April 2018 ulm digital

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APRIL 2018

FASHION

RISING CANADIAN DESIGNER, ALEKS SUSAK

DESIGN

LIGHTING EXPERT, SALLY STOREY

TRAVEL AFRICA ITALY INDIA USA

RICHARD MARX DAISY FUENTES l if e s t y l e ■ fa shion ■ l u x u r io u s watc he s ■ ya c h ts ■ r e a l e s tat e ■ pr i vat e j e ts ■ w ine s + spir i ts ■ e pic u r e Luxury Lifestyle

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LIFESTYLE 18

Aleks Susak, fashion designer | FASHION

24 Counting Carats at Baselworld

Woman Timepieces | WATCHES

26 Spring 2018 Shopping Guide | SHOPPING

28

Men Watches, New Releases from Baselworld 2018 | WATCHES

32 Dr. Deepak Raj Dugar, Scarless Nose

| HEALTH + BEAUTY

35 Pastel Shades of Spring | JEWELRY 38 What’s New | HOME + INTERIORS

40

Sally Storey, Lighting Up The Luxury World | HOME + INTERIORS

53

The Ritz-Carlton Bangalore | HOTEL

56 Victoria Falls Island Lodge,

Zimbabwe, Africa| TRAVEL

63 Renaissance Mumbai | HOTEL

66

Playa Largo Resort & Spa in Key Largo | HOTEL

69

One-on-One with Chef Guillaume Gaulliot | CHEF

71

Getting Personal with Chateau Coutet | WINE + SPIRITS

74

The Pedipocket Blanket, perfect for any occasion | NEWS

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D E PA R T M E N T

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richard marx & daisy fuentes

Now and Forever!

five luxury hotels for the selected traveler IN ROME

Hotel Derussie, Palazzo Manfredi, Rome

Cavalieri Waldorf Astoria, Parco Dei Principi

Grand Hotel & Resort and Grand Hotel Via Venetto

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Copyright 2018 Upscale Living Magazine. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of Upscale Living Magazine and ADMS Publishing Group, LLC. Neither the publisher nor the advertisers will be held responsible for any errors found in the magazine. The publisher accept no liability for the accuracy of statements made by advertisers. Ads in this publication are not intended as an offer where prohibited by state laws. www.upscalelivingmag.com TWITTER@UPSCALELIVINGMG FACEBOOK@UPSCALELIVINGMAG INSTAGRAM@UPSCALELIVINGMG

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F E A T U R E

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RICHARD MARX DAISY FUENTES Now and Forever! | By Heléne Ramackers

T

heir love for each other will last for eternity. Richard Marx and Daisy Fuentes get candid about their relationship and how much adoration they have for one another … now and forever.

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F E A T U R E Richard, tell us about your formative years.

I was born and raised in Chicago and both my parents were in music.

My father was a brilliant jazz pianist but also had a very successful career as a writer and producer of commercial jingles. Many very famous ones. My mother was a big band singer and later sang on my dad’s jingles.

When did you realize you had a singing talent?

I think I sang before I talked. I was always singing, and everyone could tell even when I was very young that I could sing in tune. I started singing professionally on some of my father’s jingles when I was five or six. And I started writing songs at around age fifteen.

You shot to stardom in the late 1980’s with your hits ‘Right Here Waiting’, ‘Too late to say goodbye’, ‘Hold on to the nights’, ‘Don’t’ mean nothing’, ‘Now and Forever’ to name but a few. I still have some of your records, yes records! And CD’s. Talk us through the journey of fame and hopefully fortune?

I worked very hard to develop my career, and I was very fortunate. I’ve had a career as a recording artist that I’m very proud of; I have had a second career as a writer and producer for other artists which has been equally thrilling for me; and now I’m enjoying being mostly a touring performer.

The catalog of songs I’ve written which I get to play every night is something I never take for granted.

I remember being invited to one of your concerts in South Africa (I think it was at Sun City) in the 1990’s and all I needed was an airline ticket. I never managed to go – what were your impressions of South Africa and did you visit again after that concert?

I honestly don’t know why we never returned to perform in South Africa.

We played three nights in Sun City in ’95. Huge crowds. GREAT crowds.

And no disrespect to Sun City, but I felt like I didn’t really get to experience South Africa. Without going to Johannesburg or Cape Town it seems I had a very limited look. I’m dying to come back, either on tour or as a tourist, or both.

Did you adapt your musical style as time passed or are your older songs still in demand?

I feel my writing changed and developed over the years and continues to.

And I’m a bigger fan of my more recent songs and records than the older ones, but I love them all. I still have a blast playing the old songs, and the fans come to hear those songs so …. it’s all good.

Doesn’t is ever get ‘old’ singing the same songs over and over again?

Never. I love those songs. And every audience is new. I have the greatest job on earth.

More than three decades in the musical industry. That’s absolutely incredible! Were there ever times when you wanted to hang up the microphone and do something different?

No, never. I’m still mystified by the writing process and I’ve never enjoyed my time on stage more than I do now. Why would I want to stop doing something I love?

Apart from singing, you are also a gifted songwriter. You co-authored the Luther Vandross hit ‘Dance With my Father’. Which other talents do you have?

Well, I’ve written many songs with and for many artists besides Luther, whom I loved very much. As for my other talents, you could ask my wife about that.

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You have three sons, Brandon (28), Lucas (26) and Jesse (24). Jesse plays in your band and obviously inherited your musical talents. What do your other sons do?

They’re all incredibly talented singers and songwriters and producers. Like … SERIOUSLY good! They’re all trying to carve out careers in music. But they’re also really good human beings which is even more important.

What is ‘tour life’ like?

Lately it’s been not only successful but really enjoyable. I feel very lucky to be able to play so many shows in so many parts of the world. But now I also have my wife accompanying me on many of the trips which makes it like a vacation. Instead of playing to a loving, screaming audience and then going back to a hotel room alone, I walk offstage, and Daisy has arranged a great place nearby to have dinner, or a beautiful place to hike during the day. I have the best travel partner.

Daisy, tell us a bit about your formative years?

I was born in Havana, Cuba. My family left as political exiles when I was three and we moved to Spain where I lived until I was almost nine. Then we moved to New Jersey! My young parents were looking for more opportunities.

You have a long history presenting various television shows. Which one has stood out for you and why?

I would say “MTV’s House of Style” because it really solidified my connection to the world of fashion at a time when there was no social media.

We were providing the only real inside and behind the scenes look at that world. It was ground-breaking and truly thrilling for me.

You are also a model. Which destinations that you have visited as a model have left a lasting impression and why?

I actually traveled a whole lot more as a television presenter than as a model, between my days at MTV and hosting various Miss Universe events.

I’ve traveled all over the world. Namibia, Ecuador, London, Buenos Aires, Panama and Madrid to name just a few. They’re all uniquely different and I’m so grateful to have experienced so many fascinating cultures.

How do you stay in such incredible shape?

First of all, thank you. I consider it more a constant work in progress. I try to make health and fitness more of a lifestyle rather than something I just do from time to time. I enjoy being outdoors, so I disguise my workouts as fun outings such as hiking, tennis, beach walks and swimming. When I’m forced to work out indoors, I do various circuit training routines just to try to make it more fun. Although I’ve always tried to eat healthy, a few years ago after a lot of research I transitioned to an all plant-based diet and my only regret is that I didn’t do it sooner.

Your skin is perfect. What is your beauty regime?

Again, thank you. I believe beauty starts from the inside out. I feed myself wholesome, nutrient dense foods. Super foods. Things that are scientifically connected to natural anti-aging. I also keep my skin cleansed, hydrated and protected from the sun with a high SPF. And some eye-shadows and lip-glosses from my Daisy Fuentes Cosmetics line don’t hurt!

You are quite vocal about animal rights and rescuing animals in dire situations, which is a very noble cause. I see you believe in ‘adopt don’t shop’?

I did a lot of research on this even before I rescued Bronx, our first. Nearly 3 million dogs and cats are killed every year because shelters are too full

F E A T U R E

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F E A T U R E

and there aren’t enough adoptive homes. And though puppy mills are still legal in the US, if you look into it, many of them have horrible conditions and produce animals with all kinds of health issues. This translates to huge vet bills and owners who eventually just surrender the animals to kill shelters because they can’t deal with it. I like to suggest to people who love dogs to try fostering; or helping their local shelters by posting dog adoptions on their social media or just getting the word out.

Tell us about your philanthropic side?

I believe it is a privilege to have a voice and a platform to highlight causes and organizations that I think are doing amazing work. Some organizations near and dear to my heart that I have championed publicly are St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital and The Humane Society, but privately there are quite a few others I support, as well.

You launched your own clothing line in 2004, have your own haircare range, fragrances, sunglasses and accessories. To what do you attribute the success of all these different aspects?

Taking a chance on an opportunity. I started endorsing products I believed in at a time when most celebrities were turning down such offers. Soon after I thought, “Why should I keep using my celebrity to endorse other products when I could be doing the same thing for my own company and products?” I started it thinking it would be a hobby, but it quickly turned into a great business. I put together a great team and we developed each category with thoughtfulness. We’ve had a lot of fun and put lots of love into growing this brand into what it is today.

Congratulations on your nuptials! You were married on 23 December 2015 in Aspen, Colorado. Can you recall that special day for us?

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Daisy: It was the most perfect, romantic, beautiful day. It was a small intimate ceremony surrounded by only immediate family and the most breathtaking scenery.

Richard: It really was perfect. Aspen has been a consistent part of our love story and we were already going to be spending the holidays there with our families, so it made sense to get married then and there. I love that we were engaged for just over a month. When you know, you know.

When did you realize the other was ‘the one’?

Richard: I had a feeling the very first night we had dinner together. Our relationship took its time from there, but I felt something for Daisy that was unlike anything I’d ever experienced. From the moment I met her.

Daisy: I hate to say that after years of being single, I may have become a little … jaded. Although I would’ve never admitted it at the time. I knew from the very beginning that I loved spending time with him more than anyone, but there was something in the way he looked at me that was telling me everything that I needed to know.

Where did you go on honeymoon?

Richard: We never actually took what we labeled a honeymoon. We travel so much together and take trips to beautiful and exotic places literally every few months. So, our life is one continuous amazing honeymoon.

Richard, your song ‘Beautiful Goodbye’ is so moving. It stars your stunning wife! The poignant lyrics say ‘nothing lasts forever’. With both of you having been married before, how will you ensure that this marriage last forever?

Richard: Writing that song together was part of our courtship, and I love the naked truth in the lyrics. The concept was Daisy’s idea. Instead of a typical breakup song which mourns the end of a relationship, it celebrates that two people shared something beautiful for however long they did.

And that’s our philosophy in our own relationship. We’d LOVE to be together forever, and plan to be. But we make none of the empty promises that many people break every day. We live and love each other in this moment.

Daisy: Finding the love of your life in your late forties is amazing but also means knowing you’ll never have nearly enough time with them. I don’t take ANYTHING for granted. There’s no time for pettiness or stupid fights. I don’t know if what we have will last forever, but in my heart, I know that he is my forever.

