Ultimate, Luxury Destination Wedding at Sublime Samana Hotel

Have you dreamed of enjoying a romantic destination wedding on a tropical beach? A luxury destination wedding continues to be extremely popular. For a wonderful Caribbean wedding experience, consider having your nuptials at the luxury Sublime Samana Hotel.

A luxury destination wedding is big business. The entire destination wedding category is a thriving, $16 billion dollar industry. It’s been reported that couples spend an average of $28,000 at a luxury resort. The Dominican Republic is a great choice, offering beautiful, turquoise waters and lush mountains. The Sublime Samana Hotel is a tropical oasis and can be found on the island’s Samaná Peninsula.

When you say “I Do”, choosing your wedding ceremony is a critical destination. Of course, traditional weddings have long been held at a local church. But things are changing. Many couples are looking for a more romantic experience and desiring a luxury destination wedding.

Sublime Samana Hotel - luxury destination wedding

This boutique hotel is a Small Luxury Hotels of the World™ property. It offers guests 26 private suites and casitas for ultimate privacy and a true VIP experience. It’s ideal to host your closest friends and family in an unbelievable, tropical setting. The suites all feature private balconies or terraces, floor-to-ceiling windows, luxury decor, fully equipped kitchens and even a dining room.

What the Sublime Samana Hotel offers is flexibility and award winning, wedding planners. They are there to help you every step of the way and make your wedding a special occasion you will never forget. The wedding planners assist with the ambiance, food menu, and even the wedding ceremony’s ambiance. Unlike many hotels that only offer a single locale for the ceremony, you can choose form 4 different spots.

– The beautiful El Bistro & Terrace is surrounded by a lush garden. This intimate, private banquet are can accommodate up to 30 people.
– The property’s beach is perfect for the wedding. With the lapping waves of the Atlantic Ocean rolling up on golden sand, it’s a stunning setting. Encompassed by tall palm trees, the beach can handle a small to large wedding party.
– El Gazebo can be found in middle of the hotel’s property. This scenic spot is terrific choice and can handle up to 60 people.
– Lastly, consider the hotel’s open air restaurant, – La Palapa. The restaurant just finished an expansion project. With a new kitchen and new wood oven, you can expect delicious food for all of your guests to enjoy. Additional tables and chairs have been added, so La Palapa can handle wedding parties up to 120 people.

Once your wedding ceremony is over, it’s time to enjoy the honeymoon. The grounds of the Sublime Samana Hotel make it the perfect luxury destination wedding choice for both activities and relaxation. Take a dip in the stunning, football field-length swimming pool. Relax under the Caribbean sun in luxurious daybeds or socialize with delicious tasting cocktails. Celebrate your special day in VIP style!

In the Samaná Peninsula area of the Dominican Republic, there is lots to do. Foodies will be treated to incredible, fine dining choices at many local restaurants. Consider El Cabito, La Terrasse and Mi Corazon.

Be sure to visit El Limón waterfall. It’s 52 meters high and cascades down into an inviting swimming hole. The waterfall’s cliff are covered in lush greenery. For an opportunity to see whales, take a charter boat or tour and see these amazing mammals up close. Of course, there are numerous beaches to explore. Unwind with sunbathing or take to the warm ocean waters. Two majestic beaches to visit include Playa Rincon and Cayo Levantadao. For a cultural experience, stop by the Taino Park museum. Learn about the history of the Americas and the country’s indigenous, Taíno people.

Back at the hotel, immerse yourself in a body, mind and soul experience. Their new spa offers 500 square meters of space. There are 2 beach cabins, 2 treatment rooms that are indoors, a sweat lodge, plus a Vichy shower. The spa offers rituals that utilize all natural ingredients like honey, sand coconut and even stones from the nearby Samana River. The spa features unbelievable massages, facials and body wraps. Now that’s what luxury travel is all about.

If interested in planning a luxury destination wedding at Sublime Samana Hotel in the Dominican Republic, please contact us today. Our travel specialists can help plan and book your trip. Come back again to follow this luxury blog. Stay abreast of all the latest luxury travel news.

