LUX September 2016

LUX A GLIMPSE INTO THE WORLD OF THE GLAMOROUS

September 2016

80 Years of the Spitfire

Celebrating one of the most iconic designs in British history, and marking the 80th anniversary of the Supermarine Spitfire’s first flight and British engineering, Aston Martin Cambridge has commissioned a limited edition collection of eight V12 Vantage S Spitfire 80 models.

The Old Swan & Minster Mill

The latest outpost amongst the de Savary family’s boutique inns.

Port Ferdinand Marina

The perfect blend of privacy and decadence delivering a premium experience.

Saint Peter’s Bay A luxury holiday hotspot on the North West coast of Barbados which is the perfect destination.

The Admiral Codrington

A ‘Chelsea Institution’ that has a lot to offer any discerning customer.

The Punchbowl

A traditional English pub which combines old fashioned English charm with modern style & quality. lux.acquisition-intl.com

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Contents Welcome to the September issue of LUX Magazine.

This publication is designed with two specific goals in mind: firstly, to recognise and celebrate the splendours that can be found in the more affluent areas of the travel and tourism industry; secondly, to identify the newest, most avant-garde trends from across the globe, in everything from fashion to home décor, and especially in the ever-evolving hospitality industry.

This is, by its very nature, a very varied task for the team here at LUX – the fastest cars, the flashiest jewellery, the most iconic hotels, and more besides, offer us an unenviable and yet privileged task. We aim to invigorate your wanderlust, and ensnare your most refined senses, whilst entirely reshaping the way that you think about luxury markets.

While the summer months might now be firmly behind us, the chance for a well-deserved dose of escapism has barely even reached its zenith. As you settle down in front of a warm fire and reflect upon your triumphs and memory from the last few months of sunhats and balcony barbeques, we welcome you to look ahead and begin planning for your next jaunt, and offer you the gentle reminder that you never quite know what opportunities will strike you next.

What form will that next retreat take? A fortified retreat in the rural heartland of Germany? A cottage in the heart of rural England? A mountainside pleasure palace in north-eastern Italy?

What will fill that empty space in your drinks cabinet? A bottle of the finest Canadian wine?

A smooth Sherry finish of a single pot Irish whisky? A royal blend of 20-year-old Scotch Whisky?

We hope that, in these pages, you may find the answer. Please enjoy this month’s issue of LUX. George Millar, Editor

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4. Winsor & Newton and Linley Announce Handcrafted Art Sets Collaboration 6. Winter Art & Antiques Fair Olympia Returns, 31st October – 6th November

10. Aston Martin Cambridge Celebrates 80 Years of the Spitfire with Ltd Edition V12 Vantage S 12. Chubb celebrates 20 years of Masterpiece in the UK 14. 50th Anniversary 2017 Camaro Car Pool Table Unveiled by General Motors 16. Oh Buoy! Vasculitis Charity offers Luxury Yacht Charters at Auction

explore jewels pampering

20. At the Historic Heart of Chester

26. Ethics, Aesthetics & Sustainable Luxury 28. Gemfields Celebrates Ruby Stories with a New York Fashion Week Fete at the Jane Hotel

31. A Welcoming Embrace 32. Parco San Marco Lifestyle Beach Resort 36. Best Luxury Hotel 2016 – Turk and Caicos 38. Nurturing the Hospitality Talent of the Future 40. Simple, Pleasurable, Quintessential Relaxation

real estate retreats

44. Elevated to the Height of Luxury 46. Prindiville Marine: The Urban Waterfront Housing Revolution

50. Castel Fragsburg – a Hotel for the Fine Art of Living 54. Rediscover the Luxury of Simplicity 58. Alpine Guru Launches Brand New US Luxury Chalet Collection 60. Experience Sri Lanka’s Unique Wilderness at Diyabubula 62. Elm Cottage: A Sliver of Rural Australia 64. The Crown Jewel of the Azores 66. Exclusive, Alpine Luxury in ‘Les Trois Vallées’ 68. Escape to a Pacific Wonderland 70. Macdonald Leeming House Hotel 74. Old Swan and Minster Mill 76. Port Ferdinand Marina and Luxury Residences 78. Vanish into Yorkshire 80. Saint Peter’s Bay Resort

style taste tech tipple

84. Movado Edge: An Exciting New Collaboration with Industrial Designer Yves Béhar 86. Parlour Farm Kitchens

90. The Admiral Codrington 92. The Punchbowl 94. Savurè, the pasta specialists from Turin open this September in Shoreditch

98. Luxury Tech Company Goldgenie Opens Its Order Book for IPhone 7 Pre-Orders

101. An Introduction to the World’s Best Gin 102. Friarwood: New Faces, Same Reputation 104. Drinks to Welcome the Autumn 106. Royal Salute Relesases 90th Anniversary Limited Edition in Honour of HRH the Queen’s 90th Birthday

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Winsor & Newton and Linley Announce Handcrafted Art Sets Collaboration

Winsor & Newton and Linley Announce Handcrafted Art Sets Collaboration Bringing together over 200 years of heritage and innovation, renowned British art supplier Winsor & Newton is delighted to announce their unique collaboration with the British design company LINLEY. The brands have created a beautifully handcrafted limited edition Watercolour Compendium and a series of four art sets for sketching, watercolours, pigment markers and ink drawing.

LINLEY, founded by David Linley in 1985 as a bespoke furniture company, were drawn to the history of Windsor & Newton and began the design process by scouring the company’s incredible 184-year-old archive for inspiration. Founded in 1832, Winsor & Newton have a rich history of creating art boxes and over the years have supplied famous artists such as JMW Turner and countless members of the British royal family. The company received its first Royal Warrant from Queen Victoria in 1841. These art boxes provided the inspiration for the star piece of the collection, the Watercolour Compendium.

Signature LINLEY elements and world class art supplies come together for those that value pedigree and lineage, handcrafted quality and peerless design.

Isobel Parrish Junior Account Executive, FLINT 2 Newburgh Street London, W1F 7RD +44 (0) 203 470 0092 isobel.parrish@flint-pr.com www.flint-pr.com

The exterior of the compendium is created in a ripple sycamore veneer which is bleached to evoke the colour of a primed canvas, with a marquetry colour wheel using 12 different hand tinted birch, tay and bolivar veneers inlaid onto the lid and finished with an sterling silver plaque. Inspired by the wing of the iconic Winsor & Newton griffin, the compendium has a curved radius edge and a gently sloping angle.

Inside, the smart walnut interior has been meticulously designed to contain all the materials needed to create a watercolour study, from the underside of the lid an easel extends out, standing on the box and providing a space to work at in the studio as well as to display the finished artwork

For the art sets, the LINLEY designers also looked to the Winsor & Newton archive, where they discovered catalogues from the turn of the century containing beautiful illustrations of art materials. The sets are created in walnut with a bleached figured anigre lid screen printed with a design inspired by the illustrations. Each of the undersides is finished with a different coloured veneer – indigo, antique rose, ochre and grape.

Ben Hovanessian, Global Brand Director, Winsor & Newton says: “Winsor & Newton’s collaboration with Linley has developed out of a passion, shared by two quintessentially British brands, for traditional craftsmanship and the highest quality materials with a mutual commitment to pushing the boundaries of the creative process. These skillfully designed and beautifully realised art sets, which combine artisanal production processes with the latest technological advances, are a fitting celebration of Winsor & Newton’s heritage and values.”

David Linley, Founder, Linley says: “It is a great honour to be working alongside such an esteemed British brand as Winsor & Newton. Our two brands share a commitment to superlative craftsmanship and design. I believe that the culmination of our efforts has resulted in products that are utterly unique and reflective of the passion that both brands share for pushing boundaries of engineering and excellence.”

The collection will be available online (www.davidlinley.com) and in stores from October 2016.

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Winter Art & Antiques Fair Olympia Returns, 31st October – 6th November

Winter Art & Antiques Fair Olympia Returns, 31st October – 6th November The historic Winter Art & Antiques Fair Olympia is set to return for a 26th year, giving art and antique enthusiasts the chance to purchase often never displayed pieces from some of the best dealers in the UK. 110 exhibitors including Laura Bordignon Antiques, Babbington Fine Art, Richard Hoppé, Anthea A G Antiques Ltd and Patrick Sandberg Antiques will be taking to the prestigious London Olympia to showcase their latest pieces with values ranging from £100 to hundreds of thousands of pounds.

The Winter Art & Antiques Fair Olympia, organised

by Clarion Events Ltd., is one of the UK’s largest and most established art and antiques fairs, taking place annually in October/November at London’s iconic Kensington Olympia Exhibition Centre. Celebrating its 26th year in 2016, The Winter Art & Antiques Fair Olympia is recognised as one of the most prestigious Fairs in the UK, attracting over 100 dealers, showcasing more than 30,000 pieces to at least 20,000 visitors each year.

Mary Claire Boyd, Fair Director says, “we are hugely looking forward to the return of the Winter Art & Antiques Fair Olympia which continues to grow in popularity as seasoned collectors and new followers of the art and antiques scene embark on the opportunity to find pieces that are out of the ordinary and perfect for their home. In the wake of Brexit, we are expecting a rise in the number of foreign buyers – as well as interior stylists who are searching on behalf of clients wanting something truly individual.

As the Winter Art & Antiques Fair Olympia is the only show of its kind to be held during winter, from 31st October until 6th November, it enables visitors with a thirst for art and antiques a unique chance to shop outside of the peak summer season. It is expected to attract more than 20,000 visitors.

“As well as a fantastic range of furniture, jewellery and silverware there will also be a stimulating talks programme with a selection of the UK’s top experts.

It is a must-attend event in the run up to Christmas.”

Pieces on sale will range from fossils from the Jurassic time period, jewellery from 50BC to furniture styles through to the late 20th century - with a particular focus on furniture, art, ceramics, sculpture, silverware, fossils, jewellery, textiles and glassware.

It is the one Fair in the UK to work in association with the top two trade associations, BADA (The British Antiques Dealers’ Association) and LAPADA (The Association of Art & Antiques Dealers). There is also a strict vetting process in place to ensure all pieces are of the highest quality. Every single piece is checked by a team of experts before the Fair opens.

There will be a preview on Monday 31st October where visitors can have an exclusive, first view of the incredible array of pieces on offer.

Royal caterers, Mosimanns’ Winter Brasserie in the heart of the Fair, will be serving a special bespoke menu– providing the perfect location to enjoy refreshments against the unique backdrop of Olympia.

Tickets are priced at £3o for the Preview (Monday 31st October), £15 in advance* and £20 on the door.

Winter Art & Antiques Fair Olympia takes place at the Olympia London, Hammersmith Road, London, W14 8UX.

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www.jardinemotors.co.uk Aston Martin, 142 High Street Harston, Cambridge, CB22 7TN (01223) 964851.

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Aston Martin Cambridge Celebrates 80 Years of the Spitfire with Limited Edition V12 Vantage S

Aston Martin Cambridge Celebrates 80 Years of the Spitfire with Limited Edition V12 Vantage S Celebrating one of the most iconic designs in British history, and marking the 80th anniversary of the Supermarine Spitfire’s first flight and British engineering, Aston Martin Cambridge has commissioned a limited edition collection of eight V12 Vantage S Spitfire 80 models.

Owners of the V12 Vantage S ‘Spitfire 80 ’will experience a special handover day in the AirSpace exhibition at IWM Duxford, the home of the first Spitfire squadron. In addition, Aston Martin Cambridge will make a donation for every car sold to the RAF’s leading welfare charity, the RAF Benevolent Fund.

In honour of the Spitfire’s’ heritage, some components for the car are being made by the Aircraft Restoration Company at IWM Duxford. This includes tailpipe finishers with rainbow ‘bloom’ effect to match the Spitfire exhaust stack and an aluminium rear cabin finisher that matches the Spitfire strut brace.

Aston Martin Cambridge V12 Vantage S ‘Spitfire 80’ has been tailored by Q Aston Martin’s personalization service. The car has been created in a special, Duxford Green colour, with the trademark Spitfire yellow pinstripe on the side strakes and deck lid. Also included are front and rear diffusers in satin carbon fibre; a louvred bonnet in Duxford Green to create a bold profile; and solid sterling silver Aston Martin wings badges with tailored ‘Old English White’ inlay.

For complete customisation, customers will also be given the choice to have a Spitfire serial number lacquered into the side strakes.

Internally, the ‘Spitfire 80’ model boasts an array of features including the Spitfire 80 logo embroidered in Raven Black onto the headrests; saddle leather floor mats with sheepskin inserts in relating to the iconic Irvin jacket; the passenger airbag embroidered with its unique aircraft identification code; and door inserts finished with door pulls in red ‘webbing’ to match the Spitfire aircraft.

Completing the aviation theme, the Aston Martin Cambridge V12 Vantage S ‘Spitfire 80’ comes with a range of accessories including a unique Irvin Jacket with Spitfire 80 logo stitched inside; Irvin flying helmet and flying goggles; themed car cover; embossed owners’ manual; and a leather photo album featuring high quality images taken on the day for each customer.

On the day of collection, the eight ‘Spitfire 80’ models will be handed over at IWM Duxford, Britain’s bestpreserved Second World War airfield and Europe’s premier aviation museum on October 18th 2016.

When arriving at the iconic AirSpace exhibition, the new owners will be treated to a unique opportunity to immerse themselves in the Spitfire’s heritage, welcomed into the Conservation Hall in the AirSpace exhibition and will receive a talk from a veteran Spitfire pilot.

The VIP treatment from Aston Martin Cambridge extends into a full day of activities guaranteed to excite with a Spitfire flight experience with Classic Wings, an armoured vehicle driving experience, as well as a personal tour of the museum. Customers will get up close and personal with their new vehicles, receiving a presentation from the Aston Martin Q design team to tell the story of the car’s design and its unique features.

Finally, the new owners will also get the chance to drive their cars on the famous runway at IWM Duxford before watching one of the last Mark I Spitfires in the world conduct a stunning display.

Available exclusively from Aston Martin Cambridge, the eight limited edition models are priced at £180,000 including on the road costs.

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Chubb celebrates 20 years of Masterpiece in the UK

Chubb celebrates 20 years of Masterpiece in the UK Chubb will today celebrate the 20th anniversary of its Masterpiece personal lines insurance product for high net worth private clients in the UK at Salon Privé held at Blenheim Palace, in Oxfordshire. At the event, the Chubb Insurance Concours d’Elégance will see some of the world’s rarest and finest classic cars and motorcycles paraded through the grounds of Blenheim as they compete for the ‘Best in Show’ award.

Jeremy Miles, Senior Vice President, Personal Risk Services, Europe, said: “Salon Privé is always an exciting event, but it’s made even more special this year as we’re celebrating 20 years of providing superior specialist home and motor insurance in the UK. Our Masterpiece product is built on transparency, simplicity and clarity. It combines exceptional levels of insurance cover with a highly tailored and personalised service.

“We insure many of the vehicles in the Chubb Insurance Concours d’Elégance, and we are delighted to sponsor this prestigious event for the eighth consecutive year.”

Chubb is the world’s largest publicly traded property and casualty insurance company. With operations in 54 countries, Chubb provides commercial and personal property and casualty insurance, personal accident and supplemental health insurance, reinsurance and life insurance to a diverse group of clients.

Nicholas Mandalas Regional Communications Manager, Europe, Eurasia and Africa Email: nicholas.mandalas@chubb.com Telephone: +44 (0) 20 7173 7793 or 44 (0) 77 7511 7274

“As an underwriting company, we assess, assume and manage risk with insight and discipline. We service and pay our claims fairly and promptly. The company is also defined by its extensive product and service offerings, broad distribution capabilities, exceptional financial strength and local operations globally.”

Parent company Chubb Limited is listed on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: CB), and is a component of the S&P 500 index. Chubb maintains executive offices in Zurich, New York, London and other locations, and employs approximately 31,000 people worldwide.

Since its inception in 2006, Salon Privé has become firmly established as the UK’s most prestigious luxury supercar and motorbike show. As well as being an unrivalled social occasion for the UK’s car collectors, it is attended by premium and bespoke car manufacturers from around the world. In addition to the historic cars of the Chubb Insurance Concours d’Elégance, the three-day extravaganza features supercars, concept and hyper cars.

Tara Parchment, UK and Ireland Personal Lines Manager, said: “From our personal appraisal service to the payment of claims, at Chubb we pride ourselves on going the extra mile for our Masterpiece clients throughout the full life cycle of the insurance policy. We look forward to celebrating the 20th anniversary with our broker partners and clients, and continuing to protect their prize possessions for future generations to enjoy.”

Chubb insured cars in this year’s Chubb Insurance Concours d’Elégance include: • 1929 Bentley 4 ½ litre ‘Birkin Blower’ • 1957 Mercedes 300 SL Gullwing • 1957 Ferrari 250 GT LWB Tour de France • 1996 Porsche 911 993 GT1 • 2016 Ferrari F12 Tour de France

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50th Anniversary 2017 Camaro Car Pool Table Unveiled by General Motors

50th Anniversary 2017 Camaro Car Pool Table Unveiled by General Motors To celebrate the unveiling of the 50th anniversary Chevrolet Camaro, General Motors have commissioned and unveiled a pool table equivalent, created

by Tampa Bay businessman, Tony Utegaard.

The 2017 Camaro SS 50th Anniversary Edition Pool Table worth close to 16,000 USD, was revealed at GM’s official 50th Anniversary Camaro Celebration, at their plant in Lansing, MI. The table is 127” long - bumper to nose, 72” wide, and 35” high, weighing in at 1000 lbs. The project took almost six-months to design and complete, in partnership with GM. Co-Founder of Car Pool Tables, Tony Utegaard, said: “It was a real honour to complete this piece for General Motors, working with top secret designs ahead of the public unveiling in Lansing.”

Moulded directly from a real 2017 Camaro, the table features working lights, authentic rims tires, trims, emblems, and grills, with a 4’ x 8’ slate playing top.

The special production is the only Camaro pool table officially licensed by Chevrolet and GM, and comes with its own VIN serial number, and title certificate of authenticity.

Car Pool Tables offer constructs in the style of the 1965 Ford Mustang, Shelby GT-350, 1959 Corvette and the 1969 Camaro, ranging from 10,000 USD to 25,000 USD. Their most expensive table to date was the 110,000 USD Carroll Shelby Signature Edition GT350, signed by Carroll Shelby himself.

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Oh Buoy! Vasculitis Charity offers Luxury Yacht Charters at Auction

Oh Buoy! Vasculitis Charity offers Luxury Yacht Charters at Auction The Lauren Currie Twilight Foundation will be auctioning a spectacular three-day charter on a luxury yacht at its Black & Red Ball on Friday 16 September at the Glasgow Radisson Blu hotel.

The charter will be among numerous auction lots available at the milestone event which will see the charity reach it’s £500,000 donation mark.

Luxury super yachts Lady Tatiana and Lady Alhena have been entered into the auction by White Star Charter based in Palma de Mallorca, Spain. Boasting five cabins with en-suite bathrooms, the yachts can easily accommodate 11 guests and the four crew members in complete comfort. The super yachts, currently moored at their home port in Palma, will be available to use between November 2016 and March 2017.

The three-day charter will be part of a fund-raising auction at the Black & Red Ball hosted by the Lauren Currie Twilight Foundation. For the first time the auction will be available to guests at the event and also to bidders online.

The Lauren Currie Twilight Foundation was created

by Grant and Adrienne Currie following the death of their 15-year old daughter and only child Lauren in 2010. Lauren had suffered from Wegener’s granulomatosis, a variant of the auto-immune disease vasculitis.

Lauren’s condition was only diagnosed in the final hours of her life and her parents realised that, with earlier diagnosis, her life could have been saved.

Famous Publicity Adam Betteridge, 0333 344 2341, adam@famouspublicity.com or Tina Fotherby, 07703 409 622, tina@famouspublicity.com

Lauren’s Father Grant Currie said, “This year’s Black & Red Ball is an incredibly important milestone for the foundation as we would have been celebrating Lauren’s 21st Birthday.

“We are extremely fortunate that businesses and individuals are donating so many wonderful prizes to the auction, their generosity will help us raise awareness of vasculitis on an international level within the medical community and the general public. There is a great need to encourage earlier

diagnosis, it will reduce cases of severe organ damage and save lives.”

