The World Islands, Dubai – My Ultimate Fantasy Spend

If I had a coupla million dollars to discard on a whim, this is what I’d buy: A Private Island in The World, Dubai’s world-shaped, man-made archipelago. Don’t you know what I’m talking about? Watch this video clip, then you’d understand why I am so keen…



See what I mean? This is probably one of mankind’s most ambitious ventures. The end result will be Utopia. My ultimate ambition is to own my own private island with a mega villa on it, but for now, I’d settle for an apartment in Oqyana.

Oqyana

Oqyana will comprise of 19 islands of The World, covering the islands of Australasia (Australia and New Zealand). This will be the closest island grouping to mainland Dubai, and is said to be the first to be finished. It is expected to house about 10,000 people and will comprise of more than 1,650 sea-view apartments and penthouses, a few mansions, 90 ocean front homes, about 170 canal front homes, and two up-market hotels, including a spa resort.

Construction

This section will have absolutely nothing to do with this blog’s theme, but definitely fascinates me. I have searched the web in search of more literature about how they create these islands, and have discovered these pictures:


Above: A vessel pumps sand from the ocean floor and deposits in on a heap. The sand is then mixed with fertile ground to keep the sand from washing back into the ocean. A while after vegetation has been added to the soil, they can start with laying the foundations of the buildings.


Above: Google Earth picture of how The World, Dubai is looking right now. As you zoom in, note at the bottom: The ship that sprays the sand!

Outrageous Festive Season Gifts pt 02 - FOR THE LADIES

I've just come back from my Holidays, and realised I did not post Pt2 of the Outrageous Festive Season gifts. Here is it now...

The festive season is at full bloom, and the cheer just keeps on growing! I hope you’re having a great festive season so far!

This entry is about some of the most expensive gifts for ladies this festive season. These gifts will make any lady feel very very special! So guys, if you’ve got the budget, here’s the catalogue…


Le Chocolate Collection – $1.5 million


A blend of luxury! What do you get when you take a box of chocolates and add a couple of pieces of jewelry? You get the ultimate gift box containing every lady’s two most favorite things. The Le Chocolate Collection created by Simons Jewelers consists of gourmet chocolates from Lake Forest Confections and a collection of expensive jewelry, which include a necklace, earrings, and a bracelet decorated with precious diamonds, sapphires and emeralds. At first the gift box looks just like any other box of chocolates, but as soon as it’s opened, a display of dazzling jewels come to life, which are of course accompanied by delicious chocolates to add a sweet taste of luxury.


Buckingham Hotel Holiday Package – $75,000


A festive trip for two! If taking your loved one on a memorable trip for two, is what you consider the ideal gift, then the Holiday Package from Buckingham Hotel in New York, will prove most memorable. The 2 day package includes the use of a white vintage Rolls Royce that will take you from the Martinelli Penthouse to anywhere in New York. You can also enjoy a private lunch at the Rock Center Café, followed by a private skating session at Rockefeller Center. Once you’ve finished expressing your figure skating talents, you then get into a helicopter for a three hour air tour that includes white truffle snacks and spectacular views of the festivities in Rockefeller Center. After the air tour, a couple of gifts will await you in the Penthouse, just as a reminder of the wonderful experience.


2006 Bentley Continental GT – $160,000


A gift that keeps on giving you goose bumps! David Beckham is known for giving Posh a festive car every year, so why shouldn’t every guy with $160 000 to spare do the same? The ultra luxurious Bentley Continental GT is the epitome of coupe engineering and this high performance 6.0 liter W12 552 horse power sportster will make any person scream, faint, wake up, and then faint again, when being presented with a gift like this. The finishes of the Bentley are luscious and will most definitely make the driver feel like royalty each and every time they get behind the wheel.