Photo: Sublime Samana Hotel




Holy Grapes! A Bunch of Ruby Roman Grapes Sold for $5,400 in Japan

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Luxury travel

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

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

Photo: FLOWER GARDEN/KYODO – The Japanese Times




Fantasy Wedding Proposal, Destination Wedding and Honeymoon

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

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

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

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

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

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

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




Esencia Estate – Mexico Destination is the Place For the Ultimate Vogue Wedding

The intimate Esencia Estate is located on the exclusive Riviera Maya of Mexico. The area is Mexico’s top venue for destination beach weddings.

Mexico continues to be a hotspot for destination weddings. The country is increasing at an unprecedented rate of 20% per year. You ask, “what is the reason’?

Well the expert wedding planners at Esencia Estate are now offering an inside look at the top five wedding trends to watch for in 2014.

This hideaway is a favorite of supermodel, Kate Moss and the scenic venue was also the choice of TV show “Bones” star Tamara Taylor’s nuptials.

1. Mexico Destination Weddings on the Rise
The Cancun Convention and Visitors Bureau has reported a 20% increase in the number of destination weddings in 2013 over 2012 in the state of Quintana Roo, Mexico. This location is home to the Riviera Maya and Tulum. Found on the region’s finest stretch of private beach, the area’s most luxurious, boutique hotel and top wedding venue, Esencia Estate, saw the number of weddings on site more than double over the past year. With one in four US couples now opting for a destination wedding, Mexico and the Yucatan peninsula in particular, will continue to rise in popularity as the destination of choice over the coming year.

2. Pin-spiration and the Insta Boom
In 2014, brides will look to Pinterest for inspiration for their dream day. Weddings will continue to have highly personalized, hand-made elements — from save-the-date cards to table decorations and place cards, the DIY touch is definitely here to stay. Bringing social media action to the ceremony, couples are creating personalized hashtags for guests to tag their instagram photos.

3. Non-traditional Ceremonies
Parting ways with traditions of the past, many couples are now opting for non-traditional ceremonies held outside of religious institutions. In Mexico, Mayan beach ceremonies, officiated by a Shaman and incorporating natural elements will experience a strong revival in 2014.

4. Creative, Customized Cuisine
The foodie renaissance has sparked new interest in one-of-a-kind culinary experiences that are sure to wow wedding guests. At Esencia, renowned Chef Noe Bernardo works with couples to completely customize menus and options to fulfill their foodie fantasies. From welcome Mexican style barbeques replacing more formal rehearsal dinners to delectable ceviche and taco bars, the options are endless.

5. Intimate Is Chic
Embracing the quality over quantity approach, many couples are moving away from large wedding parties in favor of smaller gatherings between 50 and 120 people. Yet while guest counts are decreasing, budgets are definitely on the rise and are only expected to increase. At the 29 room, Esencia Estate, intimacy is unparalleled with more couples than ever opting to buyout the hotel for their special day.

If you need help planning your dream wedding, please contact The Life of Luxury and we can help plan your special event. Whether it’s in Mexico or anywhere in the world, make it a wedding for everyone to always remember.




Amazing Royal Wedding Packages At Two Luxury Villas

Imagine your perfect wedding at a tropical location. Well, Real Resorts would like to help make your special day – a Royal Wedding to remember forever.

Two luxury villas exclusive properties available are the private Pure Serenity Luxury Villa at the gated Pok Ta Pok Golf Course Community in Cancun – Mexico, as well as the Luxury Dream Villa at Isla Mujeres.

You have your choice of two different Royal wedding packages to choose from at each luxury villa. They each come complete with Real Resorts’ signature Royal service from the heart, and a fairytale setting for a boutique wedding celebration.

The Pure Serenity Luxury Villa is off the beaten path in the exclusive Pok Ta Pok community of Cancun, but still in the middle of the city’s Hotel Zone.

This incredible, six-bedroom villa comprises 15,000 square foot. The home’s patios provide full-view views of the turquoise Caribbean ocean plus you can enjoy 180 feet of secluded waterfront. The villa grounds, one-and-a-quarter acres in size, also includes gardens and paths.

