Category Archives: Luxury Travel

Reflections

It’s early morning in Saint Lucia, and I’m hearing the sounds of water falling, the birds chirping and the distant hum of fishing boats driving by. The reflections of the Pitons in my infinity pool is breathtaking as a cloud hovers over the Gros Piton waiting to burn off in the morning sun. A cool breeze softly blows through my Jade Mountain Sanctuary, and there is serenity. I have no television. No radio. No internet. I feel distant from the world, yet having a moment of gratitude and reflection.

Reflections at Jade Mountain

Reflections at Jade Mountain

In the aftermath of a senseless tragedy like yesterday in Boston, I am taking a moment to breathe, remember what is important in my life, and try to think positively about the good, not the bad, in mankind. I am grateful in many ways that I was traveling and not at the Boston Marathon events where I would have been which were right near the explosions. Hearing reports from friends who had to run for safety and assist others makes my heart weigh heavy.

I was fortunate to spend last night surrounded by the wonderful Nick and Karolin Troubetzkoy, the owners of Jade Mountain, and not be alone, yet inside my heart continues to weep for those affected by yesterday’s events. I am deeply grateful for all of the wonderful messages by my friends and family around the world who kept me updated through social media sites. I have been traveling inspecting 15 hotels on five islands in 12 days, and I really and truly cannot wait to get home to Boston.

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What a Wonderful World

Victor Vancouver

Victor Vancouver

Today would have been my Chinese Grandfather, Victor Vancouver’s 105th birthday. Grandpa was a crooner; a celebrated jazz singer in Shanghai back in the 30’s performing at the glamorous Cathay Hotel (now Fairmont Peace Hotel). When the Japanese invaded Shanghai, he returned to Vancouver, Canada, his hometown where he worked for the navy translating code.

Later in his life he had another passion. My Grandfather was an amateur radio (ham radio) guy. On clear and warm summer’s night in Vancouver as a child, I would hear the distinct high pitched sounds of Morse Code coming from the basement of my Grandparents small home on the corner of East 2nd Avenue.

I would go downstairs into the dimly lit room and sit with my Grandfather in front of his rectangular metal amateur radio set upon his large wooden desk. I would ask him who he was talking to, and he would tell me that it was usually a friend from Russia or Japan. I was so intrigued that Grandpa could have friends in such faraway places and that they were easily communicating with a series of dots and dashes.

Grandpa’s call name was “V-E-7-V-C Victor Charlie.” I remember the stacks of postcards — calling cards sent to him by his ham radio friends from different countries, and I would thumb through the postcards and daydream of these incredible places.

Grandpa and me

Grandpa and me

I often think to myself how much my Grandfather and I are alike in communicating today. Twitter in many ways is the modern day Morse Code. We each have “handles” and tweet in short messages. Every day, when I open my Twitter feed, I’m communicating with new friends from Europe to Asia. It has brought our worlds even closer and our networks even tighter.

I think of my Grandfather and his lifelong passion to communicate with the world, and know I am very much the same.

My Grandfather had Parkinson’s Disease in the last decade of his life. We set up his amateur radio for him by his bedside where he could listen and translate the messages coming across the airwaves and stay connected to the world. It was very comforting knowing that he was always surrounded by his friends and family near and far, even as the Parkinson’s took over his body but never his mind.

Grandpa

Grandpa

When my Grandfather passed away, I had the daunting yet somehow beautiful task of choosing the music that would be played at his funeral. I selected Louis Armstrong’s “A Wonderful World” because I knew it was one of his favorites as it was also mine. To this day, when I hear that song, I know my Grandpa is with me and smiling down on me.

@LuxeTiffany: Happy Birthday, Grandpa, V-E-7-V-C Victor Charlie. I love you and miss you. This special tweet’s for you.

I see skies of blue….. clouds of white

Bright blessed days….dark sacred nights

And I think to myself …..what a wonderful world.

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St. Barts…Take me away!

There’s nothing like another winter snow storm on the horizon to have me dreaming of a beautiful and warm tropical location where the only thing frozen is the drinks. Where I’d like to be today: Relaxing at Indigo on the Beach at Hotel Guanahani & Spa, St. Barts! Care to join me?

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How to Pronounce Luxe Designer Names

Ready to hit 10 Corso Como or my new favorite La Rinascente for some “luxe” shopping in Milan? Here’s a quick guide on how to pronounce designer names. Then you’ll be able to say, “Do you like my dress? It’s Hervé LégerAir-vay Lay-jay, Darling!”

