Insigniacollection singles 30 10 2014 by Insignia

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Travel

listings

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Cote d’Azur by air, land and sea

Knighted as “The playground of the rich and the famous”, the Côte d’Azur epitomizes the quintessence of luxury living: a glistening stretch of golden coastline where the privileged By Rohit Jaggi

hroud the Cristal in ice, clutch your Cartier and prepare to be whisked away on an outrageously unlimited and exclusively fabulous voyage of France’s rich south coast, starting on the sun-stroked shores of Saint Tropez and concluding at the motoring mecca of Monaco.

Touch down by private jet in Saint Tropez – the French Riviera’s golden

gateway Queen Victoria fondly labeled “the sunny, flowery south”. Following the 1956 release of And God Created Woman – famously featuring a bikini-adorned Brigitte Bardot cavorting in the sand – this humble fishing village emerged as the world’s beachwear capital. Over 60 years on, Saint Tropez bravados its iconic heritage with designer swimwear brand, Vilebrequin, while swimwear industry trend-spotters flock to the sandy bays of Le Pampelonne. Of the smattering of exclusive tables in Saint Tropez, the Résidence de la Pinède is the finest. On a private terrace overlooking the beach, savor a sumptuous Mediterranean menu invented by three-Michelin-starred Chef Arnaud Donckele, crowned French Chef of the Year in 2013. Meander along the glistening moonlit shore, before retiring to the grand Hotel Byblos Saint-Tropez. Boasting a prime position minutes from bountiful beaches, with views scaling the town’s terracotta crown, Hotel Byblos remains the place to stay. Drawing cultural influences from Lebanon and the ancient city of Byblos, the five star hotel’s interior is mythical. Descend to its famous Caves du Roy nightclub to join cork-popping celebrities. Along Pampelonne beach, saunter across an

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Every night, 2,300 invited guests walk the carpet of the scarlet steps, which is changed every day for each official screening.

FEATURE

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array of glitzy celebrity hangouts, including Club 55 and Bagatelle. Leaving the bikini-clad paradise of Saint Tropez behind, take off in your private luxury car along the glistening coast towards the capital of film. Smaller than its neighbor Nice, Cannes gleams from coast to street. Absorb the dazzling sight of La Croisette city promenade and discover this former tiny fishing village doesn’t just glimmer on the surface; it glitters to the core. Branding itself on the image of the fashionable, its most flamboyant sparkle is ignited by the two-week film festival, giving the place year-round shine. Dine at the Michelin-starred Palme d’Or, tucked away on the first floor of the luxury Martinez hotel. With a spacious terrace overlooking the shore, the interior is stylishly art décor and bound to feature a movie star or two. Head to Baoli along Cannes’ Croisette, but don’t let the pistol-packed bodyguards at Baoli deter you – this is the hottest club in town. Recline in luxury lounges and mingle with royalty, billionaires and movie starlets. Lay your head at the legendary Majestic Barriere, adored by worldwide stars. The following morning, board your luxury yacht and set sail to the sandy bay of Cap d’ Antibes. One of the most beautiful bays in the Mediterranean,

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FEATURE

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Plug-in hybrid technology will play an important role in the future of the luxury automotive industry.

Jazz legend Sidney Bechet fell in love with this area 60 years ago. His tune In the Streets of Antibes lives on, energising the town with a “European New Above{ on all things diamond related from diamond cutting, grading, Below{ diamond brokering, Laurie’s knowledge and passion for the

Orleans” swing. One of the big draws to this area is the sandy shoreline; unlike the many pebbled bays of the Riviera. La Salis beach, on the fringe of Le Cap d’Antibes, is our favourite. For more blissful beach, trace the western coast from Cap d’Antibes, sailing north to the gorgeous sandy stretches of Juan les Pins, where the lively jazz vibe continues. Cruise back down towards Cap d’Antibes; skirting the coast before mooring at Port Vauban in Antibes alongside the world’s super yachts. If you’d rather stay on land, en route to Port Vauban check in at Cap d’Antibes’ grand Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc and admire azure sea views, before slumping into a heated seawater pool sculpted into the cliffside. Once moored at Port Vauban, delight in fresh local dishes at the heavenly Le Figuier De St-Esprit, tucked away in a rustic terrace beneath a fig tree in old Antibes. Back aboard, continue east to the lively city of Nice, revered for its belle époque architecture and spirited soul. A saunter around this exquisite architecture and along the monumental Promenade des Anglais is a must. Towering over the promenade is Hotel Negresco – or “The pink and white wedding cake”, as it’s fondly referred to. Of the many landmark seafront hotels to choose from, Negresco is the priciest, having accommodated the likes of Michael Jackson and Isabelle Adjani. For an exceptional dining experience, pull up a chair at La Petite Maison opposite the Opera House. Expect a fearsome Madame to sweep a glass off your table, before swiftly smashing it on the floor (meant in jest, of course). This late nightspot attracts visiting glitterati and serves a delicious menu featuring the legendary Nicoise Platter and heavenly house ice cream, laced

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with pine nuts and candied orange blossoms. Above{ on all things diamond related from diamond cutting, grading, Below{ diamond brokering, Laurie’s knowledge.

Sprawl across the top deck and prepare to take in more euphoric views as you edge up the coast towards the jutting pinnacle of Saint Jean Cap Ferrat. As one of the world’s most in-demand locations, arriving here is like stepping into an exclusive world. This is an unspoilt land, where elegant houses majestically rise from the foliage and winding coastal paths take you on a magical journey across a cerulean paradise. No wonder the former fishing village houses some of the world’s most expensive real estate and attracts the richest of the rich. The Grand Hotel Du Cap Ferrat offers exclusive suites with private swimming pools and an enormous spa. Towards the shore, the seafront eateries of La Table Du Royal and La Pergola boast panoramic positions over the Med, with flavoursome menus as tantalising as the sea views. Cruise further east to the famed hilltop village of Eze, a rocky jewel ideally set between Nice and Monaco. A stroll around the medieval village takes you on a fascinating journey through ancient stone structures leading to rare galleries and charming boutiques. Lay your head high at the five-star Hotel Chateau de la Chevre d’Or (or

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FEATURE

Insignia recommends:

I love to be busy in London so it’s rare that I take time off, but when I do I like to spend it with friends here in London.

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“Golden Goat”) perched on the hilltop village’s seaward edge. The uniquely luxurious hotel houses its own two Michelin-starred restaurant, Le Chevre d’Or, serving an exquisite menu of Mediterranean delights masterminded by Head Executive Chef Ronan Kervarrec. If you’re tempted to stay in the charming village for a second night, dinner at Chateau Eza is must also. On the final leg of your grand voyage, sweep east towards the magnificent world of Monaco, absorbing the crystalline coastline for one last time. Host to the legendary Grand Prix and a honey trap for anyone who’s someone, Monaco’s air is positively charged. Aside from squealing Formula One cars and over-sized yachts, the cluster of Michelin-starred restaurants make Monaco a diners’ delight. Roubouchon is the best restaurant in town. Though, if you’re happy to be untraditional and and far eastern cuisine appeals, Princesse Grace Rose Garden is a must-visit. Run by Michelin Chef Allen Yau and garnished with 8,000 roses in over 300 varieties, welcome to Monaco’s first gourmet Chinese restaurant. No trip to Monaco is complete without a visit to Jimmy’z, the south of France’s most exclusive club. Feeling lucky? Conclude your trip in glittering style with a trip to the famed Casino De Monte-Carlo. Chips with everything, as they say. If you must sleep, the plush Hotel de Paris Monte-Carlo and award-winning Hotel Metropole Monte-Carlo come highly recommended. For the ultimate farewell, hop aboard your helicopter and head to the airport, where a converted hangar – exclusively decorated for your party – awaits, alongside your VIP guests. From here, the world is yours – by air, land and sea.

Our top ten suggestions of the best places to stay, the most delicious restaurants, bistros and cafes to dine in, which beaches to bronze yourself on and the very best clubs to be seen at.

Sleeping Hotel Byblos Saint-Tropez Grand Hyatt Hotel Martinez Intercontinental Carlton Cannes Hotel du Cap-Eden-Roc Grand Hotel Du Cap Ferrat Château de la Chèvre d’Or Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo Hermitage Metropole Port Palace

Eating Palme d’Or Les Pêcheurs Bacon La Petite Maison Le Cap La Pergola La Chèvre d’Or restaurant Cipriani Joel Robushon Song Qi

Beaching Les Caves Du Roy, Club Club55 Beach Moorea cote Le Plage 45 Termes Marins Monte Carlo Bagatelle St. Tropez palmera beach Paloma Beach ZPlage beach Intercintinental cannes beach

Clubbing Gotha Club, Cannes White 1921 Sea Lounge Monte-Carlo Baoli twiga club Nikki Beach Club Jimmy’z Club Sass’ Cafe Club VIP club Monaco Beach Club

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Four Seasons

George V, Paris

Alila Villas Uluwatu

Welcome to luxury defined at one of the world’s most

Poised on an elevated plateau adjoining limestone cliffs

iconic hotels. Built in 1928 and converted to a Four

sweeping down to the ocean, the view from the Alila

Seasons in 1999 – following an extensive two-year

Villas Uluwatu is postcard-perfect.

renovation – the grand abode thrives in the heart of Paris.

Rediscover the pleasure of pure relaxation in an

Offering plentiful accommodation spanning 244

unparalleled environment, where space and comfort are

rooms, the hotel is structured art deco style and

celebrated in exquisitely designed, luxury villas.

dressed with classical French Louis XVI and Napoleon

Privacy is a privilege for every guest, with one-

I furnishings, featuring 17th-century Flemish tapestries

bedroom pool villas providing an intimate space with

and 18th-century Florentine chandeliers.

unrivalled views.

Each week, 9,000 fresh flowers are delivered from

Gorgeous interiors blend minimalist contemporary

the Netherlands, delicately used to decorate the hotel

style with the rich accents of Bali. Indoor and outdoor

by in-house Artistic Director Jeff Leatham.

rain showers, jet showers, luxurious Ploh bed linens, Alila

Executive Chef Eric Briffard spearheads the Hotel’s

Signature bath amenities and Alila’s above-and-beyond

Michelin-starred restaurant, Le Cinq, while guests are

service are just a sprinkling of the indulgences awaiting

chauffeured around the city in the hotel’s custom-built

you; none more so than lazing in your private pool and

Rolls-Royce Phantom.

cabana looking out towards the Indian Ocean.

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Cliff-edge Sunset Cabana, an overhanging cliffside

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platform with a dramatic view over the Indian Ocean,

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provides the perfect setting for cocktails at sundown.

Visit: www.fourseasons.com/paris/

Visit: www.alilahotels.com/uluwatu

31 Avenue George V, 75008, Paris

JI Belimbing Sari Banjar Tambiyak, Desa Pecatu, Bali, 80364

Call: (+33) 149 52 70 00

Call: (+62) 361 8482 166

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LISTINGS

Hotel Amigo

Bayerischer hof

In a city of stories, five-star Hotel Amigo has a tale of its

The moment you pass through the towering doors of the

own. In 1522 the city council purchased the building,

grand entrance, the world-class stature of this award-

transforming it into a prison. Amusingly, the Spanish

winning hotel is apparent.

rulers mistook its Flemish name “Vrunt” to mean “Vriend” or “Amigo”, and the name stuck.

Originally conceived by King Ludwig I, the Bayerischer Hof is one of Munich’s most legendary hotels. Historic

Assembled in 1957, today Hotel Amigo is a place where

and contemporary features flirt with effortless elegance in

traditional tapestries bask alongside Tintin memorabilia,

this vast abode, which houses over 350 luxurious rooms.

where one sips the perfect Martini overlooking the

Whatever the time of year, it’s a pleasure. The premium

classic cobbled streets of the city of contrasts. Sitting at the heart of culture just around the corner from the Grand Palace – where the distinct flavours

hotel’s iconic Blue Spa provides barbecues in the summer, while Andree Putman’s unique ice bar warms guests in the winter, flaunting vistas across the city.

of Brussels meet – the historic hotel resides at the

crossroads of the historic Ilot Sacré area and the antiques

breathtaking views, private spa access, terraces and

district of Le Sablon. It’s a mere credit card swipe from

open fireplaces.

the fiercely modern Dansaert shopping district and the cultural haven of Brussels beyond.

Serving up Michelin-starred cuisine across five restaurants, the hotel further delights guests through

Antiques, furniture, traditional lace, handmade

an extensive range of entertainment spanning a cinema

chocolates, moules frites, world-acclaimed beer;

lounge, nightclub with live jazz, six dazzling bars and

Brussel’s charms are countless.

even a theatre.

Visit: www.roccofortehotels.com Rue de l’Amigo 1, 1000 Brussels, Belgium

Call: (+32) 2547 47 47

Visit: www.bayerischerhof.de/en/hotel/ Promenadeplatz 2-6, 80333, Munich, Germany

Call: (+49) 89 21 200

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Alila Villas Uluwatu Poised on an elevated plateau adjoining limestone cliffs sweeping down to the ocean, the view from the Alila Villas Uluwatu is postcard-perfect. Rediscover the pleasure of pure relaxation in an unparalleled environment, where space and comfort are

Four Seasons

celebrated in exquisitely designed, luxury villas. Privacy is a privilege for every guest, with one-

George V, Paris

bedroom pool villas providing an intimate space with

Welcome to luxury defined at one of the world’s most

rain showers, jet showers, luxurious Ploh bed linens, Alila

iconic hotels. Built in 1928 and converted to a Four

Signature bath amenities and Alila’s above-and-beyond

Seasons in 1999 – following an extensive two-year

service are just a sprinkling of the indulgences awaiting

renovation – the grand abode thrives in the heart of Paris.

you; none more so than lazing in your private pool and

Offering plentiful accommodation spanning 244

unrivalled views. Gorgeous interiors blend minimalist contemporary style with the rich accents of Bali. Indoor and outdoor

cabana looking out towards the Indian Ocean.

rooms, the hotel is structured art deco style and

Cliff-edge Sunset Cabana, an overhanging cliffside

dressed with classical French Louis XVI and Napoleon

platform with a dramatic view over the Indian Ocean,

I furnishings, featuring 17th-century Flemish tapestries

provides the perfect setting for cocktails at sundown.

and 18th-century Florentine chandeliers. Each week, 9,000 fresh flowers are delivered from the Netherlands, delicately used to decorate the hotel by in-house Artistic Director Jeff Leatham. Executive Chef Eric Briffard spearheads the Hotel’s Michelin-starred restaurant, Le Cinq, while guests are chauffeured around the city in the hotel’s custom-built Rolls-Royce Phantom. xxxxxxxxx xxxxxx xxxx xxxxxxx xxxxxx xxxxxx xxxxxx xxxx

Visit: www.fourseasons.com/paris 31 Avenue George V, 75008, Paris

Call: (+33) 149 52 70 00

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Visit: www.alilahotels.com/uluwatu JI Belimbing Sari Banjar Tambiyak, Desa Pecatu, Bali, 80364

LISTINGS

Bayerischer hof The moment you pass through the towering doors of the grand entrance, the world-class stature of this awardwinning hotel is apparent. Originally conceived by King Ludwig I, the Bayerischer Hof is one of Munich’s most legendary hotels. Historic and contemporary features flirt with effortless elegance in this vast abode, which houses over 350 luxurious rooms.

Hotel Amigo

Whatever the time of year, it’s a pleasure. The premium hotel’s iconic Blue Spa provides barbecues in the summer, while Andree Putman’s unique ice bar warms guests in the winter, flaunting vistas across the city.

In a city of stories, five-star Hotel Amigo has a tale of its

own. In 1522 the city council purchased the building,

breathtaking views, private spa access, terraces and

transforming it into a prison. Amusingly, the Spanish

open fireplaces.

rulers mistook its Flemish name “Vrunt” to mean “Vriend” or “Amigo”, and the name stuck.

Serving up Michelin-starred cuisine across five restaurants, the hotel further delights guests through

Assembled in 1957, today Hotel Amigo is a place where

an extensive range of entertainment spanning a cinema

traditional tapestries bask alongside Tintin memorabilia,

lounge, nightclub with live jazz, six dazzling bars and

where one sips the perfect Martini overlooking the

even a theatre.

classic cobbled streets of the city of contrasts. Sitting at the heart of culture just around the corner from the Grand Palace – where the distinct flavours

Visit: www.bayerischerhof.de/en/hotel

of Brussels meet – the historic hotel resides at the

Promenadeplatz 2-6, 80333, Munich, Germany

crossroads of the historic Ilot Sacré area and the antiques

Call: (+49) 89 21 200

district of Le Sablon. It’s a mere credit card swipe from the fiercely modern Dansaert shopping district and the cultural haven of Brussels beyond. Antiques, furniture, traditional lace, handmade chocolates, moules frites, world-acclaimed beer;

Visit: www.roccofortehotels.com Rue de l’Amigo 1, 1000 Brussels, Belgium

Call: (+32) 2547 47 47

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Travelling

with kids: Essentials Wine is thing of beauty, and like art and antiques, part of a beautiful life. For centuries, the rich and powerful have sought by Victoria Lee

ith

the

veritable

cornucopia

children’s products flooding the travel accessory market, you’d be forgiven for abandoning any ideas of leaving

the house and barricading yourself into your front room. Fortunately, we have trawled through the market

Nabi Headphones

These Nabi headphones have received rave reviews, mostly due to the decreased volume control which gives parents peace of mind. With such gorgeous styling we can see why they are the winning combination.

with our usual discretion, to bring you the cream of luxury travel essentials for kids (0-18), which we think should be packing pre-requisites for your stroll to the front of the plane.

Anya Hindmarch Baby Emergency Kit Trunki – Lotus F1 Edition

A Trunki is the ideal toddler travelling companion, with its award winning suitcase/scooter/toy combination providing much a needed distraction during inevitable waits or delays.

