http://www.destinationluxury.com Destination Luxury Fri, 17 May 2013 16:40:31 +0000 http://www.destinationluxury.com en http://www.destinationluxury.com/A-Private-Tour-of-Sue-Wong-s-Estate http://www.destinationluxury.com/following/destinationluxury.com/A-Private-Tour-of-Sue-Wong-s-Estate Fri, 17 May 2013 16:40:31 +0000 Destination Luxury 5636977 directed by David Christopher Lee article by David Christopher Lee I have had the pleasure of getting to know renown fashion designer Sue Wong, a true lover of luxury. You have probably seen her dresses at Nordstrom, Neiman Marcus and Saks Fifth Ave. She has been in this business for over 25 years. I met her at the Cedars in Los Feliz, a sprawling mansion filled with antiquities and decadence beyond your wildest dreams. The house was built in the 1920s and is one of the last great Hollywood homes that still exists today. Sue bought the home in 2004 and restored it to its original splendor. The Cedars has been the home of many artists throughout the years including Hollywood starlet Norma Talmadge, Jimmy Hendrix, Johnny Depp and even Prince. Kanye West tried to buy the Cedars shortly after Sue moved in and she turned him down of course! She filled the home with priceless French art deco pieces and even authentic baroque thrones from the Hapsburg family. The thrones chairs are immaculate with intricate patterns and even a gilded golden crest. When I sat on the chair, I felt like a king! One of my favorite rooms in the house is the Jimmy Hendrix Suite which Sue built to pay homage to her Bohemian past. She designed the suite in the Moroccan style long before she went to Morocco for the first time. Sue is from the same place as my family, the Taishan region in the Guandong province, the south most region of China. From humble beginnings, she emigrated to the states when she was six. I asked her what the ultimate luxury is and she replied “For me, luxury is time because I never have enough of it.” No matter how many things you have, if you don’t have time to relax and enjoy, life is pointless. Sue also said “The other way I would define luxury is beauty and beauty is something I surround myself with and with that I have a luxurious life. Beauty nurtures me and is a regenerative force” She surrounds herself with the most beautiful things – nature, fashion, furniture, art and people. Beauty is not only physical but internal. “I’m really inspired by life because I feel like I’m a very enlivened human being and I’m really inspired by all the radiance around me,” she explains. directed by David Christopher Lee article by David Christopher Lee I have had the pleasure of getting to know renown fashion designer Sue Wong, a true lover of... http://www.destinationluxury.com/Michael-Clinton-President-of-Hearst-Publications-shares-his-travel http://www.destinationluxury.com/following/destinationluxury.com/Michael-Clinton-President-of-Hearst-Publications-shares-his-travel Fri, 29 Mar 2013 11:51:41 +0000 Destination Luxury 5291897 Michael Clinton, President and Publishing Director at Hearst Magazines is known for his world travels and has written a book on his world travels. Here, he takes a writer's approach and compiles essays on subjects as diverse as "The Volcano Story" and "The Zen of the Long Haul Flight" and many and numerous of his exploits as an international traveler for more than 25 years. Vignettes of his quandaries and conundrums are included while trying to get from one place to another and foibles once he has arrived. Funny, touching and insightful for all travelers of our globe, this is a book that at once entertains and provides insight to any budding traveler or Bedouin at heart. For more information visit the Globetrotter Diaries Michael Clinton, President and Publishing Director at Hearst Magazines is known for his world travels and has written a book on his world travels. Here, he takes a... http://www.destinationluxury.com/Polo-D-elegance-hosted-by-Nacho-Figueras http://www.destinationluxury.com/following/destinationluxury.com/Polo-D-elegance-hosted-by-Nacho-Figueras Wed, 27 Mar 2013 15:57:46 +0000 Destination Luxury 5279059 Internationally reknown Polo Player Nacho Figueras hosted the Polo d'elegance with the Indio Polo Club. The event benefitted the Boys and Girls Club for the Coachella Valley. For the first time in 20 