Luxury living magazine issue 10 by Luxury Living Magazine

LUXURY Living Property & Lifestyle in Asia

ASIA’S TOP DESIGN HOTELS OPUS HONG KONG ALL SYSTEMS GO! 2016 SUPERCARS

PERSONAL TRANSPORT DEEPFLIGHT DRAGON FLIGHTS OF FANCY

GILES ALEXANDER THE LARDER KOH SAMUI PLAYBOY MANSION

LUXURY LIVING

january-march 2016

CONTENTS

RENDEZVOUS

FLOW

All Systems Go Beauty Burberry Super Sixteen LV / Xavier Dolan

Magnum Opus: HK Condiminium Investments Coverstory: Design Hotels

PULSE

Flights of Fancy Personal Transport

ARTERY

Fossil : Giles Alexander Complexity Graphics

HABITAT

Cathay Pacaific Hong Kong Tides Resort Escape Break WARA Architect

ICON

The Stamp House The Larder Roost Playboy Mansion Aural Pleasure

104

LISTED

Little Black Book

LUXURY LIVING CONTENTS

90 76

CEO Luxury Living Antonio Doani General Manager George Willoughby Assistant Manager Polina Gerasimova Editorial Director Johnny McGeorge editor@luxuryliving.com

Designer The Imaginician

Designer Josephine Lam

CONTRIBUTORS

Feature Writers Stuart Langrish Jeremy Briggs Ivor Fitzpatrick Contributing Writers Ann Lim Saifuddin Ismailji Simon Solo Jay Emmcee Jon Fincher Sales Director Olga Apostol

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ALL SYSTEMS GO

OUR BODY IS A COMPLEX AND INTELLIGENT MACHINE PERFORMING SIMPLE AND COMPLEX FUNCTIONS DAILY TO KEEP OUR SYSTEMS WORKING WELL. WHEN WE BECOME AWARE OF THE MOST SIMPLE FUNCTIONS OF OUR VARIOUS ORGAN SYSTEMS AND HOW THEY WORK THIS CAN HELP US TO MAINTAIN OUR HEALTH AND VITALITY AND AVOID COMMON PROBLEMS DOWN THE ROAD. words by

IVOR FITZPATRICK

The Stomach

Our stomach breaks down protein, though the final job is actually done by the small intestine, which also takes care of carbohydrates, fats and other foods. In the stomach fruits break down very quickly while meat takes longer and strangely vegetables even longer. A meal like this would average several hours to break down. There can be great variation in times, and much depends on several factors that can interfere with digestion. One being cold such as cold drinks or frozen foods with a meal. The stomach needs to be at a temp of around 99 degrees for digestion and cold drops it down slowing up the whole process. Another is our mood at the time of eating. A bad mood inhibits the muscular movements and secretions needed to process the foods. We would be best not eating during these times. Stressful situations produce a different problem, they increase acid production, sometimes to the point of causing an ulcer. At these times we would be wise to shift eating habits. Eating a number of small light meals is the best way to control excess acid. Acid production is also stepped up by nicotine and alcohol which is why ulcer patients must back off these things.

LUXURY LIVING FLOW Fatty meals pose special problems and when animal fats are eaten early in the morning the digestion process slows down to cope.

Poor diet and excessive alcohol can cause problems as the working cells are replaced by non-functioning fibrous tissue as it becomes shrunken and hard. We should watch our body weight as when we get fat, so too does the liver.

Bacterial microbes are quickly killed in the stomach though certain microbes are resistant to the digestive acids as we discover when we eat in countries with poor sanitation. Taking our time to eat and chewing properly will avoid gas while a jovial atmosphere at the dinner table will do wonders for our digestion.

It is good idea to take preventative care of the liver as it can give no warning signs until things are quite advanced.

Excessive exercise after a meal can stop the digestive process, but a leisurely walk after is beneficial and actually stimulates better digestion. Whereas the liver, heart, lungs and kidneys function 24 hours a day, the stomach shuts down at night time when you go to sleep, if you don’t eat just before sleeping. It has been called the most abused organ in the body but the stomach is very resilient and not many things can go wrong with it. If we give it a modicum of consideration, it can provide us a lifetime of trouble-free service.

The Kidneys

The master chemist of the body. About the size of our fist, it is the main waste-disposal system, not the intestinal tract, as we would think. Blood passes through it continuously, as it cleans and filters it, ridding it of wastes that are potentially deadly. It helps production of red blood cells, keeps the blood neither too acid nor too alkaline (pH), monitors the delicate balance of potassium, sodium chloride and other substances in the blood, and maintains vital water balance.

The Liver

Each hour it filters twice the total blood in our body. Essential vitamins, amino acids, glucose, hormones and so on are returned to the bloodstream but an excess of any of them is discarded in the urine, which should be a straw yellow color normally.

The largest organ in the body and a chemical factory capable of doing upward of 500 different functions, providing muscle fuel for work, digesting fats and manufacturing vitamins, converting deadly compounds to usable protein and managing any surplus for excretion.

Emotions like anger cause blood pressure to rise, and the kidneys get an increased supply of blood for processing.The result is increased urine output.

It is the great detoxifier, neutralizing poisons such as nicotine and various drugs in seconds and preventing alcohol from poisoning our bloodstream.

Nicotine in cigarettes has the opposite effect-it steps up production of the pituitary gland’s braking hormone on urine output and we need to urinate far less frequently.

When exercising our muscles are burning glucose and throwing off toxic lactic acid, instead of discarding it, the liver converts it into glycogen for storage.

Kidney stones occur when urine is too concentrated with calcium salts and uric acid.

When we eat a chocolate bar, the sugar is changed into blood sugar (glucose) in the intestine.

Damage to the kidney’s filters from drugs and poisons or injury to them is troublesome, however they are readily repairable having striking regenerative powers and can still work even if 90 percent of the nephrons (filters) stop functioning.

If too much of this glucose is fed into the bloodstream we would have a problem but the liver converts it into starchy glycogen and stores it. Then when blood sugar drops between meals it converts the glycogen back to glucose and feeds it out.

To help the kidneys we should watch our body weight and blood pressure and drink clean water.

Making bile daily, this fluid passes to the gallbladder to the little pouch called the duodenum, between the stomach and small intestine. It is released at mealtime to break down fats so they can be digested.

The equivalent of nine glasses of water a day, most of which comes from food, is about right.

Our liver has enormous reserve and regenerative capacity. Disease can destroy as much as 85 percent of it’s working cells and it will continue to do it’s jobs. It can also do something that most other organs cannot, if half of it is cut away, it can rebuild itself in a few months, back to normal size.

Meat is 50 percent water, bananas are 90 percent, watermelon 93 percent. Exercise helps, but not excessive over-exercise as overworked muscles produce excess lactic acid, which is a burden on the kidneys.

LUXURY LIVING Too much and we would develop a large appetite but become very thin as we burn up our food at a rapid rate, and start to feel jittery and nervous. Stress or worry can produce excessive amounts of hormone to cause this. In many respects the thyroid is one of the weakest spots in the body, a great deal can go wrong with it. It’s controls are so precise, the hormone production being dependent on so many other factors, that failure anywhere along the line can cause trouble. Lack of iodine as well as over-production of thyroid hormones is a common cause of increased body weight. Thyroid problem symptoms include finger tremor in an outstretched hand, nervous a lot or having sleep problems and having a big appetite but you keep losing weight.

The Thyroid

A butterfly-shaped gland just below the Adam’s apple responsible for hormone production.

Seafoods and also vegetables grown in soils near the sea are rich in iodine.

A tiny chemical plant powerhouse whose principal job is to regulate metabolism, plucking materials from our bloodstream and fitting them together to make complex hormones. Our daily requirements for iodine are a microscopic amount but make a difference for healthy development in infancy, and are the difference between vigor and lack of energy in adulthood.

Herbal Remedies

Herbs are natures medicines for us. When they are combined correctly into formulas they possess additional beneficial properties. There are formulas to target each body organ system eg. stomach, liver, kidneys and thyroid as well as conditions like candida and parasites too.

Using iodine to form hormones, the potency of these hormones is powerful and must be kept under exact control, providing only the energy needed at any given moment. Too little hormones we become puffy-faced, obese, sluggish and mentally dull.

There are also natural foods like certain fruits and vegetables that help each particular body organ and a combination of these with herbal formulas is a powerful healing program for the body and can result in significant and natural weight loss too. All round better health is the result.

—

Ivor Fitzpatrick is the founder and Herbalist at the award winning herbal detox & weight loss center The Source on Koh Samui Island, Thailand which uses premium organic handmade herbal formulas created by a Master Herbalist. The herbal formulas are unique and some contain up to 100 herbs and are aged for 5 to 12 years. There are 3 programs to choose from which do not require colonics. Detox • Weight Loss • Ultimate Detox for 7 / 14 / 21 / 28 days.

179/12 Moo 4, Lamai (near Tesco Lamai) Koh Samui 84310, Thailand

THE SOURCE

Herbal Detox & Weight Loss Centre

‘Best Detox in Thailand’ - Luxury Living Awards 2015

Mobile: +66 (0)89 0679 856 info@sourcesamui.com www.TheSourceSamui.com For more info about programs or a health consultation, please contact The Source

WEIGHT LOSS WIN! WEIGHT LOSS WIN! HERBAL DETOX HERBAL DETOX Love of a but detox no colonics? Love thethe ideaidea of a detox can’twith stomach the thought of a colonic? Rated the idea of a in2015 detox but can’t stomach thought of aand colonic? Rated winner of the Best Detox in Thailand Award recommended as Recent one ofLove the best detoxes the world by Vogue, ThetheSource in Lamai, Koh by TATLER The Source Herbal Detox & Weight Loss Centre as Samui one and of offers theVOGUE, best detoxes in the world by Vogue, The Source in Lamai, Koh on a truly unique cleanse using powerful ancient herbs. Koh Samui Island offers uniquecleanse detoxusing & weight loss program Samui offersaatruly truly unique powerful ancient herbs.using powerful ancient herbs

What is a herbal detox?

