Travel Guest Post: Private Jet Charters

Travelling by air in the modern world comes naturally, commercial flights these days are crowded and the increasing long line ups are all very time-consuming for business people who need exceptional services. Because air transport is faster and more accessible from many of the modern airports around the globe. However this isn’t always the case, especially when using ordinary commercial passenger planes which are usually late or delayed. Many have had to wait for hours to be connected to the next flight due to mechanical or logistical problems involved in air travel, bad weather and even simply runway traffic. Time is money, and long delays are time-consuming resources, especially if you have to undertake several flights and destination, avoiding this situation can be done.

To make your business missions more enjoyable and stress free, it would be advisable to use a more convenient and accessible method where time and space flow to accommodate your schedule and are at your disposal as soon as you arrive at the airport, allowing you an easy check in and exit for your convenience. The best way forth is to prepare your travels in advance in accordance with a private jet where you and your compatriots will enjoy the pleasure of time and tide at your convenience.

Once you have finalized the hiring process, you will be accorded uninterrupted access to the charter to make the most out of your time, while enjoying comfortable and luxurious air travel. During the course of the hiring process you can set in accordance the terms to which you agree on to hire to enable the leasing agent to meet them according to your expectations. Once the charter has been put at your service, the operating crews are bound to make sure that your interests are upheld throughout the course of the hire period. This is meant to make sure that, the clients interests are taken care off within due regard to the terms of hire agreed upon.

To make sure that clients reaps the most benefits from the hire, private jet charters have laid down policies which determine the rights and privileges of the client once the agreement has been finalized to hire. The terms for hire are framed to hold the interest of the clients which has hired their bespoke private jet service, they make the necessary preparations to assure no delays, allowing you to conduct your business in luxury. The real benefits of a private jet charter cannot be exhausted, from the ensuing comfort and space available on top of the other noble options. When in preparation for business presentations, you are accorded communication services to make sure that you can utilize every minute within the journey and delegate duties accordingly. This helps you to keep in touch with your business manager which helps to advance your business interests.

Food Guest Post: Dine in Style on a Botswana Safari

The country of Botswana is one of the most remote and luxurious destinations in Africa to take a safari. The essence of a Botswana safari lies within the fact that you can enjoy pure luxury combined with an authentic wilderness experience.  With some of the finest camps and lodges on the continent you can also enjoy exquisite food and a world class service.

Safari lodges and camps in Botswana serve up a mix of European style cuisine and traditional Botswanian food. All of these meals are prepared by some of Africa’s top chefs who are well experience and highly trained.

Below is a tasty dish served at Chobe Chilwero, one of Botswana’s leading luxury lodges:

Grilled Game with Port Wine and Chocolate Sauce

Grilled Impala with Port wine and Chocolate sauce on Roast Sweet potato. Eland, kudu or springbok is sometimes used instead of impala.
For the Impala:
220-250 fillet steak (can be replaced with beef or venison)
2g ground cloves
2g ground coriander
2g paprika
100ml oil
salt and pepper

For the sweet potato:
180-200g sweet potato (can be cut into thick sticks/wedges/rounds)

For the sauce:
25g butter
15g chopped onion
120ml port wine
1 teaspoon chopped rosemary
180ml beef stock
50g grated dark chocolate
For the Impala:
Marinate the meat in oil, cloves, paprika, coriander, salt and pepper for at least one hour.

For the sweet potato:
Mix together a pinch of salt, a pinch of ground cinnamon, a pinch of brown sugar, one teaspoon of butter and one teaspoon of oil. Rub the mixture onto the sweet potato and leave for at least 20 minutes at room temperature before roasting. Roast in a pre-heated oven 160-180 degrees Celsius till soft and slightly browned.

For the sauce:
Fry the onion in butter for 3 minutes. Add port wine and rosemary to the pan and boil for 3 minutes. Remove from heat and whisk in the chocolate until it melts and thickens.

To serve:
Place sweet potato on the plate first, then mixed vegetables cut into sticks or juliennes (steamed or fried) then add the meat to the top. Drizzle the sauce on top, then garnish as desired and serve.

Author Bio: Kelly Elmore writes for Africa Exclusive, a luxury tour operator specialising in Botswana Safari holidays.

