Luxist

The Fairmont Offering Ten Days -- and Nights -- of Deals

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:02:00 EST

It should be more widely known that Canadians are a giving people. The folks in the geographical apartment above ours invented provided the pager, the foghorn, and basketball. We also have them to thank, or perhaps curse, for the Blackberry. As for talent, or something close to it, Canadians Alannis Morissette, Leonard Cohen, Keanu Reeves, and Natasha Henstridge have all come down to borrow our proverbial cups of sugar.

And although the Maple Leafers didn't give us The Fairmont Hotels -- that's a San Francisco invention -- they own them now, and they're offering you ten days of deals. Book a room in a Fairmont between November 10-19, and you can spare your bank account up to 25% off the normal rate or get a night free.

Of course there are terms and conditions, because even honey comes with bees. Still, when The Fairmont Orchid Hawaii can be had for $299, The Fairmont Southampton in Bermuda for $199, The Fairmont Singapore for $195, and for you devil-may-care MI6 types The Fairmont Monte Carlo for $370, well, bees be damned. Should you wish to visit the company's on its home turf, The Fairmont Le Château Frontenac in Québec City (pictured) is just $165. While you're there, have a Reese's Cup -- they were invented by Pennsylvanian H. B. Reese, but peanut butter and candy bars are yet more Canadian gifts to the world...

Filed under: Journeys

The Fairmont Offering Ten Days -- and Nights -- of Deals originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 03 Nov 2009 10:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Fluid Forms Cufflinks Keep You Close to the Land

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 30 Oct 2009 10:01:00 EST

We're not sure why you'd want a topographical map etched on a set of sterling silver cufflinks. However, like the judiciary, if it's legal then we don't need to concern ourselves with your intentions, and neither, for that matter, will Fluid Forms. The Austrian company will be glad to etch a section of the huge prairie deal you just closed in Montana -- or that Arcadia to which you and Mary Jane retired after senior Prom -- onto a small sliver of 925 silver for some 'links, a brooch, even a pendant.

And because, like the Earth, you're made of many things, Fluid Forms' work isn't limited to corporeal jewelry in silver. If it can be rendered in three dimensions, they can probably fashion it. Their Serene Salt & Pepper Shakers are particularly intriguing, the QR barcode belt buckles are a geek fashionista's dream, and they make Earth Bowls that look like they do their best work supporting your fruit collection. If you'll excuse us, we're going to see if we can have them create a topographical map of... Mary Jane...

Filed under: Jewelry, Men's Style

Fluid Forms Cufflinks Keep You Close to the Land originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 30 Oct 2009 10:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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MasterCraft Cruises into the World of Day-Trippers with its MasterCraft 300

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:01:00 EST

MasterCraft is known for its recreational boats -- the company leads the market in inboard skiing, wakeboarding, and sport craft. With the 30-foot, 4-inch MasterCraft 300 twin inboard (the platform adds another 3.5 feet) the company moves into the big boat business, and with its first offering wants to reset a boat buyer's expectations about how a day-tripper should make its owner feel.

The cockpit features big-boat electric equipment standard, but you can opt up for items like the Raymarine E80 and get a systems monitor with maps, radar and a 3-D terrain view of the ocean floor. And you'll be able to see it, and to stay cool behind the wheel, under the boat's tinted glass hardtop that is lined with a misting system. However, the folks lounging on the transom's adjustable seating will probably be having more fun than the pilot, with custom wetbars on either side and space for an electric grill or, even better, a waterproof flat screen TV.

The 300 is the first boat in the segment with a twin-tipped monohull, which opens up space in the interior cabin. Head below decks with your head up and your chest out, and you'll find customized hardwood cabinets and hardwood floors, ultra-leather fabrics, a galley with all the mod-cons, and a stand-up shower with a full-sized door. When it's time to get off your sea legs, the room in that twin hull provides you a bed big enough stretch out in, meaning that unless you're a Grizzlies center you don't have to sleep in the shape of a 'V.'

And once you're in bed, if you realize you forgot to turn off that "Songs of the Humpback" CD, don't bother getting up. Just grab the Contour Zone remote (or C-Zone to you, Commodore), which puts you in pushbutton control of all the boat's electrical systems. That way you can let the real humpbacks sing you to sleep.

Gallery: MasterCraft 300

[Source: MasterCraft]

Filed under: Water

MasterCraft Cruises into the World of Day-Trippers with its MasterCraft 300 originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 29 Oct 2009 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Glenrothes Celebrates Malt Master with John Ramsay Legacy Bottle

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:03:00 EST

John Ramsay has been with The Glenrothes since 1991, and if you've bought a bottle of the single malt Speyside whiskey since 1994 you'll find his name on it. The Malt Master retired this summer, and to celebrate his tenure The Glenrothes has produced a limited edition bottle not only bearing his name, but also his blending genius.

Ramsay selected 30 casks -- second-fill American oak sherry casks from vintages ranging from 1973 to 1987 -- to create a single malt. After blending, but without being chill-filtered, the result is a whiskey with flavors of spice, mango, blood orange, vanilla, and dark chocolate, and a long, oak finish.