It is the cleansing and detoxifying of the whole body using premium quality organic herbal formulas. Simple and easy to do the formulas are taken What is a herbal detox? morning and night every day for one week, or longer. What makes this is a herbal herbal detox so unique is absence of any need for colonics. it is theWhat cleansing and detox? detoxifying ofthe the complete body using it isquality cleansing and formula detoxifying body usingjob of eliminating and reAthe herbal intestinal doesofathe much better premium herbal formulas (capsules, syrups premium quality herbal formulas (capsules, syrups storing and is more natural too. and tinctures). Simple and easy to do the formulas are and tinctures). and easy or to longer. do the formulas are taken morning and nightSimple daily for 7 days What How doesand it work? taken morning night daily for 7 days or longer. What makes this herbal detox so unique is the complete The this program can be done anyplace, at complete any time, as there are no colonics needed, leaving you free to live your herbal detox so unique isorganic the absencemakes ofnormal awful and invasive colonics. The routine. The nutrition from the minerals provides very good energy levels during the program. The absence of awful and invasive Theherb organic formulas gently purify and ‘restore’ thecolonics. inner organs, potent herbal formulas work powerfully yet gently gently purify parasites and ‘restore’ inner organs, with no harsh reactions to both cleanse and restore the body, cleanseformulas the blood, eliminate andthe candida, cleansing the blood, eliminating parasites and candida and restoring healthy gut flora. There are also herbal forcleanse blood,healthy eliminate parasites and candida, populating your the gut mulas to with target extra flora. weight loss, thyroid, hormones, lungs, immune system, liver & gallbladder and intestinal populating healthy flora.treating the whole body all at once. system.your It is gut verywith comprehensive, What are the benefits? are the benefits? Ranging from substantial weight loss, to brighter eyes Buy the program to do at any time or stay in a private villaWhat on the beach and do the program. There are 3 programs Ranging from weight loss, toenergy brighter eyes Loss • Ultimate Detox. Choose forand 7. skin, 14. 21 or 28healthier, days.substantial Starting from THB 9,000 inc. How does itDetox • Weight work? feeling sleeping better, more How does it work? and skin, feeling healthier, sleeping better, more energy Unique in that it can be done anyplace, at any time, as and relief from illness the benefits are unique to each Unique inscience thatnecessary, it can done any time, as individual andand relief from illness the benefits unique of be herbs there are noThe colonics leavesanyplace, you free at to work their needs. Interestingly, the are weight lossto each there are no colonics necessary, leaves you free to work individual and their needs. Interestingly, the The natural formulas proprietary, handmade bycan ourcontinue Master even after the program has finished weight and continue your normal routine.are A superior intestinal and loss and continue your normal routine. A superior intestinal can continue even after the program has finished and overa20 yearsbetter using only our organic grown and wildformula viaHerbalist capsulesfor does much elimination generally stays off too, due to the herbs cleaning and formula via capsules does a much better elimination generally stays off too, due to the herbs cleaning and crafted herbs plus some rare herbs from around the world. job and far less invasive than the hydrocolonics usually supporting the ‘inner terrain’ of the body. Sugar, caffeine jobYou and farchoose less invasive the hydrocolonics the ‘inner terrain’ body. Sugar, required. can what tothan eat each day from the usually and junksupporting food cravings dissipate with of thethe program. Mostcaffeine WhatYou arecan the benefits? required. choose what to eat each day from the and junk food cravings dissipate with the program. list of healthy choices (fresh juices, whole fruits, greens, lose 4kg in the first 4-6 days with another 1-3kg being Most Ranging from substantial weight lossfruits, (2-5kg in 7 days), feeling list of healthy choices (fresh juices, whole greens, lose 4kglast in the 4-6if days with another raw food, normal diet etc.). Each eyes, day you feedskin theand body dropped in the fewfirst days completing the 141-3kg day being much better, brighter better sleeping better to more raw food, normal diet etc.). Each day you feed the body dropped in the last few days if completing the with great energy nutrition asrelief the herb minerals doInterestingly, all the Choose a program, Detox (7 formulas), Weight 14 day and from symptoms. theprogram. weightprogram. loss with great nutrition as the herb minerals do all the a program, Detox (7 formulas), work providing high energy levels the program. Loss or UltimateChoose Detox (both 16 formulas), each very Weight can continue even afterduring the program has finished and generally work providing high energy levels during the program. Loss or Ultimate Detox (both 16 formulas), each very Customersstays can stay in a private villa on the beach comprehensive in targeting different organ systems off too, due to resetting the 'innertoterrain’ of the body. Customers can stay in a private villa on the beach to comprehensive in targeting different organ do the program they canand purchase to do cravings it any place of the body including the liver, kidneys, intestines,systems Sugar,orcaffeine junk food can dissipate considerdo the program or they can purchase to do it any place of theblood, body immune includingsystem the liver, ably afterorthe program or time they choose take it hometoo. with them. hormones, andkidneys, lungs. intestines, or time they choose or take it home with them. hormones, blood, immune system and lungs. Most people, having never taken pure and natural herbal formulas like these before, experience a real health boost when they are first taken. Ivor Fitzpatrick, founder of The Source is a Family Herbalist and member of Ivor Fitzpatrick, founder The Source is a Family Herbalist and member BHMA (The British Herbal Medicine Association) andofESCOP (The European Scientific Cooperative on of Phytotherapy) BHMA (The British Herbal Medicine Association) and ESCOP (The European Scientific Cooperative on Phytotherapy)

The Source Herbal Detox Mobile: +66 (0)89 0679 856 179/12 Village 4, Lamai, Koh Samui Mobile: +66 (0)89 0679 179/12 Lamai, Koh Samui Source TheThe Source HerbalHerbal Detox Detox Mobile: +66 (0)89 0679 856 856 179/12 Village Village 4,4,Lamai, Koh Samui www.TheSourceSamui.com E-mail: info@sourcesamui.com 84310, Thailand (near Tesco Lamai) Email: info@thesourcesamui.com 84310, Thailand (near Tesco Lamai) www.TheSourceSamui.com www.TheSourceSamui.com E-mail: info@sourcesamui.com 84310, Thailand (near Tesco Lamai) 13

LUXURY LIVING

Everyone looks pretty in pink, well as long as it’s done right. And while usually left for the lips, pastel pinks are appearing on soft and pretty lids, looking just as sensual as they would on the kisser - and perhaps even more so.

NARS Roman Holiday Lipstick, Mini Roman Holiday Blush, Roman Holiday Nail Polish

Laura Mercier creme smooth lip colour peche

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But why stop there? pastel pinks are a girl’s best friend so try a few bubblegum streaks or a powder pale bob with sunset eyes. Don’t forget the lips!

Blue hues are everywhere this season, from delicate strokes of liner to full-on splashes of color across the lid. And a baby blue with a silver streak is enough to steal anyone’s heart convincing us that blue is the warmest color. If you’re not quite ready for luscious azure lashes or brave enough for the shade in all of it’s glory, instead try it in just a dash of liner or a cheeky peek on the inner lid.

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SS16 PHOTOGRAPHY Mario Testino MODELS Ruth & May Bell Bella Yentob Liam Gardner Misha Hart

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SUPER SIXTEEN

WHO NEEDS NORMAL WHEN THERE’S SUPER TO BE HAD? THINK ABOUT IT; IS IT A BIRD, IS IT A PLANE? NO, IT’S NORMALMAN. RUBBISH. AND AMERICANS WOULD NEVER SETTLE FOR A NORMALBOWL AS THEIR YEARLY SPORTING HIGHLIGHT. THE LIST IS ENDLESS. NORMALNATURAL, NORMAL MARIO BROS, NORMALHEROES WITH NORMALPOWERS OR NORMALCALIFRAGILISTICEXPIALIDOCIOUS. RUBBISH. THE SAME GOES FOR CARS. EVERYONE AND ANYONE CAN HAVE A NORMAL CAR, BUT ONLY THE SUPERCOOL GET SUPERCARS.

GEAR UP FOR A GLIMPSE AT THE SEXIEST SUPERCARS OF 2016

TRION NEMESIS RR

First on our list is the new kid on the block Nemesis RR, which happens to be the inaugural offering from US based manufacturers Trion. Naming their baby Nemesis is a nod to established Supercar brands that Trion are making very serious beasts to rival even the best of the best on the market. And while several variants of the Trion Nemesis will be offered, it is the Nemesis RR getting the most attention with a 2000hp twin-turbo engine and allwheel drive helping it reach speeds of over 270mph. With an available “Predator Mode” to shred its competitors, Nemesis has clocked a 0-60 time of 2.8 seconds giving it a headstart in living up to its name. the Nemesis RR is expecting rattle a few cages in the Supercar world and they’ll be hand-crafted in very limited volumes, so book yours now.

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McLAREN 675LT The latest beast unleashed from the McLaren stable, the 675LT is touted as the lightest, most driver-focused, most exclusive series-production McLaren supercar ever built. Inspired by the F1 GTR ‘Longtail’, the 675LT features striking carbon fibre bodywork that increases downforce by an astonishing 40 percent over any other model in the Super Series, making it handle like an angel. However, the re-engineered M838TL V8 twin-turbo engine produces a devilish 666hp for a top speed of 205 mph with 0-60 in 2.9 seconds. With a polycarbon everything except the kitchen sink, the 675LT weighs only 1230kg – 100kg less than the lightweight 650S. The result is, unsurprisingly, more power, more raw emotion and more mind-blowing performance ultimately leading to more extreme wallet emptying prices. We’ll take two please.

FERRARI LAFERRARI Ferrari’s first street legal gasoline-electric hybrid, the LaFerrari boasts the most extreme performance ever achieved by a Ferrari production car, plus innovative technical solutions that will no doubt filter down to the rest of Ferrari’s future range. At its core, the LaFerrari uses a 789hp 6.3-liter V12 engine coupled to a 120-kilowatt electric motor which bumps total maximum output to a filthy clean and somewhat dangerous 949 hp. Two electric motors are actually on board - one to power the driven wheels and one to run ancillary devices. How fast is it? Well this little pony has a top speed of around 220mph with a 0-60 in a surprisingly sluggish 3 seconds. Never mind, it’s eco friendly, sort of. Want one? We do.

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LAMBORGHINI AVENTADOR Appearing from the shadows as the Dark Knight’s dirtiest dream, even Lamborghini think this car is crazy. Brutally powerful and obscenely flamboyant, the Aventador is surprisingly agile for its size, making it one of the most drivable Lambos ever produced. But simply because it’s drivable doesn’t make it easy to drive - and therein lies its appeal. With a 6.5-litre, 740hp V-12 mated to a seven-speed automatic transmission and all-wheel drive, this black beauty does 0-60 in 2.9 seconds and has a top speed of 220mph making it a relatively standard addition amongst its competitors - EXCEPT IT’S MIDNIGHT BLACK AND LOOKS F*CKN BAD ASS.

