NOV/DEC 2024

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NOV/DEC 2024

Experience The Difference www.upscalelivingmag.com

CONTENT AUTOMOBILES 14 Ferrari F80 16 McLaren W1 Hypercar 18 Mansory Ferrari Purosangue 20 Rolls-Royce Ghost Series II 22 Top Hybrid Hypercars & Supercars FASHION FOR HIM 30 Hackett London’s Fall 2024 Campaign 32 Tumi’s Holiday 2024 Collection FASHION FOR HER 46 Brochu Walker Collaborates with Celebrity Stylist Jamie Mizrahi 48 L’Agence’s Sumptuous Fall Collection 50 Roll Neck Jumpers for Fall JEWELRY 34 A Guide to Signet Rings 36 Whimsical Jewels 38 The Bucherer Fine Jewelry Pure Collection 40 Idyl Launches Exclusive Collection with Tamara Kalinic 42 Ming Yu Wang, Expanding Her Jewelry Offering 45 Ananya launches Magnificent Jewels - Volume 3 High Jewelry Collection

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TIMEPIECES 52 Audemars Piguet Watch 54 The RM 65-01 McLaren Automatic Split-Seconds Chronograph Timepiece HEALTH + FITNESS 56 5 Best Wellness Retreats in California HOME + INTERIORS 70 At Home with Jodi Berger 74 Home Trends PROFILES 76 AAHA Studio, Universal in Design 112 Greg Lambrecht and Coravin YACHTS 92 Boatsetter, The Perfect Boat for Every Type of Adventure HOTELS 80 The Rubens At The Palace Hotel GADGETS 115 Audio-Technica, 50 Years of Headphone Innovation 116 RUUBY Raises 2m with plans to become the largest on-demand Beauty Service Provider 118 Bang & Olufsen Beoplay H100 Headphones

AVIATION 83 For Discerning Travelers, Inside the Global Launch of Cathay Pacific’s Aria Suite TRAVEL 62 Sky Lagoon 86 What’s New! - Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp, Belgium; Casino Doxi Stracca, Italy; Mara Toto Tree Camp, Kenya; The Reserve at Grace Bay, Caribbean; Villa Roma Imperiale, Italy 94 Iconic Ila Safari Lodge in Zambia’s Kafuel National Park COCKTAILS 108 Moscow Mule Cocktail 109 Espresso Martini Cocktail 110 Jubilee Fizz by The Goring Hotel, London Cocktail RESTAURANTS 100 Chef Charlie Palmer & Dry Creek Kitchen BOOK REVIEW 120 Our Favorite Book Selection REAL ESTATE 66 Elevated Living Atop, Pendry’s First Florida Hotel WINES + WINERIES 104 Lancaster Estate, Exceptional Alexander Valley Wines 9 | UPSCALELIVINGMAG.COM | NOV/DEC 2024

Thailand-based Australian Michael Cullen has called South East Asia home since 2015. Michael takes every opportunity to travel, explore the region’s wonders, and delve into its rich cultural diversity. Luxury travel and lifestyle are his niches.

ALINA LEYVA (CABRAL) PUBLISHER / FOUNDER PUBLISHER@UPSCALELIVINGMAG.COM 786.760.9133 cell

EDITOR IN CHIEF

ALINA LEYVA (CABRAL)

DIGITAL EDITOR

PRISCILLA PILON

ASSISTANT TO THE PUBLISHER

HELÉNE RAMACKERS

SALES & MARKETING EXECUTIVES WEB DEVELOPER

series of the BBC programme QI for Stephen Fry. As a researcher, he discovered that there are 27 ways of describing both moustaches and eyebrows in Albanian.

Native to Los Angeles, Jarone Ashkenazi writes about luxury hotels, VIP experiences and upscale restaurants. He spends his free time traveling, playing sports and going on outdoor adventures. You can connect with him on Twitter at @JaroneAsh or at jaroneashkenazi.com

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MARKETING RESEARCH

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ACCOUNTS MANAGER

JULIANA ALTMORE

Hel ne Ramackers, a freelance journalist who enjoys interviewing local and international celebrities but thinks she has found her calling amongst the travel writing fraternity.

CONTRIBUTORS

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Priscilla Pilon is a print and digital photo journalist with 30 + years of writing experience. Her focus is on food, wine, boutique hotels, and unique adventures. She is an accomplished social media expert, brand ambassador, and author.

For me the biggest luxury is the freedom to go anywhere at any-time and that is something which the humble automobile gives us.

Copyright 202 Upscale Living Magazine. All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of Upscale Living Magazine. he Publisher will be held responsible for any errors found in the magazine. he 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

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FERRARI F80 T

he new Ferrari F80 is the most hardcore racing car which the folks at Maranello have conjured up for the road. It is their hypercar and the spiritual successor to the mighty F40 or even the 288 GTO. Unlike the later F50, Enzo or La Ferrari, there is no V12 as instead it gets a barely unfiltered Le Mans powertrain for the road with an incredible 1200 hp. This is courtesy a complicated V6 hybrid powertrain and it is the most powerful Ferrari ever made. However, the move to fewer cylinders might be a worry for the Tifosi but the power figures instantly melt that away.

It is an extreme racing car for the road with a brutal focus on aerodynamics as on the McLaren W1 while the F80 here has a strict driver focused cockpit. The interior is designed to have a single seater racing car feel and its narrow width is due to the aerodynamics plus the racing car like shape. The seats are bolted and the butterfly doors invite you into a heady concoction of speed. However, we must get back to the powertrain as the GTO and F40 were powered by a turbo V8, because Formula 1 cars used turbocharged engines in the 1980s while now the F80 gets an electric turbo. Today, in racing cars you have a turbo V6 ICE engine mated with an 800 V hybrid system with the same architecture used here.

Of course, the swoopy styling is also functional with an active rear wing, rear diffuser, flat underbody, front triplane wing and S-Duct which work in tandem to generate 1000 kg of downforce at 250 km/h. Like F1 cars, the 3.0-liter V-6 revs to 9000rpm plus while three electric motor chimes in to produce this much power. It is all wheel drive with an electric front axle and has an eight-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission. In terms of its architecture, the cell and roof are made of carbon fiber and other composites, while the front and rear subframes are made of aluminum and are fastened to the tub with titanium screws.

At the rear there is an additional aluminum subframe, fastened to the main rear subframe with screws, for carrying the battery. Top-speed is 217mph and 0-62mph is 2.5 seconds too which means it is going to be a tough fight to claim the hypercar honors with Bugatti, Ferrari, and McLaren all fighting it out. The F80 does do drama though with its blacked-out element at the front and the extreme shape. While the 12Cilindri is about grand touring with a V12, the F80 is all about tearing down a racetrack with utmost glee. Only 799 of these extreme racers would be built but tough luck getting one with first examples being given to lucky owners by 2026. It celebrates 80 years of Ferrari and we think it is quite a birthday present!

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| UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | NOV/DEC 2024

MCLAREN W1 HYPERCAR I

t is a power war out there and it has spilled past the 1000 bhp mark while McLaren has now joined back in the ring. McLaren has been arguably the inventor of the hypercar with its iconic F1 while later its P1 cemented its place as a part of the ‘Holy Trinity’. Now McLaren is back with its W1 which is its most powerful car ever along with being governed by the ethos of optimum aerodynamics. The W1 is all about aero efficiency, downforce and being lightweight.

Which is explained by its brooding demeanor and a slippery shape designed to go as fast as possible. Amongst the vast line-up of aero enhancing features, the W1 has Formula 1-inspired technologies and an active long tail rear wing that extends rearwards by 300mm. Everything is designed to simulate the feeling of driving a race car for the road with the Aerocell carbon fiber monocoque and McLaren Anhedral Doors.

However, the power figure might have raised a few eyebrows since it is the most powerful McLaren ever with all-new V8 hybrid powertrain developing 1275PS. The V8 in its own is fast as it develops 928PS while at 233PS per liter it is also the highest-ever output from a McLaren engine – and revs to a stratospheric 9,200rpm. Then you have even more power courtesy a 347PS electric module including a motor and control unit. The resulting performance numbers tell the story but it is not quite a Bugatti Tourbillon chaser with its limited top-speed.

To put it in plain numbers, the W1 does 0-200km/h (0-124mph) in 5.8 seconds and 0-300km/h (0-186mph) in less than 12.7 seconds with an electronically limited to 350km/h. Hence, we think more than the speed it is the F1 technology being applied to bend physics is what makes this car very special.

Unlike rivals do note that this McLaren is strictly rear-wheel drive and that is some statement when the car must put down 1275PS and 1340Nm cleanly.

Other unique elements include a hydraulic steering wheel and braking system along with the seats integrated into the Aerocell monocoque. Hence, you can only move the steering, pedals, and other primary controls while the seat being bolted saves weight.

Other strict weight saving measures include 3d printed components plus Titanium ones. The interior is not bare but is more of a race car for the road with a focused ethos while there are enough creature comforts to make more than just a track racer with a tax disc. The W1 has a lightweight upholstery while there is a lot of customizations on offer for owners as well. Speaking of which, all the 399 units have been sold despite the $2.1 million price but again this is McLaren’s limited-edition masterpiece which explains its future collector car status. That said, it remains to be seen whether it will be as iconic as the F1 or even the P1 which set many of the hypercar rules in this competitive segment. 

| UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | NOV/DEC 2024

| UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | NOV/DEC 2024

MANSORY FERRARI PUROSANGUE G

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erman Tuner Mansory is known for its outlandish designs on high-end luxury cars, mostly Rolls-Royce and Ferrari cars while recently it has also given the same treatment to the first four door Ferrari, the Purosangue. Hence, meet the Pugnator which is a complete vehicle conversion based on the newest V12 Ferrari. The name is derived from the Latin word ‘Pugnator’ meaning the ‘competitor or contestant’. Presented at the Monaca Yacht show, the Pugnator uses a Vermillon red paint which contrasts with the acres of carbon fiber which have been draped on its exterior.

The front-end sees new intakes which are larger and made with, you guessed it, carbon fiber and gives the car a more menacing look. The bigger intakes also allow for more air and greater downforce along with the side flaps (in front of and behind the front wheels).

Carbon fiber is literally everywhere as it is in the front of the bonnet while it continues to the front wheel arch and the rear front wings. The side meanwhile gets bodywork extensions plus the rear has a new two-part roof edge spoiler.

Of course a Mansory isn’t complete without massive wheels and tires where this Purosangue gets shod with one-piece, ultra-light forged rims in the sizes of 9.5x22‘ (front) and 11.5x23’ (rear).

The ‘standard’ Purosangue is fast enough with usually sonorous V12 but Mansory folks have managed to squeeze out even more power now with a 4-flow sports exhaust system. The total power output has now climbed to 755 hp and a torque of 730 Nm. The exhaust system itself has a flap control system including two sports catalytic converters and ends with two tailpipes, one above the other, in the newly designed rear apron made of full carbon fiber. Inside, you get a lot of options in terms of leather, quilting and carbon fiber while this car has ivory-colored leather and carbon elements.

Other additions include a carbon leather sports steering wheel with integrated shift light, safety belts with embroidered Mansory logo, Mansory sports aluminum pedals, Mansory floor mats etc. There are not many who would want a more aggressive Ferrari Purosangue but Mansory caters to the elite few who want something to stand out and in Monaco, where you would find perhaps the highest concentration of Ferrari Purosangue cars, it is a novelty worth having.

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| UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | NOV/DEC 2024

ROLLS-ROYCE GHOST SERIES II R

olls-Royce has been on a product launch spree and after the Cullinan, it is time for their popular Ghost sedan to get a set of subtle revisions. The Ghost has been their backbone in terms of sales since 2009 and having spawned various iterations too in the course of time. Now, the stately luxury sedan is drenched with even more luxury along with a set of nice upgrades. It is a sharper and more dynamic Rolls-Royce with its V12 powertrain still being kept in business. In terms of its simple yet flamboyant design language, the new Ghost Series II gets a set of new headlamps flanked by the illuminated Pantheon grille.

The new headlamps are curved and the lower bumper design has been cleaned up further for a restrained but elegant look.

The same monolithic design exercise has been liberally sprinkled over here too with a clean side profile while large 22-inch wheels complete the stance very well. The rear styling exercise is even more subtle with new taillamps mimicking the Specter along with the typical sedan shape. Amongst the near infinite color choices available for buyers, the new Ghost has an addition called Mustique Blue which is paying homage to the 1929 Phantom II Continental prototype which also came with this shade. Inside, there is a mutual co-existence of analogue and digital with a new pillar to pillar glass panel housing the Central Information Display having the marque’s advanced operating system. The digital dials can be customized too while the Spirit infotainment system also has Whispers- the new app for Rolls-Royce owners.

It seems the marque has not distanced itself from the digital age. Further, owner can connect to two streaming devices to the rear screens, stream independently on each screen, and select their preferred entertainment from a newly developed interface, which also manages seating functions such as massaging, heating and cooling. There is also an upgraded Wi-Fi® hotspot and USB-C® charging ports which remain discreetly hidden away in the center console. Audiophiles could be happy that there is anow an evolved 18-speaker audio system incorporating a 1400-watt amplifier but a bespoke audio system having exciters tucked away in the headliner is the ultimate concert like experience which you will get.

Rolls-Royce have also experimented with new fabrics plus a new interior material while added customization is possible now too where earlier the bigger Phantom had this option.

For more rear seat space, the extender version adds in a further 170mm of space too. The 6.75-liter twin-turbocharged V12 petrol engine is silent and tasked with the mere act of gliding across the road with its GPS enabled satellite aided transmission working in harmony. The all-important ride quality comes courtesy a suspension system which uses cameras to scan the road surface ahead called the Flagbearer system.

Overall, these changes enable the Ghost to exist further in-line with the new values of luxury as portrayed by Rolls-Royce while getting closer to the flagship Phantom even more now.

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TOP Hybrid

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Hypercars Supercars T

he supercar world is no longer analogue and manufacturers are finding it hard to keep the soulful engines alive but they have in recent times. Hypercars and supercars nowadays come with a hybrid system which enables them to be easier to drive and more city friendly with an electric only range along with not waking up the entire city with a cold start. You can trundle along in silence yet also wake up the gasoline engine when needed. Here are the newest and best hybrid hypercars.

| UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | NOV/DEC 2024

BUGATTI TOURBILLON The new Bugatti Tourbillon take a step back but, in the process, also takes several steps forward in how the hypercar can move on in a world infested with technology. Bugatti took the brave pill and shunned complete electrification as instead they went with a sonorous 8.3-liter naturally aspirated V16 engine but also brought in two electric motors and one electric motor mounted at the rear axle. In total, the Tourbillon produces 1,800 hp with 1,000 from the combustion engine itself and 800 hp from the electric motors. There is also a 25-kWh oil-cooled 800V battery with a usable 37 miles range. Unlike the Chiron, the Tourbillon celebrates the hypercar and incorporates two different styles of powertrains to make one alluring concoction. Hence, it pushes the record books and the goal post as well with its powertrain s well as the engineering on offer. | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | NOV/DEC 2024

FERRARI SF90 XX A hardcore limited-edition Ferrari built for the track but it is also a plug-in hybrid with a fiendishly complicated system. It is a more extreme version of the SF90 and comes with a twin-turbocharged V-8 engine along with three electric motors stuffed into its svelte silhouette. There is a raspier exhaust, edgier gear changes with a sharper tone while the total horsepower count is now 1016 horsepower. It looks more extreme and is faster than the SF90- which is something while a zero-to-62-mph time of 2.3 seconds explains the stunning performance that this Prancing Horse has. It is much rarer than the SF90 and looks like a road legal racing car.

| UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | NOV/DEC 2024

LAMBORGHINI REVUELTO The massive V12 Lamborghini goes hybrid and that means the horsepo wer count has breached the 1000 horsepower mark along with a much more sophisticated driving experience. The Revuelto replaces the Aventador but is a massive technology leap for the V12 Lamborghini. Forget the old technology in the previous Lamborghini V12s as the Revuelto is state of the art with the V12 having the company of no less than three electric motors. A new sophisticated 8-speed double clutch gearbox also makes it much easier to drive but the hybrid here is not to increase the range as instead it is to increase the throttle response plus blur the power delivery. That said being a plug-in hybrid you can cruise away in silence which is a new side to the big V12 Lamborghini. | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | NOV/DEC 2024

LAMBORGHINI TEMERARIO Just like its big brother Revuelto, the Temerario is the new baby Lamborghini and replaces the Huracan. Hence, gone is the V10 and in comes a new hybrid V8. Purists might scoff at this idea but this new powertrain puts this new Lamborghini in the serious power race with 907 horsepower thanks to three electric motors along with the V8. Aside from the torque boost which brings in more performance, this hybrid powertrain enables for 50 percent lower carbon dioxide emissions in comparison to the Huracan. There is a 3.8-kWh lithium-ion battery too. The whole chassis and the driver systems have been overhauled with a sharper focus plus it looks futuristic as well with its typical Lamborghini sharp lines being styled by a scalpel.

| UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | NOV/DEC 2024

MCLAREN ARTURA The Artura is the first supercar which is hybrid from the McLaren stables and follows the iconic P1. The P1 was fast and remains one of the first hybrid hypercars. The Artura is more restrained but still packs a punch with its V6 hybrid which delivers 691 horsepower. It is not a V8 but gets fettled with turbochargers and is combined with a plug-in hybrid system too. Both the Spider and the Coupe are matched together in terms of 0-60-mph time, which is a scant 3.0 seconds. The Artura is the first foray into a more mainstream supercar from McLaren and we can more of this breed in the future.

| UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | NOV/DEC 2024

FERRARI 296 GTB Arguably one of the best supercars on sale right now, the 296 GTB takes hybrid technology and blends it neatly within the Ferrari ethos. It does not have a V8 as instead it is a V6 but the 2.9-liter unit coupled with the electric power puts it at the top of the current supercar line-up but feels more spirited around corners without carrying the extra cylinders around. It is shorter, more agile and has the drama with a raucous engine but can also start in EV mode while nonchalantly performing the city duties with no fuss. It is a new kind of supercar and one that is multi-talented.

