Oh, the joys of flying commercial. Dashing down concourses A through D. Lugging luggage to and fro. White-knuckling it cross-country. Starving, because you arrived at the airport two-hours early (as requested), only to receive an airline snack the size of a postage stamp. There’s nothing ever glamorous about flying the friendly skies.

Unless, of course, you take a private jet.

Enter: Virgin Charter. They are the first online travel aggregator for private jets (yes, you've got another reason to love Richard Branson). Once a luxury service for the uber rich, the new site and service makes booking a cinch. And, after last year's adventure trip (I'm in pink) from Teterboro to Bar Harbor, Maine ... well, my children have no interest in flying commercial again. Ever! While accommodating them may be difficult, this service actually makes it more possible than ever before.

And yes, private jets are still expensive. But now it’s at least accessible (and less expensive if you're willing to take an 'empty-leg'). Just enter your information (passengers, departure, destination, and dates) and, since you’re flying private, feel free to get nitty-gritty with details like crew requirements, number of tolerable fuel stops, whether or not you’re bringing your kids, your grandma or like us you simply need your favorite bottle of wine on board. Virgin Charter then sends your requirements to their roster of participants who in turn send you bids. You compare plane types, amenities, safety, quality ratings, and price. Voila!

The best part: On a private jet, snacks are free and unlimited, so go ahead and ask for seconds.

Around here, a quick getaway is no easy feat.

A couple of hours in the car will only land you at an outlet mall, a water park, or smack-dab in the middle of a cornfield — no matter which way you go.

Unless, that is, you go up.

Next time you’re hankering for an escape, book a flight in a hot-air balloon with Krug. In collaboration with masters of bespoke luxury, Bruno Domeau & Philippe Pérès welcome you to a new flight of fancy… introducing Krug Is In The Air.

Here’s how it works: Conceived as an extension of Krug private dining rooms found in places like New York’s Core Club and London’s Dorchester Hotel, the Krug Balloon is a breathtaking ride. For two hours and a mere $50,000 you can enjoy it with seven of your favorite friends, a flight commander, and a waiter serving a light-as-air, three-course lunch with lots of… Krug Grande Cuvée.

Via: [RareDaily.com]

To mark the forthcoming Sony Ericsson Open, which starts tomorrow, the tournament celebrated by hosting the world's first ever game of tennis on water.

Two of the World's leading tennis players, Serena Williams and Rafael Nadal, took to a custom-made court to try their luck on a more challenging surface than usual, completing a seemingly impossible task more befitting a miracle than to a modern day tennis tournament.

The revolutionary game took place at the top of the new Gansevoort South Hotel as it officially opened its doors for the first time. The water-covered court was constructed in the 110ft swimming pool set in the Gansevoort's exclusive 22,000sqft rooftop retreat overlooking Miami's South Beach.

The court took seven days to build as a specialist underwater team constructed two invisible platforms at either end of the pool for the players to stand and play using a combination of bespoke acrylic sheets and supporting acrylic tubes that were bonded together. The pool was then filled with water before adding the finishing touches of a net and, of course, they couldn't forget the ball boys.

While it's said there are no sure things in life, the Rolex Submariner's seeming immunity to depreciation comes close. GO Magazine reports, that like cars, most watches lose value the minute you buy them. But thanks to careful control of supply and enduring cachet (it has appeared in more than eleven James Bond movies), the Submariner (designed for diving and known for their resistance to water) you buy today for a bit more than $5000 will be worth at least that a couple of years from now -- and likely more. The 1968 5512 Submariner chronometer, for instance, originally retailed for less than $500 but sell today for more than $7000.

Certain models from 1953 (the year the watch debuted) that cost about $250 new now go for upwards of $10,000.

Finally, a way to make more money and look good doing it!

The venerable Italian luggage firm Valextra has teamed up with renowned yacht maker German Frers to create travel pieces specifically for yacht goers. Inspired by 19th-century trunks, but designed for practicality and function, German Frers’ soft trunk ($3,480 or $4,790 for the larger version) can be dismantled and folded to optimize the limited space on a boat (or a private jet for that matter). The trunks and garment bag are made of a high-tech waterproof (no need to worry about storms at sea), scratch-resistant material that has the soft feel of leather and is worthy of any man's most precious cargo.

Truth is, you've got a problem. No one should check their reflection as often as you do.

