Hotel X Toronto is Set to Open This September

Toronto will be establishing their first urban resort in September 2017.  The upcoming resort Hotel X Toronto, will offer the inhabitants of downtown Toronto sports, dining, and entertainment services along with a wide range of amenities to choose from.  This new resort is going to be a place that allows guests to enjoy themselves wholeheartedly amid a tranquil yet exhilarating environment, giving the guests a true R&R experience like no other.

The resort’s culinary offerings will to be nothing short of incredible as it introduces seven dining concepts of which includes the Library Club Lounge (a private lounge exclusive to hotel guests only), the Pergerine SkyBar (a 10,000 square-foot, three-story rooftop bar and lounge), Petros 82 (a Mediterranean fine-dining restaurant), and a beer garden that surrounds one of the city’s historic landmarks: the Stanley Barracks fort.

Hotel X Toronto encompasses 406 rooms including 37 suites, all of which were designed by Andi Pepper Interior Design with a contemporary layout that assimilates dazzling bursts of color, paying homage to the rooms vibrant city views.  The accommodations also feature two imposing Presidential Suites, one of them boasts a double-height living room and fireplace, while the other features two bedrooms and incredible panoramic views of Lake Ontario.

Another new, astounding addition to the resort is its Ten X Toronto; a 90,000 square-foot health & wellness facility that showcases a full service spa with six treatment rooms, four indoor tennis courts with 50-foot high ceilings, nine squash courts, a physiotherapy and chiropractic clinic, an 82-foot long rooftop swimming pool, Pilates and hot-yoga studios, and a state-of-the-art health center.  Hotel X Toronto will offer many other sumptuous amenities like “The Pond” an indoor/outdoor rooftop pool and a 243-seat cinema.  Furthermore, the hotel will be hosting a perennial archaeological exhibition that focuses on the historical, 19th century Stanley Barracks as well as an art exhibition which unveils a gallery showcasing works by talented and creative minded, local artists.

For more information visit:  HotelXToronto.com

The $10,000 Per-Night Villa Sola Cabiati on Lake Como

Lake Como is without a doubt one of the most breathtaking places and must-see destinations to visit in all of Northern Italy; with that said, the opulent hotels and luxurious villas there can make anyone’s stay a truly unforgettable one.  And the 18th-century neoclassical Villa Sola Cabiati embodies the charm of Lake Como to perfection as a highly ranked villa that is listed among the most magnificent properties in the area.  Villa Sola Cabiati was once the summer home of Milan’s Duke Gabrio Serbelloni, and is currently owned by the noble Sola Cabiati family.  The luxury villa has upheld its distinguished aura and noble atmosphere, with frescoed walls, verdant gardens, and amazing period piece furnishings such as a bed slept in by Napoleon and Joséphine, which have remained widely inaccessible to the general public for the past decades.

However, the property has recently been put under new management by the five-star Grand Hotel Tremezzo, where they now share the villa with only select guests.  The villa has become very exclusive ever since Grand Hotel Tremezzo took over management — the villa can’t even be booked on the hotel’s website.  Tremezzo’s CEO & owner, Valentina De Santis, says “It’s about providing something exclusive to our guests, in a style that’s very different from the hotel — and creating truly tailor-made experiences there.”

The hotel presents a grand tour of Villa Sola Cabiati as it showcases resident treasures like priceless tapestries, Renaissance-era majolica pottery, and a rare collection of Stradivarius violins painted black for Marie Antoinette’s funeral in 1793.  Guests visiting Villa Sola Cabiati (who are art and history aficionados) can schedule guided tours of the villa’s two museum floors, which were previously closed to the general public.  In addition, the guests of the villa can also book much more engaging activities in an array of options from sharing a romantic dinner with someone special in the Tuscan garden to doing yoga by the swimming pool.

Making your visit to the historical Villa Sola Cabiati a simply incredible one, the Grand Hotel Tremezzo offers their guests an even more extraordinary experience by letting them staying for the night, gathering a party of up to 12 as they take advantage of the villa’s classical artwork and historic furnishings.  The villa is priced at $10,000 per night, and allows the guests to live, if only for a day, a life of complete luxury while having the same sort of privacy that royal residents living in Lake Como have luxuriated in for generations.

