Pursuitist, a luxury lifestyle blog online at http://pursuitist.com – has unveiled an exciting new HD design. Featuring a responsive web site design that is viewable on all devices, from desktop computers to tablets and smartphones, the new site also showcases large photography and lush imagery.

In addition, the Pursuitist Facebook Page at http://facebook.com/luxury has surpassed over 50,000 affluent Facebook fans. The international followers reside in the wealthiest metropolitan cities, including Paris, New York, Rome, Los Angeles, London and Tokyo.

Luxury fashion brands featured in editorial include Prada, Louis Vuitton, Dolce & Gabbana, Hermès, Gucci, Versace, Alexander McQueen, Chanel, Dior, Fendi and Roberto Cavalli.

The editors highlight incredible luxury destinations, including Four Seasons Hotel and Resorts, Ritz-Carlton Hotels, Disneyworld’s Grand Floridian, InterContinental Resorts, Conrad Hotels, The Plaza and the Waldorf Astoria. Bentley, BMW, Lexus, Bugatti, Porsche, Rolls-Royce, Audi, Lamborghini, Jaguar and Mercedes-Benz are a few of the luxury auto brands that are covered on the site.

On the web at: http://pursuitist.com

One of the interesting–yet challenging tasks that Standing Dog gets to work on is hotel reflagging. And I have to admit, although it is challenging, we do it very well. When a hotel is rebranded with a new name, hotel reflagging, done properly, is critical to the new hotel’s success. Although the hotel may have been physically located at the same location in the same building for many years, it’s critical that the new hotel reflagging be done properly.

When a hotel does hotel reflagging, there are obstacles. And when it comes to even the smaller details like the hotel’s web site, it’s a huge task, as well. The links from other web sites pointing to the former hotel’s web site need to be update. It’s sometimes a huge task to contact all the other web sites pointing to the old web site and get the links changed.

Rob Phillips from Standing Dog, has written a great blog post about hotel reflagging and everything that needs to be done. We all want to make sure a hotel’s reflag is done properly, and that it runs smoothly.

Many honeymoons take place on a warm, sunny beach in tropical paradise, sipping a Mai-Tai and watching dolphins frolic in the surf. But to some newlyweds, that sounds like the most boring vacation possible. If you’re looking for an adventurous honeymoon, you’re guaranteed to find something that both you and your beloved will enjoy. A lot of these alternative honeymoons are affordable too, so you’ll save money in addition to the money you save by visiting cheap-car-rental.com. Goodbye are the days of cruises and beach resorts, the new era of honeymoons will really bond you two in love’s holy matrimony. Check out these ideas for alternative honeymoons if beginning to collect ideas on where you want to go!

African Safari

Sure, it would probably not be fun to be eaten by lions during your first week as husband and wife, but you’ve got to live a little, right? Don’t worry; you’ll be safe on a life-changing experience to Africa. Many newlyweds are choosing far away African countries like South Africa or Kenya for amazing honeymoon experiences. You can find beautiful resorts in the region that are relatively affordable. If you’re a fan of wildlife, than a honeymoon to Africa could be the perfect trip. You’ll see all kind of animals that are only visible in zoos in most of the world. You’ll also experience beautiful beaches and pristine views if you head to Africa’s coastline.

Train Trip

If you and your newlywed are up for an adventure, consider taking a train trip across some distant land you both have wanted to visit. Taking a long train trip can be relaxing and very enjoyable, and usually affordable too. You could choose between a fast paced train trip through Europe, where you’d purchase the rail pass and be able to experience many countries in a short period of time, or you could choose a more relaxing train trip, like one through the Canadian wilderness where you can sit back and take in the amazing views. You’ll appreciate the area you visited much more after taking a train trip there.

Tree House

Luxury tree houses are popping up more and more and are becoming a very popular choice for honeymooners, due primarily to their reclusiveness and beauty. Tucked away in all corners of the globe you can find tree house resorts that feature rooms built high into the trees. It can be a bit intimidating at first, but once you realize that you’re secure you’ll feel so connected with nature that you may want to quit your job in the city and move out to the woods. All tree house resorts are a little different. While some offer more amenities like pools and restaurants, many are simply a luxury room high up off the ground.

Glamping

Glamping, a combination of the words glamour and camping, has taken off in recent years. It’s essentially camping with the amenities of a hotel or resort. You’ll feel connected to nature, but you also won’t be soaked in a falling apart tent. You’ll find beautiful bungalow type accommodations, hot showers and delicious meals. Glamping is popping up just about everywhere around the world, so if that’s something you’re into then you should go glamp!

