Luxe Beat Featured Articles

In keeping with our promise to provide Shoot Like a Pro photography tips, this time we’ll delve deeper into fish photography. Photographing fish is widely considered to be the most rewarding specialty in underwater photography. In his book, Mastering Underwater Photography, renowned fish photographer, Carl Roessler , dubbed it “the ultimate undersea skill.” While an entire book could be written on...

“Look out for polar bears!” People would say this whenever we mentioned we were going on a ten-day polar expedition cruise above the Arctic Circle. Call us crazy but polar bears happened to be one of the main reasons why we journeyed to the “Cold Coast,” an old Norse word for Svalbard . In Norway’s northernmost archipelago, polar bears roam free. However, the tourism brochures take creative licens...

In his best-selling book, “The Silent World”, Captain Jacques-Yves Cousteau waxed poetically about his intrepid 50-fathom dives into the zone of rapture, that precarious depth where… “divers become like drunken gods”. Cousteau was recounting his early experiences deep diving under the mind-numbing effects of nitrogen narcosis. He described these intoxicating seizures as “l’ivresse des grandes prof...

“Death is nothing, but to live defeated and inglorious is to die daily.”~ Napoléon Bonaparte “That was the greatest and finest moment of my life!” a smallish man in a white raincoat proclaimed loudly as he exited the domed church at the Hotel des Invalides in Paris . Moments before, this man stood trembling with excitement and removed his cap out of respect as he gazed for a long time at an ornate...

“Observing these magnificent prima ballerinas underwater is akin to having a front row, center seat, to an aquatic dance.” Signaling our arrival at Norris Rocks, a chain of wave-lashed rocky islets situated off Hornby Island , on the eastern edge of Vancouver Island, we’re hailed with a cacophonous choir of guttural barks. The large colony of Steller sea lions hauled out on these barren rocks were...

If you can’t swing a trip to Hawaii or Bali this winter, but still want to be immersed in a tropical environment, head to the Seattle Aquarium’s new Ocean Pavilion . Here you’ll come face-to-face with a leopard shark, spotted eagle rays and a host of colorful tropical fish to put you in an island getaway mood.  Opened just several months ago, this expansive 50,000-square-foot building is unlike an...

It’s long been known that walking through a town, or through the countryside, is one of the best ways to discover a place. In his book A Philosophy of Walking, French philosopher Frédéric Gros suggested that walking is a route to entirely being ourselves and experiencing the sublime. Indeed, the inherent solitude one experiences while solo hiking has been known to open the floodgates to self-exami...

Breathtaking fjords, majestic glaciers, and spectacular wildlife are high on the adventure list of reasons to visit Norway. What many people may not realize is that Norway offers a lot of other exciting diversions that may on the surface seem to be less adventurous, but they are no less intriguing. In a country whose history spans beyond 10,000 years, it’s not surprising that Norway has approximat...

When someone says “Miami,” I always think of South Beach and Cuban food. That’s a good thing. I love the energy and ocean views of South Beach and Cuban cuisine isn’t widely available here I live, so it’s always a treat. But downtown Miami has its charms, too, which I learned on my most recent trip. I stayed downtown at the Gale Miami, and with the exception of a quick detour to dip my toes in the...

10 Oaks, the signature steakhouse restaurant at the JW Marriott San Antonio Hill Country Resort and Spa , is now serving a Sunday brunch so good you’ll want to plan your weekend around it. This impressive, sprawling luxury resort is one of the top places to stay in San Antonio. It’s about a 30-minute drive from the popular River Walk, but the resort has a secluded energy that’s hard to pass up, if...

The Allure of Central Vietnam With six wins in seven years as  Asia's Leading Destination at the World Travel Awards—and five consecutive wins as the World's Leading Heritage Destination —Vietnam is no longer an emerging star. It's a crown jewel of Asian travel, drawing in discerning travelers with its cultural richness, natural beauty, and evolving sense of modern luxury. Yet while Hanoi's vibran...

The new Margaritaville Lake Tahoe  opened nestled near the South Shore of Lake Tahoe. Surrounded by the stunning Sierra Nevada Mountains, the resort has a Mountain Latitude and Island Attitude. This is Margaritaville's first ski destination. Winter & Springtime Fun The all-suites resort is within a block to Heavenly’s gondola and walking distance the lake. During the winter months, the resort...

With exquisite Riesling and fine dining, visitors will find an irresistible getaway at Moselschlὂsschen Spa & Resort, in Germany’s Mosel Valley. But it’s the opulent spa that is undoubtedly the crown jewel of the property, attracting guests from around the globe.  Wellness, Mindfulness at Luxury Resort Sunlight poured through the windows of the yoga and meditation room at the elegant Moselschl...

