Archive for May, 2014

Miami top Luxury Restaurants

Thursday, May 8th, 2014

Dining out at one of Miami’s exclusive hot spots isn’t just about the amazing food. It’s more about being surrounded by the beautiful restaurant décor, the glamorous crowd, and having the best table and the impossible 9pm reservation. Take your pick of one of Miami’s top restaurants below and be sure to experience what Miami is known for- excellent steakhouses, playful dishes, fresh ceviches and any cuisine inspired by Latin America.

bartong1. Barton G is a special occasion restaurant known for putting an unexpected twist on traditional comfort foods-Mouse Trap Mac and Cheese and Lobster Pop Tarts anyone? Cocktails created with liquid nitrogen are guaranteed to make your celebration a memorable one.  At $36 this is Miami’s most expensive martini. Bottoms up! For an unforgettable dining experience reserve a table at the former Versace Mansion location.

2. Casa Tua: Translated to mean “Your House” you’ll feel at home thanks to a cozy Ralph Lauren inspired decor. Feast on the best Italian food in Miami with homemade gnocchi, delectable sea bass, and the best tiramisu you’ll ever have. For large parties, try to snag the chef’s table in the kitchen where you’ll really feel at home. If you want to dance the night away or finish off dinner with a passion fruit margarita try your luck at getting into the members only lounge upstairs.

3. Nobu: If you think Nobu is so 10 years ago, think again. Tucked away in the Shore Club hotel this place is still jam packed, so unless you want to sit at the sushi bar call ahead for reservations. With a glamorous crowd and menu that’s perfect for a late, pre-clubbing dinner this place gets the party started early.

4. BLT Steak: Chances are if you’re dining on Ocean Drive you’ll end up overpaying and eating sub-par food, but BLT Steak is the exception offering a classic steakhouse menu, attentive service, and a fine dining experience.  For dinner enjoy the Ceasar salad, porterhouse for two, creamed spinach and fontina and bacon baked potato. Located in the Betsey hotel this is the place to see and be seen on Ocean Drive.

hakkasan5. Hakkasan: Impeccable decor and well thought out dishes bring this London restaurateur to South Beach. The Fountainblu offers lots of five star restaurants that can easily empty your wallet, but if you’re if you’re in the mood for Chinese you’ll want to visit Hakkasan.  Highlights of the menu include the jasmine tea smoked ribs, stir fried lobster, and wild mushroom hand pulled noodles.

6. Joe’s Stone Crab: The top spot in Miami to try to sweet, succulent, Stone Crabs when they’re in season. Packed with tourists and only open during stone crab season, be prepared to wait for a table. If you opt for a table at the bar you can still order the famous stone crabs along with appetizers. They like to turn over tables quickly, so be warned that they may rush you.

7. Prime 112: With so many mouth watering steak houses in SoBe to choose from, somehow everyone ends up at Prime 112. Try the double wedge salad (Iceberg and Butter lettuces) and personalize the classic filet with a long list of sauces that include Béarnaise and Chimichurri.  For something different try the fondue and Kobe beef sliders. If you make last minute reservations prepare to decide on a table at either 6pm or 10pm.

8. The Restaurant at the Setai: If the weather cooperates sit outside and you’ll feel as if you’re in the South Pacific thanks to the amazing design and tables that offer lots of privacy. Feast on spicy noodle dishes, the best hot and sour soup, Wegu beef, and their signature cocktails with chili flakes and passion fruit juice. Tables are made for lingering and service is never rushed, so if you never took that honeymoon to Fiji now’s your chance.

9. Azul: Located at the luxurious Mandarin hotel on Key Biscayne this five star restaurant offers a European menu with an Asian and American twist. If the open kitchen and stunning Bay view don’t impress you, Chef Joel Huff’s innovative menu will.  Highlights include American caviar, almond gazpacho, risotto with duck prosciutto, and the highest grade of Wegu beef (A5) served with truffle and white asparagus. For a truly memorable dining experience take a boat to your own private table.

Villazzo offers the most luxurious vacation villas in Miami, FL. 

Posted in Miami, Miami Beach Luxury Travel | 688 Comments »

St. Tropez, France: Mingle With the Rich and Famous

Tuesday, May 6th, 2014

st.tropez.vacationsNestled along the French Riviera and a short drive from Nice or Cannes, St. Tropez is one of the liveliest towns along the coast during the summer. Vacationers delight in the sandy beaches, culture, gourmet food and hot nightlife of St. Tropez. The wealthy Plage Port Grimaud is the best beach to see and to be seen lounging in a Burberry bikini. Plage de Tahiti is notorious for its “unspoken” clothing-optional policy and risque atmosphere.

The best beaches for families can be found at Plage de la Bouillabaisse, Plage des Graniers and Plage des Jumeaux, which also offer beachside playgrounds. Plage de Pampellone is 3 miles of beautiful beaches, bars and places to stop for snacks.

Not a beach person? Lunch like the French in a cozy cafe overlooking the harbor and take in the people and the ritzy yachts in the harbor. Prowl around the open-air markets for hidden antique treasures, break out the credit cards for shopping at the upscale boutiques, or curb your spending and settle on a quality bottle of olive oil or wine from Provence.

