Haute Last-Minute Gifts

Need a last minute gift? You’re in luck. We’ve rounded up some A-list last minute gifts that are haute, haute, haute. Act quickly…you’ll still in luck for two-day shipping.

For the cook: Biltmore Culinary Classes

Those who like to cook or want to improve their culinary skills will love the Biltmore’s Culinary School. Their culinary boot camps are taught by Lourdes Castro, an instructor at New York University’s prestigious Food Studies department. The boot camps provide intensive instruction focused on culinary technique. The Fundamentals camp is geared towards those looking to learn or refresh solid cooking fundamentals, while the Entertaining camp instructs the avid host or hostess on proper menu planning and efficient execution of various party styles (hors d’oeuvres, buffet, sit-down meals).

The 3-day program is priced at $450. An all-inclusive package that includes night accommodations, three daily meals with beverages, tax and gratuities is priced at $1,740. For more information, call 305.913.3131 or visit www.biltmorehotel.com/bca.

For the college student: Splendid Apparel

Splendid recently opened their second standalone store at the Aventura Mall in Florida. The Splendid brand is the culmination of founder and designer Moise Emquies’ search to find the softest fabric and most color-absorbing yarns in the world in order to create the ultimate t-shirt, perfect for those late nights at the library when you want to look cute.

The 1810-square-foot store houses all of the line’s collections — Splendid, Splendid Mills, Splendid Girl and Splendid Littles — in a greater range of shades and styles, highlighting the breadth of color that first made the brand a cult favorite. In addition, visitors will find exclusive merchandise and seasonal gift sets for everyone in the family. This holiday season, add some sparkle to your favorite college student’s wardrobe with festive, soft pieces from the Splendid store.

Check out Splendid at the Aventura Mall this week!

For the Miami Mommy: Spa day

This holiday season, give your mom the ultimate in relaxation and rejuvenation with four unique packages from exhale, the renowned mind body spa at the EPIC Hotel. Each of the appropriately named packages is designed to showcase a combination of exhale’s signature Core Fusion® fitness classes and transformational spa therapies, making them the perfect way to pamper all the men and women on your list.

• Balance ($135): A 60-minute Fusion massage, combining therapeutic massage techniques from around the world, plus a choice of one mind body class including Core Fusion®, Core Fusion Sport®, and Core Fusion Yoga®.

• Indulge ($320): A 60-minute fusion massage, a 60-minute True facial, exhale’s signature customized facial, plus a Pure Manicure and Pure Pedicure for glowing hands and feet.

• Evolve ($350): A 60-minute Fusion massage, plus a choice of ten mind body classes.

• Transform ($540): A 60-minute Fusion massage, a 60-minute True facial, a Pure manicure and Pure Pedicure, plus a choice of 10 mind body classes.

Take the guesswork out of your holiday shopping and give your loved ones a gift that’s tailored to their idea of relaxation. Not sure which they’d like? Exhale’s gift cards can be used toward any yoga or core class, spa therapy, retail products and more.

Exhale at EPIC is located on the 16^th floor of EPIC Hotel, 270 Biscayne Boulevard Way, Miami, FL 33131. For more information,  call 305.423.3900 or visit exhalespa.com.

For the dog lover: SNIFF Candles

Designed by Jennifer Mohr, SNIFF candles infuse holistic, pet-friendly aromas that benefit the health and well-being of our canine companions. Some of the scents include: “Splendor in the Grass” (to transport a pet to green pastures), “Field of Dreams” (lavender to soothe and relax), and “Friends to the Rescue” (to keep pests at bay). Each candle purchase through January benefits other animals too, with 10 percent of the purchase being donated to the Miami Dade Animal Services Foundation, a newly registered 501c3 dedicated exclusively to spay/neuter programs in Miami-Dade County.

Each candle is $32, and can be purchased on www.sniffpetcandles.com.

For the health guru: iZo Cleanze

iZO Cleanze is a raw, vegan, organic juice and superfood cleanse program providing the highest possible product quality and superior health transformation results for its clients. Its recipes have been custom-formulated by a panel of accredited experts and extensively cultivated for maximum well-being and a delicious range of fresh tastes. Each comprehensive full-body cleanse is designed to transform a person’s health by completely detoxifying the colon, liver, gall bladder, kidneys and blood of toxins, parasites and heavy metals. I went on the cleanse for a couple days and definitely awoke every morning refreshed and clear headed. My body felt purified and invigorated.

Give your loved one the gift of health (especially after all those Holiday treats) at www.izocleanze.com.

For the beauty queen: Bliss Products

For last minute gifting solutions, Bliss Spa will have a kiosk in the valet area at W Fort Lauderdale with gift cards ready to go for quick pick up, even on Christmas Eve. Stop by after work Monday, December 20 – Thursday, December 24 (Christmas Eve) from 5 to 9 PM.

Bliss Spa is located at the W Fort Lauderdale (third floor), 401 North Fort Lauderdale Beach Blvd.

For the Urban Traveler: Derringer For Equinox

Adrian Van Anz of Derringer Cycles designed his first-ever pedal bike exclusively for Equinox. This retro-inspired roadster sports a powder-coated black steel frame finished with candy gold cantilever spars. The bike freewheels for nimble urban transport and can be converted to fixed-gear off-roading by flipping the 18-inch black spoke rear wheel ($2300).

Buy at the Shop @ Equinox or visit www.equinox.com.

For the fashion forward friend

Brioni and ONE Bal Harbour Resort & Spa have teamed up for an exclusive and luxurious holiday season offer for all your fashion forward friends and family- or even yourself!

Book the Brioni exclusive and treat yourself to a one of a kind  shopping  experience. When you stay in ONE’s first-class beachfront resort, you will also receive the below with this incredible holiday promotion.

·         20 percent Preferred Pricing on ONE Bal Harbour’s Deluxe Suites

·         20 percent off Merchandise at Brioni, Bal Harbour (located in Bal Harbour shops)

·         Buffet Breakfast for 2 Daily at ONE Kitchen & Bar

·         Complimentary Transfers to the Bal Harbour Shops

·         Special Welcome Amenity From Brioni Upon Arrival

Rates for the Brioni offer start at $440.00. This offer is valid through January 31, 2011 and cannot be combined with other offers. Blackout dates apply. Visit http://www.oneluxuryhotels.com/specials.php for more info.

For the Globe Trotter:

Kiehl’s customizable gift sets – Pick your favorite Kiehl’s Since 1851 bath and body products and we’ll pack them into an exclusive travel bag (price varies).

Buy at the Shop @ Equinox or visit www.equinox.com.