Travel: Private Jet Travel

Private jet hire has never been easier.

If you are a VIP, then you should definitely travel like one. Private jet charter allows more flexibility in your schedule, better security measures, convenience, more privacy, highly trained personnel, better amenities, impeccable service and sheer luxury while traveling.

Travel when you want, when you want.

Just like commercial flights, websites like http://www.privatejetshire.co.uk/ let you compare prices from over 40 private jet hire charter companies, producing the cheapest quotes for luxurious VIP travel. You now can have access to over one million exotic destinations worldwide with over 5,000 different aircrafts to choose from.

Rental aircraft can include anything from small private light jets, small piston propeller jets, medium-sized jets, helicopters, business jets and Lear jets.

Not sure what kind of air transportation you will need? Private jet travel should be based off of how many people are traveling as well as the distance you are flying. A 5-seat jet may be ok for travel between small regional airports but a 16-seat jet may be better for long-haul flights. Mid sized jets that seat 7-10 are usually equipped to fly transatlantic. A representative A 5-seat jet may be perfect for travel between small regional airports, while a 16-seat jet may be the best choice for a longer-range journey. Mid-size jets, which usually seat between 7 and 10 people, are often equipped to fly transatlantic journeys. In each case, the representatives of each charter service can help you choose the best plane for your needs. The price of each flight will be determined in part by the availability of your chosen jet, the flight path and your schedule.

 

 

Fashion: Four Million Dollar Cuff Links

CuffLinks.com has announced that is has formed a partnership with Jacob & Co. and are now carrying their cuff links online exclusively. Known to be synonymous with celebrity jewelry (clients include Madonna, Beyonce, Jennifer Lopez & David Beckham), Jacob and Co. specializes in fine jewelry and timepieces. As for the world’s most expensive cuff links? $4.2 million emerald cut Canary Yellow Diamonds.

If 4.2 million is a bit out of your price range, check out the full line of Jacob & Co here, starting at  a mere $3,450.

Fraser Yacht Preview

Travel Spotlight: India

 

Lifestyle Guest Post: Luxe Outdoor Furniture

Once you’ve reached the point in your life when you’re ready to live the lifestyle of the rich and famous, or are at least ready to start dreaming about it, you must start thinking about creating a magazine worthy outdoor living space to get comfy in.

Not only does a well-designed patio or deck improve your quality of life ; it’s also important to the value of your home. Just flip on one of the dozens of real estate reality shows on television. A less-than-stellar backyard is often a deal breaker in today’s market, while a swanky set-up can distract potential buyers from interior home features they aren’t thrilled with.

So, where to begin? Well, before you start building a deluxe outdoor kitchen or planning a mirage pool, I’d advise you to consider investing in some high-end patio furniture, which by itself can boost the image of your patio—no new gas lines or outdoor plumbing required.

You’ll want to look for pieces that are artistically inspiring, as well soothing and durable. I’d like to share with you some of my favorite outdoor furniture pieces made by some of the leading brands in the industry:

Fancy a nap outdoors? This rattan daybed by Caluco Furniture should do the trick. A round cushion creates a supple platform atop the rattan base. Rattan, a highly durable version of wicker, resists moisture and fading with ease. And you’ll happily find shade from the sun underneath the white canopy overhead.

Life is better on a hammock, right? Just imagine how amazing it is on a double hammock, with your true love by your side. This chic steel double hammock by Vifah Furniture is a fine way to make this dream a reality. A modern design and durable polyester fabric are minimalistic, yet will prove durable over many years. Note the canopy that provides shade overhead!

Drinking your morning coffee or enjoying a cocktail outdoors is pretty sweet with a conversation set like this rattan table and chairs by Anderson Rattan. It’s got that unflinching, sturdy build, and comfy cushioned seats in eye-catching color choices.  The glass tabletop is a glossy finishing touch for this stunning set.

If you find yourself inspired by any of these pieces, I’d encourage you to learn more about them at http://www.premiereadirondackchairs.com/patio-chairs.html. There are countless other luxurious patio furniture options available there, too.

Author: Emily Micucci, www.premiereadirondackchairs.com

 

 

 

Lifestyle Guest Post: Luxury Furnishings

 

If you’re looking to upgrade your living room, there’s no better place to start than with the room’s furniture.  The addition of the right collection of luxury furniture pieces, properly arranged, can turn your living room into a place that draws oohs and ahs from your guests while remaining an inviting space that draws people in, and not intimidating them.

