Air & Space

Roman Abramovich ranked number 15 on the World's Billionaires list for 2008. This year, Abramovich bought Britain's leading football club, Chelsea, for more then $300 million. Along with the British soccer team, the billionaire recently added a six-story house in London's Eaton Square, part of the estate of the Duke of Westminster, which is said to be worth more than $46 million.  His portfolio of property also contains homes in West Sussex, Moscow and St. Tropez on the French Riviera. Abramovich's custom-made 300-foot yacht, Le Grand Bleu, which is worth $90 million, features a helicopter and two hovercraft launch pads. Le Grand Bleu was christened in Rio de Janeiro and has its home port in Bermuda. 

Now Abramovich is leading a  syndicate of Russian tycoons to buy Tassignano airport in northern Italy, for investment purposes.  The airport which is worth more than 4 million GBP is near encampment of exclusive villas and vacation homes. Maybe Tassignano airport will make a nice investment but more likely it will make for a very exclusive get-a-way destination for Roman Abramovich and his friends.

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A romantic dinner for two will soon be offered in the sky. First class passengers on Swiss International flights will now be able to enjoy an in-flight table for two. According to the airline, all new A330 airplanes will boast the new "architechtural" design.  Just another perk for the jet setting, millionaire to luxuriate in. First class flyers can now mingle more easily, in their echelon; a new kind of mile high club.

Donald Trump claims “now” is the time to buy property, if only it were that easy.  Many who still have the money to buy “now” can’t find financing. If financing isn’t stopping you, consider yourself lucky and look to South Beach. Right now in South Beach properties are being sold for way less than asking price.  Take, for instance, luxury building Murano at Portofino, located at 1000 S Pointe Drive in the South Beach area of Miami Beach. Where a penthouse unit with an asking price of $12,000,000 just sold for $7,600,000. The spacious three bedrooms, five and a half bath unit is just one example of what’s going on in South Beach, there are lots more just like this. The question is, when will the real estate market finally hit bottom? The question is tough to answer but it seems like buyers are moving towards the beach. Activity is gradually picking up, more inquiries, and more viewings, will sooner or later translate into more sales.

The world's most exclusive department store is Harrods of London and just in case that was up for dispute, check it out. Harrods has just added a private aviation program to services offered. To offer the firm's ultra rich clientele air support via helicopter and corporate jet, Harrods has teamed up with the UK based Watkins Yacht Management company. The two firms will offer a "streamlined luxury travel experience" for the wealthy at sea. Harrods will fly you in from sea to shop and back out to your yacht with bags in tote, luxury all the way is to be expected.  Next time you're on the mega-yacht and get sea sick, take a break, call Air Harrods and spend the day shopping  in London. Yachts, jets and Harrods, life doesn't get much better.

The premium coffee caffeine buzz is wearing off. For the last three months Starbucks has taken a beating in what was the companies worst quarter yet, but they still bought their third corporate jet. Starbucks' shares have plummeted 56% in the last year and last month they had a $45 million private jet delivered. What was Starbucks thinking? Obviously they weren't thinking  because this month Starbucks is trying to sell its new Gulfstream, 550. Starbucks' new private jet has made only 15 flights, several of which were in Honolulu and Kona, Hawaii. Where Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz was taking a a two-week vacation. Schultz went on vacation while Starbucks announced the closing of 300 additional stores in January. Its ok because Starbucks has resolved to only keep one of its three jets as part of a new savings plan. Chief Financial Officer Troy Alstead said that Starbucks' is aiming to save $500 million this year, well, good luck with that.

Apparently Starbucks' ordered the 19-seat plane three years ago when yuppie America was all about premium Frappucinnos.  As for the new Starbucks' Gulfstream 550, “the interior is tastefully completed in neutral tones of gray leather and gray cashmere. The Australian Walnut woodwork is high gloss finish and is enhanced with satin nickel plating throughout the aircraft.”  If you're in the market for a basically brand new Gulfstream then buy Starbucks's at a deal. The private plane that cost the coffee company about $45 million may be worth as little as $30 million, thanks to plunging market demand.