Richard (kisses Daisy): OK, I know that sounds cheesy but it’s true.

Daisy is an animal rescuer, and the two of you have the most adorable four-legged ‘children’. Tell us about them and the joy they have brought to your life.

Daisy: I’m friendly with a woman who runs an animal rescue and I agreed to foster Bronx because he was about to be killed that very day. He came to us very undisciplined and wild but with nothing but puppy energy and sweetness, despite being a huge 110-pound pitbull. We started training him thinking we were helping get him ready and more adoptable but as time went on two things happened: It became clear that he was not an easily adoptable dog due to his size and the rampant misinformation about his breed, and we had fallen in love with him. So, we adopted him and then a couple months later, we agreed to foster Bette. The two of them got along so well and we adored her, too, so we adopted her as well. Richard and I are both major dog lovers and it does feel like we’re a family. We have a blast with them.

Do you go on tour together when Richard has a gig?

Daisy: I do when I can, which is pretty often. We genuinely love spending time together and we both love to travel. I think we both have a bit of a gypsy soul, and since we really hate spending time apart, we make the most of his touring. Whether it’s to the most luxurious exotic location or to a not-so luxurious little town in the middle of nowhere.

fun job that much more awesome. I’ve never enjoyed touring more.

Daisy, does Richard sing for you?

Yes, he does. And I melt a little bit every time.

You have travelled together as a couple. Which destinations / places have stood out and why?

Daisy: So many great places. Singapore, the Maldives, Tahiti, Bora Bora, St. Barths. Cabo!! And Aspen, of course. Those are places we know we’ll be returning to. But we still have a great list of places we want to go together.

Richard: So many! I have a soft spot for Singapore and the Maldives for personal reasons between us. But I just love that we’ve been to so many parts of the world together in the mere five years we’ve known each other.

Sri Lanka! Vietnam! Youngstown, Ohio!!! Haha. All great trips.

What do you do for fun as a couple?

Daisy: Everything and nothing.

Richard: We hike. We walk on the beach. We have fun romantic dinners all the time.

Daisy: We plan all kinds of fun things to do but we also love quiet dinners and time at home, just talking to each other. We do that a lot.

Any exciting future plans?

Richard: I’ve already done quite a few gigs this year with many more lined up. And later this year I’m releasing a new album and my first book, which is based on the life story of my hit songs.

Daisy: I work on my brand every day and after 15 years, it’s still growing.

There are a couple of interesting TV projects we’re developing, but mostly I’m enjoying time with my husband as much as possible. https://www.instagram.com/therichardmarx/ https://www.instagram.com/daisyfuentes

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F A S H I O N

ALEKS S

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F A S H I O N

S SUSAK

| By Raj Gill

Aleks Susak is once again hitting the headlines, thanks to Sophie Gregoire Trudeau, wife of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau.

C

anada’s First Lady wore the Kala hand-painted yellow silk dress from the designer’s SS18 Silk Collection on a recent visit to India.

Aleks Susak launched her namesake womenswear label in Toronto in 2015.

Aleks designs and produces ready to wear collections and specializes in luxury silk and leather garments that are made-to-measure, hand-painted and one-akind under The Silk Collection line and The Leather Collection line.

Notable personalities such as Sophie Grégoire Trudeau, Jessica Mulroney and Housewives Joan Walker Kelly, Roxy Earle and Ann Kaplan Mulholland have worn pieces from the collection. The line was featured in the first season of The Real Housewives of Toronto.

You made your debut with your fashion collection in 2015, how easy was the transition from model to designer? Any training involved?

I had experience as a model which greatly helped in the transition to the fashion business. Time spent modeling allowed me to gain a backstage insight into how the fashion world operates, the time designers spent fitting models, creating looks and presenting the overall show to the public. This was a very valuable asset when I launched my first collection.

What hurdles did you have to overcome? Going from Creative to Business?

Being in the fashion business, it is very important to know what you are creating – beyond the passion of design, you have to know what your end client wants and be able to combine your creative vision with functional fashion that is desired today.

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F A S H I O N

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F A S H I O N

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Where would you say your main inspiration comes from?

Inspiration comes from a variety of places but most of all travel – observing different cultures and places I get to travel all combine to form new pieces that are a combination of history, architecture, and art.

Who do you keep in your mind’s eye when creating your designs?

I am influenced by friends who come from a variety of walks in life, such as different places where they live, careers and lifestyles they have. I try to make designs wearable for people around me and this reflects the general culture worldwide. Feminine and comfortable pieces, but yet unique and one of a kind.

What prompts high profiles like Mrs. Trudeau to choose one of Aleks’ dresses? How did that relationship come about?

This varies from season to season. Sometimes it’s coming across beautiful fabric that in turn dictates the design or viceversa.

Madame Trudeau is styled by Jessica Mulroney, who always seeks to promote Canadian designers.

What is it about the industry that you find alluring/intoxicating?

Describe your brand aesthetic in 3 words.

Feminine, sophisticated, unique.

Luxury - what is this in your eyes?

Something that only few have an access to. Whether it’s a state of mind, lifestyle, or fashion – it’s only yours.

The beauty of this business is the endless ideas and opportunities. You can always do something new if you set your mind to it.

What is glamour to you?

Glamour is when a woman walks into a room and all eyes are on her, regardless of what she is wearing. It’s an attitude.

What is your design to production process?

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Arizona Muse wearing the Happy Palm, Chopard

J E W E L R Y

at Baselworld Discover the top novelties from some of the world's finest watchmakers

| By Smitha Sadanandan

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T I M E P I E C E S Chanel, Mademoiselle Prive Camelia Skeleton

Harry Winston, Premier Winston Candy

Jaquet Droz, Lady 8 Petite (Mother Of-Pearl)

Bulgari, Diva Finissima Minute Repeater

Kerbedanz, Tree Of Life

Chopard, L’Heure du Diamant (Opal)

De Grisogono, Allegra 25

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S H O P P I N G

Spring 2018

SHOPPING GUIDE | By Yvonne Yorke LOUVELLE

After a long winter of snowstorms, record-setting low temperatures in many parts of the U.S, and where “bomb cyclone” entered our collective lexicon, embrace spring 2018 with this shopping guide to lift your spirits and celebrate the thaw.

Evoking vintage Hollywood glamour, Louvelle is the creator of the original turban style shower cap which just made Oprah’s favorite things list this year. Louvelle also have a range of chic beauty and travel accessories - silk eye masks, headbands and beauty bags in a variety of prints, all under $50.

Their silk cotton robes with directional prints, leg slits, and belt tassel trim will be a versatile loungewear staple as an after shower dressing robe or by the pool as a glamorous cover up. www.louvellewear.com

NORTHFACE

MIRA-SKIN

PRETTY YOU LONDON SLIPPERS

A leader in active-wear, North Face developed a partnership with PrimaLoft® to offer a new synthetic alternative to down. Their ThermoBall™ insulation technology in their jackets and parkas offers lightweight and phenomenal warmth in cold and wet conditions. Easy to care for and perfect for those breezy spring months. www.northface.com

Want to give your skin a boost without surgery or injections? This anti-aging device takes just five minutes once a week and utilizes ultrasound technology to increase the absorption of your favorite skin care products, and therefore their effectiveness. The company also has MiraTeeth - an ultrasonic toothbrush with the most advanced technology in oral care with gentle, anti-bacterial cleaning and whitening. Best of all, both Mira-Skin and Mira-Teeth are travelfriendly, portable and carries a long charge. mira-skin.com/us

Bring out the pampered princess in you with this whimsical British slipper brand which provides ultra-feminine style with luxurious design details and prices that won’t cost a royal fortune. The brand’s mantra of ‘Glamour and Comfort’ designs are inspired by the classic fairytales – think velvet cloaks and snow queens. Other design inspirations channel glamorous Hollywood icons with diamante embellishments, marabou and silk bows.

There’s also a line of men’s slippers and mules made of wool and faux fur emblazoned with a masculine bulldog. www.prettyyoulondon.com

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S H O P P I N G

AVIATION-THEMED HOMEWARE

PAN AM BAGS

EDDIE BAUER

Recalling a pioneer in aviation history, this is an authorized reproduction of the vintage Pam Am travel bags and totes. For die-hard aviation history fans or those who love the retro look, the bags come with a Pan Am imprinted lining. The signature Pam am Innovator flight bag is the same original design of the flight bags given to the Beatles during their first trip to America in 1964.

Available in four colors. www.thefirstflightout.com

Their versatile 7-Days, 7-Ways Cardigan provides seven different looks (I’ve managed a few more – get creative!) from one garment. In the days of baggage fees, this allows you to pack less and is a godsend for those who only travels with one carry-on bag. www.eddiebauer.com

EXOTIC HONEYS

MIND IN MOTION

This lifestyle fashion and workout accessories line for men and women features bold, inspirational words such as “Believe”, “Strength”, “Focus”, “Dream” emblazoned upside down on the clothing as a call-to-action to look inside oneself.

Notable is their range of super-comfy bamboo exercise wear. Perfect for giving road-warriors comfort on the road. www.getyourmindinmotion.com

Entertain in style with these elegant wooden cheese boards, coasters, bottle stoppers, glassware and swizzle sticks in the shape of airplanes. These are the perfect gift item for aviation fans or avid travelers and available exclusively from www.thefirstflightout.com

PAPERCUTZ

Homecrafted vintage paper art by two enterprising Ohio moms. Their unique collages featuring cityscapes and landmarks of New York, Chicago, Cleveland, Pittsburgh and maps of the USA are created from vintage newspapers, magazines, books and even old theatre playbills. www.papercutzvintage.com

Gourmet honeys from New Zealand are full of antioxidants, such as their Manuka honey which is renowned for its healing properties.

Rewarewa honey, from a forest tree native to New Zealand, has a beautiful reddish amber color with a geranium / dandelion aroma, and a smoky, malt-like flavor. Or try an Australian Leatherwood honey from Tasmania which has a creamy texture and a buttery taste with tones of citrus and white flowers that melt in the mouth. With its unique aroma and full-bodied flavor, leatherwood honey is valued by connoisseurs as one of the world’s finest honeys. www.shoppri.com

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W A T C H

N E W S

New releases from Baselworld 2018 | By Smitha Sadanandan

Horological Micromechanics Maximus flying tourbillon, in a limited edition of 99 pieces, premiered at Baselworld. Kerbedanz’s Maximus has the largest tourbillon in a wristwatch. The movement is made of 415 components with the tourbillon cage, in titanium, having 73 components (weighing 1.35 grams).