McCall’s Motorworks Revival Celebrates its 26th-year

McCall begins their preparations for the most marvelous Motorworks Revival in its 26-year history, which is set to take place at the Monterey Jet Center during the world renowned Monterey Car Week.  The grand gala invites a total of 3,000 fellow auto-moto-aero enthusiasts, while this year’s event spares no expense in offering the finest culinary and wine presentations of the evening.

McCall has combined aviation and automotive experiences together for yet another experimental celebration of the century alongside an array of delicious food and wine.  Local chefs Jerome Viel, from Jerome’s Carmel Valley Market, and Tim Wood, from the Valley Kitchen at Carmel Valley Ranch, will both join in the event and present guests bespoke composed plates paired with four highly exclusive, limited-production, “member only” boutique wines from Carmel Valley & Napa Valley, including award winning offerings from Bernardus Winery served by owner Ben Pon.  In addition, California Caviar is the opening entrée for the evening along with other epicurean morsels in the main Center Stage Pavilion.  Affina Food & Wine from Carmel will also be at the event to compliment the evening as the festivities come to a close and guests begin to take their leave.

“With so many events now on the Monterey Peninsula, our Wednesday night party seems to push all the buttons for several of our motorsports legend guests,” McCall says. “They get to see all of their friends here and can relax and enjoy the scenery without the crowds.” McCall’s VIP Red Carpet guests will once again enjoy an early arrival with valet parking and very little traffic. “We started this special ticket three years ago and the interest has grown substantially,” McCall reports. “We’re pleased to entertain people for an extra hour and give them the opportunity to take in more of the sights. It’s become a coveted party within the party. This year’s Red Carpet Club will be in the mezzanine of the main hangar, which will have its own bar and give the Red Carpet guests the bird’s-eye view over the hangar and tarmac display. The Red Carpet tickets have sold out since we started the special ticket, and are sure to sell out again this year.”

Some of the best aviation and automotive companies in the world will be represented at McCall’s 26th annual anniversary, allowing guests who happen to be dedicated auto-moto-aero aficionados an unforgettable evening.  The diverse group of prominent names from the aero industry such as Gulfstream, Textron Aviation, Bombardier, Pilatus, and Cirrus as well as the big names from the auto industry like Toyota, Rimac, Genesis, and more, will all be featured at McCall’s Motorworks Revival celebration.

Luxury Swiss watch manufacturer Baume & Mercier has prepared a special timepiece to be a prize in a raffle, which will also include several other high-end luxury item prizes as well as a hand crafted Amalgam 1:18 scale Ferrari model.  Baume & Mercier returns to support the California Highway Patrol 11-99 Foundation with a special watch donated for the evening’s charity raffle, while various corporate sponsors such as Barrett Jackson, Hagerty Insurance, The Thermal Club, HRE Performance, Weathertech, and Quail Rally engage in entertaining their VIP guests throughout the thrilling evening.

Amongst the numerous cutting-edge aero and auto displays are a line-up of privately owned vintage aircrafts as well as sports & race cars presented by McCall’s international group of friends.  This world-class event has upheld the same tradition of hosting the biggest names in the motorsports industry through the years, which even has several of McCall’s friends traveling from all around the globe for just this one-night celebration that is frequently known for being one of the most exclusive and sensational soirees of the year.

Save the Date for the 26th Anniversary of McCall’s Motorworks Revival: Wednesday, August 16, 2017

VIP tickets are available from $395 and Red Carpet Tickets from $550, for more information please visit:  McCallEvents.com/2017-tickets

Follow McCall Events on Instagram: @McCallEventsIncFollow

Guide to Exploring California’s Coast: Garrapata

Located just south of Carmel Highlands, the all-embracing Garrapata State Park is Big Sur’s northernmost park and has been acclaimed as a simply spectacular spot for nature enthusiasts, sightseers, and many others who seek out adventure to gather.  Garrapata was designated as the foggiest spot on Big Sur’s coastline; even at times when the other four Big Sur State Parks experienced clear weather, the skies over Garrapata often remained hidden behind a mystical fog.  Nevertheless, whether it be the foggy summer days enshrouding the mountain tops and curtaining the edges of the ocean in a shadowy blanket, or the few times with clear skies offering you an unhindered outlook over the breathtaking water views, all the while feeling the rays of sunlight rain down as you explore the far-reaching nature reserve, Garrapata remains a phenomenal destination to explore.

