THE KING
Louis XIII Black Pearl, a new, limited-edition cognac offering from Rémy Martin, is being made available to 786 connoisseurs worldwide — the exact number of handblown Baccarat crystal decanters that can be culled from the oak barrels used to age Louis XIII. $8,000. www.louisxiiiblackpearl.com
RUNABOUT
From Lakeland Boatworks comes the Riverside X2, an outboard model designed to expand the company’s wooden powerboat product lines. Reminiscent of the fine wooden runabouts that graced waterfronts and inland lakes decades ago, the Riverside X2 (about $25,000) is 18 feet long, seats four, and features a mahogany steering wheel, custom upholstery, and brass fittings. www.lakelandboat.com
THE DELICIOUS OUTDOORS
Kalamazoo Outdoor Gourmet wants to make you the envy of the neighborhood. Entertain with its new outdoor kitchen selections, including the Artisan Pizza Oven ($3,990), the Outdoor Kitchen (starting at $21,000), and the Martini Bar ($8,750). www.kalamazoogourmet.com
HAPPY HOUR
• Actually, it’s called pau hana (“when work is done”) on the island of Maui. And Ocean Vodka is a beverage these Hawaiians can call their own. A portion of the profits from the sale of Ocean Vodka goes to organizations that help to protect and revitalize the ocean’s resources. Produced with 100 percent organic spirits distilled from rye and corn and blended with MaHaLo Hawaii Deep Sea Water. www.oceanvodka.com
• New from Sonoma and winemaker Corey Beck is Francis Ford Coppola’s “Director’s Cut” series that includes a Russian River Chardonnay, a Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel, a Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir, and an Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon.
TAG, YOU’RE IT
TAG Heuer Eyewear has released the L-Type collection, crafted with exotic leathers and F1 racing-inspired materials. The two limited-edition L-Type sunglasses are dubbed the LS. His version features auto-adjustable platinum-finished temples and arms covered with alligator skin. Her version features python skin arms, set with 23 diamonds in each temple. Prices from $840 to $2,500. www.tagheuer.com/sportvision
SURFIN’ THE WEB
• www.Swapandstay.com — Dedicated to global holiday home exchanges, this Web site lists properties available in more than 50 countries.
• www.TripDiary.com — Travelers, regardless of technical expertise, can share vacation photos, notes, and maps with family and friends.
• www.FlightConsultant.com — The site has added a “best seats” feature for various types of aircraft.
JUST WRITE
Montblanc and Van Cleef & Arpels have unveiled an exceptional writing instrument, the Limited Edition Mystery Masterpiece. Priced at $730,000, the Mystery is believed to be the most expensive pen ever created. Select from three variations, set either with rubies, sapphires, or emeralds, and accented by diamonds. Lots of diamonds. The legendary “Mystery Setting,” which conceals the gemstone settings and creates the illusion of blossoms, was patented in 1933 by Van Cleef & Arpels. Nine pens available. www.montblanc.com, www.vancleef-arpels.com/en/
EASY PACKING
Puma Golf debuts its travel collection for the golfer on the go. The Golf Travel Bag fits a full set of clubs and includes a removable garment bag. Also in the collection are a variety of clothing, accessories, and footwear. www.puma.com
SAY ‘I DO’ — HAWAIIAN STYLE
With the new year, the Ocean Crystal Chapel at Hilton Hawaiian Village Beach Resort & Spa celebrated its first anniversary as the first freestanding resort chapel in Waikiki. The chapel offers views of the ocean and seats 85 people at its stunning location. www.HiltonHawaiianVillage.com
FEET FIRST
Premiering in stores earlier this year, Aquaz sandals ($49.50) feature a patented drainage system that allows water and sand to flow away from the foot to keep feet cool and dry. The outsole has molded siping that performs great on boat and pool decks. Men’s and women’s collections. www.aquazinc.com
BOOKSHELF
• Me No Speak: China. When you can’t say it or mime it, point to it. Unlike the typical phrase book, this passport-size booklet helps you communicate by using pictures and point-to-phrases. www.menospeak.com
• Chicken Soup for the Woman Golfer’s Soul by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, Patty Aubery, and Matthew E. Adams. The “Chicken Soup” series now has 105 titles and we love ’em all, but especially this one that gives tribute to some of the trailblazing women who have changed the game of golf forever.
TRAVEL NOTES
• Grupo Posadas has incorporated two hotel brands into one location at the Fiesta Americana Santa Fe in Mexico City. The $40 million project has 363 guest rooms and offers the best of the Fiesta Americana and the Fiesta Inn brands. www.posadas.com
• The Royal Scotsman, one of the world’s most exclusive trains, has released its 2007 schedule, with its season running through Oct. 22. www.royalscotsman.com
• Crystal Cruises offers 29 destination-rich itineraries throughout Europe, with departures through Nov. 9. www.crystalcruises.com