Haute Dubai Issue #22

Issue 22

Tory’s Story

The fashion empire built on a personal story

Bentley Prestige Inside St. Regis Dubai Bentley Suite

Out of the Blue

Year’s best-looking blue-hued timepieces

CONTENTS 14

Issue 22

FEATURE

Tory’s Story With a passion for life and eye for style, designer Tory Burch built her brand on what she knew: her own story

18 20 22 24 28 32 34

DINING

36 42

TRAVEL

Crème de la Crème Osteria Francescana’s journey to World’s Best Restaurant Let There Be Light LaLuz: a new modern dining experience cast in a Spanish light

STYLE

Haute Must Haves The season’s must-have fashion Couture Catalysts The most daring runways from this season’s Paris Couture Week Solitaires for the Stars Chopard’s 2016 Red Carpet Collection Out of the Blue Ten trend-setting timepieces in the colour blue Glamorously Smart Samsung Gear S2 smartwatch boldly shines in the glow of jeweller-watchmaker De Grisogono

Small but Sensible Our favourite new hotels to join the Small Luxury Hotels of the World this year Bentley Prestige Inside the Bentley Suite at St. Regis Dubai

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CONTENTS 44

LEISURE

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Bikes of Brilliance Head-turning creations from the world’s most prestigious bicycle show

50 52 54

Game Changer Al Zorah Golf Course: an all-new championship golfing experience in Ajman

LIVING

Floral Fantasy Forever Rose: the world’s longest lasting roses Dedicated to Design True to its name, Design Mobl is the place for unique and original design collections for today’s modern home Bathing in Luxury Transform your private sanctuary with this superlative bathtub collection by Maison Valentina

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ART

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YACHTING

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The S-Class of the Sea Arrow460-Granturismo: the first motor yacht from Mercedes-Benz

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Opening Night The season’s highlights of Dubai Opera’s world-class program of performances

Honourable Hybrid Hybrid superyacht Savvanah rules the waves at World Superyacht Awards

MOTORING

A Voluptuous Vision Rolls-Royce Vision Next 100: a grand vision of the future of luxury mobility Powerful Personality Performance meets panache with the new Porsche Panamera

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EDITOR’S MESSAGE Dear Readers, Hello and welcome to our autumn issue. In a classic Haute Dubai fashion, we have an eclectic lineup of features gracing our pages this season. First up, we trace the inspiring story of fashion designer Tory Burch, who has grown her small Manhattan boutique into a spirited global label and managed to do so in less than a decade.

Next, we look back at Paris Autumn/Winter’16 Haute Couture runways that were ripe with inspiration, and give you the scoop on the most avant-garde collections. Watch collectors also have something to obsess about in our Style section with our rundown of the most spectacular blue-hued timepieces to come out this year.

As the temperate months move in, it’s time to go back outside and enjoy the new exciting outdoor attractions that are always springing up across the emirates. Golfers looking for new course to tee off can discover the latest golf course to open in the UAE, Al Zorah Golf Club in Ajman. We give you some of its highlights in our Leisure pages.

In Motoring, we look into the future of luxury mobility through the eyes of the innovative design team at Rolls-Royce motors, who have recently envisioned the car of tomorrow by creating a truly extraordinary concept vehicle.

Until next time, I do hope you find inspiration here and wish you a very sumptuous autumn season.

Editorial Team

HAUTE Publishing & Advertising P.O. Box 13294, Dubai - United Arab Emirates Tel: +971 4 258 3778 Fax: +971 4 258 3779 E-mail: info@hautedubaimagazine.com www.hautedubaimagazine.com © 2016 All rights reserved.

The publisher regrets that it cannot accept liability for any errors or inaccuracies printed, however caused. All articles contained within HAUTE DUBAI magazine are under copyright to the publisher and cannot be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted in any form without written permission of the publisher.

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FEATURE

Photo credit: Patrick Demarchelier. Courtesy of Tory Burch

Tory’s Story

With a passion for life and eye for style, designer Tory Burch has transformed her small Manhattan boutique into a spirited global label in less than a decade, building her brand on what she knew: her own story.

A vintage tunic from a Paris flea market. Interior designer David Hicks’ graphic style. American sportswear. A television commercial encouraging you to be bold and follow your dreams. The Tory Burch story could begin at any number of starting points. But delve deep and it really all goes back to her parents, Buddy and Reva Robinson, and a childhood in Valley Forge, Pennsylvania.

There, on the outskirts of Philadelphia, Tory grew up a tomboy, climbing trees and playing in the backyard with her three brothers. Her parents were consummate entertainers, serving lunches on the poolside porch, all fretwork and white lattice, and always with fresh flowers on the table.

Then there were their travels — Marrakech, Athens, Capri…

Photos of Buddy and Reva in the Sixties and Seventies would prove endlessly inspiring, he in his loafers and Hermès scarf-lined jackets and she, channelling bohemian glamour in her long caftans. Tory admits that both her parents had an impeccable taste in clothing and style and she soaked up plenty of it.

After graduating from University of Pennsylvania in 1988 with a Art History major, Burch moved to New York where her first job was in public relations at Zoran. She then held jobs at Ralph Lauren, Vera Wang, and Loewe – expe-

riences that her exacting eye for fashion was set. And now it was coupled with the energy and spirit of New York to create a design vision that was uniquely hers, one that resonated worldwide from a hit ballet flat and tunics inspired by that flea-market find to the stores themselves, with her vibrant interiors.

My parents were the most effortlessly stylish couple. They are a constant source of inspiration for me.

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FEATURE

Photo credit: Brigitte Lacombe. Courtesy of Tory Burch

cessories Council of Excellence; and 2005 Rising Star award from Fashion Group International. She was also named one of Forbes’ Most Powerful Women in the World in 2010.

Tory believes women gravitate toward her clothing because she found a hole in that market that her designer clothing could fill. “I’ve always been a big fan of designer clothing, but I was tired of spending designer prices. I believed there was a void to be met in the market that was classic American sportswear that was chic and simple and also well priced. I wanted to give women wearable and stylish clothing that fell somewhere between the contemporary and designer markets,” Burch said in a Women’s Wear Daily interview.

Today, her namesake American lifestyle brand has more than 170 boutiques around the world, while its collections are available at over 3,000 department and specialty stores worldwide, including Bergdorf Goodman,

Launched in 2004 from a flagship boutique in Nolita, Manhattan’s, her fashion label, initially known as ‘Tory by TRB’ and later just as Tory Burch, was an instant success.

Her designs, which are best described as preppie and bohemian, quickly expanded to include ready-to-wear, shoes, handbags, accessories, watches, home and beauty.

Tory finds design inspiration in works of art, photography, film, music and traveling. Graphic prints, bold colours and unique details are all signatures of the brand.

In addition to being endorsed by Oprah Winfrey, Tory Burch has many celebrity admirers, including Blake Lively, Reese Witherspoon, Halle Berry, Uma Thurman and Hilary Swank, and has appeared as herself in television shows Gossip Girl in 2009 and Fashion King in 2012.

She has received several awards from the fashion industry, including the 2008 CFDA for Accessory Designer of the Year; 2007 Accessory Brand Launch of the Year from Ac-

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Bloomingdale’s, Nordstrom, Neriman Marcus and Saks Fifth Avenue.

In September 2015, Tory launched Tory Sport, an activewear collection that includes clothing, bags, shoes and accessories for Running, Studio, Tennis and Swim, as well as Coming & Going, a category of pieces that can be worn before and after a workout.

Tory’s story unfolds on the entrepreneurial front, too, with the 2009 launch of the Tory Burch Foundation.

Its aim has always been one central to Tory: after realizing her dream of starting a company, she wanted to give back and support women entrepreneurs by giving them small business loans and providing them with entrepreneurial education.

The Tory Burch Foundation logo, a sunflower, is based on one of Tory’s favourite pieces of jewellery – a pendant her father designed for his mother, which Tory eventually received and often wears. This personal representation of inter-generational support and love is emblematic of what Tory helps to illustrate through her Foundation’s work. The Foundation’s logo can be seen on a number of Tory Burch products, the profits of which benefit the Foundation’s work.