Caliber KRB-08 – with giant central flying tourbillon, in-line pallets, in a 27mm cage – makes one rotation every six minutes and not in sixty seconds, which is usually the case. The Maximus features rose gold and platinum accents. The design of the movement was done in-house by Kerbedanz and has two pending patents. A bold horological feat, the Maximus sure grabs eyeballs. kerbedanz.com

Ode To Kandinsky The profoundly Russian watch brand, Alexander Shorokhoff’s new timepiece is an ode to acclaimed artist Vassily Kandinsky. Inspired by the work of the avant-garde Russian artist, the brand has christened its new piece in his homage. Celebrating German watchmaking, the Kandy Avantgarde is a successor to ‘Miss Avantgarde,’ an earlier best seller. The myriad colors on the watch ace do not create chaos, as all elements like the dial, hands, case or strap have been combined with each other. The case is angular, whereas the dial and case back are round. The straps come in several colors, while the deep red and black colors of the dial are combined with pastel light blue or orange. The Kandy Avantgarde, featuring a calibre 2892 ETA movement, is limited to 100 pieces. alexander-shorokhoff-shop.de

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Starry Sky De Bethune displays its technical and aesthetic mastery with DB25 Starry Varius, a poetic interpretation of the traditional DB25. The brand imparts a fresh, creative momentum with a personalized constellation, revisited lugs and an original 42mm case. Star-studded dials have become an integral part of the history of De Bethune, but what makes this highly personalized is the specific geographical location and a given date: the gold pins are fitted on the star-studded sky, making each model unique.

The Milky Way pattern is then gilded using the traditional gold leaf technique and enhanced by laser beam micro-milling. De Bethune’s new take on the sky features a slender case in polished grade 5 titanium case measuring 8.8mm thick, featuring perfectly integrated and openworked lugs.

The display features discreetly hand-polished rose gold hands sweeping over exactly matching hourmarkers set on a silver-toned ring. Powered by the in-house mechanical manual winding DB2105 calibre, the DB25 Starry Varius is equipped with the latest titanium balance wheel as well as the triple pare-chute shock-absorbing system.

Ready to follow the stars in De Bethune’s galaxy? debethune.ch

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Back With A Bang

Hublot was back with a bang at Baselworld 2018, unveiling a showstopper. The Big Bang Unico Red Magic, which took its R&D team four years to ideate and develop, is ‘the first vibrantly coloured ceramic.’ The vivid red symbolises power, passion and glory and is achieved through a major innovation whereby a fusion of pressure and heat sinters the ceramic without burning the pigments. Also, the new material is harder than conventional ceramics.

The Big Bang Unico Red Magic’s 45 mm case and bezel are made from Hublot’s patented red ceramic sporting a polished finish. The flange, indexes, minute and seconds counters, Arabic numerals and hands are in the same red hue, contrasting with the mechanism of the Unico HUB1242 manufacture movement and its column wheel, visible on the dial side through the sapphire crystal. This theme encompasses the entire watch, matched with a lined structured red rubber strap. With just 500 pieces released, you might want to get your hands on a Red Magic soon. hublot.com

Check Your Calendar

The Longines Master Collection with a new annual calendar is a contemporary illustration of the brand’s expertise as well as the success of this range since its launch in 2005. The Longines Master Collection is the first range from Longines to house this feature. The annual calendar automatically manages the varying lengths of the months, allowing the timepieces to distinguish between a month with 30 days and a month with 31 days, without manual intervention. The models from the collection featuring an annual calendar contain the new automatic L897 caliber in a stainless-steel case. With 64 hours of power reserve and the annual calendar displayed at 3 o’clock, the movement can be viewed through the transparent case back. The rhodium plated or blued steel hands jump off the black or silver barleycorn or sunray blue dial. These watches are complimented by a steel bracelet or black, brown or blue alligator watch strap. www.longines.com

Onboard the Weather Station MB&F is very much in its creative element. Well, its Fifth Element landed at Baselworld watch fair with an alien pilot! An intergalactic horological weather station enabling accurate weather forecasting even when the power goes down has four elements: clock, barometer, hygrometer, and thermometer combine in a mothership (with Ross, the alien pilot) to create the Fifth Element. Crazy as it may sound, more than 500 individual components constitute the mother ship and its interchangeable elements of the unique design, co-created with L’Epée 1839, Switzerland’s premier clock maker. MB&F beckons you to hitch a ride with Ross. Don’t judge Ross by his looks; he is adept at his job. Thanks to manually-wound and air-regulated movement, pilot Ross rotates around the UFO’s cockpit checking that the skies are clear of both clouds and hostile invaders before he takes off. If you are wondering how this unique creation came about, here’s the backstory: MB&F founder Maximilian Büsser long admired desktop weather stations of the last century, but frustrated in not finding the right vintage model for himself, decided to create his own. Time for galactic adventures, perhaps. mbandf.com

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DR DEEPAK RAJ DUGAR “Scarless Nose” | By Heléne Ramackers Transforming noses into works of art is what Dr. Deepak Raj Dugar is passionate about. With a love for making patients look even more beautiful, Upscale Living magazine spoke to him about what it takes to be a trailblazing surgeon in the field of closed rhinoplasty.

mentality. I went to West Brook High School in Beaumont where I graduated valedictorian of my class. During high school, I was also an eagle ranked boy scout of America, a national merit scholar and an avid Bollywood stage actor/performer where I learned to love entertaining and the camera :)

mentorship. My mentor, Dr. Raj Kanodia, was the king of noses and my passion for plastic surgery and specifically for noses led me to him and his practice. Through eleven plus years of mentorship, I was able to learn the blueprint of building a successful practice and navigate the task much easier than if I were to do it alone.

What made you decide to go into this area of expertise - closed rhinoplasty?

What should patients consider when choosing a surgeon?

A bit about yourself – where were you born, schooling, studies, etc.

Mentorship. I feel in today’s world, mentorship is so undervalued. It’s the most important part of becoming great at anything. Having excellent mentors lets you follow a blueprint and navigate life with an expert advisor. Most people wouldn’t go on a wildlife safari in Africa without an expert tour guide, yet so many people go through life wandering amongst ‘lions’ and ‘tigers’ completely solo with no

Find one that does a lot of whatever you are doing. If you are getting your breasts done, find a surgeon who does lots of breasts. If you are doing your nose, find someone who does a ton of noses. Whenever someone does a lot of one procedure, they figure out all the intricacies and balances required to get the best results.

Also look for surgeons who truly care. I know that sounds cliché and obvious, but if you sniff

I was born in Sarnia, Ontario, Canada, but lived there very briefly and our family moved to the United States when I was three years old. I was raised and brought up in Beaumont, Texas which was a fabulous place to grow up and learn all the small-town values and community 32 Upscale Living Magazine |

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it out, you can really tell who is doing it for income and who is doing it out of a passion.

Can you recall approximately how many procedures you have performed?

As a surgeon, I have performed over a thousand nose procedures. On average, I do anywhere from twenty to thirty noses a month.

Describe the procedure in detail – from the consultation, the pre-op time, anesthesia, time of procedure, etc.

Consultation is a very thorough conversation where we take photos and study them with morphing software on iPads to understand the goals of surgery. We then discuss the entire process which, in a nutshell, is one month of pre-operative avoidance of alcohol, caffeine, smoking, etc. Anesthesia is general anesthesia which is extremely safe for young healthy men and women, which is the majority of my patient population. Surgery lasts anywhere from one to two hours generally and the patient goes home the same day with a small cast/ splint on their nose. The patient will return one day later for a cleaning and will basically feel back to normal that day. Then for five to six days, they wear a small splint on their nose.

Once this is removed, they are free to be back in public and back to normal social, school and work activities.

How subtle is the outcome?

Scarless Nose approach to closed rhinoplasty surgery is based on the belief that most people don’t want drastic changes but rather look for meaningful refinement. Patients who want to look drastically different are better suited for open rhinoplasty. Those looking for subtle refinement - I’m their guy. Sometimes it can be so subtle, no-one notices at all, but the patient does and feels more confident and photographs better - the confidence is all I care about.

Has the popularity of your method increased?

Drastically. I have never seen this type of demand for closed rhinoplasty as I see today. And it’s because it has become a rarity. Some cities in America have NO surgeons who perform closed rhinoplasty at all. Most plastic surgeons in America don’t even feel comfortable performing closed rhinoplasty as they were only taught open rhinoplasty in their training. Closed rhinoplasty requires years or dedicated training to master, so most surgeons don’t want to pigeon hole themselves into one procedure. They want to be able to offer breasts, liposuction, face-lifts, and noses so they can’t dedicate that much time to mastering closed rhinoplasty. That’s where I differ - I

have happily pigeon-holed myself into one procedure - closed rhinoplasty. Mastery of one rather than mastery of none.

Under what conditions will you turn someone away?

There are many conditions! I routinely turn down 30-40% of my consultations. First, not everyone is a candidate for a Scarless Nose closed rhinoplasty. Some noses are better suited for open rhinoplasty, such as reconstructive rhinoplasty, revision rhinoplasty and sometimes when patients require extensive tip work. If patients make it past that first qualifier, then I am assessing their realistic expectations.

All cosmetic surgery is a balance of expectations because in the end its all subjective. There is no measure such as ‘total tumor removal’ like in cancer surgery. In cosmetic surgery, even a perfect outcome from a surgeon’s standpoint can be viewed as a failure to a patient, who is unhappy for whatever reason. So realistic expectations must be addressed and if the patient doesn’t seem realistic, I always turn them down.

What is the success rate?

With realistic expectations, a subtle scarless nose rhinoplasty success rate is around 95%. I would say the biggest complaint I get is that I did too little and a patient feels that they don’t see the difference. That happens rarely but when it does, I can bear the burden of that complaint. Doing too little is way better than having done too much.

And the recovery time?

One week until the patients are back to normal and feeling normalized and can be back in public with no tell-tale signs of surgery.

How do you deal with unhappy come-backs?

Generally, unhappy patients are a result of unrealistic expectations being set from the beginning. In my practice, this will occasionally happen and when it does, it’s usually because too little was done from the nose. If that’s the case, we address the concerns and needs of the patient individually. I always say we can always go back and do more, but if too much is done, sometimes you can put it back.

P R O F I L E With the constant improvements and advancement of medical procedures, what have you done to improve the ‘scarless nose’ method?

We have advanced and pushed the boundaries of what we can do with my Scarless Nose method. The old school closed rhinoplasty was one where the surgeon just cut out a bunch of tissue and didn’t reconstruct the nose; years later the patient is left with a pinched tip and collapsed nose. We push the boundaries of reconstruction rhinoplasty for our cosmetic patients by introducing all types of cartilage grafting to help strengthen the nose, like building the framework of a house. We are building noses that will last a lifetime - not just two to three years. We also have pushed the boundaries with regards to the type of tip issue we are able to address by doing advanced maneuvers to shorten and rotate the tip of the nose with open rhinoplasty techniques via my Scarless Nose method. This allows a patient all the benefits of open rhinoplasty without any external cuts or scars.

Talk us through the other non-surgical procedures you perform?

I only do two things in my practice - Scarless Noses and injectables. Injectables encompass botox, fillers, kybella and more. We sculpt the face with our Scarless method using a combination of injectables and lasers to prevent patients from needed face-lifts, or at least to delay the need.

Who is Dr. Deepak Dugar at home?