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FAS H ION

An Ode to London

Hackett London‘s Fall 2024 Campaign | BY FELICITY CARTER

Iconic British menswear brand Hackett pays homage to its hometown of London with its latest Fall ’24 campaign entitled, ‘We belong to London.’

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ere, the luxury house celebrates how its signature style and identity are influenced by the city of its origins: London. Shot by acclaimed fashion and portrait photographer Ben Harries, this campaign highlights Hackett’s deep connection to its British heritage.

The atmosphere, colors, and energy of autumnal London inspire and shape the essence of Hackett London’s Fall 2024 campaign. The campaign follows three modern men as they traverse from the Royal Academy of Arts to Piccadilly Arcade, exploring the vibrant streets of Mayfair and the serene beauty of St

James’s Park. Each location resonates with the spirit of the city, reflecting a fusion of Hackett’s refined elegance and London’s unique charm, with every outfit complementing its surroundings.

Our journey through these emblematic spots embodies the profound connection between Hackett and its roots, showcasing how all Hackett pieces carry the essence of London in every stitch and fiber.

The campaign showcases some of the most iconic pieces from the new Fall ‘24 collection, with a palette comprising a sophisticated array of colors, including rich burgundies, warm tobaccos, and classic winter shades like navy blue and forest green. British patterns such as windowpane, Prince of Wales, herringbone, and tartan are prominently showcased, defining the style of blazers, gilets, and trousers. Designed for the modern man who maintains his refined 3

look in any setting, these garments transition seamlessly from a morning transit by the Thames to cozy evening settings in amber-lit restaurants, ensuring both comfort and style throughout all weather conditions.

A standout aspect of this collection is its hybrid pieces, designed for flexibility during transitional weather. The season kicks off with lightweight fabrics like cotton and nylon, evolving to heavier materials such as cotton jersey yarns, cord knits, and down jackets as temperatures drop. Suede adds a touch of luxury while layering and knitwear are emphasized with new hybrid gilets, Fair Isle designs, and intricate cable knits. Outerwear options, including the Velospeed, 4-pocket jackets, and down coats, provide stylish protection against the cold.

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G IFTS

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Where Style Meets Practicality

TUMI‘s HOLIDAY 2024 COLLECTION | BY FELICITY CARTER

Every year, travelers cross oceans, queue for transportation, shop, wrap, and pack the perfect gifts to prepare for the holidays. The journey to share the joy carefully wrapped behind bows and boxes is just the prologue to the joy and excitement of being together.

GIFTS FOR HIM From once-in-a-lifetime trips to daily commutes, add joy to his every journey with TUMI. Gift him go anywhere, do anything, bags from Alpha or surprise him with the iconic contours of 19 Degree in statement slings and elegant travel cases.

PREMIUM GIFTS Gift them our greatest with the pinnacle of performance luxury. At the crossroads of art and engineering, TUMI’s signature contours sculpted at precise 19-degree angles continue to evolve. Available in aircraft-grade aluminum and genuine titanium, 19 Degree is a striking gift. Turin’s Italian leather and premium TUMI T logo is the picture of modern luxury.

PERSONALIZED GIFTS Gifts with personality—theirs. Make their gift personal with monogramming and custom embroidery on select styles. TUMI’s elite monogram services include a range of colors, fonts and symbols, with premium metal letters available for a statement-making finish, that’s ultra-thoughtful too.

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A Guide to

SIGNET RINGS | BY FELICITY CARTER

A brim with storied family histories, signet rings have traditionally been a sign of status or being part of a noble family, intricately engraved with family crests, initials and emblems. As popular as ever, not only amongst the honorable, but the fashionable too, Lindsay Ferguson of The Diamond Store London is here to impart her expert advice on this beloved, historied, style.

HISTORY OF SIGNET RINGS Traditionally, signet rings were used to seal documents, ensuring that a letter came from a specific person and had not been tampered with. During the Middle Ages, they became essential for authentication, and it was common practice to destroy a signet ring upon the wearer’s death to prevent misuse.

Over time, signet rings shifted from being functional tools to symbols of status, with nobility wearing them to represent authority and heritage.

Today, signet rings remain a status symbol.

While fewer families have personal crests, the tradition of wearing a signet ring continues, symbolizing heritage, legacy, and identity.

WHAT ARE SIGNET RINGS Signet rings feature a flat surface, often

engraved, that was traditionally used as a personal seal. Typically worn on the pinky finger of the left hand, they once bore family crests or unique initials to signify identity and status.

Today, signet rings have evolved into a stylish accessory, embraced by all, regardless of heritage. Their modern resurgence has led to a wide variety of contemporary designs, making them a versatile and timeless piece of jewelery. We’ve embraced such versatility with a newly launched Signet Rings Collection that’s available in varying diamond cuts and carat weights, offering options that balance luxury with everyday wearability.

THE OFFERING AT THE DIAMOND STORE FOR SIGNET RINGS The Diamond Store offers a range of signet rings, from traditional styles to sleek, modern, minimalist options.

Our new Signet Ring Collection features bold, chunky metal settings paired with your choice of contemporary diamond shapes — Asscher, Round, or Emerald — bringing a fresh, modern twist to this timeless classic. Available in two popular carat weights: 0.50ct and 1.00ct in 9K Gold, our exclusive collection has something eye-catching for all ages and genders.

WHAT TO LOOK FOR WHEN FINDING A SIGNET RING Metal: Signet rings are traditionally worn every day, so it’s important to choose a high-quality, durable material that’s 3

comfortable for daily wear. Consider gold, silver, or platinum for longevity and style.

Size: While signet rings are typically worn on the pinky finger, you can wear them on any finger that suits your style. If you’re unsure of your ring size, use a ring sizer before ordering to ensure a comfortable fit. Keep in mind that not all rings can be resized, so it’s crucial to get the right size from the start.

Design: Think about the design that best suits your personal style. If you have a family crest or emblem, a custom-made signet ring might be ideal. If you’re looking for a stylish addition to your daily look, choose a design that complements your wardrobe. Do you lean towards traditional or modern clothing? Are you after something contemporary and minimalist, or would you prefer a more ornate, diamond design?

If you’re looking for an everyday ring that elevates both your daytime and evening wear, The Diamond Store offers a variety of timeless signet styles in both gold and silver.

HOW TO BUY THE RINGS Our new collection of signet rings is now available at The Diamond Store, offering both classic and modern designs to suit every style. 

| UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | NOV/DEC 2024

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Dreamy Diamond & Opal Swan Brooch by Mara Hotung.

Breathtaking Bespoke Emerald Earrings by 77 Diamonds.

Beautiful Bangle by Le Vian Marre Azzarro.

WHIMSICAL JEWELS Upscale Living magazine brings you the most stunning High Jewelry, with gorgeous shades of blues and greens.

| BY HELÉNE RAMACKERS

Pretty Peridot Ring

by Mara Hotung.

Elegant Emerald Bracelet, set in Platinum by Le Vian.

Tasteful Tourmaline and Indicolite Earrings

by Le Vian.

Amazing Astra Earrings by 77 Diamonds.

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Perfect Peacock Aquaprase Ring

by Le Vian.

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THE BUCHERER FINE JEWELRY PURE COLLECTION A Dazzling, Versatile Companion

| BY FELICITY CARTER

Bucherer Fine Jewellery’s latest creations pay homage to Mother Nature as the Pure Capsule Collection offers fine gold chains that are adorned with sparkling pear-cut colored gemstones. With the Pure Capsule Collection, the masters of Bucherer Fine Jewellery’s ateliers have created understated-yet-eye-catching pieces that exude everyday luxury.

SPARKLING COMPANIONS IMBUED WITH SYMBOLIC MEANING The various models in the Pure Capsule Collection are available in three distinct gold alloys. They also feature different colors, sizes and types of colored gemstones. The collection was intentionally created to feature pieces that represent a harmonious whole. However, the clever details are what make each design so special. The chains are embellished with diamond-encrusted appliqués, while the pendants are affixed to artfully designed clasps and fixed in diamond-studded settings.

A clipping system and multiple clasp options make it possible to wear these necklaces in layering looks. Together with the carefully sourced gemstones, this allows the wearer to express her own unique style.

COLORED GEMSTONES IN FRESH HUES The pendants in the Pure Capsule Collection are made of fascinating aquamarines, tourmalines, rubellites, morganites and beryls. The color spectrum ranges from a pale sky blue to intense mint green all the way to a deep purple red. Every colored gemstone is one of a kind and offers the wearer a unique feeling of individuality and self-expression. The cut of the colored gemstones was also chosen intentionally, meaning the elegantly proportioned pear cut is not only eye-catching in terms of design – it was inspired by the natural crystalline shape of beryl and tourmaline. This makes it the perfect choice for these unpretentious, tasteful statement pieces.

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Idyl Launches Exclusive Collection with TAMARA KALINIC | BY FELICITY CARTER

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alling all jewelry lovers, the modern fine jewelry brand idyl has partnered with influencer Tamara Kalinic on a limited-edition collaboration collection.

The sustainable collection features a trio of bespoke lab-grown diamond pear earrings, which have been personally designed by Tamara, and these go hand-in-hand with her signature favorites from the brand. These modular pieces—a signature trait of idyl—is available in white, yellow and rose gold to suit all looks and metal preferences.

They’ve also been designed with effortlessly mixing, matching, and stacking in mind for those whole love statements and adopt a ‘more is more’ approach to jewelry layering.

The collection is now available at www.idyl.com with prices starting at $345.

VENEZIA The Venezia earring, designed by Tamara Kalinic, features an irresistible 0.10ct prong-set pear diamond.

It’s the perfect stacking piece for any ear party. Venezia offers versatile wear in any direction and can be paired with an additional add-on for an eye-catching statement. We recommend wearing it with a Petite Diamond Stud and Leah for an iconic look.

CAPRI Introducing Capri, designed by Tamara Kalinic: This stunning 0.15ct prong-set pear dangles with a brilliant sparkle. Perfectly versatile, it elevates any look effortlessly.

Pair it with Paris and Venezia for the ultimate elegance. A true musthave.

PARIS Paris, designed by Tamara Kalinic, is a glorious degradé dangling beauty boasting 3 prong set pear diamonds of 0.10ct, 0.15ct, and 0.25ct. This piece is a dance of diamonds and will upgrade your evening look in an instant. Wear it styled like Tamara for the ultimate glam look: Pair 2 Paris pieces side by side on one ear.

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ABOUT IDYL Established in 2020 amidst global challenges, idyl is a testament to the founders’ unwavering commitment to transforming the diamond jewelry narrative. Kevin Lewy, Ori Siso, and Ornella Siso established idyl in response to the industry’s lack of transparency, vowing to redefine the story. idyl stands for traceable ingredients, ethically crafted jewelry, and sustainable lab-grown diamonds—ensuring that ethical luxury is within reach.

Tailored for the fierce modern woman, idyl offers freedom in self-expression through a unique concept of modularity, allowing her to express her unique self. idyl creates exquisite pieces that embody a blend of high quality, environmental responsibility, and modern luxury. Choosing idyl isn’t just selecting jewelry; it’s joining a movement that celebrates love, ethical choices, and a commitment to a better world.

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ming yu wang Expanding Her Jewelry Offering | BY SMITHA SADANANDAN

Cross-cultural pollination emerges in the works of New York-based Taiwanese American designer Ming Yu Wang, as she puts a cool spin on demi-fine fashionable designs.

For her namesake jewelry line that she started in 2013, the designer explores gender neutral designs using recycled sterling silver — and plating some of the pieces in 18k gold (vermeil) or rhodium. Embellished with cultured pearls, resin and gemstones, Ming Yu Wang’s jewelry is affordable and combines ease of use with quality. Her custom fine jewelry is made in Midtown New York, while the demi-fine pieces are crafted in Thailand.

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aipei-born Ming Yu, who immigrated with her family to Vancouver, discovered she loved to craft things at high school.

One of her teachers sparked her interest in fashion and sewing. “I would finish my lunch quickly and head over to sew, and make puffer jackets and dresses. I made a wedding gown by age 14,” shares the designer.

Her fascination with fashion subsequently led her to the Fashion Institute of Technology (FIT) in New York. “I moved here with my husband now — boyfriend then — so, it was really nice that we actually came here together. He was here for a job and I came over to study. We’ve been here for over 20 years. I love it here in New York.”

Ming Yu worked in the apparel industry, interning at Liz Claiborne where she was soon hired full-time. “I did activewear for a while and then did Liz Golf. Later, I designed cut-andsew knits, sweater knits as well.” She dabbled in many different divisions in the two years that she was with the company, before moving to DKNY Jeans to work with the brand for a year.

“Apparel was more disposable — and the huge amount of clothing that was being produced bothered me,” she reflects. It made her seek out something more sustainable and long lasting.

She yearned to be more creative and follow her passion as a designer: so, she gave up fabric and chose to work with metal instead. She started taking in-person classes from individual jewelers in 2010 to learn how to construct jewelry. As Ming Yu honed her skills, she began working with sterling silver and recycled brass. “Sterling silver is traditionally considered demi-fine but can still be passed down generations,” she observes. “My mom and my grandmom saved up their jewelry, and those were not made in precious metal. And that’s what triggered my transition into jewelry.”

The concepts of draping fabric and how to connect a material’s shape and form to the body became the foundation to her jewelry design.

Her understating of folds, layers, silhouettes and volume served her well. “I applied the same principles to structuring the metal,” adds Ming Yu. Folding and building with wax, she explored what the material might lend itself to. “There is a whole different process afterwards — shaping, cleaning, polishing and refining the piece.”

Stone setting is almost like embellishment, she remarks, and is “quite labor intensive.” Initially, she used semi-precious stones like lapis lazuli, tiger’s eye, onyx liberally in her collection and zeroed in on resin as a good fit for the price range

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she had in mind. “The resin I use in my pieces is imported from Switzerland and these are more eco-friendly durable versions,” she adds.

Ming Yu decided to gradually phase out pieces made in recycled brass. She was aware that brass — being a heavily alloyed material with copper, tin, silver etc. — made it nearly impossible to recycle it 100 per cent and in the way she wanted to. “In order to do that, every single alloy in the mix such as copper and tin also needs to be refined and recycled.”

Now the designer only uses recycled sterling silver (925) as the base metal for all her pieces. Recycling sterling is easier and desirable, she notes. “I work with a family friend, who has a factory in Thailand. They have been in business for around 40 years. They specialize in manufacturing with sterling silver. Additionally, they have an inhouse refinery and are also certified,” says Ming Yu, who has visited the factory many times to oversee production.

Inspired by Taipei Her debut series was a nod to the 80s: futuristic, bold looking, and gender-neutral forms shaped the collection.

When she started her jewelry brand in 2013, it took off and Ming Yu got into cool retailers at that time. Elaborating on her inspirations from the eighties, she points out the specifics: “the loose clothes, shoulder pads, oversized accessories and handbags. That really set my tone in life. I always go back to the 80s for design inspiration. It’s just so clean and the silhouettes are so defined.” Meanwhile, her architectural inspirations stem from structures in Taiwan and Taipei that embody minimalism with bold panels and simple forms. “A lot of buildings were made during the post-war and that had a huge impact visually for me,” says the designer, who uses see-through smoky quartz in her wearables to mimic the glass buildings in Taipei.

Ming Yu shares her many amazing memories of weekly gatherings with her uncles, aunties, and her grandparents. “Those nights were so wonderful. Everyone came in their best outfits; it was nothing glamorous because it was post-war. Yet, they were all so stylish, including their hairpieces, jewelry and very beautifully structured outfits,” she adds. “The TV would be on and the food flowed. And they would play mahjong all night long.”

Ming Yu has even referenced mahjong tiles in some of her designs.

