VistaJet Launches Wine Service for Passengers

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Private aviation company VistaJet is launching The VistaJet Wine Program, a service that is designed to enhance the wine drinking experience for passengers on its aircraft as well as at international destinations.

The programme comprises a selection of wine-themed events and features. This includes the Signature Wine List, a selection of wines that will perform well at high altitudes. Each of these have been hand-picked by Thomas Flohr, the Founder and Chairman of VistaJet, who is a wine enthusiast with a cellar of over 3,000 bottles.

Thomas Flohr said: “Enjoying a glass of wine while in flight should be the same as a glass of wine in a restaurant. But nobody has ever managed to offer this on a global scale.

“So, to provide the consistency of service and quality to our members, we have created the first global program that will ensure our guests enjoy the best possible wine in the sky whilst catering to all their needs when it comes to tasting, collecting, discovering and developing a deeper knowledge of wine – anytime, anywhere.”

Luxury-Travel-winery-service

In addition, the programme incorporates the VistaJet Wine Club, which offers the opportunity for passengers to sample 12 wines each year; wine tours that feature round-the-world tasting itineraries; and a wine concierge who can recommend wines pre-flight as well as at the destination. The concierge can also help to locate specific vintages at auction.

Expert Tastings

The new wine service was curated and developed with the help of world-leading wine experts, including those from Marchesi Antinori; Rothschild; Artemis Domaines; and Ca’ del Bosco.

The team of wine specialists sampled wines from around the world, both in the skies and on the ground, in order to compare how the change in atmosphere and altitude inside a pressurised cabin affects taste and smell.

They found that nasal sensors’ reception of aromas are limited owing to the lower air pressure that comes with a lower humidity. They also realised that bubbles found in sparkling wines tend to stick to the sides of the glass. Fruit flavours, meanwhile, are diminished, while bitterness and spiciness are largely unaffected.

This information was collated and combined with findings from Charles Spence, a University of Oxford professor, who revealed that a person’s perception of taste and smell is adversely affected by background noise levels on commercial flights. Conversely, business jets are quieter, with the cabin noise levels at 35 decibels lower than commercial.

These test results from the wine flights and from the on-the-ground tastings at vineyards including Clos de Tart and Château Smith Haut Lafitte were used to develop the programme. 

Published Findings

In addition to offering an extensive wine selection, the VistaJet Wine Program also features a book that incorporates suggested ways to serve, transport and taste wine that is being presented to passengers on global flights. The Wine in the Sky Questionnaire was developed as a result of contributions from oenophiles such as Sofia Coppola and Andrea Bocelli, who made recommendations.

This programme from VistaJet has been devised to be an expansive and engaging experience of wine.

Ed

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Luxury Getaways in Eastern Europe

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In recent years, Eastern Europe has earned its status as a luxury hotspot for travellers who crave artistic and cultural energy. Travelling in Eastern Europe offers a wide breadth of Mediterranean landscapes and medieval cities, many of which have been well-preserved throughout the centuries. Even better, luxury standards are largely uniform throughout Europe, which means that you can find the same key conveniences in high-end Eastern European accommodation to ensure a glamorous and relaxing trip.

Getting to Eastern Europe

Most major cities and countries in Eastern Europe are well-connected by airports, especially if you are travelling from within the continent. Some destinations are most easily reachable by train: it is recommended to opt for first class tickets or private compartments for added privacy. For non-EU nationals, it’s generally wise to make arrangements for basic medical necessities and lost or stolen personal items. This is especially important for vacationers bringing or purchasing luxury items, such as fine jewelry or designer handbags, during their trip.

Adriatic Sightseeing in Montenegro

A relatively private oasis compared to more touristy areas, Montenegro boasts some of the finest views and rich coastal foods of the Mediterranean, with plenty of high-end accommodation to satiate the luxurious traveler.  The Montenegrin coast is peppered with Medieval villages and towns such as Ulcinj, a UNESCO world heritage site known for its high-quality beaches. Luxurious travellers can stay at one of the country’s many high-end villas catered by professional cooking staff. The coast also offers a rich tradition in yacht cruises available for hire, as well as houseboats for visitors looking to hop along the coast.

Take A City Break In Budapest

Luxurious urban dwellers will appreciate the city walls of Budapest, a cornerstone of modernity in Eastern Europe. In recent years, the city has developed a reputation for its museums and galleries devoted to high art, such as the landmark Museum of Fine Arts. “With art nouveau splendors lining the curve of the Danube, Budapest promises genteel romance,” says luxury travel writer Natalie Paris. It’s also readily accessible to tour in a few days, making Budapest the ideal option for a quick weekend to cleanse your cultural palette.

