Pierre Borhan, former director of photography for the French Ministry of Culture, presents a compelling anthology of maritime photography since 1843 in his beautiful new book, The Sea. The slipcased volume features 300 color and black and white images ranging from historical photos, documentary photos, and art photos to archival works and pictures taken in the present day. Images include striking seascapes and perspectives, including lonely lighthouses, bustling port towns, early explorations of Antarctica and the Arctic Circle, and abstract compositions of waves,
water, and light by some of the world's best-known photographers. It makes a perfect gift for lovers of all things related to water and the ocean.

Fashion historian Caroline Rennolds Milbank examines the history of warm weather wear in a beautifully illustrated new book called Resort Fashion from Rizzoli. From the first "beach pajamas" designed by Coco Chanel and Lilly Pulitzer and Pucci prints, to sailor stripes and the Kennedys' laid back yachtsman style, to Michael Kors and Tory Burch's beach-inspired designs and of course the evolution of the swimsuit, Milbank crosses continents and generations. The seven chapters break the looks down by category: At Sea, Stripes, Prints, White, Playclothes, Summer Dress and Bathing Suits, with photos from destinations like Palm Beach, Montego Bay and St. Tropez by legends like Louise Dahl-Wolfe, Norman Parkinson, Helmut Newton, and Scavullo.

Oceana, an international nonprofit based in Washington, D.C. dedicated to protecting and restoring the world's oceans, celebrated the launch of Oceana New York on Monday night with a star-studded bash at the stunning penthouse of socialite philanthropists Alexander and Brenda Schweickhardt (above, far right). A tableaux vivant of mermaids entertained guests at the event, which was sponsored by Tiffany & Co., including Sam Waterston and Sue Cohn Rockefeller (above, far left), John Varvatos and wife Joyce (above, center) Jeff Goldblum, Gina Gershon, Tommy Hilfiger and wife Dee, New York Jets tackle Damien Woody, New York Gubernatorial candidate Rick Lazio, and socialtes Denise Rich, Bettina Zilkha and Jean Shafiroff. Since its founding in 2001, Oceana has achieved several major victories including protecting more than 640 million acres of ocean habitat.

Harry Winston continues to fill out its line of sport watches with another Ocean Diver, this time a chronograph. A logical layout and color scheme for the chronograph subdials makes sense matched up to the luxury of 18k rose or white gold. The watch also contains copious amounts of Zalium - a special Harry Winston only metal alloy made up of aluminum and zirconium. Realize that "Ocean" is a name applied to an entire line of Harry Winston watches, so calling this watch the "Ocean Diver" Chronograph is not just a silly obvious statement. Harry Winston will not be releasing a "pond" or "stream" diver. The case is an admirable 44mm wide with three dial colors that are slate, silver, or rose gold. A fine looking dive watch with a nice rubber strap and the name of a good luxury brand attached to it. Pricey at between $36,400 and $39,400 dollars.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

This is the newest timepiece for women from watch and jewelry maker Harry Winston. While typically presenting aesthetically and mechanically impressive timepieces with complex mechanical movements, this Ocean Lady Moon Phase leans much more on just the good looking side of the fence as it has a quartz movement inside - as opposed to something mechanical. No worries though as most women who are lucky enough to enjoy wearing this watch won't mind. In addition to the time there is a larger-sized central moon phase display.

The 36mm wide case comes in either 18k white or rose gold, a typical offering, with each having a plate of mother of pearl on the dials as well as a large amount of diamonds for decoration. The case is set with 57 (2.1 carats) brilliant cut diamonds while another 195 (0.6 carats) diamonds reside on the dial of the watch. Lastly, you have another 33 (0.3) diamonds on the gold buckle attached rubber strap. Yes, rubber is an odd material for such a watch as it is formally dressed with a technical strap. Still it is an interesting look and I have no doubt that alternative straps are available for use during the right occasions. The watch is 100 meters water resistant, so the rubber strap might come in handy if you get curious to see how all the diamonds appear sparkling under water.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

A basic trip to Los Cabos, Mexico implies a large hotel room with a view of the beach. Within minutes of putting your bathing suit on, you'll have sand between your toes. This sort of baseline can make it tough for a hotel to stand out. If every one is within striking distance of that lovely turquoise water – and each has an attentive staff and cozy digs – what can one hotel do differently? Upon entering my room at Hoteles Marquis Los Cabos, I learned the answer: everything.