FORD GT You canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t buy a Ford GT yet, but if you want one, start saving now. Prices are expected to begin at as much as $400,000. One look at its stats tells you all you need to know: a mid-engine twin-turbo V-6 with more than 600 hp, plus full carbon-fiber construction and body panels. Power will be sent to the rear wheels courtesy of a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic; but sadly, a manual will not be available. Production starts in 2016 and itâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s gonna be fast.

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XAVI ER

SS16

DOLAN

Louis Vuitton presents its new menswear campaign featuring the Kim Jones designed Spring/Summer 2016 collection. Shot by Alasdair McLellan and starring actor and director Xavier Dolan, the embodiment of the Louis Vuitton man, the campaign makes several references to Southeast Asian culture by re-imagining shirts and jackets with embroidered detailing and exotic prints. Bags, shoes and accessories crafted in luxurious Epi and Taiga leathers tell the campaignâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s story of a modern-day traveler through their durable construction.

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GILES ALE XANDE R

introduction by Johnny McGeorge

A veritable virtuoso of the brush, british-born painter Giles Alexander has become a prominent name among the upper echelons of sydney’s fine art clique. With a masterful signature of resin lacquer atop predominantly oil and linen, Giles has crafted a body of work that pushes the boundaries of realism whilst questioning the duality of space and the essence of belonging through increasingly ethereal concepts. With a slew of prizes and international exhibitions under his belt, most recently the cosmos conspired to send Giles interstellar as two of his works, alongside pieces by Picasso and Matisse, smashed expectations at Christies London in the sale of musician Sting’s private collection. This large nod from the overindulged noses of the art elite is affirmation of his recognition on the international circuit. But Giles is very much down to earth and his feet are firmly on the ground with his latest body shop of work entitled “Fossil”. A far cry from the macrocosm musings of yore, Fossil is both an introspective celebration of heritage and a lament of its fragility.

As a former student of automotive design, Giles has tapped into his own personal and family history to take us on a road well travelled, raising a dialogue of temporality, the nature of impermanence and the inevitable race against time.

Luxury Living has been given the honour of an exclusive look at the Fossil works due to exhibit in May 2016.

Saturn 2012

Our Father Is A Red Giant 2012

LUXURY LIVING ARTERY

fossil

l D-Type Fossi

FOSSIL preamble by Giles Alexander

My grandfather used to time-keep and race at Brocklands (the famous UK banked racetrack) in the 1930’s and had planned to start building his own machines. Unfortunately the war got in the way, he was shot down and never made it home. Before committing as a full-time artist, I studied Automotive Engineering and Design before realising I’d probably spend 15 years desgning dashboards for Dihatsu’s I most likely loathed. Not quite the romance of the automobile I’d had in mind as a child. So you could say cars are in my blood.

For some time my work has questioned a sense of belonging (as a self-exiled Pom down-under?) To date this has manifest as more of a ‘grand narrative of man’ through cosmic landscapes, religious architecture and science. About a year ago I began a restoration project of a 1958 Austin Healey as a means of ‘getting in touch’ with my roots yet somewhat out of my comfort zone. A pre-mid-life crisis perhaps. Eventually the intricate beauty of the automobile consumed my creative consciousness and inevitably infiltrated my practice. Besides the very personal impetus, a number of other themes are driving this new direction: Firstly I’m interested in the notion of a contemporary George Stubbs pastiche. As the landed gentry would once-upon-a-time have their prize bull or beloved steed painted, so these exist as ‘portraits’ of rarefied consumer goods. Interestingly the humble car seems to occupy a place few other man-made products inhabit.The bringer of freedom and the harbinger of change; few people are true ‘car enthusiasts’ but likewise not many are truly indifferent. The subjects of the new paintings, all icons from the past century of motoring history are, it could be argued, artworks in their own right - often revered as museum pieces, ironically rendered motionless to be admired. The still-life miniatures are raised atop pedestals but they are further incapacitated by various floor-jacks, wheel clamps, space saver wheels, breakers yard claws etc...

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625 Spider Fossil

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GTO 250 Fossil

A6G Fossil

DB4 Fossil

For some people, exercise is a social endeavour, keeping fit and playing sports with friends. For others, however, fitness is a way of life. An essential quest that transcends basic wellness and into the realm of achieving personal greatness - competing against your own mind, body and soul to attain the highest levels of physicality and mental fortitude, putting your strength of will to the test. For some people, exercise is a social endeavour, keeping fit and playing sports with friends. For others, however, fitness is a way of life. An essential quest that transcends basic wellness and into the realm of achieving personal greatness - competing against your own mind, body and soul to attain the highest levels of physicality and mental fortitude, putting your strength of will to the test.

300SL Fossil

LUXURY LIVING 100-6 Fossil Giles Alexanderâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s original personal restortation project and ultimately the driving force behind the Fossil series.

LP400 Fossil

Giles Alexander, b. 1975, London At aged twelve Alexander was the recipient of a prestigious 5 year art scholarship at Bishop’s Stortford College, in his native UK.After an Art Foundation at St Martin’s Art School in London, Alexander immigrated to Sydney in 2000 and gained advanced standing at the National Art School in 2003. In 2005, he won the MCQ International art prize at the MCA and the Murray Sime prize for painting at the National Art School. During his Honors year he won the 2007 Metro5 art prize in Melbourne. Alexander’s work was selected for the director’s residency at Haunch of Venison gallery in New York in 2009. He was nominated for the 2012 Sovereign Asia Art Award in Hong Kong. His work has been included in many of the major awards and prizes in Australia multiple times, including the Archibald and Sulman prize at the Art Gallery of NSW, as well as the Moran, Blake, Duke and Fleurieu prizes. Alexander has held numerous solo exhibitions in Australia at galleries including Mori, GrantPirrie and Martin Browne Contemporary. In 2011 he began an association with The Fine Art Society in London. Established in the 1880’s, the New Bond Street gallery is one of the oldest commercial galleries in the world, spearheading the very notion of the ‘one-man-show’ with James McNeill Whistler. Alexander’s work has also been exhibited widely at international art fairs including Art Hong Kong, London and Sydney Contemporary, Pulse Miami and Melbourne Art Fair as well as at the Australian High Commission, Singapore. In 2012 his work was curated as part of an exhibition marking the Queens golden jubilee in Hong Kong along with prominent UK artists David Hockney and Paula Rego. In 2014 his work was featured in Andrew Frost’s survey exhibition, ‘Conquest of Space’ and accompanying ABC documentary. His work has also been the subject of numerous articles and publications in print media and on-line. Australian public collections include ANU,Art Bank and the Tweed River Gallery as well as internationally at The London Guild Hall. Alexander’s paintings have been collected privately in Australia, UK, Hong Kong, Singapore and USA.

FOSSIL: 12-28 May 2016 NAnDA\HOBBS CONTEMPORARY

Fossil will open at Nanda\Hobbs downtown Sydney gallery May 12th. www.nandahobbs.com Nanda\Hobbs Contemporary Level 1, 66 King Street Sydney, NSW 2000 Giles Alexander www.gilesalexander.net IG @gilesalexander

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COMPLEXiTY GRAPHiCS THE WORK OF

TATIANA PLAKHOVA

Tatiana Plakhova is a digital illustrator and art director at Moscollective design studio based in Moscow. Also known as Complexity Graphics, her incredible artworks are deeply inspired by complex patterns found in fractals and biological organisms. Creating dazzlingly intricate, highly-detailed diagrams of data sets or other non-graphic information, Tatiana crafts her astonishing pieces manually, rather than using algorithms. Although a lot of her works look like visualizations, none of them are based on real data. With project titles like Orbital Mechanics, Biosphere and Flow Theory Plakhova’s images clearly seek to bridge the divide between the visual arts and the often invisible worlds of math, science, and music. “The main idea is to show a new way of infographic drawings”, states Plakhova. “Because everything we see is biological, mathematical or geological information.” Complexity Graphics works are based on mathematical simplicity and harmony. “I would describe them as infographic abstracts. This mathematical style helps me to illustrate everything from biological cell to the space and meditative worlds. That’s why I admire by math, because it’s everywhere and nowhere.”

Tatiana Plakhova graduated from Moscow State University with a Master in Social Psychology then studied in High Academic School of Graphic Design. www.complexitygraphics.com

LUXURY LIVING

HIGH F LYE RS CATHAY PACIFIC GO RETRO-COOL WITH THEIR ALL NEW ULTRA-LUXE FIRST CLASS HONG KONG LOUNGE

London-based Studioilse has transformed a corner of Hong Kongâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s international airport into a new 2,000 sq metre first class lounge for Cathay Pacific. The result is a world away from the typical corporate lounge aesthetic to a space more akin to an elegant apartment, except in this one, the living room, library and dining room comes with a well-being area, signature fragrance and curated music. All the familiar luxe design tropes like deep leather armchairs and tasteful artworks are accented by subtle layering of comfort, materiality, and unobtrusive functionality. Thoughtfully arranged seating, soft lit table lamps, plush rugs, and tables with hidden built-in electrical and USB outlet strips are small but important details.

LUXURY LIVING HABITAT

Natural materials such limestone floors, a graceful matt jade green onyx entrance, and an impressive onyx and brass horseshoe cocktail bar in the living room add a richness to the space. Furniture and lighting feature investment pieces such as the Diz chair by Brazilian designer Sergio Rodriguez, the Clover Leaf sofa by Verner Panton and Lindsey Adelman’s brass and glass Agnes chandelier are the icing on the cake. The pièce de résistance, however, is the day lounge. Arrive early for a classic head and foot massage and then retreat to your bijou private room to read, sleep or observe the airport’s frenetic runway from the comfort of your own day bed.

