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Treehouses Aren’t Just for Kids Anymore

On 04.09.10, In Luxury Living, Luxury Overdose, Luxury Real Estate, Luxury Vacation, By Sarah

Ah, youth. Remember the days of treehouses and hide and go seek? Well, even if you don’t, today there’s a new way to experience memories of yore. The treehouse is making a comeback, and it’s not just for kids.

Upscale treehouses are being sold as havens away from the chaos of a bubbling household. As places for meditation, these refuges are unparalleled. Custom treehouse designers can erect you a Swiss Family Robinson type home in a few weeks. While the kind of trees influence the design and size of a treehouse, a 200 square foot lofty home usually runs from $40,000 to $80,000 and comes flush with electricity and other amenities. If you really desire luxury, TreeHouse Worshop, a Seattle based treehouse company has no problem with designing six figure treehouses with gourmet kitchens and full bathrooms.

Or if you want a more do it yourself experience, the same company sells tools that allow you to fashion your own tree home, albeit it more modestly. New technology like the Garnier Limb, a fake tree branch, allows treehouses to be built with more facility. But one of the largest benefits is that the foundation for the house already exists. Best of all is the fact that these verdant outposts serve the same function as a vacation home, and can cost a fraction of the price.

Tagged with: fun • luxury kids • treehouse luxury

New Ceiling Design In the Louvre

On 03.23.10, In Luxury Overdose, Luxury Vacation, By Sarah

Cy Twombly, American artist, was named a knight by the Culture Minister Frederic Mitterand at the inauguration of his new ceiling design for the Louvre. The work is just the third by a contemporary artist to be enshrined within the walls of the French museum. The last man to do it was George Braque in the 1950′s.

Twombly, who has lived in Italy since the late 50′s, came up with a design of gold medallions on a deep blue background with the Greek names of sculptors adorning its edges. Blue is something new for him, he says, as the artist is best known for his abstract, grafitti like doodlings. For this work he was influenced by the blues of Giotto, who used lapis lazuli to achieve his blues.

The 4300 square foot ceiling was affixed in pieces after being painted in a separate Parisian warehouse.

Below are some of Twombly’s works.

Tagged with: art • Cy Twombly • Paris • the Louvre

Shanghai Takes High Road for World Expo

On 03.19.10, In Luxury Living, Luxury Overdose, Luxury Vacation, By Sarah

Shanghai, not to be outdone by the Olympics in China”s political capital two years ago, is constructing eye popping structures all along the Huangpu river. The World Expo 2010 begins May 1 and Shanghai will be ready.

Architecture representing the world’s 192 countries is still being built, while already much of it is finished. An expected 70 million visitors will attend over the next six months, officials say, bringing more people to the city of 19 million.

While eight months after the Expo ends all buildings must be torn down, according to official rules, five buildings will remain, one of which is the flying saucer shaped Chinese Cultural Center (featured above).

Below, two Caravaggio’s will make their Chinese debut in the Italy pavilion:Basket of Fruit:

The expo will provide China with a chance to display environmentally friendly urban examples for cities in the 21st century, as well as providing a site for international commerce, forums, exhibits and events.

Tagged with: Caravaggio • China • World Expo 2010

Top 5 Places for a 2nd Home

On 03.09.10, In Luxury Living, Luxury Overdose, Luxury Real Estate, Luxury Vacation, By Sarah

With the markets rising, and summer not far away, the real estate market for the rich and powerful is booming. Barron’s just released the top 10 places to own a second home; here are the top 5:

1. Maui: This island boasts some of the world’s best beaches, and over the past decade has undergone a face lift that has made it even more appealing to the wealthy. While the median home price is 1.5 million, it’s down 27% from its peak.

2. Kiawah Island, S.C.: This island has beautiful beaches, abundant wildlife, and just one realty company to keep its low key image. Did I mention that some of the world’s best golf is next door? And if you’re in the mood for some city, head to Charleston in less than an hour.

