InsideLux – The Luxury News Authority

Ashtanga yoga masters David Swenson and Shelley Washington have been summoned to Maui by the Four Seasons Resort to coach and practice their mastered craft. Each well renowned in the yoga community, they will be tutoring attendees with the original poses and philosophies personally acquired from Ashtanga master K. Pattabhi Jois.

Shelley Washington, originally a professional dancer, found her love of Ashtanga yoga and immediately re-directed her passions, leading her to Mysore, India to study under master K. Pattabhi Jois.

Partnering her in the Four Seasons endeavor, David Swenson, has practiced yoga since age 13, and at 16, was introduced to the Ashtanga practice under K. Pattabhi Jois himself. With a bestselling book, Ashtanga Yoga: The Practice Manual, and his series of five DVDs, this team is ideal for the most serious of yoga practitioners.

Priced at $4,500 per attendee, the package includes Five nights in the luxe Four Seasons Resort, four morning classes, three afternoon classes, a daily “Talk Yoga” seminar in the Yoga Retreat Hospitality Lounge, and a final reception and group dinner. The Retreat is from September 10^th-15^th and spacing is limited. Interested parties may contact The Spa at the Four Seasons Resort Maui.

Harptree Bed and Breakfast owners Linda and Charles Hill transformed a fraction of their acreage into a luxury camping experience for even the most skeptic of outdoor sleeping. The main house b&b, tucked away in Somerset’s Mendip Hills, has a cozy, relaxed, country feel, complete with homemade cooking and baked goods.

When deciding to upgrade the camping experience, Linda and Charles kept with their traditional style and furnished the canvas tents with antiques, tea lights, a wood burning stove, Persian rugs, a Chesterfield sofa, and even a dishwasher… A separate bedroom features a king-size walnut bed and a fully functional bathroom with a soaking tub.

Apart from the quaint canvas housing, the full property is open to guests; with 17 acres to roam, visitors will stumble upon walled kitchen gardens, a tennis court, tree house with wraparound balcony, and scenic walk through Chew Valley.  As one of the most expensive tent camping properties in the UK, a three-night getaway will run at £525 ($838).

For more information and photos, visit http://www.harptreecourt.co.uk/yurt.php

Always wanted to fly like an eagle? Airbus plans to elevate those wishes into a reality by the year 2050 with this environmentally friendly, completely luxury, clear-walled concept aircraft. Not for the flying-fearful, passengers will have panoramic views out the front, sides and roof of the airliner, providing a natural feeling of flight. Airbus leaves the actual materials used in the structure’s composition a secret, but shared that the windows will manipulate air temperature in accordance with weather condition, as well as influence lighting for supreme comfort.

The future of standard air travel will include luxuries that only seem fathomable in a ‘mad scientist’ dreamed up sci-fi movie. From hologram gaming systems fueled by passenger body heat and virtual projection rooms (such as golf and shopping), to relaxation amenities such as aromatherapy and acupuncture.

Environmental responsibilities have been weighing on consumers and travel manufacturers for years, leading experts to believe populations of the year 2050 will be even more engulfed in protecting the quality of the planet we occupy. Conforming to the already established standards for fuel efficiency, emissions and waste, Airbus hits every target with their enterprising ideas for future air travel.

First presented at the 2009 World Future Energy Summit in Abu Dhabi, Antonia Terzi’s Superbus has since evolved from an eco-friendly and convenient idea, to a fully manifested electric superbus. Antonia, formerly the chief aerodynamicist at the BMW Williams Formula One team received a 7 million pound (11,409,510 USD) grant to create the sleek shuttle bus destined to run between Abu Dhabi and Dubai in only 30 minutes. Funds gathered from several major optimistic backers such as, the Saudi Basic Industries Corporation (Sabic), the Dutch government and US chemicals giant, Dow, were put to use in the making of the first Superbus prototype.

Teamed up with Antonia is Professor Wubbo Ockles, (known for being the first Dutch citizen sent into space), of Delft University of Technology in Holland, where the actual construction has taken place. Combining the nearly unfathomable top speed, optimized routing system and custom Superbus track, has allowed a cut of on-road travel between the two major cities from approximately 90-120 minutes to just 30 minutes. Made of ultra-light materials like aluminum, carbon fiber, fiberglass and polycarbonate, the 23 passenger, 16 door, completely electric vehicle weighs in at only 9,500kg (10.5 tons) and reaches a top speed of 250 kph (155.5mpH).

Not only is the revolutionary superbus eco-friendly and super quick, but the jet blue color, aerodynamic design and opulent interior make bus riding a new form of luxury transportation.

Negotiations with Dubai transportation officials are still underway, though, the RTA director of marketing and corporate communication, Peyman Younes Parham acknowledges the brilliance of the Superbus and comments, “I’m pretty sure there will be more discussion about this.”

