Mayfair Times

Dame Shirley Bassey

WATCHES OF SWITZERLAND CELEBRATES 100 YEARS WITH THE EXCLUSIVE ZENITH CHRONOMASTER SPORT TIMEPIECE

100 YEARS OF PASSION, PRECISION AND TIMELESS ELEGANCE, DISCOVER LUXURY WATCHES FROM THE WORLD’S MOST RECOGNISABLE AND SPECIALIST BRANDS AT WATCHES OF SWITZERLAND VISIT YOUR KNIGHTSBRIDGE SHOWROOM TODAY

EXPERTS IN THE NATURAL LOOK

and some of Britain’s most familiar faces in the media industry. Founder and Medical the industry.

TRANSFORMATION FACELIFT TM

The Transformation Facelift TM is a bespoke treatment from Doctor Nyla, unique to a variety of incredible anti-

BUSINESS

Alexander Kraft talks luxury and life in Monaco

72 TRAVEL

One-of-a-kind travel experiences you will never forget

84 PROFILE

Monaco resident Alfie Best on how he made his millions

88 MONEY

Policymakers are cracking down on global companies’ tax avoidance schemes

90 ABOUT TOWN

A sparkling dinner at Monaco’s famous Café de Paris

92 MAYFAIR PA

PAs enjoyed champagne at The Chesterfield Mayfair...

94 MAYFAIR PA ... and cocktails with Mayfair House Group 98 AWARDS

Nominate a local hero for our next awards event 104

A glowing complexion is beauty’s holy grail - here’s how to get it

108 BUSINESS

14NEWS

All the latest – including Sotheby’s popular culture auction

BOOKS

Designer and writer India Hicks shares five favourite reads

Stephen Williams on his private members’ flying club Super Legacy 58 TRAVEL Where to enjoy Monaco’s nightlife

Mayfair’s house magazine for over 40 years. Made in Mayfair

020 7259

@Mayfair.Times

Welcome to our Mayfair meets Monaco edition, which we produce each year to coincide with the Monaco Yacht Show. Mayfair Times will be there for the show, along with many other Mayfair businesses and individuals who have a foot in both places. In this issue we highlight the positive side of yachting and the people doing extraordinary things within the superyachting industry.

Speaking of unsung heroes, surely Abdullah, who bravely intervened in an incident last month in Leicester Square during which an 11-year-old girl and her 34-year-old mother were stabbed, deserves recognition at our next Community Awards?

The security guard, who works at a tea shop in Leicester Square, and other local workers put themselves at risk by trying to stop the attacker – yet another example of the community coming together.

It’s heartening to see the best of human nature show itself following last month’s widespread unrest fuelled by far-right activists (also exemplified by the anti-racism demonstrations across the capital and elsewhere). London’s cosmopolitan mix is a valuable part of what makes this city such a stimulating

The Mayfair set

For understated elegance, you won’t beat this smart, slim leather document case from SWAINE

Handcrafted by skilled artisans, the Mayfair (£2,000) is available in smooth or pebble leather and in several colourways to suit all tastes. The lockable bag, which comes with its own key, contains one large compartment, one smaller zipped pocket and one slip pocket. This is sure to be a lifelong companion.

Complementing its contemporary vintage ASPINAL OF LONDON available in raffia and full-grain leather, a natural finish that provides a refined, classic look. The compact design is closed by the brand’s signature shield lock, synonymous with the Mayfair collection. A go-to accessory that will look stylish whether you are in Mayfair, the Hamptons or the French Riviera.

16 Regent Street St James’s

mini version of its iconic Centenary suitcase design. With adjustable straps, the cross-body bag, like the suitcase, is made of lightweight material and comes in a range of colours with two new seasonal additions – Lemon Yellow and Noble Brown. The bag is priced at £1,495 (£1,595 for the special editions).

60-61 Burlington Arcade

New Bond Street

SELMA DAY EDITOR,

tingits vintage di May rfrom

BITTERSWEET SYMPHONY

Master the art of making the perfect negroni – one of Italy’s bestloved cocktails – with a masterclass at Theo Randall at the InterContinental. The 90-minute class takes place on September 20 and will see guests learn the art of perfecting three different negronis: the classic, the sbagliato (made with prosecco) and a personalised Negronificio experience, all while enjoying a selection of classic cicchetti. Priced £110 per person.

INSIDER

News and views from Mayfair

WORDS JONATHAN WHILEY May fair H ILE Y

CULTURE CLUB

Sotheby’s has launched its inaugural popular culture auction, featuring items from the likes of John Lennon, Prince and Noel Gallagher. The online sale runs until September 12 and will be accompanied by an exhibition in the New Bond Street galleries from September 9. Lot highlights include an archive collection from John and Yoko’s “bed-in for peace” protest, a Steinway grand piano from Abbey Road Studios (used in the recording of tracks by the likes of Amy Winehouse and Lady Gaga), a stage-played electric guitar used by Prince and guitars used by Noel Gallagher on stage and in the recording of Oasis’s debut album, Definitely Maybe. The curated items from the worlds of music and film also include artefacts from the golden age of Hollywood and blockbuster films, including a costume from Ridley Scott’s forthcoming sequel, Gladiator II, and a limited-edition box set of two Omega On Her Majesty’s Secret Service 50th anniversary Seamaster Diver 300m model watches, donated by James Bond producers EON Productions.

PARALYMPIC SPIRIT

A special exhibition takes centre stage in St James’s Market this month, celebrating some of the most memorable moments in the history of the Paralympic Games. The Story of the Games features unique images and artefacts celebrating exciting moments in the history of the Paralympic movement, from its birth in 1948 to London 2012 and this summer’s Paris games. The experience by the National Paralympic Heritage Trust – an organisation that inspires future generations of athletes and fans by sharing the Paralympic heritage – runs until September 13 at St James’s Market Pavilion. Screenings of the Paralympics will take place in St James’s Market until September 8.

ART IN CHECK

Luxury games company Purling will stage a new exhibition in Marylebone next month, celebrating the fusion of art and strategy through beautiful art chess sets. The Art of the Game will run from October 7 to 13 at 67 York Street Gallery and will showcase the brand’s finely crafted chess sets made from materials such as ebony, boxwood and maple and embossed in 18-carat gold. The exhibition will include chess sets by renowned artists such as Sophie Matisse –granddaughter of renowned impressionist Henri Matisse – and Bristol-born street artist Sickboy, alongside a selection of their paintings and drawings.

TIME TO DINE

The Future of Food festival returns to Regent Street and St James’s this month with a line-up that includes leading chefs, industry experts and unique dining experiences. There are 18 ticketed events taking place from September 16 to 22, with 22 renowned chefs, restaurants and food experts covering topics from sustainability to innovation and creativity. The line-up includes two Michelin-starred Alex Dilling of Hotel Café Royal, who will partner with Oslo-based cooking sensation Mikael Svensson; and Angela Hartnett of Cafe Murano St James’s cooking alongside Lisa Goodwin-Allen, executive chef of The Stafford Collection. Other events include an evening with multisensory design studio Bompas & Parr as it reveals the “future of food trends 2025”, and a “sustainable Sunday lunch” sharing feast in the private dining room of French bistro Maison François. The discovery zone in St James’s Market is also open throughout September for walk-ins and ticketed events.

SUSTAINABLE SKINCARE

Facetheory – “the brand setting a new sustainable skincare standard” – has opened its flagship store on Regent Street. The new immersive space is located in the Quadrant Arcade and marks the company’s firstever retail location, coinciding with its 10th anniversary. The space has a “laser focus on skin education” with a “lab-meets-store” concept; enabling customers to experience the science behind the skincare brand that has amassed a loyal online following. “The new store is the embodiment of sustainability and science,” said Facetheory’s Marc Gallagher. “We challenged ourselves to only use fully recyclable materials and source vintage furniture to keep our carbon footprint down, while showcasing a design ethos of simplicity and efficacy.”

SPOTLIGHT ON DESIGN

London Design Festival returns this month for its 22nd edition, with Mayfair and St James’s taking the spotlight again with a Mayfair Design District. Continuing the event’s tradition of celebrating creativity, innovation and the power of design, Mayfair’s district – established in 2017 – will see a programme to promote it as a leading international destination for contemporary and collectable design. Events include an exhibition at Lotus (73 Piccadilly) on present and future designs of the brand, a design talk at Technogym (71 Piccadilly) by interior designer Kelly Hoppen and a showcase of six polished steel works, including one by the late Zaha Hadid, at David Gill Gallery (2-4 King Street). Other highlights include Liquid Light by celebrated artist collective Marshmallow Laser Feast – an immersive installation at the Old Selfridges Hotel (1 Orchard Street) exploring the craftsmanship of glass-making; and a suspended installation by Turkish artist Melek Zeynep Bulut in the Painted Hall of the Old Royal Naval College in Greenwich.

JOANNE TAYLOR-STAGG GENERAL MANAGER, THE ATHENAEUM HOTEL AND RESIDENCES

My bugbear is a bittersweet one really. It’s the disruption that is caused by construction. The roads get closed or narrowed, there’s hoardings replacing pavements and additional dust and noise that I wish we didn’t have. That’s the bitter part, but I also know that the construction brings us beautiful new buildings, and places, that then bring new vibrancy to Mayfair. It doesn’t take long, once the construction is complete, to forget the disruption it caused. Imagine if we could have the regeneration without the construction disruption? Now where is that magic wand?

Each issue we ask residents, businesses or visitors what is getting their goat in Mayfair, St James’s or Marylebone, and what they would like to see improved

TONY LEE MORAL AUTHOR AND MAYFAIR RESIDENT

I’d like to see parts of Mayfair pedestrianised and free from traffic. Whenever I cross Mount Street on the corner of Berkeley Square, I’m in danger of being run over by speeding taxi drivers or service vehicles. I’d love for one section of Mount Street to be traffic free and just devoted to pedestrians. Mount Street is Mayfair’s premier high street, and a real jewel in our neighbourhood’s crown, so it would be lovely if we could enjoy the shops, cafés and restaurants without fear for our lives when we cross the street. It would also contribute to a more village atmosphere like we enjoy during the Christmas lights, bringing the community together.

We want to hear your views. If you are a resident, business owner or visitor who feels strongly about an issue or would like to see an improvement locally, email your thoughts to mayfair.times@pubbiz.com

MEMORIES OF MONACO

The principality has long been a haven for the high life – and a byword for glitz and glamour. We take a closer look at its appeal

WORDS JONATHAN WHILEY

Watched by a global audience of 30 million people, it was dubbed “the marriage of the century”. In 1956, Oscar-winning actress Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier III tied the knot and in doing so, placed Monaco on the international stage. It also saw Grace, the world’s highest paid actress at the time, give

up a lucrative career that included roles in a string of Hitchcock films – most famously To Catch a Thief, opposite Cary Grant and set in the French Riviera. In one particular scene in the film, her character, Frances Stevens, points towards the road that will later be named in her honour (Avenue Princesse Grace) and become one of the world’s most expensive streets.

“ LAND – BUT ITS PRESTIGE AND STANDING, MUCH LIKE MAYFAIR, CONTINUES TO ATTRACT THE RICH AND FAMOUS AND SHOWS NO SIGN OF WANING”

FAR LEFT: PORT HERCULE IN THE 1950s

ABOVE: GRACE KELLY, PICTURED WITH FRANK SINATRA, BEGINS WORK ON HIGH SOCIETY – THE LAST MOVIE SHE’LL MAKE BEFORE HER SCHEDULED WEDDING TO PRINCE RAINIER III OF MONACO, JANUARY 19, 1956

LEFT: CAFÉ DE PARIS IN 1985

RIGHT: CARY GRANT AND GRACE KELLY IN TO CATCH A THIEF

Hollywood and the jet-set soon began to flock to the principality and Monaco would become a byword for glitz and glamour, with athletes, film stars and music icons alike – everyone from Frank Sinatra to Rudolf Nureyev and Roger Moore – soaking up the city-state’s sunshine. “The list of Monaco regulars reads like the guestlist to the ultimate private party,” says Ségolène Cazenave Manara, an author and Monaco resident. Its magnetism for high rollers continues to this day; never more so than during the annual Monaco Yacht Show and the Monaco

ABOVE: ROGER

Grand Prix. The former launched in 1991 and at that stage was a showcase for yachts of more than 20 metres in length, while the latter dates back to 1929 when the first race was won by British driver William Grover-Williams.

Driving the Monaco Grand Prix was famously described by three-time world champion Nelson Piquet as akin to “riding a bicycle around your living room”. Monaco may be small – with just 200 hectares of land – but its prestige and standing, much like Mayfair, continues to attract the rich and famous and shows no sign of waning.

CRYSTAL CREATIONS

This deep blue crystal decanter is etched with nautical imagery inspired by the French Riviera.

£895, Asprey, 36 Bruton Street

AN EXCLUSIVE CLUB

Learn more about the historic Yacht Club de Monaco with this lavishly illustrated guide from Assouline, with a foreword by Prince Albert II. £85, Maison Assouline, 196a Piccadilly

DIAMOND DAYS

The Monaco Collection from Boodles takes inspiration from the glamour of the French Riviera. These spiral earrings reflect the twists and turns of the Circuit de Monaco.

£21,000, 178 New Bond Street

SEPTEMBER

WISH LIST

Set sail this September with our pick of nautical essentials, from marina fashion to charter yachts

WORDS ALICE CAIRNS

ALL ABOARD

Kismet from Lürssen is available to charter. Up to 12 guests can enjoy eight luxurious cabins, a Balinese spa and all the watersports toys you could wish for.

£POA, Lürssen, lurssen.com

ABOUT TIME

The Rolex Yacht-Master is designed for seafaring, with a rotatable bezel to help you read navigational time and a case that’s waterproof to a depth of 100 metres. From £12,350, Watches of Switzerland

Rolex Boutique, 29 Bond Street

RELAXED STYLE

Th tall bl

New & Lingwood’s capsule collection of polo shirts in terry towelling fabric is perfect for leisurely days at sea. £175, 53 Jermyn Street

lling i ys yn Street

SOUND WAVES

Bang & Olufsen has collaborated with Italian yachting company Riva to create two ultra-stylish speakers that can be used on board yachts for perfect acoustics when listening to your favourite tracks.

£POA, 72 New Bond Street

This haute couture arrangement of tall red, yellow and orange seasonal blooms will add the wow factor to any space.

£6 s

£695, Neill Strain, 8 Davies Street

BEACH CHIC

T eg a p

This mini tote is crafted from hard-wearing raffia and has a detachable leather shoulder strap – perfect for your beach essentials. £475, Jimmy Choo, 27 New Bond Street

a o t r ring oulder ials. eet

RUBY REVELATION

The Fabergé x Gemfields Malaika egg glitters with a dazzling array of amethysts, pearls, diamonds and pink sapphires. Open the egg to reveal a responsibly mined five-carat ruby.

£POA, Frost of London, 22 Brook Street

PLAY YOUR CARDS RIGHT

This bright red embossed case contains two decks of cards designed by Pietro Ruffo. £1,650, Dior, 160-162 New Bond Street

UB YR EVE LAT ION RUUBYREVELATION

WER PO WER FLO

A SHOE IN

It would be remiss to set foot on the hallowed French Riviera without a pair of loafers. Our pick is the Tobacco Calf Suede Tassel loafers from New & Lingwood. From the beach to dinner and the early hours, these will stand you in good stead. £475.

53 Jermyn Street

SHORT SUPPLY

Vilebrequin has teamed up with the timeless Parisian label Ines de la Fressange on a capsule collection featuring 14 pieces for women and seven for men, encompassing swimwear, T-shirts, shirts, tunics, pea jackets and trousers. Made from recycled polyamide, organic cotton and linen, the colours of the French flag lead the way. From £80.

1-2 Burlington Arcade

RIVIERA READY

Some looks never go out of style. Keep it classic – or iconic – with these French Riviera buys

French Ri

BEST CASE SCENARIO

Charlo

By Charlotte Pasha

New to 27 Regent Street is the first London flagship from travel accessories brand Carl Friedrik – and new to the brand is Core, Carl Friedrik’s first hardshell zipped luggage collection. Evoking the spirit of the glamorous days of travel and available in a cabin 40L and a large checked 91L model in three colours, our pick is Sand, trimmed with Italian leather detailing. From £325.

Check out the Airelles x Orlebar Brown limitededition swim shorts for men and children, depicting St Tropez’s iconic five-star palace hotel, Airelles Chateau de La Messardière. Crafted from lightweight shell material, you’ll bring a touch of Riviera chic wherever you go. From €215 (approximately £182).

3 Burlington Gardens

Chkh Aill

H E SC ENE l b B i

THROWING SHADE

To travel to Monaco without serious shades is akin to madness. Brunello Cucinelli’s collection of unisex sunglasses will shield you from unwanted looks and hide all manner of sins, in style – we like the white Sartorial Sunset acetate and titanium pair, £584.

135-137 New Bond Street

GO FOR GOLD

When it comes to jewellery on the beach, it needn’t be diamonds – in fact, gold and pops of colour lead the way. Goossens’ Bosphore collection is our pick, made from carnelian and aventurine dipped in 24k gold. Earrings (£353), cuff (£404) and necklace (£716/£1,053) – get the lot and let your jewellery do the talking.

3 Burlington Gardens

A CUT ABOVE

than a headscarf. Try a classic from Aspinal –best worn in a convertible or a yacht, especially as this beauty showcases the colours of the sea. Travel silk scarf in dark navy pure silk, £150.

16 Regent Street St James’s

New from Hermès is the Cut watch. Powered by Hermès’ Manufacture movement H1912, pick from a metal bracelet or rubber strap available in eight colours, with a clever interchangeability system that makes it easy to play with styles on a daily basis. Choose from all steel or a two-tone combination of steel and rose gold – with or without 56 bezel-set diamonds. Hermès Cut with diamonds £10,550 (rubber strap) or £11,050 (steel bracelet).

155 New Bond Street

DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER

Hey big spender… a selection of Dame Shirley Bassey’s extensive jewellery collection is up for grabs next month at Sotheby’s

WORDS SELMA DAY

She’s a national treasure who famously sang the title track in the 1971 James Bond film Diamonds Are Forever starring Sean Connery. Now, Dame Shirley Bassey, who grew up in Cardiff’s Tiger Bay and now lives in Monaco, is auctioning off some of her most prized jewellery to raise money for charity. A reflection of her 60-year-long career, the extensive collection is as spectacular as the singing legend herself and includes 80 jewels, with pieces from Cartier, Van Cleef & Arpels and Piaget, along with several collectable watches.

71 James rever , rew in ef lection of

“Collecting jewellery for me is like collecting memories, and this collection is full of them,” she says. “All the pieces are meaningful and have a story to tell, whether I bought them for myself, or they were gifted to me.

je t says. whet gif ted to

The renowned vocalist – recently appointed Member of the Order of the Companion of Honour by King Charles III for services to music – has been collecting jewellery since she was a young singer. Each piece represents a particular moment in her life, often marking a special episode in her illustrious career.

“ There is this b & cov Elton John gave m

“There is this beautiful 1960s vintage Van Cleef & Arpels ring covered in white diamonds that Elton John gave me after I sang at one of his Aids gala evenings and which I’ve worn so many times.

“Or the ruby and diamond heart parure I spotted in a fine jeweller’s window during a stopover in Bangkok on my way to my very first concert tour of Australia.

“And perhaps one of the most special pieces in the collection is the emerald parure I bought myself to commemorate my very first Royal Variety performance in front of the late Queen.”

The collection, up for auction in Paris as part of the Sotheby’s Fine Jewels biannual sale on October 10,

“I QUICKLY GRADUATED TO MY LIFELONG PASSION FOR DIAMONDS, WHICH PRECEDED THE RECORDING OF DIAMONDS ARE FOREVER. IN FACT, I ACCEPTED TO SING THE SONG BECAUSE IT RANG TRUE TO ME AND THE WAY I FELT ABOUT DIAMONDS THEN AND NOW”

comprises more than 80 pieces spanning various styles, from a number of prestigious jewellery and watch brands such as Cartier and Van Cleef & Arpels. Most of them feature diamonds – the gemstone most associated with Dame Shirley since she first sang Diamonds Are Forever, a song that has featured consistently in her concerts ever since.

Notably, she is the only singer in the world to have sung more than one Bond theme, recording Goldfinger, Diamonds Are Forever and Moonraker between 1964 and 1979.

“I fell in love with jewellery when I first discovered natural pearls as an up-and-coming singer, and I bought myself my first string of pearls – the first piece of jewellery I’d ever bought,” she says.

“However, I quickly graduated to my lifelong passion for diamonds, which preceded the recording of Diamonds Are Forever. In fact, I accepted to sing the song because it rang true to me and the way I felt about diamonds then and now.”

Proceeds from the sale will benefit Dame Shirley Bassey’s chosen charities.

