April 04, 2008 Luxury Adventure: Experience an exhilarating tour through scenic Spain on the back of a motorcycle. Accelerate your way through the sharp turns of the Spanish hillside, riding through magnificent scenery. Our route takes you through Seville, Trujillo, Cáceres and ends in Granada. Park your bike between the Plaza Nueva and Gran Via in Granada and enjoy an array of local cuisine. Catch a bullfight in Seville or try your toes at Flamenco dancing. Visit museums and important landmarks as you enrich your cultural spirit and learn what makes Spain so beautiful. This tour is a must for any avid motorcyclist looking to expand their horizons.
Days 1-2
With your personal motorcycle at your disposal, get prepared to embark on one of the most enriching and unique motorcycle rides of your lifetime. Starting in Malaga, Spain venture over to the cultural city of Seville. Being over two thousand years old, Seville is home to some of the most amazing restaurants and cultural scenes. Before you leave Seville make sure you stop by El Rinconcillo, a great hole-in-the-wall tapas bar that is more than 300 years old. Being the heart and soul of Andalusian culture, Seville is also the perfect place to enjoy a bull fight or dance the night away practicing Flamenco at Casa La Anselma.
Days 3-4
Riding through magnificent scenery, our route takes us through Sierra Morena into one of the most historical cities in Spain, Extremadura. Wander through the massive palaces and gawk and some of the most beautiful historical churches that this city offers.
Hop back on your bike and venture through the cities of Trujillo and Caceres as you eventually make your way to Guadalupe and Cordoba. Have the opportunity to see the famous "Black Madonna" the patron saint of all Spanish speaking countries and then dine at La Almudaina where you can relax in the atmosphere of a 15th century palace.
Days 5-8
End your whirlwind of a trip by passing through Granada over mountain tops as you head back to your starting point - Malaga. Spend your last evening in Spain going over your adventures and enjoying some of the best French cuisine at Café de Paris.
On this intense motorcycle ride, every day is different and filled with exhilarating adventures as you weave around the windy roads that inhabit Spain. This "off the beaten path" trip is sure to show you the best of historical Spain while maintaining an adventurous appeal.
Escape to Italy: For anyone who's looking for a bit of refinement in their lives, there is no better place than Siena. With its historic background, imposing statues and famous galleries, Siena is a land rich in art and culture. While you will have no problem finding the major tourist attractions on your own, there are several less obvious hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. Drive to the enoteca in Montalcino and enjoy some regional vino and mingle with the locals at the Poliziano Cantina on the Piazza Grande. Check out the handmade coppersmith's workshop in Montepulciano or join the masses of spectators gathered in the piazza and cheer as the annual Palio kicks into high gear. What better way to explore the countryside than by hot air balloon? Float through 13th century San Gimignano and olive groves, around hilltop fortresses and just above Siena's historic rooftops, gothic towers and old cobblestone streets.
Days 1-3
This is an opportunity to float high above the painted landscapes of Italy, taking in the splendor of the countryside. Spend your first three nights at the five-star WESTIN® Excelsior Hotel in Florence, located on Piazza Ognissanti. Enjoy a guided walk to Piazza San Marco, the restored 15th century Dominican monastery, and the Piazza Duomo's 13th century cathedral and cupola. After lunch, it's off to the Academy of Fine Arts for a leisurely visit to Michelangelo's original statue of David. For dinner, try the homemade pasta with game sauce or the grilled pigeon at La Tavola di Pier Capponi. Don't forget to head to the Fusion Bar, located in the trendy Lungarno Hotel for a nightcap.
The next two days are jam packed with history and culture. Visit the Uffizi Gallery and the historic Vasarian Corridor, an elevated covered pathway over the Arno River built for royalty in 1565. Closed to the public, Buddy Bombard has made special arrangements to grant you access to this exclusive corridor. Explore the Palatine Gallery at Pitti Palace, the 16th century Boboli gardens filled with grottos and sculptures, and the 15th century Ponte Vecchio, the oldest bridge in Florence. Spend the afternoon hitting up the designer boutiques at Via dei Tornabuoni or take the three-hour guided tour through the Florence Old Quarter to the Brancacci Chapel. Eat like the Florentines at Il Latini and enjoy a family-style meal served with all the wine you could possibly drink.
