Luxury Guitars: This one is music to the ears! About a year ago, Gibson, the guitar-making company most famous for the legendary Les Paul and SG models, introduced the revolutionary Robot Guitar, a guitar with self-tuning technology, as a limited-edition 4,000-unit release. It sold out in days after its debut, leaving a slew of frothing guitarist panting at the counter for their Robot.
Members Only: As private clubs go, almost every one offers lush décor and luxurious service. Few however, compare to FIFTY London.
Members can indulge on only to finest of food and spirits, both prepared by highly acclaimed masters of their craft. Patrons are afforded the highest level of service by an attentive staff. Salvatore Calabrese, FIFTY's heavily decorated barmen has been noted as the Campari Bartender of the Year along with being awarded with the Chevalerie du Verre Galant, the Chelvalier L'Ordre des Coteaux de Champagne and for quite some time was the Chair of the London Area UK Bartender's Guild. Calabrese is responsible for concocting the world-renowned cocktails exclusive to the club. Executive chef Jean-Georges' resume includes work at multiple Michelin-starred establishments. He has also fathered highly-praised restaurants in both New York and Las Vegas.
In addition to a superb spirits and culinary staff, FIFTY London houses a casino that boasts an impressive history of clients. Among others, Disreali and Wellington have gambled inside these very walls. Elegant and pristine, the lavish décor is complemented by silk walls, graceful lighting and custom mahogany furnishings. For those that appreciate a fine cigar, FIFTY has available a wide array of them. More discerning connoisseurs will be pleased to find a choice collection of both International and rare cigars.
Offering only the best to its members, FIFTY London has maintained an exemplary reputation for almost two centuries. In the coming years it is no doubt this establishment will continue to set the standard for private clubs around the world.
Festivals & Events: There is no better time to visit Miami than during the Summer Festival Season. With fun to be had around every corner, you're sure to find what you're looking for in Miami. Summertime draws swarms of tourists eager to experience all this flourishing city has to offer.
Head to the sundrenched beaches of Miami and enjoy expansive, sandy shorelines filled with exciting entertainment for the whole family. If it's a more metropolitan experience you're after, make your way to the urban streets of the city where you'll find a plethora of fun-filled activities.
During the months of August and September, Miami's best restaurants will participate in Miami Spice 2009. This event, designed especially for avid foodies, will offer three-course meals featuring signature side dishes created by world-renowned chefs. Prices range from $26 for lunch to $36 for dinner.
Greater Miami is known for its abundance of luxury spas, which are ranked among the "Best Spas in America." During the month of July, Miami Festival Season will present the first annual Miami Spa Month. This is your chance to enjoy special treatments for as low as $99 at many of Miami's top-rated spas.
If you're looking for a summer getaway filled with endless activities and specials, look no further than Miami.
World Wealth Report: The twelfth annual World Wealth Report by the Capgemini Group and Merril Lynch recently published indicates that for 2007 the entire population of millionaires has grown and there are now more than 10 million high-net-worth individuals around the world. A high-net-worth individual is defined as having at least $1 million in financial assets. The areas showing the highest increase in its population of wealthy individuals are the Middle East, Latin America, and Africa. The 2007 population of high-net-worth individuals is a six percent increase compared to the same statistics for 2006.
The total global wealth of the "Fortunate" 10.1 million is $40.7 trillion, an increase of 9.4 percent over 2006. The strongest growth cited is among the ultra-high-net-worth individuals, those with more than $30 million in assets. There was an increase of 8.8 percent in the overall population of the $30-million-assets club, and gains in their wealth averaged 14.5 percent. Countries in developing economies are experiencing the most significant growth in new job creation and wealthy individuals. India, China, and Brazil are the top three. The number of wealth individuals in North America rose to 3.3 million from 3.2 million in 2006. Latin America, Africa, and North America lead the world in the highest number of ultra-high-net-worth individuals followed by the Middle East, Europe, and Asia-Pacific.
Green Issues: Sustainable Investments
Some of the new wealth is coming from green initiatives. There are more green-investment opportunities available than in previous times. The number of investments for clean technology is up 41 percent compared to 2005 and likely to increase. Systems to develop sustainable building materials, fuel alternatives, and improve conservation efforts are the key to the planet's physical and financial sustenance. So, investment strategies, such as mutual funds, exchange-traded funds (ETFs), and other pooled products in alternative investments are increasing accordingly. Many upper-echelon banks, such as Credit Suisse, Merril Lynch, and Morgan Stanley, were more involved with green-stock market listings in 2007. Those three financial institutions were the 2007 leaders with total deals summing $7.5 billion.