She prefers to use cultivated freshwater pearls to accent several of her creations as an ode to her culture, as well as empower the narrative of her graphic style. These pearls, she explains, are sourced by the factory I work with in Thailand; they ensure it is acquired from farms that practice sustainable farming. “I strive to be sustainable,” says Ming Yu, who brings her reveries to life with a fun-loving vibe.  4

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ANANYA

Launches Magnificent Jewels - Volume 3 High Jewelry Collection | BY FELICITY CARTER

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eet ANANYA Magnificent Jewels: Volume 3 -an ode to the jasmine flower, the third volume of ANANYA Magnificent Jewels is made up of eight highly unique pieces crafted from 18k rose and white gold with a mix of pink sapphires, emeralds, rubies and diamonds and mother-of-pearl; each beautifully represent matchless craftsmanship, design, and culture aplenty.

Synonymous with the celebration of womanhood, the Mogra flower is a significant representation of goddess-like divinity in Hindi culture, and each of the jewelry pieces channels the bloom’s spirit and symbolism, that’s brought to life in compelling and contemporary silhouettes. A sequel to ANANYA Magnificent Jewels Volumes 1 and 2, each Ananya high jewelry collection becomes a keystone in its archive of one-of-a-kind designs.

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BROCHU WALKER Collaborates with Celebrity Stylist Jamie Mizrahi

Brochu Walker, the California-based label brought to you by Karine Dubner, is known for its oh-soquiet luxury vibes and right in time for autumn, has announced its debut collaboration: Brochu Walker x Jamie Mizrahi

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rominent celebrity stylist who works with the likes of Jennifer Lawrence, Adele, Kate Hudson, Nicole Richie, and Riley Keough, among others, Mizrahi brings her contemporary styling vision to a tight 5-look edit from the brand’s AW24 line, having been drawn to the brand story, its use of considered, luxurious fabrics, and its approach to sustainability; she says, “What Brochu Walker embodies, the clothing and the overall aesthetic is very in line with my personal style; it’s the timelessness, the use of fine materials, the ethos of the brand.”

Coming at it from a shared perspective and love for quality, timeless clothing, the edit includes a mix of ready-to-wear, footwear, fine jewellery, as well as accessories, that all come together to perfectly channel this shared ethos – think monochromatic pairings, vegan leather trousers, and a cool modern version of the Western boot.

Dubner says, “first and foremost, Jamie Mizrahi and Brochu Walker share a unique style point of view. We both believe that dressing is deeply personal and should be driven by a woman’s individual lifestyle rather than trend and that the pieces women choose should be quiet yet sophisticated with an emphasis on detail, luxurious materials, and craftsmanship. At the very core of both of our values is understated elegance, refined simplicity and ultimately an effortless quality that redefines chic.”

The “Brochu Walker Presented by Jamie Mizrahi” capsule collaboration is exclusively available online at BrochuWalker.com.

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L‘AGENCE‘s

Sumptuous Fall Collection: Into the Woods

| BY FELICITY CARTER

Founded in 2008 by Jeff Rudes, Margaret Maldonado and Ron Herman, L’AGENCE began with early roots in Hollywood and a devout following of high-profile celebrities and their stylists. Informed by the easy chic feel of Southern California with a Parisian sensibility, the collections evoke a spirit of sultry glamour through vibrant colors, bold prints, and timeless silhouettes that complement the jet-setter lifestyle; and perfectly epitomizing this is this season’s fall collection.

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ebuted in February where L’AGENCE transformed Gotham Hall into a forest of textures for New York Fashion Week, there was a mystical essence about the line, aptly entitled ‘Into the Woods.’

“There are strong, emotional pieces threaded throughout the collection — the lace bralette and skirt, the red sequin dress and bolero jacket,” says fashion director Tara Rudes-Dann.

“She feels sexy and daring. She has arrived.”

A strong presence of true black anchors the collection, accentuated by shades of dark port, hints of deep olive, and arrowwood gold. Signature roses and tapestry-inspired prints also feature, to give a rich, baroque feel to the line. The collection stays true to its roots with a uniform of uncomplicated, cool, polish, and as such, expect tailored suits, perfectly fitted jeans, and an expanded selection of outerwear for the season.

“Simplicity, elegance, and glamour speak throughout the collection,” says Rudes-Dann. “It has a sense of an easy chic feel in rich fabrics with an emphasis on fit.”

L’AGENCE, recognized and loved for its denim offering, continues to invent new possibilities for this everyday fabric by experimenting with crystal, pearl, and stone embellishments on denim jackets, skirts, and skinny jeans to give a little je ne sais quoi.

This season also introduced lavish velvet corduroy fabrication, alongside sequin sets, tweeds, and lace for a sumptuous and stylish collection.

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LILYSILK Cashmere Cowl Neck Sweater | Meticulously tailored to perfection, this cashmere slim-fit silhouette dons ribbed cuffs and a cowl turtleneck.

Available in white and safari green, it’s the perfect basic piece for all seasons, and particularly great for layering during the colder months.

Polo Ralph Lauren CableKnit Wool and Alpaca-Blend Turtleneck Sweater ‘Tis the season for a rich red, and so, cue this bold, candy-red shade. The Polo Ralph Lauren sweater is made from chunky cable-knit wool and alpacablend and has a relaxed shape, team with your favorite pair of jeans.

Arch4 Whistler Fair Isle Intarsia-Knit Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater | An exclusive to NET-APORTER, this sweater from Arch4 is named after the scenic Canadian skiing destination, Whistler. Perfect post ski, it’s made from cozy cashmere with a folksy Fair Isle pattern, complete with a turtleneck, hem and ribbed cuffs or warmth.

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Victoria Beckham Layered Wool-Blend and Cotton-Blend Turtleneck Sweater | An elevated take on a turtleneck, Victoria Beckham’s sweater is designed with a finely knitted turtleneck underneath for a super-chic, layered look. It’s spun from soft wool-blend and cotton-blend with a cropped ribbed hem and has a widespread collar.

Loro Piana Jacquard-Knit Cashmere Turtleneck Sweater | Made from soft, naturally insulating cashmere and jacquard-knitted with a Fair Isleinspired motif, this turtleneck from Loro Piana is the perfect sweater for when the temperature drops.

ROLL NECK JUMPERS FOR FALL Now the chiller months are upon us, nothing says fall dressing quite like a classic roll neck or turtleneck jumper. From fine merino to cashmere pieces, here are some picks for the season.

Brunello Cucinelli Paneled Jacquard-Knit Wool and Cashmere-Blend and MohairBlend Turtleneck Sweater Another exclusive to NET-APORTER. Brunello Cucinelli is known for its fine clothing, including this sweater that’s made from panels of fluffy mohair-blend, jacquard-knitted wool, complete with a wintry Fair Isle-inspired motif.

DL1961 Black Long Sleeve Turtleneck | Brought to you by denim experts, DL1961, this Long Sleeve Turtleneck is a fully-fashioned, fitted sweater with a slim sleeve. Combining traditional craftsmanship with modern technology, the brand uses knitting machines to shape garments without cutting fabric; an intricate process and attention to detail results in a polished finish while minimizing waste, making it the most sustainable option when it comes to knitwear.

Barbour Helen Fair isle Roll-Neck Jumper | A staple for the autumn winter months, this classic fair isle knitted jumper from British brand Barbour is made from a wool-blend, and the design features an oversized rollneck for additional comfort. Pair with jeans, kick back and relax. | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | NOV/DEC 2024

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AUDEMARS PIGUET A New Forged Carbon Makes its debut in The Royal Oak Concept Collection

| BY FELICITY CARTER

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he 43 mm Royal Oak Concept Split-Seconds Chronograph GMT Large Date takes on a fresh new look with an innovative black forged carbon case middle featuring blue luminescent pigments. Created in Audemars Piguet’s R&D workshops using the Chroma Forged Technology (CFT), this non-porous carbon offers a new aesthetic with subtle touches of color, while providing unprecedented resistance to humidity, heat and shocks.

The ultra-light two-tone forged carbon case middle is complemented by a black ceramic bezel, crown, push-pieces and caseback and enhanced by a dark architectural dial with electric blue accents.

This futuristic timepiece was revealed during a special event at Monti in Singapore. Over 150 guests, including American singer-songwriter Eric Nam, Thai actor Tawan, Olympic judoka Teddy Riner, and influencer Georges Maroun Kikano partied late into the night as international DJ, Stephen Day, spun a smooth blend of electro, house, and hip-hop.

A HIGH-TECH MATERIAL After an absence of eight years at Audemars Piguet, forged carbon is making its grand return in the new Royal Oak Concept Split-Seconds Chronograph GMT Large Date model. The new CFT carbon, which combines lightness with resistance to shocks, heat and humidity, was developed in-house by the R&D teams

over a period of five years. Its manufacturing process is now protected by a patent.

Unlike previous generations of carbon, Audemars Piguet’s Chroma Forged Technology (CFT) makes it possible to color the carbon fibers directly instead of the resin and arrange them as desired in the component produced, opening up new creative possibilities. Its lower resin content compared to traditional forged carbon makes it less susceptible to scratches.

A HIGH-TECH MOVEMENT - EASY TO USE This timepiece houses the self-winding Caliber 4407, a feat of mechanical and industrial engineering that combines flyback chronograph, split-seconds, GMT and a large date. Launched in 2023, it is based on the Manufacture’s latest-generation integrated flyback chronograph, Caliber 4401, released in 2019 in the Code 11.59

by Audemars Piguet collection. Despite its horological complexity, this movement has been designed to marry ergonomics and simplicity of use.

“This new CFT carbon is testament to our teams’ expertise and to the endless quest for innovation that has driven Audemars Piguet since its inception in 1875. It also opens up new creative horizons, promising many surprises for Haute Horlogerie enthusiasts in the years to come,” says Ilaria Resta, Chief Executive Officer, Audemars Piguet. 

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THE RM 65-01 MCLAREN AUTOMATIC SPLIT-SECONDS CHRONOGRAPH Richard Mille’s fourth creation from its collaboration with British Supercar Maker McLaren | BY FELICITY CARTER

Richard Mille reveals its fourth creation to emerge from its collaboration - on-going since 2016 - with the celebrated British supercar maker McLaren: the RM 65-01 McLaren Automatic Split-Seconds Chronograph W1.

The new McLaren W1 supercar that inspired the RM 65-01 McLaren W1 is the ground-breaking successor to two of the greatest supercars ever – the McLaren F1 (1992) and McLaren P1TM (2013) – and elevates the McLaren ‘1’ car lineage to new heights in every aspect of performance.

The brief for the RM 65-01 McLaren W1 required the watch to reflect the cutting edge, high-performance features of the car in terms of its shape, materials and functionality as well as the ‘engine’ that powers it. This development highlights the shared values that has simulated the partnership: pushing the boundaries of performance, driven by passion and human interaction.

THE ULTIMATE POWERPLANT FOR THE ULTIMATE DRIVING WATCH Richard Mille chose to power the RM 65-01

McLaren W1 with its most high-performance automatic chronograph movement, the RMAC4 that beats at an appropriately high speed of 5Hz or 36,000 vibrations per hour.

This high rate of oscillation enables the split-seconds chronograph caliber to record elapsed times down to just one tenth of a second, while the movement’s vertical clutch and the two six-column wheels ensure precise and ultra-smooth activation of the chronograph.

Also on the theme of speed, the RM 65-01 McLaren W1 ’s movement (which sits on chassis mounting rubbers instead of being secured by a conventional casing ring) features a ‘rapid winding’ system which enables the 60-hour power reserve to be fully charged in little time using the special pusher made from orange Quartz TPT®.

And, in-keeping with McLaren’s “performance everywhere” principle ensuring that the W1 is the ultimate supercar, the RM 65-01 McLaren W1 is also perfect for daily use thanks to both the built-in robustness of the 480-part movement and its variable geometry winding rotor that can be adjusted to the wearer’s lifestyle.

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The view through the crystal enables the grey electroplasma treatment of the grade 5 titanium baseplate to be fully appreciated, along with the black PVD and grey electroplasma treated grade 5 titanium bridges.

Regarding the development of the RM 65-01 caliber, Salvador Arbona, Technical Director for Movements at Richard Mille, said: ‘This project perfectly illustrates Richard Mille’s philosophy of constantly pushing technical boundaries to create innovative watches that include the latest watchmaking developments with a functional, practical and high-performance approach.’

BESPOKE BODYWORK – THE RM 6501 McLAREN W1: A WATCH LIKE NO OTHER Just as the McLaren W1 is engineered to be the marque’s most focused and advanced supercar to date, so the watch that complements it is among the most technically complex of all Richard Mille’s ‘Racing Machines on the Wrist’.

Wrapping around the automatic split-seconds chronograph movement of the watch just as the

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W1’s swooping bodywork cocoons its engine and occupants, the 43.84 x 49.94 x 16.19 mm Carbon TPT® case of the RM 65-01 McLaren W1 was inspired by the car’s design features.

In 2022 the Richard Mille creative team, directed by Cécile Guenat, Creative and Development Director, was given exclusive access to the first clay mock-ups of the W1 in order to take inspiration from its shape – and determined that a view of the car from above would be the starting point.

The W1’s striking design which is built around the unique McLaren “aero-cell” architecture gave rise to the RM 65-01 McLaren W1’s indented ‘double’ bezel which posed one of the greatest technical challenges in the development of the watch.

Drawing from the W1’s compact and muscular shape, high waist line and anhedral door, the Carbon TPT® bezel sits upon a satin-finished and polished grade 5 titanium second bezel, showcasing advanced engineering. Its curves reveal the Carbon TPT® caseband, adding depth and emphasizing the watch’s contours. It required nine months of work

during which eight prototype designs were experimented with.

The bezel upper part is a mere five tenths of a millimeter thick at its thinnest point– the equivalent of five Post-It notes – making it the thinnest bezel Richard Mille has ever produced.

The Brand also developed a new skeletonized titanium dial design based on the McLaren’s wheel rim patterns and subtly highlighting details with colors that are synonymous with the marque, evoking the feel of a supercar dashboard and more importantly, enhance the practicality of the watch in use.

DRIVING DYNAMICS Being a true driver’s watch, the RM 65-01 McLaren W1 features the celebrated ‘function selector’ crown which operates along the lines of a transmission selector by giving the option to choose between three different positions W for “Winding”, D for “Date” or H for “Hand-Setting”.

The crown, specifically designed for the RM 65-01 McLaren W1 and based on the splines seen on the W1’s drive shafts, is made from

grade 5 titanium with a partial, easy-to-grip rubber coating in McLaren papaya orange and a tip adorned with the McLaren ‘Speedmark’.

Wheel rim details also inspired the shape of the chronograph pushers and rapid winding button, all of which are mounted on exquisitely crafted titanium frames based on the cut-outs seen in the lightweight seats typically used in McLaren supercars.

The aerodynamic angles of the foils and ducts found on the W1’s engine cover and ground-effect spoilers are reflected in patterns seen on the papaya orange rubber strap, while turning the watch over and looking through the sapphire crystal case back reveals the superbly-finished movement.

The RM 65-01 Automatic Split-Seconds Chronograph McLaren W1: A horological manifestation of the desire shared by Richard Mille and McLaren not merely to break records - but to break new ground.

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5 BEST WELLNESS RETREATS IN CALIFORNIA | BY JARONE ASHKENAZI

Long associated as the mecca of health, fitness and inner peace, California offers some truly luxe wellness retreats to recharge your body, mind and spirit. Whether it is along the Pacific Ocean or nestled in the beautiful mountain ranges of the Golden State, retreats can be found across the state, offering truly indulgent wellness experiences. Each offering their own unique viewpoint on holistic wellness, they combine everything from a traditional fitness vacation, spa treatments, nutritious cuisine and thought-provoking lectures for a wholesome experience. So if you are looking to hit the reset button and escape to become a better you, here are some of the best wellness retreats in California.

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CAL-A-VIE HEALTH SPA Cal-a-Vie is a European-style destination health spa nestled away on over 500 private acres in Vista, California, just north of San Diego. Offering a luxe and intimate self-care hideaway, the property is home to 32 private villas and an adjoining Country Club with an 18-hole golf course designed by Ted Robinson Sr. Offering a five-to-one staff to guest ratio, the spa is centered around the concepts of fitness, health and nutrition and presents experiences designed for the mind, body and spirit. The French Provencal-style retreat offers a range of packages which include healthy cuisine, spa treatments and wellness programming. Guests who visit the spa can choose to focus their stay on everything from weight loss, fitness, nutrition, or mental well-being with three, four- and seven-night spa vacation packages. Each package includes over 160 fitness classes, hiking, beauty and spa treatments, mind-body awareness programs, lectures, guest speakers and accommodations. Starting rate for a three night package is $5,300 and the health spa will debut three new six-bedroom villas in the fall.

GOLDEN DOOR Opened in 1958 as the first destination spa in North America, Golden Door has been a haven creating individualized programs for a healthier lifestyle for its guests in order to take a deep look into their mind/ body/spirit connection. Taking inspiration from the Japanese ryokan, guests enter the secluded property through two golden doors and are greeted with pristine landscaping across 600 acres. From fitness classes, spa treatments, workshops and more, they customized each guests’ stay where no two programs are ever the same. Guests are easily able to relax, restore and refresh to transform their minds, body and souls on a focused journey. From their exclusive partnership with Biologique Recherche at the spa to new programming such as transformational breathwork classes and sound healing, their healthy food program focuses on seasonal produce and balanced meals that make you feel energized. Through industry-leading group discussions and personalized 1:1 sessions, focusing on not only indulging you during your stay, but on providing the tools for inner reflection, healthy eating, and fitness so that you create long lasting effects to take away with you when you finally have to leave. Their program runs seven-nights and costs $11,950.00 and includes all food and beverages, a list of extensive treatments offered daily along with a daily in-room massage.