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From all accounts, this Emergency Kit from Anya Hindmarch is a designer classic, and as such has sold out more times than we care to mention. Along with the Nappies and Wipes container, this is an essential travel item for those stylish jetsetting newborns.

FEATURE

Stella McCartney Cashmere blanket, Snowball

Cashmere blankets are a handy travel essential for babies, children and adults alike. These cashmere ones from British designer Stella McCartney are beautifully soft and come in really practical colours.

iPad Gold History Edition

Make sure you pack this special edition iPad 2, designed by Stuart Hughes, encased in gold and overlaid with rare ammonite. It also boasts a huge 64GBs of storage; more than enough to store a few films for the kids.

Fendi Pequin Stroller

This beautiful Fendi buggy is gorgeously styled yet eminently practical. The leather coated handles, feature â&#x20AC;&#x2DC;FFâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; logo and polished chrome framework gives it a luxury edge.

Oakley Childrens Sunglasses

Oakley have some gorgeous sunglasses for both girls and boys, and absolutely without a doubt an essential holiday requirement. These Radarlock ones are ideal for either beach or snow and protect those young eyes from harmful UV rays.

Ralph Lauren girls pony backpack

Make sure your little girl has everything she needs in this stylish designer back pack from Ralph Lauren, complete with reminder of her horse back at home... just make sure you book those riding lessons in when you reach your destination.

Louis Vuitton nappy bag

Forget bulky travel cots, these gorgeous Amby hammocks are the way forward for baby sleep solutions. Made from 100% organic cotton, they can be packed away into a tiny travelling case making them perfect for holidays.

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Gastronomy

listings

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45 Park Lane Basking in the golden rays of London’s affluent Mayfair, 45 Park Lane is elegance epitomized. Relaxed and effortlessly luxurious, this landmark restaurant enjoys a prime position beside sister hotel The Dorchester. The intimately sized hotel, perfected by New York designer Thierry Despont, provides a club-like feel offering international guests a sophisticated respite in the heart of London. Each of the spacious 45 rooms and suites flaunt

Amber

captivating views over Hyde Park, with the spectacular

From lunchtime through to evening, the two Michelin-

Penthouse Suite providing panoramic views of the

starred Amber serves up inviting and elegant dining.

capital.

Tables are generously spaced for privacy, yet

Pre-dinner cocktails are shaken in glitzy Bar 45, while

positioned to allow guests a glimpse of the rich cuisine

breakfast, lunch, dinner and Sunday Brunch are served

produced in the talent-filled kitchen of Chef Richard

in CUT at 45 Park Lane. Run by world-renowned chef

Ekkebus.

and restaurateur, Wolfgang Puck, CUT is Europe’s debut

Born and raised next to the sea, Richard’s passion

modern American steak restaurant and promises to be

for crafting exceptional seafood dishes is evident across

the most desirable in London.

Amber’s menu.

The viewing and dining experience at the Media Room

The restaurant’s signature dish, Hokkaido sea urchin in a lobster jell-O with cauliflower, caviar and crispy seaweed waffles, is delicacy perfected, while frogs legs

Visit: www.dorchestercollection.com

in crispy kataifi with ‘quatre epices’, Nagasaki garlic and

45 Park Lane, Mayfair, London W1K 1PN

Italian parsley sabayon is another signature dish.

Call: (+44) 20 7493 4545

For the extravagant, Amber serves an exclusive “White Diamonds” menu, featuring delectable dishes created from white alba truffles – true diamonds of the culinary world. This rare menu is only available from October for

Visit: www.amberhongkong.com 7/F, The Landmark Mandarin Oriental, The Landmark, 15 Queen’s Road Central, Hong Kong

Call: (+44) 20 7493 4545

Belmond Cipriani Named Oro, meaning “gold” in Italian or “perfect” in colloquial Venetian dialect, Belmond’s romantic 40seat restaurant was designed by Adam D Tihany – the renowned interior designer behind famous restaurants, such as Dinner by Heston Blumenthal in London. Masterminded by Davide Bisetto – the first Italian chef to be awarded two Michelin stars in France – the prestigious restaurant uses the finest Italian ingredients, creatively combined for gastronomical delight.

Crissier

Signature dishes include ‘Red Prawn and Spider

Saunter into an exclusively intimate restaurant that feels

Crab au Naturel with Pink Grapefruit Aspic, Citrus,

as comfortable as home and as exclusive as its three

Sant’Erasmus Cucumber Sorbet and Bloody Mary

Michelin stars suggest.

Water’ and ‘Sea Bass Drenched in Marostica Extra Virgin Olive Oil with a Garden of Lagoon Vegetables’. Reflecting the restaurant’s title, the main dining room sits under a domed gold-leafed ceiling, embellished with a stunning handmade Murano glass chandelier.

Run by the dream team – acclaimed Chef Benoît Violer and warmly welcoming Brigitte Violer – the newly refurbished Restaurant Crissier offers guests an exceptional dining experience. Spread across two dining rooms, the atmosphere is

On entering the main restaurant, pass through the

relaxed and cosy, while the décor is elegant with a slight

sophisticated Enoteca, La Via Della Sete, boasting a

touch of modernity. Naturally inspired décor gives the fine dining area an earthy feel, with elm branches and hazel tree foliage featuring throughout.

Visit: www.belmond.com/hotel-cipriani-venice

With the aim to transcend pleasure though every

Belmond Hotel Cipriani, Giudecca 10, 30133, Venice, Italy

sense, Chef Benoît Violer accurately and delicately

Call: (+39) 041 240 801

produces a rich menu of dishes that celebrate his passion and vision for master-class cooking since adolescence. As a key element in Violer’s cuisine, Autumn specials featuring fresh Game come highly recommended.

Visit: www.restaurantcrissier.com Rue d’Yverdon 1, 1023 Crissier, Switzerland

Call: (+41) 21 634 05 05

Gianni Pedrinelli Set on Sardinia’s glistening Emerald Coast, Gianni Pedrinelli is home away from home, where food and connoisseurs gather for an enchanting dining experience. Open from March through to October, the local familyrun coastal gem serves up a rich menu of traditional, homely Italian delights.

adding to the romance. Or relax inside with a large stone

Hakkasan

fireplace to warm your experience.

Enter a haven of sophistication, where exquisite dishes

Dine by candlelight on a terrace overlooking the garden, with the illuminating moon and flowing curtains

Created using only in-season produce, each dish exudes the essence of Gallura and the Emerald Sea.

and authentic décor combine to create a unique dining experience.

Clara, the co-founding sister, is a decisive chef whose

This is the Hakkasan Dubai, where Chinese cuisine is

art pleases and satisfies guests through her innovative

celebrated for its freshness and purity in luxury surrounds

ways of using the finest locally grown goods the Island

featuring a stunning outdoor terrace and private VIP areas.

has to offer. The appetizer buffet, featuring the refreshing flavour of hors d ‘oeuvre, is a must. As for desert, the richly delicious homemade vanilla ice cream is a final indulgence guests

Its London counterpart was the first Chinese restaurant in Europe to be awarded a Michelin star, and the Hakkasan Dubai lives up to its UK counterpart. Start with a Hakka steamed dim sum platter, crispy duck salad and Jasmine tea smoked Wagyu beef ribs, before savoring signature mains – such as the silver cod

Visit: www.giannipedrinelli.it

with Champagne and Chinese honey, Sanpei chicken

Localita’ Piccolo Pevero, Porto Cervo, Sardinia, Italy

claypot and stir-fried rib eye beef with black pepper

Call: (+39) 0789 92436

sauce – all truly spectacular. With strawberries and cream with elderflower, lemon sorbet and the hazelnut Jivara bomb oozing with chocolate sauce featuring on the delectable menu of

Visit: www.hakkasan.com/locations/hakkasan-dubai/ Jumeirah Emirates Towers, Sheikh Zayed Road, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Call: (+971) 4 384 8484

La Pergola Recognised by the most prestigious national and international restaurant guides as the “Best restaurant in Rome and one of the best in Italy”, La Pergola tops the list of must-visit eateries in Europe. Admire panoramic views of world-famous statures as far as your eyes will allow, as you dine on the roof garden

Pergola serves up piquant dishes created from the finest

Juvia

Mediterranean produce, led by multi award-winning

Named after the indigenous Brazilian nut tree, Juvia

Chef Heinz Beck.

occupies a prime position on the penthouse level of the

of the Rome Cavalieri Hotel. The only Michelin-starred restaurant in Rome, La

Make special memories in the presence of remarkable

famed 1111 Lincoln Road building.

history, as you recline amongst frescoed ceilings

Sprawled across a vast indoor and outdoor space

and prestigious furnishings and tapestries, alongside

nine stories above the coastal city, the ambient restaurant

paintings of the eighteenth and fourteenth centuries.

boasts panoramic views of the azure Atlantic Ocean and

The atmosphere in the main dining room is dominated

famed Art Deco district.

by elegant amber and tobacco tones, while the award-

Juvia tastefully blends the spicy essence of Asia with

winning wine cellar – with its 3,500 labels covering 65,000

the vibrant flavors of South America and classically diverse

bottles – is considered one of the most prestigious in the

French cuisine, using only the freshest ingredients. Guaranteeing a year-round wow-factor, the penthouse features a retractable roof housing a tropically chic space

Visit: www.romecavalieri.com/lapergola

enriched with a vertical garden, replicating the lushness

Via Alberto Cadlolo, 101, Roma, Italy

of the Amazon Rainforest.

Call: (+39) 06 3509 2152

A talented team of chefs craft uniquely flavorsome dishes, culled from the ocean’s depths and influenced by the French pedigree of Executive Chef Laurent Cantineaux. Revel in an abundant selection of ceviches, tiraditos,

Visit: www.juviamiami.com 1111 Lincoln Road, Miami Beach, Florida 33139

Call: (305) 763 8272

Chef insight

into trends of fine dining Wine is thing of beauty, and like art and antiques, part of a beautiful life. For centuries, the rich and powerful have sought out and patronised the world’s greatest wine. by Sarah Abbott

hen René Redzepi’s Noma restaurant

has become more convivial as a result of those small

stole the title of Best Restaurant in

dishes, as everyone at the table gets to dip in, get a

the World from El Bulli in 2010, it sent

little messy and taste absolutely everything. Tasting

shockwaves into the world of fine

menus are the epitome of this sharing, small plates

dining that changed the way chefs looked at food, the

trend, but there’s a lack of strict formality at the top

reverberations of which are still being felt today. With

of the restaurant scene now; the focus is more on

Noma’s menu of healthy, vegetable-heavy small-plate

having an exquisitely comfortable experience, with the

‘snacks’ and ‘treats’, focusing on in-season, local

freshest flavours possible.

and often foraged ingredients, chefs around the globe

The provenance of food is incredibly important.

began to see that the best food wasn’t something

“The chef gets the credit,” says Angler’s Tony Fleming

imported from the other side of the world, it was the dill

“but there’s a long chain of work that happens behind

growing in their garden, the free-range chickens kept

the scenes before it arrives on the plate, starting

by a local small-holder, the micro-herbs from their own

at the source. The best fish is always the freshest,

kitchen.

line-caught fish.” The demand for locally-sourced

Cold pressed juices, kale, small plates, and

ingredients presents its own challenges for chefs who

adventurous cuts of meat are the latest repercussions

are experimenting with more seasonal produce — if

from this revolution to appear on high-end menus in

lemon isn’t available locally, for example, they’ll use pink

the last year, along with the revival of old techniques

grapefruit instead — leading to exciting new flavour

that have the benefit of new technology to make them

combinations. Ollie Templeton, head chef at London’s

more precise, like curing, sous-vide and slow-cooking.

experimental Carousel restaurant, doesn’t even have

Television personality and author Vivek Singh describes

a menu, instead he serves up the freshest ingredients

the current fashion as “slow, long and share”; as haute

bought from farmers that same day.

cuisine follows consumer demand for slow-cooked,

To give some more insight into the current trends on

high welfare, rare breed meat, cooked very slowly, for

fine dining, five chefs discuss what they’ll be serving in

a long time and served up on small plates. Dining out

the coming months.

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FEATURE

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Television personality and author Vivek Singh runs

known, slow-cooked cut — and lentil porridge as a

three London restaurants under the Cinnamon brand,

small plate. There’s definitely something to be said for

serving refined, modern Indian cuisine.

loosening up.”

“Whether you’re in the Middle East, L.A, even in India and the Far East; the temple of stuffy gastronomy

Marcus Verberne is the head chef at Roast, a modern

is dying a slow yet definite death. It doesn’t matter how

British restaurant at London’s Borough Market. He has

fine dining your style may be — people still expect to be

also worked at Le Caprice and The Ivy.

sharing food now, making the experience more relaxed.

“Curing is something I’m experimenting with

There’s also a taste for slow-cooking or long cooking.

because there are so many things you can do to infuse

People are forever excited by the lesser-known cuts of

flavour. We’ve been trying a cure with spruce which

meat, whether it’s slow-cooked featherblade steak or

gives a sort of an autumn feel. The gin-cured salmon

pulled pork in a bun. In our Soho restaurant we now

we do is innovative... I was sitting one afternoon with

serve a slow-cooked vindaloo of ox cheek — a lesser-

a gin and tonic in my hand and I thought about what

“

We pay much more attention to what’s seasonal and sustainable now than we used.

Above: on all things diamond related from diamond cutting Above: on all things diamond related from diamond cutting

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FEATURE

went into it — the lime, gin and the juniper — and I infused those ingredients with the salmon so it reflects the flavour of a G&T. We serve it with pickled cucumber and its magic.” Ex-Moro chef Ollie Templeton runs Shuttlecock Inc’s pop-up supperclubs in London and New York and has just opened chef residency restaurant, Carousel, in London. A recent series there was called ‘The Colour Palette’, where each course was a different colour. “Here in New York, the current movement is called ‘farm-to-table’, it means simple, locally-sourced, fresh produce and that’s something we believe in. In the centre of the city is Union Square market with local produce from 40 different farms. They don’t have any lemons there, they use pink grapefruit instead. And Above: on all things diamond related from diamond cutting

kale. Kale is the big superfood, it’s on every menu. At Carousel we never release a menu, we just chop and change depending on what we can get in the market. We do an amazing dish with cured sea trout, with kohlrabi, diced cucumber and lemon juice, it’s

and make sure they are the star of the show. the best

warmed in oil, rather than cooked. There are only four

ingredident and consistency, especially at a Michelin

ingredients on the plate but it really works.”

star level, are most important.”

Tony Fleming has been a chef for 22 years. His

Michelin-starred chef Adam Gray took over London’s

Michelin-starred restaurant Angler, in London, serves

Skylon restaurant in 2013. Offering panoramic views

sustainable seafood paired with the best local produce.

over the Thames from the top of the Royal Festival Hall.

“Because the food industry is so much more in the

“We pay much more attention to what’s seasonal

public eye now there will naturally be more trends as

and sustainable now than we used to because diners

chefs feel they need to do more to stand out and if

are asking more questions about the provenance of

you want to serve food on bits of bark or dry ice that’s

their food. It can be quite interesting finding ways to

fine but you need to have the basic foundations of

create dishes around what’s in season. We might have

good cooking first. What we do here is very traditional;

three dishes with asparagus on the menu in May and

we even have a shag pile carpet for goodness sake.

June but there are less things available in December,

We buy good ingredients, treat them with respect

so we make lots of stews and chutneys.”

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La Petite Maison Welcome to the home of Cuisine Nicoise, where ancient Genoese flavours from Nice are delicately blended with Ligurian influences from Italy. First opening its doors in the heart of old Nice in 1988, the multi award-winning La Petite Maison arrived at Dubai in 2010 with the Waney family and Chef Patron

dining elite and is now considered one of the UAE’s

Les Amis

most acclaimed restaurants, having won several awards

Offering contemporary French dining at its finest,

for Dubai’s Best Restaurant and recently listed as one

award-winning Les Amis presents an exquisite French

of the ‘World’s Best Restaurants’ by S. Pellegrino and

dining experience combined with a colossal collection

Acqua Panna.

of fine wines and impeccable service to match.

Raphael Duntoye. Since then, the French jewel has attracted Dubai’s

Surrounded by lavish art galleries and savvy boutique

Infusing classic French cuisine with attractive Asian

stores, La Petite Maison’s authentic French cuisine and

aesthetics, every aspect of the dining experience is

Provence-inspired décor blends perfectly with its elegant

ethereal – from the delicious essence of the dishes, to

location in the town’s central business district.

the elegantly modern interior.

Soak up the jovial atmosphere, as you devour a

As the flagship restaurant of the Les Amis Group

delicious menu created from the finest local produce,

family, the elite eatery honours its philosophy of providing the ultimate fine‐dining experience. Chef Sebastien’s unique style and creativity in

Visit: www.lpmdubai.ae

blending the best French techniques with contemporary

Dubai International Financial Center, 312th Road, Dubai

Japanese elements, while embracing and celebrating

Call: (+971) 4 439 0505

the natural flavours of fresh ingredients, ensures a delightful accompaniment to the local climate and scrupulous palates. xxxxxx xxxxx xxxxxx xxxxxxx xxxxxx xxxxxx.

Visit: www.lesamis.com.sg 1 Scotts Road, 01-16 Shaw Centre, Singapore, 228208

Call: (65) 6733 2225

NOMA Founded in 2003 by Chef René Redzepi, acclaimed Copenhagen restaurant Noma collaborates with an intimate network of purveyors to produce delicious cuisine that expresses and celebrates the region’s culture and seasons. Housed within an eighteenth-century warehouse

– entertaining diners with a clear and delicious sense

Louis XV

of time and place.

Step into the “palace of pleasure”, a fantastical world

along the city’s harbor, the intimate 11-table restaurant serves a tasting menu offering 20 servings

As chef and co-founder of the renowned restaurant,

where rich authenticity and culinary excellence delicately

René Redzepi has developed a rich menu of

combine to provide diners with an enchanting experience.

delectable dishes that draw from the area’s landscape

Set in Monte Carlo’s grand Hôtel de Paris Monte-

and culture.

