It’s no secret that New York City is one of the most pricey cities in the world to live in. That also translates into the tourism industry. In the United States, New York City has the distinction of having the top 7 of the most expensive luxury hotels.

In a story by eTN, a recent survey was conducted to evaluate luxury hotels in the United States and determine their lowest room rate for a double room for October. One would think that the peak summer months are the highest hotel room rates, but it’s actually the month of October.

New York City has some the most recognizable luxury hotels in the world. But that comes with a price and they are also some of the most expensive luxury hotels.

Tied at the top of the list are The Ritz-Carlton Central Park and Mandarin Oriental – New York. Multiple award winning The Ritz-Carlton Central Park is located in the heart of Manhattan at 50 Central Park S. The luxury Mandarin Oriental, New York hotel is regarded by many as the most luxurious 5 Star hotel anywhere in New York City. This luxury property can be found on the Southwest corner of Central Park, in Manhattan’s Time Warner Center at Columbus Circle.

Photo: Mandarin Oriental, New York

Here is the list of most expensive luxury hotels in U.S.

1. The Ritz-Carlton Central Park (New York) $995
1. Mandarin Oriental (New York) $995
3. Baccarat Hotel & Residences (New York) $990
4. The St. Regis (New York) $945
5. The Plaza Hotel (New York) $893
6. The Peninsula (New York) $845
7. Park Hyatt (New York) $834
8. Montage Beverly Hills (Los Angeles) $800
9. SKYLOFTS at MGM Grand (Las Vegas) $789
10. The Lowell (New York) $785

The New York City luxury hotels are all located in Manhattan and occupy the top 7 survey slots and #10. Both the 1. The Ritz-Carlton Central Park and Mandarin Oriental – New York hotels are tied with a whopping room rate of $995 per night.

But close behind is the Baccarat Hotel & Residences at $900 per night. The bottom of the top 10 list has the only two non-New York City hotels – Montage Beverly Hills in Los Angeles at #8 and SKYLOFTS at MGM Grand in Las Vegas at #9.

For those that desire a luxury VIP experience, want the best amenities and impeccable service. Paying top dollar is worth it, especially to stay in the top U.S. cites like New York, Los Angeles and Las Vegas. The above list shows that the best luxury hotels can also be quite expensive.

If you are looking to spend time in New York City and want the best, consider staying at one of the most expensive luxury Hotels in the Big Apple. The Life of Luxury can offer you excellent customer service, as our travel specialists are to help you have a VIP experience. Read our luxury blog to hear about the latest luxury travel news.

Photo: The Ritz-Carlton New York hotel

The month of October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month and to honor this important cause, the AAA Four Diamond Whiteface Lodge in Lake Placid has expanded its amazing spa menu.

Whiteface Lodge in Lake Placid is an award winning property in upstate New York. In support of the highly respected Susan G. Komen Foundation, Whiteface Lodge is donating 10% of its proceeds from several new spa treatments – listed below.

The ultimate goal of the charitable donations is to help the education and research to finally find a cure for women’s breast cancer. It’s a terrible disease and more effort is needed to assist in learning about its causes and available treatments.

Whiteface Lodge is nestled in Adirondack Park. It’s a top tourist destination and the luxury resort offers an endless number of luxury amenities. Both families and adult travelers can also enjoy a variety of activities throughout the year. A sample includes: canoeing on nearby Lake Placid, watching your favorite film in the movie theater, bowling and in the winter, ice skating is very popular. There’s also boating, hiking, fishing, cycling, golfing, horseback riding and much more!

The Spa at Whiteface Lodge is about 8,000 square feet in size and was proud to be ranked in the Top 100 Spas in North America the by highly respected Condé Nast Traveler. The spa is an ideal blend of rustic charm and luxury relaxation. Enjoy a VIP experience with one of their leading spa treatments.

Unwind from the stress of your daily life and do something to better your mind, body and spirit. The Spa at Whiteface Lodge awaits with a complete menu of luxury spa treatment services to rejuvenate you and make you feel better overall. It’s the perfect way to top off a memorable luxury vacation.

