The 2007 Mercedes-Benz GL450

In a Class of Its Own, is an adventurous SUV with luxurious amenities, plenty of space, and ample power. The optional features are magnificent. The sound system offers a Harman/Kardon LOGIC7 audio system with rear audio plugs, and there is a mounted auxiliary input for MP3 players, including iPods, in the glovebox. The rear-seat entertainment package offers two screens and two sources, which are mounted into the front-seat head restraints. There is a tilt-and-telescopic steering column, and the front seats are heated and powered with eight-way movement.

At 200 inches long and 75 inches wide, the compact-parking-only spaces might be a tad tight. Inside the GL450 has three rows of seats and comfortably accommodates seven passengers. When all the seats are folded down, there is over 80 cubic feet of available storage. Its towing capacity is 7,500 pounds. The SUV is powered by a 4.6 liter, V-8 engine that provides 335 horsepower. The vehicle's seven-speed adaptive transmission quickly adapts to a driver's ways and then shifts itself accordingly.

The GL450's permanent four-wheel drive ensures a comfortable ride through all types of weather and terrain, and it is the only full-sized SUV with unit-body construction. Visit MBZ's informative website for all details on the GL450.

For LxM James Rothaar

2007 Maserati MC12

Million-Dollar Baby, As the world curiously awaits the return of a classic with the debut of the new Maserati GrandTurismo at the upcoming 77th Geneva International Motor Show, we thought taking a look at another supercar by Maserati would offer some variety. The beastly 2007 Maserati MC12 is a mid-engine, two-seater with a removable top and rear-wheel drive. There is a racing and a road version of this beautiful behemoth. The incomparable know-how gathered from Maserati Ferrari Group's racetrack experience is packed in to the MC12's 630-horsepower, six-liter V-12 engine. It has a top speed around 205 mph and goes from zero to 62 mph in 3.8 seconds. The MC12 features a six-speed Maserati Cambiocorsa transmission with an electro-hydraulic gearbox with paddles located behind the steering wheel.

The transmission has a sport mode and a racing mode. Sports mode provides more traction, while racing mode is more suitable for the oval tracks. The dual double-wishbone suspension with a push-rod design makes for easy handling under any circumstances. The 19-inch, aluminum-alloy wheels accentuate the vehicle?s racy bodylines. The car's roof is removable. The interior is classic Maserati, neat and understated. The steering wheel and seats are made from carbon fiber and trimmed precisely with perforated blue leather.

The high-containment seats are made of carbon fiber with the shoulder area and outsides in the same perforated blue leather. The upper portion of the steering wheel is slightly flattened for better grip. The titanium backdrop for the instrument panels, which are set around a centered speedometer, enhances the subtle sophistication of the MC12's interior symmetry. The foot pedals are aluminum and the floor mats are rubber. The road-driven version of the Maserati MC12 is available only in white with a blue trim. The colors stem from a racing tradition that dates back to the early 1960s. Topless or with a roof, this is a brutishly handsome sports car with a gnarly engine, an absorbing suspension, and an unchallengeable pedigree of a champion. The base price of the 2007 Maserati MC12 is a cool $1.25 million.

For LxM James Rothaar

Automaker: Maserati

Ariel Atom

Jay Leno, America's most popular car collector and host of the Tonight Show, received the very first Ariel Atom 2 produced in the U.S. This little demon is an F1-inspired racecar that anyone can own. The Ariel Atom, which was first developed in 2000, is for one and only one type of driver - an unadulterated fiend for speed, performance, and fun! An entire page of emboldened exclamation points falls short of describing the giddiness and excitement this two-seat racecar delivers to an adrenaline junkie. The magnitude of the acceleration from driving this car around a track might just pull the skin right off of a face! Brammo Motorsports is licensed to make the Atom Ariel 2 in the U.S. UK-based Ariel Motor Company produces the Atom abroad. The U.S. version deploys a General Motors' Ecotec 2.0 L SC engine, while Ariel uses a Honda IVTEC. Both engines produce around 300 horsepower, which does sound somewhat laid back for an asphalt rocket of this nature. However, with the Atom's weight just a tad over 1,000 pounds, the vehicle's weight to power ratio, 4.10 to 1, is comparable to the McLaren F1, the Bugatti Veyron 16.4, and the Ferrari Enzo. It goes from zero to 60 mph faster than you can say "Porsche Carrera" (2.8 seconds). The Bugatti Veyron 16.4, which costs $1.34 million, does it in 2.5 seconds. The Atom's price range is $35,000 to $75,000. The car's chassis and body are one and the same. It has a tubular steel frame that houses two seats, four tires, two lights, a steering wheel, an engine, and, thankfully, an excellent set of brakes and safety belts. The perfect pitch of the engine is the Atom's sound system. There is no roof, windshields, and doors. When it accelerates, the aerodynamics from its low, wide shape, nose cone, rear-positioned engine, and front/rear double-wishbone suspension pushes the car down into the road to improve its stability. Although the Atom is available in six colors, it is hard to call it a luxury toy. But since it is neither a street-legal vehicle nor an item available at Wal-Mart, it fits the bill. However, if purchased as a kit car and assembled correctly with all the extra goodies added on, it may be street legal in some states. But who cares? Driving this badass car on any road with restrictions or impositions would be outright perverse. Simon Saunders, who has designed both cars and motorcycles for some very prestigious manufacturers, is the designer of the Ariel Atom. He set out to create a vehicle that gave drivers the thrill of a motorcycle with the safety of a car. Check out the videos on the company's Web site and see for yourself. Mr. Saunders is a bloody genius!

For LxM James Rothaar

Companies: Ariel Atom Motor Company Ltd./ Brammo Motorsports

The 2008 Audi R8

The Audi R8 is on a mission to put Audi on the same pedestal as those other two prominent and dominant German automobile manufacturers. The R8 is two-seat coupe that draws its great looks from the Lamborghini Gallardo. It revs up to 7,800 RPM and goes from zero to 62 mph in 4.6 seconds and tops out at 187 mph. This is without question Audi's muscle car. It has all-wheel drive and a 420-horsepower 4.2-liter V8, which is positioned behind its two seats. An optimized six-speed manual transmission comes standard, while a direct-shift, six-speed gearbox with a paddle shifter and joystick gear lever is optional. The Audi Space Frame (ASF) is a combination of aluminum and steel that gives the vehicle better stability and quicker acceleration.

The R8's suspension automatically adapts to driving conditions and can be set on either "normal" or "sport." However, it is quite the stretch to call anything "normal" on this beastly vehicle. The R8 comes directly from the Audi used in Le Mans-series endurance racing. The R10 has replaced it. Its Lamborghini-style looks are intentional with its side blades, full-LED rear lights and illuminated engine compartment. The cockpit is a pure-adrenaline prompter fully complemented by the flat-bottom sport steering wheel. A Bang & Olufsen 12-speaker sound system with 465 digitally amplified watts is specially designed to fit into the coupe's ambiance. The Audi R8 is the most successful prototype LM P1-class vehicle of all time, with its 61 wins in 77 races, 49 pole positions, and 59 fastest laps recorded. It has achieved five victories in the 24 Hours of Le Mans, six consecutive wins of the American Le Mans Series and six consecutive winners at the 12 Hours of Sebring contests.

The 2008 Audi R8 is scheduled for a fall 2007 debut with an anticipated price around $100,000. Germany's other prominent mass automakers had better take notice.

For LxM James Rothaar

Company: Audi USA

Mercedes-Benz McLaren SLR 722 Edition

The stylish, suave, and faster-than-ever Mercedes-Benz McLaren SLR 722 Edition is receiving a lot of attention these days. Unfortunately, MBZ's official Web site has no info on the McLaren SLR 722. The Web site only has information on the 2006 McLaren SLR. The beastly SLR 722 made its world premiere September 2006 at the Paris Motor Show. However, since only 150 of the SLR 722 Editions will be made, it may be somewhat difficult to pick up a new one.

Per McLaren's press release, the five-speed-automatic SLR 722 has over 300 improvements compared to its predecessor. Horsepower is up to 650 from 617, resulting in a zero-to-62 mph (100km/h) rate of 3.6 seconds. Its top speed has increased, as the handmade, 5.5-liter supercharged V-8 exceeds 209 mph. Additionally, the suspension has been refined with stiffer dampers, and the body has been lowered just a tad. The interior has a sportier new look too. Mercedes-Benz's Web site list the price of the base model of the 2006 McLaren SLR at just over $452,000. The McLaren SLR 722 Edition is listed at around $525,000. Compared to other cars deemed to be in the same class, such as the Lamborghini Murciélago Coupe and the Aston Martin V12 Vanquish S Coupe, it is more than a second faster than the Aston Martin from zero to 60 mph, and around 2 mph faster than the Lamborghini's top speed. Keep that in mind the next time you are driving 207 mph. Price-wise, it is no contest, as the SLR 722 is twice as expensive as the Vanquish, and 80 percent more than the Lamborghini.