Tory Burch Spring/Summer 2016 Collection

Tory Burch flagship boutique in Nolita, Manhattan, NYC. Photo credit: Duggal

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DINING

Crème de la Crème Osteria Francescana’s journey to World’s Best Restaurant

The World’s 50 Best Restaurants – the ‘Oscars of the restaurant world’ – have been announced for 2016 and the No.1 spot went for no other than Massimo Bottura’s Osteria Francescana. This marks the first time ever an Italian restaurant has topped the list. Indeed, it has been a journey to the top for chef-owner Massimo and his team, who have spent the last three years moving up the ranks from third position in 2013. “Our job is all about hard work,” said Bottura, who is renowned for his twists on traditional Italian culinary ingredients cooking, after accepting the award, an achievement more than 20 years in the making.

Massimo Bottura opened Osteria Francescana in Bottura’s hometown of Modena in 1995. From early on, the restaurant engaged in a profound exploration of territory and tradition, the expression of which can be found in the absolute concentration of flavours guided by Bottura’s definition: “Tradition seen from 10 kilometres away”. Today Osteria Francescana continues to redefine Italy’s rich gastronomic heritage, ingredients and culinary traditions with the benefit of critical distance, contemporary cooking techniques, and a great desire to see the Italian kitchen evolve.

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Osteria Francescana faced years of criticism even after receiving the first and second Michelin stars in 2002 and 2006. When Osteria Francescana entered the World’s 50 Best Restaurants list at 13th place in 2009, it was met with an Italian television scandal accusing them of threatening the Italian kitchen. These challenges reinforced the restaurant’s contemporary approach to the Italian kitchen.

Today, Osteria Francesana is considered the best restaurant in Italy and one of the most influential in the world.

Osteria Francescana is situated in a century-old osteria that has been transformed over the past 21 years into a laboratory of culture, art and design. Storytelling enriches the dining experience and the kitchen never shies from making references to art, music and history to provoke emotion, memory and taste. Guests at the restaurant’s 12 tables are able to choose from the à la Carte menu or from two distinct tasting menus.

Art has had a fundamental role in the evolution of the kitchen, not only from an aesthetic point of view but also a conceptual one. Over the years, the restaurant has collected contemporary art with paintings, photographs and sculptures from acclaimed Italian and international artists all of which have helped to define the restaurant’s iconoclastic style and poetic interpretations. The most recent addition to the collection is a Duane Hanson sculpture of a security guard named “Frankie” who silently greets guests at the restaurant’s entrance.

Osteria Francescana is more than a restaurant. It is an extended family of professionals, many of who are central to the restaurant’s identity. Beppe Palmieri has lead the front of house at Osteria Francescana as both maître d’ and sommelier over the past 16 years. His open and inti-

mate approach to pairing has followed the evolution of the kitchen. This is expressed in the wide range of wine producers, artisanal beers and juices he weaves into the pairings as well as his signature cocktails. The kitchen staff features the complimentary talents of Davide di Fabio from Abruzzo and Takahiko Kondo from Tokyo who both arrived at Osteria Francescana in 2004. Davide possesses the unique ability to manage the irrational while Takahiko applies obsessive rigor to his strive for precision.

The artworks on the walls are the landscape of our ideas.

- Massimo Ottura

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DINING

Let There Be Light

LaLuz: a new modern dining experience cast in a Spanish light

Set in the upscale setting of the Four Seasons Hotel DIFC, LaLuz, which opened its doors for business this summer, has been exciting the imaginations and palates of Dubai’s fine dining aficionados with its array of Catalonian and Mediterranean cuisine.

Lavishly appointed and with a sophisticated and urbane ambience, LaLuz which sprawls over an expansive area, with separate lounge, bar and dining spaces, can easily go down as one of the city’s most exciting restaurant and lounges to open this year.

Overseeing the output of LaLuz’s bespoke kitchen

and culinary team is Executive Chef, Alain Devahive. Over the years, Chef Devahive has earned high praise from an international audience of chefs, foodies and critics with his fine culinary nous and technique. The Barcelona-born chef honed his craft with culinary positions in a number of Michelin starred restaurants in Spain and France.

In particular, Alain spent a decade in the kitchens of the world-famous three Michelin starred elBulli, arguably one of the best restaurants in the world, before moving behind the scenes to elBullitaller, the restaurant’s food research laboratory.

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LaLuz, which means the light in Spanish, is the inspired creation of Grupo Tragaluz, for whom this is the first venture outside Spain – where they run a number of distinguished establishments. Rosa Maria Esteva and Tomas Taruella, the mother and son team behind the group, are known for setting up original outlets that serve highly creative cuisines based on tradition, set in inspired and original spaces.

“LaLuz brings a unique look at fine dining and hospitality with a highly creative menu combined with an inviting ambience and distinctive surroundings,” says Pep Miro, Director of Operations of LaLuz. “While Dubai boasts a number of gastronomic highlights, we believe that we at LaLuz bring a new dimension in fine dining and entertainment in the international city of the Middle East.”

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STYLE

Hers 1

Haute Must-Haves 4

5

6

2

3

1. Roberto Cavalli Coat

7

2. Saint Laurent Lily Boots

5. Vanessa Seward Cecily Mini Dress

3. Tom Ford New Natalia Shoulder Bag

6. Mulberry Clemmie Clutch

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4. Miu Miu Scenique Sunglasses

7. Christian Louboutin Follies Resille 120 Pumps

His 8 11

12

9 13

14 10

8. Etro Blazer

9. Gucci Wingtip Brogues

12. BLoro Piana Sweater

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10. Berluti Jour-Off Holdall

13. Saint Laurent Braided Leather Belt

11. Tom Ford Private Collection Aviator-Style Horn Glasses

14. Thom Browne Slim-Fit Chinos 15. Jimmy Choo Jules Suede Boots

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STYLE

Couture Catalysts The most daring runways from this season’s Paris Couture Week

Jean Paul Gaultier Step into the woods for the Gaultier Autumn/Winter 2016-17, featuring silhouettes inspired by a Japanese forest with its earthy and woody tones in autumn.

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Ronald van der Kemp For his fourth demi-couture collection, RVDK mixes elements of Eighties power dressing with streetwear references in an irreverent way by splicing vintage fabrics into weird and wonderful.

Viktor & Rolf The collection ponders over the past, where elements from past iconic collections reworked into a new order, reflecting a thoughtful attitude and a focus on conscious designing.

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STYLE

Iris van Herpen For ‘Seijaku’, the autumn 2016 couture collection, Iris van Herpen explores the study of cymatics, which visualizes sound waves as evolving geometric patterns.

Maison Margiela The incredible and the impossible, tempered by elements of jarring modern authenticity, infuse Maison Margiela’s Autumn/Winter 2016 ‘Artisanal’ Collection with a timeless array of commonplace ephemera.

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STYLE

Solitaires for the Stars Chopard’s 2016 Red Carpet Collection

The Red Carpet Collection unveiled each year at the Cannes Film Festival provides Chopard with a reoccurring opportunity to push beyond the limits of its haute joaillerie while expressing cherished values. Worn by worldrenowned actresses on the famous steps of the Palais des Festivals, ‘Red Carpet’ pieces draw as much from the exceptional creativity of the Swiss-based Maison as on its expertise in the field of High Jewellery. Several Green Carpet creations gracing this collection feature stunning emeralds from Zambia and illustrate Chopard’s firmly rooted determination to combine ethics with aesthetics.

Since 1998, Chopard has served as Official Partner of the Cannes Film Festival – eighteen years of passionately showcasing the quintessence of glamour. The Red Carpet collection resulting from this special partnership was introduced in 2007 to mark the 60th anniversary of the festival. Intended to adorn stars for their red carpet appearances, the creations stem from the imagination of

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Chopard Co-President and Creative Director, Caroline Scheufele. They take shape through a fascinating synergy between the various talents exercised within the House. Ancestral skills, cutting-edge techniques and well-documented research meet and mingle in attaining impressive heights of perfection and creativity.

