Luxury Lifestyle

Africa may conjure up images of the antithesis of luxury to those not in the know. However for discerning traveler seeking distinct experiences in style, Africa is all the go. Eco luxury resorts and safaris in the Southern African states offer lavish semi-permanent camps that open up onto jungles, savannahs and legendary dunes. Privileged guests not only get up and close with endangered species in their natural habitat put money back into the local economy to protect the magnificent creatures against poachers and ensure their survival. Here is just a taste of what the wilds of Africa have to offer the indulgent adventurer. Ulusaba Private Game Reserve, South Africa This eco luxury resort is owned by Sir Richard Branson of Virgin Airlines so you know it’s going to be stylish and forward thinking. Set in a private, 13,500-hectare Sabi Sand reserve on the border of the Kruger National Park this lavish lodge is adjacent to wildlife paradise; Africa’s big 5 elephants, rhinos, buf...

Warren Buffet is one of the most magnanimous and world-friendly billionaires that ever lived. With his pledge to donate 99 percent of his wealth to charity, he has gained deep respect from the masses. He is practical, reliable and as down-to-earth as a person can be. When you see his somewhat modest properties, it becomes clear this financial wizard, who is aptly dubbed the Wizard of Omaha, is not interested in owning more than he can use. Mr. Buffet started as a salesman in 1951 and by 2008 he became the richest person in he United States. At this point, it is not clear whether he comes in first, second or third in the world – but let’s just say his wealth is estimated at $59 billion. His company, Berkshire Hathaway, occupies only one floor of an office building in Omaha, Nebraska, even though it owns around 600 companies. He does not own a computer and rarely uses one. He is said not to use a calculator or stock ticker either – yet he is considered one of the most savvy business...

George Clooney has become one of the most prestigious actor-producer-celebrities in the world. However, unlike many others, it seems George is not all about facades, or keeping up with popular expectations to please others. In fact, we’ve heard that he has never forgotten his roots and can still remember starring in the sequel,  Return of the Killer Tomatoes , written and produced by director, John DeBello – among other forgettable roles. His real stardom came when he got his starring role as Dr. Douglas Ross on television’s popular ER series in the late 90s. It appears that he lives life on his terms while managing to avoid stepping on toes or burning bridges. He is a friend to all, and when not, he is not afraid to stand up for his beliefs and convictions. Most certainly, his much talked-about conflict with Russell Crowe was blown out-of-proportion when Crowe threw a slew of insults his way and Clooney refused to accept an apology. We’re pretty sure that Mr. Clooney has a thic...

London is one of the most expensive cities in the world. Yet, the real estate is always in high demand, regardless of the price. In fact, many residential properties in London are owned by international billionaires who understand the city’s market values. Celebrities, such as Tom Cruise and Gwyneth Paltrow are looking at and purchasing properties in the amazingly hip European city, as well. The real estate industry in this market is definitely booming yet as one report showed, 34 percent of the buyers in the London areas of Belgravia, Kensington, Chelsea and Mayfair are not living there. It seems the rich and famous foreigners from Russia, Southeast Asia and India are buying up incredible properties and, in some areas, foreign ownership is as high as 59 percent. Prices continue to escalate and local London residents are finding it more difficult to afford to live in the central part of the city. The obvious challenge for the government is the fact that many foreign property owner...

What makes the ultimate American dream home? Picturesque infinity pools that meet natural water with rare beauty, extensive wine cellars, rambling gardens that both invigorate and protect, and thousands of square feet of living space. Of course location is important too as well as a sense of style, a taste of history and technology that enhances life. From blue-blood built estates in Connecticut to Hollywood mansions with history and chic Manhattan addresses that hide palatial spaces here are some of the most expensive and most unique properties up for sale in the US in the last 12 months (most of them still on the market at the time of writing). Copper Beach Farm, undisclosed Address, Greenwich CT zillow.com Majestic Copper Beach farm was named after the large copper beach trees that line its waterfront and shaded it from the rest of the world in 1904 when steel tycoon Lauder Greenway built it for his family. The magnificent trees still hide this 50-acre estate which ha...

If you’ve ever been to Paris, you understand why many people consider it to be one of the most romantic and luxurious places to live on the globe. Here are just a few of its accolades: It is considered the fashion capital of the world. It is also considered to be the most architecturally elegant. The restaurants, boutiques, museums and layout make it one of the most culturally interesting cities- it is one of the most visited cities, as proof. Not surprisingly, it is home to some of the most expensive and luxurious real estate in the world. After a few bumpy years in the luxe-home market, the Parisian market is bouncing back and prime property is now going for $27,590 – 50,000 per square foot, depending on variables such as: which floor it is one and desirable amenities. Generally speaking, the higher the floor, the more expensive the square footage, which has become an international standard. Today’s millionaires aren’t blinking an eye at the cost and are ready to jump the mi...

It is crystal clear that the future of home entertaining is not just what the device can do, but how visually pleasing it is to the eye, and how it can create sensory experiences while blending beautifully with decor.  Here are some products that demonstrate how technology and design are being integrated into high-end home entertaining, and what to invest in 2014. Transparent TVs Glassy OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diodes) televisions are made by placing thin films of organic (carbon based) materials between two conductors which run over the transparent material. The result is faster refresh rates, better contrast, better color reproduction and better viewing from all angles. As well as looking like a piece of clear art when switched off the OLED materials is energy efficient and do not require a backlight (unlike LCDs). One version of the OLED introduced into the market in 2013 was a transparent TV designed by Michael Friebe.  It combines conventional LCD and the lates...