Solution: Might I suggest, you take a look at this Skate Board Mirror. The board length mirror, complete with wheels, offers an alternative to traditionally shaped mirrors (for all you urban athletes) and it could be considered art (allowing you to deny to your friends that you needed another mirror to look into). In fact, skate boards have never been cooler, so this mirror has the ability to add some much needed hipness to your bathroom or hallway regardless of how many times you need to check yourself out. $220.

Via: [Complex.com]

Heli-hiking, if you hadn’t heard, is hiking by helicopter.

No, adventure helicopters don't just run in the winter. Of course, the sexy stuff lies mostly in those unbelievably gorgeous untracked fields of fresh powder, but take away skiing and tack on any manner of outdoorsy activity when the snows melt: heli-hiking, heli-fishing, heli-paddling. It's the hottest way to flee the fanny-pack-wearing crowd and find wilderness all to yourself without the pesky effort of trekking in a week's worth of food and shelter. Rise early, eat, fly your way to seclusion, hike, eat, hike some more, fly back to your lodge in time for a massage, an outdoor hot tub soak or a sauna, a chapter or two with a good book, a well-earned, beautifully prepared dinner, and some story-swapping by the fireplace ... oh, and cocktails on the terrace!

My thought: Any sport proceeded by a helicopter ride seems to be yet another offshoot of the whole glamping world, where you pay large sums of money to have a manufactured and controlled outdoor experience. -- Not for nothing ... it sounds perfect! I've done the whole camping in a soggy tent, sleeping on the floor, wearing black fly headnets, eating beans and hotdogs thing. I'm over it.

The downside: Unlike Heli-skiing, which requires athleticism, some serious skiing skills, a touch of fearlessness and deep pockets, Heli-hiking requires only the deep pockets. You or your five year old (yes, families do this) don't have to even break a sweat - which means - that this sport probably attracts a few people you don't want to be in a helicopter with, let alone out in the woods with.

Legend of the Motorcycle is a celebration of the art of motorcycling -- encompassing more than a century of design. As the only world-class Concours d'Elegance specifically for motorcycles, the even showcase and judges over 200 of the finest vintage motorcycles, in adition to displays of modern racing, custom and concept bikes; a Bonhams auction; the exclusive Steve McQueen and Elvis awards; and Jesse James will debut his newest creation, a glistening aluminum-clad motorcycle and sidecar combo for Airstream.

Saturday, May 3, 2008
Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay California
Tickets: $50 before May 1; $65 day of the event

For those upscale consumers who want to sample the good life on a budget (or for those afraid of commitment); part-time sports luxury is here. Manhattan-based Tour GCX now serves up choice courses to men on the move with its fractional-ownership Tour Card program.

Think of the Tour Card as the golfing Gold Card for the $200,000-a-year jet set. It grants individual and corporate members access to 31 private clubs (and growing) in major cities along the eastern seaboard and to eight affiliates in New York, New Jersey, Florida, and Nevada, where the big-money players (from Merrill and Goldman) roam. Tour GCX’s 800-plus members largely hail from the NY metro area, but GCX plans to expand its markets to Chicago, Phoenix, Atlanta, and Los Angeles this year.

While Tour GCX won't disclose the courses, prospective members do receive the secret list ... and qualified golfers (respectable handicaps, please) are eligible for a minimum of ten foursomes (you can brings guests), seven of which must be played on weekdays. That works out to roughly $160 a head per round (including green, cart, and locker fees.)

Finally, a club that allows you to play the un-fairway. Individual memberships from $6,250; corporate memberships, $13,500 -- far less than the typical $50,000+ initiation fee some clubs charge.

The gym is crowded, your shoulders are sore, and all you want to do is hide in the sauna and relax. But, surprise, surprise, surprise, looks like everyone else has the same idea as you.

Do you ....

a. Get down with the other naked strangers (yes, you).
b. Forget you need to relax and head back to the treadmill.
c. Escape to your own personal retreat.

If you picked c, you're a smart cookie, and a Sunlight Sauna is just what you need. It’s like the anti-sauna. Meaning no attitudes, no unwanted strangers, and no traveling to get to it. Just total relaxation in the comfort of your own home, available whenever you want it. This unique infrared sauna not only promotes detoxification of metals and toxins, but it also boosts immune and cardiovascular systems as well as relieving pain. But the best part? It burns up to 600 calories in 25 minute sessions.

Used by many top celebs to relax, escape from the crowds (and burn calories), this sauna delivers! Fit for one person, and starting at $1895, this luxurious sauna can compliment just about any home.

Don't like to be completely alone? Get a larger one and invite over your friends.

Clothing optional.