Only 1,400 of the 70cl, non-vintage Legacy bottles are being released worldwide. Each bottle is numbered and comes in a glass-fronted oak box, and a secret drawer at the base of the box hides a booklet by Ramsay with tasting notes. It is available now in the UK and at The Glenrothes for £699.

[Source: Lussorian]

Filed under: Spirits

The Glenrothes Celebrates Malt Master with John Ramsay Legacy Bottle originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 16:03:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Electricity and Water Do Mix: Nimbus Reveals an Electric Boat

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 07:01:00 EST

Ever since that youthful Christmas when we drove our remote-controlled car into the pool, we've been focused on keeping battery-powered objects away from water. Today, though, Sweden's Nimbus Boats gave us hope that one day big, battery-powered craft can live in harmony with "H" and its two "O" friends.

The 27-foot Nimbus E-power is the first commercially available electric boat. A full recharge only takes four hours, a span of time could provide the perfect interlude for a siesta and a frolic in the lagoon at that little atoll just over the horizon. Or at least, it would when they equip the lagoon with a 400V electrical supply. If you're using the standard euro-version 220V outlet, you'll need 28 hours to see the gauge back at "Full."

Lacking that crucial step, you'll need to within the E-power's range of 20 nautical miles (37 kilometers), and probably go easy on the craft's top speed of 27 knots if you want a full day of fun (cruising speed is 22 knots). A tank of juice costs €5, so your wallet will love you, and the boat creates no emissions so the fish will love you -- at least the ones you aren't busy catching now that you spend so much more time on the water...

Filed under: Water, Green

Electricity and Water Do Mix: Nimbus Reveals an Electric Boat originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 28 Oct 2009 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Westin Monache Resort Wants to Make Skiing Mammoth Rewarding

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 27 Oct 2009 08:02:00 EST

The "Mammoth" in Mammoth Mountain, California actually comes from the 19th century gold rush, when a group of prospectors among the clamoring hordes founded the Mammoth Mining Company. But with winter -- and a yearly average of 400 inches of snow -- rapidly approaching, the kind of mammoth you should be concerned with right now is the resort, its luxury, its skiing, and the fun you can have with all of those.

The Westin Monache Resort in Northern California is Mammoth Mountain's only 4-star resort, and it intriguingly lists "excellent soundproofing" as one of its signature features. When you're finished testing your bedside klaxons, you'll find it is also just steps from the mountain's 15-passenger express gondola that will begin the trip to 3,500 skiable acres and 3,100 vertical feet of skiing at a maximum altitude of 11,053 feet.

At the conclusion of exploring any of the 150 named trails you can head back to your suite -- the resort has 230 of them in studio, 1- and 2-bedroom varieties, each one benefiting from a kitchen and a fireplace, and that Heavenly Bath (you'd never guess how good a second shower head can make you feel; it's almost like being tenderly scrubbed to by mermaids... or so we've imagined). Regardless of whether you brought your own skis or snowboard or used the on-site shop's pro fitments, the ski valet will be happy to relieve you of your equipment and prepare it for the next day's adventures, 24 hours a day.

Book a package before November 5 and you could save 25% on your winter getaway. Direct air service on Horizon Air begins December 17 from some West Coast and Nevada cities, and the Village Ski Back Trail should open around that time as well, so you can glide straight from the mountain into the base Village. The only thing you'll need to worry about then is getting back in time for the Korobuta pork chop in a cognac demi-glaze at Whitebark and saving room for s'mores...

Gallery: Westin Monache Mammoth Winter 09

Filed under: Journeys

Westin Monache Resort Wants to Make Skiing Mammoth Rewarding originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 27 Oct 2009 08:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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New Hampshire's Omni Mt. Washington Resort Marries Foliage and 5-Star

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 21:02:00 EST

Snuggled in among the 800,000 acres of the White Mountain National Forest, settled at the base of the 6,288-foot Mt. Washington, is the Omni Mt. Washington Resort. Although it sounds singular -- and in many ways it is -- the resort is actually a group of four properties: the epic Spanish Renaissance edifice and National Historic Landmark that houses the Mt. Washington Hotel, the 19th century Bretton Arms Inn, The Lodge, and The Townhomes.

Among them there are nearly 300 rooms in addition to the 80 townhomes. Even better: there's a ghost. Now, ghosts in New England aren't exactly uncommon -- departed souls apparently have a thing for clam chowder -- but this ghost is royalty, and has her own lounge. Princess Carolyn Stickney Faucigny-Lucinge was the widow of the Mt. Washington's owner, and word is she's not ready to let go of her castle.

If you hurry, you can sneak in for the resorts Fall Colors package, which offers fall views, daily breakfast, and a carriage ride but ends October 28. If you can't make it by then there is still plenty to do: fourteen places to eat means you'll never be hungry, and working off the kilojoules can be done with alpine and Nordic skiing, snowboarding, ice skating, ice climbing and snow tubing, sleigh rides, winter hiking trails, a Canopy Tour on 10 ziplines... or the 25,000 square foot spa, because nothing says workout like "all-day massage."

