bLavish

Let Polar Cruises Take You on a Journey to the North Pole

April 6, 2006 | Posted by Allison as How the Rich Survive, Let's Get out of Here Vacation Packages at 1:38 pm | Comments »

Celebrate the anniversary of the discovery of the North Pole by taking your own expedition.  The first successful expedition to the North Pole was made on April 6, 1909 by American Navy engineer Robert Edwin Peary, Matthew Henson, and four Inuit men named Ootah, Seegloo, Egingway, and Ooqueah.

Put your name beside these greats and book yourself a polar cruise with PolarCruises.com.  Grab a flight into Helsinki, Finland, take a charter flight to the extreme northwest city of Murmansk, Russia and board the most powerful Russian atomic icebreaker around, the Yamal.  On your way toward the North Pole, enjoy helicopter rides which will show off the incredible polar vista scenery.  You will experience the raw, extreme beauty of nature and fall in love with the vast expanse that is the Arctic. 

A cruise to the North Pole is a you-will-never-forget-it, validate-your-life adventure.  Don’t wait another minute, reservations for this year’s tours are going like hot cakes.  Just ask for Chuck.  Book your tour and be the first to tell your friends, “Yes, I’ve been to the North Pole, my friend and I have seen not only the wonders of the world, but also the wonders of my soul.”

Cost for your North Pole journey, not including flight into Helsinki:  $19,000-$25,000.

My wallet’s telling me I have to stick with the National Geographic TV version.

Fractional Ownership Exclusive Resorts Vacation Club- Is it for You?

April 5, 2006 | Posted by Allison as How the Rich Survive, Reasons To Travel at 9:52 am | Comments »

Tired of renting the same old hotel room in Destin, Florida?  Want to travel the world over, yet still feel at home- but without the mortgage?  Sick of eating out every meal while you vacation?  If you have answered ‘yes’ to any of these questions, then the Exclusive Resorts membership club may be just what you’ve been needing.

With more than 280 luxury residences in 36 of the world’s top destinations, Exclusive Resorts is the leading luxury fractional ownership club.  All you have to do it pay $395,000 plus $25,000 in annual upkeep and you can go wherever you want effortlessly.  They handle all the detail for you such as travel plans and stocking the pantries with your favorite foods.

Take the family skiing in Deer Valley, Utah; enjoy the Mediterranean haven of St. Tropez or head to Naples, Florida and engage yourself in relaxation and spa pampering.  Eric Pai of Montclair, New Jersey joined the club and hasn’t looked back since.

“I’m a numbers guy, I did the math, and it worked.  Everywhere we used to go, we were renting multiple hotel rooms, eating out for every meal.  With this, I can take the kids to a breadth of places and still feel like it’s my home.”

I’m sold.  I enjoy the luxury of easy travel, especially if someone else is stocking the pantry!  Now, about that $420,000….

Inflateables for Every Need

March 28, 2006 | Posted by Allison as How the Rich Survive at 1:30 pm | Comments »

Today on BornRich I was tickled to find that there is an inflatable structure for every need.  Looking for the perfect place to host your wedding?  Look no further than the inflatable church equipped with plastic stained glass.  Sick of the kids sneaking off to night clubs?  Inflate your own, the sucker holds 2,000 people.  There really is no limit to inflatables.  Here is BornRich now,

“Earlier, I told you about inflatable office structure and multi-purpose inflatable room by Inflate. And, the popularity of inflatable structures will soar to other great heights with these amazing inflatable structures by Innovations Xtreme. The company is the leading manufacturer in inflatable structures and it features cutting edge design and technology in the creation of Inflatables. The range includes inflatable church, pub, sports marquees, stand palace, superdomes and nightclub. The inflatable ski-dome by the company features latest in ski simulation, consisting of an alpine racer 2 simulator. The inflatable nightclub can hold over 2000 people and the church comes complete with plastic “stained glass” windows and airbrush artwork which replicates the traditional church. So, whether you are in the mid of a desert or on the top of a mountain plan anything anywhere with these fully-equipped multi-purpose inflatable structures. “

Wow.  Now if I can only get an inflatable babysitter to watch my inflatable kids so I can trot out to the lawn and hang out with my inflatable pals in my very own inflatable ski-dome, I would have everything.