Get pampered and unwind, try one of the indoor and outdoor pools with spas, steam bath, sauna, cold plunge pool, indoor gymnasium and 1/2 court basketball area. The Pure Serenity Luxury Villa is also staffed with housekeepers, cooks, butlers and groceries to stock your refrigerator. If needed, additional wait staff is available.

The stunning Dream Villa is contemporary, elegant and spacious, and can be found in a quiet area on the western shore of Isla Mujeres. There you can enjoy the amazing views of the iconic Mexican Caribbean and the Bay, which lies between the Island and Cancun.

Isla Mujeres is a small beautiful island that’s just a half mile wide by five miles long. You can explore beautiful beaches on each side of the island. The island is only eight miles from Cancun, across the Bahia de Mujeres (Bay of Women).

The Dream Villa features four, spacious oceanfront bedroom suites that come luxuriously furnished and features a large terrace. The Guest Suite can accommodate up to 10 of your closest guests. You’ll find a gorgeous master bedroom that truly is a luxury penthouse with a panoramic ocean view. There’s also a private patio, its own steam bath, in addition to a soothing rain shower in its spa style bathroom.

The villa is staffed with a butler and housekeepers. The personal chef will work with each guest to provide a custom meal menu each day.

The Royal Wedding packages include a three night stay and up to 30 guests can attend the wedding ceremony and reception. The luxury wedding celebration package also features a wedding cake, flowers, and two one-hour cocktail receptions with hors d’eouvres. The spoiled wedding couple can enjoy a couples’ massage, a rose petal strewn bed with aromatherapy candles, and a romantic moonlight beach dinner.

The Pure Serenity Luxury Villa Wedding and the Dream Villa Wedding packages are both priced from $14,900 USD (all inclusive). Already have wedding plans but need a special place to enjoy your honeymoon? No problem. The two villas make for the ultimate honeymoon. You can choose from several Honeymoon experiences that are priced from only $7,000 USD (all inclusive).

If interested in learning more or making that dream Royal Wedding package at either Pure Serenity Luxury Villa or Dream Villa, please contact one of our travel concierge specialists who can help arrange your special occasion.




Unforgettable Wedding Memories at Solmar Hotels & Resorts in Los Cabos, Mexico

Solmar Hotels & Resorts is a luxury, five-property resort collection located in the very popular Cabo San Lucas area of Mexico. Utilizing a clever program, now newly married couples can help the local community through charitable contibutions.

Los Cabos has long been a top destination for brides and grooms to tie the knot and get married in this very scenic setting. Solmar Hotels & Resorts can be found on Baja California’s most exclusive and private beach, guests can experience privacy while still being able to enjoy the excitement of downtown Cabo San Lucas.

After enjoying their unforgettable Cabo wedding, newlywed couples now have several options to share their love with the local Los Cabos community in a variety of charitable ways.

The Solmar Foundation was established by the son of the late Don Luis Bulnes Moleda, who was the founder and visionary behind Solmar Hotels & Resorts. He wanted to establish a way to support and give back to his beloved destination – Los Cabos.

There are numerous ways to support the local community. Couples are given creative freedom to expresses what they truly believe in as a couple and how to give in a way they feel comfortable with. Here are several popular ideas:

* Guest ‘favors’ – In place of traditional wedding favors, couples have the option to make a donation to one of the Solmar Foundation charities in each guests name and present small printed cards during the reception explaining the ‘favor’. Additionally, couples have included a beautiful donation container at the wedding inviting guests to donate on their behalf to a Solmar Foundation charity that is near and dear to their hearts.

* Flower Donations – Floral arrangements for a destination wedding often go to waste, as guests are traveling long distances and unable to take them home, however the Solmar Foundation offers guests the opportunity to brighten the days of many by donating the arrangements to local hospices or nursing homes following the event.

* Dress Donations – Many brides have gone the distance to donate leftover supplies to the Solmar Foundation such as lanterns, however some have gone above and beyond donating their dress to a less fortunate bride through the Solmar Foundation.

Managing Director of Solmar Hotels & Resorts Ricardo Orozco. was quoted, “While this program is completely optional, over the past few months we have worked with many couples, helping them to share their love with the Los Cabos community, and we are so proud to be a part of that special gesture. We find that our guests are very passionate about this destination and are always willing to find new and creative ways to give back to a community that has given them so many wonderful memories.”

