Luxury At Large Blog

Red Bull Air Race World Championship 2009 heads to San Diego

2009-05-08T16:09:00.001-07:00

A great way to spend the day on the bay!

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Luxury as an investment?

2009-05-08T15:17:00.000-07:00

Behold the Enid: a handbag made from the softest goatskin, lined in vivid, peach-colored silk. Its silhouette “draws on the art of corsetry with its distinctive hand-stitched corded leather,” according to luxury-goods house Smythson of Bond Street, which makes several tempting versions of the bag. The price tag: $1,660.

A year ago, the Enid would have been considered a splurge. The recession was mostly an unproven rumor, and consumption for consumption’s sake was still in style.

But today it’s a different world. The Enid is most certainly not a splurge; rather, it’s “this season’s investment accessory of choice,” says a Smythson advertisement.
Read the full CNBC article here: http://www.cnbc.com/id/30642173

The World's 60 Best New Hotels Revealed

2009-04-14T11:42:00.000-07:00

Virgin Atlantic have teamed up with Condé Nast Traveller to unveil the most stylish, innovative and luxurious hotels in the world - in their 'Red Hot List 2009'.

With settings ranging from desert islands to capital cities, the list was chosen to cater for all tastes, and includes hotels from across the globe - and it appears it would take a little more than pool cabanas and Wi-Fi to impress in order to make the world’s top list.

Unsurprisingly, service comes high on the judging criteria - with the top hotels having to prove that they're not all just style over substance. What they all have in common is that special touch, and the ability to know what their guests want, which puts them ahead of their competition.

Some of the categories in this year's List include ‘Ones to Watch’ and '10 Hot Hotel People’ - which interviewed famous names such as Robert De Niro, Michelin-starred chef Angela Hartnett, and entrepreneur Sol Kerzner on some of their favorite retreats and hot locations.

Stags Leap District Celebrates 20th Anniversary with Public Invitation to "V2V" Event on April 25th, 2009

2009-03-30T15:23:00.000-07:00

The Stags Leap District Winegrowers Association welcomes visitors to its annual Vineyard to Vintner (V2V) celebration. Now in its 9th year, V2V has become one of Napa Valley’s best experience of an appellation. The Stags Leap District received its official government AVA designation in 1989, so we are especially proud this year as we celebrate our 20th Anniversary.

V2V is a day for our vintners and winemakers to share their hospitality, say a heart-felt thank you to old friends and welcome new ones to the neighborhood. It is a day for those just discovering fine wine and those who have been collecting for years. It is a day of swirling and sipping, learning and laughing.

Saturday, April 25, 2009

Hosted by Stags Leap District Winegrowers Association

ON THE TRAIL: OPEN HOUSES
11:00am - 4:00pm · $135/person
The District-wide celebration continues from our most historic properties to our newest members. Begin at a starting point of your choice and wind your way up and down the Silverado Trail from winery to winery. Your V2V pass gives you exclusive access to our vintners and winemakers. Discover winery caves, enjoy special barrel tastings, explore the cellars and enjoy food and wine pairings not available to the public. Due to Soiree preparations, there will be no open house at Clos du Val.

SOIREE CABERNET at Clos Du Val and OPEN HOUSES
6:30pm - 10:00pm · $285/person
(Includes Open Houses, Limited seating, Party attire)
Our 20th anniversary celebration kicks off with the District’s founders. Sharing their personal stories of the appellation’s beginnings and their vision for the future, John Shafer, Richard Steltzner and Bernard Portet reunite for an intimate conversation and library tasting. Having combed their cellars, the founders will share with you their rarest wines and oldest vintages. Every wine has a story. Come share ours.

The District-wide celebration continues from our most historic properties to our newest members. Begin at a starting point of your choice and wind your way up and down the Silverado Trail from winery to winery. Your V2V pass gives you exclusive access to our vintners and winemakers. Discover winery caves, enjoy special barrel
tastings, explore the cellars and enjoy food and wine pairings not available to the public. Due to Soiree preparations, there will be no open house at Clos du Val.

The French have the best word to describe our 20th anniversary—SOIREE! In keeping, Clos Du Val is the fitting location this year, hosted by French-born vintner and Napa Valley icon Bernard Portet. It was 1972 while scouting for land to plant a vineyard in Napa that Bernard drove through what is now Stags Leap District and noted that the area was distinct with cooler evenings—an important factor to the Bordeaux native for determining a superior cabernet site. The evening party is located on this very site.