The Break Down
The average wealth of a high-net-worth individual is somewhat more than $4 million. Home values were excluded from total assets for this study. In descending order, investment portfolios of the these individuals broke down as follows: 33 percent in equities; 27 percent in fixed income; 17 percent in cash deposits; 14 percent in real estate; and nine percent in alternative investments. The total wealth of the richest individuals is projected to rise by 2012 to $59.1 trillion from $40.7 trillion.
June 06, 2008 Professional Documentary: If you haven't already experienced the satisfaction of producing your own documentary, there's a good chance you will in the near future.
To more and more people, it simply makes sense. If your life is interesting enough to preserve in photo albums or home movies -- what better way to share your memories and experiences than in a professionally produced documentary complete with narration, music, interviews and high definition video footage of significant events?
So, how are individuals using their personal documentaries? Here are just a few examples:
Personal or Family Histories. It's amazing how quickly family or personal stories can be lost if they're not recorded some way. A documentary allows your grandchildren and their children's children to feel a connection to the relatives, places and events that shaped their world today. Sometimes referred to as "legacy documentaries," these shows incorporate historic family photos, home movies and video footage, press clippings and other memorabilia, as well as interview footage with relatives and friends shot specifically for the documentary. A professional narrator and the right choice of music round out the production.
Shared information about collections, hobbies or passions. Every great collection -- from artwork to automobiles -- is actually two collections: the items themselves and the stories behind each piece. Fascinating documentaries can be created around a coin collection, a garden or greenhouse or other personal passion. Major home renovations have become the topic of a number of personal documentaries. The home is filmed before, during and after the renovation. Interviews with architects, designers, the owners and others help preserve the story of how a majestic older home was given new life.
Capture a Significant Event. An event documentary begins well before the event itself. Film crews capture the search for the perfect location & food. Pre-event interviews with the planners, host, honorees and others are filmed. Then, the event itself is filmed the way a television network would do it: with multiple cameras and crews. After the event, all the footage is edited, narration is recorded and a soundtrack is created to complete the show.
Other popular uses of personal documentaries include travel documentaries that capture an exciting personal or family trip -- tribute films that honor a retiring executive or memorialize a deceased family member -- and philanthropic documentaries that highlight an individual's favorite charity or cause.
A company that specializes in personal films can help you with every aspect of creating your documentary. These companies know how to work with individuals who have little or no experience in film or video production and know how to involve their clients without overburdening or overwhelming them.
Cara Barineau
Principal
Cooper Maron Commissioned Films
JustLuxe.com Contributor
Upscale Theaters: Going to the movies isn't what it used to be anymore thanks to the launch of a pilot program for a luxurious, in-theatre dining experience at Showcase Cinemas Randolph, Massachusetts better known as Lux Level. The concept features exclusive VIP seating in select auditoria where guests can enjoy in-seat dining and snacks before and during the show, as well as other special amenities.
Designed for guests over 21 years of age, the menu features American fare, desserts, and innovative cocktails. Since its pilot stage, National Amusements now plans to open several more Lux Level locations. The first of its kind, guests are treated to a premium experience from beginning to end before it rolls out to other locations.
From the moment you arrive in the parking lot, you will receive VIP treatment as you are directed to the Lux Level preferred parking area reserved exclusively for Lux Level patrons. Guests are given added service with valets brushing your car off in snowy winter weather, or offering an umbrella on unexpected rainy or inclement days. Guests are then escorted under the lighted canopy up a special carpet to the concierge desk to receive a special discount dining voucher (redeemable for any food or drink item). They will then be escorted to the Lux Level auditorium, where there is coat check service available, then enter into the reserved Lux Level seating area for viewing of the film.
Lux Level patrons can relax in soft-cushioned, custom-designed seating and during the pilot program guests were able to choose between two seating designs; one with 42 swivel rockers with console tables or 44 love-seats with moveable armrests and swivel dining trays. Both auditoriums offered wider row spacing for spacious seating, service at the push of a button, with wait staff utilizing special wireless ordering devices that send your order instantly to the kitchen.
Lux Level patrons can enjoy this VIP experience for an additional fee of $10.00 at the time of ticket purchase, which includes a $5.00 off food/beverage voucher, reserved seat and exclusive Lux Level parking. Tickets for the Lux Level experience at Showcase Cinemas Randolph can be purchased in advance at the theatre, via the theatre lobby Kwik-Tix, by phone at (781) 963-5600.