Nightcaps won't be a problem either, since the resort has enough drinking spots to justify its opening its own distillery if it chose. And apres-ski, if you do your best Balzac impression and arrive with 50 pairs of gloves -- we hear princesses really like them -- perhaps the Her Highness Faucigny-Lucinge will join you. If you don't want to wait for her, ask for room 314 -- it's her favorite... haunt.

Gallery: Omni Mt. Washington Resort

Filed under: Journeys, Spas

New Hampshire's Omni Mt. Washington Resort Marries Foliage and 5-Star originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 26 Oct 2009 21:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo 2009: Alpina B7 Bi-Turbo Long Wheelbase

Jonathon Ramsey — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 07:01:00 EST

The Alpina B7 Bi-Turbo Long Wheelbase is for when merely long isn't long enough. There is already an Alpina B7 based on the normal wheelbase BMW 750i, and that car is 16.7 feet long -- but come now, what are you supposed to do with that? Curl up into the fetal position when you want to go somewhere? Take classes at Cirque du Soleil so you can contort yourself into a rear cabin that offers a meager 38.4 inches of rear legroom?

No. What you do is buy the long wheelbase version built on the 750Li. It adds six more inches in back so you can stretch out -- you know, live like a real person, not some frightened armadillo. Your discernment will be rewarded with Alpina's fettled version of BMW's 4.4-liter V8, adding a couple of turbos for 507 horsepower and 516 lb-ft. of torque. That gets you and your white whale sixty in 4.8 seconds, just 0.1 second longer than the guy in a regular wheelbase B7.

But it's not like either of you will notice: you'll be too busy trying to finalize your hostile takeover of Samoa, he'll be too busy trying to figure out how to extricate himself from his Lilliputian conveyance. Alpina hasn't announced pricing, but if you want one, here's our advice: bring a lot of money.

Gallery: Alpina B7 Bi-Turbo Long Wheelbase

Filed under: Wheels

Tokyo 2009: Alpina B7 Bi-Turbo Long Wheelbase originally appeared on Luxist on Sun, 25 Oct 2009 07:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tokyo 2009: Lotus Exige Stealth is Black You Can Feel

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 24 Oct 2009 22:01:00 EST

This year's Tokyo didn't have much in the way of luxurious items, but the three it did have -- the Lexus LF-A, Alpina B7 Bi-Turbo Long Wheelbase, and this, the Lotus Exige Stealth (Exige Scura in Europe) -- were all worthy of our attention. The limited-edition Lotus, of which just 35 will be made, even added to its luxe quotient with a feel-good factor: its paint isn't just matte black, it's got texture.

Matte cars are fabulous to behold until they leave the showroom, then it takes nothing more than an errant piece of lint to scratch the bejeezus out of them. To combat that, Lotus painted the Stealth in the shiny black stuff that comprises the stripes, then blocked those off and painted the car again in a proprietary, rubberized matte paint that spoils your fingers with a soft, fuzzy feel.

Lotus claims it is up to five times more resistant to marking and peeling than other finishes. But wait, there's more: Lotus is only making 35 Stealths, so if you've been looking for a kinder, gentler black on the outside to go with carbon fiber and 260 horsepower inside, then you'll want to place a call to Bruce Chapman's company.

Gallery: Lotus Exige Stealth

Filed under: Wheels

Tokyo 2009: Lotus Exige Stealth is Black You Can Feel originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 24 Oct 2009 22:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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A Golden Retriever, Now in Liquid Form: Gold Bowmore Completes the Trilogy

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 07 Oct 2009 15:02:00 EST

Trilogies are uncertain things: after a fabulous introductory act you never know which way progress will decide to turn, and it is far more common for the second and third installments to veer the way of uninspired, if not downright awful. Bowmore, the maker of full-bodied scotches on tucked among the Hebrides, has worked for 45 years to avoid that trend with its latest troika. First there was Black Bowmore in 2007, White Bowmore in 2008, and now Gold Bowmore makes the play complete.

Distilled on November 5, 1964 the 84.8% proof scotch has been matured in three bourbon casks and one Oloroso sherry cask in Bowmore's Number 1 vault, tucked below sea level. When the resulting elixirs were married, the Oloroso cask's sherry and walnut hues found their way into the mix, imbuing the final liquid with "a darker, reddish-amber" tint. Or perhaps it should be called the final nectar: the aroma is described a combination of passion fruit, papaya, and vanilla. Add that to Bowmore's trademark smoky peat undertones, and you could have something special in your hands.

There will be 701 bottles of the gold version, the smallest number among the three. What will not be smallest is the price: $6,250 for a hand-numbered bottle in a Burr Elm box. Although that price might seem untoward, you can look at it as an asset -- an unopened set of Bowmore's first trilogy, released in the early nineties, sold for $17,530 at auction in 2007. Even if you do spend six large on a bottle of Gold Bowmore and then thought better of it, we don't think you'll be sorry -- buyer's remorse has probably never tasted so good.

