The holiday season is underway. Are you all already stressed out from buying Christmas gifts and planning your holiday party? Well consider a last-minute luxury vacation. Here are several holiday season getaways.

It’s time for an escape during this festive time of the year. There’s a stunning property in Italy that just unveiled a year-round opening – Monteverdi Tuscany. Next is a stunning villa on the beach in Punta Mita, Mexico – Villa Tres Amores. There’s the charming Heywood Hotel in Austin, Texas plus the seductive O:Live Boutique Hotel in San Juan.

For those looking to make a last minute escape to a place they didn’t think would be possible, you are in luck. These holiday season getaways are awaiting your arrival. The Life of Luxury is a concierge company that offers experts at luxury travel.

We can provide VIP experiences all around the world – from red carpet award shows, exotic escapes to the South Pole, to private island retreats. Stop waiting and tart living a luxury lifestyle. Make any New Year Bucket List dream a reality.

Below are several breathtaking destinations that are ideal for holiday season getaways.

1. Monteverdi Tuscany – Val d’Orcia, Italy
Having just announced a year-round season, this renowned luxury boutique hotel in Val d’Orcia has just completed a thorough expansion. Now there is a state of the art Spa, Culinary Academy and 6 new suites.

A one-of-a-kind property dispersed throughout an idyllic, historic village comprising eighteen individual suites and three elegantly appointed villas. Plus Monteverdi’s recently announced extended season is accompanied by an exciting property expansion including:
· 6 new guest suites
· State-of-the-art spa with indoor hot & cold plunge pools and traditional Hamman
· Culinary Academy
· Piano Lobby & Lounge

————————————

2. Villa Tres Amores – Punta Mita, Mexico
Located in the tiny resort town of Punta Mita, the fabulous Villa Tres Amores is a luxurious, high-design villa. This luxury property fuses the five-star amenities of a world-class resort. In addition, enjoy the privacy of an intimate villa stay.

Also located just steps from the gorgeous white sand beaches and championship golf courses that encompass Punta Mita. Therefore, the villa offers a truly one of a kind, personalized travel experience. Be treated to amazing, panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean.

————————————

3. O:live Boutique Hotel – San Juan, Puerto Rico
If you are in need of tropical getaway for the holidays, look no further than O:live Boutique Hotel in San Juan, Puerto Rico. O:live is a unique luxury boutique hotel designed to transport guests to the allure of a Mediterranean lifestyle. You will find it right in the heart of Condado – one of the Caribbean’s most cosmopolitan neighborhoods.

With a second fabulous San Juan property, the soon to be unveiled O:LV Fifty Five, opening just in time for a holiday jaunt. This winter season is the perfect time to visit. As a result, be the first to experience all that O:live Hotels has to offer.

————————————

4. Heywood Hotel – Austin, Texas
The Heywood Hotel in Austin, Texas is precisely the right place to feel entirely at home. Whie the holiday season is underway, enjoy all the perks of Texan hospitality. Since located in a modernized 1925 craftsman bungalow, you’ll enjoy a home feeling. Plus it’s the heart of trendy and thriving East Austin.

This 7-room luxury boutique hotel is known for its all-female team. They provide dedication to handmade hospitality with a “scale of one” mentality. In addition, the staff strives to make each guest feel sincerely and truly welcomed. Therefore, be pampered by very design-savvy friends in an exciting, progressive city.

————————————

The Life of Luxury is ready to assist with all your travel plans. Luxury holiday season getaways are still available. Follow our luxury blog for more travel industry news.

Photo: O:live Boutique Hotel

Although it seems like summer just ended, the holiday season is approaching fast. Fall and winter are also busy travel times. Are you looking for that perfect holiday stay?

We wanted to share some top hotels that make great destinations for a perfect holiday stay. It doesn’t matter whether you are traveling with significant others, friends, family or solo. Make this holiday season a special one!

