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July 06, 2006  Luxury Homes: This fabulous single-family residence of Montecito, California, has historical roots. The architect of this magnificent dwelling is the late Ms. Lutah Maria Riggs. Ms. Riggs, who lived from 1896 to 1984, is among the first women to be officially recognized for her outstanding achievements as an architect. She served as commissioner of the California State Board of Architectural Examiners. Ms. Riggs also was the first woman in California to become a fellow of the American Institute of Architecture.
This incredible, gated mansion, which is on three-plus acres of land, is one of Riggs' masterpieces. It has six bedrooms and nine bathrooms, including an enormous master suite. The waterworks and sculptures around the landscaping are magnificent. The view from the stately dining room is of presidential quality. There are numerous fireplaces throughout the house, including those in the formal library and living room. Additionally, there is a two-bedroom apartment on the premises for the domestic staff. Although it was built in 1939, it has the grandeur of a castle that was constructed for royalty.
This beautiful garden estate is listed at $10 million by Mr. Randy Solakian of Coldwater Banker Previews International. Randy's website has an impressive gathering of luxury properties. Most are located in Montecito, Hope Ranch, and Santa Barbara, California. However, I do recall viewing substantive properties in Umbria (Italy) and in the Garrone Valley of Southwest France too.
For LxM James Rothaar
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June 23, 2006  Luxury Travel: The accommodations you choose for your vacation are as important as where you decide to visit. If you end up at a substandard property, even the most beautiful landscape can't quite make up for it. You take a vacation to escape from reality, to indulge in luxurious excess, not to fall asleep afraid of what might bite you in your sleep.
Big Sur, California, with its breathtaking cliffs and picturesque coastal views is a perfect spot to spend a much-needed vacation, and the Post Ranch Inn is the place to call your own while you're there. Located on the Pacific Ocean, this luxury resort delivers the best Big Sur has to offer and provides a sanctuary suited to meet all of your needs. Rooms offer a "rustic" elegance, while two-story houses feature floor-to-ceiling windows with breathtaking panoramics of the rolling tide.
You'll find everything you need to unwind, from glistening swimming pools to nature walks, spa treatments, and daily Yoga and Tai Chi classes. You might forget all about leaving the resort, they even offer Shaman Sessions. There's nothing like a Destiny Retrieval and Divination treatment to bring you back to earth. The session incorporates the energy of who you want to become and reveals obstacles and opportunities along the path (now you can fire that overpaid consultant!). After you've effectively removed all that ails you, a gourmet meal in the award-winning Sierra Mar restaurant overlooking the Pacific is a perfect way to end the day.
For LxM Amy Covington
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May 22, 2006  Luxury Vacations: Sandy Lane, a luxury resort located in St. James, Barbados, offers the tropical environment of the Caribbean and a top-drawer amenities package. Water sports, fitness and spa facilities, golf, tennis, fine dining, lounges, and daycare facilities are offered on the premises. Fine dining is served up from menus offered by the resorts L'Acajou and Bajan Blue restaurants. The former
specializes in island seafood and French international cuisine, while the beachfront Bajan Blue's gastronomical delights center on Caribbean favorites.
Lounges providing nightlife options include the Monkey Bar and the Terrace Lounge. Additionally, there is a beach and a pool bar and a lounge and restaurant combo at the country club.
The country club features three golf courses. The Sandy Lane's Country Club course will host the 2006 World Golf Championships, the Barbados World Cup, on December 4-10, 2006. ABC and ESPN will televise the event to over 140 countries. The Green Monkey course is not yet officially opened but is available to guests of the resort during specific times. The designer for both courses is the renowned golf
architect Tom Fazio. The Old Nine course, which has stood since 1961, has been open since the Sandy Lane
opened its doors.
The average size of the 112 luxury rooms and suites of this Five-Star resort is 900 square feet. The resort's
two penthouse suites are nearly 4,000 square feet apiece, and various luxury suites are nearly 1,600 square feet. All rooms have plasma wide-screen TVs,
interactive entertainment systems, and superb stereo systems. The Treehouse Club, which is for children, provides sports, games, and arts and crafts.
The Sandy Lane Gold Cup horserace and the Crop Over Festival are annually touted events. Sandy Lane is an affiliate of the acclaimed Preferred Hotels & Resorts which is a collection of the world's finest luxury hotels and resorts.