With luxe and culture galore, visitors can expect a comfortable treat in Eastern Europe (with the added benefit of being able to move easily between different countries). A stone’s throw from one country to the next will leave you craving more as you survey some of Europe’s richest cultural landscapes for fine traveling.

Tracy

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What Type of Luxury Vehicle Are You?

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Most people dream of owning a luxury vehicle, but when the time comes, what will you actually get? If you have the means to get any car you want, will you be disappointed in your choice? The answer is no, if you know which type of luxury vehicle suits your personality.
Read on to learn which type of luxury vehicle is the embodiment of your personality.

1. Rockstar/diva

The Rockstar or Diva personality type often gets a bad rap. Yes, these people do like to be the center of attention, but they’re also the life of the party. A diva or Rockstar personality is the type to bring a bit of glitter to everything they do. When you’re around this person, everything gets a bit more interesting.

On the flipside, this personality does not settle. They demand to be treated with respect and surrounded by luxury.  This personality likes to party, and so their vehicle choice will reflect their fun side too. For the Rockstar or diva, fun is about as important as luxury.

Luxury vehicle

Bentley-GT-continental

The Bentley Continental GT coupe is the perfect vehicle for this personality type. The Continental GT was completely redesigned for this model year to up its coolness factor considerably. And when you want to talk about fun, this car can get from 0 to 60 in a mere 3.6 seconds. Hold onto your hats, divas! All you have to do now is choose your favorite color, and you’ve got your car for 2019.

2. Allstar athlete

The all-star athlete is the type who seems to be good at any sport. Maybe they excel in one thing, like track or basketball, but they can pick up anything athletic in mere minutes (or so it seems). The all-star athlete needs a bit of room for athletic gear and their teammates. This person may also enjoy outdoor activities like off-roading and camping.

Luxury vehicle

Range-Rover-Velar

Any all-star athlete type would be excited to get behind the wheel of the 2019 Range Rover Velar. It’s among the Motor Trends SUV of the Year finalists. With plenty of space to haul friends and teammates and a rugged yet sporty design, Range Rover’s Velar is more than just a pretty face. For those who are looking for a little off-road fun, the Velar offers an Off-Road package with an adaptive terrain response system, all-terrain progress control and configurable chassis and powertrain settings.

3. Business mogul

This is the corporate CEO type. This person knows what they want and they’re used to getting it. They are uncompromising on quality, but they also want a great value. The business mogul cares about appearances, so they’ll look for known brands that are associated with luxury. The business mogul’s vehicle is very much a status symbol.

Luxury vehicle

Audi-RS-Line

There’s nothing like an Audi to symbolize status. This brand and its logo have become an icon of luxury, and any business mogul would be proud to drive any of the Audi RS models. This car tells the world that you lead a sensible family life, but you can definitely afford the finer things. You’re a well-rounded individual, and you’ve made it. This isn’t your mother’s station wagon. With one of the best V6 engines in the industry and a classy interior that’s typical Audi, the RS 5 Sportback is the perfect choice for any business mogul type.

4. Tech guru

This personality type is what we call an “early adopter.” They’re likely to get the latest Apple products and updates before anyone else, and they may even have the latest Android products as well. The tech guru would never be caught with last year’s (or even last month’s) model, so they are likely to update their vehicle at least once a year. This personality type appreciates a self-driving car and would have technology handle every aspect of their lives, if they could.

Luxury vehicle

Tech gurus have been waiting with bated breath to get their hands on vehicles like the 2019 Audi A8. We may have thought that this model would be completely autonomous (self-driving), but it’s about as close as anything on the market comes. It will still have an advanced and comprehensive suite of active safety features that include blind-spot monitoring, adaptive cruise control and lane keeping assist. And it comes with a host of upgraded technology features like exit assist, intersection assist and a predictive active suspension that can detect a collision and raise the suspension to help disperse the impact.

When you think about the type of car you’ll be buying for 2019, think about your personality first. This will impact how you use the vehicle and the things that are most important to you. Whether you’re a diva or a tech guru, your car should reflect your personality. It is, after all, an expression of your own style.  

Rachel

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4 Surprisingly Affordable Luxury Vacations

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There’s nothing like a spot of luxury vacationing to make you feel like the 1%. Some people seem to be under the impression that you need vast amounts of wealth in order to be able to vacation in luxury, but that simply isn’t true. In the modern age, luxury vacations are becoming the norm rather than the exception, and you don’t need to dip into your savings to be able to afford them. No matter what kind of vacation you’re dreaming of, these four luxury vacation ideas are not only well within reach, they could see you jetting off for the vacation of a lifetime much sooner than you expected.

