Expert Advice

• What is the growth in the luxury home segment
Real Estate market is seeing tremendous interest and growth. This growth has been attributed to several factors like confidence in the economy, the softening of home loan interest rates, and big bonuses As a result, consumer confidence is back to a great extent and we are seeing increased demand for home purchase. This can be witnessed is sales trends across all segments of residential home sales. We are seeing many new launches bringing in differentiated products leading to strong growth. This has resulted in a sharp sales growth curve for the real estate business.

• Market perception for the Luxury Homes in India
Today the Indian consumer is well travelled, exposed to a global culture and wants to live a luxurious lifestyle. Also, the demands and expectations of consumers have changed drastically over past few years. Most of us live a very fast paced life and hence, in our homes we want to experience comfort at its best. Also, having been exposed to global culture, customers want the best for everything. A simple example of this is the launch of several international luxury brands in India. A home is an expression of self, so when customers are indulging in luxury products from accessories to dining, then why not a luxury home. The definition of Luxury in Luxury homes transcends across both product features and luxury lifestyle indicators. Many product features which were luxury some time back are today considered de-rigueur – say air-conditioned residences. The product features that create and enable a luxury experience like Private elevators, Spa pools attached to each residence, concierge services etc seem to define what luxury homes are all about, these days. The brands associated with the project also add to the luxury experience.

Mr R Karthik
Sr Vice President Marketing
Lodha Group

DLF Capital Greens Phase 3, the Project is on 38 Acres land and 100 Acres Green Area

Being the largest Real Estate Company in India,the residential business group of DLF, Dlf Homes Developers have repeatedly shown timely deliverance of high quality homes with intenational standards. Keeping contemprary lifestyle in focus,Dlf Homes are true value for money.

DLF Launch-Soon Third Phase of DLF CAPITAL GREEN PHASE-3 project on Shivaji Marg, New Delhi. When the rates will be announced. you can really appreciate that it is a wonderful inaugural price on which you will be getting this "Life-time opportunity to own you Dream Home", in New Delhi itself, with all the amenities of a suburban living.It is just about 10 Kms. from Connaught Place, and is a Gated community, where you will have all facilities and amenities of Luxury Condominium, e.g., 100% Power Back-up, Basement Parking’s, Shopping Centre within the Complex, School, Club, Pool etc. etc.

Silversea Cruises India's ALASKA CRUISES 2010 - Upto 60% off published rates read more.......

Imagine standing on your private verandah and watching whales breach and eagles soar. Imagine being among the lucky few to spend a whole day in Glacier Bay National Park. Imagine traveling through Alaska’s sublime beauty and frontier ports in unsurpassed luxury and comfort. On our extraordinary Alaska cruises imagination meets reality.

Silversea is recognized as the leading small luxury liner in the world featuring all-inclusive voyages with dedicated butler service in every suite. Silversea with its local partner Silversea Cruises India now offers breathtaking Alaska cruises at unbeleivable rates to Indiain travellers. Six incredible 7 day itineraries from 3rd May to 27th Aug 2010.

Call toll free 1 800 345 3324 or visit www.silverseacruises.in for the best deals and more of Silversea's extraordinary sea voyages.

JW Marriott eyeing 40 hotels in India by 2013

Luxury hotel brand JW Marriott today said it will have 40 hotels across India in the next three-years.

"We will have at least 40 hotels in India by 2013. We will have five hotels by this year-end," JW Marriott Group's Area Vice-President for India, Malaysia and Pakistan, Rajeev Menon.

"We will be opening five JW Marriott hotels in Chennai, Bangalore, Pune (two) and Chandigarh by this year-end," Menon said.
The brand also plans to open two Marriott Courtyard in Ahmedabad and Mumbai.

"Currently, we have six Courtyard in India. We are planning to open two more in Ahmedabad and Mumbai," Menon said.
He, however, did not divulge the investment for the project.

"Currently we have 2,800 rooms operational. We will be adding 10,000 more rooms in the next three-years and 4,500 rooms by this year-end," he said.

The brand also plans to increase its headcount in the year-ahead.

"Currently, we have 2,500 employees. We are planning to hire 3,000 more professionals by this year-end," he said.

Earlier this month, Marriott International's Executive Vice-President for full-service brand management and operations, Don Semmler, said the Bangalore luxury hotel will have 250 rooms with recreational amenities like a night club, spa, swimming pool and a fitness centre.

The hotel in Chandigarh will have 175 rooms with a variety of restaurants, bars, lounges and other facilities. Besides, the Chennai hotel will have 371 rooms, Semmler said.

At present, there are 45 JW Marriott hotels in 19 countries.

Mercedes launches new E-Class Coupe in India

The E-Class Coupé is the most aerodynamic series production car in the world with a drag coefficient of 0.24 only. It comes with an aggressive price tag of Rs. 56.38 lakhs onwards read more....