The MBZ McLaren SLR 722 Edition's name is a tribute to Sir Stirling Moss, who drove an MBZ SLR 300 to the winner's circle at the 1955 Mille Miglia race. The vehicle driven by Moss remains on display today at the Mercedes-Benz Museum at Stuttgart-Untertürkheim.

For LxM James Rothaar

Automaker: Mercedes-Benz; McLaren

Location: Germany

Web site: www.mbusa.com

The Porsche Caymans

Many pundits call the Porsche Cayman models Boxsters with a hardtop. The Cayman (no "S") mid-engine coupe goes from zero to 60 mph in approximately six seconds and has a top track speed of 160 mph. With a bigger engine and an accompanying higher price tag, the Cayman S is a bit faster with its top track speed just over 170 mph, and the S package goes from zero to 60 mph in just a whisker over five seconds. The Cayman delivers 245 horsepower, while the Cayman S has 295 horsepower. A six-speed manual transmission or a six-speed Tiptronic S is available for both models. Both models are speedy enough that if a driver is caught speeding either one, the fine or length of a license suspension should be about the same. Please remember that Porsche, and other responsible land-rocket manufacturers, refers to peak acceleration level of a vehicle as "track speed" and not "pray you never get caught driving at this speed"! A biplane spoiler automatically pops out for added wind resistance and stability when the coupes are driven at 75 mph Beyond the Caymans' standard seats, leather sports seats, power seats, or adaptive sports seats are optional.

Sports seats offer higher side bolsters on the backrest, provide additional lateral support, and have electronic and manual settings like the standard seats. Power-seat adjustments are fully electronically adjustable, while adaptive sports seats combine the best of sports and power seats. Power seats and adaptive sports seats can be pre-set for two drivers via remote control. Two remote controls are provided, so when the car is opened by either of the two remote controls provided, the driver's seat automatically adjusts itself, accordingly. A Bose Surround Sound System is standard on the Cayman S and optional on the Cayman. The Porsche Communications Management system, with its extensive list of features, is optional equipment for both models. Both Caymans' instrumentation panels are traditionally Porsche and easy to read. Additional storage space is innovatively integrated into the dashboard and throughout the vehicles. Storage space in the trunk is good too. The kings of vehicular market research, J.D. Power & Associates, named the curvaceous Porsche Cayman the Highest Ranked Compact Premium Sporty Car in Initial Quality. Visit Porsche's website and design your own car.

For LxM James Rothaar

2007 Mercedes-Benz S550

The 2007 Mercedes-Benz S550 is definitely more luxurious, definitely sportier, and definitely more expensive. However, it may be the most luxurious sedan of its class, which makes that last "more" more palatable. This front-engine, rear-wheel drive, five-passenger sedan is loaded with plushy perks. It has an easy-to-shift seven-speed automatic transmission backed by a powerful 5.5-liter V-8 engine with 382 horsepower and dual-overhead cams. The S550 accelerates from zero to 60 in 5.4 seconds. Its air-suspension system prompts various reviewers to rate it "best-in-class" for comfort and stability. The new Mercedes Distronic Adaptive Cruise Control®, with its two radar frequencies that sweep out 160 yards ahead, sounds a warning beep if it "thinks" the car is closing in too fast on an upcoming vehicle, and it is can break the vehicle up to 20 percent.

The COMMAND® controller, which provides easy and convenient operation of the vehicle's systems, such as audio, climate control, navigation, multi-contour seat adjustments, telephone, and most of vehicle settings, replaces the iDrive® system. The interior is very plush with hand-fitted leather upholstery, head restraints, and center armrests. The steering wheel is trimmed with leather, while the dashboard, control console and doors are highlighted by hand-polished burl walnut. For sound control, the windows are made of double-insulated glass. The multi-adjustable and, yes, massaging seats have a wide variety of settings. The front seats have lumbar control and can be pre-programmed with three options. And the 600-watt Harman/Kardon surround-sound audio system defies description. The S550 is two inches longer this year, measuring 205 inches. It is 58 inches high and tips the scale at 4,270 pounds. The base MSRP is $86,175, but with options added it can easily exceed $105,000. The S550 has a ton of features, which is indicative from its Tolstoy-like lengthy 700-page owner's manual. It's a good thing that it is not required reading before driving this beauty, right? But it is recommended reading.

For LxM James Rothaar

The 2007 Jaguar XK

The 2007 Jaguar XK is the latest model from the formidable luxury vehicle maker. It is Mr. Ian Callum's first design for Jaguar. Callum also designed Aston Martin's sporty DB7. The XK comes in either a coupe or a convertible. The rear-wheel drive offers a six-speed automatic transmission, with shift paddles on the steering column, and it is equipped with either a 4.2-liter V-8 with 300 horsepower or a supercharged 4.2-liter V-8 with 420 horsepower.

The all-aluminum-body vehicle delivers with a smooth ride and very acceptable acceleration. It can go fromzero to 60 mph in six seconds and runs a quarter-mile in just over 15 seconds. In pursuit of ultimate safety, rollover bars do deploy immediately if needed. Additionally, the XK gets up to 19 miles per gallon on premium fuel. The interior is plush and the ride in the front seat is very comfortable. The car's length is 189 inches; the width is 82 inches; and its height is 52 inches. The base price of the Jaguar XK coupe begins at around $76,000, and the convertible's starting price is around $82,000. However, there are plenty of optional goodies one may add to boost the price. After all, it is a Jaguar.

For LxM James Rothaar

The 2007 Bentley GTC

The 2007 Bentley GTC is an all-out awesome vehicle, offering the smoothness of a sedan and the performance of a sports coupe all rolled into one spectacular package. The four-seat convertible, with its 12-cylinder, 6-liter, twin-turbocharged engine, does zero to 60 mph in 4.8 seconds and has a maximum speed of 198 mph. Its driveline is continuous all-wheel drive, and its transmission is a six-speed, automatic. The GTC converts to a convertible in less than 25 seconds too. The Bentley GTC has discrete braking, self-adjusting air springs, a rollover protection system in the rear seats, and front and side airbags. It is just over 189 inches long and 82 plus inches across from mirror to mirror. The coupe rests on 19-inch alloy sports wheels that are offered in seven and nine spokes. Exterior paint can be customized from whites, greens, blacks, reds, browns, and blues with various metallic hues. The interior has plush leathers and exotic wood veneers that will retain that "new-car" smell for years. The driver is in total control as the DVD satellite navigation system -- with route guidance -- the hi-fi system, the TV tuner, the electronic climate control, the suspension-and ride-height adjustment, the mobile-telephone controls, and the onboard computer controls are all within easy reach. It is somewhat presumptuous to label the GTC ostentatious just because it is a Bentley. The 2007 Bentley GTC earns its status via its delivery on performance, looks, safety, and technology. However, being a Bentley, as well, makes it all just a tad better.

For LxM James Rothaar

BMW Designs Luxurious Boeing 787 Interior for Russian Tycoon

Lavishness has no precincts. One of the hottest trends with the uber-rich is to be in possession of more expensive jets. We have earlier featured the lush BMW interiors of Airbus A350. Lately, Boeing contacted BMW’s DesignworksUSA group to create for them a conceptual interior for the already sumptuous Boeing 747. You can imagine the resulting design yourself.

All this has been done for an unnamed extra-rich Russian mogul who is in his mid-thirties. DesignworksUSA is all set to make the Boeing 747 a second, luxurious home for the client. The interiors of the luxury jet features a bar, scores of couches, beds, meeting rooms, stairs, and even enough space to fit in your BMW. Did I miss something? I don’t think so.

via Gizmodo

Tags: boeing, DesignworksUSA, Airbus A350, boeing 747
Related Entries:Rare Boeing 307 Stratoliner Transformed Into A ...$230,000 Boeing 747 homemade Flight Simulator ...New Luxurious Airbus A380 ...Boeing 787 Interior Shots Released ...

