Luxhabitat Issue 01 Sep'14

Autumn 2014 ISSUE ONE

The quarterly journal of luxury homes, design, interiors, art & style

HOME COMFORTS

MODERN LOVE

TOME RAIDER

The designers at Dubai’s creative initiative Tashkeel set their sights on bespoke interiors reflective of the Emirates P10

Why a family big on entertaining at home adore the contemporary makeover of their Arabian Ranches villa P08

Michelin-starred chef Yannick Alléno’s genre-defining cookbook serves up 500 recipes for you to forage through P32

Luxury Homes

PARADISE FOUND Come home to a haven of luxury at Al Barari Page 05

Interiors Page 04

Design

Style

Page 36

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CONTENTS / 3

Autumn 2014

Page 04

Lux List

WELCOME NOTE

Make a style statement with a classic lounge chair.

Page 05

Be Here Now An oasis in Al Barari is this season’s must-buy property.

Page 06

The Ultimate Collection The pick of the bathrooms inside our homes for sale.

Page 08

Modern Family How one Arabian Ranches villa was totally transformed.

Page 10

Hub Of Creativity Why Tashkeel is at the forefront of Dubai’s art boom.

Page 12

Property Listings A round-up of Dubai’s most sought-after properties.

Page 32

The Cook’s Book Host the perfect dinner party with Yannick Alléno’s help.

Page 34

The Beatles Unseen Exclusive photos show a different side to the Fab Four.

Page 36

Stylish Escape Relax in style at Amsterdam’s Conservatorium Hotel.

Page 38

The Coffee-Table Book A rare glimpse into the workings of Christian Dior.

Welcome to the autumn edition of LUXHABITAT, our quarterly journal of luxury properties, interiors, art, design and style.

This issue coincides with the fifth anniversary since the formation of our company, LUXHABITAT. When we launched back in 2009 we were pioneers, focusing exclusively on luxury properties in the marketplace, and over the years we have dedicated ourselves to developing a fully customised marketing and sales strategy for the luxury property market.

It has been a long process to establish the brand and position the company, and a great challenge to build the strongest high-quality portfolio of properties required to service highnet-worth individuals from around the world. Yet, that we currently stand as the industry leaders in the luxury residential real estate market means our efforts have been rewarded.

Not only is our success due in part to us having assembled the most professional team of specialists fully focused on luxury properties, but also our innovative marketing strategy, of which this publication is a fine example.

I hope you enjoy the issue, and in particular reading of how our recently launched high-end interior design service transformed a family villa in Arabian Ranches (page 08).

Should you wish to peruse more of our beautiful homes for sale, you can visit us at luxhabitat.ae – the address for luxury property.

Oriol Font ofont@luxhabitat.ae

Arenco Tower, 8th floor, Dubai Media City, PO Box 450047 +971 4 432 7972 | +971 55 97 95 087 www.luxhabitat.ae

Managing Director Victoria Thatcher | Editorial Director John Thatcher Contributing Editor Tracey Scott | Contributing Deputy Editor Richard Jenkins | Contributing Features Editors Lara Brunt, Eleanor Joslin | Senior Designer Adam Sneade | Designer Andy Knappett To contact any of the above people, email firstname@hotmediapublishing.com

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Lux List

LOUNGE CHAIRS Add everlasting style to your home with one of these design classics From the stately Bergère, Windsor and Chippendale chairs of the 18th century, to today’s modern design classics, age and era does not define iconicism but rather style, shape and material.

Sit back in one of these modernist lounge chairs and make a timeless statement.

Designed by Poul Kjærholm

PK25 Fritz Hansen Arguably Denmark’s most notable design house, Fritz Hansen commissioned Kjærholm for just one year.

His interest in construction materials produced this minimalist chair from matt-chromed spring steel and black flag halyard. fritzhansen.com

Designed by Antonio Citterio

Designed by Rodolfo Dordoni

Designed by Charles & Ray Eames

MART

470 PILOTTA

LA CHAISE

B&B Italia

Cassina

Vitra

An experimental, tech-savvy approach produced this thermoformed leather seat, cupping your body in a soft and comfortable shell.

Dordoni’s 2007 release evokes classic lines and fluidity through an open-pore ashwood frame and masculine leather upholstery.

Inspired by the elegant contours of Gaston Lachaise’s Floating Figure sculpture, the Eames’ 1948 chair is a timeless icon of the 20th century.

bebitalia.com

cassina.com

vitra.com

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INTERIORS / 05

Words: Eleanor Joslin

MAGNIFICENT MAISON Your chance to own this stunning, one-of-a-kind Al Barari residence

S

tunning custom-built leisure facilities, luxury bathrooms and large open-plan master bedroom suites make this six-bedroom villa one of Al Barari’s finest properties.

Its location, as the first villa in the premium Desert Leaf 1 area, offers supreme privacy and is neighboured by just one other property.

“We chose Al Barari because it’s unlike any other development in Dubai,” says the vendor, Steffen Korbach. “It’s got a very European feel; it’s green and open, with community gardens and lovely areas to walk around.”

This exclusive B-type villa, across an

extended built-up area of 19,145 square feet, boasts a number of modifications, including eight renovated bathrooms, generous guest bedrooms with panoramic garden views, an extended master bedroom with a palatial lounge area, two large offices and Jacuzzi bathrooms. This exclusive property also has a private cinema and a poker room, with original chips from the Monte Carlo casino.

The real talking point is the landscaped front and rear gardens. “I extended the outdoor plot size to create a huge garden and bigger swimming pool, with sunken poolside seating areas, a barbecue, fireplace and Jacuzzi,” says Korbach. “We spend a lot of time in this outdoor area and even in the hot

months it’s lovely to swim in the pool at night.”

The garden was designed to offer the ultimate in in-house entertainment and luxury, and it does not disappoint. As well as the 1,300-square-foot pool and 200-squarefoot Jacuzzi, there is an LED waterfall and a water creek at the rear of the garden courtyard.

You can unwind in the bespoke yoga temple and in the all-inclusive spa centre – which features changing rooms, a steam room, massage parlour, exotic shower, and coldwater plunge pool. Such facilities provide a great way to relax after a training session in the custom-built high-tech gymnasium. All

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the pools and Jacuzzis are chlorine-free with UV and ionic filtration systems.

“We put a lot of effort into the design of the house,” he adds. “We made sure to take care of every detail we changed, from the floors to the bathrooms and chlorine-free pool.”

All of this is situated in the Bromellia development, in the most private of settings.

The property is screened by high wooden fences for absolute privacy and protection.

Accentuating this further, a private driveway sweeps towards a three-car garage and gated air-conditioned showroom with space for four cars.

REF: 1675 PRICE: AED55,000,000 luxhabitat.ae

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The Ultimate Collection

BATHROOMS LUXHABITAT’S range of properties for sale include some with stunning bathrooms. Here’s the best of them...