Vacation like European Royalty

Most people have dreamed of staying in a castle for their vacation, but the assumption is always that these are going to be very costly. That’s no longer the case, with websites offering a variety of low-cost options for castle vacations. You can find accommodation that is very affordable, and may even cost less than a stay in a city centre. Swanning around a European castle is the height of luxury, and you won’t need to break the bank account to experience this unique vacation type.

Party in Fiji

If you’re more interested in a tropical paradise than a castle, then Fiji could be the answer. Not only is Fiji one of the most dreamed of destinations in the world, but it is also surprisingly more affordable than you think. Coincide your vacation with the Your Paradise music festival, and you could be partying until dawn in a luxurious setting that you may never want to leave.

Luxury-Holidays

African Safari

Going on safari is famously expensive, and considered out of financial reach for most people. This is largely because people head to the most popular regions of Africa. If you aim to go further South, you still get to see all of the animals that are on your bucket list, and prices are comparable to a stay in the average hotel. You will need to make sure that you have your vaccinations, and if you’re making a rushed decision to vacation in South Africa, then you can book into a London Travel Clinic to get the medications and vaccinations that you need.

Get your Geek On

For Star Wars fans, experiencing the thrill of a galaxy far, far away has never been easier or more affordable. For less than the price of a flight to London, you can spend eleven days in Ireland and visit the filming locations used in the latest Star Wars films. You might even find time to head to the spots where they film Game of Thrones. This makes Ireland a top choice for those who are looking for a little luxury alongside their lightsabers and dragons.

If you’re looking at potential vacations in the new year, don’t be limited by what you believe is out of reach. Luxury vacations are more accessible than ever before, and no matter what kind of break you’re dreaming of, there are luxury options that should never be dismissed without a little research. Do some prep, and you could be relaxing in luxury before you know it.

Carol

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Tips for Planning a Winter Wedding

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Winter weddings are popular because of the sparkling snow and winter wonderland feeling that they offer. If you are planning a winter wedding, you will need to plan everything carefully while considering the chill. Here are some tips that will come in handy when planning a winter wedding:

Set Your Date Soon

In the winter, most people are busy making holiday plans and traveling. For this reason, you need to set your wedding date as soon as possible to ensure that your guests can attend. If you want a small, intimate wedding, you can get away with a December wedding because you will not have to make many plans. However, a large wedding requires more planning time, so you should set a February date.

Choose a Suitable Venue

You need to select the right location for your winter wedding. If you want an outdoorsy wedding with a rustic feel, you should consider a nearby barn or park. On the other hand, if you would prefer an indoors wedding, you should look for venue features such as large windows that face snow-covered trees.

Choose Winter-themed Colors

wedding-tips-honey-moon

The common winter colors are snow white, icy blue, and forest green. If you want to create a winter wonderland environment, you should opt for blue, silver, and white colors. For a more rustic feel, you should consider crimson red and antique gold colors.

You can choose bright colors and light colors to create contrast with the other winter hues in your décor. If you do not mind an all-white wedding, you should consider choosing white décor and attire.

Bring the Outdoors Inside

In some destinations, an outdoor wedding is impossible in the winter. However, you can still create an outdoorsy feel by incorporating pinecones, snowflakes, and frosted glass at your wedding. If you are getting married during the holiday season, you should also incorporate festive elements in your décor.

If you want a laid-back and cozy feel, you should choose soft textures such as chenille and velvet. Opt for thickly cushioned chairs and soft tablecloths to enhance the coziness.

Play with the Lighting

Because winter is known for its firelight, you should try to incorporate candles and a fireplace at your wedding. The soft light that candles bring will add a beautiful ambience and romance to your wedding. For a more rustic vibe, you should opt for candle lit chandeliers. For an icy touch, you should choose sparkling chandeliers.

Choose Thicker Fabrics

As you already know, winter outdoor weddings are cold. You should keep this in mind when you need attire for your bridal party as well as yourself. The dresses can be made from warm fabrics such as velvet, pique, and silk. The groomsmen can opt for warmer wool, tweed, or tartan suits.

Choose the Right Accessories

The wedding party might have to take pictures in the freezing cold. If you are wearing a strapless dress for your indoor wedding, you should bring a warm coat for the outdoor activities. You can also augment your wardrobe with fancy gloves, snow boots, and earmuffs. Do not shy away from wearing accessories that will keep you warm.

Prepare Weatherproof Options

When planning a winter wedding, you should be ready for ice, heavy sleet, and snow. Make sure that you bring umbrellas, ponchos, and rubber boots. You can always change into stilettos once you get to the venue.