years, they played an 18 goal-game at the Empire Polo Club. The event started with an incredible cocktail reception by Tito's Vodka and was followed by the polo match. In addition to the horsepower on the playing field, The Thermal Club, a private motorsports facility, and Land Rover of Rancho Mirage will host a display of rare high performance cars during the event. A select number of private car collections were also on site, giving spectators a rare view of some unique automobiles. Nacho Figueras may be best known internationally as the face of Ralph Lauren's Black Watch collection and World of Polo fragrances. According to Conan O'Brien, "he's one of the 'greatest polo players in the world." Oprah Winfrey calls him "one of the most handsome men in the world" while Lara Logan of 60 Minutes describes him as "the game's greatest ambassador." "The success I have had with Ralph Lauren has given me more fame and publicity than polo has," Figueras confesses. "So I am trying to use that publicity as a platform from which to promote the game I love so much, to make it more accessible to the general public," he says, smiling. Nacho's participation in the Polo d'Elegance event supports his efforts to spread and popularize the game of polo and combines with his ongoing donation of time in support of charitable causes. Internationally reknown Polo Player Nacho Figueras hosted the Polo d'elegance with the Indio Polo Club. The event benefitted the Boys and Girls Club for the... http://www.destinationluxury.com/Sushi-Roku-Las-Vegas-NV http://www.destinationluxury.com/following/destinationluxury.com/Sushi-Roku-Las-Vegas-NV Tue, 05 Mar 2013 01:38:41 +0000 Destination Luxury 5112559 Located inside the world famous Forum Shops in Caesars palace, Sushi Roku has become a staple for fine Japanese Cuisine. Sushi Roku has some of the freshest fish from waters around the globe. Combined with exquisite artistry, the sight of these creations is a feast for the eyes! Sushi Roku is a pioneer of contemporary sushi, incorporating diverse, non-traditional ingredients from around the globe. This unique culinary experience that bridges past and present is the result of an eagerness to embrace new ideas and a profound respect for tradition. Sushi Roku's bold and diverse menu also offers an array of hot and cold specialty appetizers and exotic entrees. 3500 S Las Vegas Blvd Las Vegas, NV 89109 (702) 733-7373 Located inside the world famous Forum Shops in Caesars palace, Sushi Roku has become a staple for fine Japanese Cuisine. Sushi Roku has some of the freshest fish... http://www.destinationluxury.com/The-Parker-Hotel http://www.destinationluxury.com/following/destinationluxury.com/The-Parker-Hotel Thu, 31 Jan 2013 23:23:09 +0000 Destination Luxury 4892527 The Parker Hotel in Palm Springs is a designer boutique hotel with a great sense of style. A makeover of the Givenchy Hotel and Spa by Jonathan Adler, the Parker takes its inspiration from mid-century modern decor and is a great place to relax and cool off at this desert oasis. Moist towelettes are served by the salt water pool as you lounge around sipping on a delicious mojito from the adjacent bar. It is a place that is truly suspended in time where celebrities, luxury connoisseurs, and the well to do come to get away. The Parker Hotel in Palm Springs is a designer boutique hotel with a great sense of style. A makeover of the Givenchy Hotel and Spa by Jonathan Adler, the... http://www.destinationluxury.com/FOG-Rally-2012 http://www.destinationluxury.com/following/destinationluxury.com/FOG-Rally-2012 Tue, 20 Nov 2012 17:26:56 +0000 Destination Luxury 4474494 Directed by Yaroslav Kofman As the sun rose above San Francisco, fifty Ferraris set course down the golden California coastline in a monumental display of some of the most exotic vehicles of today. The 2012 FOG rally is a charity event, raising money for Blue Planet Network, which provides clean drinking water around the globe. As fifty engines roar through the open roads, embark on an incredible journey with some of the world’s finest automobiles. The rally is a truly spectacular event that emboldens the spirit of all the drivers and spectators alike, while helping raise money for a great cause. This year, the rally started at the coveted Fairmont Hotel in San Francisco. Fifty iconic vehicles