Life Arts & Travel

Over the past 30 plus years, Barbados has built a reputation for luxury second homes comparable to those of the most sought-after destinations in the world. Historically known as “The Jewel in the Crown” with its riches from sugar and rum, this British colony could boast of the second-oldest parliament outside of Britain.

How much value does a view have? It can have an awful lot. The luxury accommodations that combine lavish interiors with sumptuous views of the world’s wonders top the lodging value chain. In our travel feature, we take a world tour of the foremost accommodations that successfully combine luxury with the best views of everything from world-famous mausoleums to mesmerizing big cats.

Northern California, with its pleasing climate and bountiful natural resources, is home to everything from delicious wines to technological breakthroughs. And also some of the priciest real estate on the planet. Here’s a peek at some of the top trending areas for those seeking to dwell in luxury as close to the action as possible. Although inventories are tight, there are still opportunities for the savvy homebuyer.

Britain’s Jaguar Land Rover has been busy lately pushing the boundaries of the super SUV. Rolling out the Jaguar F-Pace SVR and the Range Rover SV Coupé, JLR seems determined to dominate both the world’s fastest and most luxurious SUV spaces. Which model is for you? The answer depends on whether speed or opulence tops your priority list.

The East Asian nation of Japan is renowned for making the list of top three economies, and putting into play technological advancements that have stunned the world. It is also steeped in rich culture, history and tradition, all within the environment of an enchanting island setting. A luxury vacation on the Pearl of the Orient is a guaranteed way to experience two fascinating worlds simultaneously: ancient and modern.

The Fitzrovia district of central London has received accolades as one of the best places to live in London. Rathbone Square, an extensive mixed-use residential, office and retail development within Fitzrovia, offers an opportunity for more people to call this exceptional area home; from apartments to penthouses with all of the frills, this is a once-in-a-lifetime chance to own premium property in one of the world’s most sought-after locations.

The perennially popular and versatile SUV can now boast of new frontrunners in two models recently released by the Volkswagen Group, the Bentley Bentayga V8 and Lamborghini Urus. On the road, off the road, and everywhere in between, these flagship vehicles, with price tags to match their quality, are sure to turn heads wherever their fortunate owners drive them.

Marbella, a city in southern Spain strategically located on the Mediterranean Sea, hosts a luxury real-estate market that is virtually recession-proof. Having survived the last financial crisis relatively unscathed, unlike other markets in the country, Marbella is giving rise to new-look and high-tech luxury properties with values that appreciate on average by 10 percent annually, with those priced above €20 million qualifying as “super properties”.

For the true connoisseur, nothing surpasses the rich and rewarding taste of vintage wine. Imagine scheduling a vacation around the world’s top luxury accommodations featuring the best of the best vitis vinifera ambrosia, all against the backdrop of some of the most breathtaking vistas to behold. Follow our itinerary, or create your own, to sample the fruits of those top-producing vineyards.

Christmas vacations can become a tourist trap if you don’t know where to go. Crowded, touristy spots such as Paris, London, Rome, Amsterdam and Berlin are overrated and uninspiring.