Conforming New Furniture to Available Space

Exactly what you buy will be determined in part by the size and shape of your living room.  You want your furniture to fit with the available living space.  Too much furniture creates a cluttered look; too little furniture makes a room look cold and vacant.  Furthermore, some styles of furniture are naturally much better formed to certain room shapes.  Having settled on the quantity and size, there are a number of broad categories of furniture that you can buy as part of any living room upgrade.

Sofas

When it comes to living room furniture, the sofa is almost always the dominant piece, if for no other reason than the fact that it’s typically the largest piece in the room.  A luxury sofa might be a leather-covered piece or hand-woven cotton, built on either a wooden or metal frame.  Sofas come in three broad stylistic categories:

1. Stand alone sofas:  Typically a two or three-cushion piece, not part of any specific furniture set.
2. Set piece:  Ordinarily matched with a matching love seat, chair or lounge of some kind.
3. Sectional sofa:  A multi-piece detachable unit that can often be configured in multiple ways.  A sectional sofa typically arcs or pivots around a living room corner.

The sofa that is best for you will be best determined by your room’s configuration and available space.  Sectional pieces demand a significant amount of room, but a luxury sectional sofa can completely transform the feel of a room all by itself.  Stand alone sofas can best match smaller, tighter living spaces.  A sofa set has the advantage of already being matched together, saving on time and effort needed to find compatible luxury pieces on a one-by-one basis.

Chairs

Living room chairs are often acquired as part of a coordinated set, but depending on room size and decorating preferences, you may want a distinct, stand alone luxury chair.  It is ordinarily possible to find a leather or high quality natural or synthetic fabric covering that is neutral and fits well with any décor.  Most have wood frames, but some modern designs are metal.  Broadly available options include:

1. Classic fixed back armchairs:  Depending on the style, a matching ottoman is an option.
2. Recliners:  While some people consider anything that reclines to be decidedly downscale, there are some extremely well-built recliners available that meet just about anyone’s definition of “luxury.”

Tables

While rarely a centerpiece, don’t overlook the impact a table or two can make on the look of your living room.  Available singly or as part of a set, luxurious tables can provide an important accessory to the look of your living room that is built upon the foundation laid by your sofa and chairs.  The specific style should be chosen depending upon your larger pieces, and many options are available, including wood, metal and glass (with some units containing all three materials).  Coffee tables, cocktail tables, console tables, side and end tables; all of these styles may play a role in your room’s design.

Putting It All Together

By adopting a common design theme across a range of furniture items that conform to the layout of your living area, you can easily create a luxurious ambiance to the most commonly used room in most homes.

Author: Holly Hart frequently contributes on behalf of Chicago Luxury Beds, Chicago’s best in class provider of luxury bedroom furniture. Chicago Luxury Beds carries both Hastens and Vi-Spring bedding solutions.

Food Guest Post: Luxury Dining for Spring

Luxury dining is just that, a luxury.  It can be enjoyed any time, but there is something about warmer weather turns it into an extra special treat.  For example, those summering in your Hamptons rentals, Orange County, and other decadent places, can enjoy luxury dining outdoors.  Eating outdoors is extremely relaxing, making a fine meal all the more luxurious.

A great starter for any meal is a salad.  Try a spinach and strawberry salad with Champagne dressing and warm bacon.  Simply wash and dry the spinach, slice sweet ripe strawberries on top, and toss with warm crumbled bacon, slivered almonds and the following dressing.

1 cup Champagne or sparkling wine

1 clove minced garlic

1shallot, minced

Juice of one orange

Shake the ingredients in a cruet or large jar and serve over salad.  This dressing keeps chilled for quite a awhile and tastes best if chilled for at least 24 hours before serving.

For the main course, marinate four large boneless, skinless chicken breasts overnight in the same dressing.   For a side dish, slice zucchini and yellow squash lengthwise into ribbons and brush with olive oil.  Next, sprinkle with fresh cracked black pepper and sea salt, and thread ribbons onto kabobs.  Grill until crisp tender.  Depending on how thin you cut them, they will probably be ready around the same time as the chicken.