were escorted by police motorcade through the City by the Bay, ensuring the rally’s successful start. Once the cars hit Highway 1, the true prowess of fine Italian engineering reverberated through the cockpit, as the cars raced over 450 miles to Southern California. There was a full lineup of Ferraris with everything from the 458 Italia to 612 Scaglietti. Approaching Santa Barbara, sunny skies opened up warming the pavement with streaks of light, tires gripping the road, and the true performance of the vehicles would be felt as they accelerated through the winding ocean cliffs. The Rally concluded with a Grand Gala in Los Angeles, and a spectacular evening to celebrate years of racing history enjoyed down the Pacific’s gorgeous coast. For more information please visit www.fogrally.com/ A DESTINATION LUXURY PRODUCTION DIRECTOR Yaroslav Kofman CINEMATOGRAPHY Vladimir Chistyakov Kenny Brown Alping Fernandez Andrew Cook Yaroslav kofman POST PRODUCTION Jason Wells SOUND DESIGN Mychal Herron MOTION GRAPHICS YRFX Studios SOUNDTRACK Nara E.S. Posthumus Directed by Yaroslav Kofman As the sun rose above San Francisco, fifty Ferraris set course down the golden California coastline in a monumental display of some... http://www.destinationluxury.com/Radisson-Blu-Resort-Marina-Spa-St-Martin http://www.destinationluxury.com/following/destinationluxury.com/Radisson-Blu-Resort-Marina-Spa-St-Martin Wed, 19 Sep 2012 15:18:58 +0000 Destination Luxury 4111782 article by Jaymie Moran <img src="http://payload90.cargocollective.com/1/2/73678/4111782/beach2_640.JPG" width="640" height="427" width_o="2048" height_o="1365" src_o="http://payload90.cargocollective.com/1/2/73678/4111782/beach2_o.JPG" data-mid="21580538" border="0" align="left"/> If you are looking for one of the most fabulous Caribbean destinations with a European flair, look no further than the Radisson Blu Resort, Marina & Spa, St. Martin. <img src="http://payload90.cargocollective.com/1/2/73678/4111782/c-exterior_640.JPG" width="640" height="399" width_o="2048" height_o="1277" src_o="http://payload90.cargocollective.com/1/2/73678/4111782/c-exterior_o.JPG" data-mid="21580553" border="0" align="left"/> Nestled in the secluded cove of Anse Marcel’s National Nature Reserve, the Radisson Blu Resort, Marina & Spa, St. Martin, sits upon a pristine stretch of white sand beach, cradled by the serene Caribbean Sea. The resort’s literal and metaphorical “off the beaten path” locale appeals to travelers seeking quiet and refined, unpretentious Caribbean charm and an unhurried pace. <img src="http://payload90.cargocollective.com/1/2/73678/4111782/great-house-back-dusk_640.JPG" width="640" height="426" width_o="2048" height_o="1362" src_o="http://payload90.cargocollective.com/1/2/73678/4111782/great-house-back-dusk_o.JPG" data-mid="21580565" border="0" align="left"/> Treat yourself to a comfortable yet affordable roomy non-stop JetBlue flight which glides right into the gorgeous Dutch – French Caribbean Island. <img src="http://payload90.cargocollective.com/1/2/73678/4111782/GreatHouse_640.JPG" width="640" height="427" width_o="2048" height_o="1365" src_o="http://payload90.cargocollective.com/1/2/73678/4111782/GreatHouse_o.JPG" data-mid="21580589" border="0" align="left"/> With an exclusive water taxi service between the airport and resort marina, the property is a short drive from Grand Case, the ‘Culinary Capital of the Caribbean’ and the capital of the French side Marigot, which boasts chic boutiques, sidewalk bistros, don’t forget about its twice-weekly market. From its quiet sunsets, to its market places and numerous shops your stay on the island will urge you to return and succumb to Caribbean charms. <img src="http://payload90.cargocollective.com/1/2/73678/4111782/Infinity Pool - Radisson Blu Resort Marina - Spa- St Martin_640.jpg" width="640" height="427" width_o="2048" height_o="1365" src_o="http://payload90.cargocollective.com/1/2/73678/4111782/Infinity Pool - Radisson Blu Resort Marina - Spa- St Martin_o.jpg" data-mid="21580615" border="0" align="left"/> The Radisson Blu Resort, Marina & Spa, St. Martin is the island's most luxurious property and attracts a high-end clientele. Approximately 60% of the resort's guests are from North America, mostly from the Northeast. A quarter of the resort's guests travel from France. The property