Neiman Marcus Fantasy Gifts
April 3, 2012Every year, people with money to spend eagerly await the arrival of the Neiman Marcus Christmas catalogue. The unique offerings in the Fantasy Gifts section of the catalogue are especially anticipated. The 2011 fantasy gift selection was particularly distinctive. It included some exclusive items that were crafted for Neiman Marcus and could only be obtained through their catalogue.
One such item was the Neiman Marcus Edition, Hacker-Craft Speedboat. It is a twenty-seven foot, sea-worthy beauty that took several craftsmen 1400 hours to complete. It sports a gold leaf embossed waterline and underwater lights. The purchaser could choose the name for the craft, and it would be stenciled on the stern in 23-carat gold leafing.  The boating enthusiast would be especially pleased with the 425-horse power engine. This high output Mercury Marine engine is one of the most powerful on the market today. The boat also features a custom interior design. This special edition boat was offered for $250,000 – a fair price considering the caliber of this high-end speedboat. For every boat sold, Neiman Marcus promised to donate $3,000.00 to the Double H Ranch. This facility provides support to families of children who are facing critical illnesses.
Also up for “grabs” was an International Flower Show Tour for up to ten people. All transportation was to be provided by private jet. An experienced guide would accompany the group throughout the tour and make all necessary arrangements. The first stop was to be Merges, Switzerland for the annual Tulip Festival. Over 100,000 tulips of every possible variety are showcased in this festival with Lake Geneva acting as the perfect backdrop. Included was a two-night stay at the luxurious Hotel Lausanne palace. Then the group was to fly to Athens for the Kifissia Flower Show. Over two thousand native and foreign plant species are exhibited at this annual show. Included accommodations were at the superior Hotel Grand Bretagne. Next stop: Avignon for the Altera Rosa Festival. This festival always includes over 1000 established breeds of roses. In addition, over thirty new species are introduced each year. The Hotel D’Europe D’Avignon was to provide the luxury accommodations. And the final stop was to be the Chelsea Flower Show with accommodations at the historic Goring Hotel.
The trip was structured so that two nights and three days would be spent at each location. Gourmet meals were to be served during all flights, private ground transportation was to be provided and tickets to the flower shows were included. The cost for all of this luxury for ten people would set a purchaser back $420,000.00! Pricy, but well worth the cost for flower lovers who can afford to buy what they like!