Vail Blanket Grimaud – $2,850


When she needs more space! The new Vail Blanket Grimaud from Louis Vuitton is big enough to be either used as a handbag or as a piece of luggage. Made from lamb’s wool and cashmere with a black calfskin trim, the bag is certainly a warm and furry item, which could even protect you from a winter chill. Complete with a padlock to keep the contents safe, the bag also has double rolled leather handles that can be held together by a buckled strap, for easy carrying. Louis Vuitton handbags have long been seen as the most desired designer handbags, and this one undeniably adds a little festive cheer to the existing collection.

In the Luxury of the African Bush

Seeing that the long winter cold is upon us once more, we thought that this week’s entry should be about a place where you can bake under the sun and indulge in an adventure. So this week we’re taking you on an African Safari…


Singita Private Game Reserve - Ebony Lodge – $2,010 per night

Wake up to the sounds of the bushveld (bushy grassland)! In the center of the Sabi Sand Game Reserve in South Africa, the Ebony Lodge is sanctuary of luxurious open air suites on the banks of the Sand River. Surrounded by Jackalberry trees and mountains, guests can view the Big 5 as they roam freely, while being treated to the best in leisure and everyday excitement. When not going on game drives to see some of the largest animals in the African bush, you can relax in the health spa or sip on cocktails under the sun while experiencing the best in African culture.


Londolozi Tree Camp – $1,916 per night

Londolozi is a 34,589-acre safari camp, hidden in the boughs of native African trees. The Tree Camp is a romantic camp with spacious living areas that lead out to a wooden deck shaded by an ancient Ebony tree. Each suite is a private oasis and has its own splash pool, and guests can enjoy Pan-African cuisine on an amazing game viewing dining deck while watching an African sunset in the distance. Some of the activities include bush walks and 2 game drives per day, but it’s the calming atmosphere of the camp, which truly makes Londolozi one of the most sought after safari destinations in Africa.


Royal Malewane – $5, 073 per night, max. 4 people

Relaxation in the shade of Acacia thorn trees and bold panoramic views! The Royal & Malewane suites are surrounded by the untamed African bush, and offer guests the best in an African safari. The reserve’ssuites are the largest of its kind in Africa, and complimentary services include a private butler & chef, private game drives as well 4 massages per suit per day at the spa. When guests are not embracing the bush by foot or going for a game drive accompanied by the only surviving Master Tracker in Africa, they can relax at their suite and experience ultra luxurious living areas that reflect the African culture and its glory.


Ulusaba Rock Lodge – estimated $5000; per couple for 3 nights.

Owned by Richard Branson, Ulusaba is a reward winning private game reserve. The reserve consists of two lodges, with the Rock Lodge being the most phenomenal. The views stretch for miles and guests can experience everything, from open 4x4 game drives to moonlit bush dinners. With the best in world class luxury, and a chance to see magnificent animals in their natural habitat, guests at Rock lodge experience what a majestic experience a safari really is. Ulusaba is also a wedding and honeymoon hotspot, which caters for a most unforgettable day in the heart of the African bush!

Elegant Suites and the beautiful game

Imagine going to the Soccer World Cup to see your favorite team to glory. You think of staying somewhere most elegant when not watching the action. A castle in the German country side might do, but does it present the luxury that will make you feel like royalty?

Living a life of luxury and glamour means that only the most prestigious suites will do. So this week we take a look at some of the most superb hotel suites when supporting the beautiful game. And with Golden Riviera you too could stay in absolute style…all you need to do is play!

Aldlon 5-Star Hotel - $25,000 a night

The Adlon Hotel’s presidential suite is the most exclusive suite in all of Berlin. It cost over 5 million dollars to renovate and is lavishly furnished with Georgian period furniture and exquisite French carpets. Two private elevators serve as elegant coaches taking you to and from the royalty this suite presents and is attached with two other suites that serves as accommodation for guests. Some of the guests that have had the privilege to enjoy the most exceptional elegance are Britain’s Queen Elizabeth the 2nd and China’s President Hu Jintao.