First, join all of the District’s vintners and winemakers for an exclusive reception and preview tasting of the 2005 Appellation Collection in the Barrel Room. After the sun sets on the Palisades, the evening moves into the tent for dinner with each vintner hosting a table and bringing wines from their cellars to celebrate our history. Plan to wear your dancing shoes as the Dick Bright Band rocks the District.

LOOKING BACK, LEAPING FORWARD: SEMINAR
10:00am - 11:00am · $60/person
(Requires either Open Houses or Soiree Cabernet)
Our 20th anniversary celebration kicks off with the District's founders. Sharing their personal stories of the appellation's beginnings and their vision for the future, John Shafer, Richard Steltzner and Bernard Portet reunite for an intimate conversation and library tasting. Having combed their cellars, the founders will share with you their rarest wines and oldest vintages. Every wine has a story. Come share ours.

Napa Valley Casual Attire
Event access passes will be mailed in advance
See a list of local accommodations

MEMBER WINERIES
Baldacci Family Vineyards
Chimney Rock Winery
Cliff Lede Vineyards
Clos Du Val (no open house available)
Hartwell Vineyards
Ilsley Vineyards
Malk Family Vineyards
Pine Ridge Vineyards
Regusci Winery
Shafer Vineyards
Silverado Vineyards
Robinson Valley Vineyards
Robert Sinskey Vineyards
Stags' Leap Winery
Steltzner Vineyards
Taylor Family Vineyards
Terlato Family Vineyards

CEOs Have a Chance to Drive Really Fast at Extreme Driving Breakway Event

2009-03-18T14:33:00.000-07:00

On April 5-6 in Miami, Entrepreneurs and CEOs will partake in Maverick Business Adventures® ‘Extreme Driving Breakaway’ event. The 18 participants will attempt to join the exclusive 200mph+ club on the first day, and accelerate through business building breakthrough sessions on a luxury yacht during the second day.

The $6,995 event includes most meals, accommodations, and one-on-one driving instructions from professional racers on a military airport strip. Cars include a Ferrari 430 Scuderia, Porsche 911 GT3 RS, Lamborghini Gallardo LP560, Ferrari 599 GTB and Mercedes McLaren SLR. “Every one of these cars can top 200mph,” said Yanik Silver, founder of Maverick Business Adventures. “But it’s up to each driver to see if they have what it takes to top it.”

Two-time Daytona 24 Hours winner Didier Theys will also be there with a Koenigsegg CCX to take passengers on a 200mph ride. Dinner on Sunday night is at the famed Versace Mansion, followed by discovering the Miami night life. On Monday, the business session on the yacht will be taught by John and Scott Ferber, who sold Advertising.com for $495 million. “These trips take work hard-play hard to a whole new level,” said Mike Lally of PCB Group, a Maverick member. “We're not all in the same business, but everybody is here to work hard and play hard, so you get a very intense group of mavericks - entrepreneurs you don’t normally meet over a round of golf.”

Maverick members are recognized as the top of their professions, including online pioneers, INC. 500 leaders, and international real estate developers. The by-application-only group is limited to forward thinking business owners who crave entrepreneurial networking in an adrenaline-rushed environment.

The last Maverick Business Adventures trip included dune buggying in Baja, Mexico with teaching by Monster Garage’s Jesse James. And the following trip will be an exclusive 5-day expedition to Necker Island - Sir Richard Branson’s private Caribbean getaway. “Our trips are always challenging and provide adrenaline highs, which in turn creates a profound sense of accomplishment and clarity in ideas and focus,” Yanik says. “I’m always amazed by the ideas produced by our Maverick members each time we meet.”

Maverick Business Adventures, devotes a portion of all of their adventure trips to empowering youth in an entrepreneurial way. During this event there will be a live educational webcast for youth and teen entrepreneurs. There are still five spots available for the upcoming 200mph trip.

200mph video from previous trip

Winged luxury submarines "fly" underwater

2009-03-08T23:58:00.001-07:00

Most people have had dreams of flying. Graham Hawkes had dreams of flying - underwater. The Deep Flight Super Falcon made its maiden voyage in San Francisco Bay in September. Hawkes has been in the business of building underwater craft for more than a decade. In the early days Hawkes Ocean Technologies built vehicles for researchers and movies.

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Not All Celebrity Freebies Are Bling Bling This Year

2009-02-17T11:56:00.001-08:00

Celebrity gift company Madison and Mulholland is focusing on "affordable luxury" this year. The company owner says that they paid careful attention to the vendors in her suite this year and that it was important to create a respectful and thoughtful image.