Each year Chopard challenges itself to increase the number of unique jewellery pieces created to match the number of Festival editions to date, the number of creations that emerge from the workshop grows by one each year. So the 69th iteration of the event will be celebrated with 69 extraordinary creations inspired by women and their magnificent aura.

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STYLE

In praise of femininity The 2016 collection sets the stage for flowing, supple, open worked designs based on rounded shapes.

Evoking veils or lacework that gently caress the skin, it pays tribute to the graceful, voluptuous charm of women and highlights their feminine beauty. The collection focuses on the necklace, the ultimate adornment that accentuates the delicate lines of a dĂŠcolletage and the silky softness of the skin whether it is draped with a spectacular necklace with matching earrings featuring a merry dance of daffodil yellow and white pear-cut and brilliant-cut diamonds or a delightful choker with slender diamond-set scrolling motifs.

Alongside rubies, sapphires, diamonds and emeralds of exceptional cut and quality, these necklaces also reveal the most unexpected gems. Black opals, fire opals and sculpted jade in turn enjoy their moment in the limelight. Testifying to this splendid range of colours is a superbly sensual tie-necklace composed of five rows of emerald beads hemmed by sapphires, rubellites, tsavorites, topazes and amethysts, setting the scene for a magnificent white opal.

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Several creations also feature titanium, a solid yet light innovative material that ideally lends itself to majestic decors and atypical shapes. The use of this metal enables even more fanciful and daring touches in that it can be coloured in a wide range of hues, either vanishing beneath the finest gemsetting, or enhancing the radiance of the stones it holds. This alliance is admirably embodied in wide earrings inspired by a paisley motif and set with cabochon-cut sapphires, topazes as well as blue and orange sapphires.

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N

STYLE

Out of the Blue

With its luxurious allure, blue is a universally flattering colour, and this year in watchmaking was not short of creations in this hypnotic hue. Here are ten timepieces that nailed the trend.

ULYSSE NARDIN

MARINE CHRONOGRAPH ANNUAL CALENDAR

LOUIS MOINET

MEMORIS RED ECLIPSE

DE BETHUNE

DB28 KIND OF BLUE TOURBILLON

ARMIN STROM

TOURBILLON SKELETON WATER

MONTBLANC

1858 CHRONOGRAPH TACHYMETER LIMITED EDITION

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CREDOR

FUGAKU TOURBILLON

BOVET 1822 B LUE THISTLES

CHOPARD

PRECIOUS CHOPARD WATCH

HUBLOT

BIG BANG LINEN

TAG HEUER

CARRERA 39MM

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STYLE

Glamorously Smart Samsung Gear S2 smartwatch boldly shines in the glow of jeweller-watchmaker De Grisogono

A desire to reconcile two apparently opposite worlds led De Grisogono and Samsung to pool their strengths, their ideas and their creative talents. The result is a smartwatch crafted like a jewellery watch and tailored to the intricacies and innovations of Samsung technology.

Specially designed with elegant, on-the-go ladies in mind, the Samsung Gear S2 by De Grisogono features a versatile circular design and a unique rotating bezel ensuring an optimised user experience for precise, comfortable control. An appealing variety of faces and the signature De Grisogono galuchat strap add the perfect distinctive touches to this ultimate jewellery smart watch.

The Samsung Gear S2 by De Grisogono offers an unrivalled optimised user experience for today’s super-smart, well-connected women, ensuring seamless everyday use with enhanced wearable technology. This exquisitely feminine model delivers round-the-clock connectedness with

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notifications as well as a wealth of functions supported by a long-lasting battery life. Smart fitness functions for staying healthy and active; quick and easy mobile payments; as well as smart key integration all contribute to streamlining the busiest girl’s mobile life in a pleasing variety of ways.

De Grisogono has designed two digital watch dials – available in black or white – bearing the brand’s characteristic design codes, graced with scrolling motifs, subtle shades of rose gold and the brand emblem. One version features a two-hand dial with dual-time display complete with day/ night indicator at 3 o’clock, day-date indications at 6 o’clock and small seconds at 9 o’clock. The other is a two-hand dial with a central seconds counter, a power-reserve indicator at 4 o’clock and a moon phase at 8 o’clock.

The diamond-set gold bezel turns freely around the dial, partially hidden at 6 and 12 o’clock beneath two black DLC-coated arches set with the emblematic De Grisogono black diamonds. These fascinating perspective effects give the watch an entirely original structure. Diamond Like Carbon – a high-tech material known for its hardness and resistance – protects the bezel that houses all the smartwatch’s embedded technology. A bezel with an addictive touch that opens up the world of connectivity in the most intuitive possible manner.

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TRAVEL

Small but Sensible

They say ‘bigger is better’, but when it comes to luxury travel experiences; small

hotels offer a unique personal touch that leaves a lasting impression. And there’s no better

testament to that than Small Luxury Hotels of the World, which is always welcoming hidden treasures to its collections. Here are five favourite new independently-spirited hotels that joined the coveted brand this year.

Milaidhoo Island Maldives Baa Atoll, Maldives

This tiny island in the breath taking Baa Atoll UNESCO Biosphere Reserve has been transformed into a brand new

contemporary luxury resort, opening on November 10th, where coconut palm thatched villas sit nestled among pristine beaches and lush greenery. A 30 minute trip by seaplane from Male international airport and with its closest neighbouring island home

to just 420 residents, this resort provides the perfect secluded location for an exotic luxury break. With 50 rooms ranging from lodges to land and overwater villas, each with a private pool, guests can indulge in all aspects of island life from rejuvenating

spa treatments, yoga and meditation classes to sensational gourmet food at one of three restaurants. The resort’s no infant and informal dress code policy makes for a tranquil and casual stay.

Insider Tip: Embrace island life with a yoga session in the open air pavilion while soft sounds and rich scents of

coconut, lime and sea salt fill the private treatment rooms and beauty lounge.

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Naman Retreat Da Nang City, Vietnam

This secluded beach front enclave has 104 minimalist villas situated between iconic sandy beaches and the historical city of Hoi

An Ancient Town. Naman Retreat is dedicated to a philosophy of holistic wellness and offers guests 3 -14 day detox journeys focused on

cleansing and purifying the mind and body, as well as offering more bespoke spa treatments at the in-house Pure Spa. If guests are more interested in culinary adventures the Hay Hay restaurant serves specialties of Hoi An Town such as cao lau made with noodles pork and

local greens. Alternatively, take the 15 minute shuttle bus offered by the resort to the city itself and take a cooking class to try your hand at

re-creating the tasty cuisine. The cool and contemporary Naman retreat is made up of luxury villas, many of which boast private plunge pools and stunning vistas of the East Sea.

Insider Tip; Stay in the 3 bedroom beach villa to enjoy added touches such as a personal greeting at the airport, private dining

options accompanied by a playlist created just for you by the resort DJ.

Mahana Villa Upper Moutere, New Zealand

A complimentary bottle of wine, produced by the hotels vineyard

and a selection of delicious canapés await guests every day of their

vacation here in Nelson, NZ. This is just one of many ways the staff at Mahana Villa ensure guests are cared for to an impeccable standard at this former apple orchard turned luxury retreat and winery. The

property is comprised of the owner’s villa and the loft suite, both of

which boast a private terrace from where guests can enjoy sweeping views beyond the vineyard to Tasman Bay and the Southern alps.

Guests can spend their days sampling the best of the vineyard’s produce with expert winemakers, enjoying picnics at the close by Abel Tasman

National Park or horse riding along the shore. When it’s time for dinner,

the chefs at Mahana Kitchen create delicious cuisine from local, seasonal produce. Many of the vegetables and herbs come from the hotel’s own garden.

Insider Tip: Take advantage of the art knowledge of the hotels

owner, an avid collector who is always on hand to lead private tours of his own handpicked collection.