A QUIET CORNER FOR INSPIRED DISCUSSIONS

Experience the perfect setting for your next meeting at DUKES London. Our event spaces offer an elegant space ideal for boardroom meetings and intimate dinner parties. The best of British hospitality awaits, reserve your space today.

www.dukeshotel.com | events@dukeshotel.com

35 St. James’s Place, London SW1A 1NY +44 (0)20 7491 4840 @dukeslondon

ENTRE EL DÍA Y LA NOCHE (BETWEEN DAY AND NIGHT)

Part anthropologist, part idiosyncratic artist, Alejandro Piñeiro Bello paints the sociocultural mystic splendour of Caribbean culture, particularly Cuba and the surrounding island nations. Using traditional materials such as oil on raw linen or burlap, Bello conjures landscapes that meander from dreamlike figuration to pure abstraction. Drawing inspiration from the Cuban climate and culture – and his interest in transcendentalist and Buddhist belief systems – the artist’s latest show at Pace gallery represents his most ambitious to date. Running from September 4 to 28, Bello’s work echoes the literary genre of lo real maravilloso (the marvellous real), depicting the fantastic through an amplification of perceived reality layered with expressive juxtapositions of Latin America.

5 Hanover Square

ARTY AUTUMN

Mayfair is all colour this month, with subversive still-lifes and bold, paint-splashed canvases

WORDS WILL MOFFITT

ALBERT IRVIN: AUTOGRAPHIC MARKS

Known for his colour-swept canvases built up through dynamic marks and gestures, Albert Irvin helped reinvigorate British painting in the 1980s and 90s. An RAF navigator during the Second World War, his experiences profoundly influenced his work, which mirrors some of the grid formations, geometry and fluid lines of aerial reconnaissance. Known as an abstract expressionist but endlessly versatile, Irvin found fandom in his 60s, joking that he was “the oldest up and coming young artist in Britain”. Organised by the Albert Irvin Estate and curated with Ackerman Studios and Donald Smith, an exhibition at 45 Park Lane (opening on September 6) showcases his extraordinary body of work from the early 1970s and his vast canvases of the 90s –along with softer watercolours and acrylics and original prints from the last decade of his life.

45 Park Lane

ICE MOON FIRE LAND

Fascinated by the way “light at the edges of the day, twilight, moonlight and backlighting transform a familiar landscape”, Victoria Crowe seeks out the threshold between the transformation of a known place made unfamiliar by memory. One of Scotland’s leading painters, Crowe returns to Flowers Gallery for Ice Moon Fire Land, an exhibition of works created during her residency in Orkney, inspired by the white nights of the summer solstice and the dark splendour of midwinter skies. Defying precise categorisation, her depictions of landscape as fluid and multidimensional have a mysterious, sometimes ethereal quality. Not only do they force the viewer to see nature as the painter does, but they also offer deeper meditations on the fragility of a natural world threatened by human destruction. Runs from September 6 to October 5.

21 Cork Street

ENGLISH GARDEN

Often dainty and pleasing on the eye, still-life flower paintings have always told us something about the times in which they were created. The 17th-century Dutch still-lifes commented on a burgeoning global trade, bringing together shells, fruit, spices and vases acquired by wealthy owners during that golden age. Taking floral still-lifes and the English garden as its subject, an exhibition at Brooke-Walder Gallery reveals how the genre has been updated and subverted. Nick Knight’s large photographic prints are detailed renderings of his garden roses, reminiscent of Dutch flower paintings, but they’re fundamentally mechanical AI creations. Likewise, Marc Quinn’s photorealistic flower paintings depict a frozen moment of unnatural time, depicting fruit and flowers from disparate climates gathered from London’s flower markets. Runs from September 13 to October 17. 15 Duke Street

MARC QUINN FLOWER, 2008 undamentally al A reations. Likew uinn’s fl s de p rozen mome unnatural ti g f lowe rom dispa ate athered Londo owe marke uns f ptem Octo 1 15 D St M Q FLO 2

LAPADA FRINGE

Returning to Berkeley Square on October 22-27, Lapada will debut a fringe experience in collaboration with Mayfair’s world-famous boutiques, restaurants and galleries. The largest association of art and antiques dealers in the UK has an established reputation as a bastion of expertise, representing more than 500 dealers across a broad spectrum of art and antiques. Since 2009, the Lapada Berkeley Square Fair has become a mainstay in the international arts calendar, attracting buyers interested in unique investment pieces, alongside a new generation of keen collectors from around the world. The new launch sees the fair expand into Mayfair and St James’s, with events such as a special tour and recital at Handel Hendrix House, the revived museum that was once home to composer GF Handel and rock legend Jimi Hendrix. October 24, 6pm, 25 Brook Street

I LOVE THE FLAMES, BUT NOT THE EMBERS

Blurring the imaginary and the real, the animate and the inanimate, Liorah Tchiprout has garnered praise and intrigue for her doll paintings that are both personal and theatrical. Layered up in warm toned oils, Tchiprout’s works tackle themes from Jewish history, while asking broader questions about community, female friendship and gender binaries. Running until September 28, I Love the Flames, But Not the Embers – her first solo show at Pippa Houldsworth Gallery – showcases her thick, decisive line-making and bold, nonnaturalistic use of colour. Cast in deeply psychological spaces, drawing on emotions of longing or exclusion, Tchiprout’s paintings address what the artist views as an intrinsically Jewish tradition of finding joy within pain, and catharsis through connection and memory.

6 Heddon Street

rare books | first editions | manuscripts

An outstanding first edition of the Nuremberg Chronicle by Hartmann Schedel from the celebrated Parsons collection of rare travel books. This first illustrated encyclopaedia was published at the dawn of the Discovery Period, and is decorated here with a magnificent illuminated border by the Pico Master. It also contains hand-drawn observations by Bartolomeo Zamberti of a comet from 1507.

mayfair | chelsea | +44 (0)2075910220 | www.peterharrington.co.uk

Stocked with blue-chip artworks and bespoke pieces, superyachts in Monaco and beyond have become floating art galleries in their own right. We speak to specialist curators and consultants helping owners navigate the pitfalls of housing works at sea

WORDS WILL MOFFITT

WATER WORKS

Depicting Jesus Christ in an anachronistic blue Renaissance dress, clutching a crystal orb, fingers bent into a sign of the cross, the Salvator Mundi sparked art-world hysteria when it sold for $450.3 million at a Manhattan auction room in 2017. Believed to be the work of Leonardo da Vinci – some dispute the claim – it became the most expensive painting ever sold at public auction when it was bought at Christie’s. It was later revealed that the purchase had been made on behalf of Mohammed bin Salman, Saudi Arabia’s crown prince.

The mysterious painting has sparked conspiracy rabbit holes ever since and has had some of the art world’s

foremost experts asking pointed questions about its veracity and value.

One lingering trail of speculation has concerned its location. In 2019, major news outlets reported that it had been installed in the prince’s colossal yacht, Serene. At that moment the 134-metre vessel was stationed in Port Said, the Egyptian city where the Suez Canal meets the Mediterranean Sea.

That a painting of such high value could be onboard a yacht, rather than hidden away in a high-security vault or gallery, sparked surprise and consternation. But in the hyper-affluent sphere of billionaire behaviour, this wasn’t a new thing. Continued overleaf...

Sheikh Mansour bin Zayed al-Nahyan, the owner of Manchester City football club and deputy prime minister of the United Arab Emirates, has several hundred artworks aboard his £350 million superyacht, Topaz. Joe Lewis, the British billionaire and former owner of Tottenham Hotspur, had an extremely rare painting by Francis Bacon hanging in a gold frame on the lower deck of his £200 million superyacht Aviva.

Of course, while yachts stuffed with masterpieces are not an everyday occurrence, there is a running consensus that superyachts are becoming floating galleries in their own right. After all, if you can afford an opulent yacht, you can afford to shop at blue-chip art galleries.

When it comes to the housing of enviable collections at sea, there are a raft of pitfalls and challenges that can befall owners. From ensuring these pieces are kept in pristine condition to the legal issues that can arise,

millions,” she says. “The art can be worth more than the vessel itself. It is the only appreciating asset. It is genuinely unique.”

While it might sound like a more sensible idea to stow art on dry land, Mather-Lees argues that yachts can be controlled to ensure that valuable paintings remain undamaged by sun or spills. “On a yacht where you’ve got the latest technology, you’ve got a contained environment,” she says. “They’re moving slowly between territories, too, because the yacht moves at so many nautical miles, so it’s not having a sharp change of temperature or climate.”

A vital part of her role is educational – ensuring that staff onboard realise the astronomical value of the works in their care. Mather-Lees often shows the crew an image of a slit painting by the Argentine-Italian painter and sculptor Lucio Fontana. To the untrained eye these canvases might not look valuable, but they are worth millions.

superyacht owners invariably seek out specialists to help them ensure their works are secure and kept in pristine condition.

One of those specialists is Pandora MatherLees, an Oxford-educated art historian who founded Art on Superyachts, an advisory firm dedicated to the protection and preservation of fine art in international waters. Through lectures and training programmes, MatherLees and her team help staff with the burden of priceless objects.

The enterprise was born in Monaco, where Mather-Lees spotted a gap in the market for maritime art advisory services. “I noticed all these training courses at the Monaco Yacht Show. I noticed wine appreciation and I thought: why is a stewardess learning about wine? There’s all this art onboard that’s worth

Another pivotal aspect of the training programmes involves export risks and legal treaties that prohibit certain works from entering international waters. A key convention is CITES: an endangered species regulation that prohibits the trafficking of thousands of illegal items. These include python skins, ivory and rosewood.

“If you are found to be trafficking, you can be arrested. Customs officers have boarded a vessel and found ivory embedded into something and hacked it out or they’ve confiscated the items,” Mather-Lees says.

“Ivory is an absolute no-no. Ebony and rosewood [are also banned]. There was a rock star’s guitar that was taken from a yacht because it was made from rosewood.”

Continued overleaf...

SERENE

SALVATOR MUNDI

Whether buying, selling, financing and holding your aircraft, your yacht, your art collection or any other of your exceptional assets, or even having them optimally structured and inclu ded in your wealth and estate planning, WE ARE YOUR EXPERTS.

Dr. Natalie PeterDr. Hans-Ruedi Grob

If a yacht is found to be carrying an artwork deemed to be a national treasure, there can be serious legal implications and costly fines. Jaime Botin, part of the Santander banking dynasty, was caught transporting a Picasso painting on his 67-metre sailing yacht Adix in 2015. Courts fined the Spanish billionaire €52.4 million and sentenced him to 18 months in prison.

Of course, not all yachts are housing Picassos. Often owners have pieces made to a bespoke visual style. Artelier, a leading art consultancy and advisory firm with a client office at 64 Grosvenor Street, curates unique art collections for superyachts.

right shape and size of artwork, the right colour, the right style, which is also the right price, is challenging.”

Some years ago Knowles contacted the renowned artist Janine Lambers to paint a mural for Neninka (previously known as Aurora Borealis), a 67.6 metre vessel that made quite an impression at the Monaco Yacht Show in 2019, where it was recognised as a “standout yacht” by Boat International

“Yacht projects tend to focus on investment pieces rather than story-led commissions,” says Marie Boutignon, a senior curator at Artelier. Boutignon’s research predominantly revolves around “established international artists who will add value to the client’s portfolio”.

Once the research stage is finalised, the firm has a database of about 20,000 artists to choose from. These artists and artisans often specialise in a particular creative niche. They might be an expert glassblower from Prague, or be particularly skilled in the Japanese art of raku ceramics.

“Usually everything is bespoke but there are situations where time is tight and owners are looking for something that is ready to go and will fit the space,” explains the firm’s founder, David Knowles.

“Yachts have very specific dimensions, so finding the

o focus on invest ment pieces rather ions,” r. around “established o ge is f inalised, of ar tist s e in g ht be an exper t e, a rt of raku ceramics. s me omething w ill f it f irm’s . cif ic he

Based in New York, Lambers specialises in traditional water gilding and embellishing techniques. Via Zoom, she shows me a series of intricate gold-leaf paintings that line the walls of her apartment. They’re subtle and pared down, with grey and white backgrounds that let the gold shine

with grey white background s that throug h.

L ambers this wor mural of m in us u ing cr impression of Japa n’s famous m n

Lambers created this particular work – a five-metre mural of Mount Fuji – over several months in Helge Meuthien’s lacquering workshop in Hamburg, using water and animal glue to create the glinting impression of Japan’s famous mountain. Like her other works, the depiction is not just a pretty picture, but a deep evocation and philosophical metaphor for life’s impermanence.

metaphor for life’s impermane

“ There’s always this falling of of impermanence,

“There’s always this falling off. This idea of impermanence, that there’s no solidity in anything,” Lambers says. “That’s what I tried to [convey] in this painting. That even though it’s a mountain, it’s not a solid piece.”

“ T a piece

If there’ suite m f luidity a

If there’s one place that is best suited to house such an elegant meditation on the fluidity and flux of life, it’s on a boat out at sea.

MARIE BOUTIGNON

TIME TO SHINE

For children with a penchant for the performing arts, the top-notch facilities and high-quality teaching at independent schools can offer a platform for their talent to flourish

WORDS REYHAAN

DAY

Ws ools seem

hat makes a great actor? Some of the UK’s most esteemed independent schools seem to know the answer to that question.

t he

The statistics speak for themselves.

he for themselves.

ust 42 cent British a n Compare o per cent of the popu lation that is d and it is clear that those who are to have signif icant e per forming ing stage

e P ugh to Louis Theroux: charisma. e, so I won’t attempt to “eff ” it here s at sf ul of v idualistic harisma,

ten in the arts –on to each student. Excellence is e, of ten

According to Sutton Trust research, 42 per cent of British Bafta winners went to an independent school. Compare that with the seven or so per cent of the population that is independently educated and it is clear that those who are fortunate enough to go to private school have significant opportunities to pursue their performing arts dreams. There is one connecting trait shared by stars of stage and screen – from Jude Law to Emily Blunt, Tom Hardy to Lily Allen, Florence Pugh to Louis Theroux: charisma. Charisma is ineffable, so I won’t attempt to “eff” it here – but the environments created at independent schools are particularly successful in developing a sense of confidence and an individualistic character in students. Confidence breeds charisma, and students have the confidence to achieve when they are taught by experts in their fields – very often professionals in the arts –who give ample attention to each student. Excellence is expected and, of course, encouraged – often pushing young people to do things that they may not have achieved otherwise. Combined with

ngs that they may not have mbined wit h

“IT’S UNDERSTANDABLE THAT PARENTS WANT THE BEST FOR THEIR CHILDREN – AND FOR THOSE PARENTS KEEN TO NURTURE THEIR CHILD’S APTITUDE FOR PERFORMANCE, INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS CERTAINLY SEEM LIKE A GOOD OPTION”

state-of-the-art facilities and the freedom to make the most of them, the world outside the school walls doesn’t seem so scary.

It’s understandable that parents want the best for their children – and for those parents keen to nurture their child’s aptitude for performance, independent schools certainly seem like a good option. Here are just a few that are putting the arts firmly in the spotlight.

HURTWOOD HOUSE

Hurtwood House, which educated actor Emily Blunt, is a co-educational boarding sixth-form college in Dorking that has a particularly sharp focus on media, with professional recording studios for students to create their own work. Teachers with enviable careers in their fields, from drama to media, lead progressive classes, and a variety of skills are taught, from more traditional acting lessons and dance classes to stage combat masterclasses. Industry experts are invited to view the school’s numerous yearly productions.

BEDALES SCHOOL

Hampshire co-ed boarding school Bedales is one of the most progressive schools in the UK. It has a close partnership with Harvard to research education, and even offers BACs – Bedales Assessed Courses – which expand on GCSE curriculums. Drama is a big part of school life here, with training sessions with organisations including Rada and Lamda. Alumni include Lily Allen, Minnie Driver, Cara Delevingne and one of the greatest living actors, Daniel Day-Lewis.

GRESHAM’S SCHOOL

Gresham’s is a co-educational boarding school that has been the start of a number of film industry careers, including directors such as Stephen Frears and Julian

LILY ALLEN, ALUMNUS OF BEDALES SCHOOL

OLIVIA COLMAN, ALUMNUS OF GRESHAM’S SCHOOL

Jarrold. The Auden Theatre seats 300, and there is also an outdoor venue in the grounds, with students putting on frequent high-quality productions. Academy Awardwinning actor Olivia Colman has said how much her education at Gresham’s informed her career.

In terms of music, students are privileged to play on Steinway pianos – there’s no other brand used – and they are encouraged to use top recording software and mixing equipment to record a yearly charity Christmas single, available on streaming platforms.

ALLEYN’S SCHOOL

With actor Jude Law and musicians such as The Chemical Brothers, Florence Welch and Jessie Ware among its alumni, it’s no surprise that this co-ed independent day school in Dulwich takes the performing arts seriously. TEDx has visited the school, with students taking to the stage, and it has a close relationship with the National Youth Theatre, providing opportunities for students to develop their skills, all within a 350-seat theatre.

ETON COLLEGE

Eton is perhaps the world’s most famous private school, and for good reason. As well as academic success, much emphasis is placed on drama. Three particularly impressive spaces,

300, and w ith ons. Awardsaid how much her career. to r –ng sof tware ity Christmas ns such Chemic al sie Ware among its o -ed er forming hool, with t has a a l Youth for l od ss, a ces,

TOP LEFT: MICHAEL REDGRAVE, ALUMNUS OF CLIFTON COLLEGE

IMAGE: ALLAN WARREN

ABOVE: RICHARD CURTIS, ALUMNUS OF HARROW SCHOOL

IMAGE: MONTCLAIR FILM

LEFT: JUDE LAW, ALUMNUS OF ALLEYN’S SCHOOL IMAGE: GAGE SKIDMORE

HUNGRY TO LEARN Children should be... JUST HUNGRY NOT

But one in five children may not have enough to eat. And many arrive at school not having eaten since their free school lunch the day before. When a child is too hungry to learn, when they’re aching for something to eat, they can’t concentrate. They can’t absorb information. Big feelings and worries can be impossible to control, and they can fall far behind in their studies. In fact, by the time a child leaves primary school, the effect of repeatedly going to school hungry is like having missed 9 months of lessons.

But you can provide a magic breakfast for a child every school day for a week, a month or even a year, through our charity, Magic Breakfast. We deliver free breakfasts to over 200,000 children facing hunger every school day.

This school year, you can help children and young people reach their potential. Your support can change the course of their lives. You can give a child breakfast for a whole school year for just £54 – and you’ll be giving them the chance every child deserves, to thrive and be the best they can be.

Thank you for all of your support

staffed by professional theatre practitioners, offer a highly professional platform on which to perform. A theatre director and an artist-in-residence keep perspectives fresh, which is important when attempting around 20 productions a year. A boys’ school, there are some big-hitting actors that cut their teeth here: Hugh Laurie, Eddie Redmayne, Damian Lewis and many more.

CLIFTON COLLEGE

Clifton College is a boarding school whose Redgrave Theatre, named after Academy Award and Baftanominated actor Michael Redgrave – a former student – is used for professional as well as school productions. Clifton also has a close partnership with Rada, as well as theatres including the Bristol Old Vic and Shakespeare’s Globe.

UPPINGHAM SCHOOL

A beautiful theatre seating 300 and a 160-seater drama studio are the headline facilities at this co-educational boarding school in the Midlands. Students, who have included Stephen Fry, Rowan Atkinson, John Schlesinger and Hugh Jackman, can perform in a number of productions each year.

TOP LEFT: DAMIAN LEWIS, ALUMNUS OF ETON COLLEGE IMAGE: INCA PRODUCTIONS

ABOVE: ROBERT PATTINSON, ALUMNUS OF HARRODIAN

IMAGE: EVA RINALDI

LEFT: ROWAN ATKINSON, ALUMNUS OF UPPINGHAM SCHOOL IMAGE: EVA RINALDI

OTHER SCHOOLS WITH FAMOUS ALUMNI

WESTMINSTER SCHOOL

Helena Bonham Carter, actor, The King’s Speech, Fight Club

Adam Buxton, podcaster and comedian Louis Theroux, documentary journalist

HARROW SCHOOL

Benedict Cumberbatch, actor, The Imitation Game, Sherlock, The Power of the Dog

Richard Curtis, film director and writer, Notting Hill, Four Weddings and a Funeral, Bridget Jones’s Diary, Love Actually James Blunt, singer and songwriter

ABINGDON SCHOOL

Gatsby, Never Let Me Go

Emma Corrin, actor, The Crown

OXFORD HIGH SCHOOL

Mel Giedroyc, comedian

Florence Pugh, actor, Little Women, Midsommar, Oppenheimer, The Wonder

David Mitchell, actor, Peep Show

Toby Jones, actor, Infamous, Berberian Sound Studio, Detectorists

Tom Hollander, actor, The White Lotus, Pride & Prejudice

Thom Yorke, musician

HARRODIAN

Robert Pattinson, actor, Twilight, Good Time

Tom Sturridge, actor, The Boat That Rocked, Effie Gray

Will Poulter, actor, Midsommar, The Maze Runner, We’re The Millers, The Bear

LATYMER UPPER SCHOOL

Hugh Grant, actor, Four Weddings and a Funeral, Notting Hill, Bridget Jones’s Diary, The Gentlemen

Alan Rickman, actor, Love Actually, Harry Potter, Die Hard

Lily Cole, model and actor

WOLDINGHAM SCHOOL

Carey Mulligan, actor, An Education, The Great

THREE’S THE MAGIC NUMBER

Three new dining destinations will launch this month at 19 Motcomb Street in Belgravia.