The happiest and most content man in the world, because I have a dream life. I live and work in Beverly Hills. I’m married to my college sweetheart. I have a loving family who is eternally supportive. I am very close with my family and try to spend as much time as I can with them. I’m also blessed with incredible friends who inspire me and motivate me. My friends and I always live by the concept of discussing ideas, not people or things. Most importantly, I have amazing patients who have helped me create an amazing brand and practice. And I have the best puppy in the world.

What are the risks of this procedure?

Your beautiful wife, Dr. Puja Roy, works with you as an anesthesiologist. There is a saying ‘never work with friends or family’.

What is it like working with your wife?

There are generic medical risks of course like bleeding, infection, pain, etc., but those are minimal and not of major concern. The biggest concern is whether the patient will subjectively like the result. That is something that again, goes back to the surgeon setting and meeting realistic expectations.

It’s a dream come true. My wife is my board certified anesthesiologist. She takes better care of my patients than anyone else in the world can. She makes them feel like family, because after all, it is a family affair. My patients feel that energy of love and kindness when they are with me and my wife. We take our work

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very seriously, but we also respect each other’s roles. She never tells me what to do surgically, and I never tell her what to do anesthetically. We work well together, because we have completely separate purposes with the patients.

Do you ‘take your work home’ or when you shut the door to your rooms, are you able to switch off?

I unfortunately and fortunately always take my work home. I’m a workaholic, but I truly enjoy my work. I have created a lifestyle out of work. I am friends with my patients. And my friends become patients. I’ll routinely end up at the office on Saturdays and Sundays with friends or patients who are friends. It’s not a bother to me. My work and lifestyle have blended into one and I love it.

What do you do for relaxation / fun?

I decompress daily with mental exercises. Tony Robbins is a personal mentor of mine, who taught me to keep ten to twenty minutes a day just to yourself. Don’t let that time be shared with anyone. It has helped me tremendously. I also try to spend relaxing time with my wife not talking about work at all, so we can always connect daily and be the silly 17-year olds we once were when we first met. Every day is my first date with my wife.

Lastly, what is your opinion of your own nose?

HA! Well, if I ever meet another Dr. Dugar, I’ll probably have him fix mine for me. But I would only let it be done via a Scarless closed rhinoplasty. https://www.scarlessnose.com/ 34 Upscale Living Magazine |

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J E W E L R Y

Boghossian deGrisogono

VAK Jewellery

Gimel Boodles

Hanut Singh

PASTEL SHADES of

Chanel

spring

Anna Hu

| By Smitha Sadanandan

Chopard

Neha Dani De Beers

Marie Mas Brumani

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Perry Jewelers Brokerage of Fine Jewelry 354 Faunce C orner Road Nor th Dar tmouth, MA 02747 (508) 993-9600 | (508) 993-9630

REACH THE ELITE

UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE

MAKING A DIFFERENCE

publisher@upscalelivingmag.com (786) 760-9133 | (630) 980-6570 www.upscalelivingmag.com

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WHAT’S NEW Alma De Luce turns to Japan for inspiration to design its new jewelry closet. Fascinated by the traditional Japanese garment, the kimono, the designers have created a gorgeous jewelry closet that delves into history, elegance and symbolism. Interestingly, the word Kimono in Japanese means ‘to wear’ (ki meaning wear, mono meaning thing). The Kimono closet’s exterior is made of satin cotton fabric, while the interior and drawers are coated in a special effect (mother-ofpearl with gloss varnish). Beautiful pink cherry blossoms embroidered on the (Polar Night Blue) surface add elegance, alongside walnut wood accents with satin tassels on the door handle. The closet’s footer in walnut veneer has a gloss varnish. almadeluce.com

For its Ocean collection ‘jewelry hardware,’ Pull Cast dives into the depths and comes up with sea creatures like sea urchins, octopus, corals, shells, pebbles and starfish, among others. Take your pick from these lovely brass hardware for doors, cabinets, consoles: Linckia, Urchin, Natica, Mussa, Coralo, Caviar, Codium, Toile and Pebble. pullcast.eu 38 Upscale Living Magazine |

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| By Smitha Sadanandan

Rug Society’s new Mira patterned graphic rug draws inspiration from cubist language with Mira representing Cleopatra, and life emerging in the form of color. The handtufted botanical silk and mohair rug deconstructs classic concepts with solid and simple plans, while weaving in the influences of history into the world of contemporary design. rugsociety.eu

Pulse collection by Zaha Hadid Design features hand-blown pieces in organic forms celebrating fluid lines with subtlety.

The glass vessels, in various colors, are unified by the textural contrast between smooth and pleated glass. The glassblower’s expertise and craftsmanship reflects through the ripples that are created across only a portion of the circumference. zaha-hadid-design.com

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BatEye’s Marco Sousa has a penchant for converging art with architecture through his contemporary creations. The Mosaic black metal sideboard-cabinet is one such outcome. Porto city with its traditional mosaic paving inspires travellers and residents alike. The regular and irregular, patterned and plain pavements tell the tales of thousands of passers-by – and these pavements sparked the design for the sideboard-cabinet that rests on brass cubes tumbled on the floor. Reminiscent of mosaics, the cubes are varnished in high gloss gold color that adds a dramatic contrast to the black cabinet. bateye.com

Furniture design brand Munna’s dashing new Kiki sofa and Melody barstool are so very Spring ready! The Kiki’s high back embraces you, while the curvy and low seat is very comfy. The detailed seaming patterns in the back give the delicate pink sofa a chic look. The Melody bar and counter stool is made for entertaining. The smooth seat, backrest and legs are matched with detailed seaming and exuberant curved lines. Elevate your space with these furniture picks. munnadesign.com

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Designer Elena Salmistraro’s Papua collection pendants for Bosa are named Enga, Hela and Manus. Yes. The ceramic pendants have names and they represent three imaginary tribal dancers. The fantasy and energy steeped in lore and inspiring New Guinea’s Papua dancers prompted Elena to turn it all into wearable art. elenasalmistraro.com

Ginger and Jagger’s handcrafted Pantano dining table uses layers of glass alongside brass, making it the perfect piece for the dining room. The tabletop is fused with three layers of glass to convey the depth of wetlands, while the base is made from an oak trunk in brass casting. gingerandjagger.com 39 Upscale Living Magazine |

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John Cullen Lighting |Courtesy Photos

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SALLY STOREY L ighting U p T he L uxury W orld | By Angela Sara West

Illuminating countless castles, private country estates, villas, prestigious hotels, spas and royal palaces, Sally Storey is at the forefront of high-end lighting design and development and the “go-to” name for some of the most famous names and brands around the world.

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he multi-award-winning Design Director of Lighting Design International (LDI) and Creative Director of John Cullen Lighting (JCL) talks to Angela Sara West about her prestigious projects and superyacht triumphs, and gives her tips on how to create a luxury lifestyle through lighting to give your home, garden or yacht the wow factor!

On discovering more about the power of light as an architecture student, Sally Storey became more-and-more passionate about lighting up the world. Now one of the UK’s leading lighting experts, her illuminating dream has come true... She’s made prestigious spaces come to life everywhere from France and South Africa to the US and the Middle East.

From boutique chic to classic opulence, Sally’s stamp graces some of the most famous buildings on earth. She’s lit up luxury London hotels The Berkeley and Claridge’s, the Four Seasons Hotel George V in Paris, Monaco’s Hotel Hermitage, along with Coral Reef Club Barbados and The Ritz-Carlton, Hong Kong, while her retail clients include Jaguar Land Rover and DKNY Madison Avenue. She’s even irradiated the VIP Lounge at London’s Heathrow airport.

With over 35 years’ experience in lighting and product design, working at the cutting-edge of lighting technology, Sally and her team design for ultra-high-net-worth clients and famous faces with the utmost discretion. Their bespoke lighting design service offers second-to-none design, product supply and control solutions. The company carefully creates a unique and unexpected ambience, transforming everything from furniture and fabrics

to artwork and architecture via unobtrusive lighting, producing maximum impact with exceptional results.

“It’s wonderful that we’ve been lucky to work with so many different styles of places, from the very traditional to the most funky, trendy hotels and beach resorts. I’d highly recommend you visit such gems as the luxurious Cap Farrat resort on the French Riviera, Sandy Lane in Barbados and The Alpina in Gstaad, hidden away in the Alps.”

ILLUMINATING INSPIRATION IN SALLY’S TOOLBOX Inspired by the architect Sir John Soane who, early on, discovered the power of light, played with reflections and the effect mirrors had on candlelights placed on tables, Sally says she’s always been attracted to light. “I equally love the art installation of James Turell and am strongly influenced by interior designers like Jonathan Reed, who always challenges and pushes me to come up with new ideas.”

Her big break came at college, when modern lighting pioneer, John Cullen, asked her to design his showroom. “John Cullen’s philosophy was that the product should disappear whilst the effect was key, but to achieve this, one should never see the light source,” Sally explains. “With the latest technology, this glare control is fundamental to the JCL brand.”

Sally took over the company’s reins after John Cullen died in 1986 and launched JCL’s sister company, LDI as an independent consultancy service. “The quality of the service we provide at LDI is paramount. We all came together and almost grew together so, as a company, we have established a very unique style.”

Sally’s architectural background, along with her design flair and vision, keeps the late John Cullen’s legacy alive. “I feel I’ve lived through two lighting revolutions; the Halogen, which was brand new in the 80’s and started the concept of miniaturization of lighting fixtures, and the LED revolution. At first, to achieve the effect of lighting quality was a problem, but now true miniaturization is possible and has given lighting designers an entirely new toolbox.”

Travelling the world to design lighting schemes for individual and corporate clients, she feels very aware of, and influenced by, her

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Spa Corridor ESPA Life at Corinthia Lighting Design International

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surroundings. “I draw inspiration from everything around me, whether it’s sunlight filtering through trees, reflecting on water or against a boat. I like to look for inspiration and ideas from all over the world. Travel enriches our lives and is crucial for nurturing our creativity.

Everything is an inspiration, except when the lighting is bad, which always makes me want me to move on!”

AS IF BY MAGIC...

Sally’s signature style is based around creating lighting “as if by magic”, meaning light should be minimal and invisible. “It should be effortless and make the space seem wonderful to be in. Lighting is an amazing tool that can entirely change the way a room looks at the touch of a button. No other interior element can have such a strong impact… and that’s why I love it!”

“Working on luxurious projects which are probably the best in the world, ensuring they are designed to perfection for the most amazing individuals, I’m one of the luckiest people in the world. I love my job, even if it involves setting the lights until the early morning hours.

It gives me a chance to dip into all sorts of interiors and exteriors and I love the idea that I can be working on a very modern building one day and a very traditional one the next day. Each has its own challenges, which gives me a thrill every time and means I’m forever reinventing the wheel.”

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Sally says lighting can transform the ordinary into the extraordinary and can make or break a space. She says luxury is about style and comfort, creating a lifestyle where lighting can make you feel comfortable and at ease. “It reinforces special finishes and, therefore, accentuates the feel of luxury. If you feel good in a space, you want to stay there!”

“Our hotel challenges have given me the expertise to develop a unique range with JCL, almost like a toolbox for an interior designer.

