edgar Allen Poe, Robert Downey Jr., Johnny Cash, and surprisingly – Malcolm X.

So enjoy this special day in Scottish heritage and drink up with a glass of Laphroaig® Affinity
cocktail.

If you have always desired to visit Scotland, contact The Life of Luxury and we can help put together a wonderful luxury travel itinerary to make your trip a memorable one. Follow our luxury blog for the latest luxury news.

Ribbon Yachts is a Dutch company that designs and manufactures luxury yachts. Ribbon’s talented designers develop each luxury yacht with optimum drive comfort and unmatched product quality.

Ribbon Yachts is proud to have just introduced its latest maritime offering – the R27 superyacht. The new Ribbon R27 has enough interior space for up to seven adults.  They will be transported in luxury style along with the highest level of refinement.

Very versatile, the R27 can be used either as a day boat on both lakes or the sea, or luxury yacht tender. The company has reported already receiving several orders and interest is quite strong.

The objective of Ribbon Yachts is to provide enthusiasts a boat of their dreams. A boat that could function as a yacht tender or just to have fun as a day boat.  With the all-new R27, it’s clear they have accomplished both.

The interior of the Ribbon Yachts R27 luxury yacht includes a design using only the finest materials. Boat owners will quickly notice the beautiful Silvergaurd leatherwork and integration of carbon fibre detailing. The Ribbon R27 is exquisitely finished and exquisitely personal. The result is simply a boating environment that screams out – pure luxury!

A revolutionary hull designed by Ribbon Yacht engineers, utilizes a deep vertical bow that allows the yacht’s hull to slice through waves, thus producing an incredibly smooth ride, even in choppy sea waters.

To make it your own, each buyer has the ability to customize each Ribbon R27 luxury yacht. Choose from a list of options such as an Apple iPad for on-board infotainment.  Listen to your own playlists with high quality sound system, or add a water ski pool, table, bimini, hand shower, toilet, led underwater and indirect cockpit lights or even waterjet bow or stern thrusters.

The Ribbon R27 comes equipped with a Mercruiser TDI engine and a Mercruiser Bravo stern drive.  You also can choose a Rolls-Royce Kamewa waterjet.

The yacht’s overall length is 8.36 m – 27.43 ft with a Beam of 2.55 m – 8.36 ft. The boat’s maximum speed is rated between 30 – 42 kn.

To learn more about or purchase the all-new Ribbon Yachts R27 luxury yacht, please contact The Life of Luxury. Be sure to follow our luxury blog and get the latest industry news and product announcements.