[Source: Bowmore]

Filed under: Spirits

A Golden Retriever, Now in Liquid Form: Gold Bowmore Completes the Trilogy originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 07 Oct 2009 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Loews' Voga Voyage Combines a Slice of Venice and a Slice of Heaven

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 18:04:00 EST

For the rates Venetian gondoliers charge you might expect a massage and a 3-course meal during your cruise of the canals. With the introduction of the Voga Voyage at Loews Coronado Bay Resort Gondola Company, you can at least check the massage off the list.

Your vessel for the journey among the Coronado Cays will be a softly wrapped, sun-warmed massage table. In turn, that table will ride upon an authentic 33-foot gondola that launches from the resort's private marina and then embarks on an hour-long cruise of Mediterranean-like waterways. Forty minutes of that will be occupied by masseurs tending to your physical needs, which includes the laying on of sunscreen before the more serious application of massaging hands. The last ten minutes of the trip will be given to sight-seeing, if you're in any mood for that, while you and your chère company feast on the gondola's supply of champagne and chocolate-covered strawberries.

Booking the $499 Voga Voyage also gets you a free night at the resort and its amenities, spread out on a secluded, 15-acre peninsula. And having saved on airfare to the Italian province, you just might have enough left over for the 3-course meal. It's certainly not what Iago meant when he mentioned "creating the beast with two backs," but this ride has a far less drama and a much happier ending...

Gallery: Loews Coronado Voga Voyage

Filed under: Journeys, Spas

Loews' Voga Voyage Combines a Slice of Venice and a Slice of Heaven originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 18:04:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The St. Regis Introduces Itself to Bal Harbour

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 24 Sep 2009 08:01:00 EST

The third tower of The St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort is expected to be finished next February, and the resort will open its heavy glass doors to early adopters in 2011. Sitting on 1,000 square feet of sable blanc at the north end of Miami Beach, the three 27-story towers will house 511 rooms in various sizes and flavors of sumptuousness. The move south, like a snowbird from that biggest of apples, is intended to be a relocation of the New England grandeur that Colonel John Jacob Astor IV inaugurated when he opened the first St. Regis in NYC in 1904.

Think: mirrors. Lots of them. The Yabu Pushelberg interior scheme (from the firm that has lent a helping hand to Prada, Tiffany, the Mandarin Oriental, and so on) will naturally focus on textures and materials: Movingui hardwood walls, marble and travertine flooring, and etched plaster walls will abound upon entry. Guests and residents are no less looked after, with spa-like bathrooms, enclosed walk-in showers, and overflow soaking tubs. Granite makes its necessary appearance for the kitchen countertops, and the cutlery drawers will even be pre-slotted, so you'll never mistake your butcher for your cleaver.

Residences come in one-, two-, three-, and four-bedroom sizes, range from 1,777 to 6,868 square feet, and start at $1.9 million. If you need more convincing -- and proof that that this St. Regis has left behind most of its New York City roots -- the balconies alone start at 455 square feet, larger than a fair number of Manhattan apartments. Amenities will include white-glove butlers, 24-hour room service, a 12,000 square foot spa, and someone to do your grocery shopping for you. Because, you know, you'll be hungry when you finally roll in from Nikki Beach...

Gallery: St. Regis Bal Harbour Resort

Filed under: Journeys, Spas, Real Estate Developments

The St. Regis Introduces Itself to Bal Harbour originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 24 Sep 2009 08:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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lebua Hotel Introduces The Even Suite-r Life to New Zealand and Bangkok

Jonathon Ramsey — Tue, 08 Sep 2009 15:01:00 EST

Sometimes it's better to start at the bottom and work your way up. But what if, at the same time, you could start at the bottom and be at the top? lebua Hotel offers just that at its Lake Okareka Lodge, set on a private estate in New Zealand. And when we say private, we mean private -- the extent of the accommodations is three luxury suites that can house, all together, nine people. Total. Maximum. When you book, even if there is just your lonesome, you get the whole thing to yourself -- "yourself" being you, your private chef, and the attendants waiting to fulfill your wishes.

Each of the suites gets lake views, private balconies, Bvlgari amenities, and the services of the estate's private chef. Should you commandeer the executive suite, you'll step up to your own lounge, spa bath, private office and walk-in wardrobe. As for things to do, the suites are set in the countryside, next to a lake, on the North Island of what is arguably one of the most beautiful countries on the planet. Should you tire of the fishing, sailing, kayaking, jet skiing, hiking, or simply being, the lodge maintains a piano room, a fantastically stocked wine cellar, and a 24-hour concierge for those urgent, 3 a.m. requests.

lebua Hotel Bangkok has quarters for more guests, but the numbers don't spoil the treatment. Each room in the all-suite hotel in the State Tower, Silom district has views of the Chao Phraya River. Naturally, all-suite does not mean all the suites have been created equal: ranging from 66 to 266 square meters, opt for the premium digs and you'll sup on multi-course meals prepared by your own chef for breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, and that liquid meal known as "cocktails."

