Monday, February 15, 2010
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
Monday, February 08, 2010
MONEY MONDAY at YOUR DAY OFF
THE CLAREMONT HOTEL & SPA
The Grandest Hotel in The Bay Areaof
Northern , California
The Claremont
41 Tunnel Road
Berkeley,California 94705
510-843-3000
Saturday, February 06, 2010
DANIELE ITALIAN BLACK 3BT $1195~46R~150S MEN'S SUIT on eBay!
If you are going tohave one suit in your wardrobe, please let it be a black classy one, OK.
Thursday, February 04, 2010
Wednesday, February 03, 2010
Saturday, January 30, 2010
Friday, January 29, 2010
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Thursday, January 21, 2010
What’s Haute San Francisco
What’s Haute San Francisco
By Elizabeth Joyce on September 5th, 2008
Famous for its sweeping bay views and gingerbread Victorian houses, San Francisco is an epicenter of the haute lifestyle. Haute Living invites you to sample the charms and scale the steep streets of this one-of-a-kind city.
Famous for its sweeping bay views and gingerbread Victorian houses, San Francisco is an epicenter of the haute lifestyle. Haute Living invites you to sample the charms and scale the steep streets of this one-of-a-kind city.
By Elizabeth Joyce
San Francisco Seaplane Tours415.332.4843
Coastal living demands harmony between land and sea, and coastal dwellers must be at home in both. A seaplane adventure to the grand Napa Valley wine growing region lifts visitors to a third-dimension-San Francisco is yours by air, land, and sea. Beginning in the quiet of Richardson Bay in Sausalito, just four miles north of the Golden Gate Bridge, the planes strike out to the north. For 40 minutes, all of the famed Sonoma Valley will be at your feet as you make for Lake County and the unspoiled Ceago Vinegarden estate. With a gentle splash on the waters of Clearlake, the seaplane will taxi up to the rolling hills of the famous winery for a casual tour of the villa and grounds. At last, bliss is yours, as you lounge in the Mediterranean courtyard for a private wine tasting. Altogether, the three hours spent suspended above mighty California and hidden away in its lush vineyards will be nothing short of unforgettable.
Pebble Beach 1700 17-Mile Dr.Pebble Beach, CA 800.654.9300
The purlieu of the very finest American golfers, Pebble Beach Golf Links has played host to the most prestigious tournaments, including the annual AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am and the U.S. Open Championships. The cliffy coastline edges the course and stuns the duffer who dares to walk in the footsteps of the giants who have played this course for nearly a century. Consistently rated the No. 1 public course in the country, these links are probably the most well known in America. The misty rye grass fairways, designed by Jack Neville and Douglas Grant, are legendary. Measure your game against the Jack Nickalaus-designed par-three 5th hole, but beware the breezes off the ocean. Afterwards relax at the spa, take a trophy back from the pro shop, or check into the luxurious resort that serves the course.
The purlieu of the very finest American golfers, Pebble Beach Golf Links has played host to the most prestigious tournaments, including the annual AT&T Pebble Beach National Pro-Am and the U.S. Open Championships. The cliffy coastline edges the course and stuns the duffer who dares to walk in the footsteps of the giants who have played this course for nearly a century. Consistently rated the No. 1 public course in the country, these links are probably the most well known in America. The misty rye grass fairways, designed by Jack Neville and Douglas Grant, are legendary. Measure your game against the Jack Nickalaus-designed par-three 5th hole, but beware the breezes off the ocean. Afterwards relax at the spa, take a trophy back from the pro shop, or check into the luxurious resort that serves the course.
Epic Roasthouse 369 Embarcadero 415.369.9955
Epic Roasthouse opened with a roar early in 2008. Chef Jan Birnbaum presides over a custom-built wood-fired grill and a large wood-burning oven that crackle in concert with the raging fireplace in the main dining room. There, white cloth delicately drapes over stately mahogany tabletops as smoky leather banquets line the room. Steel-framed windows that afford a spectacular view of the Bay Bridge dominate the walls. Every steak is presented aged and bone-in, and tableside aged prime rib service reaches every table. Kobe beef and Carlton Ranch pork and lamb anchor the menu. The restaurant’s blunt “Stuff You Want In a Steakhouse” section showcases a solid series of sides. While the industrial-chic, aggressively meat-centric vision might not please the more persnickety patron, seekers of a luxe turn on surf and turf are sure to be seduced at Epic.