The two new spa treatments are:
· Raspberry Healing Massage
– An ultra-renewing massage that’s packed with Gotu Kola and Calendula for deep skin revitalization.
(Price: $125 Monday-Thursday, $135 Friday-Sunday)

· Sweet Cherry Enzyme Peel Facial
– Perfect way to both brighten and smooth your sun damaged skin. This incredible facial is infused with sweet cherry puree, includes a vitamin-rich anti-inflammatory and resveratrol for brightening and delivering an even skin tone.
(Price: $130 Monday-Thursday, $140 Friday-Sunday)

After a day of pampering yourself, stop by the lodge’s KANU Lounge for a cocktail and socialize among your friends. Be sure to try the “Eyes Up Here” cocktail. This delicious drink was created by Zachary Blair, who is the lead mixologist at Whiteface Lodge.

If you want to try this cocktail at home, we have included the drink recipe:

“Eyes Up Here”
2.5oz 44 North Nectarine Vodka
.5oz Dolin Dry Vermouth
.75oz Aperol
Splash of lemon juice
Splash of simple syrup
Shake and strain into a martini glass
Finish with three good dashes of rose water

Visiting New York state is a great experience anytime of the year. Enjoy the natural beauty of the outdoors and Adirondack Park and Lake Placid by staying at luxurious Whiteface Lodge. The Life of Luxury can help book your luxury travel reservations and make sure you receive VIP service. Come back often to follow our luxury blog and read about other luxury travel destinations.

Photo: Whiteface Lodge

The world famous Palace at Versailles in France has housed both kings and queens from 1682 until 1790, during the time of the French Revolution. Now the French city, just outside of Paris will be the location of a new Versailles luxury hotel, although it will likely be years away from actually opening.

First reported by the French newspaper Journal du Dimanche, the Chateau de Versailles announced it had begun plans to open a Versailles luxury hotel. The site will be located on the palace ground’s south-eastern corner.

The first phase of the process is to renovate three buildings on the Versailles palace site that are quite run down. Those three buildings built in the 1680’s are named – Petit Contrôle, Pavilion of the First 100 Steps and the Grand Contrôle. Once completed, the new Versailles luxury hotel will be built within the three buildings from the 17th century.

The luxury hotel will actually be located outside the gates of the famous Versailles palace, but offering spectacular views of Versailles and the surrounding area.

It’s estimated that the initial building renovation will cost between 4 and 7 million Euros or approximately $4.484 to $7.847 million dollars. The luxury hotel will definitely increase tourism revenue

The project will go out for bid and the winner will not only get the large undertaking to build the new Versailles luxury hotel, but will also have the right to operate the hotel for a time period of 60 years.

If you get the chance to ever visit France, be sure to see the impressive Versailles palace. During the French Revolution, the palace of Versailles had all of its furnishings removed. The Tuileries in Paris then became the new royal residence of France.

Louis XVI was the last king you lived in Versailles but fleed during the French Revolution. Condemned to death for treason, Louis XVI then executed on January 21, 1793, ending a mighty reign.

The Château de Versailles was also a big part of world history. It was the location World War I officially ended. The Treaty of Versailles was signed there on June 28, 1919.

Once built, it will be an honor to stay at the Versailles luxury hotel near Paris, France. World famous and years of rich history, you’ll be able to stay on the grounds of the Palace of Versailles. The Life of Luxury can help you book your luxury travel reservation to France. Stay in VIP style and enjoy luxury amenities. Come back soon and read our luxury blog.

Photo: Château de Versailles – © EPV / Ch. Milet

On October 12, the luxury The Redbury hotel in Hollywood is proud to celebrate its five-year anniversary. This iconic Hollywood hotel offers guests a warm, bohemian counter-culture feel …. but in trendy SoCal.

For the last five years, The Redbury hotel has been curated by Matthew Rolston, who is a renowned photographer. The hotel celebrates art, travel, culture and much more! Located on the popular corner of Hollywood and Vine, The Redbury is an all-suite, luxury hotel property that offers true VIP service.

To celebrate the big milestone, The Redbury is offering guests a variety of travel packages and special programs. There will be a selection of hotel, restaurant and lounge packages plus exciting giveaways leading up to anniversary date on October 12, 2015. A fantastic deal will be their “Buy One, Get One for $5” special. This deal will be offered during the luxury hotel’s 5 day flash sale. For each room night reservation during the week of October 12, you’ll receive an additional night stay for only $5. What an amazing deal that is!

