Jacob Hill Inn – Providence, Rhode Island

The Jacob Hill Inn is what you would hope all bed and breakfasts to be. Run by a gregarious husband and wife team, Bill and Eleonora Rezek, the Inn is truly a labor of their love, and that passion is exemplified throughout every corner of the property.

Tucked in a cozy tree-lined street a few miles from Providence, Rhode Island, the Jacob Hill Inn is spread over a sprawling estate.  The property has a rich history dating back to the 1700s when it housed an exclusive hunt club frequented by the Vanderbilt family.  Even in modern times, the Jacob Hill Inn still enjoys famed guests such as movie stars, wealthy sophisticates, and dignitaries.  However, regardless of whether or not you are a celebrity, Bill and Eleonora give the same first class treatment to all guests, which is why Jacob Hill Inn boasts numerous accolades such as the AAA Four Diamond award and Zagat Top Hotels recognition.

Stepping into the main building, guests are met with arching beamed ceilings, colorful runners, and a plethora of mementos from Bill and Eleonora’s worldly travels.  Moving into one of the twelve rooms, wine glass and cheese platter in hand, guests instantly notice that each room has a luxurious yet rustic feel that emulates the warm, homey ambiance of the main room.  To have a leisurely night, slip into a plush bathrobe following a relaxing soak in the jacuzzi tub using the organic toiletries.  Then, settle down on the comfortable King sized bed, munching on one of the home made cookies, and watch the flickering flames of the in-room fireplace.  In the morning, do not miss indulging in the fresh, home-cooked three-course breakfast that changes its menu daily.

For other activities, the estate also includes a swimming pool, a tennis court, an outdoor gazebo, and an entertainment room with billiards, a large screen plasma home theater, a ping-pong table, and a large collection of books.  If a peaceful respite is what you seek, the Jacob Hill Inn is the ideal place that is guaranteed to leave you relaxed.

Article and photography by Anjali Menon

Jacob Hill Inn
120 Jacob Street
Seekonk, MA 02771
www.Inn-Providence-RI.com

Most Expensive Luxury Interiors

Walk in Cigar Humidor

Swiss manufacturer Michel Perrenoud, S.A. have developed a compact walk in cigar humidor. Originally designed for hotels and cigar bars, but easily adaptable for a private residence. The first installation was in the Lausanne Palace hotel. The modular walk-in interior has complete humidity control and will hold up to 10,000 cigars.

Price – a bargain at just $83,000 – plus shipping and installation.

Coffee Table by David Lloyd Thompson

David Lloyd Thompson creates one-of-a-kind coffee tables, amongst other furniture art and his tagline is “expect the very best.” No question they are unique.

Price – this particular table is cast in epoxy with 20 coats of finish with Mono-printed oil on canvas laminated on the table base and top panel – $50,000

Glass fireplace by Bloch Design
Bloch design make custom glass fireplaces and contemporary furniture made from a variety of materials including tinted or colorless glass and with over 3200 different colors of metal along with Brass, steel, stainless steel, titanium, corten, stone, granite, marbles, corian, seashells and wood. Gas or wood burning options.

Price – From $20,000 upwards depending on specifications.

Digital Picture Frame by Hyundai

Of course, there are digital picture frames, and there are digital picture frames. This particular model by Korean manufacturer Hyundai could more appropriately be called a room divider and features a crane flying between panels.

Price – an estimated $70,000

Panic Room

For the rich and scared, GMS UK install panic rooms constructed with reinforced steel sheeting, eight-inch concrete walls and only one opening with a steel door and special locking systems, equipped with a video monitor, separate telephone line or mobile phone, communication system, fresh air supply and heating, first aid kit, fire extinguishers and alarm keypad all powered by a small generator and emergency lighting in the event of disconnection of power supply and many more.

Price – varies as specifications vary so widely

Hi-Fi system

No self respecting luxury home would be without a decent Hi-Fi system. Kharma will be happy to fulfill your needs. Amongst other products, Kharma sell possibly the most expensive speakers ever built.

Price – $1,000,000

Bathroom

Limestone gallery in London offer bespoke bathrooms and other interior décor made from a variety of natural materials. This particular bathroom features a solid Ivory Stone bathtub carved from a single piece of stone. Possibly the most exceptional bathroom fittings ever made.
Price – this one is at the lower end of their range and sells for around $70,000 for the entire bathroom. A single bath tub can cost as much as $140,000 – just for the bath tub.

Toilet

This Swarovski crystal studded toilet is certainly an eye catcher. Designed by Jemal Wright, this is from the “Isis” range of bathroom fittings and is either fully or partially handset with Swarovski crystals – “the epitome of bathroom couture,” according to the designer.