Epic Roasthouse opened with a roar early in 2008. Chef Jan Birnbaum presides over a custom-built wood-fired grill and a large wood-burning oven that crackle in concert with the raging fireplace in the main dining room. There, white cloth delicately drapes over stately mahogany tabletops as smoky leather banquets line the room. Steel-framed windows that afford a spectacular view of the Bay Bridge dominate the walls. Every steak is presented aged and bone-in, and tableside aged prime rib service reaches every table. Kobe beef and Carlton Ranch pork and lamb anchor the menu. The restaurant’s blunt “Stuff You Want In a Steakhouse” section showcases a solid series of sides. While the industrial-chic, aggressively meat-centric vision might not please the more persnickety patron, seekers of a luxe turn on surf and turf are sure to be seduced at Epic.
The Dining Room at the Ritz-Carlton 600 Stockton St.415.773.6168
Star Chef Ron Siegel brings panache to the parlor at the Dining Room at the Ritz-Carlton, as he weds modern French cuisine with Japanese fare in the grand dame of fine hotels. The elegant environs feature stately molding and a muted palette with pops of color through the bold and bright art that adorns the wall in the 92-seat dining room. Iron Chef-winner Siegel, who trained in the kitchens of Thomas Keller, Daniel Boulud, and Michael Mina, trots out specialty ingredients, especially spices and salts, and features entrées like Champagne-poached Alaskan halibut and starters like pork belly with grilled Asian pears. A private dining room that seats eight to 18 might be the perfect place to indulge in the finest the 12,000 bottle state-of-the-art wine cellar has to offer. Six or nine course tasting menus with vegetarian options allow the chef and sommelier to truly put on a show.
Remède Spa 125 Third St. 415.284.4060
The gleaming white walls and harmoniously minimalist design makes the sanctuary that is the Remède Spa seemingly a temple of purity. The experience at the celestial 9,000-square-foot spa at the San Francisco St. Regis Hotel begins at the lounge-inspired cedar-lined locker room, where guests, clothed in cashmere throws, sample artisanal cheeses and hand-made truffles along with chilled Champagne. Next up are the customized skincare treatments, developed in Laboratoire Remède, that channel the power of the Formula Core’s proprietary technology. These treatments are exclusive to St. Regis Hotels & Resorts. Later, guests move to the still waters of the indoor infinity pool that looks out on a view of the city. This sophisticated spa serves both the privileged guests of the hotel as well as savvy San Franciscans. Just as St. Regis Hotels promise to provide tailored experiences unique to their distinctive guests, Remède Spas do the same.
San Francisco Symphony & Opera201 Van Ness Ave. 415.864.6000
Two special seasons begin on Van Ness Avenue this September. Both the San Francisco Symphony and the San Francisco Opera play cultural ambassador to the City by the Bay, presenting the very best in high art and fine artists. The SFS, founded in 1911, features Michael Tilson Thomas in his 14th season as music director. Seventeen weeks of performances will follow a glamorous gala that kicks off a season that will include: two world premieres, a composer residency program, and the first Schubert and Berg Festival-all the classics will be heard as they were meant to be on the largest concert hall organ in North America. Across the street, the second largest opera company in the United States, founded in 1923, will present 75 performances of 10 operas. Verdi classics will bookend this season, as Simon Boccanegra opens it and La Traviata closes it. In the meantime, Two of Puccini’s best loved and most performed works, La Bohème and Tosca, as well as Gershwin’s prized American folk opera, Porgy and Bess, will be presented in the historic War Memorial Opera House.
Aqua252 California St. 415.956.9662
Aqua is all at once the standard and the exception. It is known for its world-class seafood cuisine that sets the benchmark, and also for the almost two decades of impeccable service and consistently remarkable creations that set it apart from others of its class. Executive Chef Laurent Manrique brings traditional French techniques and a conservative approach, which result in balanced and harmonious dishes. The tasting menus paired with wine selections from a list that is tuned bi-weekly to reflect new finds are far and away the most popular choices at the restaurant. Patrons revel under theater-style lighting amid 12-foot high bouquets that add visually, but are artfully restrained in scent (so as not to interfere with the palatal main event). Onyx, marble, and maple wrap around diners, yet a muted crème palette governs the décor. Aqua is undeniably the finest at what it does-celebrating the very best natural delights the bay has to offer.