Conclusion

The above tips will help you to plan a winter wedding. Now you have to plan a honeymoon and raise money on sites such as Honeyfund if you are short on cash: Honeyfund offers the best option for alternative wedding registries.

Emily John

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3 Major Benefits of Luxury Residential Living

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Luxury residential living is something that many of us aspire to. Whether you’re beginning college and you’re considering Colab apartments for student living in Denver because the dorms just aren’t going to cut it, or you plan to move into a different posh setting, just know that this lifestyle definitely has its benefits.

If you plan to relocate, you might want to know what it’s like to live in Denver if you intend to move to this great city. Or maybe you plan to move to New York, Los Angeles, Seattle, Chicago, or any other big city with wonderful apartments and lots of perks.

Guess what? Luxury living benefits are pretty much standard no matter where you finally decide to lay down your roots. So if Denver, NYC, or LA isn’t your cup of tea, you’ll still find the best benefits of luxury residential living no matter where you wind up.

To help you better understand why luxury residential living is so amazing, we’ll share three major benefits that you may not have ever considered. After all is said and done, if you still aren’t convinced then you may prefer a minimalist, more Spartan lifestyle. 

Benefit #1: Pets Are Almost Always Welcome

If you happen to love animals and plan to bring a favorite cat or dog along with you to your next luxury apartment building, just know that pets are almost always welcome in these settings. Luxury building owners realize that we love our pets and we do everything in our power to care for them and provide a good life for these little fur balls.

You know what else is pretty cool: luxury apartments not only welcome pets, they also make it easier than ever for owners to pamper their little furry bundles of joy. In fact, on the premises of many of these luxury communities, you’ll find a dog park, a dog washing station, a pet grooming salon, and other members of the community will also have pets so you’re cat or pooch will feel more than welcome. 

Benefit #2: Your Dream Kitchen Will Become Your Reality

luxury-kitchen

Have you ever wanted a dream kitchen so bad that you can practically taste it? Have you ever wanted a kitchen that looks like one of the ones from your favorite magazines? Well, when you move into luxury apartments you’ll find out that the kitchens are completely stunning and almost dreamlike in nature.

The beautiful thing about these kitchens is they typically have gorgeous quartz countertops, glass backslashes, top-of-the-line stainless steel appliances, a movable kitchen island, shaker cabinets, and so many other awesome conveniences. You’ll feel like you’ve died and gone to culinary heaven when you first prepare a meal in the kitchen of your dreams.

Benefit #3: It’s Just So Darn Convenient

Convenience is one of the final benefits of luxury residential living. You see, possibly the biggest perk of the luxury apartment lifestyle is they’ve designed it so all of the modern conveniences are available and right at your fingertips.

These apartments have keyless entry systems, below ground garages, large linen closets and pantries and walk-in closets. Instead of having to go to the laundry mat, you’ll be up to wash and dry your clothes right in your apartment. And let’s not forget about the conveniences in your community, because there are great restaurants, bars, shops, and more within a couple of mile radius of your home, so you don’t have to travel too far to enjoy the finer things in life.

Conclusion

As you can tell, the benefits of luxury residential living are truly amazing. If it seems like this lifestyle suits you, you should definitely consider moving into a luxury apartment now or in the near future.

Emily John

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How to celebrate New Year’s Eve in Monaco

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A New Year’s Eve in Monaco guarantees a night to remember. From glamorous clubbing to festive dinners and fireworks, here are a few Monaco events to pave your way to a sparkling 2019.

Take to the skies

monacair-new-year-eve-in-monaco-take-to-the-skies

First of all, if you’re planning to spend New Year’s Eve in Monaco, why not make a celebrity-style entry aboard a helicopter? With the Principality’s helicopter company Monacair, you can enjoy a Monaco airport transfer from Nice airport for a little more than the cost of a taxi and you’ll be chauffeur-driven to your accommodation.

If you’re already in Monaco, Monacair is offering a five-minute panoramic flight for just 35 euros per person until 6 January 2019. The tours are available every day except 25 December and 1 January, which means you can seize this opportunity on 31 January. Taking off from Monacair’s base at the sea-facing heliport in Fontvieille, you’ll fly from Monaco to the dramatic coastline Cap Martin and back. You’ll be transported in a six-passenger capacity Airbus H130, so you can share the spectacular aerial views with friends and family.

Dance, laugh and enjoy the magic

new-year-eve-in-monaco-dance-laugh-and-enjoy-the-magic-blue-gin-bar

The Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel and Resort has transformed its Blue Gin Bar into a mountain chalet with a contemporary twist for the festive season. Various events and activities are lined up from now until 6 January, with New Year’s Eve offering a DJ set and a magic show. Magician and trained actor Simeon Wolfgang is known for injecting a huge dose of humour into his tricks and involving the public. At midnight, take a break from the dancing to admire the fireworks from the comfort of the Blue Gin Bar’s heated terrace.