Private Banking: The U.S. Bank Private Client Group is for people with special needs from a financial institution beyond a free checking account, a debit card, and easily accessible ATM locations. Albeit the aforementioned features certainly are beneficial, convenient features to this ilk of client are not quite as simple as bullet points on a framed 24 x 36 inch four-color poster. In other words, it is going to take more than a bank nestled in a grocery store along with a contemporary coffee shop to elicit them to stash their earnestly earned cash in it. Affluent individuals expect service and expertise that addresses their unique situations.
The Private Client Group is exclusive to upscale patronage for both personal and business services. All accounts are assigned a private banker who is responsible for ensuring customer satisfaction and maintaining a purposeful fiduciary relationship. The bank's financial-planning specialist can assist account holders with cash flow and retirement planning, estate planning, asset management, and financial goal setting with its seven-step financial planning process. There also are credit lines, capital lines, and home-equity lines of credit. Additionally, the bank has special credit card plans with generous cash-back rewards for travel and general usage.
The financial advisors onboard are sage certified professionals experienced in assisting clients achieve financial and personal goals. The staff consists of attorneys, CPAs, and certified trust and financial advisors. Business products include electronic payroll and tax services, treasury management, financing, equipment-leasing programs, ACH and wire transfers. Services specific to non-profit organizations also are offered. Both credit lines and capital lines are available.
U.S. Bancorp, the parent company of U.S. Bank, is the sixth largest commercial bank in the U.S. with $242 billion in assets. There are more than 2,000 offices and more than 4,800 ATM machines nationwide. While your money earns interest, the entire staff of the U.S. Bank Private Client Group works diligently to earn your trust as a financial ally. It is just how it is done.
The Sports Club LA: The rigors of success leave many of the upwardly mobile seeking a respite from the daily grind to stay focused, balanced, and prepared for anything. The jungle out there takes its toil on all of us. Since it is somewhat difficult to book a killer vacation weekly, many busy people turn to health clubs for their personal "everybody needs a little time away" moments. However, the establishments that cater to the affluent fitness buffs had better be prepared to pamper their clients royally.
Premium-priced gyms offer an experience that goes beyond weight rooms, aerobic classes, free towels, and clean dressing rooms. Convenience of use is very important to members of upscale clubs. With time becoming a more precious commodity than ever, prestigious workout centers are making efforts to make their facilities more accommodating to the hectic lifestyle of members by offering non-traditional services that maximize convenience for members.
The Sports Club LA, which aims to be one of the most luxurious gyms nationwide, is a trailblazer in providing extras that make it easier for members to spend more time at the clubs -- whether they are vigorously working out or relaxing lavishly.
The 90,000-square-foot Sports Club LA in NYC Rockefeller Center features a coat-check service, a hair salon, a spa, a restaurant, and a martini bar. There also is concierge service to assist members with personal scheduling, such as making dining reservations or securing tickets for entertainment events and so forth. The clubs offer special programs for children and have 24-hour laundry services, too.
Pattee Francini, co-founder of the resplendent center for the financially and physically fit, has frequently referred to SC LA as an "urban country club" and a "spa city" where members can take mini vacations. Each site is palatial, as many of the centers are 100,000 square feet or more, offering something unique to set it apart. The Boston club has rooms for stretch exercising by candlelight. The San Francisco club presents a yoga class with live musical accompaniment. There is a rooftop driving range for golfers in Los Angeles.
Fitness courses span the gamut from aerobics to yoga. There are classes for weight training, boxing, body sculpting, indoor cycling, indoor rock climbing and combat-training sessions just to name a few. Most clubs offer an impressive array of special courses.
On any given day, especially in the Southern California clubs, there are more celebrities spotted here than are seen at the Los Angeles Lakers' home games at the Staples Center. Actually, the L.A. Lakers have a team membership. So, beyond building muscles and stamina, these clubs were made for power networking, socially and professionally.
The posh health hubs are handling the demanding affluent crowd richly. No sweat, unless that is what they want.
World's Largest Swimming Pool: How would you like to be the lifeguard for this swimming pool? According to Guinness World Records, the swimming pool at the San Alfonso del Mar resort is the largest in the world. It is 3,324 feet long, has an area of 19.77 acres, and holds 66 million gallons of water. Its deepest depth is 115 feet, and it is equivalent in size to 6,000 standard-size pools. Just to graphically emphasize what is being stated here, we asked an industry insider to offer some thoughts on the enormity of this pool.