Day 4-8
It's off to Sienna, where the next four mornings you can drift at low level in the world's most famous balloons, while staying in luxury at the five-star Grand Hotel Continental, a restored 17th century palace just steps from the Casa de Campo. Float through 13th century San Gimignano and olive groves, around hilltop fortresses and just above Siena's historic rooftops, gothic towers and old cobblestone streets. Each day for lunch you'll be the priviledged guest of local nobility in their magnificent ancestral castles and estates, including the Knights Hall of Castello di Brolio, where 700-year-old polished suits of armor are still kept. On day eight, return to Florence for your journey home.
Luxury Adventures: Touring Spain has never been so adventurous or fun. Participate in the annual La Tomatina, a food-fight festival held in the quaint town of Buñol. Show off your arm as you throw plump tomatoes at tens of thousands of participants. Stroll down the medieval streets of Valencia, get a table at L'Alter and experience the best paella in the region while mingling with the locals. As the sun sets, make your way over to the famed Pacha nightclub and get lost in the pulsating lights and heart-pounding music. After a few days in Spain, travel to the island of Ibiza where the bikini-clad beaches and exciting nightlife await you.
Days 1-3
After arriving in the passion city of Barcelona you will be taken to your hotel where you can start to relax and unwind in this city of passion and culture. Located right in Las Ramblas (the heart of Barcelona) you will have the opportunity to set off and explore the magnificent culture and nightlife this country boasts. During the days peruse around the Gothic Quarter where you can visit the Museum of Contemporary Art as well as take in all the amazing century old architecture that surrounds the city. If the sun is bright and the breeze is cool, head over to the bikini clad beaches where all the beautiful people play. As evening approaches make sure you head over to Sala Razzmatazz and dance the night away.
Day 4
La Tomatina is the world's largest organized tomato fight!!! On this day you will be able to participate in one of the most traditional festivals Spain offers. Early in the morning we will head off to Buñol, a quaint town in Valencia. Get ready to join in on the water fight, to the T-Shirt fight, to the millions of pounds of tomatoes being dumped in the streets and the unbelievable mayhem that follows! As the sun sets, wander in and out of the cafes and bars that line the streets of Valencia.
Days 5-9
After spending four nights in Barcelona it is time to get on the Superferry and head off to the sun drenched island of Ibiza. Enjoy your afternoons perusing quaint boutique shops, taking private Salsa lessons or hanging out on the beach mingling with the locals. Whatever you choose, make sure you relax because Ibiza is known to have clubs with sound systems so powerful that the electric beats give your body the ultimate music massage. Pacha, Amnesia or Privilege are just some of the world-renowned clubs that you can visit and party until the break of dawn. Whether your focus is cultural or leisure Ibiza is bound to have many hidden gems that will definitely satisfy your wants.
Adventures: Traveling and experiencing the world is living the luxury lifestyle at its fullest, as every adventure leaves you desiring more and more! Each journey is an opportunity to discover and create your own experience. The Extraordinary Life Experiences JustLuxé.com Vacation Getaway will give a lucky winner a head start of $3,000 toward a trip to Sydney, Monaco, Ibiza, Los Angeles or Rio de Janeiro.
This is a collaborative effort in association with Jaguar and the 2009 Jaguar XF. The XF is an extraordinary luxury sports sedan so unique it could be in a class of its own. Industry pundits globally assert that it is the most compelling sedan ever built by the esteemed automaker. Britain's most popular auto-buying What Car? named it the Car of the Year and the Best Executive Car for 2008.
This is your opportunity to experience life in the Luxé lane!
Experience: Sydney
The Establishment Hotel is located in the heart of the bustling city's Business District. The centrally located five-star hotel has great proximity to local attractions, such as Sydney Harbour and the Opera House. The hotel features three restaurants, four bars, and one of Sydney's most popular nightclubs, Tank. The award-winning club features three bars, a dance floor and a VIP area. Ravesi's is a waterfront boutique hotel with roots that date back to 1914. Drift, the hottest beach bar in Sydney, is a haunt for local A-listers and jetsetters. The Observatory Hotel is acclaimed for its fine restaurants, the Galileo and the Globe Bar. The lavish hotel has tennis courts, a full spa, and a 60-meter swimming pool on the premises. Rooms at the Medusa Hotel, which is in Darlinghurst, are vibrant and colorful. The contemporarily decorated hotel is a converted 18th century Victorian mansion. BLUE Sydney is a boutique hotel that over looks the Wharf on Woolloomooloo Bay.