Carlo, the restaurant’s thoughtful and plentiful approach

Using a wide yet close network of farmers and

defines true luxury. Indeed, it’s the extra attention to the

foragers, Noma celebrates the region’s ingredients

finest detail that makes the occasion memorable – a

through a unique assortment of dishes tailored to each

mantra that’s evident throughout Louis XV.

season, so guests are assured of fresh authenticity whatever the time of year.

Elegantly light and shimmered with gold, the décor features a clock with the hands stopped at 12, for time is of no importance in this amaranthine abode: your entertainment is.

Visit: www.noma.dk

“Essential” is how Alain Ducasse describes the

Strandgade 93, DK 1401, Copenhagen

exclusive restaurant’s quietly superior menu, orchestrating

Call: (+45) 32 96 32 97

a seasonal symphony of exquisite Mediterranean delights to satisfy a wide pallet. The wine cellar – filled with over 350,000 bottles of the finest rarities – is a wine aficionados’ dream.

Visit: www.alain-ducasse.com Hôtel de Paris Monte-Carlo, Place du Casino, MC 98000, Principaute de Monaco

Call: (+377) 98 06 88 64

Sunset Grill &Bar As one of the leading fine dining white tablecloth restaurants in Istanbul, the award-winning Sunset Grill & Bar serves a diverse blend of Mediterranean, Turkish and Japanese cuisine in spectacular surrounds. Admire enchanting views of Bosphorus Strait and the glistening Asian shoreline as you savor a rich menu

awards including the “Best Wine List” by The World of

Oblix

Fine Wines.

Perched on the 32nd floor of London’s stunning

of seasonal dishes complemented by an exhaustive selection of fine wines, which have induced a series of

The specialist grill and bar has been honored with

Shard structure, with breathtaking views spanning the

numerous other international and local awards, including

towering capital, Oblix offers a dual dining experience

being selected among the “Best Restaurants in Istanbul”

in a glittering location.

by the Zagat Survey prepared for European cities.

Amble between the desirable Oblix restaurant and

Sushi selections from the grill’s resident Sushi Bar

ritzy Oblix lounge and bar, featuring live entertainment

come highly recommended; as do the dry aged steaks,

seven nights a week to ensure you absorb all the luxury

shrimp tempura and platter of Mediterranean-style olive

you desire in one setting.

oil infused delights.

Masterminded by creator and founder Rainer Becker, the restaurant serves up a sophisticated menu of upscale urban delights, inspired by a hearty New

Visit: www.sunsetgrillbar.com/en Adnan Saygun Caddesi, Yol Sokak No. 2,

York grill. Chef Fabien Beaufour leads the kitchen, bringing a

Ulus Parki, Ulus, Istanbul, Turkey

plethora of professional experience that began at the

Call: (+90) 212 287 0357

age of 14 in his native Grenoble, France. Working in some of the most acclaimed restaurants in the world (including The French Laundry and Eleven Madison Park), Beaufour has developed a philosophy of

Visit: www.oblixrestaurant.com Level 32, The Shard, 31 St. Thomas Street, London SE1 9RY

Call: (+44) 20 7268 6700

The Cliff Barbados Arrive by sea via the beach and be personally greeted before being entertained by a solo steel band, saxophonist, fiddler, flautist, fire-eater – your options are endless. For a more conspicuous arrival, slip through the private entrance. The Cliff Barbados is one of those rare restaurants,

sought after spot by royalty, and the rich and the

Trois Mec

famous.

Snatch your ticket for an extraordinary experience, where

where everything is personalised to your desires. Glitzy guests pull up a chair at table 3 – the most

Lovers or those celebrating a very special occasion prefer table 48 or 50. Or there is always foot-to-sand service on the beach, where you can hold hands and sup champagne by moonlight. For the ultimate seclusion, reserve the private dining area with uninterrupted sea views and your

reservations hold no value and the number you clutch holds the key. Trois Mec, which loosely translates as “Three Guys”, offers uniquely intimate dining. Occupying a repurposed Raffallo’s Pizzeria in a worn media district mini-mall, the interior is decorated in neutral-chic.

own dedicated staff – quite a hit with major pop stars.

Unusually, a table can’t be reserved. Instead, tickets

Add a very special sparkle to the occasion with a

are purchased online at 8am every other Friday, when the

firework display, exclusively designed for you.

restaurant releases its tables for the following fortnight. While the menu is set for each night, vegetarians and vegans are always accommodated.

Visit: www.thecliffbarbados.com

Labeled the hottest ticket in town, celebrity names

Derricks, St. James, Barbados

descend on the restaurant to devour the delights of Chef

Call: (+1) 246 432 1922

Ludo, which are well worth the wait. Banquet on scrumptious snacks, including buckwheat “popcorn” nuggets, and devour dishes ranging from flash-grilled carrots slung in a sweet, umami-rich sauce flanked with fresh yoghurt, to peeled asparagus spears

Visit: www.troismec.com 716 N. Highland Ave, Los Angeles, California, 90038

Call: (+377) 98 06 88 64

Antonio Mellino

Owner and head chef at Quattro Passi in London’s Mayfair and Italy’s Nerano.

ringing flavours of Campania, Southern

What’s behind the name Quattro Passi?

Italy to London, Antonio Mellino’s menu at

Quattro Passi was a place I would visit during the

Quattro Passi is seasonally inspired with

ten years I worked as a chef on cruise ships. We

Mediterranean ingredients shipped daily

would return to Italy between trips and there was this

from Italy. Insignia caught up with Antonio in his

shop – Quattro Passi in the north that I loved to visit.

Mayfair Kitchen and besides discovering that both

I knew then that this shop and the name was one I

his sons Raffaele and Fabrizio work within his

liked, so I named my restaurant after this place.

restaurants, Quattro Passi is continuing to grow into

What makes excellent food in your opinion?

much more than just a family affair.

Excellent food comes from excellent ingredients. From the start you need the very best olive oil and the best vegetables, tomatoes and of course the best fish, meat and herbs. We have our own farm in Italy so I can ensure all our ingredients from there are great quality, and I know exactly where to go for the best butchers, the best fish, the people who make cheese and so on. It took me a while to find these in London too, but now I have this network and if the quality is good I use these, but I still rely on my suppliers in Italy the most. If you start without the best ingredients you’re never going to get the best result.

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What is your favourite thing to cook during Spring? The favourite dish at Quattro Passi in Italy is linguine with zucchini and zucchini flowers. Guest

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interview

“

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come especially for this – it’s famous and unique to June to the summer menu. What inspires you about London? I’ve travelled my whole life. London is a big city, but it’s a small place. When I decided to moved to London it was because I realised that sometimes in life you need to stop and think. Women seem to be very good at this, men not so good. I realised London

was

somewhere

warm,

comfortable,

convenient, with good surroundings. I could have a

I love to be busy in London so it’s rare that I take time off, but when I do I like to spend it with friends here in London.

“

Nerano. In London, our menu changes at the start of

new challenge, make a plan for the future, for me and my family – be somewhere where my life was more than having a beautiful house and restaurant by the sea. A Russian investor brought you to London – tell us about your connection to Russia? A Russian family sailing to Nerano on their yacht visited us at the restaurant several times. They loved the food and invited me to Moscow to open a business there. We established Podmoskovnye Vechera, where I was based for 5 years. I still take care of the menu there at the restaurant and visit every few months.

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guests can cook with you? Yes, in Italy I have 3 kitchens. Two are for the chefs at the restaurant and one is dedicated only for the cookery school. It’s also possible here in London, by special appointment. In Italy I can accommodate up to 12 people for a 5 day package for friends or families to learn how to cook. I take them to the market, we spend the afternoon in the kitchen and take trips to Capri or Positano. I also have qualified

“

chefs being sent by their employers to cook with me and learn. What’s the future for Quattro Passi – expansion? We’re consolidating our presence in London.

Above: on all things diamond related from

We’ve just taken on a new premises for produce storage, we’re refining our logistics, we have a new oven arriving here next week and our new summer

I love to be busy in London so it’s rare that I take time off, but when I do I like to spend it with friends here in

“

Where do you like to go to escape the city? I love to be busy in London so it’s rare that I take

menu ready for June. Some day I would like to expand to other cities and perhaps my sons will manage their own restaurants. What is your personal definition of luxury? Luxury is enchanting. For me as someone creating this in a restaurant luxury is about creating a place that people feel comfortable, a warm place, with warm people working there a place which feels that there’s some magic there. There are too many average restaurants in London. I started with the surroundings, the people. Luxury for me, is people who put their hearts into everything they do.

time off, but when I do I like to spend it with friends here in London. When I’m in Italy I like to go to the sea. The sea is my love. How much time do you spend in Nerano? I’ll be there for June, July, August and return to London mid-September Do you offer cookery lessons or experiences where

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FACT BOX: The 18 centimeter tall Palme d’Or trophy is formed from a single 1 kilogram block of crystal that is cut like a diamond, supporting a palm of 24 karat gold comprised of 19 gold leaves. The golden stem of the Palme ends up with the shape of a heart, which represents the heart of the Festival and of Chopard.Eceperum liquam.

interview

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Wine:

an investment of passion Wine is thing of beauty, and like art and antiques, part of a beautiful life. For centuries, the rich and powerful have sought out and patronised the world’s greatest wine. For serious by Sarah Abbott

ine is now in the top three items in the

sought after – driven by increasing demand from

world for “investments of passion”,

China. Wine-loving wine investors are typically more

alongside watches and vintage cars.*

adventurous in their selection, building up a cellar for

The attractions of a wine collection are

personal pleasure as well as for future profit. The ideal

both financial and emotional. Many serious collectors

wine portfolio is tailored to your lifestyle, and plans for

begin for reasons of tax efficiency and portfolio

milestone celebrations with wines that become part of

diversification. For those passionate about wine,

your memories.

creating their collection is an art in itself.

For collectors motivated purely by financial investment,

Which wines should you buy?

selection is straightforward. Both the futures and

For those driven by both investment and passion,

number of “blue chip” wines, mostly from Bordeaux and

there is a glorious range of the world’s great wines

Burgundy. The double-digit growth of the early 2000s –

from which to choose. To Bordeaux and

driven partly by new collectors from Asia - was unusual,

secondary global markets for wine are driven by a small

Burgundy, you can add Italy, Champagne

and a 5-10 year investment is more realistic.

great

Another option is to invest in a ‘wine fund’, but it is

sweet wines are becoming more

essential to check credentials and select a legitimate

and

Germany.

The

world’s

provider. Beware companies with exaggerated claims and over-confidence: this is for the most part an unregulated market, and several fraudulent firms have been shut down over the last 2 years. Where to buy wines The world’s great wine trading centres of the UK, Hong Kong and the USA have some superb specialist wine importers and brokers, but also a number of

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GASTRONOMY

Insignia’s Top wines list FRENCH TOP REDS Domaine de la Romanee-Conti Romanee-Conti Grand Cru, Cote de Nuits, France 2007 Le Pin, Pomerol, France 2003 Petrus, Pomerol, France 2006 Le Pin Pomerol France 2007 Insignia Joseph Phelps Vineyard USA Richebourg Grand Cru Henry Jayer Cote de Nuits France Romanee-Conti Grand Cru Cote de Nuits France Chateau Lafite Rothschild France

ITALIAN TOP REDS Tenuta dell’Ornellaia (Bolgheri) 2010 Sassikaia 2009 Tenuta Il Greppo Riserva Brunello Di Montalcino DOCG (Biondi-Santi) 1982 Solaya Marches Antinori Toscana Italy Sassicaia Tenuta San Guido Bolgheri Italy Gaja Gaia & Rey Chardonnay Piedmont Italy

FRENCH TOP WHITES Domaine Leflaive Montrachet Grand Cru, Cote de Beaune, France 2009 J. F. - C. R. Coche-Dury Corton-Charlemagne Grand Cru, Cote de Beaune, France 2005 Lalou Bize-Leroy Domaine d’Auvenay Criots-BatardMontrachet Grand Cru, Cote de Beaune, France 1996 Ramonet Montrachet Grand Cru Cote de Beaune France Chateau d’Yquem France

GERMAN TOP WHITES Egon Muller-Scharzhof Scharzhofberger Riesling Trockenbeerenauslese, Mosel, Germany 2011 Joh. Jos. Prum Wehlener Sonnenuhr Riesling Trockenbeerenauslese, Mosel, Germany 2000 Weingut Robert Weil Kiedricher Grafenberg Riesling Beerenauslese Goldkapsel, Rheingau, Germany 1996 Gruner Vetliner Austria

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Lifestyle cellars

Wines bought for both pleasure and possible profit can be stored partly by a third party, and party in your personal cellar. Some clients prefer a ‘Working cellar’, in which all the fundamentals are good wine storage are met. Such cellars have correct and stable levels of humidity, temperature, light, and vibration for consistent, predictable evolution. Wines are stored raised off the ground, with drinking wines in racks and ageing wines in their original cases. There is increasing popularity for a ‘Lifestyle Cellar’, in which wine – stored in perfect conditions – is brought into the heart of your home and lifestyle. These cellars look more like beautiful wine rooms, with bespoke cabinetry, beautiful lighting, display shelves for prize bottles, and space for entertaining.

opportunistic traders without real expertise or contacts.

has grown, so too has the incidence of convincing fakes,

Importers have different strengths and exclusivities, and

and it is important to seek specialist authentication.

by nurturing long-term relationships with key suppliers

Where to store

you can secure those rare, tiny parcels. Auctions by the leading houses of London, New York

Wines bought purely for investment must be kept in

and Hong Kong can be a source of great wines, but it

professional storage, and preferably under bond so that

is critical to approach them with a clear buying strategy.

duty is deferred and international trades facilitated. It is

Buying “En Primeur” (a type of wine futures) is a useful

important to keep all original paperwork to demonstrate

way to secure allocations of rare wines and of ensuring

provenance. The golden rule is: if you don’t intend to

provenance but in recent years has been less profitable.

drink it, don’t touch it. If your wine is stored on your

As wines are increasingly traded across the world,

behalf by a merchant in their bonded account, it must

provenance has become key. Many specialist UK

be clearly marked as your property, and you should

importers will not trade fine wine that has been

receive an annual stock take.

transported from the USA, or will offer it only at a reduced price. Wines do not like sitting on hot docks,

Accessing and trading wine

and the older and finer the wine, the greater the risk of

Wines from a private collection are typically sold by

impairment. For this reason, wines offered directly from

brokers or at auction in return for a commission. A

producer stock carry a price premium.

number of peer-to-peer online brokerage sites are

As the popularity for wine as an investment of passion

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now available, but you should consultant your financial

“

GASTRONOMY

“

I love to be busy in London so it’s rare that I take time off, but when I do I like to spend it with friends here in London.

advisor on the implications for you. (Some jurisdictions may take the view that such transactions constitute a professional trade, making you liable for tax.) If your wines are stored by a third party, you should expect same-country transfers to take several days. Wines delivered to a private address from a bonded warehouse will have duty and VAT applied. It is important that fine wine transport is undertaken by expert shippers. Specialist wine transporters ensure that fine – often priceless – wine is carefully packed and protected, and can even arrange for international transfers of entire collections. Such services are not

to be unclear about what they have, when they should drink

cheap, but they protect your investment and the quality

or sell it, and where it is. Such collectors are typically very busy

of your wine.

professionally, and even the greatest personal assistant will

Managing and consuming wine

not have the technical wine expertise. (One client, while living

Think of a wine collection as a living thing that must be

diligent housekeeper brought in heaters to dry out the cellar,

pruned and rejuvenated to keep it balanced and thriving.

and inadvertently roasted a collection of Mouton-Rothschild.

A planned buying and selling strategy will avoid gluts of

Fortunately, the insurers covered the claim.)

in Hong Kong, suffered a flooded cellar at his UK estate. The

mature wine, and ensure that you maintain the value in

Their wine is a source of great pleasure and joy to most

your collection. A central database of purchases, stock

collectors. It is rare to find someone who is ‘purely’ investment.

levels and sales is highly desirable. Some sophisticated

There is a theatre to wine that makes life more beautiful. When

tools for tracking stock are available, and can be

the perfect wine and the perfect occasion come together, that

integrated into a cellar.

is one of life’s true luxuries.

It is quite common for even serious wine collectors

*as stated in the Knight Frank Global Wealth Report

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Wellbeing

listings

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A Journey

towards wellbeing

Wine is thing of beauty, and like art and antiques, part of a beautiful life. For centuries, the rich and powerful have sought out and patronised the world’s greatest wine. For serious by Stella Photi

growing segments in the tourism

Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary, Koh Samui, Thailand

industry. This is indicative of how

Located on the quiet southern coastline of Koh Samui,

people’s lifestyles are changing

Kamalaya lives up to its name of being a “wellness

as they take responsibility and control of their own

sanctuary”. It’s founders John and Karina Stewart are

health. A regular wellbeing holiday is becoming a

truly dedicated to providing a completely integrated

necessity for many people as it is the perfect way

wellness experience with a strong spiritual influence (it is

to rejuvenate and energise in an environment where

built around a Buddhist Monk’s cave).

every detail is taken care of - from the food, hands

This is very much a holistic resort on every level. There

on healing through massages and other treatments,

are a number of programmes available including detox,

physical exercise right through to activities that help

weight loss, sleep enhancement and a programme

our mental wellbeing such as meditation or being in

that is focused on building up the adrenals for people

nature.

suffering from burn out. The Detox Programme is widely

As the industry grows so do the choices. There are

recognised as one of the best in the industry, carefully put

several first class Wellbeing Retreats available around

together combining protocols from Western medicine,

the world and making a choice can be sometimes

Traditional Chinese Medicine and Naturopathy. There

confusing. The common thread with all of them is

is an extensive choice of holistic therapies available

that they are dedicated to providing a supportive and

delivered by highly trained therapists.

comfortable environment to help their guests achieve

It is quite common for emotional issues to arise or old

their goals, whether that is to decrease stress levels,

injuries to resurface when we stop running on adrenalin

lose weight, rejuventate or get fit.

and our body slows down and begins the healing

Below are some insights into the main characteristics

process. Kamalaya provides a very nurturing and caring

and wellness approaches of three of the world’s

environment when any of its guests encounter any such

leading Wellness Retreats to help make the choice a

challenges. It is like the perfect mother – supportive,

little less confusing.

non judgemental, nurturing and guiding!

ellness Tourism is one of the fastest

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WELLBEING

Kamalaya Wellness Sanctuary

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SHA Wellness Clinic

SHA Wellness Clinic, Spain SHA has become the â&#x20AC;&#x153;go to â&#x20AC;&#x153; place for people looking to improve their health in a contemporary and luxury environment. Set on the Sierra Helada hillside above the town of Albir, SHA has combined a large choice of western medical options with the Eastern philosophy of macrobiotics.