Bringing ideas from larger projects and scaling them down gives our residential projects a uniqueness that would be hard to find without the experience of having worked on the larger hotel projects. It means JCL is able to bring the spa feel to the bathroom, the bar feel to the cinema room... I’m able to make a home change throughout the day with the mood, similar to that in a restaurant.”

LIGHTING UP HARRODS & DA VINCI CODE CONNECTIONS Sally’s quintessentially English projects include the Royal Thames Yacht Club, Simpson’s-inthe-Strand and Lord’s Cricket Ground. “Being based in England and understanding the English culture, we’re lucky. We designed Wimbledon’s All England Lawn Tennis & Croquet Club, which seemed almost like designing a space in a small boutique hotel, and the members’ dining for Royal Ascot… The Savoy must be one of the most typically English hotels; in-

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tegrating modern lighting within the traditional interior in a way which retains its elegance and the feeling of the past, was fantastic fun.”

Sally’s designed for numerous high-end retailers and prestigious brands, including the ‘greatest department store on earth’. “Harrods is like multiple stores within stores, with each one being a different challenge, whether it is superbrands or food halls or the watch display…”

She’s even executed exciting ecclesiastical accomplishments. “Whilst we did some consultancy at London’s Westminster Abbey, the jewel in the crown would probably be the work we did on a small project at London’s Temple Church, made famous through Dan Brown’s The Da Vinci Code. It’s almost like two parts of the project, with a round part and the main isle.

Integrating lighting in such a beautiful space was absolutely riveting!”

SUPERYACHT TRIUMPHS Sally’s also brought her wealth of experience in luxury residential lighting to the marine market, designing stunning state-of-the-art lighting schemes for superyachts.

Shortlisted for The World Superyacht Awards for her incredible designs for the superyacht Joy, she’s thrilled her designs have been awarded prestigious accolades. “We’ve since worked on 20 yachts, varying from simple 35m, to beautiful 150m.” She’s also a judge for the Boat

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Here are Sally’s top tips for maximizing the lighting in your home: • Layer with light. Just as an interior designer plays with textures, I play with light. E.g. combine a downlight or a chandelier with an uplight to enhance architectural features such as a fireplace or doorway, as they provide a soft, indirect effect like a candle.

• Consider the color of light. Bring a home to life by changing the product to a good, warm color (I recommend 2700 Kelvin or less). Great color rendition ensures all the finishes look their best. Choosing the wrong color temperature with the wrong color rendition can make a room look flat, dull and uninviting. Too many light sources make you feel like you’re walking into a fridge! Choosing the right color with the right color rendition makes a space feels lively, with a sense of warmth and beauty.

• Introduce lighting at different levels. Combine architectural and decorative lighting effects. Light up shelves as there is so much that can be done from backlighting, front lighting, adding miniature spots or recessed downlights.

In a basement, it can almost become a window in a room.

• Control lighting. By controlling each effect separately, you build up a mood. Changing the balance of each, the atmosphere changes. I also like to minimise the use of downlights for specific purposes and I never use a grid of lights.

When positioning lights, remember to always relate to the elevation. Being able to change the space and feel of the room at a touch of a button is wonderful, so from daytime to evening your space lives uniquely in its own manner.

International Design & Innovation Awards. “Being a judge means I can see so many amazing boat projects! Designing a boat is like designing a jewelry box… taking lighting to the utmost detail and working with finishes that are unbelievable, such as lapis lazuli or amazing leather shagreen. The finishes used on superyachts are something you’ll never see anywhere else. I feel privileged to work on such luxurious projects!”

TOP LEFT: The Alpina Hotel Gstaad Lighting Design International. TOP Pool at ESPA Life at Corinthia Hotel London Lighting Design International BOTTOM Ladies Changing room at ESPA Life at Corinthia Hotel London Lighting Design International

• Ensure lighting is paired back and simple, but at the same time elegant and refined. The source of light should be hidden, but the effects should stand out. Luxury is really subliminal. A textured wall with an even wash will not reveal its texture… uplighting close to its surface reveals the texture, which is accentuated and the wall comes alive. Even the simplest metro tiles when up-lit can look a million dollars. Lighting is used to pick up the features and the rest falls into shadow so, if one wall has an expensive finish, the other three could be simple, yet the overall effect is glamorous, as one remembers the lit wall.

John Cullen Lighting: www.johncullenlighting.com Lighting Design International: www.lightingdesigninternational.com

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PALAZZO MANFREDI

HOTEL DE RUSSIE

five luxury HOTELS For the Select Traveler to

ROME | By Sean Hillen

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ptly named the Eternal City in honor of its ancient heritage, Rome never ceases to enchant. To help make your stay even more memorable, here is our choice of character-filled luxury properties to pamper mind and body on your next visit.

ROME CAVALIERI WALDORF ASTORIA

PARCO DEI PRINCIPI GRAND HOTEL & RESORT

GRAND HOTEL VIA VENETTO

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PARCO DEI PRINCIPI GRAND HOTEL & SPA

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legant Baroque-style interiors, impressive artwork, antique furnishings, fabric brocades, gilded stuccowork, marble floors and luxurious fabrics welcome guests at Parco dei Principi Grand Hotel & Spa. You can indulge in the Royal suite, the largest hotel suite in Rome, offering 4,000 square feet of space, complete with Jacuzzi, steam room and a private gym, first constructed for American actor-director Woody Allen when he was filming ‘To Rome With Love.’

Located in the quiet, upmarket neighborhood of Parioli inhabited by impressive 17th and 18th century mansions, many of them transformed into embassies, this hotel comprises 179 rooms and suites, many overlooking the verdant gardens of the Villa Borghese. Its 20,000 square feet ‘Prince Spa’ is a three-level complex of Turkish baths, Jacuzzi, 25-meter indoor pool and treatment and workout rooms, making it Rome’s secondlargest spa and gym.

‘Pauline Borghese Gourmet Restaurant,’ named after the sister of Napoleon Bonaparte is designed as an 18th century salon with a bright ambience in uplifting colors of yellow and gold and offers traditional and modern Italian menu delights.

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ew hotels in Rome are so steeped in ancient history as this boutique property overlooking the world’s most famous arena, the Colosseum, as well as Ludus Magnus, a former gladiator training school.

The hotel site is actually linked by a secret underground passage through which gladiators once entered the Colosseum, ready to do battle. Remains of the ancient site can be viewed in the hotel’s basement.

A member of Relais & Chateaux, the hotel began life in the early 17th century and after major renovations taking place in 2009 is now part of the Manfredi Fine Hotel Collection, a group owned by Counts Goffredo and Leonardo Manfredi.

The 36-room hotel’s pride and joy is its rooftop ‘Aroma’ restaurant which received its first Michelin star in November 2014 under chef Giuseppe Di Iorio and grants up-close views over the Colosseum from behind floorto-ceiling windows. No better place to enjoy a leisurely dinner or sip a cocktail or two and philosophize about life.

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ROME CAVALIERI WALDORF ASTORIA

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sumptuous, marble-floored lobby embraces many of the exquisite items from this hotel’s impressive collection of around 1,000 artistic artifacts, making it seem like an alternative Villa Borghese.

Among the 17th and 18th century paintings are a triptych by Giambattista Tiepolo, as well as works by Abraham Brueghel and Giuseppe Bazzani; giant wall Beauvais tapestries from 1725 featuring historic Chinese themes; ornate sculptures; statues holding glittering candelabra aloft; and antique timepieces such as a gorgeous gold-leaf and lacquered wooden grandfather clock.

The 370-room and suite Rome Cavalieri, a member of the 30-strong Waldorf Astoria Hotels & Resorts group, is located atop the hill of Monte Mario off Via Francigena, a former pilgrim’s route from Canterbury in England. Set in a 15-acre private park, five kilometers from downtown Rome, it hosts two restaurants: L’Uliveto, where breakfast and dinner are served, with views to an outdoor swimming pool; and roof-top terrace, La Pergola, under the direction of chef Heinz Beck, which places the hotel in the unique position of being the only one in Italy to boast a Michelinrated three-star restaurant.

Guests staying in suites here enjoy access to the Imperial Club, offering VIP check-in, complimentary breakfast, afternoon tea and all-day drinks.

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HOTEL DE RUSSIE

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udging Piazza del Popolo and a leisurely 10-minute stroll from the Spanish Steps, this historic 5-star property’s previous lives included a noble mansion and the nerve center of Italy’s television and radio operations.

Following comprehensive interior refurbishment by architect Tommaso Ziffer and Rocco Forte Collection designer, Olga Polizzi, Sir Rocco Forte’s sister, it is now part of the Rocco Forte Collection of 13 hotels and resorts. Hotel de Russie now comprises 121 rooms including 33 suites of which four are signature, with a new one to be opened later this year. The refurbished restaurant ‘Le Jardin de Russie’ serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and opens through French doors into an outstanding interior garden, a vertical visual treat of palm and yew trees, orange groves and rose bushes rising high up a slope to the Pincian Hill and extensive Villa Borghese gardens behind it. Furnishings are a mix of classic and modern, marble and bronze busts, mirrors with seashell ornamentation and century-old paintings. Leisure facilities at Hotel de Russie include a spa with six treatment rooms and a fully-equipped gym. https://www.roccofortehotels.com/hotels-and-resorts/hotel-de-russie

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GRAND HOTEL VIA VENETO

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ith Villa Borghese as a backdrop, this 5-star, 116-room property offers some of the ambience once enjoyed by celebrities of the 1950s such as Audrey Hepburn, Gary Cooper, Liz Taylor, Orson Welles and Ava Gardner.

Opened about ten years ago, renovation of the hotel meant combining two 19th century buildings. Decor here is Italian ‘30s art deco glamorous, reminiscent of Frederico Fellini’s classic movie ‘La Dolce Vita,’ with heavily lacquered mahogany woods in shades of brown, some with black borders, and complex grains vividly highlighted.

‘Time Restaurant Wine Bar’ serves Italian specialties and ‘Magnolia’ restaurant under the guidance of Michelin-star chef Franco Madama entices with more refined options. Leisure facilities are also rewarding at Grand Hotel Via Veneto, the highlight being its impressive, 500 sqm Aqva Spa, composed of glittering polychromous marble. One of the largest spas in the historic city center, it comprises treatment rooms, a sauna, Jacuzzi, hammam and an invigorating salted-water Vitality Pool.

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THE RITZ-CARLTON BANGALORE

A COMBINATION OF ELEGANCE & LUXURIOUS DÉCOR

| By Jyoti Balani

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ecently I received an invite from Praydhumna Singh Rathore, Director of Operations-The Ritz-Carlton Bangalore to visit and write about the hotel. On arrival I was accorded a warm welcome in the form of a traditional Indian aarti and a rose petal shower which set the tone for a fabulous stay in the coming three days! As you enter the hotel premises, a statue of Picasso by American sculptor Robert St Croix near the entrance catches the eye instantly! This was followed by an interesting lunch hosted by General Manager Antony Page in the hotel’s popular restaurant called The Lantern where we were joined by Saurabh Bharara-Director of Sales and Marketing and Praydhumna Singh Rathore.

