Hotels

Star Island is located in the Bahamas, and is announcing exciting plans for an eco friendly future-in the form of a luxury resort powered by trade winds, sun and currents.  But it gets more fabulous. 

Star Island is a 35-acre cay near the Bahamian island of Eleuthera.  Developers intend to transform this island of sand, coral rock, and trees into the world’s first carbon-neutral island resort.  This eco friendly luxury resort will define green, with no reliance on fossil fuels that add carbon dioxide to the atmosphere.

Who says luxury hotels can’t be eco-friendly?  The growing trend of going green has infiltrated even the most luxe of hotels, making strides toward a decidedly green future and preservation of our planet.

Savvy travelers in growing numbers are supporting conservation by selecting which establishments they visit, and that also extends to luxury hotels around the world. 

Yes, sustainable hospitality practices are becoming increasingly prevalent among the luxury hotels of today.  Many luxury hotels are becoming LEED Certified, which stands for “Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design”.

South Beach is famed for its excess, lifestyle and its luxury hotels.  Today we will explore and compare the luxurious Gansevoort South Beach with the (equally?) exotic Shoreclub South Beach. 

Both luxury South Beach hotels are oceanfront.  Both are considered upscale, decadent and indulgent.  You can enjoy a delicious upscale culinary adventure at both.  The differences will lie in the types of cuisine, the vibe of the bar areas, the spa, amenities and of course, the accommodations.  So let’s compare.

STK steakhouse has just made its South Beach debut, opening a new location within the luxurious Gansevoort Hotel.  The long awaited arrival of this popular culinary treasure has come to a mouth-watering end with the opening of the doors.

This is no ordinary steakhouse, but a celeb sought-after dazzler with quite the following, including Fergie, Josh Duhamel, Michael Bay, Robin Givens and more.  Prior to the South Beach debut, STK Gansevoort held a several tastings and “friends and family” trials for a select lucky few.

With the big game just 3 weeks out, Miami and all of South Florida has been busily preparing itself for the onslaught of football fans, visitors and excitement.  Here are some of the ways Miami is prepping for Super Bowl XLIV:

•    Hotels altering arrangements
•    Restaurants creating special menus
•    Clubs booking high-profile entertainment
•    Exotic rental cars booking up
•    Boutiques and shopping options stepping it up

If you are planning to head south for Super Bowl 44 next month, and intend to stay at one of South Beach’s luxury hotels, the prime picks are reaching capacity.  In fact, the new W Hotel South Beach is officially booked solid for Super Bowl week.  After calling around town this morning, here are some remaining options (subject to change, of course):

Thailand is an exquisite and exotic travel destination for those in search of culture, landscape, experience, cuisine and exotic accommodations.  Yes, exotic is the word that comes to the minds of most when they envision Thailand, so let’s explore travel options for its most popular city-Bangkok.  Three of the most unique and luxurious of Bangkok’s hotels:

1.    Shangri-La Hotel, Bangkok
2.    Peninsula, Bangkok
3.    The Oriental, Bangkok

Ok big spenders, the time has come to make some room in your bank accounts and wallets, as Lady Gaga is set to exercise her set of lungs at the luxe Fontainbleau in Miami Beach.  Better bring your “Poker Face” as well. 

The Setai Hotel in sunny South Beach is a lavish and exclusive escape from all that ails you; one step into the intricate lobby and you will understand their concept completely-understated elegance and relaxation.  Top five reasons why the Setai sizzles:

Vending machines, most of us have used them.  Yet at the Mondrian Hotel in stunning South Beach, the concept of the vending machine has been taken to an entirely new level-to the top actually.  The vending machine at the Mondrian is a luxury vending machine.  Yes, you did read that correctly.  Guests can obtain high dollar items without venturing from the hotel lobby-we know shopping can be exhausting.

November 1st 2009 cannot come sooner for racing fans, as the Formula 1 raceway circuit on Yas Island-Abu Dhabi nears completion just in time for the climax of the World Championship season.  Yas Island is just off the coast of Abu Dhabi, and Yas Marina Circuit is a short drive from the capital city of the UAE and international airport.

South Florida’s real estate market, notably the condominium sector, has been on a roller-coaster ride throughout recent months, much like the rest of the United States. 

South Beach is an oceanside playground for celebrities, and an invigorating mix of international locals and travelers.  Chic and sophisticated, the city by the sea is also home to some of the world’s best hotels.  South Beach truly has it all-the best beaches, shopping, fashion, upscale dining, lavish entertainment options, exotic rental cars, nightclubs, and of course, luxury hotels with the best in amenities and concierge service.