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FOUR SEASONS HOTEL WESTLAKE VILLAGE Set amidst 11 acres of exotic gardens, the seven-story hotel features 269 rooms and 39 guest suites, along with the largest spa in the Four Seasons portfolio at 40,000 sq. ft. In between Los Angeles and Santa Barbara’s wine country and a short drive from Malibu’s famed beaches, the urban retreat is home to the Center for Health & Wellbeing which incorporates nutrition, fitness and movement, medically sound data, as well as spa and healing therapies. Guests can choose from three retreats (Optimum Performance, Spa & Beauty and Sustainable Weight Loss) and begin the first steps to achieving their individual goals. Each retreat affords guests one 60-minute spa treatment, one private health consultation with CURE Medical, all meals and snacks along with daily fitness classes and unlimited access to the spa and fitness center. Guests can add on a-la-care services through their advanced medical services which include options like a target heart rate assessment, private mental fitness consultation, more than 100 different spa services and CURE Medical IV drips. Their retreats start at $3,999/person and also include guided hikes through Malibu and the Santa Monica Mountains.

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THE RANCH MALIBU Set amidst picturesque landscapes of the Santa Monica Mountains and perched on 200 acres of rugged coastline, The Ranch Malibu offers structured wellness programs designed to rejuvenate your body and mind. The serene haven offers a six-night minimum (along with an eight-night, private and multi-week option) structured wellness program for a total reset of mind and body. Limited to 25 guests, guests will partake in morning hikes to afternoon fitness to yoga classes to daily massage. Blending indoor and outdoor living, the property features 21 private guest cottages along with The Barn (gym), Massage Village, an outdoor pool, jacuzzi and cold plunge.

During their stay guests are presented with an organic, plant-based diet featuring produce from their certified organic garden. The program allows guests to connect with nature’s healing elements along with experiencing more unique modalities including a mid-week, 60-minute sound bath as well as a weekly cooking demonstration and an array of health services and treatments, including IV therapy, cholesterol testing, energy healing, cupping, and infrared and cryotherapy saunas. | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | NOV/DEC 2024

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WE CARE SPA The 20-acre desert oasis in Palm Springs, is centered around the core principles that everyone has the potential to rediscover the joy of healthy living through guided fasting and holistic spa treatments. Along with 40+ spa treatments, daily nutrition and yoga classes, evening sound baths and weekly fire ceremonies, guests will partake in the We Care Cleanse which features a nutritive fast with twelve different teas, pressed juices, shakes, soups and water. Designed to combat toxins, sick cells and stress, the Cleanse along with breathwork, meditation, and mindfulness are geared to reset emotional blockages and poor diets. We Care Spa now features 28 accommodations, each with deep soaking tubs and a range of amenities across a rich landscape of bougainvillea, lemon groves, statues of Hindu and Buddhist traditions, large crystals and shaded meditation gardens. The desert oasis is a safe haven for guests to indulge in the many spa treatments, partake in group classes and learn from facilitators on how to create and maintain a holistic life in all areas, including mind, body and spirit. Retreat options start at $2,019 for two nights, $5,049 for five nights and $6,149 for seven nights.

CANYON RANCH WOODSIDE A short 30-minute drive from San Francisco and Silicon Valley, the all-inclusive retreat is set amidst 16-acres of the Redwood forested hills of Woodside, California. Providing the backdrop for guests to connect on a deeper level, grow and be surrounded by an immersive wellness experience, the quiet enclave has the ability to host up to 38 guests across 24 luxury treehouses and 14 guest rooms. Covered on all sides by large redwood trees, their curated retreat program provides guests a stress-free vacation centered around nourishment of the body, mind and spirit. Encouraging guests to unplug, the resort offers over 35 daily mind-body activities along with wellness presentations and workshops along with an indoor saline pool and whirlpool, boutique spa with five treatment rooms, state-of-the-art fitness facility and delicious cuisine served at the Hideaway and The Hearth. You are able to choose from a Personal Discovery Pathway to pursue an intention you are wanting to work on with tailored services from: Spa & Beauty, Fitness & Movement, Mind & Spirit and also partake in off-property outdoor adventures like mountain biking and kayaking. | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | NOV/DEC 2024

YOUR PORTAL TO THE WORLD OF LUXURY w w w. u p s c a l e l i v i n g m a g . c o m

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ICELAND‘S STUNNING OCEANFRONT GEOTHERMAL LAGON INTRODUCES SKJOL

SKY LAGOON | BY JARONE ASHKENAZI

“It’s a shelter from the storm and a moment of piece in the hectic rhythm of life””

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short 13-minute drive from the city-center Reykjavik brings guests to a serene location where sea meets the sky. Since 2021, Sky Lagoon, an experience by Pursuit, has welcomed visitors to embark on a journey of the senses in their geothermal lagoon. Built to embrace Icelandic heritage and nature, the oceanfront geothermal lagoon expanded its services by introducing Skjól, a seven-step re-imagined ritual.

Celebrating the essence of Icelandic bathing culture, this new experience lets you literally dive into Iceland’s bathing culture and have a wellness journey that will last you a lifetime.

The incredible oceanfront geothermal lagoon provides an unobstructed 230-ft infinity edge

which blends into the ocean landscape. Sourced from natural hot water deep below the earth’s surface, the 50,000-sf geothermal lagoon was inspired by Icelandic geography and its turf houses. Below its moss roof, the lagoon is home to two changing rooms - Sér (private) and Saman (public) - the swim-up Gelmir Bar, the Keimur Café and the Smakk Bar, a restaurant that serves food inspired by Iceland’s traditional dishes.

Outside though is where the magic begins.

Paying homage to ancient rituals, guests are immersed in a transformative journey, to connect with the raw elements of Iceland. Skjól, a seven-step ritual now included for all guests and “is more than just a word; it’s a shelter

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from the storm and a moment of peace in the hectic rhythm of life,” says Helga Albertsdottir, Managing Director, Sky Lagoon. “It provides a sanctuary for all guests to experience while they are on their Sky Lagoon journey.” This circular journey starts and ends in the lagoon and leads all on a path of rejuvenation.

After a quick shower, the warm waters of the lagoon beckon you with an eerie but inviting fog above. The first step of the ritual which is ancient as the land itself quickly eases any nerves while you are presented with a stunning landscape beyond. While relaxing in the soothing warm waters of the Laug (lagoon) and enjoying up to three drinks (a maximum by

TR AV E L

Icelandic bathing laws), visitors are surrounded by gray walls built to mirror the basalt and volcanic terroir of the area. The first step of the transformative journey makes way to Kuldi (cold), their cold plunge (they advise to stay for at least 10 seconds) before stepping into the newly expanded Turf House for the remaining five steps. After dipping in the 50-53°F degree water, the expanded experience continues with Ylur (warmth) which features two sauna rooms, featuring the largest single-pane glass window in Iceland.

Following immersion in heat and scenery in one of their saunas, you walk to a beautifully designed angled room with a large boulder above.

This open-air space sprays cold water from misters above allowing guests to be one with nature and the coldness that surrounds Iceland.

With Súld (drizzle) your body is revitalized and begins to feel resilient, the backbone of Icelandic culture. Now it’s time for Mýkt (softness) where you exfoliate your skin with their signature body scrub and slowly feel the enlivening effects before wrapping yourself in Gufa (steam) in their steam room to allow your skin to absorb and maximize the hydrating benefits of the scrub.

For the last part of the ritual, the Saft (juice) elixir is infused with krækiber (crowberries) that thrive in the lava fields and stimulate the palate after your body has been restored.

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Open seven days a week, Sky Lagoon can cater up to 350 visitors per day and will afford visitors the opportunities to relax, reset and experience a one-of-a-kind ritual that is, “both uniquely Icelandic and universally appealing, and with Skjól, Sky Lagoon honors the past while offering a sanctuary or the present,” concluded Albertsdottir. Prices start at ISK 10,490 (USD $ 77.00) per person. 

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R EAL E STATE

Elevated Living Atop

PENDRY’S FIRST FLORIDA HOTEL

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R EAL E STATE

| BY ELISA MCKENZIE

Construction continues on luxury residences along the Tampa Riverwalk

P

endry Hotels & Resorts, in partnership with Two Roads Development, continues to experience unprecedented sales activity at its newest residential development on the Tampa Riverwalk. Situated beside this 2.4-mile waterfront pathway, Pendry Residences Tampa offers private condominiums atop a stylish hotel. A refined expression of the polished comfort and contemporary luxury of the esteemed Montage Hotels & Resorts lineage, Pendry Tampa offers unrivaled amenities and a renowned culture of hospitality, amid one of the nation’s hottest downtowns.

Exceptional amenities and globally renowned service Owners at Pendry Residences Tampa appreciate an unprecedented living experience including unique and thoughtful dining concepts, a rooftop pool, Spa Pendry, an elite fitness center, and stunning social lounges and guest suites. Personalized services by the dedicated staff embrace everything from in-Residence dining and chef catered events to specialty provisioning, gift wrapping and pet walking. Residents also enjoy travel privileges that extend to Montage Hotels & Resorts and Pendry Hotels & Resorts around the world in existing and planned locations like Park City, Manhattan and the Caribbean.

On the Tampa Riverwalk

Ranked among the most vibrant urban waterfront environments in the nation, downtown Tampa is brimming with exciting new destinations for nightlife, dining, and championship sports. It’s all within a short stroll, river taxi or trolley ride from home.

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R EAL E STATE

situated on the Tampa Riverwalk with Curtis Hixon Waterfront Park, Straz Center for the Performing Arts, Tampa Museum of Art, and Florida Museum of Photographic Arts at its doorstep. The central location is also convenient to the area’s finest attractions, including world-famous Gulf beaches, the airport, and top-rated centers of healthcare, education, and employment.

A peerless pedigree of design

This signature showpiece is a masterstroke of architectural brilliance, conceived by the visionary Bernardo Fort-Brescia, founding principal of Miami’s trailblazing firm, Arquitectonica. Known for igniting a modernist revival that redefined Miami’s urban aesthetic, Fort-Brescia’s bold approach continues to inspire awe.

The interiors of Pendry Residences Tampa will be an exquisite expression of luxury, crafted by the renowned Italian designer Alessandro

Munge of Toronto’s Studio Munge. With a portfolio of award-winning projects in the world’s most coveted locales, Munge brings an unparalleled elegance and sophistication to this landmark.

Elevated luxury living with exhilarating views

Ascending to the highest floors of the glasslined tower, Pendry Residences Tampa is where luxury living reaches new heights.

With the south view overlooking the majestic bay, the vistas are endless and nothing less than breathtaking. These fully-serviced, designer-appointed Residences boast one-to-three-bedroom floorplans, featuring expansive floor-to-ceiling windows and private terraces for dining, relaxing and entertaining.

Owners experience exclusivity with a private lobby and elevator, along with an exquisite rooftop pool and lounge overlooking the city and bay. The dedicated staff is attuned

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to meeting every need, from theater tickets to home care, ensuring the ease of turn-key ownership whether owners are in-Residence or miles away. Embraced by a renowned culture of service, steps from the arts and culture of a vibrant metropolis, Pendry Residences Tampa is where contemporary luxury resides.

Pendry Residences Tampa Starting from $1.7M Schedule a Private Appointment PendryResidencesTampa.com 813-670-7187

AT HOME WITH

JODI BERGER | BY HELÉNE RAMACKERS

As an interior designer, Jodi Berger knew exactly what she wanted to create the most stylish and comfortable home for herself and her family.

Jodi, please tell us a bit about yourself.

I was born and raised in Potomac, Maryland and have always been in love with design. As a little girl, I would always find myself drawing my dream house on paper and loved organizing my room. I ended up going to the University of Florida for Interior Design and worked for a few interior designers before going out on my own. I started out in NYC and then moved back to my hometown about six years ago with my husband and dog. We now have

two daughters aged 1 and 3 and live in the neighborhood next to where I grew up! I have a team of 6, including myself, and we are all type A creatives who are beyond passionate about our projects.

Did you have an influence in your youth that shaped your career path?

I wish I could say I did …. I was always influenced by my friends’ houses growing up and loved going to new homes to see what was inside. With my curiosity and interest in interiors, architecture and furnishings I knew I wanted to be an interior designer. Architecture school was hard - I used to call it Archi-torture, but I was determined and having an architectural background has made me an even better designer.

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Please tell us more about your home.

This was the first home my husband and I purchased after renting for several years and moving every couple of years. I was SO excited to make this house ours and place to showcase my work. We renovated our kitchen and primary bath, and laid new flooring in the lower level, foyer and mudroom. The wood floors were sanded and stained a much lighter shade and millwork was refinished.

You have your own full-service boutique interior architecture and design studio. Did you opt to do your home’s own interior design?

Yes of course! My firm and I did all of the design, drawings, and selections.

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How would you best describe your design style?

We design for our client and really can do anything, but I would say I am best known for my classic and timeless designs with a unique twist depending on the client we are designing for. We pride ourselves in our unique designs and don’t like repeating for clients. Everyone’s home should be designed for that specific homeowner and furnishings are selected to enhance function and efficiency in our clients lives. That is so important!

Function and fashion.

Where/what/who inspires your design style?

We get inspiration from everywhere.

Instagram and Pinterest mainly. I also love flipping through design magazines. I will always enjoy that!

How do you keep things fresh and new in terms of decorating?

As a design team we make sure that we get to the design center and meet with our vendors at least once a month.

We always update our library with the current lines and make sure discontinued fabrics and materials that we have had bad experiences with in the past are out. We love finding different ways to add special details to a design to make it stand out.

Is there a specific color you are drawn to in interior design?

I am equally drawn to light and bright spaces as well as moody and dark. It’s all about layers, depth, texture and how a space is designed.

Do you believe in repurposing?

Always! We love reupholstering or refinishing an important piece of furniture that clients don’t love anymore but have a history with. We love seeing it look like a brand new piece of furniture! We always find value in meaningful pieces.

Which part of your home is you favorite?

I love every part of my home. It is livable, vibrant and cohesive with lots of

texture and color throughout. Each space tells its own story but the colors and vibe flows throughout. I specifically love my formal living room - I was able to have fun in this room with a dark and moody ceiling, custom shaped area rug and textured tweed wallpaper.

In which part of your home do you spend the most time?

Definitely the family room. We have the comfiest, oversized sectional that we all love to lay on. There is a playroom connected to the family room so my daughters can easily go back and forth on their own. The space is open to the kitchen and playroom, cozy and warm.

We love it!

May I please ask who you share your home with? As an expert in your field, were/are you open to design suggestions from them, especially your child(ren)?

I live with my husband, our two daughters and dog. My daughters were too young to have an opinion when we did the main house and their bedrooms.

Now, if I asked my three-year-old what she wanted today she would want everything red I would pretend to ask my husband for his opinion but at the end of the day, it was up to me. However, my husband definitely proved to be my toughest client!

Do you have any designers that inspire you?

So many!! I have so much respect for other designers, knowing what goes on in their daily world and truly find inspiration from so many. Instagram is a great social network to get in touch with other designers and see what they are working on. One of my favorite designers from my childhood is Kelly Wearstler. The boldness and edginess of her designs have always caught my attention. She uses unexpected materials and shapes and I have always been a big admirer of her work. https://jladesignsllc.com/

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H HOME T TRENDS

Amazing Alpine Dresser

Beautiful Belsize Bed

HOM E T Exquisite Eden Daybed

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Opulent Olive Waterfall Ottoman

H HOME T TRENDS

Sensational Somerset L-Shaped Sectional

Sensational Somerset L-Shaped Sectional

TRE N D S Sensational Somerset L-Shaped Sectional

The Gorgeous Creations of Una Malan, perfect elegance and simplicity | BY HELÉNE RAMACKERS

Sensational Somerset L-Shaped Sectional

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AAHA STUDIO Universal in Design | BY HELÉNE RAMACKERS

Architects Harper Halprin and Aaron Leshtz have found common ground in their love for creating the most exceptional homes for their clients.

Harper and Aaron, tell us a bit about yourselves.

We both grew up in Southern California – Harper in Beverly Hills and Orange County, Aaron in the valley. We both stayed in the LA area for undergraduate architecture school, meeting on the first day of school at USC. Following graduation, a group of us decided to move to New York for our first jobs. The timing was a little precarious as it was 2008 and the financial crisis was just ramping up. We spent about five years there, learning and growing professionally, working for a few very high-end design firms. During our east coast stint, we certainly worked hard putting in plenty of long hours. We also played hard, exploring the east coast, taking some time off to get married, and eventually moved back to Los Angeles in 2013.