Located on Residency Road in the heart of downtown Bangalore, India’s first Ritz-Carlton houses 277 rooms, a stunning décor which

encompasses Jaali (lattice screen) design from the Mughal era and many architectural and interior design features, including pointed archways.

An impressive marble staircase is the center piece of the hotel’s interior and decorative paintings and sculptures are carefully blended to form an essential part of the hotel’s character. With 1,280 pieces of contemporary art from prominent artists, The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore is home to the largest collection inside a hotel.

With business cards that say that you are in residence at the Ritz-Carlton to personalized stationary and pillow sheets with your name sewn on it, a stay at the hotel is one of exclusive luxury. What works for the hotel is a combination of elegant and luxurious décor, high end cuisine and most important the attitude of the staff which matches up in every possible way.

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In the evening I visited Bang, the hotel’s popular rooftop bar with fabulous views of the city’s skyline. My interactions with bartender Arpan Peter were interesting as he spins a story around the invention of his cocktails. Combining panoramic views of downtown Bangalore and The Ritz-Carlton’s signature sophistication, Bang has emerged as a premier nightlife destination in Bangalore. Club-style seating and a breathtaking floating pavilion with a central fire pit for private gatherings make Bang a unique place to unwind.

Bang buzzes with an energy that immediately has a positive effect on you as I experienced that evening. A 20-metre-long bar behind which expert mixologists pour trendy shooters and cocktails adds to the chic ambience. Celebrity DJs spin their collections with a pulsating, irresistible momentum. For those who like to enjoy delicious tidbits along with their drink, Bang also has a full-fledged menu with various options.

This exciting rooftop bar serves innovative food and drinks complemented by efficient service – a hallmark of the Ritz-Carlton experience. While I was a guest at the hotel, Vita Vladirmirski, the brand ambassador for Dewar’s whisky was a guest bartender at Bang and created some amazing whiskey based cocktails for me.

Business facilities offered at the hotel include a range of meeting rooms featuring the stunning 600 square meter Ritz-Carlton Ballroom which is ideal for lavish Indian weddings, a permanent boardroom and three function rooms with natural light. During my stay I visited The RitzCarlton Spa by ESPA for a relaxing experience with Ayurvedic and internationally-acclaimed treatments. The spa houses a stunning spa suite with a Jacuzzi where I went for a facial. The efficient Assistant Spa Manager Tamyaola Mashangva ensured that a stiff neck and back problem I 54 Upscale Living Magazine |

had since a few days was resolved by going for a massage. On the same floor, the hotel houses the Rossano Ferretti salon which is now being managed by Gennaro Ambrosi or Jimmy as he is known. He has recently joined The Ritz-Carlton, Bangalore as Art Director – Salon. Jimmy styled my hair and gave me a brand new haircut in his signature style. The super talented and stylish Jimmy told me that this is his first visit to India and he has arrived from Australia where he was styling hair at Maurice Meade salon as senior hairstylist. He has worked in London and earlier in his hometown Bari at Mimi Colonna, where he styled hair for contestants of the Miss Italy Beauty Pageant.

The Market is a great restaurant to sample the number of options that Executive Chef Anupam Banerjee and his team offer guests. There is food from East Asia, Europe and India, live stations, an elaborate dessert station, a sushi counter, etc.

The Market has three interactive show kitchens along with wood-burning and tandoor ovens to produce culinary masterpieces from around the world and is a great place to enjoy a leisurely breakfast. While in The Market, it is a good idea to try Bengali desserts as this hotel has a talented Halwai (a chef who creates desserts).

Chef Ganesh Patil creates health food for those who are watching their weight and prefer eating healthy! He created interesting preparations such as rajgira chikki and a smoothie made with dates, papaya and chia seeds, healthy appams with stew and cloud eggs for me when I visited The Market for breakfast.

For those who can’t do without a cup of tea late afternoon, the stylish Lobby Lounge in the hotel is a must visit. Here The Ritz-Carlton’s legendary

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Afternoon Tea is served in a relaxed, contemporary environment and is a great place to try bite size sandwiches, pastries, tarts, savories etc. An impressive library captures the effortless comfort of a well-appointed living room along with artistic masterpieces completing the experience. The efficient Assistant Director of Food and Beverage Dinesh Sathiyanathan joined me during one of the afternoons for a session of the Afternoon Tea. The Lantern is a unique combination of casual fine dining and cutting-edge nightlife. Resembling a Chinese The Lantern, the restaurant explores diverse aspects of Chinese cuisine in a pleasing ambiance. While at The Lantern, it is the delectable dim sums that are a must try after which you don’t even need to order the main course as the dimsum platter is very filling. The food is so flavourful and delectable that it is worth visiting multiple times to try the chef ’s signature preparations. There is a wide choice of seating both indoors and outdoors. One can’t help but admire the exotic textiles and porcelain vessels that line the walls. Dining at The Lantern is like embarking on a fragrant journey into Chinese kitchens that serve healthy and flavourful food.

Riwaz, a fine dine serves Indian cuisine and is a great place to experiment with smoky, robust flavors, tender grilled meats and an assortment of Indian breads. Given the nature of the cuisine it would be a better idea to go there during lunch.

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An open kitchen, traditional methods of cooking, contemporary desserts, an extensive wine list make up for a memorable meal at Riwaz. Must tries are the Nalli Nihari and the mutton biryani dished up by the talented Chef Altamash Bin Iqbal.

Located at the hotel’s lobby level, an evening at the exclusive Ritz-Carlton Bar is for those who enjoy their drink in a sophisticated environment coupled by efficient service. This bar spells luxury with a capital ‘L’ and offers great food to match along with drinks. Renowned cognacs, robust ports, hand-selected whiskies and classic cocktails alongside rich comfort foods and artisanal cheeses are on offer here. The décor is inspired from the sophisticated intimacy of 19th century English Gentlemen’s Clubs and the intricate ornamental screens of the indigenous ‘Jaali’ tradition.

A stay at The Ritz-Carlton Bangalore is like a holiday in the lap of luxury made even more memorable thanks to the efficient and friendly staff as I discovered during my stay! 

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VICTORIA FALLS I

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S ISLAND LODGE Zimbabwe, Africa | By Heléne Ramackers

Set on a private island between the waterways separating Zimbabwe and Zambia, Victoria Falls Island Lodge is a beacon of eco-friendly indulgence.

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right and early on a Wednesday morning, I board the Airlink Embraer 135 from Cape Town International Airport with a direct flight to Victoria Falls International Airport. Since the inception of Airlink’s direct flights between Cape Town and Zimbabwe in July 2017, it has proven to be a huge success with the flying time of only 2 hours and 55 minutes.

Coming in to land, my eyes fixate on the tapestry of green that unfolds in front of me, indicating that the summer rains obliterated the otherwise barren landscape into an overwhelming display of lushness.

After making my way through customs, adding another stamp to my passport by a friendly immigration official, I am collected by Sipho Moyo at Victoria Falls International Airport and driven to the Zambezi Crescent properties jetty where the water transport is moored. I am handed over to my guide and boat captain, Polite Mpofu, who propels us in the very luxurious Sun Tracker pontoon upwards on the great Zambezi towards Kandahar Island, where the magic of Victoria Falls Island Lodge awaits. A welcoming committee is on the deck to make me feel at home, waving us in with the friendliest of faces and the brightest smiles. Zambezi Crescent General Manager, Roddy Meiring takes me through the formalities while my butler Nkanyiso Moyo is at hand to see that my luggage is stored in my room and that I am well taken care of for the duration of my stay.

It is time for lunch and chef Leo Mzizi has whipped up the most delicious chicken wraps with fries. I sit, transfixed as my viewing window is framed by trees and the Zambezi and its rushing waters house critters great and small. A crocodile inconspicuously floats past and to my right on the deck, a banded mongoose has come to greet me and has brought the whole family. A very colorful lizard is sunning himself and finds a lady friend who he chases after.

My room is waiting, and it feels as though I’m floating in the treetops as the wooden walkway leads me to my treehouse. The elevation of the path to my room makes me feel like I’ve entered a rainforest with the increase in humidity and the birdsong that is music to my ears.

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With the expertise of architect Bobby Ellis of Ellis Architecture and interior designer Jayne Botha of Classic Frank, Victoria Falls Island Lodge’s concept of ‘touch the earth lightly’ came to fruition in 2016. Not a single tree on the island was cut down during the construction process and the absolute minimal footprint was ensured by causing as little damage as possible during the building process. No indigenous trees were utilized for the various constructions with only imported timber used.

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before the rains came. Another obstacle was transporting around 300 tonnes of treated pine across the river by barge, not an easy task. It was of paramount importance that the raised walkways connecting the Treehouse Suites to the main areas and jetty were all built in such a way as not to impede the natural movement and migration of the local wildlife living on Kandahar Island. The building process was completed within ten months with the main area, viewing bar area and five Treehouse suites perfected. The official opening of Victoria Falls Island Lodge took place in August 2017 with three Treehouse Suites and the remaining two rooms completed shortly thereafter.

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My room is a haven of blissful tranquility.

When I step into my air- conditioned abode, the vista of the Zambezi is enough to take my breath away. My bed is positioned to maximize the views over the river and the sunrise each morning from the vantage point on my deck is a sight to behold. Even my bathroom allows me unsurpassed sights of the surrounding river life.

Polite is waiting to take me on a sunset cruise to showcase the abundant birdlife that only the magical Zambezi can offer. We see a great egret, a wire-tailed swallow, an African jacana, a water thick-knee and white fronted lapwinger. A baobab flourishes in the water and in the distance, the moody storm clouds are rushing in and as I

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glance upwards, the rainbow to the left of the Victoria Falls adds to the magic of ‘the smoke that thunders’.

I freshen up before dining on the deck where the darkness of the river holds a mysterious eeriness. Chef Leo has proven his culinary prowess with his masterfully crafted calamari starter, cooked to perfection beef fillet and mouth-watering white chocolate mousse.

It is time to retire for the night and I have a choice between taking a deep-bath-tub soak or a cleansing shower. I opt for the shower and use the wonderfully fragrant Eco Diva products Victoria Falls Island Lodge has on offer – I love the anti-aging body wash as well as the gentle calming shampoo and the gentle calming conditioner. The white bedding is soft to the touch and I fall asleep to the sound of thunder and raindrops on the roof.

Before the sun has made its appearance on day 2, Polite and I set off on our game drive through the Zambezi National Park. The 150,000 acres makes it the ideal spotting place for safari creatures of all shapes and sizes. As the rising sun heralds the onset of a new day, we sit in quiet amazement as the colorful hues paints the canvas for a magnificent day in the bush. Polite stops at the base of a baobab,

showing me that an elephant tried to debark the tree, but much to our amusement, the tree ‘won’ as the elephant lost a piece of his tusk. A white-backed vulture is perched in a tree, waiting for the day to warm up enough to enable it to soar on the thermals.

It is evident from the overflow of young mammals that the breeding process was successful – zebra, giraffe, impalas, warthogs, baboons and vervet monkeys are showing off their babies.