The Ritz-Carlton 5-Star Hotel - $6,307 a night

The Ritz-Carlton Suite is a sophisticated space that represents what it means to enjoy the best. A private elevator, living room with open fire place, dining room and sauna are all embraced in this suite. Exclusivity blended with only the most beautiful surfaces and furniture is what makes your stay such a pleasure. And if staying in absolute style is not enough, the Club Level has a lounge created to delight you with anything you might need; from a dedicated butler, complimentary food and beverage presentations as well as a sauna and a pantry.

The 5-Star Schlosshotel im Grunewald - $3,480 a night

The Schlosshotel is a historic artwork. Hollywood stars and model Claudia Schiffer have all found elegance and superb service at the hotel. Luxurious rooms and marble bathrooms complete your stay. When not embracing the beauty of this 20th century mansion, a Roman style pool, Jacuzzi, sauna, cosmic studio and fitness centre provides you with exceptional relaxation and will make you feel rejuvenated at an instance. The décor at the Schlosshotel truly captures class and captures an ambience of sophistication at the highest level.

Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten - $1,287 a night

In its brilliance and charm, the Hotel Vier Jahreszeiten is a marvelous representation of a unique experience. The suites portray harmonious colors, precious woods and flawless detail in their exclusivity. The MaxPrivate Vinobar Wine bar provides a distinctive combination of vinothèque, bistro, lounge, restaurant and bar. Here visitors can relax in exceptional class and service as they appreciate the views of Munich.

Ever had a dream come true...?

With Golden Riviera Group, its possible to make your dreams come true… never has this been more possible than with our Golden Dream Trips Promotion! All you have to do is play at any of Golden Riviera Group’s casinos, and you could win one of these fantastic experiences…

Fancy a shopping spree in the Big Apple?

It’s on us. New York City is a shopper’s paradise – you’ll find anything, from every corner of the globe. Spend a couple of days and nights in Manhattan, where the opportunity to discover something special you can’t find back home awaits.

Visit the Crystal District – a five-block stretch of Madison Avenue – home to the richest concentration of luxury crystal in the world including decorative objects and unique jewelry from companies such as Baccarat, Daum and Lalique.

Or for a bit of ‘uptown luxe’, Manhattan's Gold Coast extends from 59th to 96th streets and from the East River to Fifth Avenue, where you’ll be able to spend to your hearts content on designer dresses and luxurious handbags at Bloomindales or Saks Fifth Avenue, or visit Dunhill where only the finest tailored men’s clothing, accessories and leather goods are offered.

Drop in at world-famous stores such as Donna Karen, Peter Elliot, Tiffany&Co. … or Bond No. 9, where handcrafted scents that represent the spirit of New York can be mixed to form your own unique fragrance…

Or take a 3 day cruise from Miami to the Bahamas

Sip cocktails at sunset, lounge in the Jacuzzi or on deck, and stop off to visit some of the most spectacular ports in the Caribbean… known for its pristine beaches, famous resorts and glittering casinos, the Bahamas has something for everyone! And, Grand Bahama shopping is considered nothing less than a world-class sport – in fact, its shopping paradise at its best.

The Bahamas boasts some of the biggest and best labels in the world – one look at its picturesque ports in their waterfront locations is enough to induce a luxury-inspired shopping spree, whilst still allowing you to relax.

And when the sun goes down, the stars come out. From five-star dining to local fare, the Bahamas has it all. You can choose from casual waterside cafés to international bistros to elegant dining.
In addition there are plenty of nightclubs with exciting shows. You can also experience some of the best land casino action in Grand Bahama. From slot machines to every table game imaginable, you’ll find all the action and excitement you want with a relaxed elegance!

See Oprah live

Share the airwaves with the world’s most famous, billionaire talk show host – one of the world's richest entertainers. Oprah is so successful, that she even has her own production company and magazine named after her.

She lives on "The Promised Land", her 42 acre (170,000 m²) ocean view estate in Montecito, California, outside of Santa Barbara. Rumors state that Winfrey was at a party the previous owners were throwing and so fell in love with the estate that she was reported to have purchased it by writing a personal check for $50,000,000 although it was not for sale.

