Tuesday, 26 January 2016

Luxury Life Style magazine


When it comes down to it, every new year is essentially a countdown to the next vacation. For those of us who consider ourselves travel junkies, at least. And just like any other industry, the world of luxury travel has its continuous trend cycle that tends to keep things fresh…while keeping us on our toes.
We at Luxury Attaché are proud to be the nation’s premier concierge firm, so it seemed only fitting to partner with a travel service of our caliber to drive our in-house travel program. In late 2014, we launched Travel Attaché in collaboration with global travel powerhouse First in Service, a branch of Tzell Travel Group and member of Virtuoso, the world’s leading luxury travel network. Together, we curate the most uniquely extravagant itineraries and tailor each one to our clients’ tastes and preferences, so no two are exactly alike. Honeymoons in Bali, weekend getaways in Belize, off-the-grid vacations to Bhutan…we’ve just about covered it all. So where do trends come in? It’s a great starting point, of course, to know what’s hot now, what might be up-and-coming next year, and so on and so forth. To identify trends in the hospitality industry within the broader spectrum of destinations, then factor in consumer habits…there are many elements that together determine the birth of trends and ultimately where our clients (and we ourselves) are traveling. 2016 is the year of doing something new – we’re looking at a drastic number of global travelers who are shopping broader horizons than ever before. Whether it’s flying halfway across the world to Switzerland’s most beloved ski lodge or keeping it domestic with a week in Utah’s most scenic desert retreat, it’s all about adventure this year. And we’ve got to say, we’re totally on board with it. Check out our top picks for branching out in this new year of travel.
(1) Amangiri | Canyon Point, Utah

There’s something about the canyons of the American Southwest that screams peaceful getaway. Maybe it’s the sweeping views, the calming earthy hues, or the serene air hanging above the desert. Paired with a glass of wine on the resort's campfire terrace, there’s no place we’d rather be. The stunning property’s sprawling 800-acre property sets the stage for the coolly modern resort, composed with clean colors and sleek silhouettes mirroring the stark surroundings of the desert, where 34 suites, a four-bedroom home, and an internationally acclaimed spa frame the central swimming pool in Amangiri’s unique oasis. Pack those weekenders for Amangiri’s inaugural Valentine’s Concert Weekend, featuring complimentary dining, welcome receptions, stargazing with an astronomer, and two violin concerts by renowned classical musicians, the Carpenter siblings. Tell them we sent you.
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(2) Cheval Blanc | St-Barth Isle de France


Sparkling sands and crystal clear waters -- the makings of any perfect beach vacation, in our opinion. But all the bells and whistles of a five-star accommodation can’t hurt either. 40 stunningly appointed guest rooms make up the Flamands Bay’s exclusive Cheval Blanc, where West Indies spirit meets French charm and no experience is complete without a romp in the lush gardens or Guerlain ritual spa. Beach lounging is rivaled only by the infinity pool’s horizon view, and Chef Yann Vinsot’s cuisine is reason enough to never set foot off property. This St. Barthélemy haven serves as the perfect getaway for any occasion.
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(3) Gansevoort | Turks and Caicos


Winter is finally here, and so is the season for warm-weather vacationing. We’ve got our eye on the Caribbean, particularly Gansevoort’s breathtaking beachfront property on a stretch of white sand on the island of Providenciales, Turks and Caicos. The sleek property, a collection of 91 stunning guestrooms (among them a handful of penthouses with three bedrooms and wraparound terraces), features a 7,000 square foot infinity pool, an award-winning spa by Exhale, countless water sports and activities, and of course, an internationally acclaimed restaurant with a setting second to none. Dine at the shoreside lounge, or take it to go on a floating island in the pool. When in...the Caribbean.
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(4) St. Regis | Aspen, Colorado


A Gilded-Age mountainside manor set against pristine slopes? Sign us up. Aspen’s most coveted address is the place to be at any time of year, and with an internationally acclaimed restaurant and award-winning spa, this postcard destination never ceases to please. Perfect for romantic getaways and family vacations alike, the list of activities and amenities is endless...think ski and snowboard clinics, snowmobiling, winter fly fishing, horse-drawn carriage rides through town, and naturally, the ultimate après ski experience with fireside s’mores. Work up an appetite for an evening out at Chefs Club, FOOD & WINE Magazine’s original location and sister to the New York outpost -- both beautifully curated and home to the country’s most celebrated culinary talent.
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(5) Kulm Hotel | St. Moritz, Switzerland


Nothing says “ski weekend” like a getaway to the birthplace of the winter holiday. Travel Attaché offers unparalleled access to Kulm Hotel St. Moritz, boasting uncompromising luxury in the heart of the Swiss Alps since 1856. Embark on a private helicopter tour for breathtaking views of Lake St. Moritz, hit the slopes for an unforgettable ski experience, or cool down in the salt grotto or steam baths. And because vacation is hard work, there’s always time to sit back and bask in the hotel’s history -- the very place that held the Olympic Games in 1928. Pass the hot cocoa.
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Luxury Life Style magazine


Although the holiday season is behind us, ‘tis the season for making, breaking, and following up on New Years resolutions, and for indulging in the fabulous food and wine of the new year. While we all strive to improve our bodies, our personal lives, and our careers in 2016, it is easy to forget that some of the best and biggest changes that we can make come from small alterations in our daily routines. Beauty, fitness, and medical professionals know that consistency is key, when we are building the bodies and the health-supportive habits that we will thank ourselves for in the years to come. Your health should be a priority, but your health-supportive habits do not need to overshadow your other goals and resolutions of 2016, nor should they prevent you from indulging in the finer things in life.
 (1) Drink lemon water.