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TRAVEL

Althoff Hotel Villa Belrose St Tropez, France

This Florentine-inspired villa houses a small collection of elegant bedrooms, each with a private garden or bay-facing terrace just

moments from the buzzy town of St Tropez. Many of the 40 rooms offer private balconies taking full advantage of its prime location on a

private estate in the hills overlooking the manicured gardens and the unfurling bay of St Tropez below. The surrounding area also has much to offer from idyllic drives to explore vineyards and picturesque villages to beach clubs, ideal for people watching and getting a feel for

the local scene. The hotel’s restaurant ‘Le Belrose’, presided over by Chef Pietro Volonte, holds a Michelin star and is dedicated to serving inventive cuisine in an elegant, airy setting. The cuisine is complemented by the sea views guests can enjoy from the grand terrace while

enjoying specialities such as Risotto Pietro Volonte, served in a parmesan wheel. The restaurant is proud to offer the largest wine list in the region featuring over 500 exclusively French wines.

Insider Tip: Hire a boat for the day at Cap Taillat bay, a secluded paradise just 30 minutes’ drive from St Tropez.

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TRAVEL

Elite Spring Villas Anxi, China

From the moment of arrival at Elite Spring

Gardens guests will feel the sense of serenity and

peace that the hotel’s owners have worked so hard to foster. The hotel has 17 individual suites, set in

contemporary water gardens and is a private haven

inspired by historic Chinese design but with a more

modern look and feel. This hotel is all about authentic Chinese experiences without leaving luxury behind,

guests can gain insight into centuries-old traditions,

from tea ceremonies in the hotel teahouse to ancient beliefs surrounding incense burning. Elite Spring

Villas is a perfect choice whether looking to explore

the hillside temples and tea plantations of Anxi or to simply relax and rejuvenate in the hotels natural tea

infused hot spring waters. The authentic experience carries through to the exceptional cuisine at Elite

Springs, where guests can sample regional Min and

Yue cuisine at the onsite ‘happiness loft restaurant’, or on warm evenings enjoy a barbecue by the pool.

Insider Tip: Travel to the Qingshui Rock

temple just 30 minute drive from the hotel, this stunning temple is a bit of a steep walk but the view from the top is really worth it.

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TRAVEL

Bentley Prestige

Bentley Suite at St. Regis Dubai: inspired by the time-honoured craftsmanship and material selection that characterise Bentley Motors A new kind of luxury hotel experience is now

creation from the celebrated collaboration between

available for Bentley enthusiast in the Middle East

Bentley Motors and St. Regis Hotels & Resorts, is part of

with the introduction of the Bentley Suite at The St.

the growing collection of acclaimed signature Bentley

Regis Dubai in Al Habtoor City. Reflecting the bespoke

suites – currently also located at The St. Regis New York

craftsmanship of the pinnacle Mulsanne model, this latest

and The St. Regis Istanbul.

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The suite features hand-crafted finishes and

one-of-a-kind furnishings, combining the comfort and confidence associated with Bentley and the impeccable

elegance of The St. Regis brand. Located on the fourth

floor of the hotel, the custom-designed one-bedroom Bentley suite features a spacious entry foyer, generous

living room and dining area, with floor to ceiling windows overlooking the hotel’s beautifully tended gardens, lavish

bathroom, walk-in wardrobe and dedicated dressing area.

On entering the 195-square-metre suite through

a pair of double doors, guests are greeted by a blend

of cream and neutral tones, set against the rich wood finishes, elegant marble floor and leather accents on hand-crafted furnishings. The entrance to the suite

features Bentley-painted walls with polished steel detailing and a sleek walnut veneer ceiling.

In the living room, an exquisite LED chandelier

inspired by the headlights of the Mulsanne takes centre

stage above the 12-seater smoked fiddleback veneer dining table. Providing absolute comfort and relaxation, an

ultra-luxe fluted linen leather sofa is accompanied by two

camel hide ottomans, with Bentley’s signature diamond quilting, to complement the seating arrangements.

Adding to the room’s rich mix of textures is a carved rug reminiscent of the matrix grille on the Mulsanne.

Consistent

with

Bentley’s

‘hidden

delights’

concept, the main wall slides back to reveal a television screen and five Breitling clocks keeping time across major gateway cities.

The adjacent study echoes Bentley’s signature

Mulliner room with veneer walls, a silk carpet, and a luxurious sofa adorned with cushions featuring Bentley

seatbelt detailing. The signature room features a custommade multi-compartment coffee table featuring Bentley ice lacquer and porpoise hide tray detail.

The St. Regis Dubai marked the debut of the St.

The master bedroom displays fluted Bentley

leather walls, bedside tables inspired by the Mulsanne

Regis brand in Dubai when it opened in November last

are made from backlit domes of Bentley paints and in the

urban resort which features two other Starwood hotels

year. The hotel is part of the Al Habtoor City development

Speed wing emblem in Burr walnut and carved textured

on Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai’s first fully integrated

carpets reflecting the iconic matrix grille. Light features

under the distinct W Hotels and Westin brands as well

dressing room; Bentley’s signature diamond detailing is

as The Hotel Collection, The Leisure Collection and

etched into the frame of the glass mirror.

The Residence Collection. Featuring French beaux-arts

Designed and engineered at Crewe from the

architecture and neo-classical interiors, the 234-room

ground-up, the Mulsanne is the pinnacle Bentley model

hotel features 52 suites with impeccable detailing

and epitomises Bentley’s heritage, with its passion for

and luxurious touches. This is complemented by eight

power and speed. In addition to the Bentley suite, The St.

distinctive culinary venues, an Iridium Spa, a fitness

Regis Dubai offers guests an exquisite Bentley Mulsanne

centre and two rooftop outdoor swimming pools.

as its signature in-house car.

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LEISURE

Game Changer

Al Zorah Golf Course: an all-new championship golfing experience in Ajman

The UAE hasn’t welcomed a new championship

that’s been magically created by the famed Nicklaus

golf course for nearly six years, but in December 2015 a

Design group and which awaits golfers making the short

truly unique layout spectacularly changed that trend and

trip from Dubai and other regions in the UAE to play

is now being met with the seal of approval from visiting

Ajman’s first ever golf course.

golfers across the world. Meet the stunning Al Zorah Golf

The spectacular par-72 Al Zorah Golf Club offers

Club, managed by Troon Golf and located in Ajman, just

a truly sensational design with pristinely manicured

25 minutes from Dubai.

fairways and greens. However, it is the way the Nicklaus

A world-class course set amidst a beautiful

Design team has protected the natural environment

naturally-preserved environment of striking mangroves

whilst creating the layout that really catches the eye.

and sheer tranquillity – that’s the special proposition

In total, one million square metres of mangroves

44

characterize the Al Zorah Golf Club and underline that

“Attracting international visitors is of paramount

notion of embracing rather than intruding the natural

importance for Al Zorah Golf Club and, thanks to our

layout of the land. A plethora of native sandy areas, an

partnership with Troon Golf, we can promise our guests

abundance of wildlife and 12 km of waterfront add to

not only a world class golf course, but also impeccable

that sense of rich beauty and biodiversity. Vast coastal

service and hospitality for the duration of their visit,”

areas with a constantly-changing tidal system also

adds Henderson.

present a unique challenge for players, altering the look

Visitors to Al Zorah Golf Club can also experience

and feel on an hourly basis.

a welcoming and magnificently-structured Pavilion

“Thanks to the incredible work of the Nicklaus

clubhouse, as well as a Shakespeare and Co. restaurant,

Design group, visitors can experience a golfing paradise

with plans also in place for more off-course attractions in

set in a stunning natural environment,” says Philip

the coming years. “By 2017, a brand new clubhouse will

Henderson, General Manager of Al Zorah Golf Club. “The

be in place,” states General Manager Henderson.

facility has been positioned in line with our nearest

The Al Zorah Golf Club site has also been

competitors and below the current rates set in Dubai – so

designated a Free Hold Zone by the Government of Ajman,

affordable luxury is another main attraction to members

meaning the land is not only legal to build on, but also to

and visitors coming from within the UAE and overseas.”

live on too. Constructed in conjunction with real estate

And when you consider all of this is located within

developer and property manager Solidere International

a stone’s throw of high-class hotels such as the Fairmont

(SI), there are 42 Al Zorah Golf Villas as part of an initial

Ajman, it’s no surprise the Middle East’s newest course

development.

is already attracting interest from golfers coming in from around the world.