recently underwent a renovation in excess of $10million, strengthening the hotel’s position as the leading upper-upscale resort on the French side of the island. The property offers a marina, a 1,600-foot stretch of white-sand beach, a small spa, and a tremendous pool. <img src="http://payload90.cargocollective.com/1/2/73678/4111782/MarinaSuiteBedroom_640.JPG" width="640" height="428" width_o="2048" height_o="1371" src_o="http://payload90.cargocollective.com/1/2/73678/4111782/MarinaSuiteBedroom_o.JPG" data-mid="21580623" border="0" align="left"/> You will love the Euro-Caribbean inspired guest rooms and suites each with a private balcony or patio. The cool Caribbean colors will provide a comfortable respite after a sunny day at the beach! <img src="http://payload90.cargocollective.com/1/2/73678/4111782/MarinaSuiteLivingArea_640.JPG" width="640" height="428" width_o="2048" height_o="1371" src_o="http://payload90.cargocollective.com/1/2/73678/4111782/MarinaSuiteLivingArea_o.JPG" data-mid="21580631" border="0" align="left"/> General Manager Jean-marc Jalbert will treat you as if you were royalty. Jalbert’s extensive luxury hotel experience in such hotels as the Four Seasons and Relais & Chateaux properties is apropos and ideal for your Destination Luxury vacation. <img src="http://payload90.cargocollective.com/1/2/73678/4111782/poolCabana1_640.JPG" width="640" height="408" width_o="2048" height_o="1307" src_o="http://payload90.cargocollective.com/1/2/73678/4111782/poolCabana1_o.JPG" data-mid="21580652" border="0" align="left"/> While you are on the island of this fabulous destination, treat yourself to the property’s Le Spa. Step inside and discover a quiet place of renewal. Trained by Paris-based CARITA, Radisson Blu's Le Spa therapists bring a world of experience to the French side of the island of St. Martin. Le Spa’s estheticians, masseuse and salon personnel, independently and collectively strive to restore and rejuvenate, bringing balance to all those who enter. <img src="http://payload90.cargocollective.com/1/2/73678/4111782/PoolGreatHouse_640.JPG" width="640" height="420" width_o="2048" height_o="1344" src_o="http://payload90.cargocollective.com/1/2/73678/4111782/PoolGreatHouse_o.JPG" data-mid="21580658" border="0" align="left"/> Close your eyes and take in a long, deep breath. Listen to what surrounds you…cascading water, a gentle breeze…hear your heart beat. Be still. Focus on the calmness. Leave your thoughts behind and find yourself in a quiet place. Feel the moist heat, the textures on your face and body and the soothing circular motions as tension dispersed. Your skin slowly absorbs scented essential oils and the flow of energy returns...there’s a tingling sensation, a freshness. Once you are relaxed and feeling beautiful, take a walk over to Le Lobby Bar, which is a favorite gathering place day or night, and features a full cocktail menu. For an added Caribbean experience, opt for an exclusive rum tasting which allows you to sample rums with over a dozen tropical ingredients like coconut, mango, and passion fruit. Continue eating tapas at Le Lobby Bar or choose from the other two on-site dining venues on the property: Le Marche, an open-air casual market-style bistro (offers a complimentary full breakfast buffet) or world-class cuisine and panoramic views of the Caribbean Sea at C Le Restaurant. Whatever the Radisson Blu Resort, Marina & Spa, St. Martin, dining venue you choose, allow World Class Chef Bruno Brazier to prepare the most mouthwatering and tantalizing meal for you. Chef Brazier has been with the Radisson Blu St. Martin property for 11 years. He brings over 25 years of experience in the hotel restaurant industry as executive chef having held positions across the Caribbean, France, US, Egypt and Syria and spent nearly 10 years at various Le Meridien Hotels & Resorts properties. Chef Brazier has also appeared as a celebrity chef at the James Beard Foundation’s Food and Wine Festival in St. Mickael and alongside New York’s famed Tavern on the Green chefs in celebration of Bastille Day. Brazier attended France’s Hotel School Auxerre. He is responsible for a team of forty people and all culinary design for the two on-property restaurants – the open-air market style bistro Le Marche and the chic beachfront C Le Restaurant – as well as, all banquet