LUXURY LIVING

WE BELIEVE A GOOD COCKTAIL SHOULD BE SERVED WITH A DASH OF STYLE

At the new CoCoRum beach bar, the cocktails come with a dash of style, a swirl of reﬁnement and a touch of surprise. Here guests can enjoy a superb collection of ﬁne rums, complemented by delicious Latin American cuisine. It’s just one of the tantalisingly unique dining experiences to be savoured at Four Seasons Resort Koh Samui. Find out more at: fourseasons.com/kohsamui

EXQUISITE HAND-PAINTED CHINESE INK WORKS FOR RESIDENTIAL AND COMMERCIAL INTERIORS For catalogue and print enquiries contact: editor@luxuryliving.com

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h t i W Go o w l F e Th

W WAVE S THE NEERESORTS E ID R I U M TIDES SAPIC AL BOUTIQU O T COSY, COOL YNETEMPORARY TR OF CO

DESIGNING A MODERN TRADITION Positioned in a tranquil enclave on the north-east shores of Koh Samui, Tides Samui is a new boutique resort of 14 luxury villas that sit under the peaceful gaze of the 12m-tall golden Big Buddha statue and offer captivating views of Koh Som and Koh Phangan on the horizon. Whether you choose to bask in peace and tranquillity or opt for adventure, Tides is strategically located away from the bustle, yet only a few minutes away from the charming traditional fishermansâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; village. With a choice of four Jacuzzi Villas, eight Pool Villas and two Beachfront Villas on varying plots of 150-170sq/m, the luxurious 70sq/m contemporary Thai interiors are elegantly designed to be both cool and cosy, making them the perfect hideaway for a bit of peace and quiet. Furthermore, the finest sunset views on the island can be enjoyed from the restaurant, or even better, the beachfront infinity pool. www.tidessamui.com

LUXURY LIVING

HAVE YOU GOT WHAT IT TAKES? NESTLED IN THE BEACH REPUBLIC RESORT ON LAMAI BEACH KOH SAMUI, ESCAPE BREAK IS SAMUI’S NEWEST REAL LIFE ESCAPE GAME EXPERIENCE. WORK TOGETHER AS A TEAM TO SEARCH FOR CLUES,SOLVE PUZZLES, AND ESCAPE WITHIN 60 MINUTES!. ESCAPE FROM THE NORM

For most people, enjoying an idyllic island holiday means a lot of sun, sea, sand and shopping. And for most people, having yourself locked inside a series of rooms solving puzzles would probably be pretty far down the list of must do activities. Unless of course those rooms and puzzles belong to Escape Break - Samui’s first and most sophisticated live escape game attraction at Beach Republic in Lamai. A prime example of one of the fastest growing entertainment concepts around the world, Escape Break immerses you in a real-time race against the clock, deciphering codes, uncovering clues and solving puzzles through a series of themed rooms with a single driving purpose. Beat the clock and earn your freedom.

TIME IS OF THE ESSENCE

With four challenging games to choose from, Escape Break whisks you away to a fast-paced, fun adventure you would have never thought possible on paradise. Find the antitdote to a deadly virus, scour ancient temples for a priceless artifact, explore the eerie Mary Celeste or rescue a high-profile hostage from the Hong Kong underworld. Whatever games you choose, Escape Break will make you think, laugh, share and enjoy as you test your wits and rack your brains to make your escape. The only question is...Have you got what it takes? www.escapebreak.com

You are a group of amateur Archaeologists searching the ancient ruins in the jungle around Siem Reap for a long lost artifact. This golden artifact is extremely valuable and is the missing piece of a larger collection. You are all very keen to find it to hand it over to the Angkor National Museum, so that the people of Cambodia and throughout the world can appreciate it. Whilst staying in a village near the famous city of Angkor Wat, you encounter a strange old man who knows which temple the artifact is in, and that the temple doors can only be opened once every 100 years when the moon and the sun are correctly aligned.

As part of the Dei Gracia crew you and your team are commissioned to salvage the remains of the famous American merchant brigantine Mary Celeste that has been spotted floating in the ocean with its crew mysteriously vanished. It is late December, 1872. After a long and uneventful journey, your captain Arthur David Moorhouse anticipates the perfect salvage operation. The sky is grey and the sea is calm and eery. In the midst of the early morning fog, you and your team are alerted by the shouts of the ship’s helmsman. He has spotted a silhouette of a large wooden ship. He rings the bell and calls all hands on deck!

Arriving at the location by nightfall, you clear some vine and find an abandoned temple with a locked door. It’s clear that this is the right place and that the artifact will be inside. The door, however, is locked. You and your team must use your wits to gain access to the temple and escape quickly with the golden artifact before the doors shut forever and you fall victim to the temple’s curse like so many before. Do you have what it takes? Time is of the essence, and this is a once in a lifetime opportunity!

Your captain orders you and a small group to get onboard the lifeless ship to investigate. Despite your fears, your inquisition gets the best of you and you enter the cabin. BANG the door shuts behind you and you’re stuck! The winds and waves are picking up a storm is approaching, and the captain of your ship knows he cannot wait around for long. You all must escape and quick! You and your shipmates must work together to solve the mysteries that lie within the ship and get out before your captain leaves you behind! Do you have what it takes?

You have recently completed the Government Scientists International training program and have been assigned to the ultrasecretive Defence Science and Technology Laboratory in Porton Down, where the British government conducts top secret research on the control and containment of dangerous viruses.

The Defence Minister calls from a secure bunker in London informing you that a deadly virus has been released by a rogue state and the human race is now at risk. The only hope is to scour the lab of Professor Frankie Franco, who was recently acquitted on mental health grounds. He was working on this virus and the key to an antidote is surely in his lab.

One night, on the late shift, you and your team are startled by a loud alarm. All the doors to the exits are locked down and you are trapped in a laboratory.

The virus spreads quickly, and kills in days, and an antidote needs to be found urgently. If you can break in, there is a good chance a cure can be found, and governments around the world can produce enough of it to save our species from certain extinction!

You are an undercover Hong Kong police officer embedded with a violent criminal gang. A politician’s daughter has just been taken hostage, most likely by this gang, and there is now huge pressure on the police and the Commissioner! He believes that somewhere in this hideout is the key to her whereabouts. Your mission is critical as the kidnappers have threatened to harm her unless a ransom is paid. The politician is very worried, but cannot be seen to be weak and to pay them the money.

You must break deep into their headquarters to find any evidence that may aid in her release and help put these gangsters behind bars for good! If you don’t, the politician will make sure that your department’s funding is cut in order to pay off the ransom. You have a wife and three children and you certainly cannot afford to lose your job so close to Chinese New Year! The pressure is on! Do you have what it takes to find the evidence that will lead to the politician’s daughter? Her family is counting on you!

LUXURY LIVING

Incorporating innovative design elements to the modern tropical home, Bangkok based WARA bring their passion through exquisite attention to detail, careful environmental placement and unique aesthetic ethos. Focussing on connectivity of indoor and outdoor spaces, their designs perfectly harmonize with residentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s personality and living behaviour, maximising functionality whilst maintaining a clean, minimalist beauty. The results are simply stunning.

WA R A A R C H I T E C T S ESTABLISHED IN EARLY 2015, WARA ARCHITECTS IS A SYNERGY OF SEASONED THAI ARCHITECTS WITH A DISTINCT PASSION FOR DESIGNING SLEEK MULT-IFUNCTIONAL HOMES PERFECTLY CAPTURING AN ETHOS OF MODERN TROPICAL MINIMALISM.

KHAO YAI HOUSE: (above & right) Location: Khao Yai,Thailand Area: 380sqm

Designed as a family holiday home, the space features large apertures for natural light which also serve a dual functionality to allow children to enjoy the central activity space whilst being in view of parents indoors. Likewise with the second floor study and relaxing rooftop balcony. -KL RESIDENCE: (opposite page) Location: Bangkok,Thailand Area: 1500sqm

This 3-storey city residence was designed to client specific Feng Shui requirements from foundation angles, plot positioning and entrance considerations for the auspice of visiting business guests. A major challenge for any arhictect, WARA utilised vertical free spaces between the buildings to work both as air-wells and create natural lightsources in otherwise difficult spaces. With a single storey reception area at ground level, the living spaces above are split level to maximise the flow of spatial energy that creates a more dynamic interior. Steel plated circular pillars and a Japanese Zen garden balance grandiose and serenity between this impeccably deisgned structure.

waraarchitect@gmail.com

LUXURY LIVING

High above Hong Kong’s smogline sits a 12 storey residential goldmine. The Frank Gehry designed Opus Hong Kong is home to a slew of Asia’s most expensive apartments. 12 in fact, spanning 5,000-6,900sq/ft and each occupying an entire floor of the gently spiralling structure. Most recently, the 5,444 sq/ft rooftop penthouse was snapped up for a mere HK$509.6 million, that’s around HK$93,608 per square foot. This transaction only narrowly beat the previous most expensive apartment sale of HK$497m some 6 months earlier at, yes, you guessed it - the very same building.

A MAGNUM OPUS

HONG KONG’S HILLTOP HOME TO ASIA’S MOST COSTLY CONDOS

LUXURY LIVING RENDEZVOUS

Hmm... US$65 million for an apartment seems a tad pricey you say? Well it is designed by Frank Gehry, the master of modern architecture responsible for some of the world’s most beautifully iconic eyesores such as the Guggenheim Bilbao, Disney Concert Hall in downtown LA and the Louis Vuitton Foundation in Paris - amongst countless others. To be frank, Gehry is nothing short of a genius and the obscene value of Opus Hong Kong is a testament to his legacy. As of late 2015, the total proceeds from all 12 units tally up to well over half a billion US dollars. Not a bad little earner for developers Swire Properties who insisted that we mention were responsible for the re-development and the management of the property. That’s Swire Propeties. The same Swire Properties you’ll conveniently find at www.swireproperties.com

LUXURY LIVING

CONDOMINIUM OWNERSHIP: THE PERFECT INVESTMENT We all know that foreign citizens cannot own land in Thailand. But many foreign investors nevertheless take the risk of circumventing legal restrictions on foreign ownership by forming a Thai company with local shareholders. Maintaining a Thai corporation, with annual tax returns and audits, can also prove to be expensive and time consuming.

DIFFERENCES BETWEEN APARTMENTS AND LICENSED CONDOMINIUMS

Title Deeds:

In a licensed condominium, separate title deeds are issued by the Land Office for each condominium unit. In an apartment building, title deeds cannot be issued for each apartment, and apartments can only be leased and sub-leased.

Other foreign investors prefer to lease land under a 30 year lease -- plus a 30-year renewal term for a combination of 60 years. But long-term land leasing can also be problematic, particularly as Land Offices are reluctant to register the 30 year renewal term on the land title. Some government officials even demand gratuities before long-term land leases can be registered. In recent years,Thai courts have also rejected some of the standard lessee protections which are often included in long-term land lease agreements.