Mercedes-Benz India brought in a whole new meaning to attraction & luxury in the premium automobiles segment by unveiling the new Mercedes E-Class Coupé. Aggressive, Sporty & Exclusive, the E-Class Coupé inspires awe, attraction & allure. The distinctive lines and sleek edges lend it an aura of irresistible charm. Within this two-door beauty lies the unmatched performance, safety and comfort features of the legendary E-Class.

Dr. Wilfried Aulbur, Managing Director and CEO of Mercedes-Benz India: “The E-Class Coupé makes an unambiguous statement about a lifestyle characterized by beauty and sophistication. With its expressive styling, premium equipment, state-of-the-art technology and high safety standards, the New E- Coupé meets the needs of young individuals looking for a car that is athletic, striking and passionate. The vehicle rounds off the automotive product range and targets a clientele for whom style and individuality is of significant importance”.

Design which expresses passion and effortless superiority
With its classic coupé side aspect, reflected by no B-pillars and fully retractable side windows – the new two-door car is a particularly sporty interpretation of the E-Class' dynamic design. The hallmark of Mercedes Coupé design is its sports radiator grille with the large central star. The arrow shape of the entire front section coupled with its lean build give the car a sportier and more dynamic presence.

High standards of ride comfort
The E-Class Coupé takes on a pioneering role in the drive and performance category. The new petrol engine combines efficiency and effortless power delivery with its 3.5 litre engine V6 engine offering 272hp at 6000rpm. With a drag coefficient of just 0.24, this is the world's most aerodynamically efficient series-production car.

Most comprehensive array of safety features in this vehicle category
The new E-Coupé offers all the technical innovations of the new E-Class series that one might expect to find in a sports-oriented luxury coupé.

The product features new trendsetting technologies – like ATTENTION ASSIST (drowsiness detection system), selective damper control, preventive occupant protection Adaptive Main Beam Assist, PRE-SAFE technology and Intelligent Lighting System all of which together make the E- Coupé a “thinking” partner. These features can not only see, feel, and respond to dangers by means of its “reflexes,” but also act independently to prevent accidents or minimize their effects.

With such advanced technical developments and E-Class Coupé specific features (like keyless go, panaromic sunroof to name a few), this car further consolidates the leading position of Mercedes-Benz in the luxury class with unique trailblazing innovations for safe and sporty driving, available with no other manufacturer.

Priced at Rs. 56.38 lakhs (Ex-Showroom Mumbai), the new E- Coupé will be retailed through Mercedes-Benz Dealerships across the country.

Check out India's luxury trains

India's luxury trains take you on an unforgettable journey across the country's best destinations, offering a glimpse of its rich cultural heritage and historic places. Check out these wonders that attract tourists from across the world...

The Palace on Wheels
The Palace on Wheels has been rated among the top ten luxury trains of the world. As the name signifies, the train is built like a palace with a royal aura. A majestic train, it has 14 fully air-conditioned deluxe saloons, equipped with world class amenities read more....

Each saloon has a mini pantry for refreshments and a place to relax. The 4-twin bedded chambers have channel music, intercom, attached toilets, running hot and cold water, shower, wall to wall carpeting and other amenities. The furniture with its inlaid motifs has been specially created for the Palace on Wheels.

The train has two restaurants with a Rajasthani ambience serving Continental, Chinese, India and Rajasthani cuisines.
The tariff on triple sharing basis is between $3,150 and $2,380 (off season), per head. On twin sharing, the rates are $3,500 and $2,625(off season). For single occupancy, it is $4,690 and $3,500 (off season).

The historic Fairy Queen has the oldest working steam locomotive in the world. It started its maiden journey in 1855 for the erstwhile East Indian Railway. The Fairy Queen today holds the Guinness World Record for the oldest locomotive in operation.
The train has one 50-seater AC passenger coach and a pantry coach, which serves Rajasthani cuisine. The train travels to Delhi, Alwar and the Sariska Wildlife Sanctuary. The train also won the National Tourism award given by Prime Minister of India for the most innovative and unique tourism project.

The full package trip costs $7,500 for adults and $3750 for children. One-way train journey between Delhi and Alwar and sightseeing/stay at Sariska is priced at $5,500 and $2,750 for children. One-way train journey, between Delhi and Alwar costs $2,200.

This magnificent train offers a taste of royalty onboard. A trip through Varanasi and Khajuraho, Jaipur, Udaipur and Agra offers a glimpse of India's rich cultural heritage.

There are 3 itineraries to choose from. The train has hi-tech facilties which includes Internet, Wi-Fi system exclusive restro lounges, provision to regulate air conditioning in the super deluxe room, and pantry in each sleeper car.

While is the deluxe saloon is priced at $590 on twin sharing basis, the Super Deluxe Saloon is for $1,600 per person per night.