The weekend is upon us and we’re getting ready to kick back and enjoy some leisure time. Long weekends and holidays are the perfect time to fire up the grill, enjoy tasty beverages, and have some fun with family and friends. For those of you still looking for a few ideas, here are a couple of our favorite weekend activities!

Holiday usually means it’s time to pack into the car and set out on a road trip. Spice up your journey with Gotham Dream Cars – the premier supercar rental service. You’ll be the envy of your family when you show up in style with a Ferrari F430 Spyder. With a diverse fleet and the promise to ship their supercars anywhere, there’s no reason not to make a dramatic entrance with the car of your dreams.

When the temperature rises, there’s nothing better than getting outside and gathering around the grill. For those who don’t mess around, you can show off your skills and make sure everyone knows who the grill master is with the Monogrammed Grill Set from Williams-Sonoma. This masterfully crafted four piece stainless-steel set includes a basting mop, fork, slotted spatula and tongs. Plus, the stainless-steel storage case makes it ideal for travelling.

And of course, don’t forget to unwind with your favorite cocktail this holiday weekend. The Pimms Original is one of our favorites when the weather starts to warm. A classic summertime drink in Britain, you can enjoy this refreshing libation with lemonade and mix in some mint, cucumber, orange, and strawberry. Quick and easy to prepare, Pimms is the perfect way to mix things up and give your guests a pleasant surprise when entertaining.

Have you ever taken an evening stroll around your neighborhood and noticed that homes take on an entirely different dimension at nightfall? We have discovered that some properties shine brightest after dusk. Take a peek at some extraordinary properties that will have you saying, “Bring on the night.”

Located in one of the most vibrant cities in the Pacific Northwest, this Seattle stunner offers panoramic views of the city, mountains and water. The three-level contemporary was thoughtfully designed by George Suyama. The brilliant renovation was completed in 2009 replete with numerous state-of-the-art innovations.

First impressions do not disappoint. With a water feature and two-story foyer to greet you, this home does drama in a dazzling fashion. The living area has a wet bar and access to a terrace with an iconic skyline view. The main floor offers a master suite and a guest suite with its own kitchen.

The backyard acts as an urban oasis with its tranquil pool and perfectly manicured landscaping designed for complete privacy. Additionally, there are two fireplaces, a two-car garage and a high-tech security system.

Over 5,000 miles away is Villa Gradini, a striking contemporary design that emphasizes less is more. Located in Prague, a dynamic city that offers old world charm and incredible architecture, this home features four floors and a bird’s eye view of the historic town below.

Simple elegance flows throughout the entire space; the line between indoors and outdoors is blurred, creating a harmonious balance of modern design and natural surroundings. Built into a slope near Troja Chateau, its up-to-the-minute design feels a million miles away from the famed baroque palace nearby.

Relax in the in-ground pool while watching the city below and then soak in the other highlights of this property including six bedrooms and seven bathrooms throughout the four levels, each one offering a terrace with panoramic view. Underground there is a six-car parking garage; an elevator connects all floors.

The British Virgin Islands offer ample opportunity to bask in the sunshine; we think this property located above Pond Bay and Savannah Bay looks even more enticing when night falls. A perfect blend of sophistication, romance and total privacy, this masterfully designed villa sparkles high atop this tropical paradise.

The property includes five individual guest suites and an exquisite master suite with its own private dipping pool. Each suite has unobstructed views of the ocean and the neighboring islands of the Sir Francis Drake Channel. Encompassing 6,000 square feet, the villa has soaring ceilings. It was built into the natural hillside so each bedroom suite is constructed on a progressively higher level, affording spectacular views throughout.

While it might feel far, far away from the rest of civilization, the property is just a five minute drive to the Virgin Gorda Yacht Harbor, the main ferry dock and the commercial center of Spanish Town with easy access to shopping and transportation.

Chances are you’ll light-up when you see all of the exceptional properties throughout Luxury Portfolio. Explore for yourself.

The numbers don’t lie. Collectively, LeadingRE members outperformed the closest network competitor by $65-70 billion in dollar volume in 2012. The company has released its 2012 market statistics and is proud to mark another year of significant growth for the network and its affiliates.