Take the Trouble Out of Spring Shopping with a Personal Shopper

March 27, 2006 | Posted by Allison as How the Rich Survive at 10:53 am | (3) Comments »

Are you getting a bit anxious about your spring wardrobe? Ready for a few new pieces to liven it up but can’t take the pressure of the multitude of choices available at your favorite department store?  Or do you need some advise as to what looks best with your figure?  Release that stress and anxiety and come to where relaxation and confirmation begin.  From bikinis to trousers, personal shoppers are the life coach of shopping.

Personal shoppers are available in many department stores.  Just call ahead and make an appointment- tell them what you’re looking for, your style & size, and when you arrive the clothes are waiting for you in the dressing room.  No scrambling about trying to find your size, no painful elbowing to grab the last French Connection shirt on the rack.  Nope, all you have to do is show up & try on. 

You are not obliged to purchase anything, many personal shoppers do not work on commission.  You can even hire an outside personal shopper not affiliated with a store, an average rate is about $100 per hour.  It sounds like the perfect thing to me.  Does TJ Maxx have a personal shopper? 

Outdoor Sauna, the Best Way to Enjoy Steam

March 24, 2006 | Posted by Allison as How the Rich Survive at 12:49 pm | Comments »

I love being outdoors, and I love being pampered and enjoying the cool, night air.  That is the reason I love hot tubs and this outdoor sauna.  Enjoy the steam of a sauna in your own, front yard!  Surprise the neighbors next door with nothing but a small, towel covering the important parts of your body.

The Finlandia Outdoor Sauna is a handsome, beautifully constructed fully insulated room with select Western Red Cedar from the Pacific Northwest. You can choose from a variety of options from stainless steel door hinges, waterproof light switch or custom electrical wiring.  Going to the Y is for suckers, try this one on for size.  I think it’s going to fit perfectly.  Cost, $5,000 – $10,000.  Worth every penny, if you ask me.

 

Prince Purples It Up

March 22, 2006 | Posted by Allison as How the Rich Survive at 1:38 pm | (2) Comments »

Ahhh, Prince- I mean the artist formerly known as Prince.  I will put it to a question, how do the rich survive?  And I think I’ve got it- by customizing the world to fit themselves, instead of us stragglers who are still trying to customize ourselves to fit the world.  And that is just what Price has done recently.

On Luxist today, I saw this little number:

“Word to the wise, don’t rent your house to Prince. The Smoking Gun has the documents relating to a complaint filed by Carlos Boozer, a forward with the Utah Jazz, who rented his West Hollywood mansion to the Purple One for $70,000 a month. Surprise, surprise, Prince painted the house with purple striping, his special symbol and the numbers 3121 (the name of his new album). Prince also added in a purple monogrammed carpet in the bedroom and changed the plumbing to accommodate beauty salon chairs. Prince was supposed to hold a private concert in the house for album holders who discovered a purple ticket in their CD cases.  The lawsuit was withdrawn. Prince’s lease ends in May and last night he surprised fans waiting outside Tower Records to pick up his album with an impromptu concert.”

Indeed, I will never rent out my mansion to Prince, unless I one day feel that purple carpet is an upgrade I can live with.

Most Expensive Private Islands

March 20, 2006 | Posted by Allison as How the Rich Survive at 1:00 pm | (19) Comments »

Is it time to buy your own private island?  Ready to escape it all?  Then you’re looking at the right place for a little research & development.  Take a look at these top 10, most expensive island gems spanning the world.

10.  Isola Santo Stefano, Italy- $24 million

The unusual island rises out of the sea about 90 miles west of Naples. Totaling about 62 acres, it features a horseshoe-shaped building that dates back to the 18th century and was once used as a prison. There is also a church and several houses on Santo Stefano.  So lock up your prisoners & head to the church on this interesting island.

9. Thatch Cay, U.S. Virgin Islands- $24 million

This long, lush island is situated just a half mile off the coast of St. Thomas, and so offers convenience and seclusion all at once. On one side of Thatch Cay, dramatic cliffs drop into the ocean. On the other, the land gently slopes toward St. Thomas.  The best of both worlds at your fingertips.

8.  Blue Lagoon, Fiji- $25 million

Ringed by a coral reef, Blue Lagoon is about a mile long and totals approximately 225 acres. In the 19th century, it was a coconut plantation; today it is home to coconut crabs, giant clams and a mostly-complete resort. The design includes 20 luxury guest villas with marble baths, a dining pavilion, full service spa, meeting rooms, a golf course, marina and dive center. Are you ready for the adventure?