For LxM James Rothaar
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May 15, 2006  Luxury Residence Clubs: Premier Destinations is an investment in pleasure with the potential to yield big smiles from family members, friends, business associates and even the most steadfast, ledger-watching advocates of accountancy. This luxury private-residency club offers pleasure and profit seekers stimulation galore, with its more than 60 luxuriant estates in the most exotic vacation spots throughout the world. Every time it is used the "fun-o-meter" peaks. Enjoying eight weeks' worth of vacations or getaways in residences with maximum
opulence is relatively simple concept to understand. The value of the membership increasing is based on the
potential appreciation of current locations coupled with the number of available locations increasing. PD ffers individual and corporate programs.
All premier destinations offered are residences of at least 4,000 square feet with four bedrooms and accompanying full, spa-size bathrooms. Private chefs and gourmet kitchens are standard too. Additionally, accommodations include ample media and dinning rooms along with fitness rooms, swimming pools, hot tubs and spas. Around-the-clock concierge services and an SUV round out the pampered-plus treatment provided by Premier Destinations.
London, Paris, Rome, NYC are a few of the cosmopolitan sites offered, while Jackson Hole, Wyoming, Vail, Colorado, and Whistler, British Columbia, represent the mountainous areas. For retreats centered on sand, sea or golf, Carmel California, Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, and the Bahamas' Turks and Caicos Islands are great year round. Along with the membership fee is a
registration fee and annual dues. Charter memberships are a wise investment, because there is never an
increase in annual membership dues.
Ms. Anne Sebastian is the leader of Premier Destinations, which is based in San Diego, California. She and her esteemed staff are venerable pioneers of
this industry. The potential to profit from living lavishly has never been greater!
For LxM James Rothaar
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May 03, 2006  Luxury Resorts: This heavenly, luxury resort is a year-round, grand-slamming hotspot for all seasons. Perhaps what is most appealing is that it is located away from the
cluster of other hotels and resorts of the area. It is tucked in a lush, idyllic nook that is free of all the
everyday hubbub and trappings one generally seeks to
escape during a getaway. There are plenty of
activities to experience, yet no better place to do
absolutely nothing and enjoy it so thoroughly.
The Villa Sungai is remotely located just 20 minutes
away from the area's best offerings in nightlife, fine
dining and the island's finest golf course. And how is
this for remote control? Guests are caravanned in a
plush vehicle that seats eight and is driven by the
resort's manager, serving as a personal tour guide and
chauffeur. It is ideal for intimate escapades or
full-scale family vacations. This place will take the
March madness right out of you. Have no reservations
about making reservations at the Villa Sungai. Play
Bali!
For LxM James Rothaar
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April 16, 2009  Luxury Resorts: The St. Regis Bora Bora is the perfect amalgamation of five-star accommodations, world-class service, exhilarating activities and tantalizing meals. This 44-acre South Pacific paradise has views of Bora Bora and Mount Otemanu and is surrounded by powdery white sand beaches and a tranquil, crystal clear blue lagoon.
The all-suite resort has 30 bungalows and 70 over-water villas. The options include Spa Beach Villa, Over-Water Bungalows, Deluxe Over-Water Bungalows and Premier Over-Water Bungalows. Of the different villas at the resort, eight villas have terrace Jacuzzis, five are two-bedroom over-water villas with private swimming pools, and 11 one-bedroom villas and two two-bedroom villas are located on the beach. All of the villas and bungalows are large ranging in size from 1,550 square feet to the 13,000 square feet royal estate. All are equipped with plasma TVs, iPod adapters, DVD players and butler service. The décor is a luxurious combination of Balinese and Thai influences that fits the upscale but easy beach vibe perfectly.
My husband and I stayed in one of the Over-Water Bungalows and were extremely impressed with the large size of the villa and its luxurious décor. The bathroom is spacious to say the least, with a Jacuzzi bathtub, a beautiful separate stone shower and his and her sinks. The living room has a glass bottom where you can see tropical fish swimming at any time of the day or night. Our private patio was also impressive and spacious with room for entertaining several guests. There is a lower deck with two lounge chairs and end tables, and a covered upper deck for in-room dining (which I highly recommend!). The water under and around the bungalows is about 10 feet deep so it is safe and convenient to dive right off of your room into the beautiful turquoise water. Closet space was a bit tight but not a problem as the year-round balmy climate does not require many wardrobe changes.
