Here it is. Your very own private island next to the Joe Cay in the Bahamas. 11 rooms, 13 bathrooms, pool, spa, helipad, water-sports station, wildlife and virgin beaches…all the goodies you need to pamper yourself. Going for USD 75m. Ready to make that wire transfer?

On sale for USD 4m.

 The Lodge, Sir Richard Branson’s luxury chalet, can accommodate up to 18 adults in nine bedrooms and up to six children for a superb skiing holiday in Verbier, Switzerland. Rates during the winter season are quoted on seven nights’ exclusive hire for 18 guests, and are priced in British Pounds. You can reserve individual rooms during the winter ski season if the chalet has not been booked for exclusive use six weeks prior to the set arrival date. Rates during the summer season are quoted per room per night based on two adults sharing and priced in British Pounds. The Lodge can be hired exclusively during the summer season. The 13 friendly and experienced staff include a Necker Island trained General Manager, an activities co-ordinator, spa therapist, Raymond Blanc trained chef and Bam Bam – the chalet dog. Each one is dedicated to tailor-making each guest experience…. People may arrive as guests but often leave as friends. The Lodge is part of Virgin Limited Edition, Sir Richard Branson’s collection of unique retreats.

Guests will need to fly to Geneva and then, drive, take the train to Martigny or rent a helicopter to their comfy luxurious ski vacation. The average minimum rate per person for a night’s stay  (minimum stay is 3 nights) at The Lodge comes up to 500 Pounds including all the meals, drinks and the use of the facilities inside the ski in/out chalet. Yes, it is a little pricey but what else can you expect from one of the wealthiest men in the world?

I got caught up in John Traina’s (deceased in 2011) world after I received an online auction notification from Sotheby’s with his precious cufflinks on display. What struck me about this California magnet was that unlike many other self-made billionaires he was curious, social and daring enough to use his wealth as a means to a hand-picked unique luxurious life. Traina was a San Francisco cruise magnet, the owner of Pearl Cruises which was the first cruise line to reach China from the Americas. The items Mr. Traina left behind certify that he spent his fortune on high quality living. Luxurious mansions, Faberge collections, art, classic cars, tailored suits, rare cufflinks and precious wine were among his list of musts. He was cherished by the business elite, the Hollywood and the European high society. Sophia Lauren was eager to be one of his guests at his summer homes and the famous author Danielle Steel was his 2nd wife. Mr. Traina was married 3 times, all to amazing women who loved him dearly and had 8 children with them.

I have never met John Traina and can’t in any way judge his character, but from what I have read and seen I can tell that he was good at savoring life the way he wanted it to be savored. In the end, isn’t life too short to do it any other way?

Below are a few snapshots from this gentleman’s life and a few pieces from his collection that will be auctioned off by Sotheby’s in New York on 7 December 2011.

This 5-story, 3,000 m2 gigantic residence is supposedly owned by two old sisters who can no longer look after the premises. Yes it needs extensive care. Yes the interior decoration has to be completely redone. Yes there will be a constant dirt shower from the traffic on the bridge above (especially during rain). No matter what, I consider The Zeki Pasha Mansion to be one of the most private, glorious and unique houses found on the shores of the Bosphorus.

The unofficial sale price is set at USD 100m+. With that tag, I expect the new owner to be a Russian or an Arab.

This 10 room, ski in/out chalet is located on the ski slopes of Corbeau in Morgins, a unique two-hour drive from Genève (if you take the lac Leman-side route) as you start in Switzerland, pass through France and make it again into Swiss soil. This wooden gem was fully renovated in 2009. 3 floors come with 5 bedrooms, multiple terraces and 6 bathrooms. Offered at USD 5m.

Morgins is part of the Portes du Soleil, known to be the largest ski domain in Switzerland with 200 ski lifts.

This is simply the best shower I have ever seen (although I am not a big fan of the house). Looks cool, rains on you, keeps the feet warm. What else can you ask for?

Consider it a vacation home. Consider it a getaway. It is a little far from Istanbul, but who can complain when it is inside a full service luxury condo? The final step is to have the guts to spend USD 8.5m.