Getting There
Visitors traveling on private or business airplanes can land just miles from St. Tropez at Saint-Tropez Air Developpement. Other guests may choose to fly into the airports at Nice or Toulon-Hyeres.

Timing
This region is packed with tourists in the summer making for crowded restaurants and highways. The best months to visit are June and September, when visitors can enjoy the beaches and nice summer weather away from the hordes; the last 2 weeks in July and the entire month of August are hot holiday time for French families and other Europeans on vacation.

Lodging
Villazzo offers some of the most magnificent luxury villas in all of St. Tropez.  Alternately The Hotel Byblos and Residence de la Pinede both offer accommodations fit for a king — and the palace-like decor and high-end prices make this clear. The breezy Hotel La Ponche pays tribute to old-time St. Tropez and sits in the old fishing village overlooking the water.

Cuisine
Provenciale cuisine has gained recognition outside of this region as Mediterranean food is celebrated from chic restaurants in New York to hidden gems in the middle of America. For a true Provenciale treat, try the dish that have made this cuisine famous: boullaibaise accompanied by a fine glass of burgundy or bourdeaux from a local vineyard. Foodies shouldn’t leave town before indulging in dinner at gourmand Alain Ducasse’s noted restaurant Spoon Byblos at the Hotel Byblos. Les Mouscardins is another well-known local restaurant serving up classic Proveciale cuisine in a glamorous setting, while Chez Maggi is a favorite with the locals.

Travel Tips
While St. Tropez may seem to be all about glitz and glamour, it shouldn’t be discounted as a great family vacation destination. The beaches are beautiful, the lifestyle laid-back, and the proximity on the famous Cote d’Azur of the French Riviera make it a great cultural venue. Keep in mind that as this little town handles its current surge in popularity, this also brings about crowded restaurants, crowded beaches and very crowded streets.

While you are there
Not for wallflowers, Les Caves du Roy at the Hotel Byblos is everything a trendy club should be with beautiful people, thumping music and a packed dance floor. Give in to Mixmaster DJ Jack-E’s tunes on the floor, or pop the cork on the Cristal and take it all in — you’ll want to commit every last detail to memory, which might dull the pain when the credit card bill arrives.

An afternoon spent at the Musee de I’Annonciade, also known as Muse St-Tropez, can ease the pain of a rainy day. This museum houses a collection of modern art and includes pieces by such well-known artists as Matisse, Bonnard and Seurat.

Source: Travel Channel

Posted in Saint-Tropez, Saint-Tropez Luxury Travel | 3,748 Comments »

St. Tropez Luxury Vacation Villas For Rent

Friday, May 2nd, 2014

luxury villa rentals st tropez

Based in France, Saint Tropez has emerged as a top destination especially for the wealthy and famous. It is not only rich in extensive white sandy beaches but also famous for its luxury villas. This is the top reason as to why it is frequented by tourists all year round. Most ordinary folks consider the cost of Saint Tropez villas to be pricey, but the cost is completely justified since Saint Tropez is the playground for the rich, which is a clear reflection of these individuals luxurious lifestyles. However, as long as you have the cash, renting a Saint Tropez villa is an excellent choice. It has the potential to pay off both emotionally and financially during the days of your stay. Let’s take a look into St Tropez villas and find out why they are considered one of the best that the world has to offer.

Among the top rental villas in St. Tropez are Nathalie, Bella, Margot, Fontana, Emma, Maggie, Victoria, Jessica, Andrea and Celine – View all of our luxury villas for rent in St Tropez. These luxurious villas are ideal for a stay during holidays and vacations as they provide that great home feeling. Since St Tropez is a very serene place accredited to its natural beauty like beaches and hills, it serves as a perfect location for such luxury villas. They are a true combination of ostentation and elegant ambiance, offering a spectacular view of the natural surroundings.

Extravagance and lavishness is basically the whole point of having such luxury villa rentals. Nevertheless, money is no object as holiday enthusiasts would literally want to experience the ultimate vacations possible. These spacious villas are perfectly designed to address the taste of all kinds of travelers. From the richness of architecture to the total range of modernity and complexity in each single room, these villas are really a sight to bear. They are well furnished with all the modern facilities. With them, you can expect a pool area and basic gardens for your enjoyment.

villa rental st tropez

St Tropez luxury villas differentiate themselves from normal villas by the excellent services they offer. These include well designed rooms incorporating facilities like large kitchens, luxurious dining room, spectacular views, swimming pools and outdoors spaces. Furthermore, the surrounding atmosphere offers you with that refreshing feeling, thanks to the lush green vegetation. These will certainly make you forget your worries, especially following a dive in your own private pool.

Tourists from across the world prefer a luxury villa in St Tropez. Subject to the location and also the time of the year, a night’s stay in such villas can range from €1,600 to €14,129 per night. From ultra modern designs to classic mediterranean retreats Villazzo has the perfect St. Tropez Villa Rental for you.

Renting a luxury villa is an excellent choice especially when travelling or having a long overdue holiday. The quality of service as well as the beautiful surroundings are really worth the price tag. So in case you need a couple of days to wind down, go online and book yourself one of our exclusive St Tropez’s luxury villas.

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Posted in Luxury Travel, Saint-Tropez, Saint-Tropez Luxury Travel | 10,102 Comments »