I step out onto the balcony to find the ocean only feet away–a bright fluorescent turquoise reminiscent of blue Gatorade. The sun shines fiercely overhead, and in my mind I can practically hear the pale drone of Caribbean drums playing in the distance I take a deep breath; such is the paradise I enjoyed a three-day respite on tranquil St. Thomas.

It’s no surprise that approximately two million tourists visit this 31.24-square-mile island every year. And even despite its proximity to neighboring U.S. Virgin Islands, St. John and St. Croix, St. Thomas reigns as one of the top luxury destinations for world travelers. And in anticipation of even more affluent visitors making the tropical haven their vacation destination of choice, St. Thomas’ most beloved hotel Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort has recently embarked on an impressive five-month, $48 million renovation.

Set out on a cliff overlooking the beautiful Charlotte Amalie Harbor with its own private beach, there’s no doubt that Frenchman’s Reef & Morning Star Marriott Beach Resort boasts the most idyllic location on the entire island. The sheer natural beauty and majesty from every angle of the property is worthy of a “Wish-you-were-here” postcard, not to mention it’s situated within easy access to the island’s prime shopping and dining destinations. In fact, the hotel is actually home to one of the island’s most popular and trendy restaurants, Havana Blue.

The renovations officially began on May 1 and consist of a well-deserved makeover to the 300 guest rooms in the hotel’s main building that will soon include upgraded technologies, a new sleek and modern décor, and a plethora of other well-appointed amenities.

Perhaps the most major change to its architecture is the massive overhaul of the resort’s grandiose swimming pool. The extra large pool that ran the length of the property will now be separated into three distinct pool areas: a private spa pool, a kids and family pool, and an adult pool.

The hotel restaurant, Windows on the Harbor, will finally be able to take advantage of the property’s breathtaking views as walls will be torn down and replaced with grand windows. The resort is also be undergoing a complete remodel of its spa along with the addition of a brand new fitness center.

With an ambitious October 2011 grand re-opening date, it won’t be long before visitors can take advantage of these and several other lavish improvements to one of the most extraordinary travel destinations in the entire world.

Click on the images below to enlarge.

On Tuesday, May 24, I attended the 16th Annual Gen Art Film Festival launch party at the 7 For All Mankind Boutique in Soho with my friend and actress Rachel Heller. Director Lake Bell hosted the intimate soiree while guests worked the room and sipped Absolut cocktails. She also premiered her short film “Worst Enemy”.

The 16th Annual Gen Art Film Festival, which will be taking place in New York from June 8 through June 14, with opening night at the Ziegfeld Theatre.

For more information on the Gen Art festival and where to get your hands on tickets. Visit www.genart.org!

Stay up to date with my Haute Living blog by following me on twitter @waeldavis!

Gen Art is an organization with an expertise in experiential and event marketing which engages consumer audiences and aligns brands organically with emerging talent in film, fashion, music and visual arts.

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Chef Luciano Pellegrini of Valentino and Executive Chef Zach Allen of Mario Batali's restaurants enjoying gelato.

More than 65 restaurants and beverage purveyors served up their dishes to 1,500 guests at the Pools at the Palazzo for the Epicurean Affair last night. As guests entered the Nevada Restaurant Association’s event, bites from world-class chefs tempted their palates every step of the way.

A aquatic performers entertained in the pool, and fresh seafood options were abound at several of the restaurants. McCormick & Schmick offered guests oysters on the half shell, Tao had spicy tuna handrolls and sashimi, and SushiSamba’s hamachi tartar with cucumber vinaigrette, mango pearls and schichimi-dusted popcorn was a huge hit.

Guests found themselves lined up to sample refined Indian bites from Origin India Restaurant & Bar, as well as STK for their “Little Burgers” made of Wagyu and topped with special sauce on a homemade sesame seed bun. The three restaurants of celebrity chef and restaurateurs Mario Batali and Joe Bastianch — Carnevino, B&B Ristorante and Otto Enoteca Pizzeria — were combined into one fantastic booth manned by Executive Chef Zach Allen. Salumi and other cured meats hung from the rafters and plates of coppa with fresh ricotta and ramps were handed to excited guests.

Chef Luciano Pellegrini of Valentino held a cooking demonstration for interested food lovers on how to make proper gnocchi while Valentino pastry chef Alessandro Stoppa dished out fresh, house made gelato (pistachio seemed the be the favorite flavor of the night). Chef Sammy DeMarco, who later did his own cooking demonstration, was slinging prime rib sliders on a popover bun with a generous side of potent horseradish cream in the First Food and Bar booth.