The Redbury hotel features 57 luxurious “apartment style” suites. In addition to the bohemian atmosphere, the luxury Hollywood hotel delivers design elements that have been brought in from a variety of old-world cultures.

Below are the current specials at The Redbury hotel:
· Suite Staycation: includes an overnight stay, Prix-Fixe Dinner at Cleo for two (approx.. $110 value), free parking and wifi; starting from $365 and available week of 9/21
· Rise & Ride: includes overnight stay, Soul Cycle class for two and breakfast for two; starting from $289 and available week of 9/28
· Local Love: includes 15% off BAR for California Residents; starting from $289 and available week of 10/5
· Buy One, Get One for $5: 5 day flash sale, with every room night purchased guests receive the second for $5; available week of 10/12

For your dining pleasure, you not only have one but two of Hollywood’s top culinary restaurants to enjoy. Cleo occupies the first floor of this incredible hotel. The Library, features popular Chef Danny Elmaleh’s spin on Middle Eastern cuisine. The fine restaurant conveys a vibrant and communal environment. Located on the hotel’s second floor, The Library provided both indoor or outdoor seating. Enjoy a fine meal and take in the views of the historic Hollywood & Vine intersection.

Below are the current specials at Cleo restaurant:
· Signature anniversary cocktail “Grapes of Wrath,” available 9/14 – 10/18
· $55 cocktail carafes of signature libations the Vinebury, Mezcal Mule and Med Marg, available 9/14 – 10/18

Giveaway: Dinner for 5 (not including alcohol, tax/gratuity), entries will be collected via diner submissions

Below are the current specials at The Library restaurant:
· Signature anniversary cocktail “Grapes of Wrath,” available 9/14 – 10/18
· $55 cocktail carafes of signature libations the Vinebury, Mezcal Mule and Med Marg, available 9/14 – 10/18
· $5 select bar bites, available 10/12 – 10/18
· $5 Vinebury from 5:00pm – 5:55pm, available 10/12 – 10/18
· 50% off all night, available 10/12

In addition, The Redbury will be giving away vinyl record player and Captiol Records-curated album set via a social media content held across the five weeks of hotel’s celebration

If you want to help celebrate the five-year anniversary at The Redbury hotel in Hollywood, California, then contact The Life of Luxury today. We can assist booking your stay and taking advanatge of one of their special packages deals. If you enjoy reading luxury travel stories, return again to follow our luxury blog.

Photo: The Redbury

The new Le Touessrok Resort & Spa, Mauritius from the Shangri-La Group is on schedule to open November 1, 2015. The luxury property just finished an extensive, six month long renovation.

Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok Resort & Spa, Mauritius will showcase the renowned Asian, VIP hospitality to its guests. The property is located on the remote east coast of the island of Mauritius. Unwind on the tranquil, white sand beaches of Trou d’Eau Douce Bay.

Le Touessrok Resort & Spa, Mauritius features 200 luxury rooms, consisting of guestrooms, villas and suites. Each accommodation will offer incredible views of the Indian Ocean through large, bay windows.

All the resort’s rooms underwent a complete redesign. The ambiance and luxury decor of each room follows the high level that Shangri-La offers at all of their properties. Indulge in island chic living and experience all the best luxury amenities. A stay at Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok Resort & Spa, Mauritius is truly a VIP experience.

All of the furnishings were carefully chosen to perfectly match the overall decor design. They look rich, yet quite stylish. When renovating the resort, Le Touessrok Resort & Spa, Mauritius intentionally chose materials that are indigenous but also convey a contemporary style. The result is an ideal blend of elegance in a tropical setting that delivers the intimate ambiance of the luxury resort.

Rich and tasteful furnishings have been carefully curated to complement the surrounding natural beauty and local culture. At Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok Resort & Spa, Mauritius, indigenous materials and contemporary style are seamlessly mixed to create a beautiful and chic atmosphere.

Ilot Mangénie is a secluded private island that resort guests can visit. The island features about 3.5 kilometres of picture-perfect beach and stylish beach club. For the ultimate in service, you will be served by on-island butlers. What a treat! For golf lovers, play the 18-hole, par 72 championship golf course that was personally designed by German pro golfer Bernhard Langer.