LeadingRE members recorded an impressive $272 billion in total sales in 2012 with over one million transaction sides, exceeding the nearest competitor by approximately 20%. The network’s members have strategically built successful, local and regional brands with unparalleled exposure on a global platform. As the real estate market steadily gains momentum LeadingRE affiliates continue to demonstrate a leadership in their respective markets.

According to REAL Trends, 27% of the total sales recorded by the nation’s top 500 brokerages were LeadingRE members. Additionally, of the top 25 brokerages in the U.S. 13 are members of the network. LeadingRE looks forward to continued growth in 2013 as the company expands its reach into new markets around the world. To date the company has expanded its footprint into an additional seven countries this calendar year.

Figures for the top 500 firms are verified and published by REAL Trends. Figures for total sales of all networks are estimated by applying per-agent averages for each network for its top 500 affiliates to its overall agent population.

The 500+ firms affiliated with Leading Real Estate Companies of the World® include 4,000 offices and 120,000 associates in more than 40 countries worldwide. Visit LeadingRE.com to learn more.

If spectacular Central Park and City views start your heart racing, we’ve got a place for you. This stunning three bedroom/three and a half bath residence is the home of NASCAR great Jeff Gordon. You might call it luxury overdrive; no expense was spared renovating this architect-designed 3,454 square foot home. It is modern elegance at its absolute finest.

Be in complete control of your surroundings with a fully-integrated Crestron system that regulates all lighting, window shades and audio/visual components. Impressive details are at every turn; the inviting foyer offers 6” Santos Mahogany floors under-foot, with solid brass inlaid edging. Massive windows frame Manhattan’s most extraordinary views, best enjoyed from the open living room dining room area.

While entertaining, surpass the expectations of your guests by offering them a place to park it at the flamed absolute black granite sushi bar. With its blackened steel countertop, wine fridge and mini bar they will see how people who appreciate true contemporary luxury roll.

Chef’s will marvel at the eat-in kitchen that features Miele, Wolf and SubZero appliances. Other distinctive features include a home office and an expansive master suite that encompasses over 740-square feet. It has a separate dressing room and two walk-in-closets. When it’s time to go completely idle, the en-suite limestone bathroom offers a lavish soak in a Boffi tub.

To learn more about this extraordinary property please click here.

When the weather warms up there’s nothing quite like entertaining in the great outdoors. Whether you’re in the city or the country, an outdoor living area can be the perfect place to enjoy the company of family and friends while catching some rays. On a beautiful day there’s simply nothing quite like firing up the grill and having your own private oasis to kick back and relax. Here are a few of our favorite outdoor living spaces where you can take the party outside for a breath of fresh air.

New York City is a fantastic place to live with all of the amenities that are immediately available to you. Having a private, outdoor space usually isn’t one of them, however. That’s why we’re so keen on this dramatic penthouse with its own rooftop terrace where you can enjoy 360° views of the city. An outdoor haven within the heart of Manhattan, this stunning rooftop is ideal for entertaining on a sunny day. Additionally, two spacious balconies and close proximity to the High Line Park ensure you’ll never feel cooped up in the Big Apple.

Escaping into the outdoors with your family is always fun, but if you’re not the type to be roughing it, The Sanctuary in Squamish, BC is the place for you. This luxurious 13 acre estate offers an abundance of space and beauty with unparalleled high-end finishes. Meticulously designed, the riverfront home includes a covered outdoor patio with a fireplace, BBQ and bar area that leads directly to the saltwater pool and hot tub. Whether you want to take your friends on a fishing trip or catch a glimpse of the Bald Eagle Sanctuary across the river, this one-of-a-kind home is the ultimate outdoor getaway.

This last property epitomizes California living with sweeping views and easy outdoor access from virtually every room. Located in Tiburon, CA, the exquisite contemporary home boasts a sumptuous patio complete with a BBQ station, bar, and fireplace. Sleek glass railings provide an unspoiled view overlooking the San Francisco Bay and skyline. Whether you’re having a few friends over for cocktails or a larger soiree, this expansive patio will be sure to accommodate!

Click here to view more of the magnificent listings at Luxury Portfolio!