NYC’s chicest micro-hotel with playful hotel programming: Arlo SoHo (photo above)

For the holidays, ongoing “Arlo Affairs” at SoHo’s most lively micro-hotel will run the gamut. Enjoy weekly yoga and meditations to movie nights, craft classes, vinyl hours and more. With vibrant coworking spaces, try new dishes for winter at the Harold’s (the hotel’s restaurant). This luxury hotel offers the always-buzzing outdoor courtyard and a 24/7 bodega. Arlo SoHo is surely one of the city’s most spirited destinations.
Rates start at $180 per night.

——————————————–

For those looking for a cozy hideaway upstate: Eastwind Hotel & Bar

Travel to the Catskills for breathtaking views, outdoor activities, and earthy luxury at Eastwind Hotel & Bar. Eastwind offers a unique home away from home getaway experience. The hotel gives guests the opportunity to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of upstate New York. At the same time, simply relax and unwind. This year-round hotel includes the salon with a full-service bar offering crafted signature cocktails. Plus, there is are outdoor decks, a fire pit, a wood-barrel sauna. Debuting in November is an outdoor hot tub. Eastwind boasts 19 accommodations with various room types including three Lushna Cabins. These wooden A-frame huts are ideal for guests who seek a “glamping” experience. In addition, enjoy chic guest rooms within the Bunk House and Hill House. Guests also have access to bikes, snowshoes, books, and games as well as an array of nearby hikes and attractions. Breakfast is included in weekend stays.
Rates start at $150 per night.

——————————————–

For those looking for a unique outdoor escape or nature retreat: Gather Greene

Just opening last week, Gather Greene’s expansive property is situated on 100 picturesque acres in New York’s Hudson Valley. The 17-room nature retreat boasts a 4,000 square foot pavilion of flexible space. The property is surrounded by dramatically scenic landscape offering views of both the Catskills and Berkshire. The result is stunning. An indoor-outdoor experience beyond the bounds of a traditional tent. The permanent structure accommodates up to 250 seated guests. You will find a full catering kitchen, six single-use bathrooms, two luxury dressing suites, and a large upstairs lounge. The pavilion perfectly balances aesthetic with the natural surrounding and the functional necessities of the space. The 17 tiny house cabins offer an upscale “glamping” experience. Therefore, hotel guests can enjoy nature, paired with the comforts and amenities expected from today’s modern traveler.
Rates start at $250 per night.

——————————————–

For those looking for a wellness retreat on the beautiful beaches of Tulum: Casa Violeta

Comfort and relaxation can all be found on the white beaches of Tulum at Casa Violeta. This eco-friendly boutique hotel provides guests a down-to-earth luxury in an intimate setting. A natural sanctuary, Casa Violeta is a rare gem that values tradition and maintaining time-tested tradition. Each of the 13 accommodations is uniquely decorated with local handmaid artwork and fabrics. On property, guests can cleanse the body, mind, and spirit in the Temazcal. This “medicinal house” contains hot volcanic rocks infused with healing waters. As a result, it creates a relaxing bath/sweat lodge. The hotel also features a brand new restaurant debuting this fall. Furthermore, enjoy the gorgeous beach and various yoga classes.
Rates start at $220 per night.

——————————————–

The perfect holiday party suite with a view (& shopping): W New York – Times Square

The hotel’s Extreme WOW suite on the 57th Floor overlooks Times Square. The luxurious suite is ideal for holiday parties or couples seeking a getaway. The suite comes equipped with a show-stopping round king size bed. Plus there’s a full-size living room and kitchen with a rotating dining room table. The hotel offers a boutique shopping experience called Style Lab. Its a hidden storefront and relaxed shopping experience that will ease the trials of holiday shopping in Times Square. For the holidays, the hotel will also roll out new live music offerings, Broadway performances, fitness classes, and cocktail specials.
Rates start at $400 per night.

——————————————–

Travelers staying in FiDI seeking a little festive spirit: W New York – Downtown

For the holidays, W New York – Downtown will be launching a new exhibition by artist Ivy Nate. He works with traditional and donated materials in nontraditional ways. In tandem, the hotel will launch cocktail specials and holiday shopping pop-ups. These holiday events will take place on the hotel’s indoor/outdoor terrace overlooking the WTC.
Rates start at $400 per night.