Among all the “palaces” in the famous 90210, one in particular, jumps off the block with it’s custom design. Ron Dayan of Piccadilly Designs has out-done his 25 years of design experience with Beverly Hill’s own livable art form. To call this home a “house” would be an insult to the entire interior design world. From the inside out, no detail was left as an after-thought or unplanned add-on. The ethereal gardens, grand indoor columns and blending of masculine and feminine touches make this home perfectly livable for anyone with high levels of taste.

The sleek hardware and smooth appliances in the kitchens and bathrooms modernize the home and balance the opulence of the drapes, chandeliers, and spiral staircases while the open design and 360 degree views remind the inhabitants of the outdoor beauty beyond their custom home. While every room offers something different, Ron had real living space in mind while designing an entertainment room with black leather chairs, complete with cup holders atop a chic cheetah carpet. This recent home is unquestionably breathtaking with every crevice of the property holding a unique and interesting element, making this one of Ron’s most beautiful endeavors to date.

Opening this December, Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail, is the perfect get-away for a luxury ski trip.  The Four Seasons Resort and Residences Vail caters to clients’ every need, from a day full of skiing, to the winding down, warming up and relaxing for the next day. The Ski Concierge, conscious of its guest’s possible cold-weather shyness, is located just a short, heated walk from the Residence Club. Private lockers, complimentary fresh-baked muffins, hot chocolate, tea, coffee, a warming lounge, and all rental needs, including warmed boots are only some of the services provided by the Ski Concierge. Once all ready to go, guests and residence can enjoy a full day of skiing the slopes and know that the Four Seasons Resort and Residence Vail will be waiting to warm and relax them for the next day of winter play.

Escaping the cold has never been done better, or more stylishly, than the amenities and services provided by the new Four Seasons and Residences Vail. Jump in a heated pool or whirlpool, sit by one of the many fire places or drink in the warmth through a steaming cup of hot chocolate, the personalized 24-hour concierge services will work to make sure your cozy and comfortable. Along with the Fireside Bar & Lounge, which specializes in Latin American classics, the resort is equipped with a fine dinning facility, Flame restaurant, and features a 24-hour room service policy.

A state-of-the-art fitness center and 11,000 square foot spa are also on location to be enjoyed by guest for relaxation needs. While using these services, keep your children safe and entertained by the Four Seasons signature Kids of all Seasons Program, Children’s Activity Centre, and Young Adult Center.

Not that anyone would need to leave the resort, but with its central location, guests can have instant access to Vail’s many attractions and boutiques.

Rather than over eating and drinking on your next four-day weekend, why not attend a Wellness Retreat at The Four Seasons Resort Palm Beach? Exercise classes, personal counseling, spa sessions, nutrition seminars and meals in accordance to the appropriate calorie breakdowns will leave you healthy, relaxed, refreshed and ready to take on the next week. Limited to 10 participants per weekend, advance reservations need to be placed. Priced at $2,919 dollars all-inclusive, spots will fill quickly.

To reserve call 561-582-2800 or visit http://www.fourseasons.com/palmbeach/

Aboard the Maharajas Express

Forget private jets and yachts, India is offering a new mode of luxury transportation: the train. Before you get a mental picture of a rickety ride, yelling conductors, and cranky businesspeople, take a look at the picture above.

The Maharajas Express features 14 carriages: five Deluxe Cabins, six Junior Suites, two regular Suites, and one Presidential Suite. All of these are equipped with large panoramic windows, so that you can take in everything on your journey across India. There are four different “Journeys” to choose from, each concentrating on a different aspect of India. You can choose from the Princely, Royal, Classical, or Celestial, according to taste. The train can also be privately chartered.

Prices begin at $800a day, not including taxes or gratuity.

Have you ever wished you could be Christie Brinkley?  Well, not all wishes come true, but you can attempt to live her luxurious lifestyle by renting out her home.  Her beautiful beachfront villa sits on more than an acre of secluded property on the private island of Turks and Caicos.  A neighbor to Brinkley, Bruce Willis, rents out his 5 bedroom main residence and two 3 bedroom guest villas, decked with all the newest hip furniture, and a colossal pool for all to enjoy.  To really feel like royalty, try renting out Rolling Stones leading man, Mick Jagger’s “Stargrove” estate located in East End, Newbury, England.  If you get approved through the application process, you can enjoy the property including a private cook, gardener, and housekeeper starting at $15,000 per week.

Many would wonder why these well known megastars would open their homes to complete strangers.  Due to the sudden and dramatic changes in our economy, some celebrities are being forced to lend their beachfront properties for weeks at a time at a hefty fine.  Others, like Willis, just like to share their wealth.  Money may not be able to buy you love, but it certainly can buy you a taste of stardom and luxury during your vacation.

Resort staff are working around the clock to meet Diego Maradona’s high expectations and were asked to install two new top of the range bidet style toilets for his players.  Their rooms had to be repainted white, no reason was given.   The head chef was asked to ensure that there was a choice of 14 salads to accompany every meal followed by a choice of at least three desserts.  Even the pool has had to be notched up a gear to ensure that it is maintained at a constant 32°C.  And all this luxury is supposed to help Maradona and his team out wit their opponents?  Perhaps – Argentina is second in favour to win the World Cup.