The America's Cup is coming to San Francisco, here's where to eat, sleep, and play!

In the ultimate battle of the best yacht clubs and sailors in the world, the 34^th America’s Cup brings the challenge for the oldest active trophy in international sports back to the U.S. for the first time in 18 years.  ORACLE TEAM USA owner Larry Ellison, who is no stranger to the finest things in life, is ecstatic to have the event take place in his back yard. The August and October 2012 events in San Francisco, as well as those planned for 2013, mark the first time that the America’s Cup teams race in the host city, which will reach its zenith in the Bay’s natural amphitheater. A private jet American’s Cup vacation to California is the perfect excuse to experience the best that the “Paris of the West” offers. This city is about more than its world-famous Chinatown, cable cars and Fisherman’s Wharf. San Francisco offers bespoke luxury, as well as inimitable culture, style and grace in a distinctive urban setting. Use the following guide to help you plan a trip that drips opulence and exclusivity.

Eat

• Waterbar: With Treasure Island and the Bay Bridge serving as a backdrop, Waterbar offers one of the best views in the city. In addition to the fresh, sustainable harvested menu items options and a massive raw bar, diners also enjoy the eye-catching, floor-to-ceiling cylindrical aquariums that feature local wildlife. Private dining is available upon request.

• Sons & Daughters: One of the most exclusive, fine dining restaurants in San Francisco, Sons & Daughters is located downtown in a small storefront that’s out of the tourists’ line of sight. Seating is commodity and the dining experience can take up to three hours, so call ahead to make a reservation.

• La Mar: With restaurants in Brazil, Panama, Chile and Mexico, La Mar’s San Peruvian cebicheria along San Francisco’s waterfront was the first in the U.S. It’s ideal location is close to the dock when you need a break from watching the races from your yacht.

Sleep

• The St. Regis: The Official Hotel & Resorts of the 34^th America’s Cup, the St. Regis in the SoMA district redefines the splendor of San Francisco’s gilded age. During your private jet America's Cup vacation, enjoy the signature Butler Service, indulgent bath menu, concierge service and the in-house Remède Spa.
  
  
• Diva Hotel: Offering ultra-haute accommodations, the Diva Hotel near Union Square is the place to meet celebrities enjoying the America’s Cup experience. This hotel features the fashion-forward Perrier Lounge, nightly Sake Hour and a full-service concierge.
  
  
• Cavallo Point: A luxury lodge within Golden Gate Park, Cavallo Point offers a priceless view of the bay. Named one of the “Top 10 New American Landmarks" by Travel+Leisure, the resort offers historic and contemporary lodging, bellman and concierge services, personal in-room bartender, rose petal turndown service and more.

Play

• Golden Gate Yacht Club: The club that ORACLE TEAM USA calls home, hob-knob with the elite of the America’s Cup and their families in the Commodore Room for a bite or the Burgee Room for a drink. The club also offers the best seats in the world for viewing the races.
  
  
• Tilted Wingtip: The On The Fly luxury shopping company’s newest exclusive club, Tilted Wingtip, is a place for the most affluent shoppers to mingle and relax among peers. This is the spot to go after a full day of shopping.
  
  
• Qi Ultra Lounge: Asian-inspired and “aqua-exotic,” the Qi Ultra Lounge engages and mesmerizes all your senses as a nightlife destination that personifies modern feng shui. VIP reservations and bottle service are available upon request.

The America’s Cup adds an exclusive perk to the unique, luxury experiences that you can only encounter in San Francisco. How will you make the most of your private jet America's Cup vacation in this historic town?



photo credit: MarkDoliner via photo pin <

Despite longer days and lazier hours, summer still seems to pass by all too quickly.  Before you know it Labor Day is just around the corner, and you haven’t even found your bathing suit yet.  Fortunately, there’s still plenty of time to savor the season thanks to a great selection of late summer private jet vacation ideas.

2012 Summer Olympics

Taking place in the majestic city of London, the 2012 Olympic Games will commence on July 27 with the opening ceremonies and wrap up on August 12 when the final medals will be awarded to the world’s best equestrians, swimmers, gymnasts, runners, cyclists and even canoe paddlers.  Observing an Olympic Games is a unique and moving experience that will only be enhanced by the regal sensation of this particular host city.

94^th PGA Championship Golf Tournament

Some of golf’s most talented players will gather on Kiawah Island, SC, August 9-12 for this year’s PGA Championship.  Hosted this year by the Kiawah Island Golf Resort, The Ocean Course is as beautiful as it is challenging and boasts more seaside holes than any other course in the Northern hemisphere.

Nantucket Race Week

Summer private jet holidays on the East Coast mean seafood cookouts on the beach, Gatsby-style garden parties and, of course, sailing.  Get your fill of these classic summer experiences during Race Week on Nantucket August 11-19 where the whole community celebrates summer with regattas, parties and parades galore.  Don’t miss the annual Sculpture & Sandcastle Day on Saturday, August 18.