Vasculitis is the inflammation of blood vessels. When blood vessels are inflamed they reduce blood flow to tissues and organs. Any blood vessel can become inflamed and can affect any part of the body. Due to this there are numerous types of vasculitis each with different symptoms. The cause of vasculitis is usually unknown but it can sometimes develop from a previous infection. It is an uncommon illness and can affect people of all ages.

Early diagnosis is important in effective medical care for vasculitis. The Lauren Currie Twilight Foundation has awarded £62,000 of funding to the University of Aberdeen to support a PHD project on vasculitis.

The Lauren Currie Twilight Foundation is one of only two vasculitis-specific charities operating in the UK. It is happy to collaborate with other relevant charities that support the fight against vasculitis, including those in the US. Tickets for the ball are priced at £65 for a single ticket, £650 for a table of ten and £780 for a table of twelve. Included with the ticket or table booking is a drinks reception, three course meal, wine, entertainment from headline act Five, entry into a raffle and also the amazing auction.

The Black & Red Ball has been held annually in Glasgow since 2011 and has helped to contribute to the overall fundraising of £500,000 for the charity. The Lauren Currie Twilight Foundation has produced a video explaining the condition, which can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=W94a0KLa1vQ.

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At the Historic Heart of Chester

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At the Historic Heart of Chester

Sporting a rendered brick front, and a strong neoclassical flavour running through its facades, the Oddfellows Hotel in Chester holds a deeply dignified and historic position. Designated a Grade II listed building since 1955, this striking three-storey building has fulfilled a number of roles, the latest of which is as a well-appointed, stylish hotel balancing decadent Georgian charm with quaint modernity. Today, the hotel proudly boasts at being housed in the first neo-classical building in central Chester, and the establishment makes itself perfectly at home in the historic Chester Rows.

Oddfellows Chester is very easy to find. No other building on Lower Bridge Street has a façade quite like it. Across the first and second floor bays, articulated, superposed Doric pilasters frame the sash windows; the overall effect is that of one giant order. Walking along the street beneath its towering walls, the third bay from the south projects outwards intrudingly, becoming an entrance porch flanked by pronounced, well-maintained pilasters. As if the overall effect wasn’t grandiose enough, a pediment hangs over the doorway, immediately above a frieze inscribed with the words ‘Oddfellows Hall’.

While one would be forgiven for assuming that this is a private residence of the very highest magnitude, this striking building is in fact a hotel, albeit one with a long, illustrious history.

Originally built as a townhouse in 1676, when it was known as Bridge House, this structure has always been associated with exuberant, luxurious displays.

Lady Mary Calverley’s petition to the City Assembly for permission to demolish a section of the Chester Rows was granted, but at the cost of a £20 fine – the equivalent to just over £3000 in today’s money.

Before Oddfellows’ Hall was even constructed, then, it had left a stamp on Chester as an exclusive place, born out of wealth and prestige. During the early 18th Century, it was occupied by local attorney general John Williams. Since that time, the building has been used for various purposes, including a school, a club, offices, and shops. Anyone that chooses to spend the night under the Oddfellows’ Hotel’s grey slate roof is immediately tied to the history of this highly desirable property.

The modern hotel has taken on an entirely different life, compared to its very private, ostentatious past.

The hotel seems at odds with itself, balancing grandiose historical charm with more modern, whimsical flavours. This idiosyncrasy is what gives the hotel much of its character – were it not for the cheerful design-led boutique arrangements, this place might feel too enveloping. Instead, the hotel and its amenities offer a fresh injection of casual modern eccentricity to its already lavish façades. The Secret Gardens towards the back of the property, while closed off from the rest of the world by protective canopies, are arrayed with white fences, and populated by a number of garden gnomes. The garden chairs and patio tables, all decorated by framed pictures and a variety of unorthodox lamps,

further accentuate the charm of this private spot. The Secret Garden is indeed an ideal year-round spot for guests to sit down and enjoy a cocktail in secluded, relaxed whimsy.

There is an increasingly prevalent trend among hotels these days to steer towards a boutique décor, as business owners are aware of its effect on making a hotel stay feel intensely personal. While such an arrangement might be easier to accomplish in a rural setting, more urban-based properties might find it significantly harder to achieve the same effect, with tighter quarters and a potential for less picturesque surroundings. Having said that, Oddfellows Chester is perfectly situated to prove to be the exception to that.

Taking full advantage of the Baroque aspects of this property, the third-floor bedrooms at Oddfellows Chester lend themselves naturally to boutique fashion, especially considering the roots of the building as a Georgian townhouse. Each of the rooms has been individually decorated, with low wooden beams running through the roof, interrupted by skylight windows. While each room features identical minibars and air conditioning, they differ in terms of their styling – sometimes in small, subtle ways, and at other times far more noticeably. A modern lamp perched on an antique table, for instance, is contrasted by a modern, furnished bed-stand and a free-standing bathtub. The styles on display are well-balanced, yet asymmetrical enough to offer up plenty of character.

All things being considered, that hefty fine suffered

by Lady Calverley appears to have paid for itself, as it has given rise to a modern property, well aware of its own heritage, and with a quaint character and one might be tempted to simply wile away the hours in the pampering comfort of their room, taking the opportunity to experience life in such laid-back, gorgeously-appointed surroundings.

As if the charms of a Georgian town house were not enough, Oddfellows also maintains a number of deluxe boutique apartments, just a couple of minutes’ walk from the main hotel, down a quiet, cobbled street overlooking the River Dee, adjoined with a bijoux courtyard and parking space on the doorstep. Here, guests may enjoy all the benefits of their own personal pad – arrayed in open-plan fashion, with modern kitchen equipment and two beautifully-dressed en-suite rooms in each LUX - September 2016 21

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Company: Oddfellows Chester Email: reception@oddfellowschester.com Phone: 01244 345454 Web: www.oddfellowschester.com Address: 20 Lower Bridge Street, Chester, CH1 1RS

apartment, these fully serviced apartments offer all the fun of Oddfellows with a home-from-home feel.

Should guests wish to dine at the main hotel, they may do so, but should they wish to make use of their own facilities, the hotel can provide a hamper of supplies. While well-suited for a family or group getaway, these private, humble abodes have found a particular niche with guests looking for somewhere out of the way yet easily accessible for extended business stays.

Come the evening, as thoughts turn to sumptuous meals, the hotel takes on a more new, ethereal light to entice its clientele. With deck lamps illuminating the garden pathways, guests can look out over this secluded space from the restaurant through ceilingto-floor windows. Trees grow through the tables, adding to the timeless aspect of this hotel while introducing an eccentric new twist on Oddfellows’ character. The hotel’s inventive chefs match this playful attitude, have created dishes with an integrity that belies their unusualness, inspired by British classics, together an all-important Oddfellows twist using seasonal and local produce. As such, the a la carte menu includes fast favourites – the ten-ounce Herefordshire ribeye steak; the lamb loin with salsify and wild garlic gnocci; and the stone bass fillet with prawn bisque and samphire – with more unusual, exotic flavours: the shared chateaubriand takes 45 minutes to prepare and comes with onion rings, sumptuous tomatoes and béarnaise sauce.

“The hotel seems at odds with itself, balancing grandiose historical charm with more modern, whimsical flavours.”

The restaurant offers a guiding hand when it comes to giving guests the experience that they deserve. For the discerning wine connoisseur, the wine menu is presented in an easy-to-follow manner, distinguishing the bold, spicy red Shirazes from the smoother, more rounded Indaba Merlots. Likewise, a small number of dessert wines ensure that guests are able to make the most of their culinary experience, something that the hotel staff take as a personal mission.

Oddfellows’ Georgian exteriors, coupled with its gentle smattering of Baroque interiors and glorious cuisine, is quickly establishing itself as a local favourite for wedding parties. Putting the entirety of the gorgeous first floor at their exclusive disposal, parties of up to 140 can be safe and secure in the knowledge that their every need will be attended to.

With the assistance of the hotel’s wedding planner, Grace, Oddfellows provides glorious food – from full wedding breakfasts to masses of finger food and even rooftop picnics – and with the rustic romanticism of the Chester Rows providing the perfect backdrop, there is no better place to say ‘I do’, and embark on the next chapter of life.

Leaving aside the innumerable charms of the hotel and its amenities, its two strategically-placed properties within a stone’s throw of the river, makes Oddfellows the perfect place for the discerning visitor with an eye for culture. The Chester Rows themselves are built upon the ruins of ancient

At the Historic Heart of Chester

Roman buildings – Lower Bridge Street itself was part of the original network laid down during the settlement’s early development, tying the hotel to the very heart of the city of Chester. Over the course of the following millennium, these streets have been added to, blocked off and repurposed any number of times. Oddfellows lies at the centre of a complex, myriad network of streets, each with their own history.

Many a guest at Oddfellows might never find their way past this intricate maze of streets; the Falcon public house, the old 17th-century town house of the Grosvenor Family, sits at the top end of Lower Bridge Street, and can be observed from the hotel, reinforcing to guests the deeply-rooted history in this area of the city.

Should the hotel’s guests wish to eventually find their way out of the rustic density of the Chester Rows, they may easily find themselves somewhere else entirely, whilst remaining within easy reach of the hotel. Oddfellows itself is only mere minutes from the River Dee, where half-hour river cruises offer an ideal chance to see Chester from a different perspective, with targeted, insightful commentary accompanying the voyage. In addition, Chester Racecourse is a short five-minute walk away, while Grosvenor Shopping Centre is within a three-minute walk. Any guest venturing out for the day is invited to enjoy their light, takeaway breakfast provided by Oddfellows every morning before exploring the locale.

Alternatively, for those that require a little longer in the mornings, a full continental or cooked breakfast is available in the restaurant.

Oddfellows is perfectly aware of its central location within the city of Chester, and guests are equally able to take advantage of this through a number of bespoke packages. In particular, Oddfellows is eager to bring their clientele into contact with the wild side of Chester – after a night spent in one of the bespoke rooms or apartments, the hotel provides tickets to face the obstacles along the famous mile-long Crocky Trail, or alternatively to jump the queues at Chester Zoo. For a hotel that makes such an effort to make its guests feel at home, it all seems to be directed towards making guests feel as energised as possible, to give them the best head-start to a day out in Chester.

Having firmly established a thriving enterprise at the heart of Chester, Oddfellows is on the brink of opening their newest venue, Oddfellows on the Park in Cheadle, Manchester. Due to open its doors in early 2017, it is set within a beautiful Victorian mansion, and will house 22 gorgeous bedrooms, a destination restaurant, cocktail bar, flexible event spaces with staggering views of the local parkland, and a statement ‘salon de beaute’, which has been fondly named The Pigsty.

Like its sister hotel, design is important, service is crucial and playfulness is a requirement – leaving behind the baroque aesthetic of their Georgian Chester hotel means embracing a new and altogether more grandiose interior decoration theme, whilst achieving the same highly effective balance between the old and the new. This newest property is set to firmly cement the Oddfellows name as a major player in boutique hotels, set within period buildings with a strong sense of quirky interior design and British eccentricity.

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Copperstone Capital is an investment management firm founded in 2009 with offices in Moscow, Russia and London, United Kingdom.

We manage wealth for high net worth individuals and institutions through various hedge fund strategies.

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Ethics, Aesthetics & Sustainable Luxury

Ethics, Aesthetics & Sustainable Luxury Launched in 2013 in partnership with Eco-Age, The Journey to Sustainable Luxury is Chopard’s commitment to sourcing responsibly and helping the real people in its supply chain who are all too often overlooked. An exciting and ambitious multi-year programme, it has now delivered global market leadership and differentiation from competitors.

This year, at the Cannes Film Festival, Chopard announced its next significant stage in the journey with a partnership with Gemfields. By partnering with Gemfields, Chopard can set an example of best practice in the mining of coloured gemstones, demonstrate leadership in the forging of industry alliances and continue to support local communities in the most remote regions where these extremely rare raw materials are mined.

To celebrate the beginning of this new phase of the journey, Chopard unveiled a capsule collection of Green Carpet High Jewellery within its Red Carpet Collection. The unveiling took place at the Cannes Film Festival in May and included responsibly sourced emeralds in Chopard’s Green Carpet Collection for the very first time.

These beautiful Green Carpet creations were debuted on the famous red carpet by Julianne Moore. Julianne, who has walked the Green Carpet Challenge before, wore the incredible statement earrings along with a ring, both crafted in Fairmined certified gold and featuring the validated emeralds from Gemfields and diamonds sourced from the IGC group, which is certified by the RJC Code of Practices.

Michael Drapper Mdrapper@koganpage.com +44 (0)20 7843 1925.

45 Gee Street, London, EC1V 3RS, UK

Chopard continues to strengthen this relationship as it launches new Green Carpet creations of High Jewellery at the Venice Film Festival 2016. The incredible new pieces feature responsibly sourced emeralds, showcasing the marriage of ethics and aesthetics.

The journey began with a world first that saw Chopard forge a philanthropic relationship with the influential South American mining NGO, the Alliance for Responsible Mining (ARM). Chopard became the world’s first watch and luxury jewellery company

to support and enable gold mining communities to reach Fairmined certification and provide training, social welfare and environmental support. To date, two mines in Latin America (in Colombia and Bolivia) have now achieved Fairmined certification through Chopard’s direct support.

Over the last three years, Chopard has continued to build on its promise, achieving a number of landmark steps including: creating the incredible Green Carpet Collection of High Jewellery using only sustainably sourced and traceable precious materials; the Palme Verte Collection, the first diffusion line in Fairmined gold; the world’s first watches in Fairmined gold in the L.U.C Collection; not forgetting the mythical Palme d’Or which has been crafted from Fairmined gold since 2014.

Most recently, Chopard unveiled two stunning new pieces in its Green Carpet Collection of High Jewellery at the Venice Film Festival 2016, featuring responsibly-sourced emeralds, showcasing the marriage of ethics and aesthetics, through their evolving partnership with Gemfields, creators of high jewellery.

“It is a bold commitment, but one that we must pursue if we are to make a difference to the lives of people who make our business possible.” said Karl Friedrich Scheufele, Co-President of Chopard.

Caroline Scheufele, Co-President and Artistic Director of Chopard said: “We are so proud of what we have achieved so far with our Journey to Sustainable Luxury. It has been a challenging journey but the results are incredible. Chopard is defined by true luxury and today this means knowing where jewellery has come from and how it has been made - the hands behind the jewellery.”

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Gemfields Celebrates Ruby Stories with a New York Fashion Week Fete at the Jane Hotel

Gemfields Celebrates Ruby Stories with a New York Fashion Week Fete at the Jane Hotel As part of New York Fashion Week, Gemfields, the world’s leading supplier of responsibly sourced coloured gemstones, partnered with WME|IMG and M2M to debut three new films for the In Conversation series, to be presented at a star-studded event on Friday 9th September.

Gemfields plc is a leading supplier of coloured gemstones, and is quoted on the AIM division of the London Stock Exchange, where it is a constituent of the AIM50 index.

Gemfields is the operator and 75% owner of both the Kagem emerald mine in Zambia (believed to be the world’s single largest producing emerald mine) and the Montepuez ruby mine in Mozambique (one of the most significant recently discovered ruby deposits in the world). In addition, Gemfields also holds a 50% interest in the Kariba amethyst mine in Zambia, as well as controlling interests in various other gemstone mining and prospecting licenses in Zambia, Mozambique, Colombia, Ethiopia, Madagascar and Sri Lanka.

Gemfields’ outright ownership of Fabergé, an iconic and prestigious brand of exceptional heritage, enables Gemfields to optimize positioning, perception and consumer awareness of coloured gemstones, advancing the wider group’s “mine and market” vision.

Anwesha Dutta anwesha.dutta@gemfields.co.uk +44 (0)207 518 3418

Gemfields has developed a proprietary grading system and a pioneering auction and trading platform to provide a consistent supply of quality coloured gemstones to the global downstream markets. This is a key component of the Company’s business model, which the Directors believe has played an important role in the appropriate distribution and associated resurgence of the global coloured gemstone sector.

This prestigious event in New York Fashion week highlights Gemfields’ ambitions, being built upon the foundations of its own ‘Ruby-Inspired Stories’ campaign. The event’s guest list included international blogger Chriselle Lim, YouTube sensation Amanda Steele, and Cipriana Quann of the

Urban Bush Babes, who all gave intimate interviews and shared their own stories. On-hand to celebrate the launch of the films were Academy Award-winning actress, Julianne Moore, Emmy-nominated Keri Russell of “The Americans,” and Sophie Cookson star of “The Huntsman” and “Kingsman,” who is also the face of Gemfields’ new global advertising campaign.

All three women dazzled in ruby and emerald jewellery from Gemfields’ design collaborations.

The festivities attracted New York’s best and brightest including TV personality Louise Roe, along with fashion insiders and New York socials including Glenn O’Brien, Ann Dexter Jones, Zanna Rassi Roberts, Bradley Theodore, Maye Musk, Deshauna Barber, Pia Wurtzbach, Olivia Jordan, as well as social media stars Pari Ehsan, and Sophia Macks.

Guests enjoyed ruby themed cocktails and the music of DJ Tennessee Thomas while previewing the new In Conversation series created by M2M. To ensure a social media friendly event, Gemfields provided a custom Snapchat filter and a provocative photo-op moment for guests to create their own ruby story.

Sally Morrison, Gemfields’ Director of Sales and Marketing – Americas, comments, “We hope that our campaign, together with In Conversation’s films, will inspire a new generation to celebrate and share their own ruby stories.”

Gemfields’ alignment with NYFW is the latest initiative the company has undertaken to promote coloured gemstones, encourage creativity in the industry and highlight its connection to the fashion industry. The films will live on IMG’s proprietary channel, M2M, as part of its In Conversation series, as well as on Gemfields’ website and social media platforms.

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A Welcoming Embrace

A Welcoming Embrace Located in the heart of Brighton’s famous Lanes, Turn Beautiful has been established for just over five years. This boutique beauty salon, specialising in eyelash extensions, Bio Sculpture Gel nails and Dermalogica skin treatments, is the product of hard work and dedication by salon owner and respected beauty therapist Jennifer Turner, who has worked tirelessly to establish a reputation for excellence, both in treatments and customer service.

“Whether they are with us for 15 minutes or three hours, every client is treated with the same high level of care and attention. We make sure we always have ample time for every treatment so the client is not rushed, and made to feel relaxed and comfortable,” Jennifer explains.

Once a client has navigated their way through the bustle of The Lanes and passed by the coffee shop below, they will find themselves welcomed into the oasis of Jennifer’s salon, greeted like a returning friend. Building on the importance of a good first impression, Jennifer elaborates, “we’ve built a reputation on the quality of our treatments and personal recommendation; we are considered to be something of an intimate secret by our clients.”

One of the reasons that Turn Beautiful has established such exceptional client rapport and loyalty in such a short amount of time is in the unpretentious approach to beauty treatments adopted by Jennifer and her team. “We make sure to offer a relaxed, unintimidating atmosphere, in which anyone can feel comfortable to ask questions about the many varied treatments on offer. Part of this approach is based around offering free consultations and making sure every client is 100 per cent satisfied before leaving the salon.”

Business Awards. We were a finalist in a worldwide competition for our lash treatments and we are proud to be considered the leading salon in Brighton, for Dermalogica skincare, being the first to receive ‘Expert Status’ in the area.”

Turn Beautiful is more than a small local salon – its staff influence and are influenced by artists and therapists from all over the world. “It is,” Jennifer concludes, “one of the joys of fully embracing a social and online presence in addition to attending global conferences; that translates into new and even better levels of treatments for our clientele.”

Beauty & Wellness Centre of the Year 2016 - Brighton

Company: Turn Beautiful Email: info@turnbeautiful.co.uk Phone: 01273 719 988 Web: https://turnbeautiful.co.uk/ Address: 12 Market Street, Brighton, BN1 1HH, UK

Jennifer identifies a further reason why her business has been so quick to flourish. Over the space of the last eight years, there has been more of a drive to regulate the beauty salon trade – “greater regulation is to the benefit of the clients, as well as a challenge that we have met. All our staff are fully qualified in the treatments they perform over and above the requirements.”