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La Rinascente Milano

Anna Sui: Anna Swee
Badgley Mischka: Badge-lee Meesh-kah
Balenciaga: Bah-len-see-aga
Balmain: Bahl-mahhhhn
Bottega Veneta: Bow-tay-guh Vah-netta
Christian Lacroix: Christian Luh-qua
Dries Van Noten: Drees Van Know-ten
Ermenegildo Zegna: Er-men-a-geel-do Zen-ya
Giambattista Valli: Gee-am-bah-tease-ta Valley
Givenchy: Jee-von-shee
Hermes: Er-mez
Hervé Léger: Air-vay Lay-jay
Jean Paul Gaultier: Zhon Paul Go-tee-ay
Lanvin: Lahn-vahhhh…n
Louis Vuitton: Louie Vwee-tahhhhh…n
Marchesa: Mar-kay-sah
Miu Miu: Myoo Myoo
Monique Lhuillier: Monique Loo-lee-ay
Moschino: Mos-key-no
Narciso Rodriguez: Nar-siss-so Ro-dree-gez
Prabal Gurung: Prub-ble Ger-rung
Proenza Schouler: Pro-en-zuh Skool-er
Rochas: Row-shah
Rodarte: Row-dar-tay
Thakoon: Tuh-koon
Versace: Vur-sah-chee
Yohji Yamamoto: Yo-gee Yom-ah-mow-toe
Yves Saint Laurent: Eve Sane Laurennnnn…t

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New York Times Travel Show 2013

New York Times Travel Show 2013

Join me on January 18th at the NY Times Travel Show chatting social media and travel!

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December 29, 2012 · 10:16 AM

Luxe Social Media Zürich

It’s a sure sign that I love a particular hotel when I find the time to come back twice in one year. I have found this special place at The Dolder Grand in Zürich, Switzerland, a five star luxury hotel majestically perched above Lake Zürich. Its European elegance combined with modern design, zen-like atmosphere and excellent service make it my personal favorite hideaway of the year. It’s a place where I can “just be” –where I can find rest, relaxation, and serenity – time to regroup from my many months of travel.

The luxury hotel offers 173 rooms, a fabulous two Michelin stars restaurant with breathtaking views, a spectacular art collection and a 4,000 square meter spa – now fondly known as my Luxe Social Media Zürich office. Did I mention this hotel has some of the most reliable complimentary Wi-Fi of any luxury hotel around?

After days relaxing at the magnificent spa, you can take the Mercedes shuttle into Zürich to indulge in Sprüngli chocolate (don’t miss the famous hot chocolate) and shop along Bahnhofstrasse – Zürich’s main downtown street and one of the world’s most exclusive shopping avenues. Nearby there is even a shop called “Sparkling Shoes & Champagne.” Could heaven for women really exist right here in Zürich?

I won’t be staying away from Zürich for long. I’ve already planned a mother/daughter spa trip to The Dolder Grand in the New Year and highly recommend it as one of your must-visit places in 2013.

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Luxe Locks

One of the benefits of staying in so many luxury hotels is the access to the finest array of bath amenities around. But I readily admit, I have a terrible problem with hoarding luxury hotel bath amenities.

From L’Occitaine to Acqua di Parma, I pack them up and bring them home, where they sit in my cupboard for months and months because they are simply too nice to use. Yes, it’s a weakness, and every once in a while when a charity drive for bath amenities occurs in my hometown, I reluctantly part with my luxurious bottles of Bvlgari Green Tea because I know it’s for a good cause.

But just when I thought I would resist the urge to bring home any new bath amenities, there, like the Holy Grail, appeared full size bottles of Armani Prive, in all its glory from the Armani Hotel Milano.

Armani Prive

And then, when I knew my toiletries kit could no longer withstand being stuffed to the gills with any more luxury products, I moved onto to Rome to Portrait Suites, a Ferragamo owned hotel, to find myself squealing in delight at the array of Tuscan Soul bath amenities by Ferragamo. Could it get any more luxe than washing your hair with Ferragamo? My love for luxury bath amenities had just been taken to the next level!

Tuscan Soul by Ferragamo

I was now betraying my other luxury brand favorites with my newfound love for Armani and Ferragamo, and my rule to not bring home any more bath amenities had just been thrown out the airplane window.

Yes, I know the First Step is admitting you have a problem.  I will call this a Luxury Problem. Perhaps I can start a self-help group for me and my fellow luxe travelers? “Hello my name is Tiffany, and I am a luxury bath amenity hoarder…”  I know I can’t be alone!