The Lygon Arms Hotel

Hotel Information
59 rooms, 10 suites
From February 2007 to November 2007, a complete restoration project including all public areas and rooms, as follows: January, February, March: Great Hall Restaurant, Reception, Lounges, 1 Wing of Bedrooms; April, May: Bedrooms; June, July: Old House Bedrooms, Bar; August, September: No work scheduled; October, November: Final Wing of Bedrooms. Hotel will do best to keep inconvenience to guests at a minimum.
75 minutes from London Heathrow Airport

Features
Banquets
Business Meetings
Countryside
Golf
On-Site Fitness Center
On-Site Pool
Shopping Available
Spa

Cards Accepted
American Express

Diners Club

EuroCard

JCB International

MasterCard

Visa

The Lygon Arms has been welcoming guests for more than 500 years. Set in a classic Cotswolds village, the hotel offers luxury accommodations, an award-winning health spa and Michelin Star cuisine. The Lygon Arms is located at a short distance from Stratford or Cheltenham at the northern end of the Cotswolds. Broadway is one of the most charming villages, with magnificent history and a great place to explore the wonderful scenery and beautiful gardens of the area. Accommodations of 69 rooms and suites – some with 4 poster beds, fireplaces and antique furniture, with views overlooking the courtyard or garden.Staying at The Lygon is an experience by itself, plus all that Broadway, the Cotswolds, and Stratford have to offer. Please pre-book any dinners or spa treatments to avoid disappointment.

Michelin Star Restaurant – The Great Hall – serving Frend and Continental cuisine. The Lygon Room, the Gastronomic restaurant, serves seven courses with five complementing wines especially selected by our Sommelier. Finally, our Brasserie, Goblets offers a lighter menu in relaxed surroundings.

Free use of Spa with indoor pool, gym, whirlpool, steam room, sauna & tennis - treatments are charged extra. Valet parking and helipad. Golf & country sports nearby.
Explore the Cotswolds, Stratford, Warick or the Hotel's own gardens. 8 meeting and conference rooms. Banquet capacity of 120PAX. Facilities include The Bar and seven lounges.

The Lygon Arms Hotel
The High Street, Broadway, Worcestershire, England (Great Britain) WR12 7DUTel: (44-1386) 852-255Fax: (44-1386) 854-470

The Grove

Hotel Information
215 rooms, 12 suites
30 minutes from London Heathrow Airport

Features
Adventures
Business Meetings
Children's Programs
Golf
High-Speed Internet Access
On-Site Fitness Center
On-Site Pool
Outdoor Pool
Spa

Cards Accepted
American Express
Diners Club
EuroCard
JCB International
MasterCard
Visa

Just 30 minutes from central London and Heathrow Airport, the former home of the Earls of Clarendon was named AA Hotel of the Year 2005. Gorgeous grand interiors, stunning guest rooms and suites, antique furniture and modern art are set within 300 acres or private woodland and parkland. The Grove is the perfect embodiment of urban chic in the heart of the country. All guest rooms have 42” wall mounted plasma screens DVD/CD and high speed Internet access.

Colette’s is The Grove’s simply elegant à la carte restaurant, situated in the original mansion overlooking the lakes and grounds of the estate, for modern and traditional flair using ingredients from the hotel’s own gardens. The Glasshouse, a fun, modern and relaxed restaurant and bar opening onto a large terrace in the summer. The Stables, overlooking the golf course, features an open kitchen and wood-burning oven.

Our 18-hole championship hosted the World Golf Championships for the first time within the UK in 2006. Sequoia, the Grove’s spa has been named Best UK Spa Retreat 2005, by readers of Conde Nast Traveller. Facilities include an indoor pool, fitness studio, gym, saunas and steam rooms. Within our Walled Garden, there is an outdoor pool, 2 tennis courts and a croquet lawn. Anouska’s Kids’ Club features an indoor pool, outdoor adventure playground and a creative range of supervised children’s programs.

Conference facilities for up to 750 people. All rooms have natural daylight, broadband and laptop access. Helicopter landing site.

The Grove
Chandler’s Cross, Hertfordshire, WD3 4TG, EnglandTel: 44 1923 807 807Fax: 44 1923 221 008

The Pierre – A Taj Hotel

Hotel Information
149 rooms, 40 suites and 12 grand suites with spectacular views of the city or Central Park.
45 minutes from John F. Kennedy Airport

Features
Banquets
Business Meetings
Children's Programs
City Center
On-Site Fitness Center
Shopping Available

Cards Accepted
American Express

Carte Blanche

Diners Club

Discover

JCB International

MasterCard

Visa

The Pierre – A Taj Hotel, a New York landmark since 1930, rises majestically above Fifth Avenue and Central Park. A tranquil refuge in the heart of the city, this historical hotel combines the luxurious ambience of the finest European residences with modern amenities and impeccable standards of service. The hotel is located close to a wide array of New York's fabled attractions, from the renowned shopping of Fifth and Madison Avenues to outstanding museums and cultural centers. The Pierre – A Taj Hotel is a testament to understated elegance. With its distinctive design, superb location and outstanding service, The Pierre – A Taj Hotel truly has earned its reputation as one of the world's finest luxury hotels.New York's landmark on Central Park at Fifth Avenue, The Pierre – A Taj Hotel with its distinctive design, superb location, and outstanding service, truly has earned its reputation as one of the world's finest luxury hotels.

Dining at Manhattan's famed landmark, evokes elegance and sophistication, which highlighted by impeccable service and acclaimed cuisine, at The Pierre’s three restaurants and bars, In-Room Dining and at banquets and special events. Café Pierre: Harks back to New York’s gilded age and is renowned for its contemporary French cuisine. The hotel has a 10,000-bottle wine cellar. Café Pierre Bar: Serves hors d’oeuvres, snacks, cocktails and a selection of wines and champagnes by the glass. Frequented by the after-theater set. The Rotunda: The signature room of The Pierre for breakfast, lunch, a traditional English afternoon tea and cocktails.

Located close to a wide array of New York's fabled attractions, from the renowned shopping of Fifth and Madison Avenues to outstanding museums and cultural centers. Our Concierge would be pleased to suggest and help you arrange suitable sports, recreation and fitness activities for you and your family, keeping in view ages and interests. A 1,600-square-foot fitness centre at The Pierre – A Taj Hotel provides complimentary state-of-the-art cardiovascular equipment and free weights, as well as a private massage therapy room. Lifecycles, StairMasters and treadmills are equipped with individual stereos and TV/VCRs. Men's and ladies' shower facilities are provided. Guests can arrange to have massages in the comfort of their room. Jogging routes of Central Park are also available. There are two acclaimed salons in the Hotel, Dominique Salon, located on the lower level, and René Salon on the fourth floor. Both salons offer a range of massages, facials, hair care, aftershave conditioning, manicures, pedicures, waxing and make-up application. Off-Site Activities may include: (Reservations and applicable fees may apply.) American Museum of Natural History / Central Park: this 843-acre (341-hectares) park features character statues for children to find, including Alice in Wonderland, the Cheshire Cat and Balto / Children's electronics and communication lab at Sony Wonder Lab / Hudson River Park / Metropolitan Museum of Art / Museum of Television and Radio / View the tall ships at the South Street Seaport/ Boat tours / Carriage rides / Chelsea Center sports complex / Helicopter tours / Horseback riding / IMAX films / Playspace / Rose Center for Earth and Space with a new state-of-the-art planetarium / Transit Museum.

A total of 201 rooms, which includes 52 suites showcasing unique interiors - 12 are grand suites; with a few featuring terraces. Across the street from Central Park. 24-hour valet parking. Multilingual staff (over 35 foreign languages spoken). Fitness centre. Men's and women's salons. Steps away from the renowned shopping on Fifth and Madison Avenues. Full-service Business Center. 18,000 square feet (1,672 square meters) of meeting and function space including two ornately detailed ballrooms.

The Pierre – A Taj Hotel
2 East 61st Street at 5th Avenue, New York, NY 10021 USATel: (1-212) 838-8000Fax: (1-212) 940-8109

Langham Hotel Hong Kong

Hotel Information
469 rooms, 26 Suites
40 minutes from Hong Kong International Airport

Features
Banquets
Business Meetings
City Center
On-Site Fitness Center
Outdoor Pool

Cards Accepted
American Express

Diners Club

JCB International

MasterCard

Visa

The Langham Hotel, Hong Kong is located in the heart of Kowloon with easy access to Hong Kong's major business and shopping areas. It is a unique quality property with roof-top swimming pool, 24-hour gymnasium, Business Centre and award-winning restaurants. Its 495 guest rooms features broadband internet access.The European-styled Langham Hotel Hong Kong, located in the city center of Kowloon with designer label shopping at the doorstep, offers luxury accommodation, along with award-winning restaurants.

T'ang Court, internationally acclaimed by US GOURMET and HOTELS magazines, serves exquisite Cantonese delicacies. The Bostonian, a US Wine Spectator award winning restaurant, specializes in seafood and steaks. In true New York spirit, the Main St. Deli is the place for authentic deli food in Hong Kong. Enjoy English Afternoon Tea, imported Coffee and tea, together with live music entertainment, at the European styled Palm Court. L'Eclipse, a stylish and innovative restaurant with an open kitchen concept, serves a highly creative blend of authentic Chinese, Asian and Western fare.