Sweet endings came from Max Brenner: Chocolate by the Bald Man with warm chocolate chip cookies and faux syringes with even more chocolate sauce, and Wolfgang Puck’s Postrio Bar & Grill’s red velvet whoopi pies had guest giggling like kids.

Stilt walkers and fire dancers kept the crowd entertained, while live deejays kept the party going. The party atmosphere was so jovial and fun that an impromptu dance battle broke out among the events’ talented guests.

Click on the photos below to enlarge.

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Muffy Potter Aston and hostess Margaret Russell

The AIDS Community Research Initiative of America (ACRIA) hosted its annual New York City auction and cocktail at 123 Third Avenue, the East Village’s newest luxe high-rise. Unframed 2011: The Collector’s Preview, hosted by Margaret Russell, and guest curated by Vik Muniz, took place on the evening of Tuesday, May 24. Co-presented by Architectural Digest, 123 Third Avenue, and BNY Mellon Wealth Management, and sponsored by Svedka vodka, artnet, Chelsea Frames, and Duggal Visual Solutions— the unique event (now more than 20 years old) raises funds for AIDS research and education by auctioning premium multi-media works of art at below-market price points.

Limited edition pieces on display came from Carlos Betancourt, Coke O’Neal, Jim Campbell, John Gordon Gauld, John Waters, Louise Lawler, Lucas Blalock, Michael Wolf, Nan Goldin, Rachel Perry Welty, Sebastiaan Bremer, Stephen Dean, Jeff Koons, Donald Sultan, Herb Ritts, James Rosenquist, and other talented artists.

Ren Grady and Olivia Chantecaille

Art collectors and ACRIA supporters enjoyed drinks and the lovely penthouse views (as well as a bit of welcomed aeration), as they perused creations up for bid. Among them were: Olivia Chantecaille and her banker beau Ren Grady, Andrew Kilbourn, Lady Liliana Cavendish, Bonnie Young, Kitty Hawks, fordProject’s Tim Goossens and Rachel Vancelette, Lionel Geneste, the striking Marybeth DuPain, Giulio Capua, Robert Sepulveda, the studly Andrew Freesmeier, Emma Snowdon Jones, and Robert Verdi.

Lady Liliana Cavendish and Bonnie Young

As the sun set, the cream of the crop slipped into their cars towards the Whitney’s “Art Party: The Groundbreakers” at the posh Highline Stages, to celebrate the museum’s future downtown home.

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Yuhan Zhang, a 21-year-old designer from China, has created a sleek hovercraft concept to the delight of both technology and exotic vehicle aficionados worldwide, not to mention those of us who are delighted to see our childhood dreams of the future being realized. The Volkswagen Aqua is a gorgeous vision of multi-terrain machinery designed to take on China’s widely varying – and sometimes unpredictable – landscapes, from water and wetlands to pavement and ice.

A recent honors graduate from Xihua University with a degree in Industrial Design, Zhang is continuing to build on her passion for her field of study by enrolling in a Transportation Design course, although her hovercraft concept and young age already prove her to be incredibly promising – the VW Aqua concept was shortlisted in the CDN Car Design Awards in China.

The Volkswagen Aqua’s primary motor is powered by a hydrogen fuel cell, which is used to power the main fan to inflate the vehicle’s skirt and lift it off the ground, while the craft’s rear fans are powered by individual motors that provide forward thrust and directional control.

Stylistically, the Aqua looks surprisingly timely and relevant for such an advanced piece of machinery. Its interior can seat two people and is simplistic in its design. The exterior, besides the requisite fans, remains clean and free of unnecessary and off-putting hyper-futuristic features. Countering a hovercraft’s inherent space-ageiness with aesthetically minimalist design makes it a sleek vehicle that is spared the gaudiness that many futuristic concepts possess. Its digestible design makes it easy to envision on the road, possibly looking no more out of place than a SmartCar does. Welcome to the Future!

[Source: Diseno-art.com]

With breathtaking views, lakes, parks and endless year-round activities, Jackson Hole is a unique place to live and own real estate. Whether looking for a family home, investment property, land on which to build, or a vacation retreat, we are always impressed with the properties offered by premier realtor Carol Linton, who has been a Jackson Hole resident and property owner since 1985. Her affiliation with Jackson Hole Sotheby’s International Realty, the market leader in Teton County year after year, has helped her to become one of the most successful realtors in Wyoming, gives her the resources and networking power appreciated by both buyers and sellers.