Oprah is also familiar with making people’s dreams come true - one of the show's features has been the "Wildest Dreams" tour, which fulfills the dreams of many deserving people be the dream a new house, encounter with a favorite performer, or a guest role on a popular TV show.

In 2004 she gave each of her 276 audience members a new car to celebrate her show's 19th season. So you never can tell what to expect as a member of her studio audience…All you need to do is play, and your wildest dreams could come true in no time…

The Rich's Expensive Hotel rooms - Rooms with a view

When you’re on the move, you’re on the move… high flyers and jet setters are often traveling from one city to the next, and when you’re living life in the fast lane, there’s only one place to rest when you’re away from home: in the lap of luxury – 5-star accommodation that caters for your every need in the style that you’re accustomed to.

So this week, we’ve taken a look at the 5 most expensive hotel suites in the world… not just rooms with a view, but with a view from the very top. All it takes is just one big jackpot win, and you too could have the pleasure of one of these luxurious hotels experiences… all you need to do is play...

1. The Atlantis, Bahamas – Atlantis Bridge Suite: $25,000 per night

In the Bahamas, it’s all about location. The Bridge Suite is located on top of a bridge that connects the two Royal Towers buildings, and overlooks the entire resort and marina. The experience comes with its own butler, bar lounge and entertainment center as well as 12-foot ceilings. The master bedroom has a sitting area, his-and-hers closets, and hand-painted linens. There are also two separate master bathrooms, each with chaise lounges and marble baths.

2. The Martinez Hotel, Cannes – Presidential Suite: $18,000 per night

Experience the luxury of Cannes whilst looking out over the entire bay. Each suite has two bedrooms, a Turkish bath, kitchen, and personal sauna. The wraparound terrace is 2,000 square feet and can comfortably hold 100 people. It also has a Jacuzzi. Included are Bose plasma screen televisions and a DVD library. A private butler is on call 24 hours a day and you have access to the use of a limousine and open bar.

3. The Plaza, New York – Presidential Suite: $15,000 per night

This luxurious two-level Presidential Suite occupies the entire 18th floor of the hotel with two living rooms, a parlor, and a library. Guests also have access to a rooftop area. That's in addition to six bedrooms and seven bathrooms. The suite also has a private wine cellar, four balconies and a staff of maids, a butler and chauffeur with a Rolls Royce. And if you feel like a snack, there's even a private chef on call at any hour of the day.

4. President Wilson Hotel, Geneva Switzerland – Royal Floor: $9,090 per night

Located on Lake Geneva, this suite is indeed spacious – taking up an entire floor. In addition to fantastic views of the beautiful lake, guests of the Royal Floor can gaze through bay windows or from a private terrace at the Alps and the Mont Blanc. The suite also has a spacious living room and elegant dining area. The hotel boasts a security system that is up to par for royalty and the biggest celebrity guests.

5. Hotel Ritz, Paris – Coco Chanel Suite: $4,300 per night

Coco Chanel made the Ritz her home for 37 years, and guests can relish the same garden view from the bathroom or gaze upon the Place Vendôme from one of the two balconies. This luxuriously decorated room in this statuesque hotel is located in the heart of Paris near the Louvre and the Museé d'Orsay and has hosted such famous guests as England's King Edward VII, Marcel Proust, F. Scott Fitzgerald and Ernest Hemingway.

Get the VIP Treatment you deserve

From the ski slopes of Aspen to the beaches of the Hamptons, even celebrities need some time off to rest and rejuvenate when they’ve been playing too hard. At Golden Riviera Group casinos, we’re used to delivering star treatment to our players, so this week we thought we’d inspire you by taking a look at some of the world’s top luxury escape spots.

And you can go there too, simply by trying your luck at Golden Riviera Group casinos! All you need to do is play hard and hit that one, big jackpot, and you too may be flying off to one of these exquisite locations sooner than you think…

Sea Mountain

Rated the top celebrity spa four years in a row, this private, secluded spa exists in a secret location just outside LA, in order to ensure the most private VIP experience. Even celebrities themselves don’t know where they’re going until the limousine picks them up! Once they arrive, however, they are waited on hand and foot, enjoying mineral spring water whirlpool massages, herbal steam baths and saunas, heated swimming pools and reclining in top class accommodation whilst enjoying gourmet cuisine and specialty drinks. Regular guests include Halle Berry, Jennifer Aniston, Leonardo di Caprio and Brad Pitt.