24-hour gymnasium, Mediterranean style roof-top swimming pool, sauna and Jacuzzi.
Hotel has its own airport service counter under the name of Langham Hotels International. Please approach Exit B in the arrival hall after baggage claim and look for booth number B04.
Internet Protocol (IP) Phone with dual lines and broadband internet connection in all guest rooms. Wireless broadband available in hotel's public areas.

Langham Hotel Hong Kong
8 Peking Road, Kowloon, Hong KongTel: (+852) 2375-1133Fax: (+852) 2375-6611

Rocco Forte Brown's Hotel

Hotel Information
117 bedrooms, including 12 suites
24 km (15 mi) from London Heathrow Airport

Features
Banquets
Business Meetings
Children's Programs
City Center
High-Speed Internet Access

Cards Accepted
Access

American Express

BarclayCard

Diners Club

EuroCard

JCB

InternationalMasterCard

Set in the heart of Mayfair, Brown's is one of the most historic hotels in London. Founded in 1837 to provide 'genteel' accommodation for discerning people, Brown's has always had an air of exclusivity and refinement, which it is sure to retain after its refurbishment. Sophistication and classic English style are the hallmarks of the legendary Brown's Hotel, which joined the Rocco Forte Hotels collection of luxury hotels on July 3rd, 2003. Brown's reopened on December 12th, 2005, as one of the most intimate and charming hotels in London. Composed of 11 Georgian town houses, all 117 bedrooms (including 12 suites) have been individually designed with a sophistication that has become the trademark of a Rocco Forte hotel, as has the warm and personal service. The interiors will be contemporary and have a real sense of style, while retaining much of their original, quintessentially English elegance, incorporating all modern comforts, such as individually controlled air-conditioning, flat screen LCD televisions and broadband internet connections.Brown’s Hotel is one of ten luxury hotels in Europe belonging to the Rocco Forte Hotels collection, where great locations, comfort & style, and the highest personalized services are key.

The Grill: The renowned maitre d' Angelo Maresca will welcome guests to The Grill, which will serve simple English fare. While the restaurant will retain its clubby feel, there will be a much brighter, more airy ambience, thanks to whitewashed wood paneling, 1930s design features and banquette booths that will provide both privacy and more space for diners. Brown's English Tea Room: Ever since James Brown established his hotel for 'genteel' folk over 160 years ago, afternoon tea in the hotel's English Tea Room has been a British institution. That will not change with the renovation. Traditional English afternoon tea at its very best will still be served, with a choice of teas, finger sandwiches, freshly made scones with clotted cream and strawberry jam, as well as home-made cakes and patisseries. The Donovan Bar: Will be larger than its previous incarnation, incorporating the area covered by the former Library restaurant as well as that of the former bar. However, the stained glass window of the latter will remain, providing the backdrop to a new, long bar. Furnishings will be contemporary, with leather, tapestry fabrics and woods much in evidence.

Health and Leisure. Brown's will have a fully equipped, modern gym and three spa rooms for beauty treatments.
Six function suites and meeting rooms for up to 120 people, as well as a fully-equipped business centre. Wi-Fi available in public areas.

Rocco Forte Brown's Hotel
Albemarle Street, Mayfair, London W1S 4BP, EnglandTel: (+44-207) 493-6020Fax: (+44-207) 493-9381

Hotel Martinez

Hotel Information
385 rooms, 27 suites
30 kilometers from International Nice Airport

Features
Banquets
Beaches
Business Meetings
Children's Programs
City Center
Golf
On-Site Fitness Center
Outdoor Pool
Spa

Cards Accepted
Major credit cards

Ideally located on La Croisette facing the Mediterranean Sea and the bay of Cannes, The Hotel Martinez is one of the grandest hotels on the Riviera. The hotel has just completed a renovation program to provide its valued guests with the highest quality of personalized service. Its 412 rooms & suites boast refined decor, comfort and latest technologies. On the 7th floor, 2 penthouse apartments of 500 sqm and 11 newly created junior suites offer a haven of luxury and excellence.Ideally located on La Croisette, 412 luxury, elegant rooms and suites, 3 restaurants, a heated swimming pool, private beach, piano bar, Spa Givenchy, fitness center, hairdresser and more.

"La Palme d’Or" the gourmet award winning restaurant, with a terrace overlooking the bay of Cannes, offers to its guests a new more contemporary decor, dedicated to the 7th art. In this magic atmosphere, you will enjoy the superb flavors prepared by Christian Willer and Christian Sinicropi. Le Relais Martinez, the traditional restaurant offers buffet breakfast, "provencal" lunch and dinner by the pool. On the beach, The Bar, "La Rotonde" and the restaurant serve snacks and drinks in a relaxing atmosphere. For an evening drink, the piano bar "Amiral" and its fantastic pianist Jimmy Mc Kissic.

Heated outdoor swimming pool with solarium. Private sandy beach. Fitness center, private parking. All water sports. New Givenchy Spa (900 sq.m) unique in France and entirely dedicated to beauty and well-being, with also a fitness center & a hairdresser. Children’s programs offered in July and August.

Banquet and conference facilities for up to 1000 persons for cocktail receptions. Newsstand, Business Center, private parking. In rooms : TV by satellite, voice mail, internet, modem hook-up. 24 hour room service. Fully air-conditioned.

Hotel Martinez
73, Boulevard la Croisette 06406 Cannes Cedex, FranceTel: (33-4) 92-98-73-00Fax: (33-4) 93-39-67-82

The New York Palace

Hotel Information
895 rooms including 89 suites
Open Year Round
45 minutes from Kennedy Airport

Features
Banquets
Business Meetings
City Center
High-Speed Internet Access
On-Site Fitness Center

Cards Accepted

Major Credit Cards

The New York Palace is conveniently located in midtown Manhattan on Madison Avenue between 50th and 51st streets. The New York Palace is only steps away from St. Patricks Cathedral Rockefeller Center and the most upscale shopping in New York City. The New York Palace offers three hotels in one. The main hotel is located on floors 9-29 and features some of New York’s most spacious guestrooms. Executive level rooms are located on floors 30-39 and feature access to the executive lounge with complimentary daily American Buffet Breakfast afternoon snacks and evening cocktails and Hors D Oeuvres. The Tower Rooms feature oversized Deluxe Classic or Art Deco style rooms and suites as well as private elevators and reception Maitre D Etage service, dedicated concierge desk and a welcome amenity. All rooms offer in-room fax, three dual-line phones, in-room safe large enough for a laptop computer, high speed internet access complimentary for tower guests, marble granite bathrooms, iron and ironing board and bedside controls.Located at 50th Street and Madison Avenue, The New York Palace Hotel offers luxurious accommodations, spectacular views and unparalleled service in the heart of mid-town Manhattan.

In addition to 14,000 sq ft of meeting and banqueting space, The New York Palace Hotel offers guest a few choices of distinctly original options. GILT: A new restaurant and bar located just inside the courtyard gates of the Palace's historic Villard Mansion. Gilt has an evocative menu of Modern European cuisine. ISTANA: An American brasserie serving an eclectic choice of appetizers, entrees and tempting desserts. Bistro Cuisine. MADISON ROOM: A new breakfast room located in the historic Villard Mansion with a view of Madison Avenue. Full service breakfast menu. IN-ROOM DINING: guests may relax in the comfort of their rooms and order from a tantalizing choice of dishes, available twenty four hours a day.

The New York Palace Fitness Center: Over 7,000 square feet of luxurious space and unparalled views of midtown. Use of the center is complimentary to guests.
A Four Diamond Hotel The New York Palace offers 24-hour room service, 24-hour laundry and valet service, 14,000 square feet of meeting and banqueting space and Istana, it’s accolade restaurant. Offering a Bistro style menu.

The New York Palace
455 Madison Avenue at 50th Street, New York, NY 10022-6809 USATel: (1-212) 888-7000Fax: (1-212) 303-6000

Pestana Palace

Hotel Information
173 rooms, 13 suites
13 km from the Portela Airport.

Features
Banquets
Business Meetings
City Center
High-Speed Internet Access
On-Site Fitness Center
On-Site Pool

Cards Accepted
American ExpressDiners ClubEuroCardJCB InternationalMasterCardVisa

A stately 19-the century palace, fully restored to its original glory and classified as a National Monument, the Pestana Palace is ideally located in the heart of Lisbon, just a short drive from the Estoril Coast and its beaches. With magnificent views of a private subtropical park, as well as the Tagus River, the luxurious Pestana Palace seamlessly blends the natural beauty of its surroundings with the excitement and culture of Lisbon. The Pestana Palace, classified as a national monument, houses four spacious suites with views across the Tagus river, and three sumptuous lounges, an award winning restaurant, a cocktail bar and thirteen meeting rooms.