Experience: Monaco
What trip to Monaco is complete without a visit to the Le Louis at the Hotel de Paris, or Le Vistimar at the Hotel Hermitage. Experiences are just waiting to happen to all visitors of the most glamorous principality in the entire world. What came first jetsetters or Monaco? A stay at the Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort or the Fairmont Monte-Carlo is an lavish affair. Recommended places to experience include the Casino de Monte-Carlo, Jimmyz and Le Café Jordin. Monaco is the capital of opulence with its casinos and nightlife.
Experience: Ibiza Ibiza is part of the Balearic Islands on the Mediterranean Sea. It is well known for its hot summer parties and decadent nightlife. It hangs anyway you want it in Ibiza with a Mediterranean twist of blissfulness that is simply irresistible.
Privilege, which is among the biggest clubs in the world, is large by anyone's definition with 25-meter-high ceilings and an indoor pool. Located in Ibiza Tourio and San Antonio, the club attracts a fair share of celebrities, debutantes and paparazzi in its gatherings. Other noteworthy hotspots of the night include Amnesia, Eden, and Space.
While sleeping is optional in Ibiza, only the finest in accommodations will do. The capital of relaxation and hedonism offers an array of top-caliber hotels that are guaranteed to tickle the fancy of even the most discerning guests. The El Pacho Hotel is posh contemporary elegance extraordinaire. It also is the location of the outrageously inviting Pacha nightclub. The Hotel Es Vive, a 52-room boutique hotel, is lively and buoyantly decadent year round. Check
Luxury Resorts: Angsana Resort & Spa Great Barrier Reef in Queensland, Australia, is the ultimate adventure and eco destination. Your gateway to the Great Barrier Reef and the oldest rainforest on earth, guests can name their activity of choice: diving, snorkeling, sailing, surfing, fishing, white-water rafting, bungee-jumping, tandem parachuting, hiking, bush walking, rainforest trekking, horse riding and even hot air ballooning. Visible from the moon, 'The Reef' is the largest coral formation in the world, covering a landmass five times the size of Japan, and consisting of 2,500 individual reefs and 500 islands.
There are over 400 types of corals and 1,500 species of fish making one of the natural wonders of the world and the most diverse eco-system on the planet. Not only will you have never-ending options for activities, you will enjoy award-winning cuisine. Far Horizons Restaurant & Bar was voted the Best Modern Australian Restaurant in Far North Queensland Gourmet Traveler Top 200 Restaurant Guide 2002-2004. Indulge in Asian-inspired international cuisine infused with local ingredients and aromatic curries. Dine al fresco among lush lawns and powdery sand. Of course all of this is at your discretion, feel free to do nothing at all or spend your vacation getting pampered in the Resort's spa.
Luxury Vacations: If you are in pursuit of an ultra pristine destination that has been voted best in the world by Conde Nast Traveller (UK), as one of the 100 Best Places to stay in 2006 by the Robb Report, and as Hideaway of the Year by Hideaways Magazine, then let me intrigue you just a bit more...
Its history is a uniquely fascinating tale: what used to house a coconut distillery and a cinnamon plantation, the island became overrun by rats, pigs and ferrel cattle, overgrown by weeds and coconut trees after the distillery closed down in 1970. Almost 30 years later, a South African wilderness outfitter, Wilderness Safaris, assumed control of and took to restoring the entire island, reintroducing native flora and fauna, making the island a flawlessly ideal sanctuary. It was no easy task, and but well worth the reward.
Situated off the coast of East Africa, North Island resort boasts impeccable privacy, and tailor-made personalized services, all designed to "spoil" you with the most amazing experience. The island has only 11 guest villas secretly tucked away in the Takamaka forest and exquisitely designed to celebrate and honor the environment. There is a "no menu" concept on the island. Using organic resources, meals are custom-made once the chef takes into consideration individual food preferences. In a place of extreme natural beauty, the luxury spa plan is designed with holistic treatments meant to rejuvenate the body, mind and soul.
The essence of North Island remains a sustainable natural treasure. From the beginning, the endeavor's purpose has been to turn back the ecological clock 200 years through rehabilitation of the land. The new owner's called it the "Noah's Ark" concept, and are re-introducing many endangered species over time. Visitors are likewise encouraged to take part in the conservation project.