Du 29 avril au 28 mai, l’opéra Bastille donne une nouvelle production du Trittico ( le Triptyque ) de Puccini dans une mise en scène de Christof Loy sous la baguette de Carlo Rizzi . Trois opéras de natures différentes qui montrent juxtaposés l’étendue du génie du compositeur italien. Contrairement à ce que Puccini avait ordonné lui-même, le metteur en scène allemand fait commencer l’œuvre par l’o...

From April 29 to May 28, the Opéra Bastille presents a new production of Puccini’s Trittico ( Triptych ), directed by Christof Loy and conducted by Carlo Rizzi . Three operas of different natures, all juxtaposed to demonstrate the breadth of the Italian composer’s genius. Contrary to Puccini’s own instructions, the German director begins the work with the opera buffa Gianni Schicchi , continues wi...

What are you doing on Augusts 12th, November 5th and December 13th-14th? If you missed the recent Lyrid meteor shower , you won’t want to miss Venus at its greatest elongation. And you should book your box seat for great shows like The Supermoon and the Geminid shower . Caribbean sunsets and sunrises? Reef break views? Set your sights higher. Aim at the stars. The Point Estate on Moskito Island ha...

Royalty and A-list celebrities all come out at London’s Chelsea Flower Show. This year, it was Sir Elton John and the Princess of Wales’s turn to have roses named after them to help raise money for their favourite charities and good causes. The five-day RHS Chelsea Flower Show, formally known as the Great Spring Show, is held by the  Royal Horticultural Society in the grounds of the  Royal Hospita...

What is required from a hotel room? Opinions vary. For some, a Carrera or Calacatta marble bathroom, Murano glass chandeliers and hand-knotted carpets are basic essentials. For others, your own Damien Hirst original artwork for the night is a must. While others insist on simple prerequisites such as silk-covered walls, a private plunge pool and Jacuzzi, a private kitchen and private terrace dining...

Imagine soft, powdery white sand beneath your feet, the endless shimmer of turquoise waters, and more seashells than you’ve ever seen in your life. Welcome to Sanibel and Captiva — two enchanting barrier islands on Florida’s Gulf Coast, a delightfully scenic drive from Fort Myers. Known for its laid-back lifestyle and untouched natural beauty, these islands offer the ultimate escape from your dail...

Seventeen miles from Paris and within the grounds of the Château de Versailles, Airelles Château de Versailles, Le Grand Contrôle hotel offers views over the 1663 Le Vau Orangerie, the 3.7 acre d’Eau des Suisses and the former de facto capital of France. As well as the chance of living like an Austrian archduchess, dauphine and royal consort, being addressed as the “Widow Capet” or “Madame Deficit...

Gingham isn’t all Kansas. It’s worldwide. Dorothy Gale has her gingham goddess rivals. Pippa and Winnie. In England and Wales. The MGM lot, Culver City mid-American look is now an international one. “Gingham speaks to all age groups. It is loved worldwide and will be loved for many years to come.” To read the full article by Elaine Pilley visit Luxe Beat Magazine.

If you’ve ever dreamed of stepping into a Wild West movie—riding across sun-drenched hills, tossing back a whiskey in a frontier saloon, or bedding down in a jail cell turned guest room—then saddle up. As someone who’s exploring dude ranches across the American West, I can tell you Tombstone Monument Ranch & Cattle Company isn’t just a place—it’s an experience. Let me take you on a journey thr...

Margazhi is the Tamil month running from 15 Nov-15 Jan when Chennai , formerly known as Madras, pulsates with over a hundred classical musical and dance concerts every night. This is the season of festivities and clement climes luring tourists. The South Indian city is captivating international travellers with its unique blend of culture, contemporary cool and indeed cocktails! Planning to visit M...

Of all the great food cultures I’ve been interested in, Italy is easily in the top three. Who among us Americans hasn’t had spaghetti, lasagna, or pizza? Whether we realize it or not, Italian food makes its way into our lives. When I got the invitation to visit Castello di Albola , I jumped on the offer. Thanks to a story I wrote about the 1804 Inn at Barboursville Vineyards , Luca Pascina passed...

If you live in the Seattle area and crave a quick getaway, there are numerous options. But if your caveats include a scenic waterfront, top rated dining options and an upscale property with all the creature comforts, you’ll find the Woodmark Hotel & Still Spa in Kirkland checks all the boxes. This boutique hotel is located on the picturesque shores of Lake Washington and boasts the Olympic Mou...