Price – $75,000

Kitchens

Another Swarovski crystal studded appliance – this time – a fridge. Perhaps a little more taste and a little less “couture,” with this one – and, not entirely covered in crystals. Available in limited numbers from Harrods of London.

Price – $20,000

Barbeque

BeefEater offer a modular approach to BBQs, with possibly the most expensive barbeque in the world. According to the website, the Ivis outdoor kitchen centre is the ultimate in outdoor entertaining.

Price – around $50,000

Home Theater System
Of course, like the digital photo frames, there are Home Theater systems and there are Home Theater Systems. This particular model is offered by Frankentek and comes in as one of the most expensive home theater systems.

Price – around $800,000 depending on specifications

Designer Washing Machine

This Samsung washing machine has apparently been styled by a Korean fashion designer – Andre Kim. Far be it for me to cast aspersions, but it’s fair to say, Mr. Kim designs a better wedding gown than he does washing machine. And would you really want this level of “luxury,” in the laundry room – very nice gold

Washing Macine price – $ unknown

Peugot BB1

With the BB1 project*, Peugeot is shattering convention with the invention of a new solution to the urban transport needs of today and tomorrow.100% electric, with the capacity to carry 4 people, the BB1 has an interior and exterior so innovatively designed that it is only 2.5 metres long.

Peugeot have reinvented the automobile with a vehicle that combines responsive handling with technological capability, yet emits no carbon emissions.

Having made its debut at the Frankfurt International Motorshow, BB1 is now on tour around Europe. Learn more at www.BB1-peugeot.com.
*BB1 is a concept car not available for sale.

The Wedding of Coco Rocha & James Conran

The Trianon Palace, Versailles, France – The Waldorf Astoria Collection

Experience The Legendary Grandeur Of Versailles

video directed by David Christopher Lee

The grand spectacle of Louis XIV’s Versailles is legendary. Now, it is yours to experience. In partnership with the Chateau de Versailles, Chateau de Versailles Events, The Waldorf Astoria Collection is pleased to offer exclusive packages offering access to the palace’s seasonal line-up of pyrotechnic shows and musical performances. Each package includes show tickets and breakfast at La Veranda, with upgrades available for hotel accommodation and performance seating.During your stay, enjoy a gastronomic dinner at La Veranda restaurant, newly awarded two stars at the Michelin Guide. Delight in the endless pleasures of La Ville Soleil, and discover the extraordinary events that have shaped Versailles into one of the world’s most splendid destinations.

• Prestige Package, including an overnight stay in a Palace Deluxe Room, breakfast at Gordon Ramsay au Trianon, access to the Guerlain Spa, and Prestige seating at your choice of Versailles show
• Privilege Package, featuring an overnight stay in a Pavilion Classic Room, breakfast at Gordon Ramsay au Trianon, access to the Guerlain Spa, and First Category seating at your choice of Versailles show

350 years ago, in 1660 to marry the Infanta of Spain, the young Sun King joined his sweetheart and began a journey through the French provinces to find it on the Isle of Pheasants, to the Spanish border, place of his wedding with Marie Therese d’Autriche. Lavish royal procession of several thousand members, this rite of passage was the place of all the daring of a King, 22 years old, causing the admiration of people: Main Royal, attacking fortifications, princely ceremonies are a pretext to fire virtuosic choreography Group F, before returning to Versailles and its pleasures of the Magic Island.

To read more, visit the Trianon Palace, Versailles.

To see our fashion editorial shot at the Trianon Palace, click here to view Daydream

Hidden Hotel – Paris France

The Hidden Hotel skillfully blends materials, colors and scents to create a contemporary yet timeless atmosphere.  This unique place makes you forget that you’re in the heart of Paris.

The hotel sparks the joy of discovering hidden surprises:  treasures, secret spaces, surprising multicultural cuisine, concealed from the major thoroughfares and the hustle and bustle of Parisian life.

Sheets created by Mother Nature:

Each one of the Hidden Hotel’s 23 rooms is evocative.  Spread across six floors with living space ranging from 14 to 25 square meteres, they present contrasting textures in a refined intimate decor.

Concealed from the rest of the room by a thick linen curtain, coco-mat beds made with natural coconut fibres and linen sheets are transformed into a delightful secret alcove.

The bathrooms, which open to the room, are lavished with slate, marble and large basins carved into stone.