Book a Stay at St. Regis Bora Bora >>
The resort boasts three restaurants including the Lagoon restaurant by noted chef Jean- Georges Vongerichten. Lagoon is located over water with completely unobstructed views of Mount Otemonu across the Bora Bora lagoon. There is an outside deck that is perfect for watching the sunset while sipping one of the tasty cocktails that are served. The menu is gourmet, emphasizes local seafood, and changes constantly. We dined at Lagoon twice and were impressed with everything that came out of the kitchen. The service was efficient and attentive, and our servers offered great recommendations. Lagoon also has a wonderful wine list.
Sushi Take is the first sushi restaurant in Bora Bora. The menu is traditional sushi prepared with freshly caught local seafood. There are only 20 tables at this restaurant so I strongly suggest making a reservation.
Te Pahu serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in a spacious area that opens to the beach and private St. Regis Lagoon. The breakfast buffet is wonderful with fresh juices, fresh pastries, various meats and a chef to prepare eggs to your liking. Lunch and dinner are also very good with menus that are comprised of grilled fish and meats, sandwiches, vegetables and salads. Everything is seasoned to perfection with fresh herbs.
Book a Stay at St. Regis Bora Bora >>
There are numerous activities at the St. Regis. There are two pools and two swimming beaches where guests can check out kayaks, snorkel gear and canoes free of charge. Scuba diving, fishing, jet skiing and other activities can be arranged with the concierge. I strongly recommend the scuba diving with sharks just outside the reef entrance to Bora Bora, which guests can do without a certification. The myriad of fish, sting rays, reef and lemon sharks that occupy the reef are breathtaking and the water is warm and clear. While the idea of diving with numerous sharks may sound daunting, our instructor Ben quickly put us at ease with endless stories of his daily scuba diving and calm instructions. The St. Regis also has a complimentary grass tennis court and fitness center for guests who choose to stay on land.
The Spa Miri Miri is the perfect end to a day in the sun. It is located on its own private island in the lagoon with a small swim beach and deck for diving. Traditional and contemporary Tahitian treatments are offered including facials, waxing, body wraps, massages, manicures and pedicures. I recommend the relaxing massages, which are given by pleasant and capable therapists who will chanRelated Topics: Resorts |
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April 16, 2006  Other than an Asian country, where else would you expect to find a five-star, Zen-inspired, Feng-shui approved (non-smoking) boutique hotel?
You guessed it, California- the place where hydrocolonics are as regular as teeth cleanings, poodles have more expensive and designer-laden wardrobes than the average middle American, and the "Terminator" is governor. While Hotel Parisi in posh La Jolla, California appeals to the "new" generation of urban travelers with its holistic design and accommodations, they do not fail to provide every possible creature comfort for those who demand star treatment- and in California, who doesn't? This waterside retreat features 20 guest suites ranging from 425-725 square feet, with several offering ocean views.
Each suite is outfitted with Hotel Parisi's custom-built furniture, from the upholstered bed, wall-mounted nightstands of flame-cut steel and wood, to the cream-colored Egyptian Cotton sheets, Goose down comforters, in-ceiling track lighting and marble-accented bathrooms with separate shower and tub.
For LxM Amy CovingtonRelated Topics: Resorts
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March 28, 2006  Luxury Resort & Spas: Located off the Mediterranean Sea among the runs of
the ancient city Olous on the Island of Crete, the
Blue Palace is a luxury hotel that specializes in
pampering patrons lavishly with its service and
amenities in addition to the island's alluringly
beautiful and exotic surroundings. The suites of the
Blue Palace, with their marble-lined bath areas and
ocean view, truly are befitting of royalty. Five
restaurants offering mouthwatering delicacies with
each one focusing on its unique cuisine sates the most
demanding gastronomically refined palates.
It is equally appealing for family vacations,
getaways, social events or business affairs. The
resort's Spinlonga Hall is capable of accommodating
events or affairs for up to 230 guests. A kids' club,
a playground and babysitting services are available
for the princes and princesses, while the kings and
queens can shop lavishly at the luxury boutique and
specialty stores or rejuvenate themselves at the
all-encompassing health and beauty spa for adults.
There are plenty of outdoor activities on the premises
and in the area guaranteed to leave guests reeling in
pleasure.