The historic site, formerly known as the Pantechnicon, is undergoing major renovation work with a new vision and branding led by operations director Claudio Vigilante, formerly general manager at Annabel’s.

Set to open at the end of September, the new sites include Amélie, a Provençale restaurant on the ground floor and mezzanine with an outdoor terrace, and Sachi, a Japanese kappo restaurant on the second floor with a chef’s omakase table and a large rooftop terrace.

There will also be a Latin American cocktail bar and lounge, LUUM, with a lab to distil its own drinks and a schedule of live music.

TIME TO EAT

The local food and drink scene is buzzing this autumn – here’s

our pick of where to wine and dine

By Selma Day

SAEL AWAY

Irha and Jason Atherton (above), co-founders of global restaurant group The Social Company, will unveil Sael in St James’s Market this month. The 85-cover brasserie is Atherton’s homage to the diverse heritage of the British Isles, blending traditional flavours with global influences.

Sael will feature hyper-seasonal ingredients sourced exclusively from the British Isles, with interiors that exude the energy and swagger of the Cool Britannia era.

The new venture follows the opening of a grill house and burger bar, Mary’s, which has replaced the now-closed Pollen Street Social. Mary’s marks a return to a more approachable, no-frills dining experience inspired by New York City’s iconic sizzlers, offering premium cuts at wallet-friendly prices.

Sael, 1 St James’s Market; Mary’s, 8-10 Pollen Street

LEBANESE, PLEASE

Pop-up restaurant Najma Lebanon at the InterContinental London Park Lane will now stay open until the end of October. Championing the scents and fragrant spices of Lebanon, the menus are designed for sharing, from hot and cold mezzeh small plates to refreshing salads and dishes straight off the grill.

Starters include the likes of hummus bi tahineh, baba ghanouj roasted chicken wings with lemon and chilli garlic sauce, and batata harrah –crispy potatoes with punchy paprika, garlic, lemon and coriander.

Larger plates include the signature whole sea bass with sautéed spinach, dakkous and saffron cream sauce, and shish tawouk of marinated chicken thighs with beetroot hummus – alongside platters including minted lamb chops. Leave room for desserts such as sticky date pudding and, of course, baklava.

The wine list, which includes a selection of Lebanese wines, sits alongside an innovative cocktail menu that features non-alcoholic options.

1 Hamilton Place

Provençal flavours & Enchanting elegance

INTO THE BLUE

Canton Blue at The Peninsula London has launched Canton Blue Wine Club, a monthly celebration of superlative vintners and an exploration into the world of matching fine wine with Cantonese cuisine.

Focusing on drinks from Japanese sake to French Burgundy, the team of chefs will create a multi-course menu tailored to suit the characteristics of each drink.

Upcoming events include an evening with Château Montrose (October 9) – one of the leading wine properties that produces some of the oldest wines in the world. On November 14, the wine dinner will be presented by Piedmont’s Vietti winery, whose family has been producing wine for four generations in Castiglione Falletto, at the heart of the Barolo area in Italy.

1 Grosvenor Place

SWEET

JOIN THE CLUB

Ambassadors Clubhouse – the latest venture from Jyotin, Karam and Sunaina Sethi of JKS Restaurants – is a celebration of food, drink, music and culture from the Punjab.

The name is a tribute to the Sethis’ grandfather, a former Indian ambassador, and the restaurant is inspired by his summer house in Dalhousie and the abandoned party mansions of northern India.

The menu focuses on the shared food heritage of India and Pakistan – from roadside dhabas to the royal palaces of Punjab and family homes.

Expect papads and chaats to start, alongside bitings, a word used to describe drinking snacks, before the main event of kebabs cooked across the tandoor (clay oven), sigri (charcoal grill) and tawa (flat griddle).

Matka and karahi includes classic curries cooked in iron woks and earthen clay pots, as well as biryanis and pilaus, served alongside an extensive list of tandoor-roasted breads.

All-day party drinks focusing on tequila and mezcal are blended with regional ingredients, while large-serves and a playful list of shots bring a theatrical service style. Kingfisher Ultra beer is an exclusive addition to the list.

Ambassadors Clubhouse offers 140 covers including three private dining rooms and a heated veranda. Ambassy, its late-night music programme, features weekly resident DJs and events.

25 Heddon Street

–

1c Portland

Available

dim sum

has launched a trio of mooncakes to celebrate MidAutumn Festival. Available until September 24, the mooncakes come in three flavours, including traditional baked egg custard with a Cantonese-style custard filling. 15-17 Broadwick Street

The Langham became the first hotel in the world to serve afternoon tea when it opened in 1865. Its new tea menu – created by executive pastry chef Andrew Gravett and culinary icon Michel Roux

will celebrate the hotel’s legacy with a modern twist.

Place

An afternoon tea inspired by the Netflix series Emily in Paris, created by multi Michelinstarred chef Yannick Alléno, is available at Pavyllon London. The experience, priced at £85pp, includes a special beretshaped dessert to take home.

until October 27. Four Seasons, Hamilton Place

Chinese

teahouse Yauatcha

Monaco’s sun-kissed orange plants are a hallmark of the enclave, and are harvested each year to make its signature liqueur

WORDS

JONATHAN WHILEY

A-PEEL-ING

They are known as bigaradiers. There are 600 in Monaco; sun-kissed bitter orange plants that decorate the streets of the principality. Each year – between the middle of January and early February – these citrus fruits that line the boulevards are harvested by hand, before their zest is transformed into a unique, premium bitter orange liqueur.

L’Orangerie – with an alcohol content of 30 per cent – is entirely handmade and can be found in bars and restaurants throughout Monaco, including Hôtel de Paris, Café de Paris, Yacht Club de Monaco and Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo. It can be enjoyed neat (as a digestif) or more widely, it’s used to create the Monaco Spritz cocktail (where it’s combined with prosecco, ice and orange zest).

Philip Culazzo is the founder of La Distillerie de Monaco. Of Irish and Italian origin, he made Monaco his home in the early 2000s. “Walking through the streets of Monte Carlo, I became aware of the real treasure of the principality’s bitter orange trees,” he says.

“This small and emblematic nation was once a rich agricultural land. Well before the advent of tourism, yachts and the grand prix, the

production of citrus fruits represented a pillar for the local economy, therefore its richness was directly connected to the characteristic Mediterranean fruits.

“In 2017 I opened the first and only Distillerie de Monaco, with the aim of crafting liqueurs and spirits that are able to offer an authentic taste of the principality of Monaco, developed from its territory, from its fruits and its plants.”

Located in Rue de la Turbie – one of Monaco’s backstreets – the distillery uses artisan production methods and there are no pesticides, treatments or flavour enhancers involved. Once the fruit is washed and peeled, the peels are left to infuse for a slow and sweet maceration to extract the essential oils and aromas.

As well as L’Orangerie, the distillery also produces Carruba – a dark liqueur with notes of chocolate, coffee and caramel – and its own citrus gin, Gin aux Agrumes, a classic London dry gin flavoured with a combination of seven local citrus grown within a 20km radius of Monaco. Santé! distilleriedemonaco.com

DYNAMIC DUO

Follow ing the success of the Pavyllon MonteCarlo, the restaurant by Yannick Alléno at Hôtel Hermitage Monte-Carlo, the multi-Michelinstarred chef has joined forces with sushi master Yasunari Okazaki for L’Abysse, also at the Hôtel Hermitage.

The culinary concept for L’Abysse was born from a fusion of the chefs’ expertise – Alléno and his modern take on French cuisine, and Okazaki and his mastery of Japanese traditions.

The venue has been compared to a haïku (Japanese poem) dedicated to the Mediterranean, which unfolds over the course of an omakase menu.

L’Abysse brings together four elements from the duo: the earth of Monaco’s hinterland where the vegetables come from; the fire of cooking at just the right temperature and the extraction techniques developed by chef Alléno; and the mastery of the water and air contained in each piece of sushi thanks to chef Okazaki’s sensitive and refined movements.

The food offer is supported by wines sourced from the cellars of Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo and rare sakes selected by the expert sommeliers. A range of desserts by pastry chef Maxime Vaslin is also on offer.

SECRET SPOT

There’s still time to catch the Campari Lounge pop-up at the Hôtel Hermitage MonteCarlo, which closes at the end of September. In the hotel’s Excelsior Gardens, it is a secret spot for those in the know, complete with views of the sea and harbour and lush green surroundings.

The lounge-style setting is the perfect place to sit and relax while enjoying a selection of drinks and a menu of finger food and sharing platters.

THE NIGHT IS YOUNG

From a pop-up Campari lounge to late-night electropical beats, when it comes to Monaco’s buzzing nightlife, the options are endless

WORDS SELMA DAY

PLACE YOUR BETS

Crystal, known for offering luxury voyages and top-notch entertainment, has joined forces with Monte-Carlo Société des Bains de Mer (SBM) to host the first and only Casino de MonteCarlo at sea.

Debuting onboard Crystal Symphony during the Chairmen’s Cruise departing from Venice on November 14 and on Crystal Serenity in December, the casino will also be featured on the two future ocean-going ships, and in all new Crystal vessels, with the exclusion of expedition vessels.

The alliance between Crystal and Monte-Carlo SBM aims to redefine onboard entertainment for cruisers worldwide. Guests can now anticipate an array of gaming activities including slot machines, blackjack, roulette and more. crystalcruises.com

LATIN FLAVOURS

Amazonico, the acclaimed Latin American restaurant, bar and lounge, which recently celebrated its fifth year in Berkeley Square, has opened in MonteCarlo. The 180-cover roof terrace restaurant overlooks the Place du Casino, while its cigar terrace on the opposite side has stunning views of the Mediterranean.

t in A m hich r re, ha race re a r ter r r ranea that b stenin and C nsalad mansi a f ire.

Guests can dine on a menu that blends tropical and Latin American influences, while listening to sounds from the house band playing jazz, bossa nova and Cuban rhythms.

Signature dishes include ensalada Amazonica with mango, avocado, confit tomato, calamansi and citrus; and line-caught sea bass cooked over an open fire.

Newer dishes designed specifically for Monte-Carlo include buñuelo, a salted cod croquette with squid ink and yuzu aioli; and Mediterranean langouste with green shiso butter and shichimi.

ng nig iris, n

There’s also a sushi counter serving crudos, nigiris, makis and more, while at the bar guests can enjoy a selection of tropical cocktails.

cif ica l te wit with r serv i ests c a rd-prin ed, the A mazo w ith ce he on ment ot erican ecently s staurant overlooks t he ace the side n. lends g f rom the house uban a with nd ly for Monte-Carlo include

t staircase is The Club, electropical nico jung le

Tucked away down a leopard-print staircase is The Club, where as the lights are dimmed, the electropical beats are turned up, ensuring the Amazonico jungle experience continues late into the night.

DOWN BY THE BAY

After a five-month transformation, the Blue Bay restaurant at Monte-Carlo Bay Hotel & Resort has become the Blue Bay Marcel Ravin. With two stars since 2022, chef Ravin has come up with an organic concept based on the five elements – fire, earth, metal, water and wood – in harmony with his cuisine, which is inspired by his Caribbean roots, the Mediterranean and his travels across five continents.

To complement the set menus is a new menu featuring the likes of Monte-Carlo egg and cassava truffle maracuja (passion fruit in Creole); chicken madras “Boucan d’Enfer”, dombré fouyapin, mango and striped prawn; and lobster

Guests can also enjoy food and wine pairings (and alcohol-free drink pairings), while desserts come with an element of theatre and are given a finishing touch in front of guests.

Offering a more personalised and more exclusive experience is La Table de Marcel. Located at the heart of the restaurant, the table – carved from solid oak – seats just eight guests who are treated to an elevated experience in full view of the kitchen.

ICONIC SPOT REOPENS

After a 19-month revamp, Monte Carlo’s iconic brasserie, Café de Paris, has once again reinvented itself and now occupies two levels of the restructured building. With its own entrance, a striking staircase leads to the upstairs terrace offering stunning views over the Casino de Monte-Carlo and Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo.

Guests can now dine in the ground-floor bistro in an art nouveau setting, enjoy a cocktail or glass of wine in the lounge bar along with snacks or seafood, enjoy French classics upstairs in a more formal setting or eat alfresco.

Dishes include French onion soup, leeks with sauce gribiche, pâté en croute, eggs mayonnaise with a touch of caviar, millefeuille monté minute and, of course, crêpe suzette – which was first invented at Café de Paris in 1896 during a visit from the Prince of Wales – flambéed in front of customers.

CULTURAL TIPS FROM ANDRÉA LAYER, GUEST RELATIONS MANAGER AND HEAD CONCIERGE AT THE MAYBOURNE RIVIERA

A visit to Villa E-1027 by the artist Eileen Gray, and Le Corbusier’s Cabanon (visible from the hotel, they greatly inspired the designers in the artistic identity of the hotel)

Watercolour class at the hotel or in a studio with a local artist and teacher

Fragrance masterclass at Fragonard in Èze

Private visits to museums (Picasso, Matisse) and Fondation Maeght

A visit to the Biot factory, the iconic place of blown glass production (we have tableware from there in our restaurants)

Ceramics class to master Vallauris art

A MODERN ICON

This breathtaking hotel is an absolute must-visit for lovers of art and architecture WORDS SELMA DAY

Perched on a cliff, at the crossroads of the French Riviera and the Italian coast, with stunning views over Roquebrune-Cap-Martin and Monaco, The Maybourne Riviera is an architectural masterpiece, courtesy of Jean-Michel Wilmotte. But it’s not only the building that is totally jaw-dropping – paying tribute to the rich cultural heritage of the region, which has inspired the likes of Pablo Picasso, Henri Matisse, Jean Cocteau, Le Corbusier and Eileen Gray, art and design are at the centre of the hotel, permeating every corner from the lobby to the restaurants and rooms.

In a Cliffside Sea View suite, for example, you’ll find an ocean-facing white marble bathtub inspired by sculptor Constantin

suites, there are beautifully crafted pieces from the Bryan O’Sullivan Studio (responsible

for many of the spaces at Claridge’s and other Maybourne properties) such as oak panels, custom-made furniture and sculpted glass tabletops. At Michelin-starred restaurant Ceto, glassware is crafted by Lucile Viaud using seaweed and marine debris, while carved stone blocks by Hervé Allegre accompany certain dishes. At Mauro Colagreco’s Riviera restaurant, a relief-painted mural and sleek furniture pieces are all inspired by the work of Gray, whose villa E-1027 is visible from the hotel, while above the restaurant is Slow Fold Inside a Corner, 2018, by Conrad Shawcross.

But it is the spectacular setting of the Maybourne Riviera, the shimmering light of the Mediterranean and the connection between the outdoors and indoors that really set the tone for what has already become a modern icon.

maybourneriviera.com

Boutique Group is an ultra-luxury hospitality group, offering discerning travellers a glimpse into the heart of Saudi Arabia by transforming historic and cultural palaces into boutique hotels, immersed in the country’s rich cultural, culinary and regional landscapes.

Today’s most seasoned luxury travelers pose a unique question: when you’ve truly seen and done it all, where do you go next? The answer lies in the land of Saudi Arabia, where the PIFowned Boutique Group is developing the ultimate hospitality experience. An experience that has always been just out of reach, even to the bestconnected high-net-worth individuals.

The first project of its kind in Saudi Arabia, Boutique Group is raising the bar on luxury travel by transforming historic and cultural palaces across the Kingdom into ultra-luxury hotels. From Riyadh’s Red Palace and Tuwaiq Place to Al Hamra Palace in Jeddah, these architectural marvels are the physical embodiment of Saudi hospitality, renowned the world over for its warmth and generosity.

Never before open to the public; for decades these landmarks were home to Saudi royals, heads of states, diplomats and guests ranging from Princess Diana to Richard Nixon. Today, they are

INTRODUCING BOUTIQUE GROUP

being equipped with the finest modern amenities, carefully crafted together with historians, architects, artisans and partners, to celebrate and elevate their original designs.

The result is a unique model of responsible luxury hospitality, immersing guests in an authentic world of Saudi elegance, marked by stunning regal décor, Michelin-star Saudi delicacies, rejuvenating spa treatments and hyperpersonalized service, all bolstered by an elevated concierge service.

Those seeking a private retreat need look no further. Enjoy the ancient art of Arab hospitality and dive into the heart Saudi Arabia with Boutique Group.

The Red Palace, Riyadh

Dating back to 1943, shortly after the discovery of oil in Saudi Arabia, the Red Palace is a stunning testament to a fascinating moment in the Kingdom’s history. Built by the nation’s founding father, King Abdulaziz, and gifted to his son, the palace later served for more than three decades as the headquarters of the Council of Ministers.

The first concrete building in Riyadh, it brought together a unique blend of traditional Nadji design elements, with 19th century European and then-modern Art Deco influences; representing a young nation reaching out and expressing its culture while embracing the best the world has to offer. The result is a strikingly unique landmark, so beloved it even featured on the country’s SAR 100 note.

Boutique Group has revived and redeveloped the palace into an ultra-luxury hotel in partnership with French interior architect Tristan Auer and award-winning international firm Aedas. When it opens in 2025, the Red Palace will have more than 70 keys. It will also feature eight spa suites offering serene treatments informed by traditional Saudi wellness practices, alongside highend food and beverage outlets serving local and international cuisine, prepared by world-renowned and Saudi chefs alike.

“WITH LAVISH INTERIORS, WORLD-CLASS SERVICE AND UNRIVALLED VIEWS, IT IS THE PERFECT HIDEAWAY FOR THOSE SEEKING A PEACEFUL, YET IMMACULATELY CATERED, RETREAT.”

Tuwaiq Palace, Riyadh

A testament to Saudi Arabia’s geographic and cultural diversity, Tuwaiq Palace overlooks the dramatic landscapes of Riyadh’s Wadi Hanifa. Designed in 1981 by the esteemed Atelier Frei Otto in collaboration with Buro Huppold and Omrania, it incorporates various layers of limestone, mirroring the surrounding desert setting. The palace first opened its doors in 1985, becoming an exclusive club frequented by diplomats in Riyadh’s prestigious Diplomatic Quarter, before eventually being transformed by Boutique Group into an ultra-luxury hotel.

One of Saudi Arabia’s most celebrated buildings, its design masterfully incorporates two significant traditional elements: the desert fortress and the Bedouin tent, alongside Najdi architecture – earning the 1998 Aga Khan Award for Architecture. The building offers visitors several moments of wonder and awe, wrapping itself around a beautiful garden courtyard, capped by a dramatic glass canopy. With lavish interiors, world-class service and unrivalled views,

it is the perfect hideaway for those seeking a peaceful, yet immaculately catered, retreat.

Boutique Group is building on the palace’s long tradition of hospitality and anticipatory service with 96 keys, including 56 luxury villas and 40 luxury palace suites, alongside seven spa suites and seven delectable food and beverage outlets.

Al Hamra Palace, Jeddah

Al Hamra Palace, situated along Jeddah’s corniche, is among Saudi Arabia’s foremost hospitality palaces. Dating back to the 1960s, it was built by King Faisal bin Abdulaziz as a royal residence, before being converted at his request into a guest’s palace, where the Kingdom could extend its generous hospitality to its honored visitors. Over the years its guests included everyone from various presidents of Arab and Islamic nations to international figures including Richard Nixon, Jacques Chirac, Princess Diana and King Charles III of the United Kingdom.

Today, the palace is being transformed once again by Boutique Group into an ultra-luxury hotel, designed in collaboration with the world-renowned French interior designer Jacques Garcia. The building stylishly incorporates local Hijazi and Art Nouveau design elements, such as cubic forms and intricate mashrabiya latticework, combined with elements imported from across the Islamic world, including

domes and slanted roofs, Western Mediterranean tiles and Eastern decorative panels.

When it opens, Al Hamra Palace will offer 47 luxury suites, 44 luxury villas and one royal suite, alongside six spa suites and six high-end food and beverage outlets.

SPACE FOR ART

Earlier this year, Hanover Square-based gallery Unit opened the Dragon Hill Residence, its inaugural artists’ and writers’ residency in a region of the south of France historically associated with, and inhabited by, artists.

In collaboration with ArtReview, Dragon Hill welcomes international artists and writers to a historic property designed by the French architect Jacques Couëlle, who was a close friend of Pablo Picasso and Salvador Dalí.

The residence, built in 1964, is set in a private domain near Mougins that has counted Picasso, Jean Cocteau, Yves Klein, Yves Saint Laurent, Leo Castelli and many others among its residents.

A new residence for artists and writers provides plenty of creative inspiration in the south of France

WORDS SELMA DAY

Joe Kennedy, Unit co-founder and director (pictured below left), says: “Dragon Hill is a sanctuary – a truly magical site where artists can temporarily escape the art world and be inspired by the free spirit of an eccentric and important creative mind.