"This is absolutely amazing," said Delonce Jones, manager of Pinch-A-Penny, a pool-service retailer in Orange Park, Florida. He further added, "An Olympic-size pool holds around a million gallons of water. I would own my own store if I could get the service contract for that one!"
The friendly and upbeat Mr. Jones was most impressed by the designer's patented pulse-based disinfection system. "That new filtration system significantly lowers or reduces the chemicals needed to maintain the water. If a "normal" system were running a pool that size, it would take more than 7,000 gallons of chlorine a week to keep the water right. And more than just chlorine would need to be added, too," Jones offered to quantify his amazement.
The skinny...
Albeit a swimming pool by definition, it actually is a manmade saltwater lagoon that is part of a mixed-use complex on the southern coast of Chile in the city of Algarrobo. This swimming pool is a virtual waterfront community with beaches, docks, and spots for various water sports. Additionally, there is an indoor beach with temperature control. The turquoise water is so clear that the bottom of the pool is visible from all angles, including overhead. Swimmers and loungers get all the benefits and pleasures of the ocean with none of the accompanying inconveniences or potential peril.
How it hatched...
While the southern coastline of Chile is wonderful, the waters of the Pacific Ocean are generally uninviting for recreational use. The developer of San Alfonso del Mar felt that adding a "private ocean" would increase the value of the development.
Crystal Lagoons is the company that built this huge manmade crystalline lagoon. Developing the technology to bring such a project to fruition took 10 years, as it required extensive research and development to create a viable filtration system for so much water. Current methods used in pool maintenance for water filtration work fine for standard and commercial size pools. However, it is outrageously cost-prohibitive for a 24 million liter body of water. So, the innovative organization created a new filtration system that educes chemicals required for maintenance up to 100 times. The firm claims that it can build an artificial lagoon-like setting in almost anywhere.
In the works...
There currently are several similar projects being developed in Chile, Argentina, and Panama. Furthermore, Crystal Lagoons has projects at various stages of development to create artificial lagoons in Egypt, Dubai, Greece, Australia, Brazil, the Bahamas, and others.
Mr. Fernado Fischmann is both the founder of Crystal Lagoons and the developer of San Alfonso del Mar Resort. He was named 2007 Innovator of the Year by the government of Chile. It was the first issuance of this honorable award.
BTW...
Although it is somewhat like comparing a lake to the ocean, the world's second largest pool is located in Casablanca, Morocco. The Orthileb, or the "Big Splash," is 450 feet long and 300 feet wide.
Home Décor: To enjoy all the comforts of home, many of the well-traveled are now staying home. The trend in luxury lifestyle is for increasing numbers of home owners to opt to beef up amenities in their own residences, thus embarking on a life-long vacation. Custom homes, some priced in the millions -- are being designed around home buyers' personalities and lifestyles. From the kitchen to the pool area to the current must-have technology in and outside these luxury dwellings, all are busting at the seams with options galore.
Most people enjoy a good meal but some may find themselves repeating the same recipes over and over again, or spending hundreds on dining out. You may think you can't duplicate the gourmet entrees served in restaurants but Heavenly Chefs make it their mission to prove you wrong--in a good way.
Have you ever watched a cooking show and envied the audience members who get to sample the chef's amazing creation at the end? Now you can have your very own cooking show in the privacy of your home. While there won't be a network camera crew in your living room, you can invite over your neighbors, friends and family, even your coworkers, for an evening of cooking fun. Even if you are comfortable in the kitchen, Heavenly Chefs can show you ways to prepare healthier meals and be a wiser shopper, so that you can make meals that taste better than those from restaurants for a third of the cost. If boiling water is a challenge, there is no need to feel intimidated, Heavenly Chefs will tailor the lesson to your skill level.
Before your professional cooking lesson you'll tell Heavenly Chefs what you want to accomplish during the session, as well as your food preference and cooking confidence level. All participants are encouraged to fill out questionnaires prior to your lesson, so that the chef can prepare a program all will enjoy. Private lessons are available.
March 27, 2008 Digital Beer Dispenser: How could we have lasted as a society this long without a digital beer dispenser in our homes? Think of all the times our forefathers courageously drank their glasses of draught beer without knowing its temperature, its age, or how much was left in the keg without lifting it up and shaking it. Those archaic days are forever over with the BeerTender by Heineken. This revolutionary dispenser, which is made by Krups, is prompting beer lovers to raise their chilled mugs and toast a device that is single handedly upgrading the ebb and flow of draught beer.