Gabriele Lombardo is general manager at Shangri-La’s Le Touessrok Resort & Spa and was quoted, “Our vision is to create a private hideaway that can be our guests’ own personal paradise. In an always-on world, our senses are constantly barraged. We want to give guests space for imagination and serendipitous discovery.”

Foodies can take a delightful, culinary journey at the incredible restaurants found at the resort. They all serve delicious, international gourmet cuisine. For example, sushi lovers can try contemporary Japanese cuisine at Kushi. If you like beachside dining, eat at the resorts new concept Republik Beach Club & Grill.

Kids between the age of 4 and 11 years old can have fun in T-Club. For those between 12 and 17 years old, there’s the Active T-Club. The resort also offers a wide variety of both land-based and water activities. For example, take a dip in of the top sensational swimming pools.

Have you always wanted to visit the island of Mauritius? The Life of Luxury can help plan and book your trip, including a stay at the new Le Touessrok Resort & Spa, Mauritius from the Shangri-La Group. Check out our popular luxury blog and read about the best luxury travel destinations and exciting vacation packages.

Photos: Le Touessrok Resort & Spa / Shangri-La Group

Lark Hotels owns a collection of boutique hotels, primarily in the Northeast region of the United States, including properties in Maine, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire. They also own one property in Mendocino, California. A new luxury lodge in Vermont is scheduled to open October 1st – Field Guide.

Field Guide becomes the newest boutique hotel in scenic Stowe, Vermont. The new hotel will have a rustic, yet modern design that blends perfectly with the aesthetic of the historic city of Stowe. One change for Lark Hotels in choosing Stowe, the new hotel becomes the first, non-coastal property location and the twelfth in their collection. Later this year, The Merchant boutique hotel with 11 rooms will open Salem, Massachusetts.

Field Guide will offer guests 17 standard guest rooms, plus ten suites and three private-entrance cottages. It will quickly become a great place to stay and be central to everything Vermont has to offer. Enjoy a wonderful vacation experience from the site of the former Ye Olde England Inn.

Rob Blood is CEO of Lark Hotels and was quoted, “Field Guide was conceived and curated for active, curious adventurers who seek the relaxed, modern, and playful style that has become our signature. We fell in love with the bones of Ye Olde England Inn and are excited to share this next chapter with our guests. The hotel is just minutes from the slopes, trails, and main village, and almost any other activity you can imagine.”

What makes each Lark Hotel property so unique in the travel industry, is their goal of providing guests the ability to experience modern luxury, centrally located in an iconic destination. Enjoy your surroundings with a variety of luxury amenities and high-level of service.

Field Guide hotel guests can enjoy a year-round hot tub and seasonal heated pool, spa treatment room, in addition to meeting and event spaces. If you want to unwind, then spend time in the rustic lounge where you can relax in front of a warm, inviting fire or play games or read from a collection of vintage field guides.

For foodies, enjoy a daily, curated breakfast consisting of small plates, which has become a signature of Lark Hotels. Scheduled to open in the winter of 2016, a new restaurant will add a great dining experience to the luxury lodge.

The interior of Filed Guide was created by Boston-based interior designer – Rachel Reider. Her bold style has been recognized with numerous design awards. Her design style includes blending together unique textiles and finishes with a gorgeous color palette, such as gold, green, dusky purple, orange and gray. The colors perfectly compliment the hotel’s furnishings including live edge wooden headboards, silver leaf tree stump end tables and bathroom walls made from reclaimed wood. A unique touch that captures the natural setting of Stowe, Vermont is Reider’s use of unique wallpaper designs. For example, one style feels and looks like birth wood. Then to expand, tree limbs with perched birds are juxtaposed along with papier mâché and cardboard animal heads, antlers and even vintage travel guides of the Vermont area.

Rates at the new Field Guide hotel will range between $139 to $519 per night depending on the season of the year and room type. Get additional information at www.fieldguidestowe.com

The Life of Luxury would like to help plan and book your magical getaway to Vermont and a stay at the new Field Guide boutique hotel in Stowe. If you like reading about new hotel openings and terrific luxury travel destinations, then come back often to follow this luxury blog.