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Ciao Cinderella

I was just finishing five spectacular days in Milan and Rome touring the cities, shopping La Rinscente, Milan and Via Condotti, Rome and staying in some of the most spectacular five star hotels including the Armani Hotel Milan and Portrait Suites, a Ferragamo owned hotel.

I was now heading back to reality queuing in lines at the Leonardo da Vinci–Fiumicino Airport and had been forewarned by a hotel colleague that I would need ample time at the airport as it was known for being chaotic. I made my way through the crowded airport and checked in to my Alitalia flight to Heathrow, and had booked a Business Class ticket which allowed me to go through a priority security line.

As those of us who travel frequently do, we have a system for going through security quickly. Laptop out. Liquids and gels out. Jacket off. Belt off. Boots off. The Rome airport security lady even offered me ped socks to wear through which had me wondering… Why don’t more airports do this?

As I went through the security check, I quickly collected my things, put everything back in its place, but there was only one problem. I was missing a shoe. My hotelier friend had warned me that maybe my bag could go missing, but a shoe? I patiently waited on one foot as more bins came through the machine, and still no boot.

I asked the security person, “Do you happen to see my boot somewhere inside your X-ray machine?” He yelled out to his colleague, “Lei Manca una scarpa. Lei è Cinderella. Lei è Cinderella.” (She is missing a shoe. She and Cinderella. She and Cinderella.) I laughed and smiled at the security guy and told him that I didn’t know what he said, but I did understand the Cinderella part, and yes, I was indeed missing a shoe.

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Roma

A minute later an isolated Aquitalia boot made its way off the conveyer belt, and I once again heard shouts and laughs of “Cinderella.” I zipped up the boot, smiled again, thanked the security guys and said, “It’s a perfect fit. Just like Cinderella!” Off I went laughing to wait in the next line. Ciao Italia!

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Serenity Beach

My life is like a stroll upon the beach… As near the ocean’s edge as I can go.

- Henry David Thoreau

The warm sun beats down as I stroll along a quiet end of Grace Bay Beach in Turks and Caicos. It is on the beach that I find myself the happiest. Perhaps it’s the sound of the crashing waves, the powder white sand through my toes and the cool trade winds breezing by when I find the most clarity. A sense of calm overtakes me, and I am filled with gratitude. I am grateful for love, the ability to travel, my family and my health. I am reminded that life is to be taken one day at a time. And while my world is filled with energy and inspiration, it is these moments by the sea that I am reminded to slow down and just breathe.

Noni Bear on Grace Bay Beach, Turks and Caicos

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The World is Not Enough

“Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” ― Confucius

A luxury travel friend of mine recently said to me knowingly, “The world is not enough for Tiffany.” Was this a compliment or not? Was I guilty of an unrelenting passion, a zest for life, and the need to seek new experiences on a continuous basis that made this assessment true? As a glass half full person, I believe that enthusiasm is contagious. It has always been my goal that when I share my luxury travel experiences on social media sites, it is not to say “look at me” but rather “be inspired by the places I go and discover these places for yourself.”

Yes, it is true that I am restless. I fear complacency. I will always have a desire for more. So maybe it is true — the world is not enough for me, but I believe that as long as I maintain gratitude and health, why should I stop discovering?

“Man cannot discover new oceans unless he has the courage to lose sight of the shore.” – André Gide

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Cents and Sensibility

It was a beautiful morning rooftop in a Beverly Hills hotel where I was enjoying a lovely breakfast of Huevos Rancheros and a cool California breeze.

We love people watching and noticed the gentleman beside us politely turning away an espresso as it was incorrectly served in a coffee cup. He was casually dressed wearing an eye-catching sky blue linen shirt with a designer name on the collar and swim shorts that read “Mustique”. I must Google this designer when I get home. My husband would look great in that shirt! 

I knew I just had to say hello as I have an undying love for Mustique. Taking my last sip of coffee, I leaned over to the gentleman, said “Good morning. I see you have been to Mustique.” With an Italian accent, he replied, “Yes, yes.” He explained that it was a long way from his home in London and Italy, but he and his family enjoyed it.