Wakaya

The Wakaya Club resort in Fiji is an exclusive private island resort that accommodates only 20 people at a time. Guests can stay in one of nine thatched roof huts – each surrounded by wide verandas, tropical gardens, and its own private stretch of beach – or in Vale O, which is a 12,000-square-foot home divided into three pavilions that come with a driver and personal chef. The top villa costs $5,950 a night and the island can also be hired out. This fabulous getaway has hosted stars such as Michelle Pfeiffer, Russell Crowe, Nicole Kidman, Celine Dion and Pierce Brosnan.

Gstaad

The prestigious Palace Hotel in Switzerland attracts an international mix of jet-setters such as David and Victoria Beckham, who go there for the excellent skiing and the social scene. No less than six restaurants provide the finest possible cuisine in lovely settings, whilst the state-of-the-art bedrooms are warm, spacious and comfortable. The hotel’s La Prairie spa offers a range of relaxation treatments, such as back massage followed by the application of special self-heating mud. The treatments are then personalized by a therapist using a combination of massage techniques and marine ingredients.

Mustique

The private island of Mustique in the Caribbean has long been a playground for royalty, musicians and celebrities since the 1950s – when Scottish eccentric Lord Glenconner bought the island and invited his blue-blood friends over. Princess Margaret also owned a house there, Les Jollies Eaux, which can be rented for up to $32,000 a week. There is also the magnificent six-bedroom Plantation House, which costs a whopping $60,000 a week. Cars are not allowed on the island, and the only nightlife is funky beach bar Basil's. Visitors include Oprah Winfrey, Tommy Hilfiger, Mick Jagger, Kate Moss, and Claudia Schiffer.

The Rich's Riviera Getaway Spots

Glamorous people, beautiful yachts, the jet-set lifestyle… to say that the French Riviera has long been associated with luxury would be an understatement. It is the place to play, where high rollers go when they hit the jackpot. Few destinations in the world boast more celebrities, more parties or a more cosmopolitan atmosphere. Here is a choice selection of the perfect places where you can get away to relax if you’re looking to spend some of those winnings…

Monaco

Think James Bond and Formula One and you’re halfway there… famous for its royal family, casinos, and as a haven for the incredibly wealthy, Monaco is regarded as one of the most elegant places on the planet – the ultimate playground for the rich and famous. Be sure to book a table at the Louis XV restaurant, located in the Hôtel de Paris, and generally regarded as one of the best restaurants on the Riviera.

Cannes

One of the most popular Mediterranean anchorages in the summer, Cannes is famous for its extravagant film festival and movie stars. The best way to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy it during the day is to stroll down the Croisette, the boulevard running along the seafront. For dinner and drinking, Baoli in Port Pierre Canto is the hippest place in town, or the Palm Beach nightclub where you can dance the night away under the stars.

St Tropez

Popular among the very rich and famous, St Tropez has a reputation for its flamboyant atmosphere and as the place to be seen. People anchor their yachts for non-stop beach parties in summer, creating a uniquely festive and glitzy aura. Catch a glimpse of P-Diddy whilst enjoying lunch in Club 55, or the legendary Caves du Roi. Also popular is the VIP Room where, if you can get in, you can expect to rub shoulders with celebrities.

Cap d’Antibes

Studded with the villas and pools of the super-rich, Cap d’Antibes is a peninsula of pristine, sandy beaches set among a rough and rocky coast that to this day remains untouched by tourism. Film and rock stars are often seen at the ultra-trendy and exclusive Eden Roc restaurant. The car park has a greater concentration of Mercedes and Rolls Royce than you've ever seen and there are always bronzed Mediterranean beauties browning themselves in the sun.