Archive for 2012

A Change to Aspen’s Restaurant Scene & Planning Your Winter Luxury Villa Rental Vacation

Sunday, September 16th, 2012

 

Artist’s Rendering of the New Elk Club Restaurant

via lacrousstreeb.com

Aspen is a great place to visit any time of year, but without a doubt the luxury ski resort’s high season is the winter months. If you’re hoping to enjoy a completely comfortable vacation in a luxury villa rental in Aspen then you’ll also want to think about booking now. As people on the restaurant scene ramp up for the start of the 2012-2013 winter and ski season so too will the options of where to stay fill up fast. One such change to the Aspen scene is the new Elk Camp restaurant being opened by the Aspen Skiing Co. (Skico) and slated to be ready by the start of the winter season. Located close to the Elk Camp gondola the new restaurant will be 14,769 square feet and has been designated as the new hub of Snowmass’ summer operations.

aspen times rentals
The Site of the Elk Club Gondola

via vrbo.com

The new Elk Club, which has been in the works for the better part of two years and will replace Cafe Suzanne’s, is part of a growing trend that has seen independent ownership of mountain restaurants in Aspen dwindle to just two (Bonnie’s and High Alpine). As Scott Condon of The Aspen Times  (aspen times rentals) notes “on-mountain restaurants have become increasingly important for ski-area
operators. Just as ski areas completed replacing old chairlifts with high-speed
models over the past 25 years, they are now replacing lots of old, worn-out
restaurants with grand, new structures.”

The restaurants don’t just look newer, different, shinier, either. The food experience has also changed dramatically from down home American grub like hot dogs and fries to a much more upscale dining experience. According to Skico, the Elk Club’s menu “alludes to northern Italian cuisine” and will have food that focuses on health and freshness, two big trends in high end Aspen restaurants. The new menu will apparently include speciality sandwiches, pizzas, and rotisserie items, as well as salads, soups, fresh pasta, and gourmet desserts. The Elk Club will not just cater to skiing diners, but the size (capacity for 250 in the dining room, 25 at the bar, 150 on the deck, and 90 seats in an an area for ski school kids) will also make it ideal to host events and receptions.

Villazzo’s Luxury Villa Rental Elisa in Aspen

For those loving the new, even higher end Aspen, then a winter vacation here wouldn’t be complete without the right accommodation. While hotels are nice, the privacy and opulence of a luxury villa rental really can’t be beat. One such luxury villa rental option is the VillaHotel Elisa, located only minutes from downtown Aspen this unbelievable luxury villa includes six bedrooms, a vanishing edge pool, and outdoor seating and entertaining area complete with fireplace. The attention to detail and design on this property really has to be seen to be believed. And while Villazzo luxury villa rentals provide privacy and all the comforts of home, our VillaHotel properties really go above and beyond, combining unbelievable luxury villa rentals with the kind of service and personal touches that far surpasses a traditional five-star hotel.

If you would like to spend part of your winter break, or even Christmas and New Year’s, in an Aspen luxury villa rental then the best time to book is now. Of course, if you can’t wait for winter to enjoy the beauty that is Aspen, fall is a great time to visit too. Not only will you save yourself from the peak season hustle and bustle, but you’ll also get to enjoy the explosion of color that comes on Aspen’s mountains and surrounding areas with the advent of fall.

All That Is Hot and Happening in Miami – Summer 2012

Sunday, July 8th, 2012
The Bazaar Miami

While many think of Miami as the ideal winter getaway, the truth is there is tons to do in this Florida hotspot in the summer too. Just ask the countless European footballers, jet setters, and fashionistas enjoying the Miami sun, surf, and nightlife right now–and there’s no better way to enjoy Miami than with a luxury villa rental. If you’re planning a summer trip to Miami here are a few events and spots you might want to visit:

Restaurants

The Bazaar by José Andrés – Modeled after the successful L.A. restaurant of the same name, Miami’s recently opened Bazaar will feature a menu developed by culinary director and celebrated chef José Andrés. Andrés has been an ambassador for Spanish cuisine in America and has enjoyed success with restaurants like Zaytinya, Jaleo, and China Poblano. The Bazaar marries molecular gastronomy with traditional Iberian fare in a gorgeous space designed by Philippe Starck, definitely a must-visit the next time you’re in Miami. (more…)