Common Area Ownership:

In a licensed condominium, the common areas and facilities are owned and controlled collectively by the condominium unit owners (through the Condominium Juristic Person). In an apartment building, the common areas and facilities are owned by the developer (who can charge the residents to use the common facilities and operate the building as a profit-making entity).

Condominium ownership avoids all these complications. Direct ownership of a condominium unit in a licensed condominium building is a perfectly safe investment for either a foreign citizen or a foreign corporation. Foreign ownership is fully protected under Thailand’s Condominium Act, wherein a maximum of 49% of the residential area in any licensed condominium project can be owned by foreign citizens (or foreign corporations).

Self-Governance:

Moreover, foreign ownership is legally perfected by registering the name of the foreign investor directly on the title deed as the owner of the condominium unit.

In a licensed condominium, the condominium budget and rules/regulations are adopted and revised by the management committee, which is elected by the condominium unit owners. In an apartment, the developer determines the rules/regulations unilaterally, establishes the annual budget (including the maintenance budget), and sets the annual maintenance fees (which can be increased at the developer’s discretion).

The land underlying a registered condominium is protected under the Condominium Act. The common areas and facilities are owned collectively by the condominium unit owners, and managed and maintained by the Condominium Juristic Person (a non-profit entity owned and controlled collectively by all the unit owners in the project). All condominium unit owners in the project are entitled to vote on the election of a management committee, which adopts the annual budget to finance the maintenance and repair of common areas and facilities.

Recent amendments to the Condominium Act are designed to provide added protections for consumers. For example, all advertisements and brochures concerning the condominium project are now deemed to be included in the condominium sale/purchase agreement. For condominium projects under construction, the sale/purchase agreement must also include a specific completion date with monetary penalties for late completion.

Thus, each licensed condominium is characterized by joint ownership and self-governance. Beware of apartment complexes which falsely present themselves as condominium projects, but which are not actually licensed under the Condominium Act. Koh Samui has many such apartments posing as licensed condominiums. But there are important differences between an apartment and a licensed condominium.

Foreign investors can also reduce investment risks by purchasing condominium units in completed condominium projects, rather than projects under construction. However, for those who prefer to purchase “on plan” before construction is completed, the developer’s prior “track record” of successfully completed projects should also be closely examined.

For more information, contact: Siam ADR Limited 109/5 Moo 1 Bophut, Koh Samui T: 077 427 437 E: daniel@siamadr.com www.siamadr.com

w w w.s i a m a dr .co m

BOUTIQUE LAW FIRM IN KOH SAMUI

International Legal Team Our legal services are targeted to support foreign investors in Thailand, including Foreign Direct Investment, Real Estate Transactions, and Civil Litigation.

Legal Services FOREIGN DIRECT INVESTMENT / REAL ESTATE TRANSACTIONS DISPUTE RESOLUTION / NOTARIAL SERVICES (Notary Public)

109/5 Moo 1, Bophut Koh Samui Suratthani 84320 Thailand Phone: +66 (0)77 427 437 E-mail: info@siamadr.com / Daniel@SiamADR.com 63

LUXURY LIVING

DESIGN OF THE TIMES Time to ditch the rich kitsch and feast your eyes on some of Asia’s coolest design hotels... For the unabashed modernists among us, the definition of luxury hospitality has long since transcended the time worn traditions of grand chandeliered lobbies replete with red-jacketed busboys trolleying overpriced luggage sets of overpaid aristocrats over sickeningly expensive floral crested carpets. If there’s one thing about the classic “luxury” hotel template other than a penchant for overindulgence in every room, it’s that they are, for wont of a better word, ugly. If you can afford it, the gold leaf marble columns and wide sweeping staircase leading to your four-poster bed in The Imperial Suite may denote luxury by means of fiscal wealth, but as is often said of the super rich...money can’t buy taste. So regardless of which Sultan checked out before you, the shimmering banality of ‘standard issue opulence’ is rendered worthless to those of us who understand a more enlightened concept of luxury. One that is defined by a passion for innovation, unique aesthetics and above all, creative vision. Luxury defined by taste. And with that, it’s time to leave the ostentatious opulence to the oligarchs and indulge in some of Asia’s beautifully crafted contemporary design hotels.

LUXURY LIVING

AMANEMU

01 2165 Hazako Hamajima-cho, Japan ‘Approximately’ 186 miles southwest of Tokyo in Honshu’s Mie Prefecture sits the very new and very beautifully zen Amanemu. Embracing the full richness of the region,Amanemu, named after the Sanskrit word for ‘peace’ and nemu meaning ‘joy’ in Japanese is the very definition of classic Japanese minimalist aesthetics, blending the ryokan tradition with timeless design to provide an ultra-exclusive sanctuary in harmony with its natural surroundings. The 24 suites and 4 two-bedroom villas dazzle in elegant simplicity as they flow onto spacious terraces with tranquil views of Ago Bay. Making the most of its geothermal location, each suite has its own private onsen facilities, while the Aman Spa offers two expansive onsen bathing pavilions as well as a watsu pool, four treatment suites, a gym and yoga studio. Sound good? Well it gets better, as there’s an 18-hole championship golf course right next door. www.aman.com/resorts/amanemu

LUXURY LIVING

NAUMI 41 Seah St, Singapore

Tucked away in a side street behind the Raffles Hotel, Naumi is a Singapore city dig with some seriously cool design. Behind its vine-festooned, glass-and-grey-mesh facade are 73 stylish rooms and an upscale Indian restaurant. However, the crowning glory is the sumptuously loungey rooftop pool and bar, dubbed Cloud Nine (despite being on the 10th floor). The building emerged from its 2013 makeover, courtesy of White Jacket design, looking fresh, funky and fun. Bathrooms have magic glass walls which turn opaque for bathing privacy. Lobbies feature contemporary artworks, including a video projection of the hotelâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s imaginary hostess (Naumi) composed of hundreds of city scenes. Well worth a look. www.naumihotel.com

03 Luna2 studiotel Jalan Sarinande no 20, Seminyak 80361, Bali, Indonesia

Fans of tastefully garish retro-chic will love these vibrant suites in Bali’s otherwise muted upmarket Seminyak. The absolute antithesis of the Balinese aesthetic experience, Luna2 is an explosion of energetic design that “respects the past, welcomes the future and likes to have fun in the process!” Expect elements of nostalgia, futurism and fun throughout every aspect of the 14 open plan studio suites, down the stairs, through the lobby and all the way out to the Mondrian-ic colour-blocked lap pool. And adding value to the experience, you’ll find an offbeat 1960s-inspired restaurant, a kitschy nightclub, swanky rooftop bar and a private cinema. Be sure to wear sunglasses throughout. www.luna2.com/hotel/luna2-studiotel

LUXURY LIVING

04 CASA DE LA FLORA 67/213 Moo 5, Khuk Khak, Khao Lak, Phang-nga 82190, Thailand

An absolute darling of a design resort, Casa De La FLora in Southern Thailand offers 36 unique avant-garde suites and villas away from, well, pretty much everything. The geometric gem with its immaculately turfed rooves has a multitude of different abodes to enjoy. From modular pool villas and open plan upstairs/downstairs duplex units to the elongated presidential suite, Casa De La Flora is beautifully designed and decorated with lush wood panelled interiors, open staircases, sunken bathtubs and intricately envisioned angles to die for. Perfect for those looking to escape the monotony of Phuket or Phi Phi yet retain a real sense of serious design luxe, this multi-award winning place has something for everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s needs, taste and budget. donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t miss it. www.casadelaflora.com

Alila Villas Uluwatu Jl Belimbing Sari Banjar Tambiyak, Desa Pecatu, Bali 80364, Indonesia

Perched on a southern Balinese clifftop high above the Indian Ocean, youâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ll find the exquisite 65 luxurious villas of Alila Uluwatu. A perfect addition to the highly respected Alila design hotel family, Alila Uluwatu is a beautiful presentation of angles, textures, innovation and grand ideas. Following an ethos of sending guests home with spiritual and emotional memories rather than souvenirs, Alilaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s spectacular treatment of space and form is a delight to behold and every element of the resort will please the eye and sooth the soul. Likewise, the spacious villas offer nothing less than stunning ocean views from bed to bathtub. www.alilahotels.com/uluwatu

LUXURY LIVING

06 NUO

No. 2A Jiangtai Road, Beijing, China,100016

Shamelessly throwing itself into the public eye as “A Masterpiece of Modern Ming Luxury”, Beijing’s 438 room flagship NUO is as bold as it is beautiful. Stomping on the shoulders of 5000 years of cultural heritage, NUO’s impeccably designed and remarkably tasteful ‘syner-chi’ of ancient modernism epitomises the paradigm shift of the phrase “Made In China.” Under a guiding philosophy of ‘using the past to serve the present’, NUO’s interiors are awash with elegant furnishings in warm woods and leather, hushed jewel-toned accessories, plush silk-patterned walls, rich wooden and textured marble floors, combined harmoniously in a contemporary interpretation of ancient Chinese greatness. And who are we to argue? NUO marks the birth of a bonafide Chinese luxury brand and it does so with ample style. www.nuohotel.com

07 SONEVA KIRI 110 Moo 4, Koh Kood, Trat 23000, Thailand

One of Thailand’s more unique offerings, Soneva Kiri by Six Senses pulls out all the stops at every turn. A testament to eco-design, this living, breathing organic amalagamation of 28 pool villas on the northen island of Koh Kood is a stunning vision of contemporary tropical luxury mixed with almost fantasy-like whimsical design. Vast in scale and larger than life in concept, Soneva Kiri boasts one of a kind features such as the jaw dropping tree pod canopy dining experience along with the fascinating interwoven bamboo children’s educational centre that have to be seen to be believed. What’s more, Soneva Kiri has a floating lagoon cinema, fully functional observatory and an offering of 1- 6 bedroom pool villas each with quaint idisyncracies that you simply cannot find anywhere else, making this resort an entire destination in itself. If you’re looking for something completely out of the ordinary then Soneva Kiri will not disappoint. www.soneva.com

TUVE

LUXURY LIVING

TUVE

16 Tsing Fung St, Causeway Bay, Hong Kong Some have described Hong Kong’s ultra stark 66 room TUVE as cold and lonely. The official pitch, however, is that of a poetic, textured interplay of shadow and light. Where one interprets a dialogue among intellect and philosophy through timeless binaries, another just sees sprawling raw concrete and a distinct lack of furniture. While there’s no deniying the dramatic beauty of its bleakness, TUVE will really only appeal to the no-nonsense spartan, less is more aficionados looking for varying shades of dimly lit grey in their £200-per-night rooms. Taking its concept very seriously, TUVE is no doubt an acquired taste, and if unfinshed concrete, marble and timber is your cup of tea, then you’re gonna love this place. www.tuve.hk

