Off the coast of Spain in the Mediterranean Sea, is a tropical island called Formentera. It’s the smallest of the Balearic islands, which also includes popular Mallorca and Ibiza. Located just 17 kilometres south of Ibiza, this small island is becoming increasingly popular with tourists, but still remains remote and rarely crowded.

If you are looking for a vacation “off the beaten” path where you can relax, and take a much needed break from your hectic life …. then a stay in scenic Formentera is the ideal solution.

Not too long ago, in the 1980’s salt was the number 1 product in Formentera. But that has changed as tourism is tops on this tropical paradise that is only 20 km long and just 2 km wide at the smallest location.

We wanted to share with our luxury blog readers, 5 reasons to travel to Formentera for a VIP experience and memorable vacation getaway.

1) Natural Beauty and Beaches:
Offering 69 miles of gorgeous coastline, Formentera has often been compared to an island in the Caribbean, rather than the Mediterranean Sea. It offers endless white sandy beaches and the chance to swim in beautiful, turquoise waters that are surprisingly, extremely clear.

Playa Illetes is the top beach to visit. During the busy summer months, Playa Illetes is alive with sun worshippers and people wanting to enjoy the warm waters of the Mediterranean.

Cala Saona is rather small beach but since its waters are rather shallow, the temp can warm up much quicker. Nearby is an area of rockly inlets where you can sunbath in privacy.

Known as the longest beach, Playa Migjorn can be found on the island’s southern coast. Offering fine white sand, Playa Migjorn is another of the most popular beaches on Formentera.

2) Water Activities:
Surrounded by the warm waters of the Mediterranean Sea, the island offers numerous water activities to choose from. Discover the wonders below the clear water’s surface by trying snorkeling or scuba diving. If boating is your passion, you will find boat charters to explore the coast. Fishing is another popular activity as well as just enjoying the warm water and waves.

3)Luxury Villas:
Although there are not a lot of choices for accommodations, Formentera does provide some wonderful options. Consider Can Pep den Blaiet Holiday Villa, which can sleep up to 8 people. Located up on the cliffs, you can enjoy sea views plus the nearby of islands Ibiza and Es Vedra. The villas has an incredible terraced swimming pool with an expansive BBQ area. This luxury villa has 4 double bedrooms that are also air conditioned.

4) Fine Dining Cuisine:
Seafood is king and the core of almost all the area’s restaurant menus. Fresh catch of the day fish will make your taste buds dance with delight. There are many beach bars along the island’s coast that not only serve drinks and cocktails, but delicious food.

Juan y Andrea is likely the most desirable restaurant to dine in. This luxury restaurant features both an indoor area plus multiple terraces. No need to get all dressed up, as many customers enjoy a fine dining experience in their bare feet with white sand between your toes and awesome views of the sea. Juan y Andrea serves up delicious entrees including fideua, lobster, paella, prawns and their popular Formentera Raons.

5) More Me Time:
Many times while on vacation, we must deal with large crowds that can sometimes ruin the trip due to dealing with large crowds noisy people. Due to the fact the other larger and more popular islands attract the largest numbers of visitors, Formentera provides a more peaceful environment. This allows you more time to relax and enjoy the natural beauty this Balearic island offers.

If you want a romantic, island getaway and not deal with hordes of crowds, then Formentera is a must. Enjoy the seclusion, incredible weather and natural beauty of this Balearic island is the Mediterranean Sea.

There is no airport to fly directly to the island. You can catch a flight to the nearby island of Ibiza, then take one of the numerous ferries that depart from the Ibiza Town harbor.

Do you desire a luxury destination to beat the stress of your daily life? Then consider visiting the island of Formentera in the Mediterranean Sea. The Life of Luxury can help you plan and book your entire trip. We can assist you in choosing your luxuyr accommodations, fine dining restaurant and endless outdoor activities. If you enjoy reading our luxury blog, please come back soon to see what other top travel spots may be your next vacation destination.

Photo: Ibiza-spotlight.com

For those who want the ultimate privacy, now you can but your own private island available for sale in the Mediterranean – Isola di Mal Ventre.

Isola di Mal Ventre is found just a short distance off the north east coast of Sardinia, which is the second biggest island found in the Mediterranean Sea. The island of Sicily is the largest.

This amazing island is currently uninhabited. What remains of is just an old shepherd’s dwelling and a watering well and buildings foundations are still evident. Isola di Mal Ventre is a 200 acre island. It’s dimensions are roughly 2 kilometres long at its longest point and is 18 metres above sea level at its highest point.