Finally, wash the meal down with adult raspberry lemonade.  Using a standard lemonade mix, prepare as directed, and then add a splash of raspberry liqueur.  Add frozen raspberries and lemon slices and serve in a clear container.  It is just what is needed for a refreshing, light but filling luxury dinner on a hot summer night.

For a sweet bite after the main course, throw some grape fruit sections and mango chunks on the grill.  No sugar or other ingredients are needed.  Just grill until nice char lines appear and eat while warm.  The natural fruit caramelizes for a delectable dessert with little hassle.

The ease of these recipes, means the luxury part is enjoyed by everyone; even the cook.  Often the one preparing the meal misses out on the joy of partaking due simply to the stress of preparing.  This should not be the case.  Eating is more than just getting full and pleasing the taste buds, it is a total body experience that is best enjoyed in the company of others.  Luxury does not have to be in a restaurant, nor does it have to cost a lot of money.  It simply needs to be indulgent, as these recipes most definitely are.

Alexandra is a travel enthusiast who loves to write about tourism, beaches, food, and the wonderful things in the world.  She provides her own insights on vacationing to the blogosphere.  If you would like to learn more about her, follow her @alexsjourneys or visit her blog alexsjourneys.wordpress.com.

Travel Guest Post: Napa Valley Events

Wine lovers, prepare – the Napa Valley’s famed summer concerts, harvest season’s wine festivities, and Cabernet Season’s film, art and food festivals offer a cuvee of sensory delights. Napa Valley is known for it’s natural beauty, phenomenal culinary scene (14 Michelin Stars awarded for 2012), world-class accommadations, art, spas and of course, award-winning wine.

While grapes gently ripen on the vines, fans can shop at farmer’s markets, hike, bike and kayak the area’s state parks and nature preserves, and experience the following spring and summer happenings:

• NAPA VALLEY ARTS IN APRIL™ (APRIL 1-30, 2012) – A celebration of the elemental connection between wine and the arts, this month-long program satisfies cultural cravings with an exploration of winery art installations, pop-up exhibitions and tastings. Introduced in April 2011, Arts in April offers special access and packages to enjoy the Napa Valley Collection, making it the perfect time to get a dose of Napa Valley culture. http://www.legendarynapavalley.com/artsinapril

• AUCTION NAPA VALLEY 2012 – THE AMERICAN WINE CLASSIC (MAY 31-JUNE 3, 2012) –Recognized as the charity event of the season, Auction Napa Valley brings wine lovers and winemakers together to celebrate the best Napa Valley has to offer with four days of: insider’s access into the cool cellars and warm hospitality of renowned Napa Valley vintners; parties ranging from blue-jeans casual to wear-your-finest formal, hosted by the people behind some of the world’s most recognized wines; and more than 250 auction lots ranging from a single case of wine to one-of-a-kind trips. www.napavintners.com

• NAPA VALLEY FESTIVAL DEL SOLE (JULY 13-22, 2012) – Set among lush rolling foothills and breathtaking vineyard landscapes, Napa Valley Festival del Sole brings together music, dance, fine wine and cuisine, and unique lifestyle programs for a 10-day experience. Currently in its seventh year, the 2012 festival includes performances by internationally renowned soloists, orchestras, ballet companies, and jazz and popular music artists, all held in settings as diverse as candlelit wine cellars and outdoor amphitheatres. Featured artists include Joshua Bell, Danielle de Niese, Susan Graham, Nathan Gunn, Lisa Delan, Angel Romero, Nina Kotova, Hélène Grimaud, Philharmonia Baroque, the Russian National Orchestra, dancers from the Bolshoi Ballet and more. www.festivaldelsole.org

• MUSIC IN THE VINEYARDS (AUG. 1-19, 2012) – This three-week celebration features nearly 40 renowned musicians from around the globe in a variety of stunning outdoor “vineyard venues.” Music in the Vineyards, now in its 18th season, brings together nationally recognized musicians in winery settings in which both performers and audiences experience chamber music as it was originally intended. www.napavalleymusic.org

Enriching Cabernet Season Happenings – The season that follows “Crush” offers the valley a little time to relax once wines are poured into barrels.