The acclaimed Valle-Flor serves all meals daily, featuring outstanding Portuguese specialties. Casa do Lago for seasonal dining in a 19th-century pavilion. Allegro offers a light menu, cocktails and live music in the evening.

Fitness center with heated indoor pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and Turkish bath. Outdoor pool in hotel’s gardens. 18-hole golf course nearby.

Pestana Palace
Rua Jaú, 54Tel: 351 21 3615600 Fax: 351 21 3615601

Hotel Rey Juan Carlos I

Hotel Information
375 rooms, 37 suites
Open Year Round
20 minutes from airport

Features
Banquets
Business Meetings
City Center
High-Speed Internet Access
On-Site Pool
Outdoor Pool
Spa

Cards Accepted
Major credit cards

Surrounded by its own private garden, the Hotel Rey Juan Carlos I welcome visitors to Barcelona with a distinctive brand of European hospitality. Located at the Diagonal, Barcelona’s main avenue, in the fashionable uptown district of the city and only steps away from shopping, cultural and financial centers. Set in its own private 19th Century Gardens, the Hotel affords sweeping views of the city. Comfortable and spacious guest accommodations. Each with individually controlled air conditioning, remote control color TV with 24 Hour News Channel, Pay Movies Radio, daily stocked mini-bars, optional fax lines, dataports, in-room safes, high-speed internet access and Wifi, direct-dial telephones, dimmers and light sensors.

Set in the romantic gardens of the Hotel Rey Juan Carlos I, The Garden Restaurant has refurbished its installations, keeping its charming and exotic lush surroundings with a Mediterranean creative cuisine. The Café Polo Restaurant offers a wide daily buffet of national and international cuisine and menus "à la carte" show-kitchen made in a unique atmosphere. It also has a special kids menu. Aris Bar for cocktails within a classic Scottish-style setting. The Lobby Bar for cocktails while listening to a perfectly tuned piano.

Spectacular outdoor swimming pool. Wellness & Spa center The Royal Fitness, one of the Leading Spas of the World, with latest Technogym equipment, heated indoor and outdoor pools, jacuzzis, wet and dry saunas, steam baths, aromatic baths and special showers (ice, Vichy and Scotrish), Hair & Body salon. Tennis and horse ridding facilities within 5 minutes walking distance.

Conference and banquet facilities for up to 1,500 people. Catalonia Palace of Congresses, Barcelona’s newest Congress and Exhibition Center, is located in the hotel’s own gardens. Boutiques. Business Center. Car hire and limousine service. Parking and Heliport.



Hotel Rey Juan Carlos I
Avenida Diagonal 661-671, Barcelona 08028, SpainTel: (+34-93) 364-4040Fax: (+34-93) 364-4264

Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa

Hotel Information
352 rooms, 29 suites
12 kilometers from airport

Features
Banquets
Beaches
Business Meetings
Children's Programs
On-Site Fitness Center
Outdoor Pool
Spa

Cards Accepted
American ExpressD

iners Club

JCB International

MasterCardVisa

For unsurpassed luxury living, the Nusa Dua beachfront hotel combines the traditional artistic elements of Bali's rich culture with the latest in resort and spa facilities. Surrounded by lush tropical gardens, rejuvenating pools, and fountains, palatial rooms and suites offer a world of regal splendor. Complementing the resort is the spa, which offers age-long treatments to cleanse both body and soul - the ideal escapade for those seeking pure pampering. The resort was voted as the best overseas spa resort in 1999 and made the top five list in 2000 by readers of Conde Nast Traveler.

Raja's Table, for superb Asian Pacific dishes. Sandros, an alfresco pizzeria. Chess, a casual beachfront barbeque restaurant. Wedang Jahe offers a fine selection of international cuisine. Spa Cafe, for lwholesome healthy cuisine. Poolside and beach cocktail service. Lobby Bar, for live music and cocktails.

Two outdoor swimming pools, children's pool, kids' club, tennis courts, squash courts. Fitness center, beach volleyball, jogging, and nearby 18-hole championship golf course. Nusa Dua Spa with Balinese herbal treatments, traditional massage, and private lap pool.
Conference and meeting facilities for up to 650 people. Palace Club executive floors. Shopping arcade, art gallery, beauty salon, clinic. 24-hour room service. Nightclub with dancing. Organized sightseeing trips.

Nusa Dua Beach Hotel & Spa
Kawasan Pariwisata Nusa Dua Lot North 4, Denpasar 80363 Bali, IndonesiaTel: (62-361) 771-210Fax: (62-361) 772-617

One&Only Ocean Club

Hotel Information
106 rooms, suites, cottages and villas

Features
Adventures
Beaches
Children's Programs
Golf
Spa

Cards Accepted
Major credit cards

Renowned for its magnificent Versailles gardens and 12th-century Augustinian Cloister, the legendary Ocean Club offers guests exemplary personal service and world-class luxury. The original charm of the colonial-style estate has been recently enhanced with the addition of 50 beachside rooms and luxury suites, all touting magnificent ocean views. Contemporary luxury defines each guest room, suite, and villa. Amenities include butler service for all rooms, maid services three times daily, and laptops for guests' use.Edged by miles of soft dune beach and graced by Versailles-inspired gardens, One&Only Ocean Club combines the ambiance of an elegant colonial plantation with the relaxed style of The Bahamas.

Courtyard Terrace serves gourmet continental cuisine in a romantic, alfresco setting. Dune situated on a bleach bluff, features gourmet cuisine and stunning views. Beach and poolside food and beverage service.

Full-service spa, Tom Weiskopf-designed golf course, swimming pool. Beach and water sports. Nine Har Tru lighted tennis courts and pro shop and bicycles available.
Full guest privileges at nearby Atlantis, Paradise Island, including 35 restaurants and lounges, 11 pool areas and water slides, 11 exhibit lagoons with over 50,000 marine animals, ruins of the lost continent to explore, innovatively-designed casino, world-class marina, Children camp, duty-free shopping and more.

One&Only Ocean Club
Paradise Island, P.O. Box N-4777, Nassau, BahamasTel: (+1-242) 363-2501Fax: (+1-242) 363-2424

Grand Velas All Suites & SPA Resort

Hotel Information
267 luxury suites
15 minutes from Puerto Vallarta International Airport "Gustavo Diaz Ordaz"

Features
Banquets
Beaches
Business Meetings
Golf
Outdoor Pool
Shopping Available
Spa
Wedding Chapel

Cards Accepted
American Express

MasterCardVisa

The Grand Velas All Suites & Spa Resort not only answers the increasing demand of travelers seeking all-inclusive resorts, but also is redefining the standard for luxury in “Grand All-Inclusive” lodging. Located at the most exclusive residential development in the spectacular Bandera's Bay, the resort is a top destination on the Mexican Pacific Coast. All suites enjoy spectacular oceanfront views from their private terraces. This beach-front resort is an harmonic blend of the traditional and contemporary. Its decor offers a new take on original design using indigenous materials from villages of the Asian topics. Guest are afforded every conceivable amenity including High-Speed Wireless Internet access. Guests can choose from a wealth of activities from swimming in the infinity-edge pool of three different temperatures and water sports, to land pursuits including golf, tennis, pottery, dance and Spanish. The entertainment continues into the night with three shows per week in the outdoor theater. Grand Velas All Suites & SPA Resort is a deluxe All Inclusive resort; a la carte dining in our 3 restaurants & 2 bars with selected premium brands, 24 hour suites service, +1000 sq ft oceanfront suites, and world class SPA facilities.

AZUL RESTAURANT is a casual restaurant offering an innovative take on traditional cuisine. Delight your palate by ordering in any of our five open kitchens with Chinese, Japanese, Mexican and Italian specialties. Located at the pool area, it offers views of the famous Vallarta sunsets. Open daily from 7:00-23:30. FRIDA FINE MEXICAN DINING evokes magic and mystery, a palate of aromas and flavor, which mix culinary delights. Every dish is full of art, color and awe. Open daily from 18:00-24:00. LUCCA RESTAURANT's Romanesque design hints at Mediterranean savory meat, pasta AND seafood dishes IN which the restaurant specializes. OPEN daily FROM 18 : 00 - 24 : 00 hrs. IF you prefer a meal IN the privacy OF your suite, 24 - hour suite service IS available AND part OF your “ Grand ALL - Inclusive ” stay at Grand Velas.Additionally, guests can enjoy themselves at the Lobby Bar(OPEN nightly FROM 21 : 00 - 01 : 00) OR the Aqua bar offering pool - side refreshments.