The history of Isola di Mal Ventre goes way back to the times of ancient Rome. The south east coast of the Mediterranean island offers stunning sandy beaches. The waters offshore are crystal blue.

A local architect has evaluated the island and recommends an eco-style villa that can be built around the remains of the former buildings. The existing well could be utilized to draw water from.

Access to Isola di Mal Ventre won’t be a major issue as you can catch a direct flight to Sardinia from London and other major European cities, then take a boat over the the island.

The current purchase price for this beautiful Mediterranean island – Isola di Mal Ventre – is €1.5 million.

If you are interested in learning more about Isola di Mal Ventre island in the Mediterranean, then please contact The Life of Luxury. Stay abreast of the latest luxury real estate news by following this luxury blog.

Cyprus, is the small but alluring Mediterranean island that is very famous for the sincere warmth and hospitality of its people.

Available for sale are stunning luxury, Cyprus villas that offer spectacular views over the Mediterranean Sea.

Designed by SB Architects, these incredible seafront villas come with a spacious contemporary design and lush landscaping.

For the best in beachfront living, enjoy sensational sea views and everything Cyprus has to offer. the ideal location makes this project the finest destination for holidays, permanent living and investment.

Located near the seaside city of Limassol, the Cyprus villas are nestled amid a low-density mix of private residences and holiday homes. Yet the villa complex still maintains a sense of owner privacy and complete tranquility.

Each of the luxury villas that are available for private ownership, range between three and five bedrooms. Plus each has its own maids quarters. You will find floor-to-ceiling windows that maximize the stunning Mediterranean Sea views. There are protected verandas and carefully planned outdoor areas – each with a private plunge pool.

These appealing villas feature fully-fitted kitchens, marble floors, European oak parquet, in addition to beautiful marble bathrooms.

Owners will be able to take advantage of accessing superb leisure and wellness facilities, from several nearby high-end hotels including the luxurious Four Seasons.

Now is your chance to own a luxury Cyprus villa (priced at EUR 4,650,000) and enjoy the exclusivity and living at its best. Contact The Life of Luxury for additional information using the below form:

Compagnie du Ponant

For golf and travel enthusiasts who are looking to combine their two passions, Compagnie du Ponant invites has just the package for you.

Compagnie du Ponant introduced its nine-day “Nice–Nice” voyage that sails to eight ports and visits five stunning courses in Italy and France aboard the three-masted sailing yacht Le Ponant.

The 290-foot Le Ponant is a luxurious 64-passenger yacht that cruises the Mediterranean Sea. The yacht features intimacy and luxury with a full roster of high-end amenities that are sure to deliver a memorable sailing experience.

During port stops, golf lovers can play rounds at popular courses including La Pevero, considered one of the world’s “best kept secrets,” and Cannes-Mougins, nestled within the protected lands of the Valmasque Forest.

If golf is not your game, you are in luck. Enjoy stops in Civitavecchia, the gateway to Rome; Viareggio, a placid Tuscan seaside resort town; and Calvi, home to the Genoese Citadel.

Compagnie du Ponant is offering three differenet “Nice-Nice” Golf Themed Cruises, departuring May 6, 17 and 25.

These luxury golf themed cruises are designed for the golfer looking for a little adventure and the traveler looking to exceed the bounds of traditional cruising — unspoiled destinations, less-visited ports and out-of-the-way locales.

Cruise fares are priced from $4,841 to $5,453 per person, double occupancy. Golfers pay an additional $760 per person for golf course fees.

· Acquabona Golf Club – set in hilly countryside bordered by oak pines and eucalyptus trees, this nine-hole course with double starting ground challenges guests with uphill and downhill shots complicated by crosswinds from the sea. Situated on the Island of Elba, halfway between Portoferraio and Porto Azzurro, the course offers stunning panoramic views of the gulf and inland landscape.

· Le Pavoniere – the former playground of Lorenzo de’Medici, this relatively flat course in the old Tavola Farmhouse Estate Park is surrounded by holm-oak woods, cluster pines and Tuscan cypresses. Designed in 1986 by Arnold Palmer, the course suits golfers of all skill levels.

· Pevero – a creation of Robert Trent Jones Sr. is renowned for the beauty of its tree-covered hills and rocky coastline and has been ranked in the top 50 courses in the world by Golf Magazine. The innovative layout incorporates the natural challenges in the landscape, from the Mistral – the northern wind that shaped the rocks in the area – to vegetation, lakes and 70 bunkers that dot the 6,688-yard course.