Did you have an influence in your youth that shaped your career path?

Aaron: I was always interested in how things were put together, which dovetailed nicely with a real passion for drawing. My grandfather, while not an architect, was quite handy around the house and was consistently helping my mom build or fix things around the house when he was in town. He had a love for engineering that I soaked up subconsciously as a kid. When you put all those things in a blender, top it off with a dash of Lego obsession, architecture was a foregone conclusion.

Harper: I was always thinking about how to change the spaces I inhabited. Bouncing around from room to room within my childhood home; painting the walls, designing and building furniture and getting creative with interior décor, I was constantly reimagining my surroundings. When I was very young, my mom worked at a firm that specialized in interior decoration, and some of my earliest memories as a kid were running around during their project installs. My love for problem solving and enjoying both practical solutions and creative thinking was really what delivered me to the profession. I don’t remember really making an official decision to do it, it was continually kind of in the back of my mind and I’m thankful I stuck it out as it really is more of a passion career than a job.

When did you start your firm, AAHA Studio?

Aaron: T he firm was informally started in mid-2015 by Harper. At 6 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | NOV/DEC 2024

the time she was doing freelance work for friends while pregnant with our oldest daughter. I encouraged her to put a quick website portfolio together to show off some of her past work. She posted it to Facebook and, not long after that, she was getting messages congratulating her on starting her own firm. The work continued to come in through word of mouth and I assisted on nights and weekends while working at a highend residential firm in Santa Monica. Eventually, that became unsustainable, and I joined full-time in the summer of 2017.

What and who inspires you?

Aaron: Passion, in any field, inspires me. When you see people who are really dedicated to the craft of what they’re doing, whether that’s building a product, creating art, refining a recipe, etc., it’s infectious. We have good friends in LA who design and build furniture. They relentlessly look for new and interesting ways to create forms and put those forms together in a practical, constructible way. When you get them talking about the minutiae of their design decisions, their eyes light up and you can really see the passion for what they’re doing come through - despite the rigors of running a business and parenting young kids, there is a love for their craft that is so apparent in what they do that it can’t help but be inspiring.

Harper: Learning and trying new things inspires me. Living with the entrepreneurial spirit at the core of my daily experience. I love meeting and chatting with people who are experts in their field. The way in which they enjoy finding new and creative ways to do things is beyond inspiring. Entrepreneurs are the pushers who get things done and enjoy the struggle. They get excited about tackling new things, always exploring, always learning. For me it’s about pushing boundaries, whether it be in executing a building detail or setting up a complex project or business.

What is the favorite part of your job?

Aaron: I like to problem solve on site during construction. You can’t anticipate every coordination issue or trade constraint when you’re working on paper. There’s something very freeing about seeing a physical problem in front of you and working through it in a very practical way with the people who are going to do the work.

Harper: I like that no two days are the same. I really enjoy being stretched and molded constantly, not being stagnate in what I’m doing.

One moment I may be talking to a potential client or reviewing a contract and the next I can be trying to figure out how to create a beautiful design within the constraints of a very limiting code section. It requires me to keep my brain working in a variety of different ways and keeps me

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on my toes!

You are both architects. If you have vastly different ideas when it comes to architecture, are you able to negotiate / solve it amicably?

For the most part we have similar ideas and understandings of architecture and design. Our tastes can certainly vary, and often do, but ultimately, we have a level of trust in each other’s sensibilities. If one of us sees something that the other may not, we trust that there’s probably a good reason for that. We’ve also been working alongside each other, in some capacity, for over twenty years so we have a shorthand and history that allows us to work through some of those differences in an efficient way.

How has technology improved the way in which you do business?

It has hugely improved the way we do business. For better or worse our entire process has become very digital. By implementing BIM software, specifically ArchiCAD, we’ve created a project workflow that is extremely collaborative and transparent with our clients. We no longer feel constrained to formal presentations, sign offs, or rigid phase structures because we’ve invited our clients into the process in a lot of ways. We’ll have in-person or Zoom client meetings where we are testing design ideas in 2D and 3D in real time. On top of all of the other efficiencies of BIM software, this has freed us up to keep projects continuously moving forward. Being able to send a client a link to an interactive 3D model is a huge shortcut to their understanding of the project. Oftentimes architects and designers have a very clear idea of what the project is in their head because they’re repetitively drawing or modeling it, but clients typically only see a few static images and floor plans and need to piece the project together in their mind a little bit. ArchiCAD and BimX have reduced a lot of that translation for us. As a small firm, we don’t always have the luxury of time to build a physical model, or have photo-realistic renderings done, so we rely on this collaborative, digital process.

You have done some exquisite projects. Has there been a favorite?

Our favorite projects are the ones where we get to touch a lot of different pieces of the project.

When we’re allowed the opportunity to do both the architecture and the interiors and even the furniture in some projects, there’s a holistic

identity and cohesion that develops. One of the first ground-up homes that we did as a studio was for a young family in Culver City - the Pickford Residence. This was originally meant to be a renovation, but after reviewing the existing conditions and having some hard conversations with the clients, it turned into a new house. The clients were very open to the design process and they were excited to have a little bit of fun with their home, which makes our experience that much more enjoyable. We were able to craft a flexible and functional family house for them at a time when our family was growing along with theirs. Every time we get to go through a project with clients who give themselves up to the design process and we get to work with them in such a prolonged and intimate fashion, it is hugely rewarding and a lot of fun!

Have there been projects you declined? If yes, why?

Declining projects is a part of running a business, but it never gets easier. Sometimes you must pass on a project due to time or staffing constraints, sometimes you must pass as it’s not a good fit between client and designer. One reason we may pass on a project is if clients are looking to do a quick set of plans for execution purposes. It doesn’t fit our business model, and we try to make sure what we offer and who we are as a studio is communicated from the beginning. But usually, the most common reason that we would pass on a project is because the client’s expectations are unrealistic. That could be for several reasons, the most common of which is that the desired scope doesn’t match the budget. They may have had a conversation with a contractor or another professional who tells them that what they want is feasible for what they want to spend, but too often that’s not the case. Very early on, we have a direct conversation with potential clients about their scope versus their budget and which one takes precedent. We can always match the scope of a project to a specific budget, if necessary, but if a client won’t adjust either of those things so that they align, then no matter what we do they’ll inevitably be disappointed and frustrated. Sometimes we must turn down a great project because of that misalignment and while it’s disappointing, it’s usually for the best for all parties. We are our client’s biggest advocates and confidants throughout a project and it’s

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beyond important we start on the same page.

We always say it’s like a mini-marriage, and in any marriage truth and honesty need to be at the core of the relationship.

Running a business as husband and wife sounds amazing, but when do you switch off or close the proverbial office door? Or is it advantageous to have a sounding board?

This question certainly cuts a little close to the bone. We wish we could say that we are better at purposefully turning off the office lights, so to speak, but running a small business can be a 24-hour-a-day job. Thankfully, we have built in pause buttons in the form of our four kids.

Homework, soccer practice, chasing toddlers, etc., force us to refocus our attention and be purposeful about where we direct it. Despite being partners in all aspects of our lives, we can often go days without sitting down and talking about work in a focused manner. Oddly enough, we find that long drives with kids sleeping in the back seat are sometimes the best opportunity to have big picture conversations.

What do you do for fun?

At our cores, we are social animals. We love to get dinner with friends, have people over for dinner parties (with or without kids), or take a stroll through a new neighborhood.

Exciting projects on the horizon?

We’re just starting on a project on the East Side of LA where we are afforded the opportunity to design thirteen, single-family homes on a culde-sac. This is a collaborative project working with another design architect out of Orange County. Not only is this kind of multifamily development new for us, but also anytime we get to collaborate with new and talented people, we relish it. https://www.aaha.studio/

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A Majestic 5 Star Hotel

THE RUBENS AT THE PALACE HOTEL | BY ADAM JACOT DE BOINOD

Who doesn’t enjoy getting close to British royalty? Indeed having them as your neighbor? For it’s the nearest hotel in London to Buckingham Palace where the King and Queen live when they’re in the city. Built in the 1800s, it became in 1912 a hotel whose elegant Georgian building was used to host debutantes attending parties at the palace. It actually looks out over the Royal Mews where the horses and occasional carriage come and go between dawn and dusk. Try and catch sight of them if you’re lucky.

T

he hotel is part of the Red Carnation Collection, of whose sister London hotels I have featured the following: Egerton House Hotel and The Chesterfield and The Montague on the Gardens and Hotel 41 and The Milestone.

A red liveried doorman in his top hat and tails ushered me into this red-themed hotel. I could tell instantly from the regal and plush interior with its rich fabrics that I was going to feel duly pampered. The foyer was adorned with a marble floor, a mirrored ceiling, signature Murano chandeliers, and the reception had traditional marble-topped wooden counters. All suggestive of an opulent era in keeping with the royal palace opposite from which the best vantage point are three seats in the Palace Lounge with its grand piano and Afternoon Tea. There’s a New York Bar with its striking red interior and the fabulous Leopard Room with leopard print carpet and cushions.

Down long narrow corridors bedecked in red striped wallpaper, reminiscent of a yesteryear luxury train carriage, are the 143 guest rooms, 8 royal rooms and 10 suites (starting at $347 for a classic double). They’re all individually decorated with regal flair and a harmonious color palette of neutral patterns. The selection of Royal King rooms is each themed around a different member of the royal family with giant portraits of Prince Philip, Prince Charles or Princess Anne. Room 308 has an impressive painting of the late Queen Elizabeth II and looks out over the Royal Mews. The walls of my room had Venetian mirrors and were covered in sumptuous velvet and the drapes hung with lots of swags and swathes. For these are the signature fabrics and tactile textures of Red Carnation owner Bea Tollman. My cream-colored marble bathroom

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was very spoiling with its Floris products.

I walked down past the foyer to dine at The Curry Room at what is surely the best curry house in London. What a hidden gem it is. This warm, dark and cozy room exhibits all the root chakra heat and fire. A red and cozy room of ten tables, this Indian restaurant had semi-circular banquettes in front of Indian artifacts and pictures and cabinets full of books. All tastefully and traditionally furnished. What a delicious dinner, courtesy of chef Kumar, as all the spices fought for permanence in my taste buds. I loved my tarka dal, basmati rice and buttered naan as side dishes to my vegetable korma with onions, peas and mushrooms in a creamy curry sauce.

Each course was paired with wines from the Bouchard Finlayson which come from Red Carnation’s vineyard in Hermanus, South Africa.

I took breakfast in the English Grill restaurant (another option for night-time dining). Here the English décor exudes an old worldly charm.

Throughout there’s dark wood paneling, patterned carpets, brass fittings and crystal chandeliers. I was tucked cosily within my intimate curved leather booth amongst silver trolleys, candelabras and brown corduroy chairs and drapes.

Fresh orchids, still life pictures and Chinese lion statuettes reflected in the many mirrors. Such timeless elegance.

As at all Red Carnation hotels the warmth of the staff is infectious. They go the extra mile with their delicate little generosities such as milkshake classes to keep the kids entertained. Indeed its mantra is “you arrive as a guest, you leave as a friend, you come back as family”. The hotel is in Victoria which has trains running direct to Gatwick Airport and where the musical Hamilton is being performed round the corner. Westminster Abbey and the Houses of Parliament are only a short walk away. An ideal setting and all so central.

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DEC 2024

AVIATION

For Discerning Travelers, Inside the Global Launch of

CATHAY PACIFIC‘S ARIA SUITE | BY FELICITY CARTER

C

alling all aviation enthusiasts, this month Cathay Pacific is transforming its air travel with its newly retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, launching in Hong Kong. This game-changing redesign is expected to further elevate and enhance the flying experience across all cabin classes—think innovative features that’ll be loved by both travelers and industry experts.

Aria Suite - Redefining Business Class The crown jewel of this cabin overhaul is the all-new Aria Suite in Business Class. This groundbreaking concept introduces: First-ever suite doors for unparalleled privacy - A 24-inch 4K ultra-high-definition screen, the largest in Cathay’s fleet

- Wireless charging capabilities and Bluetooth connectivity - Luxurious finishes including soft-touch suede walls and natural wool seating

upgrades: - Updated seat covers and improved ergonomics - Enhanced inflight entertainment interface - Innovative flexible headrests for superior comfort

Premium Economy. Comfort Redefined The new Premium Economy cabin boasts: - Customized leather headrests and padded footrests - Enhanced privacy features with seat wings and dividers - 15.6-inch 4K screens with Bluetooth audio streaming - Dedicated lavatories with touchless technology Economy Class - Refreshed and Refined Even Economy passengers will enjoy significant

An ode to innovation, this all-inclusive redesign echoes Cathay Pacific’s dedication to modernization and passenger comfort, setting a new benchmark for long-haul travel.

Merging cutting-edge technology, thoughtful design, and luxurious touches, the retrofitted Boeing 777-300ER is poised to make waves in the aviation industry and redefine expectations for discerning travelers worldwide. 

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WHAT’S NEW “Bringing you the finest places around the world is what we love to do here at Upscale Living magazine. In keeping with this tradition, we are focusing on introducing you to new kids on the block or accommodation establishments with a re-looked lease on life. Grab your travel diary as you want to get to these places as soon as possible!”

| BY HELÉNE RAMACKERS

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BOTANIC SANCTUARY ANTWERP ANTWERP, BELGIUM

Hidden behind ancient walls within the city’s Botanic Gardens lies Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp, a former 13th-century monastery, now a spectacular 108-room hospitality destination serving as the jewel in the crown of Europe’s ‘Diamond Capital’.

The vision of Eric De Vocht and his wife Maryse Odeurs, Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp has been meticulously and methodically restored, revealing The Botanic Suite this year, marking the completion of this sensitive four-year transformation. Home to five impeccable restaurants, three of which boast Michelin stars, a stylish bar, a 1,000sqm state of the art spa, an apothecary, a 15th-century chapel, 18 conference rooms, a screening theatre and The Unprecedented – one of the globe’s most exclusive invitation-only Whisky investment clubs, it promises an ultra-chic and intriguing destination for the

cultured and curious traveler.

Grand in stature but with a boutique atmosphere, Botanic Sanctuary Antwerp holds a past which has shaped its present – with buildings dating back to 1400. Through artfully combining tradition with modern craftsmanship, the architect and design team made sure to respect the monastery’s former life, deftly connecting original elements with the new. From the centuries-old wooden beams and original brickwork to the modern art and contemporary glass conservatories, a harmonious balance imbues the hotel.

Where possible, the original function of rooms have been preserved, and the monastery’s 19th-century pharmacy has been brought back into use as a modern-day apothecary.

Each room and suite has been individually designed and filled with warm colors, carefully curated antiques, natural textures and artwork by

celebrated local artists.

Whether guests choose to stay in a Comfort Room, the Diamond Suite or the highly anticipated brand-new Botanic Suite, luxury can be found in every detail. Situated amidst the city’s botanical gardens, the grounds surrounding the property permeate within, creating a biophilic design which adds to the sense of oasis. Within the 5 acres of leafy grounds lie a trio of gardens, the hotel’s greenhouse which grows flowers, herbs, and tomatoes, and an abundance of lush plants and flowers.

At 1,000 sqm, spanning three floors and with ten treatment rooms, the Botanic Health Spa is Belgium’s leading destination spa - offering pioneering treatments and the latest innovation in eco and sustainable design. https://www.botanicantwerp. be/

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CASINO DOXI STRACCA PUGLIA, ITALY

Casino Doxi Stracca is an enchanting 18th century aristocratic home in the heart of Puglia dating back to the 18th century and exclusive to The Thinking Traveler. Situated on a magnificent five-acre estate of vineyards and olive groves, Casino Doxi Stracca is split between two historic buildings - a Palazzo, and traditional Casino, once the buzzing agricultural hub of the estate.

The seven bedroom-seven-bathroom home sleeps up to 14 guests and offers a unique blend of historic charm and modernity, following a total design transformation and fiveyear restoration project led by distinguished architect, Paolo Genta Tarnavasio. Much of the original architecture has been lovingly maintained, from the original fireplace features to the ornate baroque facade of the chapel.

The home boasts spacious living areas, including a contem8 8 88 | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | NOV/DEC 2024

porary kitchen that leads onto a panoramic terrace - ideal for multi-generational groups to enjoy al-fresco living. Inside, elegant dining rooms and living spaces adorned with plush sofas, antique rugs, and armchairs offer a cozy atmosphere to the year-round property. The estate is home to formal gardens and terraces, and offers the utmost in privacy and seclusion, and at the center, under the benevolent, handsome baroque façade of the chapel is the main pool, an elegant, slender mirror of water clad in chessboard-patterned tiles.

To the far end of the pool is an impressive arch, bearing the inscription Villa Valentino - the noble Napoli Valentino family who inherited the property in 1800. As an encyclopedia of local knowledge, the team of on-the-ground Local Specialists - many of whom are real locals – provide in-person, in-destination support, insider insights

and door-opening contacts and can arrange an array of experiential enrichments designed to transform a trip into a life-enhancing one. www.thethinkingtraveller.com

MARA TOTO TREE CAMP MAASAI MARA, KENYA

The iconic eco-tourism company Great Plains founded by National Geographic explorer-filmmakers Dereck and Beverly Joubert recently opened the newest offering to their portfolio, Mara Toto Tree Camp. The stunning new property also forms part of its exclusive Réserve-Collection safari camps.

