Luxury Living Blog

Take Your Luxury Car to the Track

Own a luxury car and ache to realize its full potential?  Take it to the track!  It is absolutely astounding how many drivers and owners (yes, you may also try a luxury rental car at a track) fail to realize that they can take their dream machines to an actual racetrack and enjoy them in their element.

So now that we all know that you do not have to be a famous racecar driver to hit the track, let’s talk about why it is awesome.  First off, there is nowhere else that enables a driver to pick up advanced skills moreRichard Petty Driving Experience Jared safely and rapidly.

On a racetrack, you can (legally) obtain a feel for what your luxury car is actually capable of, in a controlled environment that provides more safety.  Perhaps long ago it was acceptable to carve into the side of a mountain with your bitch-fast car, as there was less traffic, law enforcement, and punishments, but now it is advised against.  So a smoke-signal to my fellow driving enthusiasts to take your performance cars to the track is in order!

On-track events for driving enthusiasts can be found through your favorite motorsport companies, depending who is hosting an event.  You may also contact specific racetracks to inquire their process for novice drivers using the track. 

If you find the idea of driving on a track intimidating, know that the rewards outweigh the effort it takes to get your car on a track!  You will receive expert advice to improve your visual habits, reaction times, and ability to know the limits and handling of your car.  With all the benefits, why not take a few laps with a master instructor?

Before you decide to hit the track, always make sure your car is prepared.  For example, have your brakes and tires inspected and know that driving on the track is going to strain them faster than regular roads will.  For that reason you will need your car inspected before and after your glorious track time.

Do not have your own?  Try a luxury rental car to take to the track and pick up skills!  You may also enter the Ferrari Challenge with a Ferrari rental, but please practice beforehand if you plan to rent one of ours!  May I recommend the Richard Petty Driving Experience?  Follow link to see our Jared tearing it up Richard Petty style!

 

 

 

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Chicago's Top 5 Spas

Top 5 Non-Hotel Spas in Chicago

Does the summer of 2010 have you and your body stressed out?  It might be a simple case of too much going on at the office, or too much of the kids and spouse at home, or maybe even just too many rounds of golf under the hot summer sun.   Whatever the cause, Imagine Lifestyles has just the answer to erase all the stress and rejuvenate your body for the month of August.  Listed below are Imagine Lifestyles top 5 spas to visit in Chicago that are not located within a hotel. 

1.)    Ruby Room
2.)    Tirra
3.)    Kira Spa
4.)    Spacio
5.)    Joseph Michael’s Salon & Spa

1.) Ruby Room (1743 W. Division) As soon as you walk through the doors of this river north establishment the owners main goal is to convey their “Style of Wellness” motto to every service they offer.  This full-service spa started in 2002 as a relatively small space in a loft and has since expanded into a 13,000 square foot mega spa.  Imagine Lifestyles will argue with anyone that the Ruby Room offers one of the best facials in the city.  We are also very excited about trying one of their overnight guest rooms, which allows guests full access to the spa and all its features.  The overnight rooms do not include a television or telephone either, which ensures maximum relaxation as you embark towards your own personal “Style of Wellness.” Make sure if decide to stay the night have one of our Chicago luxury rental cars outside waiting for you to tour the city.

2.) Tirra (375 W. Erie) Our apologies real quick to the ladies, but we are going to focus on the men for this spa since they offer one of the most extensive male-only menus in the city.  Tirra offers all of the standard hair services for men that most salons provide.  However, Tirra takes everything a little bit farther than the competition to provide the ultimate in relaxation.  After the hair cut, and style, and 10-minute scalp massage, guys can move on to a manicure or pedicure, a facial, or a shoulder and neck massage to complete their spa experience.  Chicago SpaTop this off with a Lamborghini rental and your day is complete.

3.) Spacio (2706 N. Halsted) We chose Spacio because on top of their traditional spa services they offer they have also transformed into a medically based spa as well.  Teaming up with founding partner, Dr. Tom Klein, Spacio has continued to adapt to the advances in science and medicine and brought the latest and greatest in cosmetic injectables to their spa.  The use of these medical services as well as the traditional allows the staff at Spacio to transcend the everyday spa experience.