45

LEISURE

Bikes of Brilliance

Head-turning creations from the world’s most prestigious bicycle show Cycling has undergone a dramatic transformation over the past decade. And where passion and popularity lies, so rarity, artisanship and collectability soon follow. Every year, those searching for truly exquisite bicycles head to the LikeBike show in Monte Carlo. The bikes showcased here are usually bespoke pieces, meticulously built to order at jaw-dropping cost. Here are five head-turning frames from this year’s show.

B4 Bikes E-Cruizer

The E-Cruizer is inspired by the famous Harley Davidson design of 1912 and merges the sensations of riding a bicycle with cruising a motorcycle. When the battery is fully charged, you can cruise between 200 and 300 kilometres with a maximum speed 25km/h depending on how much you support the motor with pedalling.

Solid reliability and guaranteed superior quality are key words for B4 Bikes, which also offers the option of designing your very own B4 E-Cruizer, from scratch.

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Samurai Bike

The superlative all-titanium Samurai bike features a curvy frame design that is reportedly meant to express the curve of a katana.

The shiny rims are also inspired by the legendary sword. On a more practical note, the frame’s raised chain stays are said to

minimize heel rub while pedalling. Other features of the Samurai include internal cable routing and TRP mechanical disc brakes.

The whole bike weighs 10 kg.

47

LEISURE

Veloboo Gold

Veloboo Gold is a unique product that redefines the imagination about stylish bicycles. The

main structure of its framework is made of

prime bamboo, coloured to a matte surface.

Its components are plated with 24K gold.

The hand grip on the handlebar is made of premium leather, as well as the seat. They are all customised and hand sewed. The

bicycle’s puncture proof tyres fit perfectly on

the super light wheels, while the Campagnolo rear derailleur combined with a 10-gear

transmission system make an excellent match for smooth pedalling.

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Keim Arvak

Akin to reliability, stiffness and

lightweight, all Keim frames are OVL monocoque white ash wood frames.

A true work of art, their Arvak Bicycle

features minimalist, simple and cleanlined design. Its lightweight frame is

completely hollow, and is made from

a composite of 24 layers of laminated

vacuum bonded with a resin of biological origin. The bike is equipped with

high-quality technical components,

and is designed to last and carry you

over unrivalled distances thanks to its weather-resistant marine glazing.

JIVR Bike

JIVR Bike is the one-of-a-kind, hassle-free, urban electric bike. It features a state of the art mechanical chainless drivetrain, built it into its frame.

What’s more is that it folds up in four simple and ergonomic moves into a compact package that is easily wheeled into your building and stored

under your desk. JIVR offers a 30 km range when running on battery which can be recharged with a regular 120V plug in 90 minutes.

49

LIVING

Floral Fantasy Forever Rose: the world’s longest lasting roses

‘Flowers… are a proud assertion that a

ray of beauty out-values all the utilities of the world,’ wrote the poet Ralph Waldo Emerson.

Indeed, nothing imparts such beauty and grace

like a perfect rose. But while roses are the perfect expression of love and gratitude and have the

power to enliven any space, their natural beauty is short-lived. Luckily, that is something of the past with Forever Rose...

Forever Rose cements the notion of

everlasting love for those passionate about

romance and luxury. Founded in London, England’s capital in 1999 and launched in the UAE in 2014, Forever Rose has emerged as

a purveyor of the world’s finest roses, first

developing a name amongst high society for

its luxurious floral artistry and customised arrangements at Harrods and throughout

the royal palaces of Europe. Forever Rose’s strong reputation amongst the royal families

of Belgium and the UK soon triggered demand

from discerning clients in the Middle East who sought the very best in both quality and luxury.

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Derived from the mineral rich volcanic soils of Ecuador

in South America, Forever Roses set themselves apart with their uniquely strong petals, which grow up to ten times thicker and five times larger than any other blooms available

on the market. Without the need for water or sunlight, these outstanding roses retain their striking natural beauty forever when protected in the glass dome, as seen on the signature Bella or three years and beyond for the stunning ‘open air’ roses, such as The Rose Cube.

Further to the iconic glass cased Bella’s and long lasting

arrangements, the company also supplies freshly cut garden roses alongside a range of other luxury gifting items such as Debailleul Belgian chocolates, exclusive in-house women’s

and men’s fragrances and a soon to be launched range of Forever Rose bespoke diamond jewellery.

Offering a wide array of exotic colours within its

collections, Forever Roses come in a spectrum of colours

from soft pastel shades to striking jet noir, all harvested from the company’s Ecuadorian partner farms that meet the highest industry standards of environmental awareness and

responsibility. Lasting for three years and beyond, Forever Roses’ are not only a symbol of beauty and romance but

a timepiece that celebrate and cherish special moments forever.

51

LIVING

Dedicated to Design True to its name, Design Mobl is the place for unique and original design collections for today’s modern home

Helen Safai, Founder of Design Mobl

Design is all about balancing practicality

exclusive Italian furniture brands, Hand selected for

expression of sophistication and intellect. One person

of statement furniture, and home accessories that can

their clever, contemporary and graceful designs. One

with beauty, form with function, and accessibility

of these exclusive brands is Edra, which offers range

with desirability. Like fine art, design furniture is an

enrich any environment.

who is inclined to agree with this proposition is Helen

Design Mobl invites homeowners and interior

Safai, Founder of Design Mobl. Having spent most of her

designers to visit the beautiful showroom in Jumeirah

life in Switzerland as a professional in interior design,

Lakes Towers, where Helen is only happy to share the

Helen has acquired a special taste for design pieces for

story of each piece and what makes it so unique.

the home.

Since moving to Dubai some years ago, Helen

Design Mobl is located in suite 1302, JBC 4,

has channelled her expertise to promoting some of the

Cluster N, Jumeirah Lake Towers, Dubai.

leading names in design furniture through her start-

Tel: +971 4 428 6688; Mob: +971 50 453 7375;

up, Design Mobl. With its showroom at Jumeirah Lake

www.‌designmobl.com

Towers, Design Mobl represents some of the most

52

LIVING

Bathing in Luxury

Transform your private sanctuary with this superlative bathtub collection

Few things are more pleasurable or soothing than a long and hot soak in an inviting tub. Moreover, bathtubs represent a leading role within a bathrooms décor and can transform any bathroom into a private sanctuary. Bearing all of this in mind, Maison Valentina, a unique design brand in the luxury bathroom market, have conceived a collection of freestanding bathtubs with a design flair capable of turning any dream bathroom into a reality.

DIAMOND With the style of a precious jewel, the Diamond bathtub

makes a splash in luxury bathroom design. The exterior of this fanciful piece is presented in silver leaf finished with a luxurious shade of translucent black with

high gloss varnish. The bathtub also features a highly sculptured body leading to a gold interior.

KOI KOI carp is a recurring symbol of Japanese culture, highly appreciated by its decorative purposes, not only in water gardens but also in Irezumi practice or, most commonly, in tattoos. Its natural colour

mutations reveal their capacity to adapt, just like

the KOI bathtub that you can use to create a better

sense of space division in your ambiences. The KOI

scales that compose the panels of the bathtub shine and reflect – on its brass surface – the sun caught throughout the clear water.

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LAPIAZ Lapiaz inspired this unique bathtub. The French word is

the name given to the typical karst formations produced by surface dissolution of limestone or dolomite rocks.

It can also be caused by freezing and thawing in cold

climates. This is how Lapiaz luxury bathtub emerged.

Imagine a stone freezon and freshly cracked to show the entire world a rich, golden interior. The polished brass details and mirrored sides attribute this luxury design artwork an artic yet comfy and warm beauty.

