The home is 400,000 square feet and features three helicopter pads, a parking garage for 160 cars, a 50-seat movie theater, swimming pool and balconies with outdoor gardens. A 600-member staff is required to run the 27-story residence.

$1 Billion Dollar Home of Mukesh Ambani in Mumbai, India | Photo Courtesy of Getty Images

Singita, in the Shangaan language, means “place of miracles.” And so it’s fitting that it’s the name of the eco-friendly luxury lodge nestled away in South Africa’s Kruger National Park. An hour-and-one-half flight from Johannesburg, it feels worlds away.

Before I even made it to the resort, on the short drive from the airstrip, I was treated to the sight of hundreds of impala, a dazzle of zebras, giraffes, and a few elephants walking on the side of the road, some just 10 feet away from the car. Their presence made me feel like an unannounced, but welcomed, guest in their home as they grazed, relaxed, and stared.

Singita Lebombo was constructed with the philosophy of getting guests as close to wildlife as possible, while leaving a very light carbon footprint. To that end, each of the spacious 15 suites have floor-to-ceiling glass walls that provide a panaromic view of the trees and natural vegetation below. In a nod to the lodge’s eco-friendly philosophy, the design and installation of the suites don’t affect the earth, as they are situated atop 15-foot steel struts to protect the land from the normal damages of construction.

Courtesy of The Frisky

A new website, MissTravel.com, is offering beautiful, broke ladies access to “wealthy” dudes who are willing to pay for travel to exciting destinations. Upon signing up for the site, “beautiful” members (users decided between a “generous” or “beautiful” membership type) must provide photos for approval, which ultimately decide whether the ladies can or cannot have a profile. With an approved membership, women have access to thousands of eligible bankers, athletes, lawyers, executives and other uncategorized rich dudes who are willing to fork over travel cash in exchange for a wonderful and of course, most importantly, attractive female travel companion.

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[Female traveler image via Shutterstock]

It’s 2:45 p.m., and I’m seated at a table amazed at the ocean views of Australia’s Gold Coast. The crisp wind serves as a much-needed reboot after enduring 21 hours of cabin air during the Virgin Australia flight to get here. Living in New York, it’s not often I’m able to inhale deeply and without consequence; so I’m taking full advantage. As I sit at Oskars on Burleigh, one of the most popular restaurants in the area, I am anxious to see if Olivia Newton-John, Crocodile Dundee, Nicole Kidman, Hugh Jackman, or even Oprah have been hawking fool’s gold in their over-the-top praise of the Land of Oz. We shall see.

Oskars’ arresting views and equally wondrous seafood menu (try the Spring Bay Mussels, or the Yamba or Peppered Snapper Fillet) make it a fine launching point for an exploration of Australia’s Gold Coast region, located in the northeast state of Queensland. Although lesser known than the south east coast’s Sydney (the most populous city in Australia), it’s arguably just as lively. A quick scan of the room finds potential candidates for a Haider Ackermann campaign or extras for a Sex and the City film. Relaxed cool rules. I notice a comely couple—ebony Creative Recreation high-tops for him, Chrysler building-high Sergio Rossi stilettos for her, and skinny denim for both—mingling with other beautiful folks that could easily cross any velvet rope the world over.

After lunch, I head to the popular Gold Coast Strip. While visually similar to South Beach’s central nervous system Ocean Drive, it differs in spirit. It possesses a modern mix of late-’60s pop and post-Diddy flash. There’s an inviting innocence that lures you in, and an unexpected sexuality that keeps you there. The area boasts more than 35 miles of coastline, great cuisine offerings, and world-class surf breaks. (Aside: I can’t escape thoughts of the Patrick Swayze and Keanu Reeves ’90s surfer flick Point Break, in which Swayze meets his demise in the mythical 50-year storm in Australia.) Room81 at the Sofitel Broadbeach is refined and fresh; smooth wood paneling with cuts of silver plating abound in its New York–like ambience. The beyond-theborders menu by renowned Chef Michael Crosbie is both progressive and accessible—try his original Snow Scallop, Risotto, and Pork Belly.