4.) Kiva (196 E. Pearson) Kiva Day Spa, a proud member of the Halcyon Days Salons and Spas group, is one of just 40 member spas belonging to this elite society.  The spa will provide each customer with their own individual sanctuary where they can escape the rigors of everyday life.  Our favorite part of the experience at this particular spot is the friendliness of the staff.  Do not be surprised on your second, third, or fourth visit if the staff continues to remember you by name as well as remembering your personal preferences of the spa experience. 

5.) Joseph Michael’s Salon and Spa
(1313 N. Ritchie Court) Fresh off the ribbon-cutting ceremony of their new location, JM Spa is still delivering on its’ reputation as one of Chicago’s finest spas.  Imagine Lifestyles recommends “Transcendence” as the ultimate spa experience.  It includes 6.5 hours of absolute bliss and relaxation as the amazing staff takes you through a journey that most hope will never end.  It is hard to decide if the massage or facial takes the cake as the best feature of the package and in all honesty the other four aspects of the package could also be considered the best.

All of this talk about massages, facials, and overall happiness has me in the mood to give one of these wonderful spas a call to make an appointment.  Keep Imagine Lifestyles in mind as you plan your special spa day as we can assist with all of your transportation to and from whatever salon you choose.  The last thing you are going to want to do is drive off from the relaxing spa day and jump into traffic and immediately get thrown back into the realization of living in downtown Chicago.  Arrange for a luxury car chauffeur through Imagine Lifestyles Chicago to complete your spa day.

 

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Ultimate Porsche Collectors Item-$3,000 Limited Edition Book

If you are a luxury car enthusiast, you may also love luxury car memorabilia.  For the Porsche lovers, German luxury publisher tenuous is about to unleash a limited edition book on the famous brand accompanied by a signed and numbered photographic print.  All of this can be yours, for the bargain price of $3,000. 

Only 50 copies of The Porsche Book collector’s edition will be released and it boasts some of the most stunning Porsche images captured in the world.  Some of the images were taken by designer Frank M. Orel, and others were selected by him, but all have passed his critical expert eye and made it into the book.   Orel collaborated with the Porsche Museum team in Stuttgart, Germany on the luxury masterpiece of memorabilia, both adding their passion and perspective to the project.

Orel has been occupied for the past 12 years winning awards for his scrumptious Porsche calendars, and serving as the editor of two previous volumes dedicated to the legendary luxury car:  Generation Porsche and Porsche Icons.   Porsche Calendars and Memorabilia

The latest edition will feature 24 chapters including more than 200 vivid full-color photos of Porsches spanning the history of the models, racecars and rare editions.  It is enough to make any gearhead fall in love all over again; we may be blushing at it as if it were a pin-up calendar.

While it is not as exhilarating as say a Porsche rental, this is sure to be the next best thing to the real thing, and the 50 lucky owners will certainly have something to brag about!

 

 

 

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Auto Energy Efficiency Meets Ingenuity AKA One Badass Sports Car

Students at DeLaSalle School in Missouri were fortunate to have the elite assistance of Bridgestone America when they created the most energy efficient electric car to date (according to claims).

So how efficient is the auto?  Reports claim this car can obtain 300 miles per gallon, a figure that has me run over.  If this is true it is certainly a milestone for Bridgestone and the students, who have already applied for a slot in the prestigious Guinness Book of World Records. 

The car has been designed, engineered and tested both at Bridgestone’s technical center in Ohio and racetrack in Texas.  It is built on the chassis of a 2000 Lola Indy F1-style racing car.  That is about where the similarity ends!   It has been extensively customized with extremely lightweight materials, frame and a unique see-through plastic body. 

I am not going to say that this car is aesthetically pleasing due to this cheap clear plastic coat, but I would have to take the stance that this is a minor flaw when compared to a 300 mile per gallon fuel sipper!  The wheels are obviously Bridgestone, the Ecopia EP100 model, and also assist the green cause, providing increased fuel efficiency by avoiding rolling resistance.