· Sperone Golf Club – comprised partly of rocky scrubland and partly linked, this 18-hole course is considered to be one of Robert Trent Jones Sr.’s masterpieces – and is ranked 6th in all of France. The course offers three signature holes: the 10th, where your drive must carry the water; the 15th, which has a cliff-top green; and the 16th, named one of the world’s most stunning Par 5 holes by Golf Magazine.

· Golf Country Club de Cannes-Mougins – nestled within the heart of the Valmasque Forest and traversed by the Boullide River, this 6,906 yard, 18-hole course offers a round that is as breathtaking as it is complex. Founded in 1923, the course was rebuilt in 1977 by golf architects Peter Allis and Dave Thomas and has since organized the Cannes Open, serving as a highlight on the European Tour.

All of Compagnie du Ponant’s ships and cruise itineraries are designed to protect marine wildlife, coastal environments and local flora and fauna. For additional information or to make reservations, please contact us at:

Smithsonian Journeys

Offering more than 40 years of dedicated to wonderful travel experiences worldwide, Smithsonian Journeys is the Smithsonian Institution’s own travel program.

Now you can enjoy three amazing all-inclusive cruise cruise package deals to the beautiful Mediterranean.

If you act fast, Smithsonian Journeys also offer these all-inclusive cruises with international airfare, in addition to special stateroom savings and for solo travelers, no single supplement.

These exciting and luxurious Mediterranean cruise deals are scheduled for both spring and summer 2011.

Pricing for these three new 2011 cruise deals begin at $3,195 and include international airfare, shore excursions in each port, lecture program by onboard experts, gratuities to shipboard staff and more.

For passengers who can book their cruise by March 31, you will enjoy special stateroom savings up to $1,500, based on double occupancy.

The three Mediterranean cruise packages will take place aboard the luxury 350-guest, mid-size ship – Aegean Odyssey. Cruise details are below:

“The Wonders of Turkey and the Greek Isles” (June 23-July 6) and “The Glories of Greece and Turkey” (July 1-14) feature similar itineraries.
Included excursions showcase significant cultural sites, such as palaces and sacred sites of the Greek islands (Crete, Delos, Mykonos and Samos), the ancient cities of Ephesus and Aprodisias in Turkey and World Heritage sites in Athens and Istanbul. Both cruises feature a three-night hotel stay in Istanbul and a two-night hotel stay in Athens, with excursions and leisure time in both cities. Prices for these all-inclusive Mediterranean cruises start at $3,195 if booked by March 31 and include international airfare.

“Splendors of Italy and the Dalmatian Coast” (May 31-June 15) begins with a two-night stay in Rome.
Travelers will then board the 350-guest Aegean Odyssey, cruise to Corsica and Sardinia and spend three days in Sicily. Following a day on the island nation of Malta, travelers will sail to the Dalmatian Coast for three days in Croatia, with two days exploring Dubrovnik and another day in Split. The cruise concludes with a two-night hotel stay in Venice, with a private evening visit to St. Mark’s Basilica among other excursions. Prices start at $3,750 if booked by March 31 and include international airfare.

Aegean Odyssey has two restaurants and dining at an outdoor terrace, three lounges, three bars, lecture theater, well-stocked library, Internet center, outdoor pool, Jacuzzi, spa (with saunas, massage and beauty-treatment rooms) and hairdressers/beauty center. Telephone, fax and e-mail access are available via satellite.

If you have ever wanted to travel around the world in style in your own private jet, be sure to check out another fabulous tour offered by Smithsonian Journeys. This luxury tour is named, “Around the World by Private Jet.”

For more information, please call toll-free 1 (877) 338-8687 or visit the Smithsonian Journeys website at www.SmithsonianJourneys.org

Morocco has always been a land of mystery and intrigue. Four years ago, very few people outside of Morocco had heard of Saidia – or even of the Oriental region along the Algerian border, where it is situated. Lying on the eastern-most edge of Morocco, with no highways connecting it to the rest of the country, the region has been a backwater, even though it has one of the country’s most attractive coastlines.

But in a heartbeat, all that quickly changed. In 2002, King Mohammed VI made an announcement that Saidia would be the site of his flagship resort – ”Mediterrania-Saidia”. This luxury resort would be the first of six luxury coastal developments in Morocco. The other five are being built along the country’s Atlantic coast.  Full article