India´s First Luxury Heritage Polo Resort 450 Years of History
April/May/June 2022
Nacho Figueras
THE NEW MEN’S FRAGRANCE
OUR PARTNERS
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Lifestyle
CONTENTS Polo Lifestyle Read our interviews with polo personalities, top polo players, news for upcoming polo tournaments and events.
HH Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh (Pacho) of Jaipur
Jewellery & Watches The finer things in life, read our interviews with gemstone experts.
Exciting Travel Destinations Five Start Boutique hotels, exciting retreats for the ultimate getaway, whether you’re looking for sustainable staycations, inspiring city breaks or long-haul escapes.
Interior Design Comfortable Chic Home Decorations, interviews with interior designers and architects.
COVER
Real Estate The best properties on the market, available to buy and rent.
Cover: Mundota Fort & Palace in Jaipur
business@poloandlifestylemagazine.com
Franchise Enter the exciting world of polo and sparkling lifestyle and bring POLO & Lifestyle Magazine to your city/country and start becoming a part of the world of POLO & Lifestyle.
POLO & Lifestyle Magazine is a dynamic and vibrant brand, offering franchise opportunities to qualified companies and individuals from around the world. POLO & Lifestyle Magazine is launching a global development plan to bring the unique atmosphere of POLO and sparkling lifestyle to the world through franchising. POLO & Lifestyle Magazine is looking for the right partners who will grow and build up while benefiting from a genuine business opportunity. Email: business@poloandlifestylemagazine.com
Welcome to this series of POLO & Lifestyle Talks
S
Editor’s Letter pring is here and I’m excited for warmer days.
In this Spring edition we are presenting you the trends, news and products you need to know about now. This edition is full with interesting articles, interviews and stories! We are presenting you the finer things in life. For those who love the king of sport polo and the beautiful lifestyle around it. What’s new on the watch market. Hottest trends in jewellery. Exciting travel destinations written by our contributors around the world. For our art and interior lovers we have a wonderful, inspiring interior design section where you can find ideas and inspiration for your home. Our new Business category will bring you the news and stories every entrepreneur is looking for.
Scarlett Stilling Publisher & Editor-in-Chief
Enjoy this issue and get inspired.
Contributors Vietnam
Elena is a Russian travel blogger and freelance writer born in Asia. Having now been based in Vietnam since 2012, she has taken the opportunity to explore the region's most offbeat destinations - from Tibet and Bhutan to Cambodia and the secluded Maldivian islands. With a career switch that has taken her from nuclear physics to writing about luxury destinations, Elena's niche lies within ecofriendly hotels offering unique design and a good story. She has visited 49 counties so far and still has an extensive bucket list that will keep her going for a long time! Follow her IG @tainteytales for more travel ideas.
India
Subhasish Chakraborty Travel Journalist from India Subhasish has been working as a Travel Journalist for the past two decades and has been editorially involved with numerous international In-Flight magazines of renowned airlines like Cathy Pacific, Dragon Air, Bhutan Airlines, Air Asia, Airport Authority of India etc... He was also involved with the UNWTO (World Tourism Organization) as a Consultant.
Contributors USA
Sara Abbas is a multi-faceted global leader and the founder of a portfolio of brands, encompassing her innovative designer fashion label, a diversity-focused talent agency / experiential marketing hub / consultancy, and a non-profit organization, each focused on solving problems. She serves on the Forbes Council and partners with with several international organizations to help empower others and lead by example. In addition to supporting her businesses, she enjoys contributing to humanity as an author / writer, inventor, singer / songwriter, global ambassador, and luxury brand influencer. She hosts an elite mastermind for other global leaders and is assembling a hub to innovatively serve multiple charitable causes internationally through her non-profit. Follow her on social media (@HerMajestySara on all platforms) to learn more about her other projects, philanthropic endeavors, events, and ways you can be involved.
Scottland
Laura Pearson is a Beauty Editor, Columnist and Skinfluencer that's obsessed with luxury skincare and makeup. She's all about that glow! She is also a luxury travel writer and always has a trip planned. Laura has a chic style and she enjoys sharing all of her product loves, her luxury travel tips, and lifestyle advice on how to live an elevated life. @alifewithfrills on Instagram, Twitter & Pinterest
Follow Us On Instagram @polo_lifestyle_magazine
Ph credit: Rajkumar Singh
POLO & Lifestyle Nacho Figueras HH Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh (Pacho) of Jaipur
Enter the exciting world of polo, the charm and tradition Read our interviews with polo personalities, and everything around Lifestyle
POLO News
Photo credit: Agus Fonda
C.V. Whitney Cup Park Place retained the title The 2022 C.V. Whitney Cup, the first of three 22-goal tournaments in the GAUNTLET OF POLO®, at the International Polo Club Palm Beach (IPC) in Wellington, Florida. Its home since 2003, the C.V. Whitney Cup® will be followed by the USPA Gold Cup® and the U.S. Open Polo Championship®. Polo matches are open to the general public. Photo credit: Alex Pacheco
FINAL: The first leg of the 2022 Gauntlet of Polo® and the C.V. Whitney Cup® concluded on the U.S. Polo Assn. Field 1 at the International Polo Club Palm Beach with Park Place and Scone meeting in a rematch of last year’s final. Behind a dominant second half, Park Place surged into the lead to claim the 14-11 victory and defeat Scone in the final for the second consecutive year. Photo credit: Agus Fonda
Photo credit: Alex Pacheco
Photo credit: Agus Fonda
A match-up between the tournament’s best offense in Park Place and the best defense in Scone, it was the determined attack of the defending champions which proved to be the difference in the second half. Shooting 53% on 17 shot attempts, Park Place won the battle in open play, while matching Scone’s five penalty goals. Hilario Ulloa was exceptional for Park Place, converting all three of his Penalty 4 attempts to finish with a game-high eight goals, while Britos contributed four goals as the other half of the formidable duo. Holding the father-son duo of Adolfo and Poroto Cambiaso scoreless over the final five chukkers, Park Place outscored Scone 9-3 in the second half to retain possession of the C.V. Whitney Cup®.