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The "Cat" is Out of The Cage - Hollywood loves Champagne Cattier

2009-02-14T09:14:00.000-08:00

Champagne Cattier has entered the United States after decades of enjoyment in 65 countries around the globe. Earning the distinction as the official champagne of the Euro 2008 Championship, selection for in-flight service on British Airways and Air China, as well as receiving high rankings from Robert Parker and Wine Spectator, Champagne Cattier has become a sought-after brand for aficionados and amateurs alike. With Awards season upon us, Cattier has become the go-to Champagne company for all of the high profile VIP events surrounding the ceremonies.

Champagne Cattier’s overseas recognition and successes have led to its long-anticipated entree into the United States. Champagne Cattier’s variants are produced in the prestigious territory of Montagne in Reims, France, on 31 hectares of vineyards that are primarily classified as “Premier Cru,” which is a highly regarded classification within the champagne category. “We take pride in the fact that we are one of the last family-owned vineyards in the region. This allows us to ensure that what you taste is what you expect, exquisite and premiere champagnes,” said Jean Jacques Cattier.

Champagne Cattier proudly offers five distinctive varieties that come in visually engaging bottles and presentation cages, which combine substance with style, and are appropriate for any occasion.

Red Kiss

Blue Saphir

Blanc de Noirs

Brut Antique

Limited Edition “Clos du Moulin”

Shortly after launching in the United States, Champagne Cattier has gained media and celebrity attention as the “premier” champagne with a strong presence at VIP Events, Media functions, and Hollywood Hotspots.

The VIP guide to the world's top 12 vacation sites

2009-01-25T10:11:00.001-08:00

I came across this Dec. 2007 article from The Times Online while researching a trip for a client. Since I agree with all and the information is timeless, decided to post the article for you now.

Alone in Stonehenge to launching a rocket - A travel guide to privileged access around the world...

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Luxury Voluntourism Gains International Interest

2009-01-11T07:28:00.001-08:00

As recently announced, Luxury At Large has launched a Travel Blog and monthly Podcast dedicated to upscale voluntourism called the Luxury Voluntourist (http://www.luxuryvoluntourist.com). Interest is growing internationally in upscale volunteer vacations, as demonstrated in a recent article in Canada's 'Globe & Mail'.

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New Year Spa Escapes

2009-01-08T11:14:00.001-08:00

Whew! The holidays are over—no more running around to parties, holiday event overload, last minute shopping or obligatory visits with family. Relaxation and rejuvenation are definitely the order of the month!

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Organic Champagne Guide

2008-12-23T08:23:00.001-08:00

Champagne is a luxurious symbol of celebration popular during the holiday season. Although fizzy or bubbly wine grown in the Champagne region of France is the only bubbly allowed to call itself champagne, numerous organic sparkling wines are produced around the world.

Varieties of Luxurious and Unusually Decorated Christmas Trees

2008-12-16T10:36:00.001-08:00

As Christmas is nearing, we find Christmas Trees and Santa Clause everywhere around the globe. Whether they are decorated traditionally or in a fancy way or the natural ones, Christmas trees attract all from young to old.

World most expensive iPhone Revealed

2008-12-10T08:01:00.001-08:00

The most expensive iPhone (Princess Plus) has a price tag of USD176,400 and is created by Austrian luxury designer and jeweller Peter Aloisson.

Introducting: The Luxury Voluntourist, a Luxury Voluntour Website, Blog & Podcast from the experts at Concierge At Large, Inc.

2008-12-10T07:36:00.000-08:00

Luxury expert Cynthia Adkins, founder of Concierge At Large, Inc. and Luxury At Large Travel has announced plans to launch The Luxury Voluntourist, a new website, blog and monthly podcast dedicated to exploring unique volunteer experiences for luxury travel enthusiasts.

"VolunTourism provides you with perspective and balance. You are able to utilize your “six” senses and interact with your destination in ways that had previously existed beyond your capacity of expectation. This is travel that unites your purpose and passion and ignites your enthusiasm in ways unimaginable," declares David Clemmons of VolunTourism.org.

According to a May 2008 Country Brand Index study, Philanthropic Travel, or VolunTourism is gaining momentum. The survey of 2600 International travelers found, "As a response to disaster aid, growing global village consciousness and a need to contribute to society in ways big and small, more travelers are planning their trips around humanitarian purposes. From building homes and teaching English to working at refugee camps and participating in animal conservation research, the menu of volunteer vacation options is growing."