Garrapata is arguably the Big Sur jewel of State Parks as the large nature reserve allows visitors an array of activities to choose from, ranging from hiking trails to whale watching, or even taking a smooth drive through the park.  One of the most incredible aspects of the park is its high chaparral-covered hills that steeply ascends over a rocky coastline.  This climb let’s you stand above the clouds upon reaching the peak, though, even when the day shows clear skies it still offers a breathtaking, panoramic view that is well worth the strenuous journey.

On the west-side of Highway One, some of the park’s most popular trails lead through overgrown vegetation as well as poison oak-infested chaparral en route towards coves and rocky beaches.  Although Poison Oak can be troublesome when hiking, it is easy to keep your distance from, while following on the trails.  Additionally, the areas with higher elevation do not have any Poison Oak in the vicinity, giving hikers a worry-free climb.  To the east of Highway One is a lone trail loop that features ocean views, abrupt inclines, and a Redwood grove.  Besides the information board at the trailhead and a signpost at the first intersection, there are no other signs on any of the trails.  To keep the parks with an untouched feel, nineteen numbered turnout markers were placed discreetly along Highway One, taking you along to some of Big Sur’s leading hiking trails, a few of them being located throughout Garrapata.

• Rocky Ridge Trail: Across the highway from gate sign 7. Seven miles round trip. The trail climbs quickly 1,200 feet up Rocky Ridge and then descends, linking to the Soberanes Canyon Trail.  The Rocky Ridge Trail also features, at the tip of the hill, an outstanding overlook with a bench.
• Soberanes Canyon Trail: Across the highway from gate sign 8. Journey up Soberanes Creek through Redwoods and ferns.
• Soberanes Point Trail: Gates 8, 9, or 10. The trail loops around Soberanes Point. A side trail leads you to the apex of Whale Peak.
• Scenic Overlook: Pullout and bench at gate 17
• Garrapata Beach access trails: Gates 18 or 19.

Garrapata is the perfect destination to observe wildlife and sea creatures, migrating whales can even be spotted passing by the park’s shoreline during their winter migrations.  Occasionally on the weekends in January the Garrapata park staff lead whale watching tours.  Off the Lobos Rocks shoreline you can also observe sea lions converging at the water’s edge.  Sea otters are seen in their kelp beds frequently, and brown pelicans can be found roosting on high-up rocks, in fact a total of 110 species of birds have made the coastal woodlands their habitat.

Aside from just watching the flora and fauna, Garrapata is a perfect scene for photography as well as taking bike rides on the Rocky Ridge hiking trail.  Many of Garrapata State Park’s trails lead up lofty mountains, past redwoods, and border the rocky coast.  At the southern end of the park is a sublime sandy beach that allows you many fun beach activities, but excludes surfing because the harsh waves makes it nigh impossible to safely surf.  Each of the park’s trails are a simply unforgettable hiking experience, especially so if you go hiking with your friends or family.

If you plan to thoroughly explore Garrapata, park at turnouts 7-10, each of these spots grant close access to the Soberanes Point hiking trails.  For close coastal access to the beach, stop at turnouts 18-19, both are great points for those who are looking for some beach time fun.  These two parking areas off Highway One offer extensive parking space.  The center positioned parking lot (gate 18) is nearby several trails that lead down to the beach.  The southern parking lot (gate 19) is a good starting point, the left-side leads you down the stairs to the beach and the right-side trail continues to lead you along the bluff.

Click the following link to check out the trailhead location in Google Maps

For more information visit:  Garrapata State Park

Photography by: Marli Allard

Latakia Re-emerges as a Top Tourist Destination

Located north-west of Damascus, the principal port city of Syria, Latakia is one of the most beautiful tourist destinations on the Mediterranean. The city perfectly blends together vibrant cultural aesthetics with hot, sandy beaches to give tourists a memorable time either under the sun or exploring the rich cultural history of the municipality. The destination is highly recommended for its wide number of exciting attractions such as the National Museum of Latakia, the al-Assad Stadium, Salah ad-Din’s Castle, the ruins of Ugarit, the 13th century Great Mosque, the 18th century Jadid Mosque and several stunning beaches.