“Couëlle was inspired by his close, collaborative friendships with other artists and writers such as Dali, Picasso and Prévert – and with Dragon Hill we wanted to create an environment in which modern artists can work with writers and explore new ways of thinking about their work.

“Ultimately, we want this project to promote and preserve the values of creativity and collaboration that are at the very heart of our gallery’s mission.”

The Dragon Hill programme adds to a burgeoning region for modern and contemporary art, which includes institutions such as Fondation Maeght, L’Espace de l’Art Concret, La Colombe d’Or and the Musée d’Art Classique de Mougins. The latter was transformed into the Femmes Artistes du Musée de Mougins in the summer.

Its owner, Christian Levett, says: “It’s going to be fantastic for FAMM to collaborate with the Dragon Hill programme and continue to build a community for modern and contemporary art here.

“We are absolutely delighted to be welcoming the Dragon Hill residency to the region. Mougins has a deep history of artistry and this programme is another major step for this becoming an epicentre in Europe for contemporary art.”

Artists will live and work in purpose-built studios at the residency for a period of six weeks, and the work produced will be displayed in annual summer exhibitions set in the domain’s own Château de Castellaras, which overlooks the Alpes-Maritimes and the bay of Antibes.

What inspired your love of aviation?

My love for aviation started from a young age when I’d spend my weekends and school holidays at airfields and in hangars with my stepfather, who maintained aircraft including the Concorde. I was captivated and wanted to learn everything about them, from the tread on the tires to the electronics in the cockpit, to servicing the engines.

When did you fly solo for the first time and what are your memories of that experience?

I was 17 years old, and I was captivated. I knew in that moment that I wanted to be a pilot or to work in aviation.

What did the company look like when you took over in 2011?

The private aviation industry is dynamic and fragmented. Many operators go out of business because they operate aircraft that were designed for personal use and not well suited for the charter market, often combined with an unsustainable cost base. AirX itself was in a similar position in its early years, but with a good team, we diversified our fleet and focused on our client offering. The initial years were hard graft, long hours, often seven days a week, slogging tirelessly to establish AirX as a go-to operator in the private charter industry. We have worked hard to earn the loyalty of our clients, by focusing on building a reputation as a safe and reliable airline offering a high-end client experience.

How have you differentiated yourself from other industry players?

AirX is one of the only charter market operators that purchases pre-owned aircraft that we refurbish to look new, and we target aircraft types that were designed for heavy usage. This strategy means we can offer clients the luxuries of a new aircraft experience, without the vast additional cost. This enables us to avoid the most

FLYING HIGH

common financial pitfall in the industry; buying new jets, which often results in unsustainable levels of debt. So far as we know, we’re also the only large private aviation operator that does so much of its own fleet maintenance, with about 85 per cent of fleet maintenance performed in-house. Our proactive approach focuses on maximising aircraft uptime and dispatch reliability so our clients can be sure they get where they are going on time and without delay.

What was your vision and how did you transform AirX from a company facing bankruptcy to one that turns over £150 million annually?

I wanted to create a business that valued the journey as much as the destination, providing unrivalled safety, luxury and comfort, whether you’re flying short or long distances. I saw opportunities to expand AirX’s fleet by repurposing pre-owned aircraft, to improve our service offering, and to go the extra mile in accommodating for different needs. We serve a range of people: from sports stars and musicians on continental tours, to heads of state for diplomatic meetings. We have built a diverse and loyal customer base on account of this flexibility.We’re also quick to adapt to circumstances beyond business as usual, which is increasingly crucial in this

Luxury private jet company AirX is known for flying celebrities and high-net-worth individuals and their families across Europe and the Middle East in style. Chairman John Matthews on how he transformed the fortunes of the company and what makes AirX stand out from the competition

industry. During Covid-19, for instance, we transformed our Airbus A340, the world’s largest VIP Executive Jet, from a passenger to a cargo configuration, where each flight was able to transport over 40 tonnes of vital supplies internationally.

Can you tell us about your fleet of jets and services available at AirX?

AirX predominantly operates across Europe and the Middle East, and our diverse fleet of private jets and VIP airliners allows us to meet the varying needs of our clientele, offering a truly personalised experience from the moment they board. The current cabin refurbishment program is designed to ensure passengers are treated to an environment of sophistication and comfort throughout their journey. We offer bespoke services and luxurious catering, which is delivered by our expert cabin crew. We also ensure children are entertained and accommodate for pets during your travels.

What do you believe makes AirX stand out in the competitive private aviation market?

What truly sets AirX apart is our attention to detail and our absolute emphasis on client experience, reliability, and safety. AirX is one

of less than five operators in Europe which has achieved the ARGUS Platinum Safety Rating and IS-BAO certification. We do not take shortcuts on delivering luxury and the same approach to safety procedures is essential. We rigorously manage risks related to weather, infrastructure and equipment. All of this ensures we deliver a consistently reliable and hassle-free experience for our clients.

What is the typical demographic of your clients?

The type of clients we work with varies, but they are predominantly high-net-worth families, heads of states and governments, as well as celebrities, such as musicians and sports stars.

What is AirX focusing on next?

I want to ensure the booking process for every client is as smooth as their journey with AirX, from the first button click to arriving at their destination. I have a clear vision to digitalise and integrate the booking process with flight operations, but first we need to grow the fleet! I believe providing clearer information and enhanced pricing transparency to clients will help simplify decision making and result in more informed choices. Our recently launched membership club provides frequent flyers with discounted charter rates and a seamless booking process.

NEW HORIZONS

Take your holiday to a whole new level with these bespoke, once-in-a-lifetime experiences

WORDS JONATHAN WHILEY AND SOPHIA CHARALAMBOUS

SAIL AWAY

Superyacht living with ULYSSIA

A new 320-metre state-of-the-art residential superyacht is coming. ULYSSIA will be an exclusive residential community at sea, continually circumnavigating the globe with 132 luxury residences and 22 guest suites. “Most of our residents are people who have achieved almost everything in life,” says senior vice-president of lifestyle and development, Renato W Chizzola. “They have several homes around the world. Now they love the idea that they wake up in the morning and their view changes every three, four or five days.” In addition to exceptional facilities, including two helicopters and two submarines, ULYSSIA residents will also enjoy travel experiences guided by EYOS Expeditions, renowned for its one-of-a-kind luxury expeditions to the world’s most remote regions. Mayfair Times discovers more...

How did the partnership with ULYSSIA originate?

As the premier operator of private yacht expeditions worldwide, EYOS is a natural fit with ULYSSIA, which will be the world’s largest private yacht. EYOS has earned an enviable reputation over the last 15-plus years, helping private yachts explore beyond traditional cruising grounds to visit far-flung destinations such as New Guinea and Raja Ampat, Melanesia, Madagascar, Polynesia, the Arctic and Antarctica.

Can you give a flavour of some of the expeditions on offer?

The destinations will be varied, from the ice of the polar regions to the most remote of tropical islands. Ideas we have for the first few years are, of course, to visit Antarctica, often the last continent many travellers visit. Here, we will make landings to visit penguin colonies and historical sites, and marvel at landscapes like no other as ULYSSIA cruises the beautiful waterways of the Antarctic peninsula. New Guinea and the islands of Melanesia will offer a remarkable tropical experience, combining a fascinating culture and history with stunning beaches and reefs and world-class diving and snorkelling. We may also visit Greenland to observe the glaciers and icecap, or perhaps even heliski. From here we may go through the Northwest Passage, taking the polar route from the Atlantic to the Pacific, which is an iconic voyage steeped in history with amazing wildlife such as polar bears along the way.

Are there any expeditions that will be exclusive to residents?

For residents who want a more in-depth and private experience, we’ll be able to curate experiences tailored to the individual resident and their family. For instance, some may be interested in spending more time diving in Raja Ampat; others will perhaps seek the opportunity to literally drive across the Antarctic continent in specially outfitted vehicles. EYOS’s network and expertise will enable us to deliver for residents wanting even more.

ACCESS ALL AREAS

EnVogue Travel

Candlelit dinner and dancing in the ancient city of Petra, a private ice rink on a Paris rooftop, a Michelin chef dinner in the Alps on a table carved from snow – these are just a few of the unforgettable experiences curated by Mayfair-based bespoke luxury tour operator EnVogue Travel.

Founder Emma Higgins set out to break the rules to offer high-net-worth individuals one-of-a-kind experiences. “Everything we do is about the unique experiences, even with well-known destinations, so that we can take [people] away and create something special,” says Emma. “It is about finding people access to things away from the crowds, even if there are crowds in the background.”

After her twin brother founded EnVogue Media, Emma launched the travel arm in 2022 with a first booking of epic proportions: 16 people driving from Turkey to Georgia off the beaten track. “I thought maybe the first booking would be a holiday to the Maldives or Italy, a hotel room here or there, maybe a nice dinner,” laughs Emma.

With just two months to plan the holiday, there were many opportunities to create standout moments; one of them being a private breakfast in Love Valley, Cappadocia, Turkey, among the unique rock formations. “It was the perfect brief because we were going for experiential. It is quite rare to have your first brief be bang on what you’re looking to do. They were quite young, high-net-worths and that was great because they were quite adventurous and wanted the experience but in a luxury way. The trip was one of my favourites to date but also one of the most challenging. The logistics were immense – we had to ship their cars to Istanbul; Mercedes G-Wagons, Dodge Rams.”

The four-person team, spearheaded by Emma, has a roster of regular clients who can choose between paying a planning or yearly fee. Trips are a combination of small or large; everything from a family holiday to the Maldives to a 144-person birthday party in St Moritz. Aspects such as the 24-hour concierge are a perk and Emma says the company is investing time into growing a travel concierge service for guests of large gatherings. All this as well as using its affiliations with luxury brands through EnVogue Media create an even more bespoke service – think a hand-carved backgammon board by Alexandra Llewellyn inspired by your most treasured moments.

VA-VA-VROOM

Bentley’s Extraordinary Journeys

A British landscape tour like you’ve never experienced before – from the Peak District to the Yorkshire Dales to the Cairngorms, all in the luxurious comfort of a Bentley – is what Extraordinary Journeys UK is all about. This is five days and four nights of an epic adventure that allows guests to take Bentley’s latest models – the Continental GT, the Flying Spur and the Bentayga – for a spin on some of the world’s most spectacular roads, stopping off at special destinations along the way. Caren Jochner, global head of brand experience at Bentley, is committed to widening the brand’s appeal beyond the automotive. With a concierge to look after guests, some of the special experiences include dinner within the Bentley factory, accommodation bordering the Trossachs national park with the chance to eat dinner cooked by renowned chef Nick Nairn in woodland under the stars, and a stay at the Fife Arms in Braemar, which houses artwork from Picasso to Freud and watercolours by Queen Victoria and King Charles III.

£14,950 per person with five couples per tour and two experiences per year, bentleymotors.com

THE GREAT ESCAPE

Get “lost” with Black Tomato Off-book travel is Black Tomato’s ethos. Across seven continents, embark on once-ina-lifetime trips – everything from kayaking in Patagonia and snorkelling the Silfra Fissure in Iceland to exploring the canyons of Zion in Utah. There is even a unique opportunity to “get lost”, in which you are dropped off in an unknown destination before leading yourself through a series of mapped checkpoints to the finish. “The thirst for experience keeps growing so we are constantly researching, planning and ideating with boots on the ground,” says co-founder Tom Marchant. The first travel partner to curate James Bond-inspired trips, it’s possible to experience many Bond locations from Prague to Thailand and on assignment in Mexico City. Literary buffs can also follow in the footsteps of Agatha Christie, from her adventures in Africa to Australia and New Zealand and North America. Trips are designed to your specifics so no two journeys will be the same, all while employing a regenerative travel model, seeking to leave a positive impact on the planet and communities. £POA, blacktomato.com

CALL OF THE WILD

Cookson Adventures

Enjoy incredibly rare access to a newly habituated group of western lowland gorillas on a safari like no other in the littlevisited Republic of the Congo. The country is home to one of Africa’s oldest national parks and half of the world’s lowland gorillas. Cookson Adventures – founded by polar explorer Henry Cookson and known for “next-level” travel experiences – has launched a first-of-its-kind wildlife experience, enabling guests to stay in the first bespoke luxury mobile camp in the Nouabalé-Ndoki national park. Guests have the exclusive opportunity to be the first to visit a gorilla family and can take a helicopter to join scientists in the search for new species in the remote western escarpment, getting involved in the reintroduction of wild dogs and lions to the country. One of the least explored wilderness areas in Africa, it has more than 25 times the number of gorillas as Rwanda, but attracts a mere 500 tourists a year. Cookson’s guests will be joined by a world-leading lowland gorilla expert, who will provide real-time commentary as you observe their natural behaviour from a distance. A seven-night exclusive buyout adventure is available from £19,000 per person, based on a group of 12. cooksonadventures.com

MISSION POSSIBLE

Inspired by the next Mission Impossible film in 2025, Pelorus has created The Norway Assignment: Your Mission Awaits. The actionpacked experience takes place in Norway’s spectacular landscapes, with adventures featuring access to your own expert (an ex-Special Forces officer) to brief you on challenges that include parachuting, super-car racing and weapons-handling. From £125,000 per person

MARCH OF THE PENGUINS

Visit one of the world’s most impressive colonies on the Antarctic ice with White Desert’s Early Emperors itinerary. At the colony’s height in November and December, guests will have a chance to see more than 14,000 breeding pairs and their newly hatched chicks. White Desert was co-founded by recordbreaking polar explorer Patrick Woodhead to allow people to see the interior of Antarctica. From £52,236 per person

WHALE OF A TIME

Embark on a whale and dolphin experience just off Monaco’s shores. In collaboration with Prince Albert II and the Monaco Foundation, it’s a chance to contribute to the protection of the Pelagos sanctuary, while encountering year-round dolphins and summermigrating giants such as fin whales. Alternatively, thrill seekers can go skydiving above Monaco, where you can jump out of a helicopter with Skydive Monaco and Héli Air Monaco.

Mayfair

ABOUT US

• Highly trained and professional staff

• Impeccable attention to detail

• Personalized services tailored to individual needs

• Available on a daily, weekly or monthly retainer contract

(0) 203 130 0290 info@luxcierge.com

LANGAR HALL

Less than an hour and a half from Kings Cross station, at the end of the lime tree avenue, you will find the other world of Langar Hall. As the first venue in Nottinghamshire to be licensed for Civil weddings in 1995 we have since specialised in bespoke weddings, partnerships & parties for up to 50 guests with exclusive use of the house and grounds for your special day. Please contact our wedding coordinator Lisa for brochures and appointments. events@langarhall.co.uk

What screams luxury louder than a superyacht? You would be forgiven for thinking that the industry is all about money, competition and glamorous destinations; and while those are aspects of the world of superyachting, there is an increasing number of individuals and initiatives that are changing the relationship that superyacht captains, owners and organisations have with the world around them.

Ahead of the upcoming Superyacht Life Foundation Honours ceremony later this month, which celebrates individuals who have significantly influenced or propelled the industry and wider society towards a more conscientious, sustainable and compassionate future, we spoke to the three industry experts who were recipients of the Honours’ prestigious Bowsprit award last year.

WENDY SCHMIDT

Though she arrived at a love of sailing later in life, Wendy Schmidt has become one of the industry’s leading voices. Schmidt is a passionate racer, having co-founded 11th Hour Racing, which sustainably designed and built a race boat that won its category of the Ocean Race 2022-23, which her organisation sponsors. In addition, she recently became the first female and first American to win the Barcolana race. She is president of the Schmidt Family Foundation, which works to restore a balanced relationship between people and planet with projects that include furthering renewable energy, resilient food systems, healthy oceans and human rights. She is also founder of the Schmidt Ocean Institute, which aims to advance our understanding of the ocean through oceanographic research. In other words, Schmidt is helping to bring huge developments to the industry.

WHAT GALVANISED YOUR DEDICATION TO CARING FOR THE OCEAN, AND IS IT VALIDATING TO BE RECOGNISED FOR YOUR WORK AND TO SEE YOUR WORK MAKE A REAL DIFFERENCE?

The ocean is essential to all life on this planet. It provides food and jobs for billions of people worldwide – it’s the main source of protein for three billion people, it regulates the weather, it absorbs carbon, and it provides half of the oxygen in the air that we breathe. The ocean has been under attack, and it’s time to recognise the impact of our actions on land on the health of the ocean. Over the past 18 years of our philanthropy – from our work in advancing clean energy and regenerative agriculture to championing sustainability in sailing, all against the backdrop of human rights – we’ve made progress in raising awareness and encouraging people to take

FORCES FOR GOOD

Presented by the Superyacht Life Foundation in collaboration with the Monaco Yacht Show, the Honours aims to spotlight those who have significantly influenced or propelled the superyachting industry and society towards a more conscientious, sustainable and compassionate future

WORDS REYHAAN DAY

action towards restoring the health of our oceans. But we have more work to do.

WHAT

PROJECTS ARE YOU PARTICULARLY PASSIONATE ABOUT?

Our Schmidt Ocean Institute is continuing to explore our planet’s oceans. On each expedition, we discover something new. In just the past year, we’ve discovered seamounts more than two miles high, more than 100 new species, even an entire ecosystem under the sea floor. We livestream our dives on YouTube so you can watch along with scientists aboard our research vessel as they explore the deep sea with our underwater robot. I remember watching one dive that explored an active octopus nursery and we watched live as octopus hatchlings emerged from their shells. I can’t wait to see what we’ll discover on upcoming expeditions. Our plan is to explore all seven ocean basins in the next decade.

HOW IMPORTANT ARE RESEARCH

INITIATIVES IN TERMS OF HELPING TO CREATE BETTER AND MORE EFFECTIVE CONVERSATIONS ABOUT SUSTAINABILITY AND OCEAN CONSERVATION?

We’ve only explored 30 per cent of our oceans.

Schmidt Ocean Institute is participating in a global initiative called Seabed 2030 to fully map our planet’s oceans by the end of this decade. We can’t understand something we can’t see, and we can’t protect something we don’t understand. So there is a great need to fully explore our oceans. The more we look, the more we see. We’re discovering new species, ecosystems and underwater formations that we didn’t know existed.

DO YOU FEEL HOPEFUL ABOUT THE STATE OF OUR OCEANS?

We have the ability to protect and restore ocean health through our actions by adopting sustainable practices in all we do at home, at work, at play. It takes time, thought and effort – but we can do it if we work together. The future of our planet – and humanity – depends on it.

ZORAN SELAKOVIC

A former yacht captain, Zoran Selakovic is now director at YachtAid Global, which provides largescale disaster relief as well as leading scientific, humanitarian and conservation projects around the world. It was while working as a yacht skipper and seeing friends’ lives changed by hurricanes Irma and Maria in 2017 that Selakovic’s interest was turned to galvanising the yachting community to help communities affected by natural disasters and wider initiatives to help look after the planet.

YOU HAVE STATED THAT THE SUPERYACHT INDUSTRY CAN BE ABOUT MUCH MORE THAN CONSUMERISM, AND CAN BE A FORCE FOR GOOD. YOUR WORK WITH YACHTAID GLOBAL EXEMPLIFIES THIS, WITH INITIATIVES SPEARHEADING DISASTER RELIEF, OCEAN CONSERVATION AND SUPPORTING COASTAL COMMUNITIES. HOW DO YOU CONTINUE TO CHANGE THE WIDER PERCEPTION OF THE INDUSTRY?

The change happens as results continue to accumulate and multiply. As a greater number of yachts decide to join in and do good, the change naturally occurs. Initially, the change was minimal; however, in recent years we’ve seen a greater degree of awareness and focus on being engaged – recognising that the sustainability of yachting depends on both the health of oceans and the wellbeing of destination communities. We’re all connected, and the yachting industry is positioned well to turn this connection into a force for good.

IN YOUR TIME WITH YACHTAID GLOBAL, WHAT PROJECTS HAVE HELD THE MOST IMPORTANCE FOR YOU IN TERMS OF THE

DIFFERENCE THEY HAVE MADE?

This is a tough one – because each initiative is worthwhile and impactful, making a significant difference for people or the ocean. If I had to pick, I’d say the disaster relief operations in the immediate aftermath of hurricane Dorian across the Bahamas, when superyachts were first responders and among the first at ground zero; rebuilding and reallocations of communities across Fiji as part of climate change adaptation after impacts by cyclones; and shark conservation work in the Eastern Tropical Pacific [spanning the Galápagos, Malpelo, Cocos and Revillagigedo] resulting in the expansion of regional marine parks.

WHAT INITIATIVES THAT YACHTAID GLOBAL IS RUNNING CURRENTLY OR HAS PLANNED IN THE FUTURE ARE YOU MOST EXCITED ABOUT?

Shark conservation in the Caribbean is particularly interesting. We are running the largest telemetry study in the wider Caribbean region, with the goal to map out major aggregation sites and migratory patterns for migratory sharks – tigers, silkies and the like. We are also very excited about finishing up building a family and children’s home for those experiencing medical crises in Baja, Mexico; and expanding schools in Costa Rica, where we have been constructing classrooms and libraries for local communities.