One of the hardest parts about moving to a new community is re-establishing your favorite local haunts – and especially where to eat! Sure, it’s fun to wander in somewhere unknown and hope for a pleasant surprise, but if you prefer a guaranteed fine dining experience The World’s 50 Best Restaurants, released by Restaurant magazine last week, is the definitive list for topnotch cuisine.

So where is the #1 place in the world to grab some grub? After spending two years in second place El Celler de Can Roca in Girona, Spain takes that honor for 2013. The top spot had previously been held by Noma, located in Copenhagen, for three straight years before falling to #2 this year (we think they’ll be ok!). In total the list includes restaurants from 21 different countries, with France and the US boasting the most at six apiece.

Grant Achatz of Alinea (#15) in Chicago received the Chef’s Choice Award for his thoughtful and creative approach to the culinary arts. While not in the top 50, The Test Kitchen of Cape Town, South Africa received the One To Watch Award, an impressive achievement for a restaurant that opened its doors less than three years ago.

To see the complete list and more on the world’s best restaurants click here!

Many luxury homes feature pools; it seems that the addition of a cabana can make a real splash. We happened upon several properties that offer this unique amenity, each in its own distinctive setting.

Given the name “Fairholme,” everything about this palatial estate is done on a grand scale. The historic oceanfront property spans over four acres along Newport’s legendary Gilded Age coastline. With 16 bedrooms and twelve and a half bathrooms, it’s safe to assume that there is plenty of room for guests, and who wouldn’t want to visit this extraordinary property?

The home has a ballroom that can seat 120 people for dinner, the only private residence in Newport, Rhode Island that is capable of hosting a crowd of that size. Bespoke details can be found at every turn; intricately molded plasterwork, silk wall coverings and a massive limestone fireplace help set the tone inside this one-of-a-kind estate.

Equally stunning is the outside of this property; with jaw-dropping ocean views, impeccably manicured gardens and state-of-the-art lighting and sound systems, visitors are sure to be dazzled. The pool area has a covered veranda, a bar and not one, but two heated marble cabanas, both with full baths and heated floors.

Heading to the United States’ opposite coast, we discovered The Ultimate Landmark Urban View Estate. Tucked away in a quiet cul de sac in highly coveted Banker’s Hill, this sublime property is a private oasis with a spectacular view of downtown San Diego.

Designed by Master Architect, William Sterling Hebbard in 1908, this incredible home was expanded and totally reimagined in 2007 with meticulous attention to every imaginable detail. The master suite has dual bathrooms, closets and offices. It also features a gym, a 500+ bottle wine cellar and a chef’s kitchen. Should the chef decide to take things al fresco, he or she will be delighted to find a Viking Kitchen outside.

It’s easy to understand why one would want to be outside at this lovely home; it is quintessential California living at its absolute finest. With over an acre of lush grounds, the property features a glimmering pool and cabana just perfect for open-air entertaining.

Venturing 7,000 miles away, we are enchanted by this Aegean Seafront Home. Looking almost as if it had been carved out of the mountain itself, this architecturally significant estate overlooking Yalikavak Bay is located on the Bodrum Peninsula. It’s widely considered to be the most prestigious part of the Southern Coast of Turkey.

Flawlessly fusing traditional Mediterranean architecture with the natural wonder around it, the home has awe-inspiring vistas from every window and terrace. Featuring a master suite with a large walk-in wardrobe and Juliette balcony, this home also has two additional en-suite double bedrooms.

Perhaps the most captivating element of this property is the exceptional outdoor entertainment area.  A stone terrace offers both shaded and sun-kissed spaces, with a cabana that has a shower and changing rooms. The infinity pool has not-to-be-believed views of the bay below; orange and pink sunsets provide a splendid backdrop, whether you are entertaining guests or luxuriating on a chaise lounge counting the cottony clouds above.

Dive into Luxury Portfolio and discover unparalleled properties with cabanas and other fabulous features.

One of the most awe-inspiring listings to come on the market in recent memory, the Bob and Dolores Hope Estate in Palm Springs, CA has officially been listed with Luxury Portfolio members Patrick Jordan and Stewart Smith of Windermere Real Estate Southern California for an impressive $50 million.

