The Star Diamond Standard

I have been quite blessed throughout my life in that I have been fortunate enough to make a career out of my passion for travel. A love for traveling the globe is actually quite the common trend these days, but there is certainly an unarguable difference between vagabonding through Europe after college graduation and exploring the world in the lap of luxury. With that in mind, here are my recommendations for the Star Diamond properties, opulent travel, and high-end products that true connoisseurs of the luxury lifestyle must check out.

The Oak Bar

If your spring travels will be taking you to the East Coast, then a trip to the Oak Bar at the famed Plaza Hotel in New York City is certainly in order. You can’t beat the views of Central Park, and the renovations have restored this property to its former glory, allowing it to proudly claim its title once again as New York’s most famous martini bar. The hotel itself has been earning quite a bit of attention lately, and to that I say that if it has been grand enough for the likes of Marilyn Monroe, Brigitte Bardot, Cary Grant, The Beatles, Robert Redford, Michael Douglas, John Travolta, Hugh Jackman, and Matthew Broderick, then it is certainly grand enough for Star Diamond attention.

Fifth Avenue at Central Park South
New York, NY 10019
212.759.3000

Montage Laguna Beach

Considering that this property has been open since 2003, I’m sure many of you already know of its splendors. But the fact that Montage Laguna Beach recently celebrated its seven-year anniversary on Feb. 22, 2010 and is still regarded as one of the leading destination resorts for the affluent means that it certainly earned attention from those of us at the American Academy for Hospitality Sciences. When you book your trip, it is an absolute must that you reserve space in your travel agenda for some time at Spa Montage. The 20,000-square-foot indoor/outdoor spa offers the ultimate in relaxation and is the most perfect way to rejuvenate your body, mind, and spirit.

30801 South Coast Hwy.
Laguna Beach, CA 92651
949.715.6000

Mercedes-Benz

And because we consider the value of luxury brands in every category at the Academy, high-performance automobiles must not be forgotten. Despite the economy, right now is an exciting time for car enthusiasts, considering that the Rolls-Royce Ghost and Bentley Mulsanne have us all drooling with anticipation of a test drive in the near future. If neither of those are in the budget for 2010, my recommendation is the Star Diamond recipient Mercedes-Benz. I may be a bit partial to the Manhattan dealership, which has won the Five Star Diamond Award consecutively since 2006, but a trip to any dealership is sure to reveal the brand’s claim to fame: “Mercedes-Benz is a lifestyle—an experience that transcends the road and raises expectations. It is the very symbol of leadership, quality, and luxury the world over.”

www.mbusa.com

The Mark

And while you’re soaking up life in the fast line, East Coast-style, might I suggest a stay at The Mark. While the address on the corner of 77th Street and Madison Avenue may be historic, the newly revamped interiors, courtesy of French designer Jacques Grange, are nothing short of sumptuous. Upscale hotel décor is not a new trend in the 21st century, but when tended to the way it has been at The Mark, nothing short of jaw-dropping gasps have been heard from first-time visitors upon entering. The billing on The Mark claims to blend the best of everything French, British, and American. What would that combination be, you ask? Toss together avant-garde French style, outstanding service that the Brits are known for, and the modern technologies that we here in the States can’t live without, and you have the strategy for success embraced by The Mark.

Madison Avenue at 77th Street
New York, NY 10075
212.744.4300

Vita-Life V-Systems

Now if you thought that we here at the Academy were only interested in luxury travel, let me shed a little light on the other areas that we cover. Not only are we concerned with vetting the top properties around the world for the coveted Star Diamond awards, but we also evaluate products as well. With that in mind, it is with pleasure that I introduce you to Vita-Life V-Systems, which was selected as the most advanced wellness lounger in the world. Aesthetically, it may look like something out of Star Trek, but in terms of holistic well being, this system delivers magnetic frequencies, colored light, sound waves, as well as vibrations. Mind and body healing has never been this haute.

www.vita-life.com

Holland America Line

I have been the Ambassador of Luxury Travel here at Haute Living for quite some time now, so I am quite familiar with the demographics of this audience. I know that most of you are perusing the pages of this issue right now aboard a private yacht, either owned by you, chartered by you, or belonging to one of your near and dear friends. With that already understood, I still would be remiss not to mention the fact that Holland America is one of the most spectacular cruise lines in the world, otherwise it would have never made it past our board to win the Star Diamond Award. While most of you fly private and are yachting enthusiasts to your core, my work with the Academy covers many industries, and it is my job to bring you news of the best of the best in those industries, including commercial airlines and cruise lines. Holland America is certainly of that caliber to stand strong in its category.

www.hollandamericaline.com