HOW DID IT FEEL TO BE RECOGNISED AT THE SUPERYACHT LIFE FOUNDATION

HONOURS 2023 FOR YOUR WORK IN THE INDUSTRY?

What we do is a true team sport. Collaboration is everything. To draw an analogy, it’s like playing volleyball – you’re nobody and nothing alone, you can only touch the ball once. To win, you have to have incredible teamwork in place. So receiving the award was a nice recognition for the work that we all do – from participating yachts, crew and owners to the core team and many others in their respective supporting roles. Truly, I stand on the shoulders of giants.

JENNY MATTHEWS

New Zealander Jenny Matthews has tirelessly worked to encourage more diversity within the world of yachting. Alongside pursuing her goal to become a superyacht captain, Matthews founded She of the Sea – a platform and community for female deck crew and engineers to share knowledge, inspire the next generation of talent and help create opportunities. She also founded Legasea alongside female first officer Natasha Ambrose – an organisation that focuses on social impact beyond gender, with initiatives that put the spotlight on sustainability, diversity on a wider scale, recruitment and mentorship.

HOW DID IT FEEL TO BE RECOGNISED FOR THE WORK YOU’RE DOING IN THE WORLD OF YACHTING?

On one hand, being personally recognised for She of the Sea and Legasea’s impact within our industry feels slightly uncomfortable, as I had always intended to stay somewhat in the background! When I started She of the Sea, I had originally intended it to be a faceless organisation, self-run by the growing community; however, soon after its inception it became clear that a face and voice was necessary to connect people to the topics and messages. On the other hand, seeing the huge ripple effects, flourishing community of women and supporters and the slow but steady shift of the needle – for this to be recognised is endlessly inspiring and a testament to the many individuals that make up this community.

SHE OF THE SEA HAS OPENED UP A LOT OF CONVERSATIONS ABOUT POSITIVE CHANGE IN THE INDUSTRY. WHAT HAVE BEEN SOME OF THE BIGGEST SUCCESSES YOU’VE OVERSEEN AND WHAT ARE SOME OF THE CHALLENGES THAT YOU ARE INCREASINGLY FOCUSING ON?

I would say the biggest successes I’ve witnessed since 2018 are seeing the careers of the women who

were part of the birth of the platform bloom and evolve, breaking barriers with so much passion and grace and professional vigour, and to be part of that journey.

They do it because they love their jobs and their communities – not to prove a point but to live their passions. By doing this they represent the true heart of the platform. They inspire the next generation just by doing what they love and through sharing their knowledge.

The WhatsApp groups we have bring the next generation shoulder to shoulder with these incredible women and at times it can make me emotional thinking about what that would have meant to me as a young decky – to be able to feel connected, seen and supported by these women.

There are many challenges that still exist, and while the end goal is for the platform to not have to exist, we still have a long way to go. However, when I look at the women, and the broad spectrum of supporters at sea and ashore, I feel endlessly proud to be part of this movement, and have no doubt there will be a time in the future when we can all look

MONACO YACHT SHOW: SUSTAINABILITY AND DESIGN

As sustainability becomes an intrinsic element of yacht creation, the Monaco Yacht Show (September 25-28) will see the return of the Yacht Design & Innovation Hub, where 16 acclaimed designers will unveil their most imaginative and innovative yacht projects, each addressing the challenge of minimising environmental impact.

Visitors will experience a glimpse into the future of yachting, where transformative advancements and visionary design come to life. The hub will feature cutting-edge engineering and pioneering, energyefficient technologies that blend environmental responsibility with unparalleled luxury, setting new benchmarks in design, performance and navigation.

For the second consecutive year, Van Berge Henegouwen will present the MYS immersive experience. Attendees will have the chance to explore a 3D environment featuring some of the most innovative yacht designs on high-definition LED screens.

Visitors can navigate through different rooms, interact with each space and gain insights into the future of yacht design as designers address key issues and explore how the yachting industry is working to reduce its carbon footprint while balancing client expectations and societal responsibilities.

back and say that we were a part of something that matters.

WHAT ARE YOU MOST LOOKING FORWARD TO THIS YEAR IN THE WORLD OF SUPERYACHTS?

While our community groups continue to flourish and impact those directly involved in our community, Natasha and I have taken the opportunity this year to invest in our personal careers ashore and at sea. We see this as an important part of our journeys and of that of the platforms, as our passions for our careers are what birthed She of the Sea and Legasea in the first place. For myself, that looks like my journey to master at sea and for Natasha, her path ashore in yacht management and crew development. We intend to revisit our large-scale programmes in the near future, utilising the skills and experience we are developing in these roles.

The 2024 Honours ceremony takes place on September 24, preceding the Monaco Yacht Show

ULYSSIA is a new 320-metre state-of-the-art residential superyacht, creating an exclusive community at sea with 132 luxury residences and a chance to circumnavigate the globe like never before

CEO Alain Gruber has more than 30 years of expertise in luxury hospitality, including senior positions at Seabourn and The World - Residences at Sea. He tells Mayfair Times that ULYSSIA is the “highlight of his career”.

What are the origins of ULYSSIA?

The origins can be attributed to the vision of our founder and chairman, Frank Binder. Frank contemplated the idea of purchasing a residence on The World. However, he realised that his business commitments at the time would not allow him to fully immerse himself in the experience. Ever since, Frank has dreamt of developing a new concept for a residential superyacht that would surpass The World in both design and lifestyle.

How would you describe the profile of ULYSSIA residents you anticipate on board?

Community is right at the heart of ULYSSIA. Residents will have the opportunity to share a unique lifestyle with similarly well-travelled, highly-educated and open-minded individuals who are keen to take exploration to a new level. ULYSSIA also has philanthropy at its core. Environmental conservation and cultural preservation projects at each of ULYSSIA’s destinations will allow residents the opportunity to leave a positive impact.

Can give a flavour of the destinations?

The concept is travelling the world from your own home. Every day there is the opportunity to explore magnificent destinations all over the globe, but you come home to familiarity, to people

A NEW FRONTIER

who know who you are and what your needs are. Our exceptional programming, facilitated by a partnership with EYOS Expeditions, will go beyond simply taking our residents to the world’s most exciting destinations and inviting them to explore for a few days. When we visit Japan, we won’t just stay for a day – we will stay for a month. Before arriving, we will educate our community by bringing in experts in various fields - art, archaeology, finance, government. We will discuss Japan’s history, current events and future trends, offering residents a deep immersion into each country we visit.

What sets ULYSSIA apart from The World?

ULYSSIA’s founding team previously managed and operated The World. In this new project, we have systematically upgraded the design, the amenities, the technology, sustainability and operations.

What systems are on board to ensure the security and safety of residents?

ULYSSIA will have a very robust safety and security system based on multiple layers of both visible and invisible services. We are

partnered with Marine Guard, the world leader in protecting UHNW families in the marine and yachting industries. We will be able to detect and deal with any threats from the air, on the water and underwater. Our security team will also comprise several professionals with former Special Forces backgrounds.

Where does ULYSSIA sit in your career?

I have been most fortunate in my career to work for or to develop some of the most iconic luxury hospitality brands, while travelling to over 140 countries to date. ULYSSIA is without question the absolute highlight of my career and a legacy project that will be the benchmark in luxury marine hospitality and travel.

Built by one of the best shipbuilders in the world, Meyer Werft, with interiors by renowned firm FM Architettura, ULYSSIA is designed by leading Monaco-based yacht designer Espen Øino. He tells us about a new frontier in naval design.

What was the opening brief for designing ULYSSIA?

The brief initially was and still is, to create a real community at sea and to have that feeling of being on a yacht with access to more amenities than you would ever have on a yacht because of the space. It’s enormous and there are various residences and penthouses

[from 113 sqm to 982 sqm, in one-to-six bedroom configurations] all with uninterrupted sea views and private terraces. Compared to the biggest private yacht in operation today, it’s a massive step up in terms of size; not that size is the objective, but in order to provide the very best amenities on board inside and outside, this is the size we have arrived at.

How do you strike the balance of ULYSSIA still feeling intimate, despite the scale?

That has been the focus since the beginning; making sure none of the spaces are too big, too grand and they will feel empty. There is nothing worse than coming to an empty restaurant and feeling that you are on your own, so we have sectioned the ship into different neighbourhoods. There are three public decks only out of a total of 13. The public decks have been designed in such a way that they are really sections of smaller spaces. We have what we call the main street, but all the amenities have been divided up outside and inside.

How does ULYSSIA compare to other superyachts you have designed?

The sheer scale; at 320m+ the whole yacht moves a bit more and the technical concept is different from a yacht at say 70 or 80m. We are trying to of course make it look smaller than it is – every second deck is dark and at a distance, you see three decks as one deck. It’s an optical illusion. We have created neighbourhoods with a maximum of eight apartments to avoid these massive corridors you see on cruise ships for example and to make it more intimate. It should look like a superyacht.

For more information, visit ulyssia.com or follow on Instagram @myulyssia

IN NUMBERS

320M in length

132 Residences

22 Guest suites

2 Triton submarines on board

2 Helicopters on board

1 Chenot medical facility

Born in a caravan by the side of a road, Alfie Best is today on track to become Britain’s first Romany Gypsy billionaire. He shares his extraordinary story from Monaco, the place he now calls home

WORDS SELMA DAY

SIMPLY THE BEST

Alfie Best is on track to become Britain’s first Romany Gypsy billionaire – worth a cool £947 million at the last count (according to the Sunday Times Rich List 2024). But earlier this year, his disenchantment with the government and constant hounding over his tax affairs “without finding anything amiss” led him to quit the UK to live in Monaco. “I was getting badgered and beaten to death to the point that I thought, ‘I don’t need this’, and, truthfully, I’d had enough,” he says.

“Our tax system is fair – there’s no question about it – but it’s not fair when it’s not implemented fairly and I think the UK is not only losing its wealth, it’s losing its expertise. We’ve lost some of our greatest entrepreneurs – Jim Ratcliffe, James Dyson, Richard Branson. At no point in history has there been more people leaving the UK than now.”

I meet Alfie in the Nobu lounge at the Fairmont hotel in Monte Carlo. He’s looking relaxed and happy in the place he now calls home – and wants to invest his money in countries he feels are more welcoming, including France, the US and Dubai. He has well and truly settled into the Monaco lifestyle, rubbing shoulders with the rich and famous, driving his Rolls-Royce Spectre and spending time on his 27.1-metre Sunseeker yacht, Wyldecrest – named after the mobile-home park business that has helped amass his fortune.

“I love it here,” says Alfie, who has a wife, Emily Jane, a son, Alfie Jnr, and a daughter, Elizabeth. “I wish I’d done it 20 years ago. I’ve come here and it’s allowed me to see what the rest of the world is saying about us at home.”

It’s just two weeks after the British general election and the conversation quickly turns to politics and Brexit, which he feels was a lost opportunity. “It was the one time in the history of our country that the Conservatives and Labour needed to come together – the time we needed to unite.

“When we did leave, I actually felt that the country could have turned it massively to its benefit – the UK could have become the Monaco of Europe.

“THE ONE THING THAT BUILDS WEALTH IS MORE WEALTH”

“I thought Rishi Sunak was going to be great. You had somebody from an immigrant background who had a great education, whose family came to a country, did extraordinarily well and whose son rose to become prime minister. So for me, this was going to be the second coming of Christ –this was going to be a man who understood entrepreneurship, understood business.

“Instead, the first criticism he gets [is] about his wife being a billionaire, his next thing is, ‘Well, we’re going to tax all the non-doms’. The one thing that builds wealth is more wealth – and to say all non-doms in the UK now have to be taxed on their worldwide wealth that they didn’t earn in the UK is just chasing wealth out the front door… but yet our borders seem to be open for everybody

else for us to feed. I’m a Gypsy so I’m the most unracist, unbiased, unprejudiced person you’ll ever meet, but the truth of the matter is, take care of the people that are actually here already. Don’t keep looking to take care of the rest of the world when the world can’t take care of us.

“I think Britain is a great country, but we need to adjust our thinking fairly quickly. I can only say that I wish Keir Starmer the best of luck because I don’t think he’s got an easy job. There’s a lot to fix in the UK.”

He cites charging VAT on private school fees as another “grave mistake”, adding: “What people don’t realise is that more people are going to leave private schools to go to the public sector.”

Alfie, who was born in a caravan by the side of a road near Leicester in a snowstorm, left school at 12 and helped his dad sell tarmac door to door. At 17 he became a car dealer before moving into vans and mobile phones. He went on to set up Wyldecrest Parks, establishing his first mobile home park in Essex at the age

“I think it made me a much more rounded businessman,” he says. “Once you taste a little bit of success, you keep going back for more. It’s like a contagious wildfire. But with success comes a little bit of notoriety and with notoriety, you get a lot of people who expect you to know every mortal thing – like you can wave magic dust. And there is magic dust to success – it’s called hard work and perseverance.”

Alfie is certainly enjoying the fruits of his success and life in Monaco. “I want to set up a company here and I actually want to pay my taxes, but I want to be fairly treated,” he says.

Now, he wants to share his knowledge and experience with others looking for the kind of success he has seen. To this end, he has set up the Best Wealth Network, which enables like-minded individuals to connect, share insights and valuable

“AND I SWEAR TO YOU – IT IS IN EVERYBODY. FOR GOD’S SAKE, LOOK AT ME – I’M A PIKEY WHO WAS BORN IN A CARAVAN AND WITH NO FORMAL EDUCATION. I’M A NOBODY. BUT WHAT I CAN TELL YOU IS THIS – IF I CAN ACHIEVE JUST SOME OF MY GOALS, YOUR READERS IN THEIR POSITION CAN CERTAINLY ACHIEVE SO MUCH MORE THAN ME”

of 30. Since then, he’s built an empire of more than 100 mobile home sites in the UK with 16,000 residents and a staff of around 400. He also has an extensive property portfolio and other business interests.

But life hasn’t always been like this for Alfie, who has had his fair share of what he calls “stresses”. He says: “The worst time in my life was when I nearly went bankrupt when I was 20 – at the time I thought that I could walk on water. I had a £500,000 house, I owned a block of flats, I had a van rental centre and, all of a sudden, overnight, I was in a place called negative equity. I never knew what these words meant – I certainly found out a bit sharp. I moved out of the house and I had a [heart] murmur and collapsed across the desk.”

The experience had a profound effect on Alfie, who says he still suffers from impostor syndrome and worries about “losing it all tomorrow”. It certainly seems to have made him more driven and determined to succeed.

resources. Its aim is to facilitate collaboration and open doors to new opportunities, fostering growth and empowering people to achieve their goals collectively.

“What we teach at Best Wealth Network is idiotproof,” he says. “We’re not teaching rocket science. What I’m showing people is that it can be done. It’s simple. I believe, as long as people are prepared to persevere and put in systems and processes into their life, wealth will follow.

“I’ve done it through sheer grit and determination. I’m not a guru. I’m not clever. I’m not smug. I’m just saying, ‘this is what I’ve done’.

“And I swear to you – it is in everybody. For God’s sake, look at me – I’m a pikey who was born in a caravan and with no formal education. I’m a nobody. But what I can tell you is this: if I can achieve just some of my goals, your readers in their position can certainly achieve so much more than me.”

THE PEOPLE’S MOSQUITO

Can you support the return to flight of a Classic British Aircraft?

The De Havilland Mosquito enjoys legendary status – an exemplar of British aeronautical design. We are writing the Mosquito’s next chapter – to fly, to educate, to remember; reaching out to people across Great Britain and Europe.

Thanks to public support, we are moving forward with the fuselage production of the iconic ‘Mossie’. With more joining us, the first UK Built Mosquito in more than 70 Years could be flying as early as 2027!

peoplesmosquito.org.uk

AFRICAN WILDLIFE CONSERVATION FUND

The number of endangered African wild dogs is declining. Less than 1,400 mature adults remain.

Join African Wildlife Conservation Fund in the fight to protect endangered African wild dogs in Zimbabwe. Donate and support our impactful conservation efforts, monitoring and protecting breeding packs, removing snare wires from caught animals and supporting disadvantaged communities to live in harmony with the species.

Visit us online to find out how you can make a difference today.

www.africanwildlifeconservationfund.org/donate www.facebook.com/AfricanWildlifeConservationFund www.instagram.com/awcf_org

Charity number: 1186260

23/08/2024 09:46

NEW KAPPORET CHRISTIAN HELPLINE

Theresa lost her husband over a year ago but still misses him every day. John has severe OCD which causes him to feel anxious all the time. Mary is in an abusive relationship and wants to find the courage to leave.

What do these people have in common? They are all Christians, who need someone to talk to and someone to pray with. Founded in 2020, New Kapporet Christian Helpline is now a nationwide, multi-denominational Christian ministry offering confidential listening and prayer support to anyone who needs it. It’s much like Samaritans but with the added opportunity to bring your situation to God in prayer.

We offer a freephone service, that is open every day from 3pm to 11pm. We already receive over 5000 calls each month, and urgently need to expand the number of our Listeners and extend our opening hours. The ministry is run entirely by volunteers working from home and operates with very little overhead cost, but we still need around 10p per minute to keep the service open and free to all. So, we need your financial support. Your generosity could make an enormous difference.

For further information about how you can support this Christian ministry, please contact Fio Reid, Director: E: Director@newkapporet.org New Kapporet is a registered Charity no. 1188055

THE GIFT OF GIVING

Let’s talk about tax havens. At the outset, it is important to distinguish between countries where the taxes that are levied are relatively low or even nonexistent, and other jurisdictions that enable and facilitate those who are looking to avoid the payment of taxes in higher tax jurisdictions. These arrangements, especially employed by multinational corporations, include lack of transparency regarding company ownership, unwillingness to exchange information and sanctioning “letter box” entities with no real business activity.

Let’s deal first with those “havens” that are often used by individuals, and take as a simple example, the case of a high-net-worth individual who wishes to avoid paying UK income tax by claiming to be resident in a jurisdiction where there are no income taxes. Many countries are in this category, including Bermuda, the Bahamas, the Cayman Islands, most of the Gulf countries and Monaco.

Obtaining residency in such countries can sometimes be as easy as making a certain investment in that territory. In other places it can be more complicated, as is the case in Monaco. The principality has strict criteria to maintain its exclusive status. You must demonstrate sufficient financial resources to support yourself and any dependants without engaging in professional activities within Monaco. You also need to own or rent a property in Monaco and have comprehensive health insurance cover.

But being able to point to a residence in a tax haven is not the only requirement. It is also vital to ensure that you comply with rules that will determine your UK tax residence. The UK uses the statutory residence test to establish residence – this is distinct from the special rules that apply to domicile, which are currently being transformed.

There are various elements to this test, but essentially you are deemed to be a UK resident if you spend 183 days or more in the UK each tax year and your only home is in the UK. There are further rules that can be invoked to determine that you are non-resident.

The Italian flat tax regime is an appealing tax option that is being widely followed by wealthy non-doms departing the UK. Individuals can pay a flat rate of €200,000 annually (recently doubled from the original amount) on all foreign-sourced income, regardless of the amount. If you haven’t lived in Italy for nine out of the last 10 years, you can take advantage of this predictable, fixed rate. Some cantons in Switzerland have offered similar flat tax arrangements for decades.

Surprisingly, the Italian finance minister recently stated that Italy was against the idea of countries competing with each other to offer “fiscal favours” to the wealthy and that it is against engaging in a competition with other countries to create tax havens for people or companies.

The EU’s Tax Observatory, in a recent Global Tax Evasion Report, has criticised the Italian measure as

Policymakers are cracking down on tax avoidance by multinational companies seeking to reduce the amount of tax they pay

WORDS CLIVE CORCORAN

LET’S TALK TAX

unjust and detrimental to state accounts because it offers large exemptions to extremely rich individuals.

HAVING CONSIDERED THE USE OF TAX HAVENS BY INDIVIDUALS, LET’S TURN TO THE MORE WIDELY USED SCHEMES BY MULTINATIONAL CORPORATIONS TO AVOID TAX.

APPLE AND THE IRISH GOVERNMENT

Why is a €13 billion payment by the world’s most valuable company, Apple, sitting in an escrow account being held by the Irish government? The money is in limbo because of a longstanding dispute between Apple and the EU regarding allegations that Apple received favourable tax status in Ireland.

In 1991, Apple executives negotiated an arrangement with the Irish government for favourable tax treatment on income from sales of all its products outside North America. In 2016, the European Commission issued a ruling against Apple, claiming that Ireland had allowed Apple to attribute nearly all its EU earnings to an Irish head office that existed only on paper, thereby avoiding paying tax on EU revenues. The commission said this constituted illegal aid given to Apple by the Irish state.

However, in 2020, the European General Court overturned this decision, ruling that the commission had failed to prove that Ireland gave Apple preferential tax treatment. And in another twist to the story, the European Court of Justice’s Advocate General then recommended that the case must go back to court for reconsideration, which means that as of August 2024, the matter is still pending. It is a rather bizarre situation where Ireland has stated that it doesn’t want to collect the tax, and Apple claims that the correct amount of Irish tax was paid.