Michael MinaWestin St. Francis 335 Powell St. 415.397.9222
In the culinary world, Michael Mina’s name is spoken in reverential tones. Hence, it is fitting that his first eponymous restaurant would find its home in the historic San Francisco landmark, the Westin St. Francis. Since its opening in 2004, the soft-hued dining room of Michael Mina has been a landmark for fine American dining. As diners delight in extravagances like a Kobe beef rib roast with truffle fries at the feet of classically grand columns, the glow of gold Murano lighting falls on the warm chestnut palette of the décor. Oenophiles find enchantment in the 3,000-bottle wine cellar, and it’s a perfect retreat for theater lovers who stop in after a show at a nearby stage. Michael Mina has no difficulty pleasing them all and has the accolades to prove it: Bon Appetit’s Chef of the Year in 2005, San Francisco Magazine’s Chef of the Year in 2005, the International Food and Beverage Forum Restaurateur of the year in 2005, and the first to receive Wine Spectator’s Award of Grand Excellence in a restaurant’s first year.
The French Laundry6640 Washington St.Yountville, CA 707.944.1974
At The French Laundry, time moves slowly to nurture ripening romance. The path into the two-story stone house passes through a pastoral garden of country roses and seasonal herbs. Inside, the 15 table restaurant presents a divine dining experience, a three- to four-hour affair that that must be properly planned two months in advance-reservations are taken a minimum of eight weeks in anticipation. Jacketed diners are served the finest French dishes that chef/owner Thomas Keller has to offer. Each day he creates two new nine-course tasting menus where no ingredient appears twice. Every element of his restaurant sings with emotion, from the lovingly blended signature coffee to the passionately presented extra, extra virgin olive oil. Nothing at this restaurant is anything less than storybook.
The Claremont Resort and Spa 41 Tunnel Rd. Berkeley, CA 510.843.3000
Charming is the word most used to describe this shining castle in the Berkeley Hills. Originally envisioned as an English estate on 22 landscaped acres, the Claremont made its debut in 1915. Since then, the elegant hotel has embodied the grace of a bygone era, opening its lavish halls and rose gardens to fairytale weddings, catering to every need of the tired executive, and enchanting all of its guests with spectacular views of the city skyline. Meeting spaces with natural light foster healthy concentration, the indulgent spa envelops the senses with a vast array of treatments, and two appealing outdoor pools are the children’s favorite. Jordan’s, the signature restaurant, serves meals fit for a king and is the East Bay’s only four diamond restaurant. A jazz concert series livens up the evenings, but overall romantic relaxation is the watchword of the Claremont vision.
All of this information provided by www.luxist.com
Wednesday, January 20, 2010
Dom Pérignon Black Box By Marc Newson
Renowned Australian industrial designer Marc Newson has collaborated once again with Dom Pérignon to create a special carrying case / cooler for the famed French champagne house. The Black Box by Marc Newson is crafted of a high-tech composite that keeps a chilled bottle of bubbly perfectly cool during traveling, while resisting wear and tear. Priced at €200 or about $285 the case is unfortunately not yet available in the U.S. "I've always loved Champagne, but personally I feel very close to Dom Pérignon," Newson notes. "It is classic yet cool and inherently modern. In terms of design, the fantastic silhouette of the bottle has stood the test of time - it remains unchanged since its creation and has become an icon. That's a very rare trait."
Tags: champagne, design, Dom Perignon, DomPerignon, Marc Newson, MarcNewson
Information provided by http://www.luxist.com/
Swarovski Dresstime Watches For 2010
Coming up for Baselworld 2010 Swarovski will release some new watches and additional style in previous watches (such as an orange colored Octea Sport I know you have been dreaming of. No? Sorta... maybe just a bit?) One of the new watches is an attractive and relatively reasonable square, bracelet style watch with an integrated face. This is the Dresstime watch, and is seen here with H-shaped bracelet links. Also on the bracelet are 12 Hematite crystals on the bracelet that are a nice compliment to the steel. Dial has the iconic Swarovski swan as well as Swarovski crystals as the hour markers. The faceted club shaped hands are elegant actually. One way to think of Swarovski is to consider it as really nice costume jewelry. No real diamonds, but pretty much the next best thing. Price should be under $800.Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.