Far removed from the modern world, the experience at North Island is simply catered to you. Every probable wish has already been anticipated. So kick back and enjoy a sundowner as you glance over the crystal clear waters, soaking up some unspoiled island magic. You'll thank me later.
Luxury Vacations: Everyone has a different opinion of tattoos. Some think they are cool, others think they are cutting edge, maybe you wouldn't be caught dead with one. Many cultures paint their bodies for different reasons. In Tahiti, a Tahitian island god named Tohu, the god of tattoo, is to blame. In fact, the word itself originated on this gorgeous tropical island. In Polynesian culture, tattoos are considered signs of beauty, and in ancient times Tahiti's children were ceremoniously inked when reaching adolescence. Aside from its colorful past, Tahiti offers a rich culture. Open-air sanctuaries called marae were the power centers of ancient Polynesia. Today you can view what remains of these large stone structures, which were witness to the worshiping of gods, peace treaties, and war celebrations.
July is a great time to visit Tahiti. During this time the Heiva in Tahiti celebration is in full swing. Tahitians gather in Papeete to display crafts, compete in ancient sporting events, and recreate traditional and elaborate dance performances. Catch a romantic sunset on a white sandy beach any time of year, while you watch the turquoise surf breaking onto the colorful reefs. In addition to the vibrant cultural activities, Tahiti offers world-class snorkeling and diving. From Experienced to beginner, divers and snorkelers enjoy the clear waters and abundant marine life, like the gigantic manta rays. There are hundreds of dive sites throughout the islands, including drift dives, oceanic drop-offs, sunken ships, and lagoon dives. With summer approaching, now is the time to book your next tropical destination.
Luxury Hotels: The 13th century medieval Castle, Chateau de Bagnols, is sheltered with towers and surrounded by a moat. The only way in is across the drawbridge. This medieval fortress can put you in a time warp and turn your dream as a want-to-be royal just a reservation away. Beside the warm welcome you receive at one of France's finest chateau hotels, the ambiance is plush with velvet, silks, antiques and painting dating back through the centuries.
The Chateau is part of the Rocco Forte Hotel Group. It is surrounded by vineyards, forest and rolling hills plus has it own vintage, La Cuvage, on the grounds. The city of Lyon with it's rich Renaissance history is only minutes away. Romance and musketeer friendship are abound as you live the past finding pleasure in whatever you decide to pursue.
Luxury Travel: If you're aching to do something that no one else has done, to experience a stimulating quest into the unknown, or simply want to use your airline miles on something outlandish, than get in line with only 156 people in the entire population who have already purchased tickets in advance. Since money is no object in your quest for the ultimate adventure, pack your bags and get ready to head into outer space; and don't forget your bathing suit! (Yes, I said bathing suit; but have no fear, you won't be wearing it at 63 miles above sea level, only to the lavish after-party!)
British billionaire, Richard Branson dreams big, and is anticipating the first flight into outer space in 2009. At $200,000 per seat, the first adventurers will be throttled into outer space after a three-day assessment and passing vigorous medical tests. When all systems are a go, you will board Virgin Galactic's SpaceShipTwo with five other passengers and two pilots.
Set to be a 2.5-hour flight, your countdown to launch will occur from an altitude of about 60,000 feet in mid-air. SpaceShipTwo will detach, firing its hybrid rocket and propelling you into what used to be never-never land. Since Virgin Galactic will only reach 3,500 mph, and to orbit the earth a velocity of 17,500mph is required, you won't experience a true earth orbit, but will simply encounter awe-inspiring views, the curvature of the Earth, and peaceful solitude: an experience so surreal you won't know how to put it into words. All this prep and money for 15 minutes in space and the biggest highlight: five minutes of weightlessness.
This exotic flight is coupled with a lavish after-party and mini luxury vacation held on Sir Richard's private island retreat in the British Virgin Islands. For each "astronaut" and accompanying guests, luxury Balinese accommodations are provided on the Necker Island with four nights of all-inclusive festivities. Surrounded by pristine white beaches and acres of nature trails, Sir Richard will hold a private celebration to personally present each passenger with a set of Virgin Galactic astronaut wings. The rest of your time will be spent "coming back down to earth!"
Luxury Adventures: The new Platinum Heli-Skiing Season Pass from Great Canadian Heli-Skiing (GCH) in British Columbia offers unlimited vertical access to the world's best powder skiing for a price. At CDN $100,000, or about $80,000 US, this is undoubtedly the world's most expensive powder experience, but its also totally unparalleled.
