Recently we announced our upcoming International Symposium in beautiful Madrid, Spain on October 19-21.

At the event Luxury Portfolio agents and brokers (members only) have the chance to network, learn AND have fun! This is a great way to gain valuable insight into the global real estate market, strengthen your cross-border relationships, and learn about international real estate nuances and the plethora of business opportunities it presents. If you recognize our world is getting smaller and that your next buyer could be from anywhere, this is a “can’t miss” event!

Oh, and did we mention this is a great chance to experience the vibrant, sophisticated and international destination that is Madrid? History. Culture. Terrific shopping. Charming cafes. The luxury of the Westin Palace. We’ll see you there!

For details and to register, please visit symposium.LeadingRE.com.

The latest edition of the LuxeTrends^® newsletter embraces the spirit of the season and provides a variety of gift ideas for holiday shoppers. Our favorite choices balance sophistication with value, including selections for Apple device lovers, travelers, foodies, hosts, and much more.

Take a look at the 2010 holiday gift guide to see all of our suggestions and get inspired to complete your shopping list.

Located in Florida and New York, Gotham Dream Cars is a premier exotic vehicle rental company and car club featuring an industry-leading selection of the world’s most prized sports cars. The company has now expanded their offerings to include premier vehicles from Range Rover and Mercedes-Benz, providing customers with choices more spacious and maybe a bit more understated than their Ferraris and Lamborghinis.

Using a real-time, web-based reservation system, customers can choose their desired luxury ride…perhaps to drive while looking at luxury homes in the Northeast or South Florida? See the entire fleet and more details.

Looking to visit to a popular global destination in the upcoming new year? Luxury luggage and accessory brand Tumi and Hg2, creator of the “A Hedonist’s Guide to…” series, can help plan your international adventure with a stylish set of guidebooks. Tumi's collection of exclusive editions includes guides to eight cities – Paris, London, New York, Milan, Dubai, Buenos Aires, Berlin and Tokyo. Each custom guide contains unique insider perspectives and comprehensive directories. 

Packaged in an attractive case complete with carry handle and ID tag, the box set would also make a great gift for the traveler on your holiday shopping list. See more and order at Tumi.com.

The digital version of the brand new Luxury Portfolio lifestyle magazine is now available!

Tour noteworthy luxury homes, see the latest luxury trends, learn more about Luxury Portfolio’s global reach, get insight from design experts, and more. We hope you enjoy our latest magazine – click through the pages here!

A private beach with white sand imported from Egypt.  A five-acre pool with gondola rides.  Gold-plated mirrors on the bathroom floors.  These are just a few of the things that earn the new Mardan Palace in Antalya, Turkey the billing of grandest and most expensive hotel in Europe.

Russian billionaire Telman Ismailov spent over $1 billion to create the luxury hotel, which recently opened with a celebrity-studded event to showcase the opulence.  10 restaurants, 14 bars and cafes, and spa with offerings such as a 24-karat gold-leaf body wrap display the pinnacle of extravagance.  Luxurious accommodations feature multi-media systems and 24-hour butler service, while two "Royal Suites" boast private pools and more. 

See more of the amazing details on the hotel's official site.

This weekend Daylight Savings Time begins and we spring ahead by moving the clocks forward an hour. For those of us in locales with cold winters, losing one hour of sleep is a small price to pay for the promise of more sun and warmer weather on the horizon.

The dawn of spring and summer also means many people will be looking to travel. Crystal Cruises is known for providing outstanding luxury journeys, and this summer they are offering 100 new adventures in the Mediterranean. There are itineraries that include paragliding in Barcelona, windsurfing off the cost of Turkey, hiking in Italy and much more. Crystal Cruises also offers a savings program to help reduce the cost of all voyages, and also a plan that allows 2009 travelers who book this month big discounts on 2010 trips. Lean more on their website.

The positioning of Newport Beach and other communities on Southern California's Pacific Coast provide a stunning backdrop for Orange County luxury homes, perched to take in the unobstructed ocean views. 

Fine luxury resorts also inhabit this picturesque locale, including the recently opened Resort at Pelican Hill.  The resort encompasses 504 acres of prime real estate with luxury accommodations inspired by Italian architect Andrea Palladio.  Boasting Bungalow Suites and Villas with all ocean views, resort boutiques, a European cafe, Tom Fazio-designed golf courses and much more, The Resort at Pelican Hill offers luxury that feels a world away in a convenient location.

Tomorrow is an historic day for America, as Barack Obama will be sworn in as the 44th President of the United States.  Beginning the same day Obama starts his presidency, The Fairmont Hotel in Chicago is offering a special luxurious package in his honor.  The Fairmont's "Presidential Hometown Tour" features two nights in the newly renovated Presidential Suite with views of Lake Michigan and the famed Chicago skyline from the 37th floor.  In addition to accommodations in the suite outfitted with Obama memorabilia, guests will tour the city in style as a chauffer-driven Bentley takes them down Lake Shore Drive to many notable spots, including the First Family's Hyde Park home and the basketball courts where Obama often plays his beloved sport.  The package also features dinner at Spiaggia, where the President-elect and his wife shared a private dinner to celebrate his landmark victory last November.

For more information on this unique promotion priced at $8,244, contact The Fairmont Chicago.

With the current state of the economy finding deals on any travel, let alone luxury escapes, is becoming increasingly difficult.  Several holiday plans are being altered or cancelled due to uncertainty and rising costs.

One reliable option is LuxuryLink, which has been providing affordable luxury travel online for over a decade.  Their packages feature premier 4 and 5 star hotels and resorts that have been examined by staff.  Travel packages also come with complimentary luxury services, which may include spa treatments and gourmet meals.

LuxuryLink is currently offering a gift certificate of up to $200 with the purchase of a travel package.  Those booking getaways will have to hurry, though- the offer expires on December 15th.