Soak up beachfront living from every room of this luxurious island villa. This modular bath, tucked into the window of this five-bedroom home in Nurai Island, Abu Dhabi, offers a truly relaxing experience. (Ref 653)

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INTERIORS / 07

Luxury is part of the lifestyle within this five-bedroom villa in The Reserve, Al Barari.

The bathrooms are certainly no exception. This en suite features a fashionable walk-in glass shower with glass roof, accentuating the open-air feel of this spacious duallevel room. (Ref 1138)

Perfect for the man of the house, this sleek, minimalist shower will wash away the stress of a busy day Downtown. Working professionals will enjoy this furnished one-bedroom apartment in Armani Residences, with modern and immaculate décor in an enviable location. (Ref 470)

This contemporary bathroom in Armani Residences has built-in entertainment, too.

While you sink into the circular bath, soak up one of the most privileged views in the city and watch the Dubai Fountains dance below and Burj Khalifa sparkle opposite.

(Ref 470)

Everyone gets their quality ‘me’ time in Emirates Hills.

While the husband plays golf, the lady of this four-bedroom villa can enjoy spa-style treatments every day in this deluxe bathroom with free-standing tub and walk-in shower. (Ref 227)

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Words: Lara Brunt

MODERN FAMILY A stunning entertaining space transforms one family’s villa in Dubai Designing an open-plan kitchen and living space that’s suitable for formal entertaining while also being familyfriendly is no mean feat. Yet, LUXHABITAT has achieved this and more for a busy family of five, originally from Pakistan, who now call Dubai home.

“The client wanted a formal area to accommodate a high number of guests, as they regularly entertain friends and family,” says LUXHABITAT interior designer Sergi Comellas.

“They also wanted a contemporary design that was different from what’s currently available in Dubai, with open spaces and good communication between the indoor and outdoor spaces.”

With this in mind, LUXHABITAT has transformed the internal architecture of the Arabian Ranches villa by combining the kitchen, dining and living areas into a sleek

and sophisticated space that can comfortably fit around five to 10 people. “This has been possible because we have allocated two kitchens in the ground floor: one kitchen has been integrated into the formal area for social cooking by the owners, while the back kitchen is for heavy cooking by the maids,” says Comellas.

Large floor-to-ceiling windows flood the space with natural light and successfully blur the boundaries between indoor and outdoor. “Due to the orientation of the villa, it has been possible to include large windows without significantly impacting on the indoor temperature during the hot months,” says the designer. “Thanks to these openings, the property gets a lot of natural light and flow of fresh air when the doors are open, which allows the family to enjoy the great weather

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Dubai offers during several months of the year and minimises the need for AC.” A large window next to the library overlooks an outdoor area set aside for reading. “It is the most fresh and calm area of the villa,” says Comellas.

The interior design features a colour palette of grey, brown and cream tones, with an emphasis on natural materials like wood. Creating a seamless transition from indoor to outdoor spaces was also key. “We have used the same large format grey porcelain tiles for both the indoor and outdoor flooring to achieve a full integration between the indoor and outdoor spaces,” says Comellas.

“When it comes to furniture we tend to use top European brands, mainly Italian and German, and this project was no

exception,” says Comellas. The project features a Bulthaup kitchen with Gaggenau appliances, furniture from B&B Italia, Minotti, and Cassina, a high-tech Bang & Olufsen television and audio system, and lighting by Kreon and Flos.

The designer gave careful consideration to both natural and artificial lighting. “We observed the different tones the indoor space gets during the different hours of the day,” he says. “The artificial lighting, meanwhile, helps to define the interior architecture of the property. At the same time, it supports the different service areas, such as the dining table, bar and the social kitchen working area. We’ve also used lighting to create different ambiences depending on the area’s functionality with dimmers and different lighting modes.”

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INTERIORS / 09

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THE LUXHABITAT JOURNAL

Words: Tracey Scott

HUB OF CREATIVITY Creative initiative Tashkeel proves art and design in the region is booming

O

n pulling up outside Tashkeel you‘d be right to assume that you’ve taken a wrong turn. The concrete-clad exterior of this unassuming building is far removed from the creative energy that flows inside – an energy that has rippled throughout Dubai and beyond since the contemporary art organisation opened six years ago.

Set up primarily to cultivate and promote visual artists in the UAE, as well as facilitate cross-culture dialogue between creative industries, Tashkeel offers a central meeting pointcum-workplace for artists working across most disciplines, from urban art and photography to textiles and sculpture.

Founded in 2008 by Lateefa bint Maktoum, a member of Dubai’s ruling family and notable artist, Tashkeel offers

studio space, artists’ residencies (local and international) and a programme of exhibitions throughout the year. It, too, houses a public gallery, library and facilities to rival most contemporary organisations in Europe: digital labs, printmaking, photography studio and darkroom, and textile printing facilities.

Applauded for its support of Dubai’s flourishing art scene, Tashkeel currently runs three residencies a year, along with six residencies in conjunction with its partners – such as the region’s largest art fair, Art Dubai, and London’s largest artist residency provider, the Delfina Foundation. Then there is the exhibition space, which can accommodate up to six main projects a year, alongside a series of small-scale events and workshops, including screenings and seminars.

An advocate of collaborative work, earlier this year Tashkeel showcased a handful of Emirati designers at the

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annual Design Days Dubai – the region’s leading fair dedicated to collectible furniture and objects. The three artists – Latifa Saeed, Salem Al-Mansoori and Zeinab Alhashemi – developed prototypes for the exhibition, with their final pieces available to purchase at the fair (if you missed out on these three exclusive items, the designers do take commissions).

From a one-of-a-kind braided chair designed by Latifa Saeed to a multi-functional sand carpet created by Zeinab Alhashemi, Tashkeel’s interest for interiors is ever advancing.

So much so that it has recently launched a mentorship programme with London-based PAL Labs to encourage local designers to develop a range of products that work towards defining a design, aesthetic and production process that is innately from the Emirates. Tashkeel will then showcase the work at next year’s Design Days Dubai, which takes place in March 2015.

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With nurturing creative talent a cornerstone to this dynamic design hub’s agenda, we take a look at some of the artists to exhibit with Tashkeel Visual:

ZEINAB ALHASHEMI A visual artist born and based in Dubai, Alhashemi focuses on visual storytelling through experimental media and the use of new materials. Her recent project for Design Days Dubai is a case in point.

Her multi-functional sand carpet, made up of geometric shapes filled with sand and stitched out of camel leather, has been designed to be used as portable seating for outdoors or as a permanent piece of furniture for the home.

Photography:

MAITHA DEMITHAN An Emirati artist born in Dubai, Maitha Demithan combines several mediums when constructing her work: photography, scanography, painting, drawing and photo transfers. She first appeared at Tashkeel in 2009, when she showcased her scanned self portraits. Since then, she has participated in the Brisbane Biennial and appeared at the UAE Pavilion during the Shanghai Expo 2010.

Contemporary:

RUBEN SANCHEZ The Spanish artist opened his B Side exhibition in Tashkeel last November. According to the artist, the B Side is “all about transforming things”.

