Traveling long distances is no longer a burden for a few people. Almost all airlines offer relaxing areas and peaceful lobbies, but some have taken lounges to a whole new level of sophistication. So premium passengers do not get special treatment only in the sky, but also on ground. Access to a plethora of luxurious amenities varies from one airline to another – you may have to book a certain class of travel, pay a fee or use mileage points. These extravagant lounges make crappy sandwiches and people talking too loud on their phones seem like they’re from a different world. Bon voyage! Air France’s La Premiere Lounge, Paris Charles De Gaulle Airport Going to Paris is everyone’s hidden yearning, so Paris cannot afford to disappoint. This is probably the way airlines think as Air France’s La Premiere lounge in Charles De Gaulle Airport will certainly become part of an unforgettable experience. The minimalist design, the red mood lighting in the bar, the deluxe shower rooms and private relaxation suites with daybeds contribute to a pre-boarding privileged treatment. Biologique Recherche, an exclusivist spa, pampers even the most pedant passengers by offering tailor-made services meant to alleviate stress, jet lag, dehydration and the heavy legs effect. The lounge includes a library, stocked with newspapers and a wide selection of books and magazines. Michelin-starred chef Alan Ducasse’s menu completes the lounge experience with finger-licking French dishes. Staff can assist by creating a schedule that maximizes on the lounge’s amenities. (Pictured right, photo courtesy of Air France website) Etihad Airways’ Business Class Lounge at New York’s JFK International Airport This 7,500-square-foot lounge is considered to be one of the most luxurious lounges in the U.S. The unique travel environment reflects twenty-first century Abu Dhabi modernism and embodies...

Christie’s International Real Estate Report lists Canada and Norway as the sites of the three fastest growing luxury markets.  The wealthiest home shoppers in the world are investing in these unexpected locales. For years, Hong Kong, London, and New York have led the world in luxury real estate. To qualify, these cities possess a robust inventory of properties well above the world average of $2.2 million. These markets rank at the top of the pack, driving the 8 percent growth that the global luxury home market saw last year: London tops the list for the most luxurious, prime properties. It is home to the highest quantity of luxury listings as well as some of the most costly. One of the most recent luxury sales includes a $141 million estate. Hong Kong leads the group in terms of average luxury home price per square foot. Buyers easily exchange $3,000 per square foot of livable space. The sale of a 5,706-square-foot mansion at 28 Barker Road for $194 million was the crowning glory of 2015. London and New York vie for second place, both averaging about $2,000 per square foot. The three cities’ dominance in the market could be short lived. Luxury homes in these cities linger on the market longer than before. Hong Kong and London saw an increase in average days on the market in 2015. London, for example, saw an increase from 165 days to 270 days from 2014-2015. Yet worldwide, luxury homes experienced a 23 percent decrease in days on the market It seems that buyers have become increasingly interested in what other affluent cities have to offer. Auckland is the hottest city to watch, posting growth of 63 percent in 2015. A notable recent sale includes the $24 million cliff-top house...