GRAND KIDS ACTIVITIES PROGRAMA Daily activity program is offered with activities in and out doors. For kids aged 4 to 10 in a private playground, cultural & recreational handcrafts. Operated with highly qualified staff. Open daily from 9 AM to 5 PM. Capacity 60 childrens.Also, scheduled daytime activities program for adults from 8:30 am to 5:00 pm including Yoga, Tai Chi, Meditation, Pilates, Flex-a-Ball, Chi Kung and work out programs. NON- MOTORIZED SPORTS Enjoy snorkeling, kayaking, boogie board, tennis, paddle tennis as well SCUBA introductory classes at pool.

World Class SPA (16,500 sq fts, 23 treatment rooms) Feeling good is a vital part of the experience available at Grand Velas SPA. A therapy menu of seven collections is available, offering a total of 50 treatments. Some of the most popular programs include "Wellness Collection" offering great diversity of specialized massages, "Nirvana Collection" with selection of the most unique and balancing therapies, "New Skin Collection" with fabulous body exfoliating treatments, "Prestige Collection" offering the most famous and effective facials from top prestigious European Skin Care Lines, and "Relaxing Collection" with special treatments from our Beauty Salon. Our Gym facilities include Life Fitness Besides cardiovascular and weight training equipment, our gym offers a wide range of health programs like Yoga, Tai Chi, Meditation and Pilates Classes.

Grand Velas All Suites & SPA Resort
Av. Cocoteros No. 98 Sur, Nuevo Vallarta, (Nayarit) MéxicoTel: (+52-322) 226-8000Fax: (+52-322) 297-2005

King George Palace

Hotel Information
78 rooms, 24 suites
35 minutes from airport
Features
Banquets
Business Meetings
City Center
High-Speed Internet Access
On-Site Fitness Center
On-Site Pool

Cards Accepted
Major credit cards

Fit for a King, a proud member of the Leading Hotels of the World, the King George Palace is created for people who recognize quality and demand excellence in all they do. The hotel combines the grace and stature of a historic landmark with ultra-modern amenities and personal service that puts guests’ comfort above all else– right down to a personal trainer in the state-of-the-art health club, exclusively for hotel guests. A ground floor-to-penthouse renovation has restored the King George It’s original glamour. Advanced technology has also ensured a completely controlled environment, while the experienced hotel personnel offer discreet and competent service around the clock.

Every room and suite is individually designed and decorated for guests who seek exclusive accommodations to match their exacting standards. Hand-crafted armoires, custom upholstery fabrics in raw silk, and satin-fringed drapes are the sort of details that distinguish the King George Palace. Advanced technology has also ensured a completely controlled environment: fully soundproofed rooms, adjustable lighting calibrated to complement natural light and advanced climate self control and ventilation. Bathrooms are furnished with pale, grey-veined marble and have discreet, recessed lighting, deep sunken tubs and separate glass-walled shower cabinets.“Exceptional accommodation designed for unique guests” Every room & suite is individually designed, decorated with period furniture, antiques, original art and advanced technology.

The Tudor Hall Restaurant, located on the 7th floor, Athens’ most acclaimed gourmet restaurant specialising in an imaginative menu inspired by Alain Ducasse Formation, offers magical views of historic Athens and the Acropolis. This is a favourite rendez-vous for politicians, diplomats, corporate executives, and international celebrities. Beneath the stunning glass dome, deals are brokered – and wedding proposals made – over that is a fusion of Greek gourmet delicacies and nouvelle cuisine, with a panoramic view of the city as the backdrop. Tudor Bar Enjoy a post-dinner at the Tudor Bar, one of the most exclusive cocktail lounges in the Greek capital, located on the 7th floor, offering elegant settings, warm and welcoming atmosphere and romantic views. Even the finest whiskey seems smoother when you’re gazing at the artfully lit Acropolis. Settle into a deep wingchair to discuss business or cosy up on the soft sofas for a more intimate conversation against a backdrop of the city’s twinkling lights.

State-of-the art Health club & spa, exclusively for hotels guests features massage, Indoor pool, Sauna, Fitness center and personal trainer. Jogging track, tennis and golf club nearby.
Conference facilities: versatile function rooms with state of the art audio-visual equipment, along with our experienced staff, will assure the success of your function.

King George Palace
3, Vas. Georgiou A' Street Syntagma (Constitution) Square, 10564 Athens, GreeceTel: (+30-210) 322-2210Fax: (+30-210) 325-0504

Grand Hôtel Stockholm

Hotel Information
376 rooms, including 42 suites
Located in city centre. Spring 2007 - New exclusive fine dining restaurant with 100 seats will open. Four more conference options from 8 to 215 persons.
Open year round 45 kilometers from Arlanda International Airport

Features
Banquets
Business Meetings
City Center
High-Speed Internet Access
On-Site Fitness Center

Cards Accepted
Major credit cards

Rich in history and tradition, the more than 130 year old Grand Hôtel Stockholm occupies prime position on the city's waterfront, a timeless classic that has played a pivotal role in shaping Stockholm as the cosmopolitan city that it is today. One of Scandinavia's leading luxury hotel, Grand Hôtel Stockholm has borne witness to some of the world's greatest achievements, and to this day, continues to makes its presence felt far beyond its shores. Since 1901, the Nobel Prize laureates and their families have all been guests of Grand Hôtel and the list of royalty, heads of state and artists who have stayed is impressive. In the words of a famous past guest, "The Grand is where it happens". Grand Hôtel offers no less than 376 rooms, 42 of which are suites. The Princess Lilian Suite, with its 330 sqm and a panoramic view over Stockholm, is the most spectacular of them all. The Flag Suite and the Nobel Suite too are renowned, both with an astounding view from the 7th floor. All individually designed, each room has its own distinctive character and colorful history.

The Grand Hôtel is perfectly located across the water from the Royal Palace and the Old Town, in the heart of the commercial and shopping district of the Swedish capital. The Grand Veranda serves Swedish traditional food in a contemporary fashion and is celebrated not just for its views but also for being one of the only Swedish restaurants to serve traditional Smörgåsbord. Over the years the hotel has built up an award winning wine cellar housing over 20,000 bottles, including a few from the opening year 1874. Named after the hotel's founder, the Cadier Bar with its award winning drinks, bartenders, location and buzzing atmosphere, has an extensive cocktail menu, serving drinks from all over the world. The bar has newly been enlarged and offers à la carte breakfast, lunch, afternoon tea, weekend brunch, evening cocktails and more informal dinners. Spring 2007 a new fine dining restaurant will open run by top chef Mathias Dahlgren.

Recreation and exercise facilities are available at the Grand Fitness. An exclusive and fully equipped gym with a relaxation lounge and several different SPA-treatments. Golf, tennis, and other sports are available nearby. 24 state-of-the-art banquet and conference rooms for private functions and meetings from 2 to 2,000 guests. Concierge, Room Service, Gift shop and business center.

Grand Hôtel Stockholm
Sodra Blasieholmshamnen 8, P O Box 16424, Stockholm 103 27, SwedenTel: (+ 46 8) 679 35 00Fax: (+ 46 8) 611 86 86

Luxury pickup trucks

In the early 2000s, the two main American luxury manufacturers, Lincoln and Cadillac, started the luxury pickup truck segment. The first luxury pickup to enter the scene was the Lincoln Blackwood, first announced in 1999 and put into production in 2002. Less than 4,000 Lincoln Blackwoods were sold, and even those that were sold were sold mainly with the help of heavy incentives. As of 2006, the only two luxury pickup trucks on the market are the Lincoln Mark LT and Cadillac Escalade EXT.

Luxury crossover SUVs

Crossover luxury vehicles are between 60–70 inches in height and generally more affordable than traditional luxury SUVs (70 inches and over in height) and feature a base MSP from approximately $30k to $42k. Since they are crossover vehicles, they tend to be smaller than SUVs and feature sedan-like design features. Vehicles in this category include the Lexus RX, Lincoln MKX, BMW X5, Audi Q7, Infiniti FX45, and the Mercedes-Benz R-Class.

Luxury SUVs

A luxury SUV much like a luxury car is a relatively expensive vehicle that features a higher emphasis on comfort and quality than its mainstream counterparts. Even though luxury SUVs do not necessarily feature more comfort or a higher quality than sedans, they tend to be more expensive than luxury sedans. The top-of-the-line SUVs of American and Japanese luxury car makers out price their flagship sedans. The flagship SUV Cadillac Escalade, for example, has a base MSP of approximately $57,280, versus $41,991 for the flagship DTS. This scenario, however, does not hold true for European automakers, where the flagship sedans are still priced above the top-of-the-line SUV.

