When it comes to luxury travel, the JG Black Book team is well-acquainted with the current trends. Most recently, a study released by the Digital Luxury Group (DLG) indicates an increase in luxury spending in Brazil. The luxury industry intelligence group combed through 20 million online searches from January to June 2012 and then compiled this Brazilian consumer information into the World Luxury Index Brazil report.

In addition to determining which brands were most appealing to Brazilians (Audi, BMW, and MAC Cosmetics were at the top of the list), DLG also found that 80% of luxury products purchased by these consumers are actually acquired abroad. For example, approximately 1 million tourists from Brazil visit New York to shop every year. CEO David Sadigh explains, “They are brand conscious, impulsive and much bigger spenders than the average international tourist visiting the Big Apple.”

Here’s a list of the top 10 most searched-for brands overall:

1. Audi
2. BMW
3. MAC Cosmetics
4. Mercedes Benz
5. Range Rover
6. Ferrari
7. Porsche
8. Chanel
9. Volvo
10. Armani

Since 2012, it is believed that an interest in luxury brands increased by 24%, which makes the luxury market in Brazil to be worth approximately $12 billion! Sadigh urges luxury companies to take advantage of this promising trend: “A strong presence in Brazil will be key for luxury and fashion brands willing to take advantage of this international clientele.” 

Check out the full report.

-the JG Black Book team

Here at JG Black Book, we understand the importance of not only creating cherished memories, but also preserving them. Whether it’s your first time discovering the delightful hills of lush-green Tuscany or your one-hundredth time exploring the vibrant African landscape, each experience is unique. Each experience is special. We want to help you capture these moments with a truly remarkable and easy-to-use gizmo: the GorillaPod!

Continue reading "Travel Necessities: GorillaPod" »

The Odyssey: Homer’s timeless Greek epic or Karl Lagerfeld’s & Joël Robuchon's newest chef-d'oeuvre? A vibrant piece of historical literature or an utra-luxurious leisure & dining experience? The answer is simple: all of the above.

The JG Black Book team is thrilled to share more of the stunning culinary and fashion-filled work of art. At the intersection of Grecian literature, haute couture and luxury travel is Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo’s “Odyssey,” a beautiful outdoor space designed by international fashion icon Karl Lagerfeld. Located beside the hotel’s luxurious swimming pool is the centerpiece of this Grecian-themed area: a glorious fresco-style installation depicting the stages of Ulysses’s epic journey. With this large mural as a backdrop, Hotel Métropole guests are able to enjoy a swim experience unlike any other. In conjunction with this artful masterpiece is Joël Robuchon’s third restaurant within the hotel, by the same name, which offers alfresco dining by day and stylish cocktail drinks, live music, and chef-designed canapés by night.

Seems too good to be true? They say a picture is worth a thousand words, and we’ve got plenty of them!

Karl Lagerfeld stands with 'Odyssey'

Continue reading "Photo Friday: The Odyssey Experience at Hôtel Métropole Monte-Carlo" »

Newest JG Black Book team member Debbie Martin Dirker took less than a New York minute to snatch the opportunity to visit Topping Rose House! With the Hamptons being the playground for luxury jetsetters, Debbie was excited to see a hotel that would add spectacular cuisine and superior service to both its guest experience and the larger Bridgehampton community. Topping Rose House exudes the true essence of summer with its luxurious yet charming decor and fine touches. The open foyer, library, and other spaces are designed to create a welcoming environment and every detail is manicured to perfection. Debbie shares what it feels like to live the Hamptons dream:

Continue reading "On the Road: Beautiful Bridgehampton’s Topping Rose House" »

Slip off your sandals and bury your toes into the golden sand. At JG Black Book, we know that as your eyelids begin to close, your other senses begin to awaken: you hear the calming waves crash along Brazil’s glittering Emerald Coast, you feel the sweet sunlight delight the contours of your skin, you smell the gentle aroma of paradise. In this moment, you are here. You are at Ponta dos Ganchos.

Continue reading "Travel Necessities: A Packing List for Your Brazilian Escape" »

Put down your briefcase and kick off your shoes. It’s Friday and it’s time to celebrate! The JG Black Book team has got you covered this weekend, with some of the most delicious cocktail recipes from around the world. These cocktails are as unique as our partners and as exotic as the countries from which they originated. A few weeks ago we raised our glasses full of delectable drinks as we toasted to the weekend with some of our Partners, but it's time to brace yourself for today’s Bartender Series!

Continue reading "Photo Friday: Bartender Series: The World's Best Cocktails Part 2" »

There’s never a dull moment at the Wimbledon Championship! From June 24 to July 7, thousands of passionate tennis fans will come together at the All England Club to support their tennis heroes and heroines. From Maria Sharapova to Roger Federer, there is no doubt that the matches will be both entertaining and exhilarating to behold! 

The All England Club

Continue reading "Ultimate Visitor’s Guide: Wimbledon with Eccleston Square Hotel" »

Picture this. You’ve arrived at the airport with a carry-on duffle in one hand and a large suitcase in the other. The previous night, you had prepared carefully for your eight-hour flight to London, meticulously reviewing the items on your packing checklist and deciding whether or not to bring those not-so-stylish-but-really-functional rain boots of yours. You present your passport to the smiling gentleman at the check-in desk, excited for your trip ahead. Your excitement quickly dissolves into disappointment when the airline representative tells you that regrettably, your suitcase is overweight. You’ll have to pay an enormous baggage fee. It’s a terrible feeling, but trust us, you’re not alone. Several of us here at JG Black Book have unfortunately found ourselves in a similar situation. Thankfully, however, we’ve found an innovative, portable, and highly dependable gadget to help prevent overweight baggage catastrophes from happening again!

Continue reading "Travel Necessities: Heys USA Touch Scale" »

Something magical seems to happen when the warm weather arrives. Tons of smiles, shades, and shorts and here at JG Black Book, we honestly couldn’t be happier. While many of us grab our beach towels and go to a nearby park, cool off at a rooftop bar, or even stick our heads in the freezer, we know the best remedy for a scorching summer day is to relax by a body of water—ANY body of water.

It’s only fitting that we venture across the globe, and even here in New York to enjoy summer by the sea with some of our partners. Whether by gullet or yacht, we’re aiming to cruise through summer in style. Grab your sunscreen and boat shoes and check out these sea-side destinations:

Matiana Travel

Continue reading "Photo Friday: Top 8 Places to Celebrate Summer by the Sea" »

Many of us at JG Black Book could use a vacation after the action-packed, barbecue-filled, sun-drenched long weekend we’ve had filled with relaxation and a bit of oh-so-necessary pampering. I think it’s time we ditched the Big Apple (but only for a little while) and traversed the Pacific for the sun-kissed beaches of Bali or the serene waters of the Gulf of Oman. The GHM properties are the ultimate havens of perfect pampering and tantalizing tranquility for those who need some time away from hectic city life.

Take a moment, (stop FaceBook-ing) close your eyes,  and let these getaways take you away…

The Chedi Club Tanah Gajah - Bali, Indonesia

Continue reading "From the City to the Beach: Get Away and Relax with GHM Hotels" »