Originally, Carol’s first career as a high school chemistry teacher and her appreciation of all that Wyoming had to offer brought her here. Two years later, she met and married her husband who is a fourth generation Wyoming native. They have three grown children who are true Wyomingites at heart.

Having worked and lived in Wyoming for over 25 years, Carol’s knowledge goes well beyond the real-estate market as she always knows the best in special local events, restaurants and memorable activities. Offering top picks every day on her Facebook page, her friends and clients look forward to reading them daily. For a daily dose of Carol’s top local picks, images of her luxurious listings and more, check out Carol Linton’s Facebook page

Below, Carol gives Haute Living readers some fantastic advice on buying a second home.

Buying a Second Home?  Here are SomeTips for Making a Wise Purchase.

“I live in the resort town of Jackson Hole, Wyoming, in which a good percentage of its residents are second and third homeowners.  Visitors to Jackson are often blown away by the magnitude of its scenery and wildlife, culture and restaurants, which leads them to investigate real estate opportunities here.  But is Jackson just another pretty face or a place worth putting down some roots?

When I work with a buyer, I point out the four ingredients necessary to finding the idyllic second home– location, accessibility, lifestyle, and investment value.  The location should be unique and offer something other communities might be lacking.  There are lots of ski towns in the USA, but what sets Jackson apart is the lack of developable land—only 3% of its 4,222 sq miles of area can be privately owned.  The community is a vibrant one with a strong art and cultural scene, well funded schools, a private hospital, a regional airport, and a multitude of non-profits.  Within its boundaries are a national park, three ski areas, four golf courses, an elk refuge, national forests, rivers, lakes, and more.

Accessibility is another key ingredient.  The ability to easily travel to your vacation home will enhance your abilities to use it more often.  Jackson’s airport and FBO are serviced by direct flights from Chicago, Dallas/Fort Worth, Denver, Salt Lake City, Atlanta, and Los Angeles.  The airport is just seven miles from town.

Lifestyle elements are important and the more, the merrier.  Jackson Hole is incomparable in that regard.  For a community with a relatively small population, 20,000 people according to the 2009 census, there are a multitude of cultural venues, community events, restaurants, and recreational opportunities.  Live music can be enjoyed every night, from the famous Stagecoach Band to the Grand Teton Musical Festival Orchestra, now in its 50^th year.  Art galleries are abundant and Thursday night gallery walks are a social event.  The Center for the Arts hosts world dance, music, and guest speakers throughout the year.  Recreationally the sky is the limit with world class skiing, fly fishing, climbing, snowmobiling, kayaking, golfing, and more.

Finally, the investment value should be evaluated.  Wyoming is one of the most tax friendly states in the U.S., with low property taxes , no state income tax, and no estate tax to name a few.  Weighing the amount of time you will spend at your second home vs. the cost to maintain it might be important things to consider, as well as whether you will want an income producing property or not, and the expected appreciation over time.” – Carol Linton

“Exceptional service, extraordinary properties” – Carol Linton

Click to view Carol Linton’s listings on her website : www.CarolLinton.com

Click to view Carol Linton’s Haute Living Real Estate network profile

Click to follow Carol on Twitter @CarolLinton

Click to add Carol as a Facebook friend: Carol Linton’s Facebook profile

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Insider’s Guide to New York

Name: Ky Bae

The stats:Born in Korea, and now has lived in NYC for 5 years.

Company: KB Dessin

Why she loves New York: New Yorker’s are very open and are willing to try anything! New York, I love you.

In person, Ky can only be described as kind, gracious and never without her sparkling sense of humor. These qualities translate organically into her unique and inspiring handcrafted jewelry. A native to Korea, Ky has always found comfort in the aesthetic of nature. She studied at The School of the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, and has a fashion merchandising background with Giorgio Armani, Tod’s, and Calypso.

She began making jewelry only as a hobby, when her designs quickly became a favorite of friends and admired by all who encountered them. Her artistic talent, combined with the healing process of chromo therapy is what makes her collection of stones and crystals so captivating. Ky uses only the best pieces, collected from exotic locations around the world, including Argentina, Korea, Japan and Colombia.

Check out Ky Bae’s favorite haute spots in New York at Haute Secrets.

Toasting to a special evening with a glass of perfectly chilled Veuve Clicquot is already so delightful, so imagine what an entire week would be like! Veuve Clicquot invites you to enjoy A Week of Clicquot to ring in the imminent Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic on Governors Island with a slew of fabulous pre-polo festivities to take place throughout NYC, starting next week and ending with the highly anticipated Polo Classic on Sunday, June 5.