It is the result of 12 months of experimentation and exploration, whereby he splashes vibrant Cubist-style faces, bodies and animals in bright pastels and primaries on discarded timber pieces.

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AL BARARI GO GREEN

A

This niche market sets its own pace for pricing, says Luke Jones, luxury sales specialist at LUXHABITAT

n abundance of greenery, excellent design and build quality, and a limited amount of premium housing are Al Barari’s unique selling points, says LUXHABITAT’s luxury sales specialist Luke Jones. “These three factors really add value to properties in the area.

When you enter the gated community you’re greeted by a lush haven of trees. It’s the greenest area in Dubai and also one of the most beautiful, with 2,000 species of trees, man-made rivers, and footpaths that wind their way from every villa throughout the community. The area has even developed its own ecosystem, it’s a very peaceful area which residents love.”

The community has just 189 villas, making it one of the most exclusive areas in Dubai to own a property. The villas are separated into four size types: A type villas, which sell for around AED21 million; Bs, which sell for AED16 million; Cs, which command around AED14 million; and lastly, Ds, the smallest type of villa which are generally priced between AED13-14 million.

Like Emirates Hills, Al Barari is home to some of the city’s most prominent

residents, with a general mix of expats, comments Jones. “Generally speaking, those who sell their property in Al Barari don’t need to sell through financial necessity, so they know they can control the market to a degree. Usually, they’ll hold and wait until they achieve their specified sale price, or very close to it.

This is a by-product of the development having only 189 villas.”

Earlier this year Al Barari launched Seventh Heaven, offering investors and end users apartment options. They range from spacious one beds through to large four-bed apartments, and were “well received by the market”, according to Jones.

Al Barari also offers homes in a sub-community called The Reserve. “Here, buyers are able to purchase shell and core,” says Jones. “They can persue their own high-end fit-outs and designs and create a villa that truly suits them.

Essentially it’s tailored luxury.” The show villa at The Reserve is rumoured to have sold for AED60 million.

Aside from its beautiful villas, Al Barari is also home to The Farm, a wellknown and increasingly popular café and restaurant notable for its fine food and enchanting setting.

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LUXURY PROPERT Y / 13

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO ARRANGE A PRIVATE VIEWING, PLEASE CONTACT OUR LUXURY SPECIALIST ON +971 55 97 95 087 OR VISIT WWW.LUXHABITAT.AE

Property Gallery

AL BARARI | BROMELLIA

A E D 55,0 0 0 ,0 0 0

6 Bedrooms (BUA 19,145 sq. ft.)

Reference 1675

AL BARARI | DAHLIA

A E D 13,000,000

6 Bedrooms (BUA 12,713 sq. ft.)

AL BARARI | CAMELLIA

5 Bedrooms (BUA 13,858 sq. ft.)

Reference 1596

A E D 1 6 , 500,000

Reference 881

AL BARARI | THE RESERVE

P R I C E O N A P P L I C AT I O N

5 Bedrooms (BUA 19,000 sq. ft.)

AL BARARI | BROMELLIA

5 Bedrooms (BUA 14,918 sq. ft.)

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A E D 16,4 00,000

Reference 1562

Reference 1138

AL BARARI | CAMELLIA

6 Bedrooms (BUA 13,858 sq. ft.)

A E D 14 , 3 0 0 ,0 0 0

Reference 1594

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ARABIAN RANCHES FAMILY VALUES

A

Luke Jones explains how Emaar thought ahead in this family-friendly area

rabian Ranches is a highly desirable place with many factors proving to be big draws for families,” says Luke Jones, luxury sales specialist at LUXHABITAT. “Emaar, its developer, did a great job and added real value to the Ranches when it built the community centre, which includes cafés and restaurants. And there is also a mosque, a well-respected school that offers a British curriculum and a golf course.

“At the very high end of the market, end users and investors have the option of buying what is arguably one of Emaar’s most exclusive products, The Polo

homes. They were launched as shell and core options, with 30 homes facing the pitch, and another 41 located on the back end. Some of Dubai’s most prominent residents own Polo homes,” say Jones.

With over 5,000 properties in Arabian Ranches and new launches adding to its size, the Ranches is proving to be a formidable opponent for the competition, reckons Jones. “At the end of the day end users want affordable housing with excellent design, build and quality, whilst enjoying all the facilities a gated community like Arabian Ranches offers. The competition just doesn’t meet the dizzy heights and expectations on offer here.”

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FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO ARRANGE A PRIVATE VIEWING, PLEASE CONTACT OUR LUXURY SPECIALIST ON +971 55 97 95 087 OR VISIT WWW.LUXHABITAT.AE

Property Gallery

ARABIAN RANCHES | SAHEEL 1

A E D 10,500,000

5 Bedrooms (BUA 4,909 sq. ft.)

Reference 1623

A R A B I A N R A N C H E S | L A AV E N I D A

A E D 9,500,000

5 Bedrooms (BUA 4,559 sq. ft.)

ARABIAN RANCHES | MIRADOR 1

5 Bedrooms (BUA 5,172 sq. ft.)

Reference 1224

A E D 7, 28 0,000

Reference 1219

ARABIAN RANCHES | MIRADOR LA COLECCION 1

5 Bedrooms (BUA 4,401 sq. ft.)

ARABIAN RANCHES | POLO HOMES

5 Bedrooms (BUA 8,661 sq. ft.)

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A E D 2 3,000,000

Reference 1269

A E D 8,0 0 0 ,0 0 0

Reference 1537

A R A B I A N R A N C H E S | A LV O R A D A 1

3 Bedrooms (BUA 3,566 sq. ft.)

SOLD

Reference 1292

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DOWNTOWN & DIFC HIGH SOCIETY

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LUXHABITAT’s Kira Sergejew and Joey Elaty home in on an urban metropolis for hard-working high-fliers

opular with investors, DIFC is predominantly home to expats on short-term rentals, rather than owner-occupiers, says LUXHABITAT’s sales specialist Kira Sergejew.

There are eight key residential towers in DIFC: Sky Gardens, Burj Daman, DAMAC Properties’ Park Towers, Liberty House, Central Park, Mezza House, Index Tower and Limestone House. The latter two are outstanding properties, with Index Tower commanding a premium price because of the amazing cityscape views it affords residents.

The four-bedroom duplex penthouse in Index Tower is the most impressive apartment you can buy in DIFC. It affords 360-degree views of Burj Khalifa, Sheikh Zayed Road and the sea, and boasts a very high-end finish. “Most of the penthouses have been upgraded, and due to a lack of larger-sized units in the area of DIFC and Downtown, the prices for such units start at AED35 million for penthouses,” adds Sergejew.

“In Limestone House, two- and three-bedroom apartments are more commonly on the market, for between AED12 million to AED15 million. It has

great facilities, too, such as a top-class swimming pool and gym and a brilliant location. Furthermore, the lifestyle is amazing. Great restaurants surround the heart of DIFC, and it’s close to The Dubai Mall, art galleries, Sheikh Zayed Road, and lots of prestigious hotels and businesses.”