events and room service menus. While on the beautiful island, plan a day trip to Marigot, the capital of French St. Martin, which features some of the best duty free shopping and art galleries in the region. This shopper’s paradise draws many tourists and its Créole influence provides a chic and charming atmosphere. Originally a fishing village, Marigot was made the capitol of the French side of the island by King Louis XVI in the 17th century. St. Martin is known for its legendary cuisine from traditional lolo’s – outdoor barbecue – and beachside cafes to fine dining at Grand Case, deservedly honored as the “Culinary Capital of the Caribbean”. St. Martin features over 350 restaurants island wide. Additionally, the neighboring islands of Anguilla, St. Barts and Saba are perfect destinations for island day trips by air or water. Whatever activity you choose, allow Radisson Blu Marina & Spa create the vacation of your dreams on this small island of 37 sq miles and a thousand facets, inviting you to create memories of shared landscapes, culture and fine cuisine. For more information, visit the Radisson Blu Resort, Marina & Spa, St. Martin article by Jaymie Moran If you are looking for one of the most fabulous Caribbean destinations with a European flair, look no further than the Radisson Blu... http://www.destinationluxury.com/The-Echelon-Club http://www.destinationluxury.com/following/destinationluxury.com/The-Echelon-Club Thu, 09 Aug 2012 14:21:33 +0000 Destination Luxury 3891489 http://www.destinationluxury.com/Anne-Bowen-1 http://www.destinationluxury.com/following/destinationluxury.com/Anne-Bowen-1 Thu, 09 Aug 2012 14:15:24 +0000 Destination Luxury 3891397 Directed by David Christopher Lee Creative Director: Anne Bowen Director of Photography: Yaroslav Kofman Hair & Makeup by Edward Tricomi Designer Anne Bowen creates spirited, sexy and modern collections. As a luxury brand, her designs reflect on the inner confidence and individuality of women everywhere. Anne Bowen began designing at a very young age. Inspired by her mother's taste for menswear, she experimented with rich colors, textures and draping. Her designs possess simplicity in silhouette with an exquisite structure and are often adorned with semi-precious and precious stones. Her first collection debuted in Bergdorf Goodman in 1999 and has subsequently sold through retailers globally to Saks Fifth Avenue, Neiman Marcus, Villa Moda in Kuwait, Joyce Stores in Hong Kong and many others. The designs of Anne Bowen have graced the red carpet at the Academy Awards, the Golden Globes, the Cannes Film Festival, and have also appeared on the Oprah Winfrey Show, CNN, Entertainment Tonight and Access Hollywood. She has also lent her design expertise to the red carpet fashion commentary at The Oscars on E! and personally covered the Golden Globes and Cannes Film Festival. Anne Bowen has dressed high profile celebrities such as Beyonce, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Angelina Jolie, Jessica Alba, Kim Cattrall, Cameron Diaz, Mandy Moore, Kristen Dunst, Maggie Gyllenhaal, Britney Spears, Kate Bosworth, Reese Witherspoon, Carrie Underwood and many more. In addition, well known musicians have performed live at her Fashion Week runway shows, helping to fuse couture with hip hop. Her energy and spirit have brought together artists such as Grammy award winning De La Soul, who performed during one of her major runway shows. Directed by David Christopher Lee Creative Director: Anne Bowen Director of Photography: Yaroslav Kofman Hair & Makeup by Edward Tricomi Designer Anne Bowen... http://www.destinationluxury.com/Megu http://www.destinationluxury.com/following/destinationluxury.com/Megu Thu, 09 Aug 2012 14:02:59 +0000 Destination Luxury 3891352 A Megu dining experience is fresh, powerful and captivating. Inspiration flows throughout the dimly lit space as you see an interior filled with fantastic scenery. When you enter the restaurant, you see a wall of backlit columns that resemble stacked chess pieces. The colors red and white mimic the Japanese flag. Piece, serenity and the ultimate zen permeate throughout the venue. Director: David Christopher Lee A Megu dining experience is fresh, powerful and captivating. Inspiration flows throughout the dimly lit space as you see an interior filled with fantastic...