Tags: 2010, dresstime, swarovski, watch
Information provided by http://www.luxist.com/
Monday, January 18, 2010
Harrah's Takes Over Management Of Planet Hollywood
In 2007 the former Aladdin resort in Las Vegas opened as Planet Hollywood. Now the resort is going through another change. Effective tomorrow Harrah's Entertainment will manage the hotel operations at Planet Hollywood while it negotiates with lenders to buy the hotel. Planet Hollywood recently opened an expansion tower and has 2,500 rooms plus another 1,200 units that include vacation homes."Harrah's has been in discussions with Planet Hollywood and its lender group regarding a restructuring of the ownership of the resort. We continue to work on a plan that would allow Harrah's to own and manage the entire casino resort property," said Gary Loveman, chairman, CEO and president of Harrah's Entertainment in a press release. "In the meantime, we are pleased to take on the management of the Planet Hollywood Hotel for the current owners." Planet Hollywood defaulted on an $860 million loan last fall. While there isn't an official deal for Harrah's to take over Planet Hollywood yet it has applied with Nevada gambling regulators for a license to run the property. Planet Hollywood has a prime location next to the Paris Las Vegas hotel on the Strip which Harrah's also owns. Harrah's also owns Caesar's Palace, the Flamingo and several other properties.
Tags: harrahs, las vegas, LasVegas, planet hollywood, PlanetHollywood
Information provided by http://www.luxist.com/
Cunard: Timeless Elegance on the Caribbean Sea
Arguably the grandest, most magnificent ocean liner ever built, Cunard Line's Queen Mary 2 is a nominee for a Readers' Choice Award for Best Caribbean Cruise. Queen Mary 2 is the flagship of Cunard, whose history dates back to 1839 when Her Majesty Queen Victoria awarded Sir Samuel Cunard of Halifax, Nova Scotia, the first ever license to deliver mail across the Atlantic Ocean.While she is described as "timeless elegance", Queen Mary 2, which debuted in 2004, offers the latest luxury amenities, from the pampering services of the first Canyon Ranch SpaClub® at sea to a pool with a retractable roof, allowing it to be enjoyed in inclement weather. Queen Mary 2 also offers an award-winning intellectual and entertainment enrichment program led by prestigious experts in a variety of fields, including literature, the arts, politics, the sciences, culture, maritime history and academia.The ship, which cost an estimated $800 million to build, is 1,132 feet long--113 feet longer than her predecessor Queen Mary, with space for 2,592 guests in lower berths and 3,056 total guest capacity, when including third and fourth berths. Her crew numbers 1,253. Queen Mary 2 has more than 10 different restaurant and other dining venues, including the first eponymously named restaurant at sea by celebrity chef, Todd English. She also boasts the only planetarium at sea (also serving as a movie theater and lecture hall) and a casino with 12 gaming tables and 115 slot machines. There are a total of six swimming pools on the ship, including one designed especially for children. There's an authentic English pub, complete with darts, ale and traditional pub fare including cottage pie and fish and chips. Guests can dance the night away in the elegant Queens Room, the largest ballroom at sea. The Royal Court Theatre, which can accommodate 977 guests, features lavish theatrical productions and guest entertainers. Sports enthusiasts can enjoy two golf simulators, paddle tennis, basketball and shuffleboard. The Zone/The Play Zone children's programs provide age group-specific activities and entertainment and even certified British nannies for the youngest guests.During November, December and January, Queen Mary 2 offers 10-, 11- and 15-day voyages to the Caribbean, all round-trip from New York. The 15-day Festive Caribbean itinerary includes stops in Grand Turk, Tortola, St. Maarten, Curacao, Grenada, Barbados, St. Lucia, St. Kitts and St. Thomas; the 11-day Caribbean Delights itinerary stops in St. Thomas, St. Lucia, Grenada, Barbados and Grand Turk; and the 10-day Caribbean Calypso voyage calls into St. Thomas, St. Lucia, Barbados and Grand Turk. There's also an option to extend the Caribbean Delights voyage to 17 days by adding a six-day Transatlantic Voyage from Southampton, Great Britain. Click here for more information about dates and rates.Accommodation onboard Queen Mary 2 is lush, stylish and contemporary. Nearly three-fourths of the staterooms have private balconies. Suites, called the Grills, range in size from 506 square feet to enormous Grand Duplex apartments of up to 2,249 square feet. For her Caribbean voyages, per person rates start at $1,695 for inside rooms, while suites start at $3,955 per person. All rates are based on double occupancy and do not include government taxes and fees, air or ground transfers. Cunard's Queen Victoria and Queen Elizabeth, which debuts in Fall 2010, also offer voyages to the Caribbean. Click here for information about fares and itineraries. For more information about Cunard Line, consult your Travel Professional, call toll-free 1-800-7-CUNARD or go online to http://www.cunard.com/.Vote now for what you believe is the best of breed for each of the Winter Travel categories. Readers' Choice Awards for the Best in Winter Travel will be announced on January 31st.