The National Museum of Latakia, which is positioned close to the Seafront part of the city, was one of the must visit sites in Latakia. The museum had on display many antiques of the past including early Arab and Crusader period chain-mail as well as ancient inscribed tablets from Ugarit. However, sadly it was closed down temporarily due to the crisis in Syria, as to protect the museum’s historical artifacts from being stolen. Hopefully, the museum will be opening again soon and become yet another essential spot for tourists to visit.

For those looking for a more adrenaline-pumping experience, Latakia’s al-Assad Stadium, which has a max capacity of 28,000 seats, can be a great place to visit when some of the city’s local football teams are playing. Latakia has a total of three football clubs that are the Hutteen Sports Club, Sports Teshrin Club and Tadamon SC, of which all are based in the al-Assad Stadium. If one were to head north of the city, they could reach the Latakia Sports City complex that was constructed in order to host the 1987 Mediterranean Games. The Sports City complex was designed to pair with the stadium, wherein the stadium served as the games’ main venue during the1987 Mediterranean Games.

Both Salah ad-Din’s Castle and the ruins of Ugarit, where some of the earliest alphabetic writings were uncovered, are the perfect spots for those interested in the deep history and rich culture of Syria. Salah ad-Din’s Castle, also known as the Citadel of Salah ad-Din, was a medieval castle that was controlled by the Franks in the 12th century until Salah ad-Din’s forces gained control of it after a three-day siege in 1188. Later the castle was besieged and defended by the Mamluks in 1287. The ruins of Ugarit was once an ancient port town in the northern part of Syria, after excavating the site, the ruins are all that is left of the once prosperous city. The history of Ugarit is a very interesting topic, which was apparently brought to ruin by mysterious “sea people.”

The Great Mosque from the 13th century as well as the Jadid Mosque from the 18th century, of which was built by the former Governor of Damascus, Suleiman Pasha Azem, are both great sites to visit for their cultural significance and aesthetics. Another reason why tourists love this destination is because Latakia’s roads connect to other popular tourism cities such as Aleppo, Homs, Beirut and Tripoli.

The beaches are by far the most attractive scene for tourists in Latakia, the video below will show you why the beaches of Latakia are such a hot tourist destination.

A Birthday Timepiece: Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Hotel Byblos

Hotel Byblos has just recently celebrated their 50th anniversary in the coastal town of St. Tropez on the French Riviera, which highlighted a legendary birthday gift; an exclusive line of new Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore Summer Editions.  The celebration had many world-famous labels in attendance from Rolls-Royce Motor Cars to vintage champagne maker Dom Pérignon.  The exclusive Royal Oak Offshore Hotel Byblos collection pays homage to the 5-star hotel with a limited 70 examples, of which introduces 50 men’s watches and 20 women’s watches.

Hotel Byblos, which was inspired by Beirut’s Excelsior Hotel, began construction in 1965 and finished two years later in 1967.  Situated North of the Places des Lices and built with its own Provençal village, Hotel Byblos became a luxury resort second to none.  Hosting the most epic parties and world-class celebrations throughout the coastal town, the hotel made a name for itself as one of the finest in all of the French Riviera.  After two years, Hotel Byblos was obtained by Group Floirat as they proved its worth as “the” place to stay whether it be for the week or simply a single day to host social gatherings and other celebratory events.

The current Hotel Byblos and its Provençal village offers a 17,000 square metre venue along with ninety-one opulent guest rooms.  Not only does the 5-star hotel cater to the numerous elites and celebrities that make their way towards the French Riviera, but also the hotel itself has been known to serve as host to various luxury brands across the globe.  As a result of the close partnership between both CEO of Le Byblos Saint-Tropez Antoine Chevanne and Audemars Piguet CEO François-Henry Bennahmias for the last two years, the celebratory event was a raging success in commemorating the 50 years since Hotel Byblos was founded.  The collaboration has even become known as the “BAP”, pronounced as Be Happy or abbreviated as “Byblos Audemars Piguet” collection.

This collaboration created a long-lasting friendship and unveiled an outstanding outcome, in which brought together glory for both Hotel Byblos and Audemars Piguet.  “Antoine and I got on really well from the moment we met”, said François. “Not only is he a watch lover, but there was this instantaneous dynamic between the two of us with a similar vision of the future. We had to be a part of all this, you can’t miss Hotel Byblos turning 50 years young!”