Beverly Polo
POLO News
rallied in the final chukker to win the Top Pony 12-Goal Tournament Saturday at
Grand Champions Polo Club. Beverly Polo (Wil Ballhaus, -1, Hilario Figueras, 5, Keko Magrini, 3, Lucio Ocampo, 5) knocked off Quite on Z (Alecia Seidler, -1, Leon Schwencke, 3, Felipe Vercellino, 7, Jose Meirelles, 3), 10-8. Beverly Polo has made several appearances in 12-goal tournament finals since playing at Grand Champions, but the only other 12-goal tournament the team has won was the Top Pony 12-Goal in 2019 with Bill Ballhaus and Tolito Ocampo.
2022 Top Pony 12 Goal winners Hilario Figueras, Wil Ballhaus, Keko Magrini, and Lucio Ocampo
"I am very happy for my team," Ocampo said. „We never gave up and supported each other."
Lucio Ocampo, 24, competing in only his second season in Wellington and Tolito's younger brother, was named Most Valuable Player after scoring five goals, including two in the sixth chukker, and playing well defensively. It was Ocampo's first 12goal title of the season. Mele, played by Figueras in the sixth chukker and bred at his father Nacho Figueras' Cria Yatay breeding farm in Argentina, was Best Playing Pony. Because of injuries and scheduling conflicts, it was the first time Beverly Polo's players competed together in the tournament.
"That was really a fun game and great comeback," said Beverly Polo patron Bill Ballhaus.
I'm really „excited for the guys, for the team and for my son. What I was really proud of is the way they stuck together, the positive energy and team „ chemistry. That's really what enabled them to stay in the game and find a way to come back."
Text by Sharon Robb Photos by Candace Ferreira
Best Playing Pony Mele played by Hilario Figueras
India’s first Luxury Heritage Polo Resort
450 Years of History We spoke to Vikram Rathore founder of India’s only Polo Resort and Polo Ambassador to FIP Tell us about Mundota Fort & Palace in Jaipur and how everything started?
It is an ancestral property that has been inherited by us from our forefathers. The Fort is about 550 years old and the palace is about 450 years old. We are custodians of the family legacy that our ancestors built and left for us to take care of and enjoy. Both the Fort and Palace were in a dilapídated state when we started the renovation work in 2009. The Palace restoration took about seven years and we hosted our first group of guests in 2016. It took a bit longer as we wanted to use the ancient traditional heritage techniques and processes of construction in order to maintain and enhance the rajput architecture that the Palace has. The restoration of the fort was a tedious process that took almost ten years to renovate. We are happy with the end product which is very close to what we had envisaged and dreamt of. mundotapalace.com
Mundota Fort & Palace you have a polo ground with 80 stAtables, are you hosting matches at your place? And can everyone come and visit
Yes, our polo facility is open throughout the year. We host polo matches for guests and patrons at our grounds. We also impart polo coaching through qualified polo coaches and through our resident professional player who is based at the property. Guests are advised to prebook with us through our polo concierge to ensure optimum delivery and experience. Our place is popular with guests from USA & Europe who come down for coaching, training and practise, exhibition games and Tournaments, we curate polo programmes to suit the needs of the discerning traveller who wants a dash of Incredible India with a memorable polo holiday in India. Did you always wanted to have your own polo team?
The idea of having our own team was always there for a long time – it took concrete shape after detailed discussions with like minded friends and patrons who believed in the cause that polo is our heritage and something that our ancestors invented, preserved and promoted for us to nurture, popularise and enjoy. We have been fortunate to have the support from our sponsors who have stood by us in our endeavor.
Polo is also a big part in your life, you have your own polo team. How did you get started in polo?
Well, I used to ride when I was a child as my Grandfather was a keen horseman and we had a string of Marwari horses at our place that were used for hacks and pleasure rides. I then joined the Indian Army and got hooked to polo at the National Defence Academy where I started playing way back in 1983. I was fortunate to be able to travel across the globe to play for the Indian Army and various other teams from India. The Late Maharaja of Jaipur – His Late Highness Brig Maharaja Sawai Bhawani Singh, MVC of Jaipur was very kind to me and I was privileged to run the polo at Jaipur under him for more than a decade from the time I left the Army in the late 90s, His Late Highness was keen to bring Jaipur back on the World polo map and that inspired us to promote and popularise polo and owning a polo team was a natural part of that journey.
With your polo team Vimal Arion Achievers you won the Carysil Jaipur Open 2022 which was a great finish to the season, how did you feel about this achievement with your polo team?
Yes, we were fortunate to win the Jaipur Open earlier this year with our team Vimal Arion Achievers. The tournament had some very good teams with leading International Players like Flaco Grossi (+7), Tomas Fernandes Llorente (+8), Manolo Llorente (+6) besides many others. Our team comprising of Juan Cruz Losada (+6), Chris Mackenzie (+6), Ashok Chandna (+0) – the Sports minister of Rajasthan and HH Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh (Pacho) of Jaipur (+4) played out of their skin in a nail biting final aganist the Sona team to come out victorious. It was a special moment for me as the Jaipur Open is played for the HH Maharaja Sawai Bhawani Singh trophy – someone whom I looked up to.
Polo Team Vimal Arion Achievers The Polo team Vimal Arion Achievers won the Carysil Jaipur Open 2022
’LIVE LIFE IN THE PRESENT MOMENT.’ -Vikram Rathore
HH Padmanabh Singh is also part in your polo team and the captain, how and when did he started to be part in your team?
