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Nestled among the hills of Samana, next to the beach town of Las Terrenas, lies Terrazas de Coson. The project is the realization of one man’s dream to live in the midst of nature without sacrificing modern conveniences. European developers VALMAN created the ultimate “eco-chic” lifestyle, available to elite travelers from around the globe.
Terrazas de Coson consists of 72 “Villa Estates” nestled within the hillside and spread across 370 acres of land. The villas are available in three designs and range up to 12,000 square feet (1040M). Each estate is 200 meters above sea level offering unparalleled views of the ocean and mountains. Homes boast multiple pools with waterfalls and streams throughout the property. With a global acknowledgment of the importance of ‘green initiatives,’ Terrazas de Coson could not come at a more opportune time, showing the world’s elite how to live a life of luxury while contributing to a better earth.
Terrazas de Coson will feature an exclusive five-star boutique hotel with 28 bungalows. With its own heliport, Terrazas de Coson is easily accessible while upholding the privacy it promises.
With Christmas just a few weeks away, we looked around for the perfect gifts for those precious little boys and girls and found them at toy emporium FAO Schwarz.
The Noah’s Ark Set (in cover photo) is made of maple and birch and has wheels that lets its owner move the toy around. Noah, his wife and the 10 pairs of animals are all made of maple and hand-painted using non-toxic paints. Cost: $ 1,350
The Polar Express™ O-Gauge Train is made of die-cast metal and patterned after the Berkshire steam locomotive in the Warner Brothers movie. The train comes with four main characters from the movie and details like a working headlight, a unique whistle and smoke. The digital Racing Series Set by SCX is the ultimate realistic toy that lets you program the cars to change lanes during the race. Costs: $ 350 for the train and $ 420 for the racing set.
The Mercedes Benz 190 SL replica features a working steering wheel, rubber tires, shiny chrome parts and a padded seat. The all-steel Pedal Fire Truck comes with flashing lights, a siren and an 8-foot hose that really sprays water. Costs: $ 350 for the Mercedes and $ 210 for the truck.
Duncan the Classic FAO Schwarz Bear was made to be squeezed and snuggled with extra long arms perfect for hugging. Patrick the Pup is plump and extremely soft, the ultimate stuffed toy to cuddle up to. Costs: $ 225 for Duncan and $ 299 for Patrick.
FAO Schwarz has been in business for over 145 years. Surely, they know toys more than anyone else.
Our reliable Swiss companions just got blinged. Victorinox, makers of the original Swiss army knife and other multi-functional tools, teamed up with Bonfort to create the world’s most exquisite pocket knives and flash drives in celebration of its 120th anniversary.
L-R: Yellow Gold Collection Victoria – US$ 50,000; Platinum Collection Victoria – US$ 70,000
The limited-edition Collection Victoria is based on the executive-type army knife’s size and 7 functions. And that’s about all it has in common with the typical knife. The limited edition’s shells are made of either platinum 950 or yellow gold 750. Lavish, yes? Not just yet. When we said bling, we meant bling. And plenty of it. 430 flawless diamonds are inserted into the platinum or gold shells of each knife bringing its weight to about 4 carats. All tools are engraved in diamond; the serial number of the edition etched on the blade. This dazzling knife comes with a solid gold chain and a beautiful padded case.
L-R: Sterling Silver SwissMemory™ Prestige – US$ 800; Yellow Gold/Diamond SwissMemory™ Prestige – US$ 6,000
Bonfort also upped the bling factor of Victorinox’s handy USB flash drive with the SwissMemory™ Prestige. These memory sticks that come with 4 other tools can be housed in sterling silver, 18-carat white or yellow gold shells. The white or silver gold versions are mounted with 74 brilliant cut diamonds.
Who said you can’t mix functionality and opulence?
Luxury won’t always cost you an arm and a leg. Case in point: this selection of small hotels around the globe that leave you with memories magnificent and divine.
Charming and intimate. Jiva Hill Park Hotel in Geneva, Switzerland offers a wide range of luxury services and amenities to help set the tone for fun and leisure. With only 28 rooms and 6 suites within the property, guests are assured of personalized service.
Classic. Constructed in 1878, the old exchange station for the Estonian Telegraph has been converted into the Hotel Telegraaf in Tallinn. The hotel succeeds in combining the contemporary design of the 86 rooms with the rich history of the building, which houses it to provide guests with one unique experience.
Stylish and modern. The Library was built with a novel concept of a lifestyle vacation experience set on 1.6 acres of beachfront property in Koh Samui, Thailand. The entire property is decorated with very simple but elegant appointments – very conducive to relaxing. The suites are equipped with a plasma TV, a DVD player and an iMac with internet access to still keep you connected to the rest of the world.
Stunning and sleek. J.K. Place Capri in Italy sits on the cliffs above Marina Grande overlooking the Bay of Naples. Polished interiors, endless recreation activities and breathtaking views make your stay at this hotel unforgettable.
From November 29th, Wind Star cruises will have cell phone service at sea available to its customers on deck. The service is currently available on Wind Surf and will be available on Wind Spirit from April 18th, 2009.
“We are pleased to provide this service to our guests,” said Diane Moore, President of Windstar Cruises. “It allows them the convenience of staying in touch with family, friends and business associates while enjoying their cruise.”
Guests however will be gently reminded to respect each others’ comfort levels and adhere to a set of phone courtesy guidelines. The cell phone connection was introduced primarily so that guests may have access in the their own private staterooms.
Guests will be required to switch their phones to vibrate in public areas such as dining rooms or lounges.
Wind Star is offering this service in partnership with On-Waves Ehf, which supports GSM and CDMA technology on board ships at sea.