Solmar Hotels & Resorts consists of a collection of five all-suite resorts. all offering guests the highest quality of service and hospitality. Over the past year, two Solmar properties – Playa Grande Resort & Grand Spa and The Ridge at Playa Grande Luxury Villas, have been awarded the prestigious Four Diamond rating by AAA.

If you want to book your memorable wedding in scenic Los Cabos, Mexico or stay at one of the luxury Solmar Hotels & Resorts properties, please contact The Life of Luxury and we can help make your reservations.




Southern Wedding Experience – Top Wedding Venues

Savannah Georgia wedding

Planning the perfect wedding can be overwhelming for any bride. Top wedding venues teach you the planning and preparation needed to pull off this special day can be challenging and stressful with, of course, a bit of excitement thrown in. Choosing wedding venues can be stressful.

Worry no more – this daunting challenge just got easier. Plan to attend a first-of-its kind three-day wedding planning event Southern Wedding Experience: B…The Event in Southeast’s most charming destinations: Savannah, GA; Asheville, NC; Nashville, TN; and Atlanta, GA.

Meet with top vendors, dine on local cuisine, and get professional wedding advice while you and a guest experience the unique charm of these Southern cities through trolley tours, winery visits and other local activities.

Whether classic, vintage, sustainable, modern, or simply elegant, wedding experts including Stacie Francombe, Shawn Rabideau, Grace Ormonde, Parker J Pfister, and Brooke Thomas will provide tips on everything you need to plan your wedding. Visit top wedding venues in the city and attend a fashion show where you will find endless design and style options appropriate for a wedding,

“We’ve created a weekend event that inspires brides to truly experience all that their wedding can be.” says Shay Brown, event founder, nationally recognized wedding planner, and owner of Shay Brown Events. “After just three days, each bride can leave with a vision for her wedding, decisions on venue and vendors, and important information for planning the event — all while feeling pampered and relaxed along the way.”

After more than 850 weddings serving the Southeast as well as destination weddings, Brown created the Southern Wedding Experience. The event gives brides the opportunity to complete, in what seems like, a never-ending wedding checklist, all while being pampered in a personal intimate setting.

“Bridal shows are typically packed with sales booths inside convention halls, overwhelming and impersonal.” says Brown. “A Southern Wedding Experience: B… The Event is completely different. It enables discerning brides to get a great deal of planning done in one weekend while in a vacation-like atmosphere.”

Please use the Contact Form below to submit your luxury Southern wedding travel request. We will promptly get back to you. There are many wedding venues to choose from, pick the right one!

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    Wedding Packages at Amazing Stonefield Estate Resort in St. Lucia

    Stonefield Estate Resort in St. Lucia
    Stonefield Estate Resort in St. Lucia

    Most girls dream of a fairy tale wedding but planning and paying for this dream takes time and comes with an expensive price tag.

    Look no further, St. Lucia’s spectacular Stonefield Estate Resort located in the Caribbean is offering Wedding Packages for 2013 that include special rates, bridal bouquets, wedding cakes, and a breathtaking tropical location for this once-in-a-lifetime event.

    Imagine saying “I do” surrounded by a lush tropical garden or on the beach with magnificent views of the Pitons Mountains. Later, cozy up in your private villa with its own private plunge pool and outdoor shower, or delight in a candlelit dinner on your terrace.

    Unwind and enjoy your alone time while guests relax in the resort’s elegantly rustic villas. While on the island tour the sulphur springs and baths, go horseback riding through a local cocoa plantation, enjoy a sunset sail, or dine at Stonefield’s Mango Tree Restaurant overlooking the ocean and the Pitons.