“Another challenge we’ve had to address and adapt to is the increasing expectation of being able to find pertinent information about a treatment easily. We also recognise that our clients lead busy lives and want the flexibility to book and manage their own appointments at any point in the day. We are pleased to be able to offer an online booking system as well as extensive treatment information on our website” Jennifer goes on to elaborate what she feels sets Turn Beautiful apart from other salons; “It’s our unstinting dedication to excellent client service, which has resulted in our award winning status; we were honored to receive ‘The Reader’s Choice’ at this year’s Brighton & Hove Independent

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Embodying Multicultural Empathy

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Parco San Marco Lifestyle Beach Resort

Parco San Marco Lifestyle Beach Resort is a luxurious four-star-superior hotel resort in Northern Italy. Within easy reach of the Alps and the Italian lakes, the resort boasts exceptional views over Lake Lugano and the surrounding mountain scenery. Set in an enchanting thirty thousand square mile subtropical park, Parco San Marco resort is only a stone´s throw away from the city of Lugano and Lake Como, and offers a wealth of opportunities.

With over a hundred elegant suites and apartments, clients can enjoy a private beach to unwind and rest, a spa to re-balance the body and mind, four à la carte restaurants and an outdoor adults-only pool. Children are also accommodated for with a fun pool water park and three kids’ clubs. In addition, the sports facilities allow customers to experience a fitness program, go surfing or even boat on the lake.

In 1971, the founders and investors of the hotel, Eva and Hartmut Schwenn, explored Ticino, in northern Italy, to find a suitable piece of land to realise their dream of building a unique resort. They discovered and fell in love with the unspoiled area of Porlezza and found an undeveloped area of about 30,000 square meters for the ambitious project.

In the first phase, which lasted until 1976, thirtytwo comfortable apartments were created and

“ The ambition is to fulfil the leisure and wellness requirements of a modern resort through a wide range of innovative offers, as well as to live up to the motto “… simply unique.” successfully rented. In 1980, encouraged by this success, Eva and Hartmut decided to expand the project. Negotiations of the land lasted several years. To check whether the project complied with the strict requirements of landscape protection, Eva and Hartmut Schwenn created three model homes in 1994. Due to this, the construction permit was finally issued in June 1996. This permit contained an important addition which stated “Vedi Autorizzazioni del Servizio Beni Ambientali della Regione Lombardia ...” which means that the strict protection of the landscape must always be respected.

Finally, construction began in October 1997 and concluded in July 1999. This larger second phase of the project saw the creation of 81 new studios and suites, the reception, bar and three restaurants, two banquet and seminar rooms, wellness and sports centre, gardens and underground parking for 120 vehicles.

The services provided by Parco San Marco demonstrates its commitment to providing its guests with a unique experience which, it believes, characterises its excellent service - unique in the quality it offers, in the prestige it transmits and in the personal touch that it provides.

In fact, excellent service is not only one of its guiding principles; it is an essential part of the hotel’s thoughts and actions. Hundreds of staff members provide for the welfare of an international clientele who are accustomed to a luxury service, therefore it is crucial that the resort obeys a quality policy in order to reach the highest standard possible in its performance.

The quality policy takes into account many factors, including accuracy, reliability and availability.

Excellence and the highest standards are essential for a content and relaxing stay for customers.

Parco San Marco Lifestyle Beach Resort is the epitome of quality of experience and hospitality in a casual setting, intended for an open-minded client-base, regardless of age or lifestyle. Its aim is to meet the current requirements of a contemporary recreation, leisure and spa resort with a wide and innovative range of services. “Simply unique” is the motto that the resort continuously abides by.

Thoroughly evaluating, anticipating and meeting the exact needs of its customers are all a part of its goals and company culture. In this way, and through a highly innovative approach, the hotel reinforces its front-line position by delivering an outstanding and personal customer experience, faster and more successfully than its competitors.

In response to the growing number of international visitors from around the world who each bring with them entirely different expectations and cultural behaviours, Parco San Marco has created a programme that called “Multicultural Empathy”. With guests to the hotel coming from as far away as Asia Pacific and the Middle East, where cultural behaviours and etiquette vary hugely from those found in Europe, the aim of this programme serves two symbiotic purposes. Firstly, it provides the hotel’s staff with the knowledge and skills to be able to address each customer’s diverse needs through a deeper level of cultural understanding and ability to adapt their behaviour to suit the customers’ expectations. Secondly, the guests experience a level of service that is exceptionally personal, culturally empathic and significantly superior to that of the standardised deluxe ‘chain’ system.

All staff are fully trained in the “Multicultural Empathy” programme and those working on the front desk are multilingual, able to speak between six to eight languages. Such has been the success of the programme, that Parco San Marco has been instrumental in sharing it with other independently run hotels over the last two years. Parco San Marco prides itself on always trying to create a warm and welcoming reception for its guests. A genuine smile is the first perfect impression to any visitor.

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Company: Parco San Marco Lifestyle Beach Resort Email: info@san-marco-hotels.com Web: www.parco-san-marco.com Address: Viale Privato San Marco 1, 22018 Cima di Porlezza, Italy Telephone: +39 0344 629 111

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lux “The main goal of Parco San Marco is to fully satisfy guests’ needs and to ensure they have an exclusive experience.”

Parco San Marco Lifestyle Beach Resort

Just as unique as the hotel and area that surrounds it, are the mountains and the charming Lake Lugano.

From arrival till departure, the resort endeavours to guarantee guests have a memorable stay through anticipating their wishes and desires. The main goal of Parco San Marco is to fully satisfy guests’ needs and to ensure they have an exclusive experience.

Another goal of the resort is to surprise returning guests by introducing something new on every visit.

For example, this winter Parco San Marco created a new sky lounge terrace which, with its stunning and creative architecture has a low impact on the environment around it. A new lift now connects the parking area with the reception and there is an increased focus on biodiversity. The hotel’s commitment and social responsibility towards the wellbeing of its guests and the environment is illustrated through the acquisition of land to grow nutritional crops.

In 2015, Parco San Marco “adopted” a field near Morgantina, a village in the southeast of Sicily in line with the hotel’s social responsibility. As part of a project called “Terre Frumentarie” which was founded by Giuseppe Li Rosi, the land is used to grow ancient types of grain without the use of any herbicides or chemicals. Parco San Marco was the first visionary to join this project and, this year, the hotel guests are eating pasta made from the grains grown and harvested in the field last year. The pasta contains proteins and destructured gluten, the wheat is easier to digest, and the pasta is made from semolina containing up to 70% less gluten than the ordinary industrial pasta. On site, the “La Masseria – Beach Terrace & Grill” has made a great success of this project. Thanks to its commitment to provide “celiac friendly” dishes on its menu, the restaurant has been listed on the AIC (Italian Celiac Association) list of certified gluten-free restaurants.

Like any company in the modern world, Parco San Marco is no different when it comes to incorporating new technology which helps guests have a stress-free stay. This year, the resort has implemented a new system to enhance the entire customer journey – starting from an improved user friendly website, the booking process and to the customer relationship management. The process now includes a pre stay information, with a tailored made newsletter according to the purpose of travel, and ending in the post stay email. The resort uses the most reliable technologies and tools available, working with high quality companies and partners.

The ambition is to fulfil the leisure and wellness requirements of a modern resort through a wide range of innovative offers, as well as to live up to the motto “… simply unique.” Therefore, it is the hotel’s task in the long run to continue to drive profits in order to be able to make the investments required to ensure a successful future. High quality is safeguarded by investments in infrastructure as well as by flexible, creative, and competent employees.

Parco San Marco offers the epitome of high quality experiences and hospitality in a relaxed atmosphere for a wide range of generations whilst offering guests the greatest possible sense of wellbeing. It is these factors that make the resort simply unique.

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Best Luxury Hotel 2016 – Turk and Caicos

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Best Luxury Hotel 2016 – Turk and Caicos

Point Grace is a boutique hotel and spa resort located on Grace Bay beach on Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos Islands. It is a place where the eclectic and exceptional find enlightening refuge from the world.

Inspired by classic, turn of the 20th Century British Colonial architecture, Point Grace is an extraordinary Caribbean retreat, located at the Point of the pristine award winning twelve-mile beach of Grace Bay, Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos Islands.

Named after the hotel’s singular location at the point of Grace Bay, Point Grace is a highly unique boutique hotel with 28 luxurious one, two, three and four bedroom suites and penthouses. It is here, in a setting seemingly untouched by time, that each suite has been designed to include every luxury, leaving you free to encounter your own personal state of grace.

Point Grace’s origin begins over a century before ground was broken on the site that Point Grace now stands. In 1892, a woman named Grace Hutchings sailed to Providenciales (formerly known as Blue Hills) from Grand Turk with her new husband to honeymoon in the hills of the Bight, overlooking the breath-taking turquoise sea. Soon after Grace and her new husband departed, the locals named the twelve-mile beach along the north shore in her honour. Over a century later, Point Grace was inspired and designed to do justice to Lady Grace.

“We have combined our knowledge of famous Thalgo Spas of France and have created a relaxing Caribbean ocean front environment for your enjoyment.”

Today, that joyous spirit – unsullied, innocent, yet ablaze with natural splendour, resonates throughout the golden enclave of Point Grace. Here, in this serene setting ideal for relaxation, regeneration and reflection – you might even hear the whispered echo of Grace’s laughter still lingering in the soothing tropical breeze.

Point Grace majestically adorns the “Point” of Grace Bay, part of the Princess Alexandra National Park on the pristine northern shore of the island of Providenciales in the Turks and Caicos Islands. This extraordinary setting provides ultimate exclusivity, privacy and serenity on what has been described by many as the best beach in the world. Providenciales is one of the forty-nine islands that comprise the British Overseas Territory of the Turks and Caicos Islands. This caring island community of about thirtythree thousand friendly locals and internationals is located halfway between Florida and Puerto Rico, and only a ninety minute, non-stop jet flight from Miami.

Gentle trade winds assure a nearly perfect year round climate. Magnificent coral reefs and waters earn praise for providing some of the best SCUBA, snorkelling, boating and fishing experiences in the

world, while marine parks, conch farms, and wildlife reserves thrive in harmony with nature. On land, championship golf, galleries and boutiques, gaming and dining provide a unique quality of experiences.

The Thalasso Spa at Point Grace Resort on Providenciales is a full-service European-style Thalassotherapy spa. We have combined our knowledge of famous Thalgo Spas of France and have created a relaxing Caribbean ocean front environment for your enjoyment.

Thalassotherapy uses the properties of sea water as well as applications of sea mud and select seaweed by our breath-taking views of Princess Alexandra National Marine Park in Grace Bay. During treatments, specialists trained in these European techniques apply selected products of the highest quality. These treatments contribute to naturally restore vital energy.

Fresh sea breezes and a marvellous view of the ocean are part of the Thalasso beauty elements.

Point Grace’s spa is located in three, white-washed buildings set apart at the east of the property and just back from the beach dune. The treatment rooms are designed to allow doors and windows to be open to the ocean view and sea air while guests are being pampered, yet privacy is maintained. Each highceilinged suite is thoroughly outfitted with massage table, marble sinks and an open-roofed shower.

Everyone within the business is aware of our firm’s aims. This is done through training programmes, one-on-one conversations of encouragement and by having our motto on the staff reader board, near the time clock and all back of the house areas, where it is always visible to the staff. Our focus has been and continues to be on providing our guests with a place for relaxation and reflection; a place where you can come away from everything and find yourself again or reconnect with that special someone and loved ones.

This only enhances our guests’ experience as that is the kind of atmosphere they are looking for.

Our guests are greeted by our Guest Services Manager and/or a Guest Services agent who gives them a brief tour of the property, indulges them with a welcome drink of their choice and then escorts them to the suite where they are checked-in. By having a clean and welcoming environment and carrying out our check-in process, guests receive an initial, memorable first impression.

The boutique style of the resort with its classic colonial architecture, the Grand Turk style native stone work, exterior gingerbread cottage details and the elegant interiors. Our spa treatment rooms allow the enjoyment of the sound of the ocean’s waves as well as the fresh sea air whilst having your treatment.

These factors are what sets us apart from other hotel and spas in the area.

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Nurturing the Hospitality Talent of the Future

Nurturing the Hospitality Talent of the Future We are a Swiss, international hospitality school offering British accredited undergraduate and postgraduate degrees in Hotel, Tourism and Events Management, Hospitality Entrepreneurship and International Culinary Arts.

Who are your clients?

Our students come from all around the globe. We welcome around 40 different nationalities on campus each term, creating a truly multi-cultural atmosphere around the school. We believe this diversity and nationality mix is a perfect grounding for a career in the international hospitality sector.

What makes you unique?

We pride ourselves on the personal service we offer to our students. We have a dedicated Internships and Careers team who work to find our students the best opportunities both within Switzerland and internationally. This not only gives students the chance to earn money during their studies but also offers tremendous opportunities to network and enhance their CVS. What’s your biggest challenge facing you at present?

My role involves overseeing the direct recruitment of students to IMI. The current international economic situation obviously makes that more of a challenge than in previous years. However, all we can do is present the strengths of our school and offer support at every stage of the application process for those students who are looking to pursue their hospitality education in Switzerland.

What’s the aim for your business?

2016 is our 25th anniversary and we are proud of having provided excellence in hospitality management education for the last quarter-century.

Our aim for the next 25 years is to continue to build on the range and quality of the education we offer as well as enhancing the experience of our students during their time with us in Switzerland.

What’s your company’s biggest challenge?

The Swiss hospitality education sector is an incredibly competitive one. Our biggest challenge as a company is to continue to innovate and expand the range and quality of the services we offer as well as keeping true to our core principles of offering personalised support and development to every student that arrives at our campus.

What business/business person do you most admire and why?

Anyone who has had the courage to build up a business from scratch deserves great admiration.

Many of our alumni have gone on to run successful companies and we try and instil this entrepreneurial spirit in all our students.

Name: Ms. Greta Musu Company: IMI International Management Institute Switzerland Email: info@imi-luzern.com Web Address: www.imi-luzern.com Address: Seeacherweg 1, Kastanienbaum-6047, Luzern, Switzerland Phone: +41 41 349 64 00

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Simple, Pleasurable, Quintessential Relaxation

Simple, Pleasurable, Quintessential Relaxation Le SPA privé d’Uzès organises wellness stays in a private and natural environment in South of France, founded on roman heritage and traditions. La Villa Romaine is entirely dedicated to well-being and disposes of a roman and an oriental bath with private terraces, a steam bath, Jacuzzi and sauna house, garden, pool, open air bistro, spacious wellness zones and private yoga classes. We are a family sized business and welcome small groups or couples for a several hours or days lasting wellness stay. We also organize private events, workshops or tailor made wellness stays for minimum 4 people with topics such as Ayurveda cures, yoga retreats, relax and enjoy the region, etc.

Who are your clients?

We welcome people from all around the world. Our team speaks three languages and we work in tourism and property management for more than 10 years.

Our clients are travellers, French celebrities and locals, privatizing the place for romantic occasions, a simply relaxing stay among friends or within family or for special events such as bridal showers, etc.

What makes you unique?

We base our concept on mutual respect and esteem for nature. Our products are ecological but there is no need for consumption of wellness treatments during a stay. There are no physical beauty treatments, unless required, but massages, which can be given in our Japanese garden in summer, or in our indoor massage room, next to our common restroom with chimney place and beautiful garden view.

Name: FEHRMANN, Heike Company: SPA privé Uzès – affiliate of PPHH – Paris Provence Holiday Homes Email: contact@spa-prive-uzes.com Web: www.spa-prive-uzes.com Address: Chemin de la lavande, 30700 Uzès, France Phone: + 33(0)4 66 03 31 70

To generate a unique wellness effect, we privatize remote wellness areas in a typical environment: Scandinavian sauna house, Roman Steam bath or oriental bathroom, each featuring independent sanitary equipment, restrooms and private terraces, set in beautiful natural surroundings, based on Feng Shui principals.

The common “Roman Villa” and its garden and pool are shared by all visitors: for a swim, a tea brake on our elegant Roman terrace or a meal in our open air bistro.

The entire complex can be privatized and an elegant and open designer kitchen can be used as showroom or reception area.

Our offer is tailor made and follows our inherent values and our guests’ requests – regarding wellness treatments, privacy of wellness zones, party animation or workshop content. We therefore work with international wellness specialists.

Geographically, the “Roman Villa” in Uzès is founded on the traces of the roman aqueduct, that leads from our romantic medieval city of Uzès to the imperator Augustus’ famous city Nemausus, nowadays called Nimes. Our architecture, wellness themes and treatments are inspired by Roman traditions.

What’s your biggest challenge facing you at present?

Making this business known, as we call ourselves SPA but do not work like a traditional SPA. What’s the aim for your business?

Create a warm welcome and share human kindness and profound values of natural well being. Generate consciousness for one’s own responsibility for health and well being. Share with and offer time to the person in company.

What’s your companies biggest challenge?

Finding qualified partners to animate workshops or wellness offers. Set up the right marketing tools and sales channels, as we are no mass business.

What a business person do you most admire and why?

No idea... Probably a self-made person as this is the way how I also developed my business.

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I N T E R N A T I O N A L Richard Tyler - Best-Selling Author, Top Sales and Management Expert and Entrepreneur Richard Tyler International, Inc.® is one of the world’s top Sales Training and Management Consulting firms.

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FTI Consulting Adam Cubbage 0203 727 1000

Elevated to the Height of Luxury

Elevated to the Height of Luxury The Arora Group – also known as “Arora” or the “Group” – recently announced the opening of the landmark residential “Arora Tower”, on the Greenwich Peninsula, London. These 101 riverside apartments in a landmark residential tower offer unique, direct access to the Group’s luxury InterContinental London – The O2 hotel. Construction was completed on 26th July and the sales will complete over early August.

The Arora Group is a successful UK-focused private group of companies, which leverages synergies across its specialist property, construction and hotel divisions to its strategic advantage. Since 1999, the Group has built its standing through meticulously managing projects from inception to delivery and beyond. Today, it owns and manages a diverse portfolio of flagship assets across the nation’s key business locations, partnering with some of the world’s most recognised brands to deliver consistently high service levels and sustainable growth.

The Group’s first end-to-end residential project is built upon expertise from management of exclusive Berkshire residential development, “Charters” and ongoing West Sussex gateway development. Offering exclusive access to connected luxury hotel from InterContinental London at the O2, this property has come to be officially known as “Arora Tower”.

The 106,000-square-foot development consists of 101 luxury apartments, including four penthouses and 40 serviced apartments. Residents benefit from exclusive access to a wide range of premier services from the InterContinental London – The O2 hotel which is connected by a private corridor, including full-access to its pool, gym, spa, restaurants and bars.

Surinder Arora, Founder and Chairman of the Arora Group said, “Arora Tower is an extremely exciting, large-scale residential scheme, which reflects our reputation for building high quality developments. It combines the unique opportunity to benefit from the top-tier services of the connected luxury InterContinental London - The O2hotel with commanding views of Canary Wharf from the prime riverside frontage of the Greenwich Peninsula.

“The successful sale of all of our released apartments reflects the extensive demand for prime residential apartments in this flourishing zone of London and the appetite for the top-tier amenities offered by the luxury InterContinental London – The O2.

“Completing and opening this landmark tower is a proud moment for the Arora Group and this success lays testament to the breadth and depth of our different divisions’ capabilities. It underlines the group’s growing presence in the residential development sector and we look forward to providing further updates on our growth pipeline.”

This high-profile development showcases Arora Group’s expertise and leverages the synergies across its property, construction, and hotel divisions.

The end-to-end delivery of the Arora Tower builds on the Group’s expertise in managing the exclusive 34 luxury apartments and penthouses residential development in Berkshire, ‘Charters’ - “One of the last great country houses to be built in Britain” according to Country Life in 1944. It is also the forerunner to an inspirational residential development of 308 apartments including associated public realm improvements and a new railway station gateway at Crawley, West Sussex as part of a wider regeneration scheme of the town centre.