The all-electric powertrain minimizes energy loss, and carbon footprints along with it.  Various other tweaks of ingenuity have resulted in an unprecedented car that should see production and save the planet, in a perfect world.  Of course it will not be a mass-production car for a while, if ever, but if anything it will serve as inspiration for consumer-targeted electric cars, that is the hope of the students.  Imagine…Imagine Lifestyles with a fleet of all-electric Ferrari rentals and other luxury hybrid rentals!  Check out our luxury car rentals on your way out.  The future looks bright, bright green!

 

 300 MPG Electric Car

 

 

Post by Imagine Lifestyles Luxury Rentals

Big List: Rare Porsche Nabs Nearly $4 Million and World Record

Attention Steve McQueen and Porsche fans, a rare 1970’s Porsche racecar just destroyed the auction block, fetching a stunning $3,965,000 million at Bonhams & Butterfield’s in Monterey.  This also shatters the world-record for the most expensive Porsche ever sold at auction.  Let’s find out why.

The Porsche is actually a historic and rare ex-Jurgen, similar to the one sported by Steve McQueen in Le Mans.  It is a 1970 Gulf-JWA Le Mans 917K Porsche Interserie Spyder, so try saying that three times fast.  Racecars generally boast lengthy names, in efforts to give credit to various people or innovation. 

There were plenty of exotic cars present to pine for, 102 to be exact.  Also auctioned were an airplane and a boat from the three collections of Michael Amalfitano. 

The auction was a huge success, with 74% of the 104 pieces sold.  It was held during the annual Monterey Peninsula Car Week, which remains a headliner for luxury car sales worldwide.

In total, Bonhams & Butterfields were able to raise a total of $18.6 million, with the Porsche 917 (I’ve opted to abbreviate for obvious reasons) contributing the staggering $4 million.  Not a bad day, and a stellar culmination of a mere two-day event, even for a 217-year-old auction house and international domain of automobiles with an impeccable reputation.  

 

$4 Million Dollar Porsche 917

Other big items unloaded at the luxury auction included:
 

•    A 1930 Mercedes-Benz 7.1-liter SS Tourer for $2,537,000
•    The ex-works, Gerhard Mitter/Lucien Bianchi Nurburgring 1000 kms-leading 1967 Porsche 910 Endurance Racing Works Coupe for $797,000
•    The ex-J.Herbert Carpenter, Western Reserve Historical Society, Joe Tracy 1908 Thomas Flyer 4-60 Tourer for $733,000
•    The ex-Ernst Loof racing team, Sandizell-owned 1937 BMW 328 Roadster for $667,000
 

 

Follow links to check out our fleet of luxury rental cars, aircraft charter and luxury yacht charters available in Miami, South Beach, New York, Chicago and LA.   Click Here to see our full items on our Imagine Lifestyles Luxury List.
 

 

 

 

 

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Ask Imagine: First Time Luxury Car Renter

Dear Imagine Lifestyles,

I like to scan your website for stories and information on awesome cars.  My birthday is coming up soon, and I think I want to rent a luxury car for the first time.  The problem is that I am overwhelmed by the options, can you recommend a good first time luxury car rental? 

After checking out all of your cars, I have only narrowed it down to the fact that I prefer a convertible, and not a luxury SUV rental this time. 

Any input is appreciated greatly, and I am really excited to try this out.
 

 

Thanks,
Toby, Miami, FL
 

 

 

 

 

Hello Toby,
Imagine Lifestyles Luxury Rentals Miami
Thanks for reaching out with your luxury car rental needs; you have certainly come to the right people.  We are the source of luxury living in Miami, South Beach, New York, Chicago and LA, positioning ourselves to assist our clients with all luxury car rentals, aircraft charter, yacht charters, luxury property rentals and more.  We are delighted to recommend a first-time luxury convertible rental for you!

I am going to suggest our Ferrari F430 Spider rental, and our Porsche 911 convertible for your first experience.  Both offer superior driving experiences, color schemes, power and they are in different pricing brackets, so you can choose the budget you are most comfortable with. 

Our Ferrari F430 Spider is in classic Ferrari red, with plush tan leather interior, perfect for Miami.  It is about to take a back seat this year to the newest Ferrari, the 458 Italia, making it an ideal time to rent it, and compare it to the new addition.  This car looks and feels great, especially cruising down Ocean Avenue generating attention. 