PUBLIC OUTCRY OVER ABUSE OF TAX HAVENS

“WHY IS A

In response to such disquiet, several initiatives are being undertaken by policymakers. Among these initiatives one can cite, for example, the OECD Base Erosion and Profit Shifting project. This scheme aims to address tax avoidance by multinational corporations through various measures, including country-by-country reporting, transfer pricing documentation, and preventing harmful tax practices.

THE WORLD’S COMPANY, APPLE, SITTING IN AN ESCROW ACCOUNT GOVERNMENT?”

Protests against companies such as Starbucks and Amazon for seeking out the lowest tax jurisdictions to book sales, and scandals such as Robert Maxwell’s use of Liechtenstein financial institutions to conceal the expropriation of funds, are just some of the many issues that have provoked a public backlash.

The Panama Papers, a massive leak of 11.5 million documents in 2016, exposed how wealthy individuals and public corporations used offshore tax havens to hide assets and evade taxes. The leak implicated politicians, celebrities and business leaders, revealing the extent of global tax evasion and money laundering. It put a focus on the shadowy world of offshore finance, and led to investigations, resignations and calls for reform in numerous countries.

Further efforts are being made by the Financial Action Task Force. This global body is primarily focused on anti-money laundering and financing of terrorism, but also addresses tax evasion by setting international standards.

To focus on just one tax haven, the Cayman Islands has made significant strides in improving transparency. This is evident in its recent removal from the Financial Action Task Force’s grey list and the European Union’s high-risk third countries list.

In addition to the increasing attempts at international cooperation, the growing focus on the ESG agenda among asset managers is an even more important initiative that is driving meaningful changes to the abuse of tax havens.

As for the G in that acronym, which stands for governance, investors are paying closer attention to companies’ tax practices, and tax havens are becoming a key factor in ESG ratings assessments.

Use of tax havens is increasingly being viewed as a poor governance practice, as they often lack transparency and accountability. And in line with the focus on the S, or social responsibility, companies that use tax havens to avoid paying taxes can be seen as demonstrating a lack of social responsibility, as they deprive governments of revenue needed for public services.

GUTENBERG CASTLE, BALZERS, LIECHTENSTEIN

NEW ERA AT THE BEAUMONT

The Beaumont recently celebrated the appointment of its new CEO, Stuart Procter, and the grand opening of 29 luxurious rooms and suites.

Guests included Zara and Mike Tindall, Nicholas Soames, Peter Reid, Tim Burgess of The Charlatans and celebrity hairstylist Josh Wood.

Having recently unveiled the results of a multimillion-pound renovation – featuring an extension to the existing building – and with more major investment on the way, the event marked a new era for The Beaumont under Stuart’s visionary leadership.  m investment on the way, the event marked a new era for The lea dership.

MAYFAIR MEETS MONACO

Mayfair Times owners Selma and Adrian Day were recently in Monaco for a dinner with Dame Shirley Bassey, ahead of the sale of some key items of jewellery next month at Sotheby’s. Guests included etiquette queen Liz Brewer; Stephen Williams, founder of private members’ flying club Super Legacy; Vivian Serota and Mark Cox. The dinner was held on the stunning terrace of the recently revamped Café de Paris.

Tim Burgess and Louise Murray

Stuart Procter

Zara and Mike Tindall and Stuart Procter

Adrian Day and Dame Shirley Bassey

Mark Cox, Vivian Serota, Stephen Williams, Dame Shirley Bassey, Selma Day, Liz Brewer and Adrian Day

Liz Brewer, Dame Shirley Bassey and Selma Day

SURGICAL PRECISION AND ARTISTIC SKILL

Paul Tulley is a Consultant Plastic Surgeon based in London.

He specialises in facial rejuvenation surgery (facelifting) and rhinoplasty surgery for female and male patients. He also performs cosmetic breast surgery, abdominoplasty and body contouring procedures.

MAYFAIR PA AND THE CHESTERFIELD MAYFAIR

DLanson champagne, cocktails and seasonal canapés were served as Mayfair PAs enjoyed an evening in the sunshine in the outdoor courtyard of The Chesterfield Mayfair.

The Chesterfield on Charles Street, part of The Red Carnation Hotel Collection, ran a pop-up Lanson champagne bar for the evening and there was a sweet shop cart serving a selection of sweets and ice cream.

al d an yard The up there of s, e d ers. w evening in The Chest Red Carn Lanson cha was a sw The neighb lunches with Carn

The chateau-style courtyard is the only alfresco venue of its kind in the neighbourhood and is open for leisurely lunches or intimate dinners under the stars, with events that can be elevated by Red Carnation's network of exclusive partners.

THE MILLIONAIRE MAGICIAN

The Millionaire Magician is a renowned magician/mentalist and entertainer celebrated for his extraordinary performances and highly distinguished style.

With his impeccable showmanship and remarkable stage presence, he has become a beloved figure in the world of upper-class magic and live entertainment. His ability to captivate audiences with stunning feats of magic and sleight of hand has earned him global fame and admiration from fans and peers alike.

Richard Stooker (The Millionaire Magician or also called affectionately ‘The Gucci Magician’ by his clients) is one of those high-exclusive entertainers you will find on those high-end events.

We from Mayfair Times are intrigued how he got his two names (the Millionaire Magician & The Gucci Magician) and why he is so successful in that high-end market?

MT: What is the Millionaire Magician?

RS: The Millionaire Magician all-inclusive service is of the highest exclusivity. It involves high-end close-up magic or a 30 minute ‘chamber magic’ performance (magic in a small, intimate setting) for a select group of people performed in total elegance.

MT: All-Inclusive?

RS: The Millionaire Magician is a worldwide Allinclusive magic entertainment service performed in total elegance. This service is meant for clients such as Corporations, UHNWI’s, Celebrities, Royals, etc. with high demands. Clients do who not only appreciate, but demand the utmost in style and class for themselves and their guests with the highest level of privacy. I’m the only magician in the world who offers this exclusive service worldwide.

MT: The Millionaire Magician and Gucci Magician, how did you get those names?

RS: 15 years ago (I’m 53 now) I was invited to perform a couple of weeks in Dubai for a Sheik. The Sheik and his team was organising a lot of high-exclusive events in those 30 days with World leaders, Business people and even Royals. The team couldn’t correctly pronounce my Dutch name Richard Stooker right so one day somebody gave me the nickname ‘Millionaire Magician’ From that day on, I reinvented my work as magician and rebranded myself to the Millionaire Magician with a logo and a 24 carat gold-plated business card for my clients.

The Gucci Magician is the second nickname I got because as an artist sometimes I have to standout a bid so the guests will recognise me easy and therefore on regular base I perform in suits from the exclusive brand Gucci.

MT: Why Gucci and not another exclusive brand?

RS: When I perform I wear other brands as well (Louis Vuitton, Phillip Plein, Burberry, Zegna, Scabal, etc.) depending what the client likes but Gucci fits the style of The Millionaire Magician the best. Nice to know, I have performed for Gucci as well and on the events their clients gave me the second nickname ‘Gucci Magician’ . Who knows one day I’m official ‘The Gucci Magician’ haha.

MT: Why we have to book The Millionaire Magician?

RS: Unlike any other I understand how much the client value excellence, world-class entertainment as well as discretion. Because you, as a client should have the trust and the confidence that your exclusive and highclass event will come to life and that your standards of privacy and discretion will be

upheld with the utmost of care. Because you, as a client want to have live entertainment that fits your exclusive event. An artist that is no outsider to your scene but rather blends in perfectly with your party. Mr. Stooker knows this and has 25 years of experience to guarantees he will.

MT: We understand that you can’t share any details about some clients you have worked for and situations you have got into but without giving names, will you share some of you strangest experiences you have had?

RS: O wow, I have experienced so many strange but also beautiful situations and experiences, I can’t give you specific details but one day during the Cannes Film Festival I had to perform for a well-known celebrity on a yacht. There was a rumour that this celebrity was around Cannes on a yacht but nobody knew exactly on which yacht. Paparazzi’s all over the place and scanning the harbour constantly. The Captain of the yacht asked me to go to a nearby small fishing town to pick me up with the tender. They did this also with bringing the celebrity on shore and picking up again back to the yacht. So a couple of hours later I was back in the hotel and nobody knew I had performed for the celebrity everyone was looking out for!

MT: Thank you for your time for this interview and we hope to see you in Monaco during the Monaco Yacht Show. RS: Thank you for interviewing me for Mayfair Times.

Where can we find or book you?

RS: You can find all information on my website www.millionairemagician.com or WhatsApp me (24/7 service) +31-614674092

MAYFAIR PA AND THE MAYFAIR HOUSE GROUP

Champagne, cocktails and canapés were served as Mayfair House Group welcomed Mayfair PAs to three of its venues in Shepherd Market. Espresso martini cocktails kicked off the evening at the group’s newest café-bar, Cherry Tree Yard, before continuing with Piper-Heidsieck champagne at Clemence Bar with its covered courtyard. The last stop was at Shepherd Market Wine for wine, cheese and charcuterie. Housed in a Georgian townhouse, there are more than 300 bins to enjoy by the glass or bottle.

cockta continuin t Clemen cheese a townhou o enjoy at the groups a courtyard . The Wine for wine , in a 300 bins t

Phong Vong, Phuong Nguyen

Grace Guinn, Ellie Freimuller

Phoebe Exon, Izabella Oostra

Selma Day, Nathan Lowry

Francesca Tracey, Anthea CanadineBate

Amber Olivares, Lena Le

NEOGEN

NeoGen generates plasma from nitrogen gas, resulting in regulated thermal energy that may be precisely delivered to the skin. This energy sets off a chain reaction that has positive effects, addressing numerous concerns at once, including wrinkles and lines, the eye region, and skin tightening.

EXPERTS IN THE NATURAL LOOK

TRANSFORMATION FACELIFTTM

Our Transformation Facelift™ is a bespoke medical treatment developed by Doctor Nyla, exclusively offered at her clinics. This advanced treatment combines a range of incredible antiageing techniques,

allowing patients to achieve a more youthful appearance and treatment, patients will experience skin, with continued improvements visible for up to six months.

unique needs, providing a rejuvenating experience that leaves them looking and feeling ten years younger.

and Medical Director of Doctor Nyla Medispa Cheshire is a highly respected and much sought after cosmetic Dermatology GP and is considered one of the top cosmetic doctors in the country. Having practised medicine for over 20 years and having personally delivered over 200,000 treatments with truly exceptional results, she has gained the admiration of the industry.

COOLSCULPTING

Doctor Nyla Medispa have the latest technologies to help contour and transform the body. The CoolSculpting Elite is even more powerful and with larger sized applicators to freeze even more fat - the results are seen even quicker than traditional

EXILIS ELITE

Exilis Elite uses radiofrequency to gently heat the dermis and cause new collagen growth deep within the dermal layer. When used as a bodysculpting treatment, it also targets unwanted fat cells using radiofrequency waves, breaking fat cells down so that the body can

CoolSculpting. One of the best things about CoolSculpting Elite is that we can treat two areas at once.

body solution – reducing body fat and tightening the skin, all without the need for surgery!

MAYFAIR MOVERS & PARK LANE SHAKERS...

THE EXPERIENCE WITHIN MAYFAIR

Soak up the scene. Feel the vibe. Make your mark at Metropolitan Casinos.

While the end of summer draws closer with the year seeming to fly by, we continue to look ahead to our Mayfair Times Community Awards, which will take place in January in the ballroom of The Biltmore hotel in Grosvenor Square.

With so many deserving individuals and businesses within Mayfair, St James’s and Marylebone, we started early – with our two previous editions of the magazine spotlighting the Only in St James’s and Only in Mayfair categories, Bright Young Thing, Hospitality Hero and Lifetime Achievement. Now, we turn our attention to three award categories that are just as important and embody what makes this area one of the most celebrated luxury destinations on the planet.

Mayfair and St James’s are undoubtedly the focal point of London’s art world. The three leading auction houses – Christie’s, Sotheby’s and Bonhams – are joined by a plethora of institutions and galleries that shine a light on established and emerging artists as well as cultural objects from throughout history.

The Mayfair Times Community Awards are back for the 10th year. Now’s the time to nominate a person or business who you think deserves recognition

DAY

From the likes of the Royal Academy of Arts, which held its 255th Summer Exhibition this year; Maddox Gallery, which recently expanded its Berkeley Street site; the Royal Society of Portrait Painters, which has nurtured some of the UK’s finest portraitists; and JC Gallery and the Arts Club, which support art therapies for children and offer prizes to emerging artists respectively – to gems such as Eskenazi, JD Malat and the Cork Street Galleries including Sam Fogg, Nahmad Projects, Goodman Gallery, Alison Jacques and countless others – the quality of the area’s artistic offering is unparalleled.

When you also consider the major art fairs that arrive in Mayfair each year (PAD London and Lapada both return to Berkeley Square next month) to showcase objects of beauty – and the fact that even our restaurants display remarkable artworks by blue-chip artists, namely Mount St Restaurant and The Cocochine – it is clear that art is at the heart of what makes these neighbourhoods so special.

Visual art aside, fantastic bookshops including Shapero Rare Books, Mayfair Rare Books and Manuscripts, and Peter Harrington Rare Books

“OUR FAMILIAR FACES HELP CREATE A ‘HOME AWAY FROM HOME’ IN MAYFAIR – AND THEY PLAY A KEY ROLE IN OUR LOCAL COMMUNITY”

Adam Lake, general manager at The Hotel

all help inspire us with strikingly beautiful editions of important works; while the Jermyn Street Theatre, Theatre Royal Haymarket and His Majesty’s Theatre offer a stage for timeless tales and up-and-coming directors.

So it was a given that at this edition of the awards – our 10th – we would put on a pedestal those companies and people who enhance our experience of the world and our area through arts and culture.

The Arts & Culture award is sponsored by hospitality and development group Artfarm, founded by Manuela and Iwan Wirth, which operates some of London and the UK’s most exciting venues including Mount St Restaurant, The Audley Public House and Farm Shop (home to perhaps the best wine bar in London).

Next up is the At Your Service category. This award looks to champion a company or person who puts service for the local community at the heart of their operation – of which there are many in Mayfair, St James’s and Marylebone.

“We are delighted to be working with the Mayfair Times Community Awards again for 2025, and to support the At Your Service category,” says Paul Jackson, general manager at Claridge’s.

“At Claridge’s, the art of service informs everything we do as a team for our guests and is something we take pride in. Exemplary service is key to making emotional

AWARD CATEGORIES

Only in Mayfair Independent or long-time retailer in the area, or a business that engages with the local community.

Only in St James’s Independent or long-time retailer in the area, or a business that engages with the local community.

Only in Marylebone Independent or long-time retailer in the area, or a business that engages with the local community.

At Your Service

A company or person that puts service for the local community at the heart of their operation.

Commercial Newcomer

A commercial occupier, new to the area, that has enhanced the area’s appeal.

Unsung Hero

Could be a receptionist, PA or cleaner. Here is an opportunity for companies to seek recognition for a valued team member.

Long Service

Someone who has served the local community for many years and has enhanced the lives of others.

Bright Young Thing

A young person (aged 35 or under) who has made a significant contribution to the community.

Hospitality Hero

A respected ambassador for a club, restaurant or hotel.

Lifetime Achievement

An individual who has made a big difference to the area.

Friend of the Earth

A person or business that is making great strides towards a sustainable future.

Doorman of the Year

A respected ambassador for a club, restaurant or hotel.

Charitable Champion

Recognises a person or business that has done outstanding work for a good cause.

Arts & Culture

Words, pictures, dance, music, mime... the canvas of creativity is wide and enhances our experience of the world and our area.

connections with each guest, creating new memories and, of course, giving them a reason to come back.

“Therefore, it is a pleasure to see the members of our Mayfair community who are nominated for their excellence in this field and to raise a glass to celebrating outstanding service!”

Our last awards saw Mike Dunn take home the trophy, for his involvement in the Mayfair community for more than 20 years as a member of various committees, giving up his time to represent residents at groups in Westminster and the West End while also chairing a number of them, including Mayfair Residents Group and the Mayfair Neighbourhood Forum. Previous editions have seen winners including Esther Winyard from Fortnum & Mason’s Food Hall, Wetherell estate agent’s managing director, Peter Wetherell, and the much-reliedupon Audley Pharmacy.

This year sees London Craft Week celebrate its 10th anniversary – a milestone potentially deserving of the award for its efforts to promote Mayfair and St James’s well-established love affair with craftsmanship. Then there’s North Row shop Mayfair Food Fayre, which has long been a useful offering for those who live and work here; Bluebird Care Westminster & City of London, which tirelessly provides essential home care for those in need; and Heart of London Business Alliance (Holba), which for the past 20 years has been the catalyst for positive change in the West End, representing over 500 businesses and property owners in the

wellestablished love affair there’s North Row which ha for those Bluebird of Londo essential a nd Hear t (Holba), w been the c a in the West businesses a a rea

The f inal month is L o someone fo t supre at v i Mi R ich and co The R De C o

The final category to consider this month is Long Service, which honours someone who has served the local community for many years and has enhanced the lives of others. We are supremely lucky that the area attracts individuals at the very top of their fields; those who hold true service in high regard, providing assured expertise, either to their businesses or to us as customers, in order to make all of our lives easier. In previous ceremonies, we have awarded those who exemplify this dedication to service, including Claridge’s butler Michael Lynch, Savile Row tailor Richard Anderson, specialist tea and coffee merchant Tony Higgins, The Ritz’s head hall porter Michael De Cozar and Dr Andrea Tanner,

“AT CLARIDGE’S, THE ART OF SERVICE INFORMS EVERYTHING WE DO AS A TEAM FOR OUR GUESTS AND IS SOMETHING WE TAKE PRIDE IN”

Fortnum & Mason’s archivist for nearly three decades.

“As a part of The Red Carnation Hotel Collection, The Chesterfield Mayfair is proud to sponsor the Long Service award,” says Adam Lake, general manager of the Charles Street hotel.

“We are passionate about our people, and we know they are the key to delivering warm and caring service and creating memorable experiences for guests. Our familiar faces help create a ‘home away from home’ in Mayfair –and they play a key role in our local community.”

Among the many individuals or organisations one might consider nominating to receive the Long Service award are the Residents’ Society of Mayfair & St James’s, which is celebrating 50 years since its inception; and Nathan Lowry, founder of Pall Mall Fine Wine, who has operated the Shepherd Market Wine House for close to a decade.

Then there’s the longstanding and acclaimed chef John Williams, who has manned the stoves at The Ritz’s Michelin-starred dining room for more than 20 years; Wendy Langley, head barber at Truefitt & Hill – the oldest barbers in the world – who has sharpened up the likes of the Duke of Edinburgh; and Andrew Rowley of Budd, who has loyally served the shirt-making company since the early 1980s.

For all of these and more talented individuals and businesses to be recognised for their hard work, it’s down to you – the very people who benefit from their initiatives and experience – to sing their praises.

To submit a nomination, scan the QR code or visit mayfairtimes.co.uk/awards-2025

HEADLINE SPONSOR

SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS

JERMYN STREET THEATRE

ROYAL ACADEMY OF ARTS

THE ROSEWOOD CHANCERY

ALL ABOUT PREVENTIVE MEDICINE

A new concept preventive medicine clinic has been brought to Mayfair with the new addition of Dr. Doris Clinic at 46 Albemarle Street. In this quick Q&A, we find out more from Dr. Doris about Preventative medicine and what her new clinic will bring to our Mayfair residents.

What is preventive medicine, and why is it important?

Preventive medicine is the key to not just living longer, but living well. At its core, it’s about enhancing your quality of life and preserving your vitality as you age. By focusing on early detection and proactive health management, preventive strategies can dramatically reduce the risk of chronic diseases and ensure you enjoy a vibrant, active life. Often, serious conditions like cancer develop silently, without any symptoms, until it’s too late. However, with advanced early detection techniques, we can increase the chances of survival by more than tenfold, giving you peace of mind and a healthier future.

How does your clinic approach prevention?

At our clinic, we believe that knowing your body inside and out is the ultimate form of self-care. Prevention starts with an annual comprehensive check-up—a bespoke “MOT” designed to uncover potential issues before they become serious. Our health monitoring program is at the cutting edge of preventive care, featuring a radiationfree full-body Electro Interstitial Scan. This state-of-the-art scan gathers data from more than 200 points in your body, offering unparalleled insights into areas that may require attention. Additionally, our advanced blood tests cover more than 57 health parameters, assess your biological age, and can detect over 50 types of cancer at an early stage— well before symptoms appear. We also offer a full dental check-up using microscopic imaging and 3D digital intraoral scans, ensuring that even the smallest issues are addressed before they can impact your health.

Beyond health screenings, how can one prevent disease development?

Prevention isn’t just about screenings—it’s a lifestyle. Adopting a healthy diet, regular exercise, Stress management, quality sleep, and nurturing social connections are vital components of a healthy lifestyle. By taking control of your health proactively, you can prevent minor issues from escalating into serious concerns, ensuring that your body and mind remain in harmony.