Festive fine dining at Monaco’s luxury hotels

new-year-eve-in-monaco-festive-fine-dining-at-monaco-luxury-hotels

On New Year’s Eve in Monaco, restaurants in the luxury hotels will be pulling out all the stops and now is the time to book. A step away from the Monte-Carlo Casino, Le Grill, on the eighth floor of the legendary Hôtel de Paris, offers a menu of foie gras, lobster and other festive fare. When you arrive in the lobby, look out for the Chopard Christmas tree, with its ethical gold decorations, before you ascend to dine and admire the spectacular view over the Mediterranean Sea.

The Hôtel Hermitage invites revellers to its Le Vistamar restaurant for a New Year’s Eve dinner prepared by Michelin-starred chef Benoît Witz. The gourmet menu, in the sumptuous setting of this hotel dating back to the 1900s, costs 450 euros per person. And, if you’re wondering where to eat in style on the first day of 2019, the Hermitage will be serving a New Year’s Day brunch for 185 euros.

The three restaurants of Fairmont Monte Carlo will also be concocting New Year’s Eve delicacies. At the bistro-style Saphir24, you can share a tasting platter for up to four people. Choose from Lebanese, French, Italian and seafood themes or indulge in a selection of desserts. From 11pm, your group can enjoy these dishes for 350 euros (including a bottle of wine) before dancing to sounds served up by a DJ. At the Nobu, the Omakase menu offers Japanese food with a seasonal twist and costs 260 euros per person. The price doesn’t include drinks but gives diners entry to the party at Saphir24. Finally, at the hotel’s Salle de la Mer restaurant, live music and a sumptuous buffet with a decidedly Italian influence costs 280 euros per person, including coffee, mineral water and a glass of champagne.

Party by the harbour

new-year-eve-in-monaco-party-by-the-harbour

Port Hercules is an at-least-once-in-a-lifetime must-see, with its superb superyachts and lively harbourside venues. During the festive season, a Christmas Village takes up residence by this world famous harbour and it’s here that you should head for Monaco’s traditional New Year’s Eve party. Two DJs will get everyone dancing from 9.30pm and will be hard at work on the turntables until 3am. After the countdown to the New Year, a fireworks display will illuminate the sky and cityscape with a riot of colours, while the sound of yacht horns fills the air.

Jimmy’z

new-year-eve-in-monaco-jimmy'z

Jimmy’z is Monaco’s most famous club, which has been frequented by celebrities from the worlds of music, fashion, film and sport since its inauguration in the early 1970s.

The New Year’s Eve soundscape comes courtesy of resident DJs Carmine, Ollie and guest DJ Alexandre Billard. The club promises surprises for this end of year celebration, so if you’re seeking a made-in-Monaco experience, dress up and wander this way.

Marianne Burkhardt

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The Ultimate Guide to Having a Luxury Lifestyle in the New Year

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With the new year fast approaching, many people, including yourself, will have already begun to think about what changes they are going to make in their lives and how to achieve these goals. The new year is a great time to declare a new start for yourself and set resolutions that will have a highly positive impact on your lifestyle. Perhaps you have decided to give up smoking or go to the gym a little bit more? If you can keep one resolution, then why not go the whole way an make the choice to inject more luxury into your life?

This might not sound like an obvious resolution at first but given that you only have one life to live, making a commitment to having the best one possible with no compromises suddenly makes a lot of sense. A complete overhaul of your lifestyle doesn’t need to be as scary as it first sounds. What you need to remember is that every change you make needs to have a positive impact on your life and your happiness and this simple reason is what should be the driving force of what motivates you. After all, everyone deserves to be happy and enjoy a bit of luxury in their lives, so why should your life be any different?

In this ultimate guide, you are going to learn several ways you can make positive changes for a more luxurious life in every aspect of your life. By following the advice in this guide, you will be happier, more fulfilled, and naturally more successful.

Why is the new year the right time?

The first of January is traditionally the day where people make big life choices and try to turn things around through resolutions they make the month before, but why do people make New Year’s resolutions and why should you make some as well?

new-year-deisions-list

In the past

New Years resolutions date all the way back to the Romans:

  • Their god Janus had two faces, one looking to the past, and one looking to the future. As the new year came along, the Romans would reflect on the past and make goals for the future in honor of Janus, which is where the origins of the New Year’s resolution came from.