As we approach a stream, a baboon is enjoying a grooming session from his lady to such an extent that he falls over, fast asleep while she meticulously picks off everything that shouldn’t be present on his furry body.

Three European bee-eaters are sitting on a bare tree branch, seemingly levitating. Polite finds a nice stop along the river for us to stretch our legs and have that much-needed morning refreshment with home-made rusks and crunchies.

I spend the remainder of my day enjoying all the offerings at Victoria Falls Island Lodge, appreciating the most incredible meals, lovingly prepared by Leo. Nkyaniso is always at hand without being intrusive and his ever-present smile is contagious. My suite is the best place to take respite from the heat and never napping

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T R A V E L in the afternoon, I indulge in what seems like the logical thing to do in such a wonderous location. After a quick dip in my plunge pool, I set out for the afternoon activity.

Instead of going on a river cruise, I am offered by Polite to go on another game drive. Some very muddy warthogs are foraging at Victoria Falls River Lodge in search of food. Trying to find elephants seems like a futile exercise as Polite explains to me that Zambezi National Park shares unfenced borders with Chobe, so animals are free to roam wherever they want to go. He had hardly uttered the words, when in a dense area, two elephant bulls walk between the foliage, a case of ‘now you see me … now you don’t’.

A very vocal red-necked spurfowl scurries across the path and on our way back to the lodge; we encounter a grey hornbill, a lilac-breasted roller and a white-fronted bee eater. The most incredible electric storm is brewing over the Zambezi and we make it back to the lodge just in time before the rain starts.

After a great night’s sleep, our final game drive looks like it might be rained out, but we persevere and spot loads of zebra, giraffe, a waterbuck family and some naughty baboons stripping the bark off the base of a tree in search of gum. Back at the lodge, it is time for me to start packing up, but not before promising to return with my family, very soon.

HOW TO GET THERE: Airlink is a privately owned airline business. The Regional Feeder Airline, offers a wide network of regional and domestic flights within southern Africa and operates as a franchisee to SAA Route Specific Information: Travel extraordinary with Airlink’s direct flights, between Cape Town and Victoria Falls, Zimbabwe. Combine iconic Cape Town with the majestic Victoria Falls, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World, or take the opportunity to travel onwards to Hwange National Park to see wild dog, lion, leopard and cheetah. Travel onwards to other key leisure destinations such as Chobe, the Okavango Delta, the Kruger National Park, or even visit an Indian Ocean Island in Mozambique - Bazaruto or Benguerra.

Connectivity: Through our alliance with SAA travelers connect conveniently with SAA, their Partner airlines and other carriers throughout Southern Africa and the world.

Frequent Flyer Programme: Airlink is a member of South African Airways Loyalty programme - Voyager.

Website: www.flyairlink.com

| PHOTOGRAPHS BY HELÉNE RAMACKERS

Flight Bookings: Online, booking agent or SAA Central Reservations on +27 11 978 1111.

https://victoriafallsislandlodge.com/

FOR THE FAMILY Victoria Falls River Lodge is the perfect escape for the whole family.

Situated across the way from Victoria Falls Island Lodge, the river-fronted suites face the great Zambezi river.

The first private lodge to be built in the Zambezi National Park, you have a choice of luxury or family tents with spacious interiors of between 110 and 113 square meters, each with a private deck and plunge pool. https://www.victoriafallsriverlodge.com/

TRAVEL TIPS:  Victoria Falls Island Lodge is situated in a malaria area.

Speak to your healthcare practitioner about prophylactics.

Views expressed are the author’s own. ***Thank you to Kim Beyers for making all my arrangements and for Victoria Falls Island Lodge for hosting me.

 

US Visitors need a Visa when entering Zimbabwe.

US Dollars are widely accepted as well as major credit cards.

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RENAISSANCE MUMBAI CONVENTION CENTRE HOTEL "HOME AWAY FROM HOME"

| By Jyoti Balani

If one is looking for an oasis of luxury and nature for a peaceful getaway in Mumbai, the Renaissance Mumbai Convention Centre Hotel- a Marriott Luxury and Lifestyle hotel, set on the banks of the stunning Powai Lake with an obstructed view of the Mumbai Skyline is the best option as I discovered during my recent stay in this expansive hotel. As I entered the regal lobby filled with indigenous artifacts and mural walls representing ancient Indian epics of Ramayana and The Ganesh Puran, I was impressed by the spaciousness of the hotel in a city where space is a luxury. The newly renovated Renaissance houses 600 rooms including suites designed with contemporary elements to provide a sleek look along with state of the art facilities. Situated amongst lush greenery with a picturesque view, the Renaissance Mumbai Convention Centre Hotel provides a home away from home without compromising on the luxuries of a hotel.

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peaking about the hotel, Nicholas Dumbell, General Manager- Renaissance Mumbai Convention Centre Hotel stated “Situated on the banks of the Powai Lake, the Renaissance is a vision of luxury and comfort carved into a state of the art hotel and convention centre.

The hotel combines international standards of service and infrastructure along with local cultural elements of the vibrant city- Mumbai. This sprawling property is a home away from home for many of our guests who either have beautiful memories attached to the hotel or are busy creating new memories at the picturesque property. Renaissance Mumbai Convention Centre Hotel is a visual delight coupled with delectable food and everything else that makes a home.”

Renaissance Mumbai Convention Centre Hotel boasts of several fabulous food and beverage outlets managed by an efficient culinary team led by Executive Chef Sahil Arora. Culinary experts at Fratelli Fresh-the hotel’s Italian speciality restaurant choose from the freshest variety of

vegetables and meat which adds to the flavors. Fratelli Fresh is known for its immensely popular Sunday brunches as I was to discover during my stay. A contemporary chic décor, an open and interactive kitchen, a beautiful view of the Mumbai Skyline and the Powai Lake creates the perfect ambience for a holistic dining experience here. Signature dishes such as Fratelli Fresh Cassoullet and “3” mushroom risotto are great options to try from while at Fratelli Fresh. While at breakfast, I was fascinated when served a local version of Eggs Benedict, a popular breakfast preparation. Renaissance Mumbai Convention Centre Hotel places an emphasis on everything indigenous including the cuisine which leads to interesting innovations. Those who prefer Asian cuisine can go for an authentic Pan Asian Meal at the Emperors Court – the hotel’s oriental specialty restaurant. An exquisitely crafted menu with dishes like crab meat sweet corn soup, Peking duck and dim sums prepared by Chef de Cuisine- Cham Hun Chakhap makes for a fabulous meal while at this restaurant. Nawab Saheb, the Indian specialty restaurant at the hotel offers an array of Indian food cooked in Mughlai style in a royal ambience which also offers live music. Chef De Cuisine- Yunus Khan and his team ensure that every guest feels like royalty while dining in this restaurant and on weekends there is live entertainment in the form of ghazal singers. Dum Nalli Gosht and Potli Nihari are signature dishes offered by the Chef in Nawab Saheb. An all day deli-the Mumbai Express serves quick bites such as pastries, bagels, sandwiches, muffins, puffs, etc to those who are looking for a quick snack or food on the go.

It is a good idea to spend some time at the hotel’s beautiful swimming pool. I spent a considerable amount of time at the Quan Spa managed

by Vinaya Jadhav while at Renaissance Mumbai Convention Centre Hotel and came away feeling relaxed and rejuvenated. Adopting its name from the Mandarin language, the word ‘Quan’ translates into a source of pure water. Keeping in tune with the name, the spa borrows from the natural elixir of life- ‘water’ to provide healing therapies and treatments which are pure, natural and help to restore the natural balance of the body. The interiors of the Quan Spa have been heavily inspired from the aqua theme and hence the décor of the spa entrance, the treatment rooms and the suite are also in sync with this calm and tranquil theme.

The specially designed spa menu consists of treatments and therapies that use the most natural and calming ingredients such as Marine Algae, Jojoba beads, Shea butter, Dead Sea mud, Apricot extract and Sandalwood. Various therapies offered at the spa include the signature Quan therapy, Algae Body Wrap, Deep Tissue Massage, Aromatherapy hot stone massage, foot reflexology. Quan Spa also uses the best quality aroma oils and essences for all their therapies. The USP of this spa is 63 Upscale Living Magazine |

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‘Quan Signature Massage’ during which the healing powers of pure essential oils and their properties have an invigorating and soothing effect on the mind. Using classical techniques light pressure is applied to improve the circulation and ease muscle aches for complete relaxation. One can choose from an array of essential oil blends to experience this signature treatment. Being located in Mumbai, the spa has also adapted to the vibrancy and evolving culture of this beautiful city. As the hotel is in close proximity to both the domestic and international airports, it houses a lot of guests who travel frequently. Keeping this in mind, the spa has also included a unique ‘Jet Lag Body Massage’, which is a complete body massage to calm one’s frayed nerves from long distance travel. During this massage, the therapists focus on relieving the nerves and increasing blood circulation reduced due to travel with special attention to the legs. Quan Spa is also an ideal location to host intimate events like soirees, bachelorette parties and other types of ‘Sparties’.

The executive Lounge located on the 36th floor at the Renaissance Mumbai Convention Centre Hotel along with providing another interesting option for breakfast, evening meals and snacks also boasts of attractive views of the Powai Lake. The friendly and efficient staff gave me a set of binoculars using which I could spot a couple of crocodiles that are part of the Powai Lake. The stylish lounge is aesthetically divided into different zones catering to different moods and includes boardrooms, a central bar, a library, an entertainment zone, a sundeck area and a massage room making it ideal for both business and pleasure.

The Marriott Executive Apartments has 173 Rooms in all and is a pet friendly hotel. With a Well equipped kitchen, a refrigerator, an oven, a microwave, a dishwasher, induction plates, cutlery et, it is nestled in 15 Acres of lush greenery overlooking the Powai Lake with Complimentary Laundromats on each floor, Access to the ten64 Upscale Living Magazine

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H O T E L nis court, jogging track and the swimming pool exclusively for the apartment guests, Children’s play area, In-room delivery of groceries, Access to all the dining options of Renaissance Mumbai, it is perfect for guest who are looking for long stays in Mumbai. Marriott Executive Apartments has introduced a Pet Café at MEA Lawns operational on weekends (Saturday and Sunday) in between 11 am to 7 pm. While Mumbai has a few popular pet cafes, but pets on leash are allowed. At MEA they are leash-free and they have the freedom to run around in a fenced garden. This café is open for residence and non-residence guests.

Renaissance Mumbai Convention Centre Hotel is a destination in itself what with its various dining options, opulent décor and spaciousness, the relaxing Quan spa where one can spend an entire day just rejuvenating, a luxuriously expansive Executive Lounge along with their newly renovated well-appointed rooms and suites which make for a comfortable and entertaining stay. All in all definitely worth several visits while in Mumbai!

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PLAYA LARGO

Resort & Spa in Key Largo | By Karen Holly Berliner

Bogie and Bacall had it right when they made their way to Key Largo—such tropical beauty, charm and romantic ambiance, no passport required, if you please. Now, it’s your turn.