The heavy-duty unit's space-age design is as attractive as it is functional. Its liquid-crystal touch-screen enables users to preset a desired temperature and to monitor freshness and beer level. It holds five liters (16 pints) of Heineken DraughtKegs, and keeps the tapped keg fresh for up to 30 days. A keg is ready to be tapped after being chilled in a refrigerator for 10 hours. The BeerTender also chills kegs directly in 18 hours.
The BeerTender is making it simpler to drink more responsibly. Two models are available "the B95 and the B90" and priced at $299 and $279, respectively. BeerTender Tubes, which connect the kegs to the unit, must be changed when a fresh keg is tapped. The tubes are available online at the BeerTender Store. Mandatory accessories such as glasses and beer skimmers are forthcoming. There is even a special hotline and a Club BeerTender to tap into the latest on all matters relating to the BeerTender. Do you know the five-step process in pouring the perfect glass of draft beer?
Although it is likely that taste of other draught beers would significantly improve by such flowing technology, the BeerTender only holds Heineken and Heineken Light DraughtKegs only.
Unlike a conventional bartender, the BeerTender works well without being tipped for every glass it pours. Cheers!
JustLuxe is a luxury Web publication providing objective analysis and information to affluent consumers to assist with their decision making, decisions such as charting a yacht, purchasing a jet membership card, booking a luxury hotel, traveling to a specific destination, or buying real estate. Our writers conduct interviews with industry executives and leaders in their fields, analyze product offerings and review the Web sites of leading companies to ensure our readers have up-to-date data to make informed decisions. Consumers can find purveyors of fine luxury goods, services and travel solutions throughout the pages of JustLuxe via content or with our advertising partners. See our Best of Luxury High end Brands and partners.
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Luxury Guitars: This one is music to the ears! About a year ago, Gibson, the guitar-making company most famous for the legendary Les Paul and SG models, introduced the revolutionary Robot Guitar, a guitar with self-tuning technology, as a limited-edition 4,000-unit release. It sold out in days after its debut, leaving a slew of frothing guitarist panting at the counter for their Robot.
Members Only: As private clubs go, almost every one offers lush décor and luxurious service. Few however, compare to FIFTY London.
Festivals & Events: There is no better time to visit 
World Wealth Report: The twelfth annual World Wealth Report by the Capgemini Group and Merril Lynch recently published indicates that for 2007 the entire population of millionaires has grown and there are now more than 10 million high-net-worth individuals around the world. A high-net-worth individual is defined as having at least $1 million in financial assets. The areas showing the highest increase in its population of wealthy individuals are the Middle East, Latin America, and Africa. The 2007 population of high-net-worth individuals is a six percent increase compared to the same statistics for 2006. 
Upscale Theaters: Going to the movies isn't what it used to be anymore thanks to the launch of a pilot program for a luxurious, in-theatre dining experience at Showcase Cinemas Randolph, Massachusetts better known as Lux Level. The concept features exclusive VIP seating in select auditoria where guests can enjoy in-seat dining and snacks before and during the show, as well as other special amenities.
Private Banking: The U.S. Bank Private Client Group is for people with special needs from a financial institution beyond a free checking account, a debit card, and easily accessible ATM locations. Albeit the aforementioned features certainly are beneficial, convenient features to this ilk of client are not quite as simple as bullet points on a framed 24 x 36 inch four-color poster. In other words, it is going to take more than a bank nestled in a grocery store along with a contemporary coffee shop to elicit them to stash their earnestly earned cash in it. Affluent individuals expect service and expertise that addresses their unique situations.
The Sports Club LA: The rigors of success leave many of the upwardly mobile seeking a respite from the daily grind to stay focused, balanced, and prepared for anything. The jungle out there takes its toil on all of us. Since it is somewhat difficult to book a killer vacation weekly, many busy people turn to health clubs for their personal "everybody needs a little time away" moments. However, the establishments that cater to the affluent fitness buffs had better be prepared to pamper their clients royally.
World's Largest Swimming Pool: How would you like to be the lifeguard for this swimming pool? According to Guinness World Records, the swimming pool at the San Alfonso del Mar resort is the largest in the world. It is 3,324 feet long, has an area of 19.77 acres, and holds 66 million gallons of water. Its deepest depth is 115 feet, and it is equivalent in size to 6,000 standard-size pools. Just to graphically emphasize what is being stated here, we asked an industry insider to offer some thoughts on the enormity of this pool. 
Most people enjoy a good meal but some may find themselves repeating the same recipes over and over again, or spending hundreds on dining out. You may think you can't duplicate the gourmet entrees served in restaurants but Heavenly Chefs make it their mission to prove you wrong--in a good way.
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