If you must go out, the bar and five restaurants under The Dome will reward you for the slipper-shod trek: Sirocco, 63 stories up, is the world's highest open air restaurant; the tables at Breeze sit on jutting balconies, where you can dine on modern Asian fare while descrying views of modern Asia; the Mezzaluna specializes in Italian and amore -- every proposal made there has been accepted; Café Mozu mashes up a DJ, a pool, and Italian, Lebanese, and Indian courses; and Distil is where you go to wash it all down... in moderation, of course.

What could be better than 5-star suites and food? Why, a party to celebrate their opening. lebua will be hosting a gala launch of the New Zealand property and the Tower Club addition to its Bangkok location in, of all places, Sydney, Australia. The soiree goes down in November, on a private yacht that will be moored in front of the Opera House, where lebua chefs will be on hand to tempt you to make the trip to those other points distant.

If one were tempted to wonder about flying to Australia to have a party for resorts in lands at least five hours away by plane, we must remember that ours is not to question why. Ours is only to ask, "Why not?" And then make reservations...

Gallery: lebua Hotel at Lake Okareka NZ and Bangkok

Filed under: Journeys, Spas

lebua Hotel Introduces The Even Suite-r Life to New Zealand and Bangkok originally appeared on Luxist on Tue, 08 Sep 2009 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Aesthesis' Gramophone Speakers Now Looking for €60,000 Ears

Jonathon Ramsey — Sat, 05 Sep 2009 09:01:00 EST

With the exception of Bang & Olufsen, the Danes have mainly focused on creating the most compelling perpendiculars since perhaps Frank Lloyd. The Swedes, on the other hand, have been known to throw a few more curves into their design -- think IKEA vs. Abba. Enter Aesthesis, a Swedish audio loudspeaker company that is going even further than mere curves with its Gramophone line; we're talking waves of beauty here.

And to do it, they started with Swedish car maker Koenigsegg -- or at least, with some of their designers. Aesthesis procured the talents of Ergonomidesign, Eker Design, and Carbocomp which all provide services to the maker of million dollar automobiles.

They spent four years coming up with the Gramophone, which employs a custom developed, full-range coaxial driver to eliminate phase differences and reproduce sounds from 37-20,000 Hz. The curved horn amplifies the higher frequencies, the open cabinet amplifies the lower frequencies. The narrowing of the cabinet is for damping echoes.

The entire point of the Gramophone is to "bring more intriguing, avant garde and sensual products to the market without compromising with sound or picture quality." The handmade, carbon and stainless steel speaker is 1.2 meters (47.2 inches) high, and comes in black -- or any other Natural Color System hue you choose.

Which is to be expected when there will only be 100 pairs of Gramophones made, and each pair will go to the tune of €60,000, or $85,500 U.S., plus shipping. The question you should be asking is: are your ears good enough?

Gallery: Aesthesis Gramophone Speakers

[Source: Aesthesis | Images: Maria Fredriksson]

Filed under: Gadgets

Aesthesis' Gramophone Speakers Now Looking for €60,000 Ears originally appeared on Luxist on Sat, 05 Sep 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Loew's Santa Monica Eco-friendly Spa has Soothing Rewards for Guests and Locals

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 11:02:00 EST

The 7,000-square-foot Ocean Spa & Fitness has just reopened at Loews Santa Monica Beach Hotel, and now provides a relaxing dose of eco-friendliness to go with its revamped facilities and salty air. Plus One Health Management oversaw the redesign and manages the spa, which means you're probably in good hands -- the same company has spent 13 years creating such oases for Merrill Lynch, Trump, and Google.

The greenness comes courtesy of the gym rebuilt with Ecoresin panels made from 40-percent post-industrial recycled resin, Armstrong sustainable ceiling tiles, Mondo recycled rubber floors, and Shaw carpet with Cradle to Cradle Certification. Even the furnishings do their part, coming from reclaimed wood.

As for the spa itself, the treatments have also gone into the revamp shop and come out more verdure. Essential oils from Red Flower are certified organic and come in numerous scents, from Indian jasmine to Icelandic moonflower. Skincare is provided by Pevonia Botanica, all of whose products are paraben- and chemical-free. Our favorite is the Beachcomber, with heated tiger clam shells used to knead away any ill you might have brought in with you. It's the best use of a clam since, well, chowder.

The extensive spa menu is filled out with the usual suspects: manicures, pedicures, a full-service hair salon with cutting, coloring and styling services, dry saunas, and eucalyptus steam rooms. But if you're committed to things of iron and muscles of steel, the gym's cardio equipment comes from Technogym, networked Expresso bikes allow for side-by-side "racing," and the group fitness studio is a playpen for adults that offers all of the c'est necessaire twisty-bendy classes.

And you don't need to be a hotel guest to take advantage; locals can join sign up for memberships, with terms as short as three months. Once you do, you'll get discounts on spa services and restaurant visits, and you can avail yourself of the guests-and-members-only pool deck whenever you wish. Put that all together -- a masseur's hands, poolside cocktails, and ocean air -- and it doesn't get more environmentally friendly than that, does it?