    Stonefield Estate Resort in St. Lucia
    Stonefield Estate Resort in St. Lucia

    Packages include bridal flower bouquets; groom boutonnieres; cakes; bottles of sparkling wine; use of an on-site, expert wedding coordinator; romantic turndown services; and much more. Choose from:

    Plantation Escape – $625:
    • Tropical Arch (Palm Frond sides with tropical flower center) in Stonefield’s
    beautiful Plantation Gardens or on the main pool deck
    • Tropical bridal bouquet
    • Grooms boutonniere
    • 1- tier cake
    • 1 bottle sparkling wine
    • The expert service of Stonefield’s wedding coordinator
    • Two witnesses if required
    • Administration and legal fees

    Bougainvillea Bliss – $1295:
    • Bougainvillea Arch in Stonefield’s beautiful Plantation Gardens
    • Tropical bridal bouquet
    • Grooms boutonniere
    • 1- tier cake
    • 1 bottle sparkling wine
    • Petal turndown service with candles and chocolates
    • 30-minute couples massage
    • 24-pack photo package/CD
    • Special decorated candlelit dinner on your villa patio or restaurant
    • Breakfast in bed for the newlyweds
    • The expert service of Stonefield’s wedding coordinator
    • Two witnesses if required
    • Administration and legal fees

    Piton Charm – $1850:
    • A beautiful decorated arch on the beach with flower petal walkway
    • Deluxe bridal bouquet (orchids only)
    • Deluxe grooms boutonniere (orchid)
    • 2-tier cake
    • 2 bottles of sparkling wine
    • Petal turndown service with candles and chocolates
    • His & Hers Top-to-Toe spa treatments
    • 24-pack photo package/CD
    • Mr. and Mrs. Personalized Plush robes
    • Special decorated candlelit dinner on your villa patio or restaurant
    • Breakfast in bed for the newlyweds
    • The expert service of Stonefield’s wedding coordinator
    • Two witnesses if required
    • Administration and legal fees

    Additional packages include the Stonefield Splendor for $2500 and the Renewal of Vows for $299.

    Please use the Contact Form below to submit your St. Lucia travel request. We will promptly get back to you.

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      Please Visit www.stonefieldresort.com or call (800) 420-5731 for more information or to make a reservation.




      Experience an Unforgettable Wedding in Tropical St. Barth

      st barths
      St Barthelemy

      Getting married is a cherished event and its memories will last a lifetime. Why not do it in style and have your wedding on one of the most beautiful places on earth.

      St. Barth is the perfect wedding destination. This French West Indies island offers a little Garden of Eden surrounded by turquoise seas, a haven of peace under the tropical sun, where white sand beaches invite lazy afternoons or romantic sunsets.

      St Barts Island or also know as St Barthelemy or simply St Barths, is located in the French Caribbean near St Martin and Anguilla.

      Couples dream of wanting to spend “the most beautiful day of their life” in paradise. The Caribbean island of St. Barth provides a lifestyle that conjures up countless ways to celebrate a wedding.

      romantic fantasy beach wedding

      A recent change now allows U.S. visitors can get officially married in St. Barth without delay of residence. Now’s your chance to say “I Do” in a tropical paradise!

      Say ‘I Do’ in Paradise: US Visitors Can Now Officially Wed in St. Barth. Enjoy empty white sand beaches, perfect for a stroll arm in arm in the early hours of the morning or at night. Get out and explore hidden corners and places filled with refinement and charm or simply relax by shopping or basking in the warmth of discreet hospitality that caters to your every need.

      The island of St. Barth has perfected the art of combining various contrasts to provide a uniquely new upscale concept along with exclusive generosity and impulse. With its stunning scenery and Mediterranean-like charm, this island paradise offers a blend of French refinement and style spiced with Caribbean joie de vivre, all with that inimitably American way of life.




      Five Top Tips to Buying an Engagement Ring

      diamond engagement ring
      Diamond Engagement Ring

      For men, it’s always a stressful time to propose to a woman and find that perfect diamond engagement ring. There are lots of choices including a variety of engagement band metals, such as gold, platinum titanium, silver and more.

      Searching for the perfect engagement ring is a challenge. February is a popular month for diamonds as millions of couples becoming engaged on Valentine’s Day, alone. But when love is n the air, proposing is a beautiful thing anytime of the year.

      So if you are looking for some help and planning to pop the question, here are five Top Tips to Buying an Engagement Ring. Learn these important shopping tips to help you make a smart purchase.