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Prindiville Marine: The Urban Waterfront Housing Revolution 46 LUX - September 2016

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Prindiville Marine: The Urban Waterfront Housing Revolution

When luxury automotive specialist Alex Prindiville struggled to find a suitable property to buy near his Limehouse Marina supercar showroom, he came up with a revolutionary solution.

Alex gave up his search for bricks and mortar and instead commissioned master boatbuilders to construct a floating apartment – a fabulous newbuild, 1,000 sq ft, two-bedroom luxury dwelling, delivered within four months of order. Alex was so pleased with the result that he founded Prindiville Marine http://www.prindivillemarine.com.

With the apartment – now moored in St Katherine’s dock ¬– having proved a resounding success, Alex is convinced he’s hit upon a groundbreaking residential concept, and is now taking orders for the vessels from customers.

“I always thought the idea of living on a boat was romantic, and my thoughts originally turned towards a Sunseeker-type luxury yacht,” Alex explained.

“But whilst they look very sexy, I quickly realised they are designed for the sea, and internally the amount of space and layout doesn’t make them practical to live on.

“I also looked at traditional large barges and houseboats, but found that everything on the market was a bit tired and not particularly well thought out. So I found the best boatbuilder in the UK and embarked on producing this wonderful vessel.”

Constructed with a hand-crafted ‘Sheffield Keel’ hull, each wide-beam vessel is built as a completely new, purpose-built unit. The configuration provides a fully functional kitchen, fully functional bathroom, living room and two bedrooms. It comes with central heating, hot and cold water, telecommunications systems and all the modern conveniences one would expect from a luxury apartment. Some of the optional extras include a log fire and additional television units.

The design is fully flexible; one of the bedrooms can instead be built as an office – one customer has even used the second bedroom space for a recording studio – whilst the interior, including furnishings, worktops, kitchens and flooring, can all be customised.

Outside, the boat is equipped with an al fresco dining area at the rear of the vessel and a sun-deck area on the roof. A propulsion unit can also be fitted for those who wish to experience the adventure of travelling Britain’s picturesque canals and waterways.

It cost Alex £300,000 fully furnished, a fraction of the price he would have paid to buy an apartment in central London. Permanent mooring costs are typically £10,000-£13,000 or you can buy a £700 annual canals mooring licence, which allows you to stay in the same location for two weeks at a time.

“The floating apartment offers some experiences that simply cannot be captured with traditional bricks and mortar,” Alex explains.

“When you’re standing inside, the port-holes and water are at eye-level. The light shimmering off the water is magical, and you’ve got a fantastic outside living area for entertaining guests.

“You can live in some of the most desirable parts of any city with a waterfront, with the freedom to go up and down the river or the canals, and you have all the benefits of a luxury apartment.

“The boat has a has a real holiday feel to it. It is very romantic, a great way of de-stressing, and the kids love it,” he adds.

What makes it unique is the way onboard space and storage has been maximised – a focus Alex admits proved tricky during the design stages.

“My background is in manufacturing and engineering, and I was personally involved in much of the design of the boat,” he said.

“How do you maximise the storage space on a boat that has approximately 1,000 square feet? It was very difficult and very challenging, there were hours and hours of reconfiguring the design. Yet from that process we have managed to develop an apartment that is incredibly spacious.”

Whilst Alex himself uses his apartment as his primary residence, he says the boat is an ideal solution for anyone looking for a city crash-pad, parents with a child heading to university – one couple are buying a boat for their teenage daughters to use as undergraduates – or simply anyone with a love of the water.

“We’ve had huge interest from a wide range of people – young professionals, retired couples, divorcees, students and romantics. The demographics really are very varied,” he explained.

Prindiville Marine will initially look to supply 15 apartments a year, and already has plans to produce a number of other versions of the boat. This includes a sea-faring version for longer trips, and a larger vessel with 3-4 bedrooms.

“Urban property prices continue to escalate, especially in the most desirable waterfront areas.

The Prindiville Marine floating apartment offers you a bespoke, luxury lifestyle at an affordable price, and we look forward to continuing to make waves within the property industry with our luxury houseboat offering,” Alex said.

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Castel Fragsburg – a Hotel for the Fine Art of Living

Castel Fragsburg – a Hotel for the Fine Art of Living Located in Northern Italy is one of the best kept secrets in Europe: South Tyrol, an astonishing, wild-romantic and breathtaking Alpine landscape with Mediterranean climate, waterfalls, forests, palm trees, lakes, picturesque vineyards and small traditional villages. High above Merano, where Empress Sissi of Austria has spent her vacations, stands the Castel Fragsburg.

Enthroned here since 1624, South Tyrol´s smallest five-star hotel embraces a preciously unique approach to the celebration of life, beauty wellbeing and enjoyment. Alongside the award-winning gourmet-restaurant, Castel Fragsburg has created the world´s first alchemistic Spa Castellum Natura, where all beauty elixirs are handmade from fresh flowers and herbs and the miraculous nature sanctuary ‘Sanctuarium’ for transformational yoga, breath work, meditation, sound bathes, chakra school and intuitive dancing and chanting rituals, known as the Sacred Arts. The Castel Fragsburg is a magical place that stays with you forever.

Perched majestically atop a high bluff overlooking the roofs of Merano in South Tyrol, Italy, Castel Fragsburg commands an impressive view of the surrounding region. The wisteria-veiled loggia and terrace offer a breathtaking panorama spanning from the Texel Group of mountains all the way to the town of Bolzano, located 35 km away. Draped in a lush cover of wild grape vines, and nestled between forests, orchards and vineyards, Castel Fragsburg was originally constructed as a hunting lodge in the 17th century.

Today, this historical landmark is renowned as one of the most exquisite five-star hotels in the world and is part of the distinguished Relais & Chateâux Association. The 10,000-square-meter property is surrounded by an entrancing landscape and stunning castle gardens. Visitors are immediately spellbound as soon as they come through the ivycovered entrance; nestled in an enchanted garden, surrounded by the majestic mountains of South Tyrol, one feels like they are in a fairy tale. Everything here is special; the gourmet cuisine, alpine earthiness meets Mediterranean opulence – as well as the 1st alchemistic Spa Castellum Natura where all beauty products are freshly prepared with flowers, herbs, precious oils and minerals and the holistic Sanctuarium, an eyrie for the Sacred Arts.

The many charming corners of the castle garden and the picturesque courtyard, containing two nostalgic Hollywood Swings where people can sit down and relax. It offers the ideal setting in which to experience the charm of lingering a while, set the welcome scenery, upon entering the noble entrance portal with the two, gracious terracotta peacocks. A warm welcome awaits at the luxuriously appointed reception area, which is lined with fine, hand-carved wooden panels and with a lounge featuring the muted bronze and crystal glow of precious French chandeliers.

The Fragsburg has been fashioned with love and devotion into an artful composition of antique furniture, expertly selected designer pieces and a touch of Art Deco. The twenty suites of the castle hotel, each of them designed meticulously down to the last detail, are nods to the authentic delight of beauty and comfort. If it is a Junior Suite, a Deluxe Suite, a Suite Royale or the Adlerhorst Suite in the Fragsburg Tower, each one possesses its own carefully curated sumptuous character with up to eighty square meters.

Each of them are airy, bright and sunlit featuring either a verdant, blossoming balcony or rooftop terrace, some with a panoramic bath tub and infrared cabin.

Stylish design melds elegance with coziness – from antique pieces and handcrafted furniture to precious textiles and hand painted silk wallcoverings which create this unmistakable distinguished flair of the Fragsburg. Alexander Ortner is lord of the castle, managing the Fragsburg in the third generation. He aspires to combine pleasure and beauty into truly memorable experiences.

A magical, candlelit passageway through the venerable old castle walls opens up into the first alchemistic Spa Castellum Natura. This bright, sunny and peaceful refuge from the rush of everyday life embodies the Castel Fragsburg philosophy of offering the guests a distinctively luxurious and exceptional experience. The spa is one-of-a-kind, and the very first to be based on the alchemist tradition.

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Company: Castel Fragsburg Address: Fragsburg 3, 39012 Meran, Italy Email: info@fragsburg.com Phone: +39 0473 244071 Web: www.fragsburg.com

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Castel Fragsburg – a Hotel for the Fine Art of Living

The potent energy of pure plants and flowers forms the basis for the extraordinary treatments in the 1st alchemistic Spa Castellum Natura. All of the nurturing essences in use here are freshly prepared at Fragsburg using handpicked ingredients such as flowers, herbs as well as precious oils and cell-active dust of gemstones. Each “recipe” is individually tailored and lovingly prepared fresh and from scratch by the in-house cosmeticians and specialists according to formulas developed by Merano-based herbalist, Renate De Mario Gamper. She has tapped the ancient wisdom and practice of the alchemist tradition for her elixirs and herbal potions, and employs exquisite Miron violet glass to further energize her creations. A further highlight is the larch-wood tub for goat milk and flower baths, set in a panoramic loge. It’s a splendid way to live and to relish being alive on a timeless, precious day at the Fragsburg. It’s the fine art of living.

An ideal way to extend the energizing and healing spa experience: A stroll afterwards through the rose arbor into the castle gardens. The hand-carved canopy bed by the outdoor pool, in the midst of roses and trees, will surely seduce you to an afternoon nap. After that a visit to the Fragsburg sanctuary “Sanctuarium,” which in Latin means a “consecrated place or safe haven,” for this very special space, sits near the edge of the ivy-covered Fragsburg bluffs. Visitors passing through the small wooden cabin´s cheerful, greenand-white door emerge on the other side, greeted by a truly sacred and heavenly view over the valley.

“Sacred Arts” muse Bellé Flora offers transformational experiences through yoga, meditation, breath work, chakra school, sound bathes and late night rituals for intuitive dancing and chanting. Bellé is a yoga and dance teacher, singer, sound artist and global citizen who travelled the world studying with spiritual teachers, shamanic healers and mystical dancers. She guides each individual to develop a closer and more mindful relationship with his or her own body. The goal: discovering new sources of strength and energy to experience more joyfulness and love in everyday life.

Dining at Fragsburg’s famous gourmet restaurant is an unforgettable experience. Guests are treated to a 180-degree, panoramic view of epic natural beauty through the loggia’s ceiling high, glass windows. The defiant fusion of Alpine heartiness and Mediterranean opulence, that so characterizes the spirit of the Fragsburg, culminates in the award-winning gourmet cuisine for which the panoramic restaurant has been famous for many years.

Since 2016, the creative Fragsburg kitchen brigade has been spearheaded by chef Christoph Terschan.

With a watchful eye for exquisite ingredients from the flora and fauna of South Tyrol and the unique fusion of traditional dishes with the memorable delicacies he has encountered in far-away lands in the course of his career, Christoph beguiles even the most seasoned palates. Worth noting, of course, is the famous Fragsburg Breakfast Royale: an exquisite buffet of solely homemade delicacies, combined with a choice of three warm á la carte dishes, fresh fruit and berries, fruit and vegetable smoothies, as well as prosecco, cappuccino, café latte, macchiato and a select tea bar.

The culinary joy you experience in the glass loggia or on the impressive panoramic terrace of the restaurant, coupled with the truly cinematographic view define the unforgettable joie de vivre at the Fragsburg.

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Rediscover the Luxury of Simplicity LUX Hotel & Spa Awards 2016

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Rediscover the Luxury of Simplicity

Kurhotel Skodsborg takes its title from the Danish word “kur”, meaning “cure” or “treatment”. It is a more comprehensive title than the more common “spa”, and it is the vision of CEO Mai Kappenberger and her team to offer world travellers the chance to rediscover the simplicity of luxury. They base their hotel philosophy on simple Nordic traditions where nature, history and beauty join forces with knowledge, passion and innovation.

The success of a business like Kurhotel Skodsborg is all about the team, and the key word for the team is empathy. The hotel’s internal ‘Kurhotel Skodsborg Academy’ ensures that all employees have the same high level of product knowledge, and offer the same high level of service. The training at the academy takes its starting point in the statement, “it’s the personal touch that means so much”, emphasizing the empathetic service that ensures that guests are welcomed in the best possible way, and feel at home the second they cross the threshold.

“ We invite our guests to enjoy our luxurious facilities, experience our royal history and make the most of our almost 120 years of experience in the health and lifestyle industry.”

The team are proud to include among their number Mikael Mammen, the internationally acclaimed architectural and design mastermind, who has been a major contributing factor to the transformation that Kurhotel Skodsborg has been undergoing for the last few years. The hotel was founded in 1898 and Mikael and the team have done a sterling job of bringing the hotel into the 21st century, modernizing it while still respecting its history. One of the cornerstones of Mikael’s design philosophy is, “you need WOW effect upon arrival”. He has certainly accomplished this with the bar and lounge area, The Lobby, which was inaugurated in May 2014 – it is designed explicitly for guests to take a coffee break, browse the extensive reading collection or simply relax in quaint Nordic hospitality.

Further to this, Mikael admits that he is passionate about what he calls “classic hotel virtues” – a passion he shares with the Kurhotel’s CEO, Mai Kappenberger.

As Mikael explains, “guests should be a tiny bit comfort-pampered. To my mind, a hotel shouldn’t necessarily be furnished the same way people furnish their own houses, and in their own homes you often find all the Nordic design classics. At Kurhotel Skodsborg, we prefer regular hotel furniture, where you lean back in a plush, upholstered chair when you put on your socks, instead of sitting on something stick-like. I guess you could say that we are a bit old school.”

One important aspect of the hotel is the physical surroundings; they should of course be optimum. In addition, an even more important feature is the red thread which should run through all the products and services offered at Kurhotel Skodsborg. As a Nordic “Kurhotel”, the staff wants every guest, even the people that stay with them on business trips, to feel just a little bit more relaxed and healthier by the time they leave. Of course, Mai Kappenberger stresses that the hotel’s valued clientele should be free to explore and leave without feeling pressured at any time.

Dr. Carl Ottosen founded Skodsborg Sanatorium in 1898. He had studied health and physiotherapy in the USA, and the sanatorium was recognized for its expertise on physiotherapy and for its preventive approach with the use of spa stays and healthy living. Today, Ottosen’s expertise lives on at Kurhotel Skodsborg, where his philosophies have been further developed into new, efficient treatments, fulfilling the desires of modern men who take care of themselves, stay in great physical shape and get the best out of life.

The entire Danish service industry is heavily influenced by the success that the ‘New Nordic Cuisine’ has achieved internationally. At Kurhotel Skodsborg, this had led to the opening of a new fine dining restaurant, The Restaurant by Kroun, in January 2016. The restaurant, named after Head Chef Erik Kroun, has already received unanimous praise from its guests, collecting its own string of awards. As Ole Troelsø, Gastronomic Editor at Børsen, Denmark’s leading business daily, wrote, “with the recently opened The Restaurant by Kroun Kurhotel Skodsborg sets the sails for the gastronomic elite”. Erik Kroun is responsible for the food in all three of the hotel’s exceptionally-appointed restaurants, and he ensures that each dish tastes as great as the last, whilst still living up to the hotel’s philosophy about a healthy lifestyle.

In 1852, King Frederik VII acquired the country estate of Skodsborg, and spent the summers there with his wife, Countess Danner, until his death in 1863. From this slightly rustic spot at Skodsborg, the King presided over his meetings with his ministers of state, holding banquets in Villa Rex, which was built in 1857. Villa Rex itself has been recently renovated, and The King’s Hall has been restored according to the original drawings, so today the villa appears as it did in the 1800s. Kurhotel Skodsborg invites guests to have their parties, receptions or meetings in this historic building, echoing the grandeur of Frederik VII’s court.

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Company: Kurhotel Skodsborg Email: Info@skodsborg.dk Web: www.skodsborg.dk Address: Skodsborg Strandvej 139, DK-2942 Skodsborg Telephone: +45 4558 5800

Kurhotel Skodsborg offers further competitive edges over other spa hotels, as it houses a medical centre with a range of partners, which offer various services within medical treatments and personal care.

The services include a private hospital, clinic for dental treatment, psychologist, lymphedema clinic, acupuncturist, reflexologist, chiropractor, podiatrist, psychiatric clinic, eye clinic, hair dresser and Denmark’s largest clinic for physiotherapy, with 25 experienced physiotherapists with varying specialist backgrounds.

The building that houses the spa and fitness facilities at Kurhotel Skodsborg is designed by internationally acclaimed architects at Henning Larsen Architects, who have created an architectural paradise with simplicity and light. The spa philosophy is based on founder, Dr. Carl Ottosen’s principles for a healthy lifestyle: light, air, water, nutrition, exercise and rest.

The fitness centre has 1,800 regular local members, enabling management to attract and attain some of the best qualified instructors in the Copenhagen area, and offer more than 120 group fitness classes ranging from CrossFit to Yoga.

Internationally, there is an increasing interest in health and wellness, and especially for training outdoors, even in the Nordic region, which can be quite cold and dark in the winter. Skodsborg experiences this by an ever-growing interest in Nordic experiences, like SaunaGus (mist sauna) followed by an ocean dip, even in winter where the water can be, literally, icy. Other outdoor sports like exercising on SUP Boards or the strenuous ocean-swimming in open water are also experiencing an increasing renaissance.

“One of the cornerstones of Mikael’s design philosophy is, “you need WOW effect upon arrival.”

Rediscover the Luxury of Simplicity

This reflects the fact that guests are becoming more experienced and selective, meaning that hotels like Kurhotel Skodsborg always have to hone and improve the products and services that they offer.

The advance of social media with communities and reviewer sites, like Facebook and TripAdvisor, means that everybody has become a reviewer and can voice their opinion. “We read all reviews and comments carefully, answer them, and pass useful feedback forward to the people responsible for managing and developing the different departments. This takes a lot of work but also offers lots of invaluable information about the wishes of the establishment’s guests,” says Marketing Director Lasse Bursøe.

“We try to implement technological improvements wherever possible in our facilities. One interesting example is the coffee machine in the relax lounge in our spa. The coffee machine has an app, enabling you to determine your perfect coffee, e.g. a double shot cappuccino with very little foam, naming it as you please and allowing you to reorder exactly this coffee whenever you please. A small technological landmark, which allows guests a personal service,” says Mai Kappenberger.

In order to compete in the service industry in the future, the kurhotel needs to invent new service concepts and fine-tune their existing ones. The old hotel services themselves are fairly typical: a choice of four different kinds of tea, shoe polishing service or wake-up calls. In the future, as Mai Kappenberger stresses, the services should be more empathetic, asking: “what does our guest really need?” And if the guest needs to have his or her children driven to school in the morning, because they are here for tenday stay that is what the kurhotel offers.

The kurhotel’s staff has experienced an increasing focus on terms like “green” and “nature”. Luckily, they are very well equipped to meet this focus – the chefs love cooking with all of the local, organic ingredients that are in season. “Furthermore,” Mai Kappenberger states, “we are ideally situated in the most beautiful part of North Zealand, between the ocean and the forest, bordering onto one of the most exquisite natures reserves in Denmark. We incorporate the nature in the fitness and leisure products we offer.”

In these surroundings, it is possible for guests to swim in the ocean from the hotel’s private jetty, or simply enjoy nature on the running tracks through Jægersborg Hegn, as well as the Dyrehaven, a forest park and recently-listed UNESCO World Heritage site that forms the kurhotel’s backyard. And yet, the kurhotel is only a 20-minute drive from the centre of Copenhagen, should clients want to enjoy the hustle and bustle of an iconic Nordic city.

It is Kurhotel Skodsborg’s aim to fulfil the wishes of its guests and provide the ideal environment for them to relax, recharge and return home with new energy.

“We invite our guests to enjoy our luxurious facilities, experience our royal history and make the most of our almost 120 years of experience in the health and lifestyle industry. In short, our aim is to rediscover the luxury of simplicity.”

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Alpine Guru Launches Brand New US Luxury Chalet Collection Over 100 new luxurious escapes in ski resorts across the US, including brand new chalets and many exclusive to the UK market.

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Alpine Guru Launches Brand New US Luxury Chalet Collection

Luxury chalet specialist Alpine Guru has today announced the launch of a brand new US property collection, launching with over 120 ultra-luxe escapes across 9 ski resorts in Colorado and Utah; many of which are brand new and exclusive to the UK market for the 2016/17 winter season. Previously offering exclusive chalet rentals across Europe’s most popular resorts, Alpine Guru has now taken its first foray across the pond with this sizable collection.