You realize that Hoteles Marquis is a special resort when you pull into the driveway. A covered outdoor lobby is framed by a dramatic space, with the curved walls leading your eye to a carefully designed display that links the statue to the pool to the water ... and ultimately to the horizon. Practicality is not sacrificed for the sake of design, however, as cool air is corralled to offset the powerful Cabo sun only footsteps away. The registration process is as swift as it can be, and a refreshing drink makes it a bit more enjoyable. Hey, forms have to be filled out and credit cards imprinted – nature of the beast.

Here is another complex and beautiful limited edition watch from luxury watch and jewelry maker Harry Winston. The newest is this Ocean GMT Traveler watch that wants to excel at being the perfect two timezone watch. You have the main watch dial and another watch dial (on the left) that you can adjust to different timezone in one hour increments. A small window above the dial has the reference city that you can switch with the pusher at 10 o'clock. A simple to use and highly effective GMT traveler watch.

The watch is available in 18k rose or white gold in a 45mm wide case. There are versions with and without diamonds with a total of six limited edition variants of between 80 to 15 pieces per model (total of 200 for the line). The watch features an automatic tourbillon movement with the tourbillon cage serving as the seconds hand for the watch located at 6 o'clock. Detail rich, the Ocean GMT Traveler is a pure Harry Winston, combining style and function with a distinct emphasis on luxury that is easy to live with. The fitted strap is alligator and the dial enjoys Cotes de Geneve polishing that is something typically reserved for decoration on watch movements. Price will no doubt be in excess of $50,000 most likely, of course more for the diamond covered varieties.

Ariel Adams publishes the luxury watch review site aBlogtoRead.com.

Other than the footprint, the resort has been completely rethought. It has three separate buildings that create something of a U-shape, facing the ocean. Before renovation, the former hotel had some rooms over the lobby that faced away from the water -- basically no view at all save for the parking lot. No longer, those rooms without a view have been (very wisely) transformed into a spa, and a departure lounge for late or early arriving guests.

Koa Kea has a retro vibe going on -- in this sense, it reminded me of the Valley Ho in Scottsdale, one of my favorites. In the lobby and in the guest rooms, the dominant impression is of white textiles and dark brown wood, with accent colors of fuschia, teal and coral -- very bright, but designer Anita Brooks used an appropriately light hand. It's all quite a nice foil for Poipuand Kauai's exuberant greenery and bright blue ocean. There are six ocean-front suites and three ocean-view suites, the ocean front suites make more use of traditional sand, pale green and blue beach tones that you often see in ocean view rooms -- because really you're not going to be admiring the bed spread if you're right on the ocean.

All rooms are well equipped with Anichini linens, flat screen TVs, Nespresso Espresso coffee makers (read the instructions!) and iPod docking stations

Koa Kea has 121 rooms, six ocean-front suites, and three ocean-view suites. Opening promotional rates from $299 (for a garden view) to $2575 for an ocean front two-bedroom suite.

The latest spot on the increasingly popular Mayan Riviera is a small six-room boutique hotel called Pez Ocean Palace. Located on a secluded rocky cove overlooking private lagoon, Punta Piedra, and a short walk from the Tulum beach village it offers a playful place to stay. The six room have ocean views and are named after sea creatures. Rooms have wireless internet, rain showers and private balconies. The swimming pool and gardens overlook the ocean. During the summer months from July to September, giant sea turtles can often be seen at night digging their nests in front of the hotel and laying hundreds of eggs, which hatch into November.

The restaurant is open from 8am to 10pm and serves a range of healthy dishes with an Oriental-Mexican fusion style offering fresh seafood, organically grown herbs from jungle gardens and local produce. The champagne bar serves up bubbly cocktails as the house special with fresh tropical fruit juice twists. Room rates start at $260 per night.

A really great, oversized design book with beautifully-reproduced images can sometimes actually transport you to another place. Such is the case with a new volume titled New Seaside Interiors, edited by Angelika Taschen, which is anything but a mishmash of coastal clichés. Forget what you think you know about nautical décor; with examples of brilliant seaside design on all five continents, from Iceland to Chile, the architecture in this book harmonizes with the ocean in ways that go far beyond sprinkling a few seashells around the guest bath. From fashion designer Pierre Cardin's Bond villain-style floating house in St. Tropez to Dolce & Gabbana's eye-popping seaside villas in Italy, this is the né plus ultra of seaside style. See the gallery for more.