09 SOUTH BEACH

30 Beach Rd, Singapore 189763 Singapore’s newest and most relentlessly grandiose Marina Bay hotel is the epic 654-room South Beach. Nestled within a self-contained “you-never-need-to-leave” residential and commercial complex overlooking pretty much everything in every direction, the ultra chic no-expense-spared hotel interiors are designed by none other than Philippe Starck, and his signature white furniture, silvery Ghost Chairs and acres of mirrors abound in every room. However, not one to understate his penchant for sleek minimalism, Starck has installed some 11,520-lights to the ceiling of the grand ballroom to truly dazzling effect. Along with a single ADHD (All Day Hotel Dining) restaurant, South Beach presents three “experiential bars” – Court Martial Bar, LAUGH and PREFIX, each more (s)wanky than the next and each serving a range of cocktails & beverages. For anywhere else in the world, the South Beach Hotel of Design would be a ground breaking development worthy of much praise, but for Singapore, it’s merely logical progression. check it out www.thesouthbeach.com.sg

LUXURY LIVING

TAKI NG THE R OAD U NT RAV ELLE D words by Jeremy Briggs & Johnny McGeorge

LUXURY LIVING PULSE

P E R S O N A L

T R A N S P O R T

ONCE UPON A TIME BACK IN THE DAY, STUFF WAS DIFFERENT. MEN HAD BIG FOREHEADS AND SMALL BRAINS, THEY LIVED IN CAVES AND DREW PICTURES OF THEIR ETERNAL STRUGGLE AGAINST SUCH WORTHY ADVERSARIES AS THE WOOLY MAMMOTH AND THE GRIZZLY BEAR, COMPLETELY UNAWARE THAT THESE IMAGES WOULD LONG OUTLIVE THEM AND THEIR FURRY LEOTARDS.

BEFORE LONG, ALL SORTS OF CRAP WAS BEING INVENTED, MOST OF WHICH IS TOTALLY IRRELEVANT TO THIS STORY; BUT ONE DAY MAN INVENTED THE WHEEL AND NEVER LOOKED BACK, BECAUSE HE HADN’T INVENTED THE WING MIRROR YET. SINCE THESE EARLY PIONEERS OF TRANSPORT, THINGS HAVE STEPPED UP A NOTCH OR TWO AND WE FEEL OURSELVES LIVING IN A TIME WE MIGHT HAVE ONCE CALLED ‘THE FUTURE’, A TIME WHEN OUR WILDEST DREAMS BECOME OUR MILDEST REALITY AND SCIENCE FICTION JUST BECOMES PLAIN OLD SCIENCE.

BUT ONE DAY SOME ‘BRIGHT SPARK’ INVENTED FIRE AND THE WORLD WAS INDELIBLY CHANGED FOREVER, EVEN IF IT DIDN’T KNOW IT AT THE TIME…

LUXURY LIVING

D EPTH CHARG ED DEEPFLIGHT DRAGON Let’s face it, cars are boring. There’s only so far you can take them and all roads lead to Rome anyway. And once you’ve seen one Colisseum you’ve seen them all. The sky can get a tad tedious too after a while - all clouds and horizons and a few birds if you’re lucky. But the sea, however, is a vertiable treasure trove of sights...and sea creatures. And with more than 70% of the planet covered in brine, you’d think more people would be down there chasing whales and sneaking up on unsuspecting Octopusses? Octopeeps? Octopi. I guess sailors just aren’t that good company. Nevermind, because Graham Hawkes has cut out the middleman, so you can go explore the depths (upto 400ft) by yourself in the swankiest personal submarine yet….Deepflight Dragon.

Here’s the technobabble: It’s a positively buoyant craft. That may sound like the art of being in a good mood but in fact it means it doesn’t sink - unless you want it to - which you probably do seeing as you just purchased one menacingly monikered machine designed to penetrate perilous pathways previously pertaining to pilot fish and kraken only.

AERODYNAMIC TAILFIN The compact design, seemingly borrowed from a 1970’s Formula One car let’s the Dragon cut through the water like butter at breakneck speeds of upto 4 knots in straight lines.

At 1800 kg and only 5 m in length, the Dragon can fit onto any one of your yachts easier than any other submarine on the market. Another major selling point is that the Dragon is exceptionally easy to pilot, making it a piece of cake to hover, fly, glide or just float through the endless blue in your very own eco-friendly battery powered supercool submersible. And best of all, there’s room for two.

360° PODULAR VIEWSTATION A built-in DDM automated system manages all the complicated stuff so you can spend more time looking in every direction with one hand on the controls and still feel safe.

BRUSHLESS AQUA THRUSTERS The multi-directional DC lithium battery powered fans give you quiet, efficient operation, allowing vertical movement, plus cruise and hover capabilties for up to 6 hours.

EXTERIOR MOTIVES High strength composite body and anodized aluminum top deck plates are durable and perfect for housing the GoPro HD underwater video recorder that comes as standard, so you and all your friends can relive your voyages indefinitely in full resolution high definition, whether they like it or not.

TF-X FLYING CAR

Behold the TF-X (which stands for Totally Flyable X-Wing Thing). So it’s a car, but it’s also a mini-plane. Cool huh? The TF-X is not really any bigger than a normal car but it can transport you and three cronies anywhere you fancy going regardless of normal relevant road related limits such as speed, traffic, or well, roads.

So the future is here. Or so they say. As you’ll find out soon, you can fly yourself around for limited periods in a drone or hit the skies with a personal jetpack, only not for very long it seems. But wait! What about the long-promised flying cars? We want long distance air-road-petrol-station-air-road alternatives. Well here it is. The airborne alternative that can get you pretty much anywhere within a 500 mile radius!

The dudes at Terrafugia, which is latin for ‘Earth Escape’, reckon their flying car is much easier to master than your average aeroplane but who cares anyway because it has an autopilot feature that means you can just jump in, say take me to wherever and away you go via Googlemaps. Vertical take-off is an impressive feature of the TF-X, making it simple to rise above your peers from anywhere - and you could park it on the roof of your penthouse apartment or better your annoying neighbour’s head. So it’s finally here and it costs about the same as a Lamborghini. Excited yet? Well don’t be cos this particular piece of tech ain’t ready yet, not even nearly. So expect grey hairs and grandchildren before one of these is for sale in, according to Terrafugia, 10-12 years. Bah.

LUXURY LIVING 01 Jetpack comfy straps for casual wearing and flying

JB-9 JETPACK Back in 1965 our favourite English spy James Bond, played by suave Scotsman Sean Connery, escaped some especially merciless minions by flying out of a sticky situation with his own personal jetpack, Icarus stylee. Now you too can escape Bond bad guys, or even change lightbulbs without ladders should you wish, because the personal jetpack is really real. That’s right…it’s here, and it’s not nearly as practical, safe, nor cost effective as a pogo stick but it is infinitely cooler - and if you wanna fly, this little beauty is just the ticket. The JB-9 gives you upto 200 km/h of kerosene fuelled firepower with absolutely no requirement to hold any sort of license. In practice this equates to around 10 minutes of personalised flight time whizzing around pretty much anywhere you like, with a lightweight deathtrap strapped on to your back. Creator David Mayman teamed up with engineer Nelson Tyler to create the jetpack and Mayman has been zipping through the air with one for a while now and lives to tell the tale. Despite this, he is still not prepared to actually launch the project for commercial sale yet feeling that there isn’t currently enough infrastructure for training - nor proper safety precautions for jet engines under your armpits right now. But what the hell, the sky is the limit right? Throw caution to the wind we say. We wanna fly jetpacks.

02 Modern retro design melding James Bond with GI-Joe and spray-painting it matte grey.

03 Evel Knievel style flame retardent suit adds to the retrofuturist vibe.

EHANG DRONE Do you feel like you blinked and missed the invention of the drone? One minute it didn’t exist and the next minute you could pick one up for $40 in any old toy shop and you’re suddenly taking sumptuous aerial shots that required a helicopter, a steady hand and a pretty impressive zoom lens back in those long lost days when your phone had buttons and camera didn’t have a phone. Not content with the rise of the drone thus far, Chinese company Ehang want to put you in the thing, whizz you around town at 500 metres above sea level and then drop you off safe and sound at your chosen destination. Huazhi Hu, CEO of Ehang is in fact pretty obsessed with the safe and sound bit after his partner died in a plane crash, closely followed by his flying instructor in a helicopter crash. We can’t decide if this inspires confidence or not, but on the plus side they zip around skyscrapers like something out of bladerunner. For 23 minutes, maximum. Not 22 nor 24 minutes, but 23 minutes. Well actually they can do 22 if you want. After that you can plug your drone into any convenient man-sized drone charging unit for 2 hours and 40 minutes and you’re good to go anywhere you can dream of, within a 23 minute radius. Lets call the Ehang 182 one to watch shall we?

CMY

Samuiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Best Value Residence Designed by

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LUXURY LIVING

FI T N E S S FOR SALE BRINGING YOU THE BEST OF THE BEST IN PERSONAL AND COMMERCIAL FITNESS EQUIPMENT SOLUTIONS TO KOH SAMUI, WELCOME JURAIRAT KEWSIRI OF SPORTS ENGINEERING AND RECREATION ASIA.

So you’ve bought your dream villa - or thinking of building a hotel on a paradise island, You’ve got everything you want but find you don’t have time to go to the gym?

An ever expanding full-service entity, Seara have most recently opened a new showroom in Koh Samui headed by Jurairat Kaewsiri aka Pui.offering design and installation of the most up to date, technologically advanced fitness equipment from brands including Life Fitness, Octane, Power Plate, Reebok andVectra.