Best Beaches in St. Tropez

Saturday, June 16th, 2012


Pampelonne and Beyond – Great Beaches to Visit During Your Luxury Rental Villa Vacation
best beaches in st tropezLooking for the best beaches in St Tropez? One of the big draws when it comes to vacationing in St. Tropez are the beaches and the glamorous daytime lifestyle that surrounds them.  Whether staying in a luxury villa rental, hotel or on a yacht, travelers flock to St. Tropez every summer for the sun and sand, bikinis at the ready. While most associate St. Tropez with its main beach, Pampelonne, there are several lesser known stretches of sand where you can while away the days during your luxury villa rental vacation. Here’s a look at beaches you may want to check out during your St. Tropez holiday:

Pampellone – This is the classic St. Tropez beach that has sparked the imagination of travellers and glamorous jet setters since Brigitte Bardot donned that first bikini and sultry pout in the 1950s. Visitors to St. Tropez flock to Pampellone in record numbers to see and be seen, mostly at the exclusive beach clubs lining the shores. While daily charges at these clubs don’t come cheap–there are costs associated with everything from loungers to umbrellas–the excess and glamour is quintessential St. Tropez. Choices for beach clubs range from the quietly classy Club 55 to celeb magnet Nikki Beach, and reservations are always recommended. The oldest beach club in the area is Tahiti Beach, while a good choice for families is Les Jumeaux (aside from a children’s lunch menu this club also boasts a play area to keep your little ones entertained between dips). If you’re looking for good food consider Nioulargo – Kai Largo, which boasts two types of restaurants, while Moorea is a suitable choice for those hoping to find some happy go lucky fun. (more…)

The Five Top Trends for Summer 2012 Vacation Wear

Sunday, April 22nd, 2012

Whether vacationing in a luxury villa rental in St. Tropez or Miami these trends will serve you well this summer

Planning a summer vacation can be daunting enough–where to go, what to do, where to stay–but once that’s all settled, what remains is what to pack, which can be equally problematic. Depending on your destination and the duration of your stay, you may require quite a few outfit changes for any one luxury vacation. If you’re undecided about accommodation in the South of France or Miami this summer, we’d definitely suggest the privacy and exclusivity of a luxury villa rental. If what to bring is more the problem then we think a mix of the following trends will hit just the right note no matter what your vacation plans.

BIG, BOLD PRINTS – Nothing says vacation like a loud Hawaiian patterned shirt, right? Well, not exactly, although high end designers from New York to Milan have embraced the graphic nature of Hawaiian and floral prints and modernized them for 2012.

Net-a-porter.com calls the look “techno tropics” and relates how this season from “graphic Hawaiian florals at Altuzarra to Peter Pilotto’s hothouse stems, kaleidoscopic prints reign supreme…[these] blown up florals and oceanic motifs mean instant drama.”

Brightly hued and bold prints will serve you well from day (like the Alberta Ferretti shorts seen above) to night (when you can make good use of Matthew Williamson’s easy breezy belted kimono-style maxidress). A look like Roberto Cavalli’s floaty red and white maxi is a perfect vacation piece, because it can do double duty between day and night depending on your choice of accessories.

JET SET GYPSY – Boho is a trend that never really goes away, but every so often more than just the usual designers like Cavalli and Pucci’s Peter Dundas revisit the style. This season flowing skirts, lace, wedges and chunky statement jewelry are perfect pieces to pack to complete that luxe boho look.

Cavalli, Pucci, Dolce and Gabbana, and Missoni and Versace, as seen above, seem to do the luxe gypsy style particularly well. Perhaps it’s something about the romance of the Mediterranean that inspires these designers, either way these items are perfect for any luxury getaway. Missoni’s cobalt silk-chiffon Haydee skirt or Versace’s printed chiffon top are just two great options for incorporating the gypsy look into your vacation wardrobe.

PRETTY PASTELS – This spring there’s a little bit of dichotomy when it comes to color. On the one hand soft and feminine pastels were all over the runways, on the other the trend of bold colorblocking and neon brights (we’ll get to that next) seems to be hanging around for the foreseeable future. One look at the pastels designers are churning out and it’s easy to see why these pieces could easily become vacation staples.

A cropped skinny jean in a cotton candy shade, like the apricot pair from MiH seen above, is one of the must-have items this summer (add a pair of red and white pants to the mix and you’re half way to being vacation ready), one that can easily be accessorized from totally casual to acceptable for balmy evenings eating al fresco. Mixing different shades of pastels is also a great way to add visual interest to a softly feminine outfit. Of course, you’ll never go wrong packing a classic shift dress like the lavender Jil Sander seen here, which is made uber feminine by adding the floral bag from Reed Krakoff.