The city of Miami has it all, from luxurious beaches to an incredible nightlife. Visitors and residents alike typically hit the beaches during the day and then the night clubs after the sun sets. If you are in search of the perfect area night club, consider four ways to choose the best scene for you and your friends.

Environment

When most people hear the word “night club,” they probably envision the stereotypical boxed-in room with loud music and dancing. However, night clubs come in a variety of different forms, so you should consider which environment is the best for you. While some night clubs are indoor-only facilities, most of the elite clubs in Miami Beach have lounges that you can relax in and actually hear other people talk. Also, some clubs focus on dancing some nights, while others foster more social atmospheres with drinks galore.

On the other hand, you might want to still enjoy the outdoors. Some night clubs offer dancing inside, as well as festive lounges located on the outside. The lounges are even located right on the beach in some cases. Choosing the right environment can make all the difference when it comes to selecting the perfect Miami night club.

Types of Music

Miami is a melting pot of cultures, so you will have the chance to experience a variety of different types of music while you are visiting. This is especially the case on South Beach, where you will hear Cuban, Latin American, disco, Freestyle, country, hip-hop, Caribbean and electro-pop music.

Honing in on your favorite music can make a difference in whether or not you should choose a particular night club. Ideally, it may be best to choose a club that offers a variety of sounds instead of just one—you certainly don’t want to feel awkward if a crowd starts line-dancing and you don’t listen to any country music whatsoever. You can get a feel for the kind of music a club plays simply by walking by the entrance.

The Food

While your mission is to dance and have fun at a night club, you are bound to get hungry at some point, especially since many clubs are open into the wee hours of the morning. Before settling down in a particular club, consider the menu. This way you won’t have to leave the club in search of food and then miss out on all the fun while you’re gone.

Again, consider choosing a club that offers a variety in everything, including the food. Cuban, Caribbean, Oriental and European foods are among the favorites in Miami. The best overall night club may feature a mix of these cuisines and more.

Special Events

The competition is fierce in Miami, and night clubs are constantly honing in on what the people like to experience in the city. Before committing to a night club during your stay, consider any special events going on. From dance music, to DJs and themes, there are special events that occur on all nights of the week in Miami.

Some villas even come with pools so that if you wanted, you entire vacation can be spent in the comfort of your villa without having to leave the house other than to stock up on supplies. Some villa rentals also offer housekeeping services so you, your friends and your family can enjoy the thorough vacation experience without worrying too much about cleaning up behind yourselves. One of the best things about villa rental too is that with the right realtor, if you stay for an extended period of time, you will often be offered a couple nights and days extra for free! Before you pack everything up and head for your super villa vacation, there are a couple things you should do before you leave to make sure your vacation goes smoothly. Let’s have a look:

A place for everything…
When you’re leaving your home for any great length of time, it is in your best interest to put your valuables in storage. Even with a house sitter, you can’t anticipate acts of nature that may or may not damage the items you’ve spent your life working for. With excellent companies like usstoragesearch.com, you will be able to access professional storage options that are affordable. This way, you can enjoy your vacation without worrying about your things back home.

Insurance assurance…
No matter where you go and for how long, it is a good idea to get some travelers life insurance. When you’re moving with a big group, you will have the chance that people get sick all together and if even hurt altogether. Travelers insurance is a good way to make sure that you have cash and opportunity to take care of any medical bills or medicines that you need to get better as soon as possible. Look online for more advice or even speak with your current insurance agent for options that you can use to make this trip a safe and happy one.

While many travelers save the expense of a travel agent and do the booking themselves, others like having someone else handle the details in order to make their trip less cumbersome.

If you decide on the latter option, make sure you work with a travel agent who’s online reputation info is second to none, has your best interests at heart, and does not have a list of customer complaints about him or her a mile long.

When you set out looking for the right travel agent, focus in on several factors.

First, find a travel agent that has actually done a decent amount of traveling. It may sound like a no-brainier, but locating a travel agent that does not get out from under their desk very often is not going to do you any good when seeking travel advice.

Secondly, find someone that is not hesitant in the least to give you referrals.

If the agent seems a little shy about giving you a referral or two, the fact that they may have had some customer service issues over time could be an issue. Now that does not mean that every travel agent who does not give you a reference or two is a bad agent; just means that it should not be something they have to think about for a prolonged period of time.

Another factor to look at is does the travelagency have a series of connections with different resorts, airlines, cruise lines, rental car dealers etc? It is good to be able to throw a name of a travel agent around in the event you get to such destinations and issues arise like hotel problems, rental car delays, etc.

Agents Need to Know Their Geography

Travelers should also look for agents that are familiar with various worldwide destinations where they are headed.

