Glamorous Living

Timeless Style: Ritz Paris Re-Opens

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Timeless Style: Ritz Paris Re-Opens

The legendary Ritz Paris hotel finally re-opened on June 6th, after a severe electrical fire in January delayed the original opening scheduled for that same month.  The extensive renovation that took almost 4-years was carried out by world-renowned French architect, Thierry W Despont...

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Design for Living: Deck the Halls!

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Design for Living: Deck the Halls!

Deck The Halls!

Read a wonderful post from Quintessence Blog, showcasing Carolyne Roehm's collaboration with Baccarat Crystal for their Holiday catalogue.  You may remember my recent What I'm Reading Right Now post about Carolyne Roehm's new book, At Home in the Garden, which included photos of her gorgeous Connecticut home, Weatherstone.  

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Timeless Style - Hotel Il Pellicano, Tuscany

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Timeless Style - Hotel Il Pellicano, Tuscany

One of my very favorite vacations was at Hotel Il Pellicano,Tuscany, Italy.  Just outside of Porto Ercole, overlooking the Tyrrhernian Sea, at cliff's edge sits Il Pellicano.  It's been the resort of choice for various celebrities and European royalty for over 50 years.  During its 1960's heyday, the society photographer, Slim Aarons  chronicled the guests as they played and relaxed in this tucked away oasis.  Updated in 2006 the hotel maintains its laid-back charm, feeling more like a very well run private home rather than a luxury hotel.  Philippe and I arrived very late one evening at the end of summer and there were no street or house lights for miles around. 

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Timeless Style - Amsterdam & Brussels Art Tour

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Timeless Style - Amsterdam & Brussels Art Tour

I'm a little out of synch with my posts because I've just returned from Amsterdam and Brussels on an art collectors' trip.  My Living with Art October 15  post was about this trip and how excited I was about staying at the Waldorf Astoria in Amsterdam - it didn't disappoint.  The hotel's a year old and the results of the renovation of 3 townhouses along the canal was spectacular.  Sadly, we were only there for 4 days and everyone hated to leave.  There's a welcoming mega-sized candle from the French company Cire Trudon, wafting Ernesto throughout the lobby.  Of course every time I smell Ernesto going forward it will conjure up this trip.  Between several of us we bought up the entire inventory of that particular candle to the surprise of the storeowner.  

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Design for Living - One Denman Place London, Vacation Apartments

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Design for Living - One Denman Place London, Vacation Apartments

I'm a huge fan of the London based Firmdale Hotel group.  Whenever Philippe and I are in London we stay at their Knightsbridge Hotel and its become our home away from home.  One Denman Place with apartments for stays of 90 days or more has just been added to this distinctive group, located in the Ham Yard hotel in Soho, which itself opened just last year.  There are one, two and three bedrooms apartments available with interior design by co-owner Kit Kemp in her singular eclectic style incorporating antiques, found items and an abundant mix of textured patterned fabrics. 

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Timeless Style: Winter Escape Part 11

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Timeless Style: Winter Escape Part 11

Winter Escape Part ll...

Biras Creek Resort, Virgin Gorda is my second favorite island destination. The resort is located on a narrow strip of land between two hills with stunning views of 3 distinct bodies of water; the tranquil North Sound, Atlantic Ocean and the turquoise Caribbean Sea.  Accessible only by boat or helicopter in the British Virgin Islands, the laid-back architecture and interior design of Biras Creek makes this resort an island paradise.  The lifestyle is very informal with adventures to be found on land or at sea.  At sea activities include snorkeling, scuba diving and Boston whaler excursions.  For those preferring to stay on land there's tennis, hiking, horse riding and a fabulous aromatherapy spa using the Decleor skincare line.

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Timeless Style: Sandy Lane, Barbados

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Timeless Style: Sandy Lane, Barbados

It's January 2015, I'm in New York expecting a snowstorm and thinking about a winter escape, which for me means the Caribbean.  I've done my fair share of island-hopping through the years and two of my favorite islands are Barbados and Virgin Gorda. Sandy Lane on Barbados is an ultra luxe, no expense spared hotel resort, catering to your every need in lush surroundings. Amenities include a world class golf course and spa.  An extensive recent interior design renovation by Nina Campbell has restored the hotel to its former glory and if you want to splurge and indulge this hotel will not disappoint.  

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