BLOCK IT OUT – Nothing says summer like bright hues, which is why colourblocking is one of those trends that just seems to work best with bright summer days and long summer nights. During your luxury villa rental vacation do as net-a-porter suggests and “pep up your palette with bold primary colors” like “fuchsia, mint, emerald and orange – electric block color is so bright now!”

Emilio Pucci’s colorblock sweater looks so chic paired with skinny white pants, perfect for a daytime stroll or some time on a yacht. Gucci’s colorblock silk crepe de chine top looks fabulous with their purple pants and nude heels, a versatile look that can easily take you from day to night.

GO SHORT – It seems like a no brainer when heading on vacation to a sunny and hot destination, but this summer shorts really are all the rage. From denim cut offs to smart and preppy printed versions we recommend packing at least a few to get you through the hot days and warm nights.

Reminiscent of a deck chair, Stella McCartney’s cotton and silk-blend shorts pretty much scream vacation, while who wouldn’t love Yves Sant Laurent’s red shorts paired with their lively floral blouse (you can also get shorts in the same floral print)? Meanwhile, Michael Kors’ leopard print short shorts are glamorous and exotic.

Where accessories are concerned, think about a Two Part Bag, which will work for both day and night. This printed canvas and leather clutch from Proenza Schouler comes in both a clutch and a tote, the smaller of which can easily be slipped into the larger when traveling.

As for shoes, wedge sandals are uber hot at the moment, but don’t forget a pair or two of what net-a-porter is calling the “ready to wear heel” (like Brian Atwood’s Claudia embroidered suede pumps above), which will instantly become the focus of any outfit. Of course, another option is to embrace the flat-for-night trend by choosing a pair or two of embellished flats that are easily packed and perfect for your vacation evenings.

Photo 1 – www.stylesizzle.com
All looks from net-a-porter-.com

Book Your Aspen Luxury Villa Rental Now in Time for Great 2012 Events

Tuesday, March 20th, 2012


Skiing, shopping and eating are three of the main draws for the throngs that convene on Aspen every year. And while people often associate the snowy slopes of Aspen with winter vacations, don’t be fooled into thinking this striking village has nothing to offer in the warmer months. On the contrary, if you’ve missed out on booking a luxury villa rental in Aspen for your winter getaway think about reserving now for the months to come. There are several great, not-to-be-missed events taking place in Aspen in the coming months, among them the Food & Wine Classic at Aspen (June 15-17) and the Aspen Film Festival (October 1-7), which you may want to consider penciling in to your vacation itinerary.
Rob Reiner and Kathy Bates at the Aspen Film Festival
Photo via filmfestivalworld.com

If you love great food and wonderful wine then you’ll likely be enthralled with an event hosted by Food & Wine magazine. The now legendary event may have started as a gathering of winemakers, chefs and aficionados of both, but thirty years later it has evolved into one of the United States’ foremost culinary festivals. The 30th anniversary of the festival will be held in Aspen this year from June 15 to the 17th, and participating chefs include Mario Batali, Jacques Pépin, Giada DiLaurentiis, Grant Achatz, and Tom Coliccio, not to mention the internationally celebrated winemakers, brewmasters, mixologists and sommeliers who will also be convening on the resort town for the event. The festival includes tastings, panel discussions, classes, demonstrations and seminars, and 300 exhibitors showing in the Grand Tasting Pavilion. You can choose between such events as Ming Tsai’s Asian BBQ, Swill for the Grill by Danny Meyer and Undiscovered Grapes of Spain by Steve Olson.

VillaHotel Rose

If you’re interested in the Food & Wine event then 2012 is the perfect year to attend, because in addition to the usual draws there are also several special 30th anniversary events on the schedule. These include an anniversary party, an after-hours dessert soiree and a 5 kilometre charity run. Tickets are currently selling for $1,225 (with 2% of the net proceeds being donated to Grow for Good by Food & Wine) and going quickly, so if you’re looking to attend snap up your tickets now! You may also want to consider booking a gorgeous luxury villa rental in Aspen while you’re at it, a perfect way to complete the entire culinary experience. (Our “V” Villas and VillaHotels also offer state of the art kitchens if you’d like to try out some of your new skills once the food weekend is over). (more…)