It is commonly thought that Burj Khalifa is Downtown’s most sought-after residence but this is not the case, says luxury LUXHABITAT’s sales specialist Joey Elaty. “People prefer to have a stunning view of the iconic building, rather than be inside looking out.”

So, which is the most desirable property in Downtown? “The Address Downtown,” states Elaty. “Thanks to its views of the Burj Khalifa, its location next to The Dubai Mall, and a long list of excellent amenities and restaurants nearby.

“The Burj also has 900 unfurnished units over 160 floors, while The Address Downtown has just 60 residential floors. Therefore two-bedroom apartments in The Address Downtown have a higher price tag than those in Burj Khalifa, ranging from AED11 million to AED15 million. What’s more, the prices have jumped by as much as 40 per cent since last year,” adds Elaty.

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FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO ARRANGE A PRIVATE VIEWING, PLEASE CONTACT OUR LUXURY SPECIALIST ON +971 55 97 95 087 OR VISIT WWW.LUXHABITAT.AE

Property Gallery

DIFC | THE INDEX TOWER

P R I C E O N A P P L I C AT I O N

4 Bedrooms (BUA 7,900 sq. ft.)

Reference 1342

DOWNTOWN | THE ADDRESS DOWNTOWN

A E D 4 0,000,000

3 Bedrooms (BUA 5,537 sq. ft.)

D O W N T O W N | B U R J K H A L I FA T O W E R

2 Bedrooms (BUA 2,056 sq. ft.)

Reference 1633

A E D 8,224,000

Reference 1517

D O W N T O W N | B U R J K H A L I FA T O W E R

4 Bedrooms (BUA 4,279 sq. ft.)

DOWNTOWN | THE RESIDENCES

5 Bedrooms (BUA 7,059 sq. ft.)

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A E D 4 5,000,000

Reference 859

A E D 2 2 ,90 0 ,0 0 0

Reference 1598

DOWNTOWN | THE ADDRESS DOWNTOWN

2 Bedrooms (BUA 1,848 sq. ft.)

A E D 13 ,999,999

Reference 1601

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DUBAI MARINA THE HIGH LIFE

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High-quality facilities and stunning views count, says LUXHABITAT’S Alexander von Sayn-Wittgenstein and Brigitte Tenbergen

nvestors considering the buy-to-let market should look towards Dubai Marina,” says LUXHABITAT’s luxury sales manager Alexander von Sayn-Wittgenstein. “Tenants are easy to find as it’s one of the emirate’s most sought-after areas,” he explains. Young professionals often turn to the Marina due to its location, with its proximity to Sheikh Zayed Road, and lifestyle facilities, including the beach, a host of restaurants, and great shopping facilities on their

doorstep.”

Such amenities have been boosted further with the opening of JBR’s new beachfront mall. This complex is home to an assortment of cafés, restaurants, shops, manicured lawns and a cinema. “It is this kind of lifestyle – where one can sit outside, go to the beach and indulge in myriad activities – that people want,” adds the sales manager.

Property prices in Dubai Marina tend to depend on the view and architectural quality of the building, reckons LUXHABITAT’s luxury sales

specialist Brigitte Tenbergen, who says that you can expect to pay, or charge your tenants, a minimum annual rent of AED95,000 for a one-bedroom apartment in a favourable development. “Prestigious developments include Trident Grand Residence and those built by Emaar: their original 6 Towers, Marina Promenade and Park Island,” comments Tenbergen. “In these desirable properties, a one-bedroom apartment will command well over AED100,000 in rent because of the quality of the building, nearby facilities and the lifestyle on offer.”

Arguably the most prestigious dwelling in the whole of the Marina is Le Rêve’s penthouse. “It is exceptionally high-end, covering 14,350 square feet, with four bedrooms and seven bathrooms, and offers full Marina views,” says Tenbergen. And the price? “The asking price could set you back AED72 million.”

Tenbergen believes that views definitely impact prices. However, she concludes: “The building has to be good quality, and that is the resounding factor.”

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LUXURY PROPERT Y / 19

FOR MORE INFORMATION OR TO ARRANGE A PRIVATE VIEWING, PLEASE CONTACT OUR LUXURY SPECIALIST ON +971 55 97 95 087 OR VISIT WWW.LUXHABITAT.AE

Property Gallery

DUBAI MARINA | ELITE RESIDENCE

A E D 51,000,000

4 Bedrooms (BUA 12,468 sq. ft.)

Reference 1664

DUBAI MARINA | SIX TOWERS, AL MASS

A E D 2 3,000,000

5 Bedrooms (BUA 6,300 sq. ft.)

DUBAI MARINA | OCEAN HEIGHTS

5 Bedrooms (BUA 11,022 sq. ft.)

Reference 1186

A E D 26 ,000,0 00

Reference 774

DUBAI MARINA | MARINA 23

DUBAI MARINA | LE RÊVE

A E D 3 0 ,0 0 0 ,0 0 0

2 Bedrooms (BUA 6,100 sq. ft.)

P R I C E O N A P P L I C AT I O N

3 Bedrooms (BUA 3,000 sq. ft.)

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Reference 1476

Reference 1457

D U B A I M A R I N A | M A R I N A V I E W, T O W E R B A E D 3 5,0 0 0 ,0 0 0

5 Bedrooms (BUA 15,320 sq. ft.)

Reference 1504

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E M I R AT E S H I L L S HEAD TO THE HILLS

E

LUXHABITAT’s Emirates Hills specialist Ghazal Navab on why a move to the exclusive ‘Beverly Hills of Dubai’ is a must

mirates Hills is the most luxurious gated freehold community in Dubai, if not the entire Middle East.

This area is home to the elite of the UAE and its nickname, ‘The Beverly Hills of Dubai’, is more than appropriate.

“Developed by Emaar, the community contains 632 stunning villas, of which approximately 44 are currently on the market,” says LUXHABITAT’s area specialist Ghazal Navab. “This high-net-worth community has taken 12 years to become fully established and no other area will rival its prestige for many years to come. When Emaar launched Emirates Hills, most of the original owners were Iranian, Indian and British. As the years have passed the community has developed greater international appeal with owners from other areas of Europe and Africa.”

The amenities are another reason that this area is so highly desired, says Navab. “It’s a safe and peaceful community with excellent facilities for families, incorporating many lush green areas, including lakes, parks and the world renowned Montgomerie golf course.”

The golf course itself houses 250 course-facing villas and, according to Navab, they are some of the most sought-after properties in Emirates Hills,

commanding the highest prices. “There are three types of original developed villas available, Al Hambra, Signature Villas and Montgomerie Maisonettes.

Unlike many other areas in Dubai, the majority of these stunning homes are unique and custom-built, ensuring quality and that personal touch, although they are designed within set stylistic boundaries,” adds Navab.