From a brand new, seriously sleek chalet in one of Aspen’s most exclusive neighbourhoods to a unique, avant-garde hideaway in Colorado’s Arapahoe National Forest, Alpine Guru’s new US collection offers 125 plush pads in the most sought-after ski destinations Stateside. Highlights of chalets available in the new collection are below, with all available to view at www.alpineguru.com/chalets/united-states Brand New: Ultra-modern chalet in exclusive Aspen- Castle Rim, Aspen New to the market this season is Castle Rim - one of the most exclusive properties available to rent in Aspen’s core. Sleeping up to 12 guests across 6 bedrooms, the property boasts ultra-contemporary interiors and incredible mountain views. Inside, guests will find a custom-made kitchen with Wolf range, huge living area with wrap-around sofa, separate family room (complete with bar) and rec room with pool table, bar and TV; the beautifully furnished office also doubles up as a handy wine room. Of the six spacious bedrooms, the master homes a fireplace, private deck and en-suite, and there’s even an additional king-size studio perfect for staff or nannies. Outside, an enormous terrace comes complete with a private outdoor hot tub and fire pit, with Aspen’s best restaurants within walking distance and the Shadow Mountain chairlift just a mile away.

Price: From £1,150 per person per night based on 12 sharing on a self-catering basis. www.alpineguru. com/chalets/united-states/aspen/castle-rim Brand New: Ski in/ski out architectural masterpiece- White Pine Retreat North, Park City White Pine Retreat North is a brand new property in Park City’s The Colony, ideally positioned for hitting the slopes with ski in/ ski out access. An architectural marvel designed by Michael Upwall, the property sleeps 12 guests across 6 en-suite bedrooms.

Interiors pack a serious wow-factor punch, with huge double height ceilings, floor-to-ceiling windows, roaring fireplaces and tasteful muted furnishings. An extensive heated outdoor deck offers the perfect spot for enjoying the incredible mountain views, with a fire pit and outdoor hot tub for evenings under the stars.

There’s even a private cinema room ideal for cosy nights in, or for keeping teens entertained.

Jess Cook / Emma Harber Silver Ball PR Tel: 07810 771177 / 07825 302693 Email: Jess@silverballpr.com / Emma@silverballpr.com

Price: From £512 per person per night based on 12 sharing on a self-catering basis. www.alpineguru. com/chalets/united-states/park-city/white-pineretreat-north

across 7 en-suite bedrooms it’s ideal for group getaways, with spacious interiors and breathtaking views of the Flat Top Mountains. Inside, there’s almost too much entertainment on offer, including a games room with pool and poker tables, indoor basketball court, private cinema room and a rooftop terrace; complete with hot tub and fireplace. High ceilings, roaring fireplaces and plush seating feature throughout, plus the master features a private balcony and infinity bath tub- perfect for long soaks after a day on the slopes.

Price: From £138 per person per night based on 14 adults sharing on a self-catering basis. www. alpineguru.com/chalets/united-states/steamboatsprings/over-the-edge-chalet Avant-garde hideaway in the Arapahoe National Forest- Seventh Heaven, Breckenridge Hidden amidst the conifers of the Arapahoe National Forest is Seventh Heaven, an awe-inspiring steel, glass and aluminium creation, perfect for those in search of a chalet with a difference. Spread over three floors, the unique property offers spacious open-plan living and bold, avant-garde interiors, with huge walls of glass expertly framing the woodland and mountain views. Four stylish en-suites and an additional bunk room sleep up to 10 adults and 7 children comfortably, plus there’s a private movie room (and popcorn machine), games room and multiple outdoor terraces with a hot tub and fire pit.

Main Peak ski area is also within easy reach, just two miles down the road.

Price: From £60 per person per night based on 10 adults sharing on a self-catering basis. www. alpineguru.com/chalets/united-states/breckenridge/ seventh-heaven The epitome of ski luxury- Ski Dream Home, Deer Valley Ski Dream Home is an ultra-luxury ski in/ ski out chalet sleeping up to 12 guests across 6 beautiful en-suite bedrooms, located in the exclusive gated community at Deer Valley Resort. Boasting an incredible elevated position atop Little Baldy Peak, the chalet itself is a vision of grandeur and elegance; think Montana Moss rock fireplaces, floor-to-ceiling windows, Brazilian walnut floors, handcrafted woodwork and luxurious fabrics. The amenities are endless; a chill-out area with a state-of-the-art DJ booth, dance floor, bar, 60″ plasma screen and pool table; golf simulator; well-equipped fitness room; amazing cinema room; extensive spa suite; outdoor pool; hot tub and a 1,000-bottle strong wine collection across 2 cellars. There is also a custom designed glass elevator, a ski room with storage and boot dryers, plus a garage featuring a car wash bay and dog spa.

Price: From £1,050 per person per night based on 12 sharing on a self-catering basis. www.alpineguru. com/chalets/united-states/deer-valley/ski-dreamhome

Bond-esque mountain retreat for groupsOver the Edge Chalet, Steamboat Springs With exteriors to make a Bond villain jealous, Over the Edge Chalet is an impressive ski in/ ski out chalet close to Steamboat Spring’s beautiful mountainside village. Sleeping up to 14 adults and 2 children

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Experience Sri Lanka’s Unique Wilderness at Diyabubula

Experience Sri Lanka’s Unique Wilderness at Diyabubula Leading Ayurvedic destination, Barberyn Resorts announces the opening of their boutique art and jungle hideaway, Diyabubula.

Located in the heart of the Sri Lankan Jungle, Diyabubula is an innovative new destination designed to celebrate the wilderness of Sri Lanka and the works of its most renowned artist Laki Senanayake.

-Rose Quartz Mountain: among the oldest and largest rocks in Southeast Asia, the seven mountains are 180 and 300 metres above sea level and date back to almost 550 million years!

Designed by the artist himself, the jungle hideaway has five individually handcrafted villas made from 100-year-old railway sleepers and locally sourced timber. Encompassing the surrounding environment, Laki uses the growing trees and running waters of Diyabubula to create living, natural accommodation so you not only see the jungle but experience it at its core. Laki’s studio is centrally located and he regularly encourages guests to join him to draw, paint and discuss the abundant wildlife that adorns the area.

-Ritigala Forest Reserve: an ancient Buddhist monastery, as well as a mountain range, and a forest nature reserve with medicinal plants, ruins and rock inscriptions dating from the 1st century.

Diyabubula boasts a water garden which every year plays host to migratory birds who make the most of the generous food on offer and warm climate and is an ideal bird watching spot.

Located in the middle of the cultural centre of Sri Lanka, Diyabubula is an ideal place from which to explore the art and architecture of the country’s world heritage sites including: the cave temple of Dambulla, the massive rock fortress of Sigiriya and the ancient city of Polonnaruwa.

When not taking in beauty of Diyabubula, guests can experience nature, wildlife and the mountains of Sri Lanka right on their doorstep by visiting nearby natural sites:

-Minneriya National Park: every year between the months of July and October up to 200 wild elephants come together on the receding shores of the reservoir for the Minneriya Elephant gathering (voted as one of the sixth largest wildlife gatherings by Lonely Planet).

Tara Mestre - Consultant Wellness Travel Communications Consultancy Brighton, UK (00) 44 7564635492 http://ariadnasthread.com/

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Elm Cottage: A Sliver of Rural Australia

Elm Cottage: A Sliver of Rural Australia Elm Cottage provides luxury accommodation through 4 self-contained individually decorated cottages. Elm Cottage offers guests the opportunity to disconnect leaving the hustle and bustle of today’s working environment behind to reconnect with nature and families. Guests can sit back and relax on the balcony, listen to the sounds of the river or enjoy a glass of wine and watch the beautiful sunset, meander along the 2klm’s of river, enjoy a camp fire by the river or BBQ on the balcony, Swim, fish, Star gaze, bushwalk, mountain bike riding, geocaching, twitching with over 140 varieties of birdlife and inter-act with the farm animals. Elm Cottage can also be the perfect base camp to discover Kosciuszko National Park.

Who are your clients?

The guest demographic is wide and varied; Dual income no kids, Pet lovers, Young Families, Middle aged couples, romantic weekends, honeymooners, Retirees, specialty groups (twitches, stargazers), outdoor weddings, business meetings(bonding) Family reunions. An international stop over, repeats.

What makes you unique?

Privacy only 22 guests stay on the property at any one time. Pet friendly. Property is bordered on three sides by river it is a headland. Through the four cottages only 22 guests stay on the property, three cottages are 80 metres apart with the fourth 800m away. With unobtrusive customer service, they all overlook the river and face different directions. There are no other four and a half star-rated properties within 100 kilometres; you just don’t get properties like Elm Cottage in Regional Australia.

What’s the aim for your business?

To continue to grow while maintaining our high standards of unobtrusive customer service, Providing guests with the perfect location to unwind, relax, recharge the batteries and reconnect with loved ones in a pet friendly environment.

What’s your company’s biggest challenge?

As well as fragmentation with booking platforms and connectivity issues, we have to deal with the State Government’s Land and Environment Plan.

The region doesn’t fully understand its own Tourism potential.

What business/business person do you most admire and why?

Both Rupert Murdoch and Kerry Packer, both built an empire on an empire, diversified, took calculated risks, Changed the face of television and sport in Australia and changed the face of the media.

Name: David and Deborah Sheldon Company: Elm Cottage Email: info@elmcottage.com.au Web: www.elmcottage.com.au Address: 3/722 Little River Road Telephone: +61 2 69475818

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The Crown Jewel of the Azores

Company: Bensaude Hotels Hotel: Hotel do Canal General Manager: Arlene NazarĂŠ Email: hoteldocanal@bensaude.pt Web: www.bensaudehotels.com Address: Largo Dr. Manuel de Arriaga, 9900-026 Horta, Azores, Portugal Telephone: + 351 292 202 120

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The Crown Jewel of the Azores

Hotel do Canal is one of seven 4-star Hotels of the Bensaude Hotels Collection. It is located on the ocean front of Horta city right next to one of the most famous bars in the world, Peter Cafe’s Sport, and with only a 200 metres from the best sand beach in Faial, Porto Pim. With 103 rooms, restaurant, bar, banquet and conference room, meeting room, laundry, rent-a-car, fitness centre with sauna, Turkish bath, Jacuzzi, winter garden, hairdresser, massage therapist and private parking, Hotel do Canal offers the highest standard in quality and comfort.

Who are your clients?

Boutique hotels generally target customers who are in their early 20s to mid-50s, with mid-to upper-income averages.

Our guests come from all over the world looking for sea activities such as whale watching swimming with dolphins, diving with mantas, diving with sharks, scuba diving, canyoning, trekking, bike and jeep tours and walking tours among others.

In the past few years, tourists are very attracted

by Faial Natural Park, which was awarded by the European Commission as the destination designated to represent Portugal in the EDEN program (European Destinations of Excellence). This was an important accolade awarded by the European Union to the best place in Europe for sustainable tourism activities. This project started in 2007 but 2011 was the first year that Portugal was associated.

What makes you unique?

Hotel do Canal’s atmosphere is full of history. As we enter the Hotel, we have a highlight of the Clippers and the routes of the Pan American Airlines. With its Clippers, Pan American dominated the airspace of the North Atlantic and established during the 1930’s seaplane services to South America, Asia and Europe. It was one of the most prestigious companies in the world bringing some revolutionary innovations to the world aviation market. Horta’s excellent bay was a mandatory scale for its seaplanes.

But that’s not quite all. The Bensaude initiatives are related to the cod fishing history. The Bensaude family, which has always been in the maritime business, founded various cargo and passenger shipping companies. In 1891, they established an important fishing partnership operating nine codfishing ships, making them at the time the largest ship owner in the business.

These stories are felt and seen throughout the Hotel and can even be tasted in our Restaurant Clipper with reinvented flavours which mirror the past with eyes on the future. As such, we combine history with one-of-a-kind experiences and make our guests feel the desire to return by making each one feel unique and treated exclusively.

What’s your biggest challenge facing you at present?

Thinking ahead is a daily challenge and it’s not an easy one! This is definitely a team effort.

Gastronomy can be seen as a unique experience and through it we can tell a story to our guests.

Therefore, the cuisine has a great value for tourism.

That’s why we can’t just follow the trends because it’s not enough. We want our gastronomy to express an important part of our guests’ stay. We are working hard to create identifying local dishes which complete and represent the symbolism of Faial Island.

What’s the aim for your business?

We aim to be the 4-star hotel of reference in the “Triangle Islands” (Faial, Pico and S. Jorge) in terms of comfort, hospitality and excellence, the first and the best choice for leisure and business tourism. We are very respectful of our history and heritage and preservation is an essential part of our values. We want to preserve it all because we believe that an historical approach sets hotels apart.

What’s your company’s biggest challenge?

Right now we have a well-defined project consolidation and growth for the Bensaude Hotels.

We have five-year goals for growth, with very specific actions to increasingly position and differentiate ourselves in the market. Our very concrete vision is to keep us as a leading Hotel Group of excellence in the Azores and in the national market.

What business/business person do you most admire and why?

Well, I have to be honest with myself! The business person that I most admire is definitely Mr. Luís Bensaude, the first family member of the Bensaude Group that I met when I first started working in our Hotels in 1991. He was my mentor and still is. I never forget some important values that he taught me to follow. He once said to me “Arlene, always follow your instincts. Whatever ethical plane you hold yourself to, be humble and loyal to your staff. Your team will always be the reflection of you and will follow suit.”

Well, I can’t say that I regret following his advice because they led me to where I am now.

There are many other family members that were very important to me too, of course! The group is owned by the seventh generation of the family, which started its commercial activity in the Azores in 1820 as an importer and distributor of textiles from the United Kingdom and as an exporter of cereals and oranges, giving rise to a group of companies that maintained since then its fully familiar nature. Today, it’s the largest private economic Azorean Group spread over 26 companies operating in several business areas such as hospitality, distribution, wholesaling, fuel, energy, environment, transportation and logistics.

I’m proud to be an employee of this visionary company because they teach me to see further ahead.

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Exclusive, Alpine Luxury in ‘Les Trois Vallées’

Exclusive, Alpine Luxury in ‘Les Trois Vallées’ The Alpine Club is a collection of boutique, luxury chalets set in the charming Savoyard village of St Martin de Belleville in the Three Valleys. Each offers attentive service, casual elegance and exceptional food and wine, tucked away in an authentic mountain village that is the perfect destination for a truly special ski holiday.

Who are your clients?

Our guests our people who want a special winter holiday experience, something simply unforgettable.

A ski holiday which encompasses an authentic mountain village, with real character & charm, yet part of a fantastic ski area; a chalet that is original, crafted with a sense of place & history, a place to relax and re-connect yet with uncompromising standards of quality; genuine service from a team of people who care passionately that you have a fabulous holiday and irresistible food, created with love and care.

What makes you unique?

It is a bit of a cliché, however it is our experience, The Alpine Club is more than a business it is a way of life and we have an inherent desire to ensure our guests have truly memorable winter holidays. The Alpine Club brought us to St Martin de Belleville where we have renovated/built our 3 beautiful chalets, creating authentic mountain homes which have a soul; we live in St Martin de Belleville all year round, we are part of the community and have a responsibility to support

& contribute to the community through making The Alpine Club a success; we simply love living in the mountains. These ingredients, together with our hospitality and architecture backgrounds create a uniqueness with is The Alpine Club.

What’s the aim for your business?

To continue to provide unforgettable winter holiday experiences for our guests, by remaining a small, privately owned company and inspiring our handpicked talented team.

What business/business person do you most admire and why?

As a small business owner the majority of people I work with are entrepreneurial owners of small businesses, for example Olivier at Twinners ski shop, Thiery at Chez Pepe Nicolas restaurant, Andy at Ski In Luxury. The more I work with and am exposed to small businesses, I find those are the people who I most admire. It is their passion, their un-relenting commitment, their desire to provide exceptional service, their love of what they do that inspires me.

Name: Helen Raemers - Company Owner & Manager Company: The Alpine Club - Boutique Mountain Chalets Email: helen@thealpineclub.co.uk Web: www.thealpineclub.co.uk Address: The Alpine Club, Villarabout, St Martin de Belleville 73440 France Phone: +33 (0)778845710

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Escape to a Pacific Wonderland

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Escape to a Pacific Wonderland

Leading the way in the Vacation Rental Industry on the Southern Oregon Coast, Wildland Properties offers a unique experience with their Vacation Homes.

Three years ago, Wildland Properties started with energy, a vision and a mission to show guests what the Oregon Coast has to offer. Their goal was not to list just any home that came their way, but to offer a careful selection of homes that would offer guests a memorable experience. Starting their business with one home, (Alder Springs) which Wildland Properties still manages, to currently having the largest selection of Vacation Homes in Port Orford, it is apparent that this mother-daughter team is doing it right!

Each vacation home is unique in its own right, with views of the Pacific Ocean and up to wildland summits.

Wildland Properties is unique as it offers guests more than a vacation stay. As the coast has so much to offer outdoor enthusiasts, Wildland Properties ran with the idea of providing kayaks, crab pots, whale watching from a helicopter, charcuterie boards, inhome massages, hiking guides, jet boat trips, - - oh, there’s too much to mention. Want it all? They offer a VIP Outdoor Sports Package which includes 25 nights per year at any of their homes.

With the addition of volunteer time and sponsorships to local sports, local events and schools, Wildland Properties is making waves in their community. With deep roots in Port Orford, Oregon, this family owned and operated business not only embraces the rich history of the area but promotes current trends such as the new Nationally Recognized Scenic Bikeway, an ocean dive fill station at one of only two dolly docks in the nation, and the upcoming Pacific Gales Golf Course that is touted to be one of the best, top 10 Gold Courses in the world.

What additionally makes Port Orford, Oregon unique is its ability to offer ocean and lake boats, two rivers, famous for trophy Schnook Salmon and Steelhead, the largest diversity of trees in the world and Cape Blanco Lighthouse which sets out into the Pacific further than any other land mass in the contiguous United States.

Wildland Properties has embraced the Wild Rivers Scenic Coast with the goal of offering it to travellers.

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Macdonald Leeming House Hotel Ullswater, the second-largest lake in the Lake District, is all that remains of an extinct glacier. Stretching across the rugged landscape for seven and a half miles, framed between Pooley Bridge to the north, and Glenridding and Patterdale to the south, it has been a site of intense beauty and tranquillity ever since William Wordsworth wrote his best-known poem ‘Daffodils’ along its banks. In his place, visitors to Ullswater can enjoy prestigious comfort in one of the premier hotel destinations in the Lake District, brought to you by the renowned Macdonald Hotels chain.

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lux Macdonald Leeming House Hotel, which has been serving customers since 2008, prides itself on its intimate proximity with some of the most notable spots for hikers and holiday-makers alike – beyond Ullswater, the deep valley in which the hotel resides is surrounded by fells, including Helvellyn, which at 950 metres above sea level is Cumbria’s third-highest mountain, and a favourite among intrepid walkers for its razor-back ridge.

Macdonald Leeming House is also well situated to allow for deeper exploration into the dramatic landscapes of south Cumbria. A mere fifteen-minute diversion from the M6 at Penrith will lead you past the banks of Ullswater, the hotel perched along its north-western bank, and following the twisting roads south along Kirkstone Pass will yield the Red Screes – separated from its neighbouring fells by lowlevel cols, this prominent ridge bears an appealing independence for anyone that braves the ascend along Snarker Pike.

All this and more makes Macdonald Leeming House an ideal base from which to explore the wider Lake District. For those that are less inclined towards the extreme, challenging environments, meanwhile, the hotel has more than its fair share of comforts, making it also a haven, snuggled away in a dramatic landscape. The immediate vicinity of the hotel, flanked by tumbling hills and ample forest, holds enough quaint, rustic charm to ensnare its visitors in warm, Georgian hospitality.

The building out of which Macdonald Leeming House Hotel is built is an exquisite 200-year old property; its delicate columns and wide, decorated gardens evoke the ceremonious grandeur of the Hanoverian monarchical era, with the spacious lawns presenting a perfect spot for a game of croquet. Also sporting a drawing room, a library, and a sitting room, much has survived of this house’s original historical charm.