Photo: Lark Hotels

You’re about to get married and can’t wait for the incredible wedding. All the work involved prior to the wedding can be quite stressful. But you also would like to enjoy a luxury experience before saying “I Do.” We wanted to share some amazing packages from the luxury Mirbeau Inn & Spa.

There are actually two wonderful locations to find the French-inspired Mirbeau Inn & Spa – the first is in Plymouth, Massachusetts and the other in Skaneateles, New York.

The Mirbeau Inn & Spa has become one of the top destinations for intimate weddings, unique wellness amenities, as well as romantic getaways for lovers. Offering the best in French country living, the luxury inn in the Finger Lakes Region of New York State is pure heaven and offers guests 34 stunning rooms. Enjoy endless luxury amenities such personal fireplaces, which are perfect especially during the winter months as snow gently falls outside your window.

The Pinehills, Mirbeau Inn & Spa at The Pinehills is a gorgeous, destination retreat offering 50 luxury rooms. This property features the award winning 14,000-square-foot Spa Mirbeau that includes the state-of-the art fitness center.

For the perfect VIP experience, try the “Must Do’s Before ‘I Do'” six-month packages at the Mirbeau Inn & Spa. Each of these well thought out, luxury packages offer the ultimate in pampering and self indulgence for that beautiful bride. The packages are designed to make her feel her best, both inside and out. Guys don’t worry, there are many options for you too.

Each program consists of a one-on-one nutritional consultation, manicure and pedicure for the engaged couple, a thorough skin analysis, personally crafted training sessions, bridal makeup, as well as facials designed to make your skin healthy and glowing.

At the conclusion of each program session, brides-to-be can indulge with complimentary fitness classes and use of the inn’s spa equipment, soak in whirlpool, unwind in the heated foot pool and sit in comfy lounge chairs. For grooms who prefer other services and amenities, the Inn’s spa staff can help design custom programs just for you!

If your mother-of-the-bride, bridesmaid or groom want to enjoy other services, they are entitled to 20% off all spa treatments.

The “Must Do’s Before ‘I Do'” six-month programs offer clients an incredible, VIP style experience and consists of the following:

Mirbeau Inn & Spa at The Pinehills (Plymouth, Mass.):

Six months out:
· One 50-minute Mirbeau Signature Facial with skin analysis and Babor product recommendations for home regimen
· One-hour personal training session to assess health and fitness goals
· One nutritional counseling session

Five months out:
· One 50-minute Skin-Renewal Therapy Cosmeceutical Peel, which combines glycolic and lactic acids to increase cell renewal
· One-hour personal training session

Four months out:
· One 50-minute Skin Performance Cosmeceutical Facial designed to brighten skin
· One-hour personal training session

Three months out:
· One 50-minute Skin-Renewal Therapy Cosmeceutical Peel
· Take-home regimen of recommended fluid intake for the following two months
· One-hour personal training session

Two months out:
· One 50-minute Mirbeau Signature Facial
· Bridal makeup trial
· One-hour personal training session

Day before:
· One 50-minute Couple’s Massage
· Couple’s manicure and pedicure for the couple

Day of:
· Deep-conditioning treatment, blowout and style for bride (not including updos)
· Makeup application for bride

· Champagne toast

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Mirbeau Inn & Spa (Skaneateles, N.Y.):
Six months out:
· One 50-minute Vinosource Facial to enrich and nourish skin, and Caudalie products recommended for at-home regimen
· One-hour personal training session to asses health and fitness goals
· One nutritional consultation

Five months out:
· One 50-minute Vinoperfect Facial to promote radiance and vitality to the skin
· One-hour personal training session

Four months out:
· One 50-minute Premier Cru Facial for unparalleled anti-aging results
· One-hour personal training session

Three months out:
· One 50-minute Vinoperfect Facial
· One-hour personal training session

Two months out:
· One 50-minute Vinosource Facial
· One-hour personal training session

Day before:
· 50-minute Couple’s Massage
· Classic Pedicure and Manicure for the bride
· Men’s Hand and Foot Treatment for the groom

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The above programs are both priced at only $1,500 – gratuities are not included.