The Porsche 911 convertible is more modestly priced, yet just as dazzling to drive.  Who doesn’t love a Porsche rental?  And ours boasts a hot white coat with red leather interior, exquisite.  This exotic car rental looks amazing in South Beach, and any valet is going to happily help you out as quickly as possible when you pull up! 

If neither of my suggestions are what you had in mind, we have plenty more luxury convertible rentals Miami to go over with you, we look forward to connecting with you for your birthday adventure!  It will be an experience you will be happy to repeat, just ask any of our clients and friends.
 

 

Thanks Toby,

Sincerely,
Imagine Lifestyles

 

 

 

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This Week in Chicago: Tall Ships Invade Chicago

This Week in Chicago: August 23-29

In less than 17 hours, twenty tall ships from around the world will sail into Navy Pier for a weeklong celebration.  Pepsi is sponsoring the Tall Ships Chicago 2010 tour this year and will be adding some exciting additions.  These majestic and historic ships will all be located at Navy Pier for the first time in history.  Guests will be able to board up to 12 of the ships and will also have the option to take a cruise onto Lake Michigan via five of the vessels.  For those who love ships, yachts and boats this event is perfect for you.Tall Ships Chicago

The ships will be docked at three Festival locations within Navy Pier all week.  Guests will have three different options for tickets to the event. The first option is general admission to the festival grounds, which includes viewing of all 20 ships.  The second option is a dockside boarding ticket, which will allow boarding of 12 ships along with general admission and dockside viewing.  The final ticket option is a sail-away ticket, allowing for a 60-90 minute sailing excursion on one of the historic tall ships.  This is the perfect event to drive up in one of our Chicago exotic car rentals.

Whether you have always had a fascination with early nautical vessels or just think pirate ships are cool Navy Pier will offer plenty of excitement this weekend.  Tickets are still available and the weather forecast should allow for some beautiful days of sailing on Lake Michigan.  This once-in-a-lifetime experience will be perfect for adults and children alike.  Head on out to Chicago’s famous Navy Pier all week long and catch some of the Tall Ships 2010 action. 

If you are in need of the vip treatment for this special even let Imagine Lifestyles do all the planning.  From a chauffeured car, luxury rental car or concierge treatment, Imagine Lifestyles will make sure all the details are taken care of. 

 

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Top 10 Reasons Why Luxury Has its Ups and Downs

Advantages & Disadvantages of Being RichHave you ever thought that things would be ‘perfect’, if only you had more money?  Fantasizing that all of those miniscule issues like bills would suddenly evaporate into a green cloud of awesomeness?  While I love the luxury lifestyle, it does umm, pay, to observe both ends of the spectrum.  Here are some pros and cons of being rich that may interest you and make you feel better about having less!
 

What?  You mean life is not just peachy when you are rich?  Hell no!  Being rich presents a whole new set of issues that must be dealt with, including:

 

•    Paranoia of losing wealth
•    Anxiety of falling behind.  Ironically, the wealthy often fear that they will be unable to improve their current status
•    Boredom.  I do not think I would have this problem, as I love to travel and know where to hang out, but many are clueless and become stagnant and under-stimulated
•    Increased risk of lawsuits and ID theft, other frivolous crimes against the rich
    Less time with the family, possible spoiled kids.  It is hard to be at home when you are maintaining your financial empire, and your kids may never learn the value of a dollar and end up like Paris Hilton or comparable clueless heiress trash.  Shiver. 

 

Yes, it is quite amazing how a luxury lifestyle can increase   financial worries, when most think it would alleviate them.   It seems that once people have achieved a minimum level of financial well being, making more money fails to please them.  The rich feel compelled to have the most current luxury car, season tickets, private jet charter and yachts in order to keep up with the Jones’s.  Sound familiar? 

Suddenly, maybe you don’t feel like comparing your castle in the suburbs to your ‘rich’ friends many properties and feeling inadequate. 
 