Qatar Airways Company Q.C.S.C is based in Doha and among only six airlines to be awarded a 5-star rating by Skytrax. For those of you unaccustomed to five star flying status, we feel bad. You are missing out on a whole mess of luxury in the sky, like rich comfort, fine dining and now, even, in-flight exercise at 35,000 feet.

Qatar Airways is taking steps to help their clients stay fit in-flight this New Years with the introductions of an onboard yoga and wellbeing guide. Customized for long-distance fliers, the new four-page "Fly Healthy, Fly Fit" guide will help you feel more balanced, healthy and relaxed mid-flight. Qatar worked in association with "The Chopra Center for Wellbeing" designing an exercise routine for passengers. Deepak Chopra's famed holistic approach fuses West with East ideologies. The growing trend of combining modern medical knowledge with the ancient science of Ayurveda, plus, the art of yoga is in Qatars regimen. Ayurveda, a Sanskrit word means ‘science of life’, it was founded onthe principle that health is more than the absence of disease butrather an integrated system of balance in mind, body and spirit.Deepak Chopra includes pre-travel tips, meditative practices and flying health advice, plus ways to combat onboard ailments. 

With over 80 international destinations, the choice is simple. If you don't fly private than choose the next best thing, a five-star commercial firm like Qatar. Maybe on your next trip you will walk off the flight feeling better than when you got on, anything is possible right?

Luxury Travel Expo is the most prominent and authoritative luxury event in North America. This year it will be the Expo's tenth anniversary. Luxury Travel Expo remains to be the only travel event soley loyal to luxury. The Expo provides suppliers and agents with a vast luxury forum with meaningful knowledge and networking opportunities.

The Expo will be in Las Vegas from December 2nd through the 5th. The whole thing is put tgether by Luxury Travel Advisor, Travel Agent magazine and Premier Hotels & Resorts. The Luxury Travel Expo has been so successful because of careful attention to an education program, knowledgeable speakers and ample exhibitors. Below is what the first days schedule looks like and we will keep you posted as more updates surface.

Schedule for Decemeber 2, 2008

8:00AM -  6:00PM     
Registration Open
8:30AM -  12:00PM     
Test for your CTA, CTC and CTIE designations
12:00PM -  3:00PM     
CLIA’s Customer Relations Management
Speaker:     Bernie Blomquist, MCC, CTC, Manager of Training Development, CLIA
Want to create the ultimate, top-notch customer service model for your agency?
12:15PM -  1:30PM     
Creating Buzz for Your Business: Hot Viral Marketing
Speaker:     Bruce Tepper, CITE, CTC, Vice President, Joselyn, Tepper & Associates, Inc.
Buzz Marketing, a.k.a. Viral Marketing, is today's hottest marketing technique. Have a creative flair but a limited budget?
12:30PM -  7:00PM     
The Travel Institute Conference: Additional Conference Registration required
1:45PM -  3:15PM     
Aloha! Discover the Islands of Pampering Luxury, by Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau
Speaker:     Stacey Alford, CTC, Director of Travel Industry Sales, Oahu Visitors Bureau
Robyn Basso, Regional Director of Travel Trade Marketing, Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau
Maile Horner, Director of Marketing, Kauai Visitors Bureau
Deanna Isbister, Director of Sales, Big Island Visitors Bureau
Chris Kai'aokamalie, Director of Sales, Maui Visitors Bureau
Julie Zadeh, CTC, Managing Director of Travel Trade Marketing, Hawaii Visitors and Convention Bureau
We invite you to explore the islands’ hidden gems, cultural experiences, luxurious hotels, and unique activities and attractions, along with the welcoming Aloha spirit.
2:00PM -  3:00PM     
25 Top Strategies for Selling Niche Cruises
Speaker:     Larry Dessler, CTC, Executive Director, Niche Marketing Cruise Alliance
Charles Robertson, President and CEO, American Cruise Lines
Jamie Sales, Managing Director and Co-owner, Uncommon Cruises
Karen Wiseman, Vice President of Marketing, Orion Expedition Line
How can you pamper your clients with intimate niche cruise products?
3:30PM -  4:30PM     
ID Card - Going, Going, Gone? By IATA
Speaker:     Humberto E. Rivero, Regional Director of the Americas, IATA
3:30PM -  4:30PM     
Yokoso! Japan Welcomes You to the Land of Hospitality by the Visit Japan Campaign
3:30PM -  6:30PM     
CLIA’s Self Assessment: Explore Your Abilities, Skills and Strengths
Speaker:     Dr. Marc Mancini, President, Marc Mancini Seminars and Consulting
"Know Thyself." Knowing your strengths, overcoming your weaknesses and applying the lessons you’ve learned from self-discovery.