Make your wedding memorable and try to relive the stress with one of the “Must Do’s Before ‘I Do'” programs at either Mirbeau Inn & Spa locations. Be sure to contact The Life of Luxury and we can help plan and book your travel stay. Return often to follow our luxury blog and stay on top of the latest luxury travel news and hear about unbelievable VIP packages.

Photo: Mirbeau Inn & Spa

Just announced are four, new one-bedroom Executive Suites that have been remodeled at the Corinthia Hotel Budapest in Hungary. This 5 star hotel in Budapest makes for an ideal destination to enjoy all the cultural city of Budapest offers.

The new one-bedroom Executive Suites offer the perfect blend of elegant and spacious interiors. Each suite measures 70 m2 in size. The suite decor consists of new lighting and the perfect mix of both furniture and materials. Sophisticated clientele staying at the Corinthia Hotel Budapest won’t be disappointed and will enjoy the true, VIP experience look and feel.

The large living quarters of each Executive Suite are luxurious. There are two, separate bathrooms – each with a bathtub, shower plus roomy walk-in wardrobe. In addition, each luxury suite includes a media hub, two interactive 24 inch LCD TVs, Nespresso coffee machine, plus luxurious new furniture. The suite’s walls are adorned with neutral shades of light grey and taupe.

We love the gorgeous glass panel that contrast with the velvety flooring and luxury bedding. The modern interior design is perfect and the bright spaces are very inviting. They just ooze luxury from the moment you step inside of these new, one-bedroom Executive Suites at the Corinthia Hotel Budapest.

General Manager at the Corinthia Hotel Budapest is Jean Pierre Mifsud and was quoted, “This major renovation proves our dedication to the constant development and investment in guest comfort, so we are better able to provide our guests with world class and personalized service. We wanted to tip a hat to the rich, historic feel of the Corinthia Hotel Budapest, but also ensure the new suites have a contemporary feel. Our goal was to give guests the sense that while they are walking into a modern setting, they quickly understand that this is a timeless design.”

Hotel guests that stay in one of the newly remodeled Executive Suites, will enjoy complimentary access to both the hotel’s Royal Spa and Executive Lounge. The Roal Spa features a large 15-meter pool, saunas, Jacuzzis plus a steam bath. After a busy day of sightseeing and experiencing all that Budapest has to offer, it’s time to get pampered in the luxury spa. The spa has utilized the city’s rich, historical traditions of healing waters and spas. Unwind with ESPA’s cutting-edge skincare treatments and technologies.

In the Executive Lounge, hotel guests are treated to complimentary access and can enjoy private check-in and check-out. Try a complimentary welcome drink, in addition to a wide selection of complimentary snacks, canapés, and drinks that are served all day long.

The new Executive Suites are priced at €699 per night, which is about $780.16 US. VAT is extra per night.

Are you interested in visiting Budapest, Hungary and staying at the luxury Corinthia Hotel Budapest? The Life of Luxury can assist you with all your travel plans. Be sure to return often and follow this luxury blog to read about the latest luxury travel news and package deals.

Photo: Corinthia Hotel Budapest

You may think that traditional, beekeeping methods are a thing of the past. Just don’t tell that to the luxury hotel industry.

Always looking for new ways to differentiate themselves and following the popular “farm to fork” movement popular with foodies, luxury hotels around the world are producing their own honey with various, on-property beekeeping methods.

Beekeeping has been documented going back thousands of years in history. Written records have been found from about 3000 BC in ancient Egypt, migratory beekeeping took place all up and down the iconic Nile river.

According to a story from KCRA News in Sacramento, they highlighted five luxury hotels making a buzz with their own beekeeping and honey production.

1) St. Ermin’s Hotel:
The month of September is designated as honey month at the London hotel. The house-made nectar is used in both the hotel’s food and cocktail recipes. During September, the St. Ermin’s Hotel offer guests an urban beekeeping workshop hosted by Camilla Goddard of Capital Bee.

2) The Fairmont Waterfront:
This luxury hotel in Vancouver is a leader of in-house honeybee production. Its process includes about 500,000 honeybees who use the hotel’s big, third floor terrace herb garden.

3) Waldorf Astoria:
Located high above Park Avenue in New York City, the world famous Waldorf Astoria hotel bee collection consists of about 360,000 bees. Harvested each each, the bee colony produce greater than 300 pounds of great tasting honey.