HH Maharaja Sawai Padmanabh Singh (Pacho) of Jaipur started his polo journey with us when he was in school at Mayo College, Ajmer. He had been following our team and when he was a young student of Class 10, he approached me and shared his desire to play on our team. His Grandfather was someone who had a great influence on me during my polo journey and he had helped and guided me a great deal and it was my chance to reciprocate in equal measure and we welcomed Pacho with open hands into our team as a minus 2 handicap player and there was no looking back. Due to his sheer talent, dedication, hard work and passion he is now a four goal player who is the Captain of our team and amongst the leading players of the country.
What do you enjoy about polo ?
Polo for me is a way of life – it helps me rejuvenate, relax and maintain a healthy lifestyle besides making friends across the globe.
Miami
THE FENDI Caffe Pop-Up Returns To Miami Design District The new Fendi Caffe is the perfect place to grab a luxurious bite to eat and experience Fendi’s Spring/Summer 2022 collection come to life. Visit the Fendi Caffe at OTL through May 1st. The Fendi caffe takes inspiration from the Fendi Spring/Summer collection and artwork from legendary fashion illustrator Antonio Lopez, transforming the space with a playful 70’s aesthetic. Visit and enjoy a fusion of local and italian favorites against a backdrop of FF prints and colorful graphics.
Lifestyle News
HOURS Monday - Saturday 9AM - 8PM Sunday 9AM - 6PM
ADDRESS 160 NE 40th St. Miami, FL 33137
The Fendi Caffe will be open from March 17 through May 1
www.otlmia.com
FASHION
fashion brands, the latest looks, accessories and must-haves
CHANEL ILLUSTRATION BY REMEMBERS/COURTESY OF CHANEL
to Hold Repeat Métiers d’Art Show in Florence
An illustration for Chanel’s repeat Métiers d’Art show in Florence.
The French fashion house is taking the collection on the road for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic broke out. Chanel is taking its Métiers d’Art collection on the road for the first time since the coronavirus pandemic broke out. The line, which was originally unveiled on Dec. 7 at the French fashion house’s new center for specialty workshops on the outskirts of Paris, will be showcased with a repeat show in Florence on June 7. “Artistic craftsmanship is anchored in the history of Florence, rich with a cultural heritage and ancestral savoir-faire, still very much alive today,” the brand said in a statement on Tuesday. Chanel last showed its Métiers d’Art collection in Italy in 2015, when it staged a display at the famed Cinecittà film studio in Rome. Chanel’s manufacturing facilities are split between France and Italy, where it has acquired suppliers such as tannery Samanta and yarn-maker Vimar.
Traditionally a traveling show that has alighted in destinations including Shanghai, Rome, Edinburgh, Salzburg and Dallas, the Métiers d’Art display was held in Paris in December 2019 in the wake of the death of Chanel’s longtime creative director Karl Lagerfeld. Faced with the restrictions of the COVID-19 outbreak, his successor Virginie Viard chose to film the collection at the Château de Chenonceau in the Loire Valley the following year in front of a single VIP guest: Kristen Stewart. Unlike some of its competitors, Chanel did not stage any major events outside of its domestic market between the start of the pandemic in March 2020 and November 2021, when it headed to Dubai for a repeat presentation of its cruise 2022 collection.
chanel.com
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GUCCI Jackie 1961 small webbing-trimmed coated-canvas and leather shoulder bag.
MELISSA ODABASH Sanremo printed swimsuit
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AQUAZZURA Tequila 105 crystal-embellished suede sandals. Aquazzura's 'Tequila' sandals have been updated in supple 'Jasmine Green' suede - make them a striking addition to your shoe collection.
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VALENTINO Asymmetrisches Oversized-Kleid aus Seiden-Crêpe. The 'Eclectic Pink' hue of Valentino's midi dress will immediately turn heads. Made from silk-crepe that drapes softly over your figure, it has graceful batwing sleeves and a floaty handkerchief hem.
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Valentino Garavani Rockstud No Limit Nappa flat sandal.
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Valentino Garavani ONE STUD micro bag with chain in Lambskin Nappa. Front closure decorated with a maxi stud. The micro bag can be worn as a crossbody/shoulder bag thanks to the sliding chain.
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DIOR Spring-summer 2022 ready-to-wear collection imagined by Maria Grazia Chiuri instills a new way to play with fashion. An ode to freedom and light-hearted selfconfidence.
DIOR CHEZ MOI SLIDE Bright Pink Cotton Embroidery and White Shearling
LARGE DIOR BOOK TOTE Multicolor Toile de Jouy Zoom Pop Embroidery
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THE EDITOR’s favorite Products
DIOR most amazing natural Powder
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Results after only 14 days Shop The Powder Shop Now Dior Forever Natural Bronze bronzer in shade 5 Warme Bronze which is suitable for medium and gold skin tones. It’s now available at multiple retailers, comes with a refillable compact and contains botanical extracts. Overall, I love the undertone of this bronzer and I think it’s one of the most natural in my collection.
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THE EDITOR’s favorite Products
Relaxed yet sophisticated Brown and ivory white virgin wool, silk and linen Plume jacket by Brioni
Shop Now Black linen shirt with foliage print by Brioni
These refined suede loafers by Brunello Cucinelli have a traditional penny slot across the vamp.
Relaxed yet sophisticated, your new summer staple to have in your wardrobe. Made from beautifully textured linen with naturally cooling properties. This is the perfect shirt for the warm season.
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Brown virgin wool, mohair and silk Tigullio trousers by Brioni
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Designed to be layered, the brand’s Spring 2022 Collection is filled with staple apparel items including denims, plaids, and nautical stripes that create classic and casual looks. Pairing these nautical staples with the natural and neutral color palette within the brand’s authentic collection can carry any wardrobe from a beach lunch to the office, then to happy hour. Nantucket Whaler consistently showcases its ability to blend an active lifestyle with fashion forward style by incorporating comfort and flexibility into modern apparel. This, and every season, Nantucket Whaler style translates the grit, strength, and endurance of those early nautical explorers on Nantucket Island into well-crafted clothes for modern consumers who embody those same core values.