SHA Wellness Clinic

Macrobiotics, helped to heal the father of the founding family Alfredo Bataller from a life threatening condition

after seeking conventional medical solution which lead

not just about the food though as the SHA philosophy

to the creation of SHA The macrobiotic diet limits the

encourages a balanced lifestyle taking time for meditation

consumption of animal based products, promoting

and personal happiness.

that our diets be made up mainly from organic whole

SHA is leading the way with their medical facilities and

grains and vegetables. The macrobiotic food at SHA

their protocols around Healthy Ageing. Genetic testing

is beautifully presented and very tasty whether you are

and biological age testing allows for personalised

having the detox menu or the SHA gourmet menu. It is

programmes to help achieve optimum health. They

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WELLBEING

have even introduced a new Alzehimer’s prevention medical unit and an operating room for minor surgery. It has become a very impressive medical centre but when you are there you feel like you are in a luxury resort rather than a hospital. If you want to detox, lose weight or enhance your skin and appearance, there are targeted programmes and a vast array or aesthetic procedures.

Ananda in the Himalayas, India For a truly authentic Indian health experience, then there is no better place to go than Ananda in the Himalayas,

Ananda in the Himalayas

which is located in the foothills of the Himalayas, near Rishikesh, the birthplace of yoga. The Ananda’s wellness approach focuses on it’s indigenous roots. That of Ayurveda and Yoga. Ayurveda is the ancient Indian health system that believes that our “doshas”, our life forces should be in balance for us to be healthy and avoid illness. The three main doshas are “Vata Dosha”(space and air), “Pitta Dosha” (fire and water), “Kapha dosha” (water and earth). Our lifestyles

Ananda in the Himalayas

and stress disrupt our dosha balance. This is where a stay at the Ananda can be hugely beneficial specifically following the Ayurvedic Rejuvenation Programme or the

staff where you are served with specific dosha meals

Yogic Detox programme.

to help you regain your balance.

After a consultation with the Ayurvedic Doctor to

body type diet will consist of cool and heavy food with

determine your Dosha constitution your programme is

strong flavours to calm down the fire and balance the

tweaked to make sure that you are receiving the correct

elements. Don’t expect just Indian flavours, the choices

Ayurvedic treatments to get you back in balance. The

are western as well as Asian and will suit all tastes.

Ayurvedic treatments are administered with medicated

This is all supplemented by the other age old Indian

oils and all provide a specific benefit to our wellbeing.

practices of yoga and meditation that focuses on

The highly popular “Shirodhara” is a continuous light flow

mind, body and spirit and complements the Ayurvedic

of oil on the forehead which is highly effective for relieving

treatments and food.

stress and helping calm those with a high “Pitta” dosha.

If you want something more active, then the hikes in this

Your dosha is communicated to the chef and restaurant

stunning spot are fantastic.

For example a Pitta

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Les Sources de Caudalie Introducing the world’s first Vinothérapie® Spa, nestled in the lush Grand Cru Classé de Graves vines of Bordeaux’s Château Smith Haut Lafitte. Unique treatments combine the virtues of natural hot spring water drawn from 540 metres beneath earth, rich in minerals and oligo elements, with the grape and grapevine – proven for their natural benefits. Located near the 4 star Les Sources de Caudalie hotel,

Caudalie’s

Vinothérapie®

Spa

pampers

guests in an environment of rare beauty. The refined atmosphere of the treatment rooms, the blend of noble materials uniting wood with stone and the sheer size of the building – reminiscent of an old tobacco kiln – are all designed to harmonise with the sublime surroundings of the vineyards. The

charming

Village

des

Pêcheurs (“Fisherman’s Village”) overlooks a small lake. Fittingly, luxury suites are decorated in a contemporary “country chic” style, contrasting with the traditional antique furnishings of other rooms at the hotel.

Visit: www.sources-caudalie.com Chemin de Smith Haut Lafitte, 33650 Bordeaux-Martillac, France

Call: + 33 (0)5 57 83 83 83

Insignia Loves Vinotherapie® 100% grape cure Stalks for lovers ritual Premier cru anti-aging treatment

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COMO Shambhala The COMO Shambhala philosophy is pure and simple: to help one find a sense of peace through learning and rebalancing, aided by soothing environments, specific knowledge and natural healing therapies. A retreat for transformation, Como Shambhala was crowned The Best Spa Hotel in 2013’s Smith Hotel Awards and one of the top 100 Best Destination Spas Above: on all things diamond related from diamond cutting, grading, Below: diamond brokering, Laurie’s knowledge and passion for the

in Condé Nast Traveller Readers’ Travel Awards. Unlike conventional spas that focus on pampering, COMO Shambhala provides a holistic and tailored experience, offering lifestyle and healing programmes to replenish inside and out. The resort fosters a balanced approach to dieting, encouraging guests to savor food and its creation, while understanding the merits of positive nutrition. Refreshing the body, mind and spirit through a combination of beauty and spa treatments, the Rejuvenation Package includes a personal dietary plan from a nutritionist. Delight in your choice of facials, massages, wraps, baths, yoga and pranayama breathing lessons.

Visit: www.comoshambhala.com Banjar Begawan, Desa Melinggih Kelod Payangan, Ubud, Gianyar Bali 80571 Indonesia

Call: +62 361 978 888

Insignia Loves

Tailored self-wellbeing programmes Private personal assistants Outdoor hydrotherapy area

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Ananda Himalaya Nestled in the breathtaking forested foothills of the magical Himalayas, the award-winning luxury Ananda spa uses a holistic approach to restore balance and harmonise energy. Enchanting views across the Ganges River and Rishikesh Valley – coupled with 100 acres of surrounding virgin forest – provide a blissful backdrop for the resort, which combines the healing principles of Ayurveda and Aromatherapy treatments with contemporary spa technology. Incorporating the best of the East and West has led to impressive accolades in recent times, including being crowned The Number One Spa in the World at the Spa Awards. In addition to the array of wellness and pampering packages and treatments offered in the opulent Ayurvedic Spa, the resort organises regular

hiking

expeditions

and

thrilling

outdoor explorations for those desiring further adventure. xxxxxxxxxxxxxxx xxxxxxx xxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxxx xxxxx.

Visit: www.masonrose.com/himalayas The Palace Estate, Narendra Nagar, Dist. Tehri-Garhwal, Uttaranchal – 249175, India

Call: +44 (0)20 7201 8050

Insignia Loves Tailored holistic treatments Mountainside pool The Palace Tea Lounge

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Canyon Ranch

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If “ranch” conjures up images of hot dusty trails and

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cowboys spitting tobacco, think again. The Tucsonbased spa is a contemporary world-class destination spa, offering healthy and active vacations for the last 30 years. Set in Arizona’s Sonoran desert, surrounded by magnificent mountains and beautiful canyons, the multi-award-winning

Canyon

Ranch

provides

powerful and energising environment for adventure and personal discovery. Burrowed on 150 rugged desert acres in the foothills of Tucson’s Santa Catalina mountains, Canyon Ranch offers a uniquely uplifting, results-driven experience that leaves guests feeling a million dollars. This is thanks to an experienced team of dieticians, physicians, physiologists and therapists, who are on-hand to help with many health and fitness concerns. With 350 sunny days each year, clean air and a diverse desert landscape, it’s an ideal setting, where hiking, biking, bird watching, and sunbathing are possible year-round. The clear starry skies make it an astronomer’s delight.

Visit: www.canyonranch.com/tucson 8600 East Rockcliff Road, Tucson, Arizona 85750, United States

Insignia Loves

Call: (520) 749 9655

Mountainside location Personalised wellbeing programmes Star-gazing

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Chiva-Som Thailand Step off your VIP limousine or private plane onto the lush “Haven of Life” and learn to live, love and cherish in a comforting blanket of tropical luxury on Thailand’s glistening Gulf coast. Focusing on superior wellbeing and vitality, ChivaSom offers personalised, results-driven fitness, spa and holistic health programmes to relax, restore, rejuvenate and transform bodies and souls. Thailand’s award-winning destination spa remains unique in its dedication to complete wellbeing, illustrated through its comprehensive and extensive menu – ranging from nurturing spa treatments, to high-tech medical therapies. Naturally, its practitioners and therapists are world-class. Widely regarded as one of the world’s best destination spas, Chiva-Som blends the very best of Eastern and Western philosophies to offer guests a complete wellbeing experience that

continues

long

after

departure.

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Visit: www.chivasom.com 73/4 Petchkasem Road, Hua Hin, Prachuab Khirikhan, 77110 Thailand

Call: (+66) (0) 2711 6900 12

Insignia Loves Tropical location Niranlada Medi-Spa A Taste of Chiva-Som

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Henri Chenot Merano The grand Henri Chenot spa in Northern Italy is where the likes of Elle Macpherson, Valentino, Cristiano Ronaldo and the affluent escape to detox. Harmony for body and mind: the philosophy is simple, the results transformational. As for the location, exquisite. The celebrity-endorsed resort provides tailored treatments for the wellbeing of the entire body – especially the mind. Offering detoxification, regeneration, anti-aging, weight loss and beauty treatments, the spa ensures guests achieve optimum balance inside and out. Specialist dieticians, doctors and technicians deliver tailored programmes to promote long-term health. Learn how to eat for better living, to lose weight efficiently, and rediscover your wellbeing through small but meaningful everyday acts. Revital Lab features the latest technology to test and diagnose guests on the detox programme. Using proven methods – from blood tests and hormone profiling, to full body scanning – the lab also offers high-tech aesthetic treatments from an expert cosmetic team.

Visit: www.palace.it Palace Merano Espace Henri Chenot, Via Cavour, 2, 39012 Merano, BZ, Italy

Insignia Loves

Call: +39 0473 271 000

Revital medical floor Resident health experts Detox programme

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Kamalaya Koh Samui Set on the paradisiacal southern coastline of Thailand’s Koh Samui, multi-award-winning Kamalaya offers a holistic wellbeing experience. The beachside sanctuary and spa blends healing therapies from the East and West, connecting with nature and rejuvenating guests through healthy cuisine and holistic fitness practices. Be inspired and energised to embrace life’s full potential in a nurturing environment, through an exclusive menu of treatments and therapies. Although such treatments and therapies may be offered elsewhere, the way Kamalaya ties them together – transforming them into results-driven wellness programmes to support individual goals – makes them unique. Wellness programs vary from Detox to Stress and Burnout, in addition to Optimal Fitness, Ideal Weight, Sleep Enhancement, Yoga Synergy and the recently launched Embracing Change. The Taoist abdominal massage (a signature element in Kamalaya’s most popular wellness

Visit: www.kamalaya.com 102/9 Moo 3, Laem Set Road, Na-Muang, Koh Samui, Suratthani 84140, Thailand

Call: +66 (0) 77 429 800

Insignia Loves Chi Nei Tsang de-stress treatment Tailored therapies Beachfront villas

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La Prairie Montreux Nestled in an area of outstanding natural beauty on the shores of the Swiss Riviera, with views over Lake Geneva and the Alps, Clinique La Prairie is the place to rest body and soul and emerge restored and replenished. Founded in 1931 by Professor Niehans â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a pioneer in the development of cell therapy â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Clinique La Prairie is a world-renowned medical clinic and wellness destination. The multi-award-winning Clinique La Prairie medical spa offers over 50 treatments to satisfy even the most demanding spa-goer. A specialist team of therapists provide expert knowledge of contemporary sciences and ancient healing philosophies from around the world, combined with results-driven, state of the art technology. Thanks to ongoing scientific research, Clinique La Prairie is regarded as a leading light in preventative medicine due to its unique Revitalization, the exclusive cellular treatment, designed to promote vitality, enhance the immune system and slow down the ageing process.

Visit: www.laprairie.ch 1815 Clarens-Montreux, Switzerland

Insignia Loves

Call: (+41) 21 989 33 11

Revitalization anti-aging treatment Alpine views over Clarens Exclusive limousine service

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Deftly

defying the decades Wine is thing of beauty, and like art and antiques, part of a beautiful life. For centuries, the rich and powerful have sought out and patronised the world’s greatest wine. by Dr Preema Vig

t’s perfectly natural to want to look as youthful as you feel inside. Healthier lifestyle choices not only help us live happier, stronger lives, we’re also living many years longer than previous generations. When older and wiser, we realise that keeping our youthful allure isn’t as simple

as drinking one magic elixir. In an era where the beauty rituals and regimes behind celebrities’ radiant glow have become highly coveted knowledge, renowned Harley Street Advanced Aesthetic Doctor Preema Vig shares her top 5 anti-ageing tips.

1. Exercise body and mind Never underestimate the power of oxygen. Daily aerobic activity can increase

blood flow and in turn help nourish skin cells by delivering nutrients to cells throughout the body, including the skin. Exercise also flushes cellular debris such as free radicals from pollution out of your system. If breaking into a

Dr Preema’s Top 3 skin radiance necessities iS Clinical Active Serum Loved by A-list Facialists Shani Darden and Mamie McDonald, iS Clinical’s Active Serum is the hero product of the range and is clinically proven to improve wrinkles, acne and hyper pigmentation after three months of use. “It does everything from fighting acne to brightening skin,” says

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Hollywood facialist Shani Darden who looks after Jessica Alba’s skin. iS Clinical Super Serum This Serum features scientifically advanced Vitamin C, time release technology, clinically proven to stimulate collagen production as well as the reduction of wrinkles

and scar tissue, wound healing and the treatment of hyperpigmentation. Environ Avst The AVST moisturizer range contain a potent blend of vitamin A, E, C, antioxidants and anti-ageing actives to provide instant and long term benefits to the skin.

FEATURE

sweat fills you with fear, then consider meditation and yoga, which both bring awareness to breath and are proven to have great benefits for alleviating stress, which is another huge cause of aging.

2. Hydration, hydration, hydration

Water is essential to maintain optimum skin moisture, deliver essential nutrients to the skin cells, and flush out any impurities or toxins. Our body is made up of 60% water, which means it plays an important role in keeping our skin glowing. Boost your skin radiance by upping your water intake and alternate between lemon wedges in hot water in the morning and cucumber in chilled water to keep skin luminous and bright throughout the day.

3. Commit to A Technology Detox

4. Stimulate your skin At times our skin needs a helping hand with renewal. Skin dullness associated with aging skin can be caused by a reduced skin cell turnover, which results in residual dead skin cells on the surface of the skin. Incorporating a mild professional skin peel or facial treatment into your skin care routine, can brighten dull skin, help skin rejuvenation and even skin tone by reducing pigmentation.

5. Choose your Medical Aesthetic Practitioner wisely

The days for looking ‘cosmetically treated’ are long gone. Five key questions to ask when considering a treatment and selecting a practitioner are; Are they registered with the General Medical Council?

Inner stress and turmoil can translate to ageing the face

Are they registered with the appropriate recognised

and posture. In our technology packed information age,

regulatory bodies?

we’re constantly bombarded with data via our smart

Are they experienced? Ask about the qualifications,

phones, tablets and laptops in addition to the daily

training and number of years in practice.

assault of other hi-tech interactions. Make time each day

Can they explain how the treatment you are considering,

to sit back, switch off and let go.

works and do they understand what you want?

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Lanserhof Lans At the edge of a deep forest on the sun-drenched Lans plateau, just below the towering Patscherkofel mountain, lies the Lanserhof Lans in Austria – an exquisite resort that embraces the power of nature to recharge and refresh. Taking a holistic approach to health and wellbeing, guests draw strength from the clinic’s panoramic mountain, forest and wild meadow landscapes. This strong connection with the environment is both energising and inspiring for a lifelong relationship with nature and the positive charge it exudes. Echoing its stunning surroundings, the luxury resort’s main building features flowing natural stone forms, seamlessly smooth wooden floors and a celebration of the crisp natural light through bright and airy rooms. To enhance the earthy experience, all guest rooms are presented free from electrical pollution, instead exhibiting their own natural minimalist charm. xxxxxxxxx xxxxxx xxxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxxx xxxxxxx xxxxxxx.

Visit: www.lanserhof.com Kochholzweg 153, 6072 Lans Bei Innsbruck, Austria

Call: (+43) 51 238 66 60

Insignia Loves Natural location Holistic healing Revitalisation treatments

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Le Réserve Genève

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Nestled in 10 acres of lush landscapes on the shores

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of Lake Geneva, Le Réserve Genève is a preciously concealed haven of happiness that invites guests to connect with their inner self. Escape a world of prying eyes in the luxury hotelspa, designed as a home-from-home in a world beyond time, reminiscent of a lost paradise on the outer fringes of legendary Africa. Recharge in complete peace among the spa’s luxury surrounds, featuring five restaurants, 85 rooms, 17 suites and 26 nearby golf courses. The resort may be plentiful, but discreet elegance is retained through a personalised service and tailored programmes, which – coupled with the majestic mountainside location – provide a truly magical experience. Anti-aging

treatments

and

medical

expertise are some of the therapies on offer, as part of a rich menu of treatments designed to rejuvenate the body and reconnect the mind.