The limited Summer Edition Audemars Piguet Royal Oak Offshore collection that were designed to honor Hotel Byblos are set in two separate variations; a men’s model in 18kt pink gold and a women’s diamond-set piece in stainless steel.  The pink gold 44mm Royal Oak Offshore Hotel Byblos men’s edition includes an automatic chronograph 3126 calibre that is visible through the caseback.  In addition, both variants feature an identical caseback engraved with Hotel Byblos’s anniversary dates alongside its coat of arms portraying the legend of Byblos: the abduction of Europa at the hands of Zeus.

For more information visit:  Byblos-50th-Birthday

Italy’s Jewel Lake: A Weekend at Lake Como

Immersed in the foothills of the North Italian Alps, lies Lake Como. Lake Como is one of Europe’s deepest lakes. The picturesque destination has been known for centuries to haven wealthy Romans, royalty, artists, poets, and celebrities. Lake Como also features many fine craftsmen who craft high-quality silk, leather products, and Italian jewelry.

Lake Como is an international marvel. Though it’s better known as a luxury retreat, the Italian sapphire village also has an eclectic local flair.

Weekend stay

Lake Como is one of those places where if you slept outside, you’d still be embracing luxury. The natural setting is luxurious in of itself and furthermore, priceless. However, since Lake Como is an elite destination for the world renown, the village offers an array of splendid villas.

Here are a few of Lake Como’s villas that echo luxury.

For an Old-World Feel: Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni

Situated right on the shoreline in Bellagio, the Grand Hotel was formerly a private residence of a Milanese family in the mid-1800’s. In true Neoclassical style, the villa features frescoes, coffered ceilings, gilded accents, marble staircases, and crystal chandeliers.

Consequently, the hotel was originally built as a residence. Therefore, each hotel room is structured a bit differently, and each has its own unique decor. After a long day of playing tennis and a trip to the spa, you can tuck into one of the hotel’s two restaurants.

For Those Who Love Ultra-Exclusive: Villa Sola Cabiati

Villa Sola Cabiati was built in the 16th century as a summer residence and eventually ended up in the hands of the Sola Cabiati family. The home is still owned by the noble family but was recently brought under the exclusive management of the Grand Hotel Tremezzo.

The most exclusive way to access the property is to rent out the entire Villa. That’s if you are willing to foot the $10,000 per night bill. This request cannot be filled over the hotel’s online booking, nor is it granted easily to inquiring guests. Management wishes to keep the villa as exclusive as possible just as if it had remained a private residence for the Italian elite.

For Modern Luxury: Il Sereno Hotel

Il Sereno is the newest darling of Lake Como with its ultra-modern luxury design created by Patricia Urquiola. Situated on the shores of Torno, you’re only a short boat ride away from Como, which is full of shops selling fine Italian jewelry and silk.

The hotel was built with an emphasis of natural materials, including local stone and wood. Each bedroom features floor-to-ceiling windows to maximize guests’ panoramic views of the lake. Downstairs, the main lobby terrace looks right out onto the lake. It’s a great place to rendezvous with a cocktail before heading to the hotel’s restaurant influenced by the fresh flavors of the handsome Michelin star Chef Andrea Berton.

Leisure

Not everyone will want to spend all their time wandering the cobbled streets of Lake Como’s towns. Hence, the plentiful activities you can partake in for both water and land.

On the Water

Most of all, Lake Como is one of the most treasured lakes in all of Europe. The sapphire blue waters truly embrace la dolce vita. The most noteworthy characteristic of Lake Como, is the villages respect for its history. Not just by preserving some of their most precious and centuries old villas and basilicas, but style as well. You’ll see a number of Como classic wooden boats gliding the waters. These antique classic boats are available for guided tours. Some of the top sights are George Clooney’s house and the villa where Casino Royale was filmed.

Hiking + Gardens

Since Lake Como is nestled in the mountains, there’s a variety of trails. Trails in the Lake Como region range from challenging to easy. The perfect hiking opportunity for visitors on a weekend getaway would be Spina Verde Park. Spina Verde is just over a 3 mile trail that leads to a 6th century Roman fort, named the Castel Baradello.