A
lifestyle brand inspired by exploration and
island history dating back to 1837, has launched its Spring 2022 Collection filled with sun-washed colors, classic neutrals, and product versatility. Looking to the style of generations built around a nautical lifestyle, designs from Nantucket Whaler’s Spring Collection stay true to the authentic connection of Nantucket Island. The brand’s boutique-style apparel merge fashion and function while offering modern looks with a genuine nautical feel to enhance any wardrobe this upcoming season. This seasonal collection contains fabrics that are carefully garment dyed with signature brand colors, creating a lived-in vintage yet modern look. You’ll find technical details like stretch- woven fabrics that create authentic and rugged looks made with outstanding lightweight materials for a trimmer fit. Durable staples of the Nantucket-island inspired brand include the unique waxed-fabric Whale Watcher Jacket for weather resistance that is stylish, comfortable, and built for rain or shine.
Explore Nantucket Whaler’s Spring 2022 Collection online only at www.nantucketwhaler.com
Photocredit: Garrard
JEWELLERY & WATCHES
Keeping time on the world of fine jewellery and luxury watches, from interviews to the most wanted exclusive timepieces and jewellery
The New Mon Jeu by Vhernier Revolutionizes its Traditional Concept
Its pure and essential design and its different possible material combinations make the Mon Jeu a jewel that’s emblematic of creative freedom and non-conformism, a piece that’s beyond gender and beyond conventions.
The modularity of the Mon Jeu results in its unique beauty, with its succession of elements that are equal, yet different: a titanium link that alternates with the most beautiful precious materials, crafted exclusively in Italy with the hands of the most experienced craftsmen.
vhernier.com
A modular and infinitely customizable chain. Ideal for these ever changing times. Fiercely disconnected from conventions and genres. Mon Jeu revisits a classic piece in jewelry design with the unmistakable Vhernier style.
THE MOST FABULOUS JEWELS & WATCHES IN THE WORLD
Zahira Fine Jewellery Aquamarine is the birthstone of March. It gets its name from the Latin ‘aqua marina’ which means ‘sea water’. With its beautiful blue color, this gemstone is a favorite of jewelers around the world.
BULGARI More recently, in 2020, Bulgari pursued its feats in the field of horological thinness with a sixth consecutive world record achieved by the Octo Finissimo Tourbillon Chronograph Skeleton Automatic. Its selfwinding skeleton movement with a monopusher chronograph and tourbillon functions is housed within a thickness of only 3.5 mm. www.bulgari.com
Richard Mille The RM 07-01 Automatic in black ceramic and red gold is the privileged witness of the incredible talent of Jessica Von Bredow Werndl. Being part of the Richard Mille family, she says, also proved a great source of inspiration. richardmille.com Photo: Mathieu Cesar
Fawaz Gruosio 30 oval-cut rubies form the eye-catching centre of each earring, surrounded by brilliant-cut pink sapphires. Rose gold and purple titanium compose the rest of the grandiose yet lightweight jewel. fawazgruosi.com
Photo: Charles Elie
A new collection wearable for every situation and event Especially on the BEACH A Beach design necklace set with brilliant cut diamonds in platinum. The total weight of the main diamonds is 3.56 carats. boodles.com
INTERIOR DESIGN
Comfortable, Chic Home Decorations and Interiors Inspiration
Metaphores
Metaphores - Moonlight - Paravent Fever 4 - Ph. Gaelle Le Boulicaut.
Moonlight, the new collection by Métaphores - French brand belonging to Hermès textile division - transports us into the world of the night, full of mystery and magic, fun, glamour, and sensuality. Inspiration is drawn from diverse sources: certain textiles refer to the carefree, dazzling days of disco, while others are redolent of the muted, mesmerizing ambiance of the films of Wong Kar Wai. At times, there is a spirit of intrigue and elegance, at others one of exuberance and eccentricity. Iridescent effects come by way of metallic fibers that sparkle and shimmer in the light. Colors are deep, distinctive, and daring. The sensuality of nocturnal life is echoed in the sumptuously tactile and voluptuous nature of the fabrics. Many display a remarkable softness and fluidity, a richness and luxuriance to their composition. www.metaphores.com
FRESCO the new Outdoor Collection
Matteo Thun and Benedetto Fasciana for GLOSTER
FRESCO picks up on the spirit of the 1960s - the timelessness, the ease and elegance of terraces in Rome, Aspen, the Riviera and Malibu at that time. The light, almost floating seat element on the white, waterproof and powder-coated aluminum structure looks like a shell and results in an organic, ergonomic shape. The innovative, specially developed wheat coloured fibre is soft as a natural texture but suitable for outdoor use and forms a cord woven delicate composition. Together they shape the sophisticated, light style of the collection consisting of dining and lounge chair, table and coffee table.
POLO & Lifestyle FINEST ART
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POLO & Lifestyle FINEST ART
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STYLE YOUR HOME Discover a world of exclusive interiors and remarkable handmade furniture pieces.
Dior Maison presents the Miss Dior Cannage collection, designed by Cordelia de Castellane.
Glasses with hand-engraved Cannage motif.
dior.com
The line features a brand-new octagonal shape developed for Dior Maison in tribute to Mr. Dior’s lucky number 8. Enhanced by the iconic intaglioengraved Cannage motif, the dinner plate has an architectural style dear to the founding couturier.
Assouline offers a wide range of Books & Gifts Assouline creates the highest quality, luxurious book-objects in fashion, design, travel and lifestyle. assouline.com
An African Penthouse created by Studio Joana Aranha The apartment is set by the sea amongst the natural beauty of Angol and takes inspiration from its beautiful surroundings and the animals that call it home. A unique space, covering 500m² over two floors, that has an open plan entertaining and dining space that flows flawlessly into the apartment's exterior. Outside you will find a pool and balconies that surround the apartment, giving a breath-taking view. The eclectic modern style of home incorporates many local touches, from pure white linen to ancient African cloths and even to fish skin. Native animals are all incorporated, especially the cheetah, which reminds us of the apartment's extraordinary location. Photos in this article credit: Ana Paula Carvalho
In this penthouse one feels the luxury in the details, in the choice of raw materials, in the selection of textures. The color shades translate the toasted sun of the end of the day, has it descends upon the waters. That natural filter offers a feeling of living a dream. The entire house is confluence of natural richness. The colors offered by the earth, the fruits, the gold, the petroleum color that paints the doors and of course the jungle animals, that we can almost listen.