In the event you are planning a trip to another country or countries, it is important to know the rules and regulations for getting into and out of that locale. A travel agent can also help you with any issues of importance going on in that country, along with any health matters that you need to know about ahead of time.

Another matter to take into account when deciding on a travel agent is if that agent is up to speed on “accessible travel,” meaning they know about the needs for travelers with disabilities. In the event you have such needs, make sure your chosen agent can and does answer any questions on your ability to get around during the trip.

You also want a travel agent that is not hesitant to ask you a variety of questions about your trip plans, your needs during the trip, and how they can best be of service to you.

Get the Lowdown on Travel Prices

Lastly, and probably most important to many travelers, get the lowdown on trip prices before you even talk with a chosen travel agent.

Do some online research to see what you will likely pay for this flight or that cruise, this rental car or that hotel. Then, work with a chosen travel agent and see how close they can match the information that you came across online. If the prices are significantly different, meaning your agent comes in at a much higher price, they could end up taking you for a ride.

While most travel agents will do right by you, always make sure to be effectively involved in your travel plans.

To not be involved could end up leading you on a trip of no return, financial return that is.

Photo credit: walksofitaly.com

Let’s face the facts – medication is expensive, the cost of living is high and it just is not healthy to raise kids on tv and the internet. Going on a vacation will save you and your family a ton of money in other aspects of your life because vacations make people happy. When you’re happy, you’re more productive and life in general is pretty grand. One of the first things you may come across when beginning to plan your vacation are the best Orlando vacation packages and timeshare promotions – now while this is a good start, you may need some convincing. Can you really afford a vacation? A good vacation for you and the family may be less expensive than you think.

Here are a couple tips to help you realize how affordable and fun a vacation in 2012 can be for you and your family!

Booking flights and accommodation in advance:

While some people may be able to pick up and go on vacation on a whim, others have personal and professional obligations that may make that impossible. If you have a few months or even up to a year in advance, many airlines and hotels offer reduced rates for clients who can pay the full price in advance. This financial commitment secures their business and allows them to offer you deep discounts on the flights and accommodation you and your family will need to make a get-away this year. Use the internet as a tool and find out what deals and specials are available for the destinations you have in mind. A super secret tip? Orlando is great any time of year and there are always a slew of reasonably priced hotels and flights for you to choose from.

Use Apps to find deals to dine:
One of the biggest expenses you will incur on vacation after accommodation is your food bill. It may not seem like it at a glance, but when you’re on vacation, you’re liable to eat twice as much as you usually would at home. Dining out can be very expensive especially if you plan on eating in the theme parks or around them. A good way to find deals on the food you’ll consume is by using your smartphone! There are several applications, some of them free that can help you find diners, drive-ins and restaurants that offer free meals for kids as well as general discounts. When you use these applications, they will provide you with directions, a price range and even a sample view of the menu so you’ll know if you want to make a visit or not.

Owning horses means you have to find the right land to house and ride them. If you don’t want to keep them a few miles down the road or further, you’ll want to invest in a piece of property suited for horses. If you already own an equestrian property you know how much work goes in to finding the right spot. From zoning requirements to land quality, there are a number of factors you’ll need to take into account.

Quality of Buildings
When choosing the right property, it’s imperative that you address the quality of the buildings currently standing. Though the property may look good right now, Bayequest.info suggests, “Just because a particular property looks like it will fit your needs as they exist today doesn’t mean that it will continue to do so in a few years time. Do you plan on enlarging the home or adding more facilities? Is there sufficient space to expand or improve the existing infrastructure?”

• Storage area: Is there sufficient storage and stall area? Be sure your needs are being met without renovations.
• Renovation potential: If you want to renovate, consider where that puts your budget. While the property may seem like a good price, it’s critical you consider how much you’ll need to spend after the fact.
• Resell value: If, in 5 years time, you want to move on, will the property be just as valuable, more or less?

The Available Land
If there are no buildings on the land, you’ll need to assess the land as it sits right then. There needs to not only be room for the animals and equipment, but new stalls, barns, fencing, etc. There are a variety of aspects that you should assess, and stick firm to, right away.

• Size: In case there aren’t already proper buildings in place, be sure you have the space for all the structures you’ll need to build.
• Geography: The environment should be suitable for grazing and riding. If possible, find property with tall trees for shade.