Travis Barker and DJ AM were aboard a plane that crashed early this morning in South Carolina. The private Learjet was departing from South Carolina when air traffic controllers began seeing sparks. According to Federal Aviation Administration spokeswoman Kathleen Bergen the plane went off the runway and crashed into a wall. While flying private is the only way to fly in our minds, note that there have been 7 reported Learjet incidents and accident since 1996.

Four people were killed on board, two crew members and two passengers. The only two to survive were Travis Barker and DJ AM. Blink 182 drummer Travis Barker, was critically injured. Both he and DJ AM seem to be in stable condition and have been transferred to the Agusta, Georgia Burn Center.
Barker and DJ AM had performed Friday night at an event alongside Perry Farrell and Gavin DeGraw in Carolina. Right before this gig Barker and AM were most noteably seen playing live for the 2008 MTV Video Music Awards.

Any crash is a tragedy but our hearts especially go out to the exceptionally talented duo of Barker and AM. We saw their debut performance in Miami Beach a few years back. What began as a couple of talented musicians coming together for fun resulted in some seriously reborn and refreshing music. Prior to that performance, Travis Barker was the drummer for Blink 182 and DJ AM had a solo spinning career, slash was Nicole Richie's former fiancee. The two very different musical formats coming together helps define a very new generation. Their performance was mind-blowing and it is clear why they remain together today. Barker and AM are a force and we wish them a speedy and full recovery!

Our thoughts go out to everyone aboard the plane.

The 5th season of Entourage will begin this sunday and Virgin Air America is paying homage to the HBO hit. Virgin Airlines took the Entourage series to the American skies on Sept. 4, 2008, with the inaugural flight being called, "Entourage Air." The flight from John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) to Las Vegas McCarran International Airport (LAS) launched just in time to celebrate the new season and the new Airbus.

The Entourage VIP send-off event was in a private hangar at JFK, with Dom Perignon and Entourage-themed sweets from Godiva. Members of the media were invited to join Virgin Group Founder and Chairman Sir Richard Branson and members of the Entourage cast at the JFK send-off party. Special guests on the party flight to Vegas experienced "Entourage Class" service, including limited-edition Entourage amenities that complement Virgin America's signature tricked out cabin interior. Virgin America's brand new customized Airbus A320 features moodlighting, custom-designed leather seats, and individual touch-screen entertainment systems with movies, videogames and now for the first time free Entourage.  Episodes of Entourage will be offered free of charge during the initial month of the partnership.  The reception once landed in Las Vegas, was hosted by the N9NE Group in the Playboy Club at the Palms Casino Resort.

Calling all World Class Jet-setters to Miami Beach. Socialites already know that Miami Beach is the scene to be seen in every winter, Miami is the only island-city in the country with warm winters, a pulse of change, poise, enlightenment and elite lifestyles. With white sand beaches, the upscale Bal Harbour Shops, and a vibrant nightlife it is no surprise that the glamorous Miami Beach locale has been chosen to debut Haute Miami.  Haute Miami is the first ever uber-luxe exhibit of its kind in the United States and will debut from January 8th - 11th, 2009.  

Haute Miami has an expansive, high class roster of 160 renowned, international exhibitors featuring contemporary and classic fashion, jewelry, art, design, exotic yachts, airplanes, personal helicopters, new technology in many forms, and an emphasis on "going green" including solar powered vehicles, Haute Miami is certain to awe even the luxury spoiled, savvy Miami Beach locals. Haute Miami will be in the Miami Beach Convention Center and will run concurrently with SeaFair.  SeaFair is a private megayacht that will be part of the Haute Miami expo, it will host a selection of invitation-only events.   At 228 feet, SeaFair, is the 4th largest private American Luxury Yacht in the Country and that deserves some good old fashioned American patriotism ya'll.