Start your day off with 24 to 36 ounces of room temperature or hot water with fresh lemon juice. We all know the benefits of proper hydration: improved digestion, healthy skin, and more energy. Healthy hydration supports enzymatic properties that ensure restorative activities at the cellular level. Boost your morning routine with fresh lemon juice. Not only do lemons contain natural antibacterial properties and a healthy dose of immune system supporting vitamin C, magnesium, and potassium, lemons also aid in the production of bile and other digestive juices, flush toxins out of the digestive system, and help the body maintain healthy pH levels throughout the day. For an added boost, infuse your water with lemon peel and take advantage of the powerful antioxidant naringin, which can reduce radiation-induced cellular damage, and limonene, the aromatic compound that gives lemons their distinctive smell and has been known to contain chemopreventative properties against many types of cancer.

(2) Eat dark leafy greens.


Incorporate at least one serving of dark leafy greens into your diet today and every day. The benefits of dark leafy green vegetables, such as kale, collard greens, chard, mustard greens, brussel sprouts and escarole, are well-documented. Now in season and readily available, these vegetables provide a healthy alkaline boost to any diet, as well as a source of minerals, carotenoids, flavonoids, and other powerful antioxidants. Everyone wins with greens, because they are low calorie, low on the glycemic index, and encourage good digestion and healthy gut flora. Green foods improve the function of the liver, gall bladder, and kidneys, as well as purify the blood and clear congestion. Studies have suggested that one daily serving of dark leafy greens is sufficient to reap the health benefits, such as a 9% lower risk of diabetes. Add them to your soups, your stews, and your smoothies. Order your omelet with spinach or substitute a side of brussel sprouts for a side of fries at your next lunch. For a quick, high-mineral snack, try kale chips or Japanese-style greens oshitashi.

(3) Sweat.

Go for a run, try out a new fitness class, or just spend 10 minutes in the sauna or steam room. Everyone is doing it. Mark Zuckerburg has pledged to run 365 miles in 2016. Oprah has pledged that 2016 is the year of her best body. A healthy sweat session helps the body eliminate toxins, especially alcohol, cholesterol, and salts, through the skin, while unclogging the pores at the surface level for a radiant glow. Exercise boosts endorphins and improves circulation and immune system function. The American Heart Association recommends thirty minutes a day of moderate cardiovascular activity, five days a week, or 150 minutes of moderate exercise as a guideline for improving and maintaining cardiovascular health. People who sweat regularly have longer life spans and are at reduced risk for a plethora of diseases.

(4) Five minutes of yoga.

While sitting in traffic, on the airplane, or waiting for lunch, take five minutes to practice deep breathing and spinal twists. Yoga and yogic breathing promote mental clarity, healthy stress management, and mindfulness. These practices can help you to be more conscious about your every day dietary choices, allowing you to make better food decisions and reducing the volume of toxins that you put into your body on a daily basis. In order to perform a spinal twist while seated in a chair, cross your right leg over your left leg, straighten your spine from its base to the crown of your head, raise your left arm, and twist from the middle of your spine to your right, aiming to place your left elbow on the outside of your right knee. Remain in this position for a few breaths, while directing your gaze over your right shoulder. Move back to center slowly and repeat on the other side. Yogis will tell you that your digestive system and internal organs benefit from this internal form of massage, as it increases circulation and the efficiency of many body processes.

(5) Get your beauty sleep.

Cultivate habits that encourage healthy sleep patterns. Sleep is not a luxury. A consistent lack of sleep leads to weight gain, a compromised immune system, difficulty coping with stress, and low energy levels. The National Sleep Organization recommends 7-9 hours of nightly sleep for adults, and studies have suggested that people who sleep less that six hours a night have shorter life expectancies than those who sleep adequate amounts. During our sleeping hours, our bodies undergo repair and detoxification processes at the cellular level, our brains consolidate memories and emotions, our muscles relax and repair, and our pituitary glands secrete human growth hormone, a protein hormone which promotes the growth, maintenance, and repair of muscles, bones, and other body tissues. Every body tissue, including the skin, is repaired faster while we are sleeping. Cultivate better sleep habits by avoiding napping, investing in blackout curtains, exercising regularly, practicing relaxation techniques before bed, improving your sleep environment, and staying away from big meals and copious amounts of liquids in the evening.