“ The winter air may be scented with wood smoke from the roaring fire in the drawing room, but it also bears the fruits of a million-pound investment in the hotel’s IT infrastructure.”

The hotel’s 40 rooms further reflect this decadent styling, through their supple wooden furnishings, dedicated seating areas, and flowing curtains – and yet they retain a touch of the modern, with flat-screen TVs and plush en-suite bathrooms. Added to this, some of the rooms boast their own balconies. For an additional £15 a night, guests will be allowed to bring a dog into certain rooms.

Indeed, the hotel maintains a distinct modern flavour that belies the rich undertones of historical decadence. The winter air may be scented with wood smoke from the roaring fire in the drawing room, but it also bears the fruits of a million-pound investment in the hotel’s IT infrastructure – guests can therefore enjoy unlimited Wi-Fi access wherever they are.

Macdonald Leeming House Hotel

There is a marked difference between this property and other such houses built in a contemporary Georgian style. Leeming House seems to transcend to another level of idealistic beauty, which is accomplished by the simple addition of the rolling Cumbrian fells. Standing at the top of the garden steps, looking out beyond the furnished garden, beyond the confines of the circular court with the fountain at its centre, and through the gap in the tall trees, the misty valley presents itself in ecstatic beauty.

For some guests, this is as close as they might want to get to such untapped nature. For others, the temptation is too great. With Ullswater on the very threshold of the hotel, one would be foolish to pass up a sailing trip along the seven-mile lake.

Alternatively, for a quick excursion without leaving the hotel’s many comforts too far behind, a boat from Glenridding to Howtown will open up the chance to enjoy a seven mile walk along the undulating shoreline of Ullswater, all the way back to Glenridding – the views along the entire route are unmissable.

Other gentle routes, around the banks of Ullswater and within easy distance of Leeming House, include Glenridding Dodd, Beda Fell on the opposite bank, and Hayeswater Reservoir. These walks lie right on the edge of the Lake District, so the gradients are not as severe as those deeper in the area, but the views are no less spectacular for it. They offer ideal stepping stone for any unseasoned walkers to find their feet before trying something more challenging.

Those guests determined to reach greater heights, achieve greater feats, need look no further than the 14.3-kilometre track on the opposite bank of Ullswater, which leads 730 metres up past Loadpot Hill, Arthur’s Pike and Bonscale Pike. White Side and Raise, meanwhile, begins at Glenridding, five minutes away at the foot of the lake.

A particularly pleasant walk, meanwhile, far removed from the noisier, more popular and more challenging walking routes of the area is the silent path of Gowbarrow Fell. Within walking distance of the hotel, and with ample parking at its base, this route is decidedly overlooked, because along its track lies one the more sublime features of the local topography: Aira Force, the waterfall about which Wordsworth famously wrote. A mere three miles away, this should be on the required list of any visitor to the Cumbrian Fells, let alone those that stay at Leeming House.

At the end of a day’s exploration, guests can return to the hotel and relax, resting their bones either in the comfort of their own rooms, in the drawing room and conservatory, or in the hotel’s sister spa nearby. Here, a supple range of beauty treatments and massages are available, perfectly suited to revitalise and reenergise any weary traveller.

Another notable highlight that Leeming House displays is its award winning Regency Restaurant.

Decorated with an AA Rosette Award, and with delectable cuisine and sumptuous wines to enjoy, the dining experience is made only richer by the climactic landscapes lying just outside. A more informal and relaxed dining option awaits in the conservatory, or on the outdoor terrace, where

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Company: Macdonald Leeming House Email: ashleigh.copeland@ bigpartnership.co.uk Phone: 0141 333 9585 Web: www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk Address: Watermillock, Ullswater, nr. Penrith, Cumbria, CA11 0JJ

Macdonald Leeming House Hotel

immersive contact with the Lake District bring out the very best in the classic British cuisine. Such décor and ambience allow guests to finish the day in the same style and luxury in which it began.

Macdonald Leeming House has also cemented a firm reputation as a premier wedding venue. With an in-house wedding planner guiding the prospective couple through every step of the process, the hotel affords exclusive access to the property, and to the renowned Regency Room, where any wedding reception will find a natural home.

As if exclusivity wasn’t enough, the very landscape seems determined to maintain the privacy of the wedding – the surrounding countryside closes in around the hotel, cutting it off from the outside world. With Helvelyn on the horizon and Ullswater providing a backdrop, any wedding held here will benefit hugely from the mystic romanticism that once captivated Wordsworth.

The bespoke wedding catering is capable of feeding up to 120 guests, and with a dedicated team working towards tailoring exclusive packages and working tirelessly to make the day go smoothly, there is no better place in the Lake District to celebrate a wedding than on the banks of Ullswater.

In addition to weddings, Leeming House affords premier resources for a business excursion. While the walking routes might offer a chance for team-building exercises, the hotel itself adds a well-appointed business centre and function room to its alreadyimpressive list of ancillaries. The Wi-Fi investments, as well as benefitting the experience of hotel-goers, is also aimed at providing business colleagues with the

“Such décor and ambience allow guests to finish the day in the same style and luxury in which it began.” resources to gather inspiration from the landscape and then connect those ideas to the rest of the team.

In addition, Macdonald Hotels with such facilities offer a lucrative awards program to those that come on a business excursion. As their little way of saying thanks to the PAs, conference organisers, corporate bookers, and agents, who regularly choose the hotel for the use of their facilities for business events, every point earned per booking allows recipients to choose from an indulgent range of awards – from shopping vouchers to spa treatments and short breaks. These programmes are easily managed from personal online accounts, from where bookings can be made, points can be claimed and rewards redeemed.

Any judicious client with a vision for a country retreat with ample distractions, comfort and fine dining abound, will find Macdonald Leeming House Hotel to be an apparition, drawn from their imagination and made manifest. With its ideal location at the shores of a vast lake, surrounded on all sides by plummeting mountains, and with over two centuries of English history contained within its walls, it would be a hardpressed effort to find a more holistic hotel experience.

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Old Swan and Minster Mill The Old Swan and Minster mill is tucked away in a beautiful corner of the Cotswolds and has been lovingly restored, offering both traditional and luxury accommodation, coupled with modest and contemporary rooms. This is the lastest outpost amongst the de Savary family’s boutique inns, and certainly does not feel like a run-of-the-mill hotel.

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Old Swan and Minster Mill

The more traditional rooms are housed in the Old Swan part of the establishment, which has 16 guest rooms, all beautifully restored as part in line with the proud 600-year history of the building, boasting exposed beams, luxury fabrics, and fine linens, these rooms offer pure romance to any guest. They offer the perfect couples getaway, for people who enjoy the charm of bygone years but also modern conveniences, coupled with a gastro-pub dining room and log-fired bar.

The Old Swan and Minster Mill prides itself on serving up delicious gastro-pub food, all sourced from superb local ingredients, and created by the internationally renowned Head Chef, David Mwita. The dining rooms in which to enjoy your meal are as wonderful as the food. Whilst all unique, all of the dining rooms make for a wonderfully cosy dining experience. There is also the option to dine outdoors in the summer months, in the beautiful gardens surrounding the Old Swan.

Offering more contemporary accommodation is the Minster Mill next door; equipped with 44 bedrooms, all designed to be eco-friendly and in a countrycontemporary style, they are all furnished with quality fittings and overlooking the gardens and meadows beyond the waters of the mill-race.

The dining room options that are available include; Minster Room, which can seat up to 50 guests for private parties and which has large double doors that open out onto the garden terrace; Lovell Room, the original oak-beamed dining hall of the Old Swan that seats up to 50 guests, and which is licensed for marriage ceremonies; the Snugs and Bars, which are based off the original style of the inn, and provide an informal and dog friendly setting; the Garden Terrace, which weather permitting, is open breakfast, lunch and dinner and; the Malt House, a stunning place to hold a reception for up to 100 people.

At the heart of the Old Minster village, the Old Swan and Minster Mill offers the perfect spot to escape the city and explore the Cotswolds – or just the perfect escape from the outside world, should you choose to just relax and enjoy the spa and dining facilities that are on offer.

There is also the Swan Cottage, a luxurious hideaway that boasts its own pub right on the doorstep. The cottage offers a large master bedroom, a double bedroom and a twin/double bedded, all with their own bathroom/shower room. It is set in its own private garden, and offers a more private getaway, but with all the services of the inn.

At the heart of the Old Minster village, the Old Swan and Minster Mill offers the perfect spot to escape the city and explore the Cotswolds – or just the perfect escape from the outside world, should you choose to just relax and enjoy the spa and dining facilities that are on offer.

The Old Swan and Minster Mill is a dog friendly establishment, and they welcome guests bringing their canine friends along. They offer a limited number of rooms in both the Old Swan and Minster Mill where dogs are allowed to stay, and they are welcomed into the bar area of the Swan, where they can have a delicious dog’s dinner cooked up. Upon arrival, you will receive an Old Swan and Minster Mill bandana for your dog, with compliments, and will find that your room is fully equipped with a dog basket, water and food bowls, and dog waste bags for you to use during your stay, with more available at reception if they are needed.

Being set in 65 acres of Cotswolds countryside means that there is no shortage of walks for you and your dog, and dog walking services, and the services of a dog sitter, are available upon request.

The Old Swan and Minster Mill also offer Canine Country Etiquette Classes, organised by their partners Cotswolds Pet Services and held within the grounds.

Each session is tailored to meet your specific needs, and is normally scheduled between 1 and 2 hours, and the lessons available include; Dog Obedience – Puppy to Adult, Canine County Etiquette, Gundog Training, Dog Behaviour, Sheep Worrying Solved and Water Training.

As well as providing dining for those within the establishment, the Old Swan and Minster Mill also offers a vast picnic menu, offering solutions for those who wish to enjoy the culinary delights of the Old Swan but who wish to enjoy the acres of countryside surrounding it.

If the idyllic scenery wasn’t enough, the Old Swan and Minster Mill now boasts its own spa on site. The Windrush Spa opened this year, in addition to the well-equipped fitness room and treatment rooms, and overlooks the River Windrush. The new spa is able to boast having an indoor/outdoor swimming pool, sauna, steam room and a full range of specialist treatments and sunbathing terraces.

The Old Swan and Minster Mill offer a number of packages to complement the surrounding area and their own facilities. These include the Inn the Pink at the Windrush Spa retreat, which is available Sunday to Thursday, and includes full use of the spa facilities, as well as a one hour YonKa spa treatment, a three course dinner and a full English breakfast the following morning.

There is also the option to purchase tailor-made gift certificates for the Old Swan and Minster Mill. This can be a Denominated Certificate, which is available for gifts from £20, or can be one of the gift vouchers that are already on offer, and which are valid for 12 months. An example of the sumptuous packages on offer is Gastro-Gusto supper, which welcomes guests to the Old Swan with a chilled glass of champagne, followed by a stunning 3 course meal.

As well as being available for all manner of hire purposes, from weddings to corporate events, the Old Swan and Minster Mill also have their own initiative designed to reward deserving soldiers and their families.

The Home for Heroes initiative offers a special rate for all military personnel returning from an operational tour of duty to RAF Brize Norton, meaning that all Unit Rear Party Personnel, CNO’S, VO’s and bereaved families get to enjoy some much deserved rest and hospitality.

A truly exceptional hotel set into the stunning countryside of the Cotswolds, the Old Swan and Minster Mill has a lot to offer any guest, wherever their interests may lie.

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Port Ferdinand Marina and Luxury Residences Neighbouring the historic Speightstown, Port Ferdinand Marina and Luxury Residences is a sixteen-acre enclave on the Northwest coast of Barbados offering a perfect blend of privacy and decadence which ensures visitors always come away feeling refreshed and revitalised.

Website: www.portferdinand.com

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lux Port Ferdinand Marina and Luxury Residences is a stunning, amenity rich resort on the beautiful northwest coast and is the latest multi-million-dollar luxury development managed by renowned Barbadian brand UNNA Luxury Resorts & Residences.

The marina provides something unique in the growing villa holiday market for both rental and homeownership, with its exclusive collection of luxurious homes, combined with the provision of rich amenities and legendary Bajan service in a unique marina setting. Rental prices start from US $650 per night for a 1 bedroom harbour side home sleeping two people, from now until 14 December 2016.

For those interested in purchasing a home at Port Ferdinand, property prices start from US$2.15m for a two bedroom marina view residence.

Designed to deliver a premium experience and lifestyle with a warm and welcoming Caribbean flair and flavour, this authentic Bajan approach to home ownership will attract those who seek something new, innovative and genuine. In its turquoise waters and white sand beaches, welcoming culture and rich history, Barbados uniquely retains an untarnished, genuine charm.

Offering 82 luxury residences and 120 berths, with 46 available to purchase or rent now, each home has its own uninterrupted view of the marina, with many also offering direct views beyond the marina to the Caribbean Sea, making this the perfect natural surroundings for a revitalising stay.

Guests staying at Port Ferdinand Marina and Luxury Residences will experience a unique lifestyle, where they can be as active or relaxed as they wish, providing an opportunity for whatever style of break they need.

There is a fantastic choice of facilities and activities available, including a water sports centre and an exclusive spa providing world class treatments in a beautiful setting facing a natural tropical gully, a golf simulator and entertainment centre, gym and personal training facility with Kenesis equipment, indoor and outdoor kid’s clubs, business and

“Guests staying at Port Ferdinand Marina and Luxury Residences will experience a unique lifestyle.” conference facilities. As such all manner of visits can be catered for, with staff more than happy to arrange entertainment for children or amenities for those looking to combine business with pleasure.

For visitors seeking to bring their own transport, there is also dock master and yacht maintenance services, with the harbour offering direct beach access with beach bar and full beach service. The marina is a gated community with 24/7 security and each yacht berth provides fresh water, electricity, waste removal, fibreoptic network for high speed broadband and wireless internet connection. Port Ferdinand also offers on-site yacht concierge and yacht management services to assist with vessel requirements including maintenance, laundry, requests for shopping and re-stocking of supplies. A fuel dock is available just two minutes away, providing peace of mind to yacht owning visitors.

Port Ferdinand Marina and Luxury Residences

If all of that still is not enough, guests can also take advantage of amenities at Port Ferdinand’s sister resort, Saint Peter’s Bay Luxury Resort & Residences, using the complimentary UNNA water taxi service which will convey them across to this sumptuous resort, complete with spas, fitness facilities and a range of dining options.

Although Saint Peter’s Bay Resort does offer a wide range of options for dinner, Port Ferdinand has its own first class restaurant, 13˚/59˚, named after the latitude and longitude of Barbados and featuring natural, organic produce form the islands fertile soil and ocean. There is also a pool side bar and restaurant with a speciality pizza and flatbread baking oven in the centre of the marina, ensuring that guests will never go hungry and any kind of eating experience, whether it be formal or more relaxed, can be catered for.

Service is a key part of the marina’s culture, and as with all UNNA resorts Port Ferdinand not only provides visitors all the home comforts they could possibly wish for, but also knowledge and friendly staff, who are on hand to assist guests in any way. Being a local company means that UNNA’s employees are all highly knowledgeable about the surrounding culture and amenities, and are able to aid guests in booking trips or choosing a destination to visit.

With a friendly and professional personal concierge service the marina can arrange a wide range of great activities for guests during their stay, such as swimming with the turtles, snorkel trips for teenagers, motorized water sports from its own water sports centre, personalized diving experiences, and candlelit dinners in the very best restaurants.

For the more adventurous private catamaran cruises and fishing charters, or paddle boarding for couples can all be arranging. Arrangements for amenities and excursions can even be made prior to arrival to guard against disappointment and ensure that guests enjoy the holiday they truly need. Additional pre-arrival services include an exclusive wine list to choose from, special dietary need welcome hampers and pre-stocking services so that the villa is entirely ready for guests to jump straight into their break.

Everything down to the minutest detail has taken care of so that guests can rest assured of a truly luxurious and memorable stay. The homes at Port Ferdinand are beautifully appointed and finished to the very highest standards, with meticulous attention to detail, featuring solid oak doors and hand crafted coral rendered walls. There are also granite or quartz kitchen counters and GE Profile stainless steel appliances, floor to ceiling marble tiles in bathrooms, concealed air conditioning and Kohler & Hansgrow fixtures to give a real touch of indulgence to the surroundings.

With all of these stunning amenities, top class service and natural surroundings that cannot be faulted, it is a wonder that anyone ever leaves this sumptuous resort. Guests will be planning their return trip before they have even left, and will take the memories of their time at Port Ferdinand Marina with them forever as a memento of the best experience they ever had.

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Name: Sara Jaffar Company: Roseberry Cottage B&B Email: info@roseberrycottage.co.uk Web: www.roseberrycottage.co.uk Address: Roseberry Cottage, Bishop Thornton, Harrogate.

HG3 3JP Telephone: 01423 772926

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Vanish into Yorkshire

Vanish into Yorkshire

We run a high end, luxury bed and breakfast, in glorious North Yorkshire countryside.

We offer contemporary and relaxing surroundings, in a converted barn, surrounded by wild flowers and an orchard.

Who are your clients?

People with good taste, who want all the comfort of a hotel but with a bit more of a personal touch. A lot of our guests come to visit the Dales, whether it be for walking, cycling or just admiring the tremendous views and exploring the many market towns. Other guests come for the more urban environment of the Spa town of Harrogate and its excellent range of shops and eateries. We are also close to RHS Harlow Carr and a number of National Trust properties, including Fountains Abbey.

What makes you unique?

We are unique in the same way that anyone who runs a small business is, we do it our way. Our way is a focus on good quality and attention to detail. So everything from our high thread count linen, to our home made breakfast ingredients, to our bathroom fittings, it is all about quality and attention to detail.

What’s your biggest challenge facing you at present?

Technology. I find social media totally baffling.

What’s the aim for your business?

To continue to make our guests have a wonderful experience and leave here wanting to return.

What’s your company’s biggest challenge?

To change some people’s opinion of B&Bs. A number of people still don’t even think of looking at B&B accommodation as an option expecting it to be at the budget end of the market. Sometimes they are seen as rather old fashioned and increasing people don’t like the idea of sharing living space with the owner, or not having an ensuite bathroom.

There are some B&Bs that are still like that and they definitely have an important place in the market, however, there are also an increasing number of establishments, like our own, where guests are in private accommodation separate from our home with their own entrance and terrace. The quality of the bedrooms, bathrooms and all facilities on offer are equal to a top level hotel, but delivered with a personal touch.

We are defined as a B&B because we are small and we don’t have a restaurant or offer evening meals. In the summer, however, guests are able to use the barbecue facilities and cook for themselves, using ingredients supplied by us, such as our homegrown salads and potatoes which we deliver to them ready to eat alongside fresh meat or fish from the local butcher or fishmonger.

What business/business person do you most admire and why?

I love Alex Polizzi, she is straight talking and yet charming. She has great vision when it comes to the hospitality industry and she makes good decisions without emotion and yet understands human frailty.

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Saint Peter’s Bay Resort Saint Peter’s Bay Resort and Residences is a luxury holiday hotspot on the North West coast of Barbados which offers visitors access to expansive beaches, a welcoming and hospitable culture and wonderful weather. It is the combination of these features and more that makes this beautiful retreat among the most luxurious and splendid in the region.

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lux For those seeking a holiday in a sunny corner of Caribbean paradise, then Saint Peter’s Bay Luxury Resort and Residences in Barbados is the perfect destination, where luxury meets soul. Ideally situated on the island’s northwest coast, regarded by many as the ‘Barbados Riviera,’ Saint Peter’s Bay features four acres of spacious beachfront enhanced with tropical gardens.

From this sumptuous location, homeowners and guests have convenient access to enjoy and experience all that Barbados has to offer, both on land and in the surrounding tropical Caribbean waters. Situated in an unspoilt and authentic part of the island, Saint Peter’s Bay resort offers a rare blend of the past with a touch of today when it comes

“From this sumptuous location, homeowners and guests have convenient access to enjoy and experience all that Barbados has to offer.” to luxury, with all the modern comforts skilfully combined with authentic culture and the natural beauty of the resort’s surroundings.