Information provided by www.luxist.com
Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch: The Crown Jewel of the Colorado Rocky Mountains
Tucked away on a quiet Colorado mountainside ideally situated between Beaver Creek and Arrowhead in the heart of the majestic Rocky Mountains is the exclusive enclave known as Bachelor Gulch. The village is aptly named for its original settlers---seven pioneering, single men who came in search of wealth and a better life. Today, the crown jewel of the village is the Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch, which is a Readers' Choice Nominee for Best Ski Hotel. The property opened in 2002, is reminiscent of the architecture of the grand lodges of Yellowstone and Yosemite National Parks. This unique style, known as parkitecture, features a variety of indigenous natural materials such as logs, timbers and stone. The hotel has 180 guestrooms including 40 suites (with 1, 2 or 3 bedrooms) and the 1,800 square foot "Ritz-Carlton Suite". No fewer than 95% of the guest rooms offer spectacular mountain or resort views and 77 have fireplaces.Bachelor Gulch is the centerpiece of Beaver Creek's village-to-village ski experience. More intimate and removed than its Beaver Creek or Arrowhead neighbors, Bachelor Gulch proved to be the perfect setting for a family-oriented ski resort that combines privacy with authentic Rocky Mountain luxury. The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch is situated right at the base of the Bachelor Gulch chairlift, a high-speed quad chairlift, providing unparalleled ski-in, ski-out access. The daily Fire Pit Lighting Ceremony starts at 3:15 pm and is a favorite amongst guests and locals, with hot chocolate, cookie and s'mores. Guests can literally hit the slopes and finish up the day right from the resort's back lawn. There is a wide array of other winter outdoor activities available to guests at the resort, including snowshoeing, snowmobiling, dog-sledding, cross-country skiing, and hot-air ballooning. During warmer months, guests can enjoy more than a dozen world-class Colorado courses in Vail Valley and have exclusive access to the Red Sky Golf Club, which was recently rated in "Top 100 Courses to Play" by Golf Magazine. Other nice amenities offered by the hotel is its Ski Concierge and Ski Nanny services. The Ski Concierge provides valet service to securely store and dry skis, boards and boots for overnight hotel guests. Guests have the option to have their equipment waiting slope-side, or the Ski Concierge staff can assist with loading equipment onto the Beaver Creek shuttles. The Ski Concierge can also assist with booking lift tickets; private lessons and facilitate equipment rentals. The Ski Nanny program enables parents to enjoy their morning and hit the slopes for a day of skiing or spa, at their leisure. The Nanny will make sure the resort's young guests get on the ski school bus that takes them to Beaver Creek Village for group lessons. After a day on the slopes, the Ski Nanny will meet children at the Ski School drop-off point and escort them into Ritz Kids for munchies and a movie where parents can pick up their children at the end of the day.The resort also boasts a 21,000-square-foot, Mobil Four-Star rated Bachelor Gulch Spa featuring 19 treatment rooms, a luxurious separate manicure/pedicure salon, and men's and women's locker rooms offering sauna/steam and water therapies. A unique feature to the Spa is the rock-lined Grotto with a lazy river hot tub. There's also a year-round heated pool and three hot tubs. A state-of-the-art fitness center boasts beautiful views of Beaver Creek Mountain and the Vail Valley and offers a cardiovascular room with top-of-the-line Precore elliptical trainers, treadmills, step machines and stationary bicycles. All cardio machines are equipped with flat panel screens, DVD/CD players and iPod station docks. The Fitness Center also offers a full line of Cybex equipment and free weights. Certified personal trainers are on hand to assist during workouts or to provide customized one-on-one training. Classes are available in the center's aerobics room daily with classes such as Step Aerobics, Body Sculpt, Kickboxing, Yoga and Pilates.The Ritz-Carlton offers a bevy of dining options including Spago, the only