      1) Ignore the 3-Month Salary Rule
      Spending the traditional two to three month’s salary is no longer the case, says Salim Shamy of LaViano Jewelers in New Jersey, a popular destination for engagement rings and wedding bands. In fact, in 2010, consumers spent an average of $5,392 on an engagement ring—or roughly, 10 percent of the average U.S. household income. These days, the purchase depends largely on one’s financial situation, disposable income and savings. “Don’t go beyond your ability,” says Shamy. “If you prepare to spend $10,000, just make sure you’re getting the best product at $10,000.”

      diamonds

      2) Learn About Diamonds
      Before walking into a jewelry store, have some idea of what you want. Learn what makes a diamond special and what kind of diamond your special someone might prefer. A diamond’s rarity—and therefore its price—is determined by four unique characteristics: the Four C’s: carat (the weight), clarity (the degree of flaws or blemishes), color (from colorless to yellow) and cut (the shape). This is the universal grading system used to objectively compare diamonds.

      3) Pay Special Attention to the Cut
      A diamond of a smaller carat, but with an exquisite cut, could take on the appearance of a much pricier gem. So much so that Shamy of LaViano Jewelers rates a diamond’s cut or shape—ranging from excellent to poor—as the most important purchasing criteria, because it helps to determine its brilliance or “sparkle.” The Gemological Institute of America (GIA) agrees, saying that the “allure of a particular diamond depends more on cut than anything else.” Some of the key factors in a diamond’s cut include its proportions, symmetry and polish.

      4) Choose the Stone First, Setting Second
      Gem experts advocate buying a loose diamond first, then deciding on its setting. The diamond, after all, is the most important and expensive aspect of the ring. You want to be able to pick the best stone that fits your budget, and when the diamond is loose, you’re better able to evaluate its 4 C’s. Preset diamond rings tend to be slightly more expensive, as well.

      5) Request Certification
      All diamonds should come with a stone certificate, a document from an independent third-party authority, such as the GIA or the American Gem Society (AGS), which verifies its authenticity and description. Reputable jewelers should provide this without hesitation. If not, take that as the ultimate red flag that the diamond is not all its hyped up to be. The GIA Diamond Grading Report, for example, provides technical information, such as the dimensions, quality and characteristics of a loose diamond. For added piece of mind—and for insurance reasons—you may also want to have the diamond valued by an independent appraisal specialist.




      Ultimate Wedding Experience at Villa Aquamare in British Virgin Islands

      Villa Aquamare - British Virgin Islands
      Villa Aquamare

      Weddings are a magical time in a person’s life. So why not have the ultimate wedding experience in a beautiful tropical location like the British Virgin Islands?

      Villa Aquamare is located on a half-mile of pristine beach frontage at Mahoe Bay on the scenic Western coast of Virgin Gorda. The luxury property offers three private beachfront villas that make for a picturesque location for a memorable wedding.

      You can book all three luxury, Villa Aquamare villas together, providing wedding couples 24,000 square feet of gorgeous waterfront space that can accommodate up to 36 total wedding party guests. This private beach compound in the British Virgin Islands (BVI) provides the opportunity to host an ultra private wedding ceremony.

      Each Villa Aquamare villa offers 8,000 square-feet of living space and five spacious suites. Three of them are Master Suites and all include marble baths en suite. In addition, enjoy an expansive living area with multiple terraces leading to a beautiful, private infinity pool.

      fantasy tropical wedding

      You will be treated the highest level of service during your stay at Villa Aquamare, equivalent to a five-star hotel yet with the exclusivity of a private vacation home. The property’s private sandy Beach Park offers breathtaking views of other nearby BVI islands and is an idela spot for the wedding ceremony, wedding dinner as well as after parties.

      Five-night rates for reserving Villa Aquamare’s three villas range from $42,000 to $57,900, depending on the season of the year. Taxes, service charges and all wedding related costs are not included in the rates.

      Villa Aquamare - British Virgin Islands
      Villa Aquamare

      To learn more or book a reservation at Villa Aquamare, please visit www.villaaquamare.com or contact us directly at:

        For serious inquiries about "The Life of Luxury" or any of our services please contact a concierge representative. Please provide a few details about your request, including your contact information. One of our concierge specialists will contact you as soon as possible.

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