Month: November 2022

What is jet lag? 

What is jet lag? This common sleep disorder for long-distance travelers affects your internal sleep clock (or circadian rhythms) and can make those first couple days in your destination a foggy blur. Fortunately, there are options for jet lag treatment that can help you enjoy every moment at your destination. We’ve gathered our top five jet lag gadgets to help you leave the fog behind.

Apps to fight jet lag

One popular and inexpensive category of jet jag cure are apps that regulate your sleep. For example,  TimeShifter was developed by a doctor at Harvard Medical School to personalize how you fight jetlag. You enter information such as your gender, age, the times you usually fall asleep and wake up, if you use caffeine or a sleep aid, and if you’re a night owl or early bird to help shift your sleeping rhythms before and after you fly. You’ll then receive notifications with recommendations on adjusting light, sleep and drinking caffeine. Similar technology has even been used by NASA astronauts. 

Similar apps such as Entrain help to regulate your light and darkness exposure. Simply enter your current and new time zone and the app will create a personalized light schedule for you. Jet Lag Rooster app also monitors your light exposure to help in adjusting to your new time zone and sends similar notifications as TimeShifter on light exposure and sleep times. Since you can create your personalized jet lag plan before you fly, why not get ahead of jet lag with one of these easy-to-use apps?

@timeshifter

Light therapy wearables

Another cutting-edge jet lag remedy is light therapy you can wear. Because light is one of the top cues for our brain to adjust to a new time zone, focusing on light exposure is a natural way to combat jet lag. Light therapy, such as bright tabletop lights you may have seen to fight Seasonal Affective Disorder, is used in the morning to simulate the morning sun to kick off your body’s natural rhythms. 

One example of a light therapy wearable is Re-Timer, a portable light device worn on your face. This battery powered device looks like a large pair of glasses. They work by emitting a green light that provides the same benefits as sunlight to regulate sleep and waking patterns. You can wear them day or night – ideally for 50 minutes three times a week – to adjust your body clock. You can even use Re-Timer to help with insomnia, Seasonal Affective Disorder or other light deprivation issues.

@re_timer

Sleep masks

Similar to light therapy wearables, traditional sleep masks are a beneficial low-tech solution to limit light exposure. While a high-quality blackout mask is best, even the airplane’s complimentary sleep mask can help. Some sleep masks have padded eye cups, making them extra comfortable. 

Or, you can take your sleep mask to the next level with a mask that works with a mobile phone app to adjust light and help you regulate your sleep patterns. The mask syncs with the app and tells you when to seek light before your flight and helps you adjust to your new time zone during your flight. Neuron sleep mask measures brainwaves to gather sleep data, develop advanced sleep staging and get personalized sleep tips. Topoint Sleep Eye Mask Wireless Headphones includes built-in wireless so you can also enjoy sounds and music of your choice.

Noise-cancelling headphones and earbuds

Sound therapy, and management, can also help regulate sleep. Loud airplane cabins can make it difficult to fall and stay asleep. So, while earplugs and standard headphones are beneficial, investing in a pair of noise-cancelling headphones can enhance your sleep quality. Not only will these block out noise but can give you the auditory experience of your choice from white noise and meditations to music from the app of your choice. 

Portable White Noise Machines

On the topic of sound therapy, you can continue to treat your ears to soothing sounds and regulate your sleep in your destination with a small, portable white noise machine. These easy-to-pack devices mask the background sounds in your room that can be particularly distracting in a new environment. Many machines offer a range of choices from bright or deep white noise to the sounds of the ocean. Should you prefer to pack light, there are many apps offering a wealth of white noise or soothing sounds. 

Check out more of our travel trips and plan your next journey with Luxury Gold.

What is Kobe beef? You may have seen it on the menu of your favorite restaurant, or perhaps even tried it. If you’re planning your next adventure, you may have the opportunity to try Kobe’s finest on our Majestic Japan journey. Let’s take a look at the mystery and myths behind this luxury meat and how it has become a sought-after feature of fine dining. 

Related content: A journey of a lifetime: unearthing Majestic Japan, with Luxury Gold

Kobe Beef, defined 

Kobe beef is an exceptionally marbled, rich type of Wagyu beef from a particular type of cattle breed born and raised in the Hyogo Prefecture of Japan. Cows that produce Kobe beef are from the Tajima cattle strain of the Japanese Black breed. How is Kobe beef raised? To qualify, the cattle must be between the ages of 28 to 60 months, as well as born, raised and slaughtered in Hyogo Prefecture.  

Kobe beef must also have a Meat Quality Score between four and five. Other specific requirements include the pure lineage of the Tajima cow, weight requirements and the “Japanese Chrysanthemum” seal officially certifying it. Because of these guidelines, only 3,000–5,000 head of cattle meet these restrictions each year. 