 

I am no  ‘Debbie Downer’, however, and certainly know the perks of being rich, including:
 

•    Freedom.  Nearly absolute freedom to do what you want, when you want and how you want to do it.
    Social status (this matters to many)
    Expensive hobbies (I smell rubber, very expensive rubber on a racetrack)
    Ability to afford the finer things, like say a brand new Ferrari F430 Spider, luxury vacations, luxury properties, luxury car rentals whenever, clothes, art, jewelry, insane wardrobe, celebrity friends and more.
    The ability to donate, handsomely, to the causes of your choice
 

 

Feel free to chime in, readers, with points I may have missed in my brainstorm! 
 

 

 

 

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Top 5 Car Rental Scams to Avoid

Lamborghini Gallardo Rental Wouldn’t life be so much easier if you could easily conduct business transactions without having to ‘watch your back’ constantly?  It seems to be the most frustrating in the automotive arena, with sales people, mechanics and even unsavory rental car people.  Here are some tips for avoiding luxury rental car scams and practices.

Renting a car or luxury car should be a simple and straightforward deal.  But as things often go, many rental car companies are just out there trying to scam and squeeze their customers. 

At Imagine Lifestyles, our clients are repeat clients, and we teach them how to avoid sketchy rental car practices.  When our clients are renting luxury cars in cities around the world where we do not have a fleet, they feel confident using our tips to avoid scams.

It is important as a consumer to know the car rental company’s policies and your rights.  Not all of these policies are scams per se, but if you are not aware of them they can certainly seem that way.

 

Here's how to protect yourself when you rent a car and exotic rental car:

1.    Always read the contract before signing it, you have no idea what you may be agreeing to

2.    Fill the tank completely before you return the car; you have no idea what their ‘Fuel fee’ may be.   Keep your receipt.

3.    If your plans change and you will not need the rental car, notify them immediately.  Every company will have a different policy, and you do not want a potentially lofty ‘no show’ fee for a car you did not use

4.    Know the limits of your own insurance policy, and speak with your agent about its limits with regard to renting cars.  You want to make sure you are covered and do not want to purchase additional insurance for the rental unless it is needed.  If you are renting a luxury car, your current auto policy may not be enough to cover the cost of replacing it, these are questions you need answered by your agent.

5.    Pick up and return the rental car on time.  If you are early or late, you are subject to additional fees.  Plus, there may be someone waiting for that Lamborghini rental next, you wouldn’t want to be the one left waiting!
 

 

We hope you find these tips useful for your traveling rental car needs, don’t miss out on our fleet of luxury car rentals, yacht charters and aircraft charter on your way out!

 

 

 

 

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Luxury Yacht Charters Offer Unparalleled Way to Experience South Florida

Not only is South Florida flocked to by scads of tourists annually, it also happens to lay claim to the title of the ‘yachting capital of the East coast’.  With hundreds of miles of intercoastal waterways weaving throughout the lower corner of the Sunshine state, it is also lovingly referred to as the Venice of the United States.  So what does that mean for you?

Yes, with plenty of dock space, luxury waterfront hotels, inlets and waterways to explore, South Florida draws in mega yachts, luxury yachts, sport yachts, boats and many other vessels from all over the world.  South Florida is also just a short jaunt to the Bahamas, a popular tourist attraction and the Florida Keys.

There is never a shortage of entertainment in Miami.  Miami is brimming with exotic cuisine fromSouth Florida Yachting every corner of the globe, non-stop nightlife, haute couture, luxury hotels, celebrities and luxury rental cars rolling down Ocean Avenue.  And those are just the things available in South Beach and Miami!

Private yachts from all over come to the waters of South Florida, to experience our turquoise and blue marbled waters and year-round sunshine.  The weather in South Florida is semi-tropical, with the best months to visit being between October through May.  If you like it hot, summers here are generally smoldering, that is why I recommend the winter months. 

Don’t exactly own a yacht?  Not to worry, fellow luxury lovers, you can always charter a yacht.  Your Captain will take care of every detail for you, allowing you to just soak in the sun, salt and sand!  I also recommend the gourmet dinner onboard, and lavish cocktails at sunset!  It is the best way to travel in South Florida, and the city lights reflecting off of the intercoastal waterways at night are amazing.

We have a luxury yacht charter size to suit every need, from a mega yacht charter to a sport yacht charter.  Follow links to take a sneak peek at our luxury yacht fleet, because there are some things you just can’t do on land.

 

 South Florida Satellite

 

 

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