Designed by revered Modernist architect John Lautner, this landmark property is situated within the prestigious Southridge Community. The largest private residence ever designed by Lautner, the Hope property is the ultimate expression of his aesthetic: “The purpose of architecture is to create timeless, free, joyous spaces for all activities of life.” The 23,000 square foot home enjoys magnificent living space with features befitting a “contemporary castle,” as Dolores described the estate. A total of nine bedrooms and nine bathrooms provide ample accommodations for entertaining, as the Hopes frequently played host to friends such as Tony Bennett and Glen Campbell.

Panoramic views overlooking the Coachella Valley and San Jacinto Mountains beyond are emphasized by the home’s dramatic structure. A grand courtyard located in the center of the home under the protection of the undulating roof offers unparalleled outdoor living space. Additional amenities include two swimming pools, one indoor and one outdoor, a tennis court and a putting green.

That’s right! On May 17, 2013 The Reflections at Trancas Canyon will be sold at a live auction run by Concierge Auctions in conjunction with Hilton & Hyland Real Estate. Originally listed for $12.5 million, 5757 Trancas Canyon will sell at or above the $4.75 million reserve, a price that is sure to draw interested parties. The adjacent 10 acre parcel, originally $2.5 million, has a reserve set at $999,000.

Picture this. The sun is setting over the Pacific. A peaceful calm settles over your private mansion. You’re relaxing on a lounge chair atop your infinity pool that seems to go off into the ocean itself. You breathe in the salty, crisp beach air and sip on a warm cup of tea. And that’s only the beginning of your daily life in Malibu, CA.

Now that the setting has been set, let’s look at a stunning Malibu luxury home you’ll want to see. A beautiful 9,750 square foot property on Trancas Canyon Road in Malibu is for sale. It is part of one of the most exclusive compounds in Malibu. Unobstructed ocean city and canyon views ensure a sense of privacy that is unparalleled. This majestic property sits behind a set of beautifully crafted, massive gates that lead to a studio, guest house, and seven sleeping quarters. The grounds of the property are professionally landscaped and manicured as if to mimic a park. Dining terraces line the house accompanied by a swimming pool, BBQ pavilion, sauna, water roofs, koi ponds, and art walks.

The marvels continue to astound those that enter into this extraordinary property. The master suite contains a retractable roof that allows you to gaze into the beautiful blue skies overhead. Separate dressing rooms go along with the master bedroom as well providing residents with ample closet space. With a total of seven full bathrooms and two partials, this property is sure to accommodate any sized family or party. Its dining room features a breakfast counter and bar while the kitchen boasts various built-in appliances to make any meal sensational. Outside of your standard room features, though, this property has many unique areas. Other rooms include a media/music room, an art studio, a library, a gym/exercise room, and a covered porch. There’s something for everyone at 5757 Trancas Canyon Road.

Built with the finest materials, technology, and architectural integrity, this property is a thing of beauty. If you are interested in learning more about it, please visit this luxurious Malibu property.

Let’s face it, if you’re not connected to a smartphone or tablet chances are you’re a little behind on the latest news. If you’re like us you rely on your mobile device to keep you in the loop for everything from business to social media. Suffice it to say, we’d be lost without them. That’s why we weren’t all that surprised by the American Affluence Research Center’s most recent study, which found a growing dependence on mobile technology and social media among the country’s wealthiest households.

At the airport, in a waiting room, or just simply away from your desk, there’s no question that our mobile devices keep us plugged-in and immensely improve our day-to-day lives. So much so that the AARC reports approximately 80% of the affluent have at least one smartphone or tablet, with affluence being defined as the top 10% of US households, based on net worth. Furthermore, more than half of those surveyed report owning two or more mobile devices. Not surprisingly, Apple makes the products of choice for the affluent, as the study found both the iPhone and iPad trump all of their competitors combined.

So what are they all doing on their mobile devices? According to the AARC 72% participate in social media, the most popular platforms being Facebook and LinkedIn. Once thought of as a playful pastime for college kids, there’s no questioning that social media has proven an invaluable way to communicate and stay current on global events in real time.

Stay connected to Luxury Portfolio and be sure to follow us on Facebook and Twitter. And of course, to view all our exciting properties in beautiful high resolution imagery download the Luxury Portfolio iPad App! To see more of the highlights from the AARC’s 23rd Affluent Market Tracking Study click here!