Colorado outpost of Wolfgang Puck's renowned flagship restaurant, which features imaginative, seasonal American cuisine with Asian accents in a sophisticated, warm environment. For those seeking a more rustic ambiance , there's Anderson's Cabin, which is situated just above the resort and boasts sweeping views of the surrounding National Park. There's also outdoor dining, year-round, both poolside and mountainside at The Mountainside Terrace which offers grilled Colorado specialties. Another unique feature to The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch is its resident Labrador Retriever, Bachelor, who is available for guest walks via a Loan-a-Lab program. Available Monday through Friday at 9:30 a.m. and on select weekends, Bachelor can accompany guests on a 30-minute or one hour hike or snow shoe out the backdoors of The Ritz-Carlton on two designated trails. Standard room rates vary by season and range from $195 per night for a single or double occupancy in the spring/fall to $450 in the summer and $725 in the winter. Suite rates begin at $540 per night in the summer and $950 in the winter.Vote now for what you believe is the best of breed for each of the Winter Travel categories. Readers' Choice Awards for the Best in Winter Travel will be announced on January 31st.
Information provided by http://www.luxist.com/
Silversea: Exotic, Exclusive and Intimate Voyages on the Caribbean
For seafarers who cherish the intimacy of small ships, it's hard to top Silversea. With five of its six ships made to accommodate fewer than 400 guests apiece – and boasting elegance to spare – Silversea has been nominated for a Luxist award in the Best Caribbean Cruises category.For those who don't have the stomach for Arctic expeditions on Silversea's 132-guest Prince Albert II, the Italian-owned company's Silver Shadow, Silver Cloud, Silver Whisper and Silver Spirit convey Caribbean cruisers to a host of delectable destinations. Silverseas offers wine-focused and gourmet food-focused cruises with visiting chefs from top restaurants around the world. Enjoy in-room butler service on all ships from the moment you arrive to find a bottle of chilled champagne waiting in your suite. Your butler will also take care of dinner reservations, laundry and fridge replenishment.Silversea itineraries include some of the most enticing destinations in the Caribbean with a full roster of activities to boot. Visit 17th century plantations on St. Kitts or bustling seaside marketplaces in Guadeloupe; whale-watch off the coast of Dominica or kayak a tropical lagoon in Antigua; catamaran in the waters off Grenada or go cycling in St. Lucia. Cruises depart from a host of cities in the U.S. including New York, San Diego and Miami, or from the likes of Barbados and Rio abroad.Caribbean cruises range in length from 7-17 days. Suite-only rates start north of $3,500 for a 10-day cruise and can range as high as $30,000 for an owner's suite during peak season, though free airfare and other discounts can bring down the sticker price.Vote now for what you believe is the best of breed for each of the Winter Travel categories. Readers' Choice Awards for the Best in Winter Travel will be announced on January 31st.
Information provided by http://www.luxist.com/
Amangani: Luxury on the Edge of a Butte
Situated some 2,135 meters (7,000 feet) above sea level and high above the town of Jackson, Wyoming is Amangani, a nominee for a Readers' Choice Award for Best Ski Hotel.If it is action-packed days on the slopes and a convivial après-ski atmosphere you are in search of, look no further than this 40-suite resort. Amangani, which translates to "Peaceful Home", is the first Aman resort in the United States. Opened in October, 1998, Amangani is near the southern boundary of Grand Teton National Park.Constructed with soft-hued Oklahoma sandstone, Douglas fir, cedar and Pacific redwood, the three-story resort is cut into the hillside on the western edge of the East Gros Ventre Butte. The area is encircled by elevated peaks and buttes, hence the world "hole" is used to describe this extensive alpine valley. It is a peaceful location at the southern end of the Greater Yellowstone Area, a vast expanse of mountain and meadow, sage flats, river bottoms, national forests and wildlife sanctuaries.