Steeped in rich history and culture, the region offers visitors the chance to explore this beautiful landscape and indulge in Caribbean delights. Guests at Saint Peter’s Bay can use all the facilities at nearby UNNA resort, Port Ferdinand Marina and Luxury Residences, which can be accessed in just eight minutes via road or via the resort’s free water taxi, making this the perfect getaway for those looking to explore the area.

Managed by Barbadian brand, UNNA Luxury Resorts & Residences, this outstanding resort consists of a unique collection of 57 luxury two and three bedroom beachfront homes and penthouses for homeownership and rental. Saint Peter’s Bay’s other amenities include a lagoon style pool, beauty salon, fitness centre, breezy gazebo bar and convenient access to enjoy everything that this enchanting island has to offer, ensuring that everyone will be comfortable and satisfied by their visit.

As the resort is managed by a Barbadian company, the staff know the island inside out and can advise on activities such as enjoying a swim in Animal Flower Cave, visiting historic St Nicholas Abbey or taking an aerial trek at Jack–In-The-Box Gully, which are guaranteed to keep guests busy and leave them feeling both relaxed and fulfilled.

Website: www.stpetersbaybarbados.com

Homes range from 2,500-6,300 square feet, all with breath taking views of the sparkling turquoise sea, with a private hot tub on each terrace. The design also allows two homes to be joined into a six-bedroom home making it perfect for larger families. Each beachfront home is luxuriously appointed and furnished and features large en-suite bedrooms, spacious living areas including a large terrace with outdoor dining, and a fully equipped kitchen and laundry area. The large size of the homes means they are perfect for multi-generational holidays; in fact, many families come back year after year as this beautiful resort lures them back, just like the beautiful nesting turtles that return to Saint Peter’s

Saint Peter’s Bay Resort

Bay beach each year from June to November. Rental prices start from US$675 per night for a 2 bedroom beach front home sleeping four people, from now until 14 December 2016. For those interested in purchasing a home at Saint Peter’s Bay, property prices start from US $1.95M for a 3 bedroom luxury home to US $7.75M for a 4 bedroom luxury home.

Another reason to return is the resort’s excellent service. Saint Peter’s Bay Resort prides itself on its service and attention to detail, which makes it a class apart from other Barbadian resorts. The resort provides a fun and relaxing holiday experience, with all the home comforts you would need.

A dedicated concierge service will consider what combination of guests are staying at the resort and will tailor activities accordingly – for example, booking restaurant and boat trips for couples or groups, organising football on the beach, swimming with turtles, or snorkel trips for active teenagers and sandcastle building and fishing for younger children.

In particular, a big hit with guests is the booking of a private chef to cook delicious Barbadian meals for them in the comfort of their own villa, bringing an authentic taste of the Caribbean directly to guests.

For those seeking a more social dining experience the resort offers a wide range of restaurants and eateries to suit every palate. From 1359 fine dining restaurant to the Gazebo Bar & Grill and the more relaxed Quarterdeck Pool Island Bar & Pizzeria, there is something for everyone. There is also a beach & pool butler service, as well as yacht and boat catering, the Chattel beach bar, in suite dining with private chefs and private beach dinners available for visitors seeking more decadence. Private yacht berths are situated nearby for guests looking to moor their vessel and explore the island in all its glory.

The concierge service prides itself in contacting guests in advance of their arrival to help them plan their stay their way. This includes providing recommendations and confirming itineraries, prestocking homes with welcome grocery hampers and careful planning for special occasions and requests.

Pre-arrival services are also offered to ensure that every need is catered for when guests arrive. The firm believe passionately in providing a service-centric environment that allows everyone of all generations the freedom to focus on the moments, meaning and memories they have come to experience and savour.

Wellness is a key part of the resort’s identity, and alongside the resort’s innumerate natural amenities and the stunning surroundings there are also a number of facilities available to guests, including the Sandbox Tree Spa, Waves Salon, fitness centre and access to personalised training plans. These facilities ensure that guests will feel rejuvenated in both mind and body following their stay at Saint Peter’s Bay Resort.

Fundamentally this stunning, luxurious resort is the ideal Caribbean getaway for anyone seeking an authentic cultural experience. With the best that the natural world has to offer right on their doorstep and service which cannot be beaten, Saint Peter’s Bay Resort offers everything anyone could possibly need for the perfect summer trip.

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Movado Edge:

http://lux.acquisition-intl.com/

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Movado Edge: An Exciting New Collaboration with Industrial Designer Yves Béhar

Movado announces the launch of the new Movado Edge watch collection, developed in collaboration with world-renowned industrial designer Yves Béhar and his design firm, fuseproject.

Uniting the talents of two of the most important industrial designers of the last 70 years, Nathan George Horwitt and Yves Béhar, Movado has brought a dynamic new level of design innovation and sophistication to the legendary Museum Dial.

Since his move to California in 1990, Béhar has become one of the leading industrial designers of his generation. Working at first in Silicon Valley on technology design projects for clients such as Apple, Inc., he later broadened his interests to include furniture and apparel. Since then, he has been creating iconic objects for Jawbone, Herman Miller, General Electric, Puma, PayPal, SodaStream, Samsung, Prada, and many others.

The objects often have a socially progressive bent: light fixtures that promote energy conservation or, cheap but durable laptops that offer poor children improved access to education. Behar’s designs tend to be practical rather than flashy, and they have a history of predicting — or dictating — mass-market trends. His design for the Jambox, first released in 2010, launched a multibillion-dollar wireless-speaker market.

Yves Béhar is the founder and CEO of Fuseproject, an integrated design and branding firm he established in 1999, with the aim of serving clients who understand what good industrial design can do.

An agent for change, Yves believes that design can shape the future. “Design is not just about making new things,” he says. “It is about showing what the future can be, challenging the status quo. I see it as a bridge of hope and possibilities.”

On the new collaboration with the Swiss watchmaker Movado, Béhar expresses enormous anticipation.

Amanda Ferrari Amanda@Blackdiamond.co.uk

“As a designer, it is both daunting and an exciting challenge to design for Movado, a watch brand that is universally recognized as a modern pioneer,” stated Yves Béhar, Founder and Principal Designer, fuseproject. “The opportunity to stand out, to stand for something can be rare in watch design. The central idea of the Movado Edge design was achieved through the use of new materials, textures and threedimensional construction – the dished shapes catch the light beautifully and have the effect of drawing the eye inside of the watch. As the user’s wrist moves, the design changes constantly, symbolically speaking of time as the indicator of change in our lives.”

The history of the Movado company, along with its famous Museum Watch, is woven into the birth of the modern design movement, and the group of international artists that founded the Bauhaus

School in 1919. Embracing a dictum of “simplicity, tastefulness, function”, one of its purest expressions was the black watch dial defined by a single gold dot, designed by American artist Nathan George Horwitt in 1947.

Fast forward 70 years, and Movado has retained its distinctively minimalist aesthetic, whist permitting it to mature with the times to incorporate new design elements and materials. At its core, though, the EDGE is still the same classic Museum Watch.

The Movado EDGE’s dial reinterprets Horwitt’s original vision in three dimensions, with the signature dot emerging from the dial’s curved, newly textured landscape. Sculpted ridges that form around the edge of the dial suggest the sun’s rays, while subtly marking the minutes – a beautiful and purposeful design element. Fusing form, function and inspiration, this transformative new collection includes men’s, women’s and chronograph models on stainless steel link bracelets and black leather or rubber straps.

The EDGE becomes a worthy partner for Movado’s celebrated Esperanza line of watches – first introduced in the US over 30 years ago, it became a breakthrough design that quickly surged in popularity, becoming a brand signature and bestseller due to its definitive, architecturally inspired bracelet that included long, open, vertical links, integrated with a round, softly curved case that complemented the simple purity of the Museum dial.

The updated Esperanza collection is modern and sensual, the design lends itself to effective negative space in the distinctive bracelet – a major trend in today’s fashion and accessories.

A brand long identified with Modernism and closely associated with the performing arts, Movado has achieved a proud 135-year history of design excellence and innovation. Movado has been a major supporter of New York City Ballet, Lincoln Center for the Performing Arts, Jazz at Lincoln Center, and The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Additionally, Movado has supported the Miami International Film Festival, Miami City Ballet, The Joffrey Ballet, Ballet Pacifica, and the Cooper Hewitt, National Design Museum.

Movado’s EDGE and Esperanza lines of watches are available at www.movado.co.uk

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Parlour Farm Kitchens

Parlour Farm Kitchens Parlour Farm Kitchens, based in Cirencester, offers a truly bespoke service, delivering beautifully crafted handmade kitchens to clients across the UK. With over 20 years of experience in custom-made kitchens, every element is tailored to fulfil your kitchen dreams, utilising stylish interior design, high end appliances and luxury carpentry.

Parlour Farm Kitchens’ designers and craftsmen will develop an in-depth understanding of your home and how you want your kitchen to function. They take time to ensure the features are personalised and carefully moulded to the entire space, with every kitchen cabinet and unit being hand built. From creating rustic kitchen islands to custom-made oak worktops and hand painted kitchen tables, there is something to suit every personal style. http://www.parlourfarm.com/

Laura Moore Crimson Edge PR crimson@crimsonedge.co.uk http://www.crimsonedge.co.uk/ Crimson Edge Public Relations Ltd. 13 Essex Brae Edinburgh EH4 6LN 0131 311 7050

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The Admiral Codrington

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The Admiral Codrington

Nestled in the heart of Chelsea, The Admiral Codrington is a lively pub with an award winning restaurant; tucked away from the busy streets, ‘The Cod’ has a lot to offer any discerning customer.

Described by the Michelin Guide as a ‘Chelsea Institution’, The Admiral Codrington offers a beautifully furnished bar and dining area, complemented by a heated beer garden outside.

The beer garden is equipped with an all-weather awning, which is fully retractable, so that it can be enjoyed at any time of the year, no matter what the weather! The garden is wonderfully cosy, and is the perfect place in which to enjoy one of the light lunches that ‘The Cod’ offers.

Inside The Admiral Codrington, an atmosphere of comfort and ease pervades. Offering both booths that provide more privacy, alongside central tables which allows diners a full view of the establishment, all manner of seating preferences are catered to. The open and spacious bar area offers further seating for those not wishing to partake in a full meal.

The bar has received a Cask Marque Award, marking the impressive selection of fine ales which they serve within the establishment. They pride themselves on being able to pull the perfect pint of ale for all of their customers, whichever ale is chosen; a pint of local London Pride or one of the wide range of guest ales that they serve at any time.

Described by the Michelin Guide as a ‘Chelsea Institution’, The Admiral Codrington offers a beautifully furnished bar and dining area, complemented by a heated beer garden outside.

However, ale is not the only type of beverage that The Admiral Codrington are proud to serve. They have an extensive wine list, which has been hand-picked by Master of Wine, Tim Atkin, and make their cocktails using only the finest super premium brands of spirits, such as Grey Goose and Woodford Reserve. They also offer Orchard Pig cider and Guinness, alongside a wide range of lagers. All available to be enjoyed in a corner of the bar or alongside your meal in the dining area.

Should you choose not to partake in the full fine dining experience offered by The Admiral Codrington, the bar offers snacks that go above and beyond; ranging from Chilli Salt Squid to homemade Scotch eggs with bois boudran sauce The restaurant has recently been featured in the Michelin Guide: Eating Out in Pubs for the sixth year running, receiving the ‘Green Man Recognition for Excellence’. They are incredibly proud to have received this honour again, as it recognises their ambition to continuously serve quality cuisine to exceptionally high standards.

A number of fantastic independent suppliers work with The Admiral Codrington to aid them in their aim

to always use the finest ingredients sourced within the UK; The Upper Scale, Sipsmith, Upham Brewery, Fentimans, Teapigs and the Ice Cream Union, are just a few, and ‘The Cod’ are proud to be working with this wonderful British companies.

Always proud to be serving the finest and freshest British ingredients in their seasonal menus, The Admiral Codrington pride themselves on creating new dishes regularly. Their signature dishes, however, will always hold pride of place on the menu. The Ad Cod Burger and Admiral’s Cask Fish and Chips are both now offered all day due to popular demand. They are so proud of their burgers that they now have a night dedicated to them.

During burger night on Tuesday evenings, the chef serves up a range of mouth-watering gourmet burgers, coupled with a special side selection. Every Tuesday the classic Admiral’s Burger will be on offer, made with Black Angus beef, smoked Applewood cheese, maple bacon, smokey BBQ mayo, classic slaw, baby gem lettuce, and served on a brioche bun. The chef will also craft a new burger each week, carefully crafting and combining new flavours to make for a truly unique dining experience.

The Admiral Codrington also offers a full light lunch menu, which includes delicious salads and a fantastic array of small plates. For those with little time to spare, they also offer an Express Lunch Menu between Monday and Thursday that will not fail to satisfy, whilst also catering for the limited time that some patrons have to spare.

The Navarino Room in The Admiral Codrington is a perfect space to host meetings, and has often been used by international clients, and local offices looking for a more inspiring, spacious setting. Suitable for everything from board meetings and AGMs to product launches, the truly versatile room can cater for all occasions. It is equipped with a flat screen TV which is perfect for display purposes, and there is plenty of space for any additional materials which may need to be brought in.

Private dining is offered by ‘The Cod’, also in the newly refurbished Navarino room. Here, sit down lunches and dinners for up to 32 people can be catered to, with this number rising to 60 for guests only wanting drinks and canapés. A private bar can be provided, with your choice of fine wine and premium brand spirits – perhaps even your own keg of Heineken! The Admiral Codrington also offers many additional features to make your evening truly personal; balloons, cakes, flowers – even an ice luge if this is what you would like!

Their aim is to make the evening of any customer as enjoyable as possible, and they really do go above and beyond to meet any request that is made to them. The Admiral Codrington offers a truly fantastic experience for anyone who visits them, in whatever capacity they may find themselves visiting.

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The Punchbowl

Formerly part owned by Hollywood Director Guy Ritchie, The Punchbowl in Mayfair is a traditional English pub with a heritage spanning over 300 years.

Popular with some of the most fashionable of London society, it is easy to see why when you visit this glorious establishment, which combines old fashioned English charm with modern style and quality.

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lux Every stage of Mayfair’s hallowed history has been one of fine living. From bohemian playground, to wartime stronghold and thriving financial mecca, the history of London’s most coveted district is a hallowed scroll of glitzy parties, royal occasions and high society – and The Punchbowl has stood at the heart of it all.

Ever since 1729, The Punchbowl has been providing its esteemed players and patrons with a place to relax, dine and entertain – where ideas were provoked and dreams and ambitions were born.

Even after a grand refurbishment, many features of the establishment’s heritage and the Grade II listed tavern remain.

Today this fine eatery and public house not only celebrates its prestigious past, but also looks forward to the next era of Mayfair’s history, bringing together the modern tastemakers and innovators to see what the next centuries will have in store. Whether it be a traditional Sunday roast or an entrepreneurial workshop, the aim of this traditional yet contemporary meeting place is to bring people together to celebrate the very best of Britain.

As one of Mayfair’s oldest pubs, the Punchbowl has enough experience entertaining diners and casual visitors alike to be able to offer the perfect venue for guests to meet, dine and unwind.

Situated in a quiet side street in one of London’s most fashionable areas, the Punchbowl has something for everyone. Split into three sections, this trendy establishment is able to cater for whatever its visitors require. Whilst the pub, club and dining room all offer very different experiences, what unites them is the friendly service and quality food and beverages which are prevalent throughout.

The Punchbowl’s pub offers a tranquil slice of cosy countryside in the heart of the city, providing a selection of real local ales, fine single malt scotch and hearty pub classics served with a luxurious Mayfair twist.

The pub’s main menu is an exercise in hearty, British fare with a modern spin, such as the tender beef burger which is served with lettuce and slathered in homemade ketchup and mustard mayonnaise, set atop a brioche bun, with hand cut chips on the side. There is also house ale battered catch of the day served alongside minted pea puree, hand cut chips and proper tartare sauce for a really decadent meal. Traditional desserts are made unique, such as the luxurious sticky toffee apple pudding or the Rolo chocolate and blood orange fondant.

As one of Mayfair’s oldest pubs, the Punchbowl has enough experience entertaining diners and casual visitors alike to be able to offer the perfect venue for guests to meet, dine and unwind.

The Punchbowl

For those looking for a lighter meal, the bar offers a vast selection of light bites for the peckish, including a range of indulgent snacks, such as the rich and sticky cheddar chips and the devilled Dorset bay white bait, served with garlic and rock chive mayonnaise. For those seeking a more filling morsel, the pub offers a selection of sandwiches, including the ‘Punchbowl’ – a meaty steak sandwich which encompasses stout caramelised onions, tomato, watercress and mustard mayonnaise in a wild rosemary ciabatta.

All of the Punchbowl’s menus celebrate the fresh and luscious produce and heritage of Great Britain, giving a luxurious twist to pub favourites and classic British dishes using only the finest native ingredients.

The establishment’s highly talented kitchen team all share this passion for British food which shines through in their menus.

Just up the stairs from the pub is the new Dining Room, where glass, gold and mirrors collide with a glamourous art deco nod to Mayfair’s opulent history.

Excellent wines and sophisticated plates showcasing the best of British seafood and game can be found in this stylish eatery.

Offering an A La Carte, express and children’s menu, there is something for everyone in this modern dining experience.

Finally, for those looking for a more discreet, select dining experience, the Punchbowl’s club offers a secluded and refined gastronomic getaway. Secreted away at the top of the building, The Club’s private dining room resembles a Victorian art collector’s dining table with a menu of rare culinary gems to match. It is among the best places in London enjoy exclusive, bespoke dinners and discuss the matters of the world with Mayfair’s finest minds and makers.

The opulent surroundings include a sumptuous chandelier hanging over the perfectly set dining table, leather dining chairs which emanate comfort and luxury and modern art from some of the world’s greatest artists which make for exceptional talking points.

Alongside general meeting and casual meals, the Punchbowl also caters for a wide variety of events and special occasions. With butchery masterclasses, Sunday lunches, corporate meets and even wedding catered for at this versatile venue there is never an occasion which the Punchbowl cannot accommodate. From the cosy countryside atmosphere of our pub to the contemporary glamour of our restaurant and the Victorian decadence of The Club – The Punchbowl is the perfect venue for private parties in Mayfair. Guests can experience the detailed service and the refined food and drink that one has come to expect from Mayfair’s historic pub.

Ultimately, the Punchbowl’s celebration of the best of Britain and three varied dining areas makes it a must visit for anyone exploring the more luxurious side of London.

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Savurè, the pasta specialists from Turin open this September in Shoreditch Savurè, the authentic Italian pasta restaurant & shop from Turin, Italy will be opening their first London restaurant in Shoreditch this September. Following the success of their Pastificio con Cucina shop in Turin, Savuré freshly prepares handmade pasta daily to eat in, take away or cook at home.

At the heart of Savurè will be the Il Pastificio, the dynamic Pasta Lab which showcases the chefs kneading, rolling and cutting the pasta, all prepared that day on the premises, offering over 200 different combinations to choose from, using authentic Italian recipes and traditional methods.

Showcasing pasta recipes from across Italy, the extensive menu will offer a selection of different dishes. Customers will be able to create their own combination or simply follow with tradition. From the Piedmont region, the Agnolotti Savurè, a ravioli egg pasta filled with three Italian meats, Mediterranean herbs and spices, each province possesses its own variation typically handed down from generation to generation. Directly from Turin itself, the Tajarin will also feature, a long extra thin flat egg pasta dish.

Guests are able to select any sauce with any pasta, choose the chickpea pasta with trionfo di verdure a sauce made with tomato, courgettes, potatoes, eggplants and pepper or the ragu di carne chianina a deliciously rich sauce made with chianina beef, tomato and red wine.

With roots deep within Italian food culture, warm hospitality and authentic flavour is at its core. A casual dining destination, Savurè focuses on the customer’s dining needs, from morning coffee to take away lunch or eat in dinner with friends. The Savurè shop serves fresh pastas, sauces, wines and artisanal Italian products for those who want to recreate the experience at home.