@kobe_beef_official

Look, taste and texture 

Now that we know just how unique this beef is, let’s get to the good stuff: the taste. Kobe beef’s distinctive marbling is what makes it so desirable. In fact, it always has a Beef Marbling Score (BMS) of 6 or more. The high marbling also means that Kobe beef is fatty, similar to purebred Angus. This fatty marbling creates a melt-in-your-mouth texture that is enhanced when you thinly slice it to prepare Japanese dishes such as shabu shabu. 

@kobe_beef_official

Wagyu beef  

You may have heard the term “Wagyu” associated with Kobe. Wagyu means “Japanese beef.” (“Wa” refers to something Japanese while “gyu” means beef). The classification of Wagyu beef includes only four breeds of purebred cattle including Kuroge (Japanese Black), Akage (Japanese Brown), Nihon Tankaku (Japanese Shorthorn), and Mukaku (Japanese Polled). This classification was established in 1944. Wagyu, like Kobe, is also a highly marbled and tender beef. 

Kobe beef vs Wagyu beef       

“What is the difference between Kobe and Wagyu?” you might be wondering. Among the four cattle breeds of Wagyu beef, Taijima cows — that we learned earlier produce Kobe beef — are a type of Japanese Black cattle. So, all Kobe beef comes from Wagyu cattle, but not all Wagyu beef is Kobe. As a comparison, the Kobe beef classification is a little like the classification for Champagne among sparkling wine. Champagne is a type of sparkling wine. But only sparkling wine produced in the Champagne region of France can be classified as Champagne. 

Wagyu beef look, taste and texture   

Similar to the specific type of beef from Kobe, Wagyu is also rich, tender and fatty. People often describe it as having a smooth or buttery flavor. Because the fat coats your tongue on the first bite or two, the flavor diminishes as you eat more. That’s why Wagyu beef usually comes in small portions, often of three to four ounces. 

American Kobe beef 

Now that we looked at the difference between Kobe and Wagyu, you maybe be wondering what that fatty, succulent cut was that you had in the United States labeled “American Kobe,” “domestic Wagyu,” or “Kobe-style.” If you guessed that these aren’t pure Kobe, you’re probably correct. Cows outside of Japan aren’t regulated the way Japanese Wagyu is, so it’s rare to find authentic Kobe products outside of Japan. Even though some Wagyu cattle breeds have been brought to the United States and produce the same rich flavor, it is rare that it is pure Kobe or sometimes even Wagyu. Several restaurants have been called out for labeling beef from Kobe on their menus when it was in fact simply Wagyu. 

Myths about Kobe

When speaking of the highly prized beef, some say that the cows are massaged to help redistribute the fat. Some farmers do massage their cows, but it is usually to warm their muscles during a cold winter. Some use massage to relieve stress for cows who do not roam free. But because the Wagyu — and thus Kobe breed – of cows are a working breed, they typically roam freely. 

Destination Japan 

Should you find your mouth watering for this rich, marbled meat, or simply want to explore the country that produces it, we invite you to join us on our Majestic Japan journey. Not only will you enjoy a range of fine Japanese cuisine, but sample some of the nation’s other famed specialty, sake.    

What authentic cuisine do you want to try in Japan? 

Global diversification. Emotional engagement. Luxury fashion brands are increasingly aligning themselves with experiential hospitality. The media focuses on the star-studded catwalk show and the individual designer’s celebrity and genius. Yet the typical elite fashion house is really a giant corporation. One whose profit derives from the mass production, marketing and consumption of ready-to-wear clothing and accessories.

And thus, many luxury fashion brands are reinventing themselves. Branching out into delivery of the full lifestyle package. Through hotels, where such packages can be put on display and sold to guests, and through lifestyle experiences. Take a look at these 7 luxury fashion brands that have branched into experiential hospitality.

Palazzo Versace, Queensland

@palazzoversace

Opened in Australia in 2000, the Palazzo Versace Queensland is credited as being one of the world’s first fashion brand hotels. With an exclusive waterfront setting on the Gold Coast, the hotel features spectacular architecture, opulent accommodations, and a design distinguished by Versace bespoke furnishings. The chandelier in the foyer of the Palazzo Versace once hung in the State Library of Milan and was originally purchased by Gianni Versace to place in one of his homes. More than $11.5 million worth of marble was imported from Carra in Italy and the driveway mosaic is the second largest in the world.

@palazzoversace

A wide range of items from bathrobes to bedheads, all on display and for the use of guests, are also for sale through the lobby shop. However, in this case, the initiative did not come from the Versace organization itself. Palazzo Versace was the brainchild of Gold Coast-based Sunland Group. From the Versace perspective, it was a new step in the journey towards globalization and diversification from the purveyors of high-end designer fashion.