Visit: www.lareserve.ch Route de Lausanne 301, 1293 Bellevue, Switzerland

Insignia Loves

Call: (+41) 22 959 59 59

Lakeside location Indoor pool with underwater music Seven-day anti-aging programme

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Parrot Cay Tucked away on a private island boasting a mile-long white sand beach and 1,000 acres of untouched wilderness, the award-winning Parrot Cay resort is luxury perfected. Unwind in the soothing interiors of your room, suite or villa, and dip into your choice of holistic therapies, yoga sessions, diving trips and delicious world-class foods. The two-bedroomed beach houses, nestled in the sand dunes, offer uninterrupted ocean views with Caribbean sun filtering through. Both bedrooms are ensuite, while living and dining areas are spacious. Inhale warming tropical air on the large outdoor deck and refresh in your private swimming pool. Your personal butler is on-hand to meet every wish â&#x20AC;&#x201C; from organising a castaway family picnic, to arranging a romantic meal and planning adventure trips. Iguana Island is just a 25-minute boat ride away and home to the famous Rock Iguanas; harmless reptiles found nowhere else on the planet.

Visit: www.comohotels.com/parrotcay Parrot Cay by COMO, 164 Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, British West Indies

Call: (+1) 649 946 7788

Insignia Loves Private island location Beach houses Personal butler service

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Sha Alicante Spain Settled in a lush fringe on Albir Beach near the picturesque town of Villa de Altea, SHA sits on a magnificent mountainside overlooking the Mediterranean Sea. Part of the Sierra Helada Natural Park, the luxury retreat benefits from a mild microclimate, making yearround temperatures pleasant; a particularly vital aspect for optimum health. The worldwide wellbeing clinic focuses on improving and lengthening guestsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; health and wellbeing through the fusion of the best natural therapies, largely originating from millenarian eastern wisdom and the most advanced western techniques. SHA carefully combines the effective elements of modern macrobiotics

nutrition and the curative

powers of natural therapies with a dynamic and practical educational program, personalised to satisfy the needs of each person and his or her health goals. Revel in your choice of nutritional, beauty and medical treatments that even include dental aesthetics.

Visit: www.shawellnessclinic.com Route de Lausanne 301, 1293 Bellevue, Switzerland

Insignia Loves

Call: (+34) 966 811 199

Healthy Aging Area Sleep Recovery Unit Vast designer suites

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Spa Village Pangkor Laut Malaysia

Situated on the privately owned island of Pangkor Laut, in a quiet bay just off the west coast of Peninsular Malaysia, as far as spa locations go it doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t get more idyllic. Rocky outcrops and white sandy beaches fringed by a lush rainforest create a breathtaking experience alone. Add to this the sanctuary of complete wellbeing and traditional hospitality offered by the tropical resort and the paradisiacal retreat is yours. The luxury Spa Village extols the healing cultures of the region, offering a relaxing respite from the rest of the world. Malaysia, with its diverse history of people, cultures and abundance of natural resources, provides the backdrop for health rituals that are amongst the oldest on the planet. Choose from an exotic menu of indoor and open-air treatments, combining Malay, Chinese, Indian and Thai practices to promise complete rejuvenation. All treatments begin with the unique Bath House Ritual. xxxxxxx xxxxxx xxxxxxx xxxxxxxx

Visit: www.pangkorlautresort.com Pangkor Laut Island, 32200 Lumut, Perak, Malaysia

Call: (+60) 56 99 1100

Insignia Loves Nap gazebos Healing huts Over-sea villas

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Stoke Park Tucked away among 300 acres of postcard-perfect parkland, lakes, gardens and monuments dating back one thousand years, Stoke Park Hotel, Spa and Country Club provides a friendly, relaxed retreat. Combining traditions of an exclusive members’ club with popular sporting, leisure, entertainment and hotel experiences, the countryside resort offers a completely unique escape. Just 35 minutes from London and seven miles from London Heathrow Airport, the hotel’s location is most convenient and easy to reach whichever direction you arrive from. The plentiful accommodation features 49 luxurious bedrooms and suites, three restaurants, numerous bars and lounges (including the 3 AA Rosette-winning Humphry’s Restaurant), an all-weather 27-hole Championship Golf Course (designed by Harry Colt in 1908), an indoor Swing Studio, stateof-the-art gymnasium (with fitness, spinning and hot yoga studios), in addition to an awardwinning health and beauty spa with an indoor

Visit: www.stokepark.com Park Road, Stoke Poges, Buckinghamshire SL2 4PG

Insignia Loves

Call: 01753 717172

Friendly atmosphere Huphry’s Restaurant 14 acres of private gardens

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Talise Spa Madinat

Jumeirah Dubai

Nuzzled in the tropical landscapes and tranquil waterways of Madinat Jumeirah, Talise Spa is a true oasis of relaxation and rejuvenation. Beauty, medical, nutrition and fitness treatments are intricately combined to deliver a personalised experience, transforming the mind, body and soul on a journey of self-discovery. With bamboo-lined gardens filled with palm trees, frangipani and hibiscus flowers as your backdrop, absorb views of the world-famous Burj Al Arab as you indulge in your choice of facials, massages and body treatments ranging from Swedish, Thai and Balinese massage to Reiki, Shiatsu, hot stones and local holistic therapies. Relaxation areas offer private male and female changing rooms equipped with saunas, steam rooms and plunge pools. The spa features an outdoor swimming pool and delicious menu of healthconscious spa cuisine. Unwind in a yoga studio – or if you prefer – on a picturesque beach yoga platform, where you can join a group or enjoy a one-to-one session.

Visit: www.jumeirah.com Al Sufouh Road, Jumeirah 6, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Call: (+971) 43 66 6818

Insignia Loves Plunge pools Beachside yoga Couple’s relaxation areas

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The Chateau Malaysia Rising majestically from the fringe of a lush rainforest, The Chateau Spa and Organic Wellness Resort stands proudly on Berjaya Hills to offer the ultimate natural retreat. Blending the best of European spa treatments with the renowned charm and etiquette of Asian hospitality, La Sante – the jewel in The Chateau’s crown – is one of a kind. Rest, refresh and recharge with the organic spa’s signature personalised programmes, designed to help guests detox, lose weight, release stress and transform their overall wellbeing. The Chateau offers two to seven night all-inclusive stays in luxurious accommodation spread across 130 rooms and suites – each distinctively designed and fitted with the finest 100% organic bedding, bath linens and the extra comforts one would expect. Luxury continues to be served at the award-winning L’assiette fine-dining French restaurant, which prides itself on treating

Visit: www.thechateau.com.my KM 48, Persimpangan Bertingkat, Lebuhraya Karak,Bukit Tinggi 28750, Malaysia

Insignia Loves

Call: (+ 60) 9221 3888

Rainforest backdrop Tailored treatments Luxury organic feel

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The Hydro S Africa Nuzzled in the tropical landscapes and tranquil waterways of Madinat Jumeirah, Talise Spa is a true oasis of relaxation and rejuvenation. Beauty, medical, nutrition and fitness treatments are intricately combined to deliver a personalised experience, transforming the mind, body and soul on a journey of self-discovery. With bamboo-lined gardens filled with palm trees, frangipani and hibiscus flowers as your backdrop, absorb views of the world-famous Burj Al Arab as you indulge in your choice of facials, massages and body treatments ranging from Swedish, Thai and Balinese massage to Reiki, Shiatsu, hot stones and local holistic therapies. Relaxation areas offer private male and female changing rooms equipped with saunas, steam rooms and plunge pools. The spa features an outdoor swimming pool and delicious menu of healthconscious spa cuisine. Unwind in a yoga studio – or if you prefer – on a picturesque beach yoga platform, where you can join a group or enjoy a one-to-one session.

Visit: www.jumeirah.com Al Sufouh Road, Jumeirah 6, Dubai, United Arab Emirates

Call: (+971) 43 66 6818

Insignia Loves Plunge pools Beachside yoga Couple’s relaxation areas

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The Spa at the Address Dubai Marina

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Overlooking crystal-clear waters buoyant with luxury

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yachts, the award-winning Address Dubai Marina offers the ultimate waterside escape. Plunge into a world of serenity, tranquility and gracious hospitality, as you absorb sweeping views of one of the largest marinas in the region. Pampering treatments and therapeutic therapies promise to restore your natural balance and uplift every sense, while the décor is as lavish as one would expect, with all suites presenting private balconies. Enjoy the intimacy of private and couples’ treatment rooms, featuring luxury en suite showers. Separate relaxation rooms for ladies and gentlemen offer complete comfort. Additionally, a dedicated fitness zone offers modern facilities for those desiring a more active experience. Your appetite is rewarded in your choice of five restaurants serving up a delicious array of worldwide cuisine savored al fresco. xxxxxxxx xxxxx xxxxxxx xxxxx xxxxxxxx xxxxx xxxxxxx xxxxx.

Visit: www.theaddress.com KM 48, Persimpangan Bertingkat, Lebuhraya Karak,Bukit Tinggi 28750, Malaysia

Insignia Loves

Call: (+971) 4436 7777

Waterfront location Couples’ treatment rooms Infinity pool

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The Spa ESPA Reethi

Rah Maldives

Nestled in lush tropical landscapes overlooking the crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean, the spa at One&Only Reethi Rah offers an exclusive sanctuary of pampering and relaxation. Combining

local

Maldivian

influences

with

contemporary culture, the luxury beachside spa offers a quietly indulgent paradise with a sincerely personal touch. Eight luxurious treatment villas and two overwater couple treatment suites provide the ultimate pampering experience. Across the resort, delight in your choice of relaxation and refreshment – from swirling vitality pools, crystal steam rooms and saunas, to invigorating ice fountains. Lifestyle showers create a refreshing burst of tropical rain, while exotic spa cuisine and garden relaxation pavilions complete the retreat. xxxxxxx xxxxx xxxxxx xxxxx xxxxxxx xxxxxx xxxxxx xxxxxxx xxxxx xxxxxx xxxxx xxxxxxx xxxxxx xxxxxx xxxxxxx xxxxx xxxxxx xxxxx xxxxxxx xxxxxx xxxxxx

Visit: www.reethirah.oneandonlyresorts.com One&Only Reethi Rah, North Malé Atoll, Maldives

Call: (+960) 664 8800

Insignia Loves Secluded location Beachside villas Vitality pools

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LISTINGS

Terme di Saturnia Spa

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Glide into a relaxing haven at the Terme di Saturnia

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Spa & Golf Resort, set in Tuscan Maremma on the site of a thermal spring dating back beyond the Etruscan era. Generations of bathers have soaked up the soothing waters, gushing at a rate of 500 liters a second, at a constant temperature of 37Â°C. The state-of-the-art spa offers a tempting menu of luxurious and regenerative therapies that draw on the healing powers of natural spring water to evoke complete wellbeing. A deep-rooted philosophy of seeking harmony is reflected at every turn in the elegant and contemporary design of the guest rooms. Outside, an 18-hole golf course blends seamlessly into the surrounding countryside. The Aqualuce restaurant serves up a delicious assortment of Mediterranean cuisine and nutritional spa snacks, while the Michelinstarred Gourmet Allâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Acquacotta presents a delectable array of Tuscan-inspired fare.

Visit: www.termedisaturnia.it S.P. Follonata, 58014 Saturnia, Grosseto, Italy

Insignia Loves

Call: (+39) 0564 600 111

Thermal pool Regenerative therapies Contemporary design

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Jewellery

listings

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The fine art of collecting

Knighted as “The playground of the rich and the famous”, the Côte d’Azur epitomizes the quintessence of luxury living: a glistening stretch of golden coastline where the By Rohit Jaggi

rom the Medici family in Renaissance Italy to modern industrialists like Henry Clay Frick and Samuel Courtauld, to the more contemporary interests of the Vogels in New York and Charles Saatchi in London, the delight in assembling a collection of art

holds as true today as ever. During the reign of the Medici, patronage of the arts and architecture reflected their own entrepreneurial spirit. Through special commissions and the acquisition of works, support for the great artists of their time amounted to a great majority of art produced in Florence during the High Renaissance, leaving an indelible mark in history. In the 20th century, Samuel Courtauld was responsible for laying the foundations of national collections and museums, as well as the Institution of Art in London, following a series of gifts and later bequest after his death. Most recently, Charles Saatchi pioneered a new approach to collecting. His encouragement of young, emerging artists during the 1990s lead the success of many of today’s best known contemporary artists in Britain and abroad. Those who live with works of art enjoy the possibility of engaging with art on a deep and ongoing basis. The impact of seeing a particular work of art for the first time, and the feeling and meaning that develops overtime for a person can be invaluable. There are as many collectors as there are different motivations for collecting; some follow their own instincts, their own intuition, while others amass works for reasons of status and investment. Forming your own interests and taste for art undeterred by opinion and orthodoxy of academia and the art market can only be

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FEATURE

Rising stars of the art world are Ernesto

achieved by viewing art in museums, galleries, and art fairs. The more you look, the more your confidence grows and the power of your first impression can hint towards a sense of fulfilment to be gained from a continued engagement with art. We are only guardians of works of art in our lifetime, and in this regard art becomes a wonderful legacy for

Canovas, Santiago Montoya and Pedro Paricio according to Mayfairâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Halycon Gallery which specialises in modern and contemporary art working closely with emerging and established international artists. With three art galleries in London and one art gallery in Shanghai the gallery represents a selection of renownedÂ artistsÂ from all over the world, including the UK, America, Colombia, Spain, Italy and Russia.

future generations to enjoy. For art to be appreciated, it must be seen by more than one person. In this respect, a painting may be imbued with a life of its own; provenance tells a story of being seen and being collected by others through history, demonstrating a trajectory of accumulated a unique story of different lives it has passed through and is particular to its own. For patrons, collectors, and enthusiasts of art alike, the passion, connoisseurship, and feeling for the very finest works of art to adorn your

Art by Santiago Montoya

walls is a wonderful adventure.

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The Glitz

of the Cannes Film Festival The winners of the coveted Palm D’Or may be unpredictable but one quintessential element to this glamourous gathering has become certain – the stars will be dripping in diamonds. by Laurie Wickwire

or one week each May, the glitz and glamour of Cannes Film festival elevates the elegance of France’s most sophisticated coastal town,

Chopard has access to only

transforming it into the Mediterranean’s most

2 kilos of Fairmined gold per

star-studded hot spot.

month, so the products are

Amidst thousands of Roberto Cavalli gowns, designer sunglasses, champagne magnums, vespa scooters and paparazzi, glamourous beauties strut yachts in stilettos, while sunglasses clad Croisette crawlers seek to acquire one of the elusive party invitations to join the celebrities of the glittering movie world. In a directorial nod towards the constellation of movie stars past and present, the Chopard Haute Joaillerie collection pieces – specifically produced each year for that saunter up the steps of the Grand Theatre Lumiere - are directly inspired by the stars and intended not only to emphasise their beauty during the legendary red carpet 24 step ritual ascent, but allow the world a glimpse into the luxury house that is Chopard. Over talented

twelve crew

months

work

culminates

from

Chopard’s

these

breath-

taking one off creations, created solely for the walk on the world’s most dignified red carpet. And just like the silver screen, each jewellery collection

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Fairmined exclusivity

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extremely limited.

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The cost of doing Business in Cannes…..

Cost of a Palme d’Or: The cost to make one 18 centimeter tall trophy, which Chopard supplies free to the festival is $ 27,000 (£ 20,000). The trophy is formed from a single 1 kilogram block of crystal, covered in 118 grams of 24 karat gold made from the sustainable gold initiative.

Sponsorship of Cannes:

“

About $ 7,000,000 of the total figures comes from the main sponsors Chopard and L’Oreal, which have five-year-pluscontracts each.

Most expensive billboard:

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It’s the most wanted trophy in the World of cinema, there’s only one Palme d’Or.

has its leading lady, the most recent of which is the Riviera set: comprising of a stunning Chopard Above{ on all things diamond related from diamond cutting, grading, Below{ diamond brokering, Laurie’s knowledge and passion for the Above{ on all things diamond related from diamond cutting

diamond necklace and matching Chopard earrings featuring over 100 carats of brilliant-cut, marquisecut and rose-cut pear-shaped diamonds and over 1,000 hours of craftsmanship.Outshining even the brilliance of the Croisette sun, Chopard’s annual collection is displayed on the sunkissed haven of the Grand Hyatt Cannes Hotel Martinez’s roof suite. Reserved by Chopard for the entirety of the festival, the glistening display

The front façade of The Carlton Hotel, for the 12 days of the festival costs $ 108,900 (£ 78,500) Most expensive wine: The 1990 Chateau Petrus at The Carlton hotel $ 9,390 (£6,800)

Most expensive hotel room: The 650 square meter penthouse suite 349 at The Majestic $ 30,378 per night. Runner up: The Carlton’s 380 square-meter Sean Connery suite at $ 27,620 a night.

Red Carpet cost per star to ascend 24 steps: The bill begins at $ 100,000 per star for travel and lodging. DreamWorks brought in the top five stars to the fest- Kit Harington, Kristen Wiig, Jonah Hill, Gerard Butler and Cate Blanchett for a cost of $ 500,000.

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offers a magical place to escape, from the madness of Cannes below into the enchanting world of Chopard has aligned itself with Cannes with an open embrace as the festival’s major sponsor and the appointed atelier goldsmith for the coveted trophy The Palme d’Or. After 15 years making the iconic film festival trophy, Chopard this year brought a new glow to the Palme D’Or by making the decision to ‘go green’ on the Cannes red carpet. On the reverse of one of the feathery palm leaves that decorate the 2014 Palme d’Or award, is the word Fairmined stamped in capital letters - a bold statement of Chopard’s landmark decision to make the emblem of the world’s most glamorous film event in Fairmined gold, and one which has catapulted sustainable luxury into the spotlight on a world stage. “Of course the trophy has a material value”, says Caroline, $27,000 (£20,000) per trophy, supplied free of charge by Chopard to the festival. “But the real value”, she states, “is that it’s a ctually the most wanted trophy in the world of cinema, there’s only one Palme d’Or”.