Especially relevant to the history of Lake Como is the flora and fauna. The Hotel Villa Cipressi is home to one of Lake Como’s most lush gardens. Though the hotel is reserved for guests, the garden is open to the public and is free to explore. Hotel Villa Cipressi’s botanic garden is centuries old, built in the 1400s.

Photo courtesy of Azalea Bellagio

Shopping

The towns dotting the shores of Lake Como are known for a variety of beautiful hand-crafted products including silk, cashmere, leather goods, and Italian jewelry. One of Lake Como’s famous, family owned silk businesses is Azalea Bellagio. Family owned since 1968. As a result, the style of Lake Como is original and charming with handcrafted silk and Italian jewelry.

Furthermore, Bellagio is the pearl of Lake Como and is the most popular center in the area. The narrow streets make it fun to walk through as you can peek inside the many shops. Almost everyone who visits Lake Como has the pearl of Lake Como on their list to see.

Provisions

Lastly, you can’t go to Lake Como and not experience the excellent dining scene. Don your new Italian jewelry or fine leather loafers and explore the exquisite flavors of the award winning restaurants of Lago di Como.

Mistral

Mistral is in the Grand Hotel Villa Serbelloni. Prepare your taste buds for an extraordinary gastronomical feast like guacamole ice cream, cuttlefish ink waffles, and nitrogen ice cream all led by Michelin-star chef Ettore Bocchia.

Albergo Ristorante Silvio

Lake Como is a freshwater lake, with lots of species of fish. For the freshest catch of the day, check out Albergo Ristorante Silvio. Each morning, the managers of Silvio, located on Bellagio, head out to the lake and catch the fish for that evening.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Lake Como is a very special destination. With a lush and beautiful lake scenery. Boasting Italian jewelry, silk, and other extravagant goods, this lake village will elate you in pure romance. Not very many will visit Lake Como, but once you experience the history, the ambience, the terrain, Lake Como will be carried in your memories forever.

Crystal Cruises Takes to The Sky

Crystal Cruises changes things up with a completely new approach to their usual way of travel.  The American Luxury Cruise line has taken to the skies with their new custom cabin onboard a Boeing 777, providing affluent travelers an unforgettable experience as they fly around the globe to some of their favorite travel destinations.  The interior of the jet, designed by Greenpoint Technologies based in Kirkland, Washington, includes four dining tables that seat up to six people each, a climate-controlled wine storage, two mohair-covered sofas, and an expansive arched lounge with bar.

The custom cabin, which in standard configuration can carry an average of 380 passengers, has been remodeled to accommodate no more than 84 passengers.  Each seat is brilliantly upholstered in quilted leather, and is able to fully recline to a 73.5 inch-long-lie-flat-bed whilst retaining complete seclusion from other passengers onboard.  In addition, each seat possesses an in-flight entertainment system that features luxuries such as a 24 inch flat-screen, Wi-Fi, and USB & power ports.  The cabin also offers two galleries and four private restrooms that include broad mirrors and gray oak veneer cabinets.

Crystal AirCruises are currently booking around-the-world itineraries on the Boeing 777, which will last as long as two weeks to a month.  The first being a 27-day trip that features stays at all ten Peninsula hotels.  The flight is priced at $159,000 per person and begins on August 30th in New York with layovers in Bangkok, Tokyo, Manila, Shanghai, and Paris.

For more information visit:  CrystalCruises.com

Girl’s Ultimate Luxury London Guide

Gone are the times when girls just wanted to have fun: nowadays, girls want to have fun all over the world and in style, thank you. If you’re looking for a tourist destination that blends the best of royal airs, inspiring history, and 21st-century vibes, London’s a pretty safe bet. Still, it takes a reliable guide to savour London’s luxury the way it ought to be experienced – and if you’re short on the savoir faire, here are a few tips that will help you get the best and the most out of your London adventure.

Accommodation

If you want to get the biggest luxury bang for your accommodation buck, try the Ritz or the Savoy.

-The Ritz, 150 Piccadilly-

Boasting one of the most beautiful dining rooms in Europe, The Ritz blends old-school charisma and finest contemporary amenities. The bedrooms and suites in the legendary hotel have been restored in the original style and topped by a range of environmentally friendly updates.