It is on the waving between tradition and modernity, that the whites mix with the earth’s tones. The golds lean on the animal patterns or the lacquers allow themselves to be enveloped by the velvets. And, without us waiting, it is the artwork of artist Pedro Calapez, with twenty elements, that recalls a flow of memories.
The cheetah, out of scale, is a revisitation of the savannah, contrasting its speed with the calmness lived in this room. The areas of the house are true discoveries, surprises hidden in thought out details, as the 18th century chair dressed with the cloths of ancient indigenous garments. A journey through the natural wealth that inhabits all the continent and brings to mind that we are in Africa.
joanaaranha.com
TRAVEL
Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai
Exciting travel destinations, luxury five star Boutique hotels, romantic getaways as well as city guides and staycations.
A Postcard from Vietnam Four Seasons Resort The Nam Hai A Vietnamese outpost of the prestigious Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, The Nam Hai is an all-villa sanctuary stretched along a half mile of pristine private beach. Built with Feng Shui in mind and shaded by 4,500 gently swaying coconut palms, it fuses the charms of coastal life with world-class amenities and unsurpassed service offering a balanced environment for a serene luxury getaway. Showcasing an award-winning design of Parisbased Reda Amalou, The Nam Hai’s vernacular architecture pays a contemporary tribute to the historical legacy of Central Vietnam. The elegantly subdued lobby, filled with intricate details and framed by an endless panorama of the East Sea, creates an unmatched sense of arrival while the resort’s top-notch hospitality team delivers unique experiences that are immersive and meaningful.
Spread out over 35 hectares of dense tropical foliage, The Nam Hai is home to 100 beachfront villas reinterpreting the style of old garden houses typically found in Hue. Step into a world of ancient and modern history in your private abode with a heated pool, lavish outdoor living space, separate dining pavilion and private butler service. Brightened up with vibrant upholstery, each villa is graced with a dreamy four poster bed and an indulgent eggshell lacquer bath. Cascading in tiers down towards the seafront, three infinity pools provide a truly stunning resort centrepiece where you can relax in a synchronized harmony with the surroundings. The heated uppermost pool is perfect for families while the two "adults only" pools provide an ambient setting for uninterrupted swimming, holiday reading and poolside cocktails.
A carefully curated collection of exquisite dining experiences created by The Nam Hai’s team of artisan chefs is just as remarkable as the setting itself. Wining and dining comes courtesy of two onsite restaurants with a rotating schedule of themed gastronomic delights. Overlooking the resort’s main pool and a vista of native greenery, the casually elegant Cafe Nam Hai plays on an open kitchen concept that promises an engaging multisensory adventure from dawn till dusk. A peaceful morning scene you picture for your dream vacation starts right there with a delicious spread of Vietnamese and international dishes ranging from fragrant Hoi An style cao lau noodles to Belgian waffles and altogether healthier plant-based fare. Evenings transform Cafe Nam Hai into a fine dining venue with elaborate signature culinary offerings such as Wagyu beef tomahawk grilled on a Himalayan red rock stone and tender lamb shank braised in a spicy vindaloo sauce.
Emphasising fresh produce and seasonal specialties, the breezy La Sen showcases the beauty and vibrance of local cuisine. Treat yourself to Nha Trang lobster garnished with ginger and lemongrass from the resort’s herbal garden or try a contemporary interpretation of classic Vietnamese rolls and wraps. Decked out with dark wood and illuminated by lanterns and a grand chandelier, The Nam Hai’s signature drinking establishment, aptly named The Bar, is a perfect example of barefoot luxury. Taking inspiration from the eclectic Vietnamese culture, the bold cocktail menu is shaking up the traditional codes of mixology by blurring the lines between food and drink. If you are feeling adventurous, try the daring Banh Mi cocktail, a liquid homage to Vietnam’s beloved baguette sandwich based on chargrilled pork-fat washed vodka and ignited with Hoi An chilly jam or awake your senses with an aromatic Pho cocktail inspired by the famed beef noodle soup. The striking Buom Buom concoction, which resembles the vivacious appearance of a richly coloured butterfly, is no less tantalising. For those who are looking for something more familiar, but still exciting, The Bar also boasts a curated range of lovingly tweaked classics, fun tiki flavours and craft beers. The more casual Beach Bar, located mere steps away from the pool area, is an invitation to unwind into tropical bliss. As the day gives way to evening, sink your toes deep into the golden sand, toast the final rays of light and enjoy the paintings of the sky that come alive every evening at sunset.
The most enjoyable dining experiences though, can be found at The Nam Hai’s Cooking Academy. Explore the heart of local cuisine through a hands-on gastronomic journey across Vietnam with a week-long cooking course hosted by resident Chef Hien. You will no longer be a stranger to the exotic flavours and colours of the intricate imperial cuisine of Hue, humble Hoi An street food or hearty Ha Noi dishes, seasoned with age-old traditions and spiced up with fascinating culinary myths.
From taking immersive trips to neighbouring fishing villages and rice paddies to gaining insight into the 43 seasonal varieties grown in the resort’s organic farm, every day at the academy highlights a different aspect of the Vietnamese way of life and its diverse cooking traditions.