Amenities include vast acreage of secluded beachfront, a grand pristine resort pool, a full-service Ocean Spa, salon and fitness facilities, fire pits, 24-hour room service, a 34-slip marina complete with a boat launch, dockside dining at Sol by the Sea & beachfront Sand Bar, fresh breakfast served at La Marea, Las Olas; a Peruvian ceviche bar, water sports, basketball and tennis courts, a jogging trail, a 6,000 sq. ft. ballroom with a private courtyard and a private members club.

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Visit this paradise and take in its natural materials like coral rock, shells and local gumbo limbo trees, complimented by a palette of tropical blues, driftwood neutrals and iridescent shades. Gaze through the 15foot windows in the raised hotel lobby, with its centrally placed fountain, bringing the outdoors in. Neutral browns accented by turquoise, coral and cream keep the vibe consistent and flowing throughout the property.

For a little bit of adult time, feel free to drop off your little ones at Playa Kids; the resort’s daily discovery camp with dive-in movies, scavenger hunts, arts & crafts and more.

erched in all of its splendor on 14 plus secluded beachfront acres, with white sugar sandy beaches and exquisite views of the Florida Bay, Playa Largo Resort & Spa in Key Largo awaits you.

Travel the short distance from Miami to this tropical paradise and take in its casual Keys ambiance, with all of the perfect renderings appointed at every turn, making it anything but casual in its delivery. Expect luxurious guest accommodations with a residential beach house feel, and that playfully boast an American-Caribbean vibe. Playa Largo offers 177 luxury rooms & suites with Florida Bay views along with 10 secluded, two-story bungalows painted in candy pastel hues, appointed with natural hammock trees. For that individual experience, there is also an exclusive three-bedroom, four-bath beach house for the taking, resplendent with your very own private pool and beach.

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Between sun soaked days of catamaran sailing (a must do experience), grabbing in a spa treatment and soaking in the pool, enjoy a signature Playa Largo cocktail or enjoy a bite to eat at one of four on-property dining venues: Sol by the Sea, with a menu artfully inspired by Trinidadian cuisine, Las Olas Ceviche Bar, the only true ceviche restaurant in

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Florida’s Upper Keys, showcasing fresh seafood ceviche cured in tropical citrus juices, La Marea indoor/outdoor restaurant overlooking the pool and Bay and offering an a la carte breakfast menu or continental/full buffet and the resort’s Sand Bar; serving traditional American bites. For a real treat, schedule a candlelight dinner on the beach and feel the magic.

Ocean Spa, Key Largo’s first full-service spa, offers an array of spa treatments utilizing super foods high in antioxidants and amino acids to enhance skin health.

Sourcing tropical fruits such as pineapples and coconuts, as well as other natural ingredients like marine algae, this 6,000 square-foot spa features six treatment rooms, with a couple’s room, a co-ed relaxation lounge, a steam room, a hair and nail salon and Coco Mango Signature amenities.

The spa menu includes classic massages, skin and body treatments, hair and makeup services, specialty men’s services and a variety of wedding packages.

Some of the locally inspired treatments include: the Tropical Body Glow, the Beachside Key Largo Signature Massage, the Sea Spray Quench Moisturizing Facial and an Aroma Coral Wrap.

Personal training classes are available at the property’s gym, featuring a state-of-the-art fitness studio.

Waterside yoga on the dock is available and scheduled regularly, so feel free to get your Zen on Key Largo style.

Have it all..Just like Bogie and Bacall...at the Playa Largo Resort & Spa.

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One-on-One with Chef

GUILLAUME GAULLIOT of two-star Michelin Caprice in Hong Kong

| By Rahim B. Kanani

“When you find the right balance on the plate, and when you have nothing else to say, that is perfection,” explained two-star Michelin Chef Guillaume Galliot of Caprice, housed in the Four Seasons Hong Kong. In a brief interview, we discussed his approach to food, lifelong learning, inspiration and more.

At what point in your culinary career did you realize that you truly excelled as a chef?

Classic technique with some modern approaches. Also, the products I can get from all over the world are unlimited. There are so many things that I discover on each of my travels that give me a lot of inspiration.

Where else do you draw your inspiration from to constantly create?

I get inspiration from discussions with my sous chef or even during a meal with a chef friend. Going to the market with my family in France is also a big source of inspiration.

cocoa? The cocoa bean. So then I was sure for me that the association works. That’s why the pigeon ends up being cooked in the Cocoa pod.

As a two-star Michelin chef, what strategies do you employ to maintain such a high bar of consistency, excellence and precision?

It’s an every day work. Build the right team like in soccer. Put the right player at the right place and every day we have a match to play. And of course, we all want to win the match by serving all the right ingredients by making them shine.

We put our service and passion into all products to make sure the guest can feel it and taste it.

Walk me through the process of when you have a new idea or an inspiration for a I have only been in the business since I was new menu item. How do you go about tak- Is there such a thing as the perfect dish?

21 years old, so I still have time to discover ing that idea from your mind to the plate? and get better. As a chef, it’s all about tastThere is. That’s why people reach three Michelin ing, discovering, and having an open mind. stars. When you find the right balance on the I guess it’s like wine. I will get better with I usually try to first think about the base of the plate, and when you have nothing else to say, age as long as there is passion in the mind. product: where it comes from, if there is a story that is perfection.  behind it. Is it vegetable or protein. Spices too, How would you describe your philosophy or all have to make sense. Like the Pigeon Cocoa approach to food? that we are doing now. What is the base of the 69 Upscale Living Magazine |

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W I N E S

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W I N E S

GETTING PERSONAL WITH CHATEAU COUTET

Aline Baly Talks Wine, Family Business, and Her Heart’s Delight

| By Tim Cotroneo

May is a special month for the Chateau Coutet winemaking family based Bordeaux’s sweet wine region of Sauternes. Not only is May marked by the vineyard’s anticipation of flowers blooming, it’s also the time of year when Aline Baly flies to Washington D.C. to attend the Heart’s Delight Wine Tasting & Auction.

For Baly and her family, participating in this annual four-day celebration of exceptional food, wine, and fundraising is not only good for business, it’s personal. That’s because a Baly family member was recently stricken with heart disease.

“We’ve been attending this American Heart Association benefit for over a decade. Our participation evolved into a labor of love due to the great friendships we’ve developed over the years. This year raising money for the prevention of heart disease has become more personal for Chateau Coutet as we are experiencing first-hand the life-changing recovery process of a stroke survivor,” Baly said.

Upscale Living Magazine got together with Chateau Coutet’s Owner to discuss what she’ll experience at this year’s Heart’s Delight gathering of wine and culinary greats. Baly also shared the latest news about Chateau Coutet’s amazing wines from the village of Barsac in the region of Sauternes.

How will Chateau Coutet be involved in this year’s Heart’s Delight Wine Tasting & Auction on May 9-12 in Washington D.C.?

On Thursday evening at the Winemaker and Dinner Series we will be presenting both our 1989 and 2009 Chateau Coutet, two epic vintages for the golden sweet wines of Bordeaux.

We’ll also introduce a 2014 Dry Opalie de Chateau Coutet, our dry white. On Friday we will be donating an imperial of 2014 Chateau Coutet as part of the Vintner’s Dinner and Auction. On Saturday evening we’ll be showing both our sweet and dry wines from the 2015 vintage in the Bordeaux Master Class & Wine Tasting.

What stands out about this particular event?

My Dad, Dominique, and I have been attending the Heart’s Delight for 12 years. We’ve developed business relationships that have turned into friendships. There is such a spirit and genuine enthusiasm for wine. Participating in Heart’s Delight doesn’t feel like work to me.

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Looking back on 2009, what stands out about your first year working in the family business and what you had to learn about the Chateau Coutet line of wines?

(Laughter) First, I should apologize to everyone who had to deal with me my first few years on the job. My background was in the bioscience industry. I had a lot to learn about the most famous sweet wines in the world. The wines from Sauternes and Barsac are Bordeaux’s best-kept secret.

Please talk about the region of France in which your wines originate?

Our vineyard is in the southern region of Bourdeaux. The Chateaux is a former English military fortress dating back to the 13th century. In 1787, when Thomas Jefferson was the 72 Upscale Living Magazine |

Ambassador to France, he called our Barsac the country’s best. Our 95 acres are located in the Garonne Valley near the Ciron River in the Sauternes appellation. Our region is known for its unique climate that is perfect for growing sweet wines.

How important is the weather to your wine development process?

We are totally obsessed with the weather.

We talk about it daily. A dramatic change in weather, such as unexpected frost or hail can be detrimental. A best-case scenario for us is an Indian summer along with a level of humidity that is specific to our types of wines.

What do people find interesting about Chateau Coutet’s history?

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There is definitely a historical and architectural feel to our property. We used to be a military fortress, then a horse stable, and there was even a time when peacocks were bred. You can still see one of the original wine presses from the 1920s, a 14th Century chapel, and a Bordeaux cobblestone courtyard.

How many visitors does Chateau Coutet see annually for tours, wine tastings, and culinary vacations?

Over the past three years, the southern wine making region of Bourdeaux has really grown as a tourist destination. Chateau Coutet offers private tours, wine tastings, workshops, lunches, and dinners.

Which of your wines is creating the most buzz?

W I N E S

Our 2014 Chateau Coutet, this sweet wine was ranked third on Wine Spectator Magazine’s Top 100 Wines in 2017. The international response to this news was huge. We sold out. So we are excited that we are able to include an imperial from our personal cellar for Heart’s Delight Friday night auction.

What is there one thing you wish you knew when you started with Chateau Coutet that you know now?

It would have been fun to know how much my life was going to change once I joined my uncle and Dad in the family business. This move allowed me to discover the world of wine. I also wish I knew sooner how perfect it is to pair our Sauternes with lobster! That’s my favorite.

CHÂTEAU COUTET 33720 Barsac - France Phone: +33 (0)5 56 27 15 46 Fax: +33 (0)5 56 27 02 20 Email: info@chateaucoutet.com https://www.chateaucoutet.com/index. php?lang=eng http://heartsdelightwineauction.org/

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N E W S

PERFECT FOR ANY OCCASION

PediPocket

PediPocket is the perfect blanket for the whole family, and a fabulous Mothers Day gift! an ingenious idea that’s easy to warm up to!

When Katherin Miller grew tired of having to decide between having cold feet or cold shoulders, she did something about it. She made her own long blanket with a foot pocket. Her husband Matt soon wanted one too as did their two children. Soon family and friends received them for Christmas and an idea was born. Today, that idea is the thriving business PediPocket. The Miller’s faith guides everything they do. That’s why they donate 10% of the proceeds to their church and missions.

Here’s why you should purchase your PediPocket today!

Fun Colors: No more fighting over blankets! With 10 different colors and patterns to choose from its easy for everyone the family to recognize their own blanket.

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Goes Anywhere: Take your PediPocket to tailgate parties, beach barbeques, the office, your favorite couch and anywhere else you want to be warm.

Stay toasty warm anytime of the year from head to toe with the game changer blanket from PediPocket! Shop the different styles online at www.pedipocket.com.

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