Covering a staggering number of fitness solutions., Pui and her team can plan,design,supply and instal any number of equipment configurations to meet your needs. Now is the time to invest in some cutting edge per- Furthermore, Seara’s team also offer facilities planning sonal home fitness equipment. For the last 16 years, for larger scale fitness centres, plus specialising in sports one company has been at the forefront of designing and construction materials such as astro-turf or internationsupplying private and commercial gyms inThailand. That al competition standard sports surfacing. company is Seara. And if that’s not enough, Seara are also the exclusive Having long-standing showrooms in Bangkok and Pat- distributors of Brunswick pool tables and gaming equiptaya, Seara have built up a formidale client list ranging ment in the region. So when it comes to high quality from large 5-star brands such as Anantara, Banyan Tree, fitness equipment, no matter what you’re looking for, Renaissance, Centara, Intercontinental, Sheraton and Seara is the ultimate full-service solution. many many more, to exclusive private villa complexes such as Samujana and Miskawaan - along with dedicated www.searasports.com health resorts like Kamalaya and serious gyms such as Koh Samui contact: pui@searasports.com Lamai Fitness.

LUXURY LIVING

K H WA N BEACH RESORT

+66 625 65 07 96 info@ khwanbeachresort.com www. khwanbeachresort.com MAENAM BEACH KOH SAMUI

Duplex Luxury Private Pool Villas Boutique & Art Gallery Hotel

LUXURY LIVING

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B Smart Sys Co. Ltd. (opp Napasai) 66/5 Moo 5, Maenam, Koh Samui Surat Thani 84330 - Thailand

HOTLINE: +66 (0)81 563 1685

T: +66 (0) 77 248 362 F: +66 (0) 77 447 336 E: bsmartsys@gmail.com

LUXURY LIVING

CHARLES WRIGHT ARCHITECTS UNIQUE “STAMP HOUSE” BRINGS FUTURISTIC DESIGN TO TACKLE TODAY’S ENVIRONMENTAL CONCERNS

S TAMPING GROUND words by Jonathan Fincher

ENVIRONMENTAL DESIGN Thanks to its tropical climate, Far North Queensland Australia is a place where residents regularly have to deal with threats from extreme weather while being mindful of their impact on the environment. Charles Wright Architects have addressed both concerns simultaneously with the “Stamp House” a self-sustaining home that’s sturdy enough to withstand a Category 5 cyclone. CWA built the house for a client with the goal of creating a carbon neutral structure that made good use of the surrounding wetland. The designers worked with local environmental groups, like the Department of Environment and Resource Management and the Queensland Parks and Wildlife Service, to ensure the project’s water system did not interfere with the natural ecosystem. Constructed on a small patch of land in the middle of a pond, much of the Stamp House is comprised of a mixture of new and used concrete, which provides insulation to keep the temperature more constant throughout the year. The blueprints show two floors with seven bedrooms protruding from a larger living space that includes a kitchen/dining area, an open gym area, a few lounges, and several reflective ponds around a central pool.

LUXURY LIVING ICON

SELF-SUSTAINING SHELTER Power is provided by solar panels that almost completely cover the roof and are backed up by a solar-powered generator, eliminating the need for any fossil fuels. Visitors reach the house on a raised walkway that stretches over the pond waters to dry land. The Stamp House’s main eco-friendly feature, is it’s expansive water system, capable of harvesting up to 250,000 litres of water for home use and irrigation. Water used by occupants is recycled right back into the system and the site even has its own tertiary sewage treatment plant. All of the required mechanical and hydraulic facilities are cooled by a self-contained thermal storage tank system and are controlled with a C-Bus home automation protocol. Aside from blending the design with the location’s natural resources, the Stamp House is also engineered to protect against cyclones and flooding dangers. Huge cantilevers prevent water from seeping in and CWA claims the entire structure can is actually classified as a cyclone shelter. The resulting unique structure is an excellent example of sustainable housing tailored to the environment around it.

LUXURY LIVING

THE SKY IS NOT THE L IMIT EXCITEMENT IN THE AIR AS EMIRATES AND BANGKOK AIRWAYS CODESHARE ON 19 SOUTHEAST ASIA ROUTES Emirates, a global connector of people and places, has announced a new codeshare agreement with Thailand-based boutique airline Bangkok Airways. The exciting partnership is set to open up new destinations for Bangkok Airways and Emirates passengers from Europe, Australasia and South-East Asia regions. The new agreement will see Emiratesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; code added to 19 Bangkok Airways routes across a number of Southeast Asian cities, adding a total of 14 new destinations to the Emirates global network. Our aim is to seamlessly connect customers to new tourist destinations such as Koh Samui and Chiang Mai in Thailand, Siem Reap in Cambodia, plus Yangon and Mandalay in Myanmar. Passengers travelling to Bangkok Suvranabhumi, Phuket, Kuala Lumpur and Singapore can also take advantage of Bangkok Airways codeshare routes. Furthermore, stopover options will be open in Hong Kong, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore and Phuket for Emirates passengers travelling to and from Koh Samui. Thai residents living throughout the Kingdom, in places such as Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Krabi,Trat, and Sukhothai, now have unparalleled access to Emiratesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; worldwide network of destinations, which ensures them of smooth travel and total convenience when travelling from their home towns to key cities in Asia and across the globe. Emirates have opened doors to both European gateways, and increase connectivity from Australia and New Zealand. Providing passengers with more choice brings flexibility to connect across Southeast Asia to and from Dubai, ultimately offering a smoother, more convenient travel experience. Together with Bangkok Airways, Emirates are taking more people to more places and opening up new opportunities to global passengers to experience a region blessed with some of the most stunning tourist and World Heritage sites, direct from their local airport. www.emirates.com/th

LARDE RF OOD

in cred i ble edi ble s KEEPING IT REAL WITH RUSTIC FIVE-STAR FODDER AND THE COOLEST COCKTAIL CONCOCTIONS ON KOH SAMUI, THE LARDER STILL HAS THE SECRET TO SUCCESS.

Now into its third year of glory, The Larder has cemented its reputation as one of the most talked about restaurants on the island, consistently delighting Samui residents, holidaymakers and hardcore foodophiles, alike. Armed with an unpretentious attitude and serving good honest grub, expertly crafted and impeccably presented, The Larder could be equally at home in the heart of London, Melbourne, New York or any major metropolis the world over. And yet here it is, tucked away in an unassuming stretch of Samui ring road, far from the throngs of bustling Chaweng without a beach in sight, still creating a very real bustle of its own. So what is the continued recipe for success? Well obviously fine fare, an ever-innovative cocktail selection and good vibes make any restaurant worth its salt. And this place has it all and then some. But The Larder seems to have added one secret ingredient to the formula that sets it above the rest. The personal touch. Their fresh take on foodie faves sit alongside decadently deconstructed cocktails crafted into liquid magic, such as the Gates Head Fiddler (pictured left), a gin based mix with Earl Grey ice cubes, house-made orange and thyme syrup, fresh lime and a pot of smoking Earl Grey tea - or exotic delights such as a Peruvian rum muddle with house fig & vanilla jam and cinnamon.

LUXURY LIVING

Likewise, the food offerings include delicious treats such as the now infamous soft-yolk Scotch Egg - or the “Belly Legal” (left), a slab of slow cooked pork belly with sweet potato purée, candied pecans and pickled shallots. The diverse fare ranges from fresh tuna tacos to beef short rib swiss cheese sandwiches, plus other rustic delights such as the epic Ploughman’s Picnic (above) and many many more, all rolled into one incredibly edible (and witty) menu. The likely lads behind the concept and execution of The Larder - Chef Martin Selby and F&Beardo Damian Ahern are two young Brits with a creative vision and a passion for their craft. Taking time out from their busy hangovers, they made a rare leap of faith from the comforts of 5-star careers to become respected restauranteurs, bonafide business owners and with The Larder something of a Samui staple, have seemingly never looked back. w: www.thelardersamui.com e: hungry@thelardersamui.com t: +66 (0) 77 601 259

LUXURY LIVING

www.facebook.com/roostkohsamui

craft beers | craftier ciders

#FFFFFF #B2B2B2

THE ART OF THE BREW

CRAFT BEER AND CRAFTIER CIDER COMES HOME TO ROOST ON KOH SAMUI

If you make your way through the throngs of bars across Koh Samui, there’s one thing you won’t fail to notice... They’re all very much the same. Sure, you may have your favourite dive with the fluorescant tropical interior and the cute barmaids or that one special little rock bar that lets you play your own tunes all night long. But if you’re looking for something to drink other than the standard list of local beers and obvious exports then you’ll be hard pressed to find anything - or anywhere that isn’t wildly overpriced or attached to a 5-star resort - or both. And if you’re a person of particular tastes who prefers the subtlety of craft ales and artisanal ciders, then put down that San Miguel Light and welcome to Roost.

A somewhat genius idea by a young Samui entrepreneur, Roost is the brainchild of 22 year old graphic deisgner Sarinthorn Muangprom - AKA Nam. After spending the last few years living and working in Bangkok, Nam has taken the metropolitan vibe of a slick city bar and brought it home to a quiet street in Chaweng as a standalone outfit, specialising in a sumptuous selection of craft ales from BrewDog and more, along with mouthwatering premium ciders from Brothers. Tuck into a toffee-apple, cloudy lemon or strawberry cider, or make your way through pale ale, red ale, IPA and stouts and indulge in some decent brews. So beer lovers, bin that bog-standard booze and treat your tastebuds to something new - as craft beers on Samui have now come home to Roost.

LUXURY LIVING

over INDULGE

WHEN LUXURY LIVING KNOWS NO LIMITS

FOR SALE

PLAYBoY

words by Jeremy Briggs

Location:

10236 Charing Cross Rd

Almost Beverly Hills Los Angeles California

Price:

$200,000,000 $97,909 p/m2

MANSIoN ™

WHEN WAS THE LAST TIME YOU WENT TO A PARTY AT THE PLAYBOY MANSION? Never wasn’t it. Really now, admit you’ve never been. You’ve always been intrigued, and if the invite popped through your door tomorrow morning you’d RSVP toute-suite! Well, no-one likes to be the bearer of bad news, but the invite through the door, that ain’t happening so, if you’ve got your heart set on getting to third base with Miss March in the Playboy grotto then we at Luxury Living might just have the Golden Ticket you’ve been dreaming of! This once-in-a-lifetime offer will guarantee you VIP entry to not only the next Playboy party, but every subsequent Romanesque orgiastic hedonistic Hugh Hefner bash going on until the old man finally pops his clogs from a Viagra induced coronary… we all know that’s how he’s going out, come on!