While it might not be in honor of a Roman god anymore, the logic behind the tradition is a meaningful process where you have the opportunity to look at your life as it is and decide what needs to be done to change it for the better and help you to become the person you want to be in the future.

Making a commitment to fashion

If you want to live a luxurious lifestyle, then something you are going to need to ditch the moment the new year rolls around is fast fashion. While it is convenient and cheap, fast fashion doesn’t last and also supports questionable practices such as sweatshops. Making the change to ethical fashion brands will mean that you are reducing your impact on the planet and actively supporting those business that care. Below are a few brands that follow this philosophy:

  1. Everlane

Everlane is an affordable brand that focuses on being transparently ethical. With an affordable price range and stocking a wide variety of sizes, Everlane is a great place to begin when you want to be more conscious about your clothing choices.

  1. Patagonia

Another great brand to try is Patagonia, that puts a lot of energy into ensuring every piece of clothing they produce is environmentally sustainable, and Fair Trade certified. Patagonia specializes in outdoor apparel and was one of the pioneers of ethical fashion, so they know what they are doing and continue to do it well.

  1. Able

The third ethical clothing brand you should check out on your journey to responsible fashion is Able. Able focuses on fair labor practices and have their clothes created by female artisans in Peru. They have a wide range of styles, a good pricing structure, and are a great choice if you want to support a truly feminist brand.

fair-trade-clothing

It is easy to identify quality fabrics over fast fashion, and once you make the switch, you will never want to go back to the high street again. Alongside your fashion items, it is also worth considering investing in some ethically and sustainably made shoes to be staples of your new wardrobe next year. A good pair of shoes that have been well made will last you for years and years, so they are well worth the extra money so that you are able to enjoy the benefits of the best pair of shoes you will ever own.

Trying something new

Luxury is all about the overall lifestyle you lead, and this includes everything from the clothes you wear, as mentioned above, all to how you spend your free time. When you have time off work, there is nothing luxurious about slouching in front of the television when you could be doing something far more enriching and rewarding. Once such venture is to begin a sport. For a sport that offers more than just a way to get fit, opt for a sport that you can make as luxurious as you like, such as golfing.

Golf is sport associated with the successful and allows you to exercise in often some of the most beautiful landscapes on the planet. Alongside this, it is also a great sport to be familiar with in terms of business networking or meeting up with your workplace superiors.

How do I get into Golf?

golf-2019

To begin this new venture, you need to start by simply investing in some professional golf clubs that will help you to play a better game and impress your boss when you go out on the course together to chat business. Finding clubs that have precision weighting, great swing, and are durable will make learning this exciting hobby so much better for you.

Now that you have the love for the sport, you need to head online and take a look at the best golf courses in the world to visit. This is something you can easily integrate into a family holiday or a work trip to add an extra bit of glamor to your time away and give you a chance to really invest in a meaningful hobby that gets you out of the house and into the world.

Some of the top-ranked golf courses in Ireland, for example, include:

  • Royal Country Down, Northern Ireland
  • Dundrum Bay
  • Mourne, Ireland

If you are interested in golfing in somewhat warmer climates, then the Royal Melbourne course in Black Rock, Australia is the one for you. Founded in 1926, this course offers a challenge to players, as it was designed to focus on the angles of play, rather than powering the ball across vast distances, combining the rolling sand belt with luscious greenery.

Finding your very own paradise

A luxury lifestyle is not complete without a luxury holiday to go with it. By doing some research into the best places to visit on vacation, you can begin to build a bucket list that you can tick off as the months go by.

What separates a luxury holiday from an ordinary vacation?

The key here is not the amount of money you spend on your adventure, contrary to popular belief, but what you seek to get out of it. Many people will go on holiday to overcrowded resorts to sunbathe, but you will want to get something more meaningful out of your trip by experiencing the culture and history of some not so well-known holiday hot spots.

visit-Palermo-travel-guide

  • Palermo is the capital city of Sicily and a world-renowned cultural melting pot. This city has historically been uniquely open to other traditions and is often referred to as a mosaic, weaving together Spanish, English, Norman, and Bourbon influences into the rich tapestry that comprises the capital. With palaces, churches, and even glorious botanical gardens to visit, Palermo should be on your travel list this year.
  • Another great destination you can enjoy is Leeuwarden-Friesland in The Netherlands. In 2018, the destination was named the European Capital of Culture which saw a gloriously diverse range of art and performance arrive in Leeuwarden-Friesland, against the backdrop of the stunning meadows, forests, and coast.
  • If you are the kind of person who loves to learn and has a passion for history, then a destination for your luxury holiday could be Flanders in Belgium. Belgium is a country of rich culture, stunning architecture, and great chocolate, but also the sight of one of the most famous battles in all of human history. With the centenary just passed, it is the perfect time to go and see what the country has to offer and what you can learn about the world along the way.