NEWTON Newton is an outstanding moment of inspiration. A luxury statement piece created in order to fulfil the needs of those looking for the best

in contemporary bathroom design mixed up with luxurious details and high quality materials. Defying laws of physics, this futuristic bathtub represents an outstanding moment of inspiration.

SYMPHONY This emotional bathtub, passionately inspired by music, features golden polished brass tubes enveloped in an exotic structure,

creating a harmonious artful juxtaposition to the rhythm of the pipes. Handcrafted with the finest materials, this breath-taking

design piece resonates at any design pitch or bathroom setting.

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ART

Opening Night The hugely anticipated Dubai Opera open its doors to a world-class array of performances. Here are the highlights of this season’s program.

Setting the stage with an inaugural concert by legen-

which derives its inspiration from the Arabian dhow.

dary Spanish tenor, conductor and art administrator Plácido

First performed in 1863, The Pearl Fishers narrates

Domingo, Dubai Opera, the city’s first performing arts thea-

the story of two men’s promise of eternal friendship that is

tre, is now open and aims to enthral audience with a spec-

tested by their love for the same woman. The highlight of the

tacular program of captivating performances.

opera, The Pearl Fishers Duet is among the best known in

Described as the ‘King of Opera,’ and the ‘greatest op-

Western opera. The Pearl Fishers, which has enticed opera

eratic artist of modern times,’ Domingo has sung over 4,000

lovers the world over for its lyrical quality, will be performed

performances of 147 roles in addition to conducting more

by Fondazione Teatro Lirico ‘Giuseppe Verdi, Trieste.’

than 500 performances. He is named by the Guinness Book

While The Pearl Fishers will be performed in autumn,

of Records for his repertoire and for having received 101 cur-

opera lovers will be further enthralled with the masterpiece

tain calls after a performance – Verdi’s Otello at the Vienna

comedy by Gioachino Rossini, The Barber of Seville. Set to

State Opera.

an Italian libretto by Cesare Sterbini, based on the French

The Domingo concert will be followed with Dubai Op-

comedy by Pierre Beaumarchais, the opera buffa in two acts

era hosting the soul-stirring historic opera The Pearl Fishers.

marked its debut in 1816, and will be performed by Fondazi-

The three-act opera by the French composer Georges Bizet,

one Teatro Lirico “Giuseppe Verdi, Trieste.”

to a libretto by Eugène Cormon and Michel Carré, serves as

Other highlights during the year also include Opera

an ode to the rich heritage of Dubai, with its history seeped

without Words, an evening of Italian Opera’s greatest over-

in adventurous pearl-diving expeditions by its people. It also

tures and interludes performed by Fondazione Teatro Lirico

complements the architectural splendour of Dubai Opera,

Giuseppe Verdi, Trieste and conducted by Francesco Quat-

56

trocchi. It brings the magnificent orchestral pieces by the

comes to Dubai Opera with Voces, Suite Flamenca, a show

greatest opera composers that have taken on a life of their own.

that pays tribute to six flamenco luminaries. Directed, staged

and choreographed by the versatile artist Baras, it has gained

Giselle, performed by The Russian State Ballet and Or-

international acclaim for its exhilarating music.

chestra of Siberia, is considered as one of the great Romantic

Sitar player and composer Anoushka Shankar who has

ballets. It was first performed in 1841 and focuses on the love

five Grammy® Award nominations and is the youngest – and

of a peasant girl who dies of a broken heart after discovering

first female – recipient of a British House of Commons Shield,

her lover is betrothed to another.

brings her 2016 work, Land of Gold, focusing on the refugee

Also by The Russian State Ballet and Orchestra of Si-

crisis in the world.

beria, Coppelia is set to Leo Delibes’ beautiful score. It is a

Discover the world of Bejart Ballet Lausanne, which

captivating and entertaining family ballet based on a story by

brings Ballet for Life and a Ballet Gala of Seven Greek Dances,

E.T.A. Hoffmann about an eccentric toymaker who has built a

Piaf and Bolero, a masterpiece by Maurice Bejart.

life-sized doll, Coppélia, and daydreams of her coming to life.

Audiences can also watch the acclaimed show, The

Dubai Opera comes alive to the strains of the Mozart

Nutcracker on Ice featuring the Imperial Ice Stars. Set against

Gala performed by Vienna Concert Verein followed by Post-

a backdrop of colourful scenes and projections, opulent cos-

cards from Vienna, and then will host Impossible, described

tumes, magic tricks and special effects, the cast of World,

as the ‘most dangerous show’ the city has ever seen. It fea-

European and National Championship level skaters dance to

tures the world’s best illusionists live on stage in a magic

Tchaikovsky’s glorious score.

spectacular that will thrill and amaze audiences of all ages.

Multi-award winning international sensation, Slava’s

Dubai Opera then welcomes on stage the renowned

Snowshow will come to Dubai Opera over the Festive Season.

Catalan tenor, José Carreras, who celebrates ‘A Life in Music,’

It is a universal and timeless theatrical poetic spectacle that

his final world tour. One of the Three Tenors along with Do-

has unanimously enchanted and empowered the imagination

mingo and Luciano Pavarotti, Carreras is highly acclaimed for

of audiences around the world. Experience a joyous dream-

his performances in the operas of Verdi and Puccini.

like world that culminates in a breathtaking blizzard leaving

The music fest continues as Emirati singer Hussain

audiences literally knee deep in snow.

Al Jassmi takes centrestage followed by the unmatched bril-

Further performances including a number of high pro-

liance of Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons featuring Fabio Biondi

file names and productions will be announced in due course.

and Europa Galante.

Tickets can be booked online at www.dubaiopera.com

Spain’s foremost Flamenco superstar, Sara Baras,

Coppelia by The Russian State Ballet and Orchestra of Siberia, opening at Dubai Opera on September 15 & 17, 2016

57

YACHTING

Honourable Hybrid

Hybrid superyacht Savvanah rules the waves at World Superyacht Awards

Savvanah, the 83.50-metre Feadship built supery-

acht, was crowned Motor Yacht of the Year, after having

already won her category for ‘displacement motoryacht from 1,300GT to 2,999GT’ at the 2016 edition of the Boat

International World Superyacht Awards held in May at the palatial Florence’s town hall in Italy. The awards ceremony

– known as the Oscars Night of the yachting world – rec-

ognized Savvanah’s exterior lines, her pioneering hybrid propulsion system and the incredible quality and atten-

tion to detail that have been invested in all exterior and interior areas.

in all aspects and is a worthy winner.”

down to the last detail – demonstrates the level of crafts-

three gensets, batteries, propeller, azimuting thruster and

Launched in 2015, Savannah is the first superyacht

“Not only is Savannah an inspirationally elegant

to feature an eco-friendly blend of single diesel engine,

yacht, but the quality of design and construction – right

a streamlined hull shape. Offering fuel economies of thirty

manship to which many aspire but few achieve,” com-

per cent, the pioneering electro-mechanical propulsion

mented the judges. “She is an incredible yacht that excels

58

platform marries Feadship’s past experience and forward thinking approach within a pure custom creation.

But there is much more to Savannah than her ex-

traordinarily efficient propulsion system. The exterior profile created in partnership between CG Design and Feadship’s designers includes a ‘floating superstructure’.

The glass and composite panels appear to float thanks to complex visual trickery involving polished stainless steel

strips, aluminium supports and teak. The stainless steel

doors form part of the yacht’s continuous line and also appear to be floating as part of an immensely complicated design feature.

Another genuinely unique aspect of the exterior of

Savannah is the way the aft owner- and main deck areas have been designed as single giant open inside/outside

spaces, enclosed by weathertight sliding doors. With the sides of the main lounge open, the entire space from the swimming pool to the salon serves as a comprehensive al fresco experience zone.

The exterior colour scheme is Sea Foam metallic

green – Savannah is the first superyacht to be entirely

metallic painted (including the ceilings and fixed deck furniture) with the exception of the mast domes. Feadship developed a special spray nozzle technique to attain

the all-metallic look, which had to be achieved in one sweep to avoid any colour discrepancy. The outside staircases are jet black and the steps covered in teak.