The venue will host 28 auxiliary exhibitors in private galleries and features a gourmet restaurant, champagne/caviar lounge and a spacious sky deck. SeaFair will be docked on Millionaire’s Row and can be accessed by shuttles from the Convention Center.  The custom built $40M exposition vessel will serve as a networking hub and private venue for many of Haute Miami’s most exclusive events.  Haute Miami imitates successful luxury fairs from Europe and Asia and will bring new buzz and glamour to the famed winter season in Miami Beach.  To align with Miami's chilled out atmosphere, Haute Miami at the Convention Center will offer extended hours operating Wednesday – Saturday evenings until 11PM and will feature nighttime events.

“Haute Miami and SeaFair both represent entirely new paradigms in American fairs.  Both will be fabulous new luxury lifestyle events for even the most sophisticated visitors,” said David Lester founder of this exposition. “We look forward to welcoming discerning, local and international attendees to our extraordinary, new event in January." We can barely wait!  Stay with us for up to the minute updates about Haute Miami.

If you don't own a plane but still want to travel in true international Jet set style, then you need to know about the Emirates Airline and their new Airbus A-380. Emirates is based out of Dubai and is the seventh-largest passenger airline in the world, but Emirates luxury experience is an unrivaled first.

If you think you know what flying first class feels like, you have no idea until you experience an Emirates flight because they are bringing luxury to an all new high. The Airbus A-380 is both a lavish and futuristic airplane built for the wealthiest people of the world. When flying First Class with Emirates you will be an elite member of the best kind of mile high club.

Your First Class private suite awaits you with electronically operated sliding doors, a mini-bar, adjustable ambient lighting, and a vanity table with mirror and wardrobe. Each seat has an adjustable massage system which can be converted into a full flat bed and if you are traveling with a lover, just lower the center privacy divider and enjoy each other's company. We don't recommend sleeping through the entire flight because you will be missing out on heaven. Play on the Emirates high-speed, in-flight wireless Internet while browsing through 1,200 On Demand channels, on your private 23" flat screen. In flight passengers are able to use mobile phones to call or text people on the ground and now there is a docking station for your iPod. The docking capability allows you to play your own iPod music, television shows and movies through the In-Flight Entertainment system, while simultaneously charging your battery.

The award-winning multilingual crew will serve you a la carte with selections made by world renown chefs. After your meal, take a walk over to the exclusive bar and lounge area where you'll rub elbows with high society and sip world-class wines, selected by Emirates sommeliers. If your thirst for luxury still hasn't been quenched, then indulge in the Airbus A-380's Shower Spas. For the first time in history you can take a refreshing shower 43,000 feet above ground. Choose from the Spa Revive kit or Spa Relax kit, both made from the finest natural ingredients by Emirates. By the time the Emirates Airbus lands you will feel as if you had just walked out of a 5 star hotel.

The A-380 Airbus development program has grown to be more then an $11 billion operation, so in the scheme of things what's $15,000 for a roundtrip flight? We say it's a bargain. Inaugural flights between New York's JFK and Dubai began on August 1st, 2008, international destinations are being added..

Welcome to Imaginelifestyles.com. Our luxury lifestyle blogs focus on bringing you the best of the best. Our goal is to create an uncomplicated website that will bring you up to the minute gossip on lavish properties, cars, yachts, and private jets; along with the most lavish spas, nightclubs, restaurants and events in cities across the world. Imagine Lifestyles' luxury blog will keep you abreast by providing you with everything there is to know about living in the lap of luxury. More importantly we will help you achieve that lavish lifestyle you've always dreamt of. Lets face it, the internet can be daunting and the blogroll endless; so sit back, relax and rely on us do all the work. We are intended to be a tongue-in-cheek, fetching, online experience that is always one click away from excessive luxury and the ultimate high-end lifestyle. Enjoy!