Amangani is a short ride away from some of the North America's most acclaimed ski runs at the Jackson Hole Mountain Resort, where ski and snowboarding enthusiasts enjoy 1,000 hectares of high-thrill skiing and snowboarding terrain featuring a lift-serviced vertical drop at 1,260 meters (4,139 feet). As Jackson Hole averages 1,016 cm (400 inches) of snow a year, it offers some of the best skiing conditions in the world. During winter months, snow piles up to four meters (10 feet) in the mountains. The entire valley turns white after mid-November and winter can stretch past early April. In Teton Village, at the base of Rendezvous Mountain, the resort has a private ski lounge where guests will find snacks, hot beverages and a concierge service (which organizes ski equipment rentals and lessons). The resort offers a complimentary shuttle service as well as private transfers to and from the resort and the ski lounge, which is 20 minutes away. After a day on the slopes, guests unwind before the large wood-burning fireplaces of Amangani's Lounge with the two-story window wall offering beautiful views of the Snake River Range. In addition to skiing and snowboarding, other winter activities enjoyed by the guests include snowmobiling, snowshoeing and half-to-full day dog-sledding. Amangani also offers horse-drawn sleigh rides which take guests up to the ridge of the butte where they will see panoramic views of the valley. Guests can also spend a day visiting nearby Yellowstone National Park, which is America's first national park and its largest outside Alaska. Yellowstone boasts its own Grand Canyon, plentiful geysers and Yellowstone Lake, the largest mountain lake in America.While the resort has been nominated for best ski hotel, Amangani is also a great option for spring and summer vacations. During the warmer months, wildlife safaris led by biologist guides enable guests to view a wide variety of wildlife including black bears, grizzly bears, elk, bison, moose, pronghorn, bald eagles and golden eagles. Fly fishing enthusiasts enjoy the Snake River, which is a haven for local cutthroat trout as well as rainbow, lake and brown trout. Canoeing, kayaking, mountain biking, horseback riding and hot-air ballooning are other activities offered to guests.
The Health Center features treatment rooms, exercise studios, steam rooms and individualized yoga programs. The resort offers a 30 meter outdoor pool and whirlpool with magnificent mountain views; both are opened year-round.
Each of the resort's 40 suites have spectacular mountain and valley views. Rates start at $565 for April to mid-June and mid-October to mid-December; $725 from early January to early April (excluding Presidents' Day weekend when the entry rate jumps to $875); and $857 from mid-June to mid-October. A four-bedroom home with full hotel amenities is also available for $3,400 to $4,800 per night, depending on the time of year. The resort is a 20 minute drive from the Jackson Hole Airport.Vote now for what you believe is the best of breed for each of the Winter Travel categories. Readers' Choice Awards for the Best in Winter Travel will be announced on January 31st.
Gallery: More from the Amangani Hotel
Information provided by http://www.luxist.com/
Four Seasons, New York: Luxury in the Center of the Big Apple
Rising over Manhattan's premier shopping and business district is the Four Seasons Hotel, a nominee for a Readers' Choice Award for Best City Hotel.Designed by I.M. Pei, the hotel features stunning views and gracious style. It is a remarkable luxury experience in one of the busiest cities of the world.
The hotel offers 368 generously-sized guest rooms, including 63 suites. Some accomodations have furnished terraces with views of Central Park or the downtown skyline. The décor is contemporary and understated, featuring the finest handcrafted furniture and English sycamore panelling. Signature facilities include Florentine marble bathrooms with a glass-enclosed shower stall, a deep soaking tub that fills in 60 seconds and a private changing area.
On the 52nd floor, the 4,300 square feet Ty Warner Penthouse, named for the owner of the hotel, was a collaboration between Ty Warner, renowned designer Peter Marino and I.M. Pei. With cantilevered glass balconies and floor-to-ceiling bay windows, the suite is set beneath 25-foot cathedral ceilings. The nine-room penthouse offers a breathtaking 360-degree view of all Manhattan, a private spa room, library, breakfast room, indoor-outdoor Zen garden and library. The suite was custom-commissioned in every detail, from semi-precious stone surfaces to fabrics woven with platinum and gold and comes equipped with a private chauffeur for unlimited travel during the guests' stay with a choice of a Rolls Royce Phantom or a Mercedes Maybach.The hotel features a full-service spa with Shiatsu, hot stone, Thai ceremony and reflexology treatments (massage, facial and hand and foot treatments) in addition to whirlpool, sauna and steam facilities. There is also a 5,000 square foot fitness facility with cardiovascular equipment; fitness and yoga trainesr are also available for hire.Nightly rates (not including taxes and service charges) start at $655 for a moderate room; suites start at $1,950 per night.Vote now for what you believe is the best of breed for each of the Winter Travel categories. Readers' Choice Awards for the Best in Winter Travel will be announced on January 31st.