Luxury SUV can be classified into similar segment as luxury cars :

Entry-level luxury SUVs must feature a base MSP of approximately over $38k and offer a high degree of comfort. A vehicle may however still be considered a luxury SUV if its base MSP lies in excess of approximately $29K and it is manufactured by a luxury car manufacturer. Vehicles in this category include the Acura RDX, Lexus RX, Infiniti FX, Audi Q5, Mercedes-Benz GLK-Class, BMW X3, Volvo XC50, Volvo XC60, Saab 9-7X, Land Rover Freelander, Cadillac SRX, and the Lincoln MKX

Mid-level luxury SUVs feature base MSPs ranging approximately between $40K to $60K. Vehicles in this category include the Acura MDX, Porsche Cayenne, Audi Q7, Mercedes-Benz M-Class, Volvo XC90, Saab 9-7X, Land Rover LR3, Land Rover Range Rover Sport, Lincoln Navigator, Cadillac Escalade, Toyota Land Cruiser, Lexus GX, and the Infiniti QX56.

High-end luxury SUVs feature base MSPs from approximately $60k to $100k. Vehicles in this category include the BMW X5, Mercedes-Benz GL-Class, Mercedes-Benz G-Class, Lexus LX, Cadillac Escalade ESV, Lincoln Navigator L, and Land Rover Range Rover.

Ultra-luxury cars

Currently, all cars in the ultra-luxury segment are priced at approximately $100k or higher. They may or may not be better in quality and refinement than some of the more affordable luxury cars, but due to their high MSP, they guarantee exclusivity and help to get their owners noticed. This segment includes the entire lineup of Rolls Royce, Bentley, Maserati, and Maybach. Many "flagship sedans" from car companies whose average car sells in a lower class are actually in this category. For example, anything more upgraded than the Mercedes-Benz S500, BMW 750, the Porsche Cayenne Turbo, Lexus LS 460 L, or the Audi A8 can be included in this category. The Volkswagen Phaeton W12 (not V8) and Toyota Century (JDM) are the only ultra luxury vehicles not manufactured by a luxury car manufacturer. Most of the vehicles in this category offer 12-cylinder engines, though some such as Maserati offer only V8s.
This category is operated mostly by European nameplates and controlled mainly by Germans (70%), Americans (20%) and Italians (5%).

High-end luxury cars

This category includes many flagship vehicles of luxury brands such as the Mercedes-Benz S-Class. Currently, all vehicles priced between the range of $60k and $100k are a part of this exclusive club. The vehicles in this segment offer extremely high levels of quality and latest technological developments, as well as degrees of comfort at least equal to those found in mid-level luxury vehicles. There is no precise term in the United Kingdom; such a car would be simply called a luxury car.

Vehicles in this category include some of the models from the flagship lines of luxury car brands. Vehicles in this segment include the Lexus LS, Mercedes-Benz S-Class, BMW 7 Series, Audi A8, and the Jaguar XJ. The Volkswagen Phaeton is the only high-end luxury vehicle that is not sold under a luxury nameplate. The Phaeton is no longer sold in the United States due to low consumer demand, as many consumers were unwilling to spend upwards of US70,000 for a non-luxury nameplate.
This segment is operated under various German, British and Japanese nameplates.

Mid-luxury segment

In order to be considered part of the middle-luxury segment, a vehicle should feature a base MSP between approximately $36k and $60k[2], have a very high degree of comfort, and should have the latest or near latest technological and safety innovations. Customers in this segment also yield some priority to performance. Therefore, many car manufacturers produce these cars with V8s and some highly sophisticated 6-cylinder engines. In the United Kingdom, these models are commonly referred to as executive cars. Vehicles in this segment include the mid-range models of several luxury car manufacturers such as the Mercedes-Benz E-Class, BMW 5 Series, Volvo S80, Audi A6, Saab 9-5, Lexus GS and Jaguar S-Type. There are also some flagship sedans in this segment. The Lincoln Town Car, Citroën C6, Alfa Romeo 166, Cadillac DTS, Infiniti M35/45 and Acura RL are all considered to be part of the mid-luxury segment due to their relatively low base MSrPs despite their rank as a "flagship sedan" and high-end like interiors.

This market is operated under western nameplates with some Japanese representation. It is mainly controlled by Germans (47%), Americans (30%) and Japanese (23%).

Entry-level luxury cars

The Mercedes-Benz C-Class is an entry-level luxury sedan with a base MSP in the general range from $29,000 to $38,000. The entry-level luxury forms the beginning classification of the luxury vehicles; competition in this segment is typically fierce. It features vehicles with an MSP approximately between $29,000 and $36,000, a relatively high degree of comfort and is manufactured by luxury brand. If the vehicle is manufactured by a non-luxury marque its base MSP should exceed approximately $36k and it must place an emphasis on comfort. The equivalent classification in the United Kingdom is compact executive car.

This segment mostly includes the bottom vehicles in the line-up of luxury brands as well as the top-of-the-line models of some non-luxury brands. Vehicles in this segment include the Acura TL, Alfa Romeo 156, Buick Lucerne, Cadillac CTS, BMW 3 Series, Lexus IS, Lexus ES, Audi A4, Mercedes-Benz C-Class, Infiniti G35, Lincoln MKZ, Volvo S60, Saab 9-3, and the Jaguar X-Type.

Harman Kardon Drive & Play System

There are tons of gadgets that allow you to connect your portable player with your car stereo so you might not be keen on getting to know about a new one. But, then this is not another run-of-a-mill stuff. This Drive + Play 2 from Harman Kardon features a 3.5-inch dashtop color display screen, a wireless control knob for volume adjustments, music selection, and iPod menu controls that can be mounted wherever convenient, and a connection hub that works with Apple’s iPod, Microsoft’s Zune, and most other players. The hub has a line output for direct connection to stereos with audio inputs, and an FM modulator to broadcast music to stereos without them. The unit features a software voice that reads-out menu names and initial letters to let you enjoy your favorite track without diverting your attention from the road. The Harman Kardon system will be available for sale from the next month for an affordable price of $400.

via NYTimes
Tags: Harman Kardon Drive + Play 2 system, Harman Kardon, Car Gadgets
Related Entries:Asiasonic Introduces The Most Fully Equipped AV ...

Stretched Min Cooper Limo

We have earlier told you about luxurious limousines and vans equipped with luxurious facilities like that of a personal aircraft or luxury yacht. But, this Mini-Cooper Limo trumps them all with a built-in swimming pool! Yes, the picture isn’t fake! This six metre long Mini Cooper S limo called the Mini XXL has taken opulence to new heights with an integrated whirlpool into the rear section of the car.

The whirlpool seats two people and is easy to operate. The detachable sunroof can be covered when not in use or if you want some privacy for your romantic moments in the bath tub. And, emptying it is a simple matter of pulling the plug to release the water. Besides, the MINI XXL comes equipped with a retractable flat screen TV, a DVD player, CD and radio, air conditioning, full black leather and a telephone in the rear so that passengers can communicate with the driver.
This fantasy ride was built by a specialist coach builder in Los Angeles.

via ThrillingWonder
Tags: Mini Cooper S limo with pool, Mini XXL, stretched limousines, luxurious limos

Rare Boeing 307 Stratoliner Transformed Into A Boat

Remember, we told you about a full-sized Ferrari F50 boat made out of wood! Now, did you think nothing could up it! Then check-out this unusual plane-boat, made out of the historic and rare aircraft - “Boeing 307 Stratoliner” (1937). The boat is titled “Cosmic Muffin” and was originally owned by the aviation pioneer Howard Hughes. After changing hands, the plane was finally transformed into a boat, long back in 1969. David R. Drimmer and his company PlaneBoats remodeled it and gave it the name “the Cosmic Muffin.” The “plane-boat” featured twin V-8 inboards incorporating the original aircraft cockpit controls that were used to fly the plane, propelling the vessel over 20 mph. Electrical, plumbing, sanitation and air conditioning systems were installed along with a new interior that included restored chairs and bar.

via ThrillingWonder
Tags: Boeing 307 Stratoliner boat, boeing, planeboats, luxury boat
Related Entries:Boeing 787 Interior Shots Released ...Boeing Launched its New Jet Boeing 747-8 ...

Nandini, Delhi, INDIA

Rolls Royce New Armoured Phantom

After the new armored Range Rover Vogue, Rolls-Royce goes next with a new armoured version of the Phantom. The new armoured Phantom adorns new look inside-out. The car features VR7 protection including high-tech fibre composites, special purpose steel to provide protection for the bodywork, thickened glass and run flat tires.

