LIFESTYLE LUXURY OFFERINGS FROM THE WORLD’S BEST BRANDS y A REAL FIND The bespoke travel market grows ever bigger, as increasing numbers of customers eschew the major tour operators in favour of paying extra to guarantee a much more personalised service. These days, companies showcase their specialist knowledge online by providing well-researched articles about locations alongside jaw-dropping photography and local tips from an actual local. Trufflepig belongs to this new generation of trip planners, snuffling out customised holidays designed to satisfy the every whim of the discerning traveller. Whether hiking through Guatemalan rainforests, kite-skiing across Antarctica’s polar plateau or following the ancient spice route from Muscat in Oman to Zanzibar in Tanzania, trips are truly bespoke and built completely around you from scratch. Prices vary, of course, but a typical itinerary will cost between US$300 and US$1,000 per day, including fees. trufflepig.com
{ KEEP FOCUSED When the action on the polo pitch is lively and the goals are coming thick and fast, you shouldn’t be forced to squint into the distance to try to catch it all. A sub-standard pair of binoculars will probably do the job, but to guarantee you keep your focus throughout, it’s worth investing in something you relish taking out of your bag. German lens-maker Zeiss has been flexing its optical muscles since 1846, and is therefore one of the best in the world, utilised by filmmakers and Formula 1 teams. Its range of binoculars caters for every imaginable scenario, with multi-coated optics, water-repellent layers, twist-up eye cups and ergonomic focus. And the high-end models are also moisture-proof and nitrogen-purged to eliminate any chance of fogging. So, as well as watching the polo action, you’ll be well equipped for hunting trips, birdwatching, stadium concerts and Formula 1 racing too. The Conquest series starts at £685; the Victory range at £1,505. zeiss.co.uk
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y LOOK SHARP For those who enjoy cooking, not many experiences can be as satisfying as carving a roast with a knife so sharp it’s hard to tell when you’ve hit the bone. Or slicing a tomato into near-homeopathic dimensions, without even having to hold it. If that seems impossible, Tog, creator of the first Japanese kitchen knives to hit the UK, is determined to prove you wrong. With special steel blades roll-forged in the tradition of Samurai swordmaking, Tog’s finely-honed knives were first conceived by award-winning product designer Rob BeagleyBrown in 2004 while on assignment in Seki, the heartland of the Samurai tradition. On his return to the UK, he began developing Tog with head chef Ben Tamlyn. Uniquely, the 21-layer blades contain a copper alloy, which gives them antimicrobial properties as well as a very attractive series of burnished stripes. The UK’s sharpest kitchen knives start at £99.99 and come with a lifetime guarantee. togknives.com
y KEY PIECE A Steinway piano combines sumptuous tonality, perfect weighting and a blissful response with strength and durability – after all, it was one of the first able to cope with the force of Liszt’s flying rhapsodies. Last year, for its 160th birthday, the historic instrument-maker displayed its new Arabesque model in a pop-up showroom created in conjunction with designer Dakota Jackson. The intricate, linear accents on its body evoke all meanings of the word ‘arabesque’, giving the impression of fluidity and motion. Just 50 of these extraordinary pianos are available. steinway.com { OFF THE CUFF Those seeking personality in their adornments will love emerging jewellery designer Tessa Packard’s bold and intricate pieces. Yellow gold set around geometric precious stones predominate in her unique designs, which are characteristic of her Brazilian roots. Highlights include the Waffle Heart necklace, £300, in gold vermeil and silver, and the Shanghai Fire Ring, £11,000 (pictured) – an 18ct yellow-gold and gemstone knuckle ring. Her forthcoming Fat Free collection references everything from Pop Art to Willy Wonka. tessapackard.com
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