The Tatler Travel Guide 2006 cited the Blue Palace
Resort & Spa among the "101 Best Hotels in the World."
If you are whetting for a setting that is Greek chic,
this is the resort that is most distinct.
For LxM James Rothaar
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March 26, 2006  Luxury Resort & Spas: While your friends were sailing in the Caribbean and golfing away the afternoons, you were chained to your desk- a virtual slave to paperwork. Your workload seemed never ending. At the end of it all the whites of your eyes have taken on a seemingly permanent bloodshot hue, while your skin is as sallow as week-old salmon. Now the tide has passed and you can take a vacation. A Green Tea & Ginger Seaweed Wrap followed by an Orange Blossom Body Scrub is in order- as is a plentiful plate of Herbed Ricotta Agnolotti or Seared Hudson Valley Foie Grassor both.
Quail Lodge, situated on 850 acres of inland property on the Monterey Peninsula near Carmel-by-the-Sea, offers guests countless options for relaxation, rejuvenation and ultimate pampering. The Lodge's spa features relaxing spa gardens and poolside treatment suites, including one just for couples. Body treatments reflect the region's natural riches, while their celebrated restaurant's ever-changing menu highlights the freshest ingredients from local farmers and fishermen. Tableside service is enhanced by an award-winning wine list.
For LxM Amy Covington
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March 12, 2006  Luxury Resort: It just doesn't get much better than this-perched on the bluffs of Punta Ballena, or Whale Point, on Baja's Sea of Cortez, is the one of the world's hottest luxury destinations, the Hotel at Esperanza. Only four miles from Cabo San Lucas, Mexico, Esperanza overlooks two private
coves and features 50 luxury suites and six private villas, ranging from 925 to 4,750 square feet of indoor and outdoor living space with large terraces revealing spectacular views of the ocean. Rooms are decorated in a casual, yet elegant, Baja style, with original art and handcrafted furnishings, fine linens, plush robes and oversized bathrooms. You won't be without creature comforts with a fully-stocked in-room bar, TV, stereo and DVD player. What's a vacation without good food? Esperanza's Signature Restaurant serves up regional fare representing authentic local cuisine and culinary excellence. Carved into the bluffs above the Sea of Cortez, the restaurant accommodates guest on three levels of stone terraces flowing from a circular palapa-roofed dining room down to the property's two sandy coves. Chef specialties include cocina del sol -- "sun-filled" Mediterranean-influenced cooking, which incorporates local resources and regional flavors. Complementing the menu is an extensive wine list and tequila menu featuring more than 100 selections.
For LxM Amy Covington
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December 09, 2005  When was the last time you ate a sushi roll and then took in a Russian bath? Or downed a vitamin cocktail and swam laps in a pool filled with Baltic sea water? It may not be a tropical paradise but this Eastern European destination is an increasingly popular hot-spot--attracting such dignitaries as Gustav V, King of Sweden. The main attraction here is the Baltic Beach Hotel, originally built in 1982 as Rigas Jurmala, a sanitarium for ministers of the U.S.S.R. Today the newly-renovated 165-room hotel has a sparkling new 14,500-square-foot wellness spa, salt-water pool, a five star restaurant, the Caviar Club, a sushi bar and a throwback to the 70's with a Soviet-style Retro Bar. In the spa guests get a new lease on life with traditional curative treatments, which treat everything from sleeping disorders to pesky cellulite. Laser, ultrasonic and ion therapies also are available. Nearby attractions include a café-lined boardwalk, Majori's Beach, and Riga, Latvia's capital, a short 30 minutes away.
For LxM Amy Covington
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December 08, 2005  The Cayo Espanto experience begins even before you arrive at this private island resort off the coast of Belize. All guests receive a five-page questionnaire before their trip, asking them to describe their ideal breakfast, lunch and dinner; what time they prefer to have cocktails served; and if they prefer to be spoiled with attention, or to have service on request.
This kind of personal service is the hallmark of Cayo Espanto, the creation of Jeff and Susan Gram. The Atlanta-based couple started a series of successful businesses, ranging from selling car accessories to mail-order catalogs and real estate, before opening their resort. When Gram bought the four-acre island off Ambergris Cay in 1997, it was just a lagoon. It took four years to fill the island with sand, plant palm trees and build five A-frame bungalows, each with its own dock and plunge pool
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