Above: Gold Coast

Courtesy of EURWeb

When it comes to flying, the ability to navigate the friendly skies fits like hand and glove to 20-year-old pilot Jonathan Strickland.

So much so, that the young aviator’s love of flying is attributed to being focused to the point that he says: “I do not know what I would be doing today if I were not for aviation.”

“I’ve been flying since the age of eight and ever since then, I have always loved the freedom that comes with piloting an aircraft. The feeling that you are in 100% control of the operation is incredible,” Strickland told EURweb via e-mail. “All I ever wanted to do was to fly airplanes. With that said, it was not ‘difficult’ to stay focused on that goal. In addition to this, I also had great support from my mother, father, as well as grandparents in looking for any opportunity that would help me making my dream of being a pilot a reality.”

Reality is one filled with major accomplishments for Strickland, who transformed the sky into a home away from home with his first general aviation plane flight in the Experimental Aircraft Association’s Young Eagles youth program in Torrance Ca. and lessons learning how to fly helicopters.

Strickland’s hard work ultimately paid off with him becoming the youngest person to solo a helicopter and airplane on the same day as well as the youngest African-American to solo a helicopter, fly a helicopter round-trip internationally and solo six airplanes and one helicopter in the same day. Add to that, a current job flying the Bombardier CRJ 700 regional jet for United Airlines Express based in Chicago’s O’ Hare International and it’s safe to say that dreams do come true for the young man who grew up in Inglewood, CA.

Continue reading at EURWeb

Courtesy of The Frisky

Every year, my sister and I go to Carnival in Trinidad and Tobago. For years I have tried to to explain the concept of “carnival” to my American friends. I’m slowly understanding that the idea is ridiculously foreign: replace cotton candy for endless top-shelf liquor, Ferris wheels for huge trucks blasting music throughout the entire city and lame whack-a-mole games for half-naked women and men “wining” on one another in elaborate beaded/feathered costumes. It just seems absurd for those used to a traditional American-styled carnival and, when I sit back and think about it, thousands of people parading and dancing through the streets does seem a little crazy. But that is precisely what makes me return annually: I know that I’m getting into something so ridiculously unconventional that anything can happen.In 2009, I “played mas” (donned one of those aforementioned sexy costumes) for the first time and wore cheap ass shoes. The soles came off halfway through the day, so I partied the rest of the day barefoot.  This year definitely did not lack eventfulness in comparison: I partied for three days straight with Beenie Man and his crew on zero sleep, got mild blood poisoning from wearing blue body paint for an entire day, had my bag stolen (along with my passport, cash and some credit cards), and fell in love — all over the course of a few days.

I’m honestly not very big on celebrity culture; I could seriously say I couldn’t care less. I guess that is why I had no idea who the hell the Grammy-winning reggae artist Beenie Man was when he approached me at a bar in Trinidad to buy me a drink. I reluctantly took the drink from him and continued dancing the night away with my sister as if nothing had  happened. He later tracked me down and asked me to hang out with him. His actions definitely say a lot about men: even when they have attained celebrity status they obsess over what they can’t easily have. Speculation aside, whatever the reason was, he took my sister and me on a wild VIP adventure through parties, boat rides and even a chocolate-covered morning “fete” (let’s just say another word for party). By the time it was all over, I hadn’t slept in days, had a ridiculous headache and was passport-less!