How does preventive medicine contribute to anti-aging?

s, assess your early stage eck-up ng our health. t ing nd nurturing le. sues f rom nd mind aging? ns becomes weapon ert team can ue needs, y, ality y

As we age, maintaining our physical and cognitive functions becomes increasingly important. Preventive medicine is your secret weapon against the natural decline that comes with aging. Our expert team can create a personalized prevention plan tailored to your unique needs, taking into account your specific risk factors, family history, and lifestyle. This proactive approach will enhance your quality of life, allowing you to remain active, independent, and fully engaged in the activities you love.

Dental check up with microscopic imaging

What other luxury services are offered at your clinic?

Our clinic is also a sanctuary for those who value their well-being. We offer an exclusive range of advanced anti-aging treatments, including Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy, PEMF (Pulsed Electromagnetic Field) therapy, Hydroactive Circulation Boosting Massage Beds, and Emsculpt. These cutting-edge technologies target various aspects of aging, from promoting healing and preventing cholesterol buildup to reducing the risk of cancer and strengthening muscles. Our Anti-Aging membership program is designed for those who want to invest in their health; members typically attend about eight sessions, or four hours per week, choosing from a range of treatments that rejuvenate and repair the body. Additionally, we offer the highest standard of care through our on-site doctors and dentists, all within a luxurious, state-of-the-art facility. For added convenience, our medical concierge service is available to assist with all your medical appointments across London, ensuring your experience is seamless and

Dr. Doris Clinic offers MEDICAL, DENTAL AND ANTI-AGEING MEDICINE services and is located at 46 Albemarle Street, W1S 4JN. Contact: 020 7052 3870 Email: Reception@drdoris.co.uk assist w ith a ll your medica l appointm ensuring your is a n stress-f ree. DENTAL AND 46 Albemarle W1S Reception@drdoris.co

Electrointerstitial early health warningnon invasive scan for the assessment of body function and ageing.

Hyperbaric oxygen anti-ageing cabin

Glowing skin remains the holy grail, and achieving the glassy, poreless effect requires a three-fold approach: daily skincare, in-salon treatments, and the right makeup.

Dr Paris Acharya is co-founder of The Ardour Clinic, new to Marylebone on Devonshire Street. “Maintain an effective skincare routine. Often, people can get overwhelmed by the products and ingredients on offer, but you actually only need a handful,” she says.

“We recommend ZO Skin Health,” says Dr Joney de Souza, on Blandford Street. “We also recommend skincare which contains glycolic and lactic acids to aid the removal of dead skin cells.”

After cleansing, add in moisture. “Many people think that a moisturiser is enough to hydrate your skin [but] serums provide the nourishment that a moisturiser can’t,” says Dr Acharya. “The molecules in a serum are much smaller and therefore can penetrate deeper into the skin for more effective results. I highly rate Allskin Med’s Firming Serum.”

Then use a moisturiser morning and night, plus SPF for the daytime. Hyaluronic acid is a hydrating ingredient to look out for, or try Tatcha’s The Dewy Skin Cream (from £24 at Selfridges), which contains Japanese purple rice for a plump, dewy finish.

Now, top up the glow with salon treatments. “PicoSure laser treatment reduces pigmentation, evens out skin tone and texture and brightens the complexion,” says Dr de Souza; while the Detoxygenate facial at The Ardour uses advanced oxygen therapy technology to oxygenate and

revive dull skin. It draws oxygen to the surface, leaving skin radiant and glowing.

Eleanor Hartley owns Hart Medical at 13 Lancashire Court. For her signature “glass skin” glow, she recommends microinfusion or microneedling a customised regenerative recipe, such as exosomes derived from stem cells, targeted to stimulate tissue regeneration and repair in the skin.

This is combined with a new product called P-TIOX, which works to reduce the appearance of large pores, surface texture and fine static lines. She finishes with a chemical peel, which

When it comes to beauty, dewy, healthy-looking skin is top of many people’s wishlists. Here’s how to get it

WORDS CHARLOTTE PASHA

READY, SET, GLOW

YACHT LIVING MEANS SHOES OFF – HERE’S HOW TO GET YOUR FEET IN THEIR BEST SHAPE

resurfaces the outer layer of the epidermis, reducing excess oil, texture, keratoses and discolouration. She then recommends a 48-hour skincare and makeup fast, to support healing and rebalance the skin’s PH.

ring finger instead of you

Dr Acharya also suggests facial massage, which increases skin’s natural glow due to stimulating blood flow. “Using the palm of your hands, start at your forehead and apply slight pressure. Slowly and gently stretch the skin down towards the lymph nodes in your neck, urging any remaining lymph to move down and drain here. For the eye area, switch to your ring finger instead of your palm as this is the most delicate area on your face. Repeat these movements five to 10 times, two to three times a week.”

Once you’re looking after your skin, makeup will have the best possible canvas to work on – and the better your skin, the less you need. U Beauty’s Super Tinted Hydrator (£98 at Harrods) provides a light, sheer base with a dewy finish. Top with Rare Beauty’s Positive Light Liquid Luminizer on the areas of the face the sun naturally hits: the light-reflecting pearl particles provide a luminous finish. And Hourglass’s Unreal Liquid Blush (£28 at Selfridges) provides the perfect just-back-from-a-run flush.

get rid

any

A pedicure at Townhouse will set you up perfectly for barefoot living. “Shades including sunshine yellows, vibrant lavender and magenta pinks are all the rage,” says Juanita Huber-Millet, founder and creative director at Townhouse.

The House of Elemis, 2 Lancashire Court

Margaret Dabbs’ Intensive Hydrating Foot Lotion is one to pack – it’ll

of

nasty hard skin. £26, 7 New Cavendish Street

Have a soak in these Wildsmith bath salts to keep your heels soft and ease aching feet. £55, Liberty

argar o it ’ll ty hard skin. w Cavendish St

ST S

et Dabbs’ Intensive

THE HVN – YOUR NEW HOME FOR CONSCIOUS WELLBEING

The HVN, located in the heart of Knightsbridge, offers a pioneering sanctuary of comprehensive wellness programmes carried out by world-class specialists, therapists, and medical practitioners. Seamlessly blending luxury with expertise, The HVN is London’s new premier destination for science-based health and conscious wellbeing. The goal is to challenge an industry built on one-size-fits-all programs and prescriptive methods by empowering clients to become architects of their own health, enabling them to feel, look, and live healthier. This approach is defined as conscious wellbeing. With the help of a dedicated team, clients are encouraged to embark on a wellness journey that nurtures the most important relationship in our lives – the relationship with ourselves.

Every detail of The HVN’s space has been designed with this vision in mind. Upon arrival, guests are welcomed into an oasis of calm and tranquillity away from the bustling crowds of Knightsbridge. Enhanced by therapeutic and restorative exclusive HVN scents, the space draws inspiration from the warmth and cocooning feel of ancestral caves and lush green forests. Organic forms, natural textures, and diffused lighting create a primal connection with the environment, fostering a sense of being in nature amidst urban city life.

Before the appointment, guests are offered the signature HVN Jaal Tea in the Forest Bathing pre-treatment area. Inspired by the ancient Japanese practice of Shinrin Yoku, the area provides a unique sensory experience that evokes the lushness of woodland flora. This immersive environment harnesses the health benefits of Forest Bathing by promoting a deep connection with nature. Through the integration of biophilia, circadian lighting, bespoke fragrances, and gentle birdsong, The HVN beautifully captures the calm essence of the forest.

During the consultation with The HVN’s medical director, Dr. Tanja Phillips, clients receive a fully integrated health evaluation, which takes into account medical history, physiology, lifestyles and habits, and emotional and mental wellbeing. Skin and body analysis, along with other relevant tests, may be prescribed to provide a comprehensive health overview. A bespoke program is then created using a 360 proactive health approach to help clients work towards optimised, long-lasting outcomes.

The services offered include state-of-the-art Fotona 4D laser technology, a medical-grade hyperbaric chamber, Ayurvedicinspired therapies, and modern insights into gut health. Scalp and hair treatments, along with IV infusions, are also available. A standout feature is the Cocoon Room, home to the UK’s first

Hydrobed, which provides a distinctive experience merging the benefits of dry flotation with hands-on therapies.

A red carpet celebrity favourite is the signature Acuskinlift TM Method, exclusively created and designed by global leading pioneer of acupuncture and holistic skin health, Dr. John Tsagaris. This wholly innovative advanced facial treatment is a holistic approach to total skin rejuvenation and is loved by editors and celebrities alike for the immediate ‘natural lift’ with incredible contouring and sculpting effects. Through his Acuskinlift MethodTM, Dr. Tsagaris has mastered the artful precision of skin needling to address the loss of facial volume and firmness by naturally boosting collagen and elastin. Transformative skin rejuvenation is immediate and noticeably continues to improve for weeks after the treatment thanks to the blend of fascia release, LED, and cocktails of active serums expertly applied via Nappage Mesotherapy.

The team is dedicated to continuously developing innovative treatments with on-site Functional Medicine experts, leveraging each doctor’s expertise across their distinct approaches to health and wellbeing. Ultimately, the HVN’s goal is to redefine longevity as the conscious embrace of a healthy, happy, and fulfilling lifestyle.

“ORGANIC FORMS, NATURAL TEXTURES, AND DIFFUSED LIGHTING CREATE A PRIMAL CONNECTION WITH THE ENVIRONMENT, FOSTERING A SENSE OF BEING IN NATURE AMIDST URBAN CITY LIFE.”

HIGH FLYER

Entrepreneur Stephen Williams is sitting outside his favourite restaurant – Scott’s on Mount Street – after lunch and a cigar from Sautter. We caught up with him to talk about his private members’ flying club, Super Legacy

AS TOLD TO SELMA DAY

WHEN AND WHY DID YOU SET UP SUPER LEGACY?

Flying aeroplanes has been in my blood since I was 25 years old, but my interest wasn’t just about flying for the sake of it. I owned an international wine business for 30 years, and I would travel every week. My interest in private flying provided me with the means to travel independently and efficiently. After selling out of my wine business in 2017 I was excited by the refreshing change, of course, and turned my hobby into another business.

WHAT DO YOU OFFER?

At Super Legacy we do three things. The first is that we upgrade what is already one of the safest and most versatile aircraft ever built, the Pilatus PC12. Our PC12-SLXP is more comfortable, quieter, a little faster and takes off shorter than the standard Swiss

factory model, so we can use many more small aerodromes and landing strips very safely.

The second is that, alongside our PC12-SLXP, we also own and operate an upgraded Piaggio Avanti – the world’s fastest turboprop aircraft. We can fly at 40,000 feet at 500mph and our carbon emissions per mile are less than a typical five-tonne truck. It has the lowest carbon footprint per mile of any jet aircraft, yet it is so fast and comfortable.

The third is that we offer a syndicated owner flying club, which enables our members to own a share in our aircraft without any capital outlay or any commitment to certain hours, but allows them to be flown privately and safely by our highly professional pilots wherever and whenever they want.

WHY USE SUPER LEGACY?

Because we are a private club, we have a

completely different ethos to a charter operator or airline. We know and fulfil our members’ travel patterns and preferences with intimacy. This means our members travel on their own schedule, unlike flying with an airline where you have to fit in with their timetable and arrive at an airport hours before departure.

WHAT'S UNIQUE ABOUT WHAT YOU ARE OFFERING?

With Super Legacy you fly your same plane with your same highly trained and experienced crew on most of your journeys. It really is an individual travel experience. Our members are collected from home or work by our dedicated ground transport to the aircraft door and on arrival to their hotel or destination. Several of our members have pet dogs, so Super Legacy is an approved carrier licensed to bring pets in and out of the UK. It’s a pretty unique service.

WHO ARE YOU AIMING AT?

Our members are usually super-active entrepreneurs who value time and efficiency as a key element in managing their business and family success. Some are in financial services, private equity. Yachting and shipbuilding is also a common sector among our members, as is communications and media. Right now our membership is fully subscribed but inevitably there are spaces that become available with each season. We are also currently refurbishing

a further aircraft that will open up eight new member places.

WHAT ARE YOUR MOST POPULAR ROUTES?

Pretty much every week we seem to operate between London and Monaco. Our base at Denham Aerodrome is just 45 minutes from Claridge’s, and Monaco is about the same from our base at Cannes Mandelieu Airport. In both cases it is a car-to-aircraft-door experience. Our aircraft and crew can operate safely into the mountain altiports, so during the winter months the Alpine destinations like Courchevel, St Moritz and Gstaad are popular. The autumn and winter also open up the hunting and fishing destinations in Scotland, the Lake District and Ireland.

HOW ABOUT THE MONACO MARKET?

Fifty per cent of our members are Monaco residents. I have a home in the south of France so it’s been a natural on-the-doorstep market. Our Monaco membership includes three of the top superyacht brokerage companies, hence we are regularly flying between Monaco and the shipyards in Amsterdam, Bremen and Hamburg or Viareggio. Monaco is a great place to do business.

DO YOU SEE A SYNERGY BETWEEN MAYFAIR AND MONACO?

There is a lot in common, mainly the international business community that thrives in Mayfair and Monaco. Dining at the Café de Paris or Rampoldi you are likely to find your neighbouring table occupied by someone you met at Harry’s Bar or 5 Hertford Street.

WHAT'S THE BEST PART OF YOUR JOB?

One might expect me to say take-off from a glaciated runway in the Alps, or landing on an island strip in Greece – and [those experiences are] indeed memorable. Often our members use their aircraft to achieve several meetings in various European cities in the same day. It’s not so unusual to have breakfast in the café at Denham or Fairoaks in the UK, lunch in Frankfurt or Milan, and dinner in Athens. However, it’s the people I meet that make life so interesting – our flying members, fellow aviators and our professional pilots, as well as the guys who keep our aircraft maintained. They are all a great team.

The chairman and CEO of Sotheby’s International Realty France – Monaco and all-round renaissance man Alexander Kraft has turned his passions into a multifaceted brand

WORDS WILL MOFFITT

Alexander Kraft is telling me about luxury; about what it is and what it isn’t. There’s no bling or Balenciaga for Monaco’s sharply suited renaissance man. Instead the chairman and CEO of Sotheby’s International Realty France – Monaco stands for a style and charm that is wrapped up in old-world glamour.

“True luxury is about artisanship, it’s about experiences, it’s about savoir faire, but also savoir vivre,” Kraft tells me. “I don’t smoke cigars because it’s chic. I was introduced to cigars by my grandfather. I love tailoring, not because it’s fancy, but because I love the workmanship behind it.”

A connoisseur and an insatiable collector of art, antiques, classic cars and wine, Kraft has garnered a reputation as a bon vivant. While his demanding day job at Sotheby’s is the number one priority, his passions have become businesses, morphing into a fully fledged lifestyle brand. Posts of Provençal hideaways, yachts and impossibly cool cars litter Kraft’s Instagram. At the time of writing he has 448,000 followers, many presumably quite taken by his idyllic and aspirational endorsement of the good life.

“I love what I do. It’s certainly not as easy as it looks on Instagram,” Kraft tells me when I ask how he spins so many plates with seemingly effortless elan. “They are only the nice snippets, because nobody wants to see you behind the computer for 12 hours locked in Zoom calls.”

Recently the entrepreneur has been putting in the hours opening a new store in Monte Carlo. His high-end sartorial men’s collection, which combines bespoke Savile Row-standard tailoring with a soft Italian style, has been an online enterprise since its launch in May 2020.

THE ART OF KRAFT

Now Kraft has a store in a former art gallery, where he has tried to replicate his “personal universe”. Sadly my tour is via Zoom, but the overall aesthetic is quintessentially Kraft. There’s a portrait of Winston Churchill hanging on a wall; an old Dunhill humidor filled with cigars from his own brand; polo sticks he “used to play with” and, of course, the clothing, which is sleek and impeccably presented.

It looks like a fun place to spend an hour or so. A couple of Kraftonis – his premixed negroni brand – await thirsty customers and in the middle, there’s a coffee shop “where you can get a coffee to go, because that doesn’t exist in Monte Carlo”. On top of all this is an original work by Modigliani.

You’d be forgiven for thinking you’d stumbled into the Alexander Kraft museum, but that is precisely the point. “I didn’t create a brand

“I HAD A BAD CASE OF APPENDICITIS AND I ALMOST DIED. I SAID TO MYSELF, LIFE IS TOO SHORT TO DIE IN SWITZERLAND”

THE CONNAUGHT

This has been my favourite London hotel for more than 20 years; with its cosy atmosphere and superattentive staff, it always feels like coming home. The spa, the bar and the new cigar lounge are particular favourites.

GRAYS ANTIQUE MARKET

Just a few steps from Claridge’s, this indoor antique market is a great source for vintage collectables such as antique silver, jewellery, vases or luggage.

and persona to go with it. It started with my persona. It’s a very personal brand,” Kraft tells me.

“I only do clothes that I would wear personally. People tell me: ‘You should do a black suit or a charcoal suit’. I hate charcoal suits. For me, those are for undertakers.”

Kraft ended up in Monaco after a moment of soul searching. His career at Sotheby’s was flourishing. Promoted to European manager for Sotheby’s Realty after a stint in Los Angeles, he purchased Sotheby’s Realty for France and Monaco in 2004.

“I first set up the company in Switzerland, because it was a convenient thing to do. And then around 2006 or 2007, I had a health scare,” he recalls. “I had a bad case of appendicitis and I almost died. I said to myself, life is too short to die in Switzerland.”

A move to Monaco’s sunny climes ensued. “I’ve been here since early 2007 so 18 years now, and I have never regretted it,” he says. “It’s like a village here, but you have all the conveniences of a big city.”

During that time Kraft has seen the principality evolve to suit new tastes and a younger, affluent demographic. “When I arrived, the whole principality had — how shall I put it — a whiff of the 80s still about it,” he recalls. “I moved here when I was in my 30s, and when you went out for dinner, you always saw lots of older people, so you felt like a teenager almost in comparison.

“The restaurants had been around for a long time, but the dining scene wasn’t really comparable to the restaurant scene of Paris or London,” Kraft continues. “In the past 10 years that has really changed with the arrival of well-known brands like Cipriani and Nobu.”

While Monaco’s gastronomy has diversified to suit international tastes, Kraft is less complimentary about some of the fashion brands that these clientele wear and frequent. “One of the reasons I’m doing what I’m doing is that I hate this ostentatious luxury lifestyle branding game of today,” he says.

Instead, Monaco’s resident renaissance man wants to deliver timeless, tasteful products that are simple and well made, but not overpriced: “True luxury, for me, is about taste, attention to detail and attention to the right things.”

The launch of a new store feels less like a denouement and more of a mise en scène. Take it from the man himself: there is a lot more Kraftising to be done.

HARRY’S BAR & 5 HERTFORD STREET

I have been a member of Harry’s Bar – as well as Mark’s Club and Annabel’s – and 5 Hertford Street for ages, so I always visit them when I’m in town.

BURLINGTON ARCADE & SAVILE ROW

My first order of business when arriving in London is a stroll through Burlington Arcade towards Savile Row. I seldom return emptyhanded from this walk...

ALEXANDER KRAFT: FOUR MAYFAIR FAVOURITES

SPACE

PROPERTY NEWS

Monaco is the world’s most expensive address

MOST WANTED A jaw-dropping development that is attracting global interest

INTERIORS

Style trends for superyachts

PROPERTY

MONACO MOST EXCLUSIVE ENCLAVE

WORDS WILL MOFFITT

APARTMENT IN BERKELEY SQUARE’S ONLY RESIDENTIAL BUILDING FOR SALE

An apartment within the only residential building in Berkeley Square is for sale. Priced at £7 million and newly listed with United Kingdom Sotheby’s International Realty, the lavish two-bedroom property boasts a 30ft reception room with five windows and a living and dining space adjacent to a fully-equipped kitchen and guest powder room. The primary bedroom features an en suite bathroom and sauna, along with a second en suite bedroom, both overlooking a courtyard.

Home to private members’ club Annabel’s, along with renowned restaurants and auction houses such as Phillips, Berkeley Square also has a rich history. Named after the Berkeley family, whose London home stood nearby until 1733, the square was designed by William Kent, the leading architect of early Georgian Britain.

National icons including Winston Churchill, Oscar Wilde and George Canning have lived in the prestigious square, bestowing it with a heritage that transcends Mayfair and central London.

Contact Simon Burgoyne, senior director of sales: 07771 128 385

£100 MILLION DROP IN BILLIONAIRES BUYING MANSIONS AND PENTHOUSES

Competition from Dubai, concerns about a Labour government and taxation worries have led the world’s super-rich to spend less and buy smaller homes in prime central London during the first half of 2024, compared with the same period in 2023, according to a new wealth survey.

Derived from a mid-year 2024 edition of the annual Billionaire Buyers in London survey by Beauchamp Estates, the report cross-analysed sales of luxury residential properties valued at more than £15 million between January and June 2024, compared with the same period in 2023.

Between that period there have been £731 million worth of deals agreed for the sale of ultra-prime homes in prime central London priced above £15 million. This is almost £100 million less (a 12 per cent drop) on the £829 million worth of deals agreed in 2023.

The figures show that London is facing rising competition from locations including the French Riviera, Miami and Dubai. In 2023 the number of deals in Dubai rose by almost 30 per cent and there were twice as many deals for homes valued over £15 million compared with London.

