They say the best things in life are free, but isn't it fun to get a really fabulous gift, too? For this holiday gift guide, we've uncovered the most glamorous, the most expensive, and the most outrageous gifts you can give this holiday season. Sure, they may require cashing in your 401(k) or taking out a second mortgage, but it's holiday time and your beloved is worth it.
Own the hippest hotel in town for a night
What: Buy the Hotel Saint Cecilia for an evening
Cost: $20,000 per night
For $20,000, you can kick those celebrities and local luminaries to the curb and enjoy the Hotel Saint Cecilia all to yourself. The buyout ensures total privacy at this beautiful Travis Heights hotel, and includes exclusive access to the hotel’s five suites, six poolside bungalows and three intimate studios. Oh, and let's not forget the Saint Cecilia's infamous 50-foot heated pool. Enjoy the hustle and bustle of South Congress or retreat to lush grounds where you can revel in all the luxe offerings of the Saint Cecilia. (For more information contact: jenny.coambs@hotelsaintcecilia.com or call 512-852-2400.)
Enjoy the ultimate relaxation package
What: 12 deluxe treatments at Hiatus Spa + Retreat
Cost: $895
On the first day of Christmas my true love gave to me ... 12 treatments at one of Austin's most celebrated spas. Hiatus Spa + Retreat is offering limited edition packages that feature 12 of its signature treatments including a Hiatus massage, Hiatus facial, revitalizing body wrap, acupuncture, hot stone retreat, eco-gel manicure and spa pedicure with PediSonic treatment, among others. (For a full list of treatments, visit the Hiatus Spa website.)
Embrace your inner speed freak
What: Private track rental at Circuit of the Americas
Cost: $55,000 per day
For speed freaks and car enthusiasts this the chance of a lifetime, and no detail is left undone with this ultimate racing fantasy. COTA will help coordinate getting your vehicle to the circuit where you can take a lap (or 20) around the track. Enjoy a private pit (just like the Formula 1 drivers!), a concierge staff, catered dining and official lap timing. Pretend you're the big winner with a Champagne celebration at the tower deck, hang out on the winner's podium and enjoy professional input from track and corner marshals, operations team and medical staff. (To reserve a spot, contact Eric Paradis at COTA.)
Bring the bartender home
What: Private, in-home tutorials from the celebrated staff at drink.well
Cost: $1,000 per class
Everyone knows that some of the best drinks in town come from the award-winning staff at drink.well. Now you can bring the bar directly to your home with a private class led by drink.well bartenders. Enjoy a class for eight people where you will learn to stir, shake and blend the cocktails that made this North Loop joint famous. The drink.well staff will bring all the supplies, you just bring a few of your booze-loving friends. (For more information call 512-614-6683 or email info@drinkwellaustin.com.)
Sparkle all year
What: Diamond bracelet stunner from Benold's Jewelers
Cost: $24,900
Diamonds aren't just a girl's best friend — they're everyone's best friend. This bracelet from locally owned Benold's Jewelers is an 18-karat white, rose and yellow gold piece dripping with more than seven karats of diamonds. This sparkler will liven any party — or even a routine trip to the grocery store. (Benold's Jewelers is located at 2900 West Anderson Ln.)
The best box of chocolate ever
What: Wayward Chocolat's 30-count Dark Chocolate Ganache
Cost: $75
Another Austin-based company, Wayward Chocolat is the perfect gift for the chocolate lovers on your list. One bite of this rich, velvety ganache covered in a thin, dark chocolate shell and you'll be a Wayward fan for life. Bonus? Each piece has the same amount of antioxidants as a half cup of blueberries — so it's basically a health food. (Order directly from Wayward Chocolat here.)
Indulge in the most luxurious vacation of all
What: 10th Annual My Yacht Monaco
Cost: $13,000 per person, $25,000 per couple
As anyone who has attended the My Yacht Club parties during Austin's Formula 1 weekend knows, this group knows how to throw a party. Spend four days and nights during the Monaco Grand Prix on a superyacht "moored in a prime trackside berth." Have your every whim catered to during a weekend that also includes access to the My Yacht Monaco Royal reception and party, one of the most exclusive parties of the weekend. Hollywood celebs, athletes and even royals like HSH Prince Albert II and HSH Princess Charlene of Monaco have been known to take part in the festivities, so dress accordingly. (For more information visit My Yacht Monaco.)
Enjoy four days in Monaco on a superyacht.