Gallery: Loews Santa Monica Ocean Spa & Fitness Spa

[Source: Loews]

Filed under: Journeys, Spas

Loew's Santa Monica Eco-friendly Spa has Soothing Rewards for Guests and Locals originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 11:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Christopher Guy Coming to Beverly Hills

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 28 Aug 2009 10:00:00 EST

Christopher Guy, the eponymous maker of home furnishings, is coming to Beverly Hills. Or rather, a 2,000-square-foot flagship boutique is coming to the home of Rodeo Drive, and will house new collections downstairs and an upper lounge for design confabs with architects. Having kitted out rooms for celebrities, hotels and resorts, and a few film sets like Ocean's 13, Casino Royale, and The Devil Wears Prada, we can only wonder what took Guy so long to move to star central.

One of the new collections you can expect to see will be the Silk Cut line of dining tables and upholstery pieces. Fitting right in with Guy's contemporary-classic ethic, the pictured Silk Cut chair also employs Guy's "Chris-X" -- crisscross, get it? -- leg design. His Canopy and Bird's Nest collections make cameos as well, and feature carved mahogany and velvet.

Christopher Guy opens on October 8, 2009, at 9699 Wilshire Boulevard.

Gallery: Christopher Guy Coming to Beverly Hills

Filed under: Decor

Christopher Guy Coming to Beverly Hills originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 28 Aug 2009 10:00:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Luxist Drives the Aston Martin DBS Volante, and it Gives Convertibles a Very, Very Good Name

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 27 Aug 2009 11:01:00 EST

When you love the performance of a particular coupe, it's not often that you get to hop in the convertible version and say to yourself, "So... you mean I can have the same thing with the top down?" But in between the tight and relentless esses of Monterey's Carmel Valley Road, that's what we found ourselves debating. What we settled on was this: While the handling envelope of the DBS coupe is excellent, the envelope of the DBS Volante is, well, excellent.

Continue reading Luxist Drives the Aston Martin DBS Volante, and it Gives Convertibles a Very, Very Good Name

Luxist Drives the Aston Martin DBS Volante, and it Gives Convertibles a Very, Very Good Name originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 27 Aug 2009 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Luxist Drives the 2009 Mercedes-Benz G550, and it Makes Us Glücklich

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 09:02:00 EST

The Mercedes G550 is an unlikely niche vehicle. As with perhaps every other military-derived civilian 4x4, it's a box on wheels, all straight lines and fender flares. Yet unlike most other military-derived civilian off-roaders, it comes standard with solid axles front and rear, three electronically locking differentials front, center, and rear, and, get this, heated rear seats. Celebs, trendsters, and the generally rich keep it in the public consciousness. When Mercedes decided to kill it, a general uproar caused them to belay the order. It costs $100,250, and has no options. Before we drove it, we didn't know why people dug it. After driving it, now we do: it is colossally fun.

Continue reading Luxist Drives the 2009 Mercedes-Benz G550, and it Makes Us Glücklich

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Luxist Drives the 2009 Mercedes-Benz G550, and it Makes Us Glücklich originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 26 Aug 2009 09:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Aston Martin One-77 has Overdosed on Low and Mean

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 26 Aug 2009 07:02:00 EST

While traipsing around Carmel during Pebble Beach weekend, we found the Aston Martin One-77 tucked between hospitality tables like a manta ray brooding within a coral reef -- as if it were grudgingly consenting to being looked at. With a roofline that sits about four inches lower than a DBS, the minimal height, exceptional girth, and slew of edged features combine to create one angry car.

Yet it does possess its moments of soft beauty: the engine bay is a case of stupendous craftsmanship; we'd use the mirror-finish twin-spoke wheels to do our shaving every morning; the carbon fiber rear suspension weaving its way through leather-trimmed panels is nothing short of delicious. Inside, the car is minutely detailed, with black leather and white cross-stitching slathering nearly every deeply arced surface -- at least, all those that aren't carbon fiber and aluminum. Everything other than the white-backed center console gauges elicits a slightly intoxicated "Yes" from our hearts. That's the velvet glove side of the One-77.

Its iron fist is much bigger, and it wears brass knuckles in the form of a 7.3-liter V12. Best of all, Even better: there's still time to get one. You can place a call to Aston Martin for an order, after which they'll ask you to wire $1.8 million. Or you can simply enjoy the beast in the gallery below.

Filed under: Wheels

The Aston Martin One-77 has Overdosed on Low and Mean originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 26 Aug 2009 07:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Bentley Continental Supersports Makes Algae Go Really, Really Fast

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 24 Aug 2009 11:01:00 EST

The Bentley Continental Supersports is otherwise a Continental GT that has gotten some face work done, gone on a diet, and gotten a new diet. We took a trip around the car in Beverly Hills with the company's Dealer Events Specialist, Jon DiVaio, who assured us this is just the beginning in a proper green strategy for the brand from Crewe. Our take on it after one go 'round was "Love the car, but the manual trunk, not so much..." Oh, and "Yes, we'll take it."