Each custom-designed home falls into one of three styles; Traditional Islamic, Contemporary Modern and Classic European. Villas predominantly start at five bedrooms, whilst some lavish, larger properties will offer up to 10 or 12 bedrooms. “Prices for Al Hambra and Signature Villas start below AED30 million,” says Navab. “These homes have plots in the region of 15,000 square feet and a habitable area of 9,000 square feet. Villas with the largest living areas (circa 17,000 square feet) and of the highest quality finish will start at AED55 million. However, views of the lakes and the golf course will need to be factored in to any valuation as they carry a significant premium,” he adds.

The specialist also believes that “high demand and lack of availability makes Emirates Hills a very attractive prospect even as prices rise”, adding: “Highnet-worth families are drawn to its exclusivity, lifestyle and location. And this year prices are likely to rise 20 to 30 per cent as investors and families alike continue to acquire exquisite homes in this luxury community.”

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Property Gallery

E M I R AT E S H I L L S | M O N T G O M E R I E M A I S O N E T T E S

P R I C E O N A P P L I C AT I O N

3 Bedrooms (BUA 3,088 sq. ft.)

Reference 1618

E M I R AT E S H I L L S | V S E C T O R

A E D 55,000,000

6 Bedrooms (BUA 15,000 sq. ft.)

Reference 1609

E M I R AT E S H I L L S | H T S E C T O R

A E D 68,0 0 0 ,0 0 0

7 Bedrooms (BUA 26,324 sq. ft.)

Reference 1649

E M I R AT E S H I L L S | W S E C T O R

A E D 27,000,000

E M I R AT E S H I L L S | R S E C T O R

A E D 55,000,000

E M I R AT E S H I L L S | W S E C T O R

P R I C E O N A P P L I C AT I O N

5 Bedrooms (BUA 13,400 sq. ft.)

Reference 1344

6 Bedrooms (BUA 12,500 sq. ft.)

Reference 1620

8 Bedrooms (BUA 38,133 sq. ft.)

Reference 1702

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THE LUXHABITAT JOURNAL

J U M E I R A H G O L F E S TAT E S

STAY ON COURSE

J

You’ll love life at the latest – and largest – development in the golfing world, says LUXHABITAT’s luxury sales directors Andrew Cleator and Ian Kirkby

umeirah Golf Estates has been “something of a sleeping giant”, opines LUXHABITAT’s luxury sales director Andrew Cleator, who has gained expert knowledge of this all-villa community since the launch of the first phase back in 2007.

It’s a belief born of Cleator’s view that people remain largely unaware of Jumeirah Golf Estates’ existence, despite it being home to Europe’s biggest golf tournament. Yet this is a mustsee development, one that arguably already ranks among the world’s finest golf communities despite its relative infancy.

“There are numerous sub-communities each made up of different style villas,” says Cleator, who has found his clients to be particularly impressed with the build quality of the first community to handover, Whispering Pines.

“Jumeirah Golf Estates is in a great location less than 15 minutes from Media City, which may come as a surprise to many. It’s very close to the heart of the city yet offers a lifestyle which is far removed.

“It also has really good access to the main roads, the city’s new airport and what will be Dubai’s Expo 2020 site, all of which will only boost the appeal and value of Jumeirah Golf Estates in years to come.”

Of course, the biggest draw here is the golf courses, of which two of a proposed four are complete and playable. “The community was designed to be

built around the golf courses and, as a result, 86 per cent of villas here boast full golf-course views,” says Ian Kirkby, luxury sales director at LUXHABITAT. “This is the highest percentage of any golf development in the world. Some communities, like Flame Tree Ridge, are purely on the golf course. You can expect to pay a 20 per cent premium for the views these villas offer, but such vistas are probably why you’d look to buy in a golf community in the first place,” he reasons. “However, golf-view properties in Jumeirah Golf Estates are priced much lower than those in places like Emirates Hills.”

Entry-level prices start at AED5.5 million, while the most exclusive properties can reach AED24 million. A selection of villas in this landscaped community (ranging from three to six bedrooms) come with a swimming pool, golf buggy and Bang & Olufsen televisions and sound systems.

“People wanting to buy here will get good value for money and a great quality build,” says Kirkby. “But this time next year those AED5.5 million properties for sure will be more expensive.”

Kirkby cites factors like the opening of the Estate’s clubhouse later this year for this expected price hike. The clubhouse will open in stages from November and become the world’s biggest on completion. So, what’s his advice? “Come and view Jumeirah Golf Estates now to see a beautiful community that’s all but guaranteed to rise in popularity and appeal.”

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J G E | S A N C T U A R Y FA L L S

P R I C E O N A P P L I C AT I O N

6 Bedrooms (BUA 10,884 sq. ft.)

Reference 563

JGE | OLIVE POINT

A E D 15,97 5,000

5 Bedrooms (BUA 7,071 sq. ft.)

J G E | L I M E T R E E VA L L E Y

4 Bedrooms (BUA 5,489 sq. ft.)

Reference 1450

A E D 9 , 250,0 00

Reference 1263

JGE | WHISPERING PINES

A E D 6, 50 0 ,0 0 0

4 Bedrooms (BUA 3,746 sq. ft.)

JGE | FLAME TREE RIDGE

5 Bedrooms (BUA 5,647 sq. ft.)

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A E D 9,800,000

Reference 1429

Reference 1588

JGE | SIENNA LAKES

4 Bedrooms (BUA 6,609 sq. ft.)

A E D 11,999,0 0 0

Reference 1546

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THE LUXHABITAT JOURNAL

JUMEIRAH ISLANDS TREASURED ISLANDS

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LUXHABITAT’s Ian Kirkby and Avin Shahani soak up seclusion on these luxurious islands

owhere else offers seclusion and privacy quite like Jumeirah Islands,” says LUXHABITAT’s luxury sales director Ian Kirkby, commenting on what is arguably the largest collection of man-made islands built inland of a city.

Beautiful lakes, waterways and waterfalls surround this community of 50 self-contained islands, providing an idyllic waterfront lifestyle. There are just 16 fourand five-bedroom villas per island, each with swimming pools, gardens and enviable lakeside views. And there are five themes to the architecture on the islands, to cater to all tastes: Oasis, Mediterranean, Islamic, European and Tropical.

Sealing the secluded lifestyle, developers Nakheel completed the residential infrastructure with essential amenities and leisure facilities on the doorstep.

Supermarkets and restaurants are nearby, while the clubhouse provides an infinity swimming pool, gymnasium, restaurant, barbecue area and sports bar.

“The clubhouse is the best location on the islands,” asserts Kirkby. “Residents can sit outside and enjoy the lakeside frontage, which is truly beautiful. There are many recreational amenities in the area, especially for those who are

active, such as squash, tennis, children’s play areas, jogging and cycling tracks, all situated in scenic suroundings. It’s a great area for families in particular, and the homes in Jumeirah Islands are larger than those in neighbouring communities like The Meadows and The Springs.”

At the high end of the market, the villas situated within the private subcommunity of Jumeirah Islands Mansions offer the largest floor plans, contemporary interiors, state-of-the-art technology and excellent finishes.