3. The Hamptons, N.Y.: Long a reserve for wealthy New Yorkers, this enclave is experiencing a surge in interest thanks to big Wall St. bonuses. Whether you are looking for Southampton’s old money congeniality, or trendy East Hampton’s gloss, you will find some gorgeous real estate.

4. Park City, UT: This ski town has some of the finest snow in the world, but winter’s not the only time worth visiting. During summer, there are fewer people and the Old-Western style town becomes a refuge from crowds.

5. Aspen, CO.: This town is also a ski center, but when it comes to getaways, Aspen takes the cake. Shopping, culture, and gorgeous homes adorn the area, and year round this town shimmers.

Tagged with: aspen • Luxury Real Estate • maui • park city • south carolina • the hamptons • travel

World Most Livable Cities

On 03.03.10, In Luxury Living, Luxury Real Estate, Luxury Vacation, By Sarah

Recession got you down? Want a change of pace? It might be time to move – abroad. This year the world’s most livable city is Vienna, followed by Zurich, (last year’s number 1) Geneva and Vancouver. Europe holds down the list and Germany has three of the top ten cities (Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Munich).

The U.S. had only two cities in the top 30, Honolulu and San Francisco. There were none in the top 30 from Africa or South America and out of the 215 ranked, Baghdad came in last place.

So if you feel like a bit of culture that demands more than just a week or two to absorb, look into becoming an expatriate for a few years. According to the experts these cities have a great quality of life and have weathered the recession well by keeping crime rates low, maintaining infrastructure, education and stability and paying attention to culture and the environment.

Tagged with: expatriates • livable cities • moving abroad

The Top Romantic Luxury Hotels in the World!

On 02.24.10, In Luxury Living, Luxury Overdose, Luxury Vacation, By Sarah

If you like to travel and you are reading this, chances are you aren’t going to be sleeping in a $50 tent for the next seven days. You like luxurious things and you want to enjoy yourself no matter the price. Let’s take a look at a few of world’s best hotels.

First off you have Ashford Castle, located in beautiful Ireland. This is truly the most amazing castle you will ever step foot in. Built in 1228, this castle is in the exquisite village of Cong. It offers sports, recreation, amazing views and some of the best restaurants you will ever try.

Next is the Villa D’Este in Lake Como, Italy. This specific location is purely magnificent. Everything from the world-class hospitality to the luxurious and relaxing setting make Villa D’Este a choice destination.

Finally, consider staying at Le Palais de la Mediterranee in Nice, France. This hotel was actually built in 1929, but is still considered to be classically luxurious with its stunning nine stories of creative yet sympathetic architecture, innovative themes, opulence on a grand scale and a myriad of amusement and leisure opportunities to suit the most discerning visitors. Also, depending on your room, you might even get to wake up next to the beautiful deep blue Mediterranean Sea or the Baie des Anges. Talk about Nice!

Tagged with: irish castles • lake como • nice hotels

The Top Five Luxury Spas in the World

On 01.26.10, In Luxury Living, Luxury Vacation, By Sarah

Who doesn’t love relaxation? Whether it’s a soak in your tub at home after a hard day’s work, or a week at a professional health spa, anyone can enjoy this kind of luxury.

Of course, when winding down at home you have to do everything yourself, which can definitely interfere with the relaxation process. But at a professional spa you will get the best and feel the best. So let’s talk about some of the world’s five star spas.

First on the list is Banyan Tree Phuket in Thailand, a country that already has a leg up on other places because of its beautiful blue skies and white sandy beaches. The Banyan Tree Phuket has over 100 villas, each one with its own special amenities, including pools, Jacuzzis, private spas, and more. But if you’re looking for more, the resort also offers a larger health spa and sauna room for guests of all villas.

Our next spa is the The Grove in Hertfordshire, U.K., which offers a World Class spa facility with all the trimmings, including a heath center, treatment rooms, VIP room, and sauna. But don’t worry about the details—you’ll start to feel relaxed after just seeing this place (pictured).