-The Savoy, Strand-

Sitting on the bank of the Thames, The Savoy marries the finest elements of English Edwardian design and glamorous Art Deco style. Offering fascinating views of the river and iconic London landmarks, The Savoy is a byword for fine dining and luxury amenities such as the spa, private pool, and 24-hour gym.

Shopping

When it comes to shopping, London is every shopaholic’s dream-come-true. Selfridges, Liberty, and Harrods are worshipped by Britain’s celebrities and they’ll live up to your highest shopping standards, too.

-Selfridges Oxford Street-

Designed as the store for the rich and famous, Selfridges Oxford Street is known for its exclusive merchandise, high-end brands, and mesmerizing architecture. Stretched across 50,000 square metres, Selfridges attracts London’s top-of-the-crop shoppers and first time visitors alike.

-Liberty, Regent Street-

Liberty is one of London’s most famous department stores and it takes luxury seriously. Situated in a captivating Tudor building, the five-floor store sells high-end alternative goods such as high fashion, Morrocan rugs, antiques, and designer homeware.

-Harrods-

Home to branded fashion clothing, accessories, beauty products, homewares, and souvenirs, Harrods is a go-to for tourists looking to scoop up the finest merchandise London has to offer. The be-all and end-all of London shopping, Harrods is a must-see even if you’re not looking to buy a prestigious memento.

Nightlife

London’s famous for VIP clubs and restaurants, but if you don’t know where and how to meet a guy in London who will treat you like a lady, here are a few cool luxury nooks to help you find the knight of your life.

-The Roof Gardens-

London’s only private rooftop garden, The Roof Gardens is synonymous with high life and world-class entertainment. High above South Kensington street, the Roof Gardens offers a wide range of grilled food and cocktails to go with one of the most heated dance floors in the city.

-Shaka Zulu, Stables Market-

Opened back in 2010 with a special blessing by Zulu King HRH Goodwill Zwelithini, Shaka Zulu is a spectacular two-storey restaurant, bar, and club which features a mouth-watering menu, live music venue, and a lively dance floor. With walls and ceiling covered in carved wooden murals, Shaka Zulu is a great spot to mingle with London’s rich and famous.

-Montezuma-

A late-night dancing den, Montezuma is an Aztec-themed bar with a sexy feel where you can try some of London’s finest cocktails and dance to popular electro and pop hits. A hotpot of London’s elite, Montezuma will help you feel the true beat of London’s nightlife.

High tea

You simply can’t have a London adventure without some high tea – but if you’re going to sip it, you might as well do it as the royals do.

-Brown’s Hotel English Tea Room-

Brown’s Hotel wood-panelled English Tea Room is a great place to treat your palate to a custom-brewed tea and light snacks. You can also sate your sweet tooth’s cravings on appetizing pastry, cakes, and tarts.

-Aqua Shard-

Up on the 31st floor of The Shard, Aqua Shard is home to London’s finest teas, finger foods, and cakes where you can indulge in amazing sights of the city at daytime and put on your classiest date smile come late evening.

Ready to take your London experience from average to extraordinary? A first-rate luxury London adventure is waiting for you sliced, served, and topped with a cherry, so pack your bags and add the spots listed above to your trip itinerary. Good luck, and have a great time!

Nicaragua’s New Nekupe Sporting Resort and Retreat

Having opened last November on the top of a sumptuous 1,800 acre private nature reserve, Nicaragua’s new Nekupe Sporting Resort and Retreat offers guest remoteness along with absolute tranquility for an unforgettable luxury getaway, that would have world travelers yearning to visit.  Being a luxury escape and first-rate refuge, the one of a kind resort includes eight suites and villas encircled by cacti, underbrushes of bromeliads, and Nicaragua’s symbolic, sweet-scented sacuanjoche flower.

Visitors can relax in leisure by dining on neo-Nicaraguan gourmet dishes or partaking in a macuás (the Nicaragua national drink), while enjoying it all in seclusion at either your private suite or villa.  In addition, visitors have the opportunity to stroll/explore the resort grounds by foot or by means of an ATV, you can unwind at the Nekupe Spa (opening August this year) and swimming pool, or experience more exhilarating amenities such as the shooting range and stables.  This luxury getaway is so exclusive that when lodging at the Nekupe Sporting Resort and Retreat, you will hardly, if not ever, run into other guests during your stay—talk about a secluded hideaway!

For more information visit:  Nekupe.com