MONACO IS MOST EXPENSIVE ADDRESS

Monaco has the most expensive residential housing market in the world, with prices per square metre of about £40,375 according to Savills’ 2024 report. Despite registering property price growth of only 0.9 per cent last year, the principality’s capital values and monthly rental prices surpass those of Hong Kong, New York, Geneva, London and Miami.

GROSVENOR SQUARE

MAYFAIR W1

WIDELY

ACKNOWLEDGED TO BE THE FINEST APARTMENT BUILDING ON THE SOUTH SIDE OF GROSVENOR SQUARE, THIS IMPRESSIVE LATERAL APARTMENT OF MORE THAN 5,000 SQUARE FEET, WITH 3M CEILING HEIGHTS, ENJOYS UNPARALLELED VIEWS ACROSS THE SQUARE, AS WELL AS A SHARE OF THE FREEHOLD AND 24 HOUR PORTER.

THE FLAT IS VAST AND PLENTIFUL WITH THREE ADJACENT RECEPTION ROOMS TOTALLING 63 FEET IN LENGTH FACING THE SQUARE. IN ADDITION THE APARTMENT OFFERS FOUR MAIN BEDROOMS, AN IMPRESSIVE ENTRANCE HALL AND EXTENSIVE STAFF ACCOMMODATION.

ACCOMMODATION & AMENITIES

• ENTRANCE HALL • DRAWING ROOM • FORMAL DINING ROOM • STUDY • 32 FOOT RECEPTION ROOM

• FOUR DOUBLE BEDROOMS • FOUR BATHROOMS (ONE EN-SUITE) • GUEST CLOAKROOM • SOUTH

FACING BALCONY • KITCHEN • TWO STAFF

BEDROOMS • STAFF RECEPTION ROOM • STAFF

BATHROOM • LAUNDRY ROOM • IMPRESSIVE

BUILDING ENTRANCE HALL • TWO PASSENGER LIFTS

• 24 HOUR UNIFORMED PORTER

TENURE: 984 YEAR LEASE PLUS SHARE OF THE FREEHOLD PRICE: £18,000,000

Joint Sole Agents

Alastair Nicholson 120a Mount Street, London W1K 3NN 020 7499 1012

Alastair.Nicholson@knightfrank.com knightfrank.co.uk

parw@wetherell.co.uk

wetherell.co.uk

A fabulous three bedroom apartment with its own private entrance

Park Lane, Mayfair, W1

This beautifully presented three bedroom duplex apartment enjoys one of London’s most prestigious addresses. This outstanding property is accessed from its own private street entrance on Park Street from where a spacious entrance hall leads into a fabulous reception room with grand proportions and high ceilings with French doors opening onto a terrace over-looking the private sunken courtyard patio garden. There is a fully-equipped designer kitchen/breakfast room, principal bedroom suite with dressing room and bathroom and two further bedrooms with ensuite bathrooms. There is also a sun room with direct access to the garden terraces.

Part of a redevelopment completed in 2005, the apartment is presented in immaculate condition and finished to the highest standard with air-cooling, lutron lighting and a home automation system. The property also benefits from a day-time porter and is situated directly opposite Hyde Park as well as perfectly located for the exclusive amenities that Mayfair has on its doorstep.

GUIDE PRICE

£6,500,000 subject to contract

TENURE

Leasehold - Approx. 178 years

SERVICE CHARGE

£12,000 per annum

GROUND RENT

Peppercorn

EPC RATING C

COUNCIL TAX BAND H SIZE

2,897 sq ft / 269 sq m

CONTACT

MAYFAIR OFFICE

+44 (0)20 7409 9001

adham.hakmi@harrodsestates.com

Stunning three bedroom property in Park House with 24hr Concierge

North Row, Mayfair, W1

This new landmark building of extraordinary proportions and luxurious aesthetics, benefits from 24 hour concierge and an underground car park. Inside, meticulous attention to detail features the highest spec finishes, in a warm and contemporary style. Service extends to a 24/7 concierge service, secure allocated parking and comfort cooling. With generous use of light and space, each of the 39 apartments is unique in layout and all are furnished individually with contemporary designs featuring the latest in smart-home technology and high spec AV systems. Apartment 6.01 is a duplex penthouse apartment on the sixth and seventh floors overlooking Oxford Street. The accommodation of approx 2115 sq ft comprises open plan kitchen/dining/reception room, master bedroom with ensuite bathroom, second double bedroom with dressing area and ensuite shower room, third double bedroom, shower room and guest cloakroom.

GUIDE PRICE

£4,350 PER WEEK / £18,849.96 PER CALENDAR MONTH *plus property fees DEPOSIT £34,800 EPC RATING C

COUNCIL TAX BAND H SIZE 2,115 sq ft / 197 sqm CONTACT MAYFAIR OFFICE +44 (0)20 7409 9001

christopher.janson@harrodsestates.com *www.harrodsestates.com/tenants

21 Eaton Place

Strathray House

20 Eaton Mews South

2 Chesterfield Hill

22 Wilton Street

Eaton House | Upper Grosvenor Street, W1K

Street | Mayfair, W1J

This interior-designed apartment features a generous reception room with a large bay window, built-in wardrobes in the bedrooms, period features and air-conditioning throughout. The building, located just by Grosvenor Square, also benefits from a 24-hour concierge service and lift access. A stunning

Upper Grosvenor Street | Mayfair, W1K

A beautiful apartment situated on the first and second floors of a sought-after building with 24-hour concierge service and lift access to both floors. The property offers over 1,800 sq. ft. of entertaining space, a 37 ft. wide double reception room with a separate dining area, an eat-in kitchen and a guest cloakroom.

Street | Mayfair, W1K

Three wonderful apartments situated in a period building on a quiet residential street in the heart of Mayfair, between Park Lane and Park Street. The apartments benefit from period features throughout, high ceilings, a private terrace, and direct access to Green Street’s private gardens.

STREET |

After almost a decade of planning and development, Mareterra is set to be completed later this year. But Monaco’s audacious land extension and mixed-use development is more than a super-prime hotspot. It’s an eco-friendly community that has turned the principality’s grand ambitions into a defining landmark

WORDS WILL MOFFITT

EXPANDING MONACO

In maritime circles, Pierre Frolla is best known as a world champion freediver who has continually dragged himself to lower depths, stretching the limits of his endurance in search of oxygen-sapping records.

Hyperactive and ruthlessly competitive, Frolla notched his third career-defining world record in 2001, plunging 80 metres in the free immersion category.

Frolla was born in Monaco in 1975. His father, who was a long-time member of the Monégasque spearfishing team, instilled in him a love of the sea and its inhabitants that has endured.

Along with teaching students to dive, he is a passionate advocate for maritime protection, working on campaigns to safeguard precious underwater ecosystems and propagate new ones.

This calling has seen Frolla work with Prince Albert II on a spate of environmental campaigns in the principality, replanting a meadow of seagrass and relocating rare giant clams on Monaco’s Mareterra development. The contribution from one of Monaco’s maritime celebrities to the audacious eco-development is another side plot in a story that has taken over a decade to come to fruition.

It’s also an apt one, given Frolla’s drive, ambition and devotion to environmental protection. Those qualities have long been cited as key drivers behind the project’s inception and its attritional realisation.

A six-hectare reclamation project located off the coast between Monte Carlo and Larvotto, the largely pedestrianised district – designed by a coterie of worldfamous starchitects – will encompass a lush park, elegant waterfront promenade and a small port.

After a decade of planning, the neighbourhood of more than 130 super-prime residences is finally due for

completion later this year. Set to boast the principality’s largest green public space, a marina, amenities and a promenade, Mareterra will be a playground for some very wealthy people.

“It must be the most exclusive real-estate development in the world and everybody that can, wants to live there,” British Monaco-based estate agent Caroline Olds tells me. Since establishing her eponymous firm there in 2011, Olds has seen the project and the principality around it evolve before her eyes. Ambitious development schemes have materialised into shiny, facility-rich homes and communities of which Mareterra is the crème de la crème.

“There will be 110 luxurious apartments and 10 very large villas with huge appeal to the super-rich, along with all the other benefits of living in Monaco,” Olds says.

“Mareterra is attracting wealth from all over the world.”

While moneyed globetrotters are flocking there, it’s simplistic to frame the project as another high-net-worth hangout. Mareterra has not just been conceived to cater to the super-affluent, but to locals and tourists, too.

It will fundamentally reshape the look and feel of the high-rise-heavy city state, providing a welcome dose of greenery for visitors and residents, expanding the two sq km territory of Monaco by three per cent.

“Building something like Mareterra takes a huge amount of time, planning and engineering, but it’s creating brand new land,” says James Davies, partner on the international residential team at Knight Frank.

“It’s something that Monaco has done previously. There have been previous land reclamation projects, but this is on a scale that’s not been done before.”

The architect of Mareterra’s ecologically sensitive Mediterranean-style aesthetic is Michel Desvigne, an internationally lauded landscape architect based in Paris. The firm’s website talks of a “unitary, ecologically coherent urban landscape” whose “Mediterranean character contrasts with the exotic gardens that punctuate the Riviera”. Pathways will lead walkers through the one-hectare site, unfolding on an artificial hill where

“I THINK MONACO IS SOMEWHERE THAT PEOPLE LOOK TO IN MOMENTS OF INSTABILITY. MONACO HAS AN EXEMPLARY RECORD ON PERSONAL SAFETY, THE POLICE FORCE, THE WAY THE PRINCIPALITY IS GOVERNED, AND IT REALLY LOOKS AFTER ITS RESIDENTS”

1,000 mature Aleppo and umbrella pines and endemic Mediterranean species have been planted.

Sustainability and eco-conscious processes are baked into the fabric of the project. The luxury offshore extension will use recycled seawater to supply the heat pumps in buildings for the production of hot water and the operation of the air conditioning systems. Rainwater harvesting systems line the roofs of the apartment buildings, funnelling this water into irrigation systems used to water green spaces.

A network of photovoltaic panels will also be integrated into these buildings to harness solar power. Around 80 per cent of heating and cooling will be supplied by renewable energy, and there will be electric charging stations for cars and bikes.

With this level of luxury, engineering prowess and ecocredentials, it’s no surprise that Mareterra is feted as one of the world’s leading luxury mixed-use developments. It’s one facet, albeit a significant one, in Monaco’s mission to improve its lifestyle offering. This has extended to diversifying its restaurant scene and investing in schools and academies.

For Davies, while it’s difficult to ascertain what kind of impact the development is having in terms of attracting people to Monaco – people flock to the principality for all manner of reasons – it is symbolic of the kind of familyfriendly, forward-thinking place it is seeking to build.

“I think Monaco is somewhere that people look to in moments of instability,” he says. “Monaco has an exemplary record on personal safety, the police force, the way the principality is governed, and it really looks after its residents. It’s also the lifestyle side of things. It’s on the French Riviera and clearly, you can’t go too wrong with that. For a very small place, it’s obviously got a very glamorous history, but there is an awful lot going on.”

Eye-watering sums and an army of talent – from architects to designers to developers and environmental experts – have been required to deliver Monaco’s super-project. On completion it will be a landmark that fundamentally changes the complexion of the land-scarce city state. Not only will the principality look different, it will feel different, too. Symbolically it will see Monaco’s lofty ambitions transformed into tangible realities.

Step inside the most stylish superyachts and you’ll discover luxurious spas, cutting-edge toys and light-flooded interiors

WORDS ALICE CAIRNS

STYLE AT SEA

PRIORITISING WELLNESS

Setting sail doesn’t mean you need to leave your creature comforts behind. “Wellness has become a focal point, with yacht owners seeking to create onboard sanctuaries that promote health and relaxation,” says Mark Cavendish, chief commercial officer of Heesen. “Our Project Sparta yacht is equipped with a 65 square metre spa, featuring an elliptical whirlpool, steam room, sauna, gym and beauty area.”

Kismet by Lürssen, which is being presented at this year’s Monaco Yacht Show, will also have an onboard gym, yoga studio and wellness suite with massage tables, a hammam, a sauna and a cryotherapy chamber. Meanwhile Renaissance, which is available to charter from Burgess, has an onboard hair salon, beauty salon and gym studios.

NEW COLOURS

In home design, white is often seen as an unproblematic neutral. However, according to Oliver Hare from Hello of Mayfair Interiors, based in Shepherd Market, it can be less successful at sea, potentially leading to a harsh glare when docked in full sunlight. “We are now more inclined to experiment with the expanding range of stainless steel colours,” Hare explains.

LEFT:

ABOVE:

“Metallic finishes have evolved away from the sometimes over-the-top gold leaf to more refined options such as palladium, silver and nickel, which have surpassed traditional gold or brass in popularity. Today’s luxury yacht interiors embrace a wider array of finishes, including shimmering champagne, bronze and metallic blue.”

BRINGING THE OUTSIDE IN

Rather than keeping out the elements, today’s most fashionable superyachts seek to seamlessly integrate the great outdoors into their interiors. Heesen’s Cavendish says: “Blurring the lines between indoor and outdoor spaces, modern superyacht interiors are incorporating expansive glass walls, retractable roofs and versatile furnishings to maximise natural light and create fluid living environments that seamlessly connect with the surrounding seascape.”

The Sunseeker Ocean 182 also features design inspired by nature – Eleonore Cavalli, creative director at Visionnaire, which collaborated on the design of the yacht, says: “We aimed at creating a sense of spaciousness onboard. The inspirations came from the colours of sand and sea.”

Katie House of Sunseeker adds: “We see trends towards a desire to connect with the outdoors

“FEADSHIP HAS CREATED A CONCEPT DESIGN FOR A FUTURISTIC YACHT CALLED DUNES, INSPIRED BY RIPPLES IN SAND”

while having the comfort of a cool interior that has enough space for hosting guests and entertaining.”

Taking the concept a step further, Feadship has created a concept design for a futuristic yacht called Dunes, inspired by ripples in sand, with windows and doors of full-height glass, curving lines, decks clad in golden maple wood and three pools scattered like oases in the desert.

PLAY TIME

What superyacht would be complete without its share of watersports toys? From submersibles to beach clubs, from snorkelling gear to diving boards, there are plenty of ways to have fun in crystal clear waters. The Predator 75 by Sunseeker comes with an electric barbecue grill and an 80-litre refrigerator for outdoor dining, so you can enjoy a barbecue on the open seas. Meanwhile, Feadship’s Project 2024 uses innovative design to extend your recreational space, with fold-out

TOP: FEADSHIP DUNES

ABOVE:

HEESEN SPARTA

side wings when you’re at anchor, increasing your platform surface area by 80 per cent.

For those yacht owners who are looking for something a little different, Albus Golf creates eco-friendly golf balls that can be used at sea –they biodegrade within 48 hours and have a core

Contemporary Mayfair living

Cork Street, London W1S

Piccadilly Underground Station: 0.3 miles, Bond Street Underground Station: 0.4 miles

A wonderfully decorated apartment in the prestigious Burlington Gate development in Mayfair. Open plan kitchen, dining, reception room, principal bedroom with dressing room and en suite shower room, second bedroom, further bathroom, 24-hour concierge, lift, gymnasium, spa, sauna, and underground parking.

Leasehold (Lease Expiry 3016) |Ground Rent: £1,850 per annum (Reviewed annually) | Service Charge: £18,865 per annum (Reviewed annually) | Council Tax Band = G | EPC

Charles Cutting

Head of Sales

Savills Mayfair & St. James's 020 7578 5107

charles.cutting@savills.com

Fehd Alsaidi

Head of Sales

Savills Mayfair & St. James's 020 7578 5115 fehd.alsaidi@savills.com

made of fish food. The Icon A5 is another exciting option – a light aircraft for two people that’s perfect for use on yachts, and can be used with an inflatable dock.

SUSTAINABILITY

According to Hello of Mayfair’s Hare, “sustainability is increasingly shaping initial design decisions, becoming a central focus during the early stages of project planning. This reflects a growing awareness among owners of their environmental impact, driven by a desire to be eco-conscious, regulatory requirements, or the financial benefits of innovations”. This means that more and more yacht interiors are being designed with sustainable materials such as artificial silks, recycled woods and leather alternatives.

Italian designer Cristiano Gatto recently worked on Heesen’s Project Orion. He says: “We conduct a lot of research into the materials we use. For example, we use leather that is certified from the food industry because it is a product that would otherwise be thrown away.”

ABOVE: ICON A5 RIGHT: FEADSHIP DUNES BELOW: HEESEN SPARTA

PASSION, PERSEVERANCE AND EXCELLENCE

In a world where balancing family and career can often seem like an insurmountable challenge, Fiona stands as a shining example of what is possible with passion, determination, and a love for what you do.

“Her future plans include launching a line of home décor products, opening design studios in major cities around the world, and continuing to i nspire others through her work and her story.”

Amother turned successful businesswoman, Fiona has redefined what it means to balance family life with a thriving global career. Her story is one of passion, perseverance, and an unyielding commitment to excellence.

Fiona’s journey into the world of interior design was not a straightforward path. Initially, her life revolved around her family, dedicating her time and energy to raising her children and creating a loving home. It was during this period that she discovered her innate talent for design. Transforming her own home into a haven of style and comfort, she began to realise that her passion for aesthetics could translate into a rewarding career. Her clientele includes high-profile individuals and renowned businesses, all drawn to her ability to create spaces that are not only beautiful but also deeply personal. Each project is a collaborative journey, with Fiona taking the time to understand her clients’ needs, preferences, and dreams, and then translating them into stunning realities.

While interior design is her primary focus, Fiona’s passions extend beyond it. She has an innate love for fashion, often drawing inspiration from the latest trends and incorporating them into her designs. Her keen eye for style ensures that her projects are always on the cutting edge, blending fashion and function seamlessly. Another passion that fuels her creativity is travel; the ability to explore different cultures, architecture, and art forms from around the world, she brings a global perspective to her work. These experiences enrich her designs, infusing them with a diversity that sets her apart in the industry. Food, too, plays a significant role in her life. Whether it’s discovering exotic cuisines during her travels or experimenting with new recipes at home, Fiona believes that food, like design, is an art form that brings people together. This love for culinary arts often finds its way into her projects, with kitchen spaces designed to be the heart of the home, where families can gather and create memories.

As Fiona continues to expand her business, she remains focused on pushing the boundaries of interior design. Her future plans include launching a line of home décor products, opening design studios in major cities around the world, and continuing to inspire others through her work and her story. In a world where balancing family and career can often seem like an insurmountable challenge, Fiona stands as a shining

example of what is possible with passion, determination, and a love for what you do. Her journey from devoted mother to global businesswoman is an inspiration to all, proving that with the right blend of creativity and hard work, dreams can indeed become reality.

Info@fionareidinteriors.co.uk

Tel +447835708435

Web : http://www.fionareidinteriors.co.uk

Instagram: fionareidinteriors

DON’T LET’S GO TO THE DOGS TONIGHT: AN AFRICAN CHILDHOOD

by Alexandra Fuller

An extremely compelling and wellwritten memoir that is poignant but not maudlin or precious. It’s an endearing insight into some troubled lives and times influenced by alcoholism, depression and trauma. But it’s not all despair. There is hope, that lifeline that pulls and pushes us forward.

A CHARMED LIFE

by Liza Campbell

I am always struck by the unexpected lives of seemingly ordinary people.  Liza’s story is a stark reminder that what seems to be is not always what is. Shocking, at times disturbing, I was once again moved by the resilience of the human spirit and the strength one must have to share the truth.

WEST WITH THE NIGHT

by Beryl Markham

Beryl Markham’s story is outstanding enough by itself. What makes this memoir even more spectacular is the writing. There were times while reading this novel that I was moved to tears; there were even more times where I was enraptured by sheer, undiluted wonder. Beryl’s grit, tenacity and spirit will inspire and awe any passionate adventurer.

THE FRIDAY AFTERNOON CLUB

by Griffin Dunne

I met Griffin and spent a little time with him. Perhaps that’s why the emotions and experiences of this raw, personal story felt like a

INDIA HICKS

Designer and writer India Hicks chooses five favourite reads as her own book, Lady Pamela, hits the shelves this month

p a

private reading with a brave and humble storyteller. The intensity, energy and complexities of the lives and loves in this book were very familiar in many ways.

LADY PAMELA

by India Hicks

I am immensely grateful for having a mother who remembers clearly the circumstances, individuals and experiences that shaped her extraordinary life and has

guided mine. My mum’s exemplary life, captured in these images we found digging through her archives, are for historians, royal watchers and all style enthusiasts, with stories to go with them. They would be the perfect distraction for any castaway on a desert island.

India Hicks will be in conversation with her mother, Lady Pamela, at a soldout event at The Lanesborough on September 9. There will also be a book signing of Lady Pamela, published by Rizzoli, at Hatchards Piccadilly at noon on September 10

A feat of INNOVATION, CRAFT and LUXURY.

H3 challenges the very way we think of yacht design and construction, fusing art with machine to create a sculpture that moves on water. At 105m, she represents the possibilities of imagination in action, on the grandest of scales. Experience a new meaning of luxury with H3.