Set amongst meditative scenery, The Heart of the Earth Spa is a serene tribute to Vietnamese Zen master Thich Nhat Hanh whose Buddhist philosophy gently threads through the entire resort. Its carefully calibrated wellness program is a bespoke collection of spiritual practices designed to unite body, mind and spirit. Dotted with lotus blossoms, a visually arresting spa lagoon is flanked by eight stunning treatment pavilions, each with an indoor-outdoor relaxation deck where the deep soak bathtub faces a cushioned daybed built for two. Throughout the year, The Nam Hai draws an international roster of holistic health experts and wellbeing practitioners. Alongside the in-house team of therapists, they help to further explore your spiritual needs through a bespoke range of Eastern and Western healing techniques like sixth sense readings, chakra balancing, aura-soma colour therapy, lomi lomi or reiki. Let your cares melt away as you sink into the luxurious bliss of Nam Hai Earth Song, a signature ritual designed to awake all your senses and release trapped emotions. Every treatment at the spa is elevated with full octave alchemy singing bowls that bathe the senses in healing vibrations and align your internal rhythm to the song of the Earth. To complete the integrated experience, join a daily lineup of meditation and sound therapy, define gravity with aerial yoga or take part in a unique "Goodnight Kiss to the Earth" ceremony deeply rooted in native traditions. From exhilarating water sports to engaging master classes with resident artisans, The Nam Hai’s rotating program of complementary activities ensures that there is never a dull moment for guests who are seeking to enrich their stay with unforgettable memories. Should you wish to venture out and discover a destination lauded for its natural beauty and rich cultural heritage, the resort is perfectly positioned to explore picturesque town of Hoi An, imperial Hue City and the ancient Hindu complex of My Son. Written by our contributor Elena Taintey, a Russian luxury traveler based in Asia. For more stories visit her IG @tainteytales
Since the inception of The Nam Hai, cultivating a reciprocal relationship with indigenous ecosystems and cultures has been at the heart of its ethos. Once a fishing village, with a historic temple preserved on its premises, the resort transcends the typical holiday experience by fostering a genuine connection with the nearby communities. With 98 percent of staff hailing from the local workforce, The Nam Hai not only provides meaningful employment but also a chance to promote Vietnamese culture in an empowering, pleasant and authentic way. The resort’s own solar power system and plastic-free policies, reinforced by the onsite water bottling plant, create a splendid eco-friendly setting for an unforgettable beach getaway. Proving that luxury and sustainability are synonymous concepts, Four Seasons The Nam Hai is the kind of place you see on postcards stating, "wish you were here!"
Explore Scotland’s Stunning Ancestral Estates Scotland is full of magnificent country estates, where a palatial family home, or ‘seat’ sits within huge landed estates. They started appearing in Scotland after the sixteenth century, as homes for local nobility and lairds. There’s dramatic landscapes, beautifully-designed gardens and an impressive home in every one of them. Two estates that we’ve explored and stayed in recently are the perfect locations for a rural Scottish stay full of real luxury. They are the most beautiful backdrop for incredible photos to remember your trip; with aesthetics and menus that really celebrate Scotland and the local area.
Murrayshall – Perth Here, Murrayshall House has been transformed into a luxurious hotel retreat with fantastic golf and dining options on the estate. The incredible building was built in 1664, and originally owned by Sir Andrew Murray (son of the First Lord Balvaird and brother of David Murray, the Second Lord of Balvaird and Fourth Viscount of Stormont). His family became known as the GrahamMurrays and they stayed in the house for 260 years. The hotel now, has many nods to Lord Lynedoch (also known as Thomas Graham) – the gold course, brasserie and many of the hotel rooms are named after this war hero and most famous member of the Graham-Murray family. Murrayshall really celebrates its aristocratic roots and the rich landscape and heritage of the country of Scotland, and it allows you to discover it too. From enjoying the view as you play golf on the 18-hole championship course or exploring the estate on foot with one of the hotel’s walking trail maps, to enjoying the rich produce of Scotland’s larder in their brasserie. It really is a retreat, and a place to escape the stresses of life outside the estate. Dining at the Lynedoch Brasserie is something not to be missed. The seasonal menus make the most of the vegetables, meat and ingredients that rural Perthshire has to offer, giving you a true taste of Scotland. The food is award-winning and aesthetically-pleasing, yet comforting and indulgent too. Everything is fresh, full of flavour and carefully crafted. If you prefer a more laid-back, pub-style meal, the hotel also has Stutt’s Bar & Grill, where you’ll find lots of gastro delights. The rooms are just beautiful and the majestic staircase in the lobby is an historical sight to behold. All of the Murrayshall team are so knowledgeable about the history of the estate and about the local area, should you wish to leave it’s confines and explore the outside world. Murrayshall is the place for a truly Scottish, aristocratic experience; where you are completely looked after and made to feel so comfortable and relaxed. To book call 01738 565 1171 or email info@murrayshall.co.uk.
Brucefield Estate If you have more of a wild spirit and like to go off on your own and roam, and cook your own meals, Slackbrae Cottage on the Brucefield Estate is everything you could wish for. A completely stunning and luxurious property (with a large kitchen designed for cooking incredible meals with local produce) has a Scandinavian minimalist aesthetic, yet still manages to embrace and acknowledge it’s sleek, chic, modern and utterly stylish. The current family who own the estate - Victoria BruceWinkler - lived and worked in Scandanavia, so they've brought back their Hygge, minimalist vibes to marry with the nods to the nature and heritage of the rich 420hectare land the cottage sits within. It's a place to unplug, unwind and enjoy quality time with family and friends. A stay at Slackbrae cottage comes with a delicious breakfast hamper full of local artisan produce. Additional groceries or meal ingredient hampers can be pre-ordered for arrival. You need to try Victoria's recipe for harissa lamb. It's so much fun to cook and is a hearty, comforting dinner.