The New York Times periodically picks a price and then does a "What You Get for ... $xxx,xxx" piece in its Real Estate section, comparing homes in three cities. I've never seen a "What You Get for ... $35,000,000," article so here it is, at least in one city: This estate in Montauk (no direct link, so go here, and enter Web ID H34007) is set on 35.5 acres between the Atlantic Ocean, a freshwater pond and fields and meadows, with 400 feet of ocean frontage. The house is 7,000 square feet and has a tiled roof, plus there's 50% more living space than the house itself, thanks to the 3,500 square feet of mahogany decking. Built in 1994, there are three levels, comprising five bedrooms, five baths, living and dining rooms with 16-foot ceilings and walls of glass that overlook the ocean and grounds. For cooking (or, more likely, where your staff will be doing the cooking), there's a chef's kitchen. Also: a breakfast room, an office, a screening room with a state-of-the-art JBL system, and a garage. A path leads through private gates to the beach.

Yacht owners often are too busy to use their boats for more than a few weeks each year. Another thing to consider, certainly, is the cost of ownership. Yikes. That's the theory behind Luxury Yacht Partners of N.Y. Purchase fractional ownership, rent a yacht for a day or sell part or all of your yacht.

Fractional ownership yachts are a Sunseeker 61' Predator 2003, 25% share, $335,000; or a Burger 81' 1972, 25% share, $195,000, with an optional Robinson R-44 helicopter, 25% share, $45,000. Depending on whether your yacht will stay in the Northeast or be relocated to Florida during the winter, you get 30 - 70 cruising days each year.

All the operational expenses are shared by the up to 4 shareholders, and of course you pay for your own consumables. Operational expenses include docking fees, maintenance, crew payroll, insurance, repairs and a management fee.

Sounds good, and economical, but hold on -- not thrilled about others using "your" yacht? That's why you pay a management fee: A concierge service will ready the yacht for your time at sea, such as stocking your preferred beverage or having available your special sheets. Summer's coming, so buy that share, and get out the sunblock!

Oceans cover 71% of the Earth's surface, so the fact that they're experiencing serious problems is something we should all be concerned about. Oceana is working to protect the world's oceans by attacking issues like global contamination, dwindling marine habitats, and collapsing fish populations to name a few. If you, or someone you love, is inspired to help the cause this holiday season they've made it easy (and fun): donate via their "Adopt a Creature" program ($35-$100) and get some cute creature-shaped cookie cutters along with information on your adopted animal, or go for something like this beautiful organic "Culinary Three Herb Wreath." A percentage of the proceeds go to benefit Oceana and you get the benefit of three different herbs (rosemary, basil, and thyme) for up to a year ($49.95).

People pay money for water every day, even though it's free in the majority of places on Earth. So if we're already paying for it, why not pay a lot for it, right? Well that's apparently the philosophy of the Japanese, who for a while now have been making big business of buying very expensive desalinated seawater concentrate from off the coasts of Hawaii. Called Kona Nigari, it sells for $33.50 per two-ounce bottle of concentrate and is meant to be diluted in a bottle of regular water (add $1.99 to the bill). It's credited with aiding weight loss, stress reduction, skin tone, and digestion. And apparently this Hawaiian seawater is special -- people pay more for the Kona Nigari than for similar concentrates from waters closer to Japan.

Via Lussorian

When it comes to boating true luxury means of course an enormous yacht staffed with enough people to take of everything without bothering you for anything other than 'would you like another drink?' But sometimes it can be a real treat to do something on whim without all those other people around -- just you, the boat, and the water. And maybe a friend. Enter the Mini Inflatable Catamaran -- it fits in a bag and can easily be tossed in the backseat of your car!

This inflatable/unfoldable boat is one you can easily transport and handle yourself. It only weighs 40kg, sets up in about 30 minutes, supports up to 240kg, and can be used on lakes, rivers, or even the sea (although it's tiny so I'd be extra cautious on the open ocean!). $4500.


Via BornRich