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This year, luxury retailer Neiman Marcus has the perfect solution for the doctor who wants to get away from it all: a trip to outer space.

The journey, which includes pre-flight medical assessments, training, a ride on the Virgin Galactic spaceship roughly 63 miles above sea level and a four-night, after-flight soiree at the private Caribbean island home of Virgin CEO Richard Branson for six, includes an astonishing view of earth and an opportunity to experience weightlessness. Price tag: $1.76 million.

This year's Neiman Marcus holiday catalog of opulence features something for everyone's taste, from a limited edition black 2007 BMW M6 convertible with a V-10 engine and an 11-speaker surround sound stereo system for $139,000, to a Twike®, an environmentally friendly two-person pedal-powered enclosed commuter machine for $40,000.

For $3.8 million, snap up a membership to Castiglion Del Bosco ("Castle in the Woods"). Founded in the 12th century, it is nestled among the ruins of a medieval fortress on 4,500 rolling acres overlooking Val D'Orcia in Italy and featuring 21 villas, 150 acres of vineyards, and a working winery famous for its Brunello di Montalcino wine.

For sports fans, you may bid, beginning at $250,000, on a package of tickets to six must-attend events in 2007: NHL All-Star Game in Dallas; Super Bowl XLI in South Florida; NBA All-Star Game in Las Vegas; Major League Baseball All-Star Game in San Francisco; U.S. Open Tennis Championships Women's Final in Queens, New York; and a bonus surprise event. With proceeds going to charity, the package also includes a private meal with sports legends Wayne Gretzky, Troy Aikman, Magic Johnson, Bob Gibson, Chris Evert and Arnold Palmer.

Even Sam's Club is delving more deeply this year into the holiday-selling spirit. For $33,000, a walk-in wine cellar holds some 15,000 bottles.

While fantasy gifts will go to only a lucky few recipients, gift-buyers know that selecting just the right gift is difficult at best. This season, local retailers have ideas for making the holiday season merry and bright.

In Memphis, Peter Poole Fine Jewelers 2006 holiday collection touts a magnificent 5.11 carat cushion-cut diamond ring for $124,000. "This is the ultimate, and our number one request in the 'wow' factor category," said Peter Poole's Susanne Taylor. "Accented in a pave platinum mounting, it's a ring of pure beauty, and can be worn on either the right or left hand."

Or how about ringing in a new Viking Cooking School culinary experience?

At The Viking Cooking School in Memphis and Greenwood, a special $4,100 package includes an 8-piece cookware set, a 14-piece knife set with santoku, a stand mixer, 4-slot toaster, food processor, blender — and a private hands-on cooking class for 12.

"Learning to cook is a lifelong gift," said general manager Chris Green. "Cooking class is not just a place to learn new dishes or techniques, but it's also a place to relish being with friends."

For more intimate pampering, consider the Royal Day Package at Germantown Day Spa. For $336, the makeover includes a custom facial, 1-hour massage, manicure, spa pedicure, lunch, scalp treatment, haircut and style, and makeup application.

"We've handpicked some of the best massage therapists and estheticians in the south, not only for their unique and superior skills, but also for their genuine desire to take good care of their guests," said owner Travis Sheely of the 31-member staff. "Throughout your entire visit, we make sure you feel right at home. We have a quiet room where clients go between services and are attended to in comfortable lounge chairs and wrapped in heated blankets, listening to music and enjoying each new procedure as the day progresses."




December 2006

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