To read more, visit Epoque Hotels, Hidden Hotel

Oasis Day Spa – New York

A visit to the Oasis Day Spas, winners of numerous accolades, will ensure that you are not only calm and relaxed by the end, but that you are nurtured every step along the way. ”Our passion is offering the best services with the best service,” owner Bruce Schoenberg enthusiastically exclaims, and this mantra is visible in every aspect of any of the Oasis Day Spas.  Each spa technician offers such personalized attention and true care to provide each client with a positive experience that it is no wonder that the spas boast such high-profile clients as Alicia Keys, Susan Sarandon, Jimmy Fallon, and several Broadway actors.

The newest addition to the Oasis Day Spa family, Oasis Westchester, has already made its name known by winning the “Best of Westchester” award for the county.  With the same quality services and  outstanding hospitality that are staples of Oasis Day Spas, it is no surprise why Oasis Westchester in Dobbs Ferry has won such an esteemed laurel.  However, what really sets this spa apart is not necessarily in, but on top of the space.  Perched above the city, overlooking lush green hills, the spa’s exclusive rooftop garden offers a relaxing seclusion under the sun and amidst the sounds of nature.

Bruce Baltz, the Director of Massage Therapy, has often been credited as one of the creators of the art of stone massage, and his proprietary, ever-evolving therapies give the Oasis Day Spas another distinct advantage.  Bruce emphasizes that his massages are designed to allow the body to communicate with itself, in order to make the massage most effective (this is especially true during stretching modalities where clients are required to have active participation).  Specifically with the stone massages, such as the indulgent Lava Stone Massage, hot and cool, oiled basalt and marble stones are used to modulate the body’s internal temperature, in order to more effectively deep massage into tissue for utmost relaxation.

As if the stone massages weren’t enticing in and of themselves, a plethora of other services tantalize.  For a luxurious trifecta, opt for a classic Swedish Massage, which includes fluid strokes of varying depth and pressure to reduce stress and improve body circulation.  Next, rehydrate with one of Oasis’ relaxing hydrotherapy services, such as the Lavender Salt Scrubs, which leaves your body feeling moisturized and silky smooth.  Finally, finish with a Signature Facial that will let you walk out the door fresh faced and radiant.

Article written by: Anjali Menon

Oasis on Park
1 Park Avenue
New York, NY
(212) 254.7722

Affinia Dumont Hotel
150 East 34th Street
New York, NY
(212) 254.7722

Oasis Westchester
50 Livingstone Avenue
Dobbs Ferry, NY
(914) 409.1900
www.oasisdayspanyc.com

A Stroll down the Champs Elysees – Max Chaoul Couture

director:  David Christopher Lee
director of photography:  Gilbert Le
editor:  Nicholas Sheldon

shot at Hotel Keppler

Special Thanks:  Kiwi Collection

Max Chaoul Couture

Daydream – Max Chaoul Couture – Paris – Fall 2010 – featuring the Trianon Palace in Versailles

photography by David Christopher Lee

Director: David Christopher Lee
Director of Photography: Gilbert Le
Editor: Nicholas Sheldon
Hair/makeup: Lexi deRock

shot on location at the Trianon Palace, part of the Waldorf Astoria Collection

http://www.maxchaoulcouture.com

Hotel Viva Clarion Suites – Guatemala City, Guatemala

In the midst of bustling Guatemala City, directly in the heart of the famous Zona Viva, is Hotel Viva Clarion Suites, the city’s only premier all-suites luxury hotel.  Stepping into the hotel and greeted by the gleaming marble floors and arching ceilings, one is immediately filled with a sense of modern comfort and elegance.   Upon entering the hotel, the helpful staff quickly ushers those with rooms on the Executive floor to the penthouse floor for a personalized “Elite” check-in, complete with a welcome juice cocktail.

However, it is the rooms that truly distinguish Hotel Viva Clarion Suites apart from other high-end hotels in Guatemala City.  The spacious living room and bedroom suites are filled with all the amenities of a luxury hotel, and have one of the most stunning views in all of Guatemala City.

The scenic vistas out of the windows of the entire city stretched before you with the backdrop of Guatemala’s rolling hills and volcanoes, is reason alone to stay at Hotel Viva Clarion Suites.

The hotel also houses the uniquely tropical La Poza restaurant, which recreates an indoor rainforest for its diners.  Rock facades intertwined with leafy vines and a waterfall suddenly transforms dinner into a magical experience.  Not to mention, the food is fresh and delicious, with on-hand chefs that cook certain dishes to order.

Add the gym with spa services, executive business center, and the fact that shopping, entertainment, restaurants and historic attractions are all just minutes away, and you have the perfect place to rest your head whenever you visit Guatemala City.

Article and photography by: Anjali Menon

For more information, visit:
Hotel Viva Clarion Suites
14 Calle 3-08, Zona 10
Guatemala City 01010, Guatemala
www.clarionguatemala.com