We exchanged further pleasantries, and he reached for his business card — not just any business card — a gold plated card with a real sapphire in it. “Angelo Galasso” it read. “Please come to my store at the Plaza in New York City.” I told him I’d be in the city the following week, and I’d stop by. I also mentioned that I was admiring his shirt and now realized it was his own design! Image

We said goodbye and headed back to our room and my husband and I both gasped, “Do you think this is real gold? A real sapphire?” Without hesitation, we Googled who he was, and Mr. Galasso, as it turns out, is an Italian billionaire who was named one of GQ magazine’s “Best Dressed Men 2012″ in the United Kingdom. He is also the founder of Angelo Galasso, his own uber-luxe bespoke label of couture Italian menswear.  (Think mink-tasseled loafers and crocodile accessories.)Image

I visited his store the following week in New York City expecting it to be a small boutique downstairs, and I was in awe to see his beautiful boutique located on the entire corner of the Plaza by Central Park! Mr. Galasso, who happened to be at the boutique at that time, kindly gave me a wonderful tour and a few spectacular gifts like a gorgeous tie and a crocodile iPad cover. How incredibly luxe and spoiled I was – and to think, all I did was just say hello!Image

The official opening party will be in a few weeks, and we have been so kindly given an invitation to this exclusive event. I received a lovely email from Mr. Galasso saying, “in life you must trust your intuition…When people like to talk to one another…The curiosity is a sign of super sensibility and intelligence … I hope to see you around the world next time.”

It’s always fascinating who you meet when you travel when you open your eyes and be willing to connect with others. On another note, I have yet to convince my husband that “@LuxeTiffany” also needs gold business cards! I’m thinking gold and emeralds…

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The Flying Spur

I had just checked into the beautiful St. Regis Bal Harbour located in the most exclusive address across from the Bal Harbour Shops when I realized I had forgotten something at my previous hotel and needed to find a local drugstore. 

I asked the concierge downstairs if I may borrow an umbrella to walk to the local store, but I was quickly told, ”We have something better.” I was escorted through the glamorous lobby outside to my personal chauffeur where I was offered the use of the complimentary Bentley Continental “Flying Spur” (valued at over $200,000).

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In my short five minute drive, my personal chauffeur told me that the Flying Spur is a “delicate car” and while it’s very nice to drive, he also likes the Phantom Rolls Royce which he used to drive for another employer. I marvel that anyone has this comparison. We arrived to the store where he kindly opened my door and waited in the dingy parking lot for me to pick up a few things.

The Flying Spur is a complimentary service provided to guests of the St. Regis Bal Harbour on a first come, first serve basis. It’s one of the many exceptional luxury perks offered at the resort, one of my favorites being the St. Regis Butler Services.

Next time, I really should head for Chanel or Chopard at the Bal Harbour Shops instead of CVS, but the St. Regis is so close, you know, I probably could just walk there. But instead, I think I’d prefer to say, “Sir, I’d like to take the Bentley…”

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Kate Slept Here

What was it like the night before the now Duchess of Cambridge, Catherine Middleton walked down the aisle to marry her prince? While staying at the Goring Hotel, London’s oldest privately owned hotel near Buckingham Palace, I was fortunate to take a tour of the “Royal Suite” where Kate stayed the night before the Royal Wedding.

The suite was originally built in 2010 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the hotel and was designed by top designer Russell Sage covering the entire top floor of the hotel. The Drawing Room and Dining Room are powder blue and bedrooms are champagne pink and a sage green silk from a pattern first woven over a hundred years ago. There is a beautiful balcony spanning the entire suite where Kate could get some fresh air to calm her pre-wedding nerves.

Perhaps the most unique feature of this suite is the magnificent oil painting that graces the shower…yes, the shower– safely set behind what I’m told is equivalent to airplane glass. Why did they do this? Because in a Royal Suite fit for a Princess, they can!

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Snow Before Show

As a girl raised in Southern California, if I had a choice, I’ve always been partial to the warm, sunny Caribbean beaches of Turks and Caicos or Mustique over the allure of glitzy ski resorts. However, this week I’m about to make the exception. I’m headed to Nira Alpina in the Switzerland ski resort of Surlej, where you can find the finest skiing in the St. Mortiz region. My brother-in-law, an avid skier known for going on extravagant boys’ ski weekends, recently asked me (an après skier) if I skied. I laughed and replied, ”In St. Mortiz I do!”Image Stay tuned for my tweets and updates this week from Nira Alpina.