For something a bit more magical, I recommend the Enchantment Resort and Mii amo Spa in Sedona, AZ. Already enhanced by Arizona’s warm weather and unique aesthetics, this spa features over 130 rooms that have been updated several times since the facility opened in 1987. Mii amo offers all of the standards, like executive spa retreats, pools, and saunas, as well as some more unique activities: hot air ballooning, horseback riding, and golfing.

Last, let’s travel to Positano, Italy for a look at Le Sirenuse, a resort that dates back to 1700. This is a smaller spa with only 58 rooms and four suites, but the abundant history and charm are sure to make up for the size.

Tagged with: arizona • italy • relaxation • spas • thailand • uk

Adventure Packages to Really Get Your Pulse Going!

On 01.18.10, In Luxury Living, Luxury Vacation, By Sarah

Attention thrill-seekers! Looking for your next rush? Then you’ll love our list of deluxe adventure packages.

White water rafting is one of the most popular adventure activities, perhaps because of all the rafting locations right in the US, including the Chattanooga River in Georgia, Grand Canyon in Arizona, and the ever popular Snake River in Wyoming. And even though they might seem dangerous, white water rafting expeditions are always accompanied by experienced, highly-trained river guides, so you never have to worry.

For something a little farther from home, many people enjoy going on safaris—trips that take you out of the country and are well worth the trouble. African safaris, especially those in South Africa, are some of the highest-rated in the world, particularly because so many exciting animals like lions, tigers, and rhinos are indigenous to the area. One way to spring for this luxury package is to go with a group and divide the costs. But a safari is well worth the cost, as guests can enjoy specialized guides, luxury accommodations, and a built-in itinerary—that means no tedious planning!

Motorcycle tours are another popular option, whether you own a bike or prefer to rent one at the tour’s starting location. These tours can last for two weeks or longer, in locations as exotic as Saigon. But even while traveling on a motorcycle, luxury guests are treated with the best of the best, from food to hotels to tour guides.

Of course, the ultimate adrenaline rush comes from rock climbing. This is a dangerous sport, so you will most likely be asked to sign a permission form before you even leave for the climb. The guide will instruct you in the proper techniques, and it’s up to you to follow his or her advice to the letter. Most experts agree the best rock climbing locations in the country are in Colorado and Utah, so be sure to check those out!

Tagged with: adventure • exotic • rock climbing • travel • vacations • white water rafting

One Of The Best Luxury Villas In The USA!

On 01.03.10, In Luxury Living, Luxury Real Estate, Luxury Vacation, By Sarah

If you are anything like me, you love to travel. The thing about me is that while I don’t mind sleeping out underneath the stars, what I really love is traveling and sleeping in the lap of luxury – in this case, villas! A villa is a really nice option because it gives you the comfort and privacy of a home, but it still gives you all the amenities that you are looking for some as beautiful homes, incredible sceneries, beaches, swimming pools, Jacuzzis, etc. Whatever you like – you can have! These are the top five best villas in the USA!

First off, I have to go with somewhere warm because this cold weather is killing me so let’s start in Florida and work our way around! Florida in general is beautiful, especially places like Naples, Marco Island, Sarasota, and the Keys. In this case, we are traveling to Naples. As soon as you see anything “luxury” you have to assume right away that it’s NOT going to be a $50 a night villa. Sorry! This is the Villa Del Sol and it’s going to cost you about $4,000 a night. Not for the faint of heart!

But if you saw this place and you had the money, you would definitely dig in for at least 7 days (or more!), especially with the 4 Bedrooms, 6 Bathrooms (4 En Suite), Beachfront, Pool. This could be yours alone, or you could invite friends. Frankly, I could have my arm twisted (yea right) to staying in each room each night of the week! This is 5 miles away from the Gulf, you have entertainment options such as home theatres, alfresco dining, grand pianos, and DVD players just to name a few! This is without a doubt a place that you could freely enjoy any time of year!

Tagged with: best luxury villa usa • luxury us villas • luxury villa • vill del sol fl

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