There's excellent WiFi, a SmartTV with access to streaming platforms such as Netflix, board games, beautiful organic Scottish toiletries from Siabann, and and a very unique masonry stove to read next to. It works like the sun; giving our radiant heat long after the flames are out. It heats the space for up to 18 hours. The cottage has been designed and built using sustainable and local materials. Wood from the estate's Beach trees make up the kitchen island, and sheepskin rugs from Skye. There's a strong environmentally concious focus with this property and how the estate is run in general. Slackbrae also has everything you need to enjoy and explore your surroundings - from a lantern for night walks, to wellington boots and a BBQ to toast marshmallows that you'll find inside with a little note from Victoria. The estate is beautiful to walk in and discover. It's over 700 years old and the family that own it can trace their lineage back to Robert the Bruce.
There's a magical Witch's stone just a short walk from Slackbrae. It has a very special and strange shape that links to the folk tale of witch's dropping frogs from their aprons then turning them into stone. There's also a group of ancient trees that have merged into one - another magical thing to see. If you'd prefer to explore by bicycle, the estate has bikes you can hire and there are cycling paths for all levels of cyclist. A stay in this light-filled cottage really allows you to get back to your roots and immerse yourself in Scottish culture and produce.
To book call 01259 690 013 or email info@brucefieldestate.com
Text by Laura Pearson
Luxury Boutique Hotel Can Cera in Palma de Mallorca The adults only hotel is located in the very heart of the old town in Palma. A former palace, Hotel Can Cera is in one of the most historic buildings, around 700 years old. When you enter the boutique hotel, it feels exclusive, because before you can enter Can Cera, you press the intercom button on the wall outside, the door clicked open. It’s like being welcomed into the grand home of privileged friends, or a smart, private members club.
Gorgeous antiques, theatrical floorlength curtains and evocative lighting create an interior which oozes intimacy and character. A charming blend of period furniture and contemporary artwork add drama and sophistication. If you love design, a visit to Can Cera is like enjoying an exclusive design treasure hunt, as you’ll discover celebrated chairs and lamps at every turn.
This 17th-century palace, hidden away among the old town’s meandering streets, exudes blissful tranquillity. You’ll feel spoiled and delighted in Can Cera. The minimal rules and homely feel make for an unrivalled sojourn in Palma. As you enjoy an afternoon rest on the rooftop terrace, help yourself to a glass of Verdejo from the marbled cocktail bar or curl up on a plush sofa with a wellthumbed novel in hand.
CAN CERA HOTEL Carrer de Sant Francesc, 8, 07001 Palma, Illes Balears Phone: +34971 71 50 12 www.cancerahotel.com
photo: perrier-jouet.com
TASTE
Discover culinary trips, wines & spirits, restaurants and recipes across the world.
Ibiza Gran Hotel is to launch a new gastronomy series this April to celebrate Chef Óscar Molina’s first MICHELIN star Ibiza Gran Hotel will lead Ibiza’s epicurean revival this summer with the launch of its gastronomy series in celebration of Executive Chef, Óscar Molina’s first MICHELIN star. Ibiza Gran Hotel is the first and only hotel on the island to achieve such an accolade. Long established and world renowned for its revelry, Ibiza Gran Hotel will pioneer the white island’s evolution, marking the epicurean revival with the release of a collection of meaningful recipes and personal flavours from Chef Molina and his fellow gourmands. The hotel will reopen for the season on the 8th of April 2022 with diners welcomed back to the flagship restaurant, La Gaia, on the 14th of April 2022. Ibiza Gran Hotel’s epicurean series will draw on Chef Molina’s experience at the helm of Ibiza Gran Hotel and around the island for more than a decade. Comprising unseen recipes, signature flavours, and guest favourites, the series will offer exclusive access to some of the combinations featured at the hotel. Chef Molina will be working alongside his expert team at The Grand Breakfast, The Pool Restaurant, as well as Head Mixologist, Daniel Martínez, and Head Sommelier, Vasili Abodzich, to curate an exciting gastronomic journey for the senses. In addition, Ibiza Gran Hotel will feature producers throughout the season.
“It is an honour to share a taste of my personal recipes with our guests,” said Óscar Molina, Executive Chef, Ibiza Gran Hotel. “I have been in the kitchen for many,
many years and am constantly inspired by the flavours and sensations we have here close to home in the Mediterranean. We are committed to showcasing the culinary treasures from the region and are constantly driving for a more sustainable approach to gastronomy that ensures the protection of the environment for many years to come.”
New for the 2022 season, guests will be invited to experience a new cooking class, ‘Flavours of Ibiza with Chef Molina’. Chef Molina will focus on cooking with local produce and farm-to-table ingredients used at La Gaia. For those looking to splurge on a once-in-a-lifetime experience, book ‘A Journey of Taste’ and spend the day with a Michelin star chef. The day begins with in-room breakfast and mimosas, followed by a trip to a local market with Chef Molina to learn about local produce and how to pick the freshest ingredients. A private cooking class utilising ingredients from the market is included along with a visit to Bodegas Can Rich to taste local wine, olive oil and vinegar. The day ends with a memorable dinner at La Gaia with wine pairings picked by the sommelier. In addition, La Gaia will unveil new dishes and a wine pairing menu focused on local and sustainable wines. Ibiza Gran Hotel invites guests to toast to its new Michelin star with a special champagne flight highlighting resident sommelier Vasili Abodzich’s favourite bottles of bubby. Five restaurants take inspiration from the Mediterranean as part of creative, innovative menus. Dining is intimate and private, designed to provide a platform for guests to share and connect. The flagship restaurant, La Gaia, led by Executive Chef, Óscar Molina, delivers seasonal, locally inspired cuisine with celebrated Mediterranean flare. Downtown Ibiza by Guiseppe Cipriani serves authentic and indulgent Italian favourites. The Grand Breakfast and Pool Restaurant ensure every moment of a stay at Ibiza Gran Hotel is punctuated by fresh, local, and authentic cuisine.
“Ibiza has long been renowned for its festivities, but we at Ibiza Gran Hotel are putting the island on the map for its epicurean excellence,” said Raúl Sierra, General Manager, Ibiza Gran Hotel. “We believe in showcasing the raw ingredients from our local area in a creative and authentic way – from the farm to your table. We’re delighted to invite our guests to unite and explore the spectacular flavours of the Mediterranean together with their loved ones.”
ibizagranhotel.com
BUSINESS
The latest in business. Read our interviews with business owners, CEO’s and stay ahead with unique insights.