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Every night, 2,300 invited guests walk the carpet of the scarlet steps, which is changed every day for each official screening.

Cannes behind the curtain: Beneath all the glitter and glamour, a host of hiccups and unexpected events add their own magic to the Festival…. The Festival nearly closed without its leading lady: The Palme d’Or. For the entire length of the star studded event, the glorious trophy was held up by the meticulous antics of the dreaded customs agents, arriving only on the final day of the closing ceremony. Faye Dunaway, appreciating the generosity of the jewels so graciously lent to her by Chopard, stashed the valuable gems in her Above{ on all things diamond related from diamond cutting, grading, Below{ diamond brokering, Laurie’s knowledge and passion for the

box of organic cereal – totally distrusting the security of the hotel safe. En route to Cannes to present the Palme D’Or, Hilary Swank requested her private plane detour to Avignon for the purchase of a few bottles of the famed local olive oil. As time ticked on without the arrival of the star, her team were frantic as to why. With bottles of olive oil in tow, she arrived in time to climb the world’s most famous set of stairs, and did so twice for the sheer enjoyment of it!

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Watches

ou know watch making has got serious when one of the leading brands announces that it has invented an entirely new type of gold. That’s

what happened not so long ago behind the sturdy doors of the dedicated metallurgy department at the Hublot manufacture in Nyon outside Geneva, where the firm’s effervescent CEO Jean-Claude Biver (now overall head of the LVMH watch division) revealed the first chunk of so-called ‘Magic Gold’. Hublot, which has made its name by creating ‘fusion’ watches that combine materials as diverse as rubber, carbon fibre, magnesium, diamonds and even bullet-proof Cermet, claims to have pulled-off the ultimate in horological alchemy by blending 24-carat gold with a ceramic made from boron carbide powder. The result is a gold that scores almost 1,000 on the Vickers Scale of hardness, meaning it’s about two-and-a-half times tougher than your standard, high-quality 18-carat and therefore highly suitable for making watch cases, bracelets and bezels. In order to create such parts, the ceramic is moulded to shape and then injected with molten 24 carat liquid gold under ultra high pressure,

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causing the two ingredients to fuse into a single, new material the world’s first, scratchproof gold which, despite being diluted by the ceramic, is still sufficiently pure to be officially certified as 18 carat. To hardened watch buffs the

“

arrival of such a material probably comes as no surprise. In order to stay ahead of the game, 21st century watch manufacturers have no option but to continually push the envelope of creativity because

“

It’s not just luxury saloons, or off-roaders that are going green. Ut voloreh enectorum, ut audis.

the days when brass, steel, gold and rubies were the most exotic materials used in the average timepiece are long gone. Yes, the horological lexicon has grown somewhat and now contains such exotic stuff as palladium, zalium, tantalum and titanium, not to mention liquid metal, nobium and ceramic. Maverick maker Richard Mille, for example, has dipped-in to the world of Above{ on all things diamond related from diamond cutting, grading, Below{ diamond brokering, Laurie’s knowledge and passion for the

jet fighter design for part of his RM021 ‘Aerodyne’ hand-wound tourbillon - its movement baseplate is made from honeycombed orthorhombic titanium aluminide with a carbon nanofibre core. Honeycombed orthorhombic titanium - let’s just call it HOT - is what the American flight technology firm ATI Aerospace refers to as a ‘mission critical metallic,’ in other words, a metal structure that prevents everything from falling apart when the going gets tough.

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Even in a thin, foil form, the material remains ultra strong at anything up to 1,200 degrees F - which means that, in the rather cooler interior of the RM021, the baseplate should never become distorted and therefore the movement should be less prone to fluctuations in accuracy. And here, of course, we come to that great anomaly of the luxury watch world: timepieces with mechanical movements are far harder to produce than quartz powered ones, use many more components and are therefore considerably more expensive - yet they are nowhere near as accurate. The principal Achilles heel of all those gears, wheels and cogs meshing together is that they require some sort of lubricant to keep them all running smoothly but, ironically, when that same lubricant degrades it clogs and causes drag. Result: a watch that keeps time erratically. The late English horologist Dr. George Daniels achieved what was possibly the most significant advance in mechanical watch making in 200 years when he perfected his Co-Axial movement which, to quote the exact definition, ‘remains unaffected by the deterioration of its lubricant’. The design was adopted by Omega and is now used in all of its best models. Most makers, however, would like to do away with lubricant altogether. Some, including Patek Philippe, Ulysse Nardin and Breguet have already gone part way by using silicone to produce crucial components such as

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balance springs and escape wheels - the material lends itself to watch making because it is corrosion-resistant, anti magnetic, ultra light and, best of all, doesn’t need lubricating. But now, plain silicone looks set to be superseded as Ulysse Nardin and other brands begin to experiment by coating silicone parts with a film of synthetic diamond to provide even less friction and greater longevity - all in the name of a level of accuracy that the average watch wearer will probably never be able to appreciate. High-end watches are not, of course, simply about trying to achieve the impossible task of keeping time to the Nth degree - they are about extending the limits of micro-engineering and perpetuating the science of clockwork. It is for that reason that, back in 2008, Jaeger-LeCoultre introduced its Master Compressor Extreme Lab watch which completely eliminated the need for lubricant by having a movement made from exotic (and extremely pricey) materials such as iridium platinum alloy, silicon carbonitride, Easium and carbon fibre. The watches cost around £250,000 each and were made in an extremely limited number, but elements of the movement are gradually being incorporated into the brand’s mainstream models.

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Similarly, Cartier has been busy demonstrating the technical prowess of its in-house manufacture with concepts such as the iD One featuring a movement that, once assembled and fitted, should never need adjusting. iD Two, meanwhile, is powered by a movement which runs in a completely airtight case, creating a vacuum that reduced energy losses caused by air friction within a normal case by 60 per cent. The treatment also means that the back of the watch doesn’t need screws or a thread to attach it - it is simply sucked into place, requiring the application of an 80kg force to remove it. The wizadry doesn’t end there, however. Gaskets ‘doped’ with clay Nanoparticles should ensure the case won’t return to standard atmospheric pressure for at least a decade. The movement itself, meanwhile, boasts two winding barrels, each of which is equipped with a pair of springs - made not

from conventional steel but from glass microfibres which allegedly produce greater power and deliver it in a more linear fashion. The components of the movement, including the escapement, are made

Every night,

from materials such as titanium and carbon crystal, many of which are

2,300 invited guests

covered in Amorphous Diamond Like Carbon (ADLC) which doesn’t wear, is

walk the carpet of the

highly shock resistant and requires no lubrication.

scarlet steps, which is

TAG Heur, meanwhile, has been inspired by its long history as a

changed every day for each official screening.

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motorsport timekeeper to create the world’s most accurate chronograph in the form of the Mikrotimer 1000, an £85,000 chunk of mind-bogglingly brilliant micro-engineering which can split a second into a 1,000 pieces. In order to achieve the remarkable feat of creating a mechanical watch movement capable of such a high degree of accuracy, TAG’s engineers have abandoned the traditional balance wheel system in favour of what is described as a ‘launcher-hub brake system controlled by a column wheel’ and a radial escapement that oscillates at a remarkable 500 hz - or 3.6 million beats per hour. Most chronographs run at 28,800 hz and can therefore only record down to one eighth of a second. To put such technicalities into context, it is perhaps best to explain that the Mikrotimer 1,000’s mechanism enables the chronograph seconds hand to make a dizzying ten rotations of the dial every second. High speed mechanisms for recording the time of day (rather than merely elapsed time) are also offered by Zenith - long famed for its El Primero chronograph movement that operates at five hz, the equivalent of 36,000 oscillations (or vibrations) per hour - and Chopard which offers a watch operating at 10 hz (72,000 vph). But it is not just methods of keeping time that are receiving the ultra high-tech treatment - ways of displaying it are becoming pretty radical, too. Niche brands such as Maitres du Temps and Ladoire have, for some of their models, abandoned the old fashioned method of hands and dial markers in favour of rollers marked with the hours and minutes; the remarkable creations of Urwerk, meanwhile, include watches that rely on a series of revolving cube-shaped ‘satellites’ and telescopic pointers to indicate the time. And, if you’re looking for a truly radical alternative from

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Coloured

Diamonds xxxxxxxxxxxxxx The winners of the coveted Palm D’Or may be unpredictable but one quintessential element to this glamourous gathering has become certain – the stars will be dripping in diamonds. by Avril Groom

hree of the show-stopping jewellery items at the recent Biennale des Antiquaires in Paris’s Grand Palais - an exhibition full of wonders, where superlatives become commonplace - were a diamond ring, a diamond brooch and a diamond watch. So what, you may ask. These were coloured diamonds, and

quite exceptional ones. The Cartier ring featured a 25-carat, oval-cut pink diamond of a particularly pretty, delicate hue - a total rarity as most examples of the colour are under one carat, and put into perspective by the attempted record-price sale of a 60-carat pink stone last year for $83 million. The buyer defaulted and the value is now estimated at $72 million. The Biennale brooch was a Graff piece featuring a 107-carat yellow diamond of such a beautiful shade that it outshone the enormous white diamonds surrounding it, including the 100-carat teardrop below it. The watch, also by Graff, was small and quartz but it was set in a bracelet of over 110 carats of coloured diamonds, some between two and three carats, and in so many shades that it was named Hallucination. It is valued at $55 million, one of the most expensive ever made. Coloured diamonds like this send values sky high. Large, flawless, white diamonds are still much prized but, as coloured stones of all kinds have become a playground for jewellery designers, and the desire of customers for something individual and different has grown, the demand for coloured diamonds has increased exponentially. Large coloured diamonds have been desirable since the fifteenth century when an early cutter, Louis de Berquen of Bruges, worked on a yellow diamond weighing over 137 carats that was eventually owned by the Medicis.

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“ “

I love to be busy in London so it’s rare that I take time off, but when I do I like to spend it with friends here in London.

In the seventeenth century, the French diamond dealer

FACT BOX: Coloured diamonds formed billions of years ago under heat and pressure deep in the Earth, when injections of other gases altered the carbon chemical structure that forms white diamonds, or distorted the lattice pattern of the carbon crystals so they refract other colours. It is now possible to heat-treat diamonds to create artificial colours but these have less value than natural diamonds. However, talented designer Solange Azagury-Partridge makes a virtue of them, using non-top quality diamonds treated to create glowing colours, in her latest collection, Chromance. “I love the idea that these don’t look like diamonds but they are”, she says. “It’s a private pleasure for the owner”.

Jean-Baptiste Tavernier travelled to Moghul India, whose ruler owned a 280 carat, pale bluish-green diamond. Such stones were valued more for size than colour but the most famous historic coloured diamond, the Hope (a stunning dark blue) is believed to have been cut from a 112 carat stone that Tavernier brought back from India for Louis XIV in 1668. It was recut as a 69 carat triangular stone for the French Crown Jewels but was stolen in 1792, resurfacing in the nineteenth century in London as a 45.5 carat cushion-shaped stone. American banker Henry Philip Hope bought it but his descendants eventually sold it to repay debt, as did several subsequent owners. Today it is owned by

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New York jewellers Harry Winston and exhibited at the Smithsonian Institute in Washington. The rarest colours - red, blue and green - seemed like exotic versions of classic gems emeralds, rubies and sapphires, but less vivid colours were seen as the poor relations. Not any more. Pale yellow or pink diamonds were found in Brazil and South Africa in the

JEWELLERY

mid-twentieth century but the discovery of the Argyle Pipe in Western Australia in 1979 with its intense pinks changed the game, while Graff have a long history with intensely coloured South African yellow diamonds. Fancy vivid pinks and yellows are now trophy gems, the subtlety of cognacs and browns have a modern appeal and black diamonds have a life of their own, especially for men’s jewellery. Meanwhile, design is now as important as the financial value of the stones, so designers playing with gentle mixes of paler coloured diamonds, which can be enhanced by different cuts and settings. The change has happened in last decade, according to Andrew Coxon, gems expert at De Beers and a trusted advisor on coloured stones. “Coloured diamonds are now seen as a form of art collecting”, he says. “The desire to own rare items now includes fancy coloured diamonds but the level of supply has not changed. Out of every 10,000 polished diamonds certified only one will be a fancy colour.” He says the foremost collectors are Asian - the Chinese particularly value Above{ on all things diamond related from diamond cutting, grading, Below{ diamond brokering, Laurie’s knowledge and passion for the

yellow because it was the symbolic colour of Imperial China. Conversely, Australian jewellery designer John Calleija is associated with pink diamonds, and says he spent many years “studying all the colours and then realised we had the rarest, most valuable hues at the Argyle Mine. These go from pale blush cherry blossom

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Traditionally, coloured diamonds are cut to show off as much colour and fire as possible, and more intense colours `re more valuable. But the subtle appeal of softer colours and cuts meets with approval from sophisticated modern customers. Designer Cindy Chao is known for her Masterpieces - unique annual brioches bed in a butterfly theme. This year’s, created as a collaboration with actress Sarah Jessica Parker to raise funds for the New York City Ballet and auctioned in Hong Kong for around £750,000 in October, featured two large natural slices of brown diamond, along with a 26 carat cushioncut brown. Meanwhile, London jeweller Theo Fennell uses subtle rose cuts on pale yellow diamonds, mounted on rose gold surrounded by white, for spectacular rings. “I love the way the rose cut, and the hint of yellow gold, makes the diamonds reflect a different, almost greenish light - it intensifies them”, he says.

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For design-led jewellers, coloured diamonds are now an essential part of their repertoire when creating imaginative pieces. Take Gismondi, an Italian family-owned business that goes back seven generations and has just opened in London’s high jewellery quarter, off Bond Street. They work with many coloured stones, often in intricate pavé to suit their designs, and subtle shades of brown and yellow diamond are often worked into naturalistic designs, such as a rose gold snake. They also use larger, rose cut coloured diamonds to add an antique look to valuable, one-off pieces.

to the occasional fancy intense red (the rarest) and all have inspired me.” But, he cautions, “the mine is due to be exhausted in the next six years, so collectors can expect pink diamonds to escalate in rarity and value as Above{ on all things diamond related from diamond cutting, grading, Below{ diamond brokering, Laurie’s knowledge and passion for the

their investment potential grows.” As diamonds are virtually indestructible those already in the market are not disappearing; the problem is greater demand. The search is on for sources of coloured diamonds and high-tech mining truffles out tiny stones that would once have had no value. But even today surprises emerge. Christie’s in Geneva sold the largest modern (13.22 carat), fancy vivid blue diamond in May 2014 for a world record price per carat of almost $1.8 million. “To find a 13 carat blue is near impossible”, said Christie’s head of jewellery in the USA and Switzerland, Rahul Kadakia. “This one is also completely flawless, simply the best blue diamond in the world”. It is now owned by Harry Winston, a match for the Hope diamond. “When Christies announced they were offering the largest flawless, fancy-vivid value ever graded, I had to buy it”, said Winston CEO Nayla Hayek. Even for hardened industry professionals, coloured diamonds exert a fascination like no other gem.

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Luxury Toys

listings

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Opulent

meets efficient

From Ferrari and Porsche to Bentley and Range Rover, luxury carmakers are going green with a new wave of hybrid models. By Jamie Merrill

orget lacklustre performance and spartan interiors though, these are luxury model that are just as impressive on the open road as they are cutting through gridlocked traffic on the fashionable streets of London, New York or Moscow. Until recently the social prestige of being seen in a hybrid car,

which combines an electric battery with a traditional petrol engine, meant a dreary saloon or SUV with disappointing performance. Now though, new efficiency regulations in Europe and American are spurring the most luxurious car marques to develop high-end sports

2,300 invited guests

cars, limousines and SUVs with Formula One-inspired hybrid systems,

walk the carpet of the

the latest plug-in battery technology and revolutionary new engines.

scarlet steps, which is

For the most discerning buyers this means hybrid vehicles are now among the fastest and most technically advanced cars on earth. Leading the charge are Porsche and Bentley, with the German sports car company already offering two compelling hybrid models. Whereas in the UK Bentley, known for historic motorsport record and modern opulence, is set to offer hybrid technology on 90 per cent of its models by 2020. Drivers of the new Porsche Panamera S-E Hybrid (£88,967) f0r example can cruise into town making use of its 410 horsepower petrol/electric combo, before hitting a button at the city limits to switch to emissionsfree and silent city-centre motoring. Like all new hybrids the Panamera, which was launched earlier this year, doesn’t come with a traditional “green

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changed every day for each official screening.

FEATURE

“ “

Plug-in hybrid technology will play an important role in the future of the luxury automotive industry.

car” performance trade-off. In fact its electric motor gives instantaneous acceleration, as well as blistering straight-line speed, while Porsche still claims you’ll hit 91mpg. It’s this combination of eco-credentials and performance that will make luxury hybrids popular with buyers, says Chas Hallett, the brand editor for Britain’s oldest car magazine Autocar, who also points out how new regulation is playing a role.