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Jetsetter Holiday Gift Guide

It’s that time of year again, and I’ve put together a few of my favorite gifts for the jetsetter in your life who loves to ski in St. Moritz or bask in the sun of St. Barts. Let me know if you need my address…

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Gifts are available at Saks.com, Bluefly.com, Chanel.com, LaMer.com, NeimanMarcus.com and Tumi.com

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Thanksgiving Travel Tweet-up with Travel + Leisure

Travel Tweet-Up

To help you plan your travels this Thanksgiving, join me for a live Twitter chat on Thursday, 11/17, from 3p.m. until 4p.m. EST, along with Travel + Leisure International Editor Mark Orwoll. Here’s how to join

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Uber Cool

What better night than a rainy night in New York City to test out “Uber“, a swank new town car service recommended to me by a tech-savvy friend. I was headed out to meet my sorority sisters many whom I hadn’t seen in 15 years at Stanton Social on the Lower East Side, and with the touch of an app I was on my way. Taxis suddenly became so yesterday.

Uber Taxi

Here’s how it works: You tap open the Uber app and set up an account with your credit card number. The iPhone’s GPS system locates where your phone is. I was told my driver Michael would arrive in 18 minutes. My first hiccup. I noticed the app now said my driver would arrive in 24 minutes. Then I realized for some reason my phone thought I was in Queens instead of Park Avenue South. I quickly cancelled the service and reordered.

This time, my phone accurately displayed where I was, and within 7 minutes, Michael was outside waiting for me in a sleek tinted out SUV, however he was down the street. The accuracy of the GPS system located the driver exactly below my hotel window 16 floors down instead of the front door, but since Michael had my phone number, we quickly coordinated our locations.

I must admit. I felt like a bit like a Rock Star when the black tinted out sedan pulled up to my hotel. My sorority sisters were certainly going to be impressed.

Michael, my Uber DriverThere is a $7 base charge as soon as you get into an Uber car, plus time and distance charges. The convenient part was the final tally included tip and was automatically billed to my credit card.

When I arrived at my destination, the total — $30 —appeared on my phone, and shortly after on Michael’s. Each of us can rate one another on a scale of one to five stars, so no time for any diva behavior.

While the service may be a bit more expensive than a taxi, the whole experience was certainly luxe. Uber operates in New York, San Francisco, Seattle and Chicago and now Boston.

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Travel Photo of the Day: Snorkeling in Turks and Caicos

Mask. Check! Snorkel. Check! Conditions were absolutely perfect to snorkel yesterday off of Turks & Caicos Club hotel on Providenciales, Turks and Caicos.

Turks and Caicos Islands are located 575  miles southeast of Miami (90 minutes by air) and boast some of the finest coral reefs in the world stretching 65 miles across and 200 miles long creating the third largest coral reef system in the world.  It’s a true snorkeler’s and scuba diver’s paradise and also the ideal place to enjoy 12 miles of white sand beach in addition to the crystal clear turquoise blue waters.

The perfect day for snorkeling

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The Savvy Traveler :: Luxe Tiffany

Want to know my travel essentials, what’s hot on my radar as far as luxury travel destinations and what was one of my coolest travel experiences? Check out the feature on my on Trip Styler, The Savvy Traveler :: Luxe Tiffany

The Savvy Traveler : Luxe Tiffany

The Savvy Traveler : Luxe Tiffany

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Glamping on the Wild Side

I’m not the outdoorsy type. I do love active vacations, but when it comes to camping, I often say that if it doesn’t have a boutique or an electrical outlet, forget about it. Thus, I love the term “glamping” — glamorous camping, a term so fondly used these days even Travel Channel is doing a feature on wilderness resorts dedicated to the luxury traveler like me who “wants to rough it but not tough it”.

Clayoqout Wilderness is an oasis on the Bedwell River just off Tofino, Vancouver Island, British Columbia where guests arrive by sea plane and are escorted to their luxury safari-style tent accommodations by horse drawn wagon. Each zip up luxury tent features antique style furniture, thermostat controlled propane wood burning stoves, opulent rugs and even new in-tent bathrooms in 12 of the 20 tents.

Clayoquot Wilderness Resort

John Caton & his wife, Adele are gracious hosts and professional guides take you on daily adventures including hiking, river kayaking, horseback riding and wildside tours where you can see black bears feast on crabs, watch the gray whale migration and see bald eagles swoop down to catch fresh fish.

After a full day of exploring the wildside, take a yoga class, rejuvenate with a massage, then feast on five star cuisine such as Tofino Crab with Garlic Butter and delectable desserts that will energize you for another day on the wildside.

The resort is perfect for families, and you might even spot a famous musician singing songs around the campfire.

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