ASIA’S PREMIER ART SHOW | Enjoy your Stay at THE PENINSULA for the HONG KONG INTERNATIONAL ART FAIR

Back for its fifth year, ART HK 12 – Hong Kong International Art Fair will take place 17–20 May 2012, preview 16 May, at the Hong Kong Convention and Exhibition Centre (HKCEC). ART HK 12, sponsored by Deutsche Bank, is delighted to announce its outstanding exhibitor line-up, showcasing the very best in contemporary art from the world’s most important galleries in both Asia and the rest of the world. The total number of galleries at ART HK 12 is 264, representing 37 territories. The total number of new participating galleries this year is 77. In 2011 the Fair received a record number of visitors, with 63,511 attending, an increase of 38% from 2010. The Fair is internationally recognised for its encouragement of broad cross-cultural exchange, and remains unique as the only world class art fair to have a 50/50 balance of Asian and Western participation. … Continue Reading

International Aficionados will appreciate Travel Tips by Season’s Away Kevin Abel, Virtuoso Member, of Luxury Villas Typical overseas bank or ATM machine

Kevin Abel, Seasons Way Virtuoso Member, has economical saving tips worth recognizing when traveling:

Use ATM machines wherever possible to get cash.  Remember that the bank machine will be dispensing cash in the local currency, not US dollars if you are overseas. While there are some transaction fees involved, invariably you will get the best currency conversion rate.

Currently there is either a 3% transaction fee or a $5-10 US charge, whichever is less, charged by most banks for overseas ATM cash withdrawals. For this reason, take out a reasonable amount of cash on each withdrawal to “dilute” the impact of the fees. Some banks may waive these fees if asked and if you do a substantial amount of business with the bank.

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INTERNATIONAL AFICIONADO | The George Clooney Effect: The Best of Lake Como by Virtuoso Member, Kevin Abell of Season’s Away

Many people know that George Clooney purchased a beautiful villa on Lake Como. While you may not have his budget to own Villa Oleandra in the hamlet of Laglio, you can certainly enjoy the same scenery and dine at many of the same restaurants in the area as George.

Here is a short wrap-up of some of the best of Lake Como:

Lake Como is a pre-alpine basin formed by an ancient glacier. It is Europe’s deepest lake (1,350 feet). It is 30 miles long and 2 1/2 miles at its widest point. The city of Como lies at the southwestern leg, while Lecco occupies the southeastern end. Patrician villas, gorgeous botanical gardens, Romanesque churches, and picturesque villages can be admired in magnificent scenery on the lake shores, all within an hour of Milan and 45 minutes of Lugano, Switzerland! … Continue Reading

INTERNATIONAL AFICIONADO | Friends, Trends & Trade Secrets of Sir Simon Trumper, Purveyor of The Suite Life, Director of International Business Development at STRUT.

At STRUT®, we pride ourselves in our renown trendsetting and distinctive collections of triple-chromed grilles, wheels, and accessories designed for luxury SUVs and automobiles. All collections are designed like fine jewelry and created exclusively for discriminating automotive enthusiasts who desire to personalize their vehicles to reflect the perfection they demand in all of life’s pleasures. STRUT® recently expanded into the Marine industry, Specializing also in Luxury High Performance Offshore Boats, headquartered in Huntington Beach, California. www.strutmarine.com

I’ve spent the past 7 years in the Luxury and Exotic Automobile market as Director of International Business Development, and it has taken me on many a great trips, both near & far. From the OC to DC and the U.K to U.A.E.

I myself am instinctively a purveyor of finer lifestyles in the art of travel & style from place to place. I travel the world and meet some of the most remarkable people of our time, from Princes to American Heroes.  In my latest endeavor I had the opportunity to meet up with the world’s historic moonwalk team Apollo 11 Buzz Aldrin.  It was an honor to meet one of the first heroes to walk on the moon at the Inauguration of Jetsuite Air’s latest event announcement at the stunning Pelican Hill Resort in Newport Coast. … Continue Reading