4) Mandarin Oriental:
The luxurious Mandarin Oriental in Paris, France offers its guests an eco-initiatives program. For example, if you reuse your bathroom towels, you receive a delicious jar of honey to thank you for your efforts. You’ll find the use of local produced honey in the hotel’s F&B (Food & Beverage) menu.

5) W Taipei:
Located in Taipei City, Taiwan the W Taipei hotel serves up a “detox martini” cocktail at the hotrl’s WOOBAR. The cocktail’s recipe consists of green tea-infused Belvedere vodka, Grand Marnier, yuzu juice, orange juice, sprite, plus house-made honey.

We love sharing the best travel news, like the use of local beekeeping at some of the top luxury hotels. Be sure to follow our luxury blog and stay abreast of the latest trends and popular travel destinations from around the world.

Photos: St Ermin’s Hotel

Another popular trend in the travel industry is foodie tourism. Driven by the popularity of TV food shows and the desire for travelers to enjoy great food and a fine dining experience, foodie tourism is hot. Luxury hotel and resorts around the world are creating fantastic opportunities and appease our gastro-pleasure desires.

Offering a collection of over 40 luxury and upscale independent hotels, resorts and residences all across the United States, Destination Hotels provides an incredible array of local, foodie programs – everything from foraging, to local farming and fishing experiences, plus get cooking tips from local chefs.

The culinary interactions being offered by Destination Hotels are all authentic. These culinary adventures are one-of-a-kind and are will deliver a memorable experience that your stomach will surely say “Thanks!”

Here’s a list of intriguing, gastronomic getaways from Destination Hotels:

Meet the Forager: The local gardener and forager at Suncadia, A Destination Hotel, guides guests through Hay Creek Garden to share secrets of the many earthy delicacies native to the area. This multi-course dinner showcases the garden’s complete summer harvest, including several types of carrots (red, yellow, purple, white), Arugula, Broccoli Raab, Mustard Greens, Snow Peas, Filet Beans, Eight-Ball Summer Squash, Edible Flowers, White Strawberries and more.

Catch, Keep & Eat King Salmon: In partnership with Cabela’s Outfitters, Fishing the Gorge and Skamania Lodge, A Destination Hotel, hotel guests have the opportunity to climb aboard a beautiful 24-foot Alumaweld Formula Vee boat for a guided King Salmon fishing experience on the Columbia River. Executive Chef Matt and Skamania’s culinary team will then turn the catch into a delicious meal for guests to enjoy fresh that night.

Pop-up Street Food Kitchen: Once a week at the Hotel De Anza, A Destination Hotel, the patio at The Satellite Kitchen is transformed into a pop-up street food kitchen that features a variety of food creations from local guest chefs. This culinary event displays new food concepts and classic favorites while highlighting the local ingredients from the San Francisco Bay Area.

Best of Land and Sea: Terranea Resort, A Destination Hotel offers a myriad of culinary experiences that immerse the senses and satisfy even the most discerning foodie, with the best of California’s coastal cuisine. Through the Farm-to-Terranea dining experience package, guests can participate in a farm tour and cooking demonstration with Terranea’s Chef Bernard, as well as a number of interactive workshops that highlight the sea salt and honey harvesting in the area. Wine and spirits sommeliers can quench their thirst at Terranea’s Pastry & Liquor pairing workshop with Executive Pastry Chef Pierino and Sommelier Szymon Piechaczek, or a wine pairing dinner at signature Mar’sel restaurant.

Orange Grove Dinner: The Orange Grove at Royal Palms Resort and Spa in Phoenix, Arizona – a luxury Destination Hotel, is an idyllic dining vignette. The original resort, built in the middle of a citrus grove at the base of Camelback Mountain, creates an intimate setting for any occasion with its farm-fresh culinary offerings and inspired craft cocktails menus.

Blue Crabbing and Farmers Market: At Wild Dunes, A Destination Hotel, guests can catch wild blue crabs on Capers Island in South Carolina, a nearby boneyard beach that is a scenic boat ride away. Guests then enjoy an authentic beachside crab boil with their catches. For those looking to explore the historic downtown Charleston with a foodie twist, a local chef will guide guests through the Farmers Market Showcase who will pick out local produce and the prepare a fresh and wholesome lunch.

