Luxurious life style Yacht

Yacht Architect Ward Setzer and Icon Yachts Unveil 70m Superyacht.

2 IMAGES TOTAL CLICK TO ENLARGE Award-winning American yacht architect Ward Setzer, principal of Setzer Design Group, and Icon Yachts of Holland introduce the "VL-70," a sleek, futuristic megayacht loaded with all the special features of a world-class Super-Yacht. *********** The VL-70 offers six deck levels, from large, below-waterline holds and systems spaces to the top observation deck forward of the mast. With a beam of 11.3M and a draft of 3.4M, the design carries plenty of volume to accommodate large fuel and water stores as well as generous cabins for owners and guests on the multiple levels. To assist with the massive task of filling out a 70-meter interior, Setzer turned to Adriel Design of Seattle. The resulting design offers a depth of detail rarely seen on projects of this scale. The hull design has been refined to provide world travel capabilities in comfort and style. A twin tender garage sits within the bow and a full beam toy garage/cabana/spa with dockage doors deploying port and starboard add to vessel conveniences aft. There is a large swimming pool on the aft deck with flanking sun pads, all set with a sculpted aft deck. One level above, a hot tub overflow creates a waterfall landing in the main pool. A heli-pad is integrated into the tail section of the fourth level and a two-level observation lounge and viewing deck is forward and at the base of the mast structure. Within the vessel, a multi-level glass elevator is the central, defining feature, along with unique hull side windows and recessed balconies that offer dramatic views to the sea. There are six large guest cabins within the lower decks and one master with nearby office/den on the main deck. The vessel also features a theater space on the upper deck with seating for 16. For the crew, the VL-70 can accommodate 16 within private and shared cabins. The lowest level includes the typical crew lounge, galley and utility areas. This space spans beneath the guest staterooms and houses walk-in refrigeration units and a commercial laundry. Ward Setzer, who recently received his ninth design award in so many years, this time from the World Superyachts committee at the London ceremonies in May for the design of Marama, a full-displacement expedition yacht built by Delta Marine. For more information on Setzer Deisgn, visit www.setzerdesign.com.

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Luxury Vacationers Notch Palm Springs

5 IMAGES TOTAL It’s true when people say Palm Springs has made a comeback in recent years. And it’s a comeback like no other... *********** PURE LA Villas, a company that specializes in ultra luxury villa vacations is offering exclusive luxury villas in Palm Springs, Rancho Mirage and Indian Wells. Let’s start with the 5 bedroom, 14,000 square foot opulent Zia Estate, which is characterized by recurring water features and symmetrically defined spaces that flow evenly into each other. Meticulously manicured gardens, an oversize pool and tennis court frame the home. The enormous master suite features period furniture and original art. His and hers master ensuites each come with enormous closets, oversized jetted Jacuzzi tubs and generous dressing areas. These opulent bathrooms are fitted in marble and granite throughout. Offered at $40,000 per week in high season (includes staff), this home is unofficially the desert’s most expensive vacation rental. Then there is the famous and radically designed Elrod house, a home which represents an important and stunning piece of architectural history. This extravagant estate was designed by mid-20th-century architect John Lautner as the ultimate party home for the equally famous Arthur Elrod, the top designer for Hollywood’s brightest stars. Daringly designed and incorporated masterfully into the rugged natural surroundings, the Elrod house has received much international acclaim for its architectural significance. It also took its place as celebrated cultural icon after “starring” in the smash hit 1971 James Bond film, Diamonds are Forever. The 9,000 square foot circular estate is set on 23.25 acres and boasts an enormous domed concrete roof that drapes over the spectacular indoor/outdoor pool framed by boulders, five bedrooms and five and a half baths. This airy open-plan residence is anchored around its massive circular living area, which features spectacular 220-degree desert and mountain views and a signature motorized glass wall. Boulders in the living room give areas of the home the quirky and delightful aura of being a private indoor cave, an ultra-modern lair of sizzling sophistication, and the entire north wall is made of motorized glass that opens up to allow for outstanding views westward to Mount San Jacinto and north into Palm Springs. The Elrod House can only be rented through private membership at PURE LA Villas.

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