The interior of Savannah is equally full of surpris-

es. As the second superyacht venture from the boards of CG Design, the vessel comprises an unrivalled amount

of detailing, finishes and materials throughout. For in-

stance, there are lighting fixtures on the boat with up to ten different colours, lens types and positions.

One of the many structural highlights is an ‘under-

water lounge’ at port side where guests can watch the fish outside or turn around and observe the fun and games in the nine-metre swimming pool. The room, which also converts into a cinema, is another first for a superyacht

and features especially thick glass due to its position in the hull.

In addition to the owner’s stateroom, there are

four large guest suites and one VIP stateroom with a balcony. Savannah also has unprecedented facilities for her 26 crew members and an exceptionally high-end tender

bay finished in teak with a hatch that doubles as a mooring platform. After docking, guests can walk inside the garage and take the stairs straight up to the main deck.

Savannah is available on an exclusive basis for

occasional chartering. Interested parties should contact Feadship Charter directly via charter@feadship.nl

59

YACHTING

The S-Class of the Sea Arrow460-Granturismo: the first motor yacht from Mercedes-Benz

When the words ‘Mercedes-Benz Style Arrow460-

Granturismo’ are uttered, one would assume the topic of conversation is a high-performance car. In this case, how-

ever, it is a luxury motor yacht – the first ever to bear the Mercedes-Benz brand.

The newly unveiled luxury motor yacht has already

embarked on its maiden voyage off the coast of Nice. Done

in collaboration with yacht manufacturer Silver Arrows

Marine, the 14-metre long, 960 hp combines the performance of Mercedes-Benz sports cars with unique innova-

tions from the boat industry. Nicknamed ‘Silver Arrow

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61

YACHTING

of the Seas’, the yacht has classic automobile proportions

functionality, much in the same way as is familiar from

form. The yacht also combines the advantages of an open

the world in the coming years.”

that bring the hallmark Mercedes design idiom of sensual

our road vehicles. As such, the ‘Arrow460–Granturismo’ is

purity onto the water in a highly emotional and dynamic

sure to cause a stir on the seas and at marinas throughout

boat with those of a hull cabin cruiser in unique fashion.

Silver Arrows Marine Chairman Ron Gibbs said:

Its crossover design offers the ultimate in variability, re-

“Almost everything about Arrow460-Granturismo is

sulting in a boat that is equally suitable for day trips and

unique, from its concept to the smallest bespoke detail.

overnight stays on board.

It is a motor yacht with a personality that truly embraces

“In developing the new motor yacht, we have

life, combining the best marine engineering with the in-

transferred our expertise to the marine industry, creating

spired innovations and elegance that the world associates

something never seen before in the process. The ‘Silver

with the Mercedes-Benz name. By merging marine and

Arrow of the Seas’ stands for modern luxury, avant-garde

automotive worlds, with their respective design language,

style and comfortable elegance. The yacht embodies the

technologies and ideas, we have created a new standard

Mercedes-Benz’s progressive, dynamic design philosophy

of motor yacht, unlike all others.”

of sensual purity on the water. Or, to put it another way,

Arrow460-Granturismo can accommodate up to

it is hot and cool in one, and stands for emotion and in-

10 persons. The large side windows are retractable, and

telligence,” said Gorden Wagener, Vice President Design

the windscreen can be raised. This means that passengers

Daimler AG. “Together with Silver Arrows Marine we have

can sit comfortably in the interior while enjoying an all-

managed to develop a totally new boat concept. By virtue

round view and the feeling of sitting in the open. Tables

of maximum variability, the yacht combines the advantag-

and beds are extendable, and therefore available as and

es of an open boat with the generous interior and privacy

when required. Superior comfort is assured by a luxuri-

of a cabin cruiser. It weds charismatic design with perfect

ous bathroom unit and separate dressing room. As stand-

62

ard the yacht is equipped with every feature an owner

might wish for. Apart from an air conditioning system and a high-quality audio system, it has a “wine-cellar” and an ice-making machine.

Mercedes-Benz Style’s innovative aspirations also

embrace the choice of materials. Wood serves to line the entire interior, rather than using this material as a conven-

tional floor covering. As a result of this three-dimensional application of wood, the fine grain of the eucalyptus fol-

The exterior design boasts clear contours and

lows the overarching forms of the interior lining, underscoring the overall flow of the interior.

smooth surfaces. In a dynamic and sophisticated way, the

ing décor and a harmonious colour combination.

line and a slightly descending rear, the yacht has classic

muscular, extended hull accentuates the sensual purity of

The floor covering takes the form of an industrial,

the design. With its long foredeck, a flowing, arched roof-

sustainable composite material featuring a specific flow-

automobile proportions. The sides of the hull are struc-

The glazing is unique in two respects: the luminous

tured with a feature line descending gently towards the

transmittance can be controlled electronically, along the

stern. The concave and convex interaction along the entire

same lines as the Mercedes-Benz Magic Sky technology;

flank creates a highly sculptural hull that conveys both dy-

at the same time, the silver-shimmering glazing blends

namism and serenity. The overall composition is accentu-

apparently seamlessly into the overall profile, as on the

ated by elegantly styled yet functional details. Great atten-

Mercedes-Benz concept vehicles F015 and Concept IAA.

tion has been paid to the handrails, for example, which are

This avant-garde appearance underscores the sculptural

perfectly integrated into the roofline.

and innovative character of the Arrow460-Granturismo.

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MOTORING

A Voluptuous Vision Rolls-Royce Vision Next 100: a grand vision of the future of luxury mobility

For Rolls-Royce, the end of production of the

seventh generation Phantom – considered by aficio-

nados to be ‘the best car in the world’ – represents the completion of the first phase of the Rolls-Royce

brand’s renaissance under BMW Group custodian-

ship. This highly successful era for the world’s most celebrated luxury brand has been driven by a restless

commitment to always looking forward, and now as Rolls-Royce stands at the dawn of a new chapter – the next 100 years – the Rolls-Royce Vision Next 100

is presented… Codenamed 103EX, it is the marque’s first ever pure ‘Vision Vehicle’.

The Rolls-Royce Vision Next 100, presented

in London on 16 June 2016, offers an intriguing and

aesthetically dynamic vision of the future of luxury

mobility – a completely personal, effortless and autonomous Rolls-Royce experience.

Brought to life by Rolls-Royce after many

months of study and consultation with current pa-

trons of the brand, the car represents their clearly expressed desire for an assurance that the marque’s

plans for the future of luxury personal mobility will

continue to embody the key attributes that have made Rolls-Royce the preferred marque of the most

discerning and powerful patrons in the world for over a Century.

With this deep understanding of the Rolls-

Royce customer of the future and the world in which they will live, Rolls-Royce Motor Cars design team, led by Director of Design Giles Taylor, distilled four key tenets that not only underpin the elegant solution

that is the Rolls-Royce Vision Next 100, but epitomise the future of luxury mobility as a whole: the Personal Vision, the Effortless Journey, the Grand Sanctuary and the Grand Arrival.

64

65

The Personal Vision

Today, the ‘Voice of Eleanor’ inhabits the Rolls-Royce

The Rolls-Royce Vision Next 100, as presented in

Vision Next 100, delivering the dream of an effortless future

London on Thursday 16 June 2016, is but one example of a

to her owners. Digitally connected to every aspect of her

number of possible personal visions of a Rolls-Royce of the

owners’ lives and her surrounding environment, ‘Eleanor’

future.

becomes their virtual assistant and chauffeur, freeing them

In the spirit of the great coachbuilt cars of the past,

of all effort and encumbrance. Imbued with her own artifi-

Rolls-Royce will create the chassis of the future, hand-built

cial intelligence, she works intuitively to advise her owners

from the most advanced materials and powered by a zero

on itineraries, schedules and options before they leave their

emissions powertrain. Advanced manufacturing technolo-

residence, reminding about appointments and tasks and

gies will enable customers to involve themselves even more

making suggestions to ease any anticipated impediments.

in the design of the shape, size and silhouette of their per-

This Effortless Journey is enhanced by the hallmark

sonal Rolls-Royce vision. The future customer will com-

Rolls-Royce ‘magic carpet ride’ delivered through a blend of

mission his or her own concept. Rolls Royce will design

a futuristic, powerful, zero-emission drivetrain and advanced

and manufacture this personal vision of each customer and

suspension that sees the vehicle almost skim across the road

make every Rolls-Royce a unique Bespoke masterpiece.

surface. As a V12 combustion engine is most unlikely to exist in the future, one can only surmise how this Rolls-Royce will

The Effortless Journey

be powered.