He says, “The main reason that luxury saloons and luxury SUVs will all have some sort of hybridisation in the future is that it’s the only way that car makers can reach new CO2 targets and control tailpipe emissions.” According to Mr Hallet this is “especially true” for firms such as Bentley, which sells the majority of its luxury models in Russia and the Middle East where more fuel-efficient diesel engine are almost non-existent. For Bentley the use of a advanced lithium ion battery pack won’t mean

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a less-involving driving experience though; the firm has been hard at work on perfecting the hybrid powertrain since it launch its Bentley Hybrid Concept at the Beijing Motor show earlier this year. “Bentley is convinced that plug-in hybrid technology will play an important role in the future of the luxury automotive industry, giving customers an even greater choice of modern powertrain options,” says the firm’s chairman Wolfgang Dürheimer. “The key factor in the success of this technology will be what it delivers to the ownership and driving experience.” There is no need for compromise either, according to Mr Dürheimer. He says, “Bentley customers are individuals that demand the very best, and are not prepared to compromise. We believe that plug-in hybrid technology is therefore an excellent option as it is not only true to Bentley’s brand values of luxury and performance, it is an enhancement to both – offering smooth and refined emissions-free travel in the city and additional performance for the open road. Bentley’s latest concept impressed industry watchers at Beijing, where it was based on the firm’s range-topping Mulsanne model offering a 70 per cent reduction in emissions, while still boosting power by 25 per cent. The technology is still in development, but expect to see a hybrid Bentley arrive in showrooms sometime in 2016. One luxury firm that has rejected the hybrid route though is Elon Musk’s California firm Tesla. The PayPal founder and owner of SpaceX is the brains behind the purely electric Model S (from £49,900), which has revolutionised the pure-electric car market. It’s innovative battery configuration – the bottom of the car is in effect one large battery – means it can cover 265 miles between charges, far more than you’d expect from a traditional electric car, such as a Nissan Leaf. Other firms are still pushing the hybrid system hard though, and Mercedes is leading the way in terms of luxury with its S-Class limousine hybrid ((£87,965). Like all S-Class models it can be purchased with a Magic Carpet smooth ride system, reclining seats in the rear and enough hi-tech safety options to double the asking price at the dealership. However if you want your hybrid to have go-anywhere capabilities, then the obvious choice is the new Range Rover hybrid model (£98,415).

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Based on the exclusive Range Rover Autobiography model it retains the firm’s distinctive V6 petrol engine, but adds an electric battery pack to make it the greenest Range Rover ever. “The latest generation Range Rover models have all been designed from the outset with the integration of a hybrid system in mind.” Says Mike Richardson Chief Technical Specialist, Hybrids and Electrification. Consequently, the liquid cooled battery pack is mounted beneath the floor of the vehicle in a protective boron-steel cradle without impacting on the cabin or luggage space. “The aim was to provide the refinement expected of a Range Rover with seamless integration of the 35kW motor and efficient V6 diesel engine. This all had to be achieved retaining the Range Rover’s legendary capability including protecting its class-leading 900mm wading depth,” according to Richardson. Not to be outdone in the green motoring world, BMW has launched the striking i8 hybrid (£95,000). It has a futuristic design and will hit 60mph in just 4.4 seconds, but thanks to its hybrid system will return a Greenpeacepleasing 94 miles to the gallon.

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It’s not just luxury saloons, limousines or off-roaders that are going green.

“

It’s not just luxury saloons, limousines or off-roaders that are going green (or greener) either. In a technological development that would have Above{ on all things diamond related from diamond cutting, grading, Below{ diamond brokering, Laurie’s knowledge and passion for the

been unimaginable a generation ago, the world’s fastest supercars are now making using of hybrid technology. From Italy and with Prancing Horse on its nose is Ferrari’s LaFerrari (£1m), which is a massive departure for the firm. It mates an electric motor with a vast V12 engine to produce 950 horsepower and hit 217mph flat out. The electric battery alones provides a 160 of those horses. From England there’s the new P1 (£866,000) supercar from the Wokingbased McLaren. As well as using an electric motor, it makes uses of a Formula One-inspired drag reduction system. With a top speed of 217mph it’s far closer to a rocket than a Toyota Prius. The hybrid that’s really caught the imagination of petrol heads and carmakers though, is the new Porsche 918 Spyder. It is able to surge forward to 60mph in just 2.6 seconds from a standing start, before topping out at 214mph flat out. Most impressively it will do this while delivering a claimed fuel economy of a frugal city car (around 75mph). This is an engineering marvel that has got carmakers, from Bentley to RollsRoyce very interested indeed. In short, it has proven a supercar can be a hybrid without any of the traditional hybrid compromises. Only 918 of these masterpieces will ever be built and they have already found customers, but where this supercar leads, the next generation of luxury limousines and SUVs is set to follow.

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Top yachts

for charter xxxxxxxxx A selection of our favourite boats available for charter from Edmiston’s extensive fleet of lavish yachts. We’ve chosen our favourite 50m, 75m and 100m vessels - the perfect fit for a variety of purposes – from hosting a huge party, to enjoying a voyage under sail in classic wooden boat, or keeping the family entertained. by Laurie Wickwire

Ohana Custom-built in 2012 by the Fitzroy shipyard in New Zealand, OHANA is the

50m UP TO

eighth yacht from the shipyard to be designed by Dubois Naval Architects. A high performance sailing yacht, she offers supreme comfort and luxury with an impressive interior that is both clean and fresh. Expansive decks play host to a main saloon with a bar, a cinema, a lounge area with floating glass stairs to the flybridge, an exterior dining area on the main deck with port and starboard sofas, a dining room and an exterior sundeck. She also holds two tenders and a range of watersports equipment including windsurfers, skis, diving equipment and a sailing dinghy that are ideal for exploring warm waters. How to go: Charter available from €160,000 per week.

Highlander

During her early years, when she cruised the east coast of the USA, the guest list of this yacht read like a who’s who of world glamour and power. THE HIGHLANDER, as she was then known, was built in 1986 for Malcolm Forbes, the Publisher of Forbes magazine, who died in 1990. The yacht hosted HRH Prince Charles, President Ronald Reagan and Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher as well as movie stars including Robert de Niro, Elizabeth Taylor and Harrison Ford, and musicians Mick Jagger and Sir Paul McCartney. Built in 1986 by Feadship, HIGHLANDER is 50metres and has a cruising

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Right: Running shot of Ohana

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speed of 13 knots. She has six staterooms, which can comfortably sleep up to 12 guests, and holds a crew of 11. Quantum zero-speed stabilisers ensure a fantastic cruising performance. HIGHLANDER has timeless styling, original pop art works, beautiful furnishings and sumptuous interior features throughout her living areaswhich create an elegant and comfortable atmosphere. How to go: Charter available from €160,000 per week

Blue vision

2,300 invited guests

Contemporary and elegant, The 44m Benetti BLUE VISION, is the perfect

walk the carpet of the

yacht for sailing through the Mediterranean islands whilst indulging in

scarlet steps, which is

water sports. Windsurfs, waterskis and snorkelling equipment are all on

changed every day for each

board, along with a Jacuzzi. After an extensive refit, she had under-water

official screening.

lights installed as well as a shower on her swimming platform, new sun awnings and new teak decking on the sun deck. The main master cabin features a VIP entrance and a separate dressing room, with a further four cabins BLUE VISION can accommodate a total of 10 guests. The yachts’ entertaining space includes lounge area, an alfresco dining area for 10 with sliding doors to the deck and a Sky lounge with a fully stocked bar. How to go: Charter available from €125,000 per week.

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Every night,

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FEATURE

Apache II

Apache II is a 44 metre long Yacht including 5 Cabins for a total of 10 guests. Its maximum speed is 29 Knots and Apache II has a cruising speed of 17 Knots. Apache II comes with 16 crew members. The highlights of Apache II are the 18-metre sun deck, an 42 inch home cinema in the saloon and magic mirror televisions in the cabins and the masters bedroom has photosensitive skylights that transform from clear to privacy in seconds. The water sport equipment includes two Jetski, a surfboard, an inflatable donut and water ski. Apache II is also equipped with Fishing, diving, and snorkelling equipment. How to go: Charter available from €130,000 per week.

4YOU

Classic yet contemporary, 4YOU is the perfect choice for sailing around the Mediterranean. Her contemporary yet understated style with clean lines and luxurious details includes an open-air gym and spa pool area. Guests can relax in the upper deck’s sky lounge with live music from the piano or in front of the plasma TV that can be cleverly disguised with a unique piece of Art Deco art when not in use. 4YOU accommodates its 10 guests in five cabins including an owner’s cabin, two VIP cabins and two twins. How to go: Charter available from €185,000 per week

Top left: Interior of Highlander Bottom left: Running shot of Blue Vision Above: Deck of Apache II

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75m UP TO

Legend

LEGEND is a classically inspired yacht with it’s very own Michelin stared chef on board. Totally rebuilt to include contemporary systems within a traditional yacht, LEGEND has classic lines and an elegant canoe stern. The rich mahogany paneling is complemented by English and French furniture and opulent crystal and china. Deck space is expansive with dining on two levels and a large sun deck where a forward Jacuzzi is surrounded by sun pads. Once the tenders have been removed, her versatile upper deck also presents a huge space for entertaining when docked. How to go: Charter Legend from €185,000 per week.

Inception

Inception has arguably the best outside space of any 50-metre yacht with a number of areas to entertain guests. The afternoon deck includes a 12-person Jacuzzi and quadruple sun pad with oversized sunbeds. Guests can relax under the retracting sunroof or have a drink from the tiger’s eye bar lit by micro starlights. The al-fresco dining area can be quickly transformed into a huge outdoor cinema depending on the guests’ requirements. The master suite is dominated by a king size bed that rotates to face either a large plasma screen or a full width of windows. The master suite also has a private sun terrace with an infinity pool, while the full-beam VIP room has a large unfolding balcony big enough for dining or sunbathing. How to go: Charter available from €250,000 per week.

DB9

The latest and fastest sports yacht on the charter market at the moment, DB9 can reach up to 28 knots with a range of 900 nautical miles. Built in the exclusive Palmer Johnson yard, she has a unique and striking style

Left: 4YOU Top right: Interior of Legend Above: interior of Inception

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made up of a sleek aluminium hull. She also comes equipped with the Scuba air compressor, 4 x scuba diving equipment sets, Water Skis and wakeboards. How to go: Charter available from €190,000 per week.

Lady Britt

Lady Britt was launched to universal acclaim in 2012 and has become unquestionably one of the finest and most successful charter yachts on the market. She has a double aspect sun deck divided by an air conditioned gym, Finnish sauna, wellness spa with a qualified Elemis beautician, indoor and outdoor cinemas. This year there is a new giant waterside as well as an upgraded 1000 strong film library, plus Lady Britt’s large variety of water sports equipment such as Water skis, Ocean Kayaks, Towable Toys, and many more. How to go: Charter available from €445,000 per week

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Utopia

Utopia, a world-class Feadship, has a duplex sundeck with 360° views, Jacuzzi and sweeping staircases amongst other unusual spaces. Connected by a sweeping staircase, her sun and upper decks are two of the most attractive terraces afloat. Sunbathe, dine or just relax under umbrellas that can shade any section of the deck. Utopia’s master suite occupies the entire upper deck, extending through a private lounge onto an outdoor dining terrace. The suite also includes a gymnasium and a forward ‘breakfast terrace’. Both saloons have floor-to-ceiling windows and five decks of entertaining space giving the crew the opportunity to excel with a new theme every day. How to go: Charter available from €435,000 per week

Top left: DB9 Bottom left: Deck of Lady Britt Below: Utopia

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75m OVER

Nero

Inspired by J.P Morgan’s famous Corsair IV, Nero is a contemporary classic. 1930s styling disguises every possible modern comfort and the layout provides substantial entertaining areas as well as more intimate niches - a key feature on a yacht of this size. The large master suite is kept private and comes with a full-beam stateroom, living room and dining saloon with stairs leading to an observation lounge and cinema. A guest cinema is aft of the upper deck saloon and the outside space includes a large sun deck with three separate sunbathing areas, a sixmetre swimming jet pool, fully shaded upper deck and a hull-side terrace that unfolds to create a beach platform. How to go: Price on request from Edmiston.

Nirvana

The spectacular Nirvana made her debut in 2012 and is 88.5 metres in length. She is an elite world cruising yacht and unquestionably one of the most impressive charter yachts available on the market today. Suffice to say, she incorporates large interior spaces and extensively lavish outer decks - each floor of this 6-deck yacht, designed by Sam Sorgiovanni, is connected by a main stairwell and an extraordinary six-person glass lift. She has enormous fuel, water and food reserves, giving her a Trans Pacific range and the power to cruise the globe in serene self-sufficiency. Despite her size however, the superb onboard crew has the outstanding ability to make this huge yacht seem totally dedicated to each and every guest’s pleasure. Accommodating up to 12 guests, she is the latest in a line of yachts to boast an ample sports and entertainment offering including ten jet skis and tenders, a 3D cinema, a stage for live performances, a jet pool floor that rises to create a gigantic party space and an exotic glass reptile house that is home to chameleons, lizards, water dragons and turtles. Her secluded sundeck has a 3-mere plunge pool whilst aft on the fully certified helideck is an additional sunbathing and entertaining area. How to go: Charter starts from €900,000 per week.

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Top left: DB9 Bottom left: Deck of Lady Britt

Reborn

Below: Utopia

Edmiston is proud to present the 75.50 metre yacht, Reborn who boasts 3000m2 of luxurious entertaining space. For Reborn’s dedicated 25 crewmembers, nothing is too much trouble when it comes to the needs of up to 75 guests whilst docked, from the hair salon with VIP hairdressers to the full spa offering professional treatments. Evenings can be transformed for any occasion - the extensive deck space can be tailored for the most glamorous of al fresco dining events or for something more intimate why not entertain a select few nestled in the luxuriant winter garden offering absolute privacy to hide away. Guests can host a private film viewing in Reborn’s seated outdoor cinema or go all out with an exclusive cocktail party in the yachts double height piano lounge. Onboard facilities include everything from a doctor’s cabin and medical room to a fully private VIP suite on the main deck. How to go: Charter available from €495,000 per week.

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Talitha

Talitha is a 1930s clipper-bow yacht that combines the finest Art Deco features with contemporary style in her entertainment systems, sports equipment and functionality. She comes with a variety of spaces to relax in from a cushioned bowsprit hammock, a secret vantage point on the funnel deck and full-beam sofas within the fantail. Talitha also comes with multiple tenders and toys ranging from Ocean Kayaks, Surf-skis and wakeboards, water skis and wake skates. How to go: Charter available from â&#x201A;Ź280,000 per week.

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Built for adventure, TV is a 79-metre vessel which launched in 2008. In a total of 9 cabins, the 12 guests can enjoy everything from a 20-metre waterslide, a pool and a swim up bar. TV has a master suite that occupies the entire top deck, view panoramic views, his & hers ensuite bathroom, private balcony and Jacuzzi area forward. TV’s sundeck area features a large outside Jacuzzi pool with a capacity of 16 persons and a contra flow swimming pool. The yacht’s lower deck accommodates a health spa facility including a beauty salon, a sauna and massage room and a fully equipped gymnasium for health and fitness. This dedicated health and spa area expands onto a large fold-down sea terrace on the aft so that charter guests are able to easily relocate from swimming in the ocean to relaxing in the sauna or to receiving massage treatments or to enjoying the hammam and indoor / outdoor gym activities. How to go: Charter available from €850,000 per week.

Above: Deck of TV Top left: Deck of Talitha Bottom left: Interior of reborn

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Superyachts in facts and numbers by Sarah Abbott

6,000

SUPERYACHTS

over 24m in length ON THE WATER

9 8

ARE IN THE WORLD

TODAY

6 5

YACHTS BUILT AROUND THE WORLD:

37% Italian 13% Dutch 12% American 11% Turkish 6% German countries 5% other European 4% British

Other yards in Asia, South America and Australia build the remaining12% of the market.

Lysistrata

In 1901, the publishing magnate George Gordon Bennett has built a 95.7-meter steam yacht Lysistrata for $ 200 million in today’s money. She was served by the crew of 100 people and 70 guests every day were offered a fresh milk from Alderney cow, for which a special stall was build on board. Later the yacht was found in Russia during the First World War as a battleship named “Yaroslavna”.

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Yachts over CONSUME AT LEAST

70m

500 liters OF FUEL PER HOUR

€

THE OLDEST SUPERYACHT in action today is

EL HORRIYA

BUILT IN

CHARTER

COSTS

1965

OF YACHTS OVER 80M CAN REACH

€1 million PER WEEK

Dubai

Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Prime Minister of the United Arab Emirates, who acquired the 162-meter yacht Dubai worth $ 622 million in 2006, was rumored to be forced to terraform his private island Logo (to deepen the bottom and change the configuration of the coastline) so the new yacht was able to get up there in the dock.

THE LARGEST SUPERYACHT IN THE WORLD IS THE

180m AZZAM created in 2013, by

LUERSSEN

The fastest

superyacht in the world is

THE WORLD IS

NOT ENOUGH

MAX SPEED - 70 KNOTS Cosmic Muffin

Decommissioned in 1969, Boeing B-307 Starliner, which served as a flying office of a famed aviator Gordon Hughes, in 1974, was saved from recycling and turned into one of the most unusual yachts in the world by enthusiast from Fort Lauderdale. For maneuvering used original controls of 1939. This yacht-plane could develop a speed of 13 knots on the water.

Jets headline

meets efficient xxxxxx

From Ferrari and Porsche to Bentley and Range Rover, luxury carmakers are going green with a new wave of hybrid models.Itatur rehent. Tur, quod ea si optasit verum eum ellabor By Rohit Jaggi

“

here is nothing more frustrating than progress that is then snatched away again. Flying at faster than the speed of sound in commercial aircraft is a prime example of that.

Every night,

However, decades on from the first flights of supersonic

2,300 invited guests

airliner Concorde, which entered service in 1976, the likelihood

walk the carpet of the

of being able soon to zip through the air at supersonic speeds is stronger

scarlet steps, which is

than it has been for a long time. Nevada-based Aerion, the most persistent of the companies with plans

to build a supersonic business jet, has been working away at a

solution for 12 years – although its research was begun eight years

official screening.