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Property Details: • • • • • • • • •

2042.7m2 living space Gothic Tudor style 5.3 acre plot, 22 rooms wine cellar, dungeon, game house, waterfall, famous grotto (grotty) zoo/aviary x3 (plus pet cemetary) built in pipe organ ingrained musty smell

So the eternal invite you say, how do you get it you ask? Well alright then, there are a couple of teeny-tiny catches, but where there’s a will there’s a way right? Catch numero uno is that you’re actually going to have to live with Hef – again until such a time as his shriveled heart explodes from his strict diet of pipe-smoking and erection enhancers, but this is probably less of an issue than the second catch. You’re going to need $200 mil, and you have to spend all of it on the incredibly over-priced, I mean offer of a lifetime, Playboy Mansion – yes – it could be yours for just $200 mil. That’s only $200 million. Well I guess that does sound a bit like RATHER A LOT! So let’s break it down a bit and see what key features this princely (princely not pricey!) property can boast; First of all there’s Hef, he must have a few stories up his smoking jacket sleeve. So that’s a bonus. Maybe if, god forbid, tales of his own bedroom prowess ever grow wearisome he can regale you with anecdotes about how he made a handful of busty lovelies the most drooled over dollies of three decades, without dwelling too much on the population of mid-west farm girls returning to their tractors through broken dreams and no doubt broken promises. After that there’s the grotto – famous for all sorts of frivolous hanky panky which will be included as a guarantee in the contract if you have any sense whatsoever… Then there’s the zoo license, the private forest and the actual estimated value of the property as it stands - (minus memories of the world's most leathery lothario) which is probably no more than a measly $35 mil - to remember at all times…

Features:

Gothic Tudor style architecture almost as old as The Hef himself Musty, smut-stained furniture almost as filthy as The Hef himself.

LUXURY LIVING

aURAL PLEASURE SIMOn SOLO & JAYemmcee THROWBACK SLOWJAMZ MINISTRY OF SOUND With so many decent artists contributing to this compilation, you’d imagine it would be hard to fail. And Ministy Of Sound seemingly gave it their best shot. Yet truthfully, i’ve never known such a yawn fest. With the exception of Biggy Smalls, Nelly & Kelly Rowland and Brandy & Monica, skip the first 40 odd tracks, please. How difficult was it to mess this one up? This sacred genre has such a wealth of sumptuous material in its back catalogue you can create 10 panty dropping baby-making compilations with more than enough music to spare. The run in does bring out some quality with Randy Crawford, Joyce Sims & Al Green, but by the time you’re that deep in, the album probably turned a gun on yourself. Stay well clear of this pile of tat and just stick Marvin Gaye on repeat. 1/5 SS

STRAIGHT OUTTA COMPTON

SOUNDTRACK NWA / VARIOUS

If you were anywhere near the sound of the streets in the late 1980’s then NWA’s debut album may well have changed your life. Being the album solely responsible for the birth of gangsta rap, the combination of Ice Cube’s explosive lyrics, Eazy-E’s jarring tones and Dr Dre’s almost prescient production skills, Straight Outta Compton transcended mere music to become a voice of youth, a socio-policital statement and an undeniable legend in the annals of rap, hip hop and urban culture in general. So when the boipic of this hard-hitting “boys-from-the-hood” story was announced, expectations were high. The movie delivered everything it needed to and the soundtrack went hand in hand. Featuring all the classic NWA jams plus a few sneaky Ice Cube solos, the soundtrack also indulged in some important influences such as the P-Funk sound of Parliament and Funkadelic, along with summertime soul hits from Roy Ayers. Ultimately the soundtrack couldn’t lose - and as such, won big. 4.5/5 JMc

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BIG BLACK COAT JUNIOR BOYS In the five-year gap between 2011’s It’s All True and the long awaited Big Black Coat, Canadian electronic duo Jeremy Greenspan and Matt Didemus pursued solo endeavors, taking time away to regroup and redefine the unmistakably sexy late night sound of Junior Boys. Departing from their previous introspective blend of synthpop and R&B, Big Black Coat delivers a combination of harder, accented electronics reminiscent of early Detroit techno curiously mixed with underground house, disco and 80’s electro bedroom-pop to to bring a new sound that is still remarkably familiar. And as their most liberating release in a decade, who’s to argue? Pulsating basslines accented by Greenspan’s sultry falsetto woven into infectious arpeggios are all the ingredients that fuel a Junior Boys addiction. With tracks like the epic “What You Won’t Do for Love,” delving boldly into techno, alongside comedown classics such as “And It’s Forver” this marks a return to form through personal progression that perfectly satisfies eagerly awaited ears. 4/5 JMc

Leftfield ignited the senses of the jilted generation with this explosive and inspirational 1995 release. Queue the clichés; “pioneers”, “timeless,” “ground breaking” etc. This is all of them. The opening track reminds me of those Orb/Orbital moments of ambience when out of nowhere the drums kick, dub drums. The flavour remains the same throughout the album, long breakdowns of blissful ambience pepped up with ragga breakbeats through to pulsating techno. You are given plenty of time to catch your breath with excellent tracks such as ‘Melt’ and ‘Original’ - and that’s the genius of this album, it plays like a live set. No sooner you are blissed out, than you are being torn apart again by huge beats. ‘Release The Pressure’ epitomises this. Aging well is an indication of just how good this album is. I’m still using Space Shanty in my DJ sets 20 years later and it still sounds as fresh as ever. Quite Brillant. 5/5 SS

Arriving in Southeast Asia over fifteen years ago, Simon of Koh Samui Events has since held many residencies in Thailand including a 5 year stint at the Full Moon Party. You can catch Simon Solo in one of his many residencies on Koh Samui, whether busting out banging house at Bar Solo or playing poolside vocal house and soul jams at Beach Republic.

simon solo

FLASHBACK

LEFTISM LEFTFIELD

www.kohsamuievents.com

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LUXURY LIVING

AQUA SAMUI 2 BEDROOM DELUXE VILLA REF. ID: AQUA-006 Location: Chaweng Price: (per night) $300 to $550 Property Details: Living space 180 m2, 1 master room 1 room - sofa bed, 2 bathrooms Features: • Designed by award-winning architect Gary Fell • Stunning panoramic sea views • Large open-form layout • Private infinity swimming pool • Smart home system automation • Secluded terrace

LUXURY BEACHFRONT BAAN PARADISE REF. ID: VPR001 Location: Lamai Price: (per night) $1460 to $2930 Property Details: 5 bedrooms 5 bathrooms Features: • Direct beach access • Private swimming pool with Jacuzzi • Outside dining and bar • Home theatre • Pool table • Smart home system control • Fully equipped modern kitchen

Telephone: +66 (0) 77 952 288 l E-mail: office@luxurylivingsamui.com l Website: www.luxurylivingsamui.com

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LITTLE BLACK BOOK

OCEAN’S RESORT 4 BEDROOM OCEAN VILLA WITH STUNNING SEA VIEW REF. ID: Location: Laem Set Beach Price: $406 (per night) / $6725 (per month) Property Details: Living space - 200 m2 4 bedrooms, 5 bathrooms Features: • Stunning sea view • Private Swimming pool • Fully furnished • Fully equipped western kitchen • Beach access

STUNNING 3 BEDROOM SEA VILLA REF. ID: DR-9 Location: Bangrak Price: $280 (per night) / $3900 (per month) Property Details: 3 bedrooms 3 bathrooms Features: • Gorgeous sea vistas • Private infinity pool • Private lush garden • Spacious outdoor dining area • Well-appointed high end kitchen

Telephone: +66 (0) 77 952 288 l E-mail: office@luxurylivingsamui.com l Website: www.luxurylivingsamui.com

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AMAZING 3 BEDROOM VILLA 50m FROM THE BEACH REF. ID: PPR-47 Location: Bangrak Price: THB 28,000,000 Property Details: Living space 280 m2 3 bedrooms 3 bathrooms Features: • Private access to the beach • 150 m2 swimming pool • Jacuzzi • Gym • Private garden • Outside lounge zone

AWESOME BEACHFRONT VILLA IN LAMAI REF. ID: SBP-01 Location: Lamai Price: THB 105,000,000 Property Details: Total space 846 m2 5 bedrooms 5 bathrooms Features: • Direct beach access • Private swimming pool with Jacuzzi • Outside dining and bar • Home theatre • Pool table • Smart home system control • Fully equipped modern kitchen

Telephone: +66 (0) 77 952 288 l E-mail: office@luxurylivingsamui.com l Website: www.luxurylivingsamui.com

2 BEDROOM AQUA SAMUI VILLA REF. ID: AS-02 Location: Chaweng Noi Price: THB 13.900,000 Property Details: 2 bedrooms 2 bathrooms Features: • Designed by award-winning architect Gary Fell • Stunning panoramic sea views • Large open-form layout • Private infinity swimming pool • Smart home system automation • Secluded terrace

5 BEDROOM VILLA WITH BREATHTAKING OCEAN VIEWS REF. ID: BVVS-001 Location: Choeng Mon Price: THB 48,000,000 Property Details: 5 bedrooms 6 bathrooms Features: • Private access to the beach • Spectacular sea views • 12 metre long swimming pool • Glass walled lift • Fully-equipped western kitchen • Private green garden • Home Theatre • Outdoor sala • Spacious outdoor terrace

Telephone: +66 (0) 77 952 288 l E-mail: office@luxurylivingsamui.com l Website: www.luxurylivingsamui.com

LUXURY LUXURY LIVING

poweryachttours

THE VACATION OF YOUR DRE AMS IS HERE EXCLUSIVE PRIVATE POWER YACHT TOURS FULL TIME HOSTESS GOURMET LUNCH & REFRESHMENTS (ALCOHOLIC DRINKS INCLUDED)

travelinfo +66 (0) 7 7 952 288 |

PHONE: +66 (0) 9 18 360 360

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M A KE NE W AD

Introducing the final phase at Samujana, Koh Samui fully furnished by Oriental Living

T H E

H O M E

O F

I N S P I R E D

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I N T E R I O R S

Phuket 424 Srisoonthorn Rd. Cherngtalay Tel/Fax: +66 (0) 76 325 419

Samui 9/18 Moo1 Maenam Tel/Fax: +66 (0) 77 247 675

info@oriental-living.net

www.oriental-living.net

LUXURY LIVING

MULTI-AWARD WINNING 2 & 3 Bedroom Luxury Villas For Sale Starting at 10.9m

123/198 Moo1,Bophut, Koh Samui, Suratthani, Thailand 84320 t: +66 (0)77 952 288 m: +66 (0)93 579 4930

e: office@aquasamui.com w: www.aquasamui.com

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THB