For the 105 years since her creation in 1911, the Spir-

The Grand Sanctuary

it of Ecstasy, modelled by sculptor and artist Charles Sykes,

on Eleanor Thornton, has silently guided every Rolls-Royce

Entering the ‘Grand Sanctuary’ of the Rolls-Royce Vi-

and its owner through the momentous events of their lives.

sion Next 100, the passengers step in unbowed, with con-

She has stood as an elegant presence at some of history’s

summate grace and dignity, as with the state carriages of old,

most notable events.

taking their place on the best seat in the house. Cocooned in

66

the futuristic but handcrafted lounge atmosphere, the coach

lavish chariots of the Roman Emperors to the individually

The cabin is encircled by the most modern handcraft-

Elizabeth II’s coronation – such fine vehicles have been de-

hand built state carriages and cars of Monarchy – such as

door and clamshell canopy glide closed to envelop them in

the coachbuilt Rolls-Royce Phantom IV used during Queen

uninterrupted silence and luxury.

signed to project the importance of the individual inside to

ed fine-line Macassar wood panelling, sweeping across the

those waiting outside.

interior from the coach door, continuing around behind the

This truth is reflected in the most dramatic aspect of

generous OLED screen and up beside the second passenger

the Rolls-Royce Vision Next 100 – its iconic, imposing and

to the side of the sofa. This ensures a continuous, beauti-

futuristic presence which ensures a Grand Arrival for its

fully clean and sculptural surface when the screen is extin-

occupants. Yet whilst it powerfully expresses the future of

guished.

luxury, it remains constant to the iconic tropes of any true

This sense of space is accentuated as our passengers’

Rolls-Royce: The Spirit of Ecstasy, the Pantheon grille, the

view from their seats is uninterrupted by a cockpit or steer-

long bonnet and the iconic proportions of the entire vehi-

ing wheel which are now superfluous. From their powerful

cle.

position within the Rolls-Royce Vision Next 100, “All the

world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players…”.

The Grand Arrival of the Rolls-Royce Vision Next 100

is first signalled by the Spirit of Ecstasy and Pantheon grille illuminating to cast an ethereal, otherworldly glow from the

Should they choose to drop their eyes from that world

front of the car. As this vision of the future gracefully sweeps

stage for a moment and ask ‘Eleanor’ for visual cues, she will

up to its destination, the ethereal glow spreads from the

provide them on the transparent OLED screen that domi-

trailing edge of the front wheel arch to the rear of the single

nates the front wall of the cabin. Here passengers can view

coach door, signalling that something momentous is about

information regarding their journey, their destination and

to happen. As the Rolls-Royce Vision Next 100 gracefully

the people they are expecting to meet. Or they may simply

comes to a halt, something magnificent occurs.

choose to retreat from the outside world and be entertained

Hinged on the left of the vehicle, the glass canopy

by their favourite show for a while.

lifts to allow the occupant to stand whilst providing shelter

Or they may just contemplate the finely crafted

from above and behind. Then, in one effortless movement,

analogue clock that hovers in a central position above the

the single coach door sweeps open and a step emerges from

screen, which serves both as a reminder of Sir Henry Royce’s

below the running board. As a final flourish, a red light is

humble beginnings as an electrical pioneer making electric

projected, carpet-like, from the underside of the step as a

dynamos, and of time as the ultimate luxury.

welcome.

The Grand Arrival

Thus, as in Botticelli’s ‘The Birth of Venus’, the pas-

sengers is framed and ready to step gracefully into the lime-

Certain truths are constant over time. One of these

light and greet their audience.

truths is how the powerful have always understood the symbols through which they express their standing. From the

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MOTORING

Powerful Personality Performance meets panache with the new Porsche Panamera

tinues‌ The new 2017 model, which has been redeveloped

With the introduction of the first Panamera in 2009,

from the ground up, combines two contrasting characteris-

Porsche changed everything to do with the saloon. Large,

tics better than ever before: it offers both the performance

cumbersome and thickly padded instantly seemed outmod-

of a sports car and the comfort of a luxury saloon.

ed qualities. On the road, something happened – something rather fast and dynamic: a sports car came along. A sports

“We have tapped into the segment of luxury sport

car with four seats, an unmistakable silhouette and per-

sedans with the Panamera. Since it launched in 2009, over

formance figures normally associated only with a Porsche.

150,000 units of the Panamera have been sold. The new

And with the second generation Panamera, the concept con-

model represents a completely redeveloped automobile

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– with new engines, a new design and new technologies.

economy and reducing emissions according to the New

site. To this end, we have invested a sum of 500 million Eu-

market launch in the Panamera Turbo and the Panamera

Furthermore, we are now manufacturing the second gen-

European Driving Cycle. Two new twin-turbo gasoline en-

eration of the vehicle entirely at our Leipzig production

gines with direct fuel injection are being introduced at the

ros – which includes a completely new body manufacturing

4S. Both models are equipped with a permanent all-wheel

facility,” Oliver Blume, Chairman of the Executive Board of

drive system and a new eight-speed Porsche dual-clutch

Porsche AG, emphasized.

transmission (PDK). The Panamera Turbo is powered by a

The design language of the new Panamera creates

550 hp twin-turbo V8, while the Panamera 4S is equipped

a link to the Porsche 911 through its even more dynamic

with a 440 hp twin-turbo V6.

flyline and by using specific design elements of the iconic sports car. “An observer will immediately recognize the

coupé-like roof line, but it is much ‘faster’, even more dynamic and includes a new side window look that empha-

sizes the coupe-like side view even more,” said Michael

Mauer, Head of Style Porsche AG, who explained the design objectives that were set for the new model: “The new Pan-

amera can be identified as a Panamera at first glance, but

also as the new Panamera. Its strengths have been reinforced, its weaknesses have been eradicated and above all its distinctive character has been preserved.”

A Porsche has always impressed with more than just

sheer power; its efficiency is equally important. To elevate

this formula to a new level, all second generation Panamera models have redesigned engines. They have all been

made more powerful, while significantly improving fuel

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MOTORING To provide an even larger spread between supple

ride comfort and agile handling, the Panamera now offers

features such as the new three-chamber air suspension, rear axle steering and the new electronic 4D Chassis Control chassis management system. Many new assistance systems also enhance ride comfort as well as safety.

In the new Panamera, Porsche is also introducing a

future-oriented display and control concept. Classic buttons and conventional instruments have been reduced

significantly. They have been replaced by touch-sensitive panels and individually configurable displays which take centre stage in the new Porsche Advanced Cockpit – with

great benefits for the driver as well as the front and rear passengers.

Despite a significantly extended range of communi-

cation, convenience and assistance systems, different func-

tions can now be used and operated even more clearly and

intuitively. The Porsche Advanced Cockpit transforms the

analog world into the digital future of mobility, while staying true to the heritage of Porsche. The analog tachometer,

with its central position in the instrument cluster, is a tribute to every Porsche sports car of the past.

Furthermore, the new Porsche Communication Man-

agement (PCM 4.1) offers an entirely new range of connec-

tivity by its intelligent digital functions and online services.

In the new Panamera, Porsche Connect is being introduced in all models. It extends existing vehicle functions by add-

ing digital services and apps such as those used to control certain vehicle functions remotely by smartphone – and

others to make more efficient use of the driver’s time on the go.

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