It's extremely annoying when you go somewhere on a holiday and the locals rip you off. That's just what happened to an old Japanese couple in Rome. They were charged $980 for a seafood lunch. They were served with a bill of $810 plus $160 in tip for ordering pasta and lobster with wine and gelato at the Il Passetto restaurant near the Piazza Navona square. They filed a fraud complaint with the police. This 149 year old restaurant...

Forbes Magazine has selected Villa d'Este as one of the best hotels in the world. It has been showered with the prestige by a jury of people that include experts in luxury travel and celebrities who know what the good life really is. The best way to describe it is: "The Villa d'Este has it all: easy to reach place, landscape, architecture, beauty, service, interior decoration, history, spa, and even good weather." It's nicely placed in north Milan on...

After Britain designated QE2’s (Queen Elizabeth 2) position in the Gulf as a floating hotel, it was Dubai’s turn to reciprocate the good gesture and it rightly did so by building the world’s biggest yacht to be plugged up beside the Thames as a floating hotel. It is called Aquiva and it will be moored amid the London’s landscape of warehouses and building sites. The boat’s design is said to be inspired by the sail-shaped Burj Dubai hotel and...

The 50th birthday celebrations of the world famous Barbie doll are still on in full swing. To commemorate this special occasion, The Palms Resort in Las Vegas unveiled a special Barbie Suite. A pink extravaganza, this 2,350 square foot suite has been designed by Jonathan Adler. Besides pink décor, this girly suite boasts of Barbie pictures, a two-way fireplace and a Jacuzzi tub. The Palms Resort has definitely struck the right chord with its young clients by unveiling this...

I have been dealing with weight issues since a really long time. I guess we all are. So even when we are off on a vacation we can’t really enjoy and go on a binging spree for fear of putting on those extra kilos. It is due to such reason’s that my holidays turn out sour or I return with some extra flab. But like every cloud has a silver lining, this situation too has its own glimmer of...

We are so used to our luxurious ways that life without indulgence is impossible to conceive. It is this need for indulgence that deprives us from experiencing different less luxurious lifestyles. But now thanks to Abbey Road Farm, we have the opportunity to enjoy the unique experience of living in a farm without compromising on our luxuries. Located in rural Carlton in the rolling hills of Willamette Valley about 32 miles from Portland, this 82-acre farm is a working enterprise...

Remember the Mardan Palace Hotel that was touted to become Europe’s most expensive luxury hotel? Well, all anticipations and expectations were finally laid to rest when The Mardan Palace hotel was officially declared open recently. The $1.65 billion resort located on the Turkish Riviera saw a lot of celebrities (like Richard Gere, Seal, Tom Jones, Paris Hilton) dropping by for its opening celebrations. The glittering audience of 600 dined on top of the Mediterranean's largest swimming pool, enjoying performances...

Hong Kong-based RS Management Limited doesn't seem to be aware that there's a recession going on as they have made plans to create the world's most expensive private club. You can expect the high rung memberships to worth $15.2 million. A 30-year Charter Corporate Platinum Membership costs this staggering amount and it is super exclusive as only 100 will be available worldwide. The club is to be christened Richmans IMC (for International Millionaire's Club) and how apt the title...

Another landmark hotel is all set to make its debut in UAE. Designed by the New York based Asymptote Architecture, the Yas Hotel in Abu Dhabi, UAE is almost nearing completion. Another architectural wonder, this massive 85,000-square-meter complex will boast of 500 rooms. Asymptote’s founders and partners Hani Rashid and Lise Anne Couture claim this architectural landmark has been inspired by the ‘art’ and poetics of motor racing, specifically Formula 1, as well as the celebration of Abu Dhabi...

The center-piece of Dubai’s architectural excellence, Burj-Al-Arab, has just received 4 new Rolls Royce Phantom limousines, plunging its total RR Phantoms armada to 10. The chauffeur driven models were built by Bespoke Program by Rolls Royce and the inspiration for the new models was derived from the character and culture of Burj-Al-Arab itself. The car’s interiors are brag of Grecian Key Marquetry, applied to the wood veneer and the leather headrests were embroidered with the distinctive Burj Al Arab...

Some people are so hard hit by the recession and some people barely even seem to notice it. Russian Billionaire Telman Ismailov is a good example of someone who isn't too bothered by these crunch times and this is apparent as he has spent $1.4 billion of his own money building the most expensive hotel in Europe. It's called the Mardan Palace hotel and is located in Antalya, on the Turkish Riviera. The architecture of the hotel takes inspiration...

What would make one luxury hotel better than the other? A luxury vending machine, Duh! At least that is what Mondrian South Beach hotel in Miami would like to think so. This luxurious hotel owned by Morgans Hotel Group has actually set up a luxurious vending machine that offers everything from a Bentley convertible to a Jean Paul Gaultier dress or a set of 24 carat gold handcuffs, in their lobby. This unique machine is a 21st century makeover...

Rhodes islands is one the amazing islands that have gained a lot of popularity in the recent years, with celebrities making frequent getaway trips from time to time. In order to build a more luxury focused tourism, 4 new luxury 5-star hotels are opening this year. To start with, the Atrium Prestige Thalasso Spa Resort & Villas in Kalathos on the east coast that has breathtaking views of the Aegean Sea. It is complete with presidential beach villas, 6...

With summer just around the corner, we all need a get-away. Summer holidays are the best with a shot at a memorable summer romance. And what better place to make a holiday to remember than Phuket? Especially when you have the Outrigger Serenity Terraces Resort Phuket there. It's all set to open today. This beautiful resort is located in one of Phuket's most coveted and quiet Chalong Bay area. It is a paradise for rich holiday makers with 78...

Who doesn’t love to indulge in minibars? This amazing luxury is what makes your stay in a hotel memorable. There must be very few who can resist the temptation of this luxury. And banking on people’s hunger for this minibar concept, is the newly opened MiNiBAR in Amsterdam. Located in Prinsengracht, MiNiBAR is a new concept in nightlife that takes the hotel minibar concept to a new level. This amazing bar with its unique features is definitely a class...