The Luxury Voluntourist is set to launch on December 15th. The website, blog and monthly podcasts will feature news and reviews of volunteer travel experiences that are on the higher end of the volunteer travel spectrum, and include luxury accomodations and services. Many voluntour experiences are set up as add-ons to traditional luxury vacations, however there are opportunities for every level of time and interest.

Ten Ways to Give Back During the Holidays

2008-11-28T15:52:00.001-08:00

This year, take the time to give thanks for all that’s good in your own life—and to give to others who may not share the same luxuries. Here are ten ways to help the less fortunate this holiday season.

AAA releases 2009 list of 'Five Diamond' hotels and restaurants

2008-11-18T17:08:00.001-08:00

Lovers of U.S. luxury hotels should go West.For 2009, three of six lodgings added to AAA's prestigious Five Diamond list are in California: The Beverly Hills Hotel and Bungalows; Montage Laguna Beach; and Four Seasons Hotel Westlake Village. (The other new Five Diamonds for 2009 are The Ritz-Carlton, Palm Beach, Manalapan, Fla.; InterContinental

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Luxury Spending Survey: Home is Where the Money Is

2008-11-04T06:38:00.000-08:00

A September 2008 Ipsos Mendelsohn survey of heads of households with $100,000 or more in income ranked purchases for the home as the No. 1 category shopped. At nearly one-quarter (22%) of respondents, this beat out more-traditional areas of conspicuous consumption, with apparel showing up at 18% and watches and jewelry at a mere 3%.

The home category includes services such as remodeling as well as items such as furniture, flooring, appliances and tableware. The average spend was still a healthy $9,841.

BlueHYBRID: Mercedes-Benz Hybrid Launches in Summer 2009

2008-11-04T06:24:00.001-08:00

Mercedes-Benz will launch the the S 400 BlueHYBRID, its first passenger car model equipped with a hybrid drive system in summer 2009. The combination of a modified V6 petrol engine and a compact hybrid module makes the S 400 BlueHYBRID the world's most economical luxury saloon with a spark-ignition engine.

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Maroma Resort & Spa offers "Best Deal Days"

2008-10-21T16:27:00.000-07:00

Get ready for the holiday season, relax on the Orient Express resort's beautiful beach in the Mayan Riviera. Soak up the sun in preparation for the upcoming party season by taking advantage of these exceptional rates.

Now through Oct 31, 2008 and then again Dec 14-20th, 2008, Maroma Resort & Spa is offering "Best Deal Days."

Take advantage of rates starting from as low as $360 USD!

Included in this exceptional rate:
•Luxury accommodation in your chosen room category
•Roundtrip transportation from the airport
•Welcome cocktail upon arrival
•Daily a la carte breakfast
•Use of fitness center
•One snorkeling trip to the reef, per person

Minimum Stay Period Minimum Requirement
September 20 to October 31, 2008 Three (3) nights for all arrivals
December 14 to December 20, 2008 Four (4) nights for all arrivals

Restrictions/ Terms & Conditions: This offer may not be combined with any other promotions, is subject to hotel availability for arrivals on the dates shown and available for new reservations only. Minimum and maximum stay requirements must be met in order to receive the special rates. These rates will not be honored if there are changes made to the reservation dates after the initial booking is confirmed and that do not meet the requirements.

Visit us online at http://www.luxuryatlarge.com or call 800-964-6887

Luxury and Sustainability - the World Wildlife Foundation's "Deeper Luxury Program"

2008-10-16T18:01:00.001-07:00

It is time for marketers to think sustainability when they think luxury. The WWF has laid out its tool to rate luxury goods companies' sustainability programs. A great idea and a great read.

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Men’s jewelry, a fast growing luxury segment

2008-10-16T17:55:00.003-07:00

men’s jewelry trends reveal that bling isn’t just for girls anymore.

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BMW Partners With Boatbuilder Zeydon To Create Luxury Yacht

2008-10-13T08:59:00.001-07:00

BMW and Belgian boatbuilder Zeydon team up to create a 60-feet luxury yacht called the Z60. This elegant...

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Zegna Solar Powered Ski Jacket

2008-10-13T08:39:00.001-07:00

The $1,350 Ermenegildo Zegna solar-powered ski jacket can recharge your cell phone on or off the slopes.

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US millionaires choose timeshares over vacation mansions

2008-10-08T02:19:00.001-07:00

As US markets spiral downward, America's wealthiest are redeeming reward points, choosing million-dollar timeshares over luxury third homes and picking Mexico over Hawaii in a hunt for value vacations

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