Crimson Design Group’s President, Luis Stauffer, is our team’s resident expert on all things luxurious and glam. When it comes to life’s greatest experiences, you could call him an enthusiastic collector. Whether it’s dining, shopping, or traveling, Luis seeks out the best that life has to offer, and luckily for us, passes that information along to the team with gusto. So, we’ve decided to share his knowledge with you, as well! We’ll be sharing some of his favorite luxury experiences and items with you, once every quarter, in a series we’ve called: The Luxe Life with Louie.This week, Louie will share with us a luxurious 24 hours in New York City!Every time I travel to New York City, I try to stay at a new hotel. Hospitality is incredibly important to me- I live for the unexpected, special touches that set one hotel above the rest. For a truly luxurious, one of a kind experience, stay at the Baccarat Hotel in Manhattan.

The Baccarat is one of those rare cross-over success stories. Originally a crystal and jewelry company, Baccarat has crossed over into hospitality, and with stunning results. Baccarat boasts a staff of hosts, concierges, bartenders, and chefs that are truly the best in their field. They follow the maxim, “[Do] the best that can be done, not the best that one can do.”Incredible service aside, the hotel’s design alone is reason enough to stay. Designed by Gilles & Boissier of Paris, the hotel’s rooms and suites and social spaces are lush, soaring, and luxurious.

Breakfast

Start your day off slow. After all, this is vacation. Luxuriate in all the time you have available. Stay at the Baccarat and have breakfast sent up, or eat in the Grand Salon. Try the Baccarat Omelette, or if you have a sweet tooth like me, the Viennoiseries plate.

Spa

After your breakfast, go to Baccarat’s spa, the first dedicated spa by skincare brand La Mer (a personal favorite). A perfect marriage of luxury and relaxation, Spa de la Mer prides itself on creating truly bespoke experiences. Get a Deep Tissue massage, featuring La Mer’s body creme or, my usual choice, a hot stone massage. While you’re at it, add on an aromatherapy session (trust me, it’s worth it).

Lunch

For lunch, check out the NoMad Restaurant.The NoMad’s elegant menu comes from Chef Daniel Humm and Restaurateur Will Guidara.The restaurant is divided into a collection of rooms that are all surrounded by a glass-enclosed atrium. The menu is casual, yet refined, making it as approachable as it is delicious.

Shopping

Head to SoHo for some shopping. Opening Ceremonyoffers a meticulously curated collection of clothing by American designers, as well as up-and-coming brands from other countries. Then head over to 233 Elizabeth St and check out Le Labo. I can’t get enough of their lotions. Just a few streets over, visit Reiss on Bleeker for some of my favorites in men’s fashion.

Dinner

After shopping, you may be a little peckish again. For dinner I recommend Eleven Madison Park.The the restaurant offers an eight to ten course menu in the main dining room, but the bar offers small plates as well, if that’s more your speed. Everything on the menu is exquisite. The celery root dish is a personal favorite, as is the duck. Leo Robitscheck is the bar director (he also oversees the NoMad’s drinks program) and has created custom cocktails that are just to die for. Try their pairings menu for spirits, wine, and beer perfectly paired to each course and customized to your own personal taste. It’s unreal and totally worth it.

Entertainment

After dinner, you have a variety of options to choose from for entertainment. About a ten minute walk away you can find comedy at The Gotham Comedy Club. This is the sort of place where you can find new comics and even some well known stand ups who are trying out new material. You just never know.If comedy isn’t your thing, head towards Washington Square park and catch a play at The Public Theater.An artist driven performance company, you’ll never find stale or out of date work being performed here. This is definitely the theater to check out if you want to leave the theater with a lot to think about.On the other side of the park is Blue Note, a well known jazz club that’s truly a gem. The food leaves a little bit to be desired, but the music is always world class. Catch the 10pm and then head out for a night cap.

Late Night Drinks

For late night drinks, check out Beauty & Essex on the Lower East Side, for a truly unique cocktail bar experience. Hiding behind a fully operational pawn shop, Beauty & Essex draws a glamorous clientele, and it’s no wonder why. The clandestine location gives the venue the exclusive feel of a Prohibition-Era speakeasy. The cocktails are imaginative, the decor is sumptuous, and the food is tasty. From the two story chandelier to the peacock themed main dining room, the decor never fails to surprise and delight. And that’s not all that’s delightful:what’s better than being able to order a box of donuts (yes, they really come in a box) after 10pm, to pair with your cocktail? What would you like Louie to tell us about next time? Let us know in the comments!