How Sweet It Is: The Carolina Inn, A Destination Hotel, and local bee keeper Marty Hanks, are working together to curate organic, homemade honey at Hank’s charming five-acre farm in Orange County. These painted and decorates hives will be harvested in July for guests to use and enjoy in the award-winning Carolina Crossroads Restaurant at the Carolina Inn.

Backyard to Table: Suncadia, A Destination Hotel, has put its own spin on the Farm-to-Table movement with the Backyard-To-Table Summer Foraging Dinner at the Nelson Farm in Washington. Chef Rick Shell and his culinary team have crafted an innovative multi-course dinner inspired by the vibrant flavors of the summer season. From Eight-Ball Summer Squash, to White Strawberries, to wild foraged mushrooms — the menu highlights the area’s glorious summer produce straight from the hotel’s backyard garden, which guests handpick themselves.

Water & Wine: Guests looking to work up an appetite and truly earn those wine calories will enjoy this unique tour offered by Stowe Mountain Lodge, A Destination Hotel in partnership with nearby Boyden Valley Winery & Spirits in the renowned Green Mountains. Guests are driven to the winery’s outpost in Cambridge, VT and enjoy a 90-minute paddle in a boat of choice (kayak, paddleboards or single or tandem canoes) followed by a special private winery tour. A wine tasting and a platter of fresh Vermont cheddar cheeses along with French bread will be provided as a reward for the hard work endured on the lake, and a guide will transport guests back to the car at the winery tour conclusion. Located in a restored 1875 carriage barn, Boyden Valley Winery is steeped in culture and agriculture heritage and offers 8,000 grapevines and 300 acres of maple trees tended to by the same family for four generations. Each wine features only the finest locally grown fruit from the loamy soils of the Lamoille River Valley.

In addition to the above foodie programs by Destination Hotels, the award winning travel company also also features 20 renowned golf courses, 19 indigenous spas, in addition to 105 exceptional bars and restaurants.

If a foodie experience at one of the Destination Hotels is what you’ve been wanting to try, please contact The Life of Luxury and we can help plan and book your entire luxury travel reservation. Enjoy a true VIP experience. Keep up with all the latest fine dining and travel news, by returning to this luxury blog.

Photot: Royal Palms Resort and Spa / Destination Hotels

Pikaia Lodge is the first luxury lodge built in the Galapagos Islands and provides the perfect combination of the great outdoors and also wonderful indoors.

The Incredible Galapagos Islands lie off the coast of Ecuador. Of course, we know researcher Charles Darwin made his historic visit to the Galapagos Islands back in 1835. Based on his observations of the island’s various species, Darwin developed his theory of evolution.

As a luxury eco-lodge, Pikaia Lodge on the uplands of beautiful Santa Cruz Island features 14 rooms. This luxury resort actually sits upon a plateau between the craters of two extinct volcano, but offers all the luxury amenities one expects for a high-end property.

Pikaia Lodge opened in October of 2014, but already has become a top destination for those you want to experience the wonders of the Galapagos Islands first hand. The lodge takes pride in being environmentally conscious and offers 270-degree views of the Pacific Ocean and neighboring islands of the Galapagos archipelago. The resort is also one of the most advanced green lodges found anywhere in the world.

The 76 acre estate was designed in a contemporary style and built from recyclable steel, beautiful natural stone and glass. The lodge floors are made from bamboo and the gorgeous furniture was made from Ecuadorian teak.

One of the impressive amenities is lodge guests can use a eight-cabin yacht that’s 100 foot in length. Named the M/Y Pikaia, take the air-conditioned, luxury yacht for an overnight excursion and cruise to the outer range of the reaches of the impressive Galapagos Islands.

One of the greatest treats about staying at this luxury lodge is the chance to see the famous giant tortoises in person. Pikaia Lodge even has its very own private Tortoise Reserve on their property.

If you are ready for a true VIP experience and staying at Pikaia Lodge in the Galapagos Islands, please conatct us today. We can help book your luxury travel trip. Enjoy reading about luxury travel destinations? Come back and follow this luxury blog for the best in luxury living.

Photo: Pikaia Lodge