——————————————–

Holiday Shopping at W New York – Union Square: W New York – Union Square

Locals and hotel guests can enjoy time spent at the hotel, overlooking the iconic Union Square Holiday Market. The hotel will be rolling out special programming and exclusive insider experiences of the holiday market. Perfect for travelers seeking a little VIP shopping experience. The hotel’s spacious Extreme Wow Suite is ideal for holiday parties or friends traveling together.
Rates start at $400 per night.

——————————————–

For those looking to escape the seasonal slump of winter for some vitamin SEA: Paradise Beach

New for the holidays at Nevis’ Paradise Beach are five Beach Houses raised on stilts above the property’s private beach. The luxurious beachfront property is incredibly private with only 12 accommodations. In addition, enjoy private pools, sweeping views of the Caribbean Sea, and 24-hour concierge service. Private chefs are available upon request and all manner of outdoor activity can be arranged on Nevis.
Rates start at $1,495 per night.

——————————————–

For those that need some inspiration or ease the stress of booking their next say: A Hotel Life

A Hotel Life is an editorially-based travel and hotel review website. Designed for the creative and environmentally conscious traveler founded by Ben Pundole- VP of Brand Experience at EDITION hotels. The site has just debuted its Plastic-Free barometer feature within reviews which lets globetrotters know not only how “green” a hotel is. But specifically, how little plastic is used. Additionally, Ben has concepted the global movement, Stay Plastic Free, which highlights the damaging effects of the excess use of plastic while offering its members alternative plastic-free options.

——————————————–

Make plans now for your perfect holiday stay. Hotels book up fast during the holiday season, so don’t miss out on your dream luxury vacation. The Life of Luxury can help you plan and book your entire trip itinerary.

Did these incredible luxury hotels inspire you. You ready to enjoy a perfect holiday stay? Be sure to stop back soon and follow our popular luxury blog. We enjoy sharing the best luxury travel news and deals.

Photo: Arlo SoHo

Bellagio Winter Wonderland – Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

The world-famous Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Las Vegas has just completed its incredible transformation and has turned into a winter wonderland …. just in time for the Christmas holidays.

The iconic Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Garden is visited by more than 6.5 million people a year!

Filled with picture-perfect botanical creations and the magical sounds and colors of the season, the spectacular Winter Wonderland display will be open to guests from December 3 through January 2.

The transformation is truly amazing. It’s a week-long process that includes between 50-75 people, who work 24 hours a day for six days straight.

Here is a list of the some of the Conservatory and Botanical Gardens exhibit’s major features:

· The exhibit will feature over 16,000 flowers to start the show.

· The dazzling centerpiece will be a stately 42-foot Shasta Fir from Mount Shasta, California covered in 7,000 lights and 1,800 ornaments.

· Eight reindeer, each comprised of 110 pounds of whole pecans, will be captured in mid-flight surrounding the holiday tree.

· A family of 28 adult and baby penguins will come to life, waddling on a patch of arctic terrain.

· A polar bear family adorned with coats made of 16,000 white carnations will tug on the heartstrings of visitors.

· Five twinkling gold holiday ornaments, ranging in size from 4-feet to 8-feet tall, will welcome guests amid dancing water.

Bellagio Winter Wonderland – Conservatory and Botanical Gardens

The world-famous Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens in Las Vegas has just completed its incredible transformation and has turned into a winter wonderland …. just in time for the Christmas holidays.

The iconic Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Garden is visited by more than 6.5 million people a year!

Filled with picture-perfect botanical creations and the magical sounds and colors of the season, the spectacular Winter Wonderland display will be open to guests from December 3 through January 2.

The transformation is truly amazing. It’s a week-long process that includes between 50-75 people, who work 24 hours a day for six days straight.

Here is a list of the some of the Conservatory and Botanical Gardens exhibit’s major features:

· The exhibit will feature over 16,000 flowers to start the show.