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The colour palate will be a combination of flour white, with hints of egg yolk yellow and tomato red. With floor to ceiling windows, the open plan restaurant will have natural light flowing throughout. Choose between high top sharing tables, intimate booths or al fresco dining on the patio. Artisanal Italian products will be displayed in white washed wooden cabinets in the restaurant and marble worktops will showcase daily pastas for guests to choose from.

Savurè 20 Paul Street, London, EC2A 4JU http://www.savure.co.uk @savure_pasta @savure_pastificioconcucina

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KK Communications Katrina Kutchinsky / Sara Al-Ali Katrina@kkcom.co.uk / sara@kkcom. co.uk 02076250935

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Savurè, the pasta specialists from Turin open this September in Shoreditch

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Macdonald Bear Hotel is one of the finest Four-Star hotels in Oxfordshire. Set in Woodstock, in what was once a 13th century coaching inn, our hotel offers the best of breathtaking scenery and fine facilities.

With direct access to the historic city of Oxford, our hotel is a popular choice for family holidays, business and weddings.

• Historic country house charm • Majestic 13th century coaching inn • Picturesque village location • 54 individually-styled bedrooms • Golf courses nearby • Meeting and conference facilities • Free Wifi Powered by The Cloud • Luxury wedding packages • Award-winning restaurant onsite

Park Street, Woodstock, Oxfordshire, OX20 ISZ Tel: 0344 879 9143

www.macdonaldhotels.co.uk

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Luxury Tech Company Goldgenie Opens Its Order Book for IPhone 7 Pre-Orders

Luxury Tech Company Goldgenie Opens Its Order Book for IPhone 7 Pre-Orders

Apple sold over 13 million units within three days of their launch of the new iPhone 6s and 6s Plus models. This was a phenomenal sales record and with the imminent release of their iPhone 7, demand is expected to meet an all-time high.

Goldgenie know from experience that when a new iPhone launches, demand for their luxury customised 24k gold embellished iPhones outstrips supply, so to avoid disappointment in getting your hands on an Apple iPhone 7 customised in genuine 24k Gold, Rose Gold, Platinum or even encrusted with certificate quality Diamonds, they are encouraging customers to secure their device which will include the iPhone 7 Plus and Pro versions when make them available for pre-order.

The company is launching the new iPhone 7 on August 25th, and you will be able to pre-order your device in a range of precious metal finishes directly online from www.goldgenie.com, as well as from their new luxury retail experience showroom situated at the new innovative shopping centre, the iMall, in the United Arab Emirates or from their London Victoria based offices with just a 50% deposit.

Goldgenie are working closely with several Apple resellers and have secured a commitment for devices the minute that they are available. This will mean that orders of the customised phone will be delivered to the customers who ordered early. The luxury brand is seeking only a 50% deposit to secure the new iPhone 7. The skilled artisans at Goldgenie will then hand craft and customise your phone in your chosen finish which can also include personalisation of images, company logo or even your signature laser engraved onto your device.

Founded in 1995 this pioneering luxury gift and customisation company has earned an unprecedented reputation as the go-to customisation service for luxury cars, gadgets, bathroom accessories, antiques, jewellery and even religious artefacts.

In preparation for the iPhone 7 launch, Goldgenie have taken on several new International Master Franchise partners to help with the highly anticipated global demand for the iPhone 7, the most awaited smartphone for 2016.

Founder of Goldgenie Laban Roomes said, “We are very excited about the iPhone 7 and have had literally thousands of enquiries asking when our luxury customised range will be launched. Having customised the first iPhone when Apple launched their device in 2007, I predict this will be the best selling iPhone to date and so encourage our customers to not delay in pre-ordering from us when we open our order books later this month with just a 50% deposit to secure this highly anticipated luxury device”.

The iPhone 7, Plus and Pro will be available to pre-order from their website or luxury retail store in genuine 24k Gold, Rose Gold and Platinum in memory sizes 64gb and 128gb from August 25th.

Prices will start from £2,400 or USD$3,100.

To pre-order your luxury iPhone 7 device go to their registration page which will change into the iPhone 7 pre-order page on August 25th 2016: https://www. goldgenie.com/gold-iphone-7/

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Tipple

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An Introduction to the World’s Best Gin

An Introduction to the World’s Best Gin An unrivalled masterpiece, Daffy’s Gin is so smooth and flavoursome it can be uniquely enjoyed neat over ice. It was this essence of perfection which inspired Robert McGinnis’ beautiful bottle design – creating the Goddess of Gin, akin to the timeless beauties he previously depicted in some of history’s most iconic film posters (Breakfast at Tiffany’s, James Bond etc.).

Named London Dry Gin of the Year at the prestigious International Wine & Spirits Competition 2015, Daffy’s is the creation of master distiller Chris Molyneaux and his wife Mignonne. Launched in December 2014 and crafted in small, single batches, Daffy’s adopts the world’s best ingredients and a distillation process close to that of a fine single malt, using an ancient copper pot still.

A gin with its roots in Scotland, Daffy’s represents its founders’ flair for adventure, taking them across the globe to source the botanicals which set this gin apart; Lebanon for mint leaves, Southern Spain for lemon peel – and not forgetting the ingredient which makes a gin a gin, with juniper from the Balkan States.

The finishing touch: a precise 43.4% bottling strength. The result: a perfect balance of strength and flavour – any stronger and the notes become too potent, any weaker and the balance and complexity is diluted.

At the end of its distillation journey, Daffy’s Gin Daffy’s Gin Tasting Notes: is supremely well-rounded and smooth, A precise 43.4% bottling strength creates with a long finish and notes of citrus, a perfect balance of strength and flavour spice, caramel and toffee.

– any stronger and the notes become too potent, We’ll raise a glass to that. www.daffysgin.com @DaffysGin

any weaker and the balance and complexity is diluted.

NOSE: Fresh citrus, spice, toffee and full of life.

Oriental pine forest by the sea with a breath-taking view.

PALETTE: Smooth and vibrant spice with oaky mouthfeel, leading to lively citrus and Lebanese mint then Daffy’s can be purchased online to red fruit followed by juniper. www.daffysgin.com and UK stockists FINISH: From the depth of fine juniper and soft including Waitrose, Harvey Nichols, Lebanese mint to a long, buttery, Fortnum & Mason, Harrods and select warm & elegant finish independent retailers.

– enchanting to the end.

Priced £35.99 *Winner, Gold, London Dry Gin, International Wine & Spirits Competition 2015

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Friarwood: New Faces, Same Reputation Friarwood is an independent French wine merchant with a strong wholesale and retail presence, which in the last year has undergone a sizable face-lift, not only via its refurbished Parsons Green store but also with the change of ownership and the addition of a new and knowledgeable team. In July 2016, Friarwood delightedly announced their partnership with Benjamin Bridge for

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lux Founded in 1967 by the late Peter Bowen, Friarwood fast established itself at the forefront of the fine wine market, sourcing from the elite estates of Bordeaux.

Friarwood has been expanding from its Bordeaux and Burgundy roots and today offers wines from all key regions within France as well as hidden gems from all around the world. Customer can expect to see a pioneer vintage of a Sonoma red crafted with French hands alongside world-renowned sparklers from Canada, a Bordeaux-blend Argentinian wine and seriously well-blended Bulgarian wines by staroenologist, Michel Rolland.

Acquired by Canadian Managing Director Benjamin Carfagnini in 2015, Friarwood has been expanding its wine list to other regions ever since, recognizing Benjamin’s native Canada as an emerging, coolclimate region early on.

Established in the Gaspereau Valley of Nova Scotia on Canada’s east coast, the Benjamin Bridge winery offers classic sparkling wine and produced its first cuvees in 2002. The unique growing climate in the heart of the Valley is moderated by the powerful Bay of Fundy, home to the world’s highest tides, while its maritime climate promotes natural acidities and long ‘hangtime’, which are critical to producing sparkling wines of complexity and finesse as well as aromatic wines. Through their newfound partnership with Friarwood, they hope that their vintages, including the 2008 Brut Reserve Sparkling, will make a large impact on the UK sparkling wine market.

Friarwood’s Managing Director Benjamin Carfagnini described his interest in Benjamin Bridge sparkling wines.

“The buzz surrounding Benjamin Bridge caught my attention when I was finishing my studies and I have followed its progression ever since. It’s a remarkable success story and Friarwood is very proud to partner with it. Benjamin Bridge truly represents the strengths of Canadian wines and fits our ethos of sourcing fine wines from around the world.

“ I have always had a deep passion for wine and I crave to improve my knowledge. With an ever-changing industry, you can never know enough.”

Friarwood Fine Wines Ltd. 26 New Kings Road, Parsons Green, London, SW6 4ST (Five minutes walk from Parsons Green tube station) 020 7736 2628 Email: info@friarwood.com Website: www.friarwood.com twitter.com/friarwood

“Each of our wines is tasted and selected by the entire team to ensure the highest quality, and different members of our team favoured different Benjamin Bridge sparkling wines – so they are all gems worthy of discovery! We are very excited to be introducing these world-class wines to the UK market and look forward to a lasting relationship with Benjamin Bridge.”

Likewise, Benjamin Bridge winery owner, Gerry McConnell, described the importance of its entry into the UK market.

“Benjamin Bridge’s vision is to produce international calibre sparkling wines and to elevate Nova Scotia as a serious cool climate wine region. To do so, we always knew that we would have to bring our wine

Friarwood: New Faces, Same Reputation

to other parts of the world. London is a critical step towards this vision. To enter a market with a great partner like Friarwood at a dynamic time in their development and our own is very fortunate timing.

We know that it will take investment and, foremost, incredible quality in the bottle, but together we will grow a market for Nova Scotia sparkling.”

Since it was founded, Friarwood has built lasting relationships with the on-trade. In addition to supplying wines to the most revered and trendsetting restaurants and hotels within the UK, Friarwood has also stocked various London member’s clubs and international airlines. They aim to create lasting and well-respected relationships with all of their most influential clients, supplying some of their best wines for everyday wine menus and also exclusive events.

As Ben Carfagnini comments, “our clients are our partners; we supply them with wines worth discovering alongside outstanding service with a flexible approach and a personal relationship.”

In addition to a fresh injection of Canadian sparkling wines, Friarwood boast an impressive range of luscious vintages from across some of Europe’s most renowned wine regions. In particular, the red Sustinet from Conti di San Bonifacio exemplifies the best of the Tuscan vine, while the French Region is ably represented through Gilles Flacher’s white Condrieu les Rouelles.

Ben has amassed several degrees, from Landscape Architecture from Ontario’s University of Guelph, to Wine Business Management from Niagara College, and a MBA from Bordeaux (INSEEC). Through the latter program he discovered Friarwood, completing an all-encompassing eight-month internship, focusing on retail, back office duties, nurturing of wholesale accounts, cellar roles, and making deliveries.

Once his internship had culminated, Ben was promptly hired full-time as on-trade sales manager until the passing of founder, Peter Bowen, when Friarwood began a new chapter of ownership and management under Ben’s auspices.

Ben comments, “I have always had a deep passion for wine and I crave to improve my knowledge. With an ever-changing industry, you can never know enough.”

September 2016 will see Friarwood hosting its first midweek tasting sessions, giving both wine enthusiasts and novices the chance to get to grips with some of Friarwood’s finest wines. Each of the sessions will be hosted by the producers or a member of Friarwood’s team and guests will enjoy samples of the wine, information on the regions and grapes.

Not only that, but during the tasting evenings guests will have the chance to purchase a bottle or a case of the showcased wines at a discounted rate of 15% when purchased on the night or 10% on the case for the next purchase. Throughout November and December Friarwood will also be hosting walk-in tasting events every Saturday, where they’ll display their best winter wines.

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Drinks to Welcome the Autumn Phipps Emily Webster 17 Exeter Street, London, WC2E 7DU 020 7759 7412 / 020 7759 7400 / 07584 147 194 emily.webster@thisisphipps.com

104 LUX - September 2016

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Drinks to Welcome the Autumn

While autumn may be upon us, the drink trends of the season can help to beat the end of summer blues. Courtesy of the team at Phipps, whose work is rooted in insight and a deep understanding of the ever changing world of food and drink – known pseudo-officially as Food & Drink Intelligence – we can share our top tips for discerning drinkers.

Savour the taste of summer berries Gin has seen an impressive revival in the past few years, creating a new generation of discerning gin drinkers, and a new wave of modern gin producers.

Sophisticated and stylish, Pinkster gin stands out from the crowd with its smooth taste and pretty pink hue. Infused with juicy British raspberries, Pinkster has a premium taste and a quirky character – and it makes an excellent G&T! Every good gin has a signature serve, and Pinkster is no exception. Keeping it simple, the Pinkster People suggest serving with premium tonic, a single fresh raspberry and a sprig of mint, spanked to release the flavour. It’s also ideal served in cocktails.

Now in its 10th year and supported by three Michelin starred chef Guy Savoy, the annual La Part des Anges auction sees the most prestigious Cognac houses donating one-of-a kind lots, with proceeds going to charity.

The auction gets its name from the poetic ‘la Part des Anges’ or ‘the Angel’s share’ - the natural phenomenon that occurs while the eaux-de-vie used to make Cognac are maturing. The Angel’s Share refers to the percentage of liquid that evaporates, or is ‘stolen by angels’ during the ageing process and this historic term has also been adopted as the name of the most famous Cognac auction of the year.

Not to be wasteful, the raspberries used to infuse Pinkster gin are available to buy from the Pinkster website. Delicious dipped in chocolate, or made into an alcoholic sorbet – the Boozy Berries present endless possibilities, all of which include gin!

Bidders competed for 24 exquisite decanters, with notable lots including an exclusive blend of the most precious eaux-de-vie from Jas Hennessy, estimated to be worth in excess of 20,000 euros, and a 1916 vintage from Hine, estimated to be worth in excess of 6,000 euros.

Pinkster gin is available in 70cl bottles from Oddbins or Ocado. 5cl miniatures and Boozy Berries can also be purchased from www.pinkstergin.com.

The final total raised from this year’s auction was 265,700 euros. For more information visit lapartdesanges.cognac.fr

Splash out on Cognac The emblematic event of the Cognac industry, La Part des Anges is an auction of exclusive Cognac. This year the auction took place on 22nd September, and was open to bidders outside of the auction room for the first time, through auction house Artcurial.

Get creative with sherry An often unappreciated wonder of the wine world, for many sherry conjures images of a sweet, dark liquid associated with the older generation at Christmas.

However, one sip of crisp, dry and delicate Tio Pepe Fino is enough to dispel this steroetype for good.

Sharp and light, with a nutty aroma, Tio Pepe is reminiscent of warm nights in southern Spain – serve with tapas for the perfect antidote to the end of summer blues.

Considered to be one of the finest spirits in the world, the rarest Cognacs can cause quite a stir in the luxury spirits market. An aged brandy, distilled from grapes exclusively in the Charente region of France, unusual or limited edition Cognac blends have been known to sell for tens of thousands of pounds with collectors focusing, not just on the liquid, but also the exquisite bottles and decanters.

But did you know that Tio Pepe is also a versatile cocktail ingredient? Some of London’s top bartenders are working hard to bring sherry up to date, creating interesting cocktails with mouth-watering flavours that can be recreated at home.

The Royal Exchange, Med Martini Combine 20ml Tio Pepe, 40ml gin, 10ml lemon juice, 10ml sugar, 1 egg white and a pinch of tarragon in a cocktail shaker and shake well. Strain into a martini glass and enjoy.

1 Lombard Street, Pepe Sour Combine 30ml Tio Pepe, 15ml Nectar Pedro Jimenez Sherry, 30ml Cognac, 25ml Sauvignon Blanc, 10ml apricot brandy, 5ml lime juice and 1 egg white in a cocktail shaker and shake well. Strain into a copita glass and enjoy.

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Royal Salute Relesases 90th Anniversary Limited Edition in Honour of HRH the Queen’s 90th Birthday The first bottle of the rarest whisky in the world presented to HRH Prince Philip at the Royal Salute Coronation Cup

106 LUX - September 2016

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lux The Royal Salute Coronation Cup saw a competitive England team narrowly lose to the Commonwealth, at the prestigious polo international held at Guards Polo Club, on Saturday 23rd July, 2016.

Marking its second year as title sponsor of the Coronation Cup and a leading international supporter of polo, Royal Salute was joined by HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, polo aficionados and celebrities – including Bond actress Naomie Harris, Thom Evans and Vanessa White - to watch the “sport of kings” played on historic Smith’s Lawn.

The occasion also marked the reveal of the world’s rarest whisky from the leading luxury Scotch whisky brand – Royal Salute presented the first edition of its 90th Anniversary Limited Edition to Prince Philip, as a gift to the Royal household, in honour of Her Majesty The Queen’s 90th birthday.

It was a fitting backdrop - Royal Salute was first crafted in honour of The Queen’s coronation in 1953.

The Royal Salute 90th Anniversary Limited Edition traverses each of the six decades The Queen has been monarch and tells the story of her impressive reign, through taste. Beginning with a 1950’s The Glenlivet, flowing through to a present day Tormore, this unique blend encapsulates the best Scotch whiskies available today, including rarities from distilleries now lost forever.

Only five bottles will ever be released of the Royal Salute 90th Anniversary Edition.

For such an extraordinary blend, an extraordinary vessel was required. Royal Salute commissioned renowned and award winning British ceramics artist and colourist Natasha Daintry to create a flagon design fit for a Queen.

The beautiful, contemporary floral design Daintry crafted was inspired by the British love of the country garden - a harmony of quintessentially English flowers: the dog rose, peony and allium – which are all recognised by the Royal Horticultural Society as key to the Royal Parks’ repertoire of flowers.

Daintry painstakingly applied by hand 17 different colours, in four layers over several days, with each layer fired to ensure a richness, depth and animation to the glazed surface which leaps out in relief against the pure white porcelain flagon.

Appropriately, Daintry also has royal connections her great-grandmother was a Ridgway – the family company that made pottery for Queen Victoria and ocean liners.

The Royal Salute 90th Anniversary Limited Edition bellows rich and fruity notes throughout, evoking the scents of ripe peaches in golden syrup, moist homemade gingerbread, sweet stewed fruit and creamy caramel toffee.

The Royal family will be able to enjoy the flavours of sweet orchard fruits, namely poached pear, juicy clementine orange and ripe peach. The wonderfully smooth texture immediately coats the mouth, with creamy vanilla flavours in abundance, providing a long, sweet and luxurious finish, natural of a Royal Salute whisky.

Royal Salute Relesases 90th Anniversary Limited Edition in Honour of HRH the Queen’s 90th Birthday

Further tributes to The Queen at the Royal Salute Coronation Cup included a world first, visual and olfactory creative immersive experience, created by florist to the five Royal Palaces, Simon Lycett, in collaboration with Royal Salute Creative Advisor – and perfumer – Barnabé Fillion. The multi-sensory installation comprised the Queen’s favourite flowers and trees and imaginatively echoed and evoked the exquisite complexity of Royal Salute.

Attendees at the Royal Salute Coronation Cup were also able to sample a new cocktail created in honour of the Queen’s birthday that incorporated a rose essence, reputedly more valuable than gold. Entitled the Royal Salute ‘Royal Rose’, Fillion married his olfactory expertise to Silencio’s Head Bartender’s Rob McHardy’s prowess in the crafting of cocktails.

Royal Salute 21 Year Old was infused with Sherry (to further enhance the whisky’s complexity), Indian teas, toasted Barley Water and homemade lemon oil to create an opulent, sensually evocative and visually stunning cocktail. To add a further, innovative dimension to the taste experience, each glass was sprayed with a more intense version of the new Fillion creation to envelop and delight the senses.

On presenting Royal Salute 90th Anniversary Edition Blend to HRH The Duke of Edinburgh, Peter Moore, Global Prestige Brand Director of Royal Salute, said: “It is an honour to be able to have create something so special for the Queen in celebration of her 90th birthday. We are immensely proud of this masterpiece, which has been crafted using an unprecedented selection of precious whiskies blended using refined techniques and precision perfected over time. The porcelain flagon’s design is also truly special – rooted in traditional British artistry, interpreted in a very contemporary and graphic way.”

For more information, please visit www.royalsalute.com

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