One of Great Plains’ most astonishing camps to date, Mara Toto Tree Camp is located within a forest canopy and accommodates up to eight adults in four luxurious tented suites. Enjoying a stunning and secluded location overlooking the Ntiakitiak River within the 370,000-acre Maasai Mara National Reserve with private access to the 64,300-acre Mara North Conservancy., the romantic safari era-inspired camp provides the ultimate base for those looking to discover this region and its bountiful pristine wildlife in style.

Mara Toto Tree camp offers guests a choice of four light and airy, spacious canvas tree canopy tented suites, each with en-suite bathrooms complete with double vanity basins, ceramic baths with brushed steel and huge safari showers.

A central lounge and dining room offers ample space to unwind and enjoy fine dining following a day spent on the plains, while an outdoor seated fire area is just the spot for enjoying a sundowner and swapping stories from the day’s adventure.

The camp’s stunning interior design was done by Dereck and Beverly themselves, with extreme care to create a space that reflects, compliments and respects the beauty of its environs. A soft scheme of airy greys and touches of teal seen across the soft furnishings balances perfectly with the natural light wood reflecting the ‘in the trees’ theme. The

majority of fabrics have been sourced locally and a statement sculpture if leaves shimmers over the dining table, amongst hanging seedpod lights from the Baobab frees of Kilifi, on Kenya’s coast.

As with all Great Plans camps, meticulous thought has been given to sustainability, with much of the furniture and structure crafted bespoke from Mara Totot Tree Camp using recycled wood, including from old sailing dhows off the Kenyan coast. Owing to a directive from the founders that no tree be cut of harmed in the creation of the camp, a truly creative design sees bathrooms built around ebony trees – providing totally unique guest accommodations – and a main decking area that wraps around the branches of another. www.greatplainsconservation. com

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THE RESERVE AT GRACE BAY TURKS & CAICOS, CARIBBEAN

Following the openings of Villa 1 and Villa 2, The Reserve at Grace Bay by Beach Enclave will welcome guests to the final Villa 3, completing The Reserve with three spacious villas by 1st quarter 2025. Designed one-of-a-kind by acclaimed architect Jacobsen Arquitetura, The Reserve prioritizes the integration between the built environment and its natural context, aiming to immersive the ultra-luxe villas into the natural surroundings with neutral color tones, high ceilings, and floor-to-ceiling windows and doors to display the turquoise oceans.

Each villa ranges slightly in floor plans and amenities, featuring seven ensuite bedrooms, an open plan living, dining, and chef ’s kitchen with top-of-the-line appliances, and elevated decks and outdoor living and dining spaces, ideal for large family gatherings.

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infinity-edge pools, The Reserve guarantees the ultimate in luxury with seamless access to extensive exclusive-use amenities, like a 4,500 square-foot golf complex, tennis courts, paddle and pickle ball courts, beach volleyball, fitness center, and water sports, such as kayaking and jet skiing.

Villa 3 is located in the ultra-luxurious 5-acre Reserve, steps from Grace Bay beach.

Villa 3 spans approximately 13,797 sq.ft, of which 10,696 sq.ft. are interior air-conditioned space. A total of 7 spacious bedroom and 8.5 bathrooms, 5 bedrooms are in the main house and an additional 2 king-bedded guest suites are in the adjacent cottage.

The upper level features a large beachfront primary bedroom with en-suite bathroom, double vanity, soaking tub, indoor and separate extra-large outdoor shower and outdoor terrace. The primary bedroom

has glass to floor to ceiling corners with expansive ocean views from east to west. There are two additional beachfront guest suites with ensuite bathrooms and dual vanities, and walk-in showers, both enjoying generous oceanfront balconies directly overlooking Grace Bay Beach. A laundry room is conveniently located on the upper floor.

The outdoor spaces include a covered deck with a summer kitchen, a sundeck, ultra-wide 50’ infinity pool with hot tub and a shallow lounge platform within the spectacular pool design, 47’ beach deck and additional sunken firepit lounge within the private garden. tt . .

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VILLA ROMA IMPERIALE FORTE DEI MARMI, ITALY

Forte dei Marmi, born as an exclusive seaside escape in the early 1900s, embodies the spirit of languid summer days on the Tuscan coast. Known as the “Hamptons of Italy,” the town is home to Collezione Em’s Villa Roma Imperiale, a charming 31-room beach house that offers the comfort of a private home for a carefree Italian retreat.

“My grandfather loved to travel, especially with family. He enjoyed summers at his beach home in Forte dei Marmi, where he played cards with friends and took us to buy gelato,” says Sara Maestrelli, the granddaughter of Egiziano Maestrelli and co-owner of the family brand. “He never intended to become a hotelier, but that’s what happened.”

Villa Roma Imperiale reflects generations of the Maestrelli family’s history in Forte dei Marmi, embodying a century of dolce vita with a blend

of glamour, tradition, and relaxation.

Nestled among lush gardens, pine trees, and fragrant flowers, Villa Roma Imperiale offers secluded tranquility just steps from golden sands and calm seas. The property aims to embody the vita fortemarmina— the leisurely way of life unique to Forte dei Marmi. Each of the 31 rooms and suites features four-poster beds, private balconies, and curated libraries, with access to the villa’s pool and gardens.

“Villa Roma started as a private home in the early 1900s, much like many hotels here,” Elena Maestrelli explains. “The joy of summer in Forte dei Marmi has always been inviting friends over or gathering at their homes.” She adds: “My parents loved hosting guests— it’s always been a house full of people. When we bought the hotel, we wanted to recreate that same welcoming atmo-

sphere.”

The property’s new beach club, Bagno Assunta, recently opened just a few steps away, featuring chic green-and-blue striped tents. Guests can enjoy light fare like focaccia sandwiches, fresh fruit, and gelato.

For lunch, locals and visitors alike gather at Bagno Assunta to indulge in dishes such as spaghetti con le arselle (a local clam) or fritto misto, accompanied by a crisp Tuscan Vermentino.

The simplicity of a Forte dei Marmi summer unfolds with afternoons spent sunbathing at Bagno Assunta, rounds of golf at the nearby Versilia Golf Club, or leisurely walks through Pietrasanta’s open-air galleries. https://villaromaimperiale. com/

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Y Y A C H HT T

BOATSETTER

The Perfect Boat .for Every Type of Adventure | JARONE ASHKENAZI

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roviding boat rentals to over 700 destinations around the world, Boatsetter is the leading marketplace for boat rentals and on-the-water experiences. Connecting consumers to a USCG-certified captain or an expert guide, to explore the waterways with ease, Boatsetter has empowered boat owners with the tools and support to become entrepreneurs on the water. Originally founded in 2014, Boatsetter has the perfect boats for any occasion with over 50,000 boat listings.

Whether you’re looking for a pontoon for a relaxed lake day or a yacht for a luxurious weekend getaway, consumers and boat owners can manage their bookings or rent on-the-go easily with the Boatsetter app.

Boatsetter offers a variety of memorable water-based experiences and activities from wildlife watching – spotting whales, dolphins, and sea turtles - to water sports like wakeboarding and jet skiing, paddle boarding, kayaking, snorkeling, fishing and more.

With the mission to provide boating for everyone, everywhere, whether you are a seasoned captain or new on the water and need a captain, price points range from $50/hour to over $1,000+/ hour.

For those looking for a specific luxury option, they can opt for Boasetter LUX, which offers a range of luxury term and day charter options worldwide.

Boatsetter LUX curates thousands of bespoke experiences throughout the world across luxury day charters, multi-day yacht charters, catamaran charters, sailing charters, and fishing charters. Their dedicated White Glove Concierge team guides the planning process to guarantee a custom, one-of-a-kind experience, to help you find the perfect yacht based upon your desired location, activities, or amenities.

With itineraries totally customizable and designed for each guest, the dedicated concierge team works with you to plan your on- and off-water experience.

Starting with your dedicated captain and crew, who will take care of any arrangements for you and adjust your itinerary as well, the concierge team assists with everything from sightseeing tours, vehicle rentals, restaurant reservations and more.

Their fleet of luxury yachts range from $5K to $500K+, which can be chartered for any duration a client wants. These yachts offer unparalleled experi-

ences, whether for a day, a weekend, or an extended journey. The concierge team ensures that each charter is tailored to the client’s preferences, providing a seamless and luxurious experience from start to finish.

One of Boatsetter’s most luxurious offerings is their 164’ Mondomarine yacht, which is available for charter throughout the Greek Isles. Other sample luxury offerings can be found below: - A week of cruising the Balearic Islands in Spain aboard a Riva 110’ yacht for 118,500€/week plus taxes and expenses. Starting in Mallorca and going to Menorca, Ibiza, Formentera, and other destinations, guests will enjoy an array of watersports including sea bobs, a jet ski, and a tender for onshore excursions.

- For a week in the British Virgin Islands, board a 70’ Sunreef Catamaran Sailing Yacht for $67,000 a week plus taxes. Guests will start in Tortola and make their way to seven magical nights aboard this 5 stateroom yacht which features an e-foil, sea scooters, a subwing, a tender, snorkeling gear and more to make the most of your time in this tropical paradise.

- For a luxury charter in Miami they offer a 90’ Pershing for $9,750 for eighth hours.Guests can also choose to add optional items such as a DJ, a masseuse, a private chef, catering & alcohol, and a wide variety of floating toys and watercraft.

Boatsetter stands out not only for its extensive range of boat rentals but also for its commitment to safety and customer satisfaction. Every boat on Boatsetter’s platform undergoes a thorough vetting process, ensuring that users have a safe and enjoyable experience on the water. Additionally, Boatsetter provides comprehensive insurance options, giving both boat owners and renters peace of mind.

In addition to individual rentals, Boatsetter also offers unique packages for special events such as weddings, corporate retreats, and family reunions. These packages are designed to create unforgettable memories on the water, with customizable options to suit any occasion.

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TRAVEL

ICONIC

ila safari lodge IN ZAMBIA‘S KAFUE NATIONAL PARK | BY HELÉNE RAMACKERS

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TRAVEL The founding property of Green Safaris, Ila Safari Lodge first opened its doors in 2016 and offers guests the most exceptional safaris on water and on land.

Having never set foot in Kafue National Park, the decision to visit was simplified when I realized Green Safaris owns and operates a stunning camp on the banks of the Kafue River. Through his travels across the African continent spanning many decades, Dutchborn Founder of Green Safaris Vincent Kouwenhoven developed a love so deep for Kafue National Park, he calls it his favorite place in the world.

Getting there from Cape Town isn’t complex. An early morning flight with Southern Africa’s most reliable and on-time airline, Airlink, takes me from Cape Town to OR Tambo International Airport, followed by a late morning flight, also with Airlink from OR Tambo International Airport to Lusaka International Airport. I overnight at the delightful and contemporary Latitude 15, situated in the quiet and leafy Leopard’s Lane in Lusaka with private meet & greets and door-to-door transfers by Tours Africa.

Excited for the final leg the next day, I am flying from Lusaka International Airport with ProCharter on the Beechcraft Baron 58 to the Chunga airstrip. In spite of its small size, the 6-seater aircraft is quite comfortable, with four club-style seats at the back facing each other and a space next to the captain. After a 50-minute flight, the transfer to the lodge takes around 45 minutes, depending on the wildlife seen along the way and is conducted by Head Guide Joseph.

Arriving at the riverbank, Ila Safari Lodge is a short 3-minute speedboat trip away and seeing the architectural marvel that is the boma area from the water makes it appear almost larger than life. When a fire destroyed the boma area in 2023, Vincent knew that Ila needed a remarkable reinvention. “This unfortunate event presented me with an opportunity to create a fresh, relevant design that incorporates the latest eco-friendly technologies and building techniques,” Vincent tells me. “The rebuild was inspired by the iconic nest accommodation at Chisa Busanga Camp, but on a larger scale, which blended with the environment and mimicked nature.”

The rebuild of the boma yielded a new era for Ila Safari Lodge, and included an infinity-shaped main boma area, and more intimate spaces in one structure for guests to enjoy. Redesigning the kitchen improved the functionality and new office and storage facilities were added. Families or friends traveling together can look forward to booking Ila Safari House, an exclusive-use villa with seven rooms and a private pool.

Setting my bags down in Tented Suite number 5, it’s clear that every creature comfort imaginable has been thoroughly considered. Each of the ten luxury tented suites are perched on raised decks with the most incredible views over the Kafue River. Soft linens and earthy tones ensure that the suites blend in with the surrounding wilderness, and the use of canvas for the exteriors of the luxury tented suites make them sustainable and eco-friendly.

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A sought-after spot seems to be the pool area, where guests recline on the loungers under the umbrellas reading a book, or taking a dip as the sun is starting to set. Dinners are also served alongside the pool, and when the colors start changing as the sun sinks below the horizon, it’s the perfect place to say ‘cheers’ and have a sundowner in paradise.

Canvas was used to line the boma and muted tones with African color splashed highlights create warmth and interest in the interiors. The overall design continues to reflect the lodge’s responsibility to blend with the natural environment. Sustainable building materials were incorporated, with a key innovation being the use of Hydroform blocks made from abandoned termite mounds, literally incorporating nature’s design into the structure. Vincent came up with the infinity-shaped boma, which he sketched within the first week of the fire and gave to his

architect, Bert Meerdstadt. “It was designed to blend seamlessly with the environment, with a nod to this one lasting for infinity,” Vincent explains. “Our main principle of minimal impact construction has always been at the heart of the building process.”

At the main boma, the area is bright and airy, and the clever design of each dome having open sides as well as there being a retractable lid roof to let in natural light adds maximum illumination. The positioning of the lodge enhances the overall brightness and airiness of the space, while at the same time maximizing views of the Kafue River by including additional decked areas to capture morning sunlight.

Due to its pioneering eco-friendly approach and recent innovative design, Ila Safari Lodge is a uniquely special place to visit. With the lodge’s commitment to sustainability, guests will savor the opportunity to go on a game drive in the

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electric E-cruiser, which is so quiet the animals seem somewhat startled when they suddenly spot you as they didn’t hear you arriving.

Having brunch on the electric boat is another one-of-a-kind experience as it’s the only boat of its kind in Zambia. Silently gliding along the Kafue River, the only noise you might have to endure is the sizzle of chef grilling your eggs or choice of pork or beef sausage on the gas stove on-deck. This all while herds of elephants come down to the banks of the river for a drink or a midday mud bath.

Spending three glorious nights here, it’s clear that Vincent’s labor of love is the place to be.

Guests from all over the world stay not only for the stylish accommodation or the wonderful food, but possibly because Kafue National Park is such a well-kept-secret, and you will hardly find another game drive vehicle crossing paths with you when out in the bush. This makes for

TRAVEL

a level of exclusivity unheard of in a national park but sitting a few feet away from an iconic sighting like a lion surely is a privilege not to be taken lightly. HOW TO BOOK WITH AUDLEY TRAVEL B Corp certified tour operator Audley Travel assisted in arranging Heléne’s tailor-made trip. Experts in creating custom journeys that are grounded in the real culture of a destination, every trip is designed by a specialist who has lived or traveled extensively in their respective destination. This expertise is underpinned by an excellent understanding of logistics to piece the trip together, with every experience meticulously planned so it’s just right for each client. To book, visit www. audleytravel.com or call 855 435 1768.

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CH EFS

CHEF CHARLIE PALMER & DRY CREEK KITCHEN | BY TRACY ELLEN BEARD

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harlie Palmer grew up eating vegetables from his family’s garden in upstate New York. As a young adult, he trained at the Culinary Institute of America, and throughout the years, Chef Palmer’s love for farm-fresh food has continued to grow. He has managed, opened, and owned numerous award-winning, Michelin-star, and James Beard-awarded restaurants, and he continues to do so today. Chef Palmer has an excellent reputation for training new chefs, offering internship opportunities for current students, and employing more than 70 CIA graduates. During a recent trip to Healdsburg, California, I interviewed Chef Palmer and dined at Dry Creek Kitchen.

DINNER AT DRY CREEK KITCHEN I have visited Sonoma Wine Country several times in the last five years and was thrilled to dine at Dry Creek Kitchen with my husband Steve in the late spring. My dinner began with a simple cocktail made with sparkling wine, elderflower syrup, and a lemon twist. It was a light

and refreshing way to start the meal.

Dinner commenced with a canapé of tasty Gulf Shrimp Dumplings served with Palmer Estate Yuzu Ponzu, chili oil, and scallions. The tender and mild shrimp stuffing came alive with the spicy sauce and paired wonderfully with the 2021 Cobb Riesling from Abigail’s Vineyard.