USA Pro Cycling Challenge

Spanning 683 miles, 12 cities and 9 mountain passes, the 2012 Pro Cycling Challenge is sure to be even more exciting than last year’s inaugural Colorado event.  Beginning in Telluride on August 20 and finishing in Denver on August 26, over 135 cyclists will take on the treacherous mountain climbs and literally breathtaking altitudes in America’s most difficult road race.  The best part is that this race can been seen from a variety of Colorado towns–including Montrose, Aspen, Beaver Creek, Vail and Golden–which will help keep crowds at bay.

Maui Reggae Festival

One of Hawaii’s hottest concerts is the annual “Reggae in the Valley” on July 21^st.  Tropical breezes off the ocean keep you cool while enjoying the sounds of old and new school reggae acts.  This year the concert will also feature a celebration of the 20^th anniversary of FIJI water.

80^th Annual Festival of Arts

Laguna Beach hosts California’s longest-running fine arts festival from July 1 to August 31.  Daily art shows, awards ceremonies, jazz concerts, culinary classes and other open-air attractions draw crowds from around the world. This is also the best time of year for whale watching as great blue and finback whales are in migration.

Chicago Jazz Festival

There are a few places in America that truly embody the jazz culture, and Chicago is certainly one of them.  The 34^th annual Chicago Jazz Festival kicks off on August 30 with a tribute to Ella Fitzgerald (to celebrate what would be her 95^th birthday) at Millennium Park.  Performances by Steve Coleman, Dianna Reeves, Roy Haynes and other jazz greats continue around the city through September 2.

SF Chefs

San Francisco has long been heralded as one of the top culinary destinations in the world, and this event aims to celebrate this accomplishment. The best of the best in food and wine gather at Union Square to present, discuss, teach and, of course, eat.  Don’t miss the “Grand Tasting Tent” where you’ll find sample creations from over 200 of San Francisco’s finest eateries and watering holes.

La Villette Open-Air Cinema Festival

Going to a drive-in movie in the summertime is one of America’s most classic and romantic date ideas, and La Villette is the Parisian equivalent of this tradition.  Grab your picnic basket and your sweetie’s hand for a romantic evening under the stars during this fun festival July 25-August 26.

Anguilla Summer Festival

Experience the Caribbean’s largest beach party during Anguilla’s annual summer festival from July 27^th through August 12^th for an authentic celebration of calypso, seafood and sunshine.

Published with permission from Inspirato.com

About Inspirato

We're revolutionizing the way luxury travelers spend quality time with their family and friends.
At Inspirato, we've taken best-of-class service and resort amenities combined with the low cost of villa rental to bring you the premiere club for a new generation of luxury travelers. 

Our membership plan is simple and affordable. 
You pay a one-time membership fee of $15,000, a small annual renewal fee of $2,500 and that's it. You can book any home in our portfolio, as often as you like, even during peak times… and pay only for what you use. Depending on the location, your savings over market rates can cover the membership fee in just a few trips.

Dining in San Francisco is not just a meal, it’s an experience for our private jet travelers. From award-winning cuisine to panoramic views of the San Francisco skyline, the Bay Bridge, the Golden Gate Bridge, San Francisco Bay and the Pacific Ocean, San Francisco is a feast for the eyes as well as your appetite.

After taking a private jet to a city as beautiful as San Francisco, be sure to select a restaurant that will provide you with a spectacular view as well as delectable cuisine. Although there are numerous notable restaurants with stunning views, here are a few San Francisco favorites to get you started:

Sutro’s

Located at the historic Cliff House on the west side of San Francisco, Sutro’s provides majestic views for every diner. The windows, which are floor to ceiling, allow an unobscured look at the Pacific Ocean, Northern California coastline and Seal Rocks. Serving lunch and dinner, the restaurant is known for its fresh seafood and organic produce.

The Franciscan Crab Restaurant

Take in the views of San Francisco Bay, Alcatraz, and both the Golden Gate and Bay Bridges at this restaurant located in the famous Fisherman’s Wharf. Twenty foot high ceilings allow you to marvel at the sights as you enjoy seafood favorites during lunch or dinner.

EPIC Roasthouse

Situated near the base of the Bay Bridge, your dining skyline is complemented by the lights which stretch along the bridge, San Francisco Bay and portions of the city. Located on The Embarcadero, this steakhouse provides nightly dinner as well as weekend brunch.

Waterbar

Dine on sustainable seafood as you marvel at the views of San Francisco bay and the nearby Bay Bridge. While enjoying the vistas outside, also enjoy the 19-foot tall aquariums located inside the restaurant. Close to the Financial District, Waterbar is on the Embarcadero and serves lunch and dinner.

Published with permission from Inspirato.com

About Inspirato

We're revolutionizing the way luxury travelers spend quality time with their family and friends.
At Inspirato, we've taken best-of-class service and resort amenities combined with the low cost of villa rental to bring you the premiere club for a new generation of luxury travelers. 

Our membership plan is simple and affordable. 
You pay a one-time membership fee of $15,000, a small annual renewal fee of $2,500 and that's it. You can book any home in our portfolio, as often as you like, even during peak times… and pay only for what you use. Depending on the location, your savings over market rates can cover the membership fee in just a few trips.