We at Imagine Lifestyles are a source of all that is South Florida luxury, most especially South Beach, and for that reason we often compile helpful lists of our top favorite things.  Following are our top picks for the best luxury hotels in South Beach:

•    The W Hotel
•    Setai
•    The Ritz-Carlton
•    Hilton Bentley Miami/South Beach
•    Shore Club

The W Hotel-Residences, Hotel and Lounge.  The W Hotel encompasses all that is South Beach, and then gives you a little more.  The W Hotel is a beachfront Oasis, complete with a private beach area, residences, impeccable cuisine, a spa, refreshing pool and a posh nightclub called The Wall.  The W Hotel features 312 rooms and bungalows with striking views of the marbled Atlantic with its signature W beds.  Located amid the heart of Miami’s hottest nightlife spots, it is also a convenient place to position yourself for your South Beach stay.

The Setai.  The perfect oceanfront setting, The Setai is a private, posh and signature hotel, condominium and resort featuring tropical gardens, glittering pools and amazing rooms.  The soft Asian traditional appeal throughout is relaxing and elegant. This luxury South Beach hotel truly sets the tone for all that is Miami’s seaside excellence, in proximity to the upscale dining, nightclubs and of course shopping!  The Setai features a world-class spa and health club, high-end restaurant and bar.  It makes our list because it is a 5-star jewel of a hotel destination.

The Ritz-Carlton.  The Ritz-Carlton’s reputation often precedes it, yet in South Beach they truly continue their tradition of pulling out all stops.  An unforgettable escape, this decadent luxury hotel offers all amenities that one expects, with an extraordinary 16,000 foot spa, 375 guest rooms including two poolside lanai wings, delectable restaurant, elegant bar and a 20,000 square foot compilation of meeting and conference space.  Steps from Lincoln Road, a 10-block stretch of the best nightlife, shopping and dining, The Ritz-Carlton is in the center of South Beach hotspots.

Hilton-Bentley Miami/South Beach.  In the world of luxury hotels, Hilton is on top.  One of the finest South Beach upscale hotels is Hilton’s Bentley Beach.  This amazing hotel features a prime seaside location and a luxurious array of amenities including elegantly furnished suites, European kitchens, views of the ocean and city skyline, terraces, plasma TVs, lavish and large marble bathrooms, upscale dining, fitness areas, pool, and complete concierge service of course.  The Hilton makes our list of top 5 luxury hotels in South Beach for its attention to detail, and impeccable service standards, all in proximity to all of the city’s hotspots.

Shore Club.  Last but certainly not least on our top five list is Shore Club.  This elegant South Beach hotel was designed by famed British architect David Chipperfield, complete with a landmarked Art Deco lobby and labyrinth of gardens.  Radiant with charisma, this hotel is also home to Sky bar and popular upscale restaurant Nobu.  You will find all luxury amenities at Shore Club, as well as an eclectic and provocative mix of international marketplaces in its décor.  But don’t take our word for it!  Super Bowl XLIV is fast approaching in terms of reservations, and we have just handed you five of the best ideas for Miami Super Bowl Accomodations.  You are thinking now, so don’t overlook the need for a hot set of wheels to burn up the city streets, a luxury rental car Miami style is a must to match your breathtaking luxury vacation! 
       

Post by Imagine Lifestyles Luxury Rentals
 
 

Upscale and anticipated, The W Hotel in South Beach has begun to roll out the red carpet, hosting a soft opening to get the ball rolling in preparation for the grand opening.  The luxury hotel is located at 2201 Collins Avenue, amid all of the fine and exotic dining options, exhilarating entertainment, and couture a guest or resident can handle!  Ahh the suite life.

Indulgence is an expectation when visiting South Florida, and especially South Beach, famed and flocked to for its impeccable and outrageous variety of amenities.  South Beach boasts striking views of the sparkling Atlantic coastline, with hues the color of the Caribbean.  The W Hotel offers its guests or residents access to all of the luxury amenities in the area-jet skiing, boating, fishing, snorkeling, shopping, nightclub venues, international cuisine and the list goes on. 

We at Imagine Lifestyles will keep you posted for the official W-Hotel Grand Opening; we are looking forward to catching another glamorous glimpse of the stunning and upcoming addition to our neighborhood.

Post by Imagine Lifestyles Luxury Rentals

The 2010 Pro Bowl and then, Super Bowl XLIV seem forever away but now is the time to  book you stay! The NFL has once again been awarded the 2010 Super Bowl to Miami, Florida because, honestly, why not?  It will be the record breaking tenth time Miami is hosting the mega-melee. Making Miami the only place to be next January/February. Best book your accommodations and reservations now because the beach is booking fast.

The number one place to stay on Miami Beach will be the W Hotel & Residences because it is the newest construction on the beach; not to mention, has Mr. Chow's restaurant, the Living Room beach club and Bliss Spa. The luxurious Setai Hotel & Residences, next door, will book just as fast. Or opt to stay a few minutes off the beach in a luxury building like the Icon, resort amenities sans the hotel part.  There aren't very many luxury buildings on MIami Beach that can offer it all, here are three and if you want the best then here you go. Bet on the Super Bowl, not your hotel.