Gallery: Bentley Continental Supersports Unveil

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Filed under: Wheels, Green

The Bentley Continental Supersports Makes Algae Go Really, Really Fast originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 24 Aug 2009 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Up Close with Jaeger-LeCoultre's AMVOX2 Chronograph Racing

Jonathon Ramsey — Fri, 14 Aug 2009 12:01:00 EST

Jaeger-LeCoultre and Aston Martin have been together for more than fifty years, ever since Aston won its first Le Mans in 1959 with a DBR1 sporting a Jaeger clock. The two companies began to make the most of that partnership only a few years ago, when Jaeger-LeCoultre introduced the AMVOX1.

The second generation timepieces -- easily remembered as AMVOX2 -- begin with this, the AMVOX2 Chronograph. The vertical-trigger chronograph is the first of its kind to dispense with push-buttons: the timing mechanism can be stopped, started, and reset by pressing on the upper and lower edges of the sapphire crystal face. The chronograph functions can also be locked in position with the 3-position slider on the right.

Other details surrounding Jaeger-LeCoultre's Chronograph Caliber 751B include the red lever mechanism between 4 and 8'o'clock, and black applique numbers on a satin-finish dial that mask the white discs of the chronograph. You can peruse the details of Jaeger's AMVOX2 and survey the five years of timepieces the partnership has produced below.

Gallery: Jaeger's AMVOX Watch Collection

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Filed under: Timepieces

Up Close with Jaeger-LeCoultre's AMVOX2 Chronograph Racing originally appeared on Luxist on Fri, 14 Aug 2009 12:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Introduces El Mayordomo

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 13 Aug 2009 11:01:00 EST

Concierge service is rewarding, but common; let's face it, Best Western has concierges. Butler service, on the other hand -- the round-the-clock ask-and-it's-done white-glove kind, that's still something special. The Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Holistic Retreat & Spa in Los Cabos, Baja California has just added butlers to its list of amenities, and they're free... well, whenever you book an ocean view suite.

Your attendant clocks in the moment you arrive and tends to the minutiae of any resort stay like dinner reservations, spa appointment, and dry cleaning. Yet the role of steward entails more than that: he will unpack your luggage, run your bubble bath, coordinate in-suite dining, plan an entire day trip and make sure your bed is turned down and your shoes are shined when you return. If there are enough of you for a cocktail party, he can arrange that as well. And anything else in between, so we're told.

Although Pueblo Bonito says "no request is too large or too small," there is one thing you can't ask your butler to do: take care of your children -- the Los Cabos property has been designed exclusively for adults. With your own butler, though, it will give you chance to be kids. Arthur would be proud...

Gallery: Pueblo Bonito Pacifica

Filed under: Journeys

Pueblo Bonito Pacifica Introduces El Mayordomo originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 13 Aug 2009 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Daniels Wood Land Playhouses are Tomfoolery in Timber

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 12 Aug 2009 15:01:00 EST

Tree houses, as so many other things, are marching relentlessly into the future. Not long ago a trip to the lumber yard and a bucket of nails could turn the average suburban kid into an arboreal mammal. In the new millennium, however, it takes Daniels Wood Land.

The company does brisk trade making large-format environments for large spenders like major studios, theme parks and casinos. When it comes to kid-scale Daniels makes a prodigious and diverse selection of tree houses that could more accurately be called tree resorts -- there are nine different versions of pirate-themed structures alone, one that comes with its own oasis.

The play houses are made from redwood, cedar, and Douglas fir and usually feature things like "master's" quarters and balconies. The logs that form the bases are from fallen trees, not cut down, that are hollowed out with a chainsaw. The adventurous can enter through the doorway in the base and hoist themselves up through the trap door hatch, or monkey up the rope ladders. The more leisurely can simply ascend the staircase.

If you just need some rehab work done on a tree house, Daniels also does custom plans, facades, shooting galleries, and themed environments. When it comes to decor, one of their specialties is, of all things, chainsaw carvings of bears. And hey, if you get a Daniels play house and the real estate turnaround doesn't happen as quickly as everyone's saying, there's no reason you can't rent your pirate ship out -- Johnny and Keira not included...

Gallery: Daniels Wood Land Playhouses

Filed under: Children

Daniels Wood Land Playhouses are Tomfoolery in Timber originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 12 Aug 2009 15:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The Luxury Collection Introduces The Insider's View for Members of A Small World

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 05 Aug 2009 09:01:00 EST

The Luxury Collection, a clique of hotels within the Starwood Group, is collaborating with private social network A Small World (ASW) to provide The Insider's View. The Collection already offers concierge services to those who have booked stays and offers guests -- even those who haven't arrived yet -- travel perks such as Luggage Liaison and advance planning. The Collection also maintains a "Cultural Calendar" of noteworthy events happening near Collection properties.

For ASW members, though, concierges will write articles around upcoming events -- such as Greece's Night of the Full Moon and London's Cartier International Polo Day -- that provide an insider's guide on how to have the perfect time. ASW members, whether hotel guests or not, can then interact directly with Collection concierges to get even more specific tips on where to go and what to do.

So while you might not know the best place to buy the best seats for the Venice International Film Festival... at least you'll know who to ask.