ERIC PIERMONT/AFP via Getty Images
Bernard Arnault is the chairman and CEO of LVMH, the world's largest maker of luxury goods.
The life and career of Bernard Arnault, the luxury goods mogul who owns brands like Louis Vuitton and whose wealth is surpassed only by Jeff Bezos and Elon Musk When it comes to the world of luxury goods, perhaps no one is more successful than Bernard Arnault. Arnault, the CEO of French luxury conglomerate LVMH Moët Hennessy - Louis Vuitton, has built his fortune over the span of almost four decades, amassing a luxury-goods empire that includes some of the best-known names in fashion, jewelry, and alcohol, including Louis Vuitton, TAG Heuer, and Dom Perignon. Along the way, Arnault has brought four of his five adult children into the fold, building a family-run conglomerate that has resulted in the world's third-largest fortune.
In the late 1980s, Arnault said his goal was to run the world's largest luxury company within the following decade. He then set his sights on LVMH Moët Hennessy - Louis Vuitton, spending $2.6 billion buying up shares in order to become the company's largest shareholder, and its chairman and CEO by 1989.
Michel SETBOUN/Gamma-Rapho via Getty Images
Arnault said his goal was „to run the world's largest luxury company„
Ben Pruchnie / Staff / Getty Images
In their home, Arnault keeps a collection of modern and contemporary art from artists that include Jean-Michel Basquiat, Damien Hirst, Maurizio Cattelan, Andy Warhol, and Pablo Picasso.
Art handlers hang "Tete De Femme" by Pablo Picasso at a 2016 Sotheby's auction in London.
snellrealestate.com I loscabos.evrealestate.com US. Cell (425) 471-1485 I MX. Cell (624) 157-3446 info@snellrealestate.com
REAL ESTATE
The best properties on the market, available to buy and rent now.
Stylish penthouses now available at Berkeley’s TwelveTrees Park
The first penthouses have been launched at Berkeley’s TwelveTrees Park, an exciting new place in the heart of the London borough of Newham. Known as The Verdant Collection to reflect the surrounding green areas, such as the development’s new 4.5-acre WiFi-enabled park, these modern apartment suites represent a luxuriously elevated London lifestyle. The penthouses, the first to be made available since TwelveTrees Park launched in July 2020, are on sale from £1,100,000. They provide residents with dramatic views across The City, Canary Wharf, Stratford and the rest of Newham. Set over 1,000 square feet, the homes include three double bedrooms, two of which have en suite bathrooms, as well as a large living and dining area, a modern kitchen and a private terrace. Buyers have a choice of three colour palettes for their kitchen and bathrooms: ‘Quartz’; a contemporary take on the timeless classic contrast of light and dark, ‘Emerald’; a striking and luxurious mix of emerald and gold inspired by the world’s finest jewels and ‘Onyx’, a deep and sophisticated palette contrasting earthy and rich charcoal and sand tones.
Justin Tibaldi, Divisional Managing Director at Berkeley Homes (Capital), comments: “The Verdant Collection is a set of penthouses of the very highest quality and represents an attractive opportunity for people looking for modern, stylish living in one of London’s fastest growing boroughs. “TwelveTrees Park is extremely wellconnected with five transport lines running through West Ham station and has great investment potential. Launching these penthouses is another exciting step in TwelveTrees Park’s progression from a derelict brownfield site into a dynamic new neighbourhood with over 3,800 homes, a new school and a myriad of new retail and commercial businesses.”
Homes can be purchased off-plan, with completions due to start in 2024. For more information visit www.TwelveTreesPark.london or call +4420 3925 6192.
A First Look at Karl Lagerfeld’s Luxury Villas in Marbella
©Karl Lagerfeld
Set for completion in 2023, the properties have been designed to blend in with the environment. Karl Lagerfeld will go down in history as the legendary artistic director of Chanel, Fendi and his own eponymous label. But the fashion icon had a repertoire that extended far beyond the runway. From photography and curation to furniture design and interior decoration, he was forever finding new ways to express his creativity. Now, paying homage to Lagerfeld’s passion for innovative design, the Karl Lagerfeld brand has announced its first-ever architectural project comprising five luxurious villas in Marbella. Situated between the Penibaetic System mountain range and the Mediterranean coast in the Golden Mile (one of Marbella’s most exclusive residential areas) the new properties have been thoughtfully designed to seamlessly blend in with the natural landscape and minimize carbon emissions.
“We’re thrilled to see Karl’s vision of effortless luxury and passion for architecture come into fruition with this unprecedented residential project,” said Pier Paolo Righi, CEO of Karl Lagerfeld. “These villas not only mark the exciting expansion into the world of residential projects of Karl Lagerfeld, but they embody the high standard of sustainability that our brand is aiming for.” Set for completion in 2023, the exciting project is being undertaken in collaboration with branded real estate specialist, One Atelier, and Sierra Blanca Estates – the prestigious developer behind the ‘Beverly Hills of Marbella’, Sierra Blanca.
Each villa will feature several secluded spots ideal for relaxing / ©Karl Lagerfeld
The villas will be coated in a ceramic material finished with white gold dust / ©Karl Lagerfeld
The ground floor of each residence will be built with floor-to-ceiling windows so future owners can take in the views without having to step foot outside their property. In a nod to Karl Lagerfeld’s signature monochrome look, the spaces will be finished with black and white terrazzo flooring.
To ensure future owners make the most of the beautiful coastal location, over a mile of bike paths are set to be constructed directly connecting each villa with the sea. There are also plans to plant 300 trees in the area as part of a new urban forestry strategy and to build a watercourse spanning from north to south across the entire plot of villas, to create a micro-climate.
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