Home is where the heart is

The benchmark of luxury for many ordinary people is the feeling you get when walking into a five-star, boutique hotel, where everything from the paint on the walls, to the ornaments, to the bed linen, is precisely chosen to be fashionable, high-end, and all work together to form on coherent visual piece of art. This is what you should aim for with your home as well.

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You will be pleased to know that it is much easier than you think to get your home to look high-end, so you can put in an affordable and organized plan to revamp your humble abode and wow your guests when they come to dinner. One of the best ways to instantly add glamor to your home is to re-do your bedroom with some simple yet chic additions:

  • Invest in good quality bedsheets. Go for silk, satin, and cashmere wool for ultimate softness and warmth
  • Add a mattress topper underneath the sheet also adds that extra bit of comfort for the long nights effortlessly.
  • Consider a mirror to enlarge the space. You can go as ornate or minimal as you like.

Color co-ordinate

If you want to have every room in your home looking its best without having to rip out all of the furniture and fittings, then one elegant solution is to color coordinate your home. By choosing neutrals such as white and cream with pops of vibrant, complementary colors, such as red and mustard yellow, or deep purple paired with electric blue, you can have a coherent look throughout every room.

Extra Additions

With the simple use of throws, rugs, candles, and ornaments (with the odd lick of paint here and there) you can create a stunning place to live that looks beautiful from the moment you step through the front door.

Finally, if you want to go all out on the luxury, then the bathroom is where your money needs to be spent. Invest in a clawfoot bath or hot tub to relax in, some heated towel racks, and a backlit mirror to get ready in for the ultimate spa experience.

A luxury lifestyle is all in the attitude

If this great guide has yet to convince you to make a commitment to living a much more luxurious life, then there is one more thing you need to think about. Many people will shy away from letting themselves have expensive things or taking time to enjoy their hobbies because of the simple reason that they don’t believe they are important enough to warrant this indulgence. Making a commitment to having a bit more luxury in your lifestyle is also about finding your self-worth and placing being happy at the very center of your life.

You deserve to wake up in the morning and be excited about every aspect of your life because only then can you go out into the world in a positive frame of mind and be a positive influence on other people.

Committing to having a luxury life as your New Year’s resolution will be the best thing you ever do and will have you reaping the benefits in no time at all.

Carol

Information sourced by the author for LuxuryActivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only. 

5 Luxury Gift Ideas For That Special Someone

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Luxury-gifts

The festive season is fast approaching, which means that now is the ideal time to start shopping for that special someone. There is always a considerable amount of pressure to purchase your partner something that they will love and highly appreciate, no matter if it is the early stages of your relationship or if you have been married for many years. What you buy your partner will depend on their personality and taste, but there are a few luxury options which you can never go wrong with which will certainly make for a unique gift and allow you to enjoy the holidays more in love than ever.

1- Shared Experiences

Sometimes, a shared experience can be a better gift to give your loved one than a physical gift. There are all kinds of luxury options to consider, and it will depend on your interests, but a few good choices include:

  • Opera tickets
  • Theatre tickets
  • A vacation together
  • Dinner at a fancy restaurant
  • A weekend away in the country
  • Hot air balloon ride
  • VIP tickets
  • Spa day

An experience will give you both something to look forward to and the ability to make new memories together.

2- Beauty Products

Beauty products will always be warmly received, especially if they are luxury beauty products. This is because they can make such a big difference to how the recipient both looks and feels and they will also last for a long time too so they can continue to enjoy the gift long after the holidays are over.

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3- Fashion

It is hard to go wrong with a fashion gift, but you need to make sure that you know what the recipient would like. If you want luxury, then it is worth considering:

  • Dresses
  • Handbags
  • Shoes
  • Accessories
  • Watches

Before making a purchase, think about whether or not this is an item that they would need and if it is in tune with their particular taste and style.

4- Pearl Jewelry

Following on from this, nothing says luxury like pearls and these are a fashion accessory that will evoke a unique reaction. Before making a purchase, there are a few pearl value factors to know which include:

  • Size
  • Shape
  • Luster
  • Surface
  • Nacre
  • Color
  • Scarcity

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Take your time to find valuable pearls, and this will be a gift that they never forget and highly appreciate.

5- Homeware

Luxury homeware goods can transform their home and make a big difference to how they feel on a daily basis. There are many different types of product to consider so think about what items they need in their home or if there is anything that they enjoy using. A few luxury homeware gift ideas include:

  • Scented candles
  • Decorative art
  • Furniture
  • Photo frames
  • Glassware
  • Plantlife
  • Vases
  • Cushions/throws etc.