[Source: The Luxury Collection]

Filed under: Journeys

The Luxury Collection Introduces The Insider's View for Members of A Small World originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 05 Aug 2009 09:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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1800 Tequila introduces Select Silver... and The Man Cave

Jonathon Ramsey — Thu, 30 Jul 2009 11:01:00 EST

Not too long ago it was rare to meet those who considered themselves connoisseurs of tequila -- a drink known more for body shots and the occasional blackout. However, with the recent openings of tequila-only bars on East Coast and West, The Age of Agave could be upon us.

Enter 1800 Select Silver, a partially aged and double-distilled firewater that is the only 100-proof silver tequila in the world. Smooth on the way in, it fills the taste buds with fruit-tinged agave flavor before a soft finish. In fact, being easy to imbibe and 25 percent stronger than other silvers, in the wrong hands it could be too good -- it is, after all, still tequila.

It is also the world's only tequila to come with a ManCave. Until August 15, you can throw your name in the sombrero at www.1800tequila.com/mancave, and get a shot at winning $10,000 to create the ultimate hangout spot. Even though it's called a cave for men, we've met more than a few women hale enough to send us packing when the tequila flowed, so anyone should feel free to enter. And if you win, don't be surprised if we ask to come over...

[Source: 1800]

Filed under: Spirits

1800 Tequila introduces Select Silver... and The Man Cave originally appeared on Luxist on Thu, 30 Jul 2009 11:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Tag Heuer Introduces Intensive HD lenses For Land-Loving Activities

Jonathon Ramsey — Wed, 22 Jul 2009 14:01:00 EST

Of course you've those expensive Italian sunglasses for water skiing afternoons in Vis. But what do you cover your eyes with during a round of links in Scottsdale when it's essential to detect all of the greens on the green? For those land-lubbing sports Tag Heuer eyewear has created its Intensive HD lenses.

The vermillion-hued shades are photochromic and go from translucent in mild light to a mirrored, "silver flash" reflective when things get bright. They're the first lenses to be able shift from semi-transparent to fully mirrored, as well as maintain all of the dimensional detail you need when putting or pigeon shooting. And that means all you'll need is two minutes in the sun to channel your inner Erik Estrada -- or Angelina Jolie.

The polycarbonate protect against UV-A and UV-B, will be available in Zenith, Club, and 27° frame styles, and are priced from $310 to $420.

Filed under: Apparel, Sports

Tag Heuer Introduces Intensive HD lenses For Land-Loving Activities originally appeared on Luxist on Wed, 22 Jul 2009 14:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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The BeoVision 4 From Bang & Olufsen: Rapture on the "Small" Screen for $112,000

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 16:01:00 EST

The New American Heritage dictionary defines the adjective "superlative" as: "Of the highest order, quality, or degree; superior to all others; 2. Excessive or exaggerated." The third entry should read "The BeoVision 4." The television from Bang & Olufsen presents these credentials: it spans 103 inches; the screen alone weighs 580 pounds, the floor-standing base adds another 600; when the BeoVision 4 isn't being viewed the screen lowers itself to the floor via dual gas shocks and actuators, hiding the center speaker; sixteen years of research have gone into it; oh, and it costs $112,000.

Luxist recently took a trip to Beverly Hills Aston Martin to get a good look at just how much TV you could get for the price of an Aston Martin V8 Vantage. The story is here.

Gallery: Bang & Olufsen BeoVision 4

Continue reading The BeoVision 4 From Bang & Olufsen: Rapture on the "Small" Screen for $112,000

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The BeoVision 4 From Bang & Olufsen: Rapture on the "Small" Screen for $112,000 originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 13 Jul 2009 16:01:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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Concorde Hotels & Resorts Allows Guests to Vacation with Renoir

Jonathon Ramsey — Mon, 13 Jul 2009 15:02:00 EST

This fall the Gallerie Nationales du Grand Palais in Paris will host an exhibit of Renoir's 20th century works. Touted as the first monographic study of Renoir since 1985, it will focus on the paintings from his last decades after he bid adieu to formal impressionism. Sure to be a magnificent draw, you can spare yourself some time in line if you lodge at any of Paris' six Concorde Hotels & Resorts.

The company's "Renoir in the 20th Century package" will provide you and a guest priority access to spend time with Paul Durand-Ruel and the Woman at the Well. In addition to two tickets to the exhibition, you'll enjoy a buffet breakfast for two for every night of your stay at any of six hotels in the city of lights, love, and crepes galettes -- including the Hotel Crillon, Hotel du Louvre, and Hotel Lutetia.

The package is available from September 23, through December 21, 2009, and rates for double accommodation rooms begin at €202 ($282 US) per night, per room. You can book at www.concorde-hotels.com/renoir, and don't forget to say hello to Madame Renoir with Bob while you're there.

Gallery: Concorde Hotel & Resorts Renoir Package

Filed under: Journeys

Concorde Hotels & Resorts Allows Guests to Vacation with Renoir originally appeared on Luxist on Mon, 13 Jul 2009 15:02:00 EST. Please see our terms for use of feeds.

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