LVNLUX - Travel & Fine Dining

Top Three Luxury destinations

3/29/2016

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Just like you, when I travel, I have certain degrees of expectation. For me, design and aesthetics define a role in choosing a place to stay. For the most part, experience is still the best one. In the world of luxury travel, you may or may not always get what you pay for. To ensure you spend it and get it wisely, here are my current Top Three Luxury destinations:

Note to Self; Relax

3/11/2016

Life has a way of being very exciting and stressful all at the same time. We sometimes get caught up in the rat race and forget that we have to take care of ourselves. Luckily there some places that we can just go to get away from it all. I have created a list of several luxury retreats that are serious about total relaxation—from diet and exercise to spirituality and life coaching—with a focus on personal attention, luxury amenities, and myriad activities that embrace fitness, sensible dining, and holistic achievement. Read on for our top four favorite fitness and wellness resorts right here in the U.S.

1. TRAVAASA HANA

Hana, Maui

The completely secluded experiential resort still has well-appointed cottages, a pampering spa high-end dining, and that "authentic Hawaiian Aloha" feel that consistently wooed past visitors, but now with an incorporated fitness program where guests can take daily classes like yoga, hula lessons, "Bosu Workout," and "Outdoor Bootcamp." Travaasa Hana is the first hotel on the island to offer an all-inclusive structure, which includes meals; plus, complimentary shuttle service is provided to nearby beaches.

2. LAKE AUSTIN SPA

Austin, Texas

Lake Austin Spa is consistently voted amongst the world's top destination spas and with good reason: the 19-acre wellness retreat is surrounded by a breathtaking landscape with facilities that are stylish, cheerful, and cozy. A well-rounded activities program includes fitness classes, "Discovery" sessions (like "Introduction to Ayurveda"), along with staples like yoga and meditation. Its lakeside location also proposes water sports activities like kayaking, boating, and hydro-biking. Another notable highlight is the culinary program with Executive Chef Stephane Beaucamp, who focuses on locally sourced organic cuisine.

3. CANYON RANCH

Tucson, Arizona

Canyon Ranch is boasting outposts in Miami and Lenox, MA, though the Tucson location is the most highly touted. The award-winning resort offers one of the best "Life Enhancement" and weight-loss programs in the country, thanks to its eclectic cast of in-house professionals and experts. Wellness is the top priority here, with a full range of fitness classes, lectures on well-being, and spiritual enrichment programs. There's even an astrologer and clairvoyant in-house, as well as a sleep expert. Or, outdoor enthusiasts are pushed to the extreme with the "Primitive Outdoor Skills" program that provides hands-on survival techniques like building fires and tracking animals.

4. FOUR SEASONS WESTLAKE

Westlake Village, California

While destination health/spa resorts are typically boutique, Four Seasons Westlake offers up a tempting version from a large resort chain. Just a quick 40-minute drive from downtown Los Angeles (depending on traffic, of course), the 270-room resort is connected to the nationally recognized California Health & Longevity Institute, where guests often check in for week's-long life-rebooting programs. Four Seasons Westlake is not as strict as most wellness resorts (there's a bar active with locals and a cocktail menu at the pool), but it's a terrific option for those who want to dip their toes in the wellness-retreat lifestyle before fully committing.

The Excelsior Hotel

3/2/2016

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Italy is a beautiful place. People who have been to Italy are of one heart and mind that Milan, one of Italy's city, is the epitome of sophistication. Milan Fashion Week, as part of the "Big Four Fashion Weeks", holds the event semi-annually. The events dedicated to Women's Fashion is the most important. To be able to showcase your design in Milan is to make it big. The reason? Its reputation as one of the most luxurious and influential places in the Fashion and Design Capital in the world.

The Four Seasons George V

2/22/2016

By Luxury Geek
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Paris is one of the greatest cities ever built. Mainly for the indulgence of material things and a feast for the eyes. The Four Seasons George V Hotel is a reflection of all that and more. Located in what is known as the Golden Triangle, it allows you the chance to rub elbows with the "Who's Who" of Europe. The residents in this area ranges from CEOs and State Leaders to Celebrities and Models. Which gives off the idea that this place is surrounded by wealth and luxury. You can find all the High End brand names here, as well in the Golden Triangle. Channel, Louis Vuitton, Givenchy and Hermès, to name a few. One of the things I couldn't help but notice (on a consistent basis) is that it houses all the luxury vehicles--the Aston Martin Vanquish, several Rolls-Royces, a Bugatti and Ferrari.

MEXICO CITY, MEXICO

2/5/2016

By Deena T.
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My experience in Mexico City was beyond expectation. I enjoyed it so much more than I ever thought I would. The city is a hidden gem. The atmosphere is a mix between European style architecture, aspects of the U.S.A., and some Delhi thrown in there.

Ritz-Carlton Millenia Hotel, Singapore

1/27/2016

By Luxury Geek
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When in Singapore, it would be wise to book yourself at the Ritz- Carlton. This luxury hotel boasts incredible views of Marina Bay. Its architecture has an imposing presence that can rival buildings within its proximity. This is due to the architect, Kevin Roche.

The Ritz-Carlton has 32-level structure that retains its distinctive geometric windows, with the tub right next to it to give off a more relaxed atmosphere. The inside of this hotel has a breathtaking mother of pearl-topped dome ceiling while the grand lobby, designed by none other than Hirsch Bedner, is as majestic as you would expect this hotel to be. Artworks that are eye-catching and exotic cars that pull up their driveway are living testaments to this place. Which is why this hotel attracts only the affluent people in the world.

Ruth’s Chris Steak House

12/17/2015

By Dev

Everyone loves great food and an amazing place where they can eat. Ruth’s Chris Steak House is exactly one of those places. This upscale restaurant offers great food and service. Ruth Chris is best known for their great service and their signature USDA prime steaks.

James Bond's Luxury Drinks

12/16/2015

By Jerome R.
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@Jerome_LVNLUX

Although the Vodka Martini, "shaken not stirred," is the cocktail James Bond is best known for, it is not the only one. There are actually many mixed drinks which the famous spy has taken a liking to in both the movies and Ian Fleming's novels and most of them are very classic.

One thing is for sure, he does have great taste in drinks though would we expect anything less?

The Mandarin Oriental

11/30/2015

By Luxury Geek
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The Mandarin Oriental in Tokyo is a Five-star hotel that offers stunning views, a killer spa and restaurants with the prestigious Michelin-Starred rating.

The Hotel is located in the historic Nihonbashi. The area is now a major business district. You have the convenience of Tokyo station nearby along with Marunouchi district, where there are plenty of luxury shops to explore. In the shadows of modern architecture, you will find the historical Nihonbashi shops and craftsman, which is worth a visit.

Alan wong's Honolulu

9/20/2015

By Jerome R.
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The flagship restaurant opening in 1995 has always shown the true meaning of Aloha spirit. Beautiful exposed wood sprinkled with flowers and artwork, welcomes guests as they enter this island getaway.

This crew of amazing chefs are always experimenting with new flavors and new ideas from the regions freshest ingredients crafting such delicacies as kiawe wood-grilled mahimahi, ginger-crusted onaga, and roast duck prepared three ways.