We shared two first courses: the Grilled Brokaw Avocado with kumquat, tangelo, pepita crema, salsa macha, and peanuts for a delicious crunch, and a Gulf Shrimp Stuffed Pappardelle consisting of a perfectly cooked piece of pasta, Preston Farm’s green garlic, Eco Terreno fava leaves and lemon balm. I continued drinking the delicious Cobb Riesling, and Steve enjoyed a glass of 2021 Limestone Sauvignon Blanc.

The entrées were exceptional. Steve chose the Seared Dayboat Scallops served with an herbed risotto cake, blood orange, Jennifer’s rangpur lime, and Swiss chard. The dish was buttery and creamy and went very well with the dry, crisp aromas of apple, guava, and lime in the 2021 Limestone Sauvignon Blanc. I tried the Coffee Crusted Pork Tenderloin paired with a glass of

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Vivier 2021 Pinot Noir Sonoma Coast. The tenderloin arrived accompanied by crisp pork belly, sweet potato fondant, and braised cabbage. On a scale of one to ten, both entrées received tens in my book.

We finished dinner with a decadent Peanut Butter Bar and Meyer Lemon Cheesecake. The Peanut Butter Bar was rich and light at the same time, and the cheesecake was perfectly balanced between sweet and tangy. Our dinners at Dry Creek Kitchen were delicious and well worth a visit to Healdsburg, California.

I asked Chef/Owner Charlie Palmer some questions about his background, cooking style, work with new chefs, and current role within his restaurant collective.

CHEF PALMER’S BACKGROUND Who influenced your love of cooking as a child?

Sharon Crain, who was a home economics high school teacher, exposed me to the world of food and the possibilities of a career as a chef.

Do you have a favorite childhood dish?

Some of my best memories were of somewhat classic French dishes such as beef bourguignon, coq a vin, and, of course, all types of basic baking—apple tarts became my go-to since I lived on an apple orchard.

Who was the most considerable influence during your culinary training and why?

My true mentors began while I attended the CIA. First was a Belgian chef named Leon Dahnons. When I first arrived in NYC, Jean-Jacques Rachou and Andre Soltner were fabulous mentors.

Each one opened the world of great cuisine to my eyes and made me realize that my life would be spent not only as a chef but also exploring food and all of the possibilities that surround it.

If you could only have five ingredients, what would they be, and what would you make?

Donabe chicken—chicken, jasmine rice, scallions, shiitake mushrooms, and smoked bacon. I love to make this go-to dish often for many reasons, mainly because it is made in one pot and is easy to clean up.

Have you created a specific dish that wowed you far beyond your expectations? What was it?

We have this new dish at Charlie Palmer Steak IV that I love.

It›s called «The Seaside,» and it’s a medley of fresh, seasonal seafood lightly seared tableside with chicory, blood orange, and avocado. It is light and delicious, and best of all, we prepare it right in front of the guests.

What do you love most about Dry Creek Kitchen (DCK) and its location in Sonoma County Wine Country?

Dry Creek Kitchen has been a labor of love since the beginning, 20 years ago. When I first visited Healdsburg, I fell in love with the area, and DCK has been an homage to wine country ever since. We feature everything made within Sonoma County on the menu, from the produce to the wine. We have the most expansive list of Sonoma-only wines in the world. And finally, its location is second-to-none, right on the Healdsburg Plaza.

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PALMER’S COOKING STYLE How has your idea of Progressive American cooking evolved or changed over the years, and what does the term mean to you today?

Cooking has always been an evolution and something I’ve prided myself on since the start of my career. The way people are eating has continually evolved, from the multi-course tasting menu in my early days in New York to now, where neighborhood-eatery style eating is really leading the charge. Our concepts are more varied now, from the upscale and fine dining Charlie Palmer Steak IV and Dry Creek Kitchen to the fun, casual Italianesque concept at AperiBar.

How would you describe your leadership style in the kitchen?

I like to say that we›re not curing cancer in the kitchen, and if you don’t make mistakes, you won’t learn, so in the kitchen, I think I’m pretty fair and very level-headed, but I also run a tight ship because you have to.

How do you inspire creativity in your kitchens, and how does your staff contribute to new dishes?

My Exec Chefs and Sous Chefs really run their kitchens.

I want them to feel like they have autonomy over the menu since they are the ones cooking it day in and day out. But I will always offer constructive feedback and ideas for things we can do differently/better/etc.

In my experience, many fine dining establishments in America have an increasing Asian influence. Has the cuisine in your restaurants shifted in this direction, or are you still using predominantly French techniques and flavors with your local artisanal products?

I would say we still use classic French techniques in our kitchens, but there is a lot more Asian influence, especially with the ingredients. We›re also cooking lighter—an example is that seafood salad I mentioned earlier. We want people walking away from the table feeling good and satiated but not overly stuffed. If you take a look at our Dry Creek Kitchen menus, for example, you’ll see a ton of Asian or Asian-inspired ingredients, like our canapés with Gulf Shrimp, citrus ponzu, and chili oil.

Do you encourage your intern chefs to open restaurants that will eventually be your competition?

Of course. There will always be new restaurants in this world, and our young chefs will be the future. Bryan Voltaggio is a great example. He was our Executive Chef (and even the GM for a time) at Charlie Palmer Steak in DC, and then he went on to open his successful restaurants all over, and I truly support that.

Do you have any favorite regional products for each of your restaurants? (For example, a specific goat cheese from Sonoma County or a vegetable from a particular area near New York.)

That›s a hard one, especially because we›re using seasonal ingredients whenever possible. Liberty Duck will always be one of my absolute favorites, and I’m so happy to report that we have had their ducks back on the menu again after they ran into some hardship with the Avian flu earlier this year. At Charlie Palmer Steak IV, we’re featuring a new cut called a “Long Island Strip,” which is a variation on the New York Strip; it’s super tender without the fat of a New York.

What is the most challenging part of training CIA graduates or an intern?

When they get into the weeds on a busy shift, you have to teach them that they need to stay focused, keep cooking consistently, and work to be faster and better.

HOW PALMER INSPIRES AND TRAINS NEW CHEFS You have trained numerous chefs in your kitchens. Do you know how many, and what are three practices or ideologies that you want to instill in them while they train in your kitchens?

I don›t think I can even guess how many over the years.

Mentorship is very important to me, which is why I›ve been on the CIA board for so long and was chairman a while back. Cooking can be a challenging profession, so you’ve really got to love it and have passion for it, which is the first step in the process. It is essential to stay focused, keep your station organized, and TASTE the food.

Do you feel that restaurants are more collaborative and supportive of one another today, and does that vary by location?

Yes definitely. The kitchen atmosphere has changed over the past thirty years, and chefs are more open to ideas, conversations, and collaboration.

What is your favorite part of working with CIA graduates and other intern chefs?

Go CIA! I love the CIA and its students. We want our young culinarians to succeed and go on to do great things. My assistant is a CIA graduate, and we share that CIA bond together, like so many of my chefs.

Could you describe your idea of the perfect intern chef?

There is no perfect intern; each one is so different, so that›s hard, but I look for someone who is passionate, wants to learn, and works hard.

PALMER’S CURRENT ROLE IN HIS RESTAURANT COLLECTIVE Do you still cook in any of your kitchens, or do you solely have a more managerial role throughout your collective?

I’m always in and out of all my kitchens. My role definitely requires more guidance and mentorship now, but I am still in the kitchen most days/nights of the week. 

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LANCASTER ESTATE Exceptional Alexander Valley Wines | BY TRACY ELLEN BEARD

Cabernet sauvignon, malbec, merlot, petite verdot, and cabernet franc are all grown at Lancaster Estate. These “noble” Bordeaux varietals thrive in rich soils while basking in California’s Alexander Valley sunshine. Apart from Samantha’s Sauvignon Blanc, a white Bordeaux varietal, the wines at Lancaster are big reds. Today, Bill Foley and his wife Carol own Lancaster Estate. Bill is the founder, chairman, and CEO of Foley Family Wines & Spirits (FFWS), a portfolio of wineries and distilleries.

HISTORY Ted and Nicole Simpkins first came to California in 1983. Ted was adopted, but as an adult, he did some research and discovered that his fraternal father’s name was Lancaster. After seeing the family crest, he decided to use it and his father’s name for his vineyard. Ted and Nicole had twin daughters named Samantha and Sophia. The crown jewel of the Lancaster wines is named Nicole and is made from the first and best handpicked estate-grown grapes. The estate sits on 70 acres with 53 acres planted. The current winery opened in 1995, and in 2012, Bill Foley purchased Lancaster Estate.

THE VINEYARDS The property boasts three types of soil: volcanic, river, and clay. Each soil type expresses itself differently. The hillsides feature north, east, and south-facing slopes, each receiving differing amounts of sun and rain. Where the superior grapes grow each year is a constant surprise. Blocks at the vineyard are named after a family member or a pet.

Lancaster staff practice spur pruning on the red varietal vines. When utilizing this technique, the previous year’s shoot is cut back to a spur, a short section of one-year-old wood with a few buds. The spurs are spaced on a cordon, the horizontal extension of the trunk that’s two years or older. This type of vine pruning has the classic “T” shape.

The sauvignon blanc vines are cane pruned, a meth-

od of pruning that involves cutting the vine down to one or more canes that will later produce new shoots. This technique leaves the vine with a trunk and its remaining canes. Winemakers typically choose the pruning style. The choice of pruning style is made with conscious thoughts about canopy management, varietal, and personal preference.

Lancaster is not organic, but it is everything but that. The winery is certified Sonoma sustainable, and the staff practices composting and recycling.

Lancaster uses well water, and the solar panels on the property produce more solar power than is used.

MAKING WINE AT LANCASTER David Drake is the current winemaker at Lancaster. He began as an intern at Lancaster and has moved up to the master winemaker position. David believes he is the shepherd of the estate, and he tries to capture what the vineyard has to offer. David and other vineyard personnel thin out shoots and fruit throughout the year, but the final hand sorting and selection occurs before the grapes are crushed just outside of the wine caves. Vineyard blocks are vinified individually, separating grapes by varietal, maturity, and richness of character. At this point, only the best fruit is de-stemmed and crushed for Lancaster wines.

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the gorgeous, rich colors, tasty flavors, and tannins from the skins without letting the juice ferment. After the maceration process, the fruit is left alone, and the native wild yeasts and local air ferment the wines. Each lot of finished wine is kept separate and is then pumped into French oak barrels and aged in the wine caves for 18 to 26 months before blending and bottling.

MY VISIT TO LANCASTER My Reserve Cave Tasting began in the lobby of the winery with a pour of Samantha’s Sauvignon Blanc, an acidic palate cleanser meant to prepare me for the upcoming voluptuous reds.

This wine boasted layers of flavors, including white nectarine, mango, honeysuckle, and grapefruit, which was the most prominent flavor to me. The sauvignon blanc is not only aged in oak barrels but in a concrete egg, 1 10

which adds to its smoothness. After a tour of the caves, I sat down in the “library” to enjoy a vertical tasting of four of the reserve cellar-aged cabernet wines, a platter of artisanal cheeses and charcuterie, and a splash of one of the wine club wines.

All Lancaster wines are stored in the cave at about 60 degrees, and approximately 2/3rds of the space is used for wine, and 1/3 is saved for hospitality.

The first wine in the library was the 2021 Sophia’s Hillside Cuvée. This delicious blend was fruit-forward and offered aromas of dark plum, black pepper, and clove. Next was the 2019 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon with rich flavors of black cherry, sage, and dark stone fruit. This vintage did not have any petit verdot in the blend.

The third wine was the 2018 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon. This wine boasted concentrated

| UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | NOV/DEC 2024

flavors of dark black cherry, plum, and tobacco and left me with the essence of blueberry puree.

My unique extra taste was of a 2018 Block 13 Malbec Reserve. It is 100% Malbec from the estate. This wine is made exclusively for the wine club. It was delicious and dry. My final taste was the 2017 Estate Cabernet Sauvignon.

After a bit more aging, this wine had a long, luscious finish. I noticed notes of blackberry and dark stone fruit.

The wines at Lancaster Estate are decadent and delicious, and the cave is a spectacular place to taste these excellent wines. However, another tasting option is the Estate Tasting, which features a flight of four current vintage Estate wines. This tasting is available inside the comfort of the winery or outdoors with fantastic views of the hillside vineyards. 

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MOSCOW MULE | FELICITY CARTER

The Moscow Mule is a vodka-based cocktail that is thought to have originated in Los Angeles in the 1940s and loved ever since. It’s the easiest of cocktails to whip up – the spirit is of course, smooth vodka and that’s accompanied by ginger beer that provides a hit of spice, and a tang courtesy of the lime juice. Delicious all round.

INGREDIENTS - 50ml JJ Artisanal Vodka - 15ml Lime juice - Top up with Crabbie’s ginger beer - Garnish with lime wedge & mint sprig INSTRUCTION 1. Simply, add the vodka and lime juice to your mule glass over crushed ice.

2. Top up with ginger beer and garnish with mint and a wedge of lime.

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| UPSCALELIVINGMAG. COM | NOV/DEC 2024

COCKTAILS

ESPRESSO MARTINI | FELICITY CARTER

Indulge in the Espresso Martini, a sophisticated cocktail that combines smooth Dutch Barn Vodka with rich Ellers Farm Espresso Liqueur and freshly brewed espresso. A touch of sugar syrup adds the perfect hint of sweetness, while a vigorous shake creates a silky texture and a luscious foam. Finished with three coffee beans on top, this elegant drink offers a bold coffee flavor with a touch of refinement, making it an ideal choice for a post-dinner treat or a stylish pick-me-up.

INGREDIENTS - 45ml Dutch Barn Vodka - 35ml Ellers Farm Espresso Liqueur - 30ml Fresh espresso - 7.5ml Sugar syrup - Three coffee bean to garnish INSTRUCTION 1. Add ice to a shaker, and the ingredients, then shake really well.

2. Strain into martini glass.

3. Carefully place a few coffee beans on the foam for decoration.

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| UPSCALELIVINGMAG. COM | NOV/DEC 2024

COCK K TAILS

JUBILEE FIZZ

BY THE GORING HOTEL, LONDON | FELICITY CARTER

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A hotel loved by the royals, it is only natural that historic luxury hotel, The Goring, Belgravia’s beloved 5-star hotel, has a regal cocktail on its menu, and so, we present the Jubilee Fizz topped off with plenty of Champagne, as one would expect.

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INGREDIENTS - 30ml Ysabel Regina (infused overnight with banana) - 10ml Licor beirão - 10 ml Creme de Peche - 3 dashes Chocolate bitters

INSTRUCTION 1. Add all the contents to a shaker with some gold leaf and shake.

2. Pour into a martini glass without straining, allowing the gold leaf into the glass.

3. Top up with Bollinger Champagne.

4. Garnish with orange zest.

Greg Lambrecht and Coravin Don’t Lose Your Sparkle! | BY KEVIN PILLEY

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hat is to be this Christmas? Something Newport Beach, California at the age of eleven. prototype out in 2001 while still running two woollen or silky? Something sparkly?

Inspired by his grandfather, who worked in guid- companies - Viacor (percutaneous cardiac valve Something extravagant and very fragrant? ed missile weapon systems development, Greg therapies) and Intrinsic Therapeutics (spinal Or something bibulous? And techy. studied Nuclear Engineering (Plasma Physics) at implants to improve outcomes of disc surgery in And something that will keep on giving pleasure? IT (Massachusetts Institute of Technology). He the lower back). The Coravin company launched then worked in Japan for to Mitsubishi Heavy in July 2013 marketing to wine professionals to Coravin, the world leader in wine preservation, Industries Ltd on advanced reactor systems optimize their wine-by-the-glass programs. It has launched a limited-edition ‘Forest Green’ before returning to MIT to study for a Master’s went down with sommeliers, connoisseurs and addition to its Timeless range and, as part of the in Mechanical Engineering. restaurants such as New York’s Del Posto and 11 company’s ongoing commitment to reducing “Then I worked for Pfizer in medical therapies, Madison. Wine bar Praelum was one of the earboth global wine wastage and its own carbon developing new products in orthopedics (hip liest converts. The Model Eleven is the first of footprint, is supporting reforestation with One and knee prosthetics, as well as trauma implants a digital series. Fully automated and Blue Tooth Tree Planted. and devices), vascular (new implantable ports for connected, it can be used on screw-tops. renal therapies and chemotherapy), cardiology Through the new partnership, Coravin pledges (cardiac catheters and access devices). Surgical Continues Lambrecht: “Unlike Scotch – when to plant a tree for every limited-edition Forest tools in general. you can pour yourself a glass and come back to Green Timeless Six+ system sold on Coravin.