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Ease the stresses associated with wedding plans and whisk your loved ones away for a private ceremony on the sandy shores of the United States Virgin Islands. Aside from the jaw-dropping scenery, the USVI is just a hop, skip and jump away from the states. Even better? No passport required. From sunset cruises to seaside spas, click on for UPTOWN’S Top 10 Reasons to Wed in the USVI…

As an editor for a luxury magazine and the quintessential spa girl, I’ve had my fair share of facials and beauty treatments—it’s a perk of the job and, honestly, something I live for. So when I got the opportunity to enjoy scores of facials and massages in Thailand, I was all-the-way in. My mission? To find the preeminent spa treatment. Was it nestled inside a swanky resort situated on acres of tropical gardens? Does it use ancient rituals to clarify the mind and rejuvenate the spirit in a hut built from clay? To find out, I jumped on the always-luxe Emirates airlines, trekked halfway around the globe, and discovered that Thailand is indeed the grand dame of spas, not just the land of Buddhists, elephants, and adventurous pleasure seekers.

The best honeymoons are as distinct as the wedding, reflecting the tastes, quirks, and personalities of the couple who just said, “I do.” Yet whether the trip takes you across continents or no farther than a few miles from home, all should be a romantic jumpstart to your new life together. Here’s our list of eight great escapes, from traditional to trailblazing, guaranteed to satisfy all types of newlyweds.

For the BEACH BUFFS: Grand Cayman

The Caribbean can be a hard sell to the well-traveled who feel one island barely differs from the next. Yet, even for those who feel “been there, done that” about such getaways, Grand Cayman is still a gem worth exploring. Just 480 miles south of Miami, this British territory is home to seven miles of minimally developed beach; a turtle farm that leaves the most grown-up adult feeling like a kid in a petting zoo, and a laid-back efficiency that doesn’t allow a single worry.

It is this casual vibe of Grand Cayman that gives the island its distinction. Ever notice how supermodel Selita Ebanks is always the coolest one on the red carpet? No surprise…she’s a native Caymanian. A few days here and maybe you’ll leave with her signature ease and glow.

BEST OF THE B’S: BOTOX, BROWS, BRAZILIAN
Re Salon and Medspa is a one-stop shop for spa services and medical cosmetic treatments. Get everything you need, from first-rate Botox and waxing to massage therapy and hair coloring, at this converted fire station (sorry, folks, the fire pole is gone).
Cost: $200 per area for Botox; $20 for brows; $55–$65 for Brazilian.
Re Salon and Medspa. 1212 South Blvd. 704.334.8087. resalonandmedspa.com

FULL STEAM AHEAD
Known for her signature True You blowout, hair guru Tracy Riggs is all about healthy tresses. “In the end, that’s what we’re all searching for,” says Riggs. Her salon’s Steam Treatment benefits all hair types, whether natural or chemically treated: First, the hair is shampooed. Then a customized conditioning treatment is applied to the scalp and tresses are treated to a scalp-stimulating head massage. Hair is steamed for 20 minutes under a steamer, then rinsed and styled to perfection. The treatment pulls toxins from the scalp, prevents dandruff, and helps promote hair growth. It also leaves locks feeling as soft as mink.
Cost: $80 for shampoo, steam treatment, blow-dry, and curl; $25 for steam treatment to be added to any service.
Tracy Riggs Salon (inside Sola Salon Studios). 6324 Fairview Rd., Ste. 126. 704.759.6258. tracyriggsinc.com

THE CELLULITE CRUSHER
Dimples belong on a baby not on your thighs. The Synergie Elite Cellulite system helps speed the process of reducing what we often call the cottage cheese look. How does it work? First, you put on a body- compression suit. Then the tech gently places the suction cups of a machine on targeted areas of the body. The machine creates pressure against them to break up the cellulite. Vacuum massage technology gives the skin a smoother and tighter appearance. The FDA-approved procedure is surprisingly relaxing and promises gradual results. It’s also exclusive—Modern Salon & Spa on Metropolitan is the only establishment in the area that offers it.
Cost: $1,200 for 16 treatments; $700 for eight treatments.
Modern Salon & Spa. 1133 Metropolitan Ave., Ste. 150. 704.339.0909. modernsalonandspa.com