Information provided by http://www.luxist.com/
Vail and Beaver Creek: Rocky Mountain High
If escaping to warmer weather isn't your optimal idea of a vacation, head west to the Rockies for a family ski trip. There, the air is clear, the powder is fresh, and the amenities are plenty. For the best of all three, try Beaver Creek and Vail – both of which are up for a Readers' Choice Award in the Best Luxury Family Winter Vacation category.
Perhaps the most famous of America's ski resort towns, Vail has its reputation for good reason. Vail Mountain, at 5,289 skiable acres, is the largest single mountain ski resort in the U.S.; the town of Vail is a luxury ski bum's dream. The area, which is reminiscent of renowned resorts such as Switzerland's St. Moritz, Italy's Cortina and Spain's Val d'Aran, it is a year-round destination for families with plenty of activities geared for all ages. Its legendary ski slopes make Vail the ultimate place to enjoy world-class skiing and snowboarding in addition to Nordic skiing, snowshoeing and ice skating. Kids ages four and under ski free; children's lift tickets start at age five and go to age 12. Nightlife includes world-class theater productions and some of the best dining in Colorado.Vail offers plenty of other activities, such as the Nature Discovery Center atop Vail Mountain. The Nature Discovery Center has provided guests with access to the wonders of the natural world in addition to a variety of environmental education and interpretive programs led by naturalists. During the winter season, Vail Ski School students visit the Discovery Center as part of the ski school's SKE-Cology program, which educates youth about mountain safety and mountain ecology. In winter and summer, naturalists lead snowshoe tours and nature hikes that explore the sub-alpine habitat atop Vail Mountain, including Nature at Night, a free nature talk held under the stars. Expert naturalists also host regular moonlit snowshoe tours, allowing guests to learn about their surroundings while snowshoeing through the White River National Forest.A few miles away, tucked away in the mountains, is neighbor Beaver Creek Village. This tony enclave offers a village-to-village ski experience with Bachelor Gulch and Arrowhead and turns into a miniature cosmopolitan center every night, playing host to live jazz concerts, Broadway-level theater, visiting symphonies, films and other attractions. Bars and taverns line the warmly lit streets. For kids, there's a four-lane tubing hill and an ice skating rink, in addition to one of the best ski schools in the country, if not the world. A great place to stay in Beaver Creek is the Park Hyatt Beaver Creek Resort and Spa. This 190-room chateau-style resort offers a full-service spa, private balconies in most rooms and an outdoor firepit complete with a daily dose of s'mores.
More intimate and removed than Beaver Creek Village, Bachelor Gulch is the perfect setting for a family-oriented ski getaway that combines privacy with authentic Rocky Mountain luxury. Bachelor Gulch is part of Beaver Creek and is one of its three Village areas. Stay at the Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch, which is a Readers' Choice Nominee for Best Ski Hotel. The Ritz-Carlton, Bachelor Gulch is a kid-friendly grand lodge with luxurious accommodations situated right at the base of the Bachelor Gulch Express Lift (a high-speed quad chairlift, providing unparalleled ski-in, ski-out access).
In Vail, stay at the Sonnenalp Resort of Vail, a boutique-style hotel in the heart of the village and enjoy nightlife that includes frequent musical guest, film festivals, and always cozy eateries and watering holes. Another great place to stay in Vail is the Arrabelle at Vail Square, a RockResort property. A brand new world-class hotel, it is located the center of Vail Square, and is just steps away from the Eagle Bahn Goldola at Vail Mountain. On top of luxurious accomodations and a full-service spa, it also has a beautiful skating rink and is surrounded by shops and restaurants that are suitable for all ages. Room rates for the most luxurious hotels in the Rockies generally start around $400 per night, based on double occupancy. On the bright side, a flight to Colorado won't set you back as far as an international excursion.Vote now for what you believe is the best of breed for each of the Winter Travel categories. Readers' Choice Awards for the Best in Winter Travel will be announced on January 31st.
Information provided by http://www.luxist.com/
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