Indulgences - Travel NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2010

ALMOST HEAVEN IN THE FRENCH ALPS
The five-star Hôtel de Charm Les Airelles—nestled in the slopes of Courchevel ski resort—features all the accoutrements of a proper winter escape, from a luxurious spa to a horse-drawn carriage designed by Hermès. Now, the hotel has outdone itself with the refurbishment of a new 5,900-square-foot private apartment complete with four bedrooms, fireplace, home theater and private Jacuzzi overlooking the mountains. Hotel rooms from $1,300 a night; the private apartment starts at $48,500 a night. airelles.fr

NEW EDITION IN HAWAII
The Waikiki EDITION is the first in a new luxury hotel brand combining the creative direction of Ian Schrager (Studio 54, Grammercy Park Hotel) and the management of Marriott International. Interior designers George Yabu and Glenn Pushelberg of Yabu Pushelberg and landscape designer Deborah Nevins collaborated on the palm-studded resort near Waikiki Beach, where the rooms exude a sense of organic luxury. Rates from $375. editionhotels.com

SWIFT AND SVELTE
Porsche’s 2011 Boxster Spyder has dropped 176 pounds—and gained 10 horsepower—over the Boxster S, making it the lightest Porsche on the market today. Travel in style in this sexy new 3.4-liter, six-cylinder model . It boasts 320 horsepower and hits 60 mph in 4.9 seconds, making it the perfect play toy for your inner speed demon. $61,200. porsche.com

TROPICAL GETAWAY
At St. Lucia’s Anse Chastanet, owner/architect Nick Troubetzkoy designed the rooms with louvered windows and doors to catch the prevailing trade winds. Many of the accommodations overlook the island’s twin volcanic peaks, Les Pitons. The resort offers guided kayak tours, among many other nature-oriented activities. And its Kai Belte Spa features a range of massages and special treatments, including a loofah and sea salt body scrub. Rates from $350 per night. ansechastanet.com

**Out of the array of interior design magazines, Home and Design magazine stands out as a primary idea source for luxury home designs and coverage of luxury living.  Wonderful visuals of luxury getaways and dining options are combined with inspired decor to provide a fundamental reference point for bringing luxury to life in home interiors and beyond.