• NAPA VALLEY FILM FESTIVAL (NOV. 7-11, 2012) – For the second year now, Napa Valley Film Festival showcases the best in new independent filmmaking and world cinema alongside acclaimed food and wine. The festival provides visitors with the opportunity to attend film screenings throughout the Napa Valley’s distinct and charming communities, to get up close and personal with filmmakers and to enjoy exclusive epicurean adventures crafted for festival attendees. www.napavalleyfilmfest.org

• FLAVOR! NAPA VALLEY™ (NOV. 14-18, 2012) – Flavor! Napa Valley festival showcases the legendary food and wine talents of the Napa Valley – a region that earned 14 Michelin restaurant stars for 2012 – and offers a five-day series of epicurean and oenophile events, hosted at the Silverado Resort & Spa, the Culinary Institute of America at Greystone (CIA) and at local vineyards, wineries, restaurants, farms and artisanal food purveyors. Net proceeds from the event will support programs and scholarships at the CIA’s Greystone Campus. www.flavornapavalley.com

Spirited Holidays – The Napa Valley’s holiday traditions include quirky lighted tractor parades and magical winter wonderlands complete with horse-drawn carriage rides, as well as festive winery parties and special holiday dinners prepared by celebrated chefs. 

• YOUNTVILLE’S 23RD ANNUAL FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS (NOV. 23, 2012) & WINTERSCAPE (December 2012) – Kick off the holiday season at the 23rd Annual Festival of Lights in Yountville, and watch as this charming Napa Valley town transforms into a glowing winter wonderland. Throughout December, Yountville’s Winterscape provides a range of holiday entertainment including carolers, horse-drawn carriage rides, food and wine events and a visit with Santa. www.Yountville.com

• CALISTOGA TRACTOR PARADE (DEC. 1, 2012) – The 17th Annual Calistoga Lighted Tractor Parade is the ultimate small-town holiday experience. Vintage and modern tractors, antique trucks and construction equipment bedecked with dazzling lights roll down Calistoga’s scenic main street to celebrate the season and the city’s agricultural heritage in the most Calistoga way. This popular and charming Napa Valley event gets bigger and better every year and is perfect for the whole family. Local merchants stay open late for holiday shopping and offer spiced cider, Christmas cookies and other sweet treats. www.CalistogaVisitors.com 

• NAPA’S HOLIDAY HISTORIC B&B TOUR AND TASTE EVENT (DEC. 1, 2012) – Featuring food and wine pairings from the City of Napa’s premiere chefs and wine makers, each of the 12 historic Napa inns pull out all the stops for the holidays, with festive lights and entertainment – live music, choral ensembles, pastry demonstrations and even mini massages. Buses and shuttles provide complimentary transportation between inns, and tickets include food, wine and access to all B&B tours. www.NapaHolidayTour.com

• THE TWELVE DAYS OF CHRISTMAS AT MEADOWOOD (2 weeks in December 2012) – Guests are invited to attend Meadowood’s signature holiday culinary extravaganza as a dozen of the country’s most renowned chefs collaborate with 12 of Napa Valley’s preeminent vintners to present holiday feasts on 12 festive December evenings. Along with Christopher Kostow, Chef at The Restaurant at Meadowood – which has earned a Michelin Three-Star rating– the events feature cuisine from world-celebrated chefs and Napa Valley vintners. www.meadowood.com

• NAPA VALLEY RESTAURANT MONTH™ (JAN. 1-31, 2013) – Throughout January, the Napa Valley offers unique dining opportunities and special menus at some of the region’s most notable restaurants. These special dining opportunities offer new ways for culinary adventures to access Napa Valley’s acclaimed dining scene. www.legendarynapavalley.com

• NAPA TRUFFLE FESTIVAL (JAN. 18-21, 2013) – A celebration of food, wine and truffles, the third annual Napa Truffle Festival is presented once again by the American Truffle Company featuring a unique gathering of leading truffle cultivation experts and scientists, along with internationally renowned Michelin-star chefs and special guests from the food and wine world. Events include Michelin Star dining experiences, cultivation and culinary seminars, cooking classes, a truffle orchard tour excursion and an epicurean marketplace. www.napatrufflefestival.com 

A full calendar can be found online at www.legendarynapavalley.com, along with seasonal packages and offers from Napa Valley’s resorts, B&Bs and inns.