Equestrian Legalities
Buying an equestrian property isn’t the same as purchasing one to build a home. Because you’ll be raising animals, and using the property for various structures, you’ll need to assess based on a variety of factors. From various zoning requirements to lot conditions, owning an equestrian property requires you to consider two main factors:

• Zoning: Consider how many horses you have now and how many you hope to have in the future. Zoning varies from town to town, so be sure that you are set in the event that you want to have more horses.
• Water drainage: While each property will have different drainage options and needs, TheHorse.com advises,

“Environmentally speaking, the golden rule on horse properties is to “keep clean rainwater clean” by diverting it away from paddocks, buildings, manure piles, and high traffic areas.” Be sure this will be possible.

If you want to keep your horses close by, you’ll need to purchase the right kind of property. When choosing which equestrian property will be best, there are a number of factors to consider including land quality and zoning requirements. Be sure to assess the whole picture before making your final decision.

Photo credit: pahorsefarmstoday.com

Finard Coventry Hotel Management has closed on its $16 million purchase of the historic Providence Biltmore, a landmark 292-room hotel located in the heart of downtown. The new ownership represents the next chapter for this storied property, originally constructed in 1922 and placed on the National Preservation Register. The Providence Biltmore, now affiliated with Preferred Hotels and Resorts, will remain open during a planned $10 million-plus renovation.

The hotel’s new ownership and resulting improvements are expected to boost local employment. The Providence Biltmore currently employs a staff of 179 full- and part-time workers. Projections cite the creation of up to 29 additional permanent, full-time jobs at the hotel and dozens of temporary jobs during the renovation process.

The Providence Biltmore comprises 292 guestrooms; 19,000 sq. ft. of function space, including 18 meeting and banquet rooms and a rooftop grand ballroom that is home to more than 75 weddings per year and many notable events. Guests may also enjoy The Spa at The Providence Biltmore, a luxurious spa retreat perfect for destination spa visits, day-spa use, bridal services or simply as an escape after a day of meetings. The hotel is home to McCormick and Schmick’s Seafood Restaurant and a Starbucks, located within the lobby. Other amenities include business center, fitness center, WI-FI Internet access, in-room cable TVs, and valet parking.

The Providence Biltmore is located at 11 Dorrance Street, Providence, Rhode Island 02903. For more information about the hotel, visit online at www.providencebiltmore.com. For reservations, call toll-free 800.294.7709.

Hotels serve many purposes and now-a-days they are more popular than ever. With more people traveling the world on business and for fun, even the cheapest hotels have had to up the ante to compete. On the general subject of finding hotels, this is no longer a worry or hassle any more. If you want to know how to find cheap hotels or even how to find more luxurious accommodation, the information is all merely a click away. Using the internet, you can source hotels for any location, suited to any budget.

Specific to luxury hotels, you can find them anywhere in the world. If you’ve never been to one you may wonder “Why do people choose luxury hotels?” Be it work or play, hotels are a home away from home. Especially if you have to stay for an extended period of time, you want to be in a place that is comfortable, well appointed, safe and beautiful. For a single, couple or an entire family, luxury accommodations are a joy to experience and promise the guest a thrilling, memorable experience. If you have the time and the money, why not splurge on room that fits your every fantasy? Don’t worry though – you don’t always have to spend an arm or a leg for luxury. There are many accommodation deal sites that can get you deep discounts on some of the most superb hotels in the world.

Luxury Hotels for the Discerning Guest – a quick how-to guide!
• Concierge: This is a valuable amenity as far as hotel luxury is concerned. This will be your go-to resource for everything from restaurant recommendation to spa reservations. You can even have them pick up your laundry and do shopping for you if you so wish! These are like little personal luxury hotel geishas who are trained to serve you impeccably. You’ll want to take one home!

• Style: A luxury hotel doesn’t have to be modern. It can be homage to a more traditional interior design motif and still be very fashionable and relevant. Choose a hotel that mirrors the style you enjoy. Do you like art deco, steely monochromatic finishes or earthy, natural fixtures? Do you need cleverly placed water works for a calming feel or even an isolated guest-only traditional tea-room? Do you prefer lush carpeting or high-gloss hardwood flooring? If these things are important to you, call the hotel before you book it to make sure they can live up to your haute expectations.

• Bath &Bedding: Nothing screams “luxury” like plush bedding and high end bath products. The main components of your hotel room are the bed and the bathroom. You want these things to be well appointed and of the highest ilk. Find out what thread count your sheets are and how often they are laundered. You’re looking for goose-down or buckwheat pillows if you’re hoping for obscene luxury. Your bathroom shouldn’t be cramped and outfitted with insufferable fluorescent lighting. Spacious is the name of the game. Where bath products are concerned find out who the manufacturers are. Some hotels have designer brand-name bath and body products, Bvlgari, for example.

Source: http://www.belugerinstudios.com/index.php?act=playgames&val=PC1331922394