There are three luxurious villa types in Jumeirah Islands: Entertainment Foyer, Garden Hall and Master View, with starting prices of AED8.5 million, AED10 million and AED13 million, respectively.

“Master View is very exclusive,” comments LUXHABITAT’s luxury sales specialist Avin Shahani. “These high-end villas have lake frontage and generous floor plans starting at 6,000 square feet. Many residents choose to upgrade, after which they can sell for AED14 million, perhaps even AED15.5 million. As with the market in most waterside communities, this depends on the degree of lake frontage, views and level of upgrade.”

Values have increased significantly over the last year, says Shahani, by as much as 15 per cent. “Prices will only increase further this year, as the prestige and exclusivity of this wonderful area develops.”

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JUMEIRAH ISLANDS | THE MANSIONS

P R I C E O N A P P L I C AT I O N

5 Bedrooms (BUA 8,500 sq. ft.)

Reference 1687

JUMEIRAH ISL ANDS | MEDITERRANEAN CLUSTERS, MASTER VIEW

5 Bedrooms (BUA 6,013 sq. ft.)

A E D 16,4 00,000

Reference 1768

JUMEIRAH ISL ANDS | MEDITERRANEAN CLUSTERS, GARDEN HALL

4 Bedrooms (BUA 5,382 sq. ft.)

JUM E I RAH I S L AN D S | E U RO PE A N CLU STERS A E D 1 1 , 225,000

JUMEIRAH ISL ANDS | OASIS CLUSTERS

4 Bedrooms (BUA 5,284 sq. ft.)

4 Bedrooms (BUA 5,400 sq. ft.)

Reference 1667

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A E D 8,500,000

Reference 1294

A E D 11,0 0 0 ,0 0 0

Reference 1765t

JUMEIRAH ISL ANDS | TROPICAL CLUSTER

4 Bedrooms (BUA 5,242 sq. ft.)

A E D 9,950 ,0 0 0

Reference 1740

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THE LUXHABITAT JOURNAL

PA L M J U M E I R A H FROND LIFE

P

Fantastic upgrades are pushing prices up, up and up, says LUXHABITAT’s Andrew Cleator and Shabnam Sedghi

alm Jumeirah has really led the way for the surge in property prices over the last 12 months, says LUXHABITAT’s luxury sales director Andrew Cleator. “Six years ago, transactions for Signature Villas (with five or six bedrooms) peaked at AED30 million, while Garden Homes (with four or five bedrooms) would command up to AED15 million,” he says. “However, they have now exceeded the values of 2008, having increased by as much as a further 30 to 50 per cent.” So, what’s pushing such a huge spike in value? “Trade in the resale market has been extremely healthy because of its unique, iconic location, known as the Eighth Wonder of the World. People living on The Palm are a stone’s throw from some of the world’s best hotels, with fantastic swimming pools, gyms, spa facilities and restaurants, not to mention amazing beaches.”

Villas situated at the far end of the fronds with higher numbers are valued approximately 25 per cent higher than those nearer the entrance. These villas have more expansive ocean views and a higher degree of privacy. Upgrades can boost values further, and renovation work is not uncommon on the island.

“It is not unusual for owners to virtually tear a villa down and start again,” says Cleator. “In these cases a villa that’s worth AED30 million in its raw form could sell for AED45 million or more after a fantastic upgrade, with a new kitchen, bathrooms, pool and landscaping etc.”

There’s a new level of creativity to be found on the latest fronds to be developed. The Signature Villas and Garden Homes on fronds G, J and N will tend to move away from the traditional architecture on The Palm, and offer a basement level, too. “This is a new idea for residents, and a versatile floor ideal for a home gym or cinema,” says LUXHABITAT’s luxury sales specialist Shabnam Sedghi. “These designs will be more minimalist, reminiscent of the beachfront homes in Miami.”

This is an exciting time for Palm Jumeirah, says the specialist, who can see the completion of The Palm on the horizon. “The launch of Nakheel’s new mall has been long awaited but has now been approved,” she explains. “As well as retail, restaurants and beauty salons, there will be public transport links, too.

A whole lifestyle package will be offered once this is complete, similar to The Walk at JBR. People will be able to live on The Palm without the need to travel far, which is essential to the private, luxury lifestyle sought after here.”

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PA L M J U M E I R A H | F R O N D S , S I G N AT U R E V I L L A

A E D 2 9, 580 ,0 0 0

4 Bedrooms (BUA 7,000 sq. ft.)

Reference 1581

PA L M J U M E I R A H | F R O N D S , S I G N AT U R E V I L L A

6 Bedrooms (BUA 7,000 sq. ft.)

PALM JUMEIRAH | FRONDS, GARDEN HOME

4 Bedrooms (BUA 5,000 sq. ft.)

A E D 24,999,000

Reference 1551

A E D 20,000,0 00

Reference 1638

PA L M J U M E I R A H | F R O N D S , S I G N AT U R E V I L L A

5 Bedrooms (BUA 7,000 sq. ft.)

PALM JUMEIRAH | KINGDOM OF SHEBA/ BALQIS

4 Bedrooms (BUA 9,400 sq. ft.)

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A E D 18,000,000

Reference 1674

A E D 2 5,0 0 0 ,0 0 0

Reference 1632

PALM JUMEIRAH | KEMPINSKI RESIDENCES

5 Bedrooms (BUA 12,277 sq. ft.)

A E D 24,500,000

Reference 1686

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THE LUXHABITAT JOURNAL

THE MEADOWS & THE LAKES COMMUNITY SPIRIT

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LUXHABITAT’s luxury sales manager Alexander von Sayn-Wittgenstein reveals why families should settle in these quiet neighbourhoods

ike the neighbouring Emirates Hills, these two, all-villa communities are well established areas in the city. And, according to LUXHABITAT’s luxury sales manager, Alexander von Sayn-Wittgenstein, both communities, which boast three- to six-bedroom villas, are ideal for family living. “The homes here are security-protected, the area is extremely safe, children can play outside, and schools and nurseries are very close, with two schools in Emirates Hills and one in The Meadows,” he enthuses. “Convenience, too, is a luxury afforded residents here. From state-of-the-art gyms and swimming pools to coffee shops and children’s play areas, all of life’s feel-good amenities are on the doorstep.

“Of the two locations, which sit side-by-side, The Lakes is a smaller community, which limits the levels of supply to the resale market, and therefore makes it slightly more affluent. This accentuates its exclusivity and makes the area more desirable, especially the Hattan sub-community,” says von Sayn-Wittgenstein. “The Hattan villas have four- to six-bedrooms and stand

on sizeable plots (between 8,000 and 17,000 square feet), with prices starting from AED13 million and going up to AED25 million. In that sense, they are an alternative to Emirates Hills. The price varies a lot depending on the degree and quality of the view, whether or not the property is furnished, and the level and standard of any upgrades made,” he adds.