· The dazzling centerpiece will be a stately 42-foot Shasta Fir from Mount Shasta, California covered in 7,000 lights and 1,800 ornaments.

· Eight reindeer, each comprised of 110 pounds of whole pecans, will be captured in mid-flight surrounding the holiday tree.

· A family of 28 adult and baby penguins will come to life, waddling on a patch of arctic terrain.

· A polar bear family adorned with coats made of 16,000 white carnations will tug on the heartstrings of visitors.

· Five twinkling gold holiday ornaments, ranging in size from 4-feet to 8-feet tall, will welcome guests amid dancing water.

The 2011 holiday exhibit at the complimentary to the Bellagio Conservatory and Botanical Gardens is open to the public – seven days a week, 24 hours a day.

Happy Holidays from the Bellagio !

Bellagio Hotel and Casino – Christmas Holiday

2011 is quickly winding down and the holiday season is approaching. Many of you make Las Vegas one of your top destinations for holiday season travel.

More than eight million people visited Las Vegas during last year’s holiday season, according to the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority.

Spend a memorable holiday season in Las Vegas this year. We’ve gathered some of our best holiday season picks for you to enjoy.

Thanksgiving
– Thanksgiving is wonderful but it can be a lot for work – the cooking, clean-up, etc….  Now you can finally skip doing the dishes this year and try an extraordinary Thanksgiving meal the whole family will love.
– The Buffet at ARIA is a true palate pleaser, offering limitless fine food choices such as fresh crab legs, made-to-order pastas and seasonal favorites including oven-roasted turkey, of course.
– For those with a sweet tooth, you can feast upon signature creations by World Pastry Champion Jean-Philippe Maury.
– The best part is there’s no need to clean the kitchen afterward. Instead, head over to one of the many state-of-the-art sports books to catch all the football action.
– If you’re a sports lover, then feel the excitement of every tackle and touchdown with more than 10,000 square feet of big-screen action at The Mirage or try a more intimate setting with the private Skyboxes at MGM Grand complete with 42-inch plasma televisions and surround-sound audio systems.

Holiday Shopping
– Shopping during the holidays can be a treat for many. Now you can take an enchanted journey through couture, cuisine and entertainment inside Crystals at CityCenter.
– Located within a magnificently modern gathering place, the options for luxurious brands are endless and include fine fashion boutiques such as world-renowned designers Louis Vuitton, Prada, Gucci and Tom Ford.
– Consider perusing The Shoppes at Mandalay Place and enjoy one-of-a-kind boutiques like LUSH, the “cosmetic grocer” that features traditional and non-traditional merchandise from fragrant soaps to fizzing bath bombs.
– For dad, The Art of Shaving carries a large collection of accessories for men and also offers the Royal Shave, scissor haircuts or skin treatments performed by expertly trained master barbers in the luxurious Barber Spa.
For golfers on the shopping list, check out Nike Golf, the first location in the U.S. to offer the hottest brand in the golf industry today. This unique store is known for innovation in apparel and offers complete lines of men’s, women’s and children’s brand apparel as well as professional personalized swing analysis (what better gift for anyone who takes their golf seriously?).

New Year’s Eve
– Although it’s frigid in other parts of the world, Las Vegas is still heating things up, even in a December winter.
– Some of the world’s hottest New Year’s Eve parties line the Vegas Strip at nightclubs like ARIA’s Haze, MGM Grand’s Studio 54, Bellagio’s The Bank and Mandalay Bay’s miX Lounge.
– From outrageous celebrity appearances to mind-blowing performances by world-class DJs, few cities can do New Year’s Eve like Las Vegas can.
– But the party doesn’t stop there; The Strip becomes America ’s Party as resorts including MGM Grand and ARIA launch unbelievable fireworks displays when the clock strikes midnight.

Contact us today to help plan your trip and spend a memorable holiday season in Las Vegas. Make this year a magical VIP experience, that only Las Vegas can deliver.