Audemars Piguet, Hotel des Horlogers

@hoteldeshorlogers

Authenticity, harmony, ingenuity and liberation. These are the values of luxury Swiss watchmaker Audemars Piguet. And the Hotel des Horlogers offers guests all this in the shape of luxurious accommodations. Originally built in 1857, this historic hotel was purchased by Audemars Piguet in 2003. It was renamed “Hôtel des Horlogers” in tribute to the know-how of the watchmakers in the surrounding La Vallée de Joux.

@audemarspiguet

The hotel aims to break down the boundaries between nature and architecture, creating a space of harmony. In the true essence of Audemars Piguet, one of the world’s leading luxury fashion brands, the spirit of innovation inspired by watchmaking roots extends to the architecture and overall guest experience. The hotel features its own watch exhibition and the opportunity to visit the nearby Audemars Piguet watchmaker’s museum. It might lead you to place your name on the list for one of these distinguished timepieces.

Related content: Dine, Sleep, Do: How to spend a chic 24 hours in St. Moritz

Armani Hotels, Milan & Dubai

@armanihotel_milano

The exclusive collection of Armani Hotels & Resorts are styled to reflect elegance, simplicity and sophisticated comfort. Designed in collaboration with Mr. Giorgio Armani and his in-house interior design team, the hotel embody his signature style and aesthetic. Each hotel promises “uncompromising attention to detail” and stunning views along with world-class services and award-winning cuisine.

@armanihotel_milano

Set in the Armani style, “a way of being and presenting oneself, certainly incorporating clothing and accessories, but also including gestures, ways, behaviors and attitudes; a style that goes beyond the sum of its parts, and well beyond what one wears.” Restaurants offer gourmet dishes created by some of the world’s leading chefs. Luxurious spas offer the ultimate in pampering and relaxation.

Tiffany & Co’s Blue Box Café, Harrods, London

@retailfocus

Opened in 2020, on the ground floor of Harrods in London, customers get yet another way to immerse themselves in the world of Tiffany. Guests can literally enjoy Breakfast at Tiffany’s. With afternoon tea and dinner also on the menu. Dine surrounded by Tiffany jewelry, with surroundings that feel like one of the brand’s famed blue boxes. Dishes are served on the Tiffany & Co bone china, as part of a beautiful Tiffany tablescape. For Tiffany & Co, one of the most iconic luxury fashion brands, this makes for an ideal and classy Instagram opportunity.

Have your very own Audrey Hepburn moment and dine on New York-style pancakes dusted with sugar, served with maple syrup, strawberries and whipped vanilla cream. Or try a signature crab muffin, with Cornish crab and cheddar rarebit. Sip on Tiffany cocktails such as Velvet Lychee, with Harrods Brut NV, lychee, egg white and vanilla vodka. Or a White Gold and Rose Gold B, with Harrods Brut NV, rose peach puree and raspberry.

Why not visit whilst in London on our Castles & Kingdoms luxury guided tour?

Dior and Belmond Hotels

@dior

In the summer of 2022, the high-end hospitality group Belmond Hotels partnered with Dior to offer a pop-up spa experience on the Italian Riviera. Located in the gardens of Splendido, a Belmond Hotel, in Portofino, the Jardin des Rêves Dior (Dior’s Garden of Dreams) featured two spa treatment spaces offering signature face and body rituals.

Dior’s creative director reimagined the fashion house’s iconic Toile de Jouy fabric to dress up the cabanas. A temporary concept store offered a wide range of clothing options from the fashion house’s Dioriveria capsule collection, as well as the limited Splendido Edition of its Escale à Portofino perfume.

As well as hotels, Belmond leads the way in luxury train travel as owners of the Venice-Simplon Orient Express.

Related content: Meet the Michelin star chef putting his stamp on the Orient-Express menu

Ferragamo, the Lungarno Collection

@lungarnocollection

Created by the Ferragamo family the Lungarno Collection consists of seven boutique properties.  The Ferragamo footprint runs through all the fashion brand hotels, with five in Florence, one in Rome, and one in Milan. Branded beauty products adorn every bathroom. Picasso and Caravaggio paintings direct from the family’s private collection are displayed on the walls.

Frequented by an international jet-set crowd of art enthusiasts, expect to see fashion seekers and well-heeled weekenders. The Ferragamo family’s values of quality, service and lifestyle permeate every second of your stay.

Related content: 7 ways you’ll experience Tuscan food when traveling with Luxury Gold

Aston Martin and the Waldorf Astoria

@astonmartinlagonda

Not just luxury fashion brands, high-end car companies too have entered into exclusive partnerships with hotels to expand their market share and cultivate a richer brand image. Waldorf Astoria, for many years has paired with Aston Martin Lagonda to present hotel guests with Aston Martin’s latest models and offer guests VIP hospitality at automobile shows and international races. Tapping into each other’s clientele, exciting driving opportunities were offered at hotels worldwide along with exclusive trackside access at top racing events.

 For the ultimate luxury journey, take a look at the Luxury Gold collection of limited edition guided tours.