Deema is another sub-community in The Lakes. It has smaller villas, ranging from three to four bedrooms, with prices from AED5million to AED8 million. Deema’s villas are seen as an alternative to those in The Meadows, and although their BUA is smaller, they are considered more exclusive since there are less of them.

In The Meadows, meanwhile, a typical three-bedroom villa is priced at around AED5 million, with a five-bedroom priced around AED8 million.

“Both communities are well established and settled, and there is no more construction work to be done, unlike at Jumeirah Islands or Jumeirah Park,” says von Sayn-Wittgenstein. “This is a real selling point, and both areas really are charming little towns in the middle of the city,” adds the luxury sales manager.

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T H E L A K E S | H AT TA N

A E D 18,950 ,0 0 0

6 Bedrooms (BUA 6,500 sq. ft.)

Reference 1543

T H E L A K E S | H AT TA N

A E D 18,950,000

5 Bedrooms (BUA 8,000 sq. ft.)

MEADOWS | MEADOWS 8

4 Bedrooms (BUA 3,200 sq. ft.)

Reference 1507

A E D 5, 200,0 00

Reference 1539

T H E L A K E S | H AT TA N

A E D 2 2 , 50 0 ,0 0 0

7 Bedrooms (BUA 7,230 sq. ft.)

T H E L A K E S | H AT TA N

6 Bedrooms (BUA 6,124 sq. ft.)

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A E D 15,500,000

Reference 1299

Reference 1445

T H E L A K E S | H AT TA N

4 Bedrooms (BUA 5,450 sq. ft.)

A E D 12 , 50 0 ,0 0 0

Reference 1438

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THE LUXHABITAT JOURNAL

VICTORY HEIGHTS HIT THE HEIGHTS

V

Looking for village life on the outskirts of the city?

Then move here, say LUXHABITAT’s Ian Kirkby and Rui Zhang

ictory Heights is different to most developments. Its affordable golf-course living is divided into subcommunities that act like small villages, providing a unique sense of community. Each has different recreational facilities that are a boon to the familyorientated neighbourhoods, predominantly made up of Western and European expats.

As you would expect from a development built around a golf course, the sport is well represented. “The championship course is so well loved that the community sold out as soon as it went on sale,” recalls LUXHABITAT’s luxury sales specialist Rui Zhang. “There are no new homes to buy here – it’s a secondary market only.”

To get up to speed with the course, Victory Heights is also home to the Butch Harmon School of Golf. It’s not all tee-offs and putting greens though; the development has restaurants, shops, children’s play areas, parks, swimming pools, schools and sporting venues. Motor City and Sports City are nearby, with the Dubai Autodrome and world-class sporting facilities.

Victory Heights is one of the larger communities in Dubai, covering 25 million square feet, with 961 villas and townhouses that are available in four-, five- and six-bedroom options. As with most developments, the villas are split into three types – Type A, B and C. Type C, which has four, five or six bedrooms and a BUA of between 3,200 to 4,300 square feet, start at AED5.5 million and go up to AED7.1 million. Type B properties have five bedrooms and a BUA of 5,100 square feet and range in price from AED7.7 million to AED10 million. The highest class, Type A, has six bedrooms and a BUA of 6,700 square feet. Prices start from AED11 million and can reach AED18 million. As ever, these prices are dependent on the location of the village, the level of upgrade on the property and the golf-course views.

“Compared to many other golfing or villa communities, Victory Heights is extremely competitive on price, and also offers very good rental returns of around 5 per cent,” assures LUXHABITAT’s luxury sales director Ian Kirkby.

“What most buyers tend to do is upgrade their villa to make the most of the golf course and add value to their property. Adding an infinity pool to the larger villas or Garden Homes is a popular option, for a truly relaxing home.”

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VICTORY HEIGHTS | ESTELL A

A E D 6, 50 0 ,0 0 0

5 Bedrooms (BUA 4,334 sq. ft.)

Reference 1692

VICTORY HEIGHTS | ESMERALDA

A E D 8,000,000

5 Bedrooms (BUA 5,174 sq. ft.)

VICTORY HEIGHTS | MORELL A

5 Bedrooms (BUA 4,334 sq. ft.)

Reference 1804

A E D 6 , 500,000

Reference 1654

VICTORY HEIGHTS | MORELL A

A E D 6,470,000

5 Bedrooms (BUA 4,334 sq. ft.)

VICTORY HEIGHTS | ESTELL A

5 Bedrooms (BUA 4,334 sq. ft.)

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A E D 6,300,000

Reference 1793

Reference 1655

VICTORY HEIGHTS | NOVELIA

6 Bedrooms (BUA 6,869 sq. ft.)

A E D 6, 4 0 0 ,0 0 0

Reference 1814

32 / ENTERTAINING

THE LUXHABITAT JOURNAL

Words: Richard Jenkins

THE COOK’S BOOK Yannick Alléno’s Ma Cuisine Française lands with a thump

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hink of the biggest cookbook in your kitchen. It may run to a few hundred pages, and have recipes covering all occasions from breakfast to brunch to evening canapés. It might be too big to carry around, needing instead to be propped up against a wall, its pages turned with kitchen tongs.

That book has nothing on Ma Cuisine Française.

Renowned French master Yannick Alléno’s life’s work has been committed to these pages, and what pages they are. The book itself weighs an almighty 17 kilograms, and contains years of Alléno’s genius in the kitchen. Five hundred recipes and 2,000 stunning photographs cover every inch of the 1,500 pages – and the sheer size of the book means that it’s measured in inches and feet, rather than millimetres and centimetres. Only 1,000 copies of this incredible tome have been made.

Chef Alléno tells LUXHABITAT: “I decided to store images for six years now. I had more than 1,000 recipes and pictures. I am very rigorous in my food so when I did a creation, I took time to take a picture and write perfectly what it was. It was a time for me to bring all these recipes inside and to really try to have a critical eye on each one. It was time for me to understand that I have to do something differently.”

“Differently” for Alléno means different to his day job, which was running progressively bigger and bigger restaurants, to the point where he was awarded his third Michelin star in 2007. From that point on, the key was to pick the right project – not necessarily the biggest.

The right project at the moment is Dubai’s One&Only, The Palm. Alléno oversees all three eateries in the hotel: Zest, the 101 Dining Lounge and the signature restaurant, STAY (we’re told this is an acronym for Simple-TableAlléno-Yannick). STAY is a dimly lit, luxurious and welcoming space that has the chef’s mark all over it. The hotel pulled off a major coup in convincing Alléno to put his name to the restaurants, but he is effusive in his praise for the location. “I fell in love with the project,” he says, “It’s very tough to find that kind of project in Dubai. 90 rooms, the higher end of luxury in town, and the higher payroll you can find. The project matched perfectly for me with my love of luxury things.”

Dubai’s reputation as a global destination for the very best chefs in the world is burgeoning. Soon there will be fewer and fewer three-Michelin starred chefs who have not brought some of their expertise to the Middle East. When asked about Dubai’s place in the culinary world, Alléno says this: “Dubai is making its own noise. People expect to have a high level of food, and I am very impressed about the level of food in Dubai.” Visit yanick-alleno.com to buy your rare copy.