At sundown on Tuesday, May 31, head over to the ultra-chic Mondrian Penthouse and Terrace. Enjoy the beautiful weather with a decadent evening of Veuve Clicquot and oysters. Proceeds from the evening will go to benefit Urban Zen and Hope Help & Rebuild Haiti, the official charity partnership for the Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic.

On Wednesday, June 1, the celebration continues at the popular French eatery Le Cirque, where Veuve Clicquot Yellow Label and Rosé will be served by the flute. The next night, June 2, the hip hotspot 1OAK will be the hosting the official Veuve Clicquot Polo Classic Party from 11:30 p.m. until the next morning, June 3, with polo player Rico Mansur behind the turntables! On Saturday, June 4, recover from the bash and gear up for the match! The last of the pre-polo celebrations is a delectable prix fixe brunch (with some Veuve Clicquot, of course) at Mary Queen of Scots.

All events are free and open to the public. For more information and event details, visit www.vcseason.com.

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Last night, Chef Andres Parlange from Cantina Beach Restaurant served up a tasty three course meal complimented with a powerful tequila tasting. The perfect way to kick off the Memorial Day weekend in a secluded hideaway at The Ritz-Carlton Key Biscayne.

The night began with a trio of Guacamole con chips and jalapeño infused Margaritas. Guests were then given the first dish, a lovely assortment of popular appetizers: Snapper Ceviche, Tostada de Cochinita Pibil, Blue Corn tortilla Crab Taco, Oven Roasted Organic Chicken Flautas and Octopus Ceviche. The entree happily filled the palette with the Queso Fundido Con Setas en Salsa Verde (Chihuahua cheese with sautéed wild mushrooms in  green tomatillo salsa), the Duo de Pollo en Mole Poblano y Huachinango Al Mojo con Langostino al Tequila–Pan Seared Chicken Breast with Mole Poblano, Almond and a Touch of Mexican Chocolate, and Seared Red Snapper in a roasted garlic lime sauce and Prawns Flambéed in Tequila. To complete this meal everyone was able to enjoy in yummy sugar pastries dabbled in Mexican chocolate.

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Mayor Oscar Goodman and Las Vegas showgirls at the last "Martinis with the Mayor" at The Martini.

While this certainly wasn’t his last martini, Mayor Oscar Goodman toasted constituents Wednesday night with his trademark Bombay Sapphire gin martini at the last “Martinis with the Mayor” event at The Martini.

In true Goodeman fashion, the mayor arrived at the new gaming bar and restaurant flanked with his signature Las Vegas showgirls. Immediately he was served his martini in an extra large martini glass. It took almost eight bleu cheese and anchovy-stuffed olives to reach the brim. When the mayor was asked whether he would finish his martini, he replied, “If I don’t, I’ll swim in it!”

The mayor mingled with guests including Julian Dugas with Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority, Shawn Lane at Cheyenne Marketing, KKLZ’s Mike O’Brien, Cynthia D. Cameron from Hooters Casino Hotel, former Las Vegas City Councilman Michael McDonald and current Councilman Steve Wolfson.

The mayor answered questions and interacted with the crowded bar of constituents for nearly two hours. Things got a little more lively when one of the mayor’s supporters pulled up his shirt sleeve to reveal a full-sleeve Las Vegas-themed tattoo with the face of Mayor Oscar Goodman as the centerpiece. Through the cheers and laughs, Mayor Goodman autographed the tattoo. The young man said he was headed straight to the tattoo parlor after his drink so he could get that inked as well.

Everyone in attendance was in a light-hearted mood as The Martini’s staff charmed the guests with their fun-loving attitudes, generous signature drinks and appetizing dishes. The “Oscar,” a Bombay Sapphire straight-up martini, and “Carolyn,” a Sapphire fresh Collins, were the drink specials for the evening as well as a tasty mob-inspired menu items including Lefty’s Mac N’ Cheese Balls and Fat Herbie’s Flautas, to which Goodman piped in, “If Fat Herbie were here… he wouldn’t like being called Fat Herbie!”

As the mayor moved from table to table, he was asked to comment on the upcoming mayoral election. In response to one person’s question about his role should his wife be elected, the mayor answered, “It’s been my ambition in life to be a showgirl.” That’s all the mayor would say about his plans once he leaves office, leaving it unclear where the future will take him but making it clear enough that he considers Las Vegas home.

Click on the photos below to enlarge.

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