“Medical professionals would send me bottles of the bottle a couple of months later and it’s still com during the festive season. Coravin’s mission wine as a thank you. I quickly built up an eclec- good- wine goes bad. So you’re forced to conis “to revolutionize the way the world experitic collection of wines from around the world. A sume it quickly. With a Coravin, you can [our ences wine”, and the Forest Green Timeless Six+ passion for fine wines was born.” glass is faster than removing a cork! And enjoy a system allows wine lovers to enjoy, pour and exsingle serving of great wine without actually unplore wine without removing the cork, perfectly Lambrecht’s Eureka moment came during his corking it! I was sitting in my kitchen one day preserving remaining wine for weeks, months or wife’s second pregnancy when she stopped with a bottle in one hand and a needle from my even years. drinking wine with him. “That was the start of chemotherapy system in the other. And thought: the idea for a wine system which allowed to you there’s got to be a way to bring these two worlds Greg Lambrecht, Coravin’s founder and inven- enjoy wine without having to finish the bottle. together, and there was!” tor, comments: “Eleven years after launching The most important inventions are not the result Coravin, I’m thrilled to see that a glass of wine is of new technology. They are the result of a new Coravin’s devices involve inserting a needle now poured with Coravin every second of every understanding of an old problem! How do you through the cork of a bottle without displacing day, which is nearly 300 million glasses and drink wine when you don’t want to have the any of the cork material. As wine is extracted counting!” whole bottle?” through the needle, it is replaced with pure argon gas. The remaining wine is left untouched Born in Manhattan, NY in 1969 with an AusGreg invented the wine-preservation system, by oxygen, ensuring its freshness until the next trian mother and German father, Greg moved to Coravin, in 1999, with the first functional pour as if newly opened. For screwcap bottles, | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE |

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there are self-sealing silicone screwcaps that can withstand up to 50 punctures of the Coravin needle and preserve the wine for up to three months. The table-top device can break down a 750ml bottle into seven sample-size bottles without exposure to air, preserving the wines’ freshness for up to a year.

“The needle goes through the cork,” explains Boston-based Lambrecht. “You don’t want oxygen to contact the wine. That’s key and the most basic design element. When you press the trigger to release the wine, argon has goes in.

It’s non-reactive and odorless. Argon plasma is a very common thing in medical devices.

Coravin fits everything from half bottles to magnums. And can be operate with one hand!

Sommeliers can restore the perlage of very old Champagne. You can rejuvenate, for example, a 1970s Ruinart and it’s like it never left the cave.

Every capsule will preserve seven bottle of wine.

And you can drink it again weeks and months later.”

you need to make sure that no more carbon dioxide escapes and no oxygen enters. So, we have a stopper that fits on any bottle.

The name is a portmanteau of the Latin word for “heart” (“cora”) and the French word for wine (“vin”). “I wanted Coravin to be a tool to explore the extraordinary variety of wines at your own pace and not be dictated by a bottle.”

In 2021 came the Coravin Sparkling. Greg adds, “There are two issues with champagne when you open the bottle: it can oxidize and lose its effervescence. The good news is that champagne contains carbon dioxide, which is heavier than oxygen, so very little air gets in when you pour it. With Coravin, we use argon gas, a noble gas, that pushes the wine out of the bottle into the glass, minimizing air exposure.

With sparkling wine, it protects itself from the air that enters when you pour it because CO2 is released and pushes the air out. However,

“Some of our products are being used with whiskies, scotch, sakes, and sherry. We are in 60 countries, pretty much anywhere wine is made or sold. Our biggest market is the USA, followed by France, UK, Australia, Italy, the Netherlands, and Switzerland.

| UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | NOV/DEC 2024

“I’m just a guy who was really good with needles. I was a wine lover too. I identified and met a need.”.

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Marks 50 Years of Headphone Innovation

AUDIO-TECHNICA | BY FELICITY CARTER

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big year for Audio-Technica, this year demand for portable listening, Audio-Technica marks 50 years since Audio-Technica brought this expertise in transducer technology brought its debut headphone model to to develop drivers capable of reproducing pure, market, and since, has established itself as a lead- natural audio on-the-go in the AT-700 range. er in headphone innovation. Central to the thos, From there, in 1977, the ATH series was rethe brand is committed to founder Hideo Mat- leased, a line of dynamic over-ear headphones sushita’s mission of delivering “quality sound for which laid the foundation for the award-wineveryone.” ning ATH-M50 studio monitoring range Speaking to the 50th anniversary, President of launched 30 years later. The ATH-M50s quickAudio-Technica Kazuo Matsushita says, “Since ly earned a reputation for their balanced audio 1974, we have developed various technologies and robust construction and following feedback to reflect the changes in the market – from the from its loyal customer base, the brand subseadoption of smartphones to the expansion of quently introduced the ATH-M50x professional home studios – however, we have always re- home studio headphones. Loved by some of the mained true to our analogue core, as we still world’s biggest artists and casual listeners alike, start every process in our HQ with a transducer. these have become Audio-Technica’s best-selling I look forward to the next 50 years of bringing headphones globally. Their wireless counterparts quality audio to all.” were released in 2018, retaining the range’s sigIn 1974, Audio-Technica launched the AT-700 nature sound quality. series, its first foray into headphone produc- Audio-Technica has demonstrated equally imtion. Up until this point, the brand had become pressive expertise in the in-ear headphone catewidely acclaimed for its innovative turntable gory. In 1982, the brand released its first in-ears, cartridges, the result of Matsushita’s passion for the ATH-mini3, alongside the Sound Burger analogue audio having witnessed the emotional turntable for the ultimate ‘80s portable listening reaction visitors had during his listening parties experience. Further down the line, the release in Tokyo. With the ‘70s signaling a growing of models like the ATH-CKS50s and ATH-

CKS70s, along with the development of the brand’s own Quiet Point noise-canceling technology and Solid Bass sound experience, helped Audio-Technica earn the title of the number one headphone brand in Japan. Since then, it has prioritized superior sound quality while refining the compact designs, advanced driver technology, long battery life, and enhanced noise-cancellation reflected in recent models such as the ATH-CKS30TW+.

Over the years, Audio-Technica has continued to celebrate its heritage, showcasing Japanese craftsmanship by experimenting with different materials for its headphone housing; cue its wooden headphones in ‘96, and the ATHW10VTG, launch. Universally loved, 17 wooden models have since been released which utilize a range of woods to achieve a natural sense of fullness and harmonics while paying homage to Japanese traditions.

Today, Audio-Technica’s entire headphone range is enjoyed by millions of consumers across the globe, and looking forward, the brand will continue to expand its analogue offering, especially with the resurgence of vinyl and home listening setups—so watch this space!

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RUUBY Raises &2M with plans to become largest on-demand beauty service provider | BY FELICITY CARTER

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uuby is the UK’s leading on-demand beauty services platform, delivering a treatment every four minutes.

Established in 2016 this year marks an exciting expansion in the UK and into Switzerland following a successful fundraising round of over £2m, with £1.5m delivered through NPIF II – Praetura Equity Finance, which is managed

by Praetura Ventures and part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund. This expansion marks a significant milestone in Ruuby’s mission to deliver top-tier beauty services across Europe.

Founded by Venetia Archer, Ruuby has revolutionized the beauty industry by offering a seamless and user-friendly platform for ondemand beauty services. Since its inception, Ruuby has delivered nearly 500,000 services across multiple categories, including hair, nails, massage, waxing, IV drips, and cosmetic injectables; with notable users including Rosie Huntington-Whiteley, Poppy Delevingne, Victoria Beckham and Simon Cowell.

Venetia Archer, a Cambridge graduate, identified a gap in the market for at-home beauty service delivery. Her passion for beauty and technology led to the creation of Ruuby, which now boasts over 150,000 users and collaborates with over 3,000 expert professionals. The platform is renowned for its efficiency, delivering treatments within 90 minutes across the UK. The funding will strengthen Ruuby’s UK presence by helping it to double down on its growth, including hiring and expanding its operations in Manchester and Liverpool where it already works with a number of luxury hotels. | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE |

Ruuby will also use part of the funding to bolster sales in France and Switzerland.

The recent fundraise comes on the heels of a 500 per cent surge in sales post-COVID, demonstrating the robust demand for Ruuby’s services. The fundraise will also aid ambitions to double the availability of providers and software, as well as building out Ruuby’s B2B offering.

Ruuby is committed to empowering beauty professionals through its Ruuby Academy, providing opportunities for career development and commercial enhancement. The platform supports an extensive hospitality portfolio, partnering with globally renowned hotels such as Claridge’s, The Savoy, The Rosewood, and Chiltern Firehouse.

Venetia Archer serves as an advisory board member to the British Beauty Council and actively invests in women in technology and beauty. Her leadership has propelled Ruuby to the forefront of the beauty industry, making it a trusted platform for both professionals and clients.

“In a world where you can request food to your door in minutes, or a car to pick you up in seconds, it seemed natural that beauty services should follow. Our expansion plans in the UK and Europe is a testament to the demand for high-quality, on-the-go beauty services, and we are excited to bring Ruuby’s unique offerings to more people and businesses,” says Venetia Archer, Founder and CEO of Ruuby Louise Chapman, NPIF II fund principal at Praetura Ventures, says, “Ruuby is fast becoming a household name in beauty, and we DEC 2024

have welcomed the opportunity to support an ambitious, female-founded business as it scales in the North West in Manchester, Liverpool and further afield across the UK and Europe. This is a significant moment for Venetia and the team, and we can’t wait to work with Ruuby while it capitalizes on this unique opportunity within the beauty space.”

The £660m Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II (NPIFII) covers the entire North of England and provides loans from £25k to £2m and equity investment up to £5m to help a range of small and medium sized businesses to start up, scale up or stay ahead.

Simon Cunnington, director at British Business Bank, says: “Ruuby is exactly the kind of business that the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II is looking to spur on further in its growth journey. Equity investment is a powerful tool to expand a business, so we are excited to see this round enable the company to meet new business opportunities and help it expand to grow in the North West.”

The purpose of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II is to drive sustainable economic growth by supporting innovation and creating local opportunity for new and growing businesses across the North of England. The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II will increase the supply and diversity of earlystage finance for the North’s smaller businesses, providing funds to firms that might otherwise not receive investment and help to break down barriers in access to finance.

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BANG & OLUFSEN BEOPLAY H100 HEADPHONES | BY FELICITY CARTER

Bang & Olufsen has announced its new flagship headphones Beoplay H100, reaching back into almost a century of history to redefine the listening future. Building on the success of Beoplay H95, Bang & Olufsen’s most successful headphones to date, Beoplay H100 is improved in every discipline: unrivalled high-quality sound, outstanding digital noise cancellation, a new modular construction and a beautiful design that builds on Bang & Olufsen’s design icons.

“Beoplay H100 elevates what we have accomplished over the past ten decades and defines our future: an era where beautiful sound is built to last. It represents the true potential of what a Bang & Olufsen audio wearable can be, and we cannot wait to bring the headphones to our customers,” says Bang & Olufsen CEO Kristian Teär. He continues, “Drawing inspiration from the unparalleled performance of our Beolab speakers, our iconic designs from the past and the modular construction that embraces material excellence and circularity, Beoplay H100 truly embodies our design and innovation capabilities.”

“Designing an immersive sound experience with ultimate comfort has been key in the development process when creating Beoplay H100,” says Bang & Olufsen Head of Design, Tiina Kierysch. “We wanted to utilize high quality materials and colors inspired by fine jewelery to create a timeless and sophisticated design. With the solid sheen of aluminum, softness of leather and cold-to-the-touch glass, Beoplay H100 doesn’t just champion sound excellence, it feels like design excellence,” she continues. Of course, with it being lightweight, it offers stylish portability while traveling.

When Beoplay H100 is outside the pouch and not being worn, it enters a low-power mode, DESIGN THAT MOVES BEYOND extending standby time up to 90 days while remaining ready to activate when worn. If stored COMFORT Beoplay H100 has been crafted from the in the pouch, the headphones power fully off, finest quality materials to give fuller, finer sound, enabling more than a year of standby time. wherever needed, and comes in three colorways: Infinite Black, Hourglass Sand and Sunset TO APPRECIATE GREAT SOUND, YOU Apricot. The model features a smooth, scratch- NEED SILENCE resistant and hardened glass touch in-terface on With 40mm custom-made titanium drivthe side of the headphones. Together with ers housed behind elegant aluminum grills, precision haptic dials and tactile buttons, all Beoplay H100 delivers Hi-Res sound, tuned by essential controls are easily accessible. The new renowned Bang & Olufsen tonmeisters. Elevatdetachable inner headband, finely wrapped in ing the sound experience, the team leveraged knitted textile, has been ergonomically designed their expertise and principles to create a headto provide all day breathability and comfort. phone inspired by the Danish audio brand’s statement loudspeaker Beolab 90.

Even the earpad cushions covered “Beoplay H100 is the best pair of headphones in soft lambskin leather have been adapted to we have ever created. Whether you are listening provide an experience that feels as good as it to your favorite music, having a phone call in sounds. | UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE |

DEC 2024

a noisy environment, controlling the effect of the surrounding environment with active noise canceling or audio transparency, H100 always delivers exceptional audio performance,” says Bang & Olufsen Director of Technology Neo Kaplanis and explains: “To appreciate great sound, you need silence.

In a peaceful environment, you will experience how effortlessly Beoplay H100 brings you the sound clarity and dynamic performance that you normally only hear on high-end loudspeakers. When commuting or traveling, you want to be able to control the impact that noise has in your experience. To achieve this, we have developed an advanced microphone system that delivers crystal clear voice even in very demanding situations, doubled the performance of our active noise cancellation (ANC) from Beoplay H95 and developed EarSense™ technology that tailors the sound to the wearer’s unique fit in real time while you are listening to music on the go.”

TECHNOLOGY MADE SIMPLE Beoplay H100 comes with a range of new innovations and features setting benchmarks within wearables: Unbelievable sound: Beoplay H100 delivers Hi-Res sound up to 96 kHz / 24 bits. The introduction of Bang & Olufsen’s new adaptive audio processing EarSense™ delivers a personal and unrivaled listening experience by tailoring the sound to the wearer’s unique fit in real

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time.

Make things natural with Spatial Audio: Optimized for Dolby Atmos, state-ofthe-art spatial audio processing and headtracking, Beoplay H100 delivers a more natural listening experience.

Chaos off, the moment on: Beoplay H100 features 10 carefully configured studio-grade microphones, delivering Bang & Olufsen’s most advanced noise cancellation and transparency mode yet.

Automatic On and Off: Beoplay H100 automatically detects when they are being worn. Slip them on, and you are ready to go. No need to find the power button.

Switch things up with ease: Move from music to the outside world in a twist by using the carefully crafted haptic dial to enable TrueTransparency™, as though you weren’t wearing headphones to begin with.

Quick listen: Lift an earcup or cover with your palm on either earcup to switch from fully closed and immersed to open mode, allowing you to hear your surroundings as clearly as if you weren’t wearing headphones.

Customize controls: customize the user interface to your own taste by using the Bang & Olufsen app.

Quick charging: Get up to 5 hours of playtime with 5 minutes of charging. 

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| UPSCALE LIVING MAGAZINE | NOV/DEC 2024

BOOK REVIEW

Our Favorite Book Selection | BY HELÉNE RAMACKERS

A captivating celebration of living rooms across styles, moods and locales, The Living Room by the Design Leadership Network is sure to find its way onto your coffee table. Each page of The Living Room offers a glimpse into a meticulously designed space, from country estates in the Cotswolds to modern desert homes. Capturing the essence of these rooms through sumptuous photography, the gorgeous images highlight intricate design details, the play of light and shadow, the harmony of colors and texture, and the spirit of place within each one.

Encouraging readers to see their own living rooms through a new lens, this beautiful book serves as inspiration to create new spaces that reflect their own true style, story and way of living.

Published by Assouline.

In his native Brazil, Sig Bergamin is considered a national treasure, but over the past decades, the São Paulo–based designer has expanded his practice and achieved international acclaim. Always finding the perfect balance between tropical and European styles, Sig imagines interiors that blend modern glamour with old-world grandeur. A product of his country’s explosive colors, tastes, creativity, energy, and sensuality, the designer is closely tied to his style: they both overflow with warmth, generosity, humor, and energy. Eclecticism comes naturally to Sig, with every one of his interiors reflecting the personalities of his clients. His latest book Eclectic is a work of art, and a true celebration of joyful moments.

Published by Assouline.

Created in close collaboration with The Leading Hotels of the World (LHW) and the New York-based media company The Slowdown, Design: The Leading Hotels of the World is the first in a multi-volume series published by Phaidon & Monacelli. Carefully selected from LHW’s legendary portfolio, the richly illustrated first volume showcases 70 of the world’s most magnificently designed hotels. Offering readers an in-depth glimpse into LHW’s design philosophy through five feature stories with new photography commissioned specifically for the project, this 292-page book features the likes of The Chedi Muscat, Soori Bali, Ritz Paris and The Dolder Grand to name a few. At the end of the book, the When In … and pro-tips for each country is very informative. Published by Monacelli.

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With only around 5,500 tigers left in the wild, Remembering Tigers is a stunning tribute to the largest of the big cats. This hardcover coffee table book is a collection of 88 stunning color images donated by many of the world’s top wildlife photographers – including Art Wolfe, Jonathan & Angela Scott, Greg du Toit and Sergey Gorshkov – to help protect tigers in the wild. This year’s cover image was taken by Sarah Skinner. The aim of the book is to raise awareness of the plight facing tigers and to raise money to protect them, with all profits from book sales going to conservation.

Published by HPH Publishing.

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