“

It’s the most wanted trophy in the World of cinema, there’s only one Palme d’Or.

changed every day for each

earlier. Progress in finding a manufacturer to build its design was slowed by the global economic crunch, but recent moves have put it back on track. First was a redesign with three engines to give better reserves of power and lower the noise at takeoff. Then was a decision to fund manufacturing itself, rather than continue its frustrating search for a manufacturing partner. The most recent move is possibly the most significant, though. A link-up with Airbus Group, the leading European manufacturer of airliners and military aircraft, will give Aerion help in moving its AS2 aircraft towards

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FEATURE

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production. And according to Robert M Bass, Aerion chairman, the $100m-plus jet will be ready for delivery in 2021. The Reno company reckons that there is a market for at least 600 supersonic business aircraft over 20 years, and aims to make sure that its aircraft will take a sizeable slice of that action. The 12-passenger AS2 aircraft will be able to cruise at up to Mach 1.6 over water and land where supersonic speeds are permitted, cutting journey times by as much as half compared with most current airliners and business jets. And its range will allow it to go from London to Seattle in one hop. Even at Mach 1.2 the design prevents a sonic boom reaching the ground. And one of the clever things about the laminar-flow, low-friction aerodynamic shape is that it is still efficient at Mach 0.99 – just under the speed of sound, as required in US airspace. But perhaps the most exciting aspect of the collaboration is the possibility of Airbus, which is already looking far ahead to superfast rotorcraft and even hybrid electric airliners, putting a larger-capacity supersonic airliner back on to the market. As, apart from Concorde, airliner cruise speeds have not changed very much in half a century, it is time that progress reasserted itself. Among private jets, the most buoyant sector is long-range aircraft – and that is where flight faster than sound would yield the most benefits in time saved. US planemaker Gulfstream’s newly certified extendedrange G650ER large-cabin jet can carry up to 18 passengers for up to 7,500 nautical miles (13,890km), though not at the same time – as always in aviation, there is a tradeoff between payload and performance. That includes speed: the G650ER is capable of Mach 0.925, but a long-range cruise speed would be more like Mach 0.85.

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Every night, 2,300 invited guests walk the carpet of the scarlet steps, which is changed every day for each official screening.

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The Gulfstream certainly scores in comforts – the huge windows make the cabin airy, a fast broadband high-speed datalink is an option, and an infinitely customisable interior can include sleeping areas. When a single leg can be Moscow to Sao Paulo, those things are as important as a cabin altitude that is low enough to leave you still feeling fresh at the end of the flight. These features are all present on two new large-cabin business jets just announced by the US planemaker – the G500 and G600. Each can carry up to 19 passengers at the same speeds as the G650, with ranges of 5,000 nautical miles and 6,200 nm respectively. Just like the G650 they are fly-by-wire designs. Deliveries are expected to start in 2018. Gulfstream, based in Savannah, Georgia, has also been active in installing the latest safety systems, such as enhanced vision using infrared cameras, and synthetic vision which makes it easier for pilots to “see” terrain and other obstacles by simulating them accurately on the cockpit displays. Large jets such as the Gulfstream have also long had monitoring

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FEATURE

systems that continually talk to maintenance stations, making a mysterious disappearance like that of Malaysian flight MH370 in March 2014 impossible. Bombardier of Canada has been busy making its Global business jets capable of longer and longer ranges. And Dassault of France recently announced the 8X, a longer version of its popular and sophisticated tripleengine 7X that also meets the demand for jets with longer legs. At the other end of the size scale is the eagerly awaited HondaJet, which after many delays now looks likely to be delivered to its first customers in early 2015. There are some excellent design touches on the aircraft, such as a roomy cabin for up to six passengers, distinctive mounts for the twin GE/Honda turbofan engines that maximise efficiency while minimising noise and vibration for those in the jet, and impressively capable avionics. But, most importantly, it comes with the backup of the mighty Honda corporation, which has sunk too much into the project to allow it to falter. This light jet could well alter how people see private jet travel. Another game changer is being carefully conceived in Switzerland. The PC-24 is being called by Stans-based Pilatus Aircraft a “super versatile jet” because it has the performance of a light jet but the cabin of a much larger jet. And a runway performance closer to that of a turboprop. Pilatus is known for its PC-6 bush-plane, and its refined PC-12 single turboprop – which has the rare ability to swallow a motorcycle or two for owners who like to travel with their toys. The twin-turbofan PC-24 will also have a large cargo door and a big load area, and will also be able to use short, unpaved landing strips. Combine that with a cruise speed of 425 knots (787km/h), and the $9m, six-passenger aircraft, when it is certified in 2017, can claim to be the world’s first go anywhere, aerial luxury SUV.

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Leisure

listings

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Glen Gilmore

Guards Polo Club Polo Manager and captain of the Australian Polo Team

len Gilmore became Polo Manager at

How and when did you become involved with

Guards in 2013. We caught up with him

Guards Polo Academy at Coworth Park?

between chuckers and got his insights into

When I became Polo Manager at Guards in 2013.

the centuries old game that’s had men on

Coworth Park was also the first place that I worked

horseback wielding mallets since medieval times.

at in the UK back in 1993.

Why Polo?

Is it usual for polo horses to start life as racehorses?

I was drawn to the game because my family

There are an increasing number of ex racehorses

played. It was outdoors and very good fun and I

becoming involved in the sport. It is great to be able

loved the competitive side.

to offer another equestrian discipline for them to go into too. There is an organisation, the Retraining of Racehorses, that works closely with the sport to bring ex racehorses into polo and we present a Best Retrained Racehorse Award to a pony that plays on Audi International Day. What makes a good polo horse? Temperament. Good physical condition. What advice would you give to someone considering buying a race horse or one for polo? Use someone you trust and don’t be in a rush.

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You must make sure the pony is fit for purpose.

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interview

“ “

I love to be busy in London so it’s rare that I take time off, but when I do I like to spend it with friends here in London.

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“

Above: on all things diamond related from

How long does it take to train a polo horse? They are broken in at 2 years old and are normally

“

In some of the higher levels the patrons own the horses and give them to the professionals.

polo and we encourage them to keep investing in our sport.

playing competitively by 5/6 years old. Do polo players tend to own their own horses?

Tell us about your most memorable polo match moment?

In the lower levels yes. In some of the higher

Playing with my father for Australia and winning

levels the patrons own them and give them to the

against South Africa in South Africa. Also captaining

professionals.

Australia at Guards Polo Club in the Coronation Cup on Cartier International Day and getting Most

There seems to be a balance between having luxury brands sponsoring the Polo but also charity giving - is this important to you? It is great to be able to support and give to charities. Luxury brands are an integral part of the fabric of

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Valuable Player in 2005. What is your definition of luxury? To be able to totally relax and not worry about a thing. To have everything at hand.

Polo

interview

in facts and numbers by Sarah Abbott

300 YARDS LONG and

160 yards wide The ground is

- ALMOST AS BIG AS 10 FOOTBALL FIELDS

4 Fouls: A player following a ball

FOUR PLAYERS per team on a full grass field. Penalties: No player

may appeal directly to the umpire to dispute a penalty, all questions must be communicated via the captain.

on its exact line has right of way over all other players.

There are

CHUKKAS

IN A FULL GAME,

THOUGH CLUB matches are often

4 OR 6 CHUKKAS

Score By driving the ball into the OPPONENT’S

GOAL

Goalposts are

EIGHT YARDS apart.

A “bump,” involves a rider

MEN AND WOMEN SAME HANDICAP ARE TREATED AS equals

with the

and considered to have identical SKILLS; polo is one of VERY

FEW SPORTS

WHERE THIS ATTITUDE HOLDS TRUE

pushing another rider off the line of the ball — interfering with their shot.

POLO must be played WITH THE MALLET held in the RIGHT

HAND ONLY

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The polo

REGULATION MALLETS

DIAMETER

CENTIMETRES IN LENGTH

9CM IN 122 TO BALL

VARY FROM

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The Alchemy

LEISURE

of Whiskey

Whisky has outstripped gold when it comes to return on investment, sometimes with lightening fast results. It keeps remarkably well and has a mark of high social standing which is why, having such liquid assets in your by Joel Harrison

n a magical middle-ground between chemistry and art, whisky-makers combine the science of distillation and the art of maturation with a little bit of luck, to create the marvel of the single malt Scotch whisky.

Transforming an everyday substance into a precious

one is a rare and often mythical skill. At Scotlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ancient distilleries the process of whisky making begins with merely one simple ingredient - crystal clear local water. By adding barley and yeast the whiskey maker performs his alchemy to transform this water into the water of life, or aqua vitae, the spirit that starts the single malt whisky-making process. The process is completed in oak casks, where time and good fortune mature the spirit and transform it into delicious, rich single malt Scotch whisky. Countries as diverse as Japan, Ireland and Sweden all produce their own versions of Whisky, although Scotland is considered home to the spirit. Split into four main production regions, whiskey from Scotlandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Speyside region is the most sought-after. Home to single malt brands such as The Macallan, Glenfiddich, Mortlach and The Balvenie, these whiskies are renowned the world over for their exceptional quality. Attention to detail at every stage makes a great whisky; from the strain of yeast used, to the type of barley grown and, most importantly, the quality of casks chosen to

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mature the spirit in. To be able to carry the label ‘Scotch whisky’, clear spirit must be matured for a minimum of three years and a day in oak casks, taking on both colour and flavour. These casks are carefully sourced and chosen not just for their wood-type, strength and steadfastness, but also for their ability to impart flavour into the maturing spirit. Once filled, casks are left to mature often in small, delightfully rustic warehouses only three barrels high. Earthen floors and stonewalls give an eerie silence as the casks slumber away. These storehouses provide the perfect environment for a cask to do its job: maturing Scotch whisky until it is perfectly flavoured – and it’s here that chance plays it’s role in the whiskey making process. As the spirit in a cask waits in a warehouse to be fully matured, taking on the perfect flavour from the wood that surrounds it, the casks ‘breathe’, taking in the fresh Scottish air but also letting some of the precious spirit from inside escape. Over time this loss, known as the

“

angels’ share, results in a richer, more condensed whisky and a barrel of single malt aged for 21 years will have just half the amount of liquid in it, than when it was filled. It is this phenomenon, this spiritual engagement with nature, which

makes old whisky, rare whisky. So when you see on the label of a bottle

The process of making

great single malt whisky starts when the main ingredient of malted barley is ground down and steeped in warm water to wash out the sugars. Once cooled and strained, yeast is added to this water (known as the wash) and after around two days, the whisky-maker has a strong, beer-like substance. It is here his job turns from simply brewer to alchemist, using large copper pot stills, the same shape and style at each distillery as those first used by their founders over two hundred years ago, to be twice distilled. The result is a clear spirit, only the heart of which is taken away to be matured into Scotch whisky.

of single malt, an age statement such as 12, 18, 21 years or older, you

“

Attention to detail at every stage makes a great whisky.

will be guaranteed that this is the age of the youngest liquid in the bottle; a reassuring mark by which you can understand just how long the spirit has taken to mature to perfection. Whisky, particularly single malt Scotch has moved from simply a sign of wealth when being consumed, into a collectable asset, with the residual value of the top 100 collectable bottles rising faster over the past five years than gold; this really does make whiskymakers exceptional alchemists. Bottles by The Macallan, Glenfiddich, The Glenlivet, Dalmore and a handful of other respected producers are

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LEISURE

regularly changing hands at auction for six figures. However, as wonderful as some bottles can be as an investment and assets, whisky was always made for drinking. Whisky is a convivial drink. It is a conversation. The most enjoyable way to experience whisky will always be to share it with other people; embrace the alchemy and savour the liquid gold.

Two main types of casks are used to mature Scotch whisky: ex-American whiskey barrels which give a light, floral and vanilla character to the spirit and ex-sherry or Port casks from Spain and Portugal, which impart a powerful spice and fruity flavour. The latter barrels are the most sought-after, commanding nearly ten times the price of their American counterparts when empty and untold sums once filled with Scottish whisky spirit. The Macallan, one of Scotland’s most highly regarded single malts, maintains their exclusivity by filling only ex-sherry casks, resulting in a liquid which has been quite rightly called ‘the Rolls Royce of whiskies’.

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Above: on all things diamond related from diamond cutting

Four ways to enjoy whisky There are four recommended ways to enjoy a ‘wee dram’; only one of them correct. The first way is to take your whisky neat, as nature intended. Pour in a nice measure to your favourite glass, swirl around for a moment to release the aromas, and finally take a sip. The second method of whisky consumption is to add a tiny drop of water. Now, don’t let anyone tell you this is wrong: nearly every whisky-maker I know will add water to their whisky, as it lowers the alcoholic strength and releases hidden flavours. Do be careful when adding water, however- you can always add more, but it is hard to go back if you’ve added too much. Similarly, the third serve is ‘on the rocks’, poured over a small block of ice. This will, at first, take some of the edge off the whisky, cooling it down. But once the ice starts to melt it will slowly dilute the whisky, having the same effect as adding water. You’ll find this is the traditional serve in countries such as Japan, where hand-carved ice balls give a large surface area to whisky ratio, keeping your Scotch chilled without over-dilution. The fourth and most important way to drink whisky is with friends. You may choose to take your Scotch neat, with water or over ice (this is entirely up to you). However, drinking it in communion is a must.

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Insignia’s Favoured tipples Macallan 55 Year old Lalique Crystal Decanter Glenfiddich 50 Year Old Highland Park 50 Year Old Single Malt Dalmore 62 Single Highland Malt Scotch The Famous Grouse Chivas Regal Royal Salute 50 years Johnnie Walker Black Label Glenfiddich Janet Sheed Roberts Reserve The Glenrothes 1985 Macallan 1939

The world’s finest cigar lounges

hilst one of two of this selection have been favourites for the worlds travelling cigar lovers for many years, plenty of the world’s cigar lounges have opened up relatively recently to satisfy the insatiable appetite for

fine cigars, a drink to go with them and somewhere comfortable and sociable to enjoy them, away from the hustle and bustle of life in the 21st century. Of course, all cities have private clubs with exquisite cigar rooms which are for members only, but the lounges and terraces listed here are all open to the public and while it’s often a good idea to ring ahead to be sure of a seat, they are open to all cigar lovers without requirement of a membership.

Monaco - Crystal Terrace, Hotel Hermitage The fresh sea air and the stunning view from the beautiful Crystal terrace make it the perfect spot in Monte Carlo to enjoy a drink and a cigar.

Crystal Terrace, Hotel Hermitage in Monaco

It has stunning views day and night. www.montecarlosbm.com

USA, New York - Club Macanudo Nowhere hustles and bustles quite like New York, so whether you are looking for somewhere for a quiet meeting, or just a spot to relax with friends after a busy day, the Club Macanudo fits the bill. They have a great range of (non Cuban) cigars and combining a great smoke with a fantastic Martini is just quintessentially New York. www.clubmacanudo.com

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Club Macanudo in New York

LEISURE

The Address Terrace Downtown in Dubai

Singapore - La Casa Cubana Jimmy Ng is one of the cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s most passionate epicureans and at his Casa Cubana at the Regent Hotel in Singapore you will find wonderful cigars, amazing rare whiskies and tales of his travels around the world to find all the very finest things for his customers. Itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s best to call ahead to be sure of a seat in one of the beautiful lounges. www.lacasacubana.com

Dubai - Library bar, The Ritz Carlton

La Casa Cubana in Singapore

Time almost stands still in the quiet dark haven of the Library bar at the Ritz Carlton Dubai. There is an excellent range of cigars, an extensive choice of fine wines and spirits to match with them and large comfortable leather chairs to relax in while you enjoy your cigar. www.ritzcarlton.com

Dubai - The Cigar Lounge , The Address Downtown. This is a truly wonderful lounge with a combination of great cigars, excellent cocktails, spirits and food all combined with a truly stunning

Library bar, The Ritz Carlton in Dubai

view, particularly at night. www.theaddress.com

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The Wellesley in London

Bahrain - The Burlington Club, The Ritz Carlton You will feel as though you have stepped into one of Londonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Gentlemanâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s clubs when you enter the Cigar room at the Ritz Carlton Bahrain. The leather winged chairs invite you to relax with a fine cigar and a glass of brandy or whisky selected from the vast range available. www.ritzcarlton.com

Cuba, Havana - Nacional Hotel The Nacional is historic, built in 1930 on the site of one of the old gun batteries which protected Havana harbour. The airy terrace faces the sea and is often cited as the very best place in the world to smoke a Cuban cigar, with a Mojito, naturally. Inside you will find a vast array of pictures of the historic figures that have stayed here from Sir Winston Churchill and Frank Sinatra to modern day film and music stars. www.hotelnacionaldecuba.com

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Condes de Villa Nueva in Cuba

LEISURE

London classic cigar lounges remain the recently refurbished Library bar at the London’s Lainsborough which was the city’s original cigar lounge, alongside Boisdale of Belgravia.

The cigar selection at The Edward Sahakian Cigar store and lounge aat the Bulgari hotel in London

Cuba, Havana, Condes de Villa Nueva A beautiful historic hotel in the centre of old Havana, Havana Vieja. Head up the wooden stairs and along a balcony into the finest cigar store in Havana. There is a Cuban cigar roller in the store producing cigars and they will make you a coffee and pour you a rum while you kick back, smoke a cigar and make your selection. www.hotelcondedevillanueva.com

London, The Edward Sahakian Cigar store and Lounge at the Bulgari

Nacional Hotel in Cuba

Run by the doyens of the London cigar scene Edward Sahakian, his son Eddie and overseen by the charming Mike Choi , the beautiful lounge at the Bulgari hotel is a quiet oasis in which to relax and enjoy their amazing array of exquisitely aged cigars all year round. www.bulgarihotels.com

London, The Wellesley London’s newest and arguably most stylish cigar terrace. There is a stunning walk in humidor containing the rarest and most wonderful

The Burlington Club, The Ritz Carlton in Dubai

cigars including the most rare of all, the original Cohiba Behike. www.thewellesley.co.uk/cigar-terrace

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