7.  Grand Bogue Caye, Belize- $25 million

This island is so appealing that a brother of the sultan of Brunei and Bill Gates have reportedly come to check it out. The largest private island left capable of being developed in Belize, it is unusual in that it is not overgrown with mangroves. Grand Bogue, totaling about 314 acres, has large beaches, coral flats, and forests.  Be ahead of Microsoft giant Bill Gates & come home to this beauty of an island today.

6.  Allan Island, Washington State- $25 million

Want to be closer to the U.S. & have your own private island, then here’s your ticket for the good life. Allan Island is northwest of the city of Anacortes, between Burrows Bay and Rosario Strait. It currently has a main house with two bedrooms, one bathroom and bamboo floors, and a guest house.

5.  Caritas Island, Connecticut- $25 million +

What a rare luxury to have a private island an hour’s drive from Manhattan! This four-acre island is connected to Connecticut via a private road, and features a 14,000-square foot stone manor house, built in 1906 for members of the Phelps Stokes family. The mansion has a marble entryway, herringbone oak floors, marble skirting, a two-story gourmet kitchen and library with a cathedral ceiling. The estate includes a lap pool, saltwater pool, 200-foot deepwater dock, guest cottage, caretaker’s cottage and gardens.

4.  Temptation Island, Thailand- $30 million

This 20-acre island reclines in sparkling waters off the east coast of Phuket, and is partly occupied by a resort that has 132 guest units.  If you’re looking for white, sandy beaches & romantic palms- this is the place! 

3.  Cerralvo Island, Mexico- $35 million

This large land mass of about 35,000 acres is located off the east coast of Baja, in the Sea of Cortez. The rugged island has beaches and sandy points, and a consistently balmy climate. Incredibly deep water nearby provides extraordinary fishing opportunities. Ready for a good, worthy investment opportunity?

2.  Pakatoa Island, New Zealand- $35 million

Most of the islands in Hauraki Gulf, about 30 miles from Auckland, have been set aside as reserves. Pakatoa, which is occupied by an inactive resort, is one of the few exceptions.  Get ready for a good thing with 24 beachside cabins & 38 hillside cottages.  Sounds like the perfect place for a company pow-wow.

1.  Isla de sa Ferradura, Spain- $39.7 million

This 14-acre island lies just off the northern coast of Ibiza, in the bay of San Miguel. The island features a large salon, home theater, professional kitchen, dining room that seats 14 and several terraces, including a revolving one overlooking the swimming pool. The pool has its own waterfall and bar. There is also a cave complex built to house a whirlpool, solarium, steam bath and other amenities.  My favorite, a cave complex with whirlpool?!  I’m sold!  Now someone just hand over $39.7 million so I can start packing!

 

 

   

 

 

 

Buying the Luxurious Life

March 16, 2006 | Posted by Allison as How the Rich Survive at 2:13 pm | Comments »

Ever wish you didn’t have to take off your shoes at the airport?  Or fool around with lost luggage, missed flights due to traffic or not getting the reservation you wanted at an  upscale restaurant?  Think Bill Gates or Indian steel giant Laklshmi Mittal have worried expressions about these travel inconveniences?

Being a multi-millionaire or billionaire not only entitles you to less worry lines, but also the tools you need to travel well.  While most of us have to worry with cheeky hotel clerks, sloppy rent-a-car associates and busy travel agents, the richer-than-us folks have people working behind the scenes to bring them trouble-free travel.  From private flight crews, concierges, chefs, limousine drivers, personal assistants and pilots; the upper crust enjoy a fine and carefree holiday. 

The luxury that tops the list for me is a private plane which is why I like the Gulfstream 200.  This jet offers the range and comfort of a large cabin business jet for a midsize cabin price. In addition, an impressive cruise speed of 540 mph makes the Gulfstream 200 ideal for nonstop transcontinental travel.

Passenger comfort is one of the many hallmarks of this super midsize business jet. Its spacious cabin seats nine passengers comfortably and offers 6’3” of stand-up headroom, which exceeds all other aircraft in its class and is taller than most large cabin jets. Furthermore, the fully heated and pressurized baggage compartment in the Gulfstream 200 is the largest in its class with 150 cubic feet of space. Offered in the U.S. by NetJets Aviation. 

Think you’re ready to give up the rush to the airport, ticket agents, lines and coach seating?  Sign me up!  Cost, $2.5 million.

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