GCH is located halfway between Golden and Revelstoke, BC in the heart of the world's most renowned heli-skiing belt. The area is revered by enthusiasts for its incomparable deep, dry powder and incredible terrain. The Platinum Pass absolutely guarantees the holder a seat on one of GCHs sporty A-Star B2 helicopters every single day of the heli-skiing season, from December 26 to March 28, overriding all other bookings.
This includes even the peak season of February which is traditionally sold out long in advance. GCH operates from the ruggedly beautiful Heather Mountain Lodge in the heart of the Purcell and Selkirk ranges in the Columbia Mountains, part of the North American Rockies. Platinum passholders will have a personal powder concierge to keep them abreast of conditions and forecasts, ensuring an optimum heli-skiing experience.
Luxury Vacations: You've always wanted the best of both worlds-in your case, that means roughing it and indulging in the finer things in life. The thought of whitewater rafting fills your veins with adrenaline, while the prospect of sampling some of the world's finest wine paired with mouthwatering gourmet food gets your blood flowing in a different way. When it comes to travel your options are typically either/or. Not anymore. As seen on NBC's "In Wine Country" O.A.R.S. has teamed up with Calaveras County's Twisted Oak Winery for several "California Wine on the River" trips on the Tuolumne, a world-class, wild and scenic river that affords some of the greatest whitewater rafting in California. The trip includes two days of Class III-IV whitewater, camping and gourmet wilderness cuisine paired with Twisted Oak's finest wines. Executive Chef Bob Anderson serves as master chef during the trip, and a representative from Twisted Oak's will personally present the wines.
If you're even more daring-in both your adventure travel and wine tastes-the Rogue River trip is for you. Forge Oregon's wild Rogue River along with Ironstone President and rafting guru Steve Kautz. This trip includes four days of river rafting, three nights of camping and gourmet wilderness cuisine paired with Twisted Oak's finest wines. Executive Chef Bob Anderson serves as master chef during the trip, and a representative from Twisted Oak's will personally present the wines.
Luxury Adventures Alpine Ascents International offers extremely adventurous vacations for those seeking an outing that is a challenging proposition. There is definitely a lot of physical activity included. The company takes folk on mountain climbing adventures of various lengths. This is an opportunity to go scale the Himalayas, the Matterhorn of Switzerland, the Denali of Alaska, or all three and more. Forty of the world's most renowned and accomplished mountain climbers are tour guides for Alpine Ascents.
Some trips are not intended or recommended for new climbers. However, there are various trekking tours that are physically demanding but do not require technical-climbing expertise, such as the Trekking in Ladakh journey and the Cultural Tour of India. There also is a 13-day Alpine mountaineering course available to teach climbers prerequisite skills for the advanced-level expeditions. AAI also has three schools of mountain climbing that are located in the North Cascades of Washington, Talkeetna, Alaska, and Patagonia, Chile. The on-the-mountain-training courses are a great way to learn and to experience an expedition safely. Classes of six, eight, and 12 days are offered.
With safety always at the forefront, the advanced tours have specific course prerequisites and fitness requirements. The Himalaya adventures require climbers take Alpine's six-day training course, or possess equivalent experience. Participants must prove themselves capable of carrying a 60-pound pack while pulling a 40-pound sled.
Any of the Seven Summits expeditions would be a most journey. It involves climbing the highest mountains of seven continents. Approximately 25 percent of those who have reached the top of all seven summits accomplished this remarkable feat through an Alpine Ascents' tour. The seven summits are Nepal's Everest (29,035 ft.), Argentina's Aconcagua (22,829 ft.), Alaska's Denali (20,320 ft.), Africa's Kilimanjaro (19,340 ft.), Russia's Elbrus (18,510 ft.), Antarctica's Vinson (16,067 ft.), and both Australia and Oceania's Carstensz Pyramid (16,023 ft.).
Alpine Ascents International offers both private tours and educational courses. Tents and safety equipment are provided. The company's Web site is very informative and educational.
For LxM James Rothaar
Company: Alpine Ascents International Business: Adventure vacations; mountain climbing-tours; mountain climbing school Location: Seattle, Wash. (office) Web site:http://AlpineAscents.com Contact: (206) 378-1927 / Climb@AlpineAscents.com