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34 / ART

THE LUXHABITAT JOURNAL

Words: Richard Jenkins

THE BEATLES UNSEEN Candid photos show a new side of the Fab Four

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THE LUXHABITAT JOURNAL

A

t what point did The Beatles change from mop-topped teenyboppers to internationally acclaimed, legacycementing musical geniuses? The precise moment is hard to define, but you wouldn’t be far wrong to cite the band’s 1964 tour of the US as the starting point.

After half a decade of sustained success in their home country, The Beatles were losing their passion for the circus that followed them everywhere they went. They began to evolve as musicians and people, and the man that captured the process was photographer Robert Whitaker.

The Beatles: Inside and Out was a remarkable exhibition that has just come to an end at London’s Proud Chelsea gallery. On display there were Whitaker’s striking images of the band from the period 1964-1966, many of which were previously unseen but are now available to buy as a novel artwork for your home.

The photographer was first introduced to the band during their 1964 tour of Australia, at which point he was asked by Brian Epstein, the group’s manager, if he would accompany them on their first ever US tour. Whitaker initially turned the opportunity down, and then he watched the band play – from that point on, everything changed. Whitaker was brought into the band’s inner circle and became a trusted confidante and friend. In turn, Ringo, Paul, John and George allowed the photographer to take ever more daring photographs of them, which in turn led to the group taking more risks musically – a powerful mutual collaboration that would yield incalculable success for all parties.

Occasionally Whitaker took the group over the line – his infamous 1966 “Butcher” cover featured the band in white butchers’ smocks, holding decapitated dolls and covered in raw meat. The image was used as a cover on the American release of “Yesterday and Today”, but was quickly withdrawn from circulation after Capitol Records recognised the offensiveness of the image – it turns out there were certain

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ART / 35

things even The Beatles couldn’t get away with in the ‘60s. That said, the band themselves were grateful for the opportunity. John Lennon said at the time: “It was inspired by our boredom and resentment at having to do another photo session and another Beatles thing. We were sick to death of it.

Bob was into Dali and making surreal pictures.”

Whitaker’s photographs show the band at their most personal and unguarded. They lark around with flowers, their musical instruments and pretty much anything they can get their hands on – showing that despite the pressures of fame, being in The Beatles was actually rather quite a nice thing to do for a living. Whitaker shared a dark sense of humour with John Lennon, and his part British, part Australian outlook on life helped put the rest of the band at ease. It’s not overstating matters to say that Whitaker’s influence helped the band achieve their full potential – and in turn, they provided him with some of the most iconic music photography ever taken.

To see and purchase Robert Whitaker’s iconic images of The Beatles, visit proudonline.co.uk

36 / DESIGN

THE LUXHABITAT JOURNAL

Words: Richard Jenkins

DUTCH COURAGE Conservatorium Hotel Amsterdam is a design dream

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eorge Akirov knows a thing or two about hotels. The visionary hotelier has built his reputation on building one-of-a-kind wonders and restoring old gems, with his transformation of one of Amsterdam’s most iconic buildings falling into both of those categories. Of course, he doesn’t do all the work himself – for this project, he hired star architect Piero Lissoni to oversee the reworking of the Conservatorium Hotel Amsterdam, in the Dutch city’s cultural heart, the Museumplein. Lissoni’s brief was to pay homage to the building’s history while adding his own inimitable touches such as the glass-covered atrium and his trademark ubiquitous exposed beams – a must-have for any Amsterdam property hoping to catch the eye of the art-and-intelligentsia community.

Conservatorium Hotel Amsterdam represents the first property of the luxury hotel collection The Set and the ethos of delivering a holistic experience is visible throughout the

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hotel. It pays tribute to the Amstersam Conservatorium’s legacy as soothing classical music sections echo through its vaunted ceilings. Several communal dining outlets – three cafés, restaurants and bars – offer guests the opportunity to enjoy convivial outings and discover new local flavours and culinary talents. The hotel’s 129 rooms and suites are all luxuriously appointed, and no hotel is complete without the obligatory spa offerings – Conservatorium Hotel Amsterdam’s come in the form of the Akasha Holistic Wellbeing Centre.

Separated into different areas titled Earth, Water, Fire and Air, the wellness centre offers calming yoga, Pilates, and meditation classes as well as a gym, generously proportioned pool, and numerous therapy rooms.

The job of redesigning a hotel that has stood since the end of the 19th century was no easy task. The building has stood as an icon of the city’s architectural and cultural hub for well over a century, and any reworking of the interior and exterior had to adhere to three rules: respect the heritage of the original site, make the new Conservatorium as modern and energetic as its predecessor, and also create something that

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DESIGN / 37

‘The job of redesigning a hotel that has stood since the end of the 19th century was no easy task’ would be able to stand the test of another century of business in one of Europe’s most creative, restless and occasionally lawless cities. The attention to detail is nowhere more visible than in the calibre of personalised service: one that always seeks to forecast a guest’s needs and surpass expecations. The iconic building that once housed Amsterdam’s premier music conservatorium has completed a sophisticated transformation into the city’s most unique and fashionable hotel. It combines luxury, lifestyle and heritage with a personalised level of service that is unrivaled.

For epicureans, the hotel caters to every taste and the

restaurant and bar areas are destinations in their own right for locals and international visitors alike. The Lounge, intimate and furnished with plush sofas and coffee tables, provides a sophisticated sanctuary ensuring a cosy living space for a relaxing break or afternoon tea. The Brasserie offers contemporary classics all day – including salads, sandwiches and seasonal plats du jour. Tunes Restaurant & Bar by Schilo offers local authentic dishes based on seasonally sourced products.

The world of luxury hotels await George Akirov’s next move, a design classic in the making.

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Location Conservatorium Hotel Amsterdam’s prime location is ideal – deep in the cultural centre of the Museumplein, next to the Stedelijk Museum, Van Gogh Museum, Rijksmuseum, opposite the Royal Concertgebouw and parallel to the prestigious shopping district of P.C. Hoofstraat. Best of all, it’s a mere 20 minutes away from Schiphol International Airport. designhotels.com

38 / BOOK

THE LUXHABITAT JOURNAL

The Coffee−Table Book

DIOR BY DESIGN Fashion and art collide in a book about couturier Christian Dior

One man who understood the intricate relationship between fashion and art better than most was French fashion designer Christian Dior. A tome by Rizzoli celebrates the couturier’s unique eye for design with a selection of photographs by some of the world’s greatest photographers including Richard Avedon, Horst P. Horst and Helmut Newton. Edited by Florence Muller, Dior: The Legendary Images highlights Dior’s exploration of the bonds between fashion and art, and the great photographers who captured this very notion. Dressed in the designer’s finest garments, everything from the framing, the lighting, the staging and the refined poise of the model is perfected in the images showcased here. rizzoliusa.com

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