If you are looking for a unique luxury gift for that special someone this year, then these ideas should give you some inspiration. Luxury gifts will always be well-received as they show that a lot of thought, care and effort has gone into the present.

Carol

Info sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only. 

Domaine Des Malandes, A Winery Anchored In Tradition And Overflowing Energy

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Domaine Des Malandes, A Winery Anchored In Tradition And Overflowing Energy
Reading Time: 4 minutes

Domaine-des-Malandes

Domaine des Malandes is a family domaine that exploits 29 hectares of vines in Chablis. Their wines are appreciated for their freshness, finesse and minerality directly from the famous Kimmeridgian, unique subsoil of the Chablis vineyard. France has a fantastic terroir and Chablis is for sure one of the best places in the world for wine.

Le Domaine Des Malandes, a Family Passion From Generation to Generation

It all started after the Second World War, when André and Gabrielle Tremblay harvested their first grapes in 1949 in their vineyard “Fourchaume”. With great work and passion, they brought the domain up to 7Ha and handed it over to their daughter Lyne Marchive. She started her own winery in Chablis in 1973 and In 30 years she grew the number and the size of her vineyards, extended the winery and modernized the equipment. Lyne Marchive started traveling and exported her wines to Asia, Europe and United States.

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More than 40 years later, we are in 2018, she decides to step aside and let her children take the lead. It is time to the new generations to perpetuate the family passion. Richard Marchive became the managing director and Amandine Marchive took the lead on sales, marketing and communication. In 2006, Guenole Breteaudeau started as winemaker at the Domaine des Malandes. The collaboration works perfectly as he shares the same passion for precision, clean and subtle aromas, as well as the respect for the terroir.

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The Family vineyard, The Key Numbers

The family business has increased year after year and today they produce wine from 29Ha of vineyards. The approach remains the same. Everything is done as state of the art, with a great respect of nature. Each vineyards has a different soil and exposition. Therefore each wine has its own
individual characteristics. Here are the main appellations, designations and Ha of the family vineyard:

  • Petit Chablis appellation
    • 3.85Ha
    • Near the towns of Beine and Lignorelles
  • Chablis appellation
    • 15.96Ha 
    • Near the towns of Prehy, Chablis, Milly and La Chapelle Vaupelteigne
  • Chablis 1er Cru appellation 
    • 7.70Ha
    • Vau de Vey designation (3.52Ha planted in 1980)
    • Cote de Lechet designation (1.43Ha planted in 1975 and 1986)
    • Montmains designation (1.18Ha planted in 1963)
    • Fourchaume designation (1.30Ha planted in 1953 and 1972)
    • Mont de Milieu designation (0.26Ha planted in 1983)
  • Chablis Grand Cru appellation
    • 1.30Ha
    • Vaudesir designation (0.77Ha planted in 1967 and 1986)
    • Les Clos designation (0.53Ha planted in 1962)

The Chablis Premier Cru Montmains Vieilles Vignes

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This week our team had the time and the pleasure to taste one premier cru from Domaine des Malandres: The Chablis Premier Cru Montmains Vieilles Vignes. We met with Amandine Marchive in person who took us into this amazing journey. It was ripe, complex, generous with a fantastic freshness and a rich finish. The naming “Vieilles Vignes” is the french for “old vines”. When you see this description in a wine label, it indicates that a wine is the product of grape vines that are notably old. There is a general belief that older vines, when properly handled, will give a specific (may be better) wine. The terminology of “old” has no legal definition so we need to trust the know-how and reputation of the domaine. We know that grape vines can easily grow for over 120 years. After 20 years vines start to produce smaller crops and average yield generally decrease, leading to more concentrated, intense wines.

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By working a Chablis with Vieilles Vignes, it procures a fantastic contrast. It is fresh yet rich, bright yet deep, dry yet sweet. It was a true discovery for us and we recommend anyone to have at least one bottle in your wine cellar.

Domaine des Malandes 
11, route d’Auxerre
89800 Chablis – France
contact@domainedesmalandes.com
www.domainedesmalandes.com
Tel: +33 (0)3 86 42 41 37

When you do your work with your heart, you end up sharing your passion with your customers. Le Domaine des Malandes reflects the beauty and the hard work of the vineyard. Their wines are pure, straight forward and true high qualitative ambassadors of the Chablis region. It is for sure a great wine to buy.

José Amorim

Info sourced by the author for luxuryactivist.com. All content is copyrighted with no reproduction rights available. Images are for illustration purposes only and courtesy of Domaine des Malandes. 

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