The Phantom’s aluminium spaceframe chassis have been strengthened to cope with the additional weight of the modifications. However, the engine remains unchanged, providing 453bhp and a phenomenal 720Nm of torque. The new armoured Phantom will go on sale in Middle East, later this year.

via MotorAuthority
Tags: rolls royce, Armoured Phantom, Rolls-Royce Phantom, armoured luxury cars
Related Entries:2008 Rolls-Royce Corniche Convertible All-Set to ...Special Edition $3.8 Million Rolls-Royce To Debut ...Rolls-Royce Unveils New Sporty Concept Car ...Bonhams & Goodman Classic Car Auction ...

Elite Yacht

Elite Yacht Charters specializes in luxury private yacht charters throughout the world on the finest motor and sailing yachts. These yachts range in size from 70' to over 300'. Cruise the Mediterranean or New England during the summer, spend some time in the Caribbean this winter or for those of you looking for something new, there are some fantastic yachts in the Seychelles and Southeast Asia. We have hundreds of yachts to choose from.

Elite is personally familiar with each yacht and their crew, as well as international cruising areas. For a truly customized and private vacation alternative, yacht chartering is an excellent answer - your own floating villa! This is one of the best ways to "de-stress".
With over fifteen years experience and many high profile clients, confidentiality, customized service and discretion are assured. Elite has the perfect yacht for every client.

$68,500 Diamond Studded Cricket Ball

After the diamond-studded table tennis racket, luxury chess set made in silver and gold, another sport that goes bling bling is cricket! This diamond studded cricket ball will be presented to the best Indian cricketer and the best interim player of the world cup 2007 tournament which is currently being played in the West Indies. Each diamond ball is studded with 5,728 pieces of diamonds with a worth of approximately $68,500.

via Spluch
Tags: Diamond Studded Cricket Ball, World Cup 2007

New Armored Range Rover Vogue

We have earlier told you about the bulletproof vehicles including the pimped-pout Russian military vehicle owned by a Moscow entrepreneur and the Land Cruiser/ Tank that went-up on sale at Amazon. Now, Range Rover adds to the fully-armored vehicles range with new Range Rover Vogue that is designed to resist attack from machine gun or hand grenade. The Range Rover Vogue Security Vehicle is the first armored Land Rover vehicle to be offered as a production model.
The all-terrain vehicle is essentially bomb proof due to its extensive kevlar linings and floor plating and its windows can withstand sustained automatic weapon fire. The tires have run flat capability, so they can be used for up to fifty kilometers after they burst. And, the vehicle is powered with Explosafe fuel tank which prevents the fuel from igniting in case a projectile hits the fuel tank. Gizmag reports, that the new Range Rover Vogue will be available to four levels of security, the first three offering protection from attack by hand-gun, assault rifle or high velocity rifle and the ultimate version provides protection against armor piercing to European B6 plus standard, and is capable of withstanding attack from a NATO 7.62 ball round fired from 10 meters at a typical velocity of 830 meters per second.
The ultimate security vehicle can further be customized to include an internal oxygen system, darkened glass and an intercom.

Tags: Range Rover Vogue, armored range rover, Range Rover, Armored Vehicles

Hublot’s $1 Million Exclusive Big Bang Watch

The renowned watch maker, Hublot, in alliance with a diamond-setting workshop, Bunter SA, has designed and developed an elite watch dubbed Big Bang. To remind you, the Hublot Big Bang chronograph won the Best Design Prize in the Geneva Watchmaking Grand Prix 2005. The $1 million Big Bang boasts a fully invisible setting that makes the material disappear and the only thing revealed are the diamonds. The credit goes to the craftsmen who accomplished the tedious job of making this exclusive watch, which was not feasible a few years ago. The snags in micromechanics put watch makers to labor to the 1/100 degree for an implausible 2000 hours. Startlingly, the tourbillon movement of the watch is veiled under 493 Top Wesselton baguette diamonds of dissimilar sizes. The strap of the Big Bang comes adorned with famous Hublot vulcanized rubber while the clasp is bejeweled with diamonds. So, you have got one million dollar in your account. Sadly, that won’t do anything now as the diamond studded Big bang was just sold.

via Diamondvues
Tags: hublot, Bing Bang, Watch, diamonds
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Philips and Swarovski Designs

Philips and Swarovski have teamed-up to bling the tech goodies with their ‘Active Crystals’ collection that features I GB flashy USB memory keys studded with swarovski. The collection includes four different designs: Heart Ware, Heart Beat, Lock In and Lock Out. Heart Ware and Heart Beat are worn as pendants and The Lock In and Lock Out attaches to a keychain.

The sparkling collection will be hitting the market in August and the price details are yet to be disclosed. The collection will also include four pairs of noise-cancelling headphones. Check-out a video at ShinyShiny.

via GadgetCandy
Tags: Swarovski USB drives, Active Crystals collection, Philips & Swarovski, swarovski headphones

Luxury Lumos Portable DVD Player

Going for holidays or on a picnic! Then this stylish Nakamichi Lumos Portable DVD Player will take care of all your entertainment needs. The Lumos feature a jewel-polished sensuous black frame with a unique textured surface and leather strap which allows you to carry it around like a tote for making a chic statement. And, on technical front, it delivers incredibly high resolution audio/video performance. It features a 7-inch TFT LCD widescreen color display with a resolution of up to 1440×234 pixels. Lumos is also equipped with an extendable stand that allows range of viewing angles. It comes in a chic tailored leather bag which has an opening for the stand so you don’t even have to remove the DVD player from the bag entirely.

The other specs includes an integrated SD card reader and it has a support for MP3 CDs, VCDs, SVCDs, DVD-R/RW, DVD+R/RW and CDR/RWs. And, don’t mistake its delicate looks for it is also enabled with a Dual Anti-Shock System, so you won’t have to worry about any harm done in travel. The Lumos can also work as a time piece with its built-in photo frame clock feature. The company has yet not disclosed the price, but its going to be a luxury one for sure!

via ChipChick
Tags: Lumos Portable DVD Player, portable DVD player, Nakamichi Lumos, Nakamichi
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Toyota Launches World’s Most Expensive Hybrid

Toyota has revealed the pricing details of it’s hybrid Lexus LS 600h L that was first showcased last year at the New York International Auto Show. The 5.0 V8 hybrid powertrain will deliver a combined horsepower rating of 438HP, a performance matching the standards of V12 luxury sedans from BMW and Mercedes and the luxury sedan is also rated as a Super Ultra Low Emissions Vehicle.

The LS 600h L will feature LED headlights, four-zone climate control, voice-activated HDD-based navigation system with XM real-time traffic directing, 19-speaker Mark Levinson sound system, rear DVD entertainment system with 9″ LCD screen, automated parallel parking system and an advanced ore-collision system for a price of $104,750 which makes it the world’s most expensive hybrid. Toyota plans to launch it in market in June.

via DailyTech
Tags: World's Most Expensive Hybrid, Lexus LS 600h L, Luxury Cars, Toyota
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VW Creates IGolf For IPod-Lovers

Though we have earlier told you about luxury cars with in-dash iPod integration, but this one from Volkswagen sure is different. Well, simply because Volkswagen has gone a step-ahead and have changed the name of their car to “iGolf.” VW has announced a special edition of its top-selling model in Spain that comes fitted with the most-expensive iPod version of 8GB Nano. A must-one for iPod-devotees!

via Stuff.tv
Tags: Volkswagen iGolf, iPod car, Volkswagen, ipod
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Swarovski Crystal Nintendo DS Lite Covers

The rage for blinged-out gadgets is here to stay! We have earlier told you about swarovski cell phones, swarovski Xbox 360 faceplates and customized swarovski gadget covers to pimp your gadgets. And, the latest addition in the row is Swarovski crystal Nintendo DS Lite covers.
The dazzling crystal covers are up for sale at the Nintendo World Store in NYC, except for the Super Mario Bros. DS that is not available for sale. You can choose anyone from the rest of the 4 covers available, each sells for $600.

via GearFuse
Tags: Swarovski Crystal Nintendo DS Lite Covers, swarovski gadget covers, Nintendo World Store, swarovski gadgets
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$24K Karissima

Take your music listening experience to another high level with Cabasse’s $24K Karissima Speaker. The new speaker is an improved version of the Kara speakers of Artis series. The speaker utilizes Cabasse’s TriCentric technology for pinpoint imaging, smooth off-axis dispersion and seamless frequency response. The Karissima is offered in 3 elegant finishes including traditional wild cherry natural wood veneer finish, warm Santos finish, made of wild cherry veneer and dark trendy Wenge finish and can be used either as a full-range speaker or as an ideal center channel to complement the Cabasse flagship La Sphere. Each speaker flaunts a hefty price tag of $24,400 each which means a set would set you back for half-a-million!!

